means experience. The ignorant man had to get his experience by suffering a great many disadvantages and probably a great many trials and losses. He did not say that education in itself could make a man experienced; but education means experienced in this sense-that a man is able to read of the experience of the past, he is able in that way to see that there are many sides and many views to questions. The most violent and the most prejudiced were invariably the most ignorant people. He would also venture to say that the most educated were generally the most diffident; it did not lessen or weaken their convictions, but it made them more tolerant, it made them more careful and more accurate in arriving at those convictions. The students must not think that he was speaking to them as one whose education was over and completed; we all have to learn day by day, we have to learn by experience. He remembered that on one occasion that distinguished man Sir Charles Dilke said to him, "I believe that the real secret of success in life is to learn by experience." He could not say that education ceases at one point and that knowledge begins at another. The great advantage of education in a liberal and limited sense was this-that it afforded to men the opportunity of making the most of their abilities. He wished to say in conclusion that he rejoiced to find here the connection between religion and education-to find that in this assembly of men who believed in the excellence of Protestant opinions it was considered that education was not opposed to religion. The human reason was the greatest and noblest gift God had given us, and it was impossible that we could serve God better or render Him better service than by making the most and the best of our reason and of our reasoning faculties. It had afforded him the greatest possible pleasure to have been among them that afternoon, and he hoped he should have many opportunities in the future of visiting them. He hoped and trusted that the influence of this school, the high tone which pervaded the boys, the high moral traditions which the school enjoyed, would be extended and would grow, because he believed that this movement-the connection of Christianity with education-was a true and noble and a most progressive movement.

Mr. W. J. HARRIS, M.P., was then called upon to address the meeting. As one who had resided in the neighbourhood of the College for fourteen years he had much pleasure in bearing testimony to the value of the institution. He should like to take this opportunity of expressing regret at the resignation of Mr. Gammon, and of expressing his appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Ruddle and his assistants. He joined heartily with Lord Lymington in his remarks with reference to the establishment of an experimental farm in connection with the school. The undertaking would be very instructive to those lads who might wish to learn something about agriculture. They had already established a laboratory, and the two things would go admirably together. He agreed with the noble Chairman that they wanted to instil into the minds of the young, good practical knowledge of this kind-knowledge which would be useful to them in after life. They had not done with English agriculture yet; it was depressed now, but if they could only get the rising generation to take a real interest in what was going on and to see how grateful the soil was if they treated it properly, they should find some means of making English land pay yet. Schools like this one were just the place where the necessary useful teaching could be given. He should like to mention one matter. There was in the air which we all breathe an immense fertilising property which chemists had as yet been unable to make thorough use of he referred to nitrogen gas; and there was an immense discovery to be made by those who really studied chemical science combined with agriculture some time or other, namely, the means by

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which the nitrogen in the air can be readily absorbed into plants. He hoped the discovery would be made at Shebbear College. His friend Lord Waltham in a letter to him the other day mentioned a matter which somewhat bore upon this point; his lordship said that a maize crop would not only exhaust the soil, but would of itself absorb nitrogen. This was something which might be demonstrated upon their experimental farm. In conclusion, Mr. Harris said it had given him great pleasure to meet Lord Lymington upon this neutral platform-neutral both as regards politics and religion. There was a great deal too much feeling in our religious communities—a feeling, as it were, that some communities were getting the better or taking some advantage of them. All these barriers ought to be swept away; they were artificially made and were unworthy of the nineteenth century.

The PRESIDENT of the CONFERENCE proposed a vote of thanks to Lady Portsmouth and Lord Lymington for the kindness they had shown in taking part in the day's proceedings, referring in hearty terms to the services rendered by the Portsmouth family to the College in times past-services, he said, which had conduced in no small measure to the prosperity of the institution.

This was seconded by Mr. GAMMON, who also remarked that he believed that to a great extent the success of the College had been due to the countenance and support of the Earl of Portsmouth and his family.

Lord LYMINGTON, in acknowledging the vote, said his mother and himself took the greatest interest in the welfare of Bible Christianity. Mr. Bray had been good enough to refer to the kindly relations which existed in this county between the poor and the rich. He believed that those kindly relations were very much assisted and promoted by the duty which was impressed upon the poor, the strong feeling of what is right and what is wrong, by the Dissenting community. He was sure Mr. Harris would agree with him in what he said; he was not touching upon politics or upon other than neutral ground when be said all right-minded and law-abiding people ought to appreciate most sincerely and truly he was not speaking now in any party sense-the enormous conservative force which Dissent is to maintain, to keep the people right-to keep alive the simple truths of the Gospel, and while encouraging all that is good and sympathetic to teach men clearly and truly what is right and what is wrong. The interesting proceedings closed with a good rendering of the National anthem.

During the afternoon a programme of music was gone through in admirable style, under the conductorship of Mr. C. J. C. Carter, A. Mus., T.C.L. The part singing was exceedingly effective, and the solo performances were evidently highly appreciated by the audience. During the afternoon W. H. Griffin read a well-written essay on "Shebbear College," which had won him Mr. Rooker's prize for composition. Following is the

PRIZE LIST.

Prizes open to the whole School.

James Thorne Prize—(Annual) given by the Hon. S. J. Way (Chief Justice of South Australia) First pupil in School: Waverley Novels, 12 vols., Charles Henry Adams. Braund Memorial Prize, No. 1—(Annual) given by Rev. T. Braund, English Language, 6 vols. G. Eliot's Novels, Charles Henry Adams. Braund Memorial Prize, No. 2— (Annual) given by Rev. T. Braund, Mathematics: The Leopold Shakespeare," calf, Thomas Prout Mundy. Old Boys' Prize, No. 1-(Annual) given by "James Thorne" Club, to the pupil who has made the greatest progress during the previous year, Fred Orchard. Old Boys'

Prize, No. 2-Botany, J. Richards and H. C. Adams. Old Boys' Prize, No. 3-Dabinet. Acland Drawing Prize-Given by the Right Hon. Sir T. D. Acland, Bart., M.P.: Box of Mathematical Instruments, James Hughes Horwill. Extra-F. Wellington Grose. Drawing Prize (1st at College Examinations)-Mark Thomas. Rooker Prize-Given by James Rooker, Esq.: Accuracy and Elegance in English Composition: National Portrait Gallery, 4 vols., Griffin. Barrett Prize-Given by H. M. Barrett, Esq.: Music: Mendelssohn's complete Pianoforte Works, Beethoven's Sonatas, 3 vols. Drawing Room Pianoforte Music, Henry Hoblyn Hancock. Latin Prize (Senior)John Rounsefell; (Intermediate), Edward Cummins; (Junior), A. J. H. Grainger. French Prize (Senior)-Charles Henry Adams; 2nd ditto, Henry Hoblyn Hancock; 3rd ditto, J. T. H. Farmer: 4th ditto, Henry C. Dickens. German Prize-F. W. Richards. Holy Scriptures (Senior)-Charles Henry Adams; (Intermediate), W. H. Chope; (Junior), R. H. Ashman.

Division Prizes (1).

Writing-F. W. Richards. Dictation--W. H. Griffin. Arithmetic-Henry H. Hancock. Geography-C. H. Adams. History-C. H. Adams.

Division Prizes (2).

Head of Division-W. B. Hicks. Reading-H. de J. Luke. Writing-J. M. Ringrose. Dictation-E. G. Labdon. Arithmetic-W. B. Hicks. Geography-P. E. Piper. History-S. G. Daniel. Grammar-W. B. Hicks. Geometry-F. E. Fry.

Division Prizes (3).

Head of Division-R. H. Ashman. Reading (equal)—O. P. Rounsefell and F. J. H. Coles. Writing-C. W. Reed. Dictation-O. P. Rounsefell. Arithmetic-R. H. Ashman. Geography-W. J. Andrews. History-J. G. Adams. Grammar-F. J. Hayden.

Division Prizes (4).

Head of Division-A. R. Webb. Reading-A. J. Grose. Jory. Dictation-J. H. P. Rattenbury. Arithmetic-W. J. Job. W. H. Ellis. History-W. J. Job. Grammar-A. R. Webb.

Government Prizes.

Writing-R. J.
Geography-

J. Horwill, two prizes and full certificates; W. J. Grose, two prizes; F. Richards, one prize.

CHINA MISSION.

ONE of our beloved brethren said, "You have China on the brain;" having it also in the heart, we felt more than a little disappointed at the delay in sailing; but we are assured that all things work together for good. We have much enjoyed our continued visits to the churches and friends who were kind enough to receive us. Sunday, October 10th, and two following days Br. Thorne spent with his parents, during which time he had the honour of preaching five times, and speaking at two harvest thanksgiving services. I spent the same time in the Bideford Circuit, and preached on Sunday at Buckland once, and Goldworthy twice, and attended a public tea and meeting at the latter place, on Monday, 'it being the Chapel anniversary. Wednesday, October 14th, we met at Providence, Chagford Circuit; Br. Thorne preached at 3.15 p.m.; a public tea and meeting after. The China Mission was brought before the people, and received much sympathy. Proceeds £4, to be divided between the Circuit Fund and the China Mission. Mr. Rowse made a warm speech, and promised ros. this, and 10s. next year. Thursday, the 15th, we had the honour of attending the Prize Day at Shebbear. Friday, the 16th, we pleaded the claims of China at Hatherleigh. Our warm

hearted Br. Daniel presided over the meeting. On entering and leaving this somewhat decaying looking town, we could not help thinking of Phil Frater and the trials of his early life.

Sunday, the 18th, Br. Thorne preached three times at Kilburn; and I had the pleasure of preaching twice to my old and beloved friends at Lee. We had a good day; and one person professed conversion after the evening service.

Monday, the 19th, we took part in a meeting at the Rink Concert Hall, Blackheath, arranged by the China Inland Mission authorities. Reginald Radcliffe, Esq., of Liverpool, ín the chair. Mr. B. Broomhall and eight missionaries took part in the meeting. Dr. Douthwaite gave us some touching instances of how the Lord provided for the needs of himself and family. Just before Christmas their money was all spent, the mail brought no supplies, the only food left was a little flour and a few potatoes. Just then a tempting situation under Government with a salary of £1,000 per year, to be raised to £1,200, was offered him; which through the faithfulness of Mrs. Douthwaite was declined. Driven to sheer need, they appealed to God for help. Soon a Chinaman brought a large piece of beef, which they received and thanked God for. Then another came who brought some pheasants and eggs; another followed with his coolie bearing two baskets containing hams, eggs, cakes, etc.; and still another came with a fine turkey. The Doctor lost his umbrella, and had not money to buy another; at the same time a Christian Chinaman was on a visit to Shanghai, and wishing to take him back some little present, the only suitable thing he could see was an umbrella. Later on, a gentleman called to say the officers of the Custom House were anxious to make him (Dr. Douthwaite) a present of medical instruments, but not knowing what he wanted they thought he had better have the money, and would he kindly accept a cheque for seventy dollars; so that in a very short time all their wants were abundantly supplied.

"In some way or other the Lord will provide :

It may not be my way;

It may not be thy way;

And yet in His own way,

'The Lord will provide.""

Thursday, the 20th, a party of ten, eight men and two women, spoke to a large gathering in the Conference Hall, Eccleston Street, W., with Mr. Radcliffe again at our head. A powerful, subduing spirit pervaded the meeting. Dr. Douthwaite gave us a noble example of the saving power of the Gospel. A poor emaciated and degraded opium smoker came to his hospital; while there he was led to trust in Christ to save both his body and soul. When restored he went home, took down his household gods, and threw them away. His mother and two brothers were very angry, and said he was going to bring disgrace upon them; while the people said he had gone mad. A crafty old man said he knew what was the matter. The man was not mad, but he had been to the "foreign devil's" hospital, and taken a pill which had produced the mischief. Very soon the mother and the two brothers were also converted to Christ. Then the old man said the "foreign devil" had not only given the first man a pill, but had sent home some by him which were thrown into the water vessels, and the other members of the family drinking the water had come under the spell. Lest others should drink in the same spirit, the pitchers were smashed, and the water spilt. The whole family proved consistent, faithful Christians, notwithstanding much persecution.

Wednesday, the 21st, we had the privilege of visiting the time-honoured and classical city of Oxford, and held a meeting in the Corn Exchange. Mr. Radcliffe again presided; eleven of us spoke and a good spirit characterised a large

gathering. On the following morning, through the kindness of Mr. H. W. Horwill, who was our guide, we had a hasty glance over the eighteen or twenty colleges of the famous University. While viewing the venerable pile of buildings we never before felt such respect for the works of those who had gone before. In passing through the Bodleian Library we saw the first book printed in the English language by Caxton; an autographic poem by John Milton; and the lantern taken from Guy Fawkes when about to blow up Parliament. Mingled feelings of gratitude and pride were produced at seeing the son of one of our beloved brethren in such a position of honour and distinction.

About mid-day (Thursday 22nd), ten of us journeyed in the same compartment from Oxford to Cambridge, and enjoyed a most delightful time in prayer and praise. Our souls were filled with glory.

We had a full and good meeting in the spacious Guildhall. There was a much larger proportion of undergraduates at the meeting than on the previous night at Oxford, and spiritual life among them seems to be at a much higher point. Several of them joined us on the platform, and two spoke with considerable interest and power. The men of Oxford and Cambridge exert a marvellous influence upon the world for good or for evil, and Christians should pray that the Holy Ghost may be poured in great abundance upon these university men.

On Friday morning we took a hasty survey of the City, and its splendid university buildings; but we lacked two very desirable things, time and a competent guide. A more lovely view we have seldom seen than we had when standing on the first of five bridges spanning the river Cam in front of King's College. The avenues of trees known as College Walks are simply charming. The university buildings have a much more modern appearance, are more spacious, and seemed to us decidedly superior to those of Oxford.

Friday, the 23rd, a spirited meeting was held in the Lecture Hall of the Young Men's Christian Association, Aldersgate-street, E.C., Mr. Howard in the chair. We have had no richer blessing than came upon us at the farewell prayer meeting, 2, Pyrland-road, on Saturday afternoon of the 24th.

Sunday, the 25th, Br. Thorne occupied the pulpit at Woolwich, being the day for missionary sermons. I had the pleasure of spending a quiet day with my sister at West Wickham, Kent, a lovely growing suburban neighbourhood about ten miles out of London, without a single Nonconformist church in the whole locality for three miles round. A splendid opening for our people. The only service there is, is a highly ritualistic display, bordering on Roman Catholicism. Monday, the 26th, our party received a hearty welcome to Mr. Spurgeon's Tabernacle, notwithstanding the church had its own weekly prayer meeting, and the anniversary of the Tract Society. Mr. Spurgeon presided over the meeting in his happiest mood, and threw life and liberty into all the proceedings. There being so much to be done, out of our party only Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Gill, and myself, had the privilege of saying a few words. After I had spoken Mr. Spurgeon said, "How strangely things are interwoven in this little world of ours; only this afternoon we have received into our church two members from the church over which our brother who has just spoken has been pastor." Mr. Spurgeon said to his friends, "Every time you drink tea I want you to remember in prayer this band of missionaries." We would ask the same favour of all our readers.

Wednesday, the 28th, being the annual missionary tea and meeting at Woolwich, we took part in the hearty service with the brethren, J. Gammon, W. B. Lark, R. Spooner (Wesleyan), and the pastor; Mr. Jackson, a Wesleyan friend, presided. China formed the topic of the evening, and much sympathy was shown