A VOICE FROM THE SEA.

BY C. H. SPURGEON.

“Yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly.” — Isaiah 29:5. “The Lord sent out a great wind into the sea.” — Jonah 1:4.

ABOUT four o’clock in the afternoon of Lord’s-day, March 24th, the inhabitants of London were startled by a sudden hurricane which all at once brought with it darkening clouds of dust, and for a short season raged furiously. Sitting in our study in quiet meditation we were aroused and alarmed by the noise of doors and windows, and the terrible howling of the blast as it swept upon its headlong course. Unhappy were travelers across heath and moor who were overtaken by such an overwhelming gust, for it gave no warning, and allowed no time to seek a shelter. It was soon over, but it was followed by cold and dreary weather, and it would seem to have been a token that winter meant to make another struggle to assume his ancient throne. His Parthian arrow was driven forward with intense force and left its mark in ruin and death.

Just at the moment when landsmen were terrified by the threatening storm, her Majesty’s training ship “Eurydice,” which had returned from a cruise to the West Indies, was rounding Dunnose headland, off the Isle of Wight, with all plain sails, and also her studding sails set. Those on board were all naturally anxious to reach their homes, and having only to round the coast and to anchor off Spithead, they were making the best of the wind. The noble frigate was plainly seen from the lovely village of Shanklin; but one who was watching the fine vessel suddenly missed it and wondered why.

She was hastening along with all sails set except her royals, and her ports open, when in a moment the fierce wind pounced upon her. It was in vain that the captain ordered sail to be shortened; the ship lurched till her keel was visible, and in less time than it takes us to write it the ship capsized, and more than three hundred brave seamen perished. Well might her Majesty’s telegram speak of “the terrible calamity of the ‘Eurydice.’” What mourning and lamentation had that one cruel blast scattered over the hind!

How swift is the swoop of death! How stealthy its step! How terrible its leap! In the midst of life we are on the verge of the sepulcher. This lesson is preached to us by those three hundred men who lie enshrouded in the alldevouring sea, with a gallant ship as their mausoleum. “Toll for the brave!

The brave that are no more!

All sunk beneath the wave, Fast by their native shore!” Great is the peril of the ocean, but there are also dangers on the land, and at any moment we also may be summoned to appear before our God. Since this cannot be questioned, let each prudent man foresee the evil and prepare himself for it.

Another lesson which lies upon the surface of this sad event is this — never feel perfectly safe till you are in port. Many awakened souls are almost within the haven of peace, and are at this time rounding the headland of thoughtfulness, with the sails of earnest inquiry all displayed to the breeze.

Their condition is very hopeful but it is not satisfactory to those who are anxious about their eternal welfare, nor should it be satisfactory to themselves. They are steering for the harbor, they enjoy favoring winds, they have all sails set, but still they have net quite believed in Jesus, nor surrendered themselves to his grace. We who watch them can see that their ports are open, and we dread lest they should be overtaken by a sudden temptation and should suddenly be overturned at the very moment when our hopes are at their best. Is the reader in such case? Then let us beseech him not to be content till he has found Christ and so by faith has anchored in the harbor of “eternal salvation.” Do not be happy, dear friend, till you are moored to the Rock of Ages, under the lee of the everlasting hills of divine mercy, through the stoning blood. It seems very wonderful that a ship which had been to sea so many times and had just completed a long winter’s cruise in safety should at last go down just off the coast in a place where danger seemed out of the question. It is doubly sad that so many men should be within sight of a shore upon which they must never set their foot. To perish in mid ocean seems not so hard a lot as to die with the white cliffs of Albion so near: to die with the gospel ringing in our cars is still more sad. Never reckon the ship safe till it floats in the haven: never reckon a soul safe till it is actually “in Christ.” The “almost persuaded” are often the last to be fully persuaded. Aroused, impressed, and moved to good resolutions, to tears, and even to prayers, yet men postpone decision, and by the force of Satan’s arts are lost, — lost when we all hoped to see them saved. O that seekers were wise enough to be distressed until they are thoroughly renewed. Any position short of regeneration is perilous in the extreme. The manslayer would have been cut down by the avenger had he lingered outside the walls of the refuge-city; it would have been all in vain for him to have touched its stones or sheltered near its towers: he must be within the gates or die. Seekers after salvation, you are not safe till you actually close in with Jesus, place all your confidence in him and become for ever his. Shall it be so now , or will you abide in death? Rest not an hour. Trifle not for another moment; for death may seize you, or a spiritual lethargy may come over your soul from which you may never again be aroused. Give no sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids till your anchor has entered into that within the veil and you are saved in Christ Jesus.

A further lesson should be gleaned from the scant wreckage which as yet has floated up from the sunken vessel. Let us all take warning, and remember that we cannot tell when fierce temptation may assail us . “Be watchful, be vigilant, danger may be At an hour when all seemeth securest to thee.” As the wind bloweth where it listeth, and we cannot tell whence it cometh, our want of foresight keeps us in constant jeopardy, and should therefore induce unceasing watchfulness. The gale may burst upon us either from the north or from the south, and if we make ready for an easterly breeze we may be assailed from the westward instead. He who has sailed upon the sea never trusts it; he who has been at the mercy of the wind never depends upon it.

Beloved believer, you have had a long stretch of fair sailing; let a brother whisper in your ear, “keep a good look-out.” Those who are familiar with spiritual navigation know that there is never more likelihood of storm than when the barometer stands at “set fair.” “Whene’er becalm’d I lie, And storms forbear to toss; Be thou, dear Lord, still nigh, Lest I should suffer loss:

Far more the treacherous calm I dread Than tempests bursting o’er my head.” The danger of a foreseen tempest is comparatively little, for your ship with close-reefed sails, and bare poles, is ready for whatever comes; but the perils of the calm lie in the temptation to security, and the liability that sudden temptation may find us unprepared. “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch”: for if the good captain of the ship had known at what hour the storm would come he would have lowered all his sails, and have weathered the gale. He did all that a brave man could do, but all was little enough, for the huge ship was tossed over and sucked down, and but two remained to tell the tale. Be ye always ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the danger will be upon you.

One other warning let us collect from the wreck while yet it lies beneath the wave. Always be most afraid of sudden temptation when all sails are filled with a fair wind. Personal experience teaches some of us that our gladdest times attract perils to us. The temper of the placid may readily be ruffled when they have newly come from solitary communion with God: the rude shock of the world’s rough speech tells most upon a mind which has been bathed in heaven. Even the love of Jesus may lead us in the heat of our spirit to wish that we could invoke fire from heaven on his foes.

Great power in prayer, unless we guard ourselves well, may be followed by a fit of depression, even as Elijah fled from Jezebel very soon after his wrestlings upon Carmel. High and rapt enjoyment may be followed by fierce temptation, for the enemy watches for loaded vessels when he allows the empty bark to escape. Even our Lord found but a short interval between the testimony from heaven at his baptism and the temptation from hell which beset trim in the wilderness. Our full sails tempt the prince of the power of the air to rage with more than his usual malignity. It is right that, all sail should be set when the wind is favorable. Why should we not avail ourselves of everything which may speed us on our way? Still, let us never forget to watch unto prayer, or our happiness may be our danger. Brother, mark well your steps in coming down from the mount of communion, for at the foot of it you may meet mocking Pharisees, dispirited disciples, and perhaps one possessed of an evil spirit of the kind which goeth not out save with prayer and fasting.

Let the self-exalting professor specially beware; but remember, dear brother, that you may soon become such a character. When your sails are big with the wind, and you are flying over the waves, clap your hands if you please and hope soon to have perfected your voyage, but take care to have all hands ready for an emergency. Perhaps one of the best things that could happen to you would be that when you are sailing along so bravely, confident and at ease, your topsails of pride should be carried away; you would be all the better for losing such lofty gear. Plenty of ballast must be stowed away or our royals may be our ruin. Better have our glory rent to ribbons by the gusts than for the ship itself to be blown over. Mark this.

Are you prospering in business? Keep your eye on the weather, and do not flatter yourself that you will never be moved. Is all going well with your family? Be grateful, but rejoice with trembling. Is every desire gratified?

Thank God, but do not fold your arms, or suffer the watch to go below.

Are you progressing wonderfully in the spiritual life? Doubtless Satan has told you that you are somebody now, strong in faith, exceedingly earnest, wonderfully busy, and altogether an example to others! Do you not see that the storm-fiend is near you, and do you not know what a wind he can raise? Remember how he slew Job’s children by a wind which smote all the four corners of the house. He saves up those four-cornered hurricanes for men in high estate as Job was; therefore beware Brother, take in those sails, for the weather is very gusty just now and cannot be relied on for five minutes. As you would dread shipwreck, cultivate a holy jealousy, maintain godly fear, and evermore look to him that keepeth Israel. He never slumbers nor sleeps, for he knows that his children always need his watchful eye. “CALLING OUT THE RESERVES.” “Reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war.”

Job 38:23.

ON the evening of April 1st, the Lord Chancellor read a message from the Queen, stating that “Her Majesty has thought it right to communicate to the House of Lords that her Majesty is about to cause her Reserve Force and her Militia Reserve Force, or such part thereof as her Majesty shall think necessary to be forthwith called out for permanent service.” Might not some such message from the King, who is in the midst of Zion, be just now very seasonable, if the Holy Spirit should convey it to all the churches? There should be no reserves in the hosts of the Lord; but alas, through the lukewarm condition of many, these reserves form a numerous part of our membership, and need a great many calls from their officers before they will obey. Perhaps if they felt that the King himself ordered that they should be “forthwith called out for permanent service,” the love of Christ would constrain them, and we should see them marching forth to war. “I pray thee have me excused” has been upon their lips for a long time, or else they have said, “I go, sir,” but they have not gone. The word of Moses to the children of Gad and Reuben is exceedingly needed by many at this time, “Shall your brethren go to war, and ye sit still?” The reserved forces are so terribly numerous as compared with the active army of our great King that our holy war is sadly hindered and the Canaanites are not subdued. Among these inactive professors there are many who are commonly known as “very reserved people.” These must no longer sit at ease, but must summon up courage enough to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, lest the curse of Meroz fall upon them. Others are idle, and allow their armor and their weapons to rust. Many are busy here and there about inferior things, but forget their allegiance to their Lord.

Very much time, talent, and opportunity is held in reserve for various reasons, and ought at once to be brought forth and consecrated actively to the Lord. What meanest thou, O sleeper? What aileth thee, O sluggard?

There is much to be done, why doest thou not thy part? Every man has a place appointed him in the battle, what excuse can be accepted for those who are at ease in Zion, and stir not a hand for their Master and his cause.

Nor is it in men alone that a sinful reserve is made, but great treasures of gold and silver belonging to Christians are laid by to canker while the Lord hath need of them. Men talk of loving Jesus so as to give him all, and in their hymns they say that if they might make some reserve, and duty did not call, their zeal would lead them to a total sacrifice, and yet the financial reserve of the church of God is probably a hundred times as great as that which is expended in the Lord’s service. Your own judgments will confirm this statement. The funds actually in the hands of professed believers are immense, for many Christians are enormously rich, and yet we hear daily appeals for money, till one might conclude that all professors of the Christian faith were poor as Lazarus, and that nowadays no holy women were able to minister to the Lord of their substance, and such persons as Joseph of Arimathaea were no longer disciples of Jesus.

There is a great deal of reserve time , and reserve talent , and reserve energy and fire , and we would in the name of Jesus call it all out. Why, some men when engaged in the service of God seem to be only the tenth part of men compared with their zeal in their business pursuits. It would take nine of some church members to make one real praying man, and twice that number of some preachers to make a downright earnest minister of the gospel. Is this judgment too severe? Are not some men mere apologies for workers, even when they do pretend to be up and at it? Verily it is so. Oh, if they would but be aroused; if all their manhood, all their heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, were truly engaged, how differently they would act; and if they sought strength from on high, what grand results would follow! I long to see the Holy Spirit filling us all with ardor, and causing every man and woman among us to yield himself or herself fully unto the Lord. When the reserves are called out matters look very serious, and we expect to see war . Every lover of peace shuddered as he read the Queen’s message, for he felt that at last war was really threatened. God grant it may not be so. But with regard to the church of Christ, when the reserves are called out, the world believes that it really means war for Christ. At present the world despises many a church for its inactivity, but when all Christians come forth it will know that we are in earnest. While the regular workers are marching to and fro like a standing army going through its regular drill, very little is done beyond mere defense, but when the reserves are called out, it means defiance , and the gauntlet is thrown to the foe. Our Lord would have us fight the good fight of the faithful, and go forth in his name conquering and to conquer, but the elect host is hampered and hindered by the suffers and camp-followers who hang about us and work us serious ill.

If all this mixed multitude could be drilled into warriors, what a band would the Son of David lead to the war! Once get the reserved members of this church praying, working, teaching, giving, and the enemy would soon know that there is a God in Israel. These is too much playing at religion nowadays, and too little of intense, unanimous, enthusiastic hard work. A part of the church is all alive, but a far larger portion is as a body of death, by which the life of the church is held in bondage. Once find the whole body tingling with life from head to foot, from heart to finger, and then you shall have power over the adversary and prevalence with God. When all the people shout for joy and long for the battle, the Philistines will be afraid, and cry out, saying, “God has come into the camp.” O that my eyes could once perceive the signal! Zion travailing is the sign by which those who know the times will be able to prophecy concerning Zion triumphant. O for the universal agony, the inward throes of deep compassion and consuming zeal; for when these are felt by the whole body, the joyous hour is come.

The Queen’s message reminds me of a great and comforting truth. God himself, blessed be his name, has forces in reserve which he will call forth in due time. Remember the Lord’s own language in the book of Job: “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hall, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against; the day of battle and war?” He represents himself in the language of his servant Joel, as calling out innumerable locusts as a part of his host: “The Lord shall utter his voice before his army; for his camp is very great.” The hiding of his power we cannot estimate, but we know that nothing is impossible to him. Whatever the church may have seen and experienced of divine power there is yet more in reserve, and when the fit moment shall come all restraint shall be withdrawn, and the eternal forces shall be let loose to rout every foe-man, and secure an easy victory. For the moment our great Captain puts his hand into his bosom and allows the enemy to exult, but he is not defeated, nor is he in the least disquieted. “He shall not fail, nor be discouraged.” His time is not yet, but when the time comes he will be found to have his reward with him and his work before him. Let us never be daunted by the apparent failures of the cause of God and truth, for these are but the trial of patience, the test of valor, and the means to a grander victory. Pharaoh defies Jehovah while he sees only two Hebrews and a rod, but he will be of another mind when the Lord’s reserves shall set themselves in battle array and discharge plague upon plague against him.

Even the doubling of the tale of bricks, and the wanton cruelty of the tyrant, all wrought towards the divine end, and were no real hindrances to the grand design; nay they were reserved forces by which the Lord made his people willing to leave Goshen and the fleshpots.

Today, also, the immediate present is dark, and there is room for sad forebodings; but if we look a little further, and by faith behold the brilliant future which will arise out of the gloom, we shall be of good cheer. My eye rests at this moment somewhat sorrowfully upon the battle field of religious opinion; truly, there is much to rivet my gaze. It is a perilous moment. The prince of darkness is bringing up his reserves. The soldiers of the devil’s old guard, on whom he places his chief reliance, are now rushing like a whirlwind upon our ranks. They threaten to carry everything before them, deceiving the very elect, if it be possible. Never were foes more cunning and daring. They spare nothing however sacred, but assail the Lord himself: his book they criticize, his gospel they mutilate, his wrath they deny, his truth they abhor. Of confused noise and vapor of smoke there is more than enough; but it will blow over in due time, and when it is all gone we shall see that the Lord reigneth, and his enemies are broken in pieces.

Let us watch for the coming of recruits divinely prepared. Let us be eager to see the reserves as they come from the unlikeliest quarters. There may be sitting even now by some cottage fireside, all unknown, the man who shall make the world ring again with the gospel, preaching it with apostolic power. The orthodox advocate, born to cope with subtle minds and unravel all their sophistries, may even now be receiving his training in yonder parish school; yea, and even in the infidel camp, like Moses in the palace of Pharaoh, there may dwell the youth who shall act the iconoclast towards every form of skepticism. Jabin and Sisera may reign, but there shall come a Deborah from mount Ephraim, and a Barak from Kedeshnaphtali. Let the Midianites tremble, for Gideon who threshes wheat in the wine-press will yet beat them small. The Ammonites shall be smitten by Jephtha, and the Philistines by Samson; for every enemy there shall be a champion, and the Lord’s people shall do great exploits. I for one believe in Omnipotence. All other power is weakness, in God alone is there strength. Men are vanity, and their thoughts shall perish; but God is everlasting and everliving, and the truth which hangs upon his arm, like a golden shield, shall endure to all eternity. Hither come we, then, and bow before the face of the Eternal, who reserveth wrath for his enemies and mercy for them that seek hire; and as we lie at his feet we look up right hopefully, and watch for the moment when all his reserves of grace, and love, and glory shall be revealed to the adoring eyes of his chosen people world without end. C.H.S.MORE GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY BY MRS. C. H. SPURGEON.

[PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL.] “

DEAR MR.EDITOR,” said a coaxing voice the other morning, “do you think you could find room in next month’s magazine for a few further particulars, telling how the dear boy gets on in Australia?” “Foolish little mother,” says the Editor, putting on as solemn a face as he knows how, “do you think people care to hear anything about your boy?” “No, perhaps not,” says the voice demurely, “but they think ever so much of your boy, and . . . and God is so good to him and to us.” “That he is!” comes from the depths of the father’s heart. “Well, we’ll see,” presently replies the Editor; “have you there some extracts from his letters?” “Yes,” (this very meekly), “they are woven together in rather a rough fashion, but friends are so indulgent, and ‘Good news from a far country’ was received so warmly and drew forth so much tender sympathy that, instead of fearing criticism, one longs to renew the sweet experience of touching such harmonious chords. Will you please let it pass the editorial chair?” What was that dear Editor to do, good reader? Surely he will be pardoned for having said “Yes,” and placing before his friends a record which aims simply and only at magnifying God’s mercy and tender care over one of his little ones.

The thread of the story is taken up where Mr. Bunning laid it down on their return from the Bush.

Mr. Bunning’s charming paper “Out in the Bush” leaves nothing more to be said about that journey, except that the kindness received by our dear son from the master and owner of Quambatook has deeply touched our hearts, and will be remembered with the warmest gratitude and love while life shall last.

Returning to Melbourne he renewed the busy life which has been habitual to him since he set foot in the colonies, preaching continually, attending meetings, traveling hither and thither to help some struggling cause, and everywhere receiving a genial welcome and a full share of that splendid hospitality which flourishes so grandly on Australian shores. “All the people are so kind and friendly,” he says, “that you have not been in their society for half an hour before you feel quite at home with them.” A visit to Kyneton, a stay at St. Kilda, a few days at Pt. Henry, “where we did enjoy ourselves,” and then he is away to Adelaide, of which place and its people we will allow him to speak for himself. “I am writing from Adelaide, a much quieter and smaller place than Melbourne, and therefore in some respects preferable. Friends are as numerous and as kind in South Australia as in Victoria, and I anticipate a very pleasant stay. We are located in a splendid house, situated among the hills, commanding a view of Adelaide, the sea beyond, and the peninsula beyond that. Host and hostess are kindness personified, and we have everything that heart can wish. My first Sabbath here, Nov. 18, was indeed a happy time. I preached the anniversary sermons of the Norwood Baptist Chapel (Mr. Lambert’s) and once again had the pleasure and honor of telling the way to heaven. The place is comparatively small and was densely packed, the ample lobbies and vestries being both morning and evening crowded with eager listeners. Not expecting to have to preach twice, I had nothing prepared for evening service, and did not feel justified in delivering an old sermon. Then I found the Lord to be ‘a very present help,’ and more than I have ever done before I realized that the ‘Spirit helpeth our infirmities.”

The first Sabbath in Adelaide was succeeded by a week which he describes as “teeming with mercy and full of blessing.” Monday night was devoted to a meeting at Flinders-street Chapel (Mr. Silas Mead’s), and Tuesday to a tea and public meeting in Norwood Baptist Chapel. Then on Wednesday his kind friends planned an excursion which gave him much pleasure, and is thus described “we drove to the very top of Mount Lofty, nearly 3,000 feet high, and pic-nic’d there. Lovely scenery delighted us as we ascended.

Rugged chasms and steep gullies opened up as we wound round the hills by easy gradients, while the broader valleys had pretty houses peeping from the green trees, and gardens flourishing with oranges and cherries, and rich with the perfume of flowers and strawberries. Far, far up the hills were villas, whither the wealthy owners resort to catch the breeze, and to escape the scorching heat of the plains below. Arrived at the summit, a panorama most extensive and delightful lay before us. Like the city of Jerusalem, there stood Adelaide, a perfect square, with towers and spires, and trees surrounding it, lacking only the hills to make it exactly like views I have seen of the ‘City of David.’ We could plainly see the ‘Port’ with its smoking chimneys, and the winding channel leading to it. Just beyond Adelaide lay the Bay of Glenelg, a favorite sea-side resort only four miles from the city. Landwards and to the south stretch a series of hills not so high as Mount Lofty, but richly timbered and extending to the Murray.”

A few “little outings” similar to this pleasant one, were enjoyed all the more that they were sorely needed, for constant excitement and public speaking were trying to the not very robust frame of the young visitor, and the most grateful thanks are due to the dear friends at Glen Camend who took an almost parental interest in our beloved boy. The following Sunday is thus described: “Another Sabbath has gone by. One just as full of blessing as its predecessors. I was glad to listen to a sermon in the morning, a most appropriate and helpful one, on the highest motive for serving Christ, and the best stimulus in doing so,— ‘For my sake.’ In the evening a very large Wesleyan Church was crowded. Before six o’clock the yard at the side and back was filled with vehicles which had brought the people, and 2,500 listened to the Word. A very deep slanting gallery goes entirely round the building; the pulpit stands nearly as high as the gallery, and is reached by a winding stair. When with no small difficulty I had succeeded in gaining the steps, I was surprised at my elevation and at the mass of people. I had to conduct all the service. The heat was very trying, but it made my heart glad to receive those hearty thanks for the sermon as I left the building. Today I feel as tired as possible, but have to speak at a meeting in the same place tonight.”

The following week was spent in an excursion to Moonta, some 100 miles from Adelaide, a trip enjoyable, though tiring. Here he preached in a large Wesleyan Chapel, and as most of the congregation were Cornish Methodists, his audience was not “by any means dull.” Then, “On to Kadina, where bills, distributed in the morning only, announced — SPURGEON ATKADINA.WESLEYAN CHURCH. SEVEN O’CLOCK.

No Collection.’

The crier too, had gone round the little township, and about 800 souls attended. Back to Adelaide Friday morning. A more tedious journey than before — hot, dusty, jolting, anything but pleasant. One of our wheels got red hot, but having neither oil nor water we were obliged to continue on our way. At the first inn we came to, we succeeded in cooling it down, but it had been smoking and burning so long that the wonder is no accident happened. On this trip I have seen one of the most celebrated mines in the world, but best of all I rejoice to know that several persons found the Lord through the services.”

Yes, dearest son, this is the goal and climax of our hopes and desires for you, that God would give you “souls for your hire.” None can doubt your “high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” to be an ambassador for him, if you carry with you such credentials as these. The Lord increase them “an hundredfold how many soever they be.” On Sunday, December 2, we find him preaching again in Flinders Street Chapel, but “suffering from the effects of the tiring trip to Moonta and Kadina.” He says, “Concerning that service, and several others both in town and country, I have received most encouraging news. The Lord has blessed me to the conversion of souls, and to the upbuilding of saints more in South Australia than anywhere else — at all events I hear of more good done. To his name be all the praise!”

On Monday, Dec. 3, our son and a large party of friends took train northwards, intending to spend ten days in what they call the “Area,” — a vast tract of newly-cultivated land, where fields of wheat are waving for miles and miles. For ten days they journeyed on and on, Tom preaching four times and finding it “rather hard work after a long ride.” The weather was dreadfully hot, and the flies an intolerable nuisance, while worse enemies than flies were constantly being exhibited to landlords of hotels as “spoils taken in the night.” One bright spot in this journey was a pleasant Sabbath spent at Fort Augusta, where he met with a companion of his childhood, a son of our esteemed deacon, Mr. Olney. The two young men seem to have been delighted to grasp hands once again and talk over “old times,” but farewell had soon to be said, and our dear son had to go on his way. After this journey preaching engagements multiplied, and we note one of which he thus writes: — “On Sunday, December 16, I preached in the open air a few miles from Adelaide. The advertisement of the meeting would have amused you. After the usual announcements came the word ‘MOONLIGHT.’ People drove in from considerable distances and moonlight aided their return. We had a blessed season beneath a clear Australian sky amongst the gum trees. I found it to be rather an effort, and have had a slight cough ever since. Still I have the same news to tell of happiness and blessing, and though I have not been quite so well lately, feeling weak, as I used to do after services at home. I believe I shall soon be right again.

What rejoices me most is to know that I am not laboring in vain. By God’s blessing the churches are profited and souls are saved. I have ever so many kind letters encouraging me, and though adverse criticisms appear occasionally, they usually come from the atheistical papers. If God owns my endeavors to serve him, I can need no earthly commendation, yet it is very encouraging to get a kindly word, and both ministers and people give it to me. The waters were not crossed in vain, dear parents; you were not bereft of your son for nought.”

The letter from which these latter extracts are taken gave fond hearts at home some deep anxiety, for we feared the dear boy’s strength was too heavily taxed by incessant work and excitement. But subsequent news calmed our fears and caused us to bless the “hand unseen” which was directing “all his steps.” A delightful “lazy week” followed the time of weakness and weariness, and seems completely to have restored his failing energies. A party of friends was formed for a trip to Victor harbor, and he gives a very lengthy and detailed description of the pleasures and prospects of this most enjoyable excursion. We have, however, only space for a very condensed account of it. Leaving Adelaide on Tuesday, Dec. 18, their way lay over the hills to Battunga, from whence they turned aside to attend an anniversary meeting at Macclesfield, where one of the party was to deliver a lecture, and of course the good people could not let Tom off without a speech. The next day “Strathalbyn” was reached, “a small town as pretty as its name,” boasting a “Scotch kirk with considerable pretensions to architecture, and a bridge in front of it, spanning a delightful little stream skirted with willow trees.” This seems to have been quite a refreshing sight to him, after the “bare and desolate places” to which he had been accustomed up north. From Strathalbyn they went by tramway twentyeight miles, and of this part of his journey he shall himself speak:— “The ride was most monotonous, for miles ahead one could see the straight line of rails piercing direct as an arrow through the wretchedest scrub imaginable. Right glad were we to regain our friends and get a scramble on the rocks, and a ramble on the sea-shore in the afternoon. Here between Port Elliott and Port Victor we went, literally, on a ‘wild goose chase,’ and caught two of the birds. They seemed to be a species of swan, and had, I presume, got washed down the Murray, out to sea, and then again ashore.

That same evening we took a delicious stroll along a jetty, half a mile long, to Granite Island, where wild ocean billows dashed in furious grandeur on the rugged rocks; . . . At twelve o’clock we reached the mouth of the Murray. This, the largest river in Australia, navigable for over 3,000 miles, has a mouth so narrow, and so blocked by land, that it is very rarely a vessel ventures through it. This very fact makes it worth inspection. We saw the whirling eddies of tide contending with opposing currents: round the numerous sand banks, where pelicans flourished, the wild waves surged, driven on from bank to bank, twisted and turned, now here, now there, in vain endeavor to reach the sea. Just one solitary buoy danced in smoother water, just one solitary flag-staff stood in front of the solitary hut on an island opposite, and everywhere else, land-ward and seaward, was utter desolation.” Less than an hour sufficed them there, and they traveled back to their last starting place, from whence they took another line of tramway to Goolwa, a port of the Murray. Here they propelled to interview some natives, and the result is thus described: “On the way we met the king and his ‘lubra.’ His majesty wore a large, thick Mackintosh, a fur cap was on his head, and a short pipe protruded from his mouth. Over his back was a swan in a sack, for which he wanted two shillings. We were anxious to see a corobaree, or native dance: but when we gained the camp we had the greatest difficulty in persuading them to gratify us in any way.

Only one woman and an old man took pains to interest us. The lady referred to collected some pieces of flannel or rag, and made a hard pad of them, which she placed between her knees, and then commenced beating it with her skinny hand, at the same time rolling her head and eyes about, shrieking, moaning, yelling, groaning, and producing a combination of sounds more hideous than words can tell.” They had to pay pretty literally even for this questionable exhibition, and left, without having induced the “black fellows” to give a demonstration of their satisfactory movements.

Next day they commenced their homeward journey, and after sundry adventures reached Adelaide on Friday night, blessing God for a “ most enjoyable holiday.” On the following Sabbath our son preached in the evening in a beautiful church in North Adelaide, and says, “I was mightily helped.” Passing over Christmas, of which he himself says very little, possibly because just then a sharp attack of home sickness overcame him, we find him at Gawler and Lyndock Valley, two stations occupied by former students of the Pastors’ College, where he was received with open arms and a true brotherly welcome. We give in his own words his impression of the place and people. “Gawler is a little more than an hour’s slow traveling from Adelaide. It glories in the name of the ‘modern Athens,’ though this can have no reference to its architecture, and is the second town in the colony. The advantage of possessing two rivers is in summer somewhat nullified by the fact that the bed of one of them can be driven over without wetting the horse’s hoofs, and that at the other, if you wish to obtain a bucket full of water, your patience must enable you to hold the pail for half-an-hour. Of course in the winter season matters are very different, and at nearly every creek we heard of teams being washed away and drivers drowned only a few months back. At Gawler Station we were met by Mr. Morgan. whose appearance in silk coat and white helmet, seated in a four- wheeled ‘buggy,’ behind two rough steeds, was as unlike one of ‘Spurgeon’s Students’ as one could have imagined. The warm grasp of the hand meant something uncommon between us, however, and the very horses seemed so pleased that I think the reins must have conducted the excitement from the driver into their legs, for they dashed along in fine style.” “Our first halting place was the home of the ‘Faireys.’ Here was no enchanted glen, no star-tipped wands and magic scenes, but on a hill overlooking the pretty town, and standing in a newly-planted garden which promises to be a cool retreat when grown, is the manse of the Baptist Bishop of Gawler (Mr. S. Fairey). He too was rejoiced to see the son of him whom he still calls ‘President,’ and gave me a hearty welcome. We had nine miles further to drive to Lyndoch Valley, the scene of the pastoral labors of my companion, Mr. Morgan. I feel an intense joy in seeing and helping these former students of dear father’s College, they have a claim on me which I am delighted to recognize, and in serving them I am truly happy. My present host is indeed a good specimen of a hard-working pastor He takes three services on the Sunday and has a considerable journey from one to the other, in fact he is rarely out of the saddle or trap, except to preach or prepare for another service. Pleasant conversations about the Tabernacle and its Pastor, the College and its tutors, the Orphanage and its President delighted him and comforted me, and when the Sabbath came I know not which was the happier. There were about two hundred people in the little chapel, and amongst them hearts as loving, and souls as earnest as I have ever met with. Saturday was hot, but Sunday was hotter still, it seemed to take the life out of everything but the flies. As the heat becomes greater their coolness increases, and they most persistently annoyed me while preaching. Old colonists do not seem to mind them much, but I unfortunately am not sufficiently acclimatized to allow them to fly down my throat and stop up my ears unrebuked. After service on the Sunday morning we had the Lord’s Supper, and one good brother did pray so fervently for my dear father and for me, that I felt sure my loved ones at home would have a happy day, brightened like mine by the outpourings of so loving a heart. That same evening I preached in a large Wesleyan church at Gawler, the place was lent, the collection given to the Baptists and a right joyous time we had. Everyone was so kind to me, that I was quite sorry I had to leave so soon, but I was advertised to take the watch-night service at Norwood, so was obliged to hasten back to town (Adelaide). New Year’s Day was spent with some friends “who almost worship father.” Anon he is off to Mount Barker, where he preached in the Baptist chapel and spoke at a meeting of the Bible Society.

Again returning to Adelaide, the kind and generous friends who first welcomed him there (Mr. and Mrs. F.) had arranged for him to visit them at Glenelg, the sea-side resort of Adelaide’s inhabitants. About this time the intense heat tried him greatly, and the mosquitos were a constant annoyance. He says, “It is stated that Adelaide is the hottest city in the world inhabited by Europeans, and only once have they had it hotter than it is now. I should not mind the heat by day so much, if the mosquitos would let me sleep at night, but all our efforts to defy their malice seem in vain.

One night we managed the net arrangements so deftly that the wretches could only look through the lattice at me, and sing their mournful ditty outside, but alas, the next night the net slipped, and through the meshes of the covering they had their will of me, and bit me from head to foot.” On the Sunday after his return from Mount Barker he preached to young people in Flinders-street Baptist church, and had a large and attentive congregation. Receiving just then letters from home, counseling a little less work and excitement, he remarks, “You seem exactly to anticipate my situation, and my desire to do all I can. I felt quite sad you should be anxious about it. I have done my best to get strong consistently with work for the ‘Master.’ If during the months I have been ashore I had been rusticating all the time in one or two places, I doubt not I should be stronger than I am, but God called me to something better. ‘Not to overwork,’ you say. No, my darling mother, but this I have not done as yet, and under God’s guidance shall not do. ‘Hitherto, the Lord hath helped, me,’ and I can truly say that I enter on no engagement without first I ‘take it to the Lord in prayer.’

We are now drawing near the close of his happy stay in South Australia, and must hasten on to let him tell of the farewell meeting and the beautiful presentation by which his generous friends sought to testify their love and interest in him. The last Sunday in Adelaide was exceptionally hot, and he felt thoroughly prostrated by it. Nevertheless, he preached in the evening in the Town Hall to an overflowing audience, and by God’s gracious help surmounted all physical obstacles which lay in his path. After the sermon the people crowded round him. “I should like to have shaken hands with the whole two thousand,” he says,” and I believe that there was not our who would not have been glad to do so for my dear father’s sake.” (To be continued.)

NOTES.

MANY thingsmust be omitted this month in order to give space for a summary of the Conference proceedings, but we must not crowd out the gathering of butchers. The Butchers’ Annual Festival was held at the Tabernacle on Tuesday, March 26. 2,100 of the London butchers and their wives were entertained in the rooms below the Tabernacle, and 600 of the masters and their wives, and other friends, had tea in the College Lecture Hall. To feed this great multitude the committee provided a ton of meat, 71/2 cwt. of carrots, lbs. of cake, 200 loaves of bread, and a half chest of tea, at a total cost of £150, which, was defrayed by subscriptions amongst the master butchers and their friends. The feeding of all this great multitude was accomplished by our marvelous deacon Mr. Murrell, without a trace of disorder or a moment’s delay, How he and his assistants do the work so merrily we can hardly imagine. He might be general of an army, so well does he organize.

Mr. Farmer, a city missionary in Camberwell, obtained gratis from the publishers sufficient periodicals to give all the men and their wives at least one each. After tea, or “supper,” the butchers, masters, and their wives adjourned to the Tabernacle, where they were entertained with music and singing by our evangelist, Mr. J. Manton Smith, and the evangelistic choir, until the time for commencing the public meeting. Meanwhile, the Tabernacle was rapidly filled by the general public, about 5,000 persons being present. The order and attention of the men was all that could be desired, even had they been peers of the realm. The chair was taken byC. H. Spurgeon, who addressed the men on their need of civility, morality, humanity, and true religion. We do not give a report, because so many of the respectable daily and weekly papers have already issued very fair accounts of the speech, while a number of ethers have abused us in their ablest style, their writers being rather hard up for a subject. Earnest addresses were delivered by our brother Alfred. J. Clarke; Mr. Dennis, a meat salesman, who read a letter from Mr. Henry Varley; Mr. Varley, jun., and Mr. Lambourne. Mr. Dennis quoted the following definition of a letter, which is worth preserving.

WHAT IS A LETTER? “A silent language uttered to the eye, Which envious distance would in vain deny; A tie to bind where circumstances part, A nerve of feeling stretched from heart to heart; Formed to convey, like an electric chain, The mystic flash, the lightning of the brain; And bear at once along each precious link Affection’s life pulse in a drop of ink.” These meetings, besides creating and fostering a good feeling between masters and men, are calcutated to be of great service by letting working people see that the church of God cares for them, and aims at their good.

Our Lord fed the multitude as well as preached to them, and thus for ever placed this mode of operation beyond the reach of criticism. What a blessing to be able by means of the Tabernacle and College to accommodate so vast a company and make “a great supper” for more than two thousand. The fourteenth annual Conference of the Pastors’ College Association was held during the week commencing April 8th, and a wonderful season it has proved to be. On Monday afternoon, at three o’clock, a preliminary prayer meeting was held at the College, that the fire might he burning on the hearth when the guests arrived. At 5:30 about 150 ministers and students were entertained at tea at what is best known as Baptist Noel’s Chapel, Bedford Row, by invitation of Mr. Collins, the pastor, and his friends, to whom a cordial vote of thanks was passed by the brethren, who rejoiced to see one of their number in so honorable a position. There were many happy greetings in the schoolroom, and the President appeared to be happiest of all as he saw his clan mustering for the week. At seven there was a public meeting, at which C. H. Spurgeon occupied the chair. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, and brethren Bateman (Leicester), Chambers (late of Aberdeen), Gange (Broadmead, Bristol), and Tarn (Park Road, Peckham). The meeting was full of life, power, and joy from beginning to end, and was a fine beginning of the Holy Week. At the same hour a prayer-meeting was held at the Tabernacle, at which Vice-President J. A. Spurgeon presided, and brethren Medhurst (Portsmouth), and Norris (Bedminster), gave addresses. Tuesday morning, April 9. At the College the President presided, warmly addressed a few word of welcome to the brethren, and prayed for a blessing on the whole Conference. After a season of wrestling prayer, and great melting of heart, the President delivered his inaugural address, which was intended to promote self-examination and lead to a calm review of our life-work, arguments being drawn from the commission, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that Believeth not shall be damned.”

Searching questions were suggested by the letter and authority of the commission and by the spirit in which it would be carried out. Action and result were also made contributory to he heart-searching work. The address will be given in a future number, so that no description is needed in this place. Never was audience more responsive to a speaker’s words, and especially when adherence to the old truth was declared and modern innovation denounced.

After a recess, business was transacted, the principal items of which were very touching references to the deaths, during the past year, of our brethren Priter, Sparrow, and Winter. The reception of forty-one students into the roll of the Conference; the unanimous re-election of the President, Vice. President, and officers, and the report of the Conference Benevolent Fund, of which Mr. Greenwood was most cordially asked to become treasurer. By this fund assistance is rendered to subscribers at the death of wife or child. A levy of five shillings was made for the coming year, and members of conference who have not handed in that amount are reminded that they will have no claim upon the fund unless they send at once: the benefit of last year’s subscriptions having ceased on April 80.

Dinner was served at the Tabernacle, and tea at the dining-hall of the Orphanage, which in the evening was filled for a soiree. This was a festive social season, a true feast of love. Mr. J. Manton Smith and the orphans led the singing, and an “all alive” paper was read by Mr. Durban, B.A. “The Bishop of Chester,” on “Pains and Pleasures of Pastoral Life,” which the President said he should like to print, that all might read it with the care and attention it deserves Mr. Latimer was called to the platform that he might receive £10 worth of books which had been subscribed for by the trustees, masters. teachers, matrons, nurses, and everybody at the Orphanage, on the acceptance of the pastorate of Willingham by the first student who had entered the College from the Orphanage. After Mr. Latimer had briefly and feelingly acknowledged the pleasing presentation, the President said he believed the day was not far distant when he should begin to strike out for the Girls’ Orphanage. He had been waiting for a long time, but there were now certain premonitions that the Lord meant him to take up the work. All was ready for action, and he only waited the signal. Brethren Gange and Mealhurst spoke of the great joy that had been felt when the orphans visited Bristol and Portsmouth, and recommended other pastors to invite them to their places. We trust the hint will be taken, for in this way the Orphanage might be helped without anyone being burdened. The boys sing remarkably well.

Pastor Frank H. White then presented to the President, for Mrs. Spurgeon, a beautifully framed Illuminated Testimonial, as a token of the gratitude of the brethren for her abounding kindness to them in connection with her Book Fund, and in other ways. “An address to Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon. “Dear Mrs. Spurgeon, — The return of our much valued College Conference affords us another opportunity of learning from each other of your continued kindness in replenishing the libraries of many of our brethren, by means of your Book Fund. We, therefore, offer you our warmest thanks for all your generous acts, kindly words, and gentle sympathies. It is a marvel to us that you are able to put forth such efforts; but we know your ministry is one of love, and can only pray that our gracious Father may continue to strengthen you, and that you may long enjoy ‘the luxury of doing good.’ Your name is already engraved on every page of our history as a College. Our beloved President has put upon record how much he owed to your sympathy and cooperation in the work, when its burdens were heavier, and its friends were fewer than now. As for ourselves, we have had many proofs of your interest in our welfare, and we feel assured of a constant place in your prayers. We join you in heartfelt gratitude for the restoration of our more-than-everloved President; and for him, and for yourself and your worthy sons, we desire all happiness, peace, and usefulness. May the smile of God refresh you, the hand of God guide you, the word of God instruct you, the heart of God compass you, and at last the Son of God address you with a welcome to the heavenly home, We are, “Dear Mrs. Spurgeon, “Yours ever gratefully on behalf of the Pastors’ College and Conference, “Frank H. White, Archd. G. Brown, E. J. Silverton, Walter J. Mayers, T.W. Medhurst, Win. Anderson, E. G. Gange, J. Alex. Brown.”

The President and Mr. C. Spurgeon, junior, acknowledged the gift for Mrs. Spurgeon, who was too ill even to receive a deputation from the Conference.

Our colored brethren, Johnson and Richardson, who are accepted by the Baptist Missionary Society as missionaries to Africa, “the land of their fathers,” sang in a most touching manner the hymn, “Africa,” which Mr. Johnson has composed to express his longing to preach the gospel to his own race. After prayer this most delightful meeting closed right joyously. Wednesday morning, April 10, at the College, the President in the chair, a hallowed season was spent in prayer specially for the brethren in distant lands, of whom the President presented a general and cheering report. The Vice-president then read a valuable soul-stirring paper on a subject which appropriately followed his two previous ones — “The Christian principle: how both to be and to do.” This was followed by two extraordinary papers, the first by brother C. A. Davis (Manchester), on “Jesus, the preacher’s model”; and the other by brother W. B. Haynes (Stafford), on “Loyalty to King Jesus, as the soul reigning influence.” Often did the whole assembly weep during the reading. Towards the close of the second paper there was a most thrilling scene. Mr.. Haynes, in the course of his reading, quoted the first verse of Perronet’s grand hymn, “All hail the power of Jesu’s name,” and the whole assembly, without a signal or the least premeditation, rose as one man and sang the verse with grand effect. Many will never, while reason holds its throne, forget this season, for the Lord Jesus was conspicuously in the midst of his servants, and communed with them till their heart burned within them. Probably few there had ever been more under the divine power. It was good to be there. Dinner was provided again, about 350 sitting down each day. The task of feeding so great a number every day was performed by our good deacon, Mr. Murrell, and his helpers, in a masterly style. Not a hitch or a moment’s delay.

In the evening, the College subscribers were entertained at tea, and afterwards adjourned to the College Hall for the annual meeting, over which John Kemp Welch, Esq., presided. Dr. McEwan offered prayer, the President presented a resume of the annual report, addresses were delivered by the chairman, and our venerable tutor, Mr. Rogers; Messrs.

Latimer, T. L. Johnson, A. J. Clarke, J. Manton Smith, I. A. Martin (Erith), A. G. Brown, J. Edwards, and William Olney, all gave a good word.

Brethren Smith, Johnson, and Richardson contributed to the happiness of the evening by their sweet sacred songs. The large company then retired to partake once more of Mr. Phillips’ generous hospitality, and at the close contributed to The College funds about £1,600, a sum which is somewhat less than usual, but is still a grand help towards another year’s campaign.

To God be abounding thanksgiving. Thursday morning, April 11, at the College, the President in the chair, the first hour was spent in the utterance of a succession of brief pointed petitions of one or two sentences, in which more than twenty brethren followed each other with very stirring effect. Two papers were then read, the first on “Paul’s one aim,” by Mr. W. J. Dyer (High Wycombe), and the second on “Evangelistic Work,” with special reference to the labors of our brethren, A.J. Clarke and J.M. Smith, by brother G.D. Evans (Bristol).

Reports of the evangelists’ visits to Portsmouth, Bristol, Reading, and other places were given by ministers from those towns, and an interesting discussion followed. The success of the first year’s labors of the evangelists has been so great that as soon as funds are forthcoming others will be started if the right men, offer themselves from our own body.

Again the Conference dined, but this time in the College lower hall, for the great rain had caused a flood, and the basement of the Tabernacle was a sheet of water. By energetic measures the waters were assuaged, and at 5.30 a large number of friends assembled with the ministers and students for tea in the Lecture Hall.

In the evening the Tabernacle witnessed the enthusiasm of the annual public meeting. The President was still in his place, and after prayer summarized the report, and addresses were delivered by Messrs.

Fergusson, T L. Johnson, Mackey (Southampton), Bax (Salter’s Hall Chapel), and the Vice-President; and sacred songs or solos were sung by the evangelistic choir, and brethren J M. Smith, Mayors, Burnham, Johnson, and Richardson: sweet singers all, even as were Homart and Asaph of old.

The ministers and students then adjourned to the Lecture Hall, where they were sumptuously entertained by Mr. Phillips, who together with Mr. Murrell, Mr. Greenwood, and Mr. William Olney, replied to the hearty thanks and cheers which were accorded them. What a day it had been!

What a happy meeting in the Tabernacle! What affectionate meetings of College friends! Friday morning, A pril 12, the last and best day of the feast, the President still in the chair, a theme of moral thankfulness, since he has on former occasions been quite disabled before the week came to an end. The morning was a season of sacred communion with God Amongst others, prayers were offered by the President’s son, brother, and father; and the following letter from Mrs. Spurgeon to the assembled brethren was read: “To the Ministers attending Conference of “Friday, April 12, “My very dear friends, — It will give you some joy to know that the distant echoes of the silver trumpets of your solemn feasts have penetrated even to my sick chamber and filled my heart with joy and gladness, The Conference of 1878 has been one which we shall all remember as long as we live. You have been favored with the presence of the Master in so remarkable a manner, that whether in the body or out of the body you could scarcely tell. Oh, how my heart ‘burned within me’ when I was told how he ‘manifested himself unto you as he doth not unto the world’ during these days of heaven upon earth! How ardently I longed for a crumb from your table, or a drop from the full fountain where you were slaking your seals’ thirst. But though I, like poor Thomas, ‘was not with them when Jesus came,’ he has not left me desolate; the recital of your wonderful experience of a present Savior has lifted the veil for me also, so that I too have seen ‘his hands and his feet,’ and heard him say, ‘Peace be unto you,’ and have answered, ‘My Lord and my God.’ As for the kindness which, both individually and collectively, you have shown to me this Conference, I hardly know how to speak of it. Your handsome present was a great surprise and pleasure to me. and the loving words of the ‘address’ went straight to my heart, and will ever abide there. I did not NEED this costly expression of your affection and interest, to convince me that such feelings existed on your part towards me, but as I am sure it has given you unfeigned delight to put this on record in so graceful and gracious a manner, I am rejoiced to accept it at your hands with heartfelt thanks, and shall always feel as proud a pleasure in it as is compatible with my deep sense of unworthiness of it. “Fare well, dear friends, may the solemn joy and gladness of this week refresh and revive you for many months to come. You have seen your Lord, and you must carry home with you some trace of his presence: the clay caught the sweet perfume of the rose by being near it; and if only ‘the smell of his garments’ has passed upon you, your people will recognize and enjoy the blessed fragrance of your renewed consecration of heart and life to his service. Before another conference comes some of us may ‘see the King in his beauty,’ and ‘go no more out from his presence for ever’! So ‘farewell,’ again, dear servants of the Lord, heaven is our meeting-place! Heaven is our home! “Your loving and grateful friend, SUSIE SPRUGEON.”

A thoroughly characteristic paper on “College Friendship” was read by dear old Father Rogers; and then, after a short interval, we gathered around the table of our Lord for the communion and farewell. C.H.

Spurgeon preached a sermonette on our Savior’s words, “I thirst.” Here was his substitutionary pain, his longing for communion with his people, his longing to save multitudes. All partook of the bread and wine, and remembered that love divine which shone in the great sacrifice. The blessing of the President, “The Lord be with you,” was responded to by the heartfelt utterance of nearly four hundred soldiers of the cross as they said with one voice, “and with thy spirit”, and then with linked hands the Scotch version of Psalm 122, was sung to the tune Martyrdom, three grips were given as we remembered our triple unity in “One Lord, one faith, and one baptism”; and so closed the formal gatherings of the Fourteenth Annual Conference of the pastors’ College Association.

At the farewell dinner our faithful remembrance, brother Frank White, reported that 130 pastors had sent up £435 during the year to the College funds; the President presented Bibles to Mr. Phillips and Mr. Murrrell, both of whom again addressed the assembly; hearty cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Spurgeon and their sons: thanks were accorded to all the willing workers, for whom Mr. Allison responded; and the meetings were finally closed by the doxology, sung by all present, “The Lord hath been mindful of us, he will bless us.”

COLLEGE.

Since our last report, the following brethren have accepted pastorates: Mr. E. P. Riley, Middleton-in-Teesdale; Mr. K. S. Latimer, Willingham, Cambs.; Mr. G. C. Williams, Mill-street, Bedford; Mr.W. Hackney, Commercial-road, Oxford; Mr. T. Breewood, Mark-housecommon, Walthamstow; Mr. J. J. Ellis, Gosberton, near Spalding; Mr.F. A. Jones, Cross-street, Islington; Mr. W. Compton, Western-road, Hove, Brighten; and Mr. C. A. Fellowes, Keynshum, near Bath. Mr. W. J. White is returning to Japan as an agent of the Baptist Missionary Society.

At considerable expense we give our readers the bulk of the College Report, because we are anxious that all who have subscribed should share our joy in the success which has attended the effort. Perhaps some who have known but little of us may be interested and led to help for the future.

This report only touches London; another relating to the country would be equally cheering.

COLPORTAGE.

The secretary writes: “This month we are busily preparing for our forthcoming conference and annual meeting of colporteurs to be held in the Tabernacle on Monday, May 6. This is always a most interesting meeting, as the colporteurs speak of the actual results of their labors during the year. We should much like to see a greatly increased attendance at this most important meeting, and are glad to know that you hope to be with us. As full information will then be given, a full report now is unnecessary. “We thank one friend who responded to our appeal for tracts last month and brought a parcel, also another who sends a donation for the purpose.

Will more friends think of this matter, and help to circulate the gospel of Jesus?”

PASTORS COLLEGE, METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE.

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS FROM MARCH 20 TH TO APRIL 18 TH, 1878.

Giver £ s. d. Giver £ s. d.

Mr.E. Bitbray 5 5 0 R. M. H 1 0 Ebenezer 0 2 6 Mr. Robert Gibson 10 0 Thankoffering, per Rev. A.A. Rees 2 0 0 Mrs. Harriet Elias 10 0 Miss Couch 0 5 0 L.C.W. and J. W 1 1 Mrs. Ellwood I 1 0 Mr. Dowsett 1 0 Mr. H. P. Wright 0 7 6 Mrs. Berry 0 10 Mr. John Lewis 1 1 0 Miss Dransfield 5 5 Mr.J.G, Cumming 0 10 0 Mr. J.G. Hall 1 1 Collected by Miss M. A. Jephs 1 12 0 MrW.C. Parkinson 5 5 Mr. R. S, 21 0 0 Mr. Balne 0 10 0 Faulconer Miss Steedman 10 0 0 Mr. Turner 1 0 A. T 0 10 0 Mr. and Mrs. Outland 3 3 Readers of” Christian Herald”. 20 0 0 Mr.W. Williamson 5 0 Mr. and Mrs.D. Stirling 1 0 0 Mr. T. Stone 10 0 J. and E. C 1 0 0 Mr. W.C.

Price 5 0 C.D.E 25 0 0 Mr.B.