The World's Restorer.

The most casual observer cannot fail to notice the vast and increasing activity of the forces which influence the world. As the years roll on, they seem to increase in intensity and magnitude. A European war in this age (as we witnessed in that unhappy Franco-German war, which was brought to a close during last year) is now prosecuted on a scale of magnitude and with a degree of relentless ferocity such as it might have been expected during the preceding reign of peace, would never be witnessed on earth. The amount of the indemnity alone, however—upwards of four hundred millions of pounds sterling—paid by the vanquished nation to the conqueror, should lead all who wish well to the race to long for the happy time when wars shall be unknown, and reason shall hold sway. So long as the spirit of selfish and reckless ambition rules the world, all the advances of science and art, the discoveries and inventions for facilitating intercourse between distant places, for meeting the emergencies which arise in connection with accident and disaster, and for other purposes—however beneficial and valuable in themselves, become but doubtful benefits in view of the preponderating forces which now rule the world.

The only hope of advancing even the temporal well-being of the world at large, lies in the success of the work which the Church of Christ has been charged to do. Some may say those nations whose internecine war we have mentioned were Christian nations, and yet they could find no other way of settling their dispute than by an appeal to arms. If they had been controlled by the spirit of the religion which they professed, they would never have rushed into war. It is no breach of charity to say that Christian principles had nothing whatever to do in prompting the assailant to declare war, and as little, wo fear, did they influence those who were thus challenged, in their determined and relentless conduct in the prosecution of it. Strife, however, is as the letting out of water. A small beginning, if unchecked, may page 2 soon Iead to the uncontrollable flood that spreads devastation over all the land.

It must be a matter of deep concern to learn from the recent home intelligence that Britain seems to anticipate coming evils of a similar kind. Every effort is being made to increase the strength and efficiency of our naval and military forces in preparation for emergencies which seem to be imminent. In what way these may arise we cannot toll; but the existence of the spirit of unscrupulous aggrandisement which still rules the nations, and the mighty military armaments which are at present unused, seem to be sufficient ground for fearing an outburst on the slightest pretext. Internally, Britain is passing through a process of restless sifting, affecting the opinions and conduct of all classes, and seems to be preparing for political, social and religious changes of a radical kind—in many instances, we fear, for the worse instead of the better.

The only guarantee of the world's peace and well-being is the maintenance of true religion. If the churches in this land were all closed, the ministers banished, and public worship interdicted, in a few years religion would be brought to the lowest ebb, morality would be corrupted, and the country at large descend speedily to the state of sodom, till Sodom's doom, or something like it, would be the result. On the fidelity and zeal then of all who belong to the Church of Christ depend the most momentous results affecting the world at large. Left to its own influences and resources, the world shews that its whole head is sick and its whole heart faint. To the church has been committed the earthly guardianship of that tree that beareth its fruit every month, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Let each member then consider, as he enters on this new year of labor and responsibility, whether he has done all that in him lay to invite the weary and the heavy-laden to receive the healing, and enjoy the rest and pleasures which are here provided.

There is a feeling, openly expressed by unbelievers, and even lurking in some professing Christians, that the religion of Christ is a weak and sickly plant that may be fragrant and beautiful in the hot-house of the sanctuary, but unfit to bear the rough blasts of the outer world, and utterly insufficient to yield healing and strength and happiness to the whole world. Yet this is its true character, and only they who believe this, and act in accordance with this, have any claim to be regarded as worthy disciples of Christ.

The work of the Presbyterian Church has been steadily prosecuted during the past year, with a fair measure of outward success, yet with page 3 out any general or remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit, of which we feel deeply she stands in need. Only when thus blessed will she present the character attributed to the Church by the prophet: "Fair" as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." Only then will she go forth in the name of her Saviour King, conquering and to conquer, and bring in the increase of the nations as a grateful offering to her Lord.

The mission work among the Maoris and Chinese in Otago, and among the natives in the New Hebrides, has been prosecuted with praiseworthy devotedness by our missionaries, who deserve our highest encouragement. We trust the funds provided by the church for the past year may prove sufficient for meeting the liabilities connected with this work, although as we write we have misgivings about it. Yet even these three missionaries are a small number to be sent forth as the representatives of so many congregations in this necessary and glorious work. There are probably over thirty thousand, old and young, who claim to be Presbyterians in Otago and Southland. If five thousand of these contributed on an average one shilling per quarter, we should have an income of £1000 a year, and be able to do much more than at present. The work is left, however, to few, and is therefore in a languishing state. Our only hope lies in an awakening of the church through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let this be the burden of the prayers of God's people. Realising the momentous interests which are at stake—the dangers to be avoided, and the glory which may be secured, let them with one heart and one voice cry mightily to God for his grace, and doubtless such prayers will be heard. The Lord will open the windows of heaven, and pour down a blessing which shall fill the land. Then the shadows will flee away, and the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings.