the Fenians were expected to begin to fight to drive ye all away; but the humbug is now over.' Such are the sentiments and such the expressions, in substance, of all the Romanists in this Mission district."

"Dublin.-After the scenes of violence which characterized the commencement of Missionary work in Coombe, the contrast is striking in the following report of a Discussion Class held there: 'New Roman Catholic disputants came forward to maintain the cause of Rome. One of these, a young student, clever and ready and apparently sincere, challenged one of the Missionary Clergy to a public debate, on Infallibility and the Rule of Faith. The discussion continued three successive Thursday evenings, and drew a large concourse of people, who listened with eagerness to the various arguments which were brought forward on either side. The Roman Catholic champion spoke in the best possible temper, and though unable to meet the overwhelming force of Scripture, showed a right spirit, and shook hands cordially with his clerical opponent after the discussion.' These meetings always closed as they began with a word of spiritual exhortation and earnest prayer, and the people separated quietly and solemnly.

"There are many interesting cases of conversion, and of earnest inquiry after the truth. Scarcely a Sunday passes but some Roman Catholic appears to have gained spiritual good; and a similar testimony is borne by the Agents in their visits through the city. One is that of a young man who had been brought up in a monastery, and who when first visited by the Readers was dark and bigoted, but whose mind was gradually opened to see the simplicity of the gospel and the preciousness of Christ. Now, though in great bodily weakness, he rejoices in the new-born comfort which he is experiencing, and thanks God for his affliction, without which he would never have been in a position to receive the Agents, but would have remained a bitter and ignorant Romanist.'

The power of the priesthood was evidently waning among the people generally; but that it was maintained politically, is evidenced by the following fact from the letter of the Rev. H. D'Arcy, Clifden :

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Early in April, the postmistress in Clifden asked me, as a magistrate and clergyman, to recommend her a young, trustworthy man to carry the post from Clifden to Errismore, about seven miles. I did so, and she appointed him in the usual way she had heretofore done. The young man gave general satisfaction, even to the priest himself, who more than once met him on

1866.]

RESULTS.

273

When the move came, to

the road, and took him up in his car. which I have alluded, amongst the schools, the priest met him one day on the road, and took him up. As they drove along, he said, Well, my boy, now that you have a public situation, I hope you go to mass, according to your conscience.' 'Oh,' said he, that would be against my conscience.' And what do you do with yourself every day when you go to Errismore till the hour for the return post? 'I go to school to improve myself,' he answered. "What school?' Mr. Ryder's.' And where do you go on Sunday?' To church, with Mr. Ryder.' 'Oh,' said he, ‘a fellow that goes against his conscience is not fit for carrying the post; I must have you dismissed.' The young man took no notice of it. However, not very long after, the postmistress received a form from the Galway office to be filled up for another young man, said to be recommended by Mr. M'Manus, P.P. of Clifden. When I heard this, I remonstrated with the authorities. Mr. Ryder also remonstrated. We both received for answer, 'Inquiry was made, and the latter being duly appointed, no change could be made.' How it was managed we cannot say, but so it is. And this is only one of many ways in which persecution is carried out, and shows the perverted notions the priests have of conscience. This young fellow might have kept his situation by going to mass, or attending the National school. However, it brings out for us the genuine work."

At the close of the year the Missions sustained a great loss in the death of the good Bishop of Tuam, Lord Plunket, who had nurtured the first seed, watched over its growth, and found his greatest joy in the precious fruit he was permitted to gather. The Missionary tone shed over his diocese, rebounded in blessing upon his own soul; and in watering others he was himself watered, and found the consolation of those truths he had been the means of supplying to others. Many were the expressions of appreciation of the Bishop's kindness, and sorrow for his loss, which were received from the Agents. A Missionary speaking of his funeral, says, "The Bishop is to be buried at Tourmakeady, one of the Mission fields which has been planted, watered, and nurtured by him. In the infancy of the Mission work there, I ministered to about twelve persons, his servants and attendants, in a barn in his

T

yard; I have since often ministered to a large and overflowing congregation in the same place, in a beautiful church, built through the kind help of his lordship and his family."

God was mercifully pleased to raise up in the place of Lord Plunket, a Bishop who is a firm friend of this Society, and an earnest promoter of Missionary work.

1867.]

CESSATION OF OPEN HOSTILITY.

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CHAPTER XI.

THE year 1867 appears to have been one of total cessation from all open hostility on the part of the Romanists, presenting a new phase in their ecclesiastical tactics. In some cases the gentle influence of truth drew them nearer in feeling to their Protestant neighbours; but another cause of this change was the expectation which was very lively among the common people, though it was never to be realized, that some steps would be ere long taken by the English government that would make the Church of Rome dominant in the country. From every Mission in the West the Reports speak of peace and security. For example, from Roundstone :

"The feeling from being hostile towards us has become friendly. Those who formerly gave us a dogged look, perhaps a curse, as we passed by, now meet us with a friendly smile."

Even at Tuam, a district once noted for bigotry and intolerance, the Missionary speaks of "the absence of open opposition to the various instrumentalities employed for their conversion; of the kind feeling shown to the Readers; and of the spirit of loyalty which pervades all classes." This change of tone, though giving larger scope for the extension of efforts, and bringing greater numbers under instruction, called for much watchfulness that the truth should not be compromised, and thus lose its power. In a report from the Mission

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a

ary Secretary at this time, he urges "the importance of maintaining the original principles of the Society in their integrity, and of not shrinking from faithful testimony," and he expresses his conviction that it was time calling for new impulse, that the Missionary clergy should not settle down on past results, but go forward in fresh Missionary action towards those who had not yet been reached." Mr. Cory devoted his energies more and more to the advancement of the Mission schools, and raised them to a high tone of secular as well as religious instruction; and the doctrines of Scripture being early implanted in the minds of the children, the Agents trained in these schools have attained a high standard in divinity examinations. Under the superintendence of the Rev. J. Austin, the present Curate of Clifden, the eighty-six schools of the Society advanced to great efficiency. These with fiftyfour Sunday schools numbered 3,663 children under this Scriptural teaching.

If there is truth in the saying of the late Sir Robert Peel, that "the battle of Ireland's prosperity must be fought in the schoolroom," spoken with respect to secular education, how much more important does the conflict become, when the object is not only to improve the social condition, but to win immortal souls from the dominion of sin and Satan to become the subjects of the Lord Jesus! To the glory of God we may add that hundreds have been thus rescued from ignorance and vice by means of these schools.

The Missionary spirit imbibed by the children is also very remarkable; instances are innumerable of adults being brought by them to hear and receive the gospel. Their love for Mr. Cory has always manifested the warmth of Irish hearts. On one occasion when he was returning from England the weather became very stormy, and unknown to their teachers, the children of one of the schools united together in prayer to ask the