The Missionary Review of the World — July 1903
A LABRADOR ESKIMO BUILDING A SNOW
A FAMILY OF LABRADOR SETTLERS These fishermen try to raise some vegetables, but it will be seen that the soil is not very fertile Their garden is enclosed with a fish-net Missionary Review of the World Old Series I JULY New Series VOL. XXVI. No.7 f { VOL. XVI. No.7 AMONG THE VIKINGS OF LABRADOR .BY WILFHED T. GRENFELL, ::.r.Il. Superintendent of the Royal :National Mission to the Deep Sea Fishermen For the past eleven years we have been trying, on the rocky coast of Labrador, to bring the living Christ as a transforming power into the lives of the twenty thousand fishermen who earn their livelihood there in the summer months. '1'he Master has promised to make us "fishers of men," and lIe has proved His readiness to help us catch men if we are only ready to follow His bidding.
Our work is, for the most part, Illllong the twenty thousand Newfoundland fishermen who, in May every year, leave for the fishingbanks on the coast of Labrador.. They return in October or November, according to the time when those seas become a solid jam of ice. '1'heir wives and children go with them, and live in mud and log houses at the various natlual harbors. The vessels, about OIle thousand in number, which carry them down, are crowded to the decks both going and coming, but only ten or twelve men remain on board during the whole fishing season. The others disembark and fish from the land, the women helping to dress the fish, cook the food, and generally making life possible.
The vessels go farther north, and as they return pick up the people on shore. Thus crowded above and below decks with passengers and fish, in addition to oil barrels, hoats, ana fisbing-gear, they make tbeir perilous voyage home. '1'he coast does not possess one lighthouse, buoy, or distinguishing mark, and has not one artificial harbor. The charts are old and unreliable, alld the ocean carries on its bosom huge icebergs from the eternal fields of arctic ice. Fog is a constantly recurring peril (the rocks and islands in places run out twenty miles seaward), the high cliffs and deep creeks make sudden and violent storms frequent, while the Atlantic swell rolls with resistless force against those shores. Brave men are these fishermen-strong and kind and true. One can not help loving their simple natures and their quiet endurance and contentment. But they and their women and children undergo great hardships for very little compensation.
THE INDIAN HAIt,BUlt HOSPITAL AND OU'fBUILDINGS and it is often a hard-nay, impossiLle-task t.o keep the wolf from the door in winter. These are the model'll Vikings we are trying to help.
The governing body of onr mission is a registered, limited liability, company called the" Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen," to which title our late beloved Queen added the title," Hoyal National," in 1897, expressing the hope that it might do truly royal work in the service of the King of kings. The (lenominatioll of the work is best described by the boy who, when askeel to what denomination his minister belonged, replied: "Well, I guess he aill't any special kind-just plain minister." 1Ve have no ordained workers. Our missionaries are our doctors, nurses, sailors, and fishermen, and most of our vessels assist to defray their own expenses by fishing. Occasionally volunteer workers from every Church join us for a cruise. It so happens that to-day our three Labrador doctors are respectively Episcopalian, Methodist, and Congregational, while the brother who left us last year and his wife, our nnrse from Battle Harbor Hospital, were Presbyterians. What does it matter? We build liO church, we have no settled congregation. We canllot administer a different pill or plaster because our patients are Catholic, Protestant, or skeptic. There is no need to adjust a medicine to the idiosyncrasy of an Episcopalian or Salvantionist. All we can hope to do is to draw the fishermen nearer to our Master, who, when He was on earth, loved fishermen so well.
The work in seas aronnd Great Britain had been sllccessful in driving the grog vessels and the homes of irnmorality from the high fleas, and had introduced instead into each fleet a mission hospital floating home. Homes on the land also had been opened as places of resort for those who wished an environment which would assist them
AMONG THE VIKINGS OF LABRADOR
ill a life for Christ begun at sea. Then the council of the mission, in 1892, sent their first hospital ship across the Atlantic to discover in what way the Church could help the people of Newfoundland and the Labrador coasts. Services were held along the coast, and nine hundred sick were treated. The main discovery was that a large field was open for the presentation of the teaching of Jesus Christ to the fishermen who come with their wives and children and live in hnts of logs and mud. We found that a hospital must be built on the land, as there was no place to relieve the over-burdened mission vessel, and that a- vessel with steam-power must be obtained, in order to avoid losing time in the calm weather under those mighty cliffs and by head winds.
The year 1893 was commenced with the bnilding of a hospital at Battle Harbor, an island on the north Atlantic, just where the north shore of the Straits of Belle Isle meets the Atlantic seaboard of Labrador. 'l'his island was chosen as central to the great fisheries in the Straits of Belle Isle, and of the east coast, and as convenient for the mail boats that ply between Newfoundland and Labrador. The materials for the second hospital were landed at a harbor among a group of off-lying islands two hundred miles farther north, while a small steam-launch, the limit of our :egcuniary ability, was purchased in England, slung on the deck of an Allan liner, and landed in St. Johns. In this launch I patrolled the whole coast as far north as latitude 58", A SCENE IN THE WARD OF THE INDIAN HARBOR HOSPITAL
nsing the "chooncr as my hase of supplies, and appointing rendezvous for her at various places along the coast. At the close of the year we all left the coast again.
A new lesson had been learned: the seafaring residents of Labrador were clamoring for a doctor to remain in that desolate land during the winter month s, when they are cut off from all kinds of assistance. ·So, when the ship Albert once more arrived from England, in the spring of l S!)4, she brought the outfit to enable a doctor to remain and keep his hospital open during the winter. l{eanwhile, the northern hospital was erected and a missionary llnrse and doctor were l)laced in charge of it. This enabled us to reach the large Lody of Northern fishermen. At the close of the year the ship again sailed A FIRHERMAN'S SETTLEMENT IN NEWFOU:-:DLAND In this settlemont 1s the largest coOoer!Hive st.ore of tIle missioIl. In the distance, uut.sfdc the Imrbor, may he Sl!etl n lUl'ge Jceberg for England, somewhat reluctantly leav illg Dr. Frederick 'Villi way to face the winter alone. It was no small relief when the schooller arrived on the coast in th e spring of 1895, to filld Dr. Williway sti ll alive and well. lIe had proved that it was possiLle to travel alOllg the coast, staying in the people's honses and feeding on their food, while he tried to heal the sick, preach the Gospel, and bind up the broken-hearted. He had done a considerable amonnt of hospital work and charity work, and had covered one thousand two hundred miles with hi s team of dogs. The chief lesson learn ed th is time was that the hospital could not be kept open to any advantage unless the nurse remained there, and that there was sufficient pOSSibility for patients to reach the hospital to ju stify the expense of keeping it open all winter. Preparations were accordingly made to carry this into effect, and when winter once again encased the coast with its mantel of ice Battle Harbor was fn11y equipped with nurse and doctor and it veritable hostel, to which eyery one could co me in allY kind r)f trOll blo. And come they did from long tlistan ccs, ofton irayeling fo r days to reach it, but delighted to have this additional assurance that when
AMONG THE VIKINGS OF LABRADOR
worst carne to worst there was one place on the l:oast where food and clothing and help in sickness were available.
This winter I spent in pleading the cause of Labrador in Oanada. I had the good fortune to fall in with Sir Donald A. Smith,Ohairman of the Hudson Bay Oompany, who had spent many years in Labrador. With his weU-known philanthropy he at once took great interest in the work, and presented us with a beautiful little steamer, at a cost of $5,000, which we named ,"'ir nonald. In 1896 I went down the coast in this vessel, using her as my hospital ship.
Battle and Indian Harbor Hospital was in full swing during 1895, but owing to an accident to the steamer I was obliged to patrol the coast in a small lug-sail boat, given me by Dr. Roddick, of Montreal. I carried with me my lantern, instrnments, drugs, and a small outfit, A TYPICAL LABR'ADOIl FISIlING-SCHOONER going only as far north as Hamilton Inlet. The nurse began to open up other work besides that in the hospital, and during the winter held regular classes for the womell and men, and also for the children. The dootor pushed farther afield, covering one thousand eight hundred miles with his dogs, and reaching as far north as Nakvak.
The great financial crash which occur;>ed this year in Newfoundland. left many of the fisherfolk without any chance of su pplying themselves with necessities for fishing during the following summer, The British government, therefore, sent out a special commissioner, Sir Herbert Murray, who placed the amount allocated to the settlers of Labrador in my hands. Visiting the southern part of Labrador in the steamer Sir Donald, and sailing aroulid Indian Harbor in the Princess .May, for the purpose of distributing this help to the best advantage, we became deeply impressed with the wretched conditions of trade and the high prices that the people had to pay for the neces· sities of life. A further study of the economical condition of the
DR. GRENFEI.L'S MISSION HOSPITAL SHIP HTHE STRATHCONA "
people showed us the utter hopelessness of life under the prevailiug truck system of trade, without any cash medium to indicate the value of the produce of the fishermen or the value of the poor flour, molasses, salt, and tea that they were receiving in exchange. We began, therefore, to preach the doctrine of cooperation, and started at Red Bay, a small village of some sixteen to twenty families, a cash store, managed for and by the people. We chose this place because of the upright character of its people and the lamentable poverty to which everyone had been reduced, and which made practically every one dependent, more or less, upon the government pauper relief fund.
In 1897 the steamer Sir Donald was lost in the ice, being carried to sea from her winter moorings by a hurricane. She was eventually discovered frozen into an enormous ice-field, with only her masts projecting through the snow covering. She was cut out and towed to St. Johns, but was in such a bad condition that she only brought $150 at auction. Help now reached us in the way of a small steamer from a lady in Toronto, and while my colleague, Dr. Frederick Williway, was patroling the coast, I went to England to raise money for a new ship. Through the help again of that friend of Labrador, Sir Donald A. Smith, now Lord Strathcona, we were able to build and equip at Dartmouth, England, a beautiful little $15,000 hospital steamer, The Strathcona, of eighty-four tons burden. She has a large hospital amidships, with removable bulkheads, to enable us to use all the space for religious services when necessary.
Earnest petitions came from the seafaring people along the north coast ot~Newfoundland to give them the services of one of our mission Q9ctors during the winter, for all along that coast, from Cape John to Bay Islands, there is no possible means of getting any medical help summer or winter. 'rhe result was that, with a volunteer companion from Oxford, England, I took rooms in a small trader's house
AMONG THE VIKINGS OF LABRADOR
on the northeast coast of NewfouTldland, made an arrangement for the Newfoundland government to help this venture with It small grant, purchased a good team of dogs, hired a pilot and driver who knew the country, and then froze onrselves in for the winter. Repeating our Labrador policy, we traveled around the coast from place to place, covering IIlany hundred miles during thc winter, and treating five hundred patients. Meanwhile we came to know anI' people, the nature of their home lives. their privations, and what we could do for them, and this in the best possible way: by onrselves living their lives, sharing their small huts and tilts, eating their food, only carrying our own sleepingbags that we might, in however humble a place, have at least a private apartment if it was only Oil the floor . Our most difficult cases we sent to the headquarters, at a place called St. Anthony, where we had arranged for their reception ill a small house. Aftl:'r each mission trip we delayed there as long as it was necessary to watch our sick after operations.
There is lIO liquor sold ill all this district, with the result that there is no crime. So I was able to commandeer a loeal wood building that had been erected in former days by an energetic magistrate for a jail, and we converted it into a club-house and meeting-house, which it has remained ever since. My friend kept school open during this time, and together we commenced the Christmas games·-a regula.r athletic club, with Chri stm as trees for children, a.nd such things, which have been preaching a useful Cospd in brightening the celebration of Ollr Savior's birthday in many a lonely hamlet along that bleak and icy coast. We were also able to hold numeron,~ meetings all the THE CliRISTIAN' CREW OF "THE STR.ATHCONA. ot (OR. GRENFltLL WITH -THE DOG)
subject of cooperation, the benefits of which were so plainly visible around our other little effort, and, in spite of considerable opposition, we were able to start our second cooperative store.
By the time that spring appeared it had become quite apparent that we ought to add this district to our permanent missions. A council of war was held with all the people, with a result that we at once led sixty-five men into the woods, where we remained a fortnight. The men were divided into regular gangs for felling trees, chopping uprights, and sawing boards. Snow was deep on the ground, and the traveling was so good that we closed a most delightful time in the forest by hauling home the best part of the frame and cover for the new hospital at St. Anthony, The humming of the runners of innumerable sleighs, or kornaticks, over the frozen snow, and the joyful clamor of some one hundred and fifty dogs announced the arrival of the first hospital in north Newfoundland outside of St. Johns. This building is not yet quite completed, money having been scarce, or, at least, diverted into other channels, as a result of the Boer War. Dr. Simpson and Nurse Russell camped alongside it in a small house this winter (1902-03), and at once began receiviilg patients. We sincerely hope it may be in full swing next spring, completing our hospita.l system for Labrador. Formerly the staff of our Northern Hospital were obliged to leave every year, as we had no place in which to house them during the winter. This was a source of great weakness, as our staff were more useful year after year, as they became acquainted with the work. But now as the season closes we remove our staff and equipment and the last of the patients on the hospital steamer to the Southern Hospital at St. Anthony.
The growth of this method of preaching the Gospel by splints and bandages is shown by the statistics this year. The total number of patients treated was two thousand seven hundred and seventy,two, the vast majority of whom would otherwise have had to remain with as little treatment as the traveler to Jericho received until the Good Samaritan came along his way.
We have also been able to reach out a helping hand to those who have children to provide for, and on whom the long winter of enforced idleness hung so heavy. We have started a little settIemen t in a deserted bay, and here employment is given in various ways. A lumber mill has been erected and a large grant of land obtained. Many men are employed hauling out logs, some have been employed 'in building and clearing, and some in preparing stacks of firewood for sale in spring. A planing-machine, mortising-machine, tenon-machiLle, and a good shingle-machine have been erected. A schooner-building yard close alongside is also in full swing, and we are now building our second schooner and a large fishing-boat there. This has brought Borne two hundred and fifty people together, and we are able to col-
AMONG THE VIKINGS OF LABRADOR
lect the children for school purposes. In the sprilJg all these people, with the exception of the few who remain to run the lumber mill, scatter to their summer fisheries.
Our cooperative stores have increased to five in number, and a large schooner of our own, called The Oooperator, is kept .busy all the season going to and from the market at St. Johns. Her crew is composed of our own men from this bay. Thus in many ways the Gospel is being preached to these people. Weare now arranging for a summer cooperating estab- lishment for barrel-making i11 connection with the mill, and are hoping to be able to combine it profitably with burning lime, which is abundant in the district.
We have been able to start a series of small loan libraries, moving them from village to vil- lage, as is required. Both our Labrador hospitals have been en- larged. New operating – rooms and new convalescent-rooms have been added at both, and at Battle Harbor an entirely new building, besides an almost invaluable laun- dry, which is preaching a sermon by itself. We very much need a new large store at this our central depot, to enable us to disseminate and store the literature, clothing, and other things entrusted to us, KIRKlSA and we should gladly hear from anyone who woula help us to- This little Lahrador 'Y.lif was assisted by Dr. ward its construction. Several Grenfpll after her frozen legs had been cut off 1)), her fatller with an ax. She is liere repre- sentt'd on her new legs from New York orphans and cripples have been sent to homes in healthier countries.
A few domestics have been trained and ~ent out to service.
During the last year we have been able, in the Master's Name, to make the blind to see and the lame to walk, and to preach the unsearch- able rights of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 'rhere remains much more to be done, and we pray that God will give us wisdom and zeal, and will move His people to furnish us with the means necessary to accom- plish the works of faith and labors of love so greatly needed.
CHRISTIANITY AND THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS THE MANIFOLD SIGNIFICANCE OF THEIR EVANGELIZATION BY D. L. LEONARD, D.D., OBERLIN, OHIO The task of the missionary does not consist merely of "sitting under a tree and reading the Bible to all who chance to pass by."
Tho primarily his business is making known the Glad Tidings, yet enfolded within his Divine message are found not only salvation from sin, but also aU the virtues and graces, even such "non-religious"
results as intelligence, industry, economy, comfortable houses, good homes, social order, good government-in a word, whatever is essen- tial to Christian civilization. No limits can be set to the beneficent effects certain to flow, sooner or later, from the proclamation and practise of a living Ohristianity. What notable illustrations of the blessed and manifold transformations are to be found by the score and hundred upon the pages of missionary history! All things considered, there is, perhaps, no case more phenomenal because of results more numerous, more varied, and more important than is supplied by the mission in the Hawaiian Islands. As will readily appear, every period from the discovery to the present hour overflows with elements of the surprising and the startling.
In the first place, the location of this group is peculiar in the extreme. In the boundless recesses of the Pacific, it lies isolated and remote from all continents and islands, being 2,100 miles southwest of San Francisco, 2,400 miles north of Tahiti, 3,440 miles from Yoko- hama, and 2,400 miles from Hongkong. Situated thus, "at the cross- roads of the Pacific," it is near the center of commerce between British· Columbia, California, Nicaragua, and Panama on the east, and Japan, China, New Zealand, and Australia on the west and south. The posi- tion in space is marvelously strategic, no substitutioll or rivalry being possible.
Next, the islands, eight in number, are of no inconsiderable size, having a total area of 6,640 square miles, or about the same as Massa- • c:husetts, while the largest, with its 4,210 square miles, has a greater acreage than Connecticut. Much of the soil is unfit for cultivation, but such as is arable is exceedingly productive. The sugar harvest is worth. $25,000,000 annually, ~nd rice also is a profitable crop. The climate is well-nigh ideal, the mercury seldom rising above 90°, or siJ;lking below 60°, with an average of 701.1 to 80 C , and cool trade '
winds almost constantly blowing. A population of 1,000,000 is easiJy possible, and is also likely at'no distant day.
It was only by accident that the" Sandwich Islands" were dis- covered by Captain Cook when he was engaged ill his fruitless
CHRISTIANITY AND THR HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
attempt to find a northeast passage from Bering Straits to Baffin Bay. For about forty years this group was visited only by vessels in search f0r sandalwood, or those on their way to and from the North Pacific in quest of whales or furs, not seldom remaining also during the winter season. Many of the sailors were of the very vilest, and their presence was often accompanied by the most shameless and loathsome debauchery, which resulted in forms of. disease so deadly as to decimate the population and probably doom the entire race to eventual extinction.
From time immemorial each island had been ruled by a chief of its own, but not long:. after the visit of Captain Cook, Kamehameha, one of the strongest and most enterprising of these, made war upon one after another, and finally became undisputed head of the entire group. This put an end to the desolating wars which hitherto had been almost constant, and made an important preparation for the introduction of the Gospel. By 1810 this achievement was completed.
The scene now changes to the United States, whither just about this time five or six Hawaiian waifs had drifted. Among them was Obookiah, who went at length to New Haven. The adyent of these youths "happened" just when Samuel J. Mills and his companions were praying and planning to start a foreign missionary movement in America, including the organization of a society-the American Board. Who has not heard how Obookiah was found weeping upon the steps of one of the Yale College buildings, because of his eagerness to secure an education, and of his not knowing where one could be gained? This was coupled with a longing to carry the Good News to his friends perishing in ignorance at home. 'rhen followed his adoption by Mills, and the opening of the Cornwall, Conn., missionary school, that he and other Hawaiian youths might be fitted for evangelizing work. Of course, a mission to the islands was the direct result, tho by a strange ordering Obookiah died before the beginning was made.
In October, 1819, a company of twenty-three, including four Hawaiians, sailed from Boston in the brig Thaddeus upon a voyage of nearly six months, not in the least knowing what might be in store, and with well-nigh incredible intelligence awaiting their arrival. For before landing they learned that within a few weeks idolatry had actually been abolished by order of the king, the idols had been destroyed, and the dreadful tabu had been broken; so that here was a people practically without a religion and .waiting to receive one. ·How mighty an obstacle had thus been removed, in the very nick of time, as by the visible hand of God! The news had recently reached the islands from Tahiti that a general burniI~g of idols had occurred there, coupled with statements made by certain sailors that all idolatry was foolish and stupid.
Almost from the first the king aWl chiefs were friendly, and several
women of rank were specially ready to listen and respond. '1'he first sigm appeared in a real furore for education-at least, to the extent of learning to read and write. For a season the chiefs greatly desired that this accomplishment might be their exclusive possession, but later the people were permitted freely to share the boon. Within ten years the schools numbered 900, taught by natives and supported by natives, and the pupils numbered 50,000, including many adults !'IS well as children, and this when the entire population numbered only 150,000.
Nor was it long after that spiritual quickening began to match and then to outdo the intellectual awakening. A strong missionary reinforcement had recently been despatched, and by 1836 a revival of power seldom equaled was shed abroad all the islands over, tho most sweeping in Hilo, under the fervid ministrations of Titus Coan, who baptized 1,705 in a single day. Within a few years 27,000 were received to membership in the churches.
N or were the effects long confined to the realm of religion, for a revolution was wrought in the political realm. The king requested one of the missionaries to give a course of lectures upon the science of civil government and political economy. He and all his predecessors had been irresponsible despots, among the rest owning all the land. But now he bestowed upon the people one-third of the soil, and accepted a constitution for his restraint and guidance. A system of public schools was inaugurated, and the nse of intoxicants was forbidden. All this had come to pass by the opening of the sixties, or within a little more than a generation from the advent of the first heralds of the Cross.
It need hardly be suggested that from the first abundant trials and discouragements had been met with, from the abounding relics of superstition, from the doings of utterly depraved sailors constantly calling at the islands, and the like. But in the forties began a period of peculiar embarrassment and serious hindrance, which at times seemed more than likely to undo all the good that had been done. First came a natural reaction from the excitements of the revival. Then the Jesuits made an inroad, were forbidden by the king to land, were sent away, and were only able to effect an entrance by the aid of French cannoll. Next, French and British naval authorities,· and consuls from the same governments, were exceedingly dictatorial and brow-beating toward the Hawaiian authorities, and it appeared at one time as tho some European power would take possession of the islands. Moreover, several of the kings in succession were morally weak or else positively vicious. As a result of the operation of all these evil forces, a serious falling away from the churches ensued, and a general decadence in the standards of piety, while at the same time the native population was steadily diminishing, and foreign laborers by the
Hl03] CnRIS'1'lANITY AND THE I'IAWAIIAN ISLANDS
thousand were flocking in frolll China, Japan, and Portugal, to man the sugar plantations. It was, perhaps, the crowning misfortune that, at the end of a half century of occupation, the American Board with- drew from this field, mistakenly thinking that the churches were now strong enough to take care of themselves, and that self-support and self-government wonlc1 prove a blessing.
More than a quarter of a century passed of chaotic conditions, but then one after another the bulk of the trou bles came to an end, and divers new grounds for encouragement began to appear. The islands were recognized as independent by several foreign powers. Scores of the descendants of the missionaries 11ad risen to wealth and to com- manding influence in public affairs, as well as other Americans and Europeans not a few. It was with these, as well as with some thou- sands of worthy natives, that unworthy sovereigns found themselves obliged to reckon. And when at length the queen refused to obey the laws, or to be bound by considerations of reason and righteousness, it was these who organized revolution and set up a republic, later at their request to become an integral portion of the American Republic.
Summing up results: Speaking generally, a region larger than several of our States has been redeemed from ntter savagery, and in it Christian civilization has been established. 'rho the natives are steadily diminishing in number and seem likely sooner or later to disappear, their places are already supplied by others of a sturdier stock. The resources of the soil and climate have been so well developed that already the exports amount to more than $22,000,000, and the imports to more than $16,000,000, with the certainty of a steady and great increase. The popUlation also can not but double and quadruple within a comparatively few years. Who can doubt that the most of these changes have COllle directly or indirectly as a result of the sailing of the brig Tluulde1l8, some eighty years ago, with its little company of godly men and women, bent solely npon making proclamation of Jesus and His salvation? The toilers sent ont from first to last numbered but 156 in all, 8:3 of them women and 21 laymen. The total money cost of the mission was only $1,577,956.27, or a yearly average of $31,560! How paltry a sum! Only about one-fourth the amount invested ill a modern battle-ship!
As to the religious situation: By the end of five years only ten could be counted Christian, and onlr 577 at the end of twelve years; but soon after ensued a marvelous harvest season, and before the first half century closed 57,868 had beell received into the churches, with the number since increased to 65,898. As showing the spiritual quality of the converts, before the end of the first generation the faith and zeal of these neophytes, just reueemed from paganism, had become so mature that a missionary society was formed, and a company of
Hawaiian missionaries was despatched to pagan Micronesia and Marquesas, and has ever since been maintained. By the last census it appears that the population of the islands is not far from 154,000, or substantially the same as when the work of evangelization commenced. Only some 30,000 of these are of pure Hawaiian blood, while of 8,000 the pedigree is Hawaiian in part. The Japenese number 62,000, the Chinese 26,000, the Americans and Europeans 28,500, of whom 1'1,000 are Portuguese. Of the Americans, 164 are children of missionaries and 1'14 are grandchildren. Divided religiously,25,000 are Roman Catholics, 24,000 are Protestants, and 5,000 are Mormons.
How marvelous, almost beyond comparison, that all things were made ready just when the AllIerican Hepublic received the Providential bidding to launch ont at length upon its world work, to possess territorial interests in the Pacific, and so to take up tremendous responsibilities in the Orient, and Hawaii came asking admission into the Union! How strange also that so soon ~he ocean cable was ready to bind us to onr new possessions, to make onr dependencies our near neighbors! Thell, to cap the climax of marvels, almost in the same hour the completion of the Panama Canal was resolved upon, destined to hasten the development of the commerce of the world's greatest ocean with the Hawaiian Islands, certain at no distant day to rank high among the most notable localities upon the face of the globe!
THE STORY OF TITUS COAN BY THE EDITOR-I~-CHIEF 'ritus Coan, in 1831, at thIrty years o~ age, wrote these words: "Lord, send me where Thou wilt, only go with me; lay on me what Thou wilt, only sustain me. Cut any cord but the one that binds me to Thy caUiSe, to Thy heart."
In 1835 he set foot Oil Honolulu, and shortly after was assigned to a missionary parish on Hawaii's eastern shore, one hundred miles long, and including Hilo and Puna, with fifteen thousand natives. We have already p1l blished in this REVIEW * an account of the great awak- ening under his preaching, which began in 183'1 and extended over fonr years. Not ten instances of a spiritual quickening so abounding in signs of God can be found in all authentic missionary history.
As no man has had more signal tokens of God's presence and power, we seek to find the secrets of his success. They seem to have been three: A persistent preaching of the 'YOI'd of God, individual contact with souls, and a deep lore for the people. Mr. Coan never grew weary of preaching a full Gospel. He did not hesitate to preach the sterner truths of the law, b.ll t he always followed them by the melting entreaty of grace. He went on long tours, in which he met * February, 1895.
1903J '.rHE STORY OF TITUS eOAN
and sought to lead individuals to Christ, or to reclaim, one by one, wanderers from the fold. lIe was not content to preach to great multitudes, but thus, one by one, sought to pluck brands from the burning. When, under the mighty power of God, crowds thronged him, weeping and inquiring, he worked incessantly, sometimes till midnight, and his pen was as busy as his tongue. lIe wrote three thousand letters, in about forty-five years, to over four hundred and fifty individuals. He was a great missionary pastor to thousands of church-members with their children, and, like Moses, a judge or arbiter in their little difficulties. He baptized over ten thousand converted heathen in seventeen years and buried four thousand three hundred, while six thousand remained in 1852 for personal watch and care. He was like a great general who not only commands a great army but knows and cares for each soldier. In 1868 he had buried seven thousand three hundred and seventy-three, so that the living congregation was outnumbered by the dead; but the individllal ]u.d never been forgotten in the multitude. A discordant note, caused by a backslider or the selfwill of a churc"h-member, he would spend hours to harmonize, and his prayers, like his toils, were ceaseles8.
It pleased God that his departure should be not sudden, but like a Tery gradual withdrawal. For nearly three months he felt within 1imself that the summons had come and the messenger was waiting. The natives heard of his condition, and their love could not be restrained. They came and went, his room beillg most of the time filled. But he had an individual woru, a text, a prayer, for each one. Aged men, who thirty years before had been his companions in his pastoral t.urs, came long distances for a farewell look and word. They reverently put off their shoes, as on holy ground, as they stepped into his bedchamber, and mutely pressed his hand while tears poured down their cheeks. He himself asked that candidates for admission to the Church might assemble at his home, and he listened to the examination he could not conduct, and then gave his hand. to each with a radiant look and a gracious word never to be forgotten. Later on he was borne on a reclining-chair about the streets, that he might meet his dear converts face to face in larger numbers, as John was borne on loving shoulders into the assemblies of the Ephesian Church. The whole missionary history of the century furnishes no more pathetically beautiful story.
These references to Father Coan naturally recalJ a very remarkable answer to prayer which occurred in the middle of his Hawaiian career. In the autumn of 1855 there was every human probability that Hi](), in the Hawaiian Islands. with its Cl'escent strand and siJYer bay, would be blotted. out beneath a fiery flood of lava from Mauna Loa. For sixty-five days the great furnace crater had been in full blast belching forth consuming fire, and rivers of resistless liquid flame had
swept down the mountain sides, one stream of which was three miles wide at its narrowest, spreading at times into lakes of fire from five to eight miles broad. In the hardening crust there were frequent vents from ten to one hundred feet in diameter. The principal river of lava was sixty miles long and from three to three hundred feet deep, its momentum incredible, and its velocity forty miles an hour. This devouring river was rushing madly toward the bay, heading directly toward the site of Hilo, and was only ten miles distant. On it came 1 No natural obstacles intervened to arrest its progress.
There was no reason that natural science could assign why thoSQ billions of cubic feet that for some months continued to descend from the crater, and in the same direction as at the first, should not continue to push forward until the flood of molten lava met and mingled with the floods of the sea, thus utterly destroying the town. But tho the molten lava moved steadily on until it was within seven miles of the ocean, it was mysteriously arrested. Hilo had been the scene of marvelous triumphs of grace twenty years before, and much prayer was offered to God for the arrest of that awful flood, and it was the firm conviction of the missionaries and their praying band of helpers that nothing could account for the deliverance but this: that God had interposed in answer to prayer. As late as February, 1859, nearly four years after the eruption began, the summit of Mauna Loa was rent with vol- canic fires and pouring a deluge of wrath down its sides with such energy that in an hour or two the flood had swept twenty miles. For a while it moved toward Hilo, but again turned westward and entered the sea, fifty miles from the source of the outbreak, leaving nothing but ruin behind it.
Still later, in 1881, this fearful volcano was for lline months in fuM blast, and human reason and arithmetic both doomed Hilo's town and harbor. 'l'he fires swept down the mountain, obliterated a forest fifteen to twenty miles wide, and approached within ltalfa mile, until it seemed as tho hell was opening her very jaws to engulf the town. But a day of humiliation and prayer was observed, and at the last hour, when the burning, withering breath of the destroyer was alreudy scorching the inhabitants, God's command went forth: "Thus far, but no farther 1"
Afterward Mr. Coan and his helpers ill prayer used to walk out and view their deliverance. There lay the «great red dragon," a few rods from the missionaries happy "bower," a blackened, hardened mon- ster, fifty miles long from mountain to main, and they could only say, with deep and reverential awe: "It is all of God." , The expressive marble slab that marks his grave at Hilo was the gift of his people. It bears a simple epitaph which he himself wrote: TITl:"S COAN February 1, I80l-Decemher 1, 1882 HE LIVED BY FAITH, HE STILL LIYES. BELIEVEST THor THIH?
–John xi : 26
WHAT MISSIONARIES HAVE DONE FOR ALASKA
Courtesy of Tlu Popular Sdf!nce MontHy THE SIZE OF ALA.8KA. AS COMPARED WITH THE UNITED STATBS WHAT MISSIONARIES HAVE DONE FOR ALASKA BY SHELDON JACKSON, D.D., LL.D., WASHINGTON, D. C. For Twenty-five Years a Missionary in Alaska With the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States there came from that unknown frozen North to the Christian heart of America a wail as despairing and piteous as was ever wafted from the jungles of Darkest Africa. In answer to that cry I was permitted to visit Alaska with Mrs. A. R. McFarland, the first Ameri-can mission- ary. We landed at Fort Wrangell on the 10th of August, 1877, and established the first Presbyterian mission. Mrs. McFarland was left in charge while I returned to the States to appeal to the churches and raised the funds for her support.
The following year (1878) the Rev. John G. Brady, the present governor of Alaska, and Miss Fannie Kellogg were sent to Sitka, and Rev. S. Hall Young, D.D.. present general missionary for the Presbytery of the Yukon, was sent to Wrangell. A little later Rev. Eugene S. Willard, Rev. Alonzo E. Austin, Rev. J. Loomis Gould, Dr. W. H. Corlies, Rev. J. W. McFarland, and Rev. L. F. Jones, with their fam- ilies, were added to the mission forces. Since then there has been a constant succession of godly men and women establishing in Southern Alaska stations at Skagway, Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, Douglass, Killis- – noo, Sitka, Wrangell, Saxman, Jackson, and Klawack.
When the missionaries arrived in Alaska there were among the aboriginal population five principal families: The Eskimos extended across the American Continent from Lab- rador to Bering Strait and from Bering Strait south to the Aleutian
Islands, and from Un imak Pass along the ~orth Pacific coast almost to the base of .Mount St. Elias in Son theastern Alaska, so that the three great ocean sides of the territory are occupied by Eskimo or Innuit population. They are a seafaring people.
Passing from the coast iuto the interior, we find the begill1liJJg of the Athabascan family, extending across the continent from Central Alaska down to Minnesota.
In the Aleutian Islands are the Aleuts, a people almost exterminated by Russian civilization. It is one of the interesting facts of history that when our American Revolution was just beginning the Alen t Revolution was just coming to a close. Ours lasted eight years, theirs for fifty years. .For half a century the native people of the Alenti-an group fought the power of Hussia, and only succumbed after almost the entire population had been annihilated.
In Southeastern Alaska are the ten tribes of the Thlingets, speak- ing one common lal~gllage. Missionary work and civilization com- menced among them later in 1877.
'1'he Hydah are in Prince of 'Yales Islaud.
'1'he Aleuts having been undm Russian civilization for a century, have been brought into the Russian Greek Church, and they are all baptized members of that Church. But the Eskimo, Athabascalls, Phlillgets, and IIydah were heathen at the commencement of the American occupation. 'rhe destruction of infants, the killing of the sick and aged, the torture to death for witchcraft, polygamy, and slavery were all more or less prevalent among one or more of these families, and remnants of this heathenism continne down to the present time. The success of the Presbyterian mission in Southeastern Alaska among the natives was so great as to attract the attention of the entire Christian world. Stimulated by this success, the other great mission- ary societies commenced preparations to also open missions at Fort Wrangell and Sitka, side by side with the Presbyterians.
The Division of Territory The establishment of these se'eral missions among so few people (one thousand five hundred) would have been a waste of men and money, and the introduction of the diversities that exist among us would constitute a real hindrance to mission work. '1'0 prevent this a convention was called at the MetllOtlist Book Rooms in JUlll1ary, 1880, of the various missionary societies, and an equitable division of the field was allotted to the different denominations. The Presbyterians being already established in Southeastern Alaska, that field was assigned to them. Since lS'?7 they have spent $750,000 in their efforts to elevate, civilize, and Christianize the nati ves-a clear eVIdence of the energy and zeal that they have put into the work. 1'he fruitage in part is seven native churches with over 1,000 native communicants and a second generation started in Christian citizenship. There has been a continuons religious revival in that section for three years. Eighteen months ago an old chief, ,who raised a rebellion in
WHAT MI"SIONARIES HAVE nONE FOR ALASKA
1877, and who has been conspicuolls in his opposition to the mission work, gave his heart to Christ, and is throwing the same fire into his evangelistic work for the benefit of his relatives as he did into his persecution of Christian natives.
The Baptists selected their field six hundred and twenty-two miles west of the Presbyterians, on Wood Island, Kodiak, and adjacent islands, Kenai Penill- sula, and the regions bordering on Cook In- let and Prince William Sound. Their first mis- sion was erected on Wood Island, in the harbor of Kodiak, where they have a church and prosperous orphanage.
Six hundred and twenty-two miles west of the Baptists is Unalaska, the center of the Meth- odist field, where they have established a good, strong, efficient work, OLD LOG CABIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, JUNEAU, ALASKA built out of the waifs who had been discarded by the Hussian-Greek Church. The Methodist field extends the whole length of the Aleutian Islands, and at Unalaska they have an orphanage !lamed the Jesse Lee Home.
The Moravians went eight hundred and forty miles to the north- east of Unalaska, and selected the valley of the Kuskekwin and Nushagak rivers, where they have secured a large following. In some of their villages they have evening vespers every night. When bed- time comes the church-bell rings, and the entire popUlation, except the little ones, go to church, and a young man who has been tau~ht a little English reads a passage in the Bible, explains it in the native tongue, leads them in prayer in their own tongue, and they go home and go to bed. Where can you find a better record iu the most favored place in tpe United States?
On the Delta and in the valley of the great Yukon the Roman Catho- lics have a number of missions. Their principal station and leading schools are at Holy Cross Mission, four hundred and ten miles from the mouth of the river. In the same Yukon Valley are the principal missions of the Alaskan natives of the Episcopal Ohurch, the best equipped of which are at Anvik, four hundred and fifty-seven miles from the mouth of the river; St. James Mission, eight hundred and ninety-seven miles, and Fort Yukon, one thousand three hundred and fifty-three miles. The Church of England has maintained missions for nearly sixty or seventy years on the Canadian side of the boundary line.
One hundred and fifty miles north of Anvik is the successful mis- sion of the Swedish Evangelical Union Mission Church at Unalaklik, and a few miles farther west, on Golofnin Bay, their second mission.
They have a third station in Southeast Alaska, at Gakutat.
Two hundred miles west of Golofnin is located at Teller Reindeer
Station, Port Clarence, an orphanage of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North America. 'The orphanage at 'Teller, Golofnin, and Unalaklik largely grew out of the epidemic of 1900, when so many Eskimos died and the missionaries took char~e of the orphan children.
One hundred miles west of Teller, at Oape Prince of Wales, on Bering Strait, facing Asia, is the mission of the American Missionary A~sociation (Oongregational). At this point they have built lip a good, strong church from unpromising Eskimo elements.
Two hundred miles northeast of the Oongregationalists, on the shore of the Arctic Ocean, is the "Friends" Mission at Kotzebue.
The Friends also have missions at Douglass and Kaake, in Southeast Alaska. Two hundred miles northwest of the Friends is an Episcopal mission at Point Hope. – Three hundred and fifty miles north of the Arctic Circle is a Presbyterian mission at Point Barrow, being second most northern mission station on earth-Upernavaek, Greenland, being twenty miles further north. At Point Barrow is a Presbyterian missionary and wife, and a government teacher and wife.
Two hundred and fifty miles south of Bering Strait, and within forty miles of the main coast of Asia, is Gembell, St. Lawrence Island, a mission station of the Presbyterian Church. Point Barrow, Point Hope, and Gam bell have practically but one mail and one com- munication a year with the outside world.
Some Results of the Work What are the results of these missions? From five to ten thousand of the native population through these various organizations haye been brought more or less under Gospel influences. Three or fOllr thousand can be classed among those that we call "communicants," and many thousands of the children are in school. In addition to the mission schools, the United States governmeut has twenty-eight public schools, of which probably twenty are exclusively for the natives.
If you ask the average miner the result of missionary work, he will tell you that there are no results whatever from these twenty-five years' work of the churches in Alaska. He does not stop tb think that he is in that country as the result of that work. During the past few years many thousands of white men have gone from all parts of this country to the Alaska gold-mines. Some of them have penetrated hundreds of miles north of the Arctic Oircle, and have found that if they b.-eat the natives fairly that they can go anywhere in safety. If the miner is starviug, the native will divide with him his last bit of fish. Why is it that the white man can go everywhere? It was not always thus. The miner will tell you that it is because the people are so docile; but is knowledge of Alaskan history is very slight. As late as 1877 Sitka was a fortified town, guarded by a detachment of United States troops, and every night before sundown the guard was turned out to search and see that no native was inside the stockade. The gates were barred and locked until sunrise the next morning. The miner does not remember that at St. Michael
ESKIMO GIRL AT COOKING-SCHOOL
1101
fi02 'l'HR MTRSIONARY RRVTEW OF THE WORLD
wail another HUHsian IJost with stockade, awl that aB late aB 1ti~'() the traders did not cOllsidc1' themselves safe from the native population in traveling. When the United States sent a scientific expedition tn Point Barrow under the charge of an army officer they had mounted cannon trained on the native village. Only twelve years ago (1890) it was proposed to establish a mission at Bering Strait, and place two men there, two thousand miles from allY policeman, or any court 01'
other protection. People said that the revenue-cutter would not be out of sight before they would both be massacred. No whaler for ten years had dared drop anchor at that point over night, altho some of them had large crews armed with Winchester rifles. Bn t the Congregational Church placed two men there, and they were left without any protection for twelve months, except the protection of God, and the mission has made it safe for whaler or miner. One of Copyright, 1002, those young men has just re- hy signed after thirteen years' ser- vice because the six children Rp,-, .J. S('hoecbert …….~,…;zk.~~L- Watertown, WIs.
Courtesy of The Cllri&tian IIerald that have been born there needed better educational facilities than CHAPTER IY, VERSES 1-11, OF THE GOSP~~L ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, IN AI..ASKA they could have in that part of ESKIMO HIEROGJ..YPHICS the country. Another young man and wife and mother-in-law and children have gone to take the vacated place. Now a miner can drop in and spend the night or a dozen nights in perfect safety in that place, because missions have been established there for ten or fifteen years. Yet these very miners whose lives have been spared will tell you that missions are a com- plete failure in Alaska. They will point to a group of natives, dirty and ragged, with unkempt children, and Ray: "Do yon think yon can do anything with those dirty brats?"
A gentleman coming down from the mines five years ago called at the Methodist mission school at Unalaska, and saw an Alen t girl, her father being dead and her mother an ignorant, dissolute, drinking woman. The gentleman said he wished he could take the child to Chicago. He did so, and put her in the best public school in the city.
There were 1,200 children in that school of our best American citizen- ship, and that girl stood side by side with these children for five years, passing from the third to the eighth grade, and finally took the gold medal at the head of that school. A competitor of that poor Aleut
WHAT MISSIONARIF,S HAYE DONF, FOR ALASKA
girl was t·he daugllter of the President of Chicago"s Board of Education. And yet we are told that we ean not do anything with them.
Many remember young Edward Marsden, a pure-blooded native of Alaska, wh o, a few years ago, came from the Sitka mission school to the East for an education. lIe went t o Marietta for his college course, find afterward in Cincinatti he took It course in law and one in theology at the same ti me. lIe had a master mind that seemed to grasp whatever it undertook. To-day, in sout heastern Alaska, with his little steam -l aunch The ){arietta, the Rev. Edward Marsden is preach ing to IlESIDE='C"R 01" REV. W. T . LAPP, AT CAPE PRINCE OF WALES his people in eighteen different places, carrying the Gospel into all that region of Alaska, a mast er workman of whom no church need be ashamed. And yet you are t old that" You can not do anything with those dirty brats!"
Another girl was taken from Sitka to New Jersey, and is now a young wom an who will stand as the equal of the better class of our American womanhood in her intellectuality. She would be admitted to any Browning Club in Boston. For the last ten years sh e has been in Alaska t eaching among her own people. She is named Frances Willard, for that noble woman. She has taken the Thlinget language, and reduced it scientifically to a written language for the first time, and her" Thlinget Grammar and Vocabulary" is ready for the publisher. And yet" You can not do anything with those dirty brats!"
Two of the native young men who came out of the Sitka school went to a salmon cannery and saved their wages, bought merchandise, and started a store with $200. A trader in the neighborhood wanted
them to go into partnership with him, but they declined. 'l'hen he tried to undersell them, and put his prices down below cost; but the friends of those boys stoed by th~m, and when their stock was used up their friends bought goods from the white trader at a reduced price and turned them over to the boys. 'rhey might have kept it up to this time if the trader had not found out how they were getting ahead of him, and learned also that he could not "freeze out those brats." They have amassed $1,000, bought machinery for a steam sawmill, and are doing a large business in making boxes for the sal- mon canneries and in supplying white men with lumber.
Other boys have learned carpentry at the Sitka school, and at least one hundred and fifty of the "brats" that have gone out from the Presbyterian mission are making their own living and are respected . citizens of the United States in that country.
If the churches in the different denominations had done more work, there would have been more of these scholars. It is a question of environment and not of heredity in Alaska: they have the intel- lect; they only need the chance to become honest, able citizens. That is what we are pleading of the churches and the government to give us-more facilities-that the remnant of this people, so rapidly pass- ing away, may be brought into Christian citizenship.
DARKEST AFRICA TWENTY YEARS AGO AND NOW BY REV. ROYAL J. DYE, M.D., BOLONGI DISTRICT, KONGO FREE STATE Foreign 8hristian Missionary Society, 189&- Twenty years ago, what was America? Recall the advances in science, in electricity, in the arts, in transportation, in the consciences of American Christians in regard to their duty to the heathen. Now turn your calmer judgment to the nations less favored with the advantages of civilization, without the moral uplift of a Ohristian conscience, or a social standard such as obtains in Christian America, where literature, art, and music combine to draw man out of himself to a higher level and nearer to God.
What of these things obtain in Darkest Africa? The civilization (?) that has been demonstrated to the native of Africa is of the sort that knows no conscience toward God or fellow man. It has gone there for gain, and wealth it will have if it be at any cost. The moral ir..fluence of many of these advance agents of civilization is such as might be expected of moral lepers, which many of them are. Of literature there is none: no books, no art, no music, which mean so much to us. What exists of these is of the crudest type. Think of these things when you are prone to criticize and ridicule these poor children of Nature. What have they other than themselves to lift them to a higher plane of living? What to elevate their ideals and
DARKEST AFRICA TWENTY YEARS AGO AND NOW
thoughts? Twenty years ago the chartography of Africa was differ- ent from what it is to-day. Instead of the well-charted two thousand miles of navigable water-way, the Kongo and its main tributaries, but little was known, for Stanley had just made his first journey, and all central Africa was a blank space peopled with elephants and hippo- potami. The first missionaries were then just entering the lower Kongo, and their cold and suspicious reception differs from the hearty welcome given the missionary now. For then the people had not seen enough missionaries to be able to discriminate between them and the other white men who had passed their way. They could not understand that any could care for their souls more than for the ivory and ru bber, their little wealth.
So now, where were found howling mobs, threatening their lives and destroying their property and frightening their "carriers," we meet with a most hearty welcome, and the appeal comes to us from the wildest cannibal tribes: "Come and teach us, too, these wonderful words of God." We can not answer these appeals with our small force of workers now in service. Where then the missionary was horrified by the evidences, nnconcealed, of horrible cannibal feasts and of inhumanities beyond our comprehension; where then the power of the" witch-doctor" and of the" fetishes" seemed to be so strong that nothing could overthrow them, and faithful, loving work seemed to avail nothing, and many lives were laid down ilJ the effort to break up the dense darkness and superstition with which these dark sons of nature seemed to be enchained, to-day we see whole villages sitting clothed and in their right minds, obedient to their God, whom before they had feared, not knowing; and not only sitting, but active in the evangelization of their fellows who have not yet heard of or accepted this God of love who has' so wonderfully transformed their lives. Where Richards and Bently and Grenfel and Clark found naked savages violating every law of the decalog, and leading lives of vice and degradation they dare not describe, and who was as untrustworthy and fickle as possible to believe; where, almost in despair, after ten years of work there were no converts to show, you can go now and find town after town with its church and school-house filled with a peaceable people, earnest and consecrated, who are properly clad, industrious, clean, respectful, and whose honesty and virtuous lives make us ashamed of the horrible tales of vice and dishonesty which fill every day's paper in this fair land. Where then there was none who could be named as a bona fide follower of God, there are to-day close on to ten thousand confessing and baptized Christians in the Kongo Basin. And news reaches us almost every'mail of the wonderful wave of revival all up and down that mighty Kongo River and its tributaries-an awakening of tlUch proportions that the present force are unable to properly instruct them, nor are they able to go to all the
villages calling for the Gospel message, many of whom have yet to see their first missionary and to hear for the first time that wonderful old story of Christ's love and sacrifice for their redemption. "The fields are white unto harvest." "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few." To the churches of America this is a challenRe. How will they answer it? Your workers are giving their lives gladly: many rp.ore workers are needed. 'What are you doing? What will you do about it?
Here is a glimpse of the progress in east Central Africa. Ten years ago the 80uverts numbered barely a hundred, to-day there are more than tell thousand. 'V here theti there was but one native church, to-day there are over a hundred native-built chapels, with a force of native evangelists who shame us by their devotion and heroism. These native preacners are evangelizing the neighboring tribes, and have .sent workers far np the Nile toward Khartoum. They have already won their first con verts from among those fierce and unfriendly " dwarf tribes," the" pigmies of the great forest," and are reaching out to join hands with the missionaries of the Upper Kongo to evan· gelize these and the half-caste Arabs of these sections.
Do you want to see evidences of the work done? Would you be convinced if you were to see changes of life and habits which in their full development are simply miraculous-transformations, the result of no ethical dogma or of the introduction of civilization or sciences or arts, but of the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ? A civilized government may say to them: "If you continue these cannibal practises or this slave-raiding we will corne and annihilate your village" or "drag you off as captives to work our plantations," which, of course, is not slavery; but the natives carryon these practises, only secretly. Christianity challenges a comparison of the results of the Gospel in Uganda as a parallel for any of the so-called civilizing influences in the freeing of the millions of slaves which constiLute their wealth and chattels, by masters, their own countrymen, withau t the shedding of a drop of blood, but simply the result of prayerful resting of the matter with their consciences before God.
There has been much done. There remains much yet to be done. Now is the time when, by judicious effort, whole nations can be won to our God and Ilis Christ. There are nations yet who have not heard of the surpassing love of God and of the redemptive sacrifice of Christ made for" the world." There are easily seventy millions in the great Soudan and Central Africa who have yet to see their first missionary, who have yet to learp. of the loving heavenly Father, who have yet to receive the hope of everlasting life. Shall Ollr children have to answer the same puzzling question put to us, "Why did not your fathers tell our fathers?"
1903 MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES IN THR HEART OF AFRICA
THE MISSION PHARMACY AT LeEBO MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF AFRICA BY DKWlrr C. SXYDER, M.D., BROOKLYX, N. Y.
The hOl1ses for the missionaries were built and the yards were cleaned up. We then turned our attention to supplying the needs of the inner man, for tIre small supply of European foods which we had brought with us was sure to be used up long before the arrival of another river steamer. We had brought from Europe, in sealed tins, flour, sugar, tea, coffee, condensed milk, butter, fish, meats, and some preserved fruits, but as the freight on each sixty pounds was fifteen dollars, the salary of the missionary would not allow of his buying all that he needed from so distant a market. We must, therefore, hunt np some small store" around the corner." From the natives we soon learned that we could buy chickens, eggs, goats, monkeys, and occasionally deer and wild hog. The African is not blessed with a very sensitive nose, but when the last two meats were on their way to the mission we generally could detect it an hour before they entered the compound.
Among the vegetables were corn, sweet potatoes, yams, tomatoes, and greens. Fruits, such as pineapples, bananas, plantains, and pawpaws, were found in the markets in abundance. Peanuts were also fltised in large quantities. The missionaries introduced oranges, grape fruit, mangoes, guavas, and raspberries. In our gardens we raised cabbage, lettuce, radishes, and a few other non-indigenous vegetables.
Our money had been changed into the currency of the country,
and was kept in boxes and bales instead of in pocket-books and purses. When traveling it generally took two boys to carry our money, and to learn the value of each" piece" required more skill than for a for- eigner to trade in the mixed coinage of England. The staple currency was cowrie shells, but wire, beads, and cloth, and later on salt, were also used as mediums of exchange.
At Luebo the sun rose and set at six o'clock morning and evening. There was no twilight. As a rule, the rising sun found us at the breakfast-table eating our meal of oats and eggs. When we had fin- ished we were sure to find at least half a dozen men outside the house waiting to Bell us goous. Here was a man with a long stick over his shoulder, at the ends of which were tied from twenty to thirty small chickens, wet and bedraggled from tIle water-soaked grass which grew along the path by which their owner had come. Yonder was a man with native honey, and scattered here and there were the others, all intent on selling their wares to the mulcelinge (white man). The box of cowrie shells, the pail of beads, the roll of wire, and the bale of fancy and brightly colored calico are brought forth from our" cashdrawer." "What do yon want for your chickens?" we ask. "Bintn bonso" (All things) is the invariable answer, by which he does not really mean" all things," but anyone of the different articles he sees in the boxes and bales. His price is always three or four times what the article in question is worth, so the missionary must begin by offering much less than the market price until, after much dickering, perhaps the owner will settle upon salt as the thing he wants, and the quantity is finally agreed upon. The salt is then measured out, and as the price of each chicken is paid the chicken is untied and lll.id aside, the man keeping tally on his fingers, or he makes a mark with his finger in the sand. When all are accounted for his eyes scan all the barter goods, and he very likely changes his mind and wants beads. There is no help for it, so you must go over the same process with the beads that attended the measuring out of the salt. To refuse would mean the loss of the fowls, for the man would patiently tie them all on his stick again and take them to tho trader across the way. The African chicken is, at best, a kind of an " X-ray" bird, for you can hold it up and see its bones very plainly.
The chickens being disposed of, we turn to the man who has been standing on one leg for the past half hour, the foot of the other leg resting against the knee of the upright one, a very characteristic attitude. He has been twidling on a native music-box a very monotenous tune. "Nchi.'R" you say to him, and he replies" j1{alcila" (Eggs), and laying his lcisaje down he draws from the fold of his loin-cloth an egg. Having carefully examined it, for the native is not averse to selling last year's eggs (if he can), it is bought. One is surprised to find the price almost that of the price of a fowl, but this is explained when
MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF AFRICA
you learn that the native sees a chicken in every egg. 'fhey seldom, if ever, eat them, because, as they say, it is not economical: U Let them grow to be chickens." Having laid aside the egg, you are about to turn to the next man, whon he calls your attention to the fact that he has another egg for sale, and so he continues to produce his eggs, one by one, until you have a dozen or more. No amount of coaxing can make him give up all at once. He imagines that he can get a better price if he sells them separately. Those that have been rejected because they bear the impress of old age are carefully replaced in his loincloth and carried to the next missionary, who, he hopes, will not be so particular. . While busy buying these things we have noticed the man with the honey industriously dipping a straw in the pot and licking it off with great gusto. He now comes forward and offers his stuff for sale.
THE HOtTSES OF THE NA.TIVE HELPERS If will be noticed that the Africans have endeavored to copy the missionary's style uf architecture with a veranda (two feet wide) Looking into the clay receptacle we see a mixture of hOlley, water, comb, and dead bees, together with sticks and bark. With a look ?f disgust we tell him it is not fit to eat, and with a bland look he stirs it with his dirty finger, which he proceeds to lick clean, and; smacking his lips, says, " Ilingila " (Good), and seems quite disgusted be- C'1use we refuse to believe him. So the trade goes on.
Among the natives themselves another plan is followed, and instead of hawking the goods from door to door, markets are held at least once a week in the open, under a grove of palm-trees. Hundreds of people gather to buy and to sell. The women bring their produce in baskets on their heads or tied to their backs. Here, besides the things already mentioned above, one may buy dried fish, native salt, palm oil, palm wine, manioc roots, red peppers, and other foods peculiar to the natives, such as locusts, grubs, worms, monkeys, dogs, and rats. The missionary housewife is sure to lay in a supply of palm wine, which
she uses to leaven her flour, also a pot of palm-oil for making rnwarnba -a mixture of meat, palm-oil, peanuts, and red peppers. These are all stewed together and form a savory dish.
The missionaries 1iv~principaJ1,y on chickens and goats, and whfln they tire of that they vary it by having goats and chickens. The continued heat of the tropics made it necessary to build the cook-house away from the dwelling. This cook-house consisted of a clay structure about fifteen feet square and roofed with palm-leaf mats. Inside, in place of a beautiful range, was a clay stove fashioned by the_hands of the hard-working missionary. The iron straps from around the bales of cloth hammered out and cut to lengths were used for the grate and for the top of the stove. The heat and smoke ascend through the interstices, and gradually find their way out through the roof.
Our first cook, Katalai by name, was a chocolate-colored, brighteyed boy whom we had bought for sixteen yards of unbleached muslin, and who became our personal property. His clothing consisted principally of a coating of dirt and a string around his waist, from which dangled a few fetishes. We gave him a yard of muslin, of which he was very proud, but we noticed that it was growing smaller and smaller each day, until there remained only a strip about an inch wi.de, the color having changed from white to ecru and then to black. It was some time before we learned that it was not the effect of the climate on the cloth that caused it to di.minish, but that whenever opportunity offered Katalai would run away to the village and buy a handful of peanuts, paying for them by tearing a narrow strip of cloth from the bottom of his dress.
Other children were bought from the Nzappo Zaps, who brought them to u£ ten at a time, tied~.ogether by their necks like so many animals. These poor children told us heart-rending tales of raids on their villages by the government, and of how their parents were either killed or carried away. Our purpose in buying them was to give them their freedom, after keeping them under our care and protection until they were old enough to care for themselves. As soon, however, as the news spread that the white people at Luebo were buying people, the natives came flocking in from all over the country, bringing boys and girls and sickly men and women to sell. It was a touching scene, and our hearts ached for them all, but we soon realized the impossibility of buying even a third of all that were brought. The plan was abandoned, and we took the ground that no one had the right to make a slave of any human being, and, therefore, all who came to us for protection would be declared free and could remain on the mission premises or go where they pleased. This involved llS in all sorts of palavers with the natives, and often our yards were fined with crowds of armed natives who sometimes threatened onr lives. The runaway slaves often fled to the mission, and more than once when the
MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF AFRICA
pursuers found that they were about to escape, they were murdered by a well-aimed spear or arrow just as they passed the line of our property. In the end we were forced to confine our work along this line to teaching the wrongs of slavery.
In the meantime, however, we had bought about one hundred and fifty men and women, besides a number of children. While these people were given to understand that they were no longer slaves, they nevertheless chose to remain with us, and called us " tata" and" mama" (father and mother). They were divided among the missionaries, and put to work either as personal servants in the houses or as workmen to clear tIlIl grounds, build houses, etc.
lt was among these people we began our active missionary work. 1'hey heard ns ask God's blessing before each meal, saw us at onr THE COOK-HOUSE IN THE H1SSION COMPOUND AT LUE.BO private devotions, gathered with us at family prayers, and so, coming in daily touch with those who lived th~ir Christianity, a deep impression was made on their minds.
A church was built joust outside the large village of Kasenga, a.bout a mile from the mission, and every Sunday we took "our people" with llS and held services there. What a motley assembly it was! On one side of the rude little church, seated on the low, home-made benches, the people from the mission gronped themselves. They were arrayed in bright pieces of calico of the loudest colors and designs. Here was a man wearing only the cast-off trousers of a missionary; yonder was another man with a loin-cloth around his waist, and over his breast an old waistcoat, unbuttoned and flapping like the wings of a bird. On the other side of the church sat the natives from the village in all styles of dress an(l nndress. Surely it was a discouraging sight, and the hearts of the missionaries sank within them as they
looked on this mass of human beings, which seemed more like .ani- mals than people.
The" well-dressed" people from the mission, with their clean faces and orderly ways, however, had a wholesome effect, and did much to help and encourage us in our work. Our hopes centered on the chil- dren, who were bright and ever ready to learn. I had at the time a personal b~y named Dufanda, a lad about ten years of age. He always proudly carried my Bible to and from the church. The narrow path led through the dense, damp wood, and then through a clearing to the the village. Dufanda would always march ahead, his little body erect . and his head gracefully poised in the air. When we reached the clearing his eyes took on a new luster, and shot quick, searching glances to right and left. Suddenly he would turn and say to me, as he held the Bible in outstretched hands, " ]iuata" (Take), and as I took it he would dart aside and, by a quick motion of his hoand, catch a large grasshopper, tear off its wings, and deftly place it above his ear, and turn to me again and say," Mpe" (Give), and, taking the Bible, would march on until he saw another " hopper," and go through the same performance. When both ears were filled he had a satis- factory tidbit for his dinner.
Dnring the week we held d~ily school, and began to instruct the children in the mysteries of the alphabet. Once a week we took with us onr medicine-chest and healed the sick. In this way we slowly but surely won our way into their hearts.
How little we understood them in those clays. How often we mis- judged them. I remember one patient. He had been bitten by a leopard, and his scalp was laid open across his head from ear to ear. We applied proper remedies and gave him nourishing food; we made a cap for his head to keep out the dirt, gave him new clothes, and Were kind to him in every way. When he was entirely recovered he came to the mission and .laid: <l You have doctored me well; my head is healed, my life is saved; you have kindly given me a cap, clothing, ahd food. Now> here I am. You can care for me the rest of my days." At tM time we thought it, to say the least, very" cheeky" of him. After learning their ways, however, we knew it was the highest expression of gratitude, for he meant: "I have no money to pay for so great a service; here am I, take me as your servant, and let me work for you the rest of my life."
But obstacles innumerable attended the missionaries at every point. Here in America, with a language rich in adjectives, we all know how hard it is to accurately convey the richness of the love and mercy and tenderness of God to dying men; how much more so, then, when we had to use a language of which we knew so little, and containing very few adjectives. Right here let me bear witness to the tender, loving ministration of the Holy Spirit to these people. Surely we spoke to
MISSIO~ARY EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OJ<' AJ<'RICA
them in another tongue, bu t they heard us in their OWIl, and their hearts responded. Without His aid I know that the work of the mis- sionaries would have been a colossal failure.
Then, too, sickness and death came to the little band. The deadly African fever lurked in every corner of each home. The grass roofs let in the raills as through a sieve, alHl the poor food and poorer cloth- ing lent their aid in opening the !loors of the body for the germs of this fever. Soon the band of missionaries was reduced from six to two. For a time my wife and I were left alone ill the heart of Africa, ten thousand miles away from home and olle thousand miles from the failltest touch of ei'ili- zatlOn. Insects swarme<l ill vast numbers: flying roaches as large as humming-birds held lIightly carnival in the houses. the white ants entered our !lwellings to eat up all the woodwork as well as onr clothing. A snit of clothes left hanging on the wall for a few days would look like a battle-flag after a series of wars. Our stock- ings, if left for one night on the clay floor, were of no further nse.
'1'he books ill our libraries were destroyed; often round holes were eaten throngh them from eover to cover, and no matter how abstruse a book might be one could easily see through it after a visit from these termites. The driver ants often drove us out of our d weIl- ings. The working ant was at- tended by the soldiers. 'l'hese latter were fully an inch long, &nd each one was armed with a pair of pincers with which he could nip a piece of flesh from THE LITTLE ORGANIST the body as neatly as It conduct- The ehild on the chair-nine years old-plays the or's punch perforates a ticket. organ at the meetings of the I.uebo Mission, and plays it well They came in millions and always at night, and would carry off every bit of meat they could find. 'rhey always left early in the morning before the sun rose, and it was exceedingly interesting to watch their departure. Marching in per- fect order, officered by their commanders, they turned neither to the
THg CHURCH AT LVEBO right hand nor to the left, but traveled straight ahead ill a stream fully six inches wide.
Each one of the working ants was loaded down, one with the Willg of a cricket, one with a leg of a grasshopper, 011e with the back of a roach, and some with small pieces of the missionaries, and all very glad that fate had given them this opportunity to ·refurnish their lar- der. Leopards visited us at night, and carried off our goats and chickens. Snakes six and a half feet long lurked in onr pantries and under our beds. Once in a while a python ten to eighteen feet long would draw its mighty body, like a few lengths of animated stove- pipe, over our mission grounds.
The government, inimical to Protestant missions, continually har- rassed the natives to acts of hostility. At one time we were ready to flee to the woods for fear of our lives. Our food and clothing were detained by government boats in the lower country until we were • reduced to native food, and compelled to make our clothing from trade cloth. Imagine a missionary wearing a pair of trousers made from a piece of striped calico, broad stripes of red and black and hlue, his coat made from another piece, over which golden stars were pro- fnsely scattered. But the missionaries, upheld by a loviug God, worked on.
Discouraged by the lack of interest On the part of the natives, wearied out by their fights with ignorance and superstition and filthi- ness, the missionaries were about to give np, and indeed the home committee thought seriously of withdrawing from the field, when one Sunday morning six natives were baptized into the church.
Nothing can ever efface from my memory the beauty of that day. '1'he bright tropical sun shone down from a cloudless sky. The gentle breezes wltfted the perfume of wild flowers through the I!-ir. 'l'he
MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART OF AFRICA
beautiful fronds of the palm-trees quivered with excitement and delight, and all nature seemed to feel the gloriousness of the morning.
1'he little, rough clay church, with its thatched roof and rough benches, seemed a palace that day as the King of kings enlightened its walls as, in a special way, He visited us.'
In front of the pulpit stood the little table, with the chalice and plates, the wine and the bread covered with whitest of linen. Around the table gathered the six natives who, less than a year before, had been heathens of the heathens-unkempt, dirty, cruel, and wicked: fight· ing with each 'other and partaking of human flesh at their feasts- 'but who now were clothed and in their right minds, and with a glow on their dusky faces wonderful to behold. Surely they had been "brought up out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and their feet set upon a rock." Verily new songs were put in their mouths, for, instead of the senseless, and oftentimes obscene, songs of former times they sang the song of Jesus and the Lamb, newly translated into their own language. No thought was present of sickness, nor lonli- ness, nor isolation, nor discouragement, but in place of it the hearts of the missionaries glowed with a llew light, and bounded and lept ~j~ .
THE FIRST NATIVE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVORERS AT t.UEBO
MISSIONARY ECONOMICS PERSONAL EFFICIENCY BY REV. C. C. THAYER, M.D., CLIFTON SPRINGS, N. Y. American Board (Turkey, 1868-1873) In a previous article on "Missionary Health Economics" (MISSION- ARY REVIEW, February, la03), attention was called to the production and conservation of vital force, our chief stock in trade, and the measure of our capabilities; that this vital foree, inherent. in cell growth, is cultivated by our wise endeavor and dissipated by ollr neglect; that nutrition is the support of vital force; that a lack of food or a fastidious taste alike starves the body and hastens bankruptcy; that rest is as important as food and can not be ignored with impunity; and that the "so much to do" is the devil's scheme to disable the Master's zealots.
.Missionary economics relate not only to the production and COllservation of vital force, but to its sanctification and appropriation. The missionary is the vital force of missions. There are three factors in all business activities, whether spiritual or carnal-viz., inspiration, media, and sequence. A man's capital is his media of attainment. The capital is not the inspiration, nor the sequence, nor any part of either. In missionary activities the missionary is the productive force. In this evangelizing triad the missionary is the potential energy, the fulcrum of the world's spiritual uplift; hence, he must be real, or cease to be. He must illustrate the survival of the fittest and be the fittest to survive.
Now what does activity require? Capacity and endurance. Earthen vessels? Yes; and they are best when clean and sound. My strength is made perfect ill weakness, the contents "is precious," weakness perfected, infirmities with the power of God tabernacling upon it, and the divinely chosen vessel to bear the name of Jesus before the Gentiles, and before kings and the children of Israel, is furnished unto every good word and work-not inherited fitness, bqt furnished for this biforrn service of the Kingdom unto every good word and work.
Missionary economics require that the man of God be thoroughly "furnished unto every good word." The messenger of J esns Christ, honored and entrusted with the precious, long-sought, and all-satisfying message of redeeming grace and dying love, can not go like a carrier pigeon with a precious missive hung on his neck (the pigeon is not furnished unto good words, but unto good flight, while the servant of God is to be furnished unto words, something to speak, something understood, something experienced, inspired of God and profitable to hear), and whether minister or layman, going to present the Messiah and establish His Church among the heathen, should be accoutred from the Scriptures and thoroughly furnished. Christianity
MISRIONARY ECONOMICS
needs no adventitious aid; its inherent power is transcendent, but its humble, imperfect servants do need adventitious aid, and that aid which is the demonstration of the Spirit and of power; and this aid is fn1'n£shed-no man effects it in himself, it is the energy of the Rpirit born. Spiritual growth is complete only at the end, but spiritual life is complete at its beginning, and is furnished with spiritual nourishment. Science has no faith energy. The chick pe!lps and the infant cries for its mother with furnished words-nat lIre talIght; and worldly wisdom can no more teach the heathen to know God than it can teach the chick to peep or the babe to cry. What is horn within is above the schools and can not be argued out. '1'1.]8 natural eyes of the great apostle were made blind that he might see the Christ then and then speaking to him, and afterward, when standing among the Corinthians, he determined not to know anything among them save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. This is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. And Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side, and then a clear declaration of the inwrought truth of Jesus Christ crucified, constrained by the Spirit, draws the penitent soul to the uplifted Christ. It is economy for the missionary, economy for the Boards, and economy for the heathen to have this furnishing for the work. Paul 011 his mission field felt" pressed in spirit" (constrained by the Word), but if, instead, he had had only a dormant and sickly opinion he wonld have done better and enjoyed more, making tents. The heathen are often deep, acute, and sagacious, and the mission teacher should know whereof he speaks-should be furnished unto every good word.
Missionary economics require that the missionary be furnished unto every good work. Good words require heart; good works require head. Sequences follow likes; culls produce culls; primes produce primes, and the quantity of service is inferior to the quality. Not muchness bnt excellence, tho muchness and excellence are better still. It is not running here and there with a hoe over a field that cultivates, but the weeding of each plant; not the "prairie, but my farm of forty acres that made me rich." In business every dollar must count., and not for one dollar only, but for two, five, ten, a fortune. Economy relates to income and not to outgo merely. A man must count for more than one evangel, one sent, one precious witness-for two, five, ten, for a whole nation, a factor in drawing all men unto the Uplifted. It is not missionary economy, merely to live among heathen, tho one be very nice. Ye are my husbandry, farmers, sowers, cultivators, workers together with Him. Hitherto my Father worketh, and I work, not day and night, but as He worked who never became exhausted, work-
ing economically; doing, yet not doing out; doing, but reserving to do again; so furnished, not unto a work, one spurt, one rocket blaze and coming,down like a stick, bat unto every good work, protracted. This effective furnishing embraces the mental and physical education and health. Parasites beget parasites. The mistletoe (Vi8cum album) was once a self-supporting plant, but as its clinging branches rested on the overcrowding neighbors its absorbing tendrils found nourishing sap, and more easily obtained than by drawing it so far from its natural source-to that extent that it lived on others, it became a parasite in nature, till now its seventy-six species are all classed as vegetable parasite! and thrive on their sappings. Its fruit likewise, a viscous pulp, is well suited to propagate its degeneracy, and glues itself to the branches of the oak or cypress, or as the birds feast on its berries and then fly to other trees to wipe their bills, the mistletoe parasite is propagated. Legend says that the. mistletoe furnished the material for the arrow with which Baldur (the SUll god) was slain by the blind god Rodur, and every church parasite will sap more than it will provide and slay more than it will recover. Heathen converts must be rooted and grounded in the faith of good works. Excellence in planting is self-support in growing. Study the foundations laid by the Presbyterian Board in Syria, or the American Board in Turkey, or the Methodist Board in India, or the Baptist Board in Burma, especially in central stations-work that will endure and bring a harvest golden when the Master comes. ' Bunker Hill monument, eighteen years in building, with its twelve feet of foundation laid in the imperishable rock never to be relaid, commemorates the first important American battle and a defeat, but that defeat commemorates the agonizing throes of a nation for victory to vibrate through the earth and never to be thrown down. Good works are immortal. " All nations which have prematurely passed away, buried in graves dug by their own effeminacy; all indiviuuals who have secured a hasty wealth by speculation; all children of fortune; all social sponges; all satellites of the courts; all beggars of the markets-all are living and unlying witnesses to the unalterable retribution of the law of parasitism" (Drummond). Wood, hay, and stubble must go, but he builds well who builds f-or God. A heathen convert must begin in the life of God, in the knowledge and love of Christ, and in the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit, and in moral ethics.
Missionary economics demand that an evangel must be furnished, not with a few notes and stories from the Holy Scriptures, for one can make of the Bible a museum or a university, but furnished with living, vital, and vitalizing truth burning in his bones which he knows has power, not only to make one" wise unto salvation," but to restore the likeness Divine-truth that makes religion personal, faith intelligent" hope secure, comfort real, and missionary work Divine.
MISSIONARY ECONOMICS
Parasitical imbibition from godly men, or from godly books, or from Ohurch creeds are all good, but water from the spring is better than from a teapot. The Scriptures are the treasury and armory of the Ohurch and missions, and suitable for every irresalute, struggling, doubting, burdened soul. Theology is the science of God and of Divine things, and is the anchor of our faith. Dogmatism (doctrinal positiveness), criticism (investigation), and evangelism (Gospel promulgation) belong intrinsically to the living Ohurch. Without dogmatism, no defense of the truth; without criticism, no defining of the truth; and without evangelism, no promulgation of the truth. To be sure, one may be orthodox without righteousness, and a theologian may be without piety, but a humble, prayerful study·of the Word daily will furnish the soul with both doctrine and the attendant elements of religion-viz.: Scriptural ethics helping us toself-contl'ol, I. Oorinthians viii: 13; to charity, I. Oorinthians xiii: 13; to brotherly love, Romans xii: 10; to forbearance:Ephesins iv : 3, Oolossians iii: 13; to help us to dwell together in unity, Psalms cxxx : 1; that the ministry be not blamed, II. Corinthians vi : 3; helping us to be built up and not puffed up, I. Oorinthians, viii: 1; to help us not to deny our faith by pur complainings when all things are working together' for our good, Romans viii: 28; to help us in our domestic and public life to " do as Jesus would, were He in our place"; to help us in our fellowship and labors to show less of the first Adam, more of the second Adam, and none of Oain; and to help us in our journeys.
Missionary economics demand compensation for expenditure. Physical conditions are considered here from suggestions gathered at the last International Missionary Union "suggestive session," and since from missionaries of the various Boards, and relate to missionaries in commendam, missionaries on the field, and missionaries on furlough. At home and abroad there are ill-fits and misfits. Ill-fits lack natural and physical adaptation. Oare is economy. Enlightened judgment with professional skill protects and promotes.. 1. All climates do not agree with all people. A candidate may succeed in one field but fail in another. Two points are important: temperament and temperature. 2. Health, habits, and home. Health is our motor force, and unless one has assurance of working power, and that under his new environments, the undertaking is unwise. Habits are vital and make for good or evil, and should be restricted to the laws of nature. Even a weakly person. gets great advantage from good habits, when a strong one fails with bad habits. Home is one's citadel and solace. It multiplies one's efficiency and illustrates one's religion. All missionaries sigh for a home, and 8:s much as possible should he embraced in its fellowship. Then useful instruments and implements to make one comfortable should be taken from home, and selections made from one's surroundings on the field: residences, food, times
and seasons for special work, touring, wisdom shown in appropriating whatever will best preserve and promote highest usefulness.
There is not space here to discuss this subject; we can only call attention to a few s1t.qgestions. Misfits lack mental and social adaptation. 1. Uncongeniality. The time has not yet come for the lion and lamb to lie down together. Theological and social incompatibilities agitate both mind and body, catechisms often lead to dogmatisms, and Jesus is wounded in the hOllse of His friends. Imperialism, strangely enough, is rank in some mission stations, bringing dishonor on the Church and sorrow to the workers. 1'his may be remedied often by balloting at annual meeting or by a yearly routine in office. 2. Isolation, unnatural and unscriptural, is the worst misfit on the mission fields. Fellowship is regeneracy, isolation is degeneraay. Christ's plan is better, and Paul's example should be ours. 3. Illitdequacy. When work is too much for the worker, it is a misfit, and unless rectified works disaster. The Lord lays no service on one beyond his power to perform, else there would appear injustice. Duty can not exceed capacity. We should not assume another's duties. Sometimes our own duties seem hard because we are not adjusted to them, or have not learned to rest, like the camel, under our burden; if so, it accumulates by your own efforts or permission. A teacher multiplies her school till it overwhelms her: a misfit. Sometimes the home Boards are unjustly blamed for the teacher's collapse by not sending more help; better to secure the help first, then enlarge. Then health is preserved, the Master obeyed, and the work perfected. Success is seen only where the man is bigger than his business, and bankruptcy is always seen where the business is bigger than the man. Less ambition gives more security. We admit that mission demands are pressing and the temptation great, but the greatness or goodness of the temptation will not preserve one from disaster.
Missionaries on furlough. When a missionary comes home to rest let that duty be first. Many come here with furlough nearly spent, but quite unfit to return because they have had so much to do at home. Of course missionary intelligence and inspiration is important to help the churches, to help the Boards, to help the missions, but some better plan should be adopted, either using suitable missionaries, with extra time to help at home, or limiting the work of each to health conditions. Yesterday a missionary told me that she left India eight months ago and was now booked to return in two months, had much of the time spoken from fotlr to ten times per week, and added: "I have not got a single bit of rest yet." Miss B. came home and spent most of her time studying, returned, and in two months had to give np her work and return home again. Miss A. came home, spent all but two months in itinerating, returned, and after about a year had to leave the mission for eight years. These are samples of many under onr care, illustratipg poor missionary economics. A qualified missionary saved is better than an unqualified missionary found.
TWENTY YEARS AGO AND NOW IN JAPAN
TWENTY YEARS AGO AND NOW IN JAPAN BY REV. JOHN T. GULICK, PH.D. China and Japan (Thirty-six Years), American Board Twenty years ago the field in Japan had been plowed by many Gospel preachers; blasts of the feudal age had spent their fury; the breath of milder bret'zes gave promise of the coming spring. Great expectations were abroad among the people. 'I'he cities and towns had everywhere opened public schools for the young, and the central government had opened in Tokyo and a few other centers colleges and universities for higher education in t.he arts and sciences of the West. They expected to be soon recognized by Western nations as being of . their number and standing among the civilized nations of the earth.
The absolute domination of the military class had already ceased, and the importance that all classes of industrial and intellectual pursuits should have full opportunity for development was beginning to be realized by the leaders of thought; but the necessity that higher ideals of individual and social responsibility take possession of the maRses and shape public opinion was recognized by but very few outside of the Christian churches. At that time I think it would have been difficult to havc found anyone standing high in government position who was a Christian. The masses of the people were easygoing Buddhists, who believed that if wives were absolutely subject to their husbands, and sons and daughters subservient to their parents, it did not matter how husbands treated their wives or parents their children. For a wife to have paramours was a great crime; but side alliances were quite right in the husband. If a daughter, in order to help her parents, was willing to be sold into a life of prostitution, it was counted as a sign of virture in the daught6r and as nothing serious for the parent to carry out the plan.
During the past twenty years the adult members of the Protestant churches in Japan have increased from about fonr thousand five hundred to abon t forty-five thousand, but the influence of Christian teaching has increased in vastly greater proportion. The people of Japan who are regular members of the Protestant Christian churches are about one ill a thousand of the whole population, but in the House of Representatives, chosen by the people, over one in a hundred of the members are Protestant Christians; and for two successive years the chairman of the House of Representatives has been a Christian of a very docided and outspoken type. Christian men are also found among the generals of the army and the professors of the universities.
Public schools of the higher Institutions of learning now close on Sunday, as d-o also the offices for regular government business.
In 1894-95 the treaties with foreign nations were so changed that after July, 1899, Japan could regulate her own tariff, and have full
control of judicial cases im'olving the interests of American and European residents. At the same time restrictions that confine the residence of foreigners to the concessions at the treaty ports, unless in the employ of the Japanese, were removed. Increased facilities, not only for trade but for missionary work, have thus been gained. The influence of many Christian homes, and the training given in many Christian schools for girls, have profoundly modified ideals for the home, and for those who are to be the mothers of the coming generation.
The insufficiency of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism is being increasingly felt, and a disposition to give Christianity a fair investigation is growing. But earnest prayers and strenuous labors are needed to carry the work forward.
GREAT THOUGHTS FROM MASTER MISSIONARIES COMPILED BY BELLE M. BRAIN, SPRINGFIELD, OHIO The stirring words of great missionaries have been called" the battlecries of the Church." Together with the notable utterances of prominent workers in the home land, they have done much to advance the cause of missions. They can be used in missionary meetings with very good effect, especially if the selections are from various sources and all along one line of thought. The following suggestions may be helpful : 1. Ask the members of the society to come prepared to give missionary quotations in response to their names at roll-call.
2. Write out a score or more of quotations on slips of paper and number them. Distribute these at the meeting, and have them read at appropriate times, calling for them by number.
3. Select a dozen of the most famous quotations and read them one at a time, calling on those present to give the author of each. This makes a test exercise that is both interesting and effective.
4. Select several strong, terse quotations, and use them as wall-mottoes to adorn the room in which the meetings are held. They can either be painted on muslin or cut from cardboard and tacked into place.
5. Use one of the most striking quotations as a motto for the year's work.
6. For missionary teas 01' other social missionary gatherings, souveni.rs appropriate to the topic for the day can be made, and t,he quotations used in connection with them. For example, at a meeting on Siam tiny flags of red ribbon may be made, and a white elephant cut in outline from white paper pasted on one side, and a slipof paper bearing a missionary quotation on the other. Chinese flags (a black dragon on a yellow ground) and Jap~nese flags (a red circle on a white ground) can be easily made in a similar manner. For a meeting on Africa, small outline-maps may be cut from stiff black paper, and put a quotation on the back of each. For a Christmas meeting, tiny stars or bells cut from cardboard make pretty and appropriate souvenirs.
The Missionary Obligation The conversion of the world is the will of Christ; and therefore it is our bounden duty and service.-BIBHOP SELWYN.
GREAT THOUGHTS FROM MASTER MISSIONARIES
"Here am I; send me-to the first man I meet or to the remotest heathen "-this is the appropriate response of every Christian to the call of God.-AuGUSTUS C. THOMPSON.
That land is henceforth my country which most needs the Gospel,-':' COUNT ZINZENDORF.
While vast continents are shrouded in almost utter darkness, and hundreds of millions suffer the horrors of heathenism or of Islam, the 'burden of proof lies upon you to show that the circumstances in which God. has placed you were meant by Him to keep you out of the foreign field.-IoN KEITH-FALCONER.
I can not, I dare not, go up to judgment till I have done the utmost God enables me to do to diffuse His glory through the world.-AsAHEL GRANT. Tho you and I are very little beings, we must not rest satisfied till we have made our influence extend to the remotest corner of this ruined world.-SAMUEL J. MILLS.
I tell you, fellow Christians, your love has a broken wing if it can not fly across the ocean.-MALTBIE BABCOCK.
It is manly to love one's country. It is Godlike to love" the world.- J. W. CONKLIN.
Our Savior has given a commandment to preach the Gospel even to the ends of the earth. He will provide for the fulfilment of His own pnrpose. Let us only obey !-ALLEN GARDINER.
It was not so much a call to India that I received as an acceptance for India.-BISHOP THOBURN.
There was a time when I had no-careor concern for the heathen; that was when I had none for my own soul. When by the grace of God I was led to care for my own soul, I began to care for them. In my closet I said: "0 Lord, silver and gold have I none. What I have I give: I offer Thee myself! Wilt Thou accept the gift? "-ALEXANDER DUFF.
Every young man and woman should be a junior partner with the Lord Jesus for the salvation of the world.-JAcOB CHAMBERLAIN.
We are the children of the converts of foreign missionaries, and fairness mtilans that I must do to others as men once did for me.-MALTBIE BABCOOK.
Some can go, most can give, all can pray.-Anon .
.. Look to your marching orders. How do they read? "-THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON to a YDttng curate who spoke disparagingly of foreign missions.
Th~ Church and World-wide Missions The Church which ceases to be evangelistic will soon cease to be evangelical-ALExANDER DUFF.
The Church of Christ will be incomplete as long as the representatives of any people, nation, or tongue are outside its pale.-ALPHEn OATES. Every man, woman, and child in heathen darkness is a challenge to the Church.-S. EARL TAYLOR. It is my deep conviction, and I say it again, that if the Church of Christ were what she ought to be, twenty years would not pass away until the story of the Cross would be uttered in the ears of every living man.-SIMEON H. CALHOUN. Every church should support two pastors-one for the thousands at home, the other for the millions abroad.-JAcoB CHAMBERLAIN,
The greatest hindrances to the evangelization of the world are those within the Church.-JoHN R. MOTT.
In foreign missions the Church of Christ has found its touchstone, its supreme test, its ultimate vindication.-CARoLINE ATWATER MASON.
'l'he Church has no other purpose in existence, no other end to serve save the great end of giving the Gospel to the world.-BISHOP HENDRIX.
Money and the Kingdom We can not serve God and mammon, but we can serve God with mammon.-RoBERT E. SPEER. At the present time one thing alone hinders the progress of Christ's Kingdom, and that one thing is the lack of money.- W. D. SEXTON. There is money enough in the hands of church members to sow every acre of the earth with the seed of truth.-JOSIAH STRONG. There is needed one more revival among Christians, a revival of Christian giving. When that revival comes, the Kingdom of God will come in a day.-HoRACE BUSHNELL. Christians should regard money as a trust. They are stewards of Jesus Christ for everything they have, and they ought to see His image and superscription on every dollar they possess.-THEODORE L. CUYLER. The man who prays" Thy Kingdom come," and does not give some just proportion of his income to promote the Kingdom, is a conscious or unconscious hypocrite.-FRANCIS E. CLARK. Nine-tenths with God are worth far more than ten-tenths without GOd.-PRESIDENT J. W. BASHFORD. A deified appetite outranks ~ crucified Christ.-F. T. BAYLEY. I am tired of hearing people talk about raising money; it is time for us to give it.-JOHN ,VILLIS BAER. The best way to raise missionary money: Put your hand in your pocket, get a good grip on it, then raise it!-MISS WISHARD. More consecrated money-money which has passed through the mint of prayer and faith and self-denial for the Lord's sake-is the greatest demand of our time.-A. J. GORDON.
Prayer and Missions Let us advance upon our knees.-JosEPH HARDY NEESIMA. Whoever prays most, helps most.-WILLIAM GOODELL. Prayer and missions are as inseparable as faith and works,-JoHNR. MOTT. Every step in the progress of missions is directly traceable to prayer. It has been the preparation for every new triumph and the secret of all success.-ARTHUR T. PIERSON. He prays not at all in whose prayers there is no mention of the Kingdom of God.-Jeu'ish P1'oL'erb. He who faithfully prays at home does as much for foreign missions as the man on the field, for the nearest way to the heart of a Hindu or Chinaman is by way of the throne of God.-EUGENE STOCK. He who embraces in his prayer the widest circle of his fellow creatures is most in sympathy with the mind of God.-DEAN GOULBURN. Thank Godfor bairns' prayers. I like best the prayers of children.- JAMES CHALMERS. Unprayed for I feel like a diver at the bottom of a river with no air to breathe, or like a fireman on a blazing building with an empty hose.-JAMES GILMOUR,
'1903] GREAT THOUGHTS FROM MASTER MISSIONARIES
Every element in the missionary problem depends for its solution upon prayer.-ROBERT E. SPEER.
Prayer and pains through faith in Jesus Christ will du anything.- JOHN ELIOT.
Medical Missions I am a missionary, hea,rt and soul. God had an only Son, and He was a missionary and a physician. A poor imitation of Him I am, or wish to be. In this service I hope to live, and in it I wish to die.-DAVID LIVINGSTONE.
The medical missionary is a missionary and a half.-RoBERT MOFFAT.
Medical missionary work is the golden key that is to-day unlocking m'1ny of the most strongly barred fortresses of Satan.-IRENE H. BARNES.
There is certainly no such field for evangelistic work as the wards of a hospital in a land like China.-JoHN KENNETH lL.CKENZIE.
The history of medical missions is the jUl'tification of medical missions.-Encyclopedia of Missions.
All genuine missionary work must in the highest sense be a healing work.-ALEXANDER MACKAY.
The work of medical missions must not be advocated simply as a lifesaving agency. Without the Bible in one hand, the medicine-case is not wanted in the other. The objective point of the work must be soulwinning.-DR. ANNA W. FEARN, China.
Hindrances to Missions The Gospel has no greater enemy on the West Coast of Africa than rum.-DR. POLHEMUS.
Satan has no better agent to destroy the African than foreign liquor. -HENRY RICHARDS.
In the Kongo Free State the battle will be between the bottle and the Bible.-F. P. NOBLE.
Africa, robbed of her children, rifted of her treasures, lies prostrate before the rapine and greed of the Christian nations of the world. A slave-pen and battle-field for ages, Christian nations-instead of binding up her wounds, like the good Samaritan; instead of passing by and leaving her alone, like Levite and priest-have come to her with ten thousand ship-loads of rum, hell's masterpiece of damnation.-CHARLES SATCHELL MORRIS.
of The slave-trade has been to Africa a great evil, but the evils the rum-trade are far worse. I would rather my countrymen were in slavery and kept away from drink, than that drink should be let loose upon them.-REV. JAMES JOHNSON, a native Ajl"ican [lasloT'.
The accursed drink traffic has been one of the greatest hindrances to the spread ot civilization and Christianity in heathen lands.-H. GRAT- TAN GUINNESS.
Christian nations have held out to the heathen races the Bible in one hand and the bottle in the other, and the bottle has sent ten to perdition where the Bible has hrought one to .Tesus Christ.-THEODORE L. CUYLER.
The men who like Paul have gone to heathen lands with the message, "We seek not yours, but you," have been hindered by those who,
coming after, have reversed the message. 'Rum and other corrupting agencies come in with our boasted civilization, and the feeble races wither before the hot breath of the white man's vices.-BENJAMIN HAR- RISON, nt the Ecumenicnl Conference.
Our consecration of life, property, strength, to the conversion of China's millions is largely neutralized by t~e ill-omened opium traffic.- T. G. SELBY.
From ancient times to the present day there has never been such a stream of evil and misery'as has come down upon China in her receiving the curse of opium.-Sn~N LIEN-LI, n Ch·ine8e govern.ment official.
Ah! we have given China something besides the Gospel, something that is doing more harlll ill It week than the united efforts of all our Christian missionaries are doing good in It year.-Jo HUDSON TAYLOR.
Oh, the evils of opium! The slave-trade was bad; the drink is bad; the licensing of vice is bad; but the opium traffic is the sum of all viIlanies.-J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
Failure and Success The word" discouragement" is not found in the dictionary of the Kingdom of Heaven. Never let yourself use the word if you have God's work to dOo-MELINDA RANKIN.
It is a mark of Christianity to attempt the impossible, and through God's blessing gloriously achieve the same.-JUDsoN SMITH Ve can do it if we Will.-SAMUEL .1. MILLS.
A true missionary never knows defeat.-A. A. FULTON.
I refuse to be di:;;appointed; I will only pr'1ise.-.L.MES HANNINHTON.
While God gives me strength, failure shall not daunt meo-ALLEN GARDINER.
Let me fail in trying to do something rather than to sit still and do nothing.-CYRUS HAMLIN.
Our remedies frequently fail; but Christ as the remedy for sin never fails.-JoHN KENNETH MACKENZIE.
Do what you can in the strength of God and leave the results in His hands.-.ToHANN LUDWIG KRAPF.
There are twu little words in our language which I always admired- "try" and" trust." Until you try you know not what you can or can not effect; and if you make your trials in the exercise of trust in God, mountains of imaginary difficulties will vanish as you approach them, and facilities which you never anticipated will be afforded.-JoHN WILLIAMS.
China has no sorrow that Christ's message can not cure; India has no Pl" ,llem it can not solve; Japan no question it can not answer; Africa no d&.rkness it can not dispe1.-JuDsON SMITH.
Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.- WILLIAM CAREY.
Get close to the hearts you would win for Christ. Let your heart be entwined with their hearts; let no barrier come between you and the souls you would reach.-GEORGE L. PILKINGTON. .
Kindness is the key to the human heart, whether it be that of savage or civilized man.-JoHN WILLIAMS.
And this also I learned, that the power of gentleness is irresistible.- HENRY MARTYN.
GREAT THOUGHTS FROM MASTER MISSIONARIES ,527
Indirect Benefits of M"lSsions Missionaries to a barbarous people deserve a vote of thanks from the commercial world.-RoBERT MOFFAT.
Few are aware how much we owe the missionaries. We must look to them not a little for aid in our efforts to advance further science.- LOUIS AGASSIZ.
Foreign missions are not only foreign missions; they are home mis- sions, purifying the home life with that larger conception of charity, redeeming the horne life with that worthier conception of Christ, which they teach and give.-DAvID H. GREER.
As the commercial and even the political life of modern nations depends upon the extent and persistency of their foreign trade, so does the life and prosperity of the home Church depend upon the extent and energy with which she prosecutes her foreign missionary enterprise.- GEORGE F. PENTECOST.
Missionary Lands and Labors When China is moved it will change the face of the globe.-NAPo- LEON at St. Helena.
It is a great step toward the Christianization of our planet if Christianity gain an entl'ance into China.-NEANDER.
Rock, rock, when wilt thou open to my Savior?-FRANCIS XAVIElt, at Sancian, while seeking an entrance to China.
The great bars are gone and China is open; not the rim of China, but China. This great empire is sure to be one of the dominant worldpowers in the future. In working for China we are working for all nations and for corning ages.-CHAUNCEY GOODRICH.
Win China to Christ, and the most powerful stronghold of Satan upon earth will have falIen.-MR. WONG.
China is under the hammer, and the devil is an active bidder.-A Missionary to China.
China may seem walled around against the admission of the Word of God; but we have as good ground to believe that all its hulwarks. shall fall before it as Joshua had respecting the walls of Jericho.- ROBERT MORRISON.
All I pray for is that I may patiently await God's good pleasure, and whether I live or die, it may be for His glory. I trust poor Fuegia and South America will not be abandoned.-Lastjournal of ALLEN GAR- DINER.
The Importance of Home Missions Our plea is not, "America for America's sake," but " America for the world's sake." If this generation is faithful to its trust, America is to become God's right arm in his battle with the world's ignorance and oppression and sin.-JosIAH STRONG.
It is ours either to be the grave in which the hopes of the world shall be entombed, or the pillar of cloud which shall pilot the race onward to millennial glory.-ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Five hundred years of time in the process of the world's salvation may depend on the next twenty years of United States history.- AUSTIN PHELPS.
America Christianized means the world Christianized.-PRoFESSOR HOPPIN, of Yale.
America is another name for opportunity. Our whole histOl'y appears like a last effort of Divine providence in behalf of the human race. -R. W. EMERSON.
Love of God and love of country are the two noblest passions in a human heart. And these two unite in home missions. A man without a country is an exile in the world, and a man without God is an orphan in eternity.-HENRY VAN DYKE.
Miscellaneous Facts are the fingers of God. To know the facts of modern missions is the necessary condition of intelligent interest.-ARTHUR T. PIERSON.
Information is the true fonndation of missionary interest. Special appeals will arouse enthusiasm for a time, hut it will not last.-CHARLES CUTHBERT HALL.
The greatest foes of missions are prejudice and indifference, and ignorance is the mother of them both.-ANON.
Those that do Jllostfor the heathen abroad are those that do most for the heathen at home.-JoHN G. PATO:'il'.
If you want to servl; your race, go where no one else will go and do what no one else will do.-MAHY LYON.
Whatever Providence gives you to do, do it with all your heart.- FIDELIA FISKE.
The lesson of the missionary is the enchanter's wand.-CHAHLES DAHWIN.
He whc loves not lives not; he who lives by the Life can not die.- RA YMOND LULL.
A true disciple inquires not whether a faet is agreeable to his own reason, but whether it is in the Book.-ADONIRAIVI JUDSON.
Emotion is no substitute for action. You loyc Africa? "God so loved that He gaye "-what? Superfluities? Leavings? That which cost Him nothing ?-GEOHGE L. PILKINGTON.
Men who lh'e near to God, and are willing to suffer anything for Christ's sake without being proud of it, these are the men we want.- ADONIHAM JUDSON.
It is holY we live more than where we live.-FIDELIA FISKE. I shall not live to see it, but I may heal' of it in heaven, that New Zealand, with all its cannibalism and idolatry, will yet set an example of Christianity to some of the nations now before her in civilization.- SAMUEL MAHSDEN. Everywhere God's strong hand was busy during the nineteenth century, preparing a highway among the nations of the world for his spiritual and eternal kingdom on the earth.-JAMEs S. DENNIS. Gospel and commerce-but it must be Gospel first. Vhel'ever there has been the slightest spark of civilization in the Southern Seas it has been because the Gospel has been preached there. Civilization! The rampart can only be stormed by those who carry the Cross.-JAMEs CHALMEHS. No missionary is better employed than the competent translator.- CANON EDMUNDS.
Heroic Devotion to the Service of Christ I declare, now that I am dying, I would not have spentmy life other- wise for the whole world.- DA VID BRAINARD.
GREAT THOUGHTS FROM MASTER MISSIONARIES
If I hltd a thousand lives to live, Africa should have them aU.- CHARLES FREDERICK MACKENZIE.
Tho a thousand fall, let not Africa be given Up.-MELVILLE Cox, w; he lay dying wUh African fevel·.
Had I ten thousand lives, I would willingly offer them up for the sake of one poor negro.-'VILLIAM A. B. JOHNSON.
Tell the king, Mwanga, that I die for the Baganda, and purchase the road to Uganda with my life.-Last WOJ'ds of JAMES HANNlNGTQN.
Tell the committee that in East Africa there is the lonely grave of one. member of the mission connected with your society. This isan indication that you have begun the conflict in this part of the world; and since the conquests of the Church are won over the graves of many of its members, you may be all the more assured that the time has come when you are called to work for the conversion of Africa. Think not of the victims who in this glorious warfare may suffer or fall; only press forward until East and West Africa are united in Christ.-JoHANN LUDWIG KRAPF, after the death of h'is wife and infant daughte1'.
If I thought anything would prevent my dying for China, the thought would crush me.-SAMuEL DYER.
I have been in India twenty years, and if I had twenty lives to live I would give them all to that sin-cursed land.-Mrs. J. C. ARCHIBALD.
Hecall the twenty-one years, give me back all its experience, give me its shipwrecks, give me its standings in the face of death, give it me surrounded 'with savages with spears and clubs, give it me back again, with spears flying about me, with the club knocking me to the ground, give it me back, and I will still be your missionary!-JAMES CHALMERS.
My heart burns for the deliverance of Africa.-ALEXANDER MACKAY. I see no business in life but the work of Christ, neither do I desire any employment in all eternity but His service.-HENRY MARTYN. Even if no one should be benefited and no fruits follow my efforts, yet I will go, fo(' I must obey my Savior's call.-LEoNARD DOBER, the first Moravian Missionary. I want the wings of an angel and the voice of a trumpet, that I may preach the Gospel in the East and in the West. in the North and in the South.-THOMAS CoKE.
Missionaries' Mottoes and Covenants Fidility, Per&picuity, and Simplicity.-MYRRISON'S Molto. Be thou mine, dear Savior, and I will be Thine.-ZINzENDORF'S Covenant, entered upon at the age offour years. Turning care into prayer.-Thefavorite e;X'p1'e8S'ion of JOHN HUNT, of Fiji. I'll tell the Master.-Mlss AGNEW'S words ,ill time of pel'plexity 01' 6rial. Having set my hand to the plow, my resolution was peremptorily taken, the Lord helping me, never to look back any more, and never to make a half·hearted work of it. Having chosen missionary labor in India, I gave myself wholly up to it in the destination of my own mind. I united 01' wedded myself to it in a covenant, the ties of which should be severed only by death.-DuFF'S Cbvencmt. Christ is conquering; Christ is rergning; Christ is triumphing.- CHARLEMAGNE'S lYlotto.
BELGIAN INHUMANITY IN THE KONGO STATE * BY H. GRATTAN GUINNESS, M.D.
Rubber and ivory are to Western Equatorial Africa what gold and diamonds are to the southern portion of the continent. In both regions the question of native labor becomes one of paramount importance. On the Kongo, however, climatic conditions are of such a nature that it is literally impossible for the European to undertake the arduous labor involved in gathering the exudation from the clambering rubber vines of its vast primeval forests. Only the native can compass this task, and even to him the toil, difficulty, and danger involved are exceedingly repugnant. In the first place, he does not care for hard work of any description, having been trained for countless generations to an easygoing life suited to the climate and to the prolific generosity of surrounding nature. And in the next, he is not by any means desirous of acquiring the wealth of the white man. He has plenty of wives, of slaves, and of food, and all he wants as a rule is to be let alone. Smoking, sleeping, fishing, fighting, hunting, he loves, but the labor of cutting down clearings in the forests. of constructing his primitive villages, of building canoes, and of forging his spears, arrow-heads, and ornaments is prosecuted at his own convenience, and never under the prfssure of urgency. His conception of a .. working day" differs wholly from our own, and naturally he resents anything in the direction of forced labor. As his needs are so few, and his desire for luxuries so easily satisfied, it is obviously a difficult thing on the ordinary commercial basis to secure the amount of labor that European speculators desire. This antipathy of the native for work, be it freely acknowledged, is an unfortunate trait in his character, and both education and Christianity must gradually modify this condition before we can expect to find a strenuous type of manhood developed. This change, however, can only be effected by slow processes, and not at the electric speed that would prove so convenient to commercial enterprise!
In the Kongo State we are thus presented with the spectacle of an unlimited amount of available wealth on the one hand, which impetuous and gold-loving men desire to appropriate; and on the other, with the indolent and almost defenseless native, who is apt to become, as in all similar regions, the prey of the stronger race. The supremacy of force lying on the side of the gun-furnished, powder-provided man, constitutes the all but irresistible temptation to practical slavery with which condition the world, alas! is all too familiar.
The method by which the state officers and agents of the india-rubber companies alike endeavor to secure the rubber is by requiring the natives of all villages within hail of their various centers to bring in two kilos (four pounds) of rubber per man every fortnight. The local agent receives this rubber, weighs it, and stores it in sheds erected for the purpose, paying the natives at the rate of about two pence per pound for his trouble-lin absolutely absurd figure, considering that the rubber {etches three shillings per pound on the European market. Surely a half-penny a day can not be called a living wage even by the most ardent supporter of the system. In the event of an insufficient amount being gathered by any unfortunate individual, the agent inflicts on him a severe flogging with It * Condensed from the April number of Regions Reyond.
BELGIAN INHUMANITY IN THE KONGO STATE
strip of hippohide, called a "chicotte." Twenty-five blows is supposed to be maximum punishment, but fifty and one hundred are not infrequently given.
But the mere fact of an agent requiring natives to bring in rubber would of course be insufficient to secure an adequate supply, unless he were effectively backed by the armed native sentries who are quartered in the various villages in order, by "persuasion," to induce the natives to secure the rubber. These natives are frequently bloodthirsty cannibals, who wreak personal vengeanse on the miserable people whom they drive to the work, much as Pharoah's taskmasters did of old, and while the present system of ,. guards of the forest," as they are called, remains, these brutalized men will be a perpetual menace to the down-trodden people. If in spite of their terrorizing a neighborhood they are unable to secure a sufficient quantity of rubber, villages may be burned and innocent victims shot down.
On one occasion Mrs. Banks saw a native sentry beating and loudly abusing a poor woman who was crossing the station wi th a basket on her back. On investig.!1ting the cause of the disturbance she found that the basket was full of hands that had been cut off in one of the rubber "palavers," and that instead of nineteen hands only eighteen could be found, the woman having dropped one en route. Mrs. Banks herself counted the smoked hands and found some of them to belong to children, others to women and men. Many of the victims were relations of the poor creature who was bearing the basket to the local agent.
It would be as unavailing as distressing to enter upon any descriptim} of the horrors with which our missionaries have been brought into contact, especially as it might seem to the casual reader that no notice was taken of such events, either by the directors of the india-rubber company or by the officials of the Free State. This impression would be erroneous, and I, therefore, purposely guard against it. But we have seen enough to show that men, kindly at heart at the beginning, may speedily degenerate by any system of forced labor, until they do things that would have horrified their former selves!
As a rule, the difficulty lies not so much with the agent as with the armed ., guards of the forest," a fact that is well illustrated by an extract from a letter just received: The trading company have now a different system in order to get rubber. Ten guards, with rifles, are apportioned to S–, who live there, and come in once a fornight with therubber; ten also to B–, and two to several other villages. This means that the country is in the hands of these merciless fellows, who oppress, abuse, rob, and kill at their pleasure.
Mr. L–, who is here with his farm, fowls, goats, etc., told me to-day that he Was only producing five and one-half tons per month, and that, altho the director had promised to send him another agent, he now writes that he can not do so unless seven and one-half tons are forthcoming per month. This is impossible, as every available man is working rubber, and that with a gun behind him. The laws that appeared to come into force. just before you left here are now considered nil, and we have the terrors of the gun, the wretched prison life, and work; the chicotte ; the chain; the transport down river, and other offshoots of oppression too numerous to mention. The place is greatly changed. They have made a new line of town, but the houses are scattered and poor. The people are tyrannized over by the sentries, and, therefore, spent most of their time in the bush. I have been able to get very few people together, apart from the children. L– is is a sentry now, a S(lamp and traitor among his own kith and kin. –
Nothing but evil can ever result from the adoption of such dreadful methods of intimidation, and, therefore, we urgently plead that effective steps be taken speedily to revolutionize the present disastrous policy, which is diametrically opposed not only to the well-being of the natives, but also to those humane sentiments on the basis of which the Kongo Free State was brought into existence.
We have no quarrel with individuals, but, in COIllmon with the whole of civilized Europe, we deplore a system that has its foundation in the lust for gold unfortunately characteristic of many other nations besides our own. Ought not all those who have the welfare of Africa at heart unite in praying that the cumulative effect of present testimony on this burning issue may not fail to bring relief to the down-trodden and the oppressed.
A CHINESE SLAVE GIRL IN AMERICA * BY MARGARITA LAKE Chinatown, San Francisco, covers something over eight blocks, in the heart of San Francisco. These eight blocks contain a population of over fifteen thousand Chinese men, women, and children. It has sixteen heathen temples, one of these, which was built this year, costing an immense sum. There are six Christian denominations: Congregational, Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Salvation Army-all having night schools for boys and men, and their Sundayschools; many have day schools for children. The Presbyterians and Methodists have rescue homes for the Chinese slave girls.
The Chinese have not only brought to our shores some of their beautiful works of art, and some good qualities, suclt as their great imitative powers, industrious habits, courteous manners, patient endurance, and their wonderful reverence for their parents; but also many evils, among them that of slavery. Many Chinese merchants have bought and brought to our city their domestic slaves.
Two years ago a Chinese merchant of San Fl'allCisco sent to China for his wife, a bound-footed woman. Before leaving her home land she bought a little black-eyed, rosy-cheeked girl, seven years old, for a domestic slave, as she wished to be considered high caste when she arrived in San Francisco. The duties of this little child were to wait on her ladyship during the voyage, but on her arrival here she would become the household drudge. Our laws permit wives and daughters of merchants to land, so the little one was taught to call the woman mother and to speak of the merchant as father. She was coached in the story and dressed in pretty silk gowns befitting a merchant's daughter. The child was delighted with the pretty clothes and the promise that she was to be their own daughter. But all too soon the delusion was over for little Chai Ha. The pretty silk gowns and jewelry were taken away, and with them the daughter disappeared, leaving the seven-year-old slave. Then her troubles began. The little maid must do hard work in this Chinese home-cooking, scrubbing, and washing. If there was a spare moment from these household duties, it must be given to sewing-as nearly all the family women in Chinatown, from the poor widow left with several • Condensed from Our Homes.
A CHINESE S.LAVE GIRL IN AMERICA
children to support to the merchant's wife, take factory goods to sew and finish.
Later another burden was added: that of nurse-girl-she became the baby's cradle. No matter what time of day or night the baby cried, Chai Ha was called, and the child was strapped on her back, and he must be amused and quieted. The little nurse knew what cruel punishment would be her fate if she failed in this arduous duty. But while she soothed the infant she must keep her hand busy, must sew standing, and waving back and forth in a cradlelike motion until he sleeps. Even then her back is not relieved of its burden, for to remove him might waken, so he must sleep on the little aching back.
Two months ago I saw this dear little girl, and I determined, with God's help, to rescue her from this awful bondage. She had the boy of fourteen months strapped on her back, and was leaning forward under the burd n, her feet well apart to balance herself as she lifted one foot then the other, imitating a rocking motion, to quiet the teething child. This painful effort would be kept up for hours, and the cruel woman would not let the child rest even her little calloused hands, but kept her sewing at the same time. Six days later, September 25, 1902, I called with. an officer and took little Chai Ha to the Methodist Episcopal Oriental Home. A pitiable little object truly: stooping far forward from the habit of bearing the heavy burden; sad, pathetic-looking eyes, when she / did hold her head up, her hands hard as a wood-chopper's, her fingers showing the effects of the needle even through the hardened skin, her long hair unkempt; no underclothing of any sort, nor stockings, only the one dirty garment of the slave girl. But it did not take long to transform this forlorn little slave. She was naturally a very pretty child, with a sweet, patient disposition, and a great longing for love. A nice warm bath, clean, comfortable clothes, kind words and looks from the children in the Home and the older girls, soon brought smiles to the sad face, which beamed and brightened under the influence of our dear, merry-hearted Home children. The change was wonderful and beautiful that came to little Chai Ha.
The next day a writ of habeas corpus was served on me to appear in court with Chai Ha. The merchant and his wife were there with their friends and lawyer, and produced the landing certificate of So Fung with little Chai Ha's picture attached. How my heart throbbed when I saw this convincing evidence' I knew she had been landed as their daughter, also knew that I did not dare to use my evidence that she was not their daughter. How I prayed to our Heavenly Father when the little girl was put on the stand! In a clear, straightforward, truthful manner she told her life story: how she had been bought by this woman in China from her parents, giving their names and that of the village where she was born, how this woman had taught her to say she was their child and promised that she was to be their daughter. She told many things of her life in China and of her family, and of her life in the merchant's familyand such a story! As I listened with the tears flowing, it did not seem possible that this little girl had lived only nine short ye~rs. Her story, truly and simply told, was convincing to the court, and little Wu Chai Ha's evidence alone won the case. The bright, loving little girl is now a happy inmate in our Home. God hasten the day when slavery does not exist in San Francisco 1
FOREIGN MISSIONS AND THE HOME MINISTRY * BY REV. R. J. CAMPBELL, M.A. Pastor of the City Temple, London If the missionary spirit is developed in the church, it rests with the minister to develop it. No matter what the obstacle may be, the minister is really the master of the situation if he has the missionary spirit himself.
Among the reasons given for not contributing to missionary work are these: 1. One man says that missionaries m'e r'esponsible for wars. Wher- ever the missionary goes, the trader with his gin bottle follows, and there, too, we soon have the sword. This is partly true; but the fault rests, not with the missionary, but with the cupidity of the trader. And, on the contrary, we can say that the missionary has in many instances stood between the oppressed native and the trader.
2. A second excuse given is that foreign missions are out of place while the home problem is so great. That objection was heard ere there were missionary societies at all. It is truly foolish, for some of the greatest triumphs on the home field are the direct outcome of a revival of foreign missionary interest. There is a distinct ratio between enthusiasm for the home field and loyalty to Christ in obedience to His command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. There has not been a revival at home that was not followed by increase of the missionary spirit.
3. A third objection is that missions are 1'eally unnecessary. People are better satisfied with their own faiths. If there were any demand, missionary results would be greater, and that they are so meager is a conclusive proof that the Gospel is not suited to the needs of peoples in far-off lands. These are objections you must never allow to pass, because underneath their statement there is the idea that the Gospel is of relative application. Admit that, and you assume that if the characteristics of our society changed there would be no need of the Gospel here. The Gospel of Christ is not relative, it is absolute. It is the one thing the world needs. There is the demand for it wherever sin and evil is to be found, and wherever man is found.
4. A fourth reason is the new theology. Ve are told that missionaries used to go to pluck men as brands from perdition; now they go to carry glad tidings of a great joy. They always did. Notwithstanding, it is perfflctly true that the spirit engendered by the new theology for which a false liberalism is responsible has provided an excuse for laxity in missionary effort. That is the most serious of all the obstacles which have been placed in the way of missionary effort.
No1(' for the remedy. First, we need in the colleges a more intelligent study of the needs of the, foreign field. Study the heathen religions at their best, and you will see that there is still the greatest need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some are going abroad and some will stay at home, but all should undertake the study of the field, and the requir-ements of the peoples, their history, their origin, even their prepossessions. We have to ask ourselves the question~ How is the battle going in India, ,* From an address delivered on February 5th at Regent's Park College to the Londo" Theological Branch of the B. C. C. U. Condensed from The Student Movement.
FOREIGN MISSIONS AND THE HOME MINISTRY
China, Africa, New Guinea? What new triumphs has Christ won? Have we been defeated? What is the cause? How have we met the enemy? Know the field. Know the plan of campaign. Know what has been done and ought to be done for Jesus Christ.
Secondly, we need a reformation of the missionary motive. That motive has never changed. It was plucking men as brands from the burning, but if there had not been a prior motive that motive would not have been sufficient. The prior motive was a devout love to Jesus Christ. The missionary motive is the same to-day. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." That has always been the missionary motive. There will never be another nor a greater. The enthusiasm of humanity never made a missionary, and it never will. If Jesus Christ has any value for me, I can not, I dare not, forbear to tell the world about it. We are bound to do all that lies in our power to secure that in all things He may have preeminence.
Human nature is the same everywhere. There are men at home who do not know your Master and mine as we know Him. To them He is little more than a name. They do not understand what righteousness is, nor the peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. It would be quite correct in one sense to say that these people do not want your Gospel, it would be quite false in another. They do want it, yet they do not want it. It is your Christ that would be the panacea of their ill, but they have not learned Him as you have. What selfish Christians we should be, what weak, useless Christians we should be, if we allowed that experience to remain unanswered and did not try to reveal to others the love that Christ has shown in us! For Christ's sake you must carry to the world the glorious Gospel He came to deliver.
Lastly, we are watching for a revival of religion at home. Many churches are just struggling to live, and the ministers are depressed, abd they seem to have little confidence in their own evangel. All the talk is about ways and means. It matters not how poor your talents so you be aflame for God. I do not think that it is the pqverty of ability in the ministry that is responsible for the empty churches. It is lack of confidence in the evangel itself; it is the low tone of spiritual life. Simple men can do great things if they have the Spirit-filled life, and an intense conviction born of experience of what the Master can do and has done for them. I can not but think that the day is near when we shall win this nation to a more lively apprehension of a Gospel which is already in our midst. But we need a fresh Pentec!;st, a baptism of the Holy Ghost upon the churches and their ministers, and you must prepare for the work which is before you by prayer for that outpouring. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest."
EDITORIALS The Question of Pulpit Power for anything like the number of preeminent preachers who in those The Chl'i.stian Conzmonu;ealth, days made England great, changed it from a colossal sink of corruption, of London, in referring of late to such as Wesley found it, to the world's head-center of righteous- the decease of such leading preach- ness and founded the Christian ci vilization on which we now have ers as Dr, Joseph Parker and Hugh to build?
Price Hughes, laments "tlie ex- This is from a British point of view. May not a like paragraph traordinary dearth of really able be written from an American point of survey also? Take the remark- and qualified men from whom suc- able preachers of a half century ago-such men as Albert Barnes, cessors may be found when famous Drs. Brainerd and Boardman, of Philadelphia; the elder Tyng, Dr. pulpits lose their occupants," William Adams, Gardiner Spring, Potts, VermiIye, John M. Mason A paragraph it may be worth and Erskine Mason, Alexander, of New York; Bishop Simpson, H. while to note: W. Beecher, Storrs, Kirk, Hitch- cock, Lyman Beecher, Bellows, There never was a time since Chapin, Heacock, Sll,muel H. Cox, before the Reformation when A. J. Gordon, Broadus, Palmer, pulpit eminence was so rare; Hoge, Hodge, and a host beside- when orthodox Christianity could where are their successors? The produce so small a battalion of list might be indefinitely increased. magnetic exhorters; when the And if there are few successors, Church could count so few stars of there must be a reason. The sources the first magnitnde in the theo- of supply are somehow affected. logical firmament, The really great preachers among the twenty- First-There is not the propel' five thousand clergy could be place given to the Bible that there counted on one hand. There are should be. The text-book of all about as many non-conformist preaching is neglected. Sociology preachers of all denominations in and a score of studies, supposed to this kingdom. The list of men of concern the "new gospel" of the great pulpit power in each would twentieth century, absor'b many be very small indeed-more meager modern preachers. The newspaper by far than in the time of our and novel are often more the inspi- fathers, and yet every great de- ration of the pulpit than the Word nomination is greater to-day than of God and the secret place of . yesterday. In the days of Spur- prayer. The methods of modern geon there were a Punshon, a criticism are irreverent and de- Vince, a Dale, an Aldis, a Wells, a structive, faith in the inspired Bickersteth, a Magee, a Hugh Sto- Scripture is impaired, and its hold well Brown, a ~amuel Wilberforce, on conviction and conscience is a Birrell, a McLeod, a Tulloch, a weakened. Nothing but a thorough Haycraft, a Guthrie, a Gilfillan, Ii, knowledge of God and love can ever Brock, a George Dawson-only to make a great preacher. Nothing specify a few out of a host of men so expands mind and enriches heart whom people everywhere and any- and dignifies utterance as the ha- where thronged to hear. And in the generation preceding, when the common people knew so little, yet they had a host of grand preachers to whom to listen-Mel viII, Robert- son, Parsons, Hobert Hall, Sor- taine, Chalmers, Dillon, Bishop Horsley, Christmas Evans, Will- iams of Wern, Charles Stovel, Howard Hinton, James Spence, Rowland Hill, Toplady, Daniel Wilson, James Sherman, Hawker, Charles Simeon, Newman and Manning before their papal perver- sion, and the potent itinerating leaders who thundered out loud 'V echoes of the message left by John Wesley. here shall we now look
EDITORIALS
bitual holding of one's He!f under Moreover, a lUall is prone to degen- the full blaze of the Shekinah glory. erate into an hireling, and con- The great preacher burns and glows sciously or unconsciously shape his and sparkles with God's fire. That utterances to please his auditors, nameless charm and fascination and so the pulpit comes into bond- which Wesley and Whitefield, age. A century ago the bulk of Spurgeon and Newman Hall, Ar- the preachers in New England had not and Cairns, Guthrie and Chal- small stipends, lived in humble par- mers, Gordon and Simpson, Tyng sonages, with a small plot of and Liddon wielded, can be got out ground, which they cultivated, and of no philosophy or fiction, poetry which yielded vegetables for food, or history. It means sympathy and pasture for horse and cow. with Jesus Christ and enduement They lived on a level with the peo- of the Holy Spi~it. If our theolog- ple, economically and frugally, and ical schools are not fountains of depended partly on their own labor biblical learning and prayer, how for a subsistence. Many of them can they turn out truly powerful could not spend all their time in and prayerful precheal's ? studying sermons, but they knew the people and visited in the Hecondly-'Ve add, with some families; revivals were frequent, hesitation, that we fear the modern and the churches were healthy in ministry is too much looked on as growth. Now in many of those a 'Profession and not enough a '1:0- New England villages the churches caUon. One sign of this is the new are deserted and the buildings standard of compensation adopted. empty. There are a few splendid It is held that the church is like buildings with very attractive any other market-place, and preach- preachers, but even they are not ing is like any other commodity, full, while the smaller, feebler to be regulated by the common law churches fall hopelessly in the rear of demand and supply. Preaching in this unequal strife for popularity. talent is on sale, and the highest bidder gets the goods. In principles Other causes may and do contribof commercial equity, this is cor- ute, but we content ourselves with rect. Intellectual and oratorical emphasizing these two, believing ability is a costly product, and may that if a more Scriptural traincommand the highest price. And ing were secured in the trainingso we find men not hesitating to schools, and a more self-denying take, or congregations hesitating service in the actual work of the to offer, any salary that can be ministry, we should have a more secured. efficient class of preachers. The pulpit demands as its feeders pure At risk of being thought fanat- springs of sacred learning salted ical, we venture to affirnl what a with much prayer, and it needs for lamented minister of Brooklyn once its constant guard from the secular replied to an offer of a very large and avaricious spirit a principle of salary from a New York church self-denial that identifies the minthat "no man is worth that to ister of Christ with the common any church." He might have added people rather than the aristocratic that no man could safely accept class. such a sum without risk to his own spiritual life. The more money ob- These are not, perhaps, palatable tains prominence in pulpit and pas- truths, but are they not· truths? toral work, the more the pulpit How fast would all power vanish loses its dynamic. Avarice is one from our missionary band if the of the subtlest foes to spirituality. element of self-sacrifice were lost! Who can not see that if mission- industries, and seems to care noth. aries degenerate into sociologists, ing as to the way in which the or even philanthropists; if the natives are treated or the methods Word of God loses its dynamic used for forcing them to work. force, and especially if large money Thousands of them are said to be compensation becomes an object, in reality slaves of the government we might almost as well aban- under most inhuman masters. Rev. don missions altogether! The William Morrison, who has re- Church of God needs to keep on her cently returned from Luebo, deknees; the devil is alive and abroad. scribes scenes which are infinitely The martyr spirit is the only mis- worse than the most brutal treatsion spirit. "The moment we cease ment which masters in other lands to bleed we cease to bless," says have been accused of meting out to Rev. J. H. Jowett, of Birmingham. their slaves or even to their beasts An irreverent criticism toward the of burden. Mr. Morrison has Bible and an avaricious and aristo- brought the matter to the attencratic spirit in the work of the tion of Belgian officials, but with minist.ry are incompatible with no further result than empty promthat highest of all endowments for ises. He also reported the facts Gospel work-the enduementof the to the British government, and we Holy Spirit. Great preachers, as are gratified to learn that Parliamen count great, may be made in ment has adopted the following university halls, in an essentially resolution: unspiritual mold, but greatness in the eyes of the Lord is not so The government of the Kongo measured. The only vessel that He State having at its inception guarlses for the excellency of His power anteed to the powers that the nais that which is shaped on His own tives should be governed humanely potter's wheel. It may not be and that no trading monopoly or like the painted and gilded porce- privileges should be permitted, the lain from human potteries, but it House requests the government to contains and carries the power of confer with the other signatories God. Such preachers bring re- of the Berlin General Act, in virvivals. Under their ministry the tue of which the Kongo State exangel of God stirs the pool, and ists, in order that measures may men step in to find healing. And be adopted to abate the prevalent where souls find healing they will evils. throng the porches. The ultimate remedy for deserted Bethesdas is a Mr. Morrison, who is a mISSIOnnew virtue in the waters of the ary of the Presbyterian Church pool. (South), also reports that in viola- tion of the treaty agreement no Belgian Cruelty in Africa property is sold to foreigners, and the rights of trade are restricted. For some time we have been hear- No missions (except Roman Cathing rumors of shameful acts by gov- olic) are permitted even to lease ernment officials in their treatment property for a period of over 10 of the natives in the Kongo State. years. There is no guarantee Thisterritory was put undercontrol that at the expiration of that time of the King llf Belgium twenty a renewal of the lease would be years ago, and since then has been granted, so that all the labors of practically a private preserve for the missionaries in land and build- King Leopold. He receives a large ings might go for naught. We income from the rubber and other trust that the governments will bring pressure to remedy these evils.
Lewanika of Barotsi-Iand went to church the king gave £1 M'wanga's death and the career lOs., Imasiku (his son-in-law) and which preceded it are in striking T, £1; and the other two (servants), contrast with the course of King lOs." Lewanika, who, on his return to Barotsi-land last January, first, on At the conclusion of this memoreceiving the formal welcome of rable service four Ohristians were his people, asked the missionary to baptized who have long been under offer a prayer of praise to God-as preparation. M. Ooillard wrote: "Something new!" The Lord's Day following We feel that such events and saw over one thousand met for such remarks by the native king worship of the true God. At the and prime minister of the Barotsi close the king arose and publicly should have a permanent record. thanked the missionaries for what they had done and were still doing. M'wanga. ex-King of Uganda His address was printed in our .Tune number (p. 477). This king has recently died in The prime minister, who had ac- exile at the Seychelles. He was companied his royal master to Eng- the eldest son of M'tesa, the nrst land, spoke in similar terms, but monarch of Uganda who welcomed more in detail, Lewanika often in- European missionaries to Equatoterposing to confirm and illustrate rial Africa, and succeeded his father his remarks. He dwelt especially in 1884. He assumed an arrogant upon the meeting held at the Bible attitude toward the missionaries, House of the British and Foreign tortured Ohristian youths who Bible Society. "The friends who were pages at court, ordered Bishop received us most warmly were the Harrington to be murdered, and in friends of missionaries; they are 1886 began a series of massacres of our friends now-our fathers." native Ohristians. This provoked Lewanika and the others showed an insurrection which drove him with great pleasure and pride the into exile. Afterward converted beautiful Bibles and Testaments to Roman Oatholicism, the success presented to them on that occasion. of the Roman Oatholic party in "And," added the prime minister. Uganda enabled him to resume naively, "you could not conceive possession of the throne in 1889. their incessant activity in good When the first caravan of the Britworks; they have houses for the ish East Africa Oompany entered sick, schools for the blind, where Uganda, M'wanga accepted the they do miracles, teaching them to British flag, but subsequently read and write and sing and work. signed a treaty with the Germans What astonished us most was the represented by Dr. Peters. In 1894 habit they have of giving. They Uganda was proclaimed a British never go to any service without Protectorate, but three years later putting their h3.nds in their pockets M'wanga organized a rebellion and taking something out! When against the British, but was defeatwe asked what all this money could ed and fled. In 1899 he joined the be used for, they spoke of schools insurgent chief Koborego against and churches, help for their own the British. A decisive battle was sick and poor, and for heathen fought, and both leaders captured. countries far away. And the con- M'wanga was thereupon deported sequence was that we caught the to the Seychelles, where he has habit of giving tooI Every time we lived ever since. The message that Harrington sent to him proved prophetic: "Go tell M'wanga that
I have bought the road to Uganda that a prominent Christian man with my blood." has presided over a Zionist gather- An Awakening in Armenia ing. He eloquently said that the From Aintab, under date of March 12, 1003, we have from a Jewish question concerned everyprivate correspondent an account of a great awakening, which is both body else and touched all creeds, deep and widespread in the college and city. The wonderful move- for injustice and oppression are ment was still going on at the time of writing, that being the ninth never independent or isolated facts, week since it began. The writer says: and British legislators could no There seems scarcely any abate- longer stand by indifferent. He ment. The work is quiet but deep and widely extending, embracing maintained that only faith could all classes. have kept the race alive for thou- Our college has been greatly blessed, as nearly all the students sands of years. Abdullah Quilliam have begun a new life. Effendi, Scheik-ul-Islam of the Meetings are held in the evenings and several on the Sabbath, and British Isles, addressed the meetare full of spiritual power. ing, in his official robes, and pre- There is much house-to-house visitation, our students being per- dicted a happy and prosperous mitted to work in this way also, and they have been the means of lead- future for the race of Israel. The ing many to Christ. Sultan of Turkey is said to have Russian Zionists declared to Dr. Herzl his abhor- Whatever may be the present meaning or forecast as to the fu- rence of anti-Semitic legislation. ture, significant events seem to be taking lliace in the Jewish world. A Friend of Missions? A conference of Russian Zionists, held at Minsk last September (4th A clergyman's wife, writing in to 10th), was attended by five hundred delegates from all parts of the Atlantic Monthl1/ for 1901, Russia, besides a crowd of sympathizing onlookers. The largest hall speaks very disparagingly of the was not large enough, and the streets were blocked for four hours gifts for missions, declaring that in before the congress opened. Dr. Bruck, of Homel, opened it. The great measure they are simply tornational fund and colonial bank schemes were prominent subjects mented out of the givers. She also of consideration, and three days were spent over educational ques- describes the woman's Boards as tions. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed. likely to prove great harm to relig- ious union..However, she claims The same month there was a to be a friend of missions, explainvery large Zionist demonstration at ing herself to mean a friend to de- Liverpool, Mr. Robson, M.P.K.C., veloping the special l'efigious life presiding. This is the first time of each people. We conclude, then, that if she went to Africa she would cultivate the religions life of th", negroes and Banta races on the fonndation of the worship of ghosts and the dread of witches. If she went to Arabia she would prob- ably cultivate the Arabian relig- ions life on its specific foundation of fatalism, the sensual paradise, the holy war against Christians, polygamy, concubinage, free di- vorce, and the settled inferiority of women. If she went to Burma she would probably pursue her mis- sion::j,ry work on the appropriate foundation of atheism and the bless- edness of extinction.
What a pity she did not live early enough to restrain the apos- tles from turning the world upside down by the establishment of that .. essentially original thing," as Renan calls it, the Gospel of ChrisU t THE Nouvelle Revue lately had a played considerable resistance, and very noticeable article on Cardinal the war grows hot. We wait to Rampolla, whom many predict see the issue. will follow Leo XIII. as pope. He is already known as the vice-pope. Needful Qualifications He is but sixty years old, belongs to an old patrician family, and Mr. Montagu Beauchamp writes took orders at twenty-three, shortly that the qualifications desired for after becoming a canon of St. those who wish to work in connec- Peter's. Seven years later he was tion with the China Inland Mission attached to the Spanish nuncia- are: ture. Under the present pope he was made papal nuncio at Madrid, A sound and healthy body, and for fifteen years has been papal At least a good English education. secretary at Rome.. He is a man of A retenth"e memory and adaptability for remarkable intelligence, tact, affa- languages. bility, yet positive, democrat.ic, Soundness in the faith and IIccurate knowl- and influential. edge of the foundation truths of Scripture. Experience and zeal in Christiau service. France and the Vatican A sympathetic spirit and II willingness to take a humble place. A notable struggle between Ability to have fellowship lind to live hap- France and the Vatican is now in pily with those of different views and tastes. progress. It threatens entire sepa- Love for communion with God and the ration of Church and State. The study of the Word. recent victory of Premier Combes A life surrendered to God and controlled by over the religious orders in the the Spirit. chamber of deputies has been pro- A restful trust in God for the supply of all nounced by an acute observer a needs. greater event than the czar's recent And, of eourse, a cordial ac<:eptance of the manifesto, About two years since principles and methods of the mission. seven papal bulle, having in view the canonical institutions of as Greed vs. Missionary Zeal many prelates, were so framed as to assume for the pope absolute We fear that there is no form of appointing power which, under the selfishness more fatal to missionary concordat, the French government consecration than the worship of claimed for itself. One Latin pro- the dollar. Avarice prevents abun-' noun, nobis, was the center of the dant giving, and it hoards for the whole offense. Some sixty or sake of gain what could be used seventy bulls, which immediately with the most abundant profit in followed the concordat, did not the wide harvest-field. Not only contain the obnoxious pronoun, so, but the Scripture phrase is sawith two or three exceptions; sub- gaciously accurate, gold " blinds sequently it crept in, and lately the eyes." Men do not see the facts uniformly appears. This act of as- or feel the force of the appeal of sumption on the part of Rome led God and of souls because the love to a revolt in the chamber of depu- of money intervenes as an obscurties, and the end is not yet. The ing medium. There are many proreligious orders got the first blow, fessed disciples Who hold a dollar then the orders of females, and the so near the eye that they can see entire sacerdotal system carne in scarcely anything else in the world. for review. The Vatican has dis- DONATIONS No. 257. Zulu Mission ……………… $8.50 No. 23H. Zulu Industrial Mission……. 5.00 No, 259, South Africa General Mission. 8.00
BOOKS FOR THE MISSIONARY LIBRARY AN INDIAN PRIESTESS: THE LIFE OF CaUNDRA weather under a broiling sun with five hot fires burning around her, LELA. By Ada Lee. Illustrated. 12mo. anI'!. during the cold season sitting Is. 6d. Morgan & Scott, London 1903. in a pond all night with water up to her neck. This is what Lord Kinnard well pronounces a "remarkable life Slowly she discovered two things: story." We know no better illus- first, the powerlessness of Hindutration of Paul's words in Romans ism to save her from sin or silence x : 3 – "Ignorant of God's right- the voice of guilt; second, the posieousness, and going about to estab- tive corruptness of the priesthood lish their own righteousness." It and the whole religious life of Inshows how a heathen-even an edu- dia. She detected lying and fraud, cated, high-caste heathen, from the greed and lust, behind all the exstratum of the best society, wearily ternal show of sanctity. and painfully striving to accumulate self-merit, fails utterly of all At last, at Midnapore, she heard inward peace, amI after years of for the first time the Gospel mesdefeat and disappointment, finds sage, and was baptized by Dr. Philimmediate rest in the Gospel of lips, and became not only a Chris- God. tian disciple, but a prominent Christian worker in the zenana and 'l'his book reminds us of Ecclesi- schools, and is stilI absorbed in this astes: it is the story of one who service to souls. This truthful hiswas as well situated as anyone tory has all the charm of a fascicould be to make the experiment nating story of the imagination. of a life without the true God, and Yet it is all sober fact. who tried every expedient that nature or culture could suggest, THE EDUCATIONAL OONQUEST IN THE FAR only to find all "vanity and vexation of spirit "-" no prophet under EAST By Robert E. Lewis, M.A. $1.00. the sun." net. Revells, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. Chundra Lela belonged to a family of priests. She was trained in Mr. Robert E. Lewis has given the sacred Sanskrits and studied us, if not an epoch-making, at least the Hindu hallowed books. Left an epoch-marking book. It has both an orphan and a widow, she been said that the Chinese wall is undertook to find God. First of all the only artificial object that would she vowed a pilgrimage to the four attract attention in a hasty survey great shrines-Jagannath, Rama- of the globe. The educational denath, Dwarkanath, and Badrenath. velopment in Japan and China This took seven )' ears, during would certainly attract attention which she bathed in all sacred likewise from its very bulk. Five waters, bowed at all idol shrines, millions of students and pupils and lavished money like water on adopting suddenly entirely new the heathen priests. curricula in education, revolution- ary in character, is the phenomenal Then at the residence of the king, object claiming attention in Mr. near Midnapore, she became family Lewis' book. These are affirmed priestess and remained another as having within about thirty years seven years. Then she began an- revolutionized Japan, and to have other pilgrimage. She spent three driven a wedge into the solidarity years as a fakir, traveling to Lam- of China, of which Xavier cried: gun~e, and choosing as her form of "0 rock! rack I when wilt thou torture to sit all day in the hot openi' "
BOOKS ¥OR THE MISSIONARY LIBRARY
It would seem to be a theme suf- been started by Americans. The ficiently large to arrest the atten- tion of even the mad money-getters chain of Christian literary and and earth-grabbers of the civilized nations. scientific institutions along the sea- One asks at once, What does the board of China, from Swatow and writer who treats the topic know about it? With what comprehen- Foochow to Peking, are the pro- sion and accuracy has he treated it? So far as Japan goes, he prepared duct of American missionary soci- the text for the state Department at Washington at the request of eties. But Japan has accomplished the American Minister at Tokyo, with access to all data which this the work from within. . semi-official authority gave him; and the work was at least so well Mr. Lewis recognizes that the done that the Chinese government ordered its translation into Chinese educational work of Japan, for for the information of government officials throughout that empire. which he claims so much credit for This has an aside significance, showing how much more readily Japanese themselves, is yet in a China will learn through Japan than directly from other national crude state, while the work in channels. China is at a critical and pivotal Mr. Ibuka, of the Meiji Gakuin, Tokyo, says: "There is no work in point, from which it may diverge the English language that gives such a thorough and lucid state- for good or ill, so far as the evan- ment of what has been done and is being done by the State Depart- gelization of the land goes. ment (of Japan) for the develop- ment and elevation of the people" Dr. Arthur H. Smith commends as this by Mr. Lewis. Not even Dr. Griffis nor Dr. Reins, he says, this book as of exceptionable worth. have given so critical and compre- hensive statement of the subject The dozen or so statistical tables under consideration as Mr. Lewis has given. are most authoritative and up to The author accentuates the in- date. The woman's missionary digenous element in this Japan movement as contrasted with the societies who study China next simular educational modifications in India and China. Advance year will find Mr. Lewis' work of equivalent to revolution has been made in the educational methods special interest. ** in India, but this has been under the inspiration and dominance of DIE DEUTSCHE BAGDAD BAHN. By Siegmund the British nation. In China are Schneider. Large 4to, pp. 144. 4 marks. found the iuitial features of great Leopold Weiss, Leipzig. 1900. educatioual reform, but Dr. Timothy Richards declares that nearly This finely illustrated volume, all modern colleges in Ceina have with two maps of the projected railway from Constantinople to the Persian Gulf, is of interest to those who look for dawn in the Levant. The author gives in eight chapters, with an Introduction and Bibliography, an account of the importance, connections, survey, and promise of the new railway to be built by German capital and to foster German commerce. The road is to start from Konia (with a second alternative route from Angora) to Diarbekr via Adana, Aintab, and Urfa. From Diarbekr it goes to Mosul, Kerkuk, Bagdad, Busrah, and Kuweit. With no love for missions and expressing the opinion (page 141) "that this railway will do more to enlighten Turkey than all the Bibles and tracts of the British Bible Society," the author yet warmly praises the American missionaries for their
self-denial and philanthropy. If eral reader this wurk has attrac- the Sublime Porte is half as interested as the Germans appear to be tiOIHl if "read in spots;" fur the enthusiastic over the matter, the earnest Occidental student of this overland route will, as promised, wonderful people it is indispensbe opened in five years. The rail- able; and fur the missionary it il:i way schemes of Abdul Hamid in- an invaluable aid to understanding clude a line from Damascu.s to his enigmatic Chinese constituency, Mecca, and part of this has already and for the effective use of their been built. Chief Engineer Schnei- language. Indexes, with oyer 3,000 der does not minimize the sad references, "make it almost imposfinancial and political condition of Turkey, but thinks that, with Gel" sible not to find what is wanted." man supervision, the railway will, Previous collections by Doolittle, like an artery of civilization between India and Europe, put new Scarborough, and others, can not life-blood into the Sick Man. The chapter on Kuweit and British in- compare with this one, either in fluence there is ont of date. fulness, accuracy of interpretation, s. ;w:. JI. wise selection, or general interest.
PROVERB~ AND COMMON SAYINGS FROM THl'; H. P. B.
CHINESE. By Arthur H. Smith. 6 x 9~ STEREOJ'TICON LECTURES and in' l pp. viLI 374, xxx. $2.00. American Presbyterian Press, Shanghai. 1902. Lantern Slides on Laos and India This volume contains, in addition have been very carefully prepared to proverbs and common sayings of the Chinese, "much related and by the Foreign Missions Library unrelated matter, interspersed with observations on Chinese things-in- (156 Fifth Avenue, New York). general," by one who understands the people very fully. For this These fields are both of great interreason it has a value for those who do not know a single Chinese ideo- est and importance, and there is graph. To such l'eaders this volume reveals axiomatic and essen- certainly no way in which a mistial China; since "Chinese proverbs contain an almost complete sionary meeting can be made more chart of human nature as the Chinese understand it, every shoal, certainly interesting and helpful rock, reef, and quicksand being laid down." Moreov.er, a proverb is "a than by the use of these lectures. universal major premise, from which it is natural for Orientals to In the pamphlets published by the reason. " Some 2,000 of these flashlights upon Chinese life and library are hints on giving an exthought are here presented in the character, with accompanying hibition or lecture, and much valutranslations, expositions, and Twain-like observations. They able information about the counrange from the stately classical bon mot to the commonest collo· try, people, and missions. quial dictum, and deal with a wide range of Chinese experience, wis- There are also lectures and views dom, and unwisdom. For the gen- on Africa, China, Korea, Persia, Siam, and Syria. They are loaned to parties desiring them for $1.50 * and cost of transportation.
NEW BOOKS .LOMAI OF S">lAKEL. By Frank H. L. Patton, B.D. Illustrated. 12mo. $1.5(), net.
Flenting H. Revell Co. 1903.
THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA: PAST AND PRESENT. By J. W. Davidson, F.R.G.R. Illu~trated, map. 8vo, 700 pp. Macmillan Co. 1003.
A LIFL FOR GOD IN INDIA. Memorials of Mr•. Jennie Fuller, of Bombay. By Helen S. Dyer. IIIQstrated. 12mo, 190 pp. $1.00, net. Fleming H. Revell Co. 1903.
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS IN BUNSY INDIA. By Beatrice Harland. 12mo, 303 PP. $1.00, net. Fleming H. Revell Co. 1903.
THESE FORTY YEARS. By F. Howard Taylor, M.D Illustrated. $1.00. China Inland Mission, Philadelphia, 'roronto, and Lon- don. 1903.
EVOLUTION OF THE JAPANESE: SOCIAL AND PHYSIC. By Sydney L. Cu/ick. Fleming H. Revell Co. 1903.
MEDICAL MISSIONS: TEACHING AND HEALING. By Louise C. Purington, M.D. Paper, 16ruo. 10c. Fleming H. Revell Co. 1903.
THE WORLn's CHILDRE>I. By Dorothy ~lenpes. The Macmillan Co. 1903.
1903J GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE AMERICA An Industrial Mr. H. W. Fry, Missions founder of the 1. M. Fifteen New According to va- Churches rious statements Aid Society A. S., of London, Every Day which have recent- Proposed is now in America ly appeared, some- to help form a sim- where between 12 and 15 sanctu- ilar society here. Preliminary aries are completed and dedicated meetings have been held, and the in the United States every day the following suggestions were made: yew' through, with the larger num- ber more likely to be nearest the FiI·"t. That a ROciety be organized under facts. Of these the Methodists the IlallIe of the "' AUlerican Indw~trial Misbuild 3 churches a day; the Bap- sions Aid Society." tists, 2; the Lltherans, 179,'; the Roman Cathvlics, 179,'; the Presby- Second. The principal office of the assoterians, 1; Episcopalians, 1; Con- ciation to be in New York.
gregationalists, %; and miscel- Third. The objects for which the associa- tion is formed are: laneous, 1~. The average cost is about $7,000, or an aggregate of (u) To cooperate with evangelical missionfrom $85,000 to $105,000 daily for ary workers in all parts of the world, and to church buildings. assh;t financially and otherwise in the inau- guration and development of YllisRionary in- Another Step Within a few weeks dustrial effort. Toward Unity f 0 u r denomina- (b) To consider any applications made for tions, the Christian aid in respect of any scheme intended directly Connection, Congregationalists, or indirectly for the extension or assistance Methodist Protestants, and United of missionary work, whether such scheme be Brethren, met in conference financial, agricultural, manufacturing, or through representatives and dis- otherwise, and to promote, finance, assist, cussed their differences and like- and, if thought expedient, maintain and nesses, in a spirit altogether sensi- work any such approved Acheme. ble and fraternal and Christian, to ascertain if the three could not (c) To initiate, promote, take over and become one in every particulal'. carryon at home or abroad, any financiai, Tho failing to arrive at a com- agricultural, manufacturing, industrial, or plete agreement, so that all could other work, business or undertaking of any consent to bear a common name, kind, for the advantage and profit of the they did vote to establish for association, or baving for its object the the three denominations-for the providing of suitable occupation for native Christian Connection fell out-a Christians or for the furtherance of missionsingle General Council of the United ary effort in any way. Churches, in which they shall get acquainted, and in which certain Fow·th. That Mr. Fry be requested in concommon interests shall be attended ference with counsel to prepare a prospectus. to, very likely their mission work; while all legislative or judicial ma- (a) To submit the same to one or two leadchinery shall go on for the present iug' business nlen for their counsel, and after as it has in their several confer- conference with thenl, to complete and print ences. It is hoped that this will it and circulate it to each member of this result in entire union. committee individually for final approval.
(b) To submit the same to the missionary boards with the request that they authorize one or more of their leading executive mem- bers, in their individual capacity, to become members of the advisory council of the new society.
The names of those interested in this organization (Dr. Charles Cuthbert Hall, John W. Wood, H. W. Jessup, R. E. Speer, etc.) are sufficient guarantee of its char- acter and usefulness.
What Baptists The Baptists oc- adults and children, slain in the are Doing cupy 5 mission Boxer outbreaks, and mostly be- longing to the Shansi Mission, for Education fields in the un- which was founded by Oberlin stu- evangelized world dents. Through long years this memorial will stand a continual (Burma, 'Assam, South India, challenge to heroism and readiness China, Japan, West Africa, and to suffer in behalf of the Kingdom the Philippines), and as a part of and in ordel' that the lost may be their ·task sustain 1,482 schools, redeemed. with 37,546 scholars of every grade, including 6 theological seminaries, Toronto Bible The Bible Training- with 854 students. Of the entire Training-school school of.roronto, number under instruction, 18,700 are found in Burma and 12,011 in Cltnada, of which South India among the Telugus Dr. Elmore Harris is president, has about Ongole. recently closed a successful session, with an enrolment of 61 students Southern The Southern Bap- in the day classes and 171 in the Baptists and tistConvention met evening classes. Since last October 13 students have left for missionary Missions recently in Savan- services: 4 in China, 1 in South nah, and the ses- America, 4 in Nigeria, and 4 others in India. These young men and sions which related to the work in women are sent forth by five differforeign lands were full of stimulus ent missionary societies. The school to thanksgiving and encourage- has also furnished laborers for ment. No less than 1,790 baptisms many fields of service in the United were reported from the various States and Canada. The tenth fields, with the Upper Kongo sup- session begins on September 22d. plying a large fraction, and no For catalogues and all information former year had ever brought such apply to the principal, Rev. Willgains. It had been hoped that the iam Stewart, D.D., Toronto, Onto Foreign Board would this year reach $200,000, but they did reach Missionary An interesting table $218,513, an increase of more than Blood in Hawaii is given in The $45,000 over the year previous. Georgia headed the column with Friend, of Hono- $33,658. The enthusiasm reached lulu, in reference to the descendhigh-water mark, and it was de~ ants of missionaries of the Americided to raise $300,000 the coming can Board in the Hawaiian Islands. year for this work. From this table it appears that there are 155 sons of missionaries The Oberlin Sur ely Christen- still living, 91 of them in Hawaii; Martyr dom contains few 140 daughters, 73 of whom are resi- Memorial' if, indeed, any dent in Hawaii; of the 224 grand- monuments more sons 101 are in Hawaii, and of the 197 granddaughters 73 are also significant or more sacred than the there. It appE'ars thus that there memorial arch standing in Ober- are living 300 children and 421 lin upon the college campus and grandchildren, and of this total dedicated May 14th. The cost was number (721) 338 are resident in more than $20,000, the gift ma.inly Hawaii. This is said to be about of one man. The structure is most one-twentieth of the white populabeautiful, and for size imposing. tion, exclusive of the Portuguese. Semicircular in form, the central It has been quite common to call arch, besides appropriate Scripture texts, bears upon bronze tablets the names of 19 men and women,
1903J GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE 54'7
the whole white population of Ha- want to see the face of Jesus clearly waii .. the missionary party," and and hear His voice speaking to us.
it is commonly said that this party lt must be on our knees we climb rules the islands. The descendants up the steps and approach the of missionaries take leading posi- Throne, but alI the time Jesus is tions, and the vigor and spirit of watching and Jesus is helping.
industry inherited from their par- Life Under Some of the world's ents, as welI as their Christian training, account for their prowi- the most devoted misnence in public affairs. They form the best element in the population Arctic Circle sionaries have laof Hawaii.-Congregat'ionalisi. bored in the great wilds of North America, more than one of them living north of the An Indian's The Bishop of Cale- Arctic Circle. The hardships they Dream donia tells of an old endure are very great. A recent let- Indian in Western ter from Rev. Mr. Peck, of the Canada who was dying and told English Church Missionary So- him the following dream of the ciety, from Blacklead Island, gives night before. He said: a pathetic story of the death of a I climbed up the stairs to heaven, ChJ'istian young woman for whom they sought to give a Christian all so weary and out of breath, but burial. First they made the coffin, I reached it and knocked at the but there was no possibility of burydoor. It opened at once. I stepped . ing in the soil, for there is no soil inside, and then an angel said, deep enough, and what little there .. You are not rightly clad for this is is thawed, even in summer-time, only 6 or 7 inches below the surplace. Did they not tell you below? face. The burial-place must, there- fore, be on the rocks, with stones Your garments are stained and piled over the coffin, We expect torn." Every word was true. What to publish soon an article by Mr. Peck, written especiallY for the could I answer? I saw the golden steps and the golden crowns, and I REVIEW.
heard the beautiful music; and as Great Wrongs The disease forced I looked round I did feel as if I had in Alaske.. and the cruelty committed on the 110 business there. I said to him, " I have COlne to see my son." •• He helpless natives of Alaska has reached such a stage that to be is over there," said the angel; and quiet is criminal. The matter has as I looked I saw Jesus and at once been laid before the proper officials of the t::rritory, but they are unable I strove to get to Him, but I could to do anything under the present not. The angel, seeing me strug- laws. I am told that the condigling, said, "What are you trying tions in other parts of Alaska are about the same as those here deto do?" "I am trying to get to scribed. I might multiply in- Jesus." " You can not get there stances. like that-we never d90" "How, In 1899, when I first came to the then, shall I go?" "Go on your village of Unga, there was an old knees." I fell on my knees in a Aleut, about fifty years of age, who was very sick and died soon moment, and before I could attempt after, Hiswifewasanative,much to go forward on my knees I felt that Jesus stood beside me, and as I looked up I saw nothing else in heaven. Oh! His face was so bright, and all the other glory passed away; and then He said, "Paul"-He knew my name- "what have you come here for P"
All the harps stopped in a moment when Jesus spoke. I heard nothing else, because of the music of His voice saying to me, "Palll," and I had forgotten what I had come for, I was so pleased to have Jesus standing beside me.
That is what we have to do if we younger than himself, and who
was liked by a young Norwegian Bible-burning As readers of the in Brazil Also REVIEW have alfisherman. One night he came to ready been informthe home of the couple, bringing ed, a wholesale burning of Bibles occurred not long since in- Fiji, liquor with him. After they had under the impulse of Roman Cathohad a few drinks together, he began lic fanaticism and intolerance, but also about the time this same making advances to the woman amazing spectacle was witnessed in Pernambuco, Brazil, when 214 which the old man resented; and copies were cast .into the flames by a Capuchin friar in the presence of the fight that followed resulted 2,000. However, in this case, as Rev. H. C. Tucker informs the finally in the death of the old man American Bible Society, the deed is condemned by Catholics not a and the marriage of the white man few.
with the woman. The editor of one of the daily papers of the city, the Jornal In the fall of 1901, when all the do Recife, wrote a very striking and praiseworthy article, entitled, hunters of the village of Belkofsky " Censuravel," strongly condemn- ing the act. He expresses indifwere away hunting, and only the ference as to whether or not the missionary, who had been very women and children remained, two active in the circulation of the Scriptures in the city, should be white men came by, and, noticing successful in the propagation of his religion. He then adds: a young woman who seemed to If we thus think, and even if we understand please them, went into her house that he (the missionary) is in the path of er- ror, we can not then agree with the burning one night and carried her off, and of the Protestant Bibles by the friar Celes- tino de Pedavoli. If it is right that the friar when through with her sent her should defend his doctrines, exert himself for the triumph of the religion of the Divine back. Jesus, he certainly has no right to make such a spectacle as that to which we refer, and These are not isolated instances. which might easily have provoked different lamentable results. It is incomprehensible It is the normal condition all along how this intoler::tnt friarl ingenuous as he is, could have performed so censurable an act, the Alaskan Peninsula. Some of offending even fervent Catholics. nioreover, the time has passed for stitling the human the scenes can not, with descency, intellect by fire, by persecution, and violence, this bonfire of Bibles being a reminiscence of be described, but are witnessed by the fires of the ancient Inquisition, which caused so many evils to humanity, awakenthe boys and girls. In none of the ing even yet horrors wheJO. we call them to mind. These are not the precepts taught by above cases was any action taken, the Divine Master, who was all discretion, all moderation. and the guilty parties are to-day continuing in their sinful ways.
Some of the United States com- missioners and United States depu- ty marshals appointed to protect these people are models of vice. One United States commissioner, now in office, lives in open adultery, and for many other reasons would not be tolerated in a decent community.
What protection can the natives expect for their wives and daugh- ters from such officials? Since the government does not allow these officials any regular salary, they try and make it from fees and, per- EUROPE haps, other ways.
We have societies for the protec- Student The annual report tion of cruelty to animals, and yet Volunteer of the Federation no restraint is put upon the cruel- Missionary of Junior Clergy ties committed on the natives of Union Missionary Asso- Alaska. F. A. GOLDER, ciations contains Treasurer of U. S. Public School at Unga, the following statement in regard Alaska, 1899-1902, and U. S. Commissioner, to the work accomplished by this 1902. organization: The movement is
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
now nine years oirl. Sufficient time its administration will be matured has not yet elapsed for any satis- by the society which has been so factory estimate to be made as to highly favored, and that the munifwhat percentage of those who join icence of the one large giver may will find their way to the mission not close the fountain of benevofield; but 35 per cent. are already lence among those of modest means, working under nearly 50 mission- to whom the missionary cause looks ary societies. Iffrom the total num- for the bulk of its support.-The ber who have signed the declara- Christian. tion from the beginning of the union, we deduct those who have The British This body of Chrisdied and who have withdrawn, the Friends and tians appears to be present number of members is 1,698. Of these we have lost trace Missions a close rival to the of 66; 102 are hindered from foreign Moravians for evanservice; 676 have already sailed. There are still in college 428, and gelizing zeal. Tho numbering less 426 ha'e left college and are in fur- than 20,000, their missionary inther preparation for the mission come is more than $150,000 (more field. than $7.00 for each one), they are represented in the foreign field by A Gift of Large gifts for mis- 87 men and women, and by 819 na- '750.000 sions will soon be tive toilers, have nearly 18,000 in their schools, and native Christians the order of the day numbering nearly 10,000. to a far greater extent than obtains at present. It is stated in the Eng- The Wesleyans According to Work lish papers that Mr. Robert Davies, also Rejoice and Wo rkers: of Menai Bridge, who is one of the most generous contributors toward " Rarely has the various Calvinistic Methodist missionary committee held so encauses, last week promised £150,000 couraging and important a meettoward the foreign missionary so- ing as that which closed with the ciety of the Velsh Calvinistic Doxology on April 15th. The Methodists. The work of this so- balance-sheet for 1902 was preciety is carried on in the northeast sented, and showed an increase in of India, on the Khasia and Jaintia home contributions of £7,500. Re- Hills, and at Sylhet, and ~r t'. Davit's membering that the president's has previously contributed hand- conventions have not been held yet somely toward the funds of the in half the districts of the consociety. He has also often helped nection, it is a matter for great the churches of his denomination thankfulness and hope that the into pay their chapel debts. A few come should already have begun to weeks since he gave £10,000 toward show this decided upward tenthe funds of the Calvinistic Method- dency. And it is especially enist Orphanage recently opened at 'couraging to note that, with a Bontnewydd, Carnarvonshire. This single exception, every district in is princely giving. Twenty-two the connection shares in the adand a half lakhs of rupees in one vance. The increase in income gift for the prosecution of mission represents an advance of more than work in Assam is a magnificent 7 per cent. upon that of 1901; so contribution to the cause of evan- that in the mere beginnings-as we gelization in this land. Ve trust trust they will prove to be-of the brol!-d and comprehensive plans for missionary revival, the ideal of a 5 per cent. annual advance has been already outstripped." In the mis- sions under the immediate direc-
tion of the British Conference. Bible women have access to 9,728 which are situated in Europe, Cey- zenanas and houses, and 2,728 regulon, India, China, South Africa, lar pupils under instruction. The West Africa, Honduras, and the Bible women also visit 1,012 vil- Bahamas, there are now nearly 400 lages. In the medical work they missionaries, over 60,000 church were greatly encouraged. In the members, 100,000 children and society's hospitals at Lucknow, young people under instruction, Patna, Benares, Ajodhya, and and a total Christian community .Jaunpur there were treated no of about 200,000. fewer than 23,219 patients and 72,- 921 consultations were recorded. A Society Out By the grace of of Debt God and the gift of The Belgian The operations of friends, the London MissionlU')' this body are among Missionary Society is relieved of an Church the Walloons in embarrassing load, and largely Brabant, Hainault, through the last £500 promised by an anonymous friend, " Dernier Liege, and Namur, and among the RessQrt," and an appeal from two Flemish in Antwerp, Brussels, Isle of Wight ministers, which Ghent, and Ostend. It reaches brought in £2,000. Says The Chron- chiefly the artisan class, and its icle,' members are miners, iron-workers, glass-workers, and sUlaIl trades- It is an achievement of which men. The 'Valloon section includes 29 churches, 55 districts for evanour whole constituency may well gelists, 66 Sunday-schools, and 6 colporteurs and licensed Scripture be proud. Twelve months ago readers. The Flemish section has 4 churches, 9 districts for evangelmore than £33,000 remained to be ists, 9 Sunday-schools, 4 pastors and 1 evangelist, and 3 Scripture raised- apparently an almost hope- readers and 1 colporteur. There are altogether 36 ministers, 3 evanless task, in view of the fact that gelists, 8 readers, and 4 colporteurs. The localities regularly evangelized the Twentieth Century Fund had are 100, and irregularly, 80. The adult membership (6,502) increased only recently been closed, and tpat by 500 last year, and there are 3,050 children in the Sunday-schools. people were tired of special appeals. The average stipend among the ministers is only £80 for 1902. The But the churches realized that it amount of money expended OIL the entire work is £8,152. was through no imprudence or mis- management that the deficiency had been accumulated; they took it not as a sign of failure, but as a token of the very real progress and vitality of the work; and by their magnificent response they have shown that their confidence in the society and their devotion to the missionary enterprise are un- abated. .
Zenana and- At the May anni- The Moravians According to B. Bible Medical versary of this so- in Financial Hitzer: " As the Missions ciety it was re- ported that the Straits result of a recent number of workers was 221ess than conference, grants a year ago, when they had 157 European missionaries and assist- are to be curtailed in all those ants, 191 native Christian teachers and nurses, and 84 Bihle women, fields where poverty of result seems making a total of 432 workers. They had 64 schools and institu- to point to doors as yet closed by tions, in which were 3,208 pupils, as well as 226 women and girls in the Lord. As far as funds are orphanages. The missionaries and available, every furtherance is to be given to fields where the work is successful or promising. – To give
GENERAl, MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
practical effect to this resolution, numbers, 95,850,000 orthodox Greek each field was discussed separately Catholics, 12,150,000 Roman Cathoon the lines laid down, with the lics, 12.150,000 Mohammedans, result that there will be no further 6,751J,OOO Protestants, 4,050,000 development in Himalaya West, Jews, 1,350,000 United Church and California, and Alaska. The grant Armenians, and 2,700,000 followers for Demerara is to be reduced; for of other faiths. the Mosquito Coast a maximum grant has been fixed, with the re- Miss Stone Miss Ellen Stone's quest to the Board to direct special to Retum capture by the .attention, in view of the troubled to Macedonia brigands brought condition of the country, to diminution of staff and reduction of ex- her into such prompenditure, A diminished staff for inence before the public mind that Labrador was also agreed upon. the people in both continents are Of the older fields, South Africa interested in her career. The re- West is to be no longer chargeable port is now confirmed by the Rev. upon the General Fund, but is to Dr. J. L. Barton, Foreign Secretary occupy an independent position-a of the American Board, that Miss step which it would have been pref- Stone plans to return and resume erable to defer for a few years, but her missionary labors in Turkey. which necessity demands. Surinam Dr. Barton says the American offers peculiar conditions: there is, Board countenances Miss Stone's on the one hand, a large negro claim for indemnity, and denies church, and, on the other hand, the that she has written to Washington mission among bushmen and coolies a demand for damages, that mis- -both important tasks, requiring sionary work in Turkey has been vigorous support. handicapped by the Stone episode, or that there is any division over Contribution In Allgemeine Zeit- hel'indemnity.-Intelligencer. of Germany 8chrijt Pastor Doh- to Missions ler gives these fig- The Blood ASIA Shed by Turkey's massacre ures in setting forth the Turks account of helpless, the zeal of the German Protestant inoffensive subchurches: .. Income of 25 societies j e c t s duriug 75 last year, $1,581,154 (an increase of $51,164 over last year), 576 stations, years shows a total of 171,000 1,872 out-stations, 956 male missionaries (wives not being reckoned Greeks, Nestorians, Syrians, Bulas missionaries), 114 unmarried women, 152 ordained and 4,346 un- garians, and Armenians. The ordained native missionaries, 2,025 teachers, 94,338 scholars, and 397,746 table makes no account of masnative Christians." sacres with less than 10,000 vic- The Religious The announcement Faiths in Russia of the imperial-de- tim'!, nor of the hundreds who are cree, declaring re- more quietly put out of the way ligious toleration throughout the in ordinary times. One hundred Russian Empire, has aroused con- thottsand have bE-en slaughtered siderable interest in the religious make-up of that nation. Accord- under the present sultan, Abduling to the latest available statistics, there are in Russia, in round Hamid II., whose Armenian vic- tims alone exceed all who perished in the 10 great persecutions of the early Christians under the heathen emperors of Rome.
Needs of Beirut Oollege, in Beirut College Beirut, Syria, has reached a s tag e when its chief danger arises from
its phenomenal success. It was every seventh year has become of great importance to Jewish colonifounded in 1866, and has had suc- zation in Palestine. This question practically arose for the first time cessive broadenings of its scope in in the year 5657 (1896-97). Then such famous rabbis as Rabbi Isaac 1867, 1871, and 1900. The Elchanan Spektor, of Kovno, and Rabbi Samuel Mohilever, of Bialyarea from which the college's large stock, basing their decision on Maironides, declared that the combody of students come extends mand of Shemitah was dependent on the existence of the Temple. from the Black Sea to the Sudan. As the rabbis of Jerusalem were, however, of a different opinion, the Most of the physicians in the Egyp- pious colonists of Ekron refused to till their land, with the result that tian army are said to be graduates they have not been able to the present day to recover from the of Beirut. The growth of the in- losses.
stitution during the past 5 years has been such as to tax to the very utmost its resources. It has reach- ed a point where it must provide for a constantly increasing number of applicants or lose the confidence of the community. Its present en- dowment is wholly insufficient to provide the adequate number of teachers required, altho many, per- Sir Andrew "Not till India pos- Wingate sesses a Bible-perhaps most, of its faculty pay a on India meated atmosphere may we hope that large part of their own expenses out Indian boys and girls wiII grow up of their personal resources. An with the moral fiber necessary to produce a race capable of a stable appeal for half a million dollars to self-government and united to pro- tect it. Comparing the India of add to its present inadequate en- to-day with the India I recollect thirty years ago, I can safely say dowment is put forth by the direc- that there is a higher respect for truth, that our public services are tors, of which body the well-known vastly more free from corruption, that there is a much healthier pubphilanthropist, Mr. Morris K. lic opinion, and while many causes are operating to produce this all- Jesup, is president, and D. Stuart round better tone, the improvement must, I think, be mainly attributed Dodge, son of William E. Dodge, to the gradual introduction through various channels of the Bible and formerly one of the professors, standard into the India mind. It is one of the most encouraging is trensurer.-Inieri01'. signs of to-day that some of our foremost Indian public men are The Jews Dm'ing the last taking a fine stand on the side of in Palestine three years 4 new right, and are putting forth efforts to arouse the national conscience Jewish colonies to national sins." have been established in the Holy Land – namely, Sedjera Meska, Indian Women Miss A. Abbott, in lama, and Dalayke. They are all in Eastern Galilee, not far from Rising an address given Tiberias, and are occupied by 58 colonists and 50 day laborers. The in the recent Maformer are from older colonies in want of land. Another colony dras Conference, that '.' ten years called Abadjeh is being formed near Mount Tabor. The number of Jewish settlements in the Holy Land wiII then he 29.
The Jewish }Vorld says that the question whether the Jewish agriculturists in Palestine are obliged to observe the command in the Pentateuch not to till the land
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
ago a Christian girl had only 3 cent, helpless children confined avocations before her-that of a wife, a teacher, and a Bible woman. within Ramabai's walls, crying to N ow a bright, educated girl has open to her, besides, the professions see their parents, silenced by her of nurse, doctor, lawyer, author, editor, etc. Ability and persever- relentless hands. (Ill)" ance need be the only limit to a woman's honorable professional A Hindu If one wants vigorcareer. In developing self-support among t~e large number of women Denunciation ous and unqualified and girls which recent successive famines have brought to mission- of Hinduism denunciation 0 n aries, many industries have sprung up. To name some-rug-weaving, Hindu worship, one silk embroidery, phulkari, drawn thread work, lace, handkerchief need not go to the Christian mismaking, crocheting, knitting, weaving garees, spinning cotton, sionary_ The Hindu himself, when durrie and tape weaving, embroidering shoes, making of chairs, in the mood for denunciation, is baskets, and chics, rope-making, gardening, and field work. Most far more scathing than the misof these employments are indigenous to the country, but hitherto sionary. Here, for example, is the have been the exclusive right ot men." way in which the Hitabude de- A Hindu Paper " The Christians scribes the famous KaIighat: on Pundita say they are doing a Ramabai philanthropic work If we consider what takes place in taking so many in this holy place we can only call it a place of sin. When we see in a homeless children of India under Hindu country a place of Hindu their care. Were it even so, would pilgrimage in such a deplorable it not be shame to live upon an- condition there is no limit to our other's charity, and especially so shame. For this reason we menwhen the sine qua non of his char- tion this subject again and again, ity is that we should bid adieu to and shall continue to do so as long our own religion. Ye advocates of as it is not remedied. In the shops early marriage and ye who oppose where fruits and sweets are sold widow marriage, reflect for a mo- all manner of sin is committed. ment, what consequences have fol- Pilfering, stealing, pickpocketing lowed your obstinacy and ignor- are common occurrences, but, in ance. Do not think that Ramabai addition to this, the modesty of has carried away only 1,700 girls women is outraged in this hell. In whom the nation did not want the adjoining rest-houses these sins much; she has laid the foundation are committed. Shopkeepers, by of 1,700 new Christian families. force or by trickery, rob the pil- And do you know where the new grims of all their money. The family makers will come from P Brahmins, with their marked fore- From among yourselves, is our an- heads, their bead necklaces. their swer. Our heart burns with rage clothes and garments stamped when we think of the tender, inno- with the names of their gods (wolves in sheep's clothing), joining hands with the shopkeepers, make it their chief business to rob the pilgrims, sharing the gains with them. Being considered a holy people, they are allowed to enter any part of the temple; taking ad- vantage of this privilege, they make it an opportunity to sin. The Brahmins are of the lowest character. Their daily custom is to drink and to make gaija. Such are the priests of our places of pil- grimage. We bow our heads with shame as we say it.-Harvest Field.
Hinduism It is generally ac- Declining cepted by thought- ful men of the Hin- du community that the Hindus as a community have seen their palm-
iest days, and are now on the de- country with an independent inner adminis- cline. The Indian Social Reformer, tration. In order to accomplish this task, among the most unprejudiced, out- Russia and China are to share the work. spoken, and progressive of the or- Russia takes upon herself the reorganization gans of native thought that India of the Tibetan military forces on the Euro- boasts of, faces this fact in a manly pean model, and obliges herself to carry into and courageous way. Quoting effect this reform in a good spirit, and with- from unimpeachable census statis- out incurring blame from the native popula- tics, it is shown that "the Hindus tion. China, for her part, is to take cart' of are declining slowly, and some the development of the economic situation of other communities (notably the Tibet, and specially of her progress abroad. Christians) are increasing rapidly." Four causes are instanced as oper- I thank God that He bas enabled ating to bring about this decline: a high death-rate, a relatively low me to live here in this little corner birth-rate, religious conversion, and emigration to foreign lands. of Tibet. and has brought to naught "It has been the b03;st and solace of our transcendental wordsmen all the endeavors of those in Chi- (sic) that the Hindu race had endured for centuries, and that it will nese employ to have me turned out. live on forever whatever we may do or not do," says our contempo- The Tibetans trust me and want rary; "but this last refuge of intellectual imbecility is, at last, in a me. They do not want Russian fair way of being destroyed; " that is, by the disclosures of the census. rule. Pray that wisdpm may be -Indian Wit'ness. given to our rulers in connection The Outlook I send a copy of the in Tibet Russo-Chinese with the Tibetan question. God Treaty about Tibet, will do great things for this dark and ask that prayer "may go up to God that this device of the evil one land if we only trust Him, and go to keep the Gospel out of Tibet may be frustrILted : right through with Him whatever COpy OF RUSSO-CHINESE TREA'£Y comes. ANNIE R. TAYLOR. Art. l.-Tibet being a territory situated between Central Cbina and Western Siberia, YATONG. Tibet, via Darjeeling, India. Russia and Chin~ are mutually obliged to care for the maintenance of peaee in that The Religious Mr ..John R. Mott, country_ In case troubles should arise in Situation the representative Tibet, China, in order to preserve this district. and Russia, in order to protect her in Manchuria of the World's Stufrontier, shall despatch thither military dent Christian Fedforces on mutual potification. Art. 2.-In case of apprehension of a third eration, who has just returned Power's contriving'. directly or indirectly, from Australia, has recently given troubles in Tibet, Russia and Ohina oblige interesting data concerning the themselves to concur iL taking such measures Chinese province of Manchuria, as may seem advisable for repressing such to which the eyes of the world are trouble. now being directed. The area of Art. a.-Entire liberty in what concerns Manchuria is three times that of Rmsian Orthodox as well as Lamaist worship Great Britain, and its popUlation will be introduced in Tibet; but all other re- about 20,000,000_ It is inhabited by ligious doctrines will be absolutely prohibited. a virile race, consisting of the Chi- For this purl<>se, the Grand-Lama and the nese and of the Manchus, the race superintendent of the Orthodox Peking Mis- which conquered China. Missionsion are bound to proceed amicably. and by ary operations were begun in Manmutual consent, SO as to guarantee the free churia in 1870 by two Irish preachpropagation of both religions, and take all ers. At first the natives were necessary measures for avoiding religious hostile, and the path of the mis- sionaries was full of difficulties. In di~~~~':'Tibet allall be made, gradually, a 1873 there were only 3 converts, in 1899 there were 19,COO. and until the outbreak of the Boxer troubles they were steadily increasiIlg at the rate of aoout 50 per ceut. a year. There were at that time abollt 60 foreign missionaries in the field_ Special attention has all along been given to the training of na-
1903J GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
tive helpers. The medical work These converts have been gathered has been the means of opening a in at 69 stations and from 13 of the way to the Gospel. The most re- 15 provinces in which our mission cent reports are to the effect that is at work. In view of the politi- Russia has put every possible ob- cal unrest that prevailed in many struction in the way of reopening parts of China during the year. the abandoned mission stations. this is a great advance over the She has already put Manchuria previous year. During 1901 the under the Greek archimandrite of admissions into Church fellowship Peking, and has limited all Chris- numbered only 422. Do we not see tian teaching to members of the in these figures great cause for Orthodox Greek Church. She has thanksgiving to our God who has also appropriated existing mission so graciously wrought through ~is buildings to the use of "the Ortho- servants to bring about this most dox Church."–Christendom. gratifying result? The two prov- inces from which no baptisms are Russian Every Protestant reported are Yun-nan and Chih-li. Intolerance Christian m u s t The provinces most fruitful in bap- in Manchuria view wi th deep con- tisms are Cheh-kiang and Shan-si- the martyr provinces-and Si- cern Russia's seem- ch'uen and Kiang-si.'-China's Miling determination to possess this lions. province of the Chinese Empire, since if her schemes are not Light Entering Two recent events thwarted our mission work therein will soon come to an end. These China in Kayin. among signs are most significant and alarming. Russia has not per- the Hakkas of mitted the restoration of stations destroyed by the Boxers. Dr. southeastern China, illustrate in a Greig, a medical missionary, having broken through the cordon of forceful w'ay the interest in West· guards to the north last year, was forcibly deported. The province ern learning, which is universal has been put under the archimandrite of Peking, and all Christian throughout China. One of these teaching is strictly limited to representatives of the Greek Church, is the opening of a free public readand chapels have been put into the hands of Russian priests. ing-room in a portion of the Confu- The China As there may still cian temple, where dailies can be Inland Mission be returns to come seen from Swatow, Hongkong, from very distant stations, the figures may not, be Shanghai, and Japan, also other finally complete, but so far as at present reported, the total number periodicals in Chinese, and a few of Chinese converts baptized in connection with our work during books. The room is a city institulast year is 1,016. It should be remembered that these figures do not tion, being supported by the wharrepresent the total number of souls saved, but only those who, after fagp. rates. There are many who much testing, have been admitted to the fellowship of the Church. are regular patrons of the place, and keep well informed regarding leading events throughout the world. A recent visit of the mis- sionary brought a flood of ques- tions from the Chinese present re- garding such matters as the Vene- zuelan trouble, the Panama Canal, etc. The other event is the com- pletion of a hospital by a native society organized for the purpose, where it is proposed to have 2 resi- dent physicians, with other help- ers. Dr. Wittenberg, of the Basle
Mission in Kayin, has been asked of failures is legion. In time doubt- to give two forenoons a week for less this will be altered, when they the treatment of eye and surgical lay hold effectually on the power cases. The project is entirely a and grace given in the Gospel. In native one.-REv. S. R. WAR- the meantime these facts need grasping at home, and much prayer BURTON. should be offered that the fulness of God's grace may meet their Two Evil Ve can not and needs.-C. M. S. Intelligence1·. Omens must not shut our in Japan eyes to the many AFRICA difficulties that ex- A Difficult In the c e n t r a I ist. It can only be done at the ex- Mission Field Sudan is a territory pense of losing the help of the much· needed prayer they call for. bounded by the It is to be feared, from the accounts Sahara Desert on the north, and which have appeared in various by the two great rivers, the Niger home papers and periodicals, that and the Rinue, which meet at the glowing reports of the special Lokoja, 350 miles from the north- meetings held last year have tended west coast of Africa. Its people, to minimize the difficulties of work the Hausas, are a Mohammedan in this country. Japan has been nation of 15,000,000, of whom it is the first Eastern nation to be ad- estimated that two-thtrds are mitted to an alliance with a West- slaves. They live mainly in ern power, and has been described walled cities, some of them having as having made wonderful strides 200,000 inhabitants. They carry in education, commerce, and gen- on extensive manufactures, smelteral civilization; and many have ing iron from native ore, weaving been led to think this improvement cloth, cultivating fertile fields. has touched the heart and morals Their ruling classes are strong, of the people. Far from that: not healthy, able men. They possess only missionaries of some standing a literature of their own, and mainhave noticed the terrible decay of tain schools for their boys. Polygwhat morality existed previously, amy flourishes, and their women but Japanese statesmen, education- are uneducated. The English alists, journalists, and many other Ohurch Missionary Society is Christians and non-Christians making an effort to enter this wonalike, are repeatedly calling at- derful country. Five missionarie.'3 tention to and deploring it. penetrated the heart of Hausaland in 1900, a difficult journey of 600 One sad feature in the work in miles, as far as Kano, a city of Japan is the number of defections 200,000. Rut the king, fearing that in all stages and the falling into sin th~ "praying men" would try to of Chril.tians, some after walking break up the slave traffic, expelled well, some after leading others, and them. They retreated to a small sometimes of catechists-alas! town of 500 people, where one of there have been several instances their number died and another of such in different districts this was sent home an invalid. After year. The Japanese frequently eight months their mission house start in enterprises of all kinds, was burned, and the survivors were temporal and spiritual, with most obliged to withdraw. In February, sanguine hopes, but without full 1902, one of the party, Dr. Walter consideration of circumstances; Miller, obtained permission from and since lack of perseverance is a the king to return, and is now trynational characteristic, the number
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
ing to establish a mission on the coffee, and oil products of the coun- spot where the first attempt was try. His government of the mil- made.-Congregationalist. lion square miles of territory has been increasingly unsatisfactory on Love Among The Hausas near account of the acts of the Belgian the Hausas Lake Tchad, who officials there. In order to make a good commercial showing these offi- are famous for their cialshaveoppressea the blacks, have powers and energy, are aggressive made many virtually slaves, and Mohammedans. Recently the fol- have introduced a reign of terror. lowing remarks were heard froUl The British and American mission- them referring to a missionary aries are greatly hampered in their physician: work by the greedy and cruel offi- cers of the Belgian king. While ""Yhy does the batuse (white there have been rich financial re- man) love us? Why does he suck turns from the Kongo, the very the death-wound when our own kith purpose of the founders of that and kin would leave us to die?" State has been nullified. None ventures to reply. " It is be- cause of his religion," says the first Missions on The 8 societies at speaker, after a long pause. "His the Kongo work in the Kongo because of his Jesus, the Prophet of the white man. He, this same Free State, accord- Jesus, taught them in His sacred ing to a recent Regions Beyond Book to love all men. Ah, what Union, are represented by 211 misa Prophet is this Jesus! vVe have sionaries, 283 native evangelists, no love among us. We can not 327 native teachers, 5,641 in Sundaytrust each other as the white man schools, 10,162 in day-schools, 6,521 trusts. lVe would have fled and communicants, and 1,470 catechuleft the sick man to die-nay, was mens. Only so few in a state coverhe not as dead? But the batuse ing some 850,000 square miles, and would not leave him, for he containing (estimated) 20,000,000. loves his Prophet Jesus. Yhat a Prophet is this! God is, indeed, The Y. M. C. A. Recentadvicesfrom great."-Awake (C. M. S.). in South Africa South Africa indi- Inhumanity Rev. William Mor- catea great forward in the rison, a m81nber of movement by ti.e Young Men's Christian Associations of that Kongo State the American Pres- country. It is reported that no byterian Mission less than six buildings, costing $500,000, will be erected for these (South), stationed at Luebo, Cen- associations in the near future. tral Africa, reports cruelty,slavery, At Cape Town the association and broken treaties on the part of building has been doubled in size, Belgian officials in the Kongo at a cost of $75,000. There is a State. Other witnesses, notably membership of 1,500 young men Sir Charles DUke and Mr. Fox- here, a rapid increase from 400 hav- Bourne, have also testified to the ing been made. This association existence of the scandals, declaring is the headquarters for thousands that the Kongo State, as at present of young men ill the course of the constituted, is in a worse condition year, who come to this city, the than Portugal itself would have gateway to South Africa. Young maintained. The Berlin Confer- men coming to the diamond fields ence recognized King Leopold of are accommodated by the Kimberly Belgium as ruler of the Kongo. Branch, which is to have larger That monarch has now become a large dealer in the rubber, ivory,
quarters. The frontier point of churches and schools within the East London, Cape Colony. estab- protectorate; the enumeration cov- lished an association a few years ers 1,070 church buildings, having ago, and is doing valuable service a seating capacity of 126,851, with to the young men coming there an average Sunday attendance of from England. The Mayor of Pon 52,47l. Let it be remembered that Elizabeth, together with the clergy, the first Christian baptism in this is moving for the establishment of countl'y took place only twenty an association in that town. The years age."
Durban Association is about to ex- pend $85,000 for the erection of a AnAfrican A native of building, toward wnich the mer- Description of Uganda, who ac- chants have given $60,000. A mem- the Railwa" com p an i e d the bership of 1,000 is expected. Pie- prime-minister on termaritzsburg has a scheme in- his way to the coronation of King volving the outlay of $40,000 fOl' a Edward, wrote to his friend about three-story building for the city the Uganda railway, giving the center of the "Garden Colony." .following description of it: In the Transvaal and Johannes- My friend, I can tell you the burg plans involving an expendi- Europeans have done a marvelous ture of $250,000 for buildings and improvements are launched. The thing to make the railway and the Johannesburg Association admit- trains. They fasten 10 or Hi houses ted 157 members in one month. together and attach them to a fire- These buildings will provide all that a young man needs in the way place, which is as big as an eleof home and club privileges. phant, and the road it goes on is as Uganda Then Says the C. M. 8. smooth as the stem of a plantain. and Now Gleane1' : "On a It goes as fast as a swallow flying, hill near the cathe- and everything you see outside dral, a quarter of a century ago, flies past you like a spark from a 'thousands of innocent victims of fire. If it were to drop off one of the wrath and cruelty of former the bridges not one in it would be saved, for it goes dreadfully quick.
The hills it passes are as high as those of Koki, and they have bridg- ed over great valleys so deep that you can not see the bottom when when you are going over them.
kings of Uganda would be slaught- A French The journal of the ered at a time. To this day their View of Par i s Missionary bleached bones are to be seen in Madagascar Society has pub- quantities all over the hill. There lished a series of are many other similar old execu- .important articles by Mons. Bian- tion places to be seen in Uganda. quis, the leader of the French Prot- It used to be the boast of the king estant Mission in Madagascar.
and of all great chiefs that they The author says that whereas the had absolute power of life and onward march of civilization has death over their subjects, and that been very rapid in Madagascar they could use it with unbridled since the French occupation, it has license. To the rulers of Uganda. been far otherwise with the prog- the glory of their country consisted ress of the Gospel. .
in the quantity of blood they were In 1895, on the eve of the French able to shed.' The contrast seen occupation, there were four Prot- to-day is certainly marvelous. The estant societies at work-the L. M.
British Commissioner in Uganda S., the Friends, the S. P. G., and has recently had a census taken of the Norwegians. Of these, the two ·all the Church Missionary Society latter were working chiefly in the
1903J GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
provinces, the S. P. G. among the and peace of Christianity. To their Betsimisaraka on the east coast, and the Norwegians among the village they welcome all new con- Betsileo, the Bara, and other tribes further south. Neither of these verts, teach them and help to promissions had much to do with the tect them; and if they resolve to Hovas. The L. M. S. and the Friends had devoted themselves live there, all unite and assist in chiefly to the Hovas, the ruling race. Wherever there was a, Hova building a new house for them colony, or garrison, there would be found a church of the" Independ- after a given plan on straight ent" order. From this whole district the L. M. S. has now with- streets running parallel with each drawn, and no one has taken its other, and with streets at right place. The result of the French occupation was the ruin of these angles. All houses built on strong distant Hova colonies. The fall of the Hovas meant th e disappearance wood foundations, wattled and of Protestant Christianity from the outlying districts, and the plastered with lime, and white- Jesuits took full advantage of the political situation to establish washed. The cottages are neat, themselves in almost every part of the island. and are all kept clean-a great con- It was under these circumstances trast to the heathen villages. The that the Paris Missionary Society began its work in Madagascar. village is on a healthy site, bought Its first representatives appeared for the purpose near the mission chiefly as the protectors and sponsors of the English and Norwegian house, so that they may have the missions-a duty happily no longer necessary. Now the Paris Society help and advice of the missionary has found other work laid upon it. The L. M. S. has been obliged to in all difficulties raised by the withdraw from nearly a third of its fields in Imerina and Betsileo, heathen, and may also help the as well as from all the more distant mission!;!, and milch of this work missionary in his work, and receive has fallen into the hands of the his constant teaching and care. Paris Society. JOHN G. PATON. ISLANDS OF THE SEA Good News On the unhealthy Christian Village The converts at from New German coast of the in the the mission sta- Guinea great island of New New Hebrides tions in Malekula Guinea the Rhenish have built a Mission has been laboring ..ince Christian village in which they live. 1887. The labor cost many lives, All are clothed. They begin and and until recently it seemed to be close every day with praise and fruitless. Now all at once the seed prayer, and are very happy with sown seems to be coming up, and we are able to report the following each other, giving a daily object- good news. Missionary Hoffman lesson to the heathen of the joy writes: The grown people come regularly to service and the children to school. But not even yet have the adults come to a. decision. The peo- ple all assent to what I tell them, and many f'.ppear to be also inward- ly persuaded of the truth of the message; but they still shrink back from breaking with the ways of the fathers. But one thing appears to he cert,ain: that the chief bulwark of heathenism here, the secret orgies of their worship, is breaking up. A small part of the people would be glad to abolish it alto- gether. These lately declared at our service that it is no longer these pagan mysteries which re- strain them frpm becoming" Jesus people," but the fear that they
would then have to let everything MISCELLANEOUS go which is dear to them. Not Plethora. When in Africa Missionary Bergmann writes that but Poverty there is a section a man from Sial' has said to him that the men had held an assembly, holding 40,000,000 in which it had been determined to people with but 5 missionaries; give up the heathen religion, and when in India a clergyman, native instead of it accept the Jesus or foreign, meeting a brother "whom the white missionaries clergyman, will see passing 139,199 preach." Yes, they (the Sial' men) other people before meeting would bring to him all such things, another; and when our own counmasks, etc., as appertain to the try could send abroad 10,000 Protheathen cult, that he might burn estant ministers, and yet have left, them before the eyes of all. Simi- making allowance fOl' the aged and lar resolutions, he said, had heen infirm, one for every 1,000 inhabipassed in other villages. Nay, tants, it does seem that we are not some Sial' men had, in the mission- in any thrilling danger of overary'spresence, audin the hearing of doing foreign missions. the women, altho before them this whole system of spirit-worship is The StOl')' The Divine promise commonly made a matter of deep mystery, declared that all this is of a that the Word of bad, and that they would take Jesus instead. New Testament God shall not re- God grant that this may be a turn unto Him void token that after the time of wilsome sowing, at last the time of is fulfilled in many striking ways. joyful reaping is at handl-Der Missions Freund. Years ago, says the writer in Le Fretre Converti, a Dominican priest, Alonzo Sattana, became a Protestant and translated the New Testament, the instrument of his conversion, into the Tagalog dia- lect. With the help of an agent of Self-Support Dr. Stuntz, the the British and Foreign Bible So- in the superintendent of ciety, he spread th£: copies through Philippines the Methodist Epis- the Philippine Islands. He was, copal mission in the however, soon seized and put to Philippine Islands, who, in a letter death by order of the Rom ish eccle- just received, says that of the 58 siastical authorities at Manila, the Filipino local preachers and exhor- Bible Society agent, an English- ters of the mission, besides 2 ·01'- man, escaping by reason of his na- dained members of annual confer- tionality. The copies of the New ence, not one is paid from the Testament were carefully collected mISSIOnary society's appropria- -all save one, which fell into the tions, and seven-eighths of them hands of a merchant, Paulino Za- receive no support from any mis- mora, who, with hili! family, was sionary source whatever, but are converted, and his son to-day is true "local preachers, " earning the first Protestant minister of the their own bread "in the calling" first evangelical Church in the in which the Gospel found them. Philippines.
The Missionary Review of the World — January 1891
J. M
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIV. No. t.-Old Series.–J ANUARY.–VoL. IV. No. t.-New Series.
L–LITERATURE OF MISSIONS.
FALLEN ASLEEP-REV. JAMES M. SHERWOOD, D.D. Like it winter avalanche in the Engadine-sudden, swift and inevitable-Deathcame to our beloved, associate editor, on October 22d. He had been, as usual, at the weekly prayer service, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, the week previous, and had spoken-all unct'>nsciously-his last public words. At the close of a brief, but earnest and impressive address, he faltered a little, said, "Let us pray," and sank back into his seat, speechless. He was tenderly borne to his home, and, after a few days of flickering flame, life's lamp went out so quietly that the exact moment was scarcely perceptible-let us not say "went out," but was transferred to another sphere to burn and shine forever. This departure withdraws from earthly scenes a man who had a large circle of friends. He had been preacher, pastor, author, editor, and in every sphere of activity he touched nothing which he did not adorn. He was not cut off prematurely, for he was in his seventyeighth year; and his years were packed with various and versatile endeavor. Born in Fishkill, N. Y., in 1813, he had only a common-school education, and entered, as clerk, his father's store in Johnsville; until, feeling in him the resistless impulse, toward the ministry of the Gospel, he, with his father's consent, turned his steps toward the pulpit, was taken under care of presbytery and studied theology with the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Fishkill, Rev. Robert G. Armstrong. At, the age of twenty-two, he was licensed to preach, and subsequently served churches in Mendon, N.Y., New Windsor, N.Y., and Bloomfield, N. J. In each of these churches he left his mark both as a preacher and a pastor.' He also acted as evangelist for a term in Milford, Conn. After his health seemed to demand a change of occupation he found a fitting sphere for his busy brain and ready pen in the gi'eat republic of letters. His work as editor of the National Preacher, Biblical Repository, New York Evangelist, Eclectic Magazine, Princeton Review, Hours at Home, Homiletic Repiew, and MISSION-
FALLEN ASLEEP-REV. JAMES M .. SHERWOOD, D. D
ARY REVIEW, has entered, into the unchangable record of history. He was the founder of Hours at Home, which was, in a sense, the parent of Scribner's Magazine; and the richness, variety, and marvel- lous success of the Homiletic Review, none know so well as the twenty thousand readers who study its pages.
Beside all his occasional papers, published in the leading maga- zines and periodicals, he wrote the "History of the Cross," and edited a new edition of the "Life of David Brainerd." He had also written a voluminous work on "Books and Authors," which has not yet ap- peared in print.
Such are the brief outlines of an intellectual life that extended over half a century. He was thrice married; his first wife was Miss Amanda Carpenter; his second, Mills Jane E. Lamberson; the third, Miss Annie Clarke, who survives him, as do also his five children.
We have never known a man of larger capacity for work. No one who knew him would have suspected that he was far on the way toward four-score years. And there was not the slightest sign of intellectual decadence. Up to the last his mind worked with all its pristine vigor and versatility. To the very day when paralysis struck him, he seemed as fresh and young, mentally, as in the years of early manhood, and he actually worked from fifteen to eighteen hours out of every twenty-four.
He was an embodieo, conscience. Duty was his polar star. Indeed, he had but little patienc~ with anything wrong, ignoble, di3honest. In his vocabulary the word" expediency" was not found. Right was his only might, and principle his only policy. There were those who possibly construed as severity what was only an uncompromising adherence to right and righteousness. I,ow moral standards and equivocal moral practices could find with him no toleration, and but little forbearance.
Religiously he was a thoroughly evangelical disciple. He knew no theology but the old theology of Paul. That was good enough for him. He regarded the new notions creeping into the doctrinal beliefs of our day as signs of degeneration and disintegration. He believed implicitly the Word of God and the whole of it, and bowed in humility before tIle mysteries he could not explain. To no work of his life did he give himself with such absolute heartiness as to the editing of a REVIEW whose grand object was to promote a world's evangeli-' zation. ,He was especially desil'Ous' to live till he might see this, the last and most precious work of his life, established on a basis of permanency and having a world-wide circulation.'
As a man, especially in his own household and within th~ circle of intimate friends, we cannot in these pages undertake to photograph his character. There are some secrets that cannot be unveiled to the common eye-they refuse to emerge from their privacy; they lose their beauty by disclosure. It is enough to say that 'he was most bel6lved by those who best kRew him.
Our readers will no longer read his words or feel the pOWEl'!' of his guiding hand in shaping the content·s of this REVIEW. His work here was invaluable. Although his duties, as simply editor, gave him little leisure as a 'Writer, and it was only in an occasional paragraph or a more infrequent article that his hand was seen, even while hidden, it still moved beneath the whole structure of this REVIEW. He was constantly seeking to engage the most competent pens to contribute to its columns, and was always on the alert to improve its quality and increase its circulation and enlarge its influence.
He rests from his labors; we devoutly believe that his works will follow him.
"MORS JANUA VIT.LE."
It may be well for the editor to add that, being left now in sole <lharge of this REVIEW, he proposes some minor alterations, which will be noticeable in the present issue. The number of departments will be less, and the fine print, so trying to many eyes, will be abandoned. Instead of letters from abroad, we shall venture often to give only their substance, and notices of books will appear on,Iy as editorial notes. The Monthly Bulletin will be simply an appendix to General Intelligence, in the briefest and most compendious form, presenting the latest news from various fields, etc. And, in view of the unselfishness of our work, which is undertaken solely for the promotion of the Kingdom of God, we again ask the prayerful, sympathetic co-operation of all who daily pray " Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done In earth as it is in heaven."
SYSTBMATIC GIVING.-To raise large sums for missions we have no need to depend on a few large givers, but only to "organize the littles." Dr. Guthrie eloquently urged hundreds of the poorer folk to take subscription cards and fill them up with such sums as they were able, from a sixpence to five shillings; and explained to them how the drops unite in showers, the showers produce rills, the rills, rivers, and the rivers make the sea! Not six hours after his speech a poor woman in Currie's Close had collected from scavengers and night police and basket-wives and match-sellers-and beings who live no mortal can tell how, over half a sovereign! And a little woman, who sat in all weathers on the street selling eggs from her ba8ket, brought in five shillings, the earnings of many a day's labor.
LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY
LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY. [EDITORIAL. ] On the map of Africa, which history is making, these two names will be engraven in letters so large that they will be read at the distance of ages. It may, therefore, be well to put on permanent record some characteristic facts which link with Equatoria and with each other-David Livingstone and Henry M. Stanley.
DAVID LIVINGSTONE, born March 19, 1813, died April 30, 1873~ having just passed his sixtieth year. Converted at twenty, he was. for forty years, in heart and aim, a mIsSIOnary. Thus have we roughly outlined a life that, within those two-score years, poured forth as much of the costly ointment of a consecrated service as, perhaps, anyone life since the age of the Apostles.
He was a man of singular force. As Sir Bartle Frere said, "Any five years of his life might have established for him, in any other occupation, such a character, and raised for him such a fortune, as none but the most energetic can realize." His last public utterance in his native Scotland seems to have been in Oswell's school, where his closing sentence was: "Fear God and work hard," and these words disclose the double secret of his life. By simple, God-fearing, hardworking perseverance he traveled 29,000 miles in Africa, .and added to the known regions of our globe a million square miles; he discovered Lakes 'Ngami, Shirwa, Nyassa, Moero, Bangweolo, the Upper Zambesi and other rivers; he unveiled the Victoria Falls that surpass Niagara; revealed the high ridges that flank the basin of the central plateau; first, as a European, compassed Tanganyika and gave it its true orientation; explored the geology, and hydrographyfauna and flora of the continent; nd so grappled with the two great enemies of man and beast, in Africa–j'ever and tsetse-that he himself said those two words would, at his death, be found engraven on his heart.
To energy he joined industry. What Livingstone was, as a scientist and explorer, the world does not yet fully know. His powers of mind were but medium, and his early opportunities were but meagre. But, like William Carey, he could" plod;" and rigid economy of time, yoked with patient resoluteness, gave a momentum to his life which native genius and great advantages often fail to secure. In the factory at Blantyre, where attention to his cotton-spinning was necessarily incessant, it was only fragments of time-often less than a minute-that could be spared from his work; but those fragments he gathered up, and it was upon solid and substantial diet that he fed his growing mind. In the books he read as a lad we can see the germs of his scientific career as a man. He was also careful in details. That famous" lined journal' of his was a quarto volume of over 800 pages, where the plain, neat writing is a model and a marvel -of pains and patience. The mind that, even in African wilds, found Telaxation in "Smith's Dictionary of the Bible," will not be charged with lightness or waste of time!
He was certainly ve1'satile~' and what great questions he studied! the dessication of Africa, the possible utilization of her great rivers, .as water highways; the physical structure, geology, climatology, botany, of the tracts traversed! Then, again, we find him translating hymns into the Sechuana language, and adding to all else the toil of book-making, in which, perhaps least of ali, he was a success. This was the only task he did not approach with that enthusiasm, without which he himself said that nothing either good or great is done. Book-making was to him a mere task, to which even crossing Africa was far to be preferred. But it is no marvel if a man, shut in with pagans and for years without contact or converse with a white man, not to sayan Englishman, should feel that he had none of the facile <Jommand over his own tongue, and none of that leisure to digest and .assimilate his own material, which are needful if a book is to be any- thing more than a printed jou1'llal.
Livingstone's services to science were too great for hasty recognition. The accuracy with which he traced his course and marked his geographical points, leaves almost all other explorers behind him. His astronomical observations, his dilicovery of the fact that the In- terior is a plateau intersected by various streams and lakes, whose waters reach the ocean through great fissures in the flanking hills; and his manifold contributions to every department of natural science, compelled even sages to say that such various and versatile suc- .(lesses were without precedent.
Traveler, explorer, geographer, astronomer, zoologist, botanist, physician, missionary-what a many-sided man! What accurate observation of details! What husbanding of results! He brought home twenty-five different sorts of fruits; told of oils, dyes, fibres, varieties -of sheep and vegetable-products of which even the Chamber of Commerce knew hitherto nothing. In May, 1855, the Geographical Sodety decorated him with their highest honor, the gold medal; London, Glasgow and Edinburgh conferred on him the freedom of their dties, while he who loved to minister but not to be ministered unto, shrank from publicity and courted retiracy.
Humor is a conspicuous element in all great natures. A hearty laugh, genuine and generous, somehow inspires confidence. Livingstone's habit of seeing the funny side of things saved many a tragic ending and tU1'lled many a tragedy into a comedy. He writes to his daughter Agnes, about his almost toothless jaws, that if she" takes .any more kisses from him it must be through a speaking trumpet." He declared the sight of a soko (gOt'ilIa) nauseating, and that he is so bideously ugly that he could conceive no other use for him than" to sit for a portrait of Satan." When showing his lantern-slides-the only service for whose repetition the natives clamored-it greatly amused him that those who stood on the side where the slides were withdrawn shrank back in mortal terror lest the mysterious figures that so magically appeared and disappeared should prove wandering spirits and enter into their bodies!
.Duty was his watchword. He was an incarnated conscience. In the scales of a candid mind he weighed eve)·y question, and, aftercarefully considering a course, judged for himself; and then dared to act independently, even though against the remonstrance of his best friends. To keep his word and to do his work was the double motto of his life.
Such elements of character always crystallize about a strong will. His favorite maxim was" Try again!" His persistence and perseverance were heroic and herculean. "If I live I must succeed in what I have undertaken; death alone will put a stop to my efforts,'" were his words in 1866, and they proved prophetic. Half-starved on tough and tasteless African maize, even his goats lost, and milk denied him; his medicine-chest stolen; in the heart of Africa without resource or defence against a thousand ailments, like a warrior without weapons at the mercy of his foes; afterward, narrowly escaping' death thre!l times in one day, and then almost dead of debility and disease;-not one man in a million would have gone forward. Especially when, in 1872, Stanley himself begged him to return with him to England, he never flinched from his resolve to remain in Africa. Nay, when a strange presentiment burdened him that he was on his last journey and would never reach its goal, he pressed on, praying' that before he fell he might work out his purpose!
Self-denial was, from the first, a habit. Privations and sorrows he accepted and expected, as Moses did when he calmly exchanged the treasures and pleaBures of Egypt for a share in the afflictions of the people of God. Rather than sacrifice Africa's good he would spend his last penny, surrender his dearest gains, and give up his last drop of blood.
Such was THE ~IAN who, beyond all others, henceforth stands in history as the heroic friend of Africa. Mr. E. D. Young, who knew him so long and so well, pronounced him" the best man he ever knew.'" Such filial trust in God, such a childlike, Christlike spirit, such loyalty to duty, purity of motive, simplicity of aim, energy of purpose and unselfish love, united to make his life one grand sermon. The iron pen of action, held in the hand of resolve, wrote out its sentences in living deeds on history's imperishable scroll, for all future ages to read in letters of light!
Iile was a man of great faith. His strong but simple confid~nce· in God's providence was the north star of his life. He saw how every' crisis of his life turned upon some seemingly trifling event, as a door swings on a hinge-but the hinge argues a workman who knows how much to hang upon it. He remembered how the chance reading of Dick's" Philosophy of the Future State" led him both toward faith in the unseen and toward a reverent philosophy of science; how Gutz- laff's appeal led him to be a missionary and a medical missionary, too; how while the opium war closed China against him, Moffat's visit wedded him to Africa and to his beloved" Mary" ; how the friendly word of a director procured for him another" trial," while his dangerous illness in London strangely shaped his unconscious future.
He learned also that the leadings of Providence, like the subtle sense of the Inspired Word, are to be read not by the natural but by the spiritual eye; and he sought, by specific prayer for guidance, to cultivate the" single eye," that there might be no dim or confused vision; and carefully watched every motion of God's beckoning hand, pointing finger, or guiding eye. One text gave telescopic range and microscopic delicacy to his vision: "In all thy ways acknowledge Htm, and He shall direct thy paths." This trust in God's providence discerned good and cause for gratitude even in trials and troubles.
Apparent calamity became a storm signal of the will of God; and when, in the death of his wife, that nameless sorrow which finds no earthly balm smote him, his only answer was that great petition of his life: "Fiat, .Domine, voluntas tual"
He believed in special providence. Even among men it is the great minds that give heed to minutire: the astronomer grasps an infinity of small things; the general-in-chief commands the least details in his wide survey of camp and campaign; and so God is not so high above us as not to "number the hairs of our head."
Such a man, of course, loved his Bible, wrote on his heart its pre- cious promises, and became so absorbed in them that he was indiffer- ent, if not insensible, to praise or blame; and, that he might neither be misled nor inflated by human approbation, he made it a rlile never to read or preserve any words ofpraise-which resolve, of itself, marks him as a most uncommon man. While in Manyuema, he four times read his Bible through; and when in Ulva Cottage, in Hamilton, I took that very book in my hands, I saw dimly through my tears the evidences upon its worn pages of the singular devotion of its la- mented owner.
Whatever Livingstons may be in history, in his own eyes he was, first and last, simply a missionary. Charles Gutzlaff's "Appeal for China" first set his heart aflame; but, when his early longing toward China was transferred to Africa, the fire of his enthusiasm lost noth- ing by the transfer of those live coals to a new altar of service and sacrifice. ' When he began his work his conception of himself was that of a mere missionary laborer, but better acquaintance with Africa's wants and woes gave breadth to his aim. He said there was need of one whose plans would embrace a whole continent and its whole. future. The entire land must be surveyed and mapped out; the accursed traf- fic in the bodies and souls of men abolished; the resources of the country developed, and new facilities devised for travel and traffic. Before the missionary could go, his path must be explored. Some John the Baptist must go before Jesus to make a level highway for our God. And this humble missionary-worker unconsciously devel- oped into the MISSIO~ARY GENERAL AND STATESMAN. Restraining the natural impatience of visible progress, he was willing to wait a century for the fruits of his works to be seen; as he grandly declared, the "END OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL FEAT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE EN- TERPRISE."
And so this humble man had a passion to act as a PIONEER, and open a path for others to follow; if he could not himself sow the seed, he could break up fallow ground, where as yet neither sower nor reaper had ever trodden.
Livingstone's ideas of mission work were evangelical and catholic. He offered himself to the London Missionary Society, because its sole aim was to send the Gospel to the heathen; setting up no par- ticular form of church order, but accepting laborers from different denominations, it concerned itself mainly with rearing churches of Christ on Pagan soil. Paul's motto was also Livingstone's: "THE REGIONS BEYOND." He took no "other man's line of things made ready to hand," but yearned to preach Christ where He had not hith- erto been named. As he told the directors of the London Missionary Society, he was at their disposal to "flO anywhere provided only it be FORWARD." The views of Blantyre's great hero, as to missions, are such as we wish might prevail everywhere. "Vith him the foremost law of mis- sions was NOT CONCENTRATION BUT DIFFUSION! However important to secure conversion of individual!'! or of communities, the field is the Vorld, and seed, scattered broadcast over the whole area, is far bet- ter than seed sown however thickly over a limited area. Ve are to seek to sow the whole field, rather than seek harvests however abun- dant in any part of it. He favored colonization, transplanting a body of Christian workmen into the midst of the dark places of the earth and the habitations of cmelty, to show how men and women in every calling, may "abide therein with God;" and he yearned to see twenty . 01' thirty families going together, at one time, to build up a Christian community in the heart of paganism. He gauged missionary success not by the shallow showing of so many converts for so many pounds, shillings and pence; but by the diffusion of better principles which no statistical columns can exhibit, any more than Babbage's calcula- ting machine could suffice for a barometer 01' a thermometer.
He was, in every best sense, a missionary martyr, both in witnessing and suffering. "Sacrifices" he would not call them; but they were many and great. Often soaked with drenching rains; his bed, the coarse, damp grass; his food, bird-seed, roots, African maize; forty timE)s scorched in the furnace of fever; what words can tell the agony, when, April 27, 1860, he left his dear "Mary" in the grave at Shupanga, and turned from her dust to find the only balm for his broken heart in seeking Africa's redemption! Three years later he must have touched the bottom depths of trial. His wife dead, his <lhildren orphans, his expedition recalled, his very efforts to serve God and man apparently turned by Satanic ingenuity into instruments of {lviI, isolated from all true human companionship, with the prostra- tion of disease added to all the vexation of delay and disappointment, how many men have ever faced such environments without suicidal ~e~pair? Seven years later, long without tidings from home,or contact with any European, lingering on a sick bed, without wife, child, mother, brothel' 01' friend to cheer him, a horror of great darkness fell upon him!
Among the great charms of this great man his genuine interest in individuals, however humble, was at once one of the highest, both as an ornament of his character and a secret of his influence. His deep piety transfigured this noble trait into a passion for souls which begot unsparing self-scrutiny. His lament over "poor Sehamy," and his misgivings and self-accusations, lest he had not done all he might to save his soul, reveal profound depths of habitual watchfulness over the lost. He bent every energy to the good of men. When he could not preach, his lantern-slides were made to tell to the eye great facts of Bible history; he subordinated everything to service.
His abhorrence of the slave trade was literally detestation-i. e., it compelled a testimony, which marked his whole course and even his dying utterances. To abate 01' abolish this evil was, perhaps, his master passion. What a debt Christian nations owe to Africa! The destruction of life in the" middle passage" forms but a fraction of the total waste. For every slave transported, a score have fallen by war or violence, disease 01' fatigue. Such atrocities have been linked to this nefarious traffic that the victims sacrificed by it, if laid side by side, would reach round the world, paving with skeletons a pathway over land and sea-bed. Everywhere he saw signs of this continued and continuing desolation-bones bleaching in the sun, fresh corpses floating on the rivers; often heaps of bodies where slave caravans had abandoned their sick, helpless 01' dead. Inhuman drivers shot, stabbed or left to die tho1<e who could not keep up with the rest, and often these were found not yet dead. On his way to Lake Bangweolo he heard six men, wearing the slave yoke, singing in the joy of the vengeance they anticipated in coming back after death to haunt their captors. Exaggeration as to the horrors of this trade is impossible; as the sailor said: "If the devil don't catch these fellows, as well have no devil at all! " The massacres he witnessed gave him the impression of being in hell, and to disclose the horrors of this business so as to lead to its suppression, inflamed his holy ambition more than to reveal the fountains of the Nile. And so, wherever he went, he aimed to teach the first truths of the Gospel and to rouse the dormant Christian con- cience to the measureless atrocity of this traffic. Just one year before his death he uttered those memorable words which still speak from -that memorial slab in Westminster's aisle: "ALL I CAN ADD IN MY LONELINESS IS, MAY HEAYEN'S RICH BLESSING COME DOWN ON EYERY ONE, AMERICAN, ENGLISHMAN OR TURK, WHO WILL HELP TO HEAL THE OPEN SORE OF THE WORLD!"
Livingstone's devotion to Africa was n.ot more remarkable than his power over her sable sons" even his first year there showed that in his hand was the sceptre that could rule Africans. His power was an open' secret. His simple frankness, kindly bearing, honest courage, transparent unselfishness, trust even in strangers, disarmed both sus- picion and antagonism. While with prayer and faith he sowed the seed of the Word, he sowed himself as the seed of the kingdom; and by forgiving injuries and trusting even the unworthy, by absolute fidelity even to trivial promises, and by a Christlike life that taught more than any words, he moulded even savages into noblemen. What his character wrought in this direction may be seen in Susi and Chuma, his faithful body servants, who amid such hardships bore his body from Ilala to England.
Dr. Blaikie, in his charming" Personal Life of Livingstone," sug- gests that the old Roman fashion would have written his name Livingstone" Africanus." When first overwhelmed with the vastness , of Africa, he asked: "Who will penetrate through the Dark Conti- nent ?" And that was the question of his life. From the day in December, 1840, when he first set forth for those shores, this double work, the emancipation and evangelization of Africa, was his passion. When, in 1863, he expected the recall of his expedition, he could only say: "If I am to go ' on the shelf' let that shelf be Africa." And history presents no fact more pathetic, poetic, prophetic in its sym- bolism, than this-that when, on April 80, 1878, he was found on his knees, at Ilala, dead, his heart should be buried there beneath a moula tree, while his body was borne to England to be laid in the great sepul- chre of her greater dead! Emphatically Livingstone's heart was from the beginning buried in Africa; but buried as the seed of a future harvest. It shall not abide alone, but dying, and springing up, bear much fruit-fruit too vast in measure for our arithmetic to estimate! 1Ve yearn to see that life and death bearing fruit in many holy lives. How slow are disciples to learn the ministry of money. Moffat nsed to say that the coming day will :find rich and great disciples regarding it an honor to spend their money not on hounds and horses, but in the support of whole stations of missionaries. Many who read these lines are providentially kept from giving their lives in personal labor for the degraded and destitute. But how many of Ull, had we but the spirit of David Livingstone, would be found living in the persons of other consecrated men and women, and, by the agency of these workmen, preaching the Gospel where Christ had never yet been named. Oh, that those who read the story of such a life, and walk over that memorial stone at the Abbey, would take up the work he laid down, and by their money, their prayers, their tears, their influence, if not their personal efforts, help to heal this open sore of the world, and light the flame of the Gospel and of the new life wherever darkness reigns and habitations of cruelty are found!
Yes, David Livingstone-thy candle, found burning in the grass hnt at IIala, still burns and shines, and never will it go out, until, from Zanzibar to Banana, from Nile to Niger, and from the Cape of Good Hope to the Pillars of Hercules, shall shine the Light of the World!
HENRY MORTLAKE STANLEY is by birth a Welshman, and his. original name was John Rowlands. The same year, 1841, that David Livingstone first reached Africa, was the year that ushered into life the boy who was to be his distinguished successor in the exploration of the Dark Continent. This is one of the striking coincidences of history: while the cotton-spinner of Blantyre was on his way to the Cape, an infant boy at Denbigh, in Wales, was :first starting on his voyage upon the unknown sea of life. A certain Mr. H. M. Stanley,. in New Orleans, adopted this Welsh boy, transmitting to him his own name, little knowing what high honor that boy was to reflect upon it. We follow this waif of humanity, as he enlists in the armies of the Confederacy, and subsequently drifts into the Federal ranks; until 1865, when, acting as secrctary for an admiral, he was promoted fOl' heroism, having manifested his courage by swimming, under :fire, to fasten a hawser to a Confederate vessel.
The next great step toward his after career was his becoming a· representative of the press'-;"a newspaper correspondent. He served in a Guerilla warfare against the North American Indians, then wrote letters to the New York Herald, accompanied the British expedition into Abyssinia, etc. Thus a mixed experience on land and sea, in army and navy, :fitted him for camp or campaign, tent or vessel; picking up scraps of information and gathering treasures of varied experience, he grew to be peculiarly adapted for the unique life he was to lead, but which only God's Providence had foreseen.
In 1869 he was commissioned by James Gordon Bennet, of the New York Herald, to find the lost Livingstone. His expedition was to be kept secret. He went by a round-about course, arrived at Zan- .zibar January 6, 1871, and started for the interior, feeling his way toward Livingstone by such indications as only the most sagacious instinct could recognize. He had used the time at sea, en route to the African Coast, to learn how to take astronomical observations and lJrepare himself as a surveyor. November 10, 1871, found him at Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika, and there he grasped the hand of the .scotch herb, of whom for three years no certain word had reached the ears of an anxious outside world. Twenty-three times Stanley }lad been prostrated with fever, but he felt repaid when, on December 27th, the travelers set out together for Unyanyembe; and more espe- {)ially when, on March 14, 1872, they parted, having been four months .and four days together.
In 1873, Mr. Stanley again accompanied the British expedition to Coomassie. That same year, May 4, 1873, Livingstone was found by Susi, at four o'clock in the morning, in the little grass hut, not in bed but at the bed-side, his head buried in his hands, and both buried in the pillow; the candle still burned, but the candle of life that bad shed its rays so far over benighted Africa, had gone out. In 1874, April 18th, the sacred dust of the great traveler reached their final resting-place in the Abbey; and MI': Stanley led the body of pallbearers, as they deposited, in the tomb in the nave, the body of the man to whom he owed more than to any other human being.
And now begins a new chapter, the .fourth in the weird experi- ence of that Welsh-American. He who, at U nyamyembe, had sorrowfully parted with Livingstone, by that open grave in Westminster, resolved to take up and finish the work he had left undone. And so a new chapter also opened in' Stanley's African experiences. On August 5, he left England, and on November 12-three years almost to a day from the time he first grasped Livingstone's hand-he left Zanzibar again for the unknown interior. At Uganda he met Mtesa, whose warriors he estimated at a quarter of a million. "While at his {)ourt he translated the Gospel according to Luke, and actually wrote a brief analysis of Bible history in Kiswaheli for the monarch's use. Mte,sa professed adherence to the Bible instead of the Koran, and invited to his capital Christian teachers. Stanley then wrote a letter, which was published in the Daily Telegraph, urging that missionaries should be sent. And so Stanley began, in more senses than one, to follow in the steps of the grand Scotchman. The Church Missionary Society sent men to Uganda, who, in 1877 began to labor. That letter of Stanley's had a stl'ange histOl"Y. It was given to I~inant de Belfonds, one of the officers of Gordon Pasha. When he was killed by the Baris the letter was found in his boot and forwarded by Gor- .don Pasha. After a journey of 7,000 miles, consuming 999 days, Stanley reached Banana point, August 9th, 1877. In January, 1879, he was again en route to the Dark Continent, at the head of the expedition, organized by Leopold 11., of Belgium, who, in place of his dead son, adopted Africa as his child and ward. Stanley reached the Congo's Estuary on August 14, 1879; Leopoldville station was built in April, 1882. Compelled by illness to return for a time to Europe, he came back to the Congo toward the end of the same year; and in August, 1884, reported to the King of Belgium that his mission was ac.complished. He had performed the stupendous feat of opening up the Congo basin, with its 5,249 miles of navigable waters, its 43,000,00() of people, its area of nearly 11,000,000 square miles drained by various streams. In February, 1885, the Congo Free State was erected and recognized as such, with Leopold II. as its sovereign.
January 20, 1887, Stanley begins a new chapter, and again Africa is the theatre of his action. He departs from London for the relief of Emin Pasha. February 25th, he once more left Zanzibar, and, going by the Congo's mouth, reached Leopo}dville, April 21st. A year later, April 29th, just fifteen years from the last day of Livingstone's travels, he met Emin Pasha at Kavalli, and December 6, 1889, emerged from darkest Africa once more at Zanzibar.
From that day honors were showered thick as autumn leaves on Stanley's head. The reception given him, May 5, 1890, at Albert Hall, in London, when 7,000 people were present, was one of the most brilliant assemblages of all modern history. Then, on July 12th, in the great Abbey, he led to the marriage altar his accomplished bride, Miss Tennant; and sInce, in her jubilee year, the Queen was there, Westminster has had no such gathering. Had it been a ,royal ceremony, the interest could not have been more intense or the throng more dense. 'l'he long, crimson carpet broke its lines only over the slab which in the isle bore the name of LIVINGSTONE. Two magnificent floral wreaths, one from the officers of the relief expedition, and another from Mr. Stanley himself, were laid on the sides of the prostrate tablet, and when the bride moved up the aisle she gracefully laid still another tribute upon the marble memorial, bearing, in flowers, the words, "In memoriam, DAVID LIVINGSTONE-H. M. STANLEY."
Thus, at no little length, we have chosen to place before our readers in outline, for permanent record, the twin stories of these two strangely-linked lives. We do no injustice to Mr. Stanley when we say, what he himself is reported to have said, that, to the four months and four days that he spent with Livingstone in Africa, he owes the greatest impulses of his later life, and especially his attitude toward Christianity. Livingstone found himself suddenly thrown into the society of a stranger who was far from being a Christian disciple. There is no. evidence that during all those months he ever directly <lonversed with Stanley as to his spiritual interests. But sure we are that by his manifest character he commended the religion of his }Iaster. His uncompromising loyalty to Christ, his unobtrusive conscientiousness, his unselfishness, considerateness, readiness to obligeall this impressed Stanley as no words had ever moved him; and, when he parted from his new friend, he was constrained to' say, what Pilate said of a far greater, " I find·no fault in this man!"
From that day Mr. Stanley has led a life that runs strangely in sympathy with that which had its spring in Blantyre. When Sir William Mackinnon asked the pleasure of presenting· him with some token of friendship to carry with him to Africa, Stanley replied, "Give me a Bible," and he took it and read it thrice through. Afterward, in darkest Africa, constrained at the darkest hour humbly to confess that, without God's help, he was hopeless, he says: "I vowed a vow in the forest solitudes that I would confess His aid before men. Silence, as of death, was round about me. It was midnight; I was weakened by illness, had been prostrated by fatigue, and wan with anxiety for m'y white and black companions, whose fate was a mystery. In this physical and mental distress, I besought God to give me back my people. Nine hours later we were exulting with a rapturous joy. In full view of all was the crimson flag with the crescent, and beneath its folds was the long-lost rear column."
And now he whose previous reserve upon such matters had seemed to bear a special seal of silence, has made this, his latest confession: "Many forms of belief and curious ideas respecting the great mystery of our being and creation have been suggested to me during my life and its wanderings; but after weighing each and attempting to understand what must be unsearchable, my greatest comfort has been in peacefully resting firm in the faith of my sires. For all the human glory that surrounds the memory of Darwin and his wise compeers throughout advanced Europe, I would not abate a jot or tittle of my belief in the Supreme God and that divine :Man called His Son."
Space alone compels our pen to halt as we pursue this fasciitating story of these twin lives. We have had space not even for a paragraph about that last book, with its thousand pages, of forty lines each, all the work of fifty days, and itself a greater feat than his march in Equatoria; and the production of which as a printed volume is said to have employed an army of nearly 15,000 men and women. We have had no space to repeat Mr. Stanley's noble tributes to the heroism and success of Christian missions which present such a marked contrast to some modern critics who ought to have been in better business. We have sought merely to put side by side two lives whose unique parallelism demands a permanent memorial and suggests lessons of lasting value. We must not fail to note one marked contrast. As Livingstone's great successor followed the mIssionary explorer, he iltrewed his path with the blood of the slain. Livingstone had trodden those same paths without even a pocket pistol for personal protection from wild beasts; his great weapon of defence was a magnanimous Love that forgave even the injuries it could not prevent. And, when we read of the demijohns of strong drink which Stanley, in his former passage across the Dark Continent, distributed to those sable sons of her soil whom he employed in building his stations, we cannot but deplore any such ministry to the destructive appetite for intoxicants. We recall that letter, the first written in English by a Congo native, and addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury: " Great and Good Chief of the Tribe of Christ, Greeting: " The humblest of your servants kisses the hem of your garment, and begs you to send to his fellow servants more Gospel and less rum. " In the bonds of Christ, " U GALLA."
And now, 3S we turn from these two lives, may we not invoke the prayers of all Christians that the latter, the unfinished one, may complete its noble and heroic course by a service to God and a ministry to man that shall surpass anything yet accomplished by Stanley, or even by Livingstone? Our living hero is decked with many medals and crowned with many laurels. We crave for him one ,still higher and brighter-a crown wrought by no human handswhose lustrous gems burn with immortal fires and outshine in splendor ~Ven the glory of the stars!
A PERTINENT REPLY.-We understand that our friend, Chaplain :McCabe, has sent the following message to Colonel Ingersoll: "DEAR COLoNEL:-Ten years ago you made the following prediction: 'Ten years from this time two theatres will be built for one church.' The time is up. The Methodists are now building four churches every day-one every six hours. Please venture upon another prediction for the year."
Evidently the Colonel is as far out of the way as Voltaire was when he set up a printing press at Fernay to demolish Christianity. That press is now used at Geneva to print Bibles !!
MONEy.-Early in our own generation there were but five men in this country who were millionaires: John J. Astor and Stephen Whitney, New York; Nicholas Longworth, Cincinnati; William Gray, Boston, and Stephen Girard, Philadelphia. To-day in New York alone there are 500 millionaires, some of them worth from 100 to 300 millions, and in the coffers of American Protestant Christians there are not less than ten thousand millions oj dollars. One man in 1869 spent as much for a corner lot on which to build a private residence as the Presbyterian denomination spent for its entire foreign mission work!
NEW EFFORTS IN BELGIUM
NEW EFFORTS IN BELGIUM.
BY REV. HENRY E. DOSKER, A.M., HOLLAND, MICH.
Of all the countries of the continent Belgium is one of the most peculiar. With an area of 11,373 square miles and a population of nearly 6,000,000, it is the most densely populated strip of land on earth. This may seem strange, and yet it is true. While the Nether- lands come next in order, with a population of 312.86 to the square mile, Belgium crowds together, in the same space, not less than 481. 71 of its inhabitants. British India has only 311.57 and China but 83.86. These figures are respectively taken from the census-reports of 1885~ 1881, and 1887.
The physical aspect of Belgium, generally speaking, is flat, like that of Holland; a great part of the country actually lying below the level of the sea. In t.he south-eastern districts, alone, a considerable highland is formed, of some 2,000 feet high, by a spur of the Ardennes. This mountainous region, rich in different minerals and coal, together with a proverbially rich alluvial soil in the lower parts of the coun- try, enables Belgium to maintain its enormously dense population.
Its inhabitants are of a mixed Teutonic and Celtic stQck. The two main branches are the Flemings of German and the Walloons of Celtic, origin; the fonner out-number the latter, in the proportion of 4 to 3, throughout the country.
The French language is spoken at court and among the higher classes. In the rural districts and provincial towns a curious patois prevails, in various dialects of either Flemish or Walloon. This lack of a national language and literature has greatly retarded the intel- lectual progress of the nation, which is in no wise proportionate to its physical advantages. The educational system of Belgium was, till recently, quite deficient, and the sharp antagonism between the cleri- cal and liberal parties has made adequate provision in its behalf well- nigh impossible.
As might be expected from its history, the religion of the country is prevalently Roman Catholic. Of the nearly 6,000,000 of inhabit- ants, from 13,000 to 18,000 are Protestant, with some 35,000 Jews; the remainder nominally belong to Rome. Nominally, I say, for the close contact with France, the permeating influence of its periodic re- , volutionary attacks, and the prevalence of socialistic and rationalistic tendencies among the masses of the people, have so materially changed the religious 'complexion of the country, that a large pro- portion, possibly a majority, of its inhabitants may be put down as irreligious, if not atheistic.
The Gospel of Christ in Belgium meets with much the same dif- ficulties as it does in France. Efforts to bring the Word of God to the masses of the people have been made for years, and the so-called "Belgian Mission Church," and similar organizations, have not been unblessed in their endeavor to reach the Belgians by the channels of the two great languages of the country. But the trouble was that heretofore the labor performed has been too staid and conservative; the methods adopted were antiquated and ill-adapted to the peculiar character of the people and of the work in hand, and the little focus points of life, which resulted from such efforts, have had a tendency to develop too quickly into establishments for the edification of the few rather than for the salvation of the many.
A new attempt has been made of late at Brussels, which, if it should prove to be tenacious of life may become for Belgium and its capital what the McAll Missions are for France and Paris.
Allow me to outline the new movement. The name of its leader is Rev. N. De Jonge, who, some sixteen years ago, came to Brussels as a young preacher in the Dutch Evangelical Church. Through his personal influence, his church soon developed a rare missionary'activity. He made his people understand their divine call to labor among the bigoted 01' irreligious masses who surrounded them in the capital.
The year 1880 was one of special activity in this line. A revival visited the church, and especially those who were engaged in this department of her labors.
A city evangelization society was organized, of which pastor De Jonge became the director. The double task soon grew too heavy and he was placed before the inevitable choice between his charge and his mission. He was not long in deciding, and yet the decision. was one, in which he staked all on his faith in God; for he lost his salary and had no visible means of support. His resignation took effect on the first of Jannary, 1887, and another pastor soon took his place, whilst~ he began to devote himself, with all the energy of his young and vigorous manhood, to the work of evangelizing the masses of the Belgian capital, trusting, for the support of himself and large family, in the promise of God. And not in vain!
The work now rapidly extended and assumed encouraging proportions. It affords, to-day, the following aspect: a hall, named "Silo," with a seating capacity of 300, in the suburb I..acken; another, "Bethel," with l'oom for 80, about a mile distant, in the same neighborhood. In the suburb Anderlecht, a hall, named "Pniel," with seats for 200; neal' by, at the hamlet of Veeweyde, the hall "Bethlehem," with a seating capacity of 100. And still another and larger hall in the village of Ruysbrock, neal' by, as yet unnamed, but offering room for more than 300 hearers. As with the McAll rooms, the stations are simply but neatly furnished. Every night of the week, meetings are held in at least foul' of these mission halls, and the attend:l.llce is steadily increasing.
Besides all this the Mission has a printing-office in connection with the Silo station, where hundreds of pamphlets. and. tracts are pub- Hshed, to be spread broadcast over the entire kingdom. Two week- lies are issued fram this press: "Het Ohristelijke Volksblad" (The Christian National Paper), and "])e Blijde Boodschap voor Vlaamsch Belgie" (The Glad Tidings for Flemish Belgium.) The circulation of the latter, the smallest paper, has reached the number of 1,500. Moreover, a mission hospital has been opened, and h~ndreds of Catholic patients have been treated and evangelized at this "Beth- esda," as it has been appropriately named.
By catechetical instruction and Sabbath-school work the Mission endeavors to reach Roman Catholic children; hundreds of whom at- tend, notwithstanding the open opposition and secret scheming of the priests. All this missionary work is clinched by systematic house- visitation, which is richly blessed. Besides Rev. De J onge, the director of the Mission, two evangelists, two colporteurs, two regular trained hospital nurses, and some forty assistants are employed. It seems to me that this movement is worthy of close observation and encouragement.
The Catholic masses of Belgium are harder to be reached than those of France. The antagonism against Protestantism here is a.
growth of centuries; its earliest roots lie hidden in the memorable struggle of the eighty years' war. The southern part of the country never fully shared in the struggle for liberty. At Brussels the Spanish court was established; there the two most noted political victims of Alva's wrath were beheaded; there the "bloody assizes" held their councils. At Antwerp the two earliest religious m;utyrs of the Nether- lands fell. When the cause of freedom finally triumphed, and the North became independent, the South was still held in the Spanish vise, and the reformation within her borders had literally been drowned in a sea. of blood. From this time on, the unfortunate country was tossed to-and-fro between the great powers. To-day Austria, to-morrow Spain, then again France ruled it, as a whole or in part. In 1748 it finally came back to Austria, in whose g-rasp it remained, with varying fortune~, till the Congress of Vienna, in 1815, united it with Holland. But the two countries were only united never unijied.
In the revolution of 1830, the Belgians revolted and established their own independence and the severance became a fait accompli, by the treaty of London, May 21, 1833. Hence the antagonism against Protestantism has a political background. To the Belgian mind it is a thoroughly "Dutch" affair. And the overcoming of this prejudice is no small factor in the difficulties of Protestant missions in the country.
May the movement of De Jonge prove for the Belgians what the McAll Mistlion is to France, for the spiritual rescue of hundreds of thousands. Foreign Protestant missions, generally considered, in heathen lands, are far easier and far more hopeful than those COllducted by the handful of trusty laborers, who have given their lives to the evangelization of countries, thoroughly and for centuries nnder the influence of the papacy.
HELPERS AND HINDERERS OF MISSIONS IN JAPAN
[The following charming letter is from the beloved son of Rev. A. J. ·Gordon, of Boston, one of our editorial contributors.] HELPERS AND HINDERERS OF MISSIONS IN JAPAN.
BY ERNEST B. GORDON.
While enjoying the cordial hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Brand, the excellent missionaries of the Baptist Union, I have had considerable opportunity to observe the progress of the work as well as some {)f its drawbacks.
I went over to the Shogum's tombs, in Shita, the other day, and while straying in and about the temple of Zojigi, stumbled across a little fellow, a Buddhist novice, who spoke a little English. He had Dr. Hepburn's Dictionary, and was reading Peter Parley's Universal History. I struck up an acquaintance with him, and learned that he was a protege of Oolonel Olcott, who was to take him to India to study Sanscrit and the sacred books, but was prevented by the boy's poor health. Olcott, as is known, is the American Buddhist who goes about wearing a jewel said to be a crystalized tear of Mme. Blavatsky. He has published a Buddhist catechism in Singhalese, which has received the imprimatur of the Southern Ohurch in Oeylon, and is considered by Oeylonese Buddhists as almost canoni- ~al. It has gone through seventeen Singhalese editions, and was recently published in English by Estes & Lauriat, of Boston. I invited the boy around to Mr. Brand's to dinner and gave him a copy of the New Testament, which he promised to read. Last night he came again and talked a long time with Mrs. Brand about Shaka or Buddha and Jesus. He seemed much interested, especially when she told him of what Jesus left when He came to earth. He was surprised to find that Ohristians were not hateful and bitter.
The story of Roman Oatholic misl"ions in Japan is well known. Shinabara and the Oliff of Pappenberg will ever bear witness to the constancy and heroic endurance of the Roman Oatholic converts. Nevertheless, Oatholicism left a bad impression. I met the other day an old Japanese who remembers distinctly the annual ceremony of trampling upon the cross. A brass cross was brought around to every house in his village by the authorities, and everybody was required to trample upon it as a sign of his repudiation and contempt ()f Ohristianity. Much of this misapprehension and. bitterness still lingers among the Buddhist priests. The little novice, therefore, was pleased at our attention. He promised to come again and hear more about Ohrist.
Oolonel Olcott has done much harm here in Japan. An American is a person of influenee on account of his birthplace. To find an American teaching Buddhism was an experience, therefore, which startled young Japanese and which encouraged the Buddhist priests to attempt the galyanization of their putrescent superstition. Arthur May Knapp, too, the Boston representative of "Reciprocity in Religion," to use his own phrase, is encouraging the Buddhists in every possible way. He has abandoned his title of "missionary," and has assumed that of "ambassador"; the idea being, (,7idently, that he and the Buddhists are to exchange ideas and to treat with each other on an equal footing. This reassures the Buddhists and amazes the advanced men in Japan, who look upon Buddhism with the hatred and contempt which the liberals in Italy feel for the obscurantists of Rome.
Have you seen what Mr. Takahashi Goro, a prominent newspaper man, said at the banquet last May about the Unitarian movement in Japan? Its significance will fully appear when one takes into account the extreme politeness of the Japanese people. He said that he had not yet succeeded in fully mastering the doctrine of Unitarianism. He had perused the books kindly placed at his disposal by Mr. Knapp, but he still remained more or less in the dark. One thing, however, he had ascertained beyond question, viz., that Unitarianism is the child of orthodox Christianity. There was no manner of doubt about its parentage. Why, then, he wanted to know, should the attitude of Unitarianism to orthodox Chistianity be one of antagonism. He had read a book by Mr. Savage, entitled the "Religion of Evolution," and he had learned from it that Unitarianism regards orthodox Christianity with strong feelings of dislike, and would spare no pains to sweep it away from the face of the earth. Was that the proper attitude of a child toward its parent? Certainly not according to Japanese ideas of filial duty. Such an unnatural antipathy could only shock and deter Japanese observers. Besides, the Unitarians should remember that the law of heredity applies to bad qualities as well as to good. ""Vhen a man denounces his parents and declares them unworthy of respect he denounces himself by implication, for as the father is so, to a great extent, must the son be also. U nitarians coming to Japan, and arraying their forces against orthodox Christianity, would immediately find allies in the Buddhists and Confucianists. What would be the sequel of such an alliance? If the three united succeeded in driving out orthodox Christianity, the Unitarians might be quite sure that from that moment these sincere allies, the Buddhists and Confucianists, would turn on them and leave no stone untu'l'ned to drive them out also I In a. recent number of the Japan Mail, Mr. Takahashi Goro invites the attention of the Rev. Mr. Knapp to the short-sightedness of his alleged wish to ally himself with the Buddhists. Mr. 'rakahashi premises that he entertains no ill-feeling toward Unitarianism itself, but being convinced of the folly of the views of its representative in Japan as to Buddhism, he cannot but give utterance once more to the opinions he expressed at the Unitarian banquet some time .ago. Since then, he obse~ves, the Buddhistic press throughout the country had more and more distinctly shown a tendency to utilize Unitarianism as an instrument for attacking Christianity. Mr. Takahashi, however, believed Mr. Knapp to be too sagacious to become a tool of Buddhists. What, then, was his surprise to learn that the Unitarian missionary is still bent on cultivating the friendship of the Buddhists, as is shown by his article on the" Similarities and Dissimilarities of Unitarianism and Buddhism." Mr. Takahashi even goes so far as to say that Mr. Knapp'S attitude toward Buddhism is that of one who flatters, prays and solicits its favor.
"Does Mr. Knapp know," he asks, ,,, what Buddhism is really like? Buddhism is essentially an atheistic religion. This proposition can be proved by quotations from the Buddhist sacred writings." He then proceeds to consider another statement of Mr. Knapp, that, on the fundamental idea of creation, Unitarianism and Buddhism are directly opposed to orthodox Christianity. Mr. Knapp is represented to have stated that creation is not an event, but a perpetual progress which has neither commencement nor end.
"Now, in the first place, it is an abuse of a philosophical term to speak of 'creation' in connection with Buddhism, for how can there be any creation in a religion which does not recognize God? Nor is it correct to say that creation is a perpetual progress without either commencement or end, because man, as maintained by no less an evolutionist than Virchow, does not seem to have made any progress -during the first five or six thousand years. Further, there is no place for the idea of progress in the conception of atheistic creation."
If J-"1r. Knapp means to adopt the theory of atheistic evolution, Mr. Takahashi thinks he would better leave the Unitarian camp and join the atheistic Buddhists. Our author, however, believes that these apparently atheistic opinions have been expressed by Mr. Knapp for the purpose of obtaining the good will of Buddhists, for, from ·other utterances of his, it is evident that he recognizes the existence of God.
Mr. Knapp is said to have observed further, that Buddhism is, next to orthodox Christianity, a representative of the pessimistic religions; but that Unitarianism represents the optimistic religions. Mr. Takahashi does not attach much importance to the fact that Christianity is included among the pessimistic religions of the world, for he thinks this is merely a device of Mr. Knapp's to please his Buddhistic friends. He refers Mr. Knapp to Schopenhauer and Hartmann for an account of the crushing pessimism of Buddhism. He warns Unitarians against being utilized by Buddhists, and quotes from a Buddhist tract, by JUl'. Maesa Unkei, as follows: " Unitarianism will not be productive of any positive bendits / Jmt, as it will be negatively useful in neutralizing the evil effects of Christianity, we approve its spread for the sake of the country / nay" for the sake of our Shin-shu (Buddhistic) views."
It is interesting to note that the so-called " short cut" movement has extended to Japan. Last year the Japanese Presbyterians of Tokyo came to the conclusion that the work in Japan requires not only all the men who could be put through their theological school, but also those whose age or means would not allow them to take the full five years' course. Accordingly, of their own free will, they opened a school for evangelists. This year there are between thirty and forty men studying the Bible and receiving enough instruction to fit them for the work of preaching to the common people. The school is designed of course to supplement, not to antagonize, the Presbyterian Seminary. The Japanese Christians initiated the move.- ment, recognizing as they did the intense need of evang~lizing preachers, skilled in the Word, as well as of pastors versed in hermeneutics and apologetics. Many of the missionaries consider the success of the school as one of the most hopeful signs in late years.
It shows the determination of the Christians here to spread abroad the story of the Cross, and their good, common sense in choosing practical means for the furtherance of the work.
Christian work in Japan is complicated greatly by the present political excitement. The nnwillingness of foreign powers to repeal the unjust and unrighteous treaties forced upon Japan a generation ago has resulted in an increased hostility to foreigners and to foreign things. Christianity, of course, is classed in the latter category. Of our present United States representative, Mr. ,Swift, we will not speaK, except to say that the removal of his predecessor, the Texan Baptist minister Hubbard, appointed by President Cleveland, is greatly regretted. A Christian man, he did all in his power to assist Christian workers. No American since Perry, Minister Bingham possibly excepted, has been so popular in Japan. As to diplomatic. results, the Hubbard treaty negotiated with Count Okuma, although finally breaking down, was the first attempt to settle the vexed question of Treaty Revision in an honorable and statesmanlike way. If Mr;, Hubbard had been retained in Japan, it is likely that the revised treaty would be an accomplished fact, and the Christian missionaries would not be hampered now by the irritated condition of public opinion which prevails throughout the empire.
TOKYO, Oct. 12, 1890.
A JAPANESE CONVERT, who united with Bethany Church, Philadelphia, in 1886, said that "so great were the changes in his native country during the ten years previous, that nothing was left, as it. had been, but the naturalsceneryl"
EXAMPLES FROM MODERN MISSIONARY HISTORY
[Although the number of competitive essays sent in, in response to the editorial note in August number, 1890 (p. 631)-631), is not sufficient to justify the award, the edltor will avail himself of one or more of the best, as was then intimated, as articles in these pages.] EXAMPLES FROM MODERN MISSIONARY HISTORY OF THE UNMISTAKABLE INTERPOSITION OF GOD IN ANSWER TO PRAYER AND IN BEHALF OF HIS SERVANTS AND THEIR WORK.
BY REV. JOHN RUTHERFORD, M.A., B.D., ROTHESAY, SCOTLAND.
Pentecost was preceded by prayer. The coming of the Holy Ghost and the conversion of 3,000 souls in a single day were the result of ten days' continuous prayer.
Events like the siege and relief of Leyden, in 1574, when the Spanish armies were compelled to retreat, not before the brave Hollanders, but before the force of nature itself, visibly used by God in defence or the oppressed, witness to the fact that the hand of Almighty God is still interposed in behalf of those who trust Him. "As well," shouted the Spaniards derisively to the citizens, "as well can the Prince of Orange pluck the stars from the sky as bring the ocean to the walls of Leyden for your relief." But what was the issue? "A' violent equinoctial gale, on the night of the 1st ana 2d of October, came storming from the northwest, and then blowing still more violently f!'Om the southwest. The waters of the North Sea were piled in vast masses on the coast, and then dashed furiously landward, the ocean rising over the earth and sweeping, with unrestrained power, across the ruined dykes." The relieving fleet sailed up almost to the walls of the city. As the historian records, it was the hand of God that sent the ocean and the tempest to the deliverance of Leyden, and that struck her enemies wi th terror likewise. We cannot doubt that the preservation of Holland and Britain from the Spanish fury were in answer to many prayers offered up by those who fled to God as their refuge. (Motley, Dutch Republic, II., p. 558).
And much more does the history of the church assure us that God answers prayer. If we review the qistory of missions in any part of the wo,dd, we see that those who do the Lord's work live near to Him, and that He guards them in danger, and watches over that work which is not so much ours as His.
1. In the "Life of John G. Paton" (I., p. 118), the events are narrated which led to his leaving Tanna. He says, "On reaching Nowar's village we found the people terror-stricken, crying, rushing about in dispair at such a host of armed savages approaching. The whole village collapsed in a condition of indescribable terror. The approaching multitude had gone to the mission house and broken in the door, and, finding that we had escaped, they rushed on to Nowar's village. W e ~rayed as one only can pray when in the fear of death and on the brink of eternity. We felt that God was near and omnipotent to do what seemed best in' His sight. When the savages were about 300 yards off, N owar touched my knee, saying, 'MisRi, Jehovah is hearing! They are all standing still.' On gazing shc-rewards, we saw a dense host of warriors, but all were standing still. To our amazement the host began to turn and entered the remote bush at the head of the harbor. We were on that day His trusting and defenceless children; would you not, had you been one of our circle, have joined with us in praising the Lord God for deliverance from the jaws of death? I know not why they turned back, but I have no doubt it was the doing of God to save our lives."
2. Again Mr. Paton writes (p. 345,) "About ten o'clock the savages surrounded the mission house. My faithful dog, Clutha, pulled at my clothes and awoke me. I silently awoke Mr. and Mrs. Mathieson, who had also fallen asleep. We committed ourselves, in hushed prayer, to God, and watched them. Immediately a glare of light fell into the room. They set fire to the church all round, and the'l a reed fence connecting the church and the dwelling-house. In a ""lW minutes the house, too, would be in flames, and armed savages waiting to kill us on attempting an escape." Mr. Paton then ran out and cut the burning fence and tore it up, thus preventing the fire from reaching the house. He stood surrounded by seven or eight savages who had raised their clubs in the air, yelling in rage that none of them ventured the first blow, though they shouted "Kill him! kill him!" "At this dread moment occurred an incident which my readers may explain as they like, but which I trace directly to the interposition of my God. A rushing and roaring sound came from the south, like the noise of a mighty engine or of muttering thunder. Every head was instinctively turned in that direction, and they knew from previous hard experience that it was one of their awful tornadoes. Now mark, the wind bore the flames away from our house, and had it come in the opposite direction no power on earth could have saved us from being all consumed. It made the work of destroying the church only that of a few minutes; but it brought with it a heavy and murky cloud which poured out a perfect torrent of tropical rain. Now mark again: the flames of the burning church were thereby cutoff from extending to and seizing upon the reeds and the bush, and besides, it had become almost impossible now to set fire to our house." A panic siezed the savages, and, throwing down their torches, they fled.
Returning to the house Mr. Paton was met by Mr. Mathieson, who exclaimed, "If ever, in time of need, God sent help and protection to His servants, in answer to prayer, He has done so to-night. Blessed be His Holy name."
3. In "Darkest Africa" Henry Stanley writes, "Constrained at the darkest hour to humbly confess that without God's help I was helpless, I vowed a vow in the forest solitudes that I would confess His aid before men. A silence, as of death, was round about me; it was midnight. I was weakened by illness, prostrated by fatigue, and worn with anxiety for my white and black companions whose fate was a mystery. In this physical and mental distress I besought God to give me back my people." And' what was the result of Stanley's vow and prayer? "Nine hours later we were exulting with a raptur- ous joy. In full view of all was the crimson flag with the crescent, and beneath its waving folds was the long-lost real' column."
4. Shortly before the disruption of 1843 the Church of Scotland sent Dr. Keith, Dr. Black, Rev. R. McCheyne and Dr. A. Bonar, the last of whom still survives, on "a mission of enquiry to the Jews ;" they went to Palestine, and on their return journey visited Buda Pesth. There Dr. Keith took suddenly unwell, and all hope of his l'ecovery was abandoned.
In Buda Pesth there lived the Archduchess Marie Dorothea. Liv- ing, as she did, among a morally, degraded people, she longed that they might be made acquainted with the Gospel; for seven years she had prayed that God would send them a missionary. And God answered her prayers in a way she thought not of. She heard that an English clergyman lay dying in the hotel; she sent word that nothing should be left undone to save his life. The physicians had given up the case, but to please the Duchess they redoubled their efforts, applying friction and using other means, until, as they held a lighted taper neal' his mouth, the flames wavered: he lived.
The Archduchess visited him, and begged that the proposed mission should be located ill Buda Pesth. This was agreed to, and as long as she lived she gave it her protection and support. Thus the Gospel came into Buda Pesth. Fifty years Gospel work among a people held down by popery and ignorance and sin; such is God's answer to a woman's prayer (see Bonar's "Mission of Enquiry to the Jews").
5. Rev. E. Pearse in "China's Millions," September, 1882, vouches the truth of the following incident (see "Progress in China," by Rev. Arnold Foster, p. 52). "A man was converted, who had been for many years a vegetarian to gain merit and be saved. He came to our chapel, heard and believed the Gospel, and for years has lived a consistent Christian life. Some time ago the people collected a large sum of money to be expended in idolatrous work, in order that their houses might be saved from fire, and asked this man to contribute to that fund. He declined, on the ground that he trusted in the living God, and that the idols were not able to save them from fire. No sooner was the idolatrous ceremony over than an extensive nre broke out in the very street in which this man's house was situated; 120 houses were burnt down, and when the flames were coming nearer and nearer to his house, the people said, 'Now you see what you have got.' And they wanted to persuade him to take out all his furniture into the street that he might save something. He knew that if he brought the things out into the street, even though they would be safe from fire, they would probably be stolen. But he believed that God was going to preserve him from suffering loss, and he told the people so. While they were hurrying to-and-fro in all their excite- ment, he, in the presence of them all, prayed God that He would show that He was the living and true God. And then he watched the fire as it came nearer and nearer, until there was only one house standing between his own and the flames. But just then there was a sudden change in the wind: God had said, 'Thus far shalt thou come and no further,' and his house was saved. If I had time, I could tell you of a great many more instances."
6. David Livingstone, returning from Central Africa, tells of a great inland sea-Lake Nyassa. The Scottish churches and the Uni- versities' Mission take possession of the land for Christ-money and life are freely spent to evangelize N yassaland. After a dozen years the envy of Portugal is aroused; she sends Major Serpa Pinto to sieze the country, and Cardinal Lavigerie is ready with his priests to sta- tion them in all the places where the missionaries have labored, where the graves of English men and English women are "the title deeds to Nyassaland." Alas! is all this work for Christ to be overthrown? No, indeed; a spirit of prayer comes over the British churches, and the Portuguese encroachments are defeated not so much by the s~ates manship of Lord Salisbury as by the prayers of those who sent out the missionaries, and who, day by day, cease not to pray on their behalf. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."
7. On August 19, 1856, Rev. William Burns arrived at the city of Chao-chow-fu, south China; he had gone there in order to preach the Gospel and do colportage work. vVhen suddenly he was arrested and the same night examined before the district magistrate (Life of William Burns, p. 290). The magistrates decided to send him to Canton., It was the time of the Taiping rebellion, and, in addition to this, his arrest took place immediately on the eve of the war which that same year broke out between Britain and China. Had he arrived at Canton just a very little later, while the events begun by Commissioner Yeh were in progress, death would have been the probable result to the missionary. N ow compare an entry made by Mrs. Stewart Sandeman, at Perth, Scotland, in her diary, of date 28th December, of the same year: "Mr. Burns was safely kept through his arrest and imprisonment in China. Comparing the dates I find that we were met in prayer for him during his dangerous jOttrney under guard of the Ohinese ofJicials." (lVlemoir of Mrs. Stewart Sandeman, p. 177).
[ NOTE: The 8th and 9th instances are omitted, having been already published in the REVIEW, 1889, pp. 29, 348-ED.] 10. The repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts in Britain was a.
work as arduous as any in Asia or Africa. Those vile acts roused t(} a white heat the zeal of a noble band like Mrs. Josephine Butler and Miss Elice Hopkins who were aRsisted by men like Mr. Stead, Mr.
Stanfield, ~1.P., and Professor Stuart, M.P. Almost the whole strength of the House of Commons and of the House of Lords were against them. The army and the navy were against them. Two or three women and as many men against a nation! but they determined to struggle and suffer in order to save our poor, lost sisters from the brutality of demon-like men. They could endure to he hooted, to be insulted, to be written against in the daily press, as "the howling sisterhood," and they could enlist the arm of God against the power of British immorality. Christians gave themselves to prayer through- out the whole kingdom, and the power of prayer conquered, the Gov- ernment yielded, and by the unanimous vote of Parliament the Con- tageous Diseases Acts were abolished. '
Verily, there is a God that judgeth in the earth, whose ear is not shut to the cry of those who wrestle in prayer as they do His work.
11. And pr~er which God thus answers for the preservation of His servants and their work, also brings spiritual blessing. We have testimony to this on all hands. For example: Rev. Griffith John, of Hankow, says (Records of the Shanghai Conference of 1877, p. 26)), "Feeling my own lack of spiritual power, I spent the whole of a Satur- . day in earnest prayer for a baptism of the Holy Ghost. On the fol- lowing morning I preached on the subject. At the close of t·he ser- vice I proposed that we should meet for an hour on every day of the ensuing week to pray for a baptism of the Holy Ghost. From fifty to seventy of the converts met day by day, and confessing their sins with tears, pleaded for an outpouring of the Spirit of God. The na- tive church at Hankow received an impulse then, the force of which continues to this day. The Holy Ghost became a mighty reality t(} many. vVhere once other things are preached, Christ and His power to save is now the theme."
12. What a successful mission is that carried on in China by the English Presbyterian Church. Begun in 1847, by that apostolic man> William Burns, it has increased until now it has five separate centres, Amoy, Swatow, Formosa, the Hakka country, and Singapore. With its thousands of converts, its native preachers, its ordained native pastors, its schools and Sabbath-schools, its medical missions, its lady missionaries, it has received from God much spiritual blessing-bless- ing which has enabled the converts to stand true even when persecu- tion brought the loss of worldly goods and when heathen fury against the native Christians resulted in murder: this occurred at Poih-buan, in 1878. And they willingly acknowledge that much of the divine blessing, so abundantly given, is to be traced to a monthly prayermeeting for China, held in a room in Edinburgh.
Whether we are opposed by immoral legislation or the opium trade {)r the cruelties of slavery or of the African trade in alcohol, or by the vast forces of heathenism, let our resources be the power of God made available for all the needs of His church. Yes, in all Christian work God supplies all our need according to His riches in gl'ory in Christ Jesus.
GREED IN THE WAY OF MISSIONARY ZEAL.-We fear that there is no form of selfishness more fatal to missionary consecration than the worship of the dollar. Avarice prevents abundant giving, and it hoards fol' the sake of gain what could be used with the most ~bundant profit in the wide harvest field. Not only so, but the Scripture phrase is sagaciously accurate, gold "blinds the eyes." Men do not see the facts or feel the force of the appeal of God and {)f souls because the love of money intervenes as an obscuring medium. There are many professed disciples who hold a dollar so Dear the eye that they can see scarcely anything else in the world.
Robert Hall, arguing with a clergyman suspected of having -changed his opinions from mercenary motives, proposed to him several reforms of great importance, but was invariably met with the reply: "I don't see it; I can't see it at all."
At length, penciling in small letters the word "God" upon an .envelope which lay on the table, Mr. Hall showed it, and asked: " Can you see that?" "Yes. " Then, covering it with a half sovereign, he asked again: " Can you see it now? " " No." Whereupon, without another word, he went away. The argument was sufficiently conclusive without any drawing of a "moral" after it!
THE " New Theology," according to Dr. O. W. Holmes, in teaching probation beyond this life, has as effectually deadened all sensibility to the fear of eternal punishment, as cocaine, the new local anresthetic, deadens the sensibility of the part to which it is applied. We may be permitted to raise the honest inquiry whether any doctrine which practically destroys the power of the retributions of a future state can have any other effect than to paralyze missionary activity. And, if the tree is known by its fruit, can that be a safe doctrine to hold which either deadens sensibility to the plain warnings of the Scripture or to the degradation and destitution of the heathen world?
DO HEATHEN MULTIPLY FASTER THAN CONVERTS?
DO HEATHEN MULTIPLY FASTER THAN CONVERTS?
BY THOMAS LAURIE, D.D., PROVIDENCE, R. I.
The thought of the conversion of the world prompts the question, " How large is it?" There have been v~rious estimates of its popu- lation. In 1753, Voltaire said 1,600,000,000. Fifty years later Volney put it at 437,000,000. Matte Brun, in 1810, made it 640,000,- 000; Balbi, in 1816, estimated it at 704,000,000, and in 1843, at 739,000,000; Behm and Wagner, in 1880, fixed it at 1,456,000,000, and in 1882, with probably greater accuracy, at 1,434,000,000, though it was less than their previous estimate by 22,000,000. This popUlation they distributed as follows: Europe …….. 327,743,400 Asia…………… 795,591,000 Africa………. 205,823,200 America …………100,415,400 Polynesia…… 4,232,000 Polar Land……… 82,500 Total population of the globe………………… 1,433,887,500 These statistics do not introduce a dissertation on population, but only a brief consideration of a recent objection to the missionary work. It is estimated that modern missions have won about 4,000,- 000 converts from idolatry; but we are told that running parallel with these conversions is an increase of the number to be converted from 600,000,000 to 800,000,000, and if 200,000,000 heathen are added to the number, while only 4,000,000 become Christians, at that rate when will the world be converted to God? At first sight the case seems hopeless, and that on these conditions we can only make progress backward; but is the prospect as dark as it seems? Let us look at it carefully and dispassionately. One thing is plain: while the 200,000,000 are the natural increase of the previously existing 600,000,000, the 4,000,000 are an absolute creation. Four millions from nothing is a vastly greater proportion than the other, though the Bums are larger.
But let us examine the subject yet more carefully. Modern evangelical missions have now been in operation about a century. The first missionary society (the Church Missionary Society) dates from 1792. Now, if conversions began immediately, then the 4,000,000 converts are rightly set over against the 200,000,000 increase of heathen; but if they did not begin for a number of years, then the heathen increase of the years during which there were no converts must be subtracted from the 200,000,000, and so we have already reduced the seemingly hopeless contrast.
But that is not all. '1'he first converts were not only the fruits of many years of labor, but they were very few in number. For many years Leang Afa was almost the only convert among the many millions of China, and this introduces a riew element into the discussion, for while the natural increase goes on from year to year, and from age to age, with slight variation, missionary converts in~ease in the ratio of a geometrical progression. At first there were no conversions at all; only a work of preparation. The military stores are gathered together and the forces massed for the coming conflict, and, when that begins, each prisoner taken is not immured in a dungeon, but becomes at once an active soldier, able to avail himself of his famil- iarity with the condition and position of thc enemy for their over- throw. And it is worthy of notice, that the Lord of Hosts does not isolate the converts, but scatters them purposely among those to be acted on by their example and their labors. Already in some.of the latter decades of the century the increase of the converts has been at the rate of eighty-one per cent., and the natural increase of the heathen during the same period only six and one-half per cent. Now, if that proportion were to continue it would only require a sum in arithmetic to find out how soon the eighty-one per cent. would overtake and go beyond the six and one-half per cent. But we have seen that the ratio is one of geometrical progression-" the constant quantity by which each term is multiplied to produce the succeeding one "-and so we see the way clear to transfer very rapidly the hundreds of millions from the heathen side to the Christian side of future increase.
It may be said this is a very beautiful theory, but-. Then take an actual case. Robert Morrison entered China through much tribulation in 1807. When Dr. Happel' went there in 1844 he found only six Protestant missionaries and two native assistants in all that empire. While at the Shanghai Conference, in May, 1890, 1,285 missionaries and 1,469 native assistants were reported as then in that field, and with slich an increase in the past, what may not be hoped for in the future? Other examples might be given equally encouraging. When a fire is kindled in the forest its progress depends on the denseness of the mass of trees to be set on fire, and when everyone of the millions of China is a tor~h waiting to be lighted, it needs no prophet to foretell the effect of casting in these torches already lighted.
Take another view. A century ago there were in all the earth 174,000,000 nominal Christians, 44,000,000 of them Protestants. Now there are 165,000,000 Protestants, almost as many as the whole number at that time, among 450,000,000 nominal Christians. Add to that that the energy and efficiency of the race is concentrated in those Protestants, and the prospect for the future is radiant. Furmerly the Latin race was the conqueror and colonizer of the world, but since it fell under the paralysis of Popery it has lost its power. Now the race which lives by truth is marching at the head of the race, carrying the source of its own energy to all the nations.
It is significant in this connection that, while one hundred years
THE PRAYER LEAGUE
ago only 22,000,000 of the race spoke E'llglish, 115,000,000 now use that language, an increase of more than 500 per cent., and while at that time the 22,000,000 had neither missions nor missionaries, the 115,000,000 now sustain 120 missionary societies, of which our American Board is only one, and these societies raise annually $11,250,000 for the conversion of the world to God.
Then we need only to call to mind the immense store of Christian literature in that language to thank God that it is having such free course in all the earth.
Indeed, we thank the objectors for calling attention to a line of truth where there is nothing to discourage but everything to fill us with the assurance of a glorious success.
THE PRAYER LEAGUE.
We note with sincere gratitude the movement toward covenant prayer in various parts of the Church, and we regard it as the most promising sign of the times. When God's people begin to pray in faith and with true agreement marvels begin in the earth. And not a crisis of missionary history, from the beginning until to-day, has been turned except by prayer.
The Reformed Church has recently formed a Foreign Missionary Prayer League, whose purpose it is "to unite God's people in abundant and prevailing prayer; to intensify, accumulate and direct the power of prayer so that multitudes of heathen may be turned to the Lord in our missions."
In the very impressive appeal which has been issued prayer is recognized as the mightiest power in missionary work, whether to open the doors, thrust forth the laborers, secure the needful means, or to call down abundant blessing. Those who cannot go to the foreign field can, at least, sustain the work by prayers for it, "striving together" with the workmen by their own supplication. United prayer carries resistless power, as is shown throughout all history, and is especially acceptable to God. The method encouraged is special seasons, daily set apart, and particular prayer for individual persons and places: abundant prayer, prayer with fasting, arid with intercommunication among those who join the league.
Mrs. Joseph Scudder, 57 Cannon street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., acts as secretary of the league. We exhort all who belong to that communion especially to join this league, and make its objects and aims heartily their own. We believe that if the whole Church would get into a new attitude of fervent, believing prayer there would be such a new Pentecost as the history of man has never yet recorded.
COl>'VENTION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS AT BANGALORE, INDIA
CONVENTION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS AT BANGA- LORE, INDIA.
BY REV. JACOB CHAMBERLAIN, M.D., D.D., MADANAPALLE, INDIA.
Bangalore, the chief city of the kingdom of ]fysore, has just witnessed a singular sight for the capital city of a non-Christian kingdom.
Pursuant to an invitation from the missionaries of all societies working in Bangalore and other earnest Christians residing there, a convention gathered at that place on the 23d of September, of missionaries and other ChriAtian workers from all parts of the Madras Presidency with some also from Bombay.
'l'he convention was not for the discussion of abstruse problems of missionary policy, but for the promotion of spiritual life and growth and earnestness in work for the Master.
Trains arriving on the afternoon of September 23d, from four different directions, centering at that place, brought those invited, and others who could attend, from many different provinces, districts, cities and villages. .iUJ. parts of the Tamil country, from near Cape 00morin to Madras and the N eilgherry Mountains,sent representatives. All parts of the kingdom of Mysore, the Kanarese kingdom, were represented. Two delegates from the Marathi country and one from the Gujarathi; myself and another from the Telugu country; missionary workers among the Mohammedans in Hindustani; workers in English among the Eurasians and in the English army, and native preachers in Tamil, Kanarese and Telugu were there. Seven languages were required to do the daily work at their stations of the workers there assembled.
Not missionaries alone: many laymen were there. Coffee planters from the Shevaroy and the Neilgherry mountains. An executive engineer from one of the new state railways on the East Coast; a general and several other officers from the Madras army; soldiers in uniform from the garrison; artisans and tradesmen and their families; natives, male and female, in their striking costumes. All mingled, as children of the King, in this conference. It would be hard to match it in any city of the Western world.
Twelve different branches of the Church of Christ were represented-the Church of England,English Baptists, American Baptists, English Independents, American Congregationalists, English Wesleyans, American Methodists, AustralasianWesleyans, German Lutherans, American Reformed, English Plymouth Brethren and Salvation Army officers-all joined heartily in counsel and prayer for higher spiritual life, for more absolute consecration, for more efficient. service.
Tuesday evening was devoted to an informal reception, a social gathering, the Rev. and Mrs. W. H. I. Picken, Wesleyan missiona- ries of Bangalore, behlg host and hostess.
It gave us all an opportunity of becoming acquainted. English, Germans, Hindus, Americans, Australians, and an exceedingly pleas- ant gathering it was, closing with half an b1u ~Cff more formal words of welcome, praise and prayer.
The next three days, with three sessiOn!, each day, were given to the consideration of "What Christ does for His people," "What Christ does in His people," and "What Christ does through His people," one day being given to each theme.
The vVednesday morning meeting was a Bible reading on the first theme, conducted by Rev. E. Chester, M.D., thirty-one years a missionaryof tbe American Board in the Madura Mission. The afternoon meeting was devotional, led by Rev. I. G. Hawker, twenty-five years a missionary of the London Missionary Society at Belgaum. It was a helpful, uplifting meeting. The evening's session was a more public meeting for addresses on the day's theme, presided over by the representative of the Arcot Mission of the Reformed Church in America, thirty years a missionary among the Telugus, at which every seat in the large audience-room was filled and some stood. Addresses were given by the chairman, on what Christ does (a) by His atonement; by Rev. G. W. Lawday, of Tumkur, Wesleyan, (b) By His example; and by Rev. W. Ioso, London Mission, Madras, (c) By His intercession. The exercises were interspersed with warm prayers and spir:ted singing by a volunteer choir who had previously practiced for the purpose.
Thursday's was the second theme, "What Christ does in His people." The morning's Bible reading on it was led by Handley Bird, Esq., Plymouth Brother, from Coimbatoor, and was exhaustive and stimulating. The afternoon meeting was for ladies only, and was said to have been of exceptional interest. The evening meeting, for public address, was led by Dr. Chester, of Dindigul, and addresses were given by the chairman, by Mr.E.Lynn, Plymouth Brother, Malvalli, and by Rev. John S. Chandler, of the American Madura Mis- SIOn.
Friday was the crowning day. The theme, "What Christ does through His people." The morning Bible reading, led by H. Clift, Esq., railway executive engineer, mapped out the subject well. The afternoon meeting was a conversational session on "Methods of Evangelization," or "How shall God work through us for His higher glory?" 'rhe writer was asked to open and guide the conversation. This was declared to be a "Council of War" for the conquest of India. And it proved one of the most stimulating of the meetings, full of val'lety and suggestiveness.
The methods referred to were: Oral proclamation of the Gospel in the streets, villages, markets, fairs, with such accessories as large colored Scripture pictures or magic-lantern Bible scenes, by night;with cornet and bicycle to tow in the crowd and "baby organ" to hold them for the preaching: Medical missionary work, with preaching to all patients, and terse Gospel tickets for the patients to take home; and Zenana medical work by lady doctors; Reading rooms and preaching halls in crowded thoroughfares; Sunday-school work among Chris- tian and heathen children; Young Men's Christian Association work in large cities, and Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor in smaller places. The Press and Tract Gospel and Christian book distribution all through the country. Christian school work to reach non-Christian pupils, and to train workers, and Zenana work and Bible women, and lIindu girl's schools to reach non-Christian women.
This meeting being a "family gathering," all mingled freely in the discussion-ladies and gentlemen, lay and clerical, English, Germans, Australians, Americans, Hindus, Episcopalians, Methodists, Salvation Army, Presbyterians, Plymouth Brothers, "Faith Mission" Workers, Baptists, strict and open, Congregationalists and Wesleyans, with prayers of unction, and hymns of victory thrown in all the way. The only difficulty was in bringing the meeting to a close.
Friday evening'S meeting, the closing one of the series, was the most crowded one of all. General MacAusland, of the Madras army, presided and made the opening address, on "What Christ does through His people." (a) by the example and influence of their live!', and was followed by Rev. L. S. Gates, of the American Board's Mission, Sholapore, Bombay, on (b) by their testimony to truth and experience, and by Rev. I. G. Hawker, of Belgaum, on (0) by their works of faith and love.
After the Benediction there was a general handshaking of those who had come, many of them one and two days' journey to attend, and so this memorable "Mildmay Conference," held in India, of Christian Workers, was brought to a close amid a universal desire for a similar meeting to be held next year, at which very many more workers, lay and clel'ica~, will be sure to be present. The Kingdom is coming. We can see its onward progress. God bring it in speedily!
SAID a heathen to a mlsslOnary: "There must be something in your religion which makes you come all the way out here to tell us of it. I am sure I would not go so far to tell you of mine." Nothing is perhaps more likely to impress the minds of pagan people than the evidence that missionaries afford, that the good news is worth telling! And the more sacrifice our evangelism costs us the more eloquent is t.he testimony that missions give to the value of the great salvation and our own passion fOI" souls.
THE MISSIONARY OUTLOOK
THE MISSIONARY OUTLOOK.-I.
BY J. MURRAY MITCHELL, M.A., LL.D., NICE, FRANCE.
We intend to take a view, if possible, of that field which is the world. It follows, of course, that in so general a survey, many particulars that are by no means unimportant, must pass unnoticed, and that only the most outstanding objects can receive more than a passing glance.
It is often said that we have entered, or are entering, on a new era in missionary history. Various things seem, on the whole, to justify this language. Of these we shall specify only three-the student movement in America, the request of the Missionary Conference at Shanghai that a thousand missionaries be sent to China within the next five years, and a prayer from members of the Church Missionary Society that its missions speedily receive the same accession. Ten or five years ago such things could not have been. The double, indeed ,triple demand (Mr. Hudson Taylor had already asked for a thousand new laborers for the China Inland Mission) for a thousand missionaries, if made, would have been scouted as ridiculous. Reserving to the end of this paper Bome questions as to the practical carrying out of the proposal, we can express nothing but admiration in view of the enlargement of heart which the demand implies.
We divide this paper into three parts. We first advert to the missionary spirit as it exists at home. 'Ve then speak of the position of things in the foreign field. We shall conclude with a few suggestions grounded on the sur~ey we shall thus have taken.
I.
First, then, let us attend to the missionary spirit as it exists in Christendom: Undoubtedly there has been, for a good many years past, a steady growth of missionary zeal. The movements we have already mentioned are the natural result of what preceded. Hardly any portion of the Church of Christ now fails to take a share in foreign evangelistic work; or, if it fails, it is quite aware of having to explain its position and apologize. Otherwise, it knows it will stand condemned at the bar of Christendom. There is not merely a growing interest in non-Christian peoples, arising out of a growing knowledge of their condition; there is a deepening sense of duty towards our fellow-men -an increasingly clear perception of the social character of Christianity. Time was when even good men thought not too much, but too exclusively, of their own salvation. We see better than we did that we must "add to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity"-to love of God and love of Christians-a love that embraces the entire human race and that does not evaporate in talk.
Such is increasingly the feeling of the church, and the general public shares it to a considerable extent. We are old enough to remember the time when any new missionary effort that might be pro- posed was sure to be sneered at-classed under the head of "missions to the moon and elsewhere." But no man will scoff at missions now who does not scoff at the Bible itself, and he who speaks of the useless- ness of missions is prepared to assert in the same breath the useless- ness of Christianity.
This growing appreciation of missions on the part of the general public is due to the strong testimony in regard to their practical ef- ficacy, which has been so often rendered by men fully qualified to form a judgment-many of whom were prepared to look on missions with an eye severely critical. Among .such witnesses Charles Darwin has been one of the most tnfIuential. He certainly had no predispo- sition to think well of missionary work; but, as an entirely honest man, he told what his own eyes had seen. One of his expressions has become proverbial: "The lesson of the missionary is an enchanter's wand." Speaking of some who had ridiculed the work in the South Seas, which he himself had carefully examined, he used the scathing language: "Disappointed in not finding the field for licentiousness quite so open as formerly, they will not give credit to a morality which they do not wish to practise." Testimonies in favor of missions are multiplying. Stanley has spoken, with characteristic warmth, in praise of Mackay and others, and, as we write, an eye lights on the high eulogium which Mr. Johnston, in the New Review, pronounces on the doings of Dr. Laws, of Nyassaland. Mr. Johnston says Dr. Laws "learned to make bricks in order that he might teach others. He has become a practical engineer, carpenter, joiner, printer, photographer, farrier, boat-builder and druggist, so that he might instruct his once savage people in these arts and trades."
Mackay, the "engineer missionary," labored with much zeal in teaching the arts of civilized life at Uganda. He spoke very warmly of the missions at Lovedale and Blythswood, in South Africa, as exemplifying what he regarded as the right kind of missions for Africa. They combine intellectual and religious teaching with industrial training.
Men who are believers in Christianity may be expected to write in terms such as we have been referring to. And when those that are not believers use such language as we have quoted from Darwin, we need not be surprised. For now-a-days many who never think of the service of God, plead earnestly for "the service of man." They have drawn the lesson, directly or indirectly, from the Bible, which makes the service of man an essential part of the service of God; and this they ought, in fairness, to acknowledge. But, although they believe in no Divine command to evangelize the nations; they can hardly deny the elevation of the aim. They may blame the missionaries for proclaiming dogmas which to them seem unintelligible, but the philsnthropic character of missions they do not seek to deny; and, when testimonies multiply as to their practical efficacy in raising degraded races, they cannot but express approval. 1'his is true, at least of the higher class of unbelievers-of men like Cotter Morison, one of the ablest of the Agnostics. He speaks of the "unequaled potency" of Christianity in moulding character, and of the "true Christian saint" as "one of the most wonderful phenomena of the moral wOl·ld-so lofty, so p~re, so attractive." We do not wish to make too much of such testimonies; neither do we despise them; but, at all events, language like this rises infinitely above the polished sarcasm of Gibbon no less than the vulgar ribaldry of Paine.
While we speak thus, we are not ~rgetting that, if missions are better appreciated than they were, yet the missionaries themselves have lately been subjected to severe criticism. It is not long since an Anglican canon was writing foolishly about Mohammedanism, and bitterly about the missionaries of his own church. And, certainly, we cannot overlook the excitement aroused among the 'Vesleyans by charges made by one who had seen very little of India-charges which were repeated in one or two influential quarters at home. Such attacks do temporary harm, both at home and among the heathen; but, as the truth becomes known, there is a great reaction in favor of the men assailed. Canon Isaac Taylor will hardly return to the bat-' tIe, seeing he was not only refuted by missionaries, but charged by literary men like Mr. Bosworth Smith with "invincible ignorance" and" headlong heedlessness." The Canon has done good service in linguistics and archreology, and to these he should confine llimself. And as for theWesleyans, it is, we trust, a joy even in the quarters at home in which the accusations were rashly credited, that, instead of their being" proved to the hilt," the sharp weapon, though powerfully wielded, has not pierced-has barely grazed-the skin. For the mis- .sionaries were, after the fullest inquiry, completely exonerated from all charges made, or implied. And so let us pass from the whole thing as from a painful dream.
Of course, criticism is not over. It is inevitable, if real interest be taken in the work. There will be unjust and ignorant criticism; for some men have a perfect genius for finding fault, and there will be room for legitimate and enlightened criticism, for missionaries are not infallible. Inquiry into evangelistic methods there ought to be. Every true-hearted missionary will be most grateful for any new light that can be thrown upon his work, and all friendly criticism he will meet in a friendly spirit. He will indeed be disposed to smile at not a few of the changes that are suggested as improvements on pres- ·ent methods, for probably either he himself, or others, have already tried the thing proposed and found it wanting; but he will fully appreciate the spirit oy which the criticism is prompted. No doubt, as he watches the slow, steady advance of the truth wherever the Gosper is faithfully made known, he will be pained to note the impatience of some who think that the high places in heathenism ought to be cap- tured by a rush; and he will be disposed to ask why things move so slowly at home-why the Pope and the College of Cardinals are not r converted-why unbelief and worldliness are still so fearfully strong A craving for the salvation of souls is beautiful, but a craving for results, mainly in order that we may get our money's worth, is pitiable; and the Church of Christ needs to examine her own heart and see which feeling chiefly sways her. The Apostle speaks of the need of the sower having" long patience," "till he receh-e the early and the lat- ter rain." N ow, in this ale of unsettlement and restlessness, "long patience" is, to the best of us, difficult of attainment; and many crave- for perpetual excitement and perpetual change. Let the Church be " instant in season and out of season," but let her also seek to enter into fuller sympathy with Him who sees the end from the beginning, and who is seated at the right-hand of God" from henceforth expect- ing till His enemies be made His footstool. "
We hail a growing desire on the part of the Church at home to draw tighter the bonds between the foreign laborers and herself. .One mark of this is the sending of deputies to the missions. When these are wise and sympathetic men, only good should result from this. Would that all home ministers could visit heathendom! It would enable them on their return to plead the cause of missions far more zealously and effectively. "Mine eye affecteth mine heart," and a sight of real heathenism would be a lesson and an impulse for life. Indifference to missions is often traceable to ignorance rather than unfaithfulness. Certainly, in this case, zeal will be in proportion to· knowledge.
All that we have said implies that the interest of the Church, and even of the general public, in regard to mission work has been, and still is, deepening. The world begins to see that the work is good, and the Church that it is glorious. Now, do we sufficiently realize the magnitude and importance of the change? Doubtless everyone has heard of the rebuke administered by Dr. Ryland to young Carey for his excess of zeal, and most of us -can repeat the story of the Scottish Assembly, and good Dr. Erskine's "Rax me that Bible.'" But at a later date such representative men as Bishop Horsley, in England, and Dr. Timothy Dwight, in America, were opposed to the' movement on behalf of missions. Or, going farther back, it is deplor– able that from the Reformation till about the end of the sixteenth century the only great man who is known to have seen the import– ance of missions was Hugo Grotius. When from about the year 1664 the Austrian nobleman Van Welz was striving to arouse the churches: of Germany to a sense of their obligations, he encountered the sternest opposition from men of position and unquestioned orthodoxy, such as Ursinus, the superintendent of Regensburg. "The heathen," said this high ecclesiastic, "have already had sufficient means of learning the truth. The Greenlanders could have learnt it from their neighbors, the Danes and Swedes; and the Turks and Tartars from the Greeks. God is not bound to help these'heathen more than He has done." "As for those who have been persecutors of the faith, why should heaven's pearls be thrown to dogs or swine like them?"* Can such things have been said by the leaders of the Christian Church? Unhappily, yes; and they were, by the people under them, all too readily acquiesced in.
Let us thank God that such words cannot be used again. They would arouse one general feeling of horror throughout the churches.
One proof of the deepening interest in missions is the increasing number of university men that are offering themselves for service. It was long before any such, in the Church of England at least, were willing to work among the heathen; but, during the last four years, seventy-nine English university men have become missionaries. In former days of coldness special colleges for training missionaries were wholly indispensable; but the belief is growing that ordained men in the foreign field require at least as good an education as ordained men at home. In the Presbyterian churches the same training has long been given to both classes; there is no abbreviated curriculum for missionaries. The flower of university youth everywhere is pressing more and more -into the foreign field.
The steady increase of female missionaries is equally remarkable III all missionary churches and societies. If we mention the C. M. S. as an example it is not because it stands specially prominent in this respect, but because the requisite information regarding it happens to be at hand. Three years ago it had twenty-two female missionaries. (excluding the wives of missionaries); now it has sixty. Equal or nearly equal progress has been made by the distinctively female missionary societies connected with all the churches. For example, the Zenana, Bible and Medical Mission has, during the last eight years, sent out 138 additional workers, and is making an effort to send twenty more.
The claims of the heathen world are overwhelming, and the conviction grows that the class of ordained missionaries must be supplemented by the unordained men, with or without academical training. This is as it should be. In certain fields, and for certain kinds of work, the higher education is indispensable; a thorough acquaintance with Hebrew and Greek, for example, is necessary for those who are to translate, or revise, the Holy Scriptures in foreign tongues. Devout laymen do admirable service at home, and why may they not abroad?
* See The Nordisk Missions-tids sleri/t. vol. 1, pages 62, 68. This excellent missionary maga- zine has just been started under the able editorship of Provst (Dean) Vah!. As for women, of course, the question arises: "Is the Church to Rend forth only those who are in the position of ladies?" Certainly; native ladies in India and elsewhere can quickly take the measure of their foreign visitors, and a woman of little education or refinement will hardly be welcome in the homes of the higher and middle classes. But are the lower classes to be' overlooked? No woman whose heart is burning with the love of Christ need despair of doing good to her heathen sisters. And, then, the Spirit of God will seldom work powerfully in the heart without imparting a large measure of sweetness and refinement to the bearing-whereas, polish of manner without the grace of God is nothing worth-for Smooth, good breeding, supplemental grace, 'Vith lean performance apes the work of love.
The importance of medical missions is now pretty fully recognized in Britain and America. lVIedical missionaries having British degrees are about 141 in number; while from America and the Continent there are 150. China has the largest proportion. The number of female practitioners seems to grow rather more rapidly than that of medical men.
So hI' we have spoken of Britain chiefly, though we trust our remarks apply also to America. We proceed to refer briefly to the Continent of Europe.
In Germany there is decided progress in missionary zeal. 'rhe vast territories which Germany now possesses or " influences" in East Africa have naturally led Christians to feel that new obligations rest upon them; and new societies ha~e been formed to meet these claims. For example, one at Neukirchen, another in Bavaria, and another at Berlin (where a third society has thus been set up). In medical missions Germany does comparatively little, though the late Professor Christlieb earnestly pleaded for them. Still, the lVIoravians and the Basle and Bremen societies now recognize their exceeding value.
There is a clear advance in Denmark. The imperative obligation of evangelizing heathen nations has been of late earnestly pressed on believing men and women, and a great many missionary uriions (450, at least, we understand) have been formed. The first university men that have become foreign missionaries did so in 1888 and 1889-one in each of these years; but several students of theology have resolved to give themselves to the foreign work on the completion of their course. ,"Vomen also begin to come forward. A deaconess was sent to India, in 1888; two young ladies are under training for foreign work, and several others are likely to follow their example. No medical missionaries have as yet proceeded from Denmark; but two young men are receiving medical tralning with a view to go out in 189l. The mission to the Red Karens has been given up; but one is to be begun among the Burmese. All this, it may be said, does not amount to much. Still, it distinctly implies progress; and some Danish Christians are very much in earnest with regard to missionary work.
Three missionary societies have for a good many years existed in Norway, and a fourth was formed a short time ago, called the" Free lEssion," which sends out men and women to Natal. Quite recently a small society has been set up which will send missionaries to China.
In regard to medical missions Norway is in advance of Denmark.
Au ordained medical missionary was sent to Madagascar in 1869; a second in 1876, and in the same year a third, who had taken his degree in Edinburgh, was sent to Zululand.
In Sweden there are three larger societies-that of the state (lhurch, the evangelical union, and the missionary union. '1'he Swedes work earnestly in various places abroad, especially in Africa, in the Congo Free States and among the Gallas. They have not been able to enter Abyssinia itself, but among Abyssinians on the borders they have done a good deal. These bodies send out among their agents both m<edical men and ladies. There are several other small SOCletles. There is evidently au increasing zeal for missions in Sweden, and it is interesting to note that the state church, as a (lhurch, is hearty in the cause.
The French Societe des Missions Evangeliques has of late made ~al'llest efforts to increase the zeal of French Protestants. The synods of the National, Free and Lutheran churches some time ago recommended that there should be annually a mission Sunday-a day on which the duty of evangelizing the heathen should be pressed on the attention (If worshippers. Mission festivals (fetes) have been established in "Various places~* though by no means as yet in every parish, as was the hope of the synods; publications giving missionary information are largely circulated, and subscriptions to missions have considerably increased. '1'he missions have struggled with great difficulties (in Senegambia particularly); and now, when France has obtained such vast possessions in northern and western Africa, the question is, (lan the French Protestants rise to the requirements of the high occasion? '1'hey deserve sympathy; they require help in their foreign, as in their home work.
In Holland missionary zeal is increasing, though not rapidly. Switz('rland has the Basil Missionary Society-a most valuable and progressive institution, and the small Canton de Vaud has, sinee 1872, had foreign missions connected with the Free Church. In 1883 the free churches of Geneva an<d Neuchatal joined in the work. The united society is called La Mission des Eglises Libres de la Suisse Romande. The venerable Waldensian Church, while it feels itself especially .. See last annual report, p. 3.
NUNNERY LIFE IN NAPLES
called tp evangelize Italy, has taken some part in foreign missions since 1881. It works in South Africa in connection with the Paris society.
The Finnish Christians are not neglectful of missions to th~ heathen. We wish we could say the same thing of the Hungarians (who are also of the Turanian stock). Still, let us not forget that the "T Hungarian Church works both in Herzegovina and Roumania. e have been speaking of interest in the evangelizing of the heathen nations as it is manifested in Christendom. Happily, the bounds of Christendom are enlarging. Ve may now include Australia and New Zealand under that designation. In point of missionary zeal the churches in these regions are hardly behind those of Europe and America. The Dutch Church in South Africa" is also earnest in missionary work.
[To be continued.] NUNNERY LIFE IN NAPLES.
The recent disclosures in this Italian city have produced a pro- found sensation throughout the whole bounds of the thinking world. A convent in Naples, which for four centuries has been shut to all, and has been appropriately known as the nunnery of the "Buried Alive," has been opened by the police and the secrets unearthed. A young girl had been hurriedly" buried" there to cure her of an un- fortunate passion; but when her family afterwards wiRhed to com- municate with her it was found impossible. An appeal to the Italian Minister of Justice procured an order for entrance, and, against vio- lent opposition, the police forced their way. They found twenty-six nuns, ragged, wretched, and some of them half-insane. Eight of them had been immured in this death trap by order of their parents, against their own will. The horrible spectacle thus brought to 'light has caused the Governor of Naples to order a further and complete investigation, and all the closed nunneries of Southern Italy are to be visited officially. "Free Italy" is proving both her right and her power to be free! These women were walled in, 'Yith only a small opening to " pass in food, and were like bony skeletons, The government pro- poses to turn the large convent into a school for girls. Of course the priests cry, "Sacrilegio I Sacrilegio!"
One of the Erskines said: "I can call God to witness that I have done my best to bring on a definite issue between Christ and the adversaries of the truth." .Let us not be afraid of conflict. Christ came not to send peace, but a sword. Loyalty to the truth will inevitably arouse to violent opposition the minions and myrmidons of' error.
"HOW MUCH BETTER THEN IS A MAN THAN A SHEEP?"
"HOW :MUCH BETTER THEN IS A MAN THAN A SB,EEP?" MATT. xn:12.
BY A. J. GORDON, D.D., BOSTON, MASS• • An absurd question! you may exclaim at first. But it was a very pertinent question when Jesus asked it. And it is just as truly so to- day. For do you not know that our American congress has given vastly more attention to the protection of sheep's wooi than it has given to the protection of the home and family? And this is a typi- cal fact which illustrates the conduct of worldly rulers and secular shepherds in all time. Therefore, it is necessary for us to answer anew the question: "How much better is a man than a sheep ?"
Answer first: "The gooa shephera giveth his life for the sheep,'" (Johnx:ll), which, being interpreted, means: "The Son of God gave himself for the sons of men." Our first computation of the worth of man, then, is not in an earthly currency but in a heavenly; not in the denomination of "corruptible things as silver and gold" but of "the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Think of that, ye monopolists and Christian millionaires~ who have ground humanity between the upper and nether millstones of combination and capital in order to make gain and grist for yourselves, till the Lord has cried out repeatedly: "Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge who eat up My people as they eat bread ?" Here is the difference between man's estimate of man and God's estimate: The one will grind the masses into food for his own stomach, if he can do so; the other-the Son of God-will give his own body to be ground into food for man, saying, as he offers us his own wounded and bleeding members: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The philosopher, Compte, is said to have instituted and kept what he' called "Man's Supper," in which he partook of a crust of bread and a cup of water, saying, as he did so: "This I do in remembrance of the great multitude who have only a crust to feed upon.'" But such a sacrament is not needed: for the Lord's Supper, instituted centuries ago, declares all this and vastly more. By it our Lord says to our hungry, oppressed and suffering humanity, " I give myself to you, My.body to be your loaf, lIy blood to be your life, take, eat ye all of it." When was ever such valuation set on man as this? "Every man has his price," says the proverb. And the politician is in the market bidding for him; and the capitalist is in the Exchange bidding for him; and the man-slayer stands in the door of his saloon bidding for him. All these are bidding him down, vieing with each other in deadly competition to see which will get him for the smallest. and most paltry price. But Jesus Christ steps into the circle and sternly asks of the bidders: "How much better is a man than a sheep? Look on him, made in the image of God, and, though bruised and broken by the fall, capable of being restored to that image, and re- dothed with glory and honor and immortalityl And is this all that he is fit for, to be sheared of his daily income by the saloon; to ~ Tobbed of his fleece by the usurer, and to be sold in the shambles by the monopolist? I will not bid him down, I will bid him up. 'As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my lifefor the sheep,''' (John x:15). Here is the Divine valuation of man; Christ's invoice of humanity. Look at the price-the Lord Himself – and then estimate the purchase. N ever was such fine gold of purity and perfection coined into a single life; never was such weight of priceless suffering crowded into a single death. And all this the purchase money of our redemption. "Or what Hhall a man give in exchange for his soul?" asks Jesus. And He answers His -questions by giving Himself. We want no more powerful argument for missions than this: "Who loved me and gave Himself for me"- Himself, so infinitely much, for me, so insignificantly little. Then woe to the Christian who can hoard his gold, when the dying millions are crying out for more missionaries to be sent to them; and our bur- dened and anxious Boards are crying out for more money with which to send them.
"How much better is a man than a sheep?" Answer second: "I willmake a man more precious than fine gold/ even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir" (Is. xiii. 12). The seer looked on, through the long perspective of prophecy, to .the day when the heavens shall be shaken; when the sun shall be darkened .and the moon shall withdraw her light. In this time, when God shall }mnish the world for its eyil he "will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible"- then" a man shall be more precious than fine gold." Here is something new in the history of the race. For ages the gold brokers of this world have counted humanity as oBly so much crude ore to be reduced and coined into cash for their vaults. But now the golden age has come when a man stamped with the image and superscription .of God will pass for what he is worth-the highest currency on earth. Hear this, ye missionaries of the Cross! You have forsaken all to go down into William Carey's "Gold Mine," while many of your brethren at home are filling their safes with thousands and ten thousands of superfluous wealth, leaving you short-handed and discouraged for want of helpers which they might send you if they would only give as the Lord has prospered them. And in hours of heart-sinking and faintness you sometimes wonder what you will get for all your thankless sacrifices. Be of good cheer. You are mining men, and that for the most part out of the lowest strata of humanity; and though your products have little value in this world's market, wait a little. There is a financial panic approaching in which yellow gold will go down, while there will be an astonishing rise in your securities. Listen to the report of the coming crash, as it appears on the bulletin-board of James, v: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 'Your riches are co~ rupted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered: and the rust of them shall be a witness against you and shall eat yourflesh as it wereflre. Ye have heaped together treasure for the last days." Did you ever hear of such a gold panic as that? Boom the market; form syndicates; pass silver bills; enlist the banks! It is of no use. The day of judgment has come. "Your gold and silver is cankered." :Millionaires become insolvent, banks suspend, and the only people who have anything to depend on are those who laid up somewhat in the savings bank of heaven.
But what news for the missionary on St. James' bulletin-board? Listen: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman 1vaiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient/ stablish your hearts/for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." "The coming of the Lord." And what of that? Ah, that is going to revolutionize society. Read the :Messianic Psalm 72d and learn for yourself the change that will be ushered in by the millennium. :Money will go down, man will come up. Immanuel will now control the market in the interest of his clients. "And to Him shall be given the gold of Sheba," and" He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, the poor also and him that hath no helper."
And most wonderful of all: "A man shall be more precious than gold." Hear that, 0 long-suffering and patient missionary; your stock will be at par now-as it never has been before. The poor souls which you dug from' the dark caverns of heathenism, and which you coined in the mint of redemption, will be worth millions of such "corruptible things as silver and gold." Did the mother of the Gracchi present her own children to those who inquired concerning her treasures, saying: "These are my jewels?" How much more will the missionary exult in his spiritual children in that. day when the ]~ord shall" make up his jewels," presenting them before the Redeemer, and before the angels, saying: "These are my riches!" :Moffat, who is that black man who stands by your side, and what do you count him worth? And the aged apostle of Africa replies: That is Africaner, the once bloodthirsty and raging man-slayer, now become as gentle and tender as a Iamb since Jesus laid him on His shoulders rejoicing. Do you ask me wha':. he is worth? He is "more precious than fine gold. Yea, than the golden wedge of Ophir." 'Who is that, 0 William Carey, whom you are introducing with such joy to your Lord? That is Khrishna Pal, my first convert from among the heathen of India. Listen, and you shall hear him sing, " 0 thou my soul forget no more The friend who all thy sorrows bore."
And who is this, 0 Boardman beloved, whom you are leading up to the throne with such thanksgiving? This is San Quala, whom God gave me from the dark-faced Karens, and who himself in turn led thousands to Jesus Christ.
" Where can I invest most safely and profitably?" is the question constantly asked on 'Change. Invest in souls; seriously, deliberately and solemnly we urge you to inv~st in souls. There is no insurance on gold and silver that will protect tllem against the fires of the last day. But saved and glorified souls-these are" the gold tried in the fire," out of which your crown of rejoicing shall be wrought. Get money, you mayor may not, 0 Christian. But as you care aught for the rewards of heaven, fail not of getting souls. Get them at your own door; get them from the ends of the earth; but fail not to get them.
" I FEEL age creeping on me. I know that I must soon die. I hope it is not wrong to say it, but I cannot bear to leave this world with all the suffering in it /"-Earl of Shaj~esburJ/.
SCHLEGEL, and Madame de Stael after him, called" architecture, frozen music." From some of the music we have heard in so-called sanctuaries during the past five years we have concluded that the praise was frozen in the icy surroundings of an !esthetic performance, in which all the warmth of devotional fervor had somehow been utterly lost. Is it not possible for even our missionary spirit so to be chilled by the icy rigidity of a heartless formalism, that even while we are boasting of our efficient organizations, God sees that they are like frozen corpses, from which all life is gone?
ARE OUR PASTORS FAITHFUL?
The large number of our non-contributing churches, after making a liberal allowance for unintentional omission, and churches having only a nominal existence, also the trifling amount given to the Foreign Mission Work by congregation" whose wealth runs up into the millions, shows the necessity of some new movement. I have been attending a prominent evangelical church in a great city for the last three years and more, ministered to by one of the most mature preachers in our church, and during the whole tiJlle he has made no reference to the foreign work from the pulpit. The attention of the officers of the church has been called to the strange omission but no explanation has been given. If men who have the ear of the church are silent, God will raise up others. " The stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber and help destroy it." This is beyond endurance.-A Parishioner.
1891.J Tl4-NSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK.
-The Missions-Blatt der BrUdergemeine, for June, 1890, gives the follow- -ing account of the peculiar relations of the mission-stations in South Africa to the civil authorities: " The practical English government has long since come to see that mission_ stations are the very best representatives of good morals, good order and civilization, the most trustworthy guarantees of public quiet, above all in the domain <>f the hot-blooded, turbulent Caffres, who have already cost the English colony streams of blood and untold sums of money. No wonder, then, that the higher -officials, in the well-understood interest of the common weal, encourage missions~ It is natural, therefore, when a mission-station is laid out, that they should gratuitously grant the ground required for church, school and missionhouse, if it is in the hands of the government. Indeed, they used also to give, without compensation, even the land for fields and gardens likely to blil required by a future community. This was known as the station-land. The rules and ordinances necessary for such a station then receive government sanction, and the presiding missionary receives civil jurisdiction to expel, from the station and its domain, those that offend against these ordinances by gross offences. Less important violations of station rules are visited with a fine paid into the public purse of the congregation. Thus the presiding missionary of the station is armed, not only with ecclesiastical, but also with civil and judicial prerogatives. On the other hand, the State naturally reserves to its representatives the right to ascertain whethcr the grant in land is actually applied to the designated purpose, whether discipline and good order prev:;til at the station, whether the school is efficiently carried on, and so on. Moreover, those that are condemned to leave the station lands have the right, in case they esteem the penalty unjust, to appeal to a government officer, who takes cognizance of their complaint."
This banishment from the station, however, especially as concerns submission to the heathenish and degrading rites connected with circumcision, is now in disuse, milder, but practically less dangerous and more effective measures of discipline taking its place. This universal Caffre usage, in itself indifferent, is so inextricably interwoven with all manner of vile concomitants, that it seems to be Satan's chief instrument for holding the Caffres under his dominion. Yet a Caffre yputh who does not submit to it becomes virtually a pariah among his tribesmen, and can scarcely obtain, even from Christian parents, the hand of one of their daughters. Its final overthrow will storm the citadel of darkness.
-The Rev. Mr. Stahle, of Australia, a Moravian, though at present connected with another society, communicates the decision of the" Aboriginal Board," appointed to look after the interests of the rapidly-vanishing native race, that they shall all be removed to certain stations, where they shall be kindly cared for, and not allowed intercourse with the whites, or even with the half-whites, until the race disappears, as within a calculable time it appears that it must.
Mr. Stahle says that for several months an awakening, accompanied with rich blessing, had been in progress among the Tapuas of his station. "Much sickness, however, had prevailed, and from January till October there had been eleven deaths. But all who fell asleep bore witness on their deathbed of their faith in Him who justifies the ungodly, and of their fervent desire that they might be permitted to enter into the joy of their Lord."
A visitor to the station, who attended a meeting, says: " But, ah, the hacking cough, which is heard on every side from among them! It sounds like the deathknell over the remnant of the once so numerous native tribes of Australia. Sitting thus in the midst of them, we cannot fail to remark how weakly they are, and how evidently the sentence of death against them is already proclaimed by their debilitated constitution. How emphatic is the appeal to our affectionate Christian sympathy, which resounds in our ears as we listen to this cough!"
-This work of bringing the regenerating influences o(the Gospel to the last survivors of a dying race, casts, of course, a shade of sadness over the minds of the missionaries, such as appears in these words of Missionary Kramer, of the Brethren's Mission, at Ebenezer: "Our beloved Ebenezer will, doubtless, be permitted to enter, as a mission station, upon the new decade. But how will it be at the end? The Lord alone knows. If it is to be dissolved I hope that ourlittle church will remain 'God's house,' and not be turned to the uses of a barn or a· stable. Many blessings, by God's grace, have descended upon us therein, and a certain sadness comes over me when I fear that in the place where we have assembled so often, in the name of the Lord, seeking to be built up out of His Word, or to present before Him our supplications and thanksgivings, or to raise to Him <;lUr songs of praise, the voice of riotous blasphemy may be heard. May the Lord forbid that it should be so !"
The following description of Cashmere, from the Missions-Blatt, reminds one of Moore's "Who has not heard of the vale of Cashmere, With its roses the brightest that earth ever gave, " etc.
"It is a region so richly and bounteously endowed by the goodness of God. that some naturalists have ventured the conjecture that it must have been the cradle of mankind-the origin at Paradise. That wonderful union of the sharpest antitheses in the life of nature, which characterizes the mighty Indian empire, the heat and luxuriant vegetation of the tropics, combined with the refreshing alpine ail' of snowy summits, glaciers and blue-green mountain lakes-so strengthening to the nerves-this fullness of God's glorious creation bursts upon the traveler in Cashmere in its purest, noblest forms. We cannot wonder, therefore, that the children of men to be met with there are also a. wonderful combination of the most startling contrasts. These are the proper inhabitants of the land, genuine Asiatics, arrested in their development for centuries back, and still bound in the chains of a relaxing heathenism. On the. other hand, you meet here with all the facilities of modern intercourse, and the country swarms with Europeans, some seeking recovery from the ill effects of a long sojourn in the heated plains, some finding delight in climbing the glaciers and snowy mountain-tops, like the tourists of Switzerland and the Tyrol."
-It is known that the Moravian Mission among the Himalayas is at oncein Thibet and in India. In other words, the people are Thibetan Buddhists, but are on the Indian slope of the main ridge, and are subject to British authority. They say: "As a missionary, Brother Redslob, so long as he and his wife, though seeking relaxation, are still within the range of Thibetan speech, he feels it incumbent on him, wherever he makes a stay of any length, to bear his witness to the crucified and risen one."
-The Roman Catholic government of Nicaragua, after many refusals, has finally granted permission to the Moravian brethren to establish mission stations in Nicaraguan Territory, for the pastoral care of the converted Indians, who have emigrated thither from the Mosquito State, or have received the Gospel from there.
-The Missions-Blatt' expresses surprise that John Morongo, a leading Indian of their Ramona Mission in California, had previously been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, but until lately was unbaptized! Of course he was only an adherent, not a member, of the Episcopal Church-a distinction with which our German brethren seem to find it a little difficult to become familiar, as almost everybody in Germany is baptized, and, therefore, accounted a member of some church, though not necessarily a communicant member.
-The Missions-Blatt likewise makes a slight slip, very natural in a German magazine, in speaking of the government of California, instead of that of the United States, as controlling the Indian reservation. The distinction, of course,. is of no consequence to German readers.
-Our German brethren greatly admire the American and English institution of medical missions, to which, for want of suitable candidates, they themselves have not as yet been able to give any wide extension. The Unitas Fratrum, however, has its first, and, at present, its only trained medical missionary, in Carl Marx, who is established in Leh, in connection with its Thibetan Mission. The different German societies are making special effort to come up in time with the Anglo-Saxons in what may be called this left-hand of Christ's work, which now, as with the Lord Himself, has always so mightily supported the work of His right hand.
-The annual report of the Societe EvangeZique of Geneva, for 1890, has-the following remarks: "It is, in fact, beloved hearers, a word of hope, of confidence, indeed of certainty, with which we would fain conclude this reporta word of faith, for that is it of which we have need, in present conjunctures, to sustain us in our work. The times are most serious, and, in face of the growing troubles of the present hour, one might easily be tempted to dl~wur agement. Owing, to our limited view-owing, above all, to the deafening cries of our adversaries, who, in the name of science, of progress, of liberty, of equality, of democracy, proclaim that the era of Christianity is past; that the hour of the definitive enfranchisement of human thought is about to strike on the clock of time–one might believe that it is over with the reign of Christ; that the last times are here, and that the world, given over to itself, is about to undergo the final convulsions. In face of the storm, some are ready to lay down their arms. Why strive, when defeat is certain, why suffer when there is no longer a morrow? Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Others, more spiritual in appearance, hold another language: "Let us separate ourselves," say they, "from this perverse world, destined to a final destruction. Little Hock of the Good Shepherd, as we are, let us withdraw into His fold; the hour of deliverance is at hand. Let us go out of Sodom and Gomorrah, and, in prayer, await our Deliverer. Let us, too, eat and drink; let us feed on the heavenly bread, let us refresh ourselves with the spiritual drink, and let us abandon to their fate the masses destined to destruction.' Gentlemen, let us listen to neither of these voices, the voice of discouragement and of pessimism or the voice of spiritual egoism; the voice of insane enjoyment or the yet more culpable voice of abdication in the name of sanctity! No, no! neither: .. 'Labor, labor, for the thankful 1 let the thankless hold their hands, Happy the servants whom the Master, when He comes, shall find watching I'
"Is it true, in fact, that the final hour of defeat is arrived, and that everything is discouraging in the Church? Must the rapidly approaching twentieth century necessarily witness a new inroad of barbarians, the more terrible that it will be the inroad of science turned infidel? I do not believe it. It is true that humanity, that unceasing traveler, marches uninterruptedly through valleys and mountain ranges, now ·on the summit, in full sunshine, to-morrow in the depths, in darkness and peril. Possibly we have reached one of those dolorous hours when it descends towards the precipice; but let us not forget it stops an instant; where it takes breath and rests, in order there to address itself to the climbing of new heights. And, gentlemen, let me be taxed with optimism, but I must still say, in spite of all I hear, in spite of all Isee, in de- spite of the sombre prophecies of the guardians of Israel, and of the cries of distretls from the leaders of the flocks, I believe that the present hour is not an hour for despair; I believe that at this end of a century Christianity is not like a wild creature brought to bay; I believe, and I may even say I affirm, that never has the Church been more active, more audacious, more victorious; that never, at any epoch of its history, has Christianity exercised upon the world a power more energetic and more glorious.
"To open, Christians, the way to you, the princes of industrial civilization are transformed, without willing it or knowing it, into pioneers of Providence. These bridges which they hang in air, these mountains which they transpierce, those roads on which fire is their ,bearer and which they desire to serve their ambition, are only channels through which the Spirit is to flow. Thus did three centuries before Jesus Christ, the conquering Alexander, when he sub- dued Asia and transplanted the Hellenic civilization into the distant Orient; thus did the Romans, his successors, when marching in their turn to the con- quest of the world, they brought peoples together by their arms, and furrowed the three continents with their military roads. They believed that by these their legions would eternally pass and repass to impose their commands on the world. They knew not, what we know to-day, that they were preparing tri- umphal ways for the Saviour and his Apostles. 0, you, then,masters of science and of wealth, engineers, colonizers, conquerors, whatever may be your names and your designs, continue the work of your predecessors, abridge space, les- sen the breadth of the sea by your steamers, and suppress distance by your telegraphs, draw from nature her final secrets, so that one day the Truth may no longer be checked by rivers and by mountains, but may advance rapidly to break the last-remaining bonds of slavery and to stifle the ultimate lurking places of barbarism and superstition !"
-The report for 1889 of the Societe des ll:fissWn8 Evangeliques gives for Tahiti: 23 parishes; 4 European missionaries; 20 native pastors; 2,044 church mem- bers; 44 catechumens; 8,949 francs for home work, 594 francs for foreign missions.
-The Paris society, speaking of Tahiti, remarks: "The religious life of the Tahitians is still in a state sufficiently rudimentary. It has its bright sides: profound attachment to the Word of God, very general observance of the Sunday; regular attendance on worship; practice of Christian liberality. Butit has its deep shadows likewise: for one thing, the considerable number of the unconverted, who form the majority of the population; then, even among believers, are insufficient apprehension of the -exigences of the Law of God; the almost complete absence of true Christian faInily life; in brief, to speak with our brethren, 'a piety which still localizes itself too much within the walls of the churches, and which does not spread abroad sufficiently in good works and in regenerating influences.'"
-In speaking of the great work of the Paris society, that in Basutoland, or, as the French call it, Lessuto, the report remarks: " We bless God that He has given to the churches of France a work proportioned to their strength, adapted to their genius, and the success of which has stimulated a zeal which efforts too long without fruit might have discouraged. And, to-day, that which strikes the eye in the Lessuto mission, by the side of that in still advancing, it from time to time regains some large plateau where weaknesses and defects inseparable from every human work, is its sound and vigorous growth."
This mission last year experienced a remarkable revival, bringing in many pagans. This has not continued, but it has left open many new doors of access. Paganism, on the other hand, having recovered from the early impressions of awe before the missionaries, has become at once more malicious and more aggressive. It is assisted, as in Paul's day, by two rival missions, the Roman Catholic and the Propagation Society. The latter, however, excites the contempt of the Basutos, who regard it as coming to the ground between two -stools. "The danger is in the scandal of these three rival Christian confessions, these three Gods, as the natives still phrase it."
The awakening among the heathen Basutos resulted in the addition of 514 new members, making the present number 6,543. The present number of catechumens is 3,332. Out-stations, 110; for 1888, 94; native helpers, 194; for 1888, 176. Primary scholars for 1889, 5,347; for 1888, 4,566.
-11. Coillard, of the incipient, but noble mission of the Zambesi-anoffshoot (){ the Lessuto mission-speaking of the imperative need of extension, or rather 1)f filling up intermediate space, remarks: "We are no longer in the earlier time when missions of magnificent distances had leisure to develop themselves as they might without the risk of taking any harm. To-day the centre of Africa is the object ofa general assault, which contests every point of attack. God grant that we may be resolved and faithful."
-It is known how discreditably,indeed, ridiculously, jealous, both the French and the German governments are, of having missionaries of any other nation in their colonies. Germany, however, being Protestant, does not dislike them as Protestants, and, by its late agreement with England, expressly allows them in Africa. France, however, whose occupancy of the Gaboon, in West Africa, is much more recent than the American missionary occupancy of it, distrusts .our Presbyterian brethren there as foreigners and dislikes them as Protestants. Even French atheists are" Catholic atheists." They have forbidden our missionaries to use English in their schools, to which acceding, the Americans have obtained from the Paris brethren several teachers of French. The Journal says: "The authorities, having obtained satisfaction on the point as to which energy"-French-" colonial administration is inflexible, the teaching of the language of the mother country in the schools, have come to regard the American missionaries with a more favorable eye. If, as we hope, these friendly dispositions become fixed, every one will at last comprehend that which has always appeared evident to us, namely, that an intelligent administration, eager to extend civilization, ought not to refuse any assistance, even though offered by foreigners; especially when these foreigners are the repre sentatives of a friendly nation, and only ask leave to preach the Gospel without any intermixture of political aims."
Should the French Republic, as Father Hyacinthe forebodes, swing over from atheism to Jesuitism, it would fare ill with Protestant efforts, French or foreign, in her colonies. But, as Sainte Beuve remarks, whenever Jesuitism stretches out its hand to some great work of mischief, the eternal wound dealt by Pascal reopens, and it gives up the ghost afresh.
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND OONDUOTED BY HEV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Past Ten Years in Persia. rians, and Catholics; and the Jews, who are quite numerous. BY REV. W. L. WIDPPLE, D.D. The field of the Bible work is divid- In looking backward ten years we ed with the British and Foreign Bible find very little change in the status of Society. Dr. Bruce, its representa- Persia. The same king, ~asr-ed-deen tive, looks after the southern, while I Shah, who has reigned, according to superintend the northern portion or the Persian reckoning, nearly fifty the kingdom for the American Bible years-the longest of any Persian Society. monarch-is still on the throne, a wiser and better sovereign than he There has been decided progress wastenyearsago. The journey which made in the missionary work, reprehe made to Europe, for the third time, sented, on the one hand, by the Amerilast year, seems to have had a bene- can Presbyterian Board, in the North, ficial effect upon him. He visited and on the other hand, by the Church most of the principal capitals and Missionary Society of England, who manufacturing centres, and appeared have their centre at Isfahan. to be in earnest in obtaining information and an insight into the various. In taking a retrospect of the Bible improvements and progress of the 19th work in Persia during the decade just century. Since his return he has be- drawing to a close, I am glad to say gun to introduce changes and reforms that it comes up, in the main, to my of a practical nature. This is no easy reasonable expectation, though not so task, for the same forces are still at extensive as I should wish to see. In work, opposing in every possible way forming plans for the work, when I the introduction of Western ideas, as first entered upon my duties, July 1, on his return from his previous Euro- 1880, I thought that if I succeeded pean tour. He has, however, gained in placing in the hands of the people in solid stamina, and we trust that he of Persia, in ten years, 40,000 copies will not be held in such subjection by of God's Word, I should be thank- "the power behind. the the throne" as ful. I was not over-sanguine that in former years. I should be able to attain that cir- culation. I find that the total cir- The kingdom has been quite free culation, including grants, has fully from internal troubles, with the ex- reached that amount. The sales exception of the Koordish Rebellion, ceed the grants in the proportion of which occurred about nine years ago, fourteen to one. The larger portion and was soon suppressed. are in the Persian, Turkish, and Ara- bic languages, representing the Mos- There has been no foreign war. The lem population. The Syriac comes. territory remains the same, contain- next. Then follows the Hebrew, ining nearly one-fifth of the area of the dicating the interest manifested by United States, or about as much as God's ancient people in His Word. Germany, France, Austria, and Hun- The Armenian does not enter so gary combined. Roughly estimated, largely in our sales as we expect it to it is 1,500 miles long, by 850 miles do in the future. There is too much wide, in its greatest extent. light creeping in on all sides of that ancient and dark Christian Church to Our work is among the following debar God's Word from its communion nationalities: The Moslems-the pre- much longer. dominent class-including the Sheah and Sunee sects (the Koords, as a In 1885 I made an address at the rule, are all Sunees); the nominal jubilee celebration in Oroomiah, com- Christian nations-Armenians, Nestomemorating a half century of mis- mission to the present time, it is be- sionary labot among the Nestorians, <>n the subject, "What part has the lieved that 70,000 copies of God's Word Bible had in the work of the last fifty years in Persia?" There were have been distributed, in different present about 2,000 persons, nearly Qne-half of whom were women and languages and among varions nation- girls. It was stated then, that fifty years before there were only two alities in Persia, apart from what has women in the entire Nestorian nation who could read, and the request was been done by the British and Foreign made that all the women present who (lould read the New Testament would Bible Society, through the agency of rise to their feet. Imagine our grati- fication when 800 arose. It was a Dr. Bruce. This may not seem very sight never to be forgotten by those present, who saw those daughters of wonderful to one unfamiliar with the the East, with intelligent and beaming faces, rise up, en masse, and remain bigotry and self-satisfaction of the standing until they were counted. And these were only representatives Persian Moslem, especially when he from many villages and towns upon the plains of Oroomiah, Sooldooz, and reads the circulation reported each Balmez, with a few from the moun- tains of Koordistan. The incident is year in some larger and older estab- a very impressive and encouraging object-lesson of what missionary ef- lished agencies. But let us not despise forts have accomplished in one di- rection merely-a rather liberal per the day of small things, nor forget >cent. of return in fifty years. Itspeaks even more teIlingly, when it is borne that these millions in Persia are a part in mind that at the commencement of the work among the Nestorians by of the world into which the triumph- Dr. Perkins and Dr. Grant these poor peeple did not have the Scriptures in ant Master commanded to preach the their own language (the Syriac). There were a few manuscript copies on Gospel. ' parchment of the ancient Syriac, so revered and precious that they were The fact that the representatives -only used on special and very holy oc- Clasions, and upon which oaths were from this Oriental land were the first administered to Moslems. as well as Christians, as they were counted very ambassadors to pay homage to the in- sacred by all classes. fant Saviour, and to lay at his feet It was the privilege of the American Bible Society to furnish the means to their royal gifts, is a very significant -carry through to completion the publication of the entire Syriac Bible, in one. And cannot we bring this up both the ancient, or sacred, and the modern languages. It is now revising before the adorable Master as "a methe modern version, and preparing to :,print a new edition with references. morial" in her behalf? We all in Per- From the commencement of the sia believe that there are brighter days in store and greater ,blessings held in reserve. The people are beginning to be aroused to a sense of their duty.
There is no more potent energy at work to bring about this greatly de- sired end than the printed Word. It enters silently where no preacher is allowed to stay, and quietly'and daily preaches to some one or more in that village or city where it finds lodgment and then suddenly the place is thrown into commotion by the rumor that one of their number has left the faith and become an "infidel Armanee"
(Christian). Then persecution begins; loss of relatives and friends and prop- erty follow, and revilings, beatings, and imprisonments hasten on apace; then threatenings, and, at last, it cul- minates in casting out and banish- ment from home and country. It may terminate in death itself.
But, meantime, this faithful one has taught a few of his firm friends, or read to them night after night from this new and interesting Book, .And this was the fact, as I can testify until they, too, have been won over to from what I have seen as I walked believe in the Injeel, and to accept through the bazaars. Christ as their Redeemer. And when a colporteur or evangelist visits the .After various methods were tried, place again, he is surprised to find a without avail, it was decided to pronumber who are not only favorably hibit all sales of Scriptures by colinclined, but who actually accept porteurs, whether in cities or towns Christianity, and petition the mis- or villages. So they could not make sionaries to send them a teacher or tours. This was made a jetwa, or ofpreacher. This has been the case in ficial action by the chief mujhtaheeds, a number of instances. It is inter- or highest ecclesiastical authority; esting, indeed, to see how the leaven 'and when the notice was communiworks, "until the whole lump is leav- cated to the governor-general hedared ened." not disregard it. He therefore in- formed our representative of this or- But in Persia, as elsewhere, "the der, and requested him to notify the kingdom of Heaven cometh not with agent of the American Bible Society observation." Very little attention at to respect it. After careful deliberafirst was paid to the circulation of the tion and counsel, we all deemed it Scriptures. When I began the work, expedient to observe the rule until reten years ago, they were admitted free dress could be obtained. of duty; but as the demand increased, and the cases of books-fifty and This proved to be by far the heaviest eighty at a time-began to arrive, the blow our work ever received. It was custom-house officials deemed it worth over one year before we could get the their attention, and soon we had to order rescinded, and receive permispay customs. A moderate rate wa..'1 sion to resume our work. This profixed, to be paid in kind. But it was hibition was in force only in .Azerbinot long before the officials com- jan, the other provinces being still plained that this was burdensome to opened to the colporteur. The printhem. They did not have room, they cipal part of our work, however, was said, to store away their share of in that province, where such cities Scriptures received for duties; so it and districts as Tabreez, Oroomiah, was decided, after due consideration, Salmas, Maragha, Sooldooz, etc., are that mone,y would be paid instead of situated. It affected, in conse- Scriptures. Soon after these points quence, our sales very materially. were settled, then the mullahs and high ecclesiastics of the Moslems ap_ I have told this story of the conflict, peared on the scene. They seemed to between truth and error, which has have been taken by surprise, and were been in progress for some years, so not aware how many Scriptures were quietly that few have been aware of going into circulation. They began to it, to show what advances the former investigate, and the more they in- is making over the latter, and, how quired the greater were they dis- stubbornly each stronghold has been turbed and alarmed. They held coun- held until captured by force. Progcils in various places, and discussed ress has been slow all along the line;' meaures for putting a stop to this but the fact that nearly 100,000 " torwork. Some were heard to say: pedoes" have been" placed," and are' " These men are filling the bazaars only abiding their time set for them with the Injeel, and wherever we go to accomplish the work intended for' we find one. Even merchants and them to do, is full of encouragement tradesmen are seen neglecting their to those who "wait patiently on the work, and poring over this book." Lord."
The colporteurand evangelist going' out together to the districts and, cities in the distant portions of Persia Testament. There are a number of have had a marked influence for good. converts to Christianity from the Indeed, they have been the advance Jews, and all have been faithful readguards, and have prepared the way for the establishing of every station in ers of the Tourat, or Old Testament. Persia except Oroomiah. All the others, viz.: Teheran, Isfahan, Ta- But as they compared Scripture with breez, Ramadan, Salmaz, and the Scripture, they were at last convinced new one recently established in the that the Messiah had surely come, and mountains of Western Koordistan, they hastened to acknowledge, and do were visited and canvassed first by him honor. There are many intellicolporteurs and evangelists, sent out gent Jews in Persia to-day, intellectuyearly by the missionaries in OroD- ally converted to Christianity, who do miah. They would spend, every not confess Jesus publicly" for fear visit, one week or more in each city in of the Jews," lest they be cast out of preaching and selling Scriptures. In the synagogue. That means to-day this way much precious seed was what it did 2,000 years ago. But the sown, which, after many days, has truth is working in many hearts, and sprung up and brought forth fruit–a will eventually prevail. The missionrich spiritual harvest–already; and aries' schools are composed entirely of the work is only fairly begun., Jewish boys and girls, who daily study the New Testament, and even the OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. catechism.
During these ten years a civil war, Another encouraging fact is the following closely upon the heels of large sale of Scriptures to Moslemsfamine and pestilence, has interfered perhaps the largest part of the gross with and curtailed materially the sales. These are in the Persian and sales of the Scriptures. Likewise, as Arabic, the Azerbijan and the Osalready mentioned, for over one year manli – Turkish languages. Weare no colporteur' was allowed to sell able, by these languages, to reach all Scriptures in the large and influential classes of the Mohammedans of Persia province of Azerbijan, where the larg- and Koordistan. Not only that, but est share of sales was usually made. they are purchased and carried home These circumstances, combined with to dwellers in Mghanistan, Beloochisthe constant animosity and vigilant tan, Turkestan, and even India. opposition to our colporteurs and the scarcity of ready money, have ham- It is a grand accomplishment and a pered the sales. Should the Armenian powerful agency in the evangelization bishops and priests withdraw their ob- of Mohammedans that the entire jections to the people purchasing the Scriptures have been translated, pub- Scriptures, and permit them to be lished, and circulated for years in the used in their schools, our sales would Arabic tongue, the sacred language of be greatly augmented; for they are all Moslems. abundantly able to purchase, and they are well supplied with schools. We The Arabic Bible and New Testahave been working to bring this about, ment are popular with the Moslem and some recent indications lead us to high ecclesiastics and clergy; for, behope that it will not be long before our ing in the sacred language, they al'e en<! will be accomplished. not suspected of reading the holy books of the Christians. If questioned ENCOURAGING FEATURES IN OUR WORK. what they are reading, they can re- ply, "the blessed Arabic tongue," and Among others might be mentioned then they read aloud a few verses in the number of Scriptures that are sNd confirmation of their statement. Our yearly to the Jews. It is true that colporteurs have sold Bibles in this most of these are copies of the Old language to some of the highest rank of Moslems, both clergy and nobility. I could mention some very interesting In concluding this paper, I append cases of this character, which it is not the resume of sales and grants for ten prudent to publish. years. The figures for 1889 are only All the converts 'from Islam to Christianity, whom I have met, at- approximately correct: tribute their conversion directly to the reading of the New Testament in The average number of men employed Persian, and not any human agency. annually ………. ~ •….. . . .. …. …… 25 Number of years spent by them…….. 170 " U miles (on horseback) tray· eled by your agent …….. 10,000 " " months spent on those jour· neys….. …. …. ……… 22 RESUME OF SALES AND GRANTS FOR TEN YEARS. GRANTS. SALES.
Bibles. Tests. Parts. TotaL Value. Bibles. Tests. Parts. TotaL Value.
From July 1880 to 2,114 1,921 4,488 $1,24800 50 285 402 737 151.00 end of 1881. .. .. . 453 2,129 1,755 4,308 1,069 12 47 265 394 706 149.40 2,178 2,363 5,026 1,295 48 58 185 240 483 127.85 F,?r 1882.. …….. 424 1,973 1,977 4,426 1,050 03 …2.9… ..1..7.3.. 236 ….4…3..8….. .1.0.6…2.5.. 1883………. 485 1,105 1,310 2,754 94090 1,549 2,974 4,852 …….. ……. . …… " 1884………. 476 1,023 1,625 2,844 1,311 98 . …… " 1885…… …. 339 2,464 2,129 5,004 384 36 1,500 1,870 3,625 87588 48 " 1886 ……… 329 1,225 15 ……… …9.0… ..1.7.1… ..3.0.9… ..6.4…0.0. , 1887. ……… 196 " 1888………. 411 " 1889………. 225 Total Sales in 10 years. .. ……… 3,368 16,035 17,924 37,327 $9,401 50 232 Total Grants in 10 998 1,448 2,637 $598.50 years… … ….. 232 998 1,443 2,637 59850 Total circulation, 10 years….. '" 3,600 17,033 19.367 40,000 $10,000 00 [NOTE: The above paper was read before International Missionary Union, 1890.-J. T. G.] Missions to the Native Mexican Races. and saving power of the Lord Jesus than their ancestors knew in the old REV.WH. P.F. FERGUSON, BANGAL, N.Y. days when the Aztec altars were piled with human hearts. I showed, in my former paper (see What prospects are there for their MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, Christianization under present meth- ods? March, '90, p. 218) that there are today in Mexico, out of a total popula- The Roman Church has given them tion of less than 12,000,000, nearly all that it ever can.. They have the 4,000,000 who speak some one of the rosary, the crucifix, holy watermany ancient languages. In other pretty idols, compared with the fiendwords, to-day, after 370 years of the ascendency of Spanish blood, one- ish representations of the old Aztec third of the nation still use the lan- divinities; but only idols, and Rome's guages of their fathers, hands hold no better gifts.
In regard to these peoples I shall The Protestant missions' now at raise a series of questions and suggest work in the country have not, as yet, such answers as are in accord with attempted any very considerable work my conception of the facts: among the indigenes, not can they in the near future. Given the money Have these people been Christian- and the men, and to·day, in parts of ized? the Republic already under the eye of the missionary, 100 workers could be I might give a very extended an- placed in Spanish-speaking towns and swer. I might array facts and pile cities of from 1,000 to 10,000 inhabitup quotations to show you their con- ants where there is now no teacher of the Gospel and where good and sucdition. i refrain, and, with full real- cessful work could be entered upon at izationof the sad import of the words, sum up the condition of the native Mexicans to-day, in the one statement, that they know no more of the love <lnce. It is to be expected, and is To say nothing as to the ability of right, that these missions should ex- native workers to create a Christian pend their slowly increasing force literature of which I shall speak, none upon this work, lying right before of the missions at work in Mexico them and for which they are prepared. have as yet succeeded in training any It will be many years, in the probable considerable number of native minis- -course of events, before any of our mis- ters who would be considered by those sions can offer the Gospel to even the who best know them, as competent to greater part of these ancient peoples. manage the affairs of a mission with- out the constant supervision of the It seems to me, then, not in the least foreign missionary, and, besides, they unreasonable to urge the establish- are, with a few possible exceptions, as ment of special missions among the ignorant of the native languages as native Mexican races. At this day are foreigners. Some boys and girls missions are being founded among in our mission schools, and a few wasted tribes that contain only a few young men employed in the "supply" thousand, or even only a few hun- work would be available as interpre- -<Ired souls, and shall we neglect these ters, but I need not draw upon my peoples who, remnants though they own slender experience to show to .are, still are counted by hundreds of anyone who has ever been obliged to thousands and even by millions? Their work by such agencies that such work romantic history, the remains of their is often worse than unsatisfactory. .ancient greatness, their manifest and And I believe that the best results can' admirable qualities of mind and heart, never be attained by it. The bearer and, above all, the love of our common of the Glad Tidings must come into Saviour impel us to the work of their personal contact with those to whom salvation. he is sent.
This leads me. to question: Can mis- Is there any reason why the Amerisions to the native races employ the can missionary should not go to these Spanish language as the means of peoples, leaming their languages and -communication? entering into their life as he does among other nations? I speak with the fact fully in mind that there are others whose observa- Some have expressed the belief that tion uponthis point has been far more the Mexican government would asextensive than my own, and thus sume an attitude toward any such more valuable; but, in my judg_ movement not unlike that of our govment, the answer to this question is, ernment toward the use of the native No. As well as I am able to judge, languages in the Indian schools. much less than half of the 4,000,000 of whom I speak, have any knowledge of This seems to me in the highest dethe Spanish, and the greater part of gree improbable. I would expect that these but very little. I have seen the government would rather look people living within six miles of one with favor upon anything that would <If the largest cities and gaining their tend to arouse a pride of race among living by selling garden produce in the indigenes, It must be remembered its streets, who could' scarcely under- that Mexicans to-day are fond of 13tand or 'use the Spanish language thinking of the Republic as the lineal enough to transact their business. To successor of the Aztec Empire. Many confine us to the Greek language for scholars would, too, I think, give a <lur religious instruction would be welcome to a missionary who should about a parallel. undertake the study of the ancient languages. It may next be inquired: What are the available resources among our va- Some, again, look upon such labor tive Protestants? as unnecessary, believing that the use of the native tongues is soon to cease. Scriptures and religious books, my I consider this also improbable. For 370 views would be as follows: The be- years the Spanish has had every advan- ginning already made by the publica- tage in Mexico, but has failed to dis- tion of the Aztec Luke, I look upon as place the native languages. To-day it is valuable, more because of the interest· itself growing weak. The day comes, I that it has attracted than for its prac- venture to predict,when, in the greater tical use, which must be slight because- part of Mexico it will be of no greater of its antiquated form. But if mission importance than isthe French language work is ever conducted among these to-day in some of our Southern States. people to any extent, a translation of It cannot be expected to do, in its de- the Scriptures into the languages used cadence, what it has failed to do in will be a necessity. Independent. its strength. So that I do not expect translation by each worker could not to see the native languages spoken by be thought of. If schools should be any very greatly less numbers until a established and the people taught to stronger than the Spanish race rules read their own language, which they in Mexico. cannot now do, the Bible would, of course, be put into their hands and Again, it is asked, if these lan- other Christian literature would be guages are capable of expressing the called into use. The teaching of the truths of the Gospel, and if they are native languages, would, however, de- not of so barbarous a character as to pend upon conditions not as yet fully be almost impossible of acquirement. understood.
Man speaks no language in which The facts which I have briefly he may not be told that "Jesus Christ stated warrant, it seems to me, the came into the world to save sinners." appeal and give promise of success. There is no linguistic impossibility to It may be, that some of the missions the successors of those upon whom now established can be so enlarged fell the baptism of tongues. And, and adapted as to include the most from what little study I have given urgent part of the needed work; but I the subject, I am of the opinion that a should expect better results from new man who has the courage and ability missions established either by the soto begin his study at the very basis cieties now engaged in Mexico, or by anew can master even the most diffi- others. If each would confine itself cult of these in about the average to one nation, or, at least, if the work time required to master other foreign could be so adjusted as toavoid waste, languages. and conflict of forces, much could be accomplished in a short time, while The existence of numerous dialects the less numerous tribes would furnish is also urged as an insurmountable fields of labor for societies of limited obstacle. We are told that even a resources. slight change of location among people of the same race would render Conceeding the possibility that some useless the study of years. I question of my condusions may not be well if this obstacle is not very much over- founded, and doubting at the same rated. I believe that missionary his- time if data are yet at hand for a pertory will show many instances of fect judgment of the case; I would greater difficulties of this character urge that the first step should be an overcome elsewhere. And, it is to be exploration with a view to discoverremembered that the introduction of ing accurately such points as, to what missionary work in the languages will extent these peoples are dependent strongly tend to remove the differences upon the native languages, to just – of dialects. what extent the more important of them are divided by dialects, and If we shall raise here the question of the necessity of translating the what is the present prospect for their interest to remember that the mission- survival. Attention should also be ary living among these peoples, mak- given to the disposition of the people ingan intelligent studyof theirlife and toward the Roman Church, their wil- language, would doubtless encounter lingness, or otherwise, to receive in- many facts, and would give light upon struction and other things that would that most perplexing problem, the aid in the selection of fields of labor history and origin of American races. among-them. If those who were ex- pected to become the missionaries This work is a duty to someone; is should make this exploration (and this it not to us? How can the Protestant would be desirable), a good beginning Christianity of the United States be should be made toward a mastering blameless if it fail to preach the true of the native languages. Gospel to these dying millions, who, right at our doors, have been for cen- The outfit for such an expedition turies cursed with a false faith ? When need not be very expensive and. the we stand before the judgment throne total cost of a year's work could be will not we hear the question, "Where more than met by the literary pro- is thy Mexican brother?" Shall we ceeds. This part of the work might be answer, "Lord,we left him in his filth entered upon at once and would do and ignorance and vice." Or shall we much to arouse an interest in the sub- answer, "Lord, we told him of the ject and make further advance pos- blood that cleanseth, we brought to sible. In fact, I believe that it must be his dark mind the knowledge of Thy done and that, too, by private effort, be dying love, we showed to him 'the fore any organization will move to the Lamb of God that taketh ..way the work of planting a miSflion. sins of the world,' and here, Lord, he is, washed and redeemed, a jewel for Once in possession of the facts that Thy diadem." could thus be brought to light, some society, or it might be, some man of llnent the ~ec~ means whose heart God should touch, would, I trust, furnish the necessary BY REV. LEVI B. SALMANS. financial support for the opening of the work. The field chosen would Anglo-Saxons, as we are, and misprobably be remote from civilization sionaries, too, suddenly set down in and full of dangers. A small, care- the midst of a Latin people, we could fully selected and well-furnished force not fail to admire the Astec populashonld be sent to make a beginning and tion of the fastnesses of the Sierras. advance should be upon the lines de- They have never been conquered by veloped. It might prove that,under the force of arms, though the Latinized touch of Christianity, elements of the government, which has come to preold civlization would spring to life and vail throughout Mexico in a certain thus new peoples be brought into the way, has come into the power of ruler- "federation of the world." Or, it ship. Yet the Ancient Cacique is the might prove that all traces of the old organized ,power behind the throne. were but forms of dust to vanish at Nothing of importance can be done by that same potent touch. Then it the Mexican government in these would be the work of the missionary mountains except it be agreeable to to guide these peoples clear of the the leaders among the Indians, as we dangers of the present Spanish-Ameri- would call them, though they are as can civilization, and introduce them different from our Indians as the Japinto the better and purer form of life anese are from Chinamen, or French into which we are already trying to from English. I do not know whether lead their Spanish-speaking neighbors. these comparisons are just right or not, but the Astcc was a semi-civil- It cannot fail to add a thought of ized race, living in cities built of stoneand morta'!', and had laws and govern- than the inhabitants of the Sierra of ment, with arts and industries, and Pueblo, risen into prominence or fur- were by no means the wild savage nished political leaders in the national nomad, known as the Indian in the affairs of the past generation. United States. Bishop Hurst says: .. while the Spaniard conquered and On Board the "Taichiow," Two Days ruled for three hundred years in Mex- From Bangkok Siam. ico, and grafted upon the people his religion, laws and customs, the Mexi- August 30, 1890. can or Indian has at last conquered DEAR DR.GRACEy:-Am on my way the Spaniard, and taken possession of to my field of missionary labor, in the realm. More than this is true of Laos, and, in reading the July num- the Sierra of Pueblo. They were ber of THE REVIEW, 1 have been much never conquered at home, while they interested in an article headed "Meaided nobly in conquering and ex- chanic Missionaries," by Secretary pelling the Spaniard, and afterward Brown, of the International Commit- the Roman hielarchy. They formed tee of Y. M. C. A. the troops who saved the day on the The Church is waking up to the great fifth of May, 1862, at Pueblo, grand importance of utilizing its lay and on many another fiercely fought element, though slowly. Themechanic battlefield. They hold their land in missionary comes in contact with a severalty, and live largely on their class of people, the very bone and land, rather than in villages. The sinew of a country, unreachable by personal independence of the Anglo- either the ordained or the medical Saxon largely. characterizes them. missionary. The rank and ,file of an They are fierce in war, while at the army could not be made up of colonels Bame time they are very mild-man- and generals. Private soldiers do the nered in peaceful intercourse. Ro- fighting directed by their officers. manism destroys the individual and Why should not the Church carry on builds up the institution. When Pro- her work both at home and abroad on testant evangelism seeks in the midst the same plan? -of a Roman civilization for individuals Secretary Brown speaks of an extento convert, who, after being converted, sive movement to establish one or more will have independence and individu- Christian undenominational schools ality enough to become useful evan- of technology, to fit men to become gelists and leaders among their people teachers of the trades and first-class against the odds of sin, conservatism, mechanics, and at the same time to and feudal inequality, it rejoices the enlist and prepare them for personal heart to find such a people as these in work in winning souls. This is a the Sierra. It is true they are not laudable undertaking, and ought to .nearly so highly civilized as the people have the hearty support of the entire in the cities of Mexico, but they are in Church. But it will, necessarily, be sympathy with the country and the some time before these institutions country is in sympathy with them, can be in readiness for students, and and they belong to the race that is on then some time before these students the top at this time; and when we get will be ready to be sent to work. Let them converted we will have a most us call attention to the fact that you valuable evangelizingagency. Nearly have just such a school in your midst. -one-half of the whole population of Park College, Parkville, Mo., has for Mexico still speak their original fifteen years been sending its trained tongues, and maintain, to a greater or men, and women, too, into all parts less degree, their original customs. of the home field (1 am writing as an Among these none have, more notably American), and into many foreign countries. There is this difference be- hundreds of her sons pleading to be tween this college and those proposed fitted to carry the Gospel to all lands?
by Mr. Brown: its distinctive work is ROBERT IRWIN.
the training of Christian workers for M. Henri Lutteroth, who died personal Christian work. The study February 12, 1889, was the last surof the Bible and the inculcation of viving founder of that lamp shining, personal piety are first; then the col- we will not say amid darkness, but lege work proper leading up to the de- certainly among vapors, the Societe gree of A. B., and lastly, the manual des Missions Evangeliques de Paris. training, embracing nearly all the Speaking of him, the Journal says: trades. " Our work has never had greater This would seem to be the natural need than at the present hour of colorder, and an argument in its favor laborators of this stamp, knowing how is the great success Park College has to place at its service the intensity of had. Everyone of our hundred and piety and of zeal together with all the twenty-five graduates is actively en- distinctions of culture and of knowlgaged in Christian work, besides a edge. Never, in fact, has the amount. great many who were unable to of labor imposed on the committee graduate. There is a practical advan- been more considerable than during tage in their mechanical department. this year." Nothing is done simply to show how it is done, but because it is necessary. The Moravian Church, which first The institution depends largely on the sent a missionary to the south of work ,of its students. They quarry Africa, in 1737, and which has a flourthe stone, mould the brick, burn the ishing work in Cape Colony and the lime, cut the logs, saw the lumber, neighboring lands, now proposes t() and build their houses; they cultivate join the ranks of those who are seekand tend large gardens and a farm of ing the evangelization of the equaseveral hundreds of acres; raise cattle, torial regions. A mission has been sheep and hogs; make wagons, repair projected, under the protection of the implements, shoe horses, and do the German government, for that part of one-thousand-and-one other things the German zone of eastern Africa necessary on a large industrial estab- adjoining the northern and northlishment. There are now over three eastern shores of Lake Nyassa. The hundred students in attendance, and two pioneers of this newest Moravian' hundreds are refused admittance mission, Theodore Meyer and Theaevery year just because there is no phile Richard, will shortly set out for room. If now there are those who the sphere of their future labors. want the mechanic missionary training, proposed by.Secretary Brown, J. TAYLOR HAMILTON, they need not wait until several other Secretary of the Societyfor the Propainstitutions are equipped. Let twenty gation of the Gospel, Bethlehem, Pa.
such be built at once, they will not be A Waldensian church-edifice, hold- too many; but let the Church use, to ing four hundred, has been opened its utmost capacity, that one now in by Cav. Dr. Prochet in Vittoria, a existence. The foreign field is calling Sicilian town with a population of for men. It is the loud cry from the 25,000. The church was so full that north and the south and the west and Dr. Prochet could scarcely reach the the east and from all over the home pulpit. After sermon seven catechu- field. Shall the Church hear the cry mens were admitted, and the crowd, and withhold what is in her power to inside and out, was so much interested give-viz: facilities for training Chris- and excited that the municipal guards tion workers, and oppo~nities to the had to disperse it.
ii2 EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS
1II.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
Editorial Prospectus for 1891. eluding notes by the editor on various The editor cordially salutes his read- topics and books of a mISSIOnary ers with the best wishes of the New character, and editorial correspon- Year. Notwithstanding the decease dence. of the associate editor, no material change will be needful either in the IV. The Department of Intelligence, character or contents of THE MISSION- including the Monthly Concert, Gen- ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD. The eral Items of Information, Statistics editor-in-chief will be aided by the and Monthly Bulletin. prolific and graceful pen of the Rev. J. T. Gracey, D.D., president of the The editor will spare no pains, and International Missionary Union, under the publishers no expense, in securing whose sagacious control it is hoped from the ablest sources whatever will that the International Department enrich the columns of this magazine. IDay supply to our readers even richer We hope to make it indispensable to stores of missionary information and every minister and missionary, theoinspiration. The Rev. A. J. Gordon, logical student or friend of human D.D., of Boston, whose praise is in all weal. We have planted our standard the churches, will act as a regular on a level higher than any denomina. editorial contributor, and we can tional platform, and shall seek to think of no man in this country whose unite all true disciples of Christ in a words will be read with more interest new crusade against all the powers of and profit. darkness, and in favor of a speedy Beside this editorial staff we shall and universal proclamation of the be aided by a large and able body of Gospel. Once more we ask the prayer. editorial correspondents and contribu- ful and sympathetic co-operation of tors, and no pains will be spared to every Christian, and invoke, upon this secure the best talent and the most sincere and unselfish endeavor, the consecrated piety in the service of this blessing of the Master of us all! REVIEW. These pages will be devoted to the discussion of all the great ques- The editor would add a special word tions connectedwith the spread of the to contrlbutors of articles intended Gospel both at home and abroad, and for publication. So great is the influx will be open to the advocacy of every of unsolicited manuscripts already cause or IDeasure which is linked becoming that even the reading of with human well-being, and to the them has been almost impossible. Of impartial and critical investigation of course, preference will be given to papers which have been solicited; but those who desire to send manuscripts all forms of philanthropic and Chris- would ordinarily do wisely, before tian endeavor. sending, to inform the editor of such intention, state the topic, and inquire It will be observed that, in the whether they are likely to be used. interests of greater unity and sim- The editor begs to say, also, that the plicity of arrangement, we have but qualities of brevity, directness, and, four main departments: especially, freshness of matter and pertinency to the great qUj*ltions of I. The Literature of Missions, in- missions, will give particular value to cluding papers pertaining to general contributed matter. We cannot undertopics, translations from foreign peri- take to return rejected manuscripts odicals, etc. unless stamps for that purpose are enclosed with them when forwarded II. The International Department, to us. Any recent and well accredited under the efficient conduct of Dr. Gracey.
III. The Editorial Department, inintelligence from any part of the field tional interest, and at Cleveland, Ohio, will be especially valued, and all the evening meeting held in Music accepted articles will be paid for so far Hall numbered, probably, 4,000 peras the limited resources of the REVIEW sons. Some very beautiful examples allow. Manuscripts, written in a clear of the power of consecrated mission_ and legible hand, and not obscured by ary-spirited pastors to mould their corrections, interlineations and other congregations into missionary helper, blemishes, are also more likely both to and to stimulate systematic and cheerbereadandaccepted. Wehaveattimes ful giving, have been found. As in been compelled to cast aside a manu- Great Britain, there have been many :script because it was neither possible gifts of jewelry, etc., showing how for the editor to read it, nor the printer God is leading His people to sacrifice <correctly to put it in type. Special superfluities for Him. A gold pen pains should be taken by writers to with pearl handle, a seal ring, two make proper names correct and plain, solid gold chains, a society badge, a and statistics accurate and unmis- pair of gold-mounted eye-glasses, etc., takable. No second article should be have been sent to me for missions. sent, ordinarily, until it is known that Large collections of money have, in the first is accepted. If the corres- several cases been made for the Board pondents will observe these sugges- of Missions. And the farther the tour tions and exercise due patience, the has reached the more abundant the editor will endeavor to see that there calls for service became. It was a is no just cause of complaint as to his curious coincidence that the very day part of the work. The burden of on which the last week-day appointeditorial duties and responsibilities is ment was fulfilled, was the day on excessively onerous, but the constant which the co-editor, Dr. Sherwood, endeavor will be to deal courteously, departed for the Better Country! In promptly and impartially by all con- any case that death would have made tributors and correspondents. further engagements, to any consider- able extent impracticable, as it im- Since arriving in this country, in posed double duty on the survivor. June last, the Editor has been making But no impression is stronger as left a brief tour of the churches in the by these four months of contact with great centres, mostly east of Chicago, the churches, than this, that the best in the interests of missions, and with agent a mission board can have, is results most gratifying and encourag- simply an unselfish missionary-spiriting. Boston, Northfield, and Green- ed, well-informed pastor, who keeps field, Mass.; Willimantic, Conn.; Ger- the vital interests of the world-field mantown, and Pittsburgh, Penn.; Al- constantly before his people. We bany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, never once struck an apathetic church Buffalo, Lockport, Binghamton, and where there was a man in the pulpit Elmira, N. Y.; Montclair, Newark who was full of passion for souls. and Camden, N. J.; Baltimore, Md.; Youngstown and Cleveland, 0.; Lan- Are Mission Oonverts a Failure? sing and Detroit, Mich.; Indianapolis, In The Ohurch of Scotland Mission Ind.; and Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, Record of May and October, 1890, Dr. and Chicago, Ills., have been among the places comprehended in this hur- Archibald Turnbull, B.D., of the Darried tour. Almost without exception jeeling Mission, writes on the above the audiences have been large and the topic. The author is abundantly able interest manifested unusually intense. to discuss the subject. He is one of the At Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, El- ablest and most accomplished missionmira, the gatherings were of excep- aries in the field and his labors have been remarkably successflK. The A. Beautiful Epitaph.
work begun by Rev. McFarlane, in The most interesting specimen of an 1870, yielded to his prayers and labors, epitaph is one to be seen in a pretty but little apparent fruit, for some church, in Aneityum, one of the Loy- years. When Mr. Turnbull first joined alty Islands, or New Hebrides. It is the Mission, in 1880, there were some a tablet erected by the grateful natives hundreds of converts; and Mr. McFar- to their missionary, John Geddie. On lane, having been called to his rest, this tablet is inscribed, in their lan- Mr. Turnbull is now at the head of guage, the following: the mission, which has branched out When he landed, into three divisions, each headed by in 1848, able and devoted missionaries. Considerably over a thousand baptized there were no Christians here, and when he left, in 1872, Christians are now in communion with there were no heathen. it. Professor Lindsay, convener of On almost any island within 2,00<1' the Free Church Foreign Mission, who miles of the shores of Tahiti, in any recently visited India, has described direction, a similar tablet might be this Darjeering Mission, as the "best erected, as an expression of the results mission he had seen in India." When of the twenty-two years' work, besuch a man as Mr. Turnbull, with tween 1817 and 1839-the epoch of such a large experience, tells what he John Williams-and yet, "missions has seen of converts, his opinion can- are a failure! "
not but be of great value, and by per- A Practical Cure for Scepticism. mission of our beloved friend, Rev.
Thos. Nicol, B.D., the editor of The In the life of Dr. Fleming Stevenson Ohurch of Scotland Record, we pro- we find an interesting commentary on pose to give our readers hereafter, at the words, "He that doeth my will least, some portions of Mr. Turnbull's shall know of the doctrine." At one valuable testimony. He proves, to a time his mind was in a somewhat certainty, that the Gospel is the unsettled state regarding some ele- power of God unto salvation, even in ments of the creed in which he had India. been brought up, to which he clung with loyal reverence. Itwas by plung- Rabinowitch, the Hungarian Jew- ing into practical mission work that ish Rabbi, who, a few years since pub- light was to come to him upon these licly conf03ssed Jesus as the Messiah, thorny points of theology.
and led out a new body of Jewish be- This reminds us of what Shaftesbury lievers, adheres to his faith and used to say to young men: preaches to great crowds. A new, ,,Nothing is more likely to keep you large hall, called after the great evan- from mischief of all kinds-from mis- gelist of the Free Church of Scotland, chief of action, of speculation-from the Somerville Memorial Hall, is to every mischief that you can devise, be opened soon. We look with the than to be everlastingly engaged in intensest interest upon the new some great practical work of good.
movement, known as the "Israelites Christianity is not a state of opinion of the New Covenant," and bless God and speCUlation. Christianity is essen- for the Hebrew New Testament trans- tially practical, and I will maintain lated by Dr. Delitzsch, and for the this, that practical Christianity is the sermons and addresses of such men greatest curer of corrupt speculative as Rabinowitz, David Baron, Wilkin- Christianity. No man, depend upon son of Mildmay and a host of others it, can persist from the beginning of Who are taking the warmest interest his life to the end of it in a course of in the conversion of the Jews. self-denial, in a course of generosity.. in a course of virtue, in a course of ing service, go first to gather in and piety, and in a course of prayer, un- teach the poor neglected children in less he draw~ from his wellspring, un- the afternoon, then hold a yoke-felless he is drawing from the fountain lows' prayer-meeting and take supper of our Lord Himself. Therefore, I together at their humble place of meetsay to you again, and again, let your ing; and who then go out for an hour, walk the streets, and personally invite Ohristianity be practical." * to service those whom they find. And then, at eight o'clock, they go to their To all of which the writer adds his meeting-hall, or tent, and, in their confirmatory witness that never, since simple way, preach, simply as laymen, the taking up in dead earnest the work and hold after-meetings for inquiry. of a world's evangelization, have speculative doubts harrassed the mind.
As to churches and missions, I think The Ritualism, which is more and their true relations to each other are more obtruding itself upon observation very simply defined. The church is in the Anglican Church, and in some both a rallying and a radiating point. of the High-Church services of this We are to come there to be fed and go country, is compelling some who have from there to feed others. GenerallyI been zealous champions of the Episcomake my morning service especially a pal Church, to look with alarm on the encroachments of a latent Romanism feeding time for Christian swubosrtkaenrcs~ .that is rapidly becoming patent. If when I try to bring out the of the Word-the promises, the ways these things go on, they will compel a of serving, the motives of true work withdrawal of those who cannot felfor God, the preparations of prayer, lowship these semi-Papal practices. etc.-whatever helps to qualify any Take these two examples: Canon Scott mHogllhaI.nSds,eirnmSont., Preafuelr'srinCgatthoetdhreald' edautrh- . disciple for holy living and unselfish serving. Then I am glad to have my Christian workers go out after that of the late Canon Liddon, thus solicitmorning service to preach and teach ed prayers on his behalf: "Pray for that sermon and that Gogpel else- him-for his refreshment, for his ilwhere, and am quite willing to have lumination, for his eternal repose." their places empty at the second service Praying for the dead finds no warrant that they may go and hold little evan- in Scripture; it is a Romish practice gelistic meetings, cottage meetings, that ought to receive no countenance prayer services, etc., where they may from Protestants. A service, which was, to say the get at the non-church gael's. I do not least, novel, was held lately in that believe in Christians feeding without same Cathedral. It was styled a "Serworking. "If any man will not work vice of Reconciliation." In Septemneither shall he eat." Activity for ber last, during public worship, one souls prevents spiritual dyspepsia. It Sabbath morning, a stranger suddenly is the exercise needful to carry off the drew a pistol a.nd shot himself, and food into normal channels and assimi- I?hortly died within the sacred struclate it to our constitutional wants. I ture. Having no precedents to folcannot understand how any man can low, after much consultation, the dean be jealous of his workers going out to ' and chaplain formally requested the carry the Gospel and leaving an empty Bishop of London, in the exercise of place half a day for some one else to his Episcopal authority, "to declare fill who needs the Gospel far more. I the said Oathedral church exempt and have had a band of such young men, reconciled from all canonical impediespecially, for years, who, after morn- ment, and from everyprofanation con- * Hodder's Life of Shaftesbury, 1: 328. tracted and incurred by or through the aforesaid acts of suicideand blood-let- all thatoffends refined taste, the Salva- ting, forever." Hence this "Service tion Army compels recognition by of Reconciliation" on the 14th of Oc- downright earnestness and heroic self- tober. The London Times, with a denial. One of the most conservative tone bordering on contempt, asks why, ministers of the Presbyterian body, in if the great temple was "polluted" by a recent visit to London, went re- the crime, services were not entirely peatedly to the army meetings, and, suspended-why the altar was not after careful investigation, declares dismantled, and the edifice closed un- himself wonderfully impressed with til the profanation could be removed· the evidences of God's presence and by a "reconciling service?" Others power.
ask, why the freak of a sensational Shortly before his death Canon suicide, should be considered as "pol- Liddon went to one of the Salvation luting" a sacred edifice. Army meetings in London. As' he was returning with a friend, he said: General Booth gives to the world "It fills one with shame! I feel his new contribution to the great guilty when I think of myself! To problem of how to take care of the think of these poor people, with their unhoused, unfed poor of London, imperfect grasp of the truth! And yet almost at the same time that his wife's what a contrast between what they do body is borne to burial. and what we are doing! When I Her funeral was one of the most compare all the advantages we enjoy, impressive events of modern social we who possess the whole body of history. Whatever we may think of truth, and see how little use we make the Salvation Army, it is one of the of it, how little effect we produce com- most remarkable developments of our pared with that which was palpable time. Its genesis is recent-it began at that meeting, I take shame to my- in the year 1865, and kept its" Silver self. I did not like the women speak- Jubilee" in 1890. A quarter of a cen- ing, however. You know I have the tury ago William Booth resigned his misfortune to agree with the Apostle post as a'Methodist minister, New Con- Paul on that question. "
nection, and began his "Christian And now, Mrs. Booth, after long ~fission," thirteen years later called and acute suffering, has died, and the the" Salvation Army." day of her funeral, though raw, foggy, After this quarter century, this dismal, the procession numbered Salvation Army, at whose members probably 50,000 people, and the streets and methods the world and the were densely thronged with spectators.
Church sneered, now has its banners At the head of the marching columns flying in thirty-four countries or colo- were the 5,000 officers of the army, nies, boasts 10,000 men and women men and women, marshaled in fifteen wholly given up to its work, holds battalions. Each battalion carried a 50,000 religious meetings weekly, flag, some of them a number,of flags, which are attended .by millions of generally of white, with inscriptions hitherto neglected and outcast people. in colored letters, such as "Love one It has, moreover, twenty-seven weekly Another," " Save your Soul," " Believe newspapers, of which about 31,000,000 in God," and one especially striking copies are sold in the streets, saloons, flag bearing the words, "Mother of etc. It has accumulated nearly $4,000,- the Salvation Army." The coffin was 000 worth of property, and its rentals carried on an open hearse, and bore for meeting-places reaches $1,000,000 no emblems beyond Mrs. Booth's a year, while it has a total income of bonnet and cloak, and the flag of the between three and four millions. army, according to her earnest desire Despite all ita sensational methods, for simplicity in funeral reform. Even the London Times lends two or the individual statements and >()olumns to a detailed description of propositions of this book, in common the event, and the Methodist Times with thousands of the best men and describes Mrs. Booth as " the greatest women on both sides of the sea, we Methodist woman of her generation." heartily wish General Booth success. No one who has read the little volume of her addresses, known as " Aggres- Canon Farrar, on November 9, sive Christianity," will doubt her preached a sermon on this philan- })ower. thropic scheme, and even the great Abbey would not hold the crowds that And now, almost simultaneous with thronged to hear it. He had, the her death, General Booth issues his week before, made a tour of the army book, inscribed to her memory: "In centres, and was so impressed that he Darkest England, and the Way Out." made a fervent and impassioned We have read it with profound in- appeal in behalf of the proposed plan, terest, and we find ourselves very far while he disclaimed any authority to from being disposed to ridicule or dis- represent anyone but himself. regard its practical suggestions. From a somewhat extended study of the Those who wish to get the substance practical methods of the Salvation of General Booth's scheme may find a Army, especially in Great Britain, we l·ecapitulation of it in Chapter VII, were compelled to admit that, more Section 5. Some of the most pious than all the churches put together, this and philanthropic of British Chrisunique organization is bringing relief tians are coming forward with liberal to the unfed, unhoused and uncared contributions toward the $5,000,000 for masses of the great cities of for which General Booth appeals, as Britain. the financial' basis of his plan. So awful and so widespread is the degra- General Booth's book is a bold dation and destitution of this "sub- ~ttempt to solve the most perplexing merged tenth" of Britain's population, <>f social problems. His plan is a that we rejoice at any honest attempt mere expansion of that which on no to relieve and remove another of the small scale is in actual operation in open sores of the world. Let the new the Salvation Army ~ntres in London. project have at least a fair trial. He proposes a scheme of three colonies -a town, a country, and an over-the- The following is from the son of the sea colony. Cheap food depots, advice editor, studying this winter in Edinbureau, labor shops, a household sal- burgh, Scotland: vage brigade; the gathering of what would be wasted otherwise, and its " After tea we went to the univerutilization as food for human beings sity to hear Professor Drummond on and for animals, or for various pur- , Christian Evolution.' He dwelt par- })oses of manufacture. He proposes ticularly on the progress of missions to exact a reasonable amount of work and their condition and work, as he from colonists and to pay reasonable had noticed it in his recent trip around wages, so that there may be no en- the world. The lecture was a fine one couragement of paupers; to help out- in every particular, and he seemed to cast and criminal classes to a better be thoroughly in sympathy with the life; to help those who are disposed missionary movement; to have obto help themselves; to maintain whole- served keenly on the subject in his some discipline, and afford religious tour; and he urged all to consider care- {lulture without compulsion. Those fully if their lives could not be best who would know details must read his used for Christ in the foreign field. book. Without giving endorsement He lamented the fact that there seemed to the peculiar methods of the army, to be so much misdirected effort by well-meaning Christian missionaries, because the problem of missions, in Here is another, enclosing a gold. connection with the special countries pen with a pearl handle: in which they worked, was not more thoroughly studied and understood. Sabbath Morning, Oct. 5,1890. He contrasted Australia and the South Sea Islands, Japan and China, espec- DEAR DR. PIERSON: ially, as presenting entirely different kinds of fields, which were to be sown This gold pen was a Christmas gift. with the same seed but in different It has a sad story. It has nev!'r been ways, according to the nature of the used-it has lain idle ten years. May ground, and growth already planted the dear Lord now use it in some way there. One thing he said about Japan so as best to tell of the "Peace on was pretty well put-Japan is ready earth and good will from heaven for anything new and European; she toward men." has taken from France a system of law; from Germany an organization ONE OF YOUR HEARERS. for an army; from England a navy; from America a public school system; The American Missionary Associafrom' the civilized world in general a tion has 500 missionaries. Among fine system of railways and electric the Indian children they have entelegraph, etc. At present she is in couraged unselfish efforts to help in the unique position of prospecting for carrying the Gospel to the destitute a religion. There are, too, on the and unevangelized. But the children islands many missionaries prospecting had no money. Some of them had for converts: they include Episcopal- never seen a copper coin. The governians of every degree of height, Presby- meNt had offered premiums for the terians of every degree of breadth, and killing of gophers, and so the boys Methodists of every degree of warmth. would hunt the gophers and bring Roman Catholics are practically out of their tails in as proof of the work the race. done. Among other contributions was an enclosure, wrapping a gopher's tail " It was a thoroughly good lecture, within, and bearing this memoranand I would like to have it in print. dum: "Richard Fox, one gopher's tail: four cents." "DELAVAN L. PIERSON." One old colored saint in the far South Latterly, the editor has been making used to pray with great fervor for the a short tour of the great cities in the missionaries, and this was one prayer interest of missions. Among numer- heard from his lips: "Oh, Lord, let ous letters received by him, the follow- de missionary down deep into de treasing will suggest their own lesson: ures of de Word, and hide him behind de Cross of Jesus." For whom might DR. PIERSON: not that prayer well be offered?
Dear Sir-Enclosed please find four While Christianity makes us more dollars and ten cents, a small sum that and more tenderly considerate even of I had intended to use toward a society the welfare of the most distant and pin, but if the Master can use it for destitute of the race, sin makes IlUtelling the good story in the lands of man beings more callous eve:n to the darkness I dare not keep it for my own most appalling misery close at hand. pleasure. We have all heard of that notorious gambling resort on the Gulf of Genoa, I would that it were more than Monte Carlo, and of the wretched and it is. summary life-ending of many who have thrown away their means in its May God, our Master, bless you in elegantly-furnished halls. Very lately the work you are doing for Him, is it was reported that during ten weeks the prayer of a college girl. of this year as many as forty-nine E – College, Oct. 6, 1890. suicides had occurred there. "Every before the introduction of Christianity. night," says The Christian, of Boston, All interested in South Sea missions "'the grounds are carefully searched should procure it. It especially com- by the police after the casino is closed. mends itself for brevity. Other vol- Dne man drags a covered spring-cart, umes in this series, lives of Carey, the wheels of which have India-rubber Chalmers, Comber, Crowther, Morri- tires. When a body is found, for son, Patteson, Griffith John, etc., are which a reward is given, it is immedi- as readable as romances. Such vol- ately stripped of clothes and valu- umes can scarcely be multiplied in too ables, tftrust into the cart, and silently great abundance. hurried away and buried. Next morn- jng the sun shines again, the band The Success of Christian Missions, plays, saloons and tables are thronged, by Robert Young, F. R. S., G. S. In and people gamble as usual." this volume, Mr. Young has made a careful compilation of testimonies in New Books. favor of foreign missions in most heathen lands, similar to that of Mr. F. H. Revell has issued two more vol- Liggins. Personal, official and .pub- umes of the short biographies of mis- lic testimony to the value and influ- 'sionaries: Henry Martyn and Robert ence of the missionary operations of Moffat. If there are any better brief many societies is here gathered and biographical sketches for general nse preserved. For permanent reference, .as educators of the young, and as a and as an answer to the slurs and at- means of general stimulation to the tacks of adversaries, the book will be missionary spirit, we have not met always useful and should be at hand them anywhere. 'Within the compass in every well-stocked missionary ,of 160 pages, there is comprised a library as, in its way, an encyclopedia mass of information that is often di- of testimony. London: Hodder & .luted through three times the space. Stoughton. Cheap, thrilling, fascinating, these stories of missionary life combine the While we write, there just comes facts of heroism with the fancies of by mail from a dear personal friend, romance. They are very near to Dr. George Smith of Edinburgh, the ideals realized. We believe that few last book so far produced by his schol- will read one chapter without wanting arly and prolific pen. It is entitled A to read the whole, or read one of the Modern Apostle, and is the life of series, now embracing twelve, without Rev. Alex. N. Somerville, D.D., "the wanting to possess the entire series, world's evangelist." He was an ex- ,and give them away to others. We traordinary man, and we propose here- would like to give the series to every after to present an article upon young man and woman in every him to our readers. Suffice it to say Protestant congregation where Eng- that he thirteen times made a "world lish is spoken. The whole twelve may tour of missions;" viz.: to Canada, be had for $6, exclusive of postage I Syria, Spain, India, Australasia, France and Italy, Germany and Rus- The editor also cordially commends sia, Central Europe, Greece, Asia and to all readers the following books on Africa; and beside this was the able missions: James Calvert; or from and faithful pastor of one of the most Dark to Dawn in Fiji, by R. Vernon. prominent churches of Scotland. Here F. H. Revell, Bible House, New York. is a story of more than seventy-five 'This account of mission work, in what years, full of service and every form was once the cannibal group of Fijian of inspiration to heroic endeavor. – Islands, is rendered specially valuable Those who have read the lives of Carey, by its graphic account of native man- John Wilson of Bombay, Alexander .ners and customs as they were found Duff, Stephen Hislop, and that Short History of Christian missions which terestmg and valuable. One sees as. we have never seen equaled in its in a birdseye-view the steady and sure way, all of them by the same gifted advance of the Master's Kingdom, and author, will not need to be told that we rejoice. this latest volume from his pen, recently issued by John Murray of Lon- In the work of a missionary there don, is a book without which no min- is often much to disappoint. One has isters library is complete. It is one to sow in faith and labor in patience, of the grandest books that modern seeing no sign of a reaping-time. But biographers have offered to the public. when one reads of others who are al- ready rejoicing in the ingathering of Livingstonia Mission. an abundant harvest, he for a mo- ment forgets the plowing and sowing, [The following letter relol,ched Dr. the watering and waiting, and cannot Sherwood's home November 3d, too help sharing in their joy and the Maslate for his eyes to read it. Notwith- ter's. standing the personal references, the Another end gained by your REVIEW Editor feels that it belongs to the is that our hearts are enlarged and we begin to have a fore-taste of that readers of THE REVIEW.] glorious time for which our Saviour LAKE NYASSA. prayed: "That they may be one even as we are one. . . . that they may Mvera Station, May 11, 1890. be perfected in one, that the world DEAR BROTHER:-Were there the may know that Thou didst send Me." least doubt about the excellence and usefulness of your REVIEW, I With reference to the contents of should gladly give my testimony in THE REVIEW I have no suggestions to its favor. Let me merely mention make. What we in the field need is that, along with many thousands of an occasional inspiring article, one to, your readers, I most heartily enjoy rouse and encourage. To my mind and profit by it. Especially on a Sab- there is no pen so gifted, in this rebath afternoon or evening, after sev- spect, as that of Dr. A. T. Pierson. eral services and two Bible-classes, Let us be urged to prayer, patience, feeling somewhat tired, it is with personal devotion to Christ, to faith great pleasure that I take up THE and faithfulness. "Ve know these MISSIONARY REVIEW and read it things but do not realize them. through, I may literally say, from beginning to end. Even though the As many of us are unable to have "news" is from four to five months large libraries, a summary of the biold when it reaches us, we, neverthe- ography of some missionary hero (as less, eagerly look forward to each fol- has appeared of Carey, Egede, etc.), is, lowing number. always most acceptable, or even an I have, of late especially, enjoyed episode from such a man's life, or his an article in the number for Septem- views on any important missionary ber, 1890, on "Prayer-Basis of Mission subject. And why not pubhsh a whole Work," by Dr. Pierson. I have read biography, continued in several numand re-read it, and read it to my com- bers ?" panions, and each time I feel more than ever that "the whole basis of suc- As regards my own work Ishall not cessful missionary work is to befound say much. At this present station we in believing and importunate prayer." have been at work for only about six These words should be written in let- months. The work is much the same ters of gold on the tablets of our- here as on other stations round the memory. lake. Weare 3,400 feet above the sea The items of news you give from in a healthy and fertile country. A various fields of labor are most in- great door has been opened to us. The work is becoming more and more, interesting. Some 500 to 600 people simply as a way of introducing the hear the Word preached every Sabbath letter. Mr. Baldwin will be remem- day. In the school, however, we bered as the writer of the papers in have as yet only some twelve boys- The Christian (London), on "The boarders. People are afraid to send Question of the Hour," advocating the their children lest, having secured a conduct of missions on the lines laid good number, we should run off and down in Matthew x.
sell them as slaves! This fear, will, of Without giving our endorsement to course, pass away in course of time. every sentiment of Mr. Baldwin in Should you care to publish any part those letters, we confess to a large of this letter and any discouraged measure of sympathy with his general worker happens to read it, let me position. And we cannot but feel that stretch out to such an one a brotherly when any missionary in these days hand, and say, "Courage, friend! the attempts a work for God in the spirit Master is looking on and is intensely of faith and prayer, it is not for other interested in our work; let us press on, Christianworkers toridiculeor criticise if not so ably as others, then at least or oppose. There are many ways of as faithfully. Let us often prostrate doing the Lord's work. Why not let ourselves before the 'WondroUB Cross,' them all have a fair, faithful trial?
and in deep self-abasement and lowly Experiment will show whether God reverence, there learn to be' nothing, is with such methods; but the ex- nothing,' that the world might our periment must not be embarrassed Saviour see. When weary let us rest with the secret or open hostility of at His feet; when sad, lean on His even nominal disciples. Mr. Baldwin's breast. Let us drown our cares and personal consecration not even his worries in the ocean of His love, and critics can question. He is about to we shall not sow in vain, but receive start on a prolonged journey, with a the sower's reward." single companion, probably among the Bedouin. May God be with him!
Itis because I so often feel the need of encouragement myself that I am seek- Rev. Dr. Wayland Hoyt, his brother, Colgate Hoyt, and Charles L. Colby, ing to encourage others to-llfght, for Esq., have been preparing a" chapel the Master bas been very near to-day car," for use in Minnesota and on the and wonderfully kind. My subject of Wisconsin Central and Northern to-day, "My son, give me thy heart," Pacific railroads. ' , Uncle Boston" is has touched my own heart. to use this chapel-on-wheels for his I cannot ask your readers to pray Sunday-school mission work, and it is for us and our work specially; there finely adapted to his purposes. Atone are others who have probably a end are arrangements for living, and greater right to their prayers and the rest of the car is a chapel fitted thought; but let me urge all who pray for about 100 persons. During summer for missions to more "believing and months a tent will be carried, which importunate prayer," and we also can be set up for temporary use where shall receive our share of the blessing. crowds are too great for the chapel. Bishop Walker, of the Episcopal ANDREW C. MURRAY. Church, has done a like thing for the territory under his jurisdiction, in The Rev. E. F. Baldwin, now in North Dakota. Each of these moving Beyrout, Syria, desires it stated that chapels is about 60 feet by 10. The latter has gothic projections to give it the letterin the October number, 1890, a church-like appearance, and is finpages 776,777, was not a specific letter ished in oak, in gothic style,. with for THE REVIEW, although Dr. Sher- . chancel, altar, lectern, cabinet organ, wood so understood it at the time, but and even baptismal font and bishop's a circular sent to THE REVIEW. The chair. Weare surely making pro- adch'ess, "Dear Editors" was affixed grE'ss!
THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
IV.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
[EDITORIAL. ] Faots and Figures about the World-wide Field.
-.Alaska's coast is the sepulchre 40,000,000 were called Protestant; now, of ships. Dr. Sheldon Jackson says the population is more than double, that almost a hundred vessels have and the nominal Protestants more found a watery gra,e there within than quadrupled!
twenty years! In one storm, and atone -The first convertamongthe natives place, thirty-three ships were ground of India was Krishna Chundra Pal between ice-fields, and 1,200 sailors in 1800. Renry Martyn said it was a cast, wrecked, on a barren shore. miracle as great as the raising of the -According to the census of 1890, dead. Now, every ten years the con- the population of the Unite9. States is verts increase over eighty per cent.
62,480,540. It seems to us that this is The first convert in western Poly- an underestimate; we have supposed nesia was King Pomare II.; now there 66,000,000 nearer the actual truth. are 850,000, and all western Poly- -A Messianic pretender appears in nesia is evangelized.
an Indian tribe. He claims that the -Up to 1853, the Edict Board of Indian power and prestige is to revive Japan made it capital offence for a and the lost ground be recovered. If Christian to set foot on the island this notion gets hold of the mercurial empire. Now, there are 30,000 pro- red men no one can tell what may fessed converts and 17,000 children in come of it: they may attempt to ex- Sunday-schools. One in twenty-eight terminate the whites. .Already, for of the elect members of the new par- three months, the whole northwestern liament is a Christian church member.
part of our country has been in a state As the Christians of Japan number of disturbance and serious alarm. but 1 to 1,200 of the population, it will -Principal Magee,ofDublin,says the be seen that the proportion of Chris- dogma of the infallibility of the Pope tian members of parliament is forty- has repelled the bulk of Irishmen, and three U'Yhes as great. This impresses led to intellectualindependencewhich us as one of the most remarkable is reducing the ranks of Romanism signs of the power of Protestant mis- and filling up those of Protestantism. sions in Japan. The contributions of He thinks vaulting ambition has native converts were about $50,000 again" overleaped itself" and "fallen last year, nearly $2 a head!
on-tother side." -At Oroomiah, Persia, last year, -These are old figures, but their fifty-one out of sixty-seven pupils in lesson is always new: the seminary were Christians and In 1800, not over 50,000 converts in members of the church.
all heathendom; now, over 1,500,000, –The McAll mission schools had and five times as many adherents. last year 235,000 children under in- In 1800, not over 70 mission schools; struction.
now, about 14,000, with 600,000 -The Established Church of Scot- scholars. land reports 2,034 converts and 2,465 In 1800, 50 translations of the Bible; pupils in the schools in the Punjab now, between 300 and 400, of the whole Mission, India, with 723 converts bap- or parts, like the Gospel of Mark. tized in 1890.
In 1800, not over 5,000,000 copies of -Dr. Robert N. Cust reckons 223 the Bible; now, more than that issue missionary societies in the world: 113 from the press every year. in Britain and colonies; 56 in the In 1800; the population of the globe United States; 20 in Germany; 14 in about 700,000,000, of whom some Netherlands, and 20 in other lands. Many of these are doubtless small. sustained by the facts. Mr. Henry Fifty have incomes of $10,000 and up- A. Hinshaw, in the August Science ward, and twenty report over $100,- Monthly, says: "At the end of the 000. At least ten of these have got mission rule the Indian was really three-fourths of their funds from less capable of taking care of himself 1tative converts! than at the beginning. He was found Roman Oatholicism, if we may trust a free man, he was left a dependent.
the "Catholic Dh;.ectory," for last year, Driven to church by the whip, forced has, in the United States, 13 arcb- to kneel by being punched by goads, bishops, 73 bishops, 8,332 priests, 2,132 with no free or rational cultivation of ecclesiastical students, 7,523 churches, mind or conscience, the religious in- 3,302 chapels and stations, 35 theo- struction made up of scarcely any- logical seminaries, 102 colleges, 635 thing else but ritual and superstition, academies, 3,194 parochial schools and the idea of obedience to the priest, with 633,238 pupils in them, 553 chari- the result was what might have been table institutions, and about 8,000,000 expected." Why should the Govern- members. ment continue to appropriate money The approximate distribution of to such schools?
missionaries is said to be as follows: -M. Monod says he adopts very No. of Mis- .much the words of one of his best col- Populatlou. sionaries. Proportion porteurs: "It seems to me supersti- .syria …….. 3.000,000 100 lto 80,000 tion is not so general as it was, and Turkey …… 21,000,000 450 lto 45,000 that what people call the' Protestant Madagascar. 5,000,000 50 1 to 100,000 Burma …… 8,000,000 40 1to 200,000 faith' is honored by many Roman Japan……. 38,000,000 200 1to 200,000 Catholics, who ten years ago felt noth- Jndia …….. 250,000,000 900 1 to 275,000 Persia……. 7,500,000 80 1to 300,000 ing but a bitter hatred against the ·.Africa.•… _..250,000,000 600 1 to 400,000 Gospel and the Scriptures which we s. America'.. 80,000,000 75 1to 400,000 colporteurs circulate. Blessed be the Korea…….. 9.000,000 25 1to 400,000 Lord for that! Those times are gone, .Siam …….. 8,000,000 18 1to 000,000 and the light of the Gospel seems to Chiua …….. 380,000.000 600 J.toQ..A5O,OOO spread. The Lord gives me new Arabia……. 6,000,000 4 1 to 1,500,000 'Tbibet.. ….. 15,000.000 7 1 to 2,000,000 openings, and I must hasten to meet In Sahara district with 3,000,000; . theln." ~ Afghanistan, etc., with 3,500,000; An- -The women's societies in America nam, etc., with 12,000,000; Russia, are doing untold good by preparing 16,000,000; Algeria, etc., 12,000,000; and scattering broadcast missionary Soudan, 75,000,000, there is an ENTIRE literature in condensed and cheap DESTITUTION. forms. Some of us, in·this fast age, [Weare aware that the above must skim the great pan and serve figures are not exact, but they are the up the cream in little pitchers, rich best we have been able to'Obtain from and sweet. Our" little pitchers" are a variety of sources. We shall be multiplying. Brief, compact and in- grateful to anyone who will furnish teresting leaflets, containing the great us correct and reliable statistics.-ED- facts of missions, or short biographical lTOR.] sketches, or quaint stories of a half- -Senator Dawes, opposing an in- humorous sort to illustrate giving and crease to the appropriations to Roman praying, and helping in the work, are Catholic schools among the Indians, freely circulated. Those who can declared the 120 years of Jesuit mis- condense the facts into a small space sionary work among the Indians of and yet preserve all their vitalizing California had left them less capable force are benefactors indeed, and this of self-support than it had found the women of our day are doing with them. The accusation seems to be well grand success. -The Church of Scotland Mission -On the plains and in the selva.s of Record nobly says: Brazil there are a million of wild " But no one can pretend that our Indians, ignored by the Christian missionary collections are such as world.
ought to satisfy us. Let us remember – During the past ten years over how large is our number of communi- 11,000 converts have been gathered in cants-about 588,000. Our missionary the missionary fields of the Moravian contributions show but a very small Church.
sum as given per communicant. For -Sabbath observance is making the foreign mission, or mission to the great progress in Paris. A determined heathen abroad, there was contributed effort is made to close all places of last year by the church at home, business on Sunday.
through the assembly scheme, the -Ninety thousand copies of the ladies' association, legacies and special illustrated Bible, issued in weekly subscriptions, a total of £28,331-not , parts, have been sold among the quite one shilling from every com- Roman Catholics in Italy.
municant. And when we exclude the -The last five years have seen ladies' association, legacies and special greater developments in the opening subscriptions, it appears that the sum and Christianizing of Africa than the raised for tilis object by church col- ninety-five years preceding.
lections in Scotland was £13,172-giv- -The Gospel of Matthew has been ing an average of only 5 1-4d from translated into the Laos language by each communicant. We grant that Mrs. McGilvary of the Presbyterian many of our communicants are poor Board. The Acts of the Apostles is persons, but it will not be denied that also nearly ready.
the great majority are in circum- -The American Baptist Telugu stances to afford some help to any Mission calls for a re-inforcement of good cause which thoroughly interests twenty-five men in the next two sears.
them. If they give nothing, or very Dr. J. E. Clough, of Ongole, has under little, we must conclude either that his care more than 17,000 Christians.
they do not know that there is an -:Et!!',">Dr. Boggs, of Ramapatam, object deserving and needing their aid, says all India is in a state of ferment.
or that they feel no interest, or little The Hindus and Mohammedans interest, in it." actively oppose the advance of Chris- -Arch-deacon Farrar, of London, tianity, and at the same time mis- says: "It comes with shocking ill sionary work is pushed more vigor- grace, and sounds like shameful ously than ever.
hypocrisy, when those who give -The appropriations of the Ameri- nothing and do nothing for mis- can Baptist Missionary Union for the sions, make the 'home heathen' year ending March 31, 1891, are $503,- a false excuse for doing nothing. 159.53. The society calls for an im- They talk as if it were weakening the mediate special contribution of $50,000 resources of England and surely that to meet the deficiency caused by the is stupendous nonsense when we are passage of the silver bill.
not even spending as much on mis- -Four railroads are projected, or sions as on tobacco and Christmas in process of construction, from the cards." east coast of Africa toward the in- -Canon Christopher, one of the terior ; one in the territory of British notable men of Cambridge, England, East Africa Company, one in German proclaims his interest in missions territory, one in the Portuguese pos- by annually entertaining a great sesions, and one passing through Port- company of representative men to uguese territory to the domain of the breakfast. British South African Company.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Foreign Mission Notes, by Rev. James Johnston, Bolton, England.
African Mlssions.-There are re- cessible. remarkably intelligent, and ported to be over 500 missionary considered by the missionaries to be stations in the Dark Continent, with more Christian, on the whole, than the which 400,000 converts are associated, ordinary run of Christians in England.
whose numberis increasing at a yearly By the Rev. W. E. Taylor, (C. M. S., average of 25,000 souls. Frere Town,) it was observed that the Slavery.-A meeting held at the present is the time to win the popula- Stanley and African Exhibition in tion to Christianity, otherwise they London was addressed by several re- would be made converts to Moham- turned missionaries, of different so- medanism. The Rev. R. P. Ashe cieties. Their reports were very en- (late missionary of the C. M. S. at couraging, especially as to the Congo Uganda) said that the friends of mis- region. Lord Knutsford urged more sions do not realize that the mission- exertion for the suppression of the aries in Central Africa have, with less horrible slave traffic. Although the assistance, d1fficulties to face, corresc British are less directly active in com- ponding to those which Mr. Stanley batting it they seem determined to narrated in "Darkest Africa." A col- banish the great curse of Africa. So lection was taken for the purchase far as Pro1!estant societies are con- of a steamer to be launched on the eerned they are free from the disgrace waters of Victoria Nyanza for the use of buying boys and girls to train them of the Church Missionary Society's as Christians, whereas, French Catho- agents. The total outlay will be £5,000, lie societies openly countenance this of which £2,300 has been secured. In unwisfj .pgliey. A representative of aid of this desirable object Mr. Stanley the -~Anti-Slavery Society entreated made an eloquent appeal in the eol- English people to eschew the use of umns of The London Times, to British ivory, every scrap of which, accord- Christians. ing to Mr. Stanley, issteep~la:lnblood. Bishop Smythies.-The brave lead- The venerable Archdeacon Maple, of er of the Universities' Mission, de- the Universities' Mission, described parting once more to his field, his work on Lake Nyassa. He paid a preached a farewell sermon to a eon- warm tribute to the African Lakes gregation of supporters in St. John's, Company for resistance to the intro- Red Lion Square, Holborn, from the duction of liquor and to similar evils. mlsslOnary passage in Col. il-:3, The work of Dr. Laws, of the Free "Withal, praying also for us, that Church and of the Scotch Established God would open unto us a door of Church, on the Shire Highlands, was utterance, to speak the mystery of equally eulogized. The Archdeacon Christ, for which I am also in bonds."
said, in face of the partitioning of He returns, accompanied by three Africa by European powers, their clergymen and two lady nurses, mak- duty as pioneers was to maintain their ing a complete mission staff of seventy ground unless superior force com- persons. During his sojourn in pelled them to retire. Dr. Guinness Europe the Bishop visited Berlin, and referred to the scope of the Congo was cordially welcomed by the young Mission, founded in 1878, by Mr. Emperor of Germany, who spoke with Henry Craven and others, which had marked sympathy and appreciation of at the present time three missions the Universities' Mission.
and seventy-five missionaries. No- Cardinal Lavigerie. – After dis- where in the world is mission work cussing in Rome further plans bearing more hopeful. The people were ac- on the anti-slavery question, the • Cardinal passed through Marseilles, on 1890, they had received only £13,000; his way to ~'.lgiers. From there, to meanwhile they had to borrow money Biskra, whence he will make various at a high rate of interest to meet their ,excursions in southern Algeria. . liabilities.
Holland and the S,ave Trade.- Japan. – To secure more help for The principal members of the Belgian the English Church mission in Japan government are impressing upon the an important meeting has been held Dutch cabinet the absolute necessity in the library of the Lambeth Palace, 'of giving its signatures to ,the general London. Bishop Barry said, not- act of the Brussels Conference; if not, withstanding the lateness of the Eng- a stigma will rest on the country in lish Church in the field, it would ulti- preventing the execution of effective mately take the leading place in measures for the suppression of the influence and responsibility among slave trade and its horrors. The ex- Christian communities there. A re- port trade'of the Congo State for the markable feature of the Japanese is second quarter of the year 1890 was their capacity to adapt themselves to double that of the corresponding what they had adopted. The church period of 1889, and five times larger mission had certainly no desire to than it was in 1887. These figures hinder the growth of native institushow the necessity of giving the Congo tions, or .to press upon the Japanese State the means to pursue its honor- any western customs which could not ,able and humane mission. be appreciated or assimilated.
Wesleyan Missionary Society- Madagascar. – Excitement reigns Tonga. – The good news is con- in the island consequent upon the fumed respecting the improved condi- terms of the Anglo-French agreement tion of affairs among the native Wes- becoming known. The various misleyans, chiefly due to the wise inter- sionary societies view with lIlisgivings vention of the High Commissioner, the ultimate action of the queen and Sir J. B. Thurston. The majority of her advisers. As to the immediate the exiled Wesleyans have returned prospects, religiously and politically, from Fiji. With the re-affirmation of the sta£ements of authorities are conreligious liberty, the hitherto sup- flicting. According to agents of the pressed feeling of fear and restraint is London Missionary Society recently beginning to disappear, and large arrived in England, no alarm is ennumbers are again attending the Wes- tertained in relation to Madagascar's 1eyan Church. agreeableness to the French Protecto- rate. An experienced missionary, the Secunderabad.-That ardent Wes- Rev. J. Sibree, believes that there isa leyan missionary, the Rev. William tendency to exaggerate the differ- Burgess, reports that he has baptized ences and apprehend risks only in 200 natives this year (1890), and ex- days to come. The English Governpects shortly to announce double that ment have been gradually compelled number. to subscribe to what the Malagasies must have foreseen many years since. Italy. – In, connection with the A younger missionary, the Rev. James vigorous campaign of English Wes- Taylor, declares the influence exerleyans in the Italian peninsula, the cised by the London Missionary Socidoubted secession of a whole Roman etyon the natives is unequaled by any {)atholic village in Italy to Method- kind of organization in the island, and ism is now ascertained to be beyond that from the Society it would be difdispute. ficult to wean the people.
English Wesleyan Missionary So- On the other hand these assurances ciety Finances. – With regret the are vigorously controverted by the secretaries state that out of a procSpective home income of £100,000 for latest mail communications from the car has remained quiet because she island. Great unrest prevails touch- believed that she was outgrowing the ing the Anglo-French agreement; the time for foreign aggression. She now Hovas pronouncing vehemently finds that she has been sleeping in fan- against a French Protectorate sway. cie<i'security, and to-day she is awake For two powers to deprive a country in a rage. The country is aroused. sUbstantially of her rights and privi- There is a dangerous spirit thrilling leges without consulting her is con- throughout the country. The late po- sidered cruelly unfair. In retaining litical calm has disappeared. To an her freedom to conduct her civil and individual the Hovas are patriotic, commercial intercourse, "Madagas- and, if France insists upon putting car," says the principal local journal, a wrong construction upon the Treaty "will fight to the last if France de- of 1885-6, the Malagasy will heroic- mands the control of the foreign of- ally repel her aggression. Watchful fice, or assumes a protectorate over sympathy is desired for the religious the Government of Her Majesty Ran- and national welfare of a people who avalomanjaka III." This language is are beginning to enter on a civilized unmistakably decisive. Until very career. By the missionaries in particu- recently the government in Madagas- lar, abounding grace and wisdom are car had no idea of the island's liberty needed to guide their converts in the being endangered. A claim of France right paths. some time ago to represent Madagas- London Missionary Society. – car in her foreign relations was re- The London Missionary Society will fused, consistent with articles 1-2 of send delegates to the International the 1885-6 Franco-Malagasy Treaty. Council of Congregationalists, to be It was consequently surmised that held in London in 1891. This step is as France did not urge it ,that she regarded as a sign that the society is inte~ the clauses to refer to moving from a broad evangelical basis the pledge of Madagascar not to to one of a more denominational enter into compact defensively or character. offensively elsewhere unless–tt";"'con- Church Missionary Society.- sent of France was previously ob- The benefactions to the Church Mistained. The Malagasy Government sionary Society for the current year is content to allow France to intervene are about twice as much as those of on her behalf in exterior political mat- the average of the last five years, and ters, quite otherwise respecting inter- the ordinary income steadily increases. nal affairs. Madagascar cherishes her Six London societies send out unindependence and sets great store on ordained missionaries, not demanding everything which develops her re- college education. Thus not only sources, and naturally wishes to retain are wider doors opening before the ' a free hand for her administration and, church in foreign lands, but the gate an openseaboard to transacttrade with ,of entrance for workers is becoming other lands. The organ of the Eng- much broader. lish, The Madagascar Times, asserts Two more young ladies went out that the agreement is a monstrous last month to the Zenana work in contravention of past treaties, and Rajahmundry, India, sent out by the warns France of the dangers which Lutheran Mission Committee. The await her should she persist in taking two workers, Miss Sadtler of Baltinominal possession. "Europe," this more and Miss Schade of New Brighpaper states, "is mistaken in her be- ton, Pa., were given a farewell meetlief that Madagascar has been unde- ing in St. John's Lutheran Church, monstrative because the French con- Philadelphia. A chest of medicines trol affairs. This is not so. Madagas- was presented to the missionaries. Monthly Bulletin. -Miss Anna E. Johnson has left Bryn Mawr, Pa., for the McAll work -Mr. David Sinclair, M.A., princi- in Paris. pal of the Missionary College at Mad- ras, and who, after twenty years of -Two Bengalese ladies, after a five service, retired at the beginning of the years' course, received at Calcutta last year, is dead. University the degree of Bachelor of Medicine. They are both disciples of -Professor Riggenbach, of Basel, Christ. for twelve years president of the great Basel Missionary Society, died also -The British and Foreign Bible So- September 5. He had a fascinating ciety issued last year 3,790,000 copies history. of the Bible, either wholly or in part; -Some 200 Hebrew students in the and the London ReligiouB Tract So- University of Odessa petitioned the ciety 77,000,000 publications, every Russian government to be allowed to one of which, in some form, ango forward with their studies as nounces the glad tidings of salvation Hebrews, and met a refusal. It re- in Christ.
sulted in their conversion to Ohris- -The French Protestant Mission tianity! among the Basutos has over 6,000com- -Bishop Hannington was cruelly municants.
murdered by Mwanga, of Uganda, -Rev. R. Glover, D.D., of Bristol, whose Christian subjects have now re- and Rev. T. M. Morris of Ipswich, instated him on his throne. Two years two of the foremost men of the Bapago Bishop Parker, who followed tist deilOmination in England, are in him, perished on the shores of Victoria China as a deputation from the mis- Nyanza. And now, a third bishop, sionary society to visit the stations Mr. Tucker, has started for equatorial Africa. Thus far these bishops have and report on needs and claims of the ~-…. work.
held office less than two years each; -Arthur Brooks, whom the natives but lor the work in which they per- killeq a year ago in Africa, was the ished .more than twenty have been elev~lM:llartyr the London Mission- found ready to take the place of each ary Society has given to the East one who has died. African Mission. Since then Mr.
-It is proposed to build a sort of Slade's death left but three men to "People's Temple" in London, with carry on this work.
sufficient space for 100,000 persons, so -Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson has been that when great public interests are at establishing three new missions-Con- stake room may be found for popular gregational, Episcopal and Presby- meetings and discussions. terian respectively, in Alaska. This -A "Hindoo tract society" in is a practical illustration of inter- Madras is trying to neutralize the denominational comity.
missionaries' work by leaflets in de- -In three colleges of North Caro- fence of Hinduism, as they have lina 15 students have volunteered for already imitated Christian "cate- mISSIons. At Oberlin 32, and $400 chisms " for teaching and indoctrina- have been raised for their outfit.
ting the young. -On Lake Nyassa the Scottish Free -A chair for study of the English Church has, at Bandawe, 1,180 pupils Bible was last year established at and 38 native teachers in its schools.
Princeton College. At Yale over 150 -Moravians distance us all in mis- students of the higher classes elect a sionary heroism. One of their Alaska course of Bible studies, with two lec- missions is 3,000 miles from its base tures a week. of supplies, and sometimes the cold is so intense that even the smoke is a pronouncedly good influence upan turned to frost in chimneys. him and his people. He has abolished drinking in his land, and is always -Mr. Penazottj, the agent of the intent on some reform. His word is American Bible Society, in Peru, is always trusted, not only by the mis- in prison solely for the crime of circu- sionaries, but also by traders and lating the Word of God in the Spanish hunters, wl'lO are mistrustful of every- tongue. His instructing of the people thing accomplished by missions. He has been construed as violating a is sincere, courageous and manly, and semi-obsolete decree of the Peruvian if all Caffre chieftains were like him, {lonstitution. We watch the result of Caffreland would have a very different this trial of Protestantiam in South look from its present one. America with interest. -Basel Missionary Society recently -Rev. John Newton, seventy-eight observed its seventy-fifth anniversary. years old, and oldest of missionaries It has missions in India, China, and in India, landed in Calcutta in 1835, on the African Gold Coast and the and is still a hale and happy worker. Camaroons, and not until recently He is a Presbyterian, and believes in have unmarried lady missionaries goue the" Perseverance of the Saints!" to the frontier to engage in educa- tional and other work among their -According to Dr. Pentecost, dark and darkened sisters. Bishop Taylor is the only evangelist who has left behind him in India a Alaska.-Important are the openpermanent work. We may be per- ings for the spread of the Gospel in mitted to say that our friend Pente- this largest possession of the United cost sometimes allows himself to make States. Its area is 531,409 square statements which are too sweeping, if miles: Arctic division, 125,245; Younot careless. Bishop Taylor not only kon, 70,884; Southeastern, 28,980. Its worked as an evangelist, but he extreme length north and south is founded churches, and large churches, 1,100 miles; its extreme breadth is too, which few evangelists do. Hence, 800 miles. Total population about his eminently scriptural and apostolic 30,426; white, 430; Creole, 1,756; Inwork abides, which cannot be said of nuit, 17,617; Aleut, 2,145; Tenneh, some who only do the work of an 3,927; Thlinket, 6,763; Hyda,788. It evangelist. . occupies the extreme northwest of the continent. This important coun- -Think of America sending a few try was purchased from Russia by the missionaries to Africa and finding it United States government in 1867, difficult to raise enough money to and is now under its control. support them, while Boston alone, from 1882 to 1887, sent to the Dark Turkey.-Great Revival in Aintab. Continent 3,500,000 gallons of strong In the annual report of the American drink! Rev. David A. Day, at Monro- Board the siguificant event in Asiatic via, saw landed at one port on one Turkey was the revival, whereby 538 Sunday 50,000 casks of gin! were added to the church in Aintab, and by its influence no less than 1,000 Africa.-Mr. J. Nixon declares of hopeful conversions occurred within Magata, a chief near Pretoria, where the limits of that one field. The three the Hermannsburg missionaries are centers of collegiate and theological working, that not even in England training were specially blessed. Only has he met with a more perfect gen- a small number of college graduates, tleman. Chief Kchama, he declares, however, enter the theological school, is also a chief whose word can be de- and there is an increasing tendency to pended upon, a noble example of suc- come to America to complete their cessful missionary work. His Chris- studies and to better their fortunes. tianity is nothing nominal, but exerts Cost of War.-According to rep- Canon Liddon on Missions.- resentations given recently in the Across the triumphs and the failures German Reichstag, France has'a war of well-nigh nineteen centuries, the footing of 3,300,000 men; Russia, spiritual ear still catches the accents 2,570,000; Germany, 2,900,000; Austro- of the charge on the mountain in Gali- Hungary, 1,150,000; Italy, 1,090,000; 100; and, as we listen, we note that or these five powers can summon into neither length of time nor change of the field, should the necessity require circumstance has impaired their it, 11,019,000. Who can foretell the solemn and enduring force. It is a awful consequences should any power precept which, if it ever had binding be so rash as to let loose the war virtue, must have it at this moment dragon? And to prevent such a catas- over all who believe in the Divine trophy, it is deemed necessary to keep Speaker's power to impose it-it must up a peace footing for Russia of 314,- bind us as distinctly as it was binding 000; France, 511,334; Germany, 486,- on the first disciples. Weare ambas- 983; Austro-Hungary, 325,693; Italy, sadors of a charity which knows no 255,418; or in all, 2,393,423. distinctions between the claimants on Worth Noting.-The secular press. its bounty, and no frontier save those announces that Abbe Mesmer has of the races of man. A good Chrisstarted from Rome to assume his posi- tian can not be other than eager for tion at the head of the Roman Catho- the extension of our Lord's Kingdom lic University in Washington. In among men, not only from his sense of this case at least, we regret that the what is due to the Lord who bought law which prohibits the importation him, but also from his natural sense of of contract labor will not be enforced. justice, his persuasion that he has no We trust, however, that the American right to withhold from others those public will not lose sight of the fact privileges and prospects which are the that this new university is to be placed joy of his own inmost life. When he under the direction of tt foreigner, and finds comfort in the power of prayer, of one who comes witk the blessing of when he looks forward in humble a Pope who, from his hatred of free confidence to death, when he enjoys institutions, continu~s to keep up the the blessed gift of inward' peacefarce of his being a prisoner in the peace between the soul and its God, Vatican, and is arrayed in open an- peace between the soul's various powtagonism to the civil law of Italy. If ers and faculties-he cannot but ask the man is like the· master, we may the question: "Do I not owe it to the reasonably expect that the consistent millions who have no part in these policy which has been so long main- priceless blessings that I should do tained in Italy will not be forgotten what I can myself, or through others in America. to extend to them a share in this smile of the Universal Father which is the Mr. W. F. Wilkinson.-Another joy and consolation of my life? Can worker fallen on the Congo. The I possibly neglect the command to Baptist Missionary Society have re- make disciples of all nations?"-Spirit ceived this.sad intelligence of one who of Missions.
less than ·six months ago was set Rev. Dr. A. P. Happer, President apart at the Society's Birmingham of the Christian College, Canton, meetings for the noblest of callings. China, .is ordered by his physician to Of heroic ardor, the death of so give up work and return home. He young a man cannot be other than a has disease of the heart. As soon as source of grief to all wilo follow with the trustees appoint his successor he interested eye the course of the con- will hand over the College, which he flict. is now arranging to do.