have promising fields pre-occupied by erroneous teaching, we cannot afford to lag behind in this work. As Baptists we ought to answer these calls from love and loyalty to our Lord and in thankfulness for the marvelous growth with which He has already blessed us. No other denomination can do our work. Our province in the work of Christ's church is ours exclusively. Presbyterians may do quite satisfactorily the work of Congregationalists; Congregationalists may do passably well the work of Methodists; but the work of Baptists can be done by Baptists only.

(4.) In presenting this cause of church edifice work, we are sometimes met by the query," Why cannot these churches wait till they are able to build without help as we did forty or fifty years ago, when this country was new ?" We answer:

Because to do so would be to lose position and influence, which, if ever regained, would be regained with great difficulty and at great cost. The settlement of a new country is a vastly different thing to-day from what it was fifty years ago.

The ease and rapidity of transportation, the larger native population from which to draw, and the great tide of foreign immigration now sweeping westward, totally alter the conditions of a half century ago. Then the unsettled portions of Michigan and Indiana and Illinois were largely colonized from neighborhoods in the older States. The people that settled any particular township were nearly homogeneous. Many of them were old neighbors. They simply transplanted their old customs and habits. In many instances they fixed to the new townships the names of those from which they came. Churches were organized after the pattern of those where they had worshiped with their fathers. Foreign immigration affected them but slightly, if at all. In the slow growth, the log schoolhouse served them a good purpose for a house of worship until they could build something better.

To-day thousands seek a new country where scores did then, and these thousands are a mixed multitude, from widely separated Eastern homes, and from almost every quar

ter of the Eastern Continent. Instead of colonies of old neighbors, we have settlements of strangers with divers habits and methods of life. The power of the Gospel must melt these elements, and weld them together in a homogeneous mass.

The house of worship is needed as the rallying point, the centre of influence, and when new churches are formed they must have our help because, in the rapidly increasing population, they must build not alone for the present but also with reference to the future. Some of them might perhaps build without aid what would do for to day. But to do so would be to find themselves almost at once behind the needs of the times, and burdened with a house which had exhausted their means and still was inadequate to their wants. A wise policy therefore bids them build with reference to the future, and a just and generous policy bids us hold out to them the helping hand. In so doing it is more than possible that we may help to plant a church where at no distant day our sons and daughters may find a Christian home and Christian companionship.

A word as to what has already been done by the Society. From the last report we learn that during the year ending April, 1885, 113 churches were aided, securing to the denomination property to the value of $315,

During the past two years not so much has been done, for lack of funds. Since the Church Edifice Fund was started 834 churches have been helped, securing property to the value of about $2,500,000.

No other cause appeals to us for aid with more urgency or more assured promise of speedy and beneficent results than does this church edifice work. It is indeed in Home Missions the foremost duty of the hour. The evangelists have gone into the new territory preaching the gospel, hunting up the scattered sheep, by the grace of God converting souls, and gathering Sunday schools. Churches have been organized, rich in faith and good works, but poor in this world's goods. These churches must have homes. They are willing to sacrifice and to lift as probably few of us have any conception of lifting, to obtain

them. A little help from us will enable them to realize what they can not hope for unaided. Many a time has the assurance of a few hundred dollars from the Home Mission Society proved the inspiration that has enabled a feeble church to arise and build, when otherwise they would not have thought it possible. We ought to meet these calls gladly and cheerfully. We ought to give the help that will secure the building of at least 500 church edifices for Baptist churches during the coming year. Shall we try to do it? We ought to do it. We can do it if we will. No better investment of money can be possible for the Christian. Let it be remembered that $100 given in aid of these needy churches now will accomplish as much as will $1,000 on the same fields ten years from now.

Some of us must soon lay down our burdens, leave to other hands our worldly wealth, and go to give to the Master an account of our stewardship. When that time comes, better than any elaborate monument of bronze or marble, better than the most eloquent eulogium, though written with fadeless ink upon the most enduring parchment, will be some house for God's worship which our gifts have helped to build, within whose walls for generations the gospel shall be preached and souls shall be saved from the curse of sin, and from whose gates a long procession of redeemed saints shall go up to enter the gates celestial, trophies of our Lord's redeeming work and fruits of the prayers and gifts and labors of his people.

NEEDY NEBRASKA.

BY REV. J. J. KEELER, DISTRICT MISSIONARY.

The area of this State is fourteen thousand square miles greater than that of the six New England States, with a population, according to the latest census, of 740,145. The Baptists have an enrollment of 6,835. But the western two-fifths of southern and the western two-thirds of northern Nebraska, containing more than half the area of the State and a

population of over 100,000, has a Baptist roll of but 420. These are distributed among twenty-four churches, averaging less than eighteen members to the church.

My District, nearly as large as the State of Pennsylvania, has ten pastors, with a few superannuated ministers, and a few others who are content to labor in obscurity and preach to congregations not organized, to proclaim the doctrines of the Word of God as preached by the Baptists.

So each pastor would have ten thousand souls in his care had there been no increase of population since the census was made. This, however, is the country to which new settlers are coming so rapidly that since then many districts have doubled and even quadrupled their people. And still they come. Never was there greater demand than now for lands and inquiry for homes; so that in many places, esteemed until lately as barren, man's industry is changing the face of the country entirely. The incoming population is poor, so poor that, while opening their farms and getting ready to enjoy the reward of their labors upon the soil, it is impossible for them to sustain pastors and build churches unaided. If we wait to give them the benefit of pastors and churches when they are able so pay for them, they will often have grown so close and hard by their struggles with poverty and adversity that they cannot be aroused to interest in God's work. Meanwhile their children are growing up without the Gospel influence and unacquainted with its life. At many places in the State which I have visited I found numerous points where a Baptist church might be organized and would certainly grow and flourish, but only one which is able to support a pastor. Yet the principal points in this vast field should be taken and held now. The opportunity is better than it will be some time hence, for where a new town is organized or a new community formed the church which first enters the field has advantages of aid in building, and preferences on account of readiness to Occupy, which cannot be obtained by those later upon the ground.

For example, Chadron is a new town of

1,500 inhabitants. It is the gateway to the Black Hills Country, and a division station on the F. E. & Mo. Val. R. R. In the earlier months of its existence a lot for a church could have been procured from the R. R. Co. as a donation. Now an eligible site will cost $600 to $1,000. But we have here a goodly number of Baptists, and though under great difficulties, on account of poverty, hope to organize a church at once and go on to win victories for the Gospel. Anselmo, a town less than eight months old, the terminus of the new B. & M. extension, about 100 miles northwest of Grand Island, is offering lots for church and parsonage. No church in the place, though a population of nearly 1,000 is tributary to it. And we have a few there who are firm in the faith and anxious to work in a church of their own order.

At North Platte a church was organized in 1871. There is a church and parsonage there. The town has over 3,000 inhabitants. The membership of the church is only about ten, and no man can be procured for the field because of lack of funds. New towns which are and must continue to be centers of energy are springing up all over this field, and the cry comes to us, "Have you no interest in the Master's cause in the West, or why is it that you don't send us a man to look after these Baptists ? "

Needy Nebraska! Ah! here is need indeed! Who will send the men ready to work these places for our God?

FROM THE FIELD

"Watchman, What of the Night?"

Missions

Gleanings from the German Field.

BY J. G. GRIMMELL.

One of the new fields to which a good German brother is about to be sent is Coal City, Ill. Three years ago an emigrant Baptist, whose daily work was

in the mines, began to invite neighbors to his family worship on Sunday afternoons. The exercises were very simple but attractive to more Germans living in the neighborhood than could be provided with chairs. Among them was Mr. L. Miesele, who, though living in the same house, had long refused the neighborly invitation, pleading entire unbelief in whatever matters pertaining to religion. The spirited singing however drew him to hear the reading of a chapter from the Bible with simple comments now and then drawn from the commentary of a soul's experience.

-The Baptist after a time moved farther West. The neighbors now came to Mr. Miesele, asking him He did so. His soul was to read the Bible, awakened. Never did a man feel the burden of sin more heavy nor realize the might of spiritual ignorance with more pain. Down in the depths of the mine he would agonize in prayer, crying aloud to God for mercy and light to his crushed soul. In vain his fellow-laborers endeavored to cheer and explain. There was no rest until the Holy Spirit brought peace that passeth all understanding. Then he left his work, and hastening from one acquaintance to the other, pressed upon each the necessity of striving for the blessed hope. The result was that eleven men and women were buried in baptism together with him, testifying to the grace which God gave this new convert. Mr. Miesele, after spending one year in the German Theological Seminary, is to enter the field under the inestimable privilege of devoting his whole time to the work of winning souls. May God who loves him bless him abundantly.

-The converts at Coal City are members of the First German Baptist Church of Chicago, Rev. J. Meier Pastor. A model band of workers! Though worshiping in an old frame shed, which only blind love would call a church, they have devoted all possible contributions to the establishing of missions in that wicked city. The Second German Church-on the north side - recently went out with flying colors to begin work in a first-rate two story brick edifice. And immediately the gap was filled by a German Adventist Society, which joined the First Church in a body. So the devil is not having things his own way altogether among the foreign population about Haymarket Square.

-A good beginning in Foster Co., Dak.-In the fal! of 1883 some German Baptists from Roumania had settled here, who, during a subsequent visit of the German Secretary, were organized into a church. They remained without a pastor until last fall, when Bro. A. F. Brauns, a graduate from Rochester, entered upon his work among this people. He was ordained to the gospel ministry April 10th, and on the following Sunday baptized fifteen happy converts. The membership is now fifty and the prospects are very promising.

-Two mission churches self-supporting.-One of the most prosperous German missions supported for several years by the Home Mission Society is

that in and around Hagarty in the northern part of Ontario. From a small number of Baptists which organized into a church during a visit of Rev. G. A. Schulte (who was laboring as an evangelist of German Baptist churches), the growth has been steady and substantial. There is now a membership of 125, though many have moved to other fields, where they are identified with regular churches. During the past year the church at Hagarty, with grateful acknowledgement for help in the past, has decided henceforth rather to aid the cause of Home Missions than be the recipient of further aid.

In like manner has the German church at Williamsport, Pa., grown strong enough now to raise the standard of her own self-support. In a resolution, unanimously and enthusiastically adopted, expression of the most hearty appreciation was given at the noble work done through the agency of the Home Mission Society.

Our Castle Garden Mission.

BY REV. J. SCHIEK, MISSIONARY.

Although the work of the American Baptist Home Mission in Castle Garden is but little known among our churches, it is nevertheless one of the most important and necessary branches of our mission.

If we consider that an average of over 1,000 people daily pass through the gates of Castle Garden to enter our blessed land, and that in the latter years emigration in this country has reached half a million annually, then we have sufficient proof that these streaming multitudes offer a great field for our mission. Verily, the time has come to draw the attention of our churches to this vast emigration, so as to induce them to take a lively interest in this mission.

A great responsibility rests on the churches of this land to provide for these foreigners from distant shores, and it is their duty to look after their spiritual and temporal welfare. Our churches can no more ignore this task, as they are admonished by the special command, "Love ye therefore the strangers that enter thy gates" saith the Lord.

Two-thirds of all our emigrants are Germans, while the rest come from Great Britain, Scandinavia, France, Italy and other European States. They are as different in their religion as they are in their nationalities. Protestants and Roman Catholics, Jews and Gentiles and Mormons and such as have no religion enter side by side into Castle Garden.

Now it is a matter of utmost importance to the emigrants what kind of people he meets on his arrival, as the good influence as well as the bad one may decide his future destination for life. Many a one has been led by our missionary into the house of God, where he found a spiritual home, and began a new

life. On the other side we must say that many a one has been, on his arrival, brought in contact with evil influence that led him deeper and deeper into perdi. tion. Of both instances we are able to adduce many proofs. A great responsibility rests upon Christians of our country towards these foreigners.

Our emigrants, should above all things be made conscious, entering our shores, that this is a Christian land; they should at once meet the seeking love that says: "Come and we will do you good." We as Baptists should never be guilty of the depravation into which many of our foreigners fall that look for a home in our blessed country, neither should we stay behind other denominations that exert themselves so zealously for the welfare of the emigrants. We should above all endeavor at least to look and provide for the brethren of our faith. Would to God that these few lines might create a sincere interest in these dear people, and lead us to intercede most earnestly for this important mission.

The Roman Catholic as well as the Protestant churches have, in order to protect their members that come over to this country, and to lead back in their fold, appointed missionaries in Castle Garden that greatly exert themselves, especially the Roman Catholic, to cultivate this rich and copious field.

We as Baptists, persuaded and convinced of the urgent necessity of representation in this important place, have employed a missionary for the last five years; his principal work is to aid members and friends of our denomination in a brotherly way on their arrival in the country, to lead them to the fellowship of God's children, being to them a guide to their temporal and spiritual welfare. His efforts have been successful in leading many of our brethren in a spiritual home, after they had been cordially greeted and heartily welcomed to their utmost joy.

To those who were in need of temporal aid he has carried our blessed Saviour's injunction, "I was hungry and ye gave me meat, I was thirsty and ye gave me drink, I was a stranger and ye took me in."

But the efforts of our missionary are not only extended to the members of our denomination. To all promiscuously, he sows the seed of divine truth richly among the hundred of thousands, so that many, by his endeavors, have been gained to the Lord and to his church.

When such a flock of several thousands are seen in the rotunda of Castle Garden, one is strongly reminded of the Lord's word:

"He was moved with compassion on them because they fainted, and were scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd."

Indeed there is not another spot like this, where Christian charity finds such a scope in extending her aids and carrying out her activities, for in no condition of life is man more helpless and needy than when he finds himself a stranger in a strange land, after being separated from all who are near and dear to him, exiled from home and kindred, he feels his misery and

abandonment in the keenest manner; after a wearisome and often dangerous voyage across the trackless ocean, he stands alone as a stranger in a strange land, an object of pity and misery. Whoever has an opportunity to be an eye-witness to the suffering and helplessness, as well as the dread and fear that befalls these poor immigrants on their arrival, can not possibly remain unmoved, but do all he can to befriend them.

But, what they need most, is the counsel and care of Christians, because they are beset on all sides by the greatest dangers and temptations, treacherous and deceitful countrymen, impostors and bad characters of all sorts lay on the watch for them; practiced and wily as they are, they do not leave one stone unturned, even employing sacred religion as a cloak and pretence to rob the poor foreigners. Too many, alas! fall a prey to these false guides, and are in consequence thereof bodily and spiritually lost.

Brethren remember these strangers in your prayer. Help us to carry on this important work at the gate of this country.

Pray for Our Castle Garden Mission.

The last day of May this year will complete six years' work of our Society in the north half of this Territory. Their record is a history of trials and triumphs. Where we had one church organization then, we now number forty. From one missionary then, we have increased to twenty-two. Progress has been remarkable. There are now two associations, each embracing a Sunday School Convention on the field; also a State Convention with Pastors' Union, and an educational institution. Tower University is in successful operation. Notwithstanding the severity of the past winter, the work went steadily forward. Forty degrees below zero did not stop missionary endeavor or the work of the Holy Spirit. The preaching of the gospel, Sunday school efforts, and prayer-meetings, together with faithful visiting from house to house, and from individual to individual have been attended with the Divine blessing. The real spirit of missions is on the increase, and missionary work shows gratifying results, making an increase of more than 10 per. cent to the churches within the last five months. One hundred and twenty conversions are reported, and a large share of these newly regenerate persons have already been baptized. Special revival meetings have been held in various places, and some of these have been of remarkable power.

At Oakes, where we constituted a church just before winter set in, a building was purchased, and moved

from Hudson to the new town site, a distance of three or four miles, and on January 23d was opened with appropriate services as the first house of worship in that new but growing town. That church is now enjoying its first revival, and souls are coming to Christ. Rev. R. J. Tyrrill, late of Michigan, is called to the pastoral care of both Oakes and Ludden churches.

Rev. Chas. A. Rice is doing effective work at La Moure and Grand Rapids, where houses of worship are needed and must be built.

Rev. A. F. Brauns, our missionary among the Roumanians in Foster and Wells counties, is rejoicing over more than a score of converts ready for baptism. This body of Baptists greatly need a meeting house; lots in Carrington have already been secured on which to build, but considerable outside aid will be necessary.

Rev. E. E. Tyson is leading in building a good house and parsonage at New Rockford, and intends to move in a similar work at Tiffany soon.

Rev. C. F. Dame, who has been supplying at Grand Forks during the winter, returns to Steele and Tappan, and is to commence building at once in the first mentioned place.

Rev. Geo. Kline, late of Belleville, Ill., settled with the church in Bismarck in January, where he is winning the hearts of the people and leading souls to Christ.

Rev. J. R. Deckard, at Mandan, is meeting with gratifying success, in increasing congregations and Sunday school, with an occasional convert coming out on the Lord's side.

At Page, where Rev. C. S. Herrington has labored the past year, a few souls have been saved, but di visions among the members of the church prevented larger growth. That church must build a meeting house.

And so must Cooperstown, where Rev. O. D. Purrinton is the successful pastor of a self-supporting church.

Rev. A. M. Allyn, at Tower City, has lately welcomed eighteen converts into the church through the ordinance of baptism.

Rev. J. A. H. Johnson, Scandinavian pastor at Fargo, has lately baptized eight of his converted countrymen; while Rev. C. J. Johnson, Scandinavian, is preparing to build in Grand Forks. Our American church in Grand Forks is worshiping in a chapel on the rear of their church lots, and expect to put up the main edifice this season, one brother subscribing $2,000 towards the enterprise. The church at Devil's Lake, Rev. J. A. Marnie, pastor, are moving to build. Eleven houses of worship should be erected in North Dakota this spring and coming summer.

Rev. G. H. Davies, at Hamilton, has been blest with conversions, baptisms, and a large increase of membership to his church.

Rev. Peter Mitchell, lately appointed at Galt and vicinity, rejoices over ten converts already won for