Killery. It is a great pity that we have no way of retaining in this neighbourhood the young converts who are trained in our Mission schools. As soon as they grow up they must all seek their fortunes elsewhere. There is a continual stream of intelligent and exemplary young men and women going out into the world from this Mission, who, if there were any way of getting employment, would settle down here, and be such a power for good among their relations and neighbours. Their letters to their friends are very interesting, and clearly show that the good seed of everlasting life, which has been sown in their hearts, has taken root there. I have just been shown one from a young woman who was brought up in Aasleagh School, and is now a servant in the Co. Dublin. She says: "I will never forget Miss A., for she taught me the way to the Saviour; and now I can rejoice in Him. I have free pardon in his precious blood. Dear mother, pray God that He may guide you to the true way, for you never shall be happy till you have found Him. The only thing that grieves me is when I think of any of you going the broad path that leads to destruction."

I have had some very interesting conversations lately with Roman Catholics. On every occasion they listened most attentively, and reasoned with the best temper. If all those who are Protestants in heart, and who are trusting in Christ alone for salvation, had the courage to come boldly out, we would have a large congregation. A few days ago the Reader was speaking and reading to a number of persons in one of the cottages near this. After he had done, an old man drew him aside, and told him how deeply he felt all that he said; that for years past he had renounced all trust in any one but in Christ; that he feels that His blood alone can cleanse him from all sin. I earnestly pray and trust that God may give him, and others who are like him, grace, not alone to believe in Christ in his heart, but also to confess Him openly.

North-east Mission.-Your Missionary has just completed his monthly tour through the county towns of his District. The attendance at the controversial lectures has, with few exceptions, been smaller than on former occasions, owing to the hay-harvest and the amount of field labour still to be accomplished. At D we had a very encouraging

meeting, enlivened by the singing of the school-children; and during the time of the lecture a few heads might be seen, now and again, darkening the door-way and peering round the corner, so that they were in a position to hear what was said, though too cautious to enter the building. Our new master writes very favourably of the District. "The Romanists," he says, "are in general tolerably civil.... Some will not hold any conversation on the subject of religion, unless fairly dragged into it; others freely speak on the peculiar doctrines of their Church, and try to make the best defence they can; some take the controversial handbills, while others refuse. It is worthy of remark, that such as do not wish to take them say so decidedly, and those who do take them generally do not read them at the time, but continue the conversation, and seem carelessly to keep folding and unfolding the bill, till at length it receives a final folding up, and finds a quiet resting-place in the speaker's pocket. No one has ever, in my presence, torn or abused any bill distributed by me here... I feel considerably encouraged in my work in this solitary place, in consequence of the unmistakable growth in grace of three dear little children who attend my school. Their father is a professed Arian. One of these children first came to the school, then another, afterwards a third. They are very smart, intelligent children, and are really anxious to know the Saviour and to love Him. Your Missionary was very thankful during the past month to be able to comply with the request of the Rector of Acounty Tyrone. The "Passionist Fathers" had invaded this quiet country parish, which contains a large Roman Catholie population. Under the circumstances, Mr. J-thought it right that the Protestants should be made aware of the dangerous doctrines of these gentlemen, as well as strengthened in our most holy faith. Accordingly, on the afternoon of Trinity Sunday, a catechetical controversial class was conducted by the Rector and your Missionary, for the benefit of the Sundayschool children and any others who chose to avail themselves of it; and in the evening of the same day your Missionary preached to a most attentive audience on the doctrines of the Fathers in reference to indulgences and other subjects contained in their Catechisms. Forms were

placed down the aisles, which, together with the pews, were well filled; and I believe these people, living in a remote country district, and surrounded by many Roman Catholics, were most thankful to their minister and myself for supplying them with argument and defence in their hour of need.

Ossory.-A remarkable corroboration of the evidence given on several occasions by the Readers was afforded me a few days since. Undesignedly I found myself in company with some respectable Roman Catholic farmers, with their wives and daughters, in a railway carriage. One man who was pressing in when there seemed to be no room, was told so; but he persisted, saying, "I hope we shall all find room in heaven." "Sincerely do I hope so," I said; "but you know there is but cne way or road to that place." Oh, true," said another, "but besides the Saviour, we must do penance, and have the aid of the Mother of God." Having explained to the company the folly of calling the Virgin Mary by such a title, and showing them that she was the mother of his human nature, and not of his Godhead, I then said we did not need her aid, as Jesus was sufficient as our mediator and intercessor; and that, though we respected her, and admired her character, we could not pray to her." the company, of whom I had often heard through the Readers as an enlightened Roman Catholic, spoke up, and quoted the text-"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me," and supported and encouraged me to hold up Jesus as the only refuge of sinners. He endorsed the statement that the Virgin Mary had proved a broken reed to the Austrian and French armies in their recent wars with Prussia; for both these Powers had invoked her aid, and put themselves under her protection before the fight commenced; and that she had also failed the Pope in his hour of need; and that it was plain from all this that it was much safer to do as Prussia had done-to put all our confidence in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. He said that the high pretensions and tyrannical exactions of the Pope and the Ultramon

A man in

tane clergy were undermining the cause of Rome, even in Ireland; that he was only the mouthpiece of a large number of thinking Roman Catholics, when he said they were stringing the bow too tight, and that it would snap asunder; and there should be a reformation of abuses in their Church. He had read the lives of the Popes, and was disgusted with them. That the absolution of Jesus was enough for him.

When I was leaving the carriage on arrival at my destination, he spoke for the company, and wished me to continue with them a little while longer.

Renvyle.-Our schools have neither gained nor lost since my last report. The opposition to them is steady and unremitting. At our last inspection, the priest sent his " boy to the school

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door to note the Roman Catholic children who went in; and since then the parents have had to pass through a most trying ordeal of altar denunciations, refusal of rites of church, etc. The wonder is that the Mission Schools hold together at all. I have much pleasure in remarking that amongst the most regular attendants at my Sunday services and Saturday classes are the converts of my district. They are most exemplary in their conduct, and in many respects put the "original" Protestants to shame. There are not many converts, but those that are seem to be steadfast and sincere. An intelligent Romanist took from my hands, a short time since, a large-typed Reference Bible with the greatest gratitude and thankfulness. I asked him, if ever he were compelled to give it up, that I would expect him to give it back to me, and not have it destroyed by the priest or any one else. On bended knee he vowed to God that he would only part with it with his life. This old man had a well-read Romish Testament of his own; but he was most anxious to have a Reference Bible, that he might compare passage with passage, and be the better able to dispute with the Readers. May God open his blind eyes before he sinks into the grave, and give him the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ!