and full of the power to work a great hurt! So does evil confuse the heart when it has banished goodness from its native heart. So does falsehood confuse the judgment when it has driven the sweet sanity of truth, an alien and a wanderer, from the mind.

Thou who in love and truth art the Creator, move anew within my soul in thy beautiful thinkings that desire me a perfect child of thy love! Thou whose joy is to be preserver of what thou hast made, move forth in thy knightly beauty to defend my heart from the evil, to establish me in the safety of thy unfailing goodness! Father! Think upon thy child in thy forgiving tenderness! Reclaim him as thy heart's own right! That thy joy may be in every thought of him, establish me in the goings and comings of thy truth, that faithfulness be native to my soul as its purple to the lily that rejoiced the loving eyes of thy Christ! In the peace of thy love may my heart abide, that out of the holy quiet grow all noble words and deeds, as out of the quiet of summers come the fruits to their fulness and the grains to their gold! Make my heart an abiding place for thy love that thou mayest tarry there in many a joyous hour, that my soul may indeed be a home for thee, and thou knowing some homesickness when kept from its familiar services and joys! Realize in me the sanity of thy holiness, that I may move among these forces of life, their master, creating something of deathless beauty from the midst of my passing years! Become so real in me, that I may abide in thy great peace, and fear no storms that beat, and for their fierceness keep me from no duty! "My strength be as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure!" Then where thou leadest I will follow, whatever dangers befall, whatever deaths threaten, whatever hardships must be endured!

When thou art the love within me, life lives full and no fear troubles its joy, no weakness mars its beauty. When thou art truth within me, I realize the dear experience of trusting in thee what time I am afraid. What endangers the life is not so dreadful, if I am certain that thou, my Refuge, art near. Troubles that come from without cannot wreck the soul, when for a surety thou art my peace. In the confidence that we are in the ways of thy loving

and true will, bravery mocks at fear and faithfulness overcomes all the foes that contend against righteousness.

From these heights unto which my prayer aspires I abide very far. What time I am afraid I do not trust thee. What time I am troubled I do not take refuge in thee, as though thy nearness added to the trouble that is on my sea that cannot be quiet. When the storms are heavy about, they seem some everlasting master, and thou not my helper who, loving me, makes it certain that I cannot fail. But often when the storm lifts, and the anxiety has passed, my heart can so think of thee as to sing for joy, as thy birds which the storms have affrighted to silence, when the sunshine has come again, sing out as though never a fear had set their hearts so a-tremble as to hush their happy songs.

If I may not have thee in the storm, I would find thee in the sunshine, that something of thy life may grow toward the full of its beauty in me. If I may not have thee in the sorrows, I would feel thee in the joys, that they may purify toward something of thine own perfect bliss. If I may not have thee in the tasks that are difficult, may I find thee in the strength that does the easy duty, that it may increase somewhat toward thy power that can do, as if it were but birds singing their morning hymn, each duty that holiness asks of thy hands.

And yet would I still strive for the heart that trusts in thee what time I am afraid. I would still pray for such an abiding in thee that I may have the strength of inward peace to overcome the weakness of the outer difficulties that trouble. I would realize that my fears spring from the lovely hauntings of thy presence, intent upon keeping me from perfect wreck, determining that yet through my own free choices the beauty of thine own perfect heart shall be established upon me. If so I may have a confidence in thy creative presence that never forsakes the earth, that abandons none of thy children unto an eternal failure, then, when days are dark and storms are raging, some thought of thee shall keep my heart in a holy confidence yearning after thine own great strength. Then I will serve thee in the difficult ways as well as in the ways of pleasantness and peace. Then, when no vision is for the darkness, no

KHASI HILLS, INDIA.

strength for the victory, some touch of thy heart upon mine will bring the vision, though it tarries, will bring the victory, though it keep afar and walk as if it were shod in the hindering lead.

While I realize that in the world I must have tribulations, may I be of good cheer, knowing that thou in thy creative ideal of me hast overcome the world! May I realize that that creative ideal is overcoming the world within me, its heavenliness shining everywhere, through all my heart, through all my life! In the knowledge that thou art creating yet, and I, a creator with thee, there is to the soul every noble courage, to the life every wise daring; and in the certainty of its all being worth while, all coming to some great and everlasting glory, I begin to enter into thy peace passing understanding, I begin to realize what the Psalmist meant when he sang, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." For this, thou hast the joy of my heart; for this I would give thee the praise of my life!

When the storm is gone
Faith sings like the thrushes;
Love shines like the sun
When the storm is gone.

But fear my heart crushes
When the storm is on;
My faith's voice hushes;
My heart's like the fawn
That from danger rushes.
Oh, quiet my fear
In some lowly duty,
Like winds, when the May
Is abroad in its beauty,
In the sway of the rushes
Their blossom-words con!
Then my beloved will hear
Faith sing like the thrushes
That sweeten the dawn,
Love sing like the sparrow
That spins stormy rains
On alder or yarrow
Into happy refrains.

In the storm gentle song,
On the cloud gentle light,
In my heart gentle peace,
Making life nothing wrong,
Making love love aright,
Making joy joy increase.
When the storm is on
Song-sparrows sing sweeter;
When night fades in dawn
Their songs are completer;
And joining them sings,
As the night's holy hushes
Had blossomed in wings,
The glorious thrushes.

PASTOR QUIet.

BY HAJOM KISSOR SINGH.

Mr. Sunderland's visit to the Khasi Hills marked an epoch in the history of Unitarianism here, and has linked us more closely to the Unitarians both of Great Britain and America. The Unitarians of Nongtalang and Nonglámin, men, women, and children, came to meet him on the way two miles from Nongtalang. The same day he went down to Nonglámin and held service there. After speaking words of comfort and encouragement to the Unitarians there on account of the death of their leader, U Tymmen Pdáng, an enthusiastic old man and a staunch advocate of Unitarianism, he baptized a child and then returned up the steep hill-path to Nongtalang. This was the first occasion that he had ridden on a "thappa," and the path to Nongmanin was so steep that I had to tell him several times not to move lest the "thappa" would overturn. In the evening there was a meeting in the Unitarian church at Nongtalang, and Mr. Sunderland explained the object of his mission and spoke on "Unitarianism the religion for the church, the home, and daily life," which was interpreted into the dialect of Nongtalang by Mr. Riang Pohlong. In the course of his speech he said that Unitarianism was not a new religion, because God, whom it teaches to worship, is the God of their forefathers, the God of Jesus and of the Bible, and the God of the universe. Mr. Heh Pohlong, the first Unitarian of Nongtalang, gave a hearty welcome to Mr. Sunderland on behalf of the Unitarians of this side of the Khasi Hills, and requested him to convey their greetings to the Unitarians of England and America, and to thank them for the deep interest they have taken in the spread of Unitarianism in the Khasi Hills.

In May last, Babu Nilmoni Chakravarti, the Brahmo missionary of Cherrapunji, came to Jowai to see us. On Sunday, the 17th of May, after having been introduced by Mr. Kissor Singh, Babu Nilmani Chakravarti preached a sermon in our church on "Finding God in the Soul," which was attentively listened to by the congregation. He also visited the day school, took part in the weekly family prayer meetings which

are held in turns in the houses of Unitarians. We were much benefited by his visit, inasmuch as the Khasi Unitarians have learned that they have the Brahmos near them as their friends, helpers, and fellow worshippers of the one true God.

Babu Nilmani told. me that he was greatly benefited by his visit to Jowai.

On the 24th of May, while on survey duty, I took the opportunity of visiting the little group of Unitarians of Syndái. I could not but admire these brave, isolated brethren and sisters holding out their own, without having any educated leader, among the demon worshippers and the Trinitarians of the village. I delivered a sermon, in the meeting held in the house of a Unitarian woman, on the "Permanency of the true Religion," and told the brethren that there was no place to be hopeless, because we have a religion of hope.

The third anniversary of the Jowai Unitarian free school was held on the 7th of August, 1896, in the new school building. The schoolhouse was tastefully decorated with flowers, ferns, creepers, and evergreens; and with pictures received from Miss A. E. Howard and Mrs. K. G. Wells of Boston, United States of America; also with large colored pictures presented to the school by Mrs. Rita of Jowai. After introductory exercises, which included the singing of the national authem ("God save the Queen"), school songs in English and Khasi, physical drill and recitation, the annual report of the schoolhouse was read in Khasi and English. The following are extracts from the report:

"We must say that it was entirely due to Mr. Rita (the local magistrate) that we could secure this hill and build the schoolhouse here. He has moreover been a warm supporter and adviser of the school from the beginning. The building has (so far) cost us 640 rupees, of which only 250 rupees were raised here, and 160 rupees promised by friends (British and Foreign Unitarian Association) in England, leaving a debt of 230 rupees, borrowed for the school. The object of the school has been, in addition to teaching the three R's, to teach the ignorant hill children the manners and ways of civilization as far as practicable and necessary. Drilling and singing are also continued to be taught in the school. Its use

fulness now extends far beyond the limits of Yew Mawsiang (station) for which it was primarily intended. During the year under review the number of children attending this school from the village was twenty or more. The eyes of the villagers are being opened, and we hope to be able to show them the value of education.

"The school was inspected several times by Babu Joel, the sub-inspector of schools; and in January this year, it was inspected by the Rev. J. T. Sunderland, M.A., representative of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association, whose remarks may be seen in the Visitors' Book. The school is not aided by the government in any way it is the only unaided school in the Jowai subdivision."

Mr. Rita then spoke about the usefulness of the school, and added that the boys should be taught mechanics to enable them to earn a living as soon as they leave the school.

Mrs. Rita, who kindly presided, distributed prizes to the children. The prizes which were in the shape of books, clothes, and money were given for general proficiency, for best attendance in the day, and in the Sunday-school for good conduct, and for other special subjects. Two prizes for the most successful boy and girl of the school were given by Mrs. Rita, who promised to give similar prizes every year as long as she remains in Jowai. Then copies of Every Other Sunday, for which I cannot be too thankful to Mrs. K. G. Wells of United States of America, were distributed to all the children, who were very much happy and in the best mood.

The schoolhouse was filled with friends and sympathizers, men and women, which numbered about two hundred, including Miss Rita, Babu Nilkanta, the native doctor of the station, and other gentlemen. In the evening of the same day was held the annual meeting of the members of the Unitarian Church of Jowai. Men, women, and children were present. There was a thank-giving service, and among the speakers were two women who were the oldest members. All in the meeting felt thankful to God for the occasion, and were fired with enthusiasm for the gospel. There never was a more successful gathering of the Unitarians of Jowai in which there was so

much warmth of hearts. Our minister, the Rev. David Edwards, was in his best mood. After the meeting was over the members sat down to tea. There were also present some Unitarians from Nartiang, Raliang, and Nonglámin who came to attend the meeting held later on for the better organization of the Khasi Hills Unitarian Union, a brief account of which will be sent shortly. Towai, Khasi Hills, India, September 24.

THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH. Truth ever lures us on; with beckoning finger It seeks to draw us from the dim and murky realm

Of ignorance and doubt in which we long have wandered,

And points to new and undiscovered lands
Where knowledge is and freedom dwells.
With clarion voice it rings the message:
"Find me and ye find life;

This is the way, walk ye in it."

God's universe is truth; himself is truth;

Then think not that the truth hath ought to fear
From free and fall inquiry, for it is planted
On the rock immovable of his eternal verity,
And only waits to be revealed.

So truth is everlasting and must prevail,
Obscured it may be for a time, but in the end
It triumphs still o'er ignorance and fear,
And ushers in the grand new world to be.
Then let us seek the truth. What matter
If in the search the house of old belief
Totters and crumbles into nothingness?
For, inspiring thought, it will erect for us
A statelier and a nobler habitation,

In whose spacious halls the soul may roam,
And ever deepening inspiration find

To reach still loftier heights of thought and feeling,

And truer knowledge of the Universal Father,
Whom to know is life, ay, life eternal.

With earnest purpose, then, brave souls, fight on;
Heed not the jeers and scoffs of those who sit
In shadowing twilight, fearful of the day;
Climb the infinite ascent that leads to life;
Push on with step unfaltering, and truth,
God's infinite, eternal truth, shall make you free.
-William D. Little.

If you always remember that in all you do, in soul or body, God stands by as a witness, in all your prayers and your actions, you will not err; and you shall have God dwelling with you.-Epictetus.

New Year Greeting.

EDITORIAL.

ABUNDANT encouragement is to be found in the hopeful words from so many of our wise leaders given in the New Year letters to the Editor on page 15.

We beg our readers to give more than ordinary attention to these letters. They contain not only the kind and hopeful words of those who have the good of our cause nearest to their hearts but the wise advice of our best prophets and the call to duty of our most trusted leaders.

The best New Year resolution would be the determination to unite in methods and work as closely as we are already united in spirit and faith.

Our religious thought has made enormous gains. We believe such a magnificent gospel that all the practical building, and extension of our visible church which we can possibly accomplish will not be more than fit apparel for our glorious faith.

This extension work may be difficult, and it may not be as pleasant as the enjoyment in undisturbed satisfaction of the peace and love our faith promises. But, however difficult, it is vital; it is the only security against paralysis; unless faith flows, it evap

"We proclaim a gospel of revelation. We do not believe that God's word is shut up in any one book, between any set of covers. We do not believe that it is confined to any one age or to any one people. We believe that God from the very beginning has been revealing himself to his children just as fast and as far as they were capable of comprehending his revelation. I sit down by a little child of four, or take him on my knee, and I reveal to him, what? Not as much as I would reveal to a boy of twenty. Why? Not because I should not like to, but because I cannot. I cannot put within the brain of a boy of four that which the brain of a boy of four cannot understand. So in the ignorant, the crude, the barbaric ages of the world God revealed just as much as the ignorant and the crude and the barbaric could comprehend and take. God has surrounded humanity as the light and the air to-day surround our dwellings, and he has come into humanity, into the brain, the heart, the character, just as fast as he could, as fast as they could take him."

expressed in three words,-Truth, Worship, Service. Each principle is well amplified by a well-known Scripture quotation; for instance :

Truth.-"Know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Worship.-"God is spirit; and they that worship him, must worship in spirit and in truth."

Service. "I came, that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

These mottoes have been tastefully printed on a card, with the National Conference statement, prefaced by the words :

"AS HIS FOLLOWERS we accept the religion of Jesus, holding, in accordance with his teaching, that practical religion is summed up in love to God and love to man."

"We have, first of all, the various Aramaic phrases actually embodied in the Greek text as having been uttered by our Lord, such as 'Ephphatha' ('Be opened'), 'Talitha, cumi' ('Maiden, arise'), where the word cumi might be Hebrew or Syriac or Arabic, but where talitha is purely Syriac. And the last despairing cry of our Lord on the cross, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' is not translated in the Sinaitic palimpsest, for the good reason that it is a natural part of the Syriac text.

"Take next the names of persons and places in the New Testament. The Syriac word for 'son' is bar, and so we have Bartholomew, Barabbas, Bar-Jesus, Bar-Jona, Barnabas, Bar-Timæus. Had Hebrew been the spoken tongue, these names would have run Ben-tholomew, Ben-Jesus, etc. We have also 'Cepha' (a stone, feminine gender), 'Boanerges,' i.e., Beni-rogaz (sons of thunder), 'Sapphira' (the beautiful), Thoma' (the twin), 'Martha' (the mistress), 'Tabitha' (the gazelle), 'Bethsaida' (house of fishing), 'Nazareth' (watch), 'Gethsemane' (an oil