The Missionary Review of the World — February 1897
AND DERWENTWATER
The Town of Keswick, England.
'…. "
THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD..
VOL. XX. No. 2.-0ldSeriu.-FEBRUARY.-VoL. X. No. 2.-N~ &risa.
THE KESWICK MOVEMENT.
BY THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.
Keswick is a town of Cumberland, England, on the sonth bank of the Greta, some twenty-four miles from Carlisle, and having 'a population of perhaps three to four thousand. It has no importance commercially, tho it has manufactures of linsey woolsey, cutlery, ancl lead-pencils, and has two museums, indicating a high average of intelligence. It is but a mile from the foot of Skiddaw, and half as far from Derwentwater; and, even in this famous Lake District, forever memorable by association with Coleridge and Southey and the poets of the Lake School, Keswick's vale is unsurpast for picturesque and fascinating scenery.
But the association which makes Keswick already famous is that which links it with the annual convention of believers which meets in July of each year for about a week, and then during the whole year radiates its blessed influence throughout the 'whole British Empireand the world. Nearly twenty-five years ago a very remarkable movement began in Britain, which in a previous number has been traced to its beginning, and which has ever since been in progress. In somerespects it was a sort of modern Pentecost, having in it a depth of meaning and a breadth of influence, quite unknown and unsuspected at first by those who were connected with it.
An American evangelist, known as R. Pearsall Smith, the husband of Hannah Whithall Smith, a man whose brief tracts and inspiring addresses have for many years been such a stimulus and help to holy living, was proTidentially among those who were connected with the: inception of the movement, as was also his wife.
It is a singular fact that God seldom moves on one section of the Church, or in one locality, alone. Simultaneous quickenings commonly take place in various parts of the world, as the reinvigoration
KESWICK MOVEMENT
()f So human body would shew itself in different members and even at the opposite extremities at the same time.
These various conventions, across the sea, were held, in 1874, at Broadlands, July 17-23, and at Oxford, August 8 to September 1, then :at Brighton, May 29 to June 7, 1875, and the first Keswick Conven- tion followed, from June 29 to July 2 of the same year. With tile convening of the latter the lamented Ganon Battersby is inseparably 'connected, and it was he who invited Mr. Robert Wilson to join him, as he wanted a layman to cooperate with ,him. The first Keswick Convention was not in a building, but a tent, capable of holding a thousand, but attended by between three hundred and four hundred. It is also noticeable, as a part of this history, that both the Brighton and first Keswick gatherings were for ten days, and that at Brighton about 8,000 were present.
About the time that these meetings were thus being held in such rapid succession in Britain, and on the continent, there was in more than one quarter a similar gathering in the United States; for example, at Oberlin, Ohio, and in Maine, on the borders of Canada, where a great company of disciples assembled for a purpose precisely similar to that of the Oxford meetings. The railways sold some 40,000 special tickets in connection with this latter conference alone.
For the present, however, we confine our attention to the so-called '" Keswick" movement, which is just now compelling such attention from its widespread and deep-reaching results, that we are constantly :receiving letters and attempting to answer oral inquiries, as to the origin and character of this remarkable revival or reformation.
It may be well to let Rev. Evan H. Hopkins tell our readers how the Keswick Convention began, as he has been very closely identified with it for many years. In the Life oj Faith, he has recently spoken on this subject, editorially. We quote, at some length, as all -our readers may not have access to the admirable periodical from which these extracts are taken.* In a brief outline of some of the 'Chief events that preceded the holding of the first convention at Kes- 'wick, and were closely connected with its origin, he says: This remarka:ble movement, iD. connection with the experience of a fuller spiritual life, did not have its rise in the Keswick Convention. The first convention held at Keswick was in July, 1875; but, during the year 1873, small meetings 'Were held in London, where great and definite blessings were realized by a few. These led to larger gatherings, and in the year 1874 special meetings for consecration, for two or three days at a time, were held at the Mildmay Conference Hall, and.at the Hanover Square Rooms. These were followed by similar meetings in -Dublin, Manchester, Nottingham, and Leicester. On the Continent, too, meetings for the same purpose and on exactly similar lines were held. The result was that very many of God's children, both at home and abroad, were awakened to '8 deep sense of need, and to an expectation of larger and more definite blessing• • Life of Faith, July 22, 1800. such as they had never conceived to be possible in this life. The uplifting of soul experienced by many who attended these meetings was one of the most striking features of the movement, and the effect of their testimony upon thos~ who came within the sphere of their influence, was one of· the chief factors in arousing the Church to seek the realization of its privileges in the matter of triumph, usefulness, and power.
In the summer of 1874, the first convention at Broadlands was held. Its origin was in the desire that a number of young university men, who had found paliial blessing in some meetings for consecration held at Cambridge, during term time, should have a few days of quiet meditation and prayer in some secluded spot, keeping before them the following definite aim: The Scriptural possibilities of the Christian life, as to maintained communion with the Lord and victory over all known sin. This suggestion was made in the presence of the late generous proprietor of Broadlands Park, near Romsey; and he at once said: "My place is at your service if you will accept it." The plan was extended to the invitation of about a hundred persons for six days-July 17 to 23-all of them to be the guests of the then Right Han. W. Cowper-Temple (afterward Lord Mount Temple).
The meetings were mostly held beside the river or under the beech trees, or in the Orangery. Such was the absorbing interest felt by all, that no di1ll.culty was found in gathering the guests at seven o'clock in the morning; and it was an effort to separate when the breakfast hour of nine came. At ten o'clock con- versational meetings were held, Bibles in hand, in different places through the grounds, and at eleven o'clock there was prayer, with singing and addresses. Meetings for ladies only were also held; and at three o'clock conversational meetings, followed by a general gathering at four; and after tea Bible-read- . ings were given, till the regular evening meeting. The manifested presence and power of God pervaded every meeting, and many stated that the long periods of silent prayer had been to them the most solemn and helpful seasons of their spiritual life.
One wrote at the time: "We began with the negative side, renunciation of discerned evil, and even of doubtful things which are not of faith, and therefore sin. For some days the company was held under the searching light of God, to see and to remove any obstacles to a divine communion, aught that frustrated the grace of God. We sought to have that which was true in God as to our judicial standing in a risen Christ, also true in personal appropriation and experience. Many secret sins, many a scarcely recognized reserve as to entire self-renunciation, were here brought up into the light of consciousness and put away in the presence of the Lord. We desired to make thorouglt work, so as to have no known evil or self-will unyielded; and we have reason.to hope that those present did so, and that we took the position of solemn purpose to renounce instantly everything in which we should find ourselves 'otherwise minded,' as from time to time' God shall reveal even this unto us. '
" In the intervals of the meetings it was interesting to see groups gathered, in the more secluded places in the woods by the river, on their knees, praying, searching the Scriptures, or speaking earnestly to each other of the all-absorbing subject of our meetings. Some one had proposed to have reading at the meal- times, so as to concentrate our minds; but no such plan was needed to keep the company, even at times of refreshment, to the one engrossing subject."
In a letter received from Pasteur Theodore Monod at the time, reference is made to this memorable occasion. An extract from that letter will be read now with interest: "The difference between those Broadlands meetings and many others that I have attended is just the difference between a flower and the name of a flower. Christians too often meet oaly to talk about good and precious things: peace, joy, love, and so on; but there we actually had the very things themselves. I cannot be grateful enough to God for having led me into such a soul·satisfying and God.glorifying faith. I think I may say that I got all that I expected, and more. .And I begin to suspect that we always get from God every- thing-provided it be good for us-that we ask for, expecting to get it. Oh, for self.forgetting faith, that I may have more and more and more of it, and that the Church of Christ may cease to grieve Him, distress herself, and hinder the coming of His Kingdom, by disbelieving His Word I My French companions have all derived much benefit from the Conference. God be praised for His work I Never mind the world, nor the devil, so long as you have the sunshine of Jesus" smile in your heart."
During this Convention our brother Monod wrote the now well-known hymn, .. The Altered Motto: "
Oh I the bitter shame and sorrow That a time could ever be, When I let the Savior's pity Plead in vain, and proudly answered, " All of self and none of Thee."
It was only a short time before this hymn was written that our brother entered into the" fulness of blessing."
The account of the Broadlands Conference was read far and wide, and awakened considerable interest. Many who had never attended any meetings of the kind were led to cry to God for the fullness of the Spirit, with an expectation and earnestness of desire they had never before known. At the close of the meetings one said, "We must repeat these meetings on a larger scale, where all who desire can attend." And one of the guests volunteered £500 toward the expenses of this effort. But none of this money was found to be necessary when the proposal was actually carried out in the conference that followed. So abundant were the offerings that large sums remained over actual expenses, to be devoted to the extension of the movement on the Continent.
It was suggested by the late beloved Sir Arthur Blackwood, who was present at Broadlands, that this proposed convention should be held at Oxford during the vacation, and it was accordingly held from August 29 to September 7, 1874. The details of the meetings were settled during a mission week in August, at Langley Park, the seat of the late Sir Thomas Beauchamp, Bart., near Norwich, who shortly after passed from an earnest life of service to an eternity of reward. Having received great blessing himself in a similar meeting the previous year, he again generously gathered about forty clergymen, and many others, for five days' waitingupon God for consecration and prayer. The invitation to the" Oxford Union Meetings for the Promotion of Scriptural Holiness, .. was issued on the 8th of August, 1874. And, tho the notice was so short, a large and representative number of Christians came from all parts of the king!iom, as well as a great many pastors from the Continent, to spend ten days at this convention.
A few extracts from an able review that appeared immediately after will give some idea of the deep impression that was made by what took place during those ten days at Oxford:- " 'God hath visited His people.' If anyone had said a year ago that we' should see, in the city of Oxford, an assembly of Christians, very largely composed of ministers of the Establishment and various Nonconformist bodies, and including twenty or thirty Continental pastors, gathered for the purpose of seek. ing, by mutual counsel and united prayer and consecration, to reach a higher condition of Christian life, it would have been considered far more devoutly-ta-bewished than likely to occur. An(l if it had been added that we should see early morning meetings of nearly a thousand of these men and women, of all ranks in society, and of all denominations, gathered in prayer, and for the communication of their experiences in the divine life, clergymen and laymen standing up and declaring what God had done for their souls, there would have been not a few to say with the lord, on whose hand the king of Israel leaned, 'If the Lord would open windows in heaven might such a thing be I' But God has opened the windows of heaven, and is pouring out a blessing that there shall not' be room to receive it.' Alld not only so, but 'God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; that no flesh should glory in His presence.'
***** "We have attended many conferences, including a ten days' convention in America, the prototype of that at Oxford, but in many respects this excelled them all. It is the fruit and flower of those which have gone before-of those at Barnet, and Mildmay, and Perth, and other places at home, as well as of Mannheim, and Vineland and Round Lake, in the United States. Conferences must be of another type henceforth.
"If it be askt, What is 'the blessing?' it is the blessedness of the man 'who maketh the Lord his trust,' 'whose strength is in Thee,' of them who have not seen and yet have believed, who stand by night in the house of the Lord, trusting where they cannot see Him, who present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, their reasonable service, and who, doing this, are not conformed to this world, but are daily being transformed, by the renewing of their minds, that they may know what that good and acceptable and perfect wfil of the Lord is."
At this Oxford Convention the late Canon Harford-Battersby himself entered into "the rest of faith." But for this event the now well-known Keswick Con- vention would never have had a beginning.* Very soon after the Oxford Conference similar meetings on a smaller scale, but on the same lines, were held at Stroud, under the presidency of the late Mr. T. Croome. Two brethren who had taken part at the Oxford meetings conducted this Conference. At that time the Rev. Preb. Webb-Peploe was not on the platform amongst the speakers, but was seen amongst the listeners. He had not been able to attend the Oxford Conference, and we think it was only at the Stroud Conference, or soon after those meetings, that he himself deflnitely entered into the blessing of the more abundant life. The Cheltenham Conference followed the Stroud Convention, and there for the 1Irst time he actually took part in the movement.
The next great series of meetings was the wonderful Brighton Convention, which was held in the Pavilion at Brighton, from May 29 to June 7,1875. There some eight thousand people, the greater part earnest, well- instructed Christians, met together for ten days in prayer, meditation, and waiting upon God. Addresses were given there during those days, which live to this day in the memories of those who heard them, and have been the means of lasting blessing to thousands. Everywhere-at home and abroad-we meet with the abiding fruits of this memorable gathering. It was at this Convention Canon Battersby arranged for the :tirst Convention at Keswick, to take place in July of that year.
In looking back upon the twenty-one years that have elapst since then, it would be interesting to be able to note the various names of those who now take • "Canon Harford-Battersby and the KeSwick Convention," edited by two of his sons. (Seeley & Co., London.) part in this great annual gathering at Keswick, and to record the particular year, and circumstances, when they each saw for the first time the truth of a fuller life. It cannot be too clearly stated that those who are askt to speak at this and otlier similar conventions are those, and those only, who can bear testimony to a de1l. nite experience of the fulness of blessing.
Every year at the Keswick Convention numbers of God's children are brought into a realization of their resources in Christ, such as they have never before thought possible; and this has given a strength and brightness to their lives which have been felt by others around them. In this way the movement has been continually advancing and deepening, so that its fnfiuence is seen to-day in every quarter of the globe.
In a. memorable series of meetings held by me in Brighton, in 1896, I found many who had been present at the conference thus held at that place for the deepening of spiritual life, where tbousands of people gathered. The main objects were united prayer for the deepening of spiritual life and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in power; and at that time, both in America and in England, there was a spontaneous and simultaneous movement among disciples looking toward similar results. In one sense, the greater part knew not wherefore they were come together, except that such a general and widespread longing and expectancy had been created for a new and singular bestowment of power from on high. Worldliness, formalism, apathy, selfishness, were so apparent in the Ohurch and so alarming, that devout believers were driven to the Throne of Grace to seek some help from above. Throughout the whole convention at Brighton this blessing was realized. While engaged in prayer the Holy Spirit often in those days mysteriously laid hold On men and women, and they were swayed as by a rushing, mighty wind. Prayer became more earnest, importunate, believing, prevailing, and it was manifest that some new force was controlling. The first fruits were found in a distinct entrance into newness of life on the part of many who hitherto had been cold or conventional in their religious character, hampered by forms, exclusive and uncharitable, inconsistent and without power as witnesses. Men and women were blest, and clergymen of the Anglican Ohurch were among the prominent parties receiving this Divine enduement. At the time no one suspected the real import of this Divine visitation, and hence the early history of it has somewhat inadequate records.* It is remembered by those w1!o had a share in it simply as a very unusual and quite indescribable manifestation of spiritual quickening and power. Of course, such a meeting could not but be the mother of others, and hence the subsequent gatherings known as the Keswick meetings of which we are now more specially writing.
~ " Record of the Convention for the Promotion of Scriptural Holiness," held at Brighton, 1875. London, S. W. Partridge & Co., and "Account of the Union Meeting," etc., at Oxford,l874. F. H. Revell, Chicago. . The movement at Keswick found both its suggestion and warm sup- port in the Vicar of Keswick, the lamented Oanon Battersby, by whose influence it became connected with and located at that beautiful spot in the English Lake District, and who, as long as he lived, presided over the meetings held there. In the same simple way, the presi- dency then passed by a general assent to Mr. Henry Howker, and a~ his death to Mr. Robert Wilson. But there has never been a fixt com- mittee of leadership; quite without any definite arrangement of man, it remains in the hands of Mr. Wilson so far as any human hand is on the helm.
To a singular extent no deference is paid to men, however high their social or ecclesiastical position. Keswick stands for a peculiar type of spiritual teaching and life. Those who understand it and, exhibit it are askt to take part, and no others. The most renowned minister or evangelist or theological professor from any country might happen in the very meeting, but would not be askt to speak unle~ he was believed or known to have_been led out into this sort of experi- ence and teaching.
The first Keswick Convention, which lasted four days, was held in a large-sized building; but as the meetings became more largelY' attended, they were transferred to a tent. The present accomodations are equal to about 3,000, but 10,000 often attend in course of the con- vention.
In view of all that has been thus far written, it is of some consequence to ask and answer three questions: 1. What is the exact type of Keswick teaching? 2. What is the peculiar method of dealing with souls? 3. What are the actual results reacht ? 1. The Type of Keswick TeacMng.-This is definite, complete, and progressive. It has a definite beginning, middle, and culmination. Six successive stages may perhaps be indicated, all of them being deemed important, and in the following order: (1) The definite and immediate abandonment of every known sin or hindrance to holy living. (2) The abandonment and renunciation by faith of the self-life, or the life that centers in self-indulgence and self-dependence. (3) The immediate surrender of the will in loving and complete obedience to the will of God, separation in order to consecration. (4) The infilling of the Holy Spirit, or the claiming of the believer's share in the Spirit's pentecostal gift of power for service. (5) The revelation of Ohrist as an indwelling presence in the believer's soul and daily life, and as his actual Master and Lord. Beyond these there is always a sixth and last stage of teaching-the privileges and victories implied in this higher or deeper life, such as the rest life of faith, power over sin, passion for souls, conscious fellowship with God, growing possession of promises, and prevailing prayer and intercession.
The basis of all this teaching is, as is very apparent, the con- 'tiction that the average Christian life is too often grievously des- titute of real spiritual power and is essentially carnal, and that it is the duty and privilege of every child of God to enter at once into newness of life, and to walk: henceforth in the power of Christ's resurrection.
1. Hence the starting-point-instant abandonment of sin and of every known weight which prevents or hinders progress. Whatever is wrong or believed t~ be wrong in God's sight cannot be indulged with impunity. It is held up as utterly destructive of all holy living and testimony, as unnecessary because wrong, and as making impossible even assurance oj salvation. How can disciples lead out others into a life they have not themselves found? How can a man help a. sinner to salvation unless ~he knows he is saved? To continue one moment in what is felt to be sin is therefore perilous not only to holiness, but to the hope of salvation itself.
2. Secondly, a deadly blow is aimed at self-liiein its six forms; selfdependence, self-help, self'pleasing, self-will, self-seeking, and selfglory; in other words, a new practical center is sought for all the life to revolve about, and in this way a new step is taken in advance. Beyond the territory of known sin there lies another almost as danger- (lUS, where self-indulgence is the peculiar feature. There is a large (Jlass of pleasures, amusements, occupations, which do not bear the hideous features of secret or open sin, but which all tend to give supremacy to self. In them all the real question is: What will gratify and glorify myself? For example, the pleasures of ambition, grasping after power and position which feed self-glory; avarice, heaping up riches, which is pleasing to self-indulgence; appetite, eating and drinking for the sake of pleasure, which ministers to self-seeking; and other forms of selfishness, such as courting human applause by intellectual preaching, or conformity to worldly maxims.
There are five or six forms of amusement that bear the distinct stamp of this world, whatever may be contended as to their inherent innocence; the theatre, the dance, the card-table, the -horse-race, the 6pera, the wine-cup. These have been felt, for some reason, to hinder holiness and service; and some churches have distinctly made indulgence in them a matter of discipline. Whatever may be said of them, this is true: that wherever this deeper experience of Christ's power has been known it has been preceded or followed by their abandonment. These matters are very seldom referred to specifically at the Keswick gatherings, as the teaching concerns great general principles .. of holy living and serving, yet as a fact, those who attend are brought face to face with this question: how can you do anything primarily to please yourself which does not put at risk your pleasing God'! A high type of holiness always involves two practical rules: (a) I will seek in everything to please my Master as the Lord and Sovereign of my life; (b) I will seek to please my neighbor for his good unto edification. Hence one of the remarkable features of this movement has been, for instance, the abandonment of tobacco, not because its use can be conclusively shown to be inherently sinful, nor because of any direct pressure brought to bear by speakers; but because, where used, not as 8 medicine, but for indulgence of a liking, it exalts self to the throne. Paul gives by the Spirit two or three great all-controlling principles to guide in doubtful indulgences, and in each case he carefully guards the' principle by saying in advance, "all things are lawful for me;" but he adds in one case, "all things edify not, are not expedient i" and in the other case, "I will not be brought under the powe1' of any." Compare 1 Cor x: 23: vi: 12. Three questions are thus to be asked after we have settled the matter of lawfulness. First, is this lawful thing expedient? does it advance or retard holiness? second, does it edify-that is, help or hin- der others? and, third, does it tend to enslave or to emancipate me? A true disciple whose whole heart is set on pleasing God will soon settle all debatable territory on these ,three principles. 3. Thirdly, the surrender of the will to God in obedience. Christ must to every believer become not only Savior but Lord (Rom. 10 : 9, R. V.). "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Cor. 12: 3). Hundreds who accept Him as Savior from sin have no real conception of Him as the actual Master and Sovereign of the daily life. In the message to Laodicea we have a hint as to this sort of profest believers. "Behold I stand at the door and knock," etc. Here is Christ outside knocking and appealing for admission. The keys of the house are not in His hands. He is not admitted to His own house and in control. There is a definite act of opening, welcoming, and entrusting to Him the keys which mean government; but so long as one apartment in the house is voluntarily withheld from Him, He never practically assumes control. From the nature of the case it must be all or none i and every child of God knows, or will know if he searches his own heart, whether any part of his life shuts out Jesus from practical rulership. If any part of the body shrinks and shows abnormal sensitiveness under the surgeon's touch, he begins to suspect that there is a lurking place of disease. And whenever a disciple is especially sensitive as to anyone or more forms of indulgence, or shrinks from the candid application of Scripture to any particular practice, he may know that at that point there lurks spiritual disease. On the other hand, if the hidden recesses be opened , up to Christ and He be welcomed to the whole heart and whole life. the very chambers of our previous idolatry will become the chambers of heavenly imagery and Divine communion.
4. Fourthly, the infilling of the Spirit.-Here is perhaps the most delicate and difficult part of this teaching. But it is well not to stop on phrases; whether we agree or nO.t on the exact form of words, we must agree on facts, and conspicuous among the facts is this: that thousands of profest believers, like the Ephe!lian disciples in Acts XIX, do not practically know whether there be a Holy Ghost or not. Dr. Gordon discriminated between sealing, filling, and anointing. He thought the first had reference to assurance, thl'l second to power, and the third to knowledge. The point is this: have you ever claimed and received the power of the Holy Spirit as such? He came down on the day of Pentecost and filled disciples. This was an experience quite apart from conversion. The upper room was filled with a hundred and twenty disciples, some of whom for years had followed Jesus. And yet now suddenly they all received a Divine gift whereby they had new apprehension of all spiritual truth, a more assured witness borne to them as children of God, and a greater power in testimony for Christ. They were somehow filled with light, and love, and life, and power; their tongues were loosed, and they spake even in new languages before nnknown. Now, it may be, and doubtless is, true that this" baptism" of the Spirit was once for all, and that no further such effusion is to be expected in this age. But every disciple is entitled to claim his full share in that blessing and enter into pentecostal life and power or rather have it enter into him.
This is to be claimed by faith quite apart from feeling. Nowhere in the Word of God is feeling addrest, and for a good reason: if God made feeling an evidence or test, we should depend on it, and our confidence would vacillate as often as our feelings do. Man is complex; he is composed of body, soul, and spirit; and body and soul have much to do with spirit. Where the body is not normal, a cloud comes over the higher faculties. What we call feeling is often largely at the mercy of digestion and other physical conditions which do not affect faith or choice. The will may be as unchangingly fixt on God in sickness as health, tho the feelings vary with every change of bodily mood. " According to your faith be it unto you." If you open your heart to the Spirit's infilling and are claiming this blessing, rest on God's faithfulness. He will not fail you.
5. Fifthly, The Revelation of Jesus Christ in the soul as an. Indwelling Presence.-This is the climax of this teaching. The supreme end of the Holy Spirit's indwelling and inworking is to manifest the personal Christ as consciously our possession and in possession of us. ,This is the mystery: Christ in you. The Spirit first takes the things of Christ and shows them to the believer; second, he testifies to Christ, and, third, he glorifies Christ. Note the three parts of this
1R97.] THE SmGE OF TIBET
work as laid down in John 14-16: Manifesting, witnessing, glorifying. He will show you Ohrist iu all His offices and relations to you; He will make Him real to you as your actual possession; and He will clothe Him in glorious charms, so that you will gaze on Him as one enamored of His beauty and love. It is very different to have Ohrist revealed withont you as a historic personage, and within yon as experimentally and really master and Lord. 1'his latter the Holy Spirit does, as the former the Word does.
Rev. F. B. Meyer, who is so prominently connected with the Keswick teaching, has left a special farewell word to his brethren, which we here reproduce from The Ram's Horn.
" I am askt to give a parting message to the beloved ministers of, the Gospel -and other friends with whom I have met during this my fourth and brief visit to the United States. Your country is becoming increasingly a second homeland to me, and I thank you a thousand times for your love. It is an unfeigned delight to find that the teaching of the Inner Life is becoming so widespread in its influ- ence on this side the Atlantic. Union with Christ is His death and resurrection, the reckoning oneself dead to self the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and the Rest of Faith, Life across the J~rdan in the Land of Promise, these are familiar and- deeply prized truths and their wide dissemination and realization on the part of believers, together with the exposition of the Bible, as opposed to merely topical preaching, seems to me the conditions of a Revival of God's work in this land, which shall reanimate the churches. and enable them to act as the cementing bond in your vast and varied population.
" Ever your attached friend, F. B. MEYER."
THE SIEGE OF TIBET.
BY F. B. SHAW, WAKEFIELD, ENGLAND, LATE OF LEH, BRITISH TIBET.
Situated in the heart of a vast continent, guarded on the north by immense deserts and arid plateaus, shllt in on the other sides by the loftiest mountains in the world, Tibet is as inaccessible as any country well could be. Small wonder that its wondrous line of snowy peaks, which glistened so strangely above the mists of the plain, and from which issued the mighty rivers upon which his crops depended, became an object of reverence and religious awe to the ancient dweller in the Indian lowlands. This reputation of the unknown has descended to modern times, when Tibet is almost the only country in the world absolutely and of a set purpose closed to Europeans, the country of the Dalai Lama, a priest-king as wonderful as any Prestor John, the country of reputed mahatmas-in a word, the country of mystery.
But Tibet has not always been the" Great Closed Land." Friar Odoric, of Pordenone, past through the country about 1325; and it is quite in keeping with the energetic character of their order that several Jesuits traveled in Tibet during the seventeenth century, but without making a permanent settlement. This was first done by Desideri, who resided in Lhasa from 1716 to 1729. At first alone, this Jesuit was joined in 1719 by twelve Oapuchin friars under Or~io della Penna. They seem to have had a very flourishing mission; but they had fallen on troublous days. Civil wars and insurrections against the Ohinese having thrown the country into anarchy, the missionaries were expelled in 1760. During the last twenty years of their stay the Capuchins had been practically isolated, and with their departure the land was thoroughly closed. For one hundred years not half a dozen Europeans, none of them missionaries, succeeded in entering the country, and of these only one reached Lhasa. For one hundred years the Ohristian Ohurch left Tibet to slumber into death.
To their honor be it said, the Romish Church was the first to resume attempts. In 1846 the Redemptorists Huc and Gabet penetrated to Lhasa, hoping to be allowed to settle there; but Ohinese influence prevailed, and after only a few weeks' stay they were driven out of the country.
The time had now come for Protestants to take up the work, the Moravians being first in the field. But their work was in so far different from any other attempt, as, when the pioneer missionaries Heyde and Pagellleft home, neither they nor the directing board had Tibet or the Tibetans in their minds. On the contrary, the new effort, prompted by the veteran Chinese missionary GiitzlafI, was directed to the Mongolians. Only after failing to reach Mongolia through Russia was the attempt made to penetrate through Tibet, and only when this attempt, renewed at various places, had utterly failed, was the finger of God recognized as pointing to a settlement among Tibetan Buddhists living around the western frontier of Ohinese Tibet. To this day the visitor can see in the library of the oldest station the Mongol books brought out by the pioneers. Time and space fail to relate in full the story of this mission. Suffice it to say that the missionaries decided in 1856 to settle in the Valley of Lahaul. Attempts to obtain land in the chief village failed, and the pioneers were obliged to content themselves with Kyelang, a village on the opposite side of the valley. This was again a providential leading, for it soon appeared that Kyelang was in every way more suitable than the village originally thought of. The same providence was apparent in the fact that just at that time there was in the service of the Moravian Church a man of rare linguistic talent, H. A. Jaeschke, who was willing to devote himself to the exploratioJ? of the difficult and little-known Tibetan language. The untiring energy of these three men soon made Kyelang a center of light. Not only was the Gospel preacht to the villagers at hand, but long itinerations from village to village served to make it widely known. Quickly realizing the fact that they had to do with a people possest of an alphabet and a literature of their own, they started a lithographic M0 N G 0 L A lQ . S A .IT 0 o 7'
II, O!
O~_ _'fIO ~'lh·()r)l11{,R, 2(~J ~IJO —.±OO 600 MISSIONARY MAP OF TIBET, (Dotted lines indicate trade routes,) The Scaudinavian Alliance l'tIi88ion has aleo l'ibetan Missionaries in Ghoom India, in Baksadnar, Bhutan, and iu Guntak, Sikkim. printing-press, from which school-books, catechisms, hymns, tracts and B,ible portions were issued in rapid succession.
In a few years another station was founded in Poo, in the Upper Sutlej Valley, close to the borders of Chinese Tibet, and on an import- ' ant commercial route. But Ladak, with its capital Leh, on the upper course of the Indus, was the spot which seemed most desirable. Leh is a great center of Tibetan trade, as well as the metropolis of Western Tibetan Buddhism, and no stone was left unturned to secure a regular station there; but its ruler, the Maharajah of Kashmir, tho allowing some freedom of travel through the country, anxiously excluded resideut Europeans from his territories. Not till 1885 did the Maharajah give the required permission, when Leh was immediately occupied. A new feature in the work was a fully equipped medical mission, which has proved a most useful adjunct. Its temporary cessation, owing to a series of adverse circumstances, is all the more to be regretted, as the Roman Catholics saw fit, in 1888, to start a work of their own in Leh. The visible results of the work at all stations are small, very small; but the conviction, caused by the circumstances attending the origin of the work, that the mission is where God would have it, has sustained the directing board at home and the missionaries abroad in their efforts. So far from withdrawing, the Moravians are seeking to extend their work.
An encouraging sign in answer to much prayer for Tibet is seen in the great interest now taken in this field of work. While the Moravians were for years alone, there are now about forty men and women engaged in Tibetan work. The same impulse seems to have come to many minds in various places. Miss Annie Taylor, originally attacht to the China Iuland Mission, naturally demands first attention. Her work in Sining brought her into contact with the Tibetans, and she determined to try what could be done. Proceeding to Darjiling, she acquired some knowledge of the language, and then returning to China, started on her adventurous journey. She had to return, foiled of her hopes of reaching Lhasa; but the journey was not in vain. Her marvelous feat drew universal attention to the people on whose behalf it was made, and in the course of a few months the Tibetan Pioneer Mission was launched. With fourteen companions she returned to Sikkim, there to continue linguistic studies, and, if possible, to penetrate from thence into the country. In and near Darjiling she found several Swedish missionaries belonging to the Scandinavian Alliance Mission (U. S. A.) engaged in similar work.
In the meantime another worker had been made ready. Mr. and Mrs. Polhill-Turner, like Miss Taylor, belonging to the Chiua Inland Mission, had also had Tibet laid on their hearts. When stationed at Sining they devoted what time they could to studying Tibetan, 'but not finding it a suitable place they removed, and after many wanderings settled in Sungpan in the autumn of 1891. A prolonged drought having roused the superstious fears of the Ohinese, (Mr. Turner is careful to say that the Tibetans took no part), a terrible riot broke ()ut and the missionaries were driven away. Here, again, was God's hand working wonderfully; Mr. Turner was taken away from Ohina only that he might take the leadership of some of those who had originally joined Miss Taylor in Sikkim, but now desired to seperate themselves from her. Thus the Tibetan Mission Band was formed. Besides these workers the International Missionary Alliance (U. S. A.) in 1892, also sent men to Darjiling, to acquire the language. All these workers are new, and for this reason little could be said of the work done, even were space to allow of it.
And now let us see how the forces are disposed around the mighty mountain ramparts. Let the reader take a good map. He will find the north of Tibet to be a vast uninhabited region, where the missionary would find no work to do. Ooming round to the west, the Moravians hold Tibetan districts in the higher valleys of the Indus, Sutlej, and tributary rivers. Lower down the Indus and west of the Moravians, the Scandinavians are commencing work in Baltistan. This is an important step, for it means the occupation of a district with 100,000 souls as yet untouched by regular work; Mohammedans by religion, but speaking Tibetan, and members of the Tibetan family. Toward the south, Almora is occupied by the London Society, who have devoted what time they could spare to Tibetans, and where an independent worker, Mr. Agnew, has settled. Nepal is as yet unoccupied, being closed to missionaries. The Scotch mission has long held Sikkim and devoted much time to the Tibetans; but this branch of their work is now presumably taken off their hands by the members of the various societies destined for ~'ibet. Bhotan is unoccupied by Protestants, but the Oatholics have a work in that country. In 1854 they had obtained a footing in Tibet, were ejected four years later, and retired to Bhutan. We finally come to the east, or (i)hinese side, where the Oatholics have several stations, but where no Protestants are working at present.
We hear, however, that Mr. Polhill-Turner has made an arrangement with J. Hudson Taylor, by which his men will form a separate group affiliated to the O. I. M., but set apart for Tibetan work. They will therefore move round to the Ohinese frontier of Tibet, thus completing the ring of attacking forces. The present writer rejoices over this decision, for he is convinced that the road to Lhasa lies through Ohina. The population is densest, the country is most fertile, political jealousies are least on that side. But the strong fortress is not to.be taken at first storm, and many weary years may have to be spent in the trenches. We do not believe that a sudden dash at Lhasa is in any way advisable, inasmuch as it would probably only serve to make
CHINA-PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
the people more suspicious. Also the British Government is anxious to establish friendly relations with Tibet, from which the missionaries must ultimately derive benefit. A recently publisht report on the matter shows how difficult this is, and it would be a matter of regret if the missionaries should by any hasty actioR delay the desired event. The advance will be gradual, the whole country being occupied, and every outpost having'a support to fall back upon. This may, probably will, be slow work; but nothing else can be expected. Tibetan Buddhism, however grotesque it may seem to us, has a firm hold on the people, and stands ready for battle. Let us, therefore, while thanking God for the work already done, and the great accession of workers, not imagine that the difficulties are past.' God may be preparing another Jericho; but we must be prepared for much toil before the power of Dalai Lamas is broken.
Any enumeration of the forces arrayed against Tibet would, however, be incomplete without a mention of the Tibet Prayer Union. Originally launched in connection with the Moravian work, it has grown so as to demand a separate existence; and it now consists of a union of those interested in Tibet, being independent of and above every society. The workers in the field expect great things from this union, for when Tibet falls, it will be in answer to prayer. There is no missionary who does not feel himself strengthened by its existence and quiet work. We can only wish that all who desire the good of Tibet-and we are persuaded that very many are regular in their supplications for that country-would definitely join the union, and so enroll themselves personally in one of the regiments-and by no means the least important-detailed for the siege of Tibet.
NOTE I.-The latest books on our subject are (1) "Working and Waiting for Tibet," Moravian Publication Office, Fetter Lane, London, E. C., and Bethlehem, Pa., 1891; (2)" The Great Closed Land," by A. W. Marsten. Partridge & Co., London, 1893. .
NOTE 2.-The secretaries of the Tibet Prayer Union are: Messrs. Ford and Ashton, War- Ington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, England.
NOTE 8.-There being some confusion as regards the spelling of certain common names, the following may be of interest: (1) The orthography "Tibet" seems to be the best, the form" Thlbet" having no sufficient authority. The name is of doubtful origin, being certainly not Tibetan. (2) The form "Lhasa" would seem to be best, as corresponding most closely in letters and pronunciation with the Tibetan "lha-sa "-abode of the deity. (3) The form "lama" (Tib-" bla-ma," with mute b) is the only correct rendering; the use of the word "llama" rests on confusion with the South American quadruped, which may claim to be allowed the exclusive use of Its own name.
CHINA-PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
BY REV. WlLLIAM ASHMORE, D. D., SWATOW, CHINA.
Some people in Ohina are sanguine of great and immediate advancement. They consider that Ohina has now discovered her need and that, therefore, impelled by the sturdy, practical common sense of her people, she will lose no time in giving effect to her more enlightened views, and will take her place in the great procession of the nations,., Others haveno such expectations. They consider China to be like the sluggard of holy writ, disturbed in its sleep of ages, it has merely rolled over-and merely says: "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep." Her administrative heads are stupefied with conservatism, and will not change without still more violent convulsions 1 And so, after this little spurt of reform has spent itself, things will all fall back into the old ruts, according to the litany of Chinese politics, "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be."
Each of these views has much which may be said in its favor, therefore a more correct answer to the question may be arrived at by taking some items on both sides into the account. It becomes a case of general average.
I: The first point to be noted in the consideration of the question as to whether China will now become progressive is contained in the affirmation that slLe has advanced immensely already. This fact is beyond dispute. One who notes the growth of a tree, by the week or the month, will not discover much progress, but by making the observation extend over an interval of several years, he will find that there has been an immense advance. In order to apprehend the progress which China has made, we need to go back and note the state of things before the first war with England, in 1842.
At that time Chinese statesmen knew nothing of the West. Their ignorance was dense. They knew nothing, and they cared nothing. None of them ever went West. To find a Chinaman who had been to London or New York was at once to give him a new designation. " Boston Jack" and "London Tom" were so called because one had been to Boston and the other to London. Of intercourse with Western people, there was none whatever. Europeans and Americans were not wanted, and were not allowed the freedom of the soil anywhere in China. The only place allowed them was that small patch of ground along the river front of Canton, known as "The Thirteen Houses," so called· because there were that many dwellings and warehouses there to be occupied by foreigners of all nationalities alike. Then there was a. garden plot for common use, in which they all had to get their airing a.nd exercise, under the greatest limitation and restraint. If they ventured outside of their "jail-bounds," they were liable to be mobbed and stoned. Inside of the gate of the city no man could go. If he attempted it, he riskt his life. They could also take a little run down the river, for a dozen miles, to Whampoa, where the ships anchored. That comprised their privileges in China.
i~e estimate placed on foreigners by the Chinese was contemptuous to the last degree. They were spoken of as "barbarians," "redheaded devils," who had come to China to beg the privilege of supplying themselves with tea, and who were, as a very great favor, permit. ted to bask under the imperial smile. China was to them the Central Kingdom. All other countries were on the outskirts, and wer~ reckoned as the mere rind of civilization. When dealing with them officially, the mandarins deputed only low-class subordinates, but littl~ above the grade of constables, to "instruct the ignorant barbarians how to demean themselves." Then the most arrogant, haughty, supercilious and utterly unbearable manner was always assumed. Even Lord Napier, when sent out to negotiate a better understanding, was addrest as "a barbarian "-he was called "the barbarian eye" in all official communications-he was snubbed and insulted and treated with an infinite disdain. An attempt to get the Viceroy to use more courteous language only called out a scornful laugh and another kick. England herself was called" a tribute bearer," and was regarded as a distant dependency of China, along with Siam and Tibet, and the regions occupied by wild tribes on the frontier.
The Chinese, then, had no steamers, no sailing ships, no telegraph, no railroads, no ambassadors at their capital, no open ports except Canton, no foreign consuls recognized, nobody to represent them at foreign courts, no books or papers that told them anything about foreign nations, no foreign improvement of any kind; their trade was all done in the old-fashioned junks; their men-of-war were all small and contemptible junks, but little better than their merchantmen, each one armed with several old smooth-bore cannon, full of blisters in the casting, and almost as dangerous to those who stood behind them as t() those who were in front. Their rabbles of militia, without drill, and without organization worthy of the name, still practised with bows and arrows and old matchlocks, and thought to scare their enemy by the flaunting of flags, the banging of gongs, noisy vociferation, and fierce paintings of tiger-heads on their wooden shields. Ohina was a thousand years behind the rest of the world, and, at that time, there was not the least sign that a change would ever come. Would China ever come to recognize the nations, the West, as equals? Never! Would her viceroys ever adopt terms of equality with foreign consuls? Never! Would China ever have any use for Western science and Western improvements? Never! Would the supremely august and" Solitary one" in Peking ever admit foreign embassadors to his presence 1:" Never ! Never! Let the heavens fall first. Would there come a time< when foreigners would have the free range of the empire? Never! Would the proud, stiff-necked, conceited and supercilious mandarins ever be found imploring foreign aid to keep them in resources to run their ship of state ? Never! Would China ever be found sending her most renowned statesmen to carry the respects of his imperial majesty to those despised and so-called tributaries of the West? Never-s() long as the world stands ! Yet all this, and far more, has come to pass. China began to go to school in 1842. She has had several special semesters since. She has been in the public school of the nations and has had private tutors of her own. It is a course of rough discipline that she has gone through. She has rebelled and kickt at the teach- ers, but her stiff-necked mandarins have had to yield to the power of .solomon's celebrated mortar-and-pestel treatment. Braying in the mortar has done them good. They have not got there yet, but they .are on the way, and will "fetch up" by and by.
Now, look at some of the changes that have taken place. That {)ffensive expression, "barbarian," has been knocked out of aU official documents, consuls are the equals of viceroys, ministers plenipoten- tiary reside at the imperial capital; the Chinese have reorganized their army; they have reconstructed their navy; they have rebuilt their forts; they have remodeled their whole commercial marine. The old junks of such enormous size, that used to run to Batavia and Singa- pore and Siam, are all gone. They were crowded out by sailing ships, and now the sailing ships have been crowded out by steamers, and the Chinese own steamer-fleets of their own; they have iron-clads and tor- pedo boats, and arsenals, and huge dry docks of their own. They have the most reliable part of their revenue collected for them by for- eigners; they have telegraphs and railroads. They have started great foundries of their own; they have started silk filature establishments, and cotton-mills. They now have banks of their own and insurance {)ffices. Once they did all their business in the West through foreign houses in Hong Kong and Shanghai; now they have their own agents in London, Berlin, New York and San Francisco. Instead of a stray sailor called" Boston Jack" or "London Tom" they now have able .and wealthy business men of their own-men who have1 become mil- lionaires in the West, and who compel the respect of the whole com- , mercial world. All this is progress. Certainly the tree has grown, if it has been imperceptibly.
II. In the next place it must be noted that these advances make -other advances necessary-advances so great, that aU that has been before will be thrown in the shade! There is an immense amount of 'seed sown ready to spring up; there are vast potencies at work to 'Produce more changes; there is a logic of progress which is bound to :assert itself. One of a kind begets another of the same kind; two different kinds make a demand for a third kind. One successful <:otton-mill means two cotton-mills, and two mills means three mills. One telegraph wire means another wire. Twenty miles of railroad means a hundred miles, and a hundred miles means a thousand in the future. .A short road from Tientsin to Peking, less than a hun- dred miles, means a long road from Peking to Hankow, six hun- dred and fifty miles, and a road from Peking to Hankow, means an extension to Oanton, five hundred miles more-and eleven hu,ndred and fifty miles of main trunk lines means innumerable branch lines, and all that means radical change, industrial revolution, and continual progress.
The most significant indication of progress is the altered attitude of the Chinese science to all things Western. The change of sentiment is not complete, but it is going on, and will continue to go on, till Western ideas will permeate and dominate future Chinese civilization. The most important bureau in Peking to-day is the one which has to do with foreign affairs. Powerful viceroys, like Li Hung Chang and Ohang Chi Tung, have English-speaking linguists attached to their yamen. Forty years ago such a thing would have been pronounced impossible; they have English books translated and laid before them; they have daily newspapers started-a marvel of progress; they have schools for teaching Western science. The emperor has actually issued an edict commending to his people the adoption of such Western improvements as the Chinese may deem advantageous. This is an astonishing stride. It does not say so, but it does mean that China, officially, is getting ready to declare a break with the old. It is slipping the anchor and letting the ship drift into the Western gulfstream.
Then, too, China is being affected powerfully by her emigrants who have gone abroad-have become inoculated with various Western ideas, and have come back to let them germinate. Furthermore, a score of open ports have become luminous and radiating centres. Tens and hundreds of thousands of her people, at these places, are getting their eyes opened. Persons at home can hardly conceive of the change of attitude in the minds of the common people that is now beginning to take place in consequence of the events of the last few years. They have seen the energy and efficiency of the western man; they have seen their own mandarins quail before him. The glamor of superiority, which surrounded these mandarins and literati in their estimations, has begun to fade as a rainbow fades. When John the Baptist came, men mused and "were in expectation." A state of "expectation" is the soil out of which changes sprout. Without exaggeration we may say that, up and down the coast of China, millions of people are" in expectation" of something. So all that enters into the preparation. Not only are they expecting something, but they are longing for something. Things can hardly be worse, they think, and they may be better.
III. It will appear then that the real question is not whether Ohina has progrest or will progress, but it is, at 10hat rate will China now progress? This will call for a reestimate of the forces at work-those holding back and those impelling forward, and their mutual pullings and haulings with each other.
The former come first. Origiually they had the entire field, , adversely to them nobody dared to peep or to chirp. Conservatives they are called, but obstructionists and dead weights is what they really are. The China "Mission Hand Book" gives the number of leading mandarins-that is, of high grade mandarins-at a few over ten thousand. This does not include the large retinue connected with the imperial household; then there are the literati, attending examination still, about six hundred thousand; then there is the large roll of past literati, the number of which it is difficult to ascertain, and certain of the gentry, so-called, with them, who cannot be less than a million. At the outset ~'}l of these classes were of one mind and of one instinct to oppose foreign ideas. They included the edu- cated brains of China; they represented all the power and all the prestige of the nation; they were ben t on resisting foreign encroach- ment, in maintaining the complete isolation of Ohina, and the con- servation unmixt of their ancestral inheritance of civilization. The mass of them hated the foreigner, and were ready to drive him out into the sea. .Out of this immense class began to be born, little by little, the new class-the men of progressive ideas, the men who discovered quicker than others that Ohina was kicking against the pricks. They have been growing, little by little, since the first war with England. For a generation they were but few, without communication or con- ference with each other. Some high statesmen were in this class; they stood where they were compelled to see the truth. But they were not assertive, nor were they at all agreed in the extent of the innovation they would sanction. They took to improved military and naval arrangements first, and yielded to other demands slowly and reluctantly. They still considered China able to dictate her own course. While some of them saw the real advantages of Western methods, and what an immense boom their introduction would be to China as a nation-others of them advocated a limited adoption of Western appliances, chiefly on the principle of fighting fire with fire; they would beat the foreigner by resorting to his own weapons. Small at first, this class has now become large and influential. Great statesmen are now enrolled among them; the influence of traveled Chinese is on their side; foreign diplomacy is on their side; the wars of China have all been on their side; and the whole drift of the gene- ration is on their side. Of course, there is friction and collision, and that is what is the matter with China just now. She is a divided house. The conser- vatives are powerful, and bigoted, and desperate-they cling as for dear life to all the features of the old system of administration and emolument. But the others are becoming powerful too, and are reso- lute, and are coming into touch with each other. Two civilizations are struggling in the womb of Ohina. The second one is Jacob, the Supplanter. First, it is one that is likely to claim the portion of the first-born, and then it is the other. Jacob will start his Reform Society and appear about to lead the host. Then, all at once, his Reform Society will be knocked to pieces by the red and hairy hand of Esau.
Let no one despair of the outcome. It will be Jacob and not Esau that will win at the end. But it may take more time than we pushing Western people are willing to allow. The rate of progression may be slow and tedious. At the same time we are cheered with the hope that, in the Providence of God, events may be accelerated. It may be peaceably, and it may be with commotion and upheaval, but the consummation is surely coming. Conservatism may show its power to humiliate Li Hung Chang after all the honor heapt upon him, but that power is being exhausted with every blow it strikes. It may never be possible to do as bold a thing again.
In addition to all this, allowance must be made for inherent difficulties, which lie in the way of radical and rapid changes in China, even when pusht by willing and unfett;:;::"ed hands. These arise from the crystallized form of society-the time and labor required to move such immense masses of human beings into new lines of thought and action. But into that large subject we cannot enter here.
IV. When it comes to missionary aspects of the question, as to whether China will become progressive, we appeal to a comparison of the present status with that of the past. We look back to a time when Robert Morrison was the only missionary to China. Then he had to dodge about the foreign settlement at Canton to escape observation. Now Robert Morrison and his wife have become twenty-five hundred strong, and he is the most ubiquitous person of the foreigners in the whole empire. Once Leang-A-Fa was the only convert. Now Leang- A-Fa has become seventy thousand strong, and is the growing class of China-he is the man of the future-the coming Chinaman. Others will decrease, but he will increase. Like Abraham, he will become the father of multitudes-those of his countrymen who will come to believe with him, will be like the stars for numbers. Once the Chinese teacher who helpt Dr. Morrison translate the Scripture, had to carry the manuscript concealed under his jacket, to avoid arrest. Now Bible Societies and Tract Societies occupy central points in their great cities and send out their printed pages, by the million. every year for the healing of the nation. Native churches are springing up by the thousand, and native speakers by the thousand. In her pristine state China had no public speakers. Among the incidental things being done by missions for China, is the raising up of a class of men trained to address crowds of people. In course of time, other classes of men than preachers will catch the spirit and learn the artthen a new dynamic element will enter into social and political life.
THE WOMEN OF CroNA-HEATHEN AND CBlUSTIAN
Not to prolong the subject, just rest the inquiry on two things. Oontrast two events in missionary history. In the one the translator, spoken of, appears slipping into the back door of Robert Morrison's dwelling with his contraband manuscript hid away in his clothes; in the other, a deputation of missionaries, headed by a foreign ambassador, marches into the imperial precincts to present a copy of the whole Bible to the Empress Dowager, who accepts it with pleasure and appreciation, while the servants of the Emperor are seen at the book stalls buying copies for themselves. The stride from the little alley in Canton to the palace in Pe~ing is tremendous. Then again, who, of all the missionaries of thirty years ago, familiar with the disdainful manner of even the yamen lackeys, could then have dreamt that the greatest statesman of Ohina would be receiving a deputation of missionary supporters in New York City, and should there put in writing an expression of his estimate of the value of their labors, and pay them an imperial compliment for their moral and personal worth. And yet that, too, has come to pass. Let no one say that missionary work in C~ina does not move. If all this be not progress, then what is progress?
China has been called a hard field. And snch in truth it has been, partly because of the intense materialism of its Confucian ethics, partly because of blind and slavish subservience to antiquity, and partly because its people have been trained for ages to think in bulk. But a freshet has come, the ice is beginning to crack and to break. The world has seen great ingatherings of disciples at many times and in many places, but in our humble opinion, these may all fall short of what may take place in China when the veil of ancestralism shall be torn away from the eyes of her myriad myriads of people.
THE WOMEN OF CHINA-HEATHEN AND CHRISTIAN.
BY MRS. GEORGE S. 1LA.YS.
To nnderstand a woman-Ohinese or American-one must have some knowledge of her home, her family cares, and her habits of thought. A typical Chinese family consists of the father and motherin-law, two or three sons and their wives and several grandchildren, all living in rooms opening upon the same high-walled court-yard, and sharing the same kitchen.
The father and sons work for and contribute to the common purse, and so strict are their ideas of impartiality, or rather so jealous is each member of the family of the others~ that a husband may not take even of the money he himself has earned to buy a. present for his own wife, without buying one equally v!l-luable for each of 'his sisters-in-law. The Chinaman has ways and means, however, of evading almost every law or custom, and the fond husband buys a handsome gown and sends it and his wife for a few days to her maternal home. From there she will return triumphantly displaying her gown as a present from her mother.
In the home the mother-in-law is usu~ly-but not always-the head. Sometimes a daughter-in-law of unusually bright mind or vicious temper rules the whole household. The quickest way & daughter-in-law possesses by which to bring her mother-in-law to subjection is threatening suicide. If a woman kills herself her spirit is supposed to return to haunt the mother-in-law, but worse than this to the practical mind of the Chinaman, her living relatives will gather and by demanding a costly funeral, will plunge the whole family into heavy debt that they will be unable to pay for years.
Imagine the situation in a Chinese home, and it becomes at once apparent that peace and happiness can not reign continually. On the one hand is the daughter-in-law, a young girl, perhaps indulged and spoiled from her babyhood in her mother's home, and untrained in housework and sewing. She is suddenly introduced by marriage intoa new home. Her husband, her mother-in-law, her neighbors are aU total strangers. She is miserably homesick; she gets wretchedly tired' doing all sorts of unaccustomed work; she is criticised, laughed at, or' reviled for her stupidity or her indolence.
On the other hand is the mother-in-law. She has perhaps suffered for years under the hard reign of her mother-in-law; she is now ready for her turn to sit on the throne. She expects to be treated with obedient consideration by her son's wife; she expects to take life easily in her old age. Instead of this she discovers that her new daughter-in-law is saucy, careless and wasteful, if not actually thievish; she is above all taking the place in her beloved son's affections which the mother has always held.
Remember, they are two heathen women with hot and hasty tempers which have never been controlled; each with a stock of vile words. and insulting epithets at her tongue's end, and it is easy to imagine the result. When there are several daughters-in-law in the samehouse, and children of different mothers ready to quarrel at a, moment's notice, and each mother ready to take her own child's part to the bitter end, it is often "confusion worse confounded."
It is well in such a household if there be one at the head who can command obedience and at least a semblance of peace. As the daughters-in-law grow older and wiser, as they bear sons to add luster to the family name, and as the various elements of the family become accustomed to each other, terrific outbursts of temper and violent chastisements by the mother-in-law become less frequent. There are, of course, some cases where the mother-in-law and her son's wife live together in loving harmony, but these are, unfortunately, rare exceptions.
The saddest and most hopeless lot in China is that of the" nourished daughter-in-law;" the girl who, yet too young to marry, is sent to her betrothed husband's home because of her parents' death or extreme poverty. Her mother-in-law resents this most vehemently. Why should she be called upon to feed and clothe for years the unfortunate child? .Ail there is no one to take the girl's part, she is usually over-worked, reviled, beaten and sometimes half-starved and driven to sleep with the dogs in her new home. If the mother-in-law goes too far, however, resource may be had to a curious mob-law, as far as I know, only practist by the women of China.
Not long ago an orphan girl was sent to live with her mother-inlaw who had already one daughter-in-law living with her. The child's betrothed husband was an industrious business man a good many years older than herself. He was seldom at home, and even when there, as it was not good form for him to take any notice of his little bride before marriage, he knew nothing of how she was treated. Altho the girl was a gentle, modest child, afraid to say or do anything contrary to her mother-in-Iaw's wishes, she was most cruelly treated. When she was thirteen years old, she 'inadvertently did something to offend her. mother and sister-in-law, and the two women, working themselves into a fiendish rage, killed her with scissors, cutting her :flesh horribly and slitting her tongue, but leaving no mark upon her face. When she was dead they carefully drest her in her best garments, and, according to custom, were obliged to send word of her death to her aunt, her only living relative. This aunt was a desperate character, a beggar-woman who could hope or fear nothing from the magistrates, as she had not enough money to make it worth an official's while to pay any attention to her case. She obeyed the summons at once, and after carefully examining the body of the dead child, returned home, and gathering together thirty or forty women, each armed with an awl or sharp pointed instrument, came to execute vengeance on the murderers. The two women, however, managed to hide themselves, and the infuriated mob were obliged to disperse after being assured by the bridegroom, who was horrified at the dreadful death of his bride, that a grand and costly funeral should be given in her honor.
In another instance within my knowledge, a mother-in-law who had beaten her daughter-in-law to death, did not escape so easily. In this case the murderess was caught by the mob of women armed with awls and sharp metal pins; they dragged her out into the street, stript her of her clothing and prickt and jagged her furiously. Then they .dragged her over the stones the whole length of the street two or three times, and finally left her, after pushing a quantity of briars and small thornes into her flesh. She was carried home by her friends more dead than alive. "No one in that village has dared to kill her daughter-in-Iaw since that time," was the significant conclusion given by the Ohristian woman telling me the story.
It is frightful to see a woman deliberately" nourishing wrath," as the Chinese express it. The word translated" nourishing" can also be rendered "kindle," as in "kindle a fire," and is most expressive in connection with the working-up of anger. It was once my unfortunate experience to see my nurse-maid, "nourish" or "kindle" wrath. One day, after having a quarrel with the washerman, she sat down in spite of my remonstrances, and deliberately gave way to her evil passions. She drew her breath in with great violence at long and regular intervals, until she became wholly unconscious of her surroundings. In this state, which lasted about forty hours, she threw herself about violently, and talkt deliriously, especially after I had applied the mustard plasters which I had heard were effective in such cases. Altho I lean toward homeopathic treatment, on this occasion I made two plasters thick and strong, one foot broad by two feet long, and applied them on her chest and down her back. While I was preparing the plasters my cook told me that the Ohinese would call one in this woman's condition "possest of demons." I am glad to state that by the aid of those mustard plasters, I exorcised the demons, and better yet, that they have never dared to return to that woman!
She came legitimately by her temper. She often told me of her grandfather, who had a long wished for and only son born to him late in life. He was so greatly delighted that he went in and out of his wife's room, exclaiming, "aren't you happy! aren't you happy!" After repeatedly replying in the affirmative, the old lady finally becoming irritated answered emphaticallly, "No, I am not happy." Whereupon the old man "nourished wrath," refused to eat and drink, and died in a few days. Serious illness or death often follows this deliberate giving way to anger.
Women who claim to be possest of a" fox or a wolf god," are much feared and reverenced by the Chinese. I once askt an intelligent Ohristian woman, Su May, whether she had ever known any women claiming this possession. She answered that she had met with very few, and those all claimed to be possest of a "fox god." When a pupil in one of our Christian schools, she had been allowed by the matronwho had not yet given up all her heathen superstitions-to witness the attempted healing of a very sick child by a woman possest of a "fox god."
Several of the school-girls stole into the room while the woman mumbled her incantations-intelligible only to herself-and it was not long before she turned angrily to the matron, and declaring that her god could do nothing in the presence of those believi::J.g the " Jesus doctrine," gave up the case and went away. She afterwards bitterly reproacht the woman who had conducted her to the school, saying, t< you should not have taken me there. Don't you know I have nothing to do with people holding their belief?" She declared that the child would surely die, as she was the run-away soul of a little nun, who had in her previous existence broken a bowl, and her mistress was calling to her to come back and account for the damage done to her property. But the child recovered in spite of this prophecy. .
After Su May left school, her fathel' took her for a visit among old family friends whom she had not seen since a little girl. Nearly every woman and child in the village crowded to see the natural-footed girl, who had been educated by foreigners, and among them came a woman who at once caught Su May's attention from her resemblance to the woman possest of a "fox god." She entered the room in a gli~ing serpentine manner, with averted eyes, which were never lifted in a straightforward, direct look into the face of another. By slipping behind some of the other women, she sought to avoid notice, but Su May said· to her at once, "you are possest of a "fox god, aren't you ?"
"Dreadful!" the woman gaspt," How do you know? No one told you about me, for I have been watching you." .
" I have a way of recognizing you," answered Su May, "but I won't tell you my way."
" Are you possest with a god also?" askt the woman.
"Yes," answered Su May, "I have the true God in me. He is with me all the time. Is your' fox god' with you? Let him speak to us through you."
" My god has gone to Shanghai," confusedly answered the woman, slinking out of the room as rapidly as possible.
Another woman of this kind was for a time in Mrs. Nevius' sewing class, but she declared she could not prophesy before the Christian school-girls. The most striking part of Su May's story was her state- ment that all the possest women of whom she had known or heard, confest at once on hearing the name of Jesus, that" He is true. He is the Son of the true God." And while others around might mock and jeer at the preaching of the Gospel, they either listened with respectful attention, or evaded it entirely.
The women who claim a "wolf god" are of a fierce nature, advis- ing more cruel methods of averting misfortune or curing the sick than those who are under the guidance of a "fox god." A petty mandarin living near Chepoo, having two wives, had the great misfortune to have no children. In great discontent with this state of affairs, he sent for a woman possest of a" wolf god," and askt her to tell him the reason for his ill-fortune. She was a total stranger to him and to both of his wives, so it could not have been an old grudge or wish for revenge that influenced her demands. She told him he would never have good luck as long as he kept his second wife; that she must not be divorced, but killed. The head wife was in real sorrow at this ver- dict and begged the mandarin to spare the unfortunate woman's life, but he remained determined to follow the "wolf god's" advice. Strip- ping the heavy wadded garments from his second wife (with whom, as far as known, he had had no previous quarrel) he drove her out into the bitter cold, where she was soon frozen to death.
The religious feelings of Ohinese women vary greatly in different localities. In some places they are distinctly religious, visiting tem- ples, worshiping daily at a private shrine in the home, fasting, praying and endeavoring by good works to lay up for themselves a reward in the future world. In the eastern part of Shantung Province this was not the case. The women as a rule never visit the temples, and worship no private gods. They are, of course, filled with' many vague and dark superstitions. Hard workt, improperly nourished, easily distracted and excited by the little details of daily life, they seem to give little, if any, thought to their future after death. It is commonly believed that a woman will change at death into a pig-considered the filthiest of animals-to atone for the sins committed during her lifetime,such as polluting pure water, wasting food, cutting cloth, reviling her husband, worrying her mother-in-law, etc. From a pig to a woman, a woman to a pig, the dreary transmigration goes on forever. Others believe in total annihilation, but most women dismiss the question of a future life by a careless" who' knows?" or by the sad statement, "I fear no future suffering. My lot cannot possibly be worse in the world to come than it is in this life."
This picture of heathen womanhood would be misleadingly dark and' gloomy if all bright coloring be omitted. It is indeed a black and bitter life, even among heathen homes that get no ray of light occasionally. Hunger satisfied, tho with coarsest food, a refreshing breeze after a hot day, warmth in winter, a shelter and rest at night, the doubtful joy of having overcome an adversary in a reviling match, or, the relief of escaping with whole bones from a fierce quarrel, make a lining to the black cloud of life, which, if not silver, is at least lighter than the prevailing hue.
But we may certainly call bright silver the joyous smile of an innocent child, the true love which children give to and receive from their mother, vigorous health with few nerves, and the natural love of life, which is the portion of all God's creatures. Add to this an apathetic disposition, an astonishing lack of envy of those in better circumstances, and the fact that a quarrel, which wonld drive an American woman into a long siege of nervous prostration, is but meat and drink to the ordinary Chinese woman, and one has a clearer insight into their lives.
Many deeds of unselfish and even heroic kindness are performed in heathen homes, of which the world hears nothing. In no other land are daughters more carefully guarded from impurity of action- tho purity of thought or word is considered unimportant. Altho the children do not render the cheerful obedience which Christianity demands, yet the care and protection of infirm and aged parents is a rule rarely departed from.
But notwithstanding all these ameliorating circumstances, it is with a feeling of distinct relief that one leaves a heathen home, too often filled with a " darkness that can be felt," and enters the home of a Clll'istian. In this connection a story which I have already told in The Independent, is so apt, that perhaps it is worth repeating. After a morning spent with a Chinese woman, she inteITupted my Gospel message with the question, "Is your mother-in-law living?" " No," I answered. "Does your husband get druuk?" "No." "Does he smoke opium?" "No." "Does he beat you?" " No," I replied. "He has never struck me a blow in his life." It took her several moments to become convinced of this astonishing fact, and then she turned to me saying impressively, "You have been talking to me of heaven and hell in the world to come. Your life now and mine are as heaven and hell."
Those who have seen the changed lives and happy homes of many Chinese women, can testify gladly that nothing but Christianity could perform such miracles. One of the strongest proofs a Christian Chinese woman can make of her sincerity is in unbinding her own or her daughter's feet. In Shantung, with the exception of a few slaves or prostitutes and manchus, all women-whatever their condition of life-bind their feet. It requires an enormous amount of moral courage for.a Chinese woman to go about with natural feet, thus incurring the curiosity, ridicule, and evil insinuations of every one she meets. The change, therefore, is very slow, but it is surely coming, owing to the influence of Christian schools and anti-footbinding societies, or rather to the influence of Christianity.
An old, Godly elder, in the church at Chefoo, who's Christianity was real enough to break an opium habit, strong with the practice of many years, was very fond of telling of the change Christianity wrought in his wife. "Before she became a Christian, she had a most violent temper," he would say in his slow, gentle manner. "She would scold and revile most abusively, and we were all afraid of her. But since she has become a Christian, all is changed. Why now she hasn't even a disposition left," was always his quaint conclusion.
Truly, in a heathen land is most clearly illustrated the truth, " By their fruits ye shall know them."
POLYGAMUS APPLICANTS
POLYGAMOUS APPPIOANTS.-I.
WHAT MISSIONARIES THINK SHOULD BE DONE WITH THEM.
BY REV. DANIEL L. GIFFORD, SEOUL, KOREA.
Toward the close of the year 1894 the church session in Seoul, Korea, had its attention called to certain concrete cases, which raised the question of the status of men with plural wives in relation to church membership. It was not until a year later, however, that any of the members of our mission dreamed that in our copies of "What is Presbyterian .Law," tuckt away under the irrelevant heading of "Who are forbidden to marry," was a statement of the speciallegislation of the General Assembly of 1875, which forbade the admission of men in such relations.
The problem was brought to the attention of the Presbyterian Oouncil, which met about that time, and they were askt to legislate upon the subject. In the debate which followed, it soon became evident that we had upon our hands a question which could not be settled upon the spur of the moment. So its consideration was postponed for one year. From the account of the debate upon this subject at the London Missionary Oonference of 1888, I observed that most of the missionaries from Africa favored exclusion, while quite the reverse was true of most of those from China. I was perplexed and wondered if it might not be true that the social conditions which attended the unhappy practice, might not be different in the different countries.
The first of July arrived, and still no light; then in desperation I decided to appeal to missionaries upon older fields for their advice. A circular letter was prepared and sent to some sixty representative missionaries of various denominations in Japan, China, and India.* So far as I am aware, no such data has ever before been gathered on what is perhaps the most intricate of all mission problems.
The circular letter was as follows: SEOUL, KOREA, July 1, 1895. My dear brother in Christ:-I feel compunctious for taking the time of one, busy with missionary work, to answer my questions. But my justification, I think, will be found in the facts as I state them. The missions in Korea are new missions, and in certain matters need the experience of older missions and missionaries to help them in reaching right conclusions. The three Presbyterian missions working in this country are united in a "Council." At the last annual meeting of the council, the question of the .. They were for the most part people whom I had seen personally at the Shanghai Conference in 1890, and at meetings of the highest ecclesiastical courts of the Congregational and Reformed bodies of Japan, in 1889. admission to church membership of men with plural wives came up for settle- ment. I need not tell you that we found it a very complicated and perplexing question. After an evening of discussion, in which were developt nearly as many opinions as there were missionaries present, it was voted to lay the whole question upon the table for one year, in the hope that we could get more light upon the subject. It is in the interest of "more light," that I am writing to you.
Of course, it is clear that the adopting of such marriage relations after entering the church cannot be allowed; and the Scriptures seem to imply that a man hav- ing once entered into such relations, altho living with only one wife, may not hold ecclesiastical office. But there are other questions for which the answers are more difficult. Allow me to state them.
I. In case a man with plural wives applies for baptism, should he be kept out- side the church as a "perpetual catcchumen?"
II. Or still retaining his wives, should he be allowed to enter the church; and under what conditions, if any?
III.. Or again, should he be required to put away all but one wife?
(a) If so, should the one retained be invariably the first wife, to whom he was married in childhood by his parents, or the wife by whom he has had chil- dren; or ·again. should he be allowed to choose one from the number of first wife and second wives, or concubines?
(b) And should the wife, or wives sent away, be still supported or absolutely divorced? If divorced, what shall be done with the children, if such exist?
IV. Also, what shall be done with a female applicant, in such relations, especially one whose husband refuses to give her up?
In answer to the above, will you kindly tell me (a) what is the rule of prac- tice of your mission in dealing with such cases; and (b) what is your own opinion with regard to the same?
As the council will meet in October, may I request an early reply. Thank- ing you in advance, I am, Yours in the work, D. L. GIFFOlID.
REPLIES RECOMMENDING EXCLUSION.
Japan.-Rt. Rev. Bi8hop E. Bickersteth (English Church Mission), Tokio, quotes the action of the Anglican Bishops: "(1) That in no case shall a man·be admitted to baptism who has more than one wife. (2) That a woman being one among several wives, should not be .regarded as a ban to her baptism."
Rev. M. L. (Jordon, P.P. (American Board), Doshisha College, would require such a man to give up all but the first wife. He should support the divorced wife and children, if possible. "But the wife should be put away with a lump sum and pecuniary relations severed, otherwise temptation and fall may follow." The rule of Congregational Church ("largely in the hands of the Japanese") requires separation. Rev. J. B. Ayres (N. Presbyterian), Yamaguchi. "Should think we might rightly insist on no church member having more than one wife; but let him have his option in chosing that one, and leave it to each one to settle in advance the support of those who have been dependent upon him."
Rev. J. L. Atkinson (American Board), Kobe. "I should incline to leave the choice and decision to the man himself. I could never baptize a man who insisted on bringing his heathenism into the church. The whole Christian scheme is hard for the heathen and the natural man, and it would hardly help matters by making one or two or more things easier. See the Sabbath in Roman Catho- lic countries. I should suppose that any man who has any heart or enlightenment at all, would provide for those who may have been his partners in (unwitting) violation of God's law. If a man would not do this to the best of his ability, I should doubt his con- version."
Rev. J. B. Porter(N. Presbyterian), Kanizawa.
The question of plurality of wives has never been a seriously practical ques- tion in the Christian Church in Japan, as it seems to be with you, because in this country a mall cannot legally have more than one wife at the same time.* Many men have concubines; but no one would be admitted to church membership, as long as it is known that he kept a concubine. I have heard of instances where a man became a Christian who had a concubine with children, whereas his legal wife had none. He had the option of putting away his wife by divorce and retaining the mother of his children as his wife. Or, if this were not practicable, he was required to care for the children and support their mother until he could find a home for her. In other cases I have heard of Christian·men securing a proper husband for a former concubine. But in no case have I ever heard of either plural marriage or concubinage recognized in the Church, even tempo- rarily. Therefore, in answer to your questions, I would say that no one should be admitted to membership in the Christian Church, until he has put away all but one of his wives. Each case should be decided on its merits, as to which wife should be retained,-sometimes the mother of children, or, perhaps, the one best loved. Certainly a man should be responsible for the support of children he has brought into the world, and the mother also as long as she is in a dependent con- dition; but if she is not retained as wife, she should be divorced. Your fourth question •a female applicant in such relations, especially one whose husband refuses to give her up,' is to my mind the most difficult of solution. But I think in such a case I should decline to baptize her, until her marriage relations were changed. It seems to me vastly important that the Church of Christ should make no compromises in the questions of family and social purity. The only way that the Church can lift up the nations from the tilth of heathenism is by occupying the lofty plane of Gospel purity. If we yield in any particular to heathen marriage customs, there is danger that the camel whose nose has come in, may next get in its whole body.
Ohina.-Rev. J. Bates (C. M. S.), Ningpo: "They (polygamists) are only regarded as catechumens."
Rev. T. Barclay (Eng. Presbyterian), Tai-wan, Formosa: " We have no standing for any but simple membership. Others are just counted as hearers."
Rev. W. Gould (Can. Pres.), Tamsui, }'ormosa: "They are welcome *At the recent meeting of the Synod of the United Church of Christ in Japan (Presby- terian), there was a motion to overture the Government to enforce the law of single marriage more rigidly. But, as it was deemed inexpedient to take action, the matter was finally dropt. to come and hear the Gospel, apart from that no standing is granted. But here they are comparatively few, and, so far as I can learn, none have askt for baptism or any church standing."
Rev. J. N. B. Smith (N. Pres.), Ningpo. No experience. Should separate from all but one wife. "He should be allowed to choose the one whom he loves and who by temperament and inclination is best fitted to be his true helpmeet, seeing that in his first marriage he presumably had no choice." The first wife, or woman recognized by her husband as lawful wife, is not living in sin, and is eligible to church membership. Others to be legally separated and supported. "They should be treated as he would treat his own sisters."
Rev. W. M. Ha.yes (N. Pres.), Presbyterian Oollege, Tungchow. Thinks if the man will not live with his first wife alone and will not make provision for secondary wives and their children, would not admit him. "At the same time I would tell him that I could not afford to be lord over another's conscience, and that, while conscientiously I could not do otherwise, my action did not necessarily debar him from an entrance into the Kingdom. I would urge him to be faithful, to study God's Word more and more, to pray for light, and then leave the result with God. To give up his secondary wives may, as you kn0w, be giving them in their weakness over to ruin, and unless they can be provided for safely, I would be very cautious about urging such a man to join the Ohurch, while I would urge him to identify himself with the Ohristians."
Rev. O. Hartwell (American Board), Foochow, refers to the occasion in the fifties, when Dr. Anderson and Dr. A. O. Thompson, of the American Board, visited their missions in India.
After discussion there, the opinion was adopted that bigamists and polygamists should be required to cohabit with but one wife in order to be received to the Church, but that he should be required to support the other or others who had lived with him, unless they saw fit to marry other persons and relieve him of this duty. I have known of cases where second wives have married other men, both for their own and their first husband's benefit. As to the children, of course, the father is responsible fqr their support and for the best arrangements for their training and education. I do not think a cast·iron rule can be made in respect to the arrangements for the children, when a concubine is discarded. In case of her marriage it seems possible that in some cases her ehildren might follow their mother. In others, perhaps, she would better leave them. The good of the children is, of course, the thing to be sought in all arrangements for them. As to receiving a concubine into the church, my idea would be first to see if some arrangement could not be made for her to get a proper husband. Get her mind right on this subject and see if the thing cannot be brought about. It will be hard sometimes for such a woman to be willing to take a poor man for a husband, when she has been the concubine of a richer man. But let grace have its perfect work. In respect to always taking the first wife, this is the only wife according to Chinese law. The children of others all have to call the first wife 'mother,' and their own mothers only 'elder sisters.' . . . Notwithstanding all the difficulties, I do not think a man should be received to the Church who persists in cohabiting with more than one wife. People's feelings and opinions may not; all coincide with this view, but I regard the method indicated as the least of all. the evils.
Rev. David Hill (Eng. Wesleyan), Hankow. Rule of Wesleyan; Missionary Society is that no man with more than one wife can b& admitted to the Church. . Must put away all but first wife and support the others until they are "honorably and properly married to a. suitable husband." Is bound to support the children. No concubin& would be admitted. Legislating for the majority, he thinks the ruler practicable and just.
Rev. A. Foster (London Mission), Hankow.
In China, a man can have only one wife and to marry a second in the life of: first, is a crime. . . . In addition to his "wife," a Chinaman often has a number of women attacht to him in various degrees of loose relationship, some of" whom we foreigners call" secondary wives" and" concubines," but there is in. Chinese law no distinction between these miscellaneous women, such as we make., tho, of course, there is a distinction between the "concubine" and a "prostitute.''' . . • Here is another (point) showing, as I think, the impossibility of drawing iii. line bywhich con'OertlJ from lteatheni8m are to be allowed to keep their extra women and Oliristians are to be forbidden to make such alliances. A Christian takes ~ "secondary wife" and is excommunicated for so doing. That is very simple; but; a year or two later he comes back sincerely penitent, and asks to be forgiven. Whllt is to be done with him? Is he (1) to be received back as a polygamistt If so, other Christians will know how to get secondary wives. (2) Is he to be told to put away this woman? Well, then why can't a new convert be told to act. in the same way? The hardship is not greater on the new convert's concubine than on the concubine of the renegade Christian. If pity for the woman is to> decide the case, it applies to both cases equally and should decide each on the same lines. But (3) you may under the circumstances refuse this renegade Christian readmittance to the Church at all. Is that right? . . . Why should you make the sin of taking a concubine the one sin that must forever debar the man from Church fellowship? • . • To me there seems a very simple way of dealing with the case, but only one way. If under no circum8tances can a man living: with several women be admitted to the Church, the law holds good for every one alike. If you repent, put away the woman? . . . The concubine should be put away in a Christian spirit, in a right, considerate, kind way. . . . The: influence of polygamists will always be on the side of polygamy. Your polygamous converts will leaven your Church with polygamous notions. If you want to create a conscience among your young Christians that makes polygamy impossible, every man who comes into the Church as a polygamist will be secretly working against you. He has not this conscience and cannot sympathize with it, and his influence will insensibly lower the tone of your whole Church.
Rev. Henry V. Noyes * (N. Presbyterian), Canton.
Concubinage is a more correct term to designate the custom among tl16' Chinese, often referred to as polygamy. For: (1) In taking a second partner, the prescribed formalities for taking a wife are not necessary; nothing is needed but. a contract with her parents. (2) The act is deemed discreditable, except in the case of the wife bearing no sons. (3) The sons which the second woman bears.
* For Mr. Noyes' argument in full, see his paper on Native Customs in "Reportof Shanghai Conference of 1890," p. 609. are not legally her own, but belong to the wife. (4) The degradation of the wife to the second place, or the elevation of the second woman to the first place, are alike illegal and void. Thinks that applicants for baptism, who have concubines, should not be received into the Church, without being required to 'put them away. His reasons are two. (1) So far as the custom of taking concu- bines is legal, its root is found in ancestral worship. * If the wife bears no son, the husband may, by Chinese custom, take 'a concubine, in order that husband and wife both may, after death, have male posterity to worship at their grayes.
Not to have such worship is deemed a great calamity. If we require applicants for baptism to abandon ancestral worship, we should also require them to abandon this custom so closely connected with it. If the root be unholy, so also are the branches. Root and branch must both be put away. (2) But the reason which ought to settle the question forever is that we have no right to depart from the law of marriage which Christ has himself laid down. (See Matt. 19: 4, 5, 9). . • Neither by word nor act, so far as the record goes, did our Savior ever relax one iota this absolute and unqualified requirement that marriage must be betwcen one man and one woman, and because this was the original, and-is the permanent and universal law of marriage. TIe calls things by their right names, and tells us that, except for one named cause, the man who puts away his wife and marries another, is an adulterer. :Much more then is he an adulterer who, retaining his wife, takes another woman, without even the usual formalities of the marriage ceremony.
If Christ's language means anything, the simple question to be decided is:- Shall a man, who, while a heathen, lived in adultery, be allowed to join the Chris- tian Church and continue that adultery? It would seem that there could be but .one answer to such a questioD. Whenever the apostles refer to the marriage rela- tion and the duties arising from it, their language always implies that the union is between one man and one woman. If they refer to polygamy at all, which is doubtful, it is only to flYl'bid it, a poor reason indeed for allowing it now. Even if we admit that it had crept into the Church, we have not the shadow of evidence that it came there by Apostolic authority_ . If men drifted away from their original knowledge and practice of duty into idolatry, and ancestral worship, and polygamy, this does not make it right that these things should continue.
• Even if it is proved that God permitted an exception to the permanent law of marriage, in the case of some in the Jewish Church (in Old Testament times) it does not follow that we can in the face of Christ's reaffirmation of the original law, assume our Maker's authority and permit this exception in the Chris- tian Church. God's permission being an exception to the universal law, was surely limited to the time when, and the persons to whom it was given. . He thinks that the fact that Abraham's progeny by his concubine Hagar are the wild slave-raiding Arabs of to-day, is a "mark of God's displeasure" "upon this unhal- lowed union." He doubts whether Moses legalized polygamy and thinks that Deut. 21: 15-17 alludes merely to the existence of polygamy, without expressing :an opinion as to the rightness of the relation. While on the other hand, he -declares that both the old and new translators of the Scriptures give two inter- pretations to Lev. 18: 18. One is, "Neither shalt thou take one wife to another to vex her in her life time." He is therefore inclined to believe that Moses forbade polygamy. The hardship of breaking up a long standing relation is cer- tainly a serious difficulty, but to argue that therefore polygamy or conCUbinage ought not to be meddled with, proves too much. It equally proves that such rela- .. This is important, as showing that concubines taken In days of Gospel Ignorance in ChIna and Korea, were taken under the semi-religious sanction of Confucianism, the highest system of religious ethics that they knew. tions once formed should in no case be broken up, for the same difficulties always exist. . . . A great many difficulties meet the Chinese who wish to keep the hlwof God, but these difficulties only give him an opportunity of making his testimony to the truth all the stronger, if he overcomes them. Of course, in separating from his concubine, it is a man's duty to see that she and her children are properly cared for. . . . In regard to the children, they are, of course, his own children as much as any others, and should bc provided for. In all ordinary cases I should think they might remain under the mother's care, during their childhood life, but I can see that some difficult questions might arise to make this undesirable. For instance, suppose the mother is an out and out heathen, and insists on bringing up the children in the practice of idolatry. A good deal would depend on the circumstances and probably no absolute rule should be adopted.
. . He considers the question of a female applicant whose husband refuses to give her up, as the most difficult of all. " With the power which the husband has over her, at least in China, a woman would seem to be almost helpless in the matter." Yet he thinks that while such a woman should be counted as a Chris- tian, she should not be admitted to the Church. "The Synod of China discussed these questions, long and earnestly, as long ago as 1874, but there was strong difference of opinion, and no other decision was arrived at than to leave the whole matter to the Session of Churches, exhorting them, however, to exer- cise great care in regard to the admission of members."
Rev. Griffith John, D.D. (London Mission), Hankow.
In reply to your circular just to hand, I would say: (1) All polygamists should be kept outside of the Church as "perpetual catechumens."
(2) In the event of putting away, the one retained should invariably be the first wife. She is his Wife, and to ask him to put her away, would be to ask him to violate God's law, and offend the moral sense of the nation. How missionaries can have any doubt on this point, has always appeared to me a great mystery.
(3) There are circumstances in which I should have no hesitation in requesting a man to put away all but one wife. (4) But there are circumstances in which I could not do so. (a) I could never ask a man to put away the mother of his chil- dren. (b) I could not ask a man to put anyone of his wives away unless he saw. his way to make provisions for her future support and safety. To throw her upon the world helpless, would be cruel, and to expose her to temptation, would be immoral. (5) As to the female applicant, she is in a different condition; still my vote would be against admitting her into membership. (6) We do not admit polygamists in this mission. (7) My own idea is this: Did I believe that the salvation of any man depended in the least upon membership, I would bap- tize the polygamist, that is, if satisfied with him in other respects. But I do not take this view of the matter. Then I ask myself, what is the mission of the Church in the world, apart from the saving of the individual? Is it not to teach, maintain, and confirm the great Christian principles of righteousness and truth?
Polygamy is one of the great curses of the East, and it is certain that the East can never rise to true greatness while it lasts. But how can it be ever done away with, unless the Christian Church in the East sets her face determinately against it? The fact, that no one is allowed to take a second wife after entering the Church tends to brand the practice as unchristian. On this point we are all agreed. But I feel that this is not enough. I think it is a matter of vital impor- tance that the Christian Church should be known in China, Korea, and in every part of the East as a Church which does not and cannot tolerate concubinage.
In order to do this, polygamists must be strictly excluded.
(10 be continued.)
BARRIERS TO PROGRESS IN OHINA
BARRIERS TO PROGRESS IN CHINA.
BY REV. A. H. SMITH, TIENTSIN, CHINA.
There is an important sense in which the problems connected with the planting of the Ohristian Ohurch are the same in all times and in all lands, yet there are special features everywhere to be discerned. It is the object of the present paper to point out some of these features as exhibited in missionary work in China.
When once Christianity has got any foothold, it is,not difficult to organize a "church," but to introduce the practice of self-government or even the idea of it, is quite a different matter. Self-government implies a certain amount of democracy, and Asiatics are seldom very democratic, tho there is a strange and an abundant admixture of the popular element in the government even of China. The initial difficulty is generally to make an effective bridge from control by the missionary and his society to some form of local autonomy. The Chinese readily fall into the way of expecting the missionary to take the lead in all cases, and will seldom assume independence until it is thrust upon them, in which respect they differ greatly from their neighbors, the Japanese.
Theoretically there is no caste in China, but in practice there are certain religious Brahmans that make havoc of self-government in churches during the initial stages. There is the man who has been a church-member from the very first-a" charter member"-who must be considered and consulted. There is the aged member, and China is a country in which there is an ideal respect for mere weight of years. There is, as in other lands, the rich church-member, who must be conciliated. There is the influential member, strong in his family connections, who must always be reckoned with. There is the literary graduate, who often carries the infant church in his closed hand. A word from him is the end of all independence on the part of the uneducated. There is also the irrepressible talker, who as a rule is capable of becoming so obstreperous that, as the sayings go, "People do not know east from west," and" Men are worn out and horses exhausted.» No one wishes to arouse, much less to offend him, for there is no adequate social machinery which can cope with him. When he has inserted himself into a church, as not infrequently happens (for is not the Gospel meant for publicans and sinners?) there are dramatic times in prospect. There is in every Oriential country-or, indeed in any country-an instinctive dread of giving offense. There is, also a marvelous instinct of secrecy. There is, for example, a. matter which ought to be taken cognizance of, but no one will take the initiative, nor even impart any information. No one wishes to be implicated in any possible trouble, for all remembre the Oonfucian maxim, that when a word has once gone forth, four horses cannot overtake it. In any country where the differences of intellectual ability are emphasized in the church, those below will follow those above. "When the wind blows the grass bends," and nowhere is this more true than in Ohina. Moreover, the custom of adjusting troubles by giving" face" to one party, requiring the other party to do something by way of penalty, is very likely to hinder real disciplin. "The guilty person is sentenced to do something which he reluctantly agrees to, but which he has no intention of really carrying out, and unless adequate and continued pressure is brought to bear, that will be the end of the matter. In general it may be said that the difficulties in the way of self-government in Ohristian churches are everywhere the same. They can be overcome by the use of the teachings of the Scriptures, as opened to the spiritual understanding by the Spirit of God, but the process will demand that infinite patience without which no spiritual development is anywhere possible.
If New Testament ideals of purity in the Ohurch are foreign to Ohinese instincts, New Testament ideals of the duty of the Ohurch to diffuse itself are no less so. Ohina is filled with societies which have for their ostensible object the" practice of virtue;" but propagandism is not a principal feature, if it is a feature at all. Those join who wish to join, and those who do not join are severely let alone. It is not "good form" to inquire of a member as to the practices or the ritual of his" sect," and thus it comes about that thousands who live in the midst of many "virtue societies" have as little acquaintance with their tenets as with the different theories of Egyptian chronology; and even if they happen to learn something on the subject, they will seldom allow that circumstance to be publicly known. It is the same with the multitude of Mohammedans in China. Beyond the fact that they worship a being known as "Lord,", and that their notions are strange and divisive, the Ohinese know nothing about their beliefs, and care as little as they know.
When Christianity comes as one more "sect .. or "instruction," it is at once placed in the same category as the rest. The outsider cannot comprehend why the insiders should insist upon teaching it, unless there is somewhere a cash asset in the business, and the Ohinese Christian cannot see why he should be at the trouble to diffuse a teaching which he got himself with much trouble, and perhaps at no little cost. We have heard of an infant Ohinese church where the word was past that no more members should be received, lest there should not be enough of some of the incidental benefits to go around! But this is more than matched by the case mentioned by Dr. Josiah Strong, where a clergyman told some working girls, who applied for membership in a stylish church, that he believed there were at present no "vacancies." Oriental inertia is a great barrier to /lelf-propagation of Christianity – Oriental suspicion is an even greater one. "Who knows what drug this fellow has in his gourd?" is a natural and indeed an inevitable question on the part of a Chinese, when a stranger appears recommending some new "instruction." It is not at all uncommon for Chinese evangelists in the quest of some possible "inquirer" to be thrown completely and permanently off the track by the suspicion on the part of those of whom questions are askt, that there lurks some sinister design in this strange thirst to find a wholly unknown person for an incomprehensible purpose.
It is a Chinese custom for the (( roving scholar" to use his Iiterary talents as a hook with which to secure a few morsels of food. Christian colporteurs are supposed to have a like interested motive. C( How much are you paid for believing this? " is the inevitable inquiry on the part of the interested and curious spectator. It is a proverb that the priest, Buddhist or Taoist, " eats the four directions"-that is, that he lives off the land. It is reasonable to suppose that the Christian propagandist means to do the same as soon as his arrangements are completed. The inate hostility of the human heart to the Christain teaching of sin and the atonement is everywhere the same. Intelligent Confucianists, who have gained an outline idea of Christianity, will often say to the missionary, " As compared with our sects, your doctrine is more truej but if you wish to get a hearing from intelligent people, you woulU do better to drop all your talk about the cross and about what you style sin. If you leave this out, we shall be glad to listen to your comprehensive instruction." What Paul called" the offense of the cross" is a permanent factor in the spiritual history of mankind. We have known an expert and skillful story-teller who had a large circle of auditors in the district where he was a peripatetic dispenser of entertainment, to be turned from the doors of his patrons when he began to substitute Christian stories for those which were distinctively Chinese. It is a characteristically Oriental trait that those who have received Christianity stand in a special relation to those from whom they receive the truth. The contention that" I am of Paul, and I of Apollos," is a very real barrier to intercommunication of Divine truth. Christianity, like other forces, is propagated along the lines of least resistance, and no one can foresee whither bread cast upon the waters may drift. It constantly happens that a wise economy of mission forces is prevented by the clannishness of the convert, who refuses to be transferred to the care of another shepherd or to connect himself with another church. Precisely the same trouble is met with in missions to the Chinese in this country, where it is often impossible to change teachers in a Sunday-school class without precipitating a. "strike" on the part of the scholars; but when we consider well the phenomena of denominationalism in the United States and elsewhere, we feel that we can cast no stones at the Chinese. Great as are the initial obstacles to inoculatiug Chinese Christians with the conception of the duty of evangelizing the regions about and beyond, the measure of success which has often been attained is simply marvelous, and is itself the best authentication to the Chinese outsiders of the Divine origin of Christianity.
There are many Chinese churches which are doing more in the way of working outward among their neighbors than nine-tenths of the churches of America. One of the most interesting instances with which we are acquainted of the development of the idea of self-propa~ gation of Christianity in China is to be found in the formation and operation of the Canton" Book-lending Society," composed exclusively of natives of different churches in that city, and wholly under native management. It is colporteur work mingled with a free circulating library of Christian books for the benefit of all who will agree to read and return them. There is no reason why this plan should not be adopterl all over China, as it is peculiarly adapted to the genius of Chinese society.
There are many traits of Chinese life which render the oral proclamation of the Gospel, accompanied with the circulation of printed matter of a suitable description, easy. The Chinese live simply, and can put up with anything. They are in the habit of taking long journeys on foot, and often with loads. The respect for literature is a national and an ineradicable instinct. They have, as already remarked, a great theoretical respect for "virtue," and extensive societies for the diffusion of books for the inculcation of good practices. The minute subdivision of the currency and the cheapness of material and of labor render it easy to get all sorts of books into general circulation when once an impression favorable to their reception has been made. What is most needed for the universal diffusion of Christianity in China is the indefinite m~ltiplication of Christian centers, and the possession of the native church by the missionary idea, "Freely ye have received, freely give." We cannot expect the Chinese Christians to rise higher in the tone of their piety than the average of those from whom they have received their teachings. That our Chinese converts may be filled with the Spirit of Christ, we must be filled with it ourselves.
At first sight it would appear that the self-support of Chinese churches would be a much easier matter to compass than their selfgovernment or their self-expansion. Experience teaches otherwise. It is always difficult for Occidentals to comprehend the poverty of Orientals, however much we may think we know about deprivation in a year of "hard times" and scarcity of money. Poverty in China is the universal rule, with only exiguous exceptions. It is partly a matter of latitude, for the poverty whioh both freezes and starves is more desperate than that which is merely out of food. Until onr present methods of missionary activity are radically amended we can- not get on without the expenditure of money in the introduction of Christianity, and this use is itself a poteut factor in hindering self- support. Many a missionary society might have been saved much'trial had it duly considered the Russian proverb which advises one to ~'measure your cloth ten times, for you can cut it but once." Mauy a missiouary has had to "eat bitterness" during the period in which he endeavors to correct early mistakes by taking in sail which might much better never have been spread. It is a venerable proverb that when it rains puddings one should hold up his dish. In this the Chinese are expert. 'rhe writer once taught a station class imported many scores of leagues from a distant field for the purpose. The pupils were on au allowance, which, like most Ohinese allowances, was perennially "not enough." One scholar only of the whole number was a permanent and valuable addition to the preaching force. Years afterward he remarked casually that the motto of his class whenever a payment was to be made was exprest in the significant words, " Don't spend too little!" In one of the mission conferences in India an experienced missionary mentioned the remark of an old woman who was one of his converts, on the occasion of his revisiting his former tield, and preaching from the words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." "That was a blessed text," she observed," and yet, tho you have been here two days, you have not given me a single rupee."
Self-support of Ohinese churches can only be obtained by adherence to Ohinese simplicity in the externals and in the inner working of the eystem, and even when attained it may be lost. It is the custom for the temples to have a piece of land which supports the priests. There is considerable danger in the "endowment plan" as applied to lChurclles, lest misappropriation of funds, so common in the case of temples, should work more injury in a year than the Church can remedy in a lifetime.
The way to attain self-support in native churches is for the misilionary leaders to have from the start a clear and comprehensive con- ception of the end at which they aim, and to make every part of their teaching cooperate to the end in view. Unyielding firmness combined with a loving regard for the hardships to which the convert is subjected must be judiciously blended. This is an ideal to which few of us ever attain, but whenever it is attained the result is no more in doubt than is the adaptation of Ohristianity to the wants of every class of men in the world. The essential difficulties are precisely the same as those which are to be met in this or any Christian land, and are due to the intrinsic selfishness of human nature, for which the Gospel is the only cure.
The fact that from communities radically hostile in spirit to the Christian religion there have in such iunumerable places been developt churches which govern, propagate, and support themselves, and that this evolution is at present going on upon an unprecedented scale, is a phenomenon to which the attention of the critiCS of missions may be respectfully invited. Of the facts there ought not to be a rational doubt. Taken in connection with the obstacles everywhere to be overcome, they either constitute a series of effects without any cause, or they show that Christianity is a Divine system which will win its way ~espite the resistance of forces which ought logically to destroy it.
EUROPEAN EXTEl'ISIOl'l OF 'l'HE VOLUl'ITEEB HOVEMEl'IT
EUROPEAN EXTENSION OF THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.
BY REV. DONALD FRASER, LIVINGSTONIA, AFRICA.
One of the chief purposes of the Liverpool Conference was to bring the Continental students into line with the missionary movement, which is spreading through the colleges of Great Britain and America. For some time past signs of a slight spiritual awakening in some of the universities of Europe were evident, and thus a basis for a missionary movement was being formed. For nine months before the Conterence, daily prayer was made to God that He would choose the delegates who should come, and would pour down upon them His fire, that they might, on their return home, set their fellow students ablaze with a new enthusiasm'for the world's evangelization.
The Conference was international beyond our faith. Students were present from no less than twenty-four nations-the most international gathering of students that the world has ever seen. These were days of wonderful power, when the presence of God grew daily more and more conscious.
On the Saturday morning of the Conference, in welcoming the forei~n students, we askt whether they would not join hands with us in formmg a great student brotherhood for the coronation of Jesus in all lands. In the afternoon they met, each nation apart, to pray and discuss how they might best further the missionary spirit among their fellow students. In the evening we had our financial session. Just before it began a note was handed to the chairman from the Scandinavian I delegates, saying they would promote the Volunteer Movement in Scandinavia, and had appointed a committee for this purpose. A minute afterward the German delegates sent an intimation that eleven of their men had signed a declaration and were forming a Volunteer Union for Germany. Then there came another from the Frenchspeaking delegates, saying that they had nineteen Volunteers, and were banding themselves into a missionary union for France and Switzerland. Besides this, there was a note from five students in Madrid University, Spain, asking whether they might be allowed to join the missionary movement. Also a letter from Australia, telling how in March, 1895, at the very time when some Edinburgh men were in daily prayer for Australian colleges, a spiritual revival had begun in the Universities of Melbourne and Adelaide, and it was now turning into missionary lines. As these notes were read out, one after the other, what a thrill ran through the hearts of men and women who for years had been praying for this consummation I We had adopted that day as our motto, "The Evangelization of the World in this Generation," and we now felt that God was approving our faith and quickening our hopes in the possibility of its realization.
On Monday, when the delegates were dispersing, a very significant incident happened. About eighty Belfast students sailed from the Mersey in the steamship Magic. Some other men went down to see them off. When the Magic was in the middle of the river the students on board were seen to be lining the bulwark. Then there came a great shout from them as from one voice, "The Evangelization of the World in thiE Generation." And the cry rang across the river and through the ships and along the wharf, making sailors and passengers start and wonder what it meant. Then the men on the quay shouted back, "He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Then in the silence the cry from the Magic came back, " Amen," and the steamer sailed away out into the evening. During the last few months that cry has been ringing up and down the col- leges, through the churches, and across the Continent, quickening men's expectations, and rousing a new endeavor to take possession of the world speedily for Christ. .
Immediately after the Conference I made a rapid tour of some of the colleges of Europe, and I can testify that that movement, which began at Livcrpool, was no temporary affair, born of sudden excite- ment, but an awakening come from the breath of God. In Paris and Montauban the work which had begun at Liverpool was being carried on with great spirituality and energy. In some of the other universi- ties the news of blessing which delegates had received was rousing a spirit of inquiry. At a conference at Geneva, we organized the Franco-Swiss Volunteer Movement, with morc than forty Volunteers, and appointed a French student as traveling secretary.
My next point was Holland. There quite a spiritual revival was spreading in some of the universities. The" Dutch Eleven," who were at Liverpool, had met together at Velp, spent two days in prayer, and prayed one student who was present into the Kingdom of God.
Since then they have started a Dutch College Christian Union, and daily prayer-meetings are being carried on in most of the universities.
Now, many of the leading men are earnestly facing their personal responsibility to the foreign field.
I arrived in Germany too late to do much work in the colleges, as the long Easter vacation W:J.S on. Nevertheless, we held at Halle a little conference of students from some six universities. We formed a German Students' Missionary Union, which seeks to spread living religion among German students, and to call forth men to foreign service. The first step that has been taken is to issue a call to daily prayer for the German universities.
In Scandinavia one found the situation there much more ripe for a missionary work. At all the universities we had large and solemn meetings with the students, which were frequently followed by after- meetings, lasting till past midnight. Hours were set apart for inter- views with men who wanted to know about Christ or about the claims of the foreign field, and they were fully occupied with those who came. A work was also begun among young men and ladies of the better class, and others. Now I hear of no less than nineteen Volun- teers in Stockholm alone. Very few of these, however, are students.
At Copenhagen we organized a Scandinavian Volunteer move- ment and a system of intervisitation was planned, by which the movement may be strengthened and extended.
On our return home, what a day of praise we had for the way that God had answered prayer all along the line! But we were still in the midst of our praise when we heard the news of what had been done among the Indian students through Mott and Wilder's conferences- how eighty-seven Indian students had profest conversion, one hundred and thirty-seven had consecrated their lives entirely for the evangel- ization of India, and more than seven hundred had joined the" Morn- ing Watch! "
Thus God is girding the whole world with a great student-brother-
SINCE THE MASSACRE IN FUIIKIEN, CHINA
hood who have consecrated themselves to go forth into all the earth and claim His inheritance for Him. The marvelous progress of thepast five months, which has b~en swifter than the previous fifty years~ has made our hearts beat sWIfter for the near approach of Ohrist's coronation day. All this, however, is but the begmning.
SINOE THE MASSAORE IN FUHKIEN, OHINA.
BY REV. P. W. PITCHER, FOOCHOW, CHINA.
Eighteen months ago, August 1, 1895, the horrible massacre, which shockt the whole world, occurred at Hwa Sang. As we recall those- solemn scenes may we not, with profit, look back over the past year and ask if indeed the blood of the martyrs has, in this case, proved to be the seed of the church? Or was it true, as some said, that" the time had come to get out of Ohina," that our task was hopeless and should be abandoned?
No, that could not be true even at a greater cost than that which was paid at Hwa Sang. In the face of even more bitter opposition, it would be difficult to find a single missionary ready, willingly to abandon his post. Abandon the work of over fifty years? Preposterous! It has been estimated that 20,000 inquirers have presented themselves at the doors of the churches of the three missions located in the Foochow district. "Hundreds of families have renounced their idols,'~ _ while hundreds of others have been asking for leaders and teachers to guide and instruct them. Manyof these may be moved with little or no conseiousness of sin, but they are nevertheless coming, and may we not be too ready to question motives, but ask for wisdom in dealing with these inquirers, so that they may be led to that true consciousness of sin which bringeth sorrow and repentance. Driven by the storms of oppression and persecution, driven by the thraldom of superstition~ with its heavy burdens, it may be that some of them are coming~ blindly, yet honestly coming to seek shelter in the fold of Ohrist. May we be taught how to lead them to the true refuge where they shall find safety. Of the 20,000 inquirers already mentioned, it has been stated that probably 5,000 have been accepted and have united with these three missions since August 1, 1895. This is an unprecedented record for any twelve months since the establishment of missions in this district, or, in fact, in the whole province.
While the great awakening centers about Foochow, still there are encouraging signs in the Amoy, the southern district, especially along the line of church development. The southern portion of the work is admittedly remarkable for the progress made in the matter of the development of a native ministry, church organization and self-support. In the synod of Amoy (Eng. Pres. and Am. Refd. Oh. Missions) thera are twenty church organizations, which support their own pastors and maintain a home mission work~ while some carryon other independent work besides. The London Mission Society also has seven church organizations working along similar lines, many of them supporting evangelists. Throughout the length and breadth of this whole province the present status of mission work is encouraging, and the prospects bright with hope.
INTERNATIONAL DEPABTlIENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTED BY REV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
II A Oyola of Oathay." * he says: "The drug was already con- traband by imperial decree, England BY REV. S. L. GRACEY, D.D., EX-U. S. has made no protest, nor would she have lifted a finger to protect her people CONSUL, FOOCHOW, CHINA. in the smuggling trade, if Ohinese cruisers had driven them from the A few years since, one distinguisht coast. But when commissioners of the literateur askt another, what book writ- Ohinese issued commands to the Queen ten within the last forty years would as a vassal of Ohina, and treated her last forty years; but Dr. Martin's subjects with unjustifiable violence, the "Oycle of Oathay" was not yet pub- question entered upon another phase. lisht. Dr. Martin being askt how long The opium was stored on ships that lay it took him to write this work, answered, outside among the islands, but its own- "forty-five years." If Dr. S. Wells ers were at Canton. Without taking Williams, after twelve years residence the trouble to identify them, the comin Oanton and Macao could write the missioners surrounded the factories •• Middle Kingdo~," which has already with a cordon of soldiers, and threatened survived through forty-five years, why the whole foreign colony with death if shall not Dr. Martin's masterly com- the opium was not surrendered by a. pendium of the political, social and fixed date. To give them an idea of religious movements of that vast empire, what they had to expect, a native as observed, participated in, and patron- opium smuggler was put to death in an ized by himself this forty-five years, open space in front of the factories. together with criticisms which exhibit Oapt. Elliot, the superintendent of his independent judgment and remark- trade, who was at Macao, hearing of able prescience, warrant the expectation these high-handed proceedings, hasthat this volume will remain one of the tened to Oanton to share the perils of chief literary authorities on Ohinese af- his countrymen. He obtained the opium fairs for the next forty-five years. for the service of the Queen, and then handed it over as a ransom for British It is conceded that there has been lives. Over twenty thousand chests, nothing equal to Dr. Wells Williams' valued at nine million dollars, were de- .. Middle Kingdom" in comprehensive- stroyed by mixing the drug with quickness, clearness, and accuracy, down to lime, and pouring it into the river. the date at which it was first publisht. The property having been demanded Dr. Martin's book takes up many of by Her Majesty's representatives for these great topics where Williams' vol- her service, the Queen was pledged to umes closed. Lapping backward on see that the owners were indemnified. Williams' topics, Dr. Martin treats An order in council authorized reprisals, fairly and thoroughly what is called to compel the Ohinese to make amends the " Opium War" with England, and for their acts of spoliation. Thus betho condemning the English for intro- gan a war which was more fortunate ducing opium, the great curse of Ohina, for England than that which followed the destruction of her tea in Boston • A Cycle of Cathay; ~r, China, South harbor, and which' eventually ended in the opening of the five ports of Oanton, and North, with personal remlniscences by Amoy, Foochow, Ningpo, and Shangthe Rev. W. A. P. Martin, D.D., LL.D., President Emeritus Imperial Tungwen College, Peking,with 7OillustratioDS from photographs and native drawings; a map and inde:x:. Svo, cloth, decorated, $2.00. Fleming H. Revell Company, New York, Chicago, Toronto. hai to British trade, and tho not a word the Ten Commandments, and imposed was inserted in the final treaty in favor on all his subjects observance of the of the trade in opium, the result was Sabbath day, on which day their highforeseen, a complete immunity from est officers ascended the pUlpit and interference with the traffic, and the thundered against idolatry and the Tartraffic flourishes beyond measure. Had tars. The washing of the bosom with England, after exacting due reparation, a towel dipt in water in token of the introduced a prohibition clause, there cleansing of the heart, was the form can be no doubt that China might have of ceremony observed for baptism. been free from a terrible scourge. These fierce and fanatical forces were What a contrast between her opium unsubdued for fifteen years, and caused policy and her anti-slavery legislation." the loss of fifty millions of human lives.
The Taiping Rebellion lies on the It is not a new question now, nor can hither side of the date of publication of it at best be little more than a specula- Dr. Williams' great work, so that, his- tive one, what might have been the reo torically, Dr. Martin takes up this sult had the western powers not come thread. where Williams laid it down. to the aid of the Imperial government Later editions of .. Middle Kingdom" at Peking. But Dr. Martin, tho he have mentioned this movement among were first to name it, is not alone in the the Chinese in a few brief lines in the suggestion, that every interest of civilipreface; but Dr. Martin gives the clear- zation and of Christianity would prob· est, most succinct statement of facts con- ably have been greatly advanced, had nected with it, and makes the most the western Christian powers supported satisfactory analysis of any author who and directed this Christian rebellion, has written upon the subject. rather than to have supprest it, to gain the prestige of saving the throne to the Dr. Martin "watcht its waxing and Tartar. Whatever weight of opinion waning with the deepest interest; came may be brought in support of the one in contact with active agents on both view or the other, one thing is certain, sides; and at least endeavored to exert that an opportunity to decide a question some influence on the course of events." so vast an,d overwhelming in its out- It must be borne in mind that, whatever come, is one that "does not occur once its imperfections, this rebellion was led in a thousand years." by a body of native Christians, and that it not only threatened to destroy the His account of what is known as the dynasty at Peking, but to overthrow co Arrow War" follows. A Chinese the gigantic paganism of the ,Empire. vessel known as the" Arrow," and fly- It was a tidal wave of blood. At Nan- ing the British flag, had been seized by king the" Manchu garrison of twenty- the authorities, and its crew thrown five thousand were butchered to a into prison on a charge of piracy. The man." Dr. Martin declares "history British authorities at Hongkong at once presents few pages more brilliant than began negotiations which were blunderthis part of his (Hung's) career. Sher- ingly conducted, and a war resulted, man's march to the sea must be com- which is described most interestingly bined with Garibaldi's successful assault by the author, and all going to show on the Kingdom of Naples, backt by how great a matter a little spark will only a thousand men, to furnish an kindle. One of the good results of the adequate parallel." • . "These in- war was to take Dr. Martin to Peking surgents were known to be Christians as interpretor at the court, to Mr. Reed, not simply fighting for empire, but United States Minister to China. The carrying on a crusade against the pagan- record of his services, the incidents of ism of their country." The chief styled the war, the diplomatic struggles, the himself, "Younger brother to Jesus Chinese peculiarities of statecraft, Christ," called God his father, publisht supply most interesting reading, and· give the outside barbarian a glimpse of curriculum are described, and the final the inner workings of the highest circles triumph of the institution as a recog- {)f Chinese official and diplomatic life, nized imperial college, in which all the not found in any other publisht work modern sciences are now taught, is that has come to our notice. graphically related. It now has nine :Many persons will recall the thrilling foreign professors, with classes studying interest with which the news was re- international law, physics, physiology, -ceived, that the United States Plenopo- astronomy, chemistry, and mineralogy, tentiary, the Hon. William B. Reed, with the French, German, and Russian had secured the insertion in the treaty languages. There are also four native between this country and China, of a professors who teach Chinese and "religious toleration" clause. Accept- mathematics. The number of students ing Dr. Martin's analysis of Mr. Reed's is limited to one hundred and twenty.
interest in that affair, the American This institution, tho under the hearty people will find reason to reconsider the sanction and support of the govern- measure of commendation which should ment, has been constantly opposed by be accorded to him. Evidently Dr. many of the literati, who are every- Williams and Dr. Martin were, far and where the foes of modern methods of ;away, the chief actors in securing the instruction, as well as :of the study of insertion of that clause; and tho it may modern sciences, and cling to their old seem a little ungraceful in Dr. Martin conservative theories of education em- to disclose the vanity of Mr. Reed, yet bracing only the Chinese classics. Two it looks as if regard for exact history of the graduates of the Tungwen Col- demanded it. Mr. Reed told them that lege are now tutors to the Emperor.
he expected they would not only make The author gives us an excellent chap- this unexpected triumph in the issue, ter on "Mandarins and Government,"
widely known in America, but also in which he tells of the higher classes, that they would attribute to him the their training, virtues, defects, powers, honor of its accomplishment, tho he and limitations. He also devotes a ;announced himself as impatiently ready chapter to the influences of some of to sign the treaty without the insertion the most noted mandarins; his charac- of this privilege, and declined all fur- ter sketching is excellent. " China and ther delay to secure it, saying, "Now, her Neighbors;" "The Customs Ser- gentlemen, if you can get your article vice;" "The Audience Question,"
in, all right! But, with or without it, I and "The Mission Question," are sub- intend to sign on the 18th of June." jects with which every student of China It is a little humiliating, however, to should be familiar. The book is beau- find that the United States must be tifully illustrated, and mainly from largely shorn of its honors, since the drawings by native artists, which show other nations inserted a similar clause, considerable merit and the usual de- and were determined to insist on it fects of Chinese art.
without any regard to the contents of It is doubtful if there is any other our treaty, or the prestige of the con- foreigner in China who has the confi- cession to us. dence and appreciation of the official The opening of the "Tungwen Col- class to the degree that Dr. Martin has; lege," at Peking, is described. This Sir Robert Hart excepted was originally designed to train Chinese Dr. Martin arrived in Canton in scholars as interpreters for the diplo- April, 1856, being accompanied by Rev.
matic and commercial service. Dr. Justus Doolittle, (whose name should Martin was called to the charge of the have been, •• Did-great-things ") and institution, by the "Tsungli Yamen," Rev. S. N. Martin, the author's brother.
or Foreign Board. The difficulties ex- The personal narrative, which is exceed- perienced in efforts to introduce a wider ingly interesting, serves only as a thread on which to string pearls of truth con- The Missionary Question in China. cerning native customs, diplomatic struggles, native craft and history for Dr. Martin, in "A Cyele of Cathay,"
nearly sixty years, a Chinese cyele. has a vigorous chapter on the "Mis- It is to the equal credit of Dr. Martin sionary Question," of which he remarks: and the Chinese government that he "For the Chinese government this has been invited to resume the Presi- means, how may we minimize the in- dency of Tungwen College; especially conveniences arising from the opera- in view of the fact that, for one who tions of missionaries? For a party was a guest of the government, he among officials and people it means, treats of national affairs with great free- How may we get rid of them aIto~ dom. It will be remembered that an gether? For the representatives of eminent statesman of our own country, Christian powers it means, How far are designated by our government as Minis- we bound by policy or autllOrity to in- ter to China, was rejected by them as terfere for the protection'of missionaries persona non gratia, because he had and their converts? With missionaries written, or was supposed to have writ- and their supporters it takes the form, ten, unfavorably of their country. How can we accomplish the greatest This will suggest how difficult it always results with the means at our disposal?"
is for one who is in the employ of the To France belongs the honor of in- government, or even one who hopes to augurating the new era of religious labor with success in the uplifting of freedom in China, which dates from its people, to write freely and truth- 'the signing of the French treaty in fully of conditions and actions which 1844, which removed the ban of pro- would expose rulers or customs to ridi- hibition against promulgating the cule. Christian religion. "This was the Dr. Martin criticises faithfully, and first stage in the way of enfranchise- exposes trickery of officials in diplo- ment. Under its provisions mission- matic affairs which came under his aries enjoyed no small privilege, tho observation. He is cautious, but bold, they were still of a nature of 'un- and spares neither Europeans nor covenanted mercies.' Protestants set- Chinese from the scalpel of his analy- tled at the five ports, from which they sis. His association with the leading were able to make long jOUl;neys in- men of the "Celestial Empire," and land, tho nominally restricted to a with the plenipotentiaries and other radius of fifty miles, while Catholics diplomats of all the European nations, journied in all the provinces without under conditions of practical equality, molestation. It was reserved for the 'Ar- furnisht the opportunity for this rich- row War' to complete immunity from est and most piquant of narratives of all obstruction under guarantee of treaty reminiscences of these notable person- stipulations, and Dr. Martin says: 'It ages. There is a remarkable combina- was a sublime spectacle, the great pow- tion of the most ancient history of China, ers of the earth sinking their differ- with the most recent, in which China, ences of creed and joining their shields Russia, and Japan have been concerned, to protect the Church of Christ China and accurate and trustworthy accounts found it to her interest not to reject of the present status of questions still their demands.'" This was in 1858.
pending, which involve the mutual re- " The discrepancy which exists between lationship of Korea, China, and Japan the French text and the Chinese text is with the individual and combined inter- one of the anomalies of diplomatic his- ests of Russia, Germany, France, Great tory. The Chinese text contains the Britain, and the United States. The clause securing to Roman Catholic mis- Greater "Eastern question" lies in the sionarics the right of buying land and Far East. building houses in the interior, tho the French text has nothing of the kind." have conformed to the original type in By whom the attention of the Chinese every particular-beginning with tracts was first turned to the disagreement is and placards as their exciting cause, not known, but twenty-five or twenty- followed by studied negligence on the six years ago, when Dr. Martin was part of mandarins (who always conaskt to translate the article for com- trived to come too late when their aid parison, he supposed the Chinese author- was invoked), and finishing with an ities intended declaring the French text inquiry how many heads and how much the authority on all points of differ- money would satisfy the resulting ence. To this day, however, they have claims. never taken a step in that direction, Dr. Martin says, for the obvious reason "If, in 1870, the French Charge, dethat the interpolation being in Chinese, clining the offer of money and heads, there was no ground for complaint that had waited until he could have had a they had been hoodwinked. But we fleet of gunboats in the Peiho, if then must bear in mind that a Chinese Em- the whole suburb where the riot had peror, or any other chief Chinese au- occurred had been laid in ashes, and thority, could never admit that he had, the ground confiscated for a French even by accident, made a political mis- concession, the government would have take. Witness the instance of our taken care that there should not be a government tendering the Chinese gov- second riot. Being let off cheap, the antiernment the return of a large indemnity foreign mandarins felt that they could fund wrongfully paid by the Chinese to continue the process of fanning the us. On the theory of infallibility they flame of patriotism. These occurcould not and did not accept this, the rences have created an impression on funds remaining in the Treasury at the mind of a public not very well in- Washington for many years, until a formed on the subject of missions, that 'Via media was discovered. for our government to back up the missionaries by affording protection or Dr. Martin says: "If the first stage exacting redress, is equivalent to forc· in the recent history of missions was ing our religion on an unwilling people. then toleration by edict, and the second But is it forcing our religion on the the recognition of their legal status by Chinese to protect our missionaries any treaty compact, the systematic attempt more than it is forcing our commerce to crush them out by mob violence may on them to protect our merchants? No be regarded as a third stage. On this duty is plainer than that of requiring phase they entered in June, 1870, when the government of China to provide for a Catholic mission in Tientsin was de- the secUlity of our mercantile estabstroyed, and sisters, priests and a French lishments, and to leave the people free consul were murdered by the populace, to buy or sell as they may choose. led on by an ex-general of the Chinese The missionary asks the same, and no army. The minds of the people had been more. prepared by the dissemination of false rumors, and when they were wrought H But are the people unwilling to up to the required point, the mandarins have missionaries live among them? stood aloof and allowed the storm to If they were we should have had to take its course. Since that date there count many more than twenty riots have been twenty or more anti-foreign during this quarter of a century. Their -not altogether anti-mission-riots of increase has not kept pace with the sufticient magnitude to be visible across growth of the missionary work. One the seas, culminating this year in the a year in a country of such vast extent, expUlsion of missionaries from the cap- and with a missionary force of over two ital of Szechuen, and the massacre at thousand, is no proof of popular ill- K;ucheng, near Fuchow. Most of these will, but rather the reverse."
From the secular or semi·secular standpoint which Dr. Martin has occu· which there is more to hope thal!l from pied for a quarter of a century, his tes· an excessive multiplication of the fortimony concerning the prosperity of eign element. Foreign missionaries illl mission. work will be read with special large numbers will, it is true, be needed interest. We quote from it as fol· for a long time, and they will find amlows:- ple scope for their energies in the work of education and superintendence. " I can testify that they have made progress. There is, indeed, no better "If it be true, and it certainly is. testimony to that fact than the increast that the grandest enterprise that apactivity of the opposition. I hold that peals to the heart of man is the converthe results achieved afford good ground sion of the world to Christ, it is unfor expecting more brilliant results in questionable that the grandest of misthe near future. Much of the work sion fields is the empire of China. done has been of such a nature that its effect is not visible on the surface. "There is no danger of too many When works were going on which reo entering the field if our missionary suIted in the removal of those dangerous societies encourage none to offer whOo rocks called Hell Gate from one of the are not fitted by superior training. entrances to New York harbor, a care· Weak and ignorant men and women less observer might have reported that are out of place in China. In addition there was nothing to show in proportion to other qualifications, they require toto the expenditure of public funds. Yet, be strong in faith and full of the Holy deep down in the water, the roots of the Ghost:' rocks were being honeycombed with drill-holes, and when the hour came, Ohina Missionaries to Home Ohurches:, after long years of preparation, a spark from a battery sent the whole mass high and to Native Ohristians in Ohina. in the air. Over eighty missionaries, members "There are, however, visible results ofthe different missionary organizations. in full proportion to the means em· conducting missionary work in the Proployed. The one or two hundreds of vince of Foochow (Fuhkien), China, converts whom I found in connection assembled in August, 1896, at Ku-liang. with Protestant churches at my arrival near Foochow, to consider missionary in 1850, have expanded to fifty· five or affairs in their fields. sixty thousand in 1895. This, the low· est estimate, compared with the thirty- They prepared two addresses, one to' five thousand in 1890 (obtained by a the Committees and Boards of the Sosort of census), will give the rate of in· cieties in England and America, with crease. The churches, or organized whom they are connected; the other a. companies of believers, are not far from pastoral letter to Native Christians. a thousand. Some hundreds of these are supplied with native pastors, while The address to the home patrons COil>- the number of evangelists, who have a tains some statements of general intei~ roving commission to plant the Gospel est. They say:- in new fields, is greatly on the increase. Mission schools, some of which take "1. The atrocious crime of Angust. rank as colleges, are raising up large 1st, 1895, which turned the eyes of tha. numbers of yonng men well equipt world upon this part of China, has beem for this work. Numbers of students followed by the undermentioned re-· from mission schools have been drafted sults:- into the new university at Tientsin, and the demand for such is certain to ex· (a.) The fact that neither the Mistend. Here, then, is an agency from sionary Societies of England and Amer"", ica, whose interests were involved, nor the relatives of those who lost their lives at Hwa-Sang have askt for thlt slightest compensation, has afforded to the world a conspicuous example of the. disinterested motives of the missionary the Redeemer from sin under these cir- societies and their agents. cumstances. "
(b.) The abundant wealth of prayer The Pastoral Address to Native Chris- which has ascended from all churches tians, exhorts loyalty to government, in all parts of the world since the mas- and love of neighbors, warns all Chinese sacre of August 1st has been manifestly guilty of crime against seeking refuge followed by a wide·spread and general from Jegal penalties by professing the movement towards Christianity among Christian religion; declares that none .all classes of the population, and in all should expect foreign governments to parts of the province, but especially in compel the Chinese government to alter the neighborhood of Foochow and the its ordinary laws, or modes of execu- northern part of the province. tion of the same. In cases involv- ing religious liberty guarenteed under (c.) The knowledge of this move- treaties with foreign governments, no ment. and the fact that in many places discriminating legislation should be hundreds have joined the local sought; if the case cannot be settled churches, has caused a feeling of un- amicably, and it be found necessary to easi.ness in the minds of the Chinese appeal to the courts, this should be authorities. And parallel with the done in the usual way, no missionary above movement there is noticeable being askt to adopt the case. "Chinese on the part of the local authorities an Christians should remember that in the organized effort to repress and to providence of God, they are Chinese; intimidate the people from joining that the regular government taxes are the Christian churches by harrassing light comparatively, and that the the native Christians and discrimin- present untrustworthiness of the people, ating against them in every possible the system of yamen fees for service circumstance and on every possible oc- rendered is unavoidable." Even if for- casion. eign missionaries and counsels appeal to the officials in behalf of native (2.) "In a Ch,istian land, when a Christians who suffer wrong and loss, man turns to Christ it is because he is they have no official relations or rights ~onscious of sin, and longs for forgive- to interpose, and can only exert a moral ness and emancipation. In a heathen influence in the premises, and even this land the reason for turning to Christ may must be cautiously exerted,· or they will well be more imperfect and more mixt." induce hatred of Christianity and of Christians, among officials for their in- It may be that it is "not hunger for terference. Missionaries at most can spiritual things which gives this move- only appeal to their counsels, and this ment its growing impulse, but certainly should be restricted to cases of perse- .ood's Spirit is at work in those who are cution. invoking Christian help. The desire for freedom, for alleviation in the social Many Christians are persecuted be- scale, for many good things in the world cause of their refusal to contribute like these. may possibly form the main money for the support of idolatry and .spring of the movement." . • • " To for immoral purposes. The mission- .help on such a movement and to make aries remind the native Christians that it Bubserve the highest spiritual interests the treaties of the government with is indeed the grandest work in which it Christian nations pledge the Imperal is open for men and women to engage." government to protect any person, We therefore plead for the absolute official or citizen in the full exercise of legitimacy of this stage of the Chinese his religious liberty, and say that for . Dation's cry to God. Patience with the many years t,he officials at Foochow, crudeness of such a movement, gener- from District Magistrate to Viceroy and ous support, hopeful prayer and stead- Tartar General, have proclaimed the fast labor, will lift the hearts drawn to Christ up to a higher faith in Him as rights of Christians to be exempt from Poverty of Some Native Obristians in taxation for temple service or immoral Ohina. proceedings. BY MISS MARY ELIN CARLETON, M. D., In the case of property rights held in FOOCHOW, CHINA. common with heathen relatives, they say: " With respect to property shared I have wanted to write for a long year by year in rotation, we recommend time on a subject that greatly engrosses that the Christians in the several pre- my thought; that is, what are we to fectures, or in the entire province, unite do for our native Christians who are and present the case to their officials, living in such destitution as defies de- showing the injustice that must result scription. Some are in such poverty in case the Christians on account of because their former means of livelihood moral inability to perform ancestral was connected with idol worship-i. 6.
worship, should be deprived of their making idol-money, commonly called share in their patrimony. To aid in the "Joss-money," also making incense- mlttter, it could be suggested that the sticks. Of course, when they become money for the sacrifices and feasts Christians, they can not continue in should be divided among those entitled such employment. Then again, there to it, and the balance belong to the are many who had DO employment be- party who has the control of the prop- fore they became Christians. Let me erty for the year. Or the proposition tell of a few instances.
might be made that the expenses for I have living near me, so near ~hat I the repair of graves should be provided might practically say living with me, a annually and the rest go to the man- family consisting of twelve persons.
ger for the year, or, that the property Formerly they had been very wealthy, be equitably divided among the heirs. but the head man was an only child, The last course would naturally be the petted and indulged to a fatal degree.
rule if all the heirs became Christians. When he wisht to study, he did so, In such application to the officials, it whenhe wisht to play, he was allowed should of course be shown that Chris· free bent to his will-consequently he tians are not wanting in filial piety, tho grew up unrestrained, undisciplined, they refuse to sacrifice to their ancestors. knowing no will but his own. When " With respect to reforms in marriage he took up opium smoking, his father and social customs, such as the protec- willingly sold field after field, that tion of widows from the power of their he might have the wherewithal to late husbands' relatives; the daughter's gratify his poisoned appetite. A few right to share in her father's property; years ago Dr. Sites, having business the matter of infant betrothals; the relations with this house, got an influ- selling of daughters to be slave girls, ence over this man, then a middle-aged and other questions which may arise, man with a large family, and so poor, the same general method may be fol- that they could scarcely keep body and lowed." soul together. By sheer love and stick- The necessity for the proclamation of to-it-iveness, Sites led him to Christ these directions shows some of the dif- an~ stood by him till opium smoking ficulties in the way of progress of mis- and many kindred sins were conquered.
sions; but the fact that thousands of As his buried manhood was resurrected, Chinese converts, become such at the his conscience quickened, he wanted to risk of the loss of all things, and remain work and support his family, but what such in the teeth of persecution, to the could he do? Totally unfit for any- shedding of their blood in many in- thing, without strength or skill for stances, marks the integrity and stabil- manual labor, without knowledge suffi- ity of the Chinese Christian communi- cient to teach or preach-his children, cants. [J. T. G.] most of them born when his family were in deep degradation, are slender, greatly overcrowded, so most of the miserable, and sick a great deal of the time. It is understood that sixty gold work goes to younger and abler men. cents will provide food enough for one person a month, so that $7.20 would be The mother earned a pittance by taking required to support this family of twelve for one month. But what are their a baby to nurse. You will understand assets? By most careful computation I reckoned they are able to earn from to what extremities they were driven, $2.50 to $3.00 per month; then they have a little garden, about thirty feet when I tell you that when this little square. You may well ask the question I askt of my Bible woman-If $7.20 baby-boarder died, the womanborrowed is necessary for their food, and they have only $3.00, how can they live? a baby once a month and went to the "Well," said dear old lIrs. Huie Mu, "they cook what rice they have, and Roman Catholic Foundling Home, those who have any work in view, eat the kernels of rice, and those who have where the baby belonged, and got her no work, with the little children, have the rice water;" i. e., the water the rice wages. You may say that was inexis boiled in. One glance at this family would convince you of the truth of this. cusable conduct for a Christian woman, Again, I know a woman, who is one but remember, it was to keep her own of our Bible women, receiving $1.00 per month for her services. With that children from starving to death before she must support herself, her invalid husband and an idiotic son. Again, her own eyes-and again, she had only some epidemic or other carried off every member of a family, save a little boy of been out of heathendom a few months. twelve years and his betrothed little wife of nine years. This little girl Well, we heard the other day that the found her way to one of our pastors, saying, she had heard he was a good whole family were nearly starved, so man, but she said to me, "It is too bad for me to impose myself on this good much so, that their heads were fairly man as he has a big family of his own, but what can I do ? My brother," as dizzy for want of food. Now, we can't she calls her be trotht, "can only keep himself." turn these cases off. God has sent Now, one more case, and I will re- them to us. Every other missionary frain, tho every case could be mul- has her hands full-we cannot simply tiplied by a hundred. There is a family Jtive them money and call our duty in Foochow City, consisting of a man done-I cannot tell you how disastrous of fifty years of age, his wife, a girl of it would be to give such Christians sixteen, and three younger children. money. Too often. as it is, we have They have recently become Christians our Christians called "rice-Christians" , by seeing the power of God to save the -we must give them work. Not all sick when this man was at the point of can be preachers, catechists, Bibledeath, and when the daughter was women, or school-teachers. 'Ve canrecovered from ,. devil possession."- not undertake anything along their own The man is a tailor, but that business, lines of work, for already there are ten like all others, especially in the city, is persons to every one required. _ There is a growing demand for knit- ted goods-stockings, socks, children's caps. I want crochet-hooks, knitting- needles, Germantown yarn of bright colors, stocking-yarn – black, blue, gray, and white-but best of all would be a simple knitting machine, with yarn to work it. I feel sure that with such capital provided, they would soon be- come self-supporting.
Now don't fancy I am leaving my medical work and going into the stock- ing business, but I must not leave these needy ones to face the battle of life unaided. "He that bath this world's goods and seeth his hrother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compas- sion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"
Two Recent Books on Buddhism.
"Buddhism in Translations," by Henry Clarke Warren, publisht at Cambridge, Mass., by Harvard Uni- versity. 8vo, pp. xx+250, $1.20.
This book meets a distinct need of students of Buddhism who are not ac- the ritual and discipline of the priestquainted with the classical languages hood, and some remarks on the conof India; it gives them a knowledge of duct befitting the laity. the subject which is not only first hand, but also systematic. .Mr. Warren gives The selections cover all important us translations of a series of excerpts points of Buddhist doctrine. }Ir. Warfrom the Buddhistic sacred literature, ren has acquitted himself well in the judiciously selected and carefully ar- difficult task of translating Pali theo- ranged under appropriate headings, to logical writings into English. Not only afford a fairly complete and orderlyac- is his translation exact, but his English count of the Buddha, his doctrine, and is elegant. The book will be of value the religious order which he founded. to missionaries in Buddhistic communi- ties, and to all who have occasion to Mr. Warren's book represents what understand Buddhism.-REV. DAVID is known as the Southern school of GILMORE, PrOfessor Rangoon Oollege, Buddhism, whose sacred literature is Burma. in the Pali language, whose chief seat is in Ceylon, and which prevails Almost directly in contrast with throughout Burma and Siam. The Warren's "Buddhism in Translation" excerpts in this book are taken from is a smaller work, and a popular one, Pali literature exclusively. Most of .. Primitive Buddhism: its Origin and them come from the Tipitaka, the Teachings," by Elizabeth A. Reed, Buddhist Bible; but a number are A.M., already well known as the author taken from the Milinda Pai'iha, and the Visuddltimag.qa-two works which (tho of "Hindu Literature," "Persian Litnot canonical) are accepted by Southern erature," etc. (Scott, Foresman & Co., Buddhists as authoritative statements Chicago,$l). The admiration of Buddh- ()f their belief. ism is just now a "fad" on thc part of a class of persons who have neither the The excerpts in this book are arranged culture nor the earnestness to become in five chapters, each of which is pro- even superficially acquainted with its vided with an introductory discourse. philosophy, its tenets, or its effects on There is also a general introduction and society. The author appositely says, :an excellent index. "theories have been advocated as to the doctrines of Buddhism of which its The first chapter treats of the life of founder never heard, and 'statements Gautama, the Buddha. It is introduced have been made upon the modern platwith the resolution which he formed in a form which could astonish no one 80 previous stage of existence, to attain the much as Gautama and his early follow- Buddhaship. Passing very briefly over his intermediate existences, it recounts ers." fully his birth, his retirement from the The manuscript of this volume was world, his attainment of Buddhaship, subjected to the criticisms of some of his daily habits and his death. Pali the most distinguisht savants of Euliterature affords no account of his life rope, and thoughtfully discust byemibetween the commencement of his min- nent Orientalists. Like Warren's work, istry and his death. it is mainly a compilation of translated texts from primitive sources. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 deal with Buddba's doctrine. Chapter 2, entitled The author rightly estimates Buddha .. Sentient Existence," treats of that as ., the prince of pessimists," who denial of "an ego," of .. a continuous ,, nowhere alludes to the happiness personal identity," of .. an underlying which may be derived from health, persistent reality," which is the chief friends, love, or existence in a world of source of confusion in the study of beauty." Monier Williams affirms cor- Buddhism, inasmuch as it is explicitly rectly when he says, "Buddhism has no creator, no creation, no original germ denied and implicitly assumed in the of all things, no soul of the world, no system of thought. personal, no impersonal, no supermun- dane, no antemundane plinciple." Of Chapter 3 treats of Karma and rebirth. all the dreary wastes which manJdnd have been invited to contemplate, the Chapter 4 treats of Nirvana, and of dreariest, dismalest and surest of rethat system of meditation or trance sulting in disaster and dismay, Buddhwhich is supposed to lead to Nirvana. ism easily stands, unchallenged, the Neither the excerpts in this section nor first. We commend •'Primitive Buddhthe introduction thereto, afford us a ism" to those who feel impelled to definition of Nirvana; yet the book acquire some knowledge of this diBmaZ sheds much light on the Buddhist conception of Nirvana. 8wamp."-J. T. G.
The fifth chapter gives samples of
FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY
III.-FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY.
BY DBLAVAlII' L. PIERSON.
* China,* Tibet, t Formosa, Oonfuoian- ment allegiance; (d) the prohibition of ism, § Taoism, Opium. Tra.flio." the practice of foot binding; (6) the pro- hibition of opium smoking; (f) the pro- THE GOSPEL IN CHINA. tection of a free press. These involve great changes. To secure them outside The war with Japan and the late help is required. A British protectorate tour of Li Hung Chang have recently would :he a boon for China. drawn unusual attention toward China, "2. The construction of extensive railroads, bridges, tunnels, canals, etc., and there is a very general anticipation is tending to upset heathen belief, and of some markt change in China's home Is opening to Europe a trade in China's and foreign policy. Altho the" Celes- 34,000 square miles of coal beds, oil tials" move slowly, and in many respects and mineral products, so that the devel- opment of the wealth and industry of are still' far behind Japan and India, China is assured. they have already made many strides "3. The adoption of Western methsince missionaries first entered their territory nearly a century ago. In the ods and ideas will help her. She is getting her eyes opened. Education is acknowledged as of value and schools opening up of the various ports of the are in demand. Empire to commerce and missionary "4. To-day China is beginning to work, in governmental protection for believe that Christianity is a prime factor in the progress of Western naforeigners, in the general attitude of the tions. "5. Her appeal to our missionaries masses toward Westerners, and in read- for a knowledge of science, art, literainess to accept foreign institutions and tureand general learning is a hopeful inventions, there is evidence of very sign."
markt advance. The future promises The great need of China to-day is two-fold-more believing payer for the still further progress, both in civiliza- preparation of the hard hearts of these idolators, and a more 8eif-sacrijicing 8pirit tion and Christianity. Dr. B. C. Henry on the part of Christians at home, lead- ing them to give themselves and their has thus summarized the reasons for substance, that these ignorant, degraded taking a hopeful view of the outlook: .. 1. The demand for a change in the administration of the central government. A manifesto has already been issued, demaJ;lding (a) a change in the and helpless multitudes may have an constitutional government; (b) the re- opportunity to accept the Gospel. moval of incapable rulers; (c) the removal of the 'cue' as a sign of govern- While there are now some 1,900 Pro- testant missionaries in China, there • For additional Information concerning the would have to be over 500,000 more Ji'ield# of Monthly Survey see REVIEW Index sent out in order to give to China the for 1896 (December number). same proportion of ordained ministers See also p. 46 (January), 95, 102, 116,128,124, 129; 181 (present Issue). as the United States, and were this New Books: " A Cycle of Cathay," W. A. P, republic supplied in the same propor- tion, we should only have 140 ordained Martin; "Alone in China," Julian Ralph; ministers for the whole of the United "Sketch of the History of Missions in China,"
D. Willard Lyon.
Recent Articles: "China, England and'Rus- States I We have 80,000. "If all the sia," Fortnightly Review (Oct.), "Secret Christians but 750 were taken out of Soci~ties in China," Blac~ood's (Dec.); London, and their places filled by Gospel in all Lands (Feb.); China's Millions heathen, scarcely any of whom had (Monthly).
t See alSo p. 91 (present issue). ever seen a Bible or heard of a Savior, :I: New Book: "Formosa," Wm. Campbell. and among them 19 missionaries (in- § New Book: "Proverbial Philosophy of cluding wives) were put to WPrk with Confucius," F. H. Jennings. '''If Recent Article: "Opium Traftl.c in France," some 60 native agents, that would be a Chautauquan (Oct,.). fair representation of what is being done by Protestant Christendom to win Rev William Brewster, of Hinghwa, . China for Christ." China, sends us an interesting account But with all the disadvantages, the paucity of men and means, the un- of a recent tour in Fuh.kien Province. willingness of the natural heart to turn from idols to serve the living and We regret not having space to print the true God, the harvests which have been reapt in China are very encouraging, whole report, but in substance his com.: and show unmistakable proof of Divine approval and blessing. munication is as follows: The Statistics* of Missionary So- "Three years ago Brother Ng long Seng, a good earnest man, with excel.. cieties in China are in part as follows lent sense and immense industry, but with perhaps the least education of any (1894): …~ :.i of our 70 preachers, determined to be- " " ".. g I0i:!'!"l 0 gin work in a new region across the Nllnc 0" SOCIETY. ~~ . o! border of the county of Sing-iu, a half Ii: day's journey distant from his old field in the Heo-Sang circuit. His first and :z: ~ to only auditor at this new place was won – – – ~ pt,<H,~'-);I- to Christ, and is now a very effective ~ E-4 junior preacher on the circuit. From this one genuine convert the work BRITISH, IBISHAND CANADIAN. spread into a large market town, a half day's journey beyond. Last ~larch we h~ftts'hnF~~~~~"nn:~a ~~gl~tloo:: 1807 44 SS 21 98 held a three day's camp-meeting, at 1848 9 7 ••• 16 which the pastor and eight or ten of the Church Missionary Society…•• 1844 46 S1 SS 110 new converts were present. This little English Baptist …..•.•..•…..• 1845 21 17 .•. SS band were all baptized with the Spirit, English Presbyterian..••……• 1847 81 t18 18 67 and went back to tell the glad tidings. Wesleyan Missionary Society•. 1852 16 t8 2 26 Within two weeks after they returned, tMethodlst New Connection… 1860 7 4 1 12 I was asked to confirm the appointment tSri'.~~t);l~~a1fg:.~.t~~.~. ~:. ~:: 1864 55 of II man to a new place. No money was asked for, it having been provided United Presbyterian of Scotl'd. 1865 14 t6 2 22 by the little company of converts. Soon China Inland Mission•…..••••. 1865 241 120 232 593 another, and yet another place was tUnlted Methodist Free Church 1868 8 8 6 opened In the same way. We were National Bible Soc. of Scotl'd.. 1869 8 t6 14 askt to hold another camp-meeting ] Urlsh Presbyterian…………. 1869 4 4 9 on their circuit, and promist to d() Canadian Presbyterian•..••.••. 1871 12 8 22 so during the latter part of May. I i~l:a£ytllw,au~~~oo~ °Jc~g~n"J: 1874 9 2 13 went to Gia-tau, where the meeting was 1879 1 1 2 to be held, and a mile out was met by a !Blble Christians .•••…•….••.. 1885 4 t2 procession of 50 or 60 Christians with Society of Friends…………. 1886 1 1 6 banners and native instruments, and S conducted to the house where the meetoc. for DltTuslon of Gen. II4ld 1886 2 1 8 ing was in progress. Through some Christian Knowledge….•…. misunderstanding the date of the meet- – – – :tCburch of Eng. Zenana Mlss'n1888 5 5 ing had been put three days earlier than 1891 "6 "2 2 10 I had expected, but the people had come Canadian Methodist ••.•.•….•. 1080 together 70 or 80 strong, and when I Total British, Irish and Can. …. 479 274 – reacht there they had already been holding the meetings for four days, 327 four services a day, beginning with a sunrise prayer· meeting. It meant much AMXlUCAN. to these people, mostly poor farmers, t() spend a whole week at a camp-meeting A.B.C. F.M……………….. 1830 47 4S 27 117 during the planting season. The testi- A.B.M.U……..••.•…..•….. 1324 84 26 18 78 mony meetings were remarkable. There Protestant Episcopal •••.•••.••• 1885 18 9 5 27 was no time even to sing, much less the ~~~bJ~~~'l,nl~Nl'~~J: 1885 76 69 S5 160 need of saying' Brethren, don't let the 1DutcIij: 1842 7 7 7 21 time go to waste.' In voluntary prayer, Methodist Episcopal (North) .•. 1847 54 45 41 140 not less than a dozen would pray in Seventh Day Baptist……….•• 1847 1 1 2 4 quick succession, always right to the Sonthern·Baptlst Convention•. 1847 15 15 8 SS point and very brief. A number of the Methodist Ep,lscopnl (South) .•. 1848 16 7 9 32 men are scholars or literary men, con- Woman's Union Mission …. o •• 1859 8 8 verted through the influence of their 1867 '24 'is 8 50 comparatively ignorant pastor, and all r:'~i~::~~b~'1;~~~~ty::::::: : 1876 2 4 look up to him. Nine men testified to 1886 11 2 "s 24 For. Christian Missionary Soc.. 1887 2 10 1 8 1869 1 2 4 i!m. Scandinavian Conrseg't'l "i United Brethren In Chr st.••.. ternat'l Missionary Alliance. 1389 46 4 32 32 – Total American ….••••••••••. 849 257 206 812 CONTINENTAL.
Basle Mission.•••••.•.•••••••.•.. 1847 24 18 1 4S Rhenish Mission…………….. 1847 7 7 7 21 … JPe~rl~nJ;~~~~~~~. 1350 ~~~~~: ::: ::: 1632 11 5 7 8t5 1S … tGen. Evangel. Protes. Mission 1324 1 ••• 1 – – – Total Continental•.••.••..•.•. …. 41 31 – 18 85 Grand Total••••••••.••••…. 869 562 546 1977 • From D. W. Lyon'l .. Sketch of the History of Protestant Missions In China."
*.t Reports In these ca.es were not exbanltlve as to the number of marrIed womf"n. These are the ~ tor 1890. ! baving been saved from the opium hab- territo17, but it will probably be some , it. I baptized over 40 adults, everyone of time before sufficient quiet is restored whom keeps the Sabbath strictly, can , answer intelligently questions regarding to allow missiona17 work to progress as the fundamental truths of God as Fath- er, and Christ as Savior. All are accus- prosperously as before the war. The tomed to testify and pray in public, as sto17 of this wonderful work has been well as in private; and all give of their substance to the support of the Gospel; told in two intensely interesting vol- and, as far as we were able to discover, all have broken off entirely from their umes, which deal both with *tihne work (lId idolatrous customs, and the sins of of the English Presbyterians South their former life. At one place, far up Formosa and that of the Can~dian (In a high mountain, where there is but (lne village with about 60 inhabitants, a Presbyterians t in the north man heard the Gospel, and accepted it at once. The women of his family The Opium Curse. could not attend church on account of the great distance and bad roads, 80 he The following is a translation of a offered to pay $24.00 a year, and fur- small sheet which has been issued late- nish house· room for a pa~tor. Now ly in connection with an Opium Refuge there are a dozen converts in the village, at T'ai Yuen Fu, and is being also used and no doubt it ~ill ere long be a Chris- on other stations :- tian village. This man probably spends SO per cent. of his entire income for the "Of all things in this world that support of the Gospel. He says, 'I harm men, nought surpasses opium; inused to spend much money on idolatry. juring manners and destroying customs; I would be ashamed to spend less money overturning homes and laying waste for the true religion than I did for a patrimonies-eve17where it acts thus. false one.' These people are also' giv- But none appear to think of the mising themselves unto the Lord.' Four chief of opium, which is like a flood of men have already been appointed to poison unrestrained. It is the cause of these new places from among the new anxiety to one's parents and also to the converts. They are all men of educa- wife. When the wealthy take it, it tion and culture; some of them were shortens their years, deprives them of well-to-do, and are making markt posterity, and wastes any amount of tlnancial sacrifices to go into the work. money. When the poor take it, clothes These people seem heartily to believe are exchanged for it, or pawned away, that 'it is more blessed to give 'than to while they suffer from the extremes of receive,' and cheerfully contribute not hunger and cold. Thus do men lay hold (lnly for their own support, but to help of error, and do not awake and perceive their more needy brethren in neighbor- how things are and repent. With such ing towns. When the spirit that is in things God is not pleased, but He sent these men becomes general among the Jesus into the world on purpose to save Chinese native Christians, the church men from their sins, and assist them in will propagate itself. and support itself. their sorrows ; therefore here is the holy • All things are possible to him that doctrine taught that men may forsake believeth.' " wickedness for righteousness, and give up falsehood for tmth, and repent of FORMOSA. everything that is harmful and inju- Since this island was acquired by rious; as the Scripture says (of Jesus), , I came not to call the righteous, but Japan, natives have been in a continual sinners to repentance.' The disciples of Jesus, desirous of imitating His state of ferment, sometimes breaking example, came from the West to China, respectfully desirous of assisting men (lut into open rebellion, and at other to repent. If there are any who, clearly- seeing the harm done to them times only submitting under compul- by OpIUm, determine to cut it short, and will quickly come to the 'Salvation sion to the occupation of the land by Hall,' then, according to proper pre- scriptions, taking the necessary medithe Japanese. The strategic import- cines, from within twenty-one days to a month, whether old or young, with a ance of the island is recognized by the strong or weak craving, they may make a clean sweep of the opium, and, leavnew rulers, and they have now well- ing this false road, return to the true way. This is what we earnestly denigh brought it under complete control. sire."
The Japanese Christians have shown *"Missionary Successes In Formosa," by their zeal by making plans to send their Wm. Campbell.
own missionaries to the newly acquired t"From Far Formosa," byGeo. L. Mackay.
EDITORIAL DEPAUTMENT
IV.-EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
The Maroh of Events. because they stand so related to mis- sions. But in every part of the world The plague and famine in India pre· there is at this time a peculiar aspect of sent two of the most important and affairs, which invites ample discussion. weighty facts that now confront us, next The atrocities in Armenia still go on ; to the Armenian horrors which lie on and the appeals for the destitute are so all thoughtful people like a nightmare. emphatic and agonizing that many feel that there can be no attention paid to Toward the close of last September any other calls until these are attended a peculiar fever broke out in a part of to; and yet the need is so great it seems Bombay, attended by a singular fatality almost hopeless to meet it, and almost among rats, and it was soon identified useless unless the Turk can be held in with the plague that two or three years check. ago broke out in Hongkong. Tho considered comparatively mild, about Cuban affairs threaten to involve the two-thirds of the cases are fatal, tho it United States in a war with Spain, and does not seem contagious, nor does it a general state of disquietude and alarm abate. 011e week the death-rate ex- or uncertainty prevails. ceeded by 300 the rate of any period for nveyearspreceding. Within two months The half bankrupt condition of some nearly 100,000 Hindus left the city. missionary boards, and tlle measures of Various precautionary measures were retrenchment which seem to be needful, taken to prevent the spread of the -these are the features of discourageplague, and much prayer was offered ment against which it is hard to conby believe rs. Meanwile outside of tend. Bombay a famine is spreading over a large area. Since the monsoon the Dr. W. A. P. Martin has returned to price of food has in some parts doubled. China. It is nearly half a century since Already there has been a year's dearth he first went, when, with his brother, he in the Hindee neld in Central India, began work at Ningpo, where he spent where hundreds have starved to death, six years, which he looks back on as the and the sight of children, not to say most fruitful of his life, and where he adults, in every stage of disease and was qualified to act as interpreter to the want, is almost too terrible for believers American plenipotentiaries, Messrs. to bear who seek to be ministers of God Reed and Ward, in the treaties with to them. The details are too bad for China. Afterward he determined to reproduction. It looks as tho a large move further north and undertake an section of the Marathi country would educational mission work, and this become a similar scene of suffering. opened the way to the presidency of the Riots have become common where the Imperial Tungwen College and a prostarving people forcibly sieze what they tracted stay at the capital. He now recannot buy, and the police are some- turns joyfully, in his maturest life, and times unable to protect the shops. we wish he might spend there another •• Khandesh is sure to suffer unless rain "cycle" of "Cathay." He is better shortly falls," was the report in the fitted than ever to act as a wise counmiddle of October. Jowari was burn- sellor and competent teacher and ading up with drought, and the north- ministrator. west, north and central provinces seem threatened with a repetition of the suf- Our dear friend, the secretary of the ferings of twenty years ago. Presbyterian Board, Robert E. Speer, has been seriously ill at Hamadan, Per- These events we give prominence to sia, with typhoid. He had intended to sail for India by the middle of De- most effectual ministry to the une~an.
cember, but was detained. Already gelized.
his visit to the East has left a markt The last report, covering 1895,tells the impression wherever he has been. He story of seven years; and this last year thoroughly studied up the countries to exceeds all the others. Some of its facts which he was going, and surprised should be borne in mind as an incentive brethren on the ground by showing in to others to follow his example. 'rhe many respects a familiarity with the missionary money up to Nov. 12 this conditions of field which they them- year, 1896, is upwards of $19,000.00, selves did not possess. of which his own congregation of per- haps 200 people have, without any On October 13th of last year, our be- pressure, given over $4,000.00. The loved brother, Rev. D. M. Stearns, of map of the world is kept ever before Germantown, bade adieu to his beloved them, and they are taught that they are wife, who, after less than two days' debtors tothe whole unsaved world,and illness, departed for a higher home. trustees of the Gospel of salvation, and She had shared all his work for the that each of them iS,to regard himself Lord, and was to him a help, meet for as responsible for bringing the Gospel him. Noone knows the extent of the to every living soul as soon as possible.
loss and sorrow that came to our , What could not be done by a few hun- brother, who nevertheless bears up dred such men as Pastor Stearns, who with a fortitude and patience only would follow this hitherto untrodden learned of God. Some years ago this path in Bible study and missionary brother, in a conversation with me, work? He is now teaching a monthly heard me emphasize the fact that the Bible class at Princeton University, church is not a man's field but his and his influence is constantly ex· force wherewith to work in the world panding. Most of the mission funds field, and this seed of truth found in he collects go through regularly organ- him such a soil as to bring fonh liter- ized channels, and the paper, King- ally an hundred·fold. Witness the wide dom Tiding8, has a circulation of about dissemination of the Gospel through 3,000. Of the nearly $10,000 that the this man, his parish and his Bible synod of the Reformed Episcopal classes now held over so wide a terri- Church of New York and Philadelphia tory. And now in the departure of his gave to the foreign work from Oct.,1895, wife, he is asking whether God means to Oct., 1896, over $4,500 came from to open a new door of wider usefulness; Pastor Stearns' congregation, the other whether in leaving him alone He may twenty or more parishes giving the rest.
not be leaving him free ttl go through They give to the Reformed Episcopal the world-field on a wider ministry to Church; Mr. Stearns' congregation give souls. This 'devoted brother, who to the whole Church.
watches keenly the signs of the times, watches also the signs of God's will in Since the Editor's note appeared in his own life, studying to know the the October issue of 1896, on the Ben- Divine plan and fall into his own lot in oliel Mission in Jerusalem, some vigor- it, ready for any service which his Lord, ous letters of remonstrance have been the King, may appoint. received from parties who consent that ,Certainly it would seem as though their names should appear; and promi- God has for him some increasingly use- nent among them is Rev. Edwin S.
ful future. He has projected what is Wallace, American Consul at Jerusalem, essentially a new method of working a who does not hesitate to express his dis- parish into a missionary agency, and his satisfaction with the position taken by Bible classes are in effect a larger parish the Editor in the paragraphs referred to. rn enlisted in a similar way on a wide and self·defence the Editor will only say that for more than a year-in fact, since brief notes in the October number, he some time before Dr. Gordon's death- will see that no endorsement of Mr. he and his lamented co-editor sought to Benoliel is therein contained, as there trace unfavorable rumors concerning was no personal knowledge on which to Mr. Benoliel to some satisfactory rest iuch sanction. All that is affirmed source, and to obtain some data in the is, what was true, that after a year way of definite charges founded upon spent in diligent investigation, nothing definite facts, upon which to -base an had been found worthy of credence, or intelligent judgment of the merits of sustained by any reliable proof; and the case. But, up to the time of re- that nothing assailing his piety, integ- ceiving Mr. Wallace's letter, not one rity or loyalty to Christ had been sup- clue had been given to the situation. ported by adequate evidence. On the Dr. Gordon had received some com- contrary, the testimony of my friend, munications from a Mr. T. J. Alley, Arthur W. Payne, of London, as wen and Rev. Selah Merrill, which he, with as of R. Scott }ioncrieff, of Edinburgh, the aid of a lawyer, undertook to in- and other parties in Great Britain, some vestigate. He has himself publisht of them connected with work among the result of the investigation, and he the Jews, was entirely in his favor. saw his way not only to vindicate Mr. Benoliel, but to assist him, and encour- In now adding these paragraphs, the age others to do so. Personally, the Editor can only say that he has desired Editor-in-Chief gave no attention to to be fair, impartial and umpirical in these communications, and was not this whole matter, and treat a brother responsible for his colleague's action. who has been accused as entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven When, however, separate letters were guilty. The amazing prejudice existing sent to me, after Dr. Gordon's death, I everywhere against the Jew, the prevailat once undertook for myself to trace inganti Semitic spirit, makes it very easy unfavorable rumors, and find some solid to create a bias against any brother whobasis on which to rest a judgment. I is a Jew, and seeks to work among his· wrote to parties accusing him, and brethren-a bias easier to create than among others to Rev. E. S. Wallace, remove. While thus seeking to do a for whose character and reputation I simple act of justice to a maligned had high esteem, asking for something party, the Editor of this REVIEW must that was worthy to be made the basis not be understood as giving his sanction of such accusation. It seemed to me or the sanction of this periodical tu Mr. then, as now, both unwise and unfair Benoliel, for the sufficient reason that to give currency to damaging reports, he is unable to vouch for him by any where no one was found to make dis- personal knowledge of his work; and tinct charges of misconduct or unfaith- he must leave to those who are inclined fulness; and yet, up to the date of re- to aid him to satisfy themselves by such ceiving Mr. Wallace's letter, about Dec. methods of investigation and through 15 ult., no 'I'e8po7UI6 had ever come to my such parties, as are open to them. It hands. Not having visited Jerusalem, nevertheless remains true, whatever my only way to investigate was by let- may be the reason, that a singular suster or conversation with visitors and picion seems to hang about almost every residents. .And the only party who did man who is a Jew, and who, as a conreply to my communications was R. verted Jew, seeks to carryon mission Scott Moncrieff, Esq., whose endorse- work among his fellow-Israelites. Ament of Mr. Benoliel was as unquali- man lately said to me: "They are aU fied as the charges of some others were Jacoba yet. not IS'I'ae18." hostile. Under these circumstances the Editor felt bound to state just the It should be added, in order to bafacts, and if the reader will recur to the fair to all parties concerned, that no in- tentional reflection was made upon any particular party in the remark of the These schools quietly helped to per- Editor that Mr. Benoliel seemed the vade the country with the Gospel. Por- victim of persecution. The reference tions of the Word were daily learned, was to sundry anonymous reports and and often as regularly recited at home.
attacks which have come to our know- It is an interesting fact that the Queen ledge, but which we have been unable of Spain herself once heard the Gospel to trace to any responsible source. In recited by a child from the Protestant all t11is matter but one conscious desire school, who had been put into a Roman has controlled, namely, to do just as we Catholic school, that was honored by a would have others do to us. royal visit. Some 5,000 children in all had come under the influence of Mr. Albert R. Fenn, whose death, these schools when Mr. Fenn's health Aug. 3, 1896, was briefly noticed in compelled him, in 1895, to withdraw these pages, was born in London in finaIly from the little church in Cham- 1832, and had spent forty-four years in beri.
his Master's service. For some years At his death, a very pathetic com- he was connected with George Muller's munication was sent to his widow from school work, and engaged in various the church. It was signed by all who forms of Gospel work in the neighbor- could write, and bore strong witness to hood. In 1861, he gave himself wholly the marvelous strength and tenderness to evangelistic and pastoral work, look· of the tie that bound this faithful pastor, ing directly to God for support, and loving father and wise counsellor to his until his life closed he continued this people.
life of faith and prayer. Wherever in England he labored, Backwell, Yalton, In the September number of the RE- Weston-super-Mare, Kingsbridge, etc., VIEW mention was made of a medical he left the impress of his catholic spirit, work by Dr. Frank Ross, which would and united prayer-meetings are even yet be sent by· him free to missionaries.
held in Kingsbridge, where he initiated Numerous applications have since then them. 'When the Spanish revolution, been made to the Editor for copies of in 1868, opened the door to the land of his book. To one and all such appli· the Inquisition, he and his wife, with cants the Editor would herein say that four children, went forth, trusting he has not yet been able to ascertain wholly in God. For three years he and Dr. Ross' address, and that, when he Mrs. Henry Payne wrought together in does, he will publish it in these pages.
Barcelona, and then joined Mr. Charles This must serve instead of private cor- Faithfull in Madrid. There, by his respondence on the subject.
holy and blameless life, not lcss than his preaching, he rebuked the abound- In the review of the one volume bio- ing wickedness even of profest religious graphy of John G. Paton, it should guides, and by his honesty and punctu- have been mentioned that the two vol- ality in business, presented a markt umes in one are thus furnisht by Revell contrast to the deceitful and procrasti- at $1.50-one-half of the cost of the nating Spaniard. He was known in the previous two·volume edition. Thisnew little Chamberi Chapel as "the Saint." edition is printed from the same plates, Unti11892, Messrs. Mllller and Wright, and has over 800 pages. If there is any of Bristol, assumed the support of the more interesting book on missions, we day-schools and Sunday-schools, but for have not seen it.
the rest of the work all supplies were in answer to prayer, and yet there was The Editor intends to give ampler no delay in meeting all dues, and the space to the review of books than schools had latterly an attendance of hitherto. Authors and publishers who four or five hundred children daily. have sent on books for examination will kindly take notice that the absence Among medical missionaries, there of the Editor in Great Britain for six are at least two abroad who are the months in 1896 caused all such work to peers of any physicians and surgeons at fall into arrears. But it is his intention home. One is Dr. George E. Post, of to give careful examination to all books Syria, who has performed more major sent either from Europe or America, cases of surgery than probably any man for review, and to send to the parties abroad; and the other is Dr. Kerr, of from whom they come markt copies of Canton, of whom the U. S. Consulthe REVIEW in which they are review- General in that city remarkt that he ed. If those who forward books will undertook cases that Philadelphia sursend them to the Editor's residence, geons would not risk, and is the peer of 1127 Dean St., Brooklyn, N. Y., it will any living surgeon, and has treated prevent delay. The present variety three-quarters of a million of patients. and value of books on missions ex- Both of these men could command an ceed all the contributions made to the income of at least $1,000 a month, and subject in any previous generation, they get little more than that a year. and we shall seek to do a serviCe to our readers by a fair, candid, and careful Miss Clara Barton, who is at the head estimate of all books brought to our of the Red Cross Society, says of the notice, so soon after their reception Armenian sufferers, that according to as time and other duties allow. At careful estimates, not far from 155,000 least forty deserving volumes now Armenian Christians, men, women and await reading. Among the most prom- children, are destitute of shelter, raiinent may be mentioned the following, ment, fire, food, medicines, of the comwhich have had at least a partial ex- forts that tend to make human life pre~ aminat.ion: servable, or of any means of obtaining them save through charitable benefi- " Knights of the Labarum," by Rev. cence. Without such outside support Harlan P. Beach. This is a volume on at least 50,000 of these persons will have missionary biography, prepared for use died of starvation or perisht through in mission study classes, giving an ac- accumulated hardship before the 1st of count of four typical men in as many May, 1897. Money may be sent to the fields and in different methods of work. agency of which Mr. Spencer Trask. of Tho publisht in October, in a little over New York pity, is treasurer. a month 2,500 students were already using'it, and was adopted by the Ep- As to the famine in India, we find in worth League, and by the Woman's our reliable exchanges the following :- Baptist Board in the mission course. Editions are to be had for 40 cents and .. The whole civilized world will 25 cents, respectively. It is publisht in stand aghast at the horrors which the Chicago by the Student Volunteer next nine months are certain to bring in movement, and Mr. Beach is abun- India. According to the statement dantly able to discuss his topic, being made by Rev. Dr. James L. Barton, a returned missionary from China, and secretary of the A. B. C. F. M., this now Educational Secretary of the Vol- famine 18 due to the failure of the wheat unteer movement. The four typical crop, which has trebled the price of missionaries chosen are Judson, Duff, wheat, and the people have not the Mackenzie and Mackay-Judson, the money to buy it. UnUke the famine of Pioneer in Burma; Duff, the Educator, 1877, the present one is general. Then in India; Kenneth Mackenzie, the Phy- rich and poor suffered, as the means of sician in China; and Alexander Mackay, communication had not been opened the Engineer, in Africa. The work is up. Now, however, railways have been done carefully and thoroughly, as Mr. built with the result, as stated, that Beach's work always is. " the rich will not starve, but the mil- lions of the poor must." It is not a question of the scarcity of grain-which can be had from abroad-but of the want of money wherewith to buy it. of worship, both Roman Catholic and The government has appropriated *125,- Protestant, have been burned; aIld 000;000 to be spent on public works as native pastors,. evangelists, and school- a means of relief to the starving people, masters have suffered most. and the missionaries are cooperating with the Buthorities. Nevertheless The Jesuits are trying to make capi- there are 287,000,000 of people to be tal out of. the fears of the people, and 8upported in a country barren of crops, say openly that only under their pro- and "millions will die from starvation, tection can the people expect safety. and within a few months the world will And they are now trying to obtain hear of such suffering and wholesale possession of Protestant churchel!. deaths as it has never heard of before, unless relief is extended." The mis- General Gallieni has issued instruc- 8ionaries of the various denominations tions to the commandants of military are scattered all through the afflicted circles, telling them to see that at least territory and they will do all they- can. half the time in all schools is devoted But most of the native missionanes get to the study of the French language, but $3.75 per month, and it is quite as and to shut up schools that do not commuch as they can do to support them- ply. There were, before the war, 700 selves. Touching this matter, Rev. A. or 800 schools in connection with the B. Leonard, corresponding secretary of L. M. S., and few of the teachers have the Methodist Board, also says: any knowledge of the French language; it is not, therefore, easy to obey this "Letters received at this office give law. Military power, however mighty, an appalling account of the famine now can hardly, with the stroke of a pen, prevailing in parts of India, particularly in the north and northwest. Hundreds turn 700 vernacular schools into French of children are to be seen in the bazaars, schools. Perhaps the Paris Missionary 'Picking up grain or anything that can Society may give aid in this serious be used as food. Some of them stagger crisis, and help to prevent the permaas they walk. The cries of hungry nent weakening of the Protestant cause people for food in the darkness at rail- by the enforced closing of so many road stations is often heartrending. schools. Parents take their children to the mis- 8ionaries, offering to give them away All ordinary civil government meanfor food;" while being suspended, martial law pre- vails. The whole country is divided into Rev. James Smith, of Ahmednagar, military circles, and great powers are writes. that "in the district of India, placed in the hands of the officers comover which famine is now impending, manding. The General's plan seems to there are 80,000,000 of people who in be to lay down principles for the guidgood times have only one meal a day, ance of subordinates, and tben to allow and that 40,000,000 always go to bed large liberty in carrying them out. hungry. To these millions the present Thus in different parts of the country dearth means death, as the increased very different modes of operation may price· of grain has raised the cost of be employed, and a very different attImaintenance per capita from one to tude assumed towards the work of three cents per day, and the Viceroy of Protestant missions. In some districts India has telegraphed to London that the clear instructions of General Galliem '72,000,000 must succumb to famine in reference to religious freedom seem unless assisted." fully carried out; while at the same time in other districts Protestants are A correspondent says as to affairs made to feel that they are at the mercy 1n Madagascar: "General Gallieni seeks of officers who suspect and dislike them. to extend the French outposts and re- A Protestant church at Fiaferana, built store order. Refugees are returning, in part by the contributions of native and Christian services resumed in vil- congregations, has been forcibly taken lages, lately in the hands of tbe rebels. and handed over to the Roman Catho- Tliousands of Christians have suffered lics, and Protestants are forbidden to greatly, many having lost everything enter it. At Tsiafahy another church in but their lands, but they have patiently connection with the London Missionary endured tribulations. Many nominal Christians have in fear joined the rebel Society was taken by the officer in bands, and a few have been among the command and used for a Roman Catholeaders; but the Christians, as a whole, lic service; but it has since been rehave been loyal and law-abiding. The stored. In another district the whole rebellion has taken, from the beginning, of the school teachers were called be- fore the commandant and told, among a distinctly anti-Christiaii form; places. other things, that henceforth no relig- ious instruction is to be given in the schools held in Protestant buildings, and supported. by the native Protestant the great work done among the women congregations and by the London Mis- of the Indian Empire, this magazine is sionary Society. A missionar,Y going to indispensable. It is well illustrated visit a village in a district WhICh he has and full of interesting and informing worked for a quarter of a century, was matter. Those who think that a virtually arrested and charged with monthly magazine contains only mat- collecting the people unlawfully with- ters of transient interest should give ont permission of the officer in charge. " The Zenana" a careful perusal. One notices that all these irritating measures are taken against the work of "'India, and Daily Life in Bengal," English Protestants. Time after time also their churches have been occupied by Z. F. Griffin, is publisht for the by the French troops; but I have not heard of a sin~le instance in which a author at Buffalo, N. Y. Roman Catholic church has been taken for such purposes." It is the object of this book, of less than 200 pages, to give details of life in Oongregational Work. This is the India which are not generally supplied title of the new monthly publication by books. The author spent two and a devoted to the Home and Foreign Mis- half years in travel through the coun- try as "field secretary of our forei~ sionary operations of the Congregational mission work."- He does not explam churches in the United States. whose foreign mission work he means, tho the reader discovers it is the Free It has been started in answer to a Baptists. " He was for ten years a misstrong feeling in the Congregational sionary in India. The last two chapbody, that the missionary intelligence ters on "Hinduism," and " Mission of the denomination has not hitherto Work" contain the gist of the informabeen thoroughly disseminated through- tion found in this volume as to the out its rank and file. One hundred purely religious aspects of Indian and twenty-five thousand copies of the affairs. The rest of the work is, as first edition will be circulated, and in the author says, a bird's eye view of view of the subscriptions already re- this interesting land and people, and ceived from the churches, the watch- will be found well worth a reading. word of the paper "into every family" may soon be realized. Among other books, issued by F. H.
Oongregational Work is attractively Revell Co., N. Y., we would call attenprinted, ably edited, and furnished to churches at the cost of 10 cents per tion to the following as all worthy of a year. place in the fine missionary library that U The Missionary Calendar of Prayer," issued by the Woman's Bap. this publishing house furnishes at such tist Missionary Society, Philadelphia, is a very beautiful calendar with an low cost. exquisite selection of texts, beautifully " J /Iopan, Its People and Missions," by illustrated. To have such a calendar before one day by day is both a re- Jesse Page, a book of 160 pages, well minder and an incentive, along the line illustrated and ful~ of interesting matter.
of missionary effort, giving and praying. "Through Egypt to Palestine," by .. The Zenana:" or Woman's Work in Lee S. Smith, with original illustra- India, the monthly magazine of the tions. Zenana Bible and Medical Mission, published by Partridge & Co., 9 Pater- "Pioneering in New Guinea," by noster Row, E. C., London, England, James Chalmers, likewise abundantly has been issued in a second volume and originally illustrated. This will be bound for 1895, at half a crown. This bound volume contains the numbers found bristling with points; graphic from Nov. 1894 to Oct. 1895, inclusive. and fascinating-a story of real pioneer- To those who desire to keep track of ing.
The American Baptist Publication Society likewise issue "The Lone Star" -the history of the Zelugn Mission. This tale of missions we have long re- garded as one of the great classics of all mission history. No one can afford not to read it, who aims at even a re- spectable knowledge of "The new acts of the apostles," as they are being written in our day.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENcE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
EDITED BY BEV. D. L. LEONARD, D.D.
:Extraots and Translations from Foreign -The Annual Report of the Church Periodioals. Missionary Society for 1895-6 gives a full and compact statement of Chinese BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, opposition to foreigners and of the sit- uation generally. MASS. " Anxious eyes have again and aglin CmNA. been directed to China during the year under review. Bishop Moule, speaking -A pious Chinese Christian, Chang at St. James' Hall in May, 1895, with Wang, mentioned in the Damk Mi88ions special reference to the war between Btad, remarkt once: "Solomon was China and Japan, then first concluded, seven years in building the first temple; said: 'Some of us, who are looking Herod forty-six years in renewing the with deep affection on that great nation, second, but Lord Jesus has been nine- are wondering whether it will please teen hundred years already in prepar- God to permit her to pass out of this ing a place for us. How glorious then terrible crisis which has been upon her it will be when He has it finisht I" without further trouble, without inter- nal convulsions and practical anarchy – " The Chinese have the repute of amongst her three hundred millions of being a proud, haughty people. But people.' The potentialities of the situthe more intimate our relations become ation were indeed exceedingly grave. with them, the more completely does A government corrupt to the very core, this prepossession evaporate. Beyond and in every department of its adminisquestion foreigners find the mandarins tration, legislative, judicial, and execuand other oflicials haughty enough, and tive; an armydefeated and disorganized, indeed the literary classes generally, disperst over the land; a people not almost -universally. It is these classes affected by any profound sense of loythat form the chief obstacle to the Gos- alty to the ruling dynasty-such condipel. Li Hung Chang mayor may not tions amply justified the apprehensions have assured the French that their which were entertained and exprest. army, and the Germans that theirs was the best in Europe. At all events such "The first serious disturbance, howa sacrifice of sincerity to courting is ever, has its own causes, not in the discharacteristic of Chinese functionaries. content or ambitions or passions of the And to insincerity most of them add people in relation to their rulers, but in oppressiveness. The people sigh under the hatred of the ruling classes themthe burden, above all those who, on the selves toward foreigners. Before decoast, or perhaps abroad, have become scribing these disturbances, a few words familiar with just government, and if in evidence of this deep. rooted dislike Europe and America do not intervene, may be introduced. Mr. Valentine which in view of the chronic suspi- Chirrol, in his recent book, 'The Far ciousness of the different powers to- Eastern Question,' testifies to the invetwards each other is hardly to be looked erate nature of this antipathy. He enfor, a revolution is likely to ensue joyed the probably unique privilege, as before very many years through Chi- an unoflicial person, of an interview nese hands, which God will doubtless with the Tsung-li-Yamen, or Board of turn to the advantage of His king- Foreign Relations, the regular channel dom and of the poor people."-Mission- for communications between the Forary GOTTSCHALK, in Berichte der rhein- eign Legations in Peking and the Chii8chen Mi88Wn8 Geaell8chtJj't. nese official world. He writes ;-
EXTRACTS AND
" , Outside of its official relations with Hunan, but in other provinces. He; the foreign representatives, the Chinese saw copies which had been publisht in would know nothing, and want to Si-chuan and in Kwangsi, on the covel!' know nothing, of the Western world. of which it was stated that all th6'1 The members of the Tsung-li-Yamen scholars and people of these two provthemselves have scarcely any inter- inces were, in imitation of Hunan,. course with the foreign representatives printing this book and widely distribat Peking, beyond making a few formal uting it. The author of this book i8lo calls on stated occasions and offering Chou Han, 'a disciple of ConfuciuS' th8m an annual banquet at their official and a Minister of the Great Pure Dyresidence. One or two may sometimes ac- nasty,' whose conduct in this respeca. cept invitations to a foreign Legation, was investigated in 1892 by the Viceroy but no mandarin can frequent a for- and the Governor of Hunan, and whQl. eigner's house without exposing him- was then declared 'not guilty,' but self to suspicion and obloquy. Even ,subject to fits of insanity.' Regarding the unsuccessful literati, who are driven this tract, Dr. Griffith John says ;- to accept employment as writers in the European Legations, will not compro- .. 'Of all the Hunan publications I de> mise themselves by showing any open not know one more violent, morer recognition of their employers when abusive, more foul, or more infiamma.- they meet them in a public thorough- tory than this. It finishes up with a fare. The whole atmosphere of Peking song, to be committed to memory by is saturated with hatred and contempt the reader. Were I to translate: of the foreigner, and the street urchins, and send it to you, you could noll who shout opprobrious epithets or fiing print it, it being too dirty and vile fop' mud and stones from a safe distance at your columns. I may, however, givehim as he passes; merely have the you the closing words, which are words. youthful courage of opinions which of exhortation to old and young; .. Let their elders only venture to betray by a fathers and elders teach the children to' sullen scowl or a muttered impreca- sing this song, and thus accumulate tion.' merit and secure happiness. Let the> little boys learn to sing this song, and! " This attitude of strong and persist- thus remove calamity and escape da~ ent and unswerving dislike toward for- ger. Why fear because the demons eigners, though happily by no means (foreigners) are many? We are firmly; universal among the official classes, is resolved to exterminate them utterly.'~ very widely prevalent. In the Annual All the charges brought against foreignr Report for 1891-2, reference was made ers are given in this book in full detail. to one most dangerous form in which The use of the eyes and brains, and it had been extensively manifested in other parts of the human body, for 1891, namely, by the distribution of medicinal and other purposes, is mi.. abominable placards, emanating chiefiy nutely described. The history of Jesus from the province of Hunan, regarding is given; and anything more blallphe– foreigners. To these placards the numer- mous it would be impossible for the ous riots which occurred in 1891 were mind of man to conceive. considered to be largely due, and they led to a joint representation by the for- "'This is the book which Chou Ham eign ministers to the Chinese govern- has been scattering over the fa.ce of· ment in that year. The Rev. Dr. Grif- the land. We know now that ther6'1 fith John, the veteran missionary of the is a Si-chuan edition and a Kwangsi London Missionary Society, discovered edition. It is highly probable tha~ in the course of 1895 that the worst of every province has its edition. Be that these papers were still being printed as it may, there can be no doubt as to> and circulated, and that not only in the widespread dissemination of the book.'''
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
INDIA. character, the religious belief of the -The Ohureh Mi88iona1'1l InteUigencer Hindus has really no single succinct for August had a leading article on Dr. designation. ' "
Miller's recent Madras lecture. It is Dr. Miller, however, neglecting popu- mild and careful, but expresses" genu- lar Hinduism on the ground that no ine regret at the opinions exprest in it, religion is worthy of itself in its popu- which seem to us in some points lar disfigurements. appears to make it to be not only defective, but mis- his place to compare before his pupils leading. the essential Hindu and the Ohristian – "The assumption that all creeds are, ideal, in the hope that they shall ac- In the main, equally worthy of accept- knowledge the immense superiority of ance, is one which lies at the root of the latter, as it appears that many do.
much indifference to the work of For- "But," says Bishop Caldwell, "with- eign Missions. It is one which, as far out any dislike for Christianity as 8.
as we know, is not held by any Chris- religion; regarding it on the contrary tian missionary"-and of course not by as an excellent religion, probably the Dr. Miller-" although there may be best in the world, Hindus are so in- some who are disposed to allow more tensely nationalistic and conservative, value to other religions than we are able and so intensely jealous about ~he re- to allow. To examine the position of tention of their social respectability, these optimists, let us see what Bishop that they will on no account consent to Caldwell says: 'The theism of the a conversion taking place. • • As a Hindu religious system is avowedly or rule, the pupils are quite ready to be in- virtually Pantheism, not the belief held structed, and even to be convinced, by Christians in a God who has made provided only that they are not required the world, and governs it in the inter- to act upon their conviction. . . • ests of righteousness.' Again, Sir M. The difficulty we have to deal with is Monier-Williams says in the introduc- not so much the resistance of the mind tion to his 'Indian Wisdom:' 'Nothing to truth, as resistance to change, the can possibly be more simple than gulf between convictions and actions, Esoteric Hinduism. It is . . spiritual the absence of moral courage, which Pantheism. A pantheistic creed of this so generally ,characterizes the Indian kind is the simplest of all beliefs, mind, and which nothing can overcome because it teaches that nothing really but special grace from above. • • • exists but the one universal Spirit; that To be almost a convert is the highest the soul of each individual is identical point that many well-disposed Hindus with that one Spirit; and that every have reacht at present. "
man's highest aim should be to get rid The InteUigen~r objects to Dr. Mil- forever of having, being and doing ler's talking so much about ideals.
with a view to such spiritual knowledge Christ is not an ideal, but a Living as shall force upon him the conviction Person, coming into the world by the that he is himself part of the One free act of the Godhead, revealing God, Being constituting the universe. (Ex- and through His personal Spirit enter- ()teric or) Popular Hinduism supposes ing into living communion with those that God may, for His own purposes, who receive and confess Him. How amuse Himself by illusory appearances can this be made equivalent with a The Hindu religious creed, misty recognition of Him as a sublime starting from the Veda, ends by ap- Ideal, by those who remain in a relig- pearing to embrace something from all ious community which does not reveal religions . . . It is at once vague- the God whom He reveals, nor the ly pantheistic, severely monotheistic, Regeneration which He imparts, nor the grossly polytheistic, and coldly atheis- Eternal Life. which He promises?
tic . . . In unison with its variable However, Dr. Miller expressly declares
ENGLISH NOTES
that he does not mean to disparage EngliSh Notas. baptism. The precise force and intention of his lecture can probably not be BY JAMES DOUGLAS.
well understood except from familiarity "Latest Uganda StatistiC8-a Dilem- with the conditions of Indian life. ma."-This tractate has been publisht Christian apologists, from St. Paul at by Mr. Pilkington, showing the vast- Athens down, have often allowed them- ness of the population and area of this selves to use language to them without district of Africa, and the insufficiency which was far from expressing the as regards the workers there. Three intimacy of their own convictions and out of the nineteen districts are quite experience. unoccupied by Europeans, and several _H It is the painful fact that those others, having areas of from 200 to who now go to India, whether mission- 2,000 square miles, are occupied only aries or chaplains, as preachers of the by two workers. Mr. Pilkington asks Gospel of Christ, no longer find them- " are all these magnificent openings for selves confronted merely by native fresh Gospel victories to be allowed to champions of Heathenism. They are pass by?" And he adds, "We leave the compelled to meet in controversy Euro- question with those who can give it a peans who have reversed the happy ex- practical answer, which is the onlyan. perience of the Thessalonians, and have swer worth giving…
turned frmn God to idols, to deny even We8tern lndia.-"We learn that the the existence of the True God. " Rev. A. Manwaring baptized at Pasik, -REv. J. IRELAND JONES, in O. M. last August, a somewhat notable con- Intelligerwer • vert, viz., Professor Pandit Gopal -Mr. Bowles Daly, LL.D., of Dub- Chundra Sastra, M.A. The pandit is an Oriental scholar, and was at one time a. lin University, formerly, it appears, a magistrate of the second class. He has traveled widely in India, and has visited clergyman of the Irish Church, but now Burma, Ceylon, Aden, and even Tibet, as a preacher and teacher of Hinduism. a Buddhist, has lately given a report, He attributes his conversion to the Bible only. He says "It is the Book of which Mr. Jones remarks: "Dr. through which God speaks to man; by constantly reading both Testaments I Daly's report indicates how completely have been able to understand the True the moral principles of Buddhism have Religion and the only Mediator." failed to influence the lives of those London Missionary Societg.-The So- most bound to enforce them. He does ciety is cheered by being able to send not allude to, because he does not out eighteen new missionaries. This understand, the reason of failure. does not represent entirely new work Buddhism has in it no living principle, beginning, as several of the friends goand it appeals to nothing higher than ing out have to step into vacancies personal selfishness. It knows no Liv- caused by death, retirement and other ing God. whose commands are those of circumstances. Appeals from various an Almighty King, and whose precepts quarters are constantly coming to hand, are those of a wise and loving Father. and funds and volunteers are still ur· It teaches no chord which vibrates gently needed for the furtherance of the with gratitude in the realization of work. pardon, purchased and bestowed; and in its denial of the existence of a per- Work in Madagaacar.-The Memorial sonal soul in man, it quenches that Church at Ambokipstay, which for over stimulus to believers and purity of life a year has been occupied by the French which lies in the blessed hope of a soldiers, is once more in full possession glorious and sinless hereafter. However subtle its metaphysics, however profound its so-called philosophy, however excellent some of its precepts, such a religion leaves untarnisht mm's moral nature; it fails to reach and influence his heart, and must be, as experience demonstrates that it is, powerless to elevate as it is impotent to Ave.'" ,
GENERAL KISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
of the native church. Very little dam- Samoan Delegates in Oouneil.-The age was found to have been done, and twenty-third council meeting has re- the building and the churchyard were cently been held, and a discussion on left clean and in order. the social condition of Samoa took place, pointing out the great need of the The Rev. W. E. Cousins writes: "We people for further enlightening. The have had an excellent congregation resolution referring to the control of this morning, the body of the chapel the clan over the marriage contract and being well filled. Our service was al- the distribution of native property was most like that usual at the opening of a the great battle-ground of the confer- new church. ence. The three papers read at the meeting were of a very practical and The Faithfulnes8 of a Ohristian Lep- useful character, and these are to be er.-A poor leper, named David, who publisht and circulated throughout the had been an evaugelist beforehis terrible group and out-stations. In every affliction, was entrusted by Mr. Peake way this conference is encouraging in with money and supplies for the in- its promise for the future, altho the habitants of the village for lepers, who resolution referring to the marriage had been robbed and ill-treated by the contract and native property distriburebels. By some means the rebels got tion was not past in the form in which to know that David was the bearer of it stood, but had to be compromised. the money. They seized him, and hav- Still this result is better than that ar. ing stolen the money and other goods, rived at before, and ere long it is to be demanded that he should renounce hoped the natives will, be freed from Christianity. On his refusal, they their self-imposed bondage. most brutally murdered him. Thus perisht another martyr to the faith of Baptist Missionary Society. – Last Jesus Christ. month, at the autumnal meetings at Bristol, leave was taken of nineteen out- From Dr. Griffith John's testimony going missionaries, some of whom are to the late Dr. Lockhart, we cull the fresh to the work. Others returning to following: "Dr. Lockhart was more their spheres after having been in Engthan a physician, he was heart and soul land on furlough.. The valedictory a mIsSlOnary. He took the deepest in- address was given by the Rev. Dr. terest in every department of the mis- Landells-an address full of tender sionary work, and every afternoon he sympathy and wise counsel. At the might be seen rushing into the native close of the address, the missionaries city with his bundles of Scripture and were commended in prayer to the safe tracts, which he gave away as oppor- keeping of the heavenly Father, and tunities presented themselves. On my the congregation joined in singing the last visit to England he said, with much hymn, "God be with you till we meet feeling, 'John, I wish I could go back again." with you, the missionary life is the only life worth living. Looking back upon At Delhi are manifest signs that the my life, I can truly say that the happiest spirit is working among the people. days I have ever known were the days Mr. Thomas Herbert writes, telling of spent in China doing God's work.' the baptism of two young men, sons of When thinking of paying another visit Christians who had been cut off in that to England, the expectation of meeting sad apostasy among Chamar Christians Dr. Lockhart and spending some time in 1890. In one case the father is dead, with him, was one of the main sources but in the other illness alone prevented of attraction. The world is much him from being readmitted to the Lord's poorer to me now that my beloved table on the day when his son, for the friend is no more in it. But we shall first time, was taking the communion. meet again, and that before very long. Presbyterian Church of England.- ures must be taken by the Japanese. A Great distress has been among the For- great mass-meeting of the Japanese mosan Christians and their heathen people has been held to bring about the relatives: many have been rendered change. None will wish more speedy homeless and destitute. Some of the success than the missionaries of the injuries have been inflicted by Japanese Gospel on the island. soldiers, and some were the work of Chinese brigands and rebels, many of Regions &yond.-Dr. HarryGuiness, whom have been specially hostile to in an address on "Shall we Abandon Christians. Extreme suffering and want Central Africa," concludes as follows: is the result of this outrage, and a .. Relief Fund," to meet the more "Belgian', French, English, and Porurgent cases is being organized. tuguese traders do not flinch from en- countering the dangers of the Congo Foreign Schools in Ohina.-There are climate, for the sake of worldly adnow upwards of a thousand schools of vancement. It were a thousand shames various descriptions for natives in China were we to lag behind! " under foreign instruction or direction. They range from the village day-school Another Side of tM PiCture.-There up to high-schools and colleges. Many is, however, in connection with our Qf these schools have been in operation Congo mission, another side to the from ten to twenty years, so that the picture, and one that is full of hope. number of youthful Chinese who have Whilst our trials and difficulties are actually been brought up under foreign undoubtedly great, we have a compareducational Influence of a Christian ative exemption from certain' hincharacter may safely be estimated at drances which are found in other misconsiderably over a quarter of a million. sion fields. Lolo Land offers no religion of antiquity to combat, no ancient sys- A Jubile6 History of tM Mis8ion in tem of caste preventing ready access to Ohina is in course of preparation by the the minds and hearts of the people: Rev. Jas. Johnston, one of the earliest and, thank God, no persecution such as of the Amoy missionaries, whose daugh- in Mohammedan countries frequently ter, 'Miss Jessie Johnston, is in Amoy awaits those who make an open profesnow. Mr. Johnston knows intimately sion of their faith in Christ. the history of the mission and the characteristics of the fleld it occupies, and Moreover, God has markedly proswill, of course,' write it as one whose pered all the efforts put forth, so that heart is in the midst of it. The volume on the Lower Congo there are to-day will be amply illustrated, and is sure to many hundreds of native Christians be of the greatest interest and value. gathered out of the darkness of super- stition into the Light of Christ, whilst FO'f17Wsa Under Japanese Rule.-The on the upper river numbers have been law enacted to put down the sale of baptized, and the cloud is already seen opium in the island of Formosa seems, on the horizon which betokens an unfortunately, to be laid aside by the abundance of rain!" Japanese parliament. The feeling of the people is very strongly against the THE KINGDOM. sale of opium in Formosa, realizing the curse it is in China, and the great good " My life is not my own, but the non-use is to the Japanese. Christ's, who gave it ; And He bestows it upon all the race. The use of the drug has firm hold on I lose it for myself, and thus I save it ; the island, as it was the first part of the I hold it close, but only to expend it : Chinese Empire in which opium-smok- Accept it, Lord, for others through ing was practist; therefore, in order Thy grace." that it be abolisht, very strict meas- -The missionary idea, translated and transfigured into missionary service, is one of the most incontestable evidences [Tmt.JE statistics are designed to include only Missions among either non-Christianor non· reduced. Accuracy has been sought, but also completeness, and hence conservative estimates within the space afforded by two pages of this Magazine, a large number of the smaller and r:i eli . . -. jl l~.8=,.,=.S . ."""!!hi. NaEs OF MISSIONARY SoCIETIES IN ~§ ~·I — o.:a~ ~'.I GREAT BRITAIN AND UPON THE CON' ~ ~ !; "".~d ~B TINENT, AND 8UlIfJLI.RIES FOR ASIA. ~ ~~ ~<I:0t"j AFRICA, AUSTRALIA, ETC. ."!:l t4 1<0:8" ~~ oZ AtlI) ~8~° !~ 0 – – – — — Baptist (England) •••••••••••••••••••. 1792 $411,975 82 64 95 63 S04 68 819 Strict Baptlst._•••••_ ••••••_ •• 1861 4,905 2 0 2 1 5 8 57 London Society (L. M. S.} •••••••••••• 1795 954,580 158 87 158 68 411 411 2,591 Church Society (C. M. S.}•••••••_ •• 1799 1,342,680 883 94 299 218 009 319 5,390 Propagation Society (S. P. G.) •••••••• 1701 611,685 589 70 854 170 1,188 180 3,800 Universities' Mission••••••••••_ •••• 1859 133,105 28 21 1 28 78 9 115 The Friends'••••••••••••- -•••••• 1867 63,860 23 0 16 18 59 13 425 Wesleyan Society._••••_ . _•••• 1816 657,086 180 270 216 195 741 175 2,775 Methodist New Connection•••••••_ 1859 23,000 11 4 11 0 26 0 108 Primitlve Methodist._••__ •••_._••. 1869 22,100 9 0 8 0 17 0 60 U nited Methodist Free Churches._ 1887 46,920 58 0 11 1 70 0 883 Welsh Calvinlstlc._••••_ •••••••. 1841 89,565 14 2 11 6 33 6 209 Presbyterian Church of England•••_ 1847 97,055 80 8 27 17 77 15 147 Presbyterian Church of Ireland•••••. 1840 95,595 95 1 22 12 60 12 216 China Inland Mission.•••••___•••••••• 1865 168,876 89 201 105 262 657 11 842 Established Church of Scotland-•• 1829 1112,220 20 12 21 45 00 8 443 F rae Church of Scotland••_••• -••••• 1848 832,665 64 26 58 56 204 23 1,018 Reformed Presbyterian ••- – -••••-. 1842 18,050 8 0 1 0 4 0 9 United Presbyterian••••__ •___ •••_•••• 1847 100,000 76 20 66 45 207 19 788 other British 800ieti88_ _ _._•••• —… 422,000 87 256 140 512 l95 95 2,589 Parls SOclety.•••••••••••••_ _ _ 1822 94,800 82 5 81 7 75 28 818 BasIe Society_ _ _ _ _••••_ .• 1815 296,391 149 48 117 8 322 85 840 .Berlin Soclety___••••••••••••_._. 1824 189,4112 74 17 69 4, 164 0 164 Breklum (Schleswlg·Holstein).__•• 1877 14,000 10 0 7 0 17 0 25 Gossner's Society.••____••_••_••_ 1886 48,000 18 14 20 8 55 19 440 Hermannsburg Soclety•••_•••_._ •• 1854 60,672 50 7 51 0 108 0 866 I.eIpsic SOClety••••_.__•___••••__ 1886 97,836 89 4 28 3 74 17 611 Moravian Church••__•••••_••_.__. _ 1782 148,678 100 78 157 15 845 23 1,979 North German SOclety•••_••••_•••_•• 1836 27,000 14 5 7 7 33 1 87 Rhenlsh Society (Barmen) ••••••••••_ 1829 123,986 00 11 85 8 194 28 290 – EIght other German Socleties_._••••• 70,000 12 63 88 19 132 4 58 – Twelve Netherlands SocietieS-._ 145,000 152 0 180 0 282 12 672 – F ffteen Scandinavian SOCietie~_ _ •. 298,500 87 48 Il6 71 802 70 1,875 — Socleties in Asla,Africa,Australia,eOO. .. Totals for Europe, Asia, eoo..••___• —- 180 400 -285 -175 940 -287 7,500 2.888 1-,776 2,788 1-,962 – Totals for America._._•••_……….. 9,951 1,816 86,890 – Totals for Chrlstendom•••____ ••••.• 500,000 – – — — – — — $7,889,577 4,825 1,588 15,847 – – – – – – – $5,693,020 1,396 672 1,892 1-,385 $13,582,597 4,279 2,448 4,180 3,297 14,076 8,854 51,787 Protestant peoples, and hence the figures of certain societies doing colonial work have been have been made concerning certain items omitted from some reports. Malnlyin order to keep special organizations have been grouped together.] oS U.",' §. "<"~'I!'.l>.g~.<,j ! I'l"; ~ -;} z] Countries in which ~~ Missions are Sustained. ~.,; …,.~w. …:l ~f~~1· E ~ ,<:l f:;~ "<,!zl'~t6: ~8 0" w. ell "3"1"1" 0 0""
Eo< ——– ——— 43,198 India China, Palestine, Africa, West 1,116 1,016 53,780 3,452 161,340 650 Indies.
68 25 557 89 1,820 80 576 India (Madras, Ceylon).
8,002 867 27,082 1,560 108,929 1,108 44,604 China, India, Africa, Madagascar, 6,882 462 58,564 2,026 217,825 2,180 Polynesia. 4,488 4,500 35,000 4,500 208,000 850 81 1,278 88,205 Persia, China, Japan, India, Africa. 198 168 4,877 44 North America, etc.
88,000 India, China, Japan, Maiaysia. Africa, West Indies, etc.
16,96 Africa (Lake N,assa and Zanzibar).
484 16 2,725 95 14,715 165 12,618 Palestine, India, China, Madagas- 8,516 2,249 52,687 1,979 145,000 car. 2,471 184 99 146 7,400 880 57,000 India, China, Africa (West and SouthJ West Indies.
20 416 China ( iumtung, Tien·tsin).
77 28 986 80 3,000 8 40 Africa (Fernando Po, Zambesl).
453 65 10,614 250 24,000 180 8,000 China, Africa, Australia.
285 292 2,868 828 12,854 260 6,409 N. E. India, France (Brittany).
224 116 4,640 418 13,000 52 5,600 India, China, Malaysia.
276 45 1,020 817 3,200 57 5,000 China, India (Kathiawar), Syria.
929 244 5,211 847 18,000 66 880 China (Fifteen Provinces).
641 151 1,871 167 7,600 206 13;049 India, East Africa, Palestine.
1,207 805 9,017 754 25,000 418 25,877 India, Africa, South and East, Ara- bia, Palestine, New Hebrides. 150 2 165 Syria (Antioch, etc.). 18 2 43 3 945 284 19,949 712 54,000 281 17,576 India, China, Japan, Africa, West 8,559 198 – 9,697 1,120 and South, West Indies.
28,000 120 15,000 898 198 18,868 333 40,000 845 9,428 Africa, South and West, Tahiti.
1,162 474 15,960 1,503 31,708 861 18,796 South India, China, West Africa.
328 201 18,922 700 28,315 120 5,566 Africa, East and South, China.
42 8 55 18 150 7 120 India (Telugus).
495 50 13,020 970 40,000 120 8,140 India (Ganges, Chota Nagpore).
474 184 20,972 884 82,015 60 4,550 India, South Africa, New Zealand.
685 87 7,187 527 15,044 208 5,775 South India, lIurma, British and 82,681 1,555 95,439 German East Africa. 11,824 1 168 1,800 70 25 860 150 258 24,916 South Africa, Australia, Sonth Am· erica, West Indies, Eskimo.
28 650 West Africa, New Zealand.
487 280 18,899 B85 60,144 282 9,608 Africa, East Indies, New Guinea, 190 80 870 ChL1a. 1,000 5 280 45 954 502 88,000 3,420 280,000 150 2,780 1,677 824 81,650 2,500 90,000 415 82,000 – – 8.440 – – – 1,470 240,000 – -4,5-00 – -80-0,0-00 -1,8-00 -4-8,0-00 – – -45-,62-8 14,841 -79-6,8-59 -8-6,8-91 -2-,028-,82-0 -11,5-66 -44-4,4-68 – – – – – – – – 20,142 6,049 815,287 901,648 5,875 212,271 — — – – – – – 25,569 – 65,765 20,890 1,112,146 61,950 2,924,968 17,441 656,739 [February of Christ's presence in the world. It "Come over and help us," "-We, His is Christ in the presence of his servants, servants, will arise and build," •• The loving and laboring and going about Lord hath need of it," .. Workers todoing good, and touching a sin-stricken gether with Him." And some of the world in order to make it whole. Trans- owners of these boxes look beyond· the late that grand word redemption into present needs and opportunities, and action, and it is missions. The Church send with their offerings such messages <can have no such sign of Christ's living as "The heathen for Thine inherit· presence and gracious power in the ance," "The idols He shall utterly world as she has in the existence of the abolish," "The Lord shall be King missionary spirit in her members and the over all the earth," .. Till He come," ~eports of missionary success from the and "To bring back the King."- tields.-Rev. J. S. Denni8. OhU1'ch MiBsionaru InteUigencer-.
-Sister Dora gave up her life to -I assert it to be a fact beyond connursing sick people. At the head of tradiction that there is not a ruler, offiher bed a bell was fixt by which suffer- cial, merchant, or any other person, ers could summon her at any hour of from emperors, judges, governors, :the night. As she rose at the sound of counselors, generals, ministers, admithe signal she used to murmur these rals, merchants, and others, down to words as if they were a charm: "The the lowest coolies in China and Japan, Master is come, and calleth for thee." Siam and Korea, who, in their asso- ciates or dealings with their fellow· -The Friends' Tithing League is men in that quarter of the globe, are the name of a new organization, or not indebted every day of their lives to other, of an added wheel to the Chris· the work and achievements of the tian Endeavorer's work, which was in· American missionaries.-Rear·Admiral ~ugurated at Richmond, Ind., at the Belknap, U.S.N. Christian Endeavorer's annual meeting during the time of the late Yearly Meet- -It has been justly said of Dr. Van. ing. The following is its pledge: derkemp, one of the first missionaries .. Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for to South Africa, that "for combining guidance, I promise to give at least one- natural talents, extensive learning, ele· tenth of my income to support the work vated piety, ardent zeal, disinterested .of the Lord." benevolence, unshaken perseverance and unfeigned humility, he has not -The names of missionary box- been equalled since the days of the holders do not, as a rule, convey much Apostles." Dr. Moffat says of him: to friends outside the parish circle, "He came from the university to teach rutho the sum total collected may inter· the alphabet to the poor naked Hotten- -est them. One long list, however, tot and Kaffir; from the society of which comes from a large suburban nobles to associate with beings of .association, gives much food for thought the lowest grade of humanity; from and scope for imagination. A large num- stately mansions to the filthy hovel of ber of the box-holders prefer to with- the greasy African; from the army to hold their names and to give instead instruct the fierce savage in the tactics eome favorite text or motto. A spirit of a Heavenly warfare under the ban- ()f consecratfon seems indicated by such ner of the Prince of Peace; from the expressions as "For God's glory," study of medicine to become a guide to "For Christ's sake," "For the Master's the Balm of Gilead and the physician use," "For the work of the King," there; and finally from a life of earthly .. Of Thine own have we given Thee," honor and ease to be exposed to perils A deep sense of personal responsibility of waters, of robbers, of his own conn- 4Stamps -the choice of such mottoes as trymen, of the heathen, in the city, in no active zeal for missionary work, the wilderness." which there is not in the Church at large to·day, there is not real prayer, -At a great missionary meeting re- "The Church is in no dire extremity at cently held in Glasgow, Principal all. She is in no position where she can Whitton, of Nagpore, India, said: expect an answer to her prayer.. She is .. This century has taught this at least merely repeating by rote words which -that it is the duty of the Christian she does not feel. She is not praying in Church to go to work among the hea· any true sense of the term. The means then unto the ends of the earth. He for the world's conversion are, to·day, thought, with regard to missions, that in the power of the Church. She can the proper view to take was that the do the work if she will. Why shirk Christian Church had been going the work under the pretense of piety? through an apprenticeship to the work Why transfer her responsibility to the of converting the heathen. First of all, Lord? Weare, certainly, at this day they tried the evangelistic method alone, prepared to confess that if the world is but they soon found that there were converted to Christ, it must be done by very many whom they were not reach· human and ordinary means. It is the ing by that method. Then they intro· business of the Church to do it. She duced the educational method, which was sent for that, and that is the meanwas producing a revolution in the In- ing of her being here." dian religious thought of to.day. Then they introduced the medical method, so -Year by year Dean Vahl is performit would be seen that they were look- ing for Christendom an invaluable ser· ing in this direction and in that direc· vice by the preparation and publication tion, using this tool and that tool to see of his pamphlet, "A Statistical Review which would work best. He was not of Missions to the Heathen." The quite certain that the apprenticeship tables of figures are unapproacht for was ended. Probably they had a great both comprehensiveness and abundeal to learn, but there were four years dance of detail. The fifth annual issue yet to come, and if they hurried up has come to hand, containing statistics perhaps their apprenticeship would be for 1893-4. These are his summaries: finisht by the end of the century. Then, Income of 352 societies, $13,974,915; when they had learned what tools to missionaries, 5,933; missionaries' wives, use, and how to use them, let the next 1,904; unmarried women, 3,341; native century give the results for which they ministers, 3,815; native helpers, 49,796; had been so long working and praying." communicants, 1,060,822.
-Bishop Thompson, of Mississippi, -The famine in India and the rinderasks this solemn question in T lw Spirit pest in South Africa are as grave as any of Missions.- "Is the Church's refusal political problems of the day. In India, to do her work, and the asking of the the pinch of hunger is being keenly felt, Lord in some extraordinary way to do while in Alrica, according to Mr. F. R. it for her-is that, no matter how fre· Thompson, of Matabeleland, the rinderquent and how often the asking, is that pest is the gravest situation any British prayer'! We may say the Church neur colony has ever had to face, and far exprays for the conversion of the world, ceeds in importance the Transvaal war, and challenge the contradiction of the native rebellions, and Jameson's raid. statement." This conclusion is reacht He does not think that one per cent. of thus: an earnest desire for the thing the cattle will be saved. askt for is an essential element of true prayer; slackness in putting forth -The Oong1'egationali8t, in commentefforts proves tbe absence of a strong ing on the recent order for 1,000,000 desire; and consequently where there is of Spurgeon's sermons, says: .. Except the Sermon on the Mount, no sermons have ever had so wide a circulation, nor, -Within the next two decades it will indeed, can any work of secular litera- be decided whether the negro, by dis- ture compare wJth them in the number carding ante·bellum ideas and methods, of probable readers in a single genera- by putting brains and skill into the tion. Ana the power is not in style, common occupations that lie at his door, which is of the simplest, or thought;. will be able to lift labor out of toil, which is neither deep nor subtle, but in drudgery, and degradation into that adaptation of evangelical truth to the which is beautiful, dignified, glorified.
heart and conscience of plain people." Further, it will be decided within this time whether the negro is to be replaced, UNITED STATES. crushed out as a helpful industrial force by the fast spreading trades unions -In his" Conversion of India," Dr. in connection with thousands of foreign George Smith, of Scotland, says: "The skilled laborers, that even now press foreign politics of the United States of hard and fast upon the heels of the America are foreign missions. Starting negro and seem to press us unto the into national life, free alike from the very death.-Booker T. Wa8hington. ecclesiastical bonds, the feudal institu- tions, and the political interests of -To educate 24,000 Indian children Europe, but possessing the full heritage requires an annual appropriation by of British history, literature, and char- Congress of over $2,000,000. There acter, the Americans were from the are, even then, 14,000 unprovided for.
first prepared to become the chief mes- Some of the schools, such as that at Car- sengers of Christ to the human race. lisle, Pa., and the Haskell Institute, at In 400 years they have, by Christian Lawrence, Kans., have been establisht colonization and home missions, evan- away from the reservations, and the gelized their own continent from the training is chietly industrial. There Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, bringing are 22 of these, scattered at different into the Church the remnant of the Red points, and about 5,000 Indian youth Indian tribes, and giving to Christen- are successfully learning self.support in dom its •richest acquisition' in 65,000,- them. But "the backbone of the Indian 000 of Christian citizens, whom every educational system," according to Com- year increases in number and influence. missioner Browning, is the reservation In the whole development of mankind boarding-school. These number 77, during 6,000 years there has been only and have over 8,000 pupils. .. Their one people and one land ready made, influence," says the commissioner, "in as it were, to be itself free, and to all uplifting the tribal life around them is beside the apostle of liberty in its high- wonderful." There isa third dass, the est form, the freedom which is in Christ day schools, numbering 124, which Jesus." probably come closer home to Indian -A Russian college bas just been life than the two first named. The dedicated at Minneapolis, Minn., by teachers in these schools are expected Bishop Nicholas. This prelate belongs not only to care for the children, but to to the Greek Church, and his bishopric do what they can to civilize the parents includes our Northwest with Alaska by instruction in domestic economy and and the Aleutian Islands. in the art of making attractive homes.
-On the 28th of October, 1646, John -" Mormonism as a religion lives and Eliot preacht at Nonantum, Mass., the will live for a long while to come, first Christian sermon in the Indian Mormonism as an advocate and pro- tongue ever delivered on this continent.
moter of polygamy' is dead. and we This was the beginning of a course of need have no more concern about it." instruction which was continued for -BiBlwp F088. forty years. He translated the Bible and several books to aid in practical York and Philadelphia to supervise the Christian living. At the end of one of organization_ Instead of deacons, these books he placed his motto, clergymen, and bishops, it is to have "Prnyer and pains, through faith in captains, majors, generals, and other Jesus Christ, will do anything." Said officers_ Instead of churches it is to Edward Everett, in an oration, July 4, have posts, companies, regiments, and 1855: "He is called the apostle to the brigades. A House of Evangelists has Indians. .An apostle I Truly I know been opened near the Grand Centr&l not who, since Peter and Paul, better Station in New York City, for the train- deserves that name." Eliot's 250th ing of officers, where "instrumental anniversary was celebrated recently in and vocal music will be taught and Newton, Mass. practical rescue work," with "lectures -The centenary of Mary Lyon's birth in elocution, mannerisms, and how to occurs Feb. 28, 1897. She was born in approach and win sinful persons."
Buckland, Mass., a hill-town in the -rhe New York Society for the western part of Franklin County. Prevention of Cruelty to Children, has There and in Ashfield, an adjoining during twenty-two years received and town, she laid the foundations of her investigated 102,501 complaints, involv- career as a great teacher. The Frank- ing more than 307,503 children; ob- lin County Association of Congrega- taining 36.981 convictions, and rescued tional ministers at a late meeting voted 56,160 children from vice, from sufferto recommend to the ministers and ing, and from destitution. Its recep- churches of the conference to observe tion rooms during the past fifteen years the centenary by a sermon on the fourtll of their establishment have Sheltered, Sunday of February on the life and clothed, and fed 24,932 children, and work of Mary Lyon and the taking of furnisht 233,870 substantial meals. an offering for the building fund of Mt. Day and night, in summer and in win- Holyoke College. ter, its doors are never closed. No child has ever .been turned away with- -The American Bible Society cir- out temporary shelter. Two hundred culates the Scriptures in nearly 100 and fifteen similar societies with the tongues_ Missionaries of every name like object have been organized through- are found among its correspondents and out the United States, and 81 others in co-workers. It had last year its regi- foreign lands.
ment of nearly 450 men engaged at its expense as distributors of the Bible in EUROPE.
foreign lands_ More than one-half of Great Britain.-We are told on good its issues in 1895 went into the hands of authority that the annual contributions Pagan, Mohammedan, or nominally of the Church of England for ber own Christian people outside of the United home work are just ten times the States. Not less than 888,898 of them amount she gives for Christian work were sold in China alone, and- about abroad, and that while we can supply 1 5,500,000 volumes in the various dia- woman worker for each 50 English lects of that empire have been printed women and girls, we can only afford 1 during the last fifty years. for each 100,000 in heathen and Mo- hammedan lands. -The Salvation Army idea has been adopted into the Episcopal Church. -Canon Scott Robertson has com- .An "army" which has existed for a pleted his twenty-fifth annual summary year or more has taken an important of moneys voluntarily contributed in forward step by the appointment of a the British Isles by all sections of Church Army Commission, consisting Christian people to the work of foreign of several Episcopal clergymen of New missions. It shows that for the year 1895 the total sum so contributed thus taking the Bible Society's money amounted to $6,938,325. The channels , for this work. Turning to Japan,it is of contribution selected by the support- interesting to know that the society ers of foreign mission work in 1895 lIells a Gospel there for half a farthing were as follows: Church of England -thus $5.00 buy about 500 copies each Socleties, $2,721,~60; Joint Societies of of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. A Churchmen and Nonconformists, $921,- Church Missionary Society woman has 095; Nonconformist Societies in Eng- interested herself in placing these por- land and Wales, $2,229,235; Scotch tions in the shops of Osaka, a city with and Irish Presbyterian Societies, $1,- 500,000 inhabitants.
002,275; Roman Catholic Societies, -The news has been received of the $64,560. From this total are excluded death of the Rev. Henry Buckenham, all dividends, all interest, all foreign pioneer missionary of the Primitive contributions, and all balances in hand Methodist Church to Mashukulumbweat the beginning of the year. Last year land, north of the Zambesi, South Centhese joint agencies received $1,057,550 j tral Africa. More than seven years ago this year, only $921,095. Mr. 'Buckenham was sent out as super- -In a publication of the English intendent of a party of three, to the Church Missionary Society it is stated Barotse country. Not until between that the sum of $60,000 was raised last two and three years ago did the little year by the .. juvenile boxes" which band receive the needed permission are in such common use in Great Brit- from the king to evangelize the natives, ain for collecting missionary money. and then, altho reinforcements were The same publication reports that there despatched from England, the work have been 988 "sales of work," the was of the most arduous kind. Mr. avails of which have amounted to about Buckenham's health began to suffer, $115,000. and he had arranged to return to Eng- land, but on reaching Kanyungala, fifty -The Rev. W. Major Paull, who has miles below Palapye, he became pros- retired from the service of the British trated and died on July 11.
and Foreign Bible Society, says: "As -During 1896 the Scottish United far as langnage is concerned we are Presbyterian Church sent out 22 new able to put at least a Gospel into the missionaries, including wives, 14 going hands of three-quarters of the world's to Manchuria, 6 for Old Calabar, population. Notwithstanding this, at Africa, and 2 for India. the present time we have translations or revisions of existing translations going -George Muller, of Bristol, has on in more than one hundred lan- past his ninety-second birthday, in guages." full vigor of mind and body. In a -The British and Foreign Bible So- recent speech he said he had received ciety offers £144 a year to such mission- $7,000,000. He has had 9,700 children ary societies as will keep 12 or more under his immediate care, of whom Bible-women at work. Some societies 4,000 have been converted. He has avail themselves fully of this-others sent $1,285,000 to missionaries, and has partially. Some find that £144 enabled distributed 275,000 Bibles and 1,460,000 them to keep more than' 12 women in Testaments.
the field. In 1894 the Church Mission- The Continent.-The oldest Protest- ary Society had 17 women j the Church ant mission is the Swedish mission Zenana, 13 j the London Missionary among the Lapps, begun by Gustavus Society, 11; the Wesleyan, 12; the Vasa during the sixteenth century.
Basel Evangelical Mission, 33. Alto- The Swedes were also the first Protest- gether some 30 missionary societies are ants to begin foreign mission workthat among the American Indians in may not be best to make overits Green- 1636. land Mission to the Danish Lutheran Church. The latter has some 8,800 -The Queen of Sweden has been so Eskimos under their charge, who are interested in reading the life of Robert rather increasing; the Moravians, someand Louisa Stewart that she has sent £6 thing over 1,600, who are decreasing. for a native Bible-woman in China, and hopes to send it annually. This sum -The Italian "Evangelical Yearpays food and clothing and traveling book," in its statistical tables of Proexpenses of one of these Chin!'lse mis- testant churches in Italy-including the sionaries. Waldenaians, the Evangelical Church, the Wesleyan Methodists, the Methodist -Rev. J. H. Barrows, in one of his Episcopal Church, and the Old Cathorecent letters from Europe, says as lics-gives the aggregate number as 150 to German uni versities, " It is the organized congregations, with 138 pasuniversal testimony of men coming tors, 81 evangelists, 25,074 members, hither from our richer Eastern colleges 1,880 catechumens, and 9,692 pupils in that there is more real drunken dissipa- Sunday-schools. The Waldensians have tion in these American institutions than 4,864 pupils in day·schools, a theologiin the German universities." cal seminary and a college at Florence, a Latin school, a high school for girls, -King Albert of Saxony, although a 5 traveling ministers in Italy, 1 pastor Roman Catholic, lately gave $3,000 to in Switzerland, 2 in South Africa, and the building fund of a Lutheran congre- 6 in the United States. The theologi· gation in Guttentag, Saxony; and guar- cal school of the Evangelical Church is anteed an annual subscription of $75 closed for lack of students. towards the support of the pastor. -The Foreign Mission Board of the -The German Protestant missionary Southern Baptist Convention began societies are represented in the German work in Italy in 1870. There are lS possessions of East and West Africa, as Italian preachers connected with their follows: The Leipsic Mission has 2 work. These are stationed in Torre stations on the slope'of the Kilimanjaro, Pellice, San Remo, Cannes (just beyond the Moravians have 4 stations in Kon- the Italian border), Milan, VIlnice, Gedoland (northeast of Lake Nyassa); not noa, Carpi, Florence, Rome. Naples, far from them the Berlin Society No.1 Boscoreale (at the foot of Vesuvius), has 5 stations; the Basel Mission has 4 Portici, Bari, Miglionico, Gravina, and stations in Kamerun; the Berlin Mis- in the island of Sardinia, Cagliari, Iglesion No.3 has 7 stations in East Africa; sias and Cuglieri. A station has lately the Bremen Mission has 2 in Togoland, been opened in Palermo, the chief city and the Rhenish Mission has 18 in of Sicily. Besides these centers, many Southwest Africa. other places are visited. There are. about 700 Baptist church members. -The Industrial Company of the Basel Mission was able last year to con- ASIA. tribute $43,000 to the missionary fund. The last report of this mission shows, Islam.-The Indian Standard gives on the Gold Coast, 13,972 church mem- the following item of ne~s: "At 8. bers, 4,126 scholars, 831 baptisms, 10 public meeting of Mohammedans at. stations, 48 male and 26 female mission- Madras the following resolutions were aries. In Kamerun: 1,807 church mem- carried: That the meeting notes with bers, 1,281 scholars, 298 baptisms, 5 extreme regret and pain the foul and stations, 15 male and 5 female mission- abusive language used and publisht aries. by the press with respect to the Sultan -The Moravian Church is seriously considering the question whether it Qf Turkey, who is recognized as the people estimate that not less than 80,000 head of the Islam Ohurch, in connec. have emigrated, and that of this num- tion with the Armenian question ; that ber one-third will remain in foreign Government is respectfully requested lands, one-third return, and one-third to put a stop to the publication of such die away from home. And of those language in the local papers; and, in who return, many are a curse to their forwarding a copy of these resolutions native land from habits of drunkenness, to the Government of India and the gambling and other vices acquired Secretary of State for India, that the abroad. Some maintain their integ- meeting express its deep sense of obli- rity, and there are noble instances of gation to the British Government, which men who have received a blessing and by its voice and liberal policy has always brought a blessing with them. A large respected the religious feelings of its number are studying in various schools subjects." The Standa'l'd remarks that in the United States, but the majority in the case of the Sultau, truth is more are common peddlers, wandering and damaging than the vilest slander could homeless. A large percentage of the possibly be. The curious and awful church members in Syria are now thing is that a ruler who has organized thousands of miles away from home.
wholesale massacres and protected red- handed murderers should be hailed and -India. The appalling extent of the honored as the Head of a Ohurch of famine in India is now disclosed. It God-the infallible Head forsooth of prevails in nearly every part of the em· the only true Church, the Ohurch of pire. In the Punjab the whole vast Islam. Logically enough they ask the triangle of which Lahore, Simla, and government to muzzJe the press in the Delhi are the apices, is destitute, as interest of the great assassin.-Indian well as some other districts-ss.y one- Witness. half of the province. About the same -There are now 3 railways in Pales- proportion of the Northwest Provinces tine, one from Jaffa to Jerusalem, 54 and Dude is suffering. Of the Central miles long, and 2 others centering at Provinces one-fourth is in distress- Damascus, 1 of these being just com- namely, the Nerbudda Valley and Raipleted, and connecting Damascus with poor. In Upper Bengal distress bids Beyrout. Two other railways are in fair to become serious, especially contemplation, also to center at Damas· around Patna and Bagulpore. All cus. When these are completed, 4 dif- Berar is in want. So is !1adras north ferent railway lines will radiate from of the Kistna. In Bombay trouble is this the oldest city in the world, con- most threatening in the central and necting her with the leading points of southern districts, such as Ahmednug. the East. Thus, as has been well said, gur, Kolapoor, Bejapoor, Khandesh, I< Damascus promises to again become and Belgaum. Upper Burma is in one of the great centers of the world." some danger, Hyderabad, Gwalior, .AB a proof of this, the Jews are said to Bhurtpore, Bundelkund, and, indeed, be buying all the land they can secure most of the native States, are in a bad about this ancient city. way. Some 60,000 persons are now employed on relief works, but 60,000,- -Rev. H. H. Jessup in calling for 000 need relief. The trouble has been special prayer in behalf of Syria, gives caused by dry weather. That made this fact among others: "Tens of the autumn crops a failure, and has thousands of Syrian men and women prevented fall sowing for the spring have emigrated from their native land crops. There is no prospect for relief, to North and South America and Aus- therefore, except from outside, until tralia, in quest of earthly gain. They next fall. At least one-third of the are exposed to great temptations. The empire is thusaffected.-N. Y. Tribu1l8. -In a recent issue the Bombay its body straight." Inserting two Guardian has a picture of the famine fingers into its mouth, she raises it up, children from the Central Provinces, as with no other support. This is .. to they arrived at the M. E. Mission, Maza- keep the roof of its mouth from falling gOD, Bombay. Miss Carroll wrote; in." Its nose is prest and pulled, its .. The groans, the bad odors, the cries head rubbed and molded. Finally of hunger are not there. You may steaming water is brought and poured think they look like boys. Miss Frank- over the child, almost parboiling it, and lin has a boys' school, and when these the bath finisht with the administration children were brought to her she had of some hot spices, "to keep away cold, their hair, which was long and filthy, and soothe the child." Many babies cut off, and put on them boys' clothes do not survive their first bath. The for the journey. We dared not give wonder is that any do. them all they wanted to eat at first, but fed them every three hours. For several -There are now about 1,000 natives days they were not satisfied, and their of India ordained to preach Christ to cries for food were very touching. At their countrymen-Hindu, Parsee, and night they cried with pain; earache, Mohammedan. Fifty years ago there toothache, etc. Some of them had such were only 21. What hath God wrought! sore mouths they could hardly speak. One night my servant called me and -John Wanamaker has undertaken said one girl was vomiting blood, but I the entire cost of a building, $30,000, found that it was from her sore mouth. for the Y. M. C. A. in Madras.' By One girl of nine had a very sore scalp, the liberality of friends in England and and her hair was grey. Another had a America one of the best sites in the city sore head which had to be poulticed had been previously secured; and this for some days. In fact, eleven were so handsome gift will permit the comple· very ill that we put them in hospital. tion of a project that is full of promise Oh, I have seen wretchedly poor people on behalf of the young men in and but never before faced starvation. I around this important center. could not but think that if the sights and sounds were so heartbreaking -Rangoon is the great commercial where food, medicine and care were center of Burma, says a writer in given, what must they be in the place Woman'8 Mi88ionarll Friend, and from which these children came." promises to be the door into Western China. Work has already been begun -This is what Annie H. Downie on the railroad which will take one to writes about child·life in Telugu Land; the very borders of that great empire. •• It is the custom," therefore the mother The city has a population of 200,000, must have neither food nor water for made up of nearly every race on earth; three days, nor must the baby be bathed there is an English-speaking community until then. Quite a ceremony attends of 10,000; the Chinese, Hindus, Mothat first bath. Some elderly relative hammedans, Tamils and Burmans make takes the child, and, stretcbIDg out her up largely the rest. Within the boundfeet, lays it between her ankles. It is aries of this little country 72 lanthen rubbed all over with soap-bark, guages and dialects are spoken. and its mouth, nose, eyes and ears, are filled with a pungent oil, •• to keep out -The American Baptist Mission the cold," and the other women look on Press in Rangoon, Burma, employs composedly while the poor child screams about 75 men, and is perhaps the most and sometimes froths at the mouth. important single agency in the Baptist Then the woman grasping the child by missions in Burma, and the largest misboth feet, swings it back and forth, sion press under the control of the head down, a couple of times, •• to make American Baptist Missionary Union. It was first started in a small way more than 75 years ago. From it have been issued many millions of portions of preaching in English I On another Scriptures. The whole Bible is pub- occasion he meant to order a roast lisht in 4 different languages, the Bur- chicken, and told his cook to go out man, the Sgaw Karen, the Pwo Karen and set fire to the street. and the Shan, and portions of Scrip- ture in about 5 or 6 other of the varied -The Peking Gautte publishes an dialects of Burma. As the Press is imperial edict appointing a director of the only printing house which can the railroad to be built between Peking publish books in all the principal and Hankow. The new road will be languages used in Burma, many school books in general use not only in some 700 miles in length, and it will the mission schools, but in government involve the bridging of 27 rivers. It and other schools, have been issued is said that funds for the construction from it; and, in fact, the school work of this line, to the amount of 30,000,000 of the whole country is largely depend- taels, have been advanced by an Amer- ent upon the work of this single estab- ican syndicate. lishment for its books and other liter- ature. -The China Mission Hand·book, just publisht in Shanghai, gives these -E. P. Dunlap writes thus from the latest figures from the Celestial Siam: A few months ago 2 devoted Empire: missionaries reacht our field from an unexpected source. They were sent by Number of societies reported, 44 the native church of Burma, and by Stations, 159 that church to be supported in their Out-stations, 1,054 work. They are Peguans, a tribe of Foreign misssionarles 1,824 lower Burma, and arc here to labor for Native agents (preachers, 1,4(9) 4,174069 the Peguans of Siam, a people that Number of churches, 55,098 have been sorely neglected-thousands Communicants, 21,858 of them war captives, and the descend- Total pupils under instruction, 148 ants of captives, made G.uring Siam's Medical missionaries (women, 47) 71 wars with Burma. This aged mis- Number of hosl'itals, 18,8Il8 sionary and his wife left a strong church Number of patIents, 111 in Burma and a large family of children Number of dispensaries, 228,162 and grandchildren, and made their w.ay Patients in dispensaries, alone for the joy of proclaiming Christ to their fellow-countrymen in this land. Were the wives of the missionaries A few Sabbaths ago 15 Peguans were baptized through their labors. enumerated, the number of foreigners, China.-Rev. J. F. MMters, a mis- male and female, would probably ex- sionary in China, says the Chinese word for heavenly is "teen," with an aspirate ceed 2,000. on the vowels. The missionary left out the aspirate with the result that the Korea.-A man's name, says a mis- word meant" crazy." After Mr. MM' sionary in Korea, is like a bamboo wil- ters had studied Cantonese a few derness-all the same thing, and yet all months he endeavored to preach a different. He has his boy name, his sermon. He wrote it out carefully, hat name, style name, special name, but made so many blunders in tones, and the good or bad name he leaves at vowel quantities and aspirates that some death. . of the Chinese remarked how much the English language resembled the Chi- -Mrs. M. F. Scranton writes of the nese. They supposed that he had been dress of the Korean boys and girls: "The boys, when drest up, have on long pink or red coats and white loose trousers, fastened about the ankle with a band of a bright·colored cloth or ribbon. They wear white wadded socks and wooden shoes. Their long black hair is parted in the middle and hangs in a braid down their backs. and is tied with a black ribbon. The girls generally wear red cotton skirts, with short jackets either green or yellow in color. Their hair is combed like the boys', only they wear a plum·colored ribbon instead of a black ODe,"
The Missionary Review of the World — May 1896
THE WORLD KINGDOMS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
DOSMOCBE CEREMONIES AT LEB, TIBET.
1'IBETAN NOBLEMEN AND MASKED LAMAS, LADAK, TlBET. MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIX. No. 5.-0ld Serie8.-MAY.~VOL. IX. No. 5.-New Seriu.
THE TWOFOLD RELATION OF THE WORLD KINGDOMS TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.-I.
BY THE EDITQR-IN-CHIEF.
When Constantine was tracing the bounds of the new city, Byzantium, and surprise was expressed at' the vastness of the area which he was including, his reply was, " I am following One who is leading me."
History without God is a lock without a key. This department of Christian evidences, God's hand in history, is too much neglected, and might be used to reinforce Christian ethics. There is a logic of events. The student of history finds an obvious plan, one unceasing, unfolding purpose, running like a thread of gold through the complexity of events; and by following that mystic cord he avoids perplexity, disentangles the skein, and brings order out of confusion and umty out of variety.
This discussion is mainly concerned with the relation of Christian governments to missions; but, to measure or apprehend the office and function of governments in the propagation of the Gospel, we must understand that' preparation for the Gospel to which all nations have been made contributors.
To see the strange unity in history, we need first to view humani1;y as a unit and all history as a whole. However useful the study of a race or an era, the divine plan demands a divine point of view; we must, as from the lofty eyrie of the eagle or his position in air take a look at the broad land. scape. Thus viewed, both Jew and Gentile are seen to be alike needful to the complete solution of the historic problem; and Assyria and Egypt, Greece and Rome, England and America, are but mountain ranges, with predetermined lines and limits, furnishing a watershed whence the great streams of civilization follow diverse .courses to one sea. While" the days of history have been mau's, the ages have been Christ's, and Hi~ the glory of the victory of rig):J.t over might, of order over anarchy, of liberty over tyranny, of cosmos over chaos."
The cross of Christ was the turning-point of the ages. That is no acci- dent whereby the fdv~pt of Q1r liOfQ w~s fr~~ed iJlto time, It is not toO, bold an a!!sertion that, at no other period of the world, before or since, could Jesus of Nazareth have been born. Then, and then only, had come the fitness and fulness of times j just then there was a gap which only He could fill-a place made ready by thousands of years of preparation, and at that particular time. The vast wheel had been revolving until the precise point in its revolution was reached where the vast mechanism demanded for its completeness a new force and factor, which just then came into play.
In the simple story of Christ's advent, as told by the evangelists, cer~ tain prominent features stand conspicuous. A decree went out from Ocesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. The Roman world then embraced Syria. The employments of the people were mainly pa8toral, indicating a Semitic origin ~s A8iatics. Christ was born in a stable and laid in a manger, indicating identification with the poor-the commoners rather than the aristocracy. The angels' song is twofold : it hints that henceforth there is to be a new goal to human endeavor-glory to God, and a new result on earth-peace and goodwill. Mark also the shepherds not only come personally to Christ's cradle, but hasten to make known abroad the fact and significance of His birth. Not to examine more closely, here are some ten particulars which serve to define this event as not only unique, but transcendent. Its precise period is the period of Roman supremacy-more exactly, the Augustan age j it is the time when all the world is virtually controlled by one sceptre j when that sceptre has passed finally from Asia to Europe j the precise field or locality of this event is Syria, which occupies a peculiarly central position, having both an Asiatic and a European frontier, facing both ways-iiI; pivot on which the history of the world shall turn, whence the ripest product of Asiatic civilization shall take a westward course to Europe and to a farther West yet undiscovered. Note also that this new personage is unmistakably of the lower classes, identified with poverty, and so the representative of the many rather than the few. The angels announce a new law of the kingdom-God is first of all to be glorified, and so peace and good-will are to be realized among men jthe Fatherhood of God is to be recognized that the brotherhood of man may be realized. The shepherds first bow at the manger as disciples, and then become propagators of the good news.
To read that simple narrative is to see more than human hand delineating the outlines of a perfect scene, at once historic and prophetic. In twenty verses of I.Juke we have a condensation of all history and all prophecy. The world has come to its highest development without Christianity -reached a period when for the first. time an imperial decree from one Cresar or Czar can affect the whole area of civilization, and when the completest political unity has at last been attained. Rome, the last of the world kingdoms, is in its golden age. Civilization has left the more sluggish atmosphere of the East to hreathe inspiration in the Occident. Just now a child is born who is to represent not a patrician rank but a plebeian class-nay, the mass of humanity. Hitherto the curse of the race has been caste, with its concomitants, such as invidious distinctions, the servility of woman, the slavery of man. Not one of these salient features of the new economy could have been left out without essential incom- pleteness and radical deficiency.
Of all civilization previous to the advent of our Lord, it may be briefly said that it was a large lump leavened with malice and wickedness; of ,all civilization since Christ's advent, that it was a mass of humanity savored and saved by the salt or'a divine principle. These are only general state- ments, but they hint opposite tendencies.
Another peculiarity should be carefully noticed. Before Christ, the tendency of political development was toward a forced and mechanical unity at the expense of individual development and personal liberty; since Christ, the tendency has been to individual development and personal freedom, and consequently to division rather than union under one sceptre, relying only on the unity which comes of fusion, sympathy, assimilation. Here, then, we find a key to all history. Until Christ came, men had been testing what could be done to make one compact state out of human materials; and the result was that, in the last and greatest of the world kingdoms, there was outward unity with moral corruption, social caste, and individual repression. In this fitness and fullness of times He came to teach men the only possible secret of true unity-a kingdom not of this world, with a true brotherhood, a pure morality, and individual liberty. He who sees no God in history will have hard work to account for this mysterious philosophy of history!
It is a curious fact that those four letters A, B, C, D, which stand at the beginning of the Roman alphabet, are the four letters that are inseparably connected with the two great historic divisions of the entire world-age. And it is also a curious fact that, suggesting as they do the alphabet of history, they hint also its inversions. All history previous to the Lord's advent we call the ages B.C. ; but notice that the first and the last of the four letters are wanting; and so history before Christ lacked both the starting-point and the goal of all true historic development. There was a bond of unity and. a civilization, but the bond was not brotherhood, and the civilization was leavened with corruption. But when Christ came a new civilization began; it had the right starting-point; it began at the beginning, introducing into human society a new element-allegiance to God-and presenting a new goal-a divine life in the soul and a development of the individual. When you have this" A. D." you have the "B. C." of brotherhood and civilization. Give us the Advent of Christ as our point of departure, and we have the basis of a new Bond between man and man, a new Cultus and a new Destiny.
What now concerns us is the double relation of this development of history to the plan of the kingdom of God ; preparation first, and propagation after. To begin with the Chaldean ascendency, 1600 B.C., we may trace these preparations during the Egyptian ascendency that followed for the next three hundred years, till Nineveh was fonnded, 1300 B. c., and the Assyrian ascendency began which lasted for more than six centuries, 1288- 610 B.C. Nineveh was then destroyed, after having been the mistress of the nations for nearly seven hundred years. But how far this Assyrian empire was from realizing even a true political unity or vitality! The bond was of iron, and might was the only right. The intercourse with surrounding nations was limited, and when it went beyond conquest was commercial only, not fraternal. The sceptre of the Orient is first transferred to Babylon; more central and accessible. Cyrus takes Babylon 538 B.C., and now begins the I)ersian ascendency, which lasts for two hundred years. Now, for the first time, a great dominant empire reaches out the hand to neighboring nations; he is the first great emp.eror dignified in prophecy as God's" anointed" servant, and in a double sense he opened the two-leaved gates and brought the nations of the East and West together.
Just at this point, strangely enough, the course of empire takes its way westward, never again to return to the East. Alexander the Great, of Macedon, which lies just beyond the Bosphorus, crosses the Hellespont 334 B.C., and after a career of conquest unparalleled in history, extending over less than ten years, dies at the age of thirty-two. This Greek ruler, taught by Aristotle, had for a few years held in his mighty grasp the whole intellectual vigor of the Hellenic race, combined with the whole material resources of the East. In him Europe for the first time rises to civilization and empire. The sceptre has swept round a circle-from Egypt in Africa to Nineveh and Babylon in Asia and to Greece in Europe, and we have now a system of Helleno-Asiatic States.
Behold in all this the hand of God! Asia strongly contrasts with Europe both in physical features and social life. One word describes its physical character-monotony. Look at the map; see the vast plateaus of the Deccan in India and of Thibet, a thousand miles in extent, the great sandy desert of China, three thousand miles long, and the still vaster plains of Siberia. The races correspond to their home. Everything is fixed, inflexible, immobile. There ancestral worship prevails; there caste rears its impassable barriers ; there vast multitudes of men are massed on a dead level, hemmed in by social bounds which they cannot overstep or overclimb. There the employment is mainly pastoral, and it is typical, for the Asiatics themselves exist in' great herds or flocks-the individual lost in the mass. Asia has always been the" mother of despotisms," and it is the characteristic of despots that, as 1he name implies, they lord it over others; the individual will swallowed up in the master's.
Turn to the map of Europe. There the only extensive plan is the Sarmatian, with the Germanic, its Western arm. Past the Baltic are the mountains of Norway and Sweden; across the Elbe, vast ranges reach from the North Sea to the Black Sea, and from Saxony to Sicily. Europe is t.he " continent of varieties." To explore it, circumnavigate its coast line, master its intricacies, demands an enterprising, aggressive people. The dead conservatism of China and the iron caste of India could not survive in Europe. These mountains would break up the vast herds of Asia into smaller bodies. This is the continent to arouse dormant energies and quicken mighty enterprises. Here is the zone of power.
And so we find that, as Asia is marked by a dead level of popular life,- Europe is marked by individual development. God was transferring the political sceptre and the historic arena to a new continent, and thus a gigantic stride was taken in preparation for the Gospel of the kingdom which both deals with mankind one by one and develops a true individnalism.
But the European capital is not to be at Macedon-that is too far eastward; and so the Roman ascendency begins B. c. 168, and the last great step of preparation is taken. Under the Cresars, Rome conquered and mastered the world. .Julius C~sar, the Roman Alexander, in eight years met in battle three millions of men, of whom he slew one third and took another third captive. It was a gigantic struggle for supremacy, by which Roman arms subdned the world and Roman roads ran to its limits. But it brought God's" fulness of times." Never before was the world made ready for the advent of Christ. Universal peace succeeded universal war. The eagle was ready to carry the crORS everywhere. The world empire had come to its highest completeness, its most perfect political unity, and its fullest realization of a brotherhood of nations which is possible without the Gospel.
There was another element in this preparation which must not be overlooked. Decay had begun, and there was nothing that could arrest it but the salt of the Gospel. We all know that ripeness borders on rottenness. As soon as a harvest is fully ripe, the sickle must be put in or the crop will rapidly deteriorate. The very same conditions most favorable to growth where life exists-light, beat, moisture, nutrition-also favor rapid decay where life does not exist or develop. The Roman Empire had attained unto a ripeness which without the intervention of God would become rottenness, and actually did. But so far as God's plan went-to make a prepared way for the advent of Christ and the preaching of the Gospelnow Jor the first the fulness of the times had come. Over the Roman roads, with the help of Roman letters a,nd Roman citizenship, thongb disdaining the aid of Roman arms, the Word of Life was to be borne with rapid steps to Spain and Gaul, to Germany and Britain. Paul, pushing his way to Antioch, to Cyprus, to Ephesus, to Coriuth, to Rome, and possibly to Spain and Britain, seems to us the Cresar of the Church.
CEN'l'URtES 01<' BUDDHISM
NINE CENTURIES OF BUDDHISM.-U.
BY 1<'. B. SHAWE, LADAK, TIBET.
The second and most important part of the Buddhist Catechism is that relating to the Doctrine (Dhamma).
II. 69. What is the doctrine? An8Wer. It is the true way of salvation intuitively perceived and announced by the Buddha.
H this be true, Buddhism claims the authority of a world-religion. But when approached on religious matters, Tibetans declare all religions to be equally good. Christianity is good for the European, Hinduism for the Indian, and Buddhism for the Tibetan. The only explanation they can offer for the existence of Christian missions is that the missionaries are bent on accumulating extraordinary quantities of moral merit. They have no conception of religion as so taking hold of a man that he is glad to go thousands of miles and learn a strange language solely to tell others what he has found. The Tibetan view is evidently incompatible both with Subhadra's definition and with any idea of a religion that goes beyond mere words.
In answer to question II. 75 Subhadra says: "There are no divine revelations." Subhadra should take a course of Tibetan reading, with a view to discovering any lives of· Tibetan saints in which revelations by dreams, signs, etc., are not received.
II. 78. What is the cause of sorrow, of death, and of birth renewal? AnBWer. '" The craving for individual existence either in this world or in another (Heaven, Paradise). .
Undoubtedly a few Tibetans may exist who delude themselves into the belief that they prefer Nirvana to any Paradise, altho I certainly have not yet met any such. The ideal of the ordinary Tibetan is the paradise of " Devachan." Both clerics and laymen have agreed in describing this heaven as a place of perpetual spring, the inhabitants of which have no work to do, but enjoy an abundance of good things to eat and drink, besides the companionship of beautiful girls-in short, a " Mohammedan paradise" of the most sensual kind, without even the pretence of spiritual enjoyments of any sort. Such is the practical Buddhist ide~l. Theosophists give a different description of "Devachan," for which they are probably in- debted to " Mahatmas." * • As everyone knows, foreigners are not allowed to travel, mnch less reside in Tibet proper; yet we are told that Madame J31avatsky, the well-known Theosophist, spent a considerable time in there. Where did she reside? Some information which would enable ns to fix the geographical spot where she met with" mahatmas" is desirable. Until we have this, I mnst incline to the belief that her visit to Tibet WaB BCmewhat mythical. This is, however, a point of secondary Importance II. 84. What is Nirvana? A1i8wer. …It is a condition impossible to be defined. in words or to be conceived by anyone still attached to the things of this world.
This is comforting information to those students of Buddhism who have been and are still devoting much time to the consideration of what is implied by Nirvana. In a note to this question reference is made at length to " the erroneous idea 1,hat Nirvana is the same as annihilation." Tibetan Buddhism is quite explicit on the subject. The term used for Nirvana means" emptiness, vacuity." No wonder Tibetans prefer free love in " Devachan" to annihilation in "emptiness." It must further be mentioned that the Ladaki know nothing at all ahout Nirvana, many being not even acquainted with the name. Several educated people have told me that the word was used by lamas in incantations, but that they had not the slightest idea of its significance.
II. 102. Cannot the layman, too, attain to perfectIon? A1i8Wer. No; this is impossible.
This perfectly correct statement of Buddhist doctrine cannot be too strongly emphasized. No man or woman earning an honest livelihood can be saved; the very fact that they work is an insuperable obstacle! The manner of work and the object of work, whether noble or ignoble, honest or criminal, has nothing to do with the matter. Work is ipso facto damning. Can any religion be more ill adapted to the wants of mankind ~ Can anything be more calculated to encourage idleness ~ Moreover, in addition to abstinence from work, celibacy is necessary. Probably at least 80 per cent of the human race (adults) are married. Buddhism, therefore, offers salvatio,n to only 20 per cent of mankind. All the remainder- are inevitably doomed to rebirth, when, of course, the chances are that demerit will be accumulated, and salvation will remain as far away as ever-possibly further. Buddhism seems, after all, very diffident as to its power to help. For the penitent sinner there is no hope; according to for most people have but vague ideas where Tibet begius and ends, and characterize as Tibetan what the natives repudiate as such. H. P. B. may have said" Tibet," meaning British Sikkim.
The" mahatmas" are of more importance. Theosophists complain that uudue stress is sometimes laid by non-believers in their system on the" mahatmas." This may be so ; but certainly the ordinary individual gets the idea that Theosophy was in its elements revealed to Madame Blavatsky by Tibetan" mahatmas." Aud equally certain it is that she purported to be in receipt of frequent communications from these beings, who even occasionally became visible. For this reason the existence or non-existence of " mahatmas" becomes a crucial point. I have made careful enquiries among Inhabitants of all parts of Tibet, both clerical and lay, and find that they are absolutely nnacqnainted with beings corresponding to the description of " mahatmas." Many of them claimed that such beiugs had formerly existed. This is quite iu accordance with Tibetan legends, and is no news to the student of Tibetan literature. But they oue and all emphatically denied that such beiugs exist now, or had been knowu to exist for some centuries. One man replied: "I always thought that Europeans were clever people, but if they believe that, they must be more stupid than any cow." Which opinion of a countryman of the purported" mahatmas" gives grOllnd for rellection. It is somewhat signillcant, too, that" mahatmas" reside in the one country of the world, which Is not open to complete and careful investigation, 80 that their existence remains, to say the least, a matter very much of "esoteric" knowledge. the Buddha's religion of compassion and love, the" karma" of his evil deeds must inevitably work itself out.
In II. 104 follow the" five vows for the laity." These Pancha-Sila are obligatory on everyone professing to be a follower of the Buddha.* 1. I vow and promise not to destroy. life. In a note to this rule we read further: In this the first and principal vow are not only included men, but allliving beings, and for that reason no one who intentionally hurts, kills, or torments an animal can be a follower of the Buddha.
It is pleasant to be able to accord praise. Let Buddhism have the honor of having by this rule successfully inculcated the sinfulness of murder. Buddhism has much to do with the deep reverence with which human life is regarded in Ladak.t The" suttee" has never obtained in Ladak, nor have I ever heard of child murder. The only murderers of whom I have ever heard have been Mohammedan travelers. But the Buddhist law in its wording and application is much too wide for practical life, inasmuch as it does not refer to human life alone, but to all life of every description, and thus defeats itself. It means, for instance, that all wild beasts, poisonous snakes, mad dogs, etc., are to be carefully left alive. To destroy vermin is a heinous sin-which may pe"haps account for the fact tbt Ladaki Buddhists are notoriously infested with fleas and lice. t I have even seen these disgusting parasites carefully placed aside. But to the honor of Ladaki common sense it must be said that they are more usually destroyed. Each fiea and louse, each wasp and gnat, each wolf and leopard is a living being, and, in a Buddhist's eyes, has the same value as a man or woman! Of course the slaughtering of beasts for food is strictly forbidden by this rule. Yet there are hundreds of Tibetans inhabiting the higher plateaus who live entirely on milk, butter, cheese, and goat's flesh. Cruelty to animals in every form is of daily occurrence. Heavy loads are placed on miserable, half-starved animals. Beasts are driven until they fall by the roadside, when they are left to die of starvation, unless the ravens and other birds of prey mercifully hasten the end. I have more than once had ponies with raw backs brought to me for a ride of twenty miles up and down hill.
2. I vow and promise not to steal.
To such an extent is stealing practised in Ladak 1hat no one will allow any man to remain alone in his room; if the owner is ohliged to leave the room, the visitor must follow. This alone is sufficient to show that in Buddhist Ladak everybody is a thief as soon as opportunity offers. No man trusts even his own brother out of his sight.
* It must be remembered that we are at present only concerned with the laity. The same rules are binding on clerics, and will recur when the priests are being considered.
t I do not think the fact that in Central Tibet murder appears to be by no means nnknown, or that even the lamas resort to It in certain cases, can invalidate the claim of Bnddhism to have exerted * a very great restraining Inlluence. One can daily see women sitting together engaged in mutnally picking out the lice from their hair. S. 1 vow and promise to abstain from all unchastity, and not to lead astray the wives, daughters, or wards of anyone.
In reply to this, I affirm that there is not one chaste male or female in Ladak. I affirm that no unmarried girl sixteen years of age will be found pure. * It is impossible to go into detail on this point. Abundant proofs of my statements are, however, at hand for those whom medical work leads behind the scenes.
The reasons for this state of affairs are not far to seek. At the root of all lies, of course, the powerlessness of Buddhiflm to curb the passions. The chief surface reason is, however, the system of polyandry, by virtue of which several brothers have one wife in common. I do not think that Buddhism can be held responsible for the origin of this system; it must also be mentioned that in Ladak the marriage of cousins is absolutely unknown among Buddhists. But Buddhism has certainly shut its eyes to the manifest evils connected with polyandry. As visible proofs of the immoral condition of the people, I may perhaps be allowed to mention the extraordinary sterility of Buddhist females, the enormous prevalence of venereal diseases, and the gradual decline of all qualities except those which man has in common with the brute creation; this degeneration is attested by the ruins of works executed by the skill and intellect of former generations, of which the present generation plainly and candidlyacknowledges itself incapable.
4. I vow and promise not to lie, deceive, or bear false witness.
I have yet to find a Ladaki who denies that he habitually tells lies. They are so far better in this respect than the Kashmiri in that they do not lie without any apparent object to be gained. But given an object, every Buddhist Ladaki immediately becomes a liar. Stories of ingenious lies are told as good jokes. A man who has quarrelled with another walks for days to bring his case before the court in Leh. On arrival he picks up a large stone outside the court, which he produces within as the identical one with which his enemy assaulted him! This is not the occasional dodge of a cute individual, but the regular practice among the people. On one occasion, when present in the court, I heard a Buddhist give evidence after being duly put on oath. At the close of his examination the judge remarked: "How many lies have you told~" and the answer was: " Not very many, your honor!" This was considered a huge joke by the officials; and on my afterward mentioning the matter, I was asked in an astonished tone: "What are witnesses good for if they don't tell lies on your behalf ~" It is a notorious fact that no witnesses can ever be obtained against a man who is at all prominent; great men can do everything with impunity. Bribery and intimidation are the rule. I was once • I know It to be a fact, that sexual connection Is daily practised by the boys aud girls herding the goats on the hills. Sodomy is not nnknown, but must, I believe, be put down to the account of Mohammedan traders, and is not a national evil. seeking for evidence on a certain point, and, to my astonishment, could get none. My servant, however, remarked: "Unless you pay beforehand you will never get witnesses. " This explained all, and also shows suffi_ ciently clearly that Buddhism has not succeeded in rousing any feeling 01' conscience as regards the truth.
5. I vow and promise to abstain from intoxicating drinks. In a note to this we read: "It is only the Brotherhood (i.e., priests. lamas) who keep this vow to its full extent. For the lay adherent it simply means to abstain from spirituous liquors. The Upasaka (i.e., devout layman) may therefore take wine and beer in moderation. "
This note is interesting. Subhadra gives us five rules" obligatory on everyone professing to be a follower of the Buddha," and promptly informs us that the fifth is only kept by the clerics. Why is not the rule, which is surely plain enough, fully kept ~ Subhadra should also kindly favor us with a definition of lhe difference to be made between" intoxicating drinks, spirituous liquors," and "wine and beer." Otherwise his note is hardly intelligible to the ordinary mind. Vile will, however, take the lowest ground and state the rule to mean" Don't get tipsy." It would be interesting to ascertain the amount of grain annually used in Ladak for making" chang," a native beer. The use oLthis beer is the main cause of poverty in Ladak. People sit down at midday and drink till midnight. In nine cases out of ten one or both of two men fighting are tipsy. The guests at every wedding go home intoxicated. Workmen have repeatedly given me carousing and drunkenness as an excuse for not coming to work. Altho the water in Ladak is so pure and refreshing that travelers are loud in their praises of it, the Buddhist Ladaki drinks water only when he can get absolntely nothing else, and in no case is drunkenness considered a disgrace.
In II. 106 three further vows are enumerated, the observation of which, tho not obligatory, is specially meritorious. Together with the Pancha- Sila they constitute the Atthanga-Sila, and run as follows : 6. I vow and promise not to eat food at unseasonable times-that is, after the midday meal.
7. I vow and promise not to dance. sing light songs, frequent public amusements. and. in short, to avoid worldly dissipation of every kind.
S. I vow and promise not to wear any kind of ornament, nor to use any scents or perfumes, and, in short, to avoid whatever tends to vanity.
If the obligatory rules are not kept, the voluntary rules are still more likely to be discarded. And such is the case. The chief meal is invariably in the evening. Dancing is an important feature at every wedding. The songs current among the people are for the most part too obscene'to bear publication, and an obscene significance attaches to phrases in many more songs which are apparently harmless. The people throng in crowds to all the public amusements available. The love of oruament and finery is not confined to the females, who often carry hundreds of rupees' worth of jewelry on their persons while they have not a cent at liberty for repairs to their houses. 'rhe males are intensely fond of bracelets and earrings- the latter being so ponderous that the lobes of the ears are often torn. So innate is this love of finery that even images of gods ,are represented with huge earrings dependent from monstrously elongated lobes.
With these rules we have touched the center of Buddhism on its prac- tical side, and for this reason a few more remarks must be added. As already shown, no attempt is made to observe even the five obligatory, much less the three voluntary rules. Furthermore, there is not a single layman in Ladak who is able even to enumerate them. The only rule which has in any way entered into the popular consciousness is the com- mand not to kill-the very one which leads to the grossest absurdities. Of this law it can be said that the people know it, but do not observe it. With regard to the rest, especially those treating of moral matters, I affirm that the people have no consciousness that any transgression constitutes sin. Not only is there no word in Tibetan to express" conscience." but there is no evidence of the existence of such a thing. Moral conceptions and all higher aspirations have ceased to be. The third obligatory rule certainly includes chastity in speech, but the expressions continually on the lips of high and. low are so utterly foul that thcy cannot even be hinted at. The first obligatory rule, which includes kindness to animals, most· certainly also. includes kindness to human beings. But in Ladak real charity is unknown; so much so that the words" widow" and" orphan" are common words of abuse. Consider what this implies. In Christian countries the very mention of " the fatherless and the widow" calls forth feelings of sympathy and compassion. The words are almost synonyms or "helpless and pitiable." But nine centuries of Buddhism have produced a different view, and" the religion of love and compassion" has taught the people that orphans and widows are lawful objects of ill-treatment; they are to be spurned as if they were vermin ; their very name is an insult.
It is as interesting as it is melancholy to observe how the superficial view of love, compassion, and charity taught by Buddhism has led to the utter subversion of the meaning ordinarily attaching to these express ions Charity is a means by which both donor and recipient are benefited, the former in a higher degree than the latter. Consequently-and this logical conclusion is actually drawn-the recipient has no cause to be grateful for any gift received; rather, the donor has to be grateful to the recipient for affording him an opportunity to exercise charity. In practical life this leads to an unusual development of the" sturdy beggar" system. One can daily see strong men and women going about from house to house. No pretence is made that they are reduced to beggary by misfortune, and all the arts practised by professional beggars in Europe are unknown. They do not reckon on exciting compassIOn, a feeling which they well know does not exist. They simply demand, insisting upon alms as their right, all the more as not they, but the givers, are those who have to consider themselves honored. While declining to give anything, I invariably offered work; but out of scores of applicants I have not found one who has not turned away in disdain.
I have often had opportunities of dispensing medicine to the sick; and here again this same view of charity turns up continually. Almost every patient appealed to me with the words " Merit, merit," meaning that by assisting him I should increase my own store of merit. The conception that it is done simply because it is good in itself and without any idea of self-emolument is incomprehensible to them. An amusing illustration of this oc()urred not long ago. A regular patient of mine persisted in the habit of coming for treatment after dispensary hours. After rebuking him sundry times, lone day declared that if he did not attend punctually he would get no more medicine; whereupon he retorted: "Very well; if you won't give me medicine when I come, I won't come at all, aud you will lose your chance of getting merit!" Which I did, much to my relief. On anotl.ar occasion a missionary had attempted late in the year to bring help to a district visited by small-pox. He had, however, to return with hands and feet very dangerously frostbitten. With reference to this I heard the remark: "He mnst be very hard up for merit if he has to take such desperate means."
Naturally the idea of gratitude has quite disappeared under such perverted ideas of charity. Certainly the words are, as a rule, not wanting j the people are 01jectionably profuse in oral thanks. But ask a man to prove his feelings by deeds, and you will meet with no response. I only know of one grateful Ladaki-a man whose leg was amputated by the medical missionary. His gratitude is all the more remarkable, as since the death of the surgeon he has transferred his attentions to the missionaries in general. They never pass his village without finding him sitting by the roadside waiting to present milk, or eggs, or butter ; and he adhered to his practice in spite of his gifts having occasionally been accepted without offering any present in return. I know of no other case in which a Buddhist Ladaki has put himself to any inconvenience as a return for benefits received. Buddhism has not produced the virtue of thankfulness.
(To be continued.) Christianity regards personal life as the most sacred of all possessions. Life is the most precious of all God's gifts. Nay, it affirms of God Himself that He is the highest Example of intense life, of intense personality, the great" I Am that I Am," and teaches us that we are to thirst for a continuance of personal life as a gift from Him; nay, more, that we are to thirst for the living God Himself and for conformity to His likeness, while Buddhism sets forth as the highest of all aims the utter extinction of the illusion of personal identity, and proclaims as the only true creed the ultimate resolution of everything into nothing. What shall I do to inherit eternal life ~ says the Christian. What shall I do to inherit eternal extinction of life? says the Buddhist. Which creed will you choose ~-Sir Monier Williams.
READY FOR DEPARTURE FROM LAKAWN TO THEIR STATIONS
CENTRAL SIAl1.
PREACHING TO FAMINE SUFFERERS AT LAKAWN, LAOS.
MISSIONS IN SIAM AND LAOS
MISSIONS IN SIAM AND LAOS.
BY REV. F. F. ELLINWOOD, D.D., NEW YORK CITY.
Historic Sketch. -The history of American missions in Siam is interesting and even romantic. The earnest call which led to missionary operations seems to have been visibly represented not by a phantom Siamese, like the Man of Macedonia, but by the famous and very substantial Siamese twins. ' The American trading vessel commanded by Captain Coffin which in 1829 brought to this country this strange pair brought also an earnest appeal from the zealous German missionary, Gutzlaff, and from Rev. Mr. Tomlin, of the London Missionary Society, to the American churches, to take part in the missionary work in Siam. Their own societies could not enter upon a permanent occupation, and hence the appeal to America. In response to this appeal the American Board of Foreign Missions instructed Rev. David Abeel to visit Siam with a view to its occupancy if he deemed it advisable. He reached Siam June 30th, 1831, a few days after Mr. Gutzlaff, saddened by the death of his beloved wife, had sailed away in a native junk for Tientsin on an exploration of the coast of China. After six months Mr. Tomlin, of the London Society, was also called away. In 1832 Mr. Abeel was obliged to leave on account of ill health. In the same year Rev. John Taylor Jones was sent as a missionary to Siam by his American Baptist associates in Burmah, to whom Gutzlaff and Tomlin had also written. He reached Siam in March, 1833, and his first work was among the Chinese. Two more mi.'3sionaries of the American Board reached Bangkok in 1834, having been more than a year on their, way. One of these labored among the Chinese, the other among the Siamese. Rev. 'Villiam Dean and his wife of the American Baptist Missionary Union also arrived in 1834 as missionaries to the Chinese in Siam, and Rev. D. B. Bradley and wife arrived in 1835.
In 1838 Rev. R. W. Dee, a representative of the Presbyterian Board, was sent to Bangkok for the purpose of reporting upon its eligibility as a missionary station for labors among the Chinese. Mr. Dee, in his report, urged the occupancy of Siam as a mission field, not merely for the Chinese, but more particularly for the Siamese. Rev. William Buel, of the Presbyterian Board, arrived in 1840. In the same year the Siamese department of the American Board's mission was strengthened by the arrival of Messrs. Caswell, Hemingway, and Bacon and their wives, and Miss Pierce. In 1845 Prince Chow Fa Mongkllt, then head priest of a royal monastery, invited Mr. Caswell, of the American Board, to become his private teacher, and the engagement continued for a year and a half. Mr. Caswell was a graduate of Lane Theological Seminary and a member of the Presbytery of Cincinnati. In 1840 the American Board directed its missionaries in Bangkok to remove to China, which had opened five treaty ports. In 1847 Rev. Stephen Matoon and wife and Samuel R. House, M.D., of the Presbyterian Board, arrived in Bangkok, having spent eight months on a journey which can now be made in six or seven weeks. They were soon visited by many of the nobles, and they took an early opportunity to pay their respects to the royal priest at his monastery. They were most kindly received, and continued ever afterward to retain the royal confidence. The tidings that a new foreign physician (Dr. House) had come brought crowds to his dispensary for relief. The floating house which Dr. Bradley had used was again fitted up as a dispensary, and was moored in front of the mission premises. In the first eighteen months he had prescribed for over eighteen thousand patients. The Presbyterian Mission to the Siamese was now thoroughly established.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized in Bangkok in 1849, the missionaries constituting the larger part of the membership at first, tho gradually the number of native members was increased. In 1851 the usurper of the throne, an illegitimate elder brother, died, and Chow Fa Mongkut, who had entered a Buddhist monastery as a measure of safety, succeeded to the throne. Siam thenceforth entered upon a new era of enlightenment and prosperity.
The life in Siam of Sir John Bowring and Mr. Harry Parks, his able Secretary of Legation (afterward British Minister to China), brought about great changes through a treaty made between Siam and Great Britain, and in 1856 a similar treaty was formed by Hon. Townsend Hams between Siam and the United States. It is pleasant to recall the testimony which Dr. William D. Wood, who accompanied the embassy of Mr. Harris, gave of the influence which the American missionaries had already gained at that early day. It is as follows: " The unselfish kindnesFl of the American missionaries, their patience, sincerity, and truthfulness, have won the confidence and esteem of the natives, and in some degree transferred those sentiments to the nation represented by the missions and prepared a way for further national intercourse now commencing. It was very evident that much of the apprehension which they felt in taking upon themselves the responsibility of a treaty with us would be diminished if they could have the Rev. Mr. Matoon, of the Presbyterian Mission, as first United States Consul."
Mr. Matoon, however, accepted the office only until a successor could be appointed at Washington; meanwhile, his mission work-preaching, translating, etc.-was not interrupted.
Establishment of the Laos Mission.-It was in 1858 that Rev. Jonathan Wilson and wife and Rev. Daniel McGilvary arrived in Siam. They had been room-mates at Princeton; and Mr. McGilvary, in offering himself to . the Board, had requested that he might be sent to some field where others might feel less inclined to go. It was perhaps in view of this desire that in the year 1867 Mr. McGilvary was sent up the Meinam River to establish a mipsion in Laos. The voyage up the river occupied thrlle months. The Laos tributary king gave to Mr. McGilvary and his family a kindly recep-
MISSIONS IN SIAM AND
tion. Mr.. and Mrs. Wilson followed soon after. This general favor to the Laos Mission continued until March, 1869, when the king, stirred up doubtless by the Buddhist priesthood, who represented that a certain famine which Laos had suffered had probably been due to the influence of the missionaries, requested of the King of Siam that the United States Consul should be compelled to issue an order withdrawing the missionaries from the Laos country. Rev. Mr. McDonald, who happened to be acting as United States Consul, made the reply that " A famine which occurred in 1866 could not have been caused by a missionary who arrived a year later, and that during the year 1868-69, while they still remained in the Laos country, accounts were received of an abundant harvest." The withdrawal of the missionaries was respectfully declined by the Consul, and the Siamese Minister of the Interior at Bangkok represented to the Laos king that he entirely acquiesced in this decision. The purpose of the Laos king being thus thwarted, made itself felt, however, upon the native Christians, and on September 12th, 1869, two converts were seized and barbarously put to death. Other church-members sought safety in flight. The next year, however, this king died, and the Laos Christians from that day have had rest from persecution, and have been admitted to greater privileges than ever.
The Laos field is now considered one of the most promising, tho twenty-eight years ago it seemed one of the most difficult, owing to the above-mentioned bitter persecution. The favorable reaction was strong. Martyr's blood in that distant region, as elsewhere, proved to be the seed of the Church. Compared with the people of· Siam, especially at Bangkok, the inhabitants of Laos are more simple and confiding. They have the great advantage of being sufficiently removed from those corrupting inflnences of foreign contact which in all lands have proved so detrimental to the highest missionary success. Medical work has had a most salutary influence in winning the confidence of the people ; and altho a former king was a persecutor, the princes of Laos in recent years have held a friendly attitude toward the missions, and there has been as great freedom in the proclamation of the Gospel in every part of that country as in the territories of the United States.
The Thralldom of Superstition.-In spite of the claims of Buddhistic philosophy, the superstitions of the people are virtually of the simplest character. Mendicant Buddhist priests appear everywhere with their bowls, and whatever salvation Buddhism is supposed to secure is purchased by gifts of rice to these priestly beggars. Anything like grace or Divine help in any form is unknown to the system ; merit making is its one universal reliance. With the priesthood merit is gained by observance of the many and sometimes exacting rules of a self.centered monastic life. With the masses of the laity man's chief duty consists in feeding the priests. But practically there is with the people, and sometimes with the monks themselves, a chief reliance upon the superstitious worsliip or service of spirits, and for the most part malignant spirits, to whose superior power mortals are subject. Every conspicuous object in nature is haunted by ghosts. Disease is the result of the bewitching influence of these evil spirits acting either directly upon the patient or through the personality or unseen agency of some man or woman who, in case the patient dies, is accused and arraigned as a witch, and who must pay a severe penalty for his misdeeds. Iu severe cases where delirium occurs, as in l,yphoid-fe,oer, the priests of devil worship are often summoned for the purpose of ascertaining who has bewitched the patient, or if the spirit is acting directly and is supposed to be lurking in. the patient's body, an effort is made to ascertain at what precise point it is lodged, and frequently the sufferer is prodded in different parts of the body with some blunt instrument until by an outcry of distress t.he precise location is revealed. One sad instance is recorded as having fallen under the observation of the late Dr. Cheek, of the Presbyteriau Mission. The patient who suffered torture was a young girl of sixteen.
In cases of witchcraft the person accused of the offense is banished from the community with his entire family, and as other communities would dread his approach, he has no resource but to betake himself with his household to the wilderness. This is scarcely better than the sentence of death which is inflicted in Central Africa.
A few years ago a returned missionary of the Presbyterian Board conceived the plan of purchasing land for a refuge colony in which this unfortunate class could be settled, and where, by tilling the soil, they might find support for their families.' These superstitions seem to disappear wherever missionary work has found its way. The present King of Siam has on one or two occasions issued proclamations designed to turn the minds of the people from childish and cruel superstitions which were doing injury to the public welfare. The enormities of the system of devil worship may be greatly mitigated, but the deep foun,dations of it still exist; they underlie the whole superstructure of the popular religion both in Laos and in Siam, and especially in the rural districts. The mere every-day routine of Buddhistic merit making does not satisfy the religious wants or religious fears of the masses of the people. The overshadowing presence of disembodied spirits weighs upon them, and its pall of darkness cannot be broken by anything short of the truth as it is in Jesus and the liberty with which He sets men free.
In sickness, on occasion of blighted crops, or in times of disaster, the people resort to the devil priests to learn if possible the cause, and to appease the spirits. The sense of the power of the unseen world is too deep to be removed by the cold, ethical maxims of the Buddhists. We are often told in these times that Buddhism is a religion quite sufficient for the countries in which it bears sway j that its great teacher is to be classed with Jesus of Nazareth, and that its high ethics and its sublime philosophy challenge the admiration of all thoughtful men. But even if we were to concede all this to the higher classes, large numbers of whom betake themselves for a time to monasteries for meditation, yet what will be said of the millions in Siam or Laos, Cambodia or Burmah. who spend their whole lives under the overmastering bondage of evil spirits ~ These certainly furnish a work for the missionary. These appeal to the Christians of every land for teachers who shall point them to the way of life and set them free. It is in behalf of such that the commission of the great apostle to the Gentiles was given j for they certainly need to be led " from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan (or Satans) unto God, that they may receive remission of sin" and a share in the faith that is in Jesus Christ.
Buddhism blots out the name of God j it presents no Savior and no salvation j it only calls on each man to save himself. It takes no account of supernatural things, whereas the masses of men will insist upon supernatural influence, and if deprived of the light of God they will become the victims of imaginary beings who are mightier than they.
New Phases of the Mislion Work.-The mission work in Siam takes on from time to time new forms, and it will doubtless continue to require new adaptations as time goes on and as the people become more and more familiar with the current of events in all lands. As an example of the new phases of work which are to be encountered and of the leaven of missionary influence already exerted, a preaching service is reported as having been established by the Buddhists upon a Buddhist holy day. It is not conducted, however, by the Buddhist priests, who ought to be the teachers of ihe people. "Instead of calling in a lot of ignorant priests,,. says our report, "and listening to their prayers and exhortations in the unknown Bali (Pali) tongue, of the meaning of which these priests themselves have not the slightest idea, a number of the princes of high rank take turns and present the truth in plain, every-day Siamese. Strange to say, however, the attendance is always quite small, so we may be greatly encouraged since the Siamese show so little interest in their own religion and attend our services in larger numbers and much more regularly than they do their own. " Reference is made in the reports of the Presbyterian Mission for 1895 of a visit from Major Roper, of the Ceylon Salvation Army, to Bangkok. The visit was made, as is supposed, for the purpose of reconnoitering the field with a view to extending the operations of the Army to Siam. The report says that" the natives seem greatly taken with the Salvation Army idea, and it is very probable that the Army would soon collect a large following here in Bangkok, if some of their workers should begin work here. We all found Mr. Roper a very agreeable gentleman and learned much from his visit." It is to be hoped that the Salvation Army will send a contingent to Bangkok, provided leaders are chosen who shall insist upon cooperation and not rivalry, or indirect antagonism to the existing work, and we are sure that their work will be hailed with rejoicing. Doubtless some important element may be supplied by the methods of the Salvation Army which possibly is lacking in the methods of other missionary organizations. The field is great ; the millions are perishing, and doubtless all who love the cause of missions would rejoice " that every way Christ is preached." Even the lay preaching of the Siamese Buddhist princes may be welcomed, so far as it turns away the attention of the people from the mummeries of an ignorant and lazy priesthood to the ethical precepts of Buddhist doctrine, and to whatever shall stimulate them to an avoidance of vice and a practice of virtue. As the higher and more sensible teachings of the Greek philosophy helped to dissipate the mists and disinfect the moral corruptions of the old heathen superstitions and clear away the rubbish for the early Christianity, so possibly a Gospel of common sense preached by the princes of Siam may help to prepare the way for the truth as it is in Jesus.
Self-Help.-The natives in both the Laos country and Siam have had hitherto the double burden of supporting the Buddhist priesthood and the various juggleries of spirit worship. In a little book on Siam published some years ago by Rev. M. A. McDonald, it was stated that Bangkok alone supported over ten thousand priests, and that all of this vast army could be seen starting out every morning in search of their daily food. " It must cost Siam annually," says Mr. McDonald, " $25,000,000 to keep up the priesthood alone, and supposing the population to be 8,000,000, which is perhaps an underestimate, it will make on an average over $3 for every man, woman, and child in the kingdom. Now, if every man, woman, and child in the evangelical Christian Church would average $3 per annum, the boards of the Church would not be compelled so frequently to go a-begging, and the world at that rate would soon be evangelized. If the heathen can do so much for a false religion, what should Christians not be willing to do for the religion of Jesus, to which they owe everything they are, and have, and hope to be ~"
But there is another practical question suggested by these significant facts and figures, and it pertains not only to Siam, but to all mission fields; and that is, " Why may not those who have borne the heavier burdens of their old heathen rites also be taught to support their own more beneficent Christian institutions ~"
In the early days of Christian missions it was sometimes necessary, at least it.was thought to be necessary, in order to win the confidence of the parents and children, to assume the entire support of the pupils in the boarding-schools. In some instances a trifling consideration was given to distrustful parents as an inducement to surrender their children to the full control of the missionaries, on the same principle that in some of our own cities it is necessary to secure by indenture the control for a period at least, of the children into eleemosynary refuges. This primitive stage of the mission work is passing away. There is a higher appreciation of the good accomplished in education. It is perhaps seldom necessary to assume the entire support of missionary pupils; and where it was at first deemed indispensable to furnish all expenses and chapels, as well as the entire support of the native preachers, that necessity is believed to be passing away. The native Christians are urged to assume the entire support of their pastors, and where this cannot be wholly assnmed a partial support is insisted upon. More and more it has become the aim of all missions to bring the people up to as high a degree of self-denial in this respect as they have been accustomed to practise in the support of their heathen rites.
In the Laos Mission there seems to be a greater readiness of the people to support their own Christian work than has been shown in most other mISSIOns. In the Laos Presbytery a standing committee on beneficence is now in full operation, and the Lampoon church has an evangelistic committee under its leadership. The students in theology are now engaged systematically in city mission work. The following action, taken by a committee of Laos Presbytery, will be of interest: Greetings of the servants of God, Nan Soopah, Noy Hooen, and Noy Moon, whom Presbytery last year appointed over the work of silver, gathered as offerings. We three servants of God have consulted, saying, if there is no work (set before wthoermk)bteheestdaibscliisphleesd.wirlrl not contribute: that is certain. It is necessary that a there is a work of the Lord, the disciples will have a heart to contribute. Another thing. The disciples in the country outside (United States) have collected silver and selected men and sent (t.hem) to help an these provinces. It is not fitting that we eat silver from the disciples of the country outside continuallY" It is fitting that we in this country should take (this) as our own work. Therefore, we three servants of God see fit to beg, ask and advise Presbytery after this manner, saying: 1. We ask Presbytery to send two men to exhort and teach in the districts of Tern and Lee and elsewhere-let the work say. Let one man be one who knows and is accustomed to teaching, and the other one who max assist in teaching, and may carry books along to distribute. Let the teacher eat sIlver, 15 rupees (about $4) a month; let the helper eat 12 rupees (about $3); let these two men go for about three months_ 2. We ask Presbytery to enjoin the disciples, every person, old and young, throughout this Lampoon (province), to contribute silver every Sabbath, according as God hath caused to have Prosperity. 3. We ask Presbytery to appoint a company (committee) to put their hearts into this work. Let this company have authority to send out these two men, to collect silver, to reckon silver (wages), and other matters. 4. We ask Presbytery to invite Rev. Soopah to take the work of traveling, exhorting, and teaching all the disciples concerning the work of giving; and that he enjoin to contribute silver for this work of teaching in the districts of Tern and Lee.
The Existing Volume of the Work.-The Protestant missionary work in Siam and Laos is almost entirely confined to the efforts of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, United States of America. The American Baptist Union, which carried on for Rome years a limited work in Siam, has withdrawn. Some individual missionary efforts are being put forth, as by Rev. Mr. Adamson, in Bankok. An American Christian negro, whose wife is a native of Pegu, is also engaged in missionary work. Some Chinese Christians, old converts of the American Baptist Mission, still keep up a sort of home missionary work among the Siamese in Bangkok. But the Presbyterian Board may at present be said to bear the chief responsibility of the missionary enterprise in Siam and in Laos. In the latter country, so far as known to the writer, no missionary effort is put forth by other bodies.
The last report shows in the Siam Mission, Ord~ined !f1i!'Bion~ries……………………….. • •• 8 Medical mIBBlonarles..•………………………….. 3 Married and unmarried women……………… " ….. . 16 Native teachers, male and female…………………. . 19 Number of communicants in seven churches……….. . 292 Boys and girls in boarding-schools…….. " ……….. . 191 Total number of pupils in schools of all grades……… . 316 Patients treated in the hospital work.•••.•••.•••…….. 5,000 In the Laos Mission there are Ordained missionaries……………………….. '" 8 Physicians ……………………………………. . 5 Married and unmarried women…….. " …… " …… . 16 Ordained natives…………….•..•.••… , .. " …… . 2 Other helpers…………….. " …………………. . 57 Number of communicants in twelve churches………. . 1,841 There were added during the last year…………….. . 305 Number of boys and girls in boarding-schools ….•….. 282 Children gathered in the Sabbath-schools…………… . 987 The stations of the Laos Mission are Cheung Mai, situated on the Maah Ping River, five hundred miles north of Bangkok. This was occupied by Rev. Daniel McGilvary, D.D., and Rev. Jonathan Wilson, both being accompanied by their wives. The second statipn, Lakawn, was occupied in 1885, Lampoon in 1891, Muang Praa in 1893, and Nan in 1894_ These five stations occupy such strategic positions a!l enable the missionaries there resident and their threescore native teachers and helpers to extend their work into the wide regions in all directions.
The Laos Mission has shown in the last four or five years very gratifying results of missionary labor, namely, the number of accessions in 1890 were 180, and during the following years respectively 182, 241, 299, 289, and 305.
The Present Outlook.-That part of the late speech by Queen Victoria to the British Parliament in which she states with satisfaction that a treaty has been formed between Great Britain and France, securing the independence of Siam, has doubtless excited in all friends of missions. a new interest in the missionary work in Siam and Laos. The kingdom of Siam embraces several small tributary st(ltes extending down the Malayan Peninsula, and also a number of dependencies stretching to the north and northeast, and embracing the Laos country. When the French navy entered Bangkok many months ago and forced the Siamese Government to transfer to French authority large districts in its northeastern tributary possessions, the relations between France and Great Britain became considerably strained with reference to the question of territorial rights.
And some apprehension was felt in regard to the future of American missions in Eastern Laos. and, in fact. throughout Siam. The policy of the French Government in its occupation of portions of the west coast of Africa, from which it excludes all American missionary operations except upon the condition that they shall use the French language in their mission schools, and shall be forbidden even the employment of the vernacular, has given good reason to fear that a similar restrictive policy, which virtually would amount to suppression, might be carried out in Laos and Siam. Tho the boundaries agreed upon between Great Britain and France are not as yet very clearly known, it appears that these two powers have agreed to a French protectorate or virtual possession in the northeastern dependencies, while England extends a similar control over territories on the west. Both of the great contracting powers are understood to have guaranteed the independence of Siam in the territory that remains.
While this treaty must be regarded as another of those encroachments either by single powers or by joint action which the stronger governments of the world have made and are making upon the territory of weaker nations, there is perh~ps this satisfaction, namely, that the action of Great Britain has prevented France from usurping the entire kingdom of Siam, or at least reducing it to a mere dependency of France, as in the case of Madagascar. It will secure also the continued work of Protestant missions both in the territory occupied by Great Britain and in the independent kingdom of Siam. On the whole, the congratulatory view which the British Queen seems to have taken of the situation may therefore be shared by all those who love the cause of evangelical missions. It is probable also that this arrangement may on the whole promote the general advance of civilization in Siam. Buttressed and secured in its rights by a specific treaty between two powerful nations, it may carry forward all those industries and foster all those lines and methods of advancement which the general movement of this age demands. A portentous uncertainty which for many months has hung over Siam having now been removed, there is perhaps new incentive to missionary effort. There is reason to believe that such effort will be welcomed, or at least more freely tolerated, in the future than it has been in the past. And the religious barriers to be encountered there are less formidable than in most Eastern lands. In Laos especially the influence of Buddhism is weak, and the influence of animism, or spirit worship, tho prevalent, is less antagonistic. It does not prevent the people from listening to the truth of Christianity. The field is therefore much more accessible than a country ruled by the intolerance of Islam or the conceit and self-satisfaction of either the Confucian or the Brahmanical cults. There is also comparative freedom from the spirit of caste and the social barriers which it presents. Both Siam and the Laos country are also less trammeled by restraints placed upon woman. She has greater social freedom, and may freely exert that womanly influence which is everywhere so helpful in all religious life and growth. Many great mission fields are just now environed with difficulties; but in Siam and Laos a great door and effectual is presented. For every ten missionaries there should be a hundred. A MISSIONARY ROMANCE.-II.
THE FIRST MISSIONARY EXPEDITION AND ITS CENTURY'S FRUIT.
BY GEORGE SMITH, LL.D., F.R.G.S., EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.
America still waits the advent of a poet of the missionary crusade, such as William Cowper was the first to become in English literature, more than a century ago, and Reginald Heber proved himself to be among the Anglicans, and as James Montgomery did, representing the Moravian Brethren. John Greenleaf Whittier has come nearest to filling the sacred niche among the poets of our Western continent in the long career of his beautiful and God-consecrated life, from the appearance of his "Mogg Megone," in 1836, till his death, three years ago. The poem which caused him to be first recognized by purely English critics as " a pO}lt indeed" was" The Panorama," which was published forty years ago. As we read its impassioned and exquisite strains we feel that the writer was prevented from letting his muse burn over the greater subject of the foreign missionary enterprise only by the immediate and overpowering call of the slave for freedom. But W1'l may now apply the pictures and predictions of his panoramic showman to the higher freedom which the missionaries of Christ are everywhere proclaiming to all enslaved by sin: " And, still beyond, long lines of foam and sand Tell where Pacific rolls his waves a-land, From many a wide-lapped port and land-locked bay, Opening with thunderous pomp the world's highway To Indian isles of spice and marts of far Cathay. • Such,' said the showman, as the curtain fell, •Is the New Canaan of Ol1r Israel- The land of promise to the swarming North, Which, hive·like, sends its annual surplus forth.' "
For the peoples to whom awakening Christendom first resolved to send the good news of the liberty which is in Christ Jesus were those of the islands of that Pacific Ocean which covers a third of the globe. Thither William Carey determined to go, but God directed him, with Dr. Thomas, to India, for which he had been all unconsciously training himself. The first English missionary society-the Baptist-accordingly gave its early strength to the evangelization of the millions entrusted to the rule of the British East India Company. So it fell to the second of the Reformed missionary societies, now representing the other great army of the Nonconformists of England and vVales, to undertake as its earliest enterprise the sending of the law of God to the islands which had been for seventeen centuries waiting for that law-to the Malay and Papuan savages; from Tahiti and Samoa to New Guinea. In Captain James Wilson the London Missionary Society had found the providentially prepared leader of the exoedition; but where were the missionaries ~ The Rev. Dr. John Love, the first secretary of the society, and worthy to rank with Andrew Fuller, the first secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society, stood almost alone a hundred years ago in giving due importance to the training as well as the character of the men who were to be the modern apostles to the eight hundred millions of human beings ignorant of Christ. Himself converted when he was nineteen years of age, he had enjoyed the academic and theological discipline of the universities of the Church of Scotland. He had been assistant pastor and preacher in the parish churches of Rutherglen and Greenock, and he was Scottish minister in London at the age of forty, when there was added to his work the cares and toils of the secretariat. To found a new society in the fervor of the first love called forth by William Carey's letters was well, but to find and to prepare missionaries at a time when only one Englishman had gone ont to preach Christ, was a task of far more serious difficulty and of even greater importance. John Love naturally looked to Scotland, but the General Assembly of its Church that very year (1796), by a majority in the teeth of Erskine of Greyfriars, pronounced foreign missions " preposter. ous. " So he wrote these significant words on March 17th, 1796 : "I have been led to the idea of forming some certain and permanent plan for securing the solid instruction of a few missionaries at'!.east, who may be. as eyes to the rest. I am more and more established in the fullest cer· tainty that the rash ideas of many respecting the easiness of finding persons truly qualified for this work are the quintessence of folly and vain arrogance. In the course of conversations with the missionaries here for their instruction, I see at once the difficulty, the possibility and absolute necessity of polishing those shafts that are to be thrown into the very center of the host of Satan." lle humbled himself and his fellow-directors, calling them" to consider deeply whether our humiliation, and faith, and spirituality are of such a dye as that it may be hoped that the jealous God will commit to us the high honor of being the fathers of heathen nations."
When Dr. John Love had, day by day, given the accepted candidates for the mission field systematic theological training, so far as was possible to men generally ignorant of the original Hebrew and Greek languages of the Holy Scriptures, he prepared fifteen" Addresses to the people of Otaheite, designed to assist the labor of missionaries and other instructors of the ignorant." The study of these" simplest methods of conveying scriptural truth to untutored minds," and, possibly, the translation of these ad. dresses into the vernacular languages of the islanders, were meant to do what WycIif, Luther, and John Knox attempted in the Reformation times of transition from the darkness of illiterate Romanism which had concealed the Word of God.
Of the thirty male missionaries, with six wives and three children, who embarked on board the Duff at Blackwall, on the Thames, with James Wilson as commander, his nephew, William Wilson, as mate, and a crew of t,wenty besides, only four were ordained ministers. The Rev. James Fleet Cover and John Eyre, thirty-four and twenty-eight years of age re- , spectiveiy, were married. The Rev. John Jefferson did not live longer than to the year 1807. The fourth, the Rev. Thomas Lewis, who had attended the hospitals and dispensaries and understood printing, married a native and was murdered in 1799. The other twenty-six were tradesmen, artisans, and servants; one is entered as " surgeon," and one as lately a gunner in the Royal Artillery. The only one of the thirty whose name has come down as distinguished in missionary history was Henry Nott, a bricklayer, twenty-two years of age. He died in 1844 after forty-eight years' splendid service. Dr. John Love had reason for his anxiety. "The Lord of the harvest," he wrote, " hath prepared a numerous band of missionaries, and hath provided the means of their conveyance to a remote region of the globe. • •• When they stand on heathenish shores • • . it is easy to speculate, in the shade, on their arduous situation. But the elevation of faith, the rich communication of wisdom and power from on high, essential to their comfort and success, are beyond what most of us are capable to imagine. " Dr. Love warned the sanguine supporters of the new and sacred venture that accounts of solid success could not be expected for a long time.· "Having done our utmost to begin the attempt well, let us follow it up and mature it by the faith, patience, and prayers of years to come." Yet, tho Captain James Wilson did his part of the first missionary expedition well, and only one of the thirty missionaries proved himself above the average, while some fell away, this pioneer enterprise of the London Missionary Society has been used by the gracious Head of the Church to bring to Himself nearly all the peoples of the Pacific islands, and to prepare their ocean to be, in the second missionary century, the great highway of the Christian nations from the United States and the Dominion of Canada on its American shores, to Russia and Japan and the colonies of Great Britain on its Asiatic and Australasian coasts. Henry Nott was a bricklayer as William Carey was a shoemaker. So is Jesus Christ's fundamental law of His kingdom carried out still, as when He called the fishermen by the Galilean lake and trained them to be fishers of men.
Captain James Wilson, tho more experienced than they all, received a letter of instructions from the directors. "You are fully apprised," they wrote, "of the nature and design of the expedition you have undertaken to conduct. You are aware that it is not only in its nature singular and almost without a precedent, but that it is also one of the most honorable and most important services which can be confided to a human being. The attention of the Christian world is very generally excited to the object, and devout intercessions are continually ascending, like incense to Heaven, for its success. Should it be favored with the blessing of God, it may be the direct means of imparting Divine light and eternal life to great multitudes of immortal beings, and may form an era of distinguished importance in the history of human redemption. " He was told to proceed to Portsmouth to join the East India Convoy there, and to keep company with it for protection in that time of European war; to procure at Teneriffe four pipes of the best wine in hogsheads, paying by draft on the society's treasurer; to take thence bunches of dried grapes for planting in the mission settlements, and pecks of wheat and seeds of tropical fruits for the same purpose. Making for Rio de Janeiro, he was there to lay in a stock of sugar, tobacco, chocolate, cochineal plant, and other vegetable productions. He was to proceed thence by way of Cape Horn to Tahiti, but if bafIied by contrary winds to bear up and run for the Cape of Good Hope. The sphere of the mission was declared, by resolution of the general meeting, to be "Otaheite, the Friendly Islands, the Marquesas, the Sandwich and the Pelew Islands." But while it was declared desirable to introduce the Gospel into several islands, it was pronounced necessary, if possible, to establish it in one. After detailed suggestions as to negotiations with the chiefs and the settlement of disputes through " appealing to the decision of Divine Providence by a solemn and religious use of the ancient institution of drawing lots," Captain Wilson was told to call at the East India Company's Canton factory for a return cargo, so as to sail back to Europe in the early part of 1798. "You are accompanied by the affectionate esteem of the excellent of the ear1h, and ministering spirits, we trust, will receive the welcome charge to convoy you in safety to the place of your destination. May they be glad spectators of the formation of a Christian temple in these heathen lands, and thus be furnished with the subject of a new song to Him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb I"
The discoveries made in the South Seas during the three voyages of * Captain Cook had made the missionary directors familiar with the condi- tion of the islands and peoples, and especially with Tahiti; When dedicating the firstfruits of their labors to George III., who had sent out the scientific expedition thcre to observe the transit of Venus, thc directors said to the king: "A nobler object, Sire, has engaged the attention of the missionary society, who, believing CHRIS'fIANITY to be the greatest blessing ever imparted to mankind, desired to communicate that inestimable gift, with all its happy effects, to these unenlightened regions." They felt, moreover, upbraided for their neglect of repairing, if possible, the injuries caused to the natives by the miseries and diseases. which inescourse with Europeans had occasioned. The early Spanish navigators had erected a cross on Tahiti, a fact which led Captain Cook to remark that, in his opinion, nothing would ever be done to Christianize the Pacific islanders, " since there were no motives in public ambition nor in private * The extraordinary interest, scientific and spiritual, called forth by these voyages, all over Europe, L~ well seen in a work published at Berlin in 1781 by the IJalle Professor, Johan Reinhold Forster, .. Tagebuch Einer Entdekkungs Reise nach der Sudsee in der Jahren 1776 bis 1780 anter Anfiihrung der Oapitaius Oook, Olerke, Gore and King. The map 1s of curious value. avarice for such an undertaking." Dr. Haweis, the Anglican rector and chaplain of the Countess of Huntingdon, who was a worthy colleague of the Presbyterian, Dr. Love, spared no pains to induce his fellow-directors to answer that superficial and faithless view, to which Captain Cook had himself fallen a victim, by directing the first expedition to the islands of the South Sea, and very specially to Tahiti.
The story of Captain James "Wilson's first voyage of the Duff in the years 1796, 1797, 1798, as authoritatively detailed at full length in the quarto volume published for the benefit of the society in 1799, has again in its past centennial year been told in popular style by Mr. George Cousins, its editorial secretary. Since this article was written there has reached Edinburgh the American Tract Society's noble little quarto written by Rev. James M. Alexander, under the title of "The Islands of the Pacific. " To that our readers should turn for " a compendious sketch of missions in the Pacific," with illustrations of much beauty. Even more recently stilI there has returned from twenty years of labor in the New Hebrides group, the Rev. James H. Laurie, who, when the Free Church of Scotland in 1878 could not find an ordained minister to go forth to that region-so much more attractive did India and Africa and China seem to be-offered himself, layman and deacon as he then was. After building up and confirming the churches of Aneityum, founded by the apostolic Drs. Geddie and Inglis, who found not a Christian on the island, and who left it with not a heathen there, and with the whole Bible printed in the language of the people and paid for by their annual crop of arrowroot, Mr. Laurie has retired.
To the eye of sense a hundred years ago, it looked as if the opinion of Captain Cook as to the destiny of the Polynesians were more likely to prove COlTect than that of Love, Haweis, Captain James Wilson, and the supporters of the London Missionary Society. For years after March 5th, 1796, when Wilson left eighteen of the thirty missionaries on Tahiti, of the Society group, and the others on Tongatabu, of the Friendly Islands, and put one man, William Crook, the servant, ashore on the Marquesas, it seemed as if the whole enterprise were to be a failure. In March, 1798, one half of them left for Sydney, and " gave up the work." Only in 1800 could Nott and Jefferson build a church and preach in public. Not till 1812 did it seem possible that there could be any fruit, when King Pomare asked Nott for baptism. Who shall picture the trial of faith which that heroic missionary had patiently borne these sixteen years, while deserted by nearly all his fellows, and treated as Noah was when he was a-building the ark ~ But God's long-suffering, reproduced in that of His servant, proved as ever to be " salvation," to races as to individuals, to the sensual Polynesians and cannibal Melanesians as to the chosen Israel of old, and every evangelized dark people since. From Captain Cook's murder and even John Williams's martyrdom, to the churches of Maoris and Fijians, Eromangans and Samoans, what a difference the century has wrought out; and all because Henry Nott believed the promises of God, commercial and political progress have been made possible, and the greatest litterateur of this generation, the Scottish Robert Louis Stevensou, who lies on the hill of Samoa, among the people whom he loved, blessed the South Sea missionaries as Darwin did at Tierra del Fuego!
American and European civilization mayor may not in time kill out the Negritos, Papuans, and even Malays of the islands of the Pacific Ocean; but if so that will be due to the white men, whose vices and greed the evangelists of Christendom have sought to arrest, and would have anticipated had the Church of the eighteenth century been as careful to obey its Lord as the Royal Society was to observe the transit of Venus! And whatever earthly destiny the God of nations and of missions may have in store for the islanders in the coming century, this much is certain, that Christ, wherever He has been preached and believed on, has redeemed them from the terror of the devils their fathers adored for deities, as Milton sang; has given many of them a pure life and a righteous government; has filled them with the assured hope which takes from death its sting and the grave its victory, and reveals the kingdom of heaven opened to all believers. It is true that, proportionally to population, the scattered races and confused tongues of the islands have had ten times mc:re missionaries than those of the old civilizations and literatures of India, since Captain James Wilson escaped from the dungeon of Tippoo, the tiger of Mysore, and God used him to land Henry Nott, the bricklayer, in Tahiti, and the brave solitary Crook, the valet, in the Marquesas. But it wiII no longer be the part of politicians and traders to taunt Christendom with this when, as the next century advances, the whole ocean becomes in the highest sense worthy of its name, and proves to be the new Mediterranean of the Antipodes, the busy highway of Christian civilization.
MISSIONARY WORK IN MALAYSIA.
As CONDUCTED BY THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
BY REV. S. L. BALDWIN, D.D.
At the session of the Bengal Conference in 1887 a district called the Burma District was established, and the Rev. W. F. Oldham was appoint. ed Presiding Elder. This district comprised the territory from Rangoon to Singapore southward, and from Rangoon to Tounghoo northward. The only points occupied were Tounghoo, Rangoon, and Singapore.
In this territory there were four missionaries aud one supply, with three ladies of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and their assistants. The health of Rev. G. A. Bond, the missionary appointed to Singapore, failed almost immediately, and he was obliged to return home. I do not notice the work in Tounghoo and Rangoon, as it does not belong to Malaysis proper. When Mr. Bond was obliged to return home, Mr. Oldham was left with the church, the Chinese school, and the district correspondence on his hands. This required teaching from five to eight hours a day, and preaching five times a week, with much necessary business be~ides, thus very much overtaxing his strength. An English congregation which had been established showed signs of prosperity, and besides meeting its own financial necessities, contributed half the cost of the Tamil Mission. The Chinese school, which had commenced under very favorable auspices the year before, and had thirtY-OIie scholars, increased to the number of one hundred and twenty during this year. Miss Sophie Blackmore, who came to the work from Australia, began very energetically her work for the women. She had a school for Tamil girls with ten pupils and three Chinese girls whom she had at her own home. She made many visits to Chinese homes, and commenced to study the Malay language.
At the close of 1888, Dr. Oldham reported that the mission at Singapore was making visible progress. He stated that he had been so absorbed in ministering to the needs of the English-speaking population, and in building up what was already the largest Chinese school in Methodism, and the second in point of numbers of all the Methodist schools among the heathen, th~t he had been able to attain only a fair acquaintance with the colloquial language. He reported evangelistic work done in the Malay quarters by a party of three ladies, headed by Miss Blackmore and three men, Dr. West, Rev. Mr. Munson, and Captain Shellabear, an officer of the British army.
In 1889 the work in Malaysia was constituted a separate mission, with its headquarters at Singapore'. Dr. Oldham, the superintendent, wrote: " Intrenched here, we hold out our right hand to India and our left hand to China. In looking out over the myriads of beautiful islands that lie between us and the land of the Southern Cross, our hearts swell with gratitude to Almighty God that our beloved Church will share in bringing the forty millions that inhabit these seas to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus." '
The English Church had the benefit of the ministrations of Rev. W. N. Brewster, and continued to prosper. The Chinese mission had medical and evangelistic work led by Dr. B. F. West, and the Anglo-Chinese schqol was under the care of Rev. R. W. Munson and Rev. C. A. Gray, with other helpers. There was an average of three hundred and fifty boys on the rolls, and the school was rapidly breaking down prejudices, fostering friendship, and winning respect for the missionaries among the Chinese. The wives of the missionaries deserve much of the credit of the success of the school as owing to their faithful labors.
Mr. A. Fox, a local preacher, devoted himself to work among the Malays, and a Sunday-school was kept up in the house of a Mohammedan, who invited the mission to use it for that purpose. The Americau Board missionaries in Ceylon acceded to Dr. Oldham's request and sent him a Tamil preacher, Mr. D. Underwood, who itinerated among the Tamil peo· pIe and found many eager listeners.
Miss Blackmore had sixty girls under regular instruction in the schools, and visited some fifty households regularly, teaching the Scriptures therein.
Mr. Gray died after six weeks' illness from typhoid fever. His tri- umphant death produced a great impression upon the Chinese students. In one month after.Mr. Gray's death Dr. Oldham and his wife were obliged to return to America to recruit their shattered health. Mr. Brewster was transferred to the Foochow Mission in China, but the Rev. D. D. Moore, of Canada, soon took his place, and carried on the work successfully. The medical mission among the Chinese furnished thirteen converts, who were baptized by Bishop Thoburn at the time of the annual meeting. Dr. West went to Amoy, China, for a time to study the language in order to become effective among the Chinese.
Rev. Mr. Kensett carried on the work, and several more candidates were baptized. The Anglo-Chinese school continued to prosper, having about four hundred and fifty eager Chinese boys and young men, many of whom began to know the Savior and pray to Him. Funds were raised to erect a new three-story brick building. Dr. Leuring arrived from Germany, and in eleven months so mastered the Malay language as to be able to speak fluently and correctly to the people. Work among this Mohammedan population, however, was found very difficult, and had but little result. In the Tamil mission Mr. Underwood received fourteen converts who were baptized during the year, and Rev. Henry Hoisington, who had been pastor of a native church in Ceylon for sixteen years, came to his help.
Miss Blackmore extended her school work so that larger buildings were necessary, and filled up her home with orphans who wished instruction in the Gospel.
Dr. West and Dr. Leuring made some explorations in Borneo with the intention of soon opening work there.
Dr. Floyd, of Michigan, was appointed superintendent of the mission, and sailed from New York in January, 1890. The number of members at the end of 1890 was ninety-eight, and of probationers twenty-two, making a total of one hundred and thirty.
In 1891 the work continued to prosper in all its departments. A new school building was commenced for the Anglo-Chinese school, which was to cost not less than $10,000. The Malay work was continued, notwithstanding its difficulties, and some advance was also made in the Tamil work. Miss Blackmore had a year of vigorous work and much encouragement among the girls and women.
Dr. Leuring spent a portion of the year in Borneo j work was commenced in Penang with Rev. D. D. Moore and Rev. B. H. Balderston as mISSIOnaries. Services were held in English. A school was commenced among the Chinese, and plans were laid for both Tamil and Malay work. In 1893 Rev. R. W. Munson, who was the Pre!!iding Elder then in charge, reported that the most serious drawback had been the failure in health of some of the workers, and their consequent departure from the field. Nevertheless, all the departments of the work had gone forward, and several new and important enterprises had been undertaken, such as Tamil work in Penang, an orphanage and training school for boys in Singapore, and a soldiers' institute.
In the evangelistic work at Singapore under charge of Dr. Leuring sixty-one persons were received during the year. Among the Chinese six persons were received into the church in April, and a well-appointed Sunday-school was carried on. The Chinese converts are spoken of as faithful and generous contributors to the expenses of the church and the support of the poor.
The new Chinese school building was opened on July 21st, the chief justice of the colony presiding. A prominent and wealthy Chinaman was among the speakers. The boarding-school alio continued to prosper. The English Church received the usual attention, and the work in the Malay mission was carried on faithfully but without any converts. Twelve Tamil lads were in the orphanage and training school. The work of the press had grown so much as to require the services of a competent English foreman, and nearly two millions of pages of Scriptures and tracts were printed during the year.
The Penang mission was carried on effectively both among the Chinese and Tamils. The Anglo-Chinese school had two hundred and sixty boys on its rolls. Miss Emma E. Ferris and Miss Harrington arrived to the aid of Miss Blackmore in the woman's work, and Miss Hebinger was doing important work as matron of the Anglo-Chinese Boarding-School.
In 1894 Mr. Munson reported that a splendid opening in the native protected State of Perak was soon to be entered, where the State President would erect a substantial school building and allow us grants in aid. Forty Tamil Christians were collected and formed into a class there during Mr. Munson's visit in June, and a native preacher was engaged to look after them, with the expectation that the mission would be self-supporting in a year. The membership in the Chinese work and also in the Malay work was doubled. Ninety-eight persons were received on probation from among the Chinese, making the total of probationers one hundred and fifty-eight, and twenty-one received into full connection.
The Anglo-Chinese School continued its successful career, the highest number present in a ~ingle day being four hundred and eighty. One of the most satisfactory things about this school was that it was entirely selfsupporting, the school fees and the grants in aid from the Government paying all the expenses. The leaven of Christianity in the boarding-school was continually increasing; nearly half of the boys were Christians and had their own daily prayer-meeting.
The English Church pursued its work successfully, and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home had been patronized during the year by 26,599, over $4000 being received for beds and refreshments. It was doing most ex- cellent service.
The Malay church was organized on January 26th with twenty-two members and probationers, and there was an increase of five during the year. There were twenty.five boys in the orphanage and training school. The press issued 2,354,000 pages.
The evangelistic work in Penang, the woman's work, and the Tamil educational work all give signs of great encouragement. In the Tamil work twelve converts from idolatry were baptized. In the Tamil school the number of pupils reached ninety-one. The girls' school had fifty-four pupils. The Anglo-Chinese school reached an enrollment of three hundred, and the average daily attendance was two hundred and twenty-two against one hundred and sixty-nine for the previous year.
In 1895 the report from Penang was that the English Church was progressing slowly, the usual congregation numbering thirty-five. The constant changing of residence among the Tamils was in the way of successful work, but there were six baptisms during the year. There were five members and five probationers in the Chinese work, and an English~ congregation of from twenty-five to thirty. Sunday-schools among English-speaking people, Chinese, and Tamils numbered an average attendance of one hundred and forty.
The Anglo-Chinese girls' school had an enrollment of one hundred and sixty-five, and the Anglo-Chinese boys' school an enrollment of four hun~ dred and thirty.
In Perak, English services were held with an attendance of from twenty to twenty-five, and a Tamil congregation of from fifteen to twenty every Sunday. The Chinese church had an attendance of from thirty to forty, and Dr. West baptized six Chinese on his last visit there. In Singapore Mr. Munson reports that the most gratifying result of the year is the great increase in the number of Sunday-school scholars, which had grown from four hundred and forty-one the previous year to eight hundred and twenty, or an increase of 86 per cent. Twenty-one members had been gained in the Chinese church. One healthy sign of solid progress was an increase of $7737 in the amount raised for self-support-37 per cent in advance of the previous year.
The work in the English church was going on with some success, having a net gain of nine members, one reason of this slow growth being that we are a " total abstinence" church, and insist on the disuse of intoxicating drinks among our members.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, largely made up of Christian ladies of our church and the Epworth Lcague, were doing effective work. Twenty-seven thousand visits had been made to the Sailors' and Soldiers' Home during the year, and the sums received for entertainment and lodging amounted to $4215 (Mexican).
CHRIST'S TEACHING ABOUT MONEY AND THE ~ULE OF CHRISTIAN GIVING
The Chinese church had fifty-nine members and forty-five probationers. The boys' orphanage had twenty-six inmates, six of whom had been baptized. The press had printed 2,447,638 pages. The Malaysia Message, ably edited by Miss Foster, was found a valuable adjunct to the work.
The Anglo-Chinese school had an average attendance' of five hundred and seven. The present statistics of the mission are as follows : Foreign missionaries, 13 ; assistant missionaries, 11 ; missionaries of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, 3 ; with 21 native workers. There is 1 native ordained preacher and 7 unordained, wit.h 22 other helpers. The number of members is 252; of probationers, 96, making a total of 348. Average attendance on Sunday worship is 530; there were 35 conversions during the year. Thirty-eight adults and 19 children were baptized. There are 4 high schools with 1073 pupils; 15 other dayschools with 369 pupils; 39 Sunday-schools with 983 pupils; 30 orphans are cared for. The mission had 1 church valued at $6000 (Mexican), and 2 parsonages valued at $13,700 (Mexican). The orphanages, schools, hospitals, book-rooms, etc., are valued at $53,000 (Mexican). The amount collected for self-support was $35,375.
CHRIST'S TEACHING ABOUT MONEY AND THE RULE OF CHRISTIAN GIVING.
BY REV. JAMES JOHNSON, F.S.s., LONDON, ENGLAND.
Ever since the Christian public was startled by the publication of the famous prize essay, " Mammon," by Dr. Harris, the rule of giving a tenth part of their yearly income for charitable and religious objects has largely prevailed among Christian people. Some of the more generous have given a fifth and a few have given larger proportions of their substance. Good was done by the discussion of the subject, the greatest benefit being the more extensive habit of setting apart a stated sum for what are called strictly Christian objects. . As to the adoption of the Mosaic or rather patriarchal law of tithe, there is reason to doubt the propriety of introducing a legal principle into the Christian Church. It is a question if it has not stunted the liberality and stereotyped the amount given for charitable and religious objects. As to the application of the law of a tenth or even a fifth, which comes nearer to the Jewish taxes for charitable purposes, to the incomes of all classes alike, there is no doubt whatever that it is unjust and injurious both to the individual and the object. It was well enough for a nomadic race or an agricultural people, but it is altogether inapplicable to a commercial age, when the vast difference between fixed annual incomes and incomes which are yearly increasing or decreasing have to be dealt with. Without discussing the question of introducing such a law, it seemli clear that the rate of Christian giving is not adequate to the wants of Christ's cause in the world, nor even with the increase of wealth among Christian men. The time has come for a reconsideration of the motive and amount of giving, especially for the extension of Christ's kingdom, and whether the New Testament does not furnish a better solution than the Old. We shall briefly consider what Christ has said on the subject. With a view to ascertain what our Lord taught about money, and the rule of giving for what are called Christian objects, I have lately gone through a harmony of the Gospel history, so as to avoid repetition of the same pas- sage as recorded in more than one of the synoptic narratives. The result has been to me a revelation. I had no idea that our Lord had referred to money with anything like the frequency He has done. I had read an in- teresting article on the subject in the Expositor for 1888 by the Rev. F. F. Emerson, but a personal search has greatly increased my wonder at the frequency, variety, and importance of the references. Numerically, these references to money are four or five times more frequent than to any other one subject of His teaching. I couuted not fewer than fifty references to money in the course of our Lord's brief ministry, in the briefer record of His sayings. That this did not arise from Christ's biographer having given undue prominence to this department of His teaching 18 seen from the interesting fact that the only instance of. a saying of Christ's being quoted from apostolic tradition outside of the four evangelists is one about money: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And Paul quotes it as if it were a frequent utterance of the Saviqr.
One reason why Christ so frequently spoke of money is obvious. It occupies so constant and influential a place in the daily life of every Christian that, if life is to be a unity, the place occupied by money must be clearly defined, so that it may take its proper place in the life of faith as one of the " all things" which were to be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus," and " to the glory of God."
John Ruskin was greatly struck with this feature of our Lord's teaching, and I shall take the liberty of quoting his striking words from Mr. Emerson's" article." " We might have thought," says Ruskin, "if we had been asked what a Divine teacher would be most likely to teach, that He would have left inferior persons to give directions about money, and Himself only have spoken concerning faith and love and the discipline of the passions, and the guilt of crimes of soul against soul. But not so ; He speaks in general terms about these. But He does not speak parables about them, for all men's memories, nor permit Himself fierce indignation against them in all men's sight. The Pharisees bring Him an adulteress. He writes her forgiveness in the dust of which He had formed her. Another, despised of all for known sin, He recognized as the giver of unknown love. But with a whip of small cords He drives out of the temple traffickers and thieves j while the practical command to the only seeket· of 8dvice, of whom it is recorded that Jesus loved him, ie, briefly, about hie property: "Sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven."
The fundamental principle which we find underlying all our Lord's teaching and practice respecting the property of His people, whether capi- tal or income, is that all is His and at His absolute disposal-in other words, when Christ claims ns as His redeemed children He claims all we have as well as all we are. This, of course, is no new discovery. Most would theoretically admit it, and some have acted on the principle. But is it embodied in the creed of the Church and made the practical rule of our life in dealing with monetary affairs 1 This claim of Christ's, if we consider the matter, is natural, indeed inevitable. If we are personally His, much more is our property His. We enter into a mutual covenant. Christ gives Himself and all that is His to us; we give ourselves and all that we have to Him. It is a condition of marriage. The husband gives himself to his wife, and endows her with all his worldly goods. The wife gives herself and her all to her husband.
This principle is expressly laid down by Christ Himself at a time when there was a conflict between His claims and those of the world. ., He that loveth houRes and lands more than Me is not worthy of Me," and "He that forsaketh not all that he hath cannot be My disciple." In peaceful times the actual surrender is not required; but the surrender in principle and in heart is not on that acconnt the less, but the more binding. It is held by the believer in trust for Christ, to be disposed of for the good of himself and others as Christ shall direct by His Spirit and by the leadings of His providence.
But what is far more conclnsive than any mere rule laid down is the way in which our Lord acts (on this principle) throughout His ministry. When the rich young ruler knelt at His feet seeking admission to the kingdom, Christ claimed the entire control of his property. Jesus said: "Go sell all that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in hea"en, and come and follow Me." Ev~n tho He loved that young man with a peculiar love, He would not lower His conditions of discipleship. He let him go away with the sad reflection, " how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God !"
It was the same with all His twelve apostles; they had each to obey • the command, " Follow Me," and" they left all and followed Him.", In some cases it might be said they had not much to leave ; but that is a shallow view of the case. The home of the poor man, with its hallowed associations and frugal competence and content, are no mean sacrifice when called to leave'it for a future of what to the human eye was a life of begg8ry and persecution and shame. The poorest of the apostles were independent fishermen; some were better off ; and Matthew was a man of w~alth. But whether less or more, they had to forsake all for Christ. So strongly convinced were the mass of the disciples that this was the law of the kingdom, that after the ascension of Jesus, when an emergency arose which seemed to call for the sacrifice of all, we are told that " neith~r said any man that the things which he possessed were his own," and that" as many as had lands or houses sold them and brought the prjce of the things which were sold and laid them at the apostles' feet." This was an abnormal state of society, never meant to last as a permanent condition in the Church j but it beautifully illustrated the spirit which Christ's teaching and example had inspired, and is a standing example of what the Church should do again if circumstances demanded and jm;tified the sacrifice.
That all the Savior's followers possessed or earned was the property of the Master is illustrated by the parables of our Lord. In the parable of the" talents" the good and faithful servants who had traded with the lent money brought back both principal and profit to return to the Lord j and the servant who hid his talent in the earth is not only declared to be wicked and slothful, but is deprived of the talent loaned to him, and" is punished for being" unprofitable. " The parable of the pounds teaches the same lesson : the faithful servant returns not only the one pound lent, but the ten or the five pounds gained by trading j and the timid servant is punished because he had not brought interest at even the small rate of a deposit account at the bank. The way in which the Lord is represented as returning to the faithful servants both the profit gained by trading and the original principal is fitted, as it was designed, to encourage His people. Having proved their fidelity, He could trust them with more, and rewards them in proportion to their diligence. He will never be indebted to His children; they will gain more than they can ever give to Him. He proves the truth of the proverb, " There is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." Even some of the Old Testament saints understood and acted on this principle of regarding all they possessed as God's. David, after laying up for the building of the temple what some say was equal in amount to the" reserve" in the Bank of England, says with true humility, ., Of Thine own have we given Thee."
But it may be asked, What is the normal responsibility of the Christian under such an arrangement? If all he has be Christ's, how is this capital and income to be expended? Christ's answer is explicit, and is illustrated by many parables. The Christian's responsibility is that of A STEW:ARD, to whom all the property of the Master is intrusted, as was the custom of the East. We see this in the parable of what is ironically called the wise steward. His fault was that he had misused his master's substance, and the way in which he used his power for his own selfish ends showed the unlimited trust placed in him as well as the sin of which he was guilty in turning it to his own advantage. So unchanging are the customs of the East, it is said of the faithful old steward of Abraham, " All the goods of his master were in his hand, " In such a case of !tewardship we need scarcely say that the steward would apply to the support of himself and his family the amount agreed upon by the master. This would be proportional to the extent of the trust and the responsibility of his position. In the case of the Christian and his Lord· the suin which the steward should spend upon himself and his family would be what he honestly considered the Lord would regard as just or even generous. This would be proportional to the number of talents committed to his trust, the position he occupied in society being one of the talents. What he spent on himself and his family would in this way be as much for the glory of God as if he had bestowed it in charity upon any other children of our Heavenly Father. All his expenditure would in this way be made sacred, and be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. In thus making provision for himself and his house the Christian must be careful to guard against giving too prominent a place to his own claims; he must consult the Master about every item of expenditure, and his responsibility for doing this is greatly increased by the fact that Christ has not laid down any Jaw as to the proportion to be spent on himself and the other claims of the Master. Christ trusts to the honor of His stewards. He expects them to consider carefully all the claims over the property committed to him as claims on what is entrusted to him as steward. He trusts to the tender conscience and grateful spirit of those who feel that they owe not only their property but the redemption of their souls to " Him who loved them and gave Himself for them. " The proportion set apart for personal and strictly charitable and Christian objects will depend on our sense of what Christ has done for us. "To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much; and to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. "
The Apostle Paul rightly interpreted the Lord's mind when he laid down the general principle, " Let every man lay by him in store as the Lord hath prospered him," and the motive he urges is : "Ye know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, tho He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be made rich." Let this principle and motive for giving be looked at in the light of the openings for the spread of the Gospel which God has brought before the Christian Church in these days, and so let him give.
The outlets for the profitable investment of the gifts of God's people are so much greater under the Christian than under the Jewish dispensation, that a tenth or even a fifth of the income of His people is, in niany cases, altogether inadequate to the work committed to the Church. This is especially true of commercial men who are accumulating capital far beyond their own wants or the provision required by their children. Many might multiply their gifts for the spread of the Gospel and still say, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what was our duty to do." We are entering on what is called the second century of Christian missions under auspices so much more favorable than the first that there is a call for tenfold effort. The whole world is open and expectant. The facili- ties are a hundredfold greater, the prospects of success are a thousand times brighter than they were a hundred years ago, if only the Church would awake to the magnitude of her destiny and the majesty of Her leader. Christ seems as if He were about to ride forth" conquering and to conquer. " There are lurid signs of the predieted final conflict between the powers of Gospel light and the powers of pagan darkness, and" the time is short.' , We talk of a second century of missions. We dare not count upon such a long period for the accomplishment of the work to be done. " The night cometh." It may be by judgments on sleeping Prot· estantism. as well as on an apostate popery that God will accomplish His predicten purpose. There is a revival of zeal in the serried ranks of the Roman Catholic Church. The Greek Church is stirred up to propagating and persecuting activity; paganism, alarmed at the progress of Christian· .ity, is rousing itself for a struggle, and the false prophet is preparing for an outburst of fanaticism. Is the Protestant Church alone to remain disunited and apathetic 1 Is she blind to the signs of the times 1 God has given to her children of the Saxon race, through conquest and colonization, a position of strategetic power of unparalleled significance and importance for the Rpread and triumph of the gospel of peace.
There are two forms of the love of money by which both individuals and nations are tempted to their destruction. The one is the love of money for its own sake-the base sin of the miser. The other is the love of money for the pleasures it can purchase-the brilliant folly of the spendthrift. Against the sin of hoarding the Lord warns us by the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, and by the rich fool. Against the sin of squan. dering we are warned in the parable of the prodigal son. Are not these the characteristic sins of our day by which the progress of the kingdom of God is hindered, and social and national life is imperiled? Rich men are piling up great fortunes and creating a great gulf between them and the poor, dangerous to the stability of civilized society. Nations are accumulating capital to an extent unheard of in the history of the world, and at the same time are spending money in enervating pleasures and luxurious vices only paralleled by the licentiousness of Greece and Rome in their decline and ruin. vVhy all this" heaping up of treasure against the last times"? "'~hy are Christian men hoarding fortunes far beyond their own needs and the wants of their families, while the work of God is languish. ing .and the heathen are perishing for lack of knowledge?
It is full time for the ministers of Christ to lift up a warning voice against the abuse of money, and t.o teach the people the uses for which it has been so abundantly given to the Protestant nations of the world. Let them by their teaching and example raise the standard of giving to the Christian maximum rather than that of Mosaic minimum, that they may realize the truth of the Lord's maxim, "that it is more blessed to give than to receive."
35i UNEVANGEJ,IZED CENTRAL ASIA
UNEVANGELIZED CENTRAL ASIA. * BY DR. ARTHUR NEVE, KASHMIR, INDIA.
Tibet is sometimes spoken of as the only part of Asia in which the Gospel is not being preached. One side of Exeter Hall might be papered with maps of unevangelized countries at the scale of one -inch to a mile. A great statesman once advised politicians to study large scale maps. The advice may be tendered to Mission politicians. IIow many ill-planned efforts have ended in failure for want of geographical knowledge and fore- thought. Why are bands of fifteen or twenty missionaries sent to sit out- side the closed doors of Tibet, while other great regions need evangelists, and have open doors ~ Why do Mission agencies jostle one another in Jerusalem or in Calcutta, when there are vast tracts to which no messengers go ~ Of the thousands now working in most parts of the globe, Central Asia owns scarcelv one.
From Teheran in Persia to Bathang in China, a' distance of over three thousand miles, there is no European Prote8tant missionary. A modern Marco Polo might travel right across the continent, and find even less Christianity than in the twelfth century. In India this is the time of boundary commissions to map out the frontiers, east, west, and north. Is it not time for the Church of Christ to appoint boundary commissions, not as in politics to mark off the limits of the sphere of action, but to ascertain why those limits exist in spite of the marching orders, "Into all the world" ?
In Kashmir, the northern outpost of Indian Missions, there is a little group of clergy, doctors, zenana workers, and nurses, for a population of 2,000,000-one worker to 250,000. 'Ve cannot hope effectively to cover more than one third, or at most one half of our sphere of work. But how can we complain even at such undermanning, when from our watch-tower we look east, west, and north, and see everywhere great regions in which none are witnessing for Christ? Let us study the field, mark off the strategical points, and agree on a concerted line of action.
CENTRAL ASIA may be treated of physiographically, politically, and ethnologically.
1. PHYSIOGRAPHICALLY.-There are great stretches of mountains and plateaus to the north of the Himalayas which are very thinly populated, and only accessible for three or four months of the year. Such are the Highlands of Tibet, the mountainous region north of Chinese Turkestan and the vast sandy deserts, such as the Desert of Gobi, between Yarkand and China. But in the intermediate regions are well-watered valleys, and these are well populated; such are the valleys of Eastern Tibet. The snows of the Karakorum, the Mustagh, the Thian Shan, Il.nd the Hindu Kush supply streams and canals which fertilize millions of acres of wheat and barley, orchards of apples, pears, pomegranates, peaches, and fine vineyards. There are climates temperate and healthy, neither burning in summer nor frost-bound in winter, tho with marked extremes of heat and cold.
These countries are now no terra incognita. They are yearly visited by sportsmen and travelers, and yearly become more accessible. The Russian Turkestan Railway terminates within 500 miles of the great towns of Chinese Turkeiitan and of the British frontier post at Gilgit. The Brit- * Condensed from a paper .by Dr. Neve, in the Ohu1'ch Missionary Intelligencer. ish railway system extends to Rawalpindi, and from thence there are military roads to Kashmir and on to Gilgit.
2. POLITICALLY.-There are four powers to be considered here, or rather five, for the Tibetan subordina1ion to China is only nominal. Chinese passports and treaties are worthless as regards Tibet. The Llamas are the real rulers, and are determined to keep their country closed to Europeans. Chinese Turkestan is quite open to British travelers. Including Kuldja with Yarkand it contains probably 3,000,000 inhabitants. Russian Turkestan is open to travelers under special conditions, but not to Protestant missionaries, nor is it likely to become so. Afghan Turkestan is as yet only open to a few selected English officials, in the Amir's employ. But it it; likely to become more accessible before long. This region includes Badakshan with 150,000 population, Kunduz with 400,000, and further west another 400.000. B1'itish Central Asia, the region beyond the snow-passes of the Himalayas, comprises Kashmir with Ladak, Baltistan, Hunza, Gilgit, and Chilas. Beyond the Indian frontier to the west and north are various Yaghi tribes, with Chitral, which is more directly under Rritish protection, and Kaffiristan, to which England has sent more than one political mission. Except the inimical tribes of Yaghistan, all these countries should be open to mission work, and if any attempt were made by political agents or others to exclude missionaries from any country within the British zone, a question in Parliament would probably frustrate it.
3. ETHNOLOGICALLY.-This is the most practical missionary point of view.
On the east we have the Mongolian group. There is Tibet, which is closed to Europeans, not by Chinese exclusiveness, but by the power of the Llamas, wielded like that of the Papacy in the Middle Ages. The religion of Tibet is the degraded form of Buddhism known as Llamaism. The Dulai Llama, who is head of the hierarchy, rules the country and receives the abject worship of the people. Be is supported by tens of thousands of monks, recruited from the people and living on them-a parasitic growth which crushes all free. dom of thought or action, and under the guise of asceticism encourages the vilest immorality. Nothing short of a miiitary occupation of Lhassa itself by British troops would avail to deliver the country from their yoke. And even in Ladak the power of the Llamas exercises a most baneful influence. But Tibet may be blockaded, and Missions may be placed in strategic points on its frontier, so as to evangelize Tibetan traders. As Ii. base of operations on the Indian side, Sikkim and Darjeeling offer the advantages of ready communication with Europe, but these are counterbalanced by the jealousy with which the Tibetans watch the frontier. Ladak is too far west to affect Central Tibet. On the whole it may be said that Christian outposts are more likely to affect Tibet if placed on the Chinese border j and that an indigenous Christianity in Upper Yunnan and Western Si-chuen would surely spread the Gospel in the beautiful and populous valleys of Eastern Tibet. This is what the Romanists are doing, and already some of their converts ha~ won the crown of martyrdom. Of Tibetan stock we have also the races of North Burma, which extends to within two degrees of the latitude of Lhassa, and where there are many uncivilized tribes to be evangelized. Further west lies the independent state of Bhutan, which is said to have a population of 700,000 and no missionaries. Is there any sufficiut reason for the paramount power of India permitting such exclusiveness? The Rame question may fairly be asked about Nepal, with its population of 2,000,000. It may be hoped that the Nepalese converts from Darjeeling will introduce the Gospel to their own countrymen. Beyond Nepal on the west the Tibetan portions of the Himalayan tribes are scanty. There may be some 30,000 in the head-valleys of the Ganges, and the Sutlej, in which the M6'ravians have two stations, with a few hardly won converts.
Among most of these Tibeto-Burman races Llamaism and Hinduism are strangely mixed j but coming to Ladak we find the sway of the Red Llamas undisputed. The Moravians have at Leh a well-manned and wellworked Mission. 'Vest of Ladak, in the Indus valley, is a Tibetan race which has embraced Mohammedanism, the Baltis. The country is mountainous, but the valleys warm and fertile. Here there are some populous centers. In the Skardo and Shigar districts there must be 30,000 or 40,000 Baltis. A Swedish missionary is now working, having already acquired some Tibetan, near Darjeeling j but the dialect of Baltistan is different, and one man can do but little.
Our hasty survey of the Tibetan races shows how few open doors remain to be entered, but emphasizes the duty of the Christian Church to exercise its influence toward the opening up of Nepal and Bhutan to missionary work.
2. Coming next to the Mongolo-Tartars or Turki-speaking races we have- (a) The people of Ohinese Turkestan, numbering two millions or more. The chief cities are Ileni, Yarkand, Kashgar, and Aksu, with populations of from 20,000 to 75,000. Each city is the center of a fertile area, well irrigated, and with numerous villages scattered around. The Turki population is entirely Mohammedan, of the orthodox Suni sect. They are devout, and many thousands perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, notwithstanding the dangers and difficulties of the journey. In the cities there are many Chinese who are Confucianists or Buddhists, but the nomad tribes are either Pagan or semi-Mohammedan. There is no European Protestant missionary in any part of this great district. It has a climate not hotter than that of Spain, tho much drier. The center of the valley is 4000 feet above the sea. Probably under favorable conditions the journey from England to Kashgar might be accomplished in less than a month by the Central Asian Railway. From India it is three months' journey across snow-passes from 12,000 to 18,000 feet high.
(b) Akin to the Yarkandis are the Usbegs and Turkomans of Afghan and Russian Turkestan. Turki is spoken, with variations of dialect from Turfan in Kashgaria to the Caspian, a distance of 1400 miles. Most of this region is under the political control of Russia. European missionaries might work in Kashgaria and Meshed, sending native agents and literature into the vast intervening tract of country, till the day when, in God's dispositions of men's affairs, the barriers are removed which now exclude the messengers of the Gospel. There are other Mongolian tribes in these regions of West Central Asia, especially the Hazarahs and Aymaks.
3. The Aryan Races of Central Asia are of various stocks : Iranic, such as the Tajiks and Badakshis, Afghans and Beluchis, of whom there are over five million in the area politically known as Afghanistan. On the southeast frontier there are missions, well placed if weakly manned, at Quetta, Bannu, and Peshawar, especially working among Afghans and Beluchis. In Persia, miililions should be placed at Kirman, Yezd, and Meshed, with a view to eastward extension among Persian-speaking tribe!. The remaining races come within the Indian political system; and, as such, have a primary claim on our attention. The collective name of Galcha has been given to the tribes of the Hindu Kush living in the val- leys of Chilas, Astor, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, and Chitral; they all belong to various sections of Islam, except the Kaffirs, or Siah-posh, who have valiantly defended the mountain recesses of Kaffiristan against Mohammedan mullahs and Afghan conquerors. It is a mere guess to say that there must be not less than 80,000 souls iu the various Galcha tribes.
During the last few years much has been done to open up this region. A military road has been constructed to Gilgit. Hunza, Nagar, and Chilas have been subdued, and have residfmt British officers; Chitra'! has a political agent and a British dispensary. A solitary traveler can now travel almost unescorted through the whole region, passing through Hunza to the Pamirs, and back by Chitral. Kaffiristan has been visited by Europeans, and Mr. Robertson, C.S.I., lived among the people for some months. Colonel W oodthorpe confirmed the report made by the native evangelist, Syed Shah, who was sent to Kaffiristan from Peshawar. The Siah-posh said to the English officers, " We are your brothers; stay here and teach us your religion. "
Have we no duty to these people ~ Nay, rather, have we no duty to Christ? for it is lIe who would claim these for His own. If we wait till they are folded in the cobra-like embrace of Mohammedanism, it will be too late to help.
What is wanted is a Central Asian Pioneer Mission, with its base of operations in Kashmir.. At the outset it would he essentially an Itinerant Mission, visiting the Galcha tribes in the summer months when the passes are open, and wintering at Chilas, Gilgit, or Kashmir, according to circumstances. From Hunza to Yarkand is but a fortnight's journey. Thus we should be linked on to the Turki-speaking Mission which would be established there. Kashmir might contribute medicines and medical assistants to the pioneer party. There is one man, a native of Kaffiristan, now studying at the Agra Medical School. His whole education has been directed to the end that he might evangelize his own countrymen, and this is his heart's desire. Surely the time has come to lift the banner of Christ and to cry, " Forward I"
If Livingstone was justified in leaving his work in Bechuanaland for the unknown center, or Henry Martyn in going to Persia; Krapf in visiting Kilimanjaro, or Paton in going to Tanna; certainly has the call come for some one to go to these central regions of Darkest Asia. * .. An appeal was also issued by tbe missionaries in Kashmir to the Church Missionary Society, in the course of which they ask that special efforts be made to strengthen Snnagar, the outpost station of Kashmir, and to send other worke1'8, who might enter the already open doors of access to some of the totally unevangelized tribes outside the valley.
H Cries, sad cries, from these Christless regions keep on ringing in olir ears! Can nothing be done to reach these fine, vigorous, warlike races? Surely, where messengers of our Empress can go, the messengers of the King of kings cau follow. Surely where travelers can go with safety. thIther the mission8J'Y also will wend his steps. Some of these peoples, those of Kaffiri.tan, for instance, have more than once asked for Christian teachers. One thinks'of that brave old missionary, Joseph Wolff, who on two occasions trod the monntain passes beyond and preached Christ as he went. One thinks of Captain Conolly. who confessed Christ and died a martyr's death in the city of Bokhara. One thinks of Kandahar Gordon, and others like him. One thinks of Fazl Haqq, Maulvle Nurullah, and Saiyid Shah, who went forth with their lives in their hands to Bee what conld be done for the Siah-posh Kaftrs. Alas! nobody attempts to penetrate those gloomy passes now j' no Gospel light shines over these lofty mountain ranges. And yet Christ died for these peop e-tens of thonsands of them. snch that a speedy and plentiful spiritnal harvest wonld be reaped from among them. Central Asia waits for the Gospel of Christ, and must receive it. Where are the' tellers'? Certainly the heart of the Christian Church is lar"e enough to take in these •other sheep.' which Christ has beyond the border. Some will offer themselves for the honor ot laboring in a vineyard that they themselves have planted; of declaring the Name of Christ where It was not known before. It cannot be Impossible for the Church to send forth a sufficient )lumber of m1nloll8l'ies to make Ul!e of those opportunities and to supply these want•. "
THE NEW PROGRAM OF MISSIONS
THE NEW PROGRAM OF MISSIONS.* BY REV. E. H. JONES, SENDAl, JAPAN.
I wish that I could, from my experience in missions in Japan, endorse all that Mr. Wishard t has said of the work that has been done, or that may be accomplished through his mission to the student class in this country. Also I cannot believe that the plan put forth will, if adopted, usher in a more successful method of bringing to Christ this and other heathen nations. Mr. Wishard's plan is to " convert the colleges of foreign mission lands into strongholds and distributing centers of Christianity ; make them academies of the Church militant, to train leaders for the present crusade of evangelization."
It was said by some one not very long ago concerning the evangelization of Japan, that" if we could send one thousand workers at once to Japan the country would be Christian in ten years." I thought at the time of the number of people in the home land who think the Christianization of the world is Jargely a matter of men and money. They forget the word wbich says, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord." I take it all these plans make too much of man's part in this work of the extension. of the kingdom. We are not to find any new way of bringing men or nations to Christ. The One who commanded us to "disciple all nations" chooses His apostles and has given them the plan of campaign. " For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. " Now and then He chooses a Paul, a Luke, a Chrysostom, a Wesley ; but how much more often He chooses a Matthew, a Peter, a John, a Spurgeon, a Moody! Sometimes a revival commences as indicated by Dr. Pierson by means of an " Oxford Holy Club," a "haystack meeting at Williams College," or a "Yale revival under President Dwight." But how much more often is the work done quietly and unostentatiously, like the twelve years of evangelization by Mr. Clough and his poorly trained native helpers in Telugu, preparing for the recent great revival in that land, that has demonstrated that the Holy Spirit still works through means by Himself chosen and prepared! After Mr. Richards had tried every method suggested by human wisdom and ingenuity, the simple preaching of the Gospel by himself and his company of lately converted African heathen made a new epoch in his work on the Congo. It demonstrated that tho sometimes it has happened that God has used highly educated men for the evangelization of heathen lands or has started a reformation by the dialectics of a Luther, yet the rule has been that He has used a means that has seemed to men the most unlikely to produce great res]llts. "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise ; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, etc. . . . That no flesh should glory in His presence." "A sanctified cobbler, ' the follower of a Divine Carpenter,' started the movement of modern missions to the heathen, and are we now to take the citadel by a corps of highly trained * It is but fair to hear another side of the question set forth in these pages in the Editor's review of L. D. Wishard's book, .. A. New Program of Missions" (September REVIEW, 1895).-D. L. P. . t I am personally acquainted with Mr. Wishard and have great respect for his ability and con- secration, and I praise God for the use that has been made of fiim in tWs the Church's greatest and only legitimate enterpris6-viz., the extension of God's kingdom in the world. I have myself great cause for thankfulness that when a student at Newton Center his burning words on missions contributed not a little to the decision to give myself to the work of carrying the Gospel to the regions beyond. Yet I must give in mytestimon¥ as to this new movement to force the Holy Spirit to iillow us His servants to make a plan of campaign for Him. Brahmins, Literati, and Japanese' Gakusha '1" Not that we would not have educated men to give themselves body and soul to the Spirit as Paul did, to do the stupendous work of overthrowing Satan in his stronghold; but that we can organize an ar my of educated men-so IIlany men to so many heathen, so many years-and then rub our hands with satisfaction at the idea that we have it now. The world will be at the feet of Jesus if we can get this plan into operation. This I think contrary to the Holy Spirit's plan of missions. Take Japan for an illustration of the futility of such plans. Many now think that the lcgitimate harvest of the consecra- tion and self-sacrifice of the sainted Neeshima will be largely lost precisely because of his mistaken plan which was similar to that suggested by Mr. Wishard. Mr. Neeshima was a very patriotic Japanese, and at the same time a devoted Christian. He wanted to make his country Christian by the quickest method. Start a Christian university, educate the intellectual young men of this generation under Christian auspices, and you have the country. So, starting with the famous" Kumamoto Band," with tHat enthusiasm that made Neeshima a hero, money flowed in from heathen as well as Christian sources, and the Doshisha was established. But note the result. Hardly a decade had passed before the university was noted for its ultra-liberalism. Its predominating influence threw a cloud over the prospects of Christian evangelism in Japan. Its students were more interested in higher criticism than in seeking to save their countrymen. In fact, they came to doubt whether nnbelievers were lost. Was it a harvest from the seed sown in the minds of the" Kumamoto Band" by their first teacher, Captain Janes, who has recently made even the Doshisha stand aghast at the unscripturalliberalism voiced in some lectures given by him before the school 1 What a blessed thing it would have been if the great revivals that occurred in the school some years ago, as noted in the article under review, had manifested a wholesome enthusiasm for the salvation of the unsaved masses of the great city of Kyoto in which the Doshisha is situated! On the contrary, I have been so informed by a lady connected with the teaching staff of the institution, notwithstanding the large number of intelligent Christian young men studying in its classrooms hardly anything has been done for the evangelization of the great city with it.s teeming thousands, who in matters of religion "cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand." Here we have Mr. Wishard's plan shown to be futile. We have much intellectual Christian culture, but yet no preaching of the Gospel. Take for another illustration the Meiji Gakuin, the great Presbyterian Christian college in Tokyo. Take a fact known to all. Some four or five years ago a bright, consecrated young Japanese professor of this institution, seeing how lamentably it was failing to provide preachers for the pressing needs of the work of evangelization in his country, and also being dissatisfied with the liberalism of some of its teachers, started a Bible institute in Tokyo to turn out plainly educated, Bible.trained Gospel preachers. His school has been graduating some twenty preachers a year to the six or seven of the Meiji Gakuin. And if a report given by one of the missionaries long and honorably connected with the work of the UniQn Church of Japan is to be relied upon, the value of the training done by the great institution, supported liberally by missionary funds from America, as compared to the smaller and cheaper Bible institute, is in inverse ratio to the funds spent upon it. The missionary alluded to remarked: "Our college has in the last ten years graduated some twelve students from its divinity school at a cost of $2000 each. Five of them have gone to the Unitarians, three have gone into other avocations, the rest refuse to leave the large and profitable places in the cities to go out to preach the Gospel to the masses of the people who have not yet heard of Christ." I will not vouch for the absolute correctness of the figures in the above-quoted remark, for it was some three years ago since 1 heard it; but the !'mbstance was as above. I fear that the plan of Mr. -Wishard, if largely relied upon, would produce results similar to those seen in these two institutions. On the other hand : 1. Let us look to God more expectingly for His Spirit to stir up the rank and file of the native Christians. From this revival preachers will naturally be evolved. When we find they have a mind to work, when they feel " woe is me if I preach not the Gospel," help them to get for themselves an adequate intellectual preparation. The amount needed will be indicated by the evident necessities of the kind of work God calls them to do.
2. Send out men from the homeland whose hearts are afire with a desire to save the nations, who. having" changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator," are in danger of " the wrath of God . . . revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. " Call home, and keep them there, all men whose minds are filled with" profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so-called." Then we shall have an era of work in Japan that will silence all cavilers, both those ultra-optimists who are so blind to the needs of Japan as to say that the work is under such headway as to be practically beyond the need of help from outside, and those on the other side, who are in despair at the falling away of the J·apanese Christians from the simplicity of the Gospel; who say the Japanese can only be left to work out their religious problems for themselves. Then the masses of the people, yet practically untouched, will be worked for.
Mr. Wishard has remarked in another connection th'tt "Japan has proved an exception to the rule among heathen nations coming to Christ, in that the higher, the educated classes, have been brought to the truth first. " Now, those who know Japan well think that the living, spiritual, foundation-sapping work, that which is to overthrow heathenism, is yet to be done. Comparatively few of the mass of the people have yet been reached. The Shizoku, or Literati of Japan, form but 5 per cent. of the whole. Most of those already reached belong to this class. As might have been expected, these Shizoku Christians have almost come to regard our religion as their prerogative. They seem to be inclined to make more effort to modify Christianity to their desires than to seek to carry the Divine Gospel to the masses of the people below them. Serious doubts are held by many as to what will be the outcome of such an unnatural method of founding Christianity. They fear that altho the ornamentation of the heathen temple of Moloch has been destroyed, the foundation has been left untouched. It may, therefore, lose its attractiveneRs to the nation,. but remain an obstacle to the extension of the true religion, if it be not altered and utilized to take the place of Gospel Christianity. The religion of Jesus seems to need in its foundation period the personal testimony of the saved outcast, profligate, and prodigal. This we have seen but little of in Japan. As a last word, let me emphasize the fact that Japan's true evangelization, with its forty-four millions of intelligent, progres8ive people, is yet in its infancy. The true evangelizing force, male and female, native and foreign, does not exceed fifteen hundred. About four hundred of these are foreign workers. The rest are Japanese, the majority of whom are without any special training. We have, then, really only one worker to every twenty-eight thousand of the people. " The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth more laborers into his harvest. "
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTED BY REV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
Rev. George Bowen. and died in Bombay, February 5th, 1888. His parents were of Welsh de- The Bombay Gua1'dian made its issue scent, and at the time of his birth, and of February 8th, 1896, largely a mamo- during his young manhood, were con- rial number of the saintly man George nected with the Protestant Episcopal Bowen, who so long, so faithfully, so Church. Very early he developed a fearlessly, and so lovingly was editQr taste for literature and, to the disap- of that paper. The usual week-evening pointment of his father, a pronounced service at the Bowen Memorial Church, dislike for a commercial life.
Bombay, falling this year on the anni- Up to his twenty-eighth year he was versary of the death of Mr. Bowen, they an avowed disbeliever in Christianity.
made that, too, a memorial service. Driven out of atheism he took refuge It is not possible rightly to estimate in deism, strongly maintaining the im- the loss which the Church of Christ in possibility of the Creator revealing India sustained in the translation of Himself to mankind. Bya remarkable this remarkable man of God. For forty chain of providential interpositions, he years he witnessed a good confession was at length led to make a patient, before the inhabitants of Bombay-the protracted examination of Christian evi- last sixteen in connection with the dences, which resulted in his being fully Methodist Episcopal Church. Abun- persuaded that the Gospels were a faith- dant in labors, of versatile talents, and ful record of events that had really gifted intellectually above many, he taken place in accordance with predic- shone conspicuously as a faithful am- tions made tq thc Jews centuries be- bassador for Christ. With voice and fore. The Bible, then, was a revela- pen he unfolded the unsearchable riches tion from God! At once he abandoned of Christ to Europeans and natives, by himself to the study of the New Testa- whom he was revered and esteemed ment. Early in April, 1844, he yielded possibly beyond any other missionary himself unreservedly to Christ, passing of his geueration; and he greatly en- out of death into life and becoming riched the Church by his splendid con- a transformed, happy child of God tributions to its devotional literature. through faith in Jesus Christ.
It is to be regretted that the Church in Within three or four weeks he had America knows so little of the life his- fully formed the purpose of becoming tory of this unique missionary, whose a foreign missionary, which at that profound humility, untiring devotion, time, and in America especially, meant and great attainments in Christian far more than it does now. Judicious knowledge and the way of holiness, en- friends advised him to take a theologi- title him to rank among the missionary cal course before going abroad. He Princes of the century. No one ex- did so, taking advantage of all oppor- pects to see another George Bowen in tunities of work while a student at India, but many have earnestly prayed Union Seminary, spending his vacations that God would raise up men to labor in colportage work in needy country dis- for India's salvation on whom a goodly tricts, and proving himself a spiritual portion of his Christ-like spirit should leader among his fellow-students.
rest, and to whom his holy self-abne- Having been duly accepted and ap- gating life would be a mighty incentive pointed by the American Board of Com- and a constant inspiration. missioners for Foreign Missions, he George Bowen was born in Middle- sailed July, 1847, and reached India, bury, Vt., U. S. A.,.April 30th, 1816, January Hlth, 1848. He at once entered upon the study of the vernacular well-nigh twoscore yea1'll, he tells us, with his usual diligence, and made he found a hiding-place in the forty- rapid progress. From the very first ninth chapter of Isaiah, the verse of his mind was busily occupied with the which reads: "But I said, I have la- various problems connected with and bored in vain, I have spent my strength arising from th" prosecution of mis- for naught and in vain; yet surely my sionary work in a heathen land. His judgment is with the Lord, and my earnest desire was that the gulf between work (margin, reward) with my God."
the natives and the missionaries might, But while the actual conversions that in some way, be bridged. Believing directly resulted from his labors were that a practical and effeetive way of ac- not at all commensurate with his own complishing this would be to live among anticipations, nor on the scale that the natives in the simplest possible would be supposed to attend the efforts style, in order to convince them of the .of one so devoted, unselfish, and able, unworldliness of motives and disinter- it would be a great mistake to sup- estedness of aim by which missionaries pose that even in this respect his mis- are actuated, he resigned his missionary sionary career had been without direct salary and took up his abode in the fruit.. There can be no doubt that not heart of the na~ive community, sup- a few natives were led to Christ through porting himself by teaching in a pri- his personal agency, and many Euro- vate family. peans and Eurasians were awakened In 1849 he resigned his salary and and converted under his preaching.
adopted native modes of dress and liv- But it was as a pastor and teacher, a ing, repaired to the center of the native shepherd, a feeder of the Lord's fiock, population to reside, and reduced his that Mr. Bowen excelled, and that the expenditures to a merely nominal sum. Lord specially used him. He himself In 1855 he resigned his connection with said: "My passion is for winning the Missionary Society of the American souls, but it does not please the Lord to Board, and continued as an indepen- use me in that way." The Lord did dent missionary till 1872, when he use him "for the perfecting of the joined the South India Conference, of saints, unto the work of ministering, which he was three times elected Presi- unto the building up of the body of dent. From 1854 to 1886 he edited the Christ," not only locally through his Bombay Guardian. His" Life of Mo- oral teaching, but throughout the whole hammed," "The Amens of Christ," land, and in other lands, by means of " Daily Meditations, " and a dozen other his additional writings and published titles witness to his literary activity. works of meditation and interpretation.
As a missionary his career was alto- Tho making no pretensions to elo- gether unique. While all admired the quence or oratory, Mr. Bowen was a spirit that animated him in adopting forcible preacher of righteousness. His the style of living to which he clung, pastoral work both among Europeans and had the profoundest confidence in and natives was truly of the apostolic the purity and sincerity of his motives, order.
few regarded his course as wise. The The Bombay Guardian heads its page apparent lack of success that followed "George Bowen, Missionary, Editor, his labors among the natives strength- Saint." One of the contributors under ened the conviction of many, that his the pen-name "One of His Friends,"
example in this particular respect was gives some "i1lustrati ve jottings, "
not one that commended itself to mis- from which we clip the following, sionaries in general for widespread imi- which will be pleasant reading to those 'tation. Mr. Bowen was not discour- who had the rare privilege of acquaint- aged by failure to realize his expecta- ance with Mr. Bowen in America; as tions of large fruit of his labors. For a missionary of the American ~rd. as independent missionary, or as con- our dear brother were always assoCiated nected in his later life with the Meth- in the mind of the present writer. odist Episcopal Conference in India. " Mr. Bowen traveled about a good .. It appeared at the very beginning deal in his infidel days, and saw many of Mr. Bowen's missionary career as if countries, and some society people and there was to be a complete breakdown society life. He was a linguist and an of health, and a speedy termination of accomplished musician. Many an imthe career on which his heart was so promptu musical piece the writer heard fully set. Dr, Leith, an eminent phy- him play. It was most amusing somesician, and a Christian man, having the times to hear a friend asking for the interests of Christ's kingdom at heart, name of the piece of music just played. declared in 1848 or 1849 that Mr. Bowen In the earlier years of his missionary must leave India forthwith. How lit- life }fro Bowen's company was in great tle was then known of the reserve of request in some of the higher circles of strength and power of endurance that life in Bombay; but unless he had full were lodged in that poor body that ap- confidence in the friends who invited peared then, and ever after, to be so him being Christian people, he would very frail! For thirty-nine or forty not accept the invitation. years after that unqualified opinion of Mr. Bowen's unfitness to live in India " In the fifties and sixties the Govwas given, our beloved friend and ernors of Bombay about once a week, brother labored incessantly, and en- or once a month, invited the higher dured privations and hardships (tho he officials, merchants, and others of posiwould not permit anyone to speak of tion to a public breakfast. On one of them as hardships) sufficient to appall these occasions Sir Bartle Frere, who the stoutest heart among us. He never was then Governor, pressed an invitawould and never did leave India; nor tion on Mr. Bowen. As Sir BartIe and did he ever go to the hills or anywhere Lady Frere were known to be in symelse for a change of air. The only pathy with Christian work and workthing he could be persuaded to do ers, the invitation was accepted. Sir was, in times of severe illness, to stay Bartle and Mr. Bowen discussed for for a brief period with one of the mailY about two hours the work of God gen- Christian families who were anxious erally, and the outlook of missions, to render him every needful assistance. which was not then so bright as it is On his recovery, he used to refer play- now. There was at that time a bill befully to his troops of friends. He got fore the Legislature relating to the abo back to his loved work again as quickly karl laws and to the liquor traffic, on as possible. His work appeared to be which Sir Bartle was anxious to have his meat and drink. Mr. Bowen's opinion. It was after- ward seen that the Governor's view of .. As an unsalaried preacher of the the case was very much influenced by Gospel, Mr. Bowen wanted the Gospel what Mr. Bowen had said. On another to be made as free to the people as the occasion the Governor, either Sir Bartle air we breathe, as free as Christ Him- Frere or one of his successors, when self delivered God's message and re- riding in his state carriage overtook Mr_ vealed God's will to men. Bowen, who was walking along in the same direction. The carriage was "No one could have been long in stopped and Mr. Bowen was invited to George Bowen's company without take a seat in it, but he could not be being impressed with his culture and persuaded. The Governor then got refinement and his gentleness. There down and walked with him some dis; may be no connection between this gen- tance to have some conversation with tleness and the words of Samuel and him. David, I Thy gentleness hath made me great;' put somehow these words and "Mr. Bowen had a sincere love for his native brethren and sisters, and they Bangkok than Bangkok is from the had a profound respect and sincere love United States. Dr. McGilvary had be.
for him. He gave abundant proofs of come interested in the Lao people by his love for them. He was ever ready meeting traders who came to Bangkok with his sympathy and help. He re- every year for goods, and also through joiced with them that rejoiced, and a colony of Lao war captives who had wept with those who had occasion to been located near Petchaburee by their weep. His sympathies and prayers captors. From these sources he had and constant intercourse with them learned much of the customs and dis- won their affections. They literally position of the people. During a visit loved him because he first loved them. of the Lao king to Bangkok, Dr. McGil- This is Christ's way-and the only way vary with several other American mis· -of reaching the hearts of the people. " sionaries called upon him, and from him received assurance that the foreign Rev. Da.niel McGilvary, D.D., Pioneer teachers would receive a welcome Missionary to the La.o. should they visit his capital. So in- tense had become Dr. McGilvary's de- BY MRS. LAURA B. MCKEAN, CHEUNG sire to take the Gospel to this people, MAl, SIAM. that in the face of many hindrances, he The following sketch does not pur· in company with Rev. Jonathan Wilson port to be complete. It is written as a made a tour of investigation into this tribute of regard and with the hope northern district. A part of the jour.
that it may elicit greater sympathy and ney was made by boat and a part by more prayers and gifts to aid in the elephant. This tour strengthened Dr.
great work among the Lao. McGilvary's belief that a mission sta- In 1858 a graduate of Princeton The· tion should at once be opened in Cheung ological Seminary left the American Mai, that being the most importlIlt city shores for a distant mission field. After of the Lao country. In 1867 permis· a voyage of several months in a sailing. sion was granted for the opening of vessel he landed in Bangkok, Siam, this station, and the North Lao Mission "the Venice of the Orient." This became a reality. Dr. and Mrs. McGil· young man was Rev. Daniel McGil· vary at once began preparation for re- vary, now Rev. Daniel McGilvary, moving to Cheung Mai. It sounds D.D., aptly styled" the Apostle to the very simple to say go to Cheung Mai, Lao." In Bangkok he engaged in mis· but even in these days it is no small sion work with all the zeal of a soul undertaking.
alive to the needs of a lost race. Here It meant that this family of four, in- he met and married a daughter of the cluding two small chiIdr~n, must make venerable Dr. Bradley. She has shared a boat journey of two months, in a lit· in his labor of love, and has endured tie cabin eight feet by ten, passing with him all the trials and privations through those difficult rapids, forty or of pioneer missionary life. more in number. It was not known Dr. lIcGilvary could not long endure that any foreigner had ever ascended to build on another's foundation, so he these rapids. And even to·day, tho we in company with a fellow·misbionary know that every year missionaries pass left Bangkok for Petchaburee. After up and down this river and no lives the work was well established at that have ever been lost, yet the rapids are point, Dr. McGilvary again turned his always more or less dreaded. It meant face toward the regions yet in darkness. leaving all other white companionship, But this time it was not toward a neigh· and it also meant no physician in esse boring city a few days' journey away, of illness. But none of these things but to the almost unknown Lao·land, moved them. I cau liken these saints farther away in point of time from of God to none except Abraham and Sarah. The Lord had called them into which exists there to·d&:r, and Cheung an unknown country, and they went, Mai as a center of light throwing rays never doubting the Divine leading. far out into the darkness, and he re- Their first dwelling was a sala, one of fused to leave.
the public resting·places of the city. Just when the outlook was the dark- Here they lived for two years. The est the king was summoned to Bang- greater part of that time they had no kok, and he died while returning to privacy. Their white faces and for- Cheung Mai, a few days before he eign dress were a great curiosity to the reached the city. According to the people, and all day long they were custom of the country, no dead body thronged with callers. can be taken inside the city walls, and After many months of faithful sow- so the king awaited his burning outside ing of the seed the harvest began to ap- of the city and not within his own pal- pear. Then appeared also the heathen ace, which was no small evidence of.
jealousy of the ruler. Two men who his demerit.
had accepted Christ were arrested, and His daughter, who ascended the after a night of torture were beaten to throne, was more friendly to the mis- death. In this instance, as in ages sionaries, and placed no obstacles in past, the blood of the martyrs was the the way of the mission work. Dr.
seed of the Church. Dr. McGilvary McGilvary and Rev. Mr. Wilspn were sent word to Bangkok of the death of now able to secure land and begin the these men, and a delegation was sent erection of dwelling-houses. It was to Cheung Mai to investigate the mat- several years before Dr. McGilvary's ter. Dr. l'lcGiIvary accompanied this house was finally completed. Logs delegation on their visit to the king. ~ere brought from the forest, and At first the king denied any knowledge every plank and post was sawed by of the affair, but Dr. McGllvary boldly hand, according to the slow method of accused him of the murder. Then the the native people.
king acknowledged the deed, and fur- As soon as Dr. McGilvary· saw the ther said, " The American missionaries work beginning to take on a permanent may make as many Christians as they look, the old spirit of pioneering came like, but I shall take the life of every upon him, and he began to make long one." tours into the neighboring cities and The death of these men and the hos- provinces. While Cheung M.ai has al- tility of the king frightened the people, ways remained his home, yet every so that for a time there were almost no year he makes a tour of from two to visitors at the home of the missionaries. five months into the northern part of An aged priest, who visits us frequent- the Lao country. The churches of ly, told me that he was the only one Cheung Hai and Cheung Saan are a who dared visit Dr. McGllvary at that part of the fruitage of these tours. He time. It is with considerable pride discovered the mountain tribe of Moo- that he tells of his fidelity and cour- sur, near Cheung Hai, and preached age. Christ to them. He spent weeks in vis- In spite of the king's attitude toward iting this tribe. tramping over the moun- mission work, Dr. McGilvary still con- tains, enduring all the inconveniences tinued to visit him, and was always of camp life and the dangers of climate.
well received. The second year Rev. Dr. McGilvary has had the joy of wel- Mr. and Mrs. Wilson joined the mis- coming twenty·three of this tribe into sion. By some persons it was thought the visible Church of Christ. He wrote that the work was hopeless and that it a fellow-missionary that be considered might as well be abandoned, but Dr. the day of Cha Ba Kaw's baptism a McGllvary, with the eye of faith, saw red-letter day in his missionary experi- the large community of Christians ence. Cha Ba Kaw was the headman ef hiB village, and the first of the Moo- never turns a deaf ear to any who come sur race to accept Christ. to him, however trivial their complaint or foolish their request. He seems to In his tours through this north coun- be able to ent!;!' fully into the lives of try Dr. McGilvary has found fourteen the people, understanding their trials or fifteen other mountain tribes, having and rejoicing with them in their joys. different languages and in a measure This is one of the sources of his success different customs, habits, and super- as a missionary, and an essential charstitions, but they are all alike in that acteristic of all who would be missionthey need the Gospel. Dr. McGilvary's aries in the fullest sense. He can truly heart goes out toward these strangers be called the father of the mission work to Christ, and his every prayer is bur· in the Lao-land as well as a father to all dened with petitions for their salvation. the people. His eyes shine with joy, his step seems more elastic, and his whole being filled He is a source of great inspiration with new life when the time comes for and blessing to the younger missiona· his annual visit to these northern peo- ries, and his godly life a constant inples. It is the custom of the mission- centive to them to be more faithful in aries to meet at his home the morning their labor for the Master. he leaves, and after everything is packed and ready to start, the elephants Dr. McGilvary is now sixty-seven restlessly tingling their bells. seemingly years of age, but if it were not for the anxious to be off on their grand mis- white locks that betray the age no one sion, a season of prayer is held petition- would 8USpect that the threescore and ing God's blessing upon the tour. ten are so nearly reached. May the Lord prolong the days of this saint, Dr. McGilvary in his prayer always that he may see of the travail of his repeats that passage of Scripture which soul and be satisfied. has been an actuating principle throughout his whole life: "There is that scat- Sophia Oooke. tereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, FORTY-TWO YEARS A MISSIONARY. but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that (Died at Singapor!), September 14th, watereth shall be watered also himself." 1895.) The question has often been asked, "What makes the work among the BY MRS. J. T. GRACEY, ROCHES'I'ER, N. Y. Lao people so successful?" Is not at least a partial answer found in that (JAnother missionary heroine has fallen very passage of Scripture; for the truth at her post. Across the page of her which it teaches has ever been promi- heroic, devoted, self-sacrificing life nent in guiding the work of the mis- may well be written in illuminated letsion. Besides these long tours into the ters the words, "I have finished the interior, Dr. McGilvary makes shorter work which Thou gavest me to do." visits to the neighboring villages, besides visiting in the temples and homes It was a real event in the history of of the people in Cheung Mai. He fol- woman's missionary work when Sophia lows fully Paul's charge to Timothy Cooke left her beautiful English home to preach the Gospel, to be instant in and turned her face toward the Orient. season,' out of season. No matter Christian womanhood in its organized whether he be in the hovel of the slave capacity had not come to the front in or the palace of the prince, he preaches those days, and she did not have the Christ. help and spiritual upholding of a lov- ing sisterhood in the home land. With He is beloved by all who know him, Abrahamic faith she started out for a young and old, native and foreign. He land of which she literally kn':lW noth- ing, and concerning which very little was known by the Church. Singapore became her mount of ob- terpreter was required to prepare his servation, her working center, but her notes In English that Miss Cooke might life touched many lands, and her ele- know what kind of spiritual food he vated Christian character helped all administered to his fellow-countrymen.
classes of people with whom she came After a few years this work was given in contact_ It is difficult to form an over to the English Church. This was, adequate estimate of the unique place however, only one of many side issues, she filled for so many long years, or for all this time her school was progress- give a proper record of her great life- ing and becoming a power. The chil- work_ dren received into the school were all of Miss Cooke was identified with the poor parents, and the chief source of in.
Church of England, and was ever loyal come for their support was from the sale to her forms and spirit, but she took of clothing and needlework sent from into her warm heart all who loved the England. Many a little waif brought Lord, and in that great cosmopolitan to the sheltering care of the school by city in which she lived bad friends of the police found a home where she all creeds and among all churches, and was tenderly cared for, and developed her comfortable and hospitable home into an earnest Christian worker.
on Government Hill was a common A number of young girls were meeting-place for Christians_ brought here from China, some of In the year 1843 a Chinese school for them having been captured there by girls was opened In Singapore (as there Malay sailors. Some of these were led was a large Chinese population in the out into a broad Christian experience,· city). and conducted by a Miss Grant_ and are to-day the centers of Christian This work was carried on under great homes, exerting in other lands an influ- difficulties, as the Chinese were stoutly ence for the uplifting of womanhood.
opposed to Christianity, and Miss Grant Five are now married and living in was often in actual danger of her Foochow, and two in Korea, others In life. the interior of China; one is the wife When Miss Cooke arrived she found of a Chinese missionary in Melbourne, a home established, and a few native Australia. while another is settled in girls fitted to be teachers; but her ac- Batavia. Such have been some of the tivities were not confined to the school. wonderful influences exerted by 8 and looking over the broad field she school where the constant aim of the found the harvest ripe, but reapers few ; devoted leader was to bring all her pu- so, taking some of her native girls as pils to a saving knowledge of Christ.
interpreters, she commenced a system Miss Cooke had a marvelous influ- of house-to-house visitation, reading the ence in the army and the navy. For Word, and interesting the women in years she conducted a Soldiers' Bible- the story of the Gospel. Then noticing class at her home on Saturday even· that on these visits the men would often ings, and was the originator of the Sail- stand outside and listen, her heart was ors' Rest. All ves8els sweeping around stirred to consider what might be done the Malay Peninsula on their way to for them. Here was an unoccupied China stop at this port, and every field, for two missionary societies had st·eamer which goes through the Suez abandoned the work among the Chinese. Canal en route to China must also pass She commenced to teach two men in here; so that sailors from all lands her school-room, both of them walking stopped at Singapore, and great num- twelve miles every Sunday. The num- bers of them came under her personal ber soon increased, and a chapel was infiuence. She made no pretensions to built on her own compound, and a great learning. She was only a plain goodly congregation soon gathered. A woman, quick to see and to seize the simple service was held, but the in· opportunities. The inspiration of her life work was her entire devotion and Han, the author of those scurrilous consecration to the M.aster she loved. pamphlets which caused riots, with In all the years of her toil she only loss of life and property; the province twice visited the home-land. But her which openly boasted that no Christian great activities came to a close, and nor foreigner should ever live within while her sufferings for a few weeks its borders-from this bitterly hostile were great, yet her room was a verita- province came, about a month ago, a ble gate of heaven. The girls she had delegation of litel·ati to Wuchang im- loved and taught were about her sing- ploring the Christians to send preachers ing her favorite hymns and ministering to Hunan.
to her bodily wants. Just before her " Equally startling is the radical change homegoing she said, "Chinese girls' at Peking, the capital. Here also is a school all for Jesus," and again was most signal break in the ranks of these this repeated. The last sound intelligi- Chinese literati. During the present ble to her were the voices of her pupils semester, a grandson of the private tu- singing. tor of Tung Vhih, the previous Em- "Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain peror, a nephew of the ruling Emperor, shadows flee; Kuang Hsii, a son of the newly ap- In life, in death, 0 Lord abide with me. " pointed Imperial Railway Vommissioner, Her funeral was said to be the most and fourteen literati have matriculated representative ever seen in Singapore, in Peking University.
• and with almost regal honors this de- "These literati include not only gradu- voted woman was laid to rest. The ates possessing the three regular gov- girls of the school, with mothers and ernmental degrees mentioned above, grandmothers of her old girls, with but also the still higher rank of Hanlin, their husbands and sons, and Chinese or " Forest of Pencils," a kind of im- Christians of the various missions, fol- perial academy, whose examinations lowed the bier, while nearly every mem- are supervised by the Emperor himself.
ber of the missionary community was Here are culled the choicest flowers of present. Chinese preachers carried her the Flowery Kingdom. Here is gath- body down·stairs, and European police- ered the ripest scholarship of the Chi- men bore it to the grave, while sailors nese Empire.
from an English steamer were present " In Professor King's Sunday.school to represent the many thousands to class, literati possessing the degrees of whom Miss Cooke's name is a house· Hanlin and Chii·Jen, with others, rever- hold word. Thus passed away another ently kneel in prayer and engage in the link connecting us with the past. Her study of the sacred Scriptures concern- influence will live and her name be lov- ing the Savior of the world. It seems ingly remembered. scarcely less than a miracle that these previously bitter opponents of Chris- A RADICAL CHANGE IN CHINA'S ARIS- tianity should to-day be quietly study- TOCRACy.-Rev. Marcus L. Taft, writ· ing in a Christian institution. If some ing to us from Peking, gives the fol- of the leaders of Tammany Hall should lowing interesting information; suddenly become Prohibitionists, the " At Wuchang, opposite Bankow, in change would not be more radical.
Central China, the leading mandarins " , The loftiness of man,' says ISliah, lately invited several Protestant mis- , shall be bowed down, and the haughti- sionaries to a conference in order to in- ness of men shall be made low ; and quire concerning Christianity and West- the Lord alone shall be exalted in that ern science. More remarkable still is day.'
the latest news, that from the province "God is to-day answering prayers of Hunan-the hot-bed of the anti-for- and fulfilling prophecy. Only a year eign spirit in China; the home of Chou- ago no one would have been so sanguine as even to predict what has al- 2. To consider any applications made ready taken place. No one would have for aid in respect of any scheme intend· even dreamed that Jehovah, in His won- ed directly or indirectly for the extender-working providence, would be send- sion or assistance of missionary work, ing to a Christian institution these whether such scheme be financial, agri- • wise men of the East.' cultural. manufacturing, or otherwise. To promote finance, assist, and, if .. Providentially much preparatory thought expedient, maintain and work work has already been done in Peking. any approved scheme, and, as may be Peking University owns about thirteen necessary, to acquire land, erect buildacres, admirably located inside the ings, engage servants, and do all neceswalled city of Peking. Durbin Hall, a sary acts for such purposes. substantial brick building. two stories high, with a frontage of two hundred 3. To arrange for and carry out, .as and eight feet-the first of a series of agents, loans for the purchase of propuniversity buildings-was erected and erty, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, occupied in 1892. The campus has been for missionary purposes, and to receive adorned with about one hundred and and apply, the interest, and also the fifty trees and shrubs, presented by profits of any undertakings of the sofriends, native and foreign, living in ciety, after payment of interest on the capital. money invested, and of the expenses of the Iolociety, in aid of missionary The medical department was reor- work. ganized last year, with Robert Coltman, ?rI. D., of the Presbyterian Mis- 4. To initiate, promote, take over and sion, as dean, assisted by W. H. Cur- carryon, at home or abroad, any finantiss, M.D., G. D. Lowry, M.D., N. S. cial, agricultural, manufacturing, in- Hopkins, M.D., and Y. K. Tsao,lI.D. dustrial, or other work or business, or The last-named physician is a China- any undertaking having for its object man, who, after completing his five the furtherance of missionary effort. years' medical course in China, went to the United States, and graduated at 5. To bring the financial needs of misthe Long Island College of Medicine, sionary workers abroad before Chrisand afterward pursued special lines at tians at home, and to receive money the New York Postgraduate College of and apply the same for the purposes of Physicians and Surgeons. The present the society. medical class of paying students is greatly assisted by the fine manikin THE PLAN presented by a friend last year. of working the society will be as fol- The Industrial Missions Aid Society. lows: Mr. Fry, the originator, or one of The first trustees of the society shall the originators of a scheme of invest- be (three persons who have yet to be ments or business ventures intended to appointed). aid at least some forms of missionary enterprise on a business basis in any part All future trustees shall be appointed of the forei~n missionary world, is in by the General Council. India maturm~ the proposed measures. So many applIcations for information The members of the society shall be have reached us, that we venture to give the Founders, the General Council, and the whole of the latest text.-(J. T. G.) such other persons willing to co-oper- ate in its work as the Founders or Coun- OBJECTS. cil may from time to time invite.
1. To co·operate with evangelical The executive shall consist of the missionary workers in all parts of the treasurer, honorary secretary, general world, and to assist, financially or other· manager, and secretaries. who shall be wise, in the inauguration and develop- appointed by the Founders, so long as ment of industrial effort. they shall live and be willing to act, subject to confirmation by the Council, and afterward by the Council. Each of these officers shall be ex-officio a mem- fund, will be employed for the benefit ber of the General Council. of missionary enterprise, according to All moneys received from investors the directions of the General Council.
shall, until completion of the invest- Two banking accounts will be kept ment, be placed in the hands of the -one by the trustees for moneys re~ trustees, who shall, after completion, ceived from and on behalf of investors, hold the securities representing such and the other by the treasurer for the investment. Such securities shall from general purposes of the society.
time to time be realized or enforced by All applications for aid made to the the trustees, under the direction of the society will, in the first place, be con- executive, if considered necessary, and sidered by the executive, with such ex- the time and mode of realization shall pert or other assistance as they may be in the sole discretion of the execu- think necessary. If approved, the ap- tive. plication shall be laid for contirmation Full particulars of approved schemes before at least three members of the will be circulated, and investors invited General Council other than the execu- to supply the necessary capital for the tive, who shall, with the executive same. All the reports and information classify the scheme, and, in the case of upon which the society rely, in refer- a loan, fix the rate of interest to be paid ence to the scheme, will be open to in- by the borrower, and the period for spection, so that the investor may exer- which the loan shall be made. If such cise his own judgment in the matter. members consider that the proposed Separate accounts will be kept of !!cheme ought not to be confirmed, it each scheme, and for the present the in- may be brought by the executive for vestors must look to the profits made final decision before a special general in respect of the particular scheme in meeting of the Council.
which they have invested, or the pro- Every scheme submitted will have to ceeds of the realization thereof, for satisfy the society on two points before their interest and return of principal. it can be approved-viz.: As soon as possible, however, it is pro- 1. That it is likely to advance the posed to create a reserve fund to meet cause of missions.
any possible losses, but investors will 2. That it is commercially sound.
not have any direct claim upon such A general meeting of the society shall reserve fund. be held annually to receive reports and The society will, as agents for the in- to deliberate upon any measures Which vestors. act in carrying out the schemes, may promote the objects of the society and will, from time to time, pay to the and dispose of the general business of investors all moneys received, either on the society.
account of interest or capital, subject to Special meetings may be convened at any time, at the discretion of the executhe deductions hereafter mentioned. tive, or at the request in writing of not The society will charge the investor, less than .even members of the society., and retain, as remuneration for their The account books of the society WIll . be under the supervision of chartered services, 1. If the investment is in the form of accountants, and will be audited an- nually, and. a print of the report and a loan-one fifth of the interest received accounts will be sent to each subscriber by the trustees. of one guinea and upward, and to all 2. If the investment is in respect of members and investors.
an industry-all profits beyond 5 per NOTE.-It is obviously impossible at cent on the capital invested, which the outset to lay down definite and com- 5 per cent is to be paid to the investor. plete plans for the future working of the society. The above will be subject AU such sums received by the soci- therefore to alteration or amendment ety, after payment of working expenses, by the General Council at a meeting to and any appropriation for the reserve be called for the purpose.
1896.J FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY
III.-FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY.
BY DELAVAN L. pmRSO:!'l.
Siam and Laos,* Malaysia,t Unoooupied Fields,t Buddhism,§ Work among the Lepers.
SIAM AND LAOS. ance of foreign ways and foreign relig- Siam is taking her place among the ions. They are icnhikldnroewn leodfge noaftutrhe~ civilized nations of the world. Al- being well versed ready she has railways, telegraphs, and " book of nature," but caring nothing electric lights. Her last step in advance for other spheres of learning. They is in having given her adhesion to the are exceedingly simple minded, con- Red Cross Treaty (concluded at Geneva ceiving of their own country as the cen· in 1884), thus binding herself to recog- ter of the world and all other lands sim· nize the neutrality of those who care ply as" the outside country." They for the wounded in time of war. The are difficult to arouse, but are capable treaty is a step toward humanity; but of being educated into earnest, progreswhen will the nations learn the foUy of sive Christians. Converts enjoy comsettling their disputes by seeking to parative freedom from persecution, and there is no governmental opposition to destroy each other? Great Britain and France are rapidly the spread of Christianity. The counaccomplishing the absorption of Siam try is free from the caste system of by the partition of her territory be- India; thereis no child marriage among tween them. In 1884 the territory of them, and very little polygamy-a con· Siam and the Laos country comprised dition due to poverty rather than to about 500,000 miles; now, by successive principle. This field is peculiarly the encroachments on the west by England vineyard in charge of the Presbyterian and upon the east by France, only about Church (North), they being the only 60,000 square miles. Apparently be- church laboring among the Siamese fore long Chu-Ia·lang·Koru will have and Laos. The great obstacle to the progress of Christianity here, besides the no kingdom left. The Laos, or Lao, and other people of hardness of the heathen heart, is the lack the Shan States number about 5,000,000. of funds to carryon the work. The They live under four governments, some Siamese have some virtues and many being tributary to Siam, others acknowl- vices. While gentle in disposition, they edging the suzerainty of China, while are indolent, deceitful, inveterate gammany of them are living in the terri- blers, and smokers of tobacco and opium. tory occupied by the English on the The women are not shut up in zenanas, west or that of France on the east. but go about freely; they are deemed in- These people have no national pride, ferior to men, and When a census is taken and are thus peculiarly open to accept- it is said that only the males are counted I .. See also pp. 43 (Jannary, 294 (April) 3.33 BUDDHISM 369 (present issue). Book:" People and Politics of the Far Ea8t," Henry Norman. A,·tieles: is said to exist with greater purity in "Chnrch at Home and Abroad," A8sembly Herald Siam tban in any other country, but it is and "Woman's Work for Woman" (May 1896): a religion without a Savior. When some "The Wild Wa," LitteU's Living Age '(Febrn: native Christians were asked why they ary 22, 1896); " England, France and Siam " came to the missionaries, they replied, Blackwood'8 (March, 1896). " We are sinners, and we hear that your ' God helps." Another said, "I have heard of many religions, but I have . t See also Pl!, 61 (Jannary); 347, 371(present fOlltld no other god that loves as your ,sBne). Book: A Hundred Years of Missions" God loves." The Buddhists, when Dr. I:eonard. Articles: .. Gospel in all Land;" (Apnl, 1896); "Malayan Child Life," Overland *Monthly (March, 1896). See also p. 358 (present issue). Book' "A H::u§!nSd~ercee~da~lYs~oeUa~r8s'ho2ifs5Mma i(saAsnipodrnils)C,,"h3Dr2i.6sLti(.apLnreeitsoyen,na"tr d, D.D issue)'
Arch,: questioned as to their hopes for the his Eastern and his Western admirers is future, reply, .. It is all dark." due to the later legends invented by his " There are many different types of enthusiastic followers, and which are as . Buddhism. There is one type in Tibet, grotesque as they are impossible_"- another in Ceylon, and another in Siam, .F'. F. Ellinwood. while in China and Japan there are a dozen Buddhist sects, some atheistic, WORK AMONG THE LEPERS.
others pantheistic, and one or two which In almost all of the countries of the approach very nearly to the Christian East missionaries come in contact with doctrine of salvation by faith. In Nepal lepers, and in very many places work in the medieval centuries there was de- has been established to relieve their suf- veloped an out-and-out theistic type, fering and to save their souls.* No with a supreme celestial Buddha. or work is more Christ-like or demands Adi Buddha, from whom all other greater consecration on the part of the Buddhas sprang. He was regarded as workers_ The results have everywhere the self·existent Creator of the universe. been gratifying both in physical and spir- This type seems to have passed away, itual benefit to the lepers and in the en- but in most Buddhist lands to-day there couragement to the workers themselves.
is more or less of a semitheistic worship The disease is not contagious, and yet of superior but created beings known occasionally the missionaries and others as Buddhas, Bodisats, etc. have been afflicted with it. A remark- " The original Buddhism was atheistic able case is that of Miss Mary Read, an or agnostic. This has been much in American missionary, who discovered dispute, and many Western apologists that she was sufl:ering from the disease have insisted upon the theistic char- while she was at home in America on acter of the system; but in a Bud- furlough in 1890. This discovery dhist's catechism prepared by professed caused her to suffer untold agony of Buddhists we find these words: (Bud- mind for many hours, and at first the dhism teaches the reign of petfect good- thought was unbearable. Only those ness· and wisdom without a personaZ who have seen the lepers in various God; continuance of individuality with- stages of the disease can imagine its out an immortaZ Boul; eternal happi- loathsomeness and the intense suffering, ness without a local heaven; the way mental and physical, which accompa- of salvation without a vicarious Savior; nies it. The malady gradually robs its redemption worked out by each one victims of sight, hearing, taste, smell, himself without any prayers, sacrifices, speech, and makes them the most awful- and penances; without the ministering looking creatures conceivable-what a of ordained priests; without the in- fit emblem of sin in its effect upon the tercession of saints; without divine spiritual nature and in its loathsome- mercy.' Finally, it teaches that suo ness in the sight of God! Miss Read preme perfection is attainable even in soon submitted herRelf, body and 8Oul, this life and on this earth_ . . . to God, and returned to India to work « Gautama Buddha himself, seems to among the lepers at Chandag, and her stand above reproach as. a man of very efforts in their behalf have been won- rare self-control, of benevolent spirit, derfully blessed. She herself is said to and of true philanthropy. His atheism have been restored to health in answer was perhaps a result of the superstition to the many prayers offered on her be- and folly which he found in Hinduism.
and especially in the bootlessness of his * The 11asBian to Lepers in Inilia and the ascetic rigors, pursued through six JJJUllt hae been in operation for over twenty years of self-renunciation and suffer- years, It is international aud interdenomina- 'lng. Much of the fantastic drapery tional. Contributions should be sent to W, C. with which he is now invested by both Bailey, Esq,. 17 Giengyle Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland. half, but she continues her labor of love and populous district of Mandheling, which God so clearly pointed out to her. which is entirely Mohammedan. At In a letter, written III September last the beginning of 1895 there were 6000 trom the Himalayas, where she was candidates for baptislil from the Battak resting, she says in part: tribe, 1000 of whom were Moslems.
"The ministry to which I have been Similar success is attending the work in called mal!:es a great demand upon my other places, and Moslem priests are heart's life, and it is of such a character actually in despair.
that I cannot attempt a faithful, full UNOCCUPIED FIELDS.
portrayal in word pictures. . Neither do Tibet is often spoken of as the only .I know how to describe the streams of country in Asia which is closed to the mercy and the showers of blessing that Gospel. But there are others into which descend upon even me from the Throne entrance for the Christian missionary is of Grace in answer to the many prayers equally interdicted. Among those so being offered by the great multitude of sealed are Afghanistan, Beloochistan, loving hearts in whom Christ dwells for this one of His' little ones.' Nepaul, and Bhotan. May we not hope that the recent visit of the young Af- " That you may realize more vividly ghan prince to Great Britain will open how wondrously the Great Physician is the way to a more tolerant treatment of dealing with me, I must tell you what the religion of the Bible? Whatever Rev. Mr. McMahan said when he came may be thought of the policy adopted a few weeks ago to see me. He never in that connection, this at any rate is ceronce inquired about my health, but tain, that the erubracing of Chitral withlooked at me in an astonished manner in the sphere of British influence·has as much as to say, • I do not need to brought us nearer to one of the counask how you are; I can see for myself.' tries in which ground has not yet been lIe said to Miss Budden when he re- broken. turned to Pithoragarh, • If Miss Read were living in Bible times and would now show herself to the priests she The Church of England in Jamaica is the largest and most influential Chriswould sllrely be pronounced clean.' .. Pray much for my,poor dear pa- tian body in that island. Her member- ship, composed mostly of natives, tients, that my efforts to make them amounts to over 45,000; she has over acquainted with the great Physician 30,000 childrrn in her Sunday-schools, may be successful. I ha ve had severe over 35,000 in her day-schools, and trials with some over whom I had re- the voluntary contributions amount to joiced, trusting they had truly come to $160,000 annually. She has 100 or- 'Jesus.' Some have been truly converted and are growing in grace in the dained clergy, two thirds of whom are knowledge of Jesus; but of the 81 now native born, besides nearly 200 paid and voluntary catechists. In addition to her in the asylum at Chandag fully one parochial work she is a missionary third are yet unsaved. The scenes of church, contributing, in common with physical suffering 1 must witness be- sister churches in the West Indies, to come more and more painful to me instead of less trying as the years go on." the support of a mission on the Rio Pongo, in Western Africa. her collec- tions for missions, home and foreign, MALAYSIA, being about $16,000 per annum.-Rev_ n. Bland. w: The progress prospects of missionary work among the Mohammedans is no- where so hopeful as in Malaysia. For morE than thirty years the Rhenish Mis- It should be borne in mind that the sionary Society has expended at least Island of Trinidad, about which Enghalf its force in the effort to combat land and Brazil are at variance, is not tile extension of Islam in the Dutch the West Indian island where mission- East Indies. In Sumatra they have ary work is being successfully carried two stations where missionaries have to on by the Moravians, Canada Presbytedo extensively with Moslem Battaks. rians, and others, but is a small, rocky These Mohammedans are very far from island of volcanic origin lying in the being as inaccessible as has been hith- South Atlantic, the only use of which erto supposed, mQre than a thousand is that it may serve as a station for the Moslems having joined the Christian submarine cable between the two hemicommunities during the past ten years. spheres.* Now it appears as tho the Lord intends them to take a yet further step in this .. An error crept into the March REVIIIW (p. 215) owing to the fact that the note was writteu direction, for certain Christians in Eng- at the time the first despatches were sent on the land have been moved to send the subject. Similar spelling led to mistaken iden- means to extend the work into the large tity just long enough for the error to appear.
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
IV.-EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
Maroh of Events. Instead of relying, as formerly, upon the ignorance of its adherents, it is We rejoice in the prospect of a speedy making attempts to maintain itself by settlement of the Venezuelan dispute, educating believers in its abominations. Polygamy" is less practiced, but Morand-what is of more importance-the monism IS vigorous, attempting to es- establishment of a permanent court of. tablish a secret ecclesiastical organiza- arbitration, at which all Anglo-Ameri- tion managed by a few, appealing to can disputes shall be settled. the religious sentiment in the UBe of a few Christian principles, mixed up with the most corrupting and fatal notions, The brilliant victories of the British to be modified by the capricious so- Central African Protectorate over the called revelations of the leadeIs to acslave-trading chiefs of the western complish their personal ends."
shores of Lake Nyassa have been the So writes 'ex·Commissioner of Educasubject of much rejoicing, as they have ,tion General John Eaton in endorsing broken the power uf the slave trade in the m0vement for founding a Christian that whole district. ~rwasi Kazunga, college in Utah. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, of Zulu origin, is a chief whose trade the well-known home missionary and in human beings has made him infa- lecturer, has generously offered $50,000 mous. He conspired with the Angoni br this purpose, on condition that the and the Yaos against the British, clos- citizens of Salt Lake City give not less ing the trade route from Lake Nyassa than fifty acres as a site; that the Bible to the Luapula River and Congo, and be a regular text-book in the curricu- began a slave raid far into the lHorimba lnm, and that the college never be aliencountry. Lieutenant Edward Alston ated from the doctrine and work of the commanded the expedition against him. Presbyterian Church in the United He had but 150 regulars, with Sikhs States. The offer has been accepted by and negroes, and about 5000 natives, and the presbytery, eighty acres of land yet he utterly routed Mwasi with 20,000 have been given, and trustees Mve been fighting men I There were three sharp appointed; all that remains to be done contlicts, and all the foe's fortified posts is for Christians who hold the interests were taken and 50 of his settlements de- of the kingdom dear to their hearts to stroyed. On the British side only 6 come forward and donate the necessary were killed and 5 wounded, but Mwasi funds, following the example of one lost 42 in the fight and many more in who, himself a home missionary, has the rout, and over 600 prisoners were given so generously from a small inher- taken, 14 chiefs besides, and with them itance wisely administered. Dr. Jack- the notorious Saidi Mwazunga (the Jieu- son, having been the pioneer Presbyte- tenant of the slave raider, ~Iakanjira), rian minister in Utah, and having who five years ago betrayed, by a flag always had a keen interest in the progof truce, and murdered Dr. Boyce and ress of Christianity there, understands lir. McEwan; and who was in prison well the need of pure Bible teaching in awaiting execution in February. Sub- this centre of Mormonism, that this sequently Captain Stewart and Lieu- young State may be saved from Mor_ tenant Alston led a second expedition mon control. There is a State univer- against Ambala and Mpemba, the last sity and an agricultural college, both two slave·traders left in the British Pro- non-sectarian, and there are Mormon tectorate, 80 that in this territory the colleges and academies established here slave trade is annihilated.-A. T. P. -surely there is great demand for this Protestant college to offer a higher "Mormonism is by no means dead. Christian education to the thousands of Christian children now in atteudance operations carried on by the Army in at primary schools and academies in other lands.
Utah.*-D. L. P. Ballington and Mrs. Booth have start- ed an American movement for the mid- The Salvation Army reports its social dle classes, and call their organization work in Darkest England for the past " 'l'he Volunteers." It is not intended year, and well describes the homeless to be a rival to the Salvation Army, and and workless· classes as "a constant we hope that they will avoid some of menace to the health of the commu- the mistakes of that organization. It nity." • The" Shelters," it is claimed, is said that General Booth has made have become to thousands the gateway overtures to his son to induce him to to a better and happier life. Twenty- return to his former allegiance and two such are open with accommodations command. We wish that the Command- for 5250 persons; 1400 men and women er could see his way clear to meeting are daily employed, drawn from every his father half way in a reconciliation.
rank of life. Beside unskilled workmen there are men who have been doctors, The REVIEW being a monthly maga- lawyers, preachers, as well as merchants, zine has not attempted to carryon an clerks, and artisans, victims of mis- Armenian Relief Fund to any great ex- fortune, improvidence, illness, drink. tent, and therefore has directed read- The total cost for the year has been ers to the regular agents in New York about $750,000, inclusive of money spent and Boston. Sums have, however, on buildings, etc., sales of goods manu- been occasionally received and imme- factured by people in various insti- diately forwarded. being acknowledged tuws; and of this $71'iO,OOOonly$20,OOO in the REVIEW. Something over $250 has has been spent in salaries, etc. thus passed through our hands. It is in- The slum-work is graphically sketch- tended to stop relief work about the mid- . ed. "The slum sisters generally oc- dle of April, as the winter will then be cupy one of the tenement rooms either o";er. But the effects of the famine will in or immediately on the outskirts of by no means have passed, and the Arme- the slum centre, and so far as possible nians will be in direst poverty for many a they conform to the habits of thepopu- long day to come. The latest contribn- lation among whom they work. Every tions for this fund which we would ac- slum post is in reality a 'settlement.' knowledge are from It is the sisters' duty to work as both W. F. M. S. (presbyterian), Baltimore..•. $41.00 spiritual and temporal advisers, hold- Bedford Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn .. 21.00 ing small meetings in the streets and D. T. Reed, Pittsbur~h, Pa…. ………… 6.00 cottages, visiting the sick and dying, Rev. .Tames Given, Rochester Mills, Pa…. 5.00 caring for those who, as the result of Rev. W. H. Waygood, Schenectady, N. Y.. 2.15 bouts of drunkenness or quarreling, are C. S. S., Toronto, Canada …………….. 1.00 temporarily disabled, and are largely Mrs. Samuel M. Hiker, Englewood, N . .T •• 5.00 W. D. Cole, Deckerville, Mich .. ….• …. 1.00 left alone in their misery. The dying Mrs. L. R. Harris, l'<Iundale, N. Y ……… 5.00 and the little children are their especial care. It is, indeed, a work of mercy." Mrs. A. C. Stevens, Dayton, 0………… 5.00 A touching tribute is naturally paid to Bessie.T. Dickie, Hespeler, Ontario…… ' 6.25 •. A Friend," New Haven, Conn ………. , 5.00 Mrs. Charles Sheldone, Baltimore, Md. ..• .50 Mrs. Cooke, who has just passed away, Rev. S. Cocklin, Mt. Cory, 0…. ………. 5.00 and who was the devoted leader in this M. T. Parker ……………………….. 15.00 slum work. Among other classes Rev. N. D. Glidden, Grand Led~e, Mich.. 5.00 touched by this social scheme are the E . .T. McllIullen, Grand Ledge, Mich…… 1.00 Mrs. Fannie Strange, Grand Ledge, Mich. 1.00 shiftless, the criminal, and lost women. Mrs. Mary L. Tinkham, Carolina, R. I. … 10.00 Some account is also given of social M. W. P., Easton, Pa……. ………….. 5.00 C. A. .Tongewaard, Holland, Mich…….. 1.00 * General .Tohn Eaton, The Concord, Wash- Friends of the so-called McA.ll misington, D. C., will send information or receive funds. sions in France are not a little distressed at the present financial straits of the the treasury, but it does not carryon work. Some $10,000 arc needed to pre- as extensive a work as the larger boards.
vent retrenchment and serious crip- The :Methodist Missionary Society, pling of the work. In Toulou~e alone home and foreign work, has a debt of the committee must close three salles, about $240,000; the Methodist Epis- in which every week five evangelistic copal Church (South) one of about services have been held and two beside $110,000. The Presbyterian Church for the young; and the poor people of (North), for its foreign work. will close Toulouse are in great trouble about the the year with a debt of about $74,000, matter, being unable to support the while the debt on its home work reaches work themselves. There are 120 such $232,000. The Presbyterian Church salles throughout France, many of (South) reports no debt on either its which the editor of this REVIEW has foreign or home work. The Reformed himself visited and spoken in, and to (Dutch) Church will close its fiscal year close these is an unspeakable calamity; with a debt of $12,000 for foreign mis- $1000 a year is sufficient to pay the ex- sions, and none for home missions.
penses of a hall, where 500 will gather Several societies are entirely out of nightly. Mrs. McAll is engaged on a debt; some that have been butdened memoir of her husband, and is greatly during the past year are now free; grieved over the financial condition of others report an increase in contribu- thework.-A. T. P. tions, even tho there is a decrease in legacies. Missionary societies are learn- Moravian missions, which lead the ing that work must not be increased van of the missionary host, have had a unless its future support is secured. deficiency of about $30,000 also, one The moral effect of such large debts on half of which is made up by struggling givers is injurious. Only those who native churchEs in part, whose gifts have been members of mission boards have been most eloquent pleas in them- know. however, how difficult it is to selves for help from the abler and refuse appeals for increased appropriwealthier classes. The debt has now ations to meet the demands of a growbeen fully paid, and it is hoped that the ing work, and how much more saddensociety will be able to keep out of fur- ing it is to cut down appropriations in ther debt. Other denominations may the face of a crying need.
learn a lesson from this promptness in The appointment, by France, of a meeting the deficiency. Protestant Governor-General of Mada- The Baptist Foreign Missionary So- gascar is noted with tllanksgiving, and ciety is not far from $190,000 in debt, and its Home Missionary Society about may be taken as an earnest of further $100,000. It is encouraging, however, that the total receipts for 1895 were the concessions to the Christian Malagasy. largest in ten years. The Congregationalists have now wiped out the whole Rev. James Sibree writes (November debt of the American Board; the Home Missionary Society is also practically 1st) from Antananarivo, Madagascar: free, but the American Missionary Association is about $100,000 in arrears. " You will be glad to hear that things The Disciples of Christ report a debt of are now settling down again very much $9500 for foreign work, and about into their ordinary course. The Lon- $11,000 for home work. The Lutheran don Missionary Society college is in ses- Board of Foreigu Missions has had each sion, and the Protestant schools are year since its beginning a balance in slowly filling up again; the congrega- tions in the city and neighborhood are also resuming their ordinary numbers. In the country districts the people are still very timid, but confidence is grad- ually being restored. The missionaries who stayed in the capital until it was captured by the French troops (Sep- tember 30tli) were graciously protected from all harm. They were thus -able liticaI means which are not generally to continue work until within five days very Christian. And in stirring up before the bombardment, and to resume II enthusiasm" on such topics, there is it very soon after the crisis was over. risk of seeking speakers who, however We were most thankful that there was prominent as politicians, are not promivery little bloodshed, and the French nent as disciples, and perhaps are not soldiers have certainly behaved admira- even professing Christians. Suppose this bly since their arrival. great Endeavor Society, at its next an- nual meeting at Washington, should be- .. We hope and pray and believe that come so earnest in desire for what is called political reform as to procure Christ's kIngdom will still advance here, and possibly the trials now com- ing may purify the churches and render them stronger than before."
An esteemed correspondent gently re- speakers from Congress, who, whatever they are as citizens, have no standing as monstrates against a remark of the edi- cith;ens in the divine commonwealtb- what would be the effect on the whole tor in the September REVIEW 1895,under society, and what evils might not such a policy introduce as a precedent? By .. The March of Events," pa~e 697- all means let the Y. P. S. C. E- encour- age everything that tends to make men .. and keep out of politics"-a remark and women better in any and all of the relations of life; but let the society applied to the Y. P. S. C. E. He says: never lose sight of its distinctive Chris- tian character and calling. It might " It may be good if properly explained. easily degenerate into a new political But, as it stands, it seems like an un- party, and even attempt a nomination necessary fling because the Y. P. S. C. E. for the presidency, confident of its nuare urging the necessity of clean, hon- merical strength. Verbum sat, etc. est, righteous politics, which I understand to be Christ politics. Keep them Important communications are from out of party strife if you will. That is time to time received by the editor con· well. But urge upon them to take cerning the work of Rev. A. Benoliel, Christ with them to the primaries and at Jerusalem. Some of these are attacks ballot-box. Not partisan. but Chris- more or less violent upon him and his sotian within the party, if that is possible. called II mission." Others are as empha- If that is not possible-and I do not be- tic in endorsement of both. The editor lieve it is-then they would better leave feels constrained to pursue some further the party, and get into something that is Christian. If they cannot find anything that is Christian, then. as you say, they would better keep' out of politics. ' If a man cannot be a voting citizen and do the work of a voter, and at the same time be a Christian. then the editor-in-chief of the MISSIONARY RE- VIEW ought to be willing to say so, if that is what he means."
Our brother has gone a good ways to inquiries and investigations on the mat- explain and vindicate the position of ter, and meanwhile to suspend judg- the editor, who is far from unfriendly ment until the full facts are before him.
to the Endeavorers. At the same time, He feels compelled to refer to the whole whenever a society gets so numerically question in this public manner, inas- IItrong there is a strong drift toward much as the United States consul at politics, and there is risk of losing the Jerusalem has written him that a state- distinctively Christian character and ment is being circulated in Jerusalem· losing sight of the distinctively Chris- which puts the editor-in-chief of this tian aim and purpose of such a society. REVIEW in the position of one who un- Many warm friends of the W. C. T. U. dertakes to be responsible for Mr.
think that from the day they identified BenoUel as a sort of referee or guaran- themsel ves so closely with politics they tee. Such document, if so circulated, lost power, and have never regained it. is without the editor's authority. And Numerical power and popular prestige while disposed to justify Mr. Benoliel, Il'e snares. There is a tendency to at- and earnestly hoping that further inves- tempt to control political issues by po- tigation may fully vindicate him, the editor wishes it to be understood that consist of sixteen full-page plates, and neither he nor this REVIEW is in any between twenty and thirty small cuts sense committed in the matter. So soon printed in: the letter-press. as sufficient intormation is obtained, the results will be given to our readers. A valuable little leaflet on missions is Meanwhile, we ask that others will do T1UJ Study,* edited monthly by Mrs. as we seek to do. act with both caution J. T. Gracey, and having a circulation and charity. No charges or insinuations of about 20,000. The study for Febagainst a brother should be received ruary is the Missionary Conventions of until adequate reasons or proofs are fur· the year held at various points and for nished ; and there are some features in various objects through out the world. this case which have at least the appear· A program for a monthly meeting is also ance of a wilful and malicious persecu- included. Mrs. Gracey likewise edits tion of Mr. Benoliel on the part of per- the annual report of the Women's Forsons who at the least are prone to de- eign l'[issionary Society of the Meth. preciate the work of any Jews or work odist Episcopal Church, a pamphlet done in their behalf. Apropos of this which shows how earnest and active matter, we notice that recent investiga- our Methodist sisters arc in the work tion has fully acquitted Hermann War- of missions. sawiak of charges made against him.
A leper home is established in Jeru- The Presbyterian Board offers a most salem by the Mildmay Mission of Lon- helpful means of increasing the interdon, and Moslems, Jews, and Christians est in Monthly Concerts of Prayer for are alike welcomed. Missions and other missionary meetings, in the shape of stereopticon views of the Publioations Notioed, peoples, countries, and work of the vari- ous mission fields. The views from Rev. W. A. P. Martin, D.D., LL.D., which the lantern slides have been made for over a quarter of a century the Pres- have been most carefully selected, and ident of the Chinese Imperial UDiversity illustrate nearly every mission field in at Peking, has prepared a valuable con- the world. Lectures have also been tribution to literature in China, entitled prepared on Persia, India, China, and .. A Cycle of Cathay," which will Syria, and others are in course of prepashortly be published by Fleming H. ration·t Revell Co., New York. During his incumbency of tbis position, and previ- The Ladies' Missionary Society of the ously as an attachli of the United States First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, Legation, Dr. Martin was able to ob· Ga., have printed some suggestive pro· serve the march of events from a view- grams for the use of missionary circles, point at the command of few other and arranged for monthly meetings Westerners. His comments on recent throughout the year.t history in the Far East are those of an insider who himself exerted not a little Everyone would do well to read the influence upon its course. Dr. Mar- New Year's number of Regions Boyond tin's early service as a missionary in Southern China is also touched upon, * Women's F. M. S. of the M. E. Church, 36 and throughout the book missionary matters are treated with sympathy born Bloomfield Street, Boston. 10 cents a year. of experience in the work. The illus- t Information regarding the loan of these trations, reproduced from sketches by Chinese artists and photographs, will views and lectures may be obtained from the librarian of the Presbyterian Board, 156 Fifth Ave., N. Y.
:1: Address Mrs. B. F. Brown, 3 Goodman St.. Augusta. Ga. (18)>8), in which Miss Guinness gives colporteurs. (Address Rev. J. Sharp, 146 ~ueen Victoria Street, E. C.) . a careful and stirring missionary study " 'Ihe China Inland Jl'Iission" would of the state of the heathen world and be glad to hear from fully qualified medical men, with a view to its widely the work of the Christian Church. extended work in fourteen provinces of the Chinese Empire. It accepts candi· The number also contains some exceed· dates who are in fellowship with any of the evangelical churches, and who, ingly helpful charts and illustrations. having been blessed in Christian work at home, believe themsel ves called of We·print from The Student Volunteer God to labor in China. (Apply to Mr. (British) a list of missionaries wanted: Walter B. Sloan, Newington Green,' London, N.) The "Church Missionary Society" "The Church of England Zenana requJres in- Missionary Society" urgently requires West Africa.-Men to occupy the a lady, holding a degree, for the Sarah Tucker College, Palamcottah, South Hinterland of Sierra Leone. Men for India. Qualified medical missionaries pioneer work on the Niger, and in the for three stations in the Punjab. (Ap. Central Soudan. One or two clergy. ply to Manorside, Leigh Road, High- men of some parochial experience for bury, N.) central posts, such as Lagos, Onitsha. etc. Rev. Girgis Anshalian, a member of the Presbytery of Egypt (United Pres- East Africa and Uganda.-Men to oc- byterian Church of America), and pas- cupy the Hinterland of Mombasa, and tor of the congregation at Koos, has to found new stations. Men for work fallen a victim to the Turkish atroci- among the Mohammedans on the coast. Men for Uganda and the adjacent terri- ties in Armenia. He fell a martyr to tories. his faith, and should be enrolled in the army of saints who have sealed their Mohammedan Statea.~Men for pio- testimony with their blood. He was a neer work in Persia. Two or three native of Armenia; was educated in men with pastoral or educational experi- Turkey and in the United States, and ence for Palestine. after a course of study at Xenia Semi- India and Oeylon.-Five years ago nary, went to Egypt in November, the Church Missionary Society missions 1885, and was ordained April 27th, in India asked for two hundred and sev· 1886, as pastor at Koos, where he la- enty additional men at onCl3, most of those who have actually gone having bored earnestly and faithfully. only filled up fresh vacancies. Men of In September last, with his wife, he all sorts are needed-for itinerating work, for higher education, for the returned to Armenia, to visit his friends training of native evangelists, for trans- lational work, for medical missions; at Diabeker. At the time ot the out· alike for the educated classes, especially students, and for the myriads of the break they were arrested, and a ransom village population. of £600 ($3,000) was demanded. The Ohina.-Men for pioneer work among ransom was paid, but instead of being lost populations not reached by any released, the alternative of Mahomet or other mission. Men with pastoral or death was given. With a faith and educational experience for the guidance of the rising native churches in Fuh- heroism worthy of the name of Christ, kien and Che.kiang, or for the training he declared himself a disciple of Jesus, of native evangelists. and was at once hacked to pieces by the Japan.-Men of good university stand- brutish Turks in the presence of his ing. able to deal with the qifficulties of acute and thoughtful minds. All wife. She and her brother were shot, classes of laborers are wanted-clergy- men, lay evangelists, medical men, and beaten with swords, stripped, and left women. for dead. She recovered so as to be " The British and Foreign Bible So- able to write to the mission, in broken ciety" is in urgent need of an agent to sentences, of the terrible scene and her, superintend its work in Persia and a portion of Turkey in Asia. He must destitution. have business and linguistic aptitudes, and be fully persuaded that the circu· lation of the Holy Scriptures by Chris· tian workers is a missionary agency of great value. He will have the super- intendence of a sub-agent (Armenian). a~d several experienced and devoted
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
EDITED BY REV. D. L. LEONARD.
Extraots and Tra.nslations from Foreign his lazy repose, and is little sensitive Periodioa.ls. except to attacks on the rights of the BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER. stomach."-Herr LAUZEMIS, in Calwer MASS. Monatsbliitter.
It is commonly so with races that INDIA. have been for many ages crushed by -" What a difference between now extreme poverty, altho with the Arabs and thirteen years ago !" says the mis- and the Israelites ages of hunger had sionary of the Rhenish Missionary So- the opposite effect.
ciety from the Toba district in Suma- -In the kingdom of Travancore, in tra. "Then everything was unsafe; the southwest of India, one fifth of the no one dared to go half an hour's dis- people are Christians. 1-lost of these tance from his village; war, robbery, belong.to the Syrian or the Roman piracy. and slavery reigned everywhere. Catholic Church, but there is also a con- Now there is a free, active Christian siderable body ot Protestants. Hitherlife everywhere, and churches full of to the mission schools have received aid attentive hearers. We have 8 head- from the Rajah's government. They stations and 30 off-stations, more than submitted to government inspection, 30 evangelists, and many active elders and the grants·in-aid to each school and Sunday-school teachers. And the were greater or less according to its faith of onr yonng Christians is seen in rating. The Rajah's government is their deeds. They have renounced Brahmanical, but it has hitherto very idolatrous customs; they visit the sick sensibly assumed that it was not sup· and pray with them; they go to their porting Christianity by helping mission enemies and make reconciliation with schools. These are organs of general them. This has often made a power- knowledge, and have been aided as ful impression on the heathen, because such. Their religious teaching has they saw that the Christians could do been a thing over and above, with what was impossible to heathen-they which the Rajah has had nothing to could forgive injuries. Many heathen do. As Pope Leo says, as quoted by have been so overcome by this conduct the Methodist paper of Mexico: "Why of the Christians, that they came to us should I not help a Protestant artist? and said: 'The Lord Jesus has con- His art is no part of his Protestantism." quered ! '''-Herr PILGRAM, quoted in So the Travancore Brahmans have rea- The Chronicle. soned that knowledge and Christianity -" The world of thought, with the communicated in the same school left most of the natives, is a wonderfully the knowledge still intrinsically worthy limited one. Imagine a point, give it of Hindu financial aid. But for some the name of Stomach, draw around it reason the Travancore Government has a very narrow circle, and it gives us now departed from this sound princi- the whole natural and intellectual ple, and insists on a control over ap- world of an ordinary Hindu-namely, pointments, and on an abandonment of that the stomach constitutes the center all requirements of attendance on re- and the circumference of these two ligious teaching, which will make it worlds. The voice of the stomach is impossible for the missionaries, so long what he listens to most attentively, as this policy is maintained, to receive hardly except through its urgency does aid from the government. This is )le suffer himself to be roused out of much to be regretted.
EXTRACTS AND
_" There is a portentous difference Throngs of ~church-members greeted between a company of pariahs and a him at the seaside and escorted him up corresponding company of Hindus. into the church, now festally adorned, We could scarcely believe that we were where he was solemnly received with a in the same land, much less in the same salutatory address. All hearts were village precinct. They are much dark- moved as he uttered a warm and hearty er than the Hindus, almost black, hav- greeting to the congregation filling the ing low foreheads and being wholly church to the very last place, and prewithout the intelligent expression which sented to it the salutations of the friends marks the Hindu; their whole demean- at home. The newspapers here also or, as they stand before us, is as differ- took note of his coming. One of them ent from that of the Hindus as the even took the opportunity to read the moon from the sun; they behave like English officials a lesson as to how a flock of half-grown boys. They grin they should demean themselves toward at nothing, gape up in our faces as if the natives. If, say they, these officials they meant to swallow us, pick off ver- would seek to gain for themselves the min from one another with great s0- love and esteem of the natives in the lemnity, shove and push each other con- same way in which the German mistinually; and to be understood by ~ionaries do, then the somewhat revoluthem we must address them from a far tionary national congress, and also the lower point of view than we do the opposition sheets, would vanish with Hindus, since their ideas are so much one stroke from the face of the earth. fewer, and the mental development to This is rather an exaggeration, it is which we can appeal is so much in- true, but yet, from heathen mouths, it ferior."-Rev. S. F. BERG, in Dansk is a testimony to rejoice in. "-Oalwer MisWns-Blad. Mission8blatt.
-" While in Amritsar I had a still -" Materialism, once so popular, is deeper glimpse into the horrors of Hin- growing out of fashion, and yielding duism. The Holi feast lasted for sev- place to a religious sentiment. Caste eral days. It is the worst of the Hindu has lost much of its old rigidity, while feasts. I do not know its origin, nor its rules are openly violated. Tho the would I ask. The people, men, wom- educated classes are still at some disen, and children, splash their clothes tance from the threshold of Christianwith a hideous, red-colored fluid, which ity, Christ is seldom out of their sight. makes them look as if they were cov- A sort of Nco-Hinduism has become ered with blood. Evil of ·every kind the religious cult of the day. One of abounds, and sin has unbridled license. its features consists in reading biblical It was appalling to drive into the city, truths into the Vedas, and seeking an even when things had abated, and see Indian origin for the doctrines of the the marks of passion on the weary, unity and Fatherhood of God and the wicked faces of the Hindu men. We brotherhood of the human race. The could only cry 10 God to have mercy once despised name of Christ is now on them, and long for the coming day held in reverence, and efforts are not when sin and religion shall no longer infrequently made to find a parallel for stalk through India band in hand."- His utterances in their favorite book, Miss GOLLOCK, in Oltu1'C7~ Missionary the Gita. :aIore than ever Christ is in Gleaner. the van of moral ar:.d religious prog· ~The Rev. E. LIEBENDORFER, of ress. Pnblic character and private life, South India, speaking of the return of which were once considered quite dis- Missionary KNOBLOCH, says: "The tinct and unconnected, are now looked congregat.ion was uncommonly rejoiced upon in a Christian light. There is at the return of their old pastor. also It general imitation of Christian !LC- 386 GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. [May tivities. Preaching is practised in the averse to it, or at any rate take but a open air ; religious services are held in cold and perfunctory interest in it.
lighted rooms; the Gita is expounded Let it, however, once be clearly seen to attentive audiences; preaching ex- that it is not so, that we hold that there cursions are made to outlying towns; is no nation in the world which has tracts and handbills are occasionally been omitted from the providence and published; and Madras has even a discipline of God; no nation in which Hindu Young Men's Association. In He has left Himself without a witness English and vernacular newspapers the finding its expression-however distort- writers often exhibit an intimate ac- ed or perverted-in their creed and quaintance with the contents of the thoughts; no nation, therefore, which Bible."-Rev. J. LAZARUS, B.A., quoteR, cannot find in Christ. not the destruc- in Church Missiona1'y Intelligencer. tion, but the fulfilment and completion of all that is best and truest in its past -The Intelligencer, in a notice of the -the realization of their truest selves Rev. W. ST. CJJAIR TISDALL'S work, -and we shall at once win to our side "The Religion of the Crescent," one an immense amount of intelligent, third or one fourth of whose adherents warm, and sympathetic support.' Mr.
are found in India, has the following Lefroy quotes some very striking pas- sound remarks: " Prominence is rightly sages on this subject from Archbishop given to the proportion of truth held, Trench's Hulsean Lectures for 1845, for the deeper study of the various reo and from Bishop Phillips Brooks's ser- ligious systems in the world, the better mon on 'The Earth of the Redemp- acquaintance with Oriental literature, tion.' We can only refer to one pas- and the personal contact with men who sage: 'There is no office more delicate, are seeking to live up to their ideal- no task requiring greater wisdom and imperfect tho that necessarily is-are patience and love, than to set men free leading the wisest and most thoughtful from their superstitions, and yet not missionaries to adopt the position so with this to lay waste the very soil in well taken up by the Rev. A. G. Lefroy which the truth should strike its roots, in one of the Occasional Papers,of the to disentangle the tree from the ivy Cambridge Mission to Delhi. He says: that was strangling it, without, in the 'I believe one reason, more or less process and t,ogether with the strangling clearly and conscientiously entertained, ivy, destroying also the very life of the which makes many people indifferent tree itself which we purposed to save.'
to or opposed to missionary work is 'To have taught them to pour con- the conservative instinct so deeply seat- tempt on all with which they have hith· ed in everyone's breast, and which reo erto linked feelings of sacredness and sents the idea of asking great and an· awe, may prove but a questionable cient nations to break utterly with their preparation for making them humble past, to simply ignore the past his- and re verent scholars of Christ. ' Wiser tory of their land and of its deepest surely was St. Paul's method, who ever thoughts; to regard it, if I may so sought a ground common to himself speak, as sheer waste to trace in it and those whom he would persuade- nothing of the guiding hand and loving who to the Athenians said, 'Whom discipline of God, nothing therefore therefore ye ignorantly worship Him that can fit on to and find development declare I unto you.' The prominence in the life of Christ. This-as they Mr. Tisdall gives to the good points of conceive it-is the position really in- Islam is an illustration of the great volved in missionary work-a concep- principle laid down by so distinguished tion for which, I fear, missionaries a missionary as Mr. Lefroy.
themselves are in too large part respon· " The second lecture is the necessary sible; and so conceiving of it they are complement of tlJe first. Islam is strong because it holds some truth; the borrowing. It is commonly known weak for this reason among others, that milch was taken from Talmudic that it has sadly distorted that truth. Judaism; but Mr. Tisdall shows how The idea of God is defective. He is a much also has been gathered from Zo- God ot power and might, arbitrary in roastrianism, and by tracing' nearly all His ways; a Despot • unrestrained every leading idea of Islam to some pre- by any law of holiness or justice ex- Islamic creed' justifies his use of the istent in His nature.' Palgrave's de- expression, • the composite nature of scription of the orthodox Mohammedan Islam.' "
notion of God has never been sur- -" The Bombay Guardian repropassed. He says: • God is One in the duces the following quotation of the totality of omnipotent and omnipresent Christian Globe from a recent work: action, which acknowledges no rull.:, "The missionaries as a body are no standard, or limit, save one sole and doubt good, earnest men. and according absolute will. He Himself, sterile in to the standard of comfort of their so- His inaccessible height, neither loving ciety, they undoubtedly do not live nor enjoying aught save His own and luxuriously. StilI, what is Simplicity self-measured decree. without son, com- to them is luxury to the Hindus. Their panion, or counselor, is no less barren houses, their servants, their food, their for Himself than for His creatures, and carriages-tho there is nothing extrava- His own barrenness and lone egoism in gant in these according to English ideas Himself is the cause and rule of His in- -do not harmonize with the Hindu different and unregarding despotism ideal of the life of a man of religion.
around.' From the time of Gautama the Buddha .. The conception of God, as overrul- to the present day all Hindu preachers, all Hindu founders of sects (with the ing all, as the dominant personal force single exception of Vallabhacharya, the in all that man does, gives strength to founder of the sect of Vallabhscharis) Islam, and the truth it has to teach is have been ascetics. The Hindus cannot that God rules among men; yet, as it reconcile the character of a holy man has not been balanced by other concep- witb that of a worldly man. To have tions of the Deity, it has led to fatal- any weight with them the preacher ism. and proved, so far as that is the must undergo an amount of self-denial case, a weakness. The God of Islam is of which the Christian missionary has a ' God afar off,' and that that is felt to scarcely any conception. " The Guardbe a serious loss is seen from the pecul- ian sUbjoins: "It does not transpire iar tenets of some of the principal sects, who t.he writer is, but the foregoing in which the need for a personal, living, lines, even while they are open to critiintermediary between God and man is cism, are worthy of consideration. We inculcated. _ . • are sometimes cautioned not to ride rough-shod over other people's prej- .. The prayers enjoined on Mussul- udices, While there is no need for this mans are very formal, imposed as a caution in dealing with our own. If duty. not regarded as a privilege. This the Indian peoples have prejudices, tends toward hypocrisy, and the effect they should not be ignored. " of this formal devotion on the life and conscience is small. Thus it is natural that the Mohammedan idea of sin should be very defective. Mr_ Tis- -Speaking of Keshub Chunder Sen dall's account of this most important and his opposition to materialism and point is the best with which we are ac- positivism, and the government schools quainted. as their nurseries, we observethatthe All- " The third lecture is on the • Origin gemeine Missions-Zeitschrift said, twen- of Islam,' and 8hows how milch it hor- ty years ago: .. It is a peculiar spec- rowed from other systems and lost in tacle to see how Germany is steering
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
irresistibly toward the rellgionless gov- spirit and policy of the official classes, ernment school, and how an Indian reo there is no reason why we should not former lifts up his voice in warning live in China wit.h as much sense of against it !" safety as in any part of the world.
CmNA. Everything he)'e depends on the offi- cials. Where they are friendly, the -" There is wealth enough in China people are quiet; where they are inimito develop the resources of the empire, cal, the people are turbulent. "-Dr. but lack of mutual confidence keeps the GRIFFITH JOHN, quoted in Church Misrequisite capital out of sight. There sionary Intelligencer.
is learning enough in China for all ne- cessities. There is no lack of talents -" No less sickening than monotoof every kind. But without mutual nous is the uniformity of the methods confidence, founded on genuine sin- employed by the mandarins to engineer cerity, all this is unavailing for the re- an outbreak. The hold which the misgeneration of the realm." -Allgemeine sionaries may have acquired on the re- .Jfis.ions-Zeitschrift, after A. H. SMITH. spect of even the dregs of an urban -" Mr. Cassels gave a new version population by the blamelessness of their of the sentiment expressed with regard lives must first be weakened by spreadto the late massacres by an Englishman ing vile rumors of unspeakable vices in a Hongkong paper: 'Blood, much veiled under the appearances of virtue. of it., and good blood, is what we need.' The Roman Catholic convent and the 'The Christian 'lttitude,' said he, 'is family hearth of the Protestant missionthis-love, much of it, and the best love ary are converted by the foul imagination is what China needs.' "-C,hurch Mis- of their traducers into dens of abominasionary Gleaner. ble vice, and unf:lrtunately, in the con- genial atmosphere through which they -" It is perfectly clear that the riots circulate, such tales find only too ready at Chentu are to be ascribed to official credence. Where imposture and hypocinfluence, and mainly to the influence risy reign supreme among the highest of the viceroy. And the riots in all of the land, what inherent improbabilother parts of the province (of Sze- ity can there be for the average Chinachuen) are, I have no doubt, to be traced man in stories which merely represent to the same source. The kindness of the foreigner as an impostor and a hypothe officials at Chentu and elsewhere is crite like the rest? When once the perno proof to the contrary. Indeed, I sonal confidence which the foreigner look up::m the fact that no lives have may have succeeded in inspiring has been lost as a proof that the riots were been sapped, it is an easy task to inof official origin, and under official con- flame against him the passions of the trol. Had they been simply mob riots, mob by a fresh series of calumnies purlives would have been lost. The order porting to disclose the real objects of seems to have been, ' Destroy, but do his mysterious presence in a foreign not kill; drive him out of the prov- land. That he should have left his farince, but do not take his life.' That off country only to bear into a strange was the order, and it has been obeyed. land a message of peace and good-will If we could get at the whole truth, we among mcn, is an idea so alien to the should find, I have no doubt, that (here Chine8e min<i that it can never wholly were yamen (government) men at every grasp it. It is naturally prone to suspoint of attack, directing, controlling, picion, and what suspicion more natuand keeping the mob within certain ral than that, behind all the appearbounds." ances of a harmless craze, there should -" The people of China are Dot lurk a sinister design? The medical against us. But for the anti·foreign services which so many missionaries render impartially to the highest and -Professor Louis Pasteur set an ex- the humblest, in a country where no ample of the spirit by which the life serious effort is made to cope with dis- and labors of a Christian man should ease, might be expected to cstablish be carried on. His motive was to serve, some claim on public confidence and never to secure reward. Simple, de- gratitude, but, as a matter of fact, there vout, earnest. without a thought of self, is no branch of missionary activity was the life of the man whose services which is so liable to malevolent mis- to his kind can never be forgotten while construction. Medicine in China is still the human race endures.-Evan.qelist.
largely looked upon as a black art akin -According to the Advance: "It is to sorC'.ery, and when one remembers of a mistake to suppose that it is the miswhat loathsome ingredients the healing sion of Christianity to convert men drugs of the Chinese medicine man are from heathenism. The purpose of the oftcn made up, one need not wonder at Gospel is to convert men from sin, the readiness with which the ignorant whether they live in heathendom or masses are made to believe that reme- Christendom, America or India. " dies so efficacious as those administered by the foreign devil mnst be compouml- -A colored man died in Louisville ed of unutterably fiendish substances. recently, who has loft a record that is That cans of preserved milk are the noble. Born as a slave, Andrew Ferboiled-down brains of Chinese children, guson used his freedom, time, and that the eyes and other parts of the money prudently. He was the janitor human body are the most potent sub- of one or more public buiIidings. and stances employed in the European phar- husbandJd his earnings. When the opmacopceia, presents nothing incredible or portunity offered, some fifteen or twenty even improbable to the ordinary China- years ago, to secure a church building man; and when placards, ililsued with for the colored Presbyterian church in the explicit or implicit sanction of the Louisville, Ky., which was left without local yamen, declare that a foreigner a sanctuary, he took nearly all his sav· has actually been caught red-handed in ings, almost $5000, bought a building, his barbarous laboratory, when, as was and gave it to the church. He continued the case the other day in Si-chuen, an his labors as janitor till the time of his official message is sent by the provin- death.
cial authority over the government' tele- -The pastor of one of the smaller graph announcing that living proofs of churches in the South, describing a con- these horrible practices have been ad- cert of prayer, tells this brief but pithy duced in open court, can one be sur- story about it: "The objects and pur- prised at the results? While a mad- poses and work of the American lIIis- dened populace wreaks a brutal ven- sionary Association were briefly re- geance in atonement of its imaginary viewed, and the prayers in its behalf wrongs, the mandarin either personally were fervent and earnest. But we shall Ilupervises or is conveniently blind to not cease, but continue to pray for the scenes of arson, pillage, and blood- your success. Inclosed please find $1 shed which he or his superiors have as a sort of baokbone to our prayers. "
prompted."-THE TlMEs, quoted in -There's a divinity that shapes our Ohurch Mi8tnonary Intellzgencer. ends, as witness these three items.
TilE KINGDOM. Troubles with the Boers first induced David Livingstone to travel to the – No man has come to true greatness, north, and so led the way to the open- saiu. Phillips Brooks, who has not felt. ing of equatorial Africa. He had ac- in some degree. that his life belongs to cused his Boer neighbors of cruelty to his race, and· that what God gives him the natives. They resented his inter- is given for mankind. ference, and thrcatooed to drive him from the country. He published their become missionaries in India. And. misdeeds iu the Cape newspapers, and thus far 30 of that family-the Scudhis house was burned in revenge. This ders-have given 529 years to India led to his leaving Southern Africa and going to, a region where he could fol- a missions. – hristian Herald. low his vocation in peace. -Within a few months the noble -Mary Jones had no Bible. She army of martyrs has been much inwalked in her bare feet 25 miles, and creased, particularly by Christlike Iives carried the savings of six years in her gladly laid down in China and Eastern hands one December day in 1802. But Turkey. The Independent of March the Welsh pastor had only one Bible 19th, in a most pathetic editorial, gives left, and that was promised to another the names of no less than 21 Protestant party. The thought of that satchel (American Board) Armenian preachers being carried back empty another 25 and pastors who were clearly slain for miles by the barefooted maiden was Jesus' sake. To everyone life was too much for Mr. Charles. So he ral- offered if he would accept Islam, and lied Wilberforce, Zachary Macaulay, refusing the fatal blow was given. Granville Sharp, and others to organize the Bible Society. Since then the -The We8tern Watchm.an, the Ro- British agency has issued 143,000,000 man Catholic organ of St. Louis. wishes copies. Not only Wales rejoiced, but the Sultan success in his work of tramppagan Saharas have blossomed as a rose ling Protestant missions under foot, by reason of its work.-N01'th and West. and expelling the missionaries from his bounds, saying: " These itinerant idiots -Early in 1819, while waiting to see should get their walking papers witha patient, a young physician in New out further parley or deJay. " York took up and read a tract with the title, .. The Conversion of the World, -Verily, this is sage counsel. We or the Claims of Six Hundred Millions; hope the Evangelical Association will and the Ability and Duty of the not take The Me8senger'& advice toestab- Churches Respecting them." Inquiry lish a mission in Australia. It is not was aroused; and, on reaching home, proposed to work among the aborigines, he spoke to his wife of the question or among the heathen immigrants there, that had arisen in his mind. As the but among the civilized inhabitants. two pondered they became convinced We do not believe there is any call for that they had duties and responsibilities another denomination in Australia. that could not well be laid on others. The Methodist family. to which the The result appeared when, against ap-, Evangelical Association is closely repeal, argument, and opposition, they set lated, is well represented in that contiout for Ceylon and later India, as for- nent, and an effort is being made to eign missionaries. For thirty years the unite them. Another variety is not wife, and for thirty-six years the hus- needed. Why not establish a mission band labored among the heathen, and in Africa, or Korea, or China, where then went to their reward. What they there are millions of heathen to be condid to arouse their countrymen in be- verted; or, if in the Southern Hemihalf of the heathen, and what they did sphere, why not in New Guinea or New for the benighted race is history. Apart Britain ?-Independent. from that they left behind 7 sons and 2 daughters. Each of these sons mar- -The United States and Great Britried, and with their wives and both ain are the two great foreign missionsisters gave themselves to the same ary countries of the world. Of the mission work. Already have several 1,157,668 communicants in foreign misgrandchildren of the first missionary sion churches Great Britain has 312,297, and the United States 397.252 ; of the 11,574 male and female foreign mis- sionaries Great Britain has 5229, the 1896.] GENERAL MISSIONARY INTEI,LIGENCE. 391 United States, 3512 ; of the 70,033 na- by 53 Bible readers. In ~'b.angkai, tive laborers Great Britain has 38,874, Ohina, it has built the Margaret Willthe United States 14,766; of the $14,- iamson Hospital, the first in that city 441,807 contributed to foreign missions for women and children, where 27,189 last year Great Britain gave $7,377,275, patients were treated in 1892. the United States $5,006,809; of the 5055 principal foreign mission stations – The ninth annual meeting of the Great Britain has 3408, the United National Deaconess Oonference was States 993; of the 17,813 out-stations held in Minneapolis, February 12th- Great Britain has 12,084, the United 16th, Bishop Joyce presiding. It is States, 4911. only eight years since this new move- ment was inaugurated in the Methodist -What an argument for arbitration Episcopal Ohurch. There are now 42 is found in these figures: For the latest deaconess homes, with 534 deaconesses. year reported Great Britain spent $182,- Thirteen of tlm homes and 164 of ihe 258,565 for military and naval purposes. deaconesses are in foreign countries. Rer colonies spent $53,000,000 more, making a total for the Empire of more -The Woman's Foreign Missionary than $227,000,000. The German Em- Union of Friends in America has a depire spent $141,417,000; France, $185,- partment of literature which publishes 120,443; Austria, $73,054,299, and the the Missionary Advocate, a monthly pa- United States, $52,110,643; with the per, and also an exeellent variety of amounts spen~ by smaller nations the tracts and leaflets. grand total was $1,687,718,473. The bills now before Oongress for coast de- -Dr. Mary Pierson Eddy writes in fenses, battleships, cruisers, etc., foot the Star in the Ea8t: "I have just reup $182,000,000. turned from a month's absence among the mountains of Gilead east of the WOMAN'S WORK. Jordan. Since I wrote last, I have been down to Mount Oarmel and Naza- -If to any mortal divine honors are reth, thence to Tripoli. 1'hen an into be paid, this selection was not un- vitation having been sent from an Arab wisely made: "There is a sect in Oris- desert chieftain or Emir, I went for the sa, in the Bengal Presidency, that wor- first time to live among the black hair ship Queen Victoria as their chief di· tents of the Bedouins. The expel'ience vinity. Oolonel Graham discovered was most novel, and medical work there that Her Majesty was also an object of most interesting in its developments. worship in the temple of the Phodong. We saw their mock battles, a wedding Lama, at Tumloong, in Thibet." Long feast, and their priceless horses. We live the good Queen! had access to every tent, and patients flocked from the LaKe of Tiberias, the -The Woman's Union ~Iissional'Y Valley of the Jordan, Oresarea Philippi, Society was the first in America to open and the surrounding tribes. We paid zenana work. It now has, in Oalcutta, a visit to a large Oircassian vilJage- Allahabad, Oawnpore, Futehpore, and there are 17 in that district-and were Naini Tal, 747 zenanas and 468 pupils greatly pleased with their habits of inin its schools. A medical mission is at- dustry. We saw there hayricks, carts, tached to the orphanage of 140 pupils and blue-eyed happy children! The in Oalcutta, at which between 150 and hospitality of our Bedouin hosts was 200 patients are treated daily. It estab- unbounded. One night there were 105 lished the first girls' boarding house in guests in the encampment, another Yokohama, Japan, where during twen- night 120, while £100 are spent on coffee ty-one years 1800 pupils have been alolle every year, besides the many taught. Evangelistic work is conduct- dozen baskets which come to him as c4 by one of its missionaries, assisted presents. While we were there a commissioner of the Educational Bureau Inquiry has revealed the fact that of came to see if there was any opening this number about 3000 are strangers in for a government school. The whole the town, not living with parents or country around is intensely interesting, friends, but in lodgings or .. messes." the work is the most delightful of a11pioneer work-and the people are so -Of Young Women's Christian Aseasily reached by means of medical sociation work in India it is written in work. I hope to go back to a village the London Oh1'istian: "Further acnear there next month, and try to open counts reach us of new centers of work up work among the Circassians, as yet being opened up in and around Calcutunreached by any method of mission- ta, and an earnest appeal is made for ary effort." workers. Active work has been com- menced at Hastings, a suburb of Cal- -The many friends of Miss Mary cutta. A Bible reading is arranged for Reed, the devoted missionary in India, once a week at Barrackpore. The secwill rejoice to know that she has ap- retary of the Hindustani work writes parently been entirely cured of the lep- that the year has been a very happy rosy with which she was stricken sev- one, tho not without its discourage. eral years ago. ments. There are now 25 branches, :3 new ones having been formed during YOUNG PEOPLE. 1895. It is hoped that recruits may be found among the native Indian women -A splendid testimony to the value to carry the good tidings of salvation of Young Men's Christian Association to their countrywomen, who are still work for railroad men was given by ex- .. sitting in darkness, and in the shadow Governor Beaver at a Young Men's of death." Christian Association banquet in Boston recently. He quoted Mr. Roberts, -The Comforting Circle of King's the president of the Pennsyl vania Road, Daughters, West Side, Chicago, not as having said recently that the thou- long since arranged a dinner for 200 sands of dollars which that company families. The Sunshine Circle of the puts into buildings and equipment for South Side provided a bountiful dinner railroad Young Men's Christian Asso- for the Charity Hospital, while another ciation work is the best investment it circle gave it a large amount of canned makes, steel rails not excepted. Every- fruit. where there is keener appreciation of the actual returns in better service The Epw01'tl. Hm·ald specifies these When the spare hours of employees are Twelve Missionary Needs: More misutilized properly and made seasons of sionary facts. More missionary faith. true physical and mental recreation. More mis.sionary prayers. More mis- sionary sermons. More missionary in- -Principal Hector of the Duff insti- telligence. ~[ore missionary convictution, Calcutta, believes that no class tion. More missionary consistency. in India needs sympathy and prayer More missionary self-sacrifice. More more than the student class. They be- missionary consecration. More misgin to feel keenly the gulf between sionary giving. More missionary volwhat they know of truth and duty, and unteers with Pauline faith and zeal. the surroundings of home and society. More missionary rejoicing over the con- Decision for Christ means certain loss quests of the cross. of all things, and yet such decision is the only way of bridging the gulf. In -A Christian Endeavor Society of 22 Calcutta itself there are upward of 20 members in Illinois raises $300 per year colleges and about double that number for their own missionary in China. of high schools. The Calcutta constitu- They test,ify to great spiritual blesBing8, ency of students numbers about 5000. and no wonder. -As a result of an Endeavor mission- centuries they had been the victims of ary meeting in Holden, Mo., 4 persons, an almost intolerable oppression. They a pastor and Ii physician with their have grave faults, which it is not part wives, offered themselves for mission- of a true friendship or a true respect to ary service. As a result of six years' attempt to hide or gloss over. But I work of one society in a Lutheran hold it one of the most remarkable and church in Illinois, 1. missionary has one of the most encouraging facts in gone to India, 1 pastor has entllfed his our history, that this great stream work, and 2 young men are fitting for which has poured into our State within the ministry. the memory of living men, who are not yet old, has changed so little the char- -Two Christian Endeavor societies acter of Massachusetts and has had, on have been formed in Florence, Italy, the '.vhole, so favorable an influence one in a Scotch Presbyterian church upon her history, a!ld causes so little and the other in a Baptist church. reasonable apprehension for the future_ lHassachusetts has educated the for- -A missionary writes: "There is a eigner. She is making an American total memb~rship of 570 in the Foochow of him. She is surely, and not very districts. The largest society is that slowly when we consider the great of the First Church. It records 39 ac- periods that constitute the life of a ti ve, 19 associate, and 12 honorary mem- St3te, impressing upon him what is best bers. I think the Chinese improve on of the Pilgrim and the Puritan quality, our designation. They say' Real mem- and the Pilgrim and the Puritan conbers,' 'Learners,' and 'Guests.' The ception of a State.-Hon. G. F. Hoar. term 'Learners' is very appropriate, and as I have watched this society of -The pawnshop connected with St. the First Church, the • Learners' are Bartholomew's Church in New York true to their name. There is a steady City has accommouatcd, since it was inflow from their ranks into the ranks opened eighteen months ago, about of the 'Real members,' and the ranks 33,000 people with loans in amounts of the 'Learners' are constantly re- less than $100. The aggregate amount cruited. " advanced on these loans was $550,000 ; about $200,000 has been paid back UNITED STATES. with interest. It will be remembered that this enterprise was started by _H The last census shows nearly half wealthy parishioners of Dr. Greer's of the whole number of Roman Catho- church to help the worthy poor. They lics in the United States are to be found subscribed a capital of $100,000, which in the 124 cities which have a popUla- was afterward increased to $200,000. tion of 25,000 and upward; and in the The rate of interest on loans was fixed 4 principal cities-New York, Chicago, at 1 percent per month; regular pawn- Philadelphia, and Brooklyn-Roman shops were charging 30 per cent. The Catholics constituted two thirds of the enterprise has been conducted on strict whole number of Christian communi- business principles, and great help has cants in those cities. In these 4 cities been given; while at the same time there are one sixth of the membership the projectors have been paid interest of the Episcopal churches, and about on money invested. half of it is in the cities of more than 25,000 population."
-In Massachusetts at least 56 per -One of the largest and most successcent of her people are of foreign pa- fulof the institutional churches is St. rentage. Probably 30 per cent of her Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in people are of the Catholic faith. They New York City, of which Rev. Dr. Dacame here, most of them driven by an vid Greer is rector. Among other aux· extreme poverty from home, where for iliary agencies which this church BUStains is an employment bureau, a res- – Well may the Congregationalists cue mission, a rescue worker's training of the land rejoice and give thanks school, a lodging-house, a loan associ- over the removal of burdensome debts ation, a guild for extending legal aid, from two of their missionary organizaprotection, and advice to Chinese, and tions. First, stimulated by an offer of an agency for giving free medicine and $25,000 from Mr. D. Willis James, of surgical aid to the poor. The guild for New York City– a Presbyterian, be it the Chinese rendered aid in 4898 cases known-the large sum required by the last year. There are 350 paid-up mem- American Board was secnred by apporbers of this guild, and, with the assist- tionment among the large cities. lieanance of pa,rishioners of St. Bartholo- time, the Home Missionary Society, havmew's, flourishing Sunday and night ing in sight $80,000 of the $130,000 schools are conducted. The employ- needed, and through the General Howment bureau obtained situations during arc1 Roll of Honor, was made happy by last year for 11,213 applicants. A fee receiving $158,000 from the Stickney of $2 is charged to the employer and legacy. of $1 to the employe. The report of the loan association shows that it now -Dr. W. 1. Morton, of Racine, Wis., has $40,275 loaned out, and not a case offers to be one of 10 persons, or groups of arrears in repaying loans has been of persons, who will give $500 each reported that was not caused by sick- during this year for the purpose of ness, misfortune, or death. The medi- strengthening the mission of the Southcal clinic treated 1070 patients in De· ern Presbyterian Church in Japan. At cember and January last, irrespective present rates that amount will pay the of calls at their homes. The total re- salaries of 6 married couples, or 9 single' ceipts for the last year from all sources missionaries in that field. Just about were $166,798, including $82,219 from so many are needed to place the Japan offerings and gifts, and $37,821 from Mission on a good working basis. pew rents. For running expenses of the church only $32,505 were required. -Great grief and unfortunate disrupo so that the balance of $134,293 was used tion have befallen the Salvation Army, for missionary and charitable purposes tho we may hope and expect that as a of a public character. Of a truth, the final outcome the glory of God and the soul of the Good Samaritan is still spread of the kingdom will be greatly "marching on," and that church and enhanced thereby. It may well have pastor are unmistakably in the genuine been that the dictum of one man was line of the apostles 1 fast coming to mean far too much. World-empire is perilous to mankind. -The first brigade for the forward And, besides, a spirit and methods movement on the Congo has already which answer well enough for the Old enrolled. A band of about 26 have World, with its monarchy and aristocbeen studying the Congo language all racy, may be far below the best for the the winter, and the most of them have democracy of the New World. No already been accepted as missionaries, doubt, most Americans will give Godand expect to sail from New York speed to the gifted and consecrated about the end of April, to begin the American General Ballington Booth, first line of advance from Matadi to with his wife equally admired and be- Lake Tanganyika. They are picked loved. Only, by all means, let them men and women. Our brothers Wood- make haste to drop the first word from cock and Macomber are going back the new name, "God's American Vol· with them, and we trust that they may unteers. " be able to open at least 4 new stations about 50 miles apart on the proposed EUROPE. route.-Ohristian .Alliance. -To meet the increasing demand for missionary books and periodicals, and yet further to develop it, the London risen to 292,000. In 1873 it was 128,000. Missionary Society has opened a small The number of missionaries now en- book saloon on the ground floor of the gaged in the service of the societies is mission house, in which such publica- 695; in 1873 it was 500. The sum ex· tions can be seen and purchased. This pended on these missions was in 1894 saloon is stocked with specimens of over £235,000 ; in 1873 it was £107,000. missionary books most ,likely to command a sale_ It occupies the left side -Interesting particulars are furnishof the entrance hall, and is consequently ed by the Rev. W. K. Landels, of seen by every visitor to the house. Turin, concerning the formation of an Books of a distinctly missionary char- evangelical church in Maena, North acter only are kept in stOCit, but any of Italy. The people having quarreled these, whether the society's own publi- with the priest, and unable in consecations or published by others, are sup- quence to procure his services, deterplied. mined to ask an evangelical minister to hold a religious service, and communi- -These figures tell how evangelizing cated their wish to l'It·. Landels. On zeal has increased within a half century arriving at the station of Maena he was among the United Presbyterians of met by a band of music, and escorted Scotland: "The Mi8sionary Recm'd of to the place of meeting', where some 1846 tells of a home mission expendi- 1500 people heard the Gospel, and the ture of £2263 upon 54' missionary sta· wish was unanimous that the preacher tions,' 34 of these being congregations should come again. This led to the under ordained pastors. Now, the ex· opening of a hall and the holding of penditure of our 2 home mission funds services every Sunday. There is now amounts, in round numbers, to £20,000. an evangelical church in Maena con- The Mi88ional'l/ Record of 1846 tells of sisting of 12 members and some 50 dework in Canada, Jamaica, and Trinidad, clared adherents. Including the immeand of the sailing of the pioneer band diate district, the number of the bapfor Old Calabar that year. The total tized is 25. expenditure for foreign missions ,was £6898. Now we have laborers, not ASIA. only in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Old Calabar, but in Kaffraria, India, Man· lndia.-India is essentially a nation churia, Japan, Livingstonia, and Pales- of agriculturists. Of the 280,000,000 tine; the staff of 22 missionaries has inhabitants of British India no less than grown to 150; 6 native churches, with 72 per cent of the adult males are diabout 150 congregations, and 20,000 rectly dependent upon agriculture for communicants, represent the fruit of the necessaries of life. The dwellers in our own mission work, while the total towns form but a small fraction of the expenditure on account of foreign mis- total population, for those living 'in sions is well on to £60,000." towns of over 20,000 inhabitants do not number above 5,000,000. The popula- -It is Bad to note the currency of the tion is, in fact, almost exclusively rural. statement that the splendid work of the Conservative to the backbone, these late Robert McAll in France appears to people cling to their hereditary home· be at a standstill, and because he never steads, too often indifferent to the fact would take up collections, and so the that their acres have long ceased to missions did not become self-sustaining. afford adequate support to their in- creased number.-.Asiatic Quarterly Re- -In 1894 there were baptized in all view. the German mission fields 21,248 adults and children. The total number of na- -Read this testimony concerning tive Christians under the care of the Indian missions from a non,Christian German missionary societies has now writer: "It is not true that Christianity has been successful only among the gree of Bachelor of Arts. It is no exvery lowest classes of Indian society. aggeration to say that this vast ed- A careful survey of the Indian Chri8- ucational organization is operating tian community will show how much every session in destroying the superof truth there is in the above state- stition and shaping anew the secular ment. According to Professor Christ- thought of at least 15,000 of the picked lieb's estimate, in India out of cvery young men of this province. six converts one comes of a higher caste or class; and when we consider -Strolling through Wellington the highly organized religious creeds, Square one Sunday afternoon, we the deeply rooted social prejudices and found preaching going on in 5 different customs, and that subtlest and most in- places in the square. In 2 places the flexible of foes, caste, which Christian preachers were Mohammedans, the 3 remissionaries have to cope with when maining ones werc Christians. The dealing with high caste Hindus, the Mohammedans had the most hearers, success that has already attended their and the majority of them were of that efforts is itself a triumph of Christian- faith. The hearers ret the other places ity. We of course admit that those were principally Bengalis, and repreclasses of the Indian population least sented Hindus, Mohammedans, and influenced by the subtle, stereotyping Christians. Thll Mohammedan preachinfluence of Hindu culture and the ing was in the Hindustani tongue; the Hindu religion have become most ac- Christian preaching was in Hindustani cessible to Christianity. But what is at one place, in English at another, and the result? It is those very classes, in Bengali at the third. We were not despised, trampled down, and looked able to understand the particular topic upon as utterly incapable of improve- of the Bengali preacher. The English ment of any kind, that now, with the Baptist missionary, who was preachenlightening influence of Christianity, ing in English, was discoursing on the compete successfully with the highest reproductive power of sinful lives, and castes and classes of Indian society in the Salvation Army preacher, who adevery direction-morally, socially, and dressed his company through a Hindusintellectually. In our opinion, even if tani interpreter, spoke of the punishthere had not been a single convert ment of sin and the sinner's need of a from the higher classes of Hindu so- Savior. One of the Mohammedan ciety, the transformation which Chris- preachers forcibly laid down the untianity has wrought among the lower deniable principle that men who disreclasses that it has won over to its fold, gard the plain words of their own is a clear evidence of its unique triumph Scriptures are in truth the ad yersaries in this country.-1n.dian. Spectator. of their own ft1ith.-Indian Witne88.
-The Indian. Evangelical Review -The foreign mission field of the quotes the following statement made American Free Baptists comprises the by the Young Men's Christian Associ· districts of Midnapore and Balasore, in ation of Calcutta: "The University of the lieutenant-governorship of Bengal, Calcutta is the largest educational cor· and contiguous portions or other disporation in the world. Every year it tricts on the west and northwest. It examines over 10,000 students. Of has an area of more than 7000 square these, more than 6000 are candidates miles, and a population of about 3,500,- for matriculation; nearly 3000 others 000. The missionaries number 5, be· have spent two years studying in one sides 8 unmarried women; native helpof the affiliated colleges; about 1500, ers, 247; church-members, 729; and having completed the four years' col- pupils in day schools, 3216. lege course, desire to obtain the de- -The official report of the Northwest Conference of the Itlethodist Episcopal Church for the year le95 is as follows: blind. That the family judged the Church·members, 9504: probationers, case without great reference to any 18,789; total Christian community. code of ethics, is doubtless true; but 41,019. There are 861 Sunday-schools that they had the material welfare of with 27,530 scholars. The adult bap- the boy in mind is very certain. The tisms during the year were 4780 ; chil- reason for this is that the blind in this dren baptized, 3617. The adult bap- land enjoy privileges or advantages not tisms number 1500 more than in the possessed by those having good eye- North India Conference, and the num- sight. Any bright, quick-minded man, ber of children baptized is more than if blind, is sure of getting a good liveli- 1000 in advance of the older confer- hood by fortune-telling, the Chinese ence. Combining the returns of the believing that the blind possess a sort two conferences, we find that the total of insight as a compensation for the number of baptisms during the year lack of eyesight. The great question 1895 numbered over 14,000 ; the church- for nine tenths of the Chinese is how to members and probationers are nearly get a living, how to keep the wolf from 64,000, and the total Christian commu- the door? And the Chinese wolf is nity is over 90,000. very large, very hungry, and omnipres- -Twelve years ago Siam had a terri- ent. The reasoning of this family was tory of 500,000 square miles. France therefore not tinctured by any senticoveted possessions and grabbed on one mental expressions of sympathy, any side. England was opposed to that desire that he might look upon the policy and seized lands on the other faces of lIis kindred, but solely conside. So Siam had but 300,000 square fined to the one question as to whether miles left in 1885. That was reduced the boy could make more money in a to 200,000 in 1893. Now t.hat is re- year as blind or as seeing.-Re'/l. F. M. duced again to about 50,000 by a recent Ohapin.
treaty between France and England, in -What a world-wonder! As if it which the latter makes peace with a were not enough for China to establish stlong power at the expense of Siam, a modern university at Tien-Tsin, with which is not consulted in the matter. an American ex-missionary for presi- England gets the entire Malay Penin- dent, behold her greatest representative, sula. France stretches her claim almost Li Hung Chang, sets forth to make to Bangkok, and only the narrow val- the tour of the globe, halting en route ley of the Menam seems to be left to to "assist" at the coronation of the the Siamese. To all practical purposes Czar of all the Russias, and, "they it seems about to be obliterated from say," to return home across this glori- the map to satisfy the colonial greed of ous Republic and the Pacific. Well, European powers.-North and West. well, WELL!! It will follow erelong China.-A blind boy came into our that at least one Chinaman will know, , hospital a few weeks since, seeking re- and be thoroughly convinced, that lief for some malarial trouble. The some good things are to be found in the doctor gave him the medicine and thon lands of the foreign devils.
asked him if he did not wish to be -Success under God must depend cured of his blindness. Natnrally the mainly upon the native churches. For- boy was willing, but with the prudence eigners have planted Christianity in early developed among the Chinese, he China, and their wisdom and experience said he would consult his family. He and higher type of piety will probably did so, and returned within three or long be needed to advise and guide and four days, saying that the family had incite the native Christians. But, after talked the matter over and decided that all, the main work in the evangeliza- it would be for his advantage to remain tion of a people must be done by that people themselves. Have the Chinese glorious first-fruits of a single decade the qualities which give us reason to of missionary effort in that kingdom.
hope that they will take up the work There are 42 regular congregations, be- of the propagation of religion among sides some 20 places where stated ser- themselves? May we safely commit vices are held; 528 living communi- the sacred deposit of the truth to their cants, besides 44 who died in faith, or safe keeping in the future? I think 572 communicants. There are 567 cate- we may. While not so impetuous and chumens, or 1139 converts all told.
so self-reliant, perhaps, as the Japanese, There are 9 Sunday-schools, 455 schol- on the other hand, their very conserva- ars; total contributions above $1000 ; tism will tend to keep them in the 6 churches have native pastors, and 202 " mold of doctrine" wherein they have communicants were received the past been cast, and make them hold fast the year, making an addition of 60 per cent " form of sound words," without run- of the previous membership; 50 in- ning after every theological novelty fants were baptized, and 55 households that comes up. When entrusted with are reported, all of whose members are self-government, tho occasionally mak- Christians. The oldest Presbyterian ing mistakes, as was natural, they have Church, organized in 1887, has 156 usually justified the confidence placed members, and is building a honse of in them. Their efforts for self-support worship entirely at expense of the mem- and self-help, too, have been success- bers, who gave $400 for this purpose ful. There are now over 100 self-sup- last year. The oldest Methodist Church porting churches in China.-R. H. was organized in 1888, and has 51 com- (lT0IDe8. municants and 74 probationers, who -In 1894 there were in a111977 mis- contributed $200 the last year toward a sionaries in China, 869 men, 562 mar- church building.
ried women, and 546 single women. -One of the missionaries in Seoul re- Of these 1080 were representatives of cently baptized a baby of ten months British, Irish, and Canadian societies, and his great-great-grandmother. The 812 of them of American societies, and parents, grandparentR, and great-grand- 85 of Continental societies. The first parents were already members of the mission work in China was begun by church.
the London Missionary Society in 1807, -Of the many changes introduced followed by the American Board in in quick succession, the recent adop- 1830, the American Baptist Missionary tion of the Western method of hair- Union in 1834, the American Protestant dressing has attracted most attention. Episcopal Church in 1835, and the The king recently issued a proclama- Presbyterian Board the same year. tion urging the sacrifice of the queues, The society which has entered China and set the example by having his own last is the Canadian Methodists in 1891. hair cnt, the prince royal following Of all the missionary organizations, the suit. The proclamation created con- China Inland Mission leads with 593 sternation in both official and private missionaries, followed by the Presby- circles. The Minister of Education terian Board with 180; the Methodist resigned and retired to his country Church, North, with 140; the Ameri- home, where his protests at the innovacan Board with 117, and the Church tion were disregarded. Many lesser Missionary Society of England with government officials also Iesigned rather 110. than sacrifice their locks. The procla- Korea.-A paper read by Dr. Vinton mation excited alarm among the people at the Decennial Conference of Protes· at large, but at each of the four gates tant Missions in Korea, October 10th, of the capital constables are posted to 1895, gave the following statistics, the await the coming of the country people to compel them to submit to the bar- Brothers Taylor, l'[orrison, Doomahbey, bers, who are in waiting for their hair. and WiIliams. These reports are espe- Western hats and coats are generally ciallyencouraging, as it is but recently adopted by those who lose their queues. that the people have undertaken the Japan.-A picture of Japanese life, building of their own church·houses drawn by Professor Morse, shows a without asking liberal contributions pleasant relation existing between the from the mission treasury_ These 5 human and the brute creation. Birds chapels begun in one year are the evibuild their nests in the city houses, dent result of the constant emphasiil wild fowl, geese and ducks alight in now being placed on the necessity of the public parks, wild deer trot about self-support. Tho built of mud, they the streets. He had actually been fol- are neat and quite good enough for lowed by wild deer in the streets, nib- general use through the country, tho bling melon rind from his hand, as they require constant attention during tame as calves and lambs on our farms. the rainy season to keep them from A dog goes to sleep in the busiest going to pieces.
streets; men turn aside so as not to -It is reported that on the day Prem, disturb him. One day a beautiful peb was taken prisoner" thousands and heron alighted on a limb of a tree, and thousands of people were freed from a the busy, jostling throng stopped. No· thraldom which was worse than slaone attempted to injure the bird, but very." All but the courtiers and chiefs several began sketching him. Let such and their immediate followers, are dea gentle race be thoroughlyinspired by lighted at the thought of British rule Christian love, and we shall surely have being established. a type of piety superior, at least in some respects, to that possessed by the -Mr. Ruskin, of the Congo Balolo bluff, pushing Anglo-Saxon. Mission, paid a visit recently to a tribe on the Lopori, hitherto untouched by -The waking of Japan from that the Gospel. His account is a thrilling great sleep in which the East has lain one. He found the people cannibals for a thousand years appears likely to of the most degraded type, living in prove the most serious event of recent constant feud with the Arabs and other history.-New York Evening Post. foes. "We welcome war," they said; AFRICA. .. because it brings us meat. We eat all -Says Stanley: "There are now enemies slain in battle." Hunting for only about 130 miles of railway within animals is unknown; but every few the limits of Equatorial Africa; but at weeks they go out in search of human the end of ten years from now we shall food. One day lfr. Ruskin received a have the Congo Railway 250 miles formidable visit. A band of warriors long: the Stanley Falls Railway, 30 appeared, tattooed and fully armed, miles; The Mombasa-Nyanza Railway, with the king at their head, his eyes 660 millis; the Shire-Nyassa Railway, smeared with black pOWder, to indicate 70 miles: the German Usambara Rail- that he was angry and came prepared way, 120 miles; and probably the Nyas- to fight.
sa-Tanganyika Railway, 220 miles, in -The railroad from Loanda to Macomplete working order." lange is now in operation as far as -The American United Brethren Queta, in Golungo Alto-that is to say, missionaries on the West Coast I/,re able for 300 kilometers (about 200 miles).
to report that during the past year new The section Queta-Ndala-Tando is to chapels have been built by contribu- be soon opened. Thus the principal tions from the country people at Otter- difficulties which were found in the bein, Konkanany, Mandoh, and Jeho- mountain region of Cazengo will have vah stations, under the direction of been overcome, and the work will progress more rapidi)' on the plateau. An Betsileo country and 3 other districts. It expedition has left Portugal to survey has 24 missionaries, 55 native pastors, the section Ambaea-Malange. and a church of 80,000 adherents, with less than half that number of scholars: -The American Board has a very the native contributions amounting to prosperous work among the Zulus, about £10,750. Besides these, there is with 10 stations, 25 substations, 30 mis- the Malagasy Church in Imerina, which sionaries, 25 native pastors and preach- has 194 native pastors. The total misers, 64 native teachers, and 160 helpers. sionary staff on the island is 474; be- With 20 churches there is an aggregate sides these there are 1313 native minismembership of about 2000, and nearly ters, and the native adherents number an equal number of Sabbath-school 454,632, their contributions amount to scholars. Besides this they have a big £48,000. high school attended by 85 students last year, a girls' boarding school that en- The interests of all foreigners, rolled 270 pupils, and 50 day schools whether traders, explorers, or missionwith an attendance of over 2000. The aries, seem to require the speedy estabmissionaries of this society, so long in lishment of Freneh power throughout this hopeful field, are doing excellent the island. The personal safety of a work among people thllt are learning large number of Norwegian and British to appreciate the benefits of Christian- subjects in the south is just now hangity up to the point of contributing tow- ing in the balance. Should the insurard its future advance. Their offerings gents succeed in their intentions, the last year amounted to $4174. Norwegian mission stations will be de- stroyed, and the Betsileo province and ISLANDS OF THE SEA. its capital, Fianarantsoa, attacked.
-Four missionary societies are at -That portion of the map of Asia work in Madagascar, all of them Eng- which lies along the equator suggests lish or Norwegian. This great island earthquakes, head-hunting Dyaks, pi- contains 3,500,000 people, among whom rates, mangro,e swamps, cocoanuts, are 437,907 native Protestant Chris- Mahommedan Malays, monkeys, fevers, tians. The Roman Catholics report constant rain, and many things of a 130,000 adherents to their own faith. semi-barbarous nature; but we do not The following are the latest statistics of believe that any white man non-resimissionary achievement: The London dent in those regions ever thought of Missionary Society is at work in 3 prov- putting his finger down on any part of inces, besides Imerina; it has 33 mis- the above-mentioned area with the resionaries; 1048 native pastors, and a mark, " They need a university there." church ot 62,749 adult members, with Yet this is what the Principal of the 288,834 adherents, and 74,796 scholars. Anglo-Chinese school at Singapore says The amount raised by the native church of Singapore itself. In faet, his growis £17,600. The Friends have 8 mis- ing educational work is seriously emsionaries, all in Imerina. and a church barrassed because the Malaysian Archi· of nearly 15,000 adherents, with about pelago has no university of its own. the same number of scholars; the na- Fortunately the London University is tive contributions amonnting to about able to supply the need in part; and £7600. The Society for the Propaga- thc various tribes and races and tongues tion of the Gospel has 6 missionaries in of Malaysia will be represented in a Imerina and 3 on the east side; and London University examination held at there are under its care 16 native pas- Singapore for students of the Anglo- tors, a church of 10,550 adherents, who Chinese school there, and other educaraise a little over £4000 annually. The tional institutions ill such outlying Norwegian Mission has 1 representati ve plaees as Java, Borneo, Oelebes, and in Imerina, but labors chiefly in the probably Papua itself.-Indian Witnas.
The Missionary Review of the World — February 1895
INN, ON THE ROAD TO
MISSIONARY IN NORTH CHINA STARTING ON A TOUR. MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
·YOL. XYIII. No. 2.-0ld Series.-FEBRUARY.-VOL. VIII. No. 2.-New &rleB.
MIRACLES OF MISSIONS-NO, XXIII.
* THlll PENTEOOST AT HILO.
BY TilE EDITOR-IN-OHIEF.
Among transformed communities there is one which deserves a separate setting as a peculiarly lustrous gem. Among all miracles of missions we know of none so suggestive of supernatural working.
Titus Coan, now just sixty years ago, in 1835, began his memorable mission on the shore belt of Hawaii. He soon began to use the native tongue, and made his first tour of the island within the first year. He was a relative of Nettleton, and had been a co-laborer with Fimiey ; and from such men had learned what arrows are best for a preacher's quiver, and how to use his bow. His whole being was full of spiritual energy and unction, aI).d on his first tour multitudes flocked to hear, and many seemed pricked in their hearts. The crowds so thronged him and followed him that, like his Master, he had no leisure, so much as to eat; and one day preached three times before he had a chance to breakfast. He was wont to go on four or five tours a year, and saw tokens of interest that impressed him with so strange a sense of the presence of God, that he said little about them and scarcely understood them himself. He could only say, "It was wonderful." He went about like Jeremiah, with the fire of the Lord in his bones; weary with forbearing, he could not stay.
In 1837 the slumbering fires broke out. Nearly the whole population became an audience, and those who could not come to the services were brought on the backs of others or on their beds. Mr. Coan found himself minstering to fifteen thonsand people, scattered along the hundred miles of coast. He longed to be able to fly, that he might get over the ground, or to be able to multiply himself twentyfold, to reach the multitudes who fainted for spiritual food.
Necessity devises new methods. He bade those to whom he could not *lhchol. By B. G. Humphrey. D.D.
MIRACLE!! OJ!' MISSIONS
go, to come to him, and for a mile around the people settled down. Hilo's little population of a thousand swelled tenfold, and llere was held a two years' colossal" camp-meeting." There was not an hour, day or night, when an audience of from two thousand to six thousand would not rally at the signal of the bell.
There was no disol"der, aud the camp became a sort of industrial school, where gardening, mat.braiding, and bonnet-making were taught, as well as pmely religious truth. These great "protracted meetings" crowded the old church with six thous::md, and a newer building with half as many more; and when the people got seated, they were IiIO close that until the meeting broke up no one could move. The preacher did not hesitate to deal in stern truths. The law with its awful perfection; hell, with its fires, of which the crater of Kilauea and the volcanoes about them might well furnish a vivid picture; the deep and damning guilt of sin; the hopelessness and helplessness of spiritual death-such truths as these pre- pared the way for warm Gospel invitation and appeal. The vast audience swayed as cedars before a tornado. There was trembling, weeping, sob- bing and loud crying for mercy, sometimes too loud for the preacher to be heard; and in hundreds of cases his hearers would fall in a swoon.
Tit.us Coan was made for the work God had for him, and he controlled the great masses. He preached with great simplicity, illustrating and applying the grand old truths; made no effort to excite, but rather to allay excitement, aud asked for no external manifestation of interest. He depended on the ",Vord, borne home by the Spirit; and the Spirit wrought. Some would cry out, "The two-edged sword is cutting me to pieces." The wicked scoffer, who came to make sport, dropped like a log and said, " God has struck me." Once, while preaching in the open field to two thousand people, a man cried out, "V{hat shall I do to be saved?" and prayed the publican's prayer; aud the entire congregation took up the cry for mercy. For a half hour Mr. Coau could get no chance to speak, but had to stand ~JtiII aud see God work.
There were greater signs of the Spirit than mere words of agony or confession. Godly repentance was at work-quarrels were reconciled, drunkards abandoned drink, thieves restored stolen property, adulteries gave place to purity, and murders were confessed. The high priest of Pele and custodian of her crater shrine, who by his glance could doom a native to strangulation, on whose shadow no Hawaiian dared tread, who ruthlessly struck men dead for their food or gamen1s' sake, and robbed and outraged human beings for a pastime-this gigantic criminal came into the meetings, as also his sister, the priestess, and even such as they • found there an irresist.ible power. ",Vith bitter tears and penitent confession, the crimes of this minister of idolatry were unearthed. He acknowledged that what he had worshipped was no god at all, and publicly renounced his idobtIy and bowed before Jesus. These two had spent about seventy years in sin, but till death maintained their Christian confession. In 1838 the converts continued to multiply. Though but two missionaries, a lay preacher and their wives constituted the force, and the field was a hundred miles long, the work was done with power because God was in it all. Mr. Coan's trips were first of all for preaching, and he spoke on the average from three to four times a day; but thcse public appeals were interlaced with visits of a pastoral nature at the homes of the people, and the searching inquiry into their state. This marvellous man kept track of his immense parish, and knew a church-membership of five thousand as thoroughly as when it numbered one hundred. He never lost individual knowledge and contact in all this huge increase. What a model to modern pastors, who magnify preaching but have" no time to visit"! It was part of his plan that not one living person in all Puna or Hilo should not have the Gospel brought repeatedly to the conscience, and he did not spare himself any endeavor or exposure to reach the people.
. He set converted people to work, and above forty of them visited from house to house, within five miles of the central station. The results were simply incredible, were they not attested abundantly.
In 1838 and 1839, after great care in examining and testing candidates, during the twelve months ending in June, 1839, 5244 persons had been received into the church. On one Sabbath 1705 were baptized, and 2400 sat down together at the Lord's table. It was a gathering of villages, and. the head of each village came forward with his selected converts. With the exception of one such scene at Ongole, just forty years after, probably no sucb a sight has been witnessed since the Day of Pentecost. And what a scene was that when nearly twenty-five hundred sat down to cat together the Lord's Supper; and what a gathering! "The old, the decrepit, the lame, the blind, the maimed, the withered, the paralytic, and those afflicted with divers diseases and torments; those with eyes, noses, lips, and limbs consumed with the fire of their own or their parents' former lusts, with features distorted and figures the most depravea and loathsome; and these came hobbling upon their staves, and led or borne by their friends ; and among this throng the hoary priests of idolatry, with hands but recently washed from the blood of human victims, together with the thief, the adulterer, the Sodomite, the sorcerer, the robber, the murderer, and the mother-no, the monster-whose hands have reeked in the blood of her own children. These all meet before the cross of Christ, with their enmity slain and themselves washed and sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. "
During the five years ending June, 1841, 7557 persons were received to the church at Hilo, or three fourths of the whole adult population of the parish. ·When Titus Coan left Hilo, in 1870, he had himself received and baptized 11,960 persons.
These people held fast the faith, only one in sixty becoming amenable to discipline. There was not a grog-shop in that whole parish, and the Sabbath
MISSIONS AND SOCIOLOGY IN CmNA
better kept than in New England. In 1867 the old mother church divided into seven, and there have been built fifteen houses for :worship, mainly with the money and labor of the people themselves, who have also planted and sustained their own missions, and have given in the aggregate $100,000 for holy uses, and have sent twelve of their number to regions beyond.
Christian history presents no record of Divine power more thrilling than this of the great revival at the Hawaiian Islands from 1836 to 1842. When, in 1870, the American Board withdrew from this field they left "behind nearly sixty self-supporting churches, more than two thirds having a native pastorate and a membership of about fifteen thousand. That year their contributions reached $30,000. Thirty per cent of their ministers are missionaries on other islands. That same year Kanwealoha, the old native missionary, in presence of a vast throng, where the royal family and dignitaries of the islands were assembled, held up the Word of God in the Hawaiian tongue, and in these few words gave the most comprehensive tribute to the fruits of Gospel labor : "Not with powder and ball and swords and cannon, but with this living Word of God and His Spirit, do we go forth to conquer the islands for Christ !"
FOREIGN MISSIONS AND SOCIOLOGY IN CHINA.
RY REV. ARTHUR H. SMITH.
It is one of the claims of Christianity that it is a religion which is profitable for the life that now is. The civilization of Christian lands is in many respects so much superior to that of noneChristian lands, that it is very natural for missionaries to cast about for ways in which they may inject some of the forces of the higher civilization into the lower. Something of this sort is the legitimate outcome of the introduction of Christianity anywhere, as the history of missions in all ages and in aU lands abundantly shows. Without entering upon so wide a subject, it is the purpose of the present paper to give, from a single, limited field in the northern portion of the Chinese Empire, a few illustrations of the difficulty of introducing new sociological conditions among ancient races with a hoary civilization. Nothing is more essential to the well-being of a community than good roads, facilitating communication. In Northern China the travel is largely by carts, and yet the public highways are never repaired, and fIore so far from justifying their name, that it is a proverb that an old road becomes a river, which in the summer rains is literally the case. Much of the waste and misery resulting is preventible, yet it cannot be prevented! When we try to influence a farmer to repair the road over against his own house, he refuses on the ground that the track is no more his to use than it is that of others. He has no time to waste on such work-that is to say, he is unwilling to confer a benefit on others, even though he reaps a greater one himself. But there is a deeper reason still. The repair of roads require!! earth, and in a land where every avail· able square foot is necessary for tillage, who is to furnish the earth ~ Nobody. And therefore it never is furnished. Every missionary is able to perceive that, despite the industry of the Chinese, they are laboring under great disadvantages, owing to the lack of good tools; but he can seldom i~troduce better tools into actual use, either because they are far too expensive for the narrow means of a single farmer, or because, while they might be used for several' families, jealousy and selfishness would prevent the experiment from becoming a success. One of the clumsiest of the Chinese machines is the set of rollers by which cotton is very slowly and imperfectly seeded, but a foreign machine cannot be introduced to take the place of the other, for the reasons already given, as we have had opportunity to observe. Every foreigner who has travelled in the cotton States of America, and afterward in the cotton-growing Chinese provinces, is struck with the thought of introducing the American cotton plant into China. This has been done many times, but so far as we know the experiment has never succeeded. The imported plant grows rank and tall, but has the fatal defect of bearing little or no cotton; or if it does, after a season or two the seed must be renewed, which is a permanent check on the anticipated improvement. The same has been found to be the case with grains. Yet tobacco, maize, the peanut, a variety of beet, cabbage, and the potato have all been introduced into Northern China during the present dynasty, and all of them are well acclimated. Yet every such innovation has to fight for its existence for a long time, and there are probably few plants that can spring at once into favor as the poppy has done-a type of the persistence of evil and its universal adaptations.
Conservatism and suspicion are in all Oriental countries twin sisters, which resent any interference with what already exists. It is due to these traits that one is so often struck with the fact that contrivances for saving labor, which have long been in use in one region, are altogether unknown in other regions not far distant. An instance of this sort is to be found in a district in the province of Chihli, where the common form of waterwheel is fitted with buckets drawn up by a rope coiled on a windlass turned by a donkey. The machinery is rude, the buckets iII made and leaky, and the waste of power very great, but, on the whole, this is much more economical than drawing water by hand. Yet in a belt of country along the Grand Canal, only about two days' journey from the district where water-wheels are used, these devices are wholly unknown, and the only method of irrigation is either from wells with a windlass worked by men, or by two men tossing water from wicker baskets from the river into a pool above, and from thence to the field to be irrigated, thus using the labor of four men and spilling about half the water in transit. Within a few years, however, the water-wheel in a very imperfect form has made its appearance on the banks of the Canal, introduced by two men relatively more enterprising than their neighbors. The reason given for not having bought a machine sooner was poverty-the compendious explanation of so many of the ills of China. The water supply of all Oriental lands is of the most defective description, and here, if anywhere, it would appem that Western knowledge might be applied for the benefit of great numbers of people and on a large scale. In centres of population the people drink the water of rivers into which filthy cities have been for ages drained, an<1 in many cases stagnant water is all that is to be had, and is used as freely as if it were the best. Where good water is supplied to the Chineso gratis, as in the French settlement of Shanghai, the people show their appreciation of the benefit by allowing the water to run all the time. In the country most Chinese wells are so shallow as to furnish only surface water, often so impregnated with" ates" and" ites" as to be really unfit for usc. In these districts, and especially in such of them as are troubled with quicksands, what is needed would seem to be driven wells, going below the surface and tapping the pure water below. Experiments have been made with such wells on the great soda plains around the city of Tien-tsin, but the result was a failure. The nature of the difficulty was aptly expressed by one of the coolies employed on the work, who was asked why thc pipe was not driven deeper. To which he replied that it was, but" the deeper we went the more there wasn't any water!" An enterprising missionary physician living in a country mission station in Shantung, having had practical experience in California of a kind of wellboring, which drills an opening and then inserts galvanized iron pipe, has recently introduced the plant for this work into his field, and many experiments have been made with it, both at Tien-tsin and in the country; but though the tubing can be driven into the earth to the depth of sixty feet or more, it has been impossible thus far to get sweet water, which was the principal object in view. In the absence of any pump, a rude one was devised which answered the purpose, but it was so hard to work that the coolie who was employed to draw the water was very shy of the pump, and declared that it was harder than to draw up water hand over hand in the old way; but the well with its pump was surrounded by a crowd all day long, attracted from great distances by the exaggerated rumors which had gone forth. The benevolent physician was much amused from time to time to see a man who had been laboriously pumping up water from great depths, wiping the perspiration from his face, as he explained to the listeners the advantages of the" self- come water!" This experiment in a Shantung village recalls another experience many years ago in the same place. One of the missionaries had the happiness of welcoming a second son to his household, an event which seemed to the Chinese villagers of such happy omen, that they were moved to unite in subscribing a fixed sum from each family in the village, to purchase a silver neck ornament for the infant. As the suggestion was not absolutely and peremptorily declined, the committee in charge went ahead and ordered the silver chain and padlock, after which the delicate question arose by what means this gift should be acknowledged. After cam'assing many plans, one waR at length hit upon which appeared to mtisfy all the requisite conditions, which were in brief that the thing bestowed should be a <iistinct benefit to all the people, and one which they could all appreciate. It was proposed to put a force pump in a village well not far from the mission compound, where a great deal of water was daily drawn by a great many people with a great deal of labor. The force pump would make this toil mere child's play. The plan was so plainly foreordained to success, that one cf the missionaries-although not having the felicity of two sons-was moved to promise also a stone water trough, which, in Chines3 phrase, should be a joy to "ter. thousand generations." The village committee listened gravely to these proposals, without manifesting that exhilaration which the obviously successful nature of the innovation seemed to warrant, but promised to consider and report later. When the next meeting of this committee with the missionaries took place, the former expressed a wish to ask a few questions. They pointed out that there were four or five wells in the village. "vVas it the intention of the Western foreign , shepherds' to put a ' water-sucker' into each of these wells 1" No, of course not. It was meant for the one nearest the mission house. To this it was replied that the trinket for the shepherd's child had been purchased by uniform contributions from each family in the village. Some of these families lived on the front street and some on the back one, some at the east end and some at the west end. " Would it be consistent with the ideal impartiality of Christianity to put a 'water-sucker' where it could only benefit a part of those for whom it was meant 1" After an impressive silence the committee remarked that there was a further question which occurred to them. This village, though better off than most of those about, had many families which owned not a foot of land. These landless persons had to pick up a living as they could. One way was by carrying and selling water from house to house in bll{!kets. According to the account of the shepherd the new" water-sucker" would render it so easy to get water, that anyone could do it, and the occupation of the drawers of water would be largely gone. It could not be the intention of the benevolent shepherds to throw a class of workmen out of work. vVhat form of industry did the shepherds propose to furnish to the landless class, to compensate them for the loss of their livelihood 1 At this point the silence was even more impressive than before. After a pause the village committee returned to their questions. They said that " Western inventions are very ingenious, but that Chinese villagers attain unto stupidity. As long as the Western shepherds were at hand to explain and to direct the use of the water-suckers, all would doubtless go well j but they had noticed that vVestern inventions sometimes had a way of becoming injured by the tooth of time or by bad management. Suppose that something of this sort took place with the' water-sucker,' and suppose that no shepherd were at hand to repair or replace it, what should then be done after the villagers had come to depend upon it?" A lady member of the station to whom this was reported aptly observed that this was a wise word. "Father Hunt" once imported a force pump into Peking to be used in the deep wells there, but the fine sand at great depth clogged the valves so that they would not work, and it was necessary to pull the pump up again! In view of these various considerations, is it surprising that the somewhat discouraged shepherds gave up the plan of interfering with Oriental industries, or that the obligation to the village was finally acknowledged by the payment of a sum of money which they used (theoretically) for the repair of a rampart about the village, but which really went nobody knows where or to whom. The Roman Catholics have introduced the art of repairing watches among their converts, and it has proved a means of support for a multitude of persons in China ; but the number of possible industries of this sort appears to be small. Electro silver-plating has also been introduced to some extent, and may have been a partial success, but it certainly opens an avenue to fraud which the average conscience of the Chinese is unable to resis~. The plaiting of straw braid has been a new and valuable industry in many parts of Northern China, but this has been greatly interfered with by the inevitable tendency to adulteration of good straw with bad, and to short weights and short measures. No experiments of this sort are successful unless they remain successful.
Manual labor schools in a country with so complex a civilization as China meet with difficulties of peculiar obstinacy, but by long trial these can no doubt be overcome. There is space to speak but briefly of another aspect of this polyhedral subject-the function of charities in dealing with Oriental civilizations. We in the West have but just come to the consciousness that we know very little about this matter, and that most of what we have hitherto supposed ourselves to know is erroneous. Famine relief in India, with its relatively altruistic Anglo-Saxon Government, is one thing. A similar relief in China, with its patriarchal rule, where the emphasis is principally laid upon the patriarch himself, is quite another thing. Wisely conducted, famine relief has often been the means of presenting Christianity to the Chinese in a very favorable aspect, and was, under God, the golden key to unlock hard hearts long and obstinately closed to the true light; but we cannot for a moment disguise it from ourselves, that such relief, viewed as a sociological force, either as a cure or as a preventive, is wholly out of the field. We can never relieve a millionth part of the distress which we see, and we are wholly powerless to do anything which even remotely tends to prevent the recurrence of the miseries which are so frequently to be met in China. In the autumn of 1893 a ponferencE> of the missionary societies working in the Province of Shantung was held in the city of Ch'ing Chou Fu, at which two papers were read on
THREE MISSIONARY AMBITIONS
the "Poverty of Shantung, its Causes, Treatment, and Remedies." A careful perusal of these interesting and able essays would convince any thoughtful reader of three things. In the first place, the evils to which the existing social condition is due are deep-seated and ancient, and their roots are intertwined with those of the whole social system. In the second place, the only impulse toward a serious inquiry into the cause and possible cure of these evils comes from outside the present social system, and s directly connected with Christianity.' In the third place, these evils can seldom be dealt with directly. It is not enough to introduce new conditions. The" personal equation" is the largest and most essential factor of all, and without a modification of the individuals who compose society, under any imaginable new conditions, the old evils will presently reappear with seven other spirits worse than the first.
Previous to experience it would have seemed tolerably safe to predict that it would be easier to modify the social condition of a non-Christian community than to modify its religious condition ; but as the result of experience it appears that it is easier to introduce Christianity than to alter the type of the current civilization, and that the only permanently successful way to alter the civilization is first to introduce Christianity, after which little by little" all these things shall be added unto you."
THREE MISSIONARY AMBITIONS.
BY REV. A. J. GORDON, D.D.
We are often greatly indebted to one who asks us a question. A student inquired of us one day whether the Bible anywhere sanctions ambition. Yes! for though the word is not found in the English concordance, it occurs in the original. The word rplAOT'lp,e0ral, to love honor, is found three times in the Greek Testament, and the three texts where it occurs constitute an admirable chain of missionary exhortation.
1. The Field: "Yea, so have 1 been ambitious to preach the Gospel, where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation" (Rom. ] 5 : 20).
This is not according to the course of this world. If one were buying a house-lot it would be no objection, other conditions being favorable, that he could secure a plot where the foundation-stones had been already laid, leaving nothing to be donQ but to rear the superstructure, story upon story, till the building should be complete. "No!" says the apostle, " I desire a field where not a sod has been turned, where not a turf has been broken, lest I should build upon another man's foundation." If this saying sounds paradoxical, we believe that on reflection the whole philosophy of missions will be found wrapped up in it. The great commission reads, " Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature," not, " Stay in one part of the world and build up a Christian ci vilization. " As distinctly as concentration was the principle of Judaism, so clearly is diffusion the principle of Christianity. The requirement of the one was that all should come to Jerusalem; the command of the other is that Jerusalem shall go to all men. And this latter idea is so vital to the Gos- pel that it cannot be violated without the most fatal results. There is It wise saying that" capital is the blood of business," and the body politic can only be healthy as it is kept in circulation. But who, looking at the condition of the Protestant world to· day, can doubt that Christianity is suffer- ing from congestion at the centres-too much blood around the educational centres of Christendom, producing that intellectual vertigo by which so many theological professors are made to stumble npon the skandalon of sceptical criticism; and too much blood about the religious centres, the home churches, eausing tIlat fatty degeneration of the heart by which Christians are becoming inclined to a good-natured and easy-going toleration of all religions, pagan, heathen, and infidel. "In union is strength," the world's maxim j ., in diffusion is strength" is the motto of Christianity. " Tear down the rookeries if you would be rid of the rooks," was John Knox's advice for dealing with the religious houses where the monks and friars of his day were congregated, to fatten on the life of the nation. What intelligent Christian can question the vast benefit which would accrue to the world if there could be a removal of those theological" foundations" on which such learned professors as vVellhausen and Kuenen aud Pfleiderer and their American sympathizers have rested, while they have undermined the authority of that Bible which they are employed to teach! And if the endowments of their chairs could be capitalized for sending hundreds of plain, pious, and consecrated missionaries to the heathen, even though those missionaries were utterly ignorant of Hebrew or Greek or systematic theology. Cromwell put the same hard sense into another saying when, inquiring about certain silver shrines in the eathedrals, he was told that they were effigies of the twelve apostles. " Melt them up and coin them into shillings, and send them about doing good !" he exclaimed. So we say with the utmost emphasis eoncerning the architectural luxuritls and the artistic choirs and the sumptuous adornments of our modern sanctuaries. ·What an unspeakabltl blessing might come to the world if the evangelical wealth thus employed could be eoined into missionaries and sent to those who have never heard the Gospel! The apostle's saying embodies the deepest wisdom, and its truth was never more apparent than now. vVe believe that the great commission contains the best antidote against the great relapse whiClh threatens the Church to-day; that apostolic missions, undertaken with new zeal, furnish the only line of resistance against the apostate theology and the apostate Christianity which are now coming in upon us like a flood. Diffusion or death is the alternative which faces us. The church which is not a missionary church must now become a missing church. The foundations which our fathers laid in faith and prayer are in many instances being built upon with hay, wood, and stubble; the true-hearted must turn aside froID them and build anew upon the foundation of apostles and prophets.
In a word, it seems to us that in the apostle's method lies the true secret not only of the salvation of the world, but of the safety of the Church. The mission workers in~ur city who, without payor patron- age, plunge down into the slums to rescue the perishing, are rarely found to be unsound teachers of the Gospel. In mingling with them we have constantly been surprised and delighted at the evangelical correctness of their teaching. On the other hand, there are scores of preachers in the same city who are building on ecclesiastical foundations many generations deep-creed foundations, wealth foundations, and culture foundations-of whom it may be said without slander, that the preaching of the simple, evangelical Gospel is the last thing they know how to do. vVe see the saying of Dr. Duff demonstrated on every hand: "The church which ceases to be evangelistic will soon cease to be evangelical."
II. The Work.-Paul exhorts the Thessalonian Christians that they " be ambitious to be quiet, and to do their own business," etc. (1 Thess. 4 : 11). The nature of that business is uot defined, but the T,l, rota points to the Christian's special and peculiar work. " 'Wist ye not that I mnst be about My Father's business~" asked Jesus when His mother was chiding Him for neglect of parental claims. And since the great commission was given, every disciple may answer the claims of business, and the claims of society, and even the claims of the home church with the question: "Wist ye not that I must be about my Master's business~" There is, there can be now no work comparable for a moment with that of making known the Gospel to the unsaved millions for whom Christ died. Aud is there any sphere where a sanctified ambition is more strongly demanded than here ~ The lament of an eminent laborer on the foreign field, that in spite of aU which the Christian Church has attempted and accomplished in this century, " it has thus far only been playing at missions," is a statement borne out by actual facts; for do not men who" mean business" put themselves and their energy and their capital and their time into their special work ~ Has the Church of the nineteenth century, with all its efforts toward world-wide evangelization, done this? "Let us not be pessimists, but let us be truthists," says, and well says, a Scotch preacher. We do not expect perfection in the Christian Church, but it is better that we aim at perfection and come short of it than to aim at imperfection and attain it. We are in danger of self.complacency in view of what we have done, if we do not impartially judge ourselves for what we have failed to do.
Let us examine ourselves, then, concerning our outlay for the great work in comparison with our inlay for ourselves.
According to the best estimate which we can obtain, there are now above nine thousand missionaries on the foreign field-a noble army of witnesses, for which we should devoutly praise God. But it is computed that there are a hundred and thirty thousand ordained ministers at home representing the same constituency. How vast the disproportion! Fifteen times as many building on foundations already laid as there are preaching the Gospel where Christ is not named. Does this represent the most aggressive business policy in the enterprise of missions 1 At the lowest estimate fourteen million dollars were given by Protestant Christendom last year for the cause of foreign missions. We praise God for this testimony of Christian hearts to the constraining power of Jesus' love, and for all of sacrifice and self-denial which it represents. And yet, though the Christians of America gave nearly one half of this sum, they gave it, according to the reckoning of Dr. Strong, based on the ceusus of 1890, out of wealth amounting to thirteen billions of dollars now in the hands of the Christians of the United States; so that by the law of proportional giving they contributed on that year, he says, one thh·tysecond part of one per cent of their means to foreign missions. A widow's mite, indeed, but a mite subtracted from millions left untouched-a speck of gold-dust dropped from a mountain of gold coins ! Does this look like an aggressive policy on the part of those who are doing business for God 1 Again, it is held by many Christians that the task which the Church has assigned to her is that of converting the whole world to Christ. If success is any criterion of business enterprise, let us ask what has been actually done 1 Hardly more than two million disciples can be reckoned as the result of the toil and effort of this century of missions; and if we add what are called" adherents"-those who have in some sense been influenced by Christianity and identified with it-we may perhaps compute two millions more. But while we rejoice and give thanks for what has thus been wrought, we have to remember that in the same hundred years in which this has beeu accomplished the heathen and Mohammedan population of the globe has increased by two' hundred millions; in other words, the false religions have outstripped the true sev- enty to one, in the race for the conquest of this earth to Christ. * How long will it take to convert the world at this rate of speed ~ Is it true that the children of this world are swifter as well as wiser in their generation than the children of light 1 A hundred years have elapsed since Carey went to India, and still vast portions of that empire remain unreached. The British Government took the census of India three years ago, and did it in a single day-its two hundred and eighty millions of population numbered and registered within twenty-four hours j and yet in a hundred years missions have not succeeded in reaching all in that vast empire, and Standard Oil cans are found to-day adorning the native houses in India, where as yet no Christians are found.
Nay, more; we have to be rebuked not only by comparing ourselves with the children of this world, but with the children of the Evil One• • This i8 accordln~ ~ the eltimate of Dr. Jonetone (" Century of Mis.ions"). Did we spend less than a million for promoting the worship of our Christ in China last year ~ One of the oldest missionaries in that emp'l.re esti. mates that the worshippers of demons spent a hundred and thirty millions in sacrifices to their god, the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Vhat shall we say to these things 1 We must ponder them seriously, and ask thoughtfully whether there is not room for a vastly larger business ambition in carrying on tho work of missions ~ And if, perchance, we see those who really rise to the height of this great argument, let us not count them fools and fanatics. A scene which recently occurred at a missionary meeting of Dr. Simpson, in New York, has been reported far and wide, and with not a Httle comment. It seems that at this gathering the people became so impressed with the claims of missions, and with a sense of their supreme obligation to Christ on behalf of a lost world, that they brought not only their money, but their jewels and bracelets, their watches and their rings, and laid them on the altar for foreign missions. Some conservative Christians have spoken against this action as decidedly unbecoming, as nothing less than an outbreak of religious hysteria, from which they pray to be delivered; and more charitable critics have said that at least it was a very eccentric procedure. Eccentric to what ~ Such as become truly centred in Christ are likely to be found out of centre with those whose orbit is the world. That was an eccentric scene recorded in the nineteenth of Acts, where many that believed came and confessed and showed their deeds, and made a sacrifice that counted up " to fifty thousand pieces of silver ;" but the issue thereof was that" mightily grew the Word of the Lord, and prevailed." In these days of burdened missionary treasuries the last thing we need to fear is an extravagant ambition in doing the Lord's business, which is our business, and in giving the Lord's wealth.
III. Our Reward.-" Wherefore we are ambitious, that, whether present or absent, we may be well pleasing unto Him" (2 Cor. 5: 9, vide R. V.). This certainly is the highest evangelical motive. Neither apostolic succession nor apostolic success constitutes the truest credential of the missionary. "No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life" (2 Tim. 2 : 4, R. V.). No; not even if, by so doing, he could enhance his success and multiply his conquests. "That he may please Him who enrolled him as a soldier" is the chief aim. The joy of the harvest is blessed; but one must not fix the eye upon this, so as to forget the approval of the husbandman, which is greater than all.
The first great missionary could say as his highest confession: "I do always the things that please Him" (John 8 : 29).
The chief missionary of the apostles writes: "Or do I seek to please men ~ for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Gal. 1 : 10). "I have one passion, it is He, He alone," wrote Zinzendorf. "Here I am, Lord, send me," said David Brainerd. "Send me to the rough and savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that
CHINESE PHILOSOPHER LAO-TS'lJ
is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy se1'vice and to promote Thy kingdom." The final award will not be " Well done, good and successful servant"-though blessed are they who shall be counted worthy to achieve success-but ' , Well done, good and faithful servant. "
THE CHINESE PHILOSOPHER LAO-TSE: A PROPHET FROM AMONG THE GENTILES.
(Condensedfrom the German of VictoT' t'on StrauS8 by C. (J. Starbuck.) Some travellers assure us that there are tribes wholly without a sense of religion. Vaiving the extreme improbability that a hasty traveller through barbarous tribes, often himself a man none too well affected to religion, could give a trustworthy witness as to such a point, aud supposing that there were such peoples, this would by no mcans imply that religion is a simple accident of humanity. We may sometimes see plants of the higher orders growing under conditions so unfavorable that they can bear neither flowers nor fruit; yet it is of their nature to bear both. Even so it is essential to human nature to have a sense of God, and where this does not appear, it only implies that under unhappy conditions there is an unhappy atrophy of the flower and crown of humanity. The oldest monuments of culture always bear witness to religion.
These monuments attest, moreover, that a deep and mighty conscious_ ness of God was the nurse and educatrix of mankind in its earliest childhood; that men or nations have not advanced out of a state of faithlessness to faith, out of atheism to theism or polytheism, out of materialism to idealism. History shows rather that unbelief, atheism, and materialism are products of decomposition, of that moral rottenness which breaks out only in highly cultivated peoples, and unless arrested leads to their downfall. A world-moving genius has never been a denier of God, nor a cultivated people in ascending development unbelieving. Let the truth at last come" to be held down by nnrighteousness ;" then, it is true, there arises a generation of " fools, saying in their heart, There is no God."
If Divine Revelation shone upon the cradle of the human race, we can hardly suppose but that reminiscences of it, more or less distinct, would long survive, an afterglow sinking at last, here sooner, there later, into misapprehension or dull forgetfulness. Here and there, however, it seems to act less as a nourishment to false religion than as a stimulus to earnest inquiry after the true. "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him," says St. Paul. Now God appoints notlling for which He does not give power. "He is not far from every one of us," says the same profound apostle. True, as he declares, mankind as a race, though capable of knowing God by the light of nature, have turned away from Him, and sunk into darkness, yet his recognition of the duty and possibility of finding God, and his respectful, indeed reverent quotation of a Gentile poet, who refers to our filial relation to God, shows that he by no means denied that individuals may have found Him. And there have been, among many peoples and in many ages, poets, thinkers, and sages, who have variously wrestled with this great problem. Indeed, this effort was at the bottom of all the pre-Christian philosophies.
We must distinguish that which can be known of God without revelation and that which cannot. That which depends on God'sfreedom can only be made known by Himself. That which is necessary to the very idea of God can of course be developed in thought out of that idea. Take any essential attribute of God, and every other is included. It by no means follows that pre-Christian thought has always apprehended even these, but we must admit the possibility, and need not, therefore, ascribe every profound perception of this kind to an immediate revelation. The chief end of Revelation is not to make known to us what we couM discover witllOut it, but what God, out of His unconditioned freedom, has willed, done, and wills. Indeed, the most essential part of Revelation is not found in doctrines, but in free deeds of God, of which doctrine is only the exposition.
It is worthy of note now that even human inquiry, for the discovery of God, is referred to a product of His free activity, to the work of creation, which, though bound by necessary laws, points beyond itself to a free cause and His free act; which appears to imply that deeper thought might find freedom to be involved in the very idea of God.
These remarks seem worthy of being premised, in turning our attention to the oldest philosopher of the world who has left written records. This is the Chinese Lao-tse. In him we are surprised to find not a little which we are wont to refer only to revelation.
Lao-tse's system deserves to be studied. It is deep and grand. But were it not, it would be of interest to note how philosophy was pursued in China in the time of Pythagoras and Thales. Elsewhere, too, philosophy, from its first beginning in India and Egypt till its full deyelopment in Greece, still the foundation of our own systems, is everywllere more or less interconnected. In China, on the contrary, it stands forth absolutely unique and isolated.
However we may interpret the confusion of tongues, it doubtless refers to some primeval event, which disintegrated the original unity of our race. Jehovah came down and confounded th~ir speech. What does this mean in Oriental usage ~ Plainly, that God came into their consciousness, whereupon they could not understand each other religiously. The religious divergence thereupon separated them into peoples. All gods at first were national gods. The divergence into tribes implied the rapid divergence into tongues. The endless variety of these implieswhat is confirmed by science-that the original language was the simplest.
Now in China we find a simple monosyllabic spe6ch. This section of mankind seems to have had no division of tongues or of peoples, no mythology, but from of old the sense of a unitary, all-controlling heavenly power, an abstract theism. It seems p.ossible, therefore, that it came into East Asia before the confusion of tongues. Here held safe in its primal form by seas, mighty mountains and wastes, it seems to offer the petrified image of early mankind, a self-developed culture, and a clear, documentary history of four millennia. Buddhism, with its outgrowths of superstition, appears during that time to have been the only foreign admixture, and this not coming in until after Christ. Confucius was five centuries earlier, and he was, and professed to be, only a restorer of the earlier China, morally, politically, and ceremonially. He was not in the least the founder of a religion.
Confucius-Khung-tse-was a strong, fine, penetrating spirit, but utterly void of a feeling for religion, for everything supraterrestrial, transcendent. In this, too, he was the incarnation of the already declining Chinese spirit. Lao-tse, on the contrary, was just the opposite. Older than Confucius, he was born as early as the seventh century B. C.; a deep and genial thinker, whose views of things suprasensual belong to the most significant efforts of antiquity. Confucius, who visited him in his extreme old age, acknowledged that he was overwhelmed by the fiery" dragonflight" of his thought. Most naturally. At every point, and of set purpose, Lao-tse breaks through the restricted limits of Chinese thought, which entirely contented Khung-tse. Yet, all fancies notwithstanding, he borrowed nothing from the West. He quotes elder teachers, indeed, but these are plainly Chinese. Whomsoever he quotes, his way of thinking is all his owu.
Not until old age, when retired from court, where he had been keeper of the archives, did he, at the urgent instance of a friend, consent to write a book, the " Tao-te-king. " This is the only but trustworthy record of his teaching.
In form the" Tao-te-king" is far from showing dialectical art. It is abrupt, aphoristic, apparently heterogeneous things mixed in seeming disorder. It is like a primeval wood. But, even as in nature, seeming disorder here conceals real harmony, the detail being always subordinate to the consonance of the whole, everywhere giving evidence of a system thoroughly thought out, fully rounded off.
The primal centre of Lao-tse's whole thinking is the great world-cause, which he names Tao. Out of this central intuition of the absolute-for this is Tao to him-develops itself his metaphysics, his theology, his ethics, and his politics. In view of this, the most momentous thing is to recognize one's non-recognition; for not to know knowledge is a sickness only curable by a painful sense of itself. The objective possibility of the koowledge of Tao rests in the fact that in the absolute knowing and being are one. That Lao-tse recognizes this is beyond doubt i for when, in that central intuition, the insight discloses itself to him that Tao has become world creator, and he himself then raises the question, whence he knows this, he answers: "Through Him"-i.e., through Tao Himself, an answer which necessarily presupposes the acknowledgment of this unity. The experience of the absolute is at the same time the knowledge' of the same.' The subjective possibility of the knowledge of Tao rests upon the fact that the man free of desire, turning away from sensuousness, and turning within, beholds Tao's spirituality, and when his doing accords with Tao, "becomes one with Tao." This expresses not merely the general oneness of the divine and human knowing, but as it must first be brought to pass and is attached to a condition, so that before the occurrence of this condition this oneness with Tao did not exist, pantheism is thereby precluded. Very remarkable is it that Lao-tse already attaches supreme knowledge to the ethical behavior, makes it dependent on an ethical act. This gives great significance to his declarations, "Whoever knows himself is illumined_"
While one now plunges his thought into the contemplation of Tao, he finds him first as yet, as the pure capacity of being, even of his own being, and so far yet as "void abyss," as mere potency in which being is yet restrained, therefore as not yet being. Then first he passes over to being, " Being comes out of Not-being." The significance of this simply potential, not yet actualized being, is repeatedly indicated. In this form Tao is altogether unutterable and unnamable, admitting of no predicate concerning Him. Being, however, proceeds out of bare potentiality, in that Tao-the eternal, nameless-becomes beginning and cause of heaven 'and earth-that is, actually posits that being out of which all existences arise.
The absolute Essence, however, can only maintain created being by abiding in it. Yet, as he may not resolve himself into his own creation, he must revert into the former state of unutterableness and namelessness. How, then, shall finite being continue to be, as the substratum of a manifold world ~ Only in that Tao, in turning away from it, positing himself thus as Unity, at the same time abides with it, engendering his other Self. The Second, positing Himself now as Tao, as the Second Might, which gives to all beings form and development, or is " the mother of all beings." Thus Tao is then a Dyad-an Upper, who is unnamable, unsearchable, undiscernible; a Lower, who is nowise dark and has a name, in beginning to create, to give form to Being; and thus both, as we saw, are of the same source and of unfathomable depth, as the very first chapter declares.
From the Dyad Lao-tse proceeds to a Triad. He says expressly that all beings were brought forth by Three. " In Tao is the Spirit, His Spirit is supreme purity." This Spirit he callI:) the " Valley Spirit"- i.e., effluent. He is immortal, and" His gate is the root of heaven and earth. " Mediating between the First and the Second Might, He is par- taker both of being and not-being, and is therefore" as if existent." He is also called" the deeply feminine." Lao-tse, therefore, sums up his completed sYlitem in thilil formula: "Tao engenderlil One, One engenders Two, Two engender Three, Three engender all thinglil."
Lao-tse, however, is not content with declaring that Tao in His Threeness brings forth all j he also gives deep views into the How. These are (1) the universal specifications of being as it is brought out of not-being j (2) the interior process whereby Tao accomplishes this production.
As to the first, Lao·tse is very brief and indirect. He accepts from the elder Chinese philosophy the three principles of nature known to us : The dark, reposing, feminine principle of matter, named Jin j the light, active, masculine of form, called Hng j and the psychic principle connecting the two, Khi. "All beings," says he, "have Jin for substratum and J ang for content; Khi effects their union. " We may well assume that he would have these three principles referred to the three powers of Tao, the first, nameless Power, being the cause of Jill j the second, the named Power, of Jang j the third, the effluent Spirit, of Khi. The primal, undistinguished Being, by thus distinguishing itself into the three principles, becomes capable of originating all beings.
Now as to the interior process in Tao, as creating. The first Power is empty capacity, mere infinite force, but of this proceeds the essential Tao [whom we may rightly call the Logos of Tao-C. C. S.], giving to the first Power defined content. In this [Logos], the Second Power, are all creatures, as ideally existing. How are they to receive substantial, distinct existence 1 For this we must trust the Spirit. To trust Him is to trust Tao, for He is Tao. He gives to each thing, at its appointed time, its distinct, individual existence. Creation had a beginning, but is then continuous, and the origination of each new existence is included in it.
Tao, having brought all things into being, says, " They are not Mine. " He sustains them, but does not need them. His doing toward them is not-doing, aI?-d His not-doing, doing. They, on their part, all turn to Him, as their origin and Father-that is, His doing never appears as such in the world. It escapes all observation. To appearance there is only an endless chain of necessary workings of antecedent causes j and it is precisely in the wonderful steadfastness, loftiness, and beauty of the supreme law of the world, ethical and natural, that Tao's ever-working will is recognized. His action consists in letting His will come into effect in and through things and events. Thus He acts and is at the same time without actipn. The end of His ways now is restoration j for all things, unfolded and consummated by Him, return to Him, their root, their orIgm. Man, however, is not absorbed into any universal world· soul, but in the proportion in which anyone has here become one with Tao, has returned to a filial relation toward Him, death has for him no danger. Only he who has followed the things of the outer world has no hope in his death j but whoever turns inward, and then returns to the light of Tao, "loses nothing by the destruction of his body, inasmuch as he has clothed himself upon with eternity. His life has no mortal spot." "For
THE CHINESE PHILOSOPHER LAb-TSil
Tao is all beings refuge, the good man's supreme treasure, the unvirtuous man's deliverer. Through daily seeking is He found. He forgives them that are guilty. Therefore is lIe the thing most precious of the universe. "
It is plain that for Tao, as conceived by Lao-tse, we have no other name than God. And what a depth of living thought has the Divine idea with him, compared with the abstract theism not only of traditional Chinese doctrine, but of many of our own contemporaries! This is an apprehension of God which, outside of Revelation, has not its like for depth and truth.
LAO-TSB'S ETHICS.
So much for Lao-tse's theology. His ethics rest on the same foundation. Yet one of its chief principles, "not-doing," has exposed it, both within and without China, to manifold misapprehension. It has, in fact, been declared to involve the most extravagant Quietism. Let us see with what justice.
Lao-tse's ethical doctrine develops itself out of his theology. For his ethical ideals" the holy man" is such only inasmuch as he is participant of Tao and one with him, holds him fast and walks in him. This he attains by turning away from externality and sensuousness, by turning inward, recognizing there the inshining light of Tao, and finding in him his" mother," and so, recognizing his filial relation, returning to him. "To be returned into his origin signifies to rest j to rest signifies to have fulfilled his appointed function j to have fulfilled his appointed function signifies to be eternal. To know the Eternal signifies to be enlightened. Not to know the Eternal demoralizes and makes unhappy. Whoever knows the Eternal is comprehensive, therefore righteous, therefore a king, therefore Tao's, therefore enduring." It is this which leads him to inner unity and simplicity, wherein he is in this like to the innocent child, that his demeanor and action knows nothing of reflexive intentionalness, and never has his own person as its object j that, on the contrary, it goes right out from him in pure selflessness, according as he is determined by his life-principle Tao j whom, therefore, he imitates, even without express purpose, by the very virtue of being determined by Him, so that he cannot do otherwise. Inasmuch now as Tao unweariedly brings forth all beings, provides for them, nourishes, defends, develops, consummates them, loads them with benefits, so in this also must the holy man be like unto Him. VV-herefore He 8lso lovingly concerns Himself for all, helps all, benefits all j forsakes no man, indeed, no creature. This is so often and so expressly inculcated, that it ought to have confuted the notion of Quietism. Indeed, the very last words of the book are: "The holy man's wont is Doing, and not Striving."
Lao-tse now praises this doing of the holy man, and also his not-doing. He must therefore find a distinction between doing and doing. The one is a doing that should be j the other, a doing that should not be. So it is in God, and so it should be in man. He who sinks wholly into the life of God ceases from self-regarding human activity, and enters into a receptive activity, determined by the Godhead dwelling in him. This unity with God is a being, which is the not of doing. No phenomenal doing exhausts it. The holy man converts men to God more by what he is than by what he does. It leads them to love the beautiful and the good, and to hate the ugly and the evil. In this sense, and evidently in this only, does Lao·tse commend Not-doing ahove Doing.
Lao-tse, therefore, rates legality low. He propounds no formal doctrine of duty. Such schemes, to him, mark a decline from unity with Tao. He gives the descending scale as follows: Union with Tao; formal Virtuousness; Humanity; Justice, and at last mere Seemliness, the beginning of anarchy. The holy man is portrayed in traits very much like the Sermon on the Mount. He is to deal with the evil and the good, with the impartial benignity of Tao, and to account himself rich in proportion as he gives, rather than as he receives. He is to overcome evil by good. The deep antithesis between him and Confucius is seen in the fact that Confucius censures him for this requirement, which appears to us the height of virtue.
Lao-tse'! deep sense of the converting power of perfect holiness raises him to almost prophetic heights of anticipation. When the perfectly holy man shall have come, he declares, the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain, and the valleys shall be filled. He shall come in self-forgetting humility, and therefore shall he shine forth in peerless preeminence. He shall not strive, and therefore men cannot strive with him. By the power of his holiness he turns all men to himself. We might almost call Lao-tse the Evangelical Prophet of the Gentiles.
LAO-TSE'S POLITICS.
As Lao-tse's ethics proceed out of his theology, so his politics are derived from his ethics. In China the State had been recognized from of old as the ethical form of social life, and government as an ethical function. Lao-tse, of course, knows government only in the form of patriarchal monarchy. Yet as the moral perfection of the subjects implies the free development of their individuality, Lao-tse assumes in the rnler snch a self-limiting condescension as is only possi.ble in " the holy man."
Lao-tse [in the very spirit of a Fenelon-C. C. S.] inveighs against the wasting and rapacious pomp and luxury of rulers, "when palaces are grand and fields are untilled." The best jewels of the sovereign are the happy homes of his people. The lust of extension and conquest beggars the empire or the lesser State which it appears to enrich. Above all things he detests the intemperate rage of governing, that undertakes to interfere at every point with the natural evolution of human life. A calm and resolute maintenance of universal justice, a wise and virtuous example in the monarch, and a disposition, so far as clear necessity does not call for interposition, to have individual activity free, appears to be the foundation of Lao-tse's political science.
Lao-tse hates" destroying war" with all the energy of feeling which the warlike Achilles expresses against it. He who is one with Tao may sometimes be obliged to wield arms, but he does it most unwillingly. " He conquers and is not proud; conquers. and triumphs not; conquers and exalts not himself." He weeps over the victims of the battle-field, and does all that in him lies to limit such direful sacrifices. This even in suppressing rebellion. As to war between rival States, he has no allowance for it. " Be subject one to another," he exclaims, "so are you all conquerors and all conquered."
CONCLUSION.
The coincidences between Lao-tse's system and Christianity are certainly most remarkable.
And, first of all, it draws attention that Lao-tse, simply from the fact of creation, develops the idea of an eternal Trinity. A greater distinctness as to personality would render this almost coincident with the Christian dogma. This shows convincingly that the doctrine of the Trinity is not a simple development from the gradually unfolding facts of salvation, nor a mere transference of these into the eternal life of God. If, therefore, any one 'rejects the Trinity because it is not conceivable to him, we may well ask him how the assumption of intrinsic inconceivability is consistent with the fact that this doctrine was thought out by such a thinker as Lao-tse, in the sixth century before Christ.
How nearly Lao-tse's doctrine of creation coincides with the Christian! No extra-Christian thinker has ever raised himself to so pure a conception of the origination of all beings of and through God. If we must recognize in the unspeakable, unnamable Tao, God the Father, of whom are all things, so in Tao as namable we recognize the Son or the Word, through whom are all things; for this is precisely what Lao-tse declares.
The close resemblance of Lao-tse's morality, moreover, with the Christian, needs not to be insisted on. The Gospel also requires the very same self-surrendering to God, and self-renunciation of our own things, out of which, because God alone now reigns in the heart, all virtucs well up. And is it not the very same virtues which we also praise as emanations of a soul united with God g Even into the eternity beyond Lao-tse looks forward with a word of promise, teaching that he that is conjoined with God clothes himself upon with eternity; and that when the body' sinks away death ,has no power against him.
" In all this, it is true, his doctrine stands nearer to the New Testament than to the Old, and I hesitate not an instant to style him a prophet from among the Gentiles. But how comes it that this doctrine, which
Bin". JAMES lilVANS
was proclaimed more than twenty-four hundred years ago, which is known to every cultivated Chinese, which is claimed as its own by a whole religious community, organized under high priests and a pope, and calling itself after Tao, which has more than once even been the creed of emperors-that this pure and lofty doctrine has had no practical result, but has sunk down into an association of jugglers, sorcerers, and fools? This, I believe, is because this doctrine is only a doctrine, a philosophy, without connection with Revelation, not borne up by it, not accredited with the seal of the living God, not attached to the historical self-manifestations and acts of God. It is true, it speaks of the not-good or bad, but the knowledge of sin, as that which separates us from God, it has not. It speaks, indeed, of conversion, but it has no regeneration, which is at the base of conversion. It says of God, that He is the Deliverer of the not-good, and forgives guilt, bnt it has no means of giving assurance of either, and stops with the bare affirmation. In a word, it has no history of salvation and no institute of salvation. Let us thank God that we have both, and that thereby the way to salvation is opened to us, to which the venerable thinker with whom we have been engaged has pointed in yearning antic!pation."-Allgemeine Mi8swns-Zeit8chrijt.
REV. JAMES EVANS, MISSIONARY TO 'fHE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.
BY REV. EDGERTON R. YOUNG.
Some men are so busy making history that they have but little time and less inclination to write it. This was emphatically true of Mr_ Evans. Although his life was full of most wonderful events, he has left behind him but few written records of his marvellous career j and yet, without question, he was the grandest and most successful of all the missionaries to the Indians in the vast domains of British North America.
In burning zeal, in heroic efforts, ill journeyings oft, in tact that never failed in many a trying ho-ur, in success most marvellous, in a vivacity and sprightliness that never succumbed to discouragement, in a faith that never faltered, and with a solicitude for the spread of our glorious Christianity that never grew less, James Evans stands among his brethren without a peer.
H the full accounts of his long journeys in the wilds of the northern part of the Dominion of Canada could be written, they would equal in thrilling interest anything of the kind known in modern missionary annals.
His mission field was nearly half a continent, and over it he travelled in summer in a birch canoe, and in winter with dog-trains. From the north shores of Lake Superior away to the ultima Thule that lies beyond the waters of Athabasca and Slave Lakes, where the Aurora Borealis holds high carnival; from the beautiful prairies of the Bow and Saskatchewan rivers to the muskegs and sterile regions of Hudson's Bay; from the fair and fertile domains of Red and Assiniboia rivers to the foot.hills of the Rocky Mountains, enduring foot-prints of James E,'ans may still be seen.
At many a camp-fire and in many a lonely wigwam old Indians yet linger whose eyes brighten and whose tongues wax eloquent as they recall that man, whose deeds live on, and whose converts from a degrading paganism formed a goodly multitude.
His canoe trips were often of many weeks' duration, and extended for thousands of miles. With his experienced Indian canoemen to manage his birch canoe no river seemed too rapid and no lake too stormy to deter him in his untiring zeal to find out the Indian in his lonely solitude, and preach to him the ever-blessed Gospel.
The Rev. James Evans was born in England, near Hull, in the year 1801. His father was a sailor, and early in life his son James longed for the sea. Some rough experiences, however, in a measure cured him, and he was willing to settle down to his studies at an English boarding-schoo1. When his school-days were over, and while serving his apprenticeship in a store, he was enabled to hear the celebrated Irish missionary, the Rev. Gideon Ouseley. Under his faithful words James Evans was induced to listen to the voice of the Heavenly Master, and with a glad and full surrender to Him he gave his heart, and to Him he fully consecrated his life. Shortly after he emigrated to Canada and accepted a position as a schoolteacher among the white settlers. After a varied experience he was appointed to teach the Indian school at Rice Lake. With his dcvoted wife he threw all his energy into what was to prove his life work, and labored incessantly in every way possible for the uplifting and salvation of the poor, neglected Indians. Possessing a marvellous memory, he successfully overcame the crudities of the Indian languages and became a fluent speaker in several of them. Hymns and portions of the Word of God were translated by him into different Indian dialects, and very delightful and encouraging was it to witness the marvellous transformations which were witnessed in the lives of the natives.
Mr. Evans was a man of great vivacity and cheerfulness. Possessing a splendid physique and perfect health, he ever seemed the personification of brightness and good-humor. No sullen, down-hearted Indian could long remain so in the presence of his sunny smile and pleasant words.
Even in times when food was scarce and money there was none, James Evans and his brave wife found something over which to rejoice and be glad. A friend visiting them one day found them rejoicing over thcir homely meal, which consisted only of pancakes, made by mixing some fish spawn and flour together, and cooked on top of the stove. My honored father, the late Rev. William Young, then jUl!Jt entering on his work, once called upon them when at their dinner, whieh consisted only of a loaf of bread and a little milk ; yet they were full of enthusiasm and laughing at their poverty; they were zealous for their Master, and rejoiced that the blessed work was so prospering.
For a number of years he labored among various Indian tribes in different parts of what was then known as Upper Canada, but now called the Province of Ontario. He found as his greatest obstacle to success the "fire-water" of the white man. As it has been in many other lands, where devoted missionaries have had to mourn their plans thwarted, the people debanched, the churches ruined, their work of years undone by white men from so-called Christian lands, so has it been among the poor Indians ; but even with all these oppositions Mr. Evans and his fellow-workers toiled on, and sncceeded in gathering hundreds of Indians together in different missions, all of whom, on their being received as members of the Church, signed the pledge as total abstainers from all intoxicating liquors.
After spending a number of years with great success in the work in Upper Canada, where he was associated with such devoted fellow-laborers as William Case, Peter Jones, John Sunday, Solomon Waldron, and Thomas Hurlburt, a very much wider and more responsible field opened up before him.
The English "Vesleyan Missionary Society had been for some time anxious to begin missionary work in the Hudson's Bay territories, but were delayed by the difficulty in finding a suitable man to be the leader of the devoted company who were to be the pioneers of such an arduous undertaking.
While praying and inquiring about the matter, the fame of the Rev. James Evans went across the sea, and at once the minds of the members of the committee with singular unanimity went out to this man who had been so very successful among the red men in Canada as just the leader for whom they were seeking. Never was a better choice made. Grandly was he equipped for the work by the varied experiences obtained in the successful years just ending.
With all the enthusiasm of his ardent spirit he gladly accepted of the appointment, although it meant the sacrifice of all the blessings of civilization, and complete exile from kindred spirits into a region of blizzard storms and degraded savages. To such a man difficulties and hardships hardly entered iuto his calculations. To honor God in the salvation of precious souls was his consuming passion.
So full of zeal and faith was he that amid the hurry of preparation we hear him saying: "I am in high spirits, and expect to see many of the poor savages converted to God." Such were the difficulties of travel in those days and the wretched facilities for transportation, that Mr. Evans's household effects had to make two trips across the Atlantic Ocean: first they were shipped from Toronto to England, then they were reshipped in a vessel of the Hudson's Bay Company to York Factory, on the west shore of the Hudson's Bay. From this place they were taken up in little river boats to Norway House. So difficult was this river transit, owing to the many rapids and obstructions in the rivers, that at least seventy times had the packages to be lifted out of the boats and carried on men~s heads over the rocky portages.
Mr. Evans and his family went by the canoe route from Thunder Bay, on Lake Superior, to Norway House. The trip was a dangerous one, and they were in dangers oft ; but nothing could quench the zeal of this brave man. At the different posts where Indians gathered he preached the Word, and hundreds listened with intense interest. He took with him two young Ojibway Indians, converted, zealous young men, who told their astonished brethren in those northern regions the joys and blessedness of this great salvation. One of them was the Rev. Hellry Sternham, who became a very successful missionary, and who after many years of glorious toil finished his course .with joy and entered into rest. Two noble sons are active and useful in the field.
Of Mr. Evans's trials and triumphs in the vast regions of the Northwest we cannot enter here in detail.
Glorious were his successes. There seemed to bc such a power and influence attending his words that even the old Indian conjurers and medicine men were silenced and subdued. The Indians in hundreds accepted the teachings of the great Book, and missions were established in many places. Many aud importunate were Mr. Evans's appeals for brave men to come and occupy these fields, so open and so ripe for the reapers; but, alas ! the responses were so few that many inviting fields were neglected, and the poor Indians became suspicious and soured, and even doubted the genuineness of the religion of some of the churches. In their simple, candid way they argued, "1£ Christians really believe that their religion is such a blessed thing, and so necessary for us all, how is it that Mr. Evans cannot get any of them to come and live among us and tell us all about it 2"
To make up for the lack of helpers Mr. Evans was in journeyings oft. For only about four months of each year were the rivers and lakes free from ice, but during those months his canoe was well used, and. often his trips were of many weeks' duration. No river was too rapid, and seldom were the great lakes too stormy for this man of unquenchable zeal, whose whole soul was fixed on the one work of finding the Indian in his wigwam retreats or distant hunting-grounds, that he might tell him the wondrous story of a loving Saviour, mighty to save. A perfect genius at invention, Mr. Evans manufactured a canoe out of sheet tin. This the Indians called the " Island of Light," on account of its flashing back the sun's rays as it glided along over those beautiful lakes, propelled by the strong paddles in the hands of his well-trained canoemen. Mr. Evans was a man of fearless spirit. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God. With the spirit of Elijah he denounced sin wherever he came in contact with it. He was an outspoken advocate for the observance of the Sabbath, and taught his Indian converts to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
This brought him in direct conflict with the grcat and dcspotic furtrading company, who held undisputed sway in that great land.
They employed thousands of the Indians as trippers, to take hy small inland boats, which will each hold about four tons of cargo, the goods for the fur trade to the island posts. The goods are brought out from England by the company's ships to York Factory. Some of the far-away inland posts are thousands of miles away, and yet by these hardy Indian voyagers the packages of goods must be taken to those places, and the bales of rich furs brought out to be snipped to European markets.
Before the advent of the missionary such a thing as the observance of the Sabbath on these long, toilsome trips was unknown. Like beasts of burden, they toiled on in rushing river or rocky portage. The work was very hard indeed. Many a stalwart man broke down under his heavy load, and many a brave fellow perished in the treacherous rapids. :NIr. Evans taught them tllat one day's rest in seven would not only be pleasing to God, but would enable them to do better work in the six days than they could now do in the seven.
When the Christian Indians, converted through his instrumentality, began to put in practice his teachings, the opposition and then the persecution of the company assailed him j but, conscious of being right, he quailed not before them. He appealed to them to test the matter by experiment to see if the Christian brigade, that kept the Sabbath, could not do better work in less time than any non-keeping Sabbath brigade in all the vast country.
For a long time they were too arrogant to yield to the request of the missionary, but bitterly persecuted him and his Indian converts. Failing to daunt his spirit or stop his teachings, they resorted to the basest calnmnies and the vilest accusations against; his character. Lying accnsations were sent to the home Church officials, and this blessed man had to leave his work to fight for what was dearer to him than life itself. Gloriously was he vindicated and humiliated were his persecutors.
As the outcome the Christian Indians secured the right to rest on the Sabbath day on these long trips of many weeks' duration j and the result has been that even the selfish company have had to admit, as often they have done to the writer, that our Christian Indian boatmen, who always rest on the Sabbath day, can do better work in less time than those who know no Sabbath.
For eight successive seasons I watched the strifc between the brigades, and never once were the Sabbath-keeping ones anywhere else but far away in the front.
That the Sabbath is so well kept in the vast domains of the Canadian northland to-day is owing to the brave stand taken at the beginning by James Evans. The great work' of Mr. Evans's life, and that which will ever keep his name memorable in missionary fame, was the invention and perfecting of what is now so widely known as the Cree syllabic characters. Like other missionaries among the wandering Indians, who as hunters are ever following the game, he found it almost impossible to keep them long enough together in one place to teach them to read in the ordinary way.
The thought came to him, Cannot they be taught by a simpler method 1 Wit~ this he struggled for years, and success the most wonderful was at length realized in the substitution of syllabics for letters. The principle of the characters which he adopted is phonetic. There are no silent letters. Each character represents a syllable, hence no spelling is required. As soon as the syllabics are mastered-and there are but thirty-six of them and a few additional secondary signs, some of which represent consonants, some aspirates, and some partially change the sound of the main character-the Indian titudent, be he an old man of eighty or a ehild of eight years, can by average diligence learn to read the Word of God in a few weeks. It has been the joy and privilege of the writer to go to a pagan horde of Indians, and after securing the good-will of perhaps all but the conjurers and medicine men, to mark Evans's syllabic characters on a rock with a burnt stick from his camp-fire, where his bear's meat or musk-rat had been cooked for his dinner, and with his varied audience of young and old to give them their first lesson. After a few hours' drill at the coalmarked rock, the Bibles, the gift of the British and Foreign Bible Society, were opened, and commencing at the first verse in Genesis they began to read, slowly, of course at first, the wonderful words of God.
Mr. Evans had many difficulties to overcome ere this marvellous invention was perfected and put into practical use. Living so far in the wilderness, he was destitute of tools and various other things which would have been so helpful, but with him there was no such word as failure. Obtaining as a great favor the thin sheets of lead that were around the tea chests of the fur traders, he melted them down into little bars, and from them with his pocket-knife he cut out his first types. His ink was made out of the soot of the chimneys, and his first paper was birch bark.
It required a good deal of ingenuity to make a press that would do its work, but in that he !,ucceeded at length, and then the work of printing began. If great was his satisfaction, greater still was the amazement and delight of the Indians. The fact that bark could talk was to them most marvellous. Not very artistic was the work at first, but it was intelligible and succeeded. Portions of the Gospels were first printed and also some of the most familiar hymns.
The story of this invention reached the home missionary society. Generous help was at once afforded. Samples of the type of the syllabic were sent home. A goodly supply was cast in London. A serviceable press, with all requisites, including a large quantity of paper, was sent out via Hudson Bay, and so for years that inland mission was the distributing centre from which considerable portions of the Word of God were scat-
SCUlPTURAL REFEUENCE TO TllE HlGllEH CLASSEf'
tcrcd among many wandering tribes, conferred blessings iUllu1l18rable, and causing more t.han one deputation to be sent importunately pleading for teachers to come and explain what the good words meant.
In later years the British and Foreign Bible Society has most cheerfully and generously taken charge of the work, and now those northern Indians have the whole Bible freely distributed among them, and multitudes .of them are reading its glorious truths.
Mr. Evans had his own sorrows and troubles. Persecutions assailed him because of his brave, determined stand against the use of all intoxicating liquors, Sabbath desecration, and the vicious habits of some of the white traders amoug the Indians. Another terrible disaster, that undoubtedly shortened his days, was his unfortunate accident in shooting his beloved and faithful interpreter by the premature explosion of his gun. This awful calamity nearly distracted him. From it he never recovered. To the family of his deceased interpreter he surrendered himself in such a state of grief and sorrow, that he seemed to little care whether they killed him or not. They were pagans, and at first were inclined to wreck dire vengeance upon him and exact blood for blood. Wiser councils, after three days' discussion, however, prevailed, and Mr. Evans was adopted into the family in the dead man's place. He was a good foster son to the old parents of his beloved Hassel, and did all he could for them as long as he lived; but he did not survive many years longer. His great heart was breaking with the memory of this terrible accident. He threw himself with all his energy int.o his work, and whether it was in his swift canoe, in still seeking the lost sheep in the wilderness, or on the platforms of large churches, in the home land, before vast audienccs, pleading the cause of missions, he was the tireless worker still, bnt his sore heart was breaking, and one night, at the close of a glorious missionary meeting, where he had stirred to their very depths all who had heard him, his great heart broke asunder, and suddenly he went up from his triumphs and his troubles to be forever with the Lord.
Thus passed on to the" glorious company" James Evans, aged forty. six, but to judge by his work, he lived a thousand years.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE TO THE HIGHER CLASSES.
BY REV. GILBERT REID, CHI-NAN-FU, CHINA.
Whenever a missionary seeks to influence persons of the upper classes in the non-Christian lands, immediately there are those who at once exclaim, " The scriptural view is always that of working from the bottom up, and no other plan has ever been proved to be God's plan."
While believing that it is not always necessary to follow the minutire of certain incidents of the Bible in Ollr present dealings with men, it is nevertheless profitable to test the application and force of these great principles which are deduced from biblical record. This is especially true in establishing any theory of universal missions.
Though the Bible seldom seems to direct special attention to the conver- sion of persons high in rank or authority, except in tha theocratic govern- ment of Israel, yet contact with such a class always existed, and a benefi- cent influence was always sought. As to the ~hosen people of Israel, there was'certainly no neglect of the men highest in power, but prophets, priests, and kings were always classed together, and to them the people looked as the special representatives of God Himself. In the casual contact of the chosen people with the outside tribes and the Gentile nations, any such neglect of the ruling classes or of the men of highest influence is certainly not commanded and not even countenanced. The one who was early made a type of the Messiah was none other than the King Melchizedec, who with his kingly powers united those of the priest, and one to whom Abraham did not refuse to offer his gifts of praise and worship. Joseph, rising in the Egyptian kingdom to the most dignified position next unto the throne ; Moses, versed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, becoming a sagacious revolutionist in a tyrannical kingdom, the human founder of the only theocratic government that has ever existed, and one of the most profound legislators that history has recorded; Daniel, instructed in the language and arts of the Chaldeans, appointed first by the royal favor of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar to be ruler over the whole province of Babylon, then under Darius the Mede elevated still higher to supreme head of the pashas, and finally, in the succeeding Persian dynasty of Cyrus the Great, by a retention of his previous power, being probably instrumental in the issue of the royal edict that commanded the restoration of the" exiled Hebrews to their native land j Esther and Mordecai, in the reign of Xerxes, securing by their admirable dexterity as well as by providential interposition the most honorable of positions, the one that of queen, and the other that of chief minister; Ezra, by the esteem of Artaxerxes chosen civil ruler of the Jewish province, and securing special privileges for his unfortunate race; and later on in the same reign, Nehemiah gaining first as royal cup-bearer the friendship of the heathen monarch, then generously commissioned to rebuild the city of Jerusalem-these are the fascinating incidents from among the chosen people in their intercourse with the heathen monarchies of Egypt and Babylon, Media and Persia.
In the Bible history it is noticeable that the Old Testament gives special prominence to kings and princes, judges and rulers, while the New Testament unfolds in the main the progress of the Church among the common people. To this general phase, however, there are striking divergencies, showing that no class of society is to be overlooked by Christian effort. When the news went abroad in the time of Christ that " the poor have the Gospel preached to them," it was indeed a joyful moment in the lives of those down-trodden people; but this hope aroused and joy manifested were no evidence of the superiority of the poor, but a recognition of the rights vouchsafed by Christianity not only to the favored, but to the unfortunate and neglected. Whoever is neglected, whoever is lost-not whoever is poor-has a claim on Christianity. Christ came to save, not the poor men, but man. In His ministry in Judea He favored the poor, not because the rich, the rulers, and the learned needed no favors, but because their favors were already abundant. ' , We sometimes speak and feel," said the late Phillips Brooks, "as if Jesus had only to do with the poor and needy. Yet Jesus was not simply the champion of the poor and needy. He was the representative of humanity, in order that He might inspire humanity with love to God. He asserted the way in which a man shall be superior to the fact of poverty or the fact of wealth." "Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called," but by this saying it is taught that at least there are a few. An attractive, wealthy young man of good social standing came to Christ with a solemn question, and the answer was one of love as well as truth. From an after-remark the disciples concluded that the rich more than others were excluded from salvation; but this human idea of saving faith was shattered by an appeal to a Power unseen but not unfelt, " With men it is impossible, but not with God." Spiritual life as it works in the heart of man, whatever his rank, is Divine alone, but the presentation of truth is by the co-operation of human agency.
What, now, are some of the actual facts in New Testament history ~ It is related that one time, when certain Pharisees and high priests sent some small officers to seize Christ, these men failed to execute their mission, being led to admiration and belief by the matchless words of Christ. Surprised by such a result, some of the Pharisees, as if to crush forever the popular craze, boastfully asked, " Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on Him f' How little did they know that the patient, beneficent life of Christ had produced its effects even within their own ranks; that" among the chief rulers many believed on Him, only because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him"! Striking, indeed, was the fact that the first persons to do Christ honor after His death were two members of the Jewish Sanhedrim-Joseph, an honorable counsellor, and Nicodemus, a secret inquirer; the one to devote his own burying-ground as the place for Christ's burial, and the other to bring myrrh and aloes to lay upon the body of Christ.
Of the twelve apostles, Matthew was an officer in the Roman Govern· ment, called directly from the tollbooth, and prominent not only as an evangelist and missionary, but as one of the authors of the life of Christ. Another officer, called Zaccheus, in becoming a disciple of Christ gave evidence of his sincerity in declaring, "Half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." Two other men of prominence, high functionaries of Capernaum, the one a centurion and the other a nobleman, were led by the healing skill of Christ to become firm believers.
Later on in the early Apostolic Church, one of the first converts was a treasurer of the heathen queen of Ethiopia, who, according to tradition, was instrumental in establishing the first Christian church in that land.
So also one of the first converts in the city of Athens was Dionysius, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, who, according to tradition, became the first bishop of that city. And what, in fact, might we have expected if the early Church had not been aided and moulded by a man of superior learning, practical common-sense, powers of organization, adaptation, and perseverence, the great missionary to the Gentiles, the Apostle Paul, a man able to meet kin~s and rulers, like Felix and Agrippa, and who finally secured converts in the imperial palace among Cresar's household 7 Enough has been pointed out from the Bible record to show that the true teaching is to neglect no one, no race, no nation, no class, no soul.
The efforts of the Church reach forth, even as with Christ, to all the world, and in His name the world will one day be won.
Mr. Reid* is director of a mission among the higher classes in China, having its centre in Chi-nan-fu. He sends the following general statement concerning the work: The higher classes of China are: (1) the mandarins, military and civil j (2) the local gentry j (3) the literati; (4) the nobility, and (5) the leaders of charitable, religious, and reformatory movements. They are called the higher classes, simply because of the superior influence which they possess.
Dr. Nevius has said: "While most missionaries give their chief attention to the middle or more illiterate class, a few feel a special call to attempt to influence the literati and officials j not only because they exercise a dominating influence upon the masses, but also because they have been in general too much neglected."
Out of fifteen hundred Protestant missionaries in China, men and women, only three are devoting a large portion of their time to the upper classes, and of these two are specially engaged with the literary department. Such a neglect, and that, too, of an influential class, without whose aid China can never be transformed and uplifted, makes the need both apparent and imperative.
The aim of the mission to the higher classes is (1) the unfolding of truth, moral, religious, historical, and scientific j (2) conversion and loyalty to truth, to God, and the world's Redeemer; (3) the utilization of the dominating influence of these men for the benefit of the masses and for greater peace and protection; (4) the salvation and prosperity of China as a nation j (5) the cultivation and establishment of international friendliness and religiOUS toleration, and (6) greater enlightenment and improved civilization.
• The leading English daily paper in Shanghai eays of Mr. Reid: .. Mr. Reid is a man of observation, penetration, and strong common Bense. He h"" shown peculiar ability in dealing with Chinese officials. IDs tact, combined with native shrewdness, has enabled him to interview, generally with success, in the conrse of his career more than a hundred officials, from those In a subordinate military posltiou to the Grand Secretary, the Viceroy Li, and the foreign officer. To him bas been entrusted with BUCCesS the settlement of dl1llculties lu connection with the acquisition of land and buildings by missionaries in Chi-nan fn, Chi-ning chow, and other places, and so well have his services been appreciated by the Chinese officials, as well as by hls colleagnes, that when he WII8 leaving Chi-nlng chow ten of the leading mandarins gave him a farewell banquet, and preseuted him with a silken banner embroidered with theft names and ranks."
REV. WILLIAM C. BURNS
The methods to be pursued, in the spirit of conciliation, respect, and kindness, and based on the experience of the past, seem to be suitable and clear. In brief they are as follows: 1. Social contact with the acquaintances already made and with those to be made still in the future. This is essentially fitted to Chinese life. It is conversation rather than lecture or sermon. 2. Extended influence on matters of purely a business character. As the mandarins are the recognized authorities of the Chinese Government, and as the missionary organization is under the protection of that government, it is eminently fitting that some line of communication should be established between the two for greater peace and security, mutual understanding and frien~liness. Efforts in this direction would be put forth as opportunities arise. 3. The establishment of a simple museum to attract and inform the literary Chinese. 4. By means of such simple and suitable apparatus, as the museum would contain, the formation of an illustrated lecture· course on rudimentary topics. 5. The preparation along with other missionaries of literature to be distributed among this class. 6. The establishment of a book depot, with reading-room and reception-room attached, in which may be found on sale all the best religious and scientific books prepared in the Chinese language, and forming literary headquarters for the Chinese literati, and a mode of approach to their respect and sympathy. 7. The formation of a few monthly classes of instruction to which some of these men would be invited as guests, and where fundamental truths would be explained and enforced.
Rev. F. F. Ellinwood, D.D., Secretary of the Presbyterian Board, says in reference to the work: "While it is thought best that this work shall be carried on independently of the Presbyterian Mission, I wish to say that the relations between Mr. Reid and the mission with which he has been connected, as well as with the Board, are most cordial, and that we have reason to believe that he will still be useful to the Presbyterian Mission and to the great cause of the Gospel in China."
Thus the work as now initiated will be interdenominational, relying on the support of persons of all creeds and churches and aiding in return in the spirit of unity all the denominations in China, as opportunity shall arise. * REV. WILLIAM C. BURNS, PIONEER EVANGELIST TO CHINA.
BY REV. JOHN G. FAGG, AMOY.
William C. Burns, the first missionary of the English Presbyterian Church to China, was born at Dun, a quiet village in Angus, Scotland, on April 1st, 1815. He graduated with honors from Aberdeen and Glasgow. A students' missionary society had been organized at the University of Glasgow, and Burns became a member. Here earnest men reviewed the lives of Brainerd and Martyn; were thrilled by the latest news from Duff and Marshman in India; listened to men on the eve of depar- * The person who inaugurates the work is alone responsible for the management. Iu due time all the missionaries iu China approving of the effort, and willing to coOperate, will form the associate membership, with whom counsel will be taken. Funds donated ma~ be received by the bankers, Brown Brothers & Company, 59 Wall Streets, New York City, who wlll duly transmit them to Mr. Reid in China. A fnll account, properly andited, will be rendered every six months, and along with all reports of the work and other published matter, will be sent directly to all contributors. In brief, the funds needed are divided into two ciasses-one the estimated annual expense for the next three years, about $3,000,000; the other the expense for securing a permanent equipment, about $7,000,000. ture for the regions beyond, and to returned veterans who sounded the clarion call for volunteers. Burns's devotion to Christ was kindled into glowing intensity, and in his soul he felt that his sphere of service was to be in the lands far hence. In 1838 he offered himself as a missionary to Hindostan, but he could not be sent immediately.
He was called to minister at St. Peter's, Dundee, during Robert McCheyne's tour to Palestine on behalf of the Jews. It was no easy task for anyone, even for a short time, to occupy the pulpit of a man known throughout Scotland as one of the most gifted, singularly spiritual, and successful preachers of his time ; but the very consciousness of insufficiency made Burns strong. Older members of the congregation trembled for him as they saw the youth standing in the place of one whom they so deeply revered. Their fears were dispelled almost at the first sound of Burns's voice. "As he led with deep-toned spirituality and power the prayers of the sanctuary, they seemed to hear only the sound of his Master's feet behind him. Gifted with a solid and vigorous understa.nding, possessed of a voice of vast compass and power, and fired with an ardor so intense and an energy so exhaustless that nothing could dampen or resist it, Mr. Burns wielded an influence over the vast congregations whom he addressed, almost without parallel since the days of Wesley and Whitefield. " From Dundee he went to Kilsyth, a mill town near Glasgow. A wonderful awakening followed his preaching. One of his sermons was preached with extraordinary power. "There was about him throughout an awful solemnity, as if his soul was overshadowed with the very presence of Him in whose name he spoke. As he went on that presence seemed more and more to pass within him and -to possess him, and to bear him along in a current of strong emotion which was alike to himself and his hearers irresistible. Appeal followed appeal in ever-increasing fervor, till at last as he reached the climax of his argument, and vehemently urged his hearers to fight the battle that they might win the eternal prize, the words, 'No cross, no crown!' pealed from his lips, not so much like a sentence of ordinary speech, as a shout in the thick of battle."
Crowds of inquirers flocked at every invitation to the vestry or the manse to seek spiritual counsel. Prayer-meetings of the old and young sprang up everywhere in the village and the surrounding hamlets. The mountain glen, the coal-pits, the harvest fields, the weaving loomsteads became vocal with sounds of prayer and praise. Like results followed his preaching at St. Andrew's, Perth, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and in numerous country villages. He was called to Canada. He ministered to crowded congregations in the churches. He visited the barracks and preached with great power to the soldiers. He returned to Glasgow in 1846. The call to the Orient came in definite form. Two years before the English Presbyterian Church had concluded to open their first mission in China, and had been looking out for God's appointed servant to enter upon this work. They found him in Mr. Burns. He embarked for Hong Kong in June, 1847. From 1847 to 1851 he tarried at Hong Kong and Canton, studying thc language, and preaching in the towns and villages on the mainland opposite IIong Konji and about Canton. In July, 1851, he reached Amoy. Having a remarkable linguistic faculty, he soon acquired the new dialect, and was out among the villages on the mainland opposite Amoy Island. V<1lat a contrast his life and work in China after eight years of most fruitful labor in Scotland and Canada !
There crowds flocked to hear llim, eager for the truth, understanding the message and daily evidencing that God' s Word had borne fruit to the saving of their souls. Here crowds, too, but how different! Curious crowds, idolatrous, apathetic crowds, most of them caring nothing for the words of the preacher, responding to most earnest appeals by inquiries as to whether his hair could grow long, or what was the cost of the shoes he wore. He said: "Unless the Lord, the Spirit, continually uphold and quicken, oh! how benumbing is daily contact with heathenism!" ",Ve have not become all at once and forever superior to the withering influence of a hard, irresponsive heathenism by wearing the name missionary. ·Who in foreign lands has not felt his spiritual life at times ebbing away, with the powerful undertow of a cold and widely prevailing indifference and unbelief. The brightest lamp will burn dim in a carbon-charged atmosphere.
But ·William Burns was not left without assurance of the Lord's approval of his work. ·When, in 1853, a rebellion against the present dynasty broke out in Amoy and the surrounding legion, " when no other European could venture out among the rebels, he was free to go where he liked." "That's the man of the book," they would say, " he must not be touched." At Peh-chuia, an inland town, his labors were signally blessed. Crowds of interested hearers thronged to his preaching hall. Whole families turned to God, bringing their idols and ancestral tablets and burning them in full view of their neighbors. The Word of God grew mightily, and prevailed. " There were all the signs of the coming of the kingdom of God, after the true model of apostolic times; the general and widespread interest; individual decision and self-sacrifice; the division of families, the separation of brother from brother for Christ's sake; the joy of first love, and the spontaneous spread of the sacred influence from village to village, and from heart to heart."
In 1855 Mr. Burns went to Shanghai, hoping to get an interview with the leaders of the Taiping rebellion, in connection with whom in the beginning of the movement great expectations were cherished for the spread of Christianity in China. He never saw thc leaders, and all hopes of any furtherance to the Gospel from that quarter werc soon abandoned.
Thence, in company with J. Hudson Taylor, he went to Swatow, where thc first seed was sown, whence has sprung so goodly a harvest in the present flourishing Presbyterian MissiQn. He visited Foochow, led
A HALF CENTURY OF FAITH WORK
preaching bands through the streets of the city and the surrounding villages, and assisted in the preparation of the Foochow hymn-book.
Thence he went to Peking" to endeavor to obtain the same recognition of the civil rights of Protestants that the Roman Catholics had." His hopes were not realized in the manner he desired; but his mission was not fruitless. He did not tarry long. Hearing of virgin soil at Newchwang and the country around, he proceeded to the borderland of Manchuria. He prepared the way for the coming of the Irish Presbyterian Mission. There he died, April 4th, 1868. He was the pioneer of three now prosperous missions, at Amoy, Swatow, and Newchwang. He was unselfish enough to break up the fallow ground and then go on, giving others the joy of reaping and gathering into the garner. He gave his means, supplying himself with only the barest necessities. When the trunk containing nearly all the property he had left arrived in Scotland and was opened, it contained only a few sheets of Chinese writing material, a Chinese and English Bible, an old writing-case, one or two small books, a Chinese lantern, a single Chinese gown. " Surely," whispered a little child standing by, "he must have been very poor."
" Earnest, unselfish, consecrated, true, With nothing but the noblest end in view; Choosing to toil in distant fields unsown, Contented to be poor, and little known, Faithful to death. 0 man of God, well done 1 Thy fight is ended, and thy crown is won."
A HALF CENTURY OF FAITH WORK.
THE MULLER ORPHANAGES AND SCRIPTURAL KNOWLEDGE INSTITUTION.
BY THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.
The venerable George Muller, of Bristol, England, has given to the world his fifty-fifth report of the work at the New Orphan Houses and of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad.
For sixty years the God of praying souls has sustained and enlarged this work, and not only cared for all temporal wants, but blessed with marvellous spiritual blessings what Mr. Muller and his co-workers have done in His name. Instead of finding in this Report tedious repetition, its very monotony is melody, like the performance of M. Jullien upon a single violin string.
PRAYER is the one word to be written in large letters on this whole work. I have stood in awe with uncovered head in the sacred room, on Ashley D07o'n, where three prayer-meetings are usnally held every week; and beside these, Mr. Muller and his son-in-law, James ·Wright, pray day by day together, and Mrs. ~Iiiller and her husband at least twice daily together, and often as many as six times; and this does not include Mr.
Muller's individual prayers alone repeatedly each day; and all this vol- ume of private and individual prayer goes up to God for His help for the Institution and His blessing on every step taken in carrying forward this multiplied work. What wonder unspeakable bounty is bestowed!
The manner in which, and the principles on which, this far-reaching service to God and His poor is conducted many may be interested to note, and so we here present some facts, carefully sifted out from this report, believing that the high rank we assign to this work, as one of the miracles of missions, and the unusual space which we give to this resume, will be abundantly justified by the remarkable facts recorded: One donor has sent for nearly thirty years, as a donation for the Insti- tution, what he would l~ave paid to insurance companies, and has been many times preser"ed from fire, when it has been near his premises. He writes with this last donation: "There has been another fierce fire within fifty yards of the back of my works and warehouse, a large factory having been completely burned down in broad daylight. To God be all the praise for His gracious preservation of premises, insured with Himself through our Lord and Saviour J csus Christ." Mr. Muller has acted on this principle himself for more than half It century; the Orphan Houses, though erected at an expense of £115,000, having never been insured, and yet year after year preserved against fire.
Another donor traces the fulfilment of God's promise in these words: "You received my letter and enclosure d £12 on Saturday. On that very day a large order was written out in Bristol for me, amounting in nct value to more than £21, and this, together with your letter, reached me Monday morning, also several other good orders by the same post. Then, again, as I sat down to write this note to you, a letter reached me, which contained a check for £12 (the exact sum I sent you), in payment of an account three months overdue. ' The Lord is good to them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.'" This Christian donor has for many years trusted in the Lord, and he has found Luke 6 : 38 verified, "Give, and it shall be given unto you j good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. " " This has also been my own experience," adds Mr. MiilIer, "for sixty-four years and six months, ever since January 1st, 1830. " Then he d wells a little on this scripture. "Give, contribute to the temporal necessities of the poor or to the work of the Lord, out of the money with which the Lord has entrusted you, be that little or lIluch. , And it shall be given unto you.' Thus I have found it invariably in my own experience, and in numberless instances of other children of God, with whom I have become acquainted. But notice further, ' good measure '-viz., abundantly. Hundreds of times this has been verified in my own experience since January, 1830. And this is not all, for it is added, 'pressed down and shaleen together and 1'unning over shall men give into your bosom. An abundance will be the return, if the love of Christ constrains us to lay up treasure in heaven. 'Shall men give into your bosom.' Already, while yet in the body, we shall reap, as we sow; but how infinitely greater will be the harvest in the world to come !"
Another donor says: "I had intended leaving to you at my death the enclosed sum of £25 for the orphans under your care, but I now deem it best to give it in my lifetime." Often sums of money are sent, hundreds and thonsands of pounds during the lifetime of the donortl, who thus become their own executors and save also the legacy duty for the benefit of the Institution; and sometimes such donations come to hand when money is greatly needed. Another Christian gentleman sends, on the anniversary of the birthday of each of his children, the average expenses for one orphan, and has done so for a number of years.
Another writes: "Last year, as I had had losses, I thought I could not afford to send to you, but since then God has sent me sickness also, so that I cannot sleep. In reading the Bible to-day I came across Provo 3 : 27, ' Withhold not good from them to whom it is due.' I thought it seemed like the voice of God speaking to me, so I have sent you a small amount." Two of the former orphans (husband and wife, both Christians for about forty years) sent £3 128. 6d. for the support of one orphan for three months. This amount is sent quarterly, and has been received for many years.
With £10 comes the following communication: "I am glad that in your Reports every year you urge the adoption of the practice of giving systematically, and I wish others would advise this too. It is good for the givers as much as for the recipients. It should be proportionate as well as systematic-i.e., in proportion to ability to give without neglecting other claims, which may be prior claims. To illustrate my meaning I would give my own practice to you-namely, that I began business about sixty years ago in rather a small way, and soon began to give 5 per cent, then 10 per cent, which was not increased for some years, because, though the business prospered, my family increased also. But after some years the business income increased beyond all reasonable family expenditure, so I gave 15 per cent, then 20 per cent, and 25 per cent. Then, having put by, for my widow (in case I should die before my dear wife) and children, what I considered would be as much as expected by them, I continued in business and gave away all my income. Several years ago, however, being unable longer to fulfil duties of business. I gave it up to my sons. Since then I have lived economically on the interest of my capital put by. I give away from that reserve fund, and in the course of fifty years I have given away more than £100,000 among God's devoted servants, in order to strengthen their hands in His work." Another donor, who encloses a check for half the dividend upon an old debt, adds: "Ten years ago I decided that half of any amount I might obtain of it should go to the orphanage fund, and I now send the amount received this day in redemption of my pledge. This dividend has come quite as a surprise, for during the last ten years I have ceased to expect anything."
Rere the reader has another glorious proof of the blessedness of systematic giving as the Lord is pleased to bless us iIi our temporal affairs. Though the Church of God will remain the little flock in comparison with the world at large to the end of the present dispensation, and though, generally speaking, the children of God are poor as to this world, yet we do not hesitate to say that, if all acted according to these principles, at least ten times more would be accomplished for God than is accomplished; for in his long Christian experience Mr. Muller has fonnd in almost numberless instances that individuals who have acted on these principles, constrained by the love of Christ, havc always had ample means to spend upon the work of God.
How grateful should the whole Church be that God has spared Mr. Muller's life for so many years, and has sustained him amid numerous severe trials of faith and patience, and made him a living witness in this century to the Church, and even to all the world, that the God who supplied the needs of the ancient Israelites for forty years in the desert is still the living and true God. His example led Hudson Taylor to venture to China, trust- ing in the Lord alone for support, and has made him such a blessing to that vast country, who with his coadjutors are laying the foundations of a wide- spread Christian Church in that empire, and Mr. Muller has contributed largely toward it, having assisted them from time to time. The whole Church owes a debt to this aged saint for having dared to set such an example of faith in God, which has already produced such results, and the extent of whose influence none but God can fully understand. Hundreds of disciples pray that God will not take dear Mr. Muller home for a long time to come. He has been such a help to their own faith that every day they ask God to strengthen him and to keep him in perfect peace, and pray that the Lord wIll incline those who have His gold and silver to give it to the orphans.
All this work goes on not without both severe trials of faith and wonderful rewards to believing prayer. Week after week the income has been small in comparison with the great expense. The balance in hand at the beginning of the last financial year was so retluced that not the fifth part was"left 9f what they began the year witll, though only three months had elapsed. Under such circumstances Mr. Muller fell again on his knees, asking that even that day-the Lord's Day-when they take in no letters, lie would be pleased to give means for the Institution. And now note what followed. After the meeting at Stoke's Croft Chapel, a gentleman, an entire stranger, came to him, with whom he conversed for a few minutes, and then he put a let.ter into his hand, saying it was for the orphans. It contained these words: "Dear Sir, will you please apply the enclosed for the maintenance of the orphans in your homes. Yours respectfully, a Pilgrim." The letter contained a £100 Bank of England note. See the power of prayer and faith! Verily we do not wait upon the Lord in vain. Thousands of times Mr. Muller has found this true within the past sixty-four years, and expects to find it thus to the end of his earthly pi1grimagoe. And all who are reconciled to God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will find it thus, more or less, just as there is real trust in Him and patient, believing prayer.' For all this long series of years God has made these orphan houses to be an object lesson to thousands, and a source of blessing, probably, to huudreds of thousands. Praise be to God for this glorious fact, for it seems now that the trial of his faith was intended for blessing, to show how" man's extremity is God's opportunity," and for the strengthening of the faith of many real Christians who watch with interest His dealings with Mr. Muller. Many believers have by this been led to a new standard of both living and giving. One donor says: "For many years I conscientiously gave a tenth of my income to the work of God, but now all that I have is His, and I give as He leads me. I am laying nothing by for sickness or old age, for I expect the speedy return of the Lord Jesus, and desire to lay up treasure in heaven. If He should delay His coming, I may not see old age j but even if I do, the Lord will provide. I believe God is greatly honored by a life of full trust in Him, and I see this more and more the older I grow. "
Through a remarkable providence of God one donor came into the possession of £3000 a short time since, and gave the whole of this amount in six donations of £500 each to the Institution, whereby for many weeks were supplied sufficient means for the orphans, when otherwise the income would not nearly have been sufficient. Thus God in one way or another continually help~, and often in the most remarkable manner as to hL.man appearance. Hear another confession: "Reading your Report has opened my eyes to my error, and even sin of not laying aside a proportion of my income for the Lord, but I have now resolved to put by five per cent, hoping to give a tenth of it to Him. I feel already grateful to God for helping me to see my mistake and to enter upon a sylftem (1' giving, every Lord's Day morning to lay apart threepence out of every five shil- lings as an act of worship and grateful acknowledgment that my God is the giver of all that I receive." "It was a comfort to me recently to. notice, while reading Genesis 47, from verse 13, of Joseph taking up all the money, the cattle, the land, and the people in exchange for the care wherewith he fed the Egyptians, that the Lord says of Himself corre- spondingly : 1. 'The silver and the gold are MINE.' 2.' MINE are the cattle upon a thousand hills.' 3.' The land is MINE.' 4.' All souls are MINE.' So that no redeemed person should ever doubt where his supplies are to come from, nor to whom he should seek in times of straitness." " I made it a rule, on eutering business as an apprentice, to give away part of my quarter's salary, and I find that God has blessed me all the four years that I have done so."
Readers of this Report may ask why all these donations are recorded, and for their sakes Mr. Muller states the following partieulars. "More than sixty years since I saw clearly that the Church of God needed nothing so much as an increase of faith,. and I therefore decided that, by God's help, I would rely upon Him alone for assistance in the way of obtaining pecuniary supplies; and would not, in the hour of need, make known my necessities to any human beings whatever; and to this plan I l~ave adhered, without ever swerving from it. The deliverances which God has wrought for me were recorded afterward, and God has made these narratives a great comfort and encouragement to believers, by strengthening thus the faith of multitudeR of His children, so that tens of thousands of persons in all parts of the earth have been benefited by this my way of carrying on the work of the Lord. Not a few, too, have been converted by seeing thus the reality of the things of God. Because the Lord has thus so abundantly blessed my way of laboring for Him, of which I had thousands of proofs among the many hundreds of thousands to whom I have preached in forty-two of the countries of Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and the six colonies of Australia in the course of seventeen years; and knowing that even avowed infidels had been stopped in their down ward course to perdition, by seeing how timeR without number God had appeared on my behalf, simply in answer to prayer, I judge that it will tend, with His blessing, to the profit of the reader if [further relate how He has helped me, for every sum referred to in this Report, small or great, was sent directly in answer to my repeated supplications and to those of my numerous fellow-laborers." A variety of donations are received from all parts of the earth, and generally from individuals entirely unknown to him.
The results of this work are worldwide. The orphanage which Mr. Ishii is now carrying on in Okayama is really one of the results of Mr. Muller's visit, and of the accounts which he gave, while in Tokyo, of the wonderful way God has provided for the orphans in Bristol. Mr. Ishii, a Christian Japanese, acts now on the same principles.
The reader of this Report will see how nothing but REAL trust in God can keep the heart in peace. In Him, however, Mr. Muller and his helpers DO trust, and rely upon Him alone for help, while in the mean time they continue in prayer. Another, sending £20 for the orphans, writes: " This amoun'.; I intended should accumulate until my death, but I have been impressed to send it to you at once." l-Iow seasonably this dona- tion arrived! The donor was impressed to send the money now, instead of letting it accumulate until her death. How came this impression ~ It was made by our Heavenly Father, who listens to our prayers and sees our need of help. Oh, the blessedness of having t~e living God as a Friend through faith in the Lord Jesus! A city missionary aud his wife, sending £50 for the orphans or for foreign missions, writes: "For nearly forty years I have been a city missionary. Our income has never been large, and we have always given much more than a tenth to the Lord's work, yet our little capital has increased to more than we think it right to pos- sess, and Heb. 13 : 5, 6 has lately much impressed us to trust altogethej· in the Lord and not in money laid by." Let the reader ponder this letter. Here is a poor city missionary giving £50 at once. How very much more could be accomplished'by the Church of God if more disciples of the Lord Jesus were like this godly city missionary! The money was taken for the orphans, for it was needed ON THAT VERY DAY, and thus the hand of God was the more manifestly seen. There was also received from London , the following letter: "I enclose a check for £15, being the expenses of one orphan for one year. I was not able to send my usual contribution at the beginning of the year as my business had been seriously affected by the financial crisis, but my wife has had some money left her by a rela- tive, and she desires to give this amount, which we SHOULD have given if my income had allowed it. This money, which came to her through the will of her grandfather, made thirty or forty years ago, was kept by our Heavenly Father till this year, when we greatly needed it, and then sent to supply our need. Surely this was a fulfilling of Philip 4: 19." From the United States come $10 with this letter: "Please accept the widow's mite, to be used in the work you are doing for the Lord. I feel prompted by the Spirit to send it this morning, and as I want to obey God in all tltings, I hope it will be accepted as coming from Him." The donor was prompted to send us this money, because the living God is a Friend to whom we go in need, and He answers prayers. It is particularly to be noticed that the income that day was very small, and this donation, therefore, came in very acceptably.
A donation came from New Zealand, the most distant country in the world from whence it could come, God in answer to constant prayers constraining the donor not to delay sending the money, and impressed it on his heart to send it as quickly as possible, because just then there was need of help.
No one can estimate the blessing resulting from reading these Reports. Mr. Muller's financial difficulties and peace of mind during most trying times have been blessed to hundreds in similar circumstances, and his unwavering faith in God has done untold good, as God only knows. " For forty years and upward," says Mr. Muller, "we have not had so few donations as for some time past; and yet we have been supplied, bountifully supplied, in answer to our constant believing supplications, for God has so ordered it in His providence that legacies, left a considerable time since, have now been paid, and thus He has abundantly made up the lack of donations. "
How many have been actuated to self-denying giving! One man writes: "From the time I went into business, the first money, taken each week, has always been sent to you, although formerly I allowed it to accumulate until it reached £2 or more. After reading your last Report I have
ICLLER'" :"lEW ORPH,~" HOeSES, ASHLEY Dow", BRISTOL, E"UL_."J>
1131£1£ PAGE 115.1
A HALF CENTURY OF FAITH WORI!
daily, and many tim.es each day, asked the Lord to increase my takings, because I desired to send you money quarterly. My business being a very small one, and the first takings varying from one penny upward, it has frequently taken more than twelve months to reach the sum of £2 ; but during the last three months, many times daily, I have asked the Lord to give me a sovereign for you before the new year should come. Up to the last week in December we had only 13s. 6d. in hand, but I continued to trnst in the Lord to give me the amount I had asked for. Strange to say, however, I did not take one penny that week until Thursday after- • noon; but in the morning, when praying for you, I remembered a debt of £1 5s. that was owing to me, and I then told the Lord that if He would please to let me have this money, I would send it to you. About three o'clock the bill was paid, the first money taken that 1IJeek, and my daughter earned Is. 6d., which she gladly gave to make up the £2. Thus the Lord has once more verified His precious promise: 'Ask and it shall be given you.' " This letter came from a distance of more than 12,000 miles, the Lord influencing one of His children, who is anything but wealthy, to take a deep interest in the work and help both by his means and by his prayers. Notice, also, the writer gives the firstfruits of his little business to the Lord every week, and perseveres in prayer till the blessing comes; for this is particularly to be attended to if we desire to have our petitions granted, even to go on praying and exercising faith and patience, till we receive an answer to our supplications. "It is to this," says Mr. Miiller, "that I owe many thousands of answers to prayer, received within the last sixtyeight years and eight month:;;. When I see that I am asking for a thing, which is according to the mind of God, I go on praying till the blessing is granted, though often I have had long, very long to wait.'" One donor encloses a gift in the way of restitution regarding certain youthful indiscretions which seem to demand restitution. Many disciples forget that restitution is to be made if in our unconverted days we have defrauded anyone. If possible, too, the restitution shonld be sent to the individual who has been defrauded, but, if not living, to his heir or heirs. If there are especial reasons for doing this an~nymously, or if no heir is known, the money may be given to the poor or to some charitable institution ; for we should remember the word of Zacchreus: "If I have taken anything from any man by false accusation I restore him fourfold."
These Reports show how, after a season of great trial of faith and patience, which lasted more or less for several years, the Lord is now again supplying bountifully the means. The appearance during those years of trial was many times, as if God had forsaken and would never care any more about this Institution, but this was only the appearance, for He was as mindful of it as ever. It was only in order that faith might be yet further strengthened that these trials were permitted; that by meekly enduring the affliction they might glorify God, and that tens of thousands of persons by reading these Reports might be benefited.
In October, 1830, Mr. Miiller was led, on scriptural grounds, to give up all stated salat·y as pastor of a church, and solely and entirely to rely upon God alone for his temporal supplies; ever since which time, for nearly sixty-four years, he has had no stipend nor emolument whatever, as pastor or preacher, nor as founder and director of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad; but God, in whom he trusts, has bountifully supplied all his temporal necessities and those of his family, though sometimes, accompanied by Mrs. Miiller, he was almost Clmstantly travelling, for seventeen years, through Europe, America, Africa, . Asia, and Australia, and repeatedly required from £100 tf) £240 at once to pay for long sea voyages. During these sixty-four years his faith has often been greatly tried, but instead of being weary of this way of living, he says: "I am delighted with it, because it has made me ac- quainted with the Lord in a way in which, humanly speaking, I should never have become acquainted with Him j and thus great spiritual blessing has been derived instrumentally through my experience, because this Insti- tution itself owes to it its existence."
The orphanage work is but a part of the great service rendered by this worldwide missionary. On March 5th, 1834, it pleased God to use His servant also to found the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home aud Abroad. Now, after it has existed sixty years, he looks back only to ad- mire the power and adore the love of God.
By it he assists day-schools, Sunday-schools, and adult-schools, in which instruction is given upon scriptural principles, and as far as the Lord may give the means, supplies suitable teachers and establishes schools of this kind.
Another work of this Institution is to circulate the Holy Scriptures. The very poorest of the poor are sought out, from house to house, and persons are supplied with the Holy Scriptures, either gratis or on the pay- ment of a small amount, in England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Nova Scotia, Canada, British Guiana, the East Indies, Australia, Africa, and China. There have been circulated since March, 1834, 268,110 Bibles, 1,409,842 New Testaments, 21,021 copies of the Psalms, and 216,185 other small portions of the Holy Scriptures. Another object of the Institution is to aid missionary efforts. Ever since his conversion (now over sixty-eight years ago), Mr. Miiller has taken a deep interest in missionary work. At five different times, within the first eight years, he offered himself most solemnly for work among the heathen j but each time it was most plainly shown that he should serve the Lord by remaining in Europe. As he could not, there- fore, go to heathen nations himself, he sought to help on missionary opera- tions to the utmost, being further stimulated to this through receiving in 1829 the truth of the Lord's coming. The moment he saw this truth clearly revealed in the Holy Scriptures the thought occurred to him : " What can I do to make Him known before His return, seeing that He may soon come~" But more than ever was he roused to effort, since the Lord at last allowed him after fifty-eight years to see the field of missionary labor in India, to which as a young believer he had so earnestly desired to go. The sight of idolatry in India, in many places visited, and espe- cially at Benares, stirred his soul to the utmost, leading him more than m'er to take the deepest interest in missions, and to decide to devote every sovereign that could be spared to this object, besides being led to pray more than ever that God would incline the hearts of great numbers of His children to help with their means. Between May 26th, 1893, and May 26th, 1894, he has been able to expend £3355 18. 4d. on missionary operations, and, from the commence- ment of the Institution, £245,109 68. Id. has been spent in this way. During the past year 129 laborers in Word and doctrine, in various parts of the world, were thus assisted. This work of Mr. Miiller thus touches missions at every vital point. He not only builds orphan houses for 3000 orphans, and founds a scriptural knowledge institution, but actually becomes the father of missions in China, India, Syria, Egypt, British Guiana, Barbadoes, Grenada, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, besides helping home evangelists.
When, about sixty years since, he found brethren who, on scriptural grounds, could not remain in the position in which they had been, and who had no income in connection with their service in the Gospel, he longed to help them; but, as his own means were insufficient, he gave himself to prayer on their behalf, that the Lord would be pleased to supply means for them. This He has done bountifully, for He has obtained in this way altogether, in answer to prayer, £245,109 for missionary objects only. Within the last fifteen or twenty years it has been laid on the hearts of several other brethren to act in a similar way, and God, we rejoice to say, has greatly blessed their labors.
As to these 129 preachers of the "Vord, in various parts of the world, they are not the missionaries of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, nor is it bound to give them a stated salary, for this would lead them out of the posi- tion of simple dependence upon God for their temporal supplies; but Mr. Muller gladly assists any man of God laboring for the Lord in the Word, whether in a more public or private way, either at home or abroad, not connected with any society, nor receiving a regular salary, and who seems to need help.
Another object of the Institution is the circulation of religious tracts and books. As to tracts for unbelievers, the aim is to diffuse such as contain the truths of the Gospel clearly and simply expressed; and as to pub- lications fOl' believers, such as may direct their minds to those truths which, in these last days, are more especially needed, or which have been particularly lost sight of, and may lead believers to return to the written Word of God.
Each branch of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution was very small at the commencement. In the first year were circulated 19,000 tracts, a small number only, but this was a beginning, for the whole number of books, pamphlets, and tracts circulated now exceeds 103,000,000. They have been sent all over the world, and thousands of Christian men and women have helped in this service. Every year hundreds of applications come for gratuitous grants of tracts, and whenever the cases are suitable, from 3000 to 50,000 at one time have been sent out gratuitously.
The principles on which the institution has been carried on are, that God alone is looked to for spiritual and temporal blessing. No one is ever asked for pecuniary help, nor is debt ever incurred in order to be able to enlarge its operations, but Mr. Muller waits upon God for means in prayer before he goes forward. Trials of faith and patience continue up to the present time. On the anni versary of the founding of the Institution the income was but .£4 168. 6d., instead of £180 needed. Often for many days together very little is received, yet God has upheld this work for sixty years, and not only is nothing owed, but there is money in hand. Only twice in all this time has it been found at the close of the financial year that the expenses were greater than the income, but there were many unpaid legacies amounting to more than six times the amount owing, and there were also many acres of valuable land which could be sold for building. There is good reason to believe that tens of thousands of persons have been spiritually benefited by this Institution.
Let us hear Mr. Muller's closing testimony as to his orphanges : " I aimed from the beginning at the salvation of the children. To make them see their lost and ruined condition by nature, through instructing them in the Word of God, and to lead them to put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation; and God has given us the joy of seeing thousands of them brought to believe in Him. In carrying on this work, simply through the instrumentality of prayer and faith, without applying to any human being for help, my great desire was that it might be seen, that now, in the nineteenth century, God is still the living God, and that now, as well as thousands of years ago, He lilltens to the prayers of His children, and helps those who trust in Him. In all the forty-two countries through which I travelled during the past twenty years of my missionary service, numberless instances came before me of the benefit which our Orphan Institution has been in this respect, not only in making men of the world to see the reality of the things of God and by converting them, but especially by leading the children of God more abundantly to give themselves to prayer, and by strengthening their faith. Far beyond what 1 at first expected to accomplish, the Lord has been pleased to give to me. But what I have seen, as the fruit of my labor in this way, may not be the thousandth part of what I shall see when the Lord Jesus comes again, as day by day, for fifty-nine years, I have earnestly labored, in believing prayer, that God would be pleased, most abundantly, to bless this service in the way I have stated.
" Further, when I began the orphan work its commencement was very small. I rented a house, furnished it, and received thirty chiidren, which was a very humble beginning; but compare this with the magnitude of the five large Orphan Houses on Ashley Down, now the greatest Orphan Institution in the world.
" When it was especially laid on my heart to labor for orphans, the total accommodation in all the orphan institutions in England was for 3600 orphans, and at the same time there were 6000 orphans under eight years of age in the prisons of England. This deeply affected me, and I sought therefore to enlarge the orphan work under my direction to the utmost of my power. This ended in providing accommodation for 2050 orphans and 112 helpers at a time, and the result of this has been that, by means of other individuals, or through societies, one institution after another has been opened for the reception of 20, 30, 50, or 100 orphans; or that orphan houses have been built for 200, 300, 400, and even 500 orphans, so that now, I am happy to say, there is accommodation in England alone for at least 100,000 orphans. From April, 1836, up to May 26th, 1894, there have been altogether 9176 orphans under our care.
In the Orphan Houses there are many vacancies for girls bereaved of both parents by death, who are legitimate children and in destitute circumstances. No payment is expected, nor is influence needed for the admission of orphans. Orphan boys also can be received in their turn, each case being considered witl~out partiality in the order in which application has been made for it.
" Without anyone having been personally applied to for anything by me over £902,532 has been given to me for the orphans as the result of prayer to God, since the commencement of the work, which sum includes the amount received for the Building Fund for the five houses. It may also be interesting to the reader to know that the total amount given for the other objects, since the commencement of the work, amounts to £370,875 19s. ltd.; that that which has come in by the sale of Bibles since the commencement amounts to £20,786 2s. 5d.; by the sale of tracts, £22,922 14s 3td.; and by the payment of the children in the dayschools from the commencement, £24,526 lIs. 6i-d."
The following resume is given in this Report:
MISSIONARY SUCCESS IN NORTHERN FORMOSA
"The total amount of money received by prayer and faith, for the various objects of the InstitutIOn, since March 5th, 1834, has been over £1,341,826 sterling; 120,438 persons have been taught in the schools, supported by the funds of the Institution; 268,1l0 Bibles, 1,409,842 New Testaments, 21,092 copies of the Book of Psalms, and 217,599 other portions of the Word of God in several languages have likewise been circulated since the foundation of the Institution; 103,335,248 books, pamphlets, and tracts in several languages have likewise been circulated from the commencement of the Institution. From its earliest days missionaries have also been assisted from its funds, and for more than forty years a considerable number of them. On this object and on the mission schools there was expended during the past year £3355, and from the commence· ment £245,109; 9076 orphans ha,'e been under our care, and five large houses, at an expense of £1l5,000, have been erected and fitted up for the accommodation of 2050 orphans at a time and 112 helpers. With regard to the spiritual result of the operations of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution for Home and Abroad, we have the fullest reason to believe that many tens of thousands of souls have been blessed, but the day of the Lord alone will fully reveal all the good which, through His wondrous condescension, has been accomplished within the last sixty years by means of the Institution."
MISSIONARY SUCCESS IN NORTHERN FORMOSA.
BY MRS. A. C. JAMIESON.
The North Formosa Mission was begun twenty-two years ago, when George Leslie Mackay landed there alone, and throughout his life he has been practically alone, for no other foreigner remained long enough in the field with sufficient physical strength to render real and tangible assistance.
It was my privilege to spend nearly eight years in Formosa, and I found Chinese workers, both men and women, earnest, able, and devoted. MallY are apt to imagine Chinese brethren inferior, simply because they are Chinese, but for power on the platform North Formosan preachers are decidedly superior to the majority of English and American clergymen. Some have remarkable natural talent, and personal experience of persecution gives force to their words; but the whole band have received such a thorough training in the theology and practical use of the Scriptures as is little dreamed of by those who have not had more than a glimpse behind the scenes.
Mrs. Mackay is a clever, bright Chinese lady, who has travelled round the world, spending considerable time in India, Palestine, and Egypt, besides many months in European countries. She is of a cheerful disposition, is very warm-hearted, sympathetic, and possesses wonderful tact. She is beloved by high and low in her own land, and by all foreigners by whom she is known.
In every step in the work God Himself has been directly and humbly appealed to, and times without number He has shown His especial care of His own. Often under severe trial the presence and power of God's Spirit has been felt in such a way as to give fulness of joy at the same time that hearts were wrung with sorrow. Do not say that the Chinese cannot be Christianized. Cross the ocean and live for years in China, let the Chinese treat you kindly, grasp your hand as you lay your child to rest and say, " I'm sorry, so sorry for you, my baby's gone too." Come to the little mud-floored room, draw back the curtain, hear the last dying request, " Sing-please-sing' Forever with the Lord.' "
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
II.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTED BY BEV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Ohino-Japanese War.* the same road. The" fiction of ulti- mate dependence and intermediate free- BY REV. DAVID S. SPENCER, NAGOYA, dom" might do forty years ago, but cannot stand against the march of mod- JAPAN. ern events. Japan met this inconsis- tency in the policy of the Middle King- It is the purpose of this article to pre- dom in 1873. In that year the Korean sent as briefly as possible the causes, authorities at Fusan offered a great inimmediate and remote, which have led sult to the Japanese official at that port. to this war, and to do this from Japan's Count Soejima was then in China enstandpoint, drawing the leading facts trusted with a special mission on the from official sources. This will be fol- part of Japan. Under direction of his lowed by a brief survey of the results government, the count asked the Chiof the war to date. No attempt is here nese Government whether Korea was a made to palliate the:sin80f either party, dependency of China, adding that in and it is desired to avoid as much as such a case Japan would require some possible taking sides in the issue now amends from China for this act of Kopending. But in the interests of all par- rea. China promptly repudiated all ties the truth should be known. responsibility, thus abrogating all claims to suzerainty. In consequence of this 1. For scores of years China has made the Japan-Korean treaty of 1876 recogit a part of her policy to use the petty nizes the complete independence of States on her borders as buffers for her Korea. own protection against foreign powers. But in doing this she has made it a 2. For thirty years, ever since Japan poInt to incur no inconvenient responsi- began to move in the line of modern bilities in behalf of such States. Out- progress, China has treated Japan as a side nations were to understand that petty State, weak and vacillating, a desuch States were a part of her imperial serter from Oriental canons, imbibing domain; but, on the other hand, China new and useless ideas which should be would not consent to shoulder the re- spurned, and worthy, in brief, of nothsponsibility of their acts. To the little ing but contempt. That many Chinese nations was assured whatever security and Japanese cordially dislike each might come from the shadow of her other is a fact which foreigners in both wing. but they must be responsible for countries have observed with no little their own acts except when their char- concern. But Japan has patiently borne acter as buffers was threatened. In old times this theory might hold, but with the affronts or China, and her leading the progress of Occidental civilization it was bound to give way. Step by step men, notably Count Soejima, Count Ito China has been compelled to acknowl- (now Prime Minister), Viscount Mutsu edge the independence of these little (now Minister of Foreign Affairs), and States, not only toward the world, but Count Inouye (now Minister to Korea), of herself also. Tonquin, Anam, Siam, have endeavored to avoid a collision and Burmah have each in turn taught with China, using their influence to this lesson, and now Korea is travelling build up mutual international and com· mercial interests. And these men, with • Thi. article does not treat of mieaitlDs, but it many others who might be named, are conveys informatiou which has beeu solicited themselves experts in Chinese classics. from us by sucb a ho.t of correspondents interested in missions, that we are glad to present 3. In 1876 Japan and Korea agreed it, for present and future UI••-J. T. G. upon a treaty. the first article of which «eclares that "Chosen, being an inde- conciliate the Middle Kingdom. To pendent State, enjoys the same rights meet this draft upon her resources, and as does Japan." Upon the basis of this also satisfy her greedy and extortionate treaty Japan has since dealt with Korea. officials, Korea has been compelled to It was.Japan that opened Korea to the tax her laboring classes beyond the abilworld. ity of human flesh and blood to en- dure. 4. By the Chemulpo Convention or 1882 Japan made a stipulation with Ko- 6. In 1883 and 188<1 social troubles rea that she (Japan) should have the arose in Korea. These oppressed laborright to station troops in Korea for the ing classes, ground into the dust by the protection of Japanese subjects when heel of official oppression, rose up such a course might seem necessary. against the Government, and Chinese This right on the part of Japan the soldiers were promptly dispatched to Peninsular Kingdom never questioned. suppress them. In both instances the victorious party, regarding Japan as 5. Korea concluded a treaty with the the head and front of progressive ten- United States in 1882, with Great Brit- dencies, attacked and destroyed the Japain in 1883, and with otber powers later, anese Legation in Seoul, and compelled in all of which the independence of the Japanese to leave the city_ "On Korea is implied. No claims of suze- the last occasion (188<1), when the two rainty on the part of China over Ko- empires had troops stationed in Korea, rea were then made. If China has the Japanese, a mere handful of men, secretly demanded and received tribute found themselves assailed by twenty of Korea since 1876, it is in violation of times their number of Chinese braves, treaty stipUlations touching the inde- and the Japanese representative, with pendence of Korea. But this is a way his suite and all the inmates of his Lega- China has of doing things. She by no tion, had to fly from a burn.ing building means intended that Korea should exer- and force their way from Seoul through cise the independence which was thus a mob instigated and abetted by the solrecognized as Korea's treaty right. diers of the Middle Kingdom." Japan's 1I10re distant powers were not particu- forbearance at these crises received the larly inconvenienced by China's decep. commendation of thoughtful people tion, and the burden of suffering there- everywhere. :But in the consequent from fell upon Japan. China, always negotiations she secured treaty rights suspicious lest Japan might have designs which struck a fatal blow at China's upon Korea, ill concealed her disgust, coveted suzerainty, for in 1882 she was and deception and duplicity have char- allowed to station troops in Korea; and acterized all her actions. She placed a in 1885 she concluded a treaty with Chinese resident in Seoul, and carried China (the Tientsin Treaty), by which on a covert but persistent course of in- each power pledged itself not to send fluencing Korea in herfavor and against troops to Korea without first notifying Japan. This resident (Mr. Yuan) has the other, the two empires being thus occupied virtually the position of a sov- placed upon an equal military footing ereign and dictator, though of course with regard to the little kingdom. It not openly so. A. faction known as the was equivalent to placing Korea under Min family, from which family comes the joint protection of China and Japan. the present Queen, has long held the In the disturbances of 188<1 the late l:alance of power iu Korea, much to the Kim Ok-kyun played a prominent part. dissatisfaction 01 many of the people. Through this faction, always prO-Chi- 7. Japan could not forget the ill treatnese, Mr. Yuan has e~rted his influ_ ment which her subjects in Korea reence, or, in other words, China's influ- ceived in 1884 at the hands of both Koence. The tenure of power of this re8ns and Chinese, the former urged on faction has depended upon its ability to by the latter, Japan has been able to obtain no redress. Innumerable have the official had to get all his plunder in been the instances and very annoying one third the time. The long-suffering in which Japan has suffered in this way people revolted against these burdens, during the past ten years, no single case and last spring began what is known as assuming such proportions as to war- the Togaku-to revolt in the south, which rant a peaceful nation like Japan, and soon assumed serious proportions.
especially under the present Cabinet, in The Min politicians, in concert with exceeding the limits of diplomatic force Mr. Yuan, thereupon requested the to settle it. But delay and postpone- Chinese Government to send troops to ment have defeated again and again the suppress the insurrection. China re- ends of justice. sponded with unwontcd celerity, and 8. Of the victims of extortion and op- after the departure of her 2500 troops, pression who arose in Korea in 1884 to be it noted, gave notice to the Japanese overthrow the dominant faction, Kim Government. Japan then notified Ohina Ok-kyun was one of the leaders. His that she would do the same, and landed party overcome by the force of Chinese several thousand troops at once. China's arms, Kim and a few of his associates object was to suppress the Togaku-to escaped to Japan, where he has since revolt, to make sure her own control, been sheltered by the Japanese Govern- and to re-establish in administrative ment, being considered as a political power the party that was working the refugee. His family and relatives had ruin of Korea. Japan's object was to all been put to death in Korea, and he protect her nationals, and to secure such must have met the same cruel fate had a position as would enable her to insist he returned. Many Japanese believed upon a. radically curative treatment of that Kim was a true patriot, who repre- Korea's malady. 'I'he frequent recur- sented an oppressed class, and for the rence of such troubles was not only liberation of whom he was willing to dangerous to Korca, but threatened the risk all. In March last, as the result of peace of Japan herself. At all haz- 8. plot made by Korean political enemies ards, the independence of Korea must in Japan, Kim was enticed to Shanghai, not be shattered.
where he was cruelly murdered on March But right here occurred an unfortu- 27th in a Japanese hotel by a fellow- nate incident. China, in giving Japan countryman commissioned by political the above notice, described Korea as her enemies in Korea to do the deed. China "tributary I:)tate." For the sake of honored the assassin by taking him in peace Japan would have preferred to triumph on one of her ships of war back pass this by, but at this juncture it was to Korea, and on the same ship carried a vital point. China had thrown down the body of his victim. The assassin the gauntlet. Since 1876 Japan had was honored at home, whilc Kim's body dealt with Korea as her equal, and could was mutilateu, disgraced, exposed to not now allow China's boast to pass un- public view, and finally cut in pieces and challenged. But the Chinese states- distributed among the eight provinces. men took no notice of her protest, and Japan saw the point and felt the insult continued to use in diplomatic messages keenly, but said nothing. Enemies of the disputed term. They also under- the Min faction in Korea were deeply took to set limits to the numbers and :stirred by this event. movements of Japan's troops in Korea.
9. Korea, like China, is a country in In the polite forms of diplomatic usage which misgov:ernment and extortion they indicated to Japan that China have flourished luxuriantly for centu- would settle the affairs of Korea, and ries; but under the recent :&lin adminis- Japan might stay at home where she tration a change for the worse has taken was needed. Japan again protested place. The former three years' official against the use of the terms" tributary tenure of office was reduced to one; hence State," denying China's right to set any limits as to the number or destination of move the danger to her own interests her troops in Korea. through the constant troubles arising in 10. The next step in the affair was a Korea, and to assist in the civilization of proposition by Japan that the two em- the Orient, Japan began her work of pires should unite-first, in suppressing reform, always, however, maintaining the insurrection, and then in the reform toward Korea an attitude of friendliness of Korea, as this was a matter of great and courtesy, and always disclaiming importance to them both. But China any aggressive designs. The Korean refused everything, and demanded that Government at first appeared wholly Japan should withdraw her troops from willing to undertake the reforms above Korea. Japan frankly stated her in- proposed. A commission was appoint- ability to do this unless valid assurances ed to carry them out, and the com- could be given that the internal affairs missioners expressed themselves satis- of Korea should be so reformed as to re- fied with the much-needed movement.
move the danger to herself and to her Mr. Otori then asked for their consent neighbors. The British Minister at in writing. Now they showed a total Peking now tendered his good offices change of front. The scheming of the to help settle the difficulty, but China Chinese Resident, who for nine years refused to negotiate before the Japanese had played the part of an uncrowned troops were withdrawn, and her man- king, was clearly evident. To-day the ner toward Japan now became insolent. Korean Government would promise The Cabinet at Tokyo, finding it im- everything; to-morrow they would possible to secure the aid of China in make the withdrawal of Japanese troops the task to be accomplished, resolved to an essential preliminary. High officials undertake it alone. China prepared known to favor reform were degraded.
and sent more troops to Korea. Japan Mr. Otori on July 19th sent an ultima- waited in vain twenty-six days for tum to the Korean Government, to China to recover her sober senses. which the !Iin politicians, after some Japan then informed her, July 17th, delay, replied in an insulting manner.
that the sending of any more troops to lI'lr. Otori then asked for a personal in- Korea would be considered as a bel- terview with the King, who by this time ligerent act. seems to have comprehended the situa- l!. During this period of waiting tion, and had resolved to entrust the ad- Japan had been working with Korea. ministration of the State to his father, When China refused to co-operate, the Tai Wom-kun, whom, on account Japan directed Mr. Oteri Koisuke, her of Chinese intrigue through the Min Minister at the Korean Court, to treat family, he had not seen for ten years.
directly with the Korean Government Expecting trouble from this family in on the subject of reforms. These re- such an event, the King requested Mr.
forms were simple, and show upon the Otori to land Japanese troops and escort face of them that their object was the the Tai Wom-kun to the palace. On betterment of Korea, namely, (1) recog- the way the Japanese escort was fired nition of personal responsibility of offi- into by Korean soldiers instigated by cials; (2) a separate department for for- the Min family. The first blood of the eign relations; (3) the Ieorganization of present dispute was shed; the Japan- the judiciary; (4) the improvement of ese captured without loss or injury all internal communications; (5) the adop- the arms of the Koreans, and sent them tion of a system of strict scrutiny into flying to their sheds. The work of re- matters of revenue and expenditure; form had reaUybegun. Japanese troops (6) the improvement of the educational had been posted in positions to com- system; (7) the selection of students of pletely control the capital, and in suffi- promise for study abroad. Avowing cient force to quell any disturbance that her determination to help Korea, to re- might arise. The Chinese Resident, now finding Seoul a slightly uncomfort- board, and when the Naniwa opened able place for him, was suddenly" re- fire on the Kowshing they jumped overcalled. " From the first he ha:l refused board. The Chinese flred at hem as even a friendly consultation with Mr. they were swimming for the shore, Otori unless the Japanese troops were wounding one, and also at their own first removed. countrymen who jumped into the water. The Naniwa's boats saved some of the 12. An event occurred July 25th foreigners, but the Kowshing with her which removed the whole question be- mutinous troops was sunk. On the yond the field of diplomacy. China, in same day soon after, namely, August total disregard of the warning given by 1st, as the world now knows, the two Japan July 17th, had hired transports emperors each iss;.ed a declaration of and sent more troops to Korea. Chi- war. As to the spirit and justice exnese men-of-war convoyed these traml- pressed in these documents the world ports. Early in the morning of July must judge. 25th some Japanese men-of-war ordered to guard the coast near Chemulpo and Japanese Statements of Principal Events prevent the landing of Chinese troops, of the War to N(1). 6th, 1894. were surprised by the appearance of two Chinese men-of-war from Chemulpo. July 25th : Naval battle at Phung-do, The latter hoisted the ,Tapanese flag Japanese sink transport Kow8hing, and with a white flag above it, and were 1200 men capture T8M-chiang, destroy Been to be clearing for action, as had another ship, and badly injure a third. been the custom of Chinese ships of late Naniwa pierced by one shell, Japan's when meeting the Japanese, and then only loss. fired upon the Japanese ships, of which there were three. The Japanese re- July 29th : Battle of SlI.ng-hwan; Chiturned the fire, so shattered one of their nese loss, 500 killed; Japanese loss, 32 ships that it had to be beached, and killed; 7 died of wounds; total, 39. allowed the other to escape badly rid- Japanese victorious. dled with shot and shell. The transport, an English ship, the Kowshing, July 30th: A-san occupied by Japanchartered for this special purpose and ese, who take 8 field guns, large quanunder command of an English captain, tities of rifles, tents, 27 standards, and Galsworthy, now came up led by her other spoils. convoy, the TaM·chiang, which also hoisted a white flag above the Japan- August 26th: Treaty of war alliance ese ensign. But this ruse being now between Japan and Korea against understood, the Japanese fired across China. her bows, and summoned her, as well as the transport, to heave to. The September 6th: Hwang-ju captured TaM-chiang surrendered. Captain Gals- by Japanese. worthy would have followed the Japanese man-of-war as commanded, but September 8th: Chung-hwa captured the 1200 Chinese troops on board de- by Japanese. clined to permit this, and threatened the captain with instant death if he did so. September 10th : Japanesenavaldcm- He signalled to the Japanese Naniwa his onstration at Wei-hei-wei. inability to act. The Japanese asked the foreigners on board, of whom there were September 15th-16th : Ping-yang capseveral, to leave the ship. This the Chi- tured by Japanese. Chinese defence, nese refused to permit. Four hours were 16,000 to 20,000; Japanese forces, 16,400. spent in parley with them. Captain Japanese loss, 162 killed, 399 wound- Galsworthy then called his officers on ed, 4 missing. Chinese loss, 2000 killed, 4000 wounded, 511 prisoners, 42 caD- non, large quantities of rifles, military stores, rice, and several hundred thou- sand dollars of gold and silver. Com- plete defeat of Chinese, who retreat in disorder.
September 17th: Takushan nil.val battie near mouth of Yalu River. Chinese (transports) captured, loaded with supforce, 14 gunboats, 6 torpedo-boats. plies. Their '5 transports had returned. Japanese force, 11 gunboats. One trans- October 29th: Japanese occupy Fengport, the Saikyo Maru, withdrew from hwang. Chinese fire city and escape. the scene. Chinese loss, 4 ships with all on board destroyed, both her large November 6th: Talien Bay captured, battle-ships on fire and badly injured, with 6 forts, 80 guns, many torpedoes. and other ships much shattered. Total defeat of Chinese, though they had Mrs. Isa.bella Bird Bishop. much the superior force. Japanese loss, MutsusMma-kan inj ured consider- [J. T. G.] able, but soon ready for service ; Hiyeiken lost one mast and received some Miss Isabella Bird became a famous severe shots, but again ready for action; author of books of travels prior to her Baikyo Maru, merchant transport, re- marriag~, late in life, to the estimable ceived many small shots, but is fully physician Dr. Bishop, of the Edinburgh repaired. LOllS in men, 10 officers and University, whose name she now bears. 69 men killed and 160 wounded. Time, Her "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan" is 12.45 P.M. to after 5 P.M. without a peer, except in Dr. Griffis' "Mikado's Empire," as the source of October 8th : Occupation of Wi-ju by introduction of that island empire to the first army. Western world. She has had excep- tional facilities and opportunities for October 24th: First army cross Yalu observation and record of Christianized into Manchuria; second army landed and un-Christianized races, among on Liautong peninsula, on which Port North American Indians, the Sand- Arthur is located. wich Islanders, the Aino of Yezu, Jap- anese, Malays, Chinese, Tamils, Sin- October 24th: Outer defences of ghalese, Persians, aud Semitic peoples, Hushan taken by first army. Chinese the nomads of the Sinaitlc peninsula, loss, 20 killed, 2 cannon, 10 rifles; the mixed races called Egyptians, and wounded unknown. Japanese loss, no several of the races of India, eminently killed, but few wounded. in Kashmere, the Punjab, and the Brit- ish province bordering on Tibet. October 25th: Hushan taken after three and one half hours' fighting. Chi- Miss Bird was one of two sisters, her neile defence about 6000. Loss, 300 letters, which afterward were given to found dead, and buried by Japanese; the public in the goodly volumes bearmany wounded; quantities of military ing her name, being addressed to the stores and cannon. Retreat across sister remaining at home, who died soon river Ai. Japanese loss, 32 killed, 111 after their publication. Miss Bird then wounded. (1881) married an old friend of her sis- ter amI herself, Dr. Bishop. Within a October 26th: Chiu-lien captured. short period Dr. Bishop'S health de- Chinese defence, 20,000 picked men clined, and Mrs. Bishop accompanied from Port Arthur, Talien, etc. Chinese him to the south of l!'rance, tenderly mostly retreat during night under cover caring for him till his death. of a cannonade. Loss, 22 cannon, 800 tents, 4315 rifles, 36,184 cannon-balls In introducing Mrs. Bishop at one of and shells, 4,300,660 rounds of ammuni- the Woman's Congresses in Chicago in tion, and much other spoils. 1893, Mrs. Joseph Cook remarked that Mrs. Bishop, unlike many travellers in October 27th : An-tungcaptured. No the far East, had never been indifferent fighting. Chinese loss, 20 guns, 8552 to the mission work, and was converted koku of .ce (1 koku 5.13 bushels), a to an interest in it by what she had good deal of Chinese money, and other actually seen of the self-denying labors spoils.
October 27th, Sixteen Chinese junks and consecrated lives of the missiona- gi ves a good deal of in·formation about ries themselves. Mrs. Cook said Mrs. missions on that ridge of the world's Bishop had the double gitt of tongue roof.
and pen, and could always command We are sure our readers will be inter- an audience because she was not only a ested in the following informal personal missionary in spirit, but an eminent au- note received from Mrs. Dr. Joseph thor, and that she had already addressed Cook (December 3d, 1894), in which she some fifty audiences during that sum- gives information about Mrs. Bishop, mer on this subject, and proposed to some of which we have already stated.
devote the remainder of her life to the She writes: dissemination of missionary informa- "DEAR DR. GRACEY: I had the tion, and hoped to make a tour of the pleasure of meeting Isabella Bird Bishop missions of the world to this end. We the winter I spent in Edinburgh, 1880have it on good authority that Mrs. 81, when my husband was lecturing in Bishop devotes the proceeds of her lit- Great Britain. erary works to the cause of missions. "We were guests of Thomas Nelson She was personally interested, togeth- for ten days when Mr. Cook gave his er with her husband, Dr. Bishop, in lectures in Edinburgh, and I heard a medical missions, who during his life great deal about Mrs. Bishop, as she gave attention to this branch of mission was married that winter to Dr. Bishop work, and bequeathed funds for the es- of the University. tablishment of a hospital in one of the remote corners of the globe, the loca- "There was quite a romance contion not being specified. Mrs. Bishop, nected with the marriage, which is too subsequent to her husband's death, visit- long a story to tell here. Of course ed Kashmere, where she had an audi- Mrs. Bishop's friends were anxious to ence with the Maharaja of that prov- know whether such a traveller as she ince, pleading in behalf of India's women had been would be content to settle unprovided with proper medical care, down to home life, but it was currently with the result that the prince granted reported that her husband said if the her a piece of land on which to erect a passion for travelling came upon her he hospital and dispensary for women. should not restrict her movements. However, the fact was that his health After accomplishing her mission in began to decline not long after their Kashmere, she sought to return by way marriage, and for three years he was an of I,hassa, Tibet, but finding it would invalid, and his wife took most devoted not then be safe for a lady to do so, she care of him. reluctantly gave up her purpose and returned by way of Beloochistan, Persia, .. Mrs. Bishop's special interest in and Armenia, being the first European medical missions comes from the fact woman who had ever visited the source that her husband was a physician, and of the Karun River_ she herself has some medical knowl- edge, which has enabled her to relieve Since then she has made a venture suffering as she has met it on the • uninto British Lahoul, studied the Mora- beaten tracks' of travel she has so largevian missions, and has just issued a ly pursued…• charmingly written story of her travel from Kashmere to Leh, the capital of .. You remember how, in her' Hea- Lahoul, or British Tibet.* Besides the then Claims and Christian Duty,' she rather brilliant descriptions of travel appeals to Christians to Increase their under unusual conditions, the author gifts by selling their personal treasures. This appeal is doubly emphatic from * "Among the Tibetans," by Isabella Bird the fact-which she does not hint at, but I learn it from her Edinburgh Bishop. With illustrations by Edward Whym· friends-that she herself has sold many per. 12mo, pp. 159. New York and Chicago: of her valuable possessions and put the Fleming H. Revell Cli. $1. money into the Lord's treasury.
.. Over sixty years of age, and with serious heart trouble, I regard her as a real heroine to start alone on this tour, from which her physician gave her lit- tle hope she would ever return. . • . You know she suffered serious incon- venience in Korea; but my latest intel- ligence of her is that she is at present at Shanghai, where she was nearly mobbed While photographing by an excited crowd who did not understand what was an Armenia, Lake Van was always was going on under the black focussing in it, and was most of the time its cencloth. " tre, the circumference being anywhere from the Caspian Sea to the Euphrates We clip the foiIowing from Tlte ~ River. Armenians are found mostly in arniner: the great natural fort of the world, be- tween the Black, the Mediterranean, and " Mrs. Isabella Bird Bishop writes a the Caspian seas, remote, inaccessible, letter to the London Times from Peking, isolated. But where are Armenians dated October 6th, in which she says not? Two-thirds of the race are in that she is enjoying privileges never Turkey, and they are in Russia, Persia, accorded foreigners before. She says India, China, A.frlca, Europe, and the that stringent orders have been issued two Americas. They preserve their for the protection of all foreigners. national individuality almost equal to With only her Chinese servant, Mrs. Jews. Since about A.D. 300 their re- Bishop has been photographing the ligious life has been linked with their fortresses on the Tartar walls, with national or race church-the Armenian their dummy guns, and even some of or Gregorian Church. They were from the pavilions and gateways of the For- the first recognized as a branch of the bidden City. While the government Christian Church. Since miosions have has a vestige of power, Mrs. Bishop been established among them there has thinks there will be no riot; but if the been a gradual rejection of erroneous Manchu dynasty is overturned a catas- doctrines which adhered to them. trophe is almost certain. As they are just now in the public "F. S. DOBBINS." thought of the Protestant Christian world, owing to cruel massacres of [Not~.-The book reviewer of the Sunday- thousands of their number, we make School Timl8 inadvertently prefaced a notice ot room for a statement emanating from " Among the Tibetans" with some facetious que- the American Board of Commissioners ries, which brought on the unprotected head of for Foreign Missions, which has three the editor of that paperthe criticisms ofMrs.Bish. missions among them, comprising 281 op's friends, Ipecially thole of Mrs. Dr. Hepburn stations and out-stations, 944 American and Mrs. Joseph Cook. The editor, with a court- and native laborers. 112 churches, with liness worthy of a knight of the middle ages,made a membership of 11,481, 264 Sundaythe amende hunorallte, presenting hia sword, hilt schools, with 46,864 adherents, and a toward the enemy. His saying that a .. special- number of colleges and theological, ist" wrote the book-notice (not a missionary high, and boarding schools, with a total specialist evidently) provokes the inquiry, what of 19,886 persons under instruction. is a "specialist" in these days f A story is told The statement is in substance as folof a German philologist who spent the labor of lows: his life on a Greek noun, and dying regretted. he had not contlned himself to the genitive ca,e! Our sympathies were with the author, but are now with our brother editor, seeing we know how awkward it is to be edltorislly omniscie"lt. -J. T. G.] The Massacres of Armenians. We are not unconcerned about the re- ports of massacres in eastern Turkey. [J. T. G.] The position of the 177 missionaries of the American Board within the Turkish Armenia and Armenians are not Empire is an extremely delicate one. geographically synchronous. Armenia, Sympathizing deeply on the one side strictly speaking, there is none at pres- with all who are suffering by reason of ent. At least the Turkish Government poverty, oppression and misrule, they does not recognize any Armenia, but it have yet been loyal to the Government is likely to find in a new sense that it under which they have lived. and have has to recognize Armenians, or what the never countenanced sedition or rebel- Kurds have left of them. When there lion. In the Bassoun region, south of the Moush plain, there are, or recently were, many villages inhabited by Armenians. These people were systematically rob- augment the sentiment which demands bed of their flocks by Koords, and in of the pOlitical Christian powers tlll.t the latter part of the summer the Ar- the Turkish Government be called to menians pursued the robbers in the en- explain how such aggravating violence deavor to recover their property. In can be suffered within that empire. the fight which ensued a dozen of these Humanitarianism with better than the Koords were killed, among whom were picture-pocket-handkerchief sort of symsome enrolled as Turkish soldiers. pathy ought to dominate the political world which claims to suffer the Turk When information was given that the to rule. Armenians had killed some of the Sultan's troops the charge of rebellion was As to the responsibility of the Turkmade, and orders were sent to put down ish Government in the premises, there the insurrection. The result was that seems little room for doubt, since the these lawless and uncontrolled soldiers Sultan sent an Imperial Guard to bear made indiscriminate slaughter of the a special decoration to Zeki Pasha, who people who had sought to defend their was in command of the troops wh) property. In the horrible massacres were guilty of these outrages against which followed thousands were slain- humanity, decency, and religion. He some state six thousand, others ten thou- also sent a silk banner to each of the sand. The details of this wretched affair four Koordish chiefs engaged in the are not obtainable even by those near massacre en Sassoun plain. There is the scene. They never will be obtained small room to doubt the truthfulness unless foreign governments insist upon of these statements as to the governa thorough investigation conducted by ment's awards of merit, as the Conforeigners. The poor people are in ter- stantinople press has published them, ror and dare not state the truth unless which it would do at its peril, unl(lss under protection. sanctioned by the Censor of the Press.
Though our missionaries in eastern In a special article on the Armenian Turkey ale often upon the Moush plain, outrages the London Time8 gives tho where there are many out-stations in following account of the origin and which evangelical work is conducted by nature of the horrors that have taken them, yet their work has not extended place: into this Sassoun district, and hence they have no direct reports from the scene of " Though a good deal of uncertainty the massacre. Papers from Constanti- remains with regard to details, there nople, printed in that city and entirely seems to be no longer any possibility of under the control of the censors of the doubting that revolting cruelties have press, announce that the Sultan has been committed on a very large scale, sent one of his imperial guards to the not by fanatical villagers or savage city of Erzingan, in eastern Turkey, to Basbi-Bazouks, but by regular troops, carry a decoration to Zeki Pasha, the acting on the express orders of a Turkcommander of the Fourth Army Corps, ish general aud regardless of the prowhich is located there. Zeki Pasha is test of a Turkish district governor. the military commander who led the Worst of all, the conduct of the gentroops against the defenceless villages eral has been not only condoned, but in the Sassoun region at the time of the rewarded by an Imperial decoration, massacre. Another envoy carries four while the humane protesting official banners from the Sultan to the four has been summarily removed from his leading Koordish chiefs who were associated with the military commander in post. the reported massacre, and who proba- "The causes of the disturbances bly were the instigators of it. After the Sultan has thus approved of the remain somewhat obscure. The bestaction of his troops and of the Koords authenticated acc.unt which we have reit will be impossible for any commis- ceived is briefly as follows: The Armesion appointed by the Turkish Govern- nian peasants of the Sassoun district are ment to investigate the outrage and bring in any report that reflects upon the action of either the Koords or the army. By this act the Sultan seems to assume all the responsibility of what has been done.
Large mass meetings have been held iu London and New York, conducted by most influential Christian men, to for the most part practically serfs of the volting details, though they reach us local Koordish Beys, and are protected from sources apparently worthy of by these Beys against the attacks of credit and certainly not biassed in favor Koordish raiders and the exactions of of the Armenians. Suffice it to say Ottoman officials. In return they pay that the Turkish soldiers hesitated to their protectors in grain and labor, and carry out such atrocious orders against they are naturally reluctant to pay ad- defenceless women and men who offered ditional taxes to the Ottoman officials, no resistance, and they did not obey who afford them no protection what· until threatened with condign punish- ever. Some time ago, it seems, they ment for disobedience. The protests of refused to pay these taxes altogether, the Mutessarif, the civil governor of and were supported in their refusal by the district, were disregarded."
their local protectors, Thereupon the Other accounts are given which differ Ottoman officials endeavored to enforce from this somewhat, but whatever the payment, but the irregular troops sent cause of the outbreak, the barbarities thither for this purpose were repulsed connected with it make one" blush to by the Armenians and Koords com· know himself a man." Men were bined. slaughtered without mercy, and women "When this became known to the outraged with accentuated devilishness Ottoman authorities, some of the more and then cruelly put to death. Others zealous of them, knowing the domi· with heroism of the early women who nant ideas and the never-ceasing in· counted it joy to die rather than deny'
trigues in and around the Imperial Pal- their Lord, refused the proffer of pro- ace of Yildiz Kiosk, determined to gain tection If they would but abandon distinction by treating the affair as a Christianity, nobly saying, "Why serious Armenian insurrection, and ape should we deny Christ? we have no_ plied for a large body of regular troops. more reason to do so than had our sis· The Turkish Government appears to ters and brothers whom you have slain,"
have believed that the secret political wh'ose mangled corpses lay in full view.
agitation which has been going on Some women are reported to have among the Armenians for some time plunged over precipices rather than had at length produced a serious revolt, submit themselves to the tender mercies and that it was necessary to quell it at of these fiends of passion, cruelty, and once in energetic and relentless fashion. crime. However complicated with po- .. Orders were accordingly sent to litical questions, these women must be Zeki Pasha, the Mushir commanding reckoned with the .. holy army of mar- the troops at Erzinghian, to proceed to tyrs. "
Sassoun with a sufficient force and sup- press the disturbances. The precise A CHINESE INN. terms of the instructions to this ener- getic Pasha have not transpired and Our frontispiece presents a picture of will probably never be known to any a Chinese inn. It looks clean and fairly one outside the Turkish official world. comfortable. But" things are not. what Whatever they may have been, the they seem. .. You would find a mass of Pasha evidently understood that he dirt and dust that would fairly astonish was literally to annihilate those who anyone accustomed to the lUXury of an had resisted the authority of the local English inn. Every house in China officials, and he executed what he sup· ., stands four square," and all the wir..- posed to be the wishes of his superiors dows overlook the central courtyard.
with a barbarity, toward both men and You have, in China, your choice of women, which deserves the reprobation how you travel: carts, sedan-chair, a of the civilized world. We retrain for 'litter slung between two mules, pack the present from reproducing the reo mule, etc., etc.
FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY
1II.-FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY.
The Ohinese Empire-Ohina Proper,* Manohuria,t Mongolia,t Tibet,§ Formosal- Oonfuoianism"-Opium Traffic.
OHINA. is here given, that the Nestorian Ohurch The" Oelestial Empire" is one of the of Asia Minor sent missionaries to Ohina most important, most needy, and most interesting miS8ion fields of the world. as early as 505 A.D., who made con- The" Statesman's Year Book" gives the following statistics for Ohina : verts and opened a work which coo- Ana. Population. tinued until the Mongols were expelled China Proper. . .. 1,836,841 sq. m. Manchuria.. . . •• 862,310" .. 386,000,000 in 1368. Mongolia …….. 1,~,OOO" " 7,500,000 Thibet………. 651.000" 2,000,000 This Nestorian Tablet is of great in- 6,000,000 Junpria …. }IIi 147,950" .. 600,000 terest as an archreological record and as – – – – E. Turkestan 580,000 431,800"" commemorative of the introduction of 402,680,000 4,218,401 sq. m. Ohristianity into the •• Oelestial Em- There is a tradition that the apostle pire" nearly fourteen hundred years Thomas labored in the land of Sinim, and it is recorded that the Ohurch at ago. The tablet was discovered in Antioch sent Ohristians to Ohina in 107 A.D. We have certain record from the Si-ngan fu, Shensi province, in 1625, by Nestorian Tablet, a photograph of which some Ohinese workmen, and was * LUtrature for Rej'erence: "The Middle brought to the notice of Europe the Kingdom," by S.Wells W!lliaml, LL.D.; "Story same year by some Romish priests. of China Inland MilSion," by Mrs. Taylor (11M The tablet is a granite slab ubout eight Gulnels) ; .. China and the Chinese," by J. L. feet high, three feet wide, and nearly a Ne'riu8, D.D.; "Chinese Characteristics," by foot thick. It stands at present amid Rev.A. H. Smith; "Robert Morrisan,"byW.J. the ruins of an old Buddhist temple Townsend. See also pp. 29 (January), 84, 108, outside the gates of Si-ngan-fu. The 112126, and 144 (preseut S8ue). top of the stone has on it two winged t " Old Wang," by Rev. John Ro… figures supposed to be c1wrubim-:lOt ~ .. The Moghnl, Mongol, Mikado and Mis- dragons, as has been said. The large sionary," by S. A. Mutchmore, D.D.; "Among characteIs beneath the cross give the the Mongols," by Rev. Jas. Gilmore; .. James title of the stone :* Gilmore of Monfolia," by Richard Lovett. " A Tablet Eulo~iziog the Propaga- §" The Great Closed Land," by Miss Mars- tion of the Illustrious Religion (of Syria) in the Middle Kingdom." ton; "Among the Tibetan.," by Mrs. Bishop; The Ohinese characters on the face of "Trnels in Tartary, Tibet and China," by AbM the tablet give, in prose, an outline of the doctrine taught by the Nestorians E. R. Huc. See aleo p. 18 (January). and a sketch of the fortunes of Ohris- tianity In Ohina. At the bottom of the D"Missionary Success In Formosa," by Rev. tablet we read, in Syriac, that" In the year of the Greeks, 1092, the Lord Wm. Campbell, Trllbner & Co. See al.o pp. 491 Jazedbuzid, Priest and Vicar-episcopal of Oumdan (Si.ngan), the royal city … (Jnly, 1894) and 125 (present issue). set up this tablet whereon is inscribed the dispensation of our Redeemer and " .. The Religions of China," by James L~gge; the preaching of the apostolic missiona- ries to the King of Ohina." Ohinese .. Dragon, Image and Demon," by Rev. H. C. Du names and offices are also upon this portion of the tablet, and it is recorded: Bose; .. Confucianism and Taoism," by R. K. " This was erected in the second year Doutlas. See allO p. 94 (present issue). of Kienchung, of the Tang dynasty (781 A.D.), on the 7th day of the first NOTJI.-The literature here referred to may month, Sunday."
be obtained through Funk & Wagnalls Com- A complete translation of the inscrip- tion is here impracticable; one may be pany, 30 Lafayette Place, New York, as may * Translated by A. Wylie, of Shanghai. also the" Encyclopedia of Missions," a library in itsell. Maps of China may be procured from the American Board (Boston), the Presbyterian Board (New York), or from A. D. Hosterman & .Co., Springfield, O. .-
" •f
– _~ J ~ – – • ~ ~i~: _ .'~ ~.
NES'l'ORIAN TABLET. ERECTED 781, A. D.
BeRIED PROBABLY 84.5, A. D. DISINTERRED 162.';, A. D.
FIELD OF MONTHLY
found in Dr. Williams' .. Middle King- principles will survive when the lramedom" (ii. 277). We give but a sum- wQrk is forgot; it is beneficial to all mary of it, as it may be found of great creaturtls; it is advantageous to manintereet. The inscription begins by set- kind. Let it be published throughout ting forth at length the doctrines of the the Empire, and let the proper authoreternitl of God; the creation, .. God ity build a Syrian Church in the capitai operating on primordial substance ;" the in the I-ning way, which shall be gov- triune and mysterious nature of the Di- erned by twenty.one priests," etc. vine substance ; the original sinless state Then follows an inflated account of the of man; the fall; the incarnation of the religion under succeeding emperors: Messiah by birth from the Virgin, an- " The Emperor Kau Tsung respectfully nounced by .. a bri&,ht star," and ful- succeeded his ancestor [Tai Tsungl, and filling the .. ancient dispensation as de- was still more beneficent toward the in- clared by twenty-four holy men" (the stitution of truth. In every province Old Testament writers). he caused illustrious churches to be The Messiah "established the new erected, and ratified the honor conferred religion of the silent operation of the upon Olopun, making him the great pure spirit of the Triune. He rendered conservator of doctrine for the preservavirtue subservient to faith. He fixed tion of the State. While this doctrine the extent of the eight boundaries [1 the pervaded every channel, the State be- Beatitudes], thus completing the truth came enriched, and tranquillity abound- and freeing it from dross. He opened ed. Every city was full of churches, tnhefagitaht,e of the three constant principles and the royal family enjoyed lustre and hope, and love], introdUCing happiness. In A.D. 699 the Buddhists, lHe and destroying death. He suspend- gaming power, raised their voices in the ed the bright sun to invade the cham- eastern metropolis (La-yang, in Honan). bers of darkness, and the falsehoods of In A.D. 718 some low fellows excited the devil were defeated. He set in ma- ridicule and spread slanders in the westtion the vessel of mercy by which to as- ern capital (Chang-ngan). . . . The cend to the bright mansions, whereupon high·prlncipled Emperor Hsiuen Tsung rational beings were released. Having [A.D. 718-756J caused the Prince of Ning thus completed the manifestation of His and others, five princes in all, personpower, in clear day He ascended to His ally to visit the Felicitous Edifice. He true station. Twenty-seven sacred books established the worship; he restored (the New Testament) have been left, the consecrated timbers which had been which disseminate intelligence by un- temporarily thrown down, and refolding the original transforming prin- erected the sacred stones which for a ciples. By the rule for admission it is the time had been desecrated," custom to apply the water of baptism, to wash away all superficial show and The missionary labors of the Nesto cleanse and purify the neophytes. As a seal, they hold the cross, whose torians ceased in 1869, and some have influence is reflected in every direction, thought that all trace of their work uniting all without distinction." The historical part of the inscription had disappeared; but a missionary in Ningpo tells of a stranger coming to his says that .. In the time of the Emperor Tai Tsung, the illustrious and magnifi- chapel from the west who, after listencent founder of the [T'ang] dynasty, ing intently, said that he and his ancesamong the enlightened and holy men who arrived Was the Most Virtuous tors worshipped only one God, the Crea- Olopun, from Syria. In A.D. 685 he ar- tor. He knew of Moses and Jesus, and rived at Chang-ngan: the Emperor sent said he was not a Rom£.nist or Moslem, his Prime !Iinister, Duke Fang Hsiuen but that his belief had been handed Ling, who, carrying the official staff to the west border, conducted his guest down from his ancestors, and that into the interior. The sacred books thirty families in his town had the same were translated in the imperial library." religion. * The sovereign investigated the subject Roman Catholic missions began under in his private apartments, and in the seventh month of the year A.D. 688 pro- Marco Polo, in 1271, and were continued claimed that, .. Having examined the by Matteo Ricci, 1579. At one time principles of this religion, we find them there were over 1100 churches and 10e,- to be purely excellent and natural. In- 000 converts in two provinces alone; at vestigating its originating source, we find it has taken its rise from the establish· present it is estimated that there are ment of important truths; its ritual is free from perplexing expressions; its '" …Mlsslons and Science," p. 173. 400,000 to 500,000 converts and 471 small number in the southern part.
European priests in the whole empire. There are seventy tribes of aborigines in Protestant missions began with Rob- China, many of whom do not speak the crt Morrison, of the London Missionary Chinese language at all, and the lan- Society, in 1807; there are now over guage of only three of them has been fifty societies laboring there, not includ- reduced to writing; these people are for ing the ten educational and tract socie- tlie most part still nature-worshippers.
ties. The Protestant missionaries num- bered, in 1890.* 1296 foreign workers TIBET.
and 1657 native helpers; this force has This country is still a .. great closed been increased until now there are not land," a hermit of hermits. Papal less than 1600 foreign and 2000 native missions were started there in 1330, but laborers. There are 600 churches, 100 Romanists have been banished, and of which are self-supporting. Commu- there are none now in the country. nicants number about 60,000. Protestant missions have settled at the east and west to lay siege to this moun- The first modern missionary attack tain fortress of the adversary. The on China from the west has recently Moravians have three stations in Lesser been made by members of the Swedish Tibet, having begun their work there Missionary Society. The party consists in 1856; they have 11 laborers, 5 of of one missionary, his wife, a ladyas- whom are wives; 40 converts, and sistant, and two Syrians. They have about 70 adherents. Other societies arrived in Kashgar, after a long and laboring among these people are the tedious journey through Russian Tur- London Missionary Society at Almora ; kestan and across the Thian-Shan Moun- the Church of Scotland, and the Intertains. As the people in this district are national Missionary A.lliance, with 7 not very fanatical, they anticipate much workers at Darjeeling; the Scandinasuccess in the new field. vian Alliance, with 3 men and 6 women at Jel Pass; the Tibetlln Pioneer Mis- The need for more workers in China sion, with 15 laborers at Gnatong, and to-day is very great. As soon as the the China Inland Mission, with 2 men present war with Japan comes to a close in west China. it is hoped that the country and the people will be more open to the influence of the Gospel that ever. In eleven of the nineteen provinces there are over * OPIUM TRAFFIC. nine hundred walled cities without one As J. Hudson Taylor says: .. In a witness for krist. There is not one for- China there are tens of thousands of villages with small trace of Bible influeign worker for every five hundred ence, but scarcely a hamlet where t11e towns and villa,ges of northern and opium pipe does not reign. It does western China. To supply one mis- more harm In a week than all the missionary to every 50,000 people in this sionaries can do good in a year. Opium empire there is still a call for 6400 men debauches more families than drink and and women. One province (Kwangli) makes more slaves than the slave has no missionary laboring there; an- trade." Every "good" opium year other (Hunant) has but occasional visits 82 000 chests of opium-enough poison from three; the IIi district is still closed to'depopulate t11e globe twelve times to the Gospel; Mongolia has but two over if eaten by those unaccustomed to ordained workers, and Manchuria but a the drug-are ·sent to China from India, under the direction of Christian Eng • We regret that we have not been able as yet land. to collect complete statistics to date.
t In June, 1894, however, a native church of forty member. was organized at Lam-mo in Southern Hunan. These converts have been gathered by itinerant missionaries of the bor- dering provinces. • Sec" Regions Beyond," January, 1894.
189~
IV.-EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
The Maroh of Events. an Alpine climber, and certainly has reached a lofty and clear point of pros- The partial aim of this REVIEW is to pect in his survey of city affairs. He have each monthly issue present a sort has sent the ferret of honest scrutiny of panorama of affairs so far as they into the holes where political villains touch missions at home and abroad. and their minions hide, and driven But the necessity for electrotyping and them out into the light of day. Unlike of mailing it by about the middle of the many others who are rash and Impetumonth puts us at disadvantage in com- ous, he has not made charges that petition with papers and periodicals could not be supported, looking well published daily or weekly. It is well, to his basis of facts before he has :venhowever, for permanent purposes of tured to make attacks. He has won record, to gather in each number at everlasting fame by the Infamy to which least a brief compendium of the leading others have been consigned. A battle, events and developments of the month so single handed at first, so brave all preceding. through, and so complete in its issue for truth and right, has seldom been waged. During the closing months of 1894 the march of events was rapid. We live in eventful days, and the process THE FRENCH have decided to invade of history Is "ictw"-by a succession Madagascar and establish a protecto- of blows, often not only sudden, but' rate. What will be the final result as severe. to religious liberty it is too soon to pre- ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE VICTORIES dict. But it is believed that Romanlsm ever achieved in behalf of right and will not be suffered to hinder Protrighteousness has been the triumph not estantism in the mission work so long only in the city and State of New York, carried on among the Hovas.
but in nearly every State in the Union. JANUARY 31st marked the third anni- at the polls on November 6th. This, versaryof Charles Haddon Spurgeon's though claimed as a Republican victory, death, and the sorrow and loss seem is something more than a party tri- scarce less heavy and irreparable after umph. All political leaders are apt to the lapse of these years. Mr. Thomas be corrupt and venal; and in thia case Spurgeon, according to accounts in the an aroused public conviction and con- public press, appears to be fairly success- science has for once demonstrated how ful in his undertaking to hold the fort; mighty the ballot is with manhood be- but there is no man Iiving who can fill the hind it. If a line be drawn from Pa- place of that prince of preachers, his cifIc to Atlantic, from the base of Ore- father. If ever a man had the geniu8 gon across to the base line of West for tM puZpit it was he; and he was Virginia and Delaware, the entire coun- withal a man of singular organizing try above it, excepting only Nebraska, power, as shown by the Orphanage, with went Republican; and Utah, Arizona, its 500 boys and girls; the Pastors' Col- Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Mis- lege, with its thousand alumni, and the souri, and Oklahoma, south of that line, almshouses, mission schools, colportage likewise. work, evangelistic associations, etc.
The crusade in New York City for Few people know what the Baptist the overthrow of Tammany and the l:hurches of Britain owe to this day to erection of a purer government was led that marvellous man, who trained up a by Rev. Dr. Charles H; Parkhurst, who generation of preachers ; and still less is has proven himself a man of singular it known how largely foreign missions force, courage, and persistency. He is are manned by those same students who
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
are dispersed from the rising to the set- gether likely to prevent a repetition of ting sun. Spurgeon fell at fifty.eight, these enormities.
~n the midst of his hundred·handed use- LI HUNG CHANG is reported as ousted fulness. He playfully said to me, re- from his vice-royalty In China and ferring to his brother James, who re- command of the Chinese forces, and lieved him of heavy burdens of admin- Liu Kun Yito be made chief in com· istration, that no little of the credit mand. attached by the public to himself was due to that loyal brother; and hinted THE JAPANESE continue to be triumph. that, as Moses was back of Aaron, so his ant in their movement against China. brother's careful planning was back of There are unmistakable signs of the much of his own executive work, But interference of both Russia and Engof course no sane man doubts that land in the J apan·Chinese war if hostili- Charles Spurgeon, however generous in ties go much further, and especially if acknowledgment of his debt to his they are likely to interrupt the trade with brother, was the originator of his own Shanghai. The details are too numerschemes, and deserves all the tributes ous for reproduction here j but a miswhich have been paid him for his won- sionary from Japan writes: derfully unselfish and sagacious work for Christ and for humanity. And .. The patriotic spirit of the whole while in charge of the Tabernacle pul- people is most intense, and the absolute pit for the better part of two years, loyalty of every Japanese, high or low, the writer's impression steadily grew simply marvellous. I have yet to meet that Spurgeon and his great church with a man or youth who fails to love stand unique and unrivalled in all the his country and emperor. In this war history of the Church of God. But the Japanese not only show themselves one man deserves comparison with impetuous and dashing, but brave to a him, and that is Wesley. But the com- man, counting it glory to die for native ing century is not likely to produce an- land. Humanly speaking. their defeat other man comparable with him for seems impossibility. A country Whose evangelical power, versatility, child-like war ships carry no flag of t1'1tce, the simplicity, deep spiritUality, and all else men of whose vessels have thrown to that makes a first-class preacher and the wind every 8crap of white, even to a philanthropist. handkerchief, are bound to conquer. What a striking commentary on Rom. 13 : 14, 'Make not provision for the THE ARMENIAN MASSACRES have flesh' I" awakened a storm of indignation A reader of the REvmw suggests that throughout Protestant Christendom. Mr. Gladstone utters a heroic remon- some ready pen might well write a strance, which is echoed in monster paper on the" points of similarity in meetings in America. Private letters the way in which China supports the from parties whose names cannot be war, and in which Christians support divulged, for the sake of their own the war for the conquest of the world." safety, reveal atrocities which seem incredible. A rebellion was reported A ruling elder in the Presbyterian and among Armenian Christians when there Reformed Church of Kochi has been was none, and Turkish soldiers laid elected Vice-Speaker in the Japanese waste the country and massacred thou- Lower House of Representatives, and a sands of peaceful men, women, and movement is on foot to present a copy of children. This is but the last act in the Bible to every medical man in the Japanese empire, of which therc are said to be forty thousand.
fourteen centuries of persecution of THE DEATH OF THE CZAR. which oc- these industrious and peaceful people. curred November 1st, puts Nicholas II.
Governmental interference seems alto- on the throne. He appears to be disposed to a peaceful reign. The intolerance of newspapers assert, that large bodies of the Greek Church toward the Jews, the Stundists are rejoining the church, there Stundists, and all " heretics," is likely can be little doubt that their places are to be a formidable barrier to any more being taken by new recruits. A welltolerant and Catholic tendencies of the informed official says that the total young ruler. Meanwhile, Prince Ro- number of Stundists in Russia could henlohe becomes the imperial chancel- not now be many short of half a mUllor in Germany, vice Count Caprivi. ion.
RUSSIA seems resolved to oppose the MISS TAYLOR and her Tibetan Pio- Stundists, forbidding even their prayer- neers, after six months at DarjeeUng, meetings, and holding up these humble moved to Gnatong, in the border State of disciples as a sect dangerous both to the Sikkim. Gnatong is 12,000 feet above Church and State. The whole history the sea, and very cold. Seven of the of the Stundist persecution is a page of Tibetan teachers and servants went with infamy in the annals of Russia; a pure- the party, as also Pontso. A brave and ly religious movement is construed as a persistent spirit characterizes this party; political one, and so would be crushed and it seems as though God's time had if it were possible. During the last come for invading this bermit nation. four years the measures adopted against Miss Taylor flnds the burden of leaderthem have been specially stringent. ship too heavy, and has called Mr. Ce- cil Polbill-Turner to her aid. The procurator of the Holy Synod of Russia reports that the Nonconformists THE ANTI-OPIUM MOVEMENT in Eng. of Russia-that is, the Stundists and land goes steadily forward. Some of others-are increasing every year. The the foremost men and women in Britain suppressive measures against them are are at the head of it, and the prayerful a failure. In Nijni the Nonconformists pertinacity which is behind it reminds us number 70,000 ; in Saratoff, 53,000 ; and of the anti-slavery crusade under Wilin Samara,81,000. They are also very berforce, which was met with the same numerous in the eparchiates of Viatka, carnal antagonism. The annual meet- 72,000: Tchernigoff, 50,000: and Po- ings of the aociety were held at Manlotzk, 82,000. In Siberia they steadily chester, and were marked by unusual increase. There are 30,000 in the epar- force and fire. chiate of Irkutsk, 55,000 in Tobolsk, and 80,000 in Tomsk. The largest num- ARBITBATION as a mode of settling ber of Nonconformists and sectarians in disputes seems to grow in favor. In the any single government are to be found encroachments of England on Venein the Don country, where they number zuela, which have been going on since 106,000 souls. 184-0, it is said that at least one hundred times that republic has sought to have The dispersal of the Stundist leaders the boundary question settled by such into provinces on the limits of the em- peaceful reference, but Britain has repire has resulted in a great missionary fused. It would seem that the cause is movement. From Orenburg, contigu- weak which such a nation is unwilling ous to Siberia, we have news that the thus to have arbitrated. What ju~t Stundists lately settled there have rapid- claim has Britain to the territory west ly influenced a great number of ortho- of the Essequibo River? If this absorpdox Russians, and that little communi- tion goes on, what is to hinder her posties of Protestants are now to be found session of the whole Orinoco valley? in many portions of that extensive prov- And how can standing armies be disince. Similar intelligence comes from banded so long as leading Christian nathe Trans- and Ciscaucasian provinces, tions not only act on the aggressive, as well as from different parts of Cen- but refuse to submit controversies to a tral and Eastern Siberia. If it be true, pacific adjustment 1 therefore, what the orthodox church TIDINGS FROM ZANzmAR, December one of whom has ever before become a 10th, inform us of an attack by a band Christian, it is said. You would hard- ly believe what a sensation this step of of Somalis on the American and Swed- Mr. Ramanujam caused throughout In- ish mission at Oulessa, on the Tana dia. And here at onCe a move was River, on October 30th. The natives made to counteract the infiuence of our were repulsed without loss to the D;is· association by forming a Young Men's Hindu ABsociation on lines as similar as sion beyond that of a few cattle. possible to our own, but of course lack- IN INDIA the recent conversion of Mr. ing the very heart of the matter. . One of the native rajahs has contributed 5000 Ramanujam Ch'etty to Christianity is of rupees toward a building for the new peculiar interest and importance as a sin- association. Our membership has thus been somewhat diminished, but the regular lesult of the attacks on Oltristiani- action will not be long in setting in. ty at the recent Parliament of Religions. It is a time for us to push ahead more This graduate of the Madras University aggressively than ever, quietly ignoring is one of the best-trained lawyers of his the opposition, making our privileges more valuable than ever and our work country. He was led to an examina- our more real and effective. This we tion of the claims of Christianity by are seeking in every possible way to reading the theosophical rhapsodies of do. The arrival of Mr. Davis next Mrs. Besant, and the speeches of Swami month will bring us timely reinforce- ment. Vivekananda at the Parliament of Re- "We have just celebrated the third ligions at Chicago. He studied the sub- anniversary of our Vepery branch, ject thoroughly, and became convinced, which continues to make gratifying he says, of " the hollowness of their as- progress, although receiving but little assistance apart from the volunteer sertions. " work of the members in that section. How are the mighty fallen I The car If there were nothing more to show for of Juggernaut goes no longer forth in the work of these past four years and triumphal but death-dealing procession. more than the transformation of one home in which I was a week ago, I This year, for the first on record, the should feel that our in vestment had J agannath car at Serampore failed to paid an hundred·fold. Two years ago tind devotees enough to drag it over the this month, Vyramuthu, a young man usual route. On three successive days in that home, became a Christian; since then six other young people-his brothattempts were made which ended in fail- er and his wife, his two sisters, and ure. The persuasions and threats of both of their husbands-have followed the Brahmins were in vain. May the his example in following Christ. All highways of India soon resound with of the !'even have been publicly bap- tized within these two years and are the cry: "Prepare ye the way of the shining for Jesus. On Sunday even- Lord" I May the rule of Juggernaut ings, after church, they carryon opensoon be displaced by that of Jehovah, air preaching in a village near where not long ago they themselves were living as tItle Lord of the whole earth I heathen, while I assist them with my David McConaughy, Esq., writes magic lantern. Vyramuthu himself, from Madras, October 24th, 1894 : now the assistant secretary of our Ve- " Madras seems to have recently en- pery branch, is growing in grace and in tered upon a somewhat new phase- knowledge of Christ. He had been one of organized opposition. Ever down in Ceylon last month for a wellsince the last week of prayer for young earned holiday after my return. The men, when a number of our Hindu as- steamer by which he was to return to sociate members openly asked for pray- the mainland touched at Jafl'na earlier er and subsequently several were bap- than advertised, and so he missed it. tized, many of our associate members As there was no other for another forthave showed less disposition to attend night he made up his mind to cross, our meetings; some have given expres- with his wife and baby, in a small boat. sion to unfriendliness. But just before Although his falher-in-law objected, he my return one of our associate members, carried his point, and actnallr spent a Mr. S. Ramanujam, M.A., B.L., a plead- whole day on the open sea In a little er, in the high court of Madras, was boat, crossing from Kangasanturai to baptized. He belonged to a commu- Point Calimere ; then another day was nity which has the reputation of being spent in like manner ingoing from there more orthodox than the Brahmin, no up the coast to Negapatam, whence he proceeded to Madras by rail. I men· away in 1891, but a worthy succeljlsor is tion this as showing the sort of stuff found in MiBB James. On all sides she that some of our aBBociation men are finds open doors for the entrance of the made of in India. Gospel; a recent example being an appli- cation from the Maronite priest of a "Our negotiations for the building most bigoted village to " open an Engsite are being pushed on as rapidly as is lish school" there. The influence of possible, now that we are in a position the mission is deepening and widening to purchase, and before this letter reaches in all departments. Schools are well you I hope we will have the ground se- attended, Bible women welcomed in the cured. If only we can proceed at once houses, Scripture readers attentively to build, it will immensely strengthen listened to in hospitals, in shops, in the our hands at this critical juncture. It encampments of the Lebanon soldiers, will take $25,000 to carry out our plans and even among the wild Bedouins. to completion, but we propose to erect the first section of the building as soon Mr. A. Benollel, who, with his wife as half that amount can be obtained. and daughter, has been recently in this Since our English friends have given country, proposes to erect in Jerusalem the ground, we are looking to America a miBBion hall, to be a rallying place for for the funds to build. What a splen- evangelical Christians and visitors to did memorial it will be of the jubilee if the sacred city. Of Mr. Benollel's work the money can be got yet this year I -which a certain party has been using singularly mean efforts to depreciate- " We need your earnest prayer on onr we have heard most enthusiastic enbehalf. Before this reaches you we comiums from Mr. Arthllr W. Payne, will no doubt be engaged in the week of London, who visited Jerusalem some of prayer. We are looking for' greater two years ago, and was eye-witness of things than these.' Our work is only the work. Mr. Benoliel has the peculfairly begun now. We are more anx· iar adaptation; Mr. Payne says, for the ious to see it intenBijied than to see it work of reaching the Jews from his extended. But from alll over South- knowledge of the Hebrew and other ern India calls are coming for help. dialects in use among them, and being During Christmas week our third national convention will be meeting in Madura if another outburst of cholera does not interfere, as last year. Pray that in that gathering a fire may be kindled by the Spirit of God which shall extend far and wide throughout this dear old dark land of India."
himself a converted Jew.
SAXONY.-The royal family is Roman Catholic, and when the present King of DEAN VAHL'S statistics of foreign mis· Wiirtemberg dies he too will, it is said, sionaries for 1892 has been issued. The be succeeded by a papist. But in both income of all Christian missionary so- countries Protestantism, the prevailing cieties was £2,695,188, of which £1,411,- religion, seems to be more than holding 240 was contributed in this country. its own. In Saxony the Lutherans The number of male foreign missionanumber 3,337,850 as against 128,509 ries was 5502, and of unmarried female Roman Catholics. In Wiirtemberg the missionaries, 2771. With the wives of Protestants number 1,406,648 as against married missionaries, there may be about 609,504 Roman Catholics. Dissent flour- 12,000 from Europe and America in the ishes in Wiirtemberg more than in any field. The number of communicants other country in Germany, but its was above a million. Under all headings dimensions are not great even there, there is a marked advance on the pre- .and it does not increase. The religion vious year. of these lands appears to be little affect- ed by the example set in the royal pal- A CONTRIBUTION of fifty dollars from aces. Saxony is not less Protestant be- "Mrs. McEwen, of Italy" for the Volcause its king is a papist, nor Baden unteer Fund, is thankfully acknowlless Roman Catholic because its ruler is edged, received through Mrs. Bowie, of a Protestant_ Philadelphia; also five dollars from Mrs.
SYRIA.-Mrs. Mentor Mott passed Sarah M. Wood, of New York City.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELI,IGENCE. '
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
EDITED lIY BEV. D. L. LEONABD.
Extracts a.nd Translations from Foreign There is also a restaurant annexed, Periodioals. where a cup of tea can be served for any who are willing to converse about BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, the Gospel, its requirements, and its MASS. blessings. We fear that here there is CHINA. too close an imitation of Western ways. The hope of thus attracting the more -Archdeacon Wolfe, remarks the respectable classes, that are seldom per- .Allgemein8 Miaaiona·Zeit8chri/t, says that suaded into a chapel, seems somewhat learning to read, and even that not per· precarious. "
fectly, requires twenty years of strenu· ous labor for a Chinese. " It is," he is -" In Taoist literature," says the quoted as saying, " hopeless to suppose high.priest, "the two characters Shang.
that poor villagers, of whom many, ti constantly occur, and invariablyoc- when they become Christians, have al· cupy a position so honorable that more ready reached the middle of life, will honorable they cannot be. One of our ever know much about reading, even if classics says that • Shang-ti, within the they had time for lessons. Oral inatruc· period of one rest, formed the whole tion is, therefore, the principal means heavens and earth.' The commentary of diffusing Christian views. Facts to this adds that • the period of one rest being thus, we might have expected is among men a term of seven days.'
that Christian elementary schools in Not the Shu·king alone says: • The only China would long since have developed supreme Shang·ti ; ' the Book of Odes a thoroughly specialized method. The also says, • Supreme Shang-ti.' A Tao- great majority of Chinese Christians ist classic says: • Heaven is not heaven belong to the country population. We made; earth is not earth-born.' Just as must not expect ever to turn these mul- a house, a boat, a cart is made by man, titudes into readers. . . • and not self-created, so we may know " We must, therefore, not form too that there is One who made the earth, flattering notions of the effects of the as it is impossible that the earth is self- missionary prea8. This, for the great originated or that heaven could produce majority of the Chinese Christians, itself. Reflection leads to the inference amounts to nothing, or very little; as that the being who could make heaven little for the dim and common multi- and earth is no other than the most ex- tudes out of whom the congregations cellent and peerless, the only Shang-ti, are chiefly composed. It avails only who has no second. For who or what for the minority who have more or less else could effect such results? When, school training-often less rather than therefore, the classic states that Shang- more. The heathen book'gatherers may ti within the rest·period of seven days give them some attentIon, but quite as completed heaven and earth, and in- often disdain them. Perhaps all these forms us men of the fact, we see the conditions had not been sufficiently re- statement cannot be mistaken. Weare, garded when the American Methodists moreover, compelled to ask whether the at Chin.kiang opened a public reading- completion of the creation of heaven room quite in Western style. The walls and earth exhansted the power of Shang- are adorned with maps and charts; the ti. Did He not hang up the three lights tables covered with newspapers. There -sun, moon, and stars-and everything . is a COULter at which tracts and the between the heaven and the earth; Bible, in whole or part, may be bought. everything having form or color-the
189.5.J EXTRAOTS AND TRANSLATIONII
mountain peaks and the flowing streams, blessings of those institutions which are moving things, trees and peoples of the the outgrowth of a progressing Chrisearth, the various objects of nature, and tianity. Why should they not be given fruit-bearing trees, and all these in also to the heathen as a true representamyriads upon myriads. so that the par- tion of the love of the Church for them? ticles of dust could not sum up their It is held that as we present this benevonumber? Who other than Shang-ti gave lent side of Christianity the hearts of them being and appointed their trans- men are inclined to us and made more formations? Therefore the classic says: accessible to the entrance of the great • Most mighty, there is nothing He can- soul-saving truth of love to God. not do I' From this we learn the almighty power of Shang-ti. Did not the U This theory is fully justified by ancients exclaim, 'My Instructor I my Christ's own example. 'He went about Instructor I Supporting all things, yet doing good.' Perhaps three fourths of His faithfulness is not exhausted. Con- the time of Christ, as recorded in the ferring benefits on myriads of worlds, four gospels, was spent in benevolent yet this falls far short of the measure work to men, and only about one fourth of His benevolence. What is older than in the sole work of preaching. He also the most ancient does not touch the used this benevolent work as a basis fringe of His age. He covers the high- upon which to build His truly spiritual est points of heaven and earth and up- work. Having reached the hearts of holds their lowest parts; He carves and men and aroused their sympathetic feel~ fashions endle88 forms, yet when all is ings through His benevolence, He was summed up it is but an infinitesimal enabled t-o apply the deep truths of spirfragment of His skill.' What is all this ituallife and worship. In His time such but descriptive of the only Shang·ti, benevolent work consisted chiefly in who has no second, the Almighty, the comforting the poor, healing the sick, Ever·Living? Hence we learn that the and casting out devils, which comprised moving power in the endless transfor- all of the forms of such work then commations is not those transformations mon among the Jews. At the prescnt themselves. Indeed, these cannot un- time the advanced conditions of social derstand who or what it is that trans- life make new and varied forms of forms them. Is He not able to produce benevolent work possible. Lepers are endless other and stronger transforma- cared for, the blind are taught useful tions than these? The potter and trades, hospitals for various forms of moulder of all forms is not those forms sickness are erected, printing-presses themselves. All forms set forth the scatter the Word of God, and education honor of Him without whom nothing is is provided for the poor and others who moulded or fashioned. We may, there- need it. These are new forms of work fore. infer that there are invisible things for which no explicit authorization which can more abundantly declare His could be found in the Scriptures other power. He is seated beyond heaven than the general spirit of love to man, and earth and all things existing, and but they are as surely works of benevorules among heaven, earth, and all ex- lence as any of those earlier forms which isting things. Investigation will dis- are mentioned. Buch education as our cover nothing that was before Him; missionary societies attempt is only a experience will find nothing after.' form of benevolence-' a work of faith and labor of love '-done by men and " The whole paper is very interesting, women whose lives are consecrated to and intensely theistic, not pantheistic. His service. Our age Is pre·eminently Surely here must be a better soil for the an educational one, and free schools Gospel than the cold, arid, merely ethi- abound in Christian lands. These are cal Confucianism. generally acknowledged to be the fruit of Christianity, which is clearly shown II Our Christian countries enjoy the
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
by the fact that nearly all of the found- lowed to curse us. We don't want our ers of great colleges and universities homes desolated, and we know they have been Christian men, whose hearts will be desolated if this habit is encour- have been prompted to such deeds by aged. But about the tuum, about our their love to God and man. They are neighbors in India and China, thero a glory and an honor to the Church. If is no such anxiety. Very many des;;- this benevolent work of education is lated homes there are doubtless, they good in the home lands why should it admit, by this curse; but they have not be good in foreign lands ~ Boys and heard also, 'and Gashmu saith it,' that girls who receive such education are there are homes into which the opium surely profited by it, and it is a true habit has entered where it is not a curse example of 'love to man.' "-J. C. F., -that it saves 8tarving men from tho in Ohinese Recorder. pangs of hunger; that it enables jaded -The Swedish conSUl, Bock, accord- men and horses to put on a spurt; and ing to the Dansk Mil#lion8-Btad, after in these last days, though never before, having demanded of the Chinese au- and curiously not at all in malaria-ridthorities full reparation for the murder den Burma, that it shields innumerable of the two Swedish missionaries at poor men and women from malarial Sung-pu, has receded from his demand, fever! saying contemptuously that it is no great matter to Sweden if a few unedu- " The very awkward thing about this cated men have been put to death so present-day care for the meum and neglong as assurance can be given that lect of the tuum is that in the latter as trade will not suffer. The Blad corre- pect it is associated with a question of spondent remarks that he would have three millions sterling per annum of been supported by all the foreign con- revenue. The Briti8h Medical Journal, 8uls, but he did not even take the trouble in its eager ad vocacy of the free sale of to confer with them. He is notoriously opium to China, says that it involves hostile to the Swedish missionaries, 'half the revenue of India;' a statewhich explains his willingness to see ment which for accuracy is on a par them murdered. with its whole treatment of this suh- ject. But to us it seems that the very fact of this dangerous association of thCl'
-" For one home in England that is opium traffic with a revenue of largo- desolated by the opium curse there are dimensions should be the one notable rea· at least a thousand in India and ten son why Christian men in this country thousand in China. And if the strong, should be careful not to be befooled by self-restrained, cultured, Bible-taught the mushroom pleas which have sprung people of England need the help of up since this revenue has been assault- stringent sale regulation to defend them ed. It is neither Christian nor manly, from this curse, most certainly the weak- nay, it is a cowardIy inj ustice, to defend er, more ignorant, and more impulsive ourselves as we are doing against the heathen peoples of India and China re- spread of the opium curse in England, quire such defence in an immeasurably while we continue to encourage and greater degree. promote a trade whereby we ruin innu- " This argument is so clear and strong merable lives and homes among peo- that it is amazing to find anyone resist- ples weaker than ourselvcs."-Medica& ing it. It is resisted, however, by many Mission8.
of the clergy, by numbers of Christian MADAGASCAR. laymen, and notably by the very medi- cal journal qnoted above. All these -" Saturday, May 26th, was a "red- parties are quite clear about England letter day for the Antananarivo Orphan- Sll.d the meum. As far as possible age Society, as the Queen was present opium aud morphine must not be al- at the annual meeting held in Miss Cra-
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLA'rIONS
ven's beautiful school·room. The room sionary printer of the F. F. M. A.; and was crowded to its utmost capacity, both he and Mrs. Kingzett have, for and probably there were as many as years past, devoted every effort to five hundred present. The Orphanage bring the society to its present very Society is now quite one of our institu- satisfactory condition. "-The Ohronitions, and it well deserves the support cleo it receives. From Mr. Kingzett's report we learned that there are now MISCELLANEOUS. forty-seven children in the two homes, and that the cost of maintenance is -" The Emperor receives his comonly 7td. each per week! The chil- mands from Heaven; the minister his dren were present, and their happy from the prince. Therefore, when the faces and neat appearance spoke well commands of Heaven and of the prince for those who have the care of them. concur, the minister, in fulfilling the The proceedings on Saturday were en- latter, fulfils both; if they are at varilivened by singing and music, contrib- ance, the commands of the prince are uted by the orphans themselves, and not to be followed. If the prince beby Mrs. Ashwell, Dr. Moss, Mr. Rad- head him, well; but let him act rightley, and Miss Waller. The last-named eously. "-CONFUCIUS. is a young lady of color, a daughter of the ex-American Consul. She has a -It is a common impression that the powerful and well-trained voice, and Christians of Greenland are mainly unthe Malagasy seemed delighted to hear der Moravian care. This is an error. one so much like themselves singing as The Allgemeine Miaaio1Ut·Zeitschrijt Miss Waller did. It has been a great gives the whole population (except OIl surprise to many of them to find peo- the thinly peopled East Coast) as now ple of their own color who yet claim, Christianized. Of these Christians on grounds of education and culture, 8175 are under the care of the Lutheran to rank with white people. The Mala- Church of Denmark. There are 3 Dangasy name for all white people (Euro- ish and 4 native pastors, working at 12 peans and Americans) is Vazaha, and stations. The Danish ministers (they the Waller family are always spoken can hardly any longer be called misof as the • black Vaziilla.' The meet- sionaries) appear to go to Greenland ing of Saturday seems to have given only for a time. There is at Godthaab uni versal pleasure, and we had a col- (Goodhope) a seminary for the training lection of $112. For collecting taxes, of native teachers and preachers; the sun helmets and a white basin were latter, mostly half-breeds, complete their used; and as I stood on the platform education in Copenhagen. and received the money, I can testify that the helmet from the Queen's gal- The UnUas Fratrum has, at its 6 stalery was very much heavier than the tions, the care of 1591 Christian Greenrest. Her Majesty not only gave a landers. liberal contribution, but also bought nearly all the articles exhibited as speci- In Labrador there are 1329 Eskimo mens of work. Among these were sev- Christians, all under :M:oravian care. eral articles of cabinet work admirably made. The result of the meeting will, -" A Caffre asked me once: 'Is it we trust, be not only to strengthen this not true, that beyond the ocean you one society, but to stimulate Chris- are all God:s children, and that those tians in other places to follow so excel- that are not you send here to Africa? ' lent an .example. The main work of Another said to me: I I hate the guiding and superintending the society whites.' I Me too?' asked 1. I No ; devolves on Mr. J. C. Kingzett, mi- you are not a white man; you are an umjundiBi (missionary).'" – Inspector BUCHNER, in Allgemeine Mis8ioN8-Zeit- 8chrijt.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
_" The last number of THE MIS- tian doctrine. As many as thirty men, SIONARY REVIEW OJ!' THE WORLD con- some of them old men, some of them tains matter thoroughly digested and lads of seventeen or eighteen, have atinteresting. In the Editorial Depart- tended the Swatow reading circle this ment there are articles giving an exact year. idea concerning evangelical missionary labors in England, France, Germany, LifJi1l{/ Ohristian8.-As a specimen of Spain, India, Japan, Corea, Persia, native Christianity the case of Sun-ho Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Brazil, and is cited. His benevolence is remark- Egypt. Its news department also Is, able. The first year a preacher was as ever, various and most Interesting_ sent to his village he paid the whole of We recommend this publication to all his salary. and each succeeding year he those that are interested in the exten- has paid a large share of it, though not sion of the Gospel. "-EZ Abogado OriB- a rich man. He buys medicines and tia1W Ilu8trado (Mexico). gives these away, and he bestows alms i1~ secret. He hospitably entertains -The Neukirchener ~lli88ion among Christians whose road lies past his the Falashas (Abyssinian Jews) has house, and, best of all, he has brought baptized 1470 since 1860. others to Christ.
English Notes. The Mi8sion Oouncil in Form08a, in their minute concerning the death of Mr. BY JAMES DOUGLAS. Thou, to which we have already re- ferred, says: .. He laid much stress on Bapti8t M"wionary Socitty.-We have the duty of preaching the Gospel to the reason to believe that increasing care is heathen, in which connection he preused by the committee of this society to pared a sheet tract on ' Saving Truth,' send into the mission field disciplined which has already been distribut.ed and well-qualified workers; men, and in tens of thousands throughout the women too, who have earned their spurs island." by laborious industry and the educatlonalstandards passed. Various parts The OhU1'ch Mi88ionarll &ciety.-In of the mission field have recently been a recent InteUigencer interest is mainly strengthened by the addition of work- focussed in Dr. H. :Martyn Clarke's ers of this kind. Mr. McCallum, B.D., article on "Some Results of the Late is designated for work in Ceylon, where Mohammedan Controversy" in India. it is hoped eventually he may be useful The controversy took the form of a in training Singhalese native Christian public debate, which lasted fifteen evangelists. Mr. Thomas Watson Is days. The Mohammedan champion appointed to Barisal, in Eastern Bengal, concluded the proceedings with a and is well equipped for his work by prophecy. Claiming that a direct reveopen-air evangelism and direct mission- lation from God was given to him, he ary training. Mr. Charle~ Edward Wil- asserted that within fifteen months, son, B.A., a brilliant student and ver- counting one month for each day of the satile Christian worker, goes to Jessore, discussion. the Christian opponent, Mr. Eastern Bengal. By these and like Abdullah Athim, would die, In a later additions the Baptists of England are revelation Dr. Clarke was himself ingiving of their best to the service of the cluded in the doom pronounced. The Gospel in foreign lands. prophecy kept the discussion alive in the minds of the people. and the whole Prubyterian Ohurch of England.-A Mohammedan population were in a state 81JJatow .. Ohautauqua" is an interesting of the utmost tension and ferment. item. It consists of a reading class (six Dismay struck home to many hearts weeks' course), the object of which is when, as time proceeded, it became the training of Christian men in Chris- bruited abroad that Mr. Athim was not
ENGLISH NOTES
only looking well, but in addition" was Pro8p6rity in BUBineu. -Under this growing fat." Needless to say, events head Mr. Peat, of Sih-Chau, Shan-si, have shown that Mirza Ghulam Ahmed, gives an interesting account of Mr. the champion of Islam, has not "the Ch'ao, a Chinese convert, whose stand power of the keys." Several leading for the purity of commercial principles Moslems have come out on the side of and the sanctification of the Lord's Day Christ. The first to come forward was the Lord has signally honored. Deterthe J andiala youth who had been the mined not to make a cent unlawfully, fons et O1'igo of the discussion. The but to incorporate the principles of our next was Akhund Sahile, as he is holy religion with all the practical determed, a Mohammedan gentleman of tails of business life at whatever cost, education, and who had been a trusted he has both had an abundance of sunfriend and apostle of the champion. shine within, and has seen the hand of His baptism, together with that of his the Lord displayed in his behalf in the daughter, was a wonderful occasion. most marked manner. Whatsoever he This bitter blow to Mirza was followed by one still harder to bear, for his own did has prospered. Mr. Ch'ao Pas brother-in-law, hlsnear relative and trusted private secretary, was admitted proved by experience that honesty is by baptism into the Church visible. the best policy, and above all the Scrip- Akhund was the means of his conver- ture .. Them that honor Me I will honsion, and has also led three other lIe- or." How many besides the Chinese need hammedans to Christ. Up to Septem- so to learn Christ as to do likewise I ber 1st fourteen had been baptized from Mohammedanism, and it is expected Wesleyan Miuionarg Society. – An that hundreds may follow_The move- Indian family which had settled on the ment altogether is the most remarkable Kalubara estates of Ceylon, and were one which has yet taken place in the active opponents of Christianity, have Mohammedan field; and the definite come out on the Lord's side and been issue joined is surely the prelude to a as a family baptized by the Rev. J. S. great awakening. Corlett, Wesleyan missionary. The reading of tracts and portions of the r China's Millions-Happy Years in Scriptures distributed to them by Mr. Ohina.-Mr. Edward Hunt, of Gan- Benjamin, the Tamil minister, was the King, supplies a sketch of recent con- means of their conversion. verts won from China's millions. The first is that of Sle, a soldier, whose London Mi8Bionarg Societll.-In the bright, glad face Is an index of his in- decease of Andrianaja, the London Misward joy. Next is llr. Cheng, aged sionary SOCiety has lost, in Madagascar, fifty-eight, dismissed from his situation one of their very best evangelists_ for attending Christian serVices, but "The people in his district," writes happy to avow his faith in Jesus in bap- W. J. Edmonds, "were impressed by tism. The third is Hu Ki-cheo, coolie his individuality, conscious of his earand barrow-man. "None," says Mr. nest wish to assist them in all good Hunt, "could doubt his sincerity or things, and were decidedly infiuenced speak evil of his conduct, and with by his lpiritual power; while the pasgreat joy we all received him." Last tors under his care, with one exception, came Ling Tao-hoien, the house coolie are the most earnest and spiritually in the training home, a bright fellow of minded of the sixty connected with my twenty-seven, who, from being an in- district, and their churches are the veterate gambler and worse, gave evi- most progressive." The pastors with dence of being "a new creature" in whom he co-operated have sent in a Christ Jesus. memorial to this effect: "We prefer to have no evangelist at all rather than have one who may undo the work done by Andrianaja."
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGE:liCE
[THESE statistics are de.igned to include only Missions among either non-Christian or nonduced. Accuracy has been son~ht, but also completeness. and hence conservative estimates have the space afforded by two pages of this Magazine, a large number of the s.naller and spe~ial organi- g oi '" ,; 3~ a '=al.:!;l s:l NAIES OF MISSIONARY SOCIETIES .,,,…. 'l3 a~rd ';oS ~ .. .'"~_~r:i ~ " ,- . , INIEUaol'B, Asu., ETC. 00 gs] oZ ~ 0" '21 :a;'~" =" .C~IS";:; ;;'~ E-<,s .s.g~ ~~ "''' A 20" 0$:1 – – – —– – – – — — — — 0 ……. I English Baptist……………… 1792 — $381,000 $42,240 110 29 97 64 64 2 Strict Baptist. _…………. " ……….. 1861 3,725 250 1 2 1 1 6 8 London (L. M. S_) …………………… 1795 728,410 184,515 164 28 148 68 1476 4 Chnrch (C. M. S.) …………….. -…… 1799 1,486,111 177,220 339 78 257 407 323 5 Propagation (S. P. G.)……………….. 1701 6 UlI.lversities' Mission ……………….. 1880 565,395 ………. 230 38 215 12 173 7 The Friends' • ……………………… 1867 101,550 ………. 27 38 …. 23 5 .. . 620 21 – 1/; 20 … 46,180 8 Wesleyan Methodist.. .. ____ ………….. 1816 670,435 82,940 138 35 110 61 175 16,100 9 Methodis' New Connection ..•. _.•…••. _ 1859 14,r.05 462 8 … 6 1 …. 105,475 …….. 10 Primitive Methodist…•.•.•. _.•• 1869 311,294 3,695 9 … 5 …. 3 18,420 25 1 15 …. …. 11 United Methodist Free Churches •••••••.. 1837 6,794 13 2 7 /; 3 12 Welsh Oalvinistic.. __ . __ …. ………… 1841 13 Presbyterian Church of England.•. _•.. _• 1847 99,295 2,500 20 13 22 22 11 14 Presbyterian Chnrch ofIreland………. 1840 96,145 7,500 21 2 17 12 10 15 China Inland …… ____ ………………. 1865 160,894 40,005 85 174 112 227 12 16 Church of Scotland …………….. – …. 1829 222,476 42,500 20 16 23 43 7 17 Free Church…. _…….. …………… 1843 542,075 196,245 60 59 75 46 18 ~ 3,665 ………. 2 … 2 1 ….
18 Reformed Presbyterian ..••••.•.••••.••. – 184% 19 United Presbyterian …… __ …. _…….. 1847 167,720 46,350 71 23 78 31 19 …… 20 Other British Societies.. _•.••••• , •••.••.. 1,132,520 ………. 184 47 90 210 18 Sl Paris Society… .. …………………. 1822 77,800 9,895 30 6 29 7 2 22 Basle SOciety……………………….. 18111 250,845 33,610 153 47 101 6 36 .. 23 Berlin Society.•••• ………………. 1824 75,130 84,761 70 '7 57 6 1 11 .., 24 Breklum Society…. _……………….. 1877 13,013 ………. 7 …. …. 23 '" 25 Gossner's Society…………………… 1836 25,105 992 61 7 17 …. 18 26 Hermannsburg Society••..••.•• _.••••..•. 1849 40,135 4,841 53 ' … ….
……. 17 Leipsic Society ….. _….. , ….. , 1836 71,216 4,148 33 2 25 1 17 28 Moravian Church………….. " …….. 1734 119,435 277,955 171 -" 151 14 23 29 i'torth German Society………, … :'….. 1836 24,479 381 14 4 5 6 1 30 Rhenish Society…………………….. 1829 15,465 18,196 87 9 76 5 16 …… .. . 81 Eight other German Societies •.•••••••.. 65,720 ………. 33 18 15 3 …. …… 32 Nine Netherlands Societies…………… 163,390 ………. 45 '" 37 30 …… ………. 83 Twelve Scandinavian Societies…. _…… 118 30 110 63 35 263,986 – – – -.-.. – – – – …… 84 Societies in Africa, A~ia, etc…… _• _•••. 490,780 -.. –..-..-.. .3-45169 43 317 ….. – – – – – – – – – – Totals for Europe, Africa, etc .•.•.•.. — $8,296,569 $1,082,849 2,692 689 2,150 1,420 2,816 —- — — . -. – – – – – – – – – – – …. Totals for America.. _………… " …. Totals for Christendom …•••••• $5,173,749 $425,515 1,336 323 1,895 1,028 1,331 – – – -~— …… $13,470,318 $1,458,464 4,0281,012 3,545 2,448 4,147 Protestant people., and hence the ligures of certain societies doing colonial work have been Tebeen made concerniJl!! £ertain Items omitted from 80me reporte. MaiJlly in order to keep within zations have been grouped together.] . …_ ., .,.to .;, J….. ..
I .. "" . "" -5 "'(~-i"s=.~'~-"~…~,,,~,"'~!-=i ~ "aa <g ~ 5 ~-=O".".,. 8 – – – – ? v~~ 0 ",,:i ~.t-P ''0" ::g;; Countries in which ~~ <> Missions are Sustained. ",;"..,a~-i <::I Ul Ul ,,".~oo >'l — – S — – – – – – – -UJ – 973 1,337 855 51,534 3,341 135,000 855 86,129 India, China, Palestine, Africa, 1 We~t Indies. , 778 India (Madras, Ceylon). 57 68 71 793 175 1,800 81 2 6,758 8,644 !,557 94,192 1,792 404,795 1.977 125,984 China, India, Africa, Madagascar, S 5,706 7,110 488 52,343 3,893 199,882 2,033 Polynesia. 2,300 2,!J6!! 2,370 49,000 3,000 100,000 82,368 Persia, Chins, Japan, India, 4 1,166 96 855 Africa, North America, etc. 104 194 37 2,727 175 4,100 86 40,600 Ind,a. China, Japan, ,Malaysia, 5 420 476 150 88,992 4,800 16,000 165 Africa, West Indies, etc. 2,429 2,945 1,986 1,542 92 120,000 880 66 81 86 3,000 34 2,106 Africa (Lake Nyu." and ZIlDZi'1 tI bar), 12,000 Palestine, India, China, Madagas- 7 car.
52,000 India, China, Africa (West and' 8 Sonth). West Indips. 377 China (Shantung, Tien.tsln). 9 46 63 30 669 140 2,300 9 610 Africa (Fernando Po, Zambesi). 10 420 461 72 7,569 240 20,000 127 6,280 China, Africa, Australia. 11 404 434 23~ 2,344 105 10,496 210 5,048 N. E. India, France (Brittany). 12 154 242 146 4,267 313 7,357 57 2,603 India, China, Malaysia. 13 242 304 34 771 81 2,100 55 3,997 China, India (Kathiawar). 14 249 859 228 4,234 528 10,000 35 629 China (Fifteen Provinces). 15 480 589 64 1,434 62 6,500 157 11,547 India, East Africa, Palestine. 16 872 1,108 260 7,727 295 15,000 387 1l6,485 India. Africa, Sonth and East. 17 45 2 Arabia, Palestine,NewBebrides. 3 160 Syria (Antioch, etc.). 6 10 57 2 18 694 B38 267 18,460 1,046 43,000 280 18,957 India, China, Japan, Africa, West 19 1,060 1,469 822 and South, West Indies. 2,700 …… 8.500 532 18,000 20 145 219 184 10,970 1,781 16,365 140 7,280 Africa, South and West, Tahiti. 21 846 1,188 449 14,274 940 28,861 325 13,155 South India, China, West Africa. 22 133 274 157 12,9ii3 2,020 25,6e<J 150 4,770 East and South Africa, China. 23 18 36 7 86 10 153 7 115 India (Telugus). 24 336 894 60 11,940 940 38,187 68 1,384 India (Ganges, Chota Nagpore). 25 291 411 114 16,778 219 21,561 57 8,930 Inl~d. South Africa, New Zea- 26 171 249 178 6,886 340 14,142 182 4,842 South India, Burmah. 27 1,6~ 1,896 148 32,288 1,841 98,246 ~44 23,728 South Africa, AustraIfa, South 28 36 66 22 7J4 165 1,247 . America, West Indies, Eskimu.
19 566 West Africa, New Zealand. 29 251 444 196 16,741 676 53,818 145 9,450 Africa, East Indies, New Gnlnea, 80 43 112 ' 72 695 120 China.
1,700 33 8!4 31 298 410 130 49,273 1,450 130,000 215 7,500 32 1,257 1,613 450 '23,384 1,268 70,000 410 33,730 33 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ' – 4,7:15 6,599 1,4n 188,863 7,500 380,000 2,713 97,800 34 – – – – – – – – – – – – – 33,610 44,111 13,897 728,824 39,446 2,044,825 13,660 -65-5,'1-32 11,309 15,064 4,648 _801,942122,810 -7- 25,41 15 6,- 134 204,555 45,419 59,175 18,545 1,030,766 62,256 2,770,240 19,794 860,287 THE KINGDOM. so that he can do the most efficient work 1" -The lower lines of the two pages just preceding are well worth scanning -The same Journal has this item: closely, for at least in some measure "Last year we got a check of about they tell in summary what Christendom $2300 from one church, and shortly is doing for the spiritual weal of hea- after came a contribution from the same thendom. They sllow that more than church of one cent, which belonged to 11,000 ,men and women are preaching the former contribution. Who gave Christ in all the world. As co-laborers that one cent? God knows. It may they have not l~ss than 50,000 of their have been the largest gift in the Lord's converts, and among them are upward treasury for the year."
of 4000 native pastors. About $13,500,- -Quoth the Nashville 'Ohristian Ad- 000 were expended upon the work last 'IJOCate: "The Rev. Dr. Sutherland, of year. The blessed fruits of toil appear the Methodist Church in Canada, has in the more than 1,000,000 communi- reduced his own salary $500, and thus cants in the churches in the nearly 2,800,- relieves the Missionary Board, of which 000 who have forsaken their idols, and he is the General Secretary, of that in the 860,000 pupils to be found in the much expense per annum. Will any- schools. body follow'his example? Canada must -The full significance of the figures have a very high grade of Methodism composing these statistical tables cannot if Dr. Sutherland is a sample. To by any means be discerned without fre- which we make answer that all the offiquently .. reading between the lines." cers of our Board of Missions, in view For lack of space some weighty names of the prevailing financial distress, voldo not appear, and by their most abun- untarily cut their salaries at the rate of dant suecess other names fail to re- 20 per cent more than six months ago." ceive much of what is justly their due. Thus the English Wesleyans once had -This item is just as good for any a work among the Indians of Canada; island or continent under the sun. their many churches gathered in the Rev. H. A. Robertson, of Erromanga, West Indies are now independent; their writing regarding his work in Erromore than 80,OCO converts in South Af- manga, says: "To,day completes my rica are organized in a conference by two·and-twenty years here. During themselves, whUe Fiji, with as many all these years I have been the only more, is now a part of the great Aus- missionary on this island. But I am tralasian Conference. The London Mis· quite in error, for my dear wife has sionary Society, the English Baptists, also been a missionary here during all the American Board, etc., have "lost" those years; and if I have worked hard trophies by the ten thousand in & simi- and suffered a good deal and have beep larly blessed fashion. exposed to danger often, she has work- ed, harder, suffered more nnd has been exposed to quite as many dangers as I -Among recent articles well worth have been. Somehow churches, soci- reading are these two : "Concerning eties, etc., fall into the same grievous the Collection," by Rev. A. W. Patten, error of speaking of what this or that in the devotional column of the Epwortlt missionary has done, what he has suf- Herald, and " Salaries of the Missiona- fered and what his victories, while his des" in the Foreign Mission Journal wife, who left home and parents and (Southern Baptist). In the second arti- aU to aid her husband in the work of cle the idea is very pungently set forth the Church, and for the present and that "the question should never be, eternal well-being of the poor ignorant How cheap can a miSSionary live? but heathen, and has, it may be, had her How much will it take to support him once splendid constitution completely shattered by the constant strain and suf- there were only 15; but by the end of fering and toil and danger of years 1884 the number had risen to 160."
in a trying climate, where she has had There are now 407. .. In twenty years, no society except that of her husband, from 1873, the number of female teach- and has had to give up her children for ers in the same society increased from years, and yet one seldom hears one 375 to 892."
word about it. The missionary's wife -Shall women be commissioned to has the suffering and he gets all the glory." baptize 1 is a question very practical and very urgent in many parts of the -Thus are" Christians" instructed Orient, and especially where an entire to pray in South America, neglected sex is kept secluded In zenanas, abso- continent Indeed: •• In the name of the lutely beyond the reach of masculine Most Holy Virgin, give me aid, and she missionaries. Cases are continuallyoc- will bless you forever, " cries the wretch- curring where evidently penitence and ed beggar by the roadside. •• I will pray faith and love have entered the heart, the Holy Mother to succor you in time and there is a readiness to make a pub- of need and to give you a crown of life," lic confession by receiving this.rite, but says the poor sick woman to whose wWch only a woman can be allowed to child a coin i~ given. To the question, administer• .. What are you thinking of, Augustine 1" -MiBB Agnes G. Hill, of Toledo, 0., quick as a flash comes the answer from has recently gone to India as a missionthe bright-eyed little fellow : "In God ary, with headqua.ters at Madras. and and l'Iary, the Most Holy One." At to be the first foreign general secretary the close of selections in a book of tales of the Young Women's Christian Assofor children we read: "Put your faith ciation. alone in Ma1"'/1, the Holy Vir.qin, and Blle will 8ave yO'lt from your Bins. " -This good news appears in Woman's Work for Woman: .. The last of the -Dr. Paton states that during his re- large girls at Tabriz school, Persia, cent tours through Great Britain and came into the church April 1st. First America he was able to collect for vari- Chinese converts at Chiningchow, 0 of ous funds the snug sum of £25,433 them united with the church i 14 adults ($127,165). were baptized In June at Che Hom, two -Mention was recently made of a days north of Lakawn, Laos; 4 were missionary collection at a funeral, and added to the church at Tungchow, now a Teutonic toiler on the Pacific China, in June, and 10 at Curityba, Coast writes to the Congregational head. Brazil, at the midsummer communion."
quarters: "At e'l!61"'/1 celebration of mar- -Since 1887 the gifts of the women 'riage among our people a collection is of the Southern Baptist churches have taken for home mi8siom, and a number steadily increased from $17,000 until of times I have had the pleasure to for- they reached $45,129 last year, and the ward it." And the delighted secretary year before, under an Impulse from the adds: "We heartily congratulate our Carey centennial, shot upward to $62,- brother on his entirely original plan, 287.
and cherish the hope that weddings -The Congregational Woman's may be frequent in his parish… Board reports contributions in the East last year amounting to $95,558, WOMAN'S WORK. and in the interior to about $65,000, a -Rev. A. R. Buckland, in the Bun- total los8 from the year preceding of day Magazine, says: "The first unmar- nearly $10,000.
ried woman was sent out by the Church -The women of the United Breth- Missionary Society in 1820 i in 1888 ren Church raised ,14,753 last year for work in Atrica, China, and among the -The report of the Friends' mission- Chinese in America. ary work for 1893-94 came too late for use in the statistical tables. These are -According to the official report of the important features: Income, $44,- the Kaiserswerth Home, there are now 000 : ordained missionaries, 12; unor- no less than 68 Deaconess mother houses dained, 22; wives, 9; unmarried wom· in various countries, with 10,412 sisters en, 20; ordained natives, 10; unorand 4063 probationaries, laboring at dailled, 56; stations, 40; native Chris- 3641 localities. More than $2,000,000 tians, 910; schools, 22; scholars, 809. are annually spent in the prosecution of this labor of love. As yet Germany -Dr. Day, under date of October leads in the number of houses and of 15th, writes: "This morning we sent sisters, but there is no country of any to Monrovia 9000 pounds of coffee for importance on the globe where the shipment by the first steamer. We sent, cause is not represented. The mother by the Lweria 6000 pounds and by a houses with the largest contingent of German steamer, a few weeks ago, 10,- sisters are Kaiserwerth, 914 at 234 000; making, with the amount sent places ; Copenhagen, 202 at 88 places; down this morning, 25,000 pounds. Ac- Konigsberg, 403 at 173; Augsburg, cording to the price here, it ought to be with 138 at 54; Berlin, with 564 at worth in the United States not less than 156; Bern, 409 at 80; Bielefeld, 640 at twenty-five cents a pound, which will 249; Christiania, 334 at 83; Danzig, go a long way toward meeting the ex- 230 at 122; Darmstadt, 196 at 67 ; Dres- penses of the mission for this year."- den, 395 at 164; Flensberg, 130 at 50 ; Lutheran Mi8sionary Journal. Frankenstein, 179 at 105; Frankforton-the-Main, 103 at 41 ; Halle, 147 at -Says Dr. C.C. It-IeCabe, of the 54; Hanover, 281 at 117; Carlsruhe, Methodist Missionary Society: "Thir- 181 at 63; Kassel, 126 at 62; Krash- ty-five years ago we had one convert in nitz, 205 at 102; Neuendettelsau, 376 all our foreign fields; now we t.ave at 150; Stockholm, 189 at 89; Strass- 130,000, and they give $250,000 per anburg, 209 at 52; Stuttgart, 507 at 113 ; num for self-support." Zurich, 147 at 47. -Surely Bishop Thoburn occupies U:NITED STATES. no sinecure. For, after a busy canvass for funds in this country, extending -Eleven fresh-air funds in New over several months, he returned in No- York City, meant to minister to the vember to India and Malaysia to hold health and comfort of the poor during conferences, etc., and is expected to be the summer heats, expended in the ag- in the United States again in March or gregate $127,774 during 1894. April to secure at least $30,000 to save his work from disastrous retrenchment. -Hermann Warszawick, whose work Alas I that upon one man should be among the Hebrews of New York City thus laid a double burden. is well known, has severed his connection with that local movement in order -The Ohurcl.man, speaking only or to make an extended tour through the those who are connected with the Epis- United States and inaugurate efforts in copal missions, says: "The offerings in behalf of his brethren in all the large the mite boxes of the Indian women of centres of popUlation. South Dakota, during the past seven years, have averaged $200 a year, or a -The American Board Almanac for total of $1400. This is a remarkable 1895 is attractive to the eye, and its showing." nearly fifty pages are well packed with a great variety of missionary informa- -" The new Japanese Church erecte'l tion. by our mission in San Francisco, the first structure of the kind on this continent, was dedicated in December. It upon a little tea and the dried fish of has a large seating capacity, and cost, the natives. Bishop Bompas has juet with its school department, over $10,- published an interesting book, 'North- 000. It is furnished in Japanese style. ern Lights on the Bible.' So far away In the rear are rooms suitable for school is he that the first copy will not reach and institutional purpo~es. The Church him until July."-The Ohurchman.
Extension Society gave $5000 toward the edifice, and the Japanese have raised EUROPE. $3000 or more. Nearly $600 was raised on the day of the dedication."-Pacific Great Britain.-Canon Scott Robert- Ohri8tian Advocate. son has published his twenty-third an- nual summary of British contributions -Four years ago the American Mis· for foreign missions in 1893, from which sionary Association opened a school it appears that the amount is less than under the care of two young men, for any year during the last half decade. Messrs. Thornton and Lopp, at Cape His figures in brief are as follows: Prince of Wales, Alaska. The Eskimo were rude and degraded, without law Church of England pocietles ..•…….. £518,663 or government. But they came, young Joint societies of Churchmen and Nonand old, in such numbers that schools conformists ………….. . …….. . 211,510 Nonconformist societies in England had to be held three times a day. and Wales ……………………… 345,918 Three years afterward Mr. Lopp was Scotch and Irish Presbyterian societies. 208,999 allowed to take charge of the Govern- Roman Catholic societies ………•…• 8,167 ment reindeer station at Port Clarence, and Mr. Thornton was murdered in his Total……………………… £1,288,257 -Medical missi~ns are on the in- house. Mr. Lopp has now returned to crease. Tlte Gleaner states that out of the mission, has found the property all some 400 men studying in London Hos- safe, and has had a warm welcome from pital, 100 are members of the Missionary the natives. TIe expects to come home Association, and that 22 are definitely next summer, and a successor is sought intending to devote themselves to work for by the society. The call is for a in heathen lands.
minister and his wife, not beyond mid- -" A foreign missionary week whicq dle age, without children, willing to re- had 18 meetmgs, addressed by 13 differmain at the post for three years at least, ent missionaries, representing China, Inand content to endure hardness in a dia, Ceylon, Morocco, Lovedale, and the promising field of labor among an en- Congo, was held lately at the Wynd tirely destitute people. Church, Glasgow. The closing meet- -In Southeast Alaska the Presbyte- ing was a missionary consecration ser- rians occupy Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, vice, at which 81 persons publicly yield.
Sitka, Mangele, Klawack, and Jackson. ed themselves for foreign service. Over At these places are 5 organized churches 300 others pledged themselves to be among the nativeF, with from 500 to 600 helpers to foreign mission work, are native communicants. formed into a missionary parliament, -" A thousand miles up the Yukon and are to circulate among themselves River, in a section of country where no a dozen oC the leading missionary monthother religious body is doing any work, lies. "-Regions Beyond.
the missionary of St. James's has a par- -November 4th, 1794, under an im- ish of about 100,000 miles in extent. pulse received from a letter written by Naturally he looks upon a canoe jour- Carey, 8 clergymen in London met to ney of 900 miles as nothing for one trip. consult concerning a missionary organi- A diet of beans and flour seems to him zation. In due season the London Mis- luxurious, for the good Bishop Bompas, sionary Society was launched, and now, far to the north, depends on his journeys after a hundred years, it has 256 men and women in the field. 1734 native -Another party of 750 Jews from pastors, 125,000 in its schools, in its Bessarabia, Podolia, and Yekaterahos- churches almost 100,000 members, and lay recently left the city of Odessa for native Christians to the number of the Argentine Republic. Baron Hirsch's nearly 400,000. Jewish colony, to which this party is -The East London Institute is to bound, is proving successful. The open a home for the children of mis- wheat crop last year was valued at sionaries, where they may be lovingly $150,000. The baron hail already adcared for and educated during the years vanced upward of $2.000,000 for the when separation from their parents is settlement of this single colony, and necessary. hopes to have there within ten years 100,000 persons. Each company scnt . -The London Missionary Society has out numbers 50 families, to each of received $30 from half as many boys which is given a tract of land, that they of Rarotonga. They wrote with the are expected to seUle upon in villages. money, •• We want to help them because A rabbi and a doctor accompany each they have done so much for us. We band. all went and picked coffee on our holi- day afternoons, and dried and sold it, and so we got the money which we now ASIA.
give. We each give $2 with our love." Islam.-In the Ohurch at Home and AbroadJ.G. Wishard, of Teheran, writes -The United Presbyterians of Scot- thus of .. a needy province in Persia :" land are adding 7 helpers for their work " The population, outside of the cities, in Old Calabar, West Africa-2 of them is largely composed of rice and cotton missionary carpenters and 5 young planters, who depend upon the peasanwomen, 2 being zenana missionaries, try to do all their work in the fields. and 3 trained nurses.
The COl1tinent.-Upon the Prot- It is simply impossible to give any sort estants of France, whose numbers are of an accurate description of the condi- but few, and whose financial ability is tion of this great laboring class, more quite limited, is laid a responsibility than half of whom are women. It is peculiar both as to kind and degree. not an unususl thing for a planter to They are not left to seek fields for them- marry from BirIJ to a doun wifJe8 in the selves, but full-grown missions are spring to plant his rice for him, and in thrust upon them. And mainly on ac- the autumn, when the harvest is gath- count of the fashion the French Gov- ered, .to divorce them all. Most of ernment has of compelling the use of them, without any means of support, are the French tongue in all its colonies. turned out into the forest to beg, steal, Take Tahiti as an example. About and take up their abode wherever they tifty years ago a .. protectorate" was set can find shelter and food enough to up in that group, and presently the sustain life. And strange as it may London Missionary Society found it seem, with the coming of early spring impossible to remain, and so turned they find their way back to the man over a most 1l0urlshing work to the So- who so unfairly used them the previous ciete des Evangeliques. year, and are willing to enter again as -The Iglesia Espagru:ila" or Reformed members of his family. So these poor Church of Spain, arose in 1881. hcon- creatures, more like beasts than human, sisted of 15 congregations, with 3000 live on from year to year, in the winter members. Its founder is Cabrera, for- knowing nothing but hunger, cold, and merly a Roman priest, who entered the sin, and in the summer the hardest and service of the Presbyterian Evangeliza- most menial kind of toil, receiving in tion Society in 1868 as preacher in Se- return the curses and blows of a cruel ville, and afterward in Madrid. master." -The annual report of the American the Bible into classical Bengali. They College for Girls at Oonstantinople have asked and obtained the assistaDce shows that the number of students en. of representative men of the Christian.
rolled during 1894 was 173, di vided communities lest anything should ap- among 9 nationalities as follows: Ar- pear in the translation which should menian, 90; Bulgarian, 24; Greek, 23 ; make it antichristian in tone. The English, 21; American, 6; German, whole of Matthew's Gospel is now in 3; Israelite, 3; Turkish, 2; Swiss, 1. manuscript. Rev. Herbert Anderson, There were 96 boarders and 77 day who furnishes this intelligence, says: pupils. The college department num- .. It seems to me marvellous that this bered 50, and in the preparatory schools small band of broad·minded, educated.
there were 123. The class wWch grad- non-Ohristian Bengall gentlemen of this uated in the summer numbered 7. city should realize the benefit, and have -The London Jews' Society consid- the desire of giving the Bible to their ers Palestine a sphere of such great im- fellow·countrymen in the way they pro· portance that it devotes over £10,000 a pose."
year to the work there. -Miss Amanda M. Jefferson, of Pau· hala, India, writes: .. The work among India.-This is a picture from real life the leper women has been more encour- in Indore, Oentral India: "The grown aging of late. At first they seemed to people are employed in various ways. welcome my visits, then a change came, One woman is cleaning her cooking and they would not listen to my words.
utensils. This is done by rubbing My entrance among them was a signal earth on the vessel with the hand until for one little woman to flourish her the metal becomes bright. then rinsing handless arms and cry out, • We don't with cold water until all the sand is want,Your God I We don't want your gone, and turning the dishes, mouth Holy Spirit! We don't want your down, to dry in the sun. A second JesusOhrist I We have our own gods "
prepares spices for the curries. A flat But I kept on trusting and praying, stone lies on the ground; on tltis the and again a change has come. ' A little spices are placed, and with a second group of eager faces await the hour of stone in the hand of the operator a my arriving on Saturdays, and listen crushing or rolling process is carried on most attentively to the words about the until the desired result is obtained. sympatWzing Saviour."
Some of the others are making baskets, -The Free 0 hurch Monthly tells of and others again are preparing the rna· the recent baptism of 13 families conterial. They have no implements but sisting of 28 adults and 27 cWldren. of the rudest sort. A woman takes a bamboo pole in her hand, and with an -These figures show how much iron instrument resembling the broken money ie expended by 7 of the leading blade of a scythe she begins to split missionary societies upon the work of the wood. As soon as the end is free conquering India for Ohrist : she grasps it with her toes, and drawing Church Milsionary SOciety••••••.•••••. $479,145 the rod up with her hand she completes American Bapt18t.. . • .. . . •. • •.. ••.. •… 337,778 the separation, placing each piece thus Methodist Episcopal•.•••…•..••••••••• 265,950 taken off in a basin of water to render London Missionary Society…•..•..••.• 281,075 it flexible. A number of children are American Presbyterian .•••••••••••..•• , 152,5711 playing about, some in scanty garments English Baptist .•.•••••.••• …… •… 133,045 American Board …………………… 127,076 and some without any. " Total ……………………… $1,'/'26,687 -An interesting sign of the times is -The Bishop of Madras has issued a the fact that the Arjya Literary Society pastoral in which he forbids the prac· in Oalcutta are now engaged translating tice of adding titles of distinction to the names of persons whose banns of mar- School in New York :City. Later he riage are published in divine service. became a medical missionary among the He says the practice, at first sight, might tenement·houses on the East Side. In be regarded as innocent, but such dis- 1891 he sailed for his future field. On tinctions ought not to be countenanced the breaking out of the war between in anything which takes place in the China and Japan, Dr. Hall identified house of God. It is in accordance with himself with medical missionary work this principle that it has been ever the in the army. He was prominent on the practice in the Church of England not field of Ping.Yang, and it was donbt- to prefix the titles of " Mr." or" Mrs." less owing to his services and his hard- to the names of persons whose banns of ships there that he contracted the dis- marriage are published, or when re- ease from which he died.
questing the prayers of the Church. -" One important branch of mis- In India, where titles are often a rnst- sionary work is that of touring, and, ter of caste distinction, the subject as- like everything else, it has its bright sumes an importance which does not side and its dark side. One item of the belong to it in Western lands.-The dark side is the ceaseless pelting of the Ohurchman. words Fankuei (' foreign spook '). It· is common 'to render the phrase by China.-In the Review of Review8John 'foreign devil.' The word keui may Russell Young gives us this impressive mean devil, but the original meaning is incident from the life of Li Hung Chang rather' ghost' or • spook.' The appliconnected with the death of his mother, cation to foreigners is not intended to and when he emerged from the period stigmatize them as fiendish, but as not of mourning: "I had had an idea, based having the true human features, dress, upon the way in which sacrificial duo etc. Hence' spook' is the more accuties are performed at home, that the rate" term. Another thing is the consackcloth and ashes and physical priva. stant wrangling that one hears among tions were perfunctory or sentimental. the people. When wrangling their But when I met the Viceroy I saw the speech is constantly interlarded with signs of mourning. He looked like a the vilest language that human tongue starving beggar. He wore the coarsest can command." raiment. His beard and forehead had not been shaved, and his quene hnng -In the annual report of the Church down from a clotted mass of hair. Missionary Society's Hang-chow Medi- Lines of sorrow streaked his face, and cal Mission, Dr. D. Duncan Main gives his hands were grimy as if he had been an account of the progress of the work. lying in ashes ; and yet this was a no- During the year 12,074 new patients bleman, careful as to comeliness in per- passed through the dispensary. Outson and the niceties of raiment, rather patient work alone is not wholly satisdisposed to ostentation than otherwise. factory, but as a " feeder" to the hos- There was every evidence that this, the pital, where patients can be more carefirst man in the empire, had been as if fully looked after, it plays a very imhe were its meanest subject, down in portant part. Of the hospital work, the very dust, in privation and pen- Dr. Main says: "Many of the diseases ance, doing reverence to his mother's are so chronic, and so aggravated by memory as appointed by faith." native quacks, that even with the best -The decease of W. J. Hall, M.D., treatment we can do little to relieve at Seoul, Korea, from typhus fever, is them. As a rule, they come to us after announced. A native of Kingston, Ont., all other plans have failed. Idols, as- he studied at Queen's University, and trologers, fortune-tellers have been con- after graduation was a student at Dr. suIted; the wonderful virtues of tigers'
George D. Dowkontt's l'Iedical Mission bones, snakes' skins, and dragons' teeth have been tried; charms have been panied him into the interior, that she used to expel the evil spirit and pacify was pleased with the country, the eli.
the offended gods. and when they have mate, the people, the missionaries, and, spent all and are nothing better they even the dogs of Africa, enjoyed her come to us, hoping to be cured, many walk of five hundred miles from the of them 'right off.' Not a few are head of steamboat navigation, and had brought to us in the last stage of fatal not been sick a minute since her ar- sickness, and when we tell them that rival.
they cannot be cured their friends are -Christian King Khama and some most unwilling to carry them away. other members of his tribe have made a and often remain for hours on the com- present of 40 oxen, which will realize pound. pleading with us most earnestly some .£352, to the Phalapye Mission, to on their knees. and knocking their fore· aid in building the new mission-house heads on the ground, to save them. It there. His kindness and generosity have is hard to convince them that there is been further demonstrated by the cona limit to our power." struction of a road from the mission church to the stadt, and a stone fence ]apan.-It reads like a fairy tale, round the church itself. The work was what the Japan Mail of November 10th performed in one week by two of Khatells of the Red Cross Hospital at Tokyo, ma's regiments, under the Rev. W. C. tu which a company of wounded Chi- Willoughby's direction. nese soldiers were recently taken for healing. "It enjoys the reputation of being the best-equipped hospital in Asia. -Yes, Africa has a future. For The laboratories, the museums, the " 169,733 ounces of gold produced in operating theatres, the medical inspec- one month, valued at £584,311, or an tion rooms, the wards, all are supplied average of five tons of pure gold, valued with everything that science in the most at £4,611,732 sterling per annum; a advanced stage dictates. Bright, airy gold reef 45 miles long ; a town eight rooms, capital beds soft as to mattresses years old with a population of 40.000 and coverlets, excellent food, a spa· Europeans and 40,000 natives; a gath- cious garden for exercise, scrupulous ering of men devout and otherwise out cleanliness everywhere, uniform kind of every nation under heaven; a rail- treatment and nursing, a complete ab- way 1000 miles in length to Cape Town sence from toil and moil. It may safe· -such are some of the facts which have ly be said that they never fared so tended to make Johannesburg a place sumptuously before." No wonder the of world-wide interest." And the Wes- prisoners were dazed, and feared they leyans are helping to care for the spir- were being fattened for slaughter! itual interests of these thronging thou- -Life and Ligltt for December has sands. Thirteen preaching services are an article upon the Kyoto Training held regularly, and 2 open-air missions School for Nurses. which ranks high are sustained.
among the Christian institutions of -The Livingstonia Mission Commit- Japan, and gives a fine picture contain- tee has appoint('d 3 evangelists and ing the faces of teachers, pupils, etc. craftsmen to labor on Lake Nyassa. Seven graduated last June, and 11 be- One of them, Mr. Malcolm Moffat, long to the present se)lior class. Ten grandson of the famous missionary, has offered themselves as nurses to care for given up a lucrative colonial appointwounded soldiers. ment for missionary work, and has now AFRICA. received the appointment of agricultur- ist for the new institution on the north- -It is said of Dr. Jennie Taylor, the west of the.. lake. Numerous plants bishop's niece, who recently aecom- have been granted by the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, London, to be accli- sions, quotes also from a leading article matized. in the North BritW. IJaily Mail, head- -Mr. Johnston, t1ae British commis- ed "The French Colonial Fever." sioner, gives some interesting particu- The Mail says: lars regarding Nyassaland. He says it is mountainous, 75 per cent of the coun- " It we were disposed for recrimina· try being 3500 feet above the level of tion we could easily plead colonial the sea. The nati ve population is about grievances of our own against France 3,000,000. In 1891 the Europeans num- in respect of Newfoundland, of Madabered only 57, with 1 trader and 8 gascar, of Siam, and of any or every steamers. Now there are 14 traders, 14 portion of Africa where the French steamers, and over 100 boats. About have sought to divert our trade or cut the same time the value of the trade oft the hinterland from our settlements, was £20,000 a year; now it Is over and these grievances would be consid· £100,000. During the same period the erably more substantial than the vague number of acres under cultivation dog-in-the-manger·like jealousy which (mainly for coffee) has risen from 1250 is now finding expression among a cer· to 7300. At the earlier date there were tain school of French politicians. But 4 missionaries ; now there are 7. There it is best to leave thl',se matters to be setare 3 newspapers, but no hotels. tled by diplomacy. It is neither digni. fied nor useful to squabble in public -Writing from Unangu, Mr. Joseph over the assumed' rights' which Euro· Williams says: "Funerals are very pean powers have been pleased to ap· lively affairs here among the natives. propriate in Africa. After all, there The procession to the grave hi generally should be honor among thieves, and we headed by a man bearing a white or a are all thieves in the Dark Continent."
red flag, who runs along before the -The dialects of the Malagasy have body. Then comes a woman with a been differentiated, Bays a recent writ· basket of flowers, to be laid on the er, by the custom of extending the grave after the interment. A large " tabu" to words. It is unlawful, for number of people usually follow the example, to use in common speech any body to the grave, which is always dug syllable that occurs in the name of a after the corpse has reached the spnt chief. The prohibition is the same as chosen for its resting-place. A drum if the British under Queen Victoria is beaten on the way, and people sing were obliged to abandon such words as and dance, and sometimes the body victory, victim, convict.
itself is pushed along at a rollicking -The Presbyterian, of London, repace. When the grave is dug, and the ports that in New Zealand, owing to requisite depth has been reached, a the adoption of female franchise, the place is dug in the side of the grave in fiery e:l!i8tence of the liquor trade is threatwhich to place the body; sticks are ened in that colony. placed across, and then the earth is thrown in. The divfning rod is nearly -The immigration from India to Fiji always consulted after every death, and is increa8in~ so fast as to jeopardize the somebody accused of having caused it, Christian character of the islands_ The who is made to pay damages to the coolies are engaged upon the sugar relatives. Even after the death of a plantations and refineries. As these cow or a goat they sometimes consult Hindu laborers are heathens, and bring the diviner." with them their own priests, the native church is threatened with grave peril. ISLANDS OF THE SEA. The brighter side of this question is -The MadagasCM N6'UJ8, which vigor- found in the hope that Christian Fiji ously represents British interests in that may liave a reflex influence on heathen great island as against French preten· India.