Encouraging reports come from various parts of the vast field. May we increasingly become "laborers together in prayer," for this is one of the most essential parts of our service. If we are praying, we cannot help being interested; this will lead to a desire to become acquainted with the needs of the field, and to do what we can to help that need.

A matter of great importance may be spoken of in this connection. We may consider it a token of the Lord's blessing upon this department if special interest is awakened in various quarters, and if some may be stirred to offer themselves to the Lord for service abroad. We find in Acts 13 an illustration of such awakening, and the definite fruit of that exercise in the mind of the Spirit being made known and acted upon.

We need therefore to be much in prayer that the Holy Spirit be unhindered both in awakening interest and stirring the hearts of those whom He would send forth. We must be careful not to "quench the Spirit," by checking such exercises; and yet we must be careful not to stir a mere enthusiasm, which would encourage any to hasty decision as to the all-important question of their path and service. Let us be much before the Lord as to this. It is "the Lord of the harvest" who must send forth laborers; our great part is, "Pray ye therefore."

An interesting, and we trust profitable, meeting was held in New York at the Assembly-room in connection with the sailing of our brother Oscar S. Zimmerman for Antwerp and other European ports. Our brother, as is known to many, has been engaged for a number of years in work among the shipping, chiefly in the port of San Francisco. The way had been opened for him to seek to reach the seamen in European waters, and a large number gathered to have fellowship in prayer and conference as to this service. A most interesting account was given by our brother of the way in which he had been led to take up the service for those who "go down to the sea in ships," and the great need for reaching the vast numbers of those who do not visit the ports on this side of the Atlantic. Interesting replies were given to questions as to the methods of work and some of the tokens of blessing received. The work in San Francisco is being carried on by our brother Eck, during Mr. Zimmerman's absence in Europe. May the Lord guide and bless as to it all.

Some idea of the scope of the work of reaching foreigners with the printed message can be had from the following:

On board vessels in San Francisco harbor alone the past year, gospel literature was distributed to the following 52 nationalities:

English, Urdu, Russian, French, Norwegian, Danish, Spanish, Gurumuki, Arabian, Yiddish, Lithuanian, Greek, Javanese, Hawaiian, Finnish, Syrian, Maori, Cantonese, Marathi, Gujerati, Egyptians, Berbers, Esthonians, Koreans, Lettish, Tahitians, Singhalese, Japanese, Malay, Malayalam, German, Swedish, Italian, Portuguese, Siamese, Turkish, Polish, Bohemian, Hindu, Marshall Islands, Dutch, Slovenian, Bengali, Flemish, Wenli, Icelandic, Goanese, Riffs, Armenians, Fiji Islanders, Maltese, Persians.

We trust our readers are following the accounts given in relation to the various foreign lands which are being given in our paper. The one for this month is upon that most interesting land, both as to its past history and present condition-Italy.

Prefatory Notes-"These brief articles are not intended as a survey of missionary work, which may, if desired, be undertaken after the completion of this series. The present notes are more to give some idea as to the places themselves, where our brethren are laboring, and to refer to their work, rather than describe it. In this way, the articles will be introductory to the study of the work now being done. It is hoped that the knowledge of these few 'FACTS' may enable some to have a fuller appreciation of the work in foreign lands."

SOME FACTS RELATING TO ITALY

Italy is a constitutional monarchy, comprising, in addition to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, the long promontory of southern Europe which somewhat resembles a boot in shape. Its greatest length is 708 m., and its greatest width 354 m., although the peninsula itself seldom measures more than 100 m. across. The area of the kingdom, including the islands, is 110,664 sq. m., and the population (estimated for 1921), some 39,000,000. The largest city in Italy is Naples, with a pop. (1915) of 700, 000; Milan is second, and Rome third, with a pop. of about 600,000. In 1901 over 9,500,000 people were engaged in agriculture and like pursuits, with less than half as many engaged in industry. Emigration is chiefly from the poorer classes, and is largely due to poor wages and similar causes, for which an oversupply of labor has been considered responsible. With few exceptions, the condition of the working classes is one of hardship, and the general cost of living in 1920 was more than six times that of the period of 1901-05.

Italy is one of the hottest countries of Europe, although the physical characteristics of the country somewhat modify this. The mountains of northern and central Italy cause great variations in temperature; but the southern part of the country has a climate like that of Greece and southern Spain, although large tracts of fertile land are given up to desolation because of the prevalence of malaria. In northern and central Italy there are many well kept roads, but many of the villages of southern Italy are accessible only by foot path. In 1871, 73% of the people were illiterate, but through the public school system; maintained by the State, this proportion had been lowered to 56% in 1901. Illiterates are fewest in Piedmont, and greatest in Calabria (the toe of the boot).

After the breaking up of the old Roman Empire, in 476 A. D., Italy was, for almost fourteen centuries, split up into a number of mutually hostile communities. Wars and intrigues followed, in which the popes were largely concerned, with the result that long before the Reformation began, many were disgusted with the condition of the Church. When the knowledge of Luther's conflict with Tetzel reached Italy, there was an immediate demand for his writings. Those of Melanchthon, Zwingli, and others were also carried into the country, and all were read with great interest. An Italian, A. Paleario, wrote a book entitled "The Benefit of Christ's Death," which had a wide circulation. When the effects of this work were felt by the pope, the Inquisition was instituted, in the course of which Paleario, with others, was tortured and put to death. On the whole, the Reformation left but little mark on the national life of Italy, and it is claimed that 97% of the people are still Roman Catholic. The estimated population of Rome (1906) was 403,282, and of these, the census of 1901 showed 65,000 were Protestants. Half of these were Italians, and half foreigners. Of the former, 22,500 were Waldensians.
However, God had not left Himself without a witness, and about the same time that He was granting a reviving and restoration to His people in England, Ireland, and elsewhere, He began also a gracious work in Italy. In 1833 the Duke of Tuscany commissioned a young nobleman, Count Guicciardini, then about 24 years of age, to reorganize the school system. Looking for a book that might serve as a basis for teaching morals to the children, he was advised to try the Gospels. Unable to find an Italian translation, he commenced reading a copy of the Latin Vulgate, translating parts into Italian to tell the stories to the children. By this means he became enlightened of God, and was saved. He was able to lead others to a knowledge of his new-found Saviour, and the desire for Christian fellowship led to their breaking bread in all the simplicity of the truth. It is said that in 1848 there were 40 breaking bread in Florence.

Political changes resulted in great persecutions, and the story of the faithfulness of the saints is inspiring, but cannot be included here.* During the banishment of some of these brethren to England, they came in contact with others of like precious faith with themselves, and found happy fellowship in the breaking of bread there. *The little book, "Heroes of Faith in Modern Italy," contains the simple account of some of these.* By 1857, some of the exiles had returned, and the Count, with others, suffered much in preaching the gospel in the streets and elsewhere.

With the establishment of the united kingdom in 1870, there was a considerable increase in religious liberty, and it is said that at a general meeting held in Spinetta, in 1871, about 600 were present at the breaking of bread. When several of the leaders died, some brethren from England went out to counsel the saints, and to preach the gospel, and some to print gospel literature and magazines. But the work has been substantially by the Italians themselves from the start. Mr. Harold P. Barker visits Italy, and thus strengthens the ties of fellowship with the saints there. Let us not forget to bear them up before the throne of grace, especially in view of the present reactionary religious measures that have been taken, that they "may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim. 2:2). R. J. L.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS

From B. MONTLLAU, San Jose, Costa Rica, Apr. 9,1926.

"Many thanks for your esteemed letter of March 23rd enclosing draft from the General Missionary Fund. We wish to express our deep appreciation of this token of Christian love and fellowship. '

The Lord is encouraging us spite of opposition. The 14th of March was a memorable day for us. We had the joy of burying 12 persons in baptism, among them our two older daughters. We expected to baptize about twenty, but some were sick and others were prevented from coming, being anxious to hear whether some of their relatives were among the dead and wounded found after the awful catastrophe that occurred that same morning a few miles from here. A train, loaded with hundreds of people going to Cartago for a religious celebration, was crossing a bridge over the Virilla River, about 200 ft. high, and the last three cars were derailed and fell from the bridge. Over 300 were killed and many were wounded. It seems to us like a warning, as on the 25th of the month they intend to crown the Virgin of the Angeles in Cartago:the crown costing fifty thousand colones. That "virgin" is of stone and was found there some years ago:the superstition of some is great, thinking it is alive. Poor deluded people! May our gracious Lord have mercy on many who have heard and read the message of salvation in Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela, San Jose, and other towns, before it is too late.

With our united Christian love to you, dear ones, and all saints, yours in our coming Lord."

From D. LAMORUE, Alajuela, Costa Rica, Apr. 8,1926.

"In last U. S. Mail received the draft to help further the work of our Lord, thank you in our Saviour's name for your kindness and fellowship. Here, where one has so little fellowship, letters showing a living spiritual interest are greatly appreciated. We -are not only members of His body, but members one of another. It is needless to say this is a dark land and the Prince of this world is perhaps more manifest in these smaller places than the larger capital. This place of about 10,000 has only 4 or 5 English-speaking families. Last week was Holy Week. There were many processions with bands of music and men carrying life-size images of Jesus, Peter, Maria, etc. The town was filled with country people, women with heads covered chanting, etc. A dead Christ in place of a living one. While we have fair interest on Sunday nights, 25 to 40, and a few interested children in Sunday School, this being the terminus of Railroad, there are several towns with from four to eight thousand not on R.R. with nothing but Rome's teaching. The privilege was granted me last year to visit many of these towns. In Jan. of this year I had secured many Gospels, Testaments, and Bibles for a trip to Guana Costa District, near Puntarinas, in the low lands; but in February and March, was near 7 weeks in bed with fever, instead of being in Guana Costa. As I am about recruited to normal I will in a few days take my first trip in the highland where it is more healthy. There are some 5 places with two to eight thousand within 15 hours by horse, it is a sort of Pioneer work. Occasionally our Lord shows me some fruit, a cheer by the way.

In one district near Limon are many English colored Baptists without any ministry; it is a cheer to help them once in a while, as I am able, which they appreciate very much. One head deacon wanted me to take 7 Baptist churches under my control."

From LOUIS GERMAIN, Tonneins, France.

"Yesterday I went to Bordeaux to spend the day with the saints there, giving out tracts in the train and in the street cars. We had the breaking of bread at 10 a.m. and at 3 ministered the word to the saints. In going home, having given tracts to a full car, mostly political men returning from Bordeaux, when I had taken my seat, one of them sitting in front of me, said he had read part of the tract I gave him, and was pleased to see me frank and out-and-out in my way of propagating my belief. It gave me opportunity for an interesting talk with them on eternal things."

From F. LeGARREC, Bois Colombes, France, Mar. 19th.

"My heart is full of thanks and gratitude for the gifts sent me, because I am remembering yet the gift from the Missionary Fund that you sent a short time ago in order to pursue the work in Brittany. I regret I do not know your tongue in order to tell you of the work of God in this part of the vineyard.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you dear brethren and with all those that love Him."
From Dr. WOODHAMS, Irurnu, Africa, Mar. 2,1926.

"We have been able to buy an ox wagon and this is a great help in the work of hauling poles, etc., from the forest. We expect to order a plow from Nairobi this mail. Your cable in reference to the cement was received. I immediately wired to Mombasa for the price of cement here."* *In reference to the above would say, that our brother wanted us to forward a ton of cement from the 'States, but found he could get it much cheaper from England, so procured it from there.*

"We are all well and busy, and have had good interest in the Gospel, preaching both in the Station and in the villages. Our building was crowded last Sunday and I spoke on the Son of Man as come to seek and to save that which was lost. We are plowing, wishing to reach consciences which have been long buried, and are very dull in this dark place."

From Miss CORNELIA DE JONGE, Irumu, Africa, Feb. 28th, 1926.

"We are going on together, all in fairly good health at this writing, through the mercy of our God. Miss Wilson and I have had another turn of fever this month but are better now. The building of our house is going on, though we have not as many workmen as we should like. As a result the work goes slowly. But in this land things do not move as rapidly as at home, so we have to exercise patience, which is a good experience.

The two evangelist-boys who go out by turns, preaching in the villages about us, are bringing in good reports of interest shown in most places, and a number of requests have been made for us to give them schools. We take this as an opening from the Lord to enter these places with the gospel of His salvation. What is needed is a number of native-Christians who can both teach the people to read and preach the gospel to them. Mrs. Searle and I are carrying on the school work. At the close of each session, the gospel message is given, and often we have over one hundred present at this service. We pray that it may find an entrance into the hearts of many giving conviction of their need, repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus as the Saviour of sinners."