wondered at, when the extent and character of the effort has been considered. It was felt to be a most important service to the Lord, to attempt to spread, not only through the United Kingdom, but throughout the whole world, wherever the English language was spoken-SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY RESPECTING THE PERSONAL COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. It is freely admitted that a too sanguine temperament, and the warmly expressed sympathy of so many Christians, led at times to a too liberal dealing forth of numbers of the publication; but this is now amongst the things of the past, and the Lord has over-ruled, and will still further over-rule it for His own glory. One hundred and seventy-eight thousand copies have been put into actual circulation. These have been scattered up and down throughout Great Britain and her colonies. Thus a great quantity of the seed of truth has been sown in faith with earnest prayer, and the result is confidently left with the Lord. Along with these copies of this publication, several thousands of second advent tracts have been also circulated. One result has been the gradual growth of an amount of correspondence, of which, we are persuaded, many of our readers have had little idea. Our average of letters received has been for a long time thirty per day; and we have now laid away several packages of such letters, which we preserve, at least for the present, for the sake of the deeply interesting proofs which they contain of the manner and extent of the Lord's blessing graciously vouchsafed.

We have only now to make the following announcements, rendered necessary by our firm determination, on no future occasion, to go before the Lord, even though the motive be the earnest desire to promulgate His truth.

All free grants must absolutely cease, and no copies can be given free, except when special contributions have been sent for that purpose.

It must be understood that all copies sent direct from the Editor, and sent post free as heretofore, are so sent because of pre-payment, and the numbers ordered must be according to any multiple of four. Four will be sent free for four pence-eight for eight pence-twelve for one shilling, and so on. Four costs one penny postage, eight, two-pence, twelve, three-pence. It is very evident we cannot send five for five-pence, when the postage of the five would cost us two-pence. A few subscribers have liberally sent us extra stamps for postage. We trust an additional number may voluntarily do this, seeing that until we have an increased circulation, the publication is not absolutely self-supporting, though a little effort in procuring additional subscribers would soon make it so.

Our subscribers who may wish to receive copies direct from the Editor, as heretofore, will greatly oblige by sending their orders at once, with stamps or post-office order (payable at Adelaide-road Post-office, N. W.) It is necessary that this be attended to as early as convenient, so as to enable us to determine what number to print, and if our friends can procure additional subscribers, we feel assured that they will be glad thus to help us.

EDITOR.

(Rom. v. 20, last clause.)

S we the depths of ocean measure By the great mountains hid below, So sin's tremendous heights discover The depths of grace that o'er them flow. The waves, majestically rolling, Of the unfathomed sea of grace, Conceal the mountains of transgression, And of their summits leave no trace. Once in that boundless ocean buried, Cast there by everlasting love, They cannot rear their peaks of terror, To fright us in the courts above. Oh, wondrous, shoreless tide of blessing, That, like a mighty flood, prevails, 'Till it hath covered all transgression,

All that our peace and hope assails. We bless Thee, Saviour, to whose merits The favour of our God we owe; In Thee, He is our Friend and Father,The source whence love and pardon flow. Roll on, majestically, freely,

Ye bright and glorious waves of grace! Roll o'er the dark hill-tops of error,

And sin, that none may know their place! And when the Judge to judgment cometh, Iniquity to search and try,

Oh, may our sins, with the true Israel's, 'Neath grace's ocean buried lie!

THE TERRORS OF WINTER! "To the Editor and Readers of The Voice upon the Mountains.'

"DEAR FRIENDS, -The terrible poverty and widespread distress among the masses in east, west, north, and south London, and also in Cow Cross, in the centre, has gone on increasing year by year, and now comes the crisis (as it appears to me) this very winter. Almost all the great building works in and around the metropolis are finished. The great trunk railways; the Midland, which has nearly swept away two whole towns (Agar and Somers), and parts of two others (Kentish and Camden); the Metropolitan, or Underground Railway; the New Smithfield Market; the Main Drainage Works; the Thames Embankment; Blackfriars Bridge, and the Holborn Valley Viaduct. Tens of thousands of skilled and unskilled labourers are at this moment out of employment, and their families in a starving condition. The thousands of houses in the suburbs, 'built to sell,'

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remain unoccupied, while in Cow Cross, or ragged London in the centre,' rents and rates are rising higher and higher, and the overcrowding of the poorest of the poor is becoming frightful. More than one thousand poor families were sent adrift to make room for the Farringdon-street Station, &c., and now extensive demolitions have been ordered in 'Jack Ketch's Warren,' and the poor alley dwellers are appealing to us, to know what to do and where to go. What with the continued stagnation of trade-(particularly during the past summer), the closing of the government dockyards (in the autumn), the decline of shipbuilding on the Thames, the failure of the hop harvest, and other causes, our winter prospects are indeed dark and gloomy. That excellent association, the East London Mission and Relief Committee, which afforded such noble aid to the poor in past years, is, we hear, not likely to continue its operations this winter. During the past week, in Whitechapel and St. Giles's, a new scourge, known as the famine fever,' has assumed the form of an epidemic. I could furnish some harrowing details, did time and space permit. This is surely the time for action. Winter is upon us. The people are starving. On every side we see gaunt figures, shivering limbs, bare floors, empty cupboards, and rusty firegrates. We are forced to listen to the wail of the hunger-bitten little ones. I have seen them die during the past few weeks, wanting the commonest necessaries of life, and I had nothing to offer but a tract. Oh, wealthy Christians! all this is true— too true. Will you not come over and help us?' Our more immediate want is funds to re-open the Cow Cross Mission Soup Kitchen, which has been a boon to the poor of this neighbourhood for many winters. We have suitable and commodious premises in White Horse-alley, Cow Cross-street, near Smithfield. Christian ladies are much needed as district visitors, as we would search out and relieve retiring poverty. Left-off clothing (especially old boots and shoes), oatmeal, potatoes, rice, and the like, will be very thankfully received as above, by your obliged and faithful servant,

"WILLIAM CATLIN, Missionary. "18, Hemingford-road, Islington, N."

Mr. Catlin's sad picture is not at all over-drawn. We have been often through those parts of London to which he refers, and can bear personal testimony to the increasing poverty and distress. We trust that his appeal may meet with a liberal response.

We would also plead for the poor in the districts where we ourselves are continually labouring in the Lord's work. Though the distress does not altogether partake of the same character as that in Clerkenwell, St. Giles, Westminster, or the east of London; for it does not shew itself so much upon the very surface; yet it has a character of its own, that should touch the heart of any feeling observer-it is the large proportion of persons who have seen better days, who do not force their deep necessity on our notice; but rather hide it, though they suffer the more; many of such have been only discovered after repeated visits in the various districts. Hundreds of painful cases have been discovered, enquired into, and relieved. We believe the Lord will

enable us to do yet more; and we earnestly invite the help of our readers.

In every case the most careful enquiries are made. Nothing is ever given without personally visiting the persons, and becoming acquainted with their circumstances. To do this is a very painful employment—very harrowing to the feelings. On one occasion there was a dying man lying trembling in the expectation of his landlord selling the few things in his room, and even the bed on which he lay. On another, a mother was weeping over her child; the doctor had said it might recover if it had plenty of nourishing things; but the poor woman could not buy bread. In many of such cases the things needed have been supplied. Food and clothing, help towards rent, coal tickets, help to take articles out of pawn. These are the means by which we have been enabled to alleviate the sufferings of so many of our fellow-creatures, many of them too have been our fellow-Christians.

No language could well express the painful feelings experienced, when we have had to visit such cases, without any means to give the help, which on other occasions is so gratefully accepted.

Since writing the above, the following cutting out of a newspaper has been sent us :—

"In the fifth week in October there were 136,241 paupers in the metropolis, and of these 35,306 were in the workhouses, and 100,735 were receiving out-door relief. The total number showed an increase of 1,980 upon the figures of the corresponding period of last year."

This is a very fearful statement; for it suggests even more than it expresses. Of the 136,241 persons receiving parish relief, the 35,306 who are in the workhouses are a great deal the best off, if they only could believe it. In several hundreds of cases, where careful enquiry has been made, the parish relief to each person amounts to 2s. 6d. or 3s. per week; and their weekly rent is 2s. or 2s. 6d. How a poor, aged, infirm woman, who once had every comfort,-and there are many such cases,—can exist upon 6d. to 1s. per week, it is impossible to understand. And further, this great number of 136,241 leaves entirely out of account the great numbers who are not receiving parish relief, but certainly ought to be doing so-the great numbers who go on struggling they scarcely can tell you how, first with a little needlework, then by selling some little relic of better days, barely keeping life in them, and thus avoiding that appeal to the parish officer which they so much dread.

But it is a depressing theme, and we cannot further dwell upon it. Some of our readers will surely feel it their privilege to help us to go amongst all this distress, and shew the practical sympathy of loving words and helping hands.

During the winter, free teas to the poor will be given in Shouldham-street School-room, as frequently as the funds sent in will allow; and in various other ways help will be given.

We would be very thankful to receive parcels of castoff clothing, or materials for making up into clothing. What a precious boon it would be if some Christian

"Pleasant Readings for Homely People." By

the Author of "Words of Consolation and Counsel for the Tried and Sorrowful," &c., &c. London: William Macintosh, 24, Paternoster-row. This is just what it professes to be-"pleasant readings." Moreover, it is good as well as pleasant, and we can confidently recommend it. It is also beautifully illustrated and "got up" in Mr. Mackintosh's usual neat style.

"Caleb and Joshua, or Wholly Following the

Lord." Notes of an Address to Believers. London: Yapp and Hawkins, 70, Welbeck-street, Cavendish-square, W. A valuable little book for present circulation. It contains truth for the times-very needful to be known, and such as each true Christian ought to seek to practice.

"Our Father." The substance of two sermons preached by the late Rev. John Offord, at Palace-gardens Chapel, in the summer of 1868, towards the close of his ministry. London: Yapp & Hawkins, 70, Welbeck-street. Price twopence. The two sermons are put into verse by our talented friend and correspondent Miss M., and form a very interesting little book, which we hope will secure a large circulation.

"The Golden Grain Almanack and Christian's Text-book for 1870." Price one penny; limp cloth, 4d.; cloth, gilt edges, interleaved, 6d. Third year of publication. London: Yapp & Hawkins, 70, Welbeck-street. This little almanack

has been greatly blessed by the Lord in the past two years, and its fresh issue for the coming year will be gladly welcomed by

many.

"The Golden Grain Sheet Almanack for 1870.' London: Yapp & Hawkins, 70, Welbeck-street. We just repeat what we said of this last year.-"This is a broad sheet, beautifully arranged, with an interesting engraving of the Tabernacle of Israel. We cordially recommend it. It is remarkably cheap for one penny.- Voice upon the Mountains.”

"Notes on the Unfulfilled Prophecies of Isaiah. Addressed to the Jew first and also to the Gentile,' Rom. ii. 9; Acts iii. 26; declaring the end from the beginning." London; James Nisbet & Co., 21, Berners-street, 1868. This is a valuable book. The parts we have been able to look into have interested us very much, and cast much light upon the scripture considered. Not having been able to read the whole volume, we cannot pledge ourselves to it all, but are expecting much pleasure in going carefully through it at an early opportunity.

DR. BELL'S CHRISTIAN WORK.

1 have

"Oh! the power and the joy of being nothing, having nothing, and knowing nothing, but a glorified Christ up there in heaven; and of being careful for nothing' but the honour of His sweet name down here on earth." This is a very choice saying, and may the Lord enable me to keep it ever before me. great need for the prayers of the Lord's people, that I may be kept in that frame of mind; for the Lord has done great things for me in blessing my unworthy efforts in His blessed service. The other day another of His believing children departed to be with Christ. Full of peace and joy, he said, just before he died, that he was going to see that blessed Jesus whom he loved, and who had loved him so much. This made the eighty-second of those whom I have visited who are now removed from this world of sin and sorrow. Amongst those still remaining are many with whom the preached Word has had great power; several are awakened, others have found peace, and altogether I could truthfully declare, at the meeting last night, that I had not known a week lately without some precious token of the Lord's favour.

And then there came His goodness in helping on the arrangements for the "fellowship meetings," and granting to them so complete a success. Having determined, in counsel with a few brethren, to endeavour to gather believers together, in order that they might praise the Lord with us, and help us to commend to the Lord's blessing our dear brother Russell, on his being entirely devoted to the Lord's service, I issued two hundred circulars. No other effort was made; for there was neither time nor opportunity; only prayer continued to be made to the Lord. First there came, either letters or messages from about twenty dear Christians-ministers of the various communities, evangelists, and others, expressing their full sympathy and earnest prayers for the Lord's blessing to rest upon the meetings, to which they themselves were unable to come through prior engagements; and afterwards, when the time arrived, great numbers of the Lord's people assembled. There was an afternoon meeting, which was attended by many more than were expected, the time being, to persons in business, very inconvenient. There was an earnest spirit of prayer manifest, and much brotherly love. One and another of the brethren took part; much prayer was offered, and especially for brother Russell, and for two other brethren, one desiring to be occupied for the Lord in the Hall Park district, and the other seeking the guidance of the Lord as to his desire to go as an evangelist to the wide and extensive colonies of Australia. At the tea, the school-room was well filled, and all seemed happy in conversation about the Lord's work. One peculiar feature in the assembly, was the large number of evangelists, with a few pastors of various congregations; twenty-seven of the former were counted up. These were gathered from various and distant parts of London, with a few from the country. afternoon meeting was rendered very special by the Christian brethren engaged in the Stafford Rooms and Trinity Rooms Christian works, kindly coming to bear their testimony to Mr. Russell, who had been formerly associated with them, and to join in our prayers on his behalf. Mr. John Hawker and Mr. W. G. Habershon led our prayers with the very manifest power of the Spirit. The evening meeting was very full, and was felt by many to be one of great solemnity, through the earnest spirit of prayer which was manifest. It was com menced very appropriately by that well-known hymn :

"All hail the power of Jesus' name,"

The

and closed with the other, now so often used in such meetings: "Yes, we part, but not for ever,

Joyful hopes our bosoms swell;
They who love the Saviour never
Know a long, a last farewell.
Blissful unions

Lie beyond this parting vale."

On the following evening, we were enabled to re-commence r free teas for the poor. The school-room we now occupy is ry well suited to this important object. We have a boiler and other necessary articles to supply such meetings. We had 0 on this occasion; and after giving them all a comfortable eal, we were enable i to preach the gospel to them. This was several short addresses by Mr. Mills (of Stafford Rooms), r. Russell, and others.

By the help of the Lord, we have been enabled also to open other preaching station. It is a room in Earl-street, Lissonove, in the very centre of a dense population, and a district of eater spiritual destitution could not readily be found. Meetgs will be held here each Sunday evening by the various ethren who help in preaching. Meetings will also be held on 1esday evenings.

Much might also be said about our work generally; but this ust be postponed for want of room. CHRISTIAN READERS! aise the Lord with us, and ask Him to help us still further, d supply all our need.

[Just as I am looking over the proofs, intelligence reaches me the departure of another of the sick ones I had visited. A ar Christian lady, who has been ill and suffering much for elve months. She had departed in perfect peace. Surely the ord will carry home to many hearts His own lesson, that He ould now teach us. He is breaking many ties on earth; shewing ore and more the uncertainty of all things here, and saying us who are called into the vineyard, "WORK WHILST IT IS LLED DAY."] T. GEORGE BELL.

:

The following contributions are thankfully acknowledged :For the Poor.-Books sold, £1 1s. Od. Meeting of Christians Taunton, one third amount in their offering box, 6s. "Accept ese stamps from one who can say, "I am a poor sinner, and thing at all; but Jesus Christ is my all in all, 5s. 4d." With much Christian love, I send you a thank-offering for od's unspeakable mercies." Hull, 1s. 6d. Mitspa meeting of ristians, Jersey, £1 15s. Kensington-place meeting, Jersey, . Mrs. J. W., Bromley, Kent, 2s. 6d, and a parcel of articles r the Sale-room. C. H. B., Brixham, 5s. Mrs. B., Totten. _m, £1. "A friend," Camden-town, 7s. 6d. "From one 10 loves Jesus, wishing Dr. Bell's work God speed,” Exeter, Miss A., Mary-le bone, 2s. 6d., towards tea to the poor. . K., towards ditto, 5s. Miss B. and friend, towards ditto, S. Dr. R., 10s. Mr. S., Oxford, 2s. 6d. Mr. B., 1s.

For the Voice.-E. C., Stroud, 1s. 6d. A. F. T., per J. E., £50. r. S. Kendal, 2s. 6d. W. R. P., Tiverton, 5s. “One who loves e Lord's appearing," Cheltenham, 5s. Mrs. W., Livermead, rquay, 10s. A. W., Watchet, Somerset, 2s. G. J., Bellevue, comley, Kent, £5.

"A

The Ministry.-Miss W., 2s. 6d. Miss P., Bournmouth, 58. rs. D., £1. Ditto for articles sold, £1 3s. 6d. Miss H., ayswater, 2s. "For Jesus' sake," 2s. 6d. "A friend," 2s. 6d. rs. C., 2s. H. T., £10. "A friend," per Miss P., Bournmouth, - J. T. M., Clifton, £10. Mrs. M., Camden-town, 1s. or widow," 1s. Miss M., Crawford-street, 2s. 6d. "From a w at Maidenhead," 5s. 10d. Mrs. W., Cahirciveen, Ireland, H. R. F., St. Albans, 2s. 6d. In boxes, £8 11s. 2d. Shouldham Street Work-In boxes, £6 9s. 53d. Offerings at ellowship Meeting, £3 9s. 84d.

1.

Miscellaneous.-Parcel of tracts sent anonymously. W. N., ythe Bridge, Scotland, 6 copies Life of Peden. A parcel of d clothing for the poor. Mrs. D., a quantity of articles for e Sale-room.

The attention of Christians is still earnestly directed to is Sale-room-No. 97, Crawford-street, Bryanston-square. any articles are lying there for sale, and to sell them would of great present help to the work amongst the poor. Miss Smith's Report.-"I desire to acknowledge the Lord's odness in still leading me on in the work He has given me to , and I can declare, to the glory of His name, that none of is promises have failed. The users to prayer have been ry precious. My faith has been tried for there has been often ck of means; but answers came when prayer was stirred up.

One morning, when things were low, and prayer had been earnest, a lady (Mrs. B., Suffolk) came in with a warm shawl, and a valuable speaking tube, very useful to my reading to the deaf. On another occasion £1 was sent for self; I did not know from whom, but the Lord will reward. From the boxes for the poor, £1 48. Ditto 6s. For yourself," Miss C., 10s. Mrs. D., parcel of garments for Sale Room. Mrs. R., parcel of clothes for the poor. Nurse in Gloucester-place, 1s. Miss W., 23. Mrs. H., 5s. A friend, 2s. 6d. Mrs. R., 2s. 6d. Miss J., 2s. 6d. Mrs. B., 2s. 6d. Miss J., 2s 6d. Mrs. D., 3s. 6d. Mrs. M., 2s. 6d. Lady C., material for warm dress for my visiting. Miss C., for special poor cases, £1 8s. Mrs. R., for ditto, £1 16s. Miss Y., 4s. 6d. Mrs. S., towards tea to the poor, 2s. Miss P., towards Monday evening tea, 3s. 6d. Miss T., for self, 2s. 6d. Mrs. K., 2s. 6d. Miss P., 23. 6d. I am constantly receiving parcels of tea and sugar, with other useful things, to distribute amongst the poor, also for my own use, and for the two tea meetings held each week in the Sale Room, one for the poor widows, and the other of those actively engaged in the work. The meeting each Wednesday, of the poor widows, is a very interesting effort; they come together in the afternoon, and make garments for the poor; they each have a weekly allowance, as the Lord enables us to give it, and then have the privilege, with other poor persons, of buying the garments cheap; some of these we also give away. I trust the Lord will open the hearts of many of His dear children to help us in this work. It is a blessed thing to go amongst the poor, and find out the deserving, especially Christians, and give food to the hungry, clothing to the half-clad, and coals to warm them. We have had much spiritual blessing; but the opportunities of doing good amongst the poor are far beyond what we have had in our power to do.. I am especially praying the Lord to supply us with either old clothing for children, or materials to make children's clothing. Many parents would send their children to school if they had clothes for them. We are helping some each week; but cannot meet half the cases coming to our knowledge. I would be very thankful for bread, dinner, and coal tickets.

Having in the good providence of God been brought acquainted with your work for the Lord, I have become deeply interested in it, and have for some weeks past had it strongly laid upon my heart to devote myself entirely to this blessed work, and thus earnestly seek to serve the Lord, looking solely to Him for support, feeling assured, that if it be the Lord's will I should thus labour in His vineyard, that He will also incline the hearts of His children to sympathise with me in their prayers and help.

I do not yet write as if the Lord had made my way quite plain; but I feel my heart and desires entirely drawn to the work; and I wish you, if you feel at liberty, to put this into the Voice, asking all Christian brethren interested in your work to pray for me, that the Lord may guide and direct me aright. I shall be extremely happy to commence my labours with you immediately, if the Lord so guide, and if He shall be pleased to incline His people and others to send a supply for my necessary want in the work, I shall look upon it as a manifest token of the Lord's will, that I should thus spend and be spent in His service; and also as an answer to the prayers of His children on my behalf in this matter. Entreating the Lord's richest blessing on your labours, I remain your humble and obedient servant in the Lord Jesus. To Dr. Bell.

WM. STEWARDSON.

[We have seen the most excellent testimonials to our brother Stewardson, and have besides had much pleasant Christian intercourse with him, and would earnestly commend him to the prayers of the Lord's people.]