light of the present crisis, contemplate more thoughtfully the preeminent difficulties, and yet the transcendent importance of the work of Irish Evangelisation, not a single Church, not a single Christian, could refrain from helping that work with most fervent and practical sympathy.

ANTICIPATIONS.

That the changes impending, in relation to ecclesiastical affairs in Ireland, will issue in momentous results, all parties are agreed. There are not wanting those, however, who prophesy only evil. It may be well, therefore, to ascertain what the feelings are with which the future is regarded, by the agents of this Society and the other Congregational ministers labouring on the very scene of the grand experiment about to be made. Their views are the more worthy of consideration, because, although ever bearing a quiet testimony to the truth of Christ, in relation to ecclesiastical policy as well as evangelical doctrine, they have had, by reason of their fewness and comparative feebleness, but a small share in bringing about the present state of public sentiment on these matters; and because, in addition, they not only best understand the circumstances in which the cause of Christ in that land is placed, but are the very men, whom, outside of the now Established Church there, the changes expected are likely most powerfully to affect, for good or for evil. It is pleasant then to know, that, as with well-nigh one voice, these brethren anticipate-not immediately, indeed, but, ultimately-good and only good, as the outcome of the mighty alteration now in prospect. One of them thus writes:

"We have arrived at a most important crisis in the history of this country and in the history of Congre

gationalism in this land. The longcherished idea of a State-endowed Church, with its monstrous anomalies, with ample influence and means to deter or bribe men to pass by the Dissenting chapel, all this will soon be a thing of the past. Our principles will then have what they never yet had in Ireland-a fair field of trial. There will be time, and toil, and patience, and sacrifices needed before this is accomplished; but I believe, through the assistance of your valued Society, the work will be carried on, and the crowning day eventually secured."

Another says:—

"I thank God that the Irish State Church is doomed, because His truth will have the fairer field. Independents, as a body, may be weak, but what a soul! Is it not marching on?"

A third thus expresses himself:

"On the whole, I believe the minds of the Presbyterian community are being rapidly prepared for the withdrawal of the Regium Donum, and all State support to religion in Ireland. I believe the day that witnesses the liberation of religion from all State patronage and control will be the brightest and most blessed day for Ireland that has dawned on this unhappy country for many generations. May the Lord hasten it in His time, and grant times of refreshing from His blessed presence!"

One of the most intelligent and influential laymen of the Congregational body in Ireland, says, in a very recent communication:

have much excitement and opposition, but it is well worth while to pass through all this, for the sake of the calm waters beyond."

And the pastor of one of the most prosperous of our self-supporting Churches there, says:

One thing is certain. Our principles are now to be fairly tested. We have a clear duty before us-to see to it that Christ's Gospel shall be preached to the people; that we gather all we can to Christ, and unite them in Christian Churches; that we no longer strive for a mere existence, but that we take an aggressive stand in the country. Our progress may be slow; but it must be sure. We shall no longer have a corporation of Statepaid and State-patronised priests to lord it over us, but a fair field and no favour. And, with the truth of Christ as our weapon, and the presence of Christ to sustain us, we need have no fear."

One devoted agent writes:

"It is true we are passing through a crisis in the history of Church affairs, and one, too, in which we are considered to have no small interest. I think, therefore, that we as ministers should just now be most hopeful. Independency is by no means likely to become extinct. If we do not keep it alive, God is raising up those who will.

Meanwhile, let us, on both sides of the Channel, be faithful to our trust."

Another minister, whom God is greatly blessing, says (in reference to a letter recently addressed to the English Independent):

"I fully endorse Mr. Tarbotton's sentiments when he says, 'the brethren generally there'-in Ireland'are full of hope and confidence as to the future of Congregationalism.'

"It is to me, Sir, a matter of much surprise that any person acquainted with the state of affairs in this country, at present, could entertain any desponding thought on the subject. I can assure you my own thoughts regarding the ultimate success of our good cause are the very reverse of despondency.

"Believing firmly that brighter days will shortly dawn upon our country, and praying that God may bless all who love and pray for the peace Zion, I am, etc.'

HINDRANCES.

It may safely be asserted that scarcely any, if any, sphere of mission labour in the world presents greater difficulties than those with which the Congregational minister or evangelist has to grapple in the Irish mission field. Some who are unacquainted with the peculiarities of life, whether social, political, or ecclesiastical, in Ireland, may deem this strange, if not extravagant. But such as have lived and laboured for any time in that country, as well as in England, or elsewhere, know it to be true.

The dear brethren so devotedly working there for Christ and for souls, needed, therefore, no aggravation of their difficulties. Such, however, unhappily, is now their experience in many of the localities where their toils are carried on. Not to their honour, the partisans of the

existing state of things in ecclesiastical matters are, in numerous instances, so carried away by political antagonism and sectarian bigotry, that-forgetful of all the charities which a Christian profession supposes-they are pouring upon the devoted heads of our brethren the vials of their anger. Indeed, simply as the result of their known sympathy with the voluntaryism and spirituality of Christ's kingdom, these earnest labourers are just now enduring actual persecution, in various forms, from many who profess themselves "Protestants;" the oppressive force of which it needs especial grace Christianly to endure.

It is earnestly hoped, and, indeed, gladly believed, that a persecution so discreditable to the "Protestantism" of those who adopt it, will be but of comparatively brief duration; yet, whilst it lasts, it is felt but just to specify it as a powerful reason why the brethren in Ireland should have a larger share than ever in the prayerful sympathy of those who in England are more happily placed.

LABOURS.

The agents of this Society continue their efforts for the spiritual good of the people with unabated assiduity, and, whether working as pastors or evangelists, in the busy town population or among the more scattered population of the agricultural districts, are constantly exhibiting to their countrymen, Christ, as the only and sufficient Saviour.

Some extracts from their journals will furnish interesting illustrations. A town evangelist reports for the month ending February 25th, 1869 :"During the above month it will be seen that I have made 232 visits to families, including three visits to the sick. Number of meetings held, 4; number of attendants, 81; number of

Scripture readings, 85; number of tracts distributed, 202; number of Bibles or Testaments, 1; number of children brought to the Sabbathschool, 3; number of persons induced to attend public worship, 13."

Another evangelist labouring in a scattered agricultural population, says:

"During this month visited 92 families; read and expounded the Scriptures to 204 Roman Catholics and 248 Protestants; distributed 48 tracts; had 44 readings; and made eight visits to the sick."

An earnest pastor, in a village surrounded by several other villages, writes the following:

"In giving you a brief outline of what has been done in this place during the past year, I may preface my remarks by saying, that in every department of my labour I have had encouragement. The attendance on the service in the chapel on the Sabbath morning is so much improved that it is frequently referred to by occasional visitors, whilst it is a matter of much encouragement to our own people. Ten additions have been made to the fellowship of the Church during the past year, and we have two more to propose at our next Church meeting. This raises the number up to fifty-nine in full communion. Our Sabbath-schools, both in the chapel and at R-, are in an exceedingly healthy and prosperous state. All the old out-stations are attended as well as, if not better, than ever, and I have opened up a new station, within about a mile from the chapel, for occasional services. It promises to be useful and well attended. We are getting extensive repairs done to the chapel. I have succeeded very well in raising money so far; and I believe when all is completed that there will not be a shilling of debt resting on the house. Thus far the Lord hath helped us."

ENCOURAGEMENTS.

It is gratifying to know that few, if any, of the agents of this Society are destitute of tokens of the Divine power and approval in their several spheres. In some of them, indeed, such tokens are eminently marked, and consequently, eminently delightful and stimulating to the heart of the devoted worker. But the encouragement to which it is wished now to call attention is that which, in a more general way, is connected with, and indeed has arisen from, the national excitement, for some months manifested, on account of the impending ecclesiastical changes in the sister land. Whilst so-called Protestants as already shown-are opposing the agents of this Society, and the other Voluntary labourers, Roman Catholics, in several instances, are manifesting towards them a kindliness and a desire for instruction by them unknown before. To those acquainted with Ireland the explanation is easy. Heretofore, in their ignorance, the Romanists have, except in very few localities, regarded all classes of "Protestants" with the same inveterate prejudice, as if they were alike representatives of the State-enforced and State-supported creed. The very hostility of the State-Church Protestants thus manifested towards our voluntary Protestant brethren is beginning already to open the eyes of the Romanists, who now see that whilst some Protestants desire domination over them, others desire to obtain justice for them, and are even suffering on that behalf.

Testimonies to the interesting fact thus mentioned have reached the Secretary from various parts of Ireland -North, West, and South. One minister states that such a spirit of inquiry has been awakened by the political and ecclesiastical excitements of the last six or eight months, in the

of

town in which he labours, that several Romanists have sought instruction from him, and some-even among the most respectable-have invited him for this purpose to their own houses. So striking is this melting down of prejudice, that he adds-If any one had told him eighteen months ago that such an auspicious change would have been witnessed within the next ten years, he should have thought them dreaming! Another excellent pastor reports that the evangelist whom he superintends has been of late applied to by an unusual number of Roman Catholics for conversation on religious subjects. A third minister reports, that in the town where he labours, he was recently sent for by a Romanist to visit his daughter, who was dangerously ill. Our excellent brother immediately went: and as he talked with the young woman, and read to her, and explained the way salvation, through Christ, the only Priest and Mediator, she wept with deepest emotion. He then knelt by her bedside, and prayed with her. The father, with intense solicitude, joined in the prayers, audibly sobbing and responding. When the minister was about to leave, the father, with tearful face and choked utterance-as he clasped our friend's hand in both his own hands-exclaimed: "From my very heart I thank you, sir, for coming so kindly to see my dear child. Oh! do come again, Mr. G—, as often as ever you can. This house will always welcome ye." Our brother left that Romish dwelling encouraged to believe that this gratifying incident is but the first of many which, ere very long, he will be privileged to place on record. Who does not see that the present opportunity for Ireland's evangelisation is at once so auspicious and so critical that it would be disloyalty to our Divine Lord were British Christians to neglect it!