where Santhals in utter ignorance abound. They reported the country as wild, and the men as wilder. In one village, when it was known they were Christians, they were driven away, and had to sleep in the forest. They could scarcely get food, though they offered to pay for it, and though it is just now most abundant.

I purpose, D.V., evangelizing in that neighbourhood myself in the course of a month. I may go alone or be accompanied by Mr. Haegert. I expect better treatment than the poor Santhals received. Though I am by no means a big man, nor terrible to look at in any way, as far as I know, yet if I enter a strange village I see the poor fellows all tremble before me. The fact is they see no European but the judge, and this explains their terror. I always tell them that I am no judge, and persuade them not to be afraid. But they say, "Though you are not a hakim, you are a sahib, and therefore a big man." Then I call out some tall Santhal, make him stand alongside of me, and say, "Look here. This fellow, who calls me a big man, is ever so much bigger than I." This causes a laugh all round, and then we are friends. Sometimes, however, a wealthy resident, whose vile deeds make him hate the light, does all in his power to hinder us.

Messrs. Haegert and Patterson found lately a good opportunity of spreading the truth by attending a great annual bear and tiger hunt on the Santhal mountains. There was a large gathering from all the country round, for the Santhals take advantage of this hunt to hold their annual court of justice. Starting at early dawn, and walking over hill and dale till sunset, our friends reached the camping-ground, having visited two villages on their way. They found about 1000 people busily cooking their supper, chatting and telling tales.

They at once began hunting for the souls of the hunters, and in the middle of the night were still preaching the gospel to the crowd. The armed men in the silent night, listened with the deepest attention, and many seemed moved by what they heard. When it was over, after some parleying, the chiefs resolved, "That as the Christian religion is friendly to the sick and poor, nobody should be prevented from becoming God's worshipper, nor become an outcast through baptism, nor shall any be persecuted for his faith."

To show their sincerity, two chiefs offered to go and see a Santhal, who had taken away his daughter from her husband because the latter had been baptized, in order to urge him to restore her.

RETURN OF MR. JAMES JOHNSON TO JAMAICA.

Our readers will remember the accounts which we have from time to time given of the large and interesting work carried on in Jamaica, by our dear brother Mr. James Johnson. He was obliged to visit England last year, after very severe illness which brought him to the verge of the grave, but from which the Lord

graciously restored him. His visit to England has, we trust, reinvigorated him and been also of considerable advantage to him in other ways, enabling him to acquire a little more knowledge of medicine by daily attendance at the out-patient department of the great London Hospital which is near us here.

Mr. George House, a brother from the Institute, went out to carry on his work during his absence, and on his return Mr. Johnson was accompanied by another of our students, Mr. William Haryett. We think the following notices of Mr. Johnson's sphere, by these two brethren will interest our friends. Mr. House says,―

I arrived at Kingston on Wednesday, June 6th, and was met by Mrs. Johnson and four men connected with the mission, who had brought horses, a buggy, and dray, as far as Spanish Town, for me and my luggage. The journey to Brown's Town was delightful, the exquisite scenery far exceeding anything I had conceived.

As we neared the town we were met by many friends connected with the mission, who welcomed us rather demonstratively, asking very anxiously for their Minister. They were delighted with the favourable account I had to give them of his improved health.

The work is very large, including eight out-stations, and numbering more than 2000 members. They seem to be thoroughly united among themselves, and have a very strong love for their Minister. Many of them say, "We would die for Minister. He de best friend we've had since WILLIAM KNIB's time."

On Sunday, June 10th, I preached at St. Jean d'Acre. The huge tabernacle, which comfortably seats 1600 people, was densely crowded, and many were obliged to stay outside on account of the press within.

On ascending the platform and beholding the multitude of coloured people, I felt entirely overcome, and while they were singing the first hymn-'Jesus, the very thought of Thee'-I was obliged to sit down and give vent to my feelings. I was struck chiefly with the perfect quietness, and rapt attention that prevailed throughout the whole of the service.

After the first service, the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered to about 1100 Christians connected with the mission, many of whom had walked or ridden eight, ten, or twelve miles, from some of the outstations. The presence of the Master was realized very sweetly; it was a time of great refreshing and spiritual blessing.

After the service was quite over, I stepped off the platform to shake hands with a few sitting near; but I was immediately thronged by people anxiously inquiring for "dear minister Johnson." I tore myself from them and ascended the platform the best way I could. In less than a minute every person was seated, and again we had perfect quietness.

While giving them their Minister's love, and telling them of his renewed health and strength, tears began to flow down many cheeks, and many voices exclaimed, "Praise de Lord. Tank de Lord. Lord bless our Minister, and soon bring him back again 'mong us!"

On the evening of the same day I preached at Brown's Town. The

H

attendance was about the same as at St. Jean d'Acre in the morning, and the anxiety of the people for their Minister's welfare quite as great. We had a happy meeting, and I must say in connexion with this meeting, as well as that in the morning, the behaviour of the people, both at the time of service, and on retiring from the tabernacle, was most quiet and respectable. They behave themselves better than many English congregations. I have made a few visits among the people, and many of them have visited me, and without exception have expressed their great love for dear Johnson.

Brother Haryett, who accompanied Mr. Johnson on his return, gives the following description of their arrival :

We reached Port Royal before daylight on the 5th Nov., and after staying about an hour for the sun to rise steered slowly into Kingstown Harbour. The scenery as we approached was so grand that I cannot venture a description! As we neared the dock, strange dark faces were anxiously looking towards the ship. A little group on the right-hand side recognized Mr. Johnson, and as soon as we were near enough they shouted, joyfully, 'How do, Minister? glad to see you back again.'

S

On landing, and passing our luggage through the Custom-House, we proceeded to the soldiers' camp, where we were entertained by a Mr. and Mrs. -, friends of Mr. Johnson, until the next morning. At two o'clock a.m. we started on our journey of seventy miles to Brown's Town. About twenty miles before we got there, we were met by a band of horsemen connected with the mission, and on reaching a village some ten miles distant, called Bamboo, we found the people out in crowds. The main road was decorated with arches, banners, and flowers-all to do honour to Mr. Johnson's return. The people were so full of joy, they hardly knew how to express themselves, shouting, "Thank God-our dear Minister-we live to see him in face once more." It was with difficulty we pressed on to our destination, for during the rest of the journey we were constantly met by bands of people running from all directions to catch a glimpse of him for whose return they had so longed. At last we neared Brown's Town. Here we were met by about 2000 men, women, and children. The main road was decorated with cocoa-nut leaves, platted and adorned with flowers. As we approached the mission premises the crowd became so dense that the horses came to a dead stop. Here drawn swords were presented, an old custom of this country, signifying, WE WILL DEFEND YOU. Flowers were showered into the buggy from all sides, and Mr. Johnson was literally besieged with hands trying to get a shake of his. Over one grand archway was suspended a banner, and on it the silver letters, WELCOME TO OUR BELOVED MINISTER, GOD BLESS Another over the gateway to the mission-yard bore the words, WELCOME HOME. Some old woman actually danced for joy.

HIM.

After a little of the excitement was over, Mr. Johnson went into the booth to speak to the people. His feelings so overcame him that he was unable to say much. I never witnessed such a meeting before. Let others say what they will, Johnson has gained the hearts of the people. I have visited five stations, and at all the people are equally attached to him. The Lord is doing a work amongst them, and although they have little of this world's wisdom, many of them have 'the wisdom that cometh from above.' If

you could see their attentive faces as they listen to the Gospel-if you could hear the earnest, artless praises, and the hearty responses of those who cannot pray publicly-I am sure your heart would rejoice.

There is abundance of work for us all here. Hundreds never hear the glad tidings. They are passing away, and no one cares for their souls.

Fever is very prevalent. Many people are dying, and there is no one to minister either to body or soul. My heart aches at times because I am so unable to alleviate the physical misery I witness. I have wished, as I never wished for anything before, that I had a knowledge of medicine. I must close, for I am called to go to one of the stations.

MISSION TO THE DRUZES, MOUNT LEBANON.

In our last number we gave some extracts from a letter written by Mrs. Zeytoon from Beyrout. We have since received tidings from her husband. He says,―

Soon after our arrival, we had many' applications from different villages in the Lebanon, the inhabitants of all seeming equally desirous to have us make

our home among them. It was difficult to decide on the particular spot where we ought to set to work. Knowing the importance of the choice, we laid it before the Lord in prayer, and were in no haste to decide. As the first application (received in England) from ITAT was seconded on our arrival at Beyrout, we felt more drawn to this place than to the others, and accompanied by my brother I paid it a visit. We were kindly received, and hospitably entertained by a former governor of the district. On the following morning all the shieks met together, and we joined them in a long consultation. Still, I did not decide, but went to Miss Hicks in the neighbouring village. She spoke of Itat as greatly in need of a missionary, and seemed glad we thought of settling there. When I told her that our mission was especially on behalf of the Druzes, she expressed herself as much gratified, saying, “There is a mission to the Jews, a mission to the Mohammedans, and a mission to the Maronites, but no special effort for the poor Druzes, and it is high time there was one." We then decided to hire the house, but the premises required considerable repair and alteration before they were fit for use. The people of Itat agreed to pay thirty shillings towards the erection of a school-room adjoining the house. This is now nearly finished, and we hope to have an opening prayer-meeting shortly, and then to commence work.

We have here a sleeping-room for ourselves, one for the school teacher, a veranda (which we hope to use for the female school), a sitting-room, and a school-room. We have made a kitchen out of a kind of cellar. I cleared it out and levelled the floor, put up some fixtures made out of our packing cases, and contrived a table from the same. A little stove, which we brought from England, stands in a recess on one side, and cooks well. So, with very little expense, we are quite set up as to kitchen. The yard, which was full of rubbish, we have turned into a garden, where I have sown some seeds, and whence we hope for a crop by and by.

"Here have we no con

We were greatly touched on hearing of the removal by death of dear Henry Tayloe, and still more of dear Mr. Towell! tinuing city, but seek one to come."

When the 'shieks saw me at work lifting the stones and earth with my own hands, they were at first amazed, but afterwards many of them came to help. This gave opportunities for conversation about the redeeming love of Christ. Seeing that we seek their benefit mentally, as well as spiritually, they are all ready to lend a helping hand. I never expected so warm and ready a reception as we have met with from these Druzes, and the continual ery from the mountain villages around is, " Come and help us!" It seems very difficult to refuse their earnest applications, but, at present, we can only tell them that we will do what we can.

Every particular about your work and the dear brethren at Harley House will always be deeply interesting to us. Please send us the "Regions Beyond" and the " Illustrated Missionary News."

The little clock you gave us is most valuable, I do not know what we should do without it! * * **

Very sincerely yours,

W. G. ZEYTOON.