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Suppose we ask the Rector to conduct one."

"Now there you are wrong, Treddel. No one loves and reverences our dear pastor more than I. But it is just because I love him, and want him long to rule us in this parish, that I should hesitate to ask him to undertake this. It would take him far more time than the hour he might spend among us, that is if he would make it profitable; and I know him well enough to be sure that he would not undertake it unless he did. It ought to be in the hand of some layman whose heart is in the work, and who has time to give to it."

"And who better than yourself?" interrupted Mr. Treddel. "I am sure Mr. Verity will sanction it."

"I am sure of that too; and I would not undertake it unless he did. I am a believer in order."

"And I have no doubt he would come and see us sometimes."

So they arranged that they were to meet monthly, that Mr. Harper was to see the Rector, and Mr. Treddel was to beat up recruits, and that they were all to ask the blessing of God upon their new work.

"I am sure it will result in good," mused Mr. Harper as he walked homeward that evening. "Good in our own souls, good in our school and parish, good every way."

The next evening he called on Mr. Verity and propounded his scheme. I need not say how fully it met with his pastor's sympathy. "I should like to undertake it myself," he said, "but with all my other work it is out of the question. Besides I do not feel that I am sufficiently up in the subject. I sometimes think I do not acquaint myself with it, or press the duty of helping on my flock so much as I ought. But our church expenses and other charities are often behindband. And this, perhaps, makes me a little shy of seeking missionary contributions."

"I venture to think, my dear sir," suggested Mr. Harper, "that if we can double our missionary gifts, it will largely increase all our other offerings."

Mr. Verity smiled. "Your zeal makes you hopeful. May your work be blessed, and your hopes be more than realised!'"

A VISIT TO JAPAN.

BY THE REV. A. B. HUTCHINSON, C.M.S. Missionary at Hong Kong.

I.

OW lovely! how beautiful! were the exclamations which rose unbidden to the lips, as we gazed for the first time upon the well-wooded hills and dales, the beetling crags and deepening glens, of the harbour of Nagasaki, upon a bright Sunday morning in July of last year. We had reached our anchorage in safety, but in darkness, the previous evening, and were all unprepared for the glorious view which with the day opened upon us. Away to the Away to the right, for some two or three miles, we could trace the narrow channel by which we had entered; on the left, about a mile from us, lay the town of Nagasaki, half hidden amongst the encircling hills, which rose grandly tier after tier to the height of some two thousand feet. Before us the shore seemed lined with dwellings, whilst the tiled roofs and brilliantly white walls of buildings, public and private, peeped out from among the trees and shrubs on many a knoll and hill top. Most grateful to eyes that had long gazed upon the barren hills of China were

the dense masses of foliage which in rich luxuriance crowned every hill and filled every valley, save where man's hand had been at work, as was evidenced by the soft green of the growing rice. We turned, and beheld behind us other hills equally wellwooded, at the foot of which nestled here a factory and there a dockyard, whilst two or three men-of-war, English and Russian, lay peacefully at anchor, together with a few merchant ships, all bathed in the brilliant sunshine, before which the night mists were curling away, upwards, into space. And as we looked more closely at the panorama, we could distinguish several buildings which from their appearance promised to be places for Christian worship.

A bright clean native boat, with a very scantily clad boatman, carried us quickly to the shore, and at once we were struck by the contrast between the coolies, who eagerly yet quietly hastened to take our supposed luggage, and the yelling excited crowd that assaults the new-comer in China. Some of these had no clothing save a loin cloth, others had their wide dark trousers rolled up to their thighs, and, with stiff short jackets with a quaint device between the shoulders as large as a cheese-plate, looked like merry-andrews at a fair. Polite custom-house officials in European dress passed us at once, and taking one of the almost naked yet brilliantly tattooed coolies as a guide, we soon found ourselves, after breasting a steep ascent, on the verandah of the Church Mission House, and were at once warmly welcomed to the "Land of the Rising Sun."

We were on historic, on sacred ground. This had been the house of Bishop Williams, the first Protestant missionary to Japan, a privilege he shared with Mr. Liggins, also of the Episcopal Church of America. Here it was that they landed in 1859 to claim for Christ the newly opened country. Here too, in 1869, the first missionary to Japan from the Church Missionary Society (Mr. Ensor) had his residence, received the first inquirers, baptized his first converts. But here is Mr. Maundrell just returned from the native morning service. He has a second in English for the residents; and we find ourselves, a few steps below the Mission House, entering a neat and simple, yet brightlooking church, which was built by the residents, American and English, when they were more numerous than at present, and of which the resident Church Missionary has been the minister. The crew of H.M.S. Lily in their white jackets formed the majority of the congregation, and very pleasant it was to hear the hearty singing and responding which marked the service.

Afterwards we strolled through the garden of the Mission House, and visited the theological college. Not a lofty or pretentious European structure, but plain and practical, well adapted for the purpose. [See the picture in the GLEANER of Dec. 1878.] A series of rooms in Japanese style opening on to a wide verandah, airy, quiet, and clean. There were four students in residence, learning, amongst other things, to read and speak English. It was suggestive to see on their shelves, besides Bibles and Hymn-books, many neatly bound volumes of English books. This is but the beginning of an indispensable branch of mission work, the training of native catechists, the foundation. of the future native ministry. The unquiet bell from the Romish Church on a neighbouring hill reminds us how necessary it is that Japan should be made acquainted with the Word of God in its simplicity and integrity, and that her believing sons and daughters should be led to found their faith upon the "law and the testimony." Our glance roves from the pile of buildings which marks the site of the present active labours of the Propaganda, out along the harbour towards the Isle of Pappenberg, scene of the martyrdom of thousands of Japanese Romish Christians more than two centuries since; and we cannot help thinking how different might have been the whole course of Japanese history from that time had these but known a purer faith.

We descend and walk along the bay towards the town. By

A JAPANESE HOME. (Fac-simile of a Japanese Picture.)

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the waterside across little bridge is the Native C.M. Church. [See the picture in the GLEANER of March, 1877.] Like all the buildings of the Japanese it pleases one with its finish. Inside it is light and roomy, affording accommodation for about 230 worshippers. Beyond it, on a contiguous lot, a large school-house is being built, with commodious upper storey. The cupola for the belfry is to be surmounted with a cross, which will be a marked object to all ships entering the harbour. It is significant that the cross has already upon the church borne testimony to the change that by God's providence has taken place in the attitude of Japan towards Christianity. We are standing in Deshima, where once Europeans voluntarily resided in shameful captivity for the sake of sordid gain, and saw for more than two centuries the cross literally trampled on and treated with contempt as the emblem of the Christian faith. Thank God a brighter and better day has dawned upon Japan.

Next to the school is a block of buildings which are to be made the residence of Mr. Maundrell's expected colleague, the Rev. W. Andrews [who has since arrived]. As we stand amidst the piles of wood in the silent yard (for the native builders have been made to know that it is a sacred day, the day of rest), we notice the sweet fragrance which pervades the air. It is from the timber; nearly all the trees of Japan are sweetscented. We note the hollow construction of the walls, the spaces between the uprights which are the chief supports of the roof being made of rough bamboo basket-work; they look flimsy, but will last many years plastered over: still they are most inflam

mable. We can understand now how it is that Japanese cities so often suffer from great conflagrations.

Turning into the town, we pass a very plain structure, which is the chapel of the American Dutch Reformed Church. We found Mr. Stout, the missionary, a pleasant travelling companion when we resumed our journey. He finds that it is chiefly sowing time as yet, though he can even now look round upon a small congregation. We walked a short distance through the streets on the way to the hospital. What we saw was sufficient to make us feel the immense difference between Chinese and Japanese, customs in everything. The width of the roadway, its cleanliness, the way in which the shops were laid out-all was strange. We passed the residence of the Japanese Governor. Outside the gates was a long public notice board (kosatsu) with a penthouse cover to keep off rain. On such boards, till very recently, appeared the edicts against Christianity. These are now withdrawn.

As we mounted steep flights of steps we ever and anon had most interesting views afforded us of the harbour and surrounding country. We passed a graveyard on the hill-side, which looked strangely to Christian eyes, with its long rows of graves, each marked by a small headstone. We looked across ravines to other graveyards-they are a feature in the scenery of Nagasaki. Stately trees threw their shadows across the tombs, and here and there a small shrine was to be seen. [See pictures in GLEANER of March, 1874.] We emerged upon the stone platform of an old temple, and saw roofs of other temples amongst the foliage. Whilst Mr. Maundrell was visiting the one or two patients, we sat in the verandah overlooking the town and harbour, and thankfully meditated upon the wondrous Providence that has again opened this long secluded land to the sound of the Gospel. Three hundred years have elapsed since the port below us was sequestrated to the Crown by a famous warrior and general, named Hideyoshi. During this time it has seen Christianity taught and spread, rise and fall, excluded and reintroduced. Still a flourishing port with 60,000 inhabitants, what a magnificent field it offers for the labours of the missionary—a centre from which the southern island of Kiushiu may be evangelised.

We retrace our steps, charmed with the brilliant sunset hues in which earth and sea and sky are glowing, and then in the evening attend Divine service in Japanese. The church is well lighted by paraffin lamps. There is a goodly gathering of natives. Some are in European costume, but most in their becoming native dress. Contrary to Chinese custom, husband and wife, brother and sister, sit side by side. The singing is very sweet, sounding more like Italian than does our Cantonese. There is no pulpit as yet. Mr. Wolfe, from Foochow, standing in the chancel, addresses those present in English, which Mr. Maundrell translates sentence by sentence. The attention is marked; some produce portable ink cases and pens, and take notes. bright-eyed little girl, a native, gave me her hymn-book. I asked Mrs. Goodall, who accompanied the singing on the harmonium, whether she thought the child understood what was said, and was surprised to find that the little girl herself spoke English. After service several young men came up to us and walked with us to the foot of the hill, asking questions about China and the Chinese Christians. They bid us adieu, earnestly requesting us to ask their brethren of the older churches in China to pray for the little Church of Nagasaki.

A

Returning to our ship alone in the dark amid pouring rain I seemed to see, as we glided out into the black night with our single lantern, a picture of the little ship of Christ's Church in Nagasaki. It is afloat, it has the light of the Word, and it is making across the waves of this troublesome world, through the darkness and the storm, towards the great beacon light of the Church triumphant, which is beckoning us all onward to the haven where we would be-the rest that remaineth for the people of God.

MISSIONARY LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PETER.

I.-A BROTHER'S CALL.

"And he brought him to Jesus."—St. John i. 35-42.

N this passage, the beginning of the Church of Christ! The first stones in a great edifice the first trickling of a mighty river-the first blades of an abundant harvest.

Five men who became apostles-missionaries-called in this chapter. In what different ways! Two by a preacher's words (John and Andrew), one by a brother's influence (Simon), one by a friend's visit (Nathanael), one by Christ's direct call (Philip).

I. The Two Brothers. Simon and Andrew-sons of Jonas-fishermen of Bethsaida-"ignorant and unlearned men" (Acts iv. 13; 1 Cor. i. 26-29). With John Baptist at the Jordan-why there? (See Matt. iii. 5, 6; Luke iii. 15.) Eagerly looking out for coming Messiah.

One day Andrew comes in haste to Simon-"We have found Him!" Who were "they"? How had they found Messiah? (vs. 35-40.) "And he brought him to Jesus."

II. The Lamb of God. What did Simon see when he came? A great king to sit on David's throne? A mighty warrior to drive out Roman conquerors? A learned Rabbi with puzzling questions? No: a carpenter from Nazareth! But what had John called Him? "The Lamb of God"-why? (See Isa. liii. 6, 7; comp. Gen. xxii. 8; 1 Pet. i. 19; Rev. v. 6, 12.) That was what they wanted!-a Saviour to take away sin; and that is what we all want.

III. The New Name. God gave Abram a new name-and Jacob. Now Jesus gives Simon one. But not for him to have yet-" Thou art Simon; thou shalt be called Cephas." Simon not like a stone at all; unstable, easily moved; but should be with Jesus the Rock, and by-andbye become rock-like.

SEE WHAT A MISSIONARY MUST BE. (1) Must be "brought to Jesus." (2) Must come to him as a Saviour, as the Lamb of God. (3) Must learn to be like Him.

But how shall he be brought?

A BROTHER'S CALL MAY DO IT. Two brothers at Ang-Iong in China, a carpenter and a tailor. Carpenter heard Gospel at a city fifteen miles off-believed-then told his brother. Both set to work to tell others. Now hundreds of Christians in the neighbourhood.

Have you called your brother-your sister? Bring them to Jesus, and you may be making a missionary !

But have you come to the Lamb first yourself? Perhaps a brother or sister is calling you-are you turning away? "O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us!"

OUR PORTFOLIO.

HE day before he started for Africa, the late Dr. Mullens wrote to a friend :- "Some say of me, that I have Africa on the brain, and that I am forgetting India. Well, the best of my life has been spent for India. I have worked, prayed, struggled for India, and must do so to the end; but, thank God, my heart is big enough to take in Africa as well. Oh, for more of the spirit of the Master, who said, 'Go ye,' not only to India and Africa, but into all the world, and preach the Gospel.' Well, brother, let us work until the shadows deepen, and the day is done."

THE

THE missionaries who laboured for the relief of distress in the recent terrible famine in North China have won the hearts of the people in a remarkable manner. One man travelled a long distance to learn the full Chinese name of Mr. Richard, of the Baptist Mission, that it might be put up in the temple of his village to be worshipped with other benefactors. Mr. Whiting, an American missionary, caught the famine fever and died. His grave was purchased and his funeral expenses paid by the governor of the province, and at the burial the Chinese were with difficulty restrained from paying adoration to the dead body.

other sacred river, the Godavery, is honoured, by those who dwell THE Hindus call their great river, the Ganges, "Mother Gunga"; and on its banks, with the same name. A Brahmin named Govind Shastri, who embraced the Gospel three or four years ago at Nasik, a city on the Godavery, said, “If I were still a devotee, I should be sitting on the

[It will be remembered that in the autumn of 1877-8 Bishop Bompas crossed the Rocky Mountains and visited the C.M.S. stations on the Pacific coast. Some pictures illustrating his journey appeared in the GLEANER of August, 1878. He spent Christmas at Metlakahtla, and sent home the following account of it.]

HE festivities of the season commenced here on Christmas Eve, when a party of about twenty-five of the elder school-girls were invited to meet us at tea. After tea we were all entertained by Mr. Duncan with the exhibition of a galvanic battery and other amusements. This party having dispersed to their homes in good time, at a later hour came together the singers who were appointed to sing Christmas carols during the night along the village street, led by Mr. Schutt, the schoolmaster. After their singing they returned to supper at the Mission before retiring to rest.

On Christmas morning the first sight which greeted us was that of the constables lengthening to its full height the flagstaff on the watch-house, to hoist the flag for Christmas, and all the village street was soon gaily dressed with flags. The constables then marched about the village to different houses to shake hands and make Christmas peace with all whom they had been called to interfere with in the course of the year. At eleven o'clock the church bell rang, and the large church was thronged with a well-dressed and attentive congregation.

After service all the villagers, to the number of about 600, had to come and pass through the Mission-house to shake hands with all the inmates. In doing this they so crowded the verandah that the boards actually gave way beneath them, but the ground being only about two feet below no injury resulted. After all the shaking of hands was over, the villagers returned home to their own private entertainments, and most of us at the Mission enjoyed a quiet Christmas evening together; but Mr. Duncan entertained at tea a party of the chiefs and principal persons of the village, whom we did not join, from inability to converse in the Tsimshean tongue.

The day after Christmas was again a gay one. The constables, twenty-five in number, paraded and exercised on the green with banners and music, and about fifty volunteers in neat white uniform, with drums and fifes and banners flying, went through creditable evolutions and exercises. All the strangers who had come from neighbouring villages to spend Christmas at Metlakahtla were collected by Mr. Duncan in the Mission Hall, and after a suitable address received, all of them, presents of soap, apples, sugar, tobacco, &c. In the evening the usual week-day service was held in the school-room, always crowded.

The following day all the children of the schools were assembled by Mr. Duncan at his house, first the girls and then the boys, about 200 in all, and after being amused by him were treated to sugar-plums and apples, and each one received some article of clothing (cap or cape, &c.), so as to be sent away to their homes rejoicing.

Next day all the men of the village, about 300, were assembled in the market-house to be addressed by Mr. Duncan. After he had given them the best advice he could, their Christmas presents were distributed to them in the presence of all the Mission party. These consisted of lb. sugar and six apples to each one, with copy-book and pencil, or tobacco for the older men.

The day after this, Mr. and Mrs. Schutt kindly entertained all the widows of the village, about sixty in number, to a substantial dinner. It was a pleasure to see even the old and decrepid able to sit at table and enjoy their meal, and it made us enter fully into the idea of the renovating influence of Christmas blessings, to think in what dark and murderous heathenism these aged widows had been reared when young. After dinner Mr. Duncan brought them to his hall to listen to an address, so that they might not return home without words of gospel truth and comfort to cheer them for struggling days.

The morrow, being Sunday, was marked by the usual services. These consist, first, of morning Sunday-school at half-past nine, at which about 200 are present, both children and adults, males and females being in separate buildings. All the elder scholars learn and repeat a text both in English and Tsimshean, and have it explained to them, and they are able to use intelligently their English Bibles for this purpose. At eleven is morning service in church, attended at Christmas time by 700 to 800. Hymns are sung both in English and Tsimshean, and heartily joined in by the congregation. This being the last Sunday in the year the service was made a specially devotional one to seek mercy for the offences of the past twelvemonth.

After morning service the adults meet again in Sunday-school to learn in English and Tsimshean the text of the sermon, and have it again explained to them by the native Sunday-school teachers, who are prepared for this duty at a meeting with Mr. Duncan on Saturday evening. It is very interesting to see about 300 adults gathered together in the three schools at midday, entirely in the hands of native teachers, and with English Bibles in their hands poring intelligently over the text, and following out again the subject of the morning discourse. I cannot but think it would be a great gain if this scheme of Mr. Duncan's could be largely followed in other Missions.

Afternoon service is held in the church at three o'clock, with a Litany, and after this, when the daylight lasts long enough, there is a second Sunday-school. The church is as full in the afternoon as in the morning, and the punctuality of the attendance is surprising. In the evening, at seven o'clock, service is again held in the school-room, which is crowded, and occasional meetings are held by the elder converts for the benefit of any aged people unable to come to church.

To return to the Christmas doings. On the Monday all the women of the village, about 300, assembled in the market-house, and after suitable addresses valuable presents were made to each, viz., 1 lb. soap, 1 lb. rice, and several apples, &c., so that they returned home laden and rejoicing. Altogether about £50 must have been spent upon the Christmas presents.

On Monday evening, being the last night of the old year, a suitable service was held in church, the subject being Psalm xc., "So teach us to number our days," &c. On New Year's Day the festivities were renewed. Bugle-notes and drums and fifes, and the exercises of the volunteers, enlivened the scene. The youth of the village played football on the sands. All the men of the village were assembled in the market-house, and were permanently enrolled in ten companies, the members of each company receiving rosettes of a distinguishing colour. Each company has in it, besides ordinary members, one chief, two constables, one elder, and three councillors, who are all expected to unite in preserving the peace and order of the village. ten chiefs all spoke in the market-house on New Year's Day, and in sensible language promised to follow the teaching they

The