all delight to welcome, he longed to return to his much-loved work. Moffat's heart is still with the Bechuanas; Judson's sympathies were still powerfully drawn towards the natives of Burmah. He sailed, accompanied by his third wife, and several helpers, for his adopted country, and once more entered upon his labours. Political aspects were changed, and so he resolved to make an attempt on Rangoon and Ava. The church at Maulmain had greatly prospered, and indeed missionary prospects had vastly improved. Still, there were sufficient discouragements to make his path other than pleasant; his own naturally lively spirit, however, sustained him. He laboured hard in preparing an English and Burmese dictionary, and when this was completed, he commenced, with the help of an excellent Burmese scholar, the Burmese and English part of this work. This part was, however, left incomplete. A severe cold, followed by a fever, laid him prostrate, and from this he never recovered. It had been evident for some time to his wife that he was ripening fast for heaven. "I believe," she wrote to Judson's brother, "he has sometimes been thought eloquent, both in conversation and in the sacred desk; but the fervid, burning eloquence, the deep pathos, the touching tenderness, the elevation of thought, and intense beauty of expression which characterised those private teachings were not only beyond what I had ever heard before, but such as I felt sure arrested his own attention and surprised even himself. About this time he began to find unusual satisfaction and enjoyment in his private devotions, and seemed to have new objects of interest continually rising in his mind, each of which in turn became the special subject of prayer." Among these were supplications for his children, for more brotherly love, for all missionary enterprises. He grew more Christlike, more habitually joyful, more resigned to the will of his Lord. Despairing of recovery at his home in Burmah, he left his wife for a visit to the Isle of Bourbon, but he died in the passage, and was buried in the deep ocean. His death occurred on the 12th of April, 1850, his wife only surviving him four years.

We have referred to his early ambition, and his love of pre-eminence. Perhaps, not a little of the courage he manifested throughout a life of great heroism, was due to that which but for the grace of God might have been a grave and hurtful fault. He peculiarly needed an ardent spirit. No one without a large stock of enthusiasm could have persevered under so many difficulties. The zeal which left untamed might have wrought serious mischief; regulated by the higher motives of the Christian life, became most helpful to his sacred enterprise. His was a noble resolution-" Resolved to deny self at every turn." That he succeeded wholly in this aim would be too much to expect of any erring man ; and his own humility would have shrunk from claiming perfection, but his life sufficiently proves the truth of his self-denial for the cause of Christ.

And what a lesson does such a life present to ease-loving Christians at home! Very pleasant is it to hear of sacrifices made by missionaries abroad; very pitiable to hear the large expectations of those at home who are far from doing any great marvels themselves. Our American Baptist brethren have cause to be grateful for the honour God has placed upon them in relation to their missions in Burmah.

A cry

For fifty years they have made this their special field. for help has just been sent up from Burmah for twenty more missionaries. It appears that most of the old stations want strengthening, and new stations are needed in most important centres. The missionaries in Burmah state, in their appeal to the American churches, that "the work among the Sgau Karens, from the outset, has afforded the largest results for the labour expended. Hundreds of churches have been formed, hundreds of Christian young men have received more or less training for the ministry. These if properly developed, under the blessing of God would become an evangelical force of incalculable value. This work of training has just begun, while probably not one half of the heathen Sgau Karens in British territory have as yet been reached by the gospel message. Large sections of unbroken heathen ground remain within the limits of every station in Burmah. The tens of thousands of Karens in Siam have hitherto been entirely neglected. It is estimated that the Shan race in Burmah and beyond towards the borders of China, is fully equal to the Burman in numbers." We hope and believe that our American brethren will respond to this earnest and importunate call. The success which has attended the labours of godly men in that land is the best encouragement to stil! further aggressive efforts.

Special Services at the Tabernacle.

(Continued from page 139.)

E abruptly broke off our account of the meetings at the Tabernacle with the servants' meeting of February 22nd. We now continue the story, thanking God that his presence has been with us all through.

On THURSDAY evening, at six, we had a delightful prayer-meeting of young people of both sexes; indeed, there were so many that we thought it wise on future occasions to make two meetings. Hoping that the young men would be more free in prayer alone, we appointed a meeting for them. Knowing that the mouths of the sisters must necessarily be closed while males were present, we thought it would be well to let them also meet alone, so as to pour out their souls vocally before God. It was the greatness of the blessing which necessitated this, and we hope it has opened a channel for a double blessing in the future. After the lecture there were two meetings for enquirers, male and female, and anxious ones came to seek guidance, and others to declare that they had found the Lord.

FRIDAY, Feb. 24th. A very happy meeting was held at the Stockwell Orphanage, to pray for the orphans. Mr. J. A. Spurgeon presided; there was a capital attendance, the boys' singing was very hearty, and the prayers were full of fervency. Our esteemed friend, Mr. Mayers, gave an admirable address. and some of the boys prayed. Several of the lads will, we trust, soon be united with the church, for their conduct gives us every reason to believe that they have passed from death unto life. Our beloved brother, Mr. Charlesworth, gives us great joy, as we see how admirably fitted he is for his post of labour, and to him it is a great delight to see hopeful marks of grace in so many of his youthful charge.

On LORD'S-DAY the pastor, in addition to his two services, which by-the-by in such a place involve a degree of labour of the most exhausting kind, gave a sermon to children. There was a noble attendance in the Tabernacle, and

many of the little ones gave earnest heed to the things which were spoken. It is most pleasant to see how eager many of the young are to be present at every opportunity for hearing the word. In several instances parents and friends, whose judicious opinions have great weight with us, have assured us that the children under their care have lately passed from death unto life. Although very far from being an excitable person, we cannot refuse to cry out, "Glory be to God for this."

MONDAY, Feb. 27th. At six we met a nice little number in the youths' prayer-meeting; there were both young men and boys. Much earnest prayer was offered by the Christian young people for their unsaved companions. Some prayers were touchingly fervent. These youthful prayer-meetings must become an institution with us on a larger scale; they have long been held in connection with the Sabbath-school and the classes.

At the same hour the sisters, upstairs, were pleading with God.

The great prayer meeting, upstairs, at seven, was addressed by five of the officers of the church, and they did their work well, heartily and wisely. Pastors would find it a great relief to the people to hear other voices besides their own; it does elders and deacons good to take an occasional share in the public teaching and exhorting; and in God's hands their testimonies coming from unofficial persons, may have weight where the regular preacher might fail. We were delighted to hear the brethren. "Would God all the Lord's servants were prophets." We thought the variety of the persons, and the differences of their education, lent force to their united appeals; and we trust time will show that they did not plead in vain.

TUESDAY, Feb. 28th, was devoted to butchers' men. The preparations in the victualling department included 1,000 lbs. of meat, 400 loaves, 500 lbs. of cake, 18 lbs. of mustard, 32 lbs. of tea, besides all the et cæteras. About 1,200 came, and the provisions were most readily disposed of. This is peculiarly the meeting of our esteemed brother, Mr. Henry Varley, upon whom may every blessing rest! A considerable number of master-butchers, meat-salesmen, and their wives were present as spectators, taking an evident interest in the whole matter. It showed the kindly feeling existing between the employers and their men. Hymns were printed to be used in the meeting. Friends began to pour in with early admittance tickets at 6.30, and by 7 a large assembly had gathered. Mr. Varley spoke most forcibly upon certain sins, which are, alas! too common among the working men of London. We trust his faithful rebukes and loving admonitions will lead to the best practical results. C. H. S. followed with the gospel, and Mr. Davidson in the like manner. Mr. Varley closed with an address, clear, plain, and forcible, in which he gave the invitation to the marriage feast in his Master's name. It was a night to be remembered, and in some respects the best meeting of the whole series. We look for fruit; some will appear speedily, and more after many days.

WEDNESDAY, March 1st. A large number of the houses of our members were opened for prayer-meetings in the evening. The students of the College were allotted-one to each meeting; but there were not enough, so many houses were opened. We cannot tell how all of these were attended, but that of which we had the pleasure of making one was a devout and earnest gathering. So much prayer cannot ascend to heaven in vain.

THURSDAY, March 2nd. The mothers'-meeting was well sustained, and after the lecture there were more enquirers.

FRIDAY, March 3rd. A large number of young people, between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, and yet unsaved, came together to tea. The addresses were most appropriate and powerful. A solemn feeling was apparent on all sides. The Lord is evidently persuading many hearts to turn unto him. LORD'S-DAY, March 5th. The Sabbath services were exceedingly full of power, The deputations which visited the classes returned rejoicing, and we have good evidence that they left a blessing behind them. At the communion more than forty fresh members were received by the right hand of fellowship.

By this addition our hearts were gladdened and made to hunger for a far larger increase.

The MONDAY prayer-meeting, on March 6th, was spent in commending to God all the various agencies of the church. Pastor J. A. Spurgeon, in due order, mentioned all the works-the College, the Sabbath School, the Colportage, the Orphanage, the adult classes, etc.; and called upon suitable brethren to plead with the Lord for his smile upon each one. These recapitulary meetings, in which all the workers have a share, are deeply interesting, and give a practical tone to the prayers, which prevents monotony and sleepiness. We owe everything under God to our prayer-meetings. The Tabernacle without prayer would be a huge carcase: its very soul would be gone.

TUESDAY night was given up to the parents of the Sunday-school children. Tea was given them; and then they adjourned to the Lecture Hall, where C. H. S. and the teachers were welcomed by their hearty cheers. They came in large numbers, and never had speakers a more eagerly attentive audience. Simple gospel addresses were not only heard with toleration, but drank in with earnestness. A little bread and butter and cake is a good investment, when it brings such a company together. More than ever in London and our large towns must we imitate our Lord by feeding the people as well as teaching them. They are in a better cue for receiving admonitions when they have had proof of your kindness in the food they have enjoyed. Our home school numbers about 1,000 children, and we trust ere long the pastor's desire for new schools will be fulfilled, so that we may have 2,000 children. The neighbourhood swarms like a warren, and requires enlarged school accommodation. An out-and-out Ritualist is now the rector of the parish, and unless we exert ourselves he will steal a march upon us. We must saturate the district with the gospel now that the enemy is at our very doors. May the new schools soon be built. WEDNESDAY, March 8th, was the annual meeting of Mrs. Bartlett's class. This very remarkable institution renews its youth like the eagles, and was never in better working order than now. We think there were some 600 young women present, and there are even more than this usually on Sabbath afternoons. It is a constant matter for joy that the esteemed sister who conducts this class, though always in feeble health, is yet enabled from Sabbath to Sabbath to make such deep impressions upon so many youthful minds. Hundreds are in the church on earth and above who found Jesus in that class. The young friends presented to the College the noble sum of £84 2s. 6d. C. H. S. presided. The addresses of our beloved friends, Varley and Mayers, were excellent, as were those of J. A. S. and W. Olney. The most touching word of all was from Mrs. Bartlett herself. It was a very joyful, but deeply spiritual meeting; well sustained throughout, and certain to be followed by good results. Some very memorable conversions have been reported from this class during the meetings, and more, by God's grace, are to come.

THURSDAY, March 9th.-Pastor J. A. Spurgeon spent the whole day in seeing enquirers, and some twenty were met with who had previously been seen by the elders, and were accepted as candidates to be proposed for church-fellowship. A hard day's work it was, but no reaper minds being wearied with the weight of his sheaves.

The evening was given up to THANKSGIVING. Many hymns were sung, and thanksgivings were presented for us all by the pastors, an elder, a deacon, and a tutor. It was a most joyful occasion. We ought to have more of these Praise Meetings. We sat and sang at our own Great Master's board. The breaking of bread proved itself to be in very deed an eucharistical service, an ordinance of giving of thanks. As David danced before the ark, so did our souls leap for joy in the presence of our all-glorious. Lord Jesus, who revealed himself to his saints.

Weary with the month of services as to the physical man, we yet felt a regret that they were over, which was swallowed up in over-flowing gratitude for the

blessing which has resulted and will result from them. The success of prayer and faithful labour is in no degree doubtful. Seedtime must be followed by harvest. Faith already sees the feast of ingatherings which will last from this day month after mouth. She rejoices in what is yet to be revealed.

"And a new song' is in my mouth,

To long-loved music set;
Glory to thee for all the grace

I have not tasted yet."

To GOD ALONE BE ALL THE GLORY.

No

God.

Fellowship or Church Membership.

BY PASTOR E. DENNETT.

[OTHING is more obvious to those who have studied the Scriptures, tham that it is the duty of every believer to unite himself with the people of I. The grounds of this duty. (1) The fundamental ground of all is the essential unity of believers. We are one by nature. We have the same life, the same indwelling Spirit, the same Lord; or, to use the exact words of Scripture, there is "One body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." And on this the exhortation is grounded, that we are to "endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. iv. 6). To maintain isolation, the one from the other, would thus be to contradict our oneness in Christ, and the consequent fact that we are members one of another. (2) The Lord Jesus himself desires us to manifest our unity. He thus prays: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in nie, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe thou hast sent me." The fulfilment of this prayer necessitates visible fellowship-makes it an imperative duty for every follower of Christ. (3) Many of the duties enjoined upon us can only be discharged in fellowship with other believers. We are bilden to rejoice with those who rejoice, to suffer with those who suffer, to minister to the wants one of another, to be to our fellow Christians, in a word, what Christ has been to us, in service and self-sacrifice. We cannot even partake of the Lord's Supper if we stand alone. (4) In every place where the Gospel was first preached, those whe were converted were gathered into an assembly or church. It was so in Jerusalem, in Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica-everywhere God's people were united in fellowship. Hence, the letters of the inspired writers are ddressed, as, for example: To "the Church of God which is at Corinth" (1 Cor. i. 2). (5) The confession of the name of Christ involves the same duty. On these, among other grounds, no believer is in his right position who has not sought fellowship with the people of God. Not only so, but out of fellowship, he places himself in great temptation and peril. To stand alone is ever a difficult task; and, when our standing alone contravenes the order of God, it is next to impossible that we should stand safely. Christ, indeed, is all-sufficient; but he pours his sufficiency through his own appointed channels -and, if we are outside these, we must not be surprised if he teach us our weakness and sin by suffering us to fall. If, then, you have believed, seek at once to be united with your fellow-believers.

II. The purposes of fellowship. It will help us, if we first explain clearly what is meant by the term "fellowship." It is one constantly used in the New Testament, and is the same word with communion. That is to say, fellowship and communion are used to translate the same word from the