Count of Toulouse disputed the claims of Bohemond to the Principality of Antioch, and hoisted his own standard upon the wall of the citadel; but the council decided in favor of the Norman. Leader after leader, upon one pretext or another, fell away. Some took immediate service under Baldwin of Edessa or Bohemond of Antioch. Others undertook to establish principalities or countships of their own. Hugh of Vermandois was sent to Constantinople to remonstrate with the Emperor; instead of returning, he went home. The Persian spoils were soon exhausted, and a famine and pestilence ensued more destructive than

| with that which had encamped eighteen months before upon the plains of Nice. All told, there were only 1,500 mounted men, 20,000 foot soldiers, and about as many non-combatants - camp-followers, pilgrims and clergy. They marched unopposed along the seashore southward from Antioch to Joppa, a distance of 300 miles. At Joppa, the modern Jaffa, they turned their advance eastward toward Jerusalem, only 35 miles distant, passing in rapid succession spots hallowed by sacred associations, which the pilgrims pointed out to their eager gaze. When at length the white walls of Jerusalem, "beautiful for

Believing the

Bethany enterprise throws light on the solution of the problem, we accede to your request to give it in brief for the columns of the SUNDAY MAGAZINE.

"Bethany," one has said, "is about as far from the business centre of Philadelphia as the home of Mary and Martha were from Jerusalem." A quarter of a century ago no portion of the city was in a more uncivilized condition than the extreme southwestern section. Lawlessness and ruffianism had long held sway over this region, and woe betide the stranger who ventured within its bounds.

SOME time ago I remember meeting in an English publication this ringing sentence, written by that brilliant genius whose sun so lately set in England, Thomas Carlyle, while discussing the question, "How to reach the Masses." He said: "The masses! Masses, indeed; and yet, singular to say, if, with an effort of imagination, thou follow them into their clay hovels, into their garrets and hutches, the masses consist all of units. Every unit of whom has his own heart and sorrows; stands covered there with his own skin, and if you prick him he will bleed. . . . . What a thought, that every unit of these masses is a miraculous man, even as thyself art!" That the Church has not yet found the key to reach the hearts of the masses must be admitted.

True, indeed, vast sums are annually expended, and costly machinery is employed in city missionary operations by the Christian Church in the name of religion to evangelize the

masses; but all these by no

means keep pace with the process

of lapse that is constantly going

on.

For many years each annual social science congress has discussed this social problem, but the result has been more to show the utter confusion of ideas existing in connection with the question than to resolve any really sensible or prac

tical suggestions.

Now peace and quietness reigns. Miserable dwellings and vacant lots have given place to extensive blocks of comfortable houses; and the prime labor in this civilizing and elevating process has been the Bethany enterprise. ITS ORIGIN.

On the second Sabbath of February (the 14th), 1858, Mr. John Wanamaker, the present superintendent, then quite a young man, having just turned his majority, and without means save his humble earnings, commenced a Sabbathschool in two second-story rooms of the house 2135 South Street. The occasion was a memorable one. Twentyseven scholars presented themselves in these upper chambers. Some pieces of scantling were placed on bricks, and on these rough boards the children were arranged in a square and taught by Mr. Wanamaker.

Upon this effort, begun in faith and prayer, the Lord smiled, and the school grew in numbers until in a few weeks the rooms were crowded, next the halls and the stairways. The use of a vacant lot on the north side of South Street, and west of Twenty-first Street, was offered by its owner. This offer was accepted, and while the friends of the enterprise were collecting funds to purchase and put

up a tent, the larger scholars under wise direction were leveling the ground and putting up a board fence. All things being ready, the tent, built of an old ship-sail, was pitched, and a neat canvas chapel capable of seating 500 persons made ready for occupancy. The day of dedication, July 18th, 1858,

was a memora

ble day, number two in the history of Bethany. A dedicatory

discourse was preached by Rev. Dr. Challen in the morning, and in the afternoon over 300 children, with many of their parents, gathered in the tabernacle, and with gladsome hearts and voices gave full expression to their joy on this happy occasion. In the evening not only was the tent filled to its utmost capacity, but crowds pressed against it from outside, and filled up the inclosure. And on that night, as on every Sabbath evening thereafter for three months, the poor had the Gospel preached to them.

Then followed memorable day number three, when on the 18th of October the corner-stone of a chapel for Bethany (as it was now called) was laid. The origin and history of the enterprise was given by the superintendent, Mr. John Wanamaker, and addresses delivered by the Rev. Drs. Leyburn, Brainerd, Chambers and McLeod.

Memorable day number four occurred on January 27th, 1859, when the Bethany Chapel, measuring 40x60 feet, and costing about $3,700, was dedicated for public worship, and on the following Sabbath the school met for the first time in its new home with 274 scholars and 17 teachers-although less than a year had elapsed since its commencement with 27 scholars and 2 teachers. The success marking the enterprise in the upper chambers and the tent was still more manifest in the new chapel. The necessity of having a missionary, who should visit the sick and bury the dead and statedly preach the Gospel, was apparent to all, and the Rev. Mr. Blauvelt was engaged for this purpose, and remained with the people for one year, when he left to enter upon similar work in a foreign field. During the latter part of the year 1864 the interior of the chapel was altered and a gallery put in, with rooms for adult classes, to meet the increased attendance.

The fifth memorable day was the organization of a Presbyterian church, which took place on the 23d of September, 1865. This event was followed by the installment as pastor of the Rev. Dr. S. T. Lowrie, who had been laboring among the people since the 25th of March preceding.

Under the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Lowrie the enterprise rapidly prospered, so that the chapel became too strait, and various measures were adopted to accommodate the numbers who sought to worship there. At last it was decided to erect a more commodious building, and a large lot, embracing the end of the block at the southeast corner of Twenty-second and Shippen (now Bainbridge) Streets, running back to Pemberton Street, was purchased, and the corner-stone of a new Sabbath-school building laid with appropriate services. Subsequently a church edifice was erected on a lot fronting on Bainbridge Street, adjoining the Sabbath-school or chapel. The two buildings have a front on Bainbridge Street of 212 feet, with a depth of 138 feet.

The Sabbath-school building (of which more anon) embraces 48 rooms, with a seating capacity of 3,020 adults and children. The church holds 2,200 people.

THE WORK OF BETHANY.

From the very commencement of the enterprise there has been before the mind of the founder and his co-laborers but one object: how best to train up children and youth "to glorify God." Music has ever been a prominent feature in the exercises; Bethany being the first school to introduce a responsive and choral service in the opening of the school, this part of the exercises occupying usually from twenty to twenty-five minutes. The Bible drill, which also adds interest to the exercises, has led every pupil, young and old, to own a Bible and bring it to school.

The present attendance at school is: scholars, 2,174;

teachers, 114; officers, 23; doormen, 28. The school i divided into girls' infant, boys' infant, primary and main departments, with 67 classes and 28 adult classes, in classrooms. The latter has been a prominent feature in Bethany since the commencement. Some of the adults are quite large, and the ages of the members vary all the way up from seventeen to seventy-five. In some classes as many as 75 young men are found under one teacher, and again in others as many young ladies. The superintendent's class-which meets in the church and is composed of both sexes, chiefly men and women, heads of families— numbers 175, while the pastor's class, which meets in the lecture-room back of the platform, numbers over 250 ladies.

noon.

THE SCHOOL IN SESSION.

The regular session of the school is held in the afterFor twenty-five minutes, commencing at two o'clock, along the streets leading to Bethany a stream of people steadily pour, all passing out of sight within the walls of the chapel. Passing in at the superintendent's door, between the church and the chapel, we are shown to seats on the platform, where we can watch the gathering of the classes. While scholars and teachers are assembling, we will take a brief survey of the building. In the centre of the platform and back of the speaker's desk is the organist; by his side sits the cornetist; around him are ranged the school choir, in front of whom stands the chorister. At desks placed on the main floor in front of the platform are the various secretaries. In the centre of the main floor is a fountain, whose waters fall musically upon the ear. On the main floor, arranged in semicircle seats, are 67 classes; to the right are two large rooms for the boys' infant and primary departments; on the opposite side of the main floor are two similar rooms for the girls' infant class. Back of the main department, in rising seats, are double rows of class-rooms for adults; around the building on three sides is a deep gallery for visitors, and back of the visitors' gallery, opposite the platform, are two rows of class-rooms for adults. On two sides of the building there is a second or upper gallery, set apart for adult classes. Turn again to the platform, and back of this in semicircular rows of rising seats are the members of the pastor's class; while in a gallery overhead are two large classes of men and women. 3,000 people, all of whom can see the superintendent and hear his every word distinctly. But it is now half-past two; the superintendent is at his desk. He touches the bell, and the busy hum is stilled; a few moments of silent prayer, and the responsive choir service begins, lasting some twenty minutes. The Lord's Prayer is then chanted, the Creed recited and prayer offered-led by the superintendent, but joined in by the whole school. This is followed by the "Bible drill," when the scholars in the several departments are asked to hold up their Bibles. The sight is beautiful-all over the house, in the infant and adult rooms and from the classes on the main floor and the platforms, go up thousands of Bibles. The lesson for the day is read by the school in concert; after some more singing and reading of notices the bell gives the signal for doors to be opened to admit those who are late, and classrooms shut off, and the lesson hour begins, lasting for forty-five minutes. The bell is then struck, class-rooms thrown open, and all are ready to join in the closing exercises. These consist in singing, and a fifteen minutes' address from the superintendent; these last words bear upon the day's lesson, and its practical application to teachers, scholars and visitors. The last hymn is sung, and the school dismissed. Then begins the precious twenty min. utes' prayer-meeting, to which a large number of teachers,

Here within these walls are gathered full

scholars and visitors remain. This meeting has continued to be held weekly without interruption for over twenty years, and has proved a fountain of rich blessing to many souls.

At half-past six a class for the study of the catechism meets. This class is in charge of the associate superintendent, Mr. James H. Coyle, and is open to both sexes.

The weekly meetings in connection with school and church are numerous, for Bethany has "many irons in the fire." The work is pretty well systematized, and runs . smoothly.

There is in connection with the church the Bethany Association of Christian Workers. This organization is composed of all those who are willing to labor in one or more of the departments for effective Christian work. The names of the several departments sufficiently indicate the kind of work contemplated, and readily suggest to each person something which he or she may do for the Master. Each department has a head, and several associates. The departments are as follows:

Devotional. Having charge of the young people's prayermeeting, which meets every Monday night in the lectureroom, at a quarter to eight; the first half-hour is given to pleasant social conversation, the next forty-five minutes is given to praise and prayer. The head of this department, who is held responsible for its success, with his associates, see that different persons are appointed to lead each meeting, and that the meetings do not lag in interest. The pastor is always present before the meeting closes.

Sick and Needy. The members of this department look after all those in school and church who come under this head.

Spiritual. Co-operating with the pastor in leading inquirers to Christ. Comforting the penitent, and reclaiming the backslider.

Music. Looking after the music in church, and school, and prayer-meetings.

Temperance. This department has two arms-one stretching out to the children, the other to the adults. In connection with the former there is a Band of Hope, which meets every alternate Thursday evening.

Sabbath-school. All workers in the school are in this department.

The Mothers' Meeting. This is held every Friday evening at 7 o'clock, and is under the presidency of Mrs. Coyle, the wife of one of the elders. The first half-hour is given to business, when many articles of dry-goods can be purchased by the members at cost, payment to be made in installments. The remainder of the evening is spent in conversation and reading on matters bearing on home life, while all are at work on articles to be made. In addition to the dry-goods club, a coal-league has been formed, so that the members may procure coal next Winter at mining rates.

Many of the adult classes have organizations of a missionary, social, or religious character in connection with them, which meet weekly or semi-monthly.

During last Fall, Bethany College was opened. This is a commercial, scientific, classical and literary institution, open to the youth of both sexes (having male and female departments). The pastor is President; Mr. John Wanamaker, Vice-president and Chairman of Board of Trustees; Henry M. Linnard, Esq., Secretary. The Faculty consists of nine professors.

The number of students in the freshman class is: male department, 130; female department, 85. Total, 215. The scholastic year consists of but a single session, commencing the first Tuesday of October, and closing with the last Tuesday of April. A brief recess is taken during the Winter holidays. The design of the college is to aid deserving youth, unprovided with means save their daily earnings, in acquiring such an education as will fit them to fill important positions in life. Some years ago Bethany had nightschools for boys and girls, which proved a great boon to youth in the humbler walks of life. When night-schools were established by the city, the Bethany schools were given up.

On Friday evenings Sabbath-school teachers meet in the church parlors for the study of the lesson, and careful discussion of plans of usefulness.

On Wednesday night is held the church prayer-meeting, when the large main floor of the chapel is filled with devout worshipers.

THE CHURCH.

For many years strangers visiting Philadelphia and having occasion to stay over Sabbath, whatever places of worship they might attend in the morning, have generally in the afternoon gone out as far as Bethany to witness the exercises in the Sabbath-school; and their un

Literary. The latter meets every Thursday for mental culture.

There is also a committee on neighborhood prayermeetings. The president of this association of workers is the pastor, to whom the heads of the several departments make regular reports. In addition to this general association, there are other organizations working in harmony with it, such as:

The Women's Missionary Society, the object of which is to foster an interest among the ladies of the church and congregation on behalf of home and foreign missions, and to raise funds for the support of missionaries and teachers in connection with the two Boards of Missions of the Presbyterian Church. That all the ladies of the church may have an opportunity of contributing, collectors are appointed who canvass the congregation by districts.

The Dorcas Society meets in the church parlors every Wednesday afternoon, from the beginning of November to the end of March, and every year does a good work in making garments for destitute children, and furnishing bres of clothing and useful articles for home missionaries.

they have said it was good to be there. Heretofore the interest has centred in the Sabbath-school; now the church at its morning and evening services has become as attractive as the Sabbath-school. The congregation, unlike many which seen to-day are forgotten to-morrow, so thoroughly commonplace and expressionless are they, has a distinctive character which makes an impression on every visitor not easily forgotten.

Its doors are rarely opened, especially on Sabbath evening, except to admit an overflowing audierce. But that is not all; everything in the place, whether in the worship or the worshipers, has a whole-souled enthusiasm about it which in these days of philosophic and placid religion may be vulgar, but is decidedly unique. The singing, which is done by the congregation, led by a choir, is grandly solemn and hearty, and the entire service is provided with a well-sustained enthusiasm as distinguished. from mere attention, or even earnestness, that so far as we know is rare indeed. The church building itself is worthy of passing notice. Not only is it the largest in the city, but in its interior finish is one of the handsomest in the country. During last Summer, services were held