I have been asked to preside on this special occasion from the fact that I believe I am one of the oldest members on service on this Committee. For upwards of forty years I have been permitted to join in this great and important work, and I can only say that each year, as it rolled on, I felt more and more thankful that this work was flourishing and advancing. When it began its work in London, the principles on which it was founded were not so generally recognised as they are now. I well remember, for instance, when we had to contend for the very principle of lay agency in quarters where now it would be frankly recognised. Three principles seem to underlie all our work. First, that evangelical truth has the only claim for recognition as being in full accordance with the Word of God, and as being fitted to persuade men to be reconciled to God. Secondly, that the duty of proclaiming it does not exclusively rest on ordained ministers, but that all men share the obligation, which flows from the Divine command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, and also to go into the lanes and hedges and invite men to the Gospel feast. And thirdly, that the members of the one Church of Christ, though connected with various denominations, should combine in the work of evangelization, thus manifesting in some degree the unity for which the Saviour prayed, and proving to men that the points on which they agree are of far more deep and lasting importance than those on which they differ. The steady growth of our London population, which, when Mr. Hoare and myself began, was about a million and a half, but which is now rapidly approaching four millions, makes the need of this Society, in some respects, even greater than it was when it first started. We may be very thankful that so much has been accomplished through its instrumentality, and very thankful, too, that other kindred Societies have sprung into existence following in our steps. But I would impress upon you that there must be no relaxation of effort on our part. Perhaps no claim could be stronger than that connected with the evangelization of special classes, which is the peculiar feature of this Society. It has been my privilege at different times to superintend many missionaries, and especially those to foreigners. That work is continuing, and we may thank God for it. What should we now do without the City missionary? In any moment of perplexity, when new difficulties arise, one generally has to seek the aid of an experienced missionary to help in starting a movement for the relief of some evident spiritual want. My own experience is, that it has pleased God in a marvellous way to use this Society for the advancement of His kingdom. We must not, however, try to monopolize. There are Scripture readers, and, above all, there is that wonderful instrumentality of the Bible-woman and the Bible-nurse. The idea of these has been taken from us. We were the pioneers in the work. God has