The Christian people of London have expended, and are still expending, vast sums of money in establishing and maintaining large and successful Missions in different parts of the city especially in the East End, for the elevation of degraded humanity. And nothing but the power of God can make these people fit to live on earth, much less to dwell in Heaven. Millions and millions of dollars have, also, been, and are still being, expended in establishing and maintaining hospitals and asylums, workhouses, reformatories, and schools. Most of these institutions are comparatively new, but they are now splendidly fitted up and well cared for. They will, under God, be powerful agencies for good. I was quite delighted, a few days ago, to meet my old friend and fellow student, S. A. Smith, of Kansas. After graduating from two of our best American institutions of learning, Mr. Smith came to Europe to continue his studies. He has spent three years in Germany, France, and England, studying the ancient languages, especially the Semitic languages. I have never known a man with a greater capacity for work than S. A. Smith. He is the author of two very valuable books, one of which is just out, and is dedicated to Professor J. R. Sampey. Such an honor was never more worthily bestowed. CHAPTER XII. A TRIO OF ILLUSTRIOUS MEN. Joseph Parker—Canon Farrar—Charles H. Spurgeon. THERE seem to be a few men in every age and country in whom there is centred all that is purest, noblest, and best in the moral, religious, and intellectual life of their people. And, if it be true, as Pope says, that “The proper study of mankind is man,” then it is a desirable thing to be thrown with these men who are religiously pure, morally good, and intellectually great. “As iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” What can be more inspiring than to come in contact with men “on whom God has set his seal,” and of each of whom it may be said, as of Brutus, “His life is gentle, and the elements So mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world: ‘_This is a man_.’” I shall not now speak of England’s law-makers and political magnates, neither of her authors and literary lights; of these I shall have something to say hereafter. But in this chapter I shall confine myself to three religious leaders, who are well worthy of our careful study.