THE NATIONAL MISSION IN A MIDLAND TOWN. (To THE EDITOR
OF THE " SPECTATOR.") Sin,—May I hope that the enclosed sketch will be worthy of a place in your columns, since it strikes a hopeful note, and indicates the great efforts being put forth?--I am, Sir, &c.,
" For our share of the National Mission we had several fine frosty days mixed up with one or two of a less inviting character. So we felt that we had every reason to be most thankful. . . . We had a Procession of Silent Witness on the Sunday morning (December 3). At 10.30 we had Holy Communion at which over 186 persons communicated. Then, without waiting for any sermon, the communicants and those who had not partaken, children and others, issued forth from church, and perambulated the parish headed by a few B.B. drums as advanced guard, the Emmanuel Banner, the choir (vested), the churchwardens, the clergy, Church Council, and congregation. . . . The population was expectant, and awaited us on its doorsteps in its thousands and its shirt- sleeves. So we moved forward on a prearranged route for nearly an hour, amid every sign of civil interest and kindly curiosity : one dog barked—a welcome, no doubt. . . . The remainder of the Mission Services were well attended, but almost entirely by our own worshippers. On three nights the Messenger illustrated his subjects with limelight pictures—very artistic and very skilfully arranged. His presentment all through was extraordinarily fresh and unconventional, and the tone of devotion was very marked: he is our Curate's brother. . . . On the whole, I should say that we of the Church have been inspired and strengthened; but in all the five Missions here in which I have been concerned, I think I have never known one where so little visible impression was made on the general public.... And so far as I have been able to hear up to now, the same experience has obtained in other parishes.
. In fact the people are overworked, overwrought, preoccupied, crushed with cares and sorrows; some who are earning money beyond experience have waxed fat and kicked.' . . . For the general public tho Mission has been mistimed : for the Churchfolk the time has proved nut unpropitious. . . . I think the Church of England has got a move in the direction of drastic and essential reforms, with the accompanying disappearance of many scandals which have for long been most detrimental to its efficiency and influence."—(From a private letter.)
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