Preaching Tours, 1875–1892 (part 1 of 3)

CHAPTER XVII

PREACHING TOURS

1875 TO 1892

FIRST TOUR—ENGLAND

March 26th to July 6th, 1875

ON March 26th, 1875, I began my preaching tours, regarding which I had been much in prayer since the previous October. We began with Brighton, where I preached many times. From Brighton my dear wife and I went to Sunderland, that I might preach for some time in the chapel of my old and valued friend, Mr. Arthur Rees. On our way to Sunderland, I preached in the large Metropolitan Tabernacle for Mr. Spurgeon. After I had held meetings some time at Sunderland, we went to Newcastle-on-Tyne, where I preached 18 times and held a large meeting for Christian workers, in order to encourage them in their work, and to benefit them by my long experience in the Lord's service. After leaving Newcastle-on-Tyne, we went to London, to be present at the Mildmay Park Conference, to which I had been again and again invited, but this was the first time that I could accept the invitation. At this Conference I spoke three times to about 3,000 hearers. After the Conference I preached four times at Talbot Road Tabernacle, London, for Mr. Gordon Furlong, and on June 5th, 1875, addressed about 1,500 Christian workers for an hour and a half at the "Edinburgh Castle," London. This brought my first preaching tour to a close. From March 27th to July 5th, I spoke seventy times in public.

SECOND TOUR—ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IREAND August 14th, 1875, to July 5th, 1876

After Mrs. Müller and myself had been in Bristol five weeks and four days, we set off again on a second missionary tour. That which guided me in my movements this time in particular, was a desire to help forward the work of the devoted brethren, Moody and Sankey, who, by that time, had left again for the United States. These dear brethren, from having been able to stay only a comparatively short time in each place, were unable to lead on the young converts in knowledge and grace; I therefore sought to follow up their labours, and, in my feeble measure, to do what I could to supply this lack of service. I had already been in York, Sunderland, and Newcastle, where they had laboured, and I now went to London, where I held 14 meetings at Mildmay Park Conference Hall, during the 15 days we were in London, which meetings were especially intended for young converts. This was only the beginning of this kind of service, for I went afterwards from city to city, in England, Scotland, and Ireland, where these brethren had laboured, staying from one to six weeks in each place, with the above special object before me.

PORTRAIT OF THE SECOND MRS. MÜLLER TAKEN ABOUT THE TIME OF HER MARRIAGE.

At Glasgow I began my labours by addressing a Convention of about 5,000 persons; and, as all could not hear me, I was requested to give the address again to an overflow meeting of about 1,200 in a neighbouring church. We stayed in Glasgow thirty-six days, during which time I preached thirty-eight times. Every Lord's day evening, for five weeks in succession, I preached at the Prince of Wales' Theatre, to about 3,000 persons each time. On the week days, when this theatre could not be rented, I held meetings in various large churches in the city, especially for young converts, and had from 1,500 to 1,700 at a time present. The very first time I preached in the theatre in Glasgow, about twenty persons were led to care about their souls; and meeting after meeting brought blessing.

Our tour through Scotland, at this time, was interrupted by a pressing invitation from Dublin, by a special deputation, that I would go to the Dublin Convention. This I accepted, as I was particularly desired to address about 400 ministers, chiefly clergymen, at this Convention. We left Glasgow on November 19th. On November 21st I gave an address at the breaking of bread at Merrion Hall, Dublin; and in the evening preached to about 2,000 persons, in that Hall. On November 22nd I addressed, by request, at the Convention, an assembly of 400, consisting of ministers only, on "What is holiness, and how is it attained?" and in the afternoon addressed about 2,000 hearers, at the same place, on "Faith, which worketh by love." On November 25th I spoke again at the Convention, and gave also an address at the Noonday Prayer Meeting on the 26th, and, immediately after closing it, gave it over again, by particular request, to an overflow meeting. December 3rd I preached at the Metropolitan Hall, and in the afternoon of Sunday, December 5th, at the Exhibition Palace, where I addressed about 2,500 persons at least. This was a precious meeting, and the power of the Spirit was felt. During the twenty days we were in Dublin, I preached twentyone times.

On December 10th we left Dublin, going to Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, Coventry, and Rugby.

On January 7th we went to Liverpool. I had been invited to preach some time at the immense Victoria Hall, which had been built for Messrs Moody and Sankey. Here I preached day by day twice, viz., at noon and at seven in the evening, also on the Lord's day afternoons and evenings. On Sundays I had from 5,000 to 6,000 hearers, and on the week-days from 2,000 to 2,500. We stayed at Liverpool from January 7th to February 15th. The very first time I preached at the Victoria Hall, one of the former Orphans, a commander of a large merchant vessel, was converted. And thus, time after time, God gave blessing. On February 15th my dear wife and I went to Kendal, where the Society of Friends kindly lent me their meeting-house to preach in, as it was the largest place to be obtained in the town. I preached also in the Sand Area Chapel. On February 21st we went to Carlisle. The day after, we started for Scotland. We remained six weeks in Edinburgh. The large General Assembly Hall of the Free Church was very kindly placed at my disposal, to hold meetings in every Sunday evening, also as often as I desired on the evenings of the week; and I generally spoke every day at the Noon Prayer Meeting. I preached in many of the churches also; and in all fifty-three times, during our stay in Edinburgh. I had a meeting, likewise, with a great number of pastors, whom I addressed for about an hour, and spoke to the theological students also of the Free Church College.

On April 6th we left for Arbroath, and then went to Montrose and Aberdeen. After I had further preached at Ballater, Crathie, Braemar, Inverness, Wick, Canisbury (near John O'Groat's House), and Reading in Berkshire, this second preaching tour was brought to a close on July 5th, 1876, after we had been absent from Bristol since August 14th, 1875.

THIRD TOUR—SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, AND HOLLAND

August 16th, 1876, to June 25th, 1877

May 26th, 1877. During the greater part of the past year, accompanied by my dear wife, I have been absent from Bristol on a preaching tour on the Continent of Europe, preaching in many places in Switzerland, Würtemburg, the Grand Duchy of Baden, the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt, Prussia, and Holland. Altogether I preached 302 times in sixty-eight places, most of which were large towns. To every place I had been invited by letter, as through my labours and writings, I have been for more than thirty years as well known on the Continent as in England.

The abundant blessing, which the Lord has been pleased to allow to rest upon these my labours everywhere, encourages me to go on with this service, and to spend the evening of my life in going from city to city, and country to country, as long as the Lord gives me health, and otherwise makes my way plain.

While my dear wife and I were absent from Bristol, all went on as satisfactorily in connection with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, as if I had been present; thus the Lord confirmed, by this also, that I should be engaged as I was. In cases in which my counsel or judgment was needed, it was given, as I received every week, once or twice, reports from Mr. Wright.

It is necessary that I distinctly state, that my preaching tour on the Continent had no connection whatever with the Scriptural Knowledge Institution. It was not undertaken for the purpose of collecting money for it, nor even for the purpose of bringing it before my hearers on the Continent; but solely that by my experience and knowledge in divine things, I might benefit Christians, and especially younger believers, and that I might preach the gospel to the unconverted. I did not even refer to the Institution, except when especially requested so to do.

FOURTH TOUR—CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES

August 18th, 1877, to July 8th, 1878

July 10th, 1878. When I began this Institution, and especially the Orphan work, my hope was, that, by means of it, the Lord would be pleased to lead the Church at large increasingly to see the importance and value of prayer, and that by this Institution the faith of the children of God would be strengthened, and to the world would be shown the reality of the things of God. This my expectation (God be praised for it!) has been realized above my largest expectations. Thousands of instances were brought before me, through letters, or by personal intercourse, during very many years past, how God had been working in this particular; but all that I had witnessed before was as nothing, in comparison with what has come before me during the last three years and three months, whilst I have been labouring in Word and doctrine in preaching tours in England, Scotland, Ireland, Switzerland, the German Empire, Holland, Canada, and the United States of America. In every one of the hundreds of places where I preached (generally in large cities), I met great numbers, who through reading the yearly Reports of the Institution, or the Narrative of the Lord's dealings with me, had either been converted, or had had their faith strengthened, or were more entirely made to commit all their affairs into the hands of God by prayer and faith. Thus it came, that wherever I appeared, in these hundreds of different places, I was welcomed as an old friend, who had been loved for twenty, thirty years, or more; great numbers desired to see and converse with me, and to listen to me whilst preaching the Word of Life; and hundreds of thousands came thus in these various countries for further instruction.

During the past year I have been on a preaching tour in the United States of America, in order that I might comply with the oft-repeated request to labour in the Word for a time in that vast country also. This earnest request I at last considered, after much prayer, to be God's call; and, accordingly, sailed, on August 23rd, 1877, with my dear wife for America, where we remained until June 27th, 1878. After having preached a few times at Quebec, we proceeded to the United States, where I preached in very many of the important towns. In the State of Utah, we went out of our way, to go to Salt Lake City, that thus, at the very seat of the fearful errors of Mormonism, I might deliver a testimony for God, and strengthen the hands of Christians who are sound in the foundation truths.

In many of the largest cities I addressed, by particular request, the pastors and ministers of such cities and the neighbourhood, and had seventeen meetings of this kind, which were attended not only by 100 or 200, but once by about 300, and on another occasion by 500. To those meetings came the pastors and ministers of the various evangelical denominations. I addressed the ministers generally for an hour or more, and then they asked me questions afterwards. These meetings I reckon to have been the most important part of all my service on this preaching tour.

I addressed also, by the particular request of the presidents and professors, the students of fifteen Universities, Colleges, or Theological Seminaries. For this important service, which I was permitted to render, I desire to be especially grateful to my Heavenly Father. In addition to these Universities, Colleges, and Seminaries, I gave addresses in five other higher educational establishments by request of the Principals. I had also in several large cities special meetings for Christian workers, who varied in number from 500 to 2,500. In all I preached during this tour 299 times, and we travelled, by land and water, above nineteen thousand miles. My preaching was not confined to the English-speaking population, but I ministered also many times among the natives of Germany, of whom there are several millions in the United States; nor was my service merely amongst the white population, but often I ministered also to the coloured people, and had generally then also immense congregations. I did not labour among particular denominations, but, as I love all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, and as I habitually seek more and more to promote union amongst all the children of God, I preached among so-called Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Episcopal Methodists, Lutherans, and Baptists. I had among them all many open doors, which I gladly entered, as nothing was required of me by any one, which I could not do with a good conscience.

While I was absent from Bristol, all went on most satisfactorily, so that when we returned I could only admire the kindness of God.

The statements which have appeared in some public papers, that I have obtained very large sums for the Institution in America, are entirely false; for all the donations handed to me for the Institution would not meet one half of its average expenses for one single day, as I did not receive as much as £60.

FIFTH TOUR—SWITZERLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, AND ITALY

September 5th, 1878, to June 18th, 1879

After having stayed in Bristol from July 8th to September 5th, I set off for the Continent.

My ministry there was in English and German, and after I had become again by practice more familiar with French, in that language also; while in Spain and Italy I preached in one or the other of these three languages, and, if necessary, with translation into Spanish or Italian. The blessing, which God has been pleased to bestow upon this preaching tour, has been very great; but the day of the Lord alone will show the full result. In the meantime I praise God for condescending to use a poor unworthy servant as I am, for such precious service.

I have had, not only opportunities of bringing the truth before the middle and poorer classes, but also before many in the higher ranks of life, and before some of the nobility and aristocracy of different countries, who, chiefly on account of health, were in the cities on the Mediterranean, and elsewhere, where I preached. After I had preached three times in Paris, we went again to Switzerland, where we were most warmly received. At Yverdun I saw the widow of a dear brother in Christ, gone to his rest many years ago, whom I knew on my first beginning to minister in the Word at Teignmouth, at the commencement of the year 1830; and I learned from the widow only then that he was converted through my instrumentality. Thus, after more than forty-eight years, I heard for my encouragement of another instance of blessing through my early labours in the Word in England. From Yverdun we went to Geneva, where I preached twelve times. From Geneva we went to Lyons, thence to Marseilles, and afterwards to Nimes and Montpellier.

From Montpellier we went to Spain, as I desired greatly with my own eyes to see the Schools, which have been entirely supported for a number of years by the funds of the Scriptural Knowledge. Institution, and also, that I might see as much as possible of the Mission work generally, in aid of which we had sent so many thousands of pounds to Spain within the last ten years. We reached Barcelona on the evening of the second day, December 13th, 1878. Here we stayed a fortnight, and I gave altogether twenty-three addresses, which, with the exception of a few in English and German without translation, were chiefly in English with Spanish interpretation. At Barcelona we had most happy intercourse with a number of brethren who labour in the gospel, and our ten Day Schools, under the superintendence of Mr. Henry Payne, we found in a most satisfactory state. There were in these ten Day Schools, when I inspected them, 756 pupils, almost all the children of popish parents, who so greatly value these Schools, that, though through the threats and persuasions of the priests, children are sometimes removed from them, yet they are generally brought, back again after a week or two, because the parents say, they are so greatly benefited by going to our schools. From Barcelona we went to Saragossa. From Saragossa we proceeded to Madrid. where I spoke fifteen times in English or German, or in English with Spanish interpretation. Our five Day Schools in Madrid, under the superintendence of Mr. Fenn, I likewise found in a most satisfactory state, and we could only rejoice in seeing so many children, both in Barcelona and Madrid, brought, under the sound of the gospel, whereby also the popish parents, in many instances, have been benefited, because their children read to them, when at home, out of the Word of God, and sing their precious gospel hymns.

From Madrid we went back to France, where I held one meeting at Bayonne and one at Biarritz. In all the different places on the Mediterranean, so exceedingly frequented during the winter months by visitors from various countries, I held meetings especially for them; and this was just one point which made my service so important, because many through my work and writings knew me, and were ready to come and hear. At Mentone I enjoyed especially the intercourse I had with Mr. Spurgeon, with whom I spent repeatedly a considerable time.

After leaving Mentone we went into Italy and preached at Bordighera, San Remo, Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. From Florence we went to Rome, where I preached twenty times, in various languages, with or without translation into Italian, as I had done in Florence. In this city, wherever the eye turned almost, you saw idolatry; no longer now the idolatry of pagan Rome, but of so-called Christian Rome: I counted it, therefore, an especial honour to be allowed to witness for the Lord in Rome also. From Rome we went to Naples, where I was permitted to preach twenty times; it is the largest city in Italy. Here, as everywhere else, I had happy intercourse with Christians, preaching in all the various evangelical churches gladly, where they held the Head even Christ, and were sound in the foundation truths of our most holy faith; for I take especial delight in seeking to promote love and union among the various bodies of believers. After leaving Naples I preached also in Bologna, Venice, Brescia, Como, Milan, Turin, and in the Waldensian Valleys. We then went to Paris, and after I had preached there twice we left for Bristol, where we arrived on June 18th, 1879, after I had preached altogether during these nine months and twelve days, 286 times, in forty-six different, towns or cities.

SIXTH TOUR—UNITED STATES AND CANADA

August 27th, 1879, to June 17th, 1880

On August 28th, 1879, we left again for America, landing at New York on September 6th, and from that time up to June 5th, 1880, when we embarked at Quebec to return to Europe, I preached altogether 299 times in forty-two different places, having been 272 days in America. In the saloon of the Germanin on our outward voyage, I preached once. I preached also five times on board the Sardinian during our voyage back to England.

Whilst labouring in America, I had twelve meetings at which for about an hour or upwards I addressed the evangelical ministers of the cities where these meetings were held. A very large number generally gathered together; and after speaking I answered questions put to me regarding the ministry of the Word, or pastoral labours. Three meetings also were held at which I addressed hundreds of other Christian workers each time. I addressed the students of Universities and Theological Seminaries or Colleges fourteen times, when generally hundreds, and on one occasion about a thousand, were present. Finally we had to leave the country with 154 written invitations, which I was unable to accept; for the longer we stayed, the more did these invitations increase.

During this second visit to America I made it very specially my business to preach to the Germans (of whom there are above nine millions in the United States), in their own language; a service which is greatly needed in that country. Emigration from Germany and German Switzerland increases more and more; and again this spring vast numbers arrived in the United States. They greatly need to have the truth ministered to them, for they have not the advantages that many of the Americans have.

As I am able therefore habitually to preach in America in two different languages, both in Canada and in the United States; as my service in those countries has been signally owned by God; after much prayer I consider it to be the will of God that we return again to America.

SEVENTH TOUR—CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES

September 15th, 1880, to May 31st, 1881

On September 15th, 1880, my dear wife and I left Bristol for Liverpool, and on the following day embarked for Quebec.

To the praise of God, I would here particularly mention that, in crossing the Atlantic upon this occasion for the fifth time, not only was I entirely free from sea-sickness, but I had not the slightest indisposition during the whole voyage. Four years ago, when I received a hearty invitation from five pastors of the churches of five different denominations to visit America and labour for a time in connection with them, I gave myself earnestly to prayer, in order to ascertain whether this was a call from God or not. Very many times during the previous twenty years I had received invitations to visit the United States, but never seriously considered the matter before. When, however, this joint letter from those five pastors was spread before the Lord, my heart was willing to go to America if He called me thither, notwithstanding my natural antipathy to the voyage; for though I have been to sea now twenty-five times, direct service for the Lord has been my object in going, and never my own gratification. I told my Heavenly Father that, if it were His holy will we should go to America, not only was I willing to suffer greatly from sea-sickness, as had been the case many years ago, but that I was ready to endure any other discomfort, or even to risk my life during the passage. And now, what has been the result? Not only have I crossed the Atlantic six times, without suffering in the least, but I have been able carefully to attend to my dear wife (who at the commencement of each voyage was extremely ill), preach the Word on board several times, and repeatedly in other ways to serve the Lord. This I mention, in order that my beloved fellow-believers may not allow themselves to be kept from service, by the prospect of trial or suffering in connection with giving themselves to the Lord's work. During the passage to Canada, I was able to preach eight times.

On September 26th we landed at Quebec. Here we had the joy of seeing a Roman Catholic gentleman of high position attend each of the last five meetings at which I preached. When they were over, I conversed with him about his soul, and he gladly accepted the three volumes of my Narrative.

On the 4th October we started for Boston, in the United States, and remained five weeks in that city. During our stay at Boston I repeatedly went to a mid-day prayer meeting, called "The Market Men's Prayer Meeting," and gave addresses there.

Whilst at Boston I had the privilege of addressing about 100 Methodist Episcopal ministers for an hour; and upon another occasion addressed more than 200 Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational, Baptist, Lutheran, and other ministers, at the same time, answering questions put to me afterwards by them, with a view of ascertaining what is the most scriptural way of carrying on the Lord's work.

Milford, Massachusetts, was the next place we visited, and on November 13th we proceeded to Amherst. Here President Seeyle, with whom we had been in correspondence, kindly met us on our arrival, and the following afternoon a meeting was held at the College chapel, at which 339 of the students were present, whom I had the pleasure of addressing for nearly an hour. In the evening, at one of the churches in Amherst, I preached to a large crowded congregation, and the next day attended a pastors' meeting, where the privilege was granted me of addressing fifteen fellow labourers in the gospel, and of seeking to strengthen their hands in the Lord. After leaving Amherst we went to Northampton, where I addressed 260 of the lady students at Smith's College. On the 18th November we went to South Hadley, where the celebrated Mount Holyoke Female Seminary is situated, founded in 1837 by that holy, excellent woman, Mary Lyon. Here in the evening, and also the next morning, I had the privilege of addressing the 250 lady students who belong to it. From this Institution many godly, devoted young women have gone forth as Missionaries, and numbers of eminent Christian teachers have received their education and training at Mount Holyoke. One particular feature of the system there, is the attention the young ladies are required to pay to the domestic arrangements. They are expected in every way to make themselves useful, and not only do they cook, and wash their own clothes, but the entire household work of the large establishment is performed between them. The whole, however, is so conducted, that their education, which is of a very high order, both with reference to mental culture and religious training, is at the same time carried on admirably. I believe it would be an excellent thing if the young ladies of Great Britain were more systematically instructed in those domestic occupations, which are so intimately connected with the comfort and welfare of well-regulated households.

Next we went to Hartford, Connecticut, where I preached six times, and held a meeting for pastors, when the privilege of addressing thirty brethren in Christ, and of replying afterwards to any questions they asked, was accorded me. In this city I held also three German meetings.

At New Haven, Connecticut, we arrived on the 27th of November. This place is famous as the seat of the Yale College (or rather, University), founded in the year 1700, and containing 859 students. Through the courtesy of the President and University Chaplain I had twice an opportunity of addressing a considerable number of the students, a service in which I take the deepest interest, from having been converted myself while a student at the University of Halle. These my labours amongst the students of Colleges, Theological Seminaries, and Universities, both in Europe and America, the Lord has condescended to bless greatly in several instances, which have since come to my knowledge. In this place I had also a precious meeting with about fifty pastors from the city and neighbourhood.

On December 8th we proceeded to New York. During our two former visits to America, I had been able to give comparatively but little time to this the largest of all the cities in the United States, which now contains more than thirteen hundred thousand inhabitants. We considered it therefore to be the will of God that we should stay for a considerable time in this city, and seek to do what we could for its spiritual welfare. As in New York alone the Germans exceed 300,000 in number, and at Brooklyn (which adjoins it) there are 200,000 more, I had abundant opportunity of preaching among them. The English-speaking population of New York, Brooklyn, and the neighbourhood is about one million and a half.

We remained, therefore, at New York fourteen weeks and three days. During our stay there were nine meetings for pastors, four for Christian workers, and also I addressed 125 students of the Union Theological Seminary, by desire, of the President and professors. During the whole period of our stay in New York, I preached 92 times. Thirty-eight of these services were in German, and the others in English. On the 19th March we left New York for Newark, New Jersey, a city of about 120,000 inhabitants, among whom there are above 30,000 Germans.

Before our arrival there, many German services had already been arranged, so that for nearly three weeks I preached almost exclusively among the Germans, and not in the large American churches of the city until a later period.

On April 18th we went to Port Chester. On the 13th May we returned to New York, that I might fulfil a few preaching engagements made before our departure thence, and embark for England after a stay of about eight months in America.

During this, our third visit to the United States, I preached altogether 244 times. At eighteen of these meetings I addressed German or American pastors, fifteen of them were held for the students of Universities, Theological Seminaries, and Colleges, and at seven I spoke to Christian workers as such.

On May 21st we left New York, and, after a most favourable passage, landed at Liverpool on May 30th, having much reason heartily to praise God for His abundant lovingkindness towards us during our travels by land and by water.

EIGHTH TOUR—EGYPT, PALESTINE, SYRIA, ASIA MINOR, TURKEY, AND GREECE

August 23rd, 1881, to May 30th, 1882

My eighth preaching tour began on August 23rd, 1881, when we left for Switzerland.

After I had preached for some time in Würtemberg, we began our journey to the Holy Land, to which country we were led in a remarkably providential manner.

On October 20th we left Marseilles by steamer for Alexandria, in Egypt, where we arrived after a voyage of six days. Here I found myself in the twelfth country of my preaching tours, and then it became necessary, when no English, German, or French speaking congregations could be met with, to make use of interpretation into Arabic. At Alexandria we met with great kindness from the American missionaries, the Scotch minister, the German pastor, and the German deaconesses, who made arrangements for meetings, so that I had a considerable amount of work during the ten days we were there. On November 5th we went by railway from Alexandria to Cairo, where I also preached several times for the German pastor, and in connection with the American Mission, there being here, likewise facility given for service to the full.

Whilst at Cairo we spent one day in visiting the great Pyramids, 10 miles from the city, and upon another occasion went to the Museum, which contains a number of mummies, several of the embalmed bodies being those of Egyptian kings recently discovered. Among them there is the mummy of that great oppressor, the Pharaoh during whose reign the Israelites had most of all to suffer, until they were delivered by Jehovah, through His servant Moses. On the 11th of November we left Cairo for Port Said, where we did not arrive until two hours after midnight.

Here also the Lord was pleased to give me deeply interesting work among the Germans and English. A remarkable circumstance was, that fourteen men who had just suffered shipwreck, were present at an English service, so, as their lives had been saved, I took advantage of the impressive circumstance, and pressed upon them the acceptance of the gospel. At a German service, a considerable number of young men and women from Bohemia were present, who earn their bread at Alexandria, Cairo, Port Said, etc., by their great talent for music. They were all Roman Catholics. To each of them a copy of the Bible or New Testament in German was given, and to the English sailors a copy in English.

On the afternoon of November 14th we left Port Said for Jaffa (the ancient Joppa), on the coast of Palestine, on board a large Russian steamer, in which, besides the saloon passengers, there were in the steerage from 100 to 150 Russian pilgrims with their priests of the Greek Church, on their way to Jerusalem. All these pilgrims were supplied with a copy of the Holy Scriptures in Russ, by a Scotch evangelist, and an agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society, at a nominal price. These two brethren labour for the Lord habitually at Port Said, which is a most important seaport, where they have many opportunities of meeting with people of various nationalities. The Russian pilgrims to whom I have referred, though substantially holding all the fearful errors of the Church of Rome, without being under the supremacy of the Pope, yet differ from Papists in this particular, that their priests, instead of hindering them from seeking the Word of God, encourage them to purchase it.

At 8 a.m. on November 15th, we found ourselves off the coast of Palestine, at Jaffa, and cast anchor about a mile from the shore. We had an exceedingly rough, unpleasant passage from the vessel to the shore, in a boat rowed by eight Arabs, the waves and surf being tremendous at Jaffa, when the wind is high. There being a German colony at Jaffa, as well as American and English Missionaries, I had abundant opportunity of preaching to German and English congregations, or in either of these languages with Arabic interpretation, when neither English nor German was understood.

After having stayed twelve days at Jaffa, on November 28th we started for Jerusalem, in an open Russian wagon with three horses. Between Jaffa and Ramleh, for about twelve miles, the cultivation of the land is pretty good, and the soil appears productive; but as soon as the mountainous district commenced, which in the Holy Scriptures is called the mountains of Judæa, the aspect of the country became wild and dreary. Palestine, called so many times in the Scriptures, "the land flowing with milk and honey," and "the glory of all lands," has now a most barren and rocky appearance; so that one is forced to see that God's curse rests even upon the land and not merely upon the people who once inhabited the country, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nevertheless the day is coming, when Jehovah will remember even "the land," and when "the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose,"

After a journey of twelve hours, of the most rough and trying character, over the only made road which exists in the whole of Palestine, but which is so bad that the worst of all European roads we ever travelled upon is better than it, we reached Jerusalem in the evening, and had to alight before the Jaffa gate, as no carriage, or vehicle of any description, can enter the city, the streets being far too narrow and too badly paved for carriages to be driven along them. You must either walk, in Jerusalem, or ride upon horses, mules, or donkeys; and the only way of conveying goods or merchandise from one part of the city to another, is upon these animals, or upon camels. All the nine weeks and two days we were staying at Jerusalem, we never saw a single carriage; and even the uncomfortable Russian wagons, when wanted, must be ordered from Jaffa, where they are kept by the Germans. At the Mediterranean Hotel we took up our abode, and upon its flat roof, which formed a kind of terrace, we often walked during our sojourn there, on account of the wretched state of the streets. From this elevated spot, we had a fine view of the Mount of Olives, the Mosque of Omar, where the Temple formerly stood, and could overlook almost the whole city.

One of the missionary brethren told me on December 1st, that the Pasha, or Governor of Jerusalem, had received orders from the Sultan of Constantinople, not to sell any considerable quantities of land to the Jews, for the sake of forming a Jewish colony, lest difficulty should arise to the Ottoman Empire from the European powers. From all I could learn, the Missionaries who labour among the Jews, very excellent men, have comparatively little encouragement in their service, and greatly need on that account the help by prayer of all true Christians; for as soon as the Rabbis find that any Israelite is in the least degree tending towards Christianity, all support is at once cut off from him; and as the Jews in Jerusalem are generally very poor, none but those who are in earnest come as enquirers after the way of salvation. The number of true converts from Judaism to Christianity is extremely small; this I do not mention as discouragement for service, but I seek to stir up Christians to prayer.

Whilst at Jerusalem we visited Bethany, saw the tomb of Lazarus, and from the summit of the Mount of Olives had an extensive view of part of Jordan, of the valley which Lot chose for himself, and of the neighbourhood of the Cave of Adullam. From the Mount of Olives we also had by far the best view of Jerusalem which is to be obtained anywhere. The Garden of Gethsemane was likewise visited by us, and the Pool of Bethesda, also the Mosque of Omar where the Temple formerly stood, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built, as it is said, over the spot whore our Lord was crucified.

In going to Bethany we crossed the Brook Kidron, which, however, only has water in it when there have been heavy rains, otherwise it is quite dry. One day we rode upon donkeys to Bethlehem, six miles from Jerusalem. At another time we went to the "Upper Pool," where Rabshakeh spoke to the men on the wall, in the days of Hezekiah; also the place where Herod's palace was, the castle to which Paul was taken, and the Pool of Siloam (now without water). One of the most memorable places we saw was "the Wailing Place of the Jews." Every Friday afternoon, shortly before sunset, 200 or 300 Jews assemble close to some immense stones, the remains, it is supposed, of the Temple; these they kiss, whilst they offer prayer, and bewail, some with tears in their eyes, the calamities which have befallen their city and country. May the Lord hasten the time when the spirit of grace and of supplication will be poured out upon them, and when they shall look upon Him whom they pierced!

During our stay at Jerusalem I held many meetings in German, and in English, and preached repeatedly in both these languages, with interpretation into Arabic. Twice also I addressed the patients in a hospital for lepers, outside the city, where there were fourteen men, and six women afflicted with leprosy.

On February 1st we returned to Jaffa, in order to pursue our journey thence by sea to Haipha and Beyrout. At Jaffa I preached again repeatedly to the Germans, and on February 8th we embarked for Haipha, that I might labour there in the midst of another German colony.

This little town is beautifully situated at the foot of Mount Carmel, and is close to the seashore. During the twelve days we were there, I preached fourteen times; and the Lord was graciously pleased to grant a special blessing upon these services. On the Monday after our arrival, we rode on donkeys to the top of Mount Carmel.

On February 20th we sailed for Beyrout, Syria. Here we stayed twenty-one days, and in addition to my preaching many times in German, and in English, or in English and in German with Arabic interpretation, I addressed the students also of the College, the theological students, and had three meetings with Christian workers.

We were very kindly received by the brethren and sisters connected with the American Mission in this city, the Scotch Mission, the German pastor, the deaconesses, and by English labourers in the Lord's service. On March 14th we left Beyrout by a steamer for Smyrna, in Asia Minor, where we arrived on March 18th.

At Smyrna I found work immediately on our arrival, and during our stay preached on the Lord's days twice, and every day in the week once or twice, either in English or in German; also several times with interpretation into the Armenian and Turkish languages, and into modern Greek; also once with Spanish translation, when addressing a congregation of Spanish Jews. Whilst at Smyrna we spent part of one day in going by rail to Ephesus, where we saw a number of very ancient ruins.

On April 6th we left Smyrna for Constantinople, where we arrived on the 8th. During our stay there, I preached eighteen times within the twelve days that we remained. Twice I particularly addressed the Jews, and I had six opportunities of addressing hundreds of Jewish children in schools connected with the London Missionary Society to the Jews, or the Scotch Mission to the Jews. These meetings were either in German, English, and French; or with Turkish interpretation.

On April 21st we left Constantinople for Athens, and arrived there on April 23rd. During the ten days we were at Athens I preached twelve times in English, but always with interpretation into modern Greek. I had also the opportunity of addressing 275 and 155 prisoners, in two different prisons, having obtained permission from the Attorney- General so to do. Whilst at Athens we visited the Areopagus, or Mars Hill, stood on the spot where Paul preached, and saw the ruins of many of the former idol-temples, some of which are nearly four thousand years old. The difficulties of Missionaries in Greece are greater than in Turkey, as they have not the same amount of liberty for service as in that country. The Greek Government allows no schools to be established where priests of the Greek Church cannot go to give religious instruction; and this of course greatly hinders our missionary brethren in their service. I commend this matter to the attention of Christians, and would ask them to pray that evangelical Missionaries in Greece may be entirely free from the priests of the Greek Church.