work and devote himself to searching for his tenant seemed to him a matter of course. In Kiah's opinion, time could not be better employed than in helping one's neighbour. "I may not be so fortunate," said Kiah, "as to live until that beautiful day when all the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. I have always thought I should be so happy if I could be here on the earth until the Lord's return, and be one of those caught up to meet Him in the air. I fear that can't be; but if I am not to live until that good time, there is no reason why I should not have as far as possible the manners of that time, and I make sure that then every man will live for the good of his neighbour. Keep up courage, Miss Faith. Along these ways that you and I now walk in trouble some day angels will walk, communing with men able to see such holy creatures; and then there will be no more tired feet carrying heavy hearts, but only the ransomed of the Lord going on their errands with joy and singing."

Faith could not that sad morning take the comfort that Kiah did in

these prognostications. She was younger, and her present trouble was heavy.

"Where are we to go, and what are we to do?" she asked Kiah.

"You'll go and sit in the railroad

station, and I will go to the three saloons and find out pretty soon if your father has been there, and I'll find out if there is any person that they suspect of illegal liquor-selling. It is a crying injustice, Miss Faith, that any liquor-selling should be legal. The law ought to be for the betterment of the citizens, and not work out their destruction. As I take it, God is the only true fountain of law and of the authority of men over men, and the holy Bible is the pattern law book or statute book; but I tell you, the race of men has got to be mightily perverted! That is one thing that gives me courage. I think the measure of iniquity must be just about even full."

"And I think it has been heaped up and running over ever and ever so long!" cried Faith.

"Now, Kiah, I'll go over to the station to wait for you; but mind, I am not going home until I find my father and get back my pictures; and I have some money with me, so that as soon as we do get father and the pictures we can take a carriage and drive back as far as your boathouse. If there is money needed, spend it; I have some."

་་

"Go thy ways, child," said Kiah kindly. "I too have brought money, and this much good I can get out of my earnings, that they shall be used to cure sorrow and rescue my neighbour."

SOME time I shall behold it!
What will the wonder be
From hands that now enfold it,
To read the name for me?
Unknown to any other,
Designed for me alone,
When my dear Elder Brother
Shall make the gift my own.

O stone of beauty waiting!

With polishment most rare; The King Himself translating The words engraven there;

Yes, I shall understand it,
My Saviour's thought alone,
When He to me shall hand it,
My name upon the stone.

"Twill only be His story

In the enjewelled phrase, And His shall be the glory,

And mine to speak his praise ; Then shall I know the measure Of all His love to me; The sum of all my treasure Safe in my hand shall be.

THE METHODIST CHURCH. General Superintendent.-The annual Conferences in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have all been held. The General Superintendent could only be present at Toronto, Hamilton, and London Conferences, and only for a few days at each.

Before going to the Conferences in the Maritime Provinces, he made a hasty trip to Nashville, Tenn., where he preached the baccalaureate sermon at Vanderbilt University. The Southerners were pleased with him and regretted that his stay was so short. The addresses by Dr. Carman at the opening of the Conferences which he attended were, as usual, comprehensive and powerful, and the ordination sermons which he preached at Hamilton and London Conferences were appropriate and full of Gospel truth. The several Conferences were held at Toronto, Hamilton, Strathroy, Picton, Smith's Fails and Victoria respectively.

Presidents and Secretaries.-The following brethren were elected to the offices of president and secretary in their respective Conferences. Toronto-Revs. M. L. Pearson and G. K. Adams. Hamilton-Revs. W. Kettlewell and S. Sellery. London-Revs. W. Williams, D.D., and R. J. Treleaven. Bay of QuinteRevs. F. B. Stratton and T. J. Edmison, B.A., B.D. Montreal-Revs. J. Armstrong and F. G. Lett. British Columbia -Revs. S. Cleaver and J. B. Bowell.

Jubilee Sermon.-An incident occurred at the Montreal Conference which was of more than ordinary interest, the venerable Richard Whiting preaching a jubilee sermon. He had borne an honoured name among his brethren all these years, and had filled various important positions, such as chairman of district and president of Conference, and now he told of the way God had led him all these years, and exhibited the first ticket which he received when he joined "the people called Methodists."

Deaths.-There was a large mortality reported among the ministers. Not less

than thirteen had been called from labour to rest, some, like Fathers Shaler and Graham, had long been venerable with age; others, such as J. C. Slater, W. Lund, T. Cleworth, J. Fairchilds, S. Blanchard and J. H. Andrews, had been retired a few years. W. Hall, J. W. Annis, D. G. Sutherland, E. D. Lewis and W. Torrance were in the active work, and might be said to have died at their post. They were blameless in life, calm and peaceful in death. Their comrades in arms bore testimony to their fidelity in preaching the glorious Gospel.

Ministerial Character.-Happily there were few cases which required disciplinary action. One brother in the Montreal Conference was deposed from the ministry for refusing to go to the station assigned him in 1894, and for acting very irregularly in holding evangelistic services in various places without the consent of the ministers in charge, thus creating divisions in the churches and doing much injury. A few probationers, having acted irregularly, were dropped in silence; and one, found guilty of immorality, was expelled.

Statistics. It is not an easy task to obtain correct statistics, but as far as we have been able to examine the returns there have been received into full connection and ordained not less than seventy-five probationers; and 130 candidates received on probation. So large was the supply that all vacancies in the ministry through superannuation and removal by death, were filled. There is no scarcity of labourers, but there is great lack of means for their support. In one Conference where there are 150 ministers and probationers, the total deficiency of salary reported was $3,999.

Governor-General.-As usual there were several welcome visitors to the various Conferences. At Hamilton the Earl of Aberdeen was among the number; and his Excellency, on being invited to the platform by the president, kindly acceded to the request, and spoke a few kind words to the Conference. He was ac

companied by Hon. W. E. Sanford,

senator.

Holiness.--London Conference had secured the services of the Rev. Dr. Keen, a distinguished revivalist from the United States, who held several pentecostal services which were seasons of great spiritual power. At all the Conferences special services for the promotion of holiness were held.

Funds.-Owing to the almost universal depression of every kind of business the various connexional funds were not sustained as they should have been. At the time of writing these notes the returns to the Missionary Fund are not completed; but, so far as reported, there is a considerable deficiency. This is the more to be regretted as not only can there be no extension of the work into the "regions beyond," but there must necessarily be considerable reduction in the scale of allowance to those who are now labouring in poor fields. In Toronto Conference the amount paid to the ministers exceeded $129,000, but a deficiency of more than $7,000 was reported. Several married

ministers received less than $500.

Young People's Societies.-The reports from the Sunday-schools and Epworth Leagues contained many interesting incidents. Hundreds of conversions were reported among the scholars, and several thousands have signed the totalabstinence pledge. The appointment of the Rev. A. C. Crews to the position of Secretary for the Sunday-schools and Young People's Societies, has given universal satisfaction. Great hopes are entertained that his visits to various connexional centres will be the means of largely augmenting the number of the members of those societies, and also increasing their efficiency.

Debts.-A few of the Conferences are greatly encumbered with church debts. This is a matter greatly to be deplored, as much time must necessarily be occupied in contriving ways and means which could be better spent in spiritual labours. A lay member in Toronto Conference expressed the hope that in future greater care would be observed in church erections so as not to increase the burdens which in some places have become almost intolerable.

Education. The reports from the educational institutions were of a most encouraging character. Victoria never had such a large attendance as during the past year. Of those in attendance more than 150 have made the choice of the

ministry as their life work.... The Wesleyan Theological College in Montreal has not been retarded in its prosperity by the death of its late eloquent and gifted principal, Dr. Douglas. Principal Shaw is to be congratulated on the successful year with which he and the members of the faculty have been favoured....Manitoba College reports a successful term. The liberality which has been called forth among both ninisters and people in supporting the institution is worthy of the highest praise.... The Columbian Methodist College in British Columbia has struggled manfully to carry forward the work of higher education. More than forty pupils, male and female, have been in attendance, and a still larger number is expected next year. Valuable property has been secured in New Westminster as the future home of the college. Mr. H. A. Massey has greatly aided in this enterprise, and the friends are hoping that the time for them to build will soon come. . . . The friends of Albert College, in Belleville, have fought hard against the most adverse circumstances to bring their institution to its present state of prosperity. They must of necessity increase their accommodation. Mr. Massey promised $10,000 if the friends would raise an equal amount. They have actually raised $15,000....The ladies' colleges are being vigorously maintained. The institution at Whitby cannot make further progress without enlarging its borders. Here again Mr. Massey has acted a most generous part by donating a large amount, providing a reasonable response is given by the friends of the college. The corner-stone of the new wing has been laid by a daughter of the generous donor whose name has just been mentioned. Dr. Potts delivered the oration. The commencement and the corner-stone laying made a grand redletter day.... Alma College, St. Thomas. reported 150 pupils enrolled. Principal Austin was full of gratitude for the past and of hope for the future. The debt was being reduced. The young ladies were doing a good deal of real missionary work; indeed, this is a feature in all the colleges. The zeal which is being displayed in Christian missions augurs well for the future. . . . Hamilton Ladies' College, which is the oldest of its kind in Canada, has, we learn on the authority of its principal, enjoyed a most prosperous year. He claimed that four hundred young ladies have graduated within its walls since its inception. Several of these are filling important positions both in our own and other lands.

The Book-Room. - Great interest is always felt in the report which Dr. Briggs presents from year to year at all the Conferences. However dry figures may be the genial Book-Steward so presents his bill-of-fare that it suits even the most fastidious of his hearers. He stated that about $430,000 of cash was turned over in the year. Notwithstanding the hard times he claimed that the House had enjoyed a prosperous term, as a proof of which $7,500 had been donated to the Superannuation Fund--the largest amount ever donated. The Book-Steward, however, startled some of his hearers when he told of the debts owing to the Book-Room by certain ministers, some of whom were not at all courteous in the replies which they sent him to letters asking for payment. With great regret he stated that unless there was a diminution of these obligations severe means would have to be adopted.

Sabbath Observance.-Ontario reveres the Sabbath, and probably Toronto excels all other cities in its efforts to keep the Sabbath day holy. There is an increasing effort on the part of many to break down the sacredness of the day of rest. All the Conferences spoke in strong terms in favour of maintaining the sanctity of the Lord's day. Sir Charles H. Tupper's efforts to secure an amendment to the Lord's Day Act, which would prevent the publication and sale of all newspapers on the Lord's day, were highly commended; while the praiseworthy and zealous manner in which John Charlton, Esq., M.P., has contended for parliamentary enactments to further promote the sanctity of the Lord's day received like recognition from the various Conferences. The members of our churches were urged to avoid travelling by all kinds of public conveyances on this day, to avoid late shopping on Saturdays, to support all those efforts which were being made to secure a better observance of this holy day, and wherever possible to secure a half-holiday during the week. Works of necessity and mercy alone should be performed on the Lord's day.

Temperance. Of course, all Methodist Conferences favour temperance. When the subject was not so popular as it is at present our ministers and people were among its most zealous advocates, and such they have remained to the present time. A temperance meeting is held at every Conference.

Deaconess Movement.-A delegation from the Deaconess' Home visited To

ronto Conference and greatly interested the members with an account of what the sisters are doing on behalf of the sick and suffering. As the deaconess work becomes better known it will be better appreciated. It is a work of mercy such as we feel sure the Lord will bless.

Rev. W. S. Griffin, D.D.-This esteemed minister is treasurer of the Superannuation Fund. He looks well after the interests of the fund committed to his care, and his annual visits to the Conferences, and his labours on circuits, both in the pulpit and at conventions, are a great inspiration.

Manitoba School Question.-It was not possible to avoid expressions of opinion on this vexed question. Some were afraid of politics, and cried aloud "hands off," but for good or for evil the Conferences voiced their sentiments. The consensus of opinion seemed to be that the people of Manitoba should be allowed to settle the matter as they think best. In this opinion no member of Conference desired to injure their Roman Catholic fellow-subjects a single iota.

The Outlook.-No doubt some are disappointed. But taken as a whole we trust that the various Conferences have entered upon a successful year. If the religious services that were held, more particularly the devotional meetings at the opening, with the love-feast, reception and ordination services, are an indication, we may anticipate that showers of blessing will descend upon all the Conferences during the present year. God grant that our expectations may be realized!

OTHER CANADIAN CHURCHES.

The Presbyterian Assembly met in London. More than five hundred commissioners were appointed, but not more than three hundred were in attendance at any single session. The retiring moderator was the apostolic Mackay, the founder of the mission in Formosa. His sermon and addresses were of the most arousing kind. The new moderator, Dr. Robertson, has long been known by his indefatigable labours as General Superintendent of Missions in Manitoba. He richly merits the honour thus conferred. Some of the aged Presbyterian veterans, such as the venerable Dr. Reid and Dr. Gregg, were compelled to retire, but they will be succeeded by other efficient men. The missions at home and abroad were reported prosperous, though for obvious reasons those in China and Formosa ex

cited the greatest interest. The band of workers have returned to China, and Dr. Mackay will soon return to Formosa and spend most of his time in raising up a native ministry. The support given to the ministry reflects the highest honour upon the Church. The Augmentation Fund is a great boon to poor churches. The more wealthy churches and several of the ministers subscribe munificently to it. Methodists might learn a lesson here and treat their Sustentation Fund more liberally. Presbyterians in Canada claim 100,000 families, or 500,000 souls, and 174,000 communicants.

Congregational Union.-This annual gathering took place at Hamilton and was attended by delegates from different Provinces. The Colonial Missionary Society had offered $1,250 to the support of missions in Canada, but the offer was refused, so that our friends possess a large share of independence. We love the principle of self-reliance. Lack of funds greatly retards the progress of the Union.

Baptist Convention. - The Baptist Church has made great strides in Canada during the last few years. The recent convention held in Toronto was numerously attended. Several members were appointed to attend the Pan-American Congress. Much time was occupied with the reports of the colleges, which were satisfactory in every respect, though there was a small monetary deficiency in some of the funds. The home missions were regarded as particularly prosperous. The average salary of the missionaries is $557.30. The late Senator McMaster, whose gifts to the Church were so great, did not forget aged ministers. His legacy has brought in $31,035. His example might be observed by the wealthy of all Churches.

The Anglican Church.-The Synod of Toronto met in St. James' school-house. Bishop Sweatman delivered a lengthy address. There was a loss of ten clergymen, but not less than twenty had been received, which now makes 150 engaged in parochial work, besides others, including ten superannuates. His lordship reported 552 communicants by confirmation. He quoted numerous statistics which clearly proved the advancement made both in Canada and other parts of the world. A new officer called Canon Missioner had been instituted. A new diocese is contemplated which will reduce that of Toronto, and the Bishop of Algoma is likely to be made principal of the university in London. The change will be

made on the ground that the climate of Algoma is too severe for the health of the bishop. The Anglican Church would favour the establishment of parochial schools.

ITEMS.

Archbishop Whately said, “If our religion is not true, we are bound to change it; if it is true, we are bound to propagate it.

Washington Square church, New York, has been sold for $250,000. The amount is to be used solely for evangelistic work in the lower part of the city.

The Governor of Chin-Kiang, China, some time ago visited the Methodist girls' school in the city and gave each of the principals $50 in appreciation of their work.

Three women have lately been ordained by as many Conferences of the Methodist Protestant Church. Another Conference refused to ordain a young lady, even though she had graduated at a theological seminary.

In the British navy there are not less than 5,680 enrolled Wesleyans. In the ships of the Mediterranean and Red seas there are 736 Wesleyans, and 252 in those at the Cape and West Coast of Africa, while others are in China, West Indies, Australia, etc.

November 21st, 1894, was the birthday of the Queen of Madagascar. The first pocket-edition of the revised Malagasy Bible was then issued. This pocketBible is a great boon, and when the consignment reached Antanarivo, there was a rush to secure copies. In a few days every copy was sold, and the people were crying out for more.

The Wesleyan Missionary Society is recovering from its discouragements of the past few years. The proposal to establish a society somewhat akin to the Epworth League has been received with great favour. Methodists are very conspicuous in the ranks of temperance and social purity workers. The Local Option Bill of the Government received special favour.

A granddaughter of Charles Wesley recently died in London, aged seventyseven. Like her ancestor, she was a lover of music, and could compose music as well as perform the duties of organist. Her funeral was conducted in Wesley's chapel, City Road. Her surviving brother is organist in that famous Methodist cathedral and has done much to raise the standard of the service.