contracts and work. The plans and specifications were furnished by Palliser, Palliser & Co., architects, of New York city. The two chandeliers were the gift of a friend in Philadelphia. A pulpit, three pulpit chairs. and a bookstand are wanted. A bell is also greatly needed. Respectfully yours, C. C. THORNE. SYNOD OF OHIO. upon We print below the report to the Synod of Ohio at its late meeting, of its standing committee church erection. It was prepared by the Rev. William J. McSurely, D.D., of Hillsboro', and calls attention briefly but effectively to certain points in the administration of the Board's work that we hope will not be forgotten. REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON CHURCH ERECTION TO THE SYNOD OF OHIO. While we do not doubt that all our boards are so managed as to deserve the confidence of our churches, we believe it to be due to the Board of Church Erection to call attention to the remarkable care that has characterized its management thus far, and we do not doubt will be continued under its new secretary. 1. Note the carefulness of the Board in its grants. It is careful as to amounts, as a rule holding these below $500, and very rarely giving as much as $800 or $1000. It is careful as to places, so as to avoid putting money into missionary fields, or into fields already fully occupied. It is careful against extravagance, leaving congregations that wish to put up expensive structures to do so at their own cost. 2. Note also the Board's careful provision against debt. Our people need not fear that their money will be cast into the bottomless pit of debt, and swallowed up; for not a penny will our Board ordinarily give until it knows that the building is completed, and that all claims against it are extinguished by the Board's gift. The, only exception to this rule is that adopted by the last Assembly, which provides that where a community is new, and the Presbyterian is the first evangelical organization there, the Board, after the lot has been secured to the congregation in fee simple, and a mortgage to the amount of the Board's grant has been given to the Board, then the Board "may, at its discretion, advance to the church from time to time before the completion of the edifice such installments of the amount of the grant as shall not at any time exceed one-half of the amount collected for the erection of the building, and one-half of the value of the lot." In this exceptional case you will see that the safeguards are fully ample for the protection of the funds of this Board. 3. Note that careful provision is also made for the recovery of funds, through mortgages on the property, securing to the Board the amount of its grant in case the organization should ever be disbanded; and by insurance on the building in case it should be injured or destroyed by fire. The annual report of the Board sets before us much encouragement. It thus speaks: "Both the receipts and the disbursements have been larger than in the year preceding. The life and progress of our church have been illustrated in the increasing number of new church edifices. . . . A noticeable feature in the year's work has been the promptitude with which congregations have been able to meet the required conditions, and avail themselves of the grants of the Board. We think that in no previous year have so large a proportion of the appropriations been paid before its close." Brethren, to-day we are helping churches that are weak. But some of these, many of these, will soon be strong. In the year 1719, about $100 were raised in the Presbyterian churches in the United States as "a fund for pious uses," and a part of this was given to the Presbyterian church in New York city, used to help the first Presbyterian congregation. there. To-day a single church there gives more than $75,000 to the benevolent work of the church. Such hundred folds are not to be generally expected, yet many of these now feeble churches will become helpers to others. As the man who improves the farm is laying the foundation for future strength, so we in building these new churches are laying the foundations for future material and spiritual gain in the Church of God. Gifts and labors will, under the blessing of the Lord, make certain strength and usefulness. We would also call attention to the manse fund. The last Assembly urged that as a part of the centennial offering $50,000 be raised for this fund. The Board does not give away the money entrusted to its care for this purpose, but loans it, without interest, expecting its return shortly, that it may be put into the circle of use elsewhere. Still this fund, being only about $25,000, is not large enough to answer all the loans asked, hence this action of the Assembly, asking that this larger sum be placed at the disposal of the Board. We should be the more ready to do this since this fund is to be called the "Wilson Memorial Fund," in commemoration of the faithful and self-denying labors of the former secretary of this Board. THANKSGIVING AND SELF DENIAL. We are sure that our readers will be interested in the following letter from one of our missionaries in the extreme West. His description of the situation upon Lopez Island depicts very vividly not only the blessing to a little congregation of a comfortable church home, but also the selfdenial to which Christians upon the frontier, and especially pastors, are willing to subject themselves in order to attain the desired end. Such illustrations of the value of the work that the church is doing through the instrumentality of this Board might be multiplied indefinitely. Reports setting forth facts more or less akin to those given below are reaching us every week. Will not devout worshippers, whom God has blessed with comfortable and even luxurious church homes, remember with tender sympathy their brethren and sisters who," parents and children, have sung the praises of God while shivering, and united in prayer with teeth chattering"? We are happy to add that a friend who was in the office when the letter arrived said that he would gladly contribute twenty-five dollars to return to Brother Weekes his relinquished salary, if some one else would contribute the remaining twenty-five dollars. If any one is moved to unite in this kind act, we will see that the money reaches its destination. ARGYLE P. O., SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASH. TER., REV. ERSKINE N. WHITE, D.D. MY DEAR SIR:-The generous appropriation from your Board for the Lopez Island Mission Church has been received, and the heartfelt thanks of a very grateful people are returned to you. Without your liberal aid we would still be without our long-needed mission build ing, and another dreaded winter of service in a comfortless old building would be our lot-a building where for many years parents with children have sung the praises of God while shivering, and united in prayer with teeth chattering. God bless the Board of Church Erection, and abundantly augment the funds of its treasury, which has afforded us the blessed privilege of assembling in a comfortable house of worship now, regardless of winter's storm and cold. Our poor, good people have exerted themselves nobly in contributing their part toward our mission building. After giving apparently to their utmost, we found one hundred dollars shortage on the subscription list, parties pledging this sum having left the island unable to pay. Then, as a last resort, the missionary made a desperate struggle, and somewhat reluctantly proposed to give up his year's luxurious salary from the people, amounting to fifty dollars, the people agreeing to make some sacrifices and raise the balance. Thus the one hundred dollars deficit was made up, we all singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," which, seriously and honestly, I could not sing very heartily, as we really needed the fifty dollars in our own little household; but "Jehovah-jireh," and thus we trust and journey on. I Again thanking you from my heart of hearts, am, reverend and dear sir, Ever most gratefully yours, THE PRACTICAL VALUE OF THE MANSE. The writer of the following letter confirms from his own personal experience the view that we have long held, that much of the alleged instability of pastorates in the mission field is the inevitable result of the homeless estate of the minister. Exposure and suffering drive him to another field, where he hopes (often vainly) that he may be relieved of the particular pressure that has become too much for his strength and health. INDEPENDENCE, OREGON, October 19, 1887. DEAR BROTHER:-We received the five hundred dollars (minus the insurance premium) more than a week ago, and we were made very happy. I do not think the Board could be engaged in better work just now than that of helping feeble churches in providing a permanent home for their pastor. It will help us in the efforts we are making for self-support. A minister who is relieved of the monthly rent bills does not require so much aid from the Board of Home Missions, and so it is a saving to the church at large. It is also quite a factor in establishing the work in a community where otherwise it might lapse. One reason churches are vacant so long in this western country is the impossibility of getting a home where a man could conscientiously take his family. The construction of buildings that are for rent is such as to subject the inmates to continual exposure. Ministers in the West are accused of constantly changing their church relations. One reason, at least, for this is that the many demands upon their time and strength reduce their vitality, and the indoor exposure aggravates the cold, and the change is made for health. We are waiting for the plaster in our new house to dry thoroughly before we move in. It is peculiarly dangerous to move into a newly-plastered house in this country. Yours very truly, E. R. MURGATROYD. OTHER LETTERS. HOOPESTON, ILL., October 11, 1887. DEAR BROTHER:-We dedicated our church last Sabbath; had a good day indeed. We have paid for everything, or will when we receive the five hundred dollars. Our church is completeone of the nicest little churches in eastern Illinois. Our presbytery is very proud of the building and the way we have arranged our finances. Send us the money, and we start out free for the Master. We will never forget the interests of the Board of Church Erection. Yours cordially, GEORGE W. BAXTER. HAMILTON, MICH., November 2, 1887. MY DEAR SIR:-Your kind favor, with draft for the amount granted by the Board, came duly to hand. This gives us a commodious and pretty little church free of any debt, and we trust it is to be a constant blessing to our community. We heartily thank you of the Board for the prompt SPECIAL NOTICE. We have just sent, or shall send, to each pastor a circular letter asking for a special contribution to the "Memorial Manse Fund." We beg our dear brethren, however busy they may be, to read the letter and consider whether it asks of any church more than can be easily granted. We are well aware that more will be needed than the minimum at which, in the letter, we have gauged our modest request; but we have a confidence, born of blessed experience, that such of our brethren as find it possible to do so will secure for this greatly-needed and most beneficent fund personal gifts from generous men and women in their congregations, over and above the moderate amount of the church's pro rata contribution. As the fund was originated by the living sympathy of Christian women, so it has appealed most earnestly to them. Almost as we write there comes in a special contribution of $1000 from a lady whose attention was turned to this fund by our explanation of its need in the November number of this magazine. She was specially interested by the repetitionary feature of the plan, by which the money is returned in three years, again to go out to duplicate its good work, and so onin perpetuity. May we not hope that many other Christian women will be likewise moved to aid their homeless sisters? MINISTERIAL RELIEF. "THE SUPPLY WAS SMALL." The following communication, in a recent number of the Presbyterian, is from its wellknown correspondent, "Itasca "-the Rev. Robert F. Sample, D.D., lately of Minneapolis, and now of New York city. The incident he relates must touch the sympathies of every reader, and give force to the stirring appeal which this large-hearted and gifted brother makes on behalf of our sick and aged ministers. Not the least affecting and suggestive part of this incident is the reluctance of this minister, even when "the last handful of meal had been taken from the barrel," to apply to the Board for aid. He "knew the supply was small," and he feared “many of God's dear servants might be in greater need." But a brighter day is dawning. These suffering brethren of ours are taking heart. They are not unobservant of the increasing interest throughout the church in the sacred work of caring for those worn out in her service. And this betokens the coming day when the supply will not be so "small." There are many objects of benevolence that will appeal to our people during this centennial year of Presbyterianism, but no one will move more deeply their tenderest sympathies than that Board, commended by our General Assembly, which cares for those ministers of Christ who have sunk under the burden and heat of the day, and now, unable to labor, can only suffer. Doubtless they find a rich compensation in an enlarged experience of the presence and sympathy of their Lord, but the church is under the most sacred and binding obligation to minister to their need. Many of these servants of Christ are slow to make their wants known, and they travel on through weary, anxious months, patiently enduring and waiting for the unbidden ravens which come on noiseless wings from above. I wish to cite a single instance out of many that might be given to illustrate this statement. A minister whom I knew and tenderly loved was sick unto death, and I sought him in his home at a far remove from my own. He was once a young lawyer in the city of New York. During a political campaign he was a prominent speaker, of whom the leading journals of the city made flattering mention. As a young man he expected to rise in his profession, and his friends anticipated for him even greater distinction than he thought to achieve. But in the midst of these prospects of worldly advancement he heard the voice of God calling him to the ministry. He deferred not, but turning away from the attractions of his honorable profession he prepared himself for the work assigned him. After his ordination to the ministry he was content to occupy a comparatively humble field. There he did noble service for God and souls. An able preacher of the word, he was a loving, sympathetic pastor, and his prospects of usefulness increased as the years went on. But sickness came. He recovered only to sink to greater weakness. He resigned his charge and went to live in a quiet village by the sea, where he hoped to recover health and resume his work. His cultured wife opened a school in the room adjoining that in which the invalid lay, and ministered to him as fully as she could whilst thus seeking means of support. But by and by the dying husband demanded all her attention. Her school was disbanded and her supply ceased. A few days after I met my friend, in answer to repeated inquiry, I learned that the last handful of meal had been taken from the barrel and the little delicacies which he needed were wholly exhausted. I asked him why he had not sought assistance, as was his privilege, from our ministerial relief fund. He answered, "I did not, my brother, because I thought there might be many of God's dear servants in greater need, and I knew the supply was small." It was then too late to reach this fund of the church through the usual channels, but by a more direct path another source of aid was reached. In three days after the appeal was sent relief came. I carried a little roll of bank bills, which then seemed to me equal to the wealth of the gold-room of the Bank of England, to my dear suffering brother. He took the money in his hands, looked upward, his eyes filled with tears of gratitude, and exclaimed with trembling voice, "Truly God is good!" He could say no more. In a few hours his argent physical wants were met. He knew the supply would last longer than his need. The way was smoothed and brightened by the ministrations of love. It was only a little while until the Master called him, and with a gleam of heaven on his face he bade us good-by and went where they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more. We robed his emaciated body for the grave and laid him down in the narrow house with sweet thoughts of him who said, "I am the resurrection and the life." Yes, God was good. The ravens came at the dawn, but why was that night so long? Why was the want he did not disclose sooner discovered? Why were the church's means of relief so limited that he felt he could not draw upon them lest others might be denied needed relief? And are there not many such cases as this? Some of God's best beloved who have carried the burdens of others and brought light to many a darkened home are travelling through strangely painful passages on their way home. Oh for millions of money to minister to our dear Lord in the persons of his servants who are wrapped in night and anxiously waiting for the morning! Ye men and women of wealth, and all you who have even the widow's mite, give quickly. You will have the consciousness of having done a Christ-like service and of having honored the Master. Jesus sits over against the treasury. Recognition of your benevolence shall come on another day, as the ransomed of the Lord who have thus ministered to his best beloved shall feel on their heads the pressure of the pierced hand and hear his approving word, "Ye did it unto me." THE PERMANENT ENDOWMENT. Frequent letters to the office, not only from pastors and elders, but from private members of the church, show increasing interest throughout many of the churches in the special Centennial Fund for Ministerial Relief which the last two General Assemblies have recommended. A recent letter, however, from a beloved and widely-known pastor suggests difficulties which have doubtless occurred to others. His heart is in this sacred work. "This is a precious cause-none equal to it," says he. But he is anxious as to the effect of this movement "upon the present and future collections," and asks, “Is it wise to endow our boards?" There can be no doubt whatever that an endowment of the Board of Relief that would remove it from constant contact with the hearts of God's people, and separate it from their consecrated gifts year after year, would be most deplorable. This conviction was expressed in the last report of the Board to the Assembly (see page 11). The secretary in his address also insisted (page 35, taken from the report in the Omaha Republican) "that it would be a great calamity to the church if it were wholly divorced from the annual care of these wards." But it would take the annual interest of many millions of dollars to do away with the necessity of yearly appeals to God's people for this sacred cause, even upon the present low scale of appropriations, and with no such increase of our roll as the future is sure to bring with it. The annual interest of this million, if it is secured, will, as Governor Beaver in the last number of this magazine so well expressed it, "serve simply as the balance wheel to the machinery of the Board, which would enable it to distribute its bounty regularly and systematically, whether or not the contributions of the church came up to the full amount required for their annnal wants." To the same purport, Dr. Marquis, in his forcible plea for the Board in the Thanksgiving number of the Northwestern Presbyterian, says: Now it has for a long time been impressed upon the minds of those who have given most thought to the subject that a fund like this ought not to be exposed to the ebbs and flows of the tide of public prosperity; that where the lives of helpless men and women are dependent upon it, the income ought to be at least partially secured, so that it could not fall below a certain minimum. In other words, that this fund should be so endowed as to render at least a portion of its income absolutely secure. These views are in the same line with the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1871-the first Assembly after the reunion. of the two branches of our church. That Assembly declared that it was of "the first |