The Missionary Review of the World — December 1895
"/01", Livinj{ston Nevius." Copyrij{kt I8qS. by Flemine H. Revell
DR. NevIus AND "FAMINE Boys" AT THE "NAN-Lou." MISSION'ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XVIII. No. 12.-0IdSeries:-DEcEMBER.-VOL. VIII. No. 12.-NewSe1ies.
JOHN LIVINGSTON NEVIUS, THE MODERN APOSTLE OF CHINA. * BY THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.
Thcre is an apostolic succession, in a very unique sense. The Holy Ghost has His apostles, as the Acts of the Apostles proves; for, in the church of Antioch, lIe separated unto Himself and" sent forth" Barnabas and Saul; and, as the word apostle means one who is sent forth, Barnabas is afterward called an " apostle." (Compare 13 : 1-4 ; 14 : 14.) Thus a word, hitherto having the specific sense of one chosen by Christ and sent forth by Him, and limited to such, is now for the first and, so far as we have observed, only time, used of a man who is sent forth under the authority and by the definite commission of the Spirit of God. Christ's apostles were all from those who had seen Him after He was risen, and who therefore can have no proper successors, as even Vhately himself conceded; but the Holy Spirit's apostles may still be among us, for He still sends forth representatives, and we cannot doubt that he who is the subject of this sketch was among them.
For forty years out of sixty-four he was a missionary to the Chinese, and a faithful, loving, devoted, successful missionary he was. From the days of that pioneer, Robert Morrison, until now, it may well be doubted whether anyone man has ever, during so long a term of service in the Middle Kingdom, had more abundant attestation that he was sent forth by the Spirit to that laud.
It is true, Nevius was no common man. He possessed unusual capacity and sagacity combincd, and he filled out a very varied and versatile career, as preacher, teacher, evangelist, pastor, organizer, administrator, gathering converts and training helpers, raising foreign fruits and relieving famished thousands, a botanist and an inventor, an author and a translator, all in one. He was so wise a counsellor that he was looked up to as a sage, so faithful an administrator that boundless confidence was re- * John Livingston Nevius. By his wife. $2.00. Published by F. H. Revell Co., New York.
LIVINGSTON NEVIUS
posed in him, so catholic a disciple that he drew all believers into his capacious friendship, and so loyal a witness to Christ that he never gave an uncertain sound. His death leaves a gap, as an oak of Bashan leaves when torn np by a tornado, and it is a gap which half-a-dozen common men will not fill. Like Livingstone in Africa, Livingston Nevius was a missionary general and statesman in China.
Yet, tho an uncommon man, the secrets of his success are open for the most part to all who will learn them where he did, in the school of Christ. 'Ve shall here onlyad,'ert to some of these divinely taught lessons, referring the reader to that more copious and complete narrative, and graphic profile of his character and career, which his widow has left us, in which she mixed her colors with her own brains and heart's blood.
First of all, Dr. Nevius laid the basis of his lifework in f'egulating resolves. He lived by rule, tho not by rote j and twenty-four such " Rules" are on record, the first dated December 29th, 1850 j the last, April 17th, 1851. Four months, just after he attained majority, seem to have been given to the settling of the great principles by which his life was t.o be governed-in the best sense, t·uled.
It is not needful to transcribe them here, as they are published in full in his life (p. 713) ; but they are the laying of foundations tried by the plumb-line and level, set true and square. It is amazing how comprehen.. sive they are; they show the master builder working at the basis of the structure of character.
He begins by abandoning self-made plans, while seeking to be ready for whatever God wills j he puts life before him as a transaction with God and for God, and sets service rather than scholarship before him as his aim j he proposes victory over evil, Divine daily guidance, and habits of prayer, as to be expected and provided for; carelessness in devotion, covetousness in disposition, and envious and jealous tempers as to be anticipated and provided against; he determines also to study courtesy , of manners, but especially love to God and charity to all men in his heart.
Physical health is not overlooked. Hours of sleep, of exercise; habits of eating and fasting, of holy reflection, and Bible study j diligent use of time and thoroughness of application, avoidance of procrastination, of frivolous and indelicate conversation, and even of careless speech-all these crowned by the solemn purpose in aU his ways to acknowledge God, and to account nothing too trivial to submit to His direction-such are the basal stones which lay at the founuations of one of the purest, truest, noblest lives of this century of missions. What if every young man would lay a similar basis for his own life !What decision of character and what objects in living, deliberately chosen and sedulously pursued to the end!
Such Christian virtue brings its own reward. He shortly afterward recorded that whenever he had attempted to engage in any public service without asking help of God with a sense of weakness and dependence on Him, he had without a single exception made a signal failure (p. 83). But his lifelong success proves so signal, that we need no further record of the fact that he learned to lean and lean hard on the everlasting arms.
Another lesson, learned early in life, was that supreme one of waiting on God (Ps. 130 : 6)-passive receptivity, the attitude of repose, which is the opposite of action, and necessary to the acquisition of strength for action. To get alone with God in the secret place and there wait for the vision of God, as watchers for the dawn; waiting without speaking, in a sense without thinking, just spreading out the soul like Gideon's fleece to drink in the heavenly dew; awed into silence yet blest with expectancy, oppressed with conscious emptiness and impotency, but confident of Divine fulness and sufficiency-this was his second great lesson in the school of holy living, and there is scarce a greater to be learned (p. 99) !
The third grea~ step in this life was taken when, yet scarce twenty-four years old, God taught him the secret of a restful activity. These terms are not contradictory. He observed a tendency, both mental and physical, to hurry, with the usual accompaniments, flurry and worry, which rhyme in reason as well as in speech. He found an " impulsive, impetuous, hurrying, driving, reckless spirit manifesting itself in all intellectual enterprises"-" a restless anxiety to see the end of everything before the time"-" trying to do many things at once." And he marked the resuItnothing ever half done, not stopping long enough to treasure up a good thought or deepen a holy impression, weakening the memory and the heart alike; reluctance to do 'anything save under the pressure of hurry and excitement, and yet suffering from the inevitable reaction, with its depression of spirit. All this young Nevius learned to exchange for that co-labor with God that makes all work so blessed that even waiting on God renews strength. Some disciples have only got far enough to say, " I and God;" others have got further, and say, "God and I;" but blessed is he who has gone even further, and says, " God, and not I," as Paul did. To think of myself as only an instrument, and He the agent or actor-how restful this makes all labor for Him! "Take My yoke upon you, and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (p. 103).
When John L. Nevius reached Ningpo, in 1854, he found a sphere for full application of his resolve to be diligent and thorough. To learn the Chinese tongue was no easy task. It has been said to require " a head of steel, lungs of brass, a heart of oak, the patience of Job, and the lifetime of Methusaleh." He found that some who ventured too soon into public address did themselves more good than their hearers; and that the thorough knowledge of the Chinese" character," the" book language" of the country, was more difficult than to get hold of any other language in the world. But there was another study which exhausted his whole forty years-the study of the contradictions and complexities of the Chinese character in another sense. This remained to the cnd a half-solved problem. Dr. Nevius appears never to have been troubled with scepticism. Perhaps, after all, there is not much" honest doubt." For thirty years and more we have known but one case where scepticism had no obvious connection with the evil hem't of unbelief which departs from the living God. He maintained constant fellowship with God, and, when he could obtain no more favorable hours for devotion, would walk ahead of others to com- 'mune with God. "Without having in him anything of the ascetic bent, he seemed dead to the pleasures as well as to the charms of a sinful world.
In 1859 Dr. Nevius undertook, as pioneer, to open a new station at lIangchow, a city of a million inhabitants, and found a residence in the old Loh-o-tah Monastery. There he was overawed by the multitude of worshipers wending their way to the different monasteries, and, as for the vast throngs of beggars, such a loathsome spectacle he had never even imagined. In one immense hall he found five hundred idols, having cost enormous sums; but what most impressed him was an a.sylum f01' a.nimals, where horses and donkeys, buffaloes and oxen, sheep, pigs, and fowls were honsed by those who wonld secure merit with the gods. Beggars at large, and beasts cared for! A cemetery for asses and swine, and human beings left without burial (pp. 164-73) !
At Hangchow this apostle of China experienced the onerous exchange of courtesies. Every gift received implied another returned, so that even Chinese liberality was found to be organized selfishness. At the same time he had to meet and overcome Chinese suspicion and misrepresentation. lIe found that selfishness could not appreciate self-sacrifice, and he was asked how much he paid converts for becoming Christians, and felt that he was suspected of sinister motives. A book was printed and scattered broadcast, warning the people against capture and a worse than slave's fate. It was reported that girls were gathered into schools to be exported for manufacture into an elixir of life by boiling their bodies and obtaining the oil from them (pp. 186, 244)! To be suspected of monstrous crimes was a new sensation to the Christ-loving, soul-loving missionary ; but he remembered how his Master was reckoned as a malefactor and crucified between thieves, and the servant and disciple was content not to be above his Lord.
Dr. Nevius, in the a)Vful famine that visited Shantung, personally visited the stricken districts, and for three "months disbursed relief in person. He had to carry the heavy bulky copper cask in huge barrows, sometimes as many as five j the amount of money he distributed was about $10,000 j the persons aided, 32,500 ; and the villages, 383. The discretion he exhibited was marvelous. No man could have made so little money go farther. It was a fearfnl tax on sympathy and endurance, but he bore it grandly. and the famine became God's pioneer evangelist, opening doors for the Gospel.
The following is a testimonial from those in the famine district to the work and character of the" teacher Nee" (Nevius) : " Heaven, by means" of rain and dew, nourishes all things. Man, by
FT"'" "./ohn Li'llinpton Nruius." Colyrigltt llils. oy Fleming- H. R ..,,1/
CHINESE BEGGARS PUTTING UP POR THE NIGHT.
JOHN LIVINGSTON NEVIUS
the refreshing influences of kindness, confers blessings upon his fellow- beings. The work is one, and the spirit which inspires it is the same. Therefore, he who exerts all his power to benefit others may be character- ized as acting out of the principles of Heaven.
"The American teacher Nee was born in his own country, and on arriving at mature age came to China. He is thoroughly instructed in the doctrines of Christianity, and familiar with the mysteries of trnth. He prints books and preaches true doctrine for the purpose of enlightening the ignorant; and not only teaches by words, but is able, in imitation of Heaven, to practise what he preaches.
" We, inhabitants of Ching-chiu, from the cycle Ye-hai to the cycle Ping-ts [three years], haye been visited by a prolonged famine. Cries of distress, like 1hose of the wild swans, filled the whole plain, and persons about to die stared at one another on the roads. When the teacher looked upon this spectacle his heart was grieved within him. Heaven-inspired pity was aroused, and he at once desired to institute extensive plans for saving the multitudes from calamity, only fearing that his ability was not equal to the task before him. Fortunately, noble men of like sympathies came to his aid, and contributed of their wealth, so that their beneficence was spread far and wide. Still, without special qualifications for executing this work, it would not have been accomplishcd.
"In disbursing the funds he put forth all his ability. Favors were evenly distributed, without partiality, and extended in every direction, passing by no one.
" Altho the teacher is unwilling to regard himself as having any merit in this .matter, still how can those who have received such favors refrain from a grateful acknowledgment of them ~"
Nevius's work as an author was conspicuous. Before he haa. been in China four years he began a series of papers on " the religions and super- stitions" of the people, afterward enlarged into his volume, " China and the Chinese." About the same time he wrote" The Disciple's Guide,"
his first book in Cltinese, and he translated part of Abbott's" Mother at Home." In 1859 he was appointed to prepare a " Compendium of Sys- tematic Theology" by the Ningpo Presbytery-a sufficient witness to the confidence in which he was held (p. 195). In 1861 he had in press 8ix books or tracts, including notes on Mark, and the first volume of his " Theology" (p. 222). His book on " Demonology," begun in 1880 and recently published, is a monument of patient toil and research ;* and his " Methods of Mission Work" and " Manual for Inquirers" complete the list of his main publications-the former one of the standard books, in- valuable for practical wisdom, a classic in its way.
Nothing was more prominent in Dr. Nevius's purpose for China than the creation of a native ministry (p. 23!:i). This was the hope of the Church. Perhaps his greatest work in China was found in his itinerating tours, sometimes covering six hundred miles. Everywhere he preached, gathered converts, and then set them at work telling the Gospel story.
In one of these tours he found that nameless sect, whose books had all beeu destroyed in times of persecution, but who perpetuated their beliefs by oral traditions embodied in rude rhymes. They held to a supreme deity, * .. Demon Possession," eto. $1.50. F. H. Revell & Co. to a sort of fall, and a coming restoration, when a great teacher should appear. Many of them were persuaded that Christ is the Savior for whom they had been looking (pp. 300, 301). He regarded evangelistic work as secondary to no other, aud in it he was marvelously blest, and pursued the most apostolic methods. On one such tour he baptized two hundred and eight adult converts, and in the intervals of the tours he was equally busy training theological classes.
He made visits home in 1864, 1881, and 1890, but in each his work was unceasing and most blessed, visiting the chnrches and the colleges to kindle and feed mission fires. He always told the truth; however discouraging. His watchword was not enthusiasm, bnt obedience.
Evide~tly when Dr. Nevins got his wife, he got a good thing, a favor from the Lord. She stuck by him while she could, sharing his whole life and labor, and, when health imperionsly demanded her to withdraw, she imperatively but lovingly commanded him to stay and let her go alone, heroically adding, "I would ratIle!' die here than take you from your work." Noble sodl! who never could be thankful enough that, in three instances, she had strength to refuse positively to have the man she so loved go away for her sake. (Compare p. 150, etc.) Mrs. Nevius started an industrial school, her Thread and Needle Club, which soon had a hundred women in it, and she used it as a means of teaching Gospel truth. When her voice failed, she actually studied and mastered the violin, that by it she might lead hel· music classes, herself about as ferlile in expedients as her gifted husband. She has not only written this charming life, to which reference has been made, but has gone back to China now to prepare another in the language of that land of his adoption, suited to the needs of the people for whom he lived and died.
The last two mornings of his life he read, aud with striking comments illumined, the second chapter of First TheRsalonians. Forty-one years before he had recorded his delight in the study of that same chapter, and had written: "I only wish that I may be able to adopt such language with reference to the people with whom God may let me labor"-an unconscious prophecy of his whole life's work and its blessed end.
His death itself was an answered prayer, for his devoted wife had often besought God not to let her noble husband suffer decay of mind or body or long-continued pain ; and so suddenly did God remove him, it was like a translation (p. 466).
Dr. W. A. P. Martin, long and closely identified with our friend Nevius, his alter erlO, _pays iu the introduction a noble tribute to the grand man who had" planted churches through the length and breadth of the peninsula," and was" a pioneer in more than one field;" he attributes to him a "concord of harmonious powers," and characterizes him as one whose "inborn dignity compelled respect from the highest," while " his kindly sympathies" won the confidence of the lowest.
We can only again commend this life story to the careful reading and study of all who would learn the secrets and feel the promptings of one of the purest and truest lives our generation has known.
THE JEWS IN P ALES'NNE AND SYRIA. 88'7
THE JEWS IN PALESTINE AND SYRIA.
BY REV. H. II. JESSUP, D.D., BEIRUT, SYRIA.
The question is constantly asked of one returning from Syria to the United States: What is the nnmber of Jews in Syria and Palestine? Is it true that they are flocking back by thousands and tens of thousands to the land of their fathers, and that soon they will take possession of Canaan, restore their kingdom, and rebuild their temple?
Let us look at the facts in the case, and try to consider them impar- tially. The only way to obtain accurate statistics in Palestine with regard to any particular sect is through the religious heads of the sects. The Ottoman Government has made repeated attempts to obtain an accurate census, but finds it difficult excepting in the case of the Mohammedans, whose male offspring are carefully registered at their birth 011 the military conscription lists. The 'other sects notoriously evade the census-takers, and give false reports in order to escape taxation. Very stringest regnlations have now been adopted by the Ottoman officials, and by another decade they will probably have a fairly correct census.
Owiug to the conflicting and exaggerated reports prevailing in Europe and America with regard to the Jews in Palestine, Her British Majesty's Consul in Jerusalem, Mr. J. Dickson, a most conscientious and worthy man in every respect, and Rev. Selah Merrill, D.D., United States Consul in Jerusalem, made careful and independent investigation in the year 1891 as to the numbers and location of the Jews. Dr. Merrill is too well known to need any word of introduction or praise.
After several months of searching every possible source of information, they arrived at substantially the same result, viz. : Jews in Jerusalem .••……………….••• 25,000 to 27,000 " Jaffa ………….. , ………………… 2,700 " Ramleh…….. …. …. .. …. …. …….. 166 " ,Hebron. . . . . . . . .• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . 1,200 " Nablus…. ~ …. …. …. …. .. …….. …. 99 " '1'iberias …………………………… . 2,900 " Safed …………………………….. . 6,126 " Acre ………•••..•..•……………… 200 " IIaifa …………………………. " … . 1,640 " all the colonies, less than…….••….•.•..•. 3,000 Total …………•…•.•.•.•••….. , 45,031 These statistics cover Palestine proper. There are Jews in Damascus, Beirut, alld Aleppo (in Syria proper), numbering some 23,000 in all. The Jews of Aleppo and Damascus have lived there from time immemorial, and all of them speak the Arabic language as their vernacular. In Beirut is a small Jewish population, Arabic-speaking, largely connected with the families of Damascus and Aleppo. More recently Jewish merchants have come in from Vienna and Germany, who deal in clothing and are bankers and merchants, speaking the European languages. They arc lax a'.ld liberal in their Jewish ideas, and some of them keep open shops on Saturdays.
The Jews of Palestine proper are largely supported by the European rabbitl' fund, receiving house rent and weekly rations from the common fund, and thus encouraged in habits of idleness. No better means could be devised to demoralize and degrade a people than to support them from a charity fund. The Jews in Europe have a tender sympathy for" the poor saints in Jerusalem," and are taking the very best way to keep them poor aud make them poorer.
The Rothschild colonies arc conducted on the same pauperizing system. An intelligent observer visited the new Jewish colony on the coast near the ancient Cesarea. Each colonist receives land, a house, fnrnitnre, agricultnral implements, and household utensils free, and a daily allowance of at least one franc per heari. Our friend the visitor found the Jews living at ease in their houses on one half of the allowance, and with the other half hiring the Arabs to do all the work. This was largely the case with other colonies, so that Rothschild's agent indignantly declined to continue the allowance, excepting as wages paid for work actually performed. I visited two of the colonies in "May, 1893, one on the west bank of the Jordan, at the J isr mnat Yakob, north of the Sea of Galilee, and the other on the southwestern shore of the waters of Merom.
The first named was an unthrifty and forlorn affair. The colonists looked sickly and dejected. Their houses were built of boards, poorly suited to that hot valley, and their gardens were overgrown with weeds. Several houses were just begun, and they had been forbidden finishing them by the interference of the Turkish Government in Safed. The colony at Lake Merom has a splendid agricultural site, a level plot of hundreds of acres of deep, rich soil; but, alas! it is on the margin of the most pestilential marsh in Palestine. The Greek and Protestant villagers of Merj Aiyun, ten miles north of Merom, live on the hills, but are obliged to go down 10 the IIuleh (Merom) to sow and harvest their crops; and it is notorious that, almost without exception, they all return home with chills and fever. The Jewish colonists at Merom are superior to those at the Jisr, and have beautiful plantations of roses and fruit trees, but they are surrounded by a poisonous atmosphere, and their neighbors south and east arc the wild Arabs, Druses, and Circassians.
The whole impression made upon an observer with regard to these Jewish colonies is that they are forced, unnatural, and of doubtful success. The pauperizing system which has made Jerusalem a great almshouse tends to demoralize the whole system of Palestine colonization. The entire scheme seems to be a kind of fad, which is being pursued with a special object, having none of the elements which made the old Phceni- cian colonies and the modern Anglo-Saxon colonies successful.
Several observations occur to me in connection with this whole subject of the future of the Jewish peopk : 1. The trend of Jewish migration at tlle present is westward, and far- ther than ever from the old land of Israel. There are about four times as Illany Jews now in New York City as there are in the whole of Palestine. Tens of thousands are going to the Argentine Republic in South America. They 8eem to be more aud more torn loose from territorial attachments, and the great future of the Jewish race seems to be about to be wrought ont in the free air of America.
2. The return of tIle Jews is to be a spiritual return to Christ, their Messiah and Lord. The marvelous prophecies in Ezekiel 40 to 48, clothed in priestly language and figures which speak of a readjustment of the con- figuration of Palestine, of a temple a mile square, and a special sacred " oblation" or temple arca fifty miles square, clearly refer in splendid imagery to the fnJure glories of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the " waters" flowing from beneath the sanctuary point to the life· giving streams of the Gospel dispensation, which are destined to vitalize and bless all mankind. A literal fulfilment of those extraordinary prophecies is manifestly physically impossible without the most stupendous miracle ever performed.
3. The literal interpretation of t.he prophecies with regard to the" return" of the Jews is extremely improbable.
According to the New Testament, "he is not a Jew who is one outwardly." "They are not alI Israel who are of Israel." 'When II Jew believes in Christ he becomes by faith a son of Abraham. The Christian Church to day is the Israel of God, and all believing Jews who enter the Church become Israelites.
Two lincs of prophecy run through the Old Testament, one pointmg to tile Messiah and the other to the future of the Jews. If we take one literally, we mnst the other. If we take one spiritually, we must the other.
If wc say that the future of the Jews is a literally material future; that they are to return to Palestine, rebuild Jerusalem, reconstrnct the temple, its altars, ritual, and ccremonies, and that all the world is litcrally to " go up once a year to Jerusalem" to worship, and that the destruction of the temple by Titus was only an incidental matter, a temporary disappearance of the temple, as when destroyed by the King of Babylon, and that it is to be restored in all its details, services, and typical rites, then we are bound to say that the Messiah was to be an earthly king, and that I£e 'ws never come. But if we claim that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah, our atoning High Priest, and that the Epistle to the Hebrews rightly declared the whole Jewish dispensation, with its types, symbols, sacred persons, and rites and victims to have been fulfilled in Christ and done away forever in Christ, the only Priest and Sacrifice, then we must believe that all the figurative glorious language in the Old 'l'estament with regard to the return of the Jews refers to their spiritual return to Christ, their Savior, and their glorious reception by faith into the great company of Christ's disciples, who constitute the Christian Church.
The Apostle Paul says of Israel's future that" when the fulness of the Gentiles shall have come in, then all Israel shall be saved." Surely this is a more glorious future than a deportation to the narrow confines of Palestine, to set up again the old scaffolding of sacrifices and burnt offer- iugs which was torn down forever when the veio! of the temple was rent as Christ our Saviour died on the Cross. Before the times of .Tesus of Naza- reth Judaism led to Christ j since His advent, it leads away from Christ.
God in His providence lias made very clear the duty of the Church of Christ with regard to the Jews. He is locating them in the centers of Christian light and liberty, and preparing the way for their evangelization. Judaism in England and America is undergoing a process of liberalization, if not of disintegration. The traditions of the Talmud cannot stand against the light and education of the nineteenth century.
The Jews here are our fellow-citizens, neighbors, and friends. Many of them are men of true nobility of character. They admit the beanty of the character of Jesus of Nazareth, and need only the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit to accept Him as their Messiah.
Our duty to them is plaiu. 'Ye shonld labor to win them to Christ. We should train our young ministers and evangeli"ts to familiarity with the Messianic prophecies, that they may meet the sincere difficulties of the Jews as well as the specious objections of the caviller. How many among our Christian workers can meet the candid objections of an educated Jew to our Messianic interpretations of Isaiah, Daniel, and Zechariah!
We have sUrI'endered too much the work among Jews to special laborers converted from the Jews themselves. All honor to such men as Hermann Warsawiack and Jacob Freshman and others! May the Lord bless them more and more. They are peculiarly fitted for their work, but let us not leave them to bear the burden alone.
The great fnture ingathering of the Jewish people to Christ will no donbt be on this continent. God is bringing them here in multitudes, and laying the burden of their salvation upon the heart of the Church of Christ.
There is little profit to be derived from counting the few scores of forlorn Jews who find their way to Palestine, to be fed on charity and treated as lionized paupers.
It is far more scriptural, more in the spirit of the New Testament, and more Christ-like to give the Gospel to the hundreds of thousands of Jews in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, and aU our smaller cities. They are not far from the kingdom of God. Some of them are noble examples of liberality and benevolence. Those two eminent Jews, the Hon. Messrs. Strauss and Hirsch, who successively filled
THE BEGINNINGS OF THE EDUCATION OF WOMAN IN SYRU
the post of United States Minister to Constantinople, did mQre to promote American interests and protect American missions in Turkey than many of their Christian predecessors had done.
We may say, in couclusion, that it is violently improbable that the lost ten tribes, now lost to history for about twenty-six hundred years and hopelessly intermingled and intermarried among the nations of the world, are to come forth a distinct people and prove their tribal pedigrees in order to obtain their tribal allotment of territory as described in Ezekiel 47.
The Prophet Ezekiel, himself a priest, described the future glories of the Gospel age in priestly language and in terms with which he was familiar; but his meaning was spiritual, full of Christ and the Gospel in its coming glory and triumph.
Let us draw from it inspiration, hope, and courage. All Israel shall be saved. The Lord hasten it in His own blessed time and way!
THE BEGINNINGS OF THE EDUCATION OF WOMAN IN SYRIA. * BY REV. T. LAURIE.
The mere record of what was done by the ladies of tl1e Syrian Mission could no more convey a correct idea of the work than mere measurements of distance and description of the surface of the country could describe the obstacles encountered by an army in rescuing that country from the power of the oppressor. Before we can get a true conception of the work of woman's deliverance we must understand that from which she was delivered.
Burying their daughters alive was so common among the Arabs, that it is said in the Koran (Sura LXXXI.), "When the girl bur·ied alive shall be asked for what sin she was slain," etc., and an ancient provarb says, " To send women before to the other world is a benefit; The best son·in·law is the grave."
One shudders to think of the social condition that furnished a reason for such an utterance. The only occasion on which Othman is said to have shed a tear was when the daughter whom he was burying alive reached up her little hand to wipe the dry dust of her grave from her father's beard.
The Koran says (Sura IV., line 38), " Virtuous women are obedient, but chide those for whose refractoriness ye have cause to fear-and scourge them." How literally this instruction is carried out in Moslem * The recent death of Mrs. RahiI Bistany in Beirflt led to the pnblication of an interesting episode in her early life in the MiSsWnaTY Herald for May, 1894, and revived interest in the memories of those days led on to the preparation of the present narrative. CO[lntries few in this land can understand. Women are not seldom killed in this way, and none take notice of the crime. Dr. H. H. Jessup tells us: "A Moslem neighbor of mine once beat one of his wives to death. I heard her screams day after day, till one night I heard a dreadful shriek, and blow after blow falling on her tortured body. I could hear the brute cnrsing her as he struck. The Moslem police wonld not interfere, and I could not enter the honse. Next day there was a fnneral there, and the dead body was bnried like a dog. 'When you ask tJJC reason of a scream in the Moslem quarter of the city, you will be told, with a shrug of the shoulder, ' Only some one beating his wife.' "
How far the influence of this Moslem practice is felt among the CIJri3tian sects may be inferred from the following incident: A missionary in Eastern Turkey noticed that no women came to church, and urged the men to persuade them to attend. Next Sabbath they were all there as meek as lambs. "Vhy, how did yon induce so many to come?" "Oh, we beat them till they promised to come I"~ Verily evil commnnications corrupt good manners.
In 1862 Daood Pasha, the Christian governor secured for Lebanon by Europeau intervention, arrested, convicted, and hnng a Druze who murdered a girl of his own village, supposing that the Pasha would never call in qnestion such a time-honored custom, and the women of all sects began to feel that, after all, they had some right to life which the other sex was bound to respect-a right, however, not yet fully guaranteed in Turkey.
The same year a vile dervish, under preteuce of casting out a devil, tied a cord round the feet of an insane woman and drew her up to the ceiling head downward, thrust a red-hot iron iuto her eye, and cauterized her body almost from head to foot, then placing a gallon of pitch under her head, bnrned her to charcoal. The government took no notice of the fact, save that the official journal in Beirut advised the public not to patronize the impostor!
Some soldiers attempted to outrage a woman from Ain Kesoor who was employed to carry water to men at work on the road. Mr. Calhoun's cook reported the case to the Turkish officer, and was beaten with a club for his pains. The colonel at Abeih, however, ordered the soldiers to be beaten with forty stripes, but when Colonel Frazer, the British Commissioner, was authorized, with Omer Pasha, to look into the case, two of the soldiers were shot, aUlI both Drnzes and Moslems began to realize that woman's life and honor had a value that could be appreciated. This was in 1861.
At an anniversary of the Girls' Seminary in BeirUt, Rev. John "Vortabet, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in the Syrian Protestant College, told the audience of a man near Gaza who yoked together his wife' and his ass to plough his field, and contrasted the public sentiment that tolerated such things with the assembly of educated women before him.
Marriage ceremonies reveal much of the condition of woman. In Syria no bride was ever asked if she would marry the bridegroom. She was simply pronounced to be his wife. Indeed. often she was not consulted at all, but simply required to marry so-and· so. If he pleased her, very well; if not, it was all the same.
In 1863 Dr. H. lI. Jessup was sent for to marry two Protestant couples at lImns. The brides could not be allowed to go to him to get the needful directions for the ceremony, so their male relatives had to go with him to their homes. Even so it required much diplomacy to induce the bride to come in from the next room veiled and attended by several women.
Said one: "I hear that you ask the girl if she is willing to take this man to be her husband g" "Certainly we do." "Vell, I know one woman who would have said no had they given her the opportunity." The surprise of the women that the bride should have the right to say yes or no was most amazing. That one thing gave them new ideas of the dignity of woman under the Gospel.
What was even more contrary to their ideas of propriety, they had heard that the brides were to walk home from church with their husbands, and certain young men planned to mob them if they did so, but ample preparations were made to meet them. Evening brought with it such a crowd as could hardly squeeze into the open court of the mission house.' Men, women, and children were laughing, screaming, and discussing the strange innovations. A way was made throngh the crowd for the brides and their attendants. The parties were arranged before the pulpit, and then the missionaries had to wait till a tolerable stillness had been secured, for in Oriental churches silence and good order are almost unknown. The address to the married pairs called forth more than Methodist responses : "That is true;" "That, is news here;" "Mashallah;" and a woman cried out, "Praise to God, women are something after all. " A Moslem Effendi, who had listened to it all, said: "That is the most sensible way of getting married I ever heard of." The missionaries escorted each couple separately to their homes, and the rioters, seeing they conld not reach their victims without first making the acquaintance of stout missionary canes, were content to let them alone.
Nofel Effendi, an intelligent Syrian Protestant, excuses husband and wife not walking together in this way: "You can walk with your wife in the street, because, being unveiled, men know that she is your wife, bnt ours are so veiled and swathed that nobody could tell whether she belonged to me or to another man, and that is rather an awkward predicament."
Vhen Enropean women walk unveiled through the Moslem quarters <1f Syrian cities it is well for them that they do not understand Arabic. When French ladies first resided in Tripoli, the governor could suppress the insults offered to them in the streets only by the free use of the bastinado.
Arabs are noted for their ceremonious politeness, but a Moslem, empIDyed to teach Arabic grammar to a missionary, when the wife of his pupil had occasion to pass through the room, spat toward her with a look of ineffable contempt, his feeling of scorn for a woman overcoming every instinct of politeness.
In Syria the mother weeps when told that she has borne a daughter, and a proverb in Kesrawan says: "The threshold weeps forty days when a girl is born." Dr. Jessup knew a grandmother in Tripoli who would not kiss her granddaughter for six months after birth. Our American consul at Tripoli was so annoyed hy'the women coming to condole with his wife on the birth of another daughter, that he ordered the American flag to be unfurled as a token of his joy.
So the entire community set itself against the education of woman. The Moslem bitterly opposed it as contrary to all his ideas of woman, and his opposition influenced the other sects. Then the native Christians had other reasons of their own, for though they could not deny the correct lives of Protestants, they held that they were without religion, and were not willing therefore to place their daughters under their control. Some thought that if a woman could write, she would write improper letters to the other sex; others feared that she would write incantations to bewitch or even take away the life of her husband-ideas that only proclaimed the failure of their methods of training and the lack of love in their own homes.
Our missionary ladies, however, had gone to Syria to do good, and were not disposed to despair of success in anything that would advance the kingdom of God. Even though some objected, ' , We are only girls," as though that settled the question of their ability to learn, they confidently expected God would remove every obstacle and answer every objection in His own way. At first establishing a seminary, or even a school, was impossible, and so Mrs. Goodell and Mrs. Bird were content to gather girls and women in their houses for an hour or two each day, and teach them what they could. This was in 1825, but they accomplished so little, that in 1833 the missionaries wrote: "The education of woman is not. merely neglected, but discouraged and opposed. Indeed, as yet it is nearly untried."
On the arrival of Mrs. S. L. Smith, in January, 1834, she found Mrs. W. M. Thomson teaching six or eight girls, who met every afternoon at her room in Beirilt, and Mrs. Dodge conducted a school for Druze girls at Aaleih, a village in Lebanon, 2300 feet above the sea. One morning not a girl appeared, for the villagers had heard that the English fleet was coming up the mountain to Aaleih to carry off all the girls to England ! In 1837 Mrs. Whiting and Miss Tilden had a school for lfoslem girls in Jerusalem, and Mrs. Whiting had several native girls in her own family.
Mrs. Smith soon enlarged the little school for girls, and with help, principally from Mrs. Alexander Tod, nee Gliddon, of Alexandria, built, in 1835, a school-house for it on the mission premises. In 1836 she had as many as forty pupils. From the most promising of these she selected Rahil Ata, and with the consent of her parents took her into her own home to get her away from evil example and be continuously under the influence of a well-ordered Christian home. There could not have been found a better "house mother" or a more promising subject for the experiment.
A word here about this method of working. In some respects it was much bctter than a seminary could have been at that time. When God would bring back a world from idolatry, He began with the father of a family, who He knew" would command his children, and his household after him, and they would keep the way of the Lord." This method brought each young lady into personal relations with her instructor; so Miss Fisk, in Persia, found not only a seminary needful, but one in which the pupils would be under her personal supervision in all things all the while. They were not only taught, but led in every path of righteousness j counsels were given that conld not be imparted in the 8chool-room, and moulded the whole character in every department of daily life. I had almost said that day and night the pnpils were brought in oontact with the highest order of piety and intelligence. Very few children in our own land are so favored. Manners and personal habits were sedulously cared for j their views of life were shaped after the highest ideals, in sharpest contrast to the low frivolity round about them.
Besides the constant influence of a truly religious home, it was no small privilege to meet representatives of ollr best religious families, who visited the missionary on entering or leaving the Holy Land. Pastors of churches, professors in colleges, the cream of both our city and our country life, all left an influence for good on these Syrian maidens.
While their character was moulded under such favorable circumstances, the intellect was not neglected. Mathematics cultivated the reasoning powers j grammar taught them how to express what they knew j geography and history gave them correct views of the world j botany opened up new beauties in flowers, and astronomy unfolded the fulness of the heavens. The library, atlases, missionary and astronomical maps, globes, an orrery, chemical, galvanic, and electric apparatus, made their knowledge more exact and serviceable. Their study of English opened up to them the treasures of English literature, while their native Arabic was not overlooked. Instruction in physiology and hygiene also corrected the errors that had grown strong during the ages.
Above all else, the Word of God held the place of honor. Every morning it occupied the first hour of school. It was explained at family prayer in the evening, when some of the neighbors were usually present, and the Catechism furnished a fitting casket for the treasures of the Word.
They knew the religious condition of the world better than most of the pupils in our academies at home, and could tell when and how the Gospel was introduced where it is known. Every alternate Sabbath evening was devoted to a conference on this subject, to which all, even the youngest, bronght the facts which they had learned. Mrs. De Forest tells of one little girl-not one of the bright ones either-who had studied out the errors of her own church, and could tell at what period each of them had its origin. One day when it priest was telling her mother how sin entered the world, she gave Bible and Catechism on the subject, till the priest angrily demanded, " What right have you to know anything about it 1" Nor must we forget their sweet singing of hymns, for there is in Arabic both a church and Sunday-school hymn-book, and thcre are organs and pianos to accompany the singing.
With all this special care was taken not to get the young ladies out of sympathy with their own people, except in things which shonld not be tolerated. Thus, though their food and clothing conformed to the customs of the country, they did not wear the same clothing night and day, nor were calves and donkeys counted indispensable inmates of their chambers. In all things they were taught to observe the laws of health and propriety.
One lady, whenever her protegee showed symptoms of feeling above her people, used to bring out the old faded dress she wore when she first came to the house, as an object-lesson, that for all which she had received more than others she was indebted to God, owing Him so much more love and service. Noblesse oblige.
This general account of methods of education applies more especially to the family of Dr. and Mrs. De Forest, with whom the writer was best acquainted, but it also applies more or less perfectly to other families engaged in the same work. Mrs. Beadle had taken Khazma Vitwat, a Druze girl, into her home, and Mrs. Keyes had Lulu, from Wady Shahrur. When the writer reached Bcirl1t, December, 1844, Rahil had been married to Butrus Bistany, and had a house of her own. Lulu and Khazma were with Dr. De Forest, and Salome and Melita Karabed, Hannah W01'- tabet, and Saadeh and Rufka (Rebecca) Gregory were with Mrs. Whiting in Abeih. Dr. De Forest afterward had more, at one time fifteen and at another eighteen. Dr. Jessup says of him: "The good wrought by that sainted man in Syria will never be fully known in this world. The lovely Christian families whose mothers were trained by him and his wife will be his monuments in future generations. It is a common remark in Syria that· his pupils have turned out well." Of Mrs. De Forest he says: " Her name is embalmed with that of her sainted husband in the memory of the Christian families of Syria. The list of their pupils is to a great extent the list of the leading women who have tanght or engaged in other evangelical work in Syria."
Mrs. S. L. Smith had written, February 18th, 1835: "With the exception of the three or four native converts, we know not one pious teacher, one judicious parent, one family regulated by the love of God, or one tradesman actuated by the fear of God-no, not even one." It is a terrible statement, and tells how much Syria owes to those who have rendered such a cry out of the depths henceforth impossible. The instruc- tion of these girls was toilsome, their moral training was eveu more diffi- cult, and then as grace rendered them more attractive than the frivolous ones around them in a Moslem land, new dangers arose. Also in a land where each sect believed its own rites the only pasRport to heaven, it is not strange if their relatives felt uneasy at their being trained outside their own church.
The Missionary Herald for 1894, pp. 119-124, gives a vivid picture of the perils encountered by Rahil in 1843 from relatives, who held that sin could be forgiven through priestly absolution.
Take another example. Dr. Jessup says: "If any doubt the utility of labors for Arab women, let him first visit the disorderly aud cheerless homes of the common villager, and then enter the tidy, well-ordered home of Mr. Araman, the husband of Lulu, and in the morning listen to the voice of praise and communiou with God at family prayer. Instead of the father eating gloomily alone, mother and children eating what he is pleased to leave them, he would see the whole family seated together at the table, a blessing asked, and everything conducted with decorum.
Then father and daughter go to give their morning lessons at the semi- nary, and the son sets out for his recitation at college." • That same Lulu, when with Mrs. Keyes, went home to attend the wedding of a cousin, and at night, when her brothers thought her asleep, she heard them laying their plans to force her to the confessional and the mass, and then be married to a villager whom they had selected to be her husband. She gave no hint of being awake, but next day adroitly shunned the priest and came back with a native helper, her brothers having drank too much wine to be able to prevent it. Then, when they heard that Mrs. Keyes was returning to America, and Lulu was 'with Dr. Thomson till the De Forests came back from Jerusalem, they went down by night with an armed company of mountaineers to take her by force, and in this also were unsuccessful. Still they did not abaudon their purpose. Years after, when Luln had joiued the mission church and was betrothed to Mr. Araman, they came up to the summer home of Dr. De Forest, and heaped all manner of abuse on her for what thq called her apostasy and betrothal to a Protestant. More than that, they plotted to seize and carry her off by force when the family should go back to Beirut in the autumn.
Happily the doctor heard of their plan, and took: her down at midnight by another road than that where they intended to waylay her, and so she escaped their hands.
Another case also brings out the care God has for orphans entrusted to His hands. Saadeh and Rufka Gregory had a grandmother whose reputation was none of the best, and when the mother died she came on to Beirut for the children. She was allowed to visit them, and one day she stealthily placed Saadeh in a native boat (skukktoor) to be taken to Jaffa. The poor child, then only six years old, cried bitterly when she found that grandma was not with her, as she had promised, but God moved an Armenian on board, who knew her father, to comfort her, and on their arrival at Jaffa to inform the American consul about the case, who rescued her and sent her to Mr. Whiting at Jerusalem. Not long after Mr. 'Whiting was surprised, on returning from.a call, to find the grandmother and Rufka at his house. She had quarrelled with her associates, and come to him for refuge; so both the orphans were reunited in a Christian home.
Years after the old woman, who had never given up her plotting to get the young ladies into her power for her own purposes, induced a blind brother to claim possession of them as their proper guardian. She had also in some way got into the good graces of the wife of a prominent representative of England in Syria, and as she knew her English friend had some influence with the Grand Vizier at Constantinople, it was so managed among them all that a Turkish man-of-war was being sent to seize the young ladies. Providentially our minister then at the Sublime Porte was both fearless and energetic, and had so much to say about another bombardment of Beirtlt by American guns, that the whole matter was allowed to drop very quietly. Miss Rufka .Gregory was teacher in the seminary for several years while Mr. Araman was principal. This whole narrative shows that whatever means the God of this world may employ against the missionary work, He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, for there is One who has power over all flesh to give eternal life to as many as are given Him. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. These things may make interesting readiNg for us, but at the time they caused our missionary ladies many anxious hours and sleepless nights.
Syria was an excellent field in which to try this experiment of woman's education, it is so cosmopolitan in the extent of its influence. Melita assisted the missionary ladies at Aleppo. Salome taught school in Mosul, on the banks of the Tigris. Hannah Wortabet taught in Egypt. Saadeh, after teaching in a United Presbyterian school in Egypt, died a member of Dr. John Hall's church in New York City. Her sister Rufka also taught in Egypt as well as in Beirtlt, and is 'now in Melbourne, Australia, or was the last time she was heard from, for she married a Scotchman, and after his death in Melbourne resumed her former occupation. A son of a Syrian missionary met a son of Hahil at the Columbian Fair at Chicago; so that good seed sown in BeirUt bears fruit over all the world.
Some will doubtless ask, How many of these young ladies became true disciples ~ Mrs. De Fot'est, who returned home with her husband in 1854, mentions thirteen who had joined the church before that time.
The husband of Khazma failed in business, so that the family depended on her needle for its daily bread. After that she was bedridden for years, but never murmured. Her trusting submission was so manifestly from the Lord that it led a number to prove for themselves the blessedness of faith in Jesus. A girl who had lived with her in more prosperous days insisted
THE DRUSES
on coming back to work in the family, and care for her gratuitously till she died. That must have been the true grace of God in both of them that yielded fruit like that. After her death young ladies in Lakewood, N. J., carried one of her daughters through the seminary in Beirut.
An American lady travelling in Syria wrote to Mrs. De Forest of one of her pupils, Miriam, daughter of Khalid, of Bhamdun, and wife of Naoom (Nahum) Tahit, of BeirUt, as follows: " We went to see her at the hospital, where she will have an internal tumor removed to-morrow. She spoke very sweetly of you. She said: , Those were delightful days when she taught me of Jesus. What could I now do without Him ~ He is my Saviour, aud I am in His hands. He has gone to prepare a hom~ for me, and I leave all with Him. I am not afraid, but without Him I should be in terror all the while.' Her calm face and quiet tones witnessed to the truth of what she said. She died soon after leaving the operating-table. ,. .
Dr. H. H. Jessup says of Rahil: "I was with her almost daily for weeks before she died. Her faith and patience' were beautiful.' The aroma of Christian peace filled her chamber, and all who came to see her were comforted and blessed. The devotion of her children was lovely, and we could only bless God for such a Christian home and such testi- mony to the power and grace of our blessed Lord."
The writer regrets that he has no details concerning others who have entered into rest, btit only a general testimony to their faith and patience.
It is not the design of this paper to give more than the beginnings of that education of woman in Syria that now bears such abundant fruits.
The present large building was provided for the seminary in 1867, three years before the A. .B. C. F. M. retired from Syria. The timber used in its construction was brought from Maine; the doors and windows were made in Lowell, under the direction of Dr. Cyrus Hamlin; the tiles came from Marseilles, the iron bedsteads from Birmingham, and the pave- ments partly from Italy and partly from Lebanon. A good beginning had been made toward making the institution self-supporting; $3220 was paid for tuition that year, counting its value on a gold basis. The num- ber in attendance was 76, of whom 57 were boarding pupils, and the sem- inary was exceedingly popular.
THE DRUSES.* BY A. H. MCKINNEY, PH.D.
In a district of Northern Syria, comprising the whole of the southern range of Mt. Lebanon and the western slope of Anti-Lebanon, is to be • A despatch from Beirflt. dated October 18th, says that there is mnch excitement iu Lebanon, owing to conflicts between the Druses and Mutualis. A number on both sides have been killed. The Mutualis, pleading that it is impossible for them to obtain justice from the TlllkiBh offiCials, found a peculiar people. Independent, proud, brave, handsome, industrious, hospitable, self-possessed, educated, and very mysterious, they form a unique branch of the human family. In addition to the districts named above, they occupy in whole or in part many of the adjacent towns and villages. Their numbers have been estimated all the way from fifty thousand to over one hundred thousand souls.
An old tradition derived their name from the Count of Dreux, and made them descendants of a band of Crusaders who had been left in Lebanon. Later investigations have shown that this tradition is pure fic- tion. The name is derived from Darazi, * a Persian adventurer, who first taught the peculiar tenets of the Druses. These people themselves hate the name of Darazi, and deny the derivation, claiming that their name comes from the Arabic darisa (those who read), or from durs (the clever one). These seem to be fanciful derivations, and it is reserved for the future philologist to determine the exact etymology of the word.
Among other things for which the Druses are remarkable is the mixed character of their ancestry. By many ethnologists they are supposed to have sprung originally from the Cuthites (Kurds), who were brought into Samaria by Esarhaddon to repeople the strongholds, which had been depopulated during the captivity of Israel. In 686 A.D. Constantine IV. brought in the Mardi, a warlike people originally from Persia, for the purpose of repelling the Mohammedan invaders. At different times the Arabs swept through the mountains and left their impress on the people, giving to the Druse his language, which is Arabic. Thus the Druses of to-day are the outgrowth of that conglomeration which had been formed by the eleventh century A.D. It still remains, however, for the ethnologist to determine whether these strange people originally were Semites,. Indo- Teutonics, or, as their own tradition indicates, Chinese. Haskett Smith, who lived among the Druses for many years, is satisfied that they are the direct descendants of the subjects of Hiram, King of Tyre, who assisted Solomon in building the temple.
Their religion came from Hakem Bemrillah of Egypt, who was the sixth Fatimite caliph. He is generally considered to have been insane, and is known as the Nero of Africa. During the twenty-five years of his reign he had eighteen thousand men put to death, and thousands of Christian churches and monasteries destroyed. He was flattered by Darazi into proclaiming himself a representative of God. In Cairo, in the year 1029 A.D., he publicly declared himself to be the incarnation of God. This announcement at first met with violent opposition, and Darazi was obliged to flee for his life. A quieter and more crafty method of propagandism met with suc- have assembled to the nnmber of 4000 men, all armed, in the vicinity of Marghilonm, to march against the Druses. The latter have appealed for aid from their co-religionists at Hanran, who are preparing to send 8000 men to their assistance. The Van of Damascus has thus far prevented the Hauranltes from leaving. The Van of Beidt has sent cavalry to prevent armed men from entering the vilayet.
* MohllllUlled Ibn lsm~il Dnrnzi (or Darazl). cess, and many of the ignorant mountaineers became converts. A Persian mystic, named Hamze, became nrst the disciple, and finally the primeminister of Hakem. With great shrewdness and adroitness he added to the new religion many attractive features; and it is he that is enshrined in the heart of the modern Druse as the founder of his faith.
Five years ago the writer listened to a lecture by a Syrian, a native of lft. Lebanon, who called himself a "Christian Druse," * and who was, supposed to tell something about his people and their religion. The lecture was chiefly remarkable for what it did not tell about the Druse religion. A subsequent conversation with the lecturer failed to elicit anything definite about his faith. Thi3 mysteriousness concerning his belief on the part of the Druse was in keeping with the whole trend of his life. Mystery overshadows everything connected with the Druses. So accus- tomed are they to lie, that a missionary t living among them declares that when an Englishman tells them that there are no Druses in England, they suspect him of being one. Instead of feeling offended at what they consider his deceit, they honor him for it. So esoteric are they, that they do not hesitate to put to death anyone who reveals their secrets, or anyone found in possession of their sacred books.
How, then, do we know anything of their religion ~ Copies of their manuscripts have been found by travelers and explorers, and are in public libraries in different parts of Europe. But the hostile army has given us more than the peaceful traveler has been able to secure. In 1838, during an invasion of Ibrahim Pasha, the sacred books of the Druses were captured, and from them we are able to learn something of their teachings. But even with these books in his hands, the theologian can no more give a clear statement of their religious truths and practices than can the ethnologist speak decisively concerning their origin.
Their doctrines are derived from the Pentateuch, the Gospel, the Koran, and the Sufi Allegories. Intermingled with selections from all these sources are traces of Persian dualism and Indian transmigration. Is it strange that from such diverse sources one of the most remarkable doctrinal systems! that the world has ever known should have been developed 1 The following are their chief doctrines : 1. Monotheism.-The Druses, who rival the Mohammedans in their declaration of the Unity of God, call themselves Muwahhidun, or Unitarians. They believe in one self-existent, eternal God, without parts or attributes, "indefinahle, incomprehensible, ineffable, and passionless." § Belief in this one God is essential to salvation. "Book of Testimonies to the Mysteries of the Unity" is the title of one of their sacred books, composed by Hamze.
* Smith challenges the missionaries to produce a converted Druse.
t The Rev. William Ewing. :I: Milman characterizes the Druse system as "one of the mOlt extraordinary religious aljerrationa which ever extensively affected the mind of man."
i Encyclop81dia Britannica. II. Inferior Beings.-Like the Zoroastrians, the Druses have a number of created beings inferior to God and yet much superior to man. Universal Intelligence, the highest of these beings, alone enjoys communion with God. Next to him are four archangels, who help to support the throne of God. Then comes spiritual agents of various ranks. While many claim that the dualism of spiritual beings found in the Zoroastrian system is not paralleled, Carnarvon* holds that Iblis corresponds to Ahriman, and that the moral conflict goes on between him and Hakem. Re. membering that Hamze was a Persian, it is but natural to find that the dualism of the Zoroastrians should have beeu adopted in whole or in part.
III. Incarnations.-As manifestations of His love to mankind, there have been ten incarnations of God, of which the Elijah of the Old Testament was the fourth and Hakem was the tenth and final one. The latter appeared and held open the door of mercy for twenty-six years, and it was then closed forever, so that there is now no hope for his rejectors. In addition to these incarnations, God has manifested Himl'Jelf in the person of others. Hence Jesus and Mohammed are reverenced as prophets, as are also such teachers as Abraham, Moses, Pythagoras, Plato, Darazi, and many others, who are not regarded as incarnations of God.
IV. The Coming One.-Hakem will come again and conquer the world, tramping under foot those who rejected him and subduing those who oppose him. Whether this doctrine is connected with the Christian's belief in the second coming of Christ, or with the Parsee's hope of the coming of Sosiosh, it is difficult to determine.
V. Souls are individual, but the number never varies. They were all created together, and as soon as a Druse dies his soul enters another body.
VI. Transmigration.-There is a want of agreement among scholars as to just how far this doctrine is believed in. Some claim that the Druses hold that the souls of the virtuous are to pass into the bodies of Chinese Druses, and that souls of the wicked enter the bodies of animals, such as camels or even dogs. Others claim that there is no belief in transmigration into animals. Our most reliable information on this, as well as on all other subjects connected with the Druses, comes from those who within recent years have lived among these interesting people. Sutlh investigators agree in declaring that they believe that after a life of holiness t:'he soul will enter into an angel or other heavenly being, and that a life of wickedness leads to transmigration into an animal, corresponding in nature to the life led by the iudividual. (For example, the soul of a ferocious Druse will enter some sch animal as the tiger.) A missionary testifies: t " At the very moment of his mother's death a calf was born in the herd of a Druse, and he firmly believed that the soul Qf his mother dwelt in that calf. "
VII. Fatalism.-According to Druse theology, not only is God per- * See .. Recollections of the Drnses,.. by the Earl of Carnarvon.
t The Rev. William Ewilli' in The Sunday·School Times, February 4,1893. sona], but His providential government extends to the most minute details of life. Not only is He the great first cause, but all secondary causes are ruled out. Believing that whatever happens is the result of God's immediate action, the Druses are, in theory at least, extreme fatalists. And with some of them it is more than theory, as may be proven by some of their practices. Many of them, acting from motives different from those which influence the faith-enrist of to-day, refuse, when ill, to take medicine, on the ground that to do so would be to interfere with God's work. On the other hand, the good effects of this theory are evidenced in the calmness with which many Druses bear what to others would be bitter affliction. At such times they say, " Hamdillah! Praise be to God! It is the Lord's doing, and we are thankful." "
VIII. The Seven Points of Islam are rejected, and the following are substituted for them : 1. Veracity (only to one another). 2. Mutual protection and resistance. 3. Renunciation of all other religions. 4. Profession of the unity of Hakem as God. 5. Contentment with the works of God. 6. Submission to the will of God. 7. Separation from those in error and from demons. The Druses are divided religiously into two classes, the Akals (Arabic Aki, intelligence) and the Djahils (ignorant). Only the former are initiated into the Druse mysteries, and they are very strict as to religious observances and personal conduct. The latter are uninitiated, and free from religious restrictions. While the Druses must speak the truth to their fellow-religionists, they need not do so to outsiders. Hence their word counts for nothing. All their doctrines are kept secret; they condemn proselyting, and they make outward profession of the dominant religion. Hence they pray with the Mohammedan, or ~prinkle themselves with the holy water of the Maronite. They are Christian to-day and Mohammedan to-morrow should circumstances demand the change. Few esoteric religions have escaped the charge of hiding immoralities under the cloak of religion. Even the early Christians met such charges. Is it any wonder, then, that the vilest practices have been at.tributed to the Drnses? "Habitually marrying their own daughters," " carrying on licentions orgies with promiscuous intercourse in the name of religion," " worshiping the calf," " worshiping the devil," are samples of the accusations which had been brought against them. Those t who have had the best opportunities for knowing the truth have characterized such charges as utterly false.
Some of the practices of the Druses are as strange as their doctrines, while others are worthy of imitation.
* See Haskett Smith in Blackwood's Magazine, vol. 148, p. 700.
t Clmrchlll, Carnarvon, et al. Prayer in the sense of supplication is unknown among them, because their fatalism makes it impossible for God to change His will; and therefore they argue: " Why ask Him for anything? If He is to give it, He will give it."
Fasting is unknown. Almsgivmg is distinctly discouraged j their theory being that if they act with brotherly love toward one another there will be no necessity for charity in the ordinary sense of that term. The Druses resemble the Parsees in that it is said that there are no beggars among them. Polygamy is unheard of. They are strict monogamists. The grave defect in their marriage laws is in reference to divorce. Here the husband has absolute power. He has but to say, "Leave my house, you are no longer my wife," and the moment that the wife crosses the threshold the marriage relation terminates, and can never be resumed by the two who are thus divorced. Illegitimacy is exceedingly rare. The Druse maiden is guarded with care, and great emphasis is plaeed on strict morality. No one has yet seen a male and a female Druse dancing together. Attention is paid to education. Unlike many of their Syrian sister3, the women can read and write. They are said to be admitted to the secret conclaves of the Druses, and even to the priesthood. The traditions of these people are many and curious. The most remarkable is the one that vaguely conneets them with the Chinese. Scholars are puzzled by, and unable to account for, their knowledge of the Chinese. Among their traditions of Jesus Christ may be mentioned the one concerning His crucifixion. They hold " that a second Jesus Christ, the * manifestation of the Divine, passed scathless from the world."
As is to be expected, the influence of these people amounts to almost nothing. But this is not the worst result of their esoteric teachings and practices. They are so shut up within themselves that they have been but little influenced by the outside world. Hence Christian missionaries have made almost no impression upon them. In both these respects the Druse and the Parsee stand side by side.
But what of the future? Will the religion of the Druse ever touch men's hearts as does the religion of Jesus? No. For the former says: " The door is shut; none can enter in, and none can pass out," while the invitation of the latter, offered to every sin-sick, heart-sore son and daughter of Adam is: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
* Ewing.
1895·1 EDUCATIONAL MISSION WORK IN EGYPT
EDUCATIONAL MISSION WORK IN EGYPT.* BY REV. H. W. HOGG, ASSIOUT, EGYPT.
Egypt, as an old center of Christianity and a land subjected to a growing European influence, must differ from many scenes of missionary labor. Even what applies to one part of Egypt may not apply in the same degree to anyother, the Upper country being, e.g., much more simple and primiti"e than the Lower. As the writer's experience of edncational mission work has been gained in the former, while the country wiII be dealt with here as a whole, it wiII necessarily by m'I seen froID Upper Egypt.
The people of Egypt all speak one language-Arabic-the native Egyptian language being just as absolutely dead in its Christian Coptic stage as in its pagan hieroglyphic. The educational advantage of uniformity of language, however, is more than counterbalanced by diversity of religion. No really national system of education exists. The Mohammedan mosques teach boys to recite the Koran, and a certain number of men receive a very thorough if primitive training in Arabic studies at the great Mohammedan school in Cairo. Many Coptic boys are taught to recite the Psalms in Arabic, and Coptic priests are taught to chant the church service in Coptic. The government has for years been trying to develop an educational system OR a Mohammedan basis; latterly, with the help of English inspection and to some extent under English direction, a number of schools have been organized in the more important centers of population. Especially in Lower Egypt there are many schools .supported by foreigners- French schools, Italian schools, German schools, English schools, Scotch schools, monks' schools, nuns' schools, secular schools-many of the pupils being European ; in so~e of them a good many Egyptian. Of these schools, however, I have no direct personal knowledge, and it will therefore be more satisfactory not to include them in our survey.t To show that the problems and principles of educational missions in Egypt may be fairly studied in connection with the American schools, it is enough to say that at present there are, in round numbers, 120 schools, 20 of them for girls alone; 8000 pupils, 500 being Jews, etc. ; 1500 Mohammedans, 4500 Copts, and 1500 Protestants; £3000 received in school fees; the total cost being £5000.
All this has grown out of the work begun by the American missiona- * The last annual report of the Egyptian Mission of the United Presbyterian Chnrch of America, which has just reached the writer, contains an excellant account of educational work in Egypt from the missionary point of view by the Rev. J. R. Alexander, D.D.• the man who knows most about it. A copy of this report could donbtless be had by anyone by applying to Rev. W. W. Barr, D.D., 1425 Christian Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
t In what follows, therefore, what is Bald mnst be taken as referring to the work originated by the American Mission. ries in 1854, forty-one years ago. As this work includes most of the departments of missionary labor, we must begin by answering the question: 1. To what extent has the educational side been developed? The 119 schools (the exact number) represent a complete system, embracing 107 that are elementary schools, situated chiefly in villages; and 12 others-namely, 10 high schools, 1 college, and 1 theological school. The last two are for boys and young men alone. Seven of the high schools are for girls alone, and of the 107 elementary schools, 13. Of the remaining 94, 44 have also girls in attendance-a remarkable fact when we remember the treatment of girls in the East, and encouraging in view of the difficulty of procuring female teachers. Thus, while there are 20 schools for girls alone, there are 64 out of 119 where girls attend. The elementary schools give instruction in Bible knowledge, reading and writing Arabic, simple arithmetic, usually a little English, singing, sometimes Arabic grammar, and geography of Egypt, and occasionally a little French. The high schools carryon these subjects to a further point, and add some history-Egyptian and general-some mathematics, and more or less natural science. The college teaches these branches yet more fully, paying great attention to English-many of the subjects being taught through the medium of the English language ; also giving a very complete course in history-Egyptian and general, sacred, church, and secular-and adding courses in a number of physical sciences, mental science, ethics, political economy, Christian evidences, and other distinctively Christian subjects. Essays and debates are freely used. The theological school provides the ordinary courses in ancient languages, dogmatics, apologetics, exegesis, history, and homiletics. Of the 107 elementary schools, 87 are already absolutely self-supporting. Two of these, one for boys and one for girls, have been entirely supported for many years by two wealthy Egyptian families in Assiout, and are quite equal in grade to some of the high schools. The remaining 20 schools received in all during last year £300 of aid, and it is hoped they will soon be self-supporting. The 12 higher schools are entirely under the control and management of the missionaries, and many of the higher classes are taught by them-an interesting fact being that it is now found possible to have ladies teaching young men in the college. In the 107 primary schools, the teachers are almost without exception young men trained in the college or in one of the higher schools, or youug women from one of the higher girls' schools. Their election and appointment is with the cognizance and largely by the management of missionaries, in the largest number of cases the head of the college ; and there is a certain undefinable control exercised over the school. The interdependence of the college and the elementary schools is such that the teachers of the latter are kept more or less in touch with the former. Pupils are in general not received into the college till they have got all that can be got in their native place. A certain uniformity in text· books is thus maintained, and the young teachers instinctively or purposely try to some extent to copy the methods employed in the higher schools. Still much is purposely or of necessity left to local management. Some leading local man-oftenest a clergyman or other officer in the church-is appointed by the community guardian of the school. He signs tIle agreements with the teacher, and in general conserves the interests of teacher and taught. There is no inspec- tor of schools; but missionaries ana native ministers informally do a good deal of such work, and the semi-annual entrance examinations for admission to· the college are by no means without their use in this respect. 'Gradua- tion at the collego takes place after the annual inspection by a committee appointed for the purpose by the General Missionary Association. Gradua- tion at the theological school is dependent on the decision of a special com- mittee appointed by the Presbytery of the Native Reformed Church, with the advice of the professors. '
2. HOUJ far has this department justified its existence?
Most organizations serve several distinct ends, especially at different stages in their history, and not unfrequently their most important service is not quite that for which they were originally brought into existence.
Most of the wants, however, that educational mission work strives to meet are still to be found in Egypt.
It has proved itself an early available and safe means of bringing new area within the influence of enlightened Christianity. The absolute begin- ning at any new town in Egypt is probably made by a colporteur selling Scriptures and other books, religious and educational, or by some enlight- ened tradesman, followed up, probably, by a visit or visits from a preacher or teacher of some kind. But the first formal step, now almost always originating in the people themselves, is the opening of a school. It is iu this way that most of the 107 primary schools have come into existence, and new ones are coming into existence every few months. The school forms a center. Very soon, if not from the first, religious serviceI'! are conducted in the evening and on Sahbath, often 'by the teacher himself.
In time, if not at the outset, children of all religions come to the school, and they and their guardians are brought informally into connection with enlightened Christian thought and practice. The numbers quoted above show, e.g., what a large Mohammedan constituency is influenced in this way, and it shonld be noted that considerably more than half of these Mohammedans are in the elementary schools. In most cases the forma- tion of the school leads eventually to the organization of a more or less formally constituted church. But long before this is accomplished, the religious teaching and the religious and moral tone of the school, imper- fect though it be, make themselves felt throughout a wide circle. It thus, by the interest it creates, reacts markedly in increasing the circulation of the Scriptures iIi other ways than by teaching the people to read them, and the children to understand somethin~ of them. 'Ve have thus arrived at the second great service rendered by the educational work, it is educating the Christian community. The test here i~ the product. The government departments prefer to employ lads trained in these schools to any others, largely on moral grounds. It is hardly likely that anyone who has been brought enough into contact with Egyptians to know the average Egyptian lad-and with the schools we speak of, to know the average pupil-would be unwiliug to testify that there is a real difference. Dr. Alexander, III the article referred to above, says that these pupils "are found occupying positions of trust and honor in the pastorate, in the schools, in the postal, railway, telegraph, police, justice, finance, and war departments of the civil service. They are found among the pupils and teachers of the gQ,vernment colleges. They are servants, laborers, farmers, mechanics, merchants, clerks, interpreters, theologues, teachers, newspaper correspondents, printers, medical students, doctors, lawyers, journalists, authors." From the girls' schools, where there were last year 2332 girls, " have gone forth 50 teachers and scores and hundreds of wives and mothers who are examples to all in the care and cleanliness of their homes and their persons, in the training of their children, in thilir moral, earnest lives." If, on the one hand, this long list means that the Christian influence of the schools is being felt and appreciated throughout the country, on the other hand, it means that the schools have a serious and responsible task. Perhaps the severest test is the home. The fathers, elders though they be in the Protestant Church, cannot restrain their amazement that the missionary should eat with his wife; the children, when they grow up, have in some cases actually succeeded in bringing into existence a domestic life that we English can with a good conscience call a home. This is of incalculable importance. For the European civilization that is seen reflected in the streets of Egypt drives young men from their " homes. " It is the girls' schools that produce the women that make it possible for the men to think of home as something more than a place to sleep in.
The greatest difficulty in regard to girls' schools is to get teachers, i.e., suitable teachers; and this introduces us to a third important service rendered by the educational department-it is training workers. There are 19 ordained native ministers and 308 other native workers in receipt of salaries paid largely from native sources. There are 33 organized congregations, with elders and deacons. A great deal depends on the qualification of these men and women for their work. In fact, this is becoming more and more every year the main condition of success. One duty after another is being assumed by the native church. The possibility of advance depends on the ability of the native community. through its schools, to provide the right kind of men and women. There is now some splendid faithful work being done by these men and women. They hold the key to the situation. But there is also an army of unofficial workers to be trained, the living members of the Church, the leaders of society, the supporters of reform. Rich men need to learn that they may be Christian. :Men of all grades in the social scale need to know that the best intellect and power and social position in the world can be beautified and perfected by being made conformable to the spirit of Christ.
3. What have been found to be the most serious difficulties? The first difficulty is to get the right staff of workers. Among the men and women sent out as missionaries there is not always a sufficient propor- tion of those who are gifted with the peculiar qualities required for making teachers or for managing schools. The work of selection here of course falls on the Church at home. It is a very responsible task. On the field it is the finding of native workers that needs all the skill and tact and perseverance at one's command. In Egypt there has been no little success in this line, but it has cost great labor-labor that can never be known, and, if known, could not be understood by one outside. The arrangement of the course of study presents serious difficulties. The supporters of the mission are deeply and chiefly interested in the religious branchcs of education ; the position of the schools in the country depends on their success as an educational organization ; the tastes and prejudices of the more ignorant of the natives demand, 01', rather, crave, the laying of an undue emphasis on certain showy but secondary subjects. What has been said above as to the moral stuff of the pupils that have passed through the schools shows that a course has been steered that has avoided many snares; but it has been difficult. The finding of appropriate text· books is no easy thing. The mission has itself produced several text-books, but latterly it has found it to be almost imperative to adopt the text·books used in the schools established by the government. There are, of course, difficulties connected with finance. In the expending of money dangers have to be avoided. Excessive economy may lead to inefficiency. The opposite plan may fill important positions with men who have not the moral qualifications needful for true educational work. Then again, in boarding institutions, the style of living must be refined enough to elevate, if possible, and yet must not be beyond the mean~ of the average pupil to maintain after school days. On the other side of the account there are perhaps even greater difficulties. In all but the 12 higher schools the principle followed has been that of absolute selfsupport. There have been exceptions, but they are few. This makes it often very difficult to find a teacher, for the constituency of many of the schools is poor, and the people fancy themselves poorer than they really are. It is not rare to find a rather inferior teacher in a school, because the people cannot or will not pay for a better. What seems to be needed is some feasible way of making a grant in aid which, while conserving the spirit of self-support, would give a certain power of control to some central authority, and relieve constraint where it exists. No such plan has yct been practicably available. In the higher schools self-support is not within sight j but the difficulty is all the greater. The varying circumstances of the pupils have to be considered. A certain number of pupils have to be received free. Even in boarding-schools there are many who pay almost nothing. Many, however, bring their own bread, and they are encouraged to do so j and in the college all who do not pay the full fees required are expected to perform some service for the good of the institution in recognition of the privileges they enjoy. This has often been found an important principle when there has been a scarcity of teachers for village schools. At the theological school there are no charges for regular students. The difficulties of finance are very great; but some of them have been surmounted, altho at the expense of immense labor and worry.
In organization, much trouble arises from the fact that usually moral suasion is the strongest force than can be used. The perplexities involved iu securing the best possible distribution of teaching force over the various schools, when the schools aud the teachers arc all really free agems, are very great. Yet by perseverance much has been done. Frequently the college has had to give up a useful teacher and train another for the sake of some other school.
Competition with other schools is the last difficulty we shall mention. That a Mohammedan school should draw off Christian boys would be a calamity. And yet, if the method or course of study followed in the Christian school does not please the popular fancy, e.g., by supplying the amount and kind of secular instruction desired, this will happen. It has happened when some improvement has been introduced into the Christian school.
We must bring this article to a close. Enough has been said to show that a very important work is being done in Egypt, and, in many respects, with marked success. It will not have been difficult, either, to see what have been some of the conditions the more or less complete fulfilment of which have made that success possible. It seems to the writer that among these are the bold recognition of the educational department as an important institution needing to be managed in a business-like way ; the selection and setting apart of men and women, in the mission or out of it, having the needful qualifications for educational work; the adoption of a carefully thought out and fairly continuous policy, of which the principles of self-support and the training of teachers within the system should be an important part; and the maintenance of a distinctively Christian tone and character, which has in Egypt been a means of strength, and has not prevented 1500 of Mohammedan children from joining the schools, and even Mohammedan parents from sending their daughters as boarding pupils. Some of these principles have been but partially recognized, but apparently with increasing definiteness as the work expanded, and it seems hardly possible that the present encouraging position could have been reached had they been ignored. Friends who make a winter trip to the East have an opportunity of seeing how these things are. Many who have done so have testified that a visit to some of these schools has been one of the most interesting events of an eventful visit to the land of the Pharaohs.
CONVE'N'fION OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY
THE FOUNDERS' WEEK CONVENTION OF THE LONDON MIS- SIONARY SOCIETY.
BY JAMES DOUGLAS, BRIXTON HILL, LONDON, ENGLAND.
This celebration, which has been attended by about a thousand delegates, has been worthy of the occasion, and has been marked by an intensive view of missionary facts over the wide area of the society's operations. Brethrcn from the foreign field were in strong force, and had each his place in the kaleidoscopic views presented of the world's state and needs. It added to the cosmopolitan character of the convention that there were representatives from Basle, Norway, and Holland present; while the brotherhood of the evangelical churches at home was emphasized by the presence and hearty greetings of leading Baptist, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian ministers. What struck us most was the matter-of-fact spirit in- forming the whole line of the proceedings. The day of romance or of sensation in missions seems to be ended, and all is now dead earnest. It would be a mistake to aver that enthusiasm is decayed, but it is now too well instructed to talk seBtiment. The morning conferences especially were characterized by seriousness of tone, and by an enthusiasm that was strictly harnessed to the practical view of mission facts and needs. Doubtless the present outlook in China and Madagascal, ominous enough to make flesh and blood falter, told on the meetings. This was apparent from time to time. But tho the exceptional difficulties of the hour exercised a sobering influence on .the assemblies, there was no sign that they had a repressive effect either on the missionaries themselves or on their supporters at home. On the contrary, courage rose with danger, and pressed on to the goal undeterred by the rough hewing of adverse circumstance.
There was so~ething truly sublime in the Founders' Week Convention, were it only for the chastened spirit which it showed, the ungarnished view of results, and the fortitude oblivious of so much as the thought of retreat. It is grand when faith is such that the will is whole; and when faith under grievous trial has this issue, it is grander still. Prudence may be a virtue, a missionary virtue; but it is not, as Edward Irving felt in his day, the pole-star of the virtues. Prudence does not merit the first, second, and third place. No. 'I'he real Great-Heart is faith. The London Missionary Society, and so far the whole Church of God, is to be congratulated on an exhibition of faith of an approved quality.
Immense public interest centered in the presence of three native Christians from Bechuanaland, two of them chiefs. Khama, the senior chief, a man of spare and stooping frame and impressive mien, gave two brief addresses in his native tongue, which were interpreted, sentence by sentence, by Mr. Willoughby. His attitude to the liquor traffic may be inferred from his description of strong drink as " our common enemy;" while his feelings with respect to Christian missions are portrayed in the following words : " The work we stand iu to-day is the work of goodness, the work that excels all work in real goodness. The work we find in the land is the work that tires men and passes away j the work of God knows no ending, and goes on ever before us. I have been trying to help all my young people to go forward in learning in schools, in things like this; and I say that that town is a town of beauty where the work of God is taken up with both hands."
Interesting papers concerning all parts of the foreign field were sup- plied by the society's missionaries, and in most cases were read by the writers themselves. Thus, one morning was deyoted to an exposition of the work in the South Seas and in Madagascar, while at a similar sitting a many-sided view of the work in India and China was submitted. In the sketches supplied there was an evident desire on the part of the mis- sionary brethren that the friends at home should see things according to the law of true perspective and a just regard for light and shade. Frank- ness reigned. The results were gracious, affording ample ground for grateful retrospect and hopeful incentive, but they were not absolutely phenomenal. Speaking of the Hervey Islands, Mr. Lawrence, of Aitutaki, called attention to the fact that the inhabitants of these regions are a tropical people, and largely display the constitutional failings that usually appear where such climatic conditions exist. They are not conspicuous for moral grit, but rather show a weakness in the direction of luxurious ease and supineness of character. "Indeed," said Mr. Lawrence, "the bulk of the people show a greater aptitude for the taking on of Christianity than they show for the taking of it in." At the same time, without staying to observe that there was home as well as foreign thrust in such a confession, he knew of many native Christians who were stalwarts alike in strength of character and devotion of heart. In his view, a pressing need of the hour lay in meeting the public demand for an English education. The native mind was now on the qui vive for this j and while important results had already accrued from the educational work that had been for years in course, since the greater number of the people could now read and write, and were also expert in figures, still he felt that there was a loud call, with the dawn of their second century, for a forward movement in education. Of late the Roman Catholics had come, together with the Seventh-Day Adventists and Mormons. The times were transitional, and it devolved on the London Missionary Society that, having been first in the field, they should see that the future of the people should not suffer through any unwisdom or slackness in the conduct of the campaign.
The claims of New Guinea found an able and exceedingly popular exponent in the person of the Rev. James Chalmers. Papers were not in his line, but his tongue was " as the pen of a ready writer." He spoke more frequently than any other brother from the foreign field, but not, so far as we could notice, to the disarrangement of the program, or the eclipsing of a lesser light. His words added mightily to the stimulus, power, and life of the meetings. It is not given to all to have a giant soul, or to speak words that literally throb with life-force. As a speaker, Mr. Chalmers is neither eloquent nor ornamental; no more does he strike the ear with the impact of intellectuality. His forte lies in this, that he is so much at home, that his big soul is in all he says, that he speaks not for effect, but to give the truth; he w;}u~2 bring home to another the same incision that it has in his own heart, and that in listening to him all are as much at ease as if he were speaking to a company of friends across a dinner-table.
His general topic was New Guinea itself, one of the newest of missions, but greatly blessed of God. He depictured the introduction of the Gospel into that large island which had been without any knowledge of God whatever. The scene of the landing of the tiny missionary party was sketched, and what a meaning it had, seen by the eye that could see! Did they think what it ~eant thus to disembark on a distant pagan shore, and set to work as best they could to lift up the standard of the Gospel? He himself could best answer that question by bringing before them another picture, by describing a ~cene of which he himself had been a spectator, and in the proceedings of which he had had a share; he referred to what took place eleven years after the original missionary party had landed, when there was a second landing on that shore, this time of a few representatives of the British crown. They came, amid the acclamations of the islanders, to annex a portion of New Guinea to the British crown, and never did he (Mr. Chalmers) feel prouder of what it was to be a citizen of the British Empire than on that memorable day. In that ceremonial they had an emblem-a faint emblem-of what the first landing of the missionaries meant in New Guinea. They had, in fact, unfurled the banner of King Jesus, and annexed the island in Messiah's name. Their object was not to Anglicize, as the s.avants satlrically alleged, nor had they ought to do with native customs which were in themselves decent, still less had they any women's battle to fight, for the women of New Guinea were accomplished in holding their own; their one aim was to Christianize the people and attach the isle to the crown of the King of kings.
As was natural, the affairs of Madagascar had a prominent place in the business of the convention. An admirable review of the whole history of the society'S operations in Madagascar was given by the Rev. James Richardson, F.R.G.S., of Antanan.arivo, from which we learn that there are now 1406 buildings or chapels in connection with the London Missionary Society, the present staff comprising 33 men and 6 single ladies. The Rev. G. A. Shaw, F.Z.S., of Farafangana, followed with an account of work done among other tribes, giving special prominence to the encouraging results that have attended the Betsileo Mission. On the evening of the same day (September 24th) the chairman, W. Woodall, Esq., M.P., dealt with the political aspects of the situation in Madagascar and China as these were likely to bear on missionary enterprise. "In resplilct of Madagascar," he said, "we have to look on while that great island is desolated by the invader, we having to maintain a passive neutrality." The latest deliverance, however, on the subject of Madagascar, and certainly the most cheering one, was supplied on Thursday evening, September 26th, by the Rev. W. E. Cousins, who came fresh from the capital of the Hovas, and succeeded in imparting an inspiriting tone to what had hitherto been a depressing subject. Mr. Cousins's creed, in respect of the future of Christian missions in Madagascar, is that we need fear no evil. He has nQ suspicion that the French will seek to disown treaty rights, and for himself he has faith in the loyalty and toleration of the French civil authorities. Mr. Cousins looks on the bright side. Happily there is ever a bright side to faith, even when it is darkest to sense. May the Hova Christians and their evangelical shepherds have this vision now!
Both India and China were ably represented. According to the Rev. I. H. Hacker, of Neyoor, Travancore, the self-supporting churches, which it is the aim of the missionaries to establish, are both their anxiety in the present and their hope of the future. Nearly all as yet is elementary. There is more of the spirit of the Old Testament than of the New. Historical facts are grasped, but the experimental knowledge is faint. The tendency is to trust in a round of mechanical service, to wage a social rather than a spiritual warfare. In Mr. Hacker's view this leaven infects the native pastorates. Hitherto the native pastors have been left very much to themselves-a doubtful policy. The ponsequence has been the perfunctory round of duty, with no serious effort to deepen the spiritual life of the churches. The need of the hour concerned the overhauling of present methods and the adoption of a more intensive and definite aim.
Four papers were read on China-North, Central, and South. In North China the foreign staff consists of 16 men, assisted by a native staff of 21 teachers. The present membership is 1000, but nowhere is there a strong native church. Mr. Bryson's testimony is that the majority of the converts may be regarded as babes in Christ, with, however, the passions of men and women. Thus far of Tientsin and neighborhood, where practically the field is boundless and the people show no hostility.
In dealing with Central China, Mr. Sparham, of Hankow, described the history of the London Missionary Society mission as " one long forward movement." God had upheld Dr. Griffith John and his companions in labor, so that they had been able both to sow and to reap abundantly. The news from Hong-Kong, in the south, was to the effect that there had grown up an admirable system of itineracy, and that the Chinese were beginning to appreciate Christianity as a moral force.
In what the Rev. R. M. Ross had to say, touching Amoy, there was much to cheer and but little to sadden. Here the Christian type is of a pronounced manly description-robust, aggressive, intrepid, and selfdenying. Some thousands are now Christians, and these, with native money, have started a forward movement of their own, and are now carrying on missionary operations on the mainland in the hope eventually of joining forces with Dr. John. Mr. Ross's speech must have made every Christian heart in the great assembly to rejoice.
Among the speakers whose long service on the field of missions lent the weight of added interest were Dr. Lockhart, the first Protestant medical missionary in China, and Dr. Muirhead, who has been nearly fifty years there. The latter spoke of the opposing forces in the Chinese Empire as threefold: Confucianism, or self-reformation j Buddhism, or self-abnegation j and the worship of ancestors, which may be construed as self-development or rationalism.
In bringing this rough sketch to a close, in which it has been our aim to sample rather than exhaustively chronicle the program of the convention, we should fail in chivalrous feeling did we omit altogether to note the distinguished niche accorded to women's work and place and sphere on the mission field~ Several papers written by lady missionaries were read, tho not by their writers, and many an interesting peep was given into the home life of the heathen world. We learn, so far as the Chinese women are concerned, with how small cares and petty things the web of life is woven j and how volatile the mind must be which can interrupt an earnest talk from curiosity to know if the foreign lady trimmed her own hat. Never probably before have the difficulties been so brought home to the English mind that hedge round the work of Christian women in heathen lands j but as Miss Budden, of Almora, pointed out, what a boundless field is opened for European women! In India especially all things are ready. "European women," said Miss Budden, "can lead native women anywhere, and ,native women teachers can go anywhere." And for the work, not only are health and strength required, but cheerfulness and love to the people also.
We have but to add that to Dr. Stalker, of Glasgow, fell the honor of preaching the sermon in which the proceedings closed, the text being, " Yet have I set My king upon My holy hill of Sion"-,a sublime text and, as might have been expected, graphically handled. God speed the hour of Christ's enthronement amI apocalypse on that holy hill j yea, let that day come and let all other days pass away!
Rev. Edward Storrow also writes as follows concerning this centenary celebration: " In the City Temple for six days, and usually three times each day, the friends of the society met to rejoice, to praise God, to receive reports of what has been accomplished,' and to consider in what manner the so- ciety can in the future best fulfil the great purposes for which it exists.
" It was very impressive to gather from the presence of the mission- aries and the papers read how wide and varied were the spheres occu- pied: India, China, New Guinea, Polynesia, South and Central Africa, and Madagascar-all had their representatives j but in some of these spheres, as in India, a distance not far short of two thousand miles sepa- rated the extreme stations of Kumaon, in the north, from those of Travan- core, in the South. " The forms of labor carried on in these various spheres differ considerably. Direct endeavors to preach the Gospel have properly the first place, but auxiliary efforts were described, and too much stress by several speakers was laid-as we think-on the importance of increasing them.
" The amount and variety of work accomplished by the missionaries and their native helpers was seen to be very great. Islands in the South Seas were referred to where every ves~ige of heathenism has disappeared j 1400 congregations of Christians in Madagascar owe their origin to the society, and hard and formidable as the propagation of the Gospel in Africa, China, and India may be, abundant evidence was given of solid progress.
" The spirit and tone of the speaking and of the papers read were very admirable. 'Without boastfulness or hero-worship, or even a consciousness of having done aught but fulfil a great and solemn duty, missionary after missionary told of work accomplished or needing to be done.
" Their hopefulness was very apparent. They had an amount of faith in God and the power of the Gospel not usually possessed by ministers at home, and even those who had clear conceptions of the tremendous difficulty of combating the great superstitions of the East, showed no signll of weariness and despair. Elation often comes to the true men when so placed.
" While the society has a noble history, a record of great things accomplished' and occupies spheres of remarkable promise, it closes its centenary with not a little anxiety. Its hope to increase its income by £25,000 a year, its missionaries from about 200 to 300, and to raise a special centenary fund of £100,000 have met with but partial success. Is there not great reason to desire that evangelical beliefs and convictions, which feed and nourish the missionary enterprise, may spread rather than languish in all Protestant communities j and that there should be a deeper conviction that our greatest want is not money or machinery, but more of the mind of Christ and of the Divine Spirit? If we had these, men, money, converts could not"but follow."
The following, from the society'S last report, is a clear indication of its high position : English missionaries….•. , …•.••.•.•.•.••..• 196 Female missionaries …•••••..••…•.•.•..•••• 65 Ordained native ministers .•.•…•…….••…. 1,429 Native preachers. _.. _.•.. _•…•.•…•.•••…. 6,708 Christian schoolteachers…. , ……………•.. 785 Bible-women. . …….••….•….•.. _ , •.•… 155 Church-lnembers ……………..•••….•… 94,295 Native adherents •.••………•••.•••..•.•••• 408,147 Scholars, boys ..•…………•…..•…….. 71,562 " girls..•.•………… , •.•… , •….. 55,902 Local contributions. , ………….•.. £22,217 15s. 9d. School fees………… . . . . . • • • . . . . . 8,748 7 9 Total raised at mission stations. • • •• £30,966 3s. 6d.
THE RECENT RIOTS IN CHINA AND THEIR CAUSE
THE RECENT RIOTS IN CHINA AND THEIR CAUSE.
BY HENRY M. WOODS, TSING KIANG PU, CHINA.
American missionaries in China, representing the Protestant Church of all denominations, not long since sent to the United States Government a petition requesting that their treaty rights in this land be more clearly defined and established, and that steps be taken to put an end to the riots which have been occurring with increasing frequency of late years, and which have been so disastrous to missions. H~rdly had this petition time to reach Washington before a melancholy proof of the necessity of such action was given by the stupendous outrages perpetrated on missions in the province of Szechwen, West China. The riots began in Chengtn, the provincial capital, on May 28th; the great Dragon Feast Day. On the three following days the four missions occupying the city, the English, the Canadian Methodist, the Northern Methodist (United States), and the Roman Catholic (French), were successively destroyed. In eight cities the riots broke out, the missions being plundered and burned, and the missionaries barely escaping with their lives.
An account of the riots is best given by the sufferers themselves. A Protestant missionary writes: "At four 0' clock on the afternoon of May 29th our compounds were burned to the gronnd-that is, the dwellings, schools, and chapels in one, and adjoining, the hospital. From our place the rioters went to the China Inland Mission, carrying off every stick on the place. The compound where the ladies of our women's mission lived was also looted, the ladies going over the wall into a neighbor's. Next morning they began with the Methodist Mission (United States), cleaning it out completely, even to the walls and the leaves on the trees. The Catholics had five different stations, at one of which was a cathedral. All these places are utterly wiped out. All the foreigners are at the yamen (official residence) of one of the magistrates. The prefect of the city himself camc and looked at the work of destruction going on, then got into his chair and had not gone forty yards before the rioters were at it again. Mrs. S. and Mrs. K. with four children crawled out of a hole in the hospital gate upon the street. They tried to take refuge in several houses as well as at the fort near by, but were driven off each place, one of the soldiers kicking Mrs. S. and driving them off with curses. These women, with the children, wandered about the city wall till midnight, then went to the China Inland Mission till the early morning, when the mob reached there. At present you cannot calculate the harm done to the mission work, to say nothing of the monetary loss."
This statement is weB supplemented by the account of the Roman Catholic bishop, Mgr. Dunand, who says: "Now the hatred of the Viceroy onght to be satisfied. He has let the mob loose against us, and everything' wo possessed in this city, and, for all I know, throughont the province, has been destroyed. The trouble began with the ill treatment of a medical missionary belonging to one of the Protestant missions. Toward the end of May the Chinese were holding the feast of Twan-yang. One of the foreigners here, a Protestant missionary, went very naturally to see the spectacle, * and as Roon as the mob perceived him they began to shout and throw stones at him. The missionary returned to his residence followed by the mob, and as soon as they arrived at the house they broke open the door and looted the premises, the inmates barely escaping with their lives. When they had stolen everything and destroyed all they could not carry away, they burned down the house.
"On May 29th, just after mass, we received a letter warning us that all foreigners were to be attacked. On hearing this I wrote to the Viceroy, who resided only a short distance away, asking for protection, but no answer was received. On that day the residences and establishments of all the Protestant missionaries were burned and looted, after which the rioters tnrned their attention to the Catholic orphanage, and, seeing there was no help to be obtained from. the Viceroy, I went in my chair to the Taotai general's yamen to appeal to that official for protection. When I arrived at the yamen they would not allow me to enter, bnt received me with insults and stoned me. Afterward my chair was overturned aud my bearers beaten. As I was making off, a mandarin in the crowd tried to strike me with an ax, and had the blow taken effect, it would have shorn off my head. I was hurt and bruised about my body, and my head was cut. During my absence the mob destroyed the Catholic premises. It was all over so quickly that the fathers had time to save nothing but a few papers. While the work of destruction was going on· the Viceroy himself passed, and called out to the mob, ' You can pull down what you like and rob what you like, but do not burn anything, lest you should set fire to the neighbors' houses.' During the destruction of our property the tomb of Mgr. Dufresse, one of our bishops who was decapitated by the Chinese seventy years ago, was broken into. The skeleton of the martyr was torn from its resting-place and the poor hones were carried about the streets by the moh for the purpose of further infuriating the people against us, the rioters crying, ' See, here are the bones of some of the people the missionaries have murdered. We have just taken them from under the foreign devils' houses.' Orphanages, churches, and all our houses were destroyed. There is not one stone left standing on another. At three A. M. on May 30th we were taken in chairs to the yamen of the "Vha Yang Shien (a magistrate), where we found eighteen English and American missionaries, including ladies and children, who were all, like ourselves, poor people-beggars-without anything left to them in this world.
" Here we all remained till June 1st, when we were taken to the Prefect's yamen, from which I am now writing to you."
* A mistake; no missionary went to see the spectacle. Such is an account of the actual occurrences of the riots. The West- ern reader lays down his paper in perplexity, and asks: "What can be the cause of such fierce outbreaks; who is responsible for them I"
Let us try to find the answer. In doing so, first hear the Chinese version of the matter-what they allege the cause of the riots to be. Let the Chinese state their own case. The Viceroy, the chief official of the Szechwen province, in a dispatch of June 22d to the Viceroy of Chihli province, in which Peking is situated, gives as his official account the following: "There was a whay (an idol procession) on the streets of Chengtu, and a foreigner got into the crowd, who hustled him about. Finding himself hustled, he used his stick; whereupon he was attacked by the mob, and took to flight. He got into his house, fastened the door, and, taking a gun, fired on the mob, who had surrounded the honse, killing two persons. Then the crowd gutted and burned the building, the foreign residents escaping to the yamen. Inside the foreign houses the people found two Chinese children kept in a cage of some kind. They were in a state of suspended animation. These children were taken to the yamen and skillful Chinese doctors were then called in, who, on examining them, found some kind of black drug introdnced into their nostrils, which was the cause of their insensibility. By the use of remedies the doctors restored them to consciousness, when the children related how they had been kidnapped by the foreigners, who administered the drug, and they knew no more. Upon this dreadful crime being brought to light by au open examination in a Chinese court of law, the people were fired with indignation, and the di.sturbances were spreading in all directions, much to the grief of the Viceroy, who was powerless to control the disorder." The substance of this statement is at once recognized by anyone conversant with Chinese affairs as the old threadbare plea which Chinese officials have used for the past twenty-five years or more in explaining anti- Christian riots. Their defence is : that the riots are the work of ignorant, irresponsible people, the" stupid masses;" that they are sudden, violent outbreaks which no one could foresee; that the canse is the rumors, the charges against missionaries of committing secret outrageous crimes ; that the officials cannot control the people, and are powerless to prevent the riots. In a word, the Chinese are not to blame for the riots; the fault is wholly with the foreigner. Iu one important respect the statement of the Viceroy differs from any the writer has ever seen before. Usually the officials, in explaining the origin of the riots, say that the people believed the missionaries were guilty of such crimes, but that afterward it was found that the charges were not sustained. In this statement the Viceroy is very bold. He actually states these things as facts: that the missionaries were guilty of the alleged crimes. He states as facts that the missionary began the riots by striking with his cane, by firing into the crowd and killing two men, and that an examination of his house showed that he had kidnapped and drugged children in order to commit vile crimes. These things were proved in a Chinese court of law, and therefore the people could not be restrained !
It is hardly necessary to say that the whole statement is an outrageous falsehood, a horrible calumny intended to justify the riots before the Chinese nation and poison the minds of thousands against the Gospel for years to come. It is simply the case of …..Esop's wolf against the lamb. Every foreigner in China, merchant as well as missionary, knows that the riots are not the work of th( common people. The people are either ft'iendly or indifferent-they are not of themselves hostile. The authors of the riots are the officials t.hemselves, who stir the people up as the priests and scribes and Pharisees did the people in Christ's day; the people are the dupe, the tool of the officials. A close scrutiny of the riots reveals the fact that there is always a preconcerted plan-the riot is worked up. The rumors and charges against missionaries are really the pretext, the occasion of the outbreaks; the true cause is the bitter hatred of the Chinese officials toward foreigners and their increasing anti-foreign propaganda. Whenever missions seem too successful or foreign influence too aggressive, the officials and literati collect the band of ruffians, such as are found in every large city, by the offer of plunder and promise of immunity from punishment, and their grewsome work is easily done. As to the plea that officials are unable to restrain the people, the experiences of the past eight months in China during the war with Japan prove exactly the opposite to be the fact. Under the most trying circumstances the officials all over China have been able to preserve order and to protect missionaries, because they knew the salvation of the empire depended on it. The only exceptions have been in the case of wandering bands of soldiers, and from these the Chinese people havil suffered more than the missionaries. That the Szechwen riots were the work of the officials is proven by the statements of the sufferers already quoted. The Viceroy and otber officials refused protection-nay more, they actually encouraged the mob in the work of destruction. At the time the riots were at their height the highest police official of Chengtu issued a proclamation stating that he had proof the foreigners were guilty of the horrible crimes alleged against them.
Here, then, is the true cause of the riots-the incendiary publications of the officials, charging missionaries with vile crimes, the motive being to drive out Christianity and Western civilization from China. The officials see that Christianity, with its attendant benefits, must revolutionize the empire s:)oner or later, and, above all, that it will put an end to mandarinism and" squeezing"-that system of peculation by which the influential grow rich at the expense of the people.
·What is the reme,:y for the riots? Our government can do much by holding the Chinese Government responsible for the acts of its officials, and by insisting that an end must be put to this whole sale system of slander by the officials. A mere indemnity for the destruction of property does
THE MOUNTAIN WHITES OF THE SOUTH
not touch the root of the evil. A strict investigation should be held, and guilty officials should be punished for inciting riot by false accusation. Moreover, special attention should be called to the province of Hunan. Here is the center of anti-foreign agitation. Hunan is like an ulcer, virulent with slander; it poisons, and has been poisoning for years, the whole body politic. Open and cleanse that ulcer, and the root of the matter has been reached. If the Chinese Government is sincere in its professions, and. desires to stop these slanders and riots, it has an excellent opportunity to show its earnestness. Let it open up Hunan to foreign intercourse, and stop the slanderous publications there. It is to be hoped our government will request this.
Meanwhile, let us work and pray with the greater energy, believing that these disturbances are but the" overturnings" which precede the triumph of HIM whose right it is to rule. "Fear not, little flock; it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
* THE MOUNTAIN WHITES OF THE SOUTH.
BY REV. 3. T. WILDS, NEW YORK.
Exaggerated statements regarding a people or a work, whether to their credit or discredit, and the citation of extreme cases of destitution and degradation as representative of the condition of a whole district, always do injury to a cause.
A long acquaintance with the mountain whites of Eastern Tennessee andWestern North Carolina caused me to read with peculiar interest the report of Mrs. Davis's address on the Mountain ·Whites. It is interesting and touching; it shows a zeal for souls that is highly commendable; and yet my experience among these people causes me to feel indignation and regret at what I regard a great misrepresentation of facts. Mrs. Davis has either been misinformed, or her experience is unique. Seventy-five years ago lIlany of the statements might have been true, and map.y of her anecdotes were to~d many years ago in connection with other persons and places. Some of the keenest minds and sharpest wits I ever met I have found in those mountain cabins; they are forever hoodwinking strangers, and commenting among themselves upon the ignoramuses who come from the cities ready to believe everything they hear. I once asked a hunter if he knew of any mugwumps in the mountains. He said, "No, he 11ad not heard of the varments." I informed him that I had seen the tracks of * We have received many communications from various sources (among them Rev. Geo. W. Dutler, D.D., of Roane College, Tennessee), takinll exception to the article upon the" Mountain Whites" Which appeared in Ol1r June issue (p. 422). Mrs. Davis says that she emphatically repeato hel' fonner ~tatements, and that the half has not been told. In fairnesB, however, we give some communications which have come to hand taking another view of the situation. one across the river, and had also seen one that morning climbing the mountain. Away he rushed, saying, " 1'11 bag him ;" but turning around, by the movement of his hand he let me know that of the two fools, I was the bigger.
The stories of Bible texts and ignorance of Divine truth are handed down like coIlege yarns from generation to generation, and I believe are for the most part drawn from a fertile imagination.
I have whipped the streams of these mountains for trout for many years, have spent much time among the people, visiting their schools and churches, hearing their preachers and teachers, and I have been impressed with the great advancement made during the past few years. I have met scores of preachers and teachers, and have not yet fonnd one after the type which Mrs. Davis describes. Schools are needed, better teachers are needed-that is true of New York; but these people are not destitute of schools. There are few districts without the school-honsc ; and I have yet to find one" with the primitive floor of native earth." I visited a school in the summer of 1894 which was attended by about sixty pupils. Some of the scholars walked about four miles, for each district has but one school. The teacher was gentlemanly, bright, and Christian in all he did. He showed a love for souls, and was a consecrated servant. Few teachers in the city of New York have a more gentle manner or are more unselfish in their work. I attended the Sabbath-school and overheard most of the instruction; for a time I was in a Bible class of men; all except one could read, and that one sent all of his children to school. I had the pleasure of preaching that day to more than three hundred men and women. They sang out of books, they read out of their Bibles. I never stood before a people more interesting, more reverent, or more thoughtful. My heart grows warm for them as I write. I lodged in some of their homes, talked with them by the way, and could see nothing of the degradation and illiteracy of which Mrs. Davis spoke. I should, I think, have heard of "crimes committed by them" which would " put to blush enormities committed in the worst districts of our great cities," for I have traveled and sojourned in all parts of these mountain districts, but they did not come to my knowledge. " Their ignorance is deplorable," says Mrs. Davis. Of course it is; but it is more deplorable to represent a whole people as not knowing Jesus and as calling Him" that Mister you be a talkin' about." I doubt if there is one in those mountains who has not heard something of Jesus as the Son of God. The mountain whites are a great many' things, but they are not fools. Sensational statements never sent a worker into a field and kept him there. I have labored day and night on the East Side of New York for ten years. I knew a home of sad destitution; Two children were in the last stages of consumption. When I caIled I asked if I might pray for the dying daughter, and the mother said: "No, He is a fiend; don't talk to me about Him." I pleaded and pleaded, and at last she consented if I would not mention the name of God. She sat upright in defiance; the dying girl gritted her teeth when I prayed. When I arose the older daughter went with me to thc door, clenched her fist, and said, " I want to die, so that I can shake my fist in God's face and call Him a monster." (She afterward called Him her dear heavenly Father, and became a teacher in my Sabbathschool.) I know a home where there is bestial living. Ten are huddled together in two small rooms. They work day and night, and earn a pittance. These are facts, but how much truth would there be in them if I cited them as showing the general condition of the people, instead of as isolated cases ~ The truth is, that some of the sweetest, purest, truest men and women, the shrewdest mechanics, the kindest housewives, the tenderest mothers I ever met live in these tenements. I could lead you into scores of homes where you would find the highest grade of gentility and the truest Chris" tianity. I could, of course, show you ignorance and vice, and tell you of crime and woe; but there is something else-there always has been something else, and always will be-and that something else is not by any means so rare as one might judge from many reports.
What God's people want is to see both sides of a case, and not to hear or read a one-sided description of a people, and to be allowed to infer that isolated cases represent the whole.
Rev. J. H. Polhemus, working under the Presbyterian Board, also writes from Swannanoa, N. C.: "The article on ' The Mountain vVhites of America' is so extravagant in statement that I cannot but inform you of the feeling that it has excited among the workers here. .Almost every statement made is or may be only true of the most exceptional cases J' and to state them as facts about these mountain people as a whole is untrue and unjust. The whole is an extravagance which we fear will do more harm than good. Such statements getting among this people would antagonize them toward the schools and missionaries (that has resulted very seriously already from another like article).
"I have been but nine months as a missionary among this people, but to me and to others much longer in this work that address is not the kind of presentation of this work which gives an intelligent or true idea of the people in which many churches are now deeply interested. "
" Jewish women are considered to have but slight religious responsibility, as their knowledge of the law is small," writes Rev. G. M. Mackie, of' Beirut; "but they bring devotional meaning into household life that more enlightened people might well repeat. When sending a batch of dough to the public oven, the poor Jewish woman plucks off a small piece of dough and puts it on top. It is her tithe, an offering to the Lord from her substance, and is thrown into the fire; so when the baked bread is brought home it is sanctified-a gift from God."
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTED BY REV, J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Great Evangelistio Development in dia's popUlation. They are in a sense North India, 1888-93. serfs-in some cases, however, being quite independent, in othel's occupying . [J. T. G.] a position of mild slavery. For centu- ries they have been one and all subor·· The India social organization is pecu- dillated directly or indirectly to the liar. Partly from religious causes, partly great social system of the Hindus, and from successive waves of immigration, politically have exerted no power. They and partly from a highly artificial eco· are not Hindus, yet are sometimes nomic division of labor, there exist great spoken of as such, though their religclass divisions of society. The social ious teachers and their gods are wholly league rests on caste, which bas its outside the Brahmanic system. roots deep down in race elements. The Brahmans are the" twice born" high- They are found in all parts of India est caste. The civil and military rulers as individuals, in small communities in are the Kshatriyas; the class who till wards of towns and villages, or in sepaand trade are the Vaishyas. Artisans rated districts. In Norlh India and in and day-laborers are Sudras. Below the Nerbudda Valley they foIlow varithese are the out-caste, with non-Aryan ous occupations, as farmers, weavers, blood current in their veins. Religious· shoemakers, village watchmen, dayly all the four castes are of Divinc ori- laborers, coolies, or personal servants gin, tho with degrees of dignity. These to richer Hindus and Europeans. The castes are subdivided into hundreds of English Govel'llment has released them other castes_ In the course of time it from all technical legal relati::ms which has come to pass that the out-castes could imply a condition of depression, have fallen into social class divisions but, by usage of centuries, they are still among themselves, the classification for a submerged community. Many of the most part following the lines of these are slowly awakening to the division of labor, such as chumars or recognition of their altered relation, leatber-workers, mahters or sweepers, and gradually asserting their indepenand so forth. As they are survivals of dence, exhibiting a disposition to adthe most primitive races who immigrat- vance their culture and condition. Tbey ed from Central Asia into India, they have never been educated, anti are as a are sometimes spoken of as " aboriginal whole positively illiterate, few of them tribes," tho that term is somcwhat more having learned to read or write. comprehensive, including whole tribes which are absolutely segregated from Sir William Hunter estimates them as the Ilindu communi'y and some sepa- numbering 50,000,000. As the British rated from all influences of Hinduism, Government opens to them, in common either social or religious. In Bengal this with every other subject of the empire, general segment of population is spoken all avenues, and they are not hampered of as Nama·Sudra, or below the Sudra, liS others with pride and traditions, if the term Sudra being that of the lowest they should, as they have already done class recognized as a component part of in a small way, make a geIlc~al use of the Hindu social order. In the Bom- these opportunities, India would in a bay Census Report of 1882 they were sense be turned" bottom side up." Sir cataloged as " Depressed Classes," and William Hunter says, " Within the next a not wholly inapplicable designation fifty years these 50,000,000 of human might be the Submerged Sixth of In- beings will incorporate themselves into one or the other of the higher faiths about them," and adds, " speaking hu- caste were baptized at Aon1a, who bravemanly, it rests with Christian missiona- 1y withstood the persecution which fol· ries in India whether a great proportion lowed this act. The police treated them of these 50,000,000 shall accept. Chris- as thieves and arrested them whenever tianity, Hinduism, or Islam." It is any theIt occurred, no matter by whom among these non-caste {leoples that Mu- committed, confining th(;llI, beating hammadanism has made advance in them, and sometimes burning their Bengal, and from them come the follow- houses. At Bilsi, the chumars of four ers of Kabir and Nanak in northern localities gave excellent attention to the India. They are, in many portions of Word. In Budaon they sent their the country, accessible to Christian in- children to the schools. The Bairagis fluences. The great revivals in the and Thakurs followed more slowly, Telugu and other missions in southern and Christian sweepers began separat- India were among such non-caste peo- ing from their unbaptized relatives. There were now Christians in 16 vilples. lages about Krakala. Very soon after the Methodist Mis· In 1881 tokens of very extended sion was begun in Moradabad, several movements of entire castes toward persons came to the missionary there, Christianity were observed, where 80me delegated by their people to secure a of the members of the circle had al- Christian teacher to instruct them in ready become Christians. This meant Christianity, of which they had heard much when it was intimated that there something at a religious fair. These were 500,000 chumars in the Rohnlpeople lived about twenty miles from kund district alone. The missionaries Moradabad city. A teacher was sent_ became confident that faithful pursuit Later a religious teacher among the of the lines on which they had thus far chumars (leather-dressers), who had conducted their work would result in been converted in the Church of England mission beyond the Ganges, was the course of a few years or many thouemployed to teach these old disciples of his in Christianity. As a few lads sands turning to the Christian religion. learned to read they were sent to Mora- Another illustration of the variety of dabad for further instruction, Bnd soon these non-caste communities is furnished there were 50 of the chumar boys there, in the report of an outlying district of being trained, as the sequel proved, for Shahjehanpore in 1886, known as follow- Christian leadership among their own ers of Rae Dass, an ancient bard or people. prince. These were not idolaters; no idol or temple was found among them; Very early in the history of the mis- all belief in devatas (gods) was rejected. sion another low·caste people in the They made no pilgrimage to sacred Budaon district moved in the same di- shrines. Their worship consisted in rection. As early as 1879 the Bairagis gathering round the village fire and as a body seemed ready to turn to singing bhajans (native hymns with na- Christianity, but being a priestly class, tive tunes), accompanied by a simple they would lose their means of support, stringed instrument in honor of Parand they could not see what to do. meshwar (the Supreme Being). These The sweeper caste, however, continued were free from the sensuous doggerel to turn to this new way, and were ris- common to native songs. This people ing in the social scale. Men who ten were not generally easy to influence, but years before dared not enter the pres- they consented to become disciples of ence of the zemindar (land – owner) Jesus Christ. were now cordially invited in; four converted sweepers became themselves 'l'his work in the north Gonda dislanded proprietors. trict under Rev. Samuel Knowles was among the Tharn peoples, a remnant of In 1880 a number of the sweeper the aboriginal race-wave at the foot of the Himalaya mountains north of Luck- 1888 •• surprised and even startled some now. These people were not learned of the missionaries who were engaged in enough to institute any literary com- this work, 8S it then became evident parisons between the several religions of that a steady movement had set in, and the country, but they quite understood that not only more converts had been themselves. They gave as among the baptized during the previous year than reasons that controlled them such as ever before, but that the number of inthese: 1. "We are saved from idol wor- quirers had more than doubled." Dr. ship and many of its customs, which we Parker, at the Decennial Conference, know are bad." 2. "This religion wor· 1893, alluded to, made the following ships God. and we find a Savior of men statements: ".At the end of 1891 they here." 3. "Those of us who have be- had 261 native preachers licensed as come Christian have been benefited and preachers, and 386 preachers of a lower elevated in every way." The greater grade, not regularly licensed; 736 ChrisdeVelopment of this work, dating from tian teachers, 600 schools for Christians 1888, rested on the foundation of thirty and inquirers, with 10,261 Christian years of careful and gradual growth. young people and children, and at least The larger number of converts in the 5000 children of inquirers in these mission were from this class from the schools, making 15,000 children of inbeginning. Dr. Parker. at the Decen- quirers in these schools on the side of niallHissionary Conference in Bombay, Christianity. The number of regularly received members in the church was 1893, gave the following statistics ot the 9487, with 16,913 baptized probationers and many thousands of inquirers. They growth of t,his work: In 1859 there had also 1164 Sunday-schools in which were 2 native preachers, 5 communi- were 45,531 pupils. and they counted 8 cants, 8 Christian boys in the schools, Christian community of 36,055livlng in and no baptisms. In 1868 there were more than a thousand towns and vil- 30 native preachers, 665 communicants, lages. During 1891, and again in 1892, 297 Christian boys, and 168 Christian over 17,000 persons, including children, girls in school, and 187 were baptized were admitted to baptism." that year. In 1878 there were 73 native preachers, 2526 communicants, 424 Beyond the original mission bounda- Christian boys and 715 Christian girls in ries these people were settled in more school, and ·/87 baptisms that year. In than a thousand villages, mainly up 1888 there were 168 native preachers, along the Ganges and Jumna rivers, 7944 communicants, 2027 Christian boys from Allahabad to Delhi. The great and 1327 Christian girls in school, and centers of the work in this section in 1958 baptisms that year, with some 400 1893 were Meerut, .Aligarh, Muttra, Christian teachers in the school. By Kasgauj, Buland"hahr, and .Aligarh. this date many of the children in the These people may have had more or less schools had been converted, and a very thought of their worldly advantage in general interest was taken in the Chris- turning to Christianity, but surely they tian religion. The work extended out- were a part of the" noble army" who side the boundaries of the conference suffered the "loss of all things" for until there were now some 500 villages Christ's sake. Here were those who in which native Christians resided and had gone to prison under false accusasome 200 centers of work, with schools, tions, persecuted for righteousness' pastors, and more than 3000 Christian sake, some even beaten with many children. It was not surprising that stripes; parents lost children and chilwith a spiritual baptism there should dren parents; husbands lost wives and develop in this section an active evan- wives husbands; cultivators were burngelistic "forward movement" of the ed out of their fields; policemen, upon native church. Yet Bishop Thoburn becoming Christians, lost their posideclared that the statistical returns of tions, and village watchmen their hered- and for these multitudes thus turning itary employment. Dr. J. E. Scott to Christ. The Goucher and Frey said that he saw one man killed out- schools are mentioned through all the right, and five Christian villagers, with reports of the work from 1883-93.
the blood streaming down their faces, Still another feature of this careful beaten out of sheer religious animosity. supervision was the selection as teach- But they continued to increase, and ers in these schools of men competent to many rose rapidly. The hcad-mas- be pastors to their people. Thus orig- ter of the Moradabad high-school was inated a growing and important class of from this non-caste community, as were pastor-teachers.
some of the leading graduates of the When Bishop Thoburn arrived in theological seminary; men who but a America in 1890 to endeavor to secure few years before were driving conserva- relief from the financial emergency of tory carts or sweeping streets were now the press in Calcutta, he found awaiting acceptable preachers. him an invitation to attend Mr. Moody's The mission was in less danger of summer meetings at Northfield, Mass.
misplaced confidence in this movement He accepted the call, and stated the na- because they had carefully trained the ture of this work and its obstacles, and generation of native ChristIans on whom referred to what they might do if they this movement had its foundation. As had sufficient money to employ a num- early as 1881 the mission recognized ber of these pastor-teachers. At the that as the work progressed among these close of the address Mr. Moody sprang suppressed people in Bijnour, Morada- to his feet with the proposal that they bad, and Budaon districts, there was an help that work, and in a few minutes increasing demand for schools of a pri. $3000 was pledged for the support of mary grade among them. The people 100 of these pastor·teachers. Bishop themsel ves were asking for these schools. Thoburn said the effect of this on the Dr. Parker, presiding elder of Robil- native Christian community in India kund district, thought schools could was to incite them to greater effort.
be established for necessary primary Converts multiplied and inquirers came instruction at a cost of $36 each, and forward, until in 1891 they were baptiz- that $100,000 would sustain a good cen· ing 50 a day. These little schools were tral high·school and 100 primary schools, the center where the teacher was often from which the most promising pnpils the class-leader and really the pastor, could be selected and transferred for and sometimes also the evangelist.
fnrther instruction; or that 100 primary There was nothing new in any part of schools could be established if some one these methods, as they were only an would give $3600 a year for this pur- extension of a plan of work adopted pose. from the beginning. This work was Rev. J. F. Goucher, D.D., of Balti- snbjected to severe analysis and open more, responded to this opportunity, and criticism. Many supposed these people initiated what were soon known as the would turn away from Christianity as " Goucher schools." These were pri- readily and as rapidly as they had mary schools snpported by Dr. Gouch- turned toward it. "Quick baptisms"
er's contributions which he generously were thought only to mean baptized continued till they were established in heathen. The answer to all this was many villages widely distributed over ready to hand. These were people of a the mission territory. Mr. Frey, of second generation of Christian instruc- Baltimore, joined Dr. Goucher in this tion. Christian schools, Sunday-schools, movement in Lucknow and other dis- and gospel instruction had been main- tricts in Oudh, and at his death endowed tained for thirty years. They were in 17 scholarships in the Bareilly Theologi: most cases, at least partly, instructed as cal Seminary to train preachers from to what Christianity was i and there was a large class among them who had of whom were foreign to the soil. For been educated in the mission schools, thirty-five years the careful and intelliand were sufficiently advanced to be- gent education of the masses now movcome teachers for others. In this sense ing toward the mission had been under the work was not a precipitous one. the systematic training and development There had been graeJ.ual preparation, of this society. In 1893 the schools and it was only the external manifesta- numbered 3361, with 136.106 pupils tion that was at first so sudden and so ex- under 4034 teachers. These were gradtended. This extended to others not thus ed from the rudest village school thro trained or instructed, and the mission- many grades up to the entrance requirearies grew more cautious, limiting the ments of the Calcutta University, and baptisms to their capacity to place the the most thorough theological seminary neophytes under competent instructors. standards. The contributions to the Another criticism made was that the benevolent societies beyond themselves, turning of these low-caste people to reached nearly $2000 per annum, and Christianity in such numbers would for the support of their pastors they prejudice the higher caste people against raised over $70,000. becoming Christians; but the missiona· ries were again prompt with their re- There are no signs of a check to this ply, that by far the larger number of development sa ve as prudence demands baptisms among these upper classes had that the accessions by baptism shall be occurred where this movement of the restricted to the ability to furnish religlower classes was greatest_ ious instruction and guidance.
Besides the regular school training A Message to the Churches of America there were held among all the workers from Missionaries in Japan. a practical literary and theological school once in three months, at what At a recent informal conference of the denomination knows as " Quarterly about thirty Presbyterian and Reformed Meetings." All newly admitted work- missionaries in Japan, it was decided to ers, licensed and unlicensed, women as send the following communication to well as men, were obliged to pursue a the Church papers in America. The regularly graded and prescribed order feeling that a statement of this nature of studies. and to undergo an examina- has become necessary is affirmed by tion in these annually. These exercises them to be shared by many other miswere public and attended by hundreds sionaries in their own and sister denomof Christians besides these workers. who inations. The action comes to us duly thus gained intelligent apprehension of certified by one of the" thirty," a long the Christian religion and were enabled time known to us and gIeatly honto sympathize with the a.cquisitions and ored by us, from Tokyo, under date powers of their teachers. The young October 7th, 1895. [J. T. G.] people were trained in all the activities and intelligent drill of the Epworth During the past year there have ap- League or Christian Endeavor societies. peared in leading religious periodicals A vast literature was issued from the statements and opinions from certain of Methodist press prepared expressly to our brethren who have retired from meet the demands of this rapidly grow- missionary work in Japan, which are ing community of Christians. It may calculated not only to raise the hopes of be doubted if a mass of con verts ever the friends of Christian work in this sought Christianity under a more intel- country to a degree unwarranted by ligent and careful course of training. the facts, but also to prove a serious ob~ By 1893 there were not less than 3660 stacIe to the work itself. The Japanese agents at work in the India mission- Church is represented as having reachfield of ti.is denomination, less than 300 ed an advanced stage of development, its earliest converts having been young men, patriots and scholars fit to lead not unimportant ecclesiastical bodies their countrymen, its present member- the Japanese neither take the lead in ship coming largely from the higher school or church, nor do they resent the walks of life, and including judges, direction and guidance of the foreigner.
editors, authors, orators, also men able Among the early converts Qf all the to maintain a high position in the Diet churches were bright young men, edu- and even in the Imperial Ministry. cated and, for the most part, supported The Japanese are said to lead in schools, in mission schools. As to their fitness in churches, in ecclesiastical bodies; to lead, it is significant that the form the Church as a whole is said to resent of government which offered the most the direction and guidance of the for- unrestricted opportunity for the exer- eigner, and self-supporting, self-gov- cise of such ability-namely, the Con- erning, and self-propagating individual gregational-has suffered most severely churches are reckoned by scores. In from their leadership. The history of short, Christianity is represented as the progress of Christianity in Japan having been born under the most fa- has been marked by the wrecked faith vorable auspices, passed through a and wandering steps of some of these golden youth with ever-growing spirit. enthusiastic and immature "leaders,"
ual, moral, intellectual, financial, and and by their attempted guidance of the numerical strength, and as having al· multitude into untried and dangerous ready attained to full maturity of Chris- paths. The youth and precocity of tian life and thought, and hence as such early converts should have pro- being in a position in which, while tected them from responsibility; but, gratefully acknowledging the work on the contrary, the records of the Of- done by missionaries in former years, it ganization of one of the first of our may now rightfully demand a readjust. Presbyterian churches contain the ment of mission forces-whatever that nallles of two youths, eighteen and may mean. twenty years of age, as elders!
Further, it has been stated in effect There is said to be a Protestant that the intellectual tone of the nation church-membership now of more than is so high that an address suitable to thirty thousand. It must be under- an audience of Japanese would need to stood, however, that this number in- be simplified to come within the com- cludes not only baptized children. but prehension of an audience in America. also adults who are reported as " trav· Regretting the issue forced upon us eling" or of "residence qnknown,"
by the repeated appearance in the pub- "many" who are" weak and sickly,"
lic press of these and similar opinions, and some who have fallen into a sleep we feel that a statement of the condi- resembling spiritual death; and also tion of mission and church work from thll self-righteous brother who sits at the field is imperative. Silence would home declaiming against a "hireling only support and confirm what we ministry," disdaining instruction, and know to be error. denying to the ordinances of the Church It is true that two of the branches of any helpful Influence. Thu8 the nu- the Christian Church in this country- merical strength oj the 0 hurch as an ag- tho only two-have been so organized gressive power must be reckoned jar below as to possess each its own native councils the total u8ually quoted.
or church courts. In those that are epi8. It is true that Christianity counts copal ia government the missionaries among its influeJ;lces some honored and are but cautiously calling their native honorable names; but it is also true brethren to such responsibility, and the now, as of old, that" not many mighty, prospect of essentially native convoca- not many noble are called." The tions or conferences as well as of native Church obtains its adherents chiefly bishops lies far in the future. In these from the middle and higher middle classes ; but these are men and women in the country but little more than a of all occupations and of varying de- decade. Before its introduction the grees of intellectual attainment. There 8arnurai (higher middle) class was are those who may claim to be schol- known as the literary as well as mili- ars; there are many who have received tary part of the nation. Below this only the ordinary elementary educa. rank there was virtually no education, tion, and there are not a few who can whlIe within it there were many who neither read nor write. A member of could not be regarded as either edu· the Diet may occasionally be found cated or intellectual. God in His provi.
who is also an active Christian, ready dence has done great things for Japan; to preach a sermon when one is need- but He has wrought no miracle here of ed ; but there are other Christians in spontaneous intellectual development.
political life who will quite as readily 'rhe Japanese and European languages hold a political meeting on the Lord's are well enough known to serve as day, and there are editors and orators media for the revelation of this won· who eagerly grasp at every new form derful intellectual ability if it existed; of Western "liberal" thought, which but the world yet waits for the Japanese they pour out, crude and undigested, poet, philosopher, scholar, or theologian for the bewilderment of their less" ad· who shall startle it into admiration vanced" brethren. Christian orators either of his power of conception or and editors have spoken and written strength of reasoning.
against the keeping of the Sabbath, the Christian ministers and evangelists value of prayer, the necessity for for- are usually of the higher middle class, mulated religious beliefs, and quite reo but with a moderate representation cently the Christian idea of monoga· from among heimin or ordinary men.
mous marriage has been lightly spoken In education they range from the fortu· of. Since the bishop was to be the nate graduate of an American college husband of one wife, it follows by im- and seminary to him who can boast of plication that in the early Christian but very ordinary attainments in nil.· Church plurality of wives was not un· tive secular learning plus four years'
known, and therefore too much strict. training in a seminary in Japan. What· ness along this line toward the young ever of mental stimulus he who studies Japanese Church is to be deprecated. abroad may be able to secure in the With regard to the assumed intellec· "less intellectual" atmosphere of the tual superiority of the Japanese people, West, there is but little question that we find the following in an address de· he comes back to his native land handi· livered at the last Inter.Seminary Mis· capped for his conflict with the powers sionary Alliance Convention, as report. of darkness. To quote from a Japa.
ed in the Union Seminary Magazine of nese who writes from personal experi· the Southern Presbyterian Church: ence of seminary life abroad, as well as "I am often asked, 'Can you use in from observation: "Many a case do I the United States the discourses pre· know of my own countrymen who pared/o!' the Japanese?' and my 1'eply have adapted themselves to Occidental is' Y68, after simplifying them.'* Our ways of life and thought during such congregations at home on Sundays are trainings, and come home as a. stranger somewhat impatient of careful and ad· to readapt himself to his former sur· equate discussion; but among educated roundings with the utmost difficulty.
Asiatics one may venture pretty far and Boiled rice and smashed beans do not find a somewhat receptive hearing." now afford him all the nutriment his The common school is an institution newly adapted system requires. and of modern advanced Japan, and has been sittings upon hard straw mats cause 8ynobiti8 and other troubles of his lower • Italics ae found in the quotation. limbs. His throat .sul!ers because native churches have no sleam·heaters to the miasion t'l'etUU'I'1/". other denomina· take off chill from the ail', and his head tions report but four or five; others, rings because the ventilation is poor. again. not even so many as this. Ref- The least he needs is greatest in the erence may be made in this connection eyes of his people. He loses flesh, and to statements frequently seen in Ameri· with flesh spirit. Preaching becomes can papers to the effect that Japanese unbearable. To some other occupa· Christians are about to engage in for- tion he betakes himself, and others eign mission work:. It may serve to hardier than he take his place. Strug- throw some light on this subject that a gle for existence is too much for him. recent address from America to the Then his thought-how incompatible Synod of the Presbyterian Church it, too, has become with that of his (" Church of Christ in Japan"), recom- countrymen! He denounces Hume- mending it to consider and urge the ism and Theodore Parker·ism ; but early attainment of self·support in its Hume and Parker have no existence in churches, was met with the refusal to the minds of the people to whom he is do anything special in the matter at the preaching. The Downfall of the Ro- same meeting in which the synod de- man Empire and the persecutions of cided to impose upon the churches a Bloody Mary sound as "wind to a budget of three thousand yen for home horse's ear," as we term all incompre· and foreign missions. We would place hensibilities. He proves biblical truths no obstacle in the way of any worthy by the Bible; but the Bible is no more effort on the part of our Japanese breth- to these people than some sooty parch- ren. On the contrary, we heartily ments of idle antiquarians. His ~er· commend the zeal for missions mani- mons fly over their heads and vanish fested by them; but the fact remains Into the air. He is disappointed with that they are leaving the financial buI'- his hearers, and his hearers with him. dens of the established church to be Dissatisfaction, grumbling, resignation, largely borne by Christians in the West, separation. while thus devising -liberal things for From the above it will be seen that, others. It is in faithfulness to their viewed at close range, even through best interests, as wcll as to the interests native eyes, the Church in Japan is by of truth, that we call attention to this no means so intellectual as it evidently somewhat incongruous state of affairs.
appears to our sanguine brethren across A healthier comprehension of duty can- the sea. not fail to be developing in its effect One other important test of the abil- upon the individual Christian and the ityof the Church in Japan to under- churches; but this can never be at- take the great work of evangelizing tained so long as they are encouraged the Japanese millions who are as yet to regard themselves as having a statu!!, worshipers of graven images, or whose ecclesiastically and potentially, which lives are influenced by "the non·re· as yet they have not.
ligiosity of Chinese moralists," to quote The magnitUde of the work of evan- a native writer, or who are utterly in· gelizing Japan is seriously underrated different to their souls' welfare either by thosc who regard the Japanese in "the life that now is or in that Church as already sufficient for it, and which is to come," is how far its faith we believe that we could not do this and zeal may be counted on to bear the Church a greater unkindness, or prove financial burdens inevitably connected more faithless to the causc of our Mas- with such work. Churches that are ter, than by holding our peace while really self.supporting are very few. the theory of the Church's sufficiency, One denomination in its published reo notwithstanding the tremendous odds ports claims thirty.nine "80 cla8aed," of heathenism that are still and must meaning those that are not aided from long continue to be against it, is circulating and apparcntly gaining ground " 2. That the present staff of foreign in America, to the natural end of a di- missionaries be not only continued, but minishing missionary force and of the increased when necessary. financial aid which accompanies it. "3. That those who are sent out to Emphasis should be laid also on the Japan as missionaries should be persons fact that the Christians of Japan are of superior equipment, and that they not yet old in the faith. The past few should go with a determination to acyears have been years of especial trial quire the language, and give their lives to those interested in the propagation to the work. of a pure Gospel, and to the yet undeveloped thinkers along tJ1eological and " 4. That increased attention be given other kindred lines among the better to Christian educational work. educated of the Christians. The various forms of "liberal Christianity" "Resolved, That we as missionaries have been urged upon the attention of representing various mission boards the latter by word, book, pamphlet, working in Japan, in conference asand newspaper. Besides this, the dis- sembled at Karuizawa, in view of variintegrating teachings of Plymouth ous reports that have gone forth con- Brethren have made no small inroads cerning the need of more foreign workupon the membership of the churches, ers in Japan, would express it as our and disturbed and unsettled many opinion that not only has the time not where no actual defection resulted. come for the withdrawal of the mis- sionaries already on the field, but we From the foregoing it will be seen believe that there is still a need of many that the Church in Japan is not suffi- more foreign worl{ers in this land." ciently strong numerically, financially, intellectually, or spiritually for the bur- Apropo8 of the contribution from Jadens which the unwisdom of certain of pan missionaries in a block, there chance its friends would lay upon it, and we to be on our desk some notes prepared heartily commend to the consideration by Rev. F. A. Cassidy, of the Canada of all10ver8 of our Lord who are inter- Methodist Japan Mission, on some of ested in the advancement of His king- the questions canvassed In connection dom in this interesting country the fol- with Japan missions, which we take lowing resolutions, passed by the Inter· the liberty to edit into form, much as national Missionary Union at Clifton the secular newspaper interviewer might Springs, N. Y., June 12th, 1895, and do. They contain the following points: also that which obtained the approval of upward of one hundred missionaries [J. T. G.] who met in an interdenominational conference a few weeks since in Karuizawa : 1. The missionary as an educational- ist is indispensable in Japan, and must " Since it has pleased God in the or- be for some time to come. der of His providence to bring the Empire of Japan into such a position of 2. Even when he does not occupy the prominence as she occupies to·day, relation of acting pastor, he may be this International !lfissionary Union important as a preacher and general deems it advisable to urge upon all the adviser among the people and the minevangelical churches the necessity of istry. taking advantage of the present crisis in the history of missionary effort in 3. If the future brings great lind rapid Eastern Asia, and would beg especially increase of church-members, a weIIto emphasize the following points: trained staff of missionaries will be needed. If a period of depression in- " 1. 'rhat no pains be spared in the stead of one of advance comes, a strong development of an efficient native min- sta:ff will surely be required. istry. 4. The only way to have efficient men for both educational and general work this committee during Miss Child's ab- . is 1;0 follow the old method of sending out a fair supply of the best men and sence from America. The committee women, with the idea of their devoting themselves to the service by acquiring made a call for the observance of No- the language and growing old in the work on the field of Japan, just as vember 15th as a day of prayer, in view in other mission-lands. of the disturbing events in four of the 5. The control exercised by the mis- sionary over the Japanese Church varies countries where American missionaries with the several organizations. The Episcopalian has the maximum, the are at work-viz., Turkey, China, Ja- Congregational the minimum, the Pres- byterian the medium. pan, and Korea.
6. The usefulness of the missionary Dr. A. T. Pierson never wearies of is greatly independent of the official searching out the evidences of the su- position he mayor may not:occupy. pernatural supervision of the world in He is needed, and will be so long as the interests of modern evangelical Japan is non-Christian, or largely anti- movements, and it is equally sale to Christian. say he never wearied a reader in writ- ing of the" modern marvels in the his- 7. As to the economy in employing tory of missionary enterprise." Here Japanese because they can be secured is a "second series" of the "Miracles far cheaper, it is not at all probable of Missions." from the Funk & Wag- that the Church which can produce the naIls Company, New York. Formosa, men for pastors, cannot itself produce Hawaii, Banza, Manteke-all pass in the money. If it costs, as claimed, only living review, fresh and forceful from one tenth to support a Japanese that it the pen of the author. The" MeAll does a European, then self-support Mission," "Livingstone's Bodyought to be in sight. When they do Guard," and other captions are necesnot need foreign men, they ought to be sarily attractive. Read, mark, learn, beyond the need of foreign money. It and inwardly digest this and similar is eminently important that the danger phases of the Divine development of be avoided of corrupting a native church the Messianic kingdom, and your Chris· on any field by putting financial aid tian faith will grow bolder for all deforward unduly. partments of Christian life and activ- ity, near or far, minute or extended. 8. In judging of Japan and its advance, it is essential to discriminate be- Miss V. F. Penrose, who furnished tween material progress and religious the article in the October REVIEW on reform. "Maps and Money," writes to ask us to "put a note in the REVIEW to the Miss Abbie B. Child, Secretary of the effect that the beautiful little map Woman's Board of Missions, is absent, published with' The New Acts of the making a tour by official appointment Apostles' may be had also separately of of the missions of that society in India, the publishers? It is an invaluable aid China, Japan, and Korea. Miss Child to mission workers, bands, leaders, Chrisis chairman of the American branch of tian Endeavor missionary committees, the World's Missionary Committee of etc. I should like to see one in every Christian Women, a permanent organi- class-room. Price~ singly, 40 cents." zation which grew out of the World's We called attention t<1 this elaborate Missionary Conference in London, in map, prepared originally at great cost 1888. Mrs. J. T. Gracey, Rochester, for Dr. Pierson's" New Acts of the N, Y., has been chosen as chairman of Apostles," and are pleased to accentuate . its worth by Miss Penrose's note. The Illap may be had from Baker & Taylor Company, 5 and 7 East Sixteenth Street, New York. Miss Penrose adds that two errors crept into the print of her article. 'The" w" for a " t" in the first sentence (page 763) makes the direct op- posite of her meaning and reasoning. It should read" The Christian Church is not everywhere using maps. Hence, etc." Also three ciphers were dropped from the United States drink bill, mak- ing twelve hundred thousand instead of twelve hundred million.
FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY
III.–FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY.
BY D. L. pmRSON.
Syria.,* Thfil Jews,t Educational Work.t SYRIA AND PALESTINE. Then Rev. Pliny Fisk and Rev. Levi Parsons landed in Smyrna and began Syria, while properly a part of Tur- work in Jerusalem and Beirut. Wars key in Asia, which was considered in and pestilence, intolerance, persecution, our October number, is, from a missIon- and banishment beset these and subse- ary standpoint, a separate field, and is quent missionaries on every side, and taken up this month in connection with made the work of evangelization exceed- the Jews. Syria was so called from its ingly difficult and progress slow. The chief commercial city, Sur (Tyre), and Bible was denounced and proscribed it denotes an historical rather than a po- and burned, and those who read it were litical territory. The extent of the ter- persecuted and excommunicated. In ritory which goes by this nlime is about 1822 the American Arabic press was 400 miles (from the Taurus Mountains founded at Malta, and in 1834 was re- to Egypt) by 200 miles (from the Med- moved to Beirut. This press has now iterranean to the Syrian desert). The printed over 500.000,000 pages in Ara- area is about '70,00u square miles and bic (nearly 23,000,000 in 1893); there the popUlation about 2,000,000, about have been issued over 500 publications one half of whom are orthodox Moham- which bear the seal of the Imperial medans, the remainder belonging to Board of Public Instruction. In 1893, various sects-Nusairiyeh, Maronites, 33,281 Arabic Scripllues were issued Greeks, Papists, Druses, Arabs, Jews, and sent into Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Armenians, etc. Egypt, Arabia, Tunis, Algiers, Moroc- co, India, Persia, Muscat, and Bahrein. Palestine, the Promised Land of the Hebrew and the birthplace of the Chris- The first girls' school ever opened in tian faith, is of peculiar interest to the Turkish Empire was established in the Bible student aud Christian worker 1834 in Beirut by lIrs. Eli Smith, an- of every nationality. This land has other being opened in Aabeih by Mrs. been from time Immemorial the field of Dodge. In Syria there are now nearly political and more especially of relig- 10,000 girls (and as many more men and ious strife. Here Mohammedanism, boys) under Protestant instruction, be- Judaism, Romanism, Oriental sects and sides thousand in the Greek and papal Christianity meet in a common belief in schools. Female education has wrought God and in a reverence for the Holy a palpable change in the status and dig- Land, but here they contend zealously nity of woman; the moral and intel- . to uphold and propagate their different lectual elevation which have resulted creeds regarding God's appointed way nre plain even to the casual observer. of salvation. It was not until 1819 that The mother is becoming the primary in- Protestantism entered upon the field. structor of the children at home, Ilnd by precept and example their moral and * See pp. 339 (May), 847 (November), 891, 899 religious guide.
(December). .. The Land and the Book," Wil- In 1839 a boys' boarding-school was liam M. Thomson; H Syrian Home Life," H. opened in Beirut with 15 pupils, and in H. Jessnp; "Bible Work in Bible Lands," James 1863 the Syrian Protestant College was Bird; .. Encyclopedia' of Missions." incorporated by the New York State Legislature. In 1894 it had 46 collegi- t See pp. 738 (October), 837 (November), 887 ate students, 60 medical students, 134 (December). "Iorael my Glory," Wilkinson; "The Jews," Kellogg.
~ See pp. 281 (April), 526 (July), 586 (Augnst), 005 (December). in the preparatory department; total, missionary. The Oospel is now being 240. In 1848 the first Syrian Evangeli- proclaimed by tl,,:m and to them in cal Church was organized in Beirilt every nook and corner of the globe.
with 18 members. The Hebrew-Ohristianenumerates the There are now 21 medical missionary following principles for carrying on stations, which treat annually about mission work among the Jews: 3000 in-door and 140,000 ont·door pa- 1. Jewish missions should recognize tients. The principal American agency that Jews need a Savior (to sulfer) as at work is the Presbyterian Board well as a Messiah (to reign).
(North), besides which there are 21 2. They should have for their object other American, English, Scotch, and the Ohri8tianizing of the Jew-i.e., Irish denominational and independent bringing them individuaUll to trust in missions carrying on educational and Christ as their Savior.
medical work among all classes. Jeru- 3. They should understand the dif- salem is becoming one of the headquar- ference between Jud'lism and Chris- ters for work among the Jews, of whom tianity. The latter must supplant, not there are now about 50,000 in Pal- simply supplement, the former.
estine (over 2500 in Jerusalem.) Work 4. They should teach and preach the among the lepers is carried on by the fullest revelation of the truth. The Moravians. Divine Fatherhood of God should be Nineteenth· century civilization is emphasizl'd as revealed in the New 'res- rudely changing Lhe character and cus- tament in contrast to the partial revela- toms of the country. The sacred hills tions of God in the Old Testament.
are beginning to resound with the puff 5. They should be based upon an in- and shriek of the modern locomotive, telligent conception of the whole Jew- and the Dead Sea is to be navigated by ish question, including the salvation of freight and passenger boats. the nation, the re-establishment in the land and reign of Messiah as King.
THE JEWS. 6. They should be conducted in view of the mission of Israel-as heralds of The number of Hebrews on the face the Gospel to all the nations of the of the globe is estimated at from 7,000,- world.
000 to 8,000,000 (about twice as many as were in Palestine in David's reign). Gospel Work in La.bra.dor. There are about 6,800,000 iu Europe (3,600,000 in Russia and 1,860,000 in Labrador is politically connected with Austria); the remainder are scattered Newfoundland, and had, in 1891, a over the face of the earth, but are dis- popUlation of 4106 permanent residents, tinguishable everywhere not only by all reported as belonging to some de· their national characteristics, but in re- nomination. The Moravian settlement taining their national name as a sur- among the Esquimaux had then a popu- name instead of as a descriptive adjective lation of 1387. "Besides the mission to -e.g., American·Jews, German·Jews, Deep Sea Fishermen," writes Rev. T. B.
etc., whereas other nationalities take the Darby, of Newfoundland, "the Method- name of their adopted country-e.g., ist Church has two missionaries (in sum- German·American, elc. .mer three); the Church of England one There are over 50 societies in opera- clergyman and a teacher; the Halifax tion for the evangelization of this Book and Tract Society a colporteur at " chosen race ;" they operate in some times; and the Salvation Army a yacht 130 stations, employ over 300 workers, which visits the whole coast during the and have gathered about 150,000 con- summer season, when the large tioat- verts. A Christian Israelite almost in- ing popUlation of fishermen calls for an variably makes a zealous and efficient increase in the number of workers."
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
IV.-EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
Prospeotus for 1896. subjectil connected with the Inspired Word, Prayer, the Holy Spirit, Spir- The MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE itual Life, the Lord's Coming, and Mis- WORI,D will follow the scriptural motto, sions. His address will be, care of Passforgetting what is behind, and reaching more & Alabaster, 4 Paternoster Buildforth and pressing forward to what is ings, London, E. C. He hopes to furbefore-a more advanced goal. nish letters upon matters of great inter- est, and to secure important papers from We beg to remind our readers that the most competent sources. the editor and his colleagues in editorship regal'd this as no me~ money,mak- The labor of which this RETIEW is ing enterprise. Missionary magazines the product is for the whole Church; may be a lucrative investment in the and if onr readers would remember how millennium, but at the present time much each onc can do to bring the REthey are with difficulty enabled barely VIEW to the notice of others, both ento pay expenses, if, indeed; they do not larging the circle of reader. and the become bankrupt. This is to the edi- number of subscribers, the same amount tor's conception simply a means of of toil done for our present circle of hastening the work of a world's evangel- readers might reach tenfold that number ization, and no labor or expense is Ilpared within a short time. One hnmble man to make this REVIEW indispensable to in Scotland secured sixteen additional those who would keep an eye on the friends for the REVIEW, without even whole world-wide field. our knowledge at the time, by simply lending them his copy after reading. If Besides an editorial corps represent- our brethren who read these pages ing fi ve leading denominations of Chris- would remember that our work is untians, and a body of editorial corre- selfishly done for the Lord's sake, what spondents representing all the great help might be rendered us in enlarging nations and countries of the world, we our constituency and extending our inhave a body of contribntors furnishing fluence! These pages might have one special and solicited papers, which for hundred thousand readers before the ability and variety cannot be excelled. close of another year, and new lives To all these attractions we add the cost- might feel the quickening of a new conly charm of illustrations largely unpub- secration. A little effort in extending lished hitherto. our circulation might in effect be the sending out of new missionaries, and Rev. F. B. Meyer, of London, who is the mUltiplying of gifts; and what i3 one of the leaders of religious thought best of all, of intelligent, importunate in Britain, consents to take the place of praying. Dr. A. J. Gordon on the editorial staff, and will act as our English editor. THE GREAT CONVENTION IN LIVER- POOL. A series of articles will appear in 1896 from the best available writers in all The Student Volunteer Union of parts of the field and on every conceiv- Great Britain and Ireland is making able phase of missions at home or preparation on an immense scale for abroad. Biographical sketches and dis- the colossal international convention cussions of delicate questions of mission called to meet in Liverpool in January: policy will form features of the new 1896. It opens Wednesday, January year. The editor· in-chief expects to sail 1st, and continues five days. Over a for Europe before the new year, to attend the great convention of students at Liverpool, and to conduct with Rev. F. B. Meyer and others a series of fourdays' meetings in great centers upon thousand leading representatives from rum of God's house. For example, colleges and universities of Europe are what shall be said of introducing a vio- expected, and such well-known young lin soloist, just before a sermon is to be men, identified with the students' cru- preached, to discourse airs from" Der sade for missions, as Robert P. Wilder Freischiitz"and" Norma;" and a! organ and Robert E. Speer, are invited to take voluntaries during a church oll'ertory, part. Two great ob.iective results are that remind of operas where the shame- aimed at : First, a union of prayer for less ballet is the crowning attraction I a speedy effusion of the Spirit of God Who would not be shocked to find a in all lands; and, secondly, a union of half-drunk Italian introduced into a ell'ort in the speedy occupation of all church service with his hand-organ unevangelized territory. to play the airs of the beer garden?
In our opinion the former is of tran- A.nd yet the writer has preached the scendent importance, for on united and Gospel in a very prominent church believing prayer all else depends. If where a half-drunken German sat there be one lost art which in apostolic at the organ keyboard playing just days was the vital secret of church life such snatches from melodies in favor and activity and the very spring of mis- at the Theatre Comique, and having sions, it is the art of praying so as to not one 'sacred association I What of command a blessing. We use these a Punch and Judy show at a Sunday- words deliberately and intelligently. school festival, where money was to be God Himself has authorized us to do raised for missions, or a raffie where a more than timidly and feebly a8k for white donkey was the prize at a church blessing–" Ooncerning the WQ1'k of My bazaar I These are no doubt excep- llands command Ue Me" (Isa. 45: 11). tions, but they show a drift and ten· Where God's work is concerned, and dency, all but too manifest in our mod- we are working not only according to ern church life, to subordinate the spir- His command but His methods, we are itual to the secular, the ethical to the authorized to claim blessing. There is !esthetical, the things of the kingdom a boldness which is not only reverent to the spirit of the world. The worst but honoring to God; and the holy bold- result of all this is not the lowering ness of praying saints-who, undertak- of our standard of church life, bad ing for God and underIIis orders, go into as that is. but the crowding out of the all the world and preach the Gospel to Holy Spirit by the consent given to the every creature; and who, concerning the presence of unspiritual elements.
work of His hands, command the bless- One of the great unappreciated warn- ing, and plead like Jeremiah, " Do not ings of the Word of God is the sensi· disgrace the throne of Thy glory"-is a tivenes8 of tl16 Spt'rit of God. He forces boldness born of a Divine jealousy for Himself through no unwilling doors.
God's honor, and faithfulness to His He retains His seat of authority and promise. It is to be feared that the control in the midst of no unwilling as- worldliness of the Church has been a semblies. He is easily grieved, like a flood that has drowned prevailing pray- tender-hearted parent,and quenched like er. All prevailing prayer is the groan- a flame that can burn only when it has ing of the Spirit in us. How can the unrestricted freedom to shine. Where Holy Spirit hold llia seat of control the Spirit is not actively in control, while the idols of the world fill His no prevailing prayer is possible, and courts and vex Him with their presence I where ITe is virtually neglected or re- Some things have so far the sanction jected, prayer may become even a of prevailing custom that they have mockery and an abomination.
become entrenched behind impregnable How any intelligent disciple can look redoubts, and yet they are essentially at the present conditions of missions indefensible as violations of the deco- and feel satisfied passes oar compr~ hension. We see fifty millions of Protes- fields, for the victims of superstition and tant church-members, standing face to false religion and tyrannical caste and face with twenty times their own num- custom? Who of us with any godly bers who are yet in as profound persistence appeals for Thibet, the vast ignorance of Christ's salvation as if district of the Soudan, the great basin of they lived on another planet; and spar- the Amazon, the immense plains of Cen- ing only one in five thousand of their tral Asia, and other territory wholly un· own number to carry the Gospel to occupied with evangelical missions r them; and giving on an average Who of us pleads with God for a world- twenty cents a year to the cause. wide revival. an effusion of the Holy There is something in all this that seems Ghost in all lands ? Who of us impor- more like apathy and apostasy than like tunes Him to thrust forth laborers into sympathy and activity. Liberality? a harvest field too vast even to be trod- We do not know the meaning of the den OVe1' in one generation by the few la- word. The money spent on self-Indul- borers now in it, and where all sowing or gence is enormously out of proportion reaping must be but partially done and to what is turned into God's treas- in widely scattered portions, until there ury. is a larger body of husbandmen with seed In the recent addresses of Rev, An- and sickle? In the tilling of nature's drew Murray, at the Northfield Confer- fields machine work has so displaced ence, none made a deeper impression hand work that the latter is no longer than that, at the last meeting conducted profitable, and cannot compete with by him, when hlssnbject wasinte'l'ceSSOrll the former. Immense tracts in our prayer (Rom. 8 : 26, 27). He brought out Western prairies are ploughed and har- with masterly courage and pathos the rowed and sown and reaped by steam.
lack of sympathy with the whole body But God has ordained that no machin· of Christ, the narrow range of our ery, however complete, shall ever till prayers and cven of our yearnings. He the world's harvest fields. Individual appealed to us whether thc Church of hands must continue to the end to sow Christ in all its branches and members the seed of the kingdom; aye, believers is not one body; and whether, instead of must to the end themsel ves be sown as standing apart and coldly criticising the seed of the kingdom. It is the seed the errors, follies, faults, heresies and steeped in tears and watered with tears practices of brethren, we should not and watched with prayers that takes monrn, as Daniel did, over the sins of root and bears fruit. We must love the those with whom we are organically world if we would save the world: love connected, and feel ourselves responsi- must be back of prayer and labor if pray- ble in our measure for the evils we have ar is to prevail and labor is to be effec- indirectly fostered and made little effort tive. And when we love men as Christ directly to remove or remedy. Then, loved them, we shall make sacrifices with tenderne~s and pathos the author for them even unto death as He did, of that marvellous book, " With Christ and it wiII be easy to give money, not as in the School of Prayer," besought us a hush price, It hire with which to quiet to give at least ten minutes It day an accusing conscience, or as a com- to prayer for the whole Church of pounding with self-indulgence. but be- God. cause lo'll8 con8trains us: and we shall And what shall we add as tJ the duty give tenfold, a hundredfold, and ac- and privilege of prayer daily for a whole count it nothing, as Jacob did his four- world that Heth in the lap of the wick- teen years of service for the love he bore ed one? Who among us prays, and to Rachel.
prays habitually, for the unconverted We believe, if the Son of God can masses of mankind, for missionaries in feel vicarious shame, He is ashamed of tbeir difficult and seemingly fruitless His Church in this century; and that He whose omniscient eye pierces " F01' Thanksgiving and Prayer.
through all the glitter and tinsel of a Remember daily deceptive enthusiasm and self-gratula- The Inte'rnational Oonference tion sees our mission work to be super- of the S. V. M. U. in Liverpool, ficial, often artificial, utterly inadequate Januaru 1-5, 1896."
to the wants of a world field, and ut- And on the back the sentence, which it terly unworthy of His Church, with her is asked may be "placed in a promiintelligence, numbers, wealth, oppor- nent position, where it may always be tanities, and resources. seen,"
Great hopes centre and cluster about "HAVE FAITH IN GOD." ~ this new year convention at Liverpool.
A thousand young men, the flower of our college and university life, in the This REVIEW is not a ekronicle of warmth of an enthusiasm not yet cooled daily news, even from the mission field.
aud chilled by habits of worldliness, Before we can get these pages electro- with their future before them, not yet typed, news becomes stale. We seek, entangled in the al!airs of this life and therefore, only to note ehanges which weighed down bybusinesscares, are com- are permanent, and pennanently all'ect ing together to consider the demands of the enterprise of missions. China, a dying world and the commands of a Korea, Armenia, and Turkey-in fact, risen Lord, to organize more completely the whole Asiatic world-is yet in a tur- for the occupation of neglected terri- moil, while Madagascar, Cuba, and Cen- tory. Such a convention ought to enlist tral and Southern America are in the sympathy as broad as Christendom, and midst of war, revolution, and general prayer as earnest and prevailing as commotion. The Queen of Korea has God's promises warrant. It will be the been assassinated, and the plot is traced first time in history that an equal num- to disgraced Korean officials who em- ber of Christian young men have met ployed Japanese soshi and corrupted in Europe for such a purpose, the first the Japanese troops. The colonel of time since our Lord ascended that such the palace guard saw Japanese assassins a gathering has been convoked in the enter the queen's apartment with swords leading nation of Europe. All Protes- and afterward burn the body. Pro- tant Christendom will be represented. curator Kamura with a commission has If, first of all, a spirit of grace and sup- come from Japan to investigate the out- plication should be outpoured, and that break. A usurper, Tal Non Kun, is- vast assembly should be melted into sues a proclamation, and whereunto this one, fused into unity in the Spirit, so will grow does not yet appear.
as to pray as one man, as Samuel, Dan· The French have taken Antanana- iel, Job prayed for others, no human rivo, the capital of Madagascar. The mind ean foresee the glorious outcome. F~ch premier, Ribot, who evidently If the very place were not shaken when thinks it easier and better to pacify the they were assembled together, it would Hovas than to rule them, exiles the only be because the period ot such signs queen's consort, hut leaves her on her has passed with their necessity; but throne under a French " protectorate" I signs and wonders of another sort But from first to last this whole war would appear and follow. Nothing has seems to us without adequate justifica· cheered u.s more than to see tokens of tion or provocation, one of the most a praying spirit in those who Bummon flagrant outrages of the century.
this convention. For example, they Meanwhile, Armenian remonstrances have sent out a call for daily thanks- have provoked new riots and murder$, giving and prayer, in the form of a and the irrepressible Turk shows him- beautiful and striking card, in colors, self more than ever the enemy of hu- with this inscription: manity, capable of any cruelty or vio· lence; and the bitter cry of Armenia in Syria, Asia Minor. Cyprus, and is goes up to God. now establishing one in China. She has missions to the Freedmen, to the Ind· Spain is having no easy task in Cuba, ians, to the Jews, and to the Chinese in and we can only wait for future devel- the home land. opments, with prayer to Him with whom right is the only real might. Rev. J. A. McElwain, pastor at Clar· endon Street Baptist Church, Boston, It may not be generally known that Mass., lately home from Britain, rather Anette Island is in the Alaskan terri· startled his people by the announce· tory claimed by England. To this mont that in England there is the Cirisland William Duncan moved his 1fet- cle of the Sacred Cross, having 1200 siglakahtla settlement by agreement with natures (clerical), and 1400 of laymen, the United States, and has been recent· to turn the Anglican Church over to ly much disturbed by British miners Rome; and that, to offset this movement, who have invaded his territory. eleven Gospel wagons are at work sow· ing seed of truth among the people. Another church falls into line in the direct sending forth and support of mis- A. R. Stark writes from Lima, Sepsionaries on the field. The Central Presbyterian Church, New York City. tember 16, 1895: "Like China and other of which Rev. W_ Merle Smith is pastor, bade farewell on Sunday evening. mission fields, we are now passing September 29th, to Rev. Charles Otis Gill and his wife, about to depart for through a crisis in Peru which we be- Peking, North China, as the church's representatives. The exercises were of lieve is no accident, but part of God's rare interest. Rev. Dr. Arthur J. Brown, the new Secretary of the Foreign Mis- great plan in the opening and the evansion Board, gave a charge to the congre· gation, and Dr. Gillespie and Dr. Smith gelization of this as well as the adjagave parting words. May the day not be long deferred when a church shall as cent lands, Bolivia and Ecuador. naturally support a missionary of its own on. the foreign field as support a " On August 22d Messrs. Peters and pastor of its own on thl. home field. Jarrett, of the Peruvian Mission, were The power of these living links with expelled from Cuzco by m'deI' of the 8Uthe mission field no words can express. preme g01!ernment here in Lima. This unlawful and outrageous persecution, New Mission. without excuse or justification by' the authorities, fomented by the priests, The Reformed Presbyterian Church was not only contrary to the wishes of is about to open a new mission in the educated people, youth, and puLlic China. Two missionaries. Rev. Elmer press of the city of Cuzco, but contrary McBurney and Rev. A. 1. Robb, each to the constitution, law, and justice. accompanied by his wife, were to sail from San Franci~co aLout the middle •• In a letter from the said Government, of November. Their fieJd will probab- they excuse their action by saying ly be in one of the large unoccupied • that there existed a well-founded fear cities. There are many of these, and that the said gentlemen might be subin the "gross darkness" of degrad· jected to some insult,' which is all the ing superstitions. About them are vast more contemptible when we know that stretches of country densely populated: the press and thinking people and University of Cuzco stood by them and The Covenanter Church has, no dou bt, petitioned the Government on their bebeen divinely guided in securing these half. Protestants, mission premises and missionaries. They have qualifications schools here in Lima and Callao are of mind and heart fitting them for the subjected to insult every week; and if work. that is an excuse for expulsion, then aU the missionaries may be banished from This little church, not more than ten Peru, regardless of sacrifice or injustice. thousand strong, has foreign missions "The British}1inistel',who will doubt- less be supported by the Legation of the United States, is now laying this in- justice before the new Government, which we trust will result in more Ilb- erty for preaching the Gospel in the in- terior; and if not, in defining our stand- ing more clearly.
" Let it be known that the pUblicity of Protestant worship is prohibited here in Peru as well as Ecuador and Bolivia. We are here, but we are merely toler~ small meaDS had not the South African ated. The expulsion of Messrs. Peters natives contributed a considerable sum; and Jarrett has brought on a crisis here. the sum derived from South African People's eyes are now being opened to sources amounts to £9000. So the sothe abuses and degradation of Roman- ciety could keep up in China, South ism, and especially of the priests, as never and East Africa 57 stations, with 76 before. More than one of the news- European missionaries, 5 European helppapers have written strongly against the ers, and 6 lady teachers. In China the influence which the priests exercised in this affai r. society has onlr8 missionaries in the neighborhood 0 Canton; her principal " The time is an opportune one, and field is South Africa and German East calls for special prayer and sympathy. Africa. Here she supports 76 Euro- God has given us indications that His pean workers for church and schoolpillar is moving toward Peru. May it the wives of missionaries not includedbe ours to watch and move with Him, and 131 colored agents. The number inspired by His promise, 'Lo, I am of baptized people in the African conwith you always.' " gregations is 27,119 (in China, 784), of whom 12,774 are full members. Tow- At the la~t meeting of the Council of ard the end of the year 1343 adults were under instruction as catechumens, and the South American Evangelical Mission in the schools 4798 children were in daily attendance. It is very remarkable it was decided to send Dr. Bremner, of that the African natives of these con- gregations contributed to the support of Toronto, to the South at the beginning their churches and schools the sum of £6800-that is, more than five shilof the new year, to be accompanied by lings per head, children included. In the South African republic the society has one or more young men, as the Lord by God's blessing done a very extensive work; 30 of their missionaries are stamay open up the way. tioned here, but the work is much ham- pered by the way the natives are treat- It is the intentiou of the Couucil that ed in this country. They are not per- Dr. Bremner shall establish a home in mitted to be proprietors of the smallest Buenos Ayres or Montevideo for the re- area of land or buy an inch of the ground ception of missionary candidates, where that once belonged to their fathers. Not the language may be learned, and from only that, but they are compelled to which, as they are found ready, they work for the farmers for low wages at will be sent out to different stations in fixed rate. This is to be deplored, as the republics of Uruguay, Paraguay, the natives of this country (Basuto) are Argentine, and Bolivia. very fond of cultivating the land, and many of them would be able to acquire At the same meeting applications from a higher position and raise themselves several most promising men and women more and more if they were allowed to were considered. As the Lord opens the way, it is proposed to send all that possess farms. are suitable to the field. This is a time " The mission which this society has of opportunity for the South; the " fields are white unto the harvest," and established on the north end of Lake many laborers are praying to be sent Nyassa, at the foot of the Livingstone there. Mountains, in the Konde country, has prospered in an unexpected way. Eight Deputation speakers will gladly be missionaries are laboring there, and sent by the S. A. E. ~I. to any church since 1891 four stations have been founddesiring it. Apply to the secretary, ed. It is a cause of praise that during Rev. J. McP. Scott, 4 Simpson Avenue, the establishment of this mission not one Toronto, Canada. of the workers has died, altho the cli- mate on the north end of the Nyassa is Our correspondent, A. Merensky, of by no means favorable. A small steam- er, the Paulus, has been sent out and Berlin, writes : is dbing good service, carrying the mis· sionaries fro!ll shore to shore, enabling " The old Berlin Mission Society has them to preach the Gospel in the viljust published her report for 1894 ; she lages lying there. From all sides it is has to thank God for many blessings be· acknowledged that the missionaries stowed upou her by the grace of God ha ve gained the confidence of the native during this period. The revenue of the population in a very remarkable degree, society from home sources has been the and it is a very hopeful sign that at all sum of £16,664 lOs. ; the expenditure amounted to £17.807 2s. ; so that it exceeds the income. It would be impossible for the society to carryon her very extensive work with such comparatively the stations hearers of the Gospel are peril of greater defection. Statements never wanting, and that a few are come from other quarters that the writearnestly asking, What must I do to be ings of materialists and rationalists in saved 1" European schools have been widely read and studied in Japan, and their The Red Orass in Japa.n, effect has been to beget a semi·rational- Some forty governments in all are ism which is causing divisions among church-members, which greatly hinders bound together by the compact known the advance of Christianity_ Creeds are as the Red Cross, or the International often repudiated, and great doctrines loosely held. All of this proves what Convention of Geneva of 1864. we have always urged, that it is of the foremost consequence that the Church The one word neutral signifies the of Christ should not allow Satan and whole essence of this treaty; it defines his agents to get ahead of Christ's discithe condition of all sick and wounded ples in planting seed of skeptical and soldiers, all surgeons, nurses, and at· rationalistic opinion. Before we had tendants, all hospitals, ambula.nces, and set up our first presses, the devil was other appliances while they display the Red Cross arm, badge, or flag duly au· disseminating his literature. thorized and inscribed by the military power of the army to which they are Mr. J. E. Skinncr calls our attention attached; and fUrthermore, all inhah- to the new Home for Medical Missionitants of a country in the vicinity of ary Volunteers, established in Chicago, where a battle is mging, as well as their in the medical schools of which city a buildings, are sacredly regarded as neu- band of student volunteers was formed tral while they are administering to the wants of the wounded and disabled, or in 1800. From the Detroit Convention being employed for hospital purposes. of 1894 this band received a great im- pulse, spiritually and numerically, and Wounded soldiers falling into the enemy's hands are neutral, and must be attention was turned toward the estabsent to the frontier for delivery to their lishment of a home, and a temporary own army, as soon as possible, provided, of course, that the country to which one waS found at 140 Ashland Boulevard. they belong is an adherent to the Red In April, much better premises at 112 Cross treaty. Loomis Street were secured, with the By applying the foregoing principles advantage of time in which to complete one will readily grasp the reason why Japan is doing such effective and com- the purchase. mendable work as a humanitarian na- This building is a three story and tion. She is carrying out to the letter the spirit and obligations of the Geneva basement brick structure, the basement Red Cross Treaty, to which she gave of which, besides the dining-room, her adhesion in 1886, while her emperor kitchen, and servants' room, contains 1 stands at the head of her civil Red Cross laundry, store-rooms, and a boiler-room; Society. and the house is so built that good light and ventilation are assured_ Some In six great wars the Red Cross has twenty-five student volunteers will here been conspicuous. Written history reo find a home. most of whom are preparcords the beneficent work it has done, ing for medical missionary work. but only unwritten history can relate the prevention of untold misery and No city, perhaps, offers better facilisuffering on every field.-E.:cchaniJe. ties for mastering medicine and surgery. The buildings of the various colleges Dr. J. D. Davis, for years an active are large and commodious, equipped with every modern appliance, and missionary in Japan, frankly admits II grouped about the various hospitals, thus guaranteeing unsurpassed clinical seeming failure in missionary work. advantages. In this extensive group are Rush Medical College, the College He confesses to a distinct doctrinal de- of Physicians and Sur~eons. Chicago Homeopathic College, Women's Medifection among the Japanese churches, cal College, Chicago Post-Graduate and expresses the hope that American missionaries and the Japanese ministers would soon come to a comprehension of the emergency, and meet it wisely and bravely. He admits the emergency which is upon them, and the imminent School, and the Chicago College of and tell of about one seventh as much Dental Surgery. The faculties are gathered for missions is somewhat out made up of men of large ability and of proportion, and that nine tenths of scholarship, who have world·wide repu- a cent a week is not a large average tation as inat.ructors, practitioners, and contribution over which to applaud and authors. Suveral of these colleges, to wave handkerchiefs as banners of trithose preparing for foreign mission umph. But we cannot think the Chriswork, remit or rebate tuition, and their tian Endeavorers are alone in this small diplomas give students good standing proportion. We could not expect thebe in any community. young people to outdo their elders, and yet they have done it. This home for missionary volunteers can scarcely be self·supporting. Those Hatuay, a powerful native chief of for whom it has been established can Hispaniola, urged by the Spaniards to pay barely enough for running ex- embrace Christianity before he was penses. While the colleges are closed, burned, and thus " go to heaven, " asked some three or four months of the year, if the Spaniards were to be there, and the students return home or seek em· when told that they were, said he would ployment. But the home must be kept not go where he wonld meet any of the up in readiness for their return. Money accursed, race which had shown snch is needed for alterations to better adapt crnelty as conquerors to the unhappy the new building to the needs of the people whom they so robbed, tortured, home, and to complete the purdlase of and slew. the property. How terrible is it when so-called Friends are earnestly invited to visit Christian nations so conduct in the pres· this home, and here is an opportunity ence of the heathen as to bring Chrisfor Endeavor societies to meet, and, if tianity into contempt! they choose, select some young missionaries, provide for their education, The African never can be a moderate and send them out as their direct repre- drinker; the appetite once formed, he sentatives. has no control, and, under its influence, is maddened. Joseph Thomson, who PREVENTED FROM DOING RIGHT.- led three expeditions into Eastern Cen- tral Africa, writes: "I traveled and Every lover of temperance will sympa- suffered, inspired by the idea that I was doing good in opening new lands to thize with Lady Henrf Somerset, and commerce and civilization; but all sat- isfaction was blIghted as I felt that wonder at the law which forbids her to what little I had done were better unuse her own discretion in refusing a. done, and Africa would better remain the liquor license on her estates. It appears dark continent, if such must be the end of it all. Underneath the cry for gin I that a certain hotel sought the renewal seem to hear the reproach, 'You see what Christians have made us. You of its liquor license, which she refused. talk of peace and good·will, yet put devils into us.' As things stand in The proprietor appealed, and the Jus- many places, I translate this cry of opening Africa to civilization as really tice in Chancery has sustained the ap- opening it to European vices, old clothes, gin, rum, powder and guns. peal on the ground that she is simply Truly, liquor has been well termed 'the devil in solution.' "-Mi8sionl1ll'1J holding the estate as tenant for life, and Outlook.
that her personal opinions must not affect her fiduciary action. That is, if it is for the pecuniary interest of those who come into the estate after her death to ruin men body and soul by liquor, she has no right to stop it.-Religiou8 I ntelligencer.
A Western missl;>nary paper, The G08pel Mes8age, refers to the late Chris· tian Endeavor Convention in Boston, where the Roll of Honor, 500 feet long, was unfolded, with 5500 societies' names as contributing to the cause of foreign missions $150,000. The editor thinks that $1,000,000 spent to come together
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. [Del!ember
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
EDITED BY BEV. D. L. LEONARD.
Extracts and Translations from Foreign stranger whom we are forcing upon Periodioals, them, but their own, coming to bring BY REV. C. C. STA.RBUCK, ANDOVER, the fulness of the Father to His own.
MASS. "The Greek of the New Testament violates all the rules of classic elegance, INDIA. and departs on almost every page from -" There has been of late an appar- classic usage; not always nor perhaps ent revival of Hinduism. This is mani- chiefly because the writers were nGt fested by certain spasmodic movements. Greek)cholars, but chiefly because their An outcry is raised, an attempt is made ideas were largely new and their lanto retine and spiritualize the grosser ele- guage labored and marked in broken ments of heathenism, and efforts made steps under the burden of new meanin 0' to prevent Hindus from professing an which they strove to put upon i; alien faith. Such movements will Among modern languages German and doubtless multiply. There are indica- English have been raised to dignity and tions that Hinduism is feeling the at- honor as vehicles of human thought altacks made upon it. The struggle will most entirely by the influence upon doubtless wax more fierce, and dOUbt- them of the Bible. less become more intolerant. The ancient philosophies will be studied anew; ., Returning to Tamil and the Dravid- ian languages, it is well known that bethe new thought ot the West will be yond the names of a few devils these have hardly any religious vocabulary. read into them, and feelings of false The influx of Brahmanical and BudpatIiotism will lead men to reject all dhistic ideas is marked by the absorpthat comes from a foreign source. tion into the Southern languages of a These movements must be studied, so new vocabulary. Theold Hindu teachthat they can be wisely and sympatheti- ers experienced the same difficulty that cally met. There is doubtless in many we experience to·day, and they left quarters an intense antipathy to Jesus time to settle it by clinging stolidly to Christ as the Son of God and Savior of their old vocabulary, until a large part men. We need to learn how to 'present of it became current coin in the new Jesus Christ to the people in a way that current into which they had carried it. will command the response of the con- Their labor has certainly made the way science, of t.he reason, and of the will. less difficult for us. It has created a Careful study of the thought of the kind of spiritual alphabet where there people and close contact with Jesus was not one; but they have by no Christ are needed if the ambassadors of means left the task of the Christian Christ are to accomplish their purpose. teachcr easy. Rcligious tcrminology Much knowledge is still necessury for drawn from Sanskrit bears almost inan Intelligent, vigorous, persistent evan- variably a detinite Hindu meaning, and, gelization of the masses of the people." used incautiously, will often give a -Ha1"Ve8t Field. sense entirely subversive of that intend- –'" Sympathetically.' Gladlyappre- ed. The preacher has to choose be- ciating and acknowledging all the truth tween the use of a Sanskrit word at the which the people know alIeady, and risk of conveying a Hindu meaning und showing them that this is the dawn of the use of a common word which still that Divine reason which in Jesus Christ stands in common use a mere symbol is risen as the sun; that He is not a _ for a natural object, reading into it as
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATION'S. 9i5
he goes a spiritual meaning by the old this was almost dissolved by theunut- process of metaphor. In any case, he terable miseries of the Thirty Years'
must face the difficulty and overcome it War, during which Germany 10it more as he may by periphrasis, by illustra- than half her popUlation and became tion, by comment. No mere tranRla- the marching ground of swarms of every tion will serve his end. "–Rev. WILL- kind of foreign invaders, the speech was IAM GOUDIL, in Ha1"l!est Field. renewed by a general instinct of rever- sion to Luther's Bibw. It is no wonder -It is perhaps a little too much to say that the Italians regard the German that English owes almost all its dignity Catholics as a species of mitigated Prot- to its translation of the Bible, as Shake- estants, for if by some sudden lurch all speare, Spenser, Bacon, Hooker, and a Germany should revert to the outward great ~hrong of lesser yet noted writers communion of the old Church, Luther's had used it before 1611, and the earlier tongue would still stand between them translations, even that of William Tyn- and any essential appropriation of Latin- dall, can hardly be shown to have very ism.
perceptibly determined the style of -Foreign translators into Eastern these earlier authors. England had tongues cannot, of course, have anyalready a true and copious national thing more than a preliminary work, speech, out of the fulness of which all- but still a profoundly important one. translators, dramatists, divines, philoso- In Malabar (Southwestern India) the phers, and poeta of various kinds-alike Hindu popUlation in the last decade indrew. Yet undoubtedly the version of creased 9 per cent; the Christians, 10 1611, issuing so completely out of the per cent. ; the Mohammedans, 18 per heart of the language, made by scholars cent. The Moslem are a wealthy class who in their work let their scholarship in this burdened and overpeopled land, subside into a simple instinct, while and use their wealth to advance their they thought only how they could bring creed_ their words home to the heart of the people, at once developed and fixed the -The Rev. Howard Campbell, of the language in a remarkable degree. As London Mission, as we perceive from Macaulay says, no one can pretend to the Dansk Missions-Blad, declares that understand the true perfection of Eng- it is an error to suppose that labor lish use who has not the Authorized among the low-castes shuts a man out Version at his tongue's end. Of Lu- from the high-castes. On the contrary, ther's version, it is strictly true that it he anq his associates had found that the created the German language. Pre- more success they had in any place viously it was but a conglomeration of among the low-castes, the more highvarying dialects, the extremes of which, castes they were likely to gain_ Bishop even within the High German range, Thoburn emphatically confirms this seem hardly to have been mutually in- statement.
telligible. Luther laid hold of the -Buddhism, as we know, has long "mandarin dialects," the diplomatic since been driven out of its native India, speech which had grown up between but it is still adjacent to it on the north the various German courts, fixed it, de- in Tibet and on the south in Ceylon.
veloped it, enriched it with treasures Mr_ Sarat Chandra Das, a Hindu schol- from every German dialect gathered in ar, very friendly to Christianity, tho not his vast correspondence, and fused it a professed Christian, is mentioned in into unity and expressiveness in his the Ohurch Miasionary InteUigenCfJl" as a marvelous mind and heart under the great authority on Buddhism. "He power and presence of the Word of God_ regards Northern Buddhism a8 far supe- Indeed, Lllther's version has twice cre- rior to the Southern,. and so much was ated the German language; for when his mind taken up with its wonderful
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
system that it was the greatest pleasure that the Mongolians are the people of to sit and listen while he described the the future; that they are destined to :intricacies of its keystone, transmigra- overrun the world? '
tion, and the fine distinctions of its mar- " 'All nonsense. The Chinese are velous philosophy. But he said, •Bud- very unlikely ever to develop into a dhism has no moral governor.' Buddha warlike people.'
gave his followers a law, but the path " , The social condition of the people of rectitude is one of -self-evolution." -is it good or bad? '
-As was lately remarked in the RE- .. 'It is not very bad. There is a VIEW, and as is implied in the nature of great deal of poverty, but their wants the case, the representations of mis- are few, and I should say the mass of sionaries in a country, when disparag- the people are better off than the masses ing, must be received with some re- of India; the country is wealthier.' " serve, since, aiming as they do to substitute a higher standard. they insensibly Dr. Legge does not think that 400,000,- emphasize the darker features of the 000 is too high an estimate of the popUlaalready existing system. Unhappily. tion of China. He declares that after a however, the Hindus themselves use very long experience of the Chinese, he very strong language sometimes. Thus thinks more of them than ever he did. an orthodox Brahmanic newspaper, the " I have found those who had any posi- Hindu, published in Madras, speaks of tion in society for the most part faiththe Brahman class .as follows: .. Pro- ful to their engagements and true to foundly ignorant asa class, and infinite- their word." He agrees with Sir Harry ly selfish, it is the mainstay of every Parkes, who has been British 11inister unholy, immoral, and cruel custom and in both China and Japan, in regarding superstition in our midst, from the the Japanese officials as children comwretched dancing girl, who insults the pared with the Chinese, an opinion Deity by ber existence, to the pining which Sir Harry declares continued exchild widow, whose every tear and perience to have only confirmed, but every hair of her head shall 8tand up which certainly seems very plainly conagainst everyone of us who tolerate it tradicted by recent events, in which the on the day of judgment. And of such Japanese have shown as mnch diplo- matic as military skill.
a priestly class our women are the igno- .. '-The Lord is King, be the people rant tools and helpless dupes."-Har- never so impatient; He sitteth between _eField. the cherubims, be the earth never so unquiet.' Such is the rendering of CHINA.
-The Free Church Monthly quotes Psalm 99 : 1, in the great Bible of Hen- from the Ohri8tian Oommonwealth opin- ry VIII. 's time, preserved to us in ions expressed to its reporter by the emi- our Prayer-Book Version. The famil- nent Dr. Legge, now Professor of Chi- iar words come to us as we think of Dese in the University of Oxford. For China just now. There are more than instance: a thousand English missionaries, men .. , What effect do you think will the and women, in China at the present un- Chicago Congress have on the future quiet time, many of them probably in religious development of both East and peril of life. No wonder if friends at West? ' home are • impatient' day by day for " , None at all.' tidings of them. Yet, after all,' the '" How, then, did you regard the Par- Lord is King ; , that is a real fact; and IIament of Religions? ' His soldiers, if in the path of duty and .. , A piece of nonsense.' " at the post appointed them, are safe in Then, turning particularly to China: His hand, far safer than on board a … What do you think of the notion British ironclad. But, then, safe from
EXTBACTS AND TRANSLATIONS
what? From whatever is not His will Japanese characteT. We know how for them. Do we wish them to be safe little such newspaper eulogies signify.
from whatever is His will fOT them? So Yet we have no reason to doubt that let our' impatience' give place to peace. this book of Hearn's may be a work of " •Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? considerable value. When, however, in an interview he declares that the In Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they.' "
-Ohurc1. Mi8sionary Gleaner. Japanese morally far outgo the Chris- tians, he makes himself somewhat -When we heaT of ManchuTian mis- ridiculous. Considering that some of sions it appeaTs that we must not think UII have lived in our own country for of Manchuria as at present the country near threescore years and ten, and have of the Manchus. The Revue de8 Mis· spent many years in each of its main sions Contemporaines infol"IDs us that parts, and yet do not dare to pronounce siQce the little horde, in 1643, seized the with any confidence which of these thTone of China, the whole tribe have parts morally excels the other, or whether become government officers. Their for- this generation is morally superior or mer country is now filling up with Chi- inferior to the last, it seems a little nese. This explains why it is so easy strange that a young man, on the for missionaries to go back and forth strength of a few years' residence in a between there and China proper. country utterly strange in character, -Dr. Legge has been inclined to history, traditions, languagc, religion, think that in diplomacy the Japanese moral ideals, can become so well ac- would show themselves mere children quainted with the inmost character of compared with the Chinese. It is true, its people, even after having intermar- the open frankness of the Japanese ried among them, as to be able to pro- character might ordinarily be somewhat nounce them greatly superior morally in the way; but now that they have to ChristIans. . Whatever measure of thrown .the sword with so resounding certainty such a man may imagine him- an energy into the scale, they are not self to possess, the only certaInty that likely to have much occasion to wish he can give to us is that he himself is a for any greater measuTe of craft. malignant hater of Christ.
-As to Japanese humanity in this The Japanese are an amiable and galwar, most accounts seem to agree with lant people, highly cultivated, and of the testimony of the German Jesuit, wonderful courtesy. They have also STORR, who remarks: "We have no an exalted sense of public duty, fully occasion to fear the Japanese, for every- equal to that of Sparta, while wholly where that they come they maintain divested of its unnatural austerities. rigorous discipline and order. Exactly As their moral ideals, however, tho the opposite is true of the Chinese fine, are essentially temporal and retroops. They are rather to be called stricted, it is not strange if a very large robber bands, and the people have much proportion of the nation should be found to suffer where they appear. The Jap· capable of fulfilling them. The ideals anese, on the contrary, pay for all that of Christianity lay hold of infinity and they take, and do not burden the poor . eternity, and therefore ·long ages have people."-Oalwe1" Missionsblatt. passed befoTe even the aurora of their fulfilment has appeared; but when it MISCELLANEOUS. comes at last, with its mighty fulness, the coming of the Son of man, it will -There is a certain man, named sweep the light but exquisite Japanese Lafcadio Hearn, who has written a nation into its mighty current, and, lIke book on Japan which is declared by Undine in the story, she will receive some newspapers to excel anything that what she has never yet had, a truly im- has yet appeared in knowledge of the mortal soul.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
-The eminent scholar, Professor of course treats the hope and desire of Rhys Davids, as we know, has been eternal life less as selfishness (which is lecturing in different parts of this coun- hardly a Buddhist idea) than as supreme tryon Buddhism. He disavows the folly. The Gospel, holding the creacharacter of a missionary of Buddhism. ture for the fruit of supreme wisdom Yet to judge by an interview with and goodness, and the rational creature him reported in the Boston T1'(J//UJoript, as destined, in that oneness of love with this is exactly what he is. This inter- the Creator which at once eternally dis· view has been reproduced with a deli· tinguishes and identifies, to be the etercacy of detail which shows clearly that nal expression and organ of the Uncreit proceeds throughout from the great ated Excellence. makes the case of our scholar himself. The faintest allusions personal salvation-that is, of ollr moral show a profound acquaintance with oneness with God-not only our su- Buddhist authorities, as reported by preme privilege, but our supreme duty, other great writers, which confirms that which alone gives to the creation them as authentic. And they show as its essential blessedness and value, both distinctly that Professor Rhys Davids, of which Buddhism denies alike to it as as to all essential points.-is a Buddhist, a whole and in all its parts. As Max and means to commend and propagate MiUler says, Buddhism, though in many Buddhism. He calls himself a Chris- aspects so greatly resembling Christian, it is true, which in the mouth of tianity, is its exactly opposite pole. an Englishman signifies simply that he Therefore Professor Rhys Davids may acknowledges Christianity as the relig- justly be held as an apostle of Budion of his country-something from dhism, and by that very fact far more which he has absorbed many ways of truly a resolute opponent of the Gospel thinking, and against 'Yhich he has no than any preacher of Brahmanism would thought of preaching a crusade. But be. Buddhism is the great spiritual almost at the very beginning he subtly torpedo, deadening the whole religious substitutes Buddhism for Christianity and personal sense, so far as it is capaby assuming. as something which every- ble of being developed and applied in body now allows, that the universe is the fulness of its fundamental assump· so constructed that every inner and tions. outer act is immediately accompanied by the exactly proportioned retribution English Notes. due to it, and that therefore the belief in an ultramundane tribunal is a mere BY JAMES DOUGLAS. superfluity. Herbert Spencer declares the same; and St. George Mivart right- London Missionary Society. – The ly pronounces him culpable of an utter- Founders' Week Convention, held rely unproved and superstitious assump- cently in the City Temple, September tion. Rhys Davids also treats with un· 21st-27th, has been a great success; disguised approbation and sympathy but as we have made this the subject of the fundamental thesis of Buddhism, a special article, which appears in this that individuality is a temporary thing, issue of the REVIEW, we need not enter of little value, a mere bubble thrown into details here. up and forthwith swallowed up by the turbulent forces of universal existence. Madaga8oa7'.-The latest intelligence He speaks with complacency of the from this war·swept island is fairly re- Buddhist contempt of personal salva- assuring. Thus far the Central Provtion as" selfish." Buddhism, denying ince is free from disturbance. " Misthat individual existence has an eternal sion work and the ordinary lives of the worth, or any worth at all, since uni- people were proceeding as usual, and versal existence itself is only an illusion, there was no indication whatever of an anti-foreign feeling." Despite the coun-
ENGLISH NOTES
sel of the British vice consul, all the if it might spread all over that part of .male missionaries, and a fair proportion the country." Also in Ti~m-men an in- of the ladies also, have decided to re- teresting work is springing up. So at main at their posts-a decision in which a place called Peh-ho-kou, from 20 to the representatives of the S. P. G., the 30 are reported as !leeking for baptism.
Friends' Mission, and the Norwegian Amoy.-Rev. J. Sadler cites several Missionary Society concur. cases of good received from their com- South Seaa.-Times of refreshing are mentary on Matthew. A man named reportcd from Apia. A Mr. and Mrs. Lim has thereby been won, and is now Smith, of the Helping Hand Mission, working vigorously for the salvation of of Auckland, were induced, as they souls. .. My younger brother," writes were passing through. to stay and lend one of the native evangelists, " became for a few days a helping hand. "God a Christian last year, .also through the drew near," writes the Rev. W. E. commentary. "
Goward, " and some of our young folks Bechuanaland.-The directors of the who were seekers, and my chief hope, London Missionary Society have accordcame out boldly for God, and others ed a warm welcome to the chiefs Khama, were able to dedicate themselves to Sebele, and Bathoen, and have in the God." Since then the work has en· most emphatic manner espoused the larged, and about twenty have been object of their visit, and have done brought in. Active opposition has been everything possible to them by way of aroused. strengthening their appeal to the impe- Cltina.-Deep regret is felt at the rial protectorate of Great Britain, in trying circumstances which have neces- which they seek, among other things, sitated the early return of Dr. and Mrs. the confirmation of their tribal rights Bennett from Tientsin-namely, illness to the ownership of the land, as also to of Mrs. Bennett from serious aural the administration of justice in accordtrouble. The District Committee has ance with native law, and, further, the put on record" its deep sympathy with control and prohibition of the liquor the dear friends whom it so recently traffic in their territories.
welcomed to its fellowship, and from Centenary Fund.-This fund has now whom, in the cause of God's provi- reached the sum of £76,000.
dence, it is now called to part." Mrs. Baptist Missionwry Society.-Writing from Wathen Station, Congo, the Rev. Bennett is a daughter of the Rev. A. G. G. Cameron says, .. There are some in whose hearts the good seed has found Brown, of the East End Tabernacle, London. .
King-shan.-Dr. Griffith John writes good soil, and their earnest inquiries concerning this place in Central China: and altered lives give us hope that they " Now for a bit of news that will cheer are being taught by the Holy Spirit of your heart. Mr. Hiung, one of our na- Go~." He also reports the baptism of tive assistants at Hankow, has just re- two converts.
turned from a visit to King-shan. He &mbalpur, India.-District meetings tells us that all the converts baptized last were recently held for the first time in year (when Dr. John baptized 41 adults) Sambalpur. The reporting churches remain strong and firm in the faith. were none of them large, but they had There are now more than 190 waiting each some measure of blessing to re- for baptism, of whom 100 are deemed cord. The following deliverance on the quite satisfactory. The Christians have subject of prayer deserves heart inscrip- bought a large house for chapel pur- tion: " As the amount a cow eats regu- poses, and paid for it themselves. lates the quantity of milk it gives, so About 40 villages have become more prayer is the gauge of a man's ability or less Christian, and the work looks as to display the Christian virtues."
GENERAL MISSIONARY mTELLIGENCE
China Inland Mi88ion.-Many letters Mackay in Africa, of the noble army of have been received giving a graphic de- m'artyrs which Rev. R. W. Stewart and scription of the riots in Si-ch'uen, Ihe his associates in China have now joined, deeds of pillage done, and the providen- has not made the sacrifice of human tial escapes through the abounding lives seem too great even in behalf of mercy of God_ These letters show the degraded savages. Rather has it exult- practical value of that peace which is ed the value of the lives that have been deep set in God_ It is beautiful to see laid down at the hands of those whom such patience under trial, and to note they sought to save and the value of hu- how graciously God has been hearing manityeverywhere. The whole human prayer during the long time of suspense race has been ennobled by these sacri- (even verifying the promise, "before fices."-Oong1'egationalist.
they call I will answer"), and enabling – IlluJJtrated Aj1'ica announces that 4 His servants" to take joyj'ully the spoil- missionaries from New Zealand arrived ing of their goods." at Cape Town after a stormy passage, and proceeded at once to Durban, en The extent of this wave of disturb- route to Inhambane. Think of it! New ance is shown in the fact that in the Zealand sending out evangelists for the western province of Si-ch'uen, as the redemption of Africa I result of a series of riots, some 65 missionaries have been drivcn from their -Backed by the statements of Henry stations, many of them being in the most imminent peril of their lives. Not- Norman in his" The Peoples and Poliwithstanding all, there has been much tics of the Far East," by similar opin- of the dew of blessing on the fleece of ions in Mr. Curzon's " Problems of the service_ In little more than the space Far East," and by editorial assents of of two months no fewer than 160 souls these bold affirmations from the London have been baptized throughout the sta- Standard, the PaU Mall, and the St. tions of the C. I. M. ; and these. added James Gazette8, the New York Tribune to the results formerly given, bring up suggests the new doctrine as a legiti- the total to 401 since the beginning of mate and necessary deduction from the the year. .. acknowledged fact" that the Chinese do not want Christian missions, which THE KINGDOM. Is, that our missions are an intrusion, an -J. F. Willing speaks thus in the international impertinence. – FJoangelist.
Western Christian Advocate of a recent -To. go on a mission to China just visitor to our shores: "The earnest now is, in the estimation of some of the Christian thought of New York has secular journals, .. pious foolhardiness." been arrested by the visit of Andrew The Pall Mall Gazette calls upon the }Iurray, of South Africa, as I have not foreign office of Great Britain to give known it to be during the last half dozen faithful warning to all intending misyears. Scientists have found that there sionaries that if they go they must " go is electricity enough in an acre of fog forth at their peril," and asks the furto destroy all the animal life in that ther question, "Why cannot they, if acre; but it is unknown except to their they persist, as would-be suicides be experiments. Andrew Murray is one forcibly detained 1" of the Lord's electricians, revealing to common people the powers that are -One of the most important addresses dormant and unrecognized within and ever given in Minneapolis was that of around them, that they may be used to General Foster, Secretary of State under light the world gloriously toward the President Harrison, before the General coming of the kingdom." Convention of the Episcopal Church.
-The death of such men as Patteson The successor of Blaine and the adviser in the South Seas and Hannington and of Li Hung Chang, the imperial chancellor of the Celestial realm, has made a which are embraced in his field, and special study of missions. He has had preside at the mceting of the Central peculiar facilities to understand state- Conference of India and Malaysia, craft, and as a peacemaker between which meets at Poonah in March.
China and Japan to know whereof he -Of the 247,000 Indians in thiscoun- speaks. For an hour and a half, in sim- try, 30,000 are engaged in farming, stock- . pIe, straightforward speech, he gave the raising, and other civilized pursuits. evidences that Christianity was doing a During the last year the Indians raised mighty work in all the lands of the 11,722,656 bushels of wheat, 1,878,230 Eaat.-North and West. bushels of corn and other grain, and -" There is no use my trying to be a vegetables in like proportion. They Christian," said an old Chinese woman marketed 30,233,000 feet of lumber; to the missionary's wife; "look at my they own 205,844 head of cattle, 1,283,- feet," pointing to her deformed, band- 633 sheep and goats, and the value of aged feet. "Why, what have your feet products of Indian labor sold by them to do with it 1" asked the lady in sur- is estimated at $1,220,517. Of the 24'7,- prise. "Oh," said the other, "if I am 000 Indians, 189,000 are self-supporting, to be a Christian I will have to go into and 35,000 pay taxes, live outside the the world and preach the Gospel, and I reservations, and are counted in the could not travel with these feet." general population. A.t the last election -Hon. Chauncey :M:. Depew says the about 22,000 Indians voted. About whole tonnage of ocean vessels in the 30,000 are church-members.
world last year was about 140,000,000, -A recent issue of the St. Louis Pres- while the tonnage of the railway of the byterian contained a picture which rep- world carried 100 miles was about resented a group of 13 missionaries, 1,400,000,000. There are 400,000 miles now living, who have given from thirty of railroad in the world, of which 180,- to fifty years of life to the work. Their 000 miles are in the United States, or names are: enough to encircle the earth seven and G. W. Wood, D.D., Turkey, 183B. one fifth times. Of the 1,400,000,000 J. C, Hepburn, M.D., China, 1840. tonnage carried by the world's railroads Mrs. J. C. Hepburn, China, 1840. last year, the roads of the United States William Ashmore, D_D., China, 1850. carried 800,000,000 tons. :MI'. Depew Mrs. William Ashmore, China, 1850. says the internal commerce of the United Henry Blodgett, D.O., China, 1853. States makes it the most wonderful Mrs. Henry Blodgett, China, 1853. market on the globe. John Scudder, M.D., India, 1855.
UNITED STATES. Mrs, John Scudder, India, 1851i. H. H. Jessup, D,D., Syria, 1855.
-Miss Stella Franklin, a granddaugh- J. F, Clarke, D.D., Bulgaria, 1859. ter of Benjamin Franklin, sailed recent· J, W. Waugh, D,D., India, 1859. ly from New York to Bombay as a mis- Benjamin Labaree, D.D., Persia, 1860.
sionary. This is the second of the -Rev. F. B. Meyer makes this an- granddaughters of Franklin now on the nouncement in the London Ohristian: foreign field. "Permit me to state that Dr. A.. '1'.
-Bishop Thoburn was to sail from Pierson has promised to spend six: New York for India November 6th, and months in this country from January, is due in Bombay December 1st. He and it is proposed that he should visit will at once begin an extended tour of several of the larger towns, spending the conferences, but will return again three or four days in each, and holding for the General Conference in May of conferences on the following subjects: 1896. While in India and Malaysia the First day, the Inspiration and Author- bishop will hold the six conferences ity of the Bible; second day, the Personality and Power of tho Holy Spirit; Whole number of laborers sentfrom this 572 third day, the Culture of the Inner country.. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . … .. .. .. .. 242 Life; fourth day, Christian Missions. 500 There would be two meetings daily." Native pa.tors…………………….. 1,734 Native preachers and catechists….. ..•. 613 -A despatch states that Henry M. Native .chooHeachers…. … ………. 8,107 Stanley, M.P. and explorer, has ac- Other native laborers.. .. .. .. …. . . .. …. 3,679 cepted the nppointment of associate editor of Bishop William Taylor's monthly Total of native laborers…………… pUblication, nlustrated .Africa. It was Total of Americans and natives……. during his recent visit to New York, en route to Canada, that Mr. Stanley be- Churches. came associated with Bishop Taylor in the present work. Churches ……………………. . 461 -The latest report of the American Church-members…………………. .. 44,413 Board, the oldest and among the greatest of American missionaries, is full of Added during the year ……… ,. ….. .. 3,266 eloquent and most suggestive figures, as this brief abstract will show : Whole number from the flrst…….. '" • 131,914 EXPENSES. -At a recent all· day's meeting of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Protestant Co.t of mis.ions ………………….. $661,886 Episcopal Church, held in St. Paul, an .. .. agencies (district secretaries, etc.) .13,964 offering of $54,000 was laid upon the .. .. publications…….. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,947 altar. During last year the society .. .. administration (secretariell, rents, raised $349,215 in the 52 dioceses and etc.)…………………… ". 28,485 13 missionary districts over which it has spread its network, part of this value Tota,l. .. .. .. . … ………. .. …….. $715,2a'J being sent to the mission fields in the Balance, debt August 31, 1894 •..••••… 116,237 form of boxes, and $23,529 being cred- ited to the Junior Auxiliary. Total. ………………………….$831,469 -Bishop Thoburn estimates that in the Methodi!!t Episcopal Church there ought to be at least 1,250,000 givers to missions, and that they are easily able to give in this fashion: RECEIPTS. 500,000 at $0.05 each monthly. •• . •• ••.. $300,000 500,000 at .10 each monthly……….. 600,000 Donations ………………………… $516,003 150,000 at .25 each monthly. . . . . … •. . 450,000 Legacie… .. .. .. .. … .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. . … 150,435 75,000 at .50 each monthly……….. 450,000 Otis Fund….. ……………………. 41,367 15,000 at 1.00 each monthly.. •.. . .. . . • 180,000 General Permanent Fund…………… 9,Oa'J 5,000 at 2.50 each monthly……….. 150,000 Total …………………………… $716,837 2,500 at 5.00 each monthly……….. 150,000 Debt August 31,!1895….••••..•……•• , 114,632 2,500 at 10.00 each monthly. . ..• •. . ••. 300,000 Total. ………………………….. $831,469 1,250,000 $2,580,000 GENERAL SUMMARY. -The Western Watchman is not cheered by the outlook for Catholic M'U8Wn8. 2" education, and for these cogent rea· 103 sons: "The preachers are now doing Missions…………………………. . 1,163 more for education than we. We are Stations ………………………… .. astonished at the slim attendance at our Out·stations ….•….•.•..••…•..•….. 1,461 boarding.schools. Our convents are not Places for stated preaching. .• ••. ••••• • patronized as they once were. Our col- Average congregations…………….. . 72,000 leges aro not tilled with Protestant boys from the States as of yore. The good Lawrers Employed. Sisters are astonished. The Jesuits and the Christian Brothers are puzzled to Ordained missionaries (16 baing physi· account for the reduced classes. While we men were insensing ourselves the cians) ………………………. .. 187 enemy, the preachers, came and built Male physicians not ordained (besides 11 women)……………………….. .. 13 Other male assistants ……………… . 5 Women (11 of them physicians), (wives, 187; unmarried, 180) …………….. . 367 colleges, male and female, all around professed tbeir faith in Christ during us. There are to-day in this State tens the past year. Some of the institutions of thousands of Protestant and non- may now be considered as wbolly Cbris- Catholic young men and women attend- tian. The income for 1894 was £7752, ing colleges built and maintained by the less than that of 1893 by £1074. The Protestant sects, where thirty years ago new work entered upon includes a home not one could find an education outside near Hankow, at Roha, North India, a Catholic boarding-school." and at Tokio; the erection of a small -Rev_ W. C. Pond writes from San hospital at Kalimpong, DarjeeUng; and Francisco: "Two of our best mission- the transference to the society of a Govary helpers, Loo Quong and Chin ernment leper asylum at Calicut. Funds Quong, left us for their native land are in hand for a new home in Rangoon, about two weeks ago. Another, Gin and another for European lepers is being Foo King, is to follow them next week. subscribed for. It brings a little lightening of the burden of expense, as I shall not attempt -The Chronicle of the London Soto fill their places till our empty treas- ciety in a late issue bas a paragraph in ury is replenished, but it brings, appar- reference to a new organization in Great ently, a great loss to our work. It Britain, to be entitled the Industrial Misseems almost impossible to make it suc- sions Aid Society. The scheme has cessful at the points of greatest need been started by Mr. F. W. Crossley, of Manchester, the idea being to encour- and greatest promise without the minis- age industrial missions wherever there try of men like these." is promise that they can be conducted on a self-supporting basis. Such insti- EUROPE. tutions always need aid at the outset in securing their plant and in starting the Great Britain.-Three African kings industries. It is believed that no at- have been paying a visit to British soil, tempt should be made to foster institu- all worthy men, and were received tions wherever there is no such promise everywhere with becoming respect. of speedy self-support, but where there They were Khama, the Christian ruler is this promise, it is designed to make of the Bamangwato ; Bathoen, chief of loans at a low rate of interest, and to the Bangwaketse; and Sebele, headman afford aid by.such counsels as experi- of the Bechuana. The last named was ence may suggest.
intimately"associated with Dr. Living- -At the recent meeting of the Wesstone. The saddest feature of their leyan Conference a debt was reportcd visit is found in the fact that what they of £30,000 on the Missionary Society, chiefiy desired was the help of the gov- and it was resolved to make a great ernment to protect thefr people from effort to get it removed. A session was the desolations wrought by the rum accordingly given to .. a financial lovetraffic. feast," with the following results: One -The Mission to Lepers cooperates member of the conference after another with 15 different societies, supports 15 rose, giving evidence of approval of the leper asylums or hospitals of its own, effort by a promise to give. By the end and aIds 11 other similar institutions. of" the session nearly £20,000 had al- In addition to these, 12 places are open ready been promised. This amount in- to the mission for Christian instruction, cluded several donations of £1000; Mr.
and 8 homes for the untainted children Morgan Harvey, the treasurer of the of lepers have been opened. In the so- society, adding a second £1000 on be- ciety's homes there are about 800 in- half of his wife and family. Some of mates, and 700 more in the assisted in- the smaller gifts were announced with stitutions. One hundred and fifty have touching details. -At one of the centenary meetings notably the case with South and Cen- of the London Missionary Society, tral Africa and Surinam (or Dutch Chief Khama, whose people had reo Guiana in South America). In all these ceived the Gospel from the missionaries fields new stations have been planted of this organization, being present, said amid heathen populations.
in his own tungue: "I rejoice very -There died recently in Moscow, much to be present here with you in says the New York Tribune, a man who this house of God. I rejoice much to in the last twenty years gave $5,000,000 see so many young children, and I pray to charity. He was State Councillor God that as we have been joined to- Jermakoft, who came from a poor famgether in the body, so He will help us ily. His first public act which excited to join in the one spirit, the spirit to general attention was the purchase of help people. The work in which we the freedom of aU the serfs living in his stand is a work of goodness, a work native village. 'l'his cost him $120,000. which excels all other works in real He came to the rescue of the poor peogoodness. The work that we find on ple time and time again when the harthe earth is a work that tries men, and vests failed. His funeral was one of again it is a work that passes away; but the largest ever seen in the old burial the work of God has no ending. And place of the Russian czars, thousands of I have been trying to get my own peo- the poor of the capital following the ple to go forward in the ways of right- philanthropist's body to the grave. eousness as you are doing. I have not long words to say to you, because I am -According to Russian prison statisnot a man practised in speech, I know tics in 1890, the number of prisoners in how to do things better than to say government jails was 764,373, and for them. But I give you joy with my the suhsequent years 817,945, 855,356, words, the joy that I see in your faces. " and 842,729. The unfortunates in mili- The Continent.-An article has re- tary prisons, the peasants in the village centlyappeared from the pen of Rev. houses of correction, and the prisoners G. E. Hiller in answer to the question, in the 'franscaspian district would make Why are there :Methodist missions in up a total of a million in the Czar's do- Scandinavia and in Germany? The minion who are under loci>: and key. writer finds a legitimate reason for These figures do not includl) the people them, because (1) the origin of these transported to Siberia, w~lO in the years missions was providential; (2) Method- named numbered 18,363,20,106,20,727, ism has the right of way in Europe, as 17,160-a total of 76,356. Nor do they well as in other parts of the world ; (3) include 5328 convicts SC!!t within the they are necessary; (4) they have same period from Odessa to the penal aroused the Lutheran churches from stations of the inhospitable island of their lethargy; and (5) they are justified Saghalien.
by the religious indifferentism and spir- ASIA. ituallethargy of many Lutheran clergy- men. Islam.-The Porte has finally accept- -'rhe Moravian Church also reports ed the inevitable, and under compulsion a deficiency in the missionary treasury, from four ot the great European pow- one amounting to £5745 ($28,725). The ers has consented to radical reforms in causes are, on the one hand, a falling Armenia, relating to taxes, judicial pro- off of income, mainly under the head of cedure, etc. Christians are to have :egacies, and, on the other hand, an in- some real protection from Moslem hatred crease in the expenditure of several and violence. Let us rejoice at the fields. This is largely due to healthy steady waning of the crescent and the growth and necessary extension, .and steady waxing of the cross. -In a recent Nineteenth Century the without either the imperial permit or Hon. Mr. Justice Ameer Ali appears for the stamp !"
the defence of the Turks in " Islam -The Presbyterian Mission in Persia, and the Critics." These sentences give including the Eastern and Western secthe fia vor of the article: .. No country in tions, reports the following statistics for the world has had to contend with such the past year: Stations, 6; out-stations. insuperable difficulties as Turkey. For 91; ordained missionaries, 16; medical the last century and a half every two missionaries-men, 4, women, 4; lay decades or so she has been engaged in missionaries, 1; lady missionaries, inexhausting wars, not of her own mak- cluding wives, 38; total, 63; ordaineu ing, but forced upon her by the crusad- nati ves, 45; licentiates and teachers, ing zeal or the ambition of others. And 244; total of native laborers, 289; yet, in spite of all difficulties, partly churches, 38; communicants, 2838; originating from within and partly added during the year, 173: students from without, all candid observers ad- for the ministry, 11 ; total of pupils ill mit that the country has made consid- all schools, 3470 ; hospitals and dispenerable progress in every direction. Nor saries, 4; patients treated, 20,785; naare wise and patriotic statesmen want- tive contributions, $23,500. ing. Men like Said, Turk.han, Zia, and Tewfik would do honor to any coun· India.-Among the proofs of this try." country's progress in adopting methods -Rev. H. H. Jessup has returned to of Western civilization, it may be noted Syria, and gives evidence that the SuI· that in the year 1894 the money spent tan's change of heart is not entire. on education was 96 lakhs of rupees Read this: "Ten days ago orders came more than in 1888, and that during the from Constantinople to the Beirut cus- six years the number of pupils in schools tom house to allow no books to be increased more than 60,000. The numshipped, even though they have the ber of letters, etc., which passed imperial permit, unless each separate through the post-office in 1888 was 274,- volume is stamped by the Director of 000,000, and in 1894 was 370,000,000. Education. As we have 12,000 volumes The number of telegraphic messages ready for shipment, our work is virtu- sent nearly doubled within the six ally and practically stopped. The Direc- years; the area under irrigation grew tor of Education has written to the Col- from 7,500,000 to nearly 9,500,000 acres; lector of the Port that these books all and the hands employed in cotton-mills have the imperial permit, but he says increased from 72,000 to 130,000.-Indhis new orders are peremptory, and not ian Witne88.
a book can go without the disfiguring -Rev. John E. Clough writes: "The stamp on it. All of our Arabic Scriptures Madras·Bezwada Railway, for which and other books have the imperial im- project I have worked not a little, both print, the official permit on the title- here and in London, has at last been page. More than this no government sanctioned, and work on it is to com- can req uire. But they insist now on mence September 1st. This railway refusing to recognize their own permit, will be 290 miles long, and is really an and oblige us to have a disfiguring, extension of the East Coast Railway, inky stamp put on every volume and on and the two will be about 1000 miles in as many pages as they choose to put it length, and will make as direct a rail- in. The object plainly is to obstruct way line as possible between Madras Bible distribution. And what makes and Calcutta. This railway will pass the order more outrageous and offensive through Nellore, Kavali, Ongole and is that the Jesuit edition of the Arabic BapatIa, and will pass within three Bible goes through the custom house miles or so of Ramapatam and Kundukur. It will be a great boon to UlJ in 99 out of every 100 Hindus. They are our mission work, and in many ways. bound to it by an inexorable Jaw, so Oh, that it had been completed thirty that the Hindu never practically adyears ago !" vances beyond the question, 'Is this act which I am about to do consonant -Read this from the MiBBion Field: with the caste rules and religious rites ., In consequence of the custom of early of my people l' They think over and marriage universally prevailing among are affected by religious truth about as Hindu youths of the plains, it follows much as they are by modern explorathat most of our Christian boys' class tions to the north pole. Moreover, it companions are married men. I had should be remembered that Hinduism heard about boy·marriages before going has accomplished in the minds and lives to India, but neither this nor any other of its votaries a complete divorce of mostrange custom produces much effect rality and religion. The most ' holy' upon one's mind until one is brought and most highly venerated men, religface to face with its practical working; iously, in India to-day are known everyand so, soon after my arrival, I was where to be highly immoral, the moral teaching a class of ordinary-sized school- lepers of the community." boys in St. Stephen's High School, when, on inquiry why a certain youth -The Pasumalai Institution of the had not put in an appearance on the Madura Mission has at. present 351 stuprevious day, I could hardly believe dents, under the instruction of 3 Amerimy ears when he said, ~ Please, sir, my can missionaries and 20 native teachers. son was taken sick and I had to stay Its several departments embrace a col· and look after him.' 'Your son !' I lege, high and middle schools, normal said; 'my dear boy, what do you school, practising school, and theologimean?' • Oh, yes, sir I ' was the re- cal seminary. Its jubilee celebration ply, , you know we marry very early in was on September 19th. The instituthis country.' I said, when I had re- tion is one of the most valuable within covered my breath, • Will all those who the whole field of the American Board. are married men in this class kindly During the half century $30,000 have hold up their hands?' And another been expended in buildings and not less shock was in store for me when all but than $100,000 in its support. 3 or 4 out of a class of 35, averaging about fourteen or fifteen years of age, -Well may Rocwell Clancy send signified that they were husbands: the forth his lament over the case of the minority consisting of 2 Christians and Methodist North India Mission, whose 1 or 2 Mohammedans." prosperity, strange to say, actually threatens its ruin. He writes: " Mis- -Dr. J. P. Jones, of Pasumalai, has sionaries who have been sent to this this to suggest concerning Hinduism: country to preach the Gospel and to .. So far as Hindus are concerned, the lead India to Christ are succeeding in Vedic teachings and the philosophic thiir mission. Every year about 10,000 systems of Brahmanism-of which so converts are added to the Church; and much is said on American platforms- yet, year after year, the missionary sohnve very little, practically nothing, to ciety is forced to keep us at the same do with their daily lives. They have old figures. Our success is proving to the completest legal code and ceremo- be our greatest embarrassment. The nial system of any people on earth. It classes from which our converts are enters every detail of their life. At the taken are for the most part the most root and permeating every fibre of this ignorant and degraded in India. Alis the caste system, to which every Hin- most the only religion they have known du is an abject slave. Thisexternalism is demon worship. When they come to is the alpha and omega of religion to us they are so ignorant that only about 3 persons out of 100 can read and write. lains to Formosa, the authorities at They are like little children, and need Tokyo replied that they were glad to the most patient, loving teaching, or have as many Christian preachers sent matiy of them would relapse into idola- as possible. The 5 who were sent to try. They are sorely oppressed by their the army in China did such admirable relatives and caste people, so that if left service that the more of such work the alone without a Christian teacher among better. Work among sick soldiers in them, they would soon become dis- the hospitals grows in interest. ,So couraged and yield to the persuasions of much is this the case that Miss Talcott their friends to renounce Christianity." of our own mission and her coworkers -Aligarh Anglo·Oriental College is have returned to Hiroshima, braving rapidly becoming the most important cholera and intense heat in order to centre of Mohammedanism in this coun· continue this telling service." try. It is attracting hundreds of Mohammedan youth of the best families; -The Chinese have been accused of and while it seeks to establish them' in not being patriotic. But those who the faith of Islam, it also aims to give make such accusations do not know the them a liberal education abreast of that Chinese. What is it that makes 80 given in any other institution of learn· many of them want to be brought back ing. The school wlIl exert a great in- home to be burled? What makes them fluence upon Mohammedan society. refuse to be absorbed by the countries The young men who have had from to which they go? What makes them four to six years in the college board- refuse to adopt anything that is foring-house and class-rooms will not go eign? It is the same feeling that back to their homes unchanged in char- prompted the Jew to hold to the law acter or ideas of life. The college has and the prophets. Only those who take an annual income of 24,000 rupees from a superficial view of the Chinese, their landed property assigned to it by the philosophy, Jiterature, and history, can Nizam of Hyderabad. Other Moham- attribute it to ignorance, and it is conmedan noblemen will doubtless emulate ceit only if too much patriotism is con- ceit.-T. HEADLAND, in the Independent.
the Nizam's zeal. The college not only -One of our missionaries in a great has money and a good prospect of more, city of China (it may be as well not to but it has students also. There were .mention names) reports that the leading last year 205 students in the college de- officials of the city sent him a request to partment and 360 in the school depart- meet them at a place which they named ment.-Indian Witness. for a quiet conference. Accompanied Cbina.-The Chinese word for medi- by another missionary, the two were recine is " yoh," and the Chinese form of ceived with the honors paid to the govthe word John is "Yohan." In one ernor of a province. Passing through part of China, says the Baptist MUiaion- a double line of$oldiers, a military salute ary Magazine, there has been a great de- was fired, and ceremonies were carried mand for the Gospel of John, as the out according to the" Book of Rites." people thought it was a treatise on After a collation had been partaken of, medicine. It is to be hoped they found the theme of conversation was largely in it healing for their souls if not for China and her relation to the Western world. These officers commented with their bodies. severity upon the evils of the govern- -Rev. J. H. Pettee is persuaded that ment of China, but evidently felt help- in the Flowery Kingdom " Christianity less and hopeless as to means of reform.
as a whole is gainini steadily in intlu- The object of this conference seemed to ence. To cite one proof, when permis- be solely to gain information and to es- ,sion was asked recently to send chap· tablish friendly relations. The incident ia certainly a striking one, and serves to the truth and superiority of the l'elig- show the impression which some at least ion of Christ by intelleetual discourses of our missionaries are making on Chi· and" apologies" aimed at the heads of nese otHcials.-Missiona1'1l Herald. some of the most rapid and acute think- ers and logicians in the world. -Rev. Gilbert Reid continues his efforts to gain access to the highest dig- AFRICA. nitaries in the empire, to make their acquaintance and win their confidence, This continent, the second of all for respect, and friendship, and that so he size, is said to contain the largest forest may help them to see some things from on the globe, having one whose length the Occidental point of view. So would is at least 3200 miles, and whose width he carry blessing to the teeming mill- is unknown, because no traveler has ions. His success is beyond his expec- ever pushed his way from side to side. tations. Besides, the latest evidence goes to show that Victoria Nyanza, if not equal in Japan.-MissG. Nott, of Kumamoto, area to Lake Superior, is not far infe- Japan, an English missionary, says: rior.
.. I was talking one day to a woman of -Joseph Thomson, the African exvery good family, anotlicer's wife here, plorer, who recently died at thirty.six and was telling her that before the one years of age, was the only man who true God we are all sinners. She list- penetrated into the interior from all ened politely, and then, covering her four sides. From Morocco on the north face with her hands, she burst into a he explored Mount Atlas; from the west peal of quiet laughter. 'I do beg your he went up the Niger; from the Cape pardon,' she said, ' but I a sinner! the he reached the great lakes and the spot idea is too ridiculous.' You see it is where Livingstone died; and from the firmly believed in many cases among east he traveled through the Masali men and women, too, that other nations country to the lakes. In all his expedimay need a Savior, but not Japan; tions he never found it necessary to use Japan is the country of the gods, the a revolver or a rifle against a human Japanese the children of the gods, and, being. therefore, they cannot sin."
-The Salvation Army is to make a -The London Freeman (Baptist) says determined assault upon Japan. The that King Leopold, of Belgium, chief (Jonqueror gives this answer to the ques- of the Congo Free State, is very kindly tion, "What are they going to do in disposed toward the Baptist missiona· Japan ," They are going to plant the ries on the Congo. Recently he exflag of blood and fire in the name of pressed in a letter his high appreciation God and the Army, and raise up a na- of the services rendered to the state by tive force of Salvation warriors to con- a grammar of the language which Mr. quer the Empire for Christ. They are Bentley, a missionary, had prepared. going, a band of 15 of them, to make He also knighted another missionary, their attack on what are known in Mr. Grenfell.
Army parltmce as "native lines"-that -Mr. Snyder writes thus jubilantly is, they will dress, eat, and live as the from Luebo, on the Upper Congo: Japanese do, and they expect that the " This mission has been in operation people will, when they come to know some five years, and now comes the an- them, receive them gladly_ They will swer to the unnumbered prayers that not go there as superior beings, con- have ceaselessly ascended to our Father demning all the Buddhists and spirit- since that time, five years ago, when worshippers and free·thinkers as fools Mr. Lapsley and Brother Sheppard left tm or knaT6S, llor will they try to prove America now. Frayer will prevail. On Sabbath morning, March 17th, 12 will ask, how do they collect damages, more were baptized and became mem- debts, etc. Well, the African excels in bers of this church, and on the follow- dunning. The African may quickly tire ing Sabbath, 14, and on April 7th. 2 of almost anything else, but of making more, and on April 14t.h, 1 more. This requests, never. The debtor is met in makes in all 35. What a day of rejoic- the market-place, and publicly remind- ing, when we had our first communion ed of that little debt. He is hailed in with them! Hematuria and death were the path with, "When arc you going nowhere in the presence of this Life! ! to settle?" And at his house he re- Weare all well at this date, and are ceives all sorts of untimely and unwel- hopeful of more converts soon. These come calls from the aggrieved party, were mostly from among our station and life becomes a burden until he pays.
people; out of the 35 only 3 were Then there is a little trick the Congo Bakete, the rest being Baluba." man has, of tying up (the Congo meth- od of imprisoning) the wife or wives of -" There is much illness among the the debtor until the pay is forthcom- natives themselves [of the Congo basin]. ing.-A Mi8sionary.
One physician estimates that 90 per cent have hereditary diseases. Forty- -The railway race has begun even in five church-members have died this Nyassaland. There is now there an en· year, and 46 have been received into gineer surveying for a line from Chiro- the Church. At one of the out·stations mo to Blantyre under the egis of the 25 died in three years. I remember of Lakes Corporation. Hopes are also having seen but one gray-haired person. held out of the speedy completion of They expose themselves unnecessarily, the transcontinental telegraph between and have no idea of sanitary laws. Blantyre and Fort Salisbury. It is said They have poor houses, lie on the that a few weeks will see a direct com- ground, and take no care of themselves munication open with the lIashonaland when ill." office, and so on to England 'Dia the Cape. Meantime, the reduction of the -Avarice is perhaps the most strik- cable rate between England and Cape- ing characteristic of this people. 'fhe town to 38. per word will effect a con- love of wealth is the root of a vast siderable reduction in the cost of through amount of evil in Africa as well as in telegrams from BIantyre.-Life and America. They look upon all things Work.
as property. The state flogged a native so severely that he died. His people -A letter from the Bishop of Ma- were very indignant, and threatened to shonaland gives a graphic account of a join other natives who were then up in page in the life of a modern missionary arms in rebellion against the state on bishop. He says: " I write from Bulu- account of its tyranny. But when the wayo, which I duly reached on Mon- state gave them some cloth, it was all day after a coach journey of 550 miles right. A man was supposed to have from Pretoria across the Limpopo and been killed in an attack upon a state sta- its crocodiles, and on through dusty tion. His friends did not find his body, tracks made through the bush by pio- but according to their custom, buried neers. It was, even to me, a very rough considerable cloth. In time, the man journey, with scarcely any sleep and supposed to be dead appeared. When little food. On Sunday afternoon, after the fact was known, instead of rejoic. many hours' travelling in choking dust ing, a friend (1) said, "What about all and heat, we rested for an hour at a that cloth which we buried 1 Who will wayside shanty of poles and mud.
pay for that? The white ants have Prospectors were lounging about, and eaten it by this time." Perhaps you one man had put on a clean shirt. Every one was hearty and the bishop guages the Scriptures of the Old and was warmly welcomed. Damper was New Testaments into the Niuean lan- ready. and there was turned butter and guage of Central Polynesia. and the bUtung (buck or beef meat dried in the Motu language of the Papuan people, sun). I expect I was the only bishop more than justifies the act of the Scotch in the world on Vtat particular Sunday university.
sitting astride a plank, cutting slices of biltung with my pocket-knife, and -It is a strange fact that the very washing them down with digger tea throne which the French are seeking to out of a billy, a sort of tinpot or mug wrest from the Queen of Madagascar which prospectors carry about. was presented to her by Emperor Na- -The Uganda railway soon to be poleon III. It will probably constitute commenced will extend from Mombasa, one of the trophies of the war now on the Indian Ocean, to the Victoria waged in Madagascar_-The Indepen- Nyanza, a distance of 650 miles. The (Unt.
estimated cost is $8.775.000. The cost -The French have finally, tho with of running one train up and down per great loBS of life. climbed from the week is put at $200.000 a year. The coast to the central highlands; the capi- railroad will, however, greatly reduce tal, Antananarivo, has fallen, the queen the expense of government transport, has yielded and made peace. and Gallic which now costs $900 a ton from the influence Is supreme in Madagascar. coast. For some two and a half centuries -Henry M. Stanley. M.P.• said re- France has claimed this great island, cently in an interview of the religious several times over has sought to gain growth in the region of Lake Victoria possession. and now rejoices in having Nyanza: .. When I was at the lake 18 the prize within her grasp. Of course years ago there was not a missionary the only right in the matter is might. there. Now there are 40,000 Christian Very likely a better government than natives and 200 churches. The natives the natives ever had will be set uP. good are enthusiastic converts. They would order will prevail, roads will be built. spend their last penny to acquire a and all that; but the gravest fears may Bible. They are not like the blacks of well be entertained that a course of the West Coast; in fact, there are no vexatious and disastrous meddling with real Ethiopians among them. They Protestant missions will be commenced. vary in color from light yellow to dark If only these are let alone, and the copper. and are much more intelligent Jesuits are kept within decent bounds, than the blacks." all may yet be well.
ISLANDS OF THE SEA. CHINESE AND JAPANESE IN THE -The many friends of the Rev. W. G_ UNITED STATES. Lawes, of New Guinea. in Australia and New Zealand, will be gratified to There are about 100,000 Chinese resilearn that the University of Glasgow dents in the United States. and more has conferred upon him the degree of than 90,000 attend no Christian service. Doctor of Divinity. He has devoted nearly thirty-five years of untiring work The Japanese in America number to Christian· literature and Christian about 2100. Missions are carried on education in Polynesia and New Guinea. among both of these claBSes by the Presand the quality of the work he has done byterians, Methodists, and others with in training pastors and evangelists, and 'considerable success. The Young Men's in translating from the Qri~n~l ~lAa. Christian Association has been the means of a good work among them on the Pacific slope.
The Missionary Review of the World — November 1891
OUR DEBT, OUR DUTY, AND OUR DESTINY
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIV. No. 11.-0ldSeries.–NOVEMBER.–VoL. IV. No.l1.-NewSeries.
OUR DEBT, OUR DUTY, AND OUR DESTINY.
[EDITORIAL, A. T. P.] The obligation to prosecute home missions finds illustration in three important texts of Scripture, at which we shall glance, in their application to this great theme.
I. "If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith. and is V,'orse than an infidel" (1 Tim. 5 : 8).
II. "Thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men llIay bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles" (Isa. 60: 11).
Ill. "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth" (Acts 13 : 47).
We do not claim that these passages refer to the subject to which we apply them; but they serve as biblical expressions of our threefold relation to home missions, or the evangelization of our land.
1. A DEBT owed to a national family and household. 2. A DuTY owed to a nation's guests-the strangers that are within our gates, destined to become children of the nation. 3. A DESTINY connected with our providential history and mission to the world as a missionary nation. 1. THE DEBT. The nation is a larger family, and of this larger family the household is the type. In an emphatic sense we have all one Father. We have as' a nation a common origin. The nation had its birth-hour and birth-throes. The history of its nativity is written in blood and tears, and we are proud of it. We are bound by peculiar ties that make the whole family one. The very configuration, conformation, and physical features of the republic's domain proclaim our unity. The great mountain ranges and river systems run north aud south like backbone and breastbone and nervous and circulatory systems, and forbid division such as was attempted in the Civil War of a quarter century ago. Our history is one, and our interests are common. Here is one great household, in one great home, with a common tongue, common wants, and a common supply. We are under one beneficent system of household laws, where due regard is had to the liberty and rights and development of each. A paternal government of mingled freedom and restraint is over the household.
However widely scattered, we shall find, literally, that we are all one family. The members of our households are spread over the wide territory, our sons and daughters may be found from Maine to Texas, and from Atlantic to Pacific shores. In the savannas of the South, by the great lakes, on the ranches of the remote 'West, on the plains beyond the Rocky Mountains, on the prairies where grows the corn, on the hills where they dig out gold and silver, our children and members of our households are even now living. We owe it to our own to provide for them all the means of grace and the institutions of our holy religion. To leave them where they are destitute of such blessings, and for the time unable properly to provide for themselves, is worse than to leave a son or daughter, brother or sister, to literal starvation, by as much as body is of leEs value than soul. Never shall we make adequate provision for our own land until we regard the nation as one household, each member of which has the right and claim upon us to provide proper religious advantages. Those who go beyond the Mississippi and leave the Sunday-school and church behind them, and find none where they go, are in danger of finding that they have practically 1eft GOD too on the other side of the river or the mountains. 1'1) set up Christian schools, churches, prayer-meetings, sacramental tables, Bibles, and family altars is virtually to set God in the midst of them again.
The force of this argument grows upon us as we study the conditions of our common country. Our magnificent railway system, with the vast network of telegraph and postal communication, brings the remotest parts of our vast land into practical neighborhood. This facile communication and rapid transportation encourages the wide dispersion of households wherever personal ambition or business prospects attract; and in consequence twenty years, and often a single year, will so scatter one original household that its members may be found represented in every quarter of the republic. The man or woman who helps to plant a Sunday-school, church, or religious centre of any sort in a remote Western State or territory may be making unconscious provision for a son or a daughter, who in a few years may be a resident in that quarter, dependent for spiritual life and growth on the very institutions which the generosity of the parent helped to found. A pastor and one of his church-members in Philadelphia helped to establish a school in Arizona, where two years later both of them had daughters.
II. Secondly, we owe a great DUTY to the great influx of foreigners on our shores.
The facts about Immigration are not generally known; certainly they make on very few a deep and lasting impression. From 1783 to 1847 there came to these shores 1,063,567 immigrants. From 1847 to 1873, 4,933,562. From 1873 to 1890, 4,910,864. In the single year 1881, 441,064 ; in 1882, 455,450 j and in one day-May 11th, 1887-10,000. These figures are very instructive, and ought to be very impressive. The first period given above covered sixty-four years, and the rate was about 17,000 a year ;. the next period covered twenty-six years, and the rate had increased over eleven-fold; the next period covered seventeen years, and the rate had increased over seventeen-fold upon the first period, and over even the second above fifty per cent j while in one d(i"y of 1887 there were nearly two thirds as many as each year averaged from 17Sa to 1S47 I The sixtieth chapter of Isaiah, though it has an undoubted dispensational meaning, and is primarily applicable to the chosen nation of the Hebrews, could scarcely have been more appropriate to our own country if it had been written for our encouragement and admonition. It is the great home missionary chapter. It challenges us to use the light we have from God to irradiate the darkness around us, and reflect and transmit the rays which selfishness would absorb. How true it is of this land that the nations are coming to our shores as doves in flocks to their windows j the sons of strangers build our walls and palaces. The question is, Shall all these heterogeneous elements be assimilated into homogeneity j shall we get national unity out of this diversity j shall the fir-tree, pine-tree, and boxtree tog~ther be wrought into the woodwork of the sanctuary 1 These foreignen come with" strange gods," with notions, prejudices, habits, customs, foreign to our own and at war with them. They are prolific, and increase with very great rapidity. 'What sort of an influence are they to exert over coming days! Mr. Ellis, in his remarkable book on "The Criminal," has again brought to our notice the amazing ruin to society wrought by one vicious progenitor. The" Jukes family," so called, proved a brood of vipers. The ancestor, born between 1 720 and 1740, llad a numerous progeny more or less illegitimate. Two sons married bastard sisters. Descendants, traced through five generations, number at least 709, and really aggregate 1200 j and, on the whole, form a body of criminals, prostitutes, paupers and vagabonds. Not twenty skilled workmen belonged to the whole number, and half of these learned whatever trade they knew within prison walls j ISO received out-of-door relief; 76 were open criminals, committing 115 offences j and over 52 per cent of the women were abandoned to a life of shame. What a future is before a country where foreigners, ignorant, superstitious, degraded, often the criminal refuse of other lands, are permitted to find a home and multiply without any really educating, uplifting and redeeming influences!
The only hope for America is found in the assimilation of these foreign elements. They must be brought into unity as parts of one body politic. And history shows that but one assimilating power is equal to such a tasknamely, a common religious faith. We must Christianize pagans, or they will paganize Christians. We must elevate this foreign population, or they will degrade us.
Colonies of Portuguese, driven out from Madeira in 1S49, took refuge in Springfield and Jacksonville, TIl., and there, about thirty miles apart, two essentially Portuguese colonies have existed now for over forty years. The streets have been wholly given up to them in their quarter, and they have at least four churches of their own. If we go to the Sandwich Islands, amid a total population of SO,OOO we shall find several thousand Japanese and 20,000 Chinese. :rhroughout all the lands of this hemisphere, and especially in the United States, all foreign peoples are found j and the question is how they are to be made a part of our American civilization and republicanism.
III. Thirdly, we owe it to our DESTINY to redeem this land for our Lord. The United States has from the beginning been divinely stamped as a COlD- mh!sioned missionary nation. Here not only the great problem is to be wrought out, of liberty civil and religious, of individualism independent of all abnormal restraints, even of aristocratic caste; but most important of all, here is to be the great supply of workers for the world· wide field. Heathen Asia cannot furnish them, because heathenism is the field needing mission work. Papal Europe cannot supply them, for Romanism itself needs reformation and purification of her corruptions. Where shall the great training school of missionaries be found if not in this land ~ Great Britain is doing nobly her share in a world's evangelization; but whare, if not here, shall her great ally be found ~ The work of home and of foreign missions runs together. W"hen Dr. John Hall was visiting in Scandinavia, he learned at a missionary meeting then in progress in Sweden that in Wisconsin and Minnesota alone were 140 Scandinavian ministers laboring among their own countrymen, sent out by the mother churches of Sweden and supported by their contributions until such time as the Scandinavians resident in this land could take care of their own pastors. The same distinguished Presbyterian clergyman, coming out of the Yosemite Valley, tarried over night in a village where there might have been perhaps 1200 people, and where there was no church of any denomination! So oppressed was he by the sight of such destitution that he went from house to house, inviting the people to meet for worship, and himself addressed them. These two facts, or classes of facts, illustrate the kinship of all missionary work at home and abroad. Dr. Pentecost goes to India to evangelize English residents ih that stronghold of Brahmanism. The heathen come to our shores. We have here from 8,000,000 to 10,000,000 who came from African ancestry. The Chinese and Japanese are here by the thousands to learn our political system and our faith. If we do our duty we may on this very soil grow the seed of the kingdom to be planted the wide world over. Neglect of our own land makes all our future and the future of the world so far hopeless. To evangelize our country, to leave no part to desolation and degradation, to aband'on no class of the population to vice, crime, ignorance, infidelity, and irreligion j to build churches, gather Sunday-schools and Christian congregations everywhere, scatter Bibles, tracts and good books, to multiply all means of grace and bring them into contact with the entire population of the land-that is to root up evil growths and displace them by trees and plants of godliness, whose seed is in themselves after their kind. "We shall thus ge bread for the eater and seed for the sower. When the Lord by these means builds up our waste places and makes our deserts His gardens, we shall draw the eyes of the world to us, and we shall be prepared to send — into all the earth the sowers of the seed of the kingdom, and turn every other waste into an Eden.
RRJ,ATION OF MONEY TO PROGRESS OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM
THE RELATION OF MONEY TO THE PIWGRESS OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM.
BY REV. W. D. SEXTON, HILLSDALE, MICH.
In one of his sermons Horace Bushnell says: "The great problem we have now on hand is the Christianizing of the money power of the world. What we wait for and are looking hopefully to see is the consecration of the vast money power of the world to the work and cause and kingdom of Jesus Christ. For that day when it comes is the morning, so to speak, of the new creation. That tide-wave in the money power can as little be resisted, when God brings it on, as the tides of the sea; and like these also it will flow across the world in a day."
The day for which Bushnell longed has not yet come. We shall not see it until the power of money in the development of Christ's kingdom is more clearly understood. So far are we from the realization of this vision that Qven the money in the hands of Christ's own followers is not yet flllly consecrated to His service. The need of such a consecration is enforced by vastly more imperative claims to-day than ever before. How to bring about this consummation is one of the greatest questions which now confronts the Church of Christ.
The expression, " The progress of Christ's kingdom," which forms a part ofthe heading of this article, assumes that progress is the law of that kingdom. It assumes that great conquests are yet to be made in the name of the King. This assumption is both scriptural and in harmony with the clear indications of Providence. This progress of the kingdom is conditioned upon two things-Divine power and human agency. According to the Divine plan these are the two factors which combined are to work out the triumph of the Redeemer's kingdom. Both are embodied in the authoritative commission, "Go ye and teach; ]0, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. " We must not lose sight of either of these factors. It is ours to be the heralds of a world-wide evangelism; it is Christ's to furnish the power which alone can give success to our efforts. Christ gives to every believer the privilcge and the honor of being aSRoci. ated with Him in carrying out His far-reaching plans. "We must work the works of Him that sent me," said Ohrist in loving fellowship to His disciples.
Upon the side of human agency, what hinders the speedy fulfilment of command and prophecy! It is not distance and difficulty of access to the heathen world. Modern invention has brought the nations near to each other. With marvellous rapidity and in ways least expected God has removed the barriers which separated the Christian from the pagan world. Although there are many adversaries, yet with scarcely an exception great and effectual doors are everywhere open to the ambassador of Christ. Moreover, men and women are now coming forward in constantly increasing numbers, saying, " Here are we ; send us." The recent uprising of young men and women in our schools and colleges is putting an added weight of responsibility upon the whole Church. It should be remembered, further, that the agencies are now organized more fully and efficiently than ever before for carrying the Gospel to every creature. The experimental stage of missionary enterprise is past. While present methods are not to be considered as complete nor final, yet measurably permanent methods have been reached. What do all these things mean 1 He must be blind to the logic of events who does not see in them the manifest tokens that the hour is at hand when the Son of Man should be glorified. They are the heralds of God, proclaiming in unmistakable accents that new and rapid developments of God's kingdom are at hand.
At the present outlook one thing alone hinders an immediate, forward movement along the whole line. This one thing prevents the more rapid evangelization of our own country. In some measure it hinders the work and cause of Christ in almost every church. This one thing is the lack of money, absolutely needed to carry forward the work. Money is the factor most imperatively needed and most sadly lacking. Money is the greatest human power in modern civilization. This power has been applied in a very limited way to the extension of Christ's kingdom. It has been used mainly for purely secular purposes. It has come to pass that on this subject the god of this world has blinded the eyes even of the believing. We are brought face to face with a strange phenomenon: the whole world ready and waiting for deliverance through the Gospel of God's grace; the Boards of the Church organized and equipped for the work of meeting this need; men ready and offering themselves to be the messengers of this grace, but the treasuries empty, the officers compelled to call a halt, and the whole line of Christ's army forced to rest upon their arms. Napoleon used to say that soldiers fight upon their stomachs-a sententious way of saying that if you want a victorious army you must furnish supplies. As never before, the advance guard of Christ's host is ready for aggressive movement, but the commanders dare not move forward because the needed supplies are wanting. In sight of the fulfilment of great and precious promises, our Joahuas and Calebs are urging the Church to take the world for Christ; but the majority of God's people do not appreciate the greatness of the opportunity. While the opportunities are multiplying every day the resources for this work have come to a standstill. Something is wrong. God has not thrust this work and these opportunities upon ;His people to mock them. It is not inability which prevents the ample support of Christ's work. The income ofprofessing Christians is abundant to pour a continual stream into the mission treasuries, so large that everyone willing to be God's ambassador could be well supported. What we need is not more money in the hands of professing Christians, but, as Bushnell said, the " Christianizing of the money power," which they already possess. The question is not how can Christian people make more money, but how can they be Jed to understand and adopt the spirit and principles of their Master in the use made of what they now nave 1 The question, second to none which presses for solution is, How can the benevolence of God's people be brought up and made to keep pace with the opportunities of His provi- dence 1 We sometimes fear that this problem will not be solved by the present generation, which is so completely absorbed in material aim!!.
It is with a sincere desire to contribute something toward its solution that we present a few suggestions : The first thing-first in time and in importanc&o-which we need to do is to bring this matter before God in believing and importunate prayer. The whole movement of modern missions has been in answer to prayer. At first God's people prayed that the world might be opened for the mission- ary and the Gospel. So quickly and fully has God answered that prayer that His people are amazed at the answer to their own petitions. Then the prayer began to be urged for men and women to go as Christ's me!lsengers. That prayer too has been answered. Cannot God also touch the hearts of men so that they will re~pond to the calls for money 1 Assuredly He has not exhausted His power in this work. It ill possible that He has brought us to this emergency to teach us that even the gold and silver is to be forthcoming, not by the power of our own persuasion, but by the power of His might. We used very frequently to hear ministers pray.in their pulpit ministrations that God would give access to the pagan nations. We do not need to offer that prayer now; but do we hear as often the prayer that God would touch the hearts of Christian people and make them re!lponsive in gifts of money 1 We do need to offer that prayer. From every pulpit, from every family altar, from every closet, let this prayer go up, and then we may expect an equally ready answer.
But while we pray we must work. God has put a great responsibility in this matter upon ministers and teachers. The Church must be brought to a clearer understanding of the intended purpose of Christ's kingdom and of the Divine plan for executing thi!l purpose. Many Christiau people have very limited ideas of the real nature and purpose of this kingdom. It is really amazing how many there are who secretly do not believe in missions. They are not in sympathy with this idea of world-wide evangelism. This lack of sympathy is a result of gross ignorance. They do not understand the aim and spirit of Christ. The absolute need is a revival of personal loyalty to Christ, which will beget the spirit of enthusiasm for the progrells of His kingdom. The spirit and command of Christ must be presented as the fundamental motive for aggressive evangelism. It is a mistake to substitute the enthusiasm of humanity for the enthusiasm of Christ. The great need of the world ill an argument, but the greatest of all arguments is the constraining love of Chri~t. It is the businells of the Church to evangelize the world, and every Christian should be led to feel that he has a part in this business. Little permanent progress will be made in utilizing the money power of the Church until the aggressive nature of Christ's kingdom is more clearly understood and the spirit of His ministry is morl! widely
AN EXAMPJ.E OF SELF-SACRIFICE
diffused. It is the duty of ministers and teachers to iterate and reiterate these truths and to inspire the people with a high ideal of Christ's purpose and spirit. We fear that even the ministry has not yet risen to the high tide of interest in missions which the cause of Christ demands. The interest of the people will not rise higher than that of the ministry. Too man ministers are afraid to push the imperative claims of modern missions.
There is great. need also that the scriptural doctrine of the use of money should be set forth clearly. In brief this is the principle of stewardship. Growing out of this is the principle of systematic and proportionate giving. If these principles were applied fully and fearlessly the solution of the -great problem of evangelization would be at hand. People seem to consider their money as their own, to be used as they please. Such is not the teaching of the Word. Divine ownership and human stewardship is the sum and substance of that teaching. Each one is responsible, not merely for that part of his income which he use2 for benevolent uses, but for all that God has given him. He is bound to use all as one who must give an account.
Finally, the Church needs to be informed of, and impressed with, the greatness of the opportunity and emergency which now confront us. The opportunity is inspiring; the emergency thrills with its possibilities. We staO(~ upon the verge of unparalleled victories for the kingdom of God if the Church will only consecrate her gain to the Lord of the whole earth. That time is foretold in prophetic vision. If this generation does not realize its fulfilment and its corresponding blessing, some other will ; for the counsels and purpose of God shall stand. It is not a question of the ultimate success of the kingdom. That is assured. The question is whether this generation shall rise to the greatness of the opportunity and reap the blessing in store for those who fulfil the commands of the grea.t Head of the Church. Our opportunity and our responsibility are commensurate. Our reward or our condemnation is awaiting us.
AN EXAMPLE OF SELF-SACRIFICE.
The Missionary Herald tells of a Scotch woman whose practice it was to give a penny a day for missions, to whom a visitor gave a sixpence to procure some meat, on learning that she had not lately enjoyed that luxury. She thought for herself: /C I have long done very well on porridge; so I'll give the sixpence to God." This fact came to the knowledge of a missionary secretary, who narrated it at a missionary breakfast. The host and his guests were profoundly impressed by it, the host himself saying that he had never denied himself a chop for the cause of God. He therefore instantly subscribed $2500, and others of the party followed his example, till the sl1m of $11,000 was raised before they separated. This is a good illustration of the power of example. There is nothing so fruitful as self-sacrifice.
1891.1 LANGUAGES OF NYASA-LAND IN RELATION TO GOD'S WORD
THE LANGUAGES OF NYASA-LAND (BRITISH CENTRAL AFRICA) IN RELATION TO THE SPREAD OF TIlE WORD OF GOD.
BY W. A. ELMSLIE, M.B., C.M., LIVINGSTONIA MISSION.
While Africa is geographically being opened up to our knowledge, the light thus kindled is revealing to us vast fields of knowledge yet unexplored. The various departments of science are at work, and all under God are bringing that great continent nearer our doors.
Among the various problems relating to Africa which now engage the mind of the country, the subject of the languages of Africa mnst be, to Bible and missionary societie~, and to all disciples of Christ interested in the spread of the Gospel, one of deep interest. As tribe after tribe is brought to light, each with a language of its own, our interest in these lan- guages must deepen when we consider that we owe them the Word of Life in their own tongue.
While we appreciate the results of travel and research in the many phases of the African problem, and feel grateful to God for those who, consciously or unconsciously, worked out His will in laying open to us the " Dark Continent, " it is to those faithful missionaries who have made their homes among the people that we must look for light on the great problem of how to give Africa the Word of Life in her own manifold speech.
The missionary feels, more t.han anyone not in actual contact with heathenism can do, that the Bible is the first and the best of all missionary agencies. Amid the varied occupations of a missionary's life in the field, his first and highest work is to make their language his own, so that he may give them the Gospel. It is a department of investigation in which no one can hurry. Patience and plodding are necessary, and so little by little is added to the knowledge acquired. In the linguistic field the missionary has the highest motive for careful and complete imestigation. He may benefit science by his labors, but he does not work for that, but for higller ends. He strives after that which shall be a correct vehicle through which to communicate Divine Truth to the benighted multitudes.
In many cases the general reader at home does not interest himself in this part of missionary work. lIe reads such a statement as this, and concludes that he need not trouble himself about it. "No one knows exactly who these people are. They belong, of course, to the great Bantu race; but their origin is obscure, their tribal boundaries are unmapped, even their names are unknown, and their languages-for there are manyare unintelligible" (Drummond's "Tropical Africa"). The confidence of ignorance is responsible for such a statement as that, which relates to the district to which the following remarks refer.
In 1883 Cust published his" Modern Languages of Africa," a marvellous work in two volumes, in which every language then known or heard of is referred to, and its locality indicated. The number of these is 438 Ian. guages and 153 dialects. Doubtless this is a difficulty, but by no means an insurmountable one. Each year diminishes the difficulty. With able men at work on all sides and pushing toward a central point, the field seems to contract and the number to lessen, as increased knowledge reveals what these languages are and to what others they are related.
All the languages of Africa fall into certain families or groups, each group having certain" marks common to each individual in the group.
In the present paper one of these groups calls for remark-viz., the Bantu group. Roughly, with a few exceptions, the languages spoken over the Bonthern half of Africa belong to this family. In all these the word " Bantu," or some form of it, signifies" people j" and so the word is taken to give name to that family of languages. We are not concerned with all the 168 languages and 55 dialects in this group. Confining our attention to the languages of Nyasa-Iand, we find they occupy a place in the eastern branch and in the southern sub-branch. It is not difficult in this way to go over the whole of Africa, since all that is known of these languages has been thus worked into a clear and scientific plan by Cust, who would not, like Drummond, speak of " unintelligible" languages.
In the locality of these languages the two Scottish missions-Blantyre and Livingstonia-and the Universities' Mission, are working. In 1875, when the Livingstonia Mission began work on Lake Nyasa, there were only a few words of the language known. It was not known what the Lake languages were. At present we know that in the territory of the Livingstonia Mission there are six in Ille j in Blantyre territory there are two ; and in connection with the Universities' Mission there are two. One language is common to all the missions j and we have therefore seven separate languages to deal with in Nyasa-land. In these there are now about thirty separate publications, ranging from an edition of the New Testament down to a school primer. For such a record of progress we owe hearty"thanks to God for help and success.
While the linguistic work of each mission is rightly reported by its own society, the work is a common work, in which all at home and abroad should bear a part. Let us now proceed to specify what we know of the languages of Nyasa-land. Of some we know more than of others, and we may, therefore, notice 1. LANGUAGES OF WHICH OUR KNOWLEDGE IS DEFINITE.
(1) Nyanja.-This is the most important language in Nyasa-land. It is spoken in all the district of Livingstonia, the Nkonde district at the head of Lake Nyasa excepted. It is at present, and will doubtless eontinue to be, the trade language of the Nyasa region. It not only covers a greater area, but reaches a larger popUlation than any other lake langnage. By means of it we have talked our way from Dandawc on Lake Nyasa to Quilimane on the coast.
All the tribes on the western shore of Nyasa from Dandawe southward use it. From the south end of Nyasa, along the right bank of the Shire to its junction with the Zambeze, it is spoken j and by those tribes on the hills to the west of the lake, from Mombera's, opposite Bandawe, to the country called Maravi on old maps on the south, where it runs into Nyungwe, the language of Sena and Tete on the Zambeze. With the exception of Mom- bera's Ngoni, all the Ngoni tribes on the high lands speak Nyanja. On the east side of Lake Nyasa it is in use on and near Likoma Island, where the Universities' Mission works. On the Shire Highlands around Blantyre and Mandala it is in use, and the Makololo and other tribes on the left bank of the Shire speak it also.
Its importance is further indicated when we mention that in this language the whole New Testament has been published by the Nationa: Bible Society of Scotland, and is to-day being sold not only by the missionaries on Lake Nyasa in connection with their work, but in the store of the African Lakes' Company at Mandala, and the language is used by that company's officials at the north end of Lake Nyasa, as well as by the boys left in charge of stations on the Stevenson Road.
Besides the ~ew Testament, there are editions of the Gospels, school books, and other works published in this language.
(2) Yao.-What Nyanja is on the west and south of the lake, Yao is on the east-an important language, destined to live and be the medium for communicating Divine truth to a numerous people. "The region over which is is spoken extends from near the coast on the east to the eastern shore of Lake Nyasa on the west, and from the latitude of the Rovuma sources on the north to tha Lujenda Ri~er on the south. Lately, however, a large district in the centre of this region has been devastated by the ravages of the Magwangwara, a powerful raiding tribe whose home lies to the north of the Rovuma River. Isolated villages and districts where the language is spoken are to be found on the western shore of Lake Nyasa and in the country lying interior to it. About 1860 one branch of the tribe forced its way into the Shire Hills, where now the mission stations of the Church of Scotland are situated, while another smaller offshoot established itself east of Mount Mlanji, on the trade route to the coast at Quilimane" (Hctherwick'8 "Yao Handbook").
It is therefore the language of the Blantyre Mission on the Shire Highlands and around Mount Zomba, and of the Universities' Mission on the southeastern shore of Lake Nyasa, and the left bank of the Upper Shire. Into it the Gospels and Acts have been translated and published.
(3) Ngoni.-This language is spoken by the people of the same name under Mombera on the plateau northwest from Bandawe. The area of it, use is not very great, as we know it to be a form of Zulu imported by the Ngoni who came north from Natal in the beginning of this century. The tribe is very powerful, and dominates the plateau for many miles around; but it has not impressed its language on those tribes who are enslaved by it, and its extinction.is only a question of time. Tshiwere and Mpiseni, who, with their people, live on the plateau farther south, broke away from Mom- bera. The people under the for~er now speak Nyanja; and nothing is definitely known regarding the present language of the latter. The so- called Ngoni in Tshikuse's country southwest of Lake Nyasa (Maravi on the older maps) also speak Nyanja. .
Meantime, as the rulers in Mombera's country speak the localized form of Zulu, a gospel and school-books have been issued in it for use in the mission.
The aforementioned three languages are the most important in the group regarding which we have definite 'know]edge, as the people speaking these cannot be evangelizpd meantime through any other.
(4) Tonga.-This language is spoken by those belonging to the tribe of the same name who are enslaved by the Ngoni, and by the remaining Tonga living in the vicinity of Bandawe. They are called Kamunga by the peo- ple on the east side of the lake opposite. The language is related to Nyanja, and more closely to Tumbuka. At Bandawe, Nyanja being the school language, and there being 4000 children in connection with the schools, it is quickly displacing Tonga without detrimellt to the people. The Gospel of Mark and a school primer have been issued in Tonga. '
2. LANGUAGES REGARDING WHICH OUR KNOWLEDGE IS INCOMPLETE.
(1) Tumbuka.-The existence of this language is definitely known, and an introductory grammar has been prepared. It has been placed in this group because the area over which it is spoken is not so well known. It is allied to Tonga, but may not be so easily displaced as that language. The numerous Tumbuka tribe, living under the Ngoni, have not only retained the use of their own tongue, but have impressed it on their masters. There are various forms of Tumbuka known to exist, but future investigation must show the position and relations of Tumbuka.
(2) Nkonde.-The district around the head of Lake Nyasa has been.
called the Nkonde district, and the name is applied tentatively to the language or languages there spoken. There are various tribes there speaking the same language with dialectical differences, and though there are some manuscript translations in one or two of these, we do not yet know what generic name should be applied.
(3) lVanda.-This is a language which is 5aid to llave a very limited area. It is spoken in the district of the chief Wanda on the Stevenson Road. Some Scripture portions have been i!lsned in it for use in the mission to those people. It bears ~ome resemblance to Tumbuka and also to Kongo, but further investigation is required.
3. LANGUAGES REGARDING WHICH WE HAVE ONLY HEARSAY AND CONFUSED INFORMATION.
West and north of Ngoniland there are tribes with whom little or no intercourse has been had, and whose language we are only familiar with through small collections of words or from hearsay. On the west the Bisu and Tsenga j on the northwest the Zingwa, Poka, and Henga have lan- guages which may be closely allied to Tumbuka or some more northerly tongue.
In the Stevenson Road country many names of people are given. The name is at times that of the chief, and at other times that of the country, but it has not been stated what language they speak. Accurate information regarding these is needed, and may be looked for from the Livingstonia Mission.
Having now classified our knowledge of the languages met with in the lake district, except that now in German territory on thc east side of the lake, we are able to coneider the work of gi"ing to the people the Word of God.
For large and populous districts on the east, west, and south of Nyasa we have Yao and Nyanja, in which already large portions of the Scriptures are issued. Two of the others named-Tonga and Ngoni-will be replaced by others in course of time, so that Tumbuka and Nkonde (the latter ab- Rorbing Wanda)· will complete the linguistic problem for the missions.
Thus the difficulties at first apparent are disappearing as our knowledge increases.
The workers in the field, by whose labors we are able to compile this paper, are Scott and lletherwick, of the Blantyre Mission j Maples, of the Universities' Mission j and Laws, Bain, Cross, and the writer, of the Living- stonia Mission.
As the work is being carried on at many points, it is necessary that all should be guided by certain principles, in order that the work may be syste~atized and presented on the same plan.
1. In writing or speaking in English of a language or tribe, the variable prefix of the word should be omitted, and the unvarying root form taken to indicate the language and people. .
Ordinary English readers do not always know that A-nyanja means the people, and Tshi-nyanja their language. It is a gain if confusion is pre- vented. If discarding the prefix both for the tribe and its language is con- sidered unscientific, I would remind African scholars that the profix does not' necessarily mean the language, as " tshi" may be applied to other things. Indeed, it is questionable whether the rude natiYe, unaffected by the white man, uses the prefix in that way at all. In Zulu the personal prefix is " ama" (Ama·Zulu), and there is said to be a language prefix "isi" (lsi-Zulu, the Zulu language) j but the native uses it in that way only because his teachers do so. The Ngoni do not speak of their language as "Tshi-Ngoni" except when following the white mau's error. Nyanja is named" Chimang'anja" on the Shire Highlands j but that is a Yao word, indicating people of the Nyanja sort, and inappropriate as a name for the Nyanja language. There is no difficulty in understanding what is meant wben we say, " English is spoken by the English j" and II Nyanja is spoken by the Nyanja" would be simpler than" Tshi·nyanja is spoken by the A-nyanja."
2. Tribal names adopted should be those by which tribes call themselves. Books of travel and maps of Africa are full of names which require to be revised. The Ngoni are variously named Mangone, Angoni, Bangoni, Wangoni, Maviti, and Mazitu, according to the district one may be in. Though it is right that we should call them Mazitu when we speak Tumbuka, or Wangoni if we are speaking Yao, there is no reason why all these forms should have to be acquired by ordinary English readers, if they happen to be attached to the work in the various mission districts, before they can intelligently follow the news from the field.
3. In order to hasten the spread of the Word we must economize in labor and means by avoiding needless versions of the Scriptures.
The three missions have presses from which are issuing portions of Scripture in the same language as that in which the whole New Testament is already published. The dialects of one language are thus being perpetuated where we think it ought not to be the case. As is pointed out by Cust, the vocabulary of an African language is continually changing j and the ease with which tribes can change their language makes it quite possible for all the Nyanja speaking tribes to uee the New Testament now in circulation. We have before us a few sheets of a " Harmony of the Four Uospels in Chimang'anja," which is being put forth at the Blantyre Mission press. The use of "ch" for" tsh," and some unimportant vowel differences are all that mark it as a separate language from Nyanja. In it the translator follows the Greek spelling of names, so that instead of one Rimple form for such names as Christ, Bethlehem, David, Jerusalem, we have three or more for each-a method which is more fanciful than useful.
4. Where two languages are spoken in a district, that one which has the widest range should be adopted. This seems self-evident. At first it was not possible iu some cases to act thus j but as we now know more of each language we are in a better position to carry it out. At Bandawe, where Nyanja and Tonga are both spoken, the former is made the school langnage, and, as we noticed, is taking the place of Tonga. There is no reason why the Livingstonia Mission should have to set apart a man to study Yao in order that the missiou may reach one or two isolated villages of Yao people who happen to be found in the centre of a Nyanja speaking district, while they can be reached by means of Nyanja. Even at Blantyre, where Nyanja is used, the people speak Yao.
Ol1r imperfect knowledge leads us often to attach a greater importance to a language than it warrants. We have not a native's power of speech, and where we see difficulty in introducing a slightly different form of speech, he has none in using it. Weare not warranted in seeking to prolong the life of small and unimportant differences where we hBVe such noble tongues as Yao and Nyanja with which to spread the Gospel of Grace.
Ve disclaim originality in these recommendations to our fellow-workers.
A MISSIONARY PRAYER
They are the wise results of earnest thought of one who loves Africans and has done much for them-Hobert Needham Cust-a quotat,ion from whose book, referred to, forms a fitting close to this paper: "When all are assembled before the great white throne, pleading with one voice in mutually unintelligible words the merits of the Saviour, One alone will understand all. There will be only one language then, the language of the angels. The imperfect coinage of wl.rds and marshalling of sentences will no longer be required. Language will have had its day. 'Lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, and they cried with a loud voice.' "
A MISSIONARY PRAYER.
BY REV. J. F. B. TINLING, B.A., LONDON, ENG.
Lord, whose glory is the song Of the sinlel:s worlds above, Heart and kingdom suffering wrong From the souls that do not love, Come and make Thy works rejoice, Marrying law with liberty j Righting each discordant voice In creation's harmony j Answering her sin-wrung groan, Lord of glory, claim Thine own !
Spring of every righteous power, Source of all authority, In Thy name, as in a tower, Hides our frail humanity.
Six millenniums have failed Christless order to maintain j Over all has sin prevailed, Man has toiled for peace in vain.
From Thy cloud-surrounded tllrone, King of nations, claim Thine own !
All the stores of earth are Thine, Thine the fulness of the sea, Thine alike in mart and mine, Lent, but owned eternally.
Thine the silver and the gold Lavished upon glittering toys, Thine the wealth the saints withhold From Thy cause, for carnal joys.
From Thy stewards, careless grown, Earth's Possessor, claim Thine own!
Saviour, from the dread abyss 'Who hast brought us nigh to God, Giver of eternal bliss, Through the merits of Thy blood.
All for all is love's confession, Less the Cross forbids to give, Of Thy Church take full possession, As Thy witness let her live.
Thou art worthy. Thou alone, ,~ Our Redeemer, claim Thine own I
REV. L. H. GULICK, M.D
REV. L. H. GULICK, M.D.
BY REV. S. P. LEEDS, D.D.
On November 3d, 1827, the Rev. Peter J. Gulick sailed from Bos- ton with his wife as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands. The ship took the second reinforcement to the mission, the first having gone five years earlier, and three years after the original establishment. MI'. Gulick was a native of New Jersey, born in 1797, and was one of a family of seven sons and a daughter. He was graduated at Princeton in 1825, and spent two years in the theological seminary there. Before leaving this latter he had decided to become a missionary, influenccd, as he afterward wrote, by " missionary intelligence portraying the wretchedness of the heathen." The same year he was ordained to the ministry, his kind friend, Rev. Dr. Luther Halsey, at that time a professor in the college at PIinceton, preaching the sermon and giving the charlre. The ncxt month he was on his way to Hawaii. Mrs. Gulick was from Lebanon, Conn. Mr. Finney, in his autobiography, speaks of hcr conversion under his ministry at Utica, N. Y. She had taught school before marriage.
Arriving at Honolulu the following spring, they labored at several points and in various islands for forty-six years. They" saw the Hawaiians in their nakedness and degradation, and they lived and wrought until they saw them a Christian nation." In 1874, when both had passed their seventy-fifth year, they removed to Japan, to be with a son and daughter, and lived to celebrate their" golden wedding" there. A little afterward the aged husband died, and it was not long before his wife rejoined him. What a career!
To them were born in the Sandwich Islands eight children, seven of whom reached maturity and survived them-six sons and a daughter. All of these have been engaged in missionary work, and five of them are so engaged at this time-three brothers and their SIster in Japan, and one brother in Spain. Of these the eldest was Luther Halsey Gulick, recontly deceased. He was born at Honolulll in June, 1828. At the age of twelve he was sent to this country for all education, " working his pas~age as cabin-boy around Cape Horn." His father's friend, Dr. Halsey, was his instructor at Auburn and in New York, in both of which places Dr. Halsey was connected with theological seminaries. The boy was full of zeal for knowledge, and a great reader-charact.eristics which marked his life in all situations to its end-and his tastes and longings were gratified in his friend's library. But inadequate health, or insufficient health and limited means together, forbade his taking a college course. He studied medicine at the University of the City of New York, increasing his small income hy lighting street lamps, and took his degree in 18.50-not yet twenty-two years old. Six months later he was ordained (in the old Broadway Tabernacle, New York), and in November of 1he following year sailed with his wife, LOUi!!a Lewjs, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for the Sandwich Islands, in company with the Rev. B. G. and Mrs. Snow, "the last sent from Boston around Cape Horn."
A new mission was then being projected for the Micronesian Islands, twenty.five hundred miles away from the Hawaiian, to be under the auspices of the mission in these last. What more natural· than that the son of a missionary, himself a native of Hawaii, should be selected as one of the party ~ Two Hawaiian missionaries and their wives went also, besides Mr. and Mrs. Snow, and the Rev. A. A. and Mrs. Sturges. They" were sent away from Honolulu with great enthusiasm." It was slow voyaging in those days, and what they found on arrival can easily be guessed. Doubtless the pithy description, recently given the writer by a venerable friend, of early neighbors of his, but partially Christianized, was still truer of these" children of nature" : "They were dirty, sensual, and without a thought worth entertaining." But this was not all. "Sea captains in Honoluhl had charged us," writes a survivor, " not to go to Ponape, be· cause wicked white men in large numbers had lived there, and they said they would not give a straw for ollr lives if we went. But it was the island most likely to be healthy, and we had no fear." There is scant room to tell of the seven years spent there, during which, among labors many and manifold, as physician, preacher, teacher, and even carpenter, Gulick-for a time certainly-read his Greek Testament daily, and the Hebrew also, and often studied such works as Edwards" On the Will" and Howe's " Living Temple"-room all too little to tell of trying experiences, among them a visitation of small-pox most wantonly brought there by a sea captain, and of the young doctor's incessant and heroic efforts for the natives. Narrowly escaping death from a wound received in dissecting a victim of the terrible disease, he was exposed also to the murderous plots of white men, whose iniquities he resisted, hut who were soon glad to save their own lives. The Ponapi language was reduced to writing, and the" Morning Star" was built for the Micronesian Mission.
A year in Ebon Island followed the seven in Ponapi; but the doctor was too broken in health to be benefited by the change, or by a year's residence in Hawaii. Accordingly he was recalled to America, where his great gifts in public address were put in requisition by the Board, and he visited many churches and conventions. Very many persons retain even now the memory of his powerful appeals at this and a subsequent period. Only last summer the writer was witness to an illustration of this, when a stranger, on hearing the doctor's name, spoke of an address he had when a boy heard from him nearly thirty years before. Returning to Hawaii in 1863, he was made Secretary of the Board of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association, and remained in Honolulu until 1870. During this time he edited a weekly newspaper, and tm.velled much aIIlong the islands in con· nection with his work. But after eighteen ycars of labor in that part of the world, it was thought best that he should enter a new field, and he retul'neQ to Americl; with this in view. Japan was selected at first, but. the Board finally assigned him to Spain, as the pioneer in a new mission. This established, he was transferred to Italy. But the field was found to be well occupied, and it seemed best to both Dr. Gulich and the Board to concentrate its efforts. He made a protracted and fatiguing tour among the Board's missions ill Asiatic Turkey, and then returned to this country.
It might have seemed as if this were intended to be his home. Several circumstances-his power of popular address among them-pointed in this direction. But heathendom was his. chosen field. The American Bible Society wished for some one of experience to open up their work in China and Japan. To the latter country, then, he went in the winter of 1875-76. Here he soon established a Bible Depository, and supervised the publication of the Japanese version of the Scriptures, providing also for its distribution through the empire. But he travelled extensively in both countries, l'isiting missions, discovering and stimulating wiehes for new or improved versions, and scattering the Scriptures through various agencies. " Bible carriages" and, in the great rivers of China, boats, were employed. In the same interest he visited Siam once or twice, Formosa, Macao, and Manila. For three years, too, he filled the Union pulpit in Yokohama. The work grew till a new and distinct agency was needed in China. He transferred his home to that country, settling in Shanghai. From this point he " travelled the length and breadth of the empire in house-boats, wheelbarrows drawn by donkeys and sometimes helped by a sail, jinrickshas, mule-litters, palanquins. on horseback, in steamboats, and on foot." He edited the Missionary Recorder during his seven years' residence ill China, and started the Medical Missionary Journal. He also occupied the Union pulpit in Shanghai for nearly two years. Of his long service to the American Bible Society its secretary, the Rev. Dr. Gilman, writes: "During the whole, I have admired his promptness, efficiency, wisdom, and his fidelity to his trust. "
But (almost) forty years of a life so active, by one with so busy a brain and so sensitive an organization, wrought their inevitable effect. Intervals of change, not rest, could not avert it. Nearly or quite two years ago he began to break. It was hoped that another climate and other conditions would restore him to his wonted strength and energy, and he set forth accompanied by his devoted wife, who had gone out from native land to savage Ponape with him in his youth, and had been his companion in checkered experiences for two score years. The Bible Society treated him with a large and noble justice. and he came at length to this country. He was able for awhile to supervise the work by correspondence. But hopes and prayers and pains were all in vain. Slowly and intermittently he continued to sink, till on April 8th he quietly fell asleep, not quite sixty-three years old, at Springfield, Mass. It was remarkable that, after so long a residence in other lands and so many experiences by sea and shore, he should die in the home of his fathers, which he loved so well j for he was an earnest patriot as well as philanthropist, and everything which concerned A merica's welfare was of deep interest to him.
Dr. Gulick had a remarkable life. As Rev. Dr. Clark, Secretary of the American Board, has said, "Few men have had such a record in mis- sionary service, beginning at Ponape and Ebon, laying foundations there which have since been the basis of Christian institutions and Christian homes; then doing loyal work as Secretary of the Hawaiian Board; then serving for a time in this country as District Secretary, and oftentimes electrifying audiences by his eloquent and impassioned speeches; then called to organize a mission in Spain ; and last of all, for fifteen years more having charge of the distribution of the Holy Scriptures in Japan and China ; ever faithful to his trust, ever realizing the high expectations of his friends." But Dr. Gulick was also a remarkable man. First, there was in him a singular union of executive and intellectual powers. The vigorous thinker and diligent reader in many directions (his library was very large for one in almost any position, and time was given to books which it is to be feared should have been given to sleep) was most prompt and energetic in action. Some will recall his telegram a few years since to Mr. Doane, in Micronesia, when in the hands of Spanish invaders-the swiftness and decision with which he told him of money deposited to his order, and bade him stand firm. Hill manner, the quick and quiet way in which he turned his head toward this or that speaker, has reminded more than one of a military commander. But with this blending of executive and intel. lectual qualities Dr. Gulick combined rare courage and true devotion. He was the loyal son of an earnest Christian father and mother, parents who commemorated their fiftieth anniversary of married life and missionary service with thanksgivings for what they had been permitted to do and for the moral and religious qualities of their children, and by a liberal gift to the Board's treasury out of their little store. He kept the faith of his youth and the purpose of his bright, early manhood to the end. And now he has gone to join those parents, their eldest son. May their other children long be spared !
It only remains to be said that besides his wife Dr. Gulick left six chilo dren behind him-Mrs. Fanny F., wife of Professor F. P. Jewett, of Oberin; Mrs. Harriet M., wife of Rev. C. A. Clark, missionary to Japan; Rev. S. L. Gulick, also missionary to Japan; Rev. E. L. Gulick, pastor at Groton, Mass. ; L. H. Gulick, M.D., who is connected with the Institute for Christian Workers at Springfield, Mass., and Pierre J. Gulick, a young man now p,ursuing his studies.
Experience is a torch lighted in the ashes of our hopes and delusions. . It is an old saying that charity begins at home; but this is no reason it should not go abroad. A man should live with the world as a citizen of the world; he may have a preff>rence for the particular quarter, or square, or even alley in which he lives, but he should have a generous feeling for the welfare of the whole.-Olarendon.
FOREIGN MISSIONS FROM THE STANDPOINT OF ART
FOREIGN MISSIONS FROM THE STANDPOINT OF ART.
BY WILLIAM BRENTON GREENE, JR., D.D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
We all delight in the beautiful. When we travel during the summer we go where there is beautiful scenery. When we build a country house we seek a beautiful site. When we see a beautiful piece of furniture or a beautiful picture we wish that we had it for the adornment of our home. A beautiful face attracts our attention and chains our admiration. A beautiful sentiment we never weary of repeating. A beautiful action gives us the keenest pleasure. A beautiful character fills us with holy joy.
Aud this joy is peculiar to itself. The beautiful is not necessarily the useful. and it is distinct from the good. Otherwise we should not be at so much pains to decorate our homes. They would be just as useful if their ceilings were not frescoed j and there are kinds of stone that would be more durable and less troublesome than the marble of which the fronts of many of them are inade. If the beautiful were not a quality different from, though doubtless in its highest forms depcndent on the good, we should not be so anxious to render the good also beautiful. We feel that a good book deserves a beautiful binding. We rejoice when a good man has beautiful surroundings. It is the natural desire of the pious heart to beautify the house of God. The beautiful is, therefore, a distinct quality, and one in which we all delight. Consequently it will be profitable and pleasing to consider that the foreign missionary work, in addition to being useful and good, is pre-eminently beautiful. ,. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things"!
That we may appreciate this let us try, in the first place, to form some conception of what beauty is, or, at least, of that ou which it depends. I say some conception; for the question is difficult. We do not seem to have any such necessary convictions in regard to beauty as we have in regard to certain fundamental intellectual truths and moral qualities. I must believe that the sun exists as an extended body. It would be apprehended as I see it by any inhabitant of Mars or Jupiter endowed with the capacity to perceive the object. I must believe that falsehood is a sin always and everywhere, in the star Sirius as well as on earth-in the case of men, of angels, of devils. But I am not to the same degree compelled to belie'e that the objects which appear beautiful to me have a beauty independent of my mind. It is, therefore, peculiarly difficult to tell in what beauty consists. We cannot be sure how far things are beautiful or how far we only think them so.
And yet some analysis of beauty is possible. The greatest of German metaphysicians discovers two kinds of beauty. Olle he calls free or absolute j the other, relative or depenaellt. In the case of the former it is not necessary to have an idea of whut the object ought to be or do before we pronounce it beautiful. Flowers, 811..118, arabesques, music, are absol.teIy bellutiful ; that is, they are beautiful in themselves. and without reference to any end that they may serve. If now we ask in what this beauty consists, the general opinion since Plato is that it is in some sort of proportion or harmony. At the basis of music, for example, there are certain fixed ratios. In poetry there are measures and correspondences. Complementary colors, when seen simultaneously, are felt to be beautiful. Regular features are essential to a truly handsome man or woman. Moral beauty is the radiance of the moral law. The mind is made to delight in the unities of God. Its activity is a tendency toward unity. It is satisfied only when such an object is presented as will enable it at once to perceive a law or controlling idea in the object. Hence, those objects the parts of which are thus harmonized we feel to be beautiful, and that without any reference to the purpose to be served.
In the case of relative or dependent beauty such a reference is always implied. Here the proportion required must be, not merely between the parts of the object itself, but also between it as a whole and its design. As before, it is the perception of unity which gives rise to the feeling of the beautiful, but it is a more comprehensive unity. For example, a Corinthian pillar is absolutely beautiful. We should think it so if we had not the least idea for what it was intended. But we feel it to be much more beautiful when we see it used to support a glorious temple. We appreciate the beautiful correspondence between it and itR purpose. The fitness of the thing, even apart from its usefulnes:!, would seem to delight us.
Sueh, then, is the explanation of the two kinda of beauty. The analysis is far from complete or satisfactory j but it will help us, in the second place, to realize " how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."
First, foreign misRions are absolutely beautiful. They could not fail to be so, for they are the conception of Him" in whom all things consist," and who" worketh all things according to the coungel of His own will." They must, therefore, be characterized by that comprehensiveness and unity of purpose which marks all the thoughts of God. And it is not difficult to discern this unity. In method, foreign missions are one with God's method. They are seen to be beautifully in harmony with all His procedure j and that, too, without any reference to their design. Now the Divine method is that of means or second causes. God has to an infinite degree what we name executive ability. He called all things into being by the word of His power. In like manner He upholds all things in being. At certain critical epochs He has Himself put forth His hand and wrought signs and wonders. He is always guiding and controlling, and so working through His agents. But He ordinarily employs these, and multiplies them infinitely. The angels are His messengers. Men are His servants. The whole brute creation does His bidding. The forces of nature are His instruments. He uses the universe as a mirror to reflect and so manifest His glory, which in itself no man hath seen or can see. It is, therefore, in beautiful consistency with the Divine method that when out of His infinite love God gave His own Son to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, He should at the same time have commanded us to go into all the world and preach this Gospel to every creature. As the marble nose in some perfectly sculptured face is felt to be beautiful because of its harmony with the other features, so we may appreciate the beauty of foreign mis- sions when we study the consistency of their methods with God's pro- cedure everywhere in the manifestation of Himself.
Again, foreign missions are not only thus one with God's general method, but they themselves in all their activities are under the control of one idea. It is not simply their harmony with the other features of the Divine plan that i,!! beautiful, but also the harmony of their own various agencies. The nose of the sculptured face may be beautiful in itself and without any reference to the rest of the face. Indeed, this is the highest kind of absolute beauty. It is strikingly apparent in the case of foreign nnSSIOns. This is so, not so much because of the singleness of their pur- pose, as because of its unique comprehensiveness. Where else will you find so many and so diverse instrumentalities all subordinated to one end 1 The missionary himself is often a preacher, a teacher, an author, a trans- lator, a legislator, a mechanic, a physician, a scientist, an explorer i like Paul, " he is made all things to all men, that he may by all means save some.' , And then the missionary is but one of thousands of missionary agencies. The professorB who taught him in the theological school, the col- lege, and the academy; the pastor under who~e care his religious life and his missionary spirit were developed; his godly mother, whose uncllasing prayers for him and with him were the real means of quickening his divine life and purpose-all these were missionary instrumentalities, and were indispensable ones. And then we must not forget the rich men who founded and supported the institutions of learning in which he was trained, or the authors who wrote the books by which his mind was nourished, or the ancestors who left their piety as a precious heritage to his mother, or the thousands of men and women and little children who contributed to the Board which sent him out and maintained him. And we must remember, too, that the development of commerce, the progress of science, the policy of empires, home missions-all these have an essential bearing on his work. Thus under the foreign mission idea they are unified. Indeed, this is the only idea under which this can be done. Human history is a jumble until it is seen to be the record of events even the least important of which tends toward the universal establishment of the kingdom of Christ. If, then, beauty is in proportion to the diversity in unity, if a scene be beautiful in . proportion to the number of different objects harmonized in it, what. can be so beautiful as foreign missions, which subordinate to one divine purpose all human interests ~ Second, they are relatively beautiful. This is the more prominent truth in the Scriptures. It is the beauty of fitness, of opportuneness, which both the text cited and the passage of Isaiah whence it is quoted emphasize. And this relative beauty is easily discernible. It appears in the Divine adaptation of the missionary's message to those to whom he goes. They are under everlasting condemnation, and are" dead in trespasilcs and sins. " He tells them of One who bore their guilt in His own body on the cross, and who by His Spirit can quicken even their dead souls into newness of life. They are utterly and eternally lost, and He offers them the one absolutely certain and eternal salvat~on. What could be so opportune' Where else is their adaptation so needed or so perfect 1 "How beautiful, then, mnst be the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things"!
This appears again in the fact that the missionaries are men. There is a beautiful appropriateness in their selection as the heralds of salvation. No one can appeal to man with so much power as his brother man. The angels, though they are God's ministers, and though they rejoice over every sinner that repents, are not sent to preach to sinners. Even glorified men are not. Abraham eaid to the rich man concerning his brethren, " If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead." Our Saviour, when He came to seek and to save them that are lost, was made in the likeness of men, and lived with men and as a man. He wa& "tempted in all points like as we are. " Hence He can be "touched with the feeling of all our infirmities." And in like manner the missionary, because he is a man, can be touched with the feeling of the infirmities of those to whom he goes. He appears among them as one of them. At once there is a bond of sympathy between Him and them. As no angel could, he can understand their condition. He is the one finite being who is qualified to bring to them the message of salva. tion. Is it not, therefore, beautifully appropriate that he is the very one whom God has appointed to " go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" 1 Equal if not greater appropriateness appears in the multiplicity and diversity of foreign mi8sionary agencies. The great end of missions is the universal establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom. Now in order to this its subjects must be interested in it. The domain and power of the kingdom of God never exceed the hold that it has on tho hearts of its members. Their interest, however, will be proportioned to what they do for the kingdom. That this is so needs no proof. The great problem in every church is how to find work for all the congregation. It is generally recognized that the non-workers are likely to become non-attendants. How significant is it, therefore, that there is no one so young, or 110 poor, or so ignorant that he cannot do something for missions, cannot feel that he has a part in the advancement of God's kingdom, cannot pray for the growth of Jernsalem as for that in which he himself is personally concerned. Must there not be in all this a most beautiful appropriateness 1 This paper may not close without special reference to the highest form of beauty, both absolute and relative-viz., "the beauty of holiness," the beauty produced by conformity to the nat.ureand will of God. This is the gem of absolute beauty, becanse it is the reBection of the harmony of Him the characteristic of the relation between whose attributes is perfect pro- portion, anc. the law of whose being is that He cannot contradict or deny himself; and also because it is the expression of the all-embracing purpose of Him who is "the truth," and whose most comprehensive as well as highest manifestation of Himself, that in His Son as our Saviour, was in order that" He might bear witness unto the truth." It is, moreover, the gem of relative beauty because of its adaptation to its purpose to glorify God. Where else can adaptation so perfect be discerned ~ The heavens declare God's glory. The seasons, in their regular recurrence, chant His praise. What, however, can honor Him so directly and con- spicuously as good deeds, as right words, as a holy life, as a Christ-like character 1 The universe is the evidence of God's power, the revelation of His wisdom, the demonstration of His presence j but holiness is the repro- duction of Himself. In proportion as we become holy does God not merely support and guide us, but act by us, think through us, and live in Ull.
Nothing else, then, could glorify Him as holiness must. Other things may show us what God does; this cannot but show us what He is. In perfect holiness, therefore, would be the perfection of adaptation. No fitness can equal perfect fitness to its infinite end.
Now missions 8re the acme of " the beauty of holiness." Their one aim is that " all should he saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,"
and this is the wish of God. The life which they require is to leave home and kindred " to seek and to save that which was lost," and this was the life of the Son of God. Their result will be " a great multitude," which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, . . . who shall have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb j" and it will be at the sight of these, the fruit of missions, that from the whole angelic host will burst the magnificent ascrip- tion: "Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might be unto our God forever and ever. Amen."
" How beautiful, then, must be the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" No other beauty is so Godlike j no other fitness equals its adaptation to glorify Him.
Do we recognize as we should the beauty of foreign mission" ~ We be- lieve them to be necessary. We know that Christ instituted them and charged His Church to prosecute them. We feel it to be our duty to do so. We wish to do so for our Saviour's sake. And all this is as it should be. No motive is so reliable as the sense of duty, and none is so high and noble as love for Christ. But would it not be helpful if we went to our work also with something of the artist's spirit ~ His appreciation of the beautiful throws a halo around all his toil. Life is to him a long sweet song, because he recognizes how much of beauty there is in it. This might be true of Christian service. In the strictest and highest sense is the mis- sionary work toward which all really Christian service tends beautiful.
Shall we not, then, so cultivate our taste that we may perceive" how beau- tiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things" 1
THE OAREY EPOCH IN MISI!IIONS
THE CAREY EPOCH IN MISSIONS.
BY REV. D. L. LEONARD, BELLEVUE, O.
The closing years of the eighteenth century constitute in the history of Protestant missions an epoch indeed, since they witnessed nothing less than a revolution, a renaissance, an effectual ending of tLe old, a substantial inauguration of the new. And 1792 is annus mirabilis, the famous date from which to reckon forward and backward. 'VeIl may it stand with 44 A.D., when the Holy Ghost said, " Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have caUed them j" or 53 A.D., when in vision Paul was called to lay the foundations of the Gospel in heathen Europe. Before attempts to evangelize the world had been few, feeble, and far apart j sporadic also and isolated, without connection or continuity, and hence the results had been superficial and hansient. No uprising and onset of the Christian Church had hitherto been seen. 'Kings or trading companies were movers and promoters, and political and commercial considerations held a prominent place. But now came an entire change of basis, of method, of idea. A general movement was started, a trend was taken, or a tide set in which ever since has been rising and spreading with force irresistible. Whatever has been accomplished since can be traced to forces which began to operate almost exactly a hundred years ago. And, furher, in all that momentous period William Carey is easily not only the chief figure, but the supreme personal force-yes, under God the efficient cause of the surprising changes brought to pass. We may speak of the Carey epoch with as much propriety as of the Luther-Reformation. We may as fitly term him the apostle of modern missions as Paul the apostle to the Gentiles, or Ulfilas the apostle to the Goths, or Augustine apostle to the Britons, or Boniface apoRtle to the Germans.
A preliminary glance is in order at what had already been achieved, and at the status existing when the Spirit of God began mightily to move upon the soul of this humble Baptist cobbler-preacher. Gustavus Vasa and his successors had undertaken something in behalf of the pagan Lapps. The Dutch in the East Indie!' had done superficial work, and with results numerically large. In the early years of the century King Frederick IV. of Denmark had sent Von Westen to Upper Norway, Hans Egede to Greenland, and Ziegenbalg and Plutscho to Southern India. And Tranquebar had become a name well known and held in honor, and especially while Schwartz (1750-96) wrought with such marked energy and wisdom. In the century following Eliot and the Mayhews toil in behalf of the American Indians had been carried on (1734-57) by Brainerd, Sergeant, Edwards and Zeisberger. Most of all and best of all was the sublime missionary movement inaugurated by Zinzendorf and the Moravian Church, which in a single generation had carried the heralds of the cross to Greenland, the West Indies, America, and South Africa, and led others to attempt an entrance inlo Egypt, Abyssinia, Persia, Ceylon, China and Siberia. But since that so effectual beginning at Herrnhut in 1732, unless we except the work of Coke and the Wesleyans begun in 1786 in Antigua, when driven thither by a furious storm, nothing new had bcen attempted. And the Dutch missions were now at death's door. The Danish undertaking in Southern India had also fallen into a serious decline. From the beginning the men had come altogether from Germany, and of late the monllY had been derived wholly from British sources. The Society for the Propaga- tion of the Gospel for well-nigh a century had been raising annually and expending small sums, though mainly upon English colonists, and the So- ciety for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge had been helping with its funds to spread the glad tidings in the Old Wurld and the New. But, taken as a whole, Protestant Christendom had no concern for the heathen j doubted if aught should be undertaken in their behalf j did not believe that aught for their betterment was possible. Whether Established or Dissenting, not a solitary representative of the churche., qf Great Britain was found upon earth preaching Christ to those who had never heard His name!
But yet, though the outlook from this point of vision was sufficiently forbidding, and could scarcely have been worse, all unobserved and out of sight a preparation for better things multiform and widespread had long been in progress, and the set time for the blessed revelation Waf! at hand. In particular the forces of thc Wesleyan revival had long been riRing and spreading, and had stirred Britain tremendously from centre to circumference. The national conscience had been quickened, and in many thousands the flame of the higher affections had begun to burn. And so Howard, and Raikes, and Clarkson, and Wilberforce had begun to agitate. Then just before an empire had been added in the East, and so a vast heathen population had been thrust upon the notice and the care of the nation j and, moreover, by the voyages of Captain Cook in the South Sea, Islands innumerable, with millions more of wretched pagans, had been brought under the gaze of English Christians. Great industrial and social and political changes had recently come to pass, or were at the door-such, for example, as the steam-cngine stands for, and the spinning-jenny, and the cotton gin. And the spirit of freedom, whether civil or ecclesiastical, was in the air of Europe as well as of America. " The age of reason," " the rights of man," and" human equality" were phrases full of inspiration to the civilized world, and stood for ideas and entities in behalf of which millions were ready and eager to venture fortune and life itself. And even now it was, and in the very nick of time, that a voice was heard in the wilderness proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
Only a leader was lacking, some human spirit divinely endowed and called to inspire and guide, to supply II centre about which the spiritual forces of the time might crystallize. Nor h?d the same God, by whose ordinance the glorious work was at length to begin, failed to provide also the thoroughly furnished instrumentality; for, some thirty years before (August 17th, 1761), a babe WtlS born gifted among other things with a measureless hunger for knowledge, and a capacity seldom matched for end- less plodding and hard work. And a will·power was present able to push and persist without limit, but which could not by any means be allured or driven from the pursnit of any chosen object. To such fine qualities were joined later a stalwart faith and a zeal for righteousness so fervid and allconsummg that no difficulties or discouragcments could quench it. At the age of seventeen we find Carey a shoemaker's apprentice at Hackleton, nine miles from Paulerspury, his birthplace. Already he had commenced the study of birds, eggs, insects, and plants, and erelong had begun to delve into the mysteries of Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and French. And early and often was he called to take lessons in the stern discipline of life. When about twenty he was married to one who was" querulous, capricious, obstinate," and without sympathy with his life aims, and all this, perhaps in large part, because of a predisposition to meutal disease. He passed also through a protracted season of ill health, and for years was tried by the ills of extreme poverty. And, further, when the voice of the Lord began to cal1 in clear tones, " Go, preach the Gospel to the whole creation," year after year for the better part of a decade he stood almost utterly alone in disposition to obey.
It cannot but be interesting and profitable to note the various steps in the wondrous unfolding of the Divine plan. This future hero for the kingdom of heal"en was well on toward manhood before his spiritual nature was effectually and savingly aroused, and then, though reared in the Established Church, a little later hearing a sermon from the text, " Let us go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach," with characteristic decision and practical energy he joined himself to a little company of Baptists because theirs was a faith despised. Nor was it long before acceptable preaching gifts began to appear. In 1785 he joined the Olney church, by which he was called to the work of the ministry August lOth, and two years after was ordained as pastor of the Moulton church, four miles from North· Ilmpton, and upon a salary of but £15, of which £5 came from London. To eke out II living, shoemaking and school-teaching were added to his occupations. While here it was that his attention was first called to the moral desolation of the heathen world, and his heart began to be moved to hasten relief. And the fact seems to be established that it was the reading of Captain Cook's voyages (1769-79) which brought this great matter to his notice, "though if ever an idea was originated in any man by the Spirit of God, it was this idea of the evangelization of the world." From boyhood books of science and history and travel had been his delight, and now, from investigating the world's physical features, he turned to an examination of the religious condition of mankind. It was at Moulton that Andrew Fuller, visiting Carey's shop, saw upon the wall near his bench a roughly sketched map upon which he had set in order all manner of facts and figures to picture to the eye what needed to be done for the diffnsion of the Gospel, the salvation of the race. Already also had fuel been added to the heavenly flame by a sermon of Fuller's upon" The Gospel Worthy of all Acceptation," which convinced him that, in spite of the current hyper-Calvinistic teaching to the contrary, it was the duty of all men to believe, and also the duty of Christians to tell the glad tidings to all. And a third impulse was supplied by Jonathan Edwards through his pamphlet, which exhorted God's people to union in " extraordinary prayer for the revival of religion and the advancement of Christ's kingdom upon earth." As a result of the reading of this the Baptist ministers in Northamptonshire resolved to set apart an hour for prayer on the first Monday in every month, that the power of the Cross might soon be felt to the most distant parts of the habitable globe. When with his brethren he could not but speak frequently upon the absorbing theme. but found few to listen with interest j while as for most, they thought him an idle dreamer. When once at a clerical gathering he was asked by Dr. Ryland, the chairman, to name a subject for discussion. and after much hesitation suggested, " Is not the command given to the apostles obligatory upon all ministers to the end of time~" as a reward he was dubbed" miserable enthusiast," and was reminded that at least nothing could be done until a second Pentecost should bring a return of the miraculous gifts j for as yet no one had begun to suspect that here was a man already possessed of the substance of that old-time enduement, even to the speaking with tongues!
But not in the least disheartened· or shaken in his purpose, Carey proceeded to prepare a paper of remarkable completeness and cogency, containing a tabular statement of thc size, population, etc., of the various coun~ tries of the globe, proving the Lord's commission to be perpetual, reciting the efforts which in each century had been put forth, and demonstrating the practicability of making further attempts. This great argument closed with an appeal for united prayer, and besides, since petition without effort to match would be but a mockery, for the gift regularly of a penny a week. In 1789 his ministry had bcen transferred from Moulton to Leicester j and, as revealing the burden whieh was upon his heart, the testimony comes that while there Carey was never heard to pray without making earnest supplication for the conversion of the heathen and the abolition of the slave trade. And that thc leaven of missionary zeal was spreading is shown by the fact that at thc association meetings held in 1791 the two preachers, Mr. Sutcliff and Mr. Fuller, chose kindred subjects, the former taking 1 Kings 1) : 10, "I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts," and the latter Haggai 1 : 2, "This people say, The time is not come that the Lord's house should be built." Noticing how deep and solemn was the impression produced by these discourses, Carey, in whom action as a matter of course must needs follow hard upon the heels of conviction, proposed to begin at once to organize and plan. But as yet for the others the vision was too dim, and he 8eemed to aim at objects too indefinite and out of reach. And so passed in inaction another year.
But May 31st, 1792, a date to be memorized by every lover of the kingdom, the ministers are again found together at Nottingham, and it wall the Leicester pastor's tUI'll to instruct with a sermon. And then it was that from Isaiah 54: 2, 3, "Enlarge the place of thy tent," etc, and with the two subdivisions, "Expect great things from God" and "At- tempt great things for God," was preached, judged by momentous and far- reaching results, one of the very greatest discourses ever heard in Christian history. The conclusions, the convictions, the desires, pent up for years, but steadily growing, now first found full expression, and not strangely the emotions of the audieuce were kindled with sympathy. But yet, though hearts were swayed and tears fell, large measures of doubt and hesitation still remained, and the assembly was about to separate without open commitment to any definite" attempt" in behalf of the speaker's "great things," but at his importunate suggestion finally resolved to adopt a plan for a society at the next meeting, to be hcld in six months. In due season the association came together at Kettering, October 2d, 1792, and no' doubt with slight conception of the magnitude of the matter in hand. In the evening of that most memorable day twelve men met in Mrs. Beeby Wallis's back parlor and fixed upon the constitution and by-laws of the Particular Baptist Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Heathen, subscribed £13 2s. 6d. as a foundation for its funds, and accepted Carey's offer to add to this whatever profits might result from the publication of his pamphlet on missions which had lain in manuscript for years.
And how sublime was that act of faith, that venture far beyond the realm of sight! How exceedingly remote were the heathen, and what an uncounted host! And these Baptists were but a humble and feeble folk, one of the least of the sects, and with no famed men among them. And the movement started far from the metropolis, and only one London clergyman lent it his countenance. Hence the venture was vast and the issue doubtful. It was like the crossing of the Rubicon, putting forth from Palos, nailing the theses to the church doors, or burning the ships to make retreat impossible. However, it was easy to resolve and not so very difficult to subscribe, but now came the tug. The pertinent and very practical question was to be answered, Who shall be sent forth, and whither, in all the pagan world, shall they journey? A committee was chosen to investigate, and was not left long to wait, for the pillar of fire soon began to rise and move forward. A certain John Thomas, a surgeon in the employ of tho East India Company, had gone out to Bengal in 1783, had been led to engage in evangelistic work in behalf of the Hindus, had recently returned, and was now in London, endeavoring to raise money for further efforts. He was sent for, and was invited to return under the auspices of the new society, with the promise of a companion, " if a suitable one could be found." Accepting this offer, then at once Carey expressed his readiness to become the desired second person, only stipulating that, while he descended to explore what Fuller had termed the" gold-mine" in India, the brethren whQ remained at hOlne should" hold the ropes." Next an appeal was made for £500, and within a few weeks double that amount had been secured.
But trials and tribulations in plenty were yet in store. The Leicester church was loath to lose its beloved pastor, and touchingly alleged, " We have been praying for the spreaa of Christ's kingdom alIlong the heathen, and now God requires us to make the first sacrifice." Next Carey's wife, having no sort of sympathy with his aims, utterly refused to share in the risks and hardships of the undertaking; and though the thought cost a world of agony, imperative duty seemed to compel him to go without her, to remain at least for a season. And finally India was 15,000 miles away; the East India Company was in full possession; no Englishman could lawfully land upon its shores without a license, and, moreover, the Gospel was a contraband article. After the utmost influence possible had been brought to bear upon the company it became evident that no license could be had, and so, recalling that the apostles did not wait for permission from Rome or any earthly anthority, our hero resolved to set forth without the consent of the directors and take the consequences. Through the influence of Mr. Thomas passage was engaged and fare was paid upon one of the company's ships, but later, delayed long by storms under the Isle of Wight, the missionaries were ordered ashore. But fortunately a few days after a Danish East Indiaman lay in Dover Roads, npon which transportation was secured, and at the last moment, visiting his erratic wife, Mrs. Carey consented to accompany her husband. It was June 13th, 1793, that they finally set sail upon a voyage so pregnant with consequences to Christianity unspeakably great, and five months later arrived at Calcutta, and on the 9th of November.
Of course the passage of these events produced scarcely a ripple upon the snrface of the great social or political or even religious world, were almost altogether unnoticed and unknown. In those days the great stir over the American Revolution was quieting down, but only to be succeeded by a vastly more fearful commotion from across the English Channel. It will be instructive to set down a few dates which locate what many would even yet deem the great events of the period. In 1789 first burst forth the volcano of the French Revolution, and July 19th the Bastile fell. June 20th, 1791, King LouiR fled from Paris. August 18th of the next year, a few weeks after Carey's great sermon, the invasion of France by the allies began, and the next month followed the" September Massacres," and the republic was proclaimed. January 21st, 1793, the king ascended the scaffold; March 11th the Revolutionary Tribunal was set up and the Reign of Terror was inaugurated; and June 2d, a fortnight before Carey sailed, the Girondists fell; and as he was nearing his destination the hapless Marie Antoinette met her fate, the Girondists following hard after. As God, and angels, and glorified saints estimate human affairs, who will dare affirm that the Hackleton cobbler's part in history is not every way worthy to be compared with that of George III. and Burke, of Mirabeau and La'ayette ~ THE MELANESIAN MISSION.
BY REV. ROBERT STEEL, D.D., SYDNEY, N. S. W • •, The immense Pacific smiles Round a thousand little isles, Haunts of violence and wiles. But the powers of darkness yield, For the CROSS is in the field, And the LIGHT OF LIFE revealed."
The diocese of the apostolic Dishop of New Zealand, Dr. George Augustus Selwyn, embraced eighty-four degrees of latitude! It was made, by a mistake of the letters-patent issued by the British Crown, to extl:;nd from 540 south to 34 0 north. It embraced also 20 0 of longitude, and covered an area of 4800 miles by 1200. This is probably the rgest diocese ever marked out for a single bishop, and may truly be said to have included" a thousand little isles," almost all " haunts of cruelty and wiles." New Zealand itself wail an extensive enough diocese, and is now divided into six see8, though the Anglican Church has only a portion of the colonial population. Bishop Selwyn was equal to the occupancy of an extensive episcopate. He had been a famous oarsman in the University boat at Cambridge, and he could manage a schooner at sea. When roads were few and rough, he sailed along the coasts of New Zealand in the pursuit of his calling, and gained golden opinions among pioneering colonists for his courage and devoteuness. Meanwhile he cal!lt many a longing eye over the wide expanse of waters which the English Colonial Office had mapped out as his diocese. In 1847 he resolved upon a voyage of inspection, and fortunately got a passage in II. M. S. " Dido," when he had an opportunity of observing the insular groups in the southwestern Pacific, and the native population on them. In 1849 he got a small schooner of only twenty-one tOllS, the " Undine," with a crew of four men, and set sail alone on a trial Toyage. After ten days from Auckland, New Zealand, he reached Aneityum, a thousand miles away. This was the most southern island of the New Hebrides,' and where a mission had been started a year before by the Rev John Geddie, a Presbyterian missionary from Nova Scotia. The bishop met H. M. S. "Havannah," Captain Erskine, at this harbor, and in his company visited the islands of the New Hebrides and Loyalty groups, and also New Caledonia. His chief object at first was to endeavor to win the confidence of the natives. He had a rare art in this, and went unarmed among them, always keeping-his eye upon the cbief in each tribe, lest any mischief should arise. Like Van Amburgh among lions, Bishop Selwyn could tame cannibals for the time by the power of his eye! He was anxious also to get a few boys away to Auckland that he might attempt to educate them in the first principles of the Christian religion, and then return them to exercise some influence for good among their own people. The summer months were the most favorable for this training, while the winter was most favorable for voyaging in the tropic seas. Bishop Selwyn found a Babel of tongues among the dark savages of Melanesia-that portion of 'Western Polynesia in which he sailed. He endeavored to pick up a few words in each island, and carefully noted them down, along with the names of chiefs and others, so that when he returned he used these words and names again to the astonishment and delight of the natives. He thus pioneered missionary enterprise among heathen islands, as Dr. Livingstone did in Central Africa. He extended his voyages from year to year as his acquaintance with the islanders increased, and as he got a larger craft in which to sail. Most of the islands between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands were visited by him, and where there were no resident missionaries except on the Loyalty Islands, and on one of the New Hebrides group. He had zeal, wisdom, and courage for all his peculiar trials and difficulties. Few men have braved so many dangers with less means of defence in the service of Christ and His holy Gospel. In his first voyages he had no charts, and had to rely on his own drawings and on some old Spanish charts. He had, besides, to take observations, calculate distances, keep command, pull a rope, and manage natives on board speaking various languages. Some of the men had their wives occasionally with them, and as their clothing was very scanty, the bishop made dresses for the women, and when the mothers were sick he nursed their babies!
Thus he founded the M.elanesian"Mission. In 1850 he attended a meeting of bishops in Sydney, New South Wales, and got an Australasian Board of Missions established for the conversion and civilization of the aborigines of Australia and Western Polynesia. By contributions, given at the time, he was enabled to purchase and furnish the" Border Maid," a schooner of one hundred tons, and in 1851 the Bishop of Newcastle, N. S. W., who had been a comrade of Bishop Selwyn in the Cambridge University boat, accompanied him on a voyage. In 1852 he conveyed in his schooner to Aneityum a Presbyterian missionary and his wife free of expense. In England his powerful sermons at the University made a great impression, and he got Rev. John Coleridge Patteson, M.A., son of Mr. Justice Patteson, to go with him in 1855 expressly for mission work. This devoted man was trained by Dr. Selwyn to take complete charge of the mission, and he was consecrated Bishop of Melanesia in 1861. A fund of £5000 was raised by Bishop Selwyn to endow the see. Bishop Patteson followed in the steps of his great predecessor, and went annually on voyages among the islands, collecting boys for the missionary college established first at Auckland, New Zea1and, and afterward at Norfolk Island. He was joined by Rev. R. H. Codrington, M.A., Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford, who subsisted on his fellow~hip, and, like his bishop, gave his services gratuitously. Many youths were taught who, after they were baptized, became teachers in their native isles. New openings were constantly sought, new missionaries added, until the work spread as far as the Banks and the Solomon groups. After the labor traffic began, and the natives w~re il.lGel.lsed by some kidnapping scenes, Bishop Patteson and a native deacon, Stephen, fell in 1871 as martyrs to the cause of Christ by the savages of Nukapu, in the Santa Cruz group. Great was the lamentation over the early removal of the devoted Patteson. But the good work went on. The Rev. J. R. Selwyn, M.A., son of the Bishop of New Zealand, was selected for the island episcopate in 1877. Amid many difficulties and domestic trials Bishop Selwyn has carried on his work. He has had a mission schooner with auxiliary steam power for cruising among the islands. And now a larger steam vessel has been got for the expanding work. Bishop Patteson left his entire fortune of over £13,000 to the mission. Miss Yonge, the popular writer, and authoress of the" Life of Bishop J. C. Patteson," gave the entire profits of " The Daisy Chain," and many other sums to the funds. A thousand acres were purchased at Norfolk Island, and the necessary buildings have been erected for the accommodation and instruction of the scholars and for the residence of the bishop and missionaries. The trust funds amount to £40,000, the interelt of which is used for workini expenses. The total income wal £6380 in 1890. Of this about £4000 came from Australasia. The expenditure was more than the income by £833. The bishop surren.dered £200 of his moderate income to help the deficit. The new ship has cost £9200. At St. Barnabas College there are 124 male and 32 female scholars from many different islands. The mission is carried on throughout the islands during all the year by native teachers, and during the winter months European missionaries reside, to superintend the teachers, preach the Gospel, visit the schools and open up new spheres for labor.
The' bishop, who has been very unwell or late by malarial sciatica, takes a yearly voyage through his extensive diocese. Many islanders, once savages, have been admitted into the Christian Church by baptism, numbers have been taught to read, others trained to teach, and several ordained to the Christian ministry. Dr. Codrington, who has now retired, published a valuable book on the Melanesian languages, in which he gave vocabularies and grammars of some forty tongues. Portions of Scripture and the liturgy of the Church of England have been translated into different languages, and printed for the use of the natives. One language is usedthat of the island of Mota-in the college at Norfolk Island ; but the missionaries cultivate and speak the languages of the islands where they labor. To give a few specimens of the work carried on at present, it may be stated that on the island of Florida, where there is a population of 5508, a little over 2000 have been bapt.ized and 56 confirmed. There are 62 teachers and 1020 scholars there. In the Banks group the Rev. T. C. Culwick reports that in 1890 there were 41 schools in eight islands, 234 adult and 102 infant baptisms, and in one church there were 117 communicants. The Rev. Charles Bice, who has been employed twenty-five years in the Northern New Hebrid.es, spent several months during 1890 on the islands; he reports that much disquiet prevailed, that the population had been greatly thinned
IMPORTANT DEATHS
by the labor traffic. Difficulties have arisen in some cases from the Frenoh traders who have settled on the islands. A great work is being done throughout many islands by Bishop Selwyn and his missionaries and teachers. It is to be hoped that the bishop may be restored to health, and that by the blessing of God the enlarged efforts practicable with a larger steamer may result in the expansion of the Melanesian Mission, and the ingathering of many dusky islanders to the fold of Christ.
STATISTICS OF THE MISSION.
Staff.-The Right Rev. John R. Selwyn, D.D., Bishop j English clergy: Rev. Charles Biee, Arthur Brittain, R. B. Conrius, J. D. Branne, B.A., T. C. CuI wick, John Palmer, J. H. Plant, M.A., R. M. Turnbull. Native ordained mi~sionaries: Alfred Lobu, Clement Marau, Robert Pantutun, Mano Wandrokai, Walter Weser, deacons j George Sarawia, Henry Tagalad, priests. Native teachers, about 200. Mission steam vessel, Captain Bongard engineer, officers, doctor and crew. There are 31 scholars supported at Norfolk Island by congregations in New South Wales j 10 by those in Victoria, 11 by those in South Australia, 5 by those in New Zealand, and 27 by those in New Zealand. Thus between 80 and 90 are known by name to congregations supporting them. Parcels of clothing are annually sent by working parties of ladies. A sum of £1500 per annum is contributed by friends of the mission in England.
TWO IMPORTANT DEATHS.
The death of Narayan Sheshadri, on the ocean, last month, and the death of Hormazdji Peestonji, in India, during the previous month, recall the stormy scenes attending the .:lonversion and baptism of these men, more than fifty years ago. The preaching of Dr. John Wilson, one of the great Scotch missionaries, was followed by a special blessing. Four young men, two of them Parsees .and two of them Hindus, professed faith in Christianity. All the inten'le hatred of the heathen heart was turned against these men. Legal proceedings were instituted against them in the civil courts in Bombay. Two of these converts were Danjibhai Nouroji and Hormazdji Pestonji, Parsees j and two were the brothers Narayan and Shripat Sheshadri, Hindus, and, in addition, Brahmans. Shripat Sheshadri, brother of Narayan, was remanded to Hinduism, as he had not attained to his majority. The others were baptized in spite of the violence of the mob, which threatened the mission house, and was restrained only by the presence of the military force. Narayan Shcshadri did his work afterward in connection with Presbyterians of Scotland. Hormazdji Pestonji went into the service of the Irish Presbyterian Church, and afterward became a Baptist, and was the head of the Baptist Mission in Poona. In the past summer death came to them both-to one on the sea, to the other at home.-Presbyterian.
18IH.] CONGREGATIONALISTS AND
CONGREGATIONALISTS AND MISSIONS.
BY REV. EDWARD STORROW, BRIGHTON, ENGLAND.
A very important forward movement in foreign missions has just been inaugurated in England. The directors of the London Missionary Society have resolved, before the jubilee of the society in 1895, to add 100 more missionaries to its staff; a large increase, since the present number is only 192. The importance of this resolution will be apparent if it be observed': 1. That this is the oldest Foreign Missionary Society in England next to the Gospel Propagation and Baptist Societies, and has the largest purely foreign missionary income, with perhaps two exceptions.
2. Its basis is undenominational, but practically it has fallen into the hands of Congregationalists, and is the only Foreign Missionary Society which in any sense belongs to them.
3. It has a distinguished history, since it was the first Protestant society to Bend missionaries into Polynesia, China, Madagascar, Lake Tanganyika in Central Africa, and to begin work in New Guinea on an important scale j and in some of these fieldll it has had distinguished success.
4. It stands eminent for the number of its illustrious missionaries- Morison, Milne, Griffith John, Ellis, Williams, Moffat j Livingstone being also of the number.
5. It has a larger staff of native agents in proportion to its European missionaries than any other society, since its ordained native ministers number 1224, its other native preachers and evangelists over 4100, and its school·teachers more than 3000, a large proportion of these being well tried and carefully trained.
Various causes have led the more ardent friends of the society to desire that it should attempt greater things. Among these may be mentioned the splendid openings for aggressive work around many of its stations in India, China, Madagascar, and New Guinea; the painfully inadequate number of its missionaries in many important centres j the examples of faith and enterprise set by some other missionary agencies, and the growing consciousness among Congregationalists that they are not doing their full part in the splendid enterprise of giving the Gospel to the non-Christian world. Convictions of this· nature led four well-known ministers to issue a heartstirring appeal only a few weeks ago, entitled" Congregationalism and the Evangelization of the W orId," the main purport of which was that at least 100 additional missionaries tlhould be sent out: 40 more to India, 40 more to China, 10 more to Africa, 10 more to Polynesia, Madagascar, etc. This suggestion was embodied in the following resolution, which after most careful consideration was accepted by the board of directors at their first meeting in July : "That it is desirable that the Society should, notwithstanding the adverse balaQce with which the past year closed, at once proceed to provide
A NEW APPLICATION OF AN OLD HYMN
for the pressing needs which have already been recognized by the Board, and should further without hesitation enter upon the enlarged openings for work presented in connection with several of the great Mission fields in which the Society is laboring. And that an attempt be made to add One hundred additional Missionaries to the Society's staff before the Society's Centenary is celebrated in 1895."
The importance and gravity of this step is seen in the facts, that for some years the income of the society has not advanced as it should have done j that it has not found without difficulty the fifteen or twenty suitable men it has required year by year to keep up its present staff of missionaries; and that the proposal will necessitate an increase of £25,000 annually to the society's income. Nevertheless the resolve is wise, noble, and necessary; it has been made deliberately and with much faith and prayer, and it will probably elicit so enthusiastic a response from the Congregational churches and such a blessing from God that it will be carried to a most successful issue.
A NEW APPLICATION OF AN OLD HYMN.
To the Editor of THE MISSIONARY REVIEW: The old hymn of Thomas Scott might with a little alteration be ad- dressed to Christians j for in the mission work the wise, the merciful, the obedient the blessed thing to do is to haste.
Haste, 0 Christian ; now be wise j Stay not for the ml)rrow's sun j Wisdom if you thus despise, Harder is it to be won.
Haste, for many now "implore j Stay not for the morrow's sun, Lest the season should be o'er, Ere thii evening's stage be run.
Haste, 0 Christian j now obey j Stay not for the morrow's sun.
Haste, for many now do pray That salvation's work be done.
Haste, 0 Christian; now be blest; Stay not for the morrow's sun, Lest perdition souls arrest, Ere the morrow is begun.
VERSAILLES, Ky. PAUL V. BOMAR.
"NAlI: TRANG SONG."
." NAM THANG SONG."* BY REV. F. ELLIS, BRISTOL, ENGLAND.
NOTE.-The following verses were written some three or four years ago by the blind Moravian pastor lu Bristol, whose noble sister takes the part of eyes and hands for him. The inspiration of the poem is suffiriently indicated In the foot-notes, which also explain all references. It was originally printed In the Periodical Accounu, the English missionary qnarterly of the Moravian Ohnrch, but in the hope that the lines might prove a source of enconragement to other than Moravian missionary laborer., they have been offered for republication In this journal by permission of Rev. Benjamin La Trobe, editor of the Pmodical Accounts. We add that the Rev. Frederic Redslob, after 20 years nnremitting labor In the Tibetan Mountains, has been forced to retire on account of broken health, and his place has been supplied by the Rev. F. Becker Shawe, who has recently arrived in his far·off field of labor in the midst of the Himalayan Mountain., after a most adventuresome and arduous journey. In Alaska the work has progressed nobly since the fatal day recorded in the poem. Addi. tional volunteers have gone forth to this bleak and dreary field, and in spite of apparently insurmonntable obstacles, converts are slowly being gathered in.
NAZARETH, PA. PAUL DE SCHWEINITZ.
Cheerless in the evening hour is the prospect he commands, As at foot of Himalaya, wrapt in thought, our Redslob stands j Eighteen thousand feet of climbing is the task to-morrow brings, And he gauges all before him, and he thinks a llUndred things: Will the undertaking prosper' is the mountain pathway clear ~ Are the coolies to be trusted '-then a sudden sickening fear Seizes him, as gazing upwards he perceives that, lure and slow, Clouds, black heavy clouds, are gathering, ominous of falling snow. Let them but discharge their burden,-and they will, the coolies say, Then all hope of further progress must consume'in long delay. For a moment all is gloomy j blows the night wind bleak and chill : – Disappointment seems to crush him at the foot of Taglang hill j Yet it is but for a moment j soon regained his self-control, And the peace which passeth knowledge takes possession of his soul 1 For within his chamber kneeling, contrite, confident, and mild, Angels might have heard his breathing, " Lord, forgive thy anxious child j Pardon if for one brief instant I have sought to take from Thee What is Thine by right and promise j take it, take it, Lord, from me• • This Tibetan sentence, which implies, .. It has cleared np 1" or .. It is all bright again 1" was the cheering morning greeting of hiB coolies to the Rev. F. Redslob, snperintendent of the Moravian Mission in Oentral Asia, on the day when he intended to cross the Taglang Pass (18,000 feet in height) near the northern bonndary of British India. He was on his way to found a permanent mission at Leh, the capital of Ladak, when evening closed in with a dark and threatening cloud hanging far down the pass, portending snow and conseqnently enhanced difficulties and dangers amid those trackless wastes of rock and glacier if not protracted delay at the foot of the Taglang. .. The pass," says Mr. Redslob, .. seemed to my imagination an image of the future of our Ladak Mission, and my own immediate prospects. I felt dispirited, and lay down to rest with a weight of apprehension on my heart. But I endeavored to cast my care upon the Lord, and commended myself and onr whole mission work into His hand•.
.. How great WIlS my joy when the next morning I was awakened by the cry, 'NAJIl THANG SONG I' (' The weather is quit~ mght again. ') It was indeed a lovely morning. The clouds had vanished, and the snow, which had merely sprinkled the pass as with a thiu covering of sugar, had entirely disappeared before I reached the heights. I could not possibly have had more favorable weather for such an ascent and descent, and the exp.eriences of the following days were destined to fill me with deep gratitude and reveal very clearly how gracionsly the Lord had arranged all things tor me." Be to-morrow in Thy keeping; mine to follow, Thine to lead; Thine the wisdom and the power, mine the weakness and the need. Glad shall be my full submission whatsoever Thy decree, For my will with Thine is blended, and Thou, Lord, art all to me !"
With the daybreak rise the coolies, all expectant to behold Everywhere the sad fulfilment of the troubles they foretold. Scarce a flake of snow has fallen, not a cloud bedims the sky, And they shout for very gladness-" Nam thang song!" they loudly cry, As in eager haste they hurry to the sleeper where he lies; " Rouse thee quickly for the journey, ' Nam thang song, 'good Sahib, rise ; Gird thee for the upward journey ; bright the sky and clear the way; , Nam thang song,' good Padre Sahib, we shall cross Taglang to-day."
TPen with sanctified exertions Redslob and his coolies start, Every footstep fraught with danger, but there's music in his heart ; For the Master's smile is on him; this makes all his troubles light. Rocky shelving, mountain torrent, steep descent, and slippery height, Precipices, all he passes, till, by angel hand sustained, He haa left it all behind him, and his journey's end attained.
Work on, Redslob, with thy comrades in that hard Tibetan field; Ne'er despond, though scant the harvest which your labors seem to yield; For in God's own time the message ye so faithfully proclaim Shall be owned by tens of thousands to the honor of His name. And the wilderness shall blossom, and the desert place rejoice, At the brightness of His coming and the music of His voice.
Such the word to you, ye others, who on many a foreign soil Delve and sow, and yet know something of the fruitlessness of toil. COUl"dge, brothers! out in Greenland, and in ice-bound Labrador In the Western Indian islands; on the Nicaraguan shore i* On the rivers of Guiana, t or among the swart Fingoos it Or in Ramahyuck's § enclosure, tending the despised Papoos ; ,Or in Canada's dominions, serving out the Word of grace To the Delaware and Choctaw~ remnants of a fading race i Or like self-denying Miiller, II with his brave wife at his side, Tt:lling the in-gathered lepers how for them, too, Christ haa died,- Courage, one and all, ye brothers! no occasion for dismay i Let not " may be" come between you and the praises of .to day ; Ne'er anticipate the morrow, for ye cannot know its form ; Fretting never frightened thunder, sighing never stayed a stonn• • Mission in the Moskito Indian Reserve, Central America.
t i. e., Dutch Guiana or Surinam, and British Guiaua (Demerara). *MiBBions In South Africa to FingOOB, Hottentots and KaffirB. reserve § Ramah-yuck (Ramah. our home) is the second aboriginal nuder care of Moravian mis- sionaries in Victoria, Australia.
U.. House-father" of the Leper Home near the Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem. But when clouds come darkling o'er you as ye face stern duty's height, Then remember He who sends them can disperse them in a night.
Work with patience, pray with trusting. each one faithful at his post, And erelong the wave of blessing which swept o'er Moskito Coast Shall reach your remotest borders, and refresh and gladden you.
Many a Daukra, and Quamwatla, Kukallaya, and Yulu,* Shall rise up to call you blessed, and to verify the words, There's success in David's battle, for the battle is the Lord's.
G'nadendal t shall yet burn brightly, as a lamp with freshened oil, Entumasi, Engotini, and Entwanazana'st soil Yet shall yield abundant harvest, and another Herald § soon Bear the Gospel's gladdening message over Mexican lagoon.
And you of this latest venture, who but yesterday went forth With your lives of consecration to the wild Alaskan II North, Take our heartfelt blessing with you, and amid your ice and snow On the drear Kuskokwim River let it comfort you to know That upon our hearts we bear you, and though miles may surge between, In the truest bond of union we are with you on the scene j We could understand your feelings as ye slowly sailed away From the harbor of Francisco on that eighteenth day of May, And we could but stand and wonder at those two of gentler form Who were thus prepared to join you in the solitude and storm j Spite of all your ocean-tossings, and the dangers that ye faced, Never once in spirit shrank ye from the cause ye had embraced. We could see you grouped together gazing on the outline blue, Till the mountains of Alaska shaped themselves to clearer view; We could see you, lone and wistful, by the warehouse on the land, Where the Lizzie Merrill l left you dazed, yet waving with the hand Towards the fast-receding vessel, bidding farewell to the last Of all things that seemed to link you with the brightness of the past.
Then ye nerved yourselves to action, though unused to rope and spar, Weighed the anchor, trimmed the sails, and launched your little Bethel Star >' Past the mu~banks safely guided,· up the river bravely bore Through those fifty leagues of sameness j saw the tundras** on the shore, Marked the pine-trees andgamutes tt sparsely set on either side, And the Eskimo bidarka tt swiftly floating o'er the tide j * Places affected by the recent awakening among the Moskito Indians.
t Genadendal, the oldest mission station in South Africa, commenced by George Schmidt in 1734.
~ Former and present stations among the Kaffirs. § New mission vessel for the Moskito Coast Mission. I Alaska, until 1867 Russian America. ,- The schooner which conveyed the Alaskan pioneers from San Francisco to the month of the Kuskokwim River.
** Tundras-H treeless, shrubless, mossy flats."
**tt Gamute-village. Bidarka-three-holed kayak, or skin-covered canoe.
CUBA AS A MISBION FIELD
Felt the rainfall, 'watched the nightfall, hailed the daybreak o'er the foam,- Till in Mumtreklagamute * ye arrived, and called it " Home !"
There, within your winter quarters, daily learning while ye teach, Slowly hinting at the Gospel which as yet ye cannot preach; We can see you striving, toiling, patient, yet withal so grave, As ye think upon the comrade lying low beneath the wave, t Which swept him to sudden glory, but left YOll to mourn a friend.
Patience, brothers! "Hope and Patience" be your watchword to the end.
Scant enough we thought your numbers, yet we read the lesson tme : God, who claims the victor's glory, ever wins by Gideon's few.
Feed upon the word He gave you on that fatal August day, And be sure that when in spirit you and we together pray, " God of Bethel, bless our mission on the bleak Alaskan shore,"
He will give the cheering answer, " Fear not; I have gone before. "t CUBA AS A MISSION FIELD.
BY w. J. MOMAN, CIENFUEGOS, CUBA.
Cuba is the largest of the West Indian Islands, and has been a Spanish colony ever since its discovery. It has an area of about 72,000 square miles, and the population is variously estimated at from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000. Its soil is most fertile, and the climate generally healthy except in some of the'towns, where the want of proper sanitary regulations is perhaps the chief cause of so much sickness at certain periods of the year.
The population is ~ixed up of Spaniards (natives of Spain), Cubans (natives of Cuba), and negroes. Among these classes the strongest prejudices exist. The pe.:>ple congregat"e mostly in cities and towns, but many live on and about the sugar plantations where they are employed. The chief towns are nearly all connected by rail or steamboat, so that travelling is not difficult, though somewhat expensive.
The whole country is divided into six provinces-viz.• Pinar del Rio,' Havana, Matanzas, Santa Clara, Puerto Principe, and Santiago de Cuba, each having a chief town of the same name.
The people are nominally Roman Catholics, but the majority, having lost faith in Rome, are drifting away into infidelity. While many have thus renounced belief in all religion, there iI!, on the other hand, a large number still fanatically devoted to Rome. Roma~ism was the religion of their • .The Alaskan missionaries have built their house near Mumtrekhlagamnte. a trading post of the Alaska Commercial Company, and called the ~tatlon Bethel. (Gen. 35: 1.) t Mr. Torgersen, one of the five pioneers, was drowned by accident on August 10th, 1885.
~ The text for August 10th, 1885, the day on which Mr. Torgersen was drowned, was Isaiah 52 : 12. fathers and grandfathers, and still possesses great power over them. These are generally ignorant people, who are entirely under the power of the priests, and render them a blind and unquestioning obedience. Betwe.en these two extremes there is another class-perhaps not a large one-who have ceased to believe in the Romish Church, but still believe in God, the Creator of all things, and feel the need of a religion which will elevate man's mind and pUIify his heart.
Until recently Protestant work could not be publicly done in Cuba. At present, however, all sects are tolerated and allowed to propagate themselves without disturbance, religious toleration having been granted under the revised Spanish Constitution. The whole island is therefore opened up to the Protestant missionary, and wherever he goes he may claim the protection of the authorities. I have already had a police officer accompany me home after conducting service in my chapel.
I wish to repeat and emphasize what I have already said about the amount of work which is being done here at present. It is in no way adequate to the pressing need of the field. The Southern Baptist Convention has missions in Havana and some neighboring towns, and a great work is being done by this soci~ty. There is an Episcopal mission in Matanzas, with a station in Havana, and recently a Presbyterian mission has heen started in Havana, with which I believe the Presbyterians of Mexico are identified. So far as I know, the only other mission work being done on the island is at CienfuegoB, a town on the south side, where the writer is laboring under the auspices of the Jamaica· Baptist Missionary Society. All these agencies together do not reach more than 500,000 persons, leaving more than 1,000,000 souls without the knowledge of the true way of salvation, and without any possible way of acquiring such a knowledge. Scattered all over the country are populous towns and villages without the light of the Gospel of Christ, where the people must either be satisfied with the dead forms and lying absurdities of Rome, or rellounce all religion. In the three southern provinces-namely, Santa Clara, Puerto Principe, and Santiago de Cuba, with a population of about 600,000, I am the only missionary. These hungry, starving souls are daily crying for the bread of life. Day by day the cry goes up from thousands of burdened hearts, "No man cares for my soul." Their religion consists of processions, masses, baptisms, and such ceremonies, which Rome has invented, and with whiCH she has replaced the Gospel. The priest is the only mediator they know between God and man, and although dissatisfied with his religion, and not unfrequently with his corrupt morals, they are afraid to abandon the Church, as union with it is their only hope of salvation. ' , No priest, no sacrament j no sacrament, no salvation," is a maxim of terrible power over the minds of those who have been brought up in the darkness and superstition of Rome.
Less than 120 miles away from the great American republic lies a country with more than 1,000,000 persons, "who sit in darkness and in the region of the shadow of death," waiting for the light of the Gospel. How long shall they thus wait? One cannot but feel that the answer to this ques- tion lies with the Christians of the United States. There can bl1 no question about money and men, for the churches have both the money and the men. Since writing the last sentence I took up the MISSIONARY REVIEW for Feb- ruary, and find that the Protestants of the United States are supposed to have a surplus wealth of about $500,000,000 a year. What to do with it ? Why not spend $500,000 a year in trying to evangelize Cuba ~ With so much money in their purses, and so many men willing to go out as mis- sionary worker~, we fail to see any reason why every town in Cuba should not be supplied with a missionary of the Cross.
The people are very favorably disposed toward Americans and American institutions. In every city and town, it might be said in every household, the products of American industry and manufacture are well known. Why should not this be the case also with the religon which has raised the United States to the proud position she occupies among the nations of the earth ~ There is urgent need that the work should be done at once. This feeling grows on one the more he knows of the people. As I have already said, many are embracing atheistic creeds and theories which involve a negation of all religion. It is not unlikely that this anti-Christian movement will gain strength in proportion as the intellectual faculties of the people are / awakened and developed apart from true religion. It seems that the Church is losing its opportunity with regard to Cuba. People are becoming infidels chiefly because they do not know the true Gospel, and are disgusted with the caricature of Christianity which the Roman Church exhibits. Now is the time to seek to check the growth of iufidelity which seems likely to overrun poor, priest.ridden Cuba.
But there is another reason why the neld should be taken hold of at once, even if we should not succeed in turning the tide of infidelity. The human mind cannot long be satisfied with a negation of all religion. To be religious belongs to man's nature, and the religious faculty will sooner or later make itself felt in the setting in of a strong reaction in favor of religion. I think this is clearly taught by the religious history of the world. Wherever infidelity has seemed to triumph for awhile a reaction has invaria- bly set in in favor of religion, and sometimes in favor of the most degrad- ing superstition under that name. One feels sure that it will be so in Cuba; and if the pure, true Gospel is not made known to the people, the reaction will be in favor of the degrading superstition and idolatry of the Church of Rome, and no one can tell how long this may delay the evan- gelization.01 Cuba.
SOIDe seem to think that there is no room for other missionary societies than those that are now laboring here. A gentleman officially connected with one of the great missionary societies said to me not long ago, " We have lost our chauce in Cuba." This is by no means true. The field is
THE PROTESTANT MOVEMENT IN MEXICO
large enough to receive Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbytpriansin short, all evangelical societies who will preach the Word of God. There is no reason why all should not unite in the grand work of giving the Gospel to this benighted people.
The difficulties of the work are numerous, and different stations throughout the island will present different difficulties; but I have already taken up too much space, and cannot now refer to the difficulties except to say that they are not insuperable, and patient, persevering, faithful work in Cuba will surely meet with large success, although the laborers may have to work hard and wait long.
THE PROTESTANT MOVEMENT IN MEXICO.
BY ELEANOR P. ALLEN, CINCINNATI, o.
The innate ideas of our Protestant heritage are that religious and civil freedom are both alike necessary to the highest development of our race. In order to measure the value of these great possessions to other countries that hitherto have not enjoyed their benefits, let us consider for a moment by what feeble means, against what odds, at how great cost, that heritage of blessing was won for our own-land. There is no more interesting period • of our history than those seventy-five years of struggle which decided whether this land should be another New Spain, like poor Mexico, or another New England, such as, thank God, it is; whether, accord- ing to the inscription upon the arms of Columbus, "To Castile and Leon (alone) Colon had given a new world," or whether he had found that treasure for a greater people made new and strong and free by -a truer and a purer faith; for whether this struggle is called in Europe the wars of the" Austrian and Spanish Successions," and in this new unsettled world the wars of "Queen Anne," "King George," or the " French and Indian War," the central point at issue was the same. How- ever complicated by the personal ambitions of the French Louis-es or the monarchs of stately Spain, and the other princes of Europe from the dates of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 'lnd the success of the revolution in England by which it was declared that thenceforth no Catholic prince should ever sit upon her throne, the relll struggle for dominion in Europe and for the consequent possession of this continent lay between the over- grown powers of the Papacy, on the one hand, and on the other, the giant infant of the Reformation, late born in the lap of Germany.
What had Spain done 1 Marching from the southern seas in gorgeous panoply of scarlet and gold, her fiery, intensely religious, always greedy hosts conquered South America and Mexico at about the same time, and pushing far to the north and west, founded town after town upon our Pacific frontier, the centre and chief interest of which town was always the parish church, till here and there and everywhpl"e, above the soft seas and in the upper mountain air, was heArd the tender toning of her mid- night bells of prayer. Have we not to-day Santa Fe, founded by Spanish priests, away up on the plateau of the Rocky Mountains, now deemed the oldest city of our country 1 and San Augustine, the next oldebt, also found- ed by them as they came to pour other hosts across the southern slopes of our country to the Mississippi 1 What did France do 1 Were not the white gleam and shimmer of her lily standard seen through the wild woods of the St. Lawrence from its gulf along its course, through the great lakes and down the Mississippi till they met the forces of Spain in Louisiana! Have we not the traces of this course in the names familiar to us all-of Marquette, Juliet, Sault Ste. Marie, and Detroit, besides many another 1 Then did she not strive to secure possession of our own fair valley of the Ohio, that she might use it as an entering wedge with which to split apart the claims of the few and feeble English colonies on the coast! How many of those colonies were there 1 When this struggle began in 1688 there were twelve, and one of them was Romish. When we group these facts together, and remember the splendor and resources of these Romish countries at that period, and the weakness of the forces of Protestantism that were set to oppose them, can we not imagine that the angels above watched the close of this conflict with high joy, and that they all, together with the Prince of our people, sang aloud, " But as for His own people, He led them forth like sheep. He carried them in the wilderness like a flock." " We give Thee thanks, 0 Lord God Almighty, that Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned !"
William Carey began work in India liS the firST; Protestant missionary only ninety-eight years ago. It was in 1'793 that he alone, the leader of a vast army that should follow, set foot on India's soil for the redemption of the millions of that race. He toiled on seven full years before he gained his first convert-seven years of struggle for one soul! In 1800 he baptized Krishna Chunda Pul, the first Hindu Protestant convert. When Carey died (the man whom God lifted from the cobbler's bench first to the English pulpit and then to the highest throne ever erected on the soil of India) he was honored throughout EnglanQ, India, and the civilized world. He had introduced a work into India that would ultimate in the moral regeneration of the people and the social and mental elevation of a race. Schools. books, newspapers, moral associations-these, and a thousand other blessings followed as the indirect fruit of Carey's sowing on Indian soil. He died in 1834, hut not until he had seen thousands follow his lone convert into the fold of Christ j and when the Church celebrated the semi-centennial of his death 500,000 converts could be counted in the vast field of work he had opened up. American growth of population does not exceed twenty-five per cent for the decade just past, but that of the Protestant family of India exceeded eighty-six per cent. How wonderfully God has honored the teachings of William Carey, the so-called Sanctified Cobbler!
1891.J EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
-The Rhenish Missionary Society complains that, for some reason or other, its COllverts in Bomeo are so decidedly inferior to the Mohammedans in industry as to be at a disadvantage in every way. Yet they are learning diligence in one way-they are showing increasing zeal in supporting their churches.
– The Maritime Presbyterian, in reference to the New Hebrides, says: " In regard to the heathen, our outlook was never anything like so hopeful as at present." But who" we" may be we are unable to say, as the magazine neither gives a place of publication, nor the name of the editor, nor tells of what church it is an organ; and the writer is not learned enough in the ecclesiastical affairs of the Dominion to know whether the maritime provinces have a Presbyterian Church of their own or not.
-The Spirit of Missions quotes Louis Agassiz: " Every friend of Brazil must wish to see its present priesthood replaced by a more vigorous, intelligent, and laborious clergy."
-The Missionary Reporter (M. E. C., South) says: "Last year the net increase of the membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, waR larger than the entire home membership of the Moravian Church; yet they have four times as many missionaries in the foreign field as are supported by Southern Methodists."
THE CONTINENT.
-The Amerzcan NcAll Record calls attention (as, curiously enough, the Catholic Irish Review had also done) to the fact that, out of the 600,000 Protestants of France, half the first Grevy cabinet were Protestants. They went out of office, if we remember right, rather than sanction the persecuting policy of the government toward the Catholics. The Protestants of France do not have divers weights and measures of religious liberty. The great Protestant who has just been called home was never wearied of lifting up his voice for Catholic rights, no less than Protestant, against atheistic malice. This shows French Protestantism to be of the true metal. The Huguenots were deeply tainted with the persecuting leaven, but they worked clear of it in the long school of suffering, and in the largeness of individual faith. Now, says the Record, "men with religious convictions, whether Catholic or Protestant, dare confess their faith, undeterred by fear of ridicule."
-The Record says: "The Universite de Paris (the organ of the Students' Association of Paris), the Figaro, the .Tournal des Debats, and the Temps have each asserted in their own way that French students as a whole have ceased to be Voltairians. There is an evident recoil from the fri volou8 scepticisms of the past, and a tendency tuward mysticism, although Dot toward Catholicism." Viscomte E. M. de Vogue shows that even in those schools which have been the citadels of irreligion, sympathetic investigation is taking the place of mere mockery. "Our predecessors," he says, "too ellsily threw aside an entire domain of ideas which they deemed anti-scientific,; but we must see." "In other words," says the Record, "French students are willing to read the credentials of Christianity j let us do our utmost to present them. "
-The Mission Populaire Evangelique, of Marseilles, has rendered its modest report, from which we see that it has at least nine branches of work, religiuus and charitable. It is interwoven, we do not exactly know how, with the McAll Mission, whose work it warmly commends to the support of its friends.
-The Bible sales have largely increased in Italy, though the sales of Bibles and New Testaments have diminished, owing to the increasing poverty of the peasantry, compelling them to take portions instead of the whole.
Also : "In entering into the missionary current a church lifts itself to the greatness of its vocation on the side of infinity. It knits anew the tradition of the grand apostolate, which has the world for its field and mankind for its object, lowering all the walls of partition. Nothing can be more invigorating than to breathe this air of the mountain-top, from which we survey the vastness of the world, provided we are borne aloft not by the fallen angel, and aspire to subdue to ourselves, but by the apocalyptic angel, who carries in his hands the everlasting gospel, that we may learn how to save it.
"Our mission has been, as it were, the supreme expression of our Protestant development. Scarcely has the religious awakening coma to pass which has followed our great national crises, when we see it originate spontaneously, so thoroughly is it a natural consequence of reillumined faith. It rallies all our living, which as yet form but a single aggregate; it is the time of joyous unanimity j no other question is asked but this, What must we do to be saved ~ What must we do to save that which is lost? All the churches, pastors, and laity are but one heart, one soul, one spirit.
" We ought to spare no pains to bring our brethr.en to see that the conquest of the world for Christ ought not only to take precedence of all earthly interests, but that it takes precedence none the less of the reorganiza- . tion of our forms of worship, of our ecclesiastical contests, of our theological quarrels. Indeed, what can so certainly restore life to our worship, to our churches, to our theology as to be simply obedient to the supreme command of our Great Captain by raising the gospel torch to serve as a lighthouse to those who are perishing in the darkness of heathenism, to carry the bread of life to those who lie dying of famine without God and without hope ?"-PROFESSOR KRUG"'l" Journal des Missions.
– " Doubtless the wonderful progress which French Protestantism has made during the past eighteen years would have been made sooner or later, in any case. The Spirit of God has been manifest in that church, inspiring and impelling it to a new and vigorous life. But its progress has been facilitated and in some degree directed by the work and example of Mr. McAll. He went before them with methods which to them were entirely new, and proved their practicability j more than that, he proved their fitness to the actually existing condition. He made evident the undreamedof fact that the mass of the people were waiting for a religion, ready to be taught, longing for they knew not what, but what the result has proved to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "-American McAll, Record.
-In two of the central halls of Paris the aggregate attendance for 1890 has exceeded that for 1889 by 24,300. AFRICA.
-The New York Evangelist gives the following account of the LiTingstonia Mission of the Free Church of Scotland. The first-fruits were seven young men and two young women. "These were recently followed by nine others, and these more recently by thirty-four, making a native church of fifty-two members, besides hundred~ of hopeful catechumens and inquirers of both sexes. All the converts are missionaries to their countrymen. Including these fifty-two, the number of natives teaching in the mission schools at the close of the year was 120, of whom seven were women; and the number of pupils on the roll was 3080, of whom 2422 were in attendance on a given day, besides the children in three schools at the north end" of Lake Nyassa.
-Bishop Smythies, of the Universities' Mission, seems to be a man of very broad and brotherly sympathies. His intimate friendship with the Presbyterians of Blantyre is a standing rebuke, not to High Church opinions, which he entertains, but to High Church arrogance. On the other hand, he gives an earnest warning that jf Protestants in Africa will insist more on the deep differences than on the deeper agreements between them and the Roman Catholics, " it will be impossible to avoid deadly feuds." In other words, he holds the language of Robert Leighton, of Thomas Chalmers, of Richard Baxter, of Philip Schaff, and of the editor of this REVIEW.
-The ])aily Graphic of February 11th, says the Ohristian, has a letter drawing a sharp contrast between the French city of St. Louis, in Senegambia, where the writer did not see a sign of intoxication, and the disgusting intemperance of the British possessions along thc coast.
-The Primitive Methodist Mission has a growing influence on the Spanish island of Fernando Po, but, unlike Ponape, is treated by the authorities with j~stice and toleration.
-Dr. Laws, in his special report of the Livingstonia Mission, besides an account of the medical, industrial, literary, and evangelistic work result- ing in a church of 53 members and 70 catechumens, adds: "The indirect results of mission work, though not so visible to a stranger, are none the less palpable to a resident in the country. Much of the faith in the efficacy of the Mwave poison has in some districts been broken down, petty wars are less frequent, and there is evidently a greater readiness to settle amicably the differences which often arise among them without recourse to the club and the spear, as formerly. Not that war has ceased or that quar- rels are infrequent, for snch is not the case; but there is a marked improve- ment upon the whole. Slaves are better treated, and more sympathy is shown toward sufferers, and help often given them. Work is sought after, '
and its wages oftener enjoyed by the laborer than in former days. '
" The nnion of the Reformed Dutch Church of South Africa with the Free and the United Presbyterian Churches of Scotland in Livingstonia is one in which we rejoice, and we trust that the proverbial ~trength of the threefold cord may be exemplified in the help of these churches thus happily sharing in a common work fraught with common difficulty, but with abundant scope for work in the future. Already the Reformed Dutch Church contemplates strengthening the contingent they have placed in the field, and Mr. Murray has localities in view where other helpers may be stationed. ' , The Livingstonia Mission has spread out from five centres, " while the populous village>! to the south and north of the head station, Bandawe, on the west shore of the lake, are being gradually annexed to the kingdom of Christ. "
-Really Lewanika, under whose regis the heroic Coillard and his colleagues are laboring on the Zambesi, is turning out a different king from Mwanga. This is what he writes to M. Coillard: "I am not afraid of a revolution; but if I remain alivll and king of this country, I must put a stop to witchcraft, robbery, fornication, and drunkenness." By witchcraft he doubtless means the pretence of magic artd, which is often fatal to its victims through their fears, at! well as through baleful drugs.
– " My heart is hungry for something, and I don't know what it is."- Words of a Congo Valley African, Church Missionary Gleaner.
-Central Africa for May has an interesting article, read at Oxford by Archdeacon Maples, on the relation of the Moral Law to the Idea of God among the East Africans, and the Bantus generally. It appears that these all, apparently in the pure use of logical deduction, have arrived at the distinct belief in the personal God, the Creator of all men and things. They do not worship Him, being singularly indevout, and seem to regard themselves as standing in no moral relation to Him. They have also a distinct, though neither deep nor wide, apprehension of the moral law, but" as human, not divine." Therefore they 4ave properly no sense of sin. Their belief in God and their belief in Right, having originated independently, have both remained stagnant. But when God, being personal, is presented to them as necessarily standing in a supreme moral relation to them as personal, their consciences, the archdeacon declares, never fail to respond affirmatively. And this awakening apprehension of Right and Wrong as being also Holiness and Sin is that which first gives fruitfulness and progressiveness to the previous immemorial stagnancy of their whole spiritual development.
-The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel has, in the hope of future conversi~:ms, obtained the erection of Mashonaland, between the Limpopo and the Zambesi, into a diocese. Matebeland, where the London missionaries are working, will not be mcluded in it.
-The Rev. James Parlane, writing of the Congo missions in the Missionary Record of the U. P. Church, says: "Another witness says, 'Of the members of these churches a very large percentage, considerably more than half, are persevering, energetic, aggressive Christian workers, such as put to shame the feeble and childish efforts of many Chlistians in our own land. To them, black men or white, Btate official of however high degree or slave of ever so mean a degradation, is either a ' son of God' or a ' son of the devil.' They know but two classes; and if you are not avowedly of the first, they immediately pronounce you to be of the second; • . . and then they present the gospel to you with all the eloquence and clearness of which their incomparable language is capable."
-Bishop Tucker has at last reached Uganda, after great sufferings. The ophthalmia, he fears, will eventually render an operation necessary. His letter of December 30th is published in the May Intelligencer. The biRhop says: "Truly, the half was not told me. Exaggeratioo about the eagerness of the people here to be taught there has been none. No words can describe the emotion which filled my heart as, on Sunday the 28th, I stood up to speak to fully 1000 men and women, who crowdEd the church of Buganda. It was a wonderful sight! There, close beside me, was the Katikiro, the second man in the kingdom. There, on every hand, were chiefs of various degrees, all Christian men, and all in their demeanor devout and earnest to a high degree. The responses in their heartiness were beyond everything I have heard even in Africa. There was a second service in the afternoon, at which there must have been fully 800 present. The same earnest attention was apparent, and the same spirit of devotion. I can never be sufficiently thankful to God for the glorious privilege of being permitted to preach to these dear members of Christ's flock."
The bishop was as unfavorably impressed with the king, as everyone else has been. But the teeth of the tiger have been drawn.
" I should say," remarks the bishop, "that such anotJ:1er open door does not exist in any other part of the world. And I should say, moreover, that in no other part of the world is there to be found a native church which is so disposed to support itself and its ministry as the church of Buganda. The land occupied by the missionaries is a gift from the peopie; the houses occupied by Messrs. Gordon and Walker were built for them by the Christians without any expectation of payment. And, to crown all, a large house of three rooms has been built for myself, and two amaller houses for the other members of my party. I have said that this crowns all, but it does not. Every day the Christians bring us food in such quantities that we have more than enough for sustenance. I do not expect it will be necessary for me to buy any food during the period of my stay here. The people are only too anxious to keep one here."
Since the bishop's arrival, the Roman Catholic and the Protestant Mission have held conferences, and have drawn out more fully the terms of the modus vivendi, mutually pledging themselves to see that it is thoroughly carried through, and that the scandal of contentions between the two forms of Christianity shall cease before the heathen.
The bishop has confirmed seventy persons, set apart six laymen as native evangelists, and advanced Messrs. Baskerville and Gordon from the diaconate to the priesthood.
– " In order to do justice to Mackay's real significance, we must go beyond his direct missionary work, and his technical and industrial achievements. What we must emphasize still more in his character are the fruitful thoughts which he casts into the discussion of the African problem, the grand points of view on which he insists for its solution, the glowing enthusiasm and indefatigable energy with which he interposes over against the IIpiritual and secular conquerors of Africa, for the healing of the woes of the Dark Continent." -C. BUSSE, Allgemeine MissionlJ-zeitschrijt.
-Zealous Christian young men of England seem to have their attention now strongly directed to the Central Soudan. We perceive from the Young Men's Magazine, the organ of the Y. M. C. A. of Newcastle-on- Tyne, that two Y. M. C. A. men have set oui on such ft mission. They are Hermann G. Harris, B.A., aged 30, and Edward White, under 20. Farewell services have been held in the former centres of Mr. Harris's Christian activity, at Bolton. Bath, London, Liverpool, and Weston. The two gentlemen have gone first to Tunis for preparation.
-The Women's Missionary Union of South Africa, closely connected with the Huguenot Female Seminary, which is a daughter of Mt. Holyoke, has affiliated with it twenty·five local societies, and supports eight workers in <Uf;terent parts of ~ol,ltb A,friQa. ~o~e are amon~ the Bechuanaa i SOIUQ are among the French brethren in Lessuto j and one, Madame Goy, is on the Zambesi.
.-The Sixty-first Report on Foreign Missions of the Free Church of Scotland remarks: "The postponement of a convention with the Portu- guese has interrupted postal and steamer communications. The free navi- I!ation of the Zambesi and Shire has, however, been secured, and a small British subsidy alone is required to make the Scottish settlements, mis- sionary and trading, in Zambesi and Nyassaland, independent of Portugal forever. "
-The Scottish Presbyterian, London Congregationalist, and Eng-lish Universities' Mission districts have been virtually formed into the consular colony of British Central Africa. Consul-General H. H. Johnston is first commissioner.
JAPAN.
-It appears that the German missionaries in Japan-personally most excellent men-occupy the extreme ground of the original Tiibingen . school, from which the great body of the modern critical school has far receded. But even·they are scandalized at some of the present tendencies of one wing of Japanese Christianity. Herr Munzinger is very apprehen- sive that it will bring over too much of its earlier paganism. "A single misstep now," says he, "might do incurable harm. . . , What could result from the endeavor to develop the Christian theology in connection with Buddhism and Confucianism ~ . . ' If youthful Christianity is not fully conscious of its essentially higher value above Buddhism, it will buy its seeming victory dear. At the present time it is not even advisable for Christianity so much as to ventilate the question of assuming a more con- ciliatory attitude toward Buddhism. Every word to that effect is inter- preted by the latter as weakness, and stimulates it to advance against the enemy with new courage and firmer confidence. The decisive conflict be- tween the two religions, which at this time is in its full heat, and is car- ried on by the Buddhists with the most passionate energy. would thereby take an unfavorable turn, and, in the best event, the vi~tory of Chris- tianity would be a good while postponed. Cold reserve is just now more suitable than affectionate coquetry." The Calw MonatsbliUter, from which we quote this, remarks: " We are glad to note that, in this respect at least, our countrymen see more clearly than some eminent ministers, who are blinded by self-confidence, national pride, and optimism."
-The noble impulse of patriotism seems likely to become, to a part of our Japanese brethren, as much a stone of stumbling as to Jewish Chris- tianity, a great fraction of which, perhaps the numerical majority, was ultimately led astray by national feeling to prune and pare its Christianity to such an extent as to leave in it scarcely anything that was distinctive of the Gospel.
-At the recent celebration of the tenth anniversary of Mr. Ischii's Orphan Hou~e, or rather of the church of which he is a member, warm expression was given to the sense of obligation felt toward the missiona- ries. This is described as exciting considerable surprise: but it does not appear that serious exception was taken to it. It will probably be some time yet before a Japanese Christian is actually put under thp, ban by his brethren for showing a measure of affection tow!lfd t1108e w40 brou~ht t11~ Gosrel to his land,
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT BDITlIID AND CONDUCTED BY BEv. 1. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Oauses of the Disturbanoe in Ohina. try of China, and, to 80me extent, the political unit, too, of the masses as [EDITORIAL, 1. T. GRACEY, D.D.] against all order as well as against the party in power in the Government. It is with trepid9tion that we venture They were lawless, and terrorized the to treat of this theme. and our modesty several communities where they were would make us prefer that it were pre- found. A great number of them took to sented by some one in China at this the Yangtsi valley, and were to be found time; but our own resources are so in all its great cities. It would 8eem full, and are from so widely separated that this disturbing element would, districts, that it is not easy to indicate however, be limited to the one generato any writer just what ground they sug- tion. Strangely enough, it has not been gest to us as desirable to be covered. so. When men have died substitutes We therefore endeavor to summarize have been found for them, and the corsomewhat of the result of our own pa- rupt distribution of the pension fund tient study of the situation, without has gone on. So powerful had these burdening our article with naming our didcharged soldiers become, and so capavarious authorities. ble of fomenting trouble, it was not easy for the Government to arrest the A PENSIONED ARMY. oorruption of its: funds in this way. Tseng Kuo-chuan was at one time It seems not possible to set forth the directed by the empress dowager to reunderground agencies which have been duce this pension list. He said, as he at work in the fomentation of the recent had maintained before, that it was imdisturbances, without going back to the possible. After his death the central Taiping Rebellion. At that time the Government undertook the task, and Chinese Government called into the this became' the occasion of wide disfield an extra military force of a million satisfaction fomented by these men. or so of men. At the close of the war the soldiers were pensioned. '.chere SECRET SOCIETIES. were other courses open to the Government which wisdom would certainly Another important factor in this rehave suggested rather than this course. view is the secret societies of China. China had vast tracts of country unde- We are not a little surprised in. searchveloped, and it would have been in ac- ing through the best books on China cordance with modern statesmanship in within our command to find that this the West to have assigned to these sol- element of Chinese society is conspicudiers these tracts rather than a money ously absent from them. The most income. China had also great public prominent political secret society in works, on which these men might have China was the White Lily Society, which been profitably employed. Neither originated in Hupeh, and spread into course was taken, however. The pen- other States. It was a Buddhist vegeta. sioned army was dismissed with suffi- rian society, which read Buddhist books cient financial resource from the na- and avoided animal food. But designing tional treasury to keep them in idleness men admitted to it converted it into a if they so chose, and the most of them political sect. Besides the societies did so choose. They became a restless having a Buddhist basis there are the community, wandering over the coun- PlanchBtte Societies of the Red Light try, and loafing at the opium ilen·-that I'~d, tl1f;} White Li~bt-a awo.~ bfQthe/i' up-it Qf 111 tbe or~lUlill<eq V~Cf;} 1!nd, <levUhood of men, which [mayor may not be to resist the continuance of this recog- political. They are Taoist rather than nized corruption. It has, however, re- Buddhist. They cut off the head of a cently brought pressure to bear on it, cock and drink the blood mixed with with the result of stirring up the opwine on taking the oath of fellowship. position of these men to the adminis- They afe subject to organic direction as tration. This is held by some to be the to when they are to resist civil or polit- chief cause of the present outbreak. ical authority, whether expressed in the military or police power. They are or- A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT. ganized for mutual protection. They may be patriotic. It is well known that the present rul- ing house of the Government is of Tar- One of these non-Buddhist societies tar origin. There is diversity of opincomes in for a prominent place in the ion as to how far this is offensive to the study of the present situation. It is people of China. There are those who known as the Kolao Hui, and is a mili- represent that the people are bitterly tary organization, originally benevolent opposed to this foreign administration.' only. It is recognized as the most dan. Others think that the dissatisfaction is gerous of the existing sects. It consists more with the administration than with exclusively of soldiers. It is a pro- its nationality. The charge is made of scribed society, being esteemed a secret universal corruption among the official conspiracy. It was found extensively class. Whether, therefore, the nationamong the army of the time of the Tai- ality of the party in power is offensive ping war. In that army were a great or not, its unpopularity can easily be number of men from the province of made to centre in objection to it as for- Honau. They had a constitutional fond- eign-Manchu, not Chinese. There is ness for a roving, restless life. They certainly serious complaint against the were naturally a turbulent community. Government among a large part of the They won a name in the time of the re- people, even if the better class are not bellion, and are still known as the solid against the nationality of the " Honan Braves." They had, to a good Peking authorities, and whether the degree, saved the country. They have people as a whole are indifferent on the been the centre of disaffection. During subject or not. the recent disturbance in Foochow, on account of which missionaries re- FOREIGN COMMERCE AND DISPLACEMENT. moved to a place of safety at the mouth of the Min River, under advice of those As to the foreign European element, in authority, there were from two to it is the occasion of serious disturbance three thousand of these discharged of increasingly large parts of the com· Houan soldiers from the Yangtsi valley mercial and industrial classes. The present in Foochow, and about eight trade of the entire Yangtse valley has, in thonsand men from Honan under arms truth, changed hands. Foreign-built in the employ of the Tartar· general. A steamers have displaced the old Chinese number of the regular standing army junks, and this has thrown out of emhave joined the Kolao Hui. Thus the ployment a very large number of people, army on which the Government has to who have not found any other means of rely is itself sown with organized con- livelihood to compensate for the loss. spirators. These cannot be relied on to It is not easy in the interior of China to subdue any disturbance fomented by make a new adjustment of industries. the Kolao Hui. These men have been The people are conservative in their among the most earnest antagonists of habits and set in their industrial the reduction of the total bulk of the grooves. Displacing a class does not original pension fund. Government open a corresponding avenue for their pail therefore beeu wellnigh powerless toil speedily enough. Naturally these people fall into the ways of thinkin6 of those who antagonize foreign aggression. When we remember, therefore, that the Naturally they drift toward parties who organized Kolao Hui honeycombs it, it are disaffected toward the dynasty, is readily seen that insllrgents led by which has suffered if not fostered this members of that order, or with which foreign trade. Naturally they come to they are in sympathy, are not to be have a dislike to the foreign commercial carelessly confronted with threats on the traveller, who is now everywhere in the part of the Government. In the Taipinterior, pushing the products of foreign ing rebellion the Government found itfactories. Naturally they do not dis- self unequal to the task of snbdning the criminate as between classes of foreign- insurgents without calling on European ers, whether missionary, scientific, po- aid. There is no reason to believe they litical, or commercial, in their dislike to are more able to cope with any widewhat is foreign. This feeling is liable spread resistance to their authority at to be fanned into fanatical fllry by bad this time. A combination of all the men. It can be made Ilse of by illlCh an forces and circumstances which we have organization as the .. Honan Braves" or feebly set forth might therefore result the Kolao Hui, when they are them- in a formidable attempt to overthrow the selves ready to foment disorder by which dynasty itself. The Kolao Hui would they certainly hope to profit. delight in the opportunity for plunder and possible other advance of their for- SUPERSTITIOUS PREJUDICES. tunes, which this would open to them. Altogether it is easy to see that the peo- Now add to these combustible ele- ple are very feebly governed from the mentR the fact that the people are super- Imperial Yamen at Peking, and that stitious and ignorant about the habits dynasty itself may very readily come to and beliefs of foreigners, and it is easily be so dependent on European force as seen how these Kolao Hui, or the lead- to lead to the result in practical politics ers of disaffection toward the Govern- that the Chinese Government itself may ment, can rouse the people by appeal- exist at their will ; and another &stern ing to their ignorant sympathies. Some- Question may be about to be precipitated times they declare that the foreign into the heart of European politics. The building or telegraph wire interferes contmued existence of the empire itself with Feng Shui, that all-pervading sci- may come only to await the agreement ence of LucIe which permeates every among the great military powers of Eupart of the Chinese theory of 80cial as rope as to the manner of its partition well as religious practice. Sometimes among themselves. an appeal is made to the human sympathies, as has been done so extensively Missions to the Iberian Peoples. in this present disturbance, by declaring that the foreigners steal children, that J. M. CHALLIS, D.D., SANTIAGO, CHILI. they may obtain their eyes to send abroad to make medicine. In one case Iberia was the ancient name for the it is said that the rioters went into the peninsula of Spain and Portugal. From cemeteries and took the bodies of re- this peninsula have gone forth the milcently interred children and paraded lions who now occupy the West India with them on exhibition through the Islands, Mexico, Central and Sonth streets, affirming that they found them America. These peoples number some in the Roman Catholic Hospital. sixty millions of souls, and are all in countries where the Church of Rome THE IMPERIAL ARMY_ has dominated for many centuries. Un- happily for the development of religiolls Still further, to comprehend the whole and moral life, the impress made by the case, we must refer to the regnlar army. Church of Rome has not been in accord- It is said that it exists withal q nite too ance with the spiritual teaching of the largely only on paper and the pay.roll. Word of God, nor has it been after a Hence a Hottentot dressed in a rag, liv. very high order or type. ing in a grass hut, and eating food which to us is repugnant, is in far more In the matter of education, wherever need of the Gospel than could be a the schools have been under the control Spanish maiden dressed in the latest of Romish priests or of Jesuit fathers Parisian styles, living luxuriously in a the res~lts have been limited, narrow, beautiful home. But it should ever be and unsatisfactory, the chief aim being remembered that civilization is not to exalt the Church rather than to give Christianity, even though Christianity knowledge; to bind the student more is a chief cause and a large element in firmly under priestly power than to en. civilization. There are civilized heathen large and strengthen the intellect; to just as certainly as there are uncivilized make abject slaves of the hierarchy or barbarous heathen. rather than bring the aspiring learner to independence of thought, of feeling, The Iberian peoples are to a very large or of action. Only when pressed by lib- extent civilized-enlightened, if yon de· eral or by Protestant competition has sire the highest expression. When you there been any active effort to meet the consider dress, appearance, house ap. exigencies of the case, and then only to pointment, and many items of social the smallest possible extent. To-day life, especially among the upper classes, there is need of Gospel missions and of you at once say these things are all one Gospel schools among that entire popu- can desire. The lamentable fact which lation which may properly be called the should be emphasized, and which ap- Iberian peoples. peals to the Christian heart, is, these peoples are not evangelized. Such a We are accustomed to estimate the im· statement may seem to some a most portance and pressing need of any mis· damaging one to the Church which has sionary enterprise by the immensity of dominated these peoples these three the popUlation to which our attention is centuries, and which during all these called. Many denominations have mis- years has had undisputed and despotic sions here and there in South America sway in all these lands. This arrogant and in Mexico, and to the constituency Church has had unhindered opportunity of these missionary societies the work to apply, by all its boasted machinery, seems less pressing than that to Eastern the Gospel of Christ to the intellect end fields, simply because the number of in- heart of these submissive millions; and habitants in any single republic appears if the application has not been made, it comparatively small. But the true way must be either that a wrong work has to look at this matter is not at a small been attempted or that there has been a work among the few in Cuba or Guate. terrible criminal neglect. Those who mala or Chili, but to efforts as directed are familiar with the religious life of the to a vast number who speak the Span. Iberian peoples, whether revealed in ish and the Portuguese tongue, and that Madrid, in Mexico, in Rio Janeiro, or this vast work is one. When we plan in Santiago, uniformly testify that a for it, work for it, give to it, we should dead churchism is all that can be found plan, and work, and give with sixty mil. as the outcome of these centuries of lions of unevangelized men and women unobstructed domination. Those who as the object of OUf interest, our gifts, know the moral life of these peoples our efforts, and our prayers. testify that the beauty of innocency has departed, and that under the whited ex· Then, again, interest in any specific terior of fashion and style and elegance mission field is measured largely by the is the rottenness of vice and crime, degree of civilization of the people to which shows that conscience has been whom we go. The more degraded a foully debauched, and thatmoralst&nd. people are physically as well as morally, ards are gauged only by the world, the according to our standards of style and appearance, the more needy they are. :fiesh, and the devil. The priesthood we are disciples of Christ as well as immoral, corrupt, venal, and inactive in manufacturers, that we are missionaries promoting any moral or religious life of the cross as well as merchants, we among the people ; the better classes, shall not have fulfilled our whole duty. with many splendid exceptions, dissi· We should be as anxious to plant in pating, and in many cases grievously those lands the banner of the cross as sinning in velvet and broadcloth lind to establish business centres. We elegance; the lower classes, to a great should be as zealous to make known to extent, following the behests of a degrad. those peoples the fact of human redemp. ed appetite in homespun and COBrse at. tion as to tell them the story of onr tire and in unkempt surroundings. It American resources. We should be as must be said that while the general type eager to plant aU that immense region and trend of life is irreligious, and, ac. with Christian schools as to build their cording to American Christian stand· railroads and to open those vast rivers ards, immoral, yet in spite of bad exam· to American commerce. pIe, false teaching, and a corrupt priest. hood, there are some priests who are Until we have taken this view of onr pure and true in spite of their surround. responsibilities, and as honest disciples ings, and that among both upper and of Jesus Christ, and as genuine lovers lower classes are some who are better of our fellow·men have acted according. than their times, pnrer than their con· ly, we shall not have discharged our ditions wonld lead one to expect, and tremendous responsibility to millions worthy of all praise in their faithful of humanity who are our neighbors, effort to live above the prevailing type, and who are destined erelong to hold and to be noble and good in spite of the most intimate relations with our beloved hindrances which are so abundant and land. so strong. What may be true by excep· tion does not prevent the great fact that That we may adequately measure this the Christian Church needs to study vast work, let us place before us the im· with intense interest and consummate mensity of the region inhabited by the care the tremendous problem of evan· Iberian peoples, not to speak of Spain gelizing the Iberian peoples. and Portugal, since these countries are nearer our brethren in Great Britain; This mighty work interests Christianb although the American Board has mis· of Great Britain, who alroady have their sionaries there, let it be emphasized missions in Spain and Portugal. This that in the Western Hemisphere we vast work challenges the enthusiasm of have a region inhabited by these peo· American Christians of whatever organ. pIes equal to almost three times the size ized company, since the eyes of Ameri. of the United States. Mexico and Cen· can statesmen, manufacturers, and mer· tralAmerica have about 1,000,000 square chants look with peculiar interest to miles, South America has 7,250,000 Mexico and to'the republics of Central square miles, while the United States, and South America. We may plan for less Alaska, has but 3,400,000 square reciprocity, we may' subsidize steamers miles. In these countries are about and ships, we may endorse the canal 60,000,000 of souls, and toward these enterprise, we may prepare our sam· immense republics, especially in South pIes, we may establish business connec· America, a vast European immigration tions along the mighty rivers of South is tending. Before we shall be able ~rica and over her vast plains, we fairly to enter upon this tremendous may send our vessels to all ports, we work the population of these lands will may send our locomotives screeching be augmented by 50,000,000 more. It and puffing through all her wild fast. takes time to inform the mighty caval. nesses, but unless we remember that we cade of humanity now moving toward are Christians as well as statesmen, that her shores tbat the gates of the United States are being gradually closed. It
November
takes time to tell these restless hordes of all these countries should be consethat in the huge continent of South crated to God and not to Satan. It America the doors are opening wider means that the men and women and and wider to all who will come. It took children who are in these lands should many years to publish to the millions be taught the nature of that Gospel who have come to our shores what in- which will not keep them as slaves to ducements our great country offered an imbecile system, but will make them them. It will take years, though not so free men in Christ Jesus. It means that many, to tell those who are left behind those who are now there must be really how much greater and richer are the Christianized that they in turn may welnatural advantages South America offers come to Christian influences and condithem. Brazil had hardly declared her- tions the vast numbers whose coming is self a republic but thousands were ready so near. It means that the power of to leave the despotism and starvation of Divine truth shonld dominate the hearts the Old World and hasten to enjoy with of all, when the golden era dawns. It her the new-found freedom, to taste her means that these peoples should be led rich productions of fruit and grain, and to appreciate and possess the refined to bask in her welcoming sunshine, or gold of Divine riches better far than the rest under her luxuriant foliage. Brazil gold of Ophir, that they should know equals the United States in square miles. where to find the treasure hidden in a Already the immigration to the Argen- field, where can be secured the pearl of tine Republic is immense; and this coun- great price; how they can secure such a try is larger than the part of the United relation to Him who gives the corn and States east of the Mississippi River, and the olive, the silver and the gold, the every inch of it arable. With the Argen. emerald and the diamond, so as to betine, the other republics make an aggre- come sons and daughters to a King, and gate of square miles equal to the entire may possess not garments of silk and United States south of Canada, and the fine wool, but the robe of Christ's rightwhole is either available for agricultural eousness, and may not only become citipurposes or is rich in mineral wealth. zens of grand republics, but may be Mexico and Central America are begin- crowned as kings and priests unto God. ning to be known, and these contain a million or more square miles. Already To-day Brazil and the Argentine Remen of energy and foresight are seeking public, and Chili, Colombia, Mexico and out the more favored localities, and Central America, and Cuba are all open these lands will soon be as well under_ to Gospel preaching in churches and stood as our own States. Gospel instruction in schools. Peru is on the eve of unbarring the doors, so In all these republics are mUltiplying long closed by ignorance and superstiall active influences for a mighty devel- tion. Bolivia will soon follow in removopment. Railroads are in process of ing every legal obstruction to evangelical construction which will unite the three effort, and in due time Equador, the only Americas in bonds not only of steel, but country absolutely faithful to the papal of peace, fellowship, and brotherhood. see, will cast off her chains, and to the Capital from England and from America representative of the Gospel, to the is flowing into these lands, and the Word of God, will say, "Come in, thou mighty resources of the richest parts of blessed of the Lord; why standest thou the whole earth are about to be placed without ?" Across the sea Spain and in the hands of whoever will go and Portugal, the prolific fountain-head of take them. all these peoples, bids messengers of Christ enter and abide. Sixty millions And what does all this mean? Busi· of people now wait your coming, oh, ness, prosperity, wealth, comfort, lux- ~erald of the cross, and before your ury to many, yes; but it means vastly voice has penetrated the busy haunts of more. It means that the mighty wealth
INTERNATIONAL Dll:PARTMENT
present activity, sixty millions more, cheapness of American literature would from all nations under the sun, will have come to those favored lands, will be like the multiplied loaves from the have there established their homes, and will need your ministrations. hand of Christ as He fed the multitude Now is the time to send the preacher in the wilderness., of glad tidings and gather the people into the fold of Christ, and to instruct Sixty millions of people is no insig. the children in piety and truth. nificant constituency for some ambi- Now is the time to establish Christian schools in all the busy marts and in all tious and Christian publishing house. the widely scattered hamlets; now is the time to give a Christian education A Spanish or Portuguese edition of St. to those who are soon to be the men and women of action. The purpose of NicholaR, or of any of our beautiful illus. all this work ill to make homes of godli. ness, to purify business and social life trated magazines, not to speak of a refrom its false principles, and from all that is opposed to good morals, and to production in those languages of some permeate the public life with the reo straining and elevating power of that of the very beautiful, pure, and ele. wisdom that cometh from above. Now is the time to introduce into all these vating secular literature of our day, lands a Christian literature which, like the light of the morning sun, will scat· would be a blessing of untold value to ter the miasmas of ignorance and vice, and put in its place the pure air of those millions who are hungry for any truth, which, as it touches the brows of the youth, will preserve the bloom of kind of intellectual food, but who are innocence and give the strength of spiritual health. Oh, that some of our now largely supplied with the poison of great publishers could see the tremen· dous opportunity not only to establish error and with the death.giving pabu. a grand business, but to do an infinite amount of good in providing a pure lum of lowest vice. literature for sixty millions of the Iberiltn peoples! Poorly supplied now with The Iberian peoples wait the kindbooks that are costly for the poorer classes, abundantly supplied now with ness of American Christians. Business books that are full of error and im. morality, these peoples are hungry for men of Germany, of France, and of Eng. any intellectual food, because just be. ginning to taste the pleasures of educa. land are trying to introduce their prod· tion. Millions just learning to read! They have been starving for genera. ucts ; but from none of these landl are tions. Intellects have been dwarfed and repressed by Jesuitical restrictions missionary efforts put forth to save and and by the conditions which the Rom. ish Church has forced upon them. But elevate these peoples excepting in old now has come the hour of awakening. The new appetite is omnivorous, and Spain and Portugal, where British the devil is busy with his sweetly put poison. Good books of the quality and Christians, as ",ell as the American Board, are doing missionary work.
Americans are seeking by treaties, by plans for quick and cheap intercom· munication, to secure a part of the trade of these republics, and to American Christians has by a common consent been left the mighty work of evangeliz- ing these vast republics south of the United States, and of preparing influ- ences which shall receive and transform into good citizens the millions who are in the next half century to crowd in upon those nations now so ill prepared to receive them. .
So while we are seeking as Americans to secure commercial advantages, let us remember that in no way can we better discharge our neighborly responsibility and our duty to God than by respond.
ing to the opportunities God is opening to us by supplying these peoples with the elements of prosperity which have done so much for our land, and by help.
ing these peoples to the moral elements of a Christian citizenship. Let us take care lest. in our effort to secure the populous empire. At least that is as wealth that may come from closer na- we see it now.
tional and business relations without giving them of our precious spiritual JOINT PROCLAMATION OF THE TARTAR GENERAL HSI, AND THE VICEROY PmN. treasures. we take to ourselves a cancre that will eat and corrode rather than On the 6th day of the 6th moon of the bless. 17th year of Kuanghsii, we received a Then let American Christians push despatch from the Tsungli.Yamen to their Master's business among the Ibe- the following effect : rian peoples with a greater zeal than the " On the 7th day of the 5th moon of American manufacturer, business man, the 17th year of Kuanghsii, this Yamen or statesman shall push his schemes for memorialized the Throne re the fre· personal gain or for national aggrandize- quency of Church questions in the vari- ment. ous provinces and praying that ~trin· gent orders should be sent to the Vice· The Ohinese Government ana Ohristian roys and Governors to take prompt Missions. [J. T. G.] action. The Privy CmIDcil have this day received an Imperial Decree run- We have been favored with a copy in ning thus :" Chinese of the Edict of the Tartar General of China and the Vice.Emperor of " We have received a memorial from the Empire concerning the crisis in that the Tsungli-Yamen in reference to the country created by the uprising of cer- frequency of Church questions in the tain persons of " the baser sort." It is various provinces and praying that strinfortunate for our apprehension of it that gent orders should be issued to the Viceit is accompanined with a translation roys and Governors to take prompt into English, which we' now present to action. It is stated therein that some our readers. It is held in China to be time in the 4th moon of the present the most favorable State paper ever is. year, Churches at Wuhu, Anhui provsued in that country concerning foreign. ince, were burned down by mobs; ers and Christians, that at Tanyang district, Kisngsu, prov- ince, and at Wusueh, Hopek province, Apart from the immediate status of Churches were also destroyed in succesthe case, this is an historic document of sion ; that these villains should be at great interest and importance, and many once apprehended and stringent measwill be glad to have it preserved in this ures of precaution should be promptly form for future reference. It is certain· taken. It is provided in the treaties ly important as an index of the hold that foreign mispionaries may propagate Christianity has on the situation. There will be no real set.back to West· their religions. In Our previous Dpcree, ern influence owing to this movement, We ordered the provincial Authorities as this proclamation commits the Gov. ernment to the defence of Christians, to afford them protection at all times. both native and foreign. If it is ahle to For many years, Chinese and foreigners execute its own decrees it will be com_ have lived side by side in harmony. pelled to do so, and if unable, then it How is it that only recently, cases of burning and destruction of Churches have arisen (almost) simultaneously. This is really very astonishing. Evi- dently, there must have been principal perpetrators secretly plotting to secure accomplices and disseminating false rumors to unsettle the minds of the peo.
pIe, with a view to seizing an oppor- tunity to commit plunder. The worst is that even innocent people who had hitherto been peaceably attending to will be obliged to resort to forpign as- their duties were enticed to become their sistance as it did in the Taiping rebel. accomplices. Their actions brought lion, and thus come still more under about pregnant cases. Should these obligation to the foreign powers. In people be not rigorously dealt with, how either case. therefore, the result must can the majesty of the law be mainbe, on the whole, an advance of West· tained and the community enjoy tranern influence and increased opportunity quillity. for Christian work in that vast and "We now command the Viceroys of Liang-kiang and Hukuang and the Gov- ernors of Kiangau, Anhui and Hopeh at once, to direct proper officials, civil and Christians discriminatingly; and even military, to have the principal criminals if the Christians are guilty of unjust or arrested, and when tried and found lawless acts, let the people appeal to the guilty, decapitated as a warning for the authorities and await trial. When right future. The religions of the Weste::n and wrong are brought to the light, laws nations aim at teaching people to do will be duly administered.
good, and though people become adher- It has ever been our way to exercise ents of the religions, they are still Chi- our most unbiassed judgment, and when- nese subjects and continue to be sub- ever cases of lawsuits between the ordi- ject to tl>.e authority of Chinese offi- nary people and the Christians are re- cials. There is no reason why the' ported to us by our subordinates we al- Christians and the Non – Christians ways judge equitably and never in the shOUld not be able to live in harmonv least side with anyone party. Of late and the sole caUBe of the trouble may years they have got along fairly well; be attributed to lawless elements in. From and after the issuance of this venting groundless. stories in order to proclamation, let the people break off gain 0. chance to create disturbances. their further prejudices against, and be Such evil characters are everywhere to on friendly terms with the Christians.
be found. Do not give a ready ear to floating re- .. We hereby command the Tartar ports and wantonly cause trouble, thus Generals, Viceroys and Governors of incurring severe punishment. Injuring the various provinces to issue procla- others is to injure yourself, and repent- mations of notification warning the peo- ance will come too late, etc.
ple against giving ready credence to such idle reports and wantonly causing trouble. In case there be any evil·dis_ posed persons making anonymous placards and fabricating stories to excite the A Thousandfold More }fission Work people, no time should be lost in insti- Needed.
tuting strict and secret inquiries and Mrs. Isabella Bird Bishop has for two apprehending and severely punishing them. The local officials must at all years past been making a tour of mis- times protect the persons and property sions in Asia. Beginning with the of foreign merchants and missionaries Keith..Falconer Mission at Sheikh Othand not suffer them to be disturbed or mann, Arabia, she passed on to India, harmed by evil characters. and thence to Kashmir, where she spent " Should the precautionary measures not be sufficiently stringent, and dis- three months. She visited the devoted turbanoes be the outcome, let the local Moravian missionaries in Thibet, of authorities be severely denounced and whose work she says "we hear so litcashiered. tle, and who need our pTayers so much."
•• We also command the Tartar Gen- erals, Viceroys and Governors to take Her tour through Persia intensified prompt measures for dealing with and her convictions .. of the absolute need of closing all outstanding cases and not to increasing missionary qJort a thousandallow their subordinates to shrink from old. ' , She says: •• Just think; from diiD.culty and delay the settlement. We proclaim this for general information." Karachi to Bagdad, among the populous "Having communicated with the various foreign ministers at Peking, this cities and villages of the Persian Gulf, Yamen has now respectfully copied out of the TigriR and Euphrates, throughout the a.bove Decree for your observance." Arabia, throughout south and southwest Besides sending separate instruc- Persia, not a missionary! From Bag. tions to our suboTdinate officials, civil and militaTY, ordering them to act in dad to Teheran-almost the most popuobedience thereto, we deem it proper to )ous district of Persia-'not a mission- immedia.tely proclaim this to you, so}. ary! The great oasis of Feraghan at 0.
dierli and people under our jurisdiction. height of 7000 feet; with 680 villages Know ye that the adherents of the Christian reli~ion are also Chinese sub- craving. medical advice, never visited, jects and continue to be amenable to scarcely mapped! Then Juifa and the jurisdiction of the local authorities. Ham"dan, with their few wOTkers, al.
In case of lawsuit, the merit of the case most powerless to itinerate, represent alone, and not the condition of per- the work of the Chur.ch for the remain. sons, is to be considered. Christians der of PeTsia! Two million nomads and non· Christians are to be treated alike. The people must not look on the never touched." .
EDITOlUAL NOTES ON CtlRRENT TOPICS
III.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
The following is an extract of a letter himself may justify the hope that un- ceasing prayer may be offered in his berecently received from Rev. H. C. Velte, half that, in undertaking this great of Lahore, India: work of preaching to a congregation LA.HORE, PUNJA.B, INDIA., July 7,1891. singularly prepared by affliction and prayer for the sowing of the seed of the The editor of the MISSIONARY REVIEW kingdom, he may have a special anointwill have heard of the death of Rev. ing. For months daily supplication has John Newton, in Merrel, India, on July been offered for Mr. Spurgeon at the 2d. Tabernacle, and the whole people are in a very receptive frame; there is every " He was the oldest missionary of the indication of a great harvest. Will not Presbyterian Church, and the oldest the reader follow the writer of these lines missionary in India, having come to with devout and daily prayer, and ask India in 1836, and havbg been in mis· for Mr. Spurgeon himself full recovery sionary service for fifty·six years. and rapid restoration to his accustomed spheres of work with voice and pen? The Lahore station was opened by him immediately after the Punjab had ARTHUR T. PIERSON. been annexed by the British Government, and here he labored to the end A Solemn League and Oovena.nt. of his life. He died in his eighty.first year. These are days of alliances-alliances for prayer; the Anti.Opium League, A Personal W0rd. Personal Purity Covenant, organized opposition to rum, to tobacco, to Sun· Before this number reaches the read- day papers, and Sunday travel, etc. We er, the editor-in·chief expects to be on have recently heard of an organization the ocean, if not in London. By a in Great Britain whose members bind strange series of peculiar providential themselves each day to perform some lowly act in helping those who have the leadings, he has been guided to respond drudgery of life as their portion-to to a cordial invitation from Pastor help some burden-bearer with his load, sweep a crossing, drive a cart, saw a log, Spurgeon and his church officers to lay a wall-or in some other way iden. come and preach in the Metropolitan tify one's self with the honest Bons of Tabernacle for a few months, during the toil. From what threatened to be his convalescence of the beloved pastor. dying bed, the valiant soldier, Charles H. Spurgeon, dictates a solemn league No reference would be made to the and covenant to his brethren scattered matter here, but that it is perhaps due throughout the wide world, which is to the readers of the REVIEW to know meant to unite all who believe in the that. in the absence of the chief editor, full inspiration of the whole Bible, and there will be every provision made for in the old truths from which so many the proper supervision of this important are now departing, in one brotherhood work. Any communications for the first of closer affiliation ; and it is a sublime department, the Literature of Missions, document; it sounds like Paul the aged may be sent direct to Rev. A. J. Gar· writing from prison cell in Rome. We don, D.D., 182 West Brookline Street, venture to reproduce it here. Boston, Mass. Anything pertaining to the International Department to Rev. " Impelled by concern over increasing J. T. Gracey, D D., 161 Pearl Street, changes and defecthns among their Rochester, N. Y. And any Statistical brethren, and by the absance of any ao. Reports, Reports of Societies, etc., to Rev. D. L. Leonard, Bellevue, Ohio. The address of the editor.in.chief, until further notice, will be Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, London, England.
The editor announces this providential call in these pages, in hopes that the tie formed between the readers and cepted formulas of belief in their de- union. Yet, if there be any power in nomination, the Rev. Charles H. Spur. such close association, we know no rea· geon and other leading Baptist ministers son why it should not be utilized in reo in England recently drew up and signed spect to missions. It is manifest that the following confession of their faith, if this work of a world's evangelization which is being extensively circulated is to be accomplished, it must be, not for signatures: by dependence on the great body of church.members, but on the church " • We, the undersigned, banded to· within the Church, the .. soven thougether in fraternal union, observing sand" who have not bowed the knee to with growing pain and sorrow the the Baal of this world. So long as we 100Rening hold of many upon the truths judge the available force of the ChU!'ch of revelation, are constrmned to avow by numerical standards we deceive ourour firmest belief in the verbal inspira- selves. No calculations as to the numtion of all Holy Scripture as originally ber of workers who can be obt,ained, given. To us the Bible does not merely or the amount of money which can be contain the Word of God, but is the collected, can be other than misleading Word of God. From beginning to end so long as the church·rolls are the basis we accept it, believe it, and continue to of calculation. No one can deny that preach it. To us the Old Testament is millions of bad fish have been caught in no less inspired than the New. The the great drag.net, and that the tares book is an organic whole. Reverence are growing conspicuously and plentifor the New Testament, accompanied fully in the wheat field. by scepticism as to the Old, appears to us absurd. The two must stand or fall But there is a remnant, according to together. We accept Christ's own ver· the election of grace. Why should not dict concerning "Moses and all the that remnant draw closer and come to a prophets" in preference to any of the mutual understanding? Why should supposed discoveries of so·called higher not the Church of God learn what pro· criticism. portion of its members are really ready to receive aud obey the Lord's last com- … We hold and maintain the truths mand, and live as under some practical generally known as .. the doctrines of sense of obligation either to go, or send grace." The electing love of God the Bome one who can and will go, to the Father, the propitiatory and substitu' unsaved souls of heathendom? Just tionary Ilacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, now these more consecrated livers and regeneration by the Holy Ghost, the im. givers are often met at the conventions putation of Christ's righteousness, the of believers, where the Word is studied justification of the sinner (once for all) and a higher type of piety is urged. by faith, his walk in newness of life and And they make these conventions what growth in grace by the active indwelling they are in power and interest. They of the Holy Ghost and the priestly in. give grandly when the Lord asks for tercession of our Lord Jesus, as also the money. At Niagara Conference, for some hopeless perdition of all who reject the years past, thousands of dollars have Saviour, according to the words of the been poured into the missionary treasu. Lord in Matthew 25 : 46, " 'rhese shall ries by a few humble givers, most of go away into eternal punishment," are, whom are poor in this world's goods. in our judgment, revealed and funda· At a recent meeting of believers at the mental truths. Our hope is the per· seaside, Pastor Simpson, of New York, sonal, premillennial return of the Lord received $30,000 for his independent Jesus in glory. mission work. At Keswick Convention, in Britain, not only have large offerings Signed ,. C. H. SPURGEON, A. G. been made to the Lord's work by a com- BROWN, J. DOUGLAS," and others. paratively few perlilQUIl, but from tbv.t It is possible, of course, to place undue relillnce on ft UOmillftl bond of annual gathering have issued some of evening in the Metropolitan Tabernacle, the most inspiring and aggressive move- London, in behalf of C. H. Spurgeon, ments ever known in modern mission which, at the date of this writing, are in work, and in that most self-sacrificing of the eighth or ninth week of their con· all labor, the work in the slums of our tinuance. No wonder if, as Spurgeon great cities. says, he could not die -the prayers of his people would not let him die. What The Church of God, corrupted as it if God, angels, and men could see the is by worldliness and formalism, con- Church assembled daily for prayer from tains the saints of C}od-those who live seven o'clock A.M. to nine o'clock P.M., nearest to Him in holy love and walk; asking God to raise up and to thrust and if, instead of being separated from forth laborers, enlarge the liberality of e" ,h other, and so unconscious of the His people, open all closed doors, and deep sympathy and wide extent of this enable His Church to complete the carfellowship, they could be brought into rying of the Gospel to every creature! contact, and, above all, conference, what Who dares to doubt that grand results results might not issue! Why should would follow, the like of which liave not some closer compact bind those dis- never yet been seen! ciples who feel the privilege and power of intimate walk with God-to whom Many of God's people who may not the last command of Christ is all-im- join Mr. Spurgeon in his Calvinistic portant, and who arB ready both to give views, are ready to join in an agreement and pray, to go if God permit, or help of prayer to carry out some such solemp. to send if they cannot go? Suppose confession of duty, faith, and privilege that in the thirty or forty millions who as the following: are on the roll of Protestant churches there are thirty or forty thousand who •• We, the undersigned, deeply feeling would unite in daily and definite prayer, the reproach and dishonor of the at a certain hour, for the immediate Church of God in the long neglect of evangelization of the world, for a new the perishing millions of our race, and display of pentecostal grace and power, in the selfish hoarding and spending of for a new advance to the very outposts money which has been committed to of the globe; who would undertake to disciples as stewards; and painfnlly live a self-denying life, and give all they conscious that unbelief has led to the can save or spare from their reasonable still worse neglect of believing prayer wants to the spread of the kingdom ; in behait of a world's evangelization, do, who would offer their children to mis- in the name of Jesus, declare our deep sions, as Hannah gave Samuel; who conviction that it is the duty and priviwould covenant to live, without regard lege of the disciples of Christ to bear j;o the prevailing low type of piety, a the Gospel message to the whole race of biblical life-from such a band of men man with all possible promptness; that and women what new power might be every believer is responsible before God going forth! For ourselves, of nothing for the carrying ont of our Lord's last this side of God do we feel a greater command; that the avenues of self-in_ need than of this close contact and con- dulgence shonld be closed that we may verse with those throughout the world have the more to give to those that who feel the need of a new obedience need; that we ourselves should be ready to the whole spirit of the last commis- to go wherever we are sent, and to send sion. Can anyone help us to attain others where we may not go; that our this oloser bond? children should be consecrated, from the womb, unto God's service, and en- No more sublime spectacle has been couraged to cherish the spirit of mispresented to the world since apostolic sions. And we are especially impressed days than the daily prayer-meetings, ihat ilaily and believing prayer should coutinued fl"o~ e~ll ~ol"ninl;l to lat~ be o~efed fOf t:ie speedl eVln8eli2<at~oll of this world £ond the coming of the While the baron gracefully compli. kingdom of God. We believe it is the. ments Mr Carnegie for his benefactions privilege of all true believers to implore of "libraries, green parks, beautiful God for the speedy outpouring of His churches," etc., he prefers, for himself, spirit in a world-wide pentecost of to devote his wealth to the alleviation power. of suffering. He says: "And in this faith we do solemnly .. In relieving human suffering I never undertake, in holy agreement before ask whether the cry of necessity comes God, however widely separated from from a being who belongs to my own . each other, to meet each other at the faith or not; but what is more natural throne of grace in the early morning than that I should find my highest pur- hours of each day in earnest and im- pose in bringing to the followers of portunate prayer." Judaism, who have been oppressed for a thousand years, who are starving in Will not those who wish to join such misery, the possibility of a physical and an alliance send on their names? moral regeneration ?-than that I should try to free them, to build them up into A blunder in the October issue of this capable citizens, and thus furnish REVIEW, in some unaccountable way, humanity with much new and valuable placed at the head of the Monthly Con. material ?" cert matter, on pages 786-90, the name of J. T. Gracey, D.D. This part of, our This benefactor of his race begins at recent issue was contributed .by our as- the right end, and seeks, first of all, to sociate editor, Rev. D. L. Leonard, and make a new manhood, to change a tramp should have been credited to his accom· and a dependant and a consumer into a plished and versatile pen. man and a producer and a supporter, and so to prepare the way for the recon- Baron Hirsch has come to the front, structed man himself to reconstruct his and, in the Newth American Review, pre. surroundings. Baron Hirsch has learned sents his" Views on Philanthropy." A that the environment does not make the man that is perhaps the most munifi- man-he makes his environment, or cently liberal of all modern givers· has may, at least, modify it. 8, right to be heard on the philosophy of gIvmg. He modestly but positively Baron Hirsch's hopes as to success are puts forth his opinions. His funda- stimulated by the fact that several hun- mental proposition is very close akin to dred Russian Jewish families of wan- the doctrine of Christian stewardship, dering tradespeople, exiled to the Ar- and if practically adopted would over- gentine Republic some years ago. have turn completely the modern system-·or become thrifty farmers. "who with rather lack of system-in benQvolence. plough and hoe know how to farm as well as if they had never done anything ,. It is my inmost conviction," says else. They layout their farms in the the baron, "that I must consider my- best manner, and build themselves such self as only the temporary administrator pretty little houses that every one in the oj the wealth I have amassed, and that it vicinity employs them as carpenters in. is my duty to contribute in my own way house building. ,. In devoting himself to the relief of the suffering of those who to the same line of work, he feels cer- are hard pressed by fate. " He contends tain that" he who frees thousands of his that the old system of almsgiving only fellow·men from suffering and an op- makes so many more beggars ; and that pressed existence, and helps them to the greatest problem in philanthropy is become useful citizens, does a good .. to make human beings, who are capa- work for all humanity." pIe of work, out of those who otherwise must become paupers; and in this way The New York Times, September 11th, gives the details as follows: to c~eate useful w.e~bera of aociet;r." "lJafon Hirac4'li m~niii.ce~t licl1e~~ takes the form of a limited liability ing buildings, etc. The rest is to be company, called' The Jewish Coloniza-, applied to expenses of transport, and tion Association,' registered, the office otherwise to assisting emigrants.
of which will be in London. Its nom- Moneys not in active use will be invest- inal capital is £2,000,000, in 20,000 ed in public securities of England, shares of £100 each. Of these, Baron France. Belgium, Holland, Germany, or Maurice de Hirsch subscribes to 19,990. the United States. The governing body Seven Hebrew gentlemen are named in will be a Council of Administration, the articles as owning one share each- consisting of from three to six men, who Lord Rothschild, Sir Julian Goldsmid, need not necessarily be members of tho Earnest John Cassel, F. D. Mocatta, and company and who will be elected for Benjamin Louis Cohen, all of London, fi ve years. These will have no salaries, and Salomon Reinach and S. H. Gold. but will have their actual expenses.
schmidt of Paris. This leaves three This council will appoint directors, shares unallotted, and doubtless these three or less in number."
will be offered to representatives of the United States and Germany. The ob- There was a curious scene in St. jects of the association are : to assist the Paul's Cathedral, London, one Saturday emigration of Jews from countries in. afternoon not long since. A large con- Europe and Asia where they are sub· gregation, chiefly Jews, assembled under jected to special taxes and disabilities the dome to hear the Rev. GOl'don Cal· to other parts of the world, and estab. throp on "The Jewish Question." lish colonies in North and South Ameri. Converted and unconverted Jews minca for agricultural and commercial pur. gled in the audience, and joined at the poses. No colonies will be attempted close in singing the hymn" 0 praise our in Europe. The association takes to it. great and gracious Lord." self full rights to carryon trade, com- merce, and all industrial operations which may facilitate the objects of the Apologies for self-indulgence are hi company; to purchase property, nego. many and as specious as channels for tiate securities, etc. The whole prop. personal gratification are varied. Re- erty of the company and the income ferring recently to the deoease of a cer· arising from it are consecrated solely to tain lady worth forty millions of dollars, the work in view. None of it can ever whose life work and practical monument be taken, directly or indirectly, as a has been the erection of a sumptuous dividend or bonus. If upon the wind. and palatial residence which rivals the ing up or dissolution of the company royal homes of the Old World for mag.
any property remains, it is not to be nificence and munificence of outlay, distributed among the members, but the editor of a leading religious journal transferred to some other Jewish insti- remarks that if, in her dealing with the tution with similar objects, for the hundreds of workmen and skilled arti- benefit of the Jewish community resid- sans of America and from Europe, whom ing out of Europe and needing pecuniary she has employed, she has been consid.
aid. In the event of such dissolution erate and generous, her life and fortune all persons who at the time hold lands have not, perhaps, been wasted.
granted them or their predecessors in This reminds us of a pretext for this title by the company shall be released kind of self·indulgence which is becom· from further obligation of annual or ing more and more common. We had other payments to the company, and a friend who, like Mrs. Searles-Hop· the same is tru8 of those to whom ad- kins, built a palatial residence, and fur· Tances have been made. Not more than nished it with' all the comforts, con- half of the capital is to be applied to veniences, and luxurious appointments aclI!uirin~ propertr, buyinS lands, erect· which Illoder~ l!O~II:QO~ and art! co~- joined with vast wealth lavishly expend- spirit of Christ is to displace the spirit ed, could procure. And be was wont to of evil. say that all this vast expenditure was .. putting just so much money into poor A Jewish mission has been begun in men's pockets." New York City, under the City Mission' and Traot Society, at De Witt Memorial Grant it-that this keeps money in Churoh 280 Rivington Street, and Her. circulation which otherwise would lie mann Warszawiak has come from Eu. in coffers or in safety-deposit vaults; rope to take charge of it. On the Satur. grant it-that thus workmen are em. day in August, when the first chief meet. played and kept in food and raiment. ing was held, the chapel was not only What of the influence of such lavish filled, but many could not get inside, expense on the man spending? Is his and the earnestness of the Jewish listen. motive the helping of poverty and mis- ers was remarkable. The sermon was ery to a competency and a life of com· from Jeremiah 6: 16, as fulfilled in fort and happiness, or is it his own in- Matt. 11: 28-30. Many of the Jews dulgence of the lusts of the flesh, the present expressed willingness to follow lnsts of the eyes, and the pride of life? Jesus to get rest. Mr. Warszawiak Is this wholesale expenditure; that ends wishes to establish a " Home for Jews," onone's own home and its appointments, and some $500 toward the $3000 reo calculated to restrain and repress that quired have been subsoribed and paid. self-indulgence or give rapid develop- John Wilkinson, whose work in Lond{ln ment to that selfishness which needs is well known in the so-called" Mild. only to be fed to become gigantic and may Mission to the Jews," has presented monstrous and despotic! 20000 New Testaments in Hebrew and J;dica-German, and offers to pay for Balzac in his "Peau de Chagrin," their distribution in the United States. has used the myth of the magic skin as On this new effort to provide a GOSp61 the basis of a fiction not without a refuge for the poor perseouted convert· moral. This skin confers on the wearer ed Jews and Russian refugees, all of the power to gratify every wish and Q:od's dear children will de…outly in. whim; but with every such indulgence voke a blessing. the skin closes more tightly about the wearer, until he is hopelessly and fatally Rev. Robert Steel, D.D., of North embraced in the very means of his own Sydney, N. S. W., adds It note sup. gratification. We do not hesitate to say plemental to the letter .published in that of all the means whereby the best July last, p. 560, as to the mission to the impullles in us are quenched and the aborigines of Australia in Northern worst strengthened, we do not believe Queensland : anyone influenoe is for rapid and sure results equal to simple self·gratification. " The Federal Assembly of the Pres· To say, of all things, that I want to byterian churches of Australia:. which have or to do, 'I will have this' or' I will met at Brisbane, Queensland, m July, do this,' and to have the means to carry appointed two missionaries to labor out the selfish wish, is the most danger- among the aborigines. They were se· ous of all possibilities. It develops lected by the United Bret~ren o~ Herrn. oftentimes a monster of sel:qshness; hut, in Saxony, and arnved ln Mel" and the wisest of the wealthy recognize bourne in July. They are at present the peril, and antidote it by abundant under the care of the Rev. F_ A. Hage. cbarities and self denials unknown to nauer who has labored for more than the world. The rioh as well as the poor thirtyyears among the aborigines of Vic. may bear the oross after Christ, though toria, and who is able to give the new the spheres of self-renunciation may be missionarips valuable counsel. The different; but there must be self-denial Federal Assembly appointed two of its mernbers-Rev. Andrew Hardie, Conand self.abnegatioll 1I0meh.ow if th.e veller cit the ltijijllio&:l OOIDlIlittee, a&:Id
THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
Rev. Samuel Robinson, both of Mel- sympathies and prayers of all interested bourne-to proceed to the proposed site in the welfare of the aboriginal races. for the mission and to inspect it. They The celebrated missionary of the New had an interview with the head of the Hebrides, Dr. J. G. Paton, was present Government, the Hon. Sir Samuel at the Federal Assembly in Brisbane, and delivered an address on the mission. Griffith, K.C. M.G., who promised all necessary aid in the matter of reserves, " The missionaries to the Queensland rations, and clothing for the blacks; aborigines are the Rev. J. G. Ward, an but the Church would have to pay the ordained minister, and Mr. Nicholas missionaries. The brethren referred to Hey, a young farmer from Herrnhut, have reported favorably of the site, who has been trained for mission work. which is on the Batavia River, on the The Fed"ralAssembly sanctiolled an apeast side of the Gulf of Carpentaria, in peal to the American Government and the Peninsula ot Cape York, the most churches to assist in having the restricnortherly point of Australia. The tions regarding the sale of intoxicating aborigines are numerous there, and are liquors and fire arms applied by all at some distance from settlers. It is countries, and urged the British Govhoped, therefore, that a fair opportunity ernment to provide for the settlement may be got for Christianizing some of of disputed land claims. them, if they can be induced to settle on the reserve. This race has not been •• It was· reported that the mission readily brought under Christian infiueDce, owing to their very migratory among the Kanakas on the sugar planta_ habits. Some, however, have been en- tion in Queensland was making encourlightened, converted to Christ. and have aging progress. The Rev. J. M. Macinexhibited the graces of Ohristian char. tyre had baptized 70, while 1336 had put on the blue ribbon. A great imacter. This new attempt deserves the provement has taken place among the laborers since the mission began."
IV.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
BY J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
South America is the smaller half of whom not less'than five per cent are the New World. Four fifths of it lies in European subjects. There are also the tropics. It has been remarked that about* a half million sa vage Indians, or, it is largest where North America is roughly, approaching twice as many as smallest, and smallest where it is largest. the totaI Indian population of the United Some have thought its physical posi- States, including Alaska. These are tion, so largely in the tropics, gave it a confined mostly to the interior of the great advantage prospectively over the continent of South America, with a few northern part of the hemisphere, which small tribes, numbering, perhaps, 5000, has so great a proportion lying in the in Central America. Three-tenths of cold of the far North. This is not to the population of South America is put be taken without some caution. It is down as pure white and one-tenth relatively deceptive when merely judged negro; others are of mixed blood. The from the map. Commercially, the most rapid immigration of Europeans of late largely productive part of South Ameri- years has, however, been materially ca, after all, is found within its temper. modifying these proportions. ate, not within its tropical districts. Brazil is the size of the United States, The physical resources vary much in but a small part of it is esteemed capa- the several States in relation to comble of agriculture. The equatorial val- merce. The Orinoco is navigable for ley is filled with dense forests. Yet '1000 miles, the Amazon for 2600 miles. South America is, as a whole, very in- From its base to the Andes, with its teresting and important. Fifty-some tributaries, it presents 6000 miles of say sixty-millions of people are the total population of Spanish America, in- * We are following the official docnment of cluding the West fudies and ;Brazil, of William Eleroy Cnrtis, printed at the Govern- ment Printing Office at Washington in 1889. Oth- ers will present divergellt ligures from these, navigable waters. The Upper Paraguay itually paralyzed by the Roman Church, and Southern Parana present an unin. which here has for 300 years laid the terrupted waterway north and south palsy·smiting hand of excessive Ilnd like the Mississippi. A United States heretical sacerdotalism on the people. Government document says that the river Platte offers a more extensive sys· Brazil presented three obstacles to tem of unobstructed navigation than progress to the mind of Agassiz-slavery, any river in the world, and, with the a corrupt clergy, and a lack of educa. exception of the Amazon, pours more tional institutions. Now slavery is water into tbe ocean. It affords more gone; but even with it Agassiz could miles of navigation than all the rivers say, in his" Journey to Brazil" : of Europe combined and more than the Mississippi, with its several tributaries. ".There is much also that is very It is tidal 260 miles from its mouth, cheering that leads me to believe that and ocean ships of 24 feet draught can her life as a nation will not belie her be floated all the year for 1000 miles, great gifts as a country. Should her and those of 16 to 20 feet can go 2700 moral and intellectual endowments grow miles into the interior of the continent, into harmony with her wonderful natuand a small expenditure of money and ral beauty and wealth the world will not labor would enable a 4000·ton ship from have seen a fairer land." New York or Liverpool to go direct into the. very heart of the continent in Brazil But now of her 14,000,000 people, by way of Buenos Ayres. The Amazon those who have made a careful study of is 0 ustructed, but the Orinoco is open to the most accurate statistics procurable large vessels, and the Rio Negro affords estimate that four·fifths are unable to accoss into Patagonia. read. Dr. Chamberlain, a very compe· tent authority, widely familiar with the An equal number of cattle can be pur. larger part of the entire Western world chased in Argentina and Uruguay for by personal residence in various parts half the money paid for them in Texas. of North and South America, says that There are 96 sheep, 18 cattle, and 4 South America offers one of the widest horses for each inhabitant in the river fields of the world.wide parish, homo. Platte country. The foreign commerce geneous in character to a wonderful ex. of Brazil is almost double that of Cuba. tent in language, customs, and institu. No less than five routes for an inter.con· tions, and hence affording peculiar ad. tinental railway have bee,n shown to be vantages to the work of the Gospel. It possible, and some of these have roads is, he says, the widest empire of Rome, surveyed or operated for one·third of and the conditions are such as to give the distance between Buenos Ayres and the best vantage ground from which to Bogota, and that within three years. brjng influence to break down that hoary system of error, fraud, and op. This is a larger proportion of our pression by scattering the seed of the space than would have been given to Word, and raising up a new people who these material matters but that they will walk in the right ways of the Lord. emphasize the prospective relations and Surely, he says, the Christian churches obligations of Protestant North America of North America have a grave responsi. to this south land, the spiritual care of bility toward the more than half pagan which devolves the more largely on us or less than half Christian multitudes in that European churches leave these of South America. papal and pagan peoples almost wholly to our labors, and they are coming CENTRAL AMERICA. nearer and nearer to us. They need the same care that we propose to bestow Central America is the nearest unoc· on the dead churches of the East, or on cupied field calling for evangelistic European communities which. are spir- agencies, in the world to the Christians in the United States or Canada. "Ex. cept the small Presbyterian mission in Guatemala, there is no organized effort as • virtual heathenism.' It would be for Christ's Gospel in all these lands, easy to fill pages with evidences of this, or so it was until" recently, when the and so to demonstrate that whatev~r Central American Mission was formed lukewarmness toward missions to the for carrying the Gospel to the Qnevan- papal countries of Europe Christians gelized lands of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, may tolerate in themselves, their argu- San Salvador, and Honduras. <rhe ments fall to the ground when applied Jamaica Baptist Missionary Society has to missions to Spanish America.
a missionary at Port Limon, which is " In Costa Rica, as in other Central exclusively among Jamaica negroes, em- American republics, the population is ployed as laborers at that place; and divided by the line of education. The that is all there was, until the Central uneducated masses adhere blindly to American Mission recently opened work the degrading superstitions in which by sending Mr. McConnell, from St. they have been reared; the educated Paul, Minn., to commence a mission at few, in the language of a diplomatic San Jose. Mr. C. I. Scofield, the secre- representative of this country, • are tary of this mission at Dallas, Texas, in- growing unmindful of their ancestral forms us that it is undenominational and religion, and the next generation will entirely in the hands of laymen. There see a more rapld deoline of the power are three classes of natives-of pure of the priest. Business and professional whites a few; of Indians about 3000 ; the men never attend mass.' "
remainder, composing the bulk of the population, are of mixed Indian and OUR YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG Spanish blood, the Spanish element WOMEN. predominating. These are distinguished above all other Spanish·American peo- Y. M. C. A. and Fbreign Missions.- ples by sobriety and simplicity. Indo- The Young Men's Christian Association lence, however, is a universal character- work on the foreign field developed istic, and their superstitions are of the spontaneously. The first organization in grossest form. Of late the wealth of the heathen lands was at the Jaffna College, country has increased greatly, develop- Ceylon. Syria followed with one at ing a tendency to I uxury, gambling, and Beirut, and Turkey with one at Aintab.
the use of in tDxicants. In 1885 an association was formed in " Besides those three native classes, the Methodist Anglo-Chinese College, there are about 2000 Europeans of the at Foochow, China, one' at the then better class, 300 North Americans, 1500 called •• Wiley Institute," now Peking Italian laborers, and 1500 Jamaica University, and one at the Methodist negroes. The population is mainly College at Tokyo. At the Student Vol- gathered upon the central plateau. The unteer Movement meeting in Inter- entire population is probably between national Convention at Cleveland, in last 225,000 and 250,000. March, Mr. McBurney illustrated the " Costa Rica is nominally Roman Cath- spontaneity in Japan. Mr. John Trum- olic. In writing of the religious state of bull Swift had gone to Japan. He.had any Spanish American country, it is not had experience as a secretary of the necessary to enter upon a consideration Y. M. C. A. in this country, and in of the Romishsystem as it is under- Japan was attached to the Union Col- stood by its more enlightened votaries lege of Tokyo. He thought to try to in Europe and America, for even they form a Y. M. C. A. society in the Impe- concede that in Spanish America it has rial University in Tokyo. Some people degenerated into sheer idolatry. The said there weI'e no Christian students in Abbe Dominec, chaplain to the Em- the institution. Quiet investigation re- peror Maximilian, denounced the form vealed the fact that there were a num- of Romauism which he found in Mexico be.r. and 50 were enrolled who were nominally Christians. Thirty of them deavor, JiJpworth Leagues, etc.-It is not came to a meeting, and not one of the 30 easy at first sight to perceive what direcpreviously knew that the others, or any tion ought to be given to the money quesof them, were Christians. They were tion in the new societies of young people all alike timid in making any profession whioh have risen all over the land like of their faith in these college relations. some magical creation of a fairy region. An association was thus formed in the That their practical working might inlargest university city, with the largest clude some form of financial expreg.. number of students in the world, there sion of consecration seems right enough being between 60,000 and 80,000 stu. in itself. Whether that ought to find a deuts there each year. This associa- separate place from the already existing tion was formed at the request of the plans and methods of the several mIssIOnaries. Two buildings at Tokyo, churches is a matter of opinion, or costing $60,000, have been erected- rather about which opinion should be one for students, 9ne for business men. judiciously formed. In 1885 $5000 was asked for a Y. M. C. A· building in Osaka. The United States A considerable effort has been made responded with $2500, Canada with to direct the contributions of these so- $1500, and Australia with $1000. cieties to some special object. In some cases only a general rousing of their Student Movement. – It . is given as interest for foreign missions has been authentic history that the Student Move- sought, leaving all contributions to flow ment grew out of the Y. M. C. A. working. in the channel of the regular denomina- Mr. Wishard asked Mr. Moody in 1886 to tion to which the society or individual give him an opportunity as secretary of is attached. It was after this excellent· the International Committee to meet spirited way that Rev. A. A. Fulton of some college students at Northfield for Canton, China, while in this country Bible study. It was at the gathering during the year, stirred the young that followed on this invitation that the Christian Endeavor people to give two Student Movement originated at Mt. cents a week for foreign missions. The Hermon. There were present 251 young result of that effort was the enrolment men from 89 colleges. of several thousands of persons pledged to give that sum. It was reported that This movement enrolls 6200 volun- in Philadelphia on one evening 6000 teers varying in age from 20 to 30 years, persons took that pledge, and within a and 2600 of whom are in institut.ions few months the number had increased pursuing their studies. About 1300 of to 50,000, and waf< rapidly pushed bethis list are, from various causes, count- yond that, with an appeal to make it at ed out of the probable force that will go once 100,000. We have not the statistics abroad. Some 320 have sailed for the up to date of writing, but the fact of the field. Of the entire force about three enthusiasm of these young Christians sevenths are ladies. The volunteers remains, and that other fact of the posrepresent denominationally seven of the sibilities of their properly directed enerprincipal churches and others, in the gies in the interest of missionaIY conratio of 27 p& cent Presbyterian, 24 tributions, and, what is equally of worth, per cent Methodist, 17 per cent each of the dissemination of missionary in- .Baptist and the Congregationalists, 3 telligence. per cent Lutheran, 2 per cent Protestant Episcopal, and 10 per cent Friends and Sunday Schools.-As allied with and others. Of those who have gone abroad contributive to all that we have written 33 have gone to Africa, 229 to Asia, 5 to about missionary zeal and work among Europe, 13 to Central and South Ameri- the young, it is vastly important that ca, 6 to the South Seas; 23 are miscel- we do not let slip the greatest factor of laneously grouped and " not located." all of them-the Sunday.school. Every Sunday-school in the land ought to be Young People's Society oj Christian En-
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGll:NCE
a school for the study of missions, as most purpose and pleasure of the Roman well as for education in the grace of Catholic Germans. Here were a thou- benevolence represented by the mission- sand delegates, including men eminent ary offerings. The study here should in the professions and in public affairs, be systematic, and continued through a who decided to support the Triple Alli- .course of, say, three years. ance, and to urge upon the Government the recall of the Jesuits. 'fhey dealt But by one means and all means let boldly with the question of the restorathe young men and maidens, and along tion of the iemporal power of the Pope, with them the children, be inspired and appointed a committee to arrange with the privilege and obligation to tell for a congress to be held in Switzerland, out and push out the truth of salvation most likely, on the one hundredth annithrough Jesus versary of the birth of Pius IX., May 15th, 1892, for the gathering of repre- "Till earth's remotest nation has learned Mes- sentatives of the total Roman Catholic siah'8 name. " communities of the world, to see what can be done to secure the proposed THE PAPACY. restoration of the sword to the head of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. The Roman Catholic Congress, which met in Berlin early in September, is supposed to have represented the fore- V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Organized Missionary Work and Statistics. Edited by Rev. D. L. Leonard, Bellevue, O.
-According to the extensive and ex- tIed the facts in the case. Omitting all haustive tables of statistics appended to over nine years of age, the number of the second volume of the "Encyclo- communicants is 6,250,045, or, if that predia of Mtssions," recently published class is included, the total will be inby Funk & Wagnalls, of societies doing creased by some 735,000. The organizadirect general missionary work in the tions are 10,227, and the church edifices foreign field, there are 47 in the united 8765, with a cash value of $118,382,000. States, 32 in Great Britain and Ireland, More than half of the Catholic popula- 10 in Germany, 6 in Holland, 105 in all tion is found within the limits of five Christian countries. In addition to States, New York leading with 1,153,- these, there are 51 women's societies, 26 000; Massachusetts following next with special, or publishing societies, 9 medical 614,600; and after this Pennsylvania societies, 35 doing work in behalf of the with 551,600; Illinois, 473,300; and Jews, and 39 which sre classed as indi- Ohio, 336,000. Wisconsin has 249,000. vidual or miscellaneous. Including all As illustrating to what an extent this of all the various kinds, the sum is 280. Church is polyglot, in !I. single diocese A complete bibliography is also given, in Pennsylvania confessions are heard in which are contained more than 5000 in German, French, Spanish, Italian. titles of books on missions and mission· Hungarian, Polish, Bohemian, and ary themes; and in the alphabetical Lithuanian. Ecclesiastical rule is in list of stations upward of 2400 are given the hands of 1 cardinal, 13 archbishops, from all continents and islands. and 66 bishops.
-Much speCUlation and many wild -The public schools of this land may guesses have found their way into print not improperly be set down among the concerninll; the strength of the Roman home missionary forces which work Catholic Church in the United States; mightily for tho public weal, and the but now the census seems to have set- figures are not far from stunning. The teachers alone are a great host, number. been baptized and 2032 children en- ing 361,273, while the scholars are 12,- rolled in the mission schools. 563,891. Of these, 1 327,822 are colored. Or if the 686,106 in private schools -The stated clerk of the Presbyterian and the 673,601 in parochial schools be Church (North) has issued a comparative include:l, a grand total of almost 14,000,. summary of the work or that denomina- 000 is reached. But even this leaves out tion during the past six years. The the thousands found in all our acade- following table partially shows the in- mies and schools of higher grade. crease: -The latest figures from Utah give Ministers………… .. 1886. 1891. this as the encouraging summary of Churches………….. .. Christian work done in the territory, 5,546 6,623 and representing what has been mainly Communicants .. . …. . 6,281 7,0;0 accomplished by 15 years of effort. The Sunday·school members. 666,909 806,796 71 ministers belong to 9 denominations 743,518 883,680 (including the Unitarians, but not in· cluding the Catholics, with 20 churches CONTRIBUTIONS. and 7893 members). The churches are 75, with a membership of 4500. In the Home missions, ……… $760,947 $995,625 85 schools scattered through 68 towns Foreign missions…….. 651,160 784,406 are 174 teachers and 6800 scholars. In Education…………… 97,954 154,518 these from the beginning not less than Sunday-school work….. 34,739 181,915 30,000 have received instruction, of Freedmen……………. 91,273 124,814 whom about 70 per cent were from Mor· Congregation •……….. 7,640,855 9,7'64,379 man families. This work is sustained at an annual cost of $200,000.. and in- Expressed in totals, the gifts for all purvolves the holding of $1,500,000 for poses in 1886 amounted to $10,592,231, church and school purposes in land, buildings, etc. or over $15 per member; in 1891 to $14,062,356, or over $17 per member. -One of the first two fields chosen and occupied by the American Board -The Hawaiian Kingdom is made up was among the American Indians, and of many nationalities. Numbering 80,- during the next 30 years more than half 000 six years ago, it has now a populaof its missionaries were sent to the same tion of 90,000, of whom 40,000 are napeople. As late as 1830, of 225 upon its tives and half· castes, and of the rest roll, 147, including 34 unmarried wom· about 20,000 are Japanese, one fifth en, were devoting their lives to the reo women ;'13,000 Chinese, 800 of them demption of the red men. In all 15 women; 9000 Portuguese, 2000 Ameritribes were reached, and 48 churches can (born in the United States), 1200 were gathered, with 3940 members. In English, German, and French. Protlater years, as calls from the foreign field estants number 30,000, Catholics 20,- became more numerous and urgent, and 000 ; the rest are Asiatics or indifferent. as other instrumentalities were fash- For the Asiatics and Portuguese earnest ioned, this part of its work was gradu. missionary work is being done, as well ally given up. as in some of the islands of the South- ern Paci fic by the Hawaiian Evangelical –Bishop Thoburn, of the Methodist Association. Of this society the income Episcopal Church, says that 90 "North. last year was $61,500, of which $13,900 field missions" have been established was expended upon the Japanese, Chiin India with the money so generously nese, and Portuguese. contributed at Northfield in 1890. In these new missions 1500 persons have -America, through the American Board, expended in 50 years $1,250,000 to evangelize Hawaii, and has during that time received about $4,000,000 a year in trade. England's missions are said to bring back ten pounds in trade for every pound given to convert the heathen. Christianity means a demand for clothing and utensils. The fitst sign of grace in a penitent savage is a request for a shirt. If only rum could be kept out! But rum and Bibles are apt to go contributions for home work were $6433, in the same ship for Polynesia and and for work outside, $713. Africa. -The Basel Society bas a prosperous -The Church of Scotland issues its mission upon the southwest coast of annual report in the form of a bound India, in which are found a total of 125 volume containing 1069 p.ages. The missionaries, including 52 ordained men members number 593,393, and the net with their wives, 18 laymen, and 2 unincrease last year was 5439. The in- married women, with 15 ordained nacome, omitting all endowments, etc., tives and 145 other native helpers-a standing for" by-gone liberality," was total of 285 toilers. To the churches 177 $1,813,265 from contributions, and were added last year, making a total of $339,520 from seat rents, or $2,152,785 5197 members. In the 121 schools 6372 in all. The receipts for foreign mis- are under instruction. The nat.ive consions, including $52,685 from women's tributions were $6372. societies, were $224,855. The missionaries number 70, of whom 22 are or- -A large proportion of the money exdained, with 7 ordained and 89 unor- pended in behalf of Moravian missions dained native helpers–a total force of is contributed by the benevolent of 166. The 29 churches have 951 mem- Great Britain and elsell'here, who ar:e bers, including 285 added last year. Of not members of that body. Thus ever schools there are 89, with 5287 scholars. since 1818 the London Association in The native contributions were $49,907 Aid of Moravian Missions has been in 1890. Among the" schemes" of this gathering funds, and the amount col- Church is a work in behalf of the Jews, lected last year amounted to $14,330, for which $28,700 were contributed. and legacies were received amounting to $8100, while but $24,060 were derived -Within 19 years the McAll Mission from the Brethren's congregations, etc., has grown from a single small room in in Europe and the United States. The Paris, with 40 chairs and 2 workers, to total expended upon the missions in 134 stations scattered all over France, 1890 was $100,115. and including suoh important cities as Marseilles, Bordeaux, Lyons, Nice, New -The British Society for the Propa Rochelle, Nantes, etc., and in Algeria gation of the Gospel among the Jews as well; 18,061 sittings, and more than has had an existence of 48 years, and 600 persons engaged in the work. Dur- its income, according to the last report, ing 1890 upward of 27,000 domiciliary has reached $31,620. The field of visits were made, and for adults alone operations includes not only the British 16,111 services were held. The total at- Isles, but Germany, Austria, Turkey, tendance was 1,237,688. The entire and Russin as well. In Wilna hospital cost of the miSSIon was $89,563, of 24,000 were treated last year. And in which sum $33,910 was derived from all, as the report states, " thousands of the United States, $19,909 from Eng- Jews have been drawn to the cross and land, $17,762 from Scotland, and $13,- throne of Jesus." In aid of this and 340 from France, Switzerland, etc. other similar societies, the British and Foreign Bible Society has issued in He.. -The Societe des Missions Evangeliques brew 404,000 Old Testaments and 490,. 000 portions, 8300 New Testaments anQ a Paris has prosperous missions both in 40,000 portions, and 204,000 diglot copies of the Scriptures, or those CCott. Tahiti and in Basutoland, South Africa, taining the Hebrew and some other la1J, with 3~ stations and 123 out-stations, 29 guage better known to the readers. missionaries, and 85 native preachers. The church members number 9111, the -The London Medical Missionary cateohumens 3781, and 222 were added Association has for its object the educato the church last yellr. The number under instruction is 8339. The native tion of physicians, as well as the found- -In the year 1855 there were in Briting and support of medical missions, ish India 430 schools, both government whether independent or otherwise. The and missionary, having 30,000 pupils, income last year was $11,530. In the chiefly boys. By the recent census it entire foreign field are found 139 medi- appears that there are 130,000 schools cal missionaries holding British diplo- of all grades, and over 4,000,000 pupils, mas-an increase of 14 in a year. China a goodly percentage of these pupils being alone is blessed with 104 devoted men girls. Marvellous as this growth is, we and women, who, like their Master be. have only to remember the enormous fore them, give themselves to healing population of India to see that there is the sick. a vast work. yet to be done; for though there are 4,000,000 pupils in the schools, -Although Bavaria has a population this is but one and one fourth per cent of only about 5,000,000, it has no fewer of the population. than 17,992 endowments of various kinds, the sums amounting to 421,996,- -The English Baptist Society is soon 035 marks. Of these 202,878,887 marks to have a new steamer upon the Upper are for charitable institutions and pur- Congo. The Peace has been in use poses, 159,757,226 for religious pur- since 1882, and has rendered invaluable poses, about 60,000,000 for educationa- service, but is not large enough nor purposes. Of the' sum total devoted to Iwift enough for present purposes. The religious purposes, 140,036,054 are for new v.essel, the Goodwill. is to be 84 the Catholic Church, and 18,242,767 for feet long and 13 feet beam. Every the Protestant; The former has 8474 particle of the vessel, hall, boiler. enendowments, the latter 1174. This is gines, and all, will have to be carried about in proportion to the population. on men's shoulders some 230 miles over a very hilly road. The work of this so- -The Christian Mission Church in ciety extends more than 900 miles from Belgium, organized 53 years ago, now the base, at Leopoldville. As yet more numbers about 8000 souls. The in- than 1000 miles of the waterways of the crease in the last three years has been Congo Valley have never been visited only a little over 500 ; but the only sur- by a missionary, and 2000 miles have prise is that there has been any gain at been traversed very hurriedly, so that all in this land, where both Roman there is a great work for these mission- Catholicism and MateriMism are equally ary vessels to do. ready to crush the Gospel. The number of Protestant churches is 93, served -Harput, in Eastern Turkey, accordby 21 pastors and evangelists, aided by ing to the thought of not a few, stands 9 Bible readers. The Evangelical So- I1.t least upon the outskirts of ancient ciety controls the Protestant work. and Eden. The field, of which this city is has founded the Evangelical Sunday- the mission centre, contains 59 stations schools, of which there are 52. The under the care of the American Board, last report of the society shows that the with 25 churches and 1717 members, income in the last year was 151,278 including 159 added last year, 10,330 francs. A large proportion Of this is adherents, 7000 hearing regularly the given' by the friends of the cause in word, and 5000 following the Interna- England and elsewhere. tional course of Sunday-school lessons. The various congregations contributed -Says The Mission Fwld: "In India $7200 last year, leaving only $3300 for a single 'church, Whose members have a the Board to raise outside of the salaries total income of $]800, gives annually of the American missionaries, and the $400 of that sum for religious objects. a parents paid besides $3550 for the board quarter of which is set apart for the and tuition of their children ill the support of a native missionary in an- schools. other district.·, Statistics of Missionary [THE following tables are intended to inclnde only Foreign Missions, that is, missions to foreign work of the Methodists and Baptists and others in Europe, as well as efforts for the evangelization from the published reports Of the various Societies, and, with rew exceptions, present the facts as has been received from the Encyclopredia of Missions and the Concise Dictionary of Religious desired, earnestly aimed at, and most diligently sought; but, as it always occurs in such nuder· Home Missionary _ _ _-"Cc::0.=n=stituency. Income.
II . ; I UNITED STATES ..~fs~i ~ – fi – – .~,; – ~'" ~ AND 2S CANADA. –~ – ..E.. =~:I Se~'" – -~Q) ~ ———–1– -Q – – -<Ij Baptist Missionary Union……… ….. 1814 6,138 7,786 717,640 $492,275 $51,038 Sonthern Baptist Convention'………. 1845 8,824 16,091 1,235,765 113,522 1,771 Free Baptist.. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. … .. .. 1836 1,531 1,314 82,683 25,497 400 Baptist General Association. . . . . . . .• .. 1873 560 200 50.000 500 Christian (Disciple)……………….. 1875 675,000 67,750 1 4,678 3,388! 1,023 American Christiau Connection. . . . . . . .. 1886 1,500 1,700 120,000 3,000 1,500 Seventh Day Baptist……. , …….. …. 1847 100 110 9,000 4,500 Congregationalist (A. B. C. F. M.}……. 1810 4,619 4,817 506,832 762,Q86 117,494 Methodist EpiscQpal, North……….. 1819 12,914 22,833 2,783,967 566,347 204,300 Methodist Episcopal, South… . . . . . . . . . . 1846 4,862 11,767 1,166,019 219,940 8,147 Methodist Protestant… . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 1882 1,441 2,003 147,604 13,32-3 460 African Methodist Episcopal.. . . . . .. . . . . 1886 2,500 3,000 100,000 7,000 1,600 Wesleyan Methodist …… , …………. 1887 300 600 18,000 2,000 440 Seventh Day Adventists…. …. …. . … 1874 930 26,112 1.485 Evangelical Association……………. 1876 3541 2,043 145,603 12,000 United Brethren………… … …….. 1853 1,864 I 4,203 197,123 10,000 1,467 I I 10,801 Protestant Episcopal…… .. .. …. .. .. 1835 4,163 2,435 508,292 189,184 6,800 Presbyterian, North .. .. 1837 6,158 6,894 775,903 942,691 49,423 Presbyterian, South … . 1862 1,200 1,144 169,000 112,952 3,976 782 902 United Presbyterian… . 1858 124 106,385 1,040,871 1 30,695 124 Reformed Presbyterian. . . .. .. ……. 1856 2,776 I I 1,646 11,289 . 19,614 Cumberland Presbyterian……….. …. 1852 165,940 22,260 1,812 Reformed Dutch.. … …………….. 1832 560 551 88,979 117,090 8,003 Reformed German…….. , ………… 1878 835 1,554 200,498 17,000 I 3,000 Associate Re.formed, South …………. 1879 81 117 8,534 I 3,Q.37 1 300 German Evangelical Synod… .. …. …. 1883 1,3,55 Lntheran General Synod. . . . . … . .. . . . . 1837 650 870 150,000 9,010 41,202 979 1,437 151,404 Lutheran General Council…. …. …. 1869 910 1,52'2 264,235 12,177 50 Methodist Episcopal, Canada……. …. 1873 1,285 1,268 233,868 27,503 6,491 Presbyterian, Canada…………….. 1844 972 1,920 160,105 105,525 4,172 Church of Englaud, Canada… … …. 1890 .~~ ..~~ 10',~57 ~~ 1:::: 1 . Congregationalist, Canada…….. .. …. 1886 Baptist, Ontario and Quebec ……….. 1873 532 550 77,247 36,0421 677 Totals 73,235104,888 -10,936~3171 4.180~602 507,s83 Societies for 1890-1.
countries under the care of missionaries other than natives. And hence is omitted the bulk of the of the Jews and the Freedmen, the Chinese and Indians. Of course the figures are derived mainly they existed during the last half of 1890, or the first half of the current year. 8ubstantial assistance Knowledge, which have appeared within a few months. The utmost of accuracy has been eagerly takings, the desired, earnestly aimed at, sources of error are numerous and most perplexing.] Missionaries. I Native !:' 1 g Helpers. oj 1 :g 1 ~Sg ·1;:I • .~; ".~ <1i ~ .is I .§; ~ I ~ l1-4l1~01 ~:zg j .;0) .~…. ] i~"''' ~ "" ~S ;"a.0 g'" >."-.<. "0 " .e; "wil. ~ ~ -<5- ->'"1 ~ w. 0 ->-<- -(5 – -(5 – – – – – . – -:5 – — – I 1,390 139 13 119 107 232 626 1,645 681 76,603 8,708 1,038 20,107 185 38 …. 31 17 23 53 161 67 2,377 402 21 823 12 9 1 9 6 5 13 43 11 646 55 105 3,619 6 1 1 1 …. …. …. …. …. …. …. …. ….
41 17 …. 18 …. . … 25 60 12 1,418 158 10 817 32 2 …. 2 …. .. 7 11 3 92 35 …. . …
3 2 …. 2 2 2 7 18 1 30 5 2 29 1,058 183 17 181 152 174 2,243 2,980 387 36,256 4,554 1,025 47,319 373 169 10 160 126 1 447 2,571 3,483 334 52,956 5,747 1,090 33,844 516 52 2,000 169 50 …. 40 1 1 . … 99 224 60 4,944 6 256 . … 5 257 35 1 300 76 . … 3 5 …. 51 4 …. 12 29 2 203 12 . …
12 9 9 121 3 .. , 7 40 10 356 …. j2 2 2 …. 1 … 7 1 300 9 3 … 35 …. 5 5 17 882 31 5 …. 31 …. 5 24 :l7 5 378 …. 1 18 17 18 25 16 5 3 67 134 131 6,712 1,150 14 591 19 3,494 349 220 25 … 1 129 82 3,196 6 19 27 52 457 210 40 186 140 348 173. 1,097 377 28,494 2,87'5 605 27,813 100 33 3 26 18 15 12 107 25 1,284 246 16 1,300 28 1 21 25 24 495 554 39 9,832 735 252 10,480 21:1 1 5 6 …. 5 22 3 209 12 26 710 5 10 6 …. 6 6 2 171 37 11 63~ 63 4 298 155 23 4 23 12 30 283 375 51 5,326 552 113 4,069 24 3 …. 3:1 2 7 15 30 12 1,656 218 2 66 11 2 …. 2! 2 2 4 12 4 285 24 4 65 10 4 …. 41 1 . … 15 24 3 234 34 4 250 12 5 …. 4! 3 4 167 183 338 6,492 580 195 4,784 6 4 …. 31 …. 2 7 16 2 832 1 89 1,073 19 11 …. I … 45 71 10 1,538 578 4 485 15 ….
130 . ~j 324 1 24 6 152 220 87 8,172 711 141 4,100 1 1 …. …. ." …. …. …. …. . … .. . ….
—— _:;I_~l_~ 40 202 .. . 39 30 1,796 299 36[ 5,700 9 16 …. 141 187 22 2,493 415 41 350 -7218 4.649 1,066 145 966 736 1,341 11,946 129,806 8.625. 235-:-276 ! 4,867 1169,451 British Poreign Missions. By Rev. James hood a spiritual power. M. Coillard Johnston, Bulton, England. calls for a teacher of boys, and regrets that he has often to decline applications United Presbyterian Church of from dark little applicants because there Scotland's Foreign Mission.-This is no instructor. A young fellow· worker, vigorous denomination, so notably a Rev. A. Jalla, of the Waldensian valmissionary church, reports extended leys, described as worthy, active, and help on behalf of its continental and amiable, had just gone to Kimberley colonial mission stations. In foreign imd the Cape to meet his bride. The work it occupies 7 mission fields, on leader of the mission was taking the opwhich sened 117 fully trained agents, portunity of sending under his care of whom 57 were ordained European Litia. the eldest Bon of the king, to the missionaries; 20 ordained native teach- Morija High School, Basutoland. This ers, 10 medical missionaries, of whom 4 youth's intelligence, prepossessing manwere ordained; 5 European evangelists ner, and evident susceptibility war_ and 25 female missionaries. These rants M. Coillard in hoping that by and agents superintended 97 native evange- by he may become a trusted missionlists, 332 native teachers, 67 nati ve Ze- ary's friend. Upon a canal six miles nana workers, and 42 other helpers. long, connecting Sefula with the Zam- The native church membership last year besi River, M. Coillard had been busy showed an increase of 900 soula-the for two years. 'l'his year he hoped to greatest addition ever recorded. In the see its completion. Mr. and Mrs Goy year 1880 the members in the native had been laboring at Sesheke, and were churches numbered 9687, and ten years about to go (D. V.) to Seomaat the Gonge later, 15,799. The foreign mission in- Falls. The absence of a settled popucome in 1890, including the contribu- lation at Sesheke, which is used as a tions for Zenana work, was £40,592, meeting-place for some dozen or more and an additional sum of £13,605 was chiefs from far off villages, has natugiven by the natives themselves in sup- rally prevented systematic labor. At port of missions, schools, and hospitals. Kazungula, L. Jalla, an esteemed broth- United Presbyterian missionaries at er, had been struggling with fever. His present on furlough number among station, yet in the stage of infancy, is others Dr. John Husband, Rajputana; destined, from its topographical posi- Rev. Dr. William Z. Turner, .Tamaica; tion, to be an important centre. In the and Rev. Johu W. Stirling, Kaffraria. autumn another esteemed young broth- The Presbyterians are fulfilling the ex- er, Mons. Vollet, from Paris, was expecthort..tion of Dr. J. Monro Gibson in ed, accompanied by two (M. Coillard being both self-sustaining and self-sac- says, " we fain hope more") evangelists. rificlng. At these different centres the work is developing slowly,· the laborers having The Barotsi Mission (Central Af- the blessing of "good understanding rica).-In M. Coillard's earnest labors and union. " several Christian friends in Glasgow are deeply interested, and regular support- Very kmdly M. Coillard alludes to the ers. Amid difficulties in journeyings new missionary expedition of the Engand tribal negotiations the missionary lish Primitive Methodists to Mashikusteadfastly holds forth the Word of Life lomboe Land. Its leader, Rev. Mr. in these long-neglected regions. The Buckenham, rad accompanied M. Coilpoor state of health of Mrs. Coillard is lard to interview the king for the privia sore burden on this whole·souled toil- lege of establishing a station in his er. To his joy there recently arrived territory. To the joy of all, permission Miss Kiener, from Neuchatel. This was given. The arrival of the Primitive lady's consecration and affectionate Met·hoilist brethren after many perils disposition will make her in alllikeli- and hardships, M. Coillard observes, is the answer to many prayers. Help in ity were appreciated very warmly by sustaining the beloved :French pastor's philanthropic and missionary workers labors will be sent per Mr. William in West Africa. In reply to an address, Ewing, 7 Royal Bank Place, Glasgow, Sir Alfred observed that in regard to the Scotland. education of the nativel! great credit was due to the various self-sacrificing English Missions in Canada.-The missionaries, who had been and connomination of the Ven. William Day tinued to be the popular educators. Reeve to the bishopric of Mackenzie He spoke of the need of open and safe River, in succession to Bishop Bompas, roads for the onward progress of the recently translated to the new diocese country, and the value that the repatriaof Selkirk, has the approval of the Arch- tion of negroes would be to Africa. .The bishop of Canterbury. He was educat- question, he contended, should now be ed at the Church Missionary College, viewed in the Old and New World in Islington, ordained by the Bishop of the light of retributive justice to Africa Rupertsland in 1868, appointed bishop's for the wrongs inflicted on her in the chaplain in 1880, and archdeacon in past. His policy in befriending negro- 1883. He has done years of honored land had been guided by the three C's work in Northwest America, notably at –consideration, conciliation, and cul- :Forts Simpson and Chipewyan. In the ture. With a splendid record of sucprime of manhood, still under fifty, a cess, Sir Alfred Moloney has sailed to great career may be anticipated. He fulfil his new appointment as Governor was on furlough a little while ago. The of British Honduras. consecration will probably be performed by the Canadian bishops. Native Races and the Liquor Tra!- fic.-By the two envoys of Gungun- With the translation of the Bible into hana, chief of Gazaland, who have rethe Cree language, the Bishop of Moo- turned home after a visit to British sonee writes home that he is making shores, the United Committee have sent rapid progress. Next winter the task a letter expressing their pleasure that may probably be finished, when the be wishes to exclude the white man's Bishop of "The Great Lone Land," drink, which has recently been introwho has occupied his see since 1851, duced there, and assuring him that the will likely resign. The endurance of governments of Europe have agreed privations in an uninviting region, and that strong drink shall not be forced on cheerfully borne, have proved his mis- chiefs or people against their wishes. sionary character and secured him the The letter oncourages him to forbid the devoted attachment of the Indians. sale of this ruinous t~affic, and urges The Rev. J. A. Newnham, a Canadian, him, in conclusion, in these earnest has sailed for Moosonee, and should he words: "Keep it out of your country feel himself capable of bearing the of Gazaland entirely; it is a deadly strain of the work, his name may be enemy alike to the chief, to the head. submitted to the Archbishop of Canter- men, and to the common people." Rebury in succession to Dr. Horden as ports from abroad and by personal bishop. testimony unite in exposing the spread of this fearful evil. From Africa-east, The Aborigines' Protection Society. south, and west-from Madagascar, from -Always in close sympathy' with the India, from the South Seas, and from cause of missions, the society has lately .Alaska there is a great outcry against done honor to Sir Alfred Moloney,' a the foe which makes heathenism more pof-ular WeAt African governor since awful, and likewise paralyzes the growth 1867, and widely esteemed for his just of native converts. and politic dealing with the natives of the interior. His valuable services to Wesleyan Foreign Mission Fi· commerce,' civiliza'tion, and Christiannances.·-At the Nottingham Confer. Another aspE'ct of Catholic affairs was ence in July the present adverse balance presented by the Rev. L. C. Casartelli of £20,000 was the subject of a warm to the delegates attending the Catholic discussion. The representatives of the Conference held in London. The speak- Committee strongly repudiate the charge er, who is the editor of the English organ of blame which has been made. Much of Catholic foreign missions, stated that of the criticism and unrest the Rev. nothing was practically known in Eng· Marshall Randles considered to be the land of the Catholic Church Rsthe great. result of a ground swell following the est foreign missionary in the world, folevents of two yeal'S ago. No new policy lowing the observation with an extraor. was advocated for the removal of the dinary assertion-viz., that in India last debt save the appointment of adult col· year there were 841 Protestant mis. lectors, and the responsibility of district sionaries, whose reports indicated that sub·committees to a central committee, only 298 converts had been added to the and the arousing of fresh interest in the native churches at a cost of £48,000. claims of foreign missions. For the The Catholics, on the other hand, were fair name of the influential Wesleyan able to show in one diocese where they community, whose servants abroad and labored, which had a population of officials in London are not surpassed, 7,000,000, that their missionaries had the obligat.ion of extinguishing the received more than double that number heavy debt is an immediate duty. A of adult persons. The former part of communication was read to the Con- this statement is completely disproved ference announcing the death of the by the latest returns from three societies Rev. Thornley Smith, 6f London, for· alone in British India-the Church and merly a missionary pioneer in South Wesleyan Missionary Societies and the Africa, where he successfully labored American Baptists. half a century ago. He was the author of several works relating to missions. Miscellaneous.-Much uneasiness is felt by the London Missionary Society Roman Catholics in England and for the welfare of their converts, sta- India-a Contrast.-Much surprise tions, and training institution in Samoa, was caused at the Annual Conference of through the antagonism of Mataafa to Catholic Young Men's Societies of Great the rule of Malietoa. Business at Samoa Britain, lately assembled in Wigan, Lan. is stagnant.-The inquiry into the Pal· cashire, by a paper which the Rev. Aus· estine Mission is being conducted by the tin Powell read on ., Submerged Catho. Archbishop of Canterbury in London lics" who were lost to tho Church. He with closed doors.-A member of the said that never since Elizabeth ascended Calvinistic Methodist Missionary Sothe throne of England had the pros. ciety has promised a legacy of £30,000 pects in the country been darker. In to the Jubilee Fund.-In 1895 the Lon_ most parts of England the Catholics don Missionary Society will reach its cenwere losing in numbers both relatively tenary, an event which the directors wish and actually. Emigration to America, to anticipate by placing a hundred ad. which affected them, wasa non.prevent- ditional missionaries in the foreign field. able cause, whereas great and partially -Excellent patronage, including that of preventable causes were apostasy and the queen's, has been given to the South the aversion of young men to matrimony. African Choir, at present on a tour in In reply to his critics the essayist 0 b· England.-The General Assembly of served that figures could not be gain- Ireland reports successful work in India said. Liverpool was the only diocese and China, and among the jungle tribes, showing an increase, and even there it with a revived interest in missions at was not in proportion to the growth of home shown by a gratifying increased population. income. Monthly Bulletin. Baptist missionaries with their wives sailed from New York July 15th for Africa. -Susi, the last of those faithful Brazil. In 'Goyaz, there is a daily paper servants of Dr. Livingstone, who brought protesting against elections on Sundays, his body to the coast on that most reo as the Protestants will not vote on that markable journey, one of the grandest day. The influence of Sabbath.keeping funeral processions the world has ever is a mission and evangelization in itself. seen, died at Zanzibar on May 6th. Chili.-The Presbyterian Mission in -Along the West African coast there Chili has five organized churches, as are now 200 churches, 35,000 converts, well as preaching halls in the principal 100,000 adherents, 275 schools, and towns of the country. Evangelists make 30,000 pupils. Thirty.five dialects or long tours, scattering the bread of life. languages have been mastered, into There are two schools-an elementary which portions of the Scripture and reo one at Valparaiso, attended by 200 ligious books and tracts have been trans· scholars, and a superior institution at lated and printed, and some knowledge Santiago, with 80 scholars, some of of the Gospel has reached about 8,000,000 whom have come from homes in Peru of benighted Africans. and Balivia. A young Spanish pastor, -King Lewanika. the ruler of the M. Francesco Diez, who studied at great Barotse, on the Upper Zambesi, Lausanne, has recently settled at San· has been converted from human sacri· tiago in connection with the mission.
fices, the slave trad e, and alcoholism. -Mr. C. PolIhiIl Turner, one of the The king has not offered a human sacri. .. Cambridge TIand" which went to fice for three years, has become a tee· China in connection with the China In- totaler, and forbids the sale of liquor in land Mission, is studying the Thibetan his capital. He has sent his eldest son, language in Kansuh province, on the Litia, to Morija, in Basutoland, to reo borders of Thibet, preparatory to carry- ceive Christian instruction. The chief ing the Gospel into that country.
has many excellent parts, and for some -Li Hing Chang, Viceroy, and the time has been on terms of friendship most powerful man in China, has writ. with Mr.. Coillard, of the Paris Society ten a preface to a medical work by the of Missions; and Litia himself is a prom. Rev. S. A. Hunter, M.D., giving the ising young man of Christian character. sanction of his name to foreign thera- -The Church of England is begin. peutics and medical missionary work.
ning miSSion work in Mashonaland, -Dr. W. A. P. Martin has returned South Africa, in good earnest. Dr. to resume his important duties as Presi.
Knight Bruce has been called to the dent of the Imperial College of Pekin.
bishopric of that country, and has gone It is nearly forty.lrwo years since Dr.
there by way of the Pungwe River, ac· Martin first set out for China as a mis· companied by one clergyman. Previous· sionary. Then almost six months were ly six laymen had been sent, by the spent on the voyage; now in less than overland route, with supplies for the one month the same journey is made.
mlSSlOn. Among these is a carpenter Then there were sixty missionaries, now who was with Dr. Livingstone through there are more than a thousand.
his 'second African expedition. Three -The twenty.fifth anniversary of the Christian natives from Gazaland are with China Inland Mission was held at Mild· this party. An American layman pro. may Hall, May 26th. A full letter in poses to follow shortly, paying his own lieu of a I'eport was read from Mr. Hud· expenses, while guided by the rules of son Taylor. In this letter he spoke es· the mission. pecially of the new headquarters of an Brazil.-Dr. G. W. Chalnberlain and Australasian branch of the society. In family, Mr. Myron A. Clark, and three giving statements in regard to the work he showed that the number of baptisms bis large toleration for Christians who reported was 407 as against 536 last differed from him in forms of worsbip year. But the number of unbaptized or in forms of ecclesiastical order. converts reported is much larger than the year before, more than making up Japan.-Mrs. Large, widow of the the deficiency. The total number of missionary of the Canadian Methodist communicants is over 3000, more than Church, who was murdered in Japan 4500 having heen baptized from the over a year ago, and who was herself commencement of the work twenty· six severely wounded in trying to save her years ago. husband's life, after a year's visit in Ontario, is now returning to Japan to -The death is announced of the Rev. re-engage in mission work. Dr. Bissell, of the Marathi Mission of the American Board. Dr. Bissell has -The Hongo Church, in Tokyo-in. spent forty years in India, and was one tended specially for students, R9v. Mr. of the most able missionaries in that Yokio (Ise) pastor, a man well known in country. His departure was sudden, America-was dedicated a short while as he was in his usual health until about ago. It is a substantial brick building, two hours before his death. He leaves corresponding in style with the buildfour sons in the ministry. ings of the university and national schools, near which it is located. It -The Scotch missionaries in the seats about 700. The entire cost of lot Punjab rejoice over a rich harvest of and building, with a small native house souls. At the station of Sailkot they bap- for a parsonage, was about $11,000, and tized 30 converts four years ago; but it is paid for. Most of the money was last year the number was already 800, raised in this country. and the blessed work is going on increasingly. Papal Lands.-Four of the members of the first Christian Endeavor Society -The venerable Dr. John Newton, formed in Mexico, at Chihuahua, have who died at Merrel, in Northern India, left to study for the ministry at Juarez. on the second day of July, was in the They have started another society, and eighty-first year of his age, and had the societies in Spain plan to unite with been in the missionary work in India those in Mexico in publishing literature for fifty-six years. Very few men have in Spanish suited to their needs. been permitted to pass through so long a period of service, and few have Russia. – The Russian Orthodox wrought so diligently and so well. He Churr.h is doing mission work among was stationed first at Lodiana, but more the nomad tribes in South Siberia. than forty years ago!> was transferred to Over 3000 adults were baptized last year. Lahore, where his chief work was done. A magnificent cathedral will soon be He was well qualified in scholarship dedicated at Tokio, Japan, in which and in his linguistic acquirements for country the Russian missionaries are the tasks which were appointed to him. most successful. The Moscow Mission. He published the first grammar of the ary Society numbers 12,000 members; Panjabi language, and the first and only and receives $150,000 annually. The Panjabi English dictionary. He trans. seminary at Kasan prepares young men lated the New Testament, and wrote for work among the Siberian tribes, giv. numerous tracts and essays. His influ· ing them instruction in the native diaence with civilians and men in high lects. office in the Punjab was large, and always wielded for the advancement of -The King of Siam has settled an civilization and good morals. Men gave annual allowance of $1500 upon the him unfeigned veneration, and loved three young sons of the late Dwight Bradley, son of the early missionary, l;liJll for hi$ BweetIless of. temper and Dr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley was in the government. service at Bangkok.
The Missionary Review of the World — May 1888
THE SUPREME QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR
MISSIONARY REVIEW .OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XI. No. 5.-0Id Series.-MAY.-VOL. 1. No. 5.-New Series.
I.-THE LITERATURE OF MISSIONS.
THE SUPREME QUESTIONS OF THE HOUR.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. p.] As we study missions we are more and more convinced that the defect in our methods is radical. There is something wrong, and it reaches down to the very foundations of our system; otherwise there would be a greater and grander onward march and a more speedy and glorious success. Let us be ,honest with ourselves and with God, and handle this subject with ungloved hands.
The supreme questions of the hour, in respect to missions both at home and abroad, are these two: How can missions be prosecuted vigorouslyand efficiently? How can missions be supported generously and systematically?
1. As to the prosecution of missions as an enterprise of the church. Any worldly man who is considering the question of his calling in life from a purely secular point of view will ask four subordinate questions: 1. As to the character of the business he proposes to pursue: its honesty and honorableness, its effect on his own physical, mental and moral well-being. 2. As to the opening for such a business: whether there is room for it, where he proposes to prosecute it, and a reasonable prospect of its success. 3. As to the profit of such a business: whether whatever capital he has can be· best invested in that particular way, as to quick and safe and large returns. 4. As to the associations of such a business: whether they are like to be congenial, helpful, stimulating, harmonious, and especially if a partnership in business is involved in the proposition.
Missions must be regarded as the business and the only business ever yet divinely committed to the believers as individuals and as a collective body. "Follow me, and I will make you FISHERS OF MEN." No other calling is legitimate unless it is in harmony with this; any other calling is legitimate if in it we may abide with God and carryon God's work. Let every believer get this fixed in his mind and heart: whatever his employment may be, his business is saving souls, or more exactly stated, bearing witness for Christ. He is responsible not for results, with which he has nothing to do, but for his work as a herald of good tidings.
Now apply to this life-vocation the four tests heretofore stated. 1. The character of such a business is of the most exalted possible order. Beside it everything else, however lustrous, dims and pales. The most colossal schemes of human enterprise are small beside this which embraces the whole world and reaches forward into a limitless eternity! What is all making money to making a human being godlike? What is all the triumph of art in comparison to modeling of character? It is architecture, painting, sculpture, poetry and music, aU in one, and elevated to a spiritual sphere! Consider such a life business in its effect on the 1vorker, the heroism of endeavor and endurance, self-sacrifice and self-oblivion to which it inspires; the atmosphere of influence with which it surrounds character, the transfiguring halo with which it invests common mortals-nay, the transparent spirituality which refines away all the grossness of materialism and carnalism. Go read of Ziegenbalg and Zinzendorf, Krapf and Schwartz, Carey and Moffatt, Martyn and Morrison, Dober and Duff, Harms and Eliot-the illustrious host who~have burned with the quenchless fire of missions-and tell us where will be found the like of such characters? Where the glory and joy of such reward? 2. The opening for such a divine vocation is especially inspiring, for it is purely of God. Fifty years ago the world was like the sealed jar in the tale of the genii. Now the seal is broken, and forth in the form of a colossus that strides from pole to pole comes the gigantic opportunity that challenges us to make it our servant to do our bidding in great achievement. Again we hear Prince Albert thunder out, "Find out God's plan in your generation and do not cross that plan, but fall in unto your own place in it." Has God a plan in this generation? If so, what is it, and how am I to know it? By every sign and signal God has shown -the men of this generation that his purpose is the immediate evangelization of the 1(Jorld. Behold him, while the church is yet asleep, arouse here and there a heroic soul to dare to go, like Jonathan and his armor-bearer, to attack the strongholds of the enemy. B~hold him, when the church is yet but half awake, go before the little missionary band, and as they shout the gospel message at high walls and closed gates he makes the barriers fall and within thirty years flings wide the two-leaved portals of every leading nation on the globe to the entrance of the gospel. He who doubts providential interposition in missions is blind. Nothing like it has ever occurred in human history. The cleaving of the Red Sea or Jordan, the tumbling of Jericho's walls, the defeat of Amalek, were not as conspicuous miracles as the opening of modern doors of access to an people, because these modern miracles have been on a larger scale and repeated through a half century. Obstacles are out of the way that were as broad as continents, as high as the Himalayas, and as hard as adamant. Facilities of approach have been provided in a succession of discoveries and inventions unparalleled in history-the mariner's compass, steam, the telegraph, the printing press, all the new machinery of human progress can be made available to carry us and our instrumentalities to these open gates and occupy the vast fields of labor. And besides all these openings God has by his grace so proved and approved the work that a whole series of miracles of another ,order may be seen following up the wonders of his providence by even greater wonders of his grace in the transforming of souls and even of society. Men have seen the deserts blossom as the rose, with the excellency of Carmel and Sharon; instead of the thorn the fig tree; instead of the brier the myrtle tree; the obvious planting of the Lord-God's own husbandry-that he might be glorified.
3. The profit of such a business as winning souls, who can estimate it? There is another capital to be invested besides the capital of money. Brains as well as brawn, mind and morals, gifts' and graces, time and talents, acquisitions and accomplishments, the inherited and gathered riches of human character – knowledge, love, speech, life-tell us, young man, young woman, you who wish to serve your own generation by the well of God, where will you find such opportunity for the investment.of your intellectual, moral and spiritual capital? Do you want to make your life tell for God and man? Do you want to wield a sceptre of far-reaching and deathless influence? Do you want to multiply yourself a thousandfold, to make your tongue and your pen a redeeming factor in human history? Here is your chance. On our border lands of civilization new empires form in a quarter of a century. A desert tract to-day is a hamlet to-morrow, next year a thriving village, within five a flourishing city, within ten a radiating railroad center, within fifteen a capital of a new state, and so on, marching with gigantic strides to the imperial control of vast territories with teeming population. The clay is on the wheel; you may go and sit at that wheel as the potter and mould that plastic society, now in the crude lump, into vessels for God. Here are old empires now opening to a new civilization; the Orient welcoming the Occident, asking for the western schools, manners, inventions, and taking with them the western faith because it is inseparably interwoven with the western civilization. Here is a new set of conditions, such as the world now sees for the first time: nations like Japan asking you to come and teach them, casting away hoary super- , stitions and effete faiths to take whatever you will bring, and jn danger of taking something worse than what they cast away in the craving for something new and fresh. While you hesitate the devil pushes his army of skeptical and infidel teachers and books into the new openings and threatens to sow the tares before the Lord's people get in the wheat! While you are looking about at home, waJting for something to turn up, you are losing the greatest opportunity for the investment of your mental and moral capital ever offered to the sons of men! You can shape a nation, perhaps a continent, anew before you die!
4. The associations of such a business are nothing less than divine. Human companionships of the most ennobling character, but beyond and above all the rest, fellowship, partnership with God! « Lo I am with you always" is a promise that can be enjoyed only by those who at home and abroad are engaged in the work of missions. The assurance is the divine reward and encouragement of the herald of the gospel, the cross-bearer, the witness. The business you are invited to take as your vocation, employed, engrossed, absorbed the Son of God. It drew him to these foreign shores, it made him to assume our nature and become of kin with us, learn our language, and suffer our cruelties and scorn, and fall a martyr, that by his blood he might buy the way for us to heaven! Ohrist Jesus was the pioneer in foreign'missions, the first Ohristian martyr and the leader of the host of heralds. Partners who share work share profits. No man hath forsaken all to go on this errand for Ohrist and with Ohrist who receives not a hundredfold here and now, and in the world to come both the gift of eternal life and the jru'it of his toil, which is the added wages for his work. Tried by this fourfold test, this business overtops all other in its claims and in its charms! Those who have heartily undertaken it would not exchange it for all the honors and dignities and coffers and crowns of earth. They prefer the fiery furnace, with the Son of God as a companion, to the throne of a world without him. The very self-denials of the work are an attraction, since they imply a fellowship with his sufferings; to be crucified with him is only next in bliss to being glorified together.
Such are some of the motives to the immediate and energetic prosecution of the work of missions. It is but too obvious they have never yet grappled with the convictions, affections and consciences of the bulk of disciples. Think of it. It is now 1850 years since Jesus ascended, his last message being, « Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." For fifteen centuries the church lost sight of her duty, until she even disputed and denied the obligation itself, and sneered at the few fanatics who would obey the great commission; and now after all this millennium and a half of lost time, worse than lost, while the world has been gaining on us, outstripping us, vastly outnumbering us, until the task of evangelization seems like an impossibility, we still send only about 5,000 missionaries into the whole field and'spend only about $10,000,000 a year on the work, while in this country alone $100,000,000 are spent every three months on popular amusements alone, and many times that sum every year on strong drink! The Ohristian churches, counting only the evangelical and reckoning only the more intelligent and consecrated members, could put one million workers in the field by giving to the Lord's special work one out of thirty church members, and could put at their disposal $1,000,000,000 yearly by laying aside systematically one-tenth of the average income of those members! Are we not jCistified in saying that there is something radically wrong about the methods in which our missionary enterprises are prosecuted, or rather are not prosecuted? The church is but just half awake, rubbing her eyes from her long sleep; they need to be washed with the milk of the word and get fully open to the duty, the privilege, the opportunity of modern missions. Never was sueh a business, never such an opening, never such returns, never such a divine partnership possible to the children of God! Let the church wake up and gird herself for the work and win, and seeing her white-plumed leader in the van of the fight, press on to get by his side and bear the flag of the cross to the summits of the citadels of the enemy!
1. But as yet we have not touched, save in passing, the obher grand factor in this problem of missions, namely, their systematic ana'generous support! This is even more shameful than the lack of vigor and enterprise in pushing the work itself. To think of crippling foreign missions and home missions too by withholding adequate support from self-denying servants of God already on the field; obliging them to retrench when every voice of God sounds the word, "expand j" compelling them to hesitate and halt in the very face of such magnificent opportunities; begrudging them the pittance which keeps them from starvation, and helittling their heroism by showing a lack of appreciation! This is the crown of our dishonor.
We take up the latest printed appeal of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, as an example. The brethren that are in charge of this work we know-know intimately-and we dare affirm that there is not a more capable, conscientious, careful body of administrators of such a trust anywhere to be found thau the four men who as secretaries conduct this work in behalf of a church of nearly 800,000 members, and representing more wealth than any other like number of Christians in this country, with perhaps one doubtful exception. At the last general assembly in Omaha it was determined in view of the loud calls of the foreign work that at least one million dollars should be raised this year, which is only about one and one-third dollars per member, or a little over one-third of a cent. daily! The secretaries, notwithstanding this enthusiastic vote and the imperative needs of the work, did not venture to layout the expenditures upon any such scale in advance; and yet, with but two months·left to finish the fiscal year, again they trumpet forth their note of alarm, that nnless the church they represent redoubles its fidelity and increases its gifts, this year cannot close without repeating the disaster of debt! In this appeal these brethren will say: "This Board is not a producing capitalist. It can assume no obligations of its own. It is only a board of trust for the receipt and disbursement of whatever the churches may give for their great work of foreign missions. But the Board is so circumstanced· that its grants must be made or pledged in advance. The general assembly, instead of ordering a halt, called for more than $200,000 advance. The actual pledges made by the Board in June last were far short of the amount which the assembly named, and yet even at that lower figure, there will be a heavy debt unless a more adequate supply of funds shall soon appear!"
And such appeals as this have been chronic. Year by year, not only this Board but other similar societies have been compelled to appeal to their constituencies importunately and repeatedly to help them out of the slough of debt. On the one hand they are distressed by the needs and openings of the vast field abroad, and on the other hand by the slow, sluggish movements or lack of movements on the part of the church at home! Pity. indeed-shame, indeed-if we are to be embarrassed by the very opportunity that God gives us ; if we dare not ask for other open doors because we cannot enter those now open; if we dare not reach out a helping hand to those who entreat us for aid, because our hands are now more than full; if we dare ,not ask for more workmen because we do not know what to do with those now offering or even already on the field!
We deliberately say, after much thought and prayer over this matter, that something is radically wrong in this matter of the financial support of missions. Our methods are either unscriptural and unspiritual, or else they are defective in their application. God certainly does not need our money; it is for our sake that he uses us as almoners of his gifts. We need the discipline of unselfish giving, and the church will never grow in the grace of giving until she recognizes the fact that no believer ever puts God under any obligation by the most" munificent donation," as though" he needed anything." We must from the bottom rebuild both the science and the art of giving. We must learn for ourselves and teach others, that 1. It is a privilege to give, rather than a duty. To scatter is to increase, to give is to get. The richest growth comes by the most heroic pruning. It makes one comparatively omnipotent and omnipresent to use money aright-multiplying his power and his presence a thousandfold.
2. The giver can sanctify the g{ft, however small or insignificant, by his unselfishness and magnanimity of motive. A cup of cold water in the name of a disciple cannot lose its reward. It becomes a great gift by a great motive and spirit in the giver. Whatever is done in His name is divine. Give what you can, when you can, where you can, but give it cheerfully; give a cup of water, a mite, a kiss, a word, a smile, grandly, nobly, as a disciple. That way of giving swells the gift, and God will use it grandly. 3. The altar sanctifies the gift. Put on God's altar as such, the humblest offering acquires dignity. We should study to' give discrim- . inatingly, to the worthiest objects, not carelessly or indiscriminately. Money may be thrown away and lavishly wasted on nothings, while the greatest objects appeal in vain for our aid. Where can be found any altar so sacred as that of missions? The Lord himself laid himself on that same altar, the first grand whole burnt-offering, and any gift laid there is made divinely sacred by his sacrifice.
4. God values the little gifts from the many more than the greater gifts from the few. For the church to depend upon large donations from a comparatively few is not God's way. It is bad alike for the many and for the few. The many learn to lean on the few, and the few become self-complacent and self-righteous as though the progress of the church depended on their munificence. God's way is not that other men be eased and a few burdened, but that there be equality, i.e. a sharing of responsibility according to ability. " Organize the littles," make many little rills unite in one great river. The Women's Boards both teach and illustrate this lesson: they have gone straight on, giving more and more, and yet the immense sums they gather are all the aggregate of small and regular gifts.
5. Giving does us little good until it comes to the point of downright self-denial. The tithe system may answer for the minimum, but never for the maximum of our gifts. It is obvious that one hundred dollars from a man whose income is a thousand is a very much larger proportion than is one thousand for him who gets ten thousand, or ten thousand for him who has one hundred thousand a year. In one case the man has 900, in the next 9,000, and in the last 90,000 dollars left for his own expenses. The fact is that all these rnathematics of giving are sadly, radically misleading. The ethics of giving reach higher, hut we need some higher plane than either. Shall we call it the (Esthetics of giving? We need to apprehend the beauty of giving. It is the highest of the fine arts. We ought to be enamored of it as of the most resthetic productions of the artist, the sculptor, the architect, the mu- SICIan. Then giving will not need to be urged; there will be rather need of restraining the people from bringing, as Moses dia. The man or woman who learns to give in the right spirit forgets all about the duty, in the privilege, and the absence of life's necessities would bring no such distress as to be cut off from this lztxury. To illustrate and enforce this truth, we add to this article a few facts from history and biography. First, we recall a fine tribute of Bishop Ooxe to one of his old parishioners, Mr. Lee: "He was an instance of religious principle and system as regards tithes and offerings. For years it was his habit to set apart a most liberal portion of his income as the Lord'sportion. Hence giving was to him a great pleasure and a mere act of stewardship. If an object struck him as a good and valid claim on him he said, 'My only-task is to reckon how much of the Lord's portion should go to this object in view of others. Hence,' said he, 'the visit of a good man 1;0 solicit aid is a source of pleasure to me. 1 say to him, If you have a good cause I've something for you; you must help me to judge how much.' Sometimes he would say to one calling on him, 'I've money for you, but this morning. I've no time; please state the case in few words, and if 1 find it a just claim on me I'll gladly do something; only, 1 am sorry to say, 1 can give but five minutes to the matter.' Often, in such case, the five minutes would send the laborers away $50 or $100 richer, and cash in hand. Once a solicitor said, 'Mr. Lee couldn't give me anything this time, but he told me why so kindly and so satisfactorily that his very refusal has done me more good than some men's contributions.' At a crisis in the early history of St. John's church he came to me and said, 'If they will go on and pay the debt 1 will give $5,000.' 1 said, 'You can't afford it.' He answered, 'I intend to sell my house and live in a plainer one till 1 make it up.' And he did so! When Christmas came he enabled me to give a Christmas turkey to everyone of my poorer parishioners. Henry IV. of France, who wished that 'every peasant in his kingdom might have a chicken in his pot every Sunday,' did far less than Mr. Lee by way of personal sacrifice to make the poor man's heart rejoice over his Sunday meal. When prevented from attending the Board of Missions he would send a check equal to what would have been his expenses in attending. 'I can't go, but that will do more good than my presence.' "
Next, we remind our readers of the famous story of the origin of The Order of the Iron Gross. Frederick William III., the father of the present king and son of the great Frederick of Prussia, was the providential prompter of a simple and sublime testimonial of the pure patriotism of his subjects and their readiness to come up nobly to the help of their country in the time of its greatest distress. At the call of their king to pour their gold and silver ornaments into the public treasury and to receive in their stead iron ornaments of the same form, the people cheerfully and nobly came forward, stripping themselves of their bracelets, necklaces, rings, brooches, crosses, earrings of gold, and jewels, casting them into the treasury, and receiving only in exchange similar articles, beautifully worked in bronze and bearing the inscription, " I gave gold for iron, 1813." Hence arose the "Order of the Iron Cross." What an interesting instance of the confidence of subjects in the wisdom and valor of their king! And how impressively does it demonstrate their patriotism and willingness to make any sacrifice for the liberation and glory of their country. They were ready to surrender all their luxuries for the relief of their oppressed nation. Hence, as long as the war lasted, gold ornaments were never worn, and the beautiful Berlin bronze ornaments became more admired and more highly prized throughout Europe than were the most costly jewels before the war.
What if the disciples of- Jesus would but form a new Order of the Iron Cross, and cheerfully sacrifice their superfiuous ornaments to supply the needs of his poor, destitute ones! We should not know what to do with the money! And yet our sacrifices would not have touched our necessities or even our comforts; we should have got only so far as the women when they gave their burnished metal mirrors to make the brazen laver.
Our last illustration shall be the story of Princess Eugenie and her jewels. Eugenie of Sweden has a name already immortal for her selfsacrificing, sympathetic friendship for the poor and suffering. It is now many years ago that she was ordered by her physicians to go to an island off the coast for her health. On that island she found a large number of wretched cripples, many of them hopelessly incurable. She could not be happy until she had done something for their relief. She devoutly prayed God to put into her own heart his own thought about the matter and show her his will concerning this thing.
Then the thought came into her mind which has now made her famous. She would build a home for those poor cripples, where they might have loving nursing and sisterly care. Their number was so great that the house must be large and costly, and she knew not how to raise the necessary funds. Then another thought came into her heart. She wrote to her brothel', the king, asking his c~nsent to sell all the crown jewels that belonged to her and to use the proceeds of the sale for God. The letter was baptized in tears and hallowed with many prayers that the king would accede to her request.
At first he thought Eugenie must be crazy. These jewels were heir- . looms'; they had come down to her from past generations. Who had ever heard of such a preposterous notion, that a royal princess should part forever with her precious family treasures to build a hospital for cripples! But there was one phrase in her letter that her brother could not forget. Her whole plea was "for OMist's salce." And at last he wrote a reply giving his consent. The princess, happy in the sacrifice, sold her jewels and finished and furnished the hospital.
.And not only so. Her sublimest gift was the gift of herself. Into 'the home she had built she went day after day, God's ministering angel to those deformed and loathsome cripples. One day a poor woman, at whose bedside day after day she had thus been a visitor, was drawing near to death. Eugenie had been wont to sit by her, holding her hand and pleading with. her to accept Jesus as her Saviour. And now as the last hour had come she raised herself in bed, bent over the princess' hand, and caressing it said, "Lovely princess, I bless the Lord for sending you to this island, for but for you I never should have learned to love Jesus and my soul would have been lost." Then she fell back and expired, but the hand of Eugenie was covered with the tear-drops from those dying eyes. Eugenie, looked down at her hand, saw those grateful tears glistening upon her hand in the sunlight, and lifting her eyes to God said, ., 0 my Saviour. I sold my jewels for thee, bu,t I see them all restored, and hOtv much more beautiful they are titan lJ)hen Iformerly owned them!"
THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE AGES
Let our giving to missions be wholly reconstructed. Let as awake to the fact that we have not yet begun to learn the divine lesson of self-sacrifice. Our luxuries must be surrendered in view of the destitution of a ptlrishing world-yes, even our comforts, our very necessities must be diminished and sacrificed in the face of the extremities of those who must perish for the want of bread.
THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE AGES.
By JACOB OHAl[BERLAIN, !lI.D., D.D., OF M~DANAPALLE, INDIA.
INDIA is the home of one-sixth of the human race. Reaching from Oape Oomorin, within eight degrees of the Equator, north 2,000 miles to the peaks of the Himalayas, and from Afghanistan through 1,800 miles to Indo-Ohina, we have a country inhabited by 252,000,000, and equal to about one-half of the area of the United States.
The people are not homogeneous. There are forty languages spoken in India; many are very ancient and polished. The Sanskrit, in which the Vedas were written, rivals even the Greek in fullness, power, and beauty, and is stiU the language of ritual in all India, being to the Hindus all that Latin is in the Romish Ohurch. The people are as different as their languages; not of one cast of countenance, not of one ethnological descent. The religion of the people of India is one- Brahmanism or Hinduism-with the exception of the descendants of the Mohammedan invaders of some seven centuries ago. Of these, 40,000,000 remain in India still, and are Mohammedan. .
Let me remind you what Brahmanism or Hinduism is. Their ancient Vedas, the most ancient of which is believed to have been written about the time of Moses, teach, in the main, a true conception of God· and man and sin and sacrifice. But though they have these ancient Vedas and these purer ideas of God, there came later the teaching and the practice of polytheism and idolatry, until what once was light in Asia has become darkness.
As the purer religion of the Vedas degenerated, their purer morals gave place to sensuality, corruption and vice. As a physician I have treated many thousal!ds of patients, from the Rajah to the beggar, and I say that there is no such thing as purity or virtue among them.
And I have this from the confessions of their best men, that" there is not a family that is not tainted with the impure disease." Honesty in dealings is scarcely known, and is not expected in trade. And al- though their Vedas, poets and sages call on the people to main- tain truth as their choicest heritage, yet there is no truth among the people. A common proverb among the Telugus is, "If a man tells the truth, the town will soon become too hot for him." I was once preach- ing in a Telugu city; said I, "You Hindus tell a lie as often as you tell the truth." "What, sir I" said a Brahman right before me, "do you say that we Hindus tell a lie as often as we tell the truth?" " Yes," said I, intending to staud my ground. "Sir," said he, "we Hindus tell ten lies for every truth we utter." That time he certainly told the truth.
Hinduism has two chief bulwarks in this generation: caste and the endowed temples. Caste is a religious distinction. It is not a social distinction, but one of birth; for Brahma created each caste by a different creation, they hold. 'fhe Brahman claims that he is holier than the rest, and if we yield to caste we must allow him to say to the rest, "Stand by thyself, for I am holier than thou." If we give place to caste, we can no longer proclaim, "As in Adam all died, even so in Christ shall all be made alive," for they hold that there were a dozen Adams. Caste is so firmly rooted that I have known of a Brahman that died by starvation when there was food placed by his side, because that food was cooked by one of a lower caste. "Better die," said he, "and reach heaven, than eat that food and live, and lose caste and lose heaven," Caste, then, is the adamantine chain which Satan has wound around these people to hold them back from embracing the truth.
The second great bulwark which supports the system is its myriads of endowed temples. They dot every hilltop and every plain, endowed in former ages with rich lands-the choicest of the fields. AU the revenues of those lands go to the support of the priesthood, who carryon the ceremonies of the temples. If Christianity prevails the Brahmans will cease to reap those revenues. By this craft they have their wealth, and they lock arms to defend their ancient system against the missionary. I had a discussion in the Mysore country, in a city where no missionary had been before, with the chief priest of that region, the president of their theological seminary, where were seventy young Brahmans studying under him for the priesthood. He, surrounded by his disciples, had come to meet us in the market-place, and the discussion lasted hour after hour. He had been pushed to the wall; but darkness coming on he said there was no time to discuss further then, but he would renew the discussion the next evening.
At noon the next day, when all the people were indoors at their midday meal, he stole out of the northern gate of the city, and, coming around through the rice fiel~s and behind the trees to our tent, asked if he might come in and let down the curtain. " Certainly." " Is there anyone within hearing besides yourselves?" " No ; all our people are away at their dinner." At once his whole mien and appearance changed. "Sirs," said he to us, "what you said yesterday was utterly unanswerable. I did the best I could to defend my own posi- I tion, but I am not going to meet you again. What you said is so pure, so holy, so good, it appeals so to the highest needs and desires of men, that it seems as if it must be divine, it must be true. At all events, it is a better religion than ours. But, sirs, we Brahmans canuot afford to let you succeed. Look at our position. . We reap the rich revenues from all these temples. Weare treated as demigods by the people. At every festival we receive rich gifts. Weare looked up to and worshiped. But let your system succeed, which teaches that there need be no human mediator between God and man but Jesus Ohrist, and we Brahmans drop from our high pedestal down to the level of what we are worth, and you know what that means as well as we do. We Brahmans can't afford to let you succeed. We have got to fight you." And fight us they do.
How then is such a system, defended by the power of caste and of an endowed priesthood, to be overcome? We missionaries try to follow our Master in the oral proclamation of the gospel to the people, carrying it to them in the highways and the byways, in their towns, their villages, their hamlets; at their markets and their fairs. We take our tent and pitch it by some central village, and preach in that and each of the surrounding villages within a radius of say three or four miles, reaching perhaps forty to eighty villages, before moving on. We mount upon some platform and gather the people together, and preach to them of Ohrist and his salvation. In our part of the country we gather them by the voice of song. The eighteen millions of Telugu people are a very musical people, and their language is a language of poetry and song. They have old tunes by the hundred, weird and sweet and pleasant, which they have sung through twenty generations in the praise of their gods. We, anxious to seize the devil's choicest weapons to thrust him with, take these tunes of theirs and marry them to Ohristian words, and set them afloat again through the country in tracts with the gospel message put into their style of poetry, and adapted to their choicest tunes. They, curious to see how the new words fit the old tune, will often sing until they sometimes sing the gospel message into their understanding, and the love of Ohrist into their hearts. And on in the night, mingled with my sleep, I have been conscious of hearing songs of redeeming love sung by Hindus who had that day, for the first time, heard of the Redeemer, Jesus. Thus with preaching and with song and with tract and Scripture scattered as we go, do we canvass the country sowing the seed of the kingdom, and the seed is taking root.
We are reaching the people also by medical work. Many of us are physicians as well as ministers. We have gathered in thousands from all the villages around simply by the knowledge that if they came their diseases would be healed. They have come from thousands of towns and villages in all directions. They hear the Bible read; they hear the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Ohrist; they listen as we raise ~he voice of prayer to him who made us and who can save us; they go back to their homes; they take with them the tickets on which are printed a concise statement of Christian truth, and thus the truth is being scattered where we have never set foot.
Our schools present the truths of Christianity. Heathen pupils come to them with the understanding that they will study what the Christians do. Everyone of them studies the Bible, and so we initiate the young into the pure teachings of the religion of Jesus; and we have girls' schools now, which are filled with the highest caste of Hindu young women. They all read the Bible, learn our Christian hymns, study our catechisms, and come to a knowledge of the truth in these schools; and thus we are reaching the secluded zenanas everywhere. Then we have our Anglo-vernacular schools, high schools and Christian colleges, with which we reach young men preparing for the universities and help them on their way through those. In everyone of these schools the Bible is studied as a text-book in each class every day. In December, 1883, I received a very singular petition from Vayalpad, the county town of the adjacent county. There were no Christians in that county. The petition was brought by a special 'messenger and signed by the chief men, not one of whom was a Christian. They petitioned me to receive under my charge the Anglo-vernacular school which they had established the year before for teaching their sons, and to introduce the Bible as a text-book in every class every day.
Much surprised at the tenor of the request, I went out at once to see them and see if they were in earnest. A meeting was summoned of all interested in the school. I read this petition to them. I said: "If this school is placed under my charge, it will be my aim to present the highest truth that man can conceive of to all the pupils. With that understanding, do you wish me to receive the school? The head mas- ter of the school, a Brahman, not a Christian, but who had himself been educated in a mission school, spoke first, telling of what he had learned in that mission school, how he had learned to reverence the Bible, and how anxious he was that these, his pupils, should be under biblical instruction. By experience he knew what the Bible did for one, even though he did not become a Christian. Then a native judge, . the judge of four counties, spoke. He was a high-caste native gentleman and finely educated. His speech was so remarkable that when I reached home I wrote it down in English. He said : "I was not educated in a mission school, but I have many friends who were and who studied the Bible daily in school. I have witnessed its effect upon their lives. I have read the Bible myself privately a great deal. I have come to know the pure and beautiful morality it inculcates. Nothing in our Vedas can compare with it. Let your sons study the Bible. They need not become Christians; but if you want your sons to become noble, upright men, put this school under the charge of the missionary and have the Bible taught in it daily. I have but one son. On him all my hopes are centered. I am able to send him where I please for his education, but I want him to be a noble, earnest man. I have therefore sent him to the Madras Christian College, and there he studies the Bible with the missionaries every day." • By unanimous vote the school was placed under my charge. The Bible from that day was introduced in every class, taught by our cate- chists, and as I examined the school from month to month before I came home I found there was no lesson learned with more avidity, no examination passed better than in the Bible. Thus are we reaching the young men of India. But they seek, as did this Hindu judge, to obtain the morality of the Bible, the nobility of character which its precepts give, without embracing Christianity. They forsake their old religion. They neglect their ancient scriptures. They sip at the fountain of the Bible, but alas, they do not take the Jesus of the Bible to be their Saviour. Fearful danger lies before them.
Thirty-five different missionary societies laboring in India, with their 658 ordained missionaries, have been diligently working, sowing the seed and preparing for the harvest. The Scriptures in twenty-five languages have been scattered throughout the hundred thousand towns and villages of India. These gospels have gone into ten thousand vil- lages where there is no missionary, no native assistant, and not a Christian. We have indeed made the people dissatisfied with their own system, but we have not yet given them Ohrist. Said a Brahman to one of our missionaries visiting that village for the third time in ten years: "Sir, you come just often enough to make us dissatisfied with our old religion. You shake our faith in our ancient gods. You do not come enough to explain your religion to us, so that we can intelligently embrace it. Either keep away entirely or come and bring us to your God and Saviour."
And there was truth in what he said. 'rhe mass of intelligent men all through India have lost faith in their old religion, and now Satan comes in to reap the harvest. 'rhey are dissatisfied with their ancient system, and he brings in the books of John Stuart Mill, Herbert Spencer and Huxley, and men of that class-yes, and of Bradlaugh and Mrs. Besant, and of Voltaire and Thomas Paine. The writings of these are scattered all through India, and presses run night and day casting off pages by the million for the poisoning of these awakened Hindu minds.. Anything opposing Christianity, no matter how vile, will be published by them and scattered through the country broadcast.
The whole nation is on the eve of coming out of Hinduism and going into-what?
" Sir," said a Brahman priest to me, "I have never seen a missionary. I have never seen your Veda. But one of our townsmen went to your hospital and was cured, and brought a little ticket which you give your patients, on the back of which was printed a statement of your religion. That is all I have ever seen. He told me what he had heard of your preaching at the hospital. That is all I have ever heard of your religion. We Brahmans have been reading that gospel ticket. It has shown us that Hinduism is not the complete soul-satisfying system that we imagined it to be by pointing out a nobler way. We have talked it over. Sir, Hinduism is doomed. It must go by theboard. Now I have come eighty mile'tto ask you, What are you going to give us in its place?"
I tried to tell him of the pure religion of Jesus Christ, which we were going to give them in the place of Hinduism; and as I talked with him, said I to myself: "Am I telling this man true or false? Are we going to give to these teeming and now awakened millions-are we going to give them the religion of our Jesus? Or are we going to awaken them and dissatisfy them with their own system and then leave them to drift out into skepticism or rationalistic deism or black agnosticism? That is what they are drifting to, and that does not interfere with their caste and the enjoyment of the revenues of the Hindu temples. Shall we let them go out into that realm of darkness? Shall the ruins of Hindu temples be built up into temples for Satan, or into temples of the Most High God?"
THE TIME FOR ACTION.
There is a "tide in the affairs of men" in matters spiritual as well as temporal. That tide in India is now at its flood. If it recedes, the advantages that we now have will never again be offered. There is not a province where Hinduism stands firm on its ancient basis. There is not a caste or a creed whose ranks do not show gaps made by those who have deserted them and enlisted under the banner of King Immanuel. The thirty-five missionary societies now in India are coming together for the conflict. The strategic points have been gained. Plans for the final attack are matured. The enemy are weakening and are dispirited. Already do we see them on their citadels prepared to let down the flag and surrender if a vigorous' assault be made. But, alas! our forces on the field are still too weak to make that assault.
But can the men and the sinews of war for this stupendous battle be obtained? When Lincoln, in the early daya of the war, issued his call for 75,000 volunteers, the cable told us that the roll of 75,000 was filled; that word had to be sent out to stop the enrollment, as so many more offered. Then the men and women of the North said, "Send them into the field. We will raise the needed funds." And right royally was the promise fulfilled.
We must have an army of 75,000 to conquer India for Christ! The privates for the army we will enlist there. We must have 5,000 "West Point officers" within five years to lead that army. 'rhoy must be men from America and Europe, trained for the conflict in the older Chris- tian lands. There has been no greater msplration in this century than . the springing forward within the past twelve months of 2,500 young men and women in America enrolling themselves thus as volunteers to go to the front if God shall open the way. "Is it possible for the church to send out and support such a great number of new recruits?" That question is born not of faith, but of fear. Behold God's triangle! He has created the opening bj; his marvelous providences. By his Spirit he has called for these volunteers, and they have responded. The apex of the triangle only needs the funds. The silver and the gold ate the Lord's. God's triangle is never incomplete. In the name of our Immanuel, I ring out the caU for 5,000 volunteers for tMs glorious warfare!
There are in India 60,000 young converts to be trained for the work. They have not the life, the energy, the spiritual earnestness for the work of saving other souls that we have longed to see in them. Their piety, their endurance under persecution, their devotedness to Christ, we do not question. But they have not inherited the capacity for organized vigorous effort. '.rhey do not know how to touch their fellows. We need in India the life, the fire, the method, which the Y. M. C. A.'s are giving to the young men in America. We need organized effort all along the line.
In our great cities in India there is abundance of material to work upon and to work with. Our colleges, our universities, our schools, all give abundant scope. Send us out one of the best-trained General Secretaries, trained in the school of failure as well as in that of success, that we may know that he will endure. He need know no language but English, for his labor should be given to laying the fouudations all through India, not among the people of one language, and for such work the English is sufficient. Let him be a man of experience, of spiritual power, of hop@fulness, of tact. With him send us five younger men to be general secretaries in the five capitals of India-Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, Allahabad, Lahore. They will need to learn each the principal vernacular of his presidency.
When out upon a tour in 1879, in a county where there was not a Christian, a native official, high in office, in caste, in social position and in wealth, sent a message to me saying that he would like to come and see me privately for the treatment of an ailment. I found that he had some trifling ailment, the treatment of which was dispatched in a few moments; he had used the little ailment merely as a cover to talk with me about Christianity. He said to me in substance: "Sir, I am not a Christian. I am still regarded as a devout Hindu. I still perform enough Hindu ceremonies to avoid suspicion. But in my heart I dare not deny the claims of the Bible. I see the power of Jesus Christ in the lives of hisfollowers so distinctly that I cannot deny his divinity. He is not yet my Saviour. Caste, wealth, position, family, all hold me back. But even now I never allow him to be spoken against in my presence. I have long been reading the Bible in secret. The more I read of Christ and ponder over his life and teachings, and the power to conquer sin that comes from embracing his religion, the more do I feel that in the end I shall have to accept him at any cost as my personal Saviour. But how can I do it and bring ruin upon my family?"
That was six or eight years ago. He has not yet come to the Saviour ; and there It.J"e thousands in this position all over India. They are not being reached. They need not polemics, but a loving, feeling presentation of the gospel of Christ.
Five hundred years before Christ, India was groaning under Brahmanical sacerdotalism, priestcraft, polytheism, idolatry, and caste. Buddha arose as a reformer. With the modicum of truth which he presented to them, teaching them that there was one God, that no human mediation was necessary between God and man, that all men constituted one brotherhood, that service for others was man's highest glory, he fired his disciples with zeal, and they went forth with him to conquer India to their new-found faith. Kings became the nursing fathers of the new religion. A prince of the royal house of Magadha, with his associates in the work, went down through India, and crossed to Ceylon, and all Oeylon was converted to Buddhism. Other disciples went around the northern end of the Bay of Bengal and converted all Burmah to Buddhism. They entered Siam, and all Siam and its monarch embraced the faith. These Buddhist missionaries, climbing up the ascents. of the Himalaya Mountains, went through Nepaul, and all the Nepaulese became Buddhists. They went over into Thibet, and Thibet became and remains Buddhist. They passed on into Siberia; into Ohina, and two hundred millions of its people embraced their faith. ~'hey crossed over to the island empire of Japan, and the standard of Buddha was planted there.
Let this history be to us a prophecy and an inspiration. Give us the men and all the agencies God has put in our power, and we can, by God's blessing, bring India to Ohrist within this onr generation. The Hindu converts will repeat the history of the past; but with new zeal, aided by a power that Buddha's disciples knew not. Again will they sweep through Nepaul and Thibet. Again will they traverse Siberia to its northern limit, and sweep over northern Ohina, conquering not for Buddha, but for Ohrist. The Mohammedan population of India, thus converted, will sweep northward and westward through Arabia and the Turkish Empire, and joining with the missionary forces already at work bring their coreligionists to Ohrist. The Japanese, now so rapidly and grandly enlisted under the banner of Christ, having then through their vigorous home missions completed the conversion of the islands of Japan, will sweep across through Korea and on through Siberia, to meet the advancing Hindu army of Ohrist. And the Chinese contingent, starting northward from Canton and Swatow and Amoy and Foochow, gathering force from the other coast missions and the Inland Mission, will complete th!;l conquest of Ohina, and all Asia will have been brought to Ohrist. Then upon the high mountains in East- will ern Asia will those three armies meet, and together plant the royal standal'd of King Immanuel, and from those united hosts go up the shout, "Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
THE MIRACLES OF MISSIONS
THE MlRAOLES OF MISSIONS.-No. III.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. P.] THE "WILD MEN" OF BURMAH.
WHEN the missionaries first landed in Burmah they were not even aware of the existence of the Karens or Karians or wild rnen, a rude race inhabiting also Siam and parts of Ohina, dwelling in jungles and mountainous districts, and numbering from 35,000 to 40,000. They reckon themselves by families, and though a family should number hun- dreds of souls it has but one house. Their government is primitive and patriarchal. They wear but little clothing, generally a long sleeveless shirt of coarse cotton. It is now sixty years ago since these obscure people were discovered by the Baptist missionaries. They were oppressed and virtually enslaved by the Burmans.
While their Burman oppressors turned proudly away from the cross, and clung the closer and the more resolutely to the follies and absurdi- ties of their atheistic idolatry, these humble people emerged from their obscure hiding places and not only heard the simple message of the gospel with a strange gladness, but bore the tidings from village to village till hundreds had been baptized and added to the church of God. Wherever the missionaries went the good news had preceded them, and in even the most remote, retired and untraveled quarters they found some who, like Simeon, were waiting for more light and prepared for its reception. Side by side with preaching went the mission schools. By lessons in language and science, as well as in the faith of Ohrist, these devoted men and women sought to lead the young from the vanities, idolatries and superstitions of their ancestors, and displace the , doctrines of Gautama by the teachings of Jesus. The printing press was also brought into requisition. Within ten years after the mission was begun fonts of type were prepared in each of the Karen dialects, and thousands of copies of books, tracts and portions of the Scriptures were published. The natives speaking the several languages soon learned to print them and became valuable helpers both in producing and distributing the issues of the press.
It may be worth while to trace at least the grand 9utlines of this wonderful history of modern gospel triumphs. When in 1828 Mr. Boardman removed from Maulmain to Tavoy there lived in his family a middle-aged man who had been a slave till the missionaries themselves purchased his freedom. Already a convert to Ohristianity, soon after' their arrival in this stronghold of Gautama with its two hundred Bud- dhist priests, this poor Karen was baptized. His name was Kho-Thah- by-u. He was the first Karen convert; his turning to Ohrist was the turning point in the history of the degraded race to which he belonged, and the work begun in his transformation was ~he auspicious forerunner and foretaste of a success which has in all Christian history scarce any superior or even equal as a demonstration of divine power. These "wild men," upon whom even the Burmans looked down with haughty contempt as servile inferiors, weaker in body and mind than their oppressors, the victims of intemperance and disgusting vices, were cruelly trodden under foot and virtually enslaved by the Burmans, who forced them to till the land, pay exorbitant taxes, and do all kinds of slave labor. To escape their persecutors they became half-nomads, wandering into remote and inaccessible regions that they might not be kidnapped and reduced to bondage. Though they had some crude belief in deity, and a future state with its awards, they had neither a definite religious faith and form of religion nor a priesthood. Yet these were the people whose unbounded enthusiasm in receiving the gospel has proven that none are so low that the good news may not at once reach to their deep degradation and accomplish their moral uplifting and utter transformation. Soon after Mr. Boardman settled at Tavoy, Ko-Thah-byu brought to him several Karens of the city. 'l'his first convert not only evinced a true and deep interest in Christ, but a passion for other souls that proved how the degraded pagan may not only be converted, but take up the work of winning souls with avidity and constancy.
At one of the Karen villages, twelve years before, a traveling Mussulman had left a mysterious book, which he told the Karens was sacred and entitled to divine honors. The superstitious party who had charge of it knew nothing of its contents, but wrapped it in muslin and enc~sed it in basket-work of reeds covered with pitch, like the Nile cradle of Moses. The mysterious book became a deified obJect and religiously venerated. The keeper himself became a kind of high priest and sacristan combined, and it was vaguely believed that a treasure had been sent them from a.bove which some future messenger would claim and explain. When Mr. Boardman came to the village he was visited by the guardian of the holy book to ask concerning its character. He could give no opinion till he should examine the book. So the keeper of it returned to his own village and came back after several days bearing the revered book and followed by a numerous train of interested people, all eager to know Mr. Boardman's verdict concerning this unknown volume. The wrappings were removed, and an old, torn, worn-out copy of The Book of Oommon Prayer and Psalms was revealed. It ,was an Oxford edition in English. Mr. Boardman, like Paul at Athens, told the people they were, in their way, very religious, but their devotion was misplaced. They had been ignorantly wor- shiping an unknown god, and he took opportunity now to declare to them the messa;ge of the true God. ." That book," said he, "is a good book, and teaches of the true God in heaven." The docility of the people was amazing. These Karens seemed to feel the sin of having given to a mere book the homage due only to God, and during the two days of Mr. Boardman's stay received with deep interest his instruction. The aged keeper of the book saw that his office and dignity were at an end and laid aside his sorcerer's fantastical dress and wand which had been for twelve years the sign and sceptre of his authority and influence.
In 1831 Mr. Boardman yielded to solicitation and began to visit the Karen villages, accompanied by the devoted Kho-Thah-byu. First of aU they went to the village of Tshick-Koo, the repository of the" sacred volume." The journey was through a country where the very hills and mountains were monuments of idolatry-every height was crowned with a pagoda.
Three days' journey brought him to Tshick-Koo, where he not only found a cordial welcome, but a zayat had been built in anticipation of his coming, and it was large enough to accommodate the whole population of the small village. There at once he preached, Kho-Thah-byu being his interpreter to such as were ignorant of Burman. Not only was he heard gladly, but some stayed all night at the zayat to hear him and the next day crowded about him with presents, and at the end of the second day five came for1vard to receive baptism, one of them the old sorcerer himself. Wherever he went he was received with great hospitality and frequently found candidates for baptism who had first heard of Christ from the lips of Kho-Thah-byu. This itinerant experience of ten days determined him to form a grand plan of comprehensive missionary operations, embracing preaching tours among the villages and establishment of Christian schools.
In 1829 the famous Tavoy rebellion scattered the little band of Karen disciples, broke up the schools and destroyed the mission premises, but when Mr. Boardman returned the fugitives came back from the jungles and new power attended the preaching of the word. There were those verging upon old age who traveled fifty miles by hard and perilous paths to apply for baptism. Kho-Thah-byu went often over the mountains to bear the gospel message, and from these distant homes, some of them on the borders of Siam, there came to the missionaries Karen inquirers who had been first reached by these disciples, who, scattered abroad, went preaching the word. On one occasion Kho-Thah-byu brought back forty of his countrymen.
Mr. Boardman's health gave way and he saw that his end was near. These simple Karens in the villages roundabout, fearing that he would not be able to visit them as he had promised, came to Tavoy and bore him ona cot upon their shoulders to the zayat they had builtior his use on the banks of a beautiful stream, where the sloping mountainsides were lined with Karen villages. There he found about fifty can- di@tea for baptism. With the aid of Rev. Mr. Mason and native disciples the dying missIonary examined the candidates, and at the sunset . hour his cot was placed by the riverside and the first Ohristian baptism: ever known in that district was celebrated in that mountain stream by Mr. Mason. This was Mr. Boardman's" closing scene "-fit close to the labors of a devoted missionary. They attempted to bear him back to Tavoy, but he died on the way, and his tomb is in the midst of what was once a Buddhist grove and beneath the shadow of a ruined pagoda. Its simple marble slab bears an epitaph which reminds us of Ohristopher Wren's memorial in St. Paul's cathedral, "If you seek his monument, look around you."
The next prominent stage in this wonderful work among the Karens was the gathering of these scattered converts from the villages into a community by themselves, in order that they might be provided with schools and other means of religious culture and growth quite impracticable in their scattered condition. This docile people accepted Mr. Mason's proposal, and about the year 1833 actually abandoned their homes, and a site was chosen for a new Ohristian town. It was the site of a former settlement known as "the ancient city," but only tradition of its former condition survived. The new settlement was called Matah, city of love, almost the Karen equivalent for Philadelphia. Fifteen years wrought there marvelous transformations: there might be found, forty years ago, a flourishing church, Ohristian schools, a.nd a happy, harmonious people, their nomadic habits having given way to a settled life of trade, industry, and agriculture. Heathen vices had already been displaced by neatness, cleanliness, decency and ordl(r. They began to support not only their own families but their own schools and the institutions of the gospel. The history of the wonderful changes wrought by the gospel among the "wild men" of Burmah we cannot trace further. Both in manners and morals, in manhood and hvusehold life, the Karen became unrecognizable after tHe gospel had touched his mind and heart.
When Mr. Mason in 1832 visited the fields of the beloved Board- man's labor, he came to the villages under the jurisdiction of Moung So, the chief, who early sought the missionaries at Tavoy, and he beheld with astonishment the changes already wrought. Hear his own words: " I no longer date from a heathen land. Heathenism has fled these banks. I eat the rice and potatoes and fruit cultivated by Ohristian hands, look on the fields of Ohristians, and see no dwellings but those of Ohristian families. I am seated in the midst of a Ohristian village, surrounded by a people that love, talk, act, and in my eyes look like Ohristians !" And this was over fifty years ago• .At Dong-Yahn the lamented Eleanor Macomber, in December, 1836, found the poor Karens, slaves of drunkenness and all the most loath- SOIJle vices of heathenism. With the aid only of two or three natives she maintained at her own dwelling daily prayer and Sabbath worship and opened a small school. Before the close of the .first season tw~lve Karens; rescued out of their low and degraded paganism, were baptized and formed into a church of Christ. By September of 1837 native preachers were in charge of the church and schools, and Dong-Yahn was the seat of a flourishing Christian community, from which Over a wide district crowded with Karens the ligbt and life of the gospel was extending. Her influence on the women and girls was such that scarce a home in the numerous villages of the jungle had not felt the power of her Christian womanhood to uplift and transform female character; and when in 1840, after less than four years of labor, she was called to her reward, the wilderness had already begun to bloom like Eden and the desert like the garden of the Lord. Persecution broke out, and the poor victims fled in every direction, but they held fast their fai~h, and like primitive disciples preached it when scattered abroad.
Among the most fascinating stories of missions is this triumph of the Christian faith in the wilderness of Burmah. It was propagated by Karens, who themselves had only just heard it and had scarcely learned to read the Gospels-men" persecuted and despised by cruel priests and superstitious despots"-yet that gospel took possession of hundreds of Karen hearts and homes and lifted a whole people to a new plane of domestic and social life and started them on a new career! What hath God wrought!
But the work thus begun has grown with a rapidity seldom paral- leled. In 1878 the fiftieth anniversary of the conversion of Ko-Thah- byu was kept by jubilee gatherings and the consecration of the Memorial Hall that bears his name. The Karens themselves built it for school and other mission purposes at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. It rep- resented twenty thousand then living disciples, converted from demon worship, maintaining their own churches and schools, besides twenty thousand more who, in the faith of Jesus, have died and gone to be with him in glory.
At the dedication of this Hall four veteran native Karen pastors and hundreds of others were present. 'fhe hall measures 134 feet on its south front, 131 on the east, and 104 on the west. It has a splendid audience room 66 by 38 feet, and with a fine gallery. Along the east side is carved in Karen, "Behold the Lamb of God," etc., and on the west side, "These words . . . thou shall teach diligently unto thy children." What a work may this hall see done in fifty years to come!
He who would realize what the gospel has done for the Karen slaves must go and stand on that" gospel hill" and see Ko-Thah-byu Memo- rial Hall confronting Shway-Mote-Tau pagoda on an opposing hill, with its shrines and fanes. Here is the double monument of what the ; Karens 1(Jere and are. Burmah has not only taken her stand among· the givers, but in 1880 ranked third in the li!:St of donors to the Bap- tist Missionary Union, only Massachusetts and New York outranking her! Burmah gave $31,616.14! and of this amount the Karen churches gave over $30,000! Fifty years ago in idolatry, now an evangelizing power! And not content with this, they set about raising another $25,000 to endow a normal and industrial institute! Their liberality puts to shame the so-called benevolence of our Ohristians at home. We give out of our abundance; "the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abound unto the riches of their liberality."
In the Government Administration Report for British Burmah for 1880-81 there is a glowing tribute to the American Baptist missionaries, followed by the statement that there were then attached ,to their communion" 451 Ohristian Karen parishes, most of which support their own church, parish school and native pastor, and many of which subscribe considerable sums for missionary work." The report adds: "Ohristianity continues to spread among the Karens, to the great advantage of the commonwealth, and the Ohristian Karen communities are distinctly more industrious, better educated and more, law-abiding than the Burman and Karen villages around them. The Karen race and the British Government owe a great debt to the American missionaries, who have, under Providence, wrought this change among the Karens of Burmah."
In connection with these gospel triumphs the name of that first Karen convert can never be forgotten. First in the Burmese Empire to embrace Ohristianity, afterward pastor of Maubee, for many years he preached the gospel to his despised and oppressed countrymen. The servant of Ohrist, the apostle of the Karens, whose conversion was the pivotal point in the history of a whole people, was a poor degraded Karen slave!
Sau Quala was one of the first converts among the degraded Karens. From the lowest state the gospel raised him, with a rapidity that no civilization ever knew, to a noble Ohristian manhood. His' first impulse was to tell others of Jesus. He helped to translate the Bible into the Karen tongue, for fifteen years guided the missionaries through the jungles, and then himself began to preach and to plant new churches. In one year he had formed nine, with 741 converts; in less than three years the nine had grown to thirty, with 2,000 converts. He did his work without salary, and when the English Government offered him a position, with large compensation, he at once declined, though his poverty was such as prevented him from taking his lovely wife with him in his missionary tours! This one man, whom no bait of money or position or personal ease could win to leave his holy and unselfish work, is an unanswerable proof that a power higher than man works in Ohristianity. And yet there are those who "do not believe in missions !"
WOMAN'S WORK FOR MISSIONS
WOMAN'S WORK FOR MISSIONS.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. p.] PAUL writes to the Philippians of those "women which labored with him in the gospel;" mark the phrase, "who labored with me in the gospel"- tTwtjO).1)tTav – were my co-athletes, fellow-gladiators, al':! though the life and labor of the gospel were an arena and they were his fellow-combatants, destined to the crown of life!
God fitted woman constitutionally for a high service in the gospel. Woman is pre-eminent above man in her sentimental, emotional and religious nature, and so it is that she holds the very keys of the domestic ~anctuary in the opportunity to form youthful character. She has marvelous capacity for teaching and for endurance. She is especially fitted to care for, sympathize with and reach her own sex. Hitherto in our denominational schemes she has been quite too much neglected and her work almost altogether ignored. But now the time has come when her capacity and sagacity, her intelligence and her consecration, bid fair to constitute her the leader of the modern missionary host. When we think of Augustine and his mother Monica, Ohrysostom and his mother Anthusa, Basil of Ooosarea and his grandmother Emmelia, Gregory of Nazianzen and Nonna, Theodoret and his mother, no marvel that Libanius, the pagan rhetorician, exclaimed in amazement, "What women these Ohristians have!"
Let us not forget how much woman can do for the rising generation by fostering in them a spirit of consecration to the work of God in evan- gelizing the world. The Scriptures * tell us to whom the world and the church are indebted under God for the labors of Timothy: "I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and thy mother Eunice"; "from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures." Here is the double secret: not only a pious education, but a pious ancestry transmitting an aptitude for a religious life, almost as though faith and devotion of soul to Ohrist were become hereditary, like the curse of a sinful character.
Put in contrast to the exclamation of Libanius what Napoleon said: "France is lost for want of mothers." There was a .boy at Athens, according to the old story, who used to boast that he ruled all Athens. and when asked how, he said, "Why, I rule my mother, my mother rules my father, and my father rules the city." But there is a reverse side to this statement. The mother shapes the character and influence of the child, the child determines the future man and woman; and so in the hands of the mothers God puts the character of the whole generation that in thirty years is to give shape to society. As we trace * Compo 2 Tim. i. 5, and iii. 15. great rivers to their sources we find a point in every stream where by the palm of the hand you may divert the current to any direction. At that point in the stream of human life God puts the mother.
We wish, however, to magnify especially woman's work for the conversion of woman in pagan countries, and in the organization of her own sex in Ohristian lands for missionary effort. Let us remember that she can especially understand and appreciate the condition of her own sex, and the elevation to which the gospel of Ohrist has brought her and can bring her degraded sisterhood elsewhere, and again that she alone can have access to the women of pagan countries. The severe restrictions of the seraglio, harem, zenana, forbid a mau to approach Eastern wives and mothers, even in capacity of a physician. There are perhaps four hundred million women who, if reached at all, must be reached by Ohristian women.
Jerome in his letter to Otesiphon says that Simon Magus founded his heresy by the help of Helena, a prostitute. Nicolaus of Antioch, the founder of all impurities, led about troops of women. Marcion also sent in advance to Rome a woman for his greater pleasure. Apelles had Philumena for a companion. Montanus first corrupted Prisca and Maximilla with gold and then polluted them with heresy. Arius, that he might deceive the world, deceived first the sister of his prince. Donatus was aided by the fortune of Lucilla. The bliud Agape led the blind Elpidius, and Galla was allied to Priscillian, and Justinian and Theodora were associated.
Even so has God ordained woman's work for the conversion of the world to be the grpat auxiliary to man's endeavor.
A student at Auburn inquired, "Shall I go to the heathen married or single?" Dr. Eli Smith replied, "By all means, married. 1. Because a single man must depend on another missionary's wife for home comforts, etc., which is unfair. 2. Because the question is not whether he shall take care of her, but she of him. 3. Because a single man in the East is looked, upon as corrupt. 4. Because woman proves the equal, if not the superior, of man in Ohristian work." He might have added, Because nothing more influences the heathen mind than the exhibition of what Ohristianity makes woman and home life.
Woman's work in the conversion of the world may be considered from four points of prospect.
1. The womanly nature and character. 2. The relation woman peculiarly bears to Ohristianity. 3. Woman's identification with her own sex in pagan lands. 4. Woman's opportunity and responsibility in the education of children. Woman sets us the example of self-sacrifice. The Roman maidens gave their tresses to make bowstrings for the Roman soldiers, in the second war with Oarthage. The Tyrian girls gave their long locks to be woven into cables to defend the city against Alexander. The women of Ephesus contributed their jewelry to restore Diana's temple. From the day that the hosts of women gave their polished metal mirrors to be cast into the mould for the brazen laver for the tabernacle, women have been our examples in the heroism of self-denial.
Woman's nature gives predominance to love. Now religion is more than anything else a matter of the affections. Although there can be no holy living without first a basis of conviction or belief, there may be this basis without any structure of godly character resting upon it. Not until the heart is touched by the truth and our love responds to our faith does true union with God begin, and the building of a renewed nature surmount the basis of belief. Hence when the affectional nature predominates we may naturally expect to see the noblest developments of piety. From the beginning of Christ's ministry until now women have been largely in the majority in the number of the followers of Jesus, and distinguished alike for their service and their suffering in his cause.
The elements of womanly character, therefore, indicate her peculiar fitness to co-operate in the conversion of the world. She is confessedly prominent and pre-eminent in her sentimental, emotional, affectional and religious nature.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, before she could read, used to go into the castle chapel and bow before the crucifix and place her little golden crown before the thorny crown. Whatever power woman may manifest in intellect, and whatever prominence she may exhibit in purely intellectual faculties and functions, no one will deny that her affectional and emotional nature is especially rich and exuberant.
Women have been pre-eminent in literature, like Martineau, Browning, Bronte, Beecher, Edgeworth; in art like Hosmer and Bonheur; in science like Somerville and Mitchell; in humanity like Patton and Nightingale; but the pre-eminence of women in direct and indirect missionary work is greater than all. The life of Harriet Newell has made many a missionary. Mrs. Grant and Fidelia Fiske in Persia, the three Mrs. J udsons in Burmah.• Mrs. Krapf in Africa, Mrs. Bushnell at the Gaboon-these are a few specimens of the heroic women who have thrilled the world by the exhibition of their consecration.
The woman of Samaria gave an early example of woman's power as a preacher. What preaching that was! Evangelical, experimental and consistent, earnest, simple, practical, effective. True; she was uneducated and unordained. She inquired of Jesus, .then told of Jesus, and so brought to Jes"iIs, directly and indirectly.
Great is the service rendered by woman in the evangelization of mankind. From the very beginning of Christ's ministry we find women following closely in his footsteps, ministering to him of their substance and sympathy, love and devotion. At his death there stood by his cross the three Marys-Mary his mother, Mary wife of Cleophas and mother of James and J oses, and Mary of Magdala; and Salome wife of Zebedee, and many other women who came up with him from Jerusalem. And again at the sepulchre we find two of the Marys and Salome very early in the morning bringing spices and ointments for his embalmment.
Subsequent to Ohrist's ascension we shall find woman still p;ominently engaged in spreading the conquests of the cross.
Acts ix. 36 : At Joppa there lived Tabitha or Dorcas, a woman full of good works and alms deeds which she did, and at whose bedside stood all the widows weeping and shewing the coats and garments which she had made for the poor while she was with them; and so abundantly did God recognize her service to the saints that Peter was sent to restore her to life. Acts xvi. 13 : When Paul visited Philippi he went out of the city on the Sabbath day by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
There it was that Lydia, the seller of purple cloths from Thyatira, heard the wQrd, whose heart the Lord opened, and who, after her baptism and that of her household, manifested such a grace of hospitality, saying, "If ye have judged me faithful to the Lord, come unto my house and abide," constraining Paul and Timotheus and Silas.
The last chapter of Romans is a chapter of farewell messages. rrwenty-seven persons are mentioned particularly and by name: with special salutation and commendation. Of this number nine are godly women. "Phmbe, our sister deaconess of the church at Oenchrea, who hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also;" "Priscilla, my helper in Ohrist Jesus,'~ who with her husband Aquila actually took Apollos, who though converted, eloquent, and mighty in the Scriptures, was a raw recruit, and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly;" "Mary who bestowed much labor on us;" " Junia, of note among the apostles." Ohrysostom regards this as meaning of note as one of the apostles.
Paul describes the good works of the godly woman: "If she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the affiicted, if she have diligently followed every good work" (1 Tim. v. 9, 10). All this both evidences Ohristianity and advances it; the pious discharge of motherly responsibility, the exercise of Ohristian hospitality, the ministry of humble service to the weary and afflicted-all this constitutes a method which the humblest woman can follow for the furtherance of Ohrist's gospel. A modern example of fellowship in missionary service may be found in a Vermont mother, following her son Henry in all his work in the missionary field with her prayer, becoming a participator in every visit, discourse, and journey, about four weeks after.
Well may woman be devoted to Ohrist. Ohristianity was the first great step in her elevation to her true rank and place. Even Judaism treated woman with comparative contempt. The Talmud abounds in insulting references to the female sex, classing women with slaves and idiots. 'Whoever will read such works as "Women in Persia," by Laurie, or" Woman in India," by Rudolph, or "The Women of the Arabs," by Jessup, can see what woman is and always has been, independent of the uplifting power of the religion of Ohrist. Well might woman, when apostles fled, the danger brave, last at the cross and earliest at the grave of Ohrist, for all that she is in social position as well as spiritual hopes she owes to Jesus.
Weare sometimes told that it is civilization, not Ohristianity, that has rescued woman from degradation and elevated man in morals. It is a great mistake. When Rome was in her highest state of civilization she was in her lowest stage of morals. Ohina has been a civilized nation for centuries, but the Ohinese women have no educational facilities and no social status above that of a slave; the girl babies are heartlessly murdered and the wife and mother is a mere chattel. No; civillzation without Ohristianity is incapable of purifying man or elevating woman. Ohristianity is the great purifier and elevator. Let us thank God for it, seek more of it, and rejoice more in it.
Woman's work for the conversion of the world is a natural result of her conscious indebtedness to her Saviour and his salvation. Woman feels her indebtedness to Ohristianity for what she is. Man owes to the religion of Ohrist all that he is spiritually as an heir of heavenly hope. But woman owes even her social and domestic dignity and liberty to the gospel. Independent of the influence of Ohristianity, what has she been everywhere and in every age? The slave, the tool, the victim of man. Education even in the Garden Oity of the Orient was the badge of the courtesan. Degradation and thraldom were the universal law of her condition. When Ohrist condescended to be born of a woman and call a Jewish maiden mother, he elevated her sex to a new dignity; I henceforth her social progress began. Paganism had treated her with contempt, as it does still. You insult a Turk by inquiring after the welfare of his wife and daughters, and to bury a female child alive car- ried no twinge of suffering to a parent's heart.
Tryphena and Tryphosa and Persis still labor much in the I~ord. They love his service and the service of souls. God bless the women of this day of missions for their widespread effort to inform the mind, inspire the heart, move the conscience, in the direction of missions I It is now held that the new version of the Old Testament gives a clear authority for women's foreign missionary societies by its rendering of the eleventh verse of the fifty-eighth Psalm: "The Lord giveth the word; the women that publish the tidings are a great host." Their separate organizations are not twenty years old, yet they have overspread the earth. The great uprising of young men and women, unprecedented in human history, who knows how far it is traceable past all the nearer impulses to the remoter cause-the training at the.
knee in the nursery. Go forward, godly women! God has given you the rare gifts and graces, the emotional, affectional fervor, the warm sympathy, the heroic sacrifice. Penetrate the harems and zenanas of the Orient; set up your schools and touch the child heart; build up the Ohristian home in the very centers of pagan, Mohammedan and pa.pal superstition and degradation. Gather your dimes till the mites make the millions; scatter yourtraets till the knowledge of the facts has penetrated even the lowliest home and humblest heart. Leave the stereotyped methods behind while you devise larger and more liberal things. The Lord is with you. May he give you yet more abundant grace and wisdom and success!
In 1883-84 the following list of women's organizations was published by Mr. Wilder. It might now be greatly enlarged: Woman's Union Missionary Society, New York. Organized in 1861. Income, $44,779.
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Philadelphia. Presbyterian. Organized in 1870. Income, $138,778.
Woman's Board of Foreign Missions, New York. Presbyterian. Organized in 1870. Income, $43,219.
Woman's Presbyterian Board of the Northwest, Chicago. Organized 1870. Income, $59,134.
Woman's Presbyterian Board of the Southwest, St. Louis. Income, $3,646. Woman's Baptist Missionary Society, Massachusetts. Organizf:'d in 1870. Income, $63,424. Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society of the West. Chicago, 1871. Income, $30,419. Woman's Board of Missions of the A. B. C. F. M., Boston, 1869. Income, $137,949. Protestant Episcopal Woman's Auxiliary, New York, 1871. Income, $18,179. Boxes, $131,617. Freedmen and Indians, $30,362. Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of M. E. Church, New York, 1869. Income, $143,199. Woman's Missionary Society of M. E. Church South, Nashville, 1878. Income, $52,652. Woman's Missionary Society of M. P. Church, Pittsburg. Income, $2,135. Woman's Board of Foreign Missions, Reformed (Dutch), New York, 1875. Income, $20,573. Woman's Missionary Association of the U. P. Church, Dayton, Ohio, 1875. Income, $9,689. Cumberland Presbyterian Board, Evansville, Ind., 1879. Income, $8,860. Lutheran General Synod's Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, Baltimore, Md., 1879. Income, $18,825-for two years. Woman's Board of Missions, Church of the Disciples, 1875. Income, about $14,000. Woman's Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association, 1884, Cleveland. Income, $1,220. Free Baptist Woman's Missionary Society, Danville, N. H. Income, $5,712. Woman's Foreign Missionary Association of Friends. Income, $3,000. Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of Presbyterian Church in Canada, Toronto, 1876. Income, $10,381. Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society of Ontario, Toronto, 1877. Income, $2,500.
We add a selection as in the line of this paper: "Woman occupies a conspicuous place in the primitive church. This will· be evident if we simply mention some of the feminine names which appear in the New Testament records: Anna, Apphia, Chloe, Claudia, Damaris, Dor-
DAVID BRAINERD
cas, Elizabeth, Eunice, Euodia, Joanna, Julia, Lois, Lydia, Martha, Mary of Bethany, Mary of Magdala, Mary of Nazareth, Mary of Rome, Mary the mother of Mark, Mary the wife of Cleopas, Persis, Phoebe, Priscilla, Rhoda, Salome, Susanna, Syntyche, Tryphena, Tryphosa, etc. Moreover, there are many women on whom the Lord bestowed signal favors, but whose names have not come down to us ; for example, Peter's mother-in-law, th~ widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus, the woman with the issue of blood, the Canaanite mother and daughter, the woman with the eighteen years' infirmity. Once more, there are the many anonymous women who tried, in one way or another, to serve the Lord J.esus; for example, the woman at Jacob's well, the penitent adorer in Simon's house, the widow with her two mites, Pilate's wife, the wailing women on their way to Calvary, the praying women of the upper chamber, etc. Indeed, it.may be doubted whether any secular history so small as the four Gospels wal> ever written in which the womanly element so largely prevails as in the life of Jesus the Christ.
"Nor is this surprising. For, first, woman's distinctive temperament makes her, if one may so say, a natural believer in Jesus Christ. He is emphatioally 'the seed of the woman.'
u, Not she with traitorous kiss her Saviour stung, Not she denied him with unholy tongue; She, while apostles shrank, could danger brave, Last at his cross, and earliest at his grave.'
"Secondly, woman owes an incalculable debt to Jesus Christ. His birth marks the turning point in woman's history. Hitherto, as in heathen countries to this day, she had been the victim of man's caprice, cruelty, lust, scorn and tyranny. EYen the Hebrews themselves, although taught from the beginning to reverence woman, had been wont to regard her as man's handmaid rather than his equal; in fact, a Jewish morning prayer prescribes that a man shall bless God for three things, namely, that he was not born a Gentile, a slave, or a woman. But when the fullness of the time came, and God sent forth his Son to be born of a woman, as well as under the law, then was woman herself emancipated and restored to her·paradisal equality with man. Henceforth, at least in the realm of the spiritual life, there was to be neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free, neither male nor female; for all are one in Christ Jesus. It has been so ever since; wherever Jesus Christ has been best known, there woman has been most honored. Woman owes everything to the Son of Mary."
D A V I D BRA I N E RD.
[EDITORIAL.-J. M. s.] HAVING sketched the Life and the Oharacter of this extraord~nary missionary saint, it only remains for us to touch upon the matter of his expulsion from Yale Oollege and vindicate his memory from the asper- sion cast upon his good name by that unjust and cruel act, and offer a few remarks suggested by his life and experience. .
His expulsion was as high-handed a measnre as the annals of college discipline can produce. Viewing it even from this distance of time, it fills us with amazement and indignation. If we were a member of the Faculty of that venerable institution, we would not rest until that iniquitous measure was expunged from its records. Sure we are that no unprejudiced mind, possessed of the facts of the case on which the act was based, as carefully stated by President Edwards and also by Brainerd himself in his journal and letters, can come to any oth~r conclusion than that the college authorities erred in expelling him in the first instance for so slight an offense; erred in inflicting the severest academical punishment in their power for a word spoken in confidence to two 01' three college mates and intimate religious friends with no malicious intent; that they erred again in refusing to accept his very humble and penitent confession and restore him to his standing; and again erred by their strange and relentless persistency in refusing the request of a large number of the most distinguished clergymen in the colonies, that Brainerd might be allowed to take his degree with the class from which he was expelled the year before. Had his alleged offense been tenfold more serious than it was, we cannot see how the~r conduct in this instance could be justified, especially in view of the peculiar circumstances of the case and the fact that the offending party had made a prompt and manly acknowledgment. But the offense in fact was a trifling one, and one that the o.:ffended tutor and the faculty of the college ought not to have laid to heart or made a serious fuss over. If the authorities of Yale or of any other college in the land to-day should expel a student for such an Qffense, a cry of shame and indignation would ring throughout the land.
The offense consisted of two particulars: The first a hasty and foolish remark, reflecting on the piety of one of the tutors, made in private to two or three fellow students and overheard and reported by another student who happened to overhear it. The other item Was in going to a religious meeting in the town when the college had forbidden attendance on such meetings. That 10as the whale of the offense. It seems scarcely credible to us in these days. The last item must be ruled out. For no college rulers had a right, legal or moral, to enact such a rule. It was a high-handed assumption of power, and was a fling at the promoters of the great religious Revival which then agitated and divided New Haven and many other parts of New Englaud. And whether the other offense-the words applied to tutor Whittlesey-were true or false, there was, as all must admit, a great deal to excuse or palliate the offense in the spirit and occurrences in the life around him at the time the words were spoken.
A great religious movement was then on foot. Whitefield and other apostles of the new evangelism had fired the hearts of multitudes. Excitement ran high. The revival had shaken the town of New Haven and the mass of college students had come under its power, Brainerd among the rest, who entered into the work with all the intensity of his earnest nature. « Ministers of long standing," and churches without number, were divided in regard to these « New Lights," as they were .
called. Extravagances and evils, according to President Edwards'
testimony, mixed with much that was good. A censorious spirit was rampant. Whitefield himself publicly judged and denounced ministers of standing and experience, and many leading churches also, for their supineness or opposition-so much so that the pastor of Northampton, while sympathizing with the movement and throwing the great weight of his example and preaching in favor of it, deplored the excesses of intemperate zeal, and specially exposed and condemned the. censorious and self-righteous spirit which characterized a portion of its promoters.
Even Whitefield himself he censured and personally rebuked!
Surely, when old and staid ministers-ministers of learning, piety and recognized standing-were led away for the time being from the meekness and sweet gentleness of Christ, and in speech and manner, in preaching and praying, implied that all who were not of their way of preaching and praying-all who cast not out devils after their fashion -all who failed to enter heartily into their measures, or who dared to oppose them, were hypocrites or graceless professors-the young and zealous sophomore who had caught the contagion and entered 'into the excitement and took an active part in the revival, which changed the character of the college and numbered many of its students among its converts, might have been pardoned the hot, thoughtless words spoken in private concerning the lack of piety in one of the tutors who had just been "pathetically" praying before the students! What college law was broken? What was there in the nature and extent of the offense to call for college discipline ? Were there not many palliating considerations in the times and in the circumstances of the case? Would not a reprimand have been all that the offense called for? On what principle of justice or fairness could they visit upon him, a student too of blameless virtue and exemplary piety, condign punishment, blast his future prospects and consign him to disgrace, so far at least as their action had effect? Fortunately it did not seriously injure the character of Brainerd, even at the time, or lessen the high esteem in which he was held by his friends, while it served to rally to his support many of the most eminent ministers of his time, and called forth great sympathy and interest in his career, not only over all New England, but also in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. And God so overruled the matter that, beyond all question, it was one of the chief causes which led to the establishment of Princeton College.
The first point suggested by these memoirs that is worthy of careful consideration by all the friends of missions at the present time relates .to the methods and the machinery of missionary operations. We do not propose to discuss this important and vital question here, but simply to note the example of this eminent Christian and missionary and the results of his labors. Brainerd literally obeyed the ascended Lord. He went forth with the Bible only in his hands. He gave himself to prayer and to the preaching of the Word of God, to catechetical instruction, to direct efforts to convert souls and train them for Ohrist. He at once began to preach to these untutored, uncivilized, degraded barbarians the central trnth of Ohristianity, the cardinal doctrines of the Ohristian system -the very same doctrines which Jonathan Edwards then preached in Northampton, and which Dr. John Hall preaches to-day on Fifth avenue in New York Oity-and he preached them with the same distinctness and discrimination and directness and urgency and application; and the same results followed! He had to preach through an interpreter. He labored under a thousand disadvantages. But he honored God's word, God's method of saving sinners, and he preached and prayed with faith in the efficacy of the gospel and the Holy Spirit's power; and the effect, the fruit, was the same at Kaunaumeek, and Orossweeksung, and at the Forks of the Delaware, as at Northampton, and in New York Oity, and in primitive times.
Have we not, in these days of weak faith and decay of spiritual life, departed quite too far from the apostolic idea and practice in our missionary endeavors? Are we not making organizations, schools, civilizing influences, machinery, and merely human devices, altogether too prominent? Is not the natural, if not the inevitable tendency of such a policy to unduly exalt the human element at the expense of the divine'! And is not the effect to weaken our hold on God, to lessen the felt necessity of prayer and the Holy Spirit's omnipotent energy? Is it not precious time lost? are not energies wasted? and is not the time of harvest delayed?
Ohrist understood perfectly the conditions and necessities of the case, andthe nature and adaptability of the gospel to its end, when he commissioned the disciples to go and teach all nations. And we know how the disciples understood his message, and how they obeyed it; their one uniform and universal method among Jews and Greeks and Romans, alike among barbarians and in civilized communities, was to preach Ohrist and him crucified, and to organize and gather the converts into Ohristian churches on the simple basis of the gospel. They knew nothing about our modern theories and accessories. We do not find the slightest trace of any of these modes or machinery in the primitive church's effort to evangelize the world. And human nature is the same to-day as then; and the condition of the heathen world is essentially the same. And yet we have drifted into a totally different method. We have come virtually to put civilization, education, preparation, before and in place of the gospel. It is not "the foolishness of preaching" so much as it is the perfection of appliances and constructive agencies and civilizing forces that is the church's main reliance today for the evangelization of the world, both nominally Ohristian and heathen! The Indians to whom Brainerd ministered were exceedingly ignorant; their social and moral condition was of the lowest order. They were simply savages. And yet the gospel, as preached and expounded to them by this single young isolated missionary, whose heart was all aflame with the love of God, and who spent hours every day on his knees in prayer, was made mighty through faith in God for their salvation. The grace of God achieved in four short years among that degraded race as signal and as glorious a triumph as it achieved under Whitefield and Edwards among the civilized and educated whites. No one can trace the history of God's converting and transforming grace at Kaunaumeek and Orossweeksung-note the operation of gospel truth and of the Holy Spirit's influence on these ignorant and degraded sinners, and especially such manifestations of power and grace as are recorded in Ohapter X. of Brainerd's memoirs-and doubt for one moment the sufficiency of the gospel in the hands of the Spirit of God, when wisely and faithfully preached in faith and with importunate prayer, to tr3.nsform and elevate any people, however depraved and degraded. 0 for the simplicity, the faith, the whole-heartedness, the reliance on the teachings of Ohrist and" the witness of the Spirit," which characterized the early Ohristians, and which characterized the life of Brainerd! 'l'he chl1,rch ?rmst yet come to this, or the" millennial " age, for which she has prayed and waited so long, will prove only a pleasing dream. Maya renewed study of the life and example and achievements of this illustrious missionary help to bring it about!
A second remark. Brainerd and his co-workers on the same field- Eliot, Horton, Sergeant and Edwards-really solved for us in theory the. Indian Problem, and we have been almost a century and a half in finding it out! Had the work which they began among and in behalf of the aboriginal tribes of North America been continued and prosecuted to its legitimate end; had the policy which they clearly marked out and inaugurated in their treatment of the Indian race-viz., honest dealing, evangelization, education, teaching the industrial arts-had this Ohristian policy been recognized and pursued by the United States Government and people in their subsequent dealings with them, what untold millions of treasure had been saved the nation! what bloody wars and frightful massacres had been averted! The long dark record of injustice, cruelty, perfidy, treaty-breaking-the strong oppressing the weak, high-handed unrighteousness in the sight of Heaven and the civilized world-had not been written.
At length, blessed be God, the truth which these missionary pioneers clearly perceived and exemplified in their teaching and lives begins to dawn upon the American mind. The gospel of Jesus Ohrist, the church, the ministry, the school, Ohristian society and civilization, are coming at length to be recognized,by the Ohristian church at least, as the only forces and methods to settle this perplexing question, which has so long overmatched alike the wisdom of statesmanship, the resources of military genius and power, and the humanities of philanthropy.
If our Government, which has so strangely blundered and so grievously sinned in the past in its Indian policy, will now at least keep its hands ofi and not sufier evil-minded or pig-headed officials in our Indian Bureau to Jlerpetrate monstrous stupidity and outrageous interference and injustice at the dictation of political intrigue; if the policy and trend of our missionary efiorts in behalf of the Indian established by Eliot and Brainerd and Edwards, and kept steadily in view ever since by those who have sought their elevation, shall not be interfered with, the practical solution of the Indian problem is nigh at hand.
. We bless God to-day for such a noble life, for such a saintly char- acter, and for such an example of Ohristlike sacrifice and toil in the glorious cause of human redemption as we have been contemplating.
That life, that character, that example are calling to us to-day-call- ing by the printed page which perpetuates his wondrous, burning testi- I I mony; camng by those earnest soul-wrestlings and prayers, which God witnessed and heard in the American wilderness five generations ago; calling by those displays of almighty and regenerating grace which he was the occasion and the instrument of displaying among the heathen and savage tribes of this new world; calling by the tongues of prophets long dead, by the sacrifices and the triumphs of modern missions, and by the hopes and expectations of the church of God, to awake out of sleep and take hold of the work of the world's conversion in dead ear- nest! The appeal is made to 1l8, of this generation, as truly as though an angel were flying through the midst of heaven summoning the sacra- mental host of God's elect to be up and doing, to go up and possess the land, to thrust in the sickle and reap, to "stand and see the sal- vation of God." The prayer of the church for more than eighteen hundred years has been, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." And the apocalyptic angel has joined in the grand chorus, "Even so come, Lord Jesus! Amen." The souls under the altar that were slain for the word of God are crying, " How long, o Lord, holy and true! " The earth groaneth and travaileth in pain for her redemption hour. The nations which sit in darkness stretch forth their hands unto us and are struggling upward toward the light.
There are signs too in the heavens, and commotions on the earth, and stately steppings of almighty power and converting grace in the providential world, which plainly indicate that Ohrist the Lord is speedily coming to take to himself his great power and assert his king- ship over aU and establish his millennial reign on the earth.
The preparation of long ages is now complete. Prophecy has closed its testimony. The promises are world-embracing. Discipline, waiting, training, developing, laying foundations, have had their day and done their assigned work. ~he time for ACTION has now fully comethe time for a combined assault on the kingdom of darkness, the time for a grand aggressive movement all along the line. The trumpet is sounding to the charge! In the name of the Lord of Hosts, lift up the banner of righteousness and fling to the breeze the all-conquering standard of our Immanuel. Long since the church had her marching orders: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature !" Why hesitate? Why wait for other manifestations?
Young men and maidens! can you look on the stirring scenes which this world presents to y()U to-day-the world in which the Eternal Son of God has planted the cross, the symbol of omnipotent love and divine sacrifice, by which he is to conquer and reign over a redeemed uni. verse-can you view these scenes and events and not long to participate in the glorious struggle and the glorious conquest? Ye Brainerds and Henry Martyns and Careys and J udsons and Livingstones, ye Harriet Newens and Mrs. J udsons, this is the day for such as you to come to the front and assert your Ipission and fire the heart of the sacred brotherhood with flaming zeal, holy enthusiasm, and a self-denying spirit-the day to emulate the faith, the heroic spirit, and the sublime self-sacrifice of Paul and Peter and John and the other primitive disciples.
Weare approaching the close of the nineteenth century; and what a century it has been, especially the latter half of it, in the way of change, development, progress, achievement! Stirring events are transpiring before us every day. Divine providence is writing history with a rapidity and on a scale of magnitude unparalleled in the past. And have these things no significance? Have you no personal interest in them? Is not God speaking in them all to you, to me, to every disciple with'loud and solemn voice? And especially the young men of this generation, are they not" brought to the kingdom" at a momentous crisis in the world's history? Is not human life to-day, measured by its opportunities, its responsibilities, its possibilities, worth a hundred lives in ages gone by? Did ever a generation have such opportunities to distinguish itself in the grand march of human events? Was ever such a cry heard from so many lands, and from the isles of the sea-from India and from Africa, from China and Japan and Mexico-from so many races and nations and peoples and tongues, saying, "Come over and help us," as noUJ resounds throughout Christendom?
If we will not respond to these wondrous providential calls-these calls of the Spirit of God, these calls of a groaning and perishing world, going up day and night to heaven like the sound of many waters-we shall be thrust aside, and the kingdom, the work, the honor and the victory will be given to others. For, CONVERTED TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST this world will be. God has purposed it. Prophecy proclaims it with a thousand tongues. Divine promises without num·
THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN JAPAN
bel' are the pledges of it. All the instrumentalities and facilities necessary to its accomplishment are ready. All over the earth prayer is continually ascending for the hastening of th~ work. Ohristianity was never such a living power in the world as it is. to-day, despite the unbelief and wickedness of the times. The Anglo-Saxon race-the race of progress and dominion, the custodian of Ohristianity-which nnmbered but 7,000,000 when the Pilgrim Fathers replanted Ohristianity on these western shores, numbers to-day 100,000,000, and is marching on to universal snpremacy ; while the achievements of the last seventyfive years in the missionary field are on a scale of grandeur unparalleled in the history of the church, not excepting even the apostolic period. A few decades of years will decide the momentous issue; will flood the earth with supernal glory, or witness the going down of the sun of human hopes in a night of darkness that shall have no morning!
THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN JAPAN.
[For prudential reasons the writer of this interesting paper prefers not to give his name, but we assure our readers that it comes from a source which entitles it to the highest consideration.-EDs.] THE Japanese follow the West in politics as in all else. Already there are two parties, with leaders, organs and programmes. For years the strife has been hot; it will reach a crisis in 1890. Both parties profess their devotion to Western ideas and civilization; the strife is as to the European country that shall furnish the political model. Shall the new parliament be German or English in its powers? The Imperialists are in power. They command all the forces of government-the public purse, the army, the police, the signature of the Emperor. The Liberals are in opposition. They have neither public power nor wealth, and must depend upon enlightened sentiment. The extreme radicals are supposed to place some reliance on dynamite.
The Liberals state their case somewhat as follows: For some years after the revolution of 1867-68, which resulted in the overthrow of the Shogun and the re-establishment of the rule of the Mikado, the men of new Japan acted in harmony, All agreed that Western civilization must be adopted, and all desired complete reform. Great things were accomplished even in politics, and a constitutional development was begun that would eventually place Japan abreast of the most advanced of the free kingdoms of Europe. There was complete freedom of the press and platform, and both were widely used for the enlightenment of the people. Local self-rule was, to some extent granted, and both town and provincial assemblies were formed. A national parliament was promised. So far there was agreement. But dissensions arose. Some of the statesmen thought the pace too fast for safety. Absolutist tendencies became manifest, and a desire to replace the feudal despotism with a powerful and centralized imperialism. Some of the J,iberals protested, and were silenced or forced to resign. Thenceforth the development of the new imperialism was more rapid. In 1876-77 was the Satsuma rebellion, led by General'Saigo. It was not directly connected with liberalism and was personal in its origin, but its repression was followed by stringent political measures. One by one the political rights already granted were curtailed or abolished, and an open tyranny was established. Freedom of the platform and of the press was overthrown. Political meetings were broken up by the police, and public speakers were hurried off to prison at the will of petty officers. The privacy of the mails was invaded, and spies entered the homes of suspected r~iberal leaders. The press was intimidated or bribed, justice was corrupted; there was false imprisonment of political opponents and no hope of redress. The powers of the local assemblies were so reduced that men of position refused to enterthem. The governors of the provinces were given great powers, and became the mere creatures of the Tokio executive. The police and army were strengthened and force became the ruling policy. Taxation became more and more oppressive, the administration WaS grossly extravagant-in short, all the evils of political tyranny followed. The government has finally agreed to establish a parliament in 1890, but it will be a parliament with little power to benefit the people, since every change during the past ten years has been in the direction of centralization and personal government. The events of December, 1887, are only the last in a long series, and show that the right to petition has ceased to exist. The ministry stands between his Majesty and the people, and the most moderate petition is refused a hearing. Nobles and men influential in the restoration of the Emperor are denied all access to him if their politics displease the men in power. The Liberals sum up their charges in an adjective an~ call the government Russian.
The Imperialists are ready with their reply. The men in power are not reactionists; they are not tyrannical nor intolerant. They are the very men who have been most instrumental in the advancement of Japan. All the progress of the past is owing to their wise statesmanship. They are not even conservatives; they are leaders of young Japan. In other lands governments are goaded to reform by public' sentiment, but here reforms have been in advance of popular demands. The nation follows, the government leads. The story of the past fifteen years is the all-convincing evidence of good faith. It must not be forgotten that a few years ago Japan was feudal, and even now the ignorant people know nothing of politics. Surely England is too advanced to be a safe guidE' at once for Asia. Men who can lead Japan from Asiatic feudalism to German constitutionalism in a single generation are not tyrants. Progress is as rapid as safety will admit. The promise of a parliament in 1890 is enough to satisfy all reasonable men. The leading Liberals are carried away with crude ideas of English politics. They have no experience of practical government, and have no notion of its responsibilities. The radicals are dangerous and must be repressed. If the press and platform were not controlled, the people would be inflamed by irresponsible politicians. Most of the people are content, and the agitators are only a handful. It is better to repress a few and thus preserve the peace. Oertain of the radicals plot, and men who play with edged tools must not complain if they are hurt. The government is repressive only as freedom is abused to the injury of the people.
Missions have nothing to fear from either party. The present government is friendly and has afforded every protection to miSSIOnaries. It has shown its good feeling iIi very many ways. It regards the Ohristianization of Japan as inevitable and as a part of the adoption of Western civilization. It naturally desires that religious work be kept wholly distinct from politics. The Liberals are not less friendly. Some of their leading men are already professed Ohristians and all desire the rapid extension of the religion of Ohrist.
The severely repressive measures of last December are used as an argument to strengthen the position of those men who are opposed to the abolition of extra-territorial rights in Japan. It does not seem to us that the question is involved at all. The argument is that the government is irresponsible and not to be trusted. An imperial rescript can change the laws without notice, and there is no guarantee that the modern system of legal procedure will endure.
The objection would have a show of force were there any party in the empire desirous of re-establishing the old system of Asiatic and feudal Japan. Extra-territoriality is justified when Europeans dwell in barbarous and hostile lands. In Ohina and Turkey the system is necessary if foreigners are to dwell in those lands at all. In Ohina judicial procedure is crude and cruel, and in Turkey the Ohristians have no rights that Moslems are bound to respect. When foreigners first went to Japan the same system was the necessary condition of residence. N ow all is changed; the law is no longer Asiatic, but has become European, and no one.desires a return to the old ways.
The men in power rightfully refer to the history of the past years as proof of their earnestness in the adoption of Western civilization. And as to guarantee, the treaties will be guaranteed by all the safeguards of treaties made between J:ltrong and weak powers. There is no danger that the stability of the laws, that are the very reason for the abolition of the present extraordinary rights, will be endangered. 1'he Japanese proposals guard our rights in fullest measure. Oertainly no debate within Japan as to the European model that is to be accepted there can justify the treaty powers in refusing a simple act of justice. As Americans we naturally sympathize with liberal politics and regret absolutist tendencies. But much as we prefer England to Germany, the questions at issue now in Japan in no wise alter the fact that foreigners in Japan should henceforth submit to Japanese laws.
THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. [M.A.Y
THE MISSIONARY CAUSE.
[One of the most powerful appeals ever made in behalf of missions was recently made by Canon Liddon in St. Paul's Cathedral, London. We give a few extracts from it.-Ens.] "IF when Christians had been free to do their best for their Master's cause, missionary enterprise has at any time slackened, it has been because the real nature of the claims of Christ has been lost sight of. Missionaryimter- prise is at once wasteful and impertinent if the Christian religion, instead of being necessary for every child of Adam, is only suited, we will say, to the . Western world at a particular stage of civilization. And if all religions are partly true and partly false, and the choice between them is to be settled, not by recognizing any universal necessity of man or any decisive proof of a clear mandate of God, but by considering what is called the' genius' of a par- ticular people, then Christianity has been mistaken in a vital manner and from the very first. If we have not lost part and lot in the spirit of St. Paul we should not deem the antiquity and vast empire of Buddhism, or the aggressive and more modern religion of the false prophet Mahomet, any rea- son which should deter us from doing what we may to rescue races, some of them more highly endowed by nature than ourselves, from the tyranny of these and other errors. Be the genius of these people what it may, we, like St. Paul, are debtors both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; we owe the gospel to them, but especially do we owe it to that loving and gracious Saviour, who, without any claim or merit of ours, has called us out of dark- ness into his marvelous light, and has bidden us go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
"It is urged that missionary work, like charity, should begin at home. 'Look at your great cities! '-so an anonymous correspondent wrote only last week-' Look at London before you busy yourselves about the needs of dis- tant populations.'
" A religion issuing from the mind and heart of the Universal Father must be adapted to the needs of everyone of his rational creatures; and to say that there are any stages of their development for which it is less adapted than some false creed which would fain support it is to deny that our Lord Jesus Christ is what he claims to be-the Saviour of the world. But are those who thus object to Christian missions always and entirely sincere? Is it not the case that when the church takes their advice and is enabled to restore Christian faith and life in a particular English parish, district or diocese, to something like a primitive standard of fervor and excellence, she is apt to be cautioned against thinking too much of any such success, while two- thirds of the world are not Christians? And yet if we ask them to help For- eign Missions they plead their absorbing interest in Home Missions' To such critics we cannot afford to listen. Time flies, and our Master's bidding is plain and imperative. Some of you will remember an occurrence which took place during the Second Punic War. It has often been referred to as showing how from very early days the Roman people possessed what is called the instinct of empire. When the victorious Carthaginian general, Hanni- bal, was in the heart of Italy, and threatening Rome itself, the Senate dis- patched a fleet and army to Spain that they might, by laying siege to Sa- guntum, deal a deadly blow to Hannibal in his rear; and this bold venture w-as abundantly justified by the result. Now every heathen land is the Sa- guntum of the Christian Church, and if it be true that some spiritual Hannibal is ravaging possessions which had long owned her sway, or even
THE DESERTED MISSION
threatening ruin in this or that of her ancient homes, still she owes the gospel of salvation to all the world.
"It is sometimes said that England best does her duty to heathen lands by conferring upon them the blessings of civilization, by which is meant all those material improvements in human life which European science and industry have so largely multiplied. Certainly it is not my duty or my inclination to depreciate these great advantages; but, unhappily, our civilization is accompanied by an alloy of evil which we cannot ignore. We cannot forget what has been the moral meaning of the sale of some British drug, or of the arrival of a British ship's company at a pagan port, or of the methods of capitalists in savage lands. There is no need further to lift the veil. All those who have looked into these matters must know that England owes a debt to more pagan lands than one, not merely that of the glorious gospel, but also some sort of moral reparation for evils which those who bore her name have too often carried with them into pagan lands and homes.
"I ask you to give your generous support to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. . . • With a history that now approaches the completion of its second century, it has necessarily done more than any other body for the expansion of our portion of the kingdom of Christ . . . and you will not, we feel sure, be found wanting in an effort which must command the sympathy of every man and woman who sincerely believes that through our Lord Jesus Christ alone is there real approach to the Father of spirits."
THE DESERTED MISSION.
PROF. HENRY DRUMMOND of Glasgow, in a lecture on "The Heart of Africa," before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, gave a striking illustration of the peril which besets missionary life in that deadly climate. As his boat swept along the beautiful Lake Nyassa he noticed in the distance a few white objects on the shore. On closer inspection they were found to be wattle and daub houses built in English style and whitewashed. Heading his boat for the shore he landed and began to examine what seemed to be the home of a little English colony. The first house he entered gave evidence of recent occupancy, everything being in excellent order, but no human form was to be seen or human voice heard. The stillness of death reigned. He entered the school-house. The benches and desks were there, as if school had been but recently dismissed, but neither .teacher nor scholars were to be seen. In the blacksmith shop the anvil and hammer stood ready for service, and it seemed as if the fire had just gone out upon the hearth, but no blacksmith could be found. Pushing his investigations a little further he came upon four or five graves. These little mounds told the whole story and explained the desolation he had seen. Within them reposed the precious dust of some of the missionaries of Livingstonia, who one by one had fallen at their posts, victims of the terrible African fever. Livingstonia was Scotland's answer in part to the challenge which Henry M. Stanley gave to the Christian world to send missionaries to eastern equatorial Africa. When that intrepid explorer, after untold hardship, had found David Livingstone, and during months of close companionship had felt the power of that consecrated life, he blew the trumpet with no uncertain sound to rouse the church to her privilege and responsibility in central Africa. But it was not till the death of the great missionary explorer that the land which gave him birth resolved to send a little army of occupation to the region which he had opened to the Christian world. On the 18th of January, 1875, at a public meeting held in the city of Glasgow, the Free,
ORGANIZED MISSIONARY WORK
the Reformed and the United Presbyterian churches of Scotland founded a mission to be called Livingstonia, and which was to be located in the region of Lake Nyassa, the most southern of the three great lakes of central Africa, with a coast of eight hundred miles. Although founded by the churches just named, it was understood that it was to be regarded as a Free OhUl'ch mission, the others co-operating with men and means as opportunity offered or necessity required. The choice of location was most appropriate, not only because Dr. Livingstone had discovered that beautiful sheet of water, but because he had reqnested the Free Church to plant a mission on its shores. The first company of missionaries, which included also representatives of the Established Church who were to found a separate mission in the lake region, after immense toil and severe hardship, reached the lake via the Zambesi and Shire rivers, October 12, 1875. They selected a site near Cape Maclear as their first settlement, and as soon as possible put into operation the various parts of the mission work they had been commissioned to prosecute-industrial, educational, medical and evangelistic. From the first the mission met with encouraging success,. becoming not only a center of gospel light to that benighted region, but also a city of refuge to which the wretched natives fled to escape the inhuman cruelties of the slave-traders. As the years rolled on, however, it was found necessary to remove the main work of the mission to a more healthful region on the lake, hence the desolation seen by Prof. Drummond, the work at Cape Maclearbeing now mainly evangelistic and carried on by native converts. The mission still lives and comprises four stations, one of which is situated on the Stevenson Road, a road constructed at a cost of $20,000 by ~n English philanthropist, and intended to promote communication between Lakes Nyassa and Tanganyika. An additional station is soon to be occupied in the uplands southwest of Cape Maclear.
It is still the day of small things with the mission so far as tangible results are concerned. In the annual report submitted last May but one organized church is mentioned, with a roll of nine communicants. The missionaries write in a hopeful spirit, however, both as to their work and their health, and the friends of the mission at home are encouraged at the outlook, and have recently completed arrangements by which the support of the work for a third term of five years is assured. They are not discouraged by the fact that already some $200,000 haye been spent upon the mission, exclusive of the expense of constructing the Stevenson Road and of efficient help rendered without compensation by the African Lakes Company. They are determined to push forward in the noble work of evangelizing the lake region of Central Africa. Livingstonia, therefore, so far from being a deserted mission, gives promise of being a power for good to the dwellers by Lake Nyassa who are sitting in the region and shadow of death.
II.-ORGANIZED MISSIONARY WORK.
Missionary Society of the Methodist third year from the union of the Ohurch (Oanada). Methodist Church of Canada, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the REPORT for 1886-87 (sixty-third an- Primitive Methodist Church, and the nual report), being the thirteenth Bible Christian Church. year from the union of the Wesleyan "The General Board of Missions Methodist Church of Canada, the submits this report with feelings of Wesleyan Methodist Church of East- devout gratitude to the Head of the ern British America, and the Meth- church, who has crowned the work odist New Connexion Church, and the of the society withabundantblessings, Montreal Conference ………….. . 22,490 86 and with cordial acknowledgment of Manitoba Conference…………… . 28,626 13 the liberality with which the fund Nova Scotia Conference………… . 5,930 10 has been sustained. Having now New Brunswick and Prince Edward passed the $200,000 line, it is hoped that the church will make this the Island Conference ………… :… 6,56923 starting point for a grand onward Newfoundland Conference……… . 10,64793 movement, and the board suggests Mount Elgin Industrial Institution .. 3,125 28 that the motto for the present year Sundries …………………….. . 16,132 16 shall be, 'A REVIVAL IN EVERY Cost of management ………….. .. , 8,942 53 CONGREGATION, AND A QUARTER OF A MILLION FOR MISSIONS.' The re- Total expenditnre……………. $189,286 15 ligious reports for the past year are Balance, being excess of income full of interest and encouragement. In almost every department there over expenditure for the year. . . . . $12,588 19 has been substantial growth, and there is a spirit of hopefulness about $201,87437 most of the reports which promises well for the future." Balance, deficit June 30,1886……. $13,58i 41 After a very full and detailed state- Balance brought down, net deficit.. $999 22 ment of operations, covering some 350 pages, the following summary is The ,General Baptist Missionary Society. given: THIS small but venerable society INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, '87. made its seventy-first annual report June 29, 1887. It sustained a great loss Toronto Conference, including mis- in the death of Rev. John Buckley, sionary districts …………….. . $46,588 71 D.D., their senior missionary, after more than forty years of devoted ser- London Conference ……………. . 16,27002 vice. His death is greatly lamented, and it is proposed to raise a "Buck- Niagara Conference ………….. .. 24,69641 ley Memorial Fund" for a twofold object: 1. The support of a native Guelph Conference ……………. . 18,14663 minister; 2. The establishment of a scholarship' in the Mission High Bay of Quinte Conference ……… . 19,16905 School.
Montreal Conference ………….. . 32,707 18 The chief mission of this society is in Orissa, a district containing over Manitoba Conference………….. . 5,463 42 9,000,000 souls.
Nova Scotia Conference ……….. . 11,687 03 The general statistics of the mis- sion, March 31, 1887, were as follows: New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Conference ……………. . 7,985 16 English missionaries (male aud female) 17 Native ministers. …………………… 23 Newfoundland Conference …….. . 5,104 10 Ministerial students… …. …. .. …… .. 3 Mission stations……………………. 16 Legacies…………………….. .. 1,868 30 Mission chapels……………… …….. 14 Mission churches…… .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. 9 Lej(acies ,!mltted from Mission Church members…………………… 1,306 Rooms List: 1. Rev. Wm. Shaw, Total native Christian community….. 3,366 devise acc., 1 year's interest ….. . 1800 Baptized since the commencement of 2. Duckworth legacies, Brantford. 2000 the mission …………………….. 2,162 Donations on annuity………….. . 1,500 00 FINANCES. The committee are concerned to Indian Department …………… .. 9,04798 report that the debt, which at the commencement of the year was £696 ForJapan……………………. , 1,103 00 17s. 7d., now stands at £1,197 9s. 10d.
Miscellaneous ………………… .. 67735 The total disbursements for the past year have been……….£8,147 4 II Deduct unpaid subscription, $202,052 34 The total receipts for the past Toronto district, 1885-6.. $Ui 00 year have been ……………. 6,949 14 8 Deduct amount charged to Leavin~ a balance due to the miscellaneous income acc. bank of………………….. £1,197 910 in error……………. .. 163 00- 178 00 Thus the balance due last year $~1,87434 of ……………………….. £69617 7 Balance brought down, surplus. . . . . $12,588 19 Has been increased this year by £500 12 3 This ~iffel'ence arises from a de- Balance, net deficit …. ; . .. .. . .. .. ..- -9-99 -22 $13,58741 EXPENDITURE.
Torouto Conference, including mis- sionary districts …………….. . $52,00057 London Conference……………. . 9,87266 Niagara Conference……………. . 4,30854 Guelph Conference …………… .. 9,454 60 Bay of Qulnte Conference ….. , … . 10,219 56 creased income and an increased ex- 97; 4 local preachers; 180 Sunday- , penditure, the latter having been oc- schools, with 935 officers and teachers casioned by sending out a new mis- and 12,255 scholars; 25 churches val~ sionary, by extra payments on ac- ued at $207,652; 4 parsonages valued count of passages, by grants for print- at $24,175; present indebtedness on ing Scriptures and tracts, and by church property, $101,832. The colgrants for schools. For some years, lections had been $576 for missions, however, the ordinary expenditure $88 for church extension, $35 for has been in excess of the income, Sunday-school Union, $40 for Tract hence the balance against the society Society, $44 for education, $37 for has gradually increased. American Bible Society, $68 for Women's Foreign Missionary So- Southern Baptist Home Mission Board. ciety, $7,404 for pastors, presiding elders and bishops, $254 for confer- THE work of the board during the ence claimants.
past conventional year has been as Poreign Mission Work of the Reformed Ohuroh in the United States. follows: OUR Board of Foreign Missions cel- Missionaries.. . •.. .. .. • . . .. . ••. . .. • 251 ebrates its year of jubilee in 1888. Places occupied. .. . .. . . . .. .. . . . . .. 822 Ten years ago we had no mission in Baptisms …………………….. 3,923 the foreign field, but we carned on Received by letter. .. .. … . .. .. . … 2,319 the work of-evangelization by giving Rev. Benjamin Schneider, D.D., and Total additions. . . … . . . . . . .. 6,242 318 our means to the American Board of Snnday-schools reported.. . . . . . . . . . Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Teachers and pupils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,031 In the year 1878 the Spirit of peace Churches constituted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 began a gracious work in our vener- Houses of worship built.. . . . .. .. .. 62 able General Synod at Lancaster, Pa., which gave us, among other THE EXPENDITURES $86,827 05 precious results, our present promis- 35,270 15 ing foreign mission in Japan. A com- Have been for missions………… parison of our men, means and re- Our missionaries have raised for sults with those of other boards fur- nishes abundant reasons for praise houses of worship built upon and encouragement. their fields oflabor.. .. . . .. . . . . . . Rev. AmbroseD. Gringis the senior Total. . …. .. . . . . . . . •. . . •. . . • $122,097 20 missionary of our church in Japan. This sum represents actual work done for the His recent return to America has had Baptists of the South. a very refreshing influence on our people. The Reformed Church in The board calls for an increase of 50 the United States forms a part of the per cent. on the receipts of last year. Union Church of Christ in Japan. We have three principal centers of "God has so enlarged the sphere of operation-Tokio, Sendai, Yamagata. our labors that nothing less than this will enable us to do what is im- At Tokio the work is mainly evanperatively demanded of the board." gelistic. The church owns a very handsome parsonage at '28 Tsukiji, The Switzerland Methodist Oonferenoe. and supports the Bancho and Nihon Bashi Missions. THE German and Switzerland Conference of the Methodist Episcopal At Sendai we have a flourishing Church was organized in 1856. At girls' school, with 70 pupils, and also the conference held in Zurich, Switz- a theological school for the training erland, June 24-30, 1886, the confer- of young men as evangelists. ence was divided into two conferences, one to be known as the Germany Conference and the other as the Switzerland Conference.
The last session of the Switzerland Conference was held in Berne, Switzerland, April 23–27, 1887, Bishop Ninde presiding.
The statistics reported showed there were 4,638 members, an increase of 238; 996 probationers, an increase of The students are doing good work thing gave promise of further adfor the Master, some thirty souls vance. During the fifty years now having already been won for JesU!; closed five connections of mission through their personal efforts. A churches have been formed under the large school building and residences jurisdiction of no less than eighteen for the missionaries will be erected annual conferences. on a large lot during the summer. The native Christians have recently The missions of 1837 are to-day purchased a fine Buddhist temple, represented, as nearly as can be ascerwhich ~will be used for church pur- tained, by 1,959 circuits, 10,919 chapposes and for the training school. els and preaching places, 2,592 minis- ters and missionaries, and 430,247 At Yamagata the Rev. J. P. Moore members. is acting as professor in a native cooperative boys' school, with three The society operates in almost ev- Christian native teachers. The school ery part of the world. In 1836 the work here promises to be a great suc- expenditure of the society was 4%, cess. One hundred and fifty students per cent. of its expenses in Europe; will attend the spring term. The citizens wish to raise $30,000 for the 12~ in Asia; 11%: in Australasia; 17 school and make it one of the best in the north of the empire. in Africa, and 38 in America and the West Indies. During 1886 the corre- A congregation has already been sponding percentages were: Europe, organized which will become the cen- 15%; Asia, 27%,; Australsia, 0; After of a number of out-stations. rica, 21; America and the West StatiBtiCG.-Number of married missionaries, Indies, 574' 4; lady teachers, 2; native preachers and helpers, 13; churches and ont-stations, 16; com- The gross income for 1886 amountmunicants, 1,000; receipts for the year 1887, $2,000. ed to £135,259. In addition to this £7,922 was received and disbursed by ALLEN R. BARTHOLOMEW, the ladies' auxiliary, and is not in- Secretary. cluded in the general treasurer's ac- count. Total amount for the year was £1~,182 ($715,910).
Wesleyan Missionary Society. FINANCIAL REPORT.
THE seventy-third annual meeting HOME REOElPTS. £. 8. d. of this society was held in E~eter Hall, London, May 2, 1887. It was Mission House donatioll!l, suhscripan occasion of special interest, not tions, etc.. ………………… 3,864 13 11 only because of the advent of a national Jubilee but also because it Home districts,includcloses a "century of missions." ing England, Wales, When the society published its first Scotland and Zet- £. 8. d. report in 1818 it had 82 mission- land ……………. 82,987 3 0 aries in charge of 109 stations, with 23,473 enrolled members. The income Ditto, Christmas offerfrom ordinary sources was £18,434. ings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,655 14 5 At the close of 1836 the society reported 64,691 members, under the Ditto, juvenile asso- ciations. . . . . . . … . .. 11,149 0 1 care of 306 missionaries, aSSIsted by 100,791 17 6 1,955 paid agents and 3,1li6 gratuitous helpers. These were grouped in 180 Less expenses and recircuits. The total income of the wards. . . . . . … . . . . . . 6,239 16 7 society from all sources was £75,526. – – – – 94,552 0 11 The expenditure exceeded £70,000, and there was in the hands of the Hibernian Missionary Society, in- treasurers more than £11,000. Every- 19 g cluding Christmas offerings ….. . 4,833 18 :- Dividends on investments …….. . 5,~ Interest on centenary grants…… . Lapsed annuities …………….. . 2,600 0 0 Legacies …………………….. . 12,760 10 9 Loans repaid ………………… , 139 0 9 Indian Famine Fond, for orphan- ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 445 15 3 RFreont~ Centenary Hall…………. . 50 00 Stratton Extension Fund for the Transvaal………………. . 1,500 0 0 Total home receipts …………. 126,995 10 8 FOREIGN RECEIPTS.
Mission Districts auxiliaries… . . . . . 6,668 1 3 Total ordinary receipts . . . .. . .. 188,663 11 11 EXTIlAORDINAlIY BECEIl'TS. To which add the excess or aver· £. B.d. age on legacies carried- to Lega- 6,853 6 I> Contributions for speCial missions cy Reserve Account……. : … . in Upper Burmah, Central Africa, £. 8. d. China, India, etc……………. 1,431 1 7 Total expenditure ………….. . 141,345 19 10 From which deduct ordinary and Ditto, for St. Vincent Hurricane. Distress Fund………………. 165 4 10 extraordinary receipts for the year.. . .. .. .. .. •.. .. .. .. •. …… 185,259 18 4 Total income……………….£185,259 18 4 Leaving a deficiency on 1886 ac- PAYMENTS. count of.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,086 1 6 General expenditure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138,145 1012 To which add the debt of 1885.. •• 4,682 18 5 Onaccountofs~eCialmissions, etc. 1,596 6 5 Ditto, Ladies Auxiliary Com- Leaving a total deficiency of.•••..£10,768 19 11 mittee……………………. -' 250 16 10 Total……………………..£134,992 13 5 Presbyteria.n Ohuroh in Oanada..* FROM the report made to the Thirteenth General Assembly, held at Winnipeg, June 9-17, 1887, we glean the following items: FOREIGN )[lSSION FUND-WESTERN DIVISION.
. – Receipts.
Balance from last year ……………………………… _………. : …… . $8,25820 Total receipts for year. _.. _………………………… _……………… . 49,817 13 Balance ……………….. _………………………………………. . 2,906 43 $55,98176 E:r!penditure. I. Northwest……………………………………………………… $9,71078 II. Formosa- Salaries and expenses, hospital, etc. …………………………… . 22,528 87 m. India- Payments ……………. _………… _…………….. $16,806 00 Miss Oliver, outfit, passage, etc…………….. _. __ .. _… 1,030 00 Miss Wilson ………………………. __ .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. 800 00 Misses McKellar and Fraser.. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 00 Rev. R. C. Murray, special………………………….. 5000 IV. New Hebrides, Trinidad, etc.- 19,286 00 From W. F. M. Society, 1885-6 ……………………… . $600 00 do. do. 1886-7 ………………. ;…… .. 80000 On account of Rev. J. Gibson's salary………………. .. 97222 2,872 22 Chinese work on Pacific Coast………………………-……………… .. 6400 Jonathan Goforth………………………………………………….. . 1000 Expenses of committee, secretary aud convener ………………..•….•..•• 01054 Printing and advertising ……………………. , ………"……………… . 4680 Proportion of general expenses and salary of agent ……………………. .. 620 00 Balance of interest …………………………………………………. . 228 60 Interest per Mrs. J ……………………………………………….. .. 21000 $55,98176 It is gratifying to report that the receipts for the several schemes of the church have been in almost every case in advance of last year's receipts.
We subjoin a comparative statement of receipts for the last three years : Home missions.. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. 1884-5. 1885-6. 1886-7. Stipend augmentation……………………….. …… $81,960 10 $82,276 46 $82,83190 Colleges …………. _…………………… __ ……. _.. 23,721 S6 Foreign mission ………..-………………. __ .. , _. … . . 22,45994 80,57498 Widows' Fund……………………………………. 8,499 88 8,404 99 5,95791 38,773 71 38,881 70 49,81718 Rates……………………………………. 4,685 41 4,065 77 4,868 37 Aged aud Infirm Ministers' Fund .. _. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,994 20 2,24150 2,304 65 5,658 59 t 10,026 89 7,630 ('fI .. Rates……………… ……. 1,292 CR'I 9,08748 1,91045 7,138 05 8,83991 French evangelization……………………………. _. *6,347 41 3,000 40 8,120 11 3,287 ('fI 3,372 84 Manitoba College….. …….. ……………………… 3,196 49 3,806 fY1 Assembly Fond.. .. .. …………………… … …….. .
Total………………….. _……… _… $127,987 92 $185,081 62 $150,910 CR'I * The report is so elaborate aud embraces such a variety of subjects, that is is diJllcnlt to giva in briefspacelln intelligent view of the Assembly's mission work.-EDs. t This amount includes several special contributions and donations. :1= 'l'I!llI'!e amQunt~ 40 not InclUde the amounts received at Montreal or Halifax.
CORRESPONDENCE AND GENERAL tloTELLIGENCE
FOIlEIGN lIHSSIONS-EASTElIN DIVISION. $16,363 34 Cr. 17,21704 By total receipts .. : …………………………………………………………. . $853 70 Dr.
To balance dne May 1, 1886………………………………………. 0 .. • $719 64 " total elq)enditnre ……………………………………………. 0 • • •• 16,497 40 Balance due treasurer . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
III.-CORRESPONDENCE and GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
An Appeal to the Ohurches from Student ministry go to the foreign field, and out of each 100,000 communicants in America only twenty. Volunteers for Foreign Missions. one go to the foreign field.
It is our desire to place before the S. The reflex irifluence Of foreign. mis8ions on the spiritual life of the home church. Many churches some of the reasons which minds ask the question, Does not this uprising mean a decline in the work at home f A proml. have led us to decide- nent evangelist of our country, 0 when asked what he thought of it, replied, " I rejoice, for it 1. First and foremost, our Lord's command, means revival at home." The week of prayer "Go ye into all the world and preach the gos- was suggested by missionaries in India. Though pel to the whole creation." Does" go" mean carried out with reference to foreign needs, the stay ? ~nd does" preach the gospel to the whole first week in January has become a time of spiro creation" mean keep repeating that gospel to a itual awakening at home. few while two·thirds of onr race have never o The missionary movement, starting among the heard the name Jesus? Instead of regarding the world as the field, have we not been practic- stUdents of Cambridge University, was followed ing •• high farming," cultivating certain sections by floods of blessing in Great Britain. The forto the highest degree, and anowing the vaster eign missionary work started by Pastor Harms tracts to go to waste? Has not the church said of Germany resulted during the remaining sevof each sncceeding ,generation, "Send the mul- enteen years of his pastorate in a continuous retitudes away?" Or, at best, has it not, in re- vival at home and the addition of 10,000 to that sponse to the words of the Master, "Give ye one church. Two divisions of the Baptists in them to eat," continned to feed the first three or the United States were about equal in memberfour frows over and over again, allowing the ship; after seventy years the anti-missionary masses beyond to die of starvation? section had 45,000, wbile the missionary Baptists numbered two and a half millions. Truly, 2. Because the needs of the foreign ./leld are "the religion of Christ is a commodity, of which 80 mIJAJh greater. Our heart's desire and prayer the more we export, the:more we have at home." to God for America is that it might be saved, "There is that seattereth, and yet increaseth ; but we go because the need abroad is a thousand· there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and fOld greater. This is so in some countries from it tendeth to poverty." Let it be our earnest a purely numerical standpoint. In the United prayer that there may be such an outlet of men States there is one minister to 700 people; in and money from this country as shall lead to an China one ordained missionary to 1,000,000. Of inlet of blessing from heaven. the 200,000,000 of Africa, 140,000,000 have not been Wuched by Christian teachers. The United 4. Because of the" pre8ent crisis." The fields States has 80,000 preachers. while India, with are white, the harvest must be gathered at once five times the population, has but 700 ordained or be lost. Are we alive to the fact that the hosts missionaries. of evil are rushing forward to gather these golden sheaves f The Mohammedans are at work in Says one: "But two thousand two hundred Africa. Thousands of the aborigines are yieldhave offered to go." "What are these among ing to them because Islam appeals to the sensuso many Y" China alone would swallow them ous and is propagated by the sword. If we deup, and adding them to her present farce, includ- lay, the present difficulties of evangelization will ing the native ordained ministers, there would be at least dOUbled. For" Mohammedanism, so then be but one man to 175,000 people. If you would get an approximate idea of what that far from being a stepping-stone to Christianity, means, eliminate from the United States the is one of the very strongest fortresses of unbe· great mass of her Christian institutions, her lief. Converts from Mohammedanism are comschools, hospitals, churches – the church and paratively few." A missionary who has labored S. S. workers-in a word, take away her whole twenty·six years in India says: "India is now Ohrl8tian atmosphere. Throughout the length ready for our work, and if this crisis is not met and breadth of the land seatter but 343 ministers with a few thousand converts and adherents, and by the cburch at least two or three generations you have Ohina in miniature. will paos before an equal opportunity can again be offered." Do not fear that our country will be depleted; for only one and three-tenths per cent. of our From Brazil the word comes: U This land is ready; thousands would accept the gospel if dying at the rate of a hundred thousand a day, they ouly had preachers." One writes concern- and Christians are giving to save them at the ing China: .. A thousand missionaries are worth rate of OM·tenth Of a cent a day." Every tick of more if sent now than ten thonsand ten years the watch sonnds the death-knell of a heathen from now." As for Japan-it is melted and soul. Every breath we draw, four souls perish, ready for moulding. What skatl the mould be? never having heard of Christ. Christianity or infidelity 1 You may help us also by prayer. "Helping 5. The whole world can be evangelized in the together by prayer." Oh for some five hundred present generation. "Let us go np at once aud Elijahs, each one on his Mount Carmel crying possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." nnto God I Then we should soon have the The Earl of Shaftesbury says: "During the lat- clouds bursting with showers. " There shall be ter part of these (eighteen) centuries it has been showers of blessing." "I will pour . . . jlood8 in the power of those who hold the trnth, hav- upon the dry ground." . . . Oh, for more ing means enongh, having knowledge enough, prayer, more constant, incessant mention of the and having opportunity euough, to evangelize mission cause in prayer, and the blessing will be the globejifty time8 ()'/)er." Listen to the dying snre to come. words of the veteran missionary, Simeon H. Calhoun: .. It is my deep conviction, and I say WE have received the following it again and again, that if the church of Christ letter from Rev. John Crawford, were what she ought to be, twenty years would pastor at Morristown, N. J. : not pass away till the story of the cross would be uttered in the ears of every liviug man." ])ear Editors: Will you give us in THE MIS- Bot mark more recent testimony. It is ginn by SIONARY REYI'EW the present status of Pllstor one hundred aud twenty missionaries in China, Harms' mission work? In" Praying and Workrepresentatives of twenty-one Protestant socIe- ing" I can find no sequel to Fleming Steventies. They say, "We want China emanCipated son's account, and Harms' work is a wondrous from the thralldom of sin in this generation. inspiration for us pastors. Indeed, Dr. Steven- It is possible. Our Lord has said, 'According son's course in promoting missionary interest at to your faith be it unto you.' The church of home, as a campaigner for that cause, has greatly God can do it if she be only faithful to ber great aroused me. But I can find very little of detail commission." This statement comes from mis- concerning him. In my conference I have been sionaries who are acquainted with the discour- trying to engage some of the men as lecturers in agements, who know the dilIiculties. "missionary concerts." If we could hear of such work as Stevenson's we would be much Money is wanted for this work. There is need quickened. With great relish for THE REVIEW for the millions and for the mites. All cannot on its new departure. go, but all can give. There are two colleges in Canada-Knox and Queens-Princeton College, REPLY. New Jersey, three theological seminaries in the United States; each has jdecided to support a The Hermansburg Misl!lional'Y Sograduate in some foreign field. ciety's last report to which we have access was that of 1886. Rev. Louis Are there not enough churches, each of which Harms, its originator, died in 1865. will give enoagh money to support at least one Rev. Egmont Harms is now secreof these men 1 Eighty-five people each contrib- tary, and may be addressed at Heruting twenty-five cents a week will pay the sal- mansburg, Germany. The income of ary of a missionary and of his wife. Thonsands the society was, in 1886, $48,500; it of churches, Sunday-schools, young people's so- employed 219 missionaries and native cieties, and Young Men's Christian Associations helpers, of whom 40 were ordained can support one, two or three missionaries apiece Europeans, 50 laymen and 42 women, -if they will. Single individuals can each hold likewise Europeans; and 25 were naa representative abroad. A student about to be tive ministers and 62 native helpers. admitted to the New York bar has pledged to There were 4,680 native communisupport a friend as soon as he enters the foreign cants and 12,120 baptized persons. field. Can you not yourself give enough money Two hundred and sixty communito support at least oUll missionary? cants represented the gain of the year. South Africa is the chief field Is there one law of self·denial for the mission- of this society, and the work is prinary disciple and another for the disciple who cipally among the Zulus. Mission " stays by the stuff? " Is it a time for Christians work is however prosecuted in India, to hoard money? Is it a time for thinking only Australia and New Zealand. The of society and fashion, for spending money on society feels the need of the remarkrich eating and dressing, while the world is waiting Cor the gospel and the eyes of the dying are able inspiration communicated to its fixed on us? Is it not a time for close economy, for handling our substance as stewards of God? Out of every dollar given to the Lord's work we spend niuety-eight llI'!lts at borne. "The heathen are work by Louis Harms. He was a illustrated by a native artist. It is produced very uncommon man; it is no dis- handsomely in a small volume by the American paragement of his successors to say Baptist Mission Press at Rangoon. A copy has that his enthusiasm was contagious. been, through the courtesy of the translator and His fire burned so bright and hot that superintendent of the press, Mr. F. D. Phinney, everyone about him took flame. He sent to Prof. W. C. Wilkinson, who is advised was one man among a million. It is that copies of the volume may be had from a marvel that the work survived at Scribner & Welford, importing booksellers in all when it lost such a head. But it New York. will ever stand as a proof and illustration of what one man can lead one Oft' Duty. church to do, composed of the middle class, rept'esenting little if any THE missionary is also a man. He has his wealth. It was all accomplished by moments of relaxation. It may seem to afford faith, prayer, gathering of the littles, readers an idea of how much a missionary's life and self-giving. may resemble the life of his brother minister at home if we print here a list of books lately Letter from Mrs. J. O. Braq, Gen. Seo. given, by the way, In private correspondence by of the Amerioan MoAll Assooiation. a missionary In India, that he had been reading as a diversion and replenishment of his mind. I SEND you a few items regarding the McAll We simply print the list as throwing a light of Missiou, takeu from letters just received from reality on what to the imagination is often a Paris. Perhaps the oue thing for which we are dimness of romance: the most thaukful is the Intelligence that ten new stations have been opened lately in the "I am to-day reading 'Charlotte Bronte,' by provinces. These stations are very nearly self- Laura C. Holloway. We have been reading supporting, the mission being responsible for 'Sartor Resartus,' 'A Tale of Two Cities,' the rent of the halls only. The French pastors 'French Revolution,' 'Never too Late to Mend,' and their people provide the speakers, pay the 'IHeart of Midlothian,' 'Vanity Fair,' 'Woman running expenses, etc. This seems like a long in White,' 'Mrs. Browning's Poems.' To-day I step in advance. received Dr. Smith's 'Modern Church History.' I notice that Dr. Fisher is publishing a Church A letter dated Paris, Jan. 3, 1888, says: "The History." work this winter has surpassed our expecta· tions. We have never had so large and so good Prom Rev. J. Hudson Taylor, audiences, and never such signs of regeneration and salvation being wrought in the halls. . . . CHINA INLAND MISSION, At Bonne Nouvelle we have lately adopted the LONDON, Feb. 17, 1888. plan of asking all friends who wish to be privately talked to concerning their souls to remain DEAR DR. PIERSON: I have not yet had the after the meeting Tuesday evening. There are pleasure of seeing your January REVIEW, but always as many as 25 or 30 young men who re- have had a card from your pnblishers telling me main, and 80 women. The sight which the hall it is ont of print and will be forwarded later on. presents from 9 to 10 O'clock is beautiful." .•• The February No. came to my hand yesterday, At Rue Royale we are also much encouraged. and though only able to glance at it hastily I feel The hall is more than full on Sunday afternoons. profoundly thankful that such a periodical has (This is the street leading from the Place de la been brought out. Concorde to la Madeleine.) My friend Mr. Reginald Radcliffe of liver- " In general it may be said that there seems to pool tells me he has mentioned to you the probhave been a wonderful outpouring of the Holy ability of our being able to pay a hasty visit to Spirit In the mission, as the renewed consecra- the States, and perhaps to Canada, together. I tion of the workers and many conversions think that I shall very likely come over In time testify." , to attend Mr. Moody's Northfield conveution, and bring with me a clergyman-a member of Buddhist Literature, the Church of England-who is shOrtly going to China, and whO, like myself, will be refreshed [Note from Prof. W. C. Wilkinson.] and helped by coming in contact with onr breth- ren in America who are animated by the same READERS who may like to take a fresh taste spirit. of the real quality of Buddhist literature at its best have now a new opportunity to gratify I presume we shall see yon at that conventhemselves. Mr. L. Allan Goss, inspector of tion or otherwise, and if any suggestions occur schools In Burmah, has translated from the Bur- to you that would be helpful to a stranger and mese version of the Pali text the " Story of We- also helpful to the missionary canse, I shall be than-da-ya," a Buddhist legend. This has been very thankful to receive them.
From our most recent Intelligence from China the water is retiring from the fiooded districts, partly from lessened influx and partly probably from improved egress Into the Yellow Sea; and the Imperial Government is most manfully and nobly coping with the distress. The spiritual progress of the work in China is in Peking, then there is one ordained minister to very encouraging, aud we are grateful to God for answers to prayer, the 103 new missionaries every r5O,000 people. " , having gone out during 1887, and our income having been raised as we asked God, and antici· In 184:~ the population was estimated to be pated by £10,000. 330,000,000. On this snpPosition, notwith- Letter from Dr. A. P. Happer. standing the immense loss of life by wars, re- CANTON, CHmA, January 31, 1883. DEAR EDITORS: The statistics of the missions bellions, famine, and pestilence, there has been in China have been partially made up for the year 1887. These show the missionary workers an increase in the population of 32,000,000. in China to be 489 men, 820 wives, 231 single women, in all 1,040, of whom some 400 are or- The statistics ,above given state the number dained ministers. There are 175 ordained native ministers, 1,816 native workers as preach- of church members to be 32,260, which may imers, colporteurs, Bible women and teachers of schools. There are 32,260 adult church mem- ply that the members of their families nnmber bers, 13,777 pupils in Christian schools. The contributions amount to $38,236. say 150,000. It may be supposed that two or These statements compared with those of 1886 three millions of the people may have such a show the increase to be as follows: Of men mis- knowledge of the gospel as would enable them sionaries,43 ;.,of wives, 4; of single women, 74 ; making 121 in all. Of native ordained ministers to accept of Jesus Christ as their personal the increase is 35 ; of native assistants, 20. The increase of communicants is 4,260; of pupils iu Saviour, and that a larger number have some schools is ouly 198 ; of contribntions is $19,862, which sum is double the amount of contributions knowledge of Christianity. On these supposithe preceding year, and is more than $1 for each tions the efforts of the Protestant churches member. These statements will be gratifying to all the during these 46 years to propagate the gospel supporters of missions and call forth thanksgiv has not been sn1llcient to reachune-tkird of the ing to God for his rich grace and mercy. It is to be noticed the great increase in the number increase of the population during these years. of foreign laborers; this is much greater than in any previous year, and of this increase it is to be The accepted time for the life of one generaremarked that 74 are single women, nearly double the number of the increase of men. They tion is 33 years. During these 46 years more everywhere find ready entrance to the homes of the teeming millions of women and girls who are than one whole generation of the population of in all the darkuess of heathenism; there is room for hnndreds more of Christiau laborers in this China has passed away. If then the efforts of populous empire. the Protestant churches have ouly reached 1888 Let the churches cousider these facts and arouse themselves to the greatness of the work t::'on one-third of the increase of the people, and to be done. In the year 1842 China was partially opened to the introduction of the gospel by a whole generation and more has passed beyond the treaty England made with China at the close of what is known in history as the opium War. all hnman effort to reach them, when will the It was still more fully opened to the gospel in 1858, at the revision of the treaties with Western present measure of effort by the churches fulfill nations, when toleratiou to Christianity was granted and missionaries were permitted to the command of our Lord and Leader to preach propagate the gospel in all parts of the country. natives to profess it and to assist in its propaga- the gospel to every creature? May the leaders tion without hindrance, according to the stipnlations of the treaties. It is now 46 years since of God's sacramental hosts devise the means God in his providence opened this populous land to his people, thus preparing the way for them to for carrying out these orders of the Captain of carry out the command to .. go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." In our salvation, and may all the host follow ont ol)edience to his command there are now some 400 ordained ministers here laboring for this ob- these plans to a complete accomplishment of the ject. If we accept the recent statement of the population of China proper to be 882,000,000, as work, and until the knowledge of God covers given by the secretary of the Russian Legation the whole earth even as the waters cover the sea I Letter from Rev. G. W. Ohamberlain.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL. I HAVE read with much pleasure and profit your editorial on the" Apparent Waste of Missions," in the March nnmber of THE REVIEW. Simon- ton, our first missionary to Brazil, was perhaps the most able man that our churCh' has ever sent to Brazil. He died after seven years' services, at the age of 33, when he seemed to be indispen- sable to our work. Yet he lived to see three chnrches begun-Rio, Sao Paulo, ann Brotas. To-day these three have a membership of 491, 47 of whom were added on profession of their faith last year, an increase of over 10 per cent. They contributed toward their own snpport last year the sum of $3,300.00. The Presbytery of Rio, which Was composed at the time of Simon- ton's death of these three churches, has now on its roll thirty-three. This year they will (at our next annual meeting), in combination with the fourteen or fifteen churches of the Southern Presbyterian Chnrch Brazil Mission, form the Synod of Brazil, and enter, 21 years after Simon- ton'8 death, upon an era of self-propagation and increasing self-snpport, whose results in the next 21 years it is difficult to forecast. At Sao Paulo, where Simonton died In 1867, we now publish the ImprelUla Evangelica, a weekly re- foreducation, and in furnishing a number of exligious paper, of which he was the first and cellent text-books in the Siamese langnage. aolest 'editor; a monthly Missionario Juvenil They are, however, mainly used for fitting native (organ of the young people's missionary society young men for positions as clerks and translators of the chnrch and school at Sao Paulo), self- in the government service. They are not aVRilsustaining, and third, Revista das M"1.8soes able for the traiuing of teachers of good eduea: Nacionals, edited by one of our native ministers tion and ability, nor for the preliminary educaon behalf of the Society of National Mission!- tion of native ministers. It is believed toot a self-sustaining and stimnlating by its monthly suitable institution of the kind here suggested reports all the churohes of the presbytery to would receive extensive patronage from wealthy self-snpport. The school which I began in 1872 Siamese princes and nobles, as well as from the as a parish school has grown from a primary to king himself, wbose gifts in aid of Christian edua school of over 200 pupils, embracing normal cation have been frequent and liberal. It is not elasses of both sexes and a department for intended at present to expend a large snm of training our theological students. We have eight money in organizing an institution beyond the native pastors (two others have gone up to the present demand, but it is proposed so to organ- General Assembly of the First-born), and sev- ize it that it shall be able to keep pace with the eral candidates under care of the presbytery. needs of the people, and in time to become an The Synod of Brazil will have on its roll the institution like Robert College in Constantinople, ,names of at least 12 native ministers, besides 21 doing efficient work for the country of its locaforeign missionaries. tion.
Bhaisdehi, Betul Diat" Oent. Prov., India. It is proposed to establish a Christian high school in Siam for the purpose of giving native • J anusry 24, 1888. young men a plain, practical education, such as will fit them for usefulness in any honorable EDITORS OF MISSIONARY REVIEW. – I pmise employment, but especially with a view to pre· God that he has led you to take npthework which pare them for teaching, with the ultimate design of raising up a native ministry which can be dear R. G. Wilder was, compelled to lay down. supported by the people. It will be a school for May he grant you grace and spiritual power to the training of native Christian workers. In undertaking this work it is not considered addo mighty things for Christ's glory in the visable to erect buildings in the outset, which would require nearly two years of valuable responsible place in which he has placed you I time, but rather to rent the necessary buildings I am thankful that you have started a .. fund" for the present, expecting that after the school has made a reputation and its work has become to send THE MISSIOlS"ARY REVIEW OF THE favorably known, a more desirable location can be obtained, perhaps as a gift from the king, and WORLD to the 3,000 young men and women in considerable aid can be secured in the way of contributions from Siamese gentlemen of wealth the United States aud Great Britain who have and liberality, and from foreign merchants residing in Bangkok. devoted their lives to the missionary work. The school is to be organized under the care I hope that you will also start another fund to and control of the Presbyterian Board, which send THE REVIEW to all missionaries now will have charge of all property belonging to the actually laboring among the heathen who are school, and direct the general policy to be fol- lowed and the expenditnre of the funds connot able to pay for it. As a rule, among this trihuted, being assisted by a board of advisers residing in Siam. The Bible will be a text-book class are laborers in self-supporting missions for all classes. Daily stndies in both Siamese and English will be required of all students, and so-called independent or faith missionaries. translating each language into the other. In addition to this the course of study will in- There are also beloved brethren under some or clude instruction in mathematics and the nat- ural sciences, mental and moral philosophy, and all of the boards who on account of the demand normal methods of teaching, being similar to the course given in onr best normal schools, and for the education of their children or other de- equivalent in mental discipliue to the· course in mands are not able to pay for THE REVIEW, a first-rate classical academy.
though they would much like to have it. One It is estimated that S15,Coo will be sumcient to way to sustain the zeal of this goodly army of establish this institution ou a permanent basis, with a prospect of becoming self-snpporting young men and women who have devoted their after a few years. It is proposed to raise this snm in advance, and to place it in the haeds of lives to the mission cause is to keep the fire of the Preilbyterian Board, to be expended by them III sending out and snpportin~ three teacher~ devotion and enthusiasm burning in the hearts of the laborers already out in the harvest field.
God bless you and wondrously endue you with power from on high I Yours in Christ, KORKOO MISSION. ALBERT NORTON.
Ohristian High School of Siam.
[Letter from Rev. J. A. Eakin.] EDITORS OF MISSIONARY REVIEW. -In the opinion of the missionaries in Siam and also of the Pres. Board of Foreign MiSSions, the time has come to found in Slam a school which will ultimately grow into a flrst,class educational establishment for that country. The government schools which have been established there have Ilolje a 1500d work in exciting a popular delIsnd and providing the necessary equlpments for the rather tban God·s will? "Herein is my Father school. Of this sum $10,000 has already been glorified that ye bear much fruit. " secured, mainly in large contributions, and it is hoped the remainder wilrsoon be offered, so that But has not God for each child that sense of the work may be begnn as soon as possible. This nearness to him which. comes from special diboard has elected Rev. J. A. Eakiu, who was for rection? God does send special impressions, four years a teacher iu the Kiug's school iu Bang- but should we lean On these except as confirmkok, to be principal of the Christian high scbool, ing God's word f Is not what we term a special and authorized him to solicit fnnds for this pnr- call simply God's hand reaching down to help us pose. The board also cordially recommends to acknowledge onr "bigh calling in Christ this school to the churches as a suitable object Jesus? ,~ for memorial offerings during the centennial year, and the Executive Committee of the Cen- If in Christ Jesus should we not find our mistenary Fund have placed it On their list as one sionary call as easily as the Crown Prince finds of the special causes for which contributions are his heirship to the throne? If challenged for requested. onr right to seek a missionary life, we can per- haps point to the hour or circumstsnce through There are special reasons for urgiug the begin- which we realized our bigh calling, bnt if not ning of this enterprise at the present time. this, directly to Onr high calling. "He that_ winneth souls is wise." "Follow me." U I 1. The Siamese are entirely dependent On the come to s~ek and to save the lost." "Ye shall Presbyterian Cburch of this couutry for the be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem and in Judea knowledge of the gospel. No otber denomina- and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of tion is laboring for their evangelization. the earth." Accepting this Bible missionary call, we can extend it and say to a brother 2. Tbe present missionary force is altogetber Cbristian, "It is your privilege to be a missioninsumcient. In Siam proper there are only four ary just as much as mine." .. Let him that ordained missionaries and four or five native heareth say come." It is your privilege to seek preachers for a population of six million souls. a neglected field, unless hindered. "Go ye into the highways and hedges." Tbis choice <I. Tbe situation of affairs iu Siam is remarka- will not diminish daily guidance or nearness to bly favorable for tbe successful planting of such God. A fixed purpose to enter Canaan was tbe a school. The king has promised to establish a reason of the guiding pillar and cloud. Tbose system of national scbools throughout the coun- who lean bardest and are asking God to try. He has intimated his willingness 1.0 employ shape every hour of life mnst be those who be- Christian teachers in these schools. Here, tben, lieve that the Cbristian's calling is to carry life is our opportunity to prepare Christian young to those in the sbadow of death. This convicmen for this work, and so mould the future edu- tion leads to close walking with God. .. Go " cation of the entire kingdom. Tbe opportunity and" 10 I " (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20) were linked by is ours now. It will soon pass away from us un- Jesus. less it is improved. Contributions may be seut to Rev. J. A. Eakin or to the treasurer of the Oh that the spirit of God~may so fill us that Board of Foreign Missions, marked for the we shall seek Christ'S'last command, yea have it Christian High School of Siam. our cbief desire to "preach the gospel to the meek, to bind up the broken-hearted, and bring Have Not IOommanded Thee'l .deliverance to captives." We sball then, like a certain young man, be willing to .burn the im- [Letter from Miss Grace E. Wilder. plements of our former pursuits. We shall, like Concluded from p. 285, April No.] him, follow even wben a prophet says, Go back. Three times was the temptation repeated, but ONE has said," Where our Father has written every time the young man answers, .. As the out for us a plain direction about anything, he Lord liveth and as my soulliveth I will not leave will not of course make an especial revelation to tbee." Is this fixedness of desire rewarded f us about that thing." Doubtless in his great When they had passed over Jordan Elijah says, love he does help our weak faith by special Ask what I shall do for thee? "Let a double providences. Bnt God forbid that we insist on a portion of thy spirit be upon me," was the special providence before we obey such a clear young man's request. revelation as that to carry the gospel to every creatnre. His desire must stand still another test. .. Thou hast done hard in asking, nevertbeless, Some are saying, My concern should be, not the if thou see me when I am'taken from thee it conversion of souls, not the evangelizing of this shall be so unto thee." Tbis condition involved world, but the doing God's will, accomplishing not only intense desire but a firm purpose. He his purpose for me. Does not this imply that must keep watch constantly. Tbe great future his purpose for me is an exception to his re- of Elisha-the power with which he performed vealed purpose'· for his cbildren? Did the early twice as many miracles as Elijab-was con- Christians make a mistake that all interpreted ditioned upon eager seeking for his Master's God's will to be the extension of Cbrist's king- spirit. dom f In the space of 8 year the Thessalonian church made the gospel known througb the re- Our prize is the mind flf the Lord Jesus and gion of Macedonia and Achala. Is this ambition the power of the Holy Spirit, by which we are to do greater works than he did. The condi- prime minister, summoned Dr. Thompson and tion of our receiving it is, "Go ye into all the his medical aSSistant, Rev. Mr. Cooper, and the world and preach the gospel to every creature." writer, to an audience. It was a glad day for ns and an important one in the history of this mis- A Remarkable Letter from Siam. sion.
[The following was written and published by After ascending the mountain we were invited us in another magazine some months ago, but is to seats in a ball occnpied by several princes, worthy of a place in this REVIEW. We give it among them the Minister ofEducation, the king's only in part.-EDs.] private secretary and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. We were hardly seated before the THE past fifteen days have been busy and joy- princes began to qnestion' us regarding the ful Ones for the missionaries at Petchaburi. The Christian religion and the nature of our mission. king of Siam, with hundreds ofprinces, ministerb They pnt many searchiug questions about the of state, nobles and soldiers, has been in our creation, atonement, forgiveness of sins, miracity, the king resting in his palace on the top of a cles, future life, etc., thus giviug ns a good opmountain, one mile from our home; the plains portunity to preach Christ to them. One of the below covered with soldiers and followers in princes stated that he was a reformed Buddhist, camp; the river in front, "bove and below our that he discarded the supernatural from Bnddhhome, filled with crowded boats. We have had ism, and tbat he did not regard Bnddha as a god, daily preaching of the gospel to good audiences, but simply a great teacher, and received only and at 0 night through the sciopticon, Bible pj.c- his moral teachings. We learned from the tures have drawn large crowds to hear the life prince that tbis view is rapidly gaining adherents of our Lord. Ouro.homes. schools and hospitals in Siam. Our conversation lasted for one hour were visited by princes and nobles, who encour- and a half, and was enjoyed by all. After this aged us in onr work, some of them in a very pleasure we were conducted to the palace and substantial way. met at the door of the drawing-room by the king, who, after grasping our hands, warmly in- We conld not help noting the contmst between vited us to chairs, and at once began questionnow and former days. Not many years ago, ing us regarding our work, relieving US of no when tbe king passed along the highways, the little embarrassment, and showing us that inpeople were compelled to fall upon their faces stead of being summoued to a formal audieuce and did not dare look upon his Majesty. Now we were to have a familiar talk on mission work. the king rode ont to the villages and through The king at first expressed his gratitnde to Dr. the streets, halting now and then to speak with Thompson for the surgical aid given the marines the people. Crowds greeted him along the way, who were injnred by the gunboat explosion, and and large companies visited him daily at the then for his medical work among the people, palace. His Majesty had many kind words for assuring him of future aid and urging him to them. On one occasion about two hundred aged carryon the work to the best of his ability. He women sought him at the palace, carrying with then told ns of his joy at seeing and hearing of them offerings of fmits, sogar, sweetmeats, flow- our schools over the city, asked many qnestions ers, etc. The king received them kindly. Ad- coucerning our plans and told us of his plans for dressing one old lady, he said, "Well, grand- a system of public free schools for his country, mother, when your king comes to visit the which he hoped to establish at an early day. prOVince, are yon filled with fear or does it give you joy?" The old lady answered, "Your He then called the Minister of Education, and Majesty's visit fills us witb joy. Why, before told him that if the missiouaries should apply for your Majesty arrived we took three meals a day, text-books or other aid for the mission schools but since your arrival we have been so happy ill' Petchaburi, he mnst grant them freely. Then that we take but one meal a day, and are satis- turning to ns he said: "I wish to place yonr fied." The king laughed heartily land replied, schools-as to aid from the government-on a "If that is the case I shall come frequently." plane with the government schools." We ex- His Majesty sent these (as well as all who sought pressed to him the gratitude of the Board of him) away rejoicing over liberal gifts from his Foreign Missions for liberal aid and encourage. hand. ment received from him in the past, and also for the liberty granted the missionaries in their la- Shortly after his arrival the king rode throngh bors. The king replied, "During our reign we the streets, and on noticing our little school- always have encouraged and will in the futnre houses expressed his joy, and inquired of the encourage the American missionaries, being prime minister of Siam and the governor of fully persuaded that you are deeply interested In Petchabnri as to the extent of the school work, and laboring for the good of the people." IDs number of pupilS, how it was sustained, etc. Majesty then bestowed upon Dr. Thompson a These otllcials having visited our schools were handsome silver medal, to his medical assist- able to give the king considerable information. ant a well-filled purse, and the Rev. Mr. Cooper The next day the royal physician visited our and the writer beantiful presents, saying, "These hospital and inspected it. That night he report- are tokens of my appreciation, and they will ed to the king, who intimated that be would be serve to keep this occasion in remembrance." glad to have a report from the missionaries re- After taking ns each by the hand and wiehing nB gardiug their )Vork, its needs, etc. We there- success iu our work, he withdrew. fore prepared reports, and they were presented to him, and on the following day he, through his But this was not all. The Jing's private sec- and family, and otherwise animadretary handed us two letters-one from the queen verting on Bishop Tayloll's scheme, addressed to the ladies of the .mission, and one which he adjuges to be a failure and from the king addressed to the gentlemen. The a folly. We have not much occasion former read as follows: "Her Majesty the to discuss the case now, as it has queen has been informed of the work of the lady been largely presented by the secumissionaries in the girls' school and of your de- lar and religious press, but we doubt sire to establish a home for aged women. This if this brother's testimony is worth so work has produced great joy and gratitnde in much notice. Discussion of methods her Majesty's heart, and it is her pleasure to grant s generally wholesome, and this the sum of sixteen hundred Iicals ($960) to aid may" provoke" to good works. Ceryou. Her Majesty prays that the work may be tainly there are formidable obstacles carried on free from difllculties, and ever pros- to Bishop Taylor's plans, but it is per." The king's letter read as follows: "His rather early to summon them for Majesty the king has been informed of the medi- judgment. cal mission work in Petchabnri, and deems it a great pleasure to aid in this department of your China.-Professor Joseph Edkins work. His majesty feels that it is proper taup- of the Educational Department at hold this work, because it is one of vast benefit Peking, and one of the foremost ta his people. He therefore takes pleasure in authorities on the language and litergranting the sum of twenty-Cour hundred licals ature of China, has traced an inter- ($1,440) for the purpose of enlarging your hospi- esting connection between the Pertal buildings. His Majesty asks that you labor sian and Chinese calendars. Instead to complete this work, and that it may be firmly of fire, air, earth, and water, the established and ever prosper." Thus the day Chinese hold to five elements, omitbrought us the good wishes of the king and ting air, and adding wood and metal. $2,400 to help in the Master's work. The system of five elements has not been discovered in India or Babylo- GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. nian archreology, but is the basis of the Persian calendar, in which five Africa.-The opening of Central angels, corresponding with the spirits Africa to commerce is working great. of the five elements, preside over the changes among the people. They months and over the days of the are rapidly laying aside their native week. The date of its entry into clothing, arms and implements, and China is referred to the Ria dynasty, adopting those brought in from civ- or about 2100 E.C.. so that Persia ilized lands. People that four years must stand for one of the prehistoric ago asked the traders for beads, trink- Bactrian empires. During the Chow ets and brass l'ods, now ask for guns, dynasty, one thousand years later, cloth and-rum. The Hakka or high- the Chinese had an increased knowlland people of Kwangtung province, edge of the elen)ental philosophy, China, furnish more literary men to and elaborated it to suit their own the National Academy than any other counting and their own tastes. But class. They are the people in South- the modern Chinese calendar was not ern China who do not bind the feet completed till 140 B.C., when the of their women, and their character route to the Caspia.n was opened, and is vigorous and independent. The King Fang, the philosopher of that American Baptist Missionary Union period, received clearer ideas of the has a mission a few years old among Persian system than had previously this interesting people. been known in China. The fitting of the five elements to the months and – Bishop Taylor Criticised. A days, which is characteristic of the brother by the name of Waller, who Persian and Chinese calendars, was joined Bishop Taylor's Congo mis- not expanded to its modern fullness sion in the capacity of cook for the in China till 140 B.C., after which steam yacht, has returned to this country and attained notoriety by allowing himself to be "interviewed" by the secular press, and giving out that he was not suitably provided with necessaries of living for himself followed the construction of the an- the annual address. .A large company nual calendar as now established in of native gentlemen were present, the empire. together with one European lady and less than ten European gentlemen. England.-Fifty Years of the Brit- Oratorically the lecture was labored ish and Foreign Bible Society.-.At and the sentenceslabyrinthian. Theothe late anniversary of the British logically the lecture was pantheistic, and Foreign Bible Society, the presi- theistic, and occasionally Christian. dent, the Earl of Harrowby, in his His views of God were in harmony address from the chair, referred to with the gospel according to Spinoza. the progress of the society's work On the question of sin he was more within the reign of Queen Victoria. orthodox, declaring that Theodore The story is most cheering; Parker erred in saying "every fall is a fall upward." Mr. Mozumdar's " Fifty years ago our receipts were plan of salvation is opposed to Mat- £100,000; now they are nearly £225,- thew the Evangelist's, but in hal'- 000. Fifty years ago that great test mony with Matthew the peculiar son of the interest taken in this noble of a well-known .Arnold of Rugby. work – the auxiliary societies – The lecturer spoke of the ills of idolamounted at home to jl,370; now atry and the" demon caste." For they are over 5,300. If there is any this we praise him. He frankly conproof of the spread of the interest fessed that the present state of his taken in the circulation of the Bible, branch of Brahmoism in Calcutta that is one. .Abroad you had 260 was" anarchy," and affirmed aU the auxiliaries and bl'anches fifty years evils of hatred, jealousy, falsification, ago. You have now 1,500. Fifty etc., of his people. We regret this years ago, what was the issue of the fact, but do not think that Mr. Bible and portions of it from this Mozumdar's closing invocation to our great society'? The annual issue was Saviour and aU the prophets of his 600,000; now it is about 4,000,000. pantheon can stem the tide that has The cheapest copy of a book half a set in. Theism has no conservator century back was issued at about two but Christianity. Hindu or Brahmo shillings; now the price is sixpence. pantheism is only refined or figurative The cheapest Testament then was idolatry.-The Indian Witness. tenpence ; the cheapest now is Lord Shaftesbury's, and the price is a -British rule inIndia has not resulted penny. .And that not done by any in the removal of the hateful customs grinding of the people who produce which prevail in reference to marthese works. In how many tongues riage. Parents continue to contract and languages were the Scriptures marriages for their children. One bad circulated fifty years ago? In 136. feature of such marriages is illustrat- That figure is actually doubled, for ed by the story of two sisters in a now they are circulated in 280. Fifty zenana school at Serapore. These years ago 14 fresh languages of Eu- girls resemble each other, but one has rope had been honored by Bible pub- ugly scars on her face which disfigure lication. Now the Bible has been her. It is said that the father intends published in 12 fresh languages in to repeat Laban's fraud on Jacob. Central.Asia and Siberia, 12 in India, The expectant bridegroom will be 14 in China and Mongolia, 19 in the told by his parents that, the bride is Pacific, 30 in .Africa and 30 in .Ameri- aU he can desire (they will have seen ca. That surely is a most marvelous the scarless sister); but whlln the marriage actually takes place the record. disfigured girl, duly veiled, will be India.-The town hall lecture of seated at the lad's side, and not till too late to draw back will he see her Keshub Chunder Sen used to be the event of January in Calcutta. Last Saturday Mr. P. C. Mozumdat· gave face. Of course, as Leah was hated, undertake a humanitarian work for so will this Hindu girl be when she the relief of Hindu child-widows. becomes a wife. No government, She does not propose to do this on however paternal, can succeed in in- any pronounced Christian basis, as suring happy marriages, but the she thinks that would be fatal to the wrong we have instanced ought not attempt, in the present state of to have the semblance of the sanction Hindu prejudice. She seeks to found of British law. and sustain a school and home at a cost of $25,000, and estimates that -A Hindu Husband's Creed. The $5,000 w:ill meet the expenses of fifty Hindu idea of marriage is curious. scholars. At a public meeting in A man both day and night must keep Boston, Dec. 13, an association was his wife so much in subjection that formed to assist her, and a constitushe by no means be mistress of her tion drawn up under which friends own actions. If the wife have her might co-operate, and an organizaown free will, notwithstanding she is tion was effected. Among the offiof superior caste, she will go amiss. cers we find Rev. Edward E. Hale, A woman shall never go out of her D.D., Rev. Phillips Brooks, D.D., house without the consent of her hus- Miss Frances E. Willard, Dean Rachel band, and shall pay proper respect to L. Bodley, M.D. A board of nine trusher husband's father, the spiritual tees, aided by an advisory board in guide and her guests, and shall not India, controls all business matters. eat until she has first served them " Ramabai circles" are being formed with victuals (if it is medicine, she throughout the country. The cormay take it before they eat); a wo- responding secretary lis Miss A. P. man shall never go to a stranger's Granger, Canandaigua, N. Y. Of the house, and shall not stand at the benevolentintent of this society there door, and must never look out of the can be no question. It distinctly diswindow. If a woman, following her claims being a missionary movement. own inclinations, goeswhithersoever she chooses and does not regard the Mexico.-The General Assembly of words of her mastel', such a woman Evangelical Mlssionaries in this reshall be turned away. If a man goes public, held in the City of Mexico on a journey, his wife shall not di- January 31 to February 3,1888, was vert herself by play, nor see any pub- attended by nearly one hundred mislic show, nor laugh, nor dress herself sionaries-male and female-l'eprewith jewels or fine clothes, nor see senting eleven different Protestant dancing, nor hear music, nor sit at churches. Many visitors were also the window, nor ride, nor behold any- present, besides six of the eight inthing rare or choice, but shall fasten vited speakers from the United well the house door and remain pri- States. The meeting occupied six vate; and shall not eat any dainty nights and three whole days, and invictuals, and shall not view herself cluded social reunions, devotional exin a mirror; she shall not exercise ercises, written essays, oral discusherself in any agreeable employment sions, sermons, and addresses. The during the absence of her husband. subjects embraced in the programme covered many points of prime interest -The Ramabai Association. The and importanGe to the evangelization learned Sanskrit woman, Ramabai, of this country, and were ably treated has for a year or more attracted in the essays and discussions. Work public attention in this country. was assigned to fifty persons, nearly Ramabai was baptized in the Church all of whom met their allotments, of England. She is one of three high- and many of those who had no specaste Brahman women who have cific tasks took part in the exercises been known to make their way to and discussions. The following sta- America. She is very desirous to tistics were presented, which will be sacrifices, of the blood feuds that exread with interest: All of the States isted among them, of the rule folof the republic occupied except Cam- lowed by all of keeping alive two peche and Chiapas; number of cen- children, and no more, in everv famtres of operation, 86; congregations, ily, and of the whole aspect of"life as 393; ordained foreign missionaries, something fearful. All this has been 48; assistant foreign missionaries, changed through the influence of 44; foreign lady teachers, 43; whole Christianity. The spiritual work has number of foreign workers, 123; na- been most interesting. To see a peotive preachers ordained, 81; native ple who once were cannibals partakpreachers unordained, 65 ; native ing of the Lord's Supper has been teachers, 96; other native helpers, truly delightful. At the New Year's 49; total native workers, 273; grand gathering it has been the custom for total of foreign and native workers, all the members of the church at Rar- 442; church societies, 17'7; communi- atonga to assemble together for worcants, 12,135; probable adherents, ship. Looking around upon this 26,967; training and theological gathering, the family history of all schools,10 ; pupils in same, 66; board- known to him, he had seen the bread ing schools and orphanages, 15; pu- administered by one to a man whose pils in same, 503; common schools, father that man had murdered, or the 71; pupils in same, 2,187; total reverse. The work of evangelization under instruction, 2,492; Sunday- in these islands has been done almost schools, 199; Sunday-school teachers entirely by the natives whom it has and officers, 367 ; Sunday-school been Mr. Gill's object to train for scholars, 4,187; total membership of this purpose. It is wonderful what Sunday-schools, 5,306; publishing they have done. Hundreds have houses, 8; papers issued, 10; pages sacrificed their lives to carry the of all kinds of religious literature is- gospel to their brethren. Sixty of sued since establishment of presses, Mr. Gill's own church have been killed 49,471,295; church buildings, 73; ap- while acting as missionaries. proximate value of same, $257,900; parsonages, 39; approximate value -French Policy in the South Seas. of same, 93,260; educational build- France is quite liberal in religious ings, 16; approximate value of same, matters at home, but she has a very $147,200; value of entirfl publishing different policy for her colonies. In outfit, $39,500; total value of all mis- her colonial policy she is almost as sionary property, $599,251; churches intolerant as Spain; indeed, quite so. and chapels built without aid from It is true that the Spanish governor Home Boards, 16; receiving partial of Ponape, one of the Caroline Islaid, 19; martyrs, 62; native preach- ands, seized and imprisoned, on the ers, sons of former workers, 2; for- most absurd charges, a missionary of eign workers, sons and daughters of the American Board; but the govmissionaries, 3; foreign workers, sons ernor-general promptly gave the misand daughters of ministers in the sionary redress and removed the home field, 9. offending official. What French in- tolerance is capable of was seen a South Pacifico-At a recent meet- few years ago in the case of Mr. in London, Rev. W. Wyatt Gill, a mis- Shaw of Madagascar, and has been sionary from the South Pacific, gave a illustrated more than once in the statement of work there and its re- Loyalty Islands, over which, unhapsults. His work since July, 1851, has pily, the French protectorate has been among eleven islands of the been extended, since missionaries of Hervey group. He spoke of the con- the London Society began many dition of the natives at the time-of years ago to make Cllristians and their love of revenge and human civilized beings of the savage population. The Loyalty group lies between or his banishment was his having New Caledonia, the French penal roused the wrath of his coreligionists colony, and the New Hebrides, where by declaring on a public occasion his French influence has been asserting belief that the Messiah came in the itself to the discomfort of the mis- time of the second temple. This consionaries, and with the manifest in- viction doubtless remained rooted in tention of seizing the islands. Hap- his heart, but does not seem to have pily, English protest has prevented become a living power within, until this. On Mare, one of the Loyalty one day at Tomsk, where he had group, the Rev. John Jones of the gone to meet his family, he founa a London Missionary Society has been tract containing Rabinowitch's conlaboring since 1853. He has wrought fession of faith. He at once entered a wonderful work among the natives, into correspondence with the writer, and is one of the most popular men and procured more of his writings. in the Western Pacific. Mr. Jones These were read by some thirty of has, by order of the governor- the Jews at Tomsk, and Scheinmann general, been expelled from the expounded to them what the Talmud island. This is the news which his and other Jewish books say about society has received. There are no the Messiah. "The scales," he says, particulars, but it is thought that the " fell at once from their eyes." In expulsion was caused by his protest the letter in which this passage ocagainst the introduction of convicts curs, Scheinmann asks Rabinowitch from New Caledonia into Mal·e. Two for a New Testament, only one copy years ago Mr. Jones's church and of which he had ever seen, and which schools were closed by a decree of no one in Tomsk knew what it was the governor, but they were re- about! All the books and tracts opened by permission of the French which were sent to him, except the consul at Noumea. There are Cath- New Testament, he distributed among olic priests on the island, and they his brethren in Siberia and Poland. have, it is said, been waging a relig- And there is reason to think that they ious war against Mr. Jones. It may are being read to good purpose. be that their influence has helped to Schienmann seems to be devoting his bring about Mr. Jones's expulsion. energies to the propagation of his Whether English influence will be so newideas. He has published several exerted as to secure his reinstate- letters, in one of which he calls upon ment is a matter of doubt.-Method- the Jews to "take up the New Testaist Review. ment, the true Thora, which Jesus, the Son of God, and our Master, has Siberia.-A Judmo-Christian move- taught us, and give yourselves to the ment has begun in Siberia, analo- study of it day and night." The New gous to that which for two or three Testament is being read by the Jews years has been proceeding at Kisch- as it never was before.-Chronicle of nieff, in Southern Russia, under London Miss. Society. Joseph Rabinowitch. It owes its institution to a Polish Jew, one Jacob- – The Oldest Missionary Journal. Zebi Scheinmann, who, on the The present volume of Periodical ground of utterly false accusations, Accounts relating to the missions of was banished to Siberia in 1874. He the church of the United Brethren settled at Irkutsk, where he set up in will complete the century of their business, and at the end of five years issue. In 1790 the first number of found himself in possession of a cer- this oldest of missionary journals was tain competency. In his native land "presented to an that pray for the he had heard about Jesus Christ from coming of the kingdom of Christ one of his 'friends, the late David and take an active share in its pros- Levinsohn, and the indirect occasion perity." Since then successive vol-
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT•
. umes have followed at intervals of Bureau of Information, where mag- about two and a half years, until azines and leaflets on all flelds and by more than thirty now stand slde by all evangelical denominations are side. In anticipation of the approach- kept for consultation and sale in ing hundredth year of the issue, the cheap form. A catalogue of these latest volumes have increased from publications, with their prices, can be ten to twelve quarterly numbers. had on application by enclosing 5 The present one will therefore (d. v.) cents in stamps to Maryland Baptist extend over three years, and its last lfission Rooms, 10 E. Fayette st., number will be published in Decem- Baltimore. ber 1889, so that a new volume will commence in 1890, the centenary -Prize for Essay on Missions. One year of the venerable publication. of the recent graduates of Hanover College' offers to the students a prize -A Missionary Training School in of $25 for the best essay on "The Philadelphia has been opened at 4045 Relations of Missions to the New Ogden street by Mrs. W. B. Osbdrn, Civilization in the Orient." This a former missionary in India. It is prize will be continued for at least two conducted on the basis of faith and years. prayer, and aims to put a course of preparatory study within the reach -Missionary Intelligtmce. Two of the humblest and poorest who are thousand secretaries of district mis- seeking to go abroad as miSSIOnarIeS. sionary meetings are now furnishing the daily and weekly papers of the -Mission Repository. In compliance country with missionary intelligence. with a resolution adopted by the last Never was such an amount of infor- Maryland Baptist Association, there mation distributed as is being sent has been established in Baltimore a forth now.
IV.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
CONDUCTED BY REV. J. T. GRACEY, D. D., OF THE "INTERNATIONAL MIS- SIONARY UNION."
Islam in West Africa. with those who were authorities on this subject, such as Rev. Dr. Blyden, THE writer had the good fortune then professor in the Liberia College, when in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and Archbishop Crowther of the some ten years or more ago, to have Niger, enabled him to collect what a letter of introduction to Muham- was then and is still esteemed valumad SanusL who presented him with able information on this subject, just an illuminated manuscript, written now attrar.ting attention afresh. by himself, of an original Arabic composition by Sheikh Omaru-al- The measure of Moslem bigotry Haqq, a native of Futah Toro, West and fanaticism did not seem to be Africa. It is an acrostic poem, with equal in all parts of the coast. preface on the letters contained in Bishop Crowther said that in conververses 9, 10 and 11 of the 63d Sura of sation with Moslems along the the Quran. Being on a tour along Niger, on which river lies a portion the West Coast of Africa, partly of his diocese, and where, as on some with a view to study local Muham- of its lower tributaries, he has bemedanism, as far as opportunity come familiar with Moslems, he had might allow, this interview ana con- never met with a stern opposer of tribution were specially valued. Christianity among them. He could Little incidents of this nature, and a not say whether this WaS becau:se of peculiar good fortune in falling in theil' apprehension of the purer moral teaching of the Scriptures, or purchase of them, establishes less bigbecause they were ill informed con- ogtry than elsewhere we do not say. cerning the Quran, and surprised to The Moslems of India do this from a find how much more the Christian variety of motive; sometimes with a missionary knew of it, than they view to endeavor to prove their corthemselves. He said he had in a ruption and disagreement with the number of instances given the Quran. The Wesleyan missionaries Christian Scriptures to Moslem chiefs about Sierra Leone have made a someand moulvis, but never met with an what vigorous attempt to reach the obstinate disputant of his teachings Moslem community in that quarter, in connection with the present. The and at the time of which we write, had Emir of Nupe accepted from him an just held a soiree with them on an ap- Arabic Bible in the presence of his pointed evening, when seventy Moscourtiers, and a copy was sent lems were present. Working among through him to another king. The them was a Rev. Mr. Schafira, a Jew head messenger of the Emir solicited who had been under instruction in a copy like that given to his master. Palestine with the view of becoming a He also presented a Bible to an old rabbi, and after his conversion was priest, keeping an Arabic school at educated in the Missionary College at Lokoja, who had solicited it a long Islington, England. Many Moslem while previously, but to whom it had chiefs had called upon him, and a large not been given through fear that it number of Arabic-speaking Moslems was his purpose only to put the book from the interior purchased Bibles of to poor use, by taking scraps of the him. :Qr. Blyden informed us that paper and writing on them some many Moslems came from a long dis: verses of the Quran and selling them tance in the interior for the purpose of for superstitious uses to the people. learning of Christianity in its relation The native preacher under the to Islam. In November, 1870, one Bishop read selections from the came to him from Kankan to inter- Arabic Bible to merchants who came view him, bringing a manuscript copy to certain trade centers to sell ivory. of the Quran and many other elegant Arabic manuscripts. Kankan is nine Bishop Jayne of the Episcopal days from Musardu and six from Church had added similar testimony. Footah. He said that the Moslem priests are found all through Central Africa, In some other localities the bigotry from the borders of Egypt to the At- is objectionable enough. A missionlantic Ocean, zealously prosecuting ary at Lagos said, that whenever in their mission, yat exhibiting none of preaching they speak of the sonship the bigotry and fanaticism usual to and divinity of Christ, the Moslems Islam. present cease not to repeat the Sura of the Quran which says, "God does Rev. Mr. Day of the Lutheran Mis- not beget, neither is he begotten." sion at Muhlenburg said that Moslems He affirmed that the priests were dilof the Mandingo, and Vei tribes fre- igent to keep the people from listenquently came to his house and spent ing to their preaching, advising them hours in reading the Christian Scrip- in their public services to avoid the tures for the purpose of comparing Christian missionary, and refused to them with the Quran. The Liberia hold conversation with them, consid- College has distributed copies of the ering them enemies. An active con- Scriptures among Moslems of the troversy among them the year prenorth and northwest portions of Li- vious, respecting the authorship of beria and beyond, toward Boporo and Jallaloddin's Commentary on the Musardu, and found no disposition to Quran would have resulted in bloodreject them. How far this willing shed but for an appeal to the Lagos acceptance of the ScriptUl'es or the Government. Rev. Mr. Picot, the fourths of the additions were from account of whose journey to Kumasi conviction and not by natural inis more thrilling than Stanley's of crease by birth-rate. his travel over the same route, says he met a Moslem priest at Houssa The African Moslems appeal' to be who said his native place was Stam- great travelers. Dr. Blyden met at boul [Constantinople], and that he Toto Korie a young lad, bOl'n in had been traveling two years, all of Mecca, while his mother was on a which time had been occupied in pilgrimage at that place. Newlyreaching Houssa. He conversed converted Moslems often go from the freely about the nature of the road, desert of Bornou or Lake Tchad, to and the countries through which he the great collegiate mosque at Cairo, had passed, and entered into a vigor- and return. They go long distances ous defense of Muhammedanism. for the purpose of securing education. One young negro Moslem is told of, That the Qill'an is studied in towns who was accustomed to send orders from seventy-five to three hundred to Trubner of London for books, who miles from Monrovia, and by the went two hundred and fifty miles to Veis and Mandingos much nearer, is be instructed. A copy of the Quran well accredited. At Boporo, Man- was found in the interior which dingo, and other places many travel- proved to be of Liberia origin. It ers testify that the muezzin calls reg- was written on coarse folio leaves of a ularly five times a day to prayers, ledger, such as is used in the customand it is not to be called in question, houses. It was written by a negro. that mosques are to be found from It was imperfect, comIIlencing with Senegal to Lagos, but they are not to the 19th Sura. The Muhammedans be imagined to be fine specimens of appeal' to have shrewdly stationed Moorish architecture, modeled after themselvE's in influential towns near St. Sophia of the Levant or The the coast, and generally in those com- Pearl at Delhi. The Moslem is too manding the trade from the distant zealous to wait till he can construct interior. They have succeeded in an elaborate edifice, and often his impressing the people that their re- "mosque" on this coast, is not dis- ligion is peculiarly adapted to the Aftinguishable from his ordinary house rican. A missionary who had been of bamboo, wattled and lined with laboring in the interior for two years mats, covered with its thick straw said that on urging Christianity he thatch. Still it is his "mosque," be- met with two common answers: cause it is set apart as his place of first, that Christianity was good for prayer. Such is the mosque as found ., 'Merican man," but no good for in Liberia. "country man." The other came from Moslems, that "Christ is the Dr. Blydeninformedus that during white man's Saviour; Muhammed is his travels in 1872-73, on the explor- the black man's." To what extent ing expedition for the Sierra Leone Islam has proven a blessing to the Government, in every large pagan West African negro, is quite too large town he found one intellectual Mos- a question to discuss in a fragmentlem acting as prime minister to the ary way, and the testimony gathered chief and directing his policy. He by the writer can itself only be conlearned that the chief advisers of the sidered fragmentary. King of Ashantee are Moslems from Sokoto, and this was true also of One should be slow to disparage Da,homey. The Rev. JamesJohnson, any agency which ameliorates the now archdeacon, a native clergyman cruelty or the degradation of any of the West Coast, thought Muham- portion of mankind, yet after the medans were numerically increasing most assiduous inquiry made of misabout Sierra Leone, and that three- sionaries, merchants, sailors, explorers, among Europeans of several na- and his fetish may become bewitched tionalities and negroes of several and powerless. It can be befooled.
tribes, the writer reached the con- He will whip it and throw it away clusion that the balance between the or exchange it for a better. The in- blessing and the bane of Islam in evitable gree-gree may be seen every- West Africa as compared with those where, hung on doors or trees to se- of fetishism or Christianity had not ~ure good crops. Only the rich can been struck. As to the demoraliza- afford a good many. .Anything may tion of the natives by rum, there become a fetish, and the Moslem of- seemed to be much testimony that fering his superstitious charms sim- many non-Moslem tribes, like the ply asks the negro to substitute Quran Pessahs and Barline people. were not Suras as a fetish, for tigers' teeth, cats'
more given to the use of intoxicating clawsor alligators' scales. The Qu- liquors than were the Moslems about ran fetish becomes the most popular Musardu, and even among those like because supposed to be the most pow- the Kabyles of North Africa. erfu!' But all that, leaves the heart It is claimed by some along the of African heathenism untouched.
coast, that the Moslems work with Re'. Mr. Picot makes special mention wiser adaptations to native preju- of these men in the journal of his visit dices, customs and idiosyncrasies to Coomassie. When he found one than the Christian missionaries do, of these lIoslem teachers, with his and their success is quoted in evi- manuscripts and his beads, he asked dence of the statement. But Islam if he was not ashamed to be deceiv- has been for a thousand years gradu- ing the people by giving them these ally spreading over the northern half scraps of paper, telling the people of Africa, and has held the country they were capable of protecting them of these Mandingos since the days of against evil. The man suddenly pre- the Norman '(onquest, and that of tended not to understand the language the Foulahs and of Lake Tchad for spoken, but the people made sport of six hundred years, yet there are large him, and he confessed his deception.
tracts not conquered by it to this As to the unity of the godhead taught day. Mr. Boswell Smith speaks in by Islam, that is an article of faith his" Mohammed and Mohammedan- from end to end of Africa among the ism" of "whole tribes laying aside entire negro popUlation, and this devil worship or the immemorial fe- compounding with the superstitions tish, and springing at a bound, as it of existing heathenism, or overlaying were, from the very lowest to one of it with another without any im prQve- the highest forms of belief;" but ment, does not look much like Mr.
from facts learned all along this coast, Smith's description, of the African that seems to be quite a rhetorical laying aside the immemorial fetish statement. After more than a thou- and springing at once to the highest sand years of effort to subjugate these form of religions belief.
pagan tribes, the Bornous, Fulahs, Muhammedanism, if it has added Mandingos and Jaloofs, who profess any to the limitations which the Af- Islam, have done little more than rican's povel·ty imposes in most cases abandon some of the rites of pagan- to the practice of polygamy, has in efism, while their belief in some su- fect left it in principle and practice perstitions is said to be intensified•. intact. Rev. Mr. Adcock, Wesleyan A Moslem negro offered for sale to missionary on the river Gambia, the writer,alarge silver locketor box, properly put this part of the case for said to contain selections from the the whole coast, when at a breakfast Quran, to be worn as a charm to meeting in London he said: ward off evil. The gree-gree does the "We have no difficulty in getting members. same thing for the native African, The difficulty is to keep them out of the chqrch, We could have thousands of members if we stra.tes to these heathen, the secret would allow them to come iu with a wife ou and strong power in Christianity that each arm, aud many other things which we do binds together all who truly love and not permit. We never have to refuse the sac· serve our Lord Jesus Christ. rament because people do not believe in the per sonality of the devil; they believe in it a great Much to our astonishment there deal too much." has recently come a proposition from Mr. Joyama, the former president of Affairs in Japan. the Imperial University, to place all schools of the middle grade underthe BY REV. H. LOOMIS, AMERICAN BruLE care of Protestant missionary bodies.
AGENT, YOKOHAMA. The reforms and improvements which have been inaugurated by Mr. ONE of the many encouraging and Mori, the Minister of Education, delightful features of Christian work have been important and helpful, in this land, is the unity of spirit that but the claims on the government prevails among all the followers of are so many and varied that it is Christ. found impossible to do all that is felt to be needed. In this emergency it The prayer of Christ is being an- is urged that suitable preparatory swered here in the manifestation'of a schools would be found, by calling in oneness of heart, so that even those the aid of the missionaries and givof different folds mingle together as ing them the charge of this branch one flock and followers of the same of educational work. This is a mere Shepherd. As evidence of this, a suggestion, but it comes from one social meeting was arranged for all who knows of what he speaks, and the theological students in Tokyo. whose opinion will have weight in It was held in a sort of park near the the minds of those who are to decide center of the city, which is a popular such matters. Possibly such a thing place of resort for all classes of people. is not wholly feasible even should it A meeting was recently called in meet with the approval of the proper Tokyo by the various pastors, in Japanese authorities. It would inwhich the question for discussion volve large expense on the part of was, "What is the present need of the missionary bodies, and at present our respective churches?" none of them seem to have surplus funds, even if there was a willingness A monthly meeting for prayer and to devote their income to an almost conference was arranged; it was well distinctively educational work. But attended and exceedingly profitable. the suggestion is an important indica- At the recent gospel meeting held in tion of what has been accomplished Tokyo under the auspices of the Epis- by the missionaries in this land in the copal mission, were Bishop Bicker- work of educa.tion. Of course no steth of the English church, Rev. such proposal would have been made Dr. Verbeck of the Reformed mission had not the work hitherto done atin America, Rev. Mr. Honda of the tracted the attention and won the Methodist church, and Rev. Mr. approval of those who are best qual- Hashimo of the Congregational or ified to judge. Mr. Joyama is not an Independent body. As Bishop Bick- avowed Christian, and has therefore ersteth was unable to speak in Jap- no religious bias that would lead him anese, he was assisted by a Presby- to take this step. The 'proposition terian interpreter. It is reported shows the confidence that the leadthere were one thousand persons ing men in Japan have in the charpresent. At a similar service recently acter of the missionaries, and of their held in Nagoya the speakers repre- ability to conduct such a work even sented the Protestant Episcopal and better than the Japanese themselves. Methodist Episcopal, the Reformed and the Presbyterian churches. The general influence of such unity is most beneficial to all, and demon- It will not surprise us if we see in to missionaries on a number of forthe future a flocking of the young eign fields, to secure an expression of men of Japan tothe Christian schools opinion on the importance of musical as the most desirable place to secure a training as a part of the preparation complete and thorough education. of persons for service abroad, and re- There is no question but what the fu- ceived such responses as to lead him to ture of Japan depends on the training make most liberal proposals to miswhich the present generation of schol- sionary boards, or to intending misars receives. sionaries themselves, for special edu- cation at his institution, in any or all There is a most blessed work now branches of music. This paper was gomg on in the various schools, es- presented at the meeting of the pecially in Yokohama and Tokyo. At International Missionary Union last the Ferris Seminary forty-five con- August, and a general discussion was verts are reported among the girls entered into, which gave a good with no extra effort or excitement, deal of information to those present. one after another has come out bold- Perhaps nothing was more striking lyand joyfully on the Lord1s side. On than the diversity demanded by the a recent Saturday it is said that more several fields oflabor in the character than fifty letters were sent by these of the music to be used. Rev. Mr. new converts to their homes and Chandler of South India, said three friends in all parts of the land, courses were open to the missionary: asking permission to profess their First, to teach the English system, faith in public, and pleading with one which imposed no end of labor in and all to repent of their sins and fol- teaching. Second, to translate hymns low the Saviour. In the Methodist and sing them; but in India the peo- Protestant school there has also been ple knew nothing of our scale and great interest of late, and on a recent nothing of harmony, and even the Sabbath forty-five persons received reduction of native airs to notation baptism. had to be done by ear, and then they could not get them as the natives did. In the school at Ayoma, in Tokyo, If the natives tried to sing in parts in there are seventy-four applicants for harmony they went through together baptism. The students have become if they started together, but whatever so aroused that they have for some difference obtained at the start was time gone out into the streets and maintainetl to the end. The third preached to the people and distributed method, which he thought the best, tracts. At another of the mission was to use native tunes and metres. schools in Tokyo there has been a general awakening and twenty of the Rev. Mr. Nicholls, Baptist, of Burscholars asked for prayers at a single mah said the natives there learned meeting. English music very quickly. Rev. Mr. Stanley said in Northern China The churches also have been arous- there had been no exoensive attempt ed and are at work as never before. to use native tunes. The Chinese At many of them special services are scale was unlike that of Europe, and being held; not only are sinners being our instruments were not adapted to converted, but those who have been their music, which was in minor visited by their brethren aroused to a chords mainly; yet in the boardingnew zeal. schools the pupils learned our music very creditably. Mrs. Culbertson Musia and Missions. spoke of Chinese girls learning our tunes, and singing as they strolled, THE subject of music, as related Moody and Sankey hymns. Dr. Barto the work of the foreign and native num said in Turkey the natives readmissionary, seems to lose none of its interest. Professor Tourjee of the Boston Conservatory of Music wrote ily adopted our tunes and caught the an article intended to show how great airs of the military bands. a work has bt::en accomplished by missionaries, in the introduction of The Indian Evangelical Review for Christian. hymnology among the va- October, 1887, had an excellent arti- rious nations of the earth, and for cle on "Hindustani Hymns and this purpose Rev. W. R. Stevenson, Hymn Writers," which will be con- M.A., Carrington, Nottingham, Engsidered as contributing much of inter- land, wishes answers to the followest to the general subject. Rev. John ing questions from all mission fields: Chamberlain of the English Baptist Mission was the first to enter this " (1) Please state to what part of the mission field, by the publication of a volume field your answers refer, and the language or of Hindu hymns still su,ng after 70 languages there spoken. (2) What hymn-bookR years. Following him was Rev. Shu- have been prepared for the use of the converts· ? jaat Ali, a native preacher, whose Abont how many hymns do they contain? By hymns" will be sung for many years whom were they prepared, and when P Where to come." Rev. John Parsons, an- are they printed? Are the same books nsed other Baptist missionary, "became elsewhere, or by the missionaries of any other famous for his vernacular hymns, society, so far as you know. (3) Are the especially Bhajans, which are still hymns chiefly translations or originals P If widely sung and are full of poetic translations, by whom were they translated P If fire." Rev. John Newton, Sr., now the Original, who were the authors? If possible, of. Lahore, the oldest missionary in kindly give the first lines in I!Jnglish of the India, was the first Hindustani hymn- prinCipal tran81atedhymns. (4) AreourEngJish writer am~ng the American Presby- metres and tunes used? Do the lines rhyme 8S terians. Rev. Mr. Janvier and Rev. with our hymns. Please address reply to Rev. Mr. Ullman are also noted for their W. R. Stevenson, M.A., Carrington, Nottinglarge contributions to Indian hym- ham, England." nology. Several other societies have contributed through their mission- Bnlgaria.-W e cannot fail of symaries, original hymns and transla- pathetic interest with Bulgaria. It tions. The author of the article says is an old battlefield of Asia and Euthat Mrs. J. E. Scott of the M. E. rope, and hard soil for missions, with Mission of North India, has been forces that would grind them as beat work for two years on a book of tween the upper aud nether mill~ native tunes and hymns. He further stones, but it is a vast strategic point says: for Christian work as well as for the soldier and the statesman. It must be "Munshi Shankar Dyal, literary assistant in taken and held for God. The people the Methodist Publisblng House in Lucknow, has are a noble stock, and though trouwritten at least one hundred ghazals (hymns), bled about political existence now, many of them of a bigh order, several of which they are as likely to yield results to have found their way Into various hymn·books. Christian toil as any branch of the One of these is sung more frequently In the Slavic race, and they are admirably Christian congregations of the Methodist mission situated to be a leading Christian than any other native hymn, and yet this inter- power among their ninety millions of esting writer, whose literary prodnctions (the brother Slavs. In less than seven product of his spare hours) are found so accept- years this race of Slavs became a able, breathing throughout a truly Christ-like nation of freemen, with power to spirit, is as yet a Hiudu. He admits that at heart govern themselves. They set themhe is a Christian, and those who know him best selves to crush brigandage,. and they are convinced that illuminating grace has reached did it completely in East Roumelia his soul. For twenty years or more he has given and almost completely in Bulgaria. all his time and strength to the preparation of Christian books in tce vernacular; evidently he The Rev. D. C. Challis of Bulgaria is not far from the kingdom of God." calls our attention to the stamina, strength, and promise there is for And now we learn that a "Dic- Bulgaria, as illustrated by the action tionary of Hymnology" is in course of their national assembly; He says: of preparation, which is to contain "The serious and businesslike man- Delegates to the London Oonferenoe. nerwith which the Bulgaria National Assembly, lately adjourned, ad- REv. WILLIAM KINCAID, D.D., Bible House, dressed itself to the work in hand is a striking instance of coolness under New York, Secretary of the American Commitfire. A gh1nce at the list of laws enacted during the late session shows tee of the General Conference on Foreign Miathe presence of no mean legislative ability, and the published reports of sions, informs ns that our Euglish brethren are the discussions show that nothing making generous provision to entertain all reg~ was done by force or the abridgment of the freedom of speech. The most lady accredited delegates during the continunpractical and cranky members were free to express their opinions and uance of the Conference, June 9 to 19. Delecast their votes. gates may expect to hear from the London com- " Among a large number of enactments ofgeneral importance we notice mittee on this snbject in due time. – the following: A law authorizing a subsidiary nickel coinage of 3,000,000 He also says: "Societies that have not yet apfrancs. A law for the disposition of cases pending in the courts of Eastern pointed delegates, but still hope to do so, will Roumelia at the time of the annexation. Alaw for the suppression of brig- confer a favor by taking action at the earliest andage, granting the government extraordinary powers in cases of neces- convenient date. It is important that the list sity. A press law guaranteeing full freedom with responsibility, and pro- should be completed and be in the hands of the viding for the speedy trial of offenders. A law authorizing a loan of committee as soon as possible. The requisite 50,000,000 francs ($10,000,000). A special credit of twenty millions to credentials will be sent in proper season. payoff the debts of Eastern Roumelia. A special credit of 370,000 .. Special attention is called to the request of francs for the preliminary survey of new railroad lines. Many other our English brethren that 'earnest and conmeasures of importance were passed, all pointing to the fullest possible tinued prayer be offered in behalf of the prorealization of the provisions of this liberal constitution." posed conference,' and to the suggestiou of the In his address on closing the session, American committee, in this connection, that Prince Ferdinand expresses the highest satisfaction with the "loyal and interdenominational meetiugs be held throughpatriotic co-operation of the assembly" and the "tact, intelligence and out this country to inform the Christian public devotion of the ministry." Cut off from the recognition of the "pow- with reference to the conference and awaken ers" by their" illegal" position, and themselves the bone of the fiercest interest in it. Such meetings, with great succontention, the Bulgarians quietly attend to their business and defeat the cess, have been held in New York; may they intentions of their enemies by presenting an example of good govern- not be planned for throughout the whole land?" ment on a system almost purely democratic. The delegates from American societies, so rar as reported to Dr. Kincaid, are as follows: Pre8byterian Board of Foreign MisBionB- Rev. F. F. Ellinwood, D.D., Secretary.
ForeignMisBions of the Presbyterian Ghurch- Rev. M. H. Heuston, D.D.; Rev. W. M. Murk- land, D.D.; Rev. J. A. Lefevre, D.D.; Christian Deovies, Esq.
Board of Foreign Mis8ions Qf the Reformed Presbyterian Ohurch – Rev. D. McAllister, LL.D.; Rev. D. McFall, Mr. A. Alexander.
Board Qf Foreign Missions Of the Reformed Ohurch-Rev. T. W. Chambers, D.D.; Rev. W. J. R. Taylor, D.D.; C. L. Wells, Flatbush, N. Y.
Board Qf Foreign M'f,8sions Qf the Rejormed Okurck-Rev. D. Van Horn, D.D. Alternates, Rev. C. L. Weiser, D.D.; Rev. S. G. Wagner, D.D.
American Board of Oommissioners for For- eign M'Ulsions – Rev; A. C. Thompson, D.D.; Rev. Judson Smith, D.D.; Elbridge Torrey, Esq.
American Missionary Association-Rev. A. F. Baird, D.D.
American Baptist M'f,8sionary Union-Rev. John N. Murdock, D.D.; Rev. A. J. Gordon, D.D.; Hon. Eustace C. Fitz.
Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Okurch-Rev. William S. Langford, D.D.
Missionary Society Methodist Episcopal Ohurch-Bishop W. F. Mallalieu, D.D.; Rev. J. N. Fitzgerald, D.D.; John M. Phillips, Esq.
Home and Forei(1n Missionary Society of the African Metfwdiet J!Jpiscopal Ohurch – Rev. Wm. B. Derrick, D.D.; Rev. D. P. Roberts, M.D.; Prof. Philander Outland. Alternate, Rev. C. T. Shaffer.
MONTHLY CONCERT OF. MISSIONS
Board of Fusions Metlwdi8t Protestant DR. hUD'lJD-DIN is the first native oC India Church-Rev. F. T. Tagg. who ever received the title of Doctor of Divinity. The Punjab New8 has the following interesting Mis8ionary Board Free Metlwdist Church- incident: "Recently the Rev. 1I10ulvie Imad-ud- Rev. B. T. Roberts, Rev. T. B. Arnold. din, D.D., was asked by a rich and infiuentlal 1I10hammedan to come and see him on important American Bible SociBty-Re…. E. W. Gil- business. When he reached the place he was very man,D.D. cordially received aud hospitably treated. After some time the business was broached. His host Chicago Tral.ning Schoolfor City, Home and took him into an inner room. There he found Foreign Musions-Wm. E. Blackstone, Esq. about forty 1I10hammedan gentlemen, including some 1I10ulvies and well-to-do infiuential per- Washington City Bible Society-Rev. A. W. sons. They carefully shnt the door, and having Pitzer, D.D. taken every possible precantion against interrup- tion and eavesdropping, they said to him, • Now Foreign Missions Southern Baptist Conven- you are alone with us and God. We charge you tion-Rev. H. A. Tupper, D.D.; Hon. J. L. M. by the living God, to whom you will one day Cnrry. give account, answer our questions truthfully. The Lord judge you ifyou deceive us.' The 1I10ul- Woman's Foreign Missionary Society Pres- vie said, • God is my witness. Ask, and I will byterian Church-Mrs. William Dugdale, 1111's. answer truly.' They then said,' We see you are Arthur T. Pierson. a man of learning and worth. Why did you be- come a Christian f ' •For the salvation of my Woman', Board Cumberland Presbyterian soul,' the 1I10ulvie replied. • Could you not find Church-1111's. A. H. Stephens. salvation in Islam, 0 brother?' •No. ' • Tell us why not.' Woman's Board Of Riformed Church-Mrs. W. J. R. Taylor. "Dr. Imad-ud-din then preached Christ Jesus to them. They listened attentively, and ouly in- Women', National Indian Assoc·iat·on-1I1rs. terrupted him now and then to ask pertinent Amelia S. Quinton, Mrs. Geo. D. Boardman, questions. Be stayed three days. and each day was spent in converse about the things of Christ. 1I1iss 1I1ary L. Bonney. Wheu he left they all showed him great honor, Woman'8 Board, Congregational – 1I1iss embraced him and said, 'God bless you and be with you. Now we' know that whatever yon Abbie B. Child, 1111's. A. C. Thompson, 1111's. have done you have done, not for the sake of gain, but with a pure heart. for the sake of Geo. W. Coburn, 1I1iss Carrie Borden. what you believe to be truth.' .. Woman'8 Foreign Missionary Society Of I()Wa Meeting if Friends – 1111's. Elizabeth Hutchinson. lJelegates at Large-Rev. Geo, E. Post,1I1.D.; Rev. A. T. Pierson, D.D.; Rev. Geo. D. Boardman, D.D.; Rev. Wm. 111. Taylor, D.D.; Corneliu. Vanderbilt, Esq.; Re,·. Daniel Dorchester, D.D., General Clinton B. Fiek.
V.-MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
Burmah and Siam. two sects; one held a kind of panthe- BURMAB contains about 3,000,000 ism, believing the godhead to pet'- of people and is rich in resources, vade all nature and life, but especially both vegetable and mineral. Here, the Buddhists: the other sect rejects as in Hindustan, God permitted Brit- the doctrine of the metempsychosis, ish arms and diplomacy to establish cloister system, etc., worships one an Anglo-Indian empire, controlling spirit supreme and all-creating (Nat), the seaboard from the mouth of the and holds to a life beyond death with Gang-es to the Malacca strait, but un- weal or woe according to the works locking this land also to the gospel, of the departed. These heretics were which here fonnd a field for special burned by the king, but were reported triumphs. The article on another numerous though worshiping in sepage of this issue gives an account of cret. the work among the Karens. The Burmese are Buddhists, and The empire of Burmah reached its their religious faith is purer from ad- apex of glory in the eleventh cenmixtures than that of the East Ind- tury; in the sixteenth the state was ians and Chinese; there is not as rent into several warring factions. much picture-worship as in China, Alompra, founder of the present dyand the monks are more faithful to nasty, restored the empire to sometheir vows of poverty and celibacy. thing like its former territory and About the close of the last century prestige. But the British have since the state religion branched off into then, in the wars of 1823 and 1852, made it largely a dependency of Britain. The government is dflspotic ; society in the world. This great or- the hlwot-dau or council of state reg- ganization is revising its whole mis- ulates details, and is composed of four sionary policy, to bring it into line ministers and presided over by the with the demands of the times. The heir ~pparent to the throne, or a General Commjttee has resolved: prince of the royal blood. First, not to refuse any candidates for The Burmese courts seldom dis- missionary service on the sole ground pense justice. From the Supreme of the lack of funds; second, to rec- Council down, every office-holder is a ognize the present methods for the plunderer; the judges are venal, the collection of funds; third, to employ police powerless; life, liberty and more lay evangelists; fourth, to ar- pl'opertyare at the mercy of the vio- range for more meetings for ulllted lent and vicious. Thefarther from the and special prayer. The Henry Reed capital the less heed is paid to the Steamboat Company, connected with king. The provinces near the Chi- the American Baptist Missionary nese border live under two govern- Union, raised $1,056.02 in 1887 for ments, the Chinese and Burmese ac- the support of the steamer on the tually sharing the control. The in- . Upper Congo River, in Central Africa; terior of Burmah is comparatively $1,750 is wanted for 1888. The Equa- unknown, the seacoast having been tor Station of this mission is farther mainly the scene of missionary oper- inland than any other from the West ations. Coast. Baptist missionaries in Assam The Irawaddy, navigable for 400 are laboring among people speaking miles, is the" Father of Waters," and seven different languages, three of Ava, made capital in 1819, is the" City which had never been acquired by a of P-..)arls." foreigner until the missionaries went Those who would read it fascinat- there. One station is sixty milfls ing story of mission labors and tri- from even a cart-road. Rev. J. E.
umphs must real Gammell's "His- Clough, D.D., has been laboring on tory of American Baptist Missions" the Ongole field in the Telugu Bap- and the "Life of Adoniram Judson and tist Mission for twenty-one years. In his Wives." No more thrilling chap- that time the number of Christians ter can be found in the entire record has risen from none to 25,545. More of modern missionary labor. than six hundred converts were bap- The Burmah Baptist Missionary tized in the first eight months of last Convention held its thirteenth an- year. Rev. Kyouk – kai, a Karen nual meeting at Moulmein November preacher of the Toungoo District, 5-7. All the work is encouraging. Burmah, has been presented with a The convention was preceded by a silvel' sword by the British Govern- three-days' conference for prayer. ment for his efforts in suppressing On the last evening of the conferenee the rebels and restoring peace to the a mass-meeting of all races was held district. This is the only case in on the Burman Mission Compound, which such an honor has been be- near where Dr. Judson's chapel used stowed.
to stand. Addresses were given in SIAM has a territory of about seven languages-English, Burman, 200,000 square miles, and a popula- Karen, Shan, Talaigu, Telugp and tion estimated at eight millions. Lit- Tamil. No one of these languages tle has been known of this romantic was understood by all present, but a country in literature until of late.
hearty Christian unity prevailed. We are now beginning to know some- The Church Missionary Society is thing of this second great river basin supported by the evangelical element of the Indo-Chinese peninsula, with of the Church of England, and has BangkOk, its capital, the "Venice of the largest income of any missionary the Orient." Vegetation is abundant and luxuri- The Presbyterians have but two ant, the fruits unsurpassed in variety main stations – at' Bangkok and and excellence, the animal kingdom Petchaburi-and two more among the varied and interesting. The white Laos, at Chiengmai and Lakawn. elephant is the form associated with Their entire force, including native the appearing of Buddhas and the preachers and teachers, would num- transmigration of souls, which are ber less than thirty workers, who, if believed to be far on their way to- their responsibility could be aver- ward the Buddhist heaven, Nirvana. aged, would each have thl'. rare of a Woman's condition is far above that quarter of a million souls. of her sex generally in the East, and her treatment more affectionate and It is a rare opportunity that Siam considerate. Social distinctions are presents. Contact with vVestern civ- numerous and numerical, 5 repre- ilization has embraced Siam in the senting the lowest slave, and 100,000 telegraphic circuit, that thus binds the second king. her to the Christian world; the ,. postal system reaches from Bangkok The sacred literature, in the Pali, to the bounds of the kingdom. Com- is written with a stylus on long slips merce is developing the exports and of palm-leaf, and the 400 principal introducing imports. Next to the works embrace 4,000 volumes. The Mikado of Japan, the kin!; is pro- secular consists of about 250 principal nounced the most" progressive sov- works with 2,000 volumes. Of the ereign in Asia." Himself an educated males, from 80 to 90 per cent.. can man, he favors education; more read, and education is afforded gra- than this, the government has given tuitouslyat the temples. Buddhism practical proof of its estimate of the absolutely sways this people. Its value of Christian missions by giving sacred fanes are among the costliest the land for a new mission station at and finest of the Orient; one, esti- Lakon. The king subscribed $1,000 mated to have cost $800,000, holds for a hospital building. A series of nearly a thousand images of Buddha, friendly acts shows the attitude of the principal of which is 158 feet the royal court toward the work of long, inlaid with pearl and overlaid the mission. with gold. The priesthood, now much reduced, once numbered This new and liberal policy was in- 100,000. augurated by the government in 1851, when a new king took the Protestant missions date from the throne. He reigned for seventeen days of Gutzlaff, Tomlin and Abeel yf'ars; was a scholarly gentleman, 'in 1828-31, and properly from the who had been taught in languages settlement of Jones in 1833. A half and modern science by a missionary century ago all foreigners, whetheL' of the American Board; and under missionaries or merchants, were ex- his successor, the present king, the cluded; now all Christian countries influence of Protestant missionaries . enjoy treaty rights. No country on with the government, as we have earth is perhaps more widely open to seen, has not waned. An official the gospel, and Providence has espe- document, under royal sanction, tes- cially given to Presbyterian Christians tifies to their intelligence, integrity this land to occupy for him. and personal worth. It acknowledges the debt of the Siamese to them for The American Baptists, who have teaching them to read and speak the had a mission there for over fifty English tongue, and says: " The years, are now working only among American missionaries have always resident Chinese, from whom Dr. been just and upright men; have Dean in 1837 organized the first never meddled in the. affairs of church of Chinese Christians in all government, nor cre:lted any diffi- Asia. culty with the Siamese; have lived breathe new life into her explrlllg with the Siamese just as if they flame, so that her light may shine belonged to the nation; " and further- clear and far. more this document affirms the high standing. of the missionaries In the The fourth verse is open to a simirespect and love of the government. lar construction, and may be trans- When this young king, by a sad ac- lated, he shall not burn dimly nor cident some years since, lost his wife, be bruised; and then the thought his brother came to the missionaries throughout is beautifully consistent. for a copy of the New Testament, and gave as a reason for the request that Christ finds his church with the king had lost faith in his own re- branches bruised and lights dim, and ligion; that he could find nothing in by his corrective judgments he makes Buddhism to console him in his great her capable of a powerful testimony grief. It might cost the king his to the truth. But we are to look up crown, or even his life, to renounce from a fallible, imperfect body of disthe state religion, yet this bereaved ciples to an infallible and perfect monarch flies to the Christian's Bible Head and Lord; he cannot be bruised for the solace that his pagan creed and broken, nor does his light ever cannot supply! Siam may be much nearer to becoming a Christian nation become dim or threaten to be extinthan we think! The additional fact should be put on record that the first guished. He shall not only correct zenana teaching ever attempted in his church by chastening judgments, the East was by missionary women, but by punitive judgments destroy in 1851, among the thirty wives and the wicked and set up his throne upon royal sisters of the king of Siam. the earth. And for his law tile isles shall longingly wait and Ethiopia THEME FOR A GRAND MISSIONARY shall stretch forth imploring hands.
SERMON. God has called him to be the justi- Isaiah xvii. 1-7. fier, and holds his hand and keeps him; he has entered into covenant THE Messiah is here set forth as the with him, and that covenant is as servant of Jehovah, upheld by his sure as the word and oath of God can almightiness, his elect, the object of make it. Christ shall be a light of his delight, the subject of his Holy the Gentiles, though the church's Spirit's unmeasured indwelling and lamp may at times seem to be going outworking. out and her testimony be almost quenched. He shall open blind eyes, His special mission is to the Gen- release imprisoned souls, and those tiles. He shall not cry as in helpless in the shadow of death. We do not grief, nor shout as in boastful glory. claim that this is a precise, exact and He shall perform his service in the scholarly exegesis of this passage, quietness of a divIne confidence and but we believe a careful study of the certainty of result. Hebrew will satisfy any student that the drift of this paragraph is not or- The bruised reed and smoking wick dinarily apprehended; that the hope seem to me to refer to the golden of missions is here shown to be the candlestick, whose branches were infallible covenant of God; not the called reeds; and so regarded this golden candlesticks, but He who walkverse may refer to the church,which eth in the midst of them; not the even in her periods of spiritual de- efficiency and energy of human orcline he shall not forsake. When her ganizations, but the power and grace branches are bruised he will not of the living, risen, glorified Christ. break them off, and when her lamp The word judgment occurs here in burns dim he will not quench it, but three conspicuous connections, and by his patient, loving discipline heal that word always calls attention to her schisms, repair her breaches, and divine energy of action. God invites the co·operation of his people, but SUGGESTIVE PARAGRAPHS. he is not dependent upon it. He can work in his own way, and sometimes DR. W. M. PAXTON said to his stu,. by mighty jugdments he both brings dents at Princeton Theological Semian unfaithful church to see her duty nary as to the Signs of a call to the and a rebellious world to bow and foreign field: submit to his law. The wholetlutline of missions is suggested in this 1. Desire. passage in Isaiah-the outline of mis- In general, when the Lord wants sionary history and of the divine a man to do a certain work, he puts philosophy of missions. into his heart a strong desire to do it. "I have long observed that God It is also particularly noticeable puts certain proclivities in men's that a conspicuous change in pro- minds," etc. (Albert Barnes.) phetic terminology occurs at chap. liii. of this prophecy. The Sel'- II. Qualifications. 'ant of the Lord is a phrase which Many men would make good minisoccurs frequently up to chap. liii. 11 : tel'S at home who would not perhaps the Messiah who represents the true do for the foreign field, e.g. : Israel, the holy seed of God, the in- 1. One must have some faculty for destructible germ which assures con- acquiring a foreign language. tinuity to Israel's life, who restores 2. A man must be good.tempered moral order. But though this title enough not to quarrel with his occurs nineteen times in chaps. xli. to brothel' missionaries. Scores of trouliii., after the eleventh verse of chap.. bles have arisen from this source. liii. it disappears. "My righteous Bad temper is easily developed iI) a servant shall iwdify many." Now missionary field, especially in a bad his work as servant is done. He llas climate. Above all, don't take a bad· suffered the just for the unjust to tempered woman. A man who is to bring us to God. He has justified be a missionary must not have a many and made them servants of curious, prying or gossiping disposi- God. They now take up the work tion. He needs especially to mind be has laid down, and fill up that his own business. which is behind of his sufferings. 3. Must have aptness to teach and And so aftel' this, as in chap. liv.17, patience in imparting knowledge we have the new phrase, "servants even to those of a low grade of caof the Lord," which occurs ten times pacity. from chap. liv. 17 to lxvi. 14. The 4. Must have good health, and his servant of God now sees his seed, and physical constitution should be it is a numerous seed. The servant of adapted to the climate where he God is multiplied a thousand fold labors. Every man must have a phy- (Rom. v. 15-19). He ceases to suffer, sician's certificate-e.g., one with a and in the former sense to serve, and torpid liver should not go to a very his spiritual offspring take up service hot country like India or Afl'ica, nor ~nd suffering for his sake. They go with weak lungs to a land unfavormto all the world, and as witnesses able for pulmonary weaknesses. testify and as martyrs die for him ll;nd his cause, until he comes again, III. Opportunity. and then service and suffering are This means. that providence will merged into triumph and glory, and open the way when God has a purthe new heaven and earth, wherein pose in a man's hfe. There may be dwelleth righteousness, take the place an insuperable objection – e.g., an of this sin-cursed and sorrow-stricken aged and dependent mother, etc. world, and chaos is once more displaced by cosmos. -Dr. Barnardo, the English phi- lanthropist, has now the largest fami· ly in the world cared for by anyone man. It numbers 2,233.
PROGRESS AND RESULTS OF MISSIONS-MONTHLY BULLETIN
VI.-PROGRESS AND RESULTS OF MISSIONS- MONTHLY BULLETIN.
A.frica.-Bishop Taylor's advance advance of those of the preceding party have at last reached the goal year for the corresponding period, ~ in the depths of Africa toward which which amount about $30,000 was from he has so long been struggling. Be- donations and $48,000 from legacies. fore his pioneer band of missionaries started the bishop declared his inten- -The French Government and Mistion to plant stations among the sions. Rev. John Jones, a leading tribes along the Upper Kassai and its missionary of the London Missionary tributaries. Toward this region his Society, has been expelled from the chain of stations has been steadily Loyalty Islands by the French Govlengthening. Dr. Harrison, one of ernment. The directors of the sothe party that the bishop led up the ciety have given to the press the de- Congo in July last, has reached Lu- tails of the outrage from Mr. Jones's luaburg, the new station of the Congo own pen, and now pnblish them in State. He is one of the two phy- their own periodical, The Chronicle, sicians who have followed the bishop for March: to Africa, and he is now established among the natives. These Balubas .. Mr. Jones has been summoned home by are among the most remarkable sav- telegram to meet the Board, whose future ages in the world.-The Christian. action will be determined upon after his arrival. In the mean time, suffice it to say -Dr. Elmslie, an American mis- that they sympathize deeply with their sionary, who has been stationed for missionary in the wrong he has sustained, some time among the Zulus west of and regard him as the subject of harsh and Lake Nyassa, has sent home the first unjust treatment. He has been expelled book printed in Nbungoni language. not so much on account of his Protestant- The book was issued from the press ism, as on that of known friendliness to the of a neighboring mission station islanders, and as being a sturdy representacalled Blantyre. It contains the tive of earnest British Christianity, a type Decalogue, passages from the Psalms, of man the French Colonial Office is not Proverbs and the Gospels, with four- partial to." teen hymns. Much is expected from the book, as the Nbungoni language India.-They write from Kolapoor is intelligible to a large number of that it is wonderful the joy the nathe tribes. tive Christians show at seeing the Wilders, mother and daughter, after -The Royal Niger Company has an ab~ence of thirteen years, and that determined to impose a tax of fifty Miss Grace talks Mahratta (or Maraper cent. upon all spirituous liquors thi) "like a native." landed within its territories. Total prohibition is impossible, as the river -The Lutheran Missionaries in is free to all hade under the Berlin South India have long had a German Treaty; but this tax will limit the synod, but in June, 1887, their first supply. The company has been en- Tamil synod met, composed of deledeavoring to induce the government gates of the churches (which have to negotiate with other powers for hitherto had a very loose connection a uniform duty on spirits all along with each other), of all the native the West African coast for :!,500 miles. ministers, and of three missionaries, together with the Senior of the mis- -American Board. For the first sion. The synod is to meet triensix months of the financial year the nially. Tanjore, as being the most total receipts were about $78,000 in central station, was chosen as the first place of meeting.
-July I, 1883, was the bicentennial anniversary of the missionary Ziegenbalg, the first foreign missionary of whom no fewer than 115,361 were of the Lutheran Church. It was in Ninnahassa, or Celebes, the whole therefore resol ved to build a hand- population of that island being 138,- some memorial church at Shiali, on 026. In Dutch Timor there are 33,015 the southeastern coast of India, some nominal Christians, with only one six leagues south of Tranquebar. government helper and no mil.sion- 'l"his was dedicated last July. ary. The Dutch Government has no objection to missionaries of other na- -The North India Methodist Con- tionalities working, as the Germans ference met at Cawupore on the 4th do, in its possessions; and the Rev. of January. The reports presented J. B. Cook of Singapore, who sends were full of encouragement. The us the above information, is very native Christian community now urgent that British Christians should connected with the conference num- come to the help of these multitudes bers 9,226, of whom 5,675 are adults. of Mohammedans and heathen. There has been an accession during the year of 832 adults by baptism. Of -Commercial Value of Missions. these 27 were from Mohammedanism, Take the following figures, vouched the rest from Hinduism. Inquirers for by competent authority: The are not reported, yet the~e are so nu- commerce of the United States with merous that' if the missionaries de- the Sandwich Islands alone in 1870 sired only to swell their numbers, was $4,400,426, while in the same 2,000 persons could be baptized at year the whole amount expended in once. One native preacher, the Rey. foreign missions by all denominations Philemon, ordained by Bishop Ninde in this country was $1,633,801. "The a year ago, has since baptized 211 cost of the Sandwich Islands mispersons. The conference greatly sions," says Dr. Andel'son, "up to needs a staff of goo'd colporteurs. 1869-that is, for fifty years, and dur- There are 23,913 scholars in the ing the whole period of its dependschools.-Indian TVitness. ence on the Board-was $1,220,000. The profits of our trade with the -Netherlands India, that is, the Sandwich Islands for 1871 was $660,- India under Dutch rule, possesses a 964-more than half of all that was popUlation of 27,000,000. It stretches expended on the mission during fifty from Atcheen, in Sumatra, to New years." Guinea. Among these 27,000,000 there labor 70 missionaries, 36 of -Pope's Jubilee. The gifts to Pope whom are Dutch, the rest being Ger- Leo, at the late Jubilee, exceeded mans, principally from Barmen, and $10,000,000 in articles of value, besubsidized by the society at Amster- sides as much more in cash. The dam. Besides these there are 24 United States outstripped every other "helpers," who are in government country, and no greeting was perpay and labor only among the nom- haps more cordial than that of the inal Christians. These 94 agents (in- New York Independent! cluding helpers) are distributed as follows: In Jaya, 24; in Sumatra, Madagascar.-Rum! The British 19; in Mias, 5; in Borneo, 7; in Weekly says: "Rum and the gospel" Celebes, 11 ; in Sumba, 1; in Timor, have reached Madagascar in the 1; in Rotti, 1; in Wetter, 1 ; in Buru, same boat. The official Chronicle of 1 ; in Ceram, 2; in New Guinea, 5; the London Missionary Society, in in Gilolo, 2; in Sangi, 3; in Talan, 2 ; announcing the safe arrival of the in Saparina, 2; in Amboyna, 4; in Rev. A. G. Shaw and Mrs. Shaw at Ternati, 1; in Letti, 1; in Harnku, 1. Tamatave, and the hearty welcome given to them by their old friends, -According to the Census (1885- adds that they shortly afterward left 86) there were in Neth. India Malay- in the coasting vessel which had an race native Christians, 235,070, taken them across from Mauritius. It "was partly laden with rum, the Syria. – The good tidings come stench of which filled it from stem to from Syria that the late attempt of stern, and accommodation on board the Turkish authorities to force was of the most meager description." new and intolerant restrictions upon the cause of Christian education has Persia. – The Persian mi~sions been earnesly resisted by the diplohave been more richly blessed during matic representatives of the different the past year than ever before, both powers, that it has utterly failed and in the accessions to their churches has finally been withdrawn. and in the general prosperity of their work, while as to opportunities for -The Y. M. C. A. in Evangelization. the extension of the .work they seem Mr. L. D. Wishard is about to underliterally without limit. take a tour of the world in the in- terests of the Y. IV!. C. A. Eighteen -Reformed Dutch Missions. The associations are now established on treasury of the Reformed (Dutch) foreign missionary soil-Japan, Tur- Board of Foreign Missions is becom- key, India, China, Persia and Ceylon. ing seriously burdened. It is main- There are 300,000 in India speaking tained at present by the use of the English, and 60,000 Christian young credit of individuals. The receipts of men, and 100 government schools October were twice those of October, from which the Christian religion is 1&86. Since that statement such a excluded, but where the undenomidecline of income has occurred as to national Y. M. C. A. could enter. cause increasing anxiety. The receipts of December, usually a fmiHul -The Eleventh Triennial Meeting month, were much below those of re- of the Young Men's Christian Assocent years. ciations of all lands is to be held in Stockholm August 15 -19. A spe- South America.-The William Tay- cial rate has been secured to Lonlor Transit Fund and Building Fund don and return by the new steamer Society has a self-supporting work City of Berlin. of the Inman line, in South America, begun eight years sailing from New York July 21; ago, embracing four well-established the return tickets are available from missions in Chili and property in Antwerp by the Red Star line, as churches, parsonages and schools well as by the Inman line steamers worth about $100,000. There are in- from Liverpool. Special rates becipient church organizations, one tween London and Stockholm. with a membership of thirty-six, and Friends in England extend an invithere have been about 3,000 pupils in tation to a special steamer trip along the~e schools, with from 600 to 1,000 the Norwegian coast before the meetchildren under tuition now. The ing. There will be a trip provided schools are patronized by the most which will include all expenses of influential classes, from the Presi- the journey from New York back to dent of the republic down. There New York, covering about seven are also stations in Brazil. These weeks, the cost of which will be foundations, say the officers of the $300. Particulars can be obtained society, have been built up largely from Geo. A. Hall, State Secretary within the quadrennium now closing, Y. 11. C. A., Twenty-third street and and more missionaries and larger Fourth avenue, New York. premises are called for. Zenanas.-The needle of a mission- -Spanish Armada. In May next it ary's wife was the instrument God will be 300 years since the" invincible used to give access to Oriental zenaar-mada" met with the beginning of nas. A piece of embroidery wrought those disasters which terminated but by her deft fingers found its way to with its destruction, and it has been the secluded inmates of a zenana. If proposed in England properly to cele- a woman could do such work as that brate the anniversary.
STATISTICS OF THE WORLD'S MISSIONS
other women could learn under her gaged; four normal schools with 123 instruction; and so, with the cordial pupillil, and lil3 other schools with consent of the husband, this Chris- 5,411 scholars. Last year 2,364 zetian woman was welcomed to the in- nanas were regularly visited. Finanside of his home; and as she taught cially it received 19,497 rupees in his wife the art of embroidery she government grants, 7,916 rupees in was working the" scarletdyed in the fees, and 18,953 rupees locally subblood of the Lamb" into the more del- scribed. Its home receipts during icate fabric of their hearts and lives. the year amounted to $118,185. Of 14 missionaries recently sent out by -The Church of England Zenana the society, 3 were self-supporting, 4 Society is the most enterprising soci- draw no salary, 2 have their salaries ety of its kind probably in the world. plid by their friends, and 5 only are It has 88 missionaries, with 445 Bible chargeable to the. society. women and other ageIts locally en- VII.-STATISTICS OF THE WORLD'S MISSIONS.
The Comparative Cost of War and The English army has now under of Missions. Dr. Fed. Garlanda, in arms 218,569 men, with 22,242 horses, an unusually able article, has recent- and 624 guns. The navy is equal to ly measured the military strength of the combined navies of France, Ger- Europe at the dawn of 1888. many and Austro- Hungary, em- The Italian standing army presents bracing about 700 ships.
a total of over 871,000, of whom over The Russian Empire could bring 250,000 are in actual service, and into the field over 2,500,000 troops, 17,800 officers; the milizia mobile and and a navy of over 300 ships. Tur- the milizia territoriale being added key and Spain could muster over to the others, we have a grand total 1,000,000 more, and 200 vessels. In of 32,248 officers and 2,475,533 men. other words; the combined armies of The navy includes 235 ships. Europe could bring into the field The French army can in case of over 16,000,000 men and cover the war summon to her aid over 2,000,000 waters with 1,400 vessels of war, men and a navy of over 400 s4ips. many of them of the most destruc- Her yearly expediture on navy alone tive sort.
is $46,000,000. The total annual expenditure for The land forces of the German Em- the war and navy departments of pire consist in time of peace of 19,264 these governments is said to reach officers, 468,409 men, with 84,091 the enormous sum of $906,000,000.
horses. The artillery has 364 batter- These' governments are also im- ies, 47 of which have six pieces each, mensely in debt, yet the political sit- and 317 have four. In time of war uation is such as to require increased those 317 batteries have also six – armaments. They cannot go to war pieQes, bringing up the total to 2.184 because they have not the financial guns. In case of war Germany can credit to extend their indebtedness.
muster 1,753,000 men of the standing The total annual interest upon Eu- army and 993,000 men of the Land- ropean indebtedness is about $1,070,- wehr. The Landsturm numbers 000,000. Hence the people are bur- 3,955,000 men. Altogether about dened with high taxes.
6,000,000 men. Bel' navy contains All this it costs simply to .be pre- about 200 ships. pared for international conflicts in The Austro-Hungarian Empire can Em·ope.
command nearly 44,000 officers and Now look at the cost of actually 1,533,296 men, with 207,034 horses, carrying on the Lord's war for hu- and a navy of 106 ships. man redemption by the universal church I We have put into the en- tire church of Christendom can mustire foreign field, including men, wo- tel' in men and money for the Lord's men and native helpel'S, considerably war of the ages! less than 50,000 laborers, and we ex- How would these figures be changed pend about $10,000,000 yearly;. so if the Christian church should but apthat Europe alone has 333 times as preciate her opportunity and her remany soldiel's, and spends 900 times sponsihility-the perils and possihilas many dollars each year as the en- ities of the critical hour of history!
—- Women's Foreign Missionary Societies.
[THE first in the field was the Woman's Union MissionarY Society, organized in the City of New York in J annary, 1861. In 1885 more than twenty foreign missionary societies of ladies exi~ted in the United States. The following table we copy from Dr. Dorchester's" Christianity in the Uuited States," showing that over eight and a half millions of dollars have been raised by these women's societies in this brief period of time.-Ens.] ·C.; 1 .0.0,00 " , ' "• ~~'''':"": '0'" . …. 00:.:$:: FROM REpORTS FOR 1885. .; – -.~ :"".0..,''0 "'-0" ~ ,-:011 0 .. '0 ~ 0 ~ -< . —— " .. l A~"'bat~ I'< -1.'<~-.". -w"- – – – Union Missionary Society.. . … ………….. …. •. .. .. 1861 521 141 49… . 78: 2,881 Congregational Board ………………………….. " 186~ 1201 97 98 98 2C9 ….. .. .. " o f Interior ……………….. " 1868 1,275 …… 43 35 58 …… . .. of Pacific ………………… " 1873 50 25 4 .. .. …… . ….. . Methodist Episcopal Church Woman's Board…… . . . . ]869 3,&70· . . . . . . 59 225 2C3 5,772 .. .. .. South, Woman's Board. " ]878 ],406 514 ]6 6 21 522 Protestant Church Woman's Board ……. " ]879 ]02 20 2 ] 1 47 Presbyterian Woman's Board…………………….. 1870 1,327 1,2131124]02 152 …… . .. of the Northwest…….. 1870 1,506 …… 6] 4~ 98 …… . " h 102 113 7 15 31 53 of Northern New York .. 187~ 489 259 34 62 47 …… . of New York City ……. 1870 294 ….. . ]4.. .. •………. . of the Southwest …… " ]877 1,189 528 27 57 109 4,049 Baptist Woman's Board…………………………. 1870 ],363 327 25 107 147 1666 .. . ", .. of the West ……………….. 1871 Southern Presbyterian Cburch Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. …… 369 …. " …. …. …… . .. : .. .
United Presbyterian Church of North America Board.. …… 4691 ………………..•…… Cumberland Presbyterian Church Board ………. , .. " 1879 589 …… …. …. . ……….. . Reformed Presbyterian Board ………………….. " …… ….. . …… …. …. …… . ….. . Friends' Foreign Missionary Society… ……………. 1881 9 …………………….. . Reformed (Dutch) Church Board …… " ………… " 1875 190,1…………………….. . Protestant Episcopal Church Board…………….. '" 1871 43 …………………….. . Free Baptist Foreign Mission Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ]873 ]93 49 7"… ……….. . Mite Society of African Methodist Episcopal Chnrch. " ….. . United Brethren Board ………………………….. 1875 ·· ..S03 ….861 …6 '''9 ….. i; …. iii; Disciples' Foreign Missionary Society…… .. ………. …… 454 5:1 .. .. ….. .. . .11.1………. …. Lntheran General Synod…………………………. 1870 302 29: 2 20 Total of 26 Women's Missionary Boards ……… ~ 15,8663,4541 578 785 1,1421 ]5,165 TOTAL REQEIPTS OF WOMEN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY BOARDS.
Woman's Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1861 $119.827 $473.221 $246.687' $1,026,239 Congregational, East. . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1868 20,495 688,134 841,78] ],550.410 Congregational, West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1868 ]69,364 276,446 450,903 Methodist Episcopal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1869 505,246 Presbyterian, Philadelphia. .. .. …•………….. 1870 567,394 1,066,338 1,661,585 Presbyterian, New York City………………… 1870 166,194 692,765 ],250,]65 Presbyterian, Northwest…… ………………. 1870 207,560 208,771 374,966 Presbyterian, Albany and Troy…………. , .. . . .. ]872 45,341 371,005 578,565 Baptist, East ……………•…………………. 1870 281,100 1)5,165 100,506 Baptist, West………………………………. 1871 104,841 378,753 659,863 Protestant Episcopal. .. '" …. .. …….. …….. .. 1871 67,278 160,191 244,031 Reformed (Dutch) Chnrch… …………•……… 1875 35,869 115,005 182,283 United Brethren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1875 15,000 119,6!H ]54,972 Methodist Episcopal, South. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1878 20,319 69,755 84,755 232,144 25.!,463 Total ……….. i……… …………….. …… $140,322 $3,436,361 $4,884,419 $8,57],706 NOTE.-There are I1bout a dozen other woman's boards very recently organized, a statement of whose receipts we have been unable to obtain. Most of the above receipts are included in those of the various denominational boards, but not all.
* In a few instances the receipts are limited at ]885, and in a few others ]887 are included.
g StatistilSs of Missions and Missionary Work in Japan for the Year
THill following table is condensed from one prepared by Rev. Henry Loomis, agent of the American Bible Society at Yokohama. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel Mission declined to give statistics, and the figures for this society are partly approximate. In the column for contributious the yen is equal to 75 cents gold. Two columns, for which we cannot make room, giving statistics of churches wholly or partly self·supporting, show that of the 41 connected with the American Boartl33 are wholly, and the remainiug 8 are partially self-supporting. The progress of the past year, as indicated by this table, is most cheering. "' "". . . . ~',…;.. .~8;; w ".',"151£ .~ ,,; .t:.f3 Q).f, " ., . … ,;0 .~ ~ ~~~ w,; 0 '" NC)~ .,,,; .~~ 'a~ 't:IooaJ oW 1-<-;; ~ ~g ., s .. "" ~~.~;::S~-·OJ'off.i.'~"~ "-" .~ I-< '~d .~_.Sc ~~ ~:§ ~ .~ 00 p"~'~S ~ ~-5 MISSIONS. i; I-< ;.S~ .c bll., '"8"~-'"g .~…,. c:::1 I~U .,.~ E-o"< '''' 0-" .P-=I – – ::":a .9"" uz l – – – – ~ -"- """""" —- — – – —- -I><- – :::a-;~ :a1lj ~~~ i:il~.~ 0 " ,,~ 0 0 Z".~ – – – – 00 -,,'" 0""0 .0..0. Eo< —',– ~ -~- en American Preshyterian Church ………………….•………….. 18:)9 14 21 85 ts 6 85 Reformed Church in America ….•……………………………. 18.';9 10 4 14 8 19 Union Presbyterian Church of Scotland ……………………….. 1874 8 United Church of Christ in Japan (Native) ……………………. 8 1 6 I 1,688 6,859 I 3 I 44 I 34 I 48 I 18,553 "A Reformed Church in the United States………………………… 1879 4 1 5 I 8 10 ~ Presbyterian Church in the United States ……………………… 1885 4 2 6 2 5 Woman's Union Missionary Society ………………………….. 1871 ~ ·s 5 5 1 2 J7 454 15 700 2 408 1,085 CAummebriecralnanPdroPtreesstbayntteEripainscCohpualrcChh.u.r.c.h..*……………………………………………… 1877 11 4 7 2 21 11 88 1 1 2 4i 1859 4 15 207 Church Missionary Societ.v. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1869 2 11 5 12 19 222 880 1 19 3 7 1,209 I'iI Society for Propagation of Gos'El ……………………………. 1873 9 200 ~ 7 1 8 2 2 bOO 300 Eo< Society for Promoting Female ducation …………………….. 1877 ·s 2 2 1 ·2ij 1 10 8 20 745 American Bapti,t Church …………………………………… ]860 6 22 10 715 ~ English Baptist Church ……………………………………… 1879 2 7 15 33 1 4 3,166 3 1 11 2 20 140 1 1 57 1 7 Disciples ………………………………………………….. 1883 2 2 5 1 6 16 .i 00 Christian Church ………….•……….•…………………….. 1887 1 1 2 ·i 868 5,65·) ·6 4 t 15 A.B.C. F. M ……………………….••.•………………….. 1869 1 49 1 100 1 25 15 t 12,769 0…. 28 8 102 41 64 21 845 2 700 eEon< Independent Native Churches ……………………………….. 2 t ~70 355 American Methodist Episcopal Church ..•…………………….. 1873 jiJ 4i 2,a5~ 87 23 32 3,395 -rE"w<<o"< Canada Methodist Church. .. . ………………………………. 1873 15 33 11 46 109 2 15 5 12 Evangelical Association of North America. . ………•………….. 1876 9 15 3 25 12 64 1,012 1 t 1,500 Protestant Methodist Church ….. ,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. … . ……….. 1880 3 6 4 1 64 250 3 1 2 ·i 4 30 177 1 6 4 4 7 75 2 125 1 2 43 American Methodist Episcopal Church (Sonth) …….•…………. 1886 5 6 4 1 3 76 ·i 4 85 3 37 Gen. Evan~elical Protestant (German SwiSS) ………………….. 1885 2 2 1 1 :;'5 5 17 Society of riends, America ………….•….•………………… 1885 1 11 Unitarian Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. 1887 1 148 1 1 — — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Total, 1887 ……………….•………•.••……………… 128 — – – – – – – – – – – – – Total, 1886 ……………………………………………. 216 102 19) 41,511 103 253 69 -316- -221- -5-,020- -19-,829- 14 S.S — — — 169 98 166 26,866 215 50 211 193 3,640 14,815 11 – – – – – …. 1 i Increase, 1887………..•……………………………… …. 20 18 38 19 105 28 1,380 5,014 3 47 9 ' 25 14,705 .-< • Statistics to June 1. t Approximate. -Missionary Herald.
Episoopal Mission in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Vicinity
~ A HALF OENTURY of mission work in South America was closed in 1887. It was begun by no less a man" than John Dempster, followed in successiou by William H. Norris, Dallas D. Lore, Goldsmith D. Carrow, William Goodfellow, and Henry G. Jackson, all men who had made their mark in the service of the church at home before coming to South America, and who proved after their return, by still more eminent services and successes, that it was no fault of the workers that the work in South America did not meet Impatient expectations. The difficulty was in the field, and not in the men. Not till 1882, when the mission was reinforced and backed up by a pollcy of aggressive evangelization, were there satisfactory results secured. The work of 1886-87 prospered all along the line. We give 'the statistics of the mission for 1887, for which we are indebted to the (Iogpel tn all Lands, which gives an interesting history of the mission.-EDs.
J ~ ~ Q1 5 ai: STA.TISTIOS OF THE MISSION, 'g -0 fn ~ ~~ ~ ~~ W~ ~ g~ -o trn5~a~dl ·~Wg~.8'0>~ ~ ~ ~ ~.E ~ ~ ~ '8 ~ • • ~~ -a• . -~~. (J,) -0 a~. '~~- i ~ ~& @9 !ll a t rB 0 e~,Q g 1=3 ~ ~i ~ ~ .'~;I..0~… ';:::.. ~ ~ ,g 8 :w; ~ g3 U '~" • ,.gr!i "d (J ,g ..t:I ab~r~7o .:s.=~. "'" ]. –.: Q1 CD .~0 . ~g ~CD f ~"'" :. '0 -§ § 'Q -0 Q. ~~Q;> ~ -~§ ..0 5·…. • A. Q;l rn. • rn CD 'tj :: CD >'l r~ .~~ ~~l ~ ~ i ~ ~ . ~ ~ ~ i J~ ~ j j j ~ ~ ; ~ ~<~ ~~ ~ ~ -~ge:-§;2m §!ONOI] = S §! $ e::t .——I~i'.0:T0.•l~:~.rn~,:i~Trn.".l~.~~0."~.-0~t=+~.""'~0~"~:~..t.'=:".". -~ .0~'" :.~Q=al:iI_dcd….j.=;P~'>4,:Q~SQ,:) .,~:0~3~I''§.r~=0tl::'~~t-,:I,'.:;~~t:~~o: ~~'00Q~..) &'~.00~ii~'00J.~"'.d00~~~~~I0>~.J ~,~C~0~.: ~,~~I0~::J.. ~-~00""-':500;=::l"~('fl0= -~Q~'I~-~.0•EPc0F~:"-i.E,..(I~~l.)~.sr":i"C.f,l.l..gS0. 1887. -S.; ~ '~~~O- _~~~ ~~ ~~'~~8 "gg ~ CD ~ :=1:=1 W :=I 1]-0 b ~ ~. := I'o:s: , , 0~ 00 0 0 0 Q1 Montevideo and its Depen- I> 00 00 0 '"Sl "" ,'" ;,,+01.. '" .. ..,.1 ,I ",",,' ",~, ,,~, dencles…………….. . fa "",700' '" "" n ,., ,; m,,, …" …. .,,' _ …. ~ Buenos Ayres and its Depen- dencies ……………. .. 2121 I 2121111111 .• /4122112751 2,100/ .• 1 761··1 .. 1··181 815181 5051·.121 46,0001 6111 16,000/ .·.·1 3801 101 6,6861 1,6001 1,006 Rosario and its Dependen- 11 11 2 I 8 I 21 81 6181141 861158/ 2,6501 21182 .. 1.. 1.. 151 3371141 4051191 21 9,000113 ,.. …. ,$14,0001 631 651 2,2391 8,BOOI 64Il 'I' cies ……………….. .
Total ………………. I 51 51 2 1 82 1 8137/531 31281 546 724 7.450/ 8 3041 11 lil0134 2.1321371 1,740119 5:$64,000/ 32 I 21$16,500:$14,000/ $626/ $86/$9,4721$5,8581$8,213 Last report (1885) ..•.•.•• ~I~I~I':'I~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 46: 4'5~ ~ 185'~ ~ ~I~ 1,204 ~ 1'6041~ ~ 64,O~ ~ ~ 16,000 14,000 ~1~ 444 5,753/2.991 2,950 15 Increase in two years … 1 1 .. 10 819 .. 9 109 262 2,950 4 119 .. " 21,2 928 5 136 12.. •… 1 1 $500 ~ …. $"0' .. $3,7191$2,867 $268 1 ~,
! Reoeipts of the Poreign Missionary Societies of the United States from the Origin of Eaoh.*
SOCIETIES. !S10 to 1820 to 1830 to 1840 to I 1850 to 1860 to 1870 to 1881 to Total: 1810 1819. 1829. 1839. 1849. 1869. IfSO.t 1887.+ to 1887. 1859. —– .——— .American Board C. F. M……….. $162,430 $664,247 $1,684,751 $2,550,277 $3,140,811 $4,519,112 $5,243,137 $4,488,112 $22,452,877 .American Baptist Missionary Union 43,780 81,471 591,230 769,265 1,061,608 1,429,149 2,753,977 2,327,239 9,057,719 Methodist Episcopal. . ………… …. . ….. 195,403 330,213 785,357 1,505,550 3,773,887 2,756,251 9,346,661 Protestant Episcopal …………… … .. …. 227,816 309,026 559,435 709,200 1,270,731 916,246 3,992,454 <Ii Presbyterian Board i …………… … .. …. 186,639 784,750 1,772,873 2,372,552 4,885,241 4,744,533 14,746,588 …. ……. 65,886 276,263 238,365 404,428 472,411 1,457,353 ~ Southern Baptist ……………… ….. …. .American Foreign Church Union 0 ••••• 246,505 608,424 829,164 518,613 129,625 2,404,331 w. …. (chiefly foreign) !' … '" •…….. Sl Reformed Church (Duteh) with .A. w. B. C. F. M. until 1857……….. ….. …….. · ….. 20,000 41,111 568,424 701,576 413.2[10 1,724,401 ~;j Evangelical Lutheran 'IT •.•••••••••. ….. · ….. 35,000 80,000 165,000 257;089 557,089 ~ Evangelical .Association ………… ' … . …. · ….. 12,000 30,000 62,000 145,000 85,000 334,000 United Brethren……………….. ….. ….. · ….. 44,402 161,101 345,150 200,000 750,653 …. ….. . United Presbyterian……………. … " . …. I>l Southern Presbyterian …………. …. · ….. · ….. . ….. 400,331 609,298 616,610 1,626,239 · ….. 54,767 483,174 498,570 1,033,511 0 ••••• · …..
E=o=! Reformed Presbyterian …………. .. .. …. · ….. · ….. · ….. · ….. 92,732 9Po,000 185,732 . ….. . ….. · ….. S Disciples ……………………… ….. , … . ….. · ….. · ….. 33,177 185,565 218,742 Free-Will Baptist………………. 0 ••••• · ….. 126,000 466,362 w. Methodist Episcopal, South (partly . … .. … . …..
8 .. . . . . . . . . . . . -. -. . . – -.-…-.. 719,43~ 2,719,439 '$il,425, estimated… .. . . Ewo.! . . – -.' '"- – …… .. …. I …… ……
~ —-1—- – —- —– wEo.! Total ………………….. $206,210 $745,718 $2,885,839 $5,087,922i $8,427,284 $12,929,715 1211 $19,028,980 $73,074,151 NOt'E.-Add to the above $2,501,707, received by Woman's Foreign Missionary SOCieties, known not to have been inclnded in the receipts of the parent boards, and we have a total of $75,575,858. There are also some smaller boards which are not included, because the data cannot be obtained. Complete returns from 1881 to 1887 wonld make about 21,000,000, or an average of THREE MILLIONS annnaily• * In a few cases the earlier receipts have not been ascertained. t This period comprises eleven years.
:j: Several are for 1881 to 1886.
…., II For many years the New School Presbyterians contribnted to the American Board of Christian Foreign Missions, but not since 1870• -~ § Formerly more largely foreign than of late years.
,. Estimated by a leading official of that denomination. Since 1880 the figures include other Ln'theran bodies. '-])1'. Dorchester'8 "Ohristianity in the United States." SOCIETIES. 1820 to 1830 to 1840 to 1850 to 1860 to 1870 to lESl to I 1820 to 1829. 1839. 1849. 1859. 1869. lSSO.t 1887. 1887. —- —– – – – — – – – ——– $105,643 $860,599 $394,482 $1,012,281 $1,190,657 65,173 612,658 1,178,017 724,231 1,107,852 1,746,963 o Presbyterian, Old School Board………. Ameri"can New School Board…….. , }t$4,314,327 $3,666,186 $13,334,8 Home Missionary Society…… 2,847,210 11,586,8 1,975,878 3,119,584 Methodist Episcopal Domestic….. " ….. ·6.3.,0..1.0 390,806 660,426 1,576,714 3,011,100 2,907,635 2,505,848 11,164,5 9 ~ 108,184 320,613 463,204 754,507 1;827,724 1,187,904 4,762,1 6 Protestant" " ………… · ….. 1,103,~ 5 ..r~J…,l 453,097 517,690 133,158 American Church Missionary Society …. · ………. 31,661 64,297 139.490 202,534 308,516 217,143 963,e 42 Q · 243,444 441,762 1,149,161 2,330,585 2,256,656 6,556,1 42 Reformed Church (Dutch)…………… 134,534 172,128 254,914 689,796 378,234 !i1,112 421,249 430,766 3,743,113 American Baptist Home Mission.•……. · ….. 94,697 120,000 1,829,624 580,000 2,020,5 5 rJl · ….. · ……….. .4.8.,0.0.0. 693,291 Seamen's Friend Society t …………. , .. 88,804 248,000 258,279 3,257,567 9,302,e 5 ~.., American Missionary Association t……. 266,356 322,201 6,773,082 630,616 1,626,e 6 · Evangelical Association $i •.•..••••••…•• 908,000 495,020 650,078 494,225 · ….. 7,384,218 369,661 455,399 · ….. ·· ….. 27,714 84,410 457,633 1,598,5 United Brethren§ ………………….. · ….. 186,801 7,850,000 1,601,2 ~ ….. …… 117,728 2…0…9…,2…..8….7 410,500 Southern Baptist Domestic…… , …….. · ….. · ….. • •• 0.0 g 22,165,C o ::!l ………………………..' · ….. **893,918 1,372,7 Young Men's Christian Associations II .•.. • .0 ••• · ….. tt50ll,671 · Disciples …………………………… ….. · ….. ……….. H124,284 .. …… · ….. · … • •••• 0 .,0..••.•.•.• 296,890 853,B United Presbyterian Church…………. ,~ . ….. ~ · Southern Presbytedan Board ………… ·………. .0 . . 495,788 1,076,1 .0' .0' .o . .. . rJl'
Cumberland Presbyterian (last 9 years)… 184,734 394,C e: …… Free-Will Baptist…………………… …. • 0 •••• …… 103,900 373,8 · ….. ….. .' 1,061,495 4,061,4 …rJl 221,905 747,8 Meth. E. Church, South (estimated)…… rJl · Lutherans ………………………..'.. ·eO..' .'0 ..' …… o 951,403 .0 •• o ,r Freedmen's Aid Societies .. '~ ….. …… Methodist Episcopal ………………… .. …….. 1,845,3 …… …. .. Presby •• 0…. ….. • ….. United ….. , terian. . .. .. . … .. ………•… . . . – .. 703,356 1,207,0 Prpsby teri an . … " …………. , . – 0 ••••• 176,556 300,8 – – – – – —– – — Aggregate, …………………… $233,826 $2,342,712 $3,062,354 $8,080,109 $21,015,719 $21,272.154 $27,556,673 $100,019,3 NOTE.-The above is by no means a full exhibit. The Reformed Presbyterians, the Reformed German, the Moravian, the Protestant, ·Free Wesleyan and African * i Methodist chnrches, the Disciples, the Christians, the Adventist., and, in short, all denominations do much borne missionary work which cannot be tabulated in any form. * The earliest receipts of some boards cannot be ascertained.' t United in 1869, Chiefly domestic. § Estimated by a leading ofllcial. UIncluding Christian Commission. 'IJ The Freedmen's work of most churches is included with the Domestic Mission work, ** For thirteen years. tt For eleven years. tt For fourteeu II- ~ years. -Dr. ])()rchester's "Christianity in the Unitea;<itaie8."