desires. Several questions respecting their belief were then put to them, and being answered correctly, baptism was administered to each respective convert, who knelt down to receive it, the minister (Dr. Steel) meanwhile speaking the appropriate words in the Chinese language. Miscellaneous. defraying the expenses of a creed to which he does not belong." Of the population of Switzerland, 59 per cent. are Protestants and 41 per cent. Roman Catholics. The government of the Protestant Church, Presbyterian in form, is at present under the supervision of the magistrates of the various cantons, to whom is also entrusted, in Protestant districts, the superintendence of public instruction. THE EVANGELICAL SOCIETY OF GENEVA is the longest established of the Evangelical societies of the Continent. Its field of operations is principally in France, where it supports pastors, evangelists, schoolmasters, and colporteurs. In Switzerland, besides maintaining a series of summer stations, in favourite places of resort for strangers, it has a theological college, unconnected with any ecclesiastical denomination, where ministers are trained for congregations in other countries. The society's annual expenditure, which amounts to nearly £8,000, is met by subscriptions and donations. The last annual FATHER HYACINTHE recently wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury, asking official recognition by the Anglican communion of the Old Catholics in France, "who are endeavouring to restore upon a basis at once larger and more ancient than that of the Council of Trent, the Gallican Church, which has been officially suppressed by the Vatican Council." This petition was placed before a committee appointed by the Lambeth Conference, and the Primus of the Episcopal Church of Scotland, as chairman of that committee, has replied that he will "so far recognize the mission of Père Hyacinthe as to tender it a provisional oversight." His lordship says that, under ordinary circumstances, the English episcopate must have declined the request; but the times are not ordinary, and the conduct of the Church of Rome in issuing the recent Vatican decree seems to render reform from within hopeless; and therefore, as the Primitive Fathers did, the bishops must recognize a principle of yet higher obligation than that of Church order, The Primus adds: "You will readily under-report, under the head of " Evangelization stand that it would be impossible for us to pledge ourselves to the administration of episcopal functions in your mission until we have had the opportunity of becoming acquainted with your proposed revised ritual, the order and forms to be observed in the celebration of divine service, the administration of the sacraments, and the sacred offices of the Church. We do not demand a rigid uniformity, nor, I would add, would we desire to abridge in the slightest degree the liberty of a National and Catholic Church to frame its own liturgy and to decree its own rites and ceremonies." THE GREAT COUNCIL OF GENEVA have accepted the principle of separation of Church and State, and appointed a commission to examine the bill designed to carry this object into effect. The Swiss Constitution, adopted in 1874, contains, among others, the following enactments concerning the exercise of religion: "There shall be complete and absolute liberty of conscience and of creed. No one can incur any penalties whatsoever on account of his religious opinions. No one is bound to pay taxes specially appropriated to Abroad," recites some interesting facts, which "As as regarded in a temporal aspect, is by no means brilliant. When, therefore, a young Christian desires to obey the call of the Master, it is well to encourage him with sufficient help to enable him to prosecute his studies, though that help may not be sufficient for his entire maintenance. It is not without regret that the directors of the college have been obliged to refuse such candidates, for they cannot shut their eyes to the fact that the requirements of the Church in France daily increase. Many parishes are without pastors, whilst, owing to the movement now agitating men's minds, the demands will perhaps ere long increase. The directors consider that in order to turn this movement in the direction of the Gospel, they should employ numerous itinerant preachers, full of faith; yet through want of funds they have been forced to limit their admissions to the college. May the churches realize that it is not alone sufficient to beseech God to send forth labourers into the harvest, but also to provide the means!" With respect to colportage, the report states that the winter campaign commenced with sixty-one agents. All who rightly understand the importance of the work of the colporteur are solicited to aid it by their contributions. A SWISS ABBE, who died lately at Solsthurn, has left a will, in which he declares the Pope to be the inheritor of all his property, amounting to some 40,000 francs. The will is contested by two parties, kinsmen of the Abbe Kupfer, who agree in contending that the will is not legal in form. THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE MORAVIAN CHURCH, which meets once in twelve years, and which represents the whole denomination, will assemble at Herrnhut, Saxony, on the 26th of May next. PENALTIES FOR PREACHING IN SPAIN.Pastor Martinez, of Reus, who has been doing evangelistic work for the Evangelical Continental Society, has been condemned to imprisonment and fine for preaching in a village to which he had been invited by many of the inhabitants, but where the mayor was perfectly fanatical in his opposition. We know not whether the sentence will be carried out, but meanwhile Pastor Martinez has had to pay the costs of the trial. PASTOR FRANCISCO DE PAULA RUET, the senior Protestant pastor in Spain, died recently. He was born at Barcelona in 1826, and was converted to Christ through the preaching of Dr. de Sanctis, of Turin, when he was nineteen years of age. Returning to his native city in 1854, he proclaimed the Gospel among his countrymen with much fervour, until arrested and condemned to perpetual banishment. He then took up his residence in Gibraltar, and was there ordained to the Christian ministry. It was by his instrumentality that Matamoros was brought to a knowledge of the truth. Since 1868 he has been preaching in Spain, and during the last eight years has been associated with Pastor Fliedner as one of the ministers of the Calatrava Church in Madrid. He has left behind him a wife and three little children wholly destitute of support. PERSECUTION IN PORTUGAL.-A letter in the Christian of the 16th ult., signed "Robert R. Kalley," says: A Christian man, for many years a colporteur of the British and Foreign Bible Society, is to be tried this month at Barcellos, the charges against him being, in the words of the legal document now before me, that "he has spread doctrines contrary to the Catholic dogmas; has called our [i.e., the Romish] religion false, and spoken against baptism and confession, and against the Pope; and this in order to make proselytes." I have known the accused for about twenty years. He is a native of Portugal, was led to know and believe the Gospel in Brazil, and joined the church of which I was pastor in Rio de Janeiro. He afterwards returned to his native land, and was engaged by the British and Foreign Bible Society as a colporteur in the north of Portugal; and by his earnest labours in that service he incurred the enmity of the Romish priests, and has been subjected to a course of shameless legal persecution, extending over a period of fourteen years and a-half. BISHOP SANDFORD AT CYPRUS.-The Right Rev. Dr. Sandford, Bishop of Gibraltar, under whose ecclesiastical supervision British congregations in Cyprus were placed by the Foreign Office from the first, and who is spending part of the winter at Malta, lately visited Cyprus, and spent three days there, so as to see for himself before deciding on what was necessary to be done. The Archbishop of Cyprus showed him every attention, and there was some very friendly intercourse. The Archbishop said he would most gladly help the Bishop in his work in Cyprus. He shared the Bishop's desire that friendly relations might be promoted by the presence of the English in the island. He was well aware of the brotherly feelings which the Church of England entertained towards the Eastern Church, and he himself was anxious for union between these two sister Churches. Education, he said, was at present at a low level but he hoped that the rule of England might | The Bishop of Lincoln has written a letter of further both the temporal and spiritual wel- commendation to be conveyed by Mr. Spenser fare of his people, who had suffered long and to the Archbishop and Bishops of Cyprus. terribly from misrule and oppression. In KING M'TESA OF UGANDA, having exthe course of his visit the Bishop of Gibraltar pressed his desire to send ambassadors to delivered to the Archbishop of Cyprus a copy | England, and his wish having been comof the document prepared by the bishops who municated to the Foreign Office by the met last summer in London under the presi- Church Missionary Society, Lord Salisbury dency of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The has replied that the ambassadors on their Bishop spent one Sunday on the island, when arrival will be received with the courtesy he preached at Larnaca from Cor. xi. 1. A and attention due to the representatives of a collection was made after the sermon for an king who has shown himself desirous of organ to be used in the English Church, entering into friendly relations with this which, it is hoped, will soon be built. country, and who has received with kindness, and afforded his powerful protection to, British subjects who have visited his kingdom. Those subjects are Captain Speke, Colonel Grant, Captain Smith, and the Rev. Mr. Wilson. CYPRUS CHAPLAINCY.-The Rev. Josiah Spenser, M.A., Curate of Warbleton, Sussex, has been appointed by the Propagation Society to a chaplaincy in Cyprus which has been established by the society in that island. Evangelical Alliance. PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of Council was held | Council for his lordship's warm expressions of on Thursday, January 9; John Finch, Esq., in the chair. NEW MEMBERS. attachment to the Alliance and his interest in its operations. The Council would assure his lordship that they believe his acceptance of The following persons were unanimously the position of President will render valu admitted to membership: Mr. J. Wadsworth, Bath. Mr. J. Titley, Bath. THE LATE SECRETARY. The Secretary read letters addressed to the Rev. James Davis, and forwarded by him, from the Rev. Dr. Fisch, of Paris, and from M. Lombard, of Geneva, expressing deep sympathy with Mr. Davis in his affliction. Dr. Fisch concludes: "Will you express also in our name to your Council our sympathy and our deep sense of the loss sustained by them?" THE PRESIDENCY. Sir Harry Verney, Bart., having accepted office for one year only, the Council invited Lord Polwarth, one of the Vice-Presidents, to accept the office of President for this year. The Secretary reported correspondence on the subject, and read a letter from his lordship, stating the difficulty he felt in accepting office, owing to the fact of his residing chiefly in Scotland, and to his inability to attend many meetings; but adding that if the Council still thought he should become President, he was willing to comply with their wishes. It was resolved: "That the Secretary convey to Lord Polwarth the thanks of this able service to this Alliance and to the cause of true religion in the world. They therefore gladly avail themselves of his lordship's kind offer to render such service as may be within his power in the position of President of the Alliance." OBITUARY. The Secretary reported the death of Thomas J. Dunn, Esq., of Melrose, a member of the Council from the formation of the Alliance; also of the Rev. Dr. Cohen Stuart, of Utrecht. The following resolutions were adopted : "The Council have heard with regret of the decease of Mr. Thomas John Dunn, of Melrose, an elder of the United Presbyterian Church, who has been a valued member of the Evangelical Alliance from the beginning, and a zealous promoter of its usefulness in the south-east of Scotland. Devoted and intelligent friends of Christian union in the provinces are towers of strength to this Alliance. The Council therefore feel it a duty to put on record their sense of loss in being deprived of the co-operation of a Christian gentleman so rich in faith and good works as the late Mr. Dunn, so consistent in character and so loving in spirit. The Council direct that a copy of this minute be sent as a token of sympathy to the bereaved family." "The Council of the British Organization of the Evangelical Alliance, in recording the death of their esteemed friend, the Rev. Dr. Cohen Stuart, desire to express the profound sorrow with which they have heard of the loss sustained by the whole Christian Church. Christians in Holland have lost a bold and noble champion for the truth of God, of wide experience and knowledge, of great gifts, remarkable zeal, and truly catholic spirit. He was for many years a warm-hearted friend and zealous supporter of the Evangelical Alliance, and the Council remember with satisfaction and gratitude his valuable services to the cause of Christian union. A large measure of the success which attended the General Conference in Amsterdam in 1867 was due to the indefatigable exertions and conciliatory disposition of their deceased friend. The Council instruct their Secretary to convey to Madame Cohen Stuart the expression of their heartfelt sympathy and their earnest prayer that she may be sustained by the abiding presence of the Divine Comforter." The death was also announced of Dr. Julius Millingen, of Constantinople. THE WEEK OF PRAYER. The Secretary reported the receipt of numerous communications from all parts of the world on the subject of the Week of Prayer, and that the meetings being held this week at Langham Hall were, so far, very successful. SPAIN. Further communications were read from the Foreign Office on the subject of the recent imprisonment of Mr. Ben-Oliel in Spain, from which it appeared that the Spanish authorities indignantly denied the charge of cruel treatment. BASLE CONFERENCE. A letter was read from M. Vischer-Sarasin, of Basle, enclosing draft programme (in German) of the Conference to be held in that city, commencing on August 31. A Special Committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements in conjunction with the Basle Committee. THE WEEK OF PRAYER. Among those who took part in the devotional exercises were the Rev. J. P. Chown, Rev. Dr. McEwan, Mr. W. R. Ellis, Rev. Mr. Ryder, Mr. T. R. Andrews, Rev. E. T. Prust, Rev. J. C. Harrison, Rev. Nevile Sherbrooke, Mr. Robert Baxter, Rev. J. S. Russell, Rev. John Matheson, Rev. R. Johnston, Mr. George Williams, Rev. T. T. Waterman, Rev. Dr. Fraser, Rev. R. D. Wilson, Rev. G. W. Weldon, Rev. Dr. Willis, Col. Bruce, Rev. L. B. White, Mr. Lockhart Gordon, Rev. John Gritton, Rev. Dr. H. O. White, Col. Field, and Rev. Dr. Trail. At the invitation of the various branches | ing the psalmody sang a selection from the of the Alliance throughout the world, another "Sacred Songs and Solos" and an anthem prenew year has commenced with the observance vious to the commencement of each meeting. of a Week of United and Universal Prayer. It is gratifying to the Council to learn, from communications already received, that Christians in all parts of the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world have availed themselves of this hallowed season of united supplication. In no previous year has there been so great a demand for papers containing the subjects suggested for each day's intercession, and the meetings held have been more numerous than ever before. Comparatively few of those who arrange for meetings communicate the results to the Secretary in London (which is much to be regretted), but many of the letters received testify of greater blessings and a more devout spirit, as well as larger attendances. Surely the Church and the world must both reap the fruits of these united intercessions at the Throne of the Heavenly Grace. On Monday morning, January 6, the Hon. Sir Robert Lush, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Alliance, was to have presided, but the death of a near relative prevented his fulfilling his engagement. Under these circumstances, Robert Baxter, Esq., kindly took the chair. After reading a passage of Scripture and the subject for the day, he contrasted the present increased spread of a knowledge of the truth with the less vigorous Christian activity of former days. Although the time of Pentecostal manifestations was past, the Spirit was still working with equal power in the hearts of men. In London and the suburbs numerous gatherings were held daily. For the Westend, meetings (arranged by the Council of the Alliance) were held in Langham Hall, near Oxford Circus. Notwithstanding the very inclement weather, there was a large attendance each morning, and on several of the days the Hall was crowded. The small After several prayers, the address was given choir organized for the purpose of conduct- by the Rev. H. W. Webb-Peploe, who said it was important to distinguish between praise and thanksgiving. The former was the getting out of self into God, the latter was the blessing Him for all His mercies. It was a blessed thing to thank Him, but it was a higher act when, so to speak, we looked out of self altogether and on to God alone. In illustration of this, he referred to the closing hymn in the Communion Service, than which, he said, there had surely never been a nobler expression of true praise: "Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men. We praise Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory, O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty." It might be observed that we had here no expression of thanksgiving for anything which God had done for us, but the adoration of God for His great glory. It was most important that each one should consider that it was to God in His perfection to whom we are to come in the act of praise. We are called upon to adore Him for what He is; and the saved man was in a position in this respect which no one else, either in earth or heaven, could so fully apprehend; he could enter into the meaning of the words, "Thou art holy," and was the only being in all creation that could truly do this, and enter into close communion with Him. It is when we see God as He is, and adore Him for the infinite perfection which belongs to Him, that we understand somewhat of the marvellous honour and privilege of praising God for what He is in Himself, instead of thanking Him for what He has done for us. In closing his address, the speaker said this might fairly prove the measure with which we had attained unto the glorious liberty of the children of God, and also form a test whether we were really His true Israel. The meeting on Tuesday was presided over by Henry Wright, Esq., who, after announcing the subject for the day, said: We meet not as a section of the Church of Christ, but as representing the whole Church, to ask that we may prepare ourselves to receive the blessing, because God is willing to impart it when we are ready to receive it. When we meet friends we express kindly wishes towards them, and wish them happiness, and that is all we really can do; we can only desire such things on their behalf. But God can command the blessing of life for evermore to rest upon us, and therefore to Him we offer our petitions. After devotional exercises, the Rev. Dr. Rigg gave the address. He said: The subject on which he was about to speak was not new to any of them. They had been asked to pray, and they had united in supplication for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost with a special reference to the establishment of the Church in spiritual truth, in holiness, and in all the fruits of the Spirit. A little company they might be in the midst of the great multitude around them; but, nevertheless, they might represent "the still small voice" which was neither heard in the earthquake, the tempest, nor the fire. That which they represented was invisible and secret, and often despised, but though eye had not seen, and though ear had not heard, they had to do with that which lies at the very heart of the universe. The various texts of Holy Scripture set before them in the programme in connection with this subject brought to their recollection a number of most important truths. The first passage, for instance, taken from St. John xviii. 36-38, reminded them of the time when Christ stood before Pilate. Pilate was there as the judge of Jesus, but Jesus was there really as the Judge of Pilate, declaring himself King, and revealing another kingdom in the words, "My kingdom is not of this world." In another connection, John xvi. 13, reference was made to the source of truth, and the Spirit is spoken of as guiding into all truth. There were two wrong ways in which people tried to get settled in the truth of religion-one by sheer demonstration, and the other by authority. Now, the first never succeeds, although we may seem to succeed by demonstration. Trouble came, a shiver went through our nature, the hand trembled, and we could not hold fast the truth that way. Some, again, had gone to authority; but the right course would be found in St. John's Gospel, telling us of the help and light of the Holy Ghost. On Wednesday, Mr. Alderman Fowler presided, in the unavoidable absence, through illness, of R. C. L. Bevan, Esq. After singing and prayer, the Chairman said: There can be no doubt that we are living in very critical times, and we are told that when God's judgments are in the earth the inhabitants thereof should learn righteousness. There can be no doubt that God's judgments are in the earth now. Abroad we hear of wars and rumours of wars, and at home there is great distress extending to all classes of the community. Under these circumstances, we can all feel that, in an unusual degree, God's judgments are at work; and we are therefore encouraged that His promise may be fulfilled, and that people may learn right eousness. |