Evangelical Alliance. THE WEEK OF UNIVERSAL PRAYER, JANUARY 6-13, 1889. THE West-end meetings, convened by the Council of the Alliance, will be held daily in. STEINWAY HALL, LOWER SEYMOUR STREET, PORTMAN SQUARE; commencing at 11.30 each morning. The following is the Programme for the Week : MONDAY, January 7.- Thanksgiving and Confession :-Thanksgiving for the goodness and mercy which have followed us; for answers to prayer; for support in times of trouble; for the continued spread of the Gospel; for the spirit of enquiry among the Jews, and the increasing intercourse and sympathy between Christians of many nations.-Psa. ciii. 1 to 5; xl. 5. 1 Thess. v. 18. 2 Cor. ix. 15. Confession of much and grievous sin, lukewarmness, and formalism; restraint of prayer; indulgence of vain glory; unprofitableness in the service of Christ; conformity to the world.-Hosea xiv. 1 to 2. 1 John i. 8 to 9. Psa. xxxii. 1 to 5. Chairman: Sir JOHN COODE, K.C.M G. Address by the Rev. JOHN STOUGHTON, D.D. TUESDAY, January 8.-The Holy Spirit in the Church:-For the demonstration of the Spirit and power; for His abundant grace and effectual operation as the Spirit of truth, holiness, comfort, and love; that multitudes may be convinced of sin, and converted to God; that backsliders may be restored; that believers may walk in newness of life; that divisions among Christians may be healed, and the spirit of humility increased.-John xvi. 8 to 15. Rom. viii. 14 to 17. 1 Cor. xii. 13. Gal. v. 22 to 26. Phil. ii. 5 to 16. Chairman: Sir WILLIAM WILLIS. Address by the Rev. J. R. WOOD, Baptist Church, Holloway. WEDNESDAY, January 9.-Families and Schools:-That husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and servants, may, in their mutual relations, observe the law of Christ; that family worship may be more generally_observed; and that domestic life may be sweetened and hallowed by godliness. For Sunday-schools and Weekday schools; for Universities and Colleges; for all Associations which promote the intellectual, moral, and religious welfare of young men and young women; for the preservation of young minds from the current scepticism and superstition.-Deut. vi. 1 to 7. Eph. v. 22; vi. 9. Col. iii. 18 to iv. 1. 2 Tim. i. 5. 2 Johr 4. Chairman: GEORGE WILLIAMS, Esq. Address by the Rev. W. H. Barlow, m.a., Vicar of Islington. THURSDAY, January 10.-Home Missions and Social Reforms:-For all who preach Christ, and seek to spread righteousness and peace; for city missionaries, Bible-women, district visitors, and other helpers; for special efforts to reach and influence special classes of the people; for the counteraction of the designs of the Papacy; for a blessing on sound literature; for the progress of temperance and of purity; for the suppression of cruelty. For the better observance of the Lord's-day. For persons who are afflicted-the sick, the blind, the deaf and dumb.-Matt. ix. 35 to 38; x. 6. Prov. xxiii. 26 to 35. Psa. cvii. 23 to 30. John iv. 28 to 30. 1 Cor. vi. 18 to 20. Titus ii. 11 to 15. 2 Tim. iv. 1 to 5. Chairman: Sir R. N. FOWLER, Bart., M.P. Address by the Rev. G. W. OLVER, of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. FRIDAY, January 11.-Missions to Israel, to Moslems, and to the Heathen :-That this great work may be carried on with faith and patience. For the removal of the veil from the heart of Israel; for a special blessing on the circulation of the Holy Scriptures among all nations; and that powerful witnesses of the Messiahship of Jesus may be raised up among the Jews. For a spiritual awakening among the Oriental Churches. For Christian Missionaries to the heathen; for native Churches and converts, preachers and teachers; and for Mission Colleges, schools, and hospitals. That the work to be done may be wisely distributed among the missionary agencies of Protestant Christendom; also that the ignorance of Islam may be removed, and the Word of the Lord have free course among the Moslem nations.-Matt. xxviii. 18 to 20. Acts xiv. 46 to 50. Gal. ii. 9. 1 Cor. i. 21 to 24. 2 Tim. iii. 10 to 17. 2 Thess. iii. 1 to 5. Chairman : DONALD MATHESON, Esq. Address by the Rev. GILBERT KARNEY, M.A., Vicar of St. John's, Hampstead. SATURDAY, January 12.-Nations:-For the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the nations; for all sorts and conditions of men; for rulers, legislators, judges, and all in authority; for soldiers and sailors; for social order and universal peace; for the extinction of the slave trade, the opium trade, and the base traffic which corrupts and destroys native races by the introduction of spirituous drink. That religious liberty may prevail; that politics may be moralised, and public life adorned by high integrity. Finally, That all the ends of the earth may remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations worship before Him."-Joel ii. 28 to 32. Amos v. 6 to 15. 1 Tim. ii. 1 to 6. Rom. xiii. 1 to 7. 1 Pet. ii. 13 to 17; and iii. 8 to 15. Rev. xxi. 24 to 27. Chairman: GEORGE LIDGETT, Esq. Address by the Rev. ROBERT TAYLOR, Presbyterian Church, Norwood. Collections will be made after each meeting. Special contributions are also invited towards defraying the heavy expenses necessarily incurred in promoting the observance of the Week of Prayer throughout the world. The South London Branch of the Alliance have arranged for meetings daily during the week: Monday, at 7, Metropolitan Tabernacle; Tuesday, at 7.30, All Saints' School-room, Blenheim Grove, Rye Lane, Peckham; at 7.30, Lecture-hall, Wesleyan Chapel, Brixton Hill; Wednesday, at 7.30, the Lecture-hall, Presbyterian Church, Clapham Road; Thursday, at 7.30, the lecture-hall, Congregational Church, Camberwell Green; Friday, at 7.30, the School-room, St. Matthew's, Brixton; Saturday, at 8, the School-room, St. James', Clapham. The addresses will be given respectively by the Revs. C. H. SPURGEON, T. J. GASTER, F. J. SHARR, D. MACEWAN, D.D., C. CLEMANCE, D.D., N. A. GARLAND, M.A., MARCUS RAINSFORD, junr., and F. A. C. LILLINGSTON, m.a. Among the numerous series of meetings to be held in various parts of the metropolis, the following may be specially mentioned: Conference Hall, Mildmay Park, daily, mornings at eleven, and evenings at seven o'clock; Centenary Hall, Bishopsgate Street (arranged by the City Young Men's Christian Association), two meetings daily, from twelve to one and from one to two o'clock; Y.M. C.A. Hall, Whittington Avenue, Leadenhall Street, daily at six o'clock; Exeter Hall (arranged by the Young Men's Christian Association), daily (Saturday excepted) at one o'clock; St. Paul's, Onslow Square (Church Room), daily at five o'clock, but on Saturday at half-past seven o'clock; Wandsworth, Down Lodge Hall, High Street, daily, except Saturday, at four o'clock. Ministers of the Gospel and Christians generally are earnestly invited to be present, and to make these meetings known as widely as possible. PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL. THE monthly meeting of the Council was held on Thursday, December 13; the Treasurer (Mr. Donald Matheson) presiding. The Chairman read a passage of Scripture, and prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Gritton. A letter was read from the Rev. Philip Colborne, of Birmingham, accepting his appointment as a member of the Council. NEW MEMBERS. The following persons were unanimously admitted to membership: Mrs. Court, Chislehurst. F. W. Freese, Esq., Chislehurst. G. J. W. McCaul, Esq.,Chislehurst. T. C. Marsden, Esq., Durham. Mrs. Murray, Bath. Mrs. Briscoe, Bath. Rev. W. Acworth, Bath. Mrs. Acworth, Bath. Mrs. Bond, Bath. Miss L. A. Graham, Bath. Miss A. M. Graham, Bath. Miss F. H. Graham, Bath. E. P. Collier, Esq., Reading. Rev. J. C. Strickland, D.D., Tunbridge Wells. W. F. Pollott, Esq., Croydon. DEPUTATION WORK, General Field and Mr. Arnold gave reports of meetings for the Alliance, which they had attended since the last Council meeting. THE LATE PLYMOUTH CONFERENCE. The Secretary reported letter from Reginald E. Bewes, Esq., Treasurer of the Plymouth Branch, stating that after paying all the local expenses of the late Conference there was a balance of £15 2s. 7d. from their special fund, and which they had much pleasure in forwarding towards the general. expenditure incurred by this Council in arranging for the Conference. WEEK OF PRAYER. Attention was called to the programme of the London meetings, during the Week of Prayer, copies of which were laid upon the table. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN TURKEY. On the question of religious liberty in Turkey, a communication was read from the Marquis of Salisbury, acknowledging receipt of letter forwarded by this Council upon the subject of the continued persecution of Nicolaki Effendi. A further letter from the Rev. Dr. Dwight, Secretary of the Constantinople Branch, dated December 6, was read, giving further details with reference to recent cases of religious intolerance in Turkey. SALLE EVANGELIQUE AT THE PARIS EX- Letters were read from Mr. Soltau, of the McAll Mission in Paris, stating the steps that had been taken with reference to the proposed Salle Evangelique in connexion with the Paris Exhibition next year. A united Committee had been formed for the purpose of carrying out the undertaking. This Committee consisted of representatives of the McAll Mission, the Paris Branch of the Evangelical Alliance, and the various Protestant ministers and Christian workers in the city. Mr. McAll would have entire control of the French services, but services in other languages and various meetings would be arranged by the General Committee. The total cost of rent of site, building and furnishing the hall (which would seat about 300 persons), and carrying on the services for six months, would amount to about £800. Mr. McAll had himself assumed the entire financial responsibility, but in this, of course, he was greatly encouraged by the promise of £250 from this Council. The Secretary presented draft of a circular appeal, as approved by the Finance Committee, for contributions towards the sum guaranteed by this Council. The Council approved of the action taken. ALLIANCE PRINCIPLES IN SOUTH AMERICA. The translation of a letter was read from the Secretary of the Annual Assembly of the Methodist Episcopal Mission Church of South America, dated Monte Video, October 12. [This document will be found in another column.] The Council expressed their sincere gratification at receiving the com munication. THE PAPACY." It was reported that a special cheap edition of the Evangelical Alliance Prize Essay on "The Papacy," by the Rev. Dr. Wylie, had recently been published, and Mr. T. A. Denny The Council desired that their hearty thanks had presented fifty copies to the Alliance. be given to Mr. Denny for his gift. "ALLIANCE HOUSE." The Secretary reported completion of the repairs of the Alliance House, at a cost of about £90, and also reported that the ground floor had now been let to the Imperial Institute for Classes in Languages. SECRETARIAL DEPUTATION WORK. LIEUT.-GENERAL FIELD, C.B., reported that on Dec. 8, at Westleigh, Bickley, through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Howard, a drawing-room meeting was held for the purpose of receiving an address on the subject of the Evangelical Alliance. The Rev. G. W. Weldon presided, and there was a good attendance, although the wet afternoon prevented some friends from being present; it was the first time that any meeting of the kind had been convened at Bickley, and many were quite unacquainted with the Evangelical Alliance and its operations. General Field, therefore, rapidly sketched its formation in 1846, and dwelt upon the basis as setting forth the fundamental truths of the Gospel, and upon the principles of brotherly love and union, which the Alliance seeks to enforce among all the true followers of Christ. The work at home was rapidly reviewed, the obser vance of the annual Week of Prayer in all parts of the kingdom; the increase of Union, and revival of missionary zeal; the conventions and conferences in many of the large towns were pointed to as signs evidencing the growth of the principles which the Evangelical Alliance is always inculcating and spreading by its publications, and by its numerous associations. An account was also given of the manner in which efforts had been put forth to counteract infidelity, Popery, and the desecration of the Lord's Day, &c.; the observance of the Universal Week of Prayer in almost all countries, and the blessed results which flow from stians of international conferences when Chrind their all nations are gathered together, and their remarkable effect upon the progress of true religion, drew forth the warm interest of all, while the latter part of the address on the subject of religious liberty elicited, in a special degree, the earnest sympathy of the company, as they listened to the account of the more recent interventions of the Evangelical Alliance, in behalf of persecuted Christians in Austria, Hungary, Turkey, Syria, and the Baltic Provinces of Russia. The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to General Field, and in a brief address, strongly recommended the Evangelical Alliance to the support of all present, stating how he had been long a member and had practically co-operated in the work. Afterwards friends came forward and gave their names for membership and subscribed. Mr. Arnold reported to the Council that he had attended a meeting at Croydon, which had been convened at the public hall by a few friends who were desirous to establish a branch of the Alliance in that town. The meeting was a private one, and, though not largely attended, was a thoroughly representative one, and much interest was shewn in the proceedings. Mr. Arnold had been invited to be present to give information regarding the principles and the general work of the Alliance. He spoke briefly upon the subject, and then made many practical suggestions as to the working of local auxiliaries of the Alliance. Full and free conference followed the Secretary's address, and, as a result, it was unanimously resolved to form a branch of the Alliance for Croydon. A committee was also appointed, and it was agreed to adopt the suggestion made by Mr. Arnold for a united observance of the Week of Prayer in Croydon, and for a series of drawing-room meetings, to make better known the aims of the Evangelical Alliance. On Dec. 14, Mr. Arnold attended a drawing-room meeting, kindly convened by the Rev. D. and Mrs. Fotheringham, at the Manse, Tottenham. A number of ladies and gentlemen had assembled, and were greatly interested in the Secretary's statement of the recent work of the Alliance. Mr. Fotheringham expressed his hearty sympathy with the aims of the Alliance, and also the earnest hope that the Tottenham and Edmonton Branch might be strengthened by the meeting held that day. EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE PRINCIPLES IN SOUTH AMERICA. THE following interesting communication was laid before the Council at their last meeting: [TRANSLATION.] Monte Video, Oct. 12, 1888. To the Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance. Dear Brother, I have the honour of sending you a copy of the resolution adopted in the Annual Assembly of the Methodist Episcopal Mission Church of South America at the sitting held on the 10th of the present month. It is as follows: "Seeing that the Evangelical Alliance is the true embodiment of the grand truth, that all the Protestant and evangelical churches and denominations are one in spirit; that the Alliance is the means by which is united and concentrated the strength, sometimes of spiritual power, and sometimes of material resources which exist in the various branches of the Church throughout the world; and in order to participate in the realisation of the high aims and grand interests, the Committee proposes the following motions: 1. That this assembly approving the tendencies and attitude of the Evangelical Alliance, gives in its hearty adhesion thereto, and desires to join in its schemes and its aims, at all times, and in all ways, circumstances permitting. 2. That this assembly recommends to its members to put before their several congregations the aims and claims of the Evangelical Alliance at such times as may be most convenient. 3. That this assembly invites its members to work on Evangelical Alliance lines, whenever the opportunity occurs; especially on the following points: (a) To cultivate a charit able and tolerant spirit towards Christians of other churches; (b) to be always to the fore in endeavouring to enter into and maintain fraternal relations with ministers of other churches, and that to the utmost of their ability; (c) to put our places of worship at the disposal of the other denominations on all suitable occasions; (d) to offer the pulpit to those ministers who happen not to have a congregation of their own; (e) to look out for and accept the co-operation of other denominations in carrying out general Christian work." With expressions of the highest esteem and fraternal love, GUILLERMO TALLON, Sec. CROYDON BRANCH. THE following report has been furnished by a correspondent at Croydon : A meeting convened by circular was held at the Public Hall on Nov. 26 to consider the desirability of forming a branch of the Evangelical Alliance in this town (Mr. Henry Johnson presided). Prayer having been offered by Mr. J. Christie Reid, and a portion of Scripture read by the Chairman, Mr. Arnold, one of the Secretaries, delivered an able and interesting address, explaining the objects and aims of the Evangelical Alliance, and showed how greatly God had blessed its endeavours to promote the visible unity of all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, thus manifesting to the world that though members of various churches, all are brethren of the one Church of the living God. The work of the Alliance in originating BATH special religious services for the working classes, which led to the present system of undenominational services in public halls, etc., was next dwelt upon; also its efforts to secure religious liberty for Christ's followers in foreign lands, and the success which under God had resulted therefrom. The institution by the Alliance of the annual week of united and universal prayer throughout the world, and the blessing which its observance has brought in the revival of God's work at home and abroad, was also alluded to. After a few remarks by the Chairman, Mr. King, Mr. W. Lisle Williams, Mr. Christie Reid and Mr. Parker, the formation of a branch of the Alliance for Croydon was unanimously agreed upon, and a committee was appointed to arrange for a series of Drawing-room meetings, and also for a united observance of the Week of Prayer in Croydon. BRANCH. letter to his son Timothy that " a bishop is to be a lover of good men.' I shall soon be gathered to my fathers, and I don't want any monument erected to my memory, but if I have one I should like to have inscribed on it," he was a lover of good men." Let us IN November, the first of the monthly meetings for the winter was held in the Jubilee Hall of the Young Men's Christian Association. About ninety sat down to tea, after which a public meeting was held, presided over by Lieut.-Colonel Hare. Prayer having been offered by the Rev. remember that the unity of the spirit is not E. J. Wemyss- Whittaker, that which by any system I try to make, but that which God has established and I am to keep. An address was given by Mr. Benjamin Thomas (President of the Bristol Branch). He emphasised the fact that many would not know that others were Christians if it were not for these meetings. We here, he said, come together and find to our surprise that others, whom we did not know were Christians, are here too. We have been too much separated into our own little sections and not enough of one heart and of one mind. I am thankful for these meetings when we sink our little differences and meet on the broad platform of our common love to our Saviour. The Rev. W. Acworth then gave an animated address. He said: When the Bible was being revised I met one of the revisers, and said to him, "I hope you will remember to translate one portion correctly-' add to your faith courage' instead of virtue, as in our translation;" but I am sorry to see the word virtue still retained. Courage is the great virtue that is wanted to-day, the courage of our convictions. St. Paul tells us in his The Rev. F. Pocock gave the concluding address. This gathering, he said, is a practical testimony to an unbelieving world of Christian unity. If I have a portrait of one I love I like often to look at that portrait. Each child of God is a portrait of Christ, let us see Christ in one another. I have been a member of the Evangelical Alliance for thirty-six years, and I have lost nothing by rubbing shoulder to shoulder with brethren who are not one with me in their ecclesiastical position. You will never regret being friends with those who are friends of Jesus. Let their be Christian decision, each as a pillar in the temple of God, not wavering but standing firm to his purpose, daring to be a Daniel, daring to stand alone." 66 The meeting concluded by the Secretary, Mr. G. E. Thomas, proposing a very hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman, who suitably replied. |