The Missionary Review of the World — May 1936
1936
A Visit to the Atlas Berbers James Haldane D. L. Moody-..-Ambassador of Christ John McDowell The Next Step in Foreign Missions Paul B. Kern Missionary Views on Simpler Living Muriel Lester Preaching Liberty to Captives in Portugal E. R. Holden Pioneering in Tennessee Mountains AnnaBelle Stewart Whitman-Spalding Centenary Arthur H. Limouze 25 Cents a Copy $2.50 a Year
MANAGEMENT inary Foundation, Hartford, Connec-
AND ticut, died on March 29th in South Mrica where he was visiting the Record of Christian Work home of his boyhood. Dr. MacKenzie was born in Orange River Colony, Edited by WILLIAM H. LEACH South Africa, seventy-six years ago, the son of John M. and Ellen Mac- A monthly journal devoted to church administration and pastoral meth- Kenzie, missionaries of the Presbyods. Every phase of church life discussed in a positive, constructive way. terian Church of Scotland. After re- ceiving most of his higher education Worship Pastoring in Scotland he was ordained a min- Music Prayer Meeting ister of the Congregational Church Preaching Unified Service in 1882, and three years later became Money Publicity professor of Systematic Theology in Missions Devotional the Chicago Theological Seminary. Education Public Relations In 1904 he was called to be president of Hartford Seminary and was pro- Subscription price, $2.50 per year. Special Trial Subscription, fessor of Systematic Theology until six months, $1.00. Sample copy free upon request. he retired in 1930. Among the many books of which he is the author are CHURCH MANAGEMENT "South Africa, Its History, Heroes and Wars," "Christianity and the Auditorium Building Cleveland, Ohio Progress of Man," "Christ and the Christian Faith." His wife, Alice Dates to Remember Obituary Notes Crother of Carlisle, England, died in 1926. Dr. MacKenzie was very highly May I-General Conference, Meth- Dr. Charles E. Vail, since 1907 a respected and greatly beloved by odist Episcopal Church, Columbus, missionary of Presbyterian Board of Christian leaders in many lands. Ohio. Foreign Missions in Miraj, India, died there of cancer on March 21st. Dr. *** May 6-20-General Conference, Afri- Vail was born in Cornwall, New can Methodist Episcopal Z ion York, fifty-five years ago. Mter at- John C. Harris, who died in Eng- Church, Greensboro, N. C. tending Princeton University and re- land early last March, was a preacher ceiving his medical degree from the of rare gifts who wrote two "best May 6-21-General Conference, Mri- College of Physicians and Surgeons, sellers"-"The Life of Khama" and can Methodist Episcopal Church, New York, he sailed for India and at "Couriers of Christ." As an organ- New York. the time of his death was head of the izer and administrator he drew to the famous Miraj Hospital founded by Congregational Church many gifted May 12-1S-National Council of Fed- Sir William Wanless. His fame men. erated Church Women. Dayton, spread throughout India and ten Ohio. years ago he was decorated by the Rev. Len G*. B*rou*ghton, interna- late King George V of England for May 20-24-Northern Baptist Con- medical service. He is survived by tionally known Baptist minister, died vention. St. Louis, Mo. his widow, Elizabeth Crane Vail and February 22 at his home in Atlanta, by two daughters. Ga., at the age of 72. In the 1890's May 22-24-National Federation of Dr. Broughton founded the Atlanta Men's Bible Classes. Kansas City, *** Tabernacle and ministered there for Mo. 22 years. He later held pastorates William Douglas MacKenzie, D.D., in Tennessee and in Florida. In re- May 24-29-Church Conference of So- president emeritus of Hartford Sem- cent years Dr. Broughton was en- cial Work. Atlantic City, N. J. gaged in speaking at Bible confer- Are YOU ences and evangelistic meetings. May 27-General Assembly, United Presbyterian Church of North This Person? *** America. Pittsburg, Kansas. Christian man (or woman); age, Dr. Charles B. Tenny. outstanding May 28-General Assembly, Presby- 18-60(say); living in city or town; leader of the Baptist Mission in terian Church in U. S. A. Syra- free all or part of day; good Japan, died in Rochester, N. Y., Jan- cuse, N. Y. health; missionary in spirit; eager uary 11. He was 65 years of age and to promote the Gospel in own or began his work in Japan in 1900. As June 4-9-General Synod of the Re- nearby community; needing fair teacher and principal of the Baptist formed Church in A mer i c a. financial remuneration. Theological Seminary and later as Rochester, N. Y. founder and principal of Mabie Me- If So, We Need morial School for men in Yokohama, June 10-17 – Ann u a 1 Conference, he served with marked efficiency. Church of the Brethren. Hershey, YOU I Pa. *** Ask (without obligation) for par- June 16-24-General Council of Con- Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Charles John, gregational and Christian Churches. ticulars about "colportage" work. Assistant Bishop on the Niger since Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Please mention this paper. 1932, died recently at 64 years of age. Mass. He was the sixth Mrican to be raised BIBLE INSTITUTE COLPORTAGE to the episcopate. He belonged to the June 23-28-Christian Youth Council ASSOCIATION Hausa race, and was a grandson of of North America. Lakeside, Ohio. slaves. Mter holding various pas- 839 N. Wells St. Chicago, III. toraland educational posts, he became June 27 – July 4 – Geneva Summer principal of the C. M. S. grammar School for Missions. Lake Geneva, school at Freetown, Sierra Leone, Wisconsin. where he had been successively pupil, teacher and vice-principal. July 6-12-Twelfth World's Sunday School Convention. Oslo, Norway. *** July 9 – August 12 – Winona La k e Rev. George Washington Taylor, School of Theology. Winona Lake, Southern Presbyterian missionary to Ind. Brazil, died January 1, aged 47. In 1920, he was put in charge of a Boys' August 16-23-World Missions Insti- School at Garanhuns, and under his tute, Chautauqua, New York. leadership the influence of the school (Concluded on third cover.)
MISSIONARY "I advertise the REVIEW by word
of mouth whenever I have an oppor- EXPRESS REVIEW OF THE WORLD tunity. I repeatedly urge that mem- bers of our Ministerial Association be- 'Comfort DELAVAN L. PIERSON, Editor come subscribers and our executive board sends subscriptions to a care- with Economy VOL. LIX MAY, 1936 No.5 fully selected list of our ministers and missionaries." Speed to Yokohama by the shortest Publication and Business Office— route … only 10 days. Go on the Third and Reily Sts., Harrisburg, Pa. REV. PAUL DE SCHWEINITZ, D.D., comfortable Empress of Asia or Em- Treasurer, MOl'avian Missions. press of Russia. Or sail via Hono- Editorial and Executive Office– lulu and reach Japan in just 3 days 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City. *** more on the luxurious Empress of Entered as second-class matter at Japan (largest, fastest liner on the "The REVIEW is the only magazine Pacific) or the Empress of Canada. Post Office, Harrisburg, Pa., under of its kind for the person who believes Act of March 3, 1879. in Evangelical missions but is not bel- Reduced Summer round-trip fares ligerent about it. . . . The articles •.. First Class and Tourist Class. 25 cents a copy-$2.50 a year. are so up to date, and the stories of Also, inexpensive Third Class on all Foreign Postage, 50 cents a year. human interest absolutely essential to Empresses. Published monthly. except August. those giving missionary ta;ks." All rights reserved. Copyrighted 1935. Regular sailings from Vancouver British agents – Marshall, Morgan MARY E. MOORE, and Victoria in Canada's Evergreen and Scott, 12 Paternoster Buildings, Young People's Departm,ent, Board Playground. Orient fares include London, E. C. 1 shilling per copy, passage from and to Seattle. If YOll 10 shillings a year. of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian sail from California, connect with Church, U. S. A. an Empress at Honolulu. Orient MISSIONARY REVIEW PUB- ports-of-call: Yokohama, Kobe, LISHING CO., INC. *** Nagasaki, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila. BOARD OF DIRECTORS "I always look forward to the com- ROBER'r E. SPEER, President ing of the REVIEW with interest, and Independent World Tours as low A. L. W ARNSHUIS, Vice-President always read with profit and inspira- as $585.90, Combination of Classes. WALTER McDOUGALL, Treasurer tion. May blessings be upon you and Write for folder of six most popular DELAVAN L. PIERSON, SecTelary the sp:endid work you are doing for world tours. the great work of helping to build the SAMUEL MCCREA CAVERT Kingdom of the Master in the hearts Booklets, information from YOUR of men and nations." AGENT or Canadian Pacific: New WILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN York, 344 Madison Ave.; Chicago, H. C. TUCKER, 71 E. Jackson Blvd.; San Francisco, D. J. FANT Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 152 Geary St.; and 38 other cities MRS. ORRIN R. JUDD in the United States and Canada. *** WM. B. LIPPHARD ~@a+ "Through THE REVIEW you are sup- Emc M. NORTH plying one of the great needs of the TO THB Christian Church today, namely: a SAMUEL M. ZWEMER more adequate picture and presenta- ORIINT tion of the fact that 'the Gospel of Editorial Chat Jesus Christ' is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that be- The next issue of THE REVIEW will lieveth.' " ARTHUR Y. MEEKER, be the special American Negro num- ber. This covers the Home Mission Upper Montclair, N. J. study topic of the coming year. You cannot afford to miss it. Some of the *** leading Negro Christians in America contribute to this number, giving their "I have been taking THE MISSION- views of the problems, the progress, ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD for ten and the prospects that relate to 15,- years or more. I enjoy it immensely. 000,000 Colored' Americans in the It is splendidly edited for one thing. United States. There are also articles Then the articles by the various per- by white contributors who are work- sons from all over the world are ing with and for the Negro. Secure highly educational." copies of this number for your pastor, your missionary chairman and your MISS SARA L. HAMILTON, study circle. Long Beach, Calif.
*** Personal Items Our special numbers last year sold Rev. and Mrs. C. R. Callender and over 1,000 single copies each. Order Mrs. C. E. Park have gone to what now. The main contents and the is now the most remote mission sta- special advance price are given on the tion under the Presbyterian Board- fourth cover of the REVIEW. Kiulungkiang Station, on the Mekong River in Yunnan, China, about eleven *** days journey north of Chiengrai. It was opened by missionaries from Does your pastor take THE REVIEW? Siam in 1917. In addition to evan- If not, why do you not ask ten friends gelistic work in Kiulungkiang and . to give 25 cents each to supply him neighboring towns, they will find med- with this mine of information and ical, educational and leper work to be illustration of God's work 'in the world done in a vast, raw and needy field. today? How about your Missionary Society and your Sunday school? *** *** Hon. D. Tagawa has resigned as President of Meiji Gakuin in Tokyo. Here are some comments to show He has been a leader in many Chris- what others think of THE REVIEW. tian movements and is well-known as They are culled from recent letters: a political liberal, having been vice- mayor of Tokyo at one time and a "THE MISSIONARY REVIEW is one of member of Parliament for a number the most valued magazines that comes of terms. His position at Meiji Ga- to my desk. It seems to me it is get- kuin will not be filled immediately. ting better right along. The recent numbers have been especially inter- (Concluded on third cover.) esting to me." [225 ] REV. A. M. KNUDSEN, Longview, Wash.,. President, Pa- cific Synod, United Lutheran Church In America.
SCENE OF THE WHITMAN MASSACRE THE TUTUILLA INDIAN CHURCH
MARCL'S WHITMAN – PIONEER TO OREGON INDIANS PATAWA, LEADER IN THE TUTUILLA INDIAN CHURCH THE GRAVE OF MARCUS WHITMAN THE MARCUS WHITMAN COLLEGE (See page 243.) REVIB ORLD VOLUME LIX AN INTERDENOMI!I:ATlONAL REVIEW OF 'WORLD-WIDE CHIUSTIAN PnOGRESS NUMBER 5 MAY, 1936 Topics of the Times THE AWAKENING IN IRAN have endeavored to raise a revolt against the new order but they have been powerless against the Great changes are taking place in Persia or central government. Iran as it is correctly called. The whole country is charged with a different atmosphere. Ten Unfortunately the new idea of freedom and the years ago the old conservative Kajar dynasty was equality of the sexes is in danger of breaking overthrown and a new progressive dynasty was down wholesome restraints. Moving pictures inaugurated under Shah Riza Khan Pahlevi. Since from Hollywood-such as "The Gay Divorcee"- then there have been many evidences of progress and photographs and stories in illustrated papers in the government, in material improvements and convey the idea that Western civilization and freein education, but the nation has still been under dom necessarily involve freedom in divorce and the influence of Moslem laws and customs. These low moral standards. have held the people back-socially, intellectually and religiously. Recent letters from Iran, how- Modern education is also making progress in ever, report remarkable progress on each of these Iran, and the government has assumed the relines. sponsibility for training the youth in Persian ideals. One government order makes all primary First the men were commanded to discard the e?ucation, up through the fifth grade, co-educa- Moslem fez for the Occidental hat or cap as an tIOnal. It is expected that this will soon be exevidence of a "new day." Now the women are tended to high schools. Boy Scouts and Girl told to lay aside the veil-which they believe Mo- Scouts are being organized. The result will be a hammed commanded-and to adopt modern dress. greater freedom in the mingling of the sexes and Women teachers who do not discard the veil are in marriage from personal choice-rather than by dismissed and government officials cannot draw parental arrangement. their pay until they bring their wives with them Reform is in the air in Iran but there are also unveiled. Moving picture theatres do not allow veiled women to enter, and educational inspectors signs of religious change and of a spiritual awaksend home schoolgirls who have not adopted ening. Most of the Iranians are by inheritance modern dress. Recently the Governor of Kash- Moslems, but leaders are declaring that Islam has an, with the Chief of Police and the Superintend- had its dead hand on the people long enough. ent of Schools, gave a series of talks in the Girls' Christian workers have new opportunities to call school which resulted in all throwing off their attention to Christ and His power to give true veils, and on January 9th a decree was issued light and liberty. The n~.ovies are introducing piccertifying the new freedom of Iranian women. tures with a Christian background-including a One notable result is seen in the fact that women film called "Golgotha," showing the trial, death of the Court, without veils, are now attending pub- and resurrection of Jesus. In Meshed, the pilgrim lie receptions with their husbands and are intro- center of Shia Islam, the theater was crowded duced to other men. The wives of members of the with Moslems for several days. A few years ago Mejlis (National Assembly) sent a telegram to such a film would have caused a riot; now it was viewed with quiet attention. the wife of the Shah, expressing gratitude for her efforts in behalf of the emancipation of women. Iranian Christian evangelists reported recently Many of the mullahs and other Moslem leaders that a morshid (leading Sufi dervish teacher or mullah), a man who claims to have more than a [227 ]
thousand followers in all parts of Khorassan, has Evangelicals are connected with the Waldensian made confession of his sins and his faith in Church-that faithful body of Bible Christians in Christ, saying, "I have been totally lost and with- the Piedmont Valley who trace their origin to the out God in my beliefs. I now see that salvation early apostles and never were under the control is with Christ and I believe and accept Him, and of the Pope of Rome. They have always been a I am ready to go forth to tell this good news to humble, hardy and mostly peasant folk, but intelmy followers." ligent, courageous and highminded. After many trials, with persecution and bitter warfare, they A correspondent writes: were finally granted religious liberty on February "God has been working here in a way I have 17, 1848, now observed as "Waldensian Day." never seen before. Twenty-four new believers Those Evangelical Christians have spread, like were introduced to the church on Christmas Day, the Apostolic Church and are now found all over and ten more have come since then. Many of Italy. They include men in high places of rethem are men of position and influence-three sponsibility. have been judges, two lawyers, two doctors, one a prisoner serving a life sentence. It seems like a But the World War, economic depression and quiet revival beginning. God is bringing people the Italy-Ethiopian campaign have brought many to us in most unexpected ways." great hardships. The Waldensian Church, being Another thrilling movement is due to the in- composed largely of poor farmers, while giving fluence of a young medical student, Dr. H–, generously to support its own churches, has not who came to America to study and here became a been able to carryon its larger work without the Christian. Last summer he returned to Teheran help of Christians in America and the British and first of all began to trace all his old friends Isles. These gifts from outside Italy have so and encourage them to become Christians. He fallen off in recent years that the Waldensian opened a clinic where he met a large number work has suffered greatly. Gifts from America whom he also encouraged to study Christianity. alone have been greatly reduced from what they He organized a meeting which grew in numbers were formerly. As a result churches have been and power. His personal witness is remarkable. closed, pastor's small salaries have been reduced One of his groups included army officers, grocers, not once but four times. In many cases one paspolicemen and students. He told them of his quest tor must serve many scattered communities. for a happy life and how, since he had accepted Christ, he had been supremely happy. Now the Italian campaign in Africa has taken He said: "Islam has blinded us. We have lived all these years in the shadow of truth. MyoId many of the Waldensian young men; the "sancfriends and new friends are still unhappy, borne down with a feeling that they are not getting any tions" imposed by the League of Nations and the real value out of life. We can never feel that we have accomplished the purpose for which we were strict regulations of the Italian Government have created unless we do it through Christ." Through his influence a large number have been produced further hardships. The spirit of the interested in Christianity and on Christmas morning over four hundred were present in the church. Waldensians is unshaken. In one community the Twenty-three men and four women were accepted as Catechumens in the church. At the close of the farmers agreed to set aside a piece of land, to service on last Christmas morning one of the most prominent leaders in the Department of Justice furnish free seed and labor so that the crops went up to the platform and stated that he wished publicly to identify himself with Christ. Such an might be sold and given for the central funds of unprecedented event created quite a stir. Formerly each Christmas there had been a special the Church. service, but it was evident that this year the service was limited to those who had not been asso- Naturally in most districts the Roman Catholic ciated with the church; Christians were excluded in order to make room for others. Tickets were clergy are bitterly opposed to the Evangelical given out and the church building was crowded. work in proportion as it succeeds in drawing the W ALDENSIAN SUFFERERS IN ITALY people from the Church of Rome into deeper spir- What has the Italian invasion of Ethiopia to do with the progress of Evangelical Christianity in itual experience. But in many places the people Italy? Much, every way. Most of the Italian welcome the Gospel and attend services in larger numbers. One Roman Catholic, after attending a Waldensian Day celebration, wrote to Signor Paolo Bosio, the Waldensian pastor, as follows: The commemoration was one of the most solemn and unforgettable events I was ever privileged to attend. . . . The immense congregation was moved and thrilled. I do not belong to the Waldensian Church but I admire her and partake -with enthusiasm in her fight and rejoice in her victories for the truth – a most needed work, espe- cially at this time. I believe that nothing but a true spir- itual awakening will make our dear country really great.
The Waldensians are not only thrifty, earnest Bible Christians, but they are missionary-minded and are seeking to spread faith in Christ and the Gospel throughout Italy. They have established
TOPICS OF THE TIMES
modest churches, schools (most of which are now Council and the thirty-eight Natio'nal Christian closed), hospitals, homes for the aged and orphan- Councils are all evidences of a healthy desire for ages in various parts of the country and their Christian fellowship and closer cooperation; they workers are endeavoring to promote child welfare are im,portant steps toward greater unity of through clinics and in, other ways to build up spirit, purpose and action, though these do not intelligent, self-supporting Christian communi- necessarily advocate organic church union. They ties. They are in need of sympathy and help from are motivated by a desire to carry out the ex- fellow Christians. Fourteen congregations have pressed desire of Jesus Christ that all His fol- been deprived of ministers in the past year be- lowers might be One, with the same kind and de- cause of the financial depression. Dr. Guido gree of spiritual unity that exists in the Godhead. Comba writes: "The need is very urgent. We must have help now or we shall be forced to aban- There is a vast difference in the ideals and aims don many mission stations and to close down sev- that actuate these movements. Some would sink eral parts of our work." all doctrinal and ritualistic differences to bring about organic union; others would maintain in- The Waldensians themselves are giving as gen- dependence of thought while promoting unity of erously as they can. Recently they observed self- spirit and closer cooperation. While man is man denial week by making extra gifts for the support and full of imperfection and the spirit of inde- of the work. Rings, gold chains, watches and pendence, perfect union seems to be unattainable other treasures, as well as money, were contrib- if not undesirable. Many interdenominational enterprises have proved failures because they uted to the fund. * were looked upon as requiring compromise or sur- render in important matters of faith and practice. When we think of Italy, and are inclined to How can those unite in matters of Christian testi- severely condemn the unprovoked campaign of mony who disagree on such important questions , Mussolini in Ethiopia, let us not forget the faith- as the deity of Christ, the atonement on the Cross, ful Waldensian Christians who suffer from the the resurrection of Christ from the dead and the warfare but do not condone the selfish purposes Scriptures as the inspired revelation of God? It of the Government. In their Confession of Faith is not necessary to be contentious, suspicious or we see their attitude: "Established authorities aloof in order to hold firmly to these beliefs but we honor and unto such we gladly submit; but there must first be unity in essential matters of human institutions we loathe when they put in faith, loyalty and aim before there can be any true danger the freedom of conscience." union in organization and operation.
UNITY OR UNION IN MISSIONS Dr. E. Stanley Jones, who has been so greatly blessed in his ministry in many lands, makes a Many movements for church union are in the strong – and, we believe, a practical appeal to air. Some are already realized. Interdenomina- Christians of every name to drop divisive labels; tional church union is an accomplished fact in he recommends that all evangelical churches Canada, in India and in China and in branches adopt the name "The Church of Christ"-adding of similar church families in America and Scot- any useful distinctive title to indicate the locality land; the younger branches of various churches in or special family to which the church belongs. Japan, Korea and other mission fields have also Thus: "The Church of Christ in India-Methodist formed National Christian Churches. Other Branch"; "The Church of Christ in China-Bap- similar movements are strongly advocated at tist Branch," or "The Church of Christ in the home and abroad to take in a larger number of United States-Presbyterian Branch." church bodies. The Presbyterian and Reformed churches in the United States are hoping to unite There is no question but that the present divi- and there is some talk of union between Meth- sions and even rivalry in the present evangelical odists and Presbyterians. The Church of Eng- Church are a hindrance to Christian growth and land is joining in conferences to effect consolida- testimony, if not a public scandal and a dishonor tion with other churches in India. There are al- to Christ. There is a growing desire for unity ready in active operation. a large number of inter- and cooperation in so far as these are dictated church federations in America, as well as many and directed by loyalty to Christ as Head of the union cooperative educational and philanthropic Church. At present there is no call for uniformity enterprises on the mission fields. Various inter- or organic union. church conferences, such as those on Faith and Order, Life and Service, the Home and Foreign The reasons for true Christian unity and closer Mission Conferences, the International Missionary fellowship are: • The American Waldensian Society, of which the Rev. Robert W. 1. The fact that all Christians are ideally one Anthony is the new secretary, is located at 156 Fifth Avenue, New in Christ and should recognize this oneness. York.
2. The effect on the world of a united body in cent conference of religious education directors contrast to the effect of a divided church. in Canton, one of the delegates mentioned the fol- 3. The great need to avoid dissention and even lowing difficulties in the training of youth: the appearance of rivalry among the professed 1. Since the Government has forbidden Chris- followers of Christ. Each should recognize the tian teaching schools, students are inclined to rights and values of others. regard religion as discredited, or at least unim- 4. The vast unfinished work that Christ has portant, and some are inclined to despise Chris- given His Church to do and that requires united, tianity.
harmonized witness and service. 2. The non-Christian students so far outnum- 5. The fact that diversity in nonessentials of ber the Christians, even in mission institutions, doctrine and practice is consistent with perfect that the Christian atmosphere and influence is unity in loyalty and service to Christ in different weak or lacking.
ways and places. 3. The divided opinions, lack of training and different standards of nominal Christians make it 6. A great saving of money and effort will in- difficult or impossible to unite them-the result is evitably result from increased unity and coop- a divided church. eration. 4. Non-Christian teachers are very apt to 7. The fact that the conscious experience of undermine the Christian ideas and ideals of stusuch oneness is the expressed desire and plan of dents so that they are confused or become ag- Christ, the head of His body, the Church. nostics.
There has been good cause for the protests 5. The Christian services in many mission inagainst error and for the emphasis on certain for- stitutions fail to attract or meet the needs of stugotten or neglected truths that have given birth dents. In the churches, especially in large centers, to various denominations, but the Ideal is the they often find divisions and controversy which unity of the body, directed by one head. The perplex them. vine is one, and though it has many branches going out in different directions, all draw life 6. Worldly influences tend to draw young Chifrom the same stock and all bear the same good nese away from Christian life and service; they fruit. The ideal family has different branches, incline to seek political preferment, money-makthat may function in various ways, in various lo- ing or pleasure. The Christian motive and values calities, under different names, but all are one in of life are not presented with sufficiently appealloving fellowship and in harmonious service. All ing force. Christians should contribute some important part to the whole, though their individual character- 7. The evidence of injustice, the selfishness, the istics may express themselves differently. immorality and dishonesty in so-called Christian God is too great for any human individual or lands, are looked upon as a virtual denial of Christ group to reveal Him; the work of Christ in the and discredit His teachers.
world is too vast for anyone organization to per- To correct these difficulties in Christian instituform every task and to complete it. tions, H. A. Wittenback suggests (in The Chinese Recorder for March, 1936) that all must have a DIFFICULTIES OF CHINESE YOUTH truly positive and attractive Christian atmos- The youth in China are having a difficult time. phere. Every member of the staff must be a posi- Not only is their land torn by internal strife and tive, intelligent Christian, able and eager to make threatened from the north; not only do they face helpful contacts with students in order to win poverty and distress on every side; but multitudes them to Christ and prepare them for His service. of the youth are drafted for military service and Christianity expressed must also appeal to stuan early death before they are out of their teens. dents, truly vital but adapted to their minds and They learn to fight but know not how to earn a needs, with challenging opportunities for service living when they leave the army. The better edu- that will promote human welfare. The optimism cated Chinese youth, like those of other lands, are and courage of youth mu'st be enlisted in the cause inclined to be idealistic and to seek a speedy cor- of the living, all-powerful, divine Leader who rection of the evils they see-correction by force sacrificed Himself for others.
if peaceful methods do not immediately accom- The youth of today, in China, in Europe, in plish their purpose. America, need the challenge of a cause worth liv- Political, economic, social and religious condi- ing for and worth dying for, under a Leader who tions in China are all far from ideal and many consents to no compromise and offers no easy different remedies are recommended. The situa- task, but who fearlessly, wisely, powerfully, leads tion in China presents a great problem. At a re- on to victory.
A Visit to the Atlas
-~ I By JAMES HALDANE, Mazagan, Morocco I Jie– L===========================~ THE origin of the Berbers of North Africa is meet in the recorded history of Morocco. When still obscure notwithstanding all the efforts the Arabs invaded the country it was with these of scholars to trace it. But this failure, far they clashed in the struggle for supremacy. from curbing curiosity, has given it impetus; the lack of a knowledge of facts has brought several .At any rate, the Arabicized Berbers are now theories to the fore. According to some scholars living in the plains and other sections of the coun- try. In recent years we have been able to open CALLED TO HALT AND EXPLAIN four stations at the base of the Atlas Mountains, but penetration to the glens, or ascent to the high plateau, for permanent mission work, has not been possible. For more than a millennium these peo- ple have lived behind their great natural barrier, isolated from the outside world, having no con- tact with men of another tongue, save when they descended to the plains to plunder.
But the creaky doors of this great wall, which have been bolted and barred so long, are now be- ginning to budge, and here and there at some pass they now stand ajar. Some little time ago I slipped in through one of these, traveled along the furrow and slopes and entered the glens to preach the Gospel where, as far as we know, no missionary of the Cross had ever proclaimed God's way of salvation through Christ.
the Berbers are "The people whom Joshua, the son of Nun, drove out before him." Renan, the famous French historian, championed this origi11. Others, allowing their imagination some scope, in- cline to believe that they are descended from Goliath, whom David slew in combat. This theory is based for the most part on the phrase, "people of the pebble" as a section of the Berbers call themselves, and who. to this day repeat fragments of the story of David and Goliath.
A third theory takes us far back into a hazy past-the Pleistocene Age. At this juncture of history, it is said, there was no Mediterranean Sea, North Africa being territorially joined to what is now southern Europe, while the Atlas Mountains of North Africa were a continuation of the Iberian and Italian ranges. If we accept this OUTSIDE A TYPICAL BERBER VILLAGE last theory we must treat the Berbers as descend- ants of a southern European race. Support is We began to climb at a point where a few years found for this claim.in the fact that the Berbers ago several Europeans were suddenly surrounded are a white race without any of the characteristics by a group of armed mountaineers. They were of real African people found south of the Atlas. led away to the far heights where a powerful gov- One thing, however, we know with certainty, ernor held them for ransom, demanding 3,000,000 namely, that the Berbers are the first people we francs for their release. A military expedition [231 ]
into the region was out of the question, and in troduced ourselves: "Weare ambassadors of a any case would have cost many times over the King, one called Jesus, and we are bearers of a sum demanded. An effort was made to lower the precious message." The barrier in our way was figure, but the crafty Caid perched upon his pla- teau, surrounded by a ring of peaks rising to removed and we proceeded on our journey. The 12,000 feet, far from the reach of cannon balls, slopes were too precipitous to allow the building of villages upon them, and so we climbed until, A GIRL OF PURE BERBER STOCK at an altitude of some 9,000 feet, we suddenly de- bouched into a fertile glen. The place was stud- would not budge. So the ransom money was paid ded with small villages and for the first time, and the captives were released. probably, the people were to meet a missionary.
We had not gone far when a man brought us A hurried visit and superficial observation to a halt. He looked vicious and fanatical and would lead one to conclude that here in this fer- required some tactful handling before we could tile valley, walled in with snow-capped conical . get a hearing. By the use of a little humor we peaks, far from those crushing cares that swamp forced his fanaticism into the background and in- civilized communities, we should find serenity, friendship, hope and love-the virtues that make life wholesome and good. Alas, these virtues, so we found, were scarce to the point of nonexistence. The valley was vitiated from end to end with the villainy characteristic of corrupt human nature, encrusted with a film of religion.
The first man we met was in the throes of a lawsuit. His land had been wrested from him by a neighbor. "If it were a matter of justice," he told us, "I would have no fear. But lawsuits here spell bribery, and my only chance of victory is to put down a larger bribe than my opponent."
This story was typical of many to which we listened. Up on those heights human nature. was hatching out the same forms of evil, with small variation, which are rampant among the Negroes living in swamps a thousand miles further south.
We found the sex evils, inseparable from Islam, in sturdy growth. The tendency to divert con- versation into this channel was conspicuous in almost every audience. One man, whom I nick- named "Sidi Sixty," had just divorced "Lilla Thirty" and married a maid of twelve. He told me that "Lilla Thirty" was jammed with jealousy and had threatened· the maid of twelve with poi- soning. At the end of a long story he concluded: "If this threat materializes it would be serious for me, because I bought my young wife with a bullock and two sheep." The audience enjoyed the narrative of their friend's predicament. When I pointed out to them that this conduct was im- moral the spokesman naively replied: "Weare Moslems, not ethicists."
In all their conversation we heard the name of God pattering about their sentences like hailstones on an ironJoof. No one seemed to be in earnest about life. Valorous effort for anything' but plunder was not known among them. Again and again I noticed that when one man asked a ques- tion of another he was answered with: "God curse your parents," or "God burn your ances- tors." They did this because it was easier than going to the trouble of making an intelligent reply.
ON THE TIBETAN BORDER
In our village a number of men, twelve in all, whose waters were gathered from the melting took to praying. All that was necessary to fit snows of the surrounding mountains. After gothem for the change from filthy talk and evil prac~ ing some thirty miles beyond this river we turned tices to the presence of God was a sprinkling of north into a mountain pass and after traveling water and a solemn visage. Everywhere there through it for some twenty miles, we found ourwas manifest an extraordinary show of both re- selves in a cul-de-sac. It was a beautiful district ligion and roguery! We asked for an explanation with abundance of water, hundreds of villages, of this strange mixture. There was no answer. while on every side were almond trees, vines and A pious exhibition of religion which is not coun- extensive crops. In this pass we found a small ter-poised by a solid basis of morality finds its community of Jews. They wore black skull caps, strongest support in silence.' had long tapering beards and heavy earrings hanging by their cheeks. How strange it seemed We carried with us copies of the Scripture in to find this Jewish group tucked away in this the Berber tongue. There was a reader in each lovely pass! And yet their ancestors were here village, but it was rare to find more than one. before the dawn of the Christian era. Here they They had never seen the Gospel in Berber; and had their synagogue, read the Old Testament in our feelings were stirred as we listened to them Hebrew and passed on from generation to genreading the first chapter of John, while over their eration the salient features of Judaism so that tofaces expressions, suggestive now of surprise, day the physical and religious characteristics of now of fear, now of amusement, chased one an- the Jews are retained in this small community. other. This, with the message I proclaimed, was the first glimpse tney had of Jesus. What feel- They found it hard to believe that our sole misings surged through one's soul as one faced these sion was to preach the Gospel. "Searching for men and women who had dwelt so long alone, and gold?" they hinted. Fortunately we had some who were now hearing for the first time of an New Testaments in Hebrew and some of these event of supreme importance to them, but which were received by readers. But they were disaphappened long centuries ago! pointed with the book, and handled it carelessly. They wanted us to go prospecting for gold away As I write this article that glen lies deep in up on a mountain towards which they directed our snow. Away among the peaks groups of houses, attention. huddled together to form a village, hang on the slopes like cages on a wall. Here and there-so I God willing we shall return to these people, and imagine-a venerable looking man takes out a we trust that the day is not far distant when, by book as the people gather around their fires, and the prayers and gifts of God's people, we shall reads to them in Berber, "Ye must be born again." have a permanent mission station upon these "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man heights from which the messengers of the Cross lay down his life for his friends." shall go forth to proclaim to Jew and Gentile the glad message of the grace of God. Toward the end of this glen we crossed a river On The Tibetan Border Recently we took a trip with our cook, who is 13,000 ft. mark, where crops cannot be grown also a real help in preaching, to the county of and the inhabitants, except for a few Moslem Weiyiian across the mountain range to the north. gold-washers, are nomadic Tibetans in their black, The object of our itinerary was partly to gain yak-hair tents. In one of these tents, prevented -information as to the extent and population of by rain and darkness from making our destinathe district, prior to more intensive evangelism. tion, we were forced one night to seek shelter. In this whole county is one Christian, a hairdress- It was in answer to prayer that a young Tibetan er of whom it may truly be said that no one whose called off the two big dogs that rushed out at us, head he shaves is ignorant of the Gospel. I made and invited us in. the county city, where he lives, my headquarters, and while there held meetings in his humble cot- Beside the fire sat a toothless old man, slowly tage and on the street, several entering their turning his prayer wheel and muttering the while. names as enquirers. I feel sure that a series of On the other side of the fire, our host, showed his evangelistic meetings will mean the establishment hospitality by knocking his wife over the head of a church. with a "waddy," and personally helping us to a handful of ripe butter in our tea. Another night Traveling around the district proved difficult found us in the now familiar interior of a laowing to the absence of inns and the scattered masery, where the red-robed priests fell over each nature of the population. To the west the country other in an endeavour to get tracts and Scriptures rises on to high, cold plateaux, well above the in Tibetan.-H. H. Knight, in China's Millions.
A Letter from Iran to
FOR years I have been reading articles in The non-Christian members of his household used church and missionary periodicals scolding to tell him that his illness was a retribution for members of the American churches for their changing his religion, but his life of joy has been failure to influence foreign residents in the a living denial of any such allegation. He is United States. It is said that some Chinese Chris- known far and wide in Teheran by the nickname tian student has lost his faith while studying in of "joyful liver" and his influence is immense, not a supposedly Christian college in America. A only in the church but among non-Christian stu- missionary, writing from the foreign field, has dents and all with whom he has contact.
stated plainly that one of the great handicaps to More recently a mature Moslem doctor went to the work abroad has been a lack of zeal and a bad the United States for two years of graduate med- example at home. ical study. He had worked in the American hos- Such statements hurt me a lot, for we are part- pital in Teheran some years ago but his contacts ners. While I know there are too many in the churches of America whose lack of spirituality with Christianity were only superficial. He was and careless lives give rise to such criticisms, yet I also know that thousands in every State at home spiritually restless, and one purpose of his jourfeel badly cut-up by these accusations, for you are trying to be worthy of our Lord and to testify ney was because he found no such happiness in for Him as sincerely as any missionaries in other lands. Sometimes I have wondered as to the sad his work as he had observed in the lives of the results, in the case of Christians and truthseekers who come from other lands to America, missionary doctors. In America he made contact whether the fault may lie with the strangers themselves. For instance, have the "Christians" with a hospital in the Boston area and located among them had a firm grounding in their new faith before they fared forth abroad, and have there. At first he had great difficulty with the they sought in the right places and kept at it wholeheartedly before they made their decision language and decided to attend a church largely that Christianity is ineffectual in America. However that may be, I have two bouquets that may to improve his English. But the Christian felcompensate somewhat for the brickbats you have grown accustomed to receive. lowship he experienced, together with a remark- More than a decade ago a young Zoroastrian able dream in which he heard the call of Christ, who had become a Christian in our college in Teheran went to Detroit with a group of Iranian- resulted in his conversion. He and his two schoolstudents for a special course in the Ford plant. Some missionaries were rather fearful of the re- girl daughters were baptized before his period of sults, for he was a very young Christian; but we gave him a letter which he could present to some study was ended. For some months now he has Detroit pastor and sent him off with our prayers. He made use of the letter (which too often such been back in Teheran, and never have we had an students fail to do) and found a welcome in a Detroit church. He identified himself completely Iranian Christian with more evangelistic zeal. with that church and its young people, and his Christian experience steadily deepened during his The doctor is simply indefatigable in introducing stay there. Then came misfortune in the shape of a disease which meant long weeks in the hos- relatives, friends and patients to Jesus Christ, and pital and permanent incapacity for further study or work. He was sent back to Iran and for years a number have already been converted, including has lived the life of an invalid at· home. His American friends in the Detroit church have men prominent in the life of the nation. New never forgotten him and many have kept in touch with him through their letters and gifts. Their evangelistic meetings and Bible classes are being friendship he counts one of his choicest blessings carried on in Iranian homes, and the doctor is the heart and soul of them all. The Teheran church seems to be entering a new era in its development through his influence. To our fellow missionaries at home are due our heartfelt thanks for this in· valuable contribution towards winning Iran for Christ. An important feature of your contribu- tion is that at present there is a law against reli- ° gious propaganda in Iran which theoreticallo makes it illegal for a foreigner to urge non-Chris- tians to accept Christ, but no such law can touch the case of a man who, thousands of miles beyond the frontiers of Iran, accepted Christ on his own initiative.
If you in America will give the student from the mission field that hearty friendship which you can so charmingly offer, and will not be too hesitant about sharing with him the faith and experience in Jesus Christ which mean so much to you, America will not harm him, if he is sincere.· WILLIAM N. WYSHAM.
in a life radiant with Christian faith and joy. Teheran, Iran, November 22, 1935.
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D. L. Moody-Ambassador of Christ*
I I)it- -e( By the. REV. JOHN McDOWELL, D.D., New York Some day you will read in the papers that Dwight L. ing. Through all those wonderful years from Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I 1871 to 1899 the crowds were· as great as ever, am now. I shall have gone up higher, that's all; out of surging around the doors and cramming the hall this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal – a as soon as the doors were open. Mr. Moody was body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a the embodiment of a wise and effective evangelism body fashioned like unto His own glorious body. I was that was Scriptural in its basis, spiritual in its born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. aim, personal in its method, social in its expres- That which is born of the flesh may die: that which is sion, cooperative in its action, effective in its apborn of the Spirit will live forever. peal, and fraternal in its spirit. His preaching THESE words of prophecy by Dwight L. was always vital, transforming and practical. It Moody are today reality, luminous and liv- changed human natures and made for holy and ing reality. In December, 1899, death took useful living. the body of Mr. Moody from us but not.his spirit. After a sermon preached in the Congregational That abides, and will abide forever as a benedic- Church of Gill (town not far from Dr. Moody's tion and blessing to the whole world. He lives home), some of his hearers, who were farmers, today in the multitude of men and women all over were discussing him. All of these farmers knew the world whose lives he touched with his inspir- him as a boy. One said: "Whatever criticism you ing and transforming message; he lives in the may have of Dwight's preaching, it has been my institutions which he established for human wel- observation that our chicken coops are always fare at Northfield, Mt. Hermon and Chicago. He safer after Dwight preaches in this town."
lives in his printed sermons and in the books Mr. Moody was never at a loss for a reply to which he published. He lives in the hymns which any question or criticism from his audience.
he inspired, and in the movements which he in- When preaching in Hyde Park, London, on augurated for human service, and in the outstand- "Christ As the Light of the World," one man ing leaders of many of the mightiest movements shouted: "Ah men, the man who invented gas of modern life. did more for the world than Christ," to which We cannot come in touch with a man of such Mr. Moody replied; "Then I suppose, my friend, colossal achievements, transforming influence and when you come to die you will send for the gas masterful power without asking, what was the fitter." All of Mr. Moody's replies and retorts secret of this man's influence and where were the were in the spirit of kindness and helpfulness.
headings of his power? Great men influence the By his spiritual motives and sane methods, world in three ways: by what they say, by what which were void of all sensationalism and clap- they do, and by what they are. trap, Mr. Moody not only won the hearty coopera- 1. Dwight L. Moody influenced the world by tion of all spiritually-minded people and secured what he said-by his preaching. Mr. Moody was the conversion of multitudes of the ungodly, but most himself, most eager and most energetically more completely than any other man of his day alive when he stood before vast audiences to pour he impressed upon the Christian Church her re- out in strong, animating words the Gospel of sponsibility for lost souls and her inescapable ob- God's love for man. His preaching was always ligation to be always and everywhere evangelistic.
Biblical, vivid, picturesque, vital, positive, urgent, He was the inspiration of the summer open-air reasonable and intensely personal. It is generally preaching campaigns in many cities, campaigns conceded that no man ever spoke to more people which carried the Gospel to hundreds of thou- directly than did he. Here was a man who held sands of people during the summer days when and swayed multitudes six days in the week for many churches were closed.
over thirty years and never lost his drawing "God so loved the world that He gave His only power. People never seemed to tire of his preach- begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him * Part of an address at the anniversary of the ninety-ninth birth- should not perish but have everlasting life" was the sum and substance of His message and the day of Dwight L. Moody. founder of the Northfield Schools, on heart of His appeal. Mr. Moody was always in- February 5, 1936, by Dr. John McDowell, a member of the class of 1890, Mt. Hermon.
[235 ]
tense in spirit but was generally conversational in that the primary purpose of education is formatone and never was theatrical; his gestures simple tion rather than information, that the mere acand his sentences direct and pungent. The New quisition of knowledge is in itself not enough. He York Times, in speaking of Mr. Moody's work in believed that the real goal of all true education is New York City, said: "Whatever philosophical the full integrated personality that finds expresskeptics may say, the work accomplished this sion in clear thinking, right feeling and effective winter by Mr. Moody in this city for private and action. Mr. Moody rejoiced in all that made the public morale will live. The drunken have be- minds of men and women more capable of undercome sober, the vicious virtuous, the worldly and standing. He also believed that the man who self-seeking unselfish, the ignoble noble, the im- could read the Bible for himself had opened up pure pure, the youth have started with more gen- the avenue through which God could speak to him. erous aims, the old have been stirred from gross- This was a fundamental conviction in the life of ness. A new hope has lifted up hundreds of hu- Mr. Moody, and for this reason he made the Bible man beings, a new consolation has come to the central in all the work of his schools, going so sorrowful, and a better spirit has entered the far as to put a Bible in the cornerstone of every sordid life of the day through the labors of these major building erected on the campuses of the plain men. Whatever the prejudiced may say Northfield Schools. against them, the honest-minded and just will not forget their labors of love." Dr. Arthur T. Pierson has well said: "As Arnold made Rugby a nursery of a peculiar type "Dwight L. Moody was undeniably the most of British man of culture, Moody made the Northextraordinary Gospel preacher that America has field Schools nurseries of Christian character and produced in this century as Spurgeon was the Christian service." Mr. Moody recognized that most extraordinary that Britain has produced, the methods and means of Christian education said Dr. Theodore Cuyler. "Both had all Chris- would change but its purpose and aim should retendom at their feet." main unchanged and unchangeable. There was no divorce in Mr. Moody's mind between his work The Testimony by Deeds as an evangelist and his work as an educator. All of his activities were one in his own mind, and 2. Dwight L. Moody also influenced the world hence wherever he was and whatever he did he by what he did. The man of thought is the brain was preeminently The Ambassador of Christ, and of the community, the man of feeling is the heart that because in his faith Christ was his Saviour, of the community, the man of deeds is the hand of his Teacher, and his Lord. the community. Many facts show that Mr. Moody was all three of these things in every com- Measured by whatever standards you please, munity in which he lived and worked. "Time," whether by his influence on men or on movements, said Prof. Drummond, "has only deepened the im- or both, Mr. Moody stands out as one of the greatpression not only of the magnitude of the results est men in the magnitude of his achievements and immediately secured through Mr. Moody's visit the preeminence of his influence. As a preaCher to Scotland, but equally of the permanence of the of the Gospel, as a master of great audiences, as after-effects upon every field of social, philan- an administrator, as an agent for men of wealth, thropic, educational and religious activity." Mr. as a transmuter of money into bricks, stones, Moody was keenly alive to the fact that religion books, tracts and Christian character, Mr. Moody and education were the primary factors in the rightly ranks as one of the greatest men of any making of the individual and the nation. Out of day. this conviction grew his untiring effort to make and keep both religion and education genuinely The Testimony of Character Christian. The primary aim of every institution which Mr. Moody founded was to make Chris- 3. Mr. Moody also influenced the world by what tians, not critics; to make servants as well as he was-by his life and his character. Emerson scholars. Mr. Moody sought not simply to edu- said: "Men are not quite so anxious to know cate but to educate for a definite service, the serv- what you do as what makes you do it." The dyice of Christ. namic forces of Mr. Moody's life were spiritual forces. He was the product of his faith in Jesus Mr. Moody's conviction was that without reli- Christ and apart from this faith it would be imgion life cannot be noble, without service it can- possible to account for him. He was a man of not be unselfish, without duty it cannot be free, unfaltering faith, a faith that was real to him and without companionship it cannot be human. and he made it real to others. It was active rather Over and over again he used to say to us: "The than passive for it was intensely practical. Its purpose of life is service, and the reward of serv- nature is splendidly set forth in a reply he once ice is more service." It was his conviction, also, made when asked why he did not run his schools on faith. "I do," he quickly responded, "I always
D. L. MOODY – AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST
have and always will. As an evidence of it if you Of his visit to Harvard, Dr. Francis G. Peabody, will tell me of any Christian man who has money in His Reminiscences of Present-Day Saints, said: to whom I have not written or on whom I have "Moody immediately impressed all hearers as not called, I will do so at once. I show my faith completely single-handed and sincere. He was when I go to men and ask them to give to God's genuinely conscious of his own limitations, and work." Faith in Mr. Moody was a matter of con- while a guest at my house with his wife for a secration as well as affirmation, a way of walking week's meetings with Harvard students inquired rather than a way of talking, a way of working one morning about the duties of a professor. Berather than a way of loafing. It was the power ing told that one usually lectured four or five that held him rather than a form of truth which times a week during the whole winter he said he held. He was the embodiment of a "faith that across the table to his wife: 'Emma, this is no worked by love." "I have never known," said place for us, I only last three weeks.''' "His Lord Kinnaird of Scotland, "anyone whose faith prodigious popularity," continued Prof. Peabody, was so real and abounding. No difficulty could "had not cost him his simplicity or humility. He daunt him, no perplexity could cloud his faith in remained a plain man and knew himself to be God or dim his calm belief that all would be well." about his Father's business."
He was also a man of singleness of purpose. If wisdom is knowledge made our own and ap- His heart was in everything he did. As a sales- plied to life, then Mr. Moody must be credited man in the shoe store, a teacher in the Sunday with large and unusual wisdom. If education is school, a preacher of the Gospel, a leader of men not a dead mass of accumulated items but power and movements he showed that his life was dom- to work with the brain, then Mr. Moody was one inated by one great purpose, namely, the doing of of the best educated men of his day. If the mark the will of God. His was not only a consecrated of an educated man is found in the union of calife, it was a concentrated lif~. He realized that pacity and sagacity, inate mental vigor and practhe secret of all moral force, of spiritual success, tical ability to use it for a purpose, we come to say of reality is in consecration and concentration. that Mr. Moody was no common specimen of a He could not only set a dozen men at work, he man of education in the best sense. Recently in could outwork them. New York City in one of the public schools a teacher asked a ciass composed mostly of chil- He was a man of sterling sincerity. "It is re- dren of foreign-born parents' what the difference freshing at all times and especially in this super- was between an educated man and an intelligent ficial and artificial world," wrote the editor of man. One of the pupils replied, "An educated The Catholic World at the time of Mr. Moody's man knows what other people think; an intellideath, "to come into contact with such a genuine gent man works his own thinks." On the basis soul, a nature so sincere, so simple that it seems of this definition, Mr. Moody was not exceeded a mirror of nature itself." Mr. Moody never sac- by any man in his generation. rificed sincerity for success. The transparency of his character and the sincerity of his acts were so He was a man of democratic spirit. He knew marked that none who ever knew him could never no difference between rich and poor, high and low. forget them. Between his pulpit utterances ana He knew everybody in the community, and everyhis private life there was no fixed gulf, nor was body knew him and loved him. One evening at a there any between his Monday warfare and his great meeting in London a certain peer was in- Sunday worship. He had a passion for sincerity, troduced. "Glad to meet you, Lord," said Mr. "the clean heart," "for truth in the inward parts." Moody, "just get two chairs for those two old He had an inborn dislike for all sham and decep- ladies over there, will you?" That was the spirit tion. For a man to say what he really thinks and of the man. to be outwardly what he really is in his heart requires heroism of no mean type. This heroism Mr. Moody's keen wit and practical common Mr. Moody possessed in a remarkable degree. His sense is splendidly illustrated by the following presence killed insincerity and inspired sincerity. incident. On board a train on which Mr. Moody He was a hero to his own children and to his was riding the newsboy came through shouting: friends. "Ingersoll on Hell." Mr. Moody caught the boy and placed one of his own books, a book on heaven, He was a man of genuine humility. Henry in the boy's hand, saying: "Here, my lad, here is Drummond said: "The way he turned aside from another book. Give them that at the same time." applause in England struck multitudes with won- In a few minutes the boy came through the train der." The criticism which sours and the adula- shouting: "Ingersoll on Hell, Moody on Heaven." tion which spoils left untouched this man who Mr. Moody was a firm believer that the best way forgot himself into immortality. Among college to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue stUdents, Mr. Moody was always a vital power. about it or to spend your time denouncing it but
in laying a straight stick alongside of it. Much religion, the center of his message, the incentive of his achievement and the secret of his power. of his success in· dealing with many of the com- When urged on one occasion by a supporter of his schools to raise the tuition from $100 a year plicated problems which confronted him was due to $200 with the suggestion that those who could not pay the extra $100 should secure some friend to this kind bit of practical philosophy. . to do it, Mr. Moody with tears streaming down his face replied: "It has been the prayer of my D. L. Moody was a man of unceasing prayer. life that I might be that friend to every student who enters these schools," and he was until the Here we touch the source of his matchless power. day of his death. His interest in his students never ceased. They were on his heart day and God was not to him a mere law or an abstraction, night.
but he knew God was a Person who feels and No career of modern times is a better commen- tary on the high motto of the Apostle Paul, "For thinks, a Father who rules and loves and is con- me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," than that of Dwight L. Moody. Neither God nor man will cerned with everything which affects His chil- let such a life die.
dren. As a result we are not surprised to find Mr. MoodY leading a life of ceaseless communion with God, out of which grew a life of overcoming strength. There was a correspondence between Mr. Moody's life and his prayers: both were mas- sive and on a grand scale.
He was a man of deep, strong, abiding love.
This was the motive of his life, the essence of his Among Australian Aborigines By MRS. D. MATTHEWS, Adelaide, Victoria, Australia T HE aborigines of Australia are said to be the who was a full black with eight half-caste chil- most difficult race in the world to civilize and dren. Mr. Matthews had selected the land for- Christianize. My experience among them merly belonging to the squatter and tried to keep dates from 1872 when Mr. Daniel Matthews and the black and white men working for him. We I were married in Melbourne and went forty miles had a schoolhouse built and I was there with our out among the mountains to spend our honeymoon little daughter and a piano. Eventually the numon a mission station superintended by a Scotch- bers in the school increased to one hundred and man named Green. fifty-three. It was a work of faith and the in- come grew from £30 to over £1,000 a year. We ABORIGINAL CHILDREN AT PLAY prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and They amuse themselves painting their bodies with clay for a showers of blessing came until one hundred were converted and became bright Christians. native dance One of our interesting characters was Bur- Mr. Matthews had a store at a place called rawaja, a fearless little Australian aboriginal, Echuca, about 150 miles from Melbourne, on the ready to meet an attack at a moment's notice. He Murray River. After two years we went sixteen was tall for his age (eleven years), truthful and miles further into the bush and began our mis- always ready to own up to any wrong-doing, even sion at Maloga (aboriginal name for sand). if it meant punishment, He would ask to be cor- About ten miles from Maloga there was a camp rected if he had done wrong and was not content of blacks on a squatters station – one woman, if a fault was overlooked. Burrawaja's father (known by the name of "Flourbag") was a fine type of Australian aboriginal. So were Torraline, his clever mother, and Badbagurrior, his elder brother, a handsome young man of seventeen. Any of our brown girls would be proud to be thought fit to marry Badbagurrior. These, with two older members· of the family who have not had the privileges of the mission home, were all noble in bush character. Each one a jewel worth winning for our Saviour's crown.
The father and mother were chosen to go as guides to assist Sir Hubert Wilkins (then Cap- tain Wilkins), the Antartic explorer, a wonderful hero in the eyes of Burrawaja, our young warrior of Arnheim land in Northern Australia.
Next Step in Foreign Missions~
By BISHOP PAUL B. KERN, Greensboro, North Carolina 1'- Methodist Episcopal Church, South ~==========================~I "WE ARE at the end of an era and on the of Christianity. Missions is by its very nature border of another for which we have no cosmic. It is at home only amid universal con- technique," said Frederick W. Norwood cepts and reaches its true height and power only recently. "We have really succeeded in reaching as it deals with humanity in the totality of its life our objectives and are in danger of being defeated as nations and races and civilizations. For this by our own victories." reason, therefore, we have always looked to our These words hardly startle us any longer. The missionary enterprise to set the stage for the ad- average informed citizen complacently recognizes vance of the Christian faith and if it should fail the fact that an old era is dead and a new one is in this daring commission which is so vitally a being born. The fact of the imminence of a new part of its very essence, then it would not only world order is no longer questioned; the interest- collapse as a movement within the Church but it ing query that still claims our would entail a far more serious attention is what kind of a new result, namely, the lowering of national and international set- We cannot stand still in the spiritual tone and the ob- up will eventuate from the personal life; we either ad- scuring of the spiritual outlook vance or retrograde. It is present confusion and turmoil. equally. true that we cannot of the Church itself. Chris- If a new day for mankind will merely mark time in foreign tianity could never have surbe born tomorrow what kind of missions; we either advance vived had it timidly entrenched a day will it be? with Christ, who is always itself in Jerusalem. Its very leading on, or we drop be- perpetuity was dependent upon The Christi-an Church can- hind and lose our vital con- the agonizing recklessness with not for a moment allow herself tact with Him. Bishop Kern, which it broke away from ecto be indifferent to the revolu- tionary processes which are re- in his Florida addresses, has clesiastical traditionalism and called attention to the HNext making the very world in Steps in Foreign Missionstt thrust itself and its risen Lord which we live. Our faith was and His Way of Life into the born in a time of restless world as he sees it – the end of one indifferent, lust-infested cenagitation. Conflict is conso- era and the entrance on an- ters of Asia Minor and Europe. nant with its very nature. The It grew great by refusing to Church has grown great and other – will it be forward stay safely at home. When with Christ or a step back- ward, with separation from influential when it has taken Him and His service? therefore we are discussing its courage in hand and dared "Our Next Step in Foreign to become a central factor in Missions" we are dealing with those critical periods which have marked the up- a theme which holds implicity within it the imme- ward climb of nations and races toward a higher diate future and destiny of the Christian Church.
social dream. She remains aloof only to imperil For neither the Church nor the Gospel can stand her soul rather than save it. When her faith still in a world that is moving forward.
falters and her voice hesitates the ardent spirits A Olear Message and Purpose of the world's adventurers turn to lesser creeds and more selfish loyalties, the Church refusing to What then are the next steps that insistently risk her life by losing it in the common struggle challenge us in our foreign missionary underfor a higher Kingdom of values. taking? In the first place, we must reexamine and reaffirm Christianity's central message and No part of the Church can less afford to remain purpose. Many world currents and modern phiinsensitive to these structural changes than that losophies have combined to throw an element of group which is specifically charged with the ad- dubiousness around the Christian message and ministration and projection of the world mission • An address delivered at the Florida Chain of 'Miss[onary As- ideal. Conceptions of society which afford either semblies. 1936.
[239 ]
no place for religion or a place of subservience Redeemer. James Denney summed it up when he for the Church have taken shape in Europe; an said, "Christ not only was something in the increasing dependence upon diplomatic maneuver- world, he did something that make an infinite difing and ever-mounting armaments has supplanted ference, and that puts us under an infinite obliour growing confidence in the power of interna- gation. He bore our sins." And central in the tional goodwill; the fading of democracy from Gospel message is the Kingdom of God. Jesus the international map carries with it a conception held out as a practicable ideal a new world order of the value and dignity of the common individual in which love should supplant hate and cooperain society which leads to the glory of dictators tion should put to rout unholy competition. That but the submerging of rights of the individual; we have so slowly achieved this commonwealth the prevalence of pessimism and despair upon the of divine goodwill is an indictment of our perpart of so many of our fellow citizens who are the verse human nature rather than a reflection upon victims of economic selfishness and maladjust- the practicality of the Sermon on the Mount. ment raises questions which involve the effectiveness of the Gospel in our American social order; How strongly do we believe these central facts the easy-going creed of humanism and the brittle of our Christian message? Do we not need at philosophy of materialism have left us groveling home and abroad to reaffirm their inescapable in the dust rather than struggling upward to meet centrality in all our teaching and preaching? Our a divine ideal which is ever reaching down to set first step, therefore, is to redefine the intellectual our hearts on fire for godlikeness. This is to- and doctrinal basis upon which we posit the whole day's challenge to the Christian Church. Will she Christian movement. This must be done in no be able to offer moral and intellectual leadership formal and indifferent manner. A Church that for the confusion of our times? "The Church can refuses to believe greatly cannot live grandly. never interpret its own truth in terms of the Unless in the center of our souls bells ring with world's falsehoods." She must declare a trans- a clear and impelling sound they will call no worforming message that will be true to New Testa- shippers to prayer. Amid the welter of confusion ment Christianity and at the same time be ade- that besets the world mind today the Christian quate to meet the grievous needs which arise out evangel needs to proclaim a gospel that has about of the moral bankruptcy of our times. It is not it the dogmatism that is implicit in the utterance our business to conform our message to the pass- of Jesus when he said, "Ye have heard-but I say ing fashions of each generation. It is rather our unto you." business to bring each passing age into conformity with the eternal Gospel. It is no theoretical reason which calls for the redefinition of our faith in terms which are mod- Unyielding Oertitudes ern because they are eternal. Every practical consideration drives us to the same strategy. The The reexamination and reaffirmation of the doc- Church itself needs to clear up much of the mood trinal basis underneath our message will reveal of uncertainty in faith which has characterized three cardinal and unyielding certitudes. Jesus her hesitancy in more recent years. The world is Lord. He is not merely a way but the Way; enterprise will not proceed further in geography not merely a truth about God but the Truth about than it does in belief, and men and women will God; not simply a life redolent with the divine not go 1;0 the ends of the earth merely to ask but the Life through which and in which God questions and lead discussion groups concerning completely and unequivocally revealed Himself. God and the eternal life. Also we take note of Or as Principal Forsyth has said, "In Jesus Christ the fact that competing non-Christian religions we have one who was conscious of standing in an are stripping themselves of superstitions and entirely unique relation to the Living God. He outworn customs in order to meet the issue of a held a relation to God as Father that never existed more widely diffused knowledge. Buddhism is in any man before, nay, more, it was one that no having an intellectual rebirth and Confucianism man can ever reach again." Let us frankly face and Shintoism are being readapted to the needs the fact that ours is a supernatural religion be- of the intelligent Oriental. Christianity cannot cause at its fountain head stands One "who spake remain an obscurantist faith in a world where the as never man spake" and lived as never man lived. light of education is steadily lifting the level of intelligence. Furthermore, Christian youth in The second cardinal fact which needs reaffirma- our own land needs to be reassured concerning tion is that Christianity offers salvation for the the future of the missionary enterprise. Far too individual life. It undertakes not merely to change one's environment but rather to recon- many of them have been forced to abandon life struct the centers of one's personality. The world purposes which had thoroughly captivated their needs supremely not a moral teacher but a divine wills because the church under whose banner they were eager to serve has been retreating rather
THE NEXT STEP IN FOREIGN MISSIONS
than advancing, has counseled them to wait and common task. To underestimate the gravity and wait and keep on waiting until the precious years the urgency of our world problem is to be blind of their young manhood and womanhood have to the signs of the times. "The materialistic phislipped away and the Church sends them not losophy of the day, the violence of the destructive, forth unto the fields which are white unto the communistic activity, the powers of paganism and harvest. If the youth of our colleges and sem- of faiths and systems contrary to the teachings inaries give to this enterprise all that they have of Christ, the reactionary attitude of so many govto give, namely, their lives, has not the hour come ernments with reference to religious liberty, the when the Church should carryon the campus perilous subordination of religion to serve the again a modern philosophy of the missionary en- political ends of the totalitarian conception of the terprise and a resolute and dependable world pro- State, and the necessity of recasting the prevailgram into which our choicest young men and ing industrial and commercial system so that it women may build their lives with confidence? will not negative the principles of Christian love or conduce to international war," these – to use A Complete Gospel the words of Dr. Mott-present a challenge to the followers of Christ so momentous and far-reach- The clear emphasis upon the cardinal necessity ing that they can be met by no one group but of a belief in a complete gospel, embracing a di- only by all Christians acting in common effort vine Saviour, a redemptive power that redeems for the· preservation of the faith and the spread the individual, and the Kingdom of God as the of the Christ ideal. urgent ideal that awaits our full obedience to Christ, is made even more pertinent because of A pioneering period is always a time of indicertain trends of the native churches among vidualism in effort. But we believe that there is which we have been working. Take for example no longer a need for an independent, noncooperathe doctrinal conflicts which have arisen in Africa tive enterprise on the foreign fields. The emand China. Upon the rear end of every mission- phasis must rather be upon the Kingdom of God, ary enterprise there seems always to be a fanati- the unity of purpose and faith in Christ of all cal fringe of well meaning conservatives who those who labor for the salvation of the world, interpret religion in terms of nonessentials and and the primacy of love as the exhibition of abnormal manifestations rather than accept the Christ's way and the open road into the heart of great underlying verities of the Christian faith. mankind. Who can doubt that Christ wills' this This minority has about it all the enthusiasm of kind of unity for all His disciples? Our luxurious ignorance and often in energy far outstrips the and expensive divisions cannot longer justify saner interpreters of the Christian message. Un- themselves at the bar of the Christian judgment. reasonably rigid ideas of the Bible, psychic faith healing, rabid individualism and exclusivism, all This cooperation does not imply the fusing of these come in the trail of the Christian movement all denominational groups into one. Such types and often embarrass not only the missionary but of unity can come only as men grow together in the earnest native seeker after the Christian way. Christ and cannot be superimposed by idealistic These proponents of a marginal gospel make up missionary strategists. But we can multiply the for their lack of intellectual acceptability by their apostles of reconciliation, clear up recognized obdogmatic and unyielding confidence in their gos- jections and difficulties, embrace the spirit of tolpel. And the world listens strangely enough to erance, minimize nonessentials, magnify Christ men who make the impression that they know. and seek the unity of the spirit in the bond of The cure for this condition which embarrasses the peace. The results of this attitude, at home and Christian movement in more than one area is not abroad, will not only more effectively extend the the hesitancy of views tentatively held but as- Kingdom but will assure us of that divine leadersurance regarding pivotal beliefs which grounds ship which becomes operative only when men itself not alone in intelligence but also in experi- share the Master's consuming passion that they ence and widely tested social action. may all be one.
Let us therefore reexamine in the frankest Onward to Victory spirit the elements that make up our Gospel, and having found them to be eternal and sufficient, The next step that lies before us beckons from let us proclaim them in faith that is rooted in be- the angle of both faith and action. Faith is still lief and confidence that is born of God. the victory that overcomes the world. The annals of missionary history are rich in examples of how The second forward step in missions lies in the faith "conquered kingdoms, obtained promises, realm of cooperation. We should definitely seek shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of a larger unity of effort in accomplishing the work fire and routed hosts of foreigners." If we lose ahead of us. We need to think, plan, pray and this element from our planning, this daring couract in terms of the wholeness and oneness of our age to undertake the humanly impossible in the
name of Christ who assures us that "all things a pioneering spirit upon the part of the Church?
are possible to him that believeth"; if we lose, I Take as a concrete illustration of this unfin- say, this divinereinforceinent through lack of ished task the work awaiting us in the villages faith, then our enterprise drops to the level ofa and open country of Japan. I can testify to the drab bit of proselytism which soon defeats itself. sustained enthusiasm with which the Gospel is In this spirit therefore, let us face our third and received in these rural areas. Japan has 11,434 final step: we must initiate a definite and stra- towns and villages. Of her towns of 2',500 and tegic advance in the face of an awakened but hesi- more exactly one-half have some Christian con- tant Church and a confused but eager world. tacts, even slight though it is. Of her 9,737 vil- Barriers that once blocked us are gone, "a world lages only 610 are occupied by a church or preach- is on the anvil," and we may create a new type of ing place, leaving 9,127 lying beyond the range Christian world culture if we are sure of our goal of the Christian advance. These figures speak and our spiritual resources. The safest defense for themselves; almost 10,000 towns and villages is a bold offense. There are latent powers of love still remain absolutely virgin soil for the Gospel.
of money, of personality which the Church will More than one-half of Japan's population have never place on the altar of humanity's need until never in any true sense heard a Christian it beholds in all its appalling agony the condition preacher. Small wonder that Kagawa could say of a world without Christ and catches the inspira- recently, "I feel that the evangelization of Japan, tion of a leadership which shares the sacrificial very far from being accomplished, is only barely abandon of a Saviour who counted not his lii begun." There is a Japanese proverb which says: dear unto himself. . . . "If you are in a hurry, don't try a short cut."
The Christian mind in our churches must come One wonders how soon we shall arrive by re- to view the missionary task in its world relation- trenching on every field and taking short cuts ship. Never have so many intelligent citizens that lead us only into confusion and retreat.
been so conscious of a world conflict as today. One other step is immediately ahead. We need Whether it be in South America, China, Japan, to be finding and training a selected group of India or the Philippines, or where not, forces are young men and women to be thrown into this in conflict that are remaking the world. Jesus battle line within the next ten years. There can commanded us to "make disciples of all nations." be no random commissioning of the Church's sec- He visioned Christianity as a world force. It ond best. Sound bodies to bear the strain of in- structurally affected the Grreco-Roman world. hospitable climates; steady psychic centers to It has been, as it was meant to be, a vitalizing, overcome novelty and loneliness; keen, well- integrating, redeeming force in the political and trained minds capable of entering sympathetically social life of every generation. . . . The Chris- into age-old cultural backgrounds; hearts that tian message and the Christian messenger are in- are aflame with incandescent ardor for Christ and dispensable factors in building a new world order a Christless world-upon these must the Church and no nation will long be safe when the founda- lay the high commission of the Master: "Go ye tions of world security crumble through lack of into all the world. . . . Lo, I am with you always."
moral strength. When the Church has done these things, has All of this is only another way of saying that acted on the light she has, has dared to adventure we need to project a program of missionary edu- for God-then she can pray in righteous sincerity, cation into the life of the local church that shall "Thy Kingdom come." Faith without works is deal with missions in the light of present-day de- dead and prayer without sacrifice is futile. We velopments and ideals. Far too few of our min- used to say, "When a million Christians go from isters are preaching missionary sermons which their knees to any task, it shall be done." Pos- reveal a modern viewpoint and impress the faith- sibly we need now to reverse that historic state- ful and intelligent judgment of Christian laymen ment and say, "When a million Christians go of the higher and creative type. A whole new from any task to their knees, God will answer."
generation of church leaders has arisen which has And so our next steps are clearly to accept the never confronted the imperative and persisting abiding obligation which the cross of Jesus placed quality of Christ's last command. Ours is a holy upon all believers, to minimize our differences and cause. Let us not hesitate to lay it upon the heart magnify our agreements, laboring together for a of the church with unabated zeal. common goal in Christ, and finally, to move out Another urgent reason for this advance is that upon His promises, trusting where we cannot see, the unoccupied areas of the world are still unoc- until the eternal purpose which He purposed in cupied. Why is it that there are today virtually Jesus Christ shall become the glorious fact which as many unoccupied fields in the world as were God believed possible when He gave the world reported at the Edinburgh conference twenty-five His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth years ago? Is it spiritual apathy or the lack of on Him might not perish but have everlasting life.
Whitman;.Spalding
By the REV. ARTHUR H. LIMOUZE, New York Se.,etary o/Promotion, Board 0/ National Missions, Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
O NE hundred years ago a little group of mis- less; but news of the massacre of the Whitman sionaries took the long fearsome overland party in 1847 crawled on leaden feet across the trail from the East to Oregon to write a continent. chapter in the Christian occupation -of the Northwest that will engross the attention and challenge Yet, in spite of the speedy tempo of our own the pioneering spirit anew of the Church of Christ day, it is a question whether our missionary enter- prise is any more farseeing and aggressive than today. the Oregon mission of 1836-1847. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, Henry and The Whitmans and Spaldings had a real mis- Eliza Spalding, and William H. Gray were in that sionary program. It included the creation of that venturesome band. Within two years they were fundamental of American society-the Christian joined by the Walkers, the Eells, and the Smiths, home, the evangelization of the Indian for Christ, all commissioned by the American Board of Com- the ministry of preventive and curative medicine, missioners for Foreign Missions. These were the the project of agricultural missions, anticipating days when, under "The Plan of Union," Congrega- the economic needs of nomads soon compelled to tionalists and Presbyterians interchanged pastors settle down; the establishment of schools; the and cooperated not only in local churches but also development of community life; and the organizain foreign missions. Presbyterians like the tion of the Christian Church. Whitmans and Spaldings went "into all the world" commissioned by that great pioneer missionary organization, the American Board. Together this group sought the evangelization of the Indians of Oregon Territory, and the establishment of the Church. In this particular instance they went to what was known as a "foreign mis- sions" field.
. A foreign field it was then, indeed. If a strange ~WJOO:"""""""'''lI''''''' environment, a native people, a new tongue and I llU)fAttl.W '111'& J'zt. ?£.a~ 'J.IUH. YlIT~I:IW!"'''''''''''' separation from home are factors creating such a field, then theirs was such. Today we make I.oW('f!lJ•• o-tTi!ilJIM1·tlll:t.llUAT WUHef!. . . . . . ." " " '. . . . . . . . . .' " much of the length of time required for a letter "X'jVt:;u,,'l A&,gt 02 ·t~ qr~ INDU.N to reach remote mission stations. Narcissa Whitman waited two years and five months in distant r:Wtt I.. ,I"(ga ilO/.&!) ill':; .f.iJ!i'i.t ~ifD lAlbt.1' ltU'OItE .JUtm Oregon, after leaving her New York home, for a letter from her people. "Home and friends and YUrt,. "I:s,""l C..#Ii'. "tllLltl.al iI·V.rt!:C1'UlI) "tam 'ROlf KrtACit..
fiC-; t;'-…..J,J OY 1:>"'s0 …..a::t,rrJ "tUIS iut.n IN lP'Jt«lR orWIU'LlIW 'ru~ '''/tJ~. tl…JliIAiUiJljljj ..lilJ) llV,.A.1a, utADtR 0.1 A. HO~ ~.£OPL!..
TABLET TO HOL-LOL-SOTE-TOTE WHO PREIVENTED A MASSACRE kindred" were further away from WaiiIatpu, "the All of this had to be wrought out anew. If place of rye grass," and Lapwai, "Butterfly Val- Oregon was virgin territory for settlers, it was ley," in Oregon, than is the most distant mission the same for mission work. Out of what they station in the world today. dragged over prairies and mountains, across There were no planes, or radio communications rivers and deserts, and from that which was nato keep these missionaries in touch with the folks tive to the field, these pioneers brought into beback home. A depression could occur, as it did ing a crude replica of the dear familiar ideals and in 1837, and be over before word of its occurrence institutions of their eastern homes. The story reached them. The untimely end of .Wiley Po~t of what they accomplished, in the face of diffiand Will Rogers was known in the States within culties natural and human, is remarkable. Clifa few hours after it occurred near the Presby- ford-Merrill Drury, in his new book, "Henry terian Mission at Barrow, Alaska, due to the wire- Harmon Spalding, Pioneer of Old Oregon," por- [243 ]
trays in a vivid and accurate fashion the goals an industrial situation marked by long hours, they reached in the short years they labored. poor pay, and all the problems of mill towns. They were real pioneers for Christ, the Church and civilization. Canal and river transportation grew by leaps and bounds. "By 1834 river navigation had be- The Whitman-Spalding Mission was the result come important. In the forties the West had of the urge to carry the Gospel to the Indians of more marine tonnage than the entire Atlantic the Northwest born of the visit of four Nez Perce seaboard. By 1850 there were nearly a thousand Indians to St. Louis in the fall of 1831. Their boats operating on the Mississippi, and as early famous quest for "the White Man's Book" has as 1834 the steam tonnage on that river was come down as a familiar story in modern mis- nearly half that of the British Empire." sions. The spiritual hunger they represented stirred the Methodist Episcopal Church to send Whitman and Spalding with their wives were Jason Lee and his compatriots to the Willamette. the products of a growing educational system It moved Dr. Samuel Parker, a Congregational marked by two characteristics: the inauguration minister of mature years, already touched by the of free education in the lower grades, and the zeal of the Haystack Prayer meeting spirit which multiplication of colleges, 150 denominational infired him at Williams, to offer himself to the stitutions coming into being by the middle of the American Board for a similar mission. It caught 19th Century. up Dr. Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian elder of Rushville, N. Y., as his companion on a trip of The great question of human slavery was beexploration, sent him back to New York to secure ing raised in many quarters. Just five years be- Henry Harmon Spalding, a graduate of old fore, in 1831, William Lloyd Garrison had pub- Western Reserve College and Lane Seminary, and lished "in the sight of Bunker Hill and in the his young wife, Eliza Hart of Holland Patent, birthplace of Liberty," Boston, his first number of N. Y., as well as Narcissa Prentiss as wife and The Liberator. Daniel Webster was shaping a fellow laborer, for the mission to be established principle of nationalism that was to be of proin Oregon. It also enlisted William H. Gray, of found significance within thirty years. The Fairfield, N. Y., as an industrial missionary later Church itself was being divided by the issue of to become the writer of that "History of Oregon" slavery. Old School and New School Presbywhich describes in eye-witness fashion the labors terians were forming their lines, while at the and sorrows, the victories and the tragedies of same time the great foreign missionary passion the Whitmans and Spaldings. of the Church was gripping its ministers and youth. The Whitmans and Spaldings lived in a stirring era of America's history. It was a time of great "The wants and woes of the heathen," wrote national territorial expansion. The year they Eliza Spalding from Cincinnati to her sister, started for Oregon was the year of the Alamo, "have too long been neglected by Christian nawhen that little band of Texans within the mis- tions, who have not only the Saviour's command sion building at San Antonio were wiped out by binding upon them, to go and proclaim His Gospel Santa Anna and his three thousand Mexican to all nations, but are furnished with ample troops. That massacre led to the birth of a new means for the mighty work. When I reflect upon State and a further increase of the territory of the wretched condition of those benighted souls the Republic. who are sitting in the gloom and shadow of death, I actually long to depart and be with them, to tell With increasing land area went an accompany- them the story of a Saviour's dying love." ing growth in population, industry, transportation, and educational opportunities. Marcus Whitman and Narcissa Prentiss were united in marriage on February 18, 1836, in the Immigration began to swell until in one year little Presbyterian Church in Angelica, N. Y. it shot up from 10,000 in 1825 to 300,000 in 1849. Immediately afterward they started west by In the two decades of 1830 to 1850 two and a sleigh via Elmira, Williamsport, Harrisburg and half million foreigners were added to the popula- Pittsburgh. They were accompanied on this trip tion of the United States. by the two Nez Perce Indian boys, Richard and John, whom Whitman had brought east on his Along with this increasing immigration a move- eventful trip with Parker. Along the route they ment set in which carried westward "16% of all were joined by Rev. and Mrs. Benedict Satterlee. persons born in the Middle Atlantic States, and The party proceeded to Pittsburgh from which nearly 27% of those born in the Southern States." point they journeyed by river boat down the Ohio to Cincinnati where they met the Spaldings. At At the same titne industrial mills began to Cincinnati they outfitted and then took another spring up in various sections of the East, turn- steamer to St. Louis. From there the third boat ing wool and cotton into piece goods and creating
THE WHITMAN-SPALDING CENTENNIAL
carried them to Liberty, Missouri, at which point time of the commissioning of the Whitmans and William H. Gray, joined the party. From there the Spaldin:gs, will observe the centennial in their Spalding and Gray went ahead with the wagons, national gatherings. The Congregational-Chrisexpecting the rest to follow by water to the wagon tian Church, at their annual General Council train's starting point. meeting in Mt. Holyoke, June 16 to 23, will direct the thought of that great denomination to the Left behind by the steamer, whose captain re- contributions of 100 years ago to the missionary fused to stop for the little group, saddened by the enterprise then under their care. The Presbydeath of Mrs. Satterlee the day before, the Whit- terian Church, U. S. A., at the convening meeting mans and the others hurried to overtake Spalding of the General Assembly in May in Syracuse, and Gray, finally catching up with them at the N. Y., will recall the spirit of these early mission- Otoe Indian Reservation and then hurrying on to aries and emphasize the need of a similar pioneerjoin the fur company's wagon train at the Loup ing attitude on the frontiers of present-day life to Fork. win men for Christ.
Then began the long hard trail overland ending CHRISTIAN NEZ PERCE CHILDREN AT KAMIAH TODAY at Vancouver September 12, 1836, which Narcissa Whitman has described so humanly in her diary. Following the Assembly there will be two sig- nificant gatherings in Rushville and Prattsburg, Numerous works deal with the eleven years' N. Y., communities linked up with the early life labor of the missionary group. Writers such as of Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and Henry Harmon Myron Eells in his "Marcus Whitman"; Mowry Spalding. In the old Congregational Church at in his work of the same title; Marshall, Craig- Rushville, Congregationalists and Presbyterians head, Gray, and more recently Drury and Pen- will unite in a commemorative service, and at rose and others, deal with the development of the Prattsburg, the Presbyterians will have as guests mission stations. This period culminated in the officials of the Synod of New York and of the massacre of the Whitmans and twelve others on General Assembly, with officers of the Board of November 29, 1847, at Waiilatpu and for some National Missions. The program will include the years all mission activities at that station and unveiling of a marker to be located at the site of Lapwai were suspended. the boyhood home of Whitman.
Today there is a Presbyterian mission at Tu- Next October the Presbyterian Synod of Idaho tuilla, Oregon, among the descendants of the expects to rededicate the old Spalding Church, to Umatillas, Cayuses, and Nez Perces of Whitman's be restored by a special fund of $10,000 now beday. Spalding's pioneer work bears its fruit in a ing sought by the Board of National Missions of Christian Nez Perce people in Idaho with several the Presbyterian Church, as a memorial to one churches ministering to the spiritual needs of of its pioneer sons. This memorial will conthis loyal people. tinue to serve as the House of God for the pres- ent Nez Perce congregation, and whose spire will The centennial of the founding of this mission ever point upward to Him whose Gospel it was will be observed with appropriate celebrations the joy and glory of Marcus and Narcissa Whitand memorials in different parts of the United man, and Henry and Eliza Spalding to teach and States. live.
In the West the Whitman Memorial Commission of the State of Washington is seeking the Federal Government's participation in the complete restoration of the old mission as it was in Whitman's day. This commission hopes to recreate the buildings as a monument to the heroic sacrifice of that martyred missionary and his associates, and to celebrate the occasion with fitting ceremonies this summer on the campus of Whitman College at Walla Walla, and at Waiilatpu.
In Idaho, the State has purchased twelve aCres of land adjacent to the old Spalding Church to be dedicated as a memorial park in honor of the pioneering contributions of Spalding to Idaho's corporate life. The plans in this State call for a pageant, addresses, and dedication of memorials in May.
In the East two of the great denominations, which cooperated in "The Plan of Union" at the
Shakers of the Pacific
SARA ENDICOTT OBER, of Crescent City, make it his own before he will give evidence of sCiaolniaforyrnisa~rvhiacse had a long history of mis- his approval and acceptance. in the Southern mountains "Eighteen months ago God opened up the way and among the Indians of the Pacific Northw~st. for me and enabled me to go out upon the work She has for the last thirty years been studymg that had burdened my heart for over twenty-five the Shaker Movement among the Indians of Cali- years. Then nearly eighty years old, partially fornia, Oregon and Washington. She writes:* paralyzed, and with serious heart t~ouble I went "In a 'former existence,' as I term the decades forth, rejoicing that my heart's deSIre was to be of my long life, I worked under the American given me. I had very little means, but God led Missionary Association in Tennessee and Ken- me and provided for me, and I sought no o:r;e's tucky ,among the poor whites and the mountain- help, and paid my own expenses, as I have durmg eers. That was for seven years, from 1887 to all the years. 1895. Later I was two years a pastor of several "I lived entirely among the Indians for seven months attended and took part in nearly eighty mission churches in Washington. Shaker 'services, and found I was well received. "I came west over thirty years ago and became Now I can only wait until the way opens for me interested in the West Coast Indians, especially to go up the Coast to every Shaker church not ~et in that great religious movement, the Indian visited. There are those old leaders who so VIO- Shaker religion. For years I have been trying lently oppose the Word, but God will open the to bring it up to a better Gospel standard. Yet way in his own good time, his own good way; so over that 'bridge' between ancient ta-mahn-a- I wait patiently for Him. wous and Christianity have passed thousands of souls from the utter darkness. of paganism, igno- "During my stay with the Indians here the old rance, sin and despair into deliverance from vice, ones told me the most wonderful legends; not at degradation, and drunkenness by a transforma- all grotesque or fantasti.c like mos~ Ind~an ~y~hs, tion into the image of Christ. The 'shakers' wor- but exalted in conceptIOn, beautIful m dICtIOn, shiped in the old Indian way, with the dance; but marvelous in psychic truths, and revealing inthey had a vital conception of Christ-a true wor- sight into natural phenomena and historic events. ship and reverence for the T~iune God-and t~ey While waiting I am putting these in shape for experienced the transformatIOn of heart and hfe pUblication, hoping to save from utter extinction only known through our Saviour Jesus Christ. these chronicles of a fast disappearing race. I They could not read, and even yet none of the have also about two hundred words of their lanolder ones can read, so they refused the Bible, guage, only known to these older ones, and to and were prejudiced against it. But their preju- disappear with their lives into oblivion. These dices were because of the differences and an- legends reveal a strong belief in a ~upreme ~e tagonisms of the religious bodies with whom they ing, a vital conception of the soul, of Immorta~It~, came in contact. of the powers of the supernatural; crude, prImI- tive, but real. I feel that this work is one of vital "For years I have been trying to induce them to accept the Bible, and giving them its truths. importance in revealing the true concepts of I.n- dian hearts, the real nature of these often mIS- Many have accepted them. But most of the lead- understood people. I hope to have these legends ers are strongly opposed, and my work has been and also my history of the Shaker religion ready very slow and hindered in every possible way. During the past year I have visited quite a num- for publication within a few months. ber of Shaker churches in Oregon and California, "During the past twenty years I have been among primitive or backward people. For eig~t and have distributed over a hundred Bibles and een months I have lived in my suitcase. To gam testaments and four hundred small copies of the Gospels. Everyone of these has gone whe;e my information I have 'suffered many things,' it will be read and welcomed. Now I am waIt- odfitret ~ discomfort, privations, extreme fatigue, ing till the Indians are ready for another 'dose,' dangers, which many times threatened for one cannot hurry an Indiim; he must slowly chew, masticate and digest any new food, and death. I have won the confidence of old Indian hearts; have not only received these priceless legends, but have imparted divine consolation, so Am• eFrircoamn aMlisestitoenr atroy DArs.soGceioa.tioWn.. H(inTmheanI,nfdoiramn erShsaekcerer taMryovoefmtehnet many an old Indian has gone into the beyond grew up in connection with the work of Myron Eells, a. Congrega· with hope, courage and solace, instead of utter tiona! missionary to the Puget Sound Indians.) despair and darkness."
[246]
Views on Simple
By MURIEL LESTER, London, England Author of trWays of Prayintt'
A NUMBER of friends came up to visit the pressing satisfaction and quiet confidence. Once Ashram that Dr. P. C. Hsu, the Chinese you taste that sort of joy in comradeship you can- Christian leader, set up in Lotus Valley, not easily go back to the old way." Kuling, during August. It was an experiment in Christian communal living and included sunrise Another missionary contributed her experience. prayer times, hours of devotion, study, discussion "I felt as the last speaker did when I first arrived and writing, as well as doing all the sweeping, here. I'm in country work. Mine was a fairly laundry, cooking and latrine cleaning. large house. I simplified it as much as possible and kept 'open house' foraH Chinese friends. But At an afternoon session one day, a visitor said, the result did not cheer me. My visitors concen- "I do not believe Chinese people really object to trated their attention on every detail of the furnithe difference between the sort of houses we live ture and were so deeply impressed with the money in and their own. They know the needs of for- value of all they saw that they kept inquiring, eigners and don't mind our keeping to our own 'How much did you pay for that?' 'Did you not standards so long as we never assume any atti- give a very high price for that?' This was not tude of superiority." the sort of reaction I had hoped that Christian . A pause followed this remark. The air was fellowship would evoke; these are not the sentiheavy with things unsaid. Then rather quietly a ments that go to make good relationships, good woman missionary began to explain why she citizenship or good character.
could not agree. "When I settled down in China "I set my mind on planning, designing and twelve years ago," she said, "I felt awkward at measuring. I found a bit of land in one of the the obvious solidity and desirability of the house villages I served; it was by a canal side, close to allocated to me. As soon as possible I found a an old stone bridge. I could build a model mud Chinese girl willing to share it, and hoped that brick cottage there at a cost less than a month's our friends of both races, whether business peo- salary. pIe, factory girls, or members of the official and professional class, would feel absolutely at home. "'But you mustn't,' adjured all the villagers, It worked fairly well, but after a time I grew con- 'the spirits of wind and water will surely blow vinced that I was not really manifesting the way you or flood you out of your home before you've of Christ to the people of China. He threw in been in it six months.' his lot with the common people, sharing their disabilities, so that they might share His Good News "Well, that's where I live now. There's nothof God. Our girl friends had come in and out of ing in it that a villager couldn't have except that the house freely; as often as not when I got home I have fourteen windows instead of one. They at night, I would find people sitting by my fire prophesied disaster from those fourteen but none unasked; the chocolate box was always there, has eventuated. Even the one thief who came, purposely left open. Many working girl friends broke in by none of them, but came through the lived in a hostel; these offer little home life un- thatched roof. The mud floors are hardened by less the inmates are drawn together into a fel- elm solution. Except for the ordinary village lowship. Indeed one can be lonelier in a per- beds, tables and benches, the furniture is mostly fectly organized, sanitary and super-respectable made of soap boxes covered inside and out with institution than outside it. It was only after I brown paper. There are shelves round the living had moved into the girl's hostel that I noticed the room to hold dolls, games and books that children width of the gulf I had bridged. I could hear my come in to enjoy. The neighbors now have such fellow lodgers talking with their guests-the in- confidence in me that they leave their babies with credulous exclamation when first the guest heard me for days at a time when the work in the fields who occupied the end room; the girl's reassuring is specially important. I would not change my her as to the actual fact; the tone of voice ex- life for any other."
That afternoon's witness brought to mind other points of view I had heard in China, where gen- [247]
eralizations are impossible, for almost any fact for a neighborhood center, the university on one recorded in one area can be denied in another. side, an industrial area on another, a residential section on a third, a shopping district on the "People who go in for living Chinese are only fourth. trying to curry favor with the people." The second period occurred when the family "It is not fair for individual missionaries to moved upstairs, turned an attic into a kitchen, a lower their standard of living. They ought to passage into a dining room and the guest room remember that this lets down the standards for by night into a nursery by day. The ground floor all of us." was given over to Japanese, and students who had been assiduously attending weekly classes in "These innovators are setting themselves up to Christianity now had the bracing experience of be better than anyone else." being challenged to work out for themselves what they had learned. There had been the usual " 'Take no notice' is the advice one is often hav- amount of ubiquitous criticism of missionary paing to give, for a surprising number of people ternalism, of foreign ways, of double standards have allowed themselves to be intimidated by in living expenses. The missionary hated these such pronouncements." by-products of the selfish capitalist system per- haps more than any of his students did. So when How funny it is, how self-revealing and rather half his house was put at the disposal of the stupathetic, when people talk like that! dents, the manual and even menial work which they all performed together in fellowship, for- All round the world comfortably placed Chris- eigners and Japanese, proved a salutary educatians are developing an uneasy feeling that per- tive force in Christian character building. haps they ought to live less securely; that the reasons they have always put forward as to why The third stage was when the missionary went they are not in the same category as the rich home on leave and his place was taken by a young young man and need not heed Christ's command man, who, having no family, did not even need to him, are wearing a bit threadbare, that even the whole of the second floor himself. All the communists outshine them in some respects. rooms but his own could now be enjoyed by others. When I arrived there on my return visit last Feb- Unconsciously some of them set to work to pro- ruary, I found a new sort of Christian home. duce an alibi for themselves saying, "I'd certainly Four Japanese students and one missionary were go the whole way in following Christ and live living together and sharing expenses and houseamong the poor-if I were unmarried, if I were work. a minister, if I were convinced that there is a God, if I did not owe it to my university, or my It was a rare privilege to take part in their defamily, or my position, to keep up appearances." votions before breakfast and supper, to spend long evenings with them and their nonresident One missionary came to the conclusion, so she friends, discussing the changing national policies explained to me, that people cannot come to know and God's unchanging purpose. Most satisfying God merely by sermons, schools and social work; of all, perhaps, was to do an hour's cleaning with that in the intimacy, the forbearance, the reveal- them before breakfast and to know that one's ing daily routine of ordinary home life, Christ broom and duster were helping to create somecan be more clearly manifested. So this mission- thing significant and eternal. ary opened to the Chinese her family life. She let a student, who was far from home and lonely, *** live in one of her extra rooms. Gradually, as the dire need of each became apparent, she took in The advantages that accrue from living like seven or eight young people of varying ages. One the Chinese were most clearly demonstrated by of them proved to be an opium patient. Imagine the experience of one of my hostesses. She wrote what it cost her even to appear to risk her chil- to her daughter: dren's moral welfare for the sake of a stranger; imagine what it wrought in her of perseverance When we had been out here about a year and a half, in prayer, of actual wrestling with fear, to attain we were sent to open a new station. No foreigners had her final quality of courage and faith. Today she ever lived in Kihsien and none was wanted. It was not can give a record of each member of her synthetic easy to -find anyone willing to rent a house to. us. At family and can note steady improvement in all last an opium user's need of money made him take the of them. risk. Our first home was a one-roomed mud hut with earthen fioor, one paper window and a door made of thick * '* * slabs of wood. We were exceedingly happy in this humble abode with friendly Chinese neighbors everywhere. We Three stages of development were passed had expected to live in such a place when we left the through in a missionary's home in Japan. The States and were a bit disappointed to find the comfort first was marked by brick walls and a solid iron that had been planned for us on arrival in China. As gate, effectually hiding from the eyes of neighbors and passersby the attractive nature of that Christian home, His house was ideally situated the opium habit got a stronger hold on our landlord, he standing, and when her husband proposed one day that gave up more of his place to us. he would push her on his wheelbarrow two days' journey Our next home in the same yard had three rooms and to the nearest hospital, she could· hardly be:ieve her ears.
was made of brick instead of mud. Otherwise it was just By the end of the· journey she was convinced that her the same as the hut which was now converted into a study husband was a new creature in Christ Jesus and she room for girls. It was the kind of house in which middle wanted to find what he had found. Her husband has now class Chinese of the interior live. We put down rough passed on but she and her daughter are still active in the board floors and were very comfortable in these quarters. church work.
As I look back to those early days I can see why that In time the growing work called for reinforcements and was such a happy .spot. Our way of living did not sep- two foreign women were sent out to join us. A new resi- arate us from those whose love and confidence we must dence must be provided and the mission decided that it win before we could hope to lead them to Christ. They must be a foreign two-storied house. With this move we came and went freely with no sense of awkwardness, for built a barrier between us and our people. Things for- many of them were used to coming to that place to see eign were uncommon. Wild rumors were spread about.
our land:ady. Many of them lived in better houses than No matter how often I took people through the house to ours and so possessions did not come in as a barrier to prove that these rumors were false, they always came separate us from our friends. Things often create the away sure that in some closet or in the basement they feeling that we belong to a different class, even when the had seen with their own eyes the proof they needed. They possessor has no such a thought. We have never since, were certain that they had seen dead men's bodies in our it seems to me, grown so completely into the lives of our basement. Also the house created the impression that we Chinese friends. So completely did they fill our lives that were wealthy. The church, which had been large:y self- we were never lonely, though the nearest foreign friends supporting, began to look for foreign funds to carryon.
were a day's journey off. Why not, since we seemed to have so much?
When, after nearly eight years among them, we were *** sent on furlough, it was not an easy parting. When Daddie went off on his long country trips and I was shut In concluding this article I must refer to my up at night in the city, the on:y foreigner, all sense of own recent leisurely hot weather program of fear or loneliness was absent for I was surrounded with loving friendliness. On one of these occasions I was taken visiting rural reconstruction centers. with their very ill and seemed to be dying of cholera. So great is farmers' cooperatives, newly set-up clinics and the superstitious fear of a departing spirit that even my short-term schools. I have had a month or two faithful servant, Mrs. Tsao, did not dare to come into my of travel, staying in remote districts, occupying bedroom. She had only left her old ways a short time. a mud hut or part of a mud brick house, which I do not recall now any concern for myself, but I dis- already sheltered ten families of villagers. tinctly remember the look of anxiety on M·rs. Tsao's face Canned milk was especially provided for me, as she would peep through a crack in the door or through sugar, bread, bedding, water and basin. A dea hole in the paper window.
Another who taught us much beside the meaning and lightful experience for a month or so. One's pronunciation of Chinese words was our cultured and dig- mind kept reverting, however, to the stalwarts, nified teacher, a true product of Confucian ideals. I had to stumble on to the fact that the cosmic Christ has been the quiet behind-the-scenes missionaries, lovers of revealing some Truth to the Chinese sages long before the Christ who have been steadfastly preparing the missionaries ever reached China. The classics were as way for today's renaissance movement, tramping sacred to my teacher as the Bible was to me. Whenever these roads, being jolted in springless carts, week we found the same truth revealed in both his books and in, week out, for years, itinerating sometimes ten my Bible, we had a time ofrejoicing. Jesus said that He months out of the twelve. Noone goes on before had come not to destroy, but to fulfil, and so I used to to get mosquito lotion or "flit" for them. They memorize all such places pointed out to me by Mr. Ma, sleep in the house of any poorest villager who inconvinced that Christ is the full revelation of God. One evening at our vesper fellowship hour when all in the vites them. Canned milk and sugar perform no compound, together with any neighbors who wished to join us, gathered together for a time of informal worship, appetizing function for them. Their morning and Mr. Ma had his first vital sense of God as revealed in evening meals consist of millet porridge minus Jesus Christ. With dignified tread he walked up and even salt, which is a luxury to them. Midday down the little earthen hall of worship, his face all lit by food is rice and a little vegetable for them. Yet the light of God within, and he kept repeating quietly, these, I have found, are for the most part the "I have found what I long have sought." happiest, the most serene foreigners one can find Also there was that yamen runner, most dreaded by all in China today.
in our district because of his merciless ways of extorting money from the people, who in one of these evening hours of worship wept and asked God to be merciful to him, a What does the Church stand for? It stands to sinner. He confessed that there was no sin he had not offer men Christ; to tell men that way of life is committed. But he was most broken up by the fact that possible by which they become sons of God; that he had sold his brother's widow into slavery. As people life can be victoriously lived; that Christ offers a met him, they would ask each other, "Can this really be the same man we have so dreaded?" His wife whom he reinforced personality, an inward serenity, an treated with less consideration than he treated his donkey, infectious gaiety, an outgoing love which would was frightened by the changed man she saw in their home. invite the whole world not into a system of belief She thought that he must have eaten some foreign medi- primarily, but into an experience which spells the cine and that when the effects had passed off he would be mastery of the art of living. worse than ever. She had a leg with a bad sore of long
to Captives in Portugal*
By JOSE ILIDIO FREIRE, ROSE MATHEZ, and E. R. HOLDEN, Quinta do Almaraz, Almada, Portugal JOHN HOWARD, the English Christian philan- wrote reqqesting further supplies of such books. thropist and pioneer of prison reform, visited As a result of this work there was formed in the prisons of Spain and Portugal in 1783. He left on record the statement that the main the Lisbon penitentiary a nucleus of converted prisons of Lisbon were comparatively praise- men. Interviews must take place in the parlaworthy. In the Limoeiro, which is still the cen- torio, where the convict and his visitor are septral jail, he found 774 prisoners. This prison had arated by a thick pane of glass flanked by strips been the Royal Palace to which, in 1387, was of sheet iron, perforated to enable conversation brought the English princess, Philippa of Lan- to be carried on without any opportunity to pass caster, daughter of John of Gaunt and bride of anything from hand to hand. Dom J 03.0 I of Portugal. This Lisbon prison accommodates six hundred In 1868, two English ladies resident in Oporto, convicts, and it is always full. Men under sen- Mrs. Hastings, wife of a merchant, and her sister, tence of penal servitude are first sent there and Miss Frederica Smith who married the United later to Monsanto jail, where they serve part of States Consul, Mr. Fletcher, began to visit the their sentences. Relagao prison in that city. To the initiative of Mrs. Fletcher is largely due the modern Evan- Alfredo Oliveira and Eduardo Moreira gelical movement in Oporto. Not long after we had begun to receive letters During many years after Mrs. Hastings' death, from inmates of the Lisbon penitentiary, there Evangelical and philanthropic work in the prisons came one from Alfredo Oliveira, asking to be of Oporto became restricted to the distribution of given lessons in English. He expected to be de- Christmas gifts and occasional evangelistic ad- ported to Angola where a knowledge of this landresses at Christmas or Easter. More recently, guage would be of use. He was an attractive contact with individual convicts was again estab- young fellow, intelligent and well educated, but lished, mainly through educational work; but at who had led a life of dissipation, culminating in present a not well disposed governor brought the the murder of an army officer. Being alone in work practically to a standstill. The work in the world, he yearned for friendship. This con- Lisbon and Coimbra jails, though more recent, tact afforded me an opportunity to establish more has made progress. intimate contact within the prison, and I had the privilege of leading Alfredo to Christ. A little Twenty years ago Dona Manuela Nunez, a later another convict obtained permission to share Spanish lady who was in the habit of distributing the lessons, but he never showed the same interest tracts in hospitals, gave a tract to a soldier. in spiritual things. Later this man committed a theft, for which he was dismissed from the army and was sent to From the Lisbon penitentiary the work spread prison. The name and address of Mr. George to Coimbra through the instrumentality of Gil- Howes, the publisher of the tract was fixed in his berto Francisco, a man who was transferred from memory and he wrote from the Limosiro prison the Lisbon. He distributed tracts among his requesting a visit. Mr. Howes passed on the re- mates in the workshops and several commenced quest to me, and I thus commenced my mission correspondence with me. The Coimbra penitenin the jails. tiary accommodates 270 convicts, and at one time we were in correspondence with over 25% of By the time this prisoner, Mauricio Silva, was them. – transferred to the Lisbon penitentiary, he had numerous tracts and other Christian literature The Rev. Eduardo Moreira came to reside in which he began to distribute among his fellow Coimbra and obtained permission to hold a weekly convicts. The result was that several of them service in this jail. He was even permitted to baptize several convicts, to officiate at two prison th: J:~~h~~r~/G:3·~o~~~~I~~ WorW Dominion and is supported by weddings and to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Later a hostile governor put a stop to all the Evan- [250 ] gelical work, and men who had professed conver- day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late for you. You sion were subjected to severe restrictions. Now know not the day of your death, and what if it should more liberal conditions once more prevail. surprise you in your sins? God may not patiently wait many years for you as He did for me, so I urge you to In Lisbon permission has been given me to hold forsake your sins this very day and accept Jesus Christ, services in the Limoeiro and Monsanto jails, but our Lord, as your Saviour. Thus alone will you enjoy not in the penitentiary. In the Limoeiro the aver- true happiness in this world of corruption and deceit. age attendance at Evangelical meetings is over Satan doesn't slumber, and he will dog your steps con- 150. At both places we receive a most attentive tinually lest he lose a victim. He even strives to win back hearing, so that thousands have heard the Gospel those who are no longer his. This he is seeking to do to and not a few have given evidence of conversion me and my family, keeping me from finding work and during these last fourteen years. Thousands of trying us in all sorts of ways. But my soul is no longer copies of the Scriptures, as well as tracts and his, and will never again be his, as the precious blood of other Evangelical literature, have been distrib- Jesus Christ our· Lord has purged me from my sins and uted and circulated. His divine grace cheers and strengthens me in all my troubles, Jesus having said: "Him that cometh unto Me When an unknown prisoner writes, asking for I will in no wise cast out." information or for tracts, he receives a reply and a number of tracts suitable for such enquirers. Oh my God and Father, I pray for sinners, that Thou If he responds intelligently, he is sent more tracts, wilt touch their hearts. I pray for those who already and if these have been productive, a New Testa- belong to Thee, especially for our missionary brethren in ment is given. For the supply of the Scriptures Africa who are facing so many and great difficulties. I and other literature the work is much indebted to pray that they aU may have their hearts warmed by Thy the British and Foreign Bible Society and the Re- love and that they may be granted Thy wisdom in proligious Tract Society. claiming the way of salvation-and all I ask through the merits and for the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Many prisoners, deported to Angola, have kept Saviour: Amen. up correspondence with me and not a few have got into touch with missionaries in the colony. Four years ago, I gave a tract entitled "The One man proved of valuable assistance in this Drummer Boy" to a man in Monsanto jail, Anwork. He was subsequently pardoned and has tonia Correia, a peasant farmer from a village returned to Portugal. near the Spanish frontier, who had been caught and conviCted for smuggling false banknotes. He Many of the wardens in the prisons I visit are our friends and appreciate what is done for the wrote to me, and I kept in touch with him prisoners, being impressed by the change in the throughout the two years of his sentence. On his conduct of the converted men. release, he returned to his native village, Esper- an<;a, and began to tell his relatives and friends of Discharged prisoners have great difficulty in his faith in Christ. He gave away all his tracts finding employment and the families of those in and books, and wrote for more. Being popular in jail are often badly in need of help. the neighborhood, he was given a good hearing, and his friends were struck by the change in his An Appeal to Prisoners life. He continues steadfast in his faith and there is great interest in the Gospel among his fellow The following extract is translated from an ap- villagers. peal by Mauricio Silva, published not long ago in the "Prisoners' Section" of 0 Caminho (The Two years ago, I received an unexpected visit Way) a little paper I edit. This man to whom from another ex-convict to whom I had given a was due, under God, the initiation of our work in Testament ten years previously. Through many the prisons, returned from Angola a year and a ups and downs, he had never wholly lost sight of half ago, on completion of his sentence. He the truths he had found in the Word of God. He wrote: is now leading a steady Christian life, and his four children are members of our Sunday school. Oh Lord, our God and Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast preserved my life till today in a world of corruption, The Conversion of Alves Reis sin and untruth, in order that I may acknowledge how great a sinner I was, and how vainly I strove against sin The most outstanding conversion is, however, till at last I won through, strengthened by Christ, our that of Alves Reis, a brilliantly clever youth. In Lord and our Saviour. 1918, at the age of 22~ he was manager of the state railways of Angola, and shortly afterwards After describing his early resistance to the was appointed Inspector of Public Works for that striving of the Holy Spirit from the time when he colony. He became imbued with a great ambiwas impressed by the tract given him in the hos- tion for the development of Angola, and his ferpital till my visits to him in jail and his conver- tile brain devised grandiose schemes to this end. sion, he continues: The need of capital on a vast scale led him to plan the fraud which ruined him. By means of forged . . . but let me impress upon you, Brothers, that you correspondence, purporting to be from the Bank should not postpone your decision, as I did: today is the
of Portugal, he induced the Bank's own printers deep-rooted hatred of Reis, as the man who had to print an issue of duplicate banknotes which been his undoing. Ultimately, however, he bewas to total £3,000,000. This involved his mak- came interested in the Gospel and was so iming use of various accomplices, including the Por- pressed by the radical change in his enemy that tuguese Minister at the Hague and his brother, the two met daily for prayer and study of the who were given to understand that he had been Bible. Silva was set at liberty and is now in a intrusted with the promoting of this special note good position in Oporto. issue under a State secret. On the strength of these bogus notes, Reis floated the Banco Angola A few days ago I received a letter from a e Metropole, which was to finance the many de- stranger in the penitentiary, asking me to visit velopment schemes he had conceived. him. This man, Santos Carvalho, had been a rail- way clerk and he is now under sentence in con- Overconfidence led to his undoing and arrest; nection with forgery. Religiously inclined, he subsequently he sank lower and lower in crime, joined the Roman Catholic catechism class in the seeking to defend himself by falsely incriminating jail and he purchased an expensive Roman Cathprominent men. When he seemed doomed to fail- olic edition of the Bible which he read carefully. ure, Reis attempted suicide by means of poison; It seemed to him that some of the doctrines and but he took an overdose, and lived. practices of the Church were not in agreement with what he found in the Scriptures. He drew up In prison, Reis came across an ex-army officer a list of these points, which he sought to put forwho had a Bible and read it. Reis borrowed this ward in the class but the teacher refused. A .Bible with a view to proving its worthlessness and priest was sent to enlighten him, which he failed absurdity. Instead, the Book aroused his interest to do, so Carvalho applied to me. He placed beand he made a careful study of it. He sought fore me his list of perplexities, which, with God's help from a distinguished priest of the Roman help, I was able to solve to his satisfaction. Two Catholic Church, and felt impelled to make con- of the points raised were concerning auricular fession of his crimes, first to this priest, then to confession and sacerdotal absolution. his wife and lastly in open court, to the.astonishment of everybody throughout the country. He Alves Reis and Carvalho provide two instances took full blame to himself and exonerated all of men enlightened by the unassisted reading of those he had been accusing. the Scriptures.
Reading Reis' confession in the papers, an old In Lisbon, stimulated by what was taking place schoolmate, grandson of the lady whose tract dis- among the men, interest was aroused on behalf tribution in the Military Hospital had led indi- of the women. An opportunity came to obtain. rectly to the commencement of our prison work, entry to the Monicas prison when I was asked to felt impelled to send him some of Mr. Howes' visit a young woman convict, a Communist of tracts. Russian extraction. I was told later by the lady superintendent, now my friend, that I was within For six years Reis has been "growing in grace an ace of being arrested as suspect when, a and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour stranger and a foreigner, I sought permission to Jesus Christ." A visit to him is usually a spir- visit this girl ! itual tonic for he has a wonderfu.l grasp of Scriptural Christianity. Not a few have learned to go The Monicas is not a gloomy prison. A oneto him for prayerful counsel. time convent, cloistered and built around a spa- cious courtyard, it is sunlit and airy, whitewashed Reis' conversion was later followed by that of throughout, spotlessly clean and orderly. It achis wife, who, in contrast to the life of luxury she commodates all the long-term female convicts of led in the days of her husband's ephemeral pros- the country and a considerable number of shorlperity, is having a hard struggle to make ends term women from Lisbon and its environs, bemeet for herself and their three boys. When Reis tween 220 and 250 in all. Three years ago I obrepented and confessed, he was received into the tained permission to hold weekly services and now Roman Catholic Church and influential religious the average attendance at our meetings is bepeople befriended him and his family. When, tween thirty and forty. Many a dark, sin-stained later, he was impelled by his conscience enlight- face lights up when listening to the message of ened by the Scriptures to sever his connection salvatron. We see to it that all who can read with that church, his boys were turned out of the possess a Testament or a Gospel; but, unforparochial school. He has received visits from the tunately, the majority are illiterate. Some well- Cardinal-Patriarch, the highest church dignitary educated women attend our meetings, among them in Portugal, and other ecclesiastics, downwards, a young graduate of Oporto University, convicted offering him material advantages. of being implicated in a murder. She was then an avowed atheist and up in arms against all the One of Reis' dupes, Adriano Silva, manager of the Oporto branch of the bogus bank, nurtured a
PIONEERING IN TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS
world. She would listen to nothing we could say, she has been at liberty for some time without havbut in answer to prayer, little by little her bitter- ing repeated her former encounters with the ness was overcome; she began to attend the meet- police. ings and finally she was converted. She now says, "I deserve all the suffering I have brought on my- Last Christmas, through the kindness of the self; but I know God has pardoned my sins." Director General of Prisons, we were permitted She witnesses to this by her changed life, seeking to give a lantern slide lecture on the life of Christ, to honor and serve her Saviour among her prison at whi,ch all the convicts were present. What a joy companions. She says, "When I am free, I shall it was to have this opportunity to tell of the become a missionary," reckoning little on the love of God to so many sin-stained, burdened twenty-four long years in jail stilI ahead of her hearts. They paid rapt attention and evinced unless her sentence should be in part remitted. much gratitude.
Another interesting case is that of a woman of When prisoners leave the jail, those who wish good family and social standing, whose outrageous it are given the address of the Evangelical church behavior has landed her time and again in jail. or mission hall nearest their home. We do not She was the terror alike of wardressesand fellow seek to persuade them to adopt a new religion, convicts, but by degrees the Word of God pierced but aim at leading them to God by means of His her heart as she read the New Testament and Word and into "newness of life." listened to the Gospel. A great change in her life was observed by all in contact with her, and now Will you remember in prayer the work in the prisons of Portugal (2 Cor. 1, 11), thus partici- pating in it and in the resultant rejoicing.
Pioneering in Tennessee Mountains C OMFORTABLY settled in districts that of- companion and a young man and his wife as help- fer every advantage of material civilization, ers, are stationed at Smyrna, near Byrdstown, many of us are prone to forget the multi- Tennessee. It is forty miles from a railroad. tude of things that others must go without, things There are no graduate doctors or trained preachthat we count as essentials to health and effective ers in this district. One of the preachers is a service. We are so accustomed to electricity farmer and the other works in a mill-each of and gas, to well-heated houses and an abundance them scarcely able to read. For a funeral they of pure water that we sometimes forget the en- send to Kentucky for a minister to preach the tire lack of such facilities in arctic mission sta- sermon. tions like Barrow, Alaska, in the jungles of Africa or the outposts of China. Accustomed as Miss Stewart lives in a little four-room shack we are to letter carriers, and rapid transportation, -half of logs and half of boards. In very cold to doctors and hospitals, to shops and filling sta- weather the little wood-burning cookstove cannot tions, we are prone to forget those who have mail heat the kitchen. "One day," she writes, "with and produce delivered once a year, and who may our table pushed within one foot of the stove, the be weeks or more from the nearest trained doc- milk in the pitcher froze, and when coffee was tor. But it is to such outpost stations that many left for a few minutes in the cups it froze solid." missionaries go to carry the Gospel of Christ. At night the two workers took turns keeping the They go gladly and voice no complaints because wood fire going to keep from freezing. Describof hardships. It is well for us to become ac- ing the mountain district, Miss Stewart says: quainted with the life of these courageous pioneers, and to share with them some of our trans- "Our work centers about Lovelady, Smyrna and portable privileges. Fairview – all on rural routes from Byrdstown which, by the way, is the smallest county seat in One of the many stations that it would be in- the United States. At the end of five weeks in teresting to visit is on a high windswept plateau this community we had five flourishing organizain the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee tions, and two more groups are begging for atwhither has gone a refined and educated gray- tention; and Fairview wants a Sunday school. haired woman as an ambassador of Christ. She The work of Elizabeth, my helper, has been chose the place because of its need and lovingly greatly blessed. She has the young people's orministers to the people with the skill and energy ganizations at Smyrna and Lovelady, in every that would put to shame many a strong man. session of each she makes plain the way of sal- Miss Anna Belle Stewart, with a young woman vation and gives opportunity for decisions for Christ. Several who have never attended any
religious meetings before have become much in- them to worship-nothing to make Sunday differterested in spiritual things and have asked for ent from any other day. When the people are so prayer and promised to pray for themselves. The anxious to have a Christian leader the work should Sunday school superintendent at Lovelady said go well from the first. It is a wonderful field for the young people would follow Elizabeth through service. There has been no Sunday school in this neighborhood nor in the adjoining communities. fire. There are difficulties and problems but unlimited opportunities for service and growth. "In a small scattered community in. zero weather she has a class of over 25 and a young Ohristmas in the Mountains people's group of over 30. There were three Christians when she first took them. There are "We came to the field so late last autumn, that now five and you can almost see them grow. things would not be in good shape for Christmas, Elizabeth has asked all five Christians to lead in but it has aU opened up wonderfully. The first prayer and four promised gladly while the fifth, Sunday we were here, two schools were organized a fine young lad, said, 'Holy smoke, I never have.' and plans were made for programs, drilling vol- But he will. They are doing a great many things unteers for crude attempts at portraying the that they have never done before! Every Wednes- Scripture story of Christmas. Their enthusiastic day night we have the Smyrna young people presentation of the sacred scenes was in sharp here and Thursday night we have the· Lovelady contrast to stately pageants but they caught the group at their schoolhouse. All the night meet- true meaning of Christmas. Little tots squealed ings are at six or half-past six, but people come as they recognized their elder brothers in wise at five o'clock. Twice we missed our meal, before men and shepherds. we learned! Last Saturday afternoon I turned over the junior organization at Smyrna to Eliza- "The village of Lovelady seems thrilled over beth so that I could take the corresponding group having a Sunday school, even wading the deep at Lovelady. The program in these four organ- snow in wholly inadequate foot gear, with babies izations include Bible study, chorus music instruc- snug in blankets and toddlers riding paternal tion, a social gathering and work for others. How shoulders. The little portable organ is a neverthey love it! ending delight to them, and how they do sing! For the first time in all our years of carrying "More than sixty years ago, a rough board Christmas joy by your gifts, the people of Lovechurch house was built, innocent of paint or any lady felt the urge to make immediate return. decoration. With a few planks missing and a Even before the Christmas eve distribution was hole burned in one side where a lamp once ex- complete, some of the householders had gone into ploded it still st~nds the joint property of several a huddle from which the bravest emerged to ask denominations which seem to have abandoned the shyly, 'Would you-all be insulted if we'd bring you church and tl).e people. Of late years this com- some presents? All we have to give is just 'taters munity has been sadly neglected. One old man and canned stuff and a little fresh meat.' Being said, 'Old Smyrnie was once a godly and reli- assured that their gifts were exactly what we needed, they went away to butcher hogs and apgious neighborhood. When we met together we pear early Christmas morning with a poor little talked of the goodness of the Lord and now we topless car loaded full of delectable food. are everyone back-slidden.' In sentences broken by sobs he told of his joy in having someone to "The Smyrna people did not wait until Christtalk to them of the Lord and to explain the Bible. mas. Ever since we came, generous offerings He left the first group meeting, praising God and have been appearing .with such regularity that declaring his determination to come back into a only a few staples, such as flour and sugar, have close walk with Him. As we visited from house had to be bought. Little gifts blossomed mysto house, opening the Word and praying for the teriously on the Christmas trees. One of the wise households and community, a number of the older men volunteered to tend fires. The wife of 'Jospeople wept, remembering former days and again eph' in the pageant came with meat and stayed renewed their allegiance to the Lord. The weeks for Christmas dinner. The family of the 'Christof work in that field were a real joy. The people mas angel' entertained us all with a crude little begged to have a worker sent in and their former battery radio and real refreshments. All day the church organization renewed. They asked for a neighbors kept dropping in 'to let us know that Sunday school and for something for their young we were among friends and to keep us from being people who are growing up with nothing to call homesick.' "
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN CCC CAMPS
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN 000 OAMPS One of the most effective ways that chaplains have found of reaching the hearts and consciences of the large number of workers in Civilian Conservation Corps camps has been through Pocket Testaments supplied by The American Bible Society, Pocket Testament League and other organizations.
It is discovered that many of these young men, though coming from public schools and living near churches, have never owned a Testament, nor have they had any religious instruction. Most of them show an eager readiness to receive these Testaments and by this means opportunities are offered to reach their families with the Gospel of Christ. From twenty-five states come testimonies as to the effectiveness of this work. The Testaments are of great value for Sunday schools and Bible classes in "Chapter-a-Day" Clubs, for personal devotions and as a guide to Christian faith and life, and for personal work in soul winning.
Some Testimonies of Ohaplains "We have used the Testaments in Sunday school especially in the infirmaries and hospitals." Ken- many times. On some occasions they were the only tucky. Christian literature we had. . . . It is not an unusual thing to go into a hut-building and find a group dis- "I have never seen one New Testament go out by cussing what they read or have read in the Testa- way of the waste basket. They are kept and they are ments or Gospels." Al(})bama. prized." Massachusetts.
"The boys are so eager for copies that they flock "One young enrollee has gone back to his native around me like a bunch of chickens around an old state to continue his studies looking toward the min- hen. My only regret is that I do not have enough istry, as the result of an interest aroused by a Bible for everyone. . . . They regard it as a high privilege class in his CCC Camp." Minnesota. to be the possessor of one of these New Testaments. Many of them have seen life at a different angle after "In one of the camps where I distributed about fifty they have studied these Testaments. Send us 1,200 Testaments a young man who had been wayward and more copies; they will have their influence upon the ungodly came to me privately and said that the Testayouth of America." Arkansas. ment I had given him had set him thinking, and that he wanted to join a church in the town near by." "We have regularly organized Bible discussion Ohio. groups in each camp. I never give a Testament unless men ask for it. . . . Many of the boys have "I have had CCC boys in my services who were never had any sort of Bible or part of one and they never in a religious service of any kind before. . . . have never been given the op,portunity to read one." This is the greatest opportunity to reach the un- Florida. reached, and to carry the printed Word to those still in darkness." Tennessee. "I have seen a general change in the atmosphere in the camps since distributing the Testaments." "I have been truly amazed to find boys who are so Georgia. hungry to read the Bible. I have seen as many as twelve boys resting at the lunch hour in the woods "As evidence of the enthusiasm and interest, a num-' 'on the job' reading the Testaments." Vermont. ber of readers have come to me with questions regarding the meaning of various passages." Illinois. "I have been on this duty for two years, in Cali- fornia and Washington, and it has been my happy "In one camp a Bible class meets regularly each privilege to personally place in the hands of mem- Sunday evening and the work of the class has done bers of our various companies several hundred Testamuch to heighten the morale of the entire camp." ments. I have never had sufficient numbers to supply Indiana. the demand. No one can possibly estimate the good accomplished." Idaho. "Out of approximately 2,100 boys in ten camps I have between five and six hundred signed up in 'Chap- "Eighty-three boys in one camp came to me at the ter-a-Day' clubs. In order to become a member, a car asking for Testaments." Michigan. signer must agree to read a chapter a day of whatever portion of the Bible is agreed upon. I shall endeavor "I would like to have Spanish Testaments for the to carryon this program. Without these Testaments Spanish-speaking men. They would read much more such a program would have been impossible." Iowa. if they could have the New Testament in their own language." New Mexico. "Many who are timid and afraid to take aNew Testament in front of the whole company will come "I've seen more than 12,000 boys in the past fourafter dark and ask for a copy. They really desire a teen months of service, and never have I seen anycopy and will use it." Kansas. thing more worth while in the way of soul-building and character-building. This is the greatest oppor- "In my evening visits to the barracks I often see tunity that the United States ever had in building for boys lying on their bunks reading the New Testament, future citizens." Oklahoma.
TherBe uatrethtehroeusiasnadsshoofrytaoguengofmTenesitnamcaemntpss,anodthcehratphlaanincs,crea,thfoerr than a lack of opportunity. which no chaplains are pro- vided. Why cannot these be served by ministers and laymen from neighboring churches and by ministers without charges? Good literature might also be supplied from the surplus in many homes. Write to the Federal Council of Churches (105 East 22d Street, New York) for information as to this work, which one layman, R. C. Tillinghast, calls "The greatest evan- gelistic opportunity the United States has ever had." I Effective Ways of Working 'rested Methods for Increasing Interest at Home EDITED BY MRI:l. ESTELLA S. AITCHISON, GRANVILLE, OHIO THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS of Joash is at your service to help The 13 tracts in the order in which MONEY you bring money again into the house they would be used were inserted in of the Lord. a loose-leaf notebook, one copy of It is the greatest partnership which was given to every teacher, in the world and the most profit- MINISTER: 0 most gracious king, pupil and home in the church. So the able but one which, like com- we accept your offer. Let the Chest entire school with the exception of mercial partnerships, suffers of J oash be brought in that it may re- the beginners' department: studied from fluctuations and depres- ceive the gifts of those who worship tithing for a quarter. sions. "The money question," here. like "the poor," we have always The result was that there ensued with us. As the time for set- (Trumpets sound at the rear of the largest number of tithers in the ting up the every member can- the sanctuary. Bearers of the chest, history of the church. Cards were vass in many denominations preceded by the trumpeters, bring it merely passed out and the member- draws near, we submit the fol- down the aisle and place it on the ship so inclined signed up voluntarily. lowing spiritualized plans for communion table while the organ The fol!owing month the church debt church use on a background of plays a march. The trumpeters pro- was paid off. Three months later a the long article on "Concerning ceed to the king and conduct him to building program was started using the Collection," pp. 363-4 in THE the chest, where he places his offering $5,000, three-fourths of which was REVIEW last July which gives and goes back again to his station. cleared off in one year. The tithing the undergirding principles of The minister follows the king, then instruction was then dropped for two the subject. Leaders in all de- the choir and the congregation pass years, after which the workers' conpartments of church life, inclu- the chest and deposit their offerings ference was again called to consider sive of the pastor, may profit therein. When all is completed, chest the tithe and it was decided to repeat from the plans sent in for our bearers, trumpeters and the king the teaching. It was to be used as a consideration. quietly withdraw. Costumes borrowed background for a drive in favor of a from a friendly lodge made this serv- new educational building. Another J oash Chest Service ice very effective.) supply of tithing tracts was ordered from which each teacher made his The Pastor's Journal tells of a A Great Adventure with selection and gave his instruction for simple pageant which proved of great the Tithe a month, thus avoiding the expense of value for balancing the budget in a making the loose-leaf notebooks. (The church of Linton, Indiana. After out- In The Christian Observer, drive, we take it, is yet in process.) lining the financial situation the pas- Rev. J. M. McKnight tells of his tor asked: surprise, when he started out to Every person who had tithed for study the tithe, in finding the past year was asked to write out "And now, my friends, what shall neither anyone book or Bible his experience in 50 words or less, the we do?" school quarterly teaching or ex- resulting material being mimeo- plaining it to the children. He graphed and sent through the mail to Trumpets immediately sounded at urges our lesson committee to every home of the church and Bible the door at the left of the pulpit and insert into the three-year cycle school. Four or five of the best testias the door opened King J oash was of lessons one whole quarterly monies were printed each week in the discovered at the entrance. on tithing so that at least once church bulletin. The experiences of in three years the important persons in the community whom the J OASH : I am J oash, the son of matter might be studied inten- membership had known for years Ahaziah, the king of Judah. In my sively. His (abbreviated) ac- proved vastly more impressive than reign, the temple of Jehovah needed count of his own experience is any from far-away places. The Layrepairs and we had not the money to as follows: men's Company has been asked to do it. When I heard your appeal, I select the best of the leaflets and comcame back among men to tell you how The only material to be found on bine them in a booklet or Bible school my subjects brought gold into the the subject was about 40 tracts and quarterly – which might be done if temple of the living God. three or four booklets put out by the more than one church agreed to use Laymen's Company, of Chicago, all of the material. MINISTER: Say on, a king. which he read and evaluated -as to its availability for pupils of the different How a Missionary Offering JOASH: Jehoiada, the priest, took a ages, selecting 13, which he asked the Was Doubled chest, bored a hole in its lid and put departmental superintendents to read it at the right side of the altar of the and pass an opinion upon as to their Mrs. C. F. W. Froelich tells in Lord. And those who came into the suitability for the different age The Sunday School Times of the house of the Lord to worship put groups. Then dropping out the reg- success of an experiment in therein their offering. And behold, a ular lessons for a whole quarter they faith: very great sum was brought in and proceeded to substitute their own matherewith we repaired the house of terial, making their own quarterlies. In the small Bible school with an the Lord. And now, behold the Chest enrolment of 50 and an average at- [256 ] tendance of 26, it had been the cus- tom to pay local expenses and send
EFFECTIVE W.NYS OF WORKING
anything left over to missions. But contributions of the total given a dinner at the close. A leader on rally day three years ago the su- for missions during the pre- was appointed for each division, perintendent produced a lighthouse ceding year. Thus "the status and each leader, in turn, selected and announced that henceforth all of a 'Forward Fund' church may five lieutenants. Every leader birthday pennies would be placed be reached at any time of the distributed the books and booktherein as a one-hundred percent of- year because a church will be so lets among the contestants, fering for missions. This objective listed in the first month that gathering up and redistributing was made a matter of prayer among sees its giving for the year rise teachers and children, but birthdays above the amount produced in the material each Wednesday were few and ages discouragingly far the 12 months ending April 30, and Saturday evenings and rebelow the Methusalean standard. So 1935." A "Forward Fund List at the first of the new year anyone of Individuals" is also published cording the score at the rate of willing to place an extra offering in in some sections. Any donor from five to 20 points per unit the lighthouse was invited to do so giving more than the amount according to the length of the and the heretofore impossible goal of contributed last year becomes a publications and the value of $25 a year was set. contributor to the Forward Fund. their contents. This was con- Each Sunday the superintendent tinued for four weeks and each held up the different coins and had The women are using a poster Sunday the complete score of the children count the offering for the in which a rainbow-colored road dav, the total being placed on the appears whenever the member- each division was posted on a blackboard so that all might see the ship of a church gives over-and- bulletin boa r d. Scriptural fund grow. Then as the offerings above offerings. On this poster teaching, experiences of tithers, were sent out to different individuals a quarter measures one inch, outlines of methods of proceor countries, corresponding "rays" which is taken as the unit of were drawn out from a blackboard progress on the Road to Tri- dure, etc., were exploited in the lighthouse and marked with the umph. "Multiplying this in reading matter. The dinner at amount and the names of the objec- linear measure we find a foot is the close furnished one of the tives. When the last Sunday of the $3.00, a yard $9.00, a rod $50.00, best social occasions of the year. year rolled around, the total year's a furlong $2,000.00, a quarteroffering was counted and amounted to mile $4,000.00, and a mile $16,- But better still, this intensive $51.25. The goal had been more than 000.00. Thirty-one and one- reading for four weeks gave the doubled! fourth miles will bring us to the people a wider outlook and deep- goal." Starting the following year with ened sense of obligation to the enlarged faith, the new goal of $75.00 But this financial goal is only Owner of all. The minister acwas set, with the result that the last secondary, the main objective centuated this by preaching a month of the 12 showed a total of being a spiritual advance. "The $103.35! And this in a church where Forward Fund is a banner, a strong· sermon on the duty of "most of the children are poor and guerdon carried in the van of a every individual to make an honthe depression has hit all of us." pageant whose line of march en- circles the world. . . . Even as est return to the Giver of life, Now the missionary program has men and women form a living ability, strength and possess;ons been extended to the homes. Small, wall along the route of the Big attractive brass lighthouses have been Parade, so Baptists of every -this as a climax to the study. secured and 25 have been given out race and clime are watching New pledges to become tithers already, some going to other Bible with eager interest for the Bapschools wishing to try the plan and tist host to appear." were signed by 115 of the conthe rest to homes of the congregation. gregation; and those 115, says The fund keeps growing month by Stewardship Reading Contest the writer, gave more to the supmonth and the adventure of faith goes on. A regular schedule of dis- Church Business* tells of a port of the church and its benevbursement has been agreed upon. strong and very successful plan olences than all the other mem- The sum received each month is de- used in Trinity M. E. church of bers together. So this method voted to that month's objective, con- Oswego, N. Y., in which infor- was strongly attested in action. cerning which the children have been mation proved the key to the informed through stories. Several pocketbook. A general commit- Another article in Church returned missionaries are called in to tee was appointed to arrange Business says that the basic speak in the course of the year. and supervise details for a con- test in which books on Steward- idea, as conceived by the First [Anyone desiring further information ship were selected and given out about the lighthouse plan may write Mrs. to all adults willing to join in a Christian church of Pampa, Froelich at 131 Homer St., Waterville, friendly contest, the congrega- Conn.] tion being divided into East and Texas, is to give the stewardship West, the losing side to furnish of money a very vital place in The Forward Fund • Duplex Envelope Co., Richmond, Va. the life of each member and This year the Northern Bap- Copyrighted. show that the financial support tists have instituted a movement of the church is not a necessary called The Forward Fund Proj- evil but a means of grace and blessing to the individual Chrisect which, in terms of money, is tian. This church uses the Uniintended to increase missionary fied Budget plan, making its sucreceipts by half a million dol- cess hinge upon adequate preplars in two years ending April 30, 1937. In its new terminol- aration for the annual canvass ogy, a "Candidate" church is by full publicity, etc., and havone making missionary' contributions in excess of the amount ing a careful follow-up program paid d uri n g corresponding all through the year. The minmonths in 1934-35; a "Forward ister, faced by difficult financial Fund" church is one making conditions in the current ex- pense and building debts, bor-
rowed books from the Duplex ice, have young people distribute a meeting in the interests of library and settled upon "The small plain envelopes and pen- boys' work was held at which Sunday School and the Church cils-one to each family repre- the subjects for discussion Budget" (Arthur Flake) as the sented. In the course of the eve- were: one best suited to local condi- ning, a copy of the publication The debt we owe our boys and those tions. After much personal is held up and attention called of the community.
work on the minister's part, the to its contents inclusive of sub- Juvenile delinquency, its cause and finance committee recommended ject matter, features and illusthe plan therein outlined to the trations and a brief talk on the cure. official board who, in turn, sub- value of such a periodical is What are our churches doing for boys and what can we do? What about the Boy Scout organiza- mitted it to various groups and given. All willing to subscribe tion?
organizations in the church for are asked to raise their hands, Department 2 fostered a Fastudy. When the matter came then either enclose the price or thers' and Sons' banquet. to a vote in the congregation else agree to hand it in later, three months later, it was ap- writing names and addresses on Department 3 held a debate proved unanimously. In brief, the envelopes, which latter are on "Resolved, that Preparedness each group is asked to submit a collected by the magazine's club Leads to World Peace." tentative budget for its own manager. The plan is reported needs, on the basis of which bud- as working well. Select your Department 4 con d u c ted gets the finance committee own magazine, not forgetting "Ladies' Night". with the topic, builds a tentative Unified Bud- THE REVIEW, and get busy. "Home Ideals," considering the get. This is submitted to the place of the home in civilization; several groups and finally to the A Oommunity Brotherhood homes of yesterday versus those official board for study and criti- of today; the place of religion cism. With it goes a ballot af- The program of the 1935 plans in the home; what a child has a fording expression of opinion as of "The Drummond Community right to expect from his home. to (1) entire approval, (2) gen- Brotherhood," in Oklahoma, eral approval but revision on sent by Rev. H. D. Davies, fur- In September the brotherhood specified points and (3) disap- nishes a pattern which might discussed "Men's Share in the proval of the whole. The plan' well be used with profit all over Church Program" – in increasis working wonderfully,' only the map. Its declared purpose is ing church attendance, enlargfour dissenting ballots having as follows: ing the Church School, in the been received in 1935. program of evangelism and in 1. To organize the men of the financing the church program. The Duplex Reference Li- community in Christian fellowbrary, by the way, is free to all ship and service. In October the general topic users of the duplex envelope, the was "Thinking Missions"-reaonly expense being the payment 2. To promote among them sons for indifference to misof postage one way on books bor- the study of the Bible and sub- sions; why each member should rowed. The collection is of jects of a religious nature. be interested in m iss ion s ; standard books on every sub- money and the enterprise; can ject of interest to workers in 3. To enlist them in winning a church survive and not be church, Bible school and young men for Christ and the Church. missionary? people's societies, with new books being added all the time. 4. To stimulate interest in In November the theme was, A free catalogue will be sent on civic righteousness and encour- "Is the Cause of Temperance request. The subject of reli- age participation in interna- Lost?" – whether Prohibition gious education and exalting the tional and community better- was "done for"; the causes of idea of world friendship is made ment. the wet victory; whether Provery prominent. The Editor has hibition was a failure in action, looked through a partial list of The membership consists of and what the price of success the books and notes many names men over 16 years of age who against the liquor traffic must of the latest and best among accept the purpose of the organ- be. them. ization and have been received by a majority vote. In December came "The Chal- Magazines As a Spur to lenge of Hum a n Need"- Benevolences The meetings are not entirely whether the demand for benev- at set intervals but rather cap- olent activities is as great as in The Presbyterial Tribune rec- italize seasons, occasions and the past; whether the Church ommends a plan for boosting the probably available s pea k e r s should assume more or less re- SUbscription list to a good mis- throughout the year and are sponsibility for the conduct of sionary magazine whose read- successively in charge of the de- benevolent institutions; the ing would, in the natural course partments of endeavor, namely, evaluation of benevolent -insti- of (1) the Devotional Life; (2) tutions in the community, etc. Evangelism, Stewardship, Mis- sions; (3) Training; (4) Fel- A closing injunction on the lowship, Social Service, Commu- program read: of events, stimulate giving. At nity Betterment. Man, go to church every Sunday. some special church night serv- With Department 1 in charge, Start every week right. The Council of Women for Home Missions ANNE SEESHOLTZ, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, 105 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, NEW YORK SPRING SONG patient person in the Scrip- Paul continues with, "Where- fore, receive ye one another, Do only the young sing in the tures? even as Christ also received us." spring? What has patience to do with The "God of Patience" might well be the title of a modern pic- In "A Catch for Singing," by God and religion? One can hear ture of God made by the German Wilfred Wilson Gibson, we find almost instantly the reply of the reverse to be true, and the scoffers: "Too much-that's the artist, Barlach. The illustration reason for the old young man's here given is the last in a series singing should be evident to all trouble with this country-the depicting "The Wanderings of who meditated recently on the Christians are spineless!" But God" in the modern era. You Cross and the Resurrection of consider the ways of the truly Jesus. Several verses of Gib- patient. Verily, "they have their will recall how in the old Heson's poem are quoted to reveal reward – even eternal life" in brew anthem, God contemplated the faith of the "old young the midst of confusion caused by each day his creatures and "saw man" : nature and men. And for them, everything that He had made faith that the cherry trees are and behold it was very good"; Said the Old Young Man to the in flourish makes them servants Young Old Man: of men, hurrying about to help and how He rested on the sev- whom they may. At least, they enth day and hallowed it for "Both flower and fruit decay." Himself and his creatures. In Said the Young Old Man to the Old are found more useful in every- this modern conception we again day life than the idle scoffers. find God resting, at the conclu- Young Man: Paul, in a letter to Roman sion of a number of visits among "The cherry tree's in flourish!" friends, wrote, "Now the God of patience and of comfort grant his creatures. You may think Said the Old Young Man to the you to be of the same mind one that the picture shows great sor- Young Old Man: wit h another, according to row. He may be seen better as Christ Jesus: … " In a foot- the God of patience, or sted- "Alack and well-a-day! note, the reader is given the The world is growing grey, fastness. And flower and fruit decay. choice of the word "stedfast- No doubt God in his wander- Beware Old Man, beware Old Man ness" for the word "patience." For the end of life is nearing, ings today views children at And the grave yawns by the way. . . . "
Said the Young Old Man to the Old Young Man: "I'm a trifle hard of hearing; And can't catch a word you say … But the cherry tree's in flourish!"
The poem is in an old copybook made by a young person. The punctuation may not be according to the original, but the meaning of the verse was learned and that is enough!
THE PATIENT GOD AN ARTIST REPRESENTS "THE PATIENT GOD"
Have you ever taken an Eng- [259 ] lish Bible test and been asked to place quotations accurately? In what context do you find the expressions, "bring forth fruit with patience," "run with patience" ? Who said and under what circumstances, "Lord, have patience with me"? .Tell in fifty words so that a child understands the meaning of, "the patience of Job." Is Job the only play, and at the same time chil- one district in Brooklyn, the pas- their homes. Ten different dedren whose labor is exploited for tors presented the interdenom- nominations and 27 churches the comfort of adults who would inational missionary projects, united." express horror at child slaves in toward which the offerings are China but who constantly argue contributed each year. Individ- In Riverhead, New York, a for the "right of little ones to uals participated through the large map of the world was form habits of industry and radio. We learn that going to hung where all the congregation thrift." What does God th·nk offices in autos did not prevent could see it, while young women of Christians who say that they participation in the united told of observance of the World can do nothing about the con- prayer for social justice and Day of Prayer in 1935. tinuance of child labor in the world peace. U. S. A., while the parents of In a little town in souththe same children cannot find The program for the next western Texas of 150 inhabitwork to earn enough to furnish World Day of Prayer is being ants, 35 persons prayed for the family with bread and milk? prepared by Miss Mabel Shaw world peace. The superintend- of North Rhodesia, Africa. The ent of one of the Sunday schools Also, God in such a visit sent the offering of $1.59, with would find many "young old holiday need not interfere with a "blessing on the offering and men" grown cynical in the midst the observance, for as you real- on those for whom it is given." of earth's abundance, and too ize, the same program in many few of "the old young men" re- Danville, Iowa, sent with the membering the promises of languages is used in united missionary offering a sheet of spring and the Resurrection of service for almost forty hours' signatures to the People's Man- Life. In this modern conception date which begins, "We the peoof God one sees with compassion intercession encircling the earth. ple are determined to end war." the multitudes of men, women, It is now three weeks since the Other places signed the People's and children longing rightly for Day. Reports from observances Mandate following the services. happiness and peace, when their come daily to the Foreign Mis- Many groups report the first leaders, even statesmen, betray Union services. One such group them into war instead of using sions Conference offices and to had an all-day meeting even our God-given reason to secure our headquarters. The attend- "though it is hard to get folks all the people from flood and ance in the Greater New York out to prayer meetings." Thus famine, fire and desolation, de- area was nearly 10,000. prayers from Indian Schools, spair and death. from oil towns in the West and Within three weeks following Southwest, from student groups But, "The cherry tree's in February 28th, in the Council such as the Conference of the flourish !" office alone, 1,897 letters from Lutheran Student Association of groups-west and south as well the North Atlantic regions, from [The editor will welcome in- towns large and small, from interpretations of the picture from as nearer New York were re- dividuals and groups who parreaders to report later in the ceived. The free-will offerings ticipated in the radio services, .Bulletin.] in the 1,897 letters were for the from tens of thousands rose in home and foreign mission enter- mighty intercession prayer that WORLD DAY OF PRAYER God would overrule the blind- prises carried interdenomina- ness and stupid ways of men The next World Day of tionally, and totaled more than and bring nearer the Kingdom Prayer for missions, always the $14,000. One village held its of heaven on earth. first Friday in Lent, occurs in the U. S. A. on Lincoln's Birth- first union services, and in send- "A PREFACE TO RACIAL day, February 12, 1937. It may ing the offering of twenty-five be that the holiday will make UNDERSTANDING" possible the participation of the cents (six cents to each of the whole family. In Coffeeville, mission projects) wrote "we did The new home mission study Mississippi, this yea r, "the text for adults carries the title, stores of the town were closed the best we could and it was "A Preface to Racial Underfor the hour of service, so that worth while." The offerings standing." The word "preface" the merchants and employees indicates that the main responsicould attend." from the metropolitan areas, in- bility rests with the church to cluding cities like Detroit and bring about better understand- In places like Pittsburgh and Cleveland were well over a hun- ing. A selected reading list on Schenectady, the Council of dred dollars. Many places send- the Negro in America may be Churches was ready to carry re- ing offerings on the World Day secured from our office (5 sponsibility for the services, cents). Also for ten' cents planning for participation of of Prayer for others, are now (stamps acceptable) the New men and women, young people, in the troubled flood areas. We York Public Library Circulation and children in several union pray that relief for them may office, 42d Street and Fifth Ave., services. Many reports tell of be speedy and adequate. Thus, New York City, issues "A the presence of the pastors of the ways of "charity" bind us Selected Bibliography on the the cooperating churches. In all together. Negro."
The reports as they cQme in are very helpful and show vital strength of the missionary spirit in our country. Excerpts from reports follow: Macon, Georgia, reported "over 200 present even though at least 70 % of our mis- sionary women had illness in
~' Our World–wide
I A Missionary Newspaper of Current Events ~, EDITED BY MRS. HENRIETTA H. FERGUSON, XENIA, OHIO NORTH AMERICA committee will attempt to for- present set-up in mission work mulate one which will have a is too expensive." New Church Federations constructive connotation. To meet these conditions he Dr. Rey B. Guild announces The committee consists of Dr. advocated the almost exclusive four new church federations George L. Kieffer, statistical sec- use of unmarried missionaries, which have recently been organ- retary of the National Lutheran a more itinerant missionary ized in various parts of the Council, Dr. William Lamp~, force, the fuller identification of country: The Colorado Council Philadelphia, of the Reformed the missionary with native life, of Churches, organized Feb- Church in America, and the Rev. less elaborate station equipment ruary 21 with the Rev. Harold Herbert Rugg, Director of Pub- except in strategic centers, and M. Gilmore as Executive Sec- licity for the Congregational the quicker and less hampered retary. The Jackson (Mich- and Christian Churches of development of native leaderigan) Council of Churches with America. ship in the Church and its man- Mr. C. H. Johnson as Executive agement. "What is wanting in Secretary. The Bay County Lutheran Foreign Missions the missionary enterprise is not Federation of Churches, Bay new machinery, or methods. City, Mich. The North Carolina Eighteen foreign missio""aries Foremost is the necessity for a Council of Churches, formed by from all parts of the world were fresh outburst of spiritual life ten denominational bodies and a present at the Lutheran Foreig'l in the Church." group of Baptist churches, hav- Missions Conference of North ing a total membership of America in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gideon Bibles 1,500,000. March 24 and 25. A committee was appointed to petition Con- Recently, at the suggestion of Religion for New Communities gress to enact legislation en- an atheistic society, the Gideon abling a missionary who is a Bibles were removed from a Prevention of spiritual desti- citizen of the United States to 600-room hotel. The first night tution in new communities now continue his missionary service there were 200 inquiries as to being developed by the United in a country at war, if he so de- where the Bibles had gone, so States Government is urged by sires, and relieving his govern- the management placed them in the Home Missions Council and ment of all responsibility on hiS the rooms again. the Council of Women for Home behalf. This would answer the Missions, representing more criticism that foreign mission- It is interesting to note that than twenty Protestant denom- aries are a liability to the gov- in 1934 several thousand Gideon inations. Interdenominational ernment and that "gunboats Bibles were stolen from hotel cooperation along the line of the must be used to protect ambas- rooms, or shall we say borreligious work now being jointly sadors of the Prince of Peace." rowed? -Religious Digest. done by seven national churches at Boulder Dam was asked for. Further study is to be made New York's New Chinatown Grand Coulee Dam in Washing- of the possibilities for a joint Center ton state and Bonneville Dam in Lutheran missionary magazine. Oregon were also ment:oned. Next year's convention will A new Christian center was probably be held at Detroit, dedicated in the heart of New -Presbyterian Banner. Michigan. York's Chinatown on March 10. Hundreds of guests crowded the New Term for "Denomination" The Rev. M. J. Stolee, of St. five floors of this recently com- Paul, discussing the subject, pleted building to hear distin- The National Religious Pub-. "What Factors in Modern Mis- guished speakers. Many leaders licity Council, at its annual sions Require a Changed Em- of various Chinese groups were meeting, appointed a committee phasis?" declared, "We are not present, including Hon. Tsuneto recommend a better term for getting results commensurate chi Yu, Chinese Consul General general use than the word "de- with the machinery and man- of New York; Mr. Hin Tse Wu, nomination." Use of that term power we have." The disquiet- United States representative of (though it means only "a ing fact is that the population Confucians, and Mr. Paul T. name") was declared to be ob- in non-Christian lands is in- Linn, of the Chinese Benevolent jectionable on the ground that creasing faster than those who Association. it is a "divisive term." The turn to the Saviour. "The This community center will [261 ]
devote itself to problems pecul- are in college or seminary pre- ment schools. Several Catholic iar to Chinatown. It has a Sun- spokesmen have called the order day and weekday program of paring themselves to become "nothing but a political maeducation-religious and secular ministers to their own people. neuver." -with special courses in English for all ages, a kindergarten, All of the pastors of the colored Ministering to Neglected scout troops and young people's churches are college and semi- Indians organizations. nary graduates. The ministers in the Spanish – s pea kin g Physicians from the Hospital -The Christian Century. Latino – Americano in' Mexico churches are trained men. The spend each year five months in "New Americans" Plan first Eskimo to be ordained is the aggregate visiting the In- for Church now the stated supply at Wain- dian tribes in isolated sections. Some of these villages have no Korean Presbyterians of Los wright, in the Arctic Circle. doctor except the Wi5Ch doctor Angeles are making plans for a and medicine men. Medical supnew church home, to cost be- The Sheldon Jackson School at plies are carried in the saddle tween four and five thousand Sitka has sent its graduates into bags of the missionary doctors, dollars. They have about $2,500 every phase of Alaskan life until and upon their trips they are in hand, and pledges for the bal- today its graduates make up by usually accompanied by one or ance. This Christian group has more colporteur missionaries been holding church services in far the majority of the members who give out scripture portions. rented quarters for nearly 30 The s e traveling missionaries years, and their joy in the pros- of the Alaskan Brotherhood and undergo the hardships of piopect of having a building of 'the Alaskan Sisterhood. neers, riding horseback over their own knows no bounds. steep and rough mountain trails -Presbyterian Banner. in order to take the ministry of -Presbyterian Banner. healing for body and soul to a LATIN AMERICA neglected people. It is hoped Echoes of Marcus Whitman that nurses may be trained and Campaign in Cuba sent out to their own people. Walla WalIa, Washington, a city of 16,000 persons, is re- The Superintendent of South- -Watchman-Examiner. ported, according to police rec- ern Baptist mission work in ords, to have passed through Cuba reports that a province- Home Missions in Nicaragua 1935 without a traffic fatality, wide evangelistic campaign in murder or manslaughter case. Santa Clara Province has re- The Woman's Missionary So- sulted in 500 professions and the This is the town established revival fires are still burning. ciety of the Managua Baptist seventy-five years ago near the This Province, with a population place where Dr. Marcus Whit- of 1,000,000, has nineteen Bap- Church now numbers 100. Last man and his young wife built tist churches and sixteen mistheir log cabin and established a sion stations. There are thirty- year the membership was doumission among the Cayuse Indi- nine missionaries. The meetans on the Walla Walla River. ings were held in thriving cities, bled. The motto of the society Two years later they organized a ranging in population from church of seven members. Ten 8,000 to 60,000. is "Nicaragua for Christ." Bapyears later, in 1847, Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and others were -Watchman-Examiner. killed by treacherous and misguided Indians. Later the un- Churches Reopening in Mexico tists have established work in friendly tribes were defeated by government troops and peace nearly all sections of Nicaragua, was established. Walla Walla was founded as a town in 1859. The government of President the best developed evangelical and has now grown to a well ordered city of 16,000 inhabi- Cardenas has decided to permit work being in Managua. tants-and no lawbreakers. reopening of the many hundreds On the east coast the Mora- Churches Becoming Indigenous of churches closed early in 1935, vians have evangelized another Presbyterian work among ra- and once more the religion pro- narrow strip all along the Atcial groups in North America, including the West Indies, is fessed by more than 16,000,000 lantic Coast. Their work is in rapidly becoming indigenous. The church in Puerto Rico and of Mexico's 18,000,000 inhabi- English or among the native In- Cuba is directed entirely by nationals. Several young Indians tants has opportunity to be put dians in their own language.
in practice. Churches remain This leaves a wide strip through the property of the government. the center and several sections The order does not apply to in the north entirely untouched churches which have been taken by the Gospel.
over for use as schools, libraries Everywhere is felt the need or government offices. for trained native leadership.
It is said that one of the gov- The Managua Baptist Church ernment's motives pinedneci indigng to illustrates what may be accom- permit the reo of plished under proper leaders.
churches was the hope that the During three months the Mana- action would remove opposition gua Church received 21 new by Catholics to the official social- members by baptism, while 5 istic education program, and more have been accepted, and that Catholics would willingly the candidates' class has 20 en- send their children to govern- rolled. -Missions.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
Roman Catholic Growth followed by Italians and Poles. the country is 100 per cent pro- The many European nationali- Recently Dr. Web s t erE. ties create special problems, and fessing Christian. Since Green- Browning, regional secretary of in part account for the multipli- land belongs to Denmark, the the Committee on Cooperation cation of churches. Greenland Church is under the -World Survey Service. in Latin America, sent out a Bishop of Copenhagen. A proquestionnaire, asking impres- vost is stationed at Godthaab sions from a number of leading EUROPE and a vice-provost farther north. missionaries and national work- Seven Danish and fifteen Es- ers of the evangelical movement French Protestants Seek Unity kimo pastors are in charge of regarding the religious situation ten parishes in the west, two in in various republics. The first Negotiations for union be- the east and one at Cape York. question dealt with the growth tween the two leading Reformed The country is so large that the of influence of the Roman Cath- Churches in France are still in parishes are from 150 to 200 olic Church. The substance of progress. During recent years miles each way. Church attendreplies to this question is as fol- French Protestants have become ance is good, the people are lows: "There is general consent convinced that their divisions thrifty and happy, they are litto the statement that the dom- are a cause of weakness, and erate, and have schools, includinant church is, at present, en- that they keep souls in search ing normal school and seminary, joying what may be called a re- of truth a way from the Sunday schools and young peovival of influence and power. churches, paralyzing efforts at ple's societies. Religion is evangelization and wasting re- taught in the public schools be- There is, it is stated, an in- sources. They have come to see -Fattig og Rik. creased attendance on its serv- sides.
ices; there are street proces- that their doctrinal divergences sions in cities which formerly are not as great as might ap- Sweden's Religious Bodies pear, so that the two churches forbade them; its schools report Religious statistics for Swea heavier enrolment, especially can adhere to the three evan- den have been compiled from gelical positions stated at the various sources and are, aptheological seminaries in which Lausanne Conference. During proximately: Adventists, 2,500 ; young men of the country are the negotiations of r e c e n t Salvation Army, 20,500; Swedregistering in greater numbers; months an attempt has been an air of greater confidence pre- made to find a declaration of ish Salvation Army, 2,000; faith which will affirm the Missionary Association of Orevails and more modern methods bro, 1,525; Baptists, 68,151 ; are being used in propaganda, eternal truths of the Gospel and Independent Baptists, 5,000 ; the permanent principles of the such as broadcasting and more Roman Catholics, 4,100; Swedeffective advertising in the Reformation, and which will ish Church (Lutheran), 5,830,- press; and by means of specially constitute a common basis for 000; Swedish Missionary Fedprepared books and other litera- thought and action. The prin- eration, 200,000; Jews, 10,000; ture." ciples on which the mixed com- Methodist Episcopal, 30,000 ; mittee, charged with preparing -The Christian Century.
Some Problems in Argentina this basis, is proceeding are the Orthodox Greeks, 349; Pente- costists, 55,000; the Lutheran Methodist work in Argentina following: common obedience to Church of Sweden has 2,741 owes its origin to Rev. J. Demp- the authority of the Word of pastors at work. God, common profession of the ster, who arrived in Buenos Christian faith and common fi- Heroism Brings Revival Aires in 1836, and his initiative delity to the true mission of the has resulted in a Methodist com- Church. A recent compilation reveals that of 83 pastors still remainmunity of some 6,000. The total -World Survey Service. ing within the boundaries of evangelical community of Ar- Soviet Russia, 47 have been suf- gentina is 193,000. In Greenland The work of evangelization in Hans Egede, the Apostle to fering for years in concentrathis field is somewhat paralyzed, Greenland, was born on January tion camps, on the White Sea or especially as regards that car- 31st, 250 years ago. Greenland in Siberia. Two were recently ried on by national workers. is one of the successful mission condemned to death; others Quite often foreigners without enterprises of the Lutheran have been forced to stop their the language requirement have church. Every year, on All- work. Probably less t han the necessary funds to carryon Saints' Day, every congregation twenty Evangelical pastors are intensive work, but good native in Greenland celebrates the still at work in Russia out of the preachers are limited to work- memory of Hans Egede and at 300 who formerly preached the ing among small congregations Godthaab, there is a fine granite Gospel there. The same writer which cannot support them, or monument erected in his honor. relates how two Christian colgive them scope for advance. It is reported that on Pentecost porteurs were preaching the Immigration t 0 Argentina Day, May 20, 1934, at Cape Gospel in a village. One crum- continues. Last year Spaniards York, the last heathen in the pled up suddenly, struck by a claimed the largest increase, whole land was baptized, so that bullet. His comrade, instead of
fleeing, took the Bible from the or been deeply interested in the Lutherans Start Mission Gospel message, is marked with in Nigeria martyred man, and continued a star in the hospital records. There are recorded between 300 The Lutheran Missouri Synod, preaching to the frightened lis- and 400 "star" cases, names of one of the largest Lutheran former patients, with whom spe- bodies in America, with a memteners. His heroism made such cially to keep in touch in their bership of 1,460,052 in the villages. Middle West, will inaugurate its a profound impression that a re- first missionary work in Africa -Edinburgh M. M. S. when Prof. Henry Nau and vival broke out in the village Quarterly. Mrs. Nau arrive in Nigeria. The synod has been carrying on which extended beyond its bor- Haile Selassie and Missions extensive missionary activities in Asia, Australia, Iceland and ders. -Alliance Weekly. This emperor, whose name North and South America for means "Hero of the Trinity," is more than seventy-five years. Religion in Russia eagerly devoted to the further- ance of his people and is per- Early last year, Dr. Nau, in Observers notice an intensive sonally concerned that the Gos- company with two others from turning of people in Russia to- pel should have free course in the synod, sailed to Africa to ward religion. Cases are cited the country. The Amharic peo- survey the field in response to a where factory workers have vol- ple have been Christians for petition from Nigeria asking the untarily collected money for a 1,600 years; but much of their Synodical Conference of Lunew church building; many religion is set in rigid forms, theran Synods to begin mission were imprisoned for this. New especially on account of the long work there. During his stay, churches have been built in in- isolation of the country. Dr. Nau completed the transladustrial districts, some of the tion of Martin Luther's cateparticipants actually being com- While Haile Selassie is a chism and a number of standard munists. faithful son of his own Coptic church hymns into the native or Abyssinian church, he is dialect of the people, and when The Russian Missionary So- eager to open it to Evangelical he returned, in June, reported ciety reports that the excom- influences. He has been favor- bright prospects for mission missioner of education in the able to all missions. The Basel work in Nigeria. Soviet has confessed that mem- Mission looks back upon a cenbership in the communist party tury's participation in the work Revival Begins with has increased only a million in inasmuch as the first mission- Missionaries ten years, whereas the Stundists aries were trained in Basel, (the equivalent of vital Chris- among them the great Samuel W. J. Anderson, Jr., American tianity) has increased six mil- Gobat. The Amharic Bible was Presbyterian missionary at Lulion in the same period, in the printed at St. Crishona, near bondai in the Congo, writes that face of all the opposition of Basel. spiritual blessing began when Soviet propaganda. the missionaries, burdened by The emperor is a zealous sup- the need for a fresh outpouring AFRIOA porter of the work of spreading of the Spirit, set apart a week the Bible in the new vernacular to humble themselves before Preaching by Works translation and he took part per- God, determined that if any- sonally in the dedication of the thing in their lives was block- When the Egypt General Mis- beautiful building of the British ing progress it should be done sion commenced work in 1898, and Foreign Bible Society in away with. "God revealed a it was with no idea of winning Addis Ababa. He himself pub- number of things; they were the people except by direct lishes Biblical books in two ver- made right. When this was preaching of the Gospel. As the sions, the old sacred translation done and we held back nothing, work developed in the villages, which is no longer understood but surrendered all to Him, then some of the young missionaries, by the people and the modern God's blessing came. Peace, joy, handicapped by their lack of the which they can read. He ex- fellowship, power, such as we language, felt constrained to plains all this work in a preface had never experienced before. preach by "deeds, not words" till with his own portrait. He sends We witnessed to the leaders such time as they mastered out loads of these Bibles on among the natives, then to the Arabic, so they began by carry- mule-back to his leaders for the evangelists. Much confession of ing bottles of eyedrops with purpose of distributing them sin followed! them, to relieve suffering and among their people. show forth something of the "It spread to the workmen, to love and compassion of Christ. He also sets a good example to near-by villages. All hours of Later, this eye work developed his people in the matter of the day and night the people until an amateur dispensary was church attendance, being at his came, under great conviction of opened in the Delta. place every Sunday in the sin, wanting to get right with Church of St. George in the cap- God. The transformed evan- As patients return to their vil- ital. lages they are followed up by a system which has been carefully developed during the last few years. The name of each patient who has been found. to have accepted Christ as Saviour,
1936J OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
gelists went back to their vil- the Cape country are gradually Immigrants from Germany lages, witnessed and preached combining in a larger union. include a large proportion of as never before in their lives. This means that now actual mis- And what were the results? sionary work is over in this part professional men, also leaders People began seeking the Lord of Africa. in the world's thought. by the score and then by the hundred. Villages that, a couple In 1842, the first Rhenish mis- Affiliation of Colleges of years ago were most offensive sionaries came to the Hottentots to visiting missionaries, and in Namaland in Southwest International ColI e g e at most antagonistic to the Gospel, Africa. Two years later the have since been begging us to first station was planted among Smyrna, Turkey, will affiliate establish work in their midst." the Hereros. Then was added work among the Ba'stards and with the American University -Congo Mission News. the black slaves in the land of the Hill Damas. For 50 years of Beirut, Syria. Negotiations Revival at Bolobo the work here was hindered in many ways, most of all by the for the sale of the campus and Compromise is expressed by great rebellion in 1904 and then Congo church members as the World War. The many in- buildings at Smyrna to the gov- "using their two legs to travel terruptions broke up the tribal two different roads." A recent coherence which caused great ernment are under way. The revival resulted in pro t est language divisions and finally against this, and a low level of led to relinquishing the work in new plans, of which details and spiritual life in general. Young Amboland. From 1929 to 1933, men were fired with zeal to the whole area suffered from re- legal adjustments are still to be carry the Good News into the current droughts~ The greatest hinterland, and preaching difficulty lies in the fact that the worked out, will be provisional "classes" wen t everywhere. land is thinly populated; but of Fetishes were exposed and dis- its 90,000 inhabitants 56,000 for five years, and contemplate carded, and many pagans gath- have now been gathered in the ,ered into the Church. Special congregations of this mission. no further capital investment in pamphlets, extra Bible classes .and prayer meetings had to be The mission is having a won- grounds and buildings, and the planned. New prayer houses derful increase in its work for were built, all by native initia- the last two years. It amounts cooperating boards will each tive, and reg u I a r morning almost to a mass movement. prayers are held in the villages The special object of its care is maintain identity and control of of Bolobo, where formerly the the mission among the Bushefforts of missionaries to orig- men. These people from South funds. -Advance. inate such prayers went on for Africa are coming by the thoua while, then died out. sands begging for reception into A Consecrated Christian the Christian Church. One of the most remarkable The Syria News Quarterly reresults of the revival is the spon- WESTERN ASIA taneous desire of the people to counts the story of a consecrated reshape the community's life Type of Jews in Palestine Christian worker named J alaI, nearer their heart's desire. The whose experiences paralleled .amount of palm wine or sugar- Immigration of Jews to Pales- those of Paul. Armed with cane beer brought in for sale to tine in 1934 exceeded 42,000, ac- Bibles, books and pamphlets Bolobo market suffered imme- cording to the Jewish Mission- specially written for Moslems, diate curtailment; in short, a ary Intelligence. In 1922, they he had set out in November on new standard has been set for were 11 per cent as compared to a missionary tour to include the Christian living. 78 per cent Moslems; in 1931, more benighted and sin-scarred nearly 17 per cent as against 73 of the villages in the northern -World Survey Service. per cent Moslems and 9 per cent part of Syria. He got on very Christians. The type of the well until the police interfered. The Rhenish- Mission Jewish population has definitely Finding that he had no local per- changed. Time was when Pales- mit to sell books they summarily This mission opened in 1828 tinian Jews were orthodox, poor took him to the police station. when its first four missionaries in substance, not well educated. There he was requested in no landed in Capetown and began Today, they are self-reliant and polite terms to leave the town. work among the colored popula- pride themselves on being self- J alaI insisted mildly that he was tion. Since then 20,000 Chris- supporting and independent, not a transgressor, and repaired tians are gathered in 10 congre- and their nationalistic aspira- to the French Secretary of the gations. In 1840 this mission tions find little use for religious Interior to obtain a license. In also took over the work of the observances. his office were a young Syrian London Missionary Society. interpreter, a Syrian lady ste- Since 1933, the congregations of nographer, a number of men and a Moslem woman heavily veiled. In true oriental fashion this group constituted itself a jury in his case. When they had heard all, they gathered about asking him questions, and sev- eral were moved to open their hearts to him and to ask his ad- vice in the solution of their own difficulties.
As for the French secretary, he was so interested in Jalal's tale of his conversion from Is-
lam and his occupation in INDIA This mysterious Bible was spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that he immediately be- Revival Fires printed on the presses of the came a warm friend and advo- Basel Mission in Mangalur in cate, and lost no time in supply- Methodist Christians in India 1865 and has attained to such a ing the permit. write hopefully of signs of degree of veneration that for awakening in their districts. decades it has been preserved in Premium on Unveiling Dr. J. R. Chitambar, of Jubbul- a Hindu temple and is wor- pore, says: "Many Christians shipped as divine by these non- Iran has taken a daring step. are experiencing a new filling Christian people. Two Swiss Under order of the American- with the Holy Spirit and deep missionaries, Pastor Noverraz trained Minister of Education, spiritual power is noticeable in and Miss Dr. Petitpierre have boys and girls of seven and meetings . in various places. been permitted to see it. They under will attend school to- Lives are touched and changed." tell the following story. gether. The age limit will be Rev. O. M. Auner writes of a raised annually until it reaches revival in Khandwa that "noth- About sixty years ago there sixteen, the age at which girls ing like it has been seen in India may marry under the new law. before." The same kind of re- was in Mustigiri, near the mis- The new law sets the marriage port comes from Shabjahanpur sion station of Guledgudd, a age of men at eighteen. School district: "Things are on fire priest, Kalappa, serving the· girls and their teachers now go from God in Parahpur, Karswa temple of the goddess Durgavva. to their classes unveiled, and to and Ranjitpur." After various further encourage unveiling, conferences, workers have gone He was so receptive to the Gosgovernment offices are offering back to their fields with new pel that one of the Swiss mispositions to girls who have put power and deeper Christian ex- sionaries presented him with the aside their veils. perience. Bible.
-Alliance Weekly. In the Lushai Hills Then a fanatical swami, fear- ing the holy book of the Chris- Experiences in Arabia A generation ago two pio- tians might prove detrimental and cause secessions from Hin- Dr. Harold Storm, of the neers, F. W. Savidge and J. H. duism, got possession of it and American Reformed Church nailed it shut with a big nail. Mission in Muscat, who is tour- Lorrain, were sent by a wealthy ing the coast of Arabia, was Before he died, he uttered the warned not to enter the Mahara Christian of Leeds, England, to prophecy, that when the hole country of southeastern Arabia. Other foreigners have nearly open a mission among head- caused by the nail would close lost their lives at the hands of up again, he would himself rethe Mahara. Being delayed by hunters of the North Lushai turn from the dead. This prophbad weather, Dr. Storm walked ecy was believed by the people nearly twenty miles to Quishu, Hills, in the area between India the capital where he met the and so it came that the old book Sultan of Mahara and received and Burma, near the Assam came to be superstitiously venan invitation to stay with him erated. or to return for another visit. border. In four years they mas- Last year, Missionary Schuler, The Mahara people are made tered the unwritten language, also of the Basel Mission, sucup of a confederation of small ceeded in being permitted to see tribes numbering about 50,000, reduced it to writing, translated the Bible and the priest who is speaking their own language and maintaining almost com- two Gospels and the Book of the its custodian. The latter had the plete independence. Dr. Storm book carefully wrapped in red was delayed in carrying out his Acts, wrote hymns, a catechism, plans in reaching Dhufar, but silk, locked up in a casket, found that this delay was a pro- a primer, a grammar, and a dic- which he brought out and placed vision of God since one of his on a stand. On the wrapper hospital boys, who had gone in tionary of 7,000 words. When there were leaves of a sacred advance to prepare the way, had tree that were still fresh and been able to treat the Sultan of their work was well started they also some grains of rice, all of Muscat successfully of eye trouble. As a result a warm wel- handed it over to the Welsh Cal- which showed that the Bible recome awaited Dr. Storm and the ceived daily worship. It was a best house in Salala was put at vinistic Methodists. Today, as solemn moment of the utmost his disposal. quiet, until the relic was un- a result of their work, there are wrapped. The binding is loose and the worse for wear on ac- in these southern hills 6,000 count of the ravages of the white ants. In the center of one church members in full stand- board of the binding there is a small hole, diminishing as far ing, with a Christian community as the book of Leviticus. Many leaves are loose and worn. The of 16,000 and 9,500 Sunday priest had smeared his forehead with red paint and on it were school scholars. The native staff pasted grains of rice. He said consists of 11 traveling superin- tendents and 117 honorary vil- lage pastors. The whole New Testament has been published in Lushai. -So S. Times.
The Nailed-Up Bible This title sounds almost as if it were taken from a story book. It is so very characteristic of Hindu mentality that it deserves to be told further.
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK
he did not read the book and so On Sunday, December 8, a preparation for another. There the missionary offered him an- Christian procession of wit- is a married lepers' village, other Bible for a present, the nesses was organized. About where about 100 people make priest promising to read it him- 260 people met at the Christian their homes. The arrangement self and also to read it to the high school and mar c h e d seems to be quite satisfactory. visitors at the temple. through the streets, with ban- The outstanding event of the ners flying and texts displayed, year in the colony was the sep- What Humble Folk Can Do halting at various points to sing aration from the mother church. and witness. By the time the Their new status as a separate In the Telugu country mis- procession had returned to its church was celebrated with ap- sionaries were moved to see what starting place, the number had propriate services and cere- poor, uneducated people can do grown to over 400. The route monies. They now have their in the way of evangelism. They was about two and a half miles own budget, support their own cannot make long speches. They long, and very dusty which made pastor, and give generously to cannot argue and engage in con- singing difficult. Christian pro- evangelistic work. For the past troversy as St. Paul did in cessions are rare, but this one few months they have had entire Athens, but they can tell others met with encouraging· success. charge of their own services what Christ has done for them, with no help from the mother sell Gospels and exemplify the -C. M. S. Outlook. church. They also have a reg- love of Christ in their own lives. ular schedule of study classes, Finding Title for God and a number are well versed in From a report of an evan- the Scriptures. The medical gelistic campaign of Anglican, Agents of the Bible Society treatment has been varied dur- Methodist and Congregational from Calcutta and Rangoon, ing the year by the addition of Churches in 1934, we find the missionary representatives of two new remedies, which gave following: the Bible Churchmen's Mission- them new interest in their treat- ary Society and other organiza- ment, though no specific cures In one village illiterate Chris- tions at work in that area met are reported.-Siam Outlook. tian women were trained to sing in February to discuss a suitable hymns and learn lessons by title for God in the Khumi and CHINA heart so as to repeat them in kindred dialects. The Khumis the village bazaar before caste are a Chin tribe, with several Communist Opinion of employers, and with good effect. branches; of the forty-five Chin Missionary tribes, forming a total popula- Christian children took their tion of only about 350,000, less What Chinese communists part in the campaign: they than a dozen can at present hear think of missionaries appears in would go with banners in pro- the Gospel in their own lan- the trial of Messrs. A. Hayman cession through the caste quar- guage. The difficulty which this and R. Bosshardt, the members ters and sing hymns. mission is facing among the of the China Inland Mission Khumis in Burma is one which who were captured as spies at Small children would stand up has been met in many parts of Kiuchow, their station, on Oc- in the village street and repeat the world and illustrates the tober 2, 1934. Both were scripture verses or a Gospel care which is necessary in the charged with having been sent story, and then say a little selection of proper terms in any to China "under imperialistic prayer. language, if the Christian doc- principles, to delude with – the trine of God is to be satisfac- teachings of Jesus the docile In one village Christians of torily understood. Christians people," and with having served outcaste origin bought Gospels number 331,000 in Burma, the as a vanguard in the interest of and tracts and gave them free great majority being Karens imperialism with a view to "di- to the caste farmers. One very or members of nonindigenous viding up China as a melon." poor Christian woman gave a races. Less than 12,000 Bur- Special deprecating reference farthing for three Gospels and mans, little more than one in was made to their work among some handbills and gave them to every thousand, were returned the Miao, one of the tribes in her master who was a caste as Christians in the latest cen- West China. "With the Bible of man. -C. M. S. Outlook. sus figures. Jesus they h a v e positively drugged the people with a view Public Witnessing -World Survey Service. to destroying all those who are opposed to imperialism." St. Paul's Church, Jubbul- Lepers Have Their Own pore, held a "Week of Witness," Owing to the increasing ill when they erected a tent near Church health of Mr. Hayman he was the main road, and a band of released on November 18, 1935. . workers invited the passers-by The Leper Colony at Kiulung- Mr. Bosshardt remains in cap- to come in and see the lantern kiang, Siam, has grown until tivity, with his whereabouts un- slides and listen to the good there are now over 220 patients. known.-The Living Church. news. Attendances averaged Two new dormitories have been about sixty to eighty non-Chris- built and many bricks made in tians, and many heard the Gos- pel for the first time.
Chiang Kai-Shek Appeals most of the listeners, a striking J APAN-CHOSEN to Nation object lesson was presented re- cently in Tientsin when a large All-Japan Christian General Chiang Kai-Shek, on crowd heard The Beatitudes Conference January 1, broadcast a message (or, as the Chinese call them, to the Chinese nation in which 'The Eight Happinesses") read The 200 delegates to the Allhe asserted that national salva- in several different languages. Japan Christian Conference in tion could be achieved within They were read first in Chinese, Tokyo, November 26-27, repre- ,one year, through the New Life then in the Latin Vulgate; a sented practically every commu- Movement. With the old Chi- Greek merchant read the mod- nion and every national Chrisnese virtues, courtesy, justice, ern Greek version, and a Jap- tian organization in the Empire. honesty and conscientiousness, anese Christian read them in Interest ran high in the two he believes it possible to build Japanese. Then they were read major questions-Church Union up the moral character of the III English, afterwards a Jew and a Nation-Wide United Cam- nation and wipe out all evil and (putting on his hat) read a pas- paign of Evangelism. The con- undesirable habits of the people. sage from the Old Testament in ference was opened with aserv- To consolidate material safety Hebrew, followed by a Swiss ice of rededication and commu- ,he urges the "People's Economic who read in French, and finally nion, led by Bishop Akazawa. Reconstruction Movement," and a Swiss woman read them in outlines eight main steps as es- German. When the Japanese An interlude in the discus- sential; among them develop- was heard with perfect respect sions was provided by Mr. Y. ment of agriculture, mine ex- and attention by an audience al- Takata, Head of the Bureau of ploitation, labor conscription, most completely Chinese, there Religions in the Department of regulation of consumption and was added meaning to "Blessed Education, and I. Kanzaki, a transportation improvement. are the peacemakers." Shinto priest. The former ex- plained some of the general Referring to the gravity of -L. M. S. Chronicle. principles of the "Religions Bill" the national emergency, General which the department is pre- Chiang said that the nation must Leadership – the Great Need paring and proposes to intro- awake to its mistakes, and rec- duce in the coming session of tify them without further delay. The lack of leadership in Parliament. One of these prin- He regards moral training of China has been the subject of ciples is to secure proper educa- the individual as of most im- investigation and planning by tional and moral qualifications portance. -People's Tribune, the National Committee for for religious workers. The Christian Education. Dr. Lu- other is to provide some method Shanghai. ther A. Weigle, Dean of Yale whereby each denomination will Divinity S c h 0 0 I, spent six have a recognized representative Campaign Among Students months in China in 1935, study- with which the government can ing the problem. In preparation deal when matters arise which The "Youth and Religion for his visit a survey was made call for conference. The Shinto Movement," now in its second and the results embodied in a priest declared that Christianity year, in which Dr. W. Y. Chen, pamphlet, "Training for Leader- has a great contribution to make Professor of Psychology in Fu- ship in the Chinese Church." to the life of Japan. kien Christiim University, and This formed the basis of discus- Dr. Y. C. Tu, Professor of sion at an enlarged meeting of Among actions taken was one Physics in the University of the Committee held at Kuling. granting a form of ordination Shanghai, have been the leaders One outcome of that meeting to women evangelists. ' and speakers, has recently closed was the formation of an associa- a most successful campaign. tion of theological colleges; an- -Japan Christian other, the resolve that the train- Quarterly. The team visited in all thir- ing of lay church workers twehenerceiitnies1,59o,n0e00beliinsgteYneudnntoantfhu~ should constitute the main work Toward Abolishing message, of whom 6,212 signed of the Committee for the next Prostitution cards, 56 per cent of these being year or two. Not without sig- inquirers and the rest reconse- nificance was the adoption of the One of the goals set by Chris- crations. The leaders were espe- words "education for service'~ in tian leaders is the abolition of cially successful in a number of place of training for leadership. licensed prostitution. In De- cities in making contacts with It is of interest, too, to read that cember it was reported that the teachers and students in govern- the old-style training schools for Kochi Prefectural Assembly had ment schools, thus opening what Bible women are increasingly adopted a resolution in favor of may prove another opportunity giving place to women's adult abolition, bringing the number of Christian service. education schools. of prefectures which had passed such resolutions up to thirteen. "The Eight Happinesses" -W. W. S. S. News. The evil has already been abol- ished in several prefectures. Although the proceedings This action is in line with the were largely unintelligible to recently adopted policy of the Home Office which has drafted
OUR WORLD-WIDE OUTLOOK 269J
an Abolition Bill to be presented Christian influence by working this very badge, that we have to the forthcoming session of as a farmer among farmers. used for close to thirty years, the Diet. There is a disposition His wife is as sincere a Chris- will be the first thing that. to remove the stigma of being tian as he. Presently, Christian strikes the eye of every person one of the few nations which missionaries living in Yamagata entering the school gate. Once, protects licensed vice. One news- challenged them to come to the more, the Cross has conquered.'" paper editor remarked: "It is city and engage in a work in humiliating that the govern- which their influence would Ohung Sin School ment licenses prostitution as a have larger scope. After much legitimate business. It is con- prayer they accepted the chal- Chung Sin,PresbyterianAcadtradictory for Japan which poses lenge, and today the Kantos are emy for Girls in Chosen has been as the possessor of a civilization engaged in what is known as given "designation" by the Govin no sense inferior to that of Rural Correspondence Evan- ernment. This does not mean Europe and America to permit gelism. Brief sermons and that the school is better than such a system to exist." Christian articles are published before, but that the Government in the local newspaper. Inter- now acknowledges it as worthy. -Japan Christian ested inquirers write for more Its graduates hereafter will be' Quarterly. detailed information about the accepted in higher schools, and Christian faith, and Mr. Kanto in future work on an equal basis, Developing Ohristian Leaders answers these letters. Young with those of private registered folks from these rural villages, and Government schools. The enrolment at Wilmina Jo believing they have found a sym- Gakko, Girls' School in Osaka, pathetic ear, pour out their On May 25th the Parents' Aswas 350 in 1925; ten years hearts to him through this cor- sociation was organized, and' later it was 957. A Christian respondence; and he, with his started its work with real enemphasis is maintained. Every keen understanding of the prob- thusiasm. Their personal intermorning the whole school as- lems of rural folk, comforts and est in the school has been mani-. sembles for chapel service; the satisfies them and leads them on fest. The Chung Sin Y. W. C. A. Y. W. C. A. meets each week; toward Christian faith. Grad- completed their first full year of special classes are held to pre- ually his influence is extending service in a small rural church.. pare the girls for baptism; Bible throughout the entire rural area In September, Chung Sin stustudy is required in the cur- of Yamagata Prefecture. Their dents organized a Sunday School riculum; early morning prayers best work is done simply in in this church and have been are held at intervals throughout visiting the homes of their faithful in making, two by two, tbe year; and every other week friends and talking quietly each Sunday, a trip which takes; a church service is held in the about the Christian faith. all day long to teach these little chapel and attended by all the children. In December, two of girls. The superintendent of -Missionary Herald. the girls spent a week in this; the school is an ordained min- rural church helping to put on ister, and last year 160 girls The Oross Prevails a very attractive Christmas prowere baptized. gram. The foreign missionary Dr. Koons, Principal of the work of the Korean Church in -Presbyterian Banner. John D. Wells Academy for Shantung, Chi n a, has been Boys in Seoul, cites the follow- helped by these students as they Rural Oorrespondence ing as the most significant event send forty yen each term for the' Evangelism of the school year: "The grad- work there. Sunday they have, uating class of 1935 gave the faithfully taught in nearly every South of Yamagata, an hour's school a copy of the school Sunday School in connection ride by train, is a little village badge, cast in brass, to be placed with the Seoul city churches. called Ippon-yanagi (One Wil- on the wall over the entrance of low Tree), just a small group of the main building. Five or six "Finished" farmhouses surrounded almost years ago, Korea was swept by entirely by rice fields. In one of a wave of antireligious feeling Rev. Bruce Hunt, of Chung'- these homes, some 50 years ago, among the young people, espe- ju, Korea, lists projects either' Motohei Kanto was born. Moto- cially the students. At that completed or developed to the hei followed ancestral tradition time there was a strong wish point where they can be turned in becoming a farmer, but ex- among the John D. Wells stu- over to Koreans. One district, ceeded that tradition by attend- dents, for a new badge, without hitherto feeble, has undertaken ing an agricultural school, by the Maltese cross. As they partial support of an evangelisbecoming a Christian and by pointed out, no other school in tic helper and plans in three traveling abroad for further the city had a badge of this years to carry his whole supstudy. After three years in kind; the others were nearly all port. As to agricultural work, America and seven in Germany, conventionalized Chinese char- station pioneering is over, and studying theology and evan- acters. Now all on their own, this phase of country-church gelistic methods, as well as agri- these lads make the school this self-support turned over to a culture, he returned to Japan, gift, insuring that for all time trained Korean. Another job. where he decided to test his
done is consolidation of many A Sunday in 'Sumatra seven years from 1928 to 1935. Contributions for 1935 slightly "special offering days" in the A writer in the Christian Ad- exceeded those for 1934, how- vocate describes a morning serv- ever. The contribution per capchurches into the four author- ice at Balige, Sumatra: ita for all purposes in 1934 was $12.07 and in 1935 it was $12.10. ized by General Assembly for The church was filled to capacity- The contribution per capita for about fifteen hundred. We saw congregational purposes only Sunday schools in this country- throngs entering two other churches was $9.92 in 1934 and $9.98 for as well. That entire community is 1935. Easter, Children's Day, Thanks- now Christian and all work is laid aside on the Sabbath day. Total gifts declined from giving, Christmas. $532,368,714 in 1928 to $304,- . -Monday Morning. The people in the churches were 692,499 in 1935, while total clean, intelligent and worshipful. The gifts for congregational pur- ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC music was all of the German chorale poses declined from $402,683,- type, and was the most beautiful we 861 to $251,347,435. The per Scene in Manila Cemetery had ever heard. There were no hymn capita contribution for all pur- books; the lines were read out by the poses declined from $23.30 in Moody Institute Monthly de- choir leader and the people all sang. 1928 to $12.10 in 1935. Per .scribes a scene in a Manila, P. I., capita contribution for congre- .cemetery in the evening of All- At the close of the service twenty- gational purposes declined from Saints' Day. six babies were baptized. They had $17.30 in 1928 to $9.98 in 1935. to be divided into two groups in order "All the tombstones were to be accommodated at the altar rail. The report says that nearly lighted with electricity. In many The mothers stood with the babies in all the communions maintained Df them were statues of the vir- their arms and the fathers in a row their per capita contributions gin, or statues of Christ on the behind them. for congregational expenses betcross with a light effect which ter than those for benevolences. :showed up his heart in red. New Vision for Village The Protestant Episcopalians Vendors of all kinds were on the Leaders were the only group to lose progrounds, and there was even a portionately less on benevolences booth where electrical supplies Two conferences for village than on contributions for conwere sold. The people believe leaders in Papua are reported in gregational expenses. that the souls of the dead ac- Kwato Mission Tidings; one at tually come back on this night. Kwato, the other at Koeabule. w. C. T. U. Is Growing Some time during the day a priest visits each grave, says a If one thing was more obvious than The Woman's Christian Temprayer, and charges twenty pisos another among the 86 men who fore- perance Union is now organized ($10) for each prayer. gathered at Koeabule, it was the spir- in fifty-two countries with a itual hunger of all who came. There half million paid-up member- A group of Christian students was no necessity to try to inspire ship. New members are joining ,distributed about 9,000 Gospel them to seek a fuller surrender, or to by the thousand. Mrs. Ella A. tracts that evening in the ceme- convict them of unfruitfulness and Boole, world president declared tery. the need for a new consecration. That at a recent meeting in New was just what they were yearning for, York : "Weare working not In the Face of Obstacles and the very reason why they had only for outlawing the liquor come. The Lord stated that those traffic in the United States, but Rev. William Swaan is labor- who hungered and thirsted after all over the world." The next jng among Dyaks and Chinese righteousness were the lucky ones world convention will be held in in Borneo. He .writes: "for they shall be filled," and these Washington, D. C., from June men certainly came longing to be 4-9, 1937. About ten villages are taking an filled and renewed. Some came from active stand for Christ, but Moslems an atmosphere of failure, where the – Watchman-Examiner. :and other enemies concentrate on our spiritual life had grown slack. A converts and make life very trying Buhutu man put it thus: "Every boat Bible 1,000 Years Old for them. With all our poverty and needs to be hauled up on the slips persecution and increased opposition and scraped and cleaned and painted, At the time of his coronation, from Moslems and Roman Catholics, and put into repair. We are like that Haile Selassie presented to H. eighteen souls were accepted for bap- too." He appealed earnestly to the Murray Jacoby, former Ambastism during the month of December. rest not to risk g'Qing back unfit for sador Extraordinary to Ethio- They are mostly people of one village commission through any shirking of pia, a one thousand-year-old ,close to Bengkajang, and have been response to the highest call that God Bible, written in Amharic. Mr. ,coming to our meetings for several would give them. Jacoby has just presented it to years. Please pray especially for the Friends Seminary, 226i East young Christians of this village, that A testimony meeting had to be con- Sixteenth Street, New York, of iGod may give them grace and power tinued the next day and the next. It which he is a trustee. to endure persecutions and hardships, required skill to keep the meeting in ·and witness faithfully for the Master. hand, as people were getting up three -New York Times. The Moslem problem is one of the at a time. greatest obstacles that we have to face. Many government officials are MISCELLANEOUS Moslems and have a tremendous influence over the lives and the affairs Survey of Church Giving .of our Christians. We know, how- ,ever, that God is greater than any The research department of ,obstacle or any force in the world. the Federal Council of Churches reports that annual gifts to -Fellowship of Faith for twenty-five Protestant church Moslems. bodies dropped 43 per cent in the
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Our Miss'ionary Bookshelf Books Briefly Reviewed for the Readers' Information I~ Popular Hinduism. The Religion of roes (sometimes these are crim- men and women of various races the Masses. By L. S. S. O'Maney, started out, not for war, but to C.LE., I.C.S.246 pp. $2.50. Mac- inals). There is also a chapter give their lives in heroic deeds millan Co., New York. 1935. on priests and holy men, while for peace. Their object was to the last chapter deals with sec- save men, not to kill them. This This is an extraordinarily tarianism and toleration. Hin- required courage and training able and interesting boo k. duism, which ordinarily is a and sacrifice, but the results Clear, concise and logical in its static and pacific religion, can were beautiful beyond words. language, it gives an account of be aroused to fanatic passion, Hinduism in eight chapters, and instances are given where "Peace on earth, good will each of which is packed with in- the Hindus without provocation toward men" must come through formation and sententious state- rose against their Moslem neigh- such Christlike service. Young ment. The author's earlier bors to pillage, destroy and mas- people are not responsible for book, entitled "Indian Caste sacre. making war; that responsibility Customs," received a warm wel- lies with older men-the poli-, come in the British press. The One of the strangest chapters ticians and rulers who for selfpresent volume gives reliable in- is that which deals with the dei- ish purposes are willing to sacriformation based not only on fication of heroes. fice millions of lives. Youth is wide reading but also on per- naturally militant, and easily sonal observation. Here we have With their extraordinary combina- persuaded to enter the army, or tion of ignorance, credulity and super- they can be inspired through stition the masses are prone to such stories as this to seek the victories of peace. the contrast between the belief ascribe supernatural powers to per:. Those who have gone at the of the masses and that of cul- sons of great gifts, singular person- call of Christ, through all the tured Hindus who form a small ages, have found that "kingminority. The first chapter ality, and even strange habits. doms are subdued" not through murderous warfare, but through Two missionaries may be reckoned the treaty of Bethlehem and by among the number of those who have following the leadership of the Prince of Peace. deals with beliefs, and is funda- been treated as divine beings. One mental. The author says that was Dr. J. E. Clough, an American Lucy W. PEABODY. Baptist missionary, under whom there three characteristic features was a mass movement to Christianity Forty Happy Years in Japan. By constitute popular Hinduism: in the Nellore district during the George P. Pierson and Ida G. Pier- son. 8vo. 130 pp. $1.25. Flemcaste, the veneration of the famine of 1876-78, when he was dis- ing H. Revell Co., New York. 1936. Brahman, and the sacredness of tinguished for his philanthropy and the cow. The first is the spinal From 1888 to 1928, Dr. and cord of Hinduism; the second practical ability, and carried to a suc- Mrs. Pierson lived and labored in Japan as missionaries of cessful conclusion the construction of Christ under the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. They a section of a canal, which gave re- came to understand and to love the Japanese, and because of is its handicap for the depressed lief to many thousands. After labor- their knowledge and love for ing for forty years among the Telugu- God, they earnestly sought to classes; and the third unites all win them to Christ. Their field Hindus, for "the cow is the pre- speaking people to the north of was in the most northern island siding genius of the country." of Hokkaido which is still Madras, he was surprised and dis- largely unevangelized territory.
tressed to learn that many of his con- This volume is chiefly a col- lection of scattered reminis- Almost universal illiteracy does verts had reverted to some of the practices of their former religion and not militate against fanatic be- invoked his name in various rites and lief. Superstition is rife, and incantations as if he were a deity. In polytheism runs riot. another mission field further south Mr. O'Malley doubts whether men who had been Christians treated India is more spiritual in its out- the grave of a missionary who had recently died as if it were a shrine, look than Europe. Litigation on and when his friends buHt a high a scale of five million cases a wall round the grave, in order to put a stop to the worship, they continued year is scarcely an index of a it outside the wall. S. M. ZWEMER. spiritually-minded people. In chapter three, which deals with· Victories of Peace. Stories of moral influences, he points out Friendship in Action. 12mo. 28. 6d. the gulf that separates religion Student Christian Movement Press. from ethics. Other chapters 1935.
deal with worship, evil spirits, In this interesting book of ten present-day deifications of he- stories of adventures of peace, Any of the books noted in these columns will be sent by tlie REVIEW publishers on receipt of price, [271 ]
cences of forty years in evan- hood of Man as exemplified by tress during many months of gelistic work-memories of mis- Christ. The lectures are good sleepless nights and pain-filled sionaries and Japanese; of ex- but in our judgment do not go days, and, like her Master, has periences in typhoons, tidal far enough in their New Testa- learned obedience by the things waves and earthquakes; of per- ment position. she has suffered. One result is sonal work and conversations on this beautiful, inspiring book. religion; of work with children A Grain of Wheat. By Toyohiko Its tone is not gloomy and reand the Japanese Church; of Kagawa. Illus. 12mo. 150 pp. signed to defeat but joyous and meetings and revivals in thea- $1.00. Harper and Bros. New victorious. The pictures are arters, prisons and rural towns. York. 1936. tistic reproductions of the beau- There are also reports of prog- ties of God's creation-in forest ress and some conclusions as to Dr. Kagawa, the well-known and flower, in hill and valley, in Japanese history and customs; Christian evangelist and social summer and winter, in storm as to methods of work and the reformer, here appears as a and sunshine. place of women missionaries; as novelist-a role in which he is . The message is correspondto Japanese converts and work- famous in Japan. Over a million ingly beautiful- in verse and ers; as to missionary life and and a quarter copies of his books prose, with quoted gems and obwhat Japan most needs. While have been sold in Japan and this servations from personal experithe book lacks in literary merit, novel has already been through ence. The whole is inbreathed it makes up for this lack in in- two hundred editions. with trust in God and a recogformation and inspiration. The nition of His loving care. Any authors have shown themselves It is an interesting and mov- who come into contact with life's to be truly devoted missionaries, ing story of a young Japanese darker side will find here comwith courage and perseverance; of the rural masses who strug- forting help and peace that prayerfully depending on the gles against poverty and sin and comes from harmony with God power of the Holy Spirit to finally discovers the way to vic- and rejoicing in His will. make their work effective. tory and satisfaction through Christian teaching. Here in a The Case for Missions in Modern The Kingdom of God in Japan. Lec- popular form is a strong plea for India. By E. C. Dewick, M.A. tures by C. Burnell Olds. Pamph- helping to carry out Dr. Kaga- 25 pp. 3 Annas. The Palghat let. 25 cents. C. B. Olds, Jr., wa's Christian program for the Mission, Coyalmannan P.O., Pal- 1888 East 81st Street, Cleveland, rural population. The story is ghat. South India. 1934. Ohio. 1936. well told and the purpose of it is clear – to promote temperance Within the pages of this little The author of these lectures and economic reform. It 'will hook much insight and wisdom has been in Japan for thirty- help the reader to understand are to be found. As it states the three years as a missionary of and to sympathize with the peo- case for missions in every counthe American Board. The man- ple of that Empire who are try as well as in India, no one uscript was read by Rev. Akira handicapped by poverty but who will fail to profit by reading it. Ebisawa, Secretary of the Na- have such great possibilities. All who realize the modern detional Christian Council of The illustrations are from the cline of interest in missions not Japan, so that the statements cinema version of the story, only in you n g mISSIOnary and views have been doubly which we are told has created a churches, hut also in the parent checked. Mr. Olds' purpose is sensation in Japan. churches, will be glad to have to show the progress made by the situation examined with Christianity in Japan and to Gold by Moon,Iight. By Amy Car- candor and restraint by one as consider the most effective meth- michael. Illus. 8vo. 182 pp. S. P. well qualified to do so as the ods for its extension. The pres- C. K. London. Obtainable in author. entation is popular and inform- America at $1.50 from Hope Church ing – factual and from experi- Sunday School, St. Louis, Mo. After following his discussion ence. Mr. Olds' idea of the ob- 1935. -in the modern way-of such jective of Christian missions is questions as: the promotion of understanding Here is another book for sufand harmony between God and ferers and other Christians in Unfair methods of propaganda, man and between man and man. difficult places; for those who Missions are the expression of an Apparently he would not put the long to understand, or if they spiritual regeneration of the in- cannot understand, to draw pre- out-of-date religious imperialism, dividual first, and does not em- cious values out of seemingly Who should go as missionaries, phasize the necessity for per- impossible places. Miss Carsonal acceptance of Christ's michael, the human founder of few readers will fail to agree atoning death on the Cross and Dohnavur Fellowship-the mis- with Mr. Dewick's conclusion of belief in His resurrection from sion for temple children in South the matter which is: the dead. His emphasis is on India – has been used to bring the realization of the Father- many dark and suffering souls If the Christian missionary hood of God and the Brother- into the light and joy of Chris- presents Christ in His simplicity tian experience. She herself and grandeur, as pictured in the has suffered great physical dis- New Testament, he will have a message and a contribution for the world which can be given in no other way. JANE C. GOHEEN.
&!npl.. 01 0101' St.incUy School pubheatl_••1'4 Sheaves After Harvest. Andrew A. THAT
llabl. Ceur_ for Younq People', Soc..U.. Bonar. 126 pp. Is. Pickering & ..n! free on Jequeet. Inglis. London. THE BIBLE Used in thousands of Sunday Schools EST. 1886 Sources of Power in Famous Lives. where leaders believe in the inspira- Walter C. Erdman. 158 pp. $1.00. tion of God's Word• CHRISTIAN PUBUCATIONS.lN<: Cokesbury. Nashville. FREE PROSPECTUS of department 1502 N. Third St., Herrl.burl, Pe. Victories of Peace. D. M. Gill and in which you are interested and sam- A. M. Pullen. 128 pp. 2s. 6d. S. C. ple lessons (Graded or Uniform) will New Book. M. Press. London. be sent on request. Desk MR-S.
The Making of a Pioneer. Percy The Clash of Color. A Study in the Rev. W. Y. Chen, Ph.D., has been Mather of Central Asia. Mildred Problem of Race. Basil Mathews. appointed General Secretary of the Cable and Francesca French. Illus. Second Edition. Maps. 160 pp. National Christian Council of China 288 pp. $2. Stokes. New York. 2s. Edinburgh House Press. Lon- to succeed Dr. C. Y. Cheng, now Mod- don. erator of the United Church of China. The Apostle of the Chinese Commu- Until recently, Dr. Chen was pastor nists. Daniel Nelson. 139 pp. $1. At the Point of a Lancet. One Hun- of the Methodist Church of Foochow. Board of Foreign Missions of the dred Years of the Canton Hospital, During the last twelve months he has Norwegian Lutheran Church. Min- 1835-1935. William Warder Cad- been Acting President of Fukien neapolis. bury and Mary Hoxie Jones. 304 Christian University. pp. Kelly & Walsh, Ltd. Shanghai. Arthington's Million. The Romance Obituary Notes of the Arthington Trust. A. M. Congo Crosses-A Study of Congo Chirgwin. Illus. Maps. 160 pp. Womanhood. Julia Lake Kellers- (Concluded from second cover.) Livingstone Press. London. 2s. berger. 222 pp. 50 cents, paper; and 3s. $1.00, cloth. Central Committee has been extended for hundreds of for the United Study of Foreign miles throughout the vast North The Problem of Japan. Malcolm D. Missions. Boston. Brazil area. It has been a great force Kennedy. Illus. Maps. 287 pp. in the religious and cultural life of 15s. Nisbet. London. Glitter or Gold. M. E. Gillespie. the evangelical churches of that area. 240 pp. 2s. Pickering & Inglis. Papuans of the Trans-Fly. F. E. London. F. H. Hawki*ns,*fo*r over 40 years Williams. Illus. 452 pp. 30s. Oxford University Press. London. Jewels of Promise. Boardman Ser- a secretary and director of the Lon- mons. W. M. Seay. 151 pp. $1. don Missionary Society, died on Feb- Sharing Observations with the Home Boardman Press. Nashville. ruary 6. Until his retirement he was Church. Charles D. Bonsack. 287 responsible for the Society's work in pp. $2.00. Brethren Publishing Kagawa. An Apostle of Japan. House. Elgin, Ill. Margaret Baumann. 95 pp. 75 China. ** * cents. Macmillan. New York. Education for Service in the Chris- Bishop William Burt, for twenty- tian Church in China. The Report Daniel Alexander Payne. Josephus five years in charge of the European of a Survey Commission, 1935. Roosevelt Coan. 139 pp. A. M. E. Conference of the Methodist Epis- 157 pp. 60 cents. World Sunday Book Concern. Philadelphia, Pa. copal Church and later of the Buffalo School Assn. New York. Diocese, died at Clifton Springs, New John and Betty Stamm: Martyrs. York, on April 9th, at 83 years of Christian Education Overseas. A Lee S. Huizenga. 95 pp. 35 cents, age. Brief Survey. A. Victor Murray, paper; 75 cents, cloth. Zondervan F. F. Monk and Ronald Rees. 45 Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Mich. He was born in Cornwall, England, pp. Is. S. C. M. Press. London. but moved to Massachusetts as a lad Henry Hammond Spalding. Pioneer and worked in a machine shop to help The Malabar Syrians and the Church of Old Oregon. Clifford Merrill support his family. He was gradu- Missionary Society, 1816-1840. P. Drury. 438 pp. $3. Caxton ated from Wesleyan University in Cheriyan. 438 pp. C. M. S. Press. Printers, Ltd. Caldwell, Idaho. 1879 and from Drew Theological Kottayam. Seminary two years later. In 1887 We Beheld His Glory. Nicholas he went to Europe and made his home Primitives and Supernatural. Lucien Arseniev. 220 pp. $3. Morehouse in Rome. In 1912 he was made Bishop Levy-Bruhl. 405 pp. 18s. Allen Pub. Co. Milwaukee. of Buffalo District and held that posi- & Unwin. London. tion until his retirement in 1934. He Personal Items is survived by his widow, three daugh- The Question of the Church in the ters and two sons. World Today. J. H. Oldham. 32 (Concluded from page 225.) pp. International Missionary Coun- Dr. Paul L. *Co*rbin*, for 30 years cil. New York and London. Dr. Courtenay H. Fenn, for thirty- five years a missionary of the Presby- a member of the Taiku Station of the The Christian Faith in the Modern terian Church and recently Recording American Board in Shansi, died on World. J. Gresham Machen. 258 Secretary of the Presbyterian Board January 9th. Under his leadership pp. $2. Macmillan. New York. of Foregn Missions, retired from ac- many new outstation churches and tive service on April 11th, having schools were opened, and the member- Uganda. H. B. Thomas and Robert reached the age limit. His total ship of the churches increased rapidly. Scott. Illus. Maps. 559 pp. 15s. missionary service connected with the Oxford University Press. London. Board of Foreign Missions was forty- three years, most of which was spent The Customs of the Baganda. Sir in North China. As principal of Apolo Kagwa. 199 pp. Columbia Truth Hall, professor of the North University Press. New York. China Theological College and prin- cipal of the Union Bible Institute of North China, Dr. Fenn has rendered very valuable service. He was also for fifteen years secretary of the North China Tract Society, and made notable contributions to the literature of the Chinese Christian Church, in- cluding a concordance of the Man- darin Bible, the Interwoven Gospel, a Chinese-English Pocket Dictionary and a number of tracts. Dr. and Mrs. Fenn have also given a daughter and a son to missionary work in China.
AND WHITE VIEWS
AMERICAN NEGRO PROGRESS In Our Special June Number HELPS AND HANDICAPS TO NEGRO CHRISTIAN PROGRESS W. R. WRIGHT, JR., Wilberforce University BISHOP R. C. RANSOM, Wilberforce, Ohio SOME ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE EMANCIPATION CHARLES H. WESLEY, Howard University MONROE N. WORK, Tuskegee Institute WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE? JOHN LITTLE, Louisville, Kentucky FRED 1. BROWNLEE, Secretary, American Missionary Association WHAT NEGROES ARE DOING FOR NEGROES 1. 1. BERRY, Secretary of Missions WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR AMERICAN NEGROES W. A. C. HUGHES, Philadelphia THE FUTURE OF THE NEGRO IN AMERICA CHARLES S. JOHNSON, Fisk University WHAT NEGROES ARE THINKING TODAY FORRESTER B. WASHINGTON, Atlanta, Georgia PROGRESS MADE IN RACE RELATIONSHIPS WILL W. ALEXANDER, Atlanta, Georgia SOME OUTSTANDING NEGRO CHRISTIANS JOSEPHUS R. COAN, Morris Brown College C. H. TOBIAS, National Council, Y. M. C. A.
THE NEGRO YOUTH AND THE CHURCH MARTIN 1. HARVEY, JR., African M. E. Zion Church TRAINING CHRISTIAN LEADERS FOR THE FUTURE CHARLES LEANDER HILL, Turner Seminary BEST BOOKS ABOUT AMERICAN NEGROES WM. LLOYD IMES, New York ORDER NOW FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CIRCLE 25 Cmts a Copy $20.00 a HUl1dred $2.50 a Year THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD Third and Reily Streets, Harrisburg, Pa.
Robert E. Speer, President Delavan 1. Pierson, Editor
The Missionary Review of the World — April 1900
A RELIGIOUS PROCESSION IN
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
Old Series. t APRIL. { New Series. VOL. XXIII. No.4. f VOL. XIII. No.4.
MISSIONARY QUICKENINGS OF THE CENTURY.
BY THE EDITOR-IN-eHIKF.
The most conspicuous seal of God upon the mission work of the century is found in the spiritual quiclcenings which have, at some time, visited with the power of God every field of labor which has been occupied by the Church with any energy of effort. and persistence of prayer. We have called these" quickenings" rather than" revivals,"
for revival really means a restoration of life-vigor after a season of lapse into indifference and inaction, and properly applies to the Olmrch.
We treat now of quickenings out of a state of absolute spiritual death; and again we point to these as the most indisputable and unanswer- able sanction and seal of God on modern missions. The following are among the most memorable of the century, arranged for convenience, in the order of time.
1815-1816. Tahiti, under the labors of Nott, Hayward, etc. 1818-1823. Sierra Leone, under William A. B. Johnson. 1819-1839. South Seas, under labors of John Williams. 1822-1826. Hawaiian Islands, under Bingham, Thurston, etc. 1831-1835. New Zealand, under Samuel Marsden, ~i;e. 1832-1839. Burma and Karens, under Judson, Boardman, etc. 1835-1839. Hilo and P1tna, under Titus Coan. 1835-1837. lffadagascar, under Griffiths, Johns, Baker, etc. 1842-1867. Germany, under J. Gerhard Oncken and others. 1844–1850. Fiji Islands, under Hunt and Calvert, etc. 1848-1872. Aneityum, under John Geddie, and others. 1845-1895. Old Calabar, under J. J. Fuller, etc. 1845-1847. Persia, under Fidelia Fiske, etc. 1856-1863. North American Indians, under William Duncan. 1859-1861. English Universities, under D. L. Moody, and others. 1863-1870. Egypt and Nile Valley, under Drs. Lansing, Hogg, etc. 1863-1888. China, generally, especially Hankow, etc. 1864–1867. 1867-1869. Euphrates District, under Crosby I!. Wheeler, etc. 1872-1875. 1872-1880. Aniwa, under John G. Paton, etc. 1877-1878. Japan, under J. H. Ballagh, Verbeck:'Tfepburn, etc. 1877-1885. Paris, France, under Robert W. McAll.'''' Telngus, under Lyr'an Jewitt and Dr. Clough. Formosa, under George L. Mackay.
1883—1890. Banza Manteke, under Henry Richards. 1893-1898. Uganda, under Pilkington, Roscoe, etc.
Others might be added, but we have selected these twenty-five instances, as sufficient to illustrate the fact that throughout the wide domain of Christian effort, God has signally bestowed blessing. The instances we have italicized were marked by peculiar swift and sudden outpourings of spiritual power, and it will be seen that these form about half of the entire number, shewing that God works in two very di verse ways, in some cases rewarding toil by rapid and sudden visitations of the Spirit, and in quite as many other by slower but equally sure growth and development.
It is also very noticeable that in almost everyone of these marked outpourings some peculiar principle or law of God's bestowment of blessing is exhibited and exemplified.
For example, the work at Tahiti followed a long night of toil, and was the crown of peculiar persistence in the face of most stubborn resistance. At Sierra Leone, Johnston found about as hopeless a mass of humanity as ever was rescued from slave-ships, and he himself was an uneducated man and at first unordained, a layman.
John Williams won his victories in the South Seas by the power of a simple proclamation of the Gospel, as an itinerant; and then first came into full view the power of native converts as evangelists. In the Hawaiian group and particularly in Hilo and Puna, it was the oral preaching to the multitudes that brought blessing-Titus Coan holding a three years' camp-meeting.
In New Zealand, Marsden had first to lay foundations, patiently and prayerfully, and showed great faith in the Gospel. Judson and Boardman, in Burma, found among the Karens a people whom God had mysteriously prepared, tho a subject and virtually enslaved race.
In Madagascar the grand lesson centers about the power of the Word of God to win the love of the people and hold them fast through a' quarter century of Neronian persecution. Oncken and his companions in Germany exemplify what seven men who met in a shoemaker's shop to organize a New Testament church can do by personal labor to regenerate a community. In the Fiji group, God has shown how the worst and fiercest cannibals can be transformed into a loving and loyal Christian brotherhood. Aneityum stands for evermore for the extermination of heathenism, in tho memorable tablet reared to John Geddie, recording the fact that when he came he "found no Christians," and when he departed he "left no heathens."
Old Calabar was the scene of triumph over deep-rooted customs and age-long superstitions; in Persia, the blessing came upon an educational work attempted single-handed among women and girls. Wm. Duncan in his Metlakahtla reared a model state out of Indians hitherto so fierce and hostile that he dared not assemble hostile tribes in one meeting, The revival in the English universities is especially memorable as the real birth-time of the Cambridge Mission Band and the Student Volunteer Movement, which crystallized fully twentyfive years later. In Egypt the transformation was gradual, dependent on teaching as much as preaching, but it has made the Nile Valley one of the marvels of missionary triumph. In China the most marked features were the influence of medical missions and the raising up of a body of unpaid lay-evangelists, who itinerated through their own home territory. On the Euphrates the conspicuous feature was the organization of a large number of self-supporting churches on the tithe system-sometimes starting with only ten members-with native pastors. At Aniwa three and a half years saw an ut,ter subversion of the whole social fabric of idolatry. In, Japau the signal success was found in the planting of the foundations of a native church, and the remarkable spirit of prayer outpoured on native converts. In France, McAll made a new experiment, opening salles for workingmen, and actually winning converts out of the terrible Commune, until his halls became the most effective police stations; and all his w~rk was as unclerical as possible, at the very antipodes to all priestcraft methods. As to the Lone Star Mission among the 'felugus, it was the power of persistence in prayer, after twenty-five years of seemingly vain endeavor, that God made most conspicuous, and the blessing was in connection with a widespread famine. In Formosa, Mackay won his victories by training a band of young men as evangelists, who with him went out to plant new missions. At Banza Manteke, Richards came to a crisis, and ventured literally to obey the New Testament injunctions in the Sermon on the Mountfor example, "give to him that asketh thee." In Uganda it was the new self-surrender and anointing of the missionaries, and reading of the Scriptures by the unconverted natives, on which God so singularly smiled. Pilkington said in London that he had never known three converts who had not been Bible readers.
Thus, as we take the whole experience of the century together, we find the following emphatic lessons taught us: 1. God has set special honor upon His own Gospel. Where it hat! been most simply and purely preached the largest fruits have ultimately followed.
2. The translation, publication, and public and private reading of the Scriptures have been particularly owned by the Spirit.
3. Schools, distinctively Christian, and consecrated to the purposes of education of a thoroughly Christian type, have been schools of the Spirit of God.
4. The organization of native churches, on a self-supporting basis with native pastors, and sending out their own members as lay evangelists, has been sealed with blessing.
5. The crisis has always been turned by prayer. At the most disheartening periods, when all seemed hopeless, patient waiting on God in faith has brought sudden and abundant floods of blessing.
6. The more complete self-surrender of missionaries themselves and their new equipment by the Holy Spirit, has often been the open~ ing of a new era to the native Church and the whole work. . These 'are lessons worth learning, a;nd they may be our guides as we enter upon a new century of missions. The secrets of success are no different from what they were in apostolic days.
Our God is the same God, and His methods do not essentially change. He has commanded us to go into all the world and preach the good tidings to the whole creation; and the promise, "Lo, I am with you alway," is inseparable from obedience. In connection with this Gospel message He has given us certain prominent aids, which are by no means to be reckoned as belonging to a realm of minor importance, and among them Christian teaching, Bible searching, fervent prayer, and Holy Spirit power outrank all other conditions of successful service. The survey of the century is like reading new chapters in the Acts; no true believer can attempt it carefully without finding a new Book of God in the history of this hundreq years. Any man or woman who will take the score or more of marked quickenings we have outlined, and give a solid month to their consecutive study, will find all doubts dissipated that the living God has been at work, and that no field, however hard and stony and hopelessly barren, can ultimately resist culture on New Testament lines. A book exclusively devoted to the story of these mission triumphs in China and Formosa, India and Japan, Turkey and Egypt, Africa and France, the red men of America and the wild men of Burma, Polynesia, and Persia, would be of fascinating interest and incalculable value. We hope that in the great Ecumenical Conference, of 1900 there will be a place on the program for the united testimony from all lands to the great power of God. In nothing do we need a new and clarified vision more than in the clear perception and conviction that the days of the supernatural are not passed. Here is the school where these lessons are taught. Ten centuries of merely natural forces at work would never have wrought what ten years have accomplished, with every human condition forbidding snccess. A feeble band of missionaries in the midst of a vast host of the heathen have been compelled to master a foreign tongue, and often reduce it for the first time to written form, translate the Word of God, set up schools, win converts, and train them into consistent members and competent evangelists; remove mountains of ancestral superstitions and uproot sycamine trees of pagan customs; esta.blish medical missions, Christian colleges, create a Christian literature, model society on a new basis; and they have done all this within the lifetime of a generation, and sometimes within a decade of years! Even Pharaoh's magicians would have been compelled to confess, " This is the finger of God!"
THE PERSONNEL OF THE ECUMENICAL QONFERENCE
THE PERSONNEL OF THE ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE.
BY REV. JUDSON S)fITH, D.D., BOSTON, }fASS. Chairman of the General Committee of the Ecumenical Conference.
As the time draws near for the assembling of the Ecumenical Con- ference on Foreign Missions in :New York next April, and as the pro- gram is practically completed, we are able to form some definite conceptions as to its character and promise. The world of Protestant missions is to be more fully represented than in any gathering ever yet held, both the countries that maintain and man and direct these vast operations, and also the continents, peoples, and islands in every hemisphere, and beneath every sky that are visited by this great enterprise. Here is to be ex- hibited on a grand scale, and in a convincing way, the unity of the race, and the simplicity and power of the forces that are drawing the nations together and lifting them all to a higher plane of life and de- velopment. The unwasting vitality of the Christian faith will receive palpable demonstration; the com- petency of that faith for every religious and social problem of man in all ages, nations, and con- ditions, will shine forth with a clearness that none can gainsay or resist. Better than all treatises on apologetics will be the living HON. BENJAMIN HAR.RISON.
evidence of this stupendous and Former President of the United States. supremely successful enterprise. Honorary President of the Conference.
It may not be amiss to glance at the personnel of this great confer- ence, and gather from that source some sense of its meaning and power. It should be understood, however, that this is no attempt to describe all who are to have part in the program, or even to describe fully anyone. It is rather a bird's-eye view, to suggest the dignity and unwonted character of the delegation, and to quicken the wish and purpose of all to have some part in so striking an event.
Hon. Benjamin Harrison, former President of the United States, has consented to serve as the honorary president of the conference, and his presence, even in the few sessions which he will be able to attend, will be of greatest value and interest. Having filled the high- est position in the gift of the people of this country, and sustaining an honored place in the great Presbyterian Church, he fitly represents
in himself the close connection between the civil and religious life of the ti.mes. Among the vice-presidents and other gentle- men who are expected to preside at one or more sessions of the conference, we may name such men as Messrs. William E. Dodge, D. Willis James, Morris K. Jessup, and President Seth Low of New York, Mr. Samuel B. Oapen of Boston, Dr. J. M. L. Ourry of Washington, ex-Mayor Shiel'en of Brooklyn, Bishop Potter of the EUGENE STOCK. ESQ. Episcopal Ohurch, and ' Bishop Andrews of the M. :E. Church. Secretary of the CllUrcb Mfssfonnry Society. Assurance>; are given that the missionary societies of Great Bri tain will be generally represented in the conference, some of them by large numbers. These men will con- stitute a very important part of the conference, representing the oldest and the greatest Protestant missionary societies of the times.
Let me name some of the men from these societies who will bear a leading part in thc discussions of the occa;;ion.
Mr. Eugene Stock, cditorial sccretary of the Ohurch Missionary Society, is to be present, aud to present a }Japer upon the "Re- view of the Oentury." For this Mr. Stock has preeminen t quali- fications. He is 'the gifted and ycrsatile editor of the Ohurch il1issionary I ntelligencer and the many other publications of his society, and the products of his pen constantly enrich these pages and give them an almost un- rivaled eminence among the peri- odical missionary literature of the day:. Mr. Stock has just com- pleted the monumental history of the first hundred years of the Ohnrch Missionary Society, which, i.n three octavo volumes, is a thesaurus of information con- cerning the origin and work of REV. J. HUDSON T,<YLOR. that society, and a lively review Founder of the China Inland Mission.
THE PERSONNEL OF THE ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE
of contemporaneous events during the same period. A writer of unusual clearness and power, representing a society which receives an aL.!lual income of $1,900,000, and himself long time in official con- nection with that society, Mr. Stock will be one of the striking figures of the occasion, and his contribution to the conference one of the highest order.
From the London Missionary Society, organized in 179fi, and car- rying on a wonderfully successful work in the Pacific islands, in Africa including Madagascar, in India, and in China, there will be present Hev. Halph Wardlaw Thompson, the foreign secretary. Mr.
Thompson is a noticeable man in any assembly; rather above the average in height and size, with a capacious forehead, a clear, deep eye, and the alertness of youthful vigor. In public address he is weighty, direct, forcible, and attractive. Very few missionary officials of our day have traveled so widely through mission fields, or are so well ac- quainted with the different phases of missionary work, as it is seen on the ground where it is carried on, as Mr. Thompson; and his paper, which bears upon the ques- tion of the relation of mission- ary boards to the missions which they establish, will be of peculiar value for the range of facts which REV. 'Jt. WARDLAW THOMPSON. he has at command, and for the Secretary of the London Missionary Society.
practical suggestions which he is so eminently fitted to offer.
The Free Church of Spotlall(l will be represented by one of its greatest missionaries, Robert Laws, M.D., D.D., of South Africa. The chairman of the foreign missionary committee, the Rev. Prof. T. M.
Lindsay, D.D., of Glasgow University, was to have been present but has been obliged to decline on account of illness.
The China Inland Mission, an undenominational missionary society, will be represented by its director and principal missionary, the Rev. J. Hudson Taylor. Short of stature, rather stout, with clear voice, simple in utterance, and direct in style, full of earnestness and nnction, ~1r. 'raylor awakens attention from the first when he speaks, and his words are listened to with sustained interest to the end. The great work in China, which has grown up under the effective leader- ship of this remarkable man, has made his name familiar in all places
where missionary work is done; and while an address from him upon any subject would command closest attention, a paper such as he is to present in the conference, upon" The Source of Power in Missionary Work," will be sure to give elevation and high spiritual quality to the opening discussions of that occasion.
No one can speak upon the extent and value of literary work in the mission field, with more point or with more striking illustrations at command, than the Rev. Timothy Richard, of Shanghai, who has for many years represented and honored the English Baptist Missionary Society in its work in China. Dr. Richard is now the secretary and animating spirit of the Society for the Diffusion of Christian and General Knowledge in China, with headquarters at Shanghai. He has worked in a special field and along unusual lines in order to bring the best literature of the Western world to the leading minds among the Chinese, and his labors have been remarkably effective. Dr. Richard is generally believed to have had a very close connection with the Reform Movement at Peking, led by the emperor of China, which so took the world by surprise during the summer months of 1898. Anything from Dr. Richard will surely be of lasting value as well as of great popular interest.
A paper from Canon Edmonds, whosc voice was heard with great delight in the conference at Exeter Hall in 1888, will be I; marked contribution to the interest and value of the discussions next April. Canon Edmonds, who holUs a high position in the Anglican Church, and represents the British and Foreign Bible society, can voice in a peculiarly happy way the Christian sentiments of the higher class of Englishmen, as he exemplifies personally many of the nobler qualities of the English civilization. Treating of the importance and history of Bible translation and distribution, as connected with missionary work, Canon Edmonds will be perfectly at home, and will speak with a rare wealth of illustration and learning, and power of statement.
Rev. J. G. Watt is one of the younger secretaries of the British and Foreign Bible society, and brings to his post rare modesty, a happy style, and great learning. Youthful as he is he is already a recognized authority in many questions connected with the translation and distribution of the Bible. The subject of his paper at the conference is, "The Enthronement of the Missionary Idea in the Home Churches."
Rev. Robert Lovett represents the Religious Tract Society, one of the most effective auxiliaries to foreign missions in every land, with its wisely chosen and valuable literary products. Mr. Lovett is the author of the standard history of the London Missionary Society during its first century, a work in two octavo volumes, which has but recently appeared and which is an invaluable addition to the missionary knowledge of the times. It is hoped that Mr. Lovett will present at
the conference a paper upon the contribution" of book and tract societies to missionary work.
The missionary organizations of Australia will be represented by Mr. George A. King, of Vic- toria, and his paper upon the wider relations of missions as shown in discovery, geography, commerce, and diplomacy will touch upon most interesting fea- tures of missionary work and will be a positive addition to the variety and value of the discus- sions of the conference.
The time would fail to speak REV. A. MERENSKY, D.D' at length of the many other brethren from the missionary Berlin Missionary Society.
societies of Great Britain, whose presence will be welcomed and whose words will be heard with delight.
The German societies are to be represented by Rev. Dr. Schreiber, of the Rhenish Missionary Society, and Rev. A. Merensky, D.D., of the Berlin Missionary Society, both names of eminence in foreign missionary work. The German societies have chosen not to send individual representatives of each organization, but to designate the brethren named above as repre- sentatives of the whole group of societies, so that a peculiar in- terest will attach to the presence of these gentlemen and a peculiar weight be given to all their utter- ances. We shall expect to gain from them a much livelier im- pression than we now possess of the variety, snccess, and present state of the missionary work in the hands of these German socie- ties.* REV. WILLIAM ASHMORE, D. D., CHINA. *Dr. Schreiber has seen missionary servo ~lIsRlonary of American BaptiBt Missionary Union. ice in Sumatra, and Dr. Merensky labored from 186(H882 in the Transvaal. He was then connected with the home department of the .Berlin SOciety until 1891, when he led an expedition to Nyassaland and founded missions in Kondeland, etc. Dr. Merensky is now one of the editorial correspondents of this REVIEW.-EDITORS.
The ecumenical character of the conference will be signally illustrated by the presence of missionaries from well nigh all the mission fields of the world. These missionaries will represent many boards, European and American, and their contributions to the dis- cussions will be of the greatest value. They will speak as experts in regard to every phase of missionary work, and their testimony, being that of eye-witnesses as to what the Gospel has already achieved, will repeat in many forms the note of widespread and glorious victory.
Among the missionaries from China may be mentioned Dr. William Ashmore of Swatow, Dr. R. C. Beebe, of Nanking, Dr. Timothy Richard of Shanghai, and Dr. D. Z. Sheffield of Tungcho, representing respectively the evangelistic, the literary, the medical, and the educational work of that empire. Dr. Jacob Chamber- lain, Bishop Thoburn, Dr. E.
W. Parker, Dr. Van Allen, Dr. J. E. Clough, and a host of others from the missions in India, will enrich the discus- .sions of the conference and add to our practicaL knowledge of missionary work in that continental peninsula. Bishop J. O. Hartzell, Dr. Hobert Laws of Livingstonia, and Rev.
Andrew Murray, are among the missionaries from Africa whose voices will be heard and REV. JOHN G. PATON, D.D. whose testimony will add to Presbyterian Missionary to the New Hebrides Islands. the variety and volume of those deliberations. Dr. H. O.
Dwight, Rev. Edward Riggs, Rev. O. S. Sanders, Rev. E. B. Haskell, will speak for their associates throughont the Turkish empire of the present state and prospects of missionary work in that historic land.
Among those we shall welcome from Japan are Dr. M. L. Gordon, Dr. J. C. Hepburn, Dr. I. H. Oorrell, and Dr. J. O. Spencer. Dr.
John G. Paton, the veteran missionary to the New Hebrides, is also expected to be present.
The great mission fields will be surveyed in many sectional meet- ings, and here will be gathered in varied and striking form the experiences and observations of the missionaries of all lands and names, a testimony to the wisdom and power and success of missions, clear, wide in sweep, convincing, and persuasive, which none can gainsay or resist. As men hear and gather the meaning and feel the
1900.J TlIE PERSONNEL OF TlIE ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE
power of it aU they will be ready to say: "Like a mighty army moves the Church of God."
For obvious reasons the American societies will be more largely represented than the societies from across the sea. The American names that appear include a goodly number of those who are officially connected with the foreign missionary organizations of the land, many leading pastors, men in charge of colleges and seminaries, and specialists in missionary organizations and literature. These are so well known in our country that scarcely more is needful than the mention of a few of many names that might be given. Dr. Alexander Sutherland of the Canadian Methodist Board will sum up the dis- cussion upon mIssIOnary comity and the division of fields; Rev. R. P. Mackay of the Canadian Presbyterian Board wi11 speak upon the support of missions by the home churches; Rev. S. H.
Chester, D.D., of the South- ern Presbyterian Board, will discuss the development of native leaders in mission churches; Hev. W. R. Lam- buth of the Southern Meth- odist Board, will prBsent a paper on the present state of self-support in mISSIOn churches; Rev. Geof6e Scholl, D.D., of the Evan- REV. JACOB CHAMBERLAIN, MD., b.D., INDIA. gelical Lutheran Board, will treat of the utility of mis- )!iss!onary of the Reformed (Dutch) Church of America.
sionary boards and societies; Mr. Robert E. Speer, of the Presbyterian Board, will speak on the supreme and determining aim of foreign missions.
Among presidents and professors of colleges and seminaries we shall hear Dr. James B. Angell of Michigan University, on new prob- lems in the relation;; between missions and governments; Dr. John Henry Barrows of Oberlin College, on the right attitude of Chris- tianity toward the non-Christian faiths; Dr. Charles Cuthbert Hall of Union Theological Seminary, on the relation of students and other young people to foreign missions; Dr. C. D. Hartranft of Hartford Theological Seminary, on the relation of foreign missions to social progress and the peace of the world; Dr. A. H. Strong of Rochester Theological Seminary, on the authority and purpose of foreign missions.
Among the pastors who have parts are Dr. Behrends of Brooklyn, who is to speak of the effect on the churches of supporting foreign mis- sions; Dr. David H. Greer of New York, on the reflex influence of foreign missions on other benevolent enterprises; Dr. Geo. F. Pentecost of Yonkers, on the possible power of the pastors; Dr. King of Providence, on the spirit and limitation of mis- sionary comity; Dr. Maltbie B.
Babcock of New York, on the present situation, its claims and opportunities; Dr. Geo. T. Purves BISHOP J. M. THOBURN, D.O. of New York, on the apologetic 1Iiss!onary ~~;~~Jf:~~(:N,~;'I~~~f;.opal Church value of missions. Dr. James S.
Dennis, author of "Ohristian Mis- sions and Social Progress," will present a summary of the statistics of the century, ail. invaluable paper. Dr. J. M. Buckley, the distin· guished editor of the New York Christian Advocate, will speak on "The Relation of Missionary Societies to the Ohurches at Home."
Rev. A. T. Pierson, D D., of the MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, will speak of the superintending providence of God in foreign missions.
Extended as this list seems to be, it is but a partial representation of the names that are mentioned in the program of the conference or of the papers and discussions which will be presented there. Even tho the program may seem to many crowded with subjects and men, it must be borne in mind that the great theme with which the occasion deals is but partially brought to sight therein; it is but an intro- ductory glimpse which, even through these eleven days of sessions, will be given of this most majestic en- terprise. The character of the program would not be rightly ap- prehended by anyone who should overlook the fact that the sessions of each day are opened with a devotional meeting of half an hour. REV. EDWARD RIGGS, TURKEY, These meetings are regarded as of :Missionary of the American Board.
FOREIGN MISSIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF TWO CENTURIES
prime importance by those who have made preparation for this gathering. Their aim and hope has been to call renewed and deeper attention to the spiritual forces that give life and character to the whole enterprise, and it is believed that in these morning gatherings for prayer the right tone to the sessions of the day will be given and the happiest outcome to its discussions be best secured.
'1'he occasion is exceptional in the history of the religious life of the times, its discussions will be unique among the contributions to the Christian literature of the day, and its results we can not but hope will be seen not merely in the noble volumes which will give permanent form to its principal discussions, but much more in the deepened devotion and renewed energy of the whole host of God to press this great and glorious work on to final victory.
PROTESTANT FOREIGN MISSIONS AT THE JUNO'l'ION OF 'rwo OENTURIES: 1800-1900.* BY PROFESSOR GUSTAVUS WARNECK, D.D., HALLE, GERMANY. Editor of the Allgemeine Missions ZeitschriJt.
The year 1900 brings to its close a century which must ·be viewed as one of the most eventful in the world's history. With the turningpoint of the last century there was a development, affecting politics, science, culture, and social relations, the result of which is the modern world. In view of this fact our entrance upon the year 1900 will be sure to open the flood-gates to a current of meditations on the now ending century, well-digested retrospects as well as sonorous rhetorical phrases.
For the historian of missions it would be mere unthankful negligence, if he, at the close of a century which justly bears the name of a missionary century, should shut himself off from such retrospects as to its course. The Protestantt missions of the present, which, in the extent of their sphere, the number of their workers, the organization of their activity, and the amount of their outlays, surpass eyery missionary period of the past, are so intimately interwoven with the mighty events which mark the century now closing, that without these they would not have been what they are.
True, there were Protestant missions even before this century, but only with this century did there dawn a Protestant missionary age.
• At the risk of some repetition we publish this paper by Dr. Warneck, as it gives us the view point of a man who stands among the foremost missionary writers of the day.-EDIToRs.
t Dr. Warneck has commonly used evangelische where we have translated" Protestant," since in English" evangelical" is contrasted, not with _. Catholic," but with '" Rationalistic" or H Unitarian." In some cases, however, where there seemed little danger of misunderstanding, we have translated evangelische by " evangelical."
That which had previously been accomplished on the part of the Dutch colonial government, of the English colonists in America, of Egede and his successors in Greenland, and especially on the part of the Danish-Halle missionaries in India, and of the Unitas Fratrum (Moravians) in three continents, has only such significance for the present world-wide missions, as the Reformers before the Ref.ormation have for the Reformation; they opened the way for the great missionary movement, and ushered it in-a movement which has now laid hold of universal Protestantism, and whose surgings roll over almost the whole earth.
THE FULNESS OF TIME.
That this missionary century could come in at all, and that it could have developed with such force, intensively and extensively, is grounded in the fact, that with the nineteenth century a fulness of time was come, which created conditions needed for the diffusion of Christianity, and gave stimulus and impulses the like of which had either not been found before at all, or only in limited measure. In connection with a religious awakening, the God who holds the reins of universal government in His hands has flung wide open doors into the world abroad, so that the King of glory may enter in. He has done this by the great geographical discoveries, which began even in the last third of the eighteenth century, and which in the nineteenth took on ever-growing dimensions; by the inventions, made subsequently to them, and then contemporaneously with them, and opening up entirely new means of communication and production; by the universal intercourse, which these discoveries and inventions have rendered more and more gigantic; by the ever-enlarging occupation of the world on the part of the European, especially the Protestant powers. 'rhus the opening of the world, extending ever wider since the beginning of the nineteenth century, has more and more grown into a history of mankind. It has opened the way for missions, and has also become a signal for them, ringing in as it were with all the chimes, a Christendom which has been newly awakened to the new Bible faith. It has again procured a hearing and obedience for the almost forgotten missionary command: Go and make disciples of all nations.
It is true that, at the ending of the last century it did not look-at least to human eyes-as if a missionary age was approaching. Even independent of the wars and turmults which were then bringing distress over half Europe and scarcely allowed the taking of measures for the conversion of distant heathen, Christendom, as it then was, lacked the inner missionary motives, which are supplied only by faith working through love. The free thought, which held almost all Christendom under the influence of a commonplace rationalism, was S() far removed from all understanding of missions and from any missionary impulse, that
FOREIGN MISSIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF TWO CENTURIES
indeed it settled down as a mildew upon the scanty missionary life then existing. It undermined the roots of the Danish-Halle mission, and, as shown by the well-known proceedings in the Scottish General Assembly of 1796, it voted down every missionary proposal. Only the Unitas Fra,trum kept its missions above water, but even in this there was a time of stagnation. The prevailing undervaluation of Scriptural faith, despoiled as this was of its mysteries, the indifference toward the claim of Christianity to be in possession of the absolute truth, and the tolerance, which was for having everybody, Christian or not, "go to heaven after his own method," caused missions to appear equally superfluous and futile. The eminent jurist Blackstone, who went from church to church in London, to hear all the noted preachers of his day, bears witness: "I heard not a single sermon thai had more Christianity in it than the writings of Cicero, and I could not possibly discover whether the preacher was an adherent of Confucius, Mohammed, or Christ." And from the majority of the continental Rationalists we would hardly have heard much more that was specifically Christian. In England, it is true, matters were at a particularly evil pass. "Most clergymen," says Bishop Ryle, "followed the hounds, shot, farmed, gambled, drank, but seldom preached, and when they did gave such wretched sermons that it was a blessing that they talked to empty pews." Moreover, the corruption of morals, especially in the upper classes, was extreme. In Germany, rationalism was usually more earnest thall in England, nor did it stand religiously at so Iowa point as in England, where it was the order of the day to be a mocker at religion. But there was not in German rationalism any indwelling missionary energy, and when the missionary movement began rationalism was its sharpest opponent.
THE RELIGIOUS AND }IISSIONARY REVIVAL.
But a change was already coming about. The great revival had already begun which has brought about the resnrrection of Christianity out of this religious degradation. This is one of the most comforting events in Christian church history. In view of it faith ought not to lose heart, even tho snch declensions should again and again ensue. The God who raised Jesus from the dead had begun, in the days of Wesley and Whitefield, to rouse the dead bones to life, and at the end of the eighteenth century there was already in the field a second generation of awakened clergymen and laymen, proving that the revival had been deep and enduring. It is tme they only constituted a small minority, to which all manner of scornful nicknames were applied, and the bishops held it for one of their main duties to rid their dioceses of "this pest of Methodism." Yet the power of God was in these small circles, and that too in such living power, that one Christian undertaking after another came forth from them, and
especially did the missionary movement receive from them its first impulse.
This birth of modern missions, not from the halls of kings, nor from the companies of merchant princes, but from the cottages of "the quiet in the land," gave to missions, it is true, the servant's form, but such a servant's form as bore the impress of the Holy Night in Bethlehem and enabled them from the very first to follow apostolic paths. The worst thing was that the ministry of the Ohurch refused to help; nay, joined itself to the opponents of missions. But this stress of circumstance gave birth to froe assoc7'aNon within the Ohurch, an institution which has since approved itself better fitted for the furtherance of missions than missionary boards of established churches, but has also enriched the churches themselves with new corporate formations. These have turned out a blessing to them, and especially have they developed for the subsequent prosecution of home missions the most suitable organizations.
THE FIRST MODERN PROTESTANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
The practical precipitate of this missionary movement was the foundation of the first three modern Protestant missionary societies, which came to pass in the last decade of the eighteenth century: The Baptist in 1792, the London in 1795, the Ohurch Society in 1799, and 1800 on German ground of the first missionary training-school, that of Janicke at Berlin. Apart from the few missionary organizations which were already extant in 1792, among which that of the Moravians was, strictly speaking, the only one that was really acting, this was the beginning of the missionary age. It was, in truth, a small beginning, whether we look at the modest means which then stood at the command of these few organs of missions, or at the fields of labor on which they stationed their few agents; but there was a beginning-this was the important thing. The stone was set in motion, the mustardseed was laid in the ground, the spring had dawned. The end of the eighteenth century coincided with the most significant crisis of the history of modern missions.
The great chronological divisions which separate the course of time into centuries, do not always exactly synchronize with the great periods into which the course of the world's history articulates itself. Whether the passage from the nineteenth to the twentieth century also involves a juncture in missionary history is something which we are not yet in a situation to predict. At all events the twentieth century introduces missions into a time of ripening harvests, which imposes on them new and grave problems, especially of Ohurch organization. There will now come into clear view the second missionary stadium, completing Ohristianization through missionaries by Ohristianization through assimilation. Moreover, the mighty era of colonial policy,
FOREIGN MISSIONS AT THE JlJNCTION OF TWO CENTURIES
which has broken way for itself during the last decades, and which is far from having yet reached the term of its development, will also intervene, mnch more energetically tha,n hitherto, in the progress of missions, if not in the manner of carrying them on. This is a coinci- dence of which we can not say a priori whether it will turn out more to the furtherance or to the injury of the work. At all events it involves temptations against which evangelical missions must fortify them- selves. And unless all signs are to fail, besides extension in Africa, the coming century will lay on evangelical missions, as a chief burden, the contest with the great Asiatic boole-religions, importing such a comparison of religions as will call for the efforts of the highest powers. Perhaps we shall find our supply of the heroes in this great conflict in the Students' Missionary Movement, which for more than a decade has done such effective recruiting service among the academic youth of North America and England, and which now begins also to influence the European continent. Perhaps this may turn out the chief providential end of its origin.
SOME FACTS OF MISSIONARY PROGRESS.
But let us give over forecasting the future. Even if the present dividing-line of the two centuries should not be found to have an exactly epochal significance for Christian missions, it is at all events a landmarle in thcir history, which we ought not to pass by without seeking for historical orientation. Not only what is written is written f0r our learning, but also what has befallen has befallen for our learning. We re~erve for distinct consideration the development of Protestant missions in the course of the nineteenth century, but even the bare facts,. which the state of missions at the end of this century brings to our view, hold instructive discourse. And it is only these facts which we wish now to establish. A part of them may be expressed in figures, and these we present first. I take them from the introduction to the Missionary Report of the Free Church of Scotland, May, 1899. It is true, they are only approximately correct. Two rubrics are not usable at all.* 'rhe author, apparently Dr. George Smith, of the Free Church * At all events the author has used Provost Vahl's statistics as a basis. Had he known my criticism of his last work, he would have avoided a series of manifest inaccuracies. This criticism has been recognized as warranted by the late Provost Vahl. The work criticized is entitled: "Missious to the Heathen in 1895 and 1896. A Statistical Review." (Cf. A. M. Z., 1898, p. 188 fI') I wrote then: "I fear that especially in England and America, Vahl's summing-up will be reprinted without being tested, and that thus false numbers will gain currency." This in fact has happened. It appears plainly in two rubrics: (1) In that of the scholars, into which the Scottish author has introduced an additional confusion by giving the heading: "Scholars or Catechumens." Vahl had computed for 1895 742,426, and for 1896 447,145 scholars. An impossible decrease of some 300,000 in one year. I reexamined and found an error of addition; for 1896 there then appeared 938,343. But our Scottish author has given tile mistaken total without testing it This is the more surprising as he has expressly remarked in the text that Vahl's numbers for 1895 are too low. (2 The statements concerning missionary organizations are inexact. What is missionary organization? We look in vain for a clear definition. If we mean an independent society, the numbers are much too high. And it is confusing to see
Missionary Society, distinguishes the missions of the nineteenth century into two main periods, which he divides by the year 1859. In this year, after the great mutiny, India passed from the dominion of the East India Company to that of the British crown, and Livingstone, after his first epochal journeys, first revisited Europe.
FIRST PERIOD.-SOWING-TIME (1799-1859).
1799. 1820. 1830. 1845. 11859.
Receipts in Pounds Sterling…………………….. 10.000 121,756 226,440 632.000 918,000 Missionaries (Men)……………………………… (1) 50 421 734 1,319. 2,032 Female Missionaries (Unmarried)……………….. 1 31 72 76 Ordained Native Pastors…………………….. …. 7 10 Other Native Helpers…………………………… 158 169 80 166 850 3,152 5,785 Communicants …………………………………. (?)7,OOO 21,787 51,322 159,000 227,000 Scholars or Catechumens (1) (1 Unusable)………… 5,000 15,728 102,275 165,000 252,000 Missionary Organizations, resp. Societies………… 6 20 25 65 98 SECOND PERIOD.-GRoWTH (1859-1897).
–~.——~—-~——- 1859. 1889. 1895. 1897.
– – —– ——·1—— ~f~s~~t:~i~~ ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 918,000 2,130,000 2,865,000 2,902,794 Female Missionaries …………………………… . 2,032 4,135 6,369 6,576 1,689 3,982 76 3,327 3,390 4,185 Native Pastors ………………………………… . 169 41,756 4,017 67,754 Other Native Helpers …………………………. .. 5,785 61,124 Communicants ……. ………………………….. . 227,000 850,000 1,057.000 1,448,861 Scholars (1 Unusable) ………………………….. . 252,000 650,000 864,000 447,145 Missionary Organizations (2 Unusable) ………….. . 98 262 365 365 If we first cast a glance at Home, from which missions proceed, we stand in presence of one of those facts of Christian church history which strengthen faith the most. A Christendom sunk in the sleep of rationalism, to which the missionary command was foolishness, has been so well awakened, that to-day, in all its divisions, it feels breathing through it a mighty missionary spirit. Nineteen hundred years after its first u'tterance the missionary command has again become so living, that it has brought forth a movement that has laid hold on the whole Christian and non-Christian world. This word of Jesus was, as it were, almost buried, but it is risen from the dead. We do not say that the now extant Ohristendom fully discharges its missionary duty; on the contrary, it comes short of what it should accomplish, and can accomplish. It is still far short of it. Yet the consciousness has penetrated Ohristians generally, that the diffusion of Christianity in the non-Christian world is one of the chief duties of Ohristendom. This is so deep a persuasion now that missions, once so despised, to which the established churches refused their aid, has, from the conventicle, entered into -the cathedral, that the chief ministers of the Church have become the main representatives and nursing fathers of missionary life at home, nay, that the project has again and again auxiliary societies put under this rubric, above all when the selection-as with Vahl-is rather arbitrary. I am afraid that in the other rubrics also the numbers are open to criticism, and therefore can hardly lay claim to absolute trustworthiness.-G. W.
FOREIGN MISSIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF TWO CENTURIES
been ventilated of ecclesiasticizing the free missionary associations. But of Stx Protestant missionary organizations in the year 1800 have grown some 150 independent bodies, of which a quarter are of undis- puted importance. This is a home machinery which is almost a superfluity, and instead of increase calls for condensation.
From their beginning modern Protestant missions were dependent for their outlays upon free Christian liberality. They did not possess wealthy orders, like the Catholic, and it is only later on that they have received government subsidies for their schools, and these comparatively restricted. We can not precisely compute how large the collective gifts for missions were in 1800. Probably not over 300,000 marks. To-day they amount to 55,000,000, a sum to which Germany with Switzerland contributes 4,500,000. Nothing has so trained Protestant Christendom to giving as foreign missions. And with their increasing gifts for these provision for home necessities has not only not suffered, but has first been rightly awakened. In 1800, of the noble forms of work which we comprehend under the collective name Inner Mission and Home Missions, there was as good as nothing; today they stretch almost beyond sight, and the voluntary gifts coming in yearly for them exceed those for foreign missions perhaps tenfold, in Germany doubtless yet more.* By the work for the heathen God has blessed the home church, having thus taught how to labor, to pray, and to give, even for all domestic needs. Christendom, sending to the heathen, has received back more profit than she has spent sacrifices upon them.
INCREASE OF MISSIONARY FORCE.
Very small at the end of the last century was the number of the m£ssionaries, amounting at most to 120, of whom the greater part belonged to the Unitas Fratrum. 'l'heologians, after the dying out of the Danish-Halle Mission, there were none at all. It was needful, as once Jesus found it, to call into service "unlearned and ignorant men," (lit. unlearned persons and laymen). It cannot be said that all these persons proved equal to their vocation, but nevertheless the roll is by no means brief of those of them who have done eminent work, e. g., Zeisberger, Rhenius, Carey, Riedel, Pfander, Gobat, Kolle, Christaller, Hebich, Dieterle, Ramseyer, H. Hahn, E. Faber, Nommensen, Schlegel, Behrens, Kropf, Merensky, Calvert, Moffat, Livingstone, Williams, Horden, Mackay, G. Taylor, Grenfell, Bentley, Paton, etc. With time the missionary training-schools have become more and more thorough institutes of culture, and the percentage of regular theologians has been considerable in the Anglo-Saxon world, especially for the last twenty-five years, and in Germany too has increased somewhat. At any rate there is no longer, as in 1800, a * Statistics of the Inner Mission of the German Evangelical Church. Digested and pub- lished by the Central Committee for the Inner Mission of the German Evangelical Church.
small and divided cohort of heralds of Christ, standing scattered and inexperienced in various parts of the heathen world. In 1900 this has grown into a stately army, numbering over 6,000 men, and stationed over almost the whole accessible world. What these men have also accomplished for the mallY different branches of science, as well as for the civilization of mankind, has procured them respect even in such circles as have little concern for their distinctly religious vocation. Moreover they are supported by a helping force of 4,000 unmarried women. These are mainly occupied as teachers among the degenerate and enslaved women of the heathen world. And still another force of 680 medically trained physicians, male and female, carrying out an ever-extending and ever more appreciated Samaritan's work among the sick, so neglected or bunglingly treated. We may say without any vaunting, that ill these thousands of bearers of the Gospel, Protestant Christendom sustains a genuine Salvation Army in the non-Christian world, which, because it is a salt and a light therein, offers to this world a service more pregnant of blessing than the traffic and politics of the world taken together.
THE HARVEST OF MISSIONS.
One hundred years ago lIlissl:onary results, so far as statistically capable of statement, amounted, on a large estimate, to 70,000 Christian converts. To-day the number exceeds 4,000,000, of whom about 1,500,000 are full communicants. And this number is augmenting from decade to dccade, like a capital under compound interest. The number of heathen now baptized in a single year is as large again as the whole number of Christi.ans in 1800. It is true, in view of the gigantic number of 1,000,000,000 of non-Christians the missionary achievements thus far made seem small; but what is thus far done is essentially foundation work, and foundation work goes slow. Our missionaries come as strangers into a strange world, and not until they are at home in this strange world, until they not only speak the strange tongues as their mother tongues, but have become in feeling a part of the whole strange view of the world-literally" have lived themselves into it "–':"and of the strange usages, does their message have full effect. Real results go far beyond all statistics. The exemplary lives of the thousands of missionaries, together with the overflowing works of mercy which they perform, and the 20,000 mission schools of every grade, attended by a million scholars of both sexes, besides the almost infinite native literature, especially the, at least, 340 missionary versions of the Bible, with the wealth of culture, moral eleva~ion, and Christian knowledge which they diffuse, all this implies an intellectual, ethical, and religious power far and wide among the nations, under whose preparatory influences, almost unconsciously, even those circles come among which the direct proclama-
HOW SOME THINGS GO IN KOREA
tion of the Word has as yet had no noticeable results. Enlig-htenment, reform of morals and of social relations, breaking down of heathen superstition, and the gradual development of nn atmosphere surcharged with Ohristian apprehensions, have, in the elder missionary districts, spread far beyond the Ohristian communities. Besides, the growing company of native helpers-over 4,000 ordained pastors and more than 60,000 other helpers, altho at present by far the most do subaltern service-is a Christianizing power which :s working as effectively for the implantation of Christianity in the foreign soil as for the raising of the general national life.
In brief, everywhere the work is broadening out of the defile into the plain. A century of missionary foundations lies behind us; a century of building up and building out will follow. The nineteenth century has been the apprenticeship of evangelical missions, and we have made many mistak€.3; but we are now in possession of a missionary experience which will be our schoolmistress for the twentieth century. The work done yet is the seed of coming harvests. Missionary results are not to be reckonerl by years, but by centuries. As Jesus once promised the first missionaries, in view of the visible result of their labor, "Ye shall do greater works than I," so will it also be said of the missionaries of the twentieth century: They have dOlle greater works than those of the nineteenth. "That both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."
HOW SOME 'l'IIINGS GO IN KORBJA.
REV. H. G. APPENZELLER. Paichai College, Seoul, Methodist Episcopal Mission.
Korea has swung back to anti-bellum days, and, unless there are checks not visible now, it looks as tho her last stage is destined to become worse than the first. Politically she is drifting badly with Japan and Russia trying to board the craft and secure the helm. Just at present education as supplied by Western nations is not sought for. The head master of the English school failed to renew his contract, and has gone into the hotel business. The missionary sticks to his distinctive work and finds good" raw heathen" material to work upon, and longs for a mighty baptism of power, a mighty baptism of conviction of sin to come upon his hearers and adherents. There are no end of adherents, probationers, catechumens, and even members, but they do not seem to have any knowledge of that horror of sin one would like to see and ought to see. The sinner here acts very much like the sinner at horne.
A few years ago a plain man came up from the country to Seoul and found empluyment as herdsman. He was in trouble, and tho in
humble circumstances, he determined to pray his way out of his troubles. He fasted, and that with great severity; he limited himself to one meal, and a scant one at that, a day. Some of us thought his zeal outstripped his sense. He was persistent in his efforts to get out of his difficulties. These were, that he was put out of his house by his father-in-law, who refused to have anything to do with him on account of his religious" notions." His wife was in subjection to her father.
Several months passed by, and the man essayed to return to his home to see the result of his praying and fasting. He found a great change had come over his family. They received him, allowed him to pray, and did not resent being talked to on the subject of religion. He not only talked the "new doctrine" to his family but to his neighbors as well.
He visited me here in the city, and reported the interest in his village. The Korean. helper was asked to visit the place, and he returned with a favorable report and some names on probation. He went a second time, and another brother, an exhorter, likewise went there. During the past summer I had hoped to be able to visit the place but could not. Last week one of the villagers who professed interest and who was a probationer in the church came and inquired when I could come to the village. I told him I would come down in two days. A few days later I and another brother of the mission started off on our bicycles for the village of the Water-jar Rock, twenty-five miles northeast of Seoul. The weather was bracing, the roads good, and tho not "scorchers" we made the distance in four hours. We went to the house of the man who asked us to come. He received us with dignified reserve. He is a well-to-do farmer. His lands yield him a living and with this he is content. He has not sufficient wealth to tempt the avarice of the officials, and yet enough to live comfortably as the word is understood by the Korean farmer and countryman.
It did us good to catechise the probationers. They had studied the catechism and knew it. We spent the evening in this way and in preaching. The next day after preaching it was my privilege to baptize six men and two women, one of the women being the wife of the man who a few years ago was driven from his home because he was a believer in Jesus, and who by his prayer and fasting fought his way through his difficulties and won his villagers to the new faith.
After the baptisms were concluded the man and his wife stood up together and formally and publicly gave th~ir little boy to the Lord in baptism. This is the beginning of an interesting work. It began by a man being driven out of his home and neighborhood. Truly God works and one does not know by what means the Word may be advanced.
INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD
WORSHIPING AN IDOL IN INDIA.
INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD.
BY REV. EDWAHD STORROW, BRIGHTON, ENGLAND. Formerly Missionary of the London Missionary Society.
India is isolated from the remainder of Asia by two oceans, and the highest and broadest mountain ranges on the earth.
Within these spacious, well-defined limits, lies an empire rich, fertile, and varied, with almost all the gifts of nature, having an area and population equal to that of all Europe, Russia excepted. Its extent is equal to nearly two-thirds of the United States, while its population is almost five times as great. It is the dwelling-place of about one-fifth of the human race, or more than twice the population of the Roman Empire in its palmiest days (according to Gibbon).
I3ritish rule is direct and absolute over more than two-thirds of this vast population, and supreme and unchallenged over the 650 semi-independent and feudatory states of the remaining third.
The origin of these millions of people, with their diversities of race, language, religion, and civilization, can only be glanced at, aild indeed for the most part these lie outside the limits of definite history.
When the ancestors of the l.Iindu race began to migrate into India from Oentral Asia, more than 3,000 years ago, they found there many tribes differing from themselves in origin, race, and language. These two peoples probably continued to live there together for some centuries, but Aryan coherence and strength gradually triumphed, forcing the aboriginal tribes to be the permanent lower strata of their commonwealth, or to keep a precarious refuge in the hills and forests.
Of the second great migration and conquest we have clearer information. Mohammedan interconrse with Western India began early in the seventh century, but the first attempts at conquest were made by Mahm'oud of Ghuzin in twelve expeditions extending from 1001 to 1026; but Mohammedan supremacy was not firmly established until the Mogul Empire was consolidated under Akbar in the middle of the sixteenth century. During this long interval, in ever.growing numbers, these streamed into India from Arabia, Persia, Afghanistan, the states of Central Asia, and even 'rartary, a vast number of emigrant adventurers, zealous for the propagation of Islam, and by no means scrupulous in their methods of proselytism.
RELIGIONS OF INDIA.
Other forms of religion are thus summarized in the government census returns of 1891: Religion. Population.
Brahmanic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 207,731,727 Animistic….. ……….. . …. ……………. . . …… 9,280,467 Sikh….. …. ………………………………….. 1,907,833 Jain ………….. '" ………………….. , …. …… 1,416,638 Goroustrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89,904 Bllddhist (mostly in Burma) _…………………… 7,131,361 Jew…………………………………………… 17,194 Christian …. , . . .. . . .. . . .. . . … .. .. . . .. . . . . . . .. .. .. . . .. 2,284,380 Mohammedan………………………………….. 57,321,164 Unreturned ……………… ' ., '. . . …… .. …….. .. 42,578 Total. ………………………… , ……… 287,223,266 A large number of the Brahmanic or Hindu population ar() not of Aryan, bu t of aboriginal descent, as their physical characteristics, languages, superstitions, and usages prove.
Animism defined as a belief in the power of spirits, who acquire supernatural influence, and are worshiped for the evil and good they may do, is largely the dominant superstition of vast numbers of the most ignorant of those classified as Brahmanists and Mohammedans, as well as the nine millions defined by that name.
Probably more than one-half of the Mohammedans are of Aryan and aboriginal descent, who retain many of the superstitions, beliefs, and usages of their ancestors.
The Christian population is thus distributed: Syrian and Armenian …………………………… . 201,684 Roman Catholic …………………………………. . 1,315,263 Native Christians, Protestants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,559,661 European* …………………. _…………………. . 168,000 Various …………………………………………. . 39,772 • Since the British branch of the'army numbers 72,112, it follows that the entire European civil population is less than 100,000.
INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD
Thus there are in India.. directly and indirectly under British rule, more polytheists than there are Protestants in the whole world, and more than one-fourth of its entire Mohammedan population. These numbers are probably now exceeded, for, owing to the peace and prosperity secured by British rule, the population is rapidly increasing, and is thought to. exceed three hundred millions.
THE PROSPECT OF WINNING INDIA FOR CHRIST.
Of course, in so vast aR empire, where the Hindus are separated into twelve or fourteen great nationalities, almost as distinct in language and physical and intellectual characteristics as the nations of Europe, with hundreds· of barbarian tribes and a Mohammedan population in many respects equally diverse, their attitude toward a race still more intrusive, aggressive, aud diverse, might be expected to vary, tho generally suspicious and unsympathetic, and the propagators of the new religion belonging to a foreign, conquering, and dominant race might be assumed to prejudice their cause.
Hinduism combines the widest possible extremes of speculative belief, from transcendental monotheism to the most debasing fetishism, with the laxest morality and the most rigid and exclnsive of all social despotisms. Any form of vice and any latitude of opinion is permissible, but to become a Christian is the one act which means social boycott and ruin to every Hindu of good caste.
The uncompromising attitude of Islam to Christianity is everywhere intense, but in India iL has become curiously modified. Its earliest adventurers and settlers found the Hindus so numerous and wedded to their own religious usages that they found it politic to abate their usual intolerance, and the numerous converts they made were received on easy terms and retained many of their old supersti.- tions and usages. British supremacy came so slowly and unexpectedly, and has been so wise, beneficent, and tolerant, that it has never roused any formidable hostility. The mutiny of 1857 was a purely military revolt, brought about by English over-indulgence and confidence in the native army. But it gave expression to no grievances and wrongs, and the Mohammedans of India are more loyal, liberalminded, and contented than their coreligionists anywhere throughout Asia and Africa. Nevertheless the intolerance and love of political power inherent in the system, and the remembrance of its dominance under the Mogul emperors, yet lives as a latent force in Indian Mohammedanism.
The aborigines are most ignorant and degraded, but they and their descendants, who have entered the outer circles of Hinduism and Mohammedanism, are most open to Christian evangelization, and it is from these that the largest number of converts have beeu drawn.
Neither they nor the Hindus have ever had, or apparently understood, that love of country and delight in freedom which distinguishes Western races. Despotism has been the invariable note and adjunct of power. Their history has been a monotonons record of states and tribes, dreading oppression or enforcing it invariably when possessed. They are most submissive to superior power, but lack magnanimity when it passes into their hands. The caste idea also induces a gloomy, suspicious, unsympathetic state of mind without any rational basis, either moral, intellectual, or physical, which no European can understand, but which engenders in those who have it a strange dread and aversion toward all who are without caste.
INDIA, A LAND OF PARADOXES.
But India is a land of paradoxes, the people are patient, unworldly, submissive to authority as no Western races are. Power and destiny are the two supreme forces recognized in their imaginations, religious and daily lives, and as the British Raj is the visible yet mysterious embodiment of these, to their ignorant yet devout and imaginative minds, it is accepted implicitly as are the laws of nature. British rule tho neither loved or admired, has been scrupulously just and humane in its policy and in non-interference with the caste and assumed r.eligious susceptibilities of the people. These qualities, despite many difficulties and some defects, have come more into exercise with every decade of the century. Great abuses exist and will until the morality of the New Testament becomes that of the people; but the policy of the government is just, beneficent, and humane. But under British rule the rich are not oppressed and the poor are protected.* Roads, railways, and canals are constructed; education and commerce are encouraged; crime is repressed, and lives and property are secure. Freedom of conscience and worship is guaranteed as far as the government can do so. The government has its limitations and defects, largely because it must legislate for an empire where oppression and deceit excite no moral indignation and in which 95 per cent. of its su bjects are the most exclusive, suspicious, and sensitive of all religionists. The peace and prosperity of India to-day stands in strong contrast with the feuds, inhumanity, and oppression of the past.
Our belief in a personal and perfect ruler of the universe; in divine moral laws, alike rational, just, and gracious; in a future life alike sure, solemn; the justice, humanity, and beneficence of the British have greatly softened popular prejudice, and have won not only submission but respect from the people of India as a whole. They are intelligent, observant, and meditative, and have been drawn to think of the religion which underlies England's greatness, to send their * Taxation is less than five shillings ($1.25) a year per head.
– INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD
children to British schools to read Christian books. This does not always come from a desire to know or to embrace the truth, but it has great advantages, for such investigation makes them dissatisfied with the old Puranic superstitions and makes them more favorably inclined toward Christian truths.
Thus British rule has been in many respects a powerful tho unconscious factor in "making ready the way of the Lord." The Christian missionary may live and work where he pleases and adopt all just and rational means to propagate the Christian faith. In no other non- Christian or Roman Catholic country is there equal freedom for missionary propagandism.
Happily the Christian Church is growing more conscious of her A srREEr PREACHING SCENE IN NORrH INDIA.
responsibility toward this magnificent empire. There are now about nine hundred foreign ordained Protestant missionaries in India. with nearly as many native ordained ministers, and fonr thousand unordained native preachers. The Gospel is preached daily in the streets and bazaars of the great cities and in the numerous villages of many districts. There are also about eighty educational missionaries with over eight hundred ladies and four thousand native women engaged in education, zenana visitation, literary, medical, industrial, and humanitarian work. There are also excellent versions of the whole 'Bible in the principal languages and dialects of the empire, while the New Testament or portions of it are printed in many more of India's 120 languages and dialects. Schoolbooks, treatises, and tracts in exposition
of Ohristian truth are printed and circulated extensively by the Bible and tract societies.
The results are encouraging and hopeful, especially if we accurately gauge the difficulty of concerting any typical Hindu or Mohammedan, the intense immutability of all Oriental beliefs and usages, and the difficulty of changing the religions of three hundred million people. Praise God, the success is far greater than the inadequacy of our efforts would have led us to expect. .
SOME RESULTS OF )IISSIONS IN INDIA.
The most obvious of the direct results are the 800,000 Protestant converts, 200,000 of whom are communicants; 5,000 churches or congregations, with some 4,500 native preachers; 300,000 scholars in schools distinctly Ohristian, and more than 720 foreign and Eurasian female agents. 'rhere has been a marked increase on all the lines of progress during the past half century. 'rhe native Christian community has increased twenty-four fold in forty years, and the native ministry forty fold. So has there been analogous advance in the ~ntelligence, social position, and self-reliance of the native church.
But the progress of Ohristianity is not to be estimated exclusively by counting heads. Other agencies have been operating indirectly through education, commerce, and material progress, and have obviously been ordained of God to transform India. Hinduism is morally the most defective of all religious systems, the most indefinite and vague, but socially the strongest through its weird caste despotism. It is not too much to affirm that the Ohurch of Christ has never had a more stupendous and difficult undertaking than the conversion of this great, gifted race, spread over an immense empire, enthralled, fascinated, intellectually, religiously, and socially, by a dogma unique in the history of religions. It might be expected that for a long time individual conversions would be few, while the final dissolution of the intricate, stupendous system would be preceded by gradual decay. Eastern races are intensely immobile, and detest change.
Hinduism is most indulgent to its adherents, but an implacable foe to those who forsake it. The people are easily satisfied, slaves to public opinion and usage, timid, gregarious, find little difficulty or feel shame in holding opinions they never express or put into practise. They are adepts in sitting on the fence waiting to jump to the safe side. A long disintegrating process, therefore, in the two-fold direction of reforming great evils, and in changing popular opinion on all great social, moral, and religious questions, must precede the conversion of India, unless the spirit of the living God should give life and light to these millions, as He can, and as He may. This process of sapping and mining is going on. Even when the government
INDIA AS A MISSION FIELD
of the East India Company passed away in 1859, "It had ceased to be lawful, it has become penal even in the name of religion, 1. To murder parents by suttee, by exposure on the banks of rivers, or by burial alive.
2. To murder children by dedication to the Ganges, to be devoured by crocodiles, or daughters by the Rajput modes of infanticide.
3. To offer up human sacrifices in a temple, or to propitiate the earth goddess.
4. To encourage suicide under the wheels of idol cars, or in wells, or otherwise.
5. To promote voluntary torment by hook swinging, etc.
6. Involuntary torture by mutilation, trampling to death, ordeals, and barbarous executions. Slavery and slave trade have been made illegal. Caste is not supported by law, nor recognized in appointments to office. All government connection with idolatry has ceased. A long step has been taken by legislative acts to protect the civil rights of converts, and to leave Hindu widows free to marry." * We remember the reluctance of the East India Company for modern missionary propagandism; justice demands that we must not overlook its civilizing and humane policy.
The policy of the imperial governments is equally humane and more progressive, and the indirect influence of Christian propagandism in gradually changing the opinions and usages of the people in a small district in Central India, in charge of a solitary missionary, is iIIustrati ve of what is going on over the grell,ter part of the empire.
Those people, through the agency that has been working there for three years, have begun to understand something-to understand there is a God different and above those hobgoblins they have been accustomed to worship; that there is a God different from the tigers and the leopards, and the bears and snakes, and the scorpions around them, which they worship because they are afraid of them, and in four of the villages next to the place where I lived for the last two years, the annual sacrifice has ceased. They are not Christians, but they are coming round, and they will come round I have no doubt. t Oscillation, check, and even reverse may be expected in an enterprise so stupendous, and carried on in the face of every form of opposition, but even now the time is not far distant when there will be here and there in India a more widespread abandonment of heathenism and acceptance of Christianity by masses of the people, than the world has ever witnessed.
* "The Conversion of India," by Dr. George Smith.
t" History of the London Missionary Society," by Rev. Richard Lovett. Vol. II, p.217.
PUERTO RICO UNDER THE UNITED STATES.
BY REV. J. M. MCELHINNEY, ROCHESTER, N. Y.
Our new possession, Puerto Rico, is attracting public attention, and will probably do so for some time to come. Steamboat lines are not able to supply transportation to the numerous applicants for passage to the" gem of the Antilles."
On leaving New York, October 11, 1899, we pointed the nose of our boat toward Puerto Rico, a little east of south, and kept it there for nearly seven days, until we all but bumped into San Juan (Saint John), the capital of Puerto Rico. The distance is 1,400 miles. A shower of rain on our arrival veiled the city in a wreath of gray, only to bring it out into greater conspicuity with the passing of the cloud and the returning glory of a tropical sun. The cocoanut palms on the right of the harbor waved a welcome with their high and graceful arms, while on the left the buglers wafted sweet music on the fresh morning air as the" Stars and Stripes" ascended the flagstaff and spread their graceful folds to our glad eyes.
Part of the ancient wall, which originally enclosed the city, is still standing. The foundation of the first house in Puerto Rico, built by Ponce de Leon about 15~0, bears up a modern superstructure known as casa blanco (white house), and can be seen from Abonita, fifty miles distant. Our boat had hardly reached the dock when the flies and white-clad Puerto Ricans assailed us in about equal numbers, for it should be remembered that we had reached the land of perpetual summer, where the thermometer, according to the late Governor Henry, never goes below seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
The mature Puerto Rican stands as erect as an Indian, slight in frame, thin in flesh, with large feet and small head. Being the product of the negro and the Spanish races, he has eliminated the coarseness of the oue and the weakness of the ·other, and has retained the straight nose, mild, black eye, and rich olive skin. The young men are agile and the young women well shapen and attractive.
The inhabitants, numbering about 975,000, are usually divided into two classes: the Puerto Ricans and Spanish. The distinction is made on a basis of education and property. They are practically of one blood, and yet the cultivated Spaniard would be loath to admit the cOllsangunity. He entertains a sort of poetic fancy that a trained mind and an inflated purse purify the blood. Eighty-seven per cent. of the people are unable to read or write; sixty-fi ve per cent. are said to be of illegitimate birth. It ought to be noted in this connection that the illegitimacy is largel.V illegality. The people have not been legally or ecclesiastically married, and, in consequence, the children are stamped as illegitimate. In perhaps half the cases in question the parents are faithful and the issue acknowledged. Girls at twelve
PUERTO RICO UNDER THE UNITED STATES
A STREET IN SAN JUAN~ PUERTO RICO.
and thirteen years of age are generally wives and mothers. 'fhe little children of the poor seldom wear clothing of any sort. Their food, after they are weaned, is the same as that given to mature persons. Excessive use of bananas by children under five is seen in the distended abdomen, arising from lack of proper nourishment and producing what is called the" banana stomach."
The children have a short and cheerless childhood. Gambling with coffee grains or pennies is their standard amusement, tho kiteflying has its season and cock-fighting its attractions. The kite-flying in Puerto Rico has this novel feature, that the tail of the kite is sometimes equipped with a knife blade for the purpose of cutting the string of some ambitious kite wl1ich has reached "higher than Guilderoy's." It is noticed that the children seldom sing. In fact, it is a land "vithout songs. The birds, as is common in the tropics, do little more than chirp.
Under the administration of the United States government six hundred and twenty schools have been opened, at an expense, last year, of $330,000. This provides accommodation for one in fifteen of the children of school age, whereas ten in fifteen would attend if the accommodations were adequate. The children and people generally are eager to learn the English language. Arithmetic is taught in in all the public schools in English. It is also taught in Spanish, except in the two English schools San Juan and Ponce. Elementary
chart exercises are given in English in every school. An English teacher is given supervision of forty schools, and holds a session with their Puerto Rican teachers every Saturday, at which time the native teachers are taught English. Children five or six years old will learn to read English in six months, and have a fair understanding of elementary sentences. After visiting one of the country schools on the famous military road, where a test was made of their knowledge of English, the writer expressed the hope that they would become good American citizens, and was about taking his leave, when from a chorns of forty-two voices these words rang out with childish enthusiasm, "Beso su mano" (I kiss your hand), a customary Spanish salutation, which, being interpreted by the circumstances which prompted its utterance, means, "We hope to meet your fondest expectation."
THE WOMEN OF PUERTO RICO.
Next in importance to the children are the women. The educated and refined are considered very exclusive, and yet they manage to be seen by the American soldiers and other attractive young men. Sunday nights are given up to parades of beautiful women on the plazas before their admirers. Attractive gowns are donned, the hair is displayed with the precision of a fashion plate, the skin is "lacquered" with cosmetics, and with a pride that knows no weariness the so-called exclusive young ladies walk hour after hour in the glare of electric or other light before the assembled multitudes, for the express purpose of attracting attention, winning compliments, and extending the list of their gentlemen acquaintances. What is done Snnday nights by the few is indulged in by the multitudes throughout the week. Nothing is more conspicuous on the streets of Puerto Rico than women. The house has but few attractions for them. The few primitive articles of household furniture are either reeking with filth or creeping with insects. The air is polluted with smoke of charcoal, which, having no chimney as an avenue of escape, takes its time in getting out through the hundred chinks in the roof. There are no books or papers in the home. They could not be read if tqey were there. The mind gets its means of sn bsistence in conversation with neighbors at the" rumshacks," at the streams washing clothes, at the coffee plantations-somewhere in the open. The house is a place of last resort, a place to sleep in, where sense is dead to surroundings. About the only time these ignorant women get a bath is when they are caught out in the rain. Their clothes are sometimes wound about their bodies in Oriental fashion, unchanged and unwashed, until they are worn out. In most cases, however, the garments fare better than the person. Washing of garments is not nncommon. The streams are frequently lined with washerwomen, who use stones for wash-
PUERTO RICO UNDER THE UNITED STATES
boards, against which the garment is now rubbed, now rolled, and now pounded.
'I.'he men of Puerto Rico largely belong to the laboring class, tho they are not. fond of hard work. Well-fed men will do a good day's work under the direction of an employer. The men of the docks of San Juan will carry bags of beans weighing two hundred and twenty pounds on their heads with as much apparent ease as a man will wear a silk hat, and they will continue this for ten or twelve consecutive hours. Men make use of small ponies in transporting their produce from the interior to the seaports aud to the markets. A pony loaded with two heavy baskets of fruit or vegetables almost invariably car- SELLING FRESH MILK IN PONCE, PUER1'O RICO.
ries a man besides, who, with a rope halter, guides it, and with whip in hand hastens the journey. One rarely sees a woman or a boy on a pony. The man of the family sells the produce, if it be but ten cents' worth, and involves a journey of twenty miles.
This male prerogative of handling the funds imposes a little labor in connection with milking the cows, which would doubt18ss be committed to the women were it not for a grotesque requirement in connection with the delivery of the milk. The cow must be milked in the presence of the purchaser. This necessitates the leading the cow from house to house where milk is wanted. Drinking glasses, one or two, according to order, are brought out and filled directly from the cow. The calf is muzzled and brought along to induce the cow tQ
give her milk, which she, on being moved from place to place, would not do were the calf not present.
In a journey across the island comparatively few men are seen working in the fields. The plows in use are of the sixteenth century pattern. A plowed field resembles one that hogs have rooted into heaps and holes.
The coffee plantations represent a more substantial class of husbandry, requiring both skill and patience. '1'he coffee-plants of a few weeks' growth are put in well-prepared ground, six feet apa<rt, with a banana plant beside each coffee plant, in such a way as to protect it from the sun's rays. The plant yields coffee in the fourth year, and continues to bear until it is about twenty years old. Coffee, sugar, and cattle are the three profitable industries of the island. Such fruits as bananas, cocoanuts, and oranges grow in great abundance, tho there has never been but one man who made a business of shipping fruit from the island of Puerto Rico. lIe lives in Mayaguez, on the western shore. Thousands of acres will soon be in fruit cultivation, and within the next decade doubtless many will have made a business of exporting the fruit.
THE VEGETATION 0]<' PUERTO RICO.
One of the amazing things about the country is the little resemblance its vegetation bears to that of our own land. The grass, fruit trees, nut trees, and forest trees are all different. 'l'he grass is mostly of the guinea and foxtail varieties, and not suitable for pasturage until it has reached a height of three or four feet. In 'the absence of fences all animals are tethered in the pastures with ropes to stakes, which confine them to a radius of twenty or thirty feet for horses and cows, and less for goats and pigs, and still less for chickens, for even these are sometimes staked out. The fruit trees most common are the orange, lime, breadfruit, and fig. Of the nut trees the cocoanut-palm is most abundant, with some almond trees scattered about. The forest trees are the royal palm, coffee tree, lignum-vitro, mahogany, and ebony. The specific gravity of most of these trees is greater than water. To float a mahogany log it is necessary to pin it to two orange or other light logs. Sugarcane, pineapples, bananas, and tobacco are grown extensively. The country is one of excessive production. It probably has never yielded more than two per cent. of its capacity. It is almost impossible to keep things from growing if they are adapted to the soil and climate. I saw a small forest tree growing on a tile roof. The terrible hurricane of August 8th scarcely killed a tree. Trees broken off within three feet of the ground will put out branches and take a new start.
The need of religious instruction is one of thl3 most urgent of their
PUERTO RICO UNDER THE UNITED STATES
many needs. The people, in common with all mankind, have intui- tive conceptions of right and wrong, but the wrong has been so long practised that habits of vice seem to be wrought into the very fiber of their being. Theft is so commonly practised that this land of jails fails to provide for the gross offeuders, while myriads of petty thieves are allowed their liberty, with the tacit understanding that so long as their offenses are of diminutive grade and furtively committed they will be unmolested.
If you were a property holder in this land you would understand why the people called Spaniards, and these only, should so soon become supporters of the government, while those to whom a change of sovereignty was supposed to be a relief from an unbearable tyranny, are fast becoming antagonistic to the government. Possessors of property look to the government for protection of property, while those without property persuade themselves that a new order of affairs will bring them something better than they now have. Our soldiers are now more friendly with the Spaniards than with the Puerto Ricans.
The seventh commandment is even more flagrantly violated than the eighth. The father of the family, who is supposed to be the guardian of the virtue of his wife and daughter, is very often the medium of its barter for a price. Our soldiers could tell more than one would wish to put into print upon this subjcct. The prevalence of social evil is made painfully evident by the decaying and loathsome bodies brought in the last extremity to hospitals. One would think that the wrecks of human lives, with which the highways are strewn, would command obedience to the laws of purity, but all this seems to have no perceptible effect. Their present state of distress is a plea more eloquent than words for the Gospel.
Perhaps in no other field in recent times has there been such ready response to the Macedonian cry as from Puerto Rico. The Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, and Disciples have established among them one or more mission stations with services both in English and Spanish. Many of the missionaries have obtained a knowledge of Spanish in Mexico or South America, and are prepared to enter at once upon their labors. The usual plan is to have a morning service in English for Americans and Englishspeaking people from St. Thomas and St. Kitts, a Sunday-school in Spanish and English for all children, and a service in Spanish in the evening. The natives in the cities are employed till noon on Sunday, but have the evenings free, and are at liberty to go to church, tho but few of them are piously inclined. However, the missionaries are much encouraged with the prospect of a great work in Puerto Rico.
MISSIONARY ADMINISTRATION.-II.
BY REV. ARTHUR J. BROWN, D.D., NEW YORK CITY.
Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.
Suffer me to suggest some considerations which illustrate the difficulty of conducting a great board so as to avoid debt. For one thing, the operations of the board, being conducted on so large a scale, and over so vast a territory, can not be hurriedly adjusted to financial changes in the United States. Our work has been gradually developed through a long series of years, and must from its very nature be stable. It can not end its work with the year and begin the next year on a different basis. 'I'he board operates in distant lands, some so remote that four to six months are required for the mere interchange of letters. Plans and pledges must therefore be made far in advance. For example, most of our missions make out their estimates in October for the fiscal year which begins the following May, the intervening time being required for the estimates to make the long journey from the ends of the earth to New York, be studied and passed upon by the board, and make the journey back to the field. In these circumstances, who but an inspired prophet could accurately forecast the future? Who knows to-day what the situation will be a year hence? Yet we must know, or try to.
Moreover, missionaries are sent out for a life service. They can not be discharged as a merchant discharges a clerk. True, the board reserves the right of recall, but it justly feels that it should not exercise it save for serious cause in the missionary himself. Nor are foreign missionaries situated like home missionaries, among people of their own race, with partially self-supporting congregations behind them, and with large and sympathetic churches within easy reach in case the board fails them. The foreign missionaries are thousands of miles away, among different and often hostile races, and with absolutely no local resource. In such circumstances, the board simply can not abandon them. It must pay their salaries, and pay them promptly-and we do it. We have retrenched in many other ways, but every foreign missionary under the care of our board has received his full salary, and that, too, the very day it was due. And we believe that the church will sustain us in that policy, that it does not want us to send a forlorn hope into Asia and Africa, and then desert it. But while this is only just to the missionaries, it involves risk to the board.
Another difficulty is the uncertainty of income. The average church makes no pledges, and has no adequate system of raising money. Our expectation of man must often be that along toward the end of the year the pastor and session will be enough interested in the cause to have the plates passed some Sabbath morning, and we must
MISSIONARY ADMINISTRATION
do the best we can with whatever is thus given. Rev. Dr. Cleland McAfee found that in the synod of Missouri only forty per cent. of the membership was present at an average Sunday-morning service. As that solitary collection represents the only attention paid to the subject, the absentees lose their only opportunity for a whole year to fulfil Ohrist's most solemn and imperative command. So the tide of beneficence ebbs and flows in the most startling and unexpected ways. The board has to carryon a certain work with no certain human dependence, and of course it is often in debt. The wonder is that the debts are not larger. On the first day of March last, within sixty days of the close of the fiscal year, we lacked $452,000 of the sum needed to meet our pledges for the work, ten months having brought us only about half of the amount needed for the year!
A FAITH WORK.
We protest against the assumption that the work of a church board is not a faith work. At the beginning of each fiscal year, we make appropriations of nearly a million dollars, not one of which is in our treasury. We make those appropriations-aye, and we guarantee them to the missionaries-solely on the faith that the Holy Spirit will guide us and direct the church in securing the necessary money. But piety is consistent with common sense. Since God has ordained that this work shall be supported by the gifts of His people. there is no valid reason why He should not move them to give through the agency which they have been led by his Spirit to form for that purpose, nor is there valid reason for supposing that in the administration of those gifts He has exempted us from the necessity for ordinary prudence and wisdom. Are we to assume that the Holy Spirit is with the people of God when they act as individuals, but that He forsakes them when they move unitedly and prayerfully for the accomplishment of the chief work which He Himself has laid upon them? Are we to assume that He will not bless a gift sent through the twenty-one godly men, who in obedience to His promptings, have been looked out among the brethren as "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom," and appointed "over this business," and who manifest practical common sense in the administration of their sacred trust, but that He will bless a contribution sent to some self-constituted individual, who is serenely indifferent to the advice of his fellow-Ohristians, who neglects the simplest precautions to secure due care and equitable expenditure of funds as well as reasonable protection of devoted men and women on the field, whose very lives are in his hands and who, as a matter of fact, exercises an authority over missionaries far more arbitrary than that of any church board? Said the head of one independent agency: "It is a pleasure to know that God alone is aware of the financial status of this society." Well, God knows a good
many things which He does not approve. He who handles other people's money is responsible to them as well as to God, and he has no right to shield himself from that responsibility behind the sacred name of God. "Oh what the Lord can do with people who are simpleminded is marvelous!" cried a representative of another independent agency; "He can make ns as innocent as little children!" The church board is a responsible organization. Its books are open to inspection and he who will may know its" financial status."
The missionaries are selected with great care, and only after the most rigid and painstaking inquiry as to their physical, intellectual, and spiritual qualifications. It is a mistake to suppose that any nice, pious youth, can become a foreign missionary. During my Portland pastorate, a bright young man in my church offered to go to the foreign field. I supposed that the board would eagerly accept him. Did we not write that he was an excellent young man, and the son of one of our elders? But to my surprise the board entered upon an investigation which ran through several months, and before that inquiry ended the board's officers, 3,000 miles distant, had learned facts in that young man's record which I, who had been his pastor for six years, had never suspected-tho fortunately the discoveries were favorable. If anyone imagines that weaklings or milksops can be sent to the foreign field, I advise him to apply for appointment, and he will quickly learn to his discomfiture, if not to his satisfaction. Large churches in this country, after spending a year or more in deciding among scores of highly recommended ministers, sometimes give a unanimous can to an unworthy man. So the Foreign Board occasionally errs. But as a rule, the rigorous methods now employed quickly reject incompetent candidates, while the increasing missionary interest in colleges and seminaries gives us the choicest material to select from. We do not send the pale enthusiast or the romantic young lady to the foreign field, but the sturdy, practical, energetic, man of affairs, the woman of poise, and sense, and character. The fact iE, our foreign missionaries are fast becoming a picked class, above the average in intelligence, character, and devotion.
On the field, the missionaries within a given geographical area are organized into a mission, which, in turn, is subdivided into stations. Thus, all the missionaries in Syria constitute the Syria Mission, which has five stations and ninety-seven out-stations. While, as above noted, the individual missionary has a free personal correspondence with the secretary of the board, yet it is expected that requests from the field which involve the expenditure of money, or which concern the general interests of the work, shall have mission judgment thereon, before they are forwarded to New York. There is, therefore, another wise check at this point on hasty individual action. The particular missionary, like the naval officer at sea, is given large discretion in details,
1900.J MISSIONARY ADMINISTRATION
but on fundamental lines which involve others and the success of the enterprise, he must work in conference with his brethren.
In our work as a board we rely more and more on the judgment of the missions. We emphasize their dignity and authority, and give them an liberty of action consistent with the prudent administration of the trust which the church has committed to the board, and for which the church holds the board, and not the missions, responsible. The presumption is always in favor of their requests. We trust them and love them. We have abandoned the plan of making numerous changes in the mission estimates, and with the exception of items which involve a mistaken policy, our custom now is to approve all the estimates, subject only to such a cut as their excess over our estimated income renders absolutely necessary, leaving each mission to distribute the cut for itself. This gives to the missions considerable freedom in determining how funds can be expended to the best advantage, tho, of course, within established lines of missionary policy, and the e:-;ti- mates which have been indorsed by the board. When the missionaries come to New York, we introduce them to the board, if the visit occurs on a day when it is ill session. Otherwise, they are given opportunity to meet a committee of the board if they have anything they wish to present, and by means of personal conferences as well as by correspondence, we seek in every practicable way to learn their VIews.
But, of course, the board reserves final authority, subject only to the General Assembly. It has been constituted, not simply as a commissary department to send bacon and beans to the army on the field, nor as a money-order office to receive and forward funds, but as the agent of the General Assembly, to "supervise and conduct the work of foreign missions." It is held to strict account for this supervision, while it assumes responsibilities for the maintenance of the missionaries and the payment of the appropriations which are inseparable from administrative control of funds. To urge that the missionaries know better than the board what ought to be done is to confuse ideas, for, as has been stated, it is the rule of the board to invite the judgment of the missionaries before it decides a question, and it attaches great weight to that judgment. But it should be remembered that the board is expected to foot the bills, that it, and not the missionary, is held responsible by the church if anything goes wrong, and that, moreover, the experience of the missionary, however extended and successful, IJas doubtless been confined to his own particular mission, and ma,y not have included any such project as he now enthusiastically urges, while the board is aided in forming a judgment by its intimate relations with all the other missions, by conferences with boards of other denominations, and by more than half a century's experience in dealing with missionary problems, in which it has prob-
ably considered that identical scheme, with all its pros and cons, a dozen times. As a matter of fact, most of the principles of mission policy, which are now generally recognized as vital to the true interests of the work, and whose practical application on the field is slowly but surely placing the mission enterprise on a sounder basis, were given form by the secretaries 01 the boards, and were adopted by the missions under pressure from the home office. The self-support of the native church is an example in point. While here and there an individual missionary, like Dr. Nevius, clearly saw and boldly expressed the need, yet the theory was not taken up by the missions and effectively applied as a working principle until the boards insisted upon it. Moreover, missionaries, living as they do in widely separated groups, and with no means of intercommunication, often differ radically in their judgment regarding a given question, so that not infrequently a decision of the board, which implies a refusal to one mission, is reany the expression of the majority of all the missions obtained by the board through its wide correspondence. The missionaries themselves are urging the board to increase rather than to diminish its authoritative functions. One of them has recently written as follows; and opinions of others to the same effect might be quoted: " In the nature of the case, perhaps there is no ci~cle in the world, except the family circle, in which its members need to guard one another's susceptibilities so carefully, as the foreign missionary circle. The fewness, the intimacy, the parity, the isolation, the conspicuousness, the indispensable harmony, all conspire to make this so. It follows that delicate subjects affecting personal and local interests are nowhere in the world so difficult to handle, as in the mission circle. And it is often necessary, in the interest of internal harmony, to neglect or postpone important measures. Hence, in dealing with such questions, the board must often need to take the initiative, and to follow it up if necessary, with no little pressure, to counteract the personal forces at work, and get beyond the compromises into which these are apt to lead, and into the region of the independent and impartial judgment of the mission as a whole."
In so vast and complex a w')rk, conducted in so many lands, and in such varying ways, and involving so many and widely separated individuals, occasional differences of opinion are inevitable. A board sometimes does an unintentional, but none the less real injustice to a mISSIOnary. On the other hand, the necessarily distant and comparatively isolated missionary can not be expected to see some questions in the same light as a board whose outlook is over the world, which is in constant communication with every part of it, which is in close touch with the home church,and which must bear the final responsibility for consequences. Standing between a church which demands conservative appropriations, and missionaries who demand liberal ones, between critics who think that we give the missionaries too
MISSIONARY ADMINISTRATION
many privileges, and friends who think that we give them too few, the board is sometimes fired upon by both sides in a way that is rather trying. We sometimes receive a letter from a missionary insisting on the extension of some privilege, and by the same mail a letter from a home pastor declaring that if we do not restrict that privilege his congregation will diminish its gifts. But we do the best we can, and considering all the circumstances, the degree of harmony which pre- vails· is remarkable.
All the boards are giving increasing attention to the principles of an intelligent mission policy. They feel that the days of sentimen- talism in foreign missions have passed. They are not conducting a crusade, but a settled campaign, and they are planning it with such skill and prudence as they possess. They study the broad principles of missions, read the lessons which have been taught by a hundred years of missionary effort, abandon plans which have been found defective, and adopt new ones which promise better results. Every year the officers and representatives of the thirty or more foreign mission's boards of the United States and Canada, meet for conference as to the best methods for carrying on missionary operations, and an amount of care and thought is given to the whole subject which would surprise the average critic. We a:re earnestly trying to administer this great trust wisely, economically, and effectively, and on sound business and scientific, as well as religious, principles.
r do not deny that there is sometimes ground for just criticism, and for such criticism we are thankful. We realize that methods which are adapted to this country are not necessarily adapted to lands whose governments and religions and social customs are widely different. I admit for the Presbyterian Board that in distribut.ing nearly a million dollars a year among thousands of objects all over the world, we occasionally make a mistake. We concede that in deciding a myriad perplexing questions, many of them delicate and difficult, and on which good men differ, we sometimes decide the wrong way. We have to feel our way along, and learn by experience. We know that in such circumstances some errors of judgment are natural, and we are grateful to anyone who will point them out to us, and help us to correct them. When ex-secretary of state John W. Foster came to New York after his tour in heathen lands, we invited him to a conference and said to him, "You have kindly complimented us in public, and we appreciate your commendation. But this afternoon we want you to criticize us. Tell us what you saw that as a Presbyterian elder you would try to change if you were in our place. " We profited by that interview. And yet if anyone were to make a list of the real defects in our present methods, he would probably learn on inquiry that we already know those defects, and that we are earnestly striving to remedy them. But nine-tenths of the current criticisms are value-
less, because they are unintelligent or uncandid, based on rumors, misunderstandings, preconceived prejudices, or low conceptions of Ohristian duty.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATION.
In closing, permit me to emphasize the principles which underlie all our plans and work: 1. Faith in the missionary enterprise. We believe it to be of Divine authority, that the Master meant what He said when lIe com- manded His Gospel to be preached to every creature, and that, how- ever encouraging may be the facts of the work itself, the main assur- ance of victory lies in the power of Jesus Ohrist, and His promise to be with His disciples alway.
2. Faith in the Holy Spirit as the administrator of this enterprise. We believe that He calls the men, assigns them to their spheres of labor, and that we, as officers and members of the board, lllUst con- stantly seek and solely depend upon His illumination and guidance. When I first entered the service of the board, I was profoundly impressed by the spiritual atmosphere of the mission rooms, and that impression has only deepened with the passing years. My colleagues in the executive council; and the members of the board, are men who walk with God. Prayer for Divine guidance begins not only every board meeting, but every council and committee conference, and the spirit of prayer pervades all deliberations. At 12: 45 P.M. we hold a daily prayer meeting, for which the officers of the board and their clerks leave their work, and with any friends or missionaries who – happen to be in the building at the time, unite in communion with God. In that little meeting we pray for the missionaries in turn by name, and in addition, each secretary reports any special cases of ill- ness or bereavement, success or disconragement, among the devoted workers abroad, whom we love so much, and whom we constantly carry upon our hearts. Every appeal to the churches is winged with prayer, and a very large majority of the public addresses of the secre- taries are based on the spiritual character and claims of the work. Over and over again, we tell pastors and congregations that foreign missionary zeal is indissolubly associated with the spiritual life, and that men are permanently and intelligently interested in the world's evangelization only as they catch the spirit of Ohrist, and are filled with the Holy Ghost.
3. Faith in our brethren, the Ohurch of the Iiving God, as the human supporter of this enterprise. Indifferent, the facts all too pain- fully show that lllany ministers and members are. But, on the other hand, we well know that there are thousands of pastors who faithfully preach and pray for this cause, multitudes of laymen who lovingly and generously cooperate, more than a hundred thousand women who
THE RELIGIOUS OUTLOOK IN JAPAN
bring their gifts and sympathies to the Master's feet, and a mighty host of young people who exult in keeping step with the onward march of the Kingdom of God. And we have reason to believe that the number of these faithful ones is steadily increasing. Almost every mail brings tidings of.additional pastors and communicants who have been led to consecrate themselves with new spiritual joy to this majestic enterprise. In the pulpits and in our great church gatherings, particularly at synods and general assemblies, the secretaries are welcomed with an enthusiasm which shows that foreign missi~ns lie close to the hearts of many of God's people, and the more we see of our brethren, the more we have confidence in them and the more we are encouraged to hope that the Church is about to enter upon a new era of foreign missionary activity. And may God hasten the day!
THE RELIGIOUS OUTLOOK IN JAPAN.
REV. J. H. DE FOREST, D.D., SENDAI. Missionary of the American Board.
Since the opening of Japan there has been no year when religious questions have occupied so large and serious a share of public attention as the one just ended. There never has been a time when public confessions of the failure of the old religions to meet the needs of new civilization have been so unqualified. I shall not go into details, but will merely give a general view of a wonderfully interesting situation.
Recent religious movements are easily divided into these three, the withdrawal of Shintoism from the sphere of religion, the attempts of Buddhism to become the state religion, and the attitude of the government toward religion. And Christianity has much to do with each of these movements.
There is, first, the open declination of the most powerful section of Shintoism to be called any longer a religion. The authorities at the central shrine of Ise have renounced all claim to be a religion, and have been incorporated as an a.ssociation to perpetuate the memory of Japan's single line of emperors, and to foster the principles of Japanese patriotism. Many other Shinto sects retain their claim to be a religion, but this central association discourages them in every possible way, and it is not improbable that all Shintoism will eventually be absorbed into the Ise movement, and every Japanese will be a Shintoist in the sense that he is profoundly loyal and patriotic.
The significance of this movement seems to be that Shintoism, as a religion, has no future. It can not ·hope to compete with the theistic thought that is gradually entering into the whole nation. Its only salvation was in adjusting itself to the times as a patriotic body whose main purpose is to guard the historic treasures and sentiments
so vital to the nation's progress. But a glaring inconsistency remains. It still retains prayers and acts that seem to us as worship. So there may be a clash yet with Christian faith, tho I do not believe it will be very serious. My impression is that the prayers will be gradually modified to some patriotic sentiments, and the acts of worship will be the reverential honor that all peoples gladly render to their truly noble men.
A large section of Buddhism, on the contrary, has been exerting its utmost strength to secure recognition as the national religion. It has gloried in the fact that its long history and the benefits it has conferred on Japan entitle it to this preeminence. It has decried Christianity as an alien religion, a danger to society and especially to the throne, and has boldly appealed to the fact that the government has never recognized it in any way. The Buddhists say that the statistics of Christianity have never appeared in the annual reports of the government, that the Christian churches have been taxed as common buildings, and that their pastors are treated as common people, subject to draft in the army, and therefore Christianity has no standing whatever and no right to exist in Japan.
If the government should accept this extreme Buddhist view of the right of Christianity to exist in Japan, it would lead at once to serious international complications. But the government, as a whole, . stands for religious liberty. Buddhism has no chance of becoming the state religion. And Christianity is being officially recognized as fast as possible. As soon as foreigners came under Japanese law by the operation of the equal treaties, the government issued regulations requiring all missionaries to register as such, giving their creeds and methods of work and places of preaching. Thus we were officially recognized as Christian missionaries, and the last cry that Christianity has no rights in Japan has been heard.
But a more significant movement is now attracting wide attention. The government has laid before the Diet a religious bill that is the dismay of the Buddhist sections spoken of above. It puts all religions on a level, all equally entitled to protection, their teachers exempt from military duty, and their buildings free from taxation. This bill of 53 articles will probably become a law, tho many Buddhists have organized a strong opposition to it. While, on general principles, it is somewhat distasteful to Americans, it is not difficult to see that it may have great advantages for a nation like Japan. It will modify existing opposition, it will give the new religion a kind of social standing, it will make it easier for the churches. Representative Christians have met and consulted about the bill, and while there are some points that they would like to change, so far as I have heard, there is a very favorable inclination to the general trend of the proposed regUlations.
The action, however, of one section of the government-the educational department-has greatly disappointed the best friends of Japan, especially in America. Its regulations, absolutely forbidding any religious instruction in all schools that have government recognition are a severe blow to the large and prosperous Christian schools, such as the Doshisha, the Aoyamo Gakuin, the Meiji Gakko, and others. Yet, it is well known that the educational department is not a unit in this radically conservative step, and public opinion is markedly against it. Prominent Christians, both Japanese and foreigners, have repeatedly interviewed the authorities to persuade them to make concessions or to explain away the severity of the new rules, but they have so far failed to gain anything substantial. It is the general opinion, however, that the rules will be virtually inoperative before long, as they are not laws, having the sanction neither of the Diet, nor of the imperial seal. They are merely regulations which a new cabinet may modify at any time or ignore. So long as they are operative a great injustice is done to the students of Christian schools in that they are denied entrance to all the government colleges and universities. This renders it necessary that Christian education should be carried out clear to the end, by having at least one thoroughly equipped Christian university in Japan. This is now one of the large questions under consideration. If all the missionary boards could unite in some such movement the existing Christian schools might be saved to their full usefulness. Thus it is apparent that religious questions have occupied the public attention as never before. And Christianity is gaining in public favor without a doubt. While the gains numerically are not great, the churches, I think, are growing in the consciousness that they have a mission of deepest importance, and the faith of believers in Christ as their divine and supreme Lord is growing stronger than ever. Every missionary knows of quiet and prolonged sacrifices for Christ that are indisputable proofs of the power of the Gospel. The old style of theater-preaching is being taken up again, and in Osaka an immense audience of 3,500 listened for hours with respect to the leading preachers of different churches, and an audience of 1,700 in this city of Sendai gave generous applause to the exposition of the fatherhood of God. Nor is it an insignificant sign of the times that enthusiastic Christian lectures have been given right in government colleges and Christian clubs formed in government middle schools. Christian officials are found in high places, Christian men of good rank are in the army, a Christian chaplain commands the largest battleship of Japan's navy, Christian educators are in almost every large government school, Christian writers hold prominent places on newspapers, and Christian reformers are at work on social problems. There is a growing feeling that, whatever becomes of the old religions, the unwavering moral standards of Christianity are more and more a necessity.
MISSIONS BY GOVERNMENT.
J. T. GRACEY, D. D.
"New Problems in the Relation of Missions to Governments" is among the topics for discussion at the Ecumenical Conference. There are very old principles, however, which enter into the direction of some of these relations of missions to governments. One of these problems, where old principles govern, is found in the late concession of political powers to missionaries by the Chinese government. If our readers will turn to the REVIEW for September, Hl99, p. 714, and read a paragraph by Rev. A. H. Smith, of North China, on the recent decree of the Chinese Government authorizing certain prelates of the Roman Catholic Church to communicate directly with Chinese officials, whom hitherto they must approach through their respective consuls, and then will read on page 63 of the January number, 1900, the text of that decree, they will be prepared to apprehend to what principle we refer.
That decree conferred on Roman Catholic priests a political statns placing them on a level of dignity with mandarins. Of course, this was a triumph of French diplomacy, in the interest of the Roman Church, which is established in every province in the empire. But by the established usage of the "most favored nation" clause, it lifted all Protestant missionaries as well into ~he political arena, and thrust on them the policy of prosecution of "Missions by Government." There seems little doubt that the Chinese government distinctly desires that Protestant missionaries shall accept this status, since it has been well-nigh compelled by "squeezing" to grant it to Roman Catholics. In many particulars it seems desirable that they should accept the new alliance, for the sake of Protestant Chinese Christians.
It will afford Roman Catholics opportunity to protect their Chinese converts from prosecution far more readily, and to guard their civil rights. Protestant missionaries will have like power and privilege; and if they decline to accept the proffered political eJevation, while the Romanists accentuate it, the prestige of the Catholics will be correspondingly advanced and the Protestant, Chinese Christians be put, so to speak, "out of court." Acceptance of the privilege would, doubtless, make a "short cut" to the redressing of many wrongs of Protestant Chinese Christians. But a little considerl.',- tion will give us pause in accepting the proffered grace of becoming, in a way, a part of the Chinese magistracy.
The Roman Catholic Church does not have occasion to do other than congratulate itself on the political triumph it has gained. It has al ways coveted political power. As" ruler of the Church" it has always claimed even to set up and pull down kings. But the Protestantism of the churches of the Reformation distinctly adopts the principle of the separation of Church and State, and Mr. Arnold Foster, writing in the North Ohina Daily News, challenges the attention of the entire Protestant missionary world to the peril of abandoning this principle in this crisis in China. He thinks it a question of the gravest importance to the future of China as a nation, and also to the future of Christian missions, and declares that there would be great "danger to the peace and well-being of the Chinese people, danger to the interests of all foreigners living in China, and last, but not least,
GOD'S JEWELS AND HOW HE ()ARES FOR THEM
danger to the very life of the Christian Church as a religious society existing only for spiritual and non-political ends."
Mr. Foster says Protestantism of the non-State churches is at the very antipodes of Rome in regard to this whole question; and that we owe it to ourselves at this critical time to show the courage of our convictions, and to believe that whatever the apparent loss of worldly prestige and" influence" may be for the present, in the end the moral superiority of our ecclesiastical policy to the ecclesiastical policy of Rome will be recognized.
Mr. Foster quotes from Sir Rutherford Alcock's article in the Lon- don Times, Sept. 13, 1886, on "France, China, and the Vatican," in which the former British minister denounces the whole system of priestly interference in the political affairs of China and the adminis- tration of its laws, to which interference Sir Rutherford attributes, in China, the" perennial hostility toward Christianity and its teachers in every form which now (1886) pervades the whole nation, rulers and people, from the highest to the lowest." He says this hostility is not to the Christian religion, but to the interference with civil jurisdiction on the part of the Church. Whatever force may be conceded, the emphasis Sir Rutherford puts on the antagonism of Chinese to mis- sions, of course applies to "foreigners" beyond mission circles who push to the wall Chinese political usage. But it is a very grave ques- tion which the Ecumenical Conference in New York might prayer- fully consider, what policy should the Protestant missions, as a whole, unite on, concerning this new political proffer of the Chinese Gov- ernment. .
GOD'S JEWELS AND HOW HE CARES FOR THEM.
BY HEV. HICHARD BURGES, CALCUTTA, INDIA.
One day at noon in the hot weather of 1898, a fearful fire raged in Hatnapur, Bengal. The flames leaped like a mad tiger from one thatch to another. 'fwo thougand Bengalies had their homes and all . in that village, where the Christians, Mohammedans, and Hindus were equal in numbers, and dwelt in separate sections. The abodes of the non-Christians were already afire, and the wind drove the flames toward the section inhabited by the Christians, and men, women, and children were frantic. The flames had leaped over a river a hundred yards wide, from the Mohammedan quarters to that of the Hindus. Suddenly the fierce wind veered around before the fire had touched the thatch of a Christian's hut. Ratnapur means the Place of the Jewels. Surely God took care of His own jewels.
Rev. E. T. Butler, of the C. M. S. Mission at Ratnapur, February 13, 1899, in reply to an inquiry as to whether this deliverance was in answer to prayer, writes as follows: "Some of the men, describing the incident to me, related how the villagers were praying most earnestly at the time. The padri (native pastor) with the leading church committee members, stood in the border line, between the Hindu and Christian villages, looking up toward heaven, and striving most earnestly in prayer the whole time. They said that the consciousness that God would check the flames in some way or other was shared by all Christians who witnessed their progress."
SELECTED ARTICLE& THE PROBLEM OF HINDUISM.* BY REV. ROBERT P. WILDER, M.A., CALCUTTA, INDIA.
Secretary of the International Committee of the Y. M. C. A.
What is Hinduism? A Brahman attempted to give me a aefinition, but before he completed his statement another Brahman contradicted him. It is easier to state what Hinduism is not than what it is. It is the residuum left after eliminating Sikhism, J ainism, Islalllism, and all the other religions of India. Its main characteristics are the recognition of caste and the authority of the Brahman priesthood. It includes a quasi monotheism, pantheism, polytheism, polydemonism, and atheism. An authority on India, Sir Alfred Lyall, has said, "The Hindu religion is a religion chaos. It is like a troubled sea, without chore or visible horizon, driven to and fro by the winds of boundless credulity and grotesque invention."
I. Its Antiquity. Two thousand years ago India had a civilization of a high order. The Rig Veda is said to date from near the time of Moses. Hinduism has grown through thousands of years into the habits and customs of the people; and in India, custom is king.
II. Its Elasticity. A Hindu may believe anything or nothing, provided he conforms to the rules of caste and respects the Brahmans. "Jathay Bhavah thathay devah." (Where your faith is there is God.) Like a rubber ball, Hinduism receives all impressions and soon reverts to its former shape. Compromise is its cry, and it compromises by including all rivals within itself. It would absorb Christianity, if Christians would consent to form a subcaste by themselves and pay homage to the Brahmans.
III. Its Solidity. Five hundred years before Christ, a mighty upheaval occurred in the silent waters of Hinduism, and the island of Buddhism was the result. For centuries the religion of Sakya Muni was powerful in India. Political prestige and a popular ethical code were on its side. But steadily Hinduism undermined it, until Buddhism crumbled away and disappeared from India. Where it once towered aloft we see nothing but the stagnant waters of Hinduism. There are only 300,000 Buddhists in all India. Later Mohammedans overran India, but Hinduism has checked it "by the sheer force of inertia." The Goliath of Hinduism has successfully defied both Buddhism and Mohammedanismtwo of the greatest missionary religions in the world. To-day it defies the armies of the living God.
IV. Its Intellectual Fruits. Is not Hinduism unreasonable since it includes within it pantheism, polytheism, and atheism? Pantheism denies the personality of God and the responsibility of man. The doctrine of Maya deprives human thought of all validity. "We can neither know that Absolute One while compassed with mind, nor seek after it." The Vedanta says of the Absolute: "From whom words turn back together with the mind not reaching him." Polytheism is unreasonable. How can a thinking man believe that the world is governed by many gods, presiding over different parts of nature and fighting against each other? How can he place confidence in a religion which ha,s a pantheon * Condensed from White Already to Harvest, India.
THE PROBLEM OF HINDUISM
consisting of 330,000,000 idols and idol symbols? Daily he hears bells rung to arouse the deity from its slumbers, and he sees the inanimate god bathed and fed. He also sees the worship of animate things, such as serpents, monkeys, cows, and elephants. "Should we believe or think?" said a Brahman to me. The question was pertinent in view of the unreasonableness of Hinduism. Have the masses been immersed in ignorance in order that they may blindly believe, and not think? What is the mental condition of India's millions? Only one in mneteen can read or write. Of the 140,500,000 women, only 543,495 are classed as literate. Even the language of India feels the effects of Hinduism. The Hindi, one of the leading vernaculars, has no word for" person," no one word for chastity, as applied to men; and no adequate term for "con- science."
V. The Physical Fruits of Hinduism. The poverty of the people is due largely to astrological superstition. The declaration of certain days as unlucky, largely interferes with business enterprise. Such effects of Hinduism as human sacrifice, infanticide, and Suttee, are no longer allowed by the British Government, but we should not forget that within a period of four months in the year 1824, one hundred and fifteen widows were burned alive in the neighborhood of Calcutta. Previous to 1837, about 150 human sacrifices were annually offered at Goomsur. Villages 'near the city of my birth were scoured by emissaries of the Hindu queen to seize girls to be offered on the altars of the goddess Kali. To-day we see the sad effects of this system as we study the condition of the 22,657,429 widows-13,878 of whom are said to be under four years of age. Over one-fourth of the children die before they reach the age of one year. Caste feeling leads the people to protest against sanitary measures and segregation hospitals. Rajah Sir Madhav Rao has well said: "There is no community on the face of the earth which suffers less from political evils and more from self-inflicted, or self-accepted, or self-created, and therefore avoidable evils than the Hindu community."
VI. The Moral Effects of Hinduism. "A religion which does not inspire its followers with a love of justice and devotion to truth is even worse than no religion; and, therefore, purification of religion is necessary." These are the words of a prominent Brahman in Western India. Krishna is the most popular of the Hindu gods. His lying, thieving, and immoralities are admitted by the masses. " Y atha deva, thatha bhaktah" (As is the God, so is the worshipper) is a saying commonly uttered in India, Its truth is proved by the immoralities practised in Hindu temples. The dancing girls of Orissa memorialized the lieutenant- Governor of Bengal "that their existence is so related to the Hindu religion that its ceremonies can not be fully performed without them." These poor women are monuments to the moral depravity of Hinduism. The Indian Penal Code of the British Government states that any public exhibition of obscenity is liable to fine and imprisonment with the following exception: "This section does not extend to any representation on or in any temple, or on any car used for the conveyance of idols or any religious purpose." So, according to Hinduism, that is religiously right which is morally wrong. The Hindu religion permits within its temples that which the government can not allow in its streets.
VII. Its Spiritual Fruits. A Hindu says: "A sublime inactive philosophy too long has had the sway over us, and we have seen the
result. Any effort to renovate India through its sole agency is doomed to certain failure." What has that philosophy accomplished~ It has led men to doubt God's personality, and to deny their own responsibility. Bin in India is ceremonial defilement, not moral or spiritual defilement. "God must be both good and evil," said a Brahman to me. Salvation means passing through a cycle of existences, until one's identity is lost in deity. A woman"s goal in life is to lITe so well that in the next life she may be born a man. A man's ambition is to make so much merit, that he may be born into a higher caste. A religion with defective ethics can have no spiritual uplift.
VIII. Its Numbers. How many are to-day feeling the intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual effects of Hinduism? Bombay Presidency has the population of Spain, Holland, and Norway. The entire population of Brazil can be accommodated in the Central Provinces. Madras Presidency and its native states have within them more people than there are in Great Britain and Ireland. The inhabitants of Sindh and the Punjab equal those of Austria. The population of the German Empire can be placed in the North 'Vest Provinces and Oudh; and Bengal has within it as many people as there are in the United States. In India we find one-fifth of the inhabitants of the world. Seventy-two per cent., or 208,000,000 of these teeming multitudes are Hindus, and are moral and spiritual wrecks on the shores of Hinduism.
IX. Its Ove1"throUJ. "And the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country." Let us examine these two little flocks: (1.) The Protestant missionaries number about 1,600. (2.) The Protestant Indian Christians number about 800,000. But while the population has been increasing 13 per cent., the Christians have been increasing 22 per cent. A Hindu writes thus: .. Have they (the missionaries) not raised the Mahars (depressed classes) into men from brutes, whom we, with all our talk of universal brotherhood and universal sympathy, and transcendental Advaitism, allowed or forced to dive deeper and deeper into the mire of degradation for twenty centuries?" But the triumphs of Christianity are not confined to the low castes. The first Indian lady graduates in arts, medicine, and law were Christians. In the Madras Presidency, where Christians are Olle in forty of the population, one out of twelve college graduates is a Christian. It is estimated that out of every six converts in India, one comes from a higher caste. These results can only be explained by the power of God, when we consider the paucity of Christian workers and the might of Hinduism, which holds the higher classes and the masses in the iron grip of caste and custom. But mere numbers can not measure the triumphs of Christianity. God's truth has penetrated beyond this numerical horizon into the thought-life of thousands of Hindus.
X.-PUJo Solutions. (1.) Christlike Intolerance. If we wish to have these prohlems solved, we must have Christlike intolerance. Christianity is not a religion, it is the religion. Jesus Christ is not a Savior; He is the only Savior. He said about Himself, .. I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one cometh unto the Father but by Me." It was this Christianlike intolerance which enabled Christian missionaries in the first two centuries to conquer the Roman Empire. It 'was the lack of this intolerance that negatived all the efforts and self-sacrifice of the I Nestorians in Asia. The Hindu is willing to praise Christianity, if we will commend Hinduism. A student once said to me: .. Why should I
TAKING A CHURCH ROUND THE WORLD
leave Hinduism at so great a sacrifice, when Christian America is commending so much in Hinduism?" He was on the point of confessing Christ. The Hinduism he knew by personal experience from childhood repelled him, but the expurgated Hinduism of the West attracted him. It is hard for us workers in India to find that the foe is employing against us weapons forged in Christian countries. If lovingly and loyally, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we insist upon the atonement and divinity of Christ, and the utter inadequacy of Hinduism to save, these problems will soon be solved.
(2.) Christlike Compassion. Only those who have lived in India, know how distressed and scattered these people are, how mangled by sickness, how torn by sin. He, the Great Shepherd, tells us to pray that under shepherds may be provided to pity.and to protect these sheep. For 200 miles by 100 miles to the southeast of J alna, there is a district teeming with people, and no Christian shepherd. The Kankar State has none. In the Kalahandi State there never has been one. In the North Nellore and South Kistna district, scarcely one-tenth of the population has been reached. Yet these places are in the best-worked presidency in India. Of the sixteen counties in Khandesh, only five are occupied. When we turn to Gujerat, we find hundreds of villages of aboriginal races with little or no religion to destroy. "In a few years these will have become Brahmanized, and then work among them will be like knocking our head against a stone wall." A government official beseeches us to send men there. promising every assistance in his power; and we can not move. A missionary writes from Rajpore: "If we had a hundred missionaries, there would be room for more." Chanda, with an area of 10,749 square miles, 2,700 villages, and a population of 690,000, has no missionary. Kaffristan, some time ago, asked for teachers, but none have gone. In the whole province of Baltistan, there is only one worker. Word has come from Peshawar, that there is no mission between that point and Rawl Pindi, one hundred miles away. In Behar there are 24,000,000, and six missionaries. One of the missionaries has written: "Quite half of this province is as much heathen as any other part of the world, having never yet even heard the sound of the Gospel. The need' of the workers is tremendous, and the darkness is awful." "Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves. Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?" " Lovest thou Me? Feed these My sheep."
TAKING A CHURCH ROUND THE WORLD. * BY REV. WILLARD K. SPENCER, D. D., ALMA, MICH.
Here is how one Christian Endeavor Society studied missions. The society began with three advantages: a live missionary committee, a pastor with a missionary library, and a church that could not be easily startled. The problem to be solved was two-fold-how to set the Endeavorers to studying missions, and how to interest the whole church in the monthly meeting. So pastor and committee put their heads together with the following result. One Sunday morning a notice like this was read from the pUlpit: This congregation is invited to join an Endeavor trip around the world. Special trains and steamers have been provided for ourexc1usive CODdeDsed from The Christian Endeavor World.
use. Expenses will be light. Kodaks and bicycles can be taken. The excursion will leave the chapel Thursday, January 21, 1894, at 7 P. M. sharp. Be sure to get on board when the bell rings.
Naturally there was considerable wondering what the notice meant; and as a consequence, "when the bell rang" on Thursday night, one hundred and fifty people came to find out, instead of the usual seventyfive prayer-meeting goers. Two ushers were at the door, with little American flags pinned on their coats and mimeograph programs in their hands. Each program had a flag thrust through one side. The ushers seated the people in the chapel transformed with festooned bunting and draped flags. By this time the astonished audience were ready to look at the program, which read something as follows: ENDE..;.VOR TRIP AROUND THE WORLD.
First Nigkt.-From Michigan to California. Prayer by the Pastor.
Singing.-" Faith Giveth the Victory." Topic.-Home Missions Among l1ichigan Pines and Indiana Corn-Stalks. Topic.-What Christ is Doing in Chicago. Singing.-" Throw Out the Life-Line." Topic.-Snap-Shots from a Car-Window between Chicago and the Coast. Topic.-Howa Home Missionary Saved the Great Northwest. Singing.-" A.merica. n Benediction. NOTEl This excursion stops at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco, until the steamer sails for Hawaii.
The four topics on the program were treated in five-minute talks or papers by Endeavorers. Reading from missionary magazines, books, or newspapers was strictly barred. What was presented must be the result of personal study. Oonsequently it was bright, fresh, and now and then startlingly naIve. Everybody sung. Everybody enjoyed the decorations. Everybody voted the first night of the excursion a success.
Space does not permit speaking of all the programs in detail. The missionary committee sought to make the titles as attractive as possible, and mingled lighter and more descriptive themes' with solid missionary information. At times the Juniors told of the children in the lands which the excursion visited. Sometimes the stereopticon was' used. Sometimes Endeavorers appeared dressed in the costumes of peoples studied. Every night the decorations were different.
For two years this missionary excursion was in progress, with unflagging interest from first to last. The society became so enthusiastic that it engineered a missionary-extension lecture course, securing such men as Dr. Paton, of Polynesia, Dr. McKean, of Laos, Rev. Gilbert Reid, of Ohina, and Rev. Lewis Esselstyn, of Persia. The society adopted a missionary as its own, thus joining the Macedonian Phalanx before it ever was organized. Its missionary offering leaped from $25 to $125a year. A missionary reading-club was successfully maintained one winter. And the effect on the church was that Endeavor night was the most largely attended midweek meeting of the month.
What this society did can be repeated as often as desired, provided that the fire of enthusiasm is lighted and kept alive by prayer, provided that the pastor or some other leader can help the Endeavorers find the treasures of romance and achievement so abundantly hidden away in missionary literature, and provided that the missionary committee is wise enough to develop the latent energies of its society.
GOSPEL TRIUMPHS IN MANCHURIA
GOSPEL TRIUMPHS IN MANCHURIA.* BY DUNCAN MCLAREN, ESQ., EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.
Chairman of the United Presbyterian Church Foreign Mission Board.
The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland began mission work in China in the year 1862. Mr. John Ross, who arrived in 1872, found several societies laboring in the province of Shantung, while across the Yellow Sea, in the vast country of Manchuria, there were no Protestant mIsSIOnaries. Five years earlier, the Rev. William Burns, after many years' arduous laborin China, had landed at the port of Newchwang with the intention of evangelizing Manchuria, but was permitted only to take possession of the land for a burial-place. On his death-bed he said, "God will carryon the good work; I have no fears for that." Two missionaries from the Presbyterian Church of Ireland followed, but for reasons of health they did not remain long.
Manchuria, the cradle of the dynasty that now sits on the Dragon throne, was originally inhabited by Manchus, a warlike race, numbers of whom have been drafted into China to garrison the cities. On the other hand, numbers of Chinese have gone north to Manchuria, where they have settled as agriculturists. There are three provinces-Fung-tien in the south, Kirin in the centre, and Hehlung-chiang in the north. In Fung-tien there are now as many Chinese as Manchus. These, likemost colonists, are more accessible 'to new ideas than those who remain in the home of their ancestors. During his first year in the country Mr. Ross traveled over the greI,Lter part of the southern province, and opened some out-stations. Before the second year was cOll(!luded, the infant church of Manchuria was born, thirteen members having been baptized and four evangelists appointed. John MacIntyre joined Mr. Ross in 1875, and from this time forward distinct advance was made.
Mukden, the capital of Manchuria, is a large and imposing city, with a population greater than that of Edinburgh and Leith combined. It is surrounded by double walls, those encompassing the inner city being built of brick, and those round the suburban city being formed of mud. The missionaries felt it was of the utmost importance to gain an entrance for the Gospel here, as it was not only the governmental but also the intellectual capital, being the home of the literati. Two evangelists, Wang and Tang, were sent to prepare the way. Strong opposition was ma'iifested; no landlord dared to let his house to the foreigners, and in their repeated visits to the city they had to endure the discomforts of an inferior and uninviting inn. Obstacles continued to be thrown in their path, and personal indignities were shown to both missionaries and evangelists. Their sufferings were, however, forgotten when, within a year, they had the joy of baptizing five converts, who, like their teachers, were called on to endure hardness.
After a time they succeeded in obtaining a small building in one of the leading thoroughfares, which they used as a preaching chapel. These preaching chapels in Manchuria have been most fruitful in blessing. They correspond somewhat to our mission halls at home, only in a main street in place of a back lane. They are quite distinct from the members' churches, where Christians meet for worship, and which are usually ina more retired position. The church in Mukden is an exception, being ina *Condensed from Free Ohurch 0/ Scotland Monthly.
conspicuous place, and is a large, handsome building, holding nine hundred persons, Work was next begun in Haichung, then in Liao-yang, afterward in Kai-yuen, and other centers. In every case the experience was the same. Evangelists were sent first, so as not needlessly to alarm the inhabitants by th~ presence of foreigners. Difficulty was always expe- rienced in obtaining a preaching chapel. When it was obtained, crowds came, but mostly for the purpose of doing mischief. The evangelists were reviled and threatened, forms were broken, pictures and books were destroyed, and fellows of the baser sort were hired to create a disturb- ance and prevent the teacher being heard. Patient continuance in well- doing, unwavering determination to preach the Gospel, and readiness to suffer for its sake, astonished the people, and in the end vanquished the opposition. Many of those who came to scoff remained to pray, and in the inquirers' room sought for light.
The most encouraging feature in the Manchuri/l· Mission is the readi- ness-rather, the eagerness-of the converts to carry the glad tidings to others. This is the more remarkable when we remember the character of the Chinese. They are naturally stolid, slow to change, pleased with themselves, indifferent to others, and averse to foreign ideas. But the converted Chinese or Manchu no sooner learns "the doctrine" and receives baptism than he tells his neighbors of his new-found joy, and . when he journeys to distant places he speaks to those whom he meets in the inns, and among the inhabitants of remote valleys and hillsides he testifies to what the Lord has done for his soul. In this way many thousands hear the Gospel who have never seen a Scotch or an Irish mis- sionary, and when these'go on their itinerating tours, in villages never before visited, they find a people made ready, prepared for the Lord.
The converts are ready to give of their substance; in many places the members' church is provided at their expense, without help from the mission funds. They have also shown themselves ready to suffer for conscience sake, many by joining the Christian church being deprived of their means of living, others being beaten and persecuted by their own relatives. During the war with Japan, when all the missionaries were ordered to leave the interior and go to the port, the flocks were left shep- herdless, and exposed to the reproaches and ill-usage of the heathen around. Not one convert, however, recanted his faith, or sought to con- ceal that he was a follower of the "Jesus religion." When the Rev. Jamlls A. Wylie, our martyred missionary, was attacked by soldiers and mortally wounded in the streets of Liao-yang, Deacon Liu, who accompanied him, sought to save Mr, Wylie by exposinghimself to the ruffianly blows.
The foundations of our mission in Manchuria have been wisely planned and firmly laid. The missionaries have studied the character of the people, and have never needlessly offended their prejudices. They have not stood up for treaty rights, or insisted on all they might claim, but have willingly borne contumely and injury. In return, they have gained the confidence and respect of the people, who are satisfied they have no selfish ends. They have ever considered what was best suited for Manchuria, and not sought to transplant foreign ideas to that soil. Their desire has been to found not a branch of a Scottish church, but an independent Manchuria church, adapted to the genius and character of the members. The missionaries have accordingly let the native members of
presbytery take the chief part in discussing and settling all questions, not caring always even to vote, but simply seeking to guide their native brethren.
Women in China occupy a somewhat higher position than in many heathen lands, tho even there they are treated as of little account, espe- cially in their early days. Education is highly prized, but schools are for boys only; few girls are taught to read a single character of their lan- guage. Nothing is done to make their lives bright and happy, and they grow up to be patient household drudges. Age, however, is always treated in China with great honor, and when women become" venerable grandmothers" their rule over their sons' wives and children is absolute, and great deference is paid to them. They are usually opposed to all new ideas, and strongly prejudiced against foreigners. Our missionaries soon saw that these women could only be influenced through the agency of women, and an appeal was made to send out women missionaries. The first arrived in 1881, and settled in Mukden. A boarding-school for the daughters of Christian parents was opened, and classes for the instruc- tion of women were begun. In 1892 a training-home for Bible-women and a small hospital were erected in Liao-yang, and a few years later a woman's hospital was built in Mukden. Four women missionaries, two of whom were medical graduates, went out at the close of the Japanese war, and every year since then others have been added to our staff.
The first native pastor, Liu-Chuen-Yao, was ordained as pastor of Mukden Church in June, 1896. Two years later the important step was taken of arranging a scheme for the training of pastors. A college has been opened in Mukden, with two professors, Dr. Ross, of our church, and Mr. Fulton, of the Irish Presbyterian. A college committee has been appointed, who have power to nominate additional lecturers from time to time. The students are drawn from two classes; graduates of high schools who have been engaged in mission work for two years under a missionary's supervision, and evangelists who have passed the four years' course for junior evangelists. The curriculum extends over four sessions of six months each. Four have already completed their course, and· were licensed by the presbytery last May. The junior theological students number 126, and during their four years' course, under the guidance of a missionary or a senior evangelist, they preach the Gospel daily, and conduct worship in the chapels. The missionaries aim at having these chapels planted at distances not more than thirty li (or ten miles) apart all over the country.
The triumphs achieved by the Gospel in Manchuria are marvelous. Twenty-five years ago there was not a single Protestant church among the 25,000,000 inhabitants; ten years ago our converts numbered 950, and those of the Irish Mission about 500. We have not received the figures for the past year, but at the close of 1898 the members of the united mission numbered 15,490, an increase of tenfold in ten years. The elders numbered 37, the deacons 414, the students 133, and the churches 246. The candidates waiting for baptism were 8,875, and the offerings contributed by the members amounted to the goodly snm of £1,345. We can only exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes! "
THTI STORY OF A CONVERTED JEW."
On the 7th of April, in the year 1807, during the disastrous war of Prussia with Napoleon, there was born a little boy in a small town of the present province of Posen, near to Thorn. The French were lying before the town, all the neighbors had fled, and the father, a Jew, named Herschel. was away on a journey. Those were heavy days for the mother. Once a cannonball penetrated the house, even reaching the chamber where the cradle stood. But nothing was suffered to harm the little Jewish baby; God was purposing to make something out of him.
When the child was somewhat grown, he was seen to be bright, but self-willed. He delighted much in learning, and took it into his head to study the law and become a rabbi. His parents were not well inclined to this, so he made short work and simply ran away. The eleven-year-old boy had thereupon all sorts of experiences. Once he fell into the hands of a robber-band, but managed slily to slip away from them, and came among fellow-Jews, where he could study. Indeed, he even then had the tutoring of two children. Withal he was a pious child, to whom the worship of his people was supremely important. On one day of Atone- ment he was deeply afflicted, even to tears, at the thought that his people had no longer any priests, any sacrifices, and therefore had no longer any forgiveness of sins. He read the books of the Jewish scribes, the Talmud, and learned large parts of the Old Testament by heart, and also prayed much. But for all this, he was not happy. He fell sick and had to go home to his parents, but Israel's forsaken state still weighed on him, and in many sleepless nights he sought to quiet his heart with prayer. A Polish rabbi heard of the poor young man and counseled him not to torment himself so in vain. Accordingly he went to Berlin. In the great city he made acquaintance with all manner of unbelieving Jews and Christians, and this shook his own faith. But he had not a thought of turning Ohristian. When he heard of the passing over of an acquaintance he was thoroughly enraged. He fled the dangers of Berlin in '1825. On the way to Hamburg a gentleman asked him up into his carriage, and was so much pleased with the youth of eighteen, that he gave him letters of introduction to London. However, he did n{)t stay long in London, but traveled here and there in Germany and France. Finally he settled in Paris, where he led an irregular life.
Then his mother died. He was greatly broken up at this, and could not come to peace again. He gave alms, he prayed; it availed not. Then it chanced that one evening he came into a shop to make a pur- chase. He happened to look at the wrapping-paper, and found the words: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven," etc. The words impressed the sorrowing son, especially "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." He did not know where the leaf came from, but he thought he would like to have the book which contained such beautiful words. A few days after, at a friend's house, he saw aNew Testament. He turned it over and came upon Matthew V. He borrowed it of his friend and read eagerly in it, but was displeased at the name of Jesus. Yet it had inwardly laid hold of him, and stirred him up again to read the Old Testament. He read again with pleasure the book of his youthful studies, and found to his astonishment that * Translated and condensed from the Missionsblatt /Ilr Kinder.
STORY OF A CONVHRTED JEW
essentially the same spirit prevailed in it as in his friend's Jesus-book, and that therefore Jesus might very possibly be the promised Messiah. Now came days of seeking and inquiring. But at last the inner conflict ended; he prayed in Jesus' name and his soul found rest.
Now, however, came outward trials. Even earlier he had once desired Christian instruction, and had applied for it to the Archbishop of Paris, and then to a Jesuit, but had found with neither what he wanted. On the other hand, his relatives had heard of this meditated apostasy, and had forthwith withdrawn all support from him. Thus the youth of twenty years had fallen into sore straits, alone in the great foreign city. He found a letter of his London host to a Christian lady in Paris. He looked her up, was kindly received, and moreover was strengthened by her in the persuasion that the Christian faith was the right help for him. She gave him fifty dollars so that he could go to London and enter a house of the London Jewish Mission. There, guided by a baptized countryman, he made his way through to settled faith. It is true, he had dangerous attacks- to undergo from several Jews, of whom one even endeavored to murder him. But this did not deter him, and on the 14th of April, 1830, a week after his twenty-third birthday, he was baptized. After his godfather, an English clergyman, Mr. Ridley, he took Ridley for a Christian name.
Thenceforth he devoted his life to the service of the Gospel, especially as toward his brethren. He founded an asylum for Jews desirous of Christian instruction. In eighteen months 100 Jews were admitted. He also went over repeatedly to the Continent. His wife had written a conciliatory letter to his kindred, which he followed up with a visit, and in the course of a few years fi ve of his brothers, besides other kinsmen, were gained over for Jesus. He then labored again in England in various positions. For some years he had to support himself laboriously by giving Hebrew and German lessons, He also held meetings for laboring men and women. Afterward we find him in a small village on the Thames, where he was the helper of the necessitous and neglected of all sorts; then in a fishing town, where, at leaving, he received a Bible and prayer-book, bought by a penny collection of 700 fishermen. He always continued, besides, to preach, collect, write letters, etc., for his Jewish brethren. Jews were sent to him from a long distance for his helpful patronage. In 1845,60 converted Jews, as a token of their thankfulness, presented him with a Bible in eight languages.
The last twenty years of his life Herschel was a preacher in a chapel of his own in London. He had been given money to buy the site of a large livery-stable. There, in 1845, the corner-stone of Trinity Chapel was laid. By the side of the chapel he built an asylum for Jews. He also set up a Sunday-school and all manner of beneficent institutions. In the intervals of these labors he undertook extended journeys. Once he went as far as Palestine, where he established a model farm for converted Jews. May 14, 1864, he died. His coffin was followed by an innumerable throng of mourners, among them 300 policemen, for whom he had every week held a Bible class.
A son, who was born to him in 1837, studied lawatLondon and Bonn, then became a member of Parliament, and in 1886, Lord High Chancellor of England. This is the Lord Herschel who died last year at Washington, while sitting on the High Commission.
EDITORIALS.
Hindrances to Immediate World-Wide gracious Father is a vital and in- Evangelization. fluential fact to our faith, prayer The whole question of the hin- becomes natural, as a supernatural drances to the immediate evangeli- approach of God to us and of us zation of the entire race of man, is worthy of far more consideration to God. Then obed·ience becomes than it has yet received. The sub- habitual and delightful. The voice ject should be studied de novo, in of God is heard, and the will of God the light of the Acts of the Apostles, the great manual of missions. is our will. Because the pietists That book shows the secrets of a and mystics emphasized these ,,;itnessing Church, and they are truths, they became the springs of seven: continental missions in the very 1. A church that knows how to keep pray- midst of the intellectual apostasy ing. of Germany and France. And to 2. A church that knows the Divine enduement. their influence 'Vesley owed his 3. A church that is united in love and labor. own enlightenment and the vast 4. A church that makes obedience to Christ its law. spiritual forces generated in early 5. A chu rch that as a body witnesses to Christ. Methodism. vVhen a supernatural 6 A church that knows separation from the world. God becomes a practical reality, 7. A church that works on spiritual lines. prayer, obedience, surrender all be- Every missionary era of history come factors in a supernatural exhas been such only so far as the Church has borne these seven fea- perience, and supernatural results tures, anyone of which being are as sure to follow as that God lacking all the rest are in peril. himself lives. * And, on the contrary, it is easy to see when and how a church loses all An Example of City Evangelization.
power in evangelism. There are The movement for the evangeli- zation of the city of Glasgow, which seven features of a declining and began early in October, 1899, is one of the most conspicuously earnest, decaying church: resolute, and effective ever yet at- tempted in our day. It is now 1. The skepticism that doubts the authority more than six months since the of the Word of God. preparat.ions for it were system- atically begun. The whole city 2. The dethronement of Jesus Christ from was districted, and meetings pro- His proper deity. vided for in each district. There is a central Sunday evening rally in 3. The selfishness that ignores the debt to a St. Andrew's great hall, which is lost world. crowded a half hour before the time of opening, and from which 4. The worldliness that practically unseats hundreds are always turned away the Holy Spirit from His place as overseer. unable to get admission. There are meetings of all sorts and for all 5. The caste spirit that destroys sympathy sorts of people. The children's with man as man. meetings have been very large and successful, and the lantern has been 6. The preaching that snbstitutes popular utilized to aid in getting and keeplectures for Gospel themes. ing attention. One very excellent feature of the whole effort is the nine 7. The spirIt that changes churches into o'clock meeting in the evening to select religious clubs. reach working people on their way Let anyone compare the two por- traits and ask which the modern church most resembles. All pow- erful evangelism at home and abroad will be found based upon a revival of the power of neglected truths, the greatest of which is GOD. When H is existence becomes a reality, and His character as a
EDITORIALS
from the shops and places of busi- Madras, India. It is a wonder it ness. Many who can not get fo could discuss the topic without meetings held in the day time can illustrating extelldedly the ludi- thus be preached to aft~r the work crousness of the over-literal trans- of the day is closed. From 15,000 lations. But to our way of think- upward are actually reached in the ing, the fundamental mistake has aggregate in the different sections been in attempting translation in- of the city. John MacNeil is at stead of reproduction, and even the head of the work, indefatigable reproduction is not so good as pro- as usual, and always awake and duction. Outside the Bible and interesting and scriptural. But a strictly technical text-books, there score of pastors and evangelists is no reason why the contents of a from all parts of the United King- foreign book should not be stated dom are at work aiding in the in the spirit of the vernacular and movement. Men who have had recast in order of thought with success in children's meetings and local illustration. 'Vhen one thinks inquiry rooms, who have tact and of the vast amount of literature skill, and evangelistic gifts, are that ought to be sown thick as secured from all sources. The ambrosia leaves, and the fact that members of the Bible institute are the whole literary channels of Asia especially active, organizing and are being reversed, affording phe- directing the work. House visita- nomenal facilities to put Christian- tion, tract distribution, multiplied ity on the tidal wave, there ought daily services in multipiied locali- to be no hampering byover-literal- ties and at hours suited to every- ness in representing Christianized body's convenience, inquiry meet- thought. The following extract ings, personal hand to hand contact, will suffice to show the argument short sermons, good singing- as set forth in The Harvest Field: everything helpful to such work is Most of our Christian literature characteristic of it. Remarkable is translation-our Bible, our comharmony has prevailed, and altho mentaries, our prayers, and even months have passed since the work our hymns; these last translated to was inaugurated, there are no signs the very meter, whethar long or of declining earnestness, prayerful- peculiar. This has probably been ness, or persistency. Glasgow is inevitable, but the question is-has setting us all an example of city not translation been fundamentally evangelization. The whole effort misunderstood? For the Bible was founded in prayer, and there is a certain foregone standard thorough unsectarian cooperation. of translation which has been made Every day witnesses scores of con- to assert itself imperiously and disversions, and the city is being per- astrously through all the rest of vaded as never before by the simple our work. I regard the Bible work message of the Gospel of Christ. " of those who have gone before us with great reverence and thankful- Is Literal Translation True ness. The more I look into the Translation ? Kanarese version, the one I com- monly use, the more do I feel what A question of no small import conscientious and unstinting pains and of widely ramifying interest must have been bestowed upon it. through mission fields, is discussed But when this has been said, the in The Harve.~t Field, a missionary question still remains whether the periodical of high order of thought, reproduction of the original text, published by the Wesleyans in idiom for idiom and almost word for word, even to the particles. is true translation. The book remains essentially a foreign book-out of which those who labor at it as students will ex.tract much good;
but for common Christians it is a and instituted each its own "cou- riers." stumbling block, and to non-Chris- The Ottoman Government has tians it simply makes no appeal. tried on several occasions to get this postal service suppressed. In 1884 The letter has been retained, but the attempt was made, on the alleged ground that" many foreign for the most part the spirit has for- post-offices in the capital, as well as in the interior of the Ottoman Emever fled. It is like fire photo- pire serve, doubtless involuntarily, as a channel for the introduction of graphed instead of fire transferred; papers and publications designed to propagate in the country un· the warmth and cheer are gone out wholesome and subversive ideas." The Turkish Government has tried of it. The true idea of translation in various ways and at sundry times to forcibly interfere with this aris not the substitution of a set of rangement, even instituting a secret police to inspect the contents of words in one language for a similar foreign mail bags. The London, Vienna, and Paris post-office directset of words in another. It rather ors stated that the mail bags were tampered with in transit, and they means the conveyance to readers of suggested that mail matter be sent in sealed cars, accompanied by Euthe very idea, without addition or ropean agents as watchmen.
subtraction or change of emphasis, It is not likely that the reqlest for the suppression of this service, that was conveyed to those into said to have been made last N ovem- ber, will be granted, but we choose whose hands the original was put. hereby to put those interested on their guard against any with- Carried out to its legitimate issues, this definition would involve the utmost freedom in regard to words and idioms, and might even compel sometimes a change of figures used.
It would imply an amount of labor in comparison with which the other method of translation is almost child's play. And it would further necessitate this-that the hands of the tran8lators should be continu- ally on that literature which most widely influences the people and out of which their thought and language has been formed. But tho the trouble implied is beyond expression, the result of translation on such principles would be to make the people feel that the Bible is one of their own books-power- ful, att.ractive, one that can n o*t *b e ignored, The Turkish Government and Consular drawal of this privilege. A hint to Mail. the wise is sufficient. A censorship of the press and the schools is quite It is not necessary to explain to enough without a censorship of the missionaries abroad the bearing of private mail of merchants, mission- the renewed attempt of the Turk- aries, and diplomats. ** ish Government to do away with the foreign post-office system with- The Boers and Missions. in the sultan's dominions. Others of our readers may be helped by A letter in the London Christian, our reminding them briefly of the Jan. 18, written in a very kindly history of this service. spirit, and expressing deep sym- The Austrian Government was pathy with the present sufferings the first to obtain the right to pro- of the Boers, nevertheless empha- vide a special postal service of her sizes the fact that the Boer Gov- own between her embassy at Con- E-rnment has never been favorable stantinople and her nationals to the to missionaries; that the instinct of frontier of the Ottoman Empire. isolation peculiar to that people Austrian merchants availed them- causes them to repel the foreign selves of this arrangement. Other element, and to make life hard not powers soon claimed the same right for natives only, but for the mis-
1900.J EDITORIALS
sionaries who seek to uplift the proposed also, to make this exhibit native population. The laws and edicts issued by the Boer Gov- permanent, and for this end a cor- ernment are cited as proving this position. The writer (Josephine E. poration is forming. It is hoped Butler) acknowledges Britain's sins andneedofchastisement, butmain- some building may be secured in tains that the treatment of the oppressed Africans and the messen- which a missionary museum may gers of Christ among them, constitutes a graver challenge for divine be gathered and permanently judgment. Christian Z u Ius in Natal ask to be saved from Boer located. We also hope that private dominion, and fear the loss of British protection, as do also the Chris- collections may find their way into tians of Basutoland. Good King Khama, who visited Windsor to this public exhibit and become a ask Victoria to take his country under her imperial wings, fears part of the lasting material for lest in this struggle the Boers should win the day. This is an aspect of popular information and education the question which should have its proper weight in all our considera- in missions. * tion of the grave issues which are to be decided by this awful and The Ohinese Ambassador in Bristol. desperate struggle. It seems to be more the clash of two opposing The Chinese Ambassador visited civilizations than of two hostile armies. Is it to prove another of the Muller orphanages at Bristol, the decisive battles of history? * England, in February, and Mr. A Permanent Missionary Exhibit. James Wright took opportunity to There is one feature of the Ecumenical conference on missions, present him with a Chinese (Wimwhich we have already and repeatedly urged in this REVIEW, and li) Bible, with morocco binding, which we are glad to see is taking shape with promise of conspicuous bearing his initials on the cover, results for good. We refer to the proposed e,:chibit of missions. together with a copy of the author- Whatever will illustrate to the eye the surroundings of heathenism ized family memoir of the founder and the work of missionaries, with the obstacles they have to contend of the orphanage. He accepted with, and the results of their efforts to uplift, and transform pagan en- both with the usual profusion of vironments into Christian influences, will find room in this oriental expressions of gratitude, museum. Books, magazines, Bible translations, maps, charts, pictures, and added the assurance that he medals, statues, idol gods, curios of all sorts, fetishes, charms, etc., would" read them carefully." The will be presented to the eye. It is honorable gentleman from the celestial kingdom speaks the Eng- lish tongue with fluency, and on leaving made a neat little speech.
He expressed his sense of the drift of the age toward materialism and utilitarianism, and paid a tribute to the institutions founded by Mr.
Muller as tending to lift men out of these ruts. He wound up by say- ing, "You have converted me from materialism to faith "-a remark which gave Mr. Wright occasion to say how much he rejoiced in the light God had granted him, and to assure him of prayer for his leading into the fulness of light through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This ambassador is not the first man who has found in a careful study of the work of George Muller a corrective' to the tendency to blank materialism. If there is any conclusive witness to a prayer hearing God, it is found in such in- stitutions as that reared on As*hley Down, Bristol.
RECENT BOOKS ON MISSIONS AND MISSION LANDS.
TWELVE PIONEER MISSIONARIES. Dr. George contact with those strong lives Smith, C. I. E. Illustrated. 8vo, 304 pp. that have impressed themselves 7s. Gd. Nelson & Sons, Edinburgh. upon their chosen peoples."
This is the latest product of the In compact and convenient form we have here admirable sketches learned and graceful pen of the of six missionary heroes: Hans Egede, Greenland's Viking Pioneer; foremost missionary biographer of Captain Allen Gardiner, R. N., Pioneer to the Most Abandoned our day. It is a volume worthy Heathen; Titus Coan, the St. Peter of Hawaii; James Gilmour, Brave to emanate from such an accom- Missionary to the Mongols; Miss Eliza Agnew, Ceylon's Mother of a plished author. The range and Thousand Daughters, and The Hon. Ion Keith-Falconer, Pioneer scope of it may be seen from the in Arabia. The sketches are drawn by such experts as Dr. Augustus names that stand at the extreme C. Thompson, Bishop W. Paken- ham Walsh, Dr. S. J. Humphrey, limits covered by the book-Ray- Rev. Harlan P. Beach, Miss Abbie B. Child, and Arthur T. Piermond Lull (1235-1315) and Nilak- son. A . bibliography and analy- tical index add to the value of the antha Shastu Goreh (1825-1895), the book for reference and study. *** first Brahman apostle to Brahmans and outcasts.
Dr. Smith's aim is to show not only the agency of these pioneers in developing the work of world- wide evangelism, but preeminently to show that God is behind these movements, thrusting forth pre- pared workmen into selected fields.
The book is a demonstration of the superintending providence of God in missions. God has a definite plan, and upon its carrying out IN WESTERN INDIA. J.1I1urray Mitchell, LL D. 8vo, 406 pp. 58. David Douglas, Edin· depend the spiritual issues of the burgh.
ages. These men and women were simply the channels and instru- Dr. Mitchell is one of our best ments of His purpose. The book known correspondents and con- will accomplish, wherever it has a tributors. We have never yet seen proper reading, three great results: a product of his pen that was not 1. It will greatly enlarge informa- worthy of praise. This book traces tion as to the broad field of mis- the religious thought and feeling of sions and its great leading workers. "Vestern India, and from the point 2. It will kindle a sacred enthusi- of view furnished by years of per- asm for missions as a Divine enter- sonal experience in India as a mis- prise. 3. It will quicken the spirit sionary of the Free Church. Dr.
of prayer that the Lord of the Mitchell went out to India sixty- Harvest would thrust forth His two years ago, and returned in chosen workers. * 1863. His quarter of a century in MODERN ApOSTLES OF MISSIONARY BYWAYS. "Vestern India qualifies him to Portraits. 12mo, 108 pp. Cloth, 40c.; speak authoritatively, and his book paper,25c. Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions, New York. will be found scholarly, instruct- The purpose of this book is well ive, wholesome reading, with stated i.n the preface; "To give to many side lights on matters of in- the study classes of the Volunteer terest outside of Hindustan, and Movement an opportunity to be- all adorned by a fine literary style, come acquainted with fields, terri- and enriched by vigorous thinktorially small, and also to come into ing. *
RECENT BOOKS ON MISSIONS AND MISSION LANDS
A HISTORY OF PROTESTANT MISSIONS IN JAPAN Euphrates. He proceeded on the Pastor H Ritter, Ph.D. Translated by Bible principle of the tithe, and as Rev. Geo E. Albrecht. Revised by D. C. Greene, D.D. Hvo, 446 pp. Illustrated. ten tenths make a unit, he con- The Methodist Publishing House, Tokyo. tended that ten disciples, each giv- This is a valuable addition to mission history. It seems to be a ing his tenth, can supply an income careful, accurate, and well written narrative, and has a good index. sufficient for a native pastor, who vVe have found in it not a dull page. It is full of a fascinating will live on the average level of his interest, and sets forth facts in a very attractive garb, avoiding repe- people. This book is a furtherexpantition, and giving prominence to what deserves it with no undue te- sian of the smaller volume, which dious array of details and statistics. It treats the history under three fascinated so many readers when it divisions: first told this remarkable story of 1. The Period of Preparation, 1859-1873. apostolic labor and success thirty 2. The Period of Laying Founda- years ago. * tion, 1873-1883. AN AMERICAN CRUISER IN THE EAST. John 3. The Period of General Exten- D. Ford. Second Edition. Illustrated. sion, 1883-1896. 8vo, 537 pp. $2.50. A. S. Barnes & Co., New York. Dr. D. C. Greene and Pastor Max Christlieb have revised, edited, The" Far East" is become wonand brought down to 1898, the ma- derfully near of late, and almost teria1 gathered by Dr. Ritter, and any book written by a careful 01,- every complete missionary library server who has traveled in those will need this book. lands once so remote, is sure of a reading. These" studies" have to A JUNIOR'S EXPERIENCE IN MISSlONARY do with the Aleutian Islands, East- LANDS. Mrs. B. B. Comegys, Jr. Illus- ern Siberia, Japan, Korea, China, trated. 12mo, 121 pp. 50 cents. Flem· Formosa, and the Philippine Is- ing H. Revell Co.. New York, Toronto, lands. They are written in an en- and Uhicago. tertaining style, and contain much information as to the sights, cus- Books calculated to interest boys toms, and events which are of interand girls in missions are on the in- est in the countries visited. The crease. This is an important step in illustrations are numerous, and advance and one which has already give an excellent idea of life in begun to show good results in Eng- these lands across the Pacific. land and America. Here is the story of Jack Ralston's' visit to Mr. Ford has scarcely referred to Syria, Persia, India, Siam, China, the work of missionaries, but he Korea, and Japan. It is a mis- has at least been wise enough to sionary tour and is described in his say nothing of that which he had letters to boy friends at home. not personally investigated. Juniors will read it with delight and profit. NINITO j A STORY OF THE BIBLE IN MEXICO. Anna Maria Barnes. Illustrated. 16rno, SELF-SUPPORTING CHURCHES AND How TO 214 pp. 90 cents. Presbyterian Commit- PLANT THEM. Illustrated from the life tee of Publication, Richmond, Va. and teachings of Rev. Crosby H. Wheeler, D.D. W. H. Wheeler. 12mo, 400 pp. Here is.a very brief and well told $1.00. "Better Way" Co , Grinnell, Ia. tale of the early days of the intro- duction of the Word of God into Dr. Wheeler was for forty years Mexico. The author claims th'l,t, in Turkey, and he is qualified to dis- altho fictitious in form, it is true cuss the theme, for he discussed it to fact, not the least overdrawn; in action-actually planting such and that every incident narrated churches along the banks of the has its counterpart in actual his- tory. Those who know of the work of Benito Juarez and Miss Rankin, will find the historical events set
forth in a charming way. We ('an manifested toward those who are fallen. These are two principles specially commend this volume to which direct the efforts of city mis- sionaries, and they should be more those who select books for Sunday- extensively applied. school libraries, for it is one of the Much progress has beeu made best recent publications for that during the past one hundred years, as is seen by the comparative inpurpose. * frequency of crime, the greater safl'ty of travel, etc., the large DIRECTORY OF MISSIONARIES IN CHINA. Com- proportion of detections and appre- piled by Edward Evans. 50 cents. Pres- hensions, the prison reforms in- byterian Mission Press, Shanghai, China. augurated, the smaller degree of pauperism, the reformatories estab- It has been a great help to those lished, Bibles placed in cells, rescue work carried on, greater degree of interested in missions that the 'justice in courts and penalties administered, the abolition of workers in China, as well as the In- penal colonies, torture, etc., and the general increase in the estimate dia missionaries, have issued a bio- of the value of a man as man.
graphical index, or "directory," of all missionaries who have been on those fields. These have been amended from time to time. Mr. Edward Evans is an excellent man and competent compiler. He has brought the China record down to September, 1899. This same pub- lishing house has issued ($1.90, post- paid) the "Records of the West THE KING OF THE WORLD, OR CHRISTIAN China Conference," held at Chung- IMPERIALISM. James Stewart, D.D. king, January, 1899. This volume Pamphlet. Andrew Elliot, Edinburgh.
contains the papers of that impor- Inaugural address of the moder- . ator of the General Assembly of tant union gathering, and has two the Free Church of Scotland last May. Dr. Stewart has labored long instructive maps. *** at Lovedale, South Africa, as a medical missionary, and his words PENOLOGICAL AND PREVENTIVE PRINCIPLES. come as from the forefront of the battle. He shows what Christian William Tallack. 8vo, 480 pp. 8 shillings. mISSIOns have accomplished in Wertheimer, Lea & Co., London. South Africa, and makes strong plea for fuller consecration and This is a second and enlarged greater earnestness. edition of a standard work by the secretary of the Howard Associa- THE M,SSIONARY KALENDAR, 1900. 2•. 6d., tion, London. It has special refer- post free. Elliot Stock, London. ence to England and America, but deals also with penological ques- This illustrated record of the tions of other countries. The book deals thoughtfully and suggestively pioneers of the 19th century, has with crime and pauperism and their prevention; prisons and their sub- been designed and compiled by stitutes, habitual offenders, conditional liberation, sentences, Frances S. Hallowes. Each page, capital punishment, intemperance, prostitution, neglected youth, edu- besides the almanac for the month, cation, and the police. gives on each day a short record of Mr. Tallack shows that there are crimes against criminals of which some missionary event, drawn from the public is guilty. He forcibly advocates that more attention be the incidents of missionary history given to the prevention of criminals by attention to their religious edu- during the present century. The cation, and that more Christlike sympathy and desire to help be pages are surrounded by original designs, embracing seventy-two portraits of distinguished mission- aries of all denominations, and twelve views from different parts of the world. *
1)00.] GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
AMERICA. cent. of the inhabitants are wholly without religion of any sort. She The Friends as The Friends in the maintains that the pagan popula- Evangelizers. United States num- tion numbers 1,300,000, exceeding by 100,000 that of Tokio, Japan. ber93,250, and their She also claims that the Gospel " ministers" 1,219. Their mission- alone is the remedy for anarchy as aries of both sexes number 108; well as atheism and practical godthe stations and out-stations, 284; lessness, and that the vice-breeding and the members of their mission. tenements are hopeless barriers in churches, 4,747, of whom 550 are the way of any lasting betterment. in Mexico and 550 among our Not more than nineteen per cent. Indians. of the city population can claim American parentage, and this per A Forward The first male mis- cent. is decreasing. Surely here is Movement. sionary appointed a field for effort not surpassed any- where. Does not God show us in nine years by the with increasing clearness that the American Board for service in Church of Christ needs a new and Japan, recently received his com- mighty baptism of evangelistic mission. He is Mr. John M. Trout, power? a member of the present senior class at Hartford Seminary, who Afro-American These b ret h r en ranks exceptionally high in scholarship. It will be good news to the Baptists. m u s t e r 1,800,000 overworked force in Japan that such an efficient aid is soon to be church meinbers, given them. During these nine years the number of workers has and report from their missionary been depleted by illness and furloughs until the staff is quiteinade- headquarters in Louisville, Ky., quate for the duties confronting them. as representatives in the field, 19 The Deadly The Lutheran ordained ministers, 35 churches, 15 African Fever. Church, General out-stations, 27 Bible schools, 14 Synod, has again been sorely smitten in the death of day-schools, 3 industrial schools, two missionaries only a few days after their arrival in Liberia-Mrs. 25 native helpers, and about 2,050 Emma S. Bicle and Mrs. Jonas D. Simon. Coming so soon after the members in Africa, and 9 African lamented demise of Dr. Day, the blow is all the more crushing. At students in schools in America. what cost must Africa be redeemedl Work is done in West and South The City as a Miss Helen Clark, Africa, and plans are forming for Mission Field. director of the Mott an early entrance into Cuba. Street Evangelical Band, New York City, has been, by •• Missions Means Me " is the sugvoice and pen, giving to the people some facts as to that city as a mis- gestive name of a monthly bulletin sion field. She claims that 65 per published by the city missionary committee of the Cincinnati Young People's Union. The following acrostic is clipped from it: ISSIONS MEANS THE IND, THE OTIVE, THE IGHT OF THE ASTER . ULTIPLIED BY HIE! . _._. E~SENGER~,
Mormonism Arrangements for of missions, the missionary obliganot Decadent. the largest coloni- tion as taught in Scripture and the present religious condition of zation scheme ever heathen lands, as well as the apoloproposed in the West have been getic value of missionary achieveconsummated. The Big Horn ments, will be set forth; the history Basin in northern Wyoming is of different periods and of special about to be settled by Mormons. lands will be reviewed; the methods Arrangements have been made of various Christian bodies will be with the Wyoming authorities compared and tested; the different whereby the Mormons have the forms of missionary activity will privilege of selecting 200,000 acres be fully described; the religious of land in that wonderfully fertile condition of the heathen and Mobasin, and a committee of promi- hammedan world will be examined, nent Mormons is now engaged in and particular attention will be fixing the locations. Many fami- given to non-Christian religions; lies in Utah are selling their prop- practical topics, such as the miserty and packing up their house- sionary's health, and peculiar probhold goods in preparation for the lems, such as self-support, will be removal, which at its beginning discussed; some definite instruction will consist of at least 30,000 people. and training in pedagogy will also be given. It is further planned to Baptist The first move in furnish opportunity for the study of various missionary languages. Students' another organiza- This course is open to regular and Missionary tion to advance the special students. There is a mis- sionary library of 6,000 volumes Campaign. cause of foreign and an interesting and valuable missionary museum. The Seminary missions am 0 n g proposes greatly to augment -the instruction in foreign missions with Baptists, was made February 24th, the opening of the next academic year. It will be designed to meet at the Baptist Theological Semin- the needs of regular students of its own graduates, of the graduates of ary, in Rochester, where delegates other seminaries, and of appointees of mission boards. Ten per cent. of from five Baptist seminaries met the graduates of Hartford Semin- ary have found their work in in conference. The day was spent foreign lands.
in completing plans of organization. Lo, the Poor It is hard lines in- Red Indian. deed when self- The design is to conduct a vigorous supporting Indians, campaign for foreign missions who have been successful cultiva- tors of the soil for a half century at among the churches, seminaries, least, should be forced into dis- tressing poverty and dependence and other institutions, beginning by having the water which irri- gated their lands virtually stolen in the spring and reaching its full from them. Such is the case of the Pima Indians of Arizona, among force in the summer. The move- whom there are to-day some 800 ment has the approval and en- couragement of the American Bap- tist Missionary Union.
Mission Study The faculty and at Hartford trustees of Hart- Seminary. for d Theological Seminary have pro- vided a course of instruction in foreign missions which they an- nounce as "a new thing in theo- logical instruction in this country."
The course will include numerous lectures by experts-missionaries, secretaries, and others. The theory
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
Presbyterian church members. tinued the work. In July, 1896, These Indians have never had their with 7 members of his church, Mr. self-reliance vitiated by the ration Hayes went. on flOm Lemhi to the system. Must they be forced now Bannocks, a wild tribe at Ross to resort to this aid or starve? This Fork, in southeastern Idaho. They past year nearly three-fourths of were not well received that year, these Indians raised little or no but for about two weeks held Goscrops. From 1,500 to 2,000 Papa- pel meetings. The next summer goes, who are hired by the Pimas about 25 members of the First to assist in harvesting, and who Church at Kamiah went with their depend upon their portion of the pastor. It required three weeks to wheat, will also suffer. The gov- make the journey on horseback. ernment is moving in the matter Once on the trip they rode 70 miles in response to the importunity of across a desert without water. To the missionaries and other friends do this the company started at 4 of these Indians-but is moving o'clock A. M. and rode till about 8 slowly. Meantime incoming Mor- in the evening, without stopping mons and other settlers have di- to feed.-Assembly Herald. verted the water from the river, and the land of the Indians is fast Blessing in These glad tidings reverting to arid wastes.-Home Far Alaska. come from Ju- Mission lJ'Ionthly. neau: "Last Sun- The Nez Missionary work day fully 200 natives were packed into the church. All could not Perces as was begun among be accommodated who came. Eight- een joined, making 25 adults re- Missionaries. the Nez Perces In- ceived from September to Decem- ber, and. 63 have been added to the dians in 1837 by church during the year. There have been 100 baptisms. Crowds Rev. Henry H. Spalding and his of natives are seen going to a.r;td from the services of the church." wife. Since then, with some in- The Indians 0 f the 1,538,000 terruptions, the work has been of Guatemala. inhabitants of carried on by Presbyterians al- this country 517,- 000 are Indians, among whom no most entirely. There are now less than 12 distinct dialects are spoken, of which the following are something over 500 members in the principal ones: (a) El Quiche, spoken by 280,000, living in 7 dethe 5 churches. These churches partments; (b) El Capchiquel, spok- en by 130,000, living in 3 departare all served by Indian ministers, ments; (c) El Quekchi, spoken by 87,000, living in 6 departments; (d) who were educated and trained by El Ponchi, spoken by 20,000, living in 2 departments. All these are Miss Sue McBeth, now gone to her nominal Catholics, their ancient paganism and idolatry have only reward, and her sister, Miss Kate, been Romanized, while there are 2,256 Protestants, composed of who still labors at Lapwai, Idaho. state and European elements that hold Protestant views. These ministers do not confine their efforts entirely to their own churches. Much work has been done by them among the Spokanes, Umatillas, Shoshones, Bannocks, Crows, and other neighboring tribes. For many years Rev.
Robert Williams, the first Nez Perces minister, led a company of Nez Perces Christians every sum- mer on a mission to Lemhi, Idaho.
After his death, his successor, Rev.
James Hayes, the present pastor of the First Church of Kamiah, con-
The Coolies The Con g l' e g a- in return for our invasion of the Sudan. And now, for the sake of of Guiana. tional Union of German non-interference in South Africa, comes the sacrifice of Sa- British Guiana moa, which, like Madagascar, has been made worth occupation by having agreed to undertake mission missionary zeal and labor. Fifty years ago a similar experience was work among East Indian natives gone through in Tahiti. In each case the Romish Church is the within their borders, the directors gainer; in each case the same Soci- ety made the places worth the havof the London Missionary Society ing; and in each case British rule would have been preferred to any have agreed to assist the Union by other. The ways of statesmen are remarkable !-London Christian. selecting a suitable evangelist from What Some A number of chil- North India to take up the work, Children did dren who recently (or Missions. gave their little also to bear the cost of his passage offerings to the from India to British Guiana. Centenary Fund of the Church Missionary Society, were asked to EUROPE. put down on paper, anonymously, the means by which the money had Fifty Millions A correspondent of been obtained. The list contains for Religion. the Detroit Free much original spelling, but also reveals genuine self-denial, and Press, speaking of often ingenuity also. Here are a the determination of the English few of the quainter specimens: Wesleyans to raise a Twentieth "Earned by goin an harrant, Ud."; Century Fund of at least 1,000,000 " Burying a rat. Id."; "For fagging guineas, says: "This scheme to for brother during month, 3d." push the work begun by John Wes- (this from a little girl, and the ley as it never has been pushed be- money was probably well earned) ; fore-in fact, to make it, if possi- " Deniance of sugar, 3Ud."; "Selfble, the new, but unofficial Church denile. By doing mangleing, 3d."; of England-has aroused surpris- "For being a good girl, Is. 2d."; ing activity in religious circles " For being a good boy, 7d." (period everywhere, and its example is said over which the goodness extended to have inspired American Method- not stated in either case); "Fines ists to start even a greater fund, for elbows on the table, Is. 9d."; just as it has been the means of in- "Earn it out of me wages, IUd." citing the British Baptists and Con- Quite a number saved their little gregationalists to begin vast inde- gifts by "doing without sweets." pendent Twentieth Century funds, besides furnishing a bright precedent for other important and growing religious funds all over the world, the total being estimated roughly at fully $50,000,000."
Politics vs. The cession of the Missions. Samoan Islands to Germany is another hard blow dealt by the government at the work of the London Mission- ary Society. After years of toil and sacrifice in Madagascar, where The Salvation General Booth re- English rule was eagerly desired by Army's Work ports that the the people, the Society had to en- (or Social "army" now has dure the pain and mortification of Redemption. 158 shelters and seeing that island occupied by the food depots, 121 French, treaty rights trampled slum posts with "slum sisters," 37 upon, and a reign of persecution labor bureaus, 60 labor factories for inaugurated. This was a "deal" the unemployed, 11 land colonies,
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
91 rescue homes for women, 11 labor established, while for a year already homes for ex-criminals, and several a medical prayer union has been other sorts of institutions calculated making daily united supplication to lift up the fallen. The total num- for a Divine benediction upon hosber of institutions is 545, employing . pital and dispensary work. 2,000 trained officers who labor in 45 countries. He affirms that over Europe's In Pearson's Magathe gates of everyone of these institutions there might be written with Army Bill. zine Mr. Penn has truth: "No man or woman need starve, or beg, or pauperize, or recently published steal, or commit suicide. If willing to work, apply within. Here there some statistics relating to the cost is hope for all." of the land forces of six great powers of Europe. He estimates the whole amount annually expended to be, in round numbers, $650,000,000.
This vast amount does not include Student In connection with the great expense of their navies.
Volunteer the Bristol Union, The amount is divided as follows: Missionary a new method has Russia, $154,500,000; Germany, 135,- Lectures. been adopted for 000,000; France, $130,000,000; Great awakening interest Britain, $90,000,000; Austria, $86,- in the evangelization of the 500,000; Italy, $5.'3,450,000. Russia is world. A course of twelve weekly said to have an active army of about lectures on missionary subjects has 2,000,000 men. Besides these her been arranged, a fee of 5 shillings territorial reserve consists of some being charged for the course, and 2,000,000 men; and the militia, 1 shilling for a single lecture. A which could be called out in case of syllabus and bihliography have emergency, of 1,200,000, making in been issued to enable members all 5,200,000 men.
of the course to study the subjects The McAII Mission's twenty- seventh annual report shows that further. there are more tb,an 40 mission halls in Paris regularly occupied by the Thus far the result has been most preachers of this mission, and more than forty other cities and towns encouraging. Over 200 course tick- throughout France are also reached.
ets have been sold, besides more than 100 single tickets for the first three lectures.
The lecture course for 1900 was as follows; The Paris Missionary Society dur- ing last year sent out 54 mission- Rev. H. Arnold Thomas, M.A.-" First aries, of whom 18 went to Mada- Principles of Missionary Work." gascar and 18 to the Zambesi. The income, which in 1896 was less than C. F. Harford Battersby, Esq., M.A., M.D. 500,000 francs, has risen to more -HThe World-a brief survey." than 1,000,000. The report states that no suitable candidate has ever Rev. William Pierce.-"God's Hand in been kept back for want of funds. Human History." The society enters on the new year with a balance in hand of 120,000 Rev. Robert Bruce, D.D.-" The Rise and francs. Principles of Islam."
Rev. O. T. Wilson.-H The Relation of Islam to Ohristianity." Eugene Stock, Esq.-" Missionary History in the First Eighteen Oenturies."
Go, Heal Such marked de- the Sick. velopment has come to the medical side of the work of the Church Mission- French Priests In its issue for De- ary Society, that an assistant sec- Abjuring cember 30, Le Chre- retary to the medical committee Rome. iien Fran~ais, the has been appointed. A medical organ of the new training home for women is to be evangelical movement in France,
computes that during the past two employ the services of 3,270 sisters years as many as 125 French priests for the work of charity and love. have definitely given up their 'posi- The leading institution of the kind tions in the Roman Church from in this country is the Mary J. Drexconscientious conviction. The edi- el Home in Philadelphia, with 76 tor, M. Andre Bourrier, affirms that sisters. In addition the Lutherans these evades include a remarkable have homes also at Milwaukee, number of men holding high posi- Omaha, Baltimore, Brooklyn, Mintions in their church, and he prints neapolis, and Chicago; and other in extenso their letters of resigna- denominations, too, have done tion. some good work in this direction. Of the 18 children of Fliedner a Deaconess All Protestant Ger- number are still engaged in the work, but the best known is Pastor Centennial. many, and with it Fritz Fliedner, for a generation a leading Protestant missionary in the Lutheran and Spain.-Independent.
other churches in America that keep in close touch with the church of the Fatherland, have just cele- Dr. Guinness Within the mem- brated with marked unanimity and in Berlin. ory of many of its enthusiasm the one hundredth an- inhabitants Berlin niversary of the birth of Theodore has grown from a city of less than Fliedner, the founder of the great 250,000 to nearly 2,000,000; that is deaconess institution with head- to say has increased eightfold, and quarters at Kaiserswerth, on the from the capital of Prussia has be- Rhine. Young Fliedner, partly in- come the magnificent metropolis fluenced by a visit to the deaconess of the German empire, the politi- home of the Mennonites in Hol- cal, commercial, and social center land, in 1836, inaugurated the re- of the most central and influential vival of the apostolic order of the country on the Continent of Eu- deaconesses in the midst of his little rope, with 50,ODO,DOC inhabitants.
congregation in Kaiserswerth with Accompanied by Dr. Baedeker, one deaconess, Gertrude Reichardt, who has evangelized so extensively the daughter of a physician, and on the Continent and in Siberia, Dr.
with a sick servant girl as the ·first H. Grattan Guinness held a 10 patient. He proved to be an excel- days' mission in Berlin in the clos- lent organizer and agitator, and his ing month of 1899, giving 19 ad- charity propaganda spread wonder- dresses to audiences which gener- fully throughout Germany and into ally crowded the buildings occupied.
France, England, and America, and hung on the message delivered which countries Fliedner himself with marked interest, and often visited. In 1849 he came to Amer- deep emotion.
ica, bringing with him 4 deacon- esses, to enter the new home found- Roman Catho- The following ex- ed by Rev. Dr. Passavant, of the lie Nations traordinary confes- Lutheran church in Pittsburg. Decadent. sion has been made There is now sc;:trcely a country or by the Civita Cat- a clime in which the sisters are not tolica, the Italian J esuit organ, in a actively engaged in good work. At recent number: "Wealthand po.wer present there are 80 mother houses, no longer belong to the Catholic with 13,309 deaconesses, laboring in nations; they have become the ap- 4,754 fields of operation. Of these panage of peoples who have separ- laborers 4,754 sisters are in 1,092 ated from the Roman Church.
hospitals, and 1,974 congregations Spain and Italy, France, and a large
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
part of Austria, if compared with has become a noted place since the Germany, England, and the United athletic team which has gone forth States, are feebler in the military from it gained highest honors in the department, more troubled in their recent national contests at Turin politics, more menaced in social and at Rome. The Association's affairs, and more embarrassed in prominence at these con t est s finance. The Papacy has had no- brought its endeavors for the imthing to do with the conquest of provement of Italian young men to one-half of the globe, of Asia and the personal notice of King Hum- Africa; that has fallen to the arms bert, who has since manifested his of the heirs of Plotins, of Luther, deep interest in all its branches. of Henry VIII. All the vast colonial possessions of Spain are pass- ASIA. ing into the hands of the Republic of Washington, France yields the Babel in The diversity of sovereignty of the Nile to Great Britain, Italy, conquered in Abys- Jerusalem. tongues is one of sinia, maintains with difficulty her the difficulties of maritime influence by following in the wake of England. Here have the work of the hospital in Jerusawe, in fact, all the Catholic countries reduced to submit to heretic lem supported by the London Sopowers, and to follow in their tracks like so many satellites. The latter ciety for Promoting Christianity speak and act, and the former are silent or murmur impotently. This among the Jews. Dr. Wheeler is how affairs stand at the end of the nineteenth century, and it is writes: " To be able to administer to impossible to deny the evidence of it. Politically speaking, Catholi- these people we have to speak cism is in decadence." three languages: Arabic, J udea- Spanish, and Judea-German. But we often have a Jew from Persia, or Bokhara, who is unable to speak any of these three languages, so we press aJewinto our service who can converse in one of these three languages and in the language of the patient."
The Y. M. C. About six years ago The Dreadful Indian Famine.- A. in Rome. the Rome Young The government Gazette of India for January 6 shows the steady in- Men's Christian As- crease, week by week, in the numsociation began its work in rented ber of persons placed on relief rooms. These soon became inade- works and receiving gratuitous requate to its growing needs, and lief, throughout December. Dethree years later, rather than see the cember 9, total 1,960,307; 16th, 2,- work hindered and the field restrict- 199,521; 23d, 2,450,224; 30th, 2,746,- ed, the institution, tho still young, 407. Send help now. was compelled to secure an entire building of its own. This building Ramabai and In a recent letter stands in the center of the city, the Famine. Ramabai writes as close to the principal thoroughfares and to the royal palace. It follows: "The has been adapted to the many and plague is increasing in Bombay, varied requirements ofYoung Men's last week's death returns being Christian Association work. A 1,350; and this dreadful foe of manspacious gymnasium has been con- kind may again make its way to structed, with hydraulic appliances Poona. There is no peace, no cerfor shower-baths and other im- tainty; and we are t.hankful to God provements, and this gymnasium for giving us a place of shelter dur- ing this time of famine and scarcity
of water. The fruit trees look very tians, in 1,000 villages, with only bad and dry. The garden does not 244 workers. Another has 12,000 produce vegetables. Our animals Christians and only 158 workers. are looking almost like skeletons. Another district has 13,500 Chris- Fodder is very dear. Starving tians, living in 1,300 villages, with people, the old and infirm, widows, 461 workers. In another 15,000 deserted wives and orphans, the Christians, widely scattered, have lame, the blind, and lepers flock only 318 workers." around our establishment, in hopes of getting food. We can not eat The Growth of a Decade.-The our full measure while so many are Canadian Baptist Missionary Sociebeing starved to death. So most ty can report: "Our Telugu mission, of us, including little girls under in the last ten years, has doubled nine and ten years of age, have re- its staff of missionaries. The native solved to give up some of our meals helpers have increased from 92 to for the hungry poor. I have stop- 182, the churches from 17 to 33, the ped the building work, and am put- church members from about 2,000 ting all the money I can spare into to over 4,000, and the contributions deepening the old wells, and dig- from converts from 2,300 to 3,766 ging a new well on the Sharada rupees." Sadan farm. To save the girls and animals from water famine, seems A Medical Dr. MacNicol writes to be the first duty now. The Lord bless all the donors for sending this Missionary's to the Free Church money at this time of great need!" * Methods. Monthly from Kol- na, Bengal : " I reached here in the beginning of Probation Rev. Rockwell Clan- March, 1899, and my dispensary Before cy, of the Methodist was opened. Even at the start we Baptism. North Indian Mis- had plenty to do, having over 1,000 sion, writes: " We patients in April; but these were are learning that we must not bap- merely the beginnings of things.
tize people, who are willing to be- Our method is as follows: There are come Christians, unless we can two waiting-rooms-one for the provide them pastors and teachers. men and one for the women; and a In 1898, we baptized several thou- Bible woman preaches to the latter, sands less than in 1897, largely be- while one of our very best preach- cause we could not care for them. ers takes the men. After the rooms Our staff of workers is already far are full of waiting patients the too small to properly care for the preaching begins, and then half an present Christian community. In hour or so later the medical work one district we have 8,500 Chris- is started. The women are seen first, passing in tens and twenties to * The American Ramabai Committee call the consulting-room, and thence to attention to the necessity .of an assured the dispensary. This first detachannual income for the support and education of these famine-rescued girls, until they can ment usually numbers 100 women support themselves. The desired result would be more speedily and effectively ac- and children, and then the men, complished if every friend of Ramabai would interest himself or herself in the formation of about as many, are taken. When new circles, with fees from $1 upward, in increasing the membership of old circles, and these have all been dealt with, in securing annual scholarships of $100 for Shiiradft Sadan and $45 for Mukti. For further another rtudience is admitted and information send to Mrs_ J. W. Andrews, Chairman of the Executive Committee, 36 similarly dealt with; and by the Rutland Square, Boston. time the last has been seen to it is frequently sunset-the day has gone, and we have been so busy that we hardly know how. On special
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
days there have been 500 or more fellow with felt shoes, baggy cases treated. Yesterday we had trousers, loose tunic, fez cap, and 629. When friends who accompany swishing queue, who represents the sick are included, the crowds such swarming myriads that the can, perhaps, hardly be imagined mind is confused in the attempt to by those who do not know how comprehend the enormous numthickly Bengal is populated." ber. The canny Scotchman and the shrewd Yankee are alike dis- Number of Missionaries in China – comfited by the Chinese. If you The Chinese Recorder states that do not believe it, ask the American the Presbyterian Mission Press of and European traders who were Shanghai has just issued a revised crowded out of Saigon, Shanghai, list of Protestant missionaries in Bangkok, Singapore, Batavia, and China. The total is 2,818, of whom Manila. ARTHUR J. BROWN. 566 are ordained ministers and 858 are unmarried women. The Hunan For some time the The Chinese Americans h a v e Troubles. Roman Catholics in a People not done justice to Yochou, Hunan of Brains. the Chinese charac- Province, have been in !1 state of ter. We must not constant feud with the people.
judge from the Chinese whom we Scores of petitions have been pour- see in this country, for they are, ing into the yamen from the gen- with comparatively few excep- try and people, complaining of their tions, from the lower class of a doings. Last November the city single province-Cantonese coolies. was full of students, attending the The Chinese might as fairly form district examinations. From the their, opinion of Americans from first there has been a great deal of our day-laborers. But there are friction between the students and able men in the celestial empire. the Roman Catholic converts. But Bishop Andrews returned from they did not come to blows till one China to characterize the Chinese day four students were seized by as "a people of brains." When some converts, taken to the Roman Viceroy Li Hung Chang visited Catholic establishment, and beaten.
this country, all who met him un- The gentry and students resolved hesitatingly pronounced him a to have their revenge, and some great man. After General Grant's thousands of them attacked the tour around the world he told Roman Catholic establishment and Senator Stewart that the most smashed the doors, windows, furni- astonishing thing which he had ture, and everything else they could seen was that wherever the Chinese lay their hands on. They were pre- had come into competition with vented from demolishing the build- the Jew, the Chinese had driven ing itself by the sudden appearance out the Jew. We all know the of the authorities. The students, persistence of the Jew. We know however, refused to disperse, and that he has held his own against the officials were compelled to every other people. And yet this spend the whole night on the prem- race, which has so abundantly ises in order to prevent further demonstrated its ability to cope mischief. The scholars and gentry with the Greek, the Slav, and the were boiling over with rage, and Teuton, finds itself outreached in for days the place was covered cunning, outworn in persistence, with placards threatening the ex- and overmatched in strength by an termination of the R. C. Church in olive-complexioned, almond-eyed those parts. The officials were in a
state of great alarm, not knowing and Hongkong and other cities of what to do. Lo, the foreign father similar character, as such come in charge, was there at the time of into being, are to go forth the inthe riot, but, fortunately, managed fluences to mold the new China. In to make his escape by a back door. Shanghai also are 3 of the most in- fluential educational institutions -GRIFFETH JOHN. in the empire-2 under Christian auspices, the other a government Chinese Colquhoun quotes institution, but having for its president the vice-president of our Strength and Richthofen as say- national committee.
Weakness. ing that " among F. S. BROCKMAN.
the various races of mankind, the Chinese is the only one which in all climates, the hottest and the coldest, is capable Canton, an Few places offer of great and lasting activity." And Educational such inducements he states as his own opinion: "She Center. to an enthusiastic has all the elements to build up a educationalist as great living force. One thing alone Canton. It is the great mart of is wanted: the will, the directing South China, the most interesting power. That supplied, there are to spot in the vast empire to the be found in abundance in China student of history, a populous city the capacity to carry out, the of 2,000,000 of souls. Canton stands brains to plan, the hands to work." upon the great southern waterway New York is not of China, the Hsi-kiang, a river Strategic navigable for 800 miles inland to Value of more the gateway the west of the city. It is a strat- Shanghai. to America than egic point, commanding the most Shanghai to China. enterprising portion of China, the In its harbor lie the boats of every people of which, owing to their commercial nation in the world. thrift, are called by their fellow Passengers or cargo destined for countrymen "Foreigners," and by Peking in the north, Foochow or other nations " Eastern Yankees."
Amoy in the south, or a month's Any influence emanating from journey inland go through here. Canton will quickly reach all parts Its handsome buildings, foreign of K wangtung province. This stores, excellent streets, and the province, about the size of Kansas, number of Europeans on every contains 30,000,000 of people, more hand make one feel at first that he than one-third the population of is in a foreign city; but the wheel- the United States. Its people de- barrows, jinrikishas, and swarms sire education; this desire is ex- upon swarms of Chinese remind pressed every year by the appear- you that you are still in China. ance in Canton of 15,000 literary You will be impressed in your first graduates applying for the second glance at these crowds at the large of the Chinese collegiate degrees.
proportion of young men. Here The people desire bread and are flock the young men from the receiving stones.
Anglo-Chinese colleges over the empire, who have learned enough Getting It is frightful to see a English to do business with the Angry as a woman deliberately foreigner; here are the wealthy Fine Art. "nourishing wrath,"
who, fleeing the rapacious man- as the Chinese ex- darins, have come for safety; and press it. It was once my un- finally the reform politicians, who fortunate experience to see my come for liberty. From Shanghai nursemaid" nourish" or "kindle"
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
wrath. One day after having a name and spirit of the Great Phy- quarrel with the washerwoman, sician 140,000 patients.-Assembly she sat down, in spite of my Herald. remonstrances, and deliberately gave way to her evil passions. She Methodists in The Gospel in All drew her breath in with great violence, at long and regular inter- Foochow. Lands for February vals, until she became wholly un- conscious of her surroundings. In states, concerning this state, which lasted about forty hours, she threw herself about the Foochow conference: "Among violently, and talked deliriously, especially after I had applied the the items reported by the statistical mustard plasters which I had heard were effective in such cases. Altho secretary are 4,349 members, 4,301 I lean toward homeopathic treat- ment, on this occasion I made two probationers, 236 native preachers, plasters thick and strong, one foot broad by two feet long, and applied (both ordained and unordained), them on her chest and down her back. While I was preparing the 682 adults and 283 children baptized, plasters my cook told me that the Chinese would call one in this 102 Epworth Leagues with 2,419 woman's condition "possessed of demons." I am glad to state that, members, 158 Sunday-schools with by the aid of those mustard plasters, I expelled tbe demons, 264 teachers, 5,441 scholars, 247 dayand, better yet, that they have never dared to return to that schools for boys with 5,229 pupils, woman.-Presbyterian Record. who paid $5,006 toward the support Presbyterian The Presbyterian Work in China. Board bas d mis- of their schools. There was col- sions in the Chinese lected for the Missionary Society, Empire, namely, Canton, Hainan, Central China, East and West Shan- $204 (increase $56.50); for self-suptung and Peking missions, and has recently authorized the opening of a port, $2,771; for church building new work in the Hunan Province. We are maintaining 188 foreign and repairing, $1,505; for general missionaries and 571 native helpers, a total force of 759. Already there conference expenses, $57 ; for are 86 organized churches under our care, with 9,757 communicants, bishops, $67; for other purposes, while the accessions on confession of faith during the last year were $717. The total contributed during 1,545-a growth of nearly 16 per cent. "Ve have 223 schools, enroll- the eleven months was $8,902.47ing 4,000 pupils; 3 printing presses issued last year 45,915,343 pages of equal to about half that amount in Christian literature and of the Word of God, while 15 hospitals gold." and 15 dispensaries treated in the Protestants The London cor- Beware! respondent of the Manchester Guard- ian draws attention to a serious hindrance to missionary work in China. Nearly a generation ago Sir Rutherford Alcock told Pope Pius IX. that Christianity was then greatly hindered by the claims of the Jesuits to consider their con- verts under the protection of their respective governments as regards native officials. The French Am- bassador at Pekin has now obtained from the dowager empress an official status for the Roman Catho- lic ministers. An offer is being made to accord equal privileges to Protestant missionaries of all de- nominations. Whether this offer will be accepted depends on the point of view taken by the official heads of the various missionary societies here and in America. The
probability is that it will be de- married. I was called on to attend clined, as bringing missionary effort the funeral of a Ohristian sixty into dangerous relations with civil years old, and learned that "his life, with the consequent danger of friction. " My Kingdom is not of wife" had a different name. She, this world," is a word that seems to too, is a Ohristian. On inquiring apply to the present situation.- into the matter, I found they were The Christian, London. so related to their respective houses, Sociology Missionaries a I' e that they could not easily be legally married, and so had only taken the in Japan. obliged to become first step-ceremonial marriage. sociologists. They I recently asked a young man, a member of the church, if he had often are a long while before com- had his wife registered as his, and ing to understand customs of the he replied with regrets that, tho he had tried again and again, he could not get his relative, who was head of the house, to consent. "* society with which they deal, be- cause they are so far unlike those AFRIOA.
to which the missionary has been A Restraint President McKinley used. An illustration of this of upon the has forwarded to more than passing interest is fur- Rum Traffic. the Senate the text niflhed by Rev. J. H. De Forest, of of a con v e n t ion Sandai, Japan, in the Japan Evan- signed at Brussels on June 8 by the gelist of November, 1899. The en- representatives of Germany, Bel- tire article is worthy of reproduc- gium, Spain, the Kongo, France, tion, but we have room only for Great Britain, Italy, the Nether- one of these sharp distinctions. lands, Portugal, Russia" Sweden Dr. De Forest says: and Norway, and Turkey, for the Marriage "takes effect upon its regulation of the importation of notification to the registrar by the spirituous liquors into Oentral parties concerned and two witnesses." The wording of this law Africa. The first article of the suggests that there are marriages that don't take effect. This is just treaty provides that "the import the difference between a Japanese duty on spirituous liquors, as that marriage and one in the West. Here the ceremonial marriage takes duty is regulated by the general act of Brussels, shall be raised place with no reference whatever to its legality. The families con- throughout the zone where there does not exist the system of prohicerned celebrate the occasion openly and the young couple live to- bition provided by Article XOI of gether as man and wife until it is the said general act, to the rate of convenient to have it "take effect," 70 francs the hectoliter (about 52 and then the public office is notified that such and such persons are cents a United States gallon), at 50 husband and wife, which notifica- degrees centigrade, for a period of tion constitutes the legal marriage. six years. The President trans- We foreigners are always deceiving ourselves by thinking that if the mits the treaty for the consent of ceremony is open and society the Senate to the adhesion of the recognizes' the pair as married, it United States to the agreement. A must be legal. There are large numbers in every considerable notice is inclosed from the Belgian Minister saying: town who pass as husband and wife yet have no legal status what- The examination ef the docu- ments inclosed will enable your ever as such. Excellency to understand the im- Even among the Christians and portance of the decision of the con- ference. The duties constitute a also among evangelists are some remarkable increase over the tariff who are in this dokyu (living to- now in force, the minimum import duty fixed by the general act of gether) condition, and it never 1890 having been raised in the new occurs to the uninitiated foreign missionary that such are not truly
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
agreement to more than four times the greatest day in the history of the previous rate. This result can the church at Luebo. Twenty-five not fail to be welcomed with deep were baptized, the largest number satisfaction by all who are interest- ever received at anyone time." ed in the great cause of the regen- No one of our missions has ever been eration and preservation of the subjected to so many difficulties and native peoples of Africa.
Barbarism A strange state of trials in its temporal environments on the affairs is reported as the mission on the Kongo, but the Upper Kongo. from the K 0 n go wonderful spiritual blessing that Free State to the has attended the work there has been more than a compensation for Southern Presbyterian Board of all these. Missions. Letters from Revs. L. O.
Yaas and H. R. Hawkins, mission- A Basuto Just at the time of aries at Luebo, give accounts of the Synod. the outbreak of the burning of 14 villages and the killing Transvaal war, a of 00 or more natives by native state synod of the French Protestant troops known as Zappo Zaps. They Ohurch among the Basuto was held report that some of the victims at Thaba Bossiou. It was a joint were eaten by cannibals, and that conference of the missionaries and the bodies of all who were slain the native pastors, and was a first were mutilated, their heads having experiment in giving the latter a been cut off. It is said the raid larger participation in the direction was ordered because the people of the church. These native pas-.
could not pay the exorbitant taxes tors showed great intelligence in demanded by the State, The mis- the discussion of the various sub- sionaries say they reported the jects of the conference, and their matter to the proper authorities collaboration was felt by the mis- and demanded the withdrawal of sionaries to be of inestimable value.
the troops. The missionaries fur- " It is through them and by them,"
ther say the Zappo Za,ps are a tribe writes M. Sacottet, "that we shall kept by the State for its protection. eventually realize the ideal which They are sent out to collect rubber, we have always had before us of a ivory, slaves, and goats as tribute black church governing herself and from the people, and can then living by her own self. The synod plunder, burn, and kill for their marks an important date in the his- own amusement and gain. Mr. tory of the mission."-.Tournal des Yaas says: "The whole country is Missions Evangeliques.
plagued. and not a village left The French Mission on the Zamstanding. The people are in the besi is now cut off from all relations bush. To-night, in a radius of with the civilized world, through about 75 miles', there are possibly the blocking of the railway by the over 50,000 people sleeping in the South African war. It is unable bush unsheltered, and we are in the even to revictual itself, and is midst of a rainy season." threatened, if the situation is pro- The Brighter A letter from Rev. longed, with failure of the most Side: Luebo. H. R. Hawkins, necessary supplies for the life of dated September Europeans.
28th, reported that more than 50 Marriage in According to a nar- -had been added to the church at Nyassaland. rative sent home to Luebo during the year, and a letter the Universities'
from Rev. W. M. Morrison, of Oct. Mission, the course of love does not 8, stated: "This has been, perhaps, always run smooth even in East
Africa. For:" You have heard of live; if the Boers win, then we may my boy Julius so often that you as well die, for we shall be no more will be interested to know that he looked upon as men, but as cattle; is happily engaged to be married. so we shall all go home and pray to It is quite a business-like arrange- God to make the arms of the Eng- ment-no moonlight, no poetry, no lish strong.' And this is really the fine frenzies are necessary-a suffi- question of the day in South Af- ciency of cloth works the oracle. rica: Are we to have all men-Brit- He wanted to marry this woman ish, Boer, and aboriginal-dwelling some time ago, but there were diffi- together with equal rights as men culties. Poor Julius' heart did not under the British flag, or are we to break-he made shortly after a bid have the domination of a Boer oli- for another lady, a more expensive garchy over British and Blacks one still, in a somewhat similar sit- alike? uation. That did not come off, but when he returned up this way the "In the Transvaal a black man course of true love had begun to is not a human being-he is a lower run smoothly. Mrs. Mother-in-law link between man and the ape, cre- paid Julius' people a fowl to make ated for the serv;ce of the white up for the reviling, and negotia- man. This doctrine, originating tions were re-opened. After a few with the Boer, has infected the Uit- hitches the girl's relations accepted lander, not slow to adopt a view so • the cloth Julius tendered, and now convenient to his selfishness, and the engagement is an accomplished reacts back upon the older colonies, fact. After it was settled the lady where it finds a congenial soil. It paid J ulius a visitand he made her a is only the Imperial connection and present of a garment. To-day she the moral influence of what is called was baptized under the name of , Exeter Hall, 'by the colonists, that Monica, and she brought Julius a prevents a recrudescence of slavery present of food, so that you see deli- in South Africa." cate attentions are in full swing. Before he can be married he must, South African The following cata- of course, build a house (it must be close to his mother's or her's) and Missions. logue of South Afri- furnish it. It will cost him, at least, Is. to get the house built, and can m iss ion s is I don't think he can possibly furnish it under another Is. 6d. His mar- taken from the Neukirchener Mis- riage won't involve his leaving me. – His wife will live at their house and sions- und Heidenbote, through the her mother (or his) will look after her, keep her company, and see that Baselllfagazine: she doesn't get into mischief." IN NATAL AND ZULULAND. The Boers Rev. J. S. Moffat, (1) The American Board, since 1841. 9 staand the writing from Cape tions, 19 out-stations, 10 missionaries, 16 or· ganized churches, 1,500 members. Blacks. Town, 11th Novem- (2) Wesleyans, 1845. 17 stations, 5,000 mem- ber, 1899, says that bers. the war is watched hy the Bechu- (3) Lntherans, Norwegians. 3 stations, ana natives with intense concern. 3,000 baptized. (4) Berlin (1.), since 1847. 6 stations, 11 out- "As one of them put it to me the stations, 21 preaching places, 8 missionaries, other day: 'If the English win, 1 female teacher, 2,388 baptized.
then we black men can breathe and (5) Anglicans_ ) stations, 12 clergymen, 3,000 baptized.
(6) Hermannburgers, since 1854. 20 sta· tions, 33 out-stations, 23 missionaries, 4,500 members.
(7") Free Church of Scotland, since 1867. 4 stations, 53 out-stations, 4 missionaries, 41 native helpers, 2,911 baptized, 1,559 scholars.
(8) Swedish Church. 5 stations, 3 out-sta- tions, 4 missionaries.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
(9) Free Quaker Mission. (5) Holland Reformed Church. (10) General South African Mission. 4 sta· (6) G. S. A. M. 10 workers in Johannes- tions, 7 missionaries. burg.
BASUTOLAND. ORANGE FREE S'l'ATE.
(1) Paris Mission. since 1833. 17 stations. (1) Wesleyans, since 1833. Several stations 152 outposts, 17 missionaries, 7 ordained na- and colored preachers. tive clergy. (2) Berlin (I.), since 1834. 8 stations, 14 out- (2) Anglicans (S. P. G.), since 1874. 4 sta- posts, 48 preaching places, 12 missionaries, 2 tions, 4 missionaries, about 500 communicants. female teachers, 5,570 baptized.
KAFFRARIA AND PONDOLAND. (3) Anglican bishopric of Bloemfontein. 900 baptized. (1) Congregational Union (S. A.). 11 congregations. (4) Primitive Methodists. (5) Holland Reformed Church. 4,000 bap- (2) Free Church of Scotland. 10 stations, tized natives. lOS outposts, 10 missionaries, 4 native pastors, 160 helpers. 6,219 communicants, 6,418 scho- MISCELLANEOUS. lars. Judson's At the time when (3) Scottish United Presbyterians, since Voice. Mr. Judson went to 1857. 9 stations, 9 missionaries, 31 native England to seek the helpers, 2,487 communicants, 2,000 scholars. cooperation of the London Mis- (4) Wesleyans. since 1820. Independent sionary Society, he met with a very Church. 67 congregations, 111 clergymen flattering reception, for his per- (48 native). 1,473 native helpers, 79,453 bap- sonal appearance was much in his tized, 17,000 scholars. favor. He was small and delicate, but hi& voice, like that of Wesley, (5) Unitas Fratrum, since 1828. 7 stations, was much more powerful than his 23 missionaries and wives, 5,314 adherents. audience expected to hear, and con- sequently took them by surprise. (6) Berlin (1.), since 1837. 5 stations, 5 out- On one occasion he sat in the pulposts, 6 preaching places, 5 missionaries, 1 pit with Rowland Hill, and, at the female teacher, 909 baptized, 457 communi- close of the sermon, was requested cants and wives, 438 scholars. to read a hymu. When he had finished, this clerical oddity arose (7) Anglican~. 25 stations, about 10,000 and introduced him to the congrebaptized. gation as a young man going out to the East to seek the conversion (8) Primitive Methodists, since 1871. 1 sta- of the heathen, adding: "And if tion, about 700 members. his faith is proportioned to his voice, he will drive the devil from (9) General South African Mission. 3 sta- all India."-The Story of Baptist tions, 7 laborers. MissionlJ.
BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA (Westward and A Good Word Over against such Northwestward of the Two Republics). for Foreign o b j e c t ion s one Missionaries. answer is sufficient, (1) Wesleyan, since 1871. (2) London Society, since 1876. and it is such an (3) Holland Reformed Church. answer as is contained in a remark (4) General South African Mission. made to me by a very eminent (5) S. P. G. (6) Hermannsburgers. United States official in Japan. (7) Berlin (1.) Several stations (among "When I came to Japan," said this them Kimberley and Douglas). gentleman, "a few years ago, it (8) American Board. was with a conscious prejudice against Christian missions, but CAPE COLONY. after some years of residence I have come to the conviction that Chris- (1) London; (2) Wesleyan; (3) Primitive tian missions and Christian mis- Methodists; (4) Berlin I. (5) S. P. G.; (6) Free sionaries have had mor~ to do with Church; (7) u. P.; (8) Moravians; (9) G. S. A.
M. (Capetown);· (10) Rhenish; some others.
TRANSVAAL.
(1) Hermannsburgers, since 1857. 26 sta· tions, 62 outposts. 29 missionaries, 319 native helpers, 40,000 adherents, about 19,000 communicants, 5,000 scholars.
(2) Berlin C1.), since 1859. 25 stations, 95 outposts, 132 preaching places, 31 ordained, 3 unordained missionaries, 18,500 adherents, 9,000 communicants.
(3) Wesleyans, since 1875. 25 stations, 3 missionaries, 5 native pastors, 24 helpers, 3,000 members.
(4) Anglican bishopric of Pretoria, with 300 baptized natives.
the advance of Japan in the last Celestial. Who is superintendent? quarter of a century than all other The Boards of Home and Foreign causes put together."-Rev. Ed- Missions of Sabbath-school ~ork ward Abbott. and of Freedmen. Who sees to rolling stock wherein people may Mission It is always well to sit on their heavenly journey? The Board of Church Erection. Converts. treat figures in a Who attends to the technical in- struction of conductors and motor- comparative way; neers? The Board of Education? Who provides sanitariums for the for instance, to say that there are worn-out and pensions for the honorably retired? The J;loard of to-day between 1,500,000 and 2,000,- Ministerial Relief. Is that all? 0, no; what about power plants? 000 convert!'! connected with the "Our schools and colleges," says Dr. Radcliffe, "are the depositaries various missions of the world means of power for the Ohurch;" and the high commission of seeing that they something, but the statement are built, equipped, maintained, is given to this Board of Aid for carries more weight if you add in Colleges and Academies. The Holy Spirit is the power. Bringing that the same breath that at the end of power into the mind, heart, and life of youth is true education. the second century there were The power-house gathers electricity out of the atmosphere; our schools probably no more Ohristians in all and colleges bring the Holy Spirit to their students through three the world than this body of ad- agencies-the Word, the Workers, and the Work.-Rev. E. C. RAY, herents now actually connected in The Spirit of Missions.
with native churches, to say noth- ing of the 200,000 or more who have died in the faith within the cen- tury. Or state the number of Japanese Ohristians as about 41,000 and say that they are a few more than the members of Oongrega- tional churches in the State of Ohio to-day. The total evangelizing force in the foreign field to-day, including both the missionaries and the native helpers, aggregates in the neighborhood of 50,000, or perhaps a little short of half the number of' ordained Protestant OBITUARY.
ministers in the United States. Rev. Dr. John vVith no little sor- McDougall, of row have we learned Such a comparison gives an idea of Florence, Italy. ofl the death by the relative scarcity of workers compared with the tremendous pneumonia of our magnitude of the field.-Congre- persomiJ friend and editorial corre- spondent, Dr. McDougall, of Florgationalist.
Our Gospel Dr. Radcliffe said ence, so long at the very front in Power Houses. of our colleges and Italian evangelization. He had in academies, in his charge the Scotch church in Florsermon as retiring moderator of the ence, and was one of the most last General Assembly: "They are the depositaries of power for the courteous of Christian gentlemen. Ohurch." What was his idea? The Church, a great syndicate building For years he has indefatigably and operating trolley lines in this worked to evangelize Italy and and other lands to carry people from the City of Destruction to the City establish Ohristian and Protestant schools, and we know of no man, except Cav. Matteo Prochet, who has done more for Italy's spiritual uplifting. *
The Missionary Review of the World — 1891 Index
according to Act of Congress, in the year ,89"
Mi~~ionarJ Boviow of tho Worl~ VOL. IV NEW SERIES VOL. XIV OLD SERIES JANUARY TO DECEMBER 1891 EDITOR ARTHUR T. PIERSON PHILADELPHIA LONDON PUBLISHERS TORONTO FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY NEW YORK FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.
1891.J INDEX
INDEX FOR 1891.
INDEX OF DEPARTMENTS.
LITERATURE OF MISSIONS. – Pages 1, 81, MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS. Pages 161,241,321,401,481,561,641,721,801,881. 7'J, 144, 228, BOg, 391, 544, 624, 707, 786, 800, 94.Q. EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM MISSIONARY PERIODICALS. Pages 47, INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT. Pages 75, 125, 206, 293, 316, 455, 520, 601, 686, 764, 845, 153, 232, 312, 396, 471,549, 629, 712, 791, 870.
928. ORGANIZED MISSIONARY WORK AND INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT. Pages STATISTICS. Pages 232, 319, 396, 471, 474, 549, 629, 712, 791, 870, 949. 52, 133, 212, 296, 373, 461, 526, 611, 691, 774, 851,931. FOREIGN MISSION NOTES. Pages 75, 154, EDITORIAL NOTES BYEDITOR·IN-CHIEF. 232, 31~, 477. 553, 560,794.876,955. Pages 62, 142,200,303,381,467, 1134, 621, 702, 784, 860, 989. MONTHLY BULLETIN. Pages 78,158, 238, 314, 556, 633, 715, 878, 957.
INDEX OF AUTHORS.
EDITORIAL STAFF. PAGE PAGE ReT. D. L. LEONARD. (See Organized Work, Editor-in-Chief: ARTHUR T. PIERSON. (See .. Editorial Notes.") etc.) Architecture i. Frozen Music……….. .. 46 Carey Epoch in Missions, The. . .. •••.•. . … 825 Christianized Paganism…. . . . ••. . •. • . . . • •. 535 Monthly Concert _….. __ ……………. 544, 7e6 Coming Age of Missions, The ..•……..•.. 721 Protestant Missions before Carey. . . . . . . . 341 Day Dawn on Ihe Hawaiian Group. II…… 561 Why Mi.8ion8 are Modern.. . …. ….. .. … 260 Epoch of Orgauization……… .. ……… 507 Evangelizing the World in this Generation. 321 Rev. CHARLlIS C. STARBUCK. (See" ExtraeL Fallen Asleep (J. M. Sherwood, D.D.)…… I and Translations from Foreign Periodicals.") Great Commieelon, The……………….. 183 Japan, Dr. W. E. Griffis on …………….. 648 Education and Evangelization in India ..•.• 001 Light at Cape of Good Hope ……………. 402 AZBELL, W. K. .. . …. ………………… 706 Livingstone and Stanley………………. _ 4 ALLEN, ELEANOR P …………………… 843 Midnight on the Hawaiian Group. I ….•.•. 513 ATTERRl/RY, B. C., M.D ……………….. 681 ALLIS, J. M., D.D….. .. …………….. 853 of Miracles of Missions. No. XVIII •…..• 402 BAGHDASABIAN, M ……………………. 747 BARNES, REV. LEMUEL C., D.D …………. 528 Miracles Missions. No. XIX ……….. 561 BEMIER, EUGENE.. . .. . . . .. … .. .. . . . .. . … 574 Miracles of Missions. No. XX ………. ·• 537 B"RTRAND, MISS ALICE ..•••.•••.••…….. 574 Missionary Call, The (Poem) ….•….••.••.. 418 BOMAR,PAUL V ………………………. 836 Monthly Concert ………………….. 72, 228 BoSTWICK, REV. G. P …………………. 600 Onr Debt, Our Duty and Our Destiny. . . . •.. 801 BRAcQ, REV. J. C……………………… 762 Present Crisis of Missions. . . . . . . . . . .. ….• 49& BROCKETT, L. P., M.D ……………….. 328 Regions Beyond. 1.,81. II ……………… 161 BURNET, HELEN L …………………….. 568 Signal Cry of the New Crnsade…………. 537 BARON, MRS. DAVID …………………… 898 BEN-OLIEL, RARBI A ………………….. 924 ADONIRAM J. GORDON, D.D. BLACKSTONE, WILLIAM E ………………. 937 CALKINS, REV. DR. WOLCOTT …………… 720 Faith Element in Missions .•••• ,••••..•….. 726 CASALIS, M. EUGENE …………………. 602 How Much Better, then, is a Man than a CLARK, REV. DR. F. E ………………… 502 COAN, REV. F. G ……………………… 761 Sheep? ……… : ………………… 43 DOSKER, REV. HENRY A………. … . . . . … 16 Missionary MoneY-Quantity and Quality.. 481 EDWARDS, REV. CHAUNCEY T ………….. 734 ELLIS, REV. F ………………………… 837 J. T. GRACEY, D.D. (See International Depart- ment.) ELXSLIE, W. A ……………………… eoq Missionnry Methods Officially Reviewed… 250 ~onthJf Concert .144,. U2,. 308,. 391, 707" 866, 94&. PAGE PAGE ELLINWOOD, REV. F. F., D.D …………… 908 FULTON, HOBERT MORUI"ON…………… 597 MITCHELL, REV. J. MURRAY, LL.D…….. 35,88 GORDON, EUNEST B ………………… 19, 494 MOMAN, W. J ………………………. 840 GRACEY, REV. HENRy ………………… 590 MOOlmEAD, MAXWOOD … …..•..•… . .. 352 McLAURIN, ItEV. JOHN ………………… 933 GRACEY, MIts. J. '1' ………………….. 396 NOBLE, FUED PERRY…………………. 424 PFANSTIEHL, REV. A. A ………………… 683 GEtEENE, REV. WILLIAM BREl'iiTON, JR…… 820 PIERSON,DELAVANL …………….. 277,489 PIEnsoN, lhSSE" LOUISE B. and ANNA W .. 881 GllOUT, Rgv. LEWIS …………………… 439 PICK, REV. B., Ph.D ………………….. 919 (JUTHIUE, HEV. Du. THOMAS…………… 3 RICE, REV. HENRY…………………….. 742 HALL, REV. RosEn'r, D.D…. …………. 28 Ross, REV. JOHN …………………… 677 H~MILTON, REV. J. T ……………….. 375 RUTHERFORD, REV. JOHN ……………. 23 HAMILTON, J. TAyLOR………. …………. 61 SHAFTESBURY, EARL OF…………… …. 46 .HAMLIN, DR. CyRUS….. . …………… 693 STANTON, W. A ……………………. 446 HAPPEn, REV. DR. A. P …………….. 348, 694 STORROW, REV. EDWARD ……………. 411, 891 HART"AN"', REV. A………………….. 461 SPENSER, REV. D. S ………………….. 517 HENRY, REV. B. C …………………….. 600 SMITH, GEORGE,LL.D …………………. 673 Hm.JMJl:s, O. W., M.D ………………….. 28 SNODGRASS, REV. E ……………. 0 …… 654 HOSKINS, F. E …………………….. 921 SJ!XTON, REV. W. D …………………… 805 JOHNSTON, RHV. JAMES, 75, 154, 232, 312, 477, STJ!EL, REV. TIOBERT ………………….. 831 SHEDD, Rev. J. H., D.D ……………….. 616 553, 560, 794, 876, 985. STUART, REV. J. L ……. ………… … 531 KNOX, REV. GEORGE W., D.D ……..•…. 641 LAUUIE, REV. THOMAS ……………… 29, 757 SCHonDE, PROFESSOR GEORGE n., Ph.D … 914 LAVELEYE DE, MARGUERITE ……………. 590 LlOEns, Rev. S. P …………………….. 816 THWING, CLARENCE, M.D …….. ………. 669 MCCABE, REV. C. C., D.D ……………… 15 TINLING, REV. J. B .. .. ……………… 815 MOGILVARY, REV. D…. . …………….. 325 TURNBULL, REV. DR. ARCH……………. 63 MARTIN, REV. W. A. P., D.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~96 WHIPPLE,REV. W. L., D.D…………….. 52 MASON, REV. GEOnGE L ……………… 658 WOODRUFF, A ………………………. 751 MEAKIN, J. E. B ……………………… 583 WOOD, REV. GEOUGE W ……………….. 775 11'!ECKLIN, REV. J. C …………………… 759 WEnB, M'"s………… ………………. 78 lIrLLER, REV.' DR. J. R ………………. 419 WlIARTON, UEV. G. L …………………. 533 MITCHELL, REV. DR. ARTRUR ………….. 410 INDEX OF SUBJECTS IN LITERATURE OF MIS- SIONS.
PAGE PAGE Are Onr Pastors Faithful? W. C………… 46 Buddhism and Romanism, Hev. George L. Anent the Aztecs, Rev. Levi B. Salmans…. 59 Mason …………………………… 658 American Board in N. Caiua, Rev. Henry Bnddhism and Christianity, Rev. E. Snod· Blodgett…….. ……….. …. ……. 98 grass ………………………….. 654 Asiatic Populations, Rapid Growtt. of, Rev. Convention of Christian Workers, Banga· William Ashmore, D.D …………….. 123 lore, India, Rev. Jacob Chamberlain. Are We Disciples of Christ ? W. C……… 124 D.D……………………………… 32 Answered Prayers, Laura M. IJatime-r …. '. 177 China, American Board in North, Rev. An African Devil's BUI~illess, etc., Frederick Henry Blodgett…………………… 98 Caroline Islands …………………… .. 219 Perry Noble, Esq…………………. 424 Creation in Khasi Traditions, Rev. William Africa, Shall Islam Hule? Hev. Lemuel C. Williams ………………………… 274 China, Recent Audience with the Emperor Barnes, D.D …. ……………….. …. 528 of, B. C. Atterbury, M.D ………….. 681 Armenian Protestant Orpha.nage of Brosca, Congregationalists and Missions, Rev. Ed- ward Storrow.. . ……………….. 891 etc., M. Baghdasurian…. … . …. .. 747 Cuba as a Mission Field, W. J. Moman….. 840 Art, Foreign Missions, and W. Brenton Do Reathens lIfnItiply Faster than Con· verts? Rev. Thomas Laurie………. .. 29 Green, Jr., D.D …………………. 820 Divine and Supernatural in Foreign ]fiB- Belgium, New Effortsin ……………….. 16 Bions, Rev. Edward Storrow…….. … 411 lluddhism lind Christianity, Rev. F. F. El. Erskine's Famolls Saying', EditoriaL….. .. 42 Epoch of Orglinizlltion, Edit.orlaL ……… 220 linwood, D.D.. …………. . ……… 108 Evang'<'li7.ing the World in this Generation, Buddhism and Justification by Faith, Hev. Editorial. • • .. .. ………………… 3lh.
II. C. Mabie, D.D ….. ………… 185 Black Fellows of Australia, The, I., Rev. A.
Hartmann.. .. .. .. …. …………….. 213 The Bantu Languages, etc., Rev. Lewis Grout ………………………….. 481l PAGE PAGB Evangelical Alliance at Florence, Ddavan Lantern, A Tonr of, F. E. Hoskin ………. 921 Money……………………………… 15 L. Pierson ……………………….. 4U3 Missionary Outlook, The, I.. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 35 Education and Evangelization in India, II. Rev. J. lIiurray Mitchell, LL.D …………………… 88 Rev. C. C. Starbuck ………….••….. 661 lIiissionary Ontlook, III. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. …. 170 lIiissionary Geography, Rev. J. II. Shedd, Encouragements in the Work of lIiissions, D.D ………….. : ……………….. 189 Morocco, Glad TIdIngs in, Hev. J. E. B. Rev. A. A. Pfan~tiehl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 683 Meakin …………………………… 217 lIiission Work at Scotch Atbens, DelavanL. European Literature in the :Mission Fields, Pierson. . .. . …………………….. 277 lIiodern Missionary lIiarvels, The Bussein- F. F. Ellinwood, D.D ……………… 908 Arakan lIiission., L. P. Brockett, lIi.D.. 328 Moravian Missions in the Himalayas, Rev. Fallen Asleep…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •• . . . . . . .. .. 1 J. '1'. Hamilton …………………… 375 Missionary Call, The, Poem, Editorial. …. 418 Fuith Hall, Laredo, lIiexico, lIiiss J ~nnie Missionary Money, Qnantity and Quality, Rev. A. J. Gordon …………………… 481 Brown…. … …. …… …….. ……. 197 lIiissions in India, Ernest B. Gordon….. .. 494 lIiedical Missions, David N. Patterso!], Foreign S. S. Association, A.Woodruff, Esq. 751 George Smith, LL.D………………. 673 lIiadras and lIiedical lIiissions, George Foreign lIiissions and Art, Rev. W. Brenton Smith, LL.D. …. ………………… 673 lIiedical lIiissions, A Plea for, Clarence Greene, Jr ……… ' ….. ,…………. 820 Thwing, lIi.D …………………… 669 Missions, The True Prayer Gauge, Rev. Greed in the Way of lIiissionary Zeal, Rev. Channcey T. Edwards ……………… 734 Mexico, Protestant Movement in, Eleanor Robert Han ……………………… 28 P. Allen ………………………… 843 lIioney, Its Relation to the Kingdom, Rev. Germany, Planting Cbri.tianity in, Rev. W. D. Sexton ………. … . ……… 805 lIiissionary Pra}er, a Poem, Rev. J. F. B. Henry Gracey.. .••••……. ….. …. 590 'l'inling…. . ……………………… 815 Melanesian Mission, Rev. Hobert Steel …. 831 Gnlick, Rev. L. H., lIi.D., Rev, S. P. Leeds. 816 New 'l'heology, 'l'he, O. W. Holmes, M.D… 28 Nunnery Life in Naples ……………….. 42 Helpers and Hinderers of lIiissions in Japan 19 New Application of an OJIl Hymn, Poem, Paul V. Bomar…. .. .. . . . . .. .. . . … .. .. 836 Historical Geography of the Christian Nam Thang Song, Poem, Rev. F. Ellis….. 837 Nya••a Land, Languages of, etc., W. A. Church, Professor II. W. Hulbert…..•. 118 Elm.lie ………………………… 809 Need of Special Preparation for Foreign Hore, Captain E. C. and hiB Work, Editor.. 182 Service, Dr. A. P. napper …………. 694 Northfield Convention, Foreign:lIiission Day Herrnhnt and lIioravian Missions, Delavan at, Reported by lIiisses Lonise B. and Anna W. Pierson …………………. 881 L. Pierson. . . . . . . . . . . .. ……………. 489 Old Age and World's Suffering, Earl Shartes· bury……………………………… 46 Hassan Botan, Letter from, Rev. F. G. Coan. 76t Pertinent Reply, Chaplltin McCabe……… 15 Prayer and Mission Work, Rev. John Ruth· Huguenots, a Few Pages from llistory of .. 574 erford…….. ……. ………… …… 23 Persia, Past Ten Years in, Rev. W. L. Isidore Loewenthal, Robert lIiorrison Fulton 597 Whipple, D.D …………………….. 52 Prayer Lt'agne of the Reformed Church .. o. 31 India, Edncation, etc., in, Rev. C. C. Star- Pentecost on the Congo, Hev. J. R Miller, D.D ……………………………. 419 buck …………………………… 661 People of Africa, 'V. A. Stanton ……….. 446 IJraycr Answered in l'onneetion with Mis- 18rad, Evangelization 01, Profcl'sor George siOllllry Work, Helen L. Burnett… . … 568 Planting Christianity in Germany, Rev. H. Schodde, Ph.D …… . …… 914 1Ienry ·Gracey. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. 590 Panl the Missionary, Rev. John RoBS…… 677 Japan, Helpers and Hinderers of lIii"sions Praycr Gauge, lIiissions the True, Rev. Chauncey T. Edwards …………….. 'l1H in ………………………………. 19 Japan and Japanese Converts…….. … . .. 22 J uBtification by Faith and Buddhism, Hev.
H. C.lIiabie, D.D …. .. …. . …….. 185 J e.nit lIiission in India, Rev. Edward ::ltar- row……………………………… 241 Japan, Political Check in, Rev. D. S. Speno cer. ……… ……………………. 517 Japan, The Year 1890 in, Rev. George W.
Knox, D.D ………………………. 641 Jews, Some Polemical Writings Against., et~., Rev. B. Pick, Ph.D …………… 919 Jerusalem's Crying Wants, Rabbi A. Ben- OIiel …………………………….. 924 KhO-si 'l'raditions, Creation According to, Rev. William Williams ..•………… 274 Livingstone and Stanley. … …. ….. ……. 4 Ling Ching Ting, Converted Opium Smok- er, Rev. S. L. Buldwin, D.D ……….. 257 London Papcl'sand India'~ Women, Mrs. J.
T. Gracey ……… " … …………. 26L Light in Darkest England, Rev. Francis E.
Smiley ………………… _ 268 Letters from Europe, Delavan L. Picrtion, I. ~n7 II. ,189 Laying Siege to the Delai Lama, Hev. J. T.
Hamilt.on ……………………….. 3715 LivingRtolle nnd Btanley. … . ……. . …… 437 Letter8 Crom Em'ope, 111., Erlle~t n. Gor- don 494 Langnages of Nyas"a Land, Rev. W.A. Elms- Ue ……………………………… 809 PAGE PAGE Pressing Needs, Rev. J. H. Shedd, D.D …. 616 Palestine and Jews, Dr. Cyrus Hamlin•….. 693 Societe des Minions Evangeliqne, Eugene Palestine, The Sacred Land of, Mrs. David Casalis …………………………… 602 Baron…………………………… 898 Spain, Gospel in, Rev. J. E. B. Meakin ….. 588 Polemical Writings againat the Jews, The Telugu Mission, Rev. C. B. Ward….. 288 UniTers.,1 Prayer, The, Poems, W. K. Azbell 706 Some, Rev. B. Pick, Ph.D ………….. 919 Voice from the Field, ,A,Rev. D. McGiI- Rapid Growth of Asiatic Popnlations, Rev. vary …………………………… 325 William Ashmore, D.D …………….. 123 Waldensian Chnrch, It. Mission, Pastor J. Recent Audience with Emperor of China, P. Pons ………………………….. 201 B. C. Alterbury, M.D ………………. 681 Woman'. Work for Woman, Dr. Arthnr Sherwood, Rev. J.M.,Obituaryof,:Editorial. 1 Systematic Giving ………. ………….. 3 Mitchel ………………………….. 410 Stanley and Livingstone, Editorial….. …. 4 Wonderfnl I,ife Boat, A, Captain E. C. Siam, Letter From, Rev. Robert Irwin…… 60 Student Volunteer's Convention, CleTeland, How ……………………………… 452 White Fields, The, A..Woodmff, Esq……. 751 Maxwood Morehead ……………… 352 Y. P. S. C. E. and tlte Church, Rev. Dr. F. Stuckenburg and Berlin, Dr. Delavan L. E ..Clark ………………………….. 502 Pierson…………………………… 492 Young Folks, A Letter to the, F. E. Hos- kin ……………………………. 921 GENERAL INDEX.
(Not inclnding Literatnre of Missions and Authors.) PAGE PAaB 287, 775; Indians, 633; Mi••lon in Egypt, A. B. C. F. M., Summary of, 794; Anniver- 237,385; Mi••ionary Association, 235; Mis- saryat Minneapolis, 142, 688; Address of sions in Africa, 61, 552; Mi••ions, Aggre- President Geymonat …………………. 622 gate of, 632; American Presbyterian Church Canton, 633; Relations with AFRlCA.-Africa, Death of Mission- China, 614; Seamau'. Friend Society, aries Blantyre, 605 ; Univeuities' Mission, 773; S. S. Union, 543; Ammunition, Mis- 295; Africa and Bishop Tucker, 477 ; and sionary ………. …….. ……… .. …. 474 Bishop Tayler; Africa and the Bible, 715; Angola ……………………………… 582 Wahum., Race in, 294; Earth-Hnnger, Anglican Commnnion, 791 ; Chnrch Roman- 373; Partition of, 606, 633, 320; Bishop ism ………. , …………………….. 318 Taylor in, 633 ; Rum in, 77; Missions in, Anglo-Indian Temperance Association … 798 282,240; Basutoland, 714; Africa, North, Anatemy of Natural Life ………………. 594 603, 234; Africa, South, 604 ; Africa, East, Anniversary, Twenty-fifth, China Inland 312,955; Africa, Central, 604; British Mis- Mission ……………………………. 794 mle in,WestAfrica, 655; Bishop Smythles, Annual Convention of Free Church, Italy.. 629 605; Africa, 520; Difficultie. in North- Annnal Meeting, Kolhapur, 387; Interna- western, 605; Conference in West, 540; tional Missionary Union…………….. 611 Roman Catholic Missions in, 549 ; Lan- Anti·Slavery Conference ……………….. 556 gnages in, 240; Dutch Reformed Church Anti-Slave Trade Conference, Brnssels….. 222 ia Cape Colony, 153, 408 ; Africa, 226, 847 ; Arabian Mission, 234, 467; Keith Falconer. 319 Moravian Missions, 61 ; Magat., 711 ; Rom- Arabia, Persia, Turkey, Mohammedanism, ish Mi••ions, 126, 131; Woman's Work and the Greek Church ………………. 789 in, 231; General Mlssious in, 75, 126,619, 638 Are Mission Converts a Failure ……….. 63 Atlas of Dean Vahl ………………….. 705 African A.sociation of Germau Catholics, A Thonsand-fold More Mission Work Need- 9.1; Converts, 638; Heathenism, 458; ed ………………………………… 859 Girls Bought, 633 ; Gold·Coast, 714; Mis- Andience of Chinese Emperor. . …. . . .. . … 380 sionarIes, 478, 479, 540, 552 ; Railways…. 74 A USTHIA and the A. B. C. F. M……. 630 A USTRA LIA, The Black Fellows of… 461 " Age of Consent" Bill, Iridia, 480, 608, 770, 313 Australiau Aborigines, Mission to the.•…. 560 Agostino, Father …………………….. 152 Anstralian Ballot System ………………. 438 Ahmednagar.. .. .. . . .. … .. …. …. .. …… 610 Aztecs, Land of the ………………….. 228 Alaska, 19, 969; Presbyteriau Church, in, Baldwin, E. F., Letter from.. …….. …… 71 Balltn Race …………………………… 604 238, 819 ; Reformed Episcopal Church in, 288 Baptist Burman Mi.sion. . …………. 793 Alliances for Prayer.. . .. . .. . … ……….. 467 Baptist Centenary-Britain.. .. ………. 468 Alsace·Lorraine and its population ……… 550 Baptist Convention (South), Foreign Mis- AMERICA, Mound Builders of,301; Am· 8iQnB •.•• ~ ••• ~ ••• "!."; …………. , ••••••• ~ …… ~~ ericanBaptist Missionary Union, 639. 715; Bible Society, Seventy-fifth Annive..ary of, 632; Bible Socie'y, Report of, 788; Am- erican Board of MiB~ionsill Japan,7Rl, 793; ~,{arathi, India, 633; American BORrd, 235., PAGE PAGE Burman BIble ………………………… 292 Baptist Missions at Ongole………..•….. 557 Buddhism ………………………… 556, 394 Baptist Missions China….•……………. 799 Buddhism and Romanism (chart) ……… ' 381 Baptist Missionary Society, Briti.h …….. 796 Buying African Girl., by Missionaries…… 633 Baptists of Britain. . . . .. . • . • . . •. . . . . . . .. . .. 690 Cabman's Mission ……………………. 638 Baron Hirsch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. •. 542 Calfres……………………….. 604, 716, 714 Barnum, H. N., D.D., and Harpoot ……… 616 Call to New Prayer and Elfort.. . •• •. . .. … 567 Basel Mission, 714 ; in Cameroon, 606; Mis· Caldwell, Bishop …………………….. 610 Callaway, Bi.hop……………………… 154 sian Society. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. ……… n) Cameroon, Basil Mission in……………. 606 CANADA.-Canada Mi"sionary Society, Basel Society. . . . . . . . . . . . .. … . . . . . . . •. . . .. 872 Basutoland, French Missions in ……. ' …. 714 474; Presbyterian Mission, Formosa, 635; Basu tOB ……………………. " •••••. 604, 781 Methodist Churcb, 234 ; Episcopal. •…… 235 Bavaria……………………….. ' ……. 873 Canadian Baptist, Telugu…………….. 771 Bedouin Arabs ………………………. 687 CANTON, 633; Dr. Keys at …………. 549 Beer Product…………. . . .. .. . . .•. •.. . . .. 712 CAPE COLONy ………………….. 791 Bennett, Mrs.. . . . . . . . . . . . … . … .. … … . . .• 619 Carey, William and N. Bengal. .•…..•. 690, 844 Belden, Rev. William H……………….. 380 CAROLINE ISLANDS ………….. 219 Benevolence, Systematic……………… 5:3 Catholicism, Roman, in France ….•…..•. 294 Belgium…………………………… 873 Catholics, French ……………………. 601 Belgium, Protestantism in… .. ……..590, 629 Censns of India ……………………… 717 Bengal and William Carey…. …………. 690 Chapel Car in Minnesota ………………. 71 Bengal, Catholic Missions in .••…•••••.••. 629 Chepoo, China … . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. .. ….. 1100 Berlin Missionary Society. . . . . • . . • . … . . … 604 Children of Missionaries……………… ~94 Bemard"Professor, and the Sparrow. . . . . .• 87 CHINA, 148, 144, 295, 308, 311; Mission- Bhutan ……………………………… 718 ary Map of, 380; Hankow, 456; Compres- Bible and Tract Society, Bnrmah ••..•.•. ,.. 608 sion of Feet in, 225; One Thousand more Bible in Africa. • . .. . . .•.. .. …………… 715 Missionaries for, 348; Disturbance in, 851, Bible Society in India ………. ' ………. 712 858,956; Inland Missions, 956 ; 'Dr. Glover Bible Translations …………………….. 715 on Mi••ions In, 956; Inland MiSSion, Shang- Bishop Tucker.. . .. .. . .. .• ……••……… 477 hai, 232, 385, 620, 794 ; American Relations Blackstone, W. E., The Jews …………… 305 with, 614; Japan and, 523; and Corea, Blantyre Africa… …………………… 605 212; Persecution in, 639; Medical Mis- Blyth, Blahop……… . …. … . . . . . . . . . . . .. 554 sions in, 556; Inundation near Kentsin, Book Notices, …………….. 220, 303, 378, 703 1~3 ; Missions in, 232, 552; Dr. Mitchell's Booth, General. and LondonPoor ………. 66 Visit to, 239 ; Dr. Alexander Williamson, Borneo, Rhenish Miss. Society's Complaint. 845 143; Chefoo, 600; Christian Colleges in, Brahmanism, Advance of..•…•..••..••..•. 610 634; Baptist Missions in, 799; and Mis- Brahmin'8 Prayers. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . …. 785 sionaries, 716 ; Norwegian Lutherans, Brahmo Somaj. . • . .. . . . . …. . . . . .. .. .. .. …. 131 720; Southern Presbyterians, 716; Riots Branch Mission on the Zambesi. . . . .• . . . .•. 606 in, 700; English Presbyterian Chnrch Brave Monntain Girl. . .. . • … . . . . . .•… ..•.. 759 in …………………………………. 714 Brotherhood of the Sea……………….. 637 CHINESE Costume, 226; Worshippers, Brnssels Treaty…….. '" ……………. 614 A Glance at, 531; Valuable Literature, Brnssels Treaty, United States Attitude to. 639 602; Mi.sions to, 225; in America.. ,545, 791 Brazil, 556, 633; M. E. Church in ………. 633 CHRISTIAN Church Disciples, 234; Britain, Wesleyans ..•…. ,.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 631 Colleges in China, 634; Evolution, Prof. British and Foreign Bible Society.. . . . . . . .. 796 Drummond on, 67; Melas ……………. ~9 British Contributions, 630 ; to.Foreign Mis- CHURCH Missionary Society, 97, 607, sions …………. , ………………… 236 688, 689, 764, 796; of Scotland, 275, 872 ; British Contributions to Foreign Missions of Scotland Benevolences, 690; of Scot· in 1889 ………… :. ….. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .. 340 land, Foreign Missions of. . . . . . . • . . . . . . .. 714 British Empire, Size of•• , ……..•……. 130 Churches and Missions, Relation to one British Foreign ,Missionary Bocieties..•… 476 another…. …. ..•.. …… …. …. ….. … 65 British Foreign Missions …….•………. 955 Clough, Dr. J. E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541 British Foreign Mission Notes, 876, 878; College of Central Turkey……….••…•. 559 Colleges, Day of Prayer for .••.•……•…. 819 Bolten …………………………… 794 Colonization of J ows ……… '" .. … ….. 636 British Medical Missions……….. 689,690,713 Commerce, Mi••ions and .. :…………… 640 Britillh Misrule in West Africa …………. 555 Compression of Feet in China…. , ……… 225 British Society for Propagation of Gospel Conference, Anti·Slave Trade, at Brussels.. ~2 Conference in West·Africa…………….. 540 among Jewe ………………………. 872 Conference, Shanghai. ………………. 379 British We.leyans in Mashonaland. .. ….. 716 Confession in Japan …………………… 558 BroLkett, Dr. L. P., Letter from . . . . . . . . . . . . 541 Confucius, 147, 716; and Cllri"t ………… 451 Brooklyn, Church Property in. '" ………. 9W Bnlletin, Monthly ……………… 314,879,880 BUfmah Bible a nd Tract Sodety, 608 ; Ran- goon, 619 ; Upper Burmah……•.••.••••• 392 PAG"R: PAGE CONGO, 80, ~79, 873; Missions on, 607, Fifty Years a Missionary Seoretary.. ……. 78 716, 8.31 ; Missions on and in Angola, ()07; Figueras, Spain ……. … …………… 2:l9 Rum on…. …. ……. … ….. … . … 4G8 FIJI GROUP …………………. 631, 717 Florence, Evangelical Alliance …………. 622 CONGO FREE STATE, 001, 607, Foreign Lanus, Home and …………….. 551 78:3, 796 j and its Mi~8ion!i, 95.)"; Swedish ForeIgn Missionary Societies of the United Mission, 549; and Roman Catholics .. . '" 7R3 Rtates . ….. . ………………. … 476 Constantinople, New Church Edifice in . 619 Foreign Missionary Societies of Great Contributions to Foreign Missions in 1889, Britain . ………………………….. " 476 British. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 340 Foreign S. S. Asitociation .. " . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 751 Contributions for English Church Missions. 534 Formosa, Mackay of ………….. 0 •••••••• 470 Contributors, A Word to………………. 62 Fourteen Years of Earth Hunger in Africa.. 873 Continental Missions ………… " ……… 845 FRA.NCE.-Missionaries, 024, 6~9; Converts, First, of Matcbeles ………….. 606 Corea and China ..•. '.. . …•.•..•………. 212 Roman Catholicism in, 294; Religion, Covenant, Solemn League and.. . . . . … 860, 861 Condition of…….•………………… 127 Crisis of Missions, The……………. . .•. 227 Freedmen and Roman Catholics …….. '" 551 Cross·Bearers, Missionary Reading Circles. 912 Free Chut'eh of Scotland Missions, 232; Crowther, Bishop ……•……..•……. , " 607 Foreign Missions . ……. 00 0… 0……… 798 Crusade, Signal Cry of the New ………… 537 French Evangelization ..•… , .•…………. 580 Cultivation of Missions …….•……….. , 307 French Misoions, Basutoland…………… 714 Danish Missions………… •••……….. 630 French Missions and Rev. Dr. McAn…•… 383 Dead Sea, Giving ••…•……..••……… 640 French Missionaries in Lessuto. … ,. " …. 6Ot) Debts of Boards ……………………..•• 712 French Protestants, 8J3, 846 ; Congress of. Deep Sea Fisherman's Missions ..•……..• 636 in Paris ……………………………. 2:18 Denmarl_, Romau Catholics in…………. 6~9 French Students, not Voltairians ………. 8~5 Denominational Outlay….. . ………….. 632 French, Bishop Thomas V ……………. 780 Denominational Contributions to Missions. 550 Frere, Sir Bartle, on Christianity………. 769 Denominations in this Country. . .. . . . . . . . .. 233 Friends, Contributions of, 631; Missions Difficulties in North·We.tern Africa ……. 605 or, 686; English ……………………. 460 Division. on Roman Catholic Church …… 686 Gaboon and Corsico. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 79:1 Doshisha University at Kyoto ………….. 558 Geddie, John, Beantifnl Epitaph to……. 61 Drummond, Prof., on Christian Evolution, 67 German Mi"sionary Societies …•…..••… 631 Dublin, Society for the Propagation of the (~ERMA.NY. and the Liqnor Traffic, 616; giving, 6:10; and Roman Catholic Gospel …………..•………………. 637 Missions. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. …….. 607 Dntch, Java and the. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 460 Geymonat, President, Address of……….. 622 Dntch Reformed Chnrch, Cape Colony, 153, 408 (living, The Dead Sea…………………• 640 East Indies ………..•..••…•.••…… 706, 929 Giving in Ceylon ….••••…… " .•… " …. 240 Educational Work ………………….. 608 Gordon, Rev. E. C., furlongh of, from Edncatlon in India, 1<8,320; of Women, Uganda …………..••……………… 955 Gossner's, Pastor, Mission …………….. 551 640; and Religion, 129, 131; in Japan … 238 Greek Chnrch, Mohammedanism and, Per- Eglise Missionaire BeIge………. . …… 629 sia, Arabia, Turkey ……………. " … 786 EGYPT, L. D. Wishard in, 631; The Greenland …………•….••………..•••• 456 Gniness, Miss Lucy………..•………… 560 United Presbyterian Chnrch in, 607; Mis· Hahitations of Cruelty •…..•• . …•…•• 226 sions in, 385; Egypt… ….. ………… 960 Hamlin, Dr. Cyrus ….•……•….•…….. 619 Ellinwood, F. F. Lectnres at New York… 303 Hankow, China. '.' …………..••..•….. 456 Encyclopedia, New Missionary ………… 303 Hannin!!:ton's, Bishop, Bone•…•.•……. 218 England, Wesleyan Chnrches ….•…..•.. 792 Happer, Rev. Dr…….•……•…••.•…80, 379 English Baptist Missionary Societie., 690 ; Harpoot, Tnrkey, and N. Barnum, D.D….. 616 Presbyterian Churches in China and In_ Harpoot, Tnrkey.. . . . . . .. …•….•..•.•.•• 873 dia, 715 ; Universities' Mission, The, 554; Hawaiian Evangelistic Association …•…. 549 Church Missions, Contribution for, 554; Hawaiian Islands.•.•……………….871, 466 Wesleyan Missionary Society, 313; Hebrew Christian Conference at Chicago… 223 " Friend~," .. . . . . .. ………………… 460 Hiuduism. . . . . . . . . . . . . .• . .•…••…… 636, 1~8 Epitaph 10 John Geddie… •. ….•• …….. 64 Hirsch, Baron, and the Jews .•.••….. 642, 157 Evanielicai Alliance, Florence…•….. 622, 812 Hiroshima, Japan ………••…….••••..•. 287 Enngelical Association ……..•….•…… 234 Holland and Slave Trade…….. .•……… 76 Evangelistic Association, Hawaiian…….. 549 Home and Foreign Lando. . . .. ..•……… :151 Evangelization, 210; New Testament Hong KonJ:( and the Bible…………..••• 716 Teaching. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 608 Honor Roll of Methodist Missionaries …… 220 Evangelization, French…. . . . . . . • . . . . . . . .. 580 Hormaz<1ji Peestonji, Death of…………. 834 Excuses for Extravagance. . . . ••• .. ……. 862 Hospitals ……………….. " ………. " 9[)0 Extracts, etc……… " . . .•. . . . .• . . . . . . . . .. 845 Hnguenots, A few pages from History of..• 51"4 Extravagance, Excuses for .••………….. 862 Falconer, Keith, Arabia ……… '" ……. 319 Female Education, Society for Promoting.. 794 PAGE PAGl!: Huguenot>, France……………………. 474 Je,nit Catechism, An Old ……………… 939 JEWS, 305, 625, 542, 946; Uu,"ian, 305, 542; Human Race …………………… , …… 474 at Oueesa, 78; EvangeHzation or, gOO; IInngarian Jews ……. _ …………. 717 Hnngarian, 717; British Society for Prop agation of Gospel among the, 872; and Iberian Peoples, Misl'3ions to…… . . . . . . . .. 8t:1 Vitmlla, 294; and Baron Hirsch, 157, 54~ ; RusFla and the, 220; and Palestine, etc., Iceland ……………………………. 5;). 239, 480, 5~5t 636, 720 Idolatry in India ……………………… 2,10 Jewish PopUlation of the Globe ……. , .. ,. 712 ~Toues, Rev. T. German ………………… 155 U In Darkest England"…………….. '" 2'24 Jpallsi, ….. , .. ,_ …………………….. 717 Kali, Hymn to.. .. … ..,………………. 687 INDIA, Outlook in, 615, ';'00; 'l'innevelly, Karachi (India), Seaman's Rest at .,",.' .. 768 Karclls, Missions among. '" ………….. 388 631; Marriage of Girls in, 608; Census Kaslllnir …. ….. " .. 132, 7GB 'O ••••••••••••••••• Kerr, Dr., at Canton …………….. , …. 549 of, 635, 717; Bible Society in, 712; Mar Khama, King , ……………………….. 606 Kolhapur Mb.ion, Annual Meeting, .. , … 387 riage Law in, 691, 2:J8; Southern, 631; Korean Missions…. . . .. …………. 708, 719 'Vornen in, 6:35; Salvation Army. 7'1'7; lIn- Kyoto, Doshbha University at ….•……. 558 Lagos, Mohamnedans …. , …………….. 465 rathi,633; WcstSnndn I,lands, 68S; Wld- Land of the Azt.ecs.. .. .. .. .. .. .. …. …… 228 Lantern Slides and Missions.. …. … .. .. 390 ow's Union, 635; National C01lgrefis of, Languages in Africa………………… . 24Q Lapses in Mission Lands …………….. _. 774 178; Telugu Bapti"t Church in, 718; Col. Ol- Lavigerie, CardinaL… .. .. …. . _……. 75, 688 Leo XIII. and Roman Catholics, …….. " 714 cott in, 687; English Presbyterian Church Lepers in India…. ' .. , …… ' …….. 717,797 Les8uto, French Missionaries in .. , …….. 605 in, 714; Malayan Mission, 768; JIar- Letters from Mrs. Grace Stott, 784; from J.
athi Mission in, 770. ~ 71; North ]Ictho- Hndson Taylor, 386; from Rev. Marshall Lang, of Japan, 49"1; from Rev. Dr. Steele, dist Episcopal C,.nfercnce in, 771 , India, Sydney, 560; from E. F. Baldwin., …. ,' 71 Liberia …. ' ……………….. ' …. …. .. 607 770, 873; Idolatry in, 240; Scotch Mis- Uddon, Canon……………………. … 80 Liquor Traffic in U. S ……….. ,….. _614, 616 aions to, 129; Reaction of llcathenism Literature, Chinese, Valnation of ………. 602 Literatnre, Missionary ..•. '" . . .. . .. ' .•..• 390 in, 770; U. P. Church in, 771; Missions, Liverpool, Scandinavian Mission in .. , …. , 232 Livingstone and Mackay ……….. ' … ' … 606 Will. Carey, 8!4; Women in, 951; Dr. J.ivillgstone's MetllOds, ……….. , ….. _.. 607 Livingstonia Free Church, Scotland….. ". 792 Pentecost on, 387; Inelia, 295, 308, 311, Livingstonia Mission, Andrew C. Murray… 70 London Mission Society, 795; Ninety- 313,460,480, 521, 557; We.leyan Mis.ions Seventh Anniversary ……… , ……… 795 London Poor and General Booth .• " •… . . . . 66 in, 223; Dr. Pentecost in, 182, 557 ; Edu- London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews ……………… , …….. 795 cation of Women in, 640; Education in, Los Angeles Presbytery…. .. …………. 567 Lowrie, Dr., Resignation of… , ••••….•..• 380 128, 129, 131, 320 ; Hindnism, 125: Future Loundie, Rev. James …… , ……………. 155 Lutheran Church .. , ………………….. 475 High Caste in, 931; Inflnence of Pariah Lutheran Chnrch, Statistics of….•••• '" . • 233 Lntherans ' …….. ' ……………… ' …. 156 Christians in,… .. … .. …… '………. 933 Lntherans in U. S ………. ' … ' ….. , …. 794 Lutherans, Evangelical, and Foreign Mis- Indian Children and Gift•…. ' •… ,…….. 68 sions ………………………………. ';'13 Ll1tteroth, M. Hmri………………….. 61 Indian Convention, North Methodist Epi8- Mackay, A. M…. …………… .. .. 154, 447 Mackay and Livingstone……………….. 606 copal Chlll'ch ……. , ……….. ',…… 239 Mackay of Uganda ………………… 304, 468 1tlackay of Formosa", …………….. , … 470 Indians, North American", .. 819, 358, 545, ,'91 Madagascar …………….. , …… 558,687, 959 McAll,872; Work, 97; Missions, 295, 455, Indians, Roman Catholics and … ,…….. 73 628,846 Inglis, Rev. John, D,D., New Hebrides., … 78.3 IMtrnments and Agents ………………. 117 Intolerance, Rnssia, ………………….. 238 Inviting Pnblic Speakers.. " …….. , …… 390 Inundation, Tientsin, China. . " ….. . …. 153 Irish Presbytt'rilln Church ……. , ….. " .. , 764 Is Japan Fickle,.. .. …….. ', ………… 781 Islands of the Sea…………………….. 546 ITAL Y. 76, 624, 629, 718; Free Church in, 629, 713; Methodist Episcopal Church in, 630; Southern Baptists in, 680; Gospel Work in, 312, 713; and Bible, 792, 846 Items of Intelligence …………… , …. 72, 74 Jaesehke, Henry A ……….. ' …… , …… 459 Jamaica Presbyterian Church, 714; United Presbyterian Chnrch.. ,…….. .. .. …. 458 .TAPAN. 76, 308-11, 466,558, 636, 78t, ,93, 794, 850 ; Confession in, 588; Missions in, 239, 588 ; Missions in fo lf90, 552; Letters from Rev. Marshall Lang of, 495; Rus- sian Missionaries in, 519 ; Hiroshima, 287; Passports, etc., 718, 719; Temples, 714; D,·. W. E. Griffis on, 718; Girls' School, Kobe, 701; Cumberland Presbyterian Church in, 715; Missions in 707, 711; Rum in, 238; Education in, 238; and China, 523; Bible Trimslation in, …… ,. 941 Japanese in America…. .. ……………. 545 JAVA,308-11, 456; and the Dutch …… 460 Jeru~alem, 5~ ; Jews in" ……. "…….. 931 PAGE PAGJa McAIl Missions and M. Saillells ………… 223 McAll, Rev. Dr., and French Missions …… 383 Mission, New, to the Central Soudan …… 555 McAuley, Rev. Alex., Death of………… 2~4 Mi••ion. in Egypt …………………….. 385 McCabe, Chaplain, and World·Wide Mis- Missions in Japan, 558; for 1890……….. 552 Missiolls among the Karens …………… 388 sions ……………………………… 383 Missiolls in Mexico …….. 549, 558 _0 ••••••••• Making God Partner …………………. 609 Mi••ion. New Hebrides……………. .. .. 560 Malayan Mission, Iudia………………. 768 Mis.ions on the Niger. .. . .. .. …… ……. 554 Manchuria…………………………. 558 Mi.sioll ou the Zambesi, Branch………. 606 Maples, Archdeacon ………………….. 312 Missions and Lantern Slides………….. 390 Marathi Mission, India ……………… 770. 771 Mission Maps and Charts …. '" …•…..386, 941 Marriage of Girls. India. 608; Marriage Mission, Pastor Gosner's ………………. 551 Mitchell's, Dr. Arthur, Visit to China …… 239 Law in India… .. ………………. 691 Madagascar. .. .. . .. .. . .. … … 76. 125, 233, 480 Marriage Laws in India ……………….. 238 Mohammed and Mohammedanism.. . . … .. 743 Mashonaland …………………….. 554, 716 Mohammedanism and the Greek Church, Matebeles. First Converts of ………….. 607 Materialism in.incere……. ………….. 97 Persia, Arabia, Turkey…… …. .. …… 786 Medical Missions ……………………. 709 Mohammedans efMorocco……………… 603 Medical Missions, China, 556; British, 689, Mohammedan., Lagos …………………. 465 Monthly Bulletin..77, 159, 233, 314, 556, 633, 690, 713 MeIne …………………………… 295. 459 715, 879 Methodist Church, Canada ………… … 2M Moody Institute, Chicago…………….. 320 Methodist Church. England, Primitive….. 792 Moravians …………..78.457,459,475,795, 845 Methodist Episcopal Chnrch and Miss., 205 ; MOI'avian Missions …………………. 240 Moravian Missions in Africa….. ………. 61 in Brazil. 633; in N. China ………….. 715 Moravian Work in Thibet, Mrs. Bishep …. 766 Methodist Episcopal Church, U. S., 800; Mormonism and the Mormon…………… 545 Morocco and Mohammedans…… … .. .. 603 Financial Pesslbilities of……………. 632 Monument to John Williams …………… 2'.1l Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 233 ; Mound Bnilders of America ……………. 801 Muller, George……………………….. 680 705, 793, 845 Methodist Episcopal Church. North …….. 233 Murdock, Mr., Resignation of………….. 380 . Methodist Episcopal Conference, N. India, MW8nga. King, and Slavery …………… "78 239, 771 Narayan Shishadri, Death of.. .. ……… 834 Methodist Jubilee. Welsh ……………… 553 National Bible Society of Scotland……601, 713 Methodist Soc., Primitive, Britain …….. 794 National Indian Congre……………….. 718 Methodist Protestant Church, 475; Mis- Native Christians in Future, Relative sions of.. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. … … ………. 714 Standing of…………… …………… 931 Methodist Missionaries, Honor Roll of….. 220 Native tl8. European Costume ………….. 131 Methods, Livingstone's……………….. 607 Needed, A Thousandfold More Mission Mexico, 228, 549, 558; Cumberland Church Work ……………………………… 859 in ………………………………… 715 New Guinea ……………………715, 719, 951 Minnesota, Chapel Car Ill. .. .. .. … … .. • .. 71 New Hebrides Mission …………. 560, 845, 959 Misrule in Africa, British .. ………….. 555 New Hebrides, Rev. John Inglis, D.D…… 783 Missionaries, Distribution of. . . . . …. .. . … 73 New Testament on Evangelization…….. 608 Ilflssionary Ammunition ………………. 474 New York City Mission Work…………. 950 Missionary Collections…. . ………… … 74 Ngamiland …………………………… 799 Missionary Lecture Ships……………… 381 Niger, 479, 554; Mission. on, 607; Rev. J. Missionary Literature …………………. 390 Missionary Map, Ribbon ……………… 533 A. Robinson.. .. .. .. … . …………….. 799 Missionary Map of China.. .. . … …. …… 380 Nineteenth Centennial of Chri.tianity•••••. 534 MissionlU'Y Review of the World, Succes8 Noble Giver, A………………………. 455 Non-Evangelical Churches…………….. 91 of…………………………………. 621 North American Indians ……………819, 558 Missionary'. Shoes, The ………………. 288 North Carolina, Men Needed in ………… 697 Missionary Societies, 73, 8§(), 891; Compar- Northfield, Mass., Student'. Summer ative Tables……….. .. … 874, 875, 952-95" School. ……………………………. 702 Missionary Society, Berlin……………. 604 Norwegian Lntheran China MiSl!ion …….. 720 Missionary Society, Canada ……………. 474 Notes, British, for Mislions………..876-878 Missionary Training Institute. .. .•. . . . . . . .. 307 Nyasa-Land ………………………….. 553 Mission Boards, Associate…………….. 941 Odessa, Jews at……………. ……….. 18 Missions and Commerce………………. 640 Olcott, Colonel. .. .. . .. .. …. .. . .. .. … ….. 687 Mission Converts .. Failnre.. …… .. …….. 63 Opium Trade, Society for Suppression of, Missions of the English Universities……. 554 Missions, Foreign, British Contributions to, 340 764; Curse, 508; Traffic, 219, 304. 525, Missions, French, and Rev, Dr. McAIl …… 383 603, 608 Missions in Africa ……………………. 232 Missions to Deep Sea Fishermen……….. 636 Organized Missionary Work……. …….. 349 Mission. in China……………………. 552 Oroomiah. PQrsia …. …. .. ……N ……. 616 PAGE PAGE Ougale, Baptist Mission at.••.•…•….549, 557 Radcliffe. Reginald, on Evangelization…. 240 Outlook in India ……….•….•………. 615 Railways. African……………. ………. 74 Paganism, Christianized…•…•………… 535 Reformed Church of U. S ……………… 234 PALESTINE, 959; and Jews, 239, 480, Reformed Episcopal Church in Alaska…… 238 Reformed Church Missions.. . . . .. . …….. 240 636, 693; and English Church Misoionary Relation to one Another, Churcbes and Societies, 712, 792; Church Friction in…. 554 Papal Europe, 624-629 ; Population of….. 629 Mi.sions…….. ……… …….. ….. … 65 P ABIS. Congress of French Protestants Religion and Education in India …….. 129, 131 in ….•.•….•.••………••…………. 238 Religion, Symbols of…. ……………….. 87 Partition of Africa ………………… 320, 633 Religlou. Attitude ot Chinese Mind……. 296 Partnership with Christ. .. …. . •…••••.. 470 Remarkable Farewell, Dr. J. E. Clough….. 548 Partnership with God in Giving. … ……. 609 Report of American Bible SocIety………. 783 Pastor Go••ner'. Mission……………… 551 Republicanism in France. . . . . . . ..• . . . . . .. .. 762 PA·..AGONIA …………………….. 639 Re.ignation of Dr. Lowrie ……………… il80 Pau]'s Creed ………………………… 638 Revival, Telugu……………………… 4611 Penzottl, Release of, 465; Imprisonment Ritualism and Romanism …. . .. . . . . . .. . . . . 65 of………………………………… 302 Roman Catholics, 80 ; and Indians. 73 ; and Pentecost, Rev. Dr. G. F., 635,636,718; in India ………………….. 182, 387, 470, 557 Freedmen, 551 ; Congo Free State and… 783 PERSIA .. ………………… 719, 957, 960 Roman Catholic Church. Divisions in, 686 ; Persia, Arabia, Turkey, Mohammedanism and the Greek Church……………….. 786 nnder Leo XIII…………… …. …. …. 714 Persia, Oroomiah ……. '" … •. …. .. …. … 616 Roman Catholic Mi••ion. in Africa ……… 549 Persecntion in China…………………… 639 Roman Catholic Mission. in Bengal. 629 ; In Personal Word….. ..•. •.. . …………… 860 Peters, Dr.• and Stanley……………….. 607 Denmark.. .. .. ……. . .. .. . .. •… ……. 629 Philipson. Dr. Edith Pechey……………. 560 Rom"" Catholic MI••lon., 949 ; Germany .. 607 Philpott, Mr•. S•• Letter from…. . . •. ….. 541 Roman Catholocism……………. . ….. 78 Pins IX. and Jule. Simon………………. 601 Romanism and Buddhism (Chart) •.••..• . .. 381 Pierson. D. L., Letter from……… ..•….. 67 Romanism in Anglican Church… , .•••… 318 Planting Trees In India …………………. 608 Romani.m and Ritualism. .•. .•.. ………. 65 .. Polynesian" Society, A ………………. 95, Romani.t Mis.ions …………………. 126. 131 Population lu Cities……………………. 239 Rum ill. Japan, 238; in Africa, 79 ; on Con- Practical Cure for Skepticism.. ………. .. . 64 Prayer for Missions…………………….. 256 go …………………………………. 468 Prayer·Union, Proposed ……………….. 741 Rou.sel, Napoleon…………………….. 628 Presbyterian Church inAlaska………….. 238 RUSSIA, Population of, 712; and Prot- Presbyterian Church, Canada …………… 793 Presbyterian Church. North…………….. 793 estantism, 550 ; Translation., 479 ; " Stun· Presbyterian ChUl'ch, U. S. (North), and dist" and Intolerance………………… 2:38 Foreign Mi••ions …. .. .. … ………… 715 Rus.lan Jew………………………. 220 305 Presbyterian Foreign Mis.ions, U. S. Rus.lan Missionaries in Japan ………….. 519 (North), Woman's Board …………….. %3 Salllens, Monsieur R.. the McAl! Work …. 223 Pressing Needs… .•. . ………………… 616 Salvation Army. 66. 233. 792; Italy. 312; Pres. in Heathen Lands…………………. 135 Twenty·.ixth Anniversary, 949, India …. 717 Press, Libertv of, in Turkey…………….. 157 Samoa. …………………….. .. … 158, 958 Proposed Exposition of Missions at Chi· Sargent, Bishop……………………… 610 cago ……………………………….. 534 S(JANDINA VIA …. ………………. 720 Prospectu. for 1891. .. … ……………… 62 Scandinavian Mis.ions in Liverpool…. .. .. 232 Prote.tant Church In Prus.ia…..•……… 550 Scarritt Bible Training School for Mi.sion- Protestant Church. Methodi.t …………. 475 ary Worker… . . . . .. . . . . … … .. .. …. . … 958 Protestantism in Belgium ……………… 590 Scoteh Continental Missions, 293; Missions Protestantism. Russia and……. •….•…. 350 in India …………………………… 129 Protestantism, St. Peter.bnrg and ….. ,. . .. 550 SCOTLAND.-Mr. Quarrier. 318; U. P. Protestant Episcopal Church, 792 ; Mi.sions. 235 Church,457 ; Church of, 872; Young Men's Protestant Mi••ions. 126; Summary Re- Guild of. the. 225; Free·Church Foreign suite of…………………………….. 638 Mission•• 798 ; Free Church of. 673; Mis· Protestant Mis.ion. in Spain. . . .. …. . . . . .. 553 .ions………………………….. 232,550 PRUSSIA, Prote.tant in…………… 550 Scottish DI.establishment…….•………. 143 Publication Societies …………………. 950 Seaman'. Friend Society… … ……….. 773 Public Speaker., Inlting……………… 390 Seaman'. Rest at Karachi, India………… 768 Pundlta Ramabai ……………. 139, 700, 717 Secunderbad. IDdia…. .. … ………….. 76 PUNJAB ……………………….. 639 Self· Sacrifice ………………………… 808 Rabinowitch……. ……………………. 64 Seward, Dr. Sara C…. ………. … ……. 717 Sball we have Another Missionary Confer- Bace, Ho.mau,.,., •.•.• , ……………….. 474 ence? ……………………………… 526 SHANGHAI, 620; China Inland Mis- sion. 385; Conference, 379; and Confu- cius ………………………………. 716 flhemmas Weel>~a of Moslli•.•.•……….. ,5' PAGE PAGE Sheshadri, ReT. Dr: Narayan, Death of ….. ·soo Tientsin, China, Inundation……….. 153 Shoe". The Missionary's ………•………. 288 Times, New York, Letter to. ………. …. 928 SIBERIA. . . .. . .. . ……… ……. .. 957 Sydney, Letters from the Rev. Dr. Steele… 560 Tinnevelly, India …………………….. 631 tJignal Cry of the New Crusade…………. 537 Sites, Healthy, Central Africa ……•……. 604 TOKIO, Japan……………………… 794 S.ize of British Empire………•.•………. 130 Skepticism, Practical Care for ……..•…. M Total Abstinence… ………………….. 542 Slanry,75; and King Mwango ………… 478 Slave Trade, Holland and… .• . . . . • . • . . • • . . . 76 Town of Churches, Editor's…. .. …….. 63 SMYRNA …………………………. 559 Smythies, Bishop, 75 : Africa ..•.•…•.•… 605 Tract Society, Burma Bible and ……….. 608 Societe des Missions Evangelique•……… 872 Society tor Promoting Female Edncation .. 794 Training Institute, Missionary …………. 307 Society for Propagation of Gospel, 630, 797; Trinidad ……………………………… 558 Dnblin …………………………….. 637 Society for Snpprc"ion of Opium Trade… 764 Tucker, Bishop…………….. ..318, 477, 715 Solemn League and Covenant ……… 860, 861 Soudan, New Mi••ion to the Central, 555: TURKEY, 79, 559; Liberty of Press, Pioneers.. .. . . . .. .. .. .. … .. .. . . . • . . •• . . .. 256 157 ; Native Christians in, 933 ; Harpoot. Sonthern Baptists (U. S.)……………… 632 SPAIN, Gospel in, 583, 624, 629, 704: 616 ; Harput,873; Dictionary on, 720 ; Per- Protestant Missions in, 553, 630 ; Spain sia, Arabia, and Mohammedanism lLIld the Figueras. • . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. …. .. . . . . . . … 259 Spiritnal Atmosphere. ……. ……… ….. 87 Greek Church. '" … …….. …….. ..•• 786 Stanley, H. M., 127, 638; Rear Gwnd, 223; Dr. Peters and, 607; Mr. Fred. J ……… 386 Turkey College, Cell.tral ……………….. 559 Statistics, Lack of Information ……….. 306 Statistics of the Lntheran Chnrch ……… 223 TV8KALOOSA, Mission to Dark Con- Steamer for the Conu;o ………… . …… 553 tinent ………………………….. 156 Stebbins, Mr. and Mrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 Steele, Rev. Dr. (Sydney, N. S. W.), Letters Uganda, 555, 683, 799; Bishop Tucker in, from the …….., . . .. . .. .. … .. . .. . . . … 560 78,318,715 : Mackay of, 304, 468; Wars .. 6U5 Stott, Mrs. Grace, Letter from. . . . .• . . . . . . .. 784 St. Petersbnrg and Protestantism ……… 550 Unemployed Native AgenCies in Heathen Stndent Volunteers, 132, 697: Summer SChool, Northfield, 702; Volunteer Con- Lands …………………………….. 221 vention at Cleveland. . . . . .••• ……….. 559 Union Mi~siollary Society, Woman's•… '" 551 Stundist, Ruosia. …………………….. 637 United Brethren…. . ………………… 620 Summary Resnlts of Protestant Missions.. 638 United Methodi,t Free Church …..•……. 553 SVNDA ISLANDS, W. Indies……… 688 United States Attitude to Brussels Treaty, ~urplus Wealth ………………………. 134 Swedish Congo Mi.sions ………………• 549 639 ; Foreign lfls,ionary Society of, 476 . SWITZERLAND and giving ……… 630 Symbols of Religion……. ……………. 87 Reformed Church of…………. … . .. .' 234 Symposinm on Missions……………….. 227 Universities' .Mission, Africa, 295: The Eng- SYRIA, 475, 476, 740, 943, 958: People "" and Religion.. . . . . . . ….. . ………….. 445 lish ……………………………….. 5M Sy.tematic Benevolence…. …… . .. '" 559 University at Kyoto, Do"hisha. . ……..• 5.';R SYitematic Giving, Henry Thornton and … 340 U. P. Church, India, 771; Scotland, 236, Taylor, Bishop William ……………. 79, 633 Taylor, J. Hndson, Letter from…. " ……. 386 ~4a~mtaAiic~a~~(n1819;1:),. ~.~.~.i.;o.~l.1.~..t.·.8.~..Y.I.~.:..I.~.~..d 939 Telugu Baptists. … …. . .. . . . . .. .. . .. . . . .. 718 Tclugu, Canadian Baptist………………. 771 Upper Burmah ……………………… 392 Tclugus, 460, 7gg; Revival, 469: Dr. J. E. UTAU, 871 : and Mission Schools. … . .. 793 Clough amotlg, 959; A Remarkable Fare- Uzbek Translations …………………… 4,'9 well ………………………………. 54 Vahl, Dean, and Atlas. .•. ………. .•.. 705 Temperance Association, Anglo-Indian ….. 798 Ten 'l'housand Additional lIn"sionaries …. 141 Vienna v. •Jews ………………………. 294 Texas Baptist Missionary Work … , …….. 1,,3 Thibet. .•. .. . .• . .. . . . … .. … . ….. 150, 239, 9:8 Valley of Death ………………………. 107 Thoburn, Bishop ………………….. 619, 718 Wahuma Race…. ……. ..••• .• ……. 294 Thompson, Sir Rivers. . … …… . ……. 4,,8 Waldenses and Missione ….•..•.520,549, 629 Thornton, Henry, and Systematic Giving…. 340 Waldensian Church…. ……………….. 61 Tibet, Moravian Work ln, Ml's. lli:-h(}1;l ….. 7GI) War, Cost of …….. …•…. … . ……. 79. 712 Wars, Uganda and…. .. ……. …… . •.. 605 Wealth and its Distribution. .. . . .. . .•. . . . .. 720 Welsh Calvinistic Metbodist Jubileo …… 553 Waers;lreySaonciCehtyu,rcBhreiStjsEhn, g7la9n6d; ,E7n92g:liMshi,ss8io1n3-; MIssioris in India, 223; MiSSIOnary So- ciety …………… '" …•………..•. 76, 156 Wesleyens, British…………………… 631 White, Rev. Wellington J ……………… 782 Wilder, Rev. G., Letter from …..•.•.•….. 619 William.on, Dr. Alex., China ………….. 143 Williams, John, Monument to ..•….. , …. 2ft7 Wishard, L. D ……………….. _•••..• 534 Women in India ………..L ………….. 635 Women's Missionary Society United Breth- ren, 620 ; Board of Presbyterian Forei~ Missions (U. S. North), 783; Women s Mi,.ionary Societies Statistics, 396: Union Missionary Society, 551 ; Societies, n, 471; Work, 273, 319; Work for Women ……………………………. 240 Word to Contributors………. ……….. 62 Word, Per"onal …………………….. 860 World's Convention, Shall there be Another.. . ……………………….. 142 World-Wide Field………… … ….. … 72 World-Wi,le Mi"sions, Chaplain McCabe•.• 383 Worshippers, A HIance at Chinese ……… 531 Wright, Mrs. J. N.. … … .. …………… ~59 Y. M. C. A.. 720. 958; In Foreign Lands…• 240 Y. P. S. C. Endeayor………………. 791, 638 Young Men's Guild of the Church of Scot- land ………………………………. 225 Z('llana Work, Mac1ul'ft, Inrih- .. _… ~ ….•• 794 ZmHlmt Bihle and Medical Mission ……•.• 797 Za.ml)e",~ l~ranl~h )1i"'''10H'& ou the ••.•..•••• tlO'f;'
The Missionary Review of the World — December 1891
8t2 FOREIGN MISSION DAY AT NORTHFIELD CONVENTION
THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIV. No. 12.-0ld8erie8.–DEOEMBER.–VoL. IV. No.12.-New8erie8.
THE FOREIGN MISSION DAY AT NORTHFIELD CONVENTION.
REPORTED BY MISSES LOUISE B. AND ANNA W. PIERSON.
There are some feasts of fat things, even the fragments of which are of priceless value, and should be carefully gathered that they be not lost. And such a feast was kept at Northfield. Mass., on Tuesday, August 4th.
Mr. Moody uses every means to make the Annual Conferences, at this now famous gathering place, impart a mighty momentum to all true work for the Master. Accordingly a whole day was this year given up to foreign missions, and some who were present have said that no more memorable and impressive day has ever bAen known in the whole history of these yearly meetings of believers. The day was a sort of field-day, and certainly a very full day. From morning to evening up to ten o'clock at night the interest never flagged, but rather grew. By Mr. Moody's request the editor-in-chief of this REVIEW took the chair, but not until the close of the evening session did he speak himself, save very briefly to guide the proceedings and introduce the speakers. The time was given up principally to veteran missionaries from the field, though Dr. Mabill, who has recently returned from his Eastern tour, and Dr. Gordon, who is a special student of missionary questions, very profitably added their testimony and appeals.
No brief resume can do any justice to the addresses. The interest awakened, for instance, by Dr. Clough's story of the new Pentecost in Southern India, which sounded like apostolic days, was at times painfully intense. But our desire is to give our readers some conception of the day's doings and present to them the outline at le:;tst of what was done.
In opening the morning meeting the chairman suggested as a key-note for the day, four passages of Scripture: Isa. 53: 11 ; 1 Cor. 4: 15 ; Gal. 4 : 19 ; Col. 1 : 24. These Scriptures teach us that Christ is yet to see of the travail of His soul, and that in that travail the believer is to share, and that until the Church partakes of Christ's vicarious sorrow and atoning work that travail cannot be accomplished. The one overwhelming thought that should occupy us to-day is not joy and self·gratulation at what a century of modern missions has wrought, but rather shame and humiliation that our Lord has waited for eighteen long centuries to see of His soul's travail and has never yet seen it, because His Church has been so apathetic, selfish, and worldly. Even yet the great body of believers is half asleep, if not practically dead to a lost world's ruin and wreck.
" Were I asked," said the chairman, " what above all else the Church needs for the new century of missions now before us, I would say, not men or money or zeal, but an outpouring of the spirit of believing PRAYER !"
A few most impressive and remarkable instances of answers to prayer in connection with the work of missions were then briefly cited, most of which have been already spread before the readers of the REVIEW-such, for instance, as the special calls to prayer in the history of the Church Missionary Society in 1872, 1880, and 1884, referred_to by Mr. Edwards in his article in the October issue, pages 734-40. And then Dr. J. E.
Clough, of the Telugu Mission in India, was introduced and received by the vast audience with a rising, as well as rousing, welcome. The charm of his story was its simplicity, not an attempt to clothe the facts with any drapery of imagination or embellishments of rhetoric, but a plain, modest, unpretending statement of what he called" the LQrd's work, which he had been permitted to stand by and witness. ,.
He said, in substance: " India has a wonderful history in the past, and, I fully believe, in the future. It contains about 1,600,000 square miles, being about 1800 miles from north to south, and about 1600 in the n01,th, from east to west. The peninsula of Hindostan is peopled by about 286,000,000 people, who are divided into 137 nationalities, speaking entirely different languages, which are subdivided into 100 or more dialects. The~e are an interesting, progressive people. They have the intellect, the push, and the physical strength of a dominant rac~, They have done wonderful things in the past, and will do wonderful things in the future. They gave Buddhism to almost two thirds of the human race, and what they have done for Buddha they will do for Christ, if we but give them a chance to know Him. The 'Lone Star' Mission is situated on the western shore of the Bay of Bengal, about 600 miles from Colombo on the south, and about 1000 miles from Calcutta on the north. It was established in 1836 by men of prayer, but was almost a forlorn hope for thirty years. God's time had not yet come for saving the Telugus. The American Baptist Missionary Union was discouraged and talked of abandoning the mission, but Dr. Jewett determined to go back. The Board said that if he would go he ought to have some one to give him a Christian burial, and sent me back with him. I have never had that duty to perform, and when I last saw him he did not look as if he would need it for some time. When I went out in 1865, the converts connected with that mission numbered twenty, and the scholars were just about that number. Just at this time heathenism there was rampant.· Cholera had broken out, and people were dying by hundreds, and the heathen were taking different idols, carrying them into one place, feasting them, and then taking them to another place, and so on. I took tracts and gave to the heathp,n, who would receive them from ue when they would not from their own people. Hundreds of thousands were distributed. A teacher helped me to commit texts to memory in the language, and especially John 3 : 16, and I would go out and by singing draw a crowd and then deliver my texts. Then I would move on to another place and preach the same sermon. I added a few texts each day, and soon had a purely textual sermon half an hour long. After a while I noticed that the people who saw me would put their fingers in their ears and run away. My escort said, 'They believe you are sent fro~ God, and fear that if they hear you and do not obey, some calamity worse than the cholera will come upon them, and so they are determined not to hear you.' A Hindoo priest, of much influence at one place, for m"any days closed his door in anger against me. Finally this man came to my house and said he had read the Gospel of Luke which I had given him, and had corne to the conclusion there was nothing in idolatry and gave up his idols, which he brought with him, and asked for the whole Bible. A few weeks later he was haptized, and till his death was an efficient colporteur. During a year and three months at that place, perhaps twenty were converted and receiv.ed hy the Church.
" Then I went to another station, one mass of solid heathenism for 73 miles around. With me I had three or four Christians, and the catechist, eight of us in all. We went out two by two and every hamlet was visited, and after a while we extended the circuit till we reached around some 4,0 miles from the station. After two or three months we heard· there was a good deal of interest out about 40 miles. I went out and sent word to surrounding villages. The first morning about forty came, each with a bundle of grain to eat, to stay till they heard all about the religion. We continued in alternate seasons of talk and prayer till about the third day when about all the company were praying. In four days 28 of them gave such evidence that they were baptized. After 25 years every one of these converts has remained faithful, and six of them are working to-day as catechists, preachers, or colporteurs. Some are dead, but all faithful to the end.
" I wanted to get hold of the high-caste people, many of whom were wealthy, finely edueated, and as keen and shrewd as God ever created men. I had a plan of establishing a school in Madras, getting the high class into it, and getting them into the mission. The house was built, teachers were engaged, and everything was ready, when these 28 men were baptized. Secretly I wished low-caste people would keep away on aceount of the high caste, but the latter heard of my intercourse with the lower caste, and refused to have anything to do with the school if I allowed those to come. The school was established, and one day five of the low-caste people carne to me and asked to be baptized. I commissioned some of my fellow-workers to see and catechise them, and if they really believed, we must,' of course, baptize them. After a thorough examination there was no doubt but that they were really Christians. I. could not help feeling sad when I went to baptize them. The high-caste people went where the baptism took place and criticised me, claiming my religion was false, inasmuch as I taught it to the low caste people. By accident I carne across a passage in the Bible which led me to believe that God wanted us to do our work principally among the poor people. I went horne and when alone I opened my Bible at random to 1 Cor. 1 : 18-31 : 'For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God,' etc. As I sat thinking over what I had read, my wife carne in and said, ' I believe the Lord would have us seek to save these low-caste people.' Then she told me how in her ilisappointment at the coming of the low caste she had gone to her Bible, and opening at random began also to read at the same eighteenth verse of the first chapter of First Corinthians, and read to the end ! We concluded God had used that passage to guide us. Our missionary brethren throughout the country regretted the course we took, and it looked as though I had tbrown myself away. But twenty-four years after that time I received a letter from the editor of the Indian Witness, perhaps the most influential religious newspaper published in India, saying: , You by the blessing of God have changed the missionary policy of Ill! India. You are right, stick to it, give us some articles for our paper, telling us what you have done.' A year after, when I left the station, those who had scorned me at first vied with each other to do me honor. From that time on, the converts came into this Lone Star Mission, from 25 to 100 every year for the first year or two, then 200 or 300 a year for the next few years, then 400 or 500 a year, tiIl1872, when I got the jungle fever and came home. We asked for and secured four more workers, and some money for schools. Tbe converts were then coming at the rate of 500 to 1000 a year, and then the great famine of 1876 began.
" As soon as tbe southwest monsoon fails we know there is going to be a great scarcity, but if followed by the failure of tbe northeast monsoon, we know tbere will be a famine. Both these had failed, and I knew there would be a famine, and I wrote to a friend (eXplaining the condition. He sent me back 500 rupees, telling me to send for more. I gave that money out, and the people worked on for three or four months, when it began to be grievous. The government had undertaken relief work, digging a canal for 200 miles. I took a large contract of three miles. The government officials said: 'Y ou can have all the money and assistance you want from us. Just use your influence to get the people to come in.' They diLl this, because the people would not leave their homes to go to famine relief work. That is mainly because they are fatalists, and say: 'If it is fated for us to die, we shall die and it is of no use for us to go away to die.' Others say: 'Some god is angry with us, and if we undertake to fiee from his wrath something worse will come, and what is the good ~' The government officials stuck to their promise most faithfully, and we built huts on the canal, police were furnished, a medical man was sent there, watchers were given to me, money was placed in my hands, and I sent my assistants over the country, crying out to the starving to come from famine to this place and live. The people clime in, and those who were sick were put on litters and brought. In my camp, one division unahle to do work were given subsistence allowances, and everything was done for them till they were able to go to work. The others went to work under 40 assistants, and each preacher, with his hundred or two men, would be a sapper and so they commenced After they were tired out, they would read to them out of the Bible. Thus they read and worked for a few days and the Lord gave us one of. the- most desirable tracts to dig on the canal, though it was thought to be a hard place by the engineer. It was a filled up backwater, and, instead of water coming in as he expected. the soil was light and they could earn more wages than ever before. After I had been at work a few weeks, speculators came and wanted to give me 10 per cent to hand it over to them. Nay, verily!
"When Sunday came this company would come up before my tent and seat themselves, and I would preach to them. This we continued for about five months; then my three miles were done, and the assistants took two miles more on their own account, and I went up to another place. After eight months of this work, the time had come when they must go to their homes to sow their fields, for rain had come. When they got back, they found their houses were without roofs, and many of their cattle had died, and so frequently they had to plough and harrow the fields themselves. After the first crop was up two or three inches there came a cold rain aud the whole was ruined. They sowed again and then locusts spread over the country and took every spear above ground. ' The people were discouraged, and hadn't anything to buy seed-grain with. I was in correspondence with the editor of the Madras Times, and tele- graphed him and to England and wherever I had a fr~end, the condition. Money began to come in and the Mansion House Fund was established in London, one of the noblest charities ever undertaken and executed by men. Within a week I was inf.:>rmed to draw on them for all I wanted. Twenty-five hundred rupees were immediately telegraphed for, and they telegraphed that they were on the way, tut that I had noL asked for half enough. So I sent for 2500 more.
" We formed committees of all the trustworthy men and government officials all over the country, and the people were supplied with money to buy grain. But it was too late to sow any grain that would be long in maturing, so they sowed a small kind of millet, which would mature in six weeks. They got enough grain, which, added with the weeds they could gather, they could use from day to day, while waiting for the next crop, which would come in about six months. The relief work continued to about June 1st, 1878, when the famine had lasted a year and a half. We then notified the people that we could not do anything more for them, and they must go to their homes and take care of themselves till the crop just sown could ripen. For a year and a half we had not done what is ordinarily called mission work at all. Not a single person had been received into the Church, although, the Christmas before, 2200 were inmy compound asking to be received ,n baptism. We had not held a regular meeting. I sent word to my assistants to meet me and organize for work again. On the evening before the meeting. I went up to the place of service, in a traveller's bungalow, and although I had sent word for nobody to come, except assistants and a few of the older members of the church, I saw great swarms of people. I told them I didn't want to baptize them, because we had not instructed them long enough, and the famine was not over, and asked them to wait till the crop came. But they began to cry to me : • What YOll say is all true. We know you are not going to give us any more money and we are not coming for money, but, when we were down on the canal you told us about Jesus. We have ,believed in Him and discarded all our idols. We have two months before we can have anything from our fields. The cholera and small-pox are prevalent, and many of us must die, and if we die we want to die with everybody knowing that we are Christians. We don't want to die with this old stigma on our heads. We want to be baptized and numbered among the people of God.' To every effort I made the same answer came. After a short time of retirement, I decided to do as they wished. We commenced work the next mornin•. and by evening the assistants had examined the most of the company. The first day 500 were baptized, the second 2222, the third day enough to make the whole number about 3500. Delegations began to come in from villages here and there, saying: 'You have baptized that great company, but there are many people U1iable to come in. Come out to our villages and baptize us.' I telegraphed to the principal of the seminary to come to my help, and we went out and before the close of December nearly 10,000 had been baptized.
"Converts came, perhaps a thousand a year, for the next five years. In 1885 I came home again, to ask for men and money. Our one station had grown to be 13 in number, and the converts had increased to 25,000, and our assistants were numbered by the hundred. We had a high school established, a theological seminary, and station schools in all the 13 stations, besides boarding schools in most of them and some 200 or 300 village schools scattered in as many different villages. In all we had perhaps 4000 children in our different schools. Just here sad tidings came. Ten missionary families either died or came home on account of their health. Many were sick, of the last who had gone out, and I had to write for more men to take care of the converts. Word would corne back: 'We are doing the best we can for you, but men don't seem to be wil:ing to go to the Telugus.' We waited three or four years and none came, so we decided that we must do the work ourseh"es. The natives becamG enthusiastic over the matter, and said: 'Yes, we will take care of this work on the field, if you will take care of yourself and not get sick.' I said: 'I will not leave you. I am willing to show you that, if American citizens don't love you and think too much of themselves to come out here, there is one American who loves you enough to stand by you till you take him ovcr the hill to the cemetery and bury him.' I don't think much of missionary dust. One live missionary is worth one thousand dead ones, and remember that missionaries don't ask for your pity. We don't ask for your tears. Good missionaries are not run by water. But we want your prayers, sympathy and help, and we want you to remember that this commission which yon and we are under is all the same. It is, 'Go ye,' every mother's son of you who are men, and every mother's daughter of you who are women, or else get an excuse acceptable to the Lord Jesus Christ. If you cannot go personally, send a substitute. Send your sons, send your daughters, your money, and your prayers. God will never be in debt to American Christians for what they do, you need not be afraid of that. And when you go, burn your bridges behind you till your term of service is over, till God shows you that you have no business to stay any longer.
" While we were feeling so despondent about missionaries, we began to feel there was more of a revival spirit going on than for a long time. Some of the converts came in and told about it. We had meetings, and the first day we baptized 240, and when the time came for them to go away, their request was for me to come to their villages. I told them to go to those villages, to tell the Christians how the matter stood, and to corne to the station December 28th, and we would have a grand time. They had doubts, because these Hindoos like to be baptized in their own villages. With some reluctance they started off. At the time 4000 came and we divided them into companies and the leaders examined them. We baptized from one o'clock till 6.30, 1671 persons. There was not a single request made by anyone for anything except Christian t·eachers to come to their villages.
, 'Then Dr. Mabie came. I showed him the Hindoos in their homes, and he and his travelling companion baptized 600. We gave him a reception, when the 800 children in the schools met him. After they had left, I continued the tour till between lfiOO and 1700 had been baptized. Dr. Mabie convinced me that by coming home to get men and money I might do a better thing for the Telugus than by dying for them. I told him jf I could get twenty-five men and $50,000, so that I could be back to India within a year, I would go."
The speaker then gave a vivid description of his parting with the people on returning to this country last March. He made three attempts to get away and could not on account of the crowds of people that came.
to bid him farewell. He finally stationed guards before his house to send the people away and tell them he could see no one. At about midnight he attempted to slip quietly away, and when he opened his door, what was his snrprise to see hundreds of people gathered to see him off; some of whom had been waiting since early in the morning. Dr. Clough closed his thrilling address with the following story told of a deacon who had been complained of by his wife for giving away all that he had. She asked the pastor to remonstrate with him. When the pastor asked the deacon why he did so, he said he had had a curious dream: he dreamed he had a basket of crackers, and standing near the water threw one out on it, and it skipped along out of sight so nicely that he threw another in the same way, and so on, till they were all gone. But just at that time he noticed something large, coming back to him on the water, which proved to be a loaf of bread, and he waited till every cracker he had thrown out came back such a loaf. "If you want your money to increase, send it out. If you want God to bless the great republic, send out the men and your daughters, and after they go, instead of crying after them, follow them up by prayer and words of cheer. He will take care of your sons and daughters who go, and those who remain, and will be glorified, and our great republic will go on just as well. "
Dr. H. C. Mabie, Home Secretary of the American Baptist Missionary Union, then added a few words as to his experiences in India: " I was never at rest until I could go and see the work among the heathen. The first Sabbath in India, what did I see? A congregation of 666 persons. Eighteen hundred texts were recited by the children. At 11 o'clock the preaching service began. I did not need to be told that I was in the midst of Christians, for I could see the image of Christ on the faces before me. In the audience were foreigners, natives, out-castes, and Brahmans. By first working for the out-castes, Dr. Clough had won them all. I felt during the entire service great spiritual response to the preaching. At 3 o'clock there was a meeting for the examination of candidates which lasted the .remainder of the afternoon. It was no special occasion, but 97 came to be examined.
" The service in the evening to my surprise· was conducted in English. Before the service a delegation of Brahmans came to give me a welcome. They read a document signed by many of the leading men in the vicinity, in which they commended most highly the work of Dr. Clough and the good he had been enabled to accomplish among them. The following day I visited a boys' school of over 200, and later a school for Brahman girls. I was very much impressed by the treatment which I received from these high-caste children. . One of the little girls came up to me, and without any warning threw over my head a large wreath of flowers, another one followed with one for Dr. Clough. Several other children brought me little trinkets and jewelry, and after I had been home I received from some of them little gifts for my daughters."
The chairman opened the afternoon meeting by reading a telegram, conveying the greetings of Rev. Dr. J. T. Gracey. of Rochester, the President of the International Missionary Union. He then gave several striking examples of the power of prayer in missions, such as the remark- able experiences of David Brainerd, Dr. Neesima in his great school in Japan, in which at one time 150 students were found inquiring, after a special season of prayer. A third instance was cited from the story of Tahiti, where-just as the London Missionary Society was about to abandon the work, but under Dr. Haweis's and Mr. Wilks's entreaty determined to go forward with new prayer-the idol systems fell and the idol gods were surrendered, at the very time that the prayer covenant was being formed in London, and the ships bearing intelligence from the society in London and from the missionaries in Tahiti passed each other in mid.ocean.
At the afternoon meeting Dr. W. W. Eddy, the veteran missionary of Syrin, spoke: " Spiritual Christianity is an exile from the home of its birth. Spiritual desolation reigns in Syria. The spiritual temple in that laud should be rebuilt. Corruption has come into the Church. When the American Board fifty years ago sent its missionaries to TUlkey and Syria, it instructed them not to deal with the Mohammedans, but to work with the native Christians. We found, though, that our points of attack were Mohammedanism and orthodox Christianity represented by the Greek Church. The speaker then contrasted the Greek Churc!J with the Roman Catholics, stating that the Reformation had never crossed the Bosphorus. Oriental Christianity is a worship of symbolism. The Bible is not as sacred with them or as much studied as by Roman Catholics. The Greek Church is the Russian Church and there are 85,000,000 members. There are 150,000,000 Mohammedans. The Oriental Church and Mohammedanism cannot be attacked in Rus;lia, as the government will not allow Protestant missionaries in that country. It is against the law to change one's religion in Russia, except to that of the Greek Church.
"One of our greatest weapons for putting down heathenism is the continued and direct contact of the missionaries with the people, who love to converse and argue. Another great weapon used against Mohammedanism is the schools. The people are impressed with the importance of education, and are willing to send their children to our I>chools, though the Bible is used in all of them. We teach the pupils Scripture verses and the catechism, and to those who commit the latter we give presents of Bibles, which they carry into their homes. We also have high schools for boys and female seminaries for girls and a college with 200 pupils. In all there are 7000 pupils under the reach of our missionaries. Another great weapon is the work of our printing-press. We have four steam presses at Beirut and we print from 25,000,000 to 27,000,000 pages of Arabic literature a year. If Mr. Moody should come to Syria he would see his own sermons in Arabic, of which he would not be able to read a word, and Mr. Sankey might see his own hymns, and I fancy would find some difficulty in reading them, as they are printed backwards. Weare sin.qing the children into the Christian religion. The Moslem boys and girls sing our hymns in the street. The cholera reached the city of Hums last year. One woman when dying asked to have a Christian hymn sung. She and her husband began to sing, but before the song was finished she was 8inging in the heavenly choir.
"Our books go to Northern Africa, throughout the Turkish Empire, to India, and China, and even back here to the United States. Person after person is converted by the silent testimony of God's Word. Our press is a mighty lever. People who dare not come to us openly buy our Bibles.
" We rea~h them again through medicine. We have a hospital at Beirut, and we are welcomed as bringing gifts of healing. 'Those who have sought healing for their bodies have found healing for their souls as well. One who has a knowledge of medicine can go from tribe to tribe with perfect safety, and is warmly welcomed. A great problem is how to reach the Bedouins, that wild class. We cannot go among them, it would not be safe. But we send our native helpers, and as the Bedouins are greatly afflicted with small-pox we provide our helpers with vaccine virus. Then we have a theological seminary where we are raising up preachers of the Gospel. I have for several years edited a religious paper and have also bee·.1 engaged on an Arabic commentary (on the New Testament). We do not dare to tell the success with which we have met, only in general terms. If we were to point out cases the persons would be marked men. Any ope who is found to have received Christianity has his property confiscated, and even his life is in danger. Most of them either disguise themselves or leave the country.
" We have a self-supporting church in Beirut with a native pastor with a membership of 400. Our Sunday-school is attended by 1000 children. 'There are 92 places where the Gospel is preached every Sabbath. 'Therp. have been great results in the past 40 years. There arp. 15,000 pupils in the schools of Beirut, all seeking a pl:ome of higher education. I have heard Moody and Spurgeon preached by Greek priests.
" What are the obstacles to the work 1 First, opposition from the 'Turkish Government. At first it paid no attention to the work, considering that it was a case of infidel dogs quarrelling with each other. Now they have become afraid, and a censorship of the press has been established. They keep out all that is against their religion, and put all the obstacles in their power in the way of the pllblishing and distribution of the Bible. We are undermining Mohammedanism. The government has closed up many of our schools. No Mohammedan convert is openly put to death, but he is arrested on some pretext and then disappears, never to be heard (!.f again. A second obstacle is the power of the Jesuits. They come in scores. They open schools where we do, they follow our missionaries and they establish hospitals and. colleges opposed to us. The Greek Church is upheld by Russia and it is hard for Protestantism to get a foothold, but , they that be with us are more than they that be with them.' A third obstacle is a want of means to carryon our work. Ye have to minimize our work to be within our appropriation. You ask, why doesn't our Board look out for us. I'll tell you. In Syria there are many families where all its members sleep under one covering. During the night this covering gradually gets off those on the edges, and then first one pulls it and then another. So with us. On the north we have Tripoli pulling on the Board ; then Sidon wants a share j then Mt. Lebanon complains that too much is given the plain, and the plain complains that Mt. Lebanon's share is too large. It isn't the fault of the Board j rather it isn't a fault. On the contrary, it means that the work is a living, growing work. That it is a growing work is shown by its constantly increasing needs. Missionary work always needs four things: open doors, men, means, and the outpouring of the Spirit.
" Since my return to this country I have visited considerably. I have seen a $180,000 church going up in Detroit, I 'have seen the plan of a projected Young Men's Christian Association building in Chicago. Five huudred dollars will build a church in Syria. It would be but one lump from your store. W'e need money. You must either stop praying or give more. The growing child has constantly increasing claims, and the parent does not complain; neither should the Church complain that her children are growing, and need more means to support them. You build magnificent churches here, while we cannot raise enough money to buy doors and windows for our churches in Syria. Schools have had to be closed so as not to get into debt. I know of a missionary who has sent to a friend in this country and borrowed money in order to carryon his mission work. We have had to shut up three seminary buildings and have had to cripple our presswork. I sail for Syria next week, and I ask your prayers for our work."
THE NEEDS OF CHINA.
Dr. J. R. Hykes, of China: " China to-day is the great mission field of the world. It is one of the largest domains ever swayed by a single power. China is one half larger than the United States with Alaska added. It comprises one third of entire Asia and is one tenth of the habitable globe. Next to Russia it is the largest empire. It has one fourth of the human race. It has 350,- 000,000 souls, six times that of the United States. China has vast stores of mineral wealth. There is coal enough stored to last the entire universe 2000 years. It has stores of copper, gold, and silver which are practically untouched. It is a unique nation. It dates back 4000 years. The end of the ninth chapter of Genesis would be the beginning of the first chapter of Chinese history. It is hoary with antiquity. The greatest problem of the age is the conversion of China. Convert China and you've converted the world. What is the moral condition of China to-day ~ The first chapter of Romans is an accurate description. It is no libel, and is not overdrawn. The heathen character is growing steadily worse. There is no such thing as a standstill in vice. They are vile and polluted in a shocking degree. An excessive statement can't be made. Confucianism is the State religion of China, but it is not a religion. There is no gene!ic word for it in the Chinese language as we mean religion. Confucius was a transmitter of the wisdom of sages; he was an editor, not an author. He is silent on the origin and destiny of the human race. He would not speak about the future life. The basis of Confucianism is ancestral wor- ship, which is more potent than all the idol worship. In China to-day there are 70,000,000 of ancestral tablets. Confucianism after forty years of trial has proved a failure as a religion of elevation. The Chinaman "'who sins once has no one to whom he can pray. Buddhism, introduced to supply a felt want, after eighteen centuries has proved a failure. Taouism is a native faith,. it is an abstruse system of metaphysics that has degen,erated to a mere traffic in charms. China needs the religion of Christ, it is her only hope. Some people 'think that Christianity is not adapted to the Chinese mind.
"The impression has gone about that the conversion of China is an impossible task. The Chinese can't be converted, we are told. It is a hopeless warfare. Now, what are the sources of this information ~ They are twofold. First, they come from globe trotters who never visit the mission fields, but go into some large city and then come home and give their opinions with flippant fluency. One of these romancers was tripped and brought to a humiliating confession. He had never been inside a mission, and yet reported that the missionaries preached to empty benches, and further drew oil. his imagination. A second source of information is that of naval officers and sea captains, who help to circnlate these reports. They have yet to see the inside of a Christian chapel in China. The captain of a steamer which recently arrived at San Francisco made the statement, which was published broadcast, that he saw no native Christians in China. He did not go where they were. He brought home on his vessel the body of a murdered missionary whose Christian servant stuck by him to the death, and whose body was covered with the blood of his master. When the Wesleyan mission was burned, native Christians went into that building when there was no possible prospect of escape, and rescued the children of Christians. I have yet to see the captain of a merchant ship in one of the missions. An Englishman who had spent several years in India, remarked to a missionary there that he had never yet seen a native Christian; and went on to tell of the pleasure he had experienced in tiger hunting. The missionary replied, 'I have lived twenty years in India and have never yet seen a tiger. ' The trouble in both cases was that each had not gone to the right place to look. Can a Chinaman be converted ~ Bishop Newman went among them and personally satisfied himself on that question. He said to one Chinaman, 'I want you to tell me your experience : how you felt when convicted and converted.' He replied, 'I felt as if I were sewed up in a sack filled with snakes and scorpions, with no hope of escape, when Jesus Christ came and opened the sack and lifted me out. ' The conversion of the Chinese is the most important work of the Church in this age. It is important on account of the fnture of the Mongolian race. The Chinese question is to become a difficult one for the world to solve. The Chinese are all over the world, have emigrated into nearly every country on the globe. By their temperate habits and economY' they have outdone almost every other nation. You should not judge the Chinese from those that emigrate to this country, for they are poor specimens.
" There is a general feeling of uneasiness about them. The Australians would give a larger reward to get rid of them than they offered to be rid of rabbits. The Americans are ·also III agony over the Chinaman. It is not so much from his bad qualities as his good qualities. He is becoming a formidable competitor. No iniquitous exclusion act will keep him out. Such an act is a blot and disgrace. We can assimilate the scum of Europe, but we can't digest the Chinaman! That act of exclusion is destined to be classed with the burning of witches. It is a relic of barbarism. But John, like Banquo's ghost, will not down.
" There is some great destiny in store for the Chinese race. I feel this first because I believe that God has not preserved this race 4000 years for nothing. Again, all that mineral wealth isn't stored away for nothing. God doesn't work in that way. He wastes nothing. Third, the Chinese are capable of great things. They are slow, solid, aggressive, patient, industrious, economical, filial, and, above all, determined. The Chinese people are a brainy race. It is not too much to say they are the brainiest of the Asiatic race. There was no sentiment about General Grant, and he said that pre-eminently the three greatest men he h~d ever met were Gladstone, Bismarck, and Li Hung Chang, the· greatest diplomat of his day.
" The Chinese are a nation of students. What other country would have a yearly gathering of 25,000 students to compete for a literary prize, such as takes place at Nanking ~ " Ii a Chinaman determined to acquire an education, and was too poor to afford a light, he'd steal the light which streamed through the knot-hole of a more fortunate neighbor's room, and if there were no knot.-hole he would make one.
" China is rousing herself. She has been generally supposed to be dead, but she's a pretty lively corpse. She isn't even sleeping. She has a fine fleet of merchant steamers, a better navy than that of the United States. China is to be one of the great factors in the development of the world. The Christianizing of China is the only solution of the Chinese problem. Exclusion won't do it. But there are reasons for being hopeful about China. First, its doors have been opened, and there is free access to the country; second. there is a better feeling toward us despite the recent . attacks on missions which occurred in the most turbulent districts; were it not so there would have been fifty massacres instead of two people killed. There is more willingness to hear and a greater measure of success, considering obstacles. Twenty-five years ago there were less than 500 Christians. To-day there are 40,000, who have raised $40,000 for the support of Christianity. In 1877, 41,000 patients were treated in hospitals. In 1889, 347,000 patients were treated. But you can't count heads in the Chinese problem. There is too large an unknown quantity. You must solve the problem by algebra, not arithmetic, to find the unknown quantity. Again, the dominant class is open to you.
"It is not correct that we only touch the scum. If you go fishing for shrimps, you catch shrimps; and if you go fishing for whales, you catch whales. In fishing for souls, you are apt to catch just what you fish for. I believe we are on the verge of a mighty upheaval, a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The truth of God, eternal, unconquerable, invincible, will go forward in these latter days with increasing force and momentum. I see no reason why China should not be converted in fifty years if the Church of God will do her duty. If the work has seemed a failure, it is because the Church has not upheld our arms in prayer. Weare not prayed for as we ….ught to be, nor do you give as you ought. Give until you feel it.
Evening meeting: Dr. H. C. Mabie, on China.
"I too read that unfortunate article by one of our captains, who frequently goes to China, in which he says, 'I have yet to discover one Chinese Christian.' Some men are born blind. He would probably have as great difficulty in discovering one here.
" The first Sunday after my arrival I went to a service in a mission conducted by a Christian rice merchant. He related to me his experience. He said that as soon as he was converted he determined to close his shop on the Sabbath, though he was warned that he would lose all his trade. For a time he was ridiculed, and his shop was almost deserted; but little by little the people found that nowhere could they be so fairly and honestly dealt with; they became willing to wait over the Sabbath for the sake of dealing with a man on whom they could depend. His trade increased far beyond what it had ever been before. Now he has become a minister of Christ.
" During the service I was called upon to speak, which I did. My text was John 1 : 12. 'As many afl received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.' I dwelt on the change in Peter when restored to Christ's favor; of the power which came not only to Peter, but can come into our hearts. I was very well satisfied with my interpretation; but a water-carrier in the rear of the hall did not agree with me, and, rising, he gave another interpretation of it, bringing it down to the minds of his simple companions. ""recognized in that water-carrier the enthronement of the power of God. I arrived at another station on Sabbath morning in a pouring rain, and what did I see? A large number of people gathered for the morning service, singing • All hail the power of Jesus' name!' Dr. John West addressed them on the text, 'Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.' Perfect quiet reigned; not a muscle in their faces moved. They seemed hungry for the Bread of Life. One native, who had not been to the mission for some time, came, bringing a fan which he had made, and on which he had put the hymn' Ashamed of Jesus' and these three texts of Scripture: 'Therefore if any wan be in Christ, he is a new 'creature ; , 'If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me; , 'He that loseth his life for Mv sake shall find it.' -He told us how he had been a great opium eater; imd hearing in our mission of Christ and His saving power, he determined to become a Christian if it could save him from the power of opium. He told how he had been giving himself a six months' test, which was now over; of how Christ had taken away even the taste for opium. Now he wanted to make a profession of Christianity.
" The work of missions is no trifling one. There have been 1,500,000 copies of the Word of God, besides thousands of copies of ' Pilgrim's Progress,' sold or given away in one place.
" One day Dr. Ashmore and I went into the market-place, where we knew we would find a crowd. We were soon surrounded by people who treated us with perfect courtesy. We spoke a few words to them, and one of the natives also addressed them. The audience listened with attention. The old salute had been a shower of gravel stones.
" Medical missionaries in China are doing a great work. I visited a hospital where 100 patients daily listened to the preaching of the Gospel. In connection with this institution 350,000 people had been treated during the past year. One missionary in Canton performed 25,000 operations, treated 1,000,000 patients, and published 30 works besides. These men, who come for healing for their bodies, are deeply impressed by what they see, and go home to tell of it. These heathen are deeply moved by a little kindness; the tucking in of the covers, the smoothing of the brow, move some of those strong mlin to tears.
" The problem of to-day is: The re-incarnation of the Son of God among these poor nations until all the world shall join in the strain, ' Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.' "
Dr. A.' J. Gordon, of Boston, spoke, in the evening, on "The Chris- tian's Ambition for Heavenly Honor."
" A few evenings since I was reading the Greek Testament, when my son asked whether any word in the Greek encouraged the exercise of ambition and the seeking of honor. I have found such a word, its meaning being ambition, the love of honor, the love of distinction. It is three times used.
" I believe we have come so much to regard humility the cardinal virtue of Christianity that we may have forgotten the Christian should be ambitious. I think he should be the most ambitious person on the earth. To whom is the promise of eternal life spoken but to those who in patient endurance in well doing seek for glory, honor, and immortality, than which there cannot be a much higher ambition ~ We sometimes fall into the perIl of being proud of our humility. Humility is sometimes only pride turned wrong side out, just as you turn a garment and dye it and refit it. A person says, ' If I can get into heaven at last, I am willing to occupy II back seat.' But Scripture very certainly indicates that you are to seek not only barely to get into heaven, but' and so an abundant entrance shall be given you into the kingdom of God.' The back seats are all spoken for, and God wants us to get as near the throne as possible.
" , One star differeth from another star in glory.' Who will be stars of the first magnitude ~ 'They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.'
"Let us be ' ambitious to preach the Gospel where Christ has not been named' (Rom. 15 : 20, R. V.) is a most extraordinary statement.
" You might think a man who wanted to build a house would prefer to have a lot where the foundation had already been laid for him. But the apostle wants a lot to build II house where the sod has not been broken. That is not our idea, ordinarily, for when I was choosing my field of labor I thought the opposite. 'If I am to win the most souls, let me get where there is a good foundation of hereditary piety and orthodox faith.' I made that mistake because I apprehended preaching the Gospel for success, but not preaching it for a witness. I don't say we should not preach the Gospel for success; but our first duty is to preach it for a witness. Our first business is, not to build a house, but to build a highway. It is not to perfect the kingdom of God in some favored spot under the heavens, but to prepare the way for the kingdom of God when it shall yet come. Therefore put the emphasis on the words' Go ye into all the world.' We make this mistake. Supposing a new Pacific railway should be chartered, and a man should take a contract to build a thousand miles. He reports at the end of the year that, as the State of Dakota furnished the best rock bottom, therefore he put his thousand miles all in Dakota. But the engineer in charge tells him that the very object of the railroad is to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific, and yet he has built his section zigzag back and forth through a single State.
" That is exactly what we have been doing with the Gospel. It is to be carried into all the world, because by and by the Lord will return j and when He comes we want a highway from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth, and stations everywhere where He can have distributing centres.
"When we do God's way and preach the Gospel for a witness, we are sure to get the best success. In 1810 Adoniram .Tudson was just graduating from the seminary, and his father brought home the news that he was appointed associate pastor of Park Street church, the largest in Boston. He astounded his family by saying, 'My field won't be in Boston; it will be far across the sea. I have an ambition to preach the Gospel where no one else has, lest I "build upon another man's foundation.'" Eighty years have passed. Park Street church has 800 to 1000 members, but Adoniram Judson's church beyond the sea has a membership of 30,000, and thousands have fallen asleep in Jesus blessing his name. How God is honored in building a church out of unpromising materials, calling out songs from those hitherto dumb! That is the reason why the apostle wanted to build where a foundation had not been laid, for where a foundation has been laid anybody can build, but only God can build on nothing. "Next year we shall celebrate the anniversary of Carey's inauguration of missions. He thought, 'I stirred up the people to form a missionary society in England. I am the first missionary, but I believe God will take care of me. Put me out there and give me my tools, and I will not ask another cent.' So he went and supported himself in India, preaching the Word of God. After forty years of labor he had not only marvellously preached the Gospel and laid the foundations of the Church, bnt had sup. ported himself and paid into the missionary treasury $233,000, a fact utterly unparalleled in the history of missions or the ministry. God will sometimes take the widow's mite and not the worldling's million, that He may show what He is able to do. It is a marvellous fact that the greatest gifts bestowed in the work of foreign and home missions have been given to men who have wrought by prayer.
"Mr. George Muller's Home in Bristol is a marvellous example of the power of prayer.
" When men really trust God for success and money, He is ready to show them that He is not only Chief Shepherd of souls, but Chief Treasurer. When we get off of a human foundation we get upon the divine, and the apostle built on the divine foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ, the foundation-stone..
"In 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11 you have another ambition-service conjoined with silence. doing the best you can and saying nothing about it. Some cloeks strike, and some tell the time of day with their hands. So some Christians advertise their business, and others do it and say nothing about it, which is the kind we want. Two texts we ought to read together: 'Do not sound a trumpet before you,' and 'Let your light so shine.' He wants you to be ambitious, to have good works that somebody can see; and light travels faster than sound, and so with Christians, you see the flash before you hear the report if they are the right sort. The ambition is, not that they may praise you, but that they may glorify your Father which is in heaven. You thus have an opportunity to be ambitious, and yet to be sublimely humble.
" The work of the hands and of the head is subordinate to that of the heart. If you have been redeemed by Christ, renewed by the Holy Ghost, and your citizenship is in heaven, what is your principal business ~ It is to tell others about Jesus Christ and bring them to the knowledge of His love and of His grace. Whatever else yon do must be subordinated to that; and it is a shame and scandal in our nineteenth century Christianity that so many business men get, and live, and labor, and save, M if they understood that getting riches was the end of their existence instead of getting riches in order to glorify God. I care not what your occupation is ; you may be a carpenter at the bench, a blacksmith at the forge. a merchant behind the counter, your first business is to give the Gospel to those that have not heard it. Does it look as though we regarded it as our principal business ~ "First, we put our capital in our business. There are eight billions in the hands of Christians in tbis country. That is invested for the most part in bonds, mortgages, diamonds, silks, horses, carriages, houses, furniture, pictures, aud a thousand other things, vastly more than in that which ought to be the principal business of the ChriRtian, giving the Gospel to the world. And somebody says, 'I believe the world is getting better and better every day,' although he has millions laid up, and yet you caunot get twenty cents out of him for missions. He had no conception that he ought to put his eapital into the LQrd's business instead of into his own comfort and the ultimate ruin of his posterity. 'Was there ever a time the Christian Church gave so much for religious purposes l' Well, it gives a good deal; but by the best estimate the amount given to missions is only three cents on a dollar ! We put our best Ulen into business. The command is to give the Gospel to every creature.
" A few months since an order went out from the British Government to take the census of India, and it was done inside of twenty-four hours. Although at the beginning of this dispensation the Church understood it was sent to take the census of the world, and we have been at it nearly 1900 years, what have we done ~ There are 1,000,000,000 out of 1,400,000.000 unreached by the Gospel. When they took the census in a single night they put more than 1,000,000 enumerators in the field. We have in the field 7000 missionaries, but we have 127,000 at home representing the same constituency. Does that look as if foreign missions was this world's principal business ~ " I am hoping that, in this great movement which has now touched us, the Church of God may be lifted to such a position that it will put an army into the field and not simply station a picket line thrcugh the heathen world; that it will put its capital and not the iuterest on its interest into the work; that it will call out the reserves and put the privates in all occupations to work.
"The last subject of ambition is in 2 Corinthians 5 : 9, where the apostle sums up thus: 'Wherefore we strive,' are ambitious, 'that, whether present or ahsent, we may be well pleasing unto HiUl.' Have you ever noticed that Jesus Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, utters a sharp contrast between the two kinds of ambition? If you want to get a reputation for piety, make long prayers and eloquent ones. ~o that you can be popu· lar; and, if you deMire to be popular as a benevolent man, sound a trumpet and let everyone know. And He says: 'Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. ' It has been said: If you want to make people think well of you, make them think well of themseh·es. But our business, as long as men are sinners, is to make them think meanly of themselves, so that they may think well of Jesus Christ. Then Christ turns to us, to any faithful disciple: 'But you, go into your own closet to pray, and when you give, do Dot let your right know what your left hand doeth, and your Father who seeth in secret '-I want you to pause on that word. A great sculptor had a contract to put a statue in a niche in a great temple. They told him he could make it cheaply by filling up the back side, as that didn't show. ' But,' said he, 'the gods will see it, and therefore it must be finished up.' The world looks at the front side-God looks on the back. Your Father who seeth in secret shall reward you openly.
" We praise the successful missionaries for the sacrifices and services they have wrought in the name of Christ. But I sometimes think, what about the unsuccessful missionarie", those who have done their best, but in circumstances where they have reaped but little, and perhaps cut off in an untimely way, and thrust out of their field with never an opportunity to do what they had an ambition to do. What about them? 'I have an ambition that, whether absent or preRent, I may be well pleasing unto the Lord. ' Think of George Schmidt, with his heart burning to preach in Africa, who went there and was driven off by the settlers and not allowed to return, and who ulted to pray day after day, ' Lord, perUlit me to go to Africa,' until he was found dead on his knees, without going back. I think of that noble bishop, Coleridge Patterson, so splendidly endowed that they said, "Why waste your talents on the heathen ~ , and yet he went to the Pacific islands, and they took him as an enemy, and as he :was saying' Peace be unto you' they slew him, and, like his Lord, he was sent back from the very people that he came to bless, with five bleeding wounds upon his person. And I think of Melville Cox, that noble Mdhodist who went out from this country, who had a consuming passion to preach the Gospel on the western coast of Africa. He had hardly reached the shore when he was stricken down with fever, and all there is left of him is a grave with the words. ' Though a thousand fall, let not Africa be given up.' Then I think of Adam McCall, one of Livingstone's companions on the Congo, who, stricken down with fever and dying, said, • Lord Jesus, thou knowest that I consecrated my life to Africa. If Thou dost choose to take me instead of the work which I purposed to do for Thee, what is that to me ~ Thy will be done.' Where was their success ~ If they could speak they would say, 'I have but one ambiiion; that, whether I be dead or alive, whether I be absent from the body or present with the Lord, I may be well pleasing unto Him.'
" I end with urging that we may have a heroic and consecrated ambition. The highest encomium I ever heard of a single man was that of John Vassar, after he had talked about Christianity with a fashionable woman in a hotel. Her husband had come in and said that if he had known of it he would have sent him about his business. The woman replied, ' If you had seen him you would have thought that was his business.' Christ set an example of a man being ab'out his business. When His mother said to Him, ' Son, thy father and I have sought thee sOIrowing,' He replied, , Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business.'
" It is a business that meant the loss of His life, that involved the cro~s, and the crown of thorns, and the 'Father, forgive them,' and 'Why hast Thou forsaken Me ~ , and the sepulchre. But, though He saw the end from the beginning, He was about His Father's business till He could say, ' I ha,'e finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.' Be ambitious to be quiet and to be about your Father's business, and may you receive at the end of your life that welcome plaudit, ' Well done, good and faithful servant!' But remember that there can be no ' Well done' unless there has been first well doing; for, if anybody can conjugate' ill doing , into ' well done,' I cannot. Therefore, let us be up and doing, and make God's business our business."
Rev. Dr. Pierson summed up the addresses of the day in the closing speech of the evening. He began by referring to the fact that one of the most remarkable anniversary services that Great Britain has ever witnessed in England will begin May 31st next, and continue to October 2d. It will be the celebration of the one hundredth anni'ersary of the beginning of foreign missionary work under William Carey. After sketching the origin of the movement, he spoke of the four great characteristics by which the com- ing age of mission work would be marked : First, by enterprise ; second, by sacrifice; third, by individual service; fourth, by individual supplication.
These points were enlarged upon, and a fervent appeal was made for the Christian Church to rouse itself in the matter of mission wo~k. And so closed this most memorable of days at Northfield.
THE SACRED LAND OF PALESTINE
THE SACRED LAND OF PALESTINE.
BY MRS. DAVID BARON.
It is strange to be in a land so ancient and to find it in the rear of all known lands; its ancient civilization swept away, as if it had not been; without roads, except a few quite recently made; its cities gone, its forests and groves gone, and its landscapes bare, the hedges of prickly pear being no relief to the eye. You may travel many miles and only see occasional encampments of Arabs on the hill-sides, their flocks of cattle, goats, anu sheep browsing near; or now and again a fellahin village. It is possible to ride over some of these without knowing it, for the flat roofs are turf-rovered, and I have seen palm-trees growing singly, and cattle grazing on them. The larger of their villages look at first sight like a heap of grass-grown ruins, but nearer they resemble more rabbit burrows. The walls are ·of earth or sometimes of stone, with earth floors and earth COVer- 'ng the flat roofs; they have one low door, no window, no chimney.
The fellahin are probably descendants of the ancient Canaanites. They are not nomadic, like the Arabs, but settle in such villages as I have described. They till the ground, using a camel or an ox and ass yoked together to draw the very simple instrument used as a plough. The fellahin women are of a very low type. They work very hard from morning to night, carrying heavy loads great distances, often with their swaddled babies poised in baskets on their heads in addition to their burdens. These women are tattooed about the mouth and chin, and wear silver coins fringing their faces and nose bags. These are their duwry; they are, '10wever, much discolored, and look more like pewter than silver. From early morning, even so early as fiye o'clock, the beggar sits by the wayside begging; often several beggars sit in a row. In the course of one day some things will be painfully apparent to a fresh comer, and possibly the foremost of these will be the frightful prevalence of ophthalmia, the terrible cruelty practised on animals, and the filthy, unsanitary condition of the towns. Ophthalmia is likely to remain the curse of the land so long as no proper escape is made for the smoke in the dwellings of the people. Their want of cleanliness, too, favors this trouble, and the unsanitary conditions of their life. Flies and mosquitoes coming from refuse matter inoculate the eyes with poison. Again, another cause of blindness is the intense glare of the sun where there is no relief of grass or trees to meet the eye. It is a grievous sight to see on every hand, among all ages, from the infant to the aged, this terrible affliction; and pitiable indeed it is to see, as you may any day, a company of a dozen or more blind men passing through the crowded sbk (market-place), each with his hand on the shoulder of the one before him-a forcible illustration of our Saviour's words, "The blind leading the blind." Less common than blindness, and yet all too frequent, is the disease of leprosy. Surely, in any other country care would be taken to prevent the increase and spread of so appalling an evil! Here, however, the lepers are at large, and beset a trayeller on all hands, showing their disfigurements and forcing their maimed members into notice. It is too horrible! At the ascent of the Mount of Olives they lined the narro", way, standing or sitting right in the midst of the stony roads. To the peculiarly painful cry of their appealing voice-a result of the disease attacking the throat-they added the rattle of their tin pots for receiving money; and scarcely could we get free of them, though mounted on asses. These poor creatures marry among themselves, and pass on their disease as a frightful inheritance to their children, who in early life often appear to be healthy. With their growth, however, the evil never fails to develop. The Moravians have long had a hospital in Jerusalem for the shelter and care of lepers, but very few avail themselves of it, being unwilling to separate from their families.
In this land, where the law given by God Himself enjoined merciful treatment of animals, a brutal, inhuman treatment is the practice. The outcome of the 'Moslem creed of the sacredness of life among these unreasoning people is that they kill by inches instead of killing outright. The treatment of the poor asses and camels is simply revolting. Perpetually weighted with burdens beyond their strength to bear, their fur is completely worn off their backs and sides, which look like rusty black leather, and are covered with open wonnds. Their pack-saddles are rarely if ever lifted from off their sore backs, and they are kept in a half-starved condition. To make them increase their speed their drivers dig a knife or any sharp instrument into their flesh, making wounds which they take care shall not heal. In one of the noisome alleys which serve as streets in the actual town of J afia, my husband found, one day. a poor ass tethered, suffering extreme torture. One of its legs was cut away and gangrene had set in, yet no one had pity upon it to end its misery. He tried to induce them to kill it, but all in vain; they were only amused by the sug· gestion. At last he sent a man whom he could trust to buy the animal and see it killed. Even then the owner could not understand so disinterested an action, and professing to believe that the poor animal's skin must be worth something, wished to charge the more. Some time later I learned that the week following another miserable ass in bad plight had been fastened up in the same alley, doubtless with the hope of a purchaser. The unsanitary condition of towns built on the ruins of former towns, and without any system of drainage, is something indescribable. The narrow, filthy, uneven alleys, crowded with refuse from the houses, and constantly receiving more from windows and doors, are no places where to linger and admire the quaint, picturesque scenes sure to meet the eye which would otherwise be of great interest. The scavenger dogs and jackals which roam the towns at night are truly blessings where such a state of thing exists.
There is no encouragement to industry or protection of property in this land. The more diligent and sllccessful a man is in trade or agriclll· ture the more heavily is he taxed by the government, which harasses its subjects in every imaginable way. As every government official pays a sum of money to obtain his post, and is quite uncertain how long he will retain it, he makes the best of his possibly brief opportunity to extort all he can. The law may be, and often is, good, I am told; but it is not known j and the government officials work things their own way. Shortly after we arrived in Jaffa an incident occurred at Gaza which is a good example of this. A quarrel arose among some Arab tribes. The Pasha of Jernsalem came down to make inquiry, but receiving a sufficient backshish from both the offending parties, he made fair promises to each, and' returned. No benefit resulted from his visit, and soon the strife renewed. Again the pasha came down and returned as before with his purse com- fortably lined. The more powerful tribes then succeeded in spoiling and casting out a poorer tribe, and the country became unsafe as far as Jaffa; for this tribe, deprived of all their goods, attacked the property and cruelly injured some of the peaceful German colonists. In one instance the kavasse of the German consul, with two Turkish police, traced the mur- tlerers to a tent, where they found them still red-handed, with the weapon only hidden under a mat. They were taken prisoners and the k3vasse of the German consul took one man on with him to the Turkish prison in Jaffa, leaving the two police to bring along the other men. Having per- formed his own errand, he presently met them returning empty-handed, having allowed their men to escape. Backshish was no doubt the secret of this too, but no inquiry was made j they were not held responsible for their prisoners, and I believe the man in prison was later released, there being no eyewitness of his crime. Another pasha was appointed in place of him who had been twice to Gaza, and who had so profitably to himself investigated the. cause of the troubles there. By order of the new pasha all the men of the tribes at Gaza were taken prisoners and consigned to . prison' in Jerusalem. My husband met the Whole party on the road near Abu Gosh, the ancient Kirjath-.Tearim, and saw them joined by their escort of Turkish soldiers. Whether they are still held prisoners, or how the matter is settled, I do not know j it may probably again be a matter of backshish. In the court of justice, so called, this word" backshish" is rendered more politely by the expression " witnesses." According as gain may be hoped for from the social position of the victim, he is told that unless he can produce five, or a hundred, or yet more witnesses in court, his case cannot be settled. The heads on sovereigns or napoleons are the witnesses in question.
Many primitive customs are still in practice, exactly as they were in the days of our Lord on earth. It is easy tQ see why a curse was pronounced by the law on the man who moved his neighbor's landmarks j it i3 a mat- ter all too easy of accomplishment. It took.me a little time to realize, in going across country, that three or four large irregular.shaped stones, apparently picked from tqe soil around and laid one on another, could have any special meaning. Presently, however, I noticed that they stood in certain relation to other such piles, and guessed that they wert> landmarks. On inquiry I found that I was right in my surmise.
A lady known to us inherited four hundred dunnem of land from her father, but now less than two hundred remain to her, for the Arabs have been constantly at work moving her landmarks. We have heard of an Arab whose property was bounded on one side by a ditch. This ditch had to be renewed after the winter rains, and here the Arab saw his opportunity. Year by year he cleared earth away from the opposite bank, putting it always on his own bank. The ditch moved unobservedly farther and farther away from its original position. Under a fostering government, which encouraged industry in the people of the land, ~his country might soon again be flourishing. The soil is exceedingly productive, and were the terraces rebui:t and carefully watered and tended, the mountains about Jerusalem might soon again drop oil and wine. The water supply should now be sufficient if the aqueducts and cisterns were kept in good repair. For many centuries the rainfall of ·Palestine was very insufficient, and the latter rains, which should fall in the first month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to March-April, were withheld j but the last thirty years has seen a great change, and during the last ten years the latter rains have fallen more copiously and seasonably. The rains of these past seasons havA been quite exceptional. Twenty-six inches has been the average for the last eight years, but this year it has reached forty-seven and fifty inches in the plain, and from sixty to seventy-two inches at different elevations on the Lebanon. One orange garden outside of Jaffa was standing in water during several months, and a good part of the plain of Sharon was flooded during the same time. Simultaneous with the return of the latter rain in its season we see the return of the population. Both the rain and the people are necessary to the land, and now that God opens the heavens to bless, He opens also the graves of His people. It is difficult to obtai~ accurate statistics of the numbers returning, but in Jerusalem alone the estimates vary from thirty-five to fifty-five thousand Jews now resident there. The former number is probably reckoned from the Halucha, the charity sent by Jews throughout the world to be distributed among the poor Jews in Jerus'alem. This is mostly given to the Ashkenazi, or German-speaking Jews. According to Consul Moore, who recently left Jerusalem, the Jewish population in the Holy City increased by twenty thousand in the period of three years. 'Vhile the numbers of Jews increase, the Moslem population is diminishing j it is now reckoned to be but seven thousand, and all the Christian sects taken together may be stated as about twelve thousand.
There are also large Jewish communities in the other sacred cities, Hebron, Safed, and Tiberias, as also in Gaza, Jaffa, Haifa, and other places, while numerous colonies exclnsively Jewish are springing up throughout the land. These colonies, it is true, arc not yet self-sup-
rOecember
porting, and have to struggle against great difficulties, but they exist; and it is an encouraging sight to see this people returning to their ancient patriarchal occupations of husbandry and cattle tending, frolli which they have been so long debarred in most countries of their exile. Their rudely constructed carts may daily be seen coming into Jaffa with loads of healthy Jewish peasants who have no longer the subserVIent, cringing air of the poor Jews we meet with in the West, but a free and independent bearing which it does one good to see. Their villages are homely looking j no one is better off than his neighbor, while all lead a simple peasant life, having sufficient, if barely sufficient,. of this world's goods. They own much cattle, and have many acres of land about their colonies under cultivation and yielding well, which but a few years ago was waste ground. In some cases they are troubled by the Arabs, who either have or fabricate a claim upon the land. These people, when they own land, only encamp upon it at such times as their harvest approaches to guard it and secure the grain. Nothing later remains as sign of their occupation.
It has been reported that these Jewish colonists are unwilling to work themselves, and leave the toil of agriculture to the fellahin. This may be true in some places, but we have seen with our own eyes numbers of Jews at work ploughing and sowing. And still the stream of immigration is not likely to cease, hut rather to increase, considering the unsettled state of the Jews in all parts of the world. It is true that until quite lately we have not had such a large contingent from Russia as we looked for this season, but within the last fortnight the expected exodus for the promised land has commenced. In one week 800 Jews have arrived in Jaffa-500 by one vessel and 300 by another. It is noteworthy that those who now comc pouring into Palestine are not all poor and miserable, such as those who formerly came only to die in the Holy Land, but number among them wealthy Jews, speculators in land, who are buying up large tracts for settlement, and forming building societies. Quite recently a large tract of land has been bought up by them at Haifa for the sum of £17,000, for which, a week later, they were offered £25,000, but refused to give up their purchase. One Jewish building society lately proposed building 1000 }lOuses for Jewish occupation between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The shares being immediately taken up, the number was repeatedly raised until it finally attained 3500. I was quite unprepared to find Jerusalem so much built about. The city within the walls will soon be smaller than the new Jerusalem without. The city itself is very unhealthy, being built on the heaps of ruins of past cities. It abounds in narrow, filthy, noisome covered ways and alleys, where fevers are at home. Inside the city it is impossible to drive, but outside there are fine buildings, roads-rough but wide-good shops, a public garden (in preparation), and building operations extending in all directions. In the colony outside the Jaffa gate there are from 9000 to 10,000 Jews. The artist Holman Hunt has a house in this part, and there are three hotels. Good houses and shops aN
TlIE SACRED LAND OF l'ALESTntfIl
continually building. This neighborhood has grown rapidly since a year ago. A small colony of Jewish artisans just outside of Jaffa are helped, on the building society principles, to become owners of their houses; and so great is the demand for these well-built little dwellings that they cannot be built quickly enough. A yet more important service is being rendered by the Alliance Israelite in providing training schools where Jewish youth are taught some useful trade or a scientific knowledge of agriculture. The Jews coming from Europe are divided into two classes, the Ashkenazi, or German-speaking Jews, and the Sephardi, or Spanish-speaking. The latter are the descendants of those Jews banished from Spain in the year 1492, and are found in all countries bounding the Mediterranean Sea. There are also colonies now coming from Arabia of Jews settled there before the commencement of the Christian era, if their own tradition may be received. They bear traces of having been many ages in the South, their physique being quite different from that of the Jews of Europe. Their build is slight and tall, and their skin a very dark brown. It was ten years ago, in the year 1881, that the first party of German Jews arrived in Jerusalem. Their reason for coming has a prophetic interest j it was none other than a dream or vision of their revered rabbi. He related that it was revealed to him that he and his people should return to their own land, and that there God would make known to them the Messiah for whom they had so long been waiting. Numbers of them did not hesitate to obey a vision so full of comfort. But alas! they had to endure many perils by the way. They were robbed; they suffered shipwreck; many died, and they arrived at their destillation greatly reduced in numbers.. The Jews in Palestine would not recognize them as Jews at all, or render them any help; but General Gordon and some lately arrived American Christians secured them a site where to found a colony on the Mount of Olives. Since that time their numbers are constantly increasing, fresh companies arriving now and again from Yemen. Last year they numbered some eight hundred. In the month of March this year another hundred arrived miserably destitute, having suffered much by the way. Forty of these poor wanderers were sheltered and fed in our mission house during the few days they remained in Jaffa. They are a naturally pious people, as is evidenced by the conduct of these poor immigrants. The first thing they did after entering the house, having but just endured the miseries of disembarkation at Jaffa, and the trials of the custom house, was to seek for a suitable c'orner or recess where to stand their scroll of the law, richly encased and silver-mounted. This important matter settled, they repeated Hehrew prayers and then commenced to instruct the young from the Talmud. So earnest are they for the reli~ious instruction of their families that a father will elaborately copy with his own hand the valued commentaries of some rabbi, a work occupying all his time for some year8, in order to leave it a sacred legacy to his children. These Yemen Jews are a simple, industrious, hard. working race, skilled in small handicrafts, with minds less prejudiced against the truth thn are those of their European co-religionists. Last year my husband visited them in their village on Olivet. I will quote a paragraph from his" Mission Tour in Egypt and Palestine," descriptive of his visit: "One rainy day, going through the gate of David, we crossed the valley of Kedron and climbed up to this lit- tle colony. We found them in a terrible state of destitution and sickness, which Dr. Dixon was able to relieve somewhat. They were delighted to see us. We went from hut to hut-one cannot call them houses-and asked them to assemble in their little synagogue to hear us speak to them collectively of tho Messiah The little place was quite full. I spoke to them about Jesus, the true Messiah of Israel, the Saviour of the world. I spoke perhaps too sharply about the unbelief and sin of the Jewish peo- ple in rejecting Him. They listened very quietly, and when I had done speaking the aged rabbi said, in words that went to my heart, for they sounded like the old Scripture writings, ' We are from Yemen, in the land of the South, where our fathers have lived since before the days of Ezra the scribe. We, all our lives, and all our fathers in their Ii ves, never heard that the Messiah- had come. If we had heard we might have believed on Him, but we did not hear.''' Now, however, these Yemen Jews, like all others arriving at the port of Jaffa, are met by Jews from the town immediately on arriving, and warned against any missionaries who may attempt conversation with them.
It is of exceeding interest to note that while the rightful inheritors of the soil are compelled to return to it for the most part by the tyranny of their oppressors, the land itself is being opened up for them by the enterprise of strangers, who are often much hindered by the government. A French company is constructing the railway from Jaffa to .Terusalem. The work was for some months at a standstill, there being some difficulty about the compensation to be made the orange grove proprietors through whose property it had to pass. Now, however, the work progresses rapidly. The engin~s sent from Philadelphia, respectively the "Jerusalem," " Ramleh," and" Jaffa," are employed on the line already made, bringing up materials. For this purpose they run even now as far as Ramleh j hut it is a misstatement which has been published to the effect that the line so far is already open to the public.. It will be many months yet ere this can be the case. Possibly the frequent shrill screams of the engine, warning natives off the line on its transit to and fro with trucks of materials, have been mistaken by some tourist passing through. Many most erroneous statements about events said to be occurring in this land find their way into English and other papers, and are very misleading. The railway between Jaffa and Jerusalem should be completed next year. An English company holds a firman for a railway to run from Haifa to Damascus j and we learn that a line, to be called a steam tramway, is also to be constructed between Beyrout and Damascus. It seems that in the firman granted for the Haifa-Damascus line, there was a clause to the effect that there should be no railway between Beyrout and Damascus. This being so, the difficulty in granting permission for the latter was easily got over by giving it another name. It is, therefore, a " steam tramway." It is a very mountainouil district through which this must pass, and will require skilful engineering. A matter much discussed, but in which I believe no steps have yet been taken, is the proposition of a line to connect the prin~ cipal cities on the sea-coast from Port Said to Beyrout. A good carriage road from Jaffa to Jerusalem has existed already some years. From Jeru- salem to Bethlehem and to Hebron there are also good roads. The late pasha commenced roads to Nablous and Jericho, but these have been left unfinished. Harbor works are now in progress at Beyrout, and such must follow at Jaffa on the completion of the railway. The diligence and suc- cess of the thrifty German colonists near Jaffa and Haifa are practical les- sons, proving the capabilities of the soil when properly worked.
Many influences are at work here to hinder the good which might be done among the Jews themselves.
The Ashkenazi are the principal recipients of the Halucha, the charity yearly sent from Jews in all parts of the world for the poor Jews in this land.. It has a very baneful effeot on those who receive it, who are supported in idleness. Some of them even raise mon.ey on the income assured to them by the Halucha alone. The recipients of this charity must of course remain zealous Jews or they would not retain it. The Sephardi do not receive 'so large a share of the Halucha, but benefit, as all Jews may, by the benevolent schemes set on foot hy Jewish national societies to help on their people, and all alike are held under a strict supervision as to their attendance at synagogue and religious zeal by the agents of these societies. The result is that their pride of race and fanaticism is greatly ihCreased, and they are exceedingly bitter with any who venture to speak to them of Jesus. There are many missions at work in the land-American, Scotch, and English-which are doing a good work among the different nationalities represented here. Among the Jews not much is being done, and this work in this land becomes increasingly difficult. The most difficult place, perhaps, in all the world to work among them is the city of Jerusalem itself. Here the idolatries of the Greek and Latin churches are evcr before them, while on every hand gain is held out to them as inducement to join one or other Christian sect-even the Protestant churches, alas! not being free from reproach in this matter. While many Jews are not unwilling to go from one to another, making what they ean from this false charity, it is easy to see into what contempt and ill repute this brings so-called mission work, and that it is not in this way men are convertedrather are they so made hypocrites.
It may be of interest if I add a little about our work in Jaffa during the few months we have been there. As soon as possible we secured a mission house in the town itself, and in the same street as the house called Simon the Tanner's, on the roof of Which Peter had the vision which prepared him to go to Cornelius and proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Our mission house had formerly been used as a hospice for the better class of Russian pilgrims. Our fellow-worker, Mr. Barnett, elected to live there in the first story, and was soon joined by an earnest Christian Jew from Smyrna, who came to assist with the Spanish-speaking Jews. To understand and influence the people it is necessary to know their homes, occupations, and circumstances. Of necessity a great deal of time was spent by our missionaries in visiting the loathsome neighborhoods and dwellings where the Jews live. It was attempted to meet Jewish refugees on their arrival, but this was found quite impracticable, as anyone who has disembarked at the port of Jaffa will realize. The confusion on board ship and in the custom house, added to the fact before mentioned, that agents from the Chovevi Zion Society are on the spot to hinder any mis- sion work, prevents any good being done. Later, however, in groups of twos and threes the new-comers have been met about the town, and such opportunities have been made good use of. Visits have also been made to Jewish colonies in the neighborhood of Jaffa, but the winter was excep- tionally severe and the roads were for long impassable.
The mission house, besides being a centre where Jews could gather for conversation, discussing their difficulties and receiving instru~tion without fear of being watched, was also a home and shelter at different times to homeless Jews. Some of these have come in opposing the truth, but being present at prayer, conducted by Mr. Barnett, in which others have joined, have, of their own accord, not only prayed, but done so in the name of Jcsus. One Jew in particular asked God that if what he had heard of Jesus were true He would not let him die without receiving it. If only the chains of formalism were broken, and true, spontaneous, heart- felt confession of sin and prayer for pardon took the place of the 'Continual repetition of lifeless forms of prayer, God would hear and answer, for it is this He waits for.
On Saturday afternoons, being Sabbath, and to the Jews everywhere a . day of lcisure, many would come and read and converse with my husband and Mr. Barnett. On Wednesday afternoons during two hours one room used to be crowded with J ewesses, all sitting, Eastern fashion, cross-legged on the ground and working. A stranger coming in might have been aston- ished to see the array of shoes in the open court-yard to the number of some sixty-eight pairs. Within the interest would have been sustained. Here were Spanish Jewesses for the most part, some few German, one Italian, and two or three very dark-skinned Yemen Jewesses. Some with their forehE,iads bound and their faces bandaged, others simply wearing a pretty kerchief on their heads and having their finger nails dyed scarlet or yellow. Their methods of work are the exact reverse of our European ways j some of these women could work very quickly and well. On leav- ing, many of them resumed their white enveloping sheet, which they had laid aside on entering. We had the va!lA."bk help of some Arabic-speaking
'rltE SA.CR~D LAND Oli' P A.L~S'1'lN1!l
Christian missionary ladies from the English hospital, who interpreted for us, and who entered whole-heartedly into all that was attempted to be done. The poor Jewish women are very ignorant, as it is considered unnecessary and wrong to teach a woman. As.they know so little of their own national history and Scriptures we found it a good plan to question them and arouse their interest, and then to give them Scripture teaching. We also commenced' reading Matthew's Gospel with them. At last, however, the Jewish feasts, followed by my husband's severe prolonged illness, obliging my absence with him, put a stop to these interesting meetings. Although we may not again return to Jaffa, we hope the work will be continued by others, and that God will bless it more and more. The time we have spent in the Holy Land has forced upon us the conviction that the work to be done among the Jews need be done ere they set foot here. Although missions in Palestine may be of great use as a present testimony in the midst of the returning people, it is undoubtedly true that in the lands of their dispersion the best opportunities offer. When the hand of God presses upon them and they are willing to confess that it is on account of sin that they and their fathers suffer, they may be induced to accept and study the Word which tells of the atonement and Sin-bearer. It is hardly credible how soon they forget, and deny having suffered when once within the promised land, and maintain that they need no deliverer, for that God is favoring them. Even now the women in the colonies incite the men to stone any missionary who reasons with them. I firmly believe that the days approach when they will persecut.e and kill their Lord's messengers again, as formerly they did. There are many discouragements attending Jewish mission work. For those who are in haste to see results and num. ber up converts it is indeed very unsatisfactory and trying work, but in every field of mission work we see the same thing; the few receive the Word of God and are changed by it j the many reject and remain indifferent to it. All that the Word of God bids us do, whether among Jews or throughout the wide world, is to sow the Word, the " Gospel of the kingdom in all the world, for a witness unto all nations." When this is done harvest-time will come, and the harvesting is to be the work of angels, not of men.
We know there is and always has been, from the days of Paul to our own, " a remnant according to the election of grace among Israel," but the Word of God tells us plainly that as a nation Israel, like Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor and blasphemer, will only be converted by the vision of Jesus returning in the clouds of heaven in power and great glory. Then they will look upon Him whom they have pierced, and mourn with bitter lamentation as for a first-born son.
EUROPEAN LITERATURE IN THE MISSION FIELDS
EUROPEAN LITERATURE .IN THE MISSION FIELDS.
BY F. F. ELLINWOOD, D. D.
It has become a serious question whether the missionaries or the ene- mies of Christianity are making the greater use of the English tongue as a medium of communication with the people of Oriental lands.
In the early days of the modern missionary movement therc were sup- posed to be many motives not only for education, but for instruction in the English tongue. It was thought that by this means the masses of India, for example, might be brought into closer contact with that Christian civilization which afforded the chief hope of their regeneration. There was an additional reason in India and Ceylon in the political relationship of those countries to Great Britain. While missionary institutions gave much attention to the English language and made it the vehicle of instruction in history, science, etc., the schools and colleges established by the Anglo- Indian Government employed the same agency still more widely. There was a great demand for a knowledge of English as a qualification for commercial positions, and the demand was by no means limited to India and Ceylon. The same aspiration for this kind of education filled the youth of Beirut. Cairo, and Constantinople. It appeared in the schools of China and Japan. There was a like demand on the coast of Africa, and wherever the civilization and commerce of the Anglo-Saxon came in contact with heathen races. In all British colonies, like Australia, New Zealand, and Natal, the English tongue very naturally became dominant. Within the last decade the governments holding protectorates over newly acquired territory in Africa and elsewhere have taken special pains to extend the use of their respective languages as a means of establishing thei~ power. The French at the Gaboon place such emphasis upon this requirement as to forbid missionary instruction even in the verna~ular. It must be French and only French, all of which means the future prevalence of French literature.
But the generic thought suggested by this incidental survey is this: that the whole world is coming rapidly under the influence of European Janguages and literatures, the English holding a larger place than any other, and they are opening the way for the propagation of either truth or error on a boundless scale. In higher education, whether in science, history, and general literature, or in special departments, as medicine or theology, it has been claimed that a knowledge of English would open the door at once to a much wider technical literature than could be found as yet in Oriental languages; that in medicine, for example, it would be far easier to give young men a knowledge of the English which would introduce them at once to a wide range of medical science than to undertake the translation of a large number of medical books into the Arabic, the Chinese, or the Hindi; and these reasons have .seemed valid. But possibly the Christian Church in its missionary operations has not been sufficiently mindful of the fact that wherever the husbandman has sown the good seed, an enemy soon follows with tares, and that the result is a strong flank movement again ..t the truth. The apostles of infidelity would never have endured the toil anu hardship necessary to prepare the ground; they would not have undertaken to rAduce languages to a written form, and in some cases even establish a grammatical construction; but when the grubbing and the ploughing and harrowing are all accomplished they are at hand with the seeds of error. They watch for the thousands of youth who have learned the English tongue. They make use of all the agencies of publication which have been established. They are not scrupulous about the kind of intellectual pabulum that they furnish, for it is no part of their purpose to regenerate and uplift the heathen races. It is all one to them if moral poison and destruction are the result. As to the intellectual demand and their methods of meeting it, they have the same amount of scruple and misgiving as those who are deluging heathen lands with adulterated and poisoned liquors, gunpowder and firearms; their work is on the same moral level, neither higher nor lower.
The reports of the Christian Vernacular Education Society of India, while giving many interesting facts in regard to vernacular literature and the great demand for it in India, throw an occasional side light upon the spread of English literature. This society, under the presidency of the Right Honorable, the Earl of Northbrook, has struck a keynote which all friends of missions and of humanity ought to heed. It emphasizes the fact that the circulation of Christian literature in heathen lands is one of the foremost demands of the age. It reminds us that we live in a period when the printing, publication, and circulation of reading matter of all kinds h~ve reached enormous dimensions, and that thought in every variety, good, bad, and indifferent, is being quickened among all races.
A recent communication from an agent of the above-named society says: "The place of tbe English language and literature in India is one of the most marvellous phenomena of this nineteenth century.
"On arriving in Calcutta I set to work under the most competent of all guides, Sir Alfred Croft, Director of Public Instruction for Bengal. In the English shops I was not surprised to find a good supply of books in all departments of literature, and especially in that of fiction. As these were chiefly for our own countrymen, I soon found my way to the native bazaars and shops, where I discovered what astonished me. Our English merchants have no chance with these native shopkeepers in the economy of their management and consequent cheapness. In a comparatively small shop you find the head of the establishment sitting at his desk or counter with a piece of cotton around his waist and loins, in happy freedom from all the restraints of coat, waistcoat, trousers, and stockings, his whole attire worth no more than a shilling or two. The few rings of high value which adorn his ears or fingers are an investment on which the only Joss is 1nterest on the sunk capital. A few active roun~ men, who cost little/ complete the estabiishment. in which an amount of business is done which would astonish his ostentatious neighbors in the European quarter.
" In these native shops I found large piles of our cheap literature, and in stores at hand I was shown large rooms filled from floor to ceiling with the cheap serial literature of the London market, good, bad, and indifferent, but chiefly bad. Not only are the great proportion of these volumes works of fiction, but a great many of them are the very worst of the class; and these, I regret to say, are the most popular, and have by far the largest sale. Many of the most fleshly of the French realistic school in English translations were the most largely sold."
The same writer adds that amid the depressing influences of this appalling exhibit of a vicious appetite for the garbage of our English literature, he was cheered by some hopeful signs. There had been in the more respectable native shops a growing demand for the better class of cheap books; but he was painfully impressed by the fact that the movement of Christian men had been late in the field. One of these native booksellerssaid to him, "If a better class of books had been sent out from England at the first, the low and vicious ones would not have gotten the hold they have on the reading public. The first books which came to this country in cheap and attractive form were these low and vicious novels, and it will be difficult now to supplant them."
If the worst French novels are translated into English for countries in which the English tongue prevails, one can well imagine their still readier access to all lands which are under French protectorates, and in which the French language is assiduously taught. All that French Catholic and French Protestant missions can do for the elevation of the people of such land,. will scarcely equal the disastrous influence of those French novels which represent, as the late Emperor Napoleon IlL put it, " not the civilization of Jerusalem, but that of Corinth."
But only one side of this great evil is seen when we contemplate this 1lood.tide of cheap and corrupting European literature. Another equally formIdable is seen in the widespread use now made of the English language for the spread of Hinduism. Under the movement which is known in India as " Revived Aryanism," embracing various organizations, the leaders have hit upon the happy expedient of utilizing the Euglish tongue as a means of corrupting the very classes of men upon whom most labor has been bestowed by government or by missions, in higher education. There are now many thousands of graduates from the Indian universities and colleges, and the same is true of the graduates of Japanese universities and colleges, who speak the English language fluently, but are not Christian converts. On the contrary, they have been stimulated by their education to a greater pride of nationality, and coming into !lympathy with the various apologies which Western writers, have made for Oriental systems, they are more than ever resolved to stanrl by the ancient literature and cultus of their fatherland, expurgating such corruptions as the better taste and higher ethics of modern times are supposed to condemn. Meanwhile the agents of Western societies, Buddhistic, Theosophic, or Agnostic, by adroitly appealing to the national pride of wealthy rajahs and others, have secured contributions for the purpose of reproducing in cheap form the products of Wester!]. ~cepti cism, so that selections from Thomas Paine, Robert J. Ingersoll, Herbert Spencer, and the late Mr. Bradlaugh are scattered like the leaves of autumn through all English-speaking communities in India. But it would not quite suit the pride of the true Aryans, soi-disant, to be wholly dependent on foreign leaders, and therefore aspiring Hindus have taken the field, are issuing tracts, publishing periodicals and weekly papers whose staple product all bears upon this counter crusade against Christianity, British influence, Anglo-Saxon civilization, and what not.
According to the report above-named, pes~imistic productions find the readiest market j plays and fiction, whether in prose or verse, whether in foreign languages or in the vernacular, are framed on the almost universal assumption of the villainous character of men and the frailties of women. They show also the tendency to advocate a retrograde in social intercourse and even in political life. "The past is praised as the golden age, and all the misfortunes of modern life are attributed to the English Government, the progress of English education and foreign custom. The reason of this is obvious. The only hope of remuneration lies in pandering to popular taste j and, unfortunately, the discontented and unfortunate form a large proportion of the educated masses at present j and it is so pleasant to be able to throw the blame for their failure in life upon the foreigner."
As a specimen of the current Hindu literatur,e which is now being circulated in the English language there lies before me a tract entitled " Hinduism, a Retrospect and Prospect," by Sukumar Haldar. He is the son of Rakhal Das Haldar, who became a follower of the Unitarian missionary Rev. W. R. Dall, and who, with Mr. Dall, came to America.
This young man has had all the advantages of higher education, and he evidently has spent much time in gleaning freely in all the fields of literature for what he regards as concessions on the part of the Christi~n theists; Mosheim, Neander, Sir W. W. Hunter, Bishop Heber, Monier Williams, and others are quoted. He also presents a wide variety of apologies for the Aryan faith, gathered from the writings of Max Miiller, Count Bjornstjerna, Pocock, Heeren, Colonel Todd, Elphinstone, Colebrook, Cunningham, etc. A still wider range of thrusts gathered from infidel writers from the days of Celsus down to the present time are presented in bristling array. This book, published in Calcutta and sold for a dime, has had a very wide circulation. It is not to be supposed that the author has depended upon his own researches merely; rather he has presented the selected facts, arguments, and travesties which the combined research of many writers has produced. There is now an extensive literature of Hindu apologetics which a comparatively moderate labor on the part of any enthusiastic Aryan may throw upon the market at brief notice. In our own country a mere tyro may gather together the results of infidel attacks upon Christianity for the last fifty years, and lay them before the public in a leaflet or in a five-cent Sunday newspaper, issued to the numher of a quarter of a million of copies.
And something approaching this same marvellous facility is coming to be realized on heathen soil, and at the hands of a race who fifty years ago were slumbering on in the old torpor of past centuries. DoubtlesF> the very same cheap issues of Bradlangh are sold in India.
The design of the above-named pamphlet of nearly seventy pages is to show that everything in the West has been borrowed from the East; that Christianity has added nothing to the wisdom of the Indo-Aryans; that corruption rather than advancement has been the law of progress, and that the true wisdom of the world is to turn back and drink at the old fountains. This tractate is published in good English, and it is not confining itself to the Asiatic continent, but already the overflow is setting toward Christian lands, and affiliated anti-Christian associations are everywhere aiding in its dissemination.
As another example, there is published at Lahore, both in English and in the vernacular, what is known as the Vedic Magazine, edited by Pandit Guru Vidyarthi. This university graduate is a man of ability, and his motto seems to be, to " Carry the war into Africa. " Among other striking articles is one entitled " Pecunia Mania." This vice or craze is ascribed with telling effect to the whole Anglo-Saxon race. "It is," says the writer in an editorial, "a disease of the type of insanity, very contagious, transmissible by hereditation, incurable or hardly curable, and of the most virulent type. It is an unsatiable thirst, an always hungry stomach, an extreme sensitiveness and irritability, restless anxiety and sleeplessness, paralysis of moral and spiritual faculties, extreme proneness to overfeeding and overclothing, indolence, luxury, and comfort; it has an air of superficial independence, personal weakness, and infirmities." All these are presented as marked characteristics of the so-called Christian nations, and are in strange contrast with the "quiet thoughtfulness, the spiritual aspiration of the Indo-Aryan races." "This disease," says the author, " sneers at all metaphysics, looks down upon all thoughtful reflection and philosophy, an-d discards theology as speculative, unpractical, and absurd. It stigmatizes all efforts to ennoble mankind, whether moral or philosophic, as theoretical. – It brings morality down to the level of expediency. Instead of the worship of the God of nature, it sets up a wretched and worse form of idolatry-the worship of copper, of silver, and of gold. It denies to man any nature other than one capable of eating, drinking, and m()rrymaking, and we ask whether snch a diseaRe should not be at once uprooted and destroyed, never to spread again. For so long as this influence is dominant in the world there will be no morality, no truth, no philosophy. If there is to be such a thing as disinterestedness or truthfulness in the world, if mankind is not to be given over to restless anxietY"' turbulence, and the overweening bias of sordid interest, something must be done to resist this fearful tide."
It is not to be denied that the writer of such articles has a keen insight into many of the worst phases of character shown by the.beef-eating, beerdrinking, plethoric, discontented and yet self-consequential Englishmen and Germans, whom the lank and spiritual Hindu of the higher classes encounters on the soil of India. " This plethoric travesty of humanity, instead of walking forth to breathe the pure air of heaven and enjoy the scenery of nature and delight in pure and elevating thought, seeks convey.- ance in luxurious carriages rather than by muscular action, and plethoric fulness borrowed from the activity of drugs and the administrations of physicians, instead of inborn healthy glow. . .. Dead photographs and lewd portraits hang upon the walls of his room instead of the scenery of nature. He is entirely dependent on the cooling power of pankas and the warming properties of fire, the refreshing power of beverages, and stirring influence of wines for want of natural endurance. Is this the itidp,pendence that a rational being should feel ?"
We have referred to the writings of Vidyarthi only as illustrating the fact that we have come upon times when the old systems of the East, reinforced by the new impulse which Western education has given them, and possessed of all the weapons of hostility which Western infidelity has produced, are now assuming the aggressive. There is also what is called the Aryan Tract Society, published at Lahore, whose issues are scattered widely through India. The ,revived Aryans are virtually in sympathy with theosophists and esoteric Buddhists in our own country and in Great Britain, and by prearrangement and thorough organization, the issues which are sent forth in India are also circulated among us. The writer above referred to was late Professor of Science in the Government College at Lahore. He is perfectly familiar with the theories of Darwin, Heckel, Spencer, etc., and has made it a study to trace the supposed intimate relations between the theories of these noted theorists and those of the ancient Upanishad philosophy of India. The familiarity shown with Western literature, and even with the early history of the Christian Church, gives in the outset a strong advantage in the implication of authoritativeness as well as breadth of judgment and candid, thorough preparation.
As an evidence that this writer is not ignorant of what transpires III Western lands, he quotes from an address of ex-President White, of Cornell University, in what he construes as a confession of the weakness of our position. The following passage is given: "We are greatly stirred at t~mes as this fraud or that scoundrel is dragged to light, and there rise cries and moans over the corruptions of the times ; but, my friends, these frauds and these scoundrels are not the corruptions of the times. They are the mere pustules which the body politic throws to the surface. Thank God, that there is vitality enough left to throw them to the surface. The disease is, below all, infinitely more widespread. What is that dis-
THE EVANGELIZATION OF ISRAEl
ease? I believe that it is, first of all, indifference-indifference to truth ; next, scepticism; by which I do not mean inability to believe this or that dogma, but the scepticism which refuses to believe that there is any power in the universe strong enough, large enough, good enough, to make the thorough search for truth safe in every line of investigation; next, infidelity, by which I do not mean want of fidelity to this or that creed, but want of fidelity to that which underlies all creeds, the idea that the true and the good are one; and, finally, materialism, by which I do not mean this or that scient,ific theory of the universe, but that devotion to the mere husks and rinds of good, races that struggle for place and pelf, that faith in mere material comfort and wealth which eats out of human hearts all patriotism and which is the very opposite of the spirit that gives 6nergy to scientific achievement."
There is not space to dwell longer upon this new activity on the part of heathen error or its increasing interchange with all types of thought in our own land. It only remains to gather up the lessons which are thus presented to the friends of missions and the advocates of Christian truth. The practical questions which come home to us with great force are, Are we utilizing in proper degree the facilities which have been furnished us by the missionary labors of our fathers, who trained up these Hindu youth and gave them the use of the English tongue and the varif'us facilities for publication 1 With the surfeit of books which we possess here at home, are we sufficiently aggressive in extending our literature abroad 1 Is there an activity commensurate with opportunity, or are we folding our arms in quiet security in the thought that our sole duty is here on our own shores? It should be remembered that the battle-field of truth and error is now one. The terms home and foreign are obsolete; the literatures of the world are blended; and so all the light the Christian Church has to give' should be made to shine.
THE EVANGELIZATION OF ISRAEL.
BY PROFESSOR GEORGE H. SCHODDE, PH.D., COLUMBUS, O.
The first missionary work done by primitive Christianity was among the Jews. Christ confined His labors almost exclusively to the chosen people, declaring that He had been sent first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The policy of the earliest apostles of restricting their gospel activity during its first stages to their own race and nation was only in part the result of a misconception of the universality of the redemption secured through the life and death of the Messiah. Paul himself did not become the great apostle of the Gentiles until his labors among the Israelites had convinced him that they did not deserve or appreciate the glorious Gospel he had come to offer them. It is a fundamental error of the Baur-Tiibingen school, and their reconstruction of the inner development of primitive Christianity, to maintain that Paul originally and ex profes8o taught in his doctrine that Christianity was intended for all, also for the Gentiles, a doctrine contradictory to the standpoint of Peter and his friends, who maintained that Christianity was essentially a Jewish sect, and intended only for this peo- ple. The hypothesis that the Christianity of the second and the ihird centuries was a result of a compromise between the Judaism of Peter and the universality of Paul does great violence to the facts in the case. But, as is generally the case, the error is all the more plausible and dangerous because it is at least seemingly based upon a fact, which fact is that the first Gospel messengers one and all recognized the first and historic right of Israel to the blessings of the Gospel, and when rejected by them these were offered to the Gentiles. Between Peter and Paul there was no differ- ence of principle, at most only of degree. On mission methods they agreed to adhere to the example and command of the Lord. While all nations were to be made disciples of Christ, the Jews were first called to this high privilege.
This historic right to priority was not based upon any undue partiality of Christ for the people out of whose midst He had arisen. Indeed, their treatment of Him would have induced another who was not divine to cast them from him. This right was based upon the calling of this nation as the chosen people to bring forth and to establish from the human side the kingdom of God on earth. Christ came in the fulness of time, and this fulness was the result and outcome of a development which had been progressing through centuries and centuries. In this calling Israel lived and had its being j and while the coming of Christ has been the centre of history for the whole world, it, has been such for Israel in an especial sense.
That Israel, when this hour had come, did not recognize the signs of the times, but threw aside its own peace, does not in any way call into doubt the wisdom of God's plans. While the rejection of Christ by His con- temporaries in Israel is one of the saddest facts of history, it is, neverthe- less, not an enigma or a riddle. The attitude of the Pharisees of that day, the orthodox and recognized theological school of the times, was by no means the mushroom growth of a night as little as it was a system based upon Old Testament premises. In fact, in Christ's polemics against them He makes it a prominent matter to show that they had deserted the old landmarks, and that their refusal to accept Him who was the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets was based upon their subversion and misinter- pretation of the cardinal truths of their own religion. Factors and forces had been at work which had, during the centuries of the silence of the prophets between the close of the Old Testament and the opening of the New, inculcated principles diametrically opposed to those taughj; by the sages and seers of God. Had the teachers of Israel in the days of Christ still stood upon the basis of the revealed Word, they could and 'would not have done otherwise than have accepted Him as the promised Messiah. Paul's antagonism, so pronounced and decided, against the doctrine of justification by the works of the law, and in favor of justifica- tion by faith alone, is not based upon the theory that the former is the legitimate outcome of Old Testament teachings, hut that it is a perversion of tJ!ese teachings by the leaders of thought in Israel. He therefore resorts to the same method which Christ had employed-namely, to quote the Old Testament itself against those who claimed to be the only correct interpreters of Old Testament truths. It is substantially the same mission method which is adopted by all the New Testament writers over against the Israelites, particularly by those who make this matter especially promi- nent-namely, Matthew and the; uth Jr of the Epistle to the Hehrews. A recognition of these facts in the great problem of Jewish mission work, as also of the method and manner pursued in the New Testament of conduct.- ing the work, is a matter of the greatest possible importance for us and our day too. Notwithstanding the eighteen hundred years which have elapsed, the problem itself has not changed materially, and the experience of the friends of the work has been such as to convince them that the New Testament method of dealing with the problem, of course adapted to our times, is the only one that promises success. In the entirely unique and peculiar character of the problem lies also the justification of making Jewish missions a distinct branch and separate department of Gospel work among non-Christians. In the nature of the case mission methods must adapt themselves to the exigencies of the case-the history, character, and condition of the people to whom it is proposed to bring the message of grace. In this sense of the word the mission work in no two countries can be carried on in exactly the same manner. But yet the problems and perplexities of Jewish mission work over against those met with in the case of other nations are so entirely sui lIeneris that the work of a laborer in Israel is radically different from that among the Gentiles. This is the case not because the seed is of a different kind, but because the soil is. The Jew meets the Christian missionary in an altogether different spirit from that which a heathen must show toward a Gospel messenger. The Gentile . instinctively sees in him a superior, intellectually and otherwise, and the missionary finds no difficulty in making the impression of this superiority, except perhaps in the cases of Brahmans and adherents of other highly cul- tivated heathen religions. On the other hand, the Jew sees in the Chris- tian a renegade and a pervert from the principles of the Old Testament revelation. While regarding himself as a superior, because he is the repre- sentative and exponent of the pure monotheism of the prophets, he is as such historically entitled to pre-eminence above the Christian, who has changed and distorted these teachings by adding a polytheistic faith, and by recognizing the claims of Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah. Instead of being himself a proper subject for instruction and conversion, he considers the Christian as such a subject. It is the idea and the ideal of Judaism, both rationalistic and orthodox, that the religion and the ethics of mankind will eventually find their happy consummation and development in the adoption of a monotheism of the Jewish faith.
However much we may wonder at thiR psychological attitude of the Israelites, it is a fact that such is their standpoint; and mission work, like all other enterprises, must deal with actual facts. This being the case, there is really only one correct mission method for the evangelization of Israel-namely, that already adopted by the New Testament writers and preachers. This method is to produce the conviction in the hearts and minds of the Jews that their interpretation of the Old Testament, which through centuries of teaching has entered into their very marrow and bones, is false; that Israel, in breaking with Christ and His teachings, broke with its own history and with its own religion; that the new departure inaugurated by the Pharasaic school in the New Testament era was a false and unfounded movement; and that Israel's fate and history can only be brought back again to its true and divinely destined course by a return and a rejection of the false positions of the fathers; in other words, by an acceptance of Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfilment of the law and the prophets.
Hence it is that argument and proof have a place in Jewish mission work which they occupy nowhere else. The preparation needed by the Jewish Gospel worker is quite distinct from that which the other missionaries should receive, and, therefore, fully justifies the establishment of Rpecial seminaries for such young men of the kind that the late and lamented Professor Delitzsch founded in Leipzig five or six years before his death, and in which he taught down to his last illness. Not the least difficult is the negative work of showing, from the history and the literature of the Israel of the post-biblical era, that the Judaism of to-day can by a misnomer only be called the outgrowth and development of the Old Testament religion. This presupposes a thorough acquaintance with the Mishna, the Talmuds and the Midrashim, the great official compilations of later Jewish faith and tenets. It is an Herculean task to find the Ariadne thread out of the labyrinth of Talmudism. The number of Christian scholars who have in their possession the key, to this literature are few and far between. In former generations this was otherwise. The Buxtorfs, Capellus, and their contemporaries were masters in this field. In our day Delitzsch easily was the greatest scholar in this field; otherwise it would have been impossible for him to prepare his classical Hebrew translation of the New Testament, which has proved to be the most efficient Gospel agency in this arduous and thankless mission department. But others have been apt pupils, and the names of Strack, Siegfried, Dalman, Faber, Wllnsche deserve honorable mention. Post-biblical Hebrew is no longer a lost art or a hidden treasury. How important a matter it is for Gospel work in Israel can be recognized from the fact that its study is the chief occupation of the Instituta Judaica, or Jewish mission associations which have been revived at the German and Scandinavian universities within recent years, and which have a membership of over three hundred. These societies deserve special praise for having published a series of tracts and brochures, in which Christians receive authentic information concerning the Jews, and the Jews authentic information concerning Christianity. No more solid and substantial foundation for efficient work in this line could be established than has been done in this manner.
The problem becomes all the more perplexed and perplexing by the dissensions among the Jews themselves. There are two classes of these, the radicals and the conservatives or orthodox. The Jews of Western Europe and America are almost to a man adherents of the radical wing. Upon their shoulders the ways of the fathers sit but lightly. They have compromised with modern thought and life, and as a result have given up what distinguished them as Jews, except certain formal features. Substantially this type of Jews are either unbelievers or are adherents of a vapid and vague deism. With them the Gospel messenger has double labor, because he must meet them as Jews and as rationalists. It is often doubted whether a W estern Jew can become a consistent Christian, and among the Jews themselves it is practically an axiom that a convert from Judaism is a fraud and a deceiver. How incorrect such extreme views are is seen from the examples of such noble men as Neander, Philippi, Caspari, Kalkar, and others who have become Christians of rare power and success. Western Judaism is not hopeless, but it is probably as difficult a field as the Gospel messenger can select.
Strange to say, the East is more promising. And yet the 9riental Jew is the personification of Talmudism. He has, however, the virtue of being deeply religious, and is hence not closed to religious argument and persuasion. It is among these that Delitzsch's and Salkinson's Hebrew New Testaments are eagerly read and studied, and it is among these Jews that the independent Christward movements of Rabinowitz and others have originated, and the project has been formed of organizing a National Jewish-Christian Church on the basis of the New Testament as the fulfilment of the Old. The Leipzig Society, the most aggressive and progressive of the Jewish mission societies, has recently inaugurated a new departure by confining its labors to the Eastern Jews. It proceeds from the standpoint that Jewish diaspora in Christian communities should be left to the eongregations there, and that systematic efforts toward their eonversion as a nation should be centralized there, where they are most densely settled.
It is to be regretted that there is no general interest among Christians in Gospel work among the Israelites aeeording to the flesh. It is always a limited few, whose love for the people of God enthuse them for this difficult work. However much the Jews may have proved themselves unworthy and unthankful objects for Christian mission activity, this does not excuse us in our negligence. We Christians have in our possession as our greatest blessing the spiritual inheritance of Israel. Gratitude and duty alike should urge us to offer them in return a share of this inheritance.
SOME POLEMICAL WRITINGS AGAINST THE JEWS
The nineteenth. is the greatest missionary century since the apostolic era. But not all Gospel work has been done, nor are the churches everywhere putting forth their best efforts. Israel has a historic claim on the attention, prayers, and work of the Christian churches. Let this claim not be neglected or rejected.
SOME POLEMICAL WRITINGS AGAINST THE JEWS IN THE .FIRST SEVEN CENTURIES.
BY REV. B. PICK, PH.D., ALLEGHENY, PA.
The friendly relation which existed at first between the Church and the synagogue could not always last, and a separation became a matter of necessity. The result was that the non-identification of Christianity with Judaism gave rise to bitterness and enmity, and by and by all friendly relations between the two parties entirely ceased. The best proof for this is the unfeeling but exulting manner in which Jerome writes when speaking of the annual visit the Jews made to Jerusalem on the anniversary of that city's destruction: "Those who once bought the blood of Christ must now buy His tears j and even to weep is not freely conceded them. On the anniversary of the capture,and destruction of Jerusalem you may descry a mourning crowd approaching. Behold here delicate women and aged men weighed down with grief and years, hastening to bewail the destruction of their sanctuary. Their very bearing betokens that the wrath of God is upon them. But while tears are streaming down their cheeks, while in their bitterness of spirit they stand with arms outstretched and hair dishevelled, 10 ! the Roman soldier rudely accosts them, to demand money that they may longer enjoy the liberty and the privilege of weeping" (Com. on Zeph~n., c. iL).
The Church had received the Old Testament from the synagogue, but the attitude of the Church to the Old Testament writings was different from that of the synagogue. The Old Testament writings were read in the light of Christianity, and Christ was found everywhere. The purely Jewish elements appeared as episodical, the truth of the new covenant as the real purport. With the Church the messiahship of Jesus was a conditio sine qua non. Was Jesus the promised Messiah ~ Then the Church was right and the synagogue wrong. From the Old Testament the former adduced her proofs, and pronounced, at the same time, that the synagogue, because rejecting the claims of Jesus as the Messiah, was wrong. The earliest polemical writing is the so-called" Epistle of Barnabas." In this epistle the writer insists especially on two points: first, that Judaism, in its outward and fleshly form, had never been commended by the Almighty to man j bad never been the expression of God's covenant j secondly, that that covenant never belonged to the Jews at all-in other words, that there was a Christianity before Christ. From an exegetical point of view this epistle is also highly interesting, as it exhibits the exegesis of that time.
A lost work ill the" Dialogue of Jason and Papiscus," which is com- monly ascribed to Aristo of Pella. It is quoted by Jerome and Origen.
" In it," says Origen, "is described a Christian arguing with a Jew from the Jewish Scriptures, and showing that the prophecies concerning the Christ are applicable to Jesus; the other replying to the argument vigor- ously and in a way suitable to the character of a Jew."
In his" Dialogue with Trypho." Justin Martyr tries to show that the God of the Jews was the God of the Christians likewise, and that the authority of the Old Testament was recognized by Christians. He labored further to prove that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, sent by the God of Abraham for the salvation of the world, and that His followers were the true Israel. It ha~ been suggested that Rabbi Tarphon, a bitter enemy of Christianity, who declared that, although the Gospels and the other writ- ings of the "Minim" or Christians contained the sacred name of the Deity, they ought to be burned, is the same Trypho who is the interlocutor in Justin Martyr's" Dialogue." But this is mere suggestion.
Hippolytus's " Demonstration against the Jews" is lost, and the frag- ment which is extant shows that the Jews have no 'reason to glory in the sufferings which they inflicted on Jesus of Nazareth, for that it had been foretold that the Messiah should so suffer, and that these sufferings had been the cause of the misery afterward endured by the Jewish nation.
Diodorus of Tarsus wrote a special treatise, " Contra Judreos," which is lost; and Hieronymus Grrecus vehemently abuses the Jew in his " Dia- logue of a Christian with a Jew on the Trinity."
Chrysostom(died 407) wrote, in proof of Christ's divinity, a "De- monstratio adversus J udreos et Gentiles," and seven" Homilies against the Jews," in great measure against the J udaizers within the Church.
Basil of Seleucia tries to demonstrate to the Jews the time of Messiah's advent and the destruction of Jerusalem, which" Demonstratio" results in the proof that Jesus is the Messiah.
Of Philippus of Side remains a narrative of a " Disputation concerning Christ," held in Persia between Christians, Jews, and heathens.
Gregentius of Taphar holds a dialogue with Herbanus the Jew, in which he convinces his opponent by a vision of Christ which appears in the heavens, the result being the conversion and baptism of five millions of Jews.
A certain Timotheu~ holds a dialogue with a Jew, one Aquila, whom he converts, and brings him to Cyril for baptism. Cyril, however, wished Timotheus to perform that office, and so ordained him priest and deacon at once.
A certain Stephanus, Bishop of Bostrs, is mentioned as the author of a treatise, "Contra J udreos," quoted by John of Damascus. • Anastasius, abbot of the monastery of St. Euthymius, in Palestine, is
THE TOUR OF THE LANTERN
said to have written against the Jews and Judaism j and Leontius, Bishop of Neapolis, in Cyprus, wrote an apology against the Jews.
Passing from the Greek to the Latin writers, we mention a work " Against the Jews," by Tertullian, composed on the occasion of a dispute between a Christian and a Jewish proselyte. Cyprian and Augustin also wrote against the Jews j and Evagrius's "Altercatio Simonis Judrei et Theophili Christi ani" is said to be a free reproduction of the lost dialogue of Papiscus and Jason.
The" Tractatus adversus Judreos," by Maximus of Turin, is of doubtful authorship.
Isidore of Seville's" De Fide Catholica ex Veteri et Novo Testamento contra J udreos" is addressed to his sister Florentina, and consists of two books. The first, which contains sixty-two chapters, treats of the person of Christ j the second, containing twenty-eight chapters, speaks of the consequences of the Incarnation j that is to say, of the unbelief of the Jews and the ingathering of the Gentiles, of the eonversion of the Jews at the end of the world, and the cessation of the Sabbath.
Agobard, Archbishop of Lyons, writes on the Jews in general and their superstitions. The" Divine Institutes" of Lactantius contain also attacks upon Judaism. It is to be regretted that many of these works are lost.
THE TOUR OF THE LANTERN.
A LETTER TO THE YOUNG FOLKS.
BY F. E. HOSKINS, OF SYRIA.
A kind friend in America sent the lantern as a gift to help in reaching the boys and girls of Syria. Then a Sunday-school class of boys at Elwyn, Pa., sent twenty-five views, and later on'a class in the Sixth Presbyterian Church of Albany made a similar gift. The lantern and the views reached Beir11t in safety j but the people in the custom house opened them and then put them back into the box without any straw. The box was then hustled out of the custom house on the back of a porter, and a day or two later carried thirty-three miles over Lebanon on the back ' of a mule. When the man put it down in our court very doleful sounds were heard issuing from the box, and I opened the package with trembling hands j but only one view was smashed and another cracked!
It was more than six weeks before I invited Mr. Magic Lantern to go with me on a tour. I had to have a strong wooden overcoat made for him, and some boxes' for the views. Then I had a folding frame made, and a large white sheet seven feet square to fit it. All this work was done by a Moslem carpenter in, Sidon, and then it came over the mountain in the same way as did the other boxes. In May I invited Mr. Magic to get ready for the journey. I hired a mule for Mr. Magic to ride; but when we went down to the front door the mule objected to the arrangement, and we had great difficulty in persuading him that the matter was all right. You know that it is a very difficult matter to reason with a mule. We first tied him securely to a tree and passed the chain of his halter through his mouth by way of emphasis. Three of us then stood round and assisted Mr. Magic to mount; but the mule kicked and moved round in such a lively way as to prevent Mr. Magic from getting anything like a firm seat. When I thought we had succeed- ed, t turned to go upstairs, but a moment later I heard a great noise, and 10 ! poor Mr. Magic and all his traps were on the ground again. Fortunately he came down right side up and suffered no harm. We remonstrated with the mule, drew the chain tighter, and then wrapped his hcad up in the big coat belonging to his owner. He was not able to see what we were doing, and we did not uncover his eyes until Mr. Magic was all safe and snug. So off they went, and some eight hours later had made the long journey southward without any accident. Once on the way home, a week later, the mule became frisky, and tried to run; but the load began to turn, and two minutes later Mr. Magic and his traps were lying in a wheat field with Mr. Mule on top, his feet sticking up into the air. We all dismounted and had a great time in getting him loose and on his feet again. We had the same trouble in loading up, and, strange to say, Mr. Magic still lives without any broken bones. On other and shorter trips I have hired a man to carry Mr. Magic on his back, as men sometimes carry travellers in other lands.
During the month of May Mr. Magic made seven public appearances, and created the greatest excitement-his coming to a village was like the coming of Barnum's circus. The first threll appearances were in" our school-rooms; but I soon gave that up and took to the threshing-floors. No building could possibly hold all that came, and the crush made anything like a lecture impossible. At one village we tried it in the schoolroom-a place that will hold nearly three hundred people; but everybody wanted to come and everybody came-boys, girls, men, women and babies. We tried to shut the doors and keep the audience quiet, but the crowd outside kept on increasing until they pressed upon the doors and windows, carrying both doors and windows off their hinges inward. Some of the chief men of the village went out and beat the people over the heads with clubs, but a minute or two later it was as bad as ever. I tried to quiet them, but soon became hoarse, so I pushed the views through rapidly, and as each picture fell upon the screen I pounded upon the table, or put the cap on the lantern, and so got quiet long 4ilnough to announce the name of the view. They were all mightily pleased, and thought nothing of the noise and confusion, being accustomed to that in their churches, and always at weddings.
After that I went to the threshing-floors-great open spaces round the villages-set up the screen, and soaked the canvas with water, and then people saw from both sides the same. At Qaroim there were from seven to eight hundred people present, and some of them sat directly beneath the screen, where they could not see anything at all. The sights at each place go beyond description j in no place had anything like a lantern ever been seen. Fully a thousand boys and girls in our schools clapped their hands over the pictures, and perhaps twice as many men and women. Mr. Magic behaved very well j and even if he should never appear again he would be distinguished all his life, for these people will never forget his coming.
The people insisted on making a feast at nearly every place. At one village the teacher made a dinner. Four of us sat on the floor round a low wooden table. On this was placed a large brass waiter more than two feet in diameter j on it were four plates of pounded rice, four bowls of milk, four small plates of sugar, and in the ceutre one large plate of bn..tter without any salt in it. Beside each one on the floor were five or six thin flat loaves of bread. We had neither knife, fork, nor spoon. After a blessing we tore pieces from our loaves of bread, and with them dipped up the cooked rice, and drank from our bowls of milk. But the great dish was the butter. There must have been three pounds of it. The way we di~ posed of this was to take a small piece of bread, hold it between thumb and fingers, pinch off a piece of butter, dip it into the fine pounded sugar, and then eat it. At Qaroun we had a feast of another kind. We had neither knife nor fork, nor had we waiter or stool. Everything was placed on the floor in front of us. They had killed a small kid, stuffed it with rice and pine nuts, and had cooked it whole. It was served on the dish in which it had beeu cooke'd, and I separated the parts by main strength, using my pocket-knife when things did not come apart easily. It was well done, and was as tender as anyone could have asked for. With it we ate rice and bread and some strawberry jam from a tin I had carried from Zahleh.
But the most striking experience that I have had on account of Mr. Magic was not of a pleasing character, and might have ended very seriously had not God kept me from harm. I treated the people of a village named Gedeitha to an exhibition, and haying to make a journey to Damascus the next day, I resolved to ride home that night after the entertainment was over. I left the village at 9.30 P.M., and a few minutes later was attacked by three robbers, who had followed me from the village for that purpose. They were armed with clubs and knives. One seized my bridle-rein, and the word was given to rob me. Of course I objected, but had nothing other than my rawhide whip with which to defend myself. With this I beat them right and left, and managed to keep two of them off, and to retain my own seat in the saddle. For five minutes we struggled j they cut my rein, lifted up their clubs again and again j but I answered only with blows. One worked constantly at my saddle-bags, and, failing to loosen them, they'
JERUSALEM'S CRYING WANTS
whipped out knives and began to slash. Blows of the knives reached and cut my Bible, and in the struggle came within a few inches of my person. At the same time they grabbed for my pockets and my watch. One seized the chain j I put one hand on the watch, and with the other struck: the man j the chain parted and went with the man, but I kept the watch, as also my purse. Tiring of the struggle, they at last tore the saddle-bags asunder and fled away. I marked two of them and the direction they took. I rode back to the village, told my story, organized a search party, and then rode on home, rousing the soldiers and the governor on my way. By prompt action we soon caught the men j later on they confessed, the chain was delivered up, the torn saddle-bags recovered, and the men placed in prison. The trial followed rapidly, and two days ago the men were sent prisoners to Damascus, where they will receive a heavy sentence. They were taken from the local prison here, their hands securely fastened between two pieces of wood, and this wood in turn fastened to the halter rope of the soldier's horse. They were then compelled to go walking beside the armed soldiers forty miles away to Damascus. Truly" the way of the transgressor is hard."
And now Mr. Magic Lantern has come to Baalbec, and if all goes well, this evening he will delight some more children, and go on doing good, I hope, for many years. We always close with a picture of the Bible House in New York, and a talk about spreading the Bible.
How simple and yet how beautiful it is to do good! May God lead each one of you to give your hearts to Christ and your lives to His service j and may you all be ready to suffer hardships as good soldiers of the cross.
JERUSALEM'S CRYING WANTS.
BY A. BEN-OLIEL, JERUSALEM, PALESTINE.
[From Rabbi Ben-Oliel's circular letter we give space to the following extracts.-EDITOR. ] 1. There is no one among the missionaries in Jerusalem, nor has there been anyone for long years, that can preach the Gospel of the grace of God to the Sephardim-Spanish Jews-in their vernacular-Judeo-Spanish j or that can converse freely and intelligently with them in that dialect. But yet the Sephardim are the oldest Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem, the most learned and religious, the most civil, the most accessible to the Gospel messenger and his message of glad tidings, and are less bigoted and bitter toward Christianity than the Ashkenazim-Russian Jews, Polish Jews, etc.
Now, Judeo-Spanish I know from childhood, and in 184£-50 I translated St. Luke's Gospel and a variety of tracts into that dialect, as also others in Hebrew, Spanish, and English. Two native helpers can converse in Judeo-Spanish, one of whom attributes his conversion to the Lord Jesus to attending my Judeo.Spanish services in Smyrna Ilhortly after the Crimean war j but his special duties occupy his time and attention fully.
2. There is no missionary in Jerusalem that can converse in Hebrew with the rabbis, who are so numerous j or that can even quote the Old Testament Scriptures fluently in the original, excepting some native help- ers j and much less anyone acquainted with rabbinic literature and dogmas. Yet thh! is a very essential-an indispensable-qualification for a preacher of the Gospel to the Jews j and it is well known that learned Jews prefer the sacred tongue in religious conversation or discussion. Still, the Liturgy is read in Hebrew every morning in Christ Church.
The London (Episcopal) Society for Jews has a strong mission in Jeru- salem, at an expenditure of some £7000 per annum, but there is no fully qualified missionary to the Jews in Jerusalem. …
Many Christian travellers have carried away very strong impressions on this subject after visiting Jerusalem. One of them, Mr. W. Mortimer Clark, Q.C., of Toronto, wrote to me from Jerusalem: " My impressions here lead me to believe that anything like active evangelistic work among the Jews does not exist in Jerusalem, and that there is ample room for more· effort. The various manifestations of Chris. tianity are more likely to repel than attract the Jew."
" Ample room" there is unquestionably. The British consul estimated the Jewish populatIOn of Jerusalem at 40,000 j but the Rev. C. T. Wilson, of the C. M. S., who has resided here the last seven years, has been .assured by enlightened local authorities that the number of Jews actu1111y in Jerusalem cannot be much und~r 60,000 j and they keep coming constantly, and about one half are Sephardim.
Jerusalem is a Babel of diverse tongues. From 20 to 30, it is said, are spoken within its precincts. Among the Jews the following are in requisition, for there are Jews from all lands here ; and I name them in the order of their relative importance, marking with an asterIsk those in which I can preach or converse more or less :-* Judeo-Spanish, Judeo- Polish and German, * Hebrew, * Aramaic, * Arabic (colloquial), * Eng- * * lish, * French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Modern Greek, etc. Considering the friendly way in which the Sephardi Jews have received me in other mission fields-Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Turkey in Europe, and Asia Minor. Gibraltar, Spain, Rome, etc.-and more recently in Jaffa -which has 3000 to 4000 Jews, I may hope to meet with an equally friendly reception from the far larger number in Jerus:;tlem; and I trust from the Ashkenazim also. There is evidence already that it will be so, for before I could go to them, they are calling on me, and among them has been a leading rabbi, who, after conversation, accepted a Hebrew New Testament, promising to study it, and has called frequently since. They are so pleased to find one with whom they can converse freely in the language of their homes, as well as in Hebrew. It is but natural it should be so, for I am more at home with their characteristics·-their disposition, modes of thought, customs, history, literature, and religious idiosyncrasies; and, therefore, in more thorough sympathy with them.
With sincere gratitude to God, I acknowledge the friendly welcome given to me and my family by all the laborers of the London Society, whom I have assured that my most earnest desire is to fill up deficiencies, and to co-operate in every good work for the advancement of the adorable Master's kingdom and glory.
3. There is no place where non-Episcopalian travellers and visitors, whose numbers increase every year-the United States, and even Canada and Australia, contributing a fair proportion-can worship God in the Holy City according to the simpler forms they prefer and are acc<lstomed to; and, consequently, no place where ministers of other de1).ominations can have the unspeakable privilege of witnessing for the Lord Jesus in the city where He expiated the sins of the whole world, and rose again for our justification: here, where the Son of God bled and died, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God: here, where the Lord of glory burst asunder the chains of death, and opened the gates of heaven to all believers.
The Episcopal Mission to the Jews has a handsome church. in which liturgical services are conducted morning and evening every Lord's day. The Church Missionary Society has a beautiful chapel for similar services in Arabic for native converts. The Lutherans have separate services in German, and are now constructing a large church. That the Latins, Russians, Greeks, Armenians, Copts, Moslems, Jews, etc., have superb ecclesiastical buildings-churches, convents, chapels, mosques, synagogues, hospitals, schools, etc.-is well known to all travellers in Palestine and readers of their works.
But Presbyterians, Independents, Wesleyans, Baptists, etc., are nowhere in .Terusalem ! They have not even a hired upper room! But yet a considerable number of the annual visitors are ministers of all denominations. Talmage, William Arthur, Spurgeon, Dale, Radstock, etc., may come and weep over Jerusalem and take pleasure in her stones; but they must hold their tongues! They may not celebrate the Lord's Supper in its scriptural commemorative significance, and" show" the grandest historical event the world ever witnessed, "till He come!" They may not testify to the corrupt, degenerate churches of the East, that there is a purer and truer spiritual mode of worship than is exhibited even by some Protestant churches!
In June, 1887, I wrote: "There are certain localities in which all Christians reel a deep interest, of which they cannot divest th~mselves, and Jerusalem is pre-eminently such a spot. It is sacred ground common to all the Christian world. All honor to the Church of Engiand for the noble work which the London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews, and the Church Missionary Society have been doing for years past in Palestine. But the Holy Land, and Jerusalem in particular, cannot be relegated by the Christian world to anyone church exclusively; aud those Episcopal societies should welcome the co-operation and holy rivalry of other churches and societies, in a sphere which claims and enlists the sympathy and lively interest ot all. "
The Lord has called me to Jerusalem to supply those three crying wants. There is now in Jerusalem AN UPPER ROOM, to hold from 80 to 100 persons, near the Jaffa Gate, and within five minutes' walk of the three principal hotels, where all evangelical Christians may worship God in the city of the Great King, and where their ministers may witness to Divine truth and unalloyed Scripture doctrine; and where the Gospel shall be preached in Judeo-Spanish to the Sephardim, and men of all classes-" to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" –will be welcome to hear the message of red~eming love.
In a few days an inscription-PRESBYTERIAN MISSION-will mark the house to travellers and residents. Some definite designation mu.~t be adopted, and as a Presbyterian, I naturally prefer my true colors, cheerfully extending the hand of fellowship to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. As an illustration of my catholicity, I may mention that, at my earnest desire, TWELVE MINISTERS, representing the Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Independent, Baptist, and Lutheran churches, took part in my ordination in 1852.
This mission and work is at present dependent wholly on the Lord and on the free-will offerings of His people of whatever section or branch of the one Church universal. It is a work of faith and of entire reliance on the gracious promises of our God, who has already raised up some supporters in England and the United States. I solicit, above all, the prayers of God's people. " Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee."
The famous" Siloam Inscription," which ranks near the Moabite Stone in the list of hoary Semitic rolkb, has been stolen. This inscription, which was in the purest bihlical Hebrew, told how the tunnel was excavated which conveyed the water from the so-called" Spring of the Virgin" -the only natural spring in Jerusalem-to the pool of Siloam. This work and the inscription, according to Professor Sayee, date from the reign of Hezekiah, or perhaps from that of Solomon. The inscription was accidentally discovered ten years ago by a young man who fell into the ,water. It was in a dark place on the side of the tunnel, about nineteen feet in from the pool, and was only deciphered after an incrustation of lime deposited by the water had been removed by acid. The inscription has now been cut bodily out of the rock, being broken in the process, and the fragments are said to have been sold to a Greek in Jerusalem.
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
BY REV. C. O. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
To the Editor of the New York Times: SIR: I see that your London correspondent speaks very disdainfully of Bishop Tucker's application to the Marquis of Salisbury for protection to the Protestant Christians in Uganda, especially as this is likely to be accorded. I confess this puzzles me. What ground of complaint has your correspondent against the bishop 1 It is usually supposed that any missionary has a moral right to solicit the protection of his own government for his own converts, in a territory under its suzerainty, as Uganda is under that, of England. Of course your correspondent does not imagine that Tucker has come to ask for repressive measures against the French priests. If he were capable of it, he would understand its futility. But it is news that, under English sovereignty, an English bishop ought to allow the French priests to use repressive measures against him.
I am aware that there are more Catholics than Protestants in Uganda. But the Protestants are numbered by hundreds. Twenty-five hundred came to meet Stanley, and I suppose they .have increased since then. But, more or fewer, have they not as good a right to be as the Catholics 1 Besides, the Protestants came to Uganda a good many months before the French priests, BO that they have the right of priority, which among all honorable missionaries counts for much. It is the Catholics, not they, who are intruders. Cardinal Lavigerie expressly admitted beforehand to the secretary of the Church Missionary Society his obligation to withhold the White Fathers from encroachments on a field already occupied by Protestants. He has publicly signified his agreement with General Gordon that Protestants and Catholics are two divisions of the one army of Christ, who ought not to fire into one another's ranh. If he has now violated his plighted faith, and turned his own words into mockery, his breach of honor has certainly not evacuated any of the rights of the Uganda Protestants.
Your correspondent seems to stand for the position that wherever the Catholics can come in, and by their showy ceremonies tickle the people's fancy faster than the Protestants can touch their hearts, they have a right to driye the latter out. The noble work doing along Lake Nyassa by the Scotch Presbyterians, and eastward of there by the Universities' Mission, is, according to that, entirely at the mercy of Rome. And if the Protestants venture to appeal to a Protestant government against Catholic fistlaw, they are to be reproached with shabbiness and superfluous zeal.
I do not know what religion your correspondent has, beyond a dislike of French atheism. But even if he should be a sort of a kind of a species of a Catholic (which is not probable), most Catholic laymen in our day profess to believe (and in Catholic countries nobly show their creed by their works) that every man who holds a creed agreeable to good morals has an indefeasible right to propagate it. Is not that his position ~ I know that Rome has an organization which makes her a formidable enemy and a profitable friend. As things go, it is no great matter of displeasure if her operations (which are really wide and admirable in the heathen world) are idealized and loudly lauded by the press, which expects to trim its sails to the wind. But surely the matter is pnshed a little beyond bounds whena Protestant bishop is held up to contempt for asking for fundamental rights of religious freedom and English citizenship.
The Catholics and Protestants in Uganda have repeatedly and solemnly pledged themselves not to wrong or oppress one another. All that anybody can imagine Bishop Tucker as asking, or his government as granting, .is that Lord Salisbury shall signify that he will view with displeasure any breach of this compact. Both. Christian parties have shown heroic attachment, even unto the death of fire, to the common faith. The Protestant missionaries are plotting nothing against the rights of the Catholics. The head and front of their offending appears to be that they, first in the field, presume to claim some rights of their own.
If this is not the meaning of your correspondent, pray what is it 1 He expressly holds it up as an indecency for Bishop ,Tucker to claim the right of offering to the natives of Africa" an alternative ritual." Seeing that the alternative ritual, in Uganda, happens to be the Roman Catholic, his own principle recoils on himself. But on whichever side it may operate, it is a strange principle for a man who speaks English to uphold.
CHARLES C. STARBUCK, Associate Editor Missionary Review of the World. ANDOVER, MASS.
EAST INDIES.
-The work of the Rhenish Missionary Society in Sumatra the last year has been more largely blessed than ever before. Five new stations and fifteen or sixteen new out-stations have been founded. The Battas have been so grateful to the Dutch Government for having at length 'yielded to their importunate prayers and allowed the missionaries to come among them, that they have been building fiue roads to facilitate the access, and havE' voluntarily declared themselves Netherlands subjects. Two thousand five hundred heathen have been baptized within the year, and over 5000 more are under instruction. The women and girls are beginning in unwonted measure to desire instruction. Miss Needham, an English volunteer assistant, has been very helpful in this, and the society hopes soon to see her supported by several coadjutrices. Silindury has become a Chrstian country j and this fact, hitherto unknown in Sumatra, is making a deep impression on all the surrounding regions, and occasioning numerous petitions for teachers of Christianity. Several hundred (nearly 700) of the new converts are Mohammedans.
– " In tlie Deccan, though actual conversions"-of fetich worshippers – " have not been numerous, the effect upon the whole community of outcasts has been marked and general. Scattered as they are, a few in every village in the country, there is no part of the province which has not more or less felt the influence of Christian teaching, and the result is not only a general inclination to turn from the gods of terror and uncleanness to the God of love, purity, and truth, but a remarkable social change, which may hereafter bear political fruit, of which time does not now permit me to speak more in detail."-SIR BARTLE FRERE, in Missionary Intelligencer.
-Sir Bartle remarks that, as the results are essentially the same in measure under the labors of Catholics and Protestants, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, an.d Nonconformists, they must be attributed to " the great simple doctrines of Christianity, which all believe-the plain broad precepts of Christian morality which all teach."
– " The following lines from a recent Madras journal show what some of the best Hindu minds are thinking at the present time: " , Wea.ry we are of empty creeds, Of deafening calls to fmitless deeds; Weary of priests who cannot pra.y, Of guides who show no man the way; Weary of rites wise men condemn, Of worship linked with lust and shame; Weary of custom, blind, enthroned, Of conscience trampled, God disowned; Weary of men in sections cleft. Hindu life of love bereft. Woman debased, no more a queen, Nor knowing what she once hath been; Weary of babbling about birth, And of the mockery men call mirth; Weary ~f life not understood. A battle, nut a brotherhood; Weary of Kali yuga years, Freighted with chaos, darkness, fears; Life is an ill, the sea of births is wide, And we are weary; who shall be our guide?' ..
– Oanadiax, Mtssto>lll7"f1 :f.J:nf".
– W e have at hand several copies of The News, a neat little mont,hl;,.- paper representing the American Baptist Missions in Burma and Assam.
It is published at Rangoon. One copy will be mailed to any address in the United States at 60 cents per annum, five copies at $1.25. Subscriptions may be sent to E. P. Coleman, Esq., Tremont Temple, Boston. This lit. tIe paper would bring our Baptist friends into living communication with the land of the Judsons, the Boardmans, the Beechers, the Karens. Even the glorious results among the Telugus cannot deprive Burma of its classic pre.eminence.
Here is an extract: "It was Thursday evening. We sat around the camp fire and talked about a sermon that had just been read. It was pro· posed that we close the day by thanking God for His goodness, and that we also present the especial request that the two women who were held as captives in a heathen village be set free, and that they be delivered without the presence of the missionaries, so that the native teachers may the more fully give the glory to God. Two days later Th'rah Hemmay Klaipo, who was travelling in that region. received a message that if he would come to the village the captives would be delivered up at once. He did so, and the captives were delivered. This was a great astonishment to all the sur· rounding villages, and as a consequence they have decided to call in Chris· tian teachers. It seems as though the whole Bree tribe was coming in. The fear of the Lord has taken hold upon the people. It was in this region that two captive children were. set free last year in answer to prayer."- JOANNA ANnERsoN.
-Periodical Accounts of the Moravians for June says of Kashmir: "Kashmir is no longer isolated. After centuries of oppression and degradation of its people, a change has come for this land of brooks of water, and of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills, a land so beautiful that it seems a garden of the Lord.
"What the Rev. R. Clark, of the Church Missionary Society, says of their mission at Srinagar is relatively true of our own in the tributary province of Ladak : 'Kashmir, by its geographical position, is thrust forward into Central Asia, and is now our outpost of Christianity on this frontier of India. It is the starting-point for travellers to Ladak and Iskardo, Kafiristan, and Tashkend and Lhassa. Kashmir is a great centre, leading to many countries, a highway for the gospel of Christ. We remember that Kashmir once sent forth 500 Buddhists to convert Tibet, and that from Kashmir Buddhism spread to Candahar and Cabul. Our opportunities here are very great. The Kashmir MistJion 8hQuld alway' be maintained by our society in 8trenflth.' "
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
II.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTED BY BEV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Relative Standing of Native Chris- This report shows an increase of na- tians in the Future. tive Christians at school, from over [EDITORIAL, J. T. G.] 40,000 to over 44,000. But that is not all. The ratio of the native Christians God's ways are often very unlike our in school is vastly greater than that of ways. The involutions of His provi- the Hindus and Moslems. This is so all dences are as marvellous as the evolu- over India. For this province the figtions. We plan, but God reaches the ures are very encouraging, Few perend we seek by a way we knew not. sons out of India will measure correctly This finds striking illustration on the such a striking fact as that the percentforeign mission fields. We consider age of Christian girls attending school now the working of God in His own is greater than the percentage of nonway for the uplifting of the Christian Christian boys. In the presidency, as communities brought but recently out a whole, twenty-three per cent of the of the bosom of heathen communities. boys and three per cent of the girls of THE FUTURE HIGH CASTE OF INDIA.. school age are in schooL Taking the native Christian part of the popUlation The Brahmans of India haTe held un- of school age, sixty-one pel' cent of the interrupted sway as the social and re- boys and twenty-eight per cent of the ligious leaders of India. It has some- girls are in school. Of the pupils re- times been the subject of remark that ceiving higher grade education, as rep- the advance of Christianity has not resented by the high-school depart- been among this class in India, and we ments, approaching one fourth (47 out have, perhaps all of us, at times, felt a of 178) are native Christians, only five little as if there were something a shade being European or Eurasian.
discouraging in the fact, and perhaps a To get the force of this, it must be little suspicion has come over ns that remembered that thus nearly one-fourth Christianity mieht, after all, not be able of the higher grade students come from to reach the brain of the heathen races, one-fortieth of the total population.
and thus exhibit a lower vitality than Turning to the colleges, this same one- we could fondly wi.h. fortieth part of the community furnishes It is well to observe, however, that eight per cent of the graduates of the God's ways are not as our ways. "We University. It is easy to see, if this con- must brain Hinduism," said that great tinues, who are to be the learned class man Duff, when he established his great of India in the near -future. The old college in Calcutta. He aimed at its Brahmanic classics are of little practi- head. He accomplished much, but cal value, and if the Brahmans keep the died, not having reached the result he lead in the old indigenous literature desired. He meant to educate the of the land, even then they must take a high-caste people, and conque" India back seat, together with that effete lit- through its head and headship. It is erature. The practical modern scien- marvellous, now, to Bee God's way, and tific and literary courses of study repre- not ours, to reach the end. The Mad- sent the advance guard of the native ras Native Christian Association has re- community itself: that which must cently sent forth a little paper on edu- lead, must direct and control in the cational progress among native Chris- whole public affairs of the country. If tians, which is a summary of the Report anything like the present relative pro- on Public Instruction for the Presi- portion of that kind of knowledge re- dency of Madras, so far as it bears on mains with the native Christian com- ~e JJat~v!l Chpstiall communit!. munity~ it is easy to see who m'llst bll the directors of the civil and political through the native literature in the forces of the land. The native Chris- schools which the Government has sub- tian community must move up into the sidized among the Hindus. The Gov- place occupied by the Brahman class ernment of India has put itHelf in com- through a thousand years. We are munication with all the local Govern- pleased to see this pointed out by the ments in regard to purer text·books.
director of public instruction in his ref- It proposes, as a measure for uplifting erence to the university examinations. the moral teaching of the land, that at He says (the italics are ours) : least one half of every "Reader" in ., I have frequently drawn attention to English or the vernacular used in the the educational progress of the native schools shall be devoted to lessons hav- Christian community. There can be ing a direct bearing on conduct as pre- no question, if this community pursues cept or example. This is something of with steadiness the present policy of immense and radical importance. Few its teachers, that, with the immense will appreciate what it means to India.
advantages it possesses in the way of One familiar with the situation says it educational institutions, in the course is becoming more patent to missionaries of a generation it will have secured a that sensitiveness of conscience as to preponderating position in all the great pro- conduct is essential to the progress of jessio'YIS, and possibly, too, in the indus- Christianity. No native literature is trial enterprise oj the country-in the lat- likely to foster that. The Hindus are ter because no section of the community indifferent as to whether actions are has entered on the new departure in good or bad. The Hindu philosophy education with greater earnestness than does not emphasi7.e blameworthiness.
the native Christians." Pantheism does not and cannot, any- To go back, then, we remark again, where. Hence, there can be little Dr that God has had a way of taking pos- no sense of conviction of sin. This session of the brains of India quite proposition of the Government, there- other than that proposed by Dr. Duff fore, is radically in the teeth of Hindu- and others. It is not so much by ism. It is plain that the standard of bringing the upper classes into the what is right and wrong will he that of Christian college, though that has been the Christian religion. This will mark, done to some extent, but by reaching therefore, a moral revolution of the and elevating the lower and middle conscience force of India. The native classes in the scale till they shall dis- Christian force being, as we have seen, place what was the top of society, and in such preponderance relatively in the themselves take their place, and that in schools, must therefore come to be de- a stronger and progressive civilization. veloped as the strong and leading moral These forces, like so many of the great force of the community of India, as forces of nature and Providence, have well as its leading intellectual and po- operated, and are operating, so silently litical power. Thus the future high that the kingdom cometh" without ob- caste-the native Christian community servation. " -will be strongly impregnated with a But something besides this is being high moral quality, and will be strong done. Dr. Duff laid great stress on the accordingly.
compiling of good, pure text·books for A native paper of Iqdia called The the entire educational operations of the Hindu has seen this tendency of things country, from the lowest school to the concerning the female portion of the highest college class. A good deal of community in India. The editor says: this work has been done, but a good " The progress of education among deal remains to be done. There is still the girls of the native Christian comneed of the displacement of the im. munity, and the absence of caste remOTal :rubbiSh which. has filtered strictions among them will eventually give them an advantage which no amount of intellectual precocity can families in Jerusalem who a few years. compensate the Brahmans for. We re- ago were well off, who are now on the cently approved of the statement of a verge of starvation from this cause. All Bombay writer that the social eminence these things are working together to that the Parsis so deservedly enjoy at equalize the relative positions of Mosthe present moment was due to these lems and Ohristians. The large numtwo causes-namely, their women are bers of travellers and pilgrims, and the well educated and they are bound by ever-increasing interest shown by Eurono restrictions of caste. These two ad- peans and Americans in the Holy Land, vantages slowly make themselves felt are not without inftuence." among our native Ohristian brethren, and it is probable they will soon be the Truly God's ways are not as our Parsis of Southern India; they will ways, but we discover in them very disfurnish the most distinguished public tinct and decided plan. servants, barristers. merchants, and citizens amopg the various classes of The Influence of the Pariah Ohristians the nati ve community." of Southern India on the Ohristianiza- tion of the Country. NA.TIVE OHRISTIANS IN TURKEY. BY BEV. JOHN MOLA.URIN (WOODSTOCK, CAN. A striking illustration of the same ADA), SEC. BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS.
indirect working of the all. directing The remarkable movements toward Ohristianity among these people during Providence, which supernaturally su- the last few years is my apology for the subject of this paper; and fourteen perintends the affairs of the world in years of closest contact with them, first as itinerant missionary and afterward the interests of Ohristianity, is furnished as principal of a theological Reminary, are my credentials for undertaking thi. by the Rev. O. T. Wilson, of Turkey. task.
The work of missions in that empire is By the pariahs I mean that large and important class of people lying socially cErtainly hampered, but a vAry silent between the caste classes proper and the aborigines of the hill districts. It sub.soiling is going on, and Ohristians is evident enough that the pariah bears no relatbn to the aborigines. In phyare gradually assuming a very changed sique, in language,in habits and customs they are wholly distinct. I think it is relation to the Moslems of the land. easily demonstrable that they are not the offspring of individuals ostracized We cannot forbear making a lengthy from the castes of the later Aryans. Before the introduction of Mohammequotation from Mr. Wilson. He says: danism I)r Christianity there was lit- tle temptation to break' caste, and little .. Islam, it is true, still holds the occasion for cutting anyone adrift. sword, but in the declining condition No one is cast off for moral, but only of the country this is a source of weak- for ceremonial defilement, and that was ness, and not of power. Military ser- easily atoned for. vice is compulsory on the Moslem population, while Ohristians are prohibited Besides, the pariahs are far too nufrom bearing arms. This causes a con- merous and were too defined in phystant drain on the M02lems, which is sique, language, and general characterfelt increasingly year by year. In the istics to be the result of a series of villages also (where the bulk of the lapses from caste, 1 ut at the same time population live), a much larger propor- they are too much like the Aryans in tion of the Moslems remain unmarried all these particulars to be other than than of the Ohristians. This is owing to their greater poverty. For, poor as the country is, and bitterly as all classes feel the oppression of the Government, the Moslems are worse off than the Ohristians. Russia has assumed the guardianship of the Greeks, and France of the Latins, and this fact acts as somewhat of a check on the Government. But in the case of the Moslems, there is no one to help them or speak a word for them. The immense inftux: of Jews into Jerusalem and other towns, causing the diversion of much of the trade and busines8 of the natives into their hands. has been severely felt by all classes, but especially by the Moslems. I have heen told, on good authority, that there are many Mohammedall sprung from the same original stock. derful dreams began stirring his sluggish I believe them to be a long previous ir- brain. It took long to move him. He ruption from the home of the Aryan was half deaf because unused to hear, race. They had left their ancestral lind half blind because unaccustomed home before the later civilization had to see; but at length the oft·told tale moulded the people and language with begins to tell upon the dull ear, the their later forms, and had come down wearied eyeballs respond to a glimmer and driven the aborigines to the hills, of light, the rusty intellect begins slowly and were in turn conquered by a later to revolve, the frozen heart to thaw, and wave of their own race. the soul resumes its proper functions- in fact, begins to pulsate with the new In the Telugu country especially they life. are divided into two distinct classesthe mala and the madiga. The latter First these people .came by twos and are the leather·workers ; the former are threes, slowly, timidly and at long in. small farmers, coarse·cloth.weavers, tervals. Then they came in hundreds, coolies, and household servants. The afterward by thousands, and now they madiga is negatively wicked, the mala are taking the kingdom by violence, positively so; the madiga is docile, rushing in by the tens of thousands. easily governed, and inclined to be religious ; the mala is self assertive, diffi- II. The Attitude of the Missionary focult to manage, but has more brain wards this Movement.-At first the mis· power. Both classes are very ignorant, sionary was sorely puzzled. This was very superstitious, and exceedingly im- so utterly opposed to his ideal methods. moral. It was the intellectual Brahman, the shrewd merchant, or the docile but It is from among these people that wealthy Sudras he wanted. It was tens of thousands are now flocking into dreams of keen intellectual contests the kingdom. What influence are they with these sons of an ancient philoso. going to have upon the final collapse of phy which disturbed his rest, but in. Brahmanism and the Christianization stead here is this clamoring throng of of India? unclothed, unwashed pariahs. These degraded, ignorant, immoral hordes, I. There was a Period of P'I'eparaiion. what shall. he do with them? Open -The stage was being fitted for the the doors of the kingdom and let them man and the man fitted for the stage. in! How could he ? If he allows these God sent the British nation to set the in, farewell to his dreams of conquest pariah free, theoretically free at least, among the higher classes ; but accus· from a species of serfdom to the higher tomed to consult the Oracle, he went to classes. Few nations dare give as much the Book and read, ., Go out into tho freedom to their civilized subjects as the highways and hedges and constrain British do to their semi·civilized hea- them to come in, that my house may be then subjects; not that many English full." There was nothing to do but officials look upon the Hindu in any open wide the doors and let them in. other light than as a " nigger." But the conservatism of the mission. Then the missionary came upon the ary was a blessing in disguise. It made scene, and not only told the pariah a him ready to divine the dangers con· wonderful story of a wonderful God and nected with the influx of such multi. more wonderful Saviour, but also told tudes, and to take measures to provide him and showed him how to become a against them-the danger of a whole· free man in deed hnd in truth. He sale relapse into idolatry, the danger of went into the courts and set in motion liberty running into license, and the the mighty machinery of the empire on danger of these people falling a prey to his behalf, and got justice for him. It designing leaders of evil. To avoid this began to dawn upon him that he was a the missionary requirE!6 to be careful ; – man-new hopes, new fears, and won. (a) That, as far as can be Ascertained, learns to do is to wash his face and each Case is one qf Genuine Conversion.- comb his hair. His wife does the same.
There must be a oredible evidenoe of Then he clothes himself and family.
suoh a ohange. This must be insisted Still further, under the advice of and .on. To aocept a person who gives no maybe pressure from the missionary evidence of a radioal ohange of heart is he repairs his house and keeps the ap.
a fatal mistake. Not only is he not a proaches to it clean, especially when source of strength, but he is a sJ)uroe of expecting an episcopal call. A little positive danger. Faith in Christ is the education and a great deal of advice only anohor whioh oan hold a heathen make him a more provident farmer, a to Christianity. I believe that history better husband and father, a better ser- demonstrates the misohievousness of vant, a more trustworthy coolie, and village or tribal oonversions. We oan his heathen neighbors see and feel this.
polish a dead organism, but only a liv. (b) Their Manliness or Independence is ing one oan be made to grow. Telling.-This is not pleasant at first to (b) To Train a Native Ministry,-This the high-caste man. The Ohristian is essential. No other ministry will will not work on Sunday for him, will do. We oannot graft an alien ministry not lie nor swear falsely in court for upon these churohes without destroying his benefit, will not eat his diseased them. Then, also, this is an outlet for cattle, neither to please him will he the developing life. It must be a trained burn his neighbor's house nor beat ministry; not merely an eduoated min- him with a stick for a few pieces of istry, trained in pastoral work, in evan. money. In his rage the caste man per- gelistio work, and in general Christian secutes him, boycotts him, and swears work. These ohurches and their pas. false cases on him in court, but finally tors and teachers should have all the gives up in despair and begins to won· liberty possible, oompatible with a firm der why. When he finds out the rea· but unfelt hand in shaping their Chris. son why, he is impressed with it.
tian life and views of divine truth. (c) Their General Intelligence has a (c) To Train and Help the Peaple to Strong infiuence.-These men and women Self support.-SelI-relianoe must be a cannot come in contact with the mis- cardinal principle with the. missionary. sionary for years without their knowl.
I believe that just here was made the edge of the world and passing events vital mistake of our century in foreign being vastly increased. And especially missions. They ought to remain in those points of interrogation –the their own villages. They ought to school.boys-cannot sit at the feet of a build their own churches and school. live missionary for five or six years and houses, support their own pasiors and not know more than anyone in their teaohers, educate their own children, native village, high or low.
and assist largely in every Ohristian Many a time the preacher or teacher enterprise. There is no comparison is called aside by a group of caste idlers between the robustness of Christian char- and asked the news of the day. These acter developed under this system and things are telling more powerfully upon that under the subsidized Ohristian these people than if the Christian were village system. Now with tens of thou. a caste man. The pariah Christian is sands of these people undergoing these insensibly rising in their estimation, processes, while living in daily contact and his religion rises with him.
with millions of their high-caste fellow- (d) Their Christian Character Acts creatures, what is this influence likely to be ? Powerfully.-But, after all, it is the 1. It is having a Profound Present Christian character of these people influence. which is telling upon their neighbors.
(a) Their Material Prosperity Tells.- The change is neither seen nor appre- The first thing the Christian pariah ciated at first. They do not seem to expect a change, but when a man stops cohesion, and in wealth. Thesll drinking cullu (liquor), stops rolling churches, these schools, these colleges, vile words from his tongue, stops beat- these debating clubs and literary soci- ing his wife, burning his neighbor's eties are all repositories of power and house or poisoning his cattle, no longer rapidly increasing power, too. Those cheats nor swears falsely in court, pays thousands of primary schools, dotted his debts and becomes honest and trust- all over the land, may seem very insig- worthy-then the people begin to think. nificant indeed when taken singly, as When he meekly bears insult and re- indeed they are; but as the nuclei turns good for evil, when he speaks around which this ever-increasing force kindly to the poor and helps the outcast is gathering they are exceedingly for- and beggar, when he reads God'B Word midable.
and praYB regularly with hiB family, and . As starting-points they are small, when some of them give one-tenth of but they lead on to the boarding- their income to the Lord, to Bupport school, the college, the university, and the religion he professes, and when on by and by into the professor'Bchair, the every proper occasion he testifies to the judge'B bench, the editor's sanctum, or love of God to him, then tho people feel the legislator'B seat. They are the lit- that a new element has entered into tle springs which feed the tiny rivulet, their life. When they see such an one which fills the little streams which in calmness and confidence and often- make the mighty river which refills the times with joy pass away to what he boundless ocean.
fully believes to be a home of bliss with Those little boys sitting on that earth- his God, they are profoundly impressed en floor, writing seemingly meaningless with the conviction that here is some- hieroglyphics, may seem powerless thing beyond their experience. The enough, but some day they will be caste people often acknowledge the pres- stUdying history, sacred and profane, ence of thiB change in the people. Some will be puzzling their brains over the are deeply and favorably impressed philosophies of the past and the pres- with it, while others bitterly resent it. ent, will be the leaders, the trusted Some years ago in India some caste Christian leaders, of Hindu Christian people, after having expelled one of the thought, and some day further on their native preachers from their village, sent sons will be the rulers of an emanci- me the following message: "Tell the pated Christian Indian Empire.
Dhora," said they, "that if he comes I do not overlook the fact that otber to our village to preach this Gospel we elements are at work. The so-called will make a foot-ball of his head." Soon godless education of Government col- after, having occasion to visit that vil- leges and universities, the Bemi godly lage, I called these people and asked education of Christian educational in- them what they meant by such a mes- stitutions, the Brahmo-Somaj, the Eng- sage. Apologizing for their rudeness, lish and vernacular press, the Bible, they said: "You have come here to book and tract societies, the English put these pariahs upon our shoulders" official and unofficial classes, godly and -that is, to educate the pariahs above ungodly, the railways, telegraphs and them. They knew what the result post-offices-all these are preparing would be. I told them, Yes, that is my India for the great revolution which is purpose if you do not believe the Gos- to be ; but some of these elements are pel and get elevated too. antichristian, many of them are color- 2. It is Going to Have a Greater Il1flu- less, and but few of them positively ence in the Future. Christian in their tendency. In that These Christians are not only grow- day we shall need more than religious ing in numbers daily, but they are leanings-Christian tendencies or influ- growing in intelligence, in power, in ences •• which make for righteousness." VIe shall need Christ in men and wom- with skill, Then, let the conflict come en, divine truth incarnate in regenerate when and how it may, we shall be pre- Bouls, living epistles known and read pared for it, and under our Leader, the of all men, men and women whose lives Lord Jesus Himself, India shall become are the best testimony to the principles His possession. they profess. In the midst of the turmoil and anarchy which are sure to God will hasten it in His time. come, there will be need of cool heads and brave hearts, need of men who The Jews and Jerusalem, [J. T. G.] have faith in God and the Gospel. An unusual interest obtains just now The Ohristian converts of India will in regard to the Jews. Mr, William E. again prove to be the salt of the earth. Blackstone, of Chicago, kindly furnishes The missionary will be there in ever- us with a large budget of fresh items increasing numbers. The Christian concerning them, from which we select official, military as well as civil, as well some statements. The diagram of Jeruas the Christian trader will be on hand salem needs only the explanation that and will do valiant service for the Mas- the solid line represents the wall of the ter, but what are they among BO many? city, which is about two and a half Only generals for the army of the Lord. miles around. For centuries no one Whence are we to look for the rank and dared live outside of this territory from file? To the converted HinduB them- fear of robbers. The dotted line is selves. Comparatively few of the higher Jeremiah's" measuring line." classes have become obedient to the faith. Noble specimens many of them Up to 1841, only three hundred are, but they are so few. For either Jews were permitted to live in Jerusaaggressive attack upon heathenism or lem. Then that restriction was refor resistanc~ they are comparatively moved, but they "were still confined insignificant. My conviction is that to a narrow, filthy district of the city, the shock of battle must be met by the next to the leper quarters." regenerated hosts from Madura, Tinnevelli, ,Ongole, Burma, Assam, the late In 1867. by a .. firman" or edict of ingatherings along the Gangetic Valley, the Sultan, this restriction was reand other places, all these multiplied a moved, and the Jews, in common with thousand-fold. The Hindu propaganda other foreigners, were allowed to puris already flinging itself across the path chase and own land in Palestine withof this advancing tide, but in vain, out becoming subjects of the Sultan. Like the ancient warrior opposing the From this time the number of Jewish ocean's tide with dirk and targe and settlers has rapidly increased, When broad claymore, it is either retreat or the late anti. Semitic agitation broke death, out in Europe, especially in Russia, the Turkish authorities feal'ed that the Are these people ready for the fray Jaws would coUe to Palestine in such now? No; neither is the fray ready overwhelming numbers as to cause for them; but whatever the character of famine, etc., and issued a firman that the conflict, whether semi·political or no Jew coming to Palestine could rewholly spiritual, we must be prepared. main more than thirty days, To this The forces must be largely increased, the United States consul took exceptiont thoroughly organized and disciplined. on the ground that his Governmens The churches in Christian lands must made no distinction in the nationality SAnd their best men and women to the of its citizens. He was soon joined by front, the native preachers and evan- the French and English consuls, and gelists and workers of all kinds mnst be the Turkish Government modified the thoroughly furnished in God's Word, firman by first extending the time to trained to wield the sword of the Spirit three months, and finally, in 1888, by removing it altogether. Since then the Jews are literally flocking into the country, Nine agricultural colonies have been established, and all are pros- pering and well protected.
At the present time, as will be seen by the buildings represented in the dia- gram, Jerusalem is covering this entire area. Great hospices, hotels, churches, stores, etc" have been erected, but most notable of all a multitude of dwellings for Jews, The number of Jews now residing in the inner and outer city is estimated at 30,000, fully one half the entire population, and adding those at JERUSALEM .
.. They shall prosper that love Thee, "-Psalm 122: 6.
Showing wall of the city and the measnring line of J eremiah.-31 : 38-40.
Tiberias, Safed and throughout the Episcopal Church has seven missionwhole land of Palestine, it can hardly aries to Jews, and is also working be less than 50,000, and so, probably, through a portion of their clergy and 42,000 have returned since the year some schools; the Lutherans have two missionaries; the independent Hebrew 1867. This is equal to the number that Christian Mission in New York has one returned from the Babylonian captivity. missionary, and that in Chicago has three missionaries. Surely this is very A railroad is being constructed from little Christian effort for such a people. Joppa to Jerusalem, with projected lines to Hebron, Jericho, Acre, Tiberias The Hebrew Ohristian Mission in and Damascus. And this is being done principally by Jews. Chicago was begun in 1887, under an in- terdenominational cOlnmittee, and was There are said to be 500,000 Jews in llermanently organized in December, the United States, and 4U,OOO in the 1889. It is availing itself of the widecity of Chicago, spread phenomenal willingness of the Jews to read the New Testament in He- In Great Britain, where the Jewish brew, and asks for corresponding mempopulation is little over one·tenth that bers to co·operate in tract and Bible in the United States, there are nine work among Jews in all the larger cities. prominent societies, with several hun- Mr, William E. Blackstone, of Oak dl'ed missionaries and agents working for Israel. In this country we have Park, Ill" is the superintendent.
only the following: the Protestant
EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS
IlI.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
Rev. Dr. George W. Chamberlain, of Dr. Chamberlain asks, "Is that an ab- Brazil, tells the following story: solute doctrine ? As you ride through the roads of Brazil and pass by any cemetery " I met an old Brazilian at the mouth you will see little catacombs outside of of the Amazon ninety years of age, who the walls of the cemeteries, and you will knew much of the Indians. I said, ' Oan inquire what they are. They are the you tell whether there has ever been tombs of children who could not go into any portion of the Gospel translated holy ground because their souls had into the general tongue of the Indians? ' gone to limbo. They died without bap. • No,' he replied; • I am interested in the tism, and they cannot go to heaven. Indians, but I have never known of any They are buried in stone, like the stony part of the Gospel being translated into heart of the holy mother Church that their language. I have a catechism over tells this to the mothers to whom Christ two hundred years old, translated into said, • Let the little children come unto their tongue hy the Jesuits.' He says, Me.'" • Take the book and use it. I am too old to do anything more; take it and A circular letter has recently been do something for the Indians.' As I sent out to pastors and elders of the opened it on the high seas between Para United Presbyterian Church, calling atand New York I came upon a page with tention to the fact that tbe General Asthese questions: 'How many places are sembly of 1891 has voted a total of ap. there to which the soul at death can propriations to the various boards of go?' 'There are four.' • What are $312,000, or an average of $3.23 per they? ' 'Hell, purgatory, limbo of the member-a little over one cent per fathers, limbo of the children.' • What working day-and suggesting the fol· is hell? ' • Hell is a fire in the centre lowing means as helpful to the raising of the earth, to which the wicked go at of this amount: death.' • What is purgatory?' • Pur. gatory is a fire above that of hell, to FIVE SUGGESTIONS. which the souls of the holy go that they may get satisfaction for sin for which First. Let the pastor or " Stated Supthey did not get satisfaction in this ply" call together the members of his life. ' • What is the limbo of the fa. Session for prayer and consultation. thers?' • It is a cavern above purga· Speak to them of Christ's" Great Comtory, to which the souls of the holy mission" and of their obligations to fathers went formerly, before that Jesus help carry it out, and that the Boards Christ was manifested in the flesh to of our Church are the chief agencies take them out.' On the margin of this through which this Commission is carcatechism some one had written op- ried into effect by the Church. posite the definition of the limbo of the fathers words in Portuguese which, Second. At this same meeting speak translated, read, •It is now for rent.' I of and discuss the New Testament rule read that to a friend in New York, and of gi,ing, 1 Cor. 16: 2. Pray over it. he said, • It will do for the brethren of Then, if not already done, let each the new theology.' The catechism con- member of Session, knowing his privitinued, "What is the limbo of the chilo leges and feeling his obligations, redren? ' Oh, ye mothers, hear! It is solve to devote at least the one tenth of a cavern above the limbo of the fathers, his income to the Lord, or to give" as into which the souls of little children God hath prospered him." If time is who died without baptism go ; a land asked by any of the members of Sesof darkness and of the shadow of death, sion for further consideration of the to wander forever," subject, grant it, and call another meet· ing in one or two weeks, Third. When this is done, present it were yet continued. A missionary the whole subject of " missions" and of writes that of late it has greatly increased to New Caledonia, and is continued to "Christian giving" to the members of Fiji, causing much suffering and opthe congregation. Let them know of pression to our poor islanders, greatly the resolve taken by the members of hindering our work and rapidly depopu- Session, and then earnestly ask them to lating the islands. The traffic grieves join you in devoting at least the one us exceedingly, and we have done all we tenth of their income to the Lord, or to can by exposing its evils-its curses, both to the islanders and collectors and give" as God hath prospered them." all engaged in it-to get it suppressed; Present the subject of giving not only but by man's selfish greed it goes on. as a duty, but as a high privilege. Let Yet Heaven will reckon with us and all giving be regarded as an act of worship. engaged in it for all the oppression and bloodshed caused by it. We missiona- Fourth. Commence the raising of mis- ries and our Victorian church have pro- sion money early in the year. Do not tested against it, exposed its cruel atrociunder any circumstances postpone the ties in every way possible, petitioned matter until the middle or close of the the British Government again and again to suppress it ; but self interested sugar- year. planters and employers of cheap labor Fifth. We desire to emphasize the get it carried on. fact that it is the regular, stated, Bys- As Britain now forbids her traders to tematic giving of the many that is of spe- use as trade with the natives of those islands fire-arms, ammunition, intoxi- cial benefit to the Church and to the in- cating drinks, and opium, and the inter- dividual. Every member should be island labor traffic; and as the traders encouraged to give something. Some of all other nations use these and the interesteil Kanaka labor traffic, which is may not be able to give the full " gen- one of its most cruel, oppressive branch- eral average," $3.23, in addition to what es, there has been and is now in our colothey give to support the ordinances in nies a cOD!'!iderable agitation to get our their home congregations. A large ma- British prohibitions applied to all traders of all nationalities, or rescinded by Great jority, however, can. Very many can Britain. On the platform and in the give a much larger amount. But all press I have strongly opposed the reshould have a part in carrying forward scinding of any of them, and pleaded for the mi98ion work of our Church. them to be applied to all traders, in the interests of humanity and the honor of We commend this as a move in the Britain. In this I have been supported right direction, which all might imitate. by Bishop Selwyn and His Excellency It emphasizes prayer, Bible teaching, Sir John Thurston, H. M. High Comprivilege as well as duty of giving, missioner for the Southern Pacific. But if we shall succeed in getting all the promptness of effort. and regular, nations interested to agree to such re- habitual, systematic, and individual co- strictions with their traders is very doubtful. If America would agree, nearoperation. We look for large results. ly all the others have signified their willingness to agree to such prohibi- From a letter from Rev. J. G. Paton, tions in trade.. A missionary now writE'S to me : "In one large district of late we the author of one of the greatest of mis- have made very little progress, owing to sionary biographies, a friend sends us the sad drink curse. The traders the following: around there have been busy pushing this trade, and a few of our church· MORELAND GROVE, COBURG, members have been implicated in the VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, July 2, 1891. drinking bouts and .mspended in con- The shocking Kanaka labor question sequence. This has forced us tempo- gives us missionaries great concern. It rarily to suspend some of our itinerat- was to have been closed to Queensland ing services for lack of preachers; but by Act of Parliament in the beginning there seems to be a reaction, and I hope of this year; but a few days ago, on God will strengthen our Christian na- June 27th, R. dismasted Kanaka labor tives to follow after holiness; but my vessel entered the capital, Brisbane, heart bleeds for the hret1)ren who, with- with seventy-three islanders, for their out Christian influences or anyone to suger plantations, which appears as if guide them, are easy victims to traders' greed and their own evil passions. during the last May meetings, and heard Drinking our intoxicating drink is now with what applause the proposition to being added to tpeir every heathen associate the women with the men in ceremonial, with what sad results I their great missionary societies (boards) need not tell you. This is decidedly was welcomed. the greatest curse that so-called civiliza tion is bringing to these shores; and "The ladies have shown their effi. both in the islands and the colonies we ciency, their ability, their power, and need to do all we can to resist it. The zeal in their own independent societies, sale of arms, dynamite, etc., to the but they lack the presence and support natives is nothing to it, and on quite a of their fathers, their brothers, and different footing. I know of much in_ their sons. Indeed, in some of the justice, and cruelty, and bullying hav- churches the whole cause of foreign ing been carried on by worthless men missions is relegated to the ladies. against the poor natives, who had meekly to submit to such injustice because "How shall we remedy this grave any vagabond foreigner, as a trader, mistake? may have magazine rifles, etc., and the oppressed popUlation of the soil is de- ,. God's triple command, 'Go ye into prived of and unable to defend his just all the world,' 'Pray ye the Lord of rights to land, to his home, and to all the harvest,' and • Bring all your tithes that is dear and sacred to him." into the storehouse,' was spoken to the whole church. God needs His sons aE Bible Translation in Japan. well as His daughters to help evangelize the world A correspondent writes as to the arti. "If more closely associated in this cle in the September issue, on the Bible glorious work, would it not go forward with accelerated speed, and the pro. and its introduction iuto Japan, that voking of one another to good works fulfil the prophecy of universal mis- Dr. I. C. Hepburn is justly put at the sions ?" head of the list of those who have the honor of doing this work of Bible trans. Missionary Maps. lation. I enjoyed the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with this pioneer Information is always in place; but missionary and dictionary maker for the people are won quite as much Japan, and his colleagues, S. R. Brown through Eye.gate as through Ear.gate. and the Gulick family, and some others, We cannot reproduce pictures of mis. among whom was Nath9.n Brown, who sion buildings and scenery; we canre· made a version of the New Testament produce maps. in the two languages of Assam and Japan, and performed honorable mis· Almost all churches where there is sionary work in both. The omission of any missionary life observe the Month. his name among the translators in ly Concert for Prayer. If you could Japan, together with the allusion to Dr. give us occasionally in the REVIEW a Bettleheim and the sentence .. con- correct map, showing the principal mis. temptible criticisms spoken in Tremont sion stations in the field, we could use Temple," may give to the reader the it to good advantage. impression that the MISSIONARY REVIEW is not for the world, but for a sect. which Perhaps others who read the REVIEW I am sure the editor would not endorse. have suffered as I did for a map. If they will only make up their minds to Yours in the service, have one they can have as good a one WILLIAM DEAN. as they could buy, and that at a merely nominal cost. I found directions in an NATIONAL CITY, CAL., August 15, 1891. old number of the REVIEW, but they were from an Englishman, referring to Assooiate Mission Boards, English colors, and not within my pos· A correspondent urges the formation of some new foreign mission boards composed of both men and women.
.. They are working that way in Eng.
land now, and shall America lag behind in any scheme for the advancement of the kingdom?
"We were ill EJl:eter Hall, London, sibility. So here is what I did, with size. It would be safe to say that where the cost thereof. one makes a set of maps for use during the year they will not cost more than a Three yards of unbleached sheeting, dollar apiece. nine quarters wide, at 22 cents; that gave me a piece of cloth six feet by nine This is only a voice from a country on which to work. Tack it lightly to the parish. I believe good maps will be floor, having laid newspapers under. appreciated and used by all who are neath. Prepare a sizing of one·quarter interested in missions. Will you help pound of white glue to a gallon of boil. us if you can? ing water, and when dissolved apply smoothly and thoroughly to the cloth. AUSTIN D. WOLFE. Raise the wet sheet, remove the papers STATE CENTRE, IA., July, 1891. (or they would be glued fast), and reo tack the sheet. Five hours will dry it. -A letter received from Miss Romig, With lead-pencil and ruler rule straight of Berthelsdorf, near Herrnhut, Gerlines over the map which is to be en· many, corrects a few misstatements in larged, dividing the whole surface into regard to the Moravian Church, and squares; I ruled mine at intervals of which appeared in the July number of one degree, so as to have geographi~al the REVIEW. measurements handy. With a stick of drawing charcoal, a carpenter's square, " 1. The Unity's Elders' Conference is and a long straight stick for ruling, comprised of twelve members and three square off the sheet just like the small secretaries-fifteen persons in all. map. Then trace the outline carefully Four of the elders form the educational and lightly with charcoal. Use ultra. department, four the financial, and marine blue ground in oil for the coast four thA missionary. The secretariesline and thin it with turpentine, so one for each department-have no voice that it will work; it dries instantly. in the affairs of the boards and no re- Raw Sienna will make the mountains; sponsibility, their duties being purely add silver white to the blue, and make local. a light blue for the rivers; vermilion will do for boundary lines, and black " 2. The first missionaries to the West for lettering. It took me about two Indies were sent, not to .Jamaica, but days to make the map of Siam from the to St. Thomas. The mission in Jamaica small map in the 1Iay issue of the was not begun till 1754. Church at Home and Abroad, and I could not have bought it if I had wished to " 3. The number of Moravian mission do so. Here is what it cost, without stations is at present one hundred and reckoning the time and labor expended: thirteen, and out-stations twenty.one, and not forty.two as stated." Cts. Three yards sheeting, at 22 cts. . . . . .. . … . . . .66 -The article on missions to Iberian One pound ultramarine blue (enough for peoples, which we published last month, was by Rev. J. M. Allis, D.D., so well fifty maps). .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . . … . . . . . . . . .. . .20 and widely known in connection with One three-inch varnish brush, for the sizing. .25 the Presbyterian missionary work in One quarter pound white glue………….. .10 I::lantiago, Chili. By what trick of the Oue tube each silver white, raw Sienna, machine the author's name got trans_ formed into" Challis." and then escap- ivory black, vermilion….. …………•• .50 ed three or four proof-l'eadings, is inex- Turpentine. . . . . . . . . . .. …. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .05 plicable. We hope Dr. Challis will not, CharcoaL……. ..•………… …•.•…… .05 like the Celt, allow his "feelings to overcome his emotions," when he sees Total ..•._…••.•.•…•••••………. $1.81 the aggravating transmigration his name Not all of this is to be charged up to G.J underwent. rJ. T. this one map, for I have enough paint left to ma}re a !lo~en more of similar
1891.1 THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
IV.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
Syria, Etc. the death, the rising again of our Lord. It was here, that His Churoh was con- BY WILLLUI BRENTON GREENE, JR., D.D. stituted by the desoent of His Spirit; that His disoiples were first oalled Chris- .. Syria is that Asiatio oountry at the tians ; that Peter made the astounding eastern end of the Mediterranean." Its discovery that on the Gentiles also was length from north to south is some 400 poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost, miles. Its area is about 60,000 square and that Barnabas and Saul were sent miles, or nearly one and a quarter times forth as the first missionaries to the that of Pennsylvania or of England. Gentile world. Of what other land is Though it has endured oenturies of mis~ the evangelization so imperative, so inrule and negleot, it is still a goodly land. teresting?
The estimates of its population vary The religion of Syria is called by the widely. The lowest is 1,0UO,000, the government Moslem and non-Moslem. highest e,ooo,OOO. The explanation is The former includes orthodox and Perthat there is a large unoertain and ever- sian Mohammedans, Druzes, Nusaireechanging element, the wandering desert yehs, Ismailiyehs, and all Bedouin tribes, who, to-day in Syria, to-morrow Arabs. The Persian Mohammedans are are far down in Arabia. The fixed popu- the followers of Ali, the son-in-law of lation is in the cities and villages. Mohammed. The Druzes hold to a Damascus has 150,000; Aleppo, some- superstition which sprang in the thing less than 100,000 ; Hums, 20,000 ; eleventh century from Islam, but has Tripoli, 16,000; Beirut, 90,000; Jeru- so far departed from it as not properly salem, 70,000 ; Sidon,7000. As to races, to be ranked with it. They profess one there are considerably over 40,000 Jews. God indefinable, incomprehensible, and There are a few Turks, and from 50,000 passionless. He became incarnate in a to 60,000 Armenians. The great bulk succession of ten men, the last of whom of the population, however, is Arab; was Hakim, Caliph of Egypt, assassinatthe prevalent language is Arabic ; and ed 1044 A.D. With that incarnation the the whole country is under Turkish rule. door of mercy was closed, and no con- verts are now to be made. Hakim, how- Syria has figured prominently in ever, will reappear and conquer the history, both profane and sacred. world. They believe in the transmigra- .. Through it lies the great highway tion of souls. They have seven great between Asia and Africa, whioh has commandments, one of whioh enjoins been so often thronged by caravans of truth, but only among themselves. trade, so often trodden by hosts of They have no faith in prayer. Among war. Pharaohs that flourished before them is a speoiiLl class, the Ockals, who the days of Moses, Assyrian oonquerors, alone are initiated into their deeper mysthe great Alexander, Pompey, Moslem teries. The Nusaireeyehs are a strange hosts, Crusaders, the Frenoh under wildraoe numbering about 200,000, and Napoleon and again in our own time, living to the north of Mt. Lebanon. conflicting Egyptian and Turkish armies They keep their doctrines seoret, and -are all in the procession that has have signs of reoognition, like a seoret moved over or tarried upon the Syrian order. The Ismailiyehs oooupy the soil." More still, here was unrolled the mountains west of Hamah, are few, are anoient revelation of the true God. allied to the Persian Mohammedans in Patriarohs wandered here ; this was in belief, and are desoendants of the peopart the ancient territory of the" Chosen ple known in the time of the Crusades· People." Prophet and apostle lived and as Ass~ssills. The Bedollill Arabs ar~ labored here. Highest of all, here 00curred the life, the toils, the sorrows, less devout and more inclined to scep- found in the perverted doctrines and ticism than other Moslems. spiritual deadness of even the best of the nominally Christian sects. Most The non-Moslems are J eWB, nominal serious of all is the dominant religion. Christians, orthodox Greeks, Papal The Moslem who leaves the faith of his Greeks, Maronites, Jacobites, Syrian fathers does it at his peril. Were this and Armenian and Latin Papists, and not so, his pride and bigotry would tend Evangelical Christians. The orthodox to make him impregnable to another re- Greeks are so called, though Arabs, be- ligion. The very truth to which he cause orthodox members of the Greek holds, the doctrine of the spirituality of Church. The Papal Greeks are converts God, prejudices him against Christianfrom the Greek Church to Romanism. ity; for he identifies it alw'ays with They have, however, made a few those idolatrous corruptions of it with changes. Their worship is in Arabic, which alone he is familiar, Added to and their priests are allowed to marry. all this is the oppression of the Turkish The Maronites represent the ancient Government. Because of it the mission Syrian Church. They get their name has constantly to guard itself against from John Maro, monk, priest, and the violation of contracts. The poverty patriarch, who died A.D. 707. Since the of the people, too, is "their destructwelfth century they have been in close tion." They are kept so poor by taxacommunion with the Romish Church, tion that they have no time to think of though adhering to the Oriental rite. their souls on week-days; and while the The Jacobites are a small body of dis- Moslems have no Sabbath, the members senters from the Greek Church. They of the Oriental churches are encouraged get their name from Jacobus, Bishop of to labor on theirs. This grinding pov- Edessa, who died A.D. 578. Notwith- erty both causes and is much aggravatstanding the various sects, however, of ed by the" emigration fever." So hard which the non-Moslems number, per- are the times that it is estimated that haps, 400,000, the mass of the popula- upward of 12,000 leave Syria yearly. tion are orthodox Moslems or Sunnites, This, of course, increases just so much and look, of course, to the Sultan. not the burdens of those who remain, and only as their political, but also their re- renders them just so much the less susligious head. ceptible to missionary influences.
Of the morals of the people the less In spite of these difficulties, however, said the better. The Druzes, though Syria has for seventy years been the polite, are cruel, fanatical, and, to scene of most faithful missionary effort. strangers, deceitful. The Nusaireeyehs The history of the mission presents are bloodthirsty. Polygamy is common. alternations of success and discourage- Divorce occurs at the will of the man. ment. If there were times of quiet, there Swearing and lying are universal. The were also times of persecution. More Bedouins, though hospitable and often than once has the land seen massacres, magnanimous, are fierce, revengeful, and the mission has produced more than and depraved. The non-Moslems, ex- a few martyrs. Political commotions cept the Jews and Evangelical Chris- have been particularly numerous and tians, are bigoted, idolatroul, and de- peculiarly trying. Of late years the based. 'In general, the population is Russo-Turkish War of 1877, the rebelignorant, narrow-minded, corrupt, su- lion of Araby Pasha in Egypt in 1882, perstitious ; and, as in all Mohammedan and the rebellion of the Mahdi in 1883 countries, woman is held in low esteem. have been most prejudicial, by introduc- ing into the mission fields II new, disor- , The difficulties of missionary effort in derIy, corrupting and hostile element. such a field are great and numerous. So many rival and jealous sects, all call- The instrumentalities employed in ing themselves Christian, constitute a the mission work are the following: serious hindrance. A greater one is 1. Preaching. The way for thifl has pages printed since the beginning, in not been as open as in many countries. 1826, amounts to over 400,000,000. The The Moslems have been specially inac- issues have been of all kinds, religious cessible to it. Nevertheless. it has at and educational. The list of publica- no time been neglected. It is now re- tions includes more than 400 titles. ceiving regular and considerable atten- Among them may be mentioned" Scrip- tion. In Beirut services are held in fi ve ture Interpretation and Systematic places, and there are three evening Theology," by Dr. Dennis; a transla- meetings during the week. A recent tion of the Westminster Confession of visitor to Syria, speaking of the Sabbath Faith, by Dr. Van Dyck; and a "Com- service at Baalbek, says that 27 men, 9 mentalJ' on the New Testament," by women, and 15 boys (all natives) were Dr. W. W. Eddy. The great glory, how- present. 'I'here are in the whole coun- ever, of the press, as of the mission, is try upward of 30 church buildings and the Arabic Bible. Begun by Dr. Eli 100 preaching places, and no fewer than Smith, in 1849, and prosecuted by him 5000 regular hearers, of whom nearly with the aid of Mr. Bistany, a nati¥e 2000 are church-members. How marked scholar, until 1857, it was then taken an advance this is appears in the fact np by Dr. Van Dyck, assisted by the that in 1848 there were only one church, highest native scholarship, and com- three or four preaching stations, and 18 pleted in 1864. A modal of accuracy church-members. and elegance, it has made the Word of Life intelligible, and, from the literary 2. Medical Work. This has lately be- standpoint, attractive to the 180,000,- come a specially prominent feature. 000 whose sacred language is the Arabic. Native physicians are being educated. Meanwhile, Dr. Post, Dr. Van Dyck. and Unti! lately no political restriction others of the medical missionaries have interfered with the mission press. Now, gained great influence by their skill lind however, the Government has waked kindness. The hospital of the Prussian up to the danger in the free circulation Knights of St. John at Beirut, under the of Christian literature, and a strict care of the deaconesses of Kaiserwerth, censorship has been instituted. Most is served by them. In the last year of of the books, including the Scriptures, which we have any report, nearly 10,000 have been officially sanctioned; but the' cases were treated. Patients come from weekly paper has received severe criti- all parts, and carry back with them im- cism, and was temporarily suppressed. pressions of Christian love as well as It is now licensed, but on condition that direct Gospel teaching. The tours of "no adverse criticism be made upon the late Dr. Calhoun and his services at any of the religious beliefs of any of the Tripoli, followed by thosA of Dr. Har- sects of the empire." ri~, have also opened the way for Gos- pel work. Many of the large number 4. The Schools. Though persistently called together by the dispensary at and bitterly opposed by the Jesuits, Tripoli are Moslems, and all hear the these ha¥e proved the most effective of Gospel read and explained before re- the missionary agencies. They have ceiving treatment. Mention should be done more than all others combined to made in this connection of the Leper elevate woman; they have given II Chris- Home at Jerusalem, under the charge of tian education to many thousands of the Moravians. ,. Most of the dear pa- persons; and they have called into being tients here," we read, 'rejoice in being numerous schools supported by the peo- Christians. under the protection of the ple themselves. In all the mission . Saviour, and enjoying the advantages of schools biblical instruction is made His Church." prominent, and the amount of Scripture that can be recited whenever called for 3. The Press. Its work has been great is surprising. The crown of the whole and influential. The total number of educational system is the Syrian Protestant College at Beirut. This is an 5. They hate idols and idolatry with institution of the highest order, and perfect hatred. 6. They reverence law. has academical, theological, medical, 7. They practise total abstinence from pharmaceutical, and preparatory depart- intoxicating drinks. 8. They have no ments. The graduates number more respect for a man who has no religion. than 200, and the attendance of students 9. They have implicit confidence in the is now large. Strictly independent word of an Englishman. 10. They beof the mission, it is thoroughly evan- lieve that Protestantism is the form of gelical and evangelistic in its. aim and faith nearest their own. 11. They aro effect. In addition to the college, there beginning to repose confidence in the are connected with the Presbyterian integrity of the American missionaries. Mission the seminaries for girls at Bei- 12. It is the common belief of the Mosrut, and Sidon, and Tripoli; the board- lems that in the latter days there will be ing-schools for boys in Sidon and Suk- an universal apostasy from Islam, when el-Ghurb, and a hundred or more com- the true faith, as they account it, will mon schools. In these gather 5200 cease to exist. pupils, of whom 1800 are girls. Did we include all the Protestant schools of The following facts also are signifi- Syria !t1J.d Palestine, the number of cant: scholars would exceed 15,000. A system of home study is being established 1. Of the 132 girls attending the Protas a branch of the Chautauqua organiza- estant female school at Sidon lately, 90 tion. and will be a stimulus to the whole were Mohammedans. 2. Of the 4780 intellectual life Of Syria. girls who were scholars not long ago in the Protestant schools of Syria, 1000 The development of this educational were Mohammedans. .. If all other work is remarkable. In 1824 it was means fail to draw them to Christ, it summed up in a class of six Arab chil- may be that the words of Isaiah shall dren taught by one of the missionary yet be verified in their experience, ladies. In 1834 ten young men were • And a little child shall lead them.' " under instruction. Not until 1866 was the college opened. Now more than 200 'THE JEWS. students crowd its buildings. For several reasons they are impor- The question arises, What will be tant and interesting enough to demand the outcome of all this effort? Will this separate treatment. 1. They were God's stronghold of Islam ever be under- .. chosen nation." 2. They have had mined? Aside from the sure word of the most wonderful history. 3. They prophecy that such will be the case, in are rapidly assuming a prominence Mohammedanism itself are elements which is as significant as unique. This which. if fairly considered, bring its is specially marked in their influence in overthrow by Christianity clearly within education, the press, and general literathe sphere of probability. Among ture. So strong has this come to be others, these are mentioned by Dr. H. that such men as the late Professor H. Jesup, of Beirut, whose residence Delitzsch, the late Professor Christlieb, for thirty-five years in Syria entitles him and Professor Godet Ree in it a source to speak authoritatively on this ques- of serious danger to the Christian faith. tion : 1. The Mohammedans believe in In Italy, for example, there are 50 Jewthe unity of God. 2. They reverence ish professors in the universities in a the Old and New Testaments. 3. They land where Jews number only about revere Christ as the greatest of all the 40,000 in 28,000,000. In France the prophets before Mohammed. 4. While highest education is to a remarkable exregarding all but themselves as infidels, tent in the hands of the Jews. In the they have some respect for Christians universities of Germany Jewish profes- sors have increased forty per cent in five and Jews as .. the people Df a book." years. The number of Jewish students has multiplied yet more rapidly. At he is by that fact divorced from the the University of Brtda Pesth, Hungary, other who remains a Jew; and the conof 3100 students, 1072 are Jews, and vert may marry again, but the Jew must that in a country where they form only remain single. Private or family prayer four per cent of the population. As the is fo.bidden except by a license, and natural result of this, according to a synagogue worship is permitted only in leader in the London Times: "A per- towns containing eighty or more Jewish manent epidemic of alarm at iewish dwellings. This outrageous oppression encroachments prevails, to which Vien- has already affected commerce, and has na is as subject as Berlin. . .. The issued in untold suffering. Not a little enlire circle of the liberal professions, is being done to mitigate thil' by Baron as well as finance, is almost in the ex- Hirsch, the Hebrew philanthropist. clusive possession of Jewish practition- Worth from $100,000,000 to $150,000,- ers. Jews are eloquent at the bar and 000, made largely in a railway contract in Parliament. 'l'hey heal the diseases with Turkey, he is pouring out his of Christians and guide their views wealth in providing for those of his race through the press." The late Professor in Russia who are heing expelled from Christlieb is only one of many witnesses their homes. The Russian Minister of to the fact that almost the entire liberal Finance also has lately ohtained a suspress of the German Empire is in the pension of further repressive measures hands of the Jews. It has been stated by pointing out to the Czar the vexatious on good authority that in Paris there is financial results which they might inonly one paper of any note not under volve. Christians throughout the world, JewiRh control. Could more be said to too, have begun to protest. Nor are show how imperative is the evangeliza. the Jewish bankers and brokers inactive. tion of this" peculiar people" ? 2. The return of the Jews to their The interest of this work now clus· own land. This has been much stimuters about three points: lated by the persecution just mentioned. Within three or four years 20,000 have 1. The persecution of the Jews by come to Jerusalem. while the influx into Russia. Since 1881. when Jgnatieff pro· other parts of Palestine has been withmulgated the terrible Jewish laws, the out precedent. There are more than lives of the 5,000,000 of Russian He- 80,000 in the country in all. An era of brews, miserable enough before, have improvement has also begun. Jerusa· been spent in unbroken war against the lem is a new city. The streets have frightful abuse and persecution of the been paved, five hotels have been authorities. The taxes of the Jews are opened, water is about to be introduced, douhle those of other subjects. Numer. large factories have been erected, a ous restrictions and disabilities fetter railroad is almost completecl from Jaffa their activity. They are not suffered to to Jerusalem. With this enlargement enter the civil service, to practise law of population and revival of trade there or medicine, to hold municipal office, or has been a marked increase in the rain. to take part in an election. The num· fall. The factors seem to have been supber of them drafted into the army large- plied to make Palestine, as of old, " the ly exceeds that of the Gentiles, but no garden of the Lord." Jew can hire a substitute or become an officer. They can reside only within 3. The conversion of the Jews. More certain limits, and are not allowed to interest has been taken in this than is own land. Jewish pupils can form no generally supposed. The Protestant more than ten per cent of the number churches have 377 missionaries among in any school, though in many towns them. If, as estimated, there are 6,400,- they are more than fifty per cent of the 000 Jews-this gives one missionnry to population. If a·wife or a husband is every 16,976 Israelites-a larger numconverted to the Russian Church, she or ber in· proportion than among the heathen. The results of this effort lan, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, supportare becoming apparent. Professor De- ed by a society of English ladies. litzsch's Hebrew New Testament has exerted a mighty influence. Jewish- 7. At Brummana, in Lebanon and at Christian congregations are not un- Ram Alia, near Bethel, industrial schools known in the larger cities of Christen- belonging to the Quakers. dom. Notwithstanding sectarian strife and the bitter opposition of Romanism, 8. The Lebanon Schools Committee's there are more than 200 believing Jews Mission, in Lebanon-a. training school in Jerusalem. Most significant is the for boys and one for girls, and several Jewish-Christian movement at Kishch- village schools. ineff, in Southern Russia. Its leader, Rabinowitz, a learned lawyer, who has 9. The Irish Presbyterian Mission at come to the knowledge of the truth Damascus-several churches, and very through the independent study of the vigorous. Scriptures, and who is in substantial accord with evangelical teachers, ad- 10. The Reformed Presbyterian Misheres to his original plan of organizing sion, at Latakia, Antioch. and elsewhere a National Christian Church for Israel, -chiefly among the NUflaireeyeh. in which such characteristics of Judaism as circumcision. observance of Saturday 11. At Tiberias a very successful as the Sabbath, and the like. are to be Scotch mission to the Jews, retained, though not as essentials. He seems to be imbued with the Spirit of 12. The Church Missionary Society Christ, and numbers among his support- (London)-stations at Jaffa, Gaza, Ramers thousands of the Jews of southeast- leh, Jerusalem, Nablous, Es SaIt, Nazaern Europe. Is there not much to war- reth, Haifa. rant the hope that the redemption of Israel is drawing nigh? 13. The London Jews' Society, in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Damasclls, Aleppo, The following statistics of the mis- and elsewherA. sionary agencies in Syria may be useful: 14. The American Bible Society's 1. Preshyterian Board of Foreign Mis- Agency at Beirut. sions, North. See MISSIONARY REVIEW for June, 1891, p. 476. For the sum- 15. The British Foreign Bible Somary below we are indebted to the ciety's Agency at Beirut. Church at Home and Abroad. 16. The Evangelical Mission to Israel 2. Mission of the Established Church at Hebron. of Scotland in Beirut to the Jews, under the care of Rev. G. M. Mackie. 17. A Presbyterian Mission in Jerusa- He has large schools for both sexes. lem, just establish.ed by Rev. A. Ben Oliel. 3. The British Syrian Schools and Bible Mission, established in 1860 by -Dr. Cornelius Van Dyck, of the Mrs. Bowen Thompson and since her Presbyterian Mission at Beirut, has death conducted l;y her sister, Mrs. just finished his Hfty years in that field. Mott -30 schools and about 3000 pu- The occasion of his golden anniversary pils. was taken note of in a most pleasant way by his friends and neighbors. An 4. Miss Taylor'S (Scotch) school in address was presented and gifts were Beirut for Druze and Moslem girls- sent. Delegations came from the Hosvery successful, pital, from the Orphanage, from the native Protestant Church. The Greek 5. The Kaiserwerth Prussian Deacon- Patriarch of Damascus and the Turkish ess' Orphanage for Girls at Beirut and Governor sent messages-the latter anat Jerusalem. nouncing that a decoration would come from the Sultan. All day a stream of 6. Training schools for girls at Shim- visitors of all nationalities and sects poured through Dr. Van Dyck's rooms, greeting him. There is surely some- thing very wonderful in this honor paid to a missionary whO' has wrought fifty years for Christ.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Organized Missionary Work and Statistios' Edited by Rev. D, L, Leonard, Bellevue, O.
-In the tables summing up in fignres -Of course, no summing up of misthe work done by the various mission- sionary work would be at all complete ary societies of America and Europe, a which did not include the doings of the large number were, for various reasons, Propaganda at Rome. As to the amount necessarily omitted, but not at all be- of money expended, Cardinal Lavigerie cause the sphere they fill is nnimportant estimates that Protestants contribute or ungermane. In the aggregate their annually about twenty times as much as income is very great, and the effect of Roman Catholics. Five years ago, actheir operations is broad and far reach- cording to an authority quoted in the ing. Such as the Salvation Army, "Concise Dictionary of Religious which is said to raise annually $2,250,- Knowledge," Rome had 2,745,000 ad- 000 j the Mildmay Home and Foreign herents in mission fields proper, with and Medical Mission, whose income is 3634 priests and 4502 schools, And, ac- $115,000; the McAll Mission, almost cording to the report of the Propaganda $90,000 ; the East London Institute for for 1890, and omitting British North Home and Foreign Missions of H. Grat- America and the United States, the adtan Guinness, $60,000 j the Edinburgh herents on missionary ground number Medical Society, $30,000 ; the Christian 3,314,000, the priests 3848, and the Vernacular Society, $20,000; for the schools 7593. And of this Catholic Blind in China, $12,000 ; the Lepers in population, 1,077,500 are found in India India, $11,000, etc. If all such were and Ceylon. 694,000 in Indo-China, in.cluded, the aggregate income would 568,000 in the Chinese Empire, and 398,- be not much less than $3,000,000. 900 in Africa, including Madagascar.
-The twenty.sixth anniversary of the -Nothing is more certain than that Salvation Army was held in London, the spread of the kingdom of God in July 7th. General Booth said, in his heathen lands is dependent upon the address, that the Army now comprised maintenance and prosperity of the 4289 societies (of which 1200 were out- churches within the present pale of posts), with 10,449 commanding officers. Christendom; and, therefore, that giv- Of these, 1383 corps and 152 outposts, ing for the local church, for the frontier, or 1535 religious societies, with 4649 the foreign. born population, and the deofficers, were in Great Britain, and 1705 graded in the cities is really helping to corps and 1049 outposts, or 2754 socie- carry the Gospel to every creature. Only ties in all, with 5800 officers, were out- it is a great matter to make a proper side the United Kingdom. During the division of the funds received, to beyear there had been an increase of 252 stow upon the foreign work its fuJI procorps and 1281 officers. Of the War- portion. The total giving of the Estab- Ory, 312,525 copies had been circulated, lished Church of Scotland reaches and 129,350 copies of the weekly Ohil- $2,142,790, and is divided among 6 dren's War- Ory. Monthly publications schemes. But $224,855, or about one were sold to the number of 94,000. tenth, fall to foreign missions. The Twenty-seven editions of the War-Cry Southern Baptist Convention reports were published abroad, in 15 languages. $115,445 for work abroad and $238,893 The operations called in tbe Army" tak- for mission work at home. The mising prisoners," or the arousing of anx- sionary appropriations of the Methodist ious inquirers, had resulted in the con- Episcopal Church aggregate $1,200,000, version of 100,000 .persons at home and and of this sum, $566,347 are bestowed 131,000 abroad. upon toil outside of the United States. The Congregationalists sustain 7 socie- eign affairs, army and navy, internal, ties. Of these, the American Home educational and ecclesiastical affairs, Missionary Society receives $635,150, and in providing interest on the Swed- (the American Missionary Association ish debt." The London City Mission freedmen, Indians, etc.) $429,420, and alone had an income in 1887-8 o()f about the total of Ohristian beneficence reaches $435,000. The receipts of the Brooklyn $2,270,161. Add home expenditures, Society were $25,000 in 1889, and of the and the sum is $8,361,382-an average Boston Society $43,698 in 1890. Acof $16.50 for each church-member. The cording to the same authority,45 benevo- Presbyterian Church reports for home lent societies in New York received a missions $9:15,625, and for freedmen, total of $1,810,675 in 1889. Of this sum, Bunday-schools, education, etc., $411,- 17 Roman Catholic societies received 247 more, and for congregational or local from municipal allowance and excise purposes, $9,764,379. Including all re- appropriation $1,000,521, and 28 other ligious objects, the total is $14,062,356, societies $802, 086. or an average of over $17 per member. -Says Dr. A. H. Clapp, of the Ameri- -The various publication societies of can Home Missionary Society, and Great ·Britain and America are indis- speaking of New York: ., Few who do pensable adjuncts to the work of the not live here can have any idea of the missionary societies. Among the chief voluntary work carried on throughout of these may be named the British and the year by the benevolent men and Foreign Bible Society, with annual re- women of our churches. The rapid ceipts aggregating $1,125,000; the running over of a list of the various or- American Bible Society, $512,388 ; the ganized methods of help for men, wom- National Bible Society of Scotland, en, and children needing aid by reason $165,000 ; the London Society for the of age, sickness, misfortune, orphanage, Promotion of Christian Knowledge, etc., methods originated and carried on $215,000; and the London Religious entirely by the churche.~ of this city, shows Tract Society, whose missionary ex- that there are very nearly 900 of them. penditure reached $197,560 last year. Adding to these the more public or: The sum of the receipts of these five ganizations outside of church circles, of societies is $2,214,948. which people hear more, the number will be found somewhat startling. -According to a recent estimate, which seems to be moderate, the 49 so- -The value of the investments in cieties organized for Christian effort iL. church property in Brooklyn is estimatbehalf of the Jews expend annually ed by the Standard- Union at nearly $20,- $490,000. Almost all of the leading 000,000. Of this sum the Protestant churches in Great Britain and upon the churches represent about $13,000,000, continent are engaged in this form of and the Roman Catholic about $7,000,- evangelization; and of the Bums expend- 000. The former number 290 and the ed, these are specimens: the London latter 58. The sum of the debts resting Society, $189,220; the British Society, upon the Protestant churches is about $H,625; the Free Church, $44,945 ; the $3,000,000, and upon the Roman Catho- Church of Scotland, $28,760 ; the Irish lic churches $1,150,000. Presbyterian Church, $18,435. –In reckoning up the beneficences -According to the" Encycloprodia of of Christendom, hospital work must not Missions," it was written several years be omitted. London alone has almost ago that" the annual revenue of the 30 general and special hospitals, with Metropolitan Charities of London is 6000 beds, and which receive net less greater than the whole of the expendi- than 50,000 patients annually. In eneh ture in Sweden on maintaining royalty, of the large cities of the United States the administration of justice and formillions are expended upon such insti- dred Indias, with a hundred different tutions. As among those best endowed languages, and representing every stage with choicest facilities may be named of civilization, from the most primitive the Johns Hopkins Hospital of Balti- to the most advanced. Smlh differences more, and the Presbyterian Hospital of formed a great part of the prQblem of New York, whose" plant" is valued at mission work. Hinduism included only $2,500,000. about a third of the 260,000,000 inhab- itants of India; there were about 50,- -One of the most powerful private 000,000 Moslems, 6,000,000 Sikhs, Parassociations to which the recent anti- sees, and Christians, and about 20,000,- slavery movement has given birth is the 000 of aboriginal tribes. The number African Association of German Catho- of Pariahs – outside caste – was, he lics. L' Afrique reports that this asso- thought, from 40,OOO,COO to 60,000,000, ciation holds many public meetings in and these were practically, for mission different cities, publishes a journal- purposes, outside the great realm of Gott will es-and has 10 Diocesan Com- Hinduism. mittees, comprising 1500 circles and about 200,000 members. The Central -The Mission to Lepers in India, an Council at Cologne has received more organization baving its headquarters in than $130,000 in money. This is to be Edinburgh. Scotland, reports for 1890 spent in African expeditions, in found- an increase of $2180 in its receipts. ing safe retreats for threatened negroes, This society aims to reach the great in missions, orphan houses, eto., all number of lepers in India (estimated at over the German African possessions, 500,000) by establishing leper asylums, and $6000 have been given to aid in the sending special missionaries and preachtransport of the first German steamer ers, and doing what is practicable to for the Victoria Nyanza. alleviate their condition. Then it as- sists the Presbyterian Board of this ..:.-The American Baptist missionary country at Allahabad, the Church Mis- Union gives the following statistics for sionary Society at Alleppi, etc. Its atits African missions, which are confined tention having been recently especially to Congo, for the year ending March called to China., it is starting a work 31st, 1891 : Missionaries, 47; stations, there. Under its plan of work a con- 10; unordained native preachers, 10; tribution of $25 will support a leper for self-supporting churches, 1; not self. a year, and $100 will supply a Christian supporting churches, 5; church-mem- teacher to a village for the same period. bers, 454 ; Sunday-school scholars, 261 ; day schools, 20; native teachers, 14; -The first of October brought a most day school pupils, 770; value of mis- radical innovation in the educational sion property, $47,490; total expendi- policy of France, namely, the complete tures, $62,536. secularization of the boys' schools. The law of 1885 decrees that within five -The census of 1881 showed that years from October, 1886, this must be there were in India 124,000,000 women, accomplished. Steady efforts have been of whom 21,000,000 were returned as made in this direction all along, and in widows, of whom there were under 19 1890 of 52,000 teachers in these schools years of age, 669,000 ; under 15 years of only 1213 were of the clerical orders. age, 286,000 ;' under 9 years of age, 79,- The law of 1886 decrees that a similar 000. All these figures were undoubted- change must be made in the girls' ly within the appalling t}'uth. schools as soon as a sufficient number of secular lady teachers can be secured – Professor Lindsay, D.D., speaking to take the place of the sisters. As yet at the meeting of the London Missionary of the 44,000 lady teachers in France Society, thus defined the problem pre- 11 ,000 are sisters. sented by India: "There were a hun- Statistics of Missionary Societies in Gre&t FROM these tables are of necessity omitr.ed quite a large number of societies which are trulY whose aims and methods are broader and more general.
Home Missionary Income. .; Constituency.
NAlIfE OF SOCIETY. 'H O ~ "~:i B "'"0" "0-,',;;,: ·S ~.~ 0.9 j '0'""''"'"""" ~" a'~ r~1j A~ 0 0" 5 ;;:: ~ 0 ———– —————~ Society for Propagation of Gospel …… 1701 8,800 246,700 $625,_95 $100,000 1,238,685 46,300 Church Missionary Society…. ……… 1799 1,877 452,302 112,165 29,508 401,944 24,3D5 Baptist Society .. ……. ……….. 1792 1,610 7,105 571,465 London Society .. ……………….. 1795 449 464,515 22,283 Wesleyan Methodist ……………….. 1814 2,018 Methodist New Connection ……….. 1859 196 United Methodist Free Churches ……•. 1858 345 1,333 67,510 49,953 58,147 Welsh Calvinistic …………………. 1841 673 1,200 134,239 37,768 2,000 Presbyterian Church of England ……. 1847 95,140 2,750 Friends' Association …………….. ,. 1867 290 289 65,941 62,835 Universities Miss. to Central Africa….. 1860 85,875 2,175 350 200 15,836 South American …….•……..•.•…. 1844 51,736 10,015 North Africa Mission … '" ………..•. 1881 23,250 China Inland Mission ………………. 1865 190,605 Presbyterian Church of Ireland……… 1840 637 558 102,735 83,155 10,335 1,515 1,358 593,393 224,855 45,907 Church of Scotland ….•……………. 1829 1,235 1,045 340,000 377,455 94,470 184,854 202,960 68,025 Free Church of Scotland ……..• …… 1843 615 567 United Presbyterian …. ………….. 1847 40 45 5,552 3,750 233,650 337 132 21,350 116,825 9,000 Reformed Presbyterian …•. .. …….. 1842 230,273 2,000 2,000 79,483 16,320 United Brethren (Moravian) ..•………. 1732 79,539 579 9 51 98,897 Basle Evangelical … …………. 1815 19,400 529 22,945 Leipsic Evangelical Lntheran ……….. 1819 48,630 Berlin Evangelical. ………………… 1824 15,523 Rhenish Missionary Society………… 1829 North German . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1836 ………. Gossner's ~Ii88ion ….. : ….• 1836 Hermannsburg ….. …. …… ……. 1849 Dutch Missionary Society…………… 1818 Dutch Reformed Church……………. 1859 180 280 5,500 Ermelo Missionary Society ………••.. 1846 5,00G Paris Evangelical. ………………. .. 1822 48,315 13,846 Danish Missionary Society..•…•……. 1721 430 19,626 …… Danish Mission to Santals ……. … Norwegian Missionary Society .. … 1869 54,958 67 Swedish Missionary Association …•.•.. 1842 122,000 Swedish Evangelical National……•..•. 1835 550 650 80,000 34,852 Totals for Europe. ……………. 1856 – -245 – – – – – – – – – 48,959 – – – – Totals for America ……………… — Grand Totals…………… 12,845 27,839 2,339,420 5,852,549 796,315 1– 285 104,888 10,936,317 4,180'~1 507,883 73, 1 86,134 132,737 13,275,737 10,033,151 1 1,304,198
Brita.in and on the Continent for 1891.
missionary, but whose sphere, or mode of work, is so peculiar as not to tabulate with that of those Missionaries. Native Helpers.
·1 ~ o -.-. ~ ~ I~ ~ 2,300 ~,87~ ~ ~~ -;687 -1-,827' 1,800-~0,600 318 72 219 76 ~78 3,792 4,755 327…. 50,005 3,250 1,719 70,311 131.. 1051 6 602 2,624 3,467 515…. 48,509 2,924 .•. 17,144 159 18 121 39 1,202 4,195 5,684 1,9~ … 67,797 …. 1,643 63,873 264 97 86 91 144 6,445 7,036 363 1,572 40,078 1,934 805 65,803 71 5 1 3 36 53 60 42 1,301 33 16 240 66 295 ••. •• 9…. 370 275 145 10,335 227 152 11,367 93 5 1 . . . . 564 582 163 72 1,869 285 143 4,143 20 13 22 17 8 108 188 134 43 3,746 103 4 41 •.. 17 •.. 24… 350 391 265 150 2,796 . ••. 140 2,945 24 26 1 29 3 85 168 22 12 850 …. 27 2,500 1212 ..• 6 2 …. 32 25 . . . . . . • . • • • • • . . . . . .
17 9 28 54 17 1 20 171 70 142 13 174 570 172 94 3,038 424 30 423 12 3 11 10 2 124 162 24 18 590 252 52 3,533 22 10 H 23 7 89 165 37 33 951 285 89 5,287 52 45 331 35 15 640 800 224 42 6,895 696 313 27,951 .. ·1 57 15 25 20 538 655 251 15,799 900 1 1 9 12 3 1 37 3 3 100 127 24 135 6 19 1,691 2,002 133 137 31,591 2,757 235 20,629 106 29 90 4 39 672 936 352 11,584 1,279 282 "0,500 25 1 14 491 531 117 141 13.559 228 177 4,492 60 11 59 5 5 471 611 145 10,892 2,011 55 4,158 75 3 61 1 11 490 641 158 134 10,735 360 121, 5,536 94 7 4 1 26 51 14 442 34 'Ii 358 17 167 30,027 69 332 401 59 12,371 1,770 2,567 8 8 24 40 20' … 1,013 3 4. 112 120 '" 65 6,500 1,000 12 6 10 16 6 30 700 30 3 27 6 19 206 391 261 19 9,122 131 7,928 52 5 1 3 24 35 4- 4 208 62 5 5 5 142 165 14 14 6,070 707 2 284 40 5 37 12 16 916 1,026 • 379 17,055 3,246 372 30,580 23 10 6 6 45 12 6 200 4 160 – -11 7 – -9 – -5 – -3 – -26 – 61 – 10 – 5 – 108 50 – 10 – 453 — — – – — —- – — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 2,283 772 1,149 688 1,570 27,704 35,037 6,948 2,946 447,041 22,382 8,235 403,664 — — — 966 736111,341 7,218 11,946 4,649 8,6251 285,276 29,806 4,867 169,451 – – – – – – 1,066 145 — —- — —— 3,349 917 2,115 1,424 2,911 34,922 46,983 11,597 11,571 682,317 52,188 13,102 573,115
GENERAL 1lISSIONARY INTELLIGENC1il
Statistics of Woman's Missionary Societies in America and Europe.
THE names by which the societies are designated are those of the denominations or of the larger societies with which they are connected. In cases where more than one Woman's Board exists in a ehurch the work of all is included in a single statement.
. j . SOCIETIES.~~o.~'~~II·]~~j~~ a) ~ ~~ ~ ~ f~ 'Q1 a:I ~~H § 1__ i I I ________________ .
Baptist (Four Societies)….. '" 1871 4,060 132,460 70 17 4 130 273 5,675 Baptist, South …………….. _ 1888 Free.Baptist…. ……….. 1873 1,469 21,398 18 5 .. Seventh-Day Baptist.. .. …. …. 1884 1 Congregational (Four Societies). 1868 307 7,G94 20 13 8 305 Methodist Episcopal …• _. . . . .. . 1869 70 675 95 5 Methodist Episcopal, South…. 1878 3,849 4 11 11 1 12 Methodist Protestant… . . . . . . . . . 1879 157,364 20 2 Presb. (Seven Societies) .•….. _ 1870 104 4 .. 245 397 11,217 Cumberlaud Presbyterian……. 1880 53 15 United Presbyterian………… 1884 5,557 220,330 100 4 .. 626 852 10,896 Reformed Dutch…… …….. 1875 Protestant Episcopal…. …. …. 1872 3,272 85,969 31 1 37 34 1,248 Reformed Episcopal .. __ . . . . •. . 1889 11 .. Evangelical Lutheran Synod…. 1879 435 5,059 4 5 2 50 Christian Disciples.. _………. _ 1875 1 United Brethren ………….. 1875 5,865 336,244 251 209 356 Fri.ends' Society………… .. .. 1889 1 Union Missionary Society…… , 1860 524 11,216 5 22 2 4 169 Canada Baptist (Three Societies) 1870 Canada Presby. (Three Socs.)… 1876 782 16,704 19 5 268 2,793 Canada Methodist…….. ….. 1881 15 1 Propagation Society… …….. 1865 834 19,413 28 2 .. 57 14 895 Church Missionary Society…… 1880 Baptist Zenana ……… _……. 1867 59 36,838 39 112 1 30 95 3,163 Wesleyan Methodist………. .. 1858 2 London Missionary Society. . . . . 1875 4,077 2 I> Presbyterian Church….. , ….. 1879 Presbyterian ChurCh, Ireland… 1874 584 9,000 52 27 1 2 20 939 Female Education in East. . . . . . 1834 20 3 Syrian Schools.. .. .. .. .. •…. .. 1860 1,329 10,000 4 13 2 2 52 Church of Scotland………… 1838 Free Church of Scotland .. _. . . . 1843 44 14,567 10 2 18 United Fresbyterian …….. __ .. 1880 431 66 226 23,164 18 8 7 304 Total" 60,027 60 109 158 3,929 315 12,109 11 66 21 103 760 39,072 16 511 25,560 13 11 13 419 35,417 61 104 18 4,250 961 129,085 7 650 192 7,811 38,650 48 161 144 1,800 432 42,880 32 08 281 12,000 32,355 36 139 10,000 160 16,665 19 19 14 273 19,115 8 56 19 1,100 275 35,000 40 275 19,978 76 17,435 103 31 29 2,996 546 52,685 22 98 39 2,590 89,125 29 232 70 7,354 259 18,990 21 75 32,9!l4 1,785.001 1,305 ~,052 3,295 112,269 British Foreign Missions. By Rev. James requesting Government aid on behalf Johnston, Bolton, England. of the East Africa Company.
" Farewell" to C. M. S. Missiona- Furlough of the Rev. E. C. Gordon ries.-On September 29th a crowded from Uganda.-A hearty welcome is gathering assembled in Exeter Rail, being accorded to this splendid mis- London, under the presidency of Sir sionary-the latest arrival from a peril- John Kennaway, to bid farewell to some ous sphere of operations. He is a sixty-seven missionaries-clergy, laity, nephew of the late Bishop Hannington, and ladies-thirty-nine of whom were through whose devotion Cyril Gordon fresh recruits. Bishop Tucker was pres- was incited to leave wife and friends . ent, and spoke of the whiteness, vast- behind in entering on the hazardous ness, and inestimable worth of the har- " call" to the Dark Continent. In 1882 vest. A party of nine join him for the uncle and nephew sailed together.
Eastern Equatorial Africa. The Pales- The following year Hannington was tine work had a vigorous reinforcement driven back by fever, but again re.- represented. With Archdeacon ]l.10ule, turned in 1884 to the land he bad learned who has S13en thirty-one years of service to love, as first bishop in Eastern Equa- in China, a strong band were leaving for torial Africa. His tragical murder soon mid-China. Among the Punjab mis- afterward stirred the whole civilized sionaries was the Rev. E. F. E. Wigram, world. Gordon was spared, and through son of the society's honorary secretary, nine long years has heroically labored.
who is sacrificing a bright and lucrative The climate and trials 4ave told deeply career at home for the "good cause" on a vigorous constitution. Rest and abroad. In addition to the above-named care will be needed if, as it is antici- contingent were a number of missiona- pated, he is to return in 1892.
ries' wives. At a subsequent meeting, The Congo Free State and its Misorganized by the Church of England sions.-There is ground for the state- Zenana Missionary Society, to wish ment in the English press that the King " God-speed" to some twenty-five ladies of the Belgians had informed the Pope about to depart for India and China, the that the Roman Catholic form of Chris· chairman, Sir Charles U. Aitchison, tianity is to be the recognized religion spoke of the Gospel in these two great of the Free State, and that His Majesty empires as the most effective means has placed his African dominions under of glorifying God and of solving many the direct protection of the Virgin Mary, perplexing social and political ques- as the patron saint of the Free State. tions. Gratifying as this will be to His Holi- Africa-Uganda.-The Church Mis- ness, it is not supposed that it causes sionary Society'S General Committee any anxiety to the English Protestant was summoned the last week in Sep- missionaries who have for many years tember to consider the situation in had flourishing missions on the Congo.
Uganda, in view of the proposed with- King Leopold is well disposed to these drawal of the Imperial British East Af- worthy men, a proof of which has been rica Companyfrom that country. Bishop shown in asking one of the leaders in Tucker and the Hev. E. C. Gordon, the that region-Rev. George Grenfell-to latter fresh from East Africa, stated become a member of the Belgian Com- that the abandonment of the country by mission for the delimitation of the the company" will plaile the Protestant boundary between the Free State and Christians there in a position of immi- Portuguese territory in the Lunda coun- nent peril." The gravity of the posi- try. Mr. Grenfell has accepted the in- tion is realized by the pioneers of the vitation, and shortly leaves England for mission and its friends. It was decided the Congo. The landmarks between to memorialize Lord S:1lisbury at once, the respective territories will doubtless be soon arranged. It is not intended outcome of unceasing prayer, marked that Mr. Grenfell should take the now the whole proceedings.
missionary steamer, the Goodwill. This Dr. Glover on Missions in China.- will follow the missionary in seotions, Speaking of the" Needs and Claims of and will be put together on the Congo, China" before the Baptist Union in where it must become a valuable addi- Manchester; the doctor gave some of tion in assisting missionaries and car- the impressions which he had received rying cargoes. from a recent visit to that great Eastern empire. ·He l'emarked that the creed Though slavery is passing away for a of the Chinaman was in brief, "I beconsiderable distance up the Congo, lieve in man," meaning by that the ex- Mr. Grenfell speaks in sorrowflll terms istence and worship of man and in the of the ravages of the" infamous drink claims of man on man. The success of traffic" caused by the white man. In missions in that country was real. It reducing the natives to a wreck men- was greatest in the country districts, tally, physically, and morally, Mr. Gren. where family life was purest; less sucfell said it was an open question whether cessful in the cities; still less in the the horrors of slavery were not less dis- ports; least of all in the treaty ports. astrous than the terrible consequences In the north and south among every of the drinking habits. They now knew class it was visible, and its dimensions 6000 miles of river, or a coast line of were very striking. There were nearly about 12,000 miles in Central Africa, 40,000 converts in China, who have been which gave them access. to scores of vil- gathered together in forty years, in spite lages and towns on the banks and their of contempt, hatred, and miRccJllcep_ vicinity. In combating the darkest tions at once awful, heart· breaking and mass of heathendom that the world heart· wearing. More men and more knew, Mr. Grenfell believes the burden women were urgently required to spread of it will hav" to be done by the native the work. converts, of whom so many were bravely responding to the need. This was one of the most encouraging features of the The Anti-Foreign Riots in China.- work. To help dispel the native misapprehen- sions regarding what is done in mission China Inland Mission.-Still lead- schools and hospitals, it is now stated ing the crusade in China in the modern that British and other missionary bodies revival of missions, this enterprising are being urged to adopt rules for the society bade farewell to a party of guidance of their members in China. It twenty – six outgoing missionaries in is a common native belief that the eyes London on September 21st. Some of and other organs of the dead are taken these devoted servants formed a re- by Europeans for the purpose of mak- sponse to the appeal from the Shanghai ing certain medicines. For the same Conference for a thousand missionaries use children are supposed to be stolen to China during the next five years. and killed. The kernel of this rumor The stations of the mission have been proceeds from the fact that missionary mercifully preserved from the recent bodies, especially the French sister· outbreaks. Among the lady missiona- hoods, take in the little waifs and strays ries were Miss Mina Sundstrom, from of Chinese cities and give them shelter Finland; Miss Sekina Storhang, from and education. In order to overcome, if Norway; and Miss Eugenie C. Hilbold, possible, the ignorance and prejudice from Strasburg. Four of the departing of the Chinese mobs, there is a proposal missionaries had been members of the on foot that all missionaries-princi- Rev. Archibald G. Brown's church, in- pally those superintending hospitals, cluding his own daughter, Miss Eleanor schools, and foundling institutions- M. Brown. Intense enthusiasm, the should, on a death occurring, communicate with a local officer to make an in- interesting figures respecting a country quiry, and likewise allow the institu- where suffering in a terrible form exists tions to be open at any time to the in- in many districts. The Government of spection of Chinese officials. When the Irkutsk, the capital of Siberia, which is scheme is submitted to the missionary divided into five districts, contains only societies there is no doubt that they will 868,552 persons, of whom three fourths readily adopt it. Certain representative are of the orthodox religion. There are missionary committees have suggested 487 schools of different kinds in Irku tsk, the plan and discusded it with the con- where Christian children are taught Buls. When it is put into practical form alongside of Pagans, Mohammedans, it will tend to remove the fanatical no· Buddhists, and the worshippers of tions that there is "nything to screen in stones and talismans. In this extensive connection with the institutions which region are 60,000 of the last-nlmed class. have rendered invaluable aid to thou- 12,000 Buddhists, 6000 Jews, and 2500 sands of dying Chinese orphans and Mohammedans. In the Transba'ikal, homeless little ones. where political convicts are chiefly to be found, there are 110,000 women who A " Polynesian Society."-Akin to do not belong to the orthodox religion, the plan and objects of the Asiatic So- and in the same district 13 schools, the ciety, it is urged, in New Zealand, that teachers of which are exiles or deported a society might be established to cover criminals. Australia, New Zealand, Chatham Islands, Polynesia proper, Melanesia, Monthly Bulletin, Micronesia, Malaysia, and Papua. Contributions of a most helpful character -Dr. Shedd, writing of the" Work would be presented and circulated relat- among the Nestorians,.. in the Indeing to Polynesian Inthropology, ethnol- pendent, says, .. We have not an easy ogy, philology, and history. Everything mission field in Persia." But he sees that has a bearing on the manners, cus- also the bright side of things. He says, toms, practices, and kindred questions .. There is this encouragement among affecting oceanic races would be pre- the Nestorians of Persia, that from year served. Mr. Percy Smith, of Welling- to year there is a wider interest, more ton, the originator of the movement, spiritual thirst, more Christian activity will be content if the society at the out- in education and work for souls, and esset is not of large dimensions, inasmuch pecially more volunteer work by laymen. as he believes that good work, by its There is a stronger' momentum toward agency, will eventually attract scientific the evangelical cause." The most pressmen in every part of the world, Every ing need which he sees in this field is day opportunities are slipping away of for more houses of worship. As at procuring information from the natives home, so in distant Persia, a church themselves, or from European and building, with manse and school, tends American missionaries, respecting the to make all Christian work permanent. customs of former times-a permanent repository for this is urgently needed. -At a missionary meeting in New What valuable facts are happily pre- Guinea, held recently, one of the speakserved in the literature by missionaries ers picked up a spear and said, "This may be judged from the works of Dr. used to be our constant companion; we Turner, Dr. Inglis, and others, so high- dared not go to our gardens without it ; ly praised by Professor Max Miiller, Sir we took it in our canoes; we carried it H. Tylor, and a number of scientific on our journeys; we slept with it by scholars. 011r side; and we took our meals with it close at hand; but," said he, holding Siberia.-A St. Petersburg journal, up a copy of the Gospel, .. we can now quoted by the London Times, giTes some sleep safely because of this; this book has brought to us peace ancI protection, Christian Associations opened in AmancI we no longer require the spear." sterdam, August 12th. The total num- ber of delegates was about 500, of whom 8yria.-Mrs. Eddy, of the Presbyte. 100 carne from America and 100 from rian Syrian Mission, who has spent England. There were also large deleforty years in that fielcI, describes very gations from Holland, Germany, Switvividly the changes wrought in that zerland, and France. Sweden, Italy, time. She h~s kept house in Syria in Russia, India, and many other countries twenty.seven different houses. Some were also represented. '[he officers think the missionaries have good times. elacted were President, Count Von Hog- So they do, if they can; but not such endorp, of The Hague; Vice-Presidents, as they have in this country. When George A. Williams, of London, Wilshe reachf'cI Beirut there was no rich liam E. Dodge, of New York, and Count church building; but even then she A. Bernstorff, of Berlin. The annual could "sing the songs of Zion in a report showed 4151 associations affiliatstrange laud." Now they have a large ing with the central committee, of which church edifice, a choir, a hymn-book- there were, in the United States, 1305 ; some of our tunes set to the hymns-a in Canada, 80 ; in Great Britain, 614 ; Sabbath-school room built as a memorial in Germany, 800; in Holland, 387 ; in offering. There are five other churches. Switzerland, 379 ; in Norway, Sweden, There is a large Beirut seminary. and Denmark, 223 ; in France, 66 ; in Houses and homes have been greatly Russia, 9 ; in Asia, 92 ; and in Africa, improved. In times of sickness, instead 13. of finding pictures of the Virgin, we see the Bible laid upon the pillow of the Samoa.-Th(,l Samoan group have a sick. Great changes are noted in the Christian population of 30,000. In the speech of the women. Cursing, for- largest of the islands there are not fifty merly so common, has in a great meas. families that fail to observe family worure passed away. There is a prayer in ship. Last year, besides supporting the home. Then hardly a woman could the Gospel at home, they sent a thank read; now many read in their homes. offering, as their custom is, of $9000 The women are learning to pray in their to the parent Missionary Society of meetings, which are much blessed. London to help to carry the good news farther on. When a church-member -The number of blind seen in the dies, they still keep his name on the East is very distressing. There are books, and put a mark after it, denotblind schools at Beirut, Damascus, and ing a word picture which means, .. We Tyree. Blind Scdpture readers have the cannot think of him as dead either to entree of Moslem homes, a privilege us or to the work. We shall give a which blindness confers. contribution in his name, that the cause may not suffer by his removal hence." Thibet. – A Moravian mISSIonary named Letzen, with his wife, certainly General.-The Scarritt Bible Training is to be written with those who love School for Missionary Workers in Kantheir fellow. men. For thirty years he sas Oity is a new institution projected has been preaching and working at a by the late Dr. Scarritt, who bequeath Ad station in the Thibetan mountains, a tract of ground and $25,000 in money, without the sight of a European face, on condition that $25,000 more be raised and with the post-office fourteen days by the Methodist Episcopal Church, distant, separated from them by the South. This sum has been promptly high passes of the Himalayas and dan- raised, and the corner-stone has been gerous streams. laid for the building. The design is to train young men and women for home Y. M. O. A.-The Twelfth Interna- and foreign mission work. It is expecttional Convention of Young Men's ed that the school will be opened in had aided them. They speak of the 1892. people in a place called Tankay, who -Dr. John E. Clough, an American had never received instructions in Christian things. They had simply Baptist missionary, is now in the Unit· heard the word .. praying," and' they ed States, having spent twenty-six years knew that people who did that met toamong the Telugus in India. When he gether in one place. Noone of their went there such was the force of preju- number was able to read or to tell them dice that the Hindus, meeting the mis- anything about the Gospel. They had sionary on the street, would make a a New Testament, bought in Imerina, long detour, lest his shadow falling on but that lay unopened, since no one them, or the odors of his person being could read it. On a Sunday they met in waftad toward them by the wind, should a house; they placed the Testament in cause defilement. When hi'! came away their midst, no one could read, no one such was the char.ge that the Hindu could sing or pray, and so they sat for a citizens of the highest position gave time in silence. When ell were assemhim a farewell meeti.ng, inviting Chris- bled, one of the chief men stood up and tians, MohammedanR, and Brahmins to asked, .. Have all come from the north ?" join in a public expression of gratitude "Ay," answered they all. .. Have all for the great blessing his labors had come from the south?"' .. Ay. " And brought t. their country. Dr. Clough so on from the east and west. .. Then now asks for 25 extra millsionaries and let us break up, for we have done our $~O,OOO for the support of. his work. duty," said the chief; .. but be sure He tells of a meeting appointed at his and come early next Sunday." Is it not own house for a certain day. Two days pitiful to think of these men groping in before the date of the meeting the peo- the dark when they seem so ready to ple began to gather from distant parts, walt in the light? and on the morning of the day over 3000 had assembled. Of the congregation at New IIebrides.-Twelve years ago Rev. the close of the service, which lasted Oscar Mi()helson landed on the island several days, 1671 persons came forward, of Tonga, in the New Hebrides, alone desiring baptism and membership in among cannibals. At first he had the church. In 1866 there were only many perilous adventures, and again 38 conversions on the work, but in 1877 and again fled into hiding to save his the membership had grown to 4517, life. Once a savage, now one of his while in 1878 10,000 were baptized, and best teachers, levelled a rifle to kill in 1890 the membership had risen to him, but was stopped by Ii. look. He 33,838. Dr. Clough gives the chief persevered amid many threatenings and credit in this wonderful work to the dangers. His house became known as native preachers and the Bible women. "The Sunday House," and Christian Madagascar.-The London Missionary hymns were often heard mingling with Society has published a review of ten heathen songs. From heart to heart, years' work in Madagascar. The figures from home to home the Gospel won its are encouraging, but still more impor. way, until now 30 Christian teachers tant is the impression that is given of are laboring in as many different viI.
both progress and permanence. There lages. Mr. Michelson's field now in- is a growth of piety, vf intelligence, dudes, he writes, four whole islands.
and of the power of religion among the The people speak three ianguages. At people. Christianity is asserting its one meeting 300 rose for prayer. Ten reformatory and transforming power. years ago they proposed to eat him.
-A touching story comes from Mada- Now he lives in perfect safety.
gascar, in a letter written by native Palestine.-The medical mission at missionaries to friends in England who Gaza, in the Holy Land, has been very effectively carried on by Dr. Elliott. In Balolos, on the Upper Congo, report the 1878 Rev. A. W. Shapira opened this region to be healthy. A missionary at the mlSSlon. He has lately been appointed Lolongo station writes: .. Only one lady by Bishop Blyth to the ohapel at Haifa. here has suffered from fever since our 'l'his mission has 400 boys and girls in arrival, fourteen months ago; three of the schools. The children's hospital at us have enjoyed wonderful good health. Jerusalem is superintended by Dr. M. The combined fevers of all three of us Sandreczki. The medical mission at may perhaps have lasted twenty·four Nazareth is under Dr. Vartan, at Tibe. hours." rias under Dr. Torrance. -The London Missionary Society's Persia.-Missionary Horberg (Luthe- mission at Lake Tanganyika is rejoicing ran), writes that the pupils of his Bible in the first gathering of fruit. Kalulu class on Saturday afternoons and on was ransomed as a poor hoy Borne few Sundays visit the neighboring villages years ago, and ever since has been more and speak to the people about religious or less in contact with the missionaries. matters. About twenty villages have Only recently did he show any desire to been visited. The missionary recently become a Christian. The service when visited the leper village near Tabriz, and he was baptized and received the compreached to the unfortunate people, who munion was an occasion of great joy, begged him to come again. and made a deep impression on the natives. -One of. the most cheering signs reported is interest among laymen in vol- -The translftion of the Scriptures, unteer effort. Two from Persia are begun by Mr. Mackay, missionary to physician~, good men, full of the Holy Uganda, is being diligently completed Ghost and of faith. They support their by three of his most intelligent converts families by their profession, but find and pupils. The memoir of Mackay by time to make tours and to do the work his sister, of which eight thousand of evangelists for whole weeks at their copies have been sold, has led several own charges. Four others own prop- young men to consecrate themselves to erty in vineyards, and spend all their the evangelization of Africa. time beyond what is necessary to attend to their property in direct work Alaska.-The sixth annual report of for souls. the Moravian Mission at Bethel, Alaska, shows a year of quiet, faithful work. -A young Mussulman girl was brough t Religious services have been better atinto a missionary home in Ramadan, tended and there has been betterobserv· Persia, as a seamstress, and, becoming ance of the Lord's day. There has also interested in seeing other girls read, ap- been an effort to improve the tone of plied for admission to the school. Her family life by instructing husbands and family and friends hearing of it, forced wives as to their relations to each other, her to leave, but not until the Bible had and by helping them to provide more become familiar to her. A young man, comfortable homes. who had remained unmarried because he could not find a Christian wife, Egypt.-A clergyman travelling in the heard of her, and through friends, ac- East writes in the highest terms of the cording to Persian custom, a marriage American United Presbyterian Mission was arranged. The ceremony was first in Egypt and Syria. He says they are performed in Persian style, but after· gathering the young boys about them in ward the couple came to the mission- their mission schools, alld in ten years ary's home and were married in Chris- the tourist will find the villages· along tian form. the Nile filled with hundreds of young men who not only speak English well, Africa.-Missionaries who have gone but who are washed and .. clothed and to labor among the ten millions of the in their right mind."
The Missionary Review of the World — July 1891
MISSIONARY MONEY-QUALITY AND QUANTITY
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIV. No. 7.-Old&ries.–JULY.–VOL. IV. No. 7.-New &ries.
MISSIONARY MONEY-QUALITY AND QUANTITY.
BY REV. A. J. GOJVlON, D.D., BOSTON, MASS.
"Not more men merely, but more man" is the way a thoughtful writer puts it, in speaking of the needs of the field. By this language it was evidently intended to discriminate between quantity and quality in Christian laborers. Has it ever occurred to us to make a similar discrimination in missionary contributions ~ .. Show me the tribute money" is the word of our Lord, as He points to what has been gathered in the boxes. "Whose image and superscription is this r' is His pressing question, as He inspects our gifts. II it enough that we are able to answer, "Cresar's~" In other words, is hard cash the only requirement of our missionary treasuries ~ I contend not. There is money and money; and it is perfectly certain that coins of exactly the same denomination may differ a million per cent in evangelical value, according as they bear only Cresar's image, or with that also the image and superscription of Christ. * More consecrated money~ money which has passed through the mint of prayer and faith and selfdenial for the Lord's sake–is the greatest demand of o~r time. Does any one doubt that the two mites of that" certain poor widow" have brought a perpetual revenue into the Lord's treasury through the centuries, and are still yielding a large income to the Church 1 Christ must have computed the spiritual interest of her gift when He said: "She hath cast in more than they all." In her offering there was sincere and whole-hearted consecration. She gave her all when she might have given a generous proportion-two mites, when she could have done her duty in giving but one. " By the divided state of her purse," says one, "she showed the undivided state of her heart." Her small gift, because representing entire consecration, has been reaping compound interest throughout the centuries, till it has become the greatest of which we know. It is not a bare question of pounds, shillings, and pence, therefore, with which we have to deal in getting funds for missions, but of securing gifts which are quoted at par value in the exchange of heaven. "Oornelius, thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts 10 : 4). Do we believe that the alms would have come up without the prayers to wing them ~ Gold * "By doing good with his money a man, as it were, stamps the image of God npon it, and makes it pass current for the merchandise of heaven."-Lord Sl!aftesbury. and silver are heavy metals, and the attraction of gravitation is bound to carry them down unless faith and love and consecration shall impart to them a heavenly gravitation. We never have been able to believe that money earned at church fairs, or ecclesiastical raffies, or vestry junketings has any upward tendency. And we are bound to warn those who devise such things for the aid and promotion of foreign missions, that though they raise a large amount thereby, they may fail to be credited with it in the" Book of Remembrance." We have such a growing sense of the importance of sanctified offerings in our missionary treasuries, and such a strong conviction of the tendencies now operating to check this kind of revenue, that we are led to consider some of the conditions of consecrated giving: 1. Gifts for the Lord' s trea.~ury should come from a living hand, and not from a dead hand. Legacies and bequests we gladly receive, as they are sent into our missionary treasuries, and we sincerely thank those who have left them to us. But we are sure, nevertheless, that this is not the best kind of giving. A Christian's obligation is first and before all to his own ·generation. Why, then, should he studiously arrange to bestow his largest contribution upon the generation following 7 Besides, post-mortem gifts lose vastly in that sympathetic value which ill such a precious element in Christian charity. To extend help to lost men from the skeleton fingers of a corpse, when one might have given it from the warm hand of a living compassion, is a vast loss both to giver and receinr. Dr. 'Wayland used to complain of what he called" a long-tailed benevolence." Is it not better to lay hold of our generation with the grasp of a present and living sympathy, than to reach back to it, after we are gone, with the cold touch of a residuary bequest? Moreover, experience shows that the first is the only safe method of giving. By a strange irony of custom we call a man's legacy his" wilL" But, as the history of such instruments goes, it would be truer to say that a legacy is an ingenious contrivance for getting one's will defeated. What humiliating swindles are perpetrated on welilthy Christians by this last-will-and-testament device! We well remember a millionaire to whom we ministered in sickness-an orthodox Christian, who trusted in the blood of Christ, and dreaded, more than anything that coulQ be named in his presence, that Unitarian denial that tramples on the atonement of the Son of God. But he was a bequeather instead of a giver; he made death his administrator; and Esquire Sepulchre so managed the estate that the bulk of it went to further what, during all his life he had most disfellowshipped and dreaded, and to defraud the missionary treasury of what he might and ought to have done for it. We recall another friend of evangelical missions whose large property, since his decease, has lent its entire support to a church of Free Thinkers. Such grotesque perversions of Christian funds must be the theme of infernal laughter among the dark spirits in perdition who are ever plotting to obstruct the work of the Gospel. The only remedy against ail this is for the Christian to be his own executor. In our giving, as in all things else, " God worketh in us both to will and to do;" not to will only, leaving others to undo after we are gone, and to thwart our most cherished intentions. The Christian's calling is to be beneficent rather than benevolent, a well-doer rather than a well- willer. So solemn is the obligation at this point that we desire to enforce it with all the emphasis of entreaty and persuasion which we can command. Whatever men may do, God does not "accept the will for the deed." On the contrary, those who bequeath to Him only the good intentions of their wealth may have to wait in vain and forever on the other side for their alms tf) come up " for a memorial before God." We believe th~t our Lord meant literally what He said when He gave the commandment, " Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." To deposit our wealth in the safety vaults of this world, and expect the interest thereof to be remitted forward to us after we have entered into heaven is a delusive expectation, though thousands of Christians are aiming to accomplish this by the provisions of their wills. The Lord's requirement is that we lay up for ourselves" treasures in heaven," drawing interest therefrom now, in the joy of implicit obedience, and the peace of a good conscience, assured that when we are called home we shall go to our wealth instead of waiting in vain for it to come to us. We do not affirm that the Christian is forbidden to lay by anything in this world's banks. Here we must interpret Scripture by Scripture; and the solemn admonition of Paul concerning the Christian's duty to "provide for his own, especially for those of his own house," is by common consent taken to refer to a reasonable provision for one's family. But this provision should not be sumptuous if, indeed, we are " strangers and pilgrims on the earth." It should not be such as to secure either luxury or exemption from the necessity of labor for our children who come after us. "Having food and raiment, let lIS therewith be content," says the Scripture. This is the pilgrim's portion; and we may do well to secure this much to the aged or invalid of our families who may be left behind. But beyond this we are clearly forbidden to lay up on earth. "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is· given. " Blessed are they who can and do receive it, for such make a provision' for themselves and for their children, and children'l! children, of which the prudence of this world knows nothing.
If all disciples of Christ would give while they live, and give according as God has prospered them, what an impulse would be imparted to missionary work throughout the world! Edersheim, in his work upon the ministry of the Jewish temple, dwells upon the rigid requirement of the law that the offerer, in depositing his gift in the treasury of the Lord, mllst bring it " in his hand;" not in his purse, not by proxy-so sacredly personal was the transaction. In like manner, we believe, should Christians give-directly, and from a living palm, and not circuitously, or from dead fingers. To make death our almoner and the distributor of our gifts is a worldly and unsanctified custom, invented, we seriously believe, by Satan. Death's most intimate friend, in order to defraud the Lord of His dues, and to cheat thfl Christian out of his reward. Is it not distinctly stated in Scripture that" we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad ~" (2 Cor. 5 : 10). Why, then, should Christians so industriously plan that their ·best deeds should be done after they get out of the body ~ Is there any promise of recompense for this extra corpus benevolence ¥* "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost ~" asks Paul. Let your worship of giving be carried on in that temple, then, and not relegated to the narrow house of corruption. "For whether is greater, the gold or the temple that sAnctifieth the gold g" asks Jesus. We press His question concerning the subject now under consideration. If our bodies have been consecrated by the indwell- ing of the Spirit, the wealth which they have earned has thereby been made holy unto the Lord. Then let that wealth be offered up upon the altar of a living heart, and by the agency of a living hand. Let it be personal, and not by proxy. Now, and for meeting the present exigency, le~ us cast our offerings into the treasury of the Lord; for the dying millions of our own day, let us give and give abundantly, singing as we do so, ., The grave cannot praise Thce; death cannot celebrate Thee; the Jiving, the living He shall praise Thee as I do this day."
II. Gifts for the Lord's treasury should have in them the element of selfsacrifice.
The temple of the Holy Ghost, of which we have just spoken-the believer's body-has its worship and its sacrificial offerings as truly as the Jewish temple. To the latter Sl)ripture distinctly refers in the injunction: " But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Heb. 13 : 16). The worship of giving is here plainly indicated. But there are methods of raising money for missions, very widely in use in our time, whose tendency is to eliminate the element of sacrifice from the gift, and to replace it with the element of luxury. Fairs, concerts, suppers, entertainments, festivals, etc., in which the principle is" somcwhat for something," or "pay your money and get your money's worth"-these are among the means in almost universal use in our churches for securing missionary funds. Cash is cash indeed; but is not a dollar worth more to the Lord when cast directly into His treasury, than when finding its way through the circuitous route of a church restaurant or an ecclesiastical fair ¥ Weare very bold to say it is so. And yet here is a principle of spiritual economics, so fine and far-fetched in the estimation of many Christians, that it needs to be very patiently expounded.
Why, asks a devout Christian housewife, may I not bake a loaf of cake and carry it to the church to be sold as my contribution to foreign missions, .. "We often read in the papers of • munificent bequests.' To my mind it is a phrase that has no meaning at all. I see no munificence in beqneathing your property to charitable purposes when you are gone out of this world, and have not the possibility of longer enjoying it. What I like tIl'e munificent donations."-Lord Shajtesbury. and in this way render just. as acceptable an offering as though I put my money directly into the contribution-box 1 But notice the needless in- direction of the gift. The frosting and flavoring of the loaf are skilfully adjusted to satisfy the taste of the eater, when in the true worship of giving the mind ought to be free to be occupied with God, to whom the gift is brought. The direct giver careth for the things of the Lord that she may renner unto Him an acceptable offering; the indirect giver careth for the things of the world-how flhe may please. her customer. Then when her loaf is sold, he who buys it gives nothing into the missionary treasury, though he mistakenly thinks he does. He simply makes a purchase so sweet to the taste and so satisfying to the palate, that self-sacrifice is com- pletely swallowcd up in self-gratification. Thus the charity, instead of being" twice blessed," has been twice defrauded-once by her who baked, and once by him who bought. It may seem like a fine-drawn objection which we are urging, oh, candid reader; but we must strenuously main- tain, nevertheless, that the widow's mite is worth vastly more to the treas- ury of the Lord than the widow's muffins. In giving, as in everything else, we are to take up our cross and follow Christ. We strongly believe that money sanctified by self-denial and prayer will go farther and buy more in the great missionary transaction than the same amount passed through the Church victualler's clearing-house. Sarah Hosmer worked in a cotton mill, lived in an attic, and prayed in her closet for missions; and when she died the Lowell factory girl rejoic6ld in six missionaries preaching the Gospel among the heathen whom her hard-earned money had pnt into the field. Does it not look as though the God who multiplied the widow's meal and cruse of oil in order to feed a prophet, did likewise with this working-woman's contributions that they should accomplish so much? Would that our churches might study the object-lesson in Christian giving, which the Salvation Army is holding up before them! The poorest of the poor, they have now and then thei~" month of self-denial" in which, by stinting their narrow living, they are enabled to put their fifty thousand dollars at a time into their missionary treasury. If for one year the icecream suppers and strawberrl festivals, which so abound in our churches, conld he abolished, and the aggregate of time bestowed thereon put into a month of self-denial, we question not that there would be an inpouring of sanctified offerings of which we have yet known nothing.
If we must speak thus of our luxurious methods of giving, what shall be said of our luxurious manner of spending 1 Leave out of the question now personal and family extravagance, and consider simply that of the Church. We have, on inquiry, found repeated instances of congregations spending five times the amount on quartet choirs which they give to missions. Commenting on this fact, not long since, in a missionary address in a large city, and giving instances of the extravagant cost of artistic choirs, a gentleman said to ns at the close: "You have understated it, sir; our church papl twenty-fiOe hundred dollars per annum for a single singer." On further inquiry it appeared that the same church gave less than three hundred dollars that year for foreign missions. Upon a recent Easter Sun- day it was estimated that the churches of New York expended one hundred thousand dollars on floral decorations for their sanctuaries. And all this in the face of a perishing world, with its thousand millions who have not yet heard the glad tidings that Christ is risen from the dead; and in sound of the cry which comes up from the fainting laborers on every missionary field for immediate reinforcements, and the reinforcements not sent for lack of money to support them. Worship, is this? We have an altar and a sanctuary. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you q" writes the Apostle to the Church of Christ. But what are the sacrifices prescribed for this temple q "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye preseut your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is yonr reasonable service." Does this seem to enjoin the sweet odors of rose, heliotrope, and lily, floral displays of wreaths and crosses, and garlands procured at extravagant cost to minister to our carnal senses? As for the ecclesiastical mnsic, hear the Scripture again: "By Him, therefore, let us offer the 8ftcrifice ofpraise to God, continnally-that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Can the sacrifice of praise be interpreted to mean costly musical delicacies, dainties of song and sound iu which art has the first place and the thought of what is pleasing to God the lastl? We trow not. On the contrary, if it be true -as wise commentators suppose to be implied in 1 Cor. 11 : lO-that the angels are invisible spectators to the worship of the Church, we are constrained to wonder how they must be impressed by our sanctuary self-indulgences. Can we not easily imagine them shutting their ears to these voluptuous strains of sacred song, and holding their noses at these sickening odors of Easter flowers, and eagerly searching through the whole elaborate scene for the coveted opportunity of rejoicing" over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety-and-niue just persons that need no repentance ?" If, as some are telling us, there is a lamentable decline in the giviug of our American churches, considering the vast and rapid increase in numbers and in wealth, the secret of the falling off is not difficult to discover. Ecclesiastical luxury is rapidly throttling missionary self-denial. It has come to be so generally accepted, for example, that paid singing of the highest quality within reach is absolutely indispensable to the success of a church, that many congregations have to lift to their utmost to meet this tax, and have comparatively little left for sending the Gospel t~ the heathen j and we predict that, just in proportion as this costly style of worship increases, our missionary resourceM will dry up. In the beginning it was not so. The Reformed Sects, as they are called-Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Methodiit, and Baptistall started out on the line of plainness and godly simplicity of Christiau life and worship. But as wealth has increased, they have, one after auother, yielded to the temptation of ecclesiastical extravagance, sumptuous churches,· sumptuous furniture, sumptuous music, till their original Puritanism is fast fading out. The Moravian Church forms a notable exception to this tendency. So far as we can learn, it has kept its primitive simplicity, and exhibited little tendency to ecclesiastical extravagance of any kind; and, as might be expected, it has not flagged in the missionary consecration that marked its early history. Let Christians of every name look for a moment at this impressive object-lesson. The Moravian Church sends out one of every sixty of its members to the foreign field, and raises twelve dollars per member annually for foreign missions. In contrast with this, look at the American Protestant churches as a whole. Their increase in financial resources within the last fifty years has been enormous. It is estimated that the evangelical Christians of the United States hold eight 'billions of wealth in their hands-an amount so great that it staggers our mathematics to compute it. Yet the highest estimate of their gifts for foreign missions which we have heard is twenty-five cents per head annually. Shall we invite all our churches to look at their little sister, the " United Bðren," to whom we have just referred, and humble themselves ~ We can present a more startling contrast than even this. China reports 32,000 native Christians, who gave, year before last, $38,000 for missionary work. Thus the Church of China, out of her deep poverty, gives annually more than one dollar per member for the same sacred object on which the billionaire Church of America bestows twenty-five cents per member!
Now, how shall we restore the element of sacrifice to our missionaT~T giving, and so lift our contributions out of the shameful parsimony which now characterizes them ~ 1. We must begin with ourselves, and set apart weekly a fixed proportion of our income, and hold it sacred to the Lord. When the Hebrew brought his gift to lay it on the altar it was his; but when he had withdrawn his hand from it it was God's; and thereafter it woul~ have been an unpardonable sacrilege to have devoted it to common uses. Christians will never give as they ought until they begin to keep two purses-one for their own necessary expenses, and one for the Lord's work-from the latter of which they would no more draw for their own use than they would purloin from their neighbor's pocket.
2. We must so increase the proportion and frequency of our Church contributions that it shall be seen that we regard missions as our principal business, not as an outside charity. We have constantly maintained that a church should at least raise as much annually for missions as she spends upon herself. But in order to do this there must be proportionate and weekly giving. The custom so widely prevalent of making an " annual effort" for the foreign work," and then shelving the subject for the year, is simply a humiliation inflicted upon the great commission. If we may speak of – our own experience in the pastorate, we have long since reached the ideal of an every" Sunday contribution for foreign missions, so that now, during the y"ear, no Lord's day passes without the claims of the heathen world being brought before the congregation, and an opportunity gi~en to contribute for sending them the Gospel. By this method it has been found possible to reach the other ideal mentioned above. And we cannot overstate the blessing which has come to the Church through the practice, not only in arousing and sustaining an interest in foreign missions, but equally in deepening the spiritual life of the membership.
3. We must lay aside the unsanctified methods now so widely in use for raising our missionary money. Luxury is a fatal foe to charity. Attempt to yoke the two together in the service of Christ, and the first will be sure to grow fatter and fatter, and the second to grow leaner and leaner as the years go on. Eating strawberries and cream in the interest of foreign missions stands in immeasurable contrast with foregoing butter and sugar for a season, as the poor" Salvationist" does, in order to save thereby to help the Gospel. The Bible knows nothing of the former method; it is full of encouragement to the latter. Let fast days take the place of feast days in our churches; let Christians set apart a week or a month now and then when they Ilnd their household shall live on the plainest diet, and so, by their abstinence, gain an extra contribution for the Lord's work. In the name of the cross and sacrifice of Christ, in the name of the fundamental law of Christianity, " Except a man deny himself and take np his cross daily," we plead whether this method is not likely to bring larger and more fruitful contributions into our missionary treasury than tha other.
4. We must return to the plain and primitive style of sanctuary services that characterized our early history.
The difficulty here is confessedly great. Ecclesiastical fashions are even more tyrannical than society fashions. Fine organs, stained windowil, elaborate architecture, and "frozen music," these modern accessories of Christian worship, have come to be regarded as so essentiaJ that he would be counted a bold innovator who should suggest that they might be .entirely disused. And yet we are bold to declare our belief that worship " in spirit and in truth," and singing" with the spirit and with the understanding also" are entirely possible without any of these things. We speak from the most positive knowledge when we say that the strain of keeping up with the fashions in such directions so .cripples many churches as to afford them a perpetual excuse for giving nothing, or almost nothing, to the cause of foreign missions. If it be asked : "And how about costly ministers 1" we will not wince under the question. "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel" (1 Cor. 9 : 14). But this can signify no more than an humble aDd modest support. It gives no warrant for sumptuous salaries or palatial parsonages, or the accumulation of clerical fortunes. * Is not the teaching of Church history sufficiently solemn on this point? And are there not tendencies visible among the ministry in our great cities which should occasion deep * Accompanying the announcement, a few years since, of the death of an eminent clergyman in the Church of England was the record that he left wealth to the amount of ninety tkO'lt8and pounds. Is this not a melancholy jnstification of the phrases, "The deceitfulness of riches" and "saint· .educing gold" ~ On the contrary, is not the saying of BiShoP Butler worthy of all approval, "I
HERRNHUT: THE HOME OF MORAVlAN MISSIONS
heart-searchings ~ Like priest, like people; and we have no doubt that our missionary contributions would soon reach the high-water mark if in every pulpit the Christlike humility of becoming poor in order to make many rich should reach the low-water mark. But we forbear, with only the added suggestion, viz., if, in any instances, affectionate congregations insiBt, out of their wealth, in paying inordinate salaries to their pastors, in spite of the unwillingness of these pastors to receive so much, there is a way of relief. Let what remains above a modest support be cast into the treasury of the Lord that the poor laborer in the Lord's vineyard may share his more prosperous brother's bounty.
In closing we beg to urge these three questions: If, as we believe. the carrying out of the great commission is the first and highest obligation of every Christian, ought not the Ohurch to forego the luxuries of worship at home in order that she may provide for the necessities of missions abroad?
If, as says the Talmud, "almsgiving is the salt of riches," is it not to be feared (haUl Ohristian8 wait to give their alms from a dead hand their salt will have lost its savor, and their riches, which might have been preserved, will become corrupted, and in turn entail corruption upon children and children's children?
If, as we believe, there is no second probation for the heathen who have died without hearing the Gospel, can we 1'easonably expect that there shall be any second probation for Ohristians who have passed through tltis life and done practically nothing to give the heathen the Gospel?
LETTERS FROM ABROAD.-II.
HERRNHUT: THE HOME OF MORAVIAN MISSIONS.
BY DELAVAN I". PIERSON.
Nestling in a little valley in Saxony lies the picturesque village of Herrnhut, the birthplace and centre of the modern Moravian Church. Here. more than one hundred and sixty years ago, came the first settlers, fugitives from the persecutions of the Catholic powers in Moravia, to seek a haven of peace and rest in which they could worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and in days to come grow into a centre from which to send the Bread of Life to all nations. The village is a quaint old town, and its inhabitants have the simplicity and honesty of quaint old Christians. Walking through its narrow streets one meets many a foot passenger walking leisurely along, and each one, man, woman, and child, utters a greeting of a kindly" Good-day." The children returning from school carry each a small knapsack on the back which seems quite in keeping with their usually grave demeanor. Everything is quaint, every- slwuld be ashamed of myself if I could leave ten thousand pounds behind me"? And onght not this example of Wesley to be kept before every minister of the Gospel, " When John Wesley's income was £30 he lived on £28, and gave two .. and when his income rose to £60 and afterward to £120, he Btilllived on £28, and gave all the ,'emainrle,' " ?- Vd. Strrmg'8 "Ou'/' Ooun/,'y," pp. 196, 198. thing is picturesque, from the long avenues of lime-trees, trimmed flat at the top, and the antiquated houses, to the canopied wagons passing along the one and the peasant people inhabiting the other.
On the afternoon of my arrival, I was shown through the old Schloss or Castle, where Count Zinzendorf, the patron of the first settlers, lived. It is now used as the farm-house for the estate, and in it are the conference rooms in which the" Unity's Elders' Conference" meets to discuss the methods for the government of the Church. Around a table are twelve chairs for the members of the conference. There is still in the old ink- stands the sand in use before the days of blotting-paper, and there is about the whole an air of the mingling of the ancient and modern which gives it both authority and practicality. Three of the elders compose the COlli- mittee to look after the educational department, three have charge of the financial, and three of the missionary matters j each separate committee has its secretary, and there is, besides, one for the whole body. The thir- teen compose the Unity's Elders' Conference for the general government of the Moravian Church, and all but the missionary committee compose the Provincial Elders' Conference for the care of the secular departments espe- cially. Each settlement has its own conference committee or conncil, but that at IIerrnhut is the chief. Its duties are especially to preserve the doc- trines of the Church in truth and purity, and to keep a general watch over all its affairs. They have the power to appoint missionaries to certain fields ' and to nominate ministers for vacant charge8 and offices. They are also in- spectors of education and trustees of the financial interests. The principal doctrines of the Church are: the natural depravity of man j the Divinity of Christ j the free atonement for our sins by tho death of Christ, and the sanctifying power of His blood j the operation of the grace of the Holy Spirit, and the fruits of faith; while the special emphasis is laid on the belief that" there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby ye must be saved" than that of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Not far from the Schloss of Bertheldsdorf is the Lutheran church which the Moravians first attended after their migration to Herrnhut. It is a plain building, but one where they could" worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," and it was here that the wonderful revival took place in 1727 . -August 13th-which thrilled the worshippers with a new life which has never died out, but has come down through a century and a half, trans- • mitted from father to son, and has enabled them to do a work which will never die out. The day is kept as a spiritual birthday and one for special thanksgiving and prayer. The church, too, is considered sacred, though they have long since erected a church of their own in Herrnhut. There was a service in the Moravian Church every evening during the Passion week. IIere come the Brethren and Sisters to hear the reading of the story of the death of our Lord, and to drink from the Fountain o{Life. The" Sisters" occupy one side of the meeting-house and the Brethren the other. It is interesting to see the small caps of the women and note the white ribbons of the widows, the blue of the wives, pink of the maidens, and red of young girls. The officers of each church are the pastors, deacons, and acolytes, and over these the elders, bishops, and co-bishops. The name of "United Brethren" was adopted by them about the middle of the fifteenth century, when, after the persecution following the death of John Huss, they left Bohemia and sought a home in the borders of Silesia and Moravia. They were then, as now, a people who denounce worldly amusements, and strive to live only for the glory of God and the good of their fellow-men. They made it the duty of individuals and families to preserve in its purity the worship of God, to banish idleness and worldly amusements, and to wear none but the most siniple dress. Afterward, in their dispersion through Prussia and Poland, their trials and persecutions for conscience' sake, till their migration to IIerrnhut, in 1722, they maintained much the same principles and habits of life. In a little grove not far from the village is a monument which marks the spot where the first tree was felled for the building of the first house for the settlers. It is marked with a short inscription and reference to Psalms 84 : 4, "Blessed are they which dwell in Thy house j they will be still praising Thee." With what thankful hearts must the Brothers NeiRser and their one or two friends have considered the prospect of a home under the patronage of the earnest Christian, the young Count Zinzendorf, and how gladly must Christian David have carried the news of this new" Fortress of God" to the Brethren in Moravia. There are now about a dozen Moravian settlements in Germany alone. Each has its own council, schools, church, and societies. They are all connected by a common bond of brotherhood. In many places there are houses of the Brethren and of the Sisters where each can find a good home if they have none of their own.
The cemetery, or, as the German beautifully puts it, the" Field of God," is a picturesque and interesting "pot on the Hutberg, near the town. Here, under the shade of immense lime.trees, lie the remains of Count Zinzendorf and the members of the Moravian Church. Each grave is marked by a small stone slab lying upon it, and each body lies with its face toward the east in readiness for the last awakening, when" joy cometh in the morning." Here, as elsewhere, the sexeR are separated; the graves of the Brethren being on one side, and those of the Sisters on the other of the central path. An odd appearance is given to the burial-ground by the t1attopped lime-trees which enclose the several parts like hedges, and in summer, when the leaves are out, have the appearance of immense walls of green. An observation tower crowns the summit of the hill, as though to remind the people that they are to be "ever watching, waiting, waiting till the Lord shall come."
But, to judge more clearly of the power for good which this Church has become, we must look at the missionary side of their work. Besides secular schools in many parts of the world, they have missions in all quarters of the globe. In the museum at Herrnhut are shown the curious articles gathered from the various mission-fields of the society. Here we find huts from Greenland and Labrador, with canoes and arrows from Africa; articles of dress and implements of warfare from the Indians of North, Central, and South America, and from Australia and Central Asia. The first missionary interest was awakened among the Moravians by the tales of distress of a negro from the ,VeRt Indies, who had come on a voyage with his master to Denmark. lIe told of his own dissatisfaction with an evil life, and of his struggle after the light without the help of a Christian teacher, and he pictured the neeufI of his countrymen so vividly that those who heard him decided that they would not keep their Gospel to themselves, but would carry it to those who had need. So it was, that in 1731 two pioneer missionaries were sent out-with the promise of protection from the Danish Government-one to Jamaica and one to Greenland. The story of trial and hardship of these two first missionaries is a thrilling one. In Jamaica they made themselves as one with the slaves, were suspected of treachery to the Government, and imprisoned; and it was only through the energetic action of Count Zinzendorf that they were again given their freedom. Now the mission work has grown, until there are forty-two stations, sixteen of whieh are settlements, aqd a new mission has just been opened in Central Africa. Each station seems to be prospering, being blessed of God. Periodicals containing accounts of the work of the Church are pub. lished in German, French, and English, and tell wonderful stories of the work of Grace at hom~ and abroad.
HERRNHuT, March 24, 189I.
[We add to this letter from Herrnhut an extract from letters written from Berlin, before leaving for Italy and from Florence] : .
" We went to the American Church in the morning, and enjoyed a very good, homelike service by Dr. Stuckenberg.
" In the evening we went to another meeting for Americans and Eng- lish, at his house, which is just around the corner from us.
" Mrs. Stuckenberg is a charming lady, and does a great deal of good here. .
" They need a church very much. The hall they have is only a very small one, and can only be had for Sunday mornings, so that their house must be used in the evening. The meetings are always crowded in both places; and only those who have been here know how Uluch is owed, by English-speaking visitors, to the Stuckenbergs. They go to any amount of tronble to make it pleasant and easy for strangers, and have a wonderful hold, especially on the young men, which is a great thing in a city so full of anti-religious influences as Berlin.
" The evening meetings were started in order to keep the people from the theatre; but the house is far too small to accommodate the crowds who come to them. The church seats are free, and the church is supported entirely by voluntary offerings. " They have now some twenty thousand dollars raised for a new building, but it will take sixty to buy the lot.
" Certainly the need is most urgent; and everyone who feels an interest in the endeavor to keep hold of young men, especially, should try to help on the cause.
"I wish that some of the people in America would take hold more readily and help to raise the amount needed immediately."
Of the Rev. Dr. J. II. W. Stuckenberg, pastor of this American United Church of Berlin, a recent issue of the London Christian World says: " He has charge of the American Church-and no pulpit speaks with manlier or Christlier voice-and most of the timc not taken up by spiritual duties is devoted to sociological studies. No man is able to speak with greater, few, if any, with equal, authority on the social questions which now agitate Germany, while no man brings to the consideration of the present day problems a readier ear, a kindlier heart, or a broader sympathy. The seed which he has sown by his pastoral discourse, and still more by his writings and his private influence, is having no insignificant part in the leavening of his country's pulpit!! and churches with the spirit of Christian socialism. In short, Dr. Stuckenberg is a man at once vf powerful intellect and large heart, of rare earnestness of purpose and lofty devotion to duty, whether as shepherd among flock, or as man among men, a man whom to know is to esteem and admire. "
This is high praise, but every word of it is richly deserved. ['Ve have another later co~munication from Florence, Italy.] Last Saturday evening I went to the opening meeting of the E.vangelical Alliance. The" Teatro Salvini," where all the meetings were held, was crowded, and we had a fine address from Dr. Geymonat, the President of the Florentine Reception Committee. Telegrams in English, German, French and Italian, were sent to King Humbert expressing the satisfaction felt by the Alliance that in the last fifty years such great changes for the better had taken p.lace in Italy, both in regard to the political and religious liberty enjoyed here. There were some interesting !!ubjects considered, and papers read by able men. There were meetings conducted in all the lan- guages, but the most were in English and Italian, though many French and Germans were present. The meetings were all well attended and interest- ing. It was interesting to hear the versions in the various languages of one and the same thing in the general meeti ngs, and I tried to see how much I conld follow in each of the four languages, and found I could tell of what they were talking, but not always exactly what they were saying.
In the farewell meeting on the last night, Signor Prochet spoke in six lan- guages-Italian, French, Spanish, English, German, and Dutch-and apolo- gized for not being able to speak in more. Everyone seems pretty well satisfied with the result of the Alliance. D. L. P.
FLORENCE, h,ALYr April, 1891, [With these" Letters from Abroad" the editor adds extracts from cor- respondence of Ernest B. Gordon, Esq., the beloved son of our co-editor.] " Everywhere I go I make it a point to visit missionaries, and to make inquiries as to the success and operation of missions. They are the be8tinformed men iu the East, because coming into closer relations with the people and residing longer in the country than civil officials or army officers.
"In Agra I met Mr. Jones, a devoted English Baptist, who sings Hindu music with Christian words, to draw the crowds, accompanying himself with the tambourine. He makes the criticism on his own missions in India, which might be made in regard to ours in Burmah-viz., a lack ofensemble and organization. There is too much individualism-not sufficient mutual understanding. The remedy would be the establishment of a lOcal board, with executive powers under the board at home.
" The Methodist Mission in Rohilkund and Lucknow is a wonderful one. They have snap and perfect organization; are baptizing about five thousand low caste Rohillas each year; have a powerful printing-house in Lucknow, and splendid schools for both girls and boys. The young women's school, which Miss Thoburn has charge of, is about to be raised to the grade of a college, able to grant B.A. degrees. Bishop Thoburn is the head and front of this mission.
" Things are loosening greatly in India. If you can get the first bricks out of a wall the rest will come tumbling down shortly. Mission work in India-in fact all work along progressive lines as well-has been prosecuted systematically only since the meeting closed, just a generation ago. Yet, in 1866, Sir John Lawrence, Viceroy, sa"id that the missions had done more for India thau all other benevolent agencies combined.
" By the way, Sir Henry Harrison issued an order recently, forbidding street preaching by missionaries in Calcutta. Only Protestants preach in the streets. Harrison is a Roman Catholic.
" The vice-regal board vetoed his mandate. The same spirit in Boston and Calcutta! Dr. Mabie met in Singapore a Spanish Protestant missionary to the Phillipine Islands, who had been driven out, his co-laborer having been poisoned. The same spirit in Manilla and Cuba! Rev. William Haslam, the evangelist, told me that he was convinced that the masked hand was behind the ritualist movement in England, and that he was sure that there were priests of the Romish communion who had received a dispensation to go to work in the English Church. I had a long and frank talk with a Jesuit recently, who expressed his satisfaction with the mo"ement, since it meant the certain disestablishment of that Church. He said that disestablishment would mean a general unsettling of Protestantism in England, and that then their chance would come. I think the upheaval would surely come, but I draw a flifferent conclusion as to the result. The High Church would be left high and dry. It depends now on State help. Contributions to missions from the Church MiRsionary Society (Low Church) are ploportionally, as well as in the aggregate, much greater than from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (Ritualistic). The Protestant elements in the English Church would come out of the fire purged and freed from the present distracting element.
" While in Delhi, I met Mr. "Vhite, of the S. P. G., and other mem- bers of the Cambridge Mission-a brotherhood of six young men from Cambridge University. I wish you could have seen one of them preach. ing to the Mohammedans yesterday. To see a High Churchman preaching in the streets like an ordinary Plymouth Brother or Salvationist seems rather startling; but they are on their mettle in the East; they could make no progress if their Puseyism did not bend somewhat to Methodism. Day 'before yesterday there was a joint discussion in the yard attached to their bungalow between a Uohammedau mullah and Mr. La Froie, one of the Univcrsity men, at which three hundred Musselmans were present. Each had a half hour to start with, and fifteen minutes apiece for rejoinder. Everything was decorous; the fanatical followers of the Prophet kept their tempers lUuch better than ordinarily. Afterward the Christian apologist was invited to speak in a mosque! So there is some comity between the antagonistic parties in Delhi. These Cambridge men are fine fellows, cultured, zealous. Their influence has essentially modified the S. P. G. Mission here. That has generally a disreputable name for proselytism among Protestant bodies, etc. Here they have schools, with 1500 boys, and a college with 60 students.
[A letter dated April 11th ult., from Rev. Dr. Marshall Lang, a nephew of Rev. Drs. J. Marshall Lang, of Glasgow, Gavin Lang, of In- verness, J. Parsley Lang, of Sterlmg, and of Mrs. Dr. John Pagan, of Bothwell, Scotland, states that he has removed from Osaka to Kumamoto, Japan, where his address is care ef Rev. J. B. Brandram. He speaks highly of the Life of Dr. Neeshima, whom he calls" the apostle of Japan." We hope that an edition of the life of this remarkable man, who had so much to do with moulding the religious fulnre of the Sunrise Kingdom, will soon be published in this country. His conversion and career are among the most remarkable events in connection with that island empire which is the cynosnre of all eyes in this last decade of this eventful century.
Mr. Lang's sister has just gone out to China under the China Inland Mission, and is now training at Yang Chow. The Lang family, so well known both in Scotland and America, have a large representation in the Christian ministry and the missionary work. Their venerable mother was a woman of marked character, as her portrait indicates. Her sons have found their way to the pulpit, her daughters are preaching through their husbands, Drs. Pagan, Gloag, etc., and now the grandchildren are fast joining the same noble army of Christ's witnesses in the parishes at home and ;missions abroad. How much a sanctified parentage and home-life have to do with frling up the ranks of the ministry and the missionary host! That blessed mother has already nearly a score of preachers and' Christian workers among her children and grandchildreu.-ED.]
THE PRESENT CRISIS OF lIISSIONB
THE PRESENT CRISIS OF MISSIONS.
[EDITORIAL, A. T. P.] There is a great crisis in missions. But it is the result of the very successes, not failures of missions j and it is strange that thinking, intelligel't men should fail to see this, and that despondency and discouragement should exist where hopefulness and even thankful-ness arc the more natural to one who discerns the signs of the times. Growth always brings a demand for new conditions, new accommodations, new provisions. A growing plant must have larger space, more room j the old flower-pot must be discarded for a new and more spacious one. The growing boy must have new clothes j and often, too, the growing family a larger house, a better supplied table. A growing business needs new shops or factories, a larger stock, more hands, a costlier outlay. No sensible man ever finds fault with such increase, though it demands more care, more cost, more labor, more vigilance. How comes it to pass that when the Lord's work outgrows all past provision for its successful prosecution, demands more room, more men, more money, more churches, schools, colleges, preaching stations, Bibles, medical missions, etc., we should begin to be heavy-hearted because what was adequate ten years ago is entirely insufficient to-day g This is another anomaly and paradox in modern missions.
These crises of what we call danger and discouragement are, in fact, God's own challenge to new prayer, faith, heroism, and consecration. And if so accepted, they always introduce periods of unprecedented triumph. Let an example or two be adduced. At Tahiti, for sixteen years the missionaries, Mr. Henry, Mr. Nott, etc., seemed to have expende.d their strength in fruitless and hopeless toil, spending themselves for naught. Their tireless zeal, their constant journeys, their faithful testimony, seemed like blows of a feather against a wall of adamant. Not one conversion took place j the idolatries of the natives were an abomination, and their wars a desolation. The directors of the London Missionary Society seriously thought of abandoning the work. But there were a few who rightly read the lesson of this apparent failure. God was rebuking unbelief, and challenging faith in His unchanging Word of promise. Dr. Haweis sent another £200 sterling to the missionary treasury, remonstrating against giving up the mission. Rev. Matthew ·Wilks, John Williams' own pastor, said, with characteristic zeal and devotion: "I will sell my garments from my back rather than that this mission shall be given up j" and instead of a cowardly withdrawal, he proposed a special season of prayer for the blessing of the Lord of the han'Cilt. His proposal was accepted j letters of hope and encouragement were written to the disheartened laborers, and prayer went up to Almighty God with tears of sorrow for past unbelief that had made mighty works impossible. And now mark the result. While the vessel that bore these letters was on her way to Tahiti, the ship that crossed her track on the way to England carried the news, not only of a beginning of a work of grace, but of the entire overthrow of idolatry i and, with thelie tidings of the new Pentecost, bore also the rejected idols of that people! "Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear." No promise was ever more literally fulfilled.
One more instance. In 1853, at Albany, the American Baptist Mis- sionary Union held its anniversary; and the question of the. abandonment of the mission among the Telugus in South India was discussed. Here again was a field without any adequate fruit of the long tillage. The missionary (Rev. Mr. Jewett), already there, refused to abandon the field, and Rev. Dr. S. F. Smith wrote a poem, unconsciously prophetic, " Shine on, Lone Star," etc.
Dr. J. E. Clough, then a civil engineer, went out to the" Lone Star" field. The famine of 1877 came, and his services as a civil enginecr came strangely into play in the completion of a half-built canal, by which hungry men got work, wages, and food. In the evenings Mr. Clough would gather his gangs of workmen and preach to them the simple gospel of John, 3 : 16 j then encourage the converts who accepted it, to go and tell the news to others. And 80 God used even famine as His evangelist. Next year, in one day, 2222 were baptized; in thirty days, 5000, and within a twelvemonth, 10,000. Here again it was darkest just before day. God withheld fruits to try the faith and persistence of His pAople. To have given up the work: would have been to have forfeited the greatest pentecostal harvest of all modern times. And it would seem as though juse now the Lord of the harvest is proving the faith of His own people; and if faith triumphs there is in store a world-wide blessing. . How shall such an exigency and emergency be met 1 We give answer that, first, there are great general principles which must always be kept pr:ominently before the mind. The tabernacle in the wilderness was a remarkable object lesson, setting forth, as Professor W. W. Moore says, " the terms and forms of communion with God." The terms were beautifully represented in the outer court, in the altar of sacrifice and the laver j one standing for the remission of sins through the shedding of blood, and the other for the renewing of the heart through the washing of regeneration. We come to God by the blood of Christ and by the new birth from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Place beautifully shows the forms of communion, with the three articles of sacred f~rniture, the candelabra, the table of shewbread, and the altar of incense. The Sermon on the Mount may give us the key to these three symbolic lessons: "Ye are the light of the world j let your light so shine," etc. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men: let thine .alms be in secret." "Enter into thy closet j pray to thy Father which is in secret." These are the threefold forms of communion : a burning, shining light of testimony; a consecration of substance; and unceasing prayer. That is the way to prosecute missions. Let every child of God accept the privilege and duty of being Christ's witness to the world by lips and life. Let our offeringll, individual, sys- tematic, habitual, proportionate, constantly keep the Lord's house as con- stantly supplied with meat. And le.t us remember that, as the work and the power are God's, the only way to command success is to be unceasingly in prayer. A church universally witnessing to the Gospel; a church sYII- tematically giving; a church perpetually praying-that is the church per- petually conquering, before whose banners every stronghold of Satan must fall. And it is because in everyone of these departments, world-wide wit,nessing, church-wide giving and praying, there is such ,a lack, that our missions are hindered for want of laborers, our treasuries depleted of funds, and our missionary converts have become a thing of the past, especially in respect of earnest and prevailing prayer.
Particularly are we mortified at the decrease of gifts. Think of the great American Board announcing twenty per cent reduction in the appro- priations of the current year! And of the wealthy Presbyterian Church working for two years under the burden of an enormous debt, unable to expand, and even to maintain, without reduction and contraction, the work already in hand among the great unsaved peoples of the world I We must have, and we may hav~, greatly increased gifts. There is a financial basis of evangelization, and money must be furnished if men are to be sent into the field and supported in it.
Not.hing is plainer than this, that we have not yet begun to touch the possible, available resources of the Church. We have never yet, as we have often said, sacrificed even our luxuries and our superflmties. There is enough jewelry and ornament on our persons and in our homes to supply all the needful money for a world's needs. In 1867 one prominent Presby- terian paid as much for a lot on which to erect a house as the whole Board of Missions appropriated that year to its foreign work! If Christian men and women would imitate. the patriotism of the people of Germany in the Napoleonic wars, and give up their gold and silver adornments for the wars of the Lord, as those Germans did for the campaign of their country, what vast sums would be realized! Let us form a new "Order of the Iron Cross," and vow not to wear any more superfluous jewelry until the needs of a dying world are met.
And would to God that we might impress every member of the Church of Christ with the privilege and obligation of even the poorest to take part in this universal offering.· How many a poor seamstress might find, like Sarah Hosmer, the factory woman of Lowell, the means to lay up enough to educate six natives as preachers of the Cross in Oriental lands ! Yes, and how many a poor widow, like one of Rev. Dr. W. M. Paxton's humblest . members, might raise chickens on the roof of a city tenement house, and bring her five dollars a year to the missionary treasury! How many a work- ingman's household would find a way to lay aside a portion of every day's expenses, as the Ceylonese converts diminish their quantity of rice at every morning meal that it may be put aside as the Lord's portion! Self-denial ~ There are very few who know the meaning of the word. What we give to the Lord costs us nothing. We do not diminish our food, our raiment, our home comforts, or even our luxurious adornments, to give the Gospel to the world. We scarcely miss, if at all, the money given in missionary collections. With the majority there is no calculation of what the cause demands and what their own ability justifies. It is a mere chance, what the Lord gets as His portion. What if it were a mere chance what is reserved for house rent, or for food, or for clothing ~ Never will the needs of our mission treasuries be met until provision is made on a business basis, until we mako our honest reckoning with the Lord as to what His cause needs, and what we ought to do as our share-more than this, until we get some high conception of the duty, not only, but the privilege of laying consecrated offerings at the Lord's feet as Mary broke her alabaster box for His sake.
But, specifically, there is a duty which is particularly to be done in this critical and pivotal hour of missions. The Church must be set on fire with an intelligent missionary interest, a " zeal according to knowledge." vVe need a widespread information about facts, as well as principles, of missions. Disciples must become familiar with their duty as witnesses, and with that inspiration to duty found in the past triumphs and present demands of tho missionary work. And to whom shall we look for this educating process but to the pastors? ,Vhere did you ever know a burning flame of missionary zeal in a church whose pastor was cold and indifferent ~ He is generally the vestal whose hand lights and keeps burning the sacred fires. Give us a properly aroused, intelligent, active, spiritual body of pastors, and we shall have a new missionary era in the churches. Nay, we shall ha'e almost no need even of missionary secretaries, save as the mere channels of communication between the great body of churches and the mission fieM. The pastor, who is the most natural and the most effective pleader for any benevolent cause when his head, heart, and tongue are full, will become the self-appointed and omnipresent agent of every good work, and the Church will follow such lead as an army follows where its heroic captains lead the way.
During recent mission tours, I am sorry to confess that I have found not a few ministers of Christ who have told me that they" would not goad their people to more giving; it is all they can do now to get their own salary!" What a fatal mistake, not only for the Lord's cause, but for the minister's own interest! A people learns to give by giving; and the more they give the more and the easier will the gifts be. Selfishness grows by indulgence. The man who hoards and keeps, wants to have more and to give less. The man who learns to bestow finds the bliss of giving. and his purse-strings relax more readily as they are the oftener untied. The grace of giving ill one to be cultivated. Everything that restrains it tends to kill it. NothinK but constant care keeps such a delicate, sensitive, celestial 'plant alive. Many a man's salary comes b,aJ,'d because he does not train his people to appreciate the duty and luxury of an open hand, an open heart, and an open purse. But even were it not so, loyalty to Christ and His cause is our first obligation.
Missions stand vitally related to the Church. The very word is significant j it represents tltat whereunto the Church is sent. Thill is the savor without which the salt is good for nothing; this is the shining without which the light is no longer a light, but a burned-out lamp. Bishop Thoburn therefore says, that if the Church of God should deliberately determine to turn her back on a perishing world, and abandon her mission and commission, it would not be one hour before the Church would be swept from the face of the earth. We talk about the peril of missions at this crisis j it may be questioned whether the peril of the Church is not even greater. The salvation of the heathen hangs on the Church's fidelity; but what about the salvation of the Church herself ~ What if, with a thousand doors of access standing open, a thousand calls from Macedonia inviting, a thousand interpositions of God encouraging, a thousand victories over idolatry and iniquity inspiring, and a thousand voices of God sounding the trumpet call, " Advance !" we now turn back faithless, unbelieving, heedless, and leave the world to perish ~ There is a curious fact in botany. The exogenro receive their increase of matter by external accretions of outermost layers. Buds, which are the organs supplying materials constituting the stem, exist in the oxogenous plants in indefinite quantity, and so the destruction of one 01' more does not in the least imperil the life of the plant or tree. But in the endogenous growths, one bud alone keeps up the supply of matter needful to perpetuate plant life; the newly formed fibre descends into the innermost part of the stem, and hence any injury here is a fatal one. For example, if a large sea snail is. laid on the crown of the cocoanut tree and left there to rot around the tender sprout, or if with a stone the crown is crushed, the tuft of plume-leaves which adorns the top of the tree fades and falls, and the trunk stands leafless and barren, never more to sprout. The Church of God belongs to the endogenous order, and its solitary vital bud is the missionary spirit. Upon this depend its vitality, its energy, its fertility, its increase. And the blow that injures that bud is fatal to the whole tree. Kill the missionary work of the Church, blast her service for souls, destroy her delicate zeal for the perishing, and her life languishes and perishes also.
Once more we feel impelled to write that the charm of missions, to our mind, is this: It is God's march, through history; and he who is most engrossed with the work of giving the Gospel to thll destitute millions is therefore most closely linked ~ith God and in line with His march. The modern Enochs and Elijahs whose close walk with God invites translation, are the Careys, and Morrisons, and Livingstones, whose absorbing pas~ion is to win a world for Christ, and who join the Triune God in the holy walk and war.
Our Lord~ in His last command, accompanies the injunction, "Go ye into all the world," etc., with a remarkable preface and an equally remark- able conclusion. First comes that declaration: "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth;" then, last of all, stands that marvellous promise, " Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age." Be- tween these two, and by no accident, stands the grand, perpetual command, "Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all nations," i.e., because" All power is Mine, and My All-Presence is assured you all the days, go into all the world." You see, the logic of missions lies in that word" there- fore." And so far and so fast as the Church goes everywhere with the Gospel message, will that All-Power and that All-Presence be realized and manifested. For ourselves, we claim no wide acquaintance with the history or the progress of missions, but are rather oppressed with the sense of igno- rance. But all investigation of this great theme, whose very ext.ent baffies our utmost industry, hM left on the mind one overwhelming impressionviz., that the story of modern missions is, as the Bishop of Ripon finely intimated, a continuation of the .Acts of the .Apostles, with all its essential supernaturali8m. No exhibition of manifestly Divine power, no proofs of a peculiarly Divine presence, have ever been furnished mankind more unmistakable in their way than those found in this world-wide evangelism! The devout student of missions, and pr~-eminently the consecrated worker in missions, finds himself overwhelmed with evidences of a Providential interposition and a spiritual intervention which simply defy contradiction.
What a new era of missions would come to the Church of God if His people could but read these new chapters in the Acts of the Apostles, which prove God to be yet present and powerfully working in the missions of the world!
John Williams' progress through the South Seas was a triumphal maroh. There is nothing in the life of Paul as he went from Antioch to Athens, and from the Golden Horn to the Pillars of Hercules on his great commission, that more proves God's power than John Williams' voyages, from the shores of Eimeo to the fatal coasts of Eromanga. The missionary career of this Apostle of the South Seas extended over twenty-two years, from 1817 to 1839. In the course of these years he went like a flaming messenger of God with the Gospel torch, from island to island and group to group-Aitutaki, Atiu, Raratonga, Mangaia, Raiatea, Samoa, Eromanga -and one continued and unbroken series of successes crowned his labors,; island after island, and group after group, in rapid succession, came under the sway of Christ's golden sceptre, until he could calmly say, in 1834, " At the present time we do not know of any group, or any single island of importance, within 2000 miles of Tahiti, in any direction, to which the glad tidings of salvation have not been conveyed."
There is nothing to prevent similar triumphil in our day but the apathetic indifference of the Church. God is not straitened save by the unbelief and inaction of His people. Where is the trumpet to be found that shall sonD': a loud enough and long enough peal to awake God's sleeping saints?
THE YOUNG PEorl,E'S SOCIETY OF' CRlnSTIAN ENDEAVOR
THE RELATION OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR TO THE ·CHURCH.
BY REV. F. E. CLARK, D.D., PRESIDENT.
It is a very agreeable task to write on this subject of the relation of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor to the Church.
The attitude of the society to the Church has been from the beginning so entirely and unequivocally loyal that there is nothing to explain away or apologize for. It is simply necessary to state the plain factI'. The society has alway;; spelled the Church with a capital C, and has written itself in small letters. It has existed from the beginning as a handmaiden of the Church, and has no other object or purpose in its life now that it has grown to be a vigorous and a large organization. Its yery inception shows its character, and the purpose which brought it into being. A church and pastor in Maine, after enjoying a season of revival which especially blessed the young people, were casting about for some means of training these young Christians, and thus fitting them for greater usefulness in that church. There was no other objeot contemplated. This purpose shaped the organization in all its parts. Its thought inspired the first constitution, which has since been adopted, in its essential features, by all the societies. It made much of the prayer-meeting pledge; it provided the two classes of members-active and associate-so that there might be a clear-cut dividing-line between the Christian and non-Christian young people; and it devised the different branches of committee work so that the young disciples might learn how to look out for each other; how to prepare for the prayer-meeting; how to provide for the social needs of all; how to enlarge and increase the efficiency of the Sunday-school; how to improve the music in all the serviceR of the Church; how to beautify the sanctuary with flowers on Runday ; how to look after the sick and t~r}e stranger within the gate.
If the so-called" model constitution" is studied, it will be seen that in every part, well-nigh in every sentence, it is designed for this sole purpose: To aid the Ohurch in looking after and in training its young people.
That same purpose which framed the' constitution has been adhered to rigidly, and every amendment and addition has been made with the view of cementing more closely this relationship.
Such sentences as these are continually upon the lips of the leaders of this movement: "Do not attempt to form a Society of Christian Endeavor unless the pastor desires it and sympathizes with it." " Wait until the Church doors are thrown open before you enter with the society." " Always yield to the wishes of your pastor and church officers in every particular, even if to you they seem unreasonable," etc.
For this reason Union Societies have' not been encouraged, since the organization is to work, not for the city, or town, or community as such, but for the local church. If there a!e~aQozen churches in a town there ought to be as many societies, one connected with each church, and working for and through the young people of that church.
It may be a very serious question whether there should be a dozen or half dozen, or even two churches in a particular town j but if, in the judgment of thll elders, so many churches are needed, then, on the same ground that a Sunday-school, or a prayer-meeting, or a missionary circle is needed, is a Society of Christian Endeavor needed in each church.
Because of this idea of absolute loyalty to the Church, so early ingrained into the movement, so steadily kept in. mind, and never obscured, the organization has grown with such marvellous rapidity from the one society with 60 members in 1881, to more than 14,000 societies, with over 850,000 members in 1891.
And yet all this time it has been vigorously asserted and reasserted by some that any organization of young people would necessarily draw away from the Church and create division between the old and young in the Church. Every now and then some good brother makes this discovery once again, and brings it forth, as though it had not been refuted by practical experience a thousand times at least during the last ten years. It is noticeable, however, that most of the brethren who make this discovery make it from the standpoint of theory alone. " They will never have such a society in their churches," they say, "which will draw a line between old and young, and keep the young people out of the weekly prayer-meeting." In hundreds of cases, when some friend has prevailed upon them to find out just what the society is and does, and to try the experiment for themselves, they have made, from the standpoint of experience, the far more pleasing discovery that their alarm was false and their fears unfounded, and that the society was a loyal and devoted helper of the Church.
A few facts in the later history of the society will show that it has insisted on this close union with the Church with ever-increasing persistence.
When the "model constitution" was ,revised in 1885 the following clause was inserted : "ARTICLE IX.-RELATION TO THE CHURCH.
"This society, being in closest relation to the Church, the pastor, deacons, elders or stewards, and Sunday-school superintendent shall be exofficio honorary members. Any difficult question may be laid before them for advice."
When I was called to leave my church in Boston to devote my time to this work as President of the United Society, I did so on the following condition, as given in my letter of acceptance to the societies. This letter was received as a kind of platform of principles, and, so far as I know, met with the approval of all the societies. The following are three of the principles upon which the acceptance was conditioned. As will be seen the first of all relates to its inseparable union with the Church: "First. The Society of Christian Endeavor is not, and is not to be, an organization independent of the Church. It is the Church at work for and with the young, and the young people at work for and with the Church. In all that we do and say let us bear this in mind, and seek for the fullest co-operatiou of pastors and church officers and members in carrying on our work. The Society of Christian Endeavor can always afford to wait rather than force itself upon an unwilling church.
"Second. Since the societies exist in every evangelical denomination, the basis of the union of the societies is one of common ioyalty to Christ, common methods of service for Him, and mutual Christian affection rather than a doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis. In such a union all evangelical Christians can unite without repudiating or being disloyal to lIny denominational custom or tenet.
"Third. The purely religious features of the organization shall always be paramount. The Society of Christian Endeavor centres about the prayer-meeting. The strict' prayer-meeting pledge,' honestly interpreted, as experience has proved, is essential to the continued success of a Society of Christian Endeavor."
Four years ago the motto, which has now very generally been adopted, was proposed to the societies: "For Christ and the Church." This has been inscribed on their banners, printed on their constitutions, engraved on their badges, and received by the societies universally as expressing their only purpose and design.
At the great Convention in Chicago the following amendment to the " model constitution" was proposed and accepted with great heartiness and unanimity: "Since it would in the end defeat the very object of our organization if the older active members, who have been trained in the society for usefulness in the Church, should remain content with fulfilling their pledge to the society only, therefore it is expected that these older members, when it shall become impossible for t~em to attend two weekly prayer-meetings, shall be transferred to the affiliated membership of the society if previously faithful to their vows as active members. This transfer, however, shall be made with the understanding that the prayer-meeting pledge of each affiliated member shall be binding upon him for faithful attendance and participation in the usual church prayer-meeting, instead of the society meeting. It shall be left to the Lookout Committee, in conjunction with the pastor, to see that this transfer of membership is made as occasion requires. Special pains shall also be taken to see that a share of the duties and responsibilities, both of the prayer-meeting and of the general work of the society, shall be borne by the younger members."
To show that this is not simply the opinion of an " interested party," I will quote the views of some eminent clergymen on this point-men who have tried the society in their churches, and speak of that which they do know.
These opinions might be multiplied indefinitely, and a whole issue of THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD might be filled with such testi- monies j but these few will suffice. The first I will quote is from the Rev.
Wayland Hoyt, D.D., pastor of the First Baptist Church of Minneapolis: " I am frank to confess I have become an enthusiast in the Christian Endeavor movement, and the more I know of its principles and workings the more fervent is my enthusiasm. And for reasons like these: 1. Be- e·ause of the emphasis the movement puts upon the local church. Its beat- ing heart and centre is the special church with which the young Christian is in personal relation. The steady song of the movement concerning the local church is : • For her my tears shall fall ;' etc.
"No pastor, especially in the large cities, but must have often felt that there are frequent and great temptations nowadays presented to his young people for main service at some other centre than their own particular church home. "
The second is from Rev. C. F. Deems, D.D., pastor of the Church of the Strangers, of New York City: " An earnest pastor brings all his powers to bear upon stimulating all his people to employ their energies in the advancing of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus. In this the young will be included, and probably the strongest stimulus will be administered to them, because they are young, in the freshness of their power, and in the morning of their life. When so stimulated, young people must have vent for their energies. If they do not find it in their own church they will find it elsewhere. In former years they have found it elsewhere. It is not to be deplored that they have worked outside the Church. It is to be deplored that work is not furnished them inside the Church.
" As a pastor, coming now to be one of the oldest pastors in the American Church, I hail the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor with delight. Because of its being formed in the Church, by the young members of the Church, and finding its field in the Church by reason of its function as a training school, it will be repairing those wastes of the Church which necessarily occur by the aging of its members, by their removal to other parts of the country, and by their departure to the upper glory."
Here are one or two more similar testimonies, which perhaps will fill all the space which can be allotted to them in THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF TH~ WORLD; but if others of a similar nature are desired, they can be furnished by the thousand from well-known pastors in all evangelical denominations.
Says· Rev. John H. Barrows, D.D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Chicago : " The happy marvel of Christian Endeavor work is its surprising success. It is thoroughly adapted to the Christian training of the young, not only in prayer and testimony, but in all wholesome social life and in benevolent activities. It is so completely identified with the Church that every pastor in the land should welcome its aid in advancing his own church's welfare. This new movement in modern Christianity, springing from the soul of a consecrated pastor, deserves the most grateful co-operation on the part of the pastors. Guided as its national and international development is by wise and broad-minded men, the path of its future progress appears luminous with splendid victories for Christ. "
Says Rev. A. J. Gordon, D.D., pastor of the Clarendon Street Baptist Church, Boston : " Christian Endeavor has done much to solve the difficulty with us. It has turned the energy and activity of our young people into a better channel. Instead of amusement, it is now solid Christian service. Instead of a laborious effort to draw in by questionable entertainments, there is now a diligent and earnest going out to bring in. A little channel of Christian effort has been opened, and it has been clearly demonstrated that there is nothing that attracts like the earnest and hearty meetings in which our young people pray and sing and bear witness for Christ. The society has done us excellent service in just this way."
The recent history of the society may be summarized in a few sentences. It has been marked by a more extraordinary growth during the last few months than ever before. Last June there were found to be 11,013 societies, with 660,000 members. On January 1st, 1891, there were known to be 13,068 societies, with 784,000 members, and now, in the middle of March, there are over 14,500 societies, with 870,000 members. The growth seems to be as healthy as it is rapid, and the testimonies from pastors and other Christian workers are continually more and more encouraging in regard to the downright spirituality of the young people and their fidelity to all forms of Christian service. The conventions have from the beginning been most notable gatherings, the Convention at St. Louis, in June, 1890, being the climax of all that had hitherto been held, when something like 8000 young people came together from all parts of the land, and the whole tone of the meeting was productive of the deepest spirituality, and was calculated to send the young Christians home to do better work in their own churches than ever before.
The idea of fellowship also has evidently been coming to the front, and while it is no part of the work of the Christian Endeavor Society to break down or weaken denominational lines, it has a mission, I believe, in bringing young disciples together for an interchange of views, and for a most delightful interdenominational fellowship.
The celebration of the foundation of the first society at Portland, February 2d, 3d, and 4th, 1891, which marked the close of the first ten years of the Christian Endeavor movement, was in every way a notable gathering. Something like 1800 delegates were present, and the spirit of profoundest thankfulness to God for His blessing upon the work of the past ten years, and an earMst reaching forward to better service in the future characterized the gathering from the beginning to the end. Thousands of young Christians are now looking forward to the International
THE EPOCH Oi' ORGA'NIZATION. 00'7
Convention at Minneapolis, which will be held next July from the 9th to the 12th of the month. It is expected that this will be the largest, and, it is hoped, the most profitable and soul-stirring meeting that has yet been held. If it proves to be like the conventions that have gone before, it will bring a revived spirit of consecration to hundred!! of churches, and will lead thousands of young disciples to devote their lives more fully than ever before to the work of " Christ and the Church."
THE EPOCH OF ORGANIZATION.
The foregoing article was prepared by Dr. Clark at the request of the editor. He cannot fo: bear to add to this record of one of the most startling developments of the age, that this seems to be the epoch of organization.
During the last half century the Young Men's Chri8tian AS80ciation, Young Women's Christian Association, Women's Christian Temperance union, guilds of all sorts, women's foreign and home missionary boards and societies, Helping Hand, and numberless other similar organizations ~ave sprung into being and multiplied with unexampled rapidity; and none have shown such amazing vitality and reproductive force as the Christian Endeavor movement. The hand of God must certainly be in this. He means that all this organization of individual power in association shall be the signal for new advance along all the lines of missionary work, at home and abroad.
We are particularly glad to see that the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor have begun systematir, work for missions. The greatest peril is that of prosperity. Numerical growth, popularity, enthnsiasm, rapidity of expansion-all these are the snares of the devil to betray us into self-complacency and selfishness. To have an object outside of ourselves and sedulously labor for the salvation of the lost is God's antidote to all destructive and hurtful tendencies.
In a prominent community of New York State, in 1866 and 1867, there developed suddenly a temperance organization which attained such amazing popularity that at least one third of all the best people in the town were actively identified with it. In fact, it became a reproach not to be, for the ontsiders were left in bad company. At that time there was such power resident in that organization that by simply acting together, every drinking saloon conld have been swept ont of existence, for the laws were such that they had but to be enforced to banish the grogshop. Hitherto few had dared to prosecute because there was not sufficient backing to insure immunity from personal revenge. But now, with a temperance organization numbering 800 active members, and embracing the foremost men and women of the community, the drink-venders began to tremble, and some actually left the town for fear of coming prosecutions!
Just at this time a sudden discord in the organization developed into division and hopeless disintegration, and the grand opportunity was lost and never has been regained. In face of a united foe the temperance host split hopelessly, and the grave question that was the wedge of division was this, wheth,er they should use an organ or a piano to lead the singing at the meetings!-[EDITOR.]
THE OPIUM CURSE
THE OPIUM CURSE.
BY JAMES E. MATHIESON, ESQ., LONDON, ENGLAND.
During three days, March 9th, lOth, and 11th, 1891, a Convention wall held in London by Christians from various branches of the Church, includ- ing delegates from Ireland, Scotland, and the Provinces, and a representa tive from Holland, concerning the awful traffic in opium which is bringing a curse home to millions of our race in the two most thickly peopled countries on this globe-China and India-as well as in Burmah, the Straits' settlement, and the Dutch colony of Java. Happily the Empire of Jap'an has been saved from the devastation which has been wrought in the countries we have named, and which year by year is spreading further.
It is on record that the infamous Warren Hastings, first Governor-Gen- eral of India under the old East India Company, sent a private venture of 2000 chests of the drug to Canton. In referring to the great crime which Great Britain has now so long and so persistently perpetrated against China, be it remembered that it differs in toto from the accursed drink and gunpowder traffic with Africa, inasmuch as the latter is carried on by private individuals or by trading companies, for whom Government has no special responsibility. It is unlike our drink traffic at home, inasmuch as our Government does not grow barley or hops, nor carryon breweries or distilleries, nor sell their products; on the contrary, it taxes these heavily, and puts certain restraints upon the licensed vendors of strong drink. But in India the Government advances money to enable the ryots to grow the poppy, receives and manufactures the juice into opium for the market, takes care that in quality it has the proper " smack" to make it far preferbIe by consumers to the coarser article prepared in China, sells it at public auction in Calcutta, and makes it, in fact, a Government monopoly, from which it derives a net revenue of about five millions sterling, or twenty-five millions of dollars annually. Vast breadths of land in every province of China are now devoted to poppy culture, where not so ,very long ago rice and other cereals were grown; and in days to come this state of things may aggravate intensely the oft-recurring Chinese famines. But the increase of production by the Chinese has diminished the consnmption of Indian opinm in China; and therefore the Indian Government, by an inspiration which comes from the pit, has been creating a taste for the drug and extending the area of human misery and utter destruction by the issue of licenses for the sale of opium all over India and in Burmah. Remonstrances and motions in Parliament have heretofore failed to move successive Secretaries of State for India to face the question of replacing this revenue, wrung from the vices of Chinamen, and now of our fellow-subjects in India ,and Burmah ; nor have the long-continued endeavors of the Anti- Opium Society succeeded in arousing the consciences of Christians to a sense of the awful wrong we are inflicting on' peoples who have done us no injury j indeed, the ignorance and apathy upon the subject throughout the churches it is woful to contemplate. The conveners of the Convention just closed felt that their resort must be to the arm of the Almighty, as there seems no hope but in His mighty help, in attempting to overthrow this gigantic evil. There may be-let us hope there is-in Great Britain sucl1- a sufficient reserye of moral force as, if aroused, would triumph over all the obstacles in the way: the non possumU8 of Government officials; the vested interests and prospective interests of the vast number of families who have relatives in the civil and military services of India, or are looking forward to occupy such posts. But, as John Bright once said, " It cannot be expected that India is forever to remain a rich pasturage for the younger sons of British families." The probable sacrifice which must be faced on this side to fill up the void, were the opium revenue to be cut off, in increased income tax at home, will make unpopular the effort to shift the burden from India to England j and it is to be remembered that India is already taxed to the utmost eapacity of her people, multitudes of whom are always on the verge of starvation. These and other difficulties in the way of those who go for the total abolition of the iniquitous traffic, led the committee to dedicate the first four sittings of these three days to prayer j and we had a precious outpouring of heart in each of those four meetings, men and women spontaneously risiug, one after another, with no cessation, except while the Honorary Secretary read, in each of the meetings, letters from various parts of our land expressing the deepest sympathy with our purpose, and giving thanks for the pamphlets and appeals which had been mailed to 45,000 ministers of all denominations during the month of February, calling attention to our country's shame, and the curse wrought in the great Asiatic empires by our wrongdoing. The prayer-meetings were followed by four meetings for open conference, in which there were no < discordant notes, and much valuable information was elicited. The closing meetings (in two halls) the last night were addressed by notable speakers. A resolution was passed in the closing meeting of conference, appointing an Urgency Committee of Seven to carryon the 'war, and calling for £20,000 to provide the sinews. Before the break-up on the last evening, two donations of £] 000 each had been promised. It should be mentioned that the whole of the meetings were held upon the premises of the Friends' historical meeting-house in Bishopsgate Stre~t without j and it was inspiring to stand within walls where Elizabeth Fry and generations of the Socicty of Friends had met in conncil to agitate against great wrongs, as well as to worship God in spirit and in truth. One of the rooms lent to the committee is that in which " the Committee for Sufferings" was wont, in a past age, to meet, to consider the claims of those who were persecuted for righteousness' sake, and to help the families of such as went to prison and to death rather than deny the name of Jesus.
May we claim from American Christians much believing prayer for the speedy and complete success of this new endeavor to rid our country of this dark blot, and to deliver millions in the far East from the temptation to the fatal indulgence in the opium habit? It may be that some of the Lord's stewards will come to our worthy Honorary Treasurer's help in this crisis; his name is George Gillett, Esq., 9 Birchin Lane, E. C., London.
Some friends of Israel, in London, lately tried to gain access to the Czar of all the Russias with a petition that he would not oppress the ancient people of God. I wish your President, Senate, and House of Represent- atives would memorialize our gracious Queen about our oppression of Asia's millions with this bondage of opium; it is to be feared that her Majesty does not know that she is, as Empress of India, the greatest poison manu- , facturer the world has ever seen.
And now let me give you a few reflections upon God's moral govern- ment of this wicked and rebellious world. It is a trite observation that while men individually have to answer to God for their 'sins, here, in the world that is to come, nations are judged and dealt with in this age. Some of us are old-fashioned enough to lament tne abandonment of days of humiliation and days of thanksgiving, which characterized the more rev- erent ages which preceded our own. But whether men acknowledge God's intervention inhuman affairs or no, Christians are forced to see, by His Providential dealings, that" verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth." Where, some one will say, are the wars, and famines, and pesti- lences which have afflicted Great Britain as judgments on her persistent crime in the matter of opium ? Well, it might be answered, look at the Afghan War and Kyber Pass disaster, and later on, the Indian Mutiny, as God's rebuke of this national crime; or the repeated Indian famines; these together swallowing up as much revenue, perhaps, as we had unholily gained by our opium manufacture and sale. But calamities far away in India do not burn into the souls of people dwelling at home at ease, and I think we must go deeper than this. The Almighty and wonder-working Jehovah has other plagues wherewith to chastise the impenitent nations- plagues which touch, not so much persons or property, but which affect tl,e moral and spiritual sphere of human beings, and determine their eternal destinies. And I note, and ask your readers to note, some ominous conjunctions of dates which, to my own mind at. least, carry the conviction that their mention cannot be dismissed by the customary post hoc non propter hoc, but that the finger of God is here. In 1840, the year of our first Chinese war, we compelled the Government of China to pay the cost of the opium they had right~ously destroyed, and 'to give us the cost of the war besides; by superior force and weapons we easily overcame this partially civilized people, and compelled their submission to an awful injus, tice. In 1841 there appeared an ecclesiastical portent, a cloud no biggel than a man's hand, in the issue from Oxford of "Tract No. 90," whi'ch wast he prelude to the deluge of ritualism and Romanism, which, after its course of just fifty years, now threatens to submerge the once Protestant Church of England. Be it marked well that this spread of sacerdotalism and sensll,OUS ceremonial" and the substitution, of the ChuIch in the NOm of Christ has chiefly been among the governing classes in our land. What next? In 1857 we had our second nefarious war with China. Lord Palmerston, then Prime Minister, was defeated in the House of Common~ in a debate concerning this opium war, * appealed to the constituencies, and was restored to power by a great majority. The middle and lower classes thereby endorsed the crime, and made it their own. What followed ~ In 1860, scarce three years later, appeared another sign, not in heaven, but from beneath, in the publication of the celebrated" Essays and Reviews." From that time there bas spread and spread, like a canker throughout the nonconformist churches of Great Britain and among the middle and lower clasaes, the spirit of insidious unbelief, undermining the authority of God's Holy Word in this once favored land of Bibles, putting a diminished value upon the atonement of our blessed Saviour, and giving rise to all sorts of unscriptural views about human destiny. Our' old supremacy among the nations rel:ted upon tbe moral and ,religious character of the people, and that character was formed by implicit belief in, and reverence for, God's Holy Word; when these are abandoned, our national characteristics disappear, and our strength will depart from us. " Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth!" There are hundreds of ministers in our land to-day who, deluded them!!c1vcs in their religious beliefs and disbeliefs, are unconsciously" the scourge of God" in leading multitudes into similar delusions, inflicting judicial blindness, as the plague upon us for our crime and impenitence. Accompanying the eclipse of faith is the corruption of morals, the introduction of the gospel of amusements, multiplication of theatres, and the spread of gambling; the Lord looks down from heaven to see if there be any fresh green thing for His holy eye to rest upon; but" That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the c'ankerworm eaten; and that which .the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten" (Joel 1 : 4).
Yet there is hope. If we repent of our sin and forsake it, and attempt to make some restitution to China and put an arrest upon the plague in India and Burmah, God may still make this" a delightsome land," where His glory may dwell and shine forth brightly through His people. "I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you" (Joel 2 : 25). Brethren in America, we are in an evil case. Pray for us! We need your prayers.
But why this statement and appeal in a missionary magazine 1 Because the opium vice, and, back of that, the cultivation, manufacture, and sale of opium, is the most gigantic stumbling-block in the way of the Gospel of the blessed God our Saviour. In India, Burmah, and China, American missionaries and British with one consent will concur in giving this testimony. It is one of the devil's masterpieces. "He knoweth that he hath but a ~hort time" (Rev. 12 : 12) ; and, as one fal5e system of religion after * Among the opponents of the war were John Bright, Richard Cobden, and W. E. Gladstone. an'other begins to totter to its fall, the arch enemy of God and of man de- vises some new and insidious snare for the race of Adam. It would be well worth the while of all mission boards in Protestant countries to con- centrate attention upon this great crime of Great Britain, to create a public opinion which would compel its termination; it would be well worth the while of all the temperance associations in Great Britain to throw their energies into the anti-opium war, if only to secure the subsequent blessing upon their home endeavors to overcome the drink interests. J. Hudson Taylor, of China, a man who" dwells in the secret of God's presence,"
remarked to a friend some years ago, "I,do not think your temperance crusade at home will triumph until you have redressed the wrong done to China in the matter of opium." This witness is true. What says the prophet Isaiah 1 "When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood" (Isa. 1 : 15). Hear the psalmist's cry, "Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, 0 God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness" (Ps. 51 : 14). Why is there so much barrenness in the churches at home 1 Why such very partial success in philanthropic endeavor 1 Why are the results even on the foreign mission fields so incommensurate with the expenditure of human life and energy, and other outlays 1 "Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. . . , Shall I not visit for these things 1 saith the Lord; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this 1" (Jer. 5 : 25, 29). There has been a guilty silence in the pulpits of our land; for very shame men may have shrunk from dwelling on the dreadful theme; we have to knock away all props, such as apathy and ignorance of the subject, which have enabled our rulers to persevere in a course of criminality and injustice; and we go into this new campaign with trust in the living God, with appeal to all true-hearted men and women, and with resolve to spend and be spent in this holy, just, and patriotic effort to clear ourselves and our fellow countrymen from the shame and the sure punishment of the opium traffic and its base motive-the creation of revenue by the degradation of millions of the human family.
[The writer of the above article is the well-known ex-superintendent of the Mildmay mission work in London. Few men in Great Britain are better known or more loved. For many years he presided over the many departments of evangelistic, missionary, ho~pital and other work, of which Mildmay is the centre. There, in the heart of the world's metropolis, is the great. Mildmay Hall, seating its three thousand people, consecrated by countless gatherings, and especially famous for its June meetings. All about it are its hORpital, deaconess houses, school-rooms, etc., all in a roomy and convenient park. Mr. Mathieson tore down the old garden houRe and built a new and more commodious one, which with characteristic self-forgetfulness he put at the disposal of his successor, as he retired from his arduous labors. And now he is devoting tongue and pen to the advocacy of everything good. We commend not only the foregoing article to our readers' careful examination, but likewise the organ of this new protest against the opium traffic, to which Mr. Starbuck refers, " National Righteousness," which with no uncertain sound thunders out its remonstrances.- Eo.]
THE MIRACLES OF lIlISSIONS
THE JHRACLES OF MISSIONS.-NO. XIX.
MIDNIGHT ON THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDs.-I.
[EDITORIAL, A. T. P.] The popular name, "the Sandwich Islands, "was given by James Cook, who discovered them in 1778 ; but the proper name, which alone is used by the inhabitants, is " Hawaiian," derived from the lar~est of the group. They lie midway between Panama and-China, and their united area is about 60,000 square miles.
Their origin is volcanic, and coral reefs are found along the coast. The vessel that enters the fine harbor of Honolulu takes shelter in one of these coral reefs; the sloping walls which enclose this bay were built by the slow labor of centuries, and the builders were innu;:nerable minute zoophytes.
The tragical fate of Captain Cook in 1779 for seven years kept vessels from touching at the islands, but in 1786 Captains Dixon and Portlock stopped at Oahu, and La Perouie visited Maui.
Kamehameha was then king, and his settled policy favored foreigners. When the natives on the west shQre of Hawaii plundered a vessel and slew the crew, sparing the lives only Qf Isaac Davis and John Young, the king took them under hi!;! protection and subsequently admitted them to the eouncils of the nation.
Vessels were attracted to these shores partly to obtain sandal-wood, for incense to the idols in Chinese temples; and thus these idolaters contributed to idolatry elsewhere. Of course the features common to idolatry were found among the Hawaiians, and human sacrifices were customary, especially in case of the sicknes~ of a monarch; and, when Kamehameha would not permit th~m, three hundred dogs were offered at his funeral obsequies. The islands were filled with wailings ; the people shaved their heads, burned themselves, knocked out their front teeth, and both sexes, young and old, gave free reiu to their bad passions, in robbery, lust, and murder.
Idolatry here was of the lower order; the idols were of their own making, roughly and hideously carved in wood and in stone. Again were the significant words of Scripture fulfilled: "They that make them are like unto them," for the Hawaiians had become almost as stupid and senseless as the images they worshipped.
Kilauea, the great volcano, was among their gods. Its crater is 4000 feet above ~ea-Ievel, and 10,000 feet farther is another active crater, not connected with thill, which is three miles in diameter. Jets of scalding steam may be seen all over the field, and the burning l"ke rises and falls as the mighty power beneath heaves the molten mass, whieh every now and then swells into a vast dome, or is tossed up in jets from 60 to 80 feet hig.. Here the god Pele was adored with prayers and offerings. When the volcano poured forth its rivers of fire the wrath of Pele was no longer tf) be restrained j and when the seething crater wa~ comparatively quiet. he was appeased. Kalaipahoa, the poison god, was made of wood, curiously carved into hideous deformity; and no idol was so dreaded save the deities believed to preside over volcanoes. All deaths from poison were traced to his malign power, and even the wood of his image was believed to be poisonous.
The war god, Tairi. was borne in war near the king's person. It was about two feet high, of wickerwork, covered with red feathers, and having a hideous mouth. Lono, another of the most popular and powerful idols, consisted simply of a pole with a small head on the end, probably carried in battle. One of the largest temples was dedicated to this god. It was over 200 feet long and 100 feet broad, and built of lava stones, and upon it stood the idol, surrounded by images of inferior deities. Thilil temple still stands, a melancholy monument to what the Hawaiians once were. There was the court of idol deities; there they met for superstitious worship and licentious festival. There they poured out human blood and burned the flesh and fat of human sacrifices, every humane instinct blotted from their natures by ages of increasing degradation and deterioration.
No intelligent view of the heathenism of the Hawaiians can be had without a knowledge of the tabu system of restrictions and prohibitions, inseparable from the national idolatry, and embracing sacred places, persons, and things. To violate these restrictions was a capital offence. A husband could not eat with ~is wife, nor could women eat certain choice articles of food; and those whose high social position could defy the death penalty were threatened with the wrath of the gods. What was enjoined or prohibited was more tyrannically trivial than the injunctions of the ancient Pharisaic code; yet their very insignificance made them more intolerably oppressive. The tabu laws left the people at the mllrcy of a corrupt priesthood, and under a yoke of the most galling servitude, destroying personal liberty.
Ignorance of course prevailed. The Hawaiians knew not the meaning of a grammar, a dictionary, or a literature, and the simplest operations of arithmetic were inexplicable mysteries. Ignorance is the mother of superstition as it is the twin sister of idolatry. The ignorance of the Hawaiians was as extreme as their idolatry was degrading. They were savages without the Gospel. They lived in grass huts, and were almost destitute of clothing; the arts and sciences were unknown to them beyond thoae which are most primitive and essential to the preservation of life. Even language often shows the degrading influence of idolatry. As a people sink into depths of moral ruin, they lose higher and more spiritual ideas, until they have no longer any words with which to aSllociate elevated and ennobling sentiments. The missionaries to the Pacific Isles found no word to express thanles, as though gratitude were unknown; and many other instances might be given showing the influence of idolatry upon language.
The influence of superstition could be seen conilpicuously in the treatment of disease by native doctors, and the apprehension of being prayed to death, implying a belief in a species of witchcraft. The most absurd and foolish notions had all the importance of most certain facts and most weighty issues. The people lived in terror of their own thoughts, and malignant influences were believed to be all about them, shaping them and their destinies as by an inexorable fate.
It is but seventy years ago since there was one ruler, and his word was law, and his beck determined even life and death. If a chief placed a stick of sugar-cane in the corner of a field, not even the owner himself dared take his own crop away. If a person refused to obey his chief, or perform any service, his house might be burned, and his family left deititute. Hawaiians were ruled with a rod of iron.
There were formerly two cities of refuge on Hawaii, to which all might flee even to escape the penalty of crime, and those gates were never shut except against the pursuer. Thus even the provisions of mercy favored the destruction of all equity and justice. Mercy meant leaying crime to be unpunished, and sometimes even rewarded. Guilt was no assurance of penalty, nor innocence, of security. There were no forms of trial, no judges, juries, nor courts of law. The chief was sole arbiter of destiny.
Vancouver's visit and sojourn at the Hawaiian Islands (1792-94) marks an epoch. He was sent out by the British Government on a voyage of exploration, and introduced domestic animals, such as goats, sheep. and cattle from California. He had been with Captain Cook on his fatal visit, and found the population greatly decreased since the time of his first landing. As this could be accounted for but in part by the war'! in the early part of Kamehameha's reign, some deadly influences were obviously at work.
Among these were two-intemperance and licentiousness, which had been in a large measure introduced by so-called civilized foreigners. It was these vessels from Christian lands that touched at the Hawaiian group and first introduced there the damnable liquid fires of alcohol, and whose licentious crews first made the harbors of Hawaii the hells of the most abandoned and shameless vice.
Infanticide was also the fatal plant growing in the death shade to destroy the very existence of the nation. With the exception of the higher class of chiefs it was practised by all ranks of the people. Few parents spared more than two or three children, and many allowed but one to live. Shortly after birth, or during the first year, two thirds of the native children actllally died a violent death; and many different methods were used, some of which proved fatal to the mother also. Having failed, through lack of a " higher civilization," to nnderstand the modes of prenatal murder so common in Christian lands, the poor Hawaiians had no alternative but to permit nature to bring to birth, and then to strangle, or bury them alive. Think of a mother thrusting into the mouth of a helpless babe a piece of tapa to stop its cries, then deliberately digging a hole in the earthy Hoor of her hut within a few yards of her bed, and of the spot where she ate her daily bread, and there burying alive her own child! And for no other motive than to indulge indolence, or save the trouble of bringing the child up!
Parents were wont thus to put out of the way not only weak and sickly children, but even the brightest and healthiest. During the forty years, between 17';8 and 1818, the population had decreased from 400,000 to 150,000, nearly two thirds, so that a nation 'Was saved from extinction by the gospel, for in twenty years Illore, at the same rate of decrease, the Haw- aiian Islands would have been an uninhabited waste.
The governor, Kekuanoa himself, in an address Honolulu, in 1841, said: "There were, a few years ago, three laws, all dcsigned to deliver criminals from justice by the protecting favor of the chiefs. Offenders were not then brought to trial, and even legislation set a premium upon crime. Both polygamy and polyandry were common, no law of marriage being known, and property and rank settling the question of the number of wives a man should have or the nu::nber of husbands a woman should have, and hence came the attendant evils of infanticide, quarrels, and murder.
" The lines of distinction between right and wrong seemed well-nigh obliterated. Good and evil were alike j the rights of others were not re- spected j they abused the maimed, the blind, the aged, and the chiefs ground the poor into the dust. Gambling, drinking, and debauchery found in the rulers rather their leaders than their rebukers and punishers. The chiefs themselves became rich by seizing the property of their subjects j and at the death of his father Liholiho made a law which sanctioned wholesale rum-drinking, dancing, stealing, adultery, and night carousing, consuming whole nights in the most shameless debauchery, and turning whole villages into brothels."
Modesty there was none j even among the gentler sex all sense of shame seemed dead. .Nakedness brought no blush.· As to virtue, what chastity could be expected where these barriers were broken down? Parents gave their daughters, and husbands their wives to a fate worse than death for the sake of gain j and this traffic in virtue became a systematic thing upheld by law and sanctioned by universal custom. Every foreign vessel was turned into a floating Sodom. The facts defy language ; and, if language could be found, refined taste would forbid the repetition of such shocking details.
Of course the whole social fabric was decayed and rotten from the foundation. The tie of marriage was dependent on caprice. One day a man might have as many wives as he could feed and take care of j the next day he might turn them all adrift, as it suited his pleasure or fancy. A woman could have as many husbands as she pleased, and the relation was equally uncertain. The king himself had five wives, and one of them was his father's widow, and two others his father's daughters. Each one had her day in which to serve her lord, following him with a spit dish and 1 fly-brush. Conjugal concord or affection was as unknown as though they had no existence. and so of parental authority or affection, or filial love and obedience. (To be continued.)
THE POLITICAL CIlECK IN JAPAN
THE POLITICAL CHECK IN JAPAN.
BY REV. D. S. SPENCER, NAGASAKI, JAPAN Recent political movements in Japan and their immediate influence upon missionary operations here demand thought. Only a brief resume will now be attempted, and 1Il0re interesting things must be omitted. My object in writing is simply to show the trend of ., things Japanese."
On February 11th, 1890, the Emperor gave to his Japanese subjects a Constitution, according to promises made some ten years ago. In accordance with the provisions of that ConRtitution, the imperial parliament of thiR nation was opened by the Emperor on November 19th, and Japan then began her first experience with parliamentary institutions. The necessary preparations had, of course, been previously made, and the political machinery of the country, such as it is, had been set in motion. Representatives of the people had been chosen aCQording to the Constitution, which provides that persons of certain age, and paying above a certain amount of direct government tax, shall have the right to vote. Temporary parliament buildings, costing over 300,000 yen, had been built. Now, for the first time in their history, the Japanese people began to have direct hand in the government of the nation. The outside world has looked on with intense interest to see what kind of work the Japanese would make at handling institutions, the names of which they but yesterday learned, nnd the meaning of which they perhaps to-day do not well understand. The people had at least some idea of the new responsibility that had come iJ I'on them, perhaps a very crude idea, and an overwhelming sense of their own importance and power. This was to be expected. It would Dot be vaHtly different under similar circumstances in any land. At any rate the people generally felt that when the Diet met something would be done. The taxes exacted by the government of the people have been somewhat high, but not excesRively 80. There haR doubtless been here as everywhere official blunders, political corruption, and such a lording it over the people by the official class as might have been expected under the existing circumstances. But on the whole the government has done well.
It will be remembered that just as preparations for the new Diet were being actively made, the treaty revision scheme fell through, and this caused in some circles intense disappointment. A conservative feeling, for which thoughtful men had looked as a reaction from the intensely progressive spirit which had possessed the people, now set in with much force ; and the treaty revision failure only added new fuel to the conservative fires.
The representatives sent by the people had, in the elections in which they were chosen, pledged their constituency that great reforms should take place in the goYernment, among which reforms was the reduction of taxes. As soon as the budget containing the estimates of the government for the ensuing fiscal year had been presented to the House of Representatives for approval the fight began. The extreme RadicalR, strong enemies of the present government, have done all in their power to swamp the government and force a resignation of the Ministry. This has been carried on till the relations between the government and the House have become very much strained. A class of hair-brained youth called soshi, whose policy is to carry out their plans by force instead of reason, the nihilists of Japan, have been used by some of the party leaders to carry out their plan~, and threats, intimidation, personal assaults, and even murder have been the result. On January 20th the parliament buildings were totally destroyed by fire, said to have been caused by the over-heating of the electric wires with which the Diet is supplied with li!!ht. But thcre i,: /1 strong suspicion that they were set on fire. To put the matter briefly, Japan is passing through a crisis, and never since the restoration has there been a time when greater skill and calmer judgment were needed than now.
As a result of this conservative reaction, foreigners who were yesterday looked up to by the people generally are now looked down upon. This applies to all nationalities with perhaps little distinction. If one nationality is hated more than another, it is the subjects of her Majesty the Queen of England. Foreign teachers formerly employed in the government schools are being dismissed as fast as their contracts expire. So also with those holding other government positions. Passport regulations hRve become very strict. All foreigners are watched as they have not been before. Our mission schools, especially those for boys, suffer severely, in some cases having to fight for an existence. Missionaries are often insulted when speaking in public, and when passing along the street often hear invidious remarks made by the people about themselves, or have dogs set upon them, or are stoned, or meet with other annoying things that until a few months ago were never heard of as against a missionary. Police protection has been necessary in many cases. Dr. Imbrie was stabbed in Tokyo, Dr. Worden's life threatened in Nagoya, and the Rev. Mr. Perin driven from a public meeting by a mob in the same city, and many other less dangerous, but equally insulting things have occurred. With the foreigner, of course, the foreign religion must suffer. Pastors of the churches have had and are having a hard time. Rev. Mr. Miyama, in Nagoya, has had to endure hard persecution, but he is brave, calm, and hopeful-a hero. Members have left some of the churches because of the anti-foreign feeling that has ruled them. Buddhists, seeing their chance, have been most active in this persecution against native Christians. In the Union Church of Japan, composed of the Presbyterian churches working here, a Synod was recently held in Tokyo, to which, of course, Japanese Christians were sent as members together with their foreign brethren. These Japanese Christians being in the majority, voted to 5ubstitute the Apostles' Creed for the Presbyterian symbols, adding a brief statement concerning the Trinity, and making this the creed of the Union Church. Even this confesKion, drawn by Professor Ishimoto " was submitted. only to be almost immediately challenged on the ground of its evident foreign authorship. Mr. Ishimoto assured his numerous questioners that not till half an hour before the meeting, when he had shown it to Dr. Imbrie, had any foreigner suspected its existence. Opposition to it vanished, and it was unanimously and enthusiastically adopted."
Without further details it will be seen that this reaction will affect all church work, aud seriously the question or self-support. Now what is to be the probable outcome of all this? Will it permanently injure the cause of Christianity in Japan ~ The writer is of opinion that it will not. It will multiply the difficulties of the missionary for a time, will sift the Church, perhaps reducing the numbers, but not the real power of the Church, will necessitate help from home in order to keep up the work, and may discourage some who had been led to think that the battle in Japan was about over; but to those who have studied Japan, who have measured the power of Buddhism, and who have faith in the all-conquering power of the Gospel, it will not be discouraging. It may be a long battle, and may take more men and money than some enthusiastic persons have thought, but the victory is ours. God is with us, and the battle is not ours, but His. .Tapan needs the hfllp of the foreign churches to keep up the work, but more than all else she needs the Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Ghost. That is the supreme need of the hour The Church machinery is here and well established; such a baptism as came upon the early Church would put life into this machinery, and solve these difficulties as nothing else can do.
RUSSIAN MISSIONARIES IN JAPAN.
It is not yet known whether the Japanese who attempted the life of the Czarewitch is a religious or a political fanatic. He may belong to the latter class, for the anti·foreign movement is strongly developed in Japan, on acconnt of the agitation created by the proposed revision of the European and American treaties. The United States Government was the first to conclude a treaty with Japan, in 1854, its example being followed by various European Powers. In 1886 Japan proposed a revision of those diplomatic arrangements in a spirit somewhat unfavorable to foreigners. The negotiations were abruptly stopped by the Mikado's Government, which reopened them in 1889, curtailing still more the privileges granted formerly to foreign residents. Still, it is probahle that the would-be murderer of the Czarewitch has obeyed the impulse of religious rather than of political and patriotic fanaticism.
Russian proselytism has been of late more prominent and more puhlic in Japan than any other, though it must not be forgotten that three Ameri- Cltn missionaries have had to suffer during the last year at the hands of Japanese. Christianity was introduced into Japan by the Portuguese in 1549, and there were soon m:my thousands of converts, 40,000 of them being sentenced to death under the pretext that. they had taken part in a political conspiracy. The teaching of the Gospel was forbiuden. Neverless, when the French landed in Japan in 1860, they found there 10,000 natives secretly adhering to the Christian reli~ion. It is only ilince 1872 that Christianity has been recognized officially by Japan as a tolerated religion. In that year, too, the Russian missionaries openly pursued their work. They had a peculiar method of teaching sacred history. They gathered the native pupils in front of the holy images, and used the latter as explanatory figures, thus aiding the pupils in remembering the lessons.
The Russian mission in Japan was founded in 1861, but its official life dates only from 1870. All its member~ must be " exceedingly learned people, speaking perfectly the language of the country, and able to conqner, by their irreproachable life, the respect and affection of all the natives. " Such is the language of the regulations. U nti! 1880 thos6 missionaries did Rot have large funds at their disposal and were able to erect only one church building, though they had made already 5000 proselytes. Bnt the Japanese Orthodox Christians addressed a petition to thc Imperial Procurator in St. Petersburg, begging him to increase the subsidy given to the mission by the Russian Government. Their request was immediately granted, and besides that, the Missionary Association in Moscow agreed to furnish $20,000 a year to the Japanese Mission. The labors of the Russian priests were then pushed in earnest, and in 1885 thRy had 12,000 Japanese as members of their church. The membership now is a little more than 20,000, and in the single year 1889, 1800 natives were converted to the Orthodox faitb.-N. Y. Tribune.
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODiJALS
EXTRACrS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
THE W ALDENSES.
-An interesting little pamphlet has been issued, giving a sketch of Waldensian history since the Glorious Return. After that the Vaudois were, within their valleys, quietly allowed to practice their religion. But down to 1848 they were persecuted, though 110 longer unto blood. They could not buy any new lands, and only by tacit allowance could they even carryon any business outside their own valleys. Civilly they could not rise above the office of syndic, or common councilldr. Having neither lawyers nor jndges of their religion, they almost always went into suits with Catholics with the expectation of having the worst of it. Their land tax was a third higher than that of the Catholics. Their physicians, who received a mere certificate, were only allowed to practice among them. All their religious books were strictly supervised, and JIli,ght, under no pretext, pass into Catholic hands. In some placeli, once or twice a year, the Catholics claimeJl the right of going in procession around their temples, singing hymns before thc ministers had withdrawn. A refractory child had hut to say that he wanted to become a Catholic, and, like a Catholic child in Ireland under the laws of William and Mary, he was thenceforth independent of his parents; indeed, still more completely exempt. No Vaudois worship eould be celebrated beyond the valleys, and propagandism, by word or writing, was rigorously forbidden.
But at length signs of deliverance began to multiply. Generous Catholic voices began more and more to be heard in their favor. The Sardinian kings granted dispensations from restrictive laws in increasing measure. D'Azeglio and Cavour became the powerful champions of their rights. At Tnrin a petition of 600 leading persons, of whom 80 were priests, attacked intolerance in its citadel. Count Sclopis reminded the king that, for moral and domestic virtues, no other population of the State could he compared to the Waldenses. The king himself, coming among them to attend the consecration of a spleudid Catholic church, refused a guard, and was greatly pleased when the Waldenses themselves, donning their antiquated uniforms and grasping their old flint-locks, discharged this loyal office.
At. last the Statuto, which transferred the centre of authority from the will of t.he monarch to the deliberate purpose of the nation, opened the way for the Decree of Emancipation, by which, on the 17th of February, 1848, Charles Albert raised the Waldenses to the full civil rights of Sardinian subjects. This final deliYerance was received with indescribable enthusiasm and gratitude, both to God and the king, throughout the Vaudois valleys, and swept the Catholics likewise along in the tide of generous feeling.
But the crown of honor was put on the headR of the long-proscribed mountaineers when, on the 27th of Febrnary, 1848, the various populations of Charles Albert's kingdom, who by the Statuto, the Magna Charta, not merely of the Subalpine kingdom, but of the Italy that was to be, had been rai~ed from the humiliation of mere subjects into the dignity of free citizens of a crowned commonwealth, regalis respublica, assembled at the capital to render to their sovereign and to each other the tribute of joy, gratitude, and fidelity. In the great square of Turin, where in old time the Vaudois Varaglia had suffered at the stake, Ligurians, Sardinians, Savoyards, Piedmontese of various provinces, poured out before their king and his household a wealth of festal display and a wealth of enthusiasm such as Italians know how to lavish. And among them the mountain band of 600 men, those Waldenses whose name had never before been in Turin anything but a by-word, marching under a banner which bore above the royal arms the simple inscription" A Oarlo Alberto, i Valdesi riconoscenti," " To Charles Albert, the grateful Waldenses," divided with the king himself the honors of the day. Every class of their fellow-countrymen, but above all the generous university youth, thronged to cheer them, to embrace them, to condense, as it were, into one day the amends for centuries of proscription. And the sons of the valleys 80 received it. "When the Lord turned our captivity, we were like them that dream." From this dawn of a delivered and united Italy they went back to "the strength of the hills" to forget the past, and to address themselves to a worthy share in that work of spiritual regeneration for which, as they say with some sadness, the civilly regenerated Italy shows little longing, but without which her civil Iegeneration will either stiffen into a sordid materialism or perish in the bloody waves of an anarchical enthusiasm of atheism, the worship of La Madre Natura, whose one regulative impulse will be the murderous hatred of God, of Christ, of all the sanctities of Christian life.
AFRICA.
-The Bulletin Missionnaire of the Free Churches of French Switzerland, whose mission is in the Transvaal, and in the Portuguese territory, remarks: "As we are laboring to fashion men, the missionary will be hated so long as the sentiments which refuse to the blach equal rights with the whites shall prevail in this country. Meanwhile our Christians are extremely appreciated as policemen, confidential agents, and domestics."
-The Free Church of Scotland Mission at Main, Tembuland, South Africa, has 412 communicants, and 124 candidates.
-Bishop Tucker writes of Uganda that the whole country seems literally thirsting for instruction. He says that a man will willingly work three months for a copy of the Suahili New Testament.
INDIA.
-The Rev. W. B. Simpson, English Wesleyan, writes in the Wesleyan Missionary Leaflet: "The deadness, lethargy, the flatly indifferent toleration of any creed in heaven or earth, the inertia of Hinduism, is far the mightiest force we have to contend with."
-The Madras Standard, as quoted in the Bombay Guardian of February 14th, 1891, calls attention to the persecution of Christians in the Travancore State, alleging that though the British resident there-Mr. Hannyngton-could wipe out these disabilities by the stroke of his pen, he takes no interest in the subject whatever, and only exercises his interest in supporting the present maladministration. It seems that the Rajah has been prevailed on to revive a forgotten law, making it penal to build any Christian church, chapel, or school without special license, after due inquiry whether the susceptibilities of neighboring Brahmans or priests will not be offended. The law appears to be meant as virtually prohibitory. One would think that a gentle intimation from the Empress to her royal vassal might not come amiss.
– " In the' Vishnu Smriti,' to sell salt, to commit fornication, to abuse the Vedes, to kill cows, and to let your younger brother marry before you, are all sins of the fourth degree, not nearly so awful as stealing from a Brahman or getting drunk, but condemning an offender to becomp, a seabird in the next life. And it is no doubt due to this absurd mixture of serious and trivial offences in their sacred books that the ordinary Hindu cannot distinguish between the moral well-being of the people and the accidental benefit of a class. "
Again: "In modern Hinduism things the most grand and the most grotesque ~tand side by side. Regulations about food stand side by side with moral precepts. The three handfuls of water are as important as the Gagatri at the bathing tank, and to sneeze is worse than to tell a lie. "
-Sir Charles Aitchison, in a speech in England, quoted from in the Standard, says: "In the large and important town of Islamabad, in Kashmir, we are told that most of the wealthy Mohammedans posse~s a copy of the Bible j many of them read it j and one native gentleman acknowledged that he was goh;g th,rough it for the eighth time, and liked it more and more. In the south of India we read of a juvenile society being formed in one of the colleges for the study of the Christian Scriptures. all the members of which are high caste lads. In Bengal we read of school-boys choosing copies of the Bihle for prizes, and begging that their knowledge of Scripture may be specially noted on their school certificates. "
-The examination of the Indian work of the Free Church of Scotland by a deputation of the church, and the criticisms of its report by the missionaries, have resulted in the passage of a resolution by the Foreign Mis· sions Committee, acknowledging a wise providential guidance when the Church was led, by educational work, " to deal with that great central core of the people of India on which Christianity had up to that time made small impression j" declaring that this work still deserves cordial support, and addir;g, that, as always urged by the missionaries, this pra!pamtio evangelicil mllst always, and now more than ever, " be supplemp,nted and completed by the simple, earnest proclamation of saving truth," and" that the two sides of the work should always be in visible connection with each other."
-The Fifty-second Annual Report of the Wesleyan Mission in the Mysore Province (South-western India) remarks: "The Mysore is an epitome of India, as India is of the world. Nowhere is caste more tenacious of its privileges, or religion more bigoted in its prejudices. Saivites and Vishnaivites here discuss the tenets of their respective faiths. The Lingayats, numerous and powerful, claim a proud position. The Jains, a people of peculiar Buddhistic doctrines, have a stronghold here. The followers of Mohammed meet us at every turn j and though as yet we have scarcely approached them with the Gospel, the most determined of our Hindu opponents are not so violent or dangerous in their extreme antipathy to Christianity as they. In the Mysore the proportion of low caste people is less numerous than in many other parts of India, but all the social strata, from the lowest to the highest, may be here discovered."
The report says: "Life wears an altogether new aspect to a Hindu woman in her unromantic home when the visits of the Zenana teacher take away its monotony. Often with strong anti-Christian prejudices, but always with unfeigned pleasure, do the women receive these visitors. The welcome thus afforded helps greatly in removing prejudice. Then when this is followed up by systematie instruction in both religious and seeular subjects, the mental and spiritual faculties of the women are marvellously aroused, and their sympathies are brought into play on behalf of that which is pure, noble, and Godlike."
JAPAN AND CHINA.
-Dr. Daly, port-doctor at Ningpo, China, says: " Years will show whether opium is the great curse it has so often been described to be." His final conclusion, however, is that" it is possible and probable that opium will prove' the curse of China' by diminishing the population to an injurious extent., producing an unhealthy race, and turning millions of these peaceful, sober, industrious masses into a degraded and vicious peo- ple, with what effects on this great nation time alone can show."
-The Rev. H. J. Foss, of Kobe, Japan, a missiouary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, speaking of the patriarch of the Episco- pal Church in that place, who was seventy when baptized, and is now seventy-eight or nine, remarks that his great ambition was to see fifteen Christians arot:nd him ere he died. There are now forty-nine, including nine catechumens. This outstripping of anticipation is thus far a characteristic of Japanese missions.
-The Rev. Murdo Mackenzie, of the English Presbyterian Church, writes an interesting letter from Hak-ka, China. The following two paragraphs give vil'idly the two sides of the Chinese chameter : .
"Mountain lands are very barren, but John Chinaman can make even bare hills fruitful. High up in the mountain we come suddenly upon a little cottage ensconced between two rocky precipices, and there, by the side of a little rivulet, lives a thriving family, and there they have made a habitation for themselves out of what would seem to most people but' airy nothing.' The palm-tree is transported here and flourishes. It decorates the frontage of the little house. In variety of produce they rival their neighbors in the plains. The inevitable garlic is there, and a variety of green cabbages and other vegetables.
" Notwithstanding his pluck and perseverance, the Chinaman is a terribly ungetatable ereature. You cannot get him interested in anything else than worldly affairs. When you remind him of other important matters which ought not to be overlooked, there is a look of blank astonishment on his face. It is difficult to get him to higher things. There is a little shrine by the roadside not far from his house, and under a sturdy old oak. Thither he hies sometimes, aud pays his tribute to the Spirit of the hills. He does not seek after God, for he knows not God. He knows not that Hod or man has any interest in his welfare. HiB experience of man has led him to distrust him, and it is a harder task than we can accomplish to get him to realize that God loves him, and that God is worthy of his trust. We shall not fail in accomplishing much if we are the means of bringing into his life the element of trust."
–The Rev. Gilbert Reid, of the American Presbyterian Chu!"ch in Shanghai, China, has lately published three interesting and able articles on three aspects of Chinese society, of which he thinks advantage may well be taken in the promulgation of the Gospel. The first respects the hierarchical gradations of official authority; the second, the almost unexampled influence of the higher classes; the third, the hierarchical gradations of the rank of cities, of which, he thinks, enough has not been made. In this respect China, Mr. Reid remarks, is extraordinarily like the Roman Empire, and we know how almost everywhere the apostles struck for the cities, especially for the central ones, so that the whole government of the Church was developed out of this fact, of which" Metropolitan" is a reminder over vast regions where its present application may seem somewhat artificial. China seems, according to all accounts, to be like Wordsworth's cloud" that moveth altogether, if it move at all." The very opposite of t.he weltering chaos of India. Mr. Reid's articles are in the C'hinese Recorder.
-The Rev. T. R. Stevenson says, in a sermon quoted in the Ohinese Recorder of February, 1891 : "During a recent visit to Japan I met with a gentleman who meutioned an incident which I can never forget. One rarely hears anything more impressive. He knew a missionary in China who one day encountered a Chinaman. The latter had been in the habit of watching the conduct of the former, and that very narrowly. He said, , I want your God to be my God.' The missionary answered, ' 'Vhat do you mean r 'I wish to be of the same religion as you.' 'Why do you ?'
, Because if your God is like you, He must be good. ' "
-A pamphlet, published by Morgan & Dyer, London, entitled ])evastation of India's Millions, says pungently: "It iR a British axiom, and has been an Englishman's boast, that British law is equal for all British subjects. But in the British opium administration in the East, there is th" principle of slavery, viz., that the rights and welfare of men of one race may be disregarded and sacrificed by men of another."
-Another pamphlet, Britain's Crime, published by Dyer Brothers, say,;: "Few things in Chinese history are more pathetic than the experience of the Emperor Tao Kwang. Three of his sons had died through the opium habit; and finding the curse stealthily spreading among his subjects, he ordered Commissioner Lin to proceed to Canton in 1839 to stop thc smuggling of opium into China. The monarch wept as, recounting the dire effects of the drug, he sent forth Commissioner Lin on his momentous mission. Then followed, in the interests of rapacious and criminal greed, and in defiance of the elementary principles of morality, one of the blackest pages in the history of Britain's dealings with other nations-the first opium war. The emperor died, while the plague which had laid waste his own family was still forced upon his people at the point of British bayonets. "
MISCELLANEOUS.
-What better ground conld there be for an appeal than that of the Brethren's Unity, as we find it expressed in Service for the King? "Existing missions are being so blessed they must be extended. "
-Service for the King has· a letter from Mr. Barnett, written from Jaffa. He speaks of visiting the Jews in Port Said. "Among the 300 Jewish families there are many RURsian and Roumanian Jews. They seemed full of hope of the nearness of restoration to Palestine, and of the coming of the Messiah. One Jew said: ' The persecutions of the past have worked for our good, and so will the present troubles; if it were not for these the hearts of the Jews would never be toward Palestine.'
"On December 22d we landed at Jaffa. Miss Cresswell met us and took us straight to the hospital, where we met Miss Marriott also and found the spirit of MildmllY in Jaffa."
-The .Tewish Herald for March, 1891, gives a communication from Mr. Rabinouich, giving information that after long and painful suspense the Russian Government has at length given permission for the opening of Somerville Hall, Kischeneff. "An inscription in golden letters, both in the Hebrew and Russian languages, adorns the portal, and is well calculated to aflest attention. It is in the words of Acts 2 : 36 : ' Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that ~ame Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord ant! Christ.' Surely a most striking and significant fact that this word of Scripture should be thus proclaimed in Hebrew to the Jews, and be inscribed on the door of a synagogue in which the Gospel is proclaimed. Mr. Rabinouich writes that the inscription made a profound impression. "
-The Herald says, speaking of Jerusalem: "Every building of any importance has to do with religion, church, mosque, monastery, synagogue, or hospice. Religion is in the atmosphere. But one cannot help feeling that religion may playa great part in people's lives without the people themselves being truly religious. Devout Christians there are in Jerusalem ; but;. religionism is a greater force than religion. Not in Jerusalem, where the externalities of Christianity have almost choked its spiritual life, and where the spirit of Christ is so deeply sinned against in the hatreds which are cherished by His followers toward each other, and toward .Tew and Moslem-no, not there Bas the religion of Christ any longer its special seat." In that city, it goes on to say, where the lives of men and women are fullest of Christ, there is Christ nearest; while of Zion He may still say: "How often would I have gathered thy children together, and ye would not." But perhaps the day of redemptIOn is at hand.
-The Greater Britain Messenger speaks of the diocese of Algoma as "the one missionary diocese of the Canadian Church." "The work of the c1/lrgy is at times a great physical hardship. In a recent trip to Nepigon, the bishop had only for five nights the luxury of a bed." Dr. Sullivan may fairly claim a larger share in the apostolic succession than some of his mitred coileagues, in having the privilege of ,. enduring hardness" for Christ's sake.
-National Righteousness, which, unmoved by the sneers of the Guardian at Exeter Hall eloquence, continues to set forth the abominations of the opium traffic, says: "Again and again we have heard the question, 'Shall I not visit for these things, saith the Lord; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this l' and the answer we have heard, ' By fearful things in righteousness.' Yet again it is repeated. We have listened and seemed to get no answer. It may he because when the thunderbolt next falls it will be from clouds that have been longer in gathering. It may be because it is not to be by the thunderbolt. As in the individual sinner, his iniquities are sometimes visited by the stroke of apoplexy and sometimes by a creeping paralysis, so may it be with a nation. The answer to that solemn question may have to be watched for by an observant eye, rather than heard by an attentive ear. Do we see it in the stealthy spread of the opium vice in India, Australia, and other colonies, while w.e hear the prophet's whisper, ' Thine own wickedness shall correct thee l' "
-The Queensland Kanaka Mission has presented its fourth annual report. The mission aims at the evangelization of the Polynesian laborers on the Qlleensland plantations, of whom there are 2500 it:. the Bundaberg district alone. It is evangelical and nndenominational.
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
H.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTEI? BY REV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
Shall we Have Another General Missionary Oonference? [J. T. G.] The subject of utilizing the Colum· can societies. '1'hey might hold a gen. bian centennial occasion in the inter. eral convention to review the work they e~ts of missions has received only casual have in hand and plan to co-operate in thought. It seems desirable to get a different fields. I should like that. more general expression of the opinion The time may come in 1898 or 1900 of those who should direct any move· better for a World's Missionary Conment of the kind and awaken thought vention. In the mean time, a convention in others. In connection with work of the American missionary societies that has fallen to the writer to do for might be held earlier to ad vantage, as the International Missionary Union, above suggested." opinions have been solicited from a few representati ve persons on the desira- Rev. Dr. J. O. Peck, Secretary of the bilityand practicability of attempting a Methodist Episcopal Missionary So- World's Missionary Conference in 1892 ciety, says: or 1893, or of a General Conference of the American missionary forces, to reo ,. I would like to Bee a World's Misview the work that has been done by sionary Convention held in this counthe churches of North America for other try in 1892, but I have not clearly been countries; and for planning for co·opera. convinced of its expediency or desiration and stimulating zeal among us to bility quite so soon after the great Lon. proaecute this work more efficiently and don meeting. I think, perhaps, at the extensively in the future. We desire present juncture that an American to know from many persons, at home Protestant Missionary Convention for and abroad, what their thought is on the continent might be as desirable and the subject, and solicit volunteer opin- profitable just now as a World's Mis· ions and statements of facts pro and sionary Convention, and that a few con.* Meanwhile, as many of the per- years later, perhaps ten years after the sons from whom we have tmlicited opin- London Conference, it would be deions kindly put us at liberty to treat sirable to have again a Congress of the World's Protestant Missionary Soci. as their replies of a public nature, we eties. I am heartily in favor of any movement which will increase the in. venture to print some of those received telligence and zeal of the Church of from secretaries of societies. Christ in the great cause of missions."
Rev. Dr. N. G. Clark, Secretary of Rev. Dr. Henry N. Cobb, Secretary the American Board, says : of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church of America, writes: " In regard to the expediency of having a World's Missionary Conference in ., I presume that I may find myself 1892, my own thought is, that while in a minority. nevertheless I have grave such a convention would be very pleas- doubts on the subject. It seems to me ant to many persons, I am still in doubt that once in ten years is quite often as to its desirability and expediency. enough for such a convention, and It requires a great deal of labor and 1892, therefore, quite too near the Lon. care, and there seems to be hardly oc- don Conference of 1888. casion for another great convention so soon. It will be only four years after " I have often thought, however, that the great London Conference. I should it might be well to have a national or think better of a meeting of the Ameri- American convention at a five-year in. terval from the World's Convention, * Address J. T. Gracey, Rocbester, N. Y. and should be inclined much to prefer that course to the other. Much good might be expected from such a conven- sionary societies would seem too narrow tion, and a great impulse be given to to be attractive, unless, indeed, it had the work of foreign missions among our for its chief object the consideration of American churches." methods for arousing the American churches to new activity in the foreign Rev. Dr. Mabie, Secretary of the Bap- mission work. It seems to me that the tist Missionary Union, says: methods of work in the foreign mission field have been so fully discussed, that ., I have considerable doubt. So far now it only remains for the missionas we Baptists are concerned, plans are aries in each section of the broad field already on foot whereby important to determine for themselves what the meetings, embracing both bodies North true result of the discllssion is. But and South, as well as Canadian, are to for the development of the latent rebe held in commemoration of the cen- sources of the Church at home, all the tennial of Baptist missions. I fear we skill, tact, and courage of the true oon scarcely manage to do justice to friends of the Master are demanded. more in the same year. A World's Convention or an American Convention that would assemble in the U Besides, it is 80 soon after the spirit of Isaiah 58, with fasting and World's Conference of 1888 in London. prayer-a convention that would • cry There is vast expense about such meet- aloud, spare not, lift up their voice like ings to have them often. Moreover, a trumpet, and show the people of God from a personal tour right round the their transgression and their sins' world among all the missions withiu might be a great power for God… the past nine months, I am deeply persuaded that long existent and conserva- Rev. Dr. John McLaurin, Secretary tive methods in mission work need of the Baptist Foreign Missions of Onstrong reinforcement along well-e!ltab- tario and Quebec, says: Iillhed lines. There are no new methods to be discovered of much value that ,. I believe a World's Missionary Conour frequent general conventions can vention should be held in America in invent or improve. I should say, let us 1892. I firmly believe it ought to be a keep right at the work already laid out World's Missionary Convention. I beby the various branches of the Church lieve more Missionaries and more Native of God. A deeper spirituality and con- Brethren than took part in the last secration within these several bodies should take part in this. Trophies of touching the broad work is the chief missions should be there from all lands ; need rather than improved methods." they should not be thrust into a corner because they cannot thrill an audience Rev. Dr. M. H. Houston, Secretary like an Anglo-Saxon would. If there be of the Board of Foreign Missions of the an American one, let it be an annex. I Presbyterian Church in America (South- was at the one in London in 1888. ern), says: Blessed results flowed from that one, and more will flow from another." ,. My opinion is that the London Conference is so recent that it would not be Miss Abbie B. Child; Secretary of the well to attempt another World's Mis- Woman's Board of Missions (Congresionary Convention in 1892, at least for gational), and also Chairman of "The the discussion of those general subjects World's Committee of Women," which which were before the London meeting. grew out of the London Conference, I would be glad, though, to attend a says: World's Convention at any time to consider the urgent practical question, ., The committee for the "'"arious What can be done more than we are woman's llilsslOnary societies had now doing to evangelize the present thought of a similar convention. Last generation of men? autumn I sent a letter to the members of the committee asking their opinion "I am inclined to think that a call tor a convention of the American mison three points-viz., 1. As to whether The fund will be devoted to the ontfit, such a meeting would be desirable; passage, and probation expenses of one 2. Whether it should be held in 1892 or hundred new missionaries, mainly for 1893 ; 3. The place in which it should the India, China, and Congo missions. be convened. Part wiIl be used for a working fund to obviate the necessity of borrowing •• The majority of the replies-I think money on the part of the society, and all but one-thought such a meeting part wiIl be used in new work in the would be desirable; most of them men- mlSSlOns. A centenary volume is also tioned 1893 a8 preferable to 1892, be- to be published. cause of the attraction of the World's Fair that might bring foreigners to the "These plans promise to give our country; the place most favored was English Baptililt friends a great mis. Chicago. sionary year, and it is hoped that what. ever shall be done in this country in "This is as far as we have gone. the same direction will have the effect Since it seemed best to wait till 1893, I of greatly increasing the interest in mis· thought we would make no special sions among all peoples." plans till next autnmn. If others are planning for a World's Convention, I II Shall Islam Rule Afrioa?"* think it would be much better, of course, for the woman's societies to join BY REV. LEMUEL C. BARNES, D.D., NEW· with them. We have no very definite TON CENTRE, lIU.SS. plans, but I should say we should need two or three days for a woman's meet· Whether Africa is to be, as some one ing, either before or after the General has said, " the continent of the twen· Con vention. ". tieth century" or not, it is likely to be the continent of studious attention dur- Apropos of this discussion, we quote ing the last decade of the nineteenth from the Baptist Missionary Magazine century. At any rate, it is bound to the following: be, is already beginning to be the arena of a desperate struggle between Islam .. The year 1892 will be a year of cele- and Christianity. It is needful to take brations in this country. The four iii calm, if possible unprejudiced view hundredth anniversary of the discovery of the situation. of America by Christopher Columbus will be celebrated by II great' World's * * * ** Fair' in Chicago; and Christians of all denominations will be interested in the The distance ncross the continent is centennial celebration of the formation the same north and south between of the English Baptist Missionary So· Tripolis and Cape Town, and east and ciety at Kettering, October, 2d, 1792, west between Cape Verde and Cape when £13 2s. 6d. was subscribed to send Gardafui, Borne forty.six hundred miles William Carey and Dr. Thomas to In· each way. But the Gulf of Guinea dia. A movement is on foot for a gen· sweeps into the middle of the continent eral celebration of the centenary by from the west BO far that it is only all the Baptist missionary societies of about twenty·three hundred miles from America, but the plans are not yet suffi· its waters, on a line running north of ciently matured for publication. eaitward to Massawah. the port of Abyssinia on the Red Sea, which has .. The English Baptists have arranged recently come into possession of the for a grand centennial missionary year in 1892. In connection with these ser· *We obtained permission from the author of vices, it is proposed to raise a special centenary fund of £100,000, and to the small booklet bearing this title to use whatever take measnres to increase the current parts of it we pleased. We only wish we could income of the Baptilit Missionary So· reproduce the whole essay. It can be had of the piety to £100,000 (or about $500,000). American Baptist ~fis8ionary Union, Tremont Temple, Boston, MMs. Price 10 cents. Italians. By such a line the continent sional'y societies in the world, is be is divided into two nearly equal por- coming Muslim much faster than Christions, the northern or northwestern tian. In the twenty years between with its longer diameter lying east and 1865 and 1886 its Muslim population west, and the southern or southeastern increased from twelve hundred to with its longer diameter lying north thirty thousand. and south. It is as if the continent had been girded in, half-in-two, and The whole northern half of Africa is looped on to Southern Arabia. The as thoroughly Islamic as Turkey or distance from Massawah is almost ex- Persia, if not more so. It is by far the actly the same to Cape Verde anu to the largest continuous area on the globe Cape of Good Hope. under Islam. There are more Muslims under the government of England in The northern half of the continent India than under any other single govhas, in fact, been attached to the Ara- ernment. But they are only a minor bian prophet; all its roaus lead to fraction of the population there; while Mecca. By actual count it sends 14,000 in the northern half of Africa they are pilgrims a year. It consists of three the bulk of the population, and are zones. North Africa proper is best more numerous than in India. From known, and longest Islamized. The Tounis to Youla, two thousand miles population of the Mediterranean states north anu south, from Cape Verde to of Africa, as given in tho" Statesman's Suakim, three thousand six hundred Year.Book, " aggregates 18,123,846. west to east, millions of Muslims, The next zone is the Sahara. In tho though under one government, are all oases of this vast desert region there under Muslim governments, and are in are hundreds of thousands of people, one cODscioUIl brotherhood of Islam. according to the German statistician The number is, of course, variously esti- HUbner, 2,500,000. With symbolic fit- mated. A low estimate is fifty millions. ness Islam has long ruled Sahara. Be- Cardinal Lavigerie estimates sixty-five low that the Soudan stretches clear million Muslims for all Africa. If the across the continent and swarms with great authorities are correct as to the humanity. HUbner reckons 83,800,000 total popUlation of the northern lobe people in the Soudan. These thl'ee of the continent, its Muslim population zones. which contain considerably more is over, rather than under, seventy-five than half the population of the conti- millions. nent, are thoroughly Islamic. But Islam has made large advances There are some tribes in the Soudan also in the southern half of the contiyet clinging to paganism, but they are nent. Starting from Ahyssinia, tho comparatively insignificant and are fast eastern seaboard is in the hands of succumbing. West of the lower Niger Islam for more than two thousanu is a small region yet largely pagan. miles, reaching inland some five hun- But Islam is taking possession of it far ored miles, much of the way. There more rapidly than Christianity. The are believed to be five millions and a city of Abeokuta, exceeded in size on half of Muslims in that territory, and the continent only by Alexandria and as many more in tho samo and adjacent Cairo, has a few hundred Christians, territories who are more or less under but thousands of Muslims. But sixty the Islamic influence. Thus Islam is miles away is another city, Ibadan, of the prevailing religion throughout near over one hundred thousand population, ly two thirds of the peripbery of the more largely Muslim than Abeokuta. whole continent. In the remaining These towns are less than one hundred third there are two regions of active miles north of the Guinea coast. Even Islamic propaganoism, Mozambique and the English coast city, Lagos, occupied Cape Colony. In the year 1880, Cape by some of the stron&est Christian mis- Cobny sent ene hl111ox:ed lind fifty pilgtims to Mecca. There are mosques in the whole Congo basin at this moment Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, and is Muslim. some proselyte>! are being made. In a population of only six hundred thou- Islam has reached considerably more sand, thirteen thousand are Muslims. than half way from the Indian Ooean to the Atlantic. Still farther west, south. From Zanzibar, MLlslim influence ex- ward on the wllter-parting between the tends westward half way across the con· Congo and the Zambesi basins, some tinent. In the now famous kingdom of of the Lunda people have learned, at Uganda, north of Victoria Lake, Islam least, to use the werd "Allah" as an has much of the time recently held the exclamation. upper hand, bringing native Christians to the stake by the score, and even an But without reckoning any such, or English bishop to martyrdom. How other millions who are actually somefar the Mhadists are at this moment in what under the influence of Islam, it sway about the head waters of the Nile seems to be within bounds to count five is not clearly known. They are cer- million Muslim!! south of Abyssinia. tainly in possession of the former Equatorial Province. But whether there is The interest of the competition beto be an effective junction of these tween Islam and Christianity in Africa MLlslims from the North and their is intensified for the student of combrethren from the East Coast or not, parati ve religion, by the fact that the Stanley has brought Emin and the last contest has now reached a point where representatives of Christendom from it begins to be for a new race of men, the upper Nile. For eight hundred Islam has captured Nigritia i but there miles so'uth of Uganda, till you come is much land in Africa besides Negroto the region between the two great land. lakes Tanganyika and Nyassa, Muslims exert a large influence. Even further But the forces of genuine Ohristian south between Lake Nyassa and the .faith are to be, are already being, Zambesi River, the Maviti natives con- thrown into the newly opened regions duct their fLlnerals with Muslim i1'ites, of Middle Africa. Toward these same and the grave is always turned toward regions Islam has long been pushing its Mecca. Thill is some fOLlr hundred front. Now, after twelve hundred miles in the interior, and in crossing years of contact, for the first time Islam the continent from north to south is and Faith afe to meet face to face for a much more than half way from Massa- trial of strength on a fa.ir field. For wah to Cape Town. But somewhat the first time, also, it is to be purely a northward, twice as far inland, directly trial of moral strength. The European west of Zanzibar, on the Upper Congo Powers will not long leave Islam to itself, not far apart, are two Muslim propagate itself by gunpowder in the towns of some ten thousand population Great Lakes region. The Congo Free each, Nyangwe and Kasongo. In fact, State is already guaranteed religious Muslims hold the country for three liberty. These two regions span the hundred miles down the river as far as continent. If Islam moves farther Stanley Falls. In one of Stanley's let- southward in Africa, it will be because ters written since he approached the it has moral power for conquest. East Coailt, he admits tha.t when he went in, three years ago, he did not be- Again, the conditions are altogether lieve the Congo Free State able to cope different here from those in India. or with Tippu Tib, or even hold him in China, where Islam and Christianity check except by a subsidy. Develop- have to contend with e~tablished, highly ments coming to light since, make it cultivated, literary religions, which so m.ore evide~t that the strongest power in far hold their own, and are even making more converts from the remaining ab- original tribes, than ei ther Islam or Christianity are. But in Central Africa the unlettered, unorghnized fetichism is sure to yield, and that rapidly, to serted the year round, except at this one or the other of the noble monothe. season, when the boats for miles around iSills whieh are about to aUack it. come laden with incense-bringing pil- grims and stop at it a8 the nearest land- Some phases of African ethnology are ing-place to the famous temple. On in no end of dispute. BIlt all agree the busiest days probably one thousand that south of the Soudan, or land of the boats containing, it may be, ten thou- blacks, nearly down to the Cape of sand pilgrims arrive at, o.nd as many Good Hope, there are many tribes, but depart from, this little village. The all of one allied race, now commonly little village is converted into a minia· called the Bantu race. Their language ture oity or active bazaar stocked with id prefixional in its inflections, and very all kinds of goods attractive to the elaborate in some respects; yet so clear country people. Early in the morning that it is generally spoken with great the pilgrims who have arrived during grammatical accuracy. The Bantus are the previous day and night start with a far nobler type of men than the ne- their candles and incense, etc., to worgroes. There are probably seventy.five ship in the temple. After walkmg about millions of them. The bulk of their a mile they come to the northern end territory is in the region of more than of a little lake, where those who are willing to pay one and one half cents twenty inches of rainfall, i. e., in the re- may t.ake a boat and be ferried to the southern extremity, a distance of two gion of natural cultivation. The Great and one half miles. The great major- Lakes, larger than our North American ity, however, prefer to save the money, lakes, the Zambesi River and the Congo and walk the whole distance of six or River, with its lately discovered im- ~even miles. .A few of the more wealthy mense Lranches, are all of them already hire sedan chairs or horses for the navigated by steam. The interior round trip. The road that winds steam navigation shore line is longer around the edge of the little lake and than the sea-coast around the entire at the foot of a range of hills, at this continent. Reason covered with wild flowers, is quite picturesque. At intervals of a The Bantu race of men, so situated, mile at most, and often separated by is the prize which now lies open be- only a few hundred yards, there are tween Islam and Faith in Africa. Is- temples and shrines where the pilgrims lam has a considerable following in the are invited to stop and pay their devonortheast, and Christianity perhaps an tions, and also their money as they equal following in the south among the move on toward the grand temple, Bantu people. The battle is now set. which is their main object. The road Which is likely to win? One or the is thickly populated with beggars also, other substantially before 1950. who set up their little huts and spend the season at their profession ; for the A Glanoe at Chinese Worshippers, greater part of the road they are sta- tioned ten feet apart. Many of them BY REV. J. L. STUART, HANGCHOW, CHINA. are really objects of pity, blind, halt, lame, etc., but many of them are im- The city in which I live contains postors, with a good hand hid away unabout seven hundred thousand of a der the ooat and a false arm with a population. It was the imperial capi- festering sore or ulcer exposed to view, t.al for two hundred years, is beautiful looking horrid enough to drfW pity from for situation, and is famous in many the hardest heart. The pilgrims come other respects. It is especially noted prepared to give, and they are not paras being the location of many famous ticular abo~t the objeot, as thll merit temples in the hills, one of which draws crowds of worshippers for six weeks in March and April.
There is a little village abuut a milo ~rom the north ~ate that is alnwst deconsists in giving, not in giving intelli- nese music (?) goes before them and va- gently. The beggars have a fine time, rious banners and mottoes are borne and reap a rich harvest during the sea- above them, to let the guds and men son. One day I thought that I saw a know what a great act of filial piety dead beggar lying in his hut and began they are performing. Among other to investigate, and soon found that it shops in the little ecclesiastic village was a man that I was exposing. The there are quite a number of opium beggar in the next hut began to abuse shops, where priests and pilgrims are me for interfering with his business not ashamed to indulge in the drug. arrangements ancl told me to go on my business and let him alone. After Now we have got to the temple itself. walking five miles they come to a beau. It is a magnificent structure for China. tiful grove of large trees through which The huge pillars which support the flows a clear stream of water, and hun- heavy tiled roofs are pine-trees imported dreds of idols are carved in the solid from Oregon. The temple was burned rocks which form the sides of the hills by the rebels thirty years ago, and has overhanging the stream. There is one been rebuilt since that time. The first large and famous temple here, and one building is the gateway, where im- of the rooms in it contains five hundred mense figures scowl upon you and im. idols, all more than life-size. These press you with the fact that they are idols are made of a framework of wood the guardians of the temple. The pil- over which clay is daubed until it as- grims ar3 hurrying up the steps and sumes the shape of a man, and then the offering their incense and bowing down whole idol is covered with gold-foil and before these horrid-looking figures. looks like an image of solid gold. In Passing through this building we enter the back of every idol there is a little a large court paved with flagstones and hole where some living creature, as a surrounded by buildings ocoupied by toad, a centipede, snake, etc., has been the priests. On the other side of the put inside the idol; then the hole is court is the maintemple, where the im- stopped up and the Jiving creature dies, age of the famous Goddess of Mercy is. and that imparts life to the idol itself. In front of the door is a large iron in- cense urn, and the pilgrims are tossing From this temple onward there is a their lighted incense sticks into it so succession of houses and temples-in rapidly that a priest is stationed there fact, quite a village, where several thou- to throw water on the flames when they sand priests live. All sorts of things rise too high. Right inside the temple needed by worshippers are kept on sale. is a long low stool, and the worshippers The crowds grow thicker and thicker as crowd up to kneel on it before the im- we draw near the famous temple. The age of the goddess. This image is air is full of incense; a cloud of smoke placed high up in a shrine and curtains from the incense overhangs the temple. hang about it so, that it can be only Here passes a devotee, who stops at seen after close inspection. every third step and bumps his head on the hard stone pavement. Here The worshipper lights two candles comes a procession of persons enduring and sticks them on a railing in front of .penance, probably on account of a siuk the altar, then lights his incense and mother, whose disease they hope to throws it into the incense urn, thon have removed. There are four sons; oomes reverently and kneels on the everyone has his breast. and arms bare, stool. He bends forward until his head and four little incense urns, weighing bumps the floor three times, and this is about two pounds each, suspended repeated three times, making nine from his outstretched arms .by means bumps of the head on the ground. of little hooks piercing the skin of the Then he rises and mutters a Tery short arms and the breasts. A band of Chi- prayer. Then he looks around with a relieved and satisfied air, and his deTo_ tions are over-worship is done. Others 2 inches wide on a large map. For crowd up to take his place and go through the boundaries of the different coun- the same mummery, and thus it goes tries, States, or districts use differen t on all day long. After worship they walk around, look at the temple, the colored ribbon or tape about t or ! i mages, the curtains. They will probably buy prescriptions for medicine, and inches wide. Let the colors be strong, draw lots for the particular one, and and "bound" each geographical dis- then go away to the city, look around, trict entirely with its own ribbon make purchases, worship at other tem- stitched close up to the ribbon bound- ples, etc. They generally spend two ing another district, country, or coast- days, one in visiting the temples in the line. hills outside the city, and one in visit- ing the temples of the" Rulers of the 5. For rivers use blue ribbon, tape, city." On the city hill they pray for or strips cut from blue material; for good crops, success of the silk worm, lakes" bound" with blue ribbon as if peace and plenty during the year. For a country. For cities or any special special objects they go to special temples to pray where that object is a spe- place use red ribbon It or 2 inches cialty. The worship season lasts about six weeks, and several hundred thou- square, or any other mark desired. sand pilgrims visit the city in tcat time. 6. Names of countries, rivers, cities, The Ribbon Missionary Map, etc., should be of large letters cut from stiff, black linen or cotton goods and BY REV. G. L. WHAIlTOl!;, LEXINGTON, KY. stitched on evenly. Letters for the Bay of Bengal on map of India should be at There ought to be a missionary map in every church. It is scarcely worth least 3 inches square. For mountains while to say it cannot be afforded. AI. use "spatter work" of India ink, or most anyone can make a very useful invent something better. map with very little labor or expense. 7. Around the map, 8 inches from the DIRECTIONS. edge of the cloth, stitch a line of black tape, the same as the lines of latitude 1. U5e ordinary white muslin or and longitude. Outside of this line "sheeting" from 6 to 9 feet in width, leave a space of 3 inches for the figures as required. To make a map of Africa, showing latitude and longitude, and India, or South America the cloth stitch black tape about one inch wide should be 9 x 12 feet. all around. Bind the edge of the cloth 2. Spread the cloth on the carpet, and with pink or any light-colored material from a good atlas determine how many times wider apart the lines of latitude Ii inches wide_ and longitude must be than on the atlas. With lead-pencil trace the lines tn some unoccupied space stitch the of latitude and longitude on the cloth, name of the map iu black letters at least upon which stitch narrow black tape t 6 inches square. Do not place much more on the map than you desire to call or i inches wide. especial attention to. 3. Either by measurement or the eye, This will give the whole quite a finor both, trace with lead-pencil the seacoast line, boundaries of countries, ished and mappy appearance. principal lakes and rivers, and such cities, Iltations, etc., as you wish to use. REMAIlK.
4. Upon the sea-coast line stitch by This map requires no mixing of paint hand blue" graduated ribbon" at least or artistic skill to make it, while the colors are better than the best printed ones. You can' alter the map at pleas- ure. It does not rub off, break, or stick together by close folding or rolling. The. making of such a map will be a fine exercise for mission bands; the proper use of it will make thousands "see with eye, hear with the ear, and understand with the heart."
This plan is dne to A. T. Magarey, Esq., of Adelaide, South Australia.
EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT 'l'OPICS
IlI.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
The Proposed Exposition of Missions. sions far more impressive than any words. In this REVIEW (Vol. II., p. 173) the editor ventured to suggest a grand ex- Meanwhile, Principal S. M. Hill, of position of missions or a visible pres- the Luther Academy, Wahoo, Neb., adds entation in material forms of the prog- another suggestion, which is on a scale ress of the Gospel in many lands, some- even more colossal. He calls it what after the manner of the internation- al exhibits in London, Paris, Glasgow, THE NINETEENTH CENTENNIAL OF CHRIS- etc_ Subsequently (Vol. III., p. 627) he ventured to add the suggestion that TIANITY. a great missionary picture or cyclorama might be painted, somewhat like If the United States Government suc- the grand picture in the garden of the ceeds in assisting the Jews back to their Tuileries, Paris, L' Hisioire du 8iilCle_ native land, the next great thing would be to inaugurate a celebration of the These suggestions have been taken up nineteenth centennial of Christianity at and embodied in part in the scheme of its birthplace in Jerusalem! Then, every Mr. William G. Douglas, of the local decade during the twentieth century, staff of the Baltimore American, who universal Christianity should meet on proposes, in connection with the the centennial grounds at Jerusalem for World's Fair at Chicago, some such a World's Chautauqua Assembly. The exhibit of world. wide missions. Mr. work of evangelization would be greatly Douglns has laid his proposal before the hastened by such jubilees. The grand managers of the Exposition, and Secre- conquests of Christianity in the moral, tary Butterworth has recommended the intellectual, and material progress made exhibit to the district general. It iB through its agency could there be disproposed to exhibit the idols of the played as in no other way_ world by specimens, casts, and photographs, the work of missionary publish- The centennial should be absolutely ing houses, medical missionaries, and interdenominational. All parties recog> industrial schools; and the mission sta- nized by the name of Christian-i.e., all tions and missionaries connected there- acknowledging the three oldest confeswith. The exposition would include sions, should there have the right of mission work at home and abroad, in nll representation. All languages in which its branches. The harems of Turkey the Gospel is preached or has been and the zenanas of India; the alphabets preached should there be heard. All and literature of missionary lands, cus- Christian nations and peoples should toms, and manners; Buddhist praying thtJre have at least one man. Relics wheels, and models of Juggernaut's car, from heathen worship and superstition and the fanes and shrines of idol gods; should be there, and all idols supermonkey temples of Benares, charms, seded by the God of the Gospel should etc., will be presented to the eye; and be shown as trophies. the ?ontrast between what was and what Some of America's millions could be is will be rendered as complete as possi- well spant in snch an undertaking, of vastly more practical value to humanity ble by the models of Christian villages than any polar expedition or digging over against those which the GOBpel has expedition on old classic grounds. The not yet lifted to a higher level. plan certainly is practical. A railroad is being built to Jerusalem. A direct We repeat, what we -have put on record steamship line conld he put bEltween before, that if properly managed this New York and Jaffa. There would be may be a most instructive and impres- no lack of passengers to make it a pay. sive exhibit, and an argument for mis- ~~g ~nterprise. Will it be done? Who will go ahead? when the chart appeared in the REVIEW, It would be an undertaking worthy of a that the author was one who had intelmissionary century and of a missionary ligently studied and compared th"Re two country like the United States. systems, and knew of what he was pic- torially dilicoursing. S. M. H. 2. The editor' would say, again, that Ohristianized Paganism. such a chart, like any article puhlished in these pages, does not carry with it In the May number of this REVIEW the endorsement of the editorial staff, was published a comparative chart or unless so expressed. Every writer is pictorial representation of the similarity alone responsible fur the sentiments he exbetween" Buddhism and Romanism. " presses " the editur's province is to judge whether it is expedient to admit the article to As was foreseen, this startling ex- the REVIEW. This rule we state now, as hibit has provoked a few hostile criti- the criterion for the futurGl. Had the cisms, though in the large majority of editor prepared this sketch he would cases we have received rather the cor- have put in something left out by Mr. dial support of our readers for printing Mason, and left out something which he these" twin monuments." has put in. But the chart was judged worthy to be published as the author It occurs to the editor that this affords had made it, and was left to commend a fit opportunity and occasion for stat- itself to the judgment of the reader for ing the attitude of the REVIEW as to mat- whatever of worth it contained. ters of this kind: 3. The question has been raised by 1. First it may be proper to say that some of our readers as to whether it is this "chart" was found among the becoming a missionary review to assume manuscripts left by Dr. Sherwood at his an attitude of antagonism toward a large death, to be published in these pages, section of the nominal Church of Christ, and it was admitted to the May number and in which, with all its admitted because in that, Buddhism, was especial- errors, charity bids us hope there are ly considered. The origin of this striking many true believers. sketch it may be interpsting to our readers to know, and the following let- In reply, we would Bay that we make ter will explain. Rev. G. L. Mason, of in our own minds a broad distinction the American Baptist Mission, Huchow, between Catholicism as a form of religious Chekiang Province, China, is the author belief and church polity, and Romanism of the cartoon, and the writer of the let- as a religio.political sYlitem, a sort of ter. He sayli : Christianized paganism. We accord to all others the liberty which we claim for "This chart was suggested at the ourselves, of following their own re- Shanghai Conference, as I was meditat- ligious convictions and preferences. ing one morning on the forthcoming But it is plain to an observing mind paper by Dr. Martin, urging missiona- that, upon primitive Christianity, there ries to tolerate ancestral worship. It have been engrafted from time to time occurred to me that the underlying rea· conceptions and customs borrowed from Bon for ancestral worilhip was the same heathen and pagan nations, and which as that in Buddhism and Romanism, as have no right to be treated as any part regards the dead-viz., a belief that the of Christianity, even by the most liberal living may benefit the dead, and that charity. As we distinguish hetween the dead may benefit or injure the liv- Episcopacy and ritualism, between ing; and the thought took shape in Protestantism and rationalism, between these monuments, a copy of which was a reverent scholarship and a destructive given to every missionary at the coufer- " higher criticism," so we can separate ence." between an honest believer in Catholi- It will b8 seen, as the editor remarked cism and" jeHuitical and hypocritical, that if this REVIEW is to treat worldor even misguided, Romanist. wide missions with comprehensiveness and candor, we cannot avoid an ex- It may be a matter of regret that we posure of this system of Christianized have not a term to express what, for lack paganism or paganized Christianity. of a better term, is called Romanism. Within this world·wide field are em- But we mean by it, in the sense now braced missions in Roman Catholic used, that system of priestcraft which countries. No intelligent student of withholds the Bible from the people, papal lands needs to be told that misputs man in the place of God, teaches sions are needed there. The editor, by that even a lie is j Ilstifiable in the inter· no little reading, and personal travel in ests of the " Church," puts penance in those parts, has become painfully opplace of repentance, interposes the con- pressed with the fearful destitution of fessional between God and the sinner, these peoples as to the pure Gospel. and even between husband and wife; Thousands of inhabitants of papal Euteaches prayers for the dead and to de- rope and South America are as much in parted saints; makes a woman queen of need of the Bible and the knowledge of heaven, and addresses to her direct wor- salvation by faith, as the dwellers in ship; and which in some parts puts her pagan Africa or heathen Asia. What husband practically above not only her, should be the policy of THE MISSIONARY but her Son, who is also Son of God; a REVIEW OF THE WORLD? Shall we, in system that makes the seven sacra- treating of papal lands, encourage exments necessary channels of grace, fiiUb- posure of the superstitions, falsehoods stitutes a sensuous and elaborate ritual, and impositkns, vices and corruptionil, with man millinery, postures, and im- petty tyrannies and absurd pretensions postures, lighted candles and crucifixes, of Roruanism; or shall we forbear in banners and processions, chanting of deference to those who, on the one hand, Latin prayers, and the adoration of a are tinctured with these errors, or, on wafer, in place of simple Christian wor- the other. carry their liberality to the exship; that appeals to superstition by the treme of laxity? use of holy water, sign of the cross, worship of r",lics ; that sets a premiuIll For our part, we feel that it is no time on sin by the vending of indulgences to keep silence. John Knox said, "I and masses for the dead, and so on to am in that place where it is demanded the end of the chapter, never yet con- of me to speak the truth, impugn it who cluded I list." And we shall dare to follow the same heroic motto, " with charity for all This system is, we repeat, an engraft- and malice toward none." ing of paganism upon the stock of Christianity, a perversion of the name 5. While a very few of our readers of Christian, a reversion toward heathen- have remonstrated, the great majority ism. And the student of church his- have congratulated us on the publication tory can trace the very periods, and of this chart. And we venture to add oftentimes years, when these new feat- two testimonies from very high sources. ures were transferred from pagan sys- One eminent brother in the Methodist tems to the so-called Church of Christ. communion writes: "That diagram is This system has no exact name. It has all right. Cartoons are not scientific been called Jesuitism, but that means statements. If it makes a ripple, let the more and less. Gambetta called it ripple go on. It is not worth while to " clericalism," and denounced it as run a magazine that hits–nothing. The .. the foe of France," but that term is general policy toward Romanism (not inexact. The author of thiil cartoon Romanists) cannot vary long from the called it Romanism because he thought general basis of the great American misthat term nearest to the " concept." sionary societies, ~ quite decided, per- sistent, and well-defined antagonism to 4. The editor is constrained to add Romish superstition and ecclesiastical Behold five thousand young men standcorruption. Abuse has no place in this ing at God's missionary altar ready to contention; ill feeling is weakness al. go! Send them, and see what will folways, but steady shedding of informa- low." tion and statement of certified facts is essential to the very life of such a re- So writes Chaplain McCabe in that view." alive paper, World- Wide Missions.
Another correspondent, eminent in The editor of this REVIEW has often another great Christian body, writes: Deen asked to give to the public the story of the way in which he was first " I approve of your' deadly parallel' led to Bound out this trumpet call, between Buddhism and Romanism, and which is now, thank God! becoming think it should be followed up with fur- the signal shout of God's army. ther illustrations. There is a man now returning to this country who might be God moves in a mysterious way. As asked to prepare an article on •Reversion nearly as can now be remembered, it to Paganism,' for he has been great- was in or about the year 1870 that the ly struck in his world-tour, he says, writer of these lines saw a paragraph with the tendency of Romanism and from the pen of the venerable Joseph Rationalism to reaffiliate with the old Angus, D.D., of London, calling on the heathen religions. It is a subject which Church to do nobler things for the cause needs to be set forth, especially con- of the kingdom. Dr. Angus affirmed sidering the rage in Ilome parts for that the Church could easily raise a band • Esoteric Buddhism.' The chart in the of 50,000 missionaries, and that such a May number is most telling and instruc- body of evangelists could preach the tive. By all means take that line and Gospel to the whole unev:mgelized pordevelop it. How striking that, just as tion of the race in a quarter of a censoon as Christians drift from evangelical tury. This was at least the substance moorings, they begin to CODrt fellowship of Dr. Angus's challenge. with Rome !" This and other similar thoughts took What has been written above has possession of my mind, and, like other been calmly put on record for all time thoughts in which lie the seed of the to come as the policy of this REVIEW. kingdom, began to germinate. What If any Jesuitical hand shall seize the was at first a vague conception grAw editorial pen to write diluted statementS into a definite and practicable enterin the pale ink of half truth, or in- prise. It became apparent that if the sidious presentations of a corrupt and Christian Church in Protestant commiscalled Christianity in the purple ink munions, numbering perhaps 30,000,- of a fascinating apology, it will not be ODD, would send out one in a hundred, our pen that will be so used. And, in it would give 300,000 missionaries; and this course of Christian candor, whether that if an average contribution of even against rationalism, ritualism, or a bap- one dollar a year could be obtained tized paganism, we invoke the blessing from all Protestant communicants, it of the God of truth and the prayerful would yield $30,000,000 annually-an support of every truth lover. immense sum, obtainable without any real sacrifice at so Iowan average. The Signal Cry of the New Crusade. The conception seemed so practical ., 'Let us evangelize the world in this and practicable that, as it was reflected generation! ' Let us be thankful that upon, it took deeper root until the even one man has been found to send autumn of 1877, when, as the pastor of forth such a cry as that. It has stirred the Fort Street Presbyterian Church, in the heart of the Church to its depths. Detroit, I gave public utterance to it in the prayer-meeting of the Church. From that day to this the thought has grown upon me, Bnd wherever by tongue or pen it has found utteranoe it has found salvation, the blessed hopcl, and the also, both in Amerioa and Great Britain, duty of witnessing to a lost world. and especially on mission fields, a sympathetic response in other Christian .. It was near to our plaoe of meetin~ that, in 1747, lit Northampton, Jona· hearts; and RO, like a trumpet. blast, than Edwards sent forth his trumpetechoed from hill to hilI, the cry, " Let peal, calling upon dililCiples everywhere us evangf'lize the world in Ollr genera- to unite in prayer for an effusion of the tion, " has found wider and wider rever- Spirit upon the whole habitable globe, beration. No one man oan olaim the That summons to prayer marks a new honor of starting that thought on its era and epoch in the history of the way. It was God's thought and signal Church· of God. Praying bands beg!n to gather in this and other lands; ory, emphasized py His providence and mighty revivals of religion followed; Spirit, and only oaught up and echoed immorality and infidelity were wonder- fully ohecked ; and, after more than fifby human lips. teen hundred years of apathy and leth- On no oocasion was this sentiment argy, the spirit of missions was reawa- kened. In 1784 the monthly concert was more devoutly'responded to than at begun, and in 1792 the first mis8ionary societ,. formed in England; in 1793, Northfield, Mass., in the Believers' Con- William Carey, the pioneer missionary, sailed for India. Since then, one hunference, presided over by D. L. Moody, dred missionary boards have been organthe evangelist, in August, 1885, and it ized, and probably not less than one may be interesting to our readers to see hundred thousand missionari"R, includa copy of the original resolution which ing women, have gone forth into the harvest-field_ The Pillar has moved beled to the call for a world's missionary fore these humble laborers, and the twoconvention_ Here it is : leaved gates have opened befor., them, until the whole world is now accessible, " Resolved: As those gathered in the The ports and portals of pagan, Mossolemn presence of Almighty God, this lem, and even papal lands are now eleventh day of August, 1885, that this unsealed, and the last of the hermit conference appoint a committee of seven, nations welcomeil the missionary. Reto prepare and issue a circular letter sults of missionary labor in the Hawaiian addressed to Christian discipIes of every and Fiji Islands, in Madagascar, in name, calling them to united prayer for ,Japan, probably have no parallel even a mighty effusion of the Spirit on all in apostolic days; while even Pentecost ministers, missionaries, evangelists, is snrpassed by the ingathering of ten teachers, and Christian workers, and thousand converts in one mission stasuggesting that, at some great world tion in India within sixty days, in the centre, at an early date, a great world year 1878. The missionary bands had oounoil of Christian believers be oalled scarce compassed the wallM and soundwith referenoe to the immedIBte dis- ed the gospel trumpet, when those tribution and ocoupation, and to the walls fell, and we have but to march speedy evangelization, of all districts of straight on and take possession of Sathe earth's population now destitute of tan's strongholds.' the Gospel." " God has thus, in !nswer to prayer, This resolution was unanimously opened the door of access to the na- tioD~. Out of the Pillar there comes passed, and a committee appointed to once more It voice, 'Speak unto the issue a oall for such a convention, and children of Israel, that they go foron the third day after there followed a ward_' And yet the Church of God is unanimous adoption, by a stauding vote, of the acoompanying " Appeal to Disciples Everywhere.
Issued by the Northfield Convention: .. To Fellow-believers of 81!ery name, scat- tered throughout the world, Greeting; "Assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, with one aocord, in one place, we have continued for ten days in prayer and supplioation, communing with one another about the oommon slow to move in response to the Provi- to angels and men, could believers of dence of God. Nearly a thousand mill- every name, forgetting all things in ions of the human race are yet without which they differ, meet, by chosen the Gospel; vast districts are wholly representatives, to enter systematically unoccupied. So few are the laborers, and harmoniously upon the work of that, if equally dividing responsibility, sending forth laborers into every part each must care for at least one hundred of the world-field! thousand souls. And yet there is abundance of both men and means in the .. But, above all else, our immediate Church to give the Gospel to every liv. find imperative need is a new spirit of ing soul before this century closes. If earnest and prevailing prayer, The but ten millions, out of four hundred first Pentecost crowned ten days of millions of nomInal Christians would united, continued supplication. Every undertake such systematic labor as that subsequent Ildvance may be directly each one of that number should, in the traced to believing prayer, and upon course of the next fifteen years, reach this must depend a new Pentecost. We one hundred' other souls with the Gos· therefore earnestly appeal to all fellow. pel message, the whole present popula. disciples to join us and each other in tion of the globe would have heard the importunate daily supplication for a good tidings by the year 1900 ! new and mighty effusion of the Holy Spirit upon all ministers, missionaries, " Our Lord's own words are, • Go ye, eVllngelists, pastors, teachers and Chris. therefore, and disciple all nations;' and, tian workers, and upon the whole earth; 'This gospel of the kingdom shall be that God would impart to all Christ's preached in all the world for a witness witnesses the tongues of fire, and melt ,mto all nations; and then shall the end hard hearts before the burning message. corne.' Peter exhorts us both to ' look It is not, by might nor by power, but by for and hasten the ooming or the Day of the Spirit of the Lord, that all true suc· God;' and what if our inactivity delays cess must be secured. Let us call upon His corning? Christ is waiting to ' see God till He answereth by fire! What of the travail of His Houl ;' and we are we are to do for the salvation of the lost impressed that two things are just now must be done quickly; for the genera· of great importance: Hrst, the imme. tion is passing away, and we with it. diate occupation and evangelization of Obedi~nt to our marching orders, let us • go into all the world, and preach the every destitute district of the earth's Gospel to every creatm'e,' While from our very hearts WEI pray, • Thy kingdom popUlation ;, and, secondly, a new effu· come,' sion of the Spirit in answer to united prayer. "Grace, mercy, and peace be with you all. " If at some great centre like London or New York, a great council of evan· " Done in convention at Northfield, gelical believers could meet, to consider Mass., August 14th, 1885, D. L. Moody the wonder-working of God's Providence presiding. and grace in mission fields, and how fields now unoccupied may be insured .. Committee: Arthur T. Pierson, from further neglect, and to arrange and Philadelphia, Presbyterian, Chairman; adjust the work so as to prevent need· A. J. Gordon, Boston, Baptist; L. W. less waste and friction among workmen, Munhall, Indianapolis, Methodist; it might greatly further the glorious ob· George F. Pentecost, Brooklyn, N. Y., ject of It world's evangelization; and we Congregationalist; William Ashmore, earnestly commend the suggestion to missionary to Swatow, Chino., Baptist; the prayerful considerlltion of the vari- J, E. Rquaston Studd, London, Engous bodies of Christian believers, and land,Church of England ; Miss E. Dryer, the various missionary organizations. Chicago Avenue Church, Ohicago." What a spectacle it would present both Probably in all parts of the world Christians had by the same Spirit of But nothing written about the events of God been made to feel the importance 1887 ean give an idea of that seminary of a simultaneous movement in the now. I quote the language of Rev. Mr. direction of a world's evangelization; Rankin, agent of the American. Bible and the consequence was that, in July, Society, just after a visit to IJaredo : "I 1888, a World's Convention met at Lon- go there often, and never fail to visit don, whose influence on foreign mis- the seminary: There the ragged, neg- sions was simply incalculable. The lected children of the poorest Mexicans "student volunteer movement," like- are taught everything a Christian woman wise originating at Mt. Hermon, and in ,ought to know. .. In the spring of 1890 a convention called by Mr. Moody, nearly all the pupils were converted. caught up this cry, and made it the sig- Six of the former students are now doing nal for the" Modern Crusade." faithful missionary work in Mexico. It has, as results, a school for boys in the This conviction of the duty and feasi· same city, also mission schools of its bilityof giving the whole world the Gos- own type in Saltillo, Durango, and pel in the present generation has taken Chihuahua, all these on the Mexican possession of countless men and women border. Their influence has extended as in all parts of the globe. Hence the fast as their means would permit, and simultaneous calls for increased labor- Miss J-,oland, one of our first and most ers, enlarged means, and higher con- successful missionaries in Laredo, has secration. Let us keep this cry echo. advanced into Central Mexico, and es· ing, and let us press the Lord's enter- tablished a similar work in San Luis prise until not a lethargio churoh or Potosi. apathetio dIsciple remains-until not a child of Adam remains without the Miss Frances Williams was appointed knowledge of the Second Adam, who is to report to the REVIEW the doings of able to repair the ruin wrought by the the late Conference in West Africa. first. No believer can tell how much depends upon his actively joining in She writes: this crusade of the ages. Every voice and pen, every heart and hand and purse, ROTUFUNK, W. AFRICA, Feb. 10, 1891. should be enlisted constantly and un- The Mendi, Sherbro and Bompeh reservedly to secure the immediate missions of the United Brethren Church proolamation of the Gospel to every met in their eleventh annual meeting at soul. To this end the pages of this Rotufunk, West Africa, on Wednesday, REVIEW are pre.eminently and prayer- January 21st, 1891. There were present fully devoted. fifty-three workers, including missiona- ries, teachers, and helpers. We have a communication from Mrs. Bishop E. B. Kephart, D.D., LL.D., S. PhilP'>tt, as follows: who had recently arrived from America, presided. The bishop opened confer- DEW, FREESTONE Co., TEXAS. ence by reading and commenting on the The friends of evangelical work in fifth chapter of Matthew. He expressed the "Land of the Aztecs" were much himself as being glad to be present, and pleased to see, in the March number of to bring greeting from the Church at the REVIEW, an article by Miss Brown, home. All rejoiced to hear him speak of Tuscaloosa, Ala., on "Faith Hall, .. of hope and faith for the spread of the Lerado, Mexico. It should have been Gospel in dark Africa. His wise coun- Laredo, but the mistake involves no sel, given in the spirit and power of the ambiguity. There is but one such in- Master, gave to all a new inspiration for Htitution. It is a parallel to Mt. Hol- the work of saving souls. yoke, and many think its superintend- The reports of the workers for the ent the only living peer of Mary Lyons. past year show the year to be the best the conference hils ever known, there among the heathen than Adoniram Judhaving been gracious revivals at some of son and his associates; but the rocky the appointments; and ruany wer.. hearts of the Burmans did not readily turned to righteousness. The plans and yield to the fire and the hammer of Diresolutions adopted gave all hope that vine truth. They were arrogant, conthe coming year will be marked with ceited, and proud beyond any other even greater success. The reports given nation on the face of the globe; they by those who, during the year, had gone had a religious system <lating back into the interior, where the Gospel was about 2500 years, and a written language, never heard before, were so encouraging with an abundance of literature, exthat we longed to go and possess the plaining and defending their doctrines, " goodly land" for our King. and they were contented and at rest in their religious and their social position. One evening was given to temper- It is no wonder that the missionaries, ance work, when the Loyal Temperance who were few in numbers, and who had Legion of Rotufunk was called npon to to prepare their books and tracts and instruct and entertain the people on their translations of the Scriptures by this subject and work. Earnest sermons long and painful labor, in one of the were preached on the other evenings, most difficult of Oriental tongues, should ani! sinners were invited to accept have found their progress slow and at Christ. A nnmber began seeking the times almost disheartening. Dr. Judliving way, and fonrmen were hopefully son understood this, and recognized the converted. fact that it was much easier to bring souls to Christ among a people who had On Sunday morning the bishop no written language, no literature, no preached an able sermon, after which religious system, but who had a deep he ordained the following persons to consciousness of sin, and of their need preach the Gospel: Mr. Jacob Miller, of a Saviour. Jr., Mr. S. B. Morrison, Mrs. Lida M. West, Misses Ellen Groenendyke and In regard to Ko-thah.byu, there is no Frances Williams. doubt that he was baptized by Mr. Boardman, and was the first Karen con- A spirit of love and unity was mani- vert, or that he accompanied Mr. Boardfested throughout the conference ses- man to Tavoy, preferring to be baptized Mions. And as the workers separated, it there, among his own countrymen; but was with a consciousness of having his conversion took place in Moulmein, come nearer the first and greatest mis- and under Dr. Judson's own labors. sionary, and also nearer to each other. Dr. Judson had redeemed him from " In union there is strength." slavery, and labored with him long be- fore he was willing to abandon his Dr. L. P. Brockett also writes: wicked life and pecome a Christian. (See Dr. E. Judson's" Life of Adoniram BROOKLYN, April 20, 1891. Judson," Carpenter's" Self·Support in I find in the May number a com- Bassein," etc.) municationfromRev. H. Morrow, Karen missionary at Tavoy, taking exception We know that" God has chosen the to some statements of mine, in the No- weak things of this world to confound vember REVIEW. Mr. Morrow has in, the mighty; and things that are not, to this communication, fallen into some bring to naught things tLat are. " If it errors very natural in his position, but had been possible for the earlier Burwhich should be corrected. He errs in mese missionaries to have understood supposing that I attributed the scanty and acted upon this principle, and to success of the Burmese missionaries to have given their first" labors to the their schools, or to a lack of preaching Karens and the affiliated tribes, they {In their part. No more devoted and might have endured ev-en fiercer perseearnest missionaries have ever labored cution than they did; but after seve4ty. and soundness of doctrine. Yet those seven years of labor, they would have had a very much stronger Karen can· churches as a whole need an Americun stituency than they now have, and the Burmans would very largely have hum- missionary Buperintendent. bled themselves before the cross. Bnt our Lord, in this case, as among the P.S.-As to the.number of missiona- 'l'elugus, saw fit to bring His people into Canaan after half a century of doubt and ries. both to the Burman and Karen trial, and in the end IIi:,; way will be shown to be the best. Mr.·Morrow is missions, we do not differ materially. undoubtedly in error in estimating all the Karen churches by the standard of My statistics were taken from the offithose in Tavoy. After the large in. gathering under the labors of Ko·tbah- cial hand-book of the Missionary Union byu and his associates, with some superintendence by Dr. Mason (who, how- for 1890-91, and they show the comever, soon removed to far-away Toungoo), the Karen churches in the lower Tenas· parative success of the Karen missions serim province were left for nearly forty years under the care of native pastors, over the Burman to have been as fifteen nearly all of them illiterate, without the Scriptures, and most of them unable to to one. No doubt there should have read them if they had them, and isolat. ed from the other Karen churches. bden ten times as many missionaries in They had no schools except the most elementary ones, and these were sus- each. L. P. B. tained by government aid. A few of the churches partially supported theil' Baron Hirsch is probably the greatest pastors, but the pittance they gtlve was philanthropist in Europe, if not in the so small that they could only maiIitain w Jrld. He has established a special an existence by hunting and fishing. once with a corps of clerks for the What wonder that their condition was management of his plans. He has so low, and that the degeneration was o'fered $2,000,000 for the public schools so great that it was a 1uestion with the of Russia, on condition that no distincmanagers of the Union whether there tion shall be made in the application of was enough left to be worth saving! the fund as to the race or religion. The offer was declined. He now proposes Contrast these neglected churches to transport to the river Plate half a with the intelligent, devoted Christian million of Russian Jews. His recent churches of the Sgau Karens in Bassein, beneficAnt appropriation for Jews in this described in the May number of the RE- country is well known. And we believe VIEW; churches whose poverty abound- that the aggregate of his gifts to benevoed to the riches of their liberality, and lent purposes cannot be less than from whose benevolence, education, and so- $10,000,000 to $20,000,000. We would cial position mighb be fairly compared gladly have any trustworthy information with those of our rural churches at as to this remarkable man-who he is, home, and then say whether Mr. Mor- where he was born and has lived, how row was justified in judging all the his great fortune was acquired, and how Karen churches by the Tavoy standard. it is expended.
There are certainly among the Bas- The following, says the Australian sein pastors some who are not behind Sunday-school Teacher, is from a boy's most of our' American pastors in elo- essay on total abstinence. It is a whole quence, l.l;nQwledge of the Scriptures, volume on temperance in a nutshell : "I abstain from alcoholic drinks be- cause, if I would excel as a cricketer, Grace says, • abstain ;' as a walker. Wes- ton says, 'abstain;' as an oarsman, Hanlon says, • abstain ;' as a swimmer, Webb says, ' abstain ;' as a missionary, Livingstone says, • abstain ;' as a doc- tor, Clark says, 'abstain;' as a preach. er, Farrar says, • abstain.' Asylums, prisons, and workhouses rel?eat the crJ', 'abstain t' '" A Remarkable Farewell. these parts. Actions I!Ipeak louder than The readers of the REVIEW have been words, hence much does not remain for informed in regard to the remarkable us to say as to what valuable service ingathering among the Telegus in India. you have rendered the country in which Dr. Clough, the leader in this great you have faithfully worked for the last movemlmt, arrived in this country on quarter of a century, since the results the 18th of May, being compelled, from of your hard and honest labor are them- ~heer exhaustion, induced by his im· selves monuments of the standing evi- mense labors, to lea"e the field for a dence of the good you have done in the season of rest. He comes with the im· improvement and elevation of thhl portunate cry for twenty.five new men place. We feel that YOll have been a to be sent out at once by the Baptist powerful instrument in God's hands in Missionary Union to reap the harvest the accomplishment of His great pur- which is now ripe for ingathering. Eight pose. The poor downtrodden people thousand converts have been baptized who were grovelling in darkness and on this one field since the first of Janu- sunk in ignorance have been brought aryof the present year; and Dr. Clough to the light and knowledge of the living believes that these are only the first- God," etc. fruits of the coming ingathering. Noth. ing like it has occurred in the history Tho address continues in this strain, of missions. It is, however, of a significant event in connection with Dr. closing with a commendation of the de- Clough's return that we are now writing. When he went to the field twenty-five parting missionary to the care and keepyears ago. the caste preJudice was such that Hindus meeting the missionary on ing of God during his voyage, which the street would make a long detour, lest his shadow falling on them, or the odors almost reminds one of Acts xx. After of his person being wafted toward them by the wind, might defile them. Such the reading of the address, several native has been the change in a quarter of a century that the Hindu citizens of the gentlemen spoke, among them Mr. D. highest position in the city gave a farewell meeting to the departing mission. Markundayulu Sastry, who said that ary, inviting Christians, Mohammedans, and Brahmans to join in a public "according to the Shastras he should expression of gratitude for the great blessing which the missionary's labors not have stirred out of his house that had brought to their country. The Madras "l£ail, in recording the day, as there was a ceremony to be perevent, gives a long list of the distin- formed by him; but whatever the Shasguished representatives present, and a verbatim report of the farewell address tras could have prohibited him, they could tendered to the departing missionary. not pr'event him being present to do hOrlor The address says : to one who had done so much good to the "REVEREND AND DEAR SIR: We, the people arul the country." Surely all this people of Ongole, consisting of all classes and communities, have come from an assembly of Hindus is remarktogether here to.day and asked your presence for awhile, that we may bid able.-A. J. G. you farewell on the eve of your departure to America. We take this opportunity The Mission to the Ohildren. of tendering yon our deep gratitude for the many obligations you have con- From March 1st, 1890, to March 1st, ferred OIl. llS !Utd the people at large in 1801. the missionaries of the American Sunday-school Union in the Northwest, under the direction of F. G. Ensign, Superintendent of Chicago, established 650 new Sunday-schools in destitute places, and induced 2759 teachers and 20,705 scholars to attend them. Be- sides this, the!' visited and aided othpr.
schools in 2745 cases where 14,020 teachers are giving Bible instruction to 135,389 scholars, heU 7522 meetings, made 26,245 visits to families, distribut- ed 5532 Bibles and testaments, placed in circulation $5070 worth of religious reading, and travelled 191,685 miles.
Already 2982 conversions have been reported from tbis work during the year, and 85 churches have developed U;OIll the Sunday-school,
TH]jJ MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
IV.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
BY REV. D. L. LEONARD.
A glance is to be taken at missionary tion men; are found to some extent in work among the Japanese and Chinese the mines, though having no fancy for in this country, among the American toil underground; are expert gardeners Indians and the Mormons, and in the and laundrymen, and when trained islands of the sea. The theme has no excel as cooks als-o. lack of either length, breadth, or variety, and includes points not a few of pro. The Chinese are industrious and found interest to every Christian pa- economical in the extreme, and, IDore triot. than anything else, it is their ability to make so little go so far that tends, wher. JAPANESE. ever they are found in considerable numbers, to cheapen and degrade labor, The census return~ for 1890 are only and so stirs the fear and the wrath of in part available; but enough is known other toilers. From several causes they to make it certain that this class of our are compelled to endure an endless population is but small, and does not amount of opprobrium and insult, are constitute a very serious " problem." the butt for jokes, and a mark for the The few thousands we have are scat· mob. Though Bret Harte's" Heathen teredfarand wide, some in almost every Chinee," Ah Sin, with ., ways that arc large city, though about 1500 are found dark" and" tricks that are vain," may upon the Pacific border; Louisiana can. occasionally be duplicated in real life tains 39, Florida 14 ; Virginia, 13 ; Ten. among the Celestials, yet the represen tn. nessee, 10, etc. Wherever found they tion is a slander nevertheless. The are intelligent and polite, and readily ,vorst feature of the Chinese question is adopt the ideas and manners and cus· found in the fact that those who come to toms of their neighbors. Nor is the us take no interest in American affairs. task specially difficult of persuading They journey hither only to make them to accept the Gospel with all their money and return, and hence keep the heart. Not much organized work has way open by clinging to their old ways, been begun or is possible in their be the queue, their peculiar dress, etc. To half. But the Methodist Episcopal lay these aside is not only to be treason. Church expends some $5000 to enhance able to the emperor, but also to aposta. their spiritual well being in California, tize from Confucius. dividing it among several missions, and reports 4 missionaries, 3 helpers, 160 Missionary work is carried on largely members, 21 probationers, and 44 bap. by means of evening schools and Sun. tisms during the last year. Not many day.schools, advantage being taken of cnter the United States intending to reo the fact that many-it may be only with main, and q aite a large proportion of a business motive-are eager to learn to the converts sooner or later return to speak and to read the English language. Japan to strengthen the missions there. In the early stages of instruction it is found necessary to supply each indi- CHINESE. vidual Chinaman with a teacher. Many of them are found to be possessed of They number not far from 130,000, bright and inquiring and impressible of whom the census reports 71,681 as minds, most are models of good deport· residing in the single State of Califor. ment, as well as generous and grateful nia. They are found also in all the for favors. principal cities West and East; in the flourishing mining" camps ;" in the reo In all the large cities missions are gion we~t of the Rockies they constitute carried on, and are not especially disthe force of railroad builders and sec· couraging, but bear fruits which am substantial, and, all things considered, Methodist Episcopal Church South refairly large. Muny are found in Chris- ports a church-membership of 3909 in tian churches who in every way adorn the Indian Territory. Bishops Whipple tho Gospel of .Tesus Christ, lind whoso and TIare of the Episcopal Church find godly and self-denying lives rebuke abundant ground for thanksgiving and their white brethren. The American hope. The Congregationalists have gath- Missionary Association alone Bustains ered 9 churches with 438 members, and 18 schools in California, with 33 teach- 16 schools with 527 scholars, and supers and 1310 scholars. Of these 204 port 87 missionaries and teachers. have given up idolatry, and 159 give Twelve theological students are in trainevidence of conversion. In all, from ing for the ministry. The Roman Caththe first, 750 are counted as having been olics were first in the field, beginning led to Christ in these schools. The nearly 300 years ago, during the French Methodists also and Baptists ani Pres- regime in Canada, and even yet maintain byterians are doing work. their self-denying zeal. It is much to be hoped that with civil service intro- INDIANS. duced into the Indian Bureau, and the churohes encouraged by the past fruit Well may Americans blush when they of their prayer and toil, a brighter meditate upon the Indian question. Not day for the American Indian is at hand. including Alaska, we have to do with 249,273 red men who are found scat- MORMONS. tered through 35 of our States and territories. The Indian Territory holds The Mormon Church was founded in 66,289, of whom most ar61 civilized. In Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1830, or more than New Mexico dwell 20,521; in South 60 yoorll ago, and sprang from causes in Dakota. 19,845; in Arizona, 16,74,0 ; in whioh is found a strange combination Oalifornia, 15,283, and 10,000 each in of iniquity and folly, boundiesil false- Montana and Washington. Upon the" hood and trickery, on the one hand, and various reservations 133,382 are gath- credulity to match on the other. Its ered, of whom 98,707 are self-supporting, origin was in. a generation famous for and the land contains 32,567 Indians isms, and it was but one of a half hunwho are tax-ed or taxable. dred patent schemes for the hastening of the dawn of millennial bliss. From The government, after expending for the first it was a shining mark for ridiforty years an annual average of $10,- cule and hate, and within 15 years was 000,000 in fighting him, and at a cost of compelled five times to change its habi- $1,000,000 for every one killed, is now tat, and finally, after its prophet and at length devoting $500,000 a year to high-priest hBd falJen victims to mob educational work; and the churches Tiolence, sought refuge in the wilderhave found that for the average ex- ness 1000 miles beyond the Missouri. penditure of $1000 the red man can be Already its emissaries had crossed the converted. Though the facts are all th61 sea, and recruits began to pour in by other way, the conviction is yet wide- the thousand froll the Old World and spread that the Gospel and the Indian to cross the great plains, lured on by have next to nothing in common. And specious but deceitful promises. this though Eliot and Edwards and Brainerd met with abundant success; Meantime polygamy, which ,for ten and th61 Moravians civilized and Chris- years had been praotised in secret, was tianized the Delawares and the Mohi- openly proclaimed and defended in cans by hundreds, and powerful revivals 1852. A little later, made bold by sucwere Touchsafed in Pennsylvania and cess, and during a reign of terror orig- Ohio; and triumphs of grace are to be inating in II dreadful outburllt of fanatiseen among the savage Sioux, and al- cism, Brigham Yonng felt himSelf strong most every tribe in. tbe West. The enongh to defy the Government, and it became necessary to send an army in own against its foes. It is more than 1857 to brine; him to reason; and then likely that the gains from conversions began a contest for supremacy, in which in foreign lands are more than noutral- for 25 long and disgraceful years the ized by apostasies at home. By a series hierarchy was aMe to hold its own. of defeats extending over ten years the Nor was it until the passage of the Ed- spirits of the leaders begin to be broken, munds law in 1882 that the haughty and finding the Government and the moral defiant priesthood began to be brought sense of the whole nation united against to terms and feel compelled in any their schemes. Though not ready yet measure to obey the law of the land. to' yield heartily and thoroughly, even But since then every year has witnessed upon the point of polygamy, their faith solid gains against polygamy and the begins seriously to stagger. It there- rule of the priesthood. But even yet fore remains to continue the momentous constant watchfulness is called for. It struggle. Let the courb. withhold not will not do to trust the wily leaders, and a whit of their stern pressure of penin particular not for years yet will it alty ; and let the churches sustain and answer to bestow upon Utah the boon multiply the toilers in school and pulof statehood. pit, and to mea-sures hitherto employed add wise and vigorous and persistent For nearly 20 years no Christian mis- evangelistic effort, and ten years hence sionary appeared in Salt Lake, and the yet greater marvels of improvement will Great Basin was as effectually closed have been wrought. against missionary work as were China or Japan. Nor was it until after the ISLANDS oj' THE SEA.. discovery of rich mines of silver, and more, after the completion of the Pacific The isles shall wait for His law; and, Railroad in 1869, that the churches of alas! for shame, that the countless the land began in earnest to endeavor islands of the ocean, with their millions to win the" Saints" from the error of of souls benighted and depraved, should their ways. Indeed, the last decade have been compelled to" wait," in a contains the bulk of the educational and sense not at all scriptural, and for religious victories which have been eighteen centuries before an opporwon. It was soon found to be as good tunity was supplied to hear the Gospel as impossible to reach the adult popu- command. True, many of. them were lation, and hence great emphasis has not known until times quite modern, been laid upon Christian schools, and 11. and only reoently have they been extroop of consecrated and heroic women plored and made accessible. were despatohed to the scene of strife and have been there maintained, and It is worth recalling that the first forgroot have been their achievenrents in mil.! missionary undertaking set on foot breaking down barriers of prejudice, by the Christian Church had an island letting in the light of intelligence, and for its object; and when the Holy Ghost leading hundreds to better lives. Prog- said, " Separate me, ;Barnabas and Saul, reBS is slow, the field is as full of dis- for the work whereunto I have called couragements as any in foreign lands, them." This was ten years before the and yet the changes which have trans- continent of Europe received the Gospired within the decade are amazing. pel. It was also to the West Indies that By the development of mining and the Frederick IV. designed to send Ziegenincrea8e of railroads such an influx of balg and Plutscho. The Moravians denon·Mormon population has taken place spatched their firilt representatives to that. three of the largest cities have been St. Thomas, and the second company wrested from Mormon hands, and a turned their faces toward Greenland. fourth will soon be redeemed. where Egede had already been long at work. It was Captain Cook's discov- The church is now scarcely holding its eries in the South Seas that first fired Carey's Boul with zeal for the world's into the churches, which now are indeevangelization, and for years he thought pendent, almost self – sustaining, and the Lord had called him to labor for the earnestly engaged carrying the Word souls of the heathen in Tahiti, while it of life to other islands. What dismal was the enthusiasm stirred by those tragedy was enacted for a generation in same explorations that led to the forma- Madagascar after thousands had chosen tion of the London Society, and gave to the way of life! The whole company it such an astonishing initial impulse. were called to endure the fiery trials of The American Board occupied Ceylon relentless persecution, and not a few to at an early day, and soon after seventeen be faithful even unto death. But the men and women were en route for the Church came forth from the furnace Sandwich Islands. with scarcely the smell of fire upon it, and to-day the London Society, God's The earth's islands have never been most honored instrument, can count 670 numbered, nor has an accurate census ordained and 3785 unordained toilers in of their inhabitants ever been taken. that fruitful field, with upward of 50,000 But they doubtless hold from thirty to church-members and 250,000 adherents. forty millions. Often possessed of cli- The Church Missionary Society entered mate nearly perfect, and of wondrous New Zealand as far back as 1814, but natural beauty, they also in many cases waited and toiled eleven years for the supply a flora and fauna most remark- first con vert, and then five years longer able-birds and blossoms decked in for the second. But then ensued such array most gorgeous, and fruits and a remarkable religious overturning that flavors delicious beyond comparison. in 1842 Bishop Selwyn could write: Behold the peculiar treasures of the ., A whole nation of pagans has been Spice Islands, and the pearls, and ebony, converted to the faith." And now, out and satin-wood, and coffee, and cinna- of about 45,000 Maoris. 18,000 are Chrismon, and cocoa-nuts of Ceylon! And tians by profession, with 38 of their how strange that where nature has number ordained clergymen. And Fiji, wrought many of her chief marvels, and under the wise and patient and self-sacso is seen at her best, man is often found rificing care of the English Wesleyans, at his very worst! The islands of the has become at length to all intents Pacific stand for the lowest type of .bar- and purposes a Christian nation, and barism and shocking savagery, for the with perhaps a larger proportion of unspeakable horrors of the tabu, canni- the population in regular attendance balism, universal lust, and endless war. upon religious services than can any_ Fiji, New Zealand, New Hebrides, Rara- where else be found. And it may be tonga, and Tierra del Fuego have long that Japan will speedily prove herself been names with which to conjure up the queen of all the isles, because of her scenes most forbidding and loathsome. ready and eager and thorough accept- High among the names of martyrs, too, ance of Christ and His salvation! stand those of Williams, and Patteson, and Gordon, and Gardner, the latter The secret of these distinguished congladly laying down his life in a land as quests for the kingdom of heaven is dreary as any under the sun, and in be- doubtless to be found in part in the fact half of a people as brutal and God-for- that the insular races, as a rule, are of saken as can anywhere be found. But, a make more gentle and docile and imover against all this, perhaps nowhere pressible than that of the Chinaman or elso have the triumphs of the cross been the Hindoo, and this because, never more numerous or more glorious. Upon having been burdened and enslaved by the Hawaiian Islands there were toiling any form of civilization highly wrought and waiting and watching with weeping and hoary with age, or by any religious for twenty long years, but after that system elaborate and fortified by cenwithin aix years 27,000 were gathered turies of learning and culture. The people, thereiore, were more like chilo age. In Jamaica alone 20 stations are dren, were ready to look up to thei!." held by 26 missionaries, and the teachers and to learn, were far leslI churches have 6444 members and 16,936 proud and self'Bufficient, and so, with adherents. In the 74 schools 7444 chilo all their base superstition and measure. dren are taught. In the other islandsless depravity, like the pUblicans and St. Thomas, Antigua, Tobago, Barbados, sinners of our Lord's time, were much etc.-are found upward of 10,000 com- nearer the kingdom. And only let those municants, and 6500 in schools, with 23 who have received the knowledge and missionaries and 21 trained native help- hope of salvation, and who also, in a ers. The Episcopalians have a church sense, love and prize the unspeakable in Hayti with a bishop, 9 presbyters, gift, make haste with all their might to and 4 deacons. Its communicants num· evangelize, and so far as possible to ber 402, of whom 84 were confirmed convert, the millions who even yet are in 1890. altogether unreached, and another sub. lime Scripture will presently inspire our The London Missionary Society has a glad song. The Lord reigneth, let the Polynesian mission with 20 English mis. earth rejoice; let the multitude (or the sionaries, 347 native ordained minis· many, or great) isles be glad thereof. ters, and 216 native pr,mchers, 13,663 church.members, 40,651 adherents, 13,. The figures which follow will give de. 445 in Sunday.schools, and as many finiteness and point to the more general in day-schools. The principal work is statements which have preceded: done in the Heroey, Samoan, and Loy- alty grflups, and in New Guinea. In The Presbyterians are carrying on Rarotonga a training institution was mission work in 28 towns outside of Salt established as far back as 1839, and in Lake City and Ogden, and have 21 min. it hundreds of natives have been fitted isters, 58 teachers, 30 schools, and about for preaching and pastoral toil, and from 2100 pupils, 75 per cent of which pupils thence have gone out through all the are from Mormon or ex-Mormon fami. vast region of the South Pacific. lies. The summary of the work done by all the Christian denominations in A treaty has just been concluded Utah is about as follows: 85 mission Christian schools in 78 different towns, between Japan and the Hawaiian Gov. employing 172 Christian teachers, and educating about 6500 pupils, three ernment for the unrestricted immigrafourths of whom are from Mormon families. tion of Japanese subjects into the In Micronesia the American Board is Hawaiian kingdom. Special inducedoing work in the Caroline and Gilbert groups, and with Ponape and Ruk as ments are offered to Japanese coolies nentres. In this field Robert W. Logan was the apostle, and in labors abundant and farmers-a free paRsage to the wore out his life. The mission con. tains 3 stations and 49 out·stations, with islands, exemption from taxation, and a 19 American missionaries and 86 native helpers. The 51 churches have 4475 bounty of seventy-five Mexican dollars inembers, of whom 496 were received on c;onfession of faith last year. given to each bonafide immigrant. The The first Moravian missionaries were first steamer, carrying one thousand sent to the West Indies and to the negro population, then in terrible bond- farmers, sailed for Honolulu February 27th. J. T. G.
Matches and kerosene seem strange mission factors, yet the extent to which they are being imported into China makes an item of considerable interest in the increased intercourse with Chris. tian countries, and Western ideas flow in with these light.giving articles.
J. T. G,
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Orga.nized Missionary Work and Statistios. Edited by Rev. D. L. Leonard, Bellevue, O.
-Dr. Kerr, who has been for 36 years en are at work, sent out by the Swedish in charge of the missionary hospital in Woman's Missionary Society. Canton, has treated, during that period, 521,000 patients, has written 27 medical -More than 100 Waldensian delegates and surgical works, and educated 100 assembled recently at Torre Pellice, native physicians. And yet an unbe- near Turin, in Synodical Convention. lieving and ill-informed world continues The 17 mountain oongregations have 78 to ask in wonder: .. To what purpose Sunday-schools, with 3270 scholars, is this waste upon missions ?" some 40 lay sooieties for practioal. Chris- tian work, and 13 societies for mission -The great Church whose seat is work, home and foreign. There lire upon the Seven Hills is neither dead now found in Itllly 43 Waldensian oonnor sleeping. During the last four gregations, with 53 stations for preachmonths of 1889 no less than 49 Roman ing with referenoe to the formation of Catholic missionaries, male and female, congregations. In all, 4228 oommuniarrived in East Africa, and 15 of the cants and 511 cateohumens have been number were destined to the mission gathered, and mostly from the Catholio which is rival to the Protestant Mission Churoh, in Dar-es-Salaam. -Though it is but a few years since -One of the most powerful private Protestant missions were founded in associations to which the recent anti- Mexioo, already 20,000 have been gathslavery movement has given birth is the ered into the churches, and a few of African Association of German Catho- these are already large and even selflics. L' Afrique reports that this asso- supporting. The M. E. Church, South, dation holds many publio meetings in is expending $105,000 annually upon different oities, publishes a journal- this field, the Presbyterians, $90,000, Gott will es-and has 10 diocesan com- the M. E. Church, North, $50,000, and mittees, comprising 1500 oiroles and the American Board, $24,000. Besides about 200,000 members. The oentral these the Episcopalians are at work, the oounoil at Cologne has received more Associate Reformed, the Cumberland than $130,000 in money. This is to be Presbyterians, and the Friends. spent in African expeditions, in founding safe retreats for threatened negroes, -The Hawaiian Islands, though long in missions, orphan houses, etc., all over since substantially Christianized and the German Afrioan possessions. Six left to oare religiously for themselves, thousand dollars have been given to aid still find mission work in abundance on in the transport of the first German hand. Upon the islands, among other steamer for the Victoria Nyanza. foreigners, are found 12,000 Portuguese, 13,600 Japanese, and 20,000 Chinese, -The Swedish Congo Mission, dur- and work in behalf of all these is oaring the last 10 years has opened 5 sta- ried on. The Hawaiian Evangelical Astions, whioh are oooupied by 18 mis- sociation raised $47,857 last year, and sionaries. The Swedish Church Mission was sustaining 9 missionaries with their Bustains 8 ordained missionaries in wives upon the Marquesas and Gilbert Natal and Zululand, 2 of them natives. Islands. The Swedish National Evangelioal Assooiation supports 12 Swedish and 14 -For large, Tisible, and tangible renative missionaries in Massowah and sults the Baptist Ongole Mission among Abyssinia. And in Algeria several wom- the Telugus takes rank with the North India Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Hawaiian Islands, -The Free Church of Scotland, with 1838-43, when 27,000 were received to 335,000 members, raised last year from the churches in 6 years. In 1878 in all sources, a total missionary revenue Ongole over 9000 were baptized, and for the evangelization of the world out. 2222 in a single day. A revival has side the United Kingdom of £113,431 continued ever since. One church has 16s. 3d ($567,155). Its native communi_ reached a membership of 12.000. Last cants in all forfign fields aggregate year was ·fruitfnl in conversions, 2023 6620. It supports 51 ordained mis- receiving baptism in three months, 1671 sionaries, 8 medical missionaries, and in one day, with 2000 candidates. 23 professors and teachers.
-It is saiJ that 4000 parishes of the -The provinces of Alsace.Lorraine, Established Church of England are so acquired by Germany in 1870, have a uninterested in the foreign missionary Roman Catholic popUlation of 1,191,974, movement as to put forth no effort served by about 3000 priests and prelwhatever in its aid. There is a growth, ates, while the Protestants number however, of foreign missionary interest 288,895 souls. These are divided into in the English Church, as evidenced by 238 parishes and 118 preaching places. enlarged receipts of money and the in. Of the former 199 are Lutheran and 39 cre!1sed number of missionaries sent Reformed. The Lutheran pastors numonto The London Ch mch Missionary ber 226 and the Reformed 139. In addi- Society, for example, sent out no less tion to these there are 25,000 soliliers than 82 new missionaries in 1890. in the provinces, served by 12 clergy- men. -Bishop Potter, in a recent sermon in behalf of New York City missions, -In St. Petersburg there are 83,000 said that the Church he representeJ was Protestants. Of these 42,000 are Gerpreaching the Gospel in that city" not mans, half of them Russian subjects. only in almost all the tongues of Eu- They are organized into 14 congregarope, but in those of China, Armenia, tions, served by 30 pastors. The church Turkey, and Persia." A certain parish work among them receives no support has promised him $3000 a year, and the from the State, the voluntary contribudaughter.in.lawof Robert Browning has tions of each member averaging about promised to build a $40,000 chapel. six or seven dollars annually. One of these co~gregations is building a church -In Belgium one out of every 200 of costing $250,000. The same congrega. the popUlation is a monastic brother. tion has a gymnasium which graduates These 32,000 monks, notwithstanding its pupils into the university. Another their vow of poverty, have property congregation has also a gymnasium of valued at $26,000,000. In France there its own, one of the best in Russia, exare fully 10,000 Sisters of Mercy, who pending about $20,000 a year for this upon entering the 800 cloisters of that institution. The city mission work of country, resign all claims to their prop- the Protestants of the Russian capital is erty. Yet the property of these orders being energetically prosecuted. is worth more than $5,000,000. -From thQ last statistical Year Book -According to the Gospel in all LandB, of the Protestant Church in Prussia, it the benevolent contributions of the dif- appears that in 1889 no fewer than 3125 ferent Evangelical denominations in the persons became converts to the Evan- United States for the year 1890 were as gelical Church. Of these 2317 were follows: from the Roman Catholic Church, 525 Baptists. __ •. . . .. . …. .. .. $1,362,488 had been Dissenters and 283 had been Protestant Episcopalians .. . 1,689,401 Jews. During the same year 107 Prot- Congregationalists……… . 2,398,837 estant pastors had died, the average age Methodist Episcopalians… . 2,769,172 Presbyterians …• _•.••….. 4,783,657 being 60 years and 6 months, the average foreign missions are disproportionately time of service, 30 years and a few large.
months; 98 were placed upon the re- -The fact is well known that for tired list, receiving a pension from the years the Roman Catholic Church has Government. The average age of these been vigorously pushing itself Rmong was 71, and the average service time 40. the Freedmen of the South, and among -Gossner's Mission. founded by Pas· the American Indians, in the latter case tor Gossner, of Berlin, in 1844, is a securing the lion's share of Government most vigorous missionary body. They appropriations. According to a late are at work among the Kols of Chutia· church official report, 81 priests have Nagpur, India, and are wonderfully suc- established 108 churches and 58 schools cessful. Within the last twelve months among the Indiamt, have the care of 10,073 have been baptized and 2796 have 87,375, and last year baptized 3807 chilbroken caste and come under Christian dren and 245 adults. ,The same authorinstruction. There are now in the mis- ity reckons up 151,6a Catholic negroes sion 167 churches, with 11,552 full who are taught by 33 priests in 27 members, and a Christian community churches and 110 schools. The sum of over 35,000. The leper asylum of the contributed last yea.r for these two forms mission has been recently blessed with of mission work was but $74,664.
many conversions. -Mr. Stanley has recently said: "At -The thirtieth anniversary of the the present time there are over 1000 offi- Woman's Union Missionary Society was cials administering the laws of civiliza. held recently in New York City, Mrs. tion in the Kongo State, where 23 years Henry Johnson, President, presiding. ago there was but one white man. The report of the treasurer indicated reo Thirty steamers now ply the waters of ceipts the past year of $60,027. The ex· the Kongo, and innumerable steam penditure~ amount to $48,681, leaving a launches now cleave the waters of the balance on hand of $11,346. The board great lakes. This year a navy will be of managers comprises representatives placed upon the lakes; railways are now of eight different Christian denomina- being constrncted by the Belgian and tions, namely, Protestant Episcopal, German Governments, and an English Congregational, Presbyterian, Reform- road has already been completed for a ed, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Re· distance of 40 miles. Over 50 missionformed Episcopal, and Friends. ary stations have been established, that precept and example may not be want- -It has been pungently affirmed, and ing for ~he regeneration of Africa. The apparently with truth, that if the Unit- old continent will never become what , ed States, Canada, and Great Britain the new is, but the new taate of Kongo were supplied with ordained ministers will become the nursery of the dark na- in the same proportion to population tions. And he speaks of the time when that the pagan world is supplied, Cana. he wrote a letter urging that missiona- da would have 20 snch ministers, the ries be sent, which was published in the United States 200, and Great Britain London Telegram, and nearly 400,000 and Ireland 100. As it is, "there are copies of the paper containing the let· 400 ordained pastors in Christian lands ter were sold, and in a very short time to everyone on the foreign shores, and money was subscribed toward equipping there are 600 Christian workers to every the first missionary station in Central one abroad." The same writer also ac· . Africa. Now there are scores of stations cepts the estimate that $98 are expend. and over 6000 converts after years of ed in Christian work in Christendom to ignorance and darkness."
every $2 sent to the foreign field. Yet -The following table, taken from the there are those who say that gifts for MISsionary Herald, sets forth the .. ex· travagant" expenditures of the churches redemption of the Dark Continent with of these United States for the spiritual its ~OO,OOO,OOO of pagans- WORK 0)' .AKBBICA.N 1(J8fHOJ(A1I.Y IOClETIES 11J AFRICA..
'O~ rg Annual " " " E x p e n d i t u r e eOCIlIITIEil. ~I ~ <Xi o~ ~~ 11.1.1 ui ·~.~~l ",o. z~ SOl .90.9 S1:l ~~ – -0 – rn .. rn o·~ Z" .~0 0" —- —- 3]3 in Africa. •…. J.I ~ ~ ::iil"~~ – – – — – – – – – Bapti.t Missionary Union, Congo …….. $48,746 iQ 5 5 386 4 Protestant Episcopal, Liberia….•••.•.. 44,093 8 48 17 709 69 United Brethren In ('hri.t,Mendi. ……. 10,818 7 43 55 317 61 United Pre.byterian Vhurch, Egypt…. 29 2,m 112 42,000 35 2IJ6 American Board, Natal.. ……………. 45,265 Methodist Episcopal Church, West Coast 5.~ 137 17 1,174 37 BishopTaylor'sMlssion,Congo andAngola 7,500 3 57 38 2,755 38 Evangelical Lutherans.•••…………… …. i3;000···· 27 38 141 10 4 9 —————— ——– Presbyterian Board… . ……………. 31,156 3 WO 3 Total……………………… …. $237.077 – – 28 24 204 —- – 17 – 1,898 25 617 – —– — 181 10,Oil 359 MISSIONARY WORK IN JAPAN FOR THE YEAR 1890.
CONDENSBD FROM STATISTICS PREPARICD BY REV. H. LOOllIS, YOKOHAMA..
~ E"'" '"" " ~.. .. — — "",od.)(I28IOlfARIEB.
<Xi .S :cai. ",8 – ' " -;;~ lfAlIIE 0)' lIrIIBIiIOl(. "d d 'O~ .0 ; t'"l ",.g ~o.mg .::l .~ E0o.<0S :";"s .SIi ~ ~~ ~;:::: 0 r!n! ~ rn" " ~S~o 3~.S.. ~p. rn ~ oS zs -0 ~ 0 – f-i1 – – – – — — – – – 0- – – -0 – Church of Christ in Japan" ••….. 44 48 150 23 <t'z 71 1,077 9,314 1M 1,409 Nippon Sel Kokwai t …………… 40 37 110 17 66 56 466 4,000 110 669 American Baptilt Missionary Uilion. 16 15 45 9 43 13 121} 1,027 34 222 American Boord ……………….. 28 32 84 9 73 61 1,615 9,146 109 3,240 Methodist Episcopal Church, North. 20 29 68 9 39 53 492 3,923 75 2,144 Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 12 5 27 4 15 6 77 318 18 136 Canada Methodist Church•..••…. '110 11 29 5 12 15 287 1,446 50 348 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 'l'welve Smaller Societies. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 12 62 18 34 21 289 1,623 51 526 — —- 297 -I 4,431 3,082 584 8,758 Total. . .. …. …………….. 214 189 577 93 423 *In the" Church of Christ in Japan" are jomed the Unit"d Presbyterian Church, Scotland' the PresDyterian Churche., North and South, aud the Cumberland Presbyterians; the Reformed Chul'ch In America, and the Reformed Church In the United States, and the Woman's Union Missionary Society.
t In the "NIPRon Sei Kokwai" are joined the Protestant Episcopal (,hurch, the Wickliffe College ~llsRlon, Canada, the Church Missionary Society, and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.
STATISTICS OF PROTESTANT MISSIONS IN CHINA. FROM TABLES PREPARED BYREV,J. W. DAVI8,D.D.
FOREIGN NATIVE I~ S .; 1lISSIO:NARIES. HELPERS. .0g . =" I"i 3 .E .". .~~ "'.""- ~]~ :siS "d N AllE OF SOCIETY. .~ OJ) .; rn § 0 …..:.9 rD II .S 0 ~~ !!<O ~ <i :S;So 0; ~ 'So Z".!~l – . I-'<- – – – – – – – -~- – – ————–~~- 'E -0 – 0 – -E0o< – 0 – – -0- – — London Mi••ionary Society…….. 30 14 65 11 75 62 !,124 4,078 $ 5,673 American Boord………•……•.. 36 15 83 4 91 20 1,074 1,549 1,6111 American Baptist ……………… 14 7 34 7 75 14 325 ],479 American Baptist (South) …….•.. 14 8 35 8 21 13 338 808 715 American Protestant Episcopal …. 11 11 760 American Presbyt9rian ………… r,s 100 American Presbyterian (South)…. 12 … ….. 318 19 '44' 1,123 450 548 British and Foreign Bible Society. 12 122 9 2,482 4,041 2,372 21 ..2.0.. 128 7 28 72 18 …2.. .. 300 ….1.0.0.. Vhurch Missionary Society …….. 27 15] 2,695 "3;100 English Ba~tist. …..•…••…….. 20 8 56 17 18 ..1.9.. 2,000 36 1 177 1,1M 360 Methodist plscopal. ………•…. 37 27 99 76 167 148 2,708 3,888 7,341 Basel Mission" ……•…………. 19 ….. 33 6 45 38 848 2,0211 1,237 English Presbyterian ………….. 26 10 51 8 197 40 628 3,471 6,935 Wesleyan Missionary Society …… 17 3 31 2 48 15 534 1,079 1,300 I China Inland Mission . .. . …… 161 135 366 10 82 80 182 2,1137 67~ -Tw-e-nt-y–six-s-m-al-ler-s-oc-ie-tie_s …..-..-. -95- 58 221 22 298 271 993 7,529 4,176 16,836-'37,287-'$36,884 Total… ….. …. ……. . .. ' 589 316l,'296 20l,'446 522 Protestant Missions in Spain.- of the life of Howell Harris, the founder ThQ Rev. William H. Gulick haB recent- of the Connection, the same year, is ly prepared the following summary of highly appropriate. societies engaged in evangelical work in Spain, and of tangible results achieved: Primitive Methodist Missions.-At Of churches and societies engaged there the approaching May missionary gathare no Jess than 15, of which 4 are erings. the London churches hope to Scotch, 5 are English, and 3 are Ameri- raise not less than £1000, which will be can. And, after 15 years' toil, these equally divided between the new misfigures can be given : sions in London and the denomination's operations on the West African coast Foreign Missionaries, men. .. 22 and the recently established Zambesi women 28…… … 50 enterprise.
Spanish Pastors. . .. •• •……….. _. . . . . 37 United Methodist Free Church.- Evangelists… _. . . . . • . . . • . .• . … 39 With the completion of their training in 9,220 Manchester the two colored students, Attendants on public worship. "" •.•.. 3,516 Messrs. E. D. L. Thompson and J .. B. Commnnicants . _•.. __ .•••..••…. _…… 119 Nicholls, have returned to Sierra Leone Day-schools………. •••• ..•…•. •… …. to assist in mission work, the colony School-teachers, men ..• 74 156 according them a public reception on their arrival. Disquieting news has women 82…. •… .. …• been received from the Free Methodist station in East Africa. The Golbanti Pupils. .• . ……•..•…. _•.•…•..•.. _.. 4,880 Mission station is located in the Witu SundaY-Bchools…. ……..••••••…. .•.• 82 country, where several Germans were Teachers in the Sunuay-schools…. .. … 192 massacred last September. When the Scholars in tile Suuday.schools………. German missionaries were attacked they 3,500 fled for protection to the station of their Free Methodist brethren, and ultimately Missionary Items. By the Rev. James the whole of the missionaries left for Johnstoa, Bolton, Lancashire, England. the coast along different routes. One of the missionaries, the Rev. W. Howe Free Church of Scotland Modera- (Free Methodist), travelled alone across torship.-In missionary circles much the open country for three days, and pleasure was expressed at the choice of afterward reached the seaboard in safety. Professor Thomas Smith as moderator- What may befall the mission premises elect by the Free Church Commission in and the native converts can only be sur- Edinburgh. His eminence, as a mis- mised. The latest intelligence stated sionaryof the denomination in India, is that Golbanti would again be occupied worthy of recognition, in addition to by the missionaries at the first opporwhich his professorial work in the New tunity, notwithstanding that missionary College, Edinburgh, and his marked blood has already been spilled there. ability as a leader in the ecclesiastical courts presented further claims for the Steamer for the Congo.-A commisnomination. sion for a new mission steamer on the twin-screw turbine system has been The Nyasaland Missions.-The re- given by the Baptist Missionary Society ported endeavor of Consul .Tohnston to to Messrs. John L 'fhornycroft & Co., of subsidize the Arabs against the natives Chiswick. It will replace the Peace, is naturally causing the disapprobation built by the same firm in 1882, which of the directors of the missions in that the Congo Free State lately forcihly region. ProfeBsor Lindsay, of the Free requisitioned. The vessel will be con- Church and an official of the Estab. siderably larger than the Peace, being lished Church of Scotland have visited 84 feet long and 13 feet beam, and London to lay before the Foreign Office drawing 2 feet 2 inches when laden with the views held by their respective cargo. In launching her at Stanley churches respecting the administration Pool the society will not be destitute of of Nyasaland. Their action has, it is means of communication at any time understood. the approval of the Uni. with brethren at dist.ant stations. The versities' Mission. able missionary, Mr. George Grenfell (who unfortnnately is in England, suf- Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Jubi- fering from ill health), has drawn up the lee. -It is fnlly probable that the Mis- specifications, and will superintend her sionary Jubilee Fllnd of this vigorous building. Not unlikely Borne of the body will reach the sum of £50,000, or mission boys, by whom the boiler in tho twice as mu('h as the amount originally Peace was completely put together, and suggested. The anticipated early issue steam raised on the third day aHer re- party is that the Greek Church is defec- erection was begun, will be asked to tive in its teaching of " the Gospel" as give once more their intelligent co- understood by Low Churchmen. It is operation. disappointing to see that the Church Missionary Society, alter thirty years of Contributions for English Church labor, cannot reckon more than 600 Missions.-Corresponding with the in. communicants, 2000 adherents, and creasing subscriptions for home mis. 2000 children, whose interests are cared sions are the large sums contributed on for by ten ordained and five lady mis- behalf of the foreign field. ThiM is sionaries, besides sixty or seventy lay specially characteristic of High Church. workers. The question bas heen put to men. }<'or example, the income of the the Church Missionary Society whethel' Society for the Propagation of the Gos- it might not devote some thousands of pel, distinctly belonging to the High pounds annually to needier and more Church party, exceeded in 1890 all pre- promising fields. I learn that the vious years. The grand total reached Archbishop of Canterbury bas had the was £164,382, an increase of nearly matter of settlement referred to him- £40,000 on the year 1889. From the self, and everyone will hope that a , subscription list it is apparent that a modus vivendi may be discovered. steady advance is being made in the regular subscriptions. Equally surpris- The Niger and the English Uni- ing is the progress ot the sister organ- versities' Missions.-Doubts of the ization, the Church Missionary Society, Rev. F. N. Eden, the English secretary whose accounts, which do not close of the Lower Niger :Mission, not being. until March 31st, will doubtless show a prepared to return to his sphere of toil similar gratifying return. in Africa, owing to the Special Com- mittee of Inquiry appointed by the Church Friction in Palestine.-No Church Missionary Society, exonerating solution of the quarrel between Bishop from blame most of the native clergy against whom he had made charges, are Blyth and the Church Missionary 1:10- dispelled. Mr. Eden will, to the joy of many in church missionary circles, go ciety has yet been found. The London back to his post. Though a young man, Guardian, representing the bishop, urges he is a rising missionary force, whose the society to withdraw and transfer its services to the cause of African missions agencies to the Society for the Propaga- may be of increasing value. The clouds tion of the Gospel, a recommendation which have been hanging over the Niger which a majority of the supporters of the stations are quickly vanishing. Church Missionary Society decline to accept, believing that such a course Archdeacon Maples is addressing Eng- should be taken by the bishop, who lish audiences on the Universities Mis- came second into the field and was sion at Zanzibar, on the Rovuma, and aware of the nature of the society's Lake Nyasa. He says that they are operations. To the letter of the Church training a native ministry which in time Missionary Society secretaries the An_ will enable the English missionaries to glican Bishop of Jerusalem replies that withdraw and leave the work in the the society's missionaries are prose- hands of African teachers and preach- lytizers, inasmuch as they win over ers. Progress is slow; nevertheless, in converts from Eastern Christian connection with the mission, there was churches, and "a general policy of a large band of African workers, hoth men proselytism endnngers," he says, ., not and women formerly released slaves, only your own, but all our English work who were n~w doing excellent service. in these lands, and is against Church A native ordained minister was at pres- order," He asks what is the use of the ent working with much greater success Archgishop of Canterbury desiring fra. than any of the white missionaries. ternal rehttions with the Eastern hie- rarchy when this kind of missioning is Mashonaland.-Speedily in tbe track practised by the society under his of the snccessful British encampment patronage, and further observes that in Mashonaland, missionaries are being although the society professes to have dispatched. In response to the Rppeal centres of work among Mohammedans, of the Rev. Owen Watkins, a WeRleyan thesB are, jn reality. as a rule, members Sonth African missionary pioneer of of the Greek Church previons to their deserved reputation, the Wesleyan Mis- entrance into the church mission fold. sionary Committee have decided to es- His sympathies, he says, are with gPll- tabli~h a mission in this lately opened uine missionary work wherever carried territory To meet tb& expansion of on, and if the society proceeds on these English in this and adjoining regions, a linps it will command his aid. Obvi- new bishopric, known as the Bishopric ously the answer of the Evangelical of Mashonalat.d, is about to be created, in Senegal, he sets in contrast the de- the nomination and consecration resting praved condition of things, notably in with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Freetown, under the British. The un· Since the death of Bishop Colenso there cleanliness of the plaoe is a crying scan- has been no real tie between the dal, the streets in many directions Church, England and that of South grass.grown and reeking with smells of Africa, "'hich is perfectly autonomous. deoayed fish and vegetables. Trade and The Situation in Uganda.-Heroism enterprise are practically dead. More for G( . marks every stage of this much- appalling are the numbers of Govern. checkered East African Mission. The ment licensed grog.shops. 'rhese haunts Hev. E. C. Gordon, writing from Mengo, of degradation are crowded day and the capital of Uganda, on November 1st, hall, after four months' solitary occupa. night with hundreds of natives, who tivn, been gladdened by the face of the afterward stagger through the streets in a ragged and helpless state. The con- Lev. R H. Walker. On Bishop Tucker sequences are terrible. These vi<:ltims either fall into the holes or man·traps and party arriving at Usambiro, October which abound, until they are sober, or 13th, they were detained six weeks they are oarried off to the lookups, pending the return of the mission boat, where horrible barbarities are perpetrat. which Mr. Walker had taken across the ed upon them. "I found," says Mr. lake to secure canoes for transport to Buxton, ,. our English Freetown a filthy, Uganda. Mr. Walker carried to Mwanga a letter from Bishop Tucker, and a copy forlorn, and uncared·for Darkest Engof the treaty relating to the spheres of in. land in Darkest Africa." It is not fluence agreed upon by England and surprising that self.respecting na· Germany. It appears that the French tives say of British rulers and traders, priests had strongly advised Emin Pasha •• From whence come these white savto take Uganda in the name of Ger. many, but of course he scorned the no· ages, who are more savage than ourtion. Mwanga dispatched twenty canoes selves ?" These poor creatures, united to Usambiro for Bishop Tucker, who, testimony says, are now much more de. together with the Rev. D. A. L. Hooper moralized than they were before seeing and Messrs. G. L. Pilkington, G. K. a white man's face. For the purposo Baskerville and F. C. Smith, started on of making a rich revenue, Government December 4th for their voyage across allows the Gambia and Sierra Leone to. the lake leaving the Rev. J. O. Dermott he deluged with this fearful eurse. Mr. and Mr: D. Deekes at Usambiro with Buxton speaks of If, ship in which ho instructions to move to Nasa, on Speke had a passage, carrying from Rotterdam Gulf. Sadly unfortunate was the delay to the West C0l18t 100,000 cases of gin, of the little band at Usambiro. By fever worth two shillings a case, while it is both the Rev. W. Dunn and Mr. H. J. common to witness dhows laden with Hunt died, and from the same cause the huge carboys of poisonous rum slipping bishop had suffered four successive at- up the rivers. These diselosures are in tacks from the last of which he was the main confirmed by other writers, barelY-recovering when Mwanga' s canoes and the hope is expressed that as soon hove in sight. Th9 followers of the as the civil governor is withdrawn the Protestants and Romanists are frequent. primary remedial enactment will inly in antagonism in Uganda, though elude the total prohibition of drink in thA:y invariably combine against their the colony. Shocking detajls of the common Mohammedan foe. It is cheer· traffic in spirits and its results on the ing, how~ver, to note that many natives native races may be gathered from the hac{ been baptized, the majority being Aborigine,,' Protection Society's Annual young men, with a sprinkling of older Report, from Book C 5740 in the Sierra men and women. The e.atechumens had been carefully prepared, had attended Leone returns. classes three times a week, read most of the Actfl of the Apostles, and ap- New Mission to the Central Sou· preciated the" Pilgrim's Progress." dan.-Great interest has been excited in the religious community of Bolton, British Misrule in West Africa.- Lancashire, by the departure, on Feb- Lurid nnd deplorable revelations of the ruary 10th, of Messrs. Hermann ~. vices of English government in Sierra Harris, B.A., and Edward Whiteformls. Leone hnve been sent to the Daily sionary work in the Soudan. 'rheir des Graphic, a London paper of good stand. tination is one of the five or six remain· ing, by Mr. F. Buxton. Complimenting ing countries which are ignorant of the the French on their laws, f"lnitn Li on , Gospel, and continue totally unevangel. business, and the morality of the people ized. The region measures a thousal:d miIeR in length and five hundred III hrp,vUh, and is quite distinct from the E~yptian Soudan on the east and the Western Soudan to the west of it. It perience recently that no one could contains five negro kingdoms, each envy. They were "ttacked by river larger than Great Britain, with popula. pirates, who, after opening their trunks tions of many millions. With both gen· and seat·ching their persons, robbed tlemen it has been the writer's privilegt' them of many articles of yalue. "Perils to have intimate friendship, and of their by water, and perils by robbers," it Christian life, enthusiasm, and capacity seems, were not confined to the apos. it is a pleasure to bear unequivocal tes· tolic age. timony. The missionaries intend to tarry in Tunis until they have mastered -The work done among the Chinese the elements of Arabic, and then joiu on the Pacific Coast is now beginning one of the c,uavans fn rmde from Tripoli to bear fruit of a very hopeful kind. to Lake rrchad, in tho Central Soudan. Here are two illustrations: One thou· Miss M. F. Harris, a devoted lady mis. sand Chinamen, members of tho Con. sionary in Tunis, connected with the gregational Church in CAlifornia and North Africa Mission, is the sister of Oregon, have sent two missionaries to Mr. Harris. The tlVO missionaries are their native land, organized a Foreign depending in faith npon the sympathies Missionary Society, with one thousand of God's people for temporal assistance. dollars to start with, and have also con· tributed twenty.two hundred dollars to Another Anti-Slaverr Conference. home missions. Lun Foon, a member -Announcement is made of the next of of the Methodist Mission Church in the series of anti·slavery conferences, San Francisco, gave up a good business which owe their origin mainly to the and returned to China to do missionary activity of Cardinal Lavigerie, and will work at his own charge. He has built be held in London. The British and a mission property in foreign style of Foreign Anti.Slavery Society, which architecture, with preaching hall and conveyed the London invitation to the school·rooms. Cardinal, is exerting itself energetically to make the gathering what it promises -Dr. Judson Smith says the Chinese to be-an important event. One of the are manifestly the governing race of features of the previous conferences at Eastern and Central Asia. They evi· Brussels and Paris was their absolute dently hold the key to the future of al. freedom from political and sectarian most one half the unevangelized people coloring, which allowed men of every of the globe. So long, therefore, ao the shade of politics and phase of religious Chinese remain without the Gospel, belief to unite on a common platform. the great bulk of Asia will be pagan; This wise arrangement will be observed when they become Christian the conti· at the forthcoming demonstration. nent will be Christian, and the worid will be won for Christ.
Monthly Bulletin. -The medical missionaries in China appear to be making a deep impression Brazil.-A movement has been started upon the people. The physician is at Rio Janeiro to founn a Protestant hos; well-nigh worshipped; his person and pi tal. The new hospital will receive a work are sacred. A remarkably healthshare of the taxes levied on the shipping, ful and uplifting influence flows from and will be under the care of skilled phy. the labors of the female physicians and sicians. It will increase the field of of the native nurses trained by them. Christian work and the responsibility Their work has opened the eyes of the of the Protestant missionaries in Rio Orientals to the capabilities of women. Janeiro. There are said to be 109 medical mis- sionaries in Chino. at the present time, Buddhism..-Rev. Dr. Happer, the vet· 38 of whom are women, all but two of eran missionary of China, writing to the whom are from America. The Medical Presbyterian, estimates that instead of Missionary Record says: .. It is not al· four to five hundred millions of Buddh- ways easy to obtain entrance into a ists, as claimpd or conjectured by many Chinese city. The man who gains the writers, there are not more than seventy· good.will is the physician. With a hos· fi ve millions. Dr. Happer gives reasons pital, a daily clinic, and 0. large country for these figures, furnishing in comdder· field, the most skilled surgeon would able detail the statistics of Buddhism in always find his hands full. We ask our the different countries where it has ad. friends of the medical profession to herents. come over and help us. There are about 100 miRsionary doctors in China; 1000 Ohina.-Miss M. M. Phillips, M.D., and are neetled." Miss Smithey, of the Soo.Chow, China, M. E. Mission, while retnrning by boat -One thousand men in the next five from Shanghai to Soo.CholV l,ad an ex· years, is the call from China. Of course and throwaway What will require years 1000 men will mean nearly, if not quite, of labor, perhaps, to regain. My help. 2000 workers; for many of the men ers here have come to the rescue of th" will bring their wives, and a good wife work very nobly, and have assumed over doubles the power for good of a mis- three hundred rupees of the reduction., sionary in the field; and unmarried so that the work here may not suf. ladies in increasing numbers are volun- fer. • .. If the school is cut down, it teering from time to time. It is hoped must be cut down from the top. If it that this number will respond and be is cut down from the top it dies. If it dies, what is to become of all our Chrissent by the Church. tian labor in this community? If the children of Christian parents grow up -The most recent statisties of the ignorant and not grounded in Chrismissions in China are 1296 foreign mis- tianity, they will be a curse to the comsionaries, including 316 single women munity." The American Board is and 391 wives; 211 ordained, and 1235 obliged to retrench the next current year other native laborers; 522 churches, twenty per cent. 37,287 communicants, and 16,836 pupiIR in schools. -As another evidence of the extent of the influence of Mr. Spurgeon, it is -China's production of tea la8t year stated that Miss Tucker, known liS A. was 43 per cent of the world' B consump- L. O. E., reads three of his sermons tion. This shows the commercial im- every day with native converts in India. portance of China. -Dr. Pentecost is spending the hot -Mr. Trow Ahok, a prosperous meI- season in Simla, which is a centre of chant of Foo.Chow, lately gave $10,000 fashion, society, and godlessness, but to found an Anglo-Chinese College in not idly. A wealthy friend in Scotland that city. has purchased, for his use in India, a tent capable of seating 1200 peoplo. -One hundred Australians have vol- Dr. Pentecost will use this in his camunteered for service in connection with paigns in various parts of the 'country, the China Inland Mission. A domestic owing to the difficulty and expense of servant in Tasmania has given $100 of procuring suitable halls. her savings to this mission, and $20 for the work in Africa. This is an illustra- -The recent great revival in the Baption of the earnest missionary spirit of tist Mission at Ongole, in the Telugu these people. field, is one of the most remarkable in the annals of missions. In exactly three Hawaii.-The largest congregation in hours and five minutes two native the world, numbering 4500 members, is preachers are said to have immersed on the island of Hawaii. 1065 persons! Rev. Drs. Clough and Johnson immersed 606 in one hou-r and Iceland.-The Icelandic Lutheran con- twenty minutes. gregations of Manitoba and the Northwestern States recently celebrated the Ceylon.-A Christian convention of three hundred and fiftieth anniversary great interest was recently held at Jaffna. of the translation of the Scriptures into Its specific aim was the arousing of Chris- Icelandic. tians to greater earnestness and conse- cration, and it is believed that much lndia.-It is pathetic in these days of good resulted not only in the reviving of believers, but also in impressing those emptied missionary treasuries to read not believers.
such a letter as the following, received N. A. Indians.-The total Indian pop- ulation of Canada is about 120,000, aud by Secretary Clark of the American of these about 30,000, it is said. are more or less under Christian instruction at the Board, from a missionary in Bombay: hands of the Methodist, Episcopalian, and Presbyterian churches. There arfl " I have collected a band of superior in the United States 243,000 Indians. Of these only 58,000 receive any assistance Hyoouwn~"amn eI n as workers in this field. whatever from the Government, and a suddenly dismiss them with- large proportion of these are only slight- ly dependent. There are 64,871 includout great wrong to them? Again, if I ed in the five chiIized tribes of the Ind- ian Territory, and there are, besides, close any of my schools now it will be 35,287 uot living. on reservations Who at the expense of prestige, which, at this especial juncture, will be most un- fortunate. Our work here is beginning to bud after these nine years of labor.
The Church has been organized; two admit.ted from this place to the Church; a Brahman young man-a former pupil -has just come out for Christ, and the whole district is stirred up about it.
To diminish our work now is to lose are counted in with the general popula- ing Christians, whose beginning in the tiun. The main disturbances in the Christian life was in this church. recent uprising have been among the Sioux, who number about 28,000. -Con- -The Rev John L. Dearing, a Bapgregationalist. tist missionary, gleans from the lnde- pendent some significant facts from the Japan.-The Synod of the Church of ststistics of miHsions in Japlln in 1890. Christ in Japan adopted the following as One is that Japan is not a field for its Confession of Faith: "'I.'he Lord medical missions, the reason being that Jesus Christ, whom we worship as God, that. country is so well supplied with the only begotten Son uf God, for us men competent physicians trained abroad, and for our salvation was made man and and that the Government provides hossuffered. He offered up a perfect sacri- pitals and medical attendance for the fice for sin; and all who are one with sick. Another fact noted is the great Him by faith are pardoned and account. advance in Sunday-school work. Buddhed righteous; and faith in Him working ism ignores the children, Christianity by love purifies the heart. The Holy gathers them in. There are in Japan Ghost, who with the Father and the 514 SundaY-Achools, with about 21,000 Son is worshipped and glorified, reveals members. Another encouragt'ment is Jesus Christ to the soul, and without in the increase in students for the min- His grace, man being d.ead in sins, can- istry. not enter th6 Kingdom of God. By Him the prophets, and apostles, and holy -Woman's Workfor Woman says that men of old were inspired, and He, one of the Presbyterian missionary speaking in the Scriptures of the Old ladies in Tokyo invited the newly Alectand New Testaments. is the supreme ed Chri.tian members of the Japanese and infallible judge in all things per- Parliament to her house to tea, and that taining unto faith and living. From out of fifteen members thirteen acceptthese Holy Scriptures the ancient ed the invitation. Church of Christ drew its Confession: hence, we, holding the faith once de- Judea.-Professor Sayce, in his article livered to the saints, join in that con- on .. Excavations in Judea," dwells parfession with praise and thanksgiving." ticularly on the mutability of ancient Here follows the Apostles' Creed. names in the East, and the necessity of renewed excavation for discovering the -The Doshisha University at Kyoto arcbreologyof the Holy Land. He BUYS: is putting its theological stUdents into " We have dug up Homer and Herodopractical evangelistic work by sending tus ; we shall yet dig up the Bible." them to points in and about the city. They preach the Gospel in places where Madaqascar.-This island, with its most of the people hear it for the first queen and 200,000 of her subjects, is time. In this way their own hearts are ranged on the side of the cross. kept warm, and they gain a valuable experience. The catalogue for the pres- Manchul·ia.-This country presents a ent year, illustrated with cuts of all the good instance of Presbyterian union. college buildings and containing much Here the Scotch United Presbyterians information regarding the institution, have already 956 communicants, and gives the number of those in the differ- with them the Irish Presbyterians have ent courses as 570. President Kozaki is agreed to unite in forming one Presbytireless in his efforts to Improve the tery. school, and largely through his influence the theological students are push- Mexico.-The missionaries in Mexico ing forward more aggressive evangelistic have much to contend against. At work. Guadalajara, the headquarters of the Northern Mission of the American Board, -From 32 members at its organiza- the Romanists are very bitter, and are ention, the church in Okayama, Japan, deavoring to get possession of the chapel has increased, in ten years, to a mem- site, thus creating an unpleasant combership of above 550. Five churches in plication for the missionaries, who afe the province, and two in adjoining prov- liable to insults and injury from the inces may claim to have sprung from it. armed rowdies. A girls' school, with 52 students, a boys' school, with 34, and an orphan -There are 97 Presbyterian churches asylum, with 90 occupants are Bome of in Mexico. Twenty-nine converts are its outgrowths. Not one communion now able ministers of the Gospel. Over has passed without additions, and hard- 5000 converts are in full communion. ly a year without the formation of a new church. It reckons 1300 profess- Trinidad.-Rev. John Morton, D.D., the pioneer missionary of the Pres- byterian Church of Canada in Trinidad, and who has been in the field since rian and Reformed denominations early in 1878, was offered by the throughout the world have 20,265,500 last General Assembly the position adherents. of permanent Secretary of the For- eign Missions Committee, Western Sec- -An English missionary was recent- tion. Dr. Morton, in view of the de. ly heard to remark: •• If there was more mands of his present field, has made up .abiding in Christ there would be less his mind to decline the offer, and to reo abiding in Britain. .. The same may be main preaching and teaching the East said of America. Indians of Trinidad. His decision, while disappointing to the Committee -The Presbyterian Record, of Canada, of Foreign Missions will be extremely says: .. The problem of Christian union gratifying to the members, the friends seems likely to find its solution in the and supporters of the mission in Trini- foreign field. Christians at home do dad. Dot realize the wickedness of sectarian- ism, nor feel the need of united forces Turkey.-The burning of the college and united action as do those who are building of Central Turkey College, at called to apologize for the divided Aintab, on December 26th, is a /levere Church in the face of perishing blow to the mission work in that locality. heathen." Strenuous efforts were made to stay the progreils of the flames; but the building, -The impression left by the great aswith the exception of the west wing, semblage at Cleveland of 500 students was destroyed. In the face of many pledged to the foreign missionary ber· adverse circumstances the professors vice was that the possibilities of this and other Christians on the spot have remarkable uprising are hot yet fairly promised financial aid, and contribu- estimated. So stirring were the scenes tions from all fields are earnestly asked in this convention, in which 100 mis. to help the cause of rebuilding. This sionaries participated, that two local is the second disaster which this mis- pastors are reported to have decided to sion has sustained-the burning of the go to the foreign field. The meetings woman's college a year ago hindering were admirably conducted, and it is the work for a time. Dr. Fuller, the hinted that the regular yearly anniversapresident of the college, writes very ries of denominational societies would hopefully of the outlook, and a new and be made more effective if some of the more commodious building ought soon methods used at Cleveland were adoptto replace the one in ruins. ed. One specially successful feature was the opportunity given to ask ques- Bmyrna.-An idea of the manner in tions of the speakers, fifteen or twenty which missionary work is done now in minutes being reserved at the close of regions in which St. Paul once wrought each address for this purpose. may be gotten from the following pltragraph from a letter in the Independent: -The Missionary Herald tells of a .. A missionary from Smyrna writes of Scotchwomhn whose practice it was to his winter tour through a field of some give a penny a day for missions, to 40,000 square miles in extent. He went whom a visitor gave a sixpence to proeastward from Smyrna, stopping at cure some meat, on learning that she hopeful placet! a day or two, 01' prolong- hlld not lat~ly enjoyed that luxury. She ing his stay for two or three weeks where thought to herself: •• I have long done there was special interest; visiting men very well on my porridge, so I will give in their shops, receiving calls from in- the sixpence also to God." This fact quirers, preaching every night, travel- came to the knowledge of a missionary ling by day under circumstances that re- secretary, who narrated it at a missioncall Paul's description of his adventures ary breakfast. The host and his guests in the same regions; and all this is in the were profoundly impressed by it, the bitter winter weather, because it is the host himself saying that he had never season when men can be found at home. denied himself a chop for the cause of This sort of work has the most imme- God. He therefore instantly subscribed diate results. The man who preaches $2500 additional, and others of the party to a stated congregation, or teaches, or followed his example, till the sum of writes books, is sowing seed for others $11,000 was raised before they sepato reap. But the man who tours much rated.. in his district returns with joy, bearing his sheaves with him." -The Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation of Chicago is to erect a magnifi- -Bev. W. H. Roberts, D.D., Ameri- cent building at a cost of $1,400,000. can Statistical Secretary of the Presby- The building will have fourteen stories, terian Alliance, lIays that the Presbyte- three of which will be devoted entirely to the work of the association. Mission to the Australian Aborigines, been eighteen years at Havl<nnahHarbor, Fate, was appointed to pione!'r the new Rev. Dr. Steel, Sydney, N.S. W., writes work. He has left the islands for Mel- Sept. 30; it has been proposed to es- bourne, where he is to make necessary tablish a mission among the aborigines arrangements, and it is hoped to get in northern Queensland by the Federttl a steam launch to be of service to the Assembly of the Presbyterian churches new enterprise. Mr. Macdonald is marof Australia and Tasmania. Adeputation ried to a daughter of the late Rev. Dr. from the Mission Committee, consisting Geddie, the first Presbyterian missionof the Rev. Professor Rentoul, D.D.• of ary in the New Hebrides. The Rev. Ormond College, Melbourne; the Rev. Joseph Armand, M.A., missionary of Samuel Robinson of St. Kitto, Mel- the Presbyterian Church of Canada, has bourne, the Rev. F. A. Hagenauer, already estahlished a station on a small Superintendent of the Aborigines in island to the south of Santo, and from the Colony of Victoria, and for more which he operates on the larger island. than thirty years a missionary among A new edition of the Gospels and Acts them, along with the Rev. Robert of the Apostles in the Erromangan Steel, D.D., of Sydney, went to Bris- language has just been printed in Sydbane, Queenslaud, in July. They were ney, at the expense of the British and there joined with the Committee on Foreign Bible Society. A thousand Missions to the Heathen appointed copies, bound, have been sent to the by the General Assembly of the Pres- island, where the Rev. H. A. Robertson, byterian Church of Queensland, and who superintended the printing, lately had an interview with the Premier of returned to resume his work. J. J. the Government respecting reserves for the mission. The Premier promised Dr. Edith Pechey-Phipson.-In Janall that was required, and as already gi ven to the Lutheran Mission among uary, at a Convocation of the Bombay tne Aborigines. The deputies preached ill various Presbyterian churches in University, Mr. Justice Birdwood, the Brisbane and Ipswich, and held 1 public meeting on the mission. They also Vice-Chancellor. announced the appointlectured in different churches. A meeting was held in Sydney on their return. ment of this distinguished lady physi- It is expected that two Moraviall breth_ ren will be secured from Germany to cian as a member of the Senate. He undertake this mission on behalf of the Presbyterian Church. It has always remarked that, although for six centubeen a difficult work to carryon missions among so migratory a peoplc. ries ladies had held the office of Pro The most successful has been when the Aborigines were induced to settle on fessor of Medicine at the Cologne Unireserves gral'lted by the Government. In the course of a year it is hoped that versity, he believed this to be the first this mission may be commenced. J. J. instance of a lady being appointed a Tl'le New Hebrides Mission.-A deputation from the Federal Assembly member of the governing body of any of the Presbyterian chmches of Australia and Tasmania visited tho New University. He added that the Senate Hebrides in Mav and June last. It consisted of the Moderator, the Rev. James would recognize the propriety of ap- Lyall, of Adelaide. the Rev. Andrew Hardie, Convener of the Committee on pointing a lady who had bravely fought Foreign Missions, Melbourne, and Mr. M. McGillivray. an elder. Professor woman's oause in the face of much op- Drummond, of Glasgow, also joined the party. They all went round the group. position and obloquy. J. J. visited the different stations, and addressed the Synod at Aneityum. They From a letter sent by a student volwere much gratified with the progress unteer to the Missionary Echo we gather of the mission everywhere. The Synod the following items: resolved to begin a new mission on Espiritu Santo, the largest and most "Miss Lucy E. Guiness has been northerly island in the group, and Working in colleges in this country for appointed three missionaries to the three months under the direction of the work. The Rev. D. Macdonald, who has Student Volunteer movement. She has recently returned to London. Miss Guiness is tha daughter of Hon. H. Grattan Guiness, F.R.S., who superin- tends three missionary training schools in England.
"Miss Guiness visited many of our western colleges, and through her direct instrumentality over 200 names were added to the volunteer liRt.
•• She expressed herself as greatly sur· prised at finding many Christian girls in our colleges without the habit of daily Bible reading and unfamiliar with Scripture. Things are not so in Eng. land, she says. She has been the means of awakening fresh interest in Bible study among lUany college girls."
The Missionary Review of the World — January 1891
J. M
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIV. No. t.-Old Series.–J ANUARY.–VoL. IV. No. t.-New Series.
L–LITERATURE OF MISSIONS.
FALLEN ASLEEP-REV. JAMES M. SHERWOOD, D.D. Like it winter avalanche in the Engadine-sudden, swift and inevitable-Deathcame to our beloved, associate editor, on October 22d. He had been, as usual, at the weekly prayer service, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, the week previous, and had spoken-all unct'>nsciously-his last public words. At the close of a brief, but earnest and impressive address, he faltered a little, said, "Let us pray," and sank back into his seat, speechless. He was tenderly borne to his home, and, after a few days of flickering flame, life's lamp went out so quietly that the exact moment was scarcely perceptible-let us not say "went out," but was transferred to another sphere to burn and shine forever. This departure withdraws from earthly scenes a man who had a large circle of friends. He had been preacher, pastor, author, editor, and in every sphere of activity he touched nothing which he did not adorn. He was not cut off prematurely, for he was in his seventyeighth year; and his years were packed with various and versatile endeavor. Born in Fishkill, N. Y., in 1813, he had only a common-school education, and entered, as clerk, his father's store in Johnsville; until, feeling in him the resistless impulse, toward the ministry of the Gospel, he, with his father's consent, turned his steps toward the pulpit, was taken under care of presbytery and studied theology with the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Fishkill, Rev. Robert G. Armstrong. At, the age of twenty-two, he was licensed to preach, and subsequently served churches in Mendon, N.Y., New Windsor, N.Y., and Bloomfield, N. J. In each of these churches he left his mark both as a preacher and a pastor.' He also acted as evangelist for a term in Milford, Conn. After his health seemed to demand a change of occupation he found a fitting sphere for his busy brain and ready pen in the gi'eat republic of letters. His work as editor of the National Preacher, Biblical Repository, New York Evangelist, Eclectic Magazine, Princeton Review, Hours at Home, Homiletic Repiew, and MISSION-
FALLEN ASLEEP-REV. JAMES M .. SHERWOOD, D. D
ARY REVIEW, has entered, into the unchangable record of history. He was the founder of Hours at Home, which was, in a sense, the parent of Scribner's Magazine; and the richness, variety, and marvel- lous success of the Homiletic Review, none know so well as the twenty thousand readers who study its pages.
Beside all his occasional papers, published in the leading maga- zines and periodicals, he wrote the "History of the Cross," and edited a new edition of the "Life of David Brainerd." He had also written a voluminous work on "Books and Authors," which has not yet ap- peared in print.
Such are the brief outlines of an intellectual life that extended over half a century. He was thrice married; his first wife was Miss Amanda Carpenter; his second, Mills Jane E. Lamberson; the third, Miss Annie Clarke, who survives him, as do also his five children.
We have never known a man of larger capacity for work. No one who knew him would have suspected that he was far on the way toward four-score years. And there was not the slightest sign of intellectual decadence. Up to the last his mind worked with all its pristine vigor and versatility. To the very day when paralysis struck him, he seemed as fresh and young, mentally, as in the years of early manhood, and he actually worked from fifteen to eighteen hours out of every twenty-four.
He was an embodieo, conscience. Duty was his polar star. Indeed, he had but little patienc~ with anything wrong, ignoble, di3honest. In his vocabulary the word" expediency" was not found. Right was his only might, and principle his only policy. There were those who possibly construed as severity what was only an uncompromising adherence to right and righteousness. I,ow moral standards and equivocal moral practices could find with him no toleration, and but little forbearance.
Religiously he was a thoroughly evangelical disciple. He knew no theology but the old theology of Paul. That was good enough for him. He regarded the new notions creeping into the doctrinal beliefs of our day as signs of degeneration and disintegration. He believed implicitly the Word of God and the whole of it, and bowed in humility before tIle mysteries he could not explain. To no work of his life did he give himself with such absolute heartiness as to the editing of a REVIEW whose grand object was to promote a world's evangeli-' zation. ,He was especially desil'Ous' to live till he might see this, the last and most precious work of his life, established on a basis of permanency and having a world-wide circulation.'
As a man, especially in his own household and within th~ circle of intimate friends, we cannot in these pages undertake to photograph his character. There are some secrets that cannot be unveiled to the common eye-they refuse to emerge from their privacy; they lose their beauty by disclosure. It is enough to say that 'he was most bel6lved by those who best kRew him.
Our readers will no longer read his words or feel the pOWEl'!' of his guiding hand in shaping the content·s of this REVIEW. His work here was invaluable. Although his duties, as simply editor, gave him little leisure as a 'Writer, and it was only in an occasional paragraph or a more infrequent article that his hand was seen, even while hidden, it still moved beneath the whole structure of this REVIEW. He was constantly seeking to engage the most competent pens to contribute to its columns, and was always on the alert to improve its quality and increase its circulation and enlarge its influence.
He rests from his labors; we devoutly believe that his works will follow him.
"MORS JANUA VIT.LE."
It may be well for the editor to add that, being left now in sole <lharge of this REVIEW, he proposes some minor alterations, which will be noticeable in the present issue. The number of departments will be less, and the fine print, so trying to many eyes, will be abandoned. Instead of letters from abroad, we shall venture often to give only their substance, and notices of books will appear on,Iy as editorial notes. The Monthly Bulletin will be simply an appendix to General Intelligence, in the briefest and most compendious form, presenting the latest news from various fields, etc. And, in view of the unselfishness of our work, which is undertaken solely for the promotion of the Kingdom of God, we again ask the prayerful, sympathetic co-operation of all who daily pray " Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done In earth as it is in heaven."
SYSTBMATIC GIVING.-To raise large sums for missions we have no need to depend on a few large givers, but only to "organize the littles." Dr. Guthrie eloquently urged hundreds of the poorer folk to take subscription cards and fill them up with such sums as they were able, from a sixpence to five shillings; and explained to them how the drops unite in showers, the showers produce rills, the rills, rivers, and the rivers make the sea! Not six hours after his speech a poor woman in Currie's Close had collected from scavengers and night police and basket-wives and match-sellers-and beings who live no mortal can tell how, over half a sovereign! And a little woman, who sat in all weathers on the street selling eggs from her ba8ket, brought in five shillings, the earnings of many a day's labor.
LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY
LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY. [EDITORIAL. ] On the map of Africa, which history is making, these two names will be engraven in letters so large that they will be read at the distance of ages. It may, therefore, be well to put on permanent record some characteristic facts which link with Equatoria and with each other-David Livingstone and Henry M. Stanley.
DAVID LIVINGSTONE, born March 19, 1813, died April 30, 1873~ having just passed his sixtieth year. Converted at twenty, he was. for forty years, in heart and aim, a mIsSIOnary. Thus have we roughly outlined a life that, within those two-score years, poured forth as much of the costly ointment of a consecrated service as, perhaps, anyone life since the age of the Apostles.
He was a man of singular force. As Sir Bartle Frere said, "Any five years of his life might have established for him, in any other occupation, such a character, and raised for him such a fortune, as none but the most energetic can realize." His last public utterance in his native Scotland seems to have been in Oswell's school, where his closing sentence was: "Fear God and work hard," and these words disclose the double secret of his life. By simple, God-fearing, hardworking perseverance he traveled 29,000 miles in Africa, .and added to the known regions of our globe a million square miles; he discovered Lakes 'Ngami, Shirwa, Nyassa, Moero, Bangweolo, the Upper Zambesi and other rivers; he unveiled the Victoria Falls that surpass Niagara; revealed the high ridges that flank the basin of the central plateau; first, as a European, compassed Tanganyika and gave it its true orientation; explored the geology, and hydrographyfauna and flora of the continent; nd so grappled with the two great enemies of man and beast, in Africa–j'ever and tsetse-that he himself said those two words would, at his death, be found engraven on his heart.
To energy he joined industry. What Livingstone was, as a scientist and explorer, the world does not yet fully know. His powers of mind were but medium, and his early opportunities were but meagre. But, like William Carey, he could" plod;" and rigid economy of time, yoked with patient resoluteness, gave a momentum to his life which native genius and great advantages often fail to secure. In the factory at Blantyre, where attention to his cotton-spinning was necessarily incessant, it was only fragments of time-often less than a minute-that could be spared from his work; but those fragments he gathered up, and it was upon solid and substantial diet that he fed his growing mind. In the books he read as a lad we can see the germs of his scientific career as a man. He was also careful in details. That famous" lined journal' of his was a quarto volume of over 800 pages, where the plain, neat writing is a model and a marvel -of pains and patience. The mind that, even in African wilds, found Telaxation in "Smith's Dictionary of the Bible," will not be charged with lightness or waste of time!
He was certainly ve1'satile~' and what great questions he studied! the dessication of Africa, the possible utilization of her great rivers, .as water highways; the physical structure, geology, climatology, botany, of the tracts traversed! Then, again, we find him translating hymns into the Sechuana language, and adding to all else the toil of book-making, in which, perhaps least of ali, he was a success. This was the only task he did not approach with that enthusiasm, without which he himself said that nothing either good or great is done. Book-making was to him a mere task, to which even crossing Africa was far to be preferred. But it is no marvel if a man, shut in with pagans and for years without contact or converse with a white man, not to sayan Englishman, should feel that he had none of the facile <Jommand over his own tongue, and none of that leisure to digest and .assimilate his own material, which are needful if a book is to be any- thing more than a printed jou1'llal.
Livingstone's services to science were too great for hasty recognition. The accuracy with which he traced his course and marked his geographical points, leaves almost all other explorers behind him. His astronomical observations, his dilicovery of the fact that the In- terior is a plateau intersected by various streams and lakes, whose waters reach the ocean through great fissures in the flanking hills; and his manifold contributions to every department of natural science, compelled even sages to say that such various and versatile suc- .(lesses were without precedent.
Traveler, explorer, geographer, astronomer, zoologist, botanist, physician, missionary-what a many-sided man! What accurate observation of details! What husbanding of results! He brought home twenty-five different sorts of fruits; told of oils, dyes, fibres, varieties -of sheep and vegetable-products of which even the Chamber of Commerce knew hitherto nothing. In May, 1855, the Geographical Sodety decorated him with their highest honor, the gold medal; London, Glasgow and Edinburgh conferred on him the freedom of their dties, while he who loved to minister but not to be ministered unto, shrank from publicity and courted retiracy.
Humor is a conspicuous element in all great natures. A hearty laugh, genuine and generous, somehow inspires confidence. Livingstone's habit of seeing the funny side of things saved many a tragic ending and tU1'lled many a tragedy into a comedy. He writes to his daughter Agnes, about his almost toothless jaws, that if she" takes .any more kisses from him it must be through a speaking trumpet." He declared the sight of a soko (gOt'ilIa) nauseating, and that he is so bideously ugly that he could conceive no other use for him than" to sit for a portrait of Satan." When showing his lantern-slides-the only service for whose repetition the natives clamored-it greatly amused him that those who stood on the side where the slides were withdrawn shrank back in mortal terror lest the mysterious figures that so magically appeared and disappeared should prove wandering spirits and enter into their bodies!
.Duty was his watchword. He was an incarnated conscience. In the scales of a candid mind he weighed eve)·y question, and, aftercarefully considering a course, judged for himself; and then dared to act independently, even though against the remonstrance of his best friends. To keep his word and to do his work was the double motto of his life.
Such elements of character always crystallize about a strong will. His favorite maxim was" Try again!" His persistence and perseverance were heroic and herculean. "If I live I must succeed in what I have undertaken; death alone will put a stop to my efforts,'" were his words in 1866, and they proved prophetic. Half-starved on tough and tasteless African maize, even his goats lost, and milk denied him; his medicine-chest stolen; in the heart of Africa without resource or defence against a thousand ailments, like a warrior without weapons at the mercy of his foes; afterward, narrowly escaping' death thre!l times in one day, and then almost dead of debility and disease;-not one man in a million would have gone forward. Especially when, in 1872, Stanley himself begged him to return with him to England, he never flinched from his resolve to remain in Africa. Nay, when a strange presentiment burdened him that he was on his last journey and would never reach its goal, he pressed on, praying' that before he fell he might work out his purpose!
Self-denial was, from the first, a habit. Privations and sorrows he accepted and expected, as Moses did when he calmly exchanged the treasures and pleaBures of Egypt for a share in the afflictions of the people of God. Rather than sacrifice Africa's good he would spend his last penny, surrender his dearest gains, and give up his last drop of blood.
Such was THE ~IAN who, beyond all others, henceforth stands in history as the heroic friend of Africa. Mr. E. D. Young, who knew him so long and so well, pronounced him" the best man he ever knew.'" Such filial trust in God, such a childlike, Christlike spirit, such loyalty to duty, purity of motive, simplicity of aim, energy of purpose and unselfish love, united to make his life one grand sermon. The iron pen of action, held in the hand of resolve, wrote out its sentences in living deeds on history's imperishable scroll, for all future ages to read in letters of light!
Iile was a man of great faith. His strong but simple confid~nce· in God's providence was the north star of his life. He saw how every' crisis of his life turned upon some seemingly trifling event, as a door swings on a hinge-but the hinge argues a workman who knows how much to hang upon it. He remembered how the chance reading of Dick's" Philosophy of the Future State" led him both toward faith in the unseen and toward a reverent philosophy of science; how Gutz- laff's appeal led him to be a missionary and a medical missionary, too; how while the opium war closed China against him, Moffat's visit wedded him to Africa and to his beloved" Mary" ; how the friendly word of a director procured for him another" trial," while his dangerous illness in London strangely shaped his unconscious future.
He learned also that the leadings of Providence, like the subtle sense of the Inspired Word, are to be read not by the natural but by the spiritual eye; and he sought, by specific prayer for guidance, to cultivate the" single eye," that there might be no dim or confused vision; and carefully watched every motion of God's beckoning hand, pointing finger, or guiding eye. One text gave telescopic range and microscopic delicacy to his vision: "In all thy ways acknowledge Htm, and He shall direct thy paths." This trust in God's providence discerned good and cause for gratitude even in trials and troubles.
Apparent calamity became a storm signal of the will of God; and when, in the death of his wife, that nameless sorrow which finds no earthly balm smote him, his only answer was that great petition of his life: "Fiat, .Domine, voluntas tual"
He believed in special providence. Even among men it is the great minds that give heed to minutire: the astronomer grasps an infinity of small things; the general-in-chief commands the least details in his wide survey of camp and campaign; and so God is not so high above us as not to "number the hairs of our head."
Such a man, of course, loved his Bible, wrote on his heart its pre- cious promises, and became so absorbed in them that he was indiffer- ent, if not insensible, to praise or blame; and, that he might neither be misled nor inflated by human approbation, he made it a rlile never to read or preserve any words ofpraise-which resolve, of itself, marks him as a most uncommon man. While in Manyuema, he four times read his Bible through; and when in Ulva Cottage, in Hamilton, I took that very book in my hands, I saw dimly through my tears the evidences upon its worn pages of the singular devotion of its la- mented owner.
Whatever Livingstons may be in history, in his own eyes he was, first and last, simply a missionary. Charles Gutzlaff's "Appeal for China" first set his heart aflame; but, when his early longing toward China was transferred to Africa, the fire of his enthusiasm lost noth- ing by the transfer of those live coals to a new altar of service and sacrifice. ' When he began his work his conception of himself was that of a mere missionary laborer, but better acquaintance with Africa's wants and woes gave breadth to his aim. He said there was need of one whose plans would embrace a whole continent and its whole. future. The entire land must be surveyed and mapped out; the accursed traf- fic in the bodies and souls of men abolished; the resources of the country developed, and new facilities devised for travel and traffic. Before the missionary could go, his path must be explored. Some John the Baptist must go before Jesus to make a level highway for our God. And this humble missionary-worker unconsciously devel- oped into the MISSIO~ARY GENERAL AND STATESMAN. Restraining the natural impatience of visible progress, he was willing to wait a century for the fruits of his works to be seen; as he grandly declared, the "END OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL FEAT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE EN- TERPRISE."
And so this humble man had a passion to act as a PIONEER, and open a path for others to follow; if he could not himself sow the seed, he could break up fallow ground, where as yet neither sower nor reaper had ever trodden.
Livingstone's ideas of mission work were evangelical and catholic. He offered himself to the London Missionary Society, because its sole aim was to send the Gospel to the heathen; setting up no par- ticular form of church order, but accepting laborers from different denominations, it concerned itself mainly with rearing churches of Christ on Pagan soil. Paul's motto was also Livingstone's: "THE REGIONS BEYOND." He took no "other man's line of things made ready to hand," but yearned to preach Christ where He had not hith- erto been named. As he told the directors of the London Missionary Society, he was at their disposal to "flO anywhere provided only it be FORWARD." The views of Blantyre's great hero, as to missions, are such as we wish might prevail everywhere. "Vith him the foremost law of mis- sions was NOT CONCENTRATION BUT DIFFUSION! However important to secure conversion of individual!'! or of communities, the field is the Vorld, and seed, scattered broadcast over the whole area, is far bet- ter than seed sown however thickly over a limited area. Ve are to seek to sow the whole field, rather than seek harvests however abun- dant in any part of it. He favored colonization, transplanting a body of Christian workmen into the midst of the dark places of the earth and the habitations of cmelty, to show how men and women in every calling, may "abide therein with God;" and he yearned to see twenty . 01' thirty families going together, at one time, to build up a Christian community in the heart of paganism. He gauged missionary success not by the shallow showing of so many converts for so many pounds, shillings and pence; but by the diffusion of better principles which no statistical columns can exhibit, any more than Babbage's calcula- ting machine could suffice for a barometer 01' a thermometer.
He was, in every best sense, a missionary martyr, both in witnessing and suffering. "Sacrifices" he would not call them; but they were many and great. Often soaked with drenching rains; his bed, the coarse, damp grass; his food, bird-seed, roots, African maize; forty timE)s scorched in the furnace of fever; what words can tell the agony, when, April 27, 1860, he left his dear "Mary" in the grave at Shupanga, and turned from her dust to find the only balm for his broken heart in seeking Africa's redemption! Three years later he must have touched the bottom depths of trial. His wife dead, his <lhildren orphans, his expedition recalled, his very efforts to serve God and man apparently turned by Satanic ingenuity into instruments of {lviI, isolated from all true human companionship, with the prostra- tion of disease added to all the vexation of delay and disappointment, how many men have ever faced such environments without suicidal ~e~pair? Seven years later, long without tidings from home,or contact with any European, lingering on a sick bed, without wife, child, mother, brothel' 01' friend to cheer him, a horror of great darkness fell upon him!
Among the great charms of this great man his genuine interest in individuals, however humble, was at once one of the highest, both as an ornament of his character and a secret of his influence. His deep piety transfigured this noble trait into a passion for souls which begot unsparing self-scrutiny. His lament over "poor Sehamy," and his misgivings and self-accusations, lest he had not done all he might to save his soul, reveal profound depths of habitual watchfulness over the lost. He bent every energy to the good of men. When he could not preach, his lantern-slides were made to tell to the eye great facts of Bible history; he subordinated everything to service.
His abhorrence of the slave trade was literally detestation-i. e., it compelled a testimony, which marked his whole course and even his dying utterances. To abate 01' abolish this evil was, perhaps, his master passion. What a debt Christian nations owe to Africa! The destruction of life in the" middle passage" forms but a fraction of the total waste. For every slave transported, a score have fallen by war or violence, disease 01' fatigue. Such atrocities have been linked to this nefarious traffic that the victims sacrificed by it, if laid side by side, would reach round the world, paving with skeletons a pathway over land and sea-bed. Everywhere he saw signs of this continued and continuing desolation-bones bleaching in the sun, fresh corpses floating on the rivers; often heaps of bodies where slave caravans had abandoned their sick, helpless 01' dead. Inhuman drivers shot, stabbed or left to die tho1<e who could not keep up with the rest, and often these were found not yet dead. On his way to Lake Bangweolo he heard six men, wearing the slave yoke, singing in the joy of the vengeance they anticipated in coming back after death to haunt their captors. Exaggeration as to the horrors of this trade is impossible; as the sailor said: "If the devil don't catch these fellows, as well have no devil at all! " The massacres he witnessed gave him the impression of being in hell, and to disclose the horrors of this business so as to lead to its suppression, inflamed his holy ambition more than to reveal the fountains of the Nile. And so, wherever he went, he aimed to teach the first truths of the Gospel and to rouse the dormant Christian con- cience to the measureless atrocity of this traffic. Just one year before his death he uttered those memorable words which still speak from -that memorial slab in Westminster's aisle: "ALL I CAN ADD IN MY LONELINESS IS, MAY HEAYEN'S RICH BLESSING COME DOWN ON EYERY ONE, AMERICAN, ENGLISHMAN OR TURK, WHO WILL HELP TO HEAL THE OPEN SORE OF THE WORLD!"
Livingstone's devotion to Africa was n.ot more remarkable than his power over her sable sons" even his first year there showed that in his hand was the sceptre that could rule Africans. His power was an open' secret. His simple frankness, kindly bearing, honest courage, transparent unselfishness, trust even in strangers, disarmed both sus- picion and antagonism. While with prayer and faith he sowed the seed of the Word, he sowed himself as the seed of the kingdom; and by forgiving injuries and trusting even the unworthy, by absolute fidelity even to trivial promises, and by a Christlike life that taught more than any words, he moulded even savages into noblemen. What his character wrought in this direction may be seen in Susi and Chuma, his faithful body servants, who amid such hardships bore his body from Ilala to England.
Dr. Blaikie, in his charming" Personal Life of Livingstone," sug- gests that the old Roman fashion would have written his name Livingstone" Africanus." When first overwhelmed with the vastness , of Africa, he asked: "Who will penetrate through the Dark Conti- nent ?" And that was the question of his life. From the day in December, 1840, when he first set forth for those shores, this double work, the emancipation and evangelization of Africa, was his passion. When, in 1863, he expected the recall of his expedition, he could only say: "If I am to go ' on the shelf' let that shelf be Africa." And history presents no fact more pathetic, poetic, prophetic in its sym- bolism, than this-that when, on April 80, 1878, he was found on his knees, at Ilala, dead, his heart should be buried there beneath a moula tree, while his body was borne to England to be laid in the great sepul- chre of her greater dead! Emphatically Livingstone's heart was from the beginning buried in Africa; but buried as the seed of a future harvest. It shall not abide alone, but dying, and springing up, bear much fruit-fruit too vast in measure for our arithmetic to estimate! 1Ve yearn to see that life and death bearing fruit in many holy lives. How slow are disciples to learn the ministry of money. Moffat nsed to say that the coming day will :find rich and great disciples regarding it an honor to spend their money not on hounds and horses, but in the support of whole stations of missionaries. Many who read these lines are providentially kept from giving their lives in personal labor for the degraded and destitute. But how many of Ull, had we but the spirit of David Livingstone, would be found living in the persons of other consecrated men and women, and, by the agency of these workmen, preaching the Gospel where Christ had never yet been named. Oh, that those who read the story of such a life, and walk over that memorial stone at the Abbey, would take up the work he laid down, and by their money, their prayers, their tears, their influence, if not their personal efforts, help to heal this open sore of the world, and light the flame of the Gospel and of the new life wherever darkness reigns and habitations of cruelty are found!
Yes, David Livingstone-thy candle, found burning in the grass hnt at IIala, still burns and shines, and never will it go out, until, from Zanzibar to Banana, from Nile to Niger, and from the Cape of Good Hope to the Pillars of Hercules, shall shine the Light of the World!
HENRY MORTLAKE STANLEY is by birth a Welshman, and his. original name was John Rowlands. The same year, 1841, that David Livingstone first reached Africa, was the year that ushered into life the boy who was to be his distinguished successor in the exploration of the Dark Continent. This is one of the striking coincidences of history: while the cotton-spinner of Blantyre was on his way to the Cape, an infant boy at Denbigh, in Wales, was :first starting on his voyage upon the unknown sea of life. A certain Mr. H. M. Stanley,. in New Orleans, adopted this Welsh boy, transmitting to him his own name, little knowing what high honor that boy was to reflect upon it. We follow this waif of humanity, as he enlists in the armies of the Confederacy, and subsequently drifts into the Federal ranks; until 1865, when, acting as secrctary for an admiral, he was promoted fOl' heroism, having manifested his courage by swimming, under :fire, to fasten a hawser to a Confederate vessel.
The next great step toward his after career was his becoming a· representative of the press'-;"a newspaper correspondent. He served in a Guerilla warfare against the North American Indians, then wrote letters to the New York Herald, accompanied the British expedition into Abyssinia, etc. Thus a mixed experience on land and sea, in army and navy, :fitted him for camp or campaign, tent or vessel; picking up scraps of information and gathering treasures of varied experience, he grew to be peculiarly adapted for the unique life he was to lead, but which only God's Providence had foreseen.
In 1869 he was commissioned by James Gordon Bennet, of the New York Herald, to find the lost Livingstone. His expedition was to be kept secret. He went by a round-about course, arrived at Zan- .zibar January 6, 1871, and started for the interior, feeling his way toward Livingstone by such indications as only the most sagacious instinct could recognize. He had used the time at sea, en route to the African Coast, to learn how to take astronomical observations and lJrepare himself as a surveyor. November 10, 1871, found him at Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika, and there he grasped the hand of the .scotch herb, of whom for three years no certain word had reached the ears of an anxious outside world. Twenty-three times Stanley }lad been prostrated with fever, but he felt repaid when, on December 27th, the travelers set out together for Unyanyembe; and more espe- {)ially when, on March 14, 1872, they parted, having been four months .and four days together.
In 1873, Mr. Stanley again accompanied the British expedition to Coomassie. That same year, May 4, 1873, Livingstone was found by Susi, at four o'clock in the morning, in the little grass hut, not in bed but at the bed-side, his head buried in his hands, and both buried in the pillow; the candle still burned, but the candle of life that bad shed its rays so far over benighted Africa, had gone out. In 1874, April 18th, the sacred dust of the great traveler reached their final resting-place in the Abbey; and MI': Stanley led the body of pallbearers, as they deposited, in the tomb in the nave, the body of the man to whom he owed more than to any other human being.
And now begins a new chapter, the .fourth in the weird experi- ence of that Welsh-American. He who, at U nyamyembe, had sorrowfully parted with Livingstone, by that open grave in Westminster, resolved to take up and finish the work he had left undone. And so a new chapter also opened in' Stanley's African experiences. On August 5, he left England, and on November 12-three years almost to a day from the time he first grasped Livingstone's hand-he left Zanzibar again for the unknown interior. At Uganda he met Mtesa, whose warriors he estimated at a quarter of a million. "While at his {)ourt he translated the Gospel according to Luke, and actually wrote a brief analysis of Bible history in Kiswaheli for the monarch's use. Mte,sa professed adherence to the Bible instead of the Koran, and invited to his capital Christian teachers. Stanley then wrote a letter, which was published in the Daily Telegraph, urging that missionaries should be sent. And so Stanley began, in more senses than one, to follow in the steps of the grand Scotchman. The Church Missionary Society sent men to Uganda, who, in 1877 began to labor. That letter of Stanley's had a stl'ange histOl"Y. It was given to I~inant de Belfonds, one of the officers of Gordon Pasha. When he was killed by the Baris the letter was found in his boot and forwarded by Gor- .don Pasha. After a journey of 7,000 miles, consuming 999 days, Stanley reached Banana point, August 9th, 1877. In January, 1879, he was again en route to the Dark Continent, at the head of the expedition, organized by Leopold 11., of Belgium, who, in place of his dead son, adopted Africa as his child and ward. Stanley reached the Congo's Estuary on August 14, 1879; Leopoldville station was built in April, 1882. Compelled by illness to return for a time to Europe, he came back to the Congo toward the end of the same year; and in August, 1884, reported to the King of Belgium that his mission was ac.complished. He had performed the stupendous feat of opening up the Congo basin, with its 5,249 miles of navigable waters, its 43,000,00() of people, its area of nearly 11,000,000 square miles drained by various streams. In February, 1885, the Congo Free State was erected and recognized as such, with Leopold II. as its sovereign.
January 20, 1887, Stanley begins a new chapter, and again Africa is the theatre of his action. He departs from London for the relief of Emin Pasha. February 25th, he once more left Zanzibar, and, going by the Congo's mouth, reached Leopo}dville, April 21st. A year later, April 29th, just fifteen years from the last day of Livingstone's travels, he met Emin Pasha at Kavalli, and December 6, 1889, emerged from darkest Africa once more at Zanzibar.
From that day honors were showered thick as autumn leaves on Stanley's head. The reception given him, May 5, 1890, at Albert Hall, in London, when 7,000 people were present, was one of the most brilliant assemblages of all modern history. Then, on July 12th, in the great Abbey, he led to the marriage altar his accomplished bride, Miss Tennant; and sInce, in her jubilee year, the Queen was there, Westminster has had no such gathering. Had it been a ,royal ceremony, the interest could not have been more intense or the throng more dense. 'l'he long, crimson carpet broke its lines only over the slab which in the isle bore the name of LIVINGSTONE. Two magnificent floral wreaths, one from the officers of the relief expedition, and another from Mr. Stanley himself, were laid on the sides of the prostrate tablet, and when the bride moved up the aisle she gracefully laid still another tribute upon the marble memorial, bearing, in flowers, the words, "In memoriam, DAVID LIVINGSTONE-H. M. STANLEY."
Thus, at no little length, we have chosen to place before our readers in outline, for permanent record, the twin stories of these two strangely-linked lives. We do no injustice to Mr. Stanley when we say, what he himself is reported to have said, that, to the four months and four days that he spent with Livingstone in Africa, he owes the greatest impulses of his later life, and especially his attitude toward Christianity. Livingstone found himself suddenly thrown into the society of a stranger who was far from being a Christian disciple. There is no. evidence that during all those months he ever directly <lonversed with Stanley as to his spiritual interests. But sure we are that by his manifest character he commended the religion of his }Iaster. His uncompromising loyalty to Christ, his unobtrusive conscientiousness, his unselfishness, considerateness, readiness to obligeall this impressed Stanley as no words had ever moved him; and, when he parted from his new friend, he was constrained to' say, what Pilate said of a far greater, " I find·no fault in this man!"
From that day Mr. Stanley has led a life that runs strangely in sympathy with that which had its spring in Blantyre. When Sir William Mackinnon asked the pleasure of presenting· him with some token of friendship to carry with him to Africa, Stanley replied, "Give me a Bible," and he took it and read it thrice through. Afterward, in darkest Africa, constrained at the darkest hour humbly to confess that, without God's help, he was hopeless, he says: "I vowed a vow in the forest solitudes that I would confess His aid before men. Silence, as of death, was round about me. It was midnight; I was weakened by illness, had been prostrated by fatigue, and wan with anxiety for m'y white and black companions, whose fate was a mystery. In this physical and mental distress, I besought God to give me back my people. Nine hours later we were exulting with a rapturous joy. In full view of all was the crimson flag with the crescent, and beneath its folds was the long-lost rear column."
And now he whose previous reserve upon such matters had seemed to bear a special seal of silence, has made this, his latest confession: "Many forms of belief and curious ideas respecting the great mystery of our being and creation have been suggested to me during my life and its wanderings; but after weighing each and attempting to understand what must be unsearchable, my greatest comfort has been in peacefully resting firm in the faith of my sires. For all the human glory that surrounds the memory of Darwin and his wise compeers throughout advanced Europe, I would not abate a jot or tittle of my belief in the Supreme God and that divine :Man called His Son."
Space alone compels our pen to halt as we pursue this fasciitating story of these twin lives. We have had space not even for a paragraph about that last book, with its thousand pages, of forty lines each, all the work of fifty days, and itself a greater feat than his march in Equatoria; and the production of which as a printed volume is said to have employed an army of nearly 15,000 men and women. We have had no space to repeat Mr. Stanley's noble tributes to the heroism and success of Christian missions which present such a marked contrast to some modern critics who ought to have been in better business. We have sought merely to put side by side two lives whose unique parallelism demands a permanent memorial and suggests lessons of lasting value. We must not fail to note one marked contrast. As Livingstone's great successor followed the mIssionary explorer, he iltrewed his path with the blood of the slain. Livingstone had trodden those same paths without even a pocket pistol for personal protection from wild beasts; his great weapon of defence was a magnanimous Love that forgave even the injuries it could not prevent. And, when we read of the demijohns of strong drink which Stanley, in his former passage across the Dark Continent, distributed to those sable sons of her soil whom he employed in building his stations, we cannot but deplore any such ministry to the destructive appetite for intoxicants. We recall that letter, the first written in English by a Congo native, and addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury: " Great and Good Chief of the Tribe of Christ, Greeting: " The humblest of your servants kisses the hem of your garment, and begs you to send to his fellow servants more Gospel and less rum. " In the bonds of Christ, " U GALLA."
And now, 3S we turn from these two lives, may we not invoke the prayers of all Christians that the latter, the unfinished one, may complete its noble and heroic course by a service to God and a ministry to man that shall surpass anything yet accomplished by Stanley, or even by Livingstone? Our living hero is decked with many medals and crowned with many laurels. We crave for him one ,still higher and brighter-a crown wrought by no human handswhose lustrous gems burn with immortal fires and outshine in splendor ~Ven the glory of the stars!
A PERTINENT REPLY.-We understand that our friend, Chaplain :McCabe, has sent the following message to Colonel Ingersoll: "DEAR COLoNEL:-Ten years ago you made the following prediction: 'Ten years from this time two theatres will be built for one church.' The time is up. The Methodists are now building four churches every day-one every six hours. Please venture upon another prediction for the year."
Evidently the Colonel is as far out of the way as Voltaire was when he set up a printing press at Fernay to demolish Christianity. That press is now used at Geneva to print Bibles !!
MONEy.-Early in our own generation there were but five men in this country who were millionaires: John J. Astor and Stephen Whitney, New York; Nicholas Longworth, Cincinnati; William Gray, Boston, and Stephen Girard, Philadelphia. To-day in New York alone there are 500 millionaires, some of them worth from 100 to 300 millions, and in the coffers of American Protestant Christians there are not less than ten thousand millions oj dollars. One man in 1869 spent as much for a corner lot on which to build a private residence as the Presbyterian denomination spent for its entire foreign mission work!
NEW EFFORTS IN BELGIUM
NEW EFFORTS IN BELGIUM.
BY REV. HENRY E. DOSKER, A.M., HOLLAND, MICH.
Of all the countries of the continent Belgium is one of the most peculiar. With an area of 11,373 square miles and a population of nearly 6,000,000, it is the most densely populated strip of land on earth. This may seem strange, and yet it is true. While the Nether- lands come next in order, with a population of 312.86 to the square mile, Belgium crowds together, in the same space, not less than 481. 71 of its inhabitants. British India has only 311.57 and China but 83.86. These figures are respectively taken from the census-reports of 1885~ 1881, and 1887.
The physical aspect of Belgium, generally speaking, is flat, like that of Holland; a great part of the country actually lying below the level of the sea. In t.he south-eastern districts, alone, a considerable highland is formed, of some 2,000 feet high, by a spur of the Ardennes. This mountainous region, rich in different minerals and coal, together with a proverbially rich alluvial soil in the lower parts of the coun- try, enables Belgium to maintain its enormously dense population.
Its inhabitants are of a mixed Teutonic and Celtic stQck. The two main branches are the Flemings of German and the Walloons of Celtic, origin; the fonner out-number the latter, in the proportion of 4 to 3, throughout the country.
The French language is spoken at court and among the higher classes. In the rural districts and provincial towns a curious patois prevails, in various dialects of either Flemish or Walloon. This lack of a national language and literature has greatly retarded the intel- lectual progress of the nation, which is in no wise proportionate to its physical advantages. The educational system of Belgium was, till recently, quite deficient, and the sharp antagonism between the cleri- cal and liberal parties has made adequate provision in its behalf well- nigh impossible.
As might be expected from its history, the religion of the country is prevalently Roman Catholic. Of the nearly 6,000,000 of inhabit- ants, from 13,000 to 18,000 are Protestant, with some 35,000 Jews; the remainder nominally belong to Rome. Nominally, I say, for the close contact with France, the permeating influence of its periodic re- , volutionary attacks, and the prevalence of socialistic and rationalistic tendencies among the masses of the people, have so materially changed the religious 'complexion of the country, that a large pro- portion, possibly a majority, of its inhabitants may be put down as irreligious, if not atheistic.
The Gospel of Christ in Belgium meets with much the same dif- ficulties as it does in France. Efforts to bring the Word of God to the masses of the people have been made for years, and the so-called "Belgian Mission Church," and similar organizations, have not been unblessed in their endeavor to reach the Belgians by the channels of the two great languages of the country. But the trouble was that heretofore the labor performed has been too staid and conservative; the methods adopted were antiquated and ill-adapted to the peculiar character of the people and of the work in hand, and the little focus points of life, which resulted from such efforts, have had a tendency to develop too quickly into establishments for the edification of the few rather than for the salvation of the many.
A new attempt has been made of late at Brussels, which, if it should prove to be tenacious of life may become for Belgium and its capital what the McAll Missions are for France and Paris.
Allow me to outline the new movement. The name of its leader is Rev. N. De Jonge, who, some sixteen years ago, came to Brussels as a young preacher in the Dutch Evangelical Church. Through his personal influence, his church soon developed a rare missionary'activity. He made his people understand their divine call to labor among the bigoted 01' irreligious masses who surrounded them in the capital.
The year 1880 was one of special activity in this line. A revival visited the church, and especially those who were engaged in this department of her labors.
A city evangelization society was organized, of which pastor De Jonge became the director. The double task soon grew too heavy and he was placed before the inevitable choice between his charge and his mission. He was not long in deciding, and yet the decision. was one, in which he staked all on his faith in God; for he lost his salary and had no visible means of support. His resignation took effect on the first of Jannary, 1887, and another pastor soon took his place, whilst~ he began to devote himself, with all the energy of his young and vigorous manhood, to the work of evangelizing the masses of the Belgian capital, trusting, for the support of himself and large family, in the promise of God. And not in vain!
The work now rapidly extended and assumed encouraging proportions. It affords, to-day, the following aspect: a hall, named "Silo," with a seating capacity of 300, in the suburb I..acken; another, "Bethel," with l'oom for 80, about a mile distant, in the same neighborhood. In the suburb Anderlecht, a hall, named "Pniel," with seats for 200; neal' by, at the hamlet of Veeweyde, the hall "Bethlehem," with a seating capacity of 100. And still another and larger hall in the village of Ruysbrock, neal' by, as yet unnamed, but offering room for more than 300 hearers. As with the McAll rooms, the stations are simply but neatly furnished. Every night of the week, meetings are held in at least foul' of these mission halls, and the attend:l.llce is steadily increasing.
Besides all this the Mission has a printing-office in connection with the Silo station, where hundreds of pamphlets. and. tracts are pub- Hshed, to be spread broadcast over the entire kingdom. Two week- lies are issued fram this press: "Het Ohristelijke Volksblad" (The Christian National Paper), and "])e Blijde Boodschap voor Vlaamsch Belgie" (The Glad Tidings for Flemish Belgium.) The circulation of the latter, the smallest paper, has reached the number of 1,500. Moreover, a mission hospital has been opened, and h~ndreds of Catholic patients have been treated and evangelized at this "Beth- esda," as it has been appropriately named.
By catechetical instruction and Sabbath-school work the Mission endeavors to reach Roman Catholic children; hundreds of whom at- tend, notwithstanding the open opposition and secret scheming of the priests. All this missionary work is clinched by systematic house- visitation, which is richly blessed. Besides Rev. De J onge, the director of the Mission, two evangelists, two colporteurs, two regular trained hospital nurses, and some forty assistants are employed. It seems to me that this movement is worthy of close observation and encouragement.
The Catholic masses of Belgium are harder to be reached than those of France. The antagonism against Protestantism here is a.
growth of centuries; its earliest roots lie hidden in the memorable struggle of the eighty years' war. The southern part of the country never fully shared in the struggle for liberty. At Brussels the Spanish court was established; there the two most noted political victims of Alva's wrath were beheaded; there the "bloody assizes" held their councils. At Antwerp the two earliest religious m;utyrs of the Nether- lands fell. When the cause of freedom finally triumphed, and the North became independent, the South was still held in the Spanish vise, and the reformation within her borders had literally been drowned in a sea. of blood. From this time on, the unfortunate country was tossed to-and-fro between the great powers. To-day Austria, to-morrow Spain, then again France ruled it, as a whole or in part. In 1748 it finally came back to Austria, in whose g-rasp it remained, with varying fortune~, till the Congress of Vienna, in 1815, united it with Holland. But the two countries were only united never unijied.
In the revolution of 1830, the Belgians revolted and established their own independence and the severance became a fait accompli, by the treaty of London, May 21, 1833. Hence the antagonism against Protestantism has a political background. To the Belgian mind it is a thoroughly "Dutch" affair. And the overcoming of this prejudice is no small factor in the difficulties of Protestant missions in the country.
May the movement of De Jonge prove for the Belgians what the McAll Mistlion is to France, for the spiritual rescue of hundreds of thousands. Foreign Protestant missions, generally considered, in heathen lands, are far easier and far more hopeful than those COllducted by the handful of trusty laborers, who have given their lives to the evangelization of countries, thoroughly and for centuries nnder the influence of the papacy.
HELPERS AND HINDERERS OF MISSIONS IN JAPAN
[The following charming letter is from the beloved son of Rev. A. J. ·Gordon, of Boston, one of our editorial contributors.] HELPERS AND HINDERERS OF MISSIONS IN JAPAN.
BY ERNEST B. GORDON.
While enjoying the cordial hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Brand, the excellent missionaries of the Baptist Union, I have had considerable opportunity to observe the progress of the work as well as some {)f its drawbacks.
I went over to the Shogum's tombs, in Shita, the other day, and while straying in and about the temple of Zojigi, stumbled across a little fellow, a Buddhist novice, who spoke a little English. He had Dr. Hepburn's Dictionary, and was reading Peter Parley's Universal History. I struck up an acquaintance with him, and learned that he was a protege of Oolonel Olcott, who was to take him to India to study Sanscrit and the sacred books, but was prevented by the boy's poor health. Olcott, as is known, is the American Buddhist who goes about wearing a jewel said to be a crystalized tear of Mme. Blavatsky. He has published a Buddhist catechism in Singhalese, which has received the imprimatur of the Southern Ohurch in Oeylon, and is considered by Oeylonese Buddhists as almost canoni- ~al. It has gone through seventeen Singhalese editions, and was recently published in English by Estes & Lauriat, of Boston. I invited the boy around to Mr. Brand's to dinner and gave him a copy of the New Testament, which he promised to read. Last night he came again and talked a long time with Mrs. Brand about Shaka or Buddha and Jesus. He seemed much interested, especially when she told him of what Jesus left when He came to earth. He was surprised to find that Ohristians were not hateful and bitter.
The story of Roman Oatholic misl"ions in Japan is well known. Shinabara and the Oliff of Pappenberg will ever bear witness to the constancy and heroic endurance of the Roman Oatholic converts. Nevertheless, Oatholicism left a bad impression. I met the other day an old Japanese who remembers distinctly the annual ceremony of trampling upon the cross. A brass cross was brought around to every house in his village by the authorities, and everybody was required to trample upon it as a sign of his repudiation and contempt ()f Ohristianity. Much of this misapprehension and. bitterness still lingers among the Buddhist priests. The little novice, therefore, was pleased at our attention. He promised to come again and hear more about Ohrist.
Oolonel Olcott has done much harm here in Japan. An American is a person of influenee on account of his birthplace. To find an American teaching Buddhism was an experience, therefore, which startled young Japanese and which encouraged the Buddhist priests to attempt the galyanization of their putrescent superstition. Arthur May Knapp, too, the Boston representative of "Reciprocity in Religion," to use his own phrase, is encouraging the Buddhists in every possible way. He has abandoned his title of "missionary," and has assumed that of "ambassador"; the idea being, (,7idently, that he and the Buddhists are to exchange ideas and to treat with each other on an equal footing. This reassures the Buddhists and amazes the advanced men in Japan, who look upon Buddhism with the hatred and contempt which the liberals in Italy feel for the obscurantists of Rome.
Have you seen what Mr. Takahashi Goro, a prominent newspaper man, said at the banquet last May about the Unitarian movement in Japan? Its significance will fully appear when one takes into account the extreme politeness of the Japanese people. He said that he had not yet succeeded in fully mastering the doctrine of Unitarianism. He had perused the books kindly placed at his disposal by Mr. Knapp, but he still remained more or less in the dark. One thing, however, he had ascertained beyond question, viz., that Unitarianism is the child of orthodox Christianity. There was no manner of doubt about its parentage. Why, then, he wanted to know, should the attitude of Unitarianism to orthodox Chistianity be one of antagonism. He had read a book by Mr. Savage, entitled the "Religion of Evolution," and he had learned from it that Unitarianism regards orthodox Christianity with strong feelings of dislike, and would spare no pains to sweep it away from the face of the earth. Was that the proper attitude of a child toward its parent? Certainly not according to Japanese ideas of filial duty. Such an unnatural antipathy could only shock and deter Japanese observers. Besides, the Unitarians should remember that the law of heredity applies to bad qualities as well as to good. ""Vhen a man denounces his parents and declares them unworthy of respect he denounces himself by implication, for as the father is so, to a great extent, must the son be also. U nitarians coming to Japan, and arraying their forces against orthodox Christianity, would immediately find allies in the Buddhists and Confucianists. What would be the sequel of such an alliance? If the three united succeeded in driving out orthodox Christianity, the Unitarians might be quite sure that from that moment these sincere allies, the Buddhists and Confucianists, would turn on them and leave no stone untu'l'ned to drive them out also I In a. recent number of the Japan Mail, Mr. Takahashi Goro invites the attention of the Rev. Mr. Knapp to the short-sightedness of his alleged wish to ally himself with the Buddhists. Mr. 'rakahashi premises that he entertains no ill-feeling toward Unitarianism itself, but being convinced of the folly of the views of its representative in Japan as to Buddhism, he cannot but give utterance once more to the opinions he expressed at the Unitarian banquet some time .ago. Since then, he obse~ves, the Buddhistic press throughout the country had more and more distinctly shown a tendency to utilize Unitarianism as an instrument for attacking Christianity. Mr. Takahashi, however, believed Mr. Knapp to be too sagacious to become a tool of Buddhists. What, then, was his surprise to learn that the Unitarian missionary is still bent on cultivating the friendship of the Buddhists, as is shown by his article on the" Similarities and Dissimilarities of Unitarianism and Buddhism." Mr. Takahashi even goes so far as to say that Mr. Knapp'S attitude toward Buddhism is that of one who flatters, prays and solicits its favor.
"Does Mr. Knapp know," he asks, ,,, what Buddhism is really like? Buddhism is essentially an atheistic religion. This proposition can be proved by quotations from the Buddhist sacred writings." He then proceeds to consider another statement of Mr. Knapp, that, on the fundamental idea of creation, Unitarianism and Buddhism are directly opposed to orthodox Christianity. Mr. Knapp is represented to have stated that creation is not an event, but a perpetual progress which has neither commencement nor end.
"Now, in the first place, it is an abuse of a philosophical term to speak of 'creation' in connection with Buddhism, for how can there be any creation in a religion which does not recognize God? Nor is it correct to say that creation is a perpetual progress without either commencement or end, because man, as maintained by no less an evolutionist than Virchow, does not seem to have made any progress -during the first five or six thousand years. Further, there is no place for the idea of progress in the conception of atheistic creation."
If J-"1r. Knapp means to adopt the theory of atheistic evolution, Mr. Takahashi thinks he would better leave the Unitarian camp and join the atheistic Buddhists. Our author, however, believes that these apparently atheistic opinions have been expressed by Mr. Knapp for the purpose of obtaining the good will of Buddhists, for, from ·other utterances of his, it is evident that he recognizes the existence of God.
Mr. Knapp is said to have observed further, that Buddhism is, next to orthodox Christianity, a representative of the pessimistic religions; but that Unitarianism represents the optimistic religions. Mr. Takahashi does not attach much importance to the fact that Christianity is included among the pessimistic religions of the world, for he thinks this is merely a device of Mr. Knapp's to please his Buddhistic friends. He refers Mr. Knapp to Schopenhauer and Hartmann for an account of the crushing pessimism of Buddhism. He warns Unitarians against being utilized by Buddhists, and quotes from a Buddhist tract, by JUl'. Maesa Unkei, as follows: " Unitarianism will not be productive of any positive bendits / Jmt, as it will be negatively useful in neutralizing the evil effects of Christianity, we approve its spread for the sake of the country / nay" for the sake of our Shin-shu (Buddhistic) views."
It is interesting to note that the so-called " short cut" movement has extended to Japan. Last year the Japanese Presbyterians of Tokyo came to the conclusion that the work in Japan requires not only all the men who could be put through their theological school, but also those whose age or means would not allow them to take the full five years' course. Accordingly, of their own free will, they opened a school for evangelists. This year there are between thirty and forty men studying the Bible and receiving enough instruction to fit them for the work of preaching to the common people. The school is designed of course to supplement, not to antagonize, the Presbyterian Seminary. The Japanese Christians initiated the move.- ment, recognizing as they did the intense need of evang~lizing preachers, skilled in the Word, as well as of pastors versed in hermeneutics and apologetics. Many of the missionaries consider the success of the school as one of the most hopeful signs in late years.
It shows the determination of the Christians here to spread abroad the story of the Cross, and their good, common sense in choosing practical means for the furtherance of the work.
Christian work in Japan is complicated greatly by the present political excitement. The nnwillingness of foreign powers to repeal the unjust and unrighteous treaties forced upon Japan a generation ago has resulted in an increased hostility to foreigners and to foreign things. Christianity, of course, is classed in the latter category. Of our present United States representative, Mr. ,Swift, we will not speaK, except to say that the removal of his predecessor, the Texan Baptist minister Hubbard, appointed by President Cleveland, is greatly regretted. A Christian man, he did all in his power to assist Christian workers. No American since Perry, Minister Bingham possibly excepted, has been so popular in Japan. As to diplomatic. results, the Hubbard treaty negotiated with Count Okuma, although finally breaking down, was the first attempt to settle the vexed question of Treaty Revision in an honorable and statesmanlike way. If Mr;, Hubbard had been retained in Japan, it is likely that the revised treaty would be an accomplished fact, and the Christian missionaries would not be hampered now by the irritated condition of public opinion which prevails throughout the empire.
TOKYO, Oct. 12, 1890.
A JAPANESE CONVERT, who united with Bethany Church, Philadelphia, in 1886, said that "so great were the changes in his native country during the ten years previous, that nothing was left, as it. had been, but the naturalsceneryl"
EXAMPLES FROM MODERN MISSIONARY HISTORY
[Although the number of competitive essays sent in, in response to the editorial note in August number, 1890 (p. 631)-631), is not sufficient to justify the award, the edltor will avail himself of one or more of the best, as was then intimated, as articles in these pages.] EXAMPLES FROM MODERN MISSIONARY HISTORY OF THE UNMISTAKABLE INTERPOSITION OF GOD IN ANSWER TO PRAYER AND IN BEHALF OF HIS SERVANTS AND THEIR WORK.
BY REV. JOHN RUTHERFORD, M.A., B.D., ROTHESAY, SCOTLAND.
Pentecost was preceded by prayer. The coming of the Holy Ghost and the conversion of 3,000 souls in a single day were the result of ten days' continuous prayer.
Events like the siege and relief of Leyden, in 1574, when the Spanish armies were compelled to retreat, not before the brave Hollanders, but before the force of nature itself, visibly used by God in defence or the oppressed, witness to the fact that the hand of Almighty God is still interposed in behalf of those who trust Him. "As well," shouted the Spaniards derisively to the citizens, "as well can the Prince of Orange pluck the stars from the sky as bring the ocean to the walls of Leyden for your relief." But what was the issue? "A' violent equinoctial gale, on the night of the 1st ana 2d of October, came storming from the northwest, and then blowing still more violently f!'Om the southwest. The waters of the North Sea were piled in vast masses on the coast, and then dashed furiously landward, the ocean rising over the earth and sweeping, with unrestrained power, across the ruined dykes." The relieving fleet sailed up almost to the walls of the city. As the historian records, it was the hand of God that sent the ocean and the tempest to the deliverance of Leyden, and that struck her enemies wi th terror likewise. We cannot doubt that the preservation of Holland and Britain from the Spanish fury were in answer to many prayers offered up by those who fled to God as their refuge. (Motley, Dutch Republic, II., p. 558).
And much more does the history of the church assure us that God answers prayer. If we review the qistory of missions in any part of the wo,dd, we see that those who do the Lord's work live near to Him, and that He guards them in danger, and watches over that work which is not so much ours as His.
1. In the "Life of John G. Paton" (I., p. 118), the events are narrated which led to his leaving Tanna. He says, "On reaching Nowar's village we found the people terror-stricken, crying, rushing about in dispair at such a host of armed savages approaching. The whole village collapsed in a condition of indescribable terror. The approaching multitude had gone to the mission house and broken in the door, and, finding that we had escaped, they rushed on to Nowar's village. W e ~rayed as one only can pray when in the fear of death and on the brink of eternity. We felt that God was near and omnipotent to do what seemed best in' His sight. When the savages were about 300 yards off, N owar touched my knee, saying, 'MisRi, Jehovah is hearing! They are all standing still.' On gazing shc-rewards, we saw a dense host of warriors, but all were standing still. To our amazement the host began to turn and entered the remote bush at the head of the harbor. We were on that day His trusting and defenceless children; would you not, had you been one of our circle, have joined with us in praising the Lord God for deliverance from the jaws of death? I know not why they turned back, but I have no doubt it was the doing of God to save our lives."
2. Again Mr. Paton writes (p. 345,) "About ten o'clock the savages surrounded the mission house. My faithful dog, Clutha, pulled at my clothes and awoke me. I silently awoke Mr. and Mrs. Mathieson, who had also fallen asleep. We committed ourselves, in hushed prayer, to God, and watched them. Immediately a glare of light fell into the room. They set fire to the church all round, and the'l a reed fence connecting the church and the dwelling-house. In a ""lW minutes the house, too, would be in flames, and armed savages waiting to kill us on attempting an escape." Mr. Paton then ran out and cut the burning fence and tore it up, thus preventing the fire from reaching the house. He stood surrounded by seven or eight savages who had raised their clubs in the air, yelling in rage that none of them ventured the first blow, though they shouted "Kill him! kill him!" "At this dread moment occurred an incident which my readers may explain as they like, but which I trace directly to the interposition of my God. A rushing and roaring sound came from the south, like the noise of a mighty engine or of muttering thunder. Every head was instinctively turned in that direction, and they knew from previous hard experience that it was one of their awful tornadoes. Now mark, the wind bore the flames away from our house, and had it come in the opposite direction no power on earth could have saved us from being all consumed. It made the work of destroying the church only that of a few minutes; but it brought with it a heavy and murky cloud which poured out a perfect torrent of tropical rain. Now mark again: the flames of the burning church were thereby cutoff from extending to and seizing upon the reeds and the bush, and besides, it had become almost impossible now to set fire to our house." A panic siezed the savages, and, throwing down their torches, they fled.
Returning to the house Mr. Paton was met by Mr. Mathieson, who exclaimed, "If ever, in time of need, God sent help and protection to His servants, in answer to prayer, He has done so to-night. Blessed be His Holy name."
3. In "Darkest Africa" Henry Stanley writes, "Constrained at the darkest hour to humbly confess that without God's help I was helpless, I vowed a vow in the forest solitudes that I would confess His aid before men. A silence, as of death, was round about me; it was midnight. I was weakened by illness, prostrated by fatigue, and worn with anxiety for my white and black companions whose fate was a mystery. In this physical and mental distress I besought God to give me back my people." And' what was the result of Stanley's vow and prayer? "Nine hours later we were exulting with a raptur- ous joy. In full view of all was the crimson flag with the crescent, and beneath its waving folds was the long-lost real' column."
4. Shortly before the disruption of 1843 the Church of Scotland sent Dr. Keith, Dr. Black, Rev. R. McCheyne and Dr. A. Bonar, the last of whom still survives, on "a mission of enquiry to the Jews ;" they went to Palestine, and on their return journey visited Buda Pesth. There Dr. Keith took suddenly unwell, and all hope of his l'ecovery was abandoned.
In Buda Pesth there lived the Archduchess Marie Dorothea. Liv- ing, as she did, among a morally, degraded people, she longed that they might be made acquainted with the Gospel; for seven years she had prayed that God would send them a missionary. And God answered her prayers in a way she thought not of. She heard that an English clergyman lay dying in the hotel; she sent word that nothing should be left undone to save his life. The physicians had given up the case, but to please the Duchess they redoubled their efforts, applying friction and using other means, until, as they held a lighted taper neal' his mouth, the flames wavered: he lived.
The Archduchess visited him, and begged that the proposed mission should be located ill Buda Pesth. This was agreed to, and as long as she lived she gave it her protection and support. Thus the Gospel came into Buda Pesth. Fifty years Gospel work among a people held down by popery and ignorance and sin; such is God's answer to a woman's prayer (see Bonar's "Mission of Enquiry to the Jews").
5. Rev. E. Pearse in "China's Millions," September, 1882, vouches the truth of the following incident (see "Progress in China," by Rev. Arnold Foster, p. 52). "A man was converted, who had been for many years a vegetarian to gain merit and be saved. He came to our chapel, heard and believed the Gospel, and for years has lived a consistent Christian life. Some time ago the people collected a large sum of money to be expended in idolatrous work, in order that their houses might be saved from fire, and asked this man to contribute to that fund. He declined, on the ground that he trusted in the living God, and that the idols were not able to save them from fire. No sooner was the idolatrous ceremony over than an extensive nre broke out in the very street in which this man's house was situated; 120 houses were burnt down, and when the flames were coming nearer and nearer to his house, the people said, 'Now you see what you have got.' And they wanted to persuade him to take out all his furniture into the street that he might save something. He knew that if he brought the things out into the street, even though they would be safe from fire, they would probably be stolen. But he believed that God was going to preserve him from suffering loss, and he told the people so. While they were hurrying to-and-fro in all their excite- ment, he, in the presence of them all, prayed God that He would show that He was the living and true God. And then he watched the fire as it came nearer and nearer, until there was only one house standing between his own and the flames. But just then there was a sudden change in the wind: God had said, 'Thus far shalt thou come and no further,' and his house was saved. If I had time, I could tell you of a great many more instances."
6. David Livingstone, returning from Central Africa, tells of a great inland sea-Lake Nyassa. The Scottish churches and the Uni- versities' Mission take possession of the land for Christ-money and life are freely spent to evangelize N yassaland. After a dozen years the envy of Portugal is aroused; she sends Major Serpa Pinto to sieze the country, and Cardinal Lavigerie is ready with his priests to sta- tion them in all the places where the missionaries have labored, where the graves of English men and English women are "the title deeds to Nyassaland." Alas! is all this work for Christ to be overthrown? No, indeed; a spirit of prayer comes over the British churches, and the Portuguese encroachments are defeated not so much by the s~ates manship of Lord Salisbury as by the prayers of those who sent out the missionaries, and who, day by day, cease not to pray on their behalf. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."
7. On August 19, 1856, Rev. William Burns arrived at the city of Chao-chow-fu, south China; he had gone there in order to preach the Gospel and do colportage work. vVhen suddenly he was arrested and the same night examined before the district magistrate (Life of William Burns, p. 290). The magistrates decided to send him to Canton., It was the time of the Taiping rebellion, and, in addition to this, his arrest took place immediately on the eve of the war which that same year broke out between Britain and China. Had he arrived at Canton just a very little later, while the events begun by Commissioner Yeh were in progress, death would have been the probable result to the missionary. N ow compare an entry made by Mrs. Stewart Sandeman, at Perth, Scotland, in her diary, of date 28th December, of the same year: "Mr. Burns was safely kept through his arrest and imprisonment in China. Comparing the dates I find that we were met in prayer for him during his dangerous jOttrney under guard of the Ohinese ofJicials." (lVlemoir of Mrs. Stewart Sandeman, p. 177).
[ NOTE: The 8th and 9th instances are omitted, having been already published in the REVIEW, 1889, pp. 29, 348-ED.] 10. The repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts in Britain was a.
work as arduous as any in Asia or Africa. Those vile acts roused t(} a white heat the zeal of a noble band like Mrs. Josephine Butler and Miss Elice Hopkins who were aRsisted by men like Mr. Stead, Mr.
Stanfield, ~1.P., and Professor Stuart, M.P. Almost the whole strength of the House of Commons and of the House of Lords were against them. The army and the navy were against them. Two or three women and as many men against a nation! but they determined to struggle and suffer in order to save our poor, lost sisters from the brutality of demon-like men. They could endure to he hooted, to be insulted, to be written against in the daily press, as "the howling sisterhood," and they could enlist the arm of God against the power of British immorality. Christians gave themselves to prayer through- out the whole kingdom, and the power of prayer conquered, the Gov- ernment yielded, and by the unanimous vote of Parliament the Con- tageous Diseases Acts were abolished. '
Verily, there is a God that judgeth in the earth, whose ear is not shut to the cry of those who wrestle in prayer as they do His work.
11. And pr~er which God thus answers for the preservation of His servants and their work, also brings spiritual blessing. We have testimony to this on all hands. For example: Rev. Griffith John, of Hankow, says (Records of the Shanghai Conference of 1877, p. 26)), "Feeling my own lack of spiritual power, I spent the whole of a Satur- . day in earnest prayer for a baptism of the Holy Ghost. On the fol- lowing morning I preached on the subject. At the close of t·he ser- vice I proposed that we should meet for an hour on every day of the ensuing week to pray for a baptism of the Holy Ghost. From fifty to seventy of the converts met day by day, and confessing their sins with tears, pleaded for an outpouring of the Spirit of God. The na- tive church at Hankow received an impulse then, the force of which continues to this day. The Holy Ghost became a mighty reality t(} many. vVhere once other things are preached, Christ and His power to save is now the theme."
12. What a successful mission is that carried on in China by the English Presbyterian Church. Begun in 1847, by that apostolic man> William Burns, it has increased until now it has five separate centres, Amoy, Swatow, Formosa, the Hakka country, and Singapore. With its thousands of converts, its native preachers, its ordained native pastors, its schools and Sabbath-schools, its medical missions, its lady missionaries, it has received from God much spiritual blessing-bless- ing which has enabled the converts to stand true even when persecu- tion brought the loss of worldly goods and when heathen fury against the native Christians resulted in murder: this occurred at Poih-buan, in 1878. And they willingly acknowledge that much of the divine blessing, so abundantly given, is to be traced to a monthly prayermeeting for China, held in a room in Edinburgh.
Whether we are opposed by immoral legislation or the opium trade {)r the cruelties of slavery or of the African trade in alcohol, or by the vast forces of heathenism, let our resources be the power of God made available for all the needs of His church. Yes, in all Christian work God supplies all our need according to His riches in gl'ory in Christ Jesus.
GREED IN THE WAY OF MISSIONARY ZEAL.-We fear that there is no form of selfishness more fatal to missionary consecration than the worship of the dollar. Avarice prevents abundant giving, and it hoards fol' the sake of gain what could be used with the most ~bundant profit in the wide harvest field. Not only so, but the Scripture phrase is sagaciously accurate, gold "blinds the eyes." Men do not see the facts or feel the force of the appeal of God and {)f souls because the love of money intervenes as an obscuring medium. There are many professed disciples who hold a dollar so Dear the eye that they can see scarcely anything else in the world.
Robert Hall, arguing with a clergyman suspected of having -changed his opinions from mercenary motives, proposed to him several reforms of great importance, but was invariably met with the reply: "I don't see it; I can't see it at all."
At length, penciling in small letters the word "God" upon an .envelope which lay on the table, Mr. Hall showed it, and asked: " Can you see that?" "Yes. " Then, covering it with a half sovereign, he asked again: " Can you see it now? " " No." Whereupon, without another word, he went away. The argument was sufficiently conclusive without any drawing of a "moral" after it!
THE " New Theology," according to Dr. O. W. Holmes, in teaching probation beyond this life, has as effectually deadened all sensibility to the fear of eternal punishment, as cocaine, the new local anresthetic, deadens the sensibility of the part to which it is applied. We may be permitted to raise the honest inquiry whether any doctrine which practically destroys the power of the retributions of a future state can have any other effect than to paralyze missionary activity. And, if the tree is known by its fruit, can that be a safe doctrine to hold which either deadens sensibility to the plain warnings of the Scripture or to the degradation and destitution of the heathen world?
DO HEATHEN MULTIPLY FASTER THAN CONVERTS?
DO HEATHEN MULTIPLY FASTER THAN CONVERTS?
BY THOMAS LAURIE, D.D., PROVIDENCE, R. I.
The thought of the conversion of the world prompts the question, " How large is it?" There have been v~rious estimates of its popu- lation. In 1753, Voltaire said 1,600,000,000. Fifty years later Volney put it at 437,000,000. Matte Brun, in 1810, made it 640,000,- 000; Balbi, in 1816, estimated it at 704,000,000, and in 1843, at 739,000,000; Behm and Wagner, in 1880, fixed it at 1,456,000,000, and in 1882, with probably greater accuracy, at 1,434,000,000, though it was less than their previous estimate by 22,000,000. This popUlation they distributed as follows: Europe …….. 327,743,400 Asia…………… 795,591,000 Africa………. 205,823,200 America …………100,415,400 Polynesia…… 4,232,000 Polar Land……… 82,500 Total population of the globe………………… 1,433,887,500 These statistics do not introduce a dissertation on population, but only a brief consideration of a recent objection to the missionary work. It is estimated that modern missions have won about 4,000,- 000 converts from idolatry; but we are told that running parallel with these conversions is an increase of the number to be converted from 600,000,000 to 800,000,000, and if 200,000,000 heathen are added to the number, while only 4,000,000 become Christians, at that rate when will the world be converted to God? At first sight the case seems hopeless, and that on these conditions we can only make progress backward; but is the prospect as dark as it seems? Let us look at it carefully and dispassionately. One thing is plain: while the 200,000,000 are the natural increase of the previously existing 600,000,000, the 4,000,000 are an absolute creation. Four millions from nothing is a vastly greater proportion than the other, though the Bums are larger.
But let us examine the subject yet more carefully. Modern evangelical missions have now been in operation about a century. The first missionary society (the Church Missionary Society) dates from 1792. Now, if conversions began immediately, then the 4,000,000 converts are rightly set over against the 200,000,000 increase of heathen; but if they did not begin for a number of years, then the heathen increase of the years during which there were no converts must be subtracted from the 200,000,000, and so we have already reduced the seemingly hopeless contrast.
But that is not all. '1'he first converts were not only the fruits of many years of labor, but they were very few in number. For many years Leang Afa was almost the only convert among the many millions of China, and this introduces a riew element into the discussion, for while the natural increase goes on from year to year, and from age to age, with slight variation, missionary converts in~ease in the ratio of a geometrical progression. At first there were no conversions at all; only a work of preparation. The military stores are gathered together and the forces massed for the coming conflict, and, when that begins, each prisoner taken is not immured in a dungeon, but becomes at once an active soldier, able to avail himself of his famil- iarity with the condition and position of thc enemy for their over- throw. And it is worthy of notice, that the Lord of Hosts does not isolate the converts, but scatters them purposely among those to be acted on by their example and their labors. Already in some.of the latter decades of the century the increase of the converts has been at the rate of eighty-one per cent., and the natural increase of the heathen during the same period only six and one-half per cent. Now, if that proportion were to continue it would only require a sum in arithmetic to find out how soon the eighty-one per cent. would overtake and go beyond the six and one-half per cent. But we have seen that the ratio is one of geometrical progression-" the constant quantity by which each term is multiplied to produce the succeeding one "-and so we see the way clear to transfer very rapidly the hundreds of millions from the heathen side to the Christian side of future increase.
It may be said this is a very beautiful theory, but-. Then take an actual case. Robert Morrison entered China through much tribulation in 1807. When Dr. Happel' went there in 1844 he found only six Protestant missionaries and two native assistants in all that empire. While at the Shanghai Conference, in May, 1890, 1,285 missionaries and 1,469 native assistants were reported as then in that field, and with slich an increase in the past, what may not be hoped for in the future? Other examples might be given equally encouraging. When a fire is kindled in the forest its progress depends on the denseness of the mass of trees to be set on fire, and when everyone of the millions of China is a tor~h waiting to be lighted, it needs no prophet to foretell the effect of casting in these torches already lighted.
Take another view. A century ago there were in all the earth 174,000,000 nominal Christians, 44,000,000 of them Protestants. Now there are 165,000,000 Protestants, almost as many as the whole number at that time, among 450,000,000 nominal Christians. Add to that that the energy and efficiency of the race is concentrated in those Protestants, and the prospect for the future is radiant. Furmerly the Latin race was the conqueror and colonizer of the world, but since it fell under the paralysis of Popery it has lost its power. Now the race which lives by truth is marching at the head of the race, carrying the source of its own energy to all the nations.
It is significant in this connection that, while one hundred years
THE PRAYER LEAGUE
ago only 22,000,000 of the race spoke E'llglish, 115,000,000 now use that language, an increase of more than 500 per cent., and while at that time the 22,000,000 had neither missions nor missionaries, the 115,000,000 now sustain 120 missionary societies, of which our American Board is only one, and these societies raise annually $11,250,000 for the conversion of the world to God.
Then we need only to call to mind the immense store of Christian literature in that language to thank God that it is having such free course in all the earth.
Indeed, we thank the objectors for calling attention to a line of truth where there is nothing to discourage but everything to fill us with the assurance of a glorious success.
THE PRAYER LEAGUE.
We note with sincere gratitude the movement toward covenant prayer in various parts of the Church, and we regard it as the most promising sign of the times. When God's people begin to pray in faith and with true agreement marvels begin in the earth. And not a crisis of missionary history, from the beginning until to-day, has been turned except by prayer.
The Reformed Church has recently formed a Foreign Missionary Prayer League, whose purpose it is "to unite God's people in abundant and prevailing prayer; to intensify, accumulate and direct the power of prayer so that multitudes of heathen may be turned to the Lord in our missions."
In the very impressive appeal which has been issued prayer is recognized as the mightiest power in missionary work, whether to open the doors, thrust forth the laborers, secure the needful means, or to call down abundant blessing. Those who cannot go to the foreign field can, at least, sustain the work by prayers for it, "striving together" with the workmen by their own supplication. United prayer carries resistless power, as is shown throughout all history, and is especially acceptable to God. The method encouraged is special seasons, daily set apart, and particular prayer for individual persons and places: abundant prayer, prayer with fasting, arid with intercommunication among those who join the league.
Mrs. Joseph Scudder, 57 Cannon street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., acts as secretary of the league. We exhort all who belong to that communion especially to join this league, and make its objects and aims heartily their own. We believe that if the whole Church would get into a new attitude of fervent, believing prayer there would be such a new Pentecost as the history of man has never yet recorded.
COl>'VENTION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS AT BANGALORE, INDIA
CONVENTION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS AT BANGA- LORE, INDIA.
BY REV. JACOB CHAMBERLAIN, M.D., D.D., MADANAPALLE, INDIA.
Bangalore, the chief city of the kingdom of ]fysore, has just witnessed a singular sight for the capital city of a non-Christian kingdom.
Pursuant to an invitation from the missionaries of all societies working in Bangalore and other earnest Christians residing there, a convention gathered at that place on the 23d of September, of missionaries and other ChriAtian workers from all parts of the Madras Presidency with some also from Bombay.
'l'he convention was not for the discussion of abstruse problems of missionary policy, but for the promotion of spiritual life and growth and earnestness in work for the Master.
Trains arriving on the afternoon of September 23d, from four different directions, centering at that place, brought those invited, and others who could attend, from many different provinces, districts, cities and villages. .iUJ. parts of the Tamil country, from near Cape 00morin to Madras and the N eilgherry Mountains,sent representatives. All parts of the kingdom of Mysore, the Kanarese kingdom, were represented. Two delegates from the Marathi country and one from the Gujarathi; myself and another from the Telugu country; missionary workers among the Mohammedans in Hindustani; workers in English among the Eurasians and in the English army, and native preachers in Tamil, Kanarese and Telugu were there. Seven languages were required to do the daily work at their stations of the workers there assembled.
Not missionaries alone: many laymen were there. Coffee planters from the Shevaroy and the Neilgherry mountains. An executive engineer from one of the new state railways on the East Coast; a general and several other officers from the Madras army; soldiers in uniform from the garrison; artisans and tradesmen and their families; natives, male and female, in their striking costumes. All mingled, as children of the King, in this conference. It would be hard to match it in any city of the Western world.
Twelve different branches of the Church of Christ were represented-the Church of England,English Baptists, American Baptists, English Independents, American Congregationalists, English Wesleyans, American Methodists, AustralasianWesleyans, German Lutherans, American Reformed, English Plymouth Brethren and Salvation Army officers-all joined heartily in counsel and prayer for higher spiritual life, for more absolute consecration, for more efficient. service.
Tuesday evening was devoted to an informal reception, a social gathering, the Rev. and Mrs. W. H. I. Picken, Wesleyan missiona- ries of Bangalore, behlg host and hostess.
It gave us all an opportunity of becoming acquainted. English, Germans, Hindus, Americans, Australians, and an exceedingly pleas- ant gathering it was, closing with half an b1u ~Cff more formal words of welcome, praise and prayer.
The next three days, with three sessiOn!, each day, were given to the consideration of "What Christ does for His people," "What Christ does in His people," and "What Christ does through His people," one day being given to each theme.
The vVednesday morning meeting was a Bible reading on the first theme, conducted by Rev. E. Chester, M.D., thirty-one years a missionaryof tbe American Board in the Madura Mission. The afternoon meeting was devotional, led by Rev. I. G. Hawker, twenty-five years a missionary of the London Missionary Society at Belgaum. It was a helpful, uplifting meeting. The evening's session was a more public meeting for addresses on the day's theme, presided over by the representative of the Arcot Mission of the Reformed Church in America, thirty years a missionary among the Telugus, at which every seat in the large audience-room was filled and some stood. Addresses were given by the chairman, on what Christ does (a) by His atonement; by Rev. G. W. Lawday, of Tumkur, Wesleyan, (b) By His example; and by Rev. W. Ioso, London Mission, Madras, (c) By His intercession. The exercises were interspersed with warm prayers and spir:ted singing by a volunteer choir who had previously practiced for the purpose.
Thursday's was the second theme, "What Christ does in His people." The morning's Bible reading on it was led by Handley Bird, Esq., Plymouth Brother, from Coimbatoor, and was exhaustive and stimulating. The afternoon meeting was for ladies only, and was said to have been of exceptional interest. The evening meeting, for public address, was led by Dr. Chester, of Dindigul, and addresses were given by the chairman, by Mr.E.Lynn, Plymouth Brother, Malvalli, and by Rev. John S. Chandler, of the American Madura Mis- SIOn.
Friday was the crowning day. The theme, "What Christ does through His people." The morning Bible reading, led by H. Clift, Esq., railway executive engineer, mapped out the subject well. The afternoon meeting was a conversational session on "Methods of Evangelization," or "How shall God work through us for His higher glory?" 'rhe writer was asked to open and guide the conversation. This was declared to be a "Council of War" for the conquest of India. And it proved one of the most stimulating of the meetings, full of val'lety and suggestiveness.
The methods referred to were: Oral proclamation of the Gospel in the streets, villages, markets, fairs, with such accessories as large colored Scripture pictures or magic-lantern Bible scenes, by night;with cornet and bicycle to tow in the crowd and "baby organ" to hold them for the preaching: Medical missionary work, with preaching to all patients, and terse Gospel tickets for the patients to take home; and Zenana medical work by lady doctors; Reading rooms and preaching halls in crowded thoroughfares; Sunday-school work among Chris- tian and heathen children; Young Men's Christian Association work in large cities, and Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor in smaller places. The Press and Tract Gospel and Christian book distribution all through the country. Christian school work to reach non-Christian pupils, and to train workers, and Zenana work and Bible women, and lIindu girl's schools to reach non-Christian women.
This meeting being a "family gathering," all mingled freely in the discussion-ladies and gentlemen, lay and clerical, English, Germans, Australians, Americans, Hindus, Episcopalians, Methodists, Salvation Army, Presbyterians, Plymouth Brothers, "Faith Mission" Workers, Baptists, strict and open, Congregationalists and Wesleyans, with prayers of unction, and hymns of victory thrown in all the way. The only difficulty was in bringing the meeting to a close.
Friday evening'S meeting, the closing one of the series, was the most crowded one of all. General MacAusland, of the Madras army, presided and made the opening address, on "What Christ does through His people." (a) by the example and influence of their live!', and was followed by Rev. L. S. Gates, of the American Board's Mission, Sholapore, Bombay, on (b) by their testimony to truth and experience, and by Rev. I. G. Hawker, of Belgaum, on (0) by their works of faith and love.
After the Benediction there was a general handshaking of those who had come, many of them one and two days' journey to attend, and so this memorable "Mildmay Conference," held in India, of Christian Workers, was brought to a close amid a universal desire for a similar meeting to be held next year, at which very many more workers, lay and clel'ica~, will be sure to be present. The Kingdom is coming. We can see its onward progress. God bring it in speedily!
SAID a heathen to a mlsslOnary: "There must be something in your religion which makes you come all the way out here to tell us of it. I am sure I would not go so far to tell you of mine." Nothing is perhaps more likely to impress the minds of pagan people than the evidence that missionaries afford, that the good news is worth telling! And the more sacrifice our evangelism costs us the more eloquent is t.he testimony that missions give to the value of the great salvation and our own passion fOI" souls.
THE MISSIONARY OUTLOOK
THE MISSIONARY OUTLOOK.-I.
BY J. MURRAY MITCHELL, M.A., LL.D., NICE, FRANCE.
We intend to take a view, if possible, of that field which is the world. It follows, of course, that in so general a survey, many particulars that are by no means unimportant, must pass unnoticed, and that only the most outstanding objects can receive more than a passing glance.
It is often said that we have entered, or are entering, on a new era in missionary history. Various things seem, on the whole, to justify this language. Of these we shall specify only three-the student movement in America, the request of the Missionary Conference at Shanghai that a thousand missionaries be sent to China within the next five years, and a prayer from members of the Church Missionary Society that its missions speedily receive the same accession. Ten or five years ago such things could not have been. The double, indeed ,triple demand (Mr. Hudson Taylor had already asked for a thousand new laborers for the China Inland Mission) for a thousand missionaries, if made, would have been scouted as ridiculous. Reserving to the end of this paper Bome questions as to the practical carrying out of the proposal, we can express nothing but admiration in view of the enlargement of heart which the demand implies.
We divide this paper into three parts. We first advert to the missionary spirit as it exists at home. 'Ve then speak of the position of things in the foreign field. We shall conclude with a few suggestions grounded on the sur~ey we shall thus have taken.
I.
First, then, let us attend to the missionary spirit as it exists in Christendom: Undoubtedly there has been, for a good many years past, a steady growth of missionary zeal. The movements we have already mentioned are the natural result of what preceded. Hardly any portion of the Church of Christ now fails to take a share in foreign evangelistic work; or, if it fails, it is quite aware of having to explain its position and apologize. Otherwise, it knows it will stand condemned at the bar of Christendom. There is not merely a growing interest in non-Christian peoples, arising out of a growing knowledge of their condition; there is a deepening sense of duty towards our fellow-men -an increasingly clear perception of the social character of Christianity. Time was when even good men thought not too much, but too exclusively, of their own salvation. We see better than we did that we must "add to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity"-to love of God and love of Christians-a love that embraces the entire human race and that does not evaporate in talk.
Such is increasingly the feeling of the church, and the general public shares it to a considerable extent. We are old enough to remember the time when any new missionary effort that might be pro- posed was sure to be sneered at-classed under the head of "missions to the moon and elsewhere." But no man will scoff at missions now who does not scoff at the Bible itself, and he who speaks of the useless- ness of missions is prepared to assert in the same breath the useless- ness of Christianity.
This growing appreciation of missions on the part of the general public is due to the strong testimony in regard to their practical ef- ficacy, which has been so often rendered by men fully qualified to form a judgment-many of whom were prepared to look on missions with an eye severely critical. Among .such witnesses Charles Darwin has been one of the most tnfIuential. He certainly had no predispo- sition to think well of missionary work; but, as an entirely honest man, he told what his own eyes had seen. One of his expressions has become proverbial: "The lesson of the missionary is an enchanter's wand." Speaking of some who had ridiculed the work in the South Seas, which he himself had carefully examined, he used the scathing language: "Disappointed in not finding the field for licentiousness quite so open as formerly, they will not give credit to a morality which they do not wish to practise." Testimonies in favor of missions are multiplying. Stanley has spoken, with characteristic warmth, in praise of Mackay and others, and, as we write, an eye lights on the high eulogium which Mr. Johnston, in the New Review, pronounces on the doings of Dr. Laws, of Nyassaland. Mr. Johnston says Dr. Laws "learned to make bricks in order that he might teach others. He has become a practical engineer, carpenter, joiner, printer, photographer, farrier, boat-builder and druggist, so that he might instruct his once savage people in these arts and trades."
Mackay, the "engineer missionary," labored with much zeal in teaching the arts of civilized life at Uganda. He spoke very warmly of the missions at Lovedale and Blythswood, in South Africa, as exemplifying what he regarded as the right kind of missions for Africa. They combine intellectual and religious teaching with industrial training.
Men who are believers in Christianity may be expected to write in terms such as we have been referring to. And when those that are not believers use such language as we have quoted from Darwin, we need not be surprised. For now-a-days many who never think of the service of God, plead earnestly for "the service of man." They have drawn the lesson, directly or indirectly, from the Bible, which makes the service of man an essential part of the service of God; and this they ought, in fairness, to acknowledge. But, although they believe in no Divine command to evangelize the nations; they can hardly deny the elevation of the aim. They may blame the missionaries for proclaiming dogmas which to them seem unintelligible, but the philsnthropic character of missions they do not seek to deny; and, when testimonies multiply as to their practical efficacy in raising degraded races, they cannot but express approval. 1'his is true, at least of the higher class of unbelievers-of men like Cotter Morison, one of the ablest of the Agnostics. He speaks of the "unequaled potency" of Christianity in moulding character, and of the "true Christian saint" as "one of the most wonderful phenomena of the moral wOl·ld-so lofty, so p~re, so attractive." We do not wish to make too much of such testimonies; neither do we despise them; but, at all events, language like this rises infinitely above the polished sarcasm of Gibbon no less than the vulgar ribaldry of Paine.
While we speak thus, we are not ~rgetting that, if missions are better appreciated than they were, yet the missionaries themselves have lately been subjected to severe criticism. It is not long since an Anglican canon was writing foolishly about Mohammedanism, and bitterly about the missionaries of his own church. And, certainly, we cannot overlook the excitement aroused among the 'Vesleyans by charges made by one who had seen very little of India-charges which were repeated in one or two influential quarters at home. Such attacks do temporary harm, both at home and among the heathen; but, as the truth becomes known, there is a great reaction in favor of the men assailed. Canon Isaac Taylor will hardly return to the bat-' tIe, seeing he was not only refuted by missionaries, but charged by literary men like Mr. Bosworth Smith with "invincible ignorance" and" headlong heedlessness." The Canon has done good service in linguistics and archreology, and to these he should confine llimself. And as for theWesleyans, it is, we trust, a joy even in the quarters at home in which the accusations were rashly credited, that, instead of their being" proved to the hilt," the sharp weapon, though powerfully wielded, has not pierced-has barely grazed-the skin. For the mis- .sionaries were, after the fullest inquiry, completely exonerated from all charges made, or implied. And so let us pass from the whole thing as from a painful dream.
Of course, criticism is not over. It is inevitable, if real interest be taken in the work. There will be unjust and ignorant criticism; for some men have a perfect genius for finding fault, and there will be room for legitimate and enlightened criticism, for missionaries are not infallible. Inquiry into evangelistic methods there ought to be. Every true-hearted missionary will be most grateful for any new light that can be thrown upon his work, and all friendly criticism he will meet in a friendly spirit. He will indeed be disposed to smile at not a few of the changes that are suggested as improvements on pres- ·ent methods, for probably either he himself, or others, have already tried the thing proposed and found it wanting; but he will fully appreciate the spirit oy which the criticism is prompted. No doubt, as he watches the slow, steady advance of the truth wherever the Gosper is faithfully made known, he will be pained to note the impatience of some who think that the high places in heathenism ought to be cap- tured by a rush; and he will be disposed to ask why things move so slowly at home-why the Pope and the College of Cardinals are not r converted-why unbelief and worldliness are still so fearfully strong A craving for the salvation of souls is beautiful, but a craving for results, mainly in order that we may get our money's worth, is pitiable; and the Church of Christ needs to examine her own heart and see which feeling chiefly sways her. The Apostle speaks of the need of the sower having" long patience," "till he receh-e the early and the lat- ter rain." N ow, in this ale of unsettlement and restlessness, "long patience" is, to the best of us, difficult of attainment; and many crave- for perpetual excitement and perpetual change. Let the Church be " instant in season and out of season," but let her also seek to enter into fuller sympathy with Him who sees the end from the beginning, and who is seated at the right-hand of God" from henceforth expect- ing till His enemies be made His footstool. "
We hail a growing desire on the part of the Church at home to draw tighter the bonds between the foreign laborers and herself. .One mark of this is the sending of deputies to the missions. When these are wise and sympathetic men, only good should result from this. Would that all home ministers could visit heathendom! It would enable them on their return to plead the cause of missions far more zealously and effectively. "Mine eye affecteth mine heart," and a sight of real heathenism would be a lesson and an impulse for life. Indifference to missions is often traceable to ignorance rather than unfaithfulness. Certainly, in this case, zeal will be in proportion to· knowledge.
All that we have said implies that the interest of the Church, and even of the general public, in regard to mission work has been, and still is, deepening. The world begins to see that the work is good, and the Church that it is glorious. Now, do we sufficiently realize the magnitude and importance of the change? Doubtless everyone has heard of the rebuke administered by Dr. Ryland to young Carey for his excess of zeal, and most of us -can repeat the story of the Scottish Assembly, and good Dr. Erskine's "Rax me that Bible.'" But at a later date such representative men as Bishop Horsley, in England, and Dr. Timothy Dwight, in America, were opposed to the' movement on behalf of missions. Or, going farther back, it is deplor– able that from the Reformation till about the end of the sixteenth century the only great man who is known to have seen the import– ance of missions was Hugo Grotius. When from about the year 1664 the Austrian nobleman Van Welz was striving to arouse the churches: of Germany to a sense of their obligations, he encountered the sternest opposition from men of position and unquestioned orthodoxy, such as Ursinus, the superintendent of Regensburg. "The heathen," said this high ecclesiastic, "have already had sufficient means of learning the truth. The Greenlanders could have learnt it from their neighbors, the Danes and Swedes; and the Turks and Tartars from the Greeks. God is not bound to help these'heathen more than He has done." "As for those who have been persecutors of the faith, why should heaven's pearls be thrown to dogs or swine like them?"* Can such things have been said by the leaders of the Christian Church? Unhappily, yes; and they were, by the people under them, all too readily acquiesced in.
Let us thank God that such words cannot be used again. They would arouse one general feeling of horror throughout the churches.
One proof of the deepening interest in missions is the increasing number of university men that are offering themselves for service. It was long before any such, in the Church of England at least, were willing to work among the heathen; but, during the last four years, seventy-nine English university men have become missionaries. In former days of coldness special colleges for training missionaries were wholly indispensable; but the belief is growing that ordained men in the foreign field require at least as good an education as ordained men at home. In the Presbyterian churches the same training has long been given to both classes; there is no abbreviated curriculum for missionaries. The flower of university youth everywhere is pressing more and more -into the foreign field.
The steady increase of female missionaries is equally remarkable III all missionary churches and societies. If we mention the C. M. S. as an example it is not because it stands specially prominent in this respect, but because the requisite information regarding it happens to be at hand. Three years ago it had twenty-two female missionaries. (excluding the wives of missionaries); now it has sixty. Equal or nearly equal progress has been made by the distinctively female missionary societies connected with all the churches. For example, the Zenana, Bible and Medical Mission has, during the last eight years, sent out 138 additional workers, and is making an effort to send twenty more.
The claims of the heathen world are overwhelming, and the conviction grows that the class of ordained missionaries must be supplemented by the unordained men, with or without academical training. This is as it should be. In certain fields, and for certain kinds of work, the higher education is indispensable; a thorough acquaintance with Hebrew and Greek, for example, is necessary for those who are to translate, or revise, the Holy Scriptures in foreign tongues. Devout laymen do admirable service at home, and why may they not abroad?
* See The Nordisk Missions-tids sleri/t. vol. 1, pages 62, 68. This excellent missionary maga- zine has just been started under the able editorship of Provst (Dean) Vah!. As for women, of course, the question arises: "Is the Church to Rend forth only those who are in the position of ladies?" Certainly; native ladies in India and elsewhere can quickly take the measure of their foreign visitors, and a woman of little education or refinement will hardly be welcome in the homes of the higher and middle classes. But are the lower classes to be' overlooked? No woman whose heart is burning with the love of Christ need despair of doing good to her heathen sisters. And, then, the Spirit of God will seldom work powerfully in the heart without imparting a large measure of sweetness and refinement to the bearing-whereas, polish of manner without the grace of God is nothing worth-for Smooth, good breeding, supplemental grace, 'Vith lean performance apes the work of love.
The importance of medical missions is now pretty fully recognized in Britain and America. lVIedical missionaries having British degrees are about 141 in number; while from America and the Continent there are 150. China has the largest proportion. The number of female practitioners seems to grow rather more rapidly than that of medical men.
So hI' we have spoken of Britain chiefly, though we trust our remarks apply also to America. We proceed to refer briefly to the Continent of Europe.
In Germany there is decided progress in missionary zeal. 'rhe vast territories which Germany now possesses or " influences" in East Africa have naturally led Christians to feel that new obligations rest upon them; and new societies ha~e been formed to meet these claims. For example, one at Neukirchen, another in Bavaria, and another at Berlin (where a third society has thus been set up). In medical missions Germany does comparatively little, though the late Professor Christlieb earnestly pleaded for them. Still, the lVIoravians and the Basle and Bremen societies now recognize their exceeding value.
There is a clear advance in Denmark. The imperative obligation of evangelizing heathen nations has been of late earnestly pressed on believing men and women, and a great many missionary uriions (450, at least, we understand) have been formed. The first university men that have become foreign missionaries did so in 1888 and 1889-one in each of these years; but several students of theology have resolved to give themselves to the foreign work on the completion of their course. ,"Vomen also begin to come forward. A deaconess was sent to India, in 1888; two young ladies are under training for foreign work, and several others are likely to follow their example. No medical missionaries have as yet proceeded from Denmark; but two young men are receiving medical tralning with a view to go out in 189l. The mission to the Red Karens has been given up; but one is to be begun among the Burmese. All this, it may be said, does not amount to much. Still, it distinctly implies progress; and some Danish Christians are very much in earnest with regard to missionary work.
Three missionary societies have for a good many years existed in Norway, and a fourth was formed a short time ago, called the" Free lEssion," which sends out men and women to Natal. Quite recently a small society has been set up which will send missionaries to China.
In regard to medical missions Norway is in advance of Denmark.
Au ordained medical missionary was sent to Madagascar in 1869; a second in 1876, and in the same year a third, who had taken his degree in Edinburgh, was sent to Zululand.
In Sweden there are three larger societies-that of the state (lhurch, the evangelical union, and the missionary union. '1'he Swedes work earnestly in various places abroad, especially in Africa, in the Congo Free States and among the Gallas. They have not been able to enter Abyssinia itself, but among Abyssinians on the borders they have done a good deal. These bodies send out among their agents both m<edical men and ladies. There are several other small SOCletles. There is evidently au increasing zeal for missions in Sweden, and it is interesting to note that the state church, as a (lhurch, is hearty in the cause.
The French Societe des Missions Evangeliques has of late made ~al'llest efforts to increase the zeal of French Protestants. The synods of the National, Free and Lutheran churches some time ago recommended that there should be annually a mission Sunday-a day on which the duty of evangelizing the heathen should be pressed on the attention (If worshippers. Mission festivals (fetes) have been established in "Various places~* though by no means as yet in every parish, as was the hope of the synods; publications giving missionary information are largely circulated, and subscriptions to missions have considerably increased. '1'he missions have struggled with great difficulties (in Senegambia particularly); and now, when France has obtained such vast possessions in northern and western Africa, the question is, (lan the French Protestants rise to the requirements of the high occasion? '1'hey deserve sympathy; they require help in their foreign, as in their home work.
In Holland missionary zeal is increasing, though not rapidly. Switz('rland has the Basil Missionary Society-a most valuable and progressive institution, and the small Canton de Vaud has, sinee 1872, had foreign missions connected with the Free Church. In 1883 the free churches of Geneva an<d Neuchatal joined in the work. The united society is called La Mission des Eglises Libres de la Suisse Romande. The venerable Waldensian Church, while it feels itself especially .. See last annual report, p. 3.
NUNNERY LIFE IN NAPLES
called tp evangelize Italy, has taken some part in foreign missions since 1881. It works in South Africa in connection with the Paris society.
The Finnish Christians are not neglectful of missions to th~ heathen. We wish we could say the same thing of the Hungarians (who are also of the Turanian stock). Still, let us not forget that the "T Hungarian Church works both in Herzegovina and Roumania. e have been speaking of interest in the evangelizing of the heathen nations as it is manifested in Christendom. Happily, the bounds of Christendom are enlarging. Ve may now include Australia and New Zealand under that designation. In point of missionary zeal the churches in these regions are hardly behind those of Europe and America. The Dutch Church in South Africa" is also earnest in missionary work.
[To be continued.] NUNNERY LIFE IN NAPLES.
The recent disclosures in this Italian city have produced a pro- found sensation throughout the whole bounds of the thinking world. A convent in Naples, which for four centuries has been shut to all, and has been appropriately known as the nunnery of the "Buried Alive," has been opened by the police and the secrets unearthed. A young girl had been hurriedly" buried" there to cure her of an un- fortunate passion; but when her family afterwards wiRhed to com- municate with her it was found impossible. An appeal to the Italian Minister of Justice procured an order for entrance, and, against vio- lent opposition, the police forced their way. They found twenty-six nuns, ragged, wretched, and some of them half-insane. Eight of them had been immured in this death trap by order of their parents, against their own will. The horrible spectacle thus brought to 'light has caused the Governor of Naples to order a further and complete investigation, and all the closed nunneries of Southern Italy are to be visited officially. "Free Italy" is proving both her right and her power to be free! These women were walled in, 'Yith only a small opening to " pass in food, and were like bony skeletons, The government pro- poses to turn the large convent into a school for girls. Of course the priests cry, "Sacrilegio I Sacrilegio!"
One of the Erskines said: "I can call God to witness that I have done my best to bring on a definite issue between Christ and the adversaries of the truth." .Let us not be afraid of conflict. Christ came not to send peace, but a sword. Loyalty to the truth will inevitably arouse to violent opposition the minions and myrmidons of' error.
"HOW MUCH BETTER THEN IS A MAN THAN A SHEEP?"
"HOW :MUCH BETTER THEN IS A MAN THAN A SB,EEP?" MATT. xn:12.
BY A. J. GORDON, D.D., BOSTON, MASS• • An absurd question! you may exclaim at first. But it was a very pertinent question when Jesus asked it. And it is just as truly so to- day. For do you not know that our American congress has given vastly more attention to the protection of sheep's wooi than it has given to the protection of the home and family? And this is a typi- cal fact which illustrates the conduct of worldly rulers and secular shepherds in all time. Therefore, it is necessary for us to answer anew the question: "How much better is a man than a sheep ?"
Answer first: "The gooa shephera giveth his life for the sheep,'" (Johnx:ll), which, being interpreted, means: "The Son of God gave himself for the sons of men." Our first computation of the worth of man, then, is not in an earthly currency but in a heavenly; not in the denomination of "corruptible things as silver and gold" but of "the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Think of that, ye monopolists and Christian millionaires~ who have ground humanity between the upper and nether millstones of combination and capital in order to make gain and grist for yourselves, till the Lord has cried out repeatedly: "Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge who eat up My people as they eat bread ?" Here is the difference between man's estimate of man and God's estimate: The one will grind the masses into food for his own stomach, if he can do so; the other-the Son of God-will give his own body to be ground into food for man, saying, as he offers us his own wounded and bleeding members: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The philosopher, Compte, is said to have instituted and kept what he' called "Man's Supper," in which he partook of a crust of bread and a cup of water, saying, as he did so: "This I do in remembrance of the great multitude who have only a crust to feed upon.'" But such a sacrament is not needed: for the Lord's Supper, instituted centuries ago, declares all this and vastly more. By it our Lord says to our hungry, oppressed and suffering humanity, " I give myself to you, My.body to be your loaf, lIy blood to be your life, take, eat ye all of it." When was ever such valuation set on man as this? "Every man has his price," says the proverb. And the politician is in the market bidding for him; and the capitalist is in the Exchange bidding for him; and the man-slayer stands in the door of his saloon bidding for him. All these are bidding him down, vieing with each other in deadly competition to see which will get him for the smallest. and most paltry price. But Jesus Christ steps into the circle and sternly asks of the bidders: "How much better is a man than a sheep? Look on him, made in the image of God, and, though bruised and broken by the fall, capable of being restored to that image, and re- dothed with glory and honor and immortalityl And is this all that he is fit for, to be sheared of his daily income by the saloon; to ~ Tobbed of his fleece by the usurer, and to be sold in the shambles by the monopolist? I will not bid him down, I will bid him up. 'As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my lifefor the sheep,''' (John x:15). Here is the Divine valuation of man; Christ's invoice of humanity. Look at the price-the Lord Himself – and then estimate the purchase. N ever was such fine gold of purity and perfection coined into a single life; never was such weight of priceless suffering crowded into a single death. And all this the purchase money of our redemption. "Or what Hhall a man give in exchange for his soul?" asks Jesus. And He answers His -questions by giving Himself. We want no more powerful argument for missions than this: "Who loved me and gave Himself for me"- Himself, so infinitely much, for me, so insignificantly little. Then woe to the Christian who can hoard his gold, when the dying millions are crying out for more missionaries to be sent to them; and our bur- dened and anxious Boards are crying out for more money with which to send them.
"How much better is a man than a sheep?" Answer second: "I willmake a man more precious than fine gold/ even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir" (Is. xiii. 12). The seer looked on, through the long perspective of prophecy, to .the day when the heavens shall be shaken; when the sun shall be darkened .and the moon shall withdraw her light. In this time, when God shall }mnish the world for its eyil he "will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible"- then" a man shall be more precious than fine gold." Here is something new in the history of the race. For ages the gold brokers of this world have counted humanity as oBly so much crude ore to be reduced and coined into cash for their vaults. But now the golden age has come when a man stamped with the image and superscription .of God will pass for what he is worth-the highest currency on earth. Hear this, ye missionaries of the Cross! You have forsaken all to go down into William Carey's "Gold Mine," while many of your brethren at home are filling their safes with thousands and ten thousands of superfluous wealth, leaving you short-handed and discouraged for want of helpers which they might send you if they would only give as the Lord has prospered them. And in hours of heart-sinking and faintness you sometimes wonder what you will get for all your thankless sacrifices. Be of good cheer. You are mining men, and that for the most part out of the lowest strata of humanity; and though your products have little value in this world's market, wait a little. There is a financial panic approaching in which yellow gold will go down, while there will be an astonishing rise in your securities. Listen to the report of the coming crash, as it appears on the bulletin-board of James, v: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 'Your riches are co~ rupted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered: and the rust of them shall be a witness against you and shall eat yourflesh as it wereflre. Ye have heaped together treasure for the last days." Did you ever hear of such a gold panic as that? Boom the market; form syndicates; pass silver bills; enlist the banks! It is of no use. The day of judgment has come. "Your gold and silver is cankered." :Millionaires become insolvent, banks suspend, and the only people who have anything to depend on are those who laid up somewhat in the savings bank of heaven.
But what news for the missionary on St. James' bulletin-board? Listen: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman 1vaiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient/ stablish your hearts/for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." "The coming of the Lord." And what of that? Ah, that is going to revolutionize society. Read the :Messianic Psalm 72d and learn for yourself the change that will be ushered in by the millennium. :Money will go down, man will come up. Immanuel will now control the market in the interest of his clients. "And to Him shall be given the gold of Sheba," and" He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, the poor also and him that hath no helper."
And most wonderful of all: "A man shall be more precious than gold." Hear that, 0 long-suffering and patient missionary; your stock will be at par now-as it never has been before. The poor souls which you dug from' the dark caverns of heathenism, and which you coined in the mint of redemption, will be worth millions of such "corruptible things as silver and gold." Did the mother of the Gracchi present her own children to those who inquired concerning her treasures, saying: "These are my jewels?" How much more will the missionary exult in his spiritual children in that. day when the ]~ord shall" make up his jewels," presenting them before the Redeemer, and before the angels, saying: "These are my riches!" :Moffat, who is that black man who stands by your side, and what do you count him worth? And the aged apostle of Africa replies: That is Africaner, the once bloodthirsty and raging man-slayer, now become as gentle and tender as a Iamb since Jesus laid him on His shoulders rejoicing. Do you ask me wha':. he is worth? He is "more precious than fine gold. Yea, than the golden wedge of Ophir." 'Who is that, 0 William Carey, whom you are introducing with such joy to your Lord? That is Khrishna Pal, my first convert from among the heathen of India. Listen, and you shall hear him sing, " 0 thou my soul forget no more The friend who all thy sorrows bore."
And who is this, 0 Boardman beloved, whom you are leading up to the throne with such thanksgiving? This is San Quala, whom God gave me from the dark-faced Karens, and who himself in turn led thousands to Jesus Christ.
" Where can I invest most safely and profitably?" is the question constantly asked on 'Change. Invest in souls; seriously, deliberately and solemnly we urge you to inv~st in souls. There is no insurance on gold and silver that will protect tllem against the fires of the last day. But saved and glorified souls-these are" the gold tried in the fire," out of which your crown of rejoicing shall be wrought. Get money, you mayor may not, 0 Christian. But as you care aught for the rewards of heaven, fail not of getting souls. Get them at your own door; get them from the ends of the earth; but fail not to get them.
" I FEEL age creeping on me. I know that I must soon die. I hope it is not wrong to say it, but I cannot bear to leave this world with all the suffering in it /"-Earl of Shaj~esburJ/.
SCHLEGEL, and Madame de Stael after him, called" architecture, frozen music." From some of the music we have heard in so-called sanctuaries during the past five years we have concluded that the praise was frozen in the icy surroundings of an !esthetic performance, in which all the warmth of devotional fervor had somehow been utterly lost. Is it not possible for even our missionary spirit so to be chilled by the icy rigidity of a heartless formalism, that even while we are boasting of our efficient organizations, God sees that they are like frozen corpses, from which all life is gone?
ARE OUR PASTORS FAITHFUL?
The large number of our non-contributing churches, after making a liberal allowance for unintentional omission, and churches having only a nominal existence, also the trifling amount given to the Foreign Mission Work by congregation" whose wealth runs up into the millions, shows the necessity of some new movement. I have been attending a prominent evangelical church in a great city for the last three years and more, ministered to by one of the most mature preachers in our church, and during the whole tiJlle he has made no reference to the foreign work from the pulpit. The attention of the officers of the church has been called to the strange omission but no explanation has been given. If men who have the ear of the church are silent, God will raise up others. " The stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber and help destroy it." This is beyond endurance.-A Parishioner.
1891.J Tl4-NSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK.
-The Missions-Blatt der BrUdergemeine, for June, 1890, gives the follow- -ing account of the peculiar relations of the mission-stations in South Africa to the civil authorities: " The practical English government has long since come to see that mission_ stations are the very best representatives of good morals, good order and civilization, the most trustworthy guarantees of public quiet, above all in the domain <>f the hot-blooded, turbulent Caffres, who have already cost the English colony streams of blood and untold sums of money. No wonder, then, that the higher -officials, in the well-understood interest of the common weal, encourage missions~ It is natural, therefore, when a mission-station is laid out, that they should gratuitously grant the ground required for church, school and missionhouse, if it is in the hands of the government. Indeed, they used also to give, without compensation, even the land for fields and gardens likely to blil required by a future community. This was known as the station-land. The rules and ordinances necessary for such a station then receive government sanction, and the presiding missionary receives civil jurisdiction to expel, from the station and its domain, those that offend against these ordinances by gross offences. Less important violations of station rules are visited with a fine paid into the public purse of the congregation. Thus the presiding missionary of the station is armed, not only with ecclesiastical, but also with civil and judicial prerogatives. On the other hand, the State naturally reserves to its representatives the right to ascertain whethcr the grant in land is actually applied to the designated purpose, whether discipline and good order prev:;til at the station, whether the school is efficiently carried on, and so on. Moreover, those that are condemned to leave the station lands have the right, in case they esteem the penalty unjust, to appeal to a government officer, who takes cognizance of their complaint."
This banishment from the station, however, especially as concerns submission to the heathenish and degrading rites connected with circumcision, is now in disuse, milder, but practically less dangerous and more effective measures of discipline taking its place. This universal Caffre usage, in itself indifferent, is so inextricably interwoven with all manner of vile concomitants, that it seems to be Satan's chief instrument for holding the Caffres under his dominion. Yet a Caffre yputh who does not submit to it becomes virtually a pariah among his tribesmen, and can scarcely obtain, even from Christian parents, the hand of one of their daughters. Its final overthrow will storm the citadel of darkness.
-The Rev. Mr. Stahle, of Australia, a Moravian, though at present connected with another society, communicates the decision of the" Aboriginal Board," appointed to look after the interests of the rapidly-vanishing native race, that they shall all be removed to certain stations, where they shall be kindly cared for, and not allowed intercourse with the whites, or even with the half-whites, until the race disappears, as within a calculable time it appears that it must.
Mr. Stahle says that for several months an awakening, accompanied with rich blessing, had been in progress among the Tapuas of his station. "Much sickness, however, had prevailed, and from January till October there had been eleven deaths. But all who fell asleep bore witness on their deathbed of their faith in Him who justifies the ungodly, and of their fervent desire that they might be permitted to enter into the joy of their Lord."
A visitor to the station, who attended a meeting, says: " But, ah, the hacking cough, which is heard on every side from among them! It sounds like the deathknell over the remnant of the once so numerous native tribes of Australia. Sitting thus in the midst of them, we cannot fail to remark how weakly they are, and how evidently the sentence of death against them is already proclaimed by their debilitated constitution. How emphatic is the appeal to our affectionate Christian sympathy, which resounds in our ears as we listen to this cough!"
-This work of bringing the regenerating influences o(the Gospel to the last survivors of a dying race, casts, of course, a shade of sadness over the minds of the missionaries, such as appears in these words of Missionary Kramer, of the Brethren's Mission, at Ebenezer: "Our beloved Ebenezer will, doubtless, be permitted to enter, as a mission station, upon the new decade. But how will it be at the end? The Lord alone knows. If it is to be dissolved I hope that ourlittle church will remain 'God's house,' and not be turned to the uses of a barn or a· stable. Many blessings, by God's grace, have descended upon us therein, and a certain sadness comes over me when I fear that in the place where we have assembled so often, in the name of the Lord, seeking to be built up out of His Word, or to present before Him our supplications and thanksgivings, or to raise to Him <;lUr songs of praise, the voice of riotous blasphemy may be heard. May the Lord forbid that it should be so !"
The following description of Cashmere, from the Missions-Blatt, reminds one of Moore's "Who has not heard of the vale of Cashmere, With its roses the brightest that earth ever gave, " etc.
"It is a region so richly and bounteously endowed by the goodness of God. that some naturalists have ventured the conjecture that it must have been the cradle of mankind-the origin at Paradise. That wonderful union of the sharpest antitheses in the life of nature, which characterizes the mighty Indian empire, the heat and luxuriant vegetation of the tropics, combined with the refreshing alpine ail' of snowy summits, glaciers and blue-green mountain lakes-so strengthening to the nerves-this fullness of God's glorious creation bursts upon the traveler in Cashmere in its purest, noblest forms. We cannot wonder, therefore, that the children of men to be met with there are also a. wonderful combination of the most startling contrasts. These are the proper inhabitants of the land, genuine Asiatics, arrested in their development for centuries back, and still bound in the chains of a relaxing heathenism. On the. other hand, you meet here with all the facilities of modern intercourse, and the country swarms with Europeans, some seeking recovery from the ill effects of a long sojourn in the heated plains, some finding delight in climbing the glaciers and snowy mountain-tops, like the tourists of Switzerland and the Tyrol."
-It is known that the Moravian Mission among the Himalayas is at oncein Thibet and in India. In other words, the people are Thibetan Buddhists, but are on the Indian slope of the main ridge, and are subject to British authority. They say: "As a missionary, Brother Redslob, so long as he and his wife, though seeking relaxation, are still within the range of Thibetan speech, he feels it incumbent on him, wherever he makes a stay of any length, to bear his witness to the crucified and risen one."
-The Roman Catholic government of Nicaragua, after many refusals, has finally granted permission to the Moravian brethren to establish mission stations in Nicaraguan Territory, for the pastoral care of the converted Indians, who have emigrated thither from the Mosquito State, or have received the Gospel from there.
-The Missions-Blatt' expresses surprise that John Morongo, a leading Indian of their Ramona Mission in California, had previously been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, but until lately was unbaptized! Of course he was only an adherent, not a member, of the Episcopal Church-a distinction with which our German brethren seem to find it a little difficult to become familiar, as almost everybody in Germany is baptized, and, therefore, accounted a member of some church, though not necessarily a communicant member.
-The Missions-Blatt likewise makes a slight slip, very natural in a German magazine, in speaking of the government of California, instead of that of the United States, as controlling the Indian reservation. The distinction, of course,. is of no consequence to German readers.
-Our German brethren greatly admire the American and English institution of medical missions, to which, for want of suitable candidates, they themselves have not as yet been able to give any wide extension. The Unitas Fratrum, however, has its first, and, at present, its only trained medical missionary, in Carl Marx, who is established in Leh, in connection with its Thibetan Mission. The different German societies are making special effort to come up in time with the Anglo-Saxons in what may be called this left-hand of Christ's work, which now, as with the Lord Himself, has always so mightily supported the work of His right hand.
-The annual report of the Societe EvangeZique of Geneva, for 1890, has-the following remarks: "It is, in fact, beloved hearers, a word of hope, of confidence, indeed of certainty, with which we would fain conclude this reporta word of faith, for that is it of which we have need, in present conjunctures, to sustain us in our work. The times are most serious, and, in face of the growing troubles of the present hour, one might easily be tempted to dl~wur agement. Owing, to our limited view-owing, above all, to the deafening cries of our adversaries, who, in the name of science, of progress, of liberty, of equality, of democracy, proclaim that the era of Christianity is past; that the hour of the definitive enfranchisement of human thought is about to strike on the clock of time–one might believe that it is over with the reign of Christ; that the last times are here, and that the world, given over to itself, is about to undergo the final convulsions. In face of the storm, some are ready to lay down their arms. Why strive, when defeat is certain, why suffer when there is no longer a morrow? Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Others, more spiritual in appearance, hold another language: "Let us separate ourselves," say they, "from this perverse world, destined to a final destruction. Little Hock of the Good Shepherd, as we are, let us withdraw into His fold; the hour of deliverance is at hand. Let us go out of Sodom and Gomorrah, and, in prayer, await our Deliverer. Let us, too, eat and drink; let us feed on the heavenly bread, let us refresh ourselves with the spiritual drink, and let us abandon to their fate the masses destined to destruction.' Gentlemen, let us listen to neither of these voices, the voice of discouragement and of pessimism or the voice of spiritual egoism; the voice of insane enjoyment or the yet more culpable voice of abdication in the name of sanctity! No, no! neither: .. 'Labor, labor, for the thankful 1 let the thankless hold their hands, Happy the servants whom the Master, when He comes, shall find watching I'
"Is it true, in fact, that the final hour of defeat is arrived, and that everything is discouraging in the Church? Must the rapidly approaching twentieth century necessarily witness a new inroad of barbarians, the more terrible that it will be the inroad of science turned infidel? I do not believe it. It is true that humanity, that unceasing traveler, marches uninterruptedly through valleys and mountain ranges, now ·on the summit, in full sunshine, to-morrow in the depths, in darkness and peril. Possibly we have reached one of those dolorous hours when it descends towards the precipice; but let us not forget it stops an instant; where it takes breath and rests, in order there to address itself to the climbing of new heights. And, gentlemen, let me be taxed with optimism, but I must still say, in spite of all I hear, in spite of all Isee, in de- spite of the sombre prophecies of the guardians of Israel, and of the cries of distretls from the leaders of the flocks, I believe that the present hour is not an hour for despair; I believe that at this end of a century Christianity is not like a wild creature brought to bay; I believe, and I may even say I affirm, that never has the Church been more active, more audacious, more victorious; that never, at any epoch of its history, has Christianity exercised upon the world a power more energetic and more glorious.
"To open, Christians, the way to you, the princes of industrial civilization are transformed, without willing it or knowing it, into pioneers of Providence. These bridges which they hang in air, these mountains which they transpierce, those roads on which fire is their ,bearer and which they desire to serve their ambition, are only channels through which the Spirit is to flow. Thus did three centuries before Jesus Christ, the conquering Alexander, when he sub- dued Asia and transplanted the Hellenic civilization into the distant Orient; thus did the Romans, his successors, when marching in their turn to the con- quest of the world, they brought peoples together by their arms, and furrowed the three continents with their military roads. They believed that by these their legions would eternally pass and repass to impose their commands on the world. They knew not, what we know to-day, that they were preparing tri- umphal ways for the Saviour and his Apostles. 0, you, then,masters of science and of wealth, engineers, colonizers, conquerors, whatever may be your names and your designs, continue the work of your predecessors, abridge space, les- sen the breadth of the sea by your steamers, and suppress distance by your telegraphs, draw from nature her final secrets, so that one day the Truth may no longer be checked by rivers and by mountains, but may advance rapidly to break the last-remaining bonds of slavery and to stifle the ultimate lurking places of barbarism and superstition !"
-The report for 1889 of the Societe des ll:fissWn8 Evangeliques gives for Tahiti: 23 parishes; 4 European missionaries; 20 native pastors; 2,044 church mem- bers; 44 catechumens; 8,949 francs for home work, 594 francs for foreign missions.
-The Paris society, speaking of Tahiti, remarks: "The religious life of the Tahitians is still in a state sufficiently rudimentary. It has its bright sides: profound attachment to the Word of God, very general observance of the Sunday; regular attendance on worship; practice of Christian liberality. Butit has its deep shadows likewise: for one thing, the considerable number of the unconverted, who form the majority of the population; then, even among believers, are insufficient apprehension of the -exigences of the Law of God; the almost complete absence of true Christian faInily life; in brief, to speak with our brethren, 'a piety which still localizes itself too much within the walls of the churches, and which does not spread abroad sufficiently in good works and in regenerating influences.'"
-In speaking of the great work of the Paris society, that in Basutoland, or, as the French call it, Lessuto, the report remarks: " We bless God that He has given to the churches of France a work proportioned to their strength, adapted to their genius, and the success of which has stimulated a zeal which efforts too long without fruit might have discouraged. And, to-day, that which strikes the eye in the Lessuto mission, by the side of that in still advancing, it from time to time regains some large plateau where weaknesses and defects inseparable from every human work, is its sound and vigorous growth."
This mission last year experienced a remarkable revival, bringing in many pagans. This has not continued, but it has left open many new doors of access. Paganism, on the other hand, having recovered from the early impressions of awe before the missionaries, has become at once more malicious and more aggressive. It is assisted, as in Paul's day, by two rival missions, the Roman Catholic and the Propagation Society. The latter, however, excites the contempt of the Basutos, who regard it as coming to the ground between two -stools. "The danger is in the scandal of these three rival Christian confessions, these three Gods, as the natives still phrase it."
The awakening among the heathen Basutos resulted in the addition of 514 new members, making the present number 6,543. The present number of catechumens is 3,332. Out-stations, 110; for 1888, 94; native helpers, 194; for 1888, 176. Primary scholars for 1889, 5,347; for 1888, 4,566.
-11. Coillard, of the incipient, but noble mission of the Zambesi-anoffshoot (){ the Lessuto mission-speaking of the imperative need of extension, or rather 1)f filling up intermediate space, remarks: "We are no longer in the earlier time when missions of magnificent distances had leisure to develop themselves as they might without the risk of taking any harm. To-day the centre of Africa is the object ofa general assault, which contests every point of attack. God grant that we may be resolved and faithful."
-It is known how discreditably,indeed, ridiculously, jealous, both the French and the German governments are, of having missionaries of any other nation in their colonies. Germany, however, being Protestant, does not dislike them as Protestants, and, by its late agreement with England, expressly allows them in Africa. France, however, whose occupancy of the Gaboon, in West Africa, is much more recent than the American missionary occupancy of it, distrusts .our Presbyterian brethren there as foreigners and dislikes them as Protestants. Even French atheists are" Catholic atheists." They have forbidden our missionaries to use English in their schools, to which acceding, the Americans have obtained from the Paris brethren several teachers of French. The Journal says: "The authorities, having obtained satisfaction on the point as to which energy"-French-" colonial administration is inflexible, the teaching of the language of the mother country in the schools, have come to regard the American missionaries with a more favorable eye. If, as we hope, these friendly dispositions become fixed, every one will at last comprehend that which has always appeared evident to us, namely, that an intelligent administration, eager to extend civilization, ought not to refuse any assistance, even though offered by foreigners; especially when these foreigners are the repre sentatives of a friendly nation, and only ask leave to preach the Gospel without any intermixture of political aims."
Should the French Republic, as Father Hyacinthe forebodes, swing over from atheism to Jesuitism, it would fare ill with Protestant efforts, French or foreign, in her colonies. But, as Sainte Beuve remarks, whenever Jesuitism stretches out its hand to some great work of mischief, the eternal wound dealt by Pascal reopens, and it gives up the ghost afresh.
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND OONDUOTED BY HEV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Past Ten Years in Persia. rians, and Catholics; and the Jews, who are quite numerous. BY REV. W. L. WIDPPLE, D.D. The field of the Bible work is divid- In looking backward ten years we ed with the British and Foreign Bible find very little change in the status of Society. Dr. Bruce, its representa- Persia. The same king, ~asr-ed-deen tive, looks after the southern, while I Shah, who has reigned, according to superintend the northern portion or the Persian reckoning, nearly fifty the kingdom for the American Bible years-the longest of any Persian Society. monarch-is still on the throne, a wiser and better sovereign than he There has been decided progress wastenyearsago. The journey which made in the missionary work, reprehe made to Europe, for the third time, sented, on the one hand, by the Amerilast year, seems to have had a bene- can Presbyterian Board, in the North, ficial effect upon him. He visited and on the other hand, by the Church most of the principal capitals and Missionary Society of England, who manufacturing centres, and appeared have their centre at Isfahan. to be in earnest in obtaining information and an insight into the various. In taking a retrospect of the Bible improvements and progress of the 19th work in Persia during the decade just century. Since his return he has be- drawing to a close, I am glad to say gun to introduce changes and reforms that it comes up, in the main, to my of a practical nature. This is no easy reasonable expectation, though not so task, for the same forces are still at extensive as I should wish to see. In work, opposing in every possible way forming plans for the work, when I the introduction of Western ideas, as first entered upon my duties, July 1, on his return from his previous Euro- 1880, I thought that if I succeeded pean tour. He has, however, gained in placing in the hands of the people in solid stamina, and we trust that he of Persia, in ten years, 40,000 copies will not be held in such subjection by of God's Word, I should be thank- "the power behind. the the throne" as ful. I was not over-sanguine that in former years. I should be able to attain that cir- culation. I find that the total cir- The kingdom has been quite free culation, including grants, has fully from internal troubles, with the ex- reached that amount. The sales exception of the Koordish Rebellion, ceed the grants in the proportion of which occurred about nine years ago, fourteen to one. The larger portion and was soon suppressed. are in the Persian, Turkish, and Ara- bic languages, representing the Mos- There has been no foreign war. The lem population. The Syriac comes. territory remains the same, contain- next. Then follows the Hebrew, ining nearly one-fifth of the area of the dicating the interest manifested by United States, or about as much as God's ancient people in His Word. Germany, France, Austria, and Hun- The Armenian does not enter so gary combined. Roughly estimated, largely in our sales as we expect it to it is 1,500 miles long, by 850 miles do in the future. There is too much wide, in its greatest extent. light creeping in on all sides of that ancient and dark Christian Church to Our work is among the following debar God's Word from its communion nationalities: The Moslems-the pre- much longer. dominent class-including the Sheah and Sunee sects (the Koords, as a In 1885 I made an address at the rule, are all Sunees); the nominal jubilee celebration in Oroomiah, com- Christian nations-Armenians, Nestomemorating a half century of mis- mission to the present time, it is be- sionary labot among the Nestorians, <>n the subject, "What part has the lieved that 70,000 copies of God's Word Bible had in the work of the last fifty years in Persia?" There were have been distributed, in different present about 2,000 persons, nearly Qne-half of whom were women and languages and among varions nation- girls. It was stated then, that fifty years before there were only two alities in Persia, apart from what has women in the entire Nestorian nation who could read, and the request was been done by the British and Foreign made that all the women present who (lould read the New Testament would Bible Society, through the agency of rise to their feet. Imagine our grati- fication when 800 arose. It was a Dr. Bruce. This may not seem very sight never to be forgotten by those present, who saw those daughters of wonderful to one unfamiliar with the the East, with intelligent and beaming faces, rise up, en masse, and remain bigotry and self-satisfaction of the standing until they were counted. And these were only representatives Persian Moslem, especially when he from many villages and towns upon the plains of Oroomiah, Sooldooz, and reads the circulation reported each Balmez, with a few from the moun- tains of Koordistan. The incident is year in some larger and older estab- a very impressive and encouraging object-lesson of what missionary ef- lished agencies. But let us not despise forts have accomplished in one di- rection merely-a rather liberal per the day of small things, nor forget >cent. of return in fifty years. Itspeaks even more teIlingly, when it is borne that these millions in Persia are a part in mind that at the commencement of the work among the Nestorians by of the world into which the triumph- Dr. Perkins and Dr. Grant these poor peeple did not have the Scriptures in ant Master commanded to preach the their own language (the Syriac). There were a few manuscript copies on Gospel. ' parchment of the ancient Syriac, so revered and precious that they were The fact that the representatives -only used on special and very holy oc- Clasions, and upon which oaths were from this Oriental land were the first administered to Moslems. as well as Christians, as they were counted very ambassadors to pay homage to the in- sacred by all classes. fant Saviour, and to lay at his feet It was the privilege of the American Bible Society to furnish the means to their royal gifts, is a very significant -carry through to completion the publication of the entire Syriac Bible, in one. And cannot we bring this up both the ancient, or sacred, and the modern languages. It is now revising before the adorable Master as "a methe modern version, and preparing to :,print a new edition with references. morial" in her behalf? We all in Per- From the commencement of the sia believe that there are brighter days in store and greater ,blessings held in reserve. The people are beginning to be aroused to a sense of their duty.
There is no more potent energy at work to bring about this greatly de- sired end than the printed Word. It enters silently where no preacher is allowed to stay, and quietly'and daily preaches to some one or more in that village or city where it finds lodgment and then suddenly the place is thrown into commotion by the rumor that one of their number has left the faith and become an "infidel Armanee"
(Christian). Then persecution begins; loss of relatives and friends and prop- erty follow, and revilings, beatings, and imprisonments hasten on apace; then threatenings, and, at last, it cul- minates in casting out and banish- ment from home and country. It may terminate in death itself.
But, meantime, this faithful one has taught a few of his firm friends, or read to them night after night from this new and interesting Book, .And this was the fact, as I can testify until they, too, have been won over to from what I have seen as I walked believe in the Injeel, and to accept through the bazaars. Christ as their Redeemer. And when a colporteur or evangelist visits the .After various methods were tried, place again, he is surprised to find a without avail, it was decided to pronumber who are not only favorably hibit all sales of Scriptures by colinclined, but who actually accept porteurs, whether in cities or towns Christianity, and petition the mis- or villages. So they could not make sionaries to send them a teacher or tours. This was made a jetwa, or ofpreacher. This has been the case in ficial action by the chief mujhtaheeds, a number of instances. It is inter- or highest ecclesiastical authority; esting, indeed, to see how the leaven 'and when the notice was communiworks, "until the whole lump is leav- cated to the governor-general hedared ened." not disregard it. He therefore in- formed our representative of this or- But in Persia, as elsewhere, "the der, and requested him to notify the kingdom of Heaven cometh not with agent of the American Bible Society observation." Very little attention at to respect it. After careful deliberafirst was paid to the circulation of the tion and counsel, we all deemed it Scriptures. When I began the work, expedient to observe the rule until reten years ago, they were admitted free dress could be obtained. of duty; but as the demand increased, and the cases of books-fifty and This proved to be by far the heaviest eighty at a time-began to arrive, the blow our work ever received. It was custom-house officials deemed it worth over one year before we could get the their attention, and soon we had to order rescinded, and receive permispay customs. A moderate rate wa..'1 sion to resume our work. This profixed, to be paid in kind. But it was hibition was in force only in .Azerbinot long before the officials com- jan, the other provinces being still plained that this was burdensome to opened to the colporteur. The printhem. They did not have room, they cipal part of our work, however, was said, to store away their share of in that province, where such cities Scriptures received for duties; so it and districts as Tabreez, Oroomiah, was decided, after due consideration, Salmas, Maragha, Sooldooz, etc., are that mone,y would be paid instead of situated. It affected, in conse- Scriptures. Soon after these points quence, our sales very materially. were settled, then the mullahs and high ecclesiastics of the Moslems ap_ I have told this story of the conflict, peared on the scene. They seemed to between truth and error, which has have been taken by surprise, and were been in progress for some years, so not aware how many Scriptures were quietly that few have been aware of going into circulation. They began to it, to show what advances the former investigate, and the more they in- is making over the latter, and, how quired the greater were they dis- stubbornly each stronghold has been turbed and alarmed. They held coun- held until captured by force. Progcils in various places, and discussed ress has been slow all along the line;' meaures for putting a stop to this but the fact that nearly 100,000 " torwork. Some were heard to say: pedoes" have been" placed," and are' " These men are filling the bazaars only abiding their time set for them with the Injeel, and wherever we go to accomplish the work intended for' we find one. Even merchants and them to do, is full of encouragement tradesmen are seen neglecting their to those who "wait patiently on the work, and poring over this book." Lord."
The colporteurand evangelist going' out together to the districts and, cities in the distant portions of Persia Testament. There are a number of have had a marked influence for good. converts to Christianity from the Indeed, they have been the advance Jews, and all have been faithful readguards, and have prepared the way for the establishing of every station in ers of the Tourat, or Old Testament. Persia except Oroomiah. All the others, viz.: Teheran, Isfahan, Ta- But as they compared Scripture with breez, Ramadan, Salmaz, and the Scripture, they were at last convinced new one recently established in the that the Messiah had surely come, and mountains of Western Koordistan, they hastened to acknowledge, and do were visited and canvassed first by him honor. There are many intellicolporteurs and evangelists, sent out gent Jews in Persia to-day, intellectuyearly by the missionaries in OroD- ally converted to Christianity, who do miah. They would spend, every not confess Jesus publicly" for fear visit, one week or more in each city in of the Jews," lest they be cast out of preaching and selling Scriptures. In the synagogue. That means to-day this way much precious seed was what it did 2,000 years ago. But the sown, which, after many days, has truth is working in many hearts, and sprung up and brought forth fruit–a will eventually prevail. The missionrich spiritual harvest–already; and aries' schools are composed entirely of the work is only fairly begun., Jewish boys and girls, who daily study the New Testament, and even the OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. catechism.
During these ten years a civil war, Another encouraging fact is the following closely upon the heels of large sale of Scriptures to Moslemsfamine and pestilence, has interfered perhaps the largest part of the gross with and curtailed materially the sales. These are in the Persian and sales of the Scriptures. Likewise, as Arabic, the Azerbijan and the Osalready mentioned, for over one year manli – Turkish languages. Weare no colporteur' was allowed to sell able, by these languages, to reach all Scriptures in the large and influential classes of the Mohammedans of Persia province of Azerbijan, where the larg- and Koordistan. Not only that, but est share of sales was usually made. they are purchased and carried home These circumstances, combined with to dwellers in Mghanistan, Beloochisthe constant animosity and vigilant tan, Turkestan, and even India. opposition to our colporteurs and the scarcity of ready money, have ham- It is a grand accomplishment and a pered the sales. Should the Armenian powerful agency in the evangelization bishops and priests withdraw their ob- of Mohammedans that the entire jections to the people purchasing the Scriptures have been translated, pub- Scriptures, and permit them to be lished, and circulated for years in the used in their schools, our sales would Arabic tongue, the sacred language of be greatly augmented; for they are all Moslems. abundantly able to purchase, and they are well supplied with schools. We The Arabic Bible and New Testahave been working to bring this about, ment are popular with the Moslem and some recent indications lead us to high ecclesiastics and clergy; for, behope that it will not be long before our ing in the sacred language, they al'e en<! will be accomplished. not suspected of reading the holy books of the Christians. If questioned ENCOURAGING FEATURES IN OUR WORK. what they are reading, they can re- ply, "the blessed Arabic tongue," and Among others might be mentioned then they read aloud a few verses in the number of Scriptures that are sNd confirmation of their statement. Our yearly to the Jews. It is true that colporteurs have sold Bibles in this most of these are copies of the Old language to some of the highest rank of Moslems, both clergy and nobility. I could mention some very interesting In concluding this paper, I append cases of this character, which it is not the resume of sales and grants for ten prudent to publish. years. The figures for 1889 are only All the converts 'from Islam to Christianity, whom I have met, at- approximately correct: tribute their conversion directly to the reading of the New Testament in The average number of men employed Persian, and not any human agency. annually ………. ~ •….. . . .. …. …… 25 Number of years spent by them…….. 170 " U miles (on horseback) tray· eled by your agent …….. 10,000 " " months spent on those jour· neys….. …. …. ……… 22 RESUME OF SALES AND GRANTS FOR TEN YEARS. GRANTS. SALES.
Bibles. Tests. Parts. TotaL Value. Bibles. Tests. Parts. TotaL Value.
From July 1880 to 2,114 1,921 4,488 $1,24800 50 285 402 737 151.00 end of 1881. .. .. . 453 2,129 1,755 4,308 1,069 12 47 265 394 706 149.40 2,178 2,363 5,026 1,295 48 58 185 240 483 127.85 F,?r 1882.. …….. 424 1,973 1,977 4,426 1,050 03 …2.9… ..1..7.3.. 236 ….4…3..8….. .1.0.6…2.5.. 1883………. 485 1,105 1,310 2,754 94090 1,549 2,974 4,852 …….. ……. . …… " 1884………. 476 1,023 1,625 2,844 1,311 98 . …… " 1885…… …. 339 2,464 2,129 5,004 384 36 1,500 1,870 3,625 87588 48 " 1886 ……… 329 1,225 15 ……… …9.0… ..1.7.1… ..3.0.9… ..6.4…0.0. , 1887. ……… 196 " 1888………. 411 " 1889………. 225 Total Sales in 10 years. .. ……… 3,368 16,035 17,924 37,327 $9,401 50 232 Total Grants in 10 998 1,448 2,637 $598.50 years… … ….. 232 998 1,443 2,637 59850 Total circulation, 10 years….. '" 3,600 17,033 19.367 40,000 $10,000 00 [NOTE: The above paper was read before International Missionary Union, 1890.-J. T. G.] Missions to the Native Mexican Races. and saving power of the Lord Jesus than their ancestors knew in the old REV.WH. P.F. FERGUSON, BANGAL, N.Y. days when the Aztec altars were piled with human hearts. I showed, in my former paper (see What prospects are there for their MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, Christianization under present meth- ods? March, '90, p. 218) that there are today in Mexico, out of a total popula- The Roman Church has given them tion of less than 12,000,000, nearly all that it ever can.. They have the 4,000,000 who speak some one of the rosary, the crucifix, holy watermany ancient languages. In other pretty idols, compared with the fiendwords, to-day, after 370 years of the ascendency of Spanish blood, one- ish representations of the old Aztec third of the nation still use the lan- divinities; but only idols, and Rome's guages of their fathers, hands hold no better gifts.
In regard to these peoples I shall The Protestant missions' now at raise a series of questions and suggest work in the country have not, as yet, such answers as are in accord with attempted any very considerable work my conception of the facts: among the indigenes, not can they in the near future. Given the money Have these people been Christian- and the men, and to·day, in parts of ized? the Republic already under the eye of the missionary, 100 workers could be I might give a very extended an- placed in Spanish-speaking towns and swer. I might array facts and pile cities of from 1,000 to 10,000 inhabitup quotations to show you their con- ants where there is now no teacher of the Gospel and where good and sucdition. i refrain, and, with full real- cessful work could be entered upon at izationof the sad import of the words, sum up the condition of the native Mexicans to-day, in the one statement, that they know no more of the love <lnce. It is to be expected, and is To say nothing as to the ability of right, that these missions should ex- native workers to create a Christian pend their slowly increasing force literature of which I shall speak, none upon this work, lying right before of the missions at work in Mexico them and for which they are prepared. have as yet succeeded in training any It will be many years, in the probable considerable number of native minis- -course of events, before any of our mis- ters who would be considered by those sions can offer the Gospel to even the who best know them, as competent to greater part of these ancient peoples. manage the affairs of a mission with- out the constant supervision of the It seems to me, then, not in the least foreign missionary, and, besides, they unreasonable to urge the establish- are, with a few possible exceptions, as ment of special missions among the ignorant of the native languages as native Mexican races. At this day are foreigners. Some boys and girls missions are being founded among in our mission schools, and a few wasted tribes that contain only a few young men employed in the "supply" thousand, or even only a few hun- work would be available as interpre- -<Ired souls, and shall we neglect these ters, but I need not draw upon my peoples who, remnants though they own slender experience to show to .are, still are counted by hundreds of anyone who has ever been obliged to thousands and even by millions? Their work by such agencies that such work romantic history, the remains of their is often worse than unsatisfactory. .ancient greatness, their manifest and And I believe that the best results can' admirable qualities of mind and heart, never be attained by it. The bearer and, above all, the love of our common of the Glad Tidings must come into Saviour impel us to the work of their personal contact with those to whom salvation. he is sent.
This leads me. to question: Can mis- Is there any reason why the Amerisions to the native races employ the can missionary should not go to these Spanish language as the means of peoples, leaming their languages and -communication? entering into their life as he does among other nations? I speak with the fact fully in mind that there are others whose observa- Some have expressed the belief that tion uponthis point has been far more the Mexican government would asextensive than my own, and thus sume an attitude toward any such more valuable; but, in my judg_ movement not unlike that of our govment, the answer to this question is, ernment toward the use of the native No. As well as I am able to judge, languages in the Indian schools. much less than half of the 4,000,000 of whom I speak, have any knowledge of This seems to me in the highest dethe Spanish, and the greater part of gree improbable. I would expect that these but very little. I have seen the government would rather look people living within six miles of one with favor upon anything that would <If the largest cities and gaining their tend to arouse a pride of race among living by selling garden produce in the indigenes, It must be remembered its streets, who could' scarcely under- that Mexicans to-day are fond of 13tand or 'use the Spanish language thinking of the Republic as the lineal enough to transact their business. To successor of the Aztec Empire. Many confine us to the Greek language for scholars would, too, I think, give a <lur religious instruction would be welcome to a missionary who should about a parallel. undertake the study of the ancient languages. It may next be inquired: What are the available resources among our va- Some, again, look upon such labor tive Protestants? as unnecessary, believing that the use of the native tongues is soon to cease. Scriptures and religious books, my I consider this also improbable. For 370 views would be as follows: The be- years the Spanish has had every advan- ginning already made by the publica- tage in Mexico, but has failed to dis- tion of the Aztec Luke, I look upon as place the native languages. To-day it is valuable, more because of the interest· itself growing weak. The day comes, I that it has attracted than for its prac- venture to predict,when, in the greater tical use, which must be slight because- part of Mexico it will be of no greater of its antiquated form. But if mission importance than isthe French language work is ever conducted among these to-day in some of our Southern States. people to any extent, a translation of It cannot be expected to do, in its de- the Scriptures into the languages used cadence, what it has failed to do in will be a necessity. Independent. its strength. So that I do not expect translation by each worker could not to see the native languages spoken by be thought of. If schools should be any very greatly less numbers until a established and the people taught to stronger than the Spanish race rules read their own language, which they in Mexico. cannot now do, the Bible would, of course, be put into their hands and Again, it is asked, if these lan- other Christian literature would be guages are capable of expressing the called into use. The teaching of the truths of the Gospel, and if they are native languages, would, however, de- not of so barbarous a character as to pend upon conditions not as yet fully be almost impossible of acquirement. understood.
Man speaks no language in which The facts which I have briefly he may not be told that "Jesus Christ stated warrant, it seems to me, the came into the world to save sinners." appeal and give promise of success. There is no linguistic impossibility to It may be, that some of the missions the successors of those upon whom now established can be so enlarged fell the baptism of tongues. And, and adapted as to include the most from what little study I have given urgent part of the needed work; but I the subject, I am of the opinion that a should expect better results from new man who has the courage and ability missions established either by the soto begin his study at the very basis cieties now engaged in Mexico, or by anew can master even the most diffi- others. If each would confine itself cult of these in about the average to one nation, or, at least, if the work time required to master other foreign could be so adjusted as toavoid waste, languages. and conflict of forces, much could be accomplished in a short time, while The existence of numerous dialects the less numerous tribes would furnish is also urged as an insurmountable fields of labor for societies of limited obstacle. We are told that even a resources. slight change of location among people of the same race would render Conceeding the possibility that some useless the study of years. I question of my condusions may not be well if this obstacle is not very much over- founded, and doubting at the same rated. I believe that missionary his- time if data are yet at hand for a pertory will show many instances of fect judgment of the case; I would greater difficulties of this character urge that the first step should be an overcome elsewhere. And, it is to be exploration with a view to discoverremembered that the introduction of ing accurately such points as, to what missionary work in the languages will extent these peoples are dependent strongly tend to remove the differences upon the native languages, to just – of dialects. what extent the more important of them are divided by dialects, and If we shall raise here the question of the necessity of translating the what is the present prospect for their interest to remember that the mission- survival. Attention should also be ary living among these peoples, mak- given to the disposition of the people ingan intelligent studyof theirlife and toward the Roman Church, their wil- language, would doubtless encounter lingness, or otherwise, to receive in- many facts, and would give light upon struction and other things that would that most perplexing problem, the aid in the selection of fields of labor history and origin of American races. among-them. If those who were ex- pected to become the missionaries This work is a duty to someone; is should make this exploration (and this it not to us? How can the Protestant would be desirable), a good beginning Christianity of the United States be should be made toward a mastering blameless if it fail to preach the true of the native languages. Gospel to these dying millions, who, right at our doors, have been for cen- The outfit for such an expedition turies cursed with a false faith ? When need not be very expensive and. the we stand before the judgment throne total cost of a year's work could be will not we hear the question, "Where more than met by the literary pro- is thy Mexican brother?" Shall we ceeds. This part of the work might be answer, "Lord,we left him in his filth entered upon at once and would do and ignorance and vice." Or shall we much to arouse an interest in the sub- answer, "Lord, we told him of the ject and make further advance pos- blood that cleanseth, we brought to sible. In fact, I believe that it must be his dark mind the knowledge of Thy done and that, too, by private effort, be dying love, we showed to him 'the fore any organization will move to the Lamb of God that taketh ..way the work of planting a miSflion. sins of the world,' and here, Lord, he is, washed and redeemed, a jewel for Once in possession of the facts that Thy diadem." could thus be brought to light, some society, or it might be, some man of llnent the ~ec~ means whose heart God should touch, would, I trust, furnish the necessary BY REV. LEVI B. SALMANS. financial support for the opening of the work. The field chosen would Anglo-Saxons, as we are, and misprobably be remote from civilization sionaries, too, suddenly set down in and full of dangers. A small, care- the midst of a Latin people, we could fully selected and well-furnished force not fail to admire the Astec populashonld be sent to make a beginning and tion of the fastnesses of the Sierras. advance should be upon the lines de- They have never been conquered by veloped. It might prove that,under the force of arms, though the Latinized touch of Christianity, elements of the government, which has come to preold civlization would spring to life and vail throughout Mexico in a certain thus new peoples be brought into the way, has come into the power of ruler- "federation of the world." Or, it ship. Yet the Ancient Cacique is the might prove that all traces of the old organized ,power behind the throne. were but forms of dust to vanish at Nothing of importance can be done by that same potent touch. Then it the Mexican government in these would be the work of the missionary mountains except it be agreeable to to guide these peoples clear of the the leaders among the Indians, as we dangers of the present Spanish-Ameri- would call them, though they are as can civilization, and introduce them different from our Indians as the Japinto the better and purer form of life anese are from Chinamen, or French into which we are already trying to from English. I do not know whether lead their Spanish-speaking neighbors. these comparisons are just right or not, but the Astcc was a semi-civil- It cannot fail to add a thought of ized race, living in cities built of stoneand morta'!', and had laws and govern- than the inhabitants of the Sierra of ment, with arts and industries, and Pueblo, risen into prominence or fur- were by no means the wild savage nished political leaders in the national nomad, known as the Indian in the affairs of the past generation. United States. Bishop Hurst says: .. while the Spaniard conquered and On Board the "Taichiow," Two Days ruled for three hundred years in Mex- From Bangkok Siam. ico, and grafted upon the people his religion, laws and customs, the Mexi- August 30, 1890. can or Indian has at last conquered DEAR DR.GRACEy:-Am on my way the Spaniard, and taken possession of to my field of missionary labor, in the realm. More than this is true of Laos, and, in reading the July num- the Sierra of Pueblo. They were ber of THE REVIEW, 1 have been much never conquered at home, while they interested in an article headed "Meaided nobly in conquering and ex- chanic Missionaries," by Secretary pelling the Spaniard, and afterward Brown, of the International Commit- the Roman hielarchy. They formed tee of Y. M. C. A. the troops who saved the day on the The Church is waking up to the great fifth of May, 1862, at Pueblo, grand importance of utilizing its lay and on many another fiercely fought element, though slowly. Themechanic battlefield. They hold their land in missionary comes in contact with a severalty, and live largely on their class of people, the very bone and land, rather than in villages. The sinew of a country, unreachable by personal independence of the Anglo- either the ordained or the medical Saxon largely. characterizes them. missionary. The rank and ,file of an They are fierce in war, while at the army could not be made up of colonels Bame time they are very mild-man- and generals. Private soldiers do the nered in peaceful intercourse. Ro- fighting directed by their officers. manism destroys the individual and Why should not the Church carry on builds up the institution. When Pro- her work both at home and abroad on testant evangelism seeks in the midst the same plan? -of a Roman civilization for individuals Secretary Brown speaks of an extento convert, who, after being converted, sive movement to establish one or more will have independence and individu- Christian undenominational schools ality enough to become useful evan- of technology, to fit men to become gelists and leaders among their people teachers of the trades and first-class against the odds of sin, conservatism, mechanics, and at the same time to and feudal inequality, it rejoices the enlist and prepare them for personal heart to find such a people as these in work in winning souls. This is a the Sierra. It is true they are not laudable undertaking, and ought to .nearly so highly civilized as the people have the hearty support of the entire in the cities of Mexico, but they are in Church. But it will, necessarily, be sympathy with the country and the some time before these institutions country is in sympathy with them, can be in readiness for students, and and they belong to the race that is on then some time before these students the top at this time; and when we get will be ready to be sent to work. Let them converted we will have a most us call attention to the fact that you valuable evangelizingagency. Nearly have just such a school in your midst. -one-half of the whole population of Park College, Parkville, Mo., has for Mexico still speak their original fifteen years been sending its trained tongues, and maintain, to a greater or men, and women, too, into all parts less degree, their original customs. of the home field (1 am writing as an Among these none have, more notably American), and into many foreign countries. There is this difference be- hundreds of her sons pleading to be tween this college and those proposed fitted to carry the Gospel to all lands?
by Mr. Brown: its distinctive work is ROBERT IRWIN.
the training of Christian workers for M. Henri Lutteroth, who died personal Christian work. The study February 12, 1889, was the last surof the Bible and the inculcation of viving founder of that lamp shining, personal piety are first; then the col- we will not say amid darkness, but lege work proper leading up to the de- certainly among vapors, the Societe gree of A. B., and lastly, the manual des Missions Evangeliques de Paris. training, embracing nearly all the Speaking of him, the Journal says: trades. " Our work has never had greater This would seem to be the natural need than at the present hour of colorder, and an argument in its favor laborators of this stamp, knowing how is the great success Park College has to place at its service the intensity of had. Everyone of our hundred and piety and of zeal together with all the twenty-five graduates is actively en- distinctions of culture and of knowlgaged in Christian work, besides a edge. Never, in fact, has the amount. great many who were unable to of labor imposed on the committee graduate. There is a practical advan- been more considerable than during tage in their mechanical department. this year." Nothing is done simply to show how it is done, but because it is necessary. The Moravian Church, which first The institution depends largely on the sent a missionary to the south of work ,of its students. They quarry Africa, in 1737, and which has a flourthe stone, mould the brick, burn the ishing work in Cape Colony and the lime, cut the logs, saw the lumber, neighboring lands, now proposes t() and build their houses; they cultivate join the ranks of those who are seekand tend large gardens and a farm of ing the evangelization of the equaseveral hundreds of acres; raise cattle, torial regions. A mission has been sheep and hogs; make wagons, repair projected, under the protection of the implements, shoe horses, and do the German government, for that part of one-thousand-and-one other things the German zone of eastern Africa necessary on a large industrial estab- adjoining the northern and northlishment. There are now over three eastern shores of Lake Nyassa. The hundred students in attendance, and two pioneers of this newest Moravian' hundreds are refused admittance mission, Theodore Meyer and Theaevery year just because there is no phile Richard, will shortly set out for room. If now there are those who the sphere of their future labors. want the mechanic missionary training, proposed by.Secretary Brown, J. TAYLOR HAMILTON, they need not wait until several other Secretary of the Societyfor the Propainstitutions are equipped. Let twenty gation of the Gospel, Bethlehem, Pa.
such be built at once, they will not be A Waldensian church-edifice, hold- too many; but let the Church use, to ing four hundred, has been opened its utmost capacity, that one now in by Cav. Dr. Prochet in Vittoria, a existence. The foreign field is calling Sicilian town with a population of for men. It is the loud cry from the 25,000. The church was so full that north and the south and the west and Dr. Prochet could scarcely reach the the east and from all over the home pulpit. After sermon seven catechu- field. Shall the Church hear the cry mens were admitted, and the crowd, and withhold what is in her power to inside and out, was so much interested give-viz: facilities for training Chris- and excited that the municipal guards tion workers, and oppo~nities to the had to disperse it.
ii2 EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS
1II.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
Editorial Prospectus for 1891. eluding notes by the editor on various The editor cordially salutes his read- topics and books of a mISSIOnary ers with the best wishes of the New character, and editorial correspon- Year. Notwithstanding the decease dence. of the associate editor, no material change will be needful either in the IV. The Department of Intelligence, character or contents of THE MISSION- including the Monthly Concert, Gen- ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD. The eral Items of Information, Statistics editor-in-chief will be aided by the and Monthly Bulletin. prolific and graceful pen of the Rev. J. T. Gracey, D.D., president of the The editor will spare no pains, and International Missionary Union, under the publishers no expense, in securing whose sagacious control it is hoped from the ablest sources whatever will that the International Department enrich the columns of this magazine. IDay supply to our readers even richer We hope to make it indispensable to stores of missionary information and every minister and missionary, theoinspiration. The Rev. A. J. Gordon, logical student or friend of human D.D., of Boston, whose praise is in all weal. We have planted our standard the churches, will act as a regular on a level higher than any denomina. editorial contributor, and we can tional platform, and shall seek to think of no man in this country whose unite all true disciples of Christ in a words will be read with more interest new crusade against all the powers of and profit. darkness, and in favor of a speedy Beside this editorial staff we shall and universal proclamation of the be aided by a large and able body of Gospel. Once more we ask the prayer. editorial correspondents and contribu- ful and sympathetic co-operation of tors, and no pains will be spared to every Christian, and invoke, upon this secure the best talent and the most sincere and unselfish endeavor, the consecrated piety in the service of this blessing of the Master of us all! REVIEW. These pages will be devoted to the discussion of all the great ques- The editor would add a special word tions connectedwith the spread of the to contrlbutors of articles intended Gospel both at home and abroad, and for publication. So great is the influx will be open to the advocacy of every of unsolicited manuscripts already cause or IDeasure which is linked becoming that even the reading of with human well-being, and to the them has been almost impossible. Of impartial and critical investigation of course, preference will be given to papers which have been solicited; but those who desire to send manuscripts all forms of philanthropic and Chris- would ordinarily do wisely, before tian endeavor. sending, to inform the editor of such intention, state the topic, and inquire It will be observed that, in the whether they are likely to be used. interests of greater unity and sim- The editor begs to say, also, that the plicity of arrangement, we have but qualities of brevity, directness, and, four main departments: especially, freshness of matter and pertinency to the great qUj*ltions of I. The Literature of Missions, in- missions, will give particular value to cluding papers pertaining to general contributed matter. We cannot undertopics, translations from foreign peri- take to return rejected manuscripts odicals, etc. unless stamps for that purpose are enclosed with them when forwarded II. The International Department, to us. Any recent and well accredited under the efficient conduct of Dr. Gracey.
III. The Editorial Department, inintelligence from any part of the field tional interest, and at Cleveland, Ohio, will be especially valued, and all the evening meeting held in Music accepted articles will be paid for so far Hall numbered, probably, 4,000 peras the limited resources of the REVIEW sons. Some very beautiful examples allow. Manuscripts, written in a clear of the power of consecrated mission_ and legible hand, and not obscured by ary-spirited pastors to mould their corrections, interlineations and other congregations into missionary helper, blemishes, are also more likely both to and to stimulate systematic and cheerbereadandaccepted. Wehaveattimes ful giving, have been found. As in been compelled to cast aside a manu- Great Britain, there have been many :script because it was neither possible gifts of jewelry, etc., showing how for the editor to read it, nor the printer God is leading His people to sacrifice <correctly to put it in type. Special superfluities for Him. A gold pen pains should be taken by writers to with pearl handle, a seal ring, two make proper names correct and plain, solid gold chains, a society badge, a and statistics accurate and unmis- pair of gold-mounted eye-glasses, etc., takable. No second article should be have been sent to me for missions. sent, ordinarily, until it is known that Large collections of money have, in the first is accepted. If the corres- several cases been made for the Board pondents will observe these sugges- of Missions. And the farther the tour tions and exercise due patience, the has reached the more abundant the editor will endeavor to see that there calls for service became. It was a is no just cause of complaint as to his curious coincidence that the very day part of the work. The burden of on which the last week-day appointeditorial duties and responsibilities is ment was fulfilled, was the day on excessively onerous, but the constant which the co-editor, Dr. Sherwood, endeavor will be to deal courteously, departed for the Better Country! In promptly and impartially by all con- any case that death would have made tributors and correspondents. further engagements, to any consider- able extent impracticable, as it im- Since arriving in this country, in posed double duty on the survivor. June last, the Editor has been making But no impression is stronger as left a brief tour of the churches in the by these four months of contact with great centres, mostly east of Chicago, the churches, than this, that the best in the interests of missions, and with agent a mission board can have, is results most gratifying and encourag- simply an unselfish missionary-spiriting. Boston, Northfield, and Green- ed, well-informed pastor, who keeps field, Mass.; Willimantic, Conn.; Ger- the vital interests of the world-field mantown, and Pittsburgh, Penn.; Al- constantly before his people. We bany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, never once struck an apathetic church Buffalo, Lockport, Binghamton, and where there was a man in the pulpit Elmira, N. Y.; Montclair, Newark who was full of passion for souls. and Camden, N. J.; Baltimore, Md.; Youngstown and Cleveland, 0.; Lan- Are Mission Oonverts a Failure? sing and Detroit, Mich.; Indianapolis, In The Ohurch of Scotland Mission Ind.; and Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, Record of May and October, 1890, Dr. and Chicago, Ills., have been among the places comprehended in this hur- Archibald Turnbull, B.D., of the Darried tour. Almost without exception jeeling Mission, writes on the above the audiences have been large and the topic. The author is abundantly able interest manifested unusually intense. to discuss the subject. He is one of the At Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, El- ablest and most accomplished missionmira, the gatherings were of excep- aries in the field and his labors have been remarkably successflK. The A. Beautiful Epitaph.
work begun by Rev. McFarlane, in The most interesting specimen of an 1870, yielded to his prayers and labors, epitaph is one to be seen in a pretty but little apparent fruit, for some church, in Aneityum, one of the Loy- years. When Mr. Turnbull first joined alty Islands, or New Hebrides. It is the Mission, in 1880, there were some a tablet erected by the grateful natives hundreds of converts; and Mr. McFar- to their missionary, John Geddie. On lane, having been called to his rest, this tablet is inscribed, in their lan- Mr. Turnbull is now at the head of guage, the following: the mission, which has branched out When he landed, into three divisions, each headed by in 1848, able and devoted missionaries. Considerably over a thousand baptized there were no Christians here, and when he left, in 1872, Christians are now in communion with there were no heathen. it. Professor Lindsay, convener of On almost any island within 2,00<1' the Free Church Foreign Mission, who miles of the shores of Tahiti, in any recently visited India, has described direction, a similar tablet might be this Darjeering Mission, as the "best erected, as an expression of the results mission he had seen in India." When of the twenty-two years' work, besuch a man as Mr. Turnbull, with tween 1817 and 1839-the epoch of such a large experience, tells what he John Williams-and yet, "missions has seen of converts, his opinion can- are a failure! "
not but be of great value, and by per- A Practical Cure for Scepticism. mission of our beloved friend, Rev.
Thos. Nicol, B.D., the editor of The In the life of Dr. Fleming Stevenson Ohurch of Scotland Record, we pro- we find an interesting commentary on pose to give our readers hereafter, at the words, "He that doeth my will least, some portions of Mr. Turnbull's shall know of the doctrine." At one valuable testimony. He proves, to a time his mind was in a somewhat certainty, that the Gospel is the unsettled state regarding some ele- power of God unto salvation, even in ments of the creed in which he had India. been brought up, to which he clung with loyal reverence. Itwas by plung- Rabinowitch, the Hungarian Jew- ing into practical mission work that ish Rabbi, who, a few years since pub- light was to come to him upon these licly conf03ssed Jesus as the Messiah, thorny points of theology.
and led out a new body of Jewish be- This reminds us of what Shaftesbury lievers, adheres to his faith and used to say to young men: preaches to great crowds. A new, ,,Nothing is more likely to keep you large hall, called after the great evan- from mischief of all kinds-from mis- gelist of the Free Church of Scotland, chief of action, of speculation-from the Somerville Memorial Hall, is to every mischief that you can devise, be opened soon. We look with the than to be everlastingly engaged in intensest interest upon the new some great practical work of good.
movement, known as the "Israelites Christianity is not a state of opinion of the New Covenant," and bless God and speCUlation. Christianity is essen- for the Hebrew New Testament trans- tially practical, and I will maintain lated by Dr. Delitzsch, and for the this, that practical Christianity is the sermons and addresses of such men greatest curer of corrupt speculative as Rabinowitz, David Baron, Wilkin- Christianity. No man, depend upon son of Mildmay and a host of others it, can persist from the beginning of Who are taking the warmest interest his life to the end of it in a course of in the conversion of the Jews. self-denial, in a course of generosity.. in a course of virtue, in a course of ing service, go first to gather in and piety, and in a course of prayer, un- teach the poor neglected children in less he draw~ from his wellspring, un- the afternoon, then hold a yoke-felless he is drawing from the fountain lows' prayer-meeting and take supper of our Lord Himself. Therefore, I together at their humble place of meetsay to you again, and again, let your ing; and who then go out for an hour, walk the streets, and personally invite Ohristianity be practical." * to service those whom they find. And then, at eight o'clock, they go to their To all of which the writer adds his meeting-hall, or tent, and, in their confirmatory witness that never, since simple way, preach, simply as laymen, the taking up in dead earnest the work and hold after-meetings for inquiry. of a world's evangelization, have speculative doubts harrassed the mind.
As to churches and missions, I think The Ritualism, which is more and their true relations to each other are more obtruding itself upon observation very simply defined. The church is in the Anglican Church, and in some both a rallying and a radiating point. of the High-Church services of this We are to come there to be fed and go country, is compelling some who have from there to feed others. GenerallyI been zealous champions of the Episcomake my morning service especially a pal Church, to look with alarm on the encroachments of a latent Romanism feeding time for Christian swubosrtkaenrcs~ .that is rapidly becoming patent. If when I try to bring out the of the Word-the promises, the ways these things go on, they will compel a of serving, the motives of true work withdrawal of those who cannot felfor God, the preparations of prayer, lowship these semi-Papal practices. etc.-whatever helps to qualify any Take these two examples: Canon Scott mHogllhaI.nSds,eirnmSont., Preafuelr'srinCgatthoetdhreald' edautrh- . disciple for holy living and unselfish serving. Then I am glad to have my Christian workers go out after that of the late Canon Liddon, thus solicitmorning service to preach and teach ed prayers on his behalf: "Pray for that sermon and that Gogpel else- him-for his refreshment, for his ilwhere, and am quite willing to have lumination, for his eternal repose." their places empty at the second service Praying for the dead finds no warrant that they may go and hold little evan- in Scripture; it is a Romish practice gelistic meetings, cottage meetings, that ought to receive no countenance prayer services, etc., where they may from Protestants. A service, which was, to say the get at the non-church gael's. I do not least, novel, was held lately in that believe in Christians feeding without same Cathedral. It was styled a "Serworking. "If any man will not work vice of Reconciliation." In Septemneither shall he eat." Activity for ber last, during public worship, one souls prevents spiritual dyspepsia. It Sabbath morning, a stranger suddenly is the exercise needful to carry off the drew a pistol a.nd shot himself, and food into normal channels and assimi- I?hortly died within the sacred struclate it to our constitutional wants. I ture. Having no precedents to folcannot understand how any man can low, after much consultation, the dean be jealous of his workers going out to ' and chaplain formally requested the carry the Gospel and leaving an empty Bishop of London, in the exercise of place half a day for some one else to his Episcopal authority, "to declare fill who needs the Gospel far more. I the said Oathedral church exempt and have had a band of such young men, reconciled from all canonical impediespecially, for years, who, after morn- ment, and from everyprofanation con- * Hodder's Life of Shaftesbury, 1: 328. tracted and incurred by or through the aforesaid acts of suicideand blood-let- all thatoffends refined taste, the Salva- ting, forever." Hence this "Service tion Army compels recognition by of Reconciliation" on the 14th of Oc- downright earnestness and heroic self- tober. The London Times, with a denial. One of the most conservative tone bordering on contempt, asks why, ministers of the Presbyterian body, in if the great temple was "polluted" by a recent visit to London, went re- the crime, services were not entirely peatedly to the army meetings, and, suspended-why the altar was not after careful investigation, declares dismantled, and the edifice closed un- himself wonderfully impressed with til the profanation could be removed· the evidences of God's presence and by a "reconciling service?" Others power.
ask, why the freak of a sensational Shortly before his death Canon suicide, should be considered as "pol- Liddon went to one of the Salvation luting" a sacred edifice. Army meetings in London. As' he was returning with a friend, he said: General Booth gives to the world "It fills one with shame! I feel his new contribution to the great guilty when I think of myself! To problem of how to take care of the think of these poor people, with their unhoused, unfed poor of London, imperfect grasp of the truth! And yet almost at the same time that his wife's what a contrast between what they do body is borne to burial. and what we are doing! When I Her funeral was one of the most compare all the advantages we enjoy, impressive events of modern social we who possess the whole body of history. Whatever we may think of truth, and see how little use we make the Salvation Army, it is one of the of it, how little effect we produce com- most remarkable developments of our pared with that which was palpable time. Its genesis is recent-it began at that meeting, I take shame to my- in the year 1865, and kept its" Silver self. I did not like the women speak- Jubilee" in 1890. A quarter of a cen- ing, however. You know I have the tury ago William Booth resigned his misfortune to agree with the Apostle post as a'Methodist minister, New Con- Paul on that question. "
nection, and began his "Christian And now, Mrs. Booth, after long ~fission," thirteen years later called and acute suffering, has died, and the the" Salvation Army." day of her funeral, though raw, foggy, After this quarter century, this dismal, the procession numbered Salvation Army, at whose members probably 50,000 people, and the streets and methods the world and the were densely thronged with spectators.
Church sneered, now has its banners At the head of the marching columns flying in thirty-four countries or colo- were the 5,000 officers of the army, nies, boasts 10,000 men and women men and women, marshaled in fifteen wholly given up to its work, holds battalions. Each battalion carried a 50,000 religious meetings weekly, flag, some of them a number,of flags, which are attended .by millions of generally of white, with inscriptions hitherto neglected and outcast people. in colored letters, such as "Love one It has, moreover, twenty-seven weekly Another," " Save your Soul," " Believe newspapers, of which about 31,000,000 in God," and one especially striking copies are sold in the streets, saloons, flag bearing the words, "Mother of etc. It has accumulated nearly $4,000,- the Salvation Army." The coffin was 000 worth of property, and its rentals carried on an open hearse, and bore for meeting-places reaches $1,000,000 no emblems beyond Mrs. Booth's a year, while it has a total income of bonnet and cloak, and the flag of the between three and four millions. army, according to her earnest desire Despite all ita sensational methods, for simplicity in funeral reform. Even the London Times lends two or the individual statements and >()olumns to a detailed description of propositions of this book, in common the event, and the Methodist Times with thousands of the best men and describes Mrs. Booth as " the greatest women on both sides of the sea, we Methodist woman of her generation." heartily wish General Booth success. No one who has read the little volume of her addresses, known as " Aggres- Canon Farrar, on November 9, sive Christianity," will doubt her preached a sermon on this philan- })ower. thropic scheme, and even the great Abbey would not hold the crowds that And now, almost simultaneous with thronged to hear it. He had, the her death, General Booth issues his week before, made a tour of the army book, inscribed to her memory: "In centres, and was so impressed that he Darkest England, and the Way Out." made a fervent and impassioned We have read it with profound in- appeal in behalf of the proposed plan, terest, and we find ourselves very far while he disclaimed any authority to from being disposed to ridicule or dis- represent anyone but himself. regard its practical suggestions. From a somewhat extended study of the Those who wish to get the substance practical methods of the Salvation of General Booth's scheme may find a Army, especially in Great Britain, we l·ecapitulation of it in Chapter VII, were compelled to admit that, more Section 5. Some of the most pious than all the churches put together, this and philanthropic of British Chrisunique organization is bringing relief tians are coming forward with liberal to the unfed, unhoused and uncared contributions toward the $5,000,000 for masses of the great cities of for which General Booth appeals, as Britain. the financial' basis of his plan. So awful and so widespread is the degra- General Booth's book is a bold dation and destitution of this "sub- ~ttempt to solve the most perplexing merged tenth" of Britain's population, <>f social problems. His plan is a that we rejoice at any honest attempt mere expansion of that which on no to relieve and remove another of the small scale is in actual operation in open sores of the world. Let the new the Salvation Army ~ntres in London. project have at least a fair trial. He proposes a scheme of three colonies -a town, a country, and an over-the- The following is from the son of the sea colony. Cheap food depots, advice editor, studying this winter in Edinbureau, labor shops, a household sal- burgh, Scotland: vage brigade; the gathering of what would be wasted otherwise, and its " After tea we went to the univerutilization as food for human beings sity to hear Professor Drummond on and for animals, or for various pur- , Christian Evolution.' He dwelt par- })oses of manufacture. He proposes ticularly on the progress of missions to exact a reasonable amount of work and their condition and work, as he from colonists and to pay reasonable had noticed it in his recent trip around wages, so that there may be no en- the world. The lecture was a fine one couragement of paupers; to help out- in every particular, and he seemed to cast and criminal classes to a better be thoroughly in sympathy with the life; to help those who are disposed missionary movement; to have obto help themselves; to maintain whole- served keenly on the subject in his some discipline, and afford religious tour; and he urged all to consider care- {lulture without compulsion. Those fully if their lives could not be best who would know details must read his used for Christ in the foreign field. book. Without giving endorsement He lamented the fact that there seemed to the peculiar methods of the army, to be so much misdirected effort by well-meaning Christian missionaries, because the problem of missions, in Here is another, enclosing a gold. connection with the special countries pen with a pearl handle: in which they worked, was not more thoroughly studied and understood. Sabbath Morning, Oct. 5,1890. He contrasted Australia and the South Sea Islands, Japan and China, espec- DEAR DR. PIERSON: ially, as presenting entirely different kinds of fields, which were to be sown This gold pen was a Christmas gift. with the same seed but in different It has a sad story. It has nev!'r been ways, according to the nature of the used-it has lain idle ten years. May ground, and growth already planted the dear Lord now use it in some way there. One thing he said about Japan so as best to tell of the "Peace on was pretty well put-Japan is ready earth and good will from heaven for anything new and European; she toward men." has taken from France a system of law; from Germany an organization ONE OF YOUR HEARERS. for an army; from England a navy; from America a public school system; The American Missionary Associafrom' the civilized world in general a tion has 500 missionaries. Among fine system of railways and electric the Indian children they have entelegraph, etc. At present she is in couraged unselfish efforts to help in the unique position of prospecting for carrying the Gospel to the destitute a religion. There are, too, on the and unevangelized. But the children islands many missionaries prospecting had no money. Some of them had for converts: they include Episcopal- never seen a copper coin. The governians of every degree of height, Presby- meNt had offered premiums for the terians of every degree of breadth, and killing of gophers, and so the boys Methodists of every degree of warmth. would hunt the gophers and bring Roman Catholics are practically out of their tails in as proof of the work the race. done. Among other contributions was an enclosure, wrapping a gopher's tail " It was a thoroughly good lecture, within, and bearing this memoranand I would like to have it in print. dum: "Richard Fox, one gopher's tail: four cents." "DELAVAN L. PIERSON." One old colored saint in the far South Latterly, the editor has been making used to pray with great fervor for the a short tour of the great cities in the missionaries, and this was one prayer interest of missions. Among numer- heard from his lips: "Oh, Lord, let ous letters received by him, the follow- de missionary down deep into de treasing will suggest their own lesson: ures of de Word, and hide him behind de Cross of Jesus." For whom might DR. PIERSON: not that prayer well be offered?
Dear Sir-Enclosed please find four While Christianity makes us more dollars and ten cents, a small sum that and more tenderly considerate even of I had intended to use toward a society the welfare of the most distant and pin, but if the Master can use it for destitute of the race, sin makes IlUtelling the good story in the lands of man beings more callous eve:n to the darkness I dare not keep it for my own most appalling misery close at hand. pleasure. We have all heard of that notorious gambling resort on the Gulf of Genoa, I would that it were more than Monte Carlo, and of the wretched and it is. summary life-ending of many who have thrown away their means in its May God, our Master, bless you in elegantly-furnished halls. Very lately the work you are doing for Him, is it was reported that during ten weeks the prayer of a college girl. of this year as many as forty-nine E – College, Oct. 6, 1890. suicides had occurred there. "Every before the introduction of Christianity. night," says The Christian, of Boston, All interested in South Sea missions "'the grounds are carefully searched should procure it. It especially com- by the police after the casino is closed. mends itself for brevity. Other vol- Dne man drags a covered spring-cart, umes in this series, lives of Carey, the wheels of which have India-rubber Chalmers, Comber, Crowther, Morri- tires. When a body is found, for son, Patteson, Griffith John, etc., are which a reward is given, it is immedi- as readable as romances. Such vol- ately stripped of clothes and valu- umes can scarcely be multiplied in too ables, tftrust into the cart, and silently great abundance. hurried away and buried. Next morn- jng the sun shines again, the band The Success of Christian Missions, plays, saloons and tables are thronged, by Robert Young, F. R. S., G. S. In and people gamble as usual." this volume, Mr. Young has made a careful compilation of testimonies in New Books. favor of foreign missions in most heathen lands, similar to that of Mr. F. H. Revell has issued two more vol- Liggins. Personal, official and .pub- umes of the short biographies of mis- lic testimony to the value and influ- 'sionaries: Henry Martyn and Robert ence of the missionary operations of Moffat. If there are any better brief many societies is here gathered and biographical sketches for general nse preserved. For permanent reference, .as educators of the young, and as a and as an answer to the slurs and at- means of general stimulation to the tacks of adversaries, the book will be missionary spirit, we have not met always useful and should be at hand them anywhere. 'Within the compass in every well-stocked missionary ,of 160 pages, there is comprised a library as, in its way, an encyclopedia mass of information that is often di- of testimony. London: Hodder & .luted through three times the space. Stoughton. Cheap, thrilling, fascinating, these stories of missionary life combine the While we write, there just comes facts of heroism with the fancies of by mail from a dear personal friend, romance. They are very near to Dr. George Smith of Edinburgh, the ideals realized. We believe that few last book so far produced by his schol- will read one chapter without wanting arly and prolific pen. It is entitled A to read the whole, or read one of the Modern Apostle, and is the life of series, now embracing twelve, without Rev. Alex. N. Somerville, D.D., "the wanting to possess the entire series, world's evangelist." He was an ex- ,and give them away to others. We traordinary man, and we propose here- would like to give the series to every after to present an article upon young man and woman in every him to our readers. Suffice it to say Protestant congregation where Eng- that he thirteen times made a "world lish is spoken. The whole twelve may tour of missions;" viz.: to Canada, be had for $6, exclusive of postage I Syria, Spain, India, Australasia, France and Italy, Germany and Rus- The editor also cordially commends sia, Central Europe, Greece, Asia and to all readers the following books on Africa; and beside this was the able missions: James Calvert; or from and faithful pastor of one of the most Dark to Dawn in Fiji, by R. Vernon. prominent churches of Scotland. Here F. H. Revell, Bible House, New York. is a story of more than seventy-five 'This account of mission work, in what years, full of service and every form was once the cannibal group of Fijian of inspiration to heroic endeavor. – Islands, is rendered specially valuable Those who have read the lives of Carey, by its graphic account of native man- John Wilson of Bombay, Alexander .ners and customs as they were found Duff, Stephen Hislop, and that Short History of Christian missions which terestmg and valuable. One sees as. we have never seen equaled in its in a birdseye-view the steady and sure way, all of them by the same gifted advance of the Master's Kingdom, and author, will not need to be told that we rejoice. this latest volume from his pen, recently issued by John Murray of Lon- In the work of a missionary there don, is a book without which no min- is often much to disappoint. One has isters library is complete. It is one to sow in faith and labor in patience, of the grandest books that modern seeing no sign of a reaping-time. But biographers have offered to the public. when one reads of others who are al- ready rejoicing in the ingathering of Livingstonia Mission. an abundant harvest, he for a mo- ment forgets the plowing and sowing, [The following letter relol,ched Dr. the watering and waiting, and cannot Sherwood's home November 3d, too help sharing in their joy and the Maslate for his eyes to read it. Notwith- ter's. standing the personal references, the Another end gained by your REVIEW Editor feels that it belongs to the is that our hearts are enlarged and we begin to have a fore-taste of that readers of THE REVIEW.] glorious time for which our Saviour LAKE NYASSA. prayed: "That they may be one even as we are one. . . . that they may Mvera Station, May 11, 1890. be perfected in one, that the world DEAR BROTHER:-Were there the may know that Thou didst send Me." least doubt about the excellence and usefulness of your REVIEW, I With reference to the contents of should gladly give my testimony in THE REVIEW I have no suggestions to its favor. Let me merely mention make. What we in the field need is that, along with many thousands of an occasional inspiring article, one to, your readers, I most heartily enjoy rouse and encourage. To my mind and profit by it. Especially on a Sab- there is no pen so gifted, in this rebath afternoon or evening, after sev- spect, as that of Dr. A. T. Pierson. eral services and two Bible-classes, Let us be urged to prayer, patience, feeling somewhat tired, it is with personal devotion to Christ, to faith great pleasure that I take up THE and faithfulness. "Ve know these MISSIONARY REVIEW and read it things but do not realize them. through, I may literally say, from beginning to end. Even though the As many of us are unable to have "news" is from four to five months large libraries, a summary of the biold when it reaches us, we, neverthe- ography of some missionary hero (as less, eagerly look forward to each fol- has appeared of Carey, Egede, etc.), is, lowing number. always most acceptable, or even an I have, of late especially, enjoyed episode from such a man's life, or his an article in the number for Septem- views on any important missionary ber, 1890, on "Prayer-Basis of Mission subject. And why not pubhsh a whole Work," by Dr. Pierson. I have read biography, continued in several numand re-read it, and read it to my com- bers ?" panions, and each time I feel more than ever that "the whole basis of suc- As regards my own work Ishall not cessful missionary work is to befound say much. At this present station we in believing and importunate prayer." have been at work for only about six These words should be written in let- months. The work is much the same ters of gold on the tablets of our- here as on other stations round the memory. lake. Weare 3,400 feet above the sea The items of news you give from in a healthy and fertile country. A various fields of labor are most in- great door has been opened to us. The work is becoming more and more, interesting. Some 500 to 600 people simply as a way of introducing the hear the Word preached every Sabbath letter. Mr. Baldwin will be remem- day. In the school, however, we bered as the writer of the papers in have as yet only some twelve boys- The Christian (London), on "The boarders. People are afraid to send Question of the Hour," advocating the their children lest, having secured a conduct of missions on the lines laid good number, we should run off and down in Matthew x.
sell them as slaves! This fear, will, of Without giving our endorsement to course, pass away in course of time. every sentiment of Mr. Baldwin in Should you care to publish any part those letters, we confess to a large of this letter and any discouraged measure of sympathy with his general worker happens to read it, let me position. And we cannot but feel that stretch out to such an one a brotherly when any missionary in these days hand, and say, "Courage, friend! the attempts a work for God in the spirit Master is looking on and is intensely of faith and prayer, it is not for other interested in our work; let us press on, Christianworkers toridiculeor criticise if not so ably as others, then at least or oppose. There are many ways of as faithfully. Let us often prostrate doing the Lord's work. Why not let ourselves before the 'WondroUB Cross,' them all have a fair, faithful trial?
and in deep self-abasement and lowly Experiment will show whether God reverence, there learn to be' nothing, is with such methods; but the ex- nothing,' that the world might our periment must not be embarrassed Saviour see. When weary let us rest with the secret or open hostility of at His feet; when sad, lean on His even nominal disciples. Mr. Baldwin's breast. Let us drown our cares and personal consecration not even his worries in the ocean of His love, and critics can question. He is about to we shall not sow in vain, but receive start on a prolonged journey, with a the sower's reward." single companion, probably among the Bedouin. May God be with him!
Itis because I so often feel the need of encouragement myself that I am seek- Rev. Dr. Wayland Hoyt, his brother, Colgate Hoyt, and Charles L. Colby, ing to encourage others to-llfght, for Esq., have been preparing a" chapel the Master bas been very near to-day car," for use in Minnesota and on the and wonderfully kind. My subject of Wisconsin Central and Northern to-day, "My son, give me thy heart," Pacific railroads. ' , Uncle Boston" is has touched my own heart. to use this chapel-on-wheels for his I cannot ask your readers to pray Sunday-school mission work, and it is for us and our work specially; there finely adapted to his purposes. Atone are others who have probably a end are arrangements for living, and greater right to their prayers and the rest of the car is a chapel fitted thought; but let me urge all who pray for about 100 persons. During summer for missions to more "believing and months a tent will be carried, which importunate prayer," and we also can be set up for temporary use where shall receive our share of the blessing. crowds are too great for the chapel. Bishop Walker, of the Episcopal ANDREW C. MURRAY. Church, has done a like thing for the territory under his jurisdiction, in The Rev. E. F. Baldwin, now in North Dakota. Each of these moving Beyrout, Syria, desires it stated that chapels is about 60 feet by 10. The latter has gothic projections to give it the letterin the October number, 1890, a church-like appearance, and is finpages 776,777, was not a specific letter ished in oak, in gothic style,. with for THE REVIEW, although Dr. Sher- . chancel, altar, lectern, cabinet organ, wood so understood it at the time, but and even baptismal font and bishop's a circular sent to THE REVIEW. The chair. Weare surely making pro- adch'ess, "Dear Editors" was affixed grE'ss!
THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
IV.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
[EDITORIAL. ] Faots and Figures about the World-wide Field.
-.Alaska's coast is the sepulchre 40,000,000 were called Protestant; now, of ships. Dr. Sheldon Jackson says the population is more than double, that almost a hundred vessels have and the nominal Protestants more found a watery gra,e there within than quadrupled!
twenty years! In one storm, and atone -The first convertamongthe natives place, thirty-three ships were ground of India was Krishna Chundra Pal between ice-fields, and 1,200 sailors in 1800. Renry Martyn said it was a cast, wrecked, on a barren shore. miracle as great as the raising of the -According to the census of 1890, dead. Now, every ten years the con- the population of the Unite9. States is verts increase over eighty per cent.
62,480,540. It seems to us that this is The first convert in western Poly- an underestimate; we have supposed nesia was King Pomare II.; now there 66,000,000 nearer the actual truth. are 850,000, and all western Poly- -A Messianic pretender appears in nesia is evangelized.
an Indian tribe. He claims that the -Up to 1853, the Edict Board of Indian power and prestige is to revive Japan made it capital offence for a and the lost ground be recovered. If Christian to set foot on the island this notion gets hold of the mercurial empire. Now, there are 30,000 pro- red men no one can tell what may fessed converts and 17,000 children in come of it: they may attempt to ex- Sunday-schools. One in twenty-eight terminate the whites. .Already, for of the elect members of the new par- three months, the whole northwestern liament is a Christian church member.
part of our country has been in a state As the Christians of Japan number of disturbance and serious alarm. but 1 to 1,200 of the population, it will -Principal Magee,ofDublin,says the be seen that the proportion of Chris- dogma of the infallibility of the Pope tian members of parliament is forty- has repelled the bulk of Irishmen, and three U'Yhes as great. This impresses led to intellectualindependencewhich us as one of the most remarkable is reducing the ranks of Romanism signs of the power of Protestant mis- and filling up those of Protestantism. sions in Japan. The contributions of He thinks vaulting ambition has native converts were about $50,000 again" overleaped itself" and "fallen last year, nearly $2 a head!
on-tother side." -At Oroomiah, Persia, last year, -These are old figures, but their fifty-one out of sixty-seven pupils in lesson is always new: the seminary were Christians and In 1800, not over 50,000 converts in members of the church.
all heathendom; now, over 1,500,000, –The McAll mission schools had and five times as many adherents. last year 235,000 children under in- In 1800, not over 70 mission schools; struction.
now, about 14,000, with 600,000 -The Established Church of Scot- scholars. land reports 2,034 converts and 2,465 In 1800, 50 translations of the Bible; pupils in the schools in the Punjab now, between 300 and 400, of the whole Mission, India, with 723 converts bap- or parts, like the Gospel of Mark. tized in 1890.
In 1800, not over 5,000,000 copies of -Dr. Robert N. Cust reckons 223 the Bible; now, more than that issue missionary societies in the world: 113 from the press every year. in Britain and colonies; 56 in the In 1800; the population of the globe United States; 20 in Germany; 14 in about 700,000,000, of whom some Netherlands, and 20 in other lands. Many of these are doubtless small. sustained by the facts. Mr. Henry Fifty have incomes of $10,000 and up- A. Hinshaw, in the August Science ward, and twenty report over $100,- Monthly, says: "At the end of the 000. At least ten of these have got mission rule the Indian was really three-fourths of their funds from less capable of taking care of himself 1tative converts! than at the beginning. He was found Roman Oatholicism, if we may trust a free man, he was left a dependent.
the "Catholic Dh;.ectory," for last year, Driven to church by the whip, forced has, in the United States, 13 arcb- to kneel by being punched by goads, bishops, 73 bishops, 8,332 priests, 2,132 with no free or rational cultivation of ecclesiastical students, 7,523 churches, mind or conscience, the religious in- 3,302 chapels and stations, 35 theo- struction made up of scarcely any- logical seminaries, 102 colleges, 635 thing else but ritual and superstition, academies, 3,194 parochial schools and the idea of obedience to the priest, with 633,238 pupils in them, 553 chari- the result was what might have been table institutions, and about 8,000,000 expected." Why should the Govern- members. ment continue to appropriate money The approximate distribution of to such schools?
missionaries is said to be as follows: -M. Monod says he adopts very No. of Mis- .much the words of one of his best col- Populatlou. sionaries. Proportion porteurs: "It seems to me supersti- .syria …….. 3.000,000 100 lto 80,000 tion is not so general as it was, and Turkey …… 21,000,000 450 lto 45,000 that what people call the' Protestant Madagascar. 5,000,000 50 1 to 100,000 Burma …… 8,000,000 40 1to 200,000 faith' is honored by many Roman Japan……. 38,000,000 200 1to 200,000 Catholics, who ten years ago felt noth- Jndia …….. 250,000,000 900 1 to 275,000 Persia……. 7,500,000 80 1to 300,000 ing but a bitter hatred against the ·.Africa.•… _..250,000,000 600 1 to 400,000 Gospel and the Scriptures which we s. America'.. 80,000,000 75 1to 400,000 colporteurs circulate. Blessed be the Korea…….. 9.000,000 25 1to 400,000 Lord for that! Those times are gone, .Siam …….. 8,000,000 18 1to 000,000 and the light of the Gospel seems to Chiua …….. 380,000.000 600 J.toQ..A5O,OOO spread. The Lord gives me new Arabia……. 6,000,000 4 1 to 1,500,000 'Tbibet.. ….. 15,000.000 7 1 to 2,000,000 openings, and I must hasten to meet In Sahara district with 3,000,000; . theln." ~ Afghanistan, etc., with 3,500,000; An- -The women's societies in America nam, etc., with 12,000,000; Russia, are doing untold good by preparing 16,000,000; Algeria, etc., 12,000,000; and scattering broadcast missionary Soudan, 75,000,000, there is an ENTIRE literature in condensed and cheap DESTITUTION. forms. Some of us, in·this fast age, [Weare aware that the above must skim the great pan and serve figures are not exact, but they are the up the cream in little pitchers, rich best we have been able to'Obtain from and sweet. Our" little pitchers" are a variety of sources. We shall be multiplying. Brief, compact and in- grateful to anyone who will furnish teresting leaflets, containing the great us correct and reliable statistics.-ED- facts of missions, or short biographical lTOR.] sketches, or quaint stories of a half- -Senator Dawes, opposing an in- humorous sort to illustrate giving and crease to the appropriations to Roman praying, and helping in the work, are Catholic schools among the Indians, freely circulated. Those who can declared the 120 years of Jesuit mis- condense the facts into a small space sionary work among the Indians of and yet preserve all their vitalizing California had left them less capable force are benefactors indeed, and this of self-support than it had found the women of our day are doing with them. The accusation seems to be well grand success. -The Church of Scotland Mission -On the plains and in the selva.s of Record nobly says: Brazil there are a million of wild " But no one can pretend that our Indians, ignored by the Christian missionary collections are such as world.
ought to satisfy us. Let us remember – During the past ten years over how large is our number of communi- 11,000 converts have been gathered in cants-about 588,000. Our missionary the missionary fields of the Moravian contributions show but a very small Church.
sum as given per communicant. For -Sabbath observance is making the foreign mission, or mission to the great progress in Paris. A determined heathen abroad, there was contributed effort is made to close all places of last year by the church at home, business on Sunday.
through the assembly scheme, the -Ninety thousand copies of the ladies' association, legacies and special illustrated Bible, issued in weekly subscriptions, a total of £28,331-not , parts, have been sold among the quite one shilling from every com- Roman Catholics in Italy.
municant. And when we exclude the -The last five years have seen ladies' association, legacies and special greater developments in the opening subscriptions, it appears that the sum and Christianizing of Africa than the raised for tilis object by church col- ninety-five years preceding.
lections in Scotland was £13,172-giv- -The Gospel of Matthew has been ing an average of only 5 1-4d from translated into the Laos language by each communicant. We grant that Mrs. McGilvary of the Presbyterian many of our communicants are poor Board. The Acts of the Apostles is persons, but it will not be denied that also nearly ready.
the great majority are in circum- -The American Baptist Telugu stances to afford some help to any Mission calls for a re-inforcement of good cause which thoroughly interests twenty-five men in the next two sears.
them. If they give nothing, or very Dr. J. E. Clough, of Ongole, has under little, we must conclude either that his care more than 17,000 Christians.
they do not know that there is an -:Et!!',">Dr. Boggs, of Ramapatam, object deserving and needing their aid, says all India is in a state of ferment.
or that they feel no interest, or little The Hindus and Mohammedans interest, in it." actively oppose the advance of Chris- -Arch-deacon Farrar, of London, tianity, and at the same time mis- says: "It comes with shocking ill sionary work is pushed more vigor- grace, and sounds like shameful ously than ever.
hypocrisy, when those who give -The appropriations of the Ameri- nothing and do nothing for mis- can Baptist Missionary Union for the sions, make the 'home heathen' year ending March 31, 1891, are $503,- a false excuse for doing nothing. 159.53. The society calls for an im- They talk as if it were weakening the mediate special contribution of $50,000 resources of England and surely that to meet the deficiency caused by the is stupendous nonsense when we are passage of the silver bill.
not even spending as much on mis- -Four railroads are projected, or sions as on tobacco and Christmas in process of construction, from the cards." east coast of Africa toward the in- -Canon Christopher, one of the terior ; one in the territory of British notable men of Cambridge, England, East Africa Company, one in German proclaims his interest in missions territory, one in the Portuguese pos- by annually entertaining a great sesions, and one passing through Port- company of representative men to uguese territory to the domain of the breakfast. British South African Company.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Foreign Mission Notes, by Rev. James Johnston, Bolton, England.
African Mlssions.-There are re- cessible. remarkably intelligent, and ported to be over 500 missionary considered by the missionaries to be stations in the Dark Continent, with more Christian, on the whole, than the which 400,000 converts are associated, ordinary run of Christians in England.
whose numberis increasing at a yearly By the Rev. W. E. Taylor, (C. M. S., average of 25,000 souls. Frere Town,) it was observed that the Slavery.-A meeting held at the present is the time to win the popula- Stanley and African Exhibition in tion to Christianity, otherwise they London was addressed by several re- would be made converts to Moham- turned missionaries, of different so- medanism. The Rev. R. P. Ashe cieties. Their reports were very en- (late missionary of the C. M. S. at couraging, especially as to the Congo Uganda) said that the friends of mis- region. Lord Knutsford urged more sions do not realize that the mission- exertion for the suppression of the aries in Central Africa have, with less horrible slave traffic. Although the assistance, d1fficulties to face, corresc British are less directly active in com- ponding to those which Mr. Stanley batting it they seem determined to narrated in "Darkest Africa." A col- banish the great curse of Africa. So lection was taken for the purchase far as Pro1!estant societies are con- of a steamer to be launched on the eerned they are free from the disgrace waters of Victoria Nyanza for the use of buying boys and girls to train them of the Church Missionary Society's as Christians, whereas, French Catho- agents. The total outlay will be £5,000, lie societies openly countenance this of which £2,300 has been secured. In unwisfj .pgliey. A representative of aid of this desirable object Mr. Stanley the -~Anti-Slavery Society entreated made an eloquent appeal in the eol- English people to eschew the use of umns of The London Times, to British ivory, every scrap of which, accord- Christians. ing to Mr. Stanley, issteep~la:lnblood. Bishop Smythies.-The brave lead- The venerable Archdeacon Maple, of er of the Universities' Mission, de- the Universities' Mission, described parting once more to his field, his work on Lake Nyassa. He paid a preached a farewell sermon to a eon- warm tribute to the African Lakes gregation of supporters in St. John's, Company for resistance to the intro- Red Lion Square, Holborn, from the duction of liquor and to similar evils. mlsslOnary passage in Col. il-:3, The work of Dr. Laws, of the Free "Withal, praying also for us, that Church and of the Scotch Established God would open unto us a door of Church, on the Shire Highlands, was utterance, to speak the mystery of equally eulogized. The Archdeacon Christ, for which I am also in bonds."
said, in face of the partitioning of He returns, accompanied by three Africa by European powers, their clergymen and two lady nurses, mak- duty as pioneers was to maintain their ing a complete mission staff of seventy ground unless superior force com- persons. During his sojourn in pelled them to retire. Dr. Guinness Europe the Bishop visited Berlin, and referred to the scope of the Congo was cordially welcomed by the young Mission, founded in 1878, by Mr. Emperor of Germany, who spoke with Henry Craven and others, which had marked sympathy and appreciation of at the present time three missions the Universities' Mission.
and seventy-five missionaries. No- Cardinal Lavigerie. – After dis- where in the world is mission work cussing in Rome further plans bearing more hopeful. The people were ac- on the anti-slavery question, the • Cardinal passed through Marseilles, on 1890, they had received only £13,000; his way to ~'.lgiers. From there, to meanwhile they had to borrow money Biskra, whence he will make various at a high rate of interest to meet their ,excursions in southern Algeria. . liabilities.
Holland and the S,ave Trade.- Japan. – To secure more help for The principal members of the Belgian the English Church mission in Japan government are impressing upon the an important meeting has been held Dutch cabinet the absolute necessity in the library of the Lambeth Palace, 'of giving its signatures to ,the general London. Bishop Barry said, not- act of the Brussels Conference; if not, withstanding the lateness of the Eng- a stigma will rest on the country in lish Church in the field, it would ulti- preventing the execution of effective mately take the leading place in measures for the suppression of the influence and responsibility among slave trade and its horrors. The ex- Christian communities there. A re- port trade'of the Congo State for the markable feature of the Japanese is second quarter of the year 1890 was their capacity to adapt themselves to double that of the corresponding what they had adopted. The church period of 1889, and five times larger mission had certainly no desire to than it was in 1887. These figures hinder the growth of native institushow the necessity of giving the Congo tions, or .to press upon the Japanese State the means to pursue its honor- any western customs which could not ,able and humane mission. be appreciated or assimilated.
Wesleyan Missionary Society- Madagascar. – Excitement reigns Tonga. – The good news is con- in the island consequent upon the fumed respecting the improved condi- terms of the Anglo-French agreement tion of affairs among the native Wes- becoming known. The various misleyans, chiefly due to the wise inter- sionary societies view with lIlisgivings vention of the High Commissioner, the ultimate action of the queen and Sir J. B. Thurston. The majority of her advisers. As to the immediate the exiled Wesleyans have returned prospects, religiously and politically, from Fiji. With the re-affirmation of the sta£ements of authorities are conreligious liberty, the hitherto sup- flicting. According to agents of the pressed feeling of fear and restraint is London Missionary Society recently beginning to disappear, and large arrived in England, no alarm is ennumbers are again attending the Wes- tertained in relation to Madagascar's 1eyan Church. agreeableness to the French Protecto- rate. An experienced missionary, the Secunderabad.-That ardent Wes- Rev. J. Sibree, believes that there isa leyan missionary, the Rev. William tendency to exaggerate the differ- Burgess, reports that he has baptized ences and apprehend risks only in 200 natives this year (1890), and ex- days to come. The English Governpects shortly to announce double that ment have been gradually compelled number. to subscribe to what the Malagasies must have foreseen many years since. Italy. – In, connection with the A younger missionary, the Rev. James vigorous campaign of English Wes- Taylor, declares the influence exerleyans in the Italian peninsula, the cised by the London Missionary Socidoubted secession of a whole Roman etyon the natives is unequaled by any {)atholic village in Italy to Method- kind of organization in the island, and ism is now ascertained to be beyond that from the Society it would be difdispute. ficult to wean the people.
English Wesleyan Missionary So- On the other hand these assurances ciety Finances. – With regret the are vigorously controverted by the secretaries state that out of a procSpective home income of £100,000 for latest mail communications from the car has remained quiet because she island. Great unrest prevails touch- believed that she was outgrowing the ing the Anglo-French agreement; the time for foreign aggression. She now Hovas pronouncing vehemently finds that she has been sleeping in fan- against a French Protectorate sway. cie<i'security, and to-day she is awake For two powers to deprive a country in a rage. The country is aroused. sUbstantially of her rights and privi- There is a dangerous spirit thrilling leges without consulting her is con- throughout the country. The late po- sidered cruelly unfair. In retaining litical calm has disappeared. To an her freedom to conduct her civil and individual the Hovas are patriotic, commercial intercourse, "Madagas- and, if France insists upon putting car," says the principal local journal, a wrong construction upon the Treaty "will fight to the last if France de- of 1885-6, the Malagasy will heroic- mands the control of the foreign of- ally repel her aggression. Watchful fice, or assumes a protectorate over sympathy is desired for the religious the Government of Her Majesty Ran- and national welfare of a people who avalomanjaka III." This language is are beginning to enter on a civilized unmistakably decisive. Until very career. By the missionaries in particu- recently the government in Madagas- lar, abounding grace and wisdom are car had no idea of the island's liberty needed to guide their converts in the being endangered. A claim of France right paths. some time ago to represent Madagas- London Missionary Society. – car in her foreign relations was re- The London Missionary Society will fused, consistent with articles 1-2 of send delegates to the International the 1885-6 Franco-Malagasy Treaty. Council of Congregationalists, to be It was consequently surmised that held in London in 1891. This step is as France did not urge it ,that she regarded as a sign that the society is inte~ the clauses to refer to moving from a broad evangelical basis the pledge of Madagascar not to to one of a more denominational enter into compact defensively or character. offensively elsewhere unless–tt";"'con- Church Missionary Society.- sent of France was previously ob- The benefactions to the Church Mistained. The Malagasy Government sionary Society for the current year is content to allow France to intervene are about twice as much as those of on her behalf in exterior political mat- the average of the last five years, and ters, quite otherwise respecting inter- the ordinary income steadily increases. nal affairs. Madagascar cherishes her Six London societies send out unindependence and sets great store on ordained missionaries, not demanding everything which develops her re- college education. Thus not only sources, and naturally wishes to retain are wider doors opening before the ' a free hand for her administration and, church in foreign lands, but the gate an openseaboard to transacttrade with ,of entrance for workers is becoming other lands. The organ of the Eng- much broader. lish, The Madagascar Times, asserts Two more young ladies went out that the agreement is a monstrous last month to the Zenana work in contravention of past treaties, and Rajahmundry, India, sent out by the warns France of the dangers which Lutheran Mission Committee. The await her should she persist in taking two workers, Miss Sadtler of Baltinominal possession. "Europe," this more and Miss Schade of New Brighpaper states, "is mistaken in her be- ton, Pa., were given a farewell meetlief that Madagascar has been unde- ing in St. John's Lutheran Church, monstrative because the French con- Philadelphia. A chest of medicines trol affairs. This is not so. Madagas- was presented to the missionaries. Monthly Bulletin. -Miss Anna E. Johnson has left Bryn Mawr, Pa., for the McAll work -Mr. David Sinclair, M.A., princi- in Paris. pal of the Missionary College at Mad- ras, and who, after twenty years of -Two Bengalese ladies, after a five service, retired at the beginning of the years' course, received at Calcutta last year, is dead. University the degree of Bachelor of Medicine. They are both disciples of -Professor Riggenbach, of Basel, Christ. for twelve years president of the great Basel Missionary Society, died also -The British and Foreign Bible So- September 5. He had a fascinating ciety issued last year 3,790,000 copies history. of the Bible, either wholly or in part; -Some 200 Hebrew students in the and the London ReligiouB Tract So- University of Odessa petitioned the ciety 77,000,000 publications, every Russian government to be allowed to one of which, in some form, ango forward with their studies as nounces the glad tidings of salvation Hebrews, and met a refusal. It re- in Christ.
sulted in their conversion to Ohris- -The French Protestant Mission tianity! among the Basutos has over 6,000com- -Bishop Hannington was cruelly municants.
murdered by Mwanga, of Uganda, -Rev. R. Glover, D.D., of Bristol, whose Christian subjects have now re- and Rev. T. M. Morris of Ipswich, instated him on his throne. Two years two of the foremost men of the Bapago Bishop Parker, who followed tist deilOmination in England, are in him, perished on the shores of Victoria China as a deputation from the mis- Nyanza. And now, a third bishop, sionary society to visit the stations Mr. Tucker, has started for equatorial Africa. Thus far these bishops have and report on needs and claims of the ~-…. work.
held office less than two years each; -Arthur Brooks, whom the natives but lor the work in which they per- killeq a year ago in Africa, was the ished .more than twenty have been elev~lM:llartyr the London Mission- found ready to take the place of each ary Society has given to the East one who has died. African Mission. Since then Mr.
-It is proposed to build a sort of Slade's death left but three men to "People's Temple" in London, with carry on this work.
sufficient space for 100,000 persons, so -Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson has been that when great public interests are at establishing three new missions-Con- stake room may be found for popular gregational, Episcopal and Presby- meetings and discussions. terian respectively, in Alaska. This -A "Hindoo tract society" in is a practical illustration of inter- Madras is trying to neutralize the denominational comity.
missionaries' work by leaflets in de- -In three colleges of North Caro- fence of Hinduism, as they have lina 15 students have volunteered for already imitated Christian "cate- mISSIons. At Oberlin 32, and $400 chisms " for teaching and indoctrina- have been raised for their outfit.
ting the young. -On Lake Nyassa the Scottish Free -A chair for study of the English Church has, at Bandawe, 1,180 pupils Bible was last year established at and 38 native teachers in its schools.
Princeton College. At Yale over 150 -Moravians distance us all in mis- students of the higher classes elect a sionary heroism. One of their Alaska course of Bible studies, with two lec- missions is 3,000 miles from its base tures a week. of supplies, and sometimes the cold is so intense that even the smoke is a pronouncedly good influence upan turned to frost in chimneys. him and his people. He has abolished drinking in his land, and is always -Mr. Penazottj, the agent of the intent on some reform. His word is American Bible Society, in Peru, is always trusted, not only by the mis- in prison solely for the crime of circu- sionaries, but also by traders and lating the Word of God in the Spanish hunters, wl'lO are mistrustful of every- tongue. His instructing of the people thing accomplished by missions. He has been construed as violating a is sincere, courageous and manly, and semi-obsolete decree of the Peruvian if all Caffre chieftains were like him, {lonstitution. We watch the result of Caffreland would have a very different this trial of Protestantiam in South look from its present one. America with interest. -Basel Missionary Society recently -Rev. John Newton, seventy-eight observed its seventy-fifth anniversary. years old, and oldest of missionaries It has missions in India, China, and in India, landed in Calcutta in 1835, on the African Gold Coast and the and is still a hale and happy worker. Camaroons, and not until recently He is a Presbyterian, and believes in have unmarried lady missionaries goue the" Perseverance of the Saints!" to the frontier to engage in educa- tional and other work among their -According to Dr. Pentecost, dark and darkened sisters. Bishop Taylor is the only evangelist who has left behind him in India a Alaska.-Important are the openpermanent work. We may be per- ings for the spread of the Gospel in mitted to say that our friend Pente- this largest possession of the United cost sometimes allows himself to make States. Its area is 531,409 square statements which are too sweeping, if miles: Arctic division, 125,245; Younot careless. Bishop Taylor not only kon, 70,884; Southeastern, 28,980. Its worked as an evangelist, but he extreme length north and south is founded churches, and large churches, 1,100 miles; its extreme breadth is too, which few evangelists do. Hence, 800 miles. Total population about his eminently scriptural and apostolic 30,426; white, 430; Creole, 1,756; Inwork abides, which cannot be said of nuit, 17,617; Aleut, 2,145; Tenneh, some who only do the work of an 3,927; Thlinket, 6,763; Hyda,788. It evangelist. . occupies the extreme northwest of the continent. This important coun- -Think of America sending a few try was purchased from Russia by the missionaries to Africa and finding it United States government in 1867, difficult to raise enough money to and is now under its control. support them, while Boston alone, from 1882 to 1887, sent to the Dark Turkey.-Great Revival in Aintab. Continent 3,500,000 gallons of strong In the annual report of the American drink! Rev. David A. Day, at Monro- Board the siguificant event in Asiatic via, saw landed at one port on one Turkey was the revival, whereby 538 Sunday 50,000 casks of gin! were added to the church in Aintab, and by its influence no less than 1,000 Africa.-Mr. J. Nixon declares of hopeful conversions occurred within Magata, a chief near Pretoria, where the limits of that one field. The three the Hermannsburg missionaries are centers of collegiate and theological working, that not even in England training were specially blessed. Only has he met with a more perfect gen- a small number of college graduates, tleman. Chief Kchama, he declares, however, enter the theological school, is also a chief whose word can be de- and there is an increasing tendency to pended upon, a noble example of suc- come to America to complete their cessful missionary work. His Chris- studies and to better their fortunes. tianity is nothing nominal, but exerts Cost of War.-According to rep- Canon Liddon on Missions.- resentations given recently in the Across the triumphs and the failures German Reichstag, France has'a war of well-nigh nineteen centuries, the footing of 3,300,000 men; Russia, spiritual ear still catches the accents 2,570,000; Germany, 2,900,000; Austro- of the charge on the mountain in Gali- Hungary, 1,150,000; Italy, 1,090,000; 100; and, as we listen, we note that or these five powers can summon into neither length of time nor change of the field, should the necessity require circumstance has impaired their it, 11,019,000. Who can foretell the solemn and enduring force. It is a awful consequences should any power precept which, if it ever had binding be so rash as to let loose the war virtue, must have it at this moment dragon? And to prevent such a catas- over all who believe in the Divine trophy, it is deemed necessary to keep Speaker's power to impose it-it must up a peace footing for Russia of 314,- bind us as distinctly as it was binding 000; France, 511,334; Germany, 486,- on the first disciples. Weare ambas- 983; Austro-Hungary, 325,693; Italy, sadors of a charity which knows no 255,418; or in all, 2,393,423. distinctions between the claimants on Worth Noting.-The secular press. its bounty, and no frontier save those announces that Abbe Mesmer has of the races of man. A good Chrisstarted from Rome to assume his posi- tian can not be other than eager for tion at the head of the Roman Catho- the extension of our Lord's Kingdom lic University in Washington. In among men, not only from his sense of this case at least, we regret that the what is due to the Lord who bought law which prohibits the importation him, but also from his natural sense of of contract labor will not be enforced. justice, his persuasion that he has no We trust, however, that the American right to withhold from others those public will not lose sight of the fact privileges and prospects which are the that this new university is to be placed joy of his own inmost life. When he under the direction of tt foreigner, and finds comfort in the power of prayer, of one who comes witk the blessing of when he looks forward in humble a Pope who, from his hatred of free confidence to death, when he enjoys institutions, continu~s to keep up the the blessed gift of inward' peacefarce of his being a prisoner in the peace between the soul and its God, Vatican, and is arrayed in open an- peace between the soul's various powtagonism to the civil law of Italy. If ers and faculties-he cannot but ask the man is like the· master, we may the question: "Do I not owe it to the reasonably expect that the consistent millions who have no part in these policy which has been so long main- priceless blessings that I should do tained in Italy will not be forgotten what I can myself, or through others in America. to extend to them a share in this smile of the Universal Father which is the Mr. W. F. Wilkinson.-Another joy and consolation of my life? Can worker fallen on the Congo. The I possibly neglect the command to Baptist Missionary Society have re- make disciples of all nations?"-Spirit ceived this.sad intelligence of one who of Missions.
less than ·six months ago was set Rev. Dr. A. P. Happer, President apart at the Society's Birmingham of the Christian College, Canton, meetings for the noblest of callings. China, .is ordered by his physician to Of heroic ardor, the death of so give up work and return home. He young a man cannot be other than a has disease of the heart. As soon as source of grief to all wilo follow with the trustees appoint his successor he interested eye the course of the con- will hand over the College, which he flict. is now arranging to do.