A STORY OF "DEGREES" IN FOUR PARTS. 75 bosom of the deep, and bringing them near to us; and we united in earnest supplication that their coming might be with a rich blessing to Orissa. Part of Romans fifteenth was read, and a few remarks made on the latter part of the twenty-third verse, and also on the twenty-ninth. The holy apostle, warmly as he anticipated his visit to the brethren at Rome, did not expect to be more than 'somewhat filled with their company;' and Christian intercourse, precious and profitable as we know it to be, has always, on this side of eternity, its drawbacks. In my own case one of the drawbacks to the pleasure of welcoming our friends was that I was suffering, and am still, from an unusually severe cold; but there was another Why have you not sent out more men to preach the gospel of the grace of God to this perishing people? Has the earnest appeal sent from the last Conference been forgotten? We cannot be silent on this all important matter. We expect, next month, to welcome Mr. Young, and have no doubt that he will be very useful in the special work allotted to him, as well as a valuable helper in the work of the Mission: but remember, we are only 'somewhat' satisfied, and till the churches send out more faithful earnest ministers of Christ to labour in making known His gospel we cannot get, as we long to do, beyond the 'somewhat." The Voyage to India. BY REV. T. F. MULHOLLAND. A STORY OF "DEGREES," IN FOUR PARTS. PART III.-PORT SAID TO CEYLON. THURSDAY, November 2nd. This morning we got safely away from the uninviting town of Port Said. We have been unnecessarily delayed entering the canal, through a strike of the coal heavers. The British Government, during the late Egyptian disturbance, have paid their men very high wages. The Arabs have the idea that such a state of matters should remain-hence they would only put the coal on board our steamer at wages considerably in excess of the usual pay. Our good commander was, however, equal to the occasion. He found willing hands in his own native Indian sailors who earned 4/- extra during the night. The Suez Canal has been, I understand, several times described in the columns of the Magazine, but as a new generation is rising up among your readers, perhaps a few words of description may not be unacceptable to them. The "Caledonian" was traversed by brother Hill and myself in September last. But what a contrast between the scenery of the Caledonian and the Suez Canal. In the former we had some of the grandest sights on which the eye could restmountain, strath, and glen, with every shade of vegetation-mighty Ben Nevis, crowned with its eternal snow. In the latter, we had sand, sand, stretching out in plains across which the eye sickened in the gaze. The canal itself, is a marvellous piece of engineering. I hope British enterprise may perfect this great imperfect work. Two large steamers cannot pass each other, except when one is tied up at the "garés" or stations, some five miles apart. There is a system of signalling along the whole of the canal, but alas, the two balls and flag were always on our side of the house, and we were continually "tieing up." These interruptions detained us well nigh three days in this strip of water. We tied up for the evening at five o'clock, when, through the kindness of one of the officers, the younger portion of the passengers enjoyed a race in the sand. My two little boys tumbled head over heels to express their joy on terra firma,-the firma only in compliment, because we sunk to the knees at every step. We were of course anxious to see some of the relics animate, or inanimate, of the late war, but alas! we had to chew the end of disappointment, if we except 76 MISSIONARY OBSERVER. two cut-throat like Egyptians who squatted on the bank of the canal some miles from Ismailia. While looking along the waste of sand, we were suddenly startled by witnessing that peculiar phenomenon the mirage. There you have it-a beautiful lake, in which islands full of palm trees, lend a pleasing effect. It has a hurry look which only enhances its beauty. How like the pleasures luring the heedless Christless soul-they follow it when too late, they find nothing but a shadow and a disappointing waste. We had also the pleasure (?) of passing through a sand-storm, the approach of which made us beat a hasty retreat to our cabins. Scripture figures of speech are now being better understood by us. We know now what the prophet meant in the words— "A man shall be a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest," and ere long I suspect we shall feel the force of the other part of the verse. Saturday, 4th.-Yesterday we passed Ismailia, now better known as the base of Sir Garnet's operations. We had a very good view of the Kedive's winter palace, quietly nestling in the midst of what appeared to be beautiful gardens. To-day, about one o'clock, we dropped anchor in the gulf of Suez, some two miles from the city. The agent brought us some welcome letters, telling of loved ones at home. No passengers went on shore, owing to the short time we were to remain. We were, however, boarded by some fruit merchants (?), but fruit and men formed a poor turn-out for the land of Goshen. The town of Suez, has a much more pleasing effect than Port Said. Several very large and well-constructed buildings, including a handsome mosque, were clearly seen through the field glass. The appearance of the ship's agent and one or two Europeans who accompanied him, spoke well for the health of the town. But farewell Suez, our anchor is up, and we are off down the gulf. Sunday 5th.-This morning we are having a pleasant run down the Gulf of Suez. Being up by sun rise, we had a capital view of the Sinaitic range of mountains. The exact peak said to be Mount Sinai we passed about two this morning, which was to several on board a great disappointment. It is understood that we also passed, during the night, the place where the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea. Here flying fish abound, and we are not a little interested in their pranks. Speaking of flying fish and the Red Sea, I am reminded of a story told in Scotland, which may be new to your readers. The sailor son of a pious Scottish dame (unhurt by the spirit of the age) had just returned from his first voyage to India. He told his mother that in the Red Sea there is a mark made from shore to shore by the rust from Pharaoh's chariots, and also that in this sea the fish fly. The mother's reply is characteristic of not a few of her country women-"Ah, my bairn, you shouldna tell lees to your auld mither. Whoever heard of fish fleeing? But, as to Pharaoh's chariots, of course that is richt eneuch. Have I'no read the story fifty times with my ane e'en." I saw the fish "flee"; but, to the best of my knowledge and belief, I did not see the rust. Thursday 9th.-We are now in the Red Sea proper, and it is beginning to feel warm. The thermometer in my cabin indicates 88°, and last night it rose to 91°. A complete change of garments has taken place. My complete covering could go inside a dress-hat. To-night it was rather amusing to see not a few of the passengers looking all over the deck for a quiet place for a shake down, Poor hamlet's "too, too solid flesh, would melt" in double quick time had he taken a sail down the Red Sea. Friday 10th, 6.30 a.m.-We are now leaving the Red Sea, which has interesting features peculiar to itself. Its waters are not red, but a beautiful ultramarine which has a very pleasing effect on the eye. The hills of Arabia form a striking background on the left. They are rugged, barren, and "very dry." We were not sufficiently near the shore to recognise any of the small towns, the producers of Britain's favourite coffee. We are now passing Perim, the Gibraltar of the Red Sea. It is a dreary place, the soldiers in which are to be pitied, It is, however, a most important military position - So much so, that our Government are to be commended when they raised on it the Union Jack. In the hands of an enemy our short Indian route would be cut off. It is whispered this morning that there was some anxiety in regard to the safety of the ship last night, two small rocks, generally passed in daylight, lay close to our path. Our delay in the canal compelled us to pass them in the darkness. Our commander looked this morning as if he had not made the acquaintance of his bed during the night. We were, however, unconscious of our danger, hence our sleep was undisturbed. Fit emblem of real life. We are in the midst of a thousand forces that seek to crush us, but He who neither slumbereth nor sleepeth keeps his people in perfect safety. 3 p.m.-The port of Aden is now in sight. The town is not seen until we ARRIVAL OF MISSION PARTY AT CUTTACK. enter the harbour. We appear to be sailing right on a formidable rock, topped by a flag-staff. Suddenly the town of Aden breaks upon our view, and we are compelled to acknowledge that it is a great improvement on our last go-ashore place-Port Said What appears to be a military barracks is the first distinct building we see. To the left of it is a neat little church (afterwards discovered to be Episcopal); right below it, on the sea shore, there are some fifty or sixty tents picturesquely laid out. But our attention is now taken off the town by approaching objects, which we discover to be diving boys in primitive canoes. The lads are almost in a state of nudity, sitting in their frail barks, which they propel in a marvellous way. "Have a dive, have a dive," they shout "Sulpher, sulpher" (silver, silver,) they call for. One of the passengers threw out a small silver coin, and suddenly half-a-dozen are below the water. Have they got it? Yes, before it was a yard under the surface. It is perfectly astonishing how they get the coins thrown out at random. Not one out of the many was lost. The anchor being dropped, we were visited by a host of vendors of ostrich feathers. The prices being exceedingly low in comparison with their value in England, our lady friends made extensive purchases. Four feathers, started at £2 10s., went at the "tremendous sacrifice" of 5s. The view from the ship is rather pleasing. On shore, all the sights of an Oriental town were present in abundance. Camels and donkeys had to be avoided in the street. Arabs prostrate in the dust in supplication to Allah, while right along side this devotee, others were employed in what was practical worship of "the other 77 person." Those who were at the trouble and expense of driving to the large water tanks were rewarded by seeing stupendous reservoirs dug out of the solid rock. They are at present well-nigh empty, there having been no rain for nearly two years. This fact accounts for the arid appearance of the town and surrounding hills. Were it not for the beneficent invention of condensation, Aden would be sadly off for water. The average native seems low down in the scale of moral and intellectual culture. The missionary would not have his work to seek in the evangelization of such a people. Altogether we were agreeably disappointed with Aden. It is by no means the miserable Oriental town that some anticipated. It nestles in the midst of rocks and mountains which form a natural barrier against an enemy. In the hands of British military engineers it could be made another Malta. Wednesday, 15th.-To-day, we are "far, far, at sea" in the Indian Ocean. Failing other objects of interest, our attention is taken up with flying fish, Oriya, and eating-the last not least. To-night, I spent some time on the forecastle seeing the action of the "Goorkha," on the phosphorus, which abounds in these latitudes. The ship seems sailing through a sea of molten silver. Ever and anon a shoal of fish was divided by the bow of the steamer, and they flew through the waters like threads of electrictiy."Marvellous are thy works O God." Friday 17th. We are nearing Ceylon, towards which we are straining our eyes. The description of Colombo, and the effects of the spicy breezes, must be left for another letter. Arrival of Mission Party at Cuttack. THE, Rev. T. Bailey writing to the Secretary, says :— Cuttack Dec. 22, 1882. My dear brother,-We arrived at the end of our long journey on Wednesday, Dec. 6, having been exactly seven weeks on the way. The "Goorkha" was four days late in arriving at Calcutta, and we should have been delayed another week, had not Mr. Sykes made arrangements for transhipping ourselves and baggage to the coasting steamer direct, as that ship was to leave for False Point at daylight the following morning, and it was late at night when we arrived on board. We did not, therefore, land in Calcutta, and my com panions had not the privilege of making an acquaintance with its famous bazaars and palaces. Our movements here were so quick that friends in Orissa did not find time to complete their arrangements for meeting us, and when we arrived at False Point there was no certain information as to what were our prospects of completing the journey of more than 50 miles to Cuttack. Happily we found a travellers' bungalow at Jumbo, near by, and with food procured from the boat's servant, made a sufficient dinner, and then extemporized arrangements for spending the 78 MISSIONARY OBSERVER. night. At about eight o'clock, however, we heard footsteps in the verandah, and immediately afterwards Mr. Miller walked in, looking hale and hearty, bringing us good news and good fare; and having hastily packed our things, we proceeded in a jolly-boat to join the mission boat "Herald," which had been moored in the canal on the other side of the lock. Our anxieties were now at an end, and though our further progress was slow, it was all in the right direction, and we arrived in Cuttack at the time I have stated, thankful to our heavenly Father for all His great goodness to us. After an absence of nearly two years it was pleasent to me to receive a kind and hearty welcome, and that accorded to the other friends was not less cordial. All the friends are looking well,-Dr. and Mrs. Buckley better than when I left them, and Miss Packer the same, and we soon found them to be as busily and heartily engaged in earnest Christian working as in former days. The new school-rooms are a handsomealmost a splendid-block of buildings; admirably adapted for the special objects they are intended to serve, and an ornament to the town and station. Their attractiveness is enhanced, moreover, by the large area of land-several acres in extent-which has been enclosed in front of them; the proximity of the whole to the chapel and other mission premises also adds greatly to their convenience and value, and we may now express the hope that their capacity, as a working centre, will be fully tested and abundantly utilized. The new verandah which has been added to the chapel looks well, and affords grateful and much needed shade. This improvement requires to be completed by adding a corresponding verandah on the other side of the chapel, which I hear is to be begun upon an early date. Dr. Stewart is abounding in faith and good works, and is now contemplating the erection of another large block of buildings for European orphanage premises for boys and girls. The site selected is that of the premises used heretofore as the second female orphanage, and is in the mission compound. The plans have been prepared, and the ground measured-part of the materials are stored in readiness for beginning the work, and other arrangements are well forward. As shewn in the plans these buildings will also be handsome and substantial, and the institution is much needed in the province. The books we brought with us from the Tract Society have proved a very valuable consignment, and a large portion of them has already been sold in connection with the book-room. The native Christian community appears prosperous, and our welcome from them has been warm and hearty. The congregations-especially the native one on the Sunday afternoon-are good. Our new friends are well and rapidly getting into harness. We are just on the eve of Conference, and the brethren are arriving from the different stations. I must, therefore, leave other matters to be dealt with at another time. Christmas in Rome. BY REV. N. H. SHAW. CHRISTMAS has come and gone. As if sympathizing with the tastes of us English at such a time, the weather on Christmas Eve suddenly changed from the enervating sirocco to the bracing air that comes from the north, and on Christmasday, while you in England were having a steady downpour of rain, we in Rome were enjoying a hard frost. But Thursday, Dec. the 28, was of more importance than Christmas-day at Via Urbana. Never did our Sala look so nice as then. The walls were beautifully adorned with festoons and wreaths of evergreens, which we owed to the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Rylands, who also sent a quantity of oranges for the children. At half-past four the children came and enjoyed themselves, as they pleased, till six o'clock. Then, together with their parents and a few others, they addressed themselves with zest to coffee, sandwiches, buns, etc. At 7 o'clock the scene changes. The children are seated radiant and expectant around the piano, at which Mrs. Shaw presides, Near to them are a few visitors, and the rest of the hall is occupied by parents, members of the church, and such of the public as have found an entrance through the side door, except a space in the centre, where towers, in all its glory, a beautiful Christmas-tree. Its upper boughs are heavily laden with snow (artificial of course) while numerous flakes glitter also NOTES AND GLEANINGS. 79 on the branches below. Then its fruit, who shall describe it! Gold and silver nuts, and pine apples, bags of sweets, and dolls, and all kinds of fairy-like handiwork. The whole is lit up by more than half a hundred candles, while, below, the tree and its fruit are guarded by a circle of variously dressed dolls that seem like a band of fairies dancing among the larger toys, the best representation of heaven that some of the children can understand, while children of larger growth look on with longing eyes. The children sing sweetly several hymns suited to the occasion, eight of them recite, short speeches are delivered by Sig. Bertola, Mr. Wall, and the writer, as well as by Mr. Gibson, of Liverpool, and the finale comes with the distribution of first the useful presents-various articles of clothing in paper parcels and then the toys from the tree. Every little girl is made glad with a doll, and every boy with some taking toy. Sweets and oranges are added, and the small folks go home feeling unspeakably rich, and with their arms full of their possessions. Christmas is gone, and we are fairly launched on the new year. During the past year the school has improved, but we have yet to work hard for small results. Will 1883 add to our numbers? There is reason to hope so; but we dare not hope for a large increase under present circumstances. O that we had a few good workers to assist us in this arduous enterprise! We shall succeed, but we dare not attempt to say when. The Fulfilment of a Vow. THE Secretary begs to acknowledge the following : Dear Sir, I hereby enclose a cheque for £5. Please accept the same for the Baptist Mission as a vow. Give to me no thanks, but praise Redeeming love, which has raised a poor fallen backslider to the fulfilment thereof. Would that all felt more of their indebtedness to " Redeeming love," not only in restoring poor backsliders, but also in keeping them from openly falling. In such a case thankofferings would be much more frequently presented to the Lord's cause than they now are, and the glorious work of saving souls from death would be materially helped. Notes and Gleanings. THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING will be held in Broad Street Schoolroom, Nottingham, on Tuesday, Feb. 27th, at eleven o'clock. THE REV. ALEX H. YOUNG, M.A.-Letters have been received from Mr. Young from Suez and Aden-all well. We have also learnt by telegraph that the S. S. Rewa, in which he sailed, has safely reached Calcutta. THE ORISSA CONFERENCE was to be held in Cuttack, and commence on Dec. 24th. KHUNDITTUR.-Two were baptized at Khundittur by Kumbhoo Naik, the native preacher there, December 26th. LOVE TOKENS ACKNOWLEDGED.-Tuesday last, Dec. 12, was an exciting and interesting day at Cuttack, as the boxes brought by the Goorkha were received and opened. It was very encouraging to receive the tokens of loving remembrance sent by kind Christian friends in the |