· drink. On his death bed, he said he was not afraid to die. He had not lived a very wicked life. He had always done the best he could, the very best. He believed, too, all about God and about Christ, and so he was not afraid to die. is another of this class. He is a drunkard and is cruel to his wife. For a long time his custom has been to spend the Saturday evenings in wild carousals, and to appear next day in church, as sedate as possible. Latterly, however, he has abandoned the church, and when asked whether he meant to retake his sitting, he coolly replied, Not until I have another child to be baptized.' He had joined the church to get baptism to his child, and he saw no need of paying seven shillings for a seat, as the minister, he affirmed, would admit him at any time. The missionary dealing with another about her inconsistent profession of religion, invites her to his meeting. Ou ay,' she said, 'we maun gie ye a ca' doun some nicht. We should live and let live, ye ken,'-meaning by this that as she had her shop to get her bread by, so the missionary had his for a like purpose, and an interchange of visits was but neighbourly." In the meantime, the great work of renovation progresses, while we, perhaps, are asking in perplexity only relieved by faith, What shall be done to reclaim such moral wastes as the Cowgate and the Canongate? -the fatal retreats of every ill which oppresses human nature? Fanciful descriptions of the "Special Commissioner" class serve to amuse, bnt yield no substantial fruit. Indeed, "graphic" exaggerations of the misfortunes and miseries of the indigent and fallen have too often given offence to the people directly referred to. Such writing seldom tends towards reformation. What, then, shall be done to raise these myriads of our brethren and our sisters in Edinburgh, to whom the most common-place requisites of civilisation are unknown. luxuries? First, the localities absolutely require to be razed to the ground, so that proper buildings may be erected. Our evangelists labour under cruel disadvantages when standing in the presence of a mass of squalor and disease which a corps of masons and labourers could, in a great measure, speedily remove. Clean dwellings-or dwellings which might be clean at the will of the inmates-are indispensable. Would we could hail the dawn of those better days which we long to see! Light, water, and pure air, are not so expensive or scarce but that all might enjoy them. It is almost heart-breaking work to persons of fine Christian instinct, when they have to speak of Christ and of moral duties in dirty rooms opening into dark, loathsome passages, where the air is tainted by the refuse which chokes up the corners or even obstructs the pathway. Replacing ancient rotten buildings by decent houses is, after all, not a task of superlative difficulty. Such a work is actually going forward, though more slowly than the urgency of the case demands. Private beneficence is doing a little, and city corporations are doing something also. According to common report, Mr. Ruskin achieved a noble triumph some years ago under this head. He purchased a dilapidated. pile of tenements which a former landlord had complacently relinquished to the reign of moral disorder and physical disease. On passing into the possession of their new owner the houses were completely renovated, thoroughly repaired, and made in all respects convenient or even attractive. Then a woman blessed with a knowledge of domestic matters was appointed overseer as well as rent collector; and this matron did her part in teaching such of the occupants as chose to become pupils, something about cooking and the science of housewifery in general. What some have thus done in a small way we want to see done on a larger scale. Not until such works are earnestly taken in hand shall we have a ready answer when confronted with such an appalling enigma as, What shall be done to diminish the savage degradation and suffering of places like this ancient Canongate? We can provide an army of missionaries brave and enterprising; but why should the devoted band be ever missing their mark, wasting moral force, and hazarding failure, when a corps of sappers and miners could prepare them a way which would lead to an easier victory? Those who will provide better dwellings for the poor in great cities, can by so doing, aid evangelistic work in an important degree. More than this; we see no reason why owners of fever-breeding haunts should not be compelled by law to replace, by creditable habitations, those piles of rotten tenements which disgrace our civilisation, and in which the moral instincts of the young are blunted before they can know what religion or morality means. THE · Slow and Sure." (ENTREMETS.-No. 9.) HE proverbs which have found their way into our every-day speech are too commonly accepted by the multitude who do not think for themselves, as unmistakably genuine gold. Now, not a few of these proverbs are base metal entirely, and thus are only relatively good. Slow and Sure," for example does not, or at least, it should not, imply that virtue ever consists in slowness, as slowness merely although doing a thing slowly and surely, is certainly preferable to doing it quickly and badly. During the Seven Years' War, in the last century, there travelled with one division of the English army a rather phlegmatic engineer, who never liked risking very much, even when a chance occurred of winning a real advantage. One day, at the siege of Louisbourg, some of the British generals were chagrined by having their advice opposed by this too formal engineer. "My maxim is Slow and Sure," he remarked in his usual manner. General Wolfe, who stood near, at once cried out, "And mine is QUICK AND SURE!" a much better maxim. It is well to remember that sayings which are in everybody's mouth, sometimes have superlatives, which only the keen-witted detect, and which perhaps only the brave and generous care to act upon. Letters from Vienna. To the Editor of "The Sword and the Trowel." SIR,-Having suggested, and had the honour to initiate, a movement at the Paris Exposition of 1867, which resulted in securing for the English-speaking exhibitors and their attendants, the Sunday as a day of rest, by covering up their stalls and excusing their non-attendance on the Sabbath—thus bearing witness before the assembled nations and peoples to England's love for and reverence of the holy day-and knowing the salutary effect on Paris, I was led to turn my thoughts towards Vienna with a view to accomplish the same beneficial result there. On communicating with the London City Mission, the committee promptly and kindly placed at my disposal the author of "The Standard of the Cross on the Champ de Mars," who had so materially assisted with others in carrying my plans to a successful issue in Paris. 'The Lord's Day Observance," and the "Sabbath Rest" Societies also came to my help. The necessary funds were provided. A circular on the subject, asking co-operation, was sent to all English exhibitors, and on the 23rd of April our good brother, who had kindly consented to my request, started on his mission. What he has been doing may be gathered from the following letter written by my desire for the Sword and Trowel, and which he has promised to continue.— Yours truly, JOHN NEAL. 3, Turken Strass, Vienna, MY DEAR SIR,-This has been a day of excitement and gaiety in the beautiful City of the Wien. There were to be seen no flag decorations in the Boulevards or upon the white steamers which ply the clear and rapid Danube, but the holiday attire of the people and the long line of carriages which passed through the avenues of palaces towards the lovely Prater indicated an event of national interest-the opening of Austria's Great Palace of Industry. So wide and pleasant are the public ways, that we are not conscious of pressure, though following in the wake of thousands; and as we enter the magnificent Rotunda, or centre hall of the exhibition, we are impressed by its vastness, which gives ample accommodation for the tens of thousands of persons who are accumulating in it for the great ceremonial. So large are its dimensions that I must ask you to imagine the inner circle of Regent's Park, covered in with a mighty dome rising one hundred feet higher than St. Paul's Cathedral, and surmounted with a giant crown, adorned with imitation gems as large as cannon balls. In the centre of this expanse is a large raised platform with a crimson covering and about fifty golden and crimson chairs; near this are hundreds of seats occupied by ladies, great officers of state, naval and military officers, and other distinguished persons. The dresses and head costumes of the ladies, and the variety of costumes, the purple and fine linen, gold lace, stars, orders, and ribbons, cocked hats and feathers, and other devices by and with which man, stern man, was invested, were really astonishing. While observing these things and conversing with several American gentlemen about Him, the King who will gather all people to his throne, we were silenced by a thunder of music, as many military bands struck up the National Austrian Anthem. The emperor, who has a presence of dignity, then walked in with his daughter, followed by the Crown Prince of Germany supporting the Empress, and our Prince of Wales with the daughter of England upon his arm. Then followed the Crown Prince of Austria, and the son of the Crown Prince of Germany, and a great company of princely and noble persons. The ceremony was very short, as the Emperor received an address, and in reply declared the exhibition "opened." Other national anthems were played as the Emperor rose and headed a procession which was quickly formed, they then passed us on their journey of four miles through the exhibition. Nearly two hours passed before the cheers of exhibitors announced their return. They were as smiling and gracious as at the commencement, but they looked weary, and there was much dust upon their royal raiment. They were evidently glad to step into their carriages, and I was glad to get through the cordon of sword-bearing police, to be about our Master's business in the British and American courts. That you may be fully informed concerning the work there, it is well that I should tell you that it commenced nine days ago on board the Harwich steamer. A gentleman with whom I entered into conversation recognised me as the secretary to the Sabbath Observance movement at the Paris Exhibition, and being a Christian man promised me his aid at Vienna. Upon visiting the forecastle I found quite a number of men on their way to the exhibition, many of them were assistants to exhibitors, or their workmen, and a group of seven workmen waiters, going to the only English restaurant; these told me that they were to be followed by eight waitresses. To all of them I spoke concerning personal salvation, and the proper observance of the Sabbath, and scattered many tracts among them. The morning after my arrival I took my note of introduction to Lady Buchanan, and was most kindly received by her. After a pleasant chat about our work I handed her ladyship my letter of introduction from Lord Shaftes bury to his Excellency. Her ladyship left the room and soon after returned with Sir Andrew, who treated me with cordiality and kindness. At parting, his Excellency gave me a note to the secretary of our Commission. This was very effective, as that gentleman at once gave me an admit to the exhibition (a great favour, as it was not then open to the public), and a card to admit me to a place of honour at the opening. Upon entering our sections I was disappointed at the few exhibitors, and at the backward state of affairs. Messrs. Hancocks were the only persons really ready, and hundreds of cases were unpacked. I, however, entered freely into conversation with the exhibitors about Sunday exhibiting, and found a difference of opinion amongst them. The great majority, however, promised to absent themselves on Sundays, and others to think the matter over. This personal conversation is all important here, as the law will not allow us to hold a meeting without four days' notice, aud a permit from the police, and as the authorities are opposed to our Sabbath observance, this permit could never be obtained. I have also spoken with a number of American exhibitors, but as their courts are not yet open, it is a work for the future. The good influence is, however, at work among them. Upon entering the British courts yesterday morning I was delighted to see many of the cases covered, and with one exception to find exhibitors absent. Thousands of men were at work in other parts of the building, and all who exhibit were present, but in our section was the reign of Sabbath peace. For this I gave God thanks, as every man spoken with had kept his word. The number of exhibitors, however, is as yet very small, and it will require much effort to secure this when all are present. I approached the man who, with his assistant, was working at a case, and told him that he was bravely in the wrong, as it was not every man who would defy the law of God, English opinion, and the example of brother exhibitors; he made a poor defence, so I spoke to him concerning the divine law, its wisdom and goodness, a few moments after he put up his tools, closed the case, and left. Nearly all our goods in the machinery annexe were covered over. I met three exhibitors who told me they had just received orders from the British Commissioners to uncover, and I strengthened them in resistance to this order. After remonstrating with some Americans who were at work, and employing labour, I went to the grounds for the purpose of conversing with and giving tracts to English-speaking visitors, and found the effort of deep interest. I stopped to converse with the man in charge of the British Workmen's cooking apparatus; and, as it was about twelve o'clock, I noticed a stream of about thirty working men, in every-day style, entering their houses, upon each of which the union jack was flying. Approaching them I enquired, "Do you fly British colours, The flag that braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze ?"" "Yes," they replied with a laugh, and asked me into their dining room, where I reminded them that at the opening our tune of "Rule Britannia was played, and observed that it seemed possible for "Britons to be slaves" in Vienna. 66 We dislike Sunday work," they replied, "but cannot help ourselves here." Then I exclaimed, "You have hired yourself to the foreigner to do evil, and have disgraced your flag. Haul it down, and run up Austrian colours! Upon this one of the men entered his sleeping "cabin" and brought me the copy of an agreement they had signed in London, pledging themselves to serve the Royal British Commission, and to work all hours required (Sunday not excepted when necessary). He added, as soon as we had arrived we were told that it was necessary to work on Sundays, and since then we have been kept at it, some of us having worked 4, 8, 12, and more Sundays, according to the time we have been here, always until 12 o'clock and frequently until 6 o'clock." This led to a deeply religious conversation, and at leaving I gave them a supply of tracts issued by the "Sunday Observance" and "Lord's Day Rest" Societies. Upon entering our restauration (as it is called here), a waiter whose acquaintance I had made on the boat, told me that one of his companions had been taken ill, and gave me his address. With some difficulty I found him out, as he was lodging at the Refreshment Hotel in the old part of the city. He was lying in a cellar, which had been fitted up as a sleeping-room to accommodate about ten men (so precious is space in this city); though early in the afternoon, he was in darkness, and burst into tears when he heard my voice. He was low and ill, and it was sometime before he could enter into conversation. He then told me that he had been overtaken in a fault, and now that he was ill he felt the mistake he had made keenly. He was a member of a Baptist Church, and had never before worked on Sundays; but from consideration of high wages had come over here. He was made wretched by the discovery that he would have to work continuously for six months without opportunity to attend the means of grace on Sundays or week days. This difficulty was considered, and he was comforted by the word of God and prayer; at parting I promised to see him frequently. The poor man was most grateful for the visit, as he seemed to feel that I had come direct from the Lord to him. It was worth coming to Vienna to visit this erring disciple in his affliction. The Rev. Dunlop Moore, English Presbyterian Minister of Vienna, invited me to spend an evening with him, and it was a season of blessing. The resident Missionary from the Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews was present, and several devout exhibitors. We took counsel together concerning Christian effort among English-speaking people connected with and visiting the Exhibition, and even among the Viennese themselves. To do good among the latter is very difficult, as the law is framed to keep out the light. There is an abundance of sacred images; crucifixes of horrid distortion both of face and limb, are to be seen at the wayside, and even in the taprooms, but there is scarcely a trace of the Christian religion. The light of the written Word is fairly shut out of the city. No bookseller dare place the volume of inspiration in his window, or offer it for sale. The giving of tracts or religious papers of any kind is against the law and regulation; not even a religious service other than domestic can be held without authorisation from the police. The good minister is now in trouble, having received an "intimation" that the Presbyterian form of religion is one not recognised by the state, and must therefore be conducted merely as domestic worship. There is indeed a reign of spiritual death in this beautiful European city. No Sabbath. Constant Toil. It is sad to see the hardworking labourers mixing mortar, and carrying it, and bricks up the ladders to the men. The wealthy given up to pleasure, and the mass of the male population |