City of Mexico, with its 300,000 populationbut have opened the greatest and neediest mission field on this continent, where ten million souls are in perishing need of a pure Gospel. On the northwest, long-neglected Alaska, under a new order of things, compels our attention also. Do not these facts answer the question why the Society has attempted so much? The work has forced us, and not we it. We have felt the spur of Divine Providence, and we had to go. We are quick to perceive providential openings and to hear the call to occupy Africa and Burmah; are we as quick to see and to hear concerning these great openings here? In this period, also, through the census we have learned of the rapid increase of the colored people in America; of the probability that within the next generation there will be thirteen States in which the blacks will outnumber the whites, and that by the middle of the next century only sixty-four years away-the colored people of America will number at least fifty millions in an estimated population of two hundred and ten millions. This fact, and the new significance which attaches to the colored man of America in relation to the evangelization of Africa, which, by the second visit of Stanley in these last seven years, has been opened, constitute in themselves a powerful exhortation to hold on and push on this work for the training of competent Christian preachers for the work at home and the work abroad. For where else on earth shall they can they obtain the requisite preparation? In the last seven years we have doubled the number of schools for them and for the Indians; in the next seven we must double their efficiency. The questions forced upon us these seven years have been: Who shall have that mighty West -Satan or the Lord Jesus Christ? What is our duty to these swarming millions of immigrants, among whom are communists, socialists, nihilists, anarchists, haters of Government and of God, and among whom are multitudes | of State church nominal Christians, of whom it has been aptly said: "They have the Gospel Will any man assert that the work of Americandlestick, but they have put the light of man can Baptists in Home Missions has been overthereon." To the polyglot multitude on the done these last seven years? After all that has day of Pentecost did not the Holy Spirit speak been accomplished, what are the facts? in in their own languages? Do not Lutheranism, Montana, that immense Territory, we have yet Catholicism, and infidelity appeal to them in but ten churches and six missionaries; in Wyotheir own vernacular? Do not politicians like-ming, but one missionary and three churches; wise? Is it not plain that, unless as wise fishers of men we cast the Gospel hook among them, baited with their own loved tongue, in which only many can be reached at all, few of them shall we gain for Christ? Christianization first; Americanization its consequence. Make these people good Bible Baptists, and they are on the highway to Americanization. And what of the Chinese question? When, two years ago, southern Baptists dropped their work for the Chinese on the Pacific coast, when during these seven years the anti-Chinese agitations have raged, what could the Society do but stand by this work, even assuming burdens it could hardly afford to bear to save these heathen whom God sent to our shores, and to convince them that their disgraceful treatment by nominally Christian communities is not sanctioned by the Gospel of Christ? And was it not high time for the Society to enter Utah as it did about five years ago, that Baptists of America might have some honorable part in the regeneration of that people and the removal of the foul Mormon blot from our fair land? in Utah, but two churches and two missionary pastors; in Nevada, but one missionary and one church; in New Mexico and Arizona, each, but three small churches and two missionaries. Is it overdone while in Arizona and Idaho there is but one known Baptist to five hundred of the population; in Utah, but one to one thousand; in New Mexico, but one to two thousand; and when in more than one-half of this continent ninety-nine per cent. of the population is disconnected with Baptist churches? Is it overdone when in seven Territories, with an area nearly equal to that of the whole country east of the Mississippi, there are not fifty Baptist churches and ministers? Does this look like the speedy triumph of Baptist principles on this Continent? Are Baptist principles worth anything to Christendom? The pressure of the past seven years is upon us still. Not to advance, is, relatively, retrogression. Preoccupation of fields by error, irreligion, infidelity, means a three-fold harder and costlier struggle for us to occupy them by and by. Neglect of duty now will bring its swift penalties in ways of which we little dream. Withhold offerings for the evangelization of the peoples whom God's providence has sent hither, withhold our means for the evangelization of all peoples, and God will wring out the means in added taxes for criminal trials and the support of criminal institutions, in the destruction of property by lawless mobs, in the depreciation of values, in the arrest of projected enterprizes, and the unsettling of calculations in the business world. The Gospel must keep the peace between the "House of Have" and the "House of Want." Brethren: No other nation ever had, none other is ever likely to have, Home Mission problems so complex, and on a scale so stupendous as those with which in the providence of God we have to do. We have here the unique mission field of the world. Before us is set the task of conquering and holding this Continent for Christ, of making out of these heterogeneous elements a homogeneous Christian people, and of moulding for Christ not an unprogressive, effete population, but the foremost and most aggressive people on the globe, who more than any other are destined to influence the world for of the American Baptist Home Mission Society to continue his missionary work in that field as soon as he can secure sufficient funds for the dissemination of the book among the deluded Mormons, whose eyes must be opened, unless indeed they are uttterly given over to believe a lie. The critical examination of the Book of Mormon, and a comparison of it with the stately utterances of the Bible, so clearly discloses the vulgar human authorship of the former that there can be no reasonable ground for doubt about it. The author, in the two closing chapters, on "American Antiquities versus the Book of Mormon," has given the latter a crushing blow, by giving first a fac simile of the pretended "Reformed Egyptian" character of Joseph Smith's Golden Plates and then comparing them with a fac simile of Egyptian characters and of the hieroglyphics of Indians of Central America, showing clearly no resemblance whatever between them. Indeed Smith's hieroglyphics are often modifications of our letters and figures, and in other respects are totally unlike anything ever known on earth. Then, too, the names of alleged cities and places and people on this continent at the time the Book of Mormon is said to have been written are shown by historical evidence to be an absurdity. Much patient toil has been expended in the production of this book. We are glad to know that it is very favorably received and we sincerely hope that thou sands of copies may be scattered among the Mormons. We shall be glad to receive contributions designated for this purpose. weal or for woe. And under God we must work out this problem by ourselves and for ourselves. All Christendom is putting its resources into heathendom. We must do our share there also. Let us keep as strong a force as possible in foreign lands; but let us be on our guard, lest with our face to the foe afar, and eye intent on distant scenes, we forget the great needs of Baptists, 30,056; Free Will Baptists, 5,750; Congre -From Rev. T. M. Shanafelt, D.D., Secretary of the Michigan Baptist Convention, we have received his valuable pamphlet, embodying a discourse on "Fifty Years of Baptist Growth and Progress in Michigan." Among other statistics are those showing the number of communicants in the principal denominations in the State. These are given as follows: which this seven years' survey gives a hint, and allow the stealthy enemy to execute a flank movement here, awaking at last to find ourselves weak and exposed to peril where we should have been strong and secure. The work of the past, the needs of the present, the crescent future all summon us anew to the sublime work of making this richly endowed nation the brightest earthly gem in our Redeemer's diadem. BOOK NOTICES. THE GOLDEN BIBLE; or THE BOOK OF MORMON: Is it from God? By Rev. M. T. LAMB, 12 mo, 344 pp. Price in cloth $1.00. Ward and Drummond, 116 Nassau St., New York. This is a fresh and forcible work by one who has been among the Mormons and is now an appointee gationalists, 19,805; Episcopalians, 13,639; Methodists, 61,759; Presbyterians, 17,985. -VICK'S FLORAL GUIDE, Rochester, N. Y., is as beautiful as ever. FROM THE FIELD "Watchman, What of the Night?" Missions A Revival-An Experience. Rev. G. H. Davis, of Hamilton, Pembina Co., Dakota, sends with his report for the quarter ending December 31, 1886, an interesting letter, from which we extract the following: "The last minutes of the year are passing away as I am writing this. A Happy New Year to you. A glorious New Year to the Home Mission Society. The expiring year has brought us many blessings in our work on this field. The last two months have been especially happy. Protracted meetings have been held in a school-house with most blessed results. God's people have been revived. Some causes of difference among some of the members of the church have been removed, and numbers have been awakened. Already fourteen have been baptized, and others are about to follow. Next week quite a number are to be received by experience and letter. There have been some most interesting conversions. Three of my own children, and a young person helping in the family, put on Christ in baptism. There is joy in my house and in several other homes because the Spirit has been poured out upon our sons and daughters. "I shall never forget one scene in the history of the movement. I was at a house about ten miles west of this. The wife, a most intelligent person, and four of the children had lately been baptized. The night before we had had a most impressive meeting in the house, at which the husband had asked for our prayers. The morning found him still overwhelmed with emotion, but utterly unable to find rest in Christ. I feared I should have to leave him in this state of mind. We went together out to the stable to harness my horse. We there had some last words, and, blessed be God, as we went upon our knees in the straw, crisp and glistening, with the thermometer far down below zero, deliverance came to his soul. With his arms flung round my neck and his head resting on my shoulder, he exclaimed between his sobs that he had not repented half enough, and he felt he could not claim Christ as his. But after earnest prayer and a clear telling forth of the terms of salvation, he said, in answer to my renewed appeal whether he could not trust Christ-'O, sir, not half as much I could wish.' That expression showed me the struggle was virtually The sunlight glanced on the dew-drop. Faith mingled in the regret. The history of his mind for the next twenty-four hours was like a magnificent sunrise. He was at one time much set against Christian baptism, but now he is a baptized believer. The conversions in this family are likely to be felt in their influence over a wide circle. over. "I think I can safely say that never in my life have I seen a brighter promise of a plentiful harvest than now." nity, and some will join the church. Cannot tell how many at this writing." Minneapolis, Kan.-Rev. R. P. Stevenson: "You will see that the Lord has blessed us (ten received by baptism and thirteen by letter), and we are now in the midst of a glorious work of grace. We hope many more may be added unto us. Nearly onethird of the present membership have been received within four months. I also during the quarter assisted Brother J. Shaw at Scottsville, in a meeting of days, when thirty-one were added to the churchtwenty-five by baptism." Clear Lake, Dakota.-Rev. O. E. Brown writes of "We spiritual quickening and personal sacrifice: have occasion for rejoicing in an earnest given us of a gracious quickening. One lady hopefully converted, her husband and several others asking for prayers. We shall commence extra meetings at Pray for us. once. I have consented to remain, though knowing the impossibility of supporting my family on meagre salary. I have come out fifty dollars and more in debt this year, mainly by having to buy a base burner stove-a positive necessity, and not a luxury; without it we should suffer." Spring Creek, Dak.—Rev. B. Matzke, who is pastor of the Russian Baptist Church, says: "Our members are not able to pay my salary, and most of them are in great need, because they have no crops. Our brothers in the East and South sent us money, grain, and some clothing. Our English sisters in Pittsburg and Zanesville have also sent us clothing, which, on account of the snow storm and blizzard, we have not been able to bring from the station, sixty miles away. It is now even difficult to go to the stable, only thirty steps. The work for our Lord has a good future among the Russian people in this place. Many of them know that they must be baptized, and others pray for a new heart. New doors open for me to preach." Cassville, Wis.-Rev. Geo. D. Stevens with his things. The churches have been empty and the last quarterly report writes: "It has been a very busy quarter to me. Held extra meetings for three weeks. Had a singing evan. gelist to help me. I did the preaching. We had a meeting of power. I had longed to see some one converted, so he was willing to obey Christ. I have seen it now. God has changed my complaint and given me a new song. "A deep impression has been made on the commu inhabitants spending their time in amusements or idleness on the Lord's day. My heart is burdened for this place. I trust the dear brethren will remember us singly and fervently in their supplications at the Rooms next week." been for the prospect of securing aid from the Home Mission Society and so placing the church on a sound financial basis. It is safe to say that your gift of $500 secured here another $500 which we would not have otherwise secured. Words cannot express our thanks to the Society." -Mrs. M. F. Huntting, who has recently taken up the work among the Chinese at Fresno, Cal., writes as follows: "In assuming the duties so sadly relinquished by our sainted Mrs. Potter, I found it very difficult at first to organize anything like systematic work, but tried to do what I could, and have now well established schools. The afternoon session is designed for children, and the evening for the young men, though some of the latter come also in the afternoons. A part of the morning hours I spend in the homes of about ten families, trying to do what I may for the elevation of the darkened minds and hearts of these interesting women and children. Some of the latter come, though very irregularly, to school, where the neighboring white children, who begged to come with the Chinese, gladly welcome them. "We have a Bible-class and Bible lessons during the week, on Sundays at 2 P. M. for adult Chinese, and a Sunday school at 3 P. M. for children, composed of the day pupils and their friends. "The number present last Sabbath was: Bible-class, eight; children's school, thirteen. This has been about the average attendance of the latter for the quarter. Our Bible lessons have gained the attention of the Chinese, sometimes moving them to tears. Though formally dismissed at the close of their own class exercises last Sunday, the Chinese, and among them Ah Rin, the very recently re-elected keeper of their idol temple-all remained till after the close of the children's class. They intently watched all the exercises and seemed much interested. "In my visits from house to house I feel the need of a Chinese Christian girl or woman to accompany me, not only to interpret but to find access to some wives when I alone sometimes cannot. this calamity. Scarcely one of our missionaries has done a greater or more self-sacrificing work than he. A recent visit to the field has very deeply impressed this fact upon me. With small resources to sight, and many hindrances that would have frightened ordinary men, he steadily pressed on, overcoming every obstacle, until the meeting-house was dedicated and its cost fully provided for. And, best of all, the spiritual work was carried right along with the material. The field was ripe for the harvest when he in which he was aided by evangelist Watson. They was taken away. Revival meetings were in progress, have gone on since his death, with good results. Six have been baptized, and six added by letter, and others are converted. " -We cannot answer a most urgent appeal that comes from an Idaho town for a missionary to labor not only for the "Gentiles" but among the Mormons also, who are quite numerous there. Church Edifice Notes. -Our missionary, Rev. S. E. Sweet, at Ashland, Wisconsin, is rejoicing in the completion of the new chapel which the church was enabled to erect by aid from our Church Edifice fund. He writes "Our energies have been given to the erection of our new chapel. We have it completed and are greatly enjoying it. It is finely located and looks well, and is well built and paid for. Two await baptism and two are expected by letter soon." -Our cause at Crookston, Minnesota, has been suffering because the church had no house of worship. With the promise from our Society of $500 as a gift, and $500 as a loan, the missionary, Rev. H. L. House, went to work to build a neat house of worship. He has succeeded grandly, and we clip from an exchange the following, showing how the house was paid for at the dedication. "The sermon was strong, able, vigorous, appropriate, and full of the marrow of the gospel. It was greatly enjoyed by the congregation, "And these few Christians and one thousand heathen and well prepared the way for the raising of the living here need a Chinese pastor. "These conditions met and a baptism of the Holy Spirit to bring the mentally convicted heathen to accept the gracious offer of salvation, this little community might soon cast their idols to the moles and to the bats. Almost as soon as they learn there is one true and living God, their faith in their dumb idols is shaken; but not so easily ancestral worship, nor their fears of the evil one, and the harm he may do them." -The following from Rev. J. Sunderland, General Missionary in Minnesota, shows how great loss the cause of Home Missions suffered in the accidental death of Rev. A. S. Orcutt, missionary at Pipestone, referred to last month: "I also enclose report sent me by the widow of our lamented Bro. Orcutt of Pipestone. Sad, indeed, is balance needed to complete the payments for the house. The deficiency was $2,735. They were promised from the Home Mission Society on condition of raising the balance, $500 as a gift, and $500 as a loan. They asked the congregation for $1,800. A blackboard was placed before the congregation, on which was written $100, eighteen times repeated. As fast as a share, $100, was subscribed, it was erased from the board. In just one hour the board was cleaned off; the whole was raised, with twenty dollars additional. Before the close of the day $1,840 had been raised for the church building, and $102.29 toward an organ fund." Without the leverage which the aid from the Society gave to the missionary, it would have been years before the church could have obtained a home. -Not long since a good brother in this city sent SION SOCIETY. 2338 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Ill. us a check for $1,000 for our Church Edifice work, THE WOMEN'S BAPTIST HOME MISand now four churches at mission stations in the West are rejoicing in the prospect of houses of worship completed and free of debt. Another brother in Ohio sent $750, and the church at Las Vegas, New Mexico, can now dedicate their house of worship free of debt. If brethren only realized how much help a few dollars affords to a struggling band on some frontier mission station that is striving for a little church home, our Church Edifice department would not be so scarce of funds for present needs. -At the close of the year we only lacked about $600 of having the $25,000 called for to build a house of worship and mission head-quarters in the City or Mexico. Some of this has been sent in and a brother offers to assure that the remainder will be obtained. The Board has decided to begin the work at once, and so the amount subscribed for this purpose should be sent We ask that all the subscribers to this fund will send in the amounts to the treasurer, stating that they are to pay the pledges for Mexico. How the hearts of Brother Sloan and his co-laborers will rejoice at the certainty of having a church home where he can work for the Master with none to molest. in at once. Do Not Forget. For some time the Superintendent of the Church Edifice Department will be absent in the City of Mexico arranging for the erection of our mission buildings there. He asks the friends of the Master not to forget, during his absence, the mission churches of the West needing help to get into their church homes. The wide-awake Christian does not need to be visited, and begged to do his duty. The well-informed patriot does not need to be told that the crisis is upon the new West now. The one thousand churches west of the Mississippi River without houses must be assisted to get church homes, if they are to do efficient work among the vast multitudes who are settling | the fertile valleys and beautiful prairies of the great West. We beg pastors, and those brethren whom God has blessed with means, not to forget the Church Edifice work of our Society. Send in some funds especially designated for this work. Help us to meet the great responsibility that is thrust upon us. We have the glorious gospel to proclaim, as the one great need of our new settlements; we have faithful men on the field working among the new comers, but there must be houses into which the people can be gathered to hear the good news, and where the children may be gathered into the Sunday school, or labor and energy will be in vain, to a great extent. These chapels are light-houses of truth. While the Superintendent is in Mexico working to build a house for God in that dark land, his heart will still go out for the little churches on the frontier, with whose needs he is personally acquainted, and he begs the people of God not to forget their needs. His heart will rejoice at each contribution sent up for Church Edifice work. GENERAL OFFICERS. President-MRS. J. N. CROUSE, 2231 Prairie Ave., Chicago, Baptist Missionary Training School-2338 Michigan Ave., During the past six months we have been continually straitened in our finances and compelled to keep appealing to the sisters of our churches to send in their contributions. Missionaries on fields had to wait for salaries, and new fields were waiting for missionaries, who in their turn were waiting to go. Prayer ascended from many hearts that, if the Lord was pleased with the work, He would manifest His approval by opening the hearts of His handmaidens to contribute the means necessary to sustain it. This was made a matter of special pleading at the Saturday evening prayer-meeting at the Training School, at the Chicago Home Mission Union, and at the meetings of the Executive Board of the Society. A committee was, at length, appointed to report a plan for securing extra offerings sufficient to make up the deficit, relieve us from debt, and enable us to enlarge the work as Providence opened the way. The result was a Christmas appeal for an extra gift of not less than ten cents from each member of our branches and Mission Bands. The response, while not all that we hoped for, has been such as to warrant us in opening the mission at Memphis, with Mrs. M. A. Ehlers in charge. As money continues to reach us, we shall not report the amount at this time, but may say that it will probably reach $1,500. Of this sum $500 was contributed by one lady and $90 by another, but the larger part of the offerings were in small sums and represent many givers and much earnest desire to see the work prosper. This article may reach the eyes of some whom the appeal has not reached. To any such we will say it is not too late. Three students have recently graduated from the Training School, representing three nationalities, Danish, Swedish, and German. Shall they go to work? How shali they be supported? How much will you help? Now, lest any think there is a waning interest and a falling off in receipts, we utter an emphatic-No; but there is more work, and it costs more to do it. What is needed is not so much that those already giving should give more as that the many thousands of women in our Baptist churches who are doing nothing shall be enlisted. Is there a branch of the Women's Baptist Home Mission Society in your |