nal classes have declined 15 per cent. in London. The towns dependent on agricultural districts - represented by Ipswich, Exeter, Reading, Shrewsbury, Lincoln, Winchester, Hereford, and Bridgewater-exhibit an increase of 28 per cent. in the entire criminal class.

The year 1866 is no exception to the general rule, that crimes are less in number, and apprehensions are higher in proportion, during the summer than the winter quarters of the year. The total

number of indictable offences committed in 1866 was 50,549, being a decrease of 1,701, or 3 per cent. as compared with 1865. The proportion of apprehensions is rather on the decrease. Murders, as reported by the police, were 131. The coroners' returns would show more; but the verdicts of coroners' juries are not always endorsed by the criminal courts.

The

One important consideration connected with these returns, is that which relates to the detection and punishment of crime. As already stated, 50,549 indictable offences were placed on record. persons apprehended in consequence were 27,190, of whom 29 per cent. were discharged. Of the 18,849 committed for trial, 24 per cent. were acquitted. Referring to the sentences passed, great changes are apparent. In the year 1834 no less than 864 persons were sentenced to transportation for life. In the year 1866 the life sentences-to penal servitudewere only two. To these we may add 13 capital sentences commuted. In 1856, the last year in which transportation was the rule, the sentences of ten years and upwards were 275. In 1857 the transportation and penal servitude sentences of ten years and upwards amounted to 209. In 1858, when the system of penal servitude was fully established, the sentences of the foregoing duration were only 66 in number. In 1866 they were 78. Sentences to death were 69 in 1856, 20 in 1865, and 26 in 1866. Since 1862 the punishment of death has been reserved for murder actually accomplished. that year one case of attempted murder received the capital sentence. In 1861 there were five such cases wherein sentence of death was passed; and in the year before that there were nine. In 1861 we find the sentence of death recorded in 50 instances, of which only

In

81 had relation to murder. Unnatural crimes, burglary, and robbery, (if accompanied by personal violence,) and arson of dwelling-houses, were all liable to the death-punishment up to 1861, but not afterwards. With a solitary exception, in 1862, the line is sharply drawn at the close of the former year. In 1866 we had 12 executions, in the previous year seven, (one criminal escaping the scaffold by committing suicide;) in 1864 the executions were 19; and in 1863 they were 22.

To keep the criminal classes in check we have a police and constabulary force for England and Wales of 23,728, as shown by the returns for 1866. Here, as might be expected, there occurs an increase; the augmentation as compared with the previous year being rather more than 2 per cent. The total cost is £1,827,106, being an increase of 4 per cent. The whole borough police of England and Wales costs £462,984; the county constabulary, £678,747; the dockyard police, £50,795; the city of London police, £60,123; and the metropolitan police, £574,157.

Altogether, it is satisfactory that crime shows some symptoms of diminution; and we may hope that our police on the one hand, and moral and social agencies on the other, will succeed still further in reducing the number of offenders against the law. The sword of justice, and the hand of mercy, may well co-operate in this matter. Vagrants and prostitutes form more than one-half the total of those who are technically enumerated as the criminal classes. Juvenile crime also continues to claim our special attention. Education is needed for multitudes of destitute and ignorant children, who swarm in our large towns. The facts are before us, and, formidable as they are in themselves, they ought not to prove too great for the spirit and appliances of an age like this; whilst of all those agencies none supersedes the plodding house-to-house visitation of our agents, whether male or female; and none so truly has the sympathy of the poor as those sent out by Committees on a Christian basis. Will our friends help us to extend our operations at this time?-Journal of the Country Towns Mission.

EFFORTS FOR THE ELEVATION OF THE CONDITION OF SYRIAN FEMALES.-At a recent meeting, held at the Friends' Chapel, Bishopsgate-street, E.C., several ladies and gentlemen associated with missionary efforts in Syria and Palestine communieated a number of particulars relative to Christian work in those regions, some of which will, doubtless, be acceptable to

our readers.

The sanguinary massacre of the Syrian Christians in 1860 by the Druses and Mohammedans, when seven hundred men and youths were slain, left many women and orphans in a most pitiable condition of privation and neglect. The lively sympathy of Mrs. Bowen Thompson, the excellent wife of Dr. Thompson, of Beyroot, was drawn forth to the poor sufferers on that occasion; and she forthwith consulted, with her friends in Syria and at home, as to the best means of rendering the aid so urgently needed under the circumstances. It was determined to take prompt measures for furnishing homes and training to the poor orphans at least, and, eventually, to combine with these efforts as much assistance as possible to the widows, and to the other portion of the Christian population of Syria and the Lebanon. From that time, the good work has been steadily maintained to the present date, often amid great difficulty and discouragement; but it has never been intermitted. Earnest, persevering prayer has been greatly relied on for its support; and not in vain. Very striking answers to these petitions have been received; and the blessing of the Lord has manifestly rested upon the undertaking, which has now assumed considerable proportions. Fourteen schools, containing an aggregate of nine hundred papils, have been established by Mrs. Thompson and her helpers in the mission. At the school at Hasbaya, in the heart of the Lebanon, one hundred and twentythree pupils receive instruction. Three native Bible women are engaged in the Beyroot district, and some arrangements have been made for teaching men and boys as well as females. The total annual expense of all these operations is

about £2,000. In order to render as much assistance as possible to so important a work, Mrs. Thompson's friends in Great Britain have organized themselves into a "Ladies' Association for the Social and Religious Improvement of the Syrian Females," under the presidency of the Hon. Mrs. Baptist Noel (of 36, Westbourne Terrace, W.). The Treasurer is General Augustus Clarke, of Lee, Blackheath, who will gladly receive contributions for the objects of the Association.

The large orphan-house and school at Beyroot, under the personal care of Mrs. Thompson, was visited by the Prince of Wales during his journey in the East. He was much pleased and surprised to hear a number of Syrian women and girls sing, in his own language, "God save the Queen," "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds!" and other English hymns. Specimens of fancy work, neatly executed by the pupils, were shown to him, and elicited his admiring approval. When he was on the point of leaving the institution, Mrs. Thompson observed several young women in tears; and, on inquiring the cause, was informed, that these had been engaged in plain work, none of which had been shown to the Prince, or noticed by him. She then mentioned the circumstance to the royal visiter, who immediately answered good-humouredly, "I will go back directly, and look at their work also." He accordingly walked up to the plain-work pupils, and kindly noticed their productions-to their very high gratification.

On another occasion, when the Rev. Mr. Tristram, author of "The Land of Israel," was travelling from Damascus across the Lebanon, he and his companions arrived weary, and with torn clothes, (owing to the rocky, bushy nature of their mountain route,) at the village of Hasbaya, where they were astonished at being accosted in good English, by a group of Syrian girls, who exclaimed,

May we mend your clothes ?" These were pupils of the mission-school at that place. Their progress in English and Arabic, and in needlework, afforded much gratification to the party of visiters, who

spent a short time at the institution with much interest.

Some of the Druse girls have been received into the mission-schools in Lebanon, and the number of such pupils is increasing. But at first their appearance excited great indignation amongst the Christian population, who cannot forget the share which the Druses took in the horrible massacres of 1860. The lessons of love and forgiveness inculcated by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospels have, however, been repeatedly impressed upon the Syrian Christians, and they are evincing a willingness to profit by them. The Druse ladies, many of whom lounge all day long smoking in their harems, are learning to appreciate the advantages conferred by the schools. They now say, "We wish our girls to work; and, especially, to be able to make their own clothes."

A peculiarly important feature of the Ladies' Mission in Syria is, that it is only by women that the homes of the country can be approached. The customs of the people rigidly preclude the communications of male missionaries with the mothers and girls. If the latter are to receive the Gospel and instruction in the Scriptures, it must be from their own sex. Hence the work conducted by Mrs. Thompson and her sisters is of the highest and most essential value. Then, again, the natives peculiarly appreciate the tenderer sympathies and gentler patience of the Christian ladies. On one occasion, when Mrs. Thompson, during an earnest address on the love of Christ and the importance of responding to His gracious invitation, shed tears before her audience, the latter exclaimed in wonder, "Why, she weeps!" They thus became more than ever convinced of the sincere and heartfelt nature of her interest in their welfare.

During a season of great scarcity, Mrs. Thompson sought to afford some employment to the female population around her. She therefore invited them to her schools; and, in addition to gratuitous instruction, paid them about twopence each per day for their needlework. This sum, though very small, was all that her very limited fund permitted. The women thankfully received this help until the Jesuits of a neighbouring Catholic institution offered sixpence a day to such as would quit Mrs. Thompson's employment for their own. Such an offer was, as it may be supposed, a great temptation, and many availed themselves of it. But after a short period most of these returned to the English mission, saying, "We are willing

to work for you again for twopence; for although the Jesuits give us much more, yet they do not give to ns the Gospel as well, as you do. So we have come back again to you, because we love to hear the Gospel in words that we can understand."

For this reason, also, men and youths are quitting the services of the Syrian and Catholic Churches, conducted in dead languages, for those of the English mission, saying, "We can understand your service."

An increasing desire for education is being manifested in the Lebanon district. Many of the natives have come down to the English schools, asking for instruction. Even elderly women of fifty or sixty years of age have entered themselves as pupils, and cagerly learn to read the Bible. An interesting feature in these Syrian schools is the general willingness of the pupils, both old and young, to impart to their neighbours the instruction which they have received, and especially the texts and hymns which they have learned. The education in the schools is valued by all classes of the population. All the pupils are required to pay something, however small the amount may be, inasmuch as education, wholly gratuitous, is in general less appreciated than that which is obtained at some cost. A desirable sense of independence is also thus maintained. Previously to the establishment of Mrs. Thompson's schools, a general belief prevailed in Syria that the education of girls was an almost hopeless work. This feeling found expression in the common proverb, "Teach a cat or a woman." But now the results of the mission-schools are effectually dispelling such low ideas of female capacity. The schools have hitherto been conducted on an entirely unsectarian basis; and it is hoped that this may be continued. Mrs. Thompson has received an offer of £1,000 to place her establishments exclusively under the care of the Anglican Church; but, although in urgent need of such liberal assistance, she has felt bound to decline the offer, because accompanied by such a condition. Her schools are also opened to all classes of the Syrian population. Thus, in one institution, besides a number of Syrian Christian pupils, there are thirty-six Jewish and six Mohammedan scholars. Some care has also been extended to the poor blind of Syria (a numerous class). Some copies of Mr. Moon's raised type, in Arabic characters, have been procured for these; and several have learnt to read the Scriptures by this means.-Christian Work.

TURKEY IN ASIA.-Dr. West, of the American Board's Missions, writes from Sivas: "My occupation has given me a better opportunity for seeing the effect of the missionary work outside the nominal Protestaut ranks than the preaching missionary enjoys. I find the Bible now in a large majority of the Armenian houses to which I am called. In Sivas, I have made it a point for a long time to inquire, so that I do not speak vaguely. This shows what a contrast there is, in this respect, with their condition fifteen years ago, when the priest would not permit the reading of the Bible. It is also now used as a text-book, in the modern language, in the Armenian and Greek schools, and the people acknowledge that this has been from missionary influence. I am surprised to see the familarity of many with the Scriptures. They will quote passage after passage readily, and seem to understand and appreciate the meaning. The Eght of the Divine word, thus beginning to glimmer in this land, is revealing to them their former darkness and errors, and many are ready to confess them. The Bible is as yet their principal book, and they do not read much else; but with the increase of education and knowledge, other and sometimes pernicious reading is being introduced. There is a great desire to learn French in the Armenian schools at present. Fortunately, few get more than a smattering of the language as yet; for a full knowledge of it will certainly introduce infidelity. It is a great reason for thankfulness that the Word of God has got the start of all other, and especially of pernicious, books here. It needs but to be followed up by earnest Christian effort, and by the influences of the Spirit, to make it prevalent against every error.' Mr. Knapp writes: "In the city of Bitlis, the average Sabbath congregation has increased from one hundred-what it was when we left there last August-to one hundred and forty; and Baron Simon, the pastor, writes, that his wife and the teacher of the female school are visiting the people from house to house, to give religious instruction,-labour which they dared not attempt before we left. They also hold a weekly meeting for women, at which thirty are present. The female boarding-school is prospering; and, surprising to say, when he wrote there was no persecution.'

"

"At Halvadoric, one of our out-stations, the work of the Lord is advancing greatly. Eleven houses, or nearly one half the village, have become Protestants, and the average Sabbath congregation is forty.

In addition to the support of the school and other expenses, the people there are making strenuous efforts to build a place of worship. They are very poor indeed, Baron Simon writes, yet they have done nobly toward this object, and plead for forty dollars more only, to complete the edifice. They live among the mountains, exposed to the ever annoying, plundering Koords; and the preacher there writes me, that those of the villagers who are shepherds spend what leisure time they can, while watching their flocks, in reading their Bibles, which they carry about with them; while others, who carry on their backs to the city of Moosh, three hours distant, the heavy loads of faggots they are taking to market, are seen reading their Testaments by the roadside, while occasionally stopping to rest; so interested are they in the Word of God!

WEEK OF PRAYER THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. JANUARY 5-12, 1868.The following circular is signed by several secretaries of the Evangelical Alliance"

66

at home and abroad :-
:-

Our Gracious God lends an attentive car to the supplications of His people. The records of individual, family, and church life abundantly prove that believing prayer is followed by results that call forth gratitude and praise, and encourage renewed requests at the Throne of Grace.

In every land, and in most of the leading cities, the annual invitation of the Evangelical Alliance to observe the "Week of Prayer" at the commencement of the year has been largely and increasingly responded to. Multitudes have united with one accord to implore, in the name, and relying on the merits and mediation, of our Divine Lord, that the New Year may be crowned with the goodness of God, and special blessings conferred both upon the church and the world.

The Evangelical Alliance by its British and Foreign Organizations, renew their invitation for the opening of the year 1868. In doing so, they express their profound conviction that passing events are more than ever furnishing motives for a closer union among all true followers of Christ, and for the offering of faithful, importunate prayer for things pertaining to the spirituality and spread of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fellow-Christians of every land and language,-in the prospect of the weighty interests and great responsibilities of the New Year,-let us again draw near to the Heavenly Throne, that common centre for universal prayer, and prove the Lord of

Hosts according to His own Word, wherein it is written:

See" if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

The following topics, amongst others, are suggested as suitable for exhortation and intercession on the successive days of meeting:

Sunday, Jan. 5th.-Sermons. Subject: The Person, Work, and Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Monday, 6th.-Thanksgiving for special and general mercies during the past year, to Nations, Churches, and Families : and Confession of Sin.

Tuesday, 7th.-Prayer for Nations, for Kings and all in authority; for the Observance of the Lord's Day; for the Removal of Obstacles in the way of Moral and Religious Progress; and for Internal and International Peace.

Wednesday, Sth.-Prayer for Families; for Schools, Colleges, and Universities; and for Sons and Daughters in Foreign Countries.

Thursday, 9th.-Prayer for Christian Ministers, and all engaged in Christ's Service; for God's ancient Israel, and for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friday, 10th.-Prayer for the Sick and Afflicted; for Widows and Orphans; and for the Persecuted for Righteousness' sake.

Saturday, 11th.-Prayer for the Christian Church; for increase of holiness and activity, fidelity, and love; and for grace equal to the duties and dangers of the times.

Sunday, 12th.-Sermons. Subject: Christian Charity.-1 Cor. xiii.

SUMATRA.-MISSION TO THE CANNIBAL BATTAS.-The Battas cat human flesh as a mode of showing their detestation of certain crimes by an ignominious punishment, and as a savage display of revenge and insult to their unfortunate enemies. The celebrated bay of Tappanooli, in which navigators assert that all the navies of the world might ride with perfect security, stretches into the heart of the Batta country. Its shores are inhabited by Battas, who do not themselves make long sea-voyages, but obtain the articles they need from abroad by barter. The Batta country is divided into numerous tribes, governed by rajahs. The people are fairer in complexion than the Malays, and are shorter in stature. The dress they commonly wear is of their own manufacture, and is a sort of thick cotton

cloth, harsh and wiry. It is worn round the waist with a scarf over the shoulders; the most ordinary colours being a brownish-red and very dark blue. They are particularly fond of adorning the scarf with strings and tassels of beads. The covering of the head is usually the bark of a tree. The superior class wear a strip of foreign blue cloth in imitation of the Malayan destars; and a few have outer garments of chintz. The young women wear in their ears numerous rings of tin, as well as several large rings of thick brass wire round their necks. On festival-days their ornaments are of gold.

The morality of the Battas is much better than that of their Mohammedan neighbours. Marriage is kept by them most strictly. Adulterers suffer the dreadful punishment of being killed and eaten up. To this day, in the independent Batta country, this is the most frequent occasion for the practice of this dreadfullybarbarous custom. So far as the Battas are subject to the Dutch Government, they are, of course, not allowed to practise these crimes, or to engage in war and gambling. The incessant civil wars did much evil to the people, and they do so still in the independent parts, in Silindung and High-Toba. Every village has its own king or kings. Petty quarrels and feuds are almost endless. For gambling they are as bad as other people; cardplaying, dice, and especially cock-fighting, being their greatest delight. In many other respects they are better than you would expect them to be as heathens. There is no fear that they will steal anything from you. They are, on the whole, truthful, and, like most heathen people, hospitable. Shortly after the first victory was won by a missionary in Silindung, it appeared also at almost all of the other stations that the preaching had not been in vain. At Sipirak, at Bunga-bondar, at Sigom-pulon, converts were baptized; and in all these places quickly sprung up small Christian congregations. The numbers as yet are not large: at Sipirak there are about thirty converts; at Sigompulon the same number; at Bunga-bondar forty; at Silindung above eighty; but, considering the short time since the Mission-work was begun, the number is large, and gives hope for the future. It is like a dike which has been overflowed by the waters, which gives way first slowly, then more rapidly, until the great waters rush through the opening majestically.Report of the Rhenish Missionary Society.