THE

women; hence their fear, as in Cole's case, of being at all within reach, when under conviction of sin or living a reckless life. But

A NEW STORY BY A. E. G.

CHAPTER VII.

WAS away in the West of England some months ago, and heard the story of Billy Cole's turning from a drunken and swearing life, and how he had been influenced by a good Christian wife. Happily, many of the Railway-men have Christian wives; were it not so, no one knows to what extent they would go. Many have acknowledged with thankfulness how they have been restrained from evil by the remembrance of a praying woman at home, especially when that praying has been accompanied by every endeavour to please, and make home comfortable. This was the case with Mrs. Cole. She did her best, and God helped her, to check, if not to win, her husband from his evil ways. His story was as follows:

I

"Well, if you want to know how I was converted, I'll tell you. It was just like this. I was a bad chap, I tell you. Well, I came on the line eleven years ago, and I thought that should get on and do well; but I got in with some of my mates. First of all I used to drink and gamble only a little, and not on a Sunday, you know."

And he said this with an air of conceit, as though it were much worse to sin on Sunday than on Monday. I do not say it is not, but sin is sin, of whatever sort, and there is no use trying to tone it down. But Cole went on.

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over

Well, you know, I got to love the drink, and used to go the way,' when on duty and off duty, till really the pub. was my home as long as I had money in my pockets. I used to pick up a good bit and spend it as fast as I got it, and my missus used to run short a lot, I can tell you. I used to go home and kick up a row when I had drink, and my little lass was afraid of my coming home. Then she took to going to the meetings some lady used to hold, and I didn't like it, 'cause she'd come home and tell me what she said, and it upset me. I wouldn't hear it."

That has happened over and over again with men who have been convicted, but not converted, and it may be the case with my reader. There is a something that says, "You know you are wrong, and such persons as those who are trying to win souls are right; and, however much you may kick, you know full well to give in would be the best thing for you."

"Tell me more, Cole," said I, and he went on.

“Well, you know, I could see that my gal was different to what she used to be. One night, when I went upstairs, I saw her on her knees, and though I was glad at the idea that she prayed, I didn't like it much, for I thought she was praying for me, and you know a chap feels a bit queer when he knows people are praying for him; at least, I do. My missus didn't say much, but I could see that there was a great change in her mind somehow; she didn't take things somehow in the same way she used to, and didn't she look after me! I tell you I was downright miserable, that I was. didn't like to go home, so I was fool enough to try and drown my misery of mind in drink. I drank as much as I could get, and used to sing songs and get among chaps like myself. I couldn't bear to be alone, and I didn't want the company of my wife because she was different to me. I loved my wife, you know, but somehow I was afraid to be at home-my wife wouldn't kick up a row with me. I used to wish she would. She was always kind to me, and I know it was that lady that did it."

I

This is a good point for our lady workers and for the wives of the

men.

Women can do anything with men if they only make up their minds about it-I mean in the direction of good, of course; though in badness this principle has considerable application, too. Nevertheless, if any wife will study the character and temperament of her husband, or others they wish to influence, they can so act, and perhaps it will cost them a good deal of self-denial to win into the right direction. Men do believe in the superior influence of

"This went on for nearly two years. I did want to be a better man but somehow I could not. I seemed to get worse and worse, and many times despaired of ever giving up drinking, gambling, and swearing. I did swear dreadfully. I was ashamed of myself, and I blanch now to think how wicked I was. My poor wife didn't despair. I was glad of that, though I didn't tell her so. The devil had got hold of me. I can tell you I never went to a place of worship-I was afraid to go. Even the singing upset me. I wouldn't let my wife sing, though I do like music, you know. Ah! those were dreadful days. Thank God, my little woman stuck to her religion.

“Well, I'll cut a long story short. I really think I'd got as far as I could go without losing my job, and I did say one day to my wife, I'd like to be a good man.' Eh! didn't she cry for joy, and said she'd help me; and I tell you that when a wife says she'll help her husband against the drink, it will soon be done if he'll let her help him. God bless my missus. She prayed for me, and I prayed for myself. God heard our prayers, and I turned to Him; but I had to give up the drink. It was my curse, and so I gave it up. Eh! wasn't my wife pleased, and so was I; but didn't I get a time of it among my mates! They did their best to keep me back. I was the worst of the lot, but God saved me, and taught me to trust in Jesus. I love the Lord now, and I hate the devil and all his works."

This is a simple testimony-one among a number I have heard in different parts of the country of the triumphs of grace among our Railway-men. The value of a praying wife is here depicted, and if along with those prayers there is a gentle, persuasive effort in kind words and deeds, many a man now on the down line might be won and sent on the way to heaven. Shame upon the men that they should need it, but such is the case, and, therefore, instead of reasoning about things as they ought to be, we have to face them as they are. (To be continued.)

HE LEADETH ME.

IN pastures green? Not always; sometimes He
Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be—
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine into darkest night;

I oft would faint with sorrow and affright—
Only for this-I know He holds my hand;
So whether in the green or desert land,
I trust, although I may not understand.
And by still waters? No, not always so;
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storms beat loudest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
And whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say,
"Beyond this darkness lies the perfect day;
In every path of thine I lead the way."
So, whether on the hill-tops high and fair

I dwell, or in the sunless valleys where

The shadows lie-what matter? He is there.

And more than this; where'er the pathway lead,

He gives to me no helpless broken reed,
But His own hand, sufficient for my need.
So where He leads me I can safely go;
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.

are like a people who give up their territory. They are a lost people." PRINCE BISMARCK is reported to have said, "A people who give up Gcd That is true; they are a fatherless, homeless, helpless, and hopeless set of wanderers. And there are more ways of giving up God than that of denying His existence. Men give up God when they trust alone in the wisdom of this world and in worldly things, and refuse to set their affections on things above, and obey His commands. And, alas! there

end be?

A MONTH'S CASUALTIES.

(COMPILED MAINLY FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.)

May 21.-Charles Pinnock, a driver on the M.R., was after his day's work crossing the lines at St. Pancras Station, when he was run over. His left arm was out off, and his left leg has since been amputated.

May 22.—John Johnson, a L. & N.W.R, signalman, was killed by a train at Harrow Station.- -Mrs. Fretwell, while walking on the platform of Battersea-park Station, London, by some means got in the way of a train passing quickly through, and received injuries which resulted fatally.

May 24.-Herbert Town, a porter, only eighteen years old, was killed at Weaste Station through being struck by the buffer of an engine.

-William John Hunt, a boy ten years of age, run over and killed between Nunhead Junction and Honor Oak (L.C. & D.R.)

May 25.-Another little boy, nine years old, while running along the line to pick up his hat, which had blown off, was knocked down and cut to pieces by the same train as on the previous day run over the boy Hunt, and near the same spot.

May 26.—A train left the metals at Charlton Junction (S.E.R.), while crossing points. The train was empty, hence there was no personal injury, though the lines were blocked for some hours. May 28.-William Cuffin, a brickmaker, was found on the line between Coborn-road and Canning-town Stations, London. He had received fearful hurt, and died soon after being picked up. At Twickenham, a navvy named Cole persisted in crossing the line to catch a train to Waterloo. He was caught by an engine, knocked down, and killed.

May 30.-Ernest Hinchcliffe, a quarry owner, through leaving a moving train at Dunford Bridge (M.S. & L.R.), was run over, and had both feet so badly crushed as to necessitate amputation at the ankle. June 1.-A Ramsgate train, while slowing into Charing-cross Station, collided with an empty train. Three carriages went off the rails, but there was no one seriously hurt.-Frank Tomkins, a platelayer, instantaneously killed by a train from Newcastle, a short distance from Ferryhill Station. As a train was on its way from Dartmouth to Torquay, the side rod of the engine broke, and flew round in a most alarming fashion. It tore up the ballast, smashed in a carriage door, and injured several persons, before the driver could pull up.

June 4.-A driver named Lloyd, on the Chester and Holyhead branch of the L. & N.W.R., while attempting to mount his engine, which was in motion, lost his footing, fell among the wheels, and was killed. -The wife of a platelayer named Frear, after gathering herbs from the embankment near Croxdale Station, N.E.R., was struck by an engine and killed on the spot.

June 5.-John Wilby, a G.E. guard, killed by a goods train in Spitalfields Station, London.Hannah Lloyd, reaching out of a window to shake hands with a friend in the next carriage, when near Carmarthen, had her brains dashed out through her head coming in contact with a wooden bridge.

June 7.-A fireman, a guard, and three passengers were injured by a collision between two trains at Keith Station, between Aberdeen and Elgin.

June 9.-Collision on G.E.R., at Stratford, Essex. A guard and several passengers injured.Some thirty passengers slightly injured, and considerable damage to rolling-stock and goods, resulted from a collision at Newcastle between a passenger train and a goods train. Jane 11.—Cǝllision at Sittingbourne Station (L.C. & D.R.), between a passenger train and some goods trucks. Much damage to stock, but although the carriages were filled with passengers, and there was considerable excitement, no one was hurt.

June 13.-Collision near Loughborough Junction between two goods trains. A guard slightly hurt and a van smashed.

June 14.-A G.W. goods train, travelling at a high speed between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, snapped an axle, causing six waggons to leave the rails. The permanent way was ploughed up for a mile before the trucks turned over.- -John Spence, C. R. driver, killed by a special train at Coupar Augus.

Jane 15.-By the breakdown of an engine on the Metropolitan District at
Victoria Station, traffic was delayed nearly an hour.- -Mary Smith,
eighty-four years old, killed at a dangerous crossing at Ashford
Station, Middlesex, by a train running from Waterloo to Ascot.
June 18.-Two lads run over and killed at Daley Bridge, near Ardrossan.
A third drew back in time, and escaped.

June 20.-A driver named Allen was killed on a G.E. express while passing through Spalding Station-yard. He had been looking to the water supply on the tender, and standing up his head came in contact with a foot bridge.

June 21.-A singular accident occurred to an express from Glasgow to Edinburgh. When near Bonnybridge Station, a goods train was seen on the line with a quantity of fir telegraph poles projecting from the trucks. One of the poles went through the front of the first carriage of the express, and the shock displaced several other poles.

These struck succeeding carriages, wrenching handles off, smashing windows and doors, and damaging footboards. In a carriage in the rear a pole struck the front part near the buffers, and went right through two compartments. In one of these was a lady, whose leg was broken. In the front carriage an old gentleman who was sitting with his back to the engine was struck by the first pole, and seriously injured; while another gentleman in about the middle of the train had his right leg bruised. One lady was severely shaken, and a gentleman had his hand cut by the glass. Many of the other passengers were severely shaken by the accident. The driver of the express had no proper view of the approaching train; but imme. diately he saw the projecting poles he applied the brake, and tried all he could to reduce speed. -The train in which Her Majesty was travelling from Balmoral to Windsor was delayed at Oxford by the breaking down of a goods train at Culham.

George Robert Wilson, fifteen years of age, while on duty as a telegraph messenger at Kirkgate Station, Wakefield, was cut to pieces by a goods train one night recently.

Mr. Joshua Hope, stationmaster at Potter's Bar, G.N.R., has died from the effects of a crushed finger.

THE GRUMBLING MAN.

THERE is hardly a Railway Mission in existence that is not afflicted with this sort of man. From one end of the year to another his grumbling is incessant. He grumbles at almost everything and everybody, and is never satisfied except when grumbling. He grumbles at the members because they are not "on fire," or because they are too much so. He grumbles at the leader of the Bible-class because he says too much or because he says too little. He grumbles because the Mission is not evangelistic enough, and then when special services are organised, he grumbles because the inner work is, in his opinion, neglected. He is always grumbling. He means to grumble-he wishes to grumble-and he thinks his mission in life is to grumble, and that he can do great good by grumbling.

The grumbling man is, generally, A USELESS MAN. If work is to be done, he is sure to stand aside and do nothing but grumble. Moreover, he is frequently A SELFISH MAN. He does not understand why self should be effaced and crucified, that thereby others may be advantaged. He is also found to be A CONCEITED MAN. He cannot endure to be asked to undertake anything that will lessen his self-importance-quite unconscious that no one shares the high opinion he has of himself. He is, taking him all round, A VERY TRYING SORT OF MAN; and his only use in life appears to be that of affording his friends, and all who have the misfortune to come in contact with him, frequent opportunities for practising gentleness and patience.

The grumbling man is RARELY SUCCESSFUL-indeed, his non-success is often the real cause of his vexatious spirit, while the more confirmed he grows in his habits of chronic discontent, the less likely is he ever to succeed. If our grumbler be an employé, this factious spirit seriously impairs his opportunities of advancement. Compared with the con siderate, generous, and obliging man who serves in the same department, the grumbler is heavily handicapped. He lacks the very first elements of success. He may have acquaintances, but few friends. His quarrelsome reputation is not a winsome one, and in the hour when a friend is needed and such hours come to all—he often finds his tongue has cost him the loss of a useful ally.

What shall we do with the grumbler? Shall we boycott him? No, that would be unchristian-he is our brother. Shall we reason with him? No, that would be useless and hopeless, and only afford him fresh grounds for grumbling.

MEET HIM ON HIS OWN GROUND; we don't mean that you are to grumble too-no! no!! but when you get him grumbling at some preacher, just get him up to preach the next time. When he grumbles at the way someone is doing a work, just get the worker to stand aside, and let the grumbler try if he can do better. As a rule, the GRUMBLER IS OF VERY LITTLE USE at anything, so by standing aside and placing the helm in his hand for a little-though the consequences may be somewhat dangerous to the craft-still the cure will be worth the risk.

But we must say one kindly word for our grumbler. The most confirmed one has some good point in his character; get a hold of it, try to reach him through it, help him to develop that better part of himself, "bear and forbear" with him, try to show him wisely and kindly that the greatest enemy he has is himself, and if haply you succeed you will have the joy of knowing that you have been instrumental in plucking another thorn out of the side of poor suffering humanity, and having been a sharer in bringing one more "clothed and in his right mind" to the service of his fellow men.-Adapted.

CARRIAGES WITHOUT ENGINES.-Some one has said, "Good resolutions are like railway coaches standing in a station; they want an engine to carry them out." It is to be feared that a great many good resolutions never get carried out for want of this engine. The purpose is one thing, the power is another. The carriage may be perfect in pattern, paint, and polish, but it cannot go without the motive force. A first-class stands at no advantage over a third in this matter. God only gives this power. "The Acts of the Apostles" would only have been "The Îutions of the Apostles," without the Holy Spirit.

TEMPERANCE NOTES.

ISLAM is a great teetotal society. Among Hindus to touch liquor is the sign of low caste.

BICESTER rejoices in possessing teetotal tailors sufficient to conduct a Temperance meeting.

ONE SMALL TOWNSHIP in Central Queensland, of 310 souls, possesses thirteen public-houses.

MR. G. F. COOKE's mission in the Great Assembly Hall, Mile End-road, London, resulted in the taking of 603 pledges.

CANON WILBERFORCE has met with a cordial reception in Dublin, where he has been addressing Temperance meetings.

BANDS OF HOPE in the United Kingdom number 13,929, with a membership of 1,718,139. Better still, they are on the increase.

SWANSEA is a paradoxical town. Among its officers is an ale-taster. A confirmed teetotaller has been appointed to the position.

PHILADELPHIA heretofore contained 5,773 liquor shops. By the operation of the high licence law the number has been reduced to 1,257.

A FIRM OF CROYDON BREWERS last year made a profit of £33,326, and has no less than 163 licensed bound houses in Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, Hants, and Kent.

MR. AGG GARDNER, M.P., and a brewer in a large way of business, has given £3,000 towards a park and recreation ground. Someone suggests the gift is "conscience money."

MR. WILLIAM NOBLE, who is about to engage in another series of tent missions in London, has been giving a Temperance address at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on "The Up Grade."

MR. DAVID MCLAREN, who has been making careful computations, says that the amount contributed to all our missionary societies during the last fifty years is just about equal to that spent in drink during sixty days.

AT THE NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT recently a young woman only twentyfour years of age was charged with being drunk and disorderly; it transpired that this was her sixty-eighth appearance before the court on similar charges.

WHAT IS THE EFFECT of alcohol on the brain? The examination of a Philadelphia drunkard, who died in a fit of horrors, revealed, so it is declared, that his brain was as hard as cheese. It had been literally pickled in alcohol.

MR. ROBERT RAE, editor of The Temperance Record, has organised prize Competitions among the young on the Temperance question. The first prize has been adjudged for the best letter upon the commercial advan. tages of abstinence.

"DARE I make my profit out of carrying and selling that which is damning the world ?" is the question the Secretary of the London Missionary Society would have British merchants to ask themselves who are engaged in the export trade.

A TEMPERANCE HALL is being erected at Newport, Mon., at a cost of £5,500. It will be known as the "Phillips' Memorial Temperance Hall," and thus will commemorate the lengthened service to the Temperance зause of Mr. Henry Phillips, J.P.

THE DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND some time ago adopted the blue ribbon; tis now reported that two coachmen, both notorious tipplers, seeing her Grace wearing the bit of blue, determined to follow her example, and have enrolled themselves in the Blue Ribbon Army.

DR. MACKENNAL says that so far as he knows the slave-traders did not receive a single penny of compensation when slavery was abolished; it was the slave-holders who got the money. He thinks the traders in and holders of drink should be treated in a similar manner.

AT LEAMINGTON, about a score of Temperance men, who also are cyclists, ride out to surrounding villages, a bugler at their head. Forming their machines into a ring, they hold right good open-air meetings. This novel crusade is under the presidency of the Mayor.

WHILE A MOTHER was drinking in a public-house in Aldgate, London, her little child, unobserved, strolled into the road, and was killed by a tramcar. The mother, almost frantic, threw herself beneath a passing car, and was with some difficulty saved from committing suicide.

"I NEVER knew of a minister," says Rev. W. J. Woods, "who had falled either through theft, falsehood, burglary, or murder; but I have known ministers who have fallen through lust or through drink, and when they have fallen through lust it was found that it was through drink too."

A CHOIR BOY, whose mother and father were very intemperate, induced them to attend a C.E.T.S. meeting, the result being that they have quite reformed, and are now excellent parents, and have a most comfortable home. Let all Band of Hope boys and girls, whose parents are not teetotallers, do as the choir boy did.

MR. W. D. STEPHENS, the Mayor of Newcastle-on-Tyne, is a consistent teetotaller. He lately remarked that since he had been Mayor nobody had ever had a drop of intoxicating drink at his expense, and that since he had been a public Temperance worker he had altogether given up having wine in his house for the use of his guests.

LAST YEAR'S DRINK BILL ammounted to £124,952,680. Weight of the amount in sovereigns, 978 tons. Time to count it, at the rate of one Sovereign per second, 3 years, 11 months, 21 days. The height of & pillar, if the sovereigns were placed face to face, 116 miles. The length of a chain, if the sovereigns were placed edge to edge, 1,725 miles. Railway-men, make a note of these figures.

REV. MARK GUY PEARSE recalls the "good old times" when he was a conscientious moderate drinker. How he gloried in meeting a red-hot teetotaller! He always had the best of the argument or thought he had. He never could get knocked off his perch. He said he "needed it," his "health required it," and it did him good, or he thought it did. He is now bowed with grief when he thinks of his past history in this special direction.

NEW SWINDON G.W.R.T.U. was inaugurated on June 20, at a meeting in the Mechanics' Institute. Lord Lyttelton was announced to preside, but was prevented through illness. In his absence the chair was taken by Sir C. Alexander Wood, who was supported by Rev. Chas. Leach, F.G.S. (London), Mr. H. Lea (Reading), Mr. J. L. Wilkinson (Chief Goods Manager, G.W.R.), Mr. W. Dean (Chief Locomotive Superinten. dent, G.W.R.), and Mr. J. Armstrong (Paddington), besides gentlemen from the various departments, and several ministers of the town. At the elose of the meeting 79 persons joined the society-76 the total abstinence section, and three the "moderate" section. Officers and a committee were elected.

MR. T. HUGHES relates the following in connection with Temperance work at the Victoria Coffee Palace, New Cut, London :-"A short meet. ing is held, called the Temperance hour,' outside the house on Friday nights, at which working men are the speakers. One of them, a carter, stuck fast at the bottom of a hill in the suburbs one day. Another man who was passing unhitched his own team, and helped him up. On an offer to pay being made, the Good Samaritan declared he had been paid beforehand. Why, I never saw you before in my life, did I?' 'I've seen you, though,' said the other; I heard you speak one night outside the Vic., and I went in and took the pledge; me and my family has been happy ever since!""

THE G.W.R.T.U. recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Lord Lyttleton (President), who occupied the chair, said it was a gratifying fact that the British public had great sympathy and interest in the lives of Railway employés, exposed as they were constantly to danger of life and limb, and it was important that they should be guarded from all that would increase their risk. The Union was an outcome of the effort of Mr. Alexander Wood, and had for its object the promotion of Temperance among the 40,000 G.W.R. Railway-men, and to provide coffee-taverns. Although the lower consideration of temporal advantage was important, the noble chairman thought that unless the movement was based upon religious ground, it would not continue to prosper. Lady Hope also spoke, and said that some people called it a shame to want to deprive & poor man of his beer; but it was beer that kept the man poor. When he gave up the beer he began to save and to get comforts around him, and very soon was no longer the poor man.

OBITUARY.

MR. GEORGE FOXALL, President of the R.M.C.A. at Inverness, has passed

away.

JOHN MEIN, one of the first members of the R.M.C.A. in Glasgow, fell asleep in Jesus on June 11.

MR. CHARLES DICK, Manager of the L. & N.W.R. Works at Crewe, Carlisle, and Longsight, died at Crewe on June 2, after a short illness.

SIGNALMAN SELLEY, of Hammersmith Junction, died of hydrophobia on June 5. The deceased was bitten by a stray dog whose life he saved on the line a few weeks ago.

MR. J. TOWNSON, passenger guard G.W.R., died at Dowlais, after a few days' illness, leaving a widow to mourn his loss. A large number of Railway-men, from various places, attended the funeral on May 27, and thus showed the last tribute of respect to one who was beloved by all who knew him. Several beautiful wreaths were sent by friends and relatives. The deceased is the first member of the Dowlais R.M.C.A. to whom death has come. He was one of our most faithful members, and his presence and help will be greatly missed by us. To those who were with him at the end the remembrance of that scene will not soon be forgotten. He appeared quite happy, and after uttering the words, "Going home," sank peacefully to rest, with a smile lighting up his features. God grant that this sad event may be the means of drawing us nearer to our Father, and preparing us to meet our God.

A. L.

BEES SWARMING IN A SIGNAL LAMP.

BETWEEN Sharnbrook Station, on the Midland main line, and Irchester, is an intermediate block signalbox called Souldrop (after the village near)-a most peculiar name, and one I have puzzled over many times, and have sought to know how it was derived, but have not been able to gain any information either from book or person. It suggests to my mind the going down of a soul into the pit a dropping, I am afraid, taking place very frequent. We often read of a culprit at the time of execution being placed on the treacherous trap door, while the executioner retires, and by the aid of a lever causes the floor to give way, and the soul drops into eternity. And as I write this I am thinking that many of our Railway-men, as well as others, are standing over the drop, being already condemned by the law of God; and like the culprit who knows not the moment he will fall, so are they. But the bolt will be drawn sooner or later, and in such an hour as they think not, the soul will go down, unless they have received pardon and absolution for their sins.

On Whit Monday, a platelayer, whose duty it is to

carry the signal lamps and fix them in their places at Souldrop each evening, was about his work, when on going up one of the signal posts, h found the case for the lamp already occupied by a swarm of bees. Most people know that the monarch bee, having taken the lead in leaving the old hive, is followed by his subjects, and where it settles they do likewise. In this case it chose the up distant signal at Souldrop. This was the last thing our friend expected to find, but there they were, bidding défiance to any effort on his part to put the lamp in its place. It is not an easy thing to hive bees when they have swarmed; but according to the report 1 received, the platelayers managed the job successfully, after being stung pretty freely. I hope the honey they may get this season will repay them for their trouble.

Now, I think there is a lesson for us to learn from this incident. First, that obstacles of the remotest kind may be expected in our walk and work as Christians, who are endeavouring to keep our lamps in order and position through life. Bees, we have said, were the last thing one would have guessed would be a hindrance to the signal light; but there is a precedent in Psalm cxviii. 12, where David,

speaking of his enemies, says, "They compassed me about like bees." In the name of the Lord he W&S able to destroy them. Bees an sting, and we all know the sting is very painful. The old King Bee, or Wasp, or shall I say Hornet (the Devil) -he can sting, and no mistake, and so can his followers. Perhaps you, my reader, have had experience of opposition in your lonely work for God, in your Mission, or single-handed, since you became one of the many signal lights along the line. You may be a back signal, or one distant in the eyes of men; but a distant signal catches the driver's eye first, and is of the utmost importance. Or you may be a home signal, trying your best at home to do the will of God. Or you may be a starting signal, one who has the power to sanction or reject the efforts of those placed under you. Or you may Be a disc, low down, having charge of a siding only, and by your light some are signalled out of the siding.

Be you what you may, you meet with difficulties and obstacles. The only remedy is to be prepared for them, and be not surprised when they appear. It is often said, "I am surprised that So-and So should act like that, or that things should come about like this." In the future expect a swarm of bees in your missionary effort; I don't mean bees making honey, but busybodies making mischief by taking offence at trifles and their position, and marching off. When I first commenced preaching the Gospel, it seemed as though Satan was ever following me about to aggravate and distress. Once I was preaching from the words, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise." I had just uttered the word "fall," when a large pumpkin, which was hanging upon the wall (it being the Sunday following the harvest thanksgiving). fell heavily upon the seat, disturbing the congregation, whose attention I bad just managed to get riveted on the subject. Whether the devil cut the string I know not; but I am inclined to think he has a hand in such things. At another time the stove-piping fell with a crash just in the middle of a serious meeting. Then once a goat marched in at the open door, walked up the aisle, sort of nodded to me in the pulpit, as much as to say, "I am come to worship with the rest of our flock," and then marched out, while my audience were tittering at this strange visit, and my mind upset at my work being interfered with.

I could multiply instances of this peculiar opposition, in addition to the petty tempers of one and another; but I have climbed past them all, and am prepared for anything. I hope this will encourage some engaged in the Mission along the Line.

HAND LAMP.

Bristol.

WHEN OUR WORK IS DONE.

Tune :-"When the mists have rolled away."

WHEN the Mission on the Railway

All its glorious work has done, And our mates are all converted,

And for Jezus Christ are won, We will shout aloud His praises

Over land from shore to shore;
With the signals right for glory,
We shall rest for evermore.

So we'll work....as we have done,
Till our comrades....all are won!
With the Saviour's banner o'er us,
We will conquer every foe;
And with signals right for glory,
Home together we will go!

But our Mission on the Railway
Still has many hearts to win
For the Saviour, who has promised
To redeem us from all sin,
And to fill our hearts with sunshine,
If His truth we will receive,
And with humble, fervent spirits,
On His precious name believe.
So we'll work, &c.

In our Mission on the Railway
All the classes we unite-
Porters, Guards, and all Inspectors,
To our Jesus we invite;
Stationmasters, Superintendents,
Locomotive men as well,

May at once have peace and pardon,
And with us in glory dwell!
So we'll work, &c.

May our Mission on the Railway

Labour on, and never tire,

Till our Master's precious words we hear,
That bids us" Come up higher!

Then we all shall go rejoicing

To that better home above,

And for ever be with Jesus—

Brought to heaven by His love. So we'll work, &c.

GUARD T. PEARCE.

AN INFIDEL CAUGHT.

SOME time ago a servant of Christ was preaching in a city in the North. Observing a man right at the back, who looked the picture of misery, with his face as white as a sheet, all the time the preaching was going on, the speaker made up his mind he would speak to him afterwards. "Who's that man over there?" said he to the superintendent. "Oh! that's an infidel," was the reply. "We have had a rare job to get him in here."

The preacher made his way to the man, spoke to him kindly but faithfully, warned him of his danger, told him of the love of Christ, and besought him to come to Him to be saved. He did not and would not, but was very miserable for weeks, until, at the earnest solicitation of another Christian worker, he turned to the Lord Jesus Christ, and is now a preacher of the Gospel, and waiting on opportunity to go to a distant land to tell of a Saviour's love.

The Gospel net is a fine net; it catches all sorts of fish. Has it caught you?

"I was on duty in my box at Station. My mate had just left the box, and was going home. A train came by, which he did not see, after he got a few yards up the line. He was cut into pieces in a moment, and the thought struck me, 'Suppose I had been the one, where should I be ? I knew I should be in hell. I there and then, as soon as the train had past, knelt down and prayed to God to have mercy on me. He heard my prayer and answered it. I got up off my knees a saved man, and I know my sins are forgiven."

"How long have you known that?" said I.

"Only a fortnight," he answered. "And since I have been converted, my wife has given her heart to the Lord too." That man is now living for Christ.

ON ENGINE CLEANING.

"WHAT & splendid engine!" I thought, as I stood in Nottingham yard gazing at No 26, one of the last new single-wheelers made by the Midland Company, and which are now to be seen running between London and Nottingham, on the London to Leeds and Bradford expresses. "But what a dirty plight it is in!" I remarked to the driver, who was ex. amining and oiling the parts before making the return journey to the great city.

"Ah, yes," he said; "but you should have seen her when she started this morning. She was a picture of cleanliness, and most beautiful to

behold."

It had been raining heavily the night before, and was still raining: in consequence, the permanent way was saturated with wet, and what with the splashing from beneath the sleepers, soot and grease from the engine, and dirt from the coal, as well as from the elements, she was anything but beautiful in appearance just then. It said the cleaners would have much extra work, to which he answered, "Yes; but they will make her as smart as ever in a short time when she gets in the shed, and no trace of what is now on will be left in the morning."

A thought struck me at this moment that we Christians are some of the many engines running along the permanent way on the celestial line, and that at one time we were turned out perfectly clean by the Lord Jesus. But, alas! the filth gathered on the journey often spoils one's looks. We are encouraged when we remember that we can be cleansed again, for the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin, and we become as bright as ever. Three things we have mentioned were the cause of the filth on the engine, and we may say the same with regard to ourselves who are travelling this celestial route. The line we are running upon is laid through this world, and we get much of the filth of sin upon us. and our garments are often stained. We too emit much of the corruption that is within us naturally, and will be, as long as we are in the body, which we may well liken to soot from the chimney; while the stormy elements from without stain and defile. But thanks be to God for the place appointed for the cleansing, which is all contained in the Atone. ment. And as the Railway Company has foreseen and provided for these things, even so has our God provided a remedy for us, who often, and not wilfully either, get filthy by the way. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un righteousness." "If any may sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit." Bless God for the water of His word the precious promises; for when we would do good (or the right), evil is ever present with us. DRIVING WHEEL.

"I'VE NEVER DONE ANY HARM."

WE often hear people misquote passages of Scripture, and sometime: they will quote as Scripture certain phrases which are really man's, and not God's at all-such as, "In the midst of life we are in death;" "God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb;" "Man proposes, but God disposes." I sometimes think, if I knew as little of the Bible as some folks seem to know, I should quite believe there was a verse worded rather in this way, "Blessed is the man that doeth no harm, for he shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." So many are founding their hopes of heaven on having done no harm, that one might easily fancy they had the warrant of Scripture for so doing.

A lady visitor went lately to see an old man, who lives somewhere in the East-end of London, and in course of conversation, he said, "I was very ill last week; I thought I should have died."

There are some people who are never ill without making up their minds they will die.

"And if you had," the lady said, "what would have become of you?" "Oh, I should have gone to my Maker."

"And were you prepared to appear before Him?" "Yes, I was.'

66

Why do you think so?"

"Because I have never done any harm."

"I am sorry for you."

"Sorry for me because I have never done any harm?"

"Yes, for there is no heaven for you. Jesus says, 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

I do not know whether the old man laid the lesson to heart or not, but

I feel sure that he was only one of thousands who are building their hopes of heaven on this rotten foundation—“ having done no harm." I daresay that many who read this know a great deal about trains and engines, shunting and coupling, broad and narrow gauge, single and double lines, and so on; but perhaps you don't know much about seafaring matters. You know very little, it may be, of the comparative merits of brigs and cutters, steamers and sailing vessels. But if a friend of yours, who did know a good deal of these things, heard that you had taken your passage to America in a vessel that was thoroughly rotten and unseaworthy, and, knowing this, warned you on no account to venture in her, you would take that warning, would you not? Then I ask you just to take a few words of earnest and friendly warning before you trust your soul to such a frail bark as this "having done no harm," on your voyage over the sea of Time to the port of Eternity. If a man could be found (and we know he could not) who had never done any harm, in thought, word, or deed, yet we know this would not save him; for. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.' A. B. L.