Our chief space this month is taken up with the work in Spain and Portugal, which are not only contiguous geographically, and similar in language, though of course not identical, that we embrace them both in our survey. A very interesting book on gospel work in Madeira is the Life of Hewitson, a devoted servant of Christ from Scotland. Numbers of Portuguese from the Azores have come to Bermuda, where a gospel testimony has been maintained. It is well to think also of the large number of these nations who have come to the New England States. America has been called "the melting pot" for foreigners. May the precious gospel lay hold of weary hearts and melt them in living assimilation to the family and church of God. We need hardly say that the work among the Spanish and Portuguese in Central and South America will come before us later.

SOME FACTS RELATING TOS PAIN AND PORTUGAL

Spain is a kingdom in the extreme southwest of Europe, comprising about 11/13 of the Iberian peninsula, as well as the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and the fortified station of Ceuta, on the Moroccan coast, opposite to Gibraltar. In 1900, the kingdom, exclusive of its colonies, had a population of 18,607,674, and a total area of 194,700 square miles. It is rather more than twice the size of Great Britain, and is larger than Italy and Sicily.

The climate of Spain varies much in the different provinces. In the N. & N. W. it is very equable, and roses bloom at Christmas as plentifully as in the summer. In the table lands (which include Madrid), the winters are very cold, with many snows, while the summers are hot. It is interesting to note that the city of Madrid is almost on the same parallel of latitude as the city of Philadelphia. In the Mediterranean provinces the temperature is mild, while the extreme south is sub-tropical. The hottest part of Spain is Grenada, and it is said that at Malaga snow falls only about once in twenty-five years.

Most of the population of Spain live in the country, and there are but few large towns. Travel is still very poor, although much improved during the last century, and particularly in the last quarter-century. Roman Catholicism is the established religion, and the church and 'clergy are maintained by the State. The immense majority of the people profess adherence to the R. C. Church, so that, as far as numbers go, Spain is the most Catholic country in the world. The Spanish codes still contain penalties for offences against the State religion, as writers frequently discover when they arouse the ecclesiastical authorities. Education is practically under the control of the church, and although supposedly compulsory, probably half of the Spaniards are illiterate. Canon law and church doctrine form an obligatory part of the studies of men qualifying for the bar and judiciary. By a law of July, 1902, private schools are required to be authorized by the State.

Toward the close of the 16th century, the doctrines of the Reformation were brought into Spain, chiefly through two brothers, Juan and Alfonso de V aides. Immediate persecutions caused the death of many who embraced the new doctrines, while thousands fled into exile, many crossing to England. Thus the Church continued to hold full sway in Spain, as it is this day, although by the constitution of 1876 non-Catholics were permitted to carry on their forms of worship, only on condition that they did so in private, without any public demonstration or announcement. This proviso, in some cases, has been made the ground for stopping meetings where congregational singing could be heard outside the meeting-room, this being held to be a public demonstration. In spite of a similar restriction on schools, these are largely attended in many cities.

The work of "Brethren" in Spain began in 1838, under circumstances described by George Borrow in his book, "The Bible in Spain." Mr. Borrow was still in the country when, in 1838, Mr. Robert Chapman and two associates entered Spain. Mr. Chapman made further visits, in company with a couple of brethren, in 1863 and 1871, traveling through the country, generally on foot, conversing with the people as he had opportunity. Many then hated the clergy, but fear caused them to profess adherence to the church.

In 1858 a young man named Matamores, about 25 years of age, was converted in a Protestant church, while visiting Gibraltar. He obtained a Bible, and as a result of his study, he together with some friends who had been converted through his preaching, began to meet together in all simplicity to worship. In 1860 the Romish authorities learned what was going on, and at once put a stop to it by arresting 21 of the brethren, and giving them severe sentences. In 1863 Mr. Chapman made one of his visits in company with two brethren, and for two years itinerated the country, preaching the gospel. They were then forced to flee to France, and one account states, "A court was held to try them in absentia, and they were sentenced to 9 years in the galleys." Shortly after this several brethren entered Spain, until to-day, among "Open Brethren" there are some 41 missionaries in Spain, of whom 24 are married, in which case the wife often carries on active work as well as her husband.

Among those in our fellowship, who have gone out from England, there are two married brethren, Jas. Huston and wife, F. J. Berridge and wife, a single brother, Angus Clapham, and a single sister, Miss Maggie Douglas, all in the province of Albacete.

PORTUGAL is a republic of western Europe, adjacent to Spain. These two countries together form the entire Iberian peninsula. The area of Portugal is 34,154 square miles, and its population in 1900 was 5,016,267. These totals do not include the inhabitants and area of the Azores and the Madeira Islands. The country forms a rough parallelogram, about 140 miles wide, and 362 miles long. It has a great variety of scenery, and this, together with its rich flora and the bright costumes of the people gives Portugal a unique attractiveness. Large bodies of sober, industrious peasants annually emigrate (chiefly to Brazil), in an effort to improve their fortunes. This constitutes a great difficulty in the work in both this country and Spain, where often the young men of an assembly leave for other parts.

The history of Portugal is identical with that of Spain until 1095, when the western part of the peninsula was reconquered from the Moors, and these sections were gradually formed into an independent kingdom, which reached the height of its power and importance in the early part of the 16th century. The Reformation never reached Portugal, but much travel had caused the people to think for themselves, which led to the introduction of the Inquisition in 1536. Although Roman Catholicism remained the State Religion until 1910, the church lost its temporal power in 1834, and other religions were tolerated. In 1910 Church and State were separated. In 1900, three-fourths of the population (including the children) were unable to read.

Continuous gospel work in Portugal does not seem to have been carried on until toward the beginning of the present century, although brethren en route for other parts have at various times stopped there. There are now some five married brethren serving in the gospel, mostly in Lisbon, one of whom, Jose Freire, is a Portuguese gentleman. Mr. George Howes publishes and prints many tracts in Portuguese, while Messrs. J. H. and A. Ingleby (father and son) conduct a large work in the printing and distribution of gospel literature, etc. Mr. Eric Barker is seeking to reach out into the country districts, but has much difficulty in traveling about, partly due to poor roads, and partly to poor equipment.

In both of these countries the work entails much difficulty, and many disappointments, yet we know that these are but the trial of our faith, and that God's word will not return unto Him void, but will accomplish that where-unto He sends it. May we not all fervently pray that the seed thus sown may bring forth fruit, and that all the needs of our brethren and sisters may be met, in the Lord's mercy. R. J. L.

Nyangkundi, Africa. My Dear Brother:- Nov. 28,1925.

At present we are engaged in preparations for building. We hope to build three new houses of a permanent type with brick walls. We have commenced making bricks. We desire also if the Lord will to build a hospital and dispensary, a school house, and a few native huts with brick walls.

The present houses stand on an unsuitable site, quite high up in the hills, and they are of a temporary mud wall type, besides being in need of repair. A lower location has been chosen where the villages will be more accessible and where the station can be laid out better with more room for gardens.

We are planning to build houses for Miss Wilson and Miss De Jonge first, and then Dr. Woodhams and ours together.

The station property is near the most thickly populated area of the Babiras and so not altogether the best place to lay out a station, but we have decided to keep on with it. Much, if not most, of it lies on the hill-sides, but if we build and cultivate what we can, it is probable we could get more later when we may need it.

We heard lately from brother Gross of Nigeria, and he says that after having a furlough to America he purposes coming to labor in the Gospel with us, if the Lord will. We shall welcome him truly as our fellow laborer in the glad tidings. The country is a very large one and needs many workers for the Lord's harvest. And now may the grace of our Lord be with your spirit.

Our united love to you and to all, yours in our Lord,

D. C. Gordon Searle.

My dear brother:- London, Eng.

Yours of the 9th ult. to hand, enclosing a letter from Mr. Zimmerman, who I am interested to learn has work in Antwerp before him. May he be guided aright and be blessed, if the Lord will that he go to that country! I do not know anyone at Antwerp. Probably the best man to get into touch with would be M. Vincent of 35 Rue Klipveld, Brussels, though he is French-speaking and does not know English. (La Mission Beige Evangelique has a post in Antwerp. The leader, Mr. Ralph C. Morton, is very sound in the faith, and is an American.)

Amies arrived safely on Wednesday, also Miss Des-borough, and seems to have picked up a bit on the voyage, but is not too well. He came to us on Thursday, and the next day was in bed with a sharp attack of fever, so that it seems to me that the U. S. A. brethren will do well to let him go very easy for a few weeks. Wm. and Mrs. Wilson are at present in London. He will give an address on the Congo work at the meeting room, Kingsland, London, N. He seems very well and has enjoyed his time in U. S. A. Arthur Pollock.

Our brother Amies has been in Philadelphia and New York since his return, but his health calls for more complete rest, and he is now by the sea-side, at Ocean City, N. J., for a month's rest and recuperation.

The following is of special interest, and calls for our prayers.

San Jose, C. A. Dear Brethren in Christ:- Feb. 4,1926.

You know how we were ready sometime ago to close and leave the country; the strain was great on account of combination of the Methodist Church, Bible Institute, and C. A. Mission. As they have more attractive places than our plain hall, we feared all the people attending our meetings would desert us. Now we are glad that the Lord has kept us here. The Methodist Church has been left empty; we notice no activity in the Institute; and some at C. A. Mission fear many members will leave because the present Missionary is leaving the country with his family, and those who came to take his place do not speak Spanish. Meanwhile the Adventists, Russellites and Pentecostals have been very active, trying to get hold of some discontents, but so far have failed. Our meetings are full every Lord's Day, Wednesday and Friday. The cottage and open-air meetings are also a source of encouragement. What a joy to give these people the truth committed to us; a few have grasped it readily; others look bewildered as if hearing something entirely new. We trust the Lord will form here a firm nucleus of witnesses, able to rightly divide the Word of Truth, and give the pre-eminence to the Lord Jesus Christ, I see how insufficient I am for the task before us, but the Lord's grace and power are made manifest. Sincerely yours in our coming Lord,

B. Monttlau.

Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Brother:- Feb. 8,1926.

You asked me sometime back to give you an account of the work on the ships here in New York. I promised to do this, but must seek your forgiveness for delaying so long. Items of interest are many, but the following may be sufficient.

During January there were 55 visits made to ships. On these we evangelized 1982 men of many nations-some 350 were Mohammedans; about 500, Roman Catholics; 225 or more, Buddhists, and the remainder Protestants by profession. A number had no faith to speak of. Numbers of French and Italians are at least ready receivers of the Gospels and papers we give.
Bro. Gibb wrote in his report to you of the Dutch S. S. "Sembilian." I noted he had no literature for six Javanese stewards, so when the "Sembilian" came here, I gave these lads six Malay Gospels, as they were able to read this language. This shows the value of reporting one to another.

On the "Hofuka Maru" (Japanese S. S.) I met a Mr. Okamato, an officer, who told me that while all the members of the crew were nominally Buddhists, yet in reality they had "no religion." For himself, he was favorable to Christianity. He told me that when he took up with any religion, Christianity would be the one.

I pressed upon him the i importance of an immediate decision for Christ, mentioning the danger of eternal woe. He seemed to understand, but I fear, like a good many others, becoming a Christian is like putting on a garment. The true idea of what actually takes place when the soul turns to Christ, seems, alas, to have no place in their minds.

On the 28th of the month I visited the Norwegian steamer "Modige" in Brooklyn. The ship was a small one, the crew numbering about 25 men. A heavy gale made any kind of work difficult. After giving tracts to the crew, I started to descend the rope ladder. To my dismay I found the strong wind had moved the ship some 5 feet further from the pier than when I ascended. This enforced a stay of 20 minutes longer, but the Lord made it work to blessing, as I had a very good conversation with the Bos'n and Carpenter, after which the Bos'n went with me, tested the ladder (the ship had now moved in), and I came off without any trouble.

Ralph A. West.