The Missionary Review of the World — November 1915
A ViEW OF MUSCAT- ONE OF THE D001{S TO
MISSIONA~Y fIRES 1. The worst massacre of Christians that has taken place in the last thou- sand years is now going on in Asiatic Turkey. Who is responsible? The American Government has protested. What next? (See page 841.) 2. There are hundreds of thousands of Indians in South America to whom the message of Christ has never been presented in any form. These constitute an appealing field for missionary effort. (See page 809.) 3. The Christian workers at the Panama-Pacific Exposition are conducting a night-school and using other means to prepare the 1,500 young women employees for work when the Exposition closes. (See page 831.) 4. The Armenians are people whose history goes back 4,000 years. They occupied Asia Minor long before the Turk. Their church dates back to apostolic times. Why are they being exterminated? (See page 845.) :J. Over one hundred Latin-American students were entertained at the sum- mer conferences of the North American Student Movement last June, and many went away with new Christian life-purposes that promise much for their respective countries. (See page 817.) 6. A Christian professor in a government normal college in Japan has been asked to give a course of 30 lectures on Christianity. (See page 851.) 7. Mr. Sherwood Eddy has started for India to conduct student evangelistic meetings in India, similar to those among Chinese students which have been productive of such great results. (See page 808.) 8. A worker in Buenos Aires asked the first twenty men whom he met on the street what they knew of the Bible. They represented six nation- alities, and fifteen of them knew nothing whatever about the Bible, while only three had read any portion of it. (See page 864.) 9. The Protestant Episcopal Church Board of Missions has not only secured its desired Emergency Fund of $375,000 by the "one day's income" plan, but has obtained $20,000 more than the usual gifts on the regular apportionment. (See page 866.) 10. The faith of many of the younger Mormons in their religion and its founder has been shaken by the statement of Egyptologists that certain documents which they had reverenced as the writings of Abraham are among the most common of Egyptian antiquities.
11. The Bible is being used as a text-book in several Chinese government schools, and in India is considered by many British officials the most valuable ally of the Government in carrying out their high aims for the people. (See page 872.) 12. The Buddhist scandals in Japan, involving the misappropriation by the priests of hundreds of thousands of dollars, are leading many thoughtful Japanese to renounce Buddhism and to study and accept Christianity. :Muscat is on the Penian (~111f and is one of the stations of the Arabian 1Iission of th e Ue formed Church in Arabia MI "IIlIII-RY E IE OF THE WORLD Vol. XXXVIII, No. 11 NOVEMBER, 1915 Vol. XXVIII, No. 11 Old Series New Series 111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111 111111 'I~ 11 ,SIGNS·OFvTHEvTIMES mJ~ 11111111111111111111111111111 N CAlLS TO PRAYER In Mexico, tho there is talk of EVER have there been more ur- recognizing General Carranza, there gent and incessant calls to sac- still seems small hope for permanent rificial prayer, service, and giving peace through any of the contending than there are to-day. forces. All of the leaders are in- efficient and self-seeking. The coun- In Europe, Asia, and Africa there try is being desolated, and the outare the millions of struggling, dying look for good government is dark. men giving their lives fan what they It is time to pray that God's solution believe to be the call of duty and hu- of the problem may be discovered and manity-some of them believe they followed. are answering the caIl of God. There are the physicians and nurses caring In China, the hoped-for reforms for the wounded, and the chaplains under the republic have been only and other Christian workers distribu- slightly successful. A new conventing Testaments and booklets to those tion is to be called early next year to in trenches, hospitals, arid prison- decide the question as to whether camps. These are unusual oppor- China' shall or shall not return to .a tunities which are bringing rich re- monarchy. sults in conversions. :There are the appeals from Persia and Turkey for In India there is native unrest, and the intervention of God and for hu- German missions are almost at a man help to relieve the distress of standstilI through the internment of widows, orphans,. and other destitute those in charge of the work. Africa thousands. is, in many parts, a battle ground, when~ the natives see their white The editors seek to preserve accuracy and to manifest the spiri,t of Christ in th~ pages of this REVIEW, but do not acknowledge responsibility for opinions exprest, nor for positions taken by contributors of signed articles in these pages.-EDITOIlS.
masters engaged in deadly combat. even where the Church, as in Chile Pray also for Africa. and Argentina, is still subsidized in a measure by the State. The mixing of North America is entering on its the Church in politics is increasingly. winter campaigns-commercial, poli- resented. In Uruguay there is practical, religious. The Laymen's Mis- tical separation of Church and State. sionary Movement has recently opened its national campaign in Chi- 3. The distribution of the Bible is increasing in spite of the keen oppocago and is to hold meetings in 75 sition of the Catholic Church lead- ers. Penzotti was imprisoned in Peru centers to arouse the men of the for its sale. When told he would be church to their responsibility in the released if he ceased to sell and world-wide work of Christ. Their preach the Word, he said that his call to prayer is for the guidance and bones would rot first in prison. In power of the Holy Spirit, for the some places in South America, where Mission Boards and their officers, for the opposition was formerly strongthe speakers and other workers, for est, the Catholic Church is now even the delegates and the churches, for a encouraging the sale of the Book. In deepening of spiritual life and a more Brazil Protestant missions are called earnest spirit of prayer at home and Bible churches. In Bolivia, as in abroad. "The neglect of prayer by some places in the interior of Brazil, the church at home means defeat at the Roman Church, and officials unthe front of battle," says Robert E. der its influence, still seriously ham- Speer. per the circulation of Scriptures by Bible Society colporteurs. In 1914 RELIGIOUS ADVANCE IN SOUTH the two Bible Societies circulated 388,807 Scriptures. AMERICA 4. A growing democracy. South AFTER the long night of four hun- America for years has been ruled by an oligarchy, a professional class dred years of misrule and re- which has fattened off. political conligious intolerance and superstition in trol, while the mass of the people South America there is the flush of have suffered. Argentina is leading the dawn of a new day. the way to better things by a law re- quiring all citizens to exercise voting 1. Substantial religious freedom is privileges, and by a large Socialistic nearly continent-wide. While in Peru party which is demanding accounta- Protestant worship can not be ad- bility of office-holders to the people. vertised, services are not disturbed. A Socialist demonstration of 15,000 In the interior towns of some of occurred last March at Buenos Aires. these countries there are still some evidences of opposition and persecu- 5. The upper classes are being tion. In Bolivia, while there is a statutory grant of religious liberty, reached for Christ. Evangelical misthe enforcement of the law is lack- sions began among the poor, and until ing, and Christians suffer boycott and opposition, both open and secret. recently no statesmanlike effort ha5 been made to reach the waiting edu- 2. There is a growing 0IJPosition cated and wealthy class, in which the to union of Church and State in nearly every South American country; this growth of opposition is evident
OF THE
men are indifferent to the dominant Protestant Church, young people are Church. In Chile and Uruguay some meeting for games and social purnotable men have been reached, and poses under wholesome conditions. with better church-buildings and Physical exercise has been recently more educated native preachers, this introduced for the first time at Rio movement will become more pro- de Janeiro by the joint effort of Rev. nounced. The educated men are H. C. Tucker, of the Brazil Sundayawaiting a leader to crystallize this School Union, and the American growing sentiment toward a Protes- Bible Society, and the Y. M. C. A. tant form of worship. In Brazil The new public-school plans at Rio Rev. Alvaro Reis is such a leader. call for gymnasium and playgrounds. In Buenos Aires, during the last 6. New ideals for social service year, the first set of Spaulding apare being developed. The educa- paratus has been introduced for tional aim for boys has been profes- school exercises. sional and political life; for girls, preparation for marriage. Education 8. The literature is being purified. for useful service to the community At the source of much of South and State has been neglected. In Ar- America's impurity will be found a gentina, for the first time, the social vile literature from French and Spanpurposes of education are now being ish sources. This is publicly vended. emphasized by Dr. Nelson, Super- and vilely illustrated and open to intendent of Secondary Education view, and purchased by boys and for the State. His book on this sub- young men in all the South American ject is the first native contribution to cItIes. Quite recently, La N acional, this theme, and is to be followed by at Buenos Aires introduced a cheap others. library in Spanish, composed of best literature from all sources, and this In Mr. Morris's philanthropic is being vigorously pushed into cirschools at Buenos Aires an educa- culation. American publishers are tional example has been set in the aiso circulating reprints in Spanish remarkable results of industrial edu- of choice literature. Such books as cation of the poor and in the spirit Smikys' "Self-Help" are having a of service to the home, community, good sale. and state. Over five thousand are gathered in these schools. Several 9. Christian education is developing sets of clothing are given annually to sympathy. Gradually the results of the children who are too poor to be education through Christian Protesadmitted to the public schools. It is tant institutions is being manifest in clear salvage work of the most im- the conversion of parents, in a new pressive kind. sympathy for Protestant work, and in the gradual preparation of a lead- 7. The new emphasis on social ership. The quality of the native and physical recreation. Spanish so- leadership needs toning, and plans cial standards have practically shut are being pushed with increasing sucout young people from social ac- cess by the Y. M. C. A. to enlist quaintance excepting as chaperoned, young men in the university life. and from physical exercise. Gradu- Such Christian institutions as the ally, through the influence of the
.Anglo-American colleges in Bolivia win a continent.-FR,ANK L. BROWN, are having marked influence through Secretary of the World's Sundaythe high-grade character output of school Association. the graduates. The Mackenzie College at Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Meth- RENEWED INTEREST IN MISSIONS odist Girls' Schools at Rosario, Ar- TO MOSLEMS gentine, and Santiago, Chile, are instances of institutions having a MASSACRES and other efforts to strong influence. As moral educa- blot out the Christian races of tion receives a higher rating in South America, Christian institutions will Persia and Asia Minor have aroused assume positions of leadership. corresponding truly Christian inter- est in the welfare of these peoples 10. Evangelistic preaching meets and in the need for the conversion of with marked success. This is notable Mohammedans to Jesus Christ, the in the Methodist and Presbyterian Savior from sin, and the Prince of work of the West Coast, also in the Peace. A remarkable meeting was mission work in such places as Ro- held in New York on October 1st in sario •in Argentine, and under the the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian preaching of Rev. Alvaro Reis in Church under the auspices of the Rio, Brazil. The Latin temperament American Christian Literature Somakes this a fruitful line of ap- ciety for Moslems (Interdenominaproach, and mass movements may tional). In spite of a downpour of easily result from the Gospel appeal rain that ~ould have dampened the by consecrated men. ardor of most congregations, two thousand people gathered to listen to I I. The Sunday-school opportu- an address by Dr. Samuel M. Zwenity. The welcome given in all the mer of Cairo, on "The Present Crisis native churches in the recent Sunday- in the Moslem World." This masschool tour of South America was terful address, which will appear submarked by large gatherings, a friend- sequently in the REVIEW, set forth ly spirit and an eagerness for help in the need of. Mohammedans for the making the Sunday-school efficient Gospel revealed by Jesus Christ, the as an educational and evangelis- natural products of Islam as seen in tic instrument. Rev. George P. the present massacres, the great pr.es- Howard, born in South America, an ent opportunity of reaching these educated Sunday-school enthusiast millions of Arabic-speaking peoples and a fine Spanish linguist, has been with the truth through the printed appointed the Sunday-school secre- page. The close of the present war tary fot South America by the will almost certainly mean the open- World's Sunday-school Association, ing of the Mohammedan world to to act under a committee of the Mis- Christian influence as never before. sions doing work in South America. This seems to be the last st~uggle of He is preparing himself to lead a a dying religion which appeals to continent-wide Sunday-school move- force of arms and edicts for support ment, to develop a better literature, rather than to the truth of its creed and to utilize the Sunday-school as and the character of its adherents. the most widely effective agency to The Dardanelles have not yet been
OF THE TIMES
forced; and Bulgaria's entrance into west. After the breaking-out of the the affray may delay the final out- war the Armenian revolutionists of come of the struggle. Constantinople Van joined the Russians, and those has not yet fallen. Some of the mis- at the Mediterranean Sea conspired sionaries have thought it best to also against the government. The send away wives and children from consequence of this is slaughter in the scene of turmoil, but the large the north and deportation by force majority of this advance guard of from the southwest and, of course, Christianity remain at their posts to great misery of the innocent. To help render what aid they can to those in this, the mission (the German ,Aid dire distress, and to prove by their Society) is doing its best. The guilt sacrificial lives the reality of the love of the one and the misfortune of the and power of Christ. other <;loes not make, it very easy for oTHE PLIGHT OF THE ARMENIANS the German Mission. And yet it is N another page will be found the her work to be the peacemaker among the nations of the Turkish story of the wholesale massacre government wherever possible. It is and deportation of Armenians by also reported that Germany has pro- order of the Turkish government. tested against the massacres.
Whoever is responsible for this das- The article on another page also tardly deed must expect to pay a tells the main facts about the Ar-'
heavy penalty when God's time of menian people-their long history, reckoning comes. It is said, on good their racial characteristics, and their authority, that when the American religious beliefs. Their church dates Ambassador, Mr. Morgenthau, asked back to apostolic days, and while, the German Ambassador to use his like most of the ancient historic influence to stop the wholesale mur- churches, its early beliefs have be- der, the latter replied: "I can not; come mixed with error and its life these people should have been elimi- has become formal and lax, still this nated long ago." In any. case, it is church has kept alive a belief in God useless to deny the established fact and is sympathetic toward Christ and of the massacres, and Germany must the Bible. It is among them that bear a heavy responsibility for not most of the work of the American intervening to stop such butcheries missions has been carried on for al- by her Moslem ally. most a century.
The German viewpoint is given in It is reported that 800,000, or one- the August number of Sonnenauf- half of the Armenians in Eastern gang (Frankfort, Germany), which Turkey, have been killed, deport- says: "After the constitution of rgo8 ed, kidnapped, or have died as a re- hope arose in the hearts of the Arme- sult of the Turkish cruelty. Those nians. Therefore the slaughter of destroyed and deported include the I909 made the despair the worse. most able and intelligent leaders in Russia incites the Armenians and the Protestant and Gregorian church- Kurds in the province of Van; Eng- es; the pastors and teachers, the land and France arouse hopes lawyers and merchants. Whole mis- among the Armenians of the south- sion-schools and colleges have been
almost or' quite depopulated; churches day extreme urgency that the cam- have been burned and villages laid paign be earnestly pushed to win the '
waste. Some of the Armenians in coming generation to Christ. Dr.
the Van district have escaped to Rus- Samuel M. Zwemer gave a convinc- sia; some 5,000 or more others in ing appeal for the eighty millions of Southern Asia Minor have found Moslem children, who have no mod- refuge in Egypt. Rev. Stephen Van ern schools, no uplifting home train- R. Trowbridge, formerly a mission- ing, no pure literature, and no right ary in Aintab, Turkey, and now a idea of God. Mohammed could not representative of the World's Sun- have said: "Suffer the little ~hildren day··School Association in Cairo, has to come unto me for of such is the appealed for immediate help for these kingdom of Islam," for Mohammed's destitute sufferers. life, his home, his heaven were such It is gratifying that the American as would blight the purity of child- Government, that failed to protest hood.
against the invasion and despolia- It is to reach the millions of neg- tion of Belgium, has protested against lected children in Moslem lands, in this unprovoked and inexcusable India, in Africa, in China, in South murder of innocents. Americans America, and in Japan, that the have sent money for Belgian relief, World's Sunday-school Association for Persian relief, and are now for- is working to-day. Mr. Frank L.
warding funds for the Armenian suf- Brown is the secretary in N ew York ferers. If steps are not taken soon and Rev. Carey Bonner in London.
to end these atrocities there will be no Armenians left to relieve. Tho A CHANGE OF TACTICS IN INDIA many of them may not be Chris- HITHERTO the missionary work tians of an evangelical type, they are, in India has almost necessarily nevertheless, suffering because they are Christians in name and not Mos- been confined largely to the lower lems. castes and outcastes. These people have been more ready to accept WOR,LD.WIDE WORK FOR CHIL· Christianity and have come in such DREN numbers that the time and strength of the missionaries has been over- THE World's Sunday-school As- taxed to instruct them. Now, 11OW- sociation, which includes the ever, more systematic effort is being world in its field and all Protestant made to reach the higher castes and Christian denominations in its mem- educated classes, and from them to bership, is made up of over 24,000 recruit leaders.
Sunday-schools with 27,000,000 pu- Mr. Sherwood Eddy, whose work pils. It was founded in London in among the students and higher I 88g, and has since spread to all classes in China has been so greatly parts of the world. At a dinner in blest, sailed last August for India New York, given by Mr. H. J. to conduct there a series of union Heinz, chairman of the Executive evangelistic services. First, he is Committee, Dr. John R. Matt ex- holding training conferences for pas- prest his conviction that there is to- tors, catechists, teachers, and other
Christian workers in South India. RECRUITS FOR THE FRONT These conferences are in preparation for the effort to win the middle I N spite of the unrest in the world, and upper classes to Christ's standard. The Church has been prepared and the danger of travel on the for this work in a remarkable way, sea; in spite of the financial depresand there is, in India, a great spirit sion that has curtailed the income of of prayer and expectation. All the many Christian givers; in spite of Presbyterian and Reformed churches the uncertainty as to the outcome of in South India are uniting in the the great war, missionaries continue movement. to leave England and America to carry the Gospel to those in non- A second part of Mr. Eddy's pro- Christian lands. gram is to break through the serried ranks of caste in the colleges of In- In London recently, the Church dia. Few of the Brahmins and high- Missionary Society held a farewell caste students have been touched by meeting to bid Godspeed to 148 misthe Christian message. The mass sionaries, 40 of whom were going movements have been wholly among out for the first time. the lower and outcaste classes. But the Gospel of Christ is the power of God A remarkable report of the largest unto Salvation unto every one-in- party of missionaries that ever sailed cluding the Brahmin-that believeth. for their field on one steamer, comes Has not the time come to prove from Mr. Mason Olcott, a Princeton this true? Mr. Eddy is holding honor-man, who recently left his meetings for thousands of these high- home of culture in New York to' caste Hindus who are attending the serve in Veliore, India. Mr. Olcott Christian colleges-and others in the writes of 140 mISSIOnaries who large cities. Only God can achieve sailed from San Francisco on the the desired results-but He can and S.s. Mongolia on August 25th. Of will, in response to believing prayer these, 84 were bound for China, 23 and faithful witnessing. The dates for Japan, 14 for India, 8 for Korea, are as follows: South India, Con- 5 for Siam, I for Burma, and I for ferences-September 16th to 30th; the Philippines. They were going South India, evangelistic campaigns out to engage in many lines of ser- (Bangalore, Vellore, Madura, Pala- vice-Evangelistic, educational, medimacottah)-November 1st to 18th; cal, nursing, executive, orphanages, North India, evangelistic campaigns Y. W. C. A. and Y. M. C. A.-under (Ahmednagar, Delhi, Agra, Luck- r6 different denominations and other now,' Calcutta, and special colleges) religious organizations. The return- -November 22d to December 25th. ing missionaries had already served a total of 739 years. Who can foretell Mr. Eddy expects to arrive back in what sacrifice and joyful service may America on February I, 1916. He be in store for the 80 new missionasks for prayers of Christians at anes. home, as he engages in the work which is the most difficult. he has The difficulty and danger of presever attempted. ent-day travel is indicated by the re- cent experience of a party of 32 mis- sionaries who sailed from America for Egypt and the East on the Greek
steamer Athinai. The vessel took The United States Government fire in mid-ocean and burned fiercely. has submitted the following ten-year A wireless call brought help, and the program to the new Haitian Presipassengers were safely transferred to dent, General Dartiguenave, with the the Tuscania, which brought them request that he sign it promptly: back to New York. Nothing daunted, the missionaries, in spite of the "1. A Haitian receivership of cusloss of their goods, were soon headed toms shall be established, under Ameriagain for their fields of service. can control. ' They were not, like Jonah, fleeing from the Lord's work, but, like the "2. A native Haitian rural and civic apostle Paul, were not to be hin- constabulary is to be established under dered by adversaries and obstacles. the command of American officers.
CHANGES IN HAITI "3. Through its customs-control the United States shall govern absolutely all LIBERTY is not synonymous with expenditure of public moneys to the ex- independence. Small, weak na- tent necessary to prevent speculation and safeguard the interests of the tions that are unable to preserve sta- American people. ble governments or to protect life and property seem destined to come "4. Haiti shall cede no portion of" under the control of stronger na- her territory to any nation other than tions. A friendly power may con- the United States of America. trol a smaller nation to the great advantage of the latter. Already Porto "5. All revolutionary forces are to Rico is reaping the benefits of be disarmed. American 'administration, and Hawaii and the" Philippines are in much Secretary Lansing refers to the armore prosperous and enlightened rangement as a "protectorate," and conditio~ than they would be if self- says: government were attempted. "We have only one purpose-that is, After years of turmoil and pere- to help the Haitian people and prevent nial revolutions in Haiti the Ameri- them from being exploited by irresponcan Government has found it neces- sible revolutionists. These are not propsary to establish, for a time at least, erly revolutions; they are unorganized a protectorate over the "Black Re- enterprises which invoke no question of public" of the West Indies. There principle, and they are ruining the is no doubt that the little republic country. While they are in progress needs the strong hand of a big people are starving in the streets of Port brother to put an end to the internal au "Prince because they call not secure conflicts, the graft, and political tur- the supplies of food which abound in the moil. The small boy may not relish country. Things have been going from the discipline and restraint, but the bad to worse, and something must be friends and neighbors will appre- done. The United States Government ciate it. Mexico would profit by a has no purpose of aggression and is ensimilar arrangement, but is so large tirely disinterested in promoting this that she should be expected to govern protectorate." herself. The only Protestant missions in Haiti are those of the Protestant Episcopal Church and of the colored branches of the Methodists and Bap- tists.
EVENTS
Novemher 2d to 5th-Medical Missionary Conference, Battle Creek, Mich. 3d to 5th, 7th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Wichita, Kan. 3d to 5th, 7th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Baltimore, Md. 7th to lOth-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Philadelphia, Pa. 7th to 10th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Mitchell, S. Dak. 10th to 12th, 14th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Milwaukee, Wis. 10th to 12th, 14th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Portland, Me. 14th to 17th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Boston, Mass. 14th to 17th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Cincinnati, O. 16th-Provincial Synod Protestant Episcopal Church, Richmond, Va. 16th to 19th-Conference in Behalf of Israel, Chicago Hebrew Mission. 21st to 28th-Home Mission Week. 28th to Dec. Ist-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Wheeling, W. Va. 28th to Dec. 1st-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Waterbury, Conn. 29th-The 40th anniversary of the opening of Doshisha, Japan, 1875.
December 1st to 3d, 5th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Manchester, N. H. 1st to 3d, 5th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, St. Louis, Mo. 5th to 8th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Cleveland, O. 5th to 8th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Albany, N. Y. 6th to 11th-Meeting of the Council of Women for Home Miss., Atlanta, Ga. 8th-The 75th anniversary. of the sailing of Livingstone for Africa, 1840. 9th to 12th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Toledo, O. 25th-Tenth anniversary of the National Missionary Society of India, 1905.
January The one hundredth anniversary of the American Bible Society. 2d to 9th-World's Week of Prayer. 12th to 14th-Foreign lIissions Conference, Garden City, L. 1. 17th-Fifteenth anniversary of the death of Elias Riggs of Turkey, 1901. 19th to 21st-23d Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Houston, Tex. 19th to 21st, 23d-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Duluth, Minn. 23d to 26th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, New Orleans, La. 23d to 26th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, St. Paul, Minn. 23d to 26th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Minneapolis, Minn. 23d to 26th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Convention, Rochester, N. Y. 26th to 28th, 30th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Jackson, Minn. 26th to 28th, 30th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Fargo, N. Dak. 26th to 28th, 30th-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Reading, Pa. 29th-Fiftieth anniversary of sailing of James Chalmers for South Seas, 1866. 30th to Feb. 2d-Laymen's Missionary Movement Conv., Wilmington, Del.
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". E yo ARGENTI N[ A NEGLECTED AREA OF THE NEGLECTED CONTINENT Drawn by Rev. Gerhard J. Schilling, D.D.
HO:fE OF SOME OF THE NEGLECTED AHIARA INDIANS, IN
U nevangelized South America THE CALL OF TEN MILLION NEGLECTED INDIANS BY REV. GERHARD J. SCHILLING, D.D., BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINE Missionary of the M.,thodist Episcopal Church (North) mD ~ URING my stay in the get that there are millions of souls United States I have in that continent who have never often been asked: yet heard of the Christian faith, and What is the use of other millions who have a very sending missionaries to wrong idea of it. Surely these be- South America, when nighted souls constitute a legitimate all the Southern republics are Chris- field for missionary labor. tian of the Roman Catholic type? Few American Christians have any An experience born of many definite idea of the number and conyears' residence in Argentine, Chile, dition of these unevangelized multiand Bolivia has taught me that every tudes. Their number is not known. reason which makes it necessary to In the United States it is estimated preach the Gospel in North America that there are 260,000 Indians and is equally applicable to South Amer- many mission boards in North Ica. Besides this, we must not for- America which carryon work among
the various tribes. Contrast the condi- the Gran Chaco of Argentine. There tions in the Southern continent. In are the Patagonians of the South Ecquador, for instance, out of a and the Araucanians of Chile. One population of 1,250,000 the Indians could fill pages with only an enunumber 870,000. These are very meration of their. tribal names and a low in the scale of civilization, and guess at their numbers. the majority of them are absolutely Indian Life and Character unevangelized. Moreover, 200,000 of The manJIer of living among these the Indians in that republic, have Indians is as varied as the area in which they dwell. Begin with the never as yet been politically subdued. southernmost, the Onas of Tierra del They still roam in the forests, kill- Fuego. Altho they are exposed for ing game with their poisoned arrows months during the rains to frost and and bringing down birds with their snow, they go about almost naked long blowpipes. Any approach to and entirely so in their poor habitathem is unsafe, and no one seems tions, which take often the form of willing to expose his life in an effort caves dug into the side of a hill. to win them to Christ. Many of them are polygamists and all show very little respect for the Look at Peru. The last census government. Not long ago a Chilian reveals the fact that 57.6 per cent. Army officer stationed among them, of its population of 2,592,000 are In- was found pierced by twenty-five ardians. Some of these have heard of rows pointed with splinters of glass. the Christian faith, and some will even salute a church when they pass, A much sturdier race are the Araubut two millions of them could not canians. Among all the aborigines give a reason for the faith that is of the region now called Chile, they within them. only have never been conquered, neither by the Incas who extended In Bolivia we find 50.9 per cent. once their empire as far as Maule, of the people Indians, or 920,864; of or by the Spaniards who had to withthe 486,018 of "mixed population" draw from them. It has been my returned in the last census, almost all privilege to preach to them in 1907, have little Spanish and much Indian and I found among the family of blood in their veins. So we can Mapuches, near Carahue, a very safely add one million Indians as kind reception. They live in large the Bolivian contingent. huts, called, rucas, the sides of which are made of branches, straw and oc- No man living can tell how many casionally of hides. Some of these Indians live in Brazil. Baron de rucas are large enough to shelter all Santa-Anna Nery, authority on the the members of one of the smaller question of Indians in the Amazon tribes. valley, actually gives the names of 373 tribes in that region. I venture The Indians in Southern Argento say that there are. from seven to tine, south of the Rio Negro, have eight millions of Indians in Brazil. wonderful physical endurance, es- pecially where pain is concerned. Dr. In addition to these millions there are the unnumbered Guaranies and Lenguas, 25,000, as Rev. W. B. Grubb estimates, in Paraguay and
1 51 UNEVANGELIZED SOUTH AMERICA 8u
F. Corbin of Mendoza, who lived a This was ten hours after an operalong time among them in the neigh- tion involving a large flesh wound. borhood of Viedma, told me the following incident of his medical prac- The Indians of the Gran Chaco, tise among them. Two Indians had the northwestern reserves of Argenbeen fighting with knives. One had tine, . and the Guaranies are first been severely cut in the abdomen. cousins. The Rev. W. B. Grubb, He managed to reach the doctor's who knows most about them, says: house, simply closing the wound, "Altho cannibalism is not practised holding the sides together with his in the Chaco, the people have many stories about it, which may be only . MASKED SOUTH AMERICAN INDIAN DANCERS COMING FROM THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH bare hands. Dr. Corbin sewed up a invented. But it 'is . quite, possible large flesh wo~nd and left the man that they are the result of a longin one of his outhouses. When he forgotten habit. These cal1nibals are' came to visit the man the next supposed to be located. in. the far morning, he found the Indian's squaw West, and in that direction among a sitting by the door of the hut, people of Guarani descent, such smoking a cigaret. She fell down practises were evidently in vogue. at the doctor's 'feet, imploring him not to be angry. with her husband. The most pr.evalent crime She said that necessary business had among the Lengua-Mascoy (one of taken Lim to his home, "But," added the Paraguay tribes) is that of inshe, "he will be all right, doctor, he fanticide, which they do not .rank in did not go on foot but on horseback." the same category as the murder of a grown child or adult, aott this
evil is so general, that the very ex- are the Quetchuas and the Aimaraes. istence of the race is endangered. Having lived several years in Bo- There are many reasons for infanti- livia, it was my joy to establish cide. The strongest incentive to the preaching services among the Aim- crime is the difficulty of nurturing araes. The Quetchuas belonged to and bringing up a young family the four original tribes which unitedly under the most unfavorable condi- composed the Inca empire. tions, especially the shortage of food. It is for this reason that an Indian Much of the history of these pre- mother nourishes her child up to historic people is shrouded in mys- even four and sometimes five years tery. But we know that there was of age, and she feels that in her at the end of the twelfth century an hard, exposed, and trying life, it Inca Empire. This was composed of would be absolutely impossible for the Incas proper, the Quechuas, her to maintain and suckle a numer- Canas, and the Cauchis. At about ous family. There is no doubt that the middle of the twelfth century infanticide owes its origin to stress these men of the highlands built the of circumstances, and that sanction famous city of Cuzco. They made was sought for it on religious it the capital of the em?ire. From grounds, in order to obviate the in- that city expeditions of the neighbor- stinctive repugnance to such a crime. ing tribes were conducted. It was the Inca-for the word Inca origin- Another feature of heathenism, ally is a title, such as Emperor- found among the Lengua-Mascoy In- Viracocha, who, in the territory now dians, which is apt t~ strike one at called Bolivia, attacked the Aima- first sight as extremely cruel, and in- raes and conquered them. In their dicative of a total lack of natural midst he built upon the ruins of an affection, is the habit of hastening the old city, Taipacala, the magnificent death of the aged and the victims of temple-city and palace of justice of a serious accident or sickness. So Tiahuanaco. Its name implies "The long as there is any probable hope of Desired One on the border of thl! recovery, the patient is kindly treated lake." Lake Titicaca has receded and attended to, but their attitude some ten kilometers since then. The to these unfortunates at once changes mighty city is a heap of ruins and when they realize that their efforts jackals live now where grave judges are in vain. Then they hasten death once decided questions that involved .by starvation and neglect, sometimes the life or death of the accused. even by violence, and wilful, prema- The proud Aimara, then considering ture burial is by no means an un- himself the lord of the eternal moun- common occurrence. tains, is now a shy and crusht ser- vant. He evades the white man Some Bolivian Tribes who so treacherously treated his fore- bears in the days of Atanualpa. the In Bolivia there are even to-day a Crcesus of his time. With the great number of distinct tribes of Spanish political yoke the religion of Indians. From the map which ac- the conquerors was enforced upon companies this sketch, it will be seen all natives. Many of them little that the two most prominent families
UNEVANGELIZED SOUTH AMERICA 81
cared whether one image, that of powerful mission will begin its work the sun or moon, or another, that of of evangelizing these descendents of the cross or of the "mother of the lordly Incas, to bring them to heaven," adorned their temples or know the King of Kings, Christ, surmounted the hills. The symbol their Savior? was to them of but little value. And so in his heart to-day, as then, both From the map it will be seen also the Aimara of the mountain or the that there are twenty-five more Indian of the plain, worship the sun, major tribes of Indians in Bolivia. the one imploring the giver of heat On the official maps used in the and light to shed his benign rays Bolivian schools, drawn by Dr. Dan. Bustamante, all these are called "sal- ONE OF THE MASKED SOUTH AMERICAN INDIAN DANCERS AT A CHURCH FESTIVAL upon the cold, gray, misty mountain vajes" or savages. Some of these, abode; the other pleading with the as the Guanas who are bordering on shining sun, lest he burn his body, Paraguay, or the Chacaros of the dry up the fountains, and consume East Andes, are still cannibals. No his growing crops with his fire. one knows their language, and they There is at present a society for the hide in the marshes or climb into the protection of the Aimara Indian in trees at the approach of the white La-Paz, but its members simply man. Lucky, indeed, the foreigner thlnk of helping them against the who, having been saved from their sharper, brown or white, who tries poisoned arrows, has been permitted to swindle the poor native out of his to reach the outer border of their land and inheritance. When will the domains. day come in which a great and I little wonder at the wild heathen
rites and orgies after having seen dians who have pierced the lobes of several of the festivities and pagan their ears, and, by inserting coils of dances performed by the so-caIled bamboo bark, have created holes that Christian Indians in Bolivia. These are from two to four inches long.
dances took place during one of their Almost all of these Indians are mere church festivals. savages, living from hunting, fishing, Wild Indian Dances or on the wild fruits they fin~.
Cross over to the Guianas n, ow, I saw them gather for the dance, and you will find even in territory sewed into the skins of the alpacca, belonging to European nations wild imitating bears, or wearing masks re- Indians who worship the Ceiba tree presenting lions or rats. This consist- and place food at the root of such ed of stepping slowly.to the weird trees nightly. Ghastlier still is the sound of bamboo fiutes, meanwhile occupation of the Jivaro Indians of describing large circles. Suddenly Ecuador. They know how to ex- they stop at the sign of their leader, tract from the heads of the enemies turn about and retrace in dancing -which, like the Dyaks of Borneo, step the circle just marked. At an- they carry away as trophies-the other signal they stop altogether, skull. Somehow, I imagine, they when their squaws regale them with must break the skull into fragments.
small tin cups filled with diluted raw They do this, however, without desalcohol, manufactured from sugar- troying the overlying flesh. This cane. In a few minutes dancing is they shrink by some process, leaving resumed, amI some of the men kept all hair on the head, until the whole this up for forty or forty-eight hours, has contracted to the size of a man's when they fell in death-like stupor to fist. During this process they know the ground. They never took off how to mold the flesh in such a their masks or fancy dresses during all manner that it retains the general this time and even slept out their semblance of the former being, redebauch in the attire of their orgies. duced only in size to a diameter of This was in honor of the feast of the about four inches. Ghastly, indeed, Immaculate Conception of the Virgin appear these trophies of an unbridled Mary. Can the pagan Indians have hatred against their enemies.
more horrible or degrading feasts Missions to the Indians than these?
From the Bolivian border of the Efforts to reach the South Ameri- Pilcomayo district we come into the can Indians with the Gospel have almost unknown regions of the been few and very far between. The Amazon Indians. Somewhere there scattered location of the tribes would are the Uginas, of whom even seri- not have been so detrimental if the ous white men affirm that the tribe efforts had been directed by re- has short tails. There are the Mojas sponsible boards and in a systematic of the Beni, who beat the bark of way promising continuance. But the some tree until they can make of the majority of these missions are of a fiber smocks to cover their naked- spasmodic character. Two' of the ness. Again, there are the Napo In- stations I know are exceptions. I
UNEVANGELIZED SOUTH AMERtCA 8I S
refer to the work of Rev. Grubb in not want to buy. But the colpor- Paraguay and the successful mission teur prest his wares and, really so of Rev. Mr. Sadlier among the as to get rid of the man, Chiriotti Araucanians in· Chol-Chol. These bought a copy. "So, now you can are under the direction of the So- go on," said he to the colporteur, ciety for the Propagation of the when, to his surprize, that man said: Gospel. "N0, sir, now my real work begins. You have no idea how to handle the A Remarkable Conversion Bible, nor how to get the best out of her." So he took a copy and made But some others, conducted by Chiriotti open with him at the same men and women of deep piety and WORTH SAVING- TWO PUMA INDIANS OF BOLIVIA unquestioned consecration, are of a passage. .He turned to a prophecy and very doubtful value because of their then to its fulfilment. Chiriotti told lack of backing. One had a very me that the colporteur remained . remarkable beginning. Antonio Chir- three hours at this first visit. A dive iotti, an Italian, lived in California of three hours into "The Book and owned a flour mill. He was a Charming" will set any man to know widower and childless, a prosperous more about it, and so our Italian man and, of course, held to the friend began to study for himself Roman Catholic faith. One day a and, finally, was soundly and scrip- Danish Bible colporteur offered him turally converted. Naturally, he a copy of the Scriptures. He did wanted to do something evangelical
for others and finally decided to go independently work for the evangeli- to the Argentine Republic and start zation of the Indians. They often a mission among the unevangelized live in abject poverty, and while Indians in the Gran Chaco. When they are most Christlike, healing the he reached Buenos Aires he was al- sick and helping the needy, no con- ready advanced in age and rather a stitution can stand the strain they sick man. He deposited some $40,- put on theirs, and with their disap- 000 in two of the banks and then pearance from the field the work is wanted to make his will, giving all likely to come to an end. The same this money to the work he had may be true of some workers who planned. How great was his sur- have come to establish themselves prize when he learned that under among the Indians of San-Pedro, Argentine law he could not make Bolivia. They are connected with such disposition of his money. Then some "Faith Mission" in Australia.
his attention was called by a godly It seems to me very apparent that physician who had practised some the heavy drain upon the finances in years in Bolivia to that country, and Australia caused by the present war, in 191 I old Chiriotti actually arrived will greatly diminish, if not stop al- in La-Paz where I was one of the together, for some years, these special witnesses to his will, giving all his gifts for independent mission work.
money for the evangelization of the The world is paying attention to Aimara Indians. Then he died. The the great continent of the South as four executors of his will bought a never before. The war in Europe, large tract of land on the border of the completion of the Panama Canal Lake Titicaca, and with the land and, to the Christian worker, the were taken over some thirty families notices of a great Latin America of Indians. The interest of the resi- Christian Vorkers' Congress during due of the capital is just large enough the month of February of 1916 in to pay for the salary of one married Panama, are some of the factors mIssIOnary. The work is excellent, which produce this interest.
but I doubt the wisdom ·and the per- We hope that the movement south- manency of such isolated efforts. ward will not only result in com- Past history has shown that somehow mercial profits to all concerned, and they come to grief. How much not simply strike an international better had Chiriotti left his money and an intercollegiate note, but we to some constituted board of mis- hope that definite plans will be dis- sions who would continue the work cust and adopted, whose sole and and enlarge it even if something had persistent aim will be to bring the happened to the original gift. truth as it is in Christ Jesus to these In Puno, Peru, an excellent Chris- millions of unevangelized Indians of tian couple, Mr. and Mrs. A. Stahl, South America.
It is a fearful sin to be going through the world with a light kindled by the Holy Spirit to guide sinners to Jesus, and yet to carry this as a dark lantern, which can give no benefit to anyone. But how vain is it, on the other hand, to hold up a lamp when the light is almost out.-WM. C. BURNS.
Students of I.Jatin
BY CHARLES IJlllllllS IHJRREY, NEW YORK General Secretary of the Committee on Friendly Relations Among Foreign Students ~~~~~HY are the students which the teachings of the Author of of Latin America a the Sermon on the Mount are dis- supremely important seminated and obeyed among the factor in causing the educated leaders of Latin America. will of Jesus Christ to The spreading of knowledge of the be respected and obey- sublime truths of the New Testament, and obedience thereto, constitutes a ed in their nations? Certainly not solemn obligation and inspiring opbecause they are numerically strong: portunity facing the Christian people it is doubtful whether one in a thou- of North America. The same fundasand of the total population is a mental factors essential in building student of university grade; surely and fortifying character among colnot on account of financial power: lege men of the United States and many will inherit and acquire vast Canada are indispensable in the conwealth, but as undergraduates they struction of South American manare not taxpayers; their impetuous hood. radical speeches and writings do not vitally influence political life. Not During the past year forty thouwhat they are, but who they are, and sand North American college men what they are becoming, require that were enrolled in devotional Biblethey be reckoned with in any enter- study groups, and other thousands prise affecting the future of their read and studied the Scriptures pripeople. vately. Nearly as many followed regular courses in an investigation Within ten years Latin students of the needs of the nations for the who are now pursuing their studies Christian religion. Ten thousand enin Mexico, South and Central Ameri- listed voluntarily in definite altruistic ca, and abroad, will be making the service to fellow students and others. laws, directing the industries, editing The study and practise of prayer are the journals, and determining in widespread in college circles; three large measure the policies of a score thousand selected student leaders deof republics. Will the laws be voted ten days to study ·and training framed and executed for the welfare in summer conferences. Every Sunof the people? Will industry rec- day finds over one-half of North ognize and respect the rights of the America's student popUlation astoiler? Can the press be reckoned sembled in the churches for worship as a powerful ally of righteousness, and communion. and will national policies be such as will advance the cause of internation- Scarcely a Bible-study group can al good-will? be found in all of the student centers of Latin America. Mission and An affirmative answer to these inquiries will depend on the extent to
8IS THE MISSION ARY R~VmW OF tHE WORLb
social-study courses are practically of his own nation, and in abstaining unknown; here and there one dis- absolutely fr0111 attacks upon any covers examples of social service, form of religion. but the majority of university students are allowed to live in selfish- Those Anglo-Saxon people who ness. N at five per cent. of the stu- have been most suocessful in winning dents attend church, and the practise the confidence of Latin American of prayer is practically abandoned. students have quickly established One student conference enrolled one points of contact in the study of hundred students representing a half- English, athletics, social life and love dozen institutions of higher learning. of country; participation jointly in these exercises and in discussion of These facts are not stated with a the claims of patriotism has opened view to making odious comparisons, the way naturally for reading the but rather in order to reveal to Bible, the abandonment of practises Christian people in North America the that cripple physical efficiency, and wonderful opportunity they have for for heart to heart talks about the sharing and cooperating with Latin life and mission of our Lord. America in applying approved methods of character-building to the needs That there are obstacles in the of student life in the Latin American way of making Latin American republics. Successful cooperation universities truly Christian no one will depend largely upon the attitude can deny. That the obstacles are of North Americans. One who insuperable no one dare affirm. The would awaken interest in the Bible response of students and professors as a guide to true living, and inspire to a sympathetic approach is most confidence in the Church as God's encouraging; the generous backing organized plan for extending right- offered by individuals and governeousness, must not move among ments to efforts for the moral and Latin students with an air of super- religious welfare of students chaliority and racial pride; let him rather lenges our admiration. Thousands recognize his own personal short- of thoughtful students and professors comings and the mistakes of his are waiting for friends who will nation; let him appreciate the show them that belief in God and achievements of Latin American immortaJity is rational, that religion civilization and the noble qualities is to be incorporated in daily life, of her citizens, and let him fully and to manifest its power in transidentify himself with their interests formed lives and communities. and aspirations. He will not go far afield if, in this spirit, he emphasizes The people of North America the supreme importance of high should not overlook the opportunity moral character among the youth to interpret the best in their civiliof a nation, and the indispensable zation to the two thousand students contribution of the religion of Jesus in the United States from all parts Christ in achieving such character. of Latin America. They are study- He will be wise in refraining from ing here for a few years, and will references to the glory and greatness soon return to positions of influence an-lOng their people. They should have no occasion for feeling that the
STUDENTS OF LATIN
"Yankee" is selfish and provincial. sented the Philippine Islands, Porto- Every facility should be placed at Rico, Cuba, Mexico, San Salvador, their disposal which will acquaint Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Para- them with the best homes, with agen- guay, Argentina and Spain. Many cies and organizations seeking the came for the good time they would welfare and uplift of the people, and have, resolved to skip all they could above all, they should come into per- of Bible study, etc. Several rebelled sonal touch with the ablest students at the start, and I believe were only and professors who are earnest held to the system of the Conference Christian men, disposed to share their religious convictions. by their sense of the duty of a guest. One started a theosophist and a dis- Over one hundred Latin American torter of .the Bible and ended a students enjoyed the hospitality of Christian, eager to learn all that the the North American Christian Stu- Bible contains. One man, caught in dent Movement as guests at the sum- the grip of a habit that meant the mer conferences last June. The pos- destruction of his mind and eventusibilities of such fellowship are thus ally of his life, found most joyous stated by one of the wisest leaders release. in Christian work in Latin America: "At Northfield, church difference, "I am just finishing twenty days international jealousy, and personal of work in the Latin American sec- aversion to piety, threatened to distion of the student conferences. In rupt the Conference. Within two the eleven years of my residence in days of the end of the Conference, Latin America I have never expe- in a discussion class, a dispute arose rienced anything that has brought me which threat~ned to lead to intersuch certainty as to the ultimate suc- national complications at every point cess of the task we have in hand in and delayed the session an hour. This these Latin republics. I have always seemed to be the final explosion of been confident; now I am sure. I the pent-up feelings of men who had have seen in the last three weeks been fighting for self-control for a young men from the best classes, the week: The very next evening was leaders of their peoples, yielding marked by a deeply spiritual disthemselves not only to the influences cussion on "What Does It Mean to of friendship, but to the highest work be a Christian?" The decision meetof the Holy Spirit. I have seen men ing held on Sunday was the most transformed from agnostics to fer- moving I have ever attended. Every vent disciples, from relentless parti- man present voluntarily signed a conzans to apostles of aNew Brother- tract to follow and serve Jesus Christ hood, from careless seekers of selfish as Master and Lord, and to read the pleasure to resolute warriors for hon- Bible and pray. Those who had esty, purity, and kindliness. I at- been open and flagrant in opposition tended the conferences for the full frankly confest their sin and begged time at Eagles Mere and at North- forgiveness. field. At these two conferences a total of thirty-four men, exclusive of "The results are far-reaching. One the leaders, attended. They repre- representative of a splendid family said he was going home to be a
Christian engineer and a promoter of K3 LOIJ1Il1Creiai congresses and Christian work for young men. An- trade commissions dre desirable and other, a brilliant graduate in engi- necessary, but Christian people of neering, offered a month's salary all nations should hail with great joy whenever Christian work can be the approaching congress on Chrisopened in his city, one of the un- tian work in Latin America to be opened student ~enters of South held in Panama in February. May America. Otic, a brother oi the presi- it mark the beginning of genuine dent of a republic where the Chri~ cooperation of the Americas in great tian Association has never had a 1110r:,: 2nd religious ente:prises! It welcome, declares it as his intention will certainly recognize the important to use his influence to introduce the relation of the universities to the Association there." spread of Christianity, and will adopt plans which will result in the centers In the past, selfish motives and the of learning becoming sources of desire for gain have too largely de- moral and spiritual enrichment for termined the attitude of North all the people. American people toward La:::1 Amer- Shall We Send Missionaries to Argentina?
BY REV. ERNEST N. BAUMAN, JlUENOS AIRES Missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church BOUT twelve years ago year, and in a short time it was very evident that it would soon be mA a Methodist local much too small for the ever-growing preacher began to hold congregation. The best feature of occasional services in the year has been the prevailing a private house in this spirit of conviction. Sunday after suburb of Buenos Sunday sinners followed the Gospel Aires, known as Flores. For years call, young and old became convicted the work was carried on by lay- of sin, repented and surrendered to workers in private houses or rented Jesus Christ. One night we were halls, finally a regular pastor was deeply stirred by the conversion of appointed, and the work flourished a young man, whose wife was a so well that it was decided to build faithful member of our church. We a chapel. Almost everybody was knew that she and her parents were ready to make sacrifices so that this earnestly praying for her husband, chapel might become a reality, aed and· were overjoyed to see their finally the prayers and good works prayers answered in this way. Some of this congregation bore fruitage. time afterward another young man came under conviction as a result A chapel, measuring forty-five feet by twenty-seven, was erected last
WE SEND MISSIONARIES TO ARGENTINA?
of the prayers of his sweetheart. were held and the matter was prayer- His family is still indifferent to vita"l fully brought before them; hence we Christianity, but the young man has believe that what was done was not experienced a wonderful change and merely a result of a momentary im· does not fear to do personal work pulse but rather a deliberate choice for the Master. About the same inspired and invigorated by the time a woman, on whom I had called, prayers and personal talks of parents was happily converted. Her life had and teachers. The children have been 2. peculiarly sad one, her hus- since been organized into a probationband had been a confirmed drugkard ers' Bible-class so that their early for upwards of thirty years. One decision of childhood may be A GROUP OF MISSION – SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ANENDOGA son, who for several years had fol- grounded and built up on the word lawen the evil example of his father of God. One of the most helpful was converted three years ago, and features of the work in this congreit was due largely to his influence gation is the fact that the parents that the mother took the same step. are so deeply concerned about the Now both mother and son are anx- spiritual well-being of their children. iously praying for the speedy conversion of the drunken father. From these and other similar re- sults, we must conclude that the In our Sunday-school we have had Protestant Church has a right to the privilege of seeing about twenty work in this land. But there is anchildren decide for Christ. Parents other reason. Argentina, Uruguay and teachers had been praying and and Paraguay have together 8,000,000 working for this for a long time, inhabitants, and about three hundred special meetings for the teachers thousand immigrants land on these
shores annually. Italy and Spain The city of Rosario, with 170,000 in- furnish almost all of these .tho there is also some sprinkling of Germans, habitants, has but seventeen priests. English, Russian, etc. Ve priests are hated, reviled, and Buenos Aires, the second Latin city of the world, has 1,300,000 in- despised. We can not even take a habitants. It is by far the largest and most cosmopolitan city of all religious census in our own parish South America. It is noted for its splendid avenues and parks. It is without being molested. It is conjust as busy and modern as any other city in the world. It has a most sidered bad luck to meet one of us modern electric light system, and its street-railways are a great improve- on the street. We American priests ment on those of New York. An extensive subway system is under have petitioned the Pope to allow us construction at present, in order to relieve the very much congested to wear ordinary clothes and to put downtown district. aside· our priest's dress when we go In New York City there are but forty Roman Catholic churches, about out, so that we may be better able the same number as in Philadelphia, where there are also 500 Protestant to reach the people. Should Proteschurches, while Buenos Aires has but twenty. Is it fair that New York tants have missions here? Why not?
should have about 900 Protestant The two churches get along very churches; Philadelphia 500, and well side by side in the United States, Buenos Aires only twenty? why not here?" . A Roman Catholic priest from North America, who has a parish in The above statement was made to this city, throws light on the subject, when he says: "We have no Robert E. Speer and to Rev. S. D. such liberty, power, or influence in Argentina as we have in the United Daugherty, a Lutheran missionary States. Both native and foreign elements are entirely irreligious. In still resident here. The prevalent our own parish only 8 per cent. attend church, and when they do immorality all through these repubattend they are so noisy that no one would ever dream that they are in lics is a fact that can hardly be a church service. All our work is fearfully undermanned; there are exaggerated. Not long ago a promonly 1,000 priests in all Argentina, and I know one parish of 130,000 inent citizen of Buenos Aires assured souls here in Buenos Aires which has only one priest and two assistants. me that not one man out of ten in this city is true to his wife.
There are scores of towns which are not yet occupied by any Protes- tant Christian missionary. The large cities are being touched only slightly by the preaching of the Gospel, and there are still some of the capitals of provinces which have no regular Gospel preaching.
What greater argument does the Christian need than this: South America is still groping in moral and spiritual darkness. South America does not know the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the Macedonian cry from South Amer- ica. We Christians have the Gospel to-day because St. Paul said: "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vis- ion." Are we disobedient?
Latin-American Congress*
BY REV. CHARLES L. THOMPSON, D.D., LL.D., NEW YORK · .Chairman of the Commission on Unity and Cooperation of the Congress on Christian Work in Latin America HE events of the last, was explored and conquered in a fTl few years have made a new American map. lust for gold and glory. Its people in large measure have failed of the The finishing of the impulse for noble living which comes by a noble inheritance. If we have , greatest engineering achievement in all our inherited high moral ideals it is not history has reconstructed our geo- to our praise, but it constitutes a graphy. reason why we should share them North and South America, united with others less fortunate.
ge"ologically by continuous mountain It is this appeal which may be ranges, are now bound by the living confidently made and which will be ties of commerce, and social and a mighty leverage in the endeavor to educational interest as well as by lift to higher levels and purer forms common political ideals. It is there- of Christian truth people who have fore important that they should been made cold or indifferent by t~e understand each other religiously, formalities of religion without its and that by both of them common spirit.
standards of Christian thought and It is to be hoped, therefore, that life should be accepted. For such is the mind open to recognize elements going to be their unity in all other of truth and goodness in any form respects that for their common wel- of faith will characterize the Panama fare the same ethical and Christian Conference. While from the pre- ideals should be acknowledged and vailing religion of Latin America as made effective among all the people. an institution we may not expect It is in no spirit of superiority that much welcome or cooperation, yet we own the fact that to North doubtless there are many individuals, America there came a type of life, nominally or by inheritance attached and an inheritance of reformation to that faith, who will give us wel- truth, denied to South America. It come in our program and help at all is no reflection upon South America least along some lines of Christian for them and us to own the advance. Even as in the United fact that, whereas the upper half of States such help is given in matters the continent was settled and occu- of temperance and social reform, so pied by men of sturdy religious con- it is believed it will be in Latin victions, who sought only a home America. Indeed, we have been as- where they and their descendants sured by men high in civic authority might enjoy civil and religious free- in South America that an approach dom, the lower half of the continent to those republics-not in a way of • From the tenth to the twentieth of February next there will be held in the City of Panama a Congress of all missionary societies working in Latin America. It is the purpose of this paper briefly to state tbe reasons for such a gathering-its scope and the ends it is hoped it may serve.
condescension, but of helpfulness to isters of religion the people would better enable people to carry burdens get little help, because their lives so which they realize are too great for definitely contradict their preaching. them-will be welcomed. Let us The same spirit which sends us as then manifest an eager readiness to missionaries to barbarians across cooperate with any who will unite oceans should impel our steps to the with us on any plane of the great he'lpless and hopeless savages of Christian enterprise. Let us not South America. demand cooperation in the entire program as a condition of accepting This much as to the mission field allies for any part of that program. of Latin America as a reason for calling the Congress. Two further There are two other important reasons pertain to what is called the reasons for considering our Chris- home base. In the first place, the tian duty to Latin America. First: Christian Church of North America There are probably forty thousand has not seriously considered her students in her various universities- great opportunity in the southern of most of whom it may truly be half of the continent. Here are said that the doctrines and cere- seventy millions of people-our monies of religion to which they neighbors, our allies in repUblican have been accustomed no longer principles, inheritors with us of make any strong appeal to them. many of the fundamental principles But they are to be the leaders of of Christianity-to whom our conthought and action for all those re- tribution of educational and religious publics. The future of those re- forces has been almost negligible. publics will be determined largely And yet, they with us must deterby them. If they become skeptics, mine the destiny of the new world. or totally indifferent to all religious They, without us, can not shape that questions, it will bode no good for destiny. It is equally true we withthe future of those lands. If we out them can not worthily shape that have a message that will appeal to destiny. Especially now-when the inquiring minds, and if we can open civilization of the old world seems up to them possibilities of a higher to be going bankrupt-now is the life than any that now seems open, time for America to manifest a we will be doing much for the sta- solidarity of peace and Christian bility and permanence of Latin- brotherhood which may be this dark American institutions. world's final hope.
Again, there are eight million In- Again – even the little that has dians in Latin America for whose been done for the spiritual uplift of spiritual life almost nothing is lOW Latin America has lacked the statesbeing done. We do not forget that man's view and program. More than there was a time when Jesuit and a score of missionary societies have Franciscan priests did heroic service carried on work but often feebly in their behalf and lifted many of ll1anned and supported and without them out of their age-long bar- coordination with each other. There barism. But those priests have few have been many soldiers-but not an successors now. From many mm- army. The spirit of cooperation be-
LATIN-AMERICAN
tween denominations has been largely is hampered, if not imperilled, by absent. Nor has there been any such the low average of intelligence.
general and united consideration of Illiteracy ranges from 40 to 80 per the vast field and its many problems cent. Of course there are many edu- as alone would supply the knowl- cated and cultured people. There edge and the program necessary for are circles in their great cities which effective advance. In the hope of will compare well with like circles such consideration and such action anywhere. But the safety of a re- following as will write a new day of public depends on the diffusion of progress in Latin America this Con- intelligence. For lack of it there gress is called. have been many small revolutions in Now, as to its scope.-As in Edin- South America. They who would burgh, eight commissions have been best help Latin America to a surer appointed to consider the main sub- progressive civic life must inspire a j ects pertaining to missionary work. deeper desire for general education These commissions, appointed last and must lead the way in securing it.
winter by a general committee repre- The matter of popular education senting alI the societies doing work should, therefore, have large atten- in Latin America, have given diligent tion at Panama. And in this the consideration to the themes CO'11- Congress wiII have cordial welcome mitted to them. They have con- and hearty support from the leaders ducted most extensive correspond- of national life in all the republics.
ence with missionaries and others in Moral character is, of course, an- all the republics, and have studied other foundation stone of the life as carefully as they could the social, of a republic. In many parts of educational, moral and religious con- Latin America the morals of the ditions. They have also had confer- people are at low ebb. It does not ences with leaders in the politicallife indeed become us to cast stones.
of some of the republics. From We have too many sins of our own.
these wide surveys they are making A prominent South American said· up their findings, which will be re- to the writer, "The social life I wit- ported first to the workers in the nessed in some of the N ew York various fields for criticism and cor- hotels would not be tolerated in rection, and finally in printed vol- Buenos Aires." That is the call for umes will be presented to the Con- home mission work in the United gress at Panama in February. States, and it is loud and urgent.
While Latin America is behind In But so is the calI in Latin America.
the march of American progress, That the types of sin are somewhat even the steps it is taking are handi- different (and each nation seems to capped by serious failures in some furnish its own brand) does not directions. Thus, all the govern- make the national peril less. South ments are republican; some of them America needs what North America of an advanced type. Those farthest needs-the Gospel of Christ. Only from North America have made the that can finally lift the moral level.
greater progress-as Chile, Argen- If a facing of moral conditions as tina, and Brazil. But their future they exist in many parts of Latin
America shall stimulate the Chris- columns. Missions among nontian Church here and there to more Christian people have given us a united and persistent efforts, there lesson we may well learn and apply will be fewer revolutions in Latin in Latin America. If in China and America and surer national progress. Japan bodies differing in doctrine and polity can get together as a One of the most important ques- united Church, surely on this contions the Panama Congress will have tinent we should be able to do the to face is why, after fifty years of same. Latin America furnishes a Protestant mission work in Latin fine field for such an experiment. America, the fruit of it is so incon- Its languages are few, its people spicuous. Separate denominations, homogeneous, its ecclesiastical hisoperating each in its little corner, have been more or less content with tory, tho sad, is suggestive. It is to what they have done, and have had no just conception of how little im- be hoped, therefore, that a spirit of press Protestant Christianity has the utmost cooperation will rule the really made on the life of Latin America. When in more statesman- proceedings wt Panama. It is our like fashion they get together to survey the whole vast field, they will only hope for impressing ourselves be forced to see that their small or our message on peoples accusgains are scarcely visible among the tomed to a united Christian front. seventy millions of the population. Doubtless a consideration of edu- Along with that fact will come the cational problems, for example, will further conviction that some new make it plain that in all grades a methods not only must be adopted combination of different denominabut an entire new alignment of tions can do far more creditable and Christian forces must be had. Then appealing work. A few great instithey wilI see that their science of the tutions in each republic will be far mISSIOnary propaganda has been better than a score of feebly supradically wrong in this respect-that ported schools. Even union theothey are in the presence of a unified logical education is not beyond an Church, while their own forces are easy possibility, as Porto Rico and hopelessly divided and often at vari- Japan and China have revealed. ance with each other. Instead of antagonizing a unified Church, The time has come on every misbecause associated In our minds sion field at home and abroad when with teachings we can not ac- denominations must get together and cept, it were far wiser to see in it work together, or be at a hopeless an ideal that may be worth striving disadvantage in comparison w~th the for. Instead of combating such an world's great enterprises in all other ideal, were it not far better to make realms. Christ's prayer "That they of it an appeal for a reorganization all may be one" is coming to its of Protestant forces? We have answer. May the Panama Congress failed to conquer wi,th our divided be bold to accept the fact and head lines. T,et us try the effect of united alI its program for Latin America toward that divine ideal. Then it will mark the mightiest advance that the Kingdom of Christ on this con- tinent has ever known.
BEFORE SUNDAY AFTERNOON SERVICE IN FRONT OF THE YOUNG WOMEN'S
CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING At the San Francisco Exposition AN IMPRESSIVE GLIMPSE OF THE RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL WORK BY E. M. PAGE, NEW YORK [There are two sides to every phase of human life-the good and the evil. The Panama Exposition at San Francisco, which is so beautiful and so uplifting in many respects has also been severely criticized for the immorality that characterizes some of its features and its patrons. Long before the Exposition opened, the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America took measures to induce the authorities of the Exposition and the city of San Francisco to maintain a high moral tone within and without the grounds.
Fortunately, there is at the Exposition the counteracting work of such organizations as the Committee of One Hundred of the Federal Council, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the California Social Hygiene Association, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Young Women's Christian Association. Some of this work is described in the following interesting article.-EDITOR.] S this the only religious "If you have grasped the true thought of its originators the whole I exhibit on the Exposition has a religious signifi- grounds?" I asked one cance," he replied.
I . Q of the men in charge When the tourist enters the grounds and, passing around the •.. ~ at the. Palace of Edu- Fountain of Energy with its joyous exuberance, walks under the Tower . cation.
He turned anel looked at me 11- tently.
of Jewels and pauses in the arched tion there. This is threefold. There recess to face the fountain group of are ( I ) the religious conferences El Dorado, he meets the first and congresses; there is (2) a large phrasing of the message of the Ex- religious exhibit; and there is (3) position. actual religious work carried on.
A line of struggling human figures All this has been arranged by the push and jostle their way up each Young Men's and the Young Wo- side to the magic portals of the men's Christian Associations, and the Land of Gold. Some are stagger- Committee of One Hundred. The ing to a fall, some are already down. Committee is an' organization of rep- Here .and there one stoops to lift an resentatives from twenty-seven de- unfortunate, but the main rout rushes' nominations united for Christian on unheeding, their arms out- work in San Francisco and to ar- stretched, their faces frenzied by de- range for the exhibit in the Educa- sire. Guarding the gate stand the tional Building.
heroic figures of an Aztec man and In the southwest corner of the woman, holding the great doors in- Palace of Education, over forty de- exorably shut. With a high pity nominations and religious organiza- they watch the impotent pygmies at tions have considerable space for their feet. their striking exhibit. Booths built "Behold the emptiness of the against the walls have been allotted search for gold, its horror and its to separate organizations, such as the cruelty!" their calm detachm€llt Girls' Friendly. Society,. the, Wo- seems to say. men's Christian Temperance Union, Beyond, in the Court of the Uni- the Salvation Army, and others.
verse, is another step. Theinscrip- Here' are dainty models of buiidings tions speak of Truth, the couns-ellor that never fail to attract a crowd, and guide; the groups on the arches here are easy-chairs to tempt the to right and left march forward in footsore and weary. Out on the search of an ideal, the "adventurous main floor is a large space divided by archer" stands fearless at the end of screens into narrow lanes containing a world and directs his arrow still the denominational exhibits of photo- out and up, while the figure on the graphs.
column of the Rising Sun leaps from A moving-picture theater is set up its pedestal with outspread wings, in the corner where one may rest the day all before it and a universe and watch scenes from mission fields to conquer. at home 'and' abroad enacted before Not once but many times is the his eyes with illuminating comments theme repeated; the material is not by an enthusiastic lecturer.
everything, the material alo'ne IS Once as we were passing through empty, spirit transcends all else. the building we were attracted by the But the visitor at the Exposition sound of singing.' I'n the open space is not" left for religious inspiration at the center of the religious exhibit to the chance of his interpreting the we came on a pretty sight. A young sculpture' aright. Religion has an- Japanese minister from the city had other and more definite representa- brought out a portion of his SUll-
THE SAN FRANCISCO
day-school and was proudly putting a collegiate reunion to the congress them through their paces as a prac- of the American Sweet Pea Society. tical demonstration of mission-work. One by one the chubby slant-eyed The reason given by the Exposilittle beings were lifted to a com- tion authorities for the calling of manding position on a chair, where congresses was that the aim of the each child bravely recited his bit of latest vVorld's Fair is "the meeting Scripture. The tiny ones began with of the needs of the world by social, brief quotations such as Christ's sum- educational, and industrial service." mary of the law, or the twenty-third An Exposition auditorium has been Psalm, the older aspiring to the built in the Civic center of San Francisco with halls to accommodate THE CAFETERIA IN THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATWN BUILDING As many as 3,560 have eaten here in one day lengthy achievements of the com- twenty-one meetings at one time. A mandments and the thirteenth chap- Festival Hall and a Congress Hall on ter of First Corinthians. the grounds are also available.
The second type of religious work Active Religious Service at the San Francisco Exposition has been the holding of religious con- Even more definite religious work ferences. The mere number of is being done. In San Francisco these is significant. Over eight under the committee of. One Hunhundred are listed in the official announcement and one out of every dred, a lot has been rented in' a twelve of these has a religious aim. This is a remarkable showing when central spot where a large tent has one considers that this list includes been set up. Here, week by week, every meeting held at the Fair, from come popular preachers and noted evangelists, Billy Sunday among the number, and a vigorous campaign
SUNDAY AT THE BIBLE DAY CEREMONIES OF THE WORLD'S BIBLE CONGRESS (AUGUST 2, 1915), AT THE
FRANCISCO EXPOSITION
THE SAN FRANCISCO
has been carried on for San l'ran- a kitchen and bathroom at one side cisco as well as for the stranger and the charge for all this is twentywithin her gates. five cents a day.
The problems of the Exposition it- Every Sunday afternoon a brief self have been handled largely by service is held on the porch before the the Young Men's and Young Wo- building, one of the most prominent men's Christian Associations. The spots on the grounds. This service service of tourists has been taken is listed by the Exposition along over by the Young Women's organ- with band-concerts and balloon asization, its building being the first to censions as one of the "attractions" the left of the main entrance. There of the daily program. is a wide shady porch with inviting rocking-chairs and with a view across Cornet solos and a trio of cornet, the pools and flowers of the South violin, and piano, attract the crowd, Gardens to the Tower of Jewels. and selections are sung by the choir. Within is a large reception-hall with When the shifting audience seems !nore easy-chairs, writing-desks, and largest the preacher gives his tent;>bles. Behind a curving counter a minute talk. Unexpected diversions group of workers are ready to direct sometimes tax the adaptability of the the tourist to hotels, eating-places, leader. One man was about to speak exhibit palaces, the best band-con- when the whirr of an aeroplane ancert, or the funniest laugh-producer nounced the approach of Art Smith ('11 the zone. Behind is the cafeteria, for one of his spectacular flights. All so inexpensive and deservedly popu- proceedings were suspended while aular that at meal times the line of dience, choir, and even the minister, hungry ones waIting to be fed watched the graceful dipping and stretches through the reception-room turning of the winged machi1}e. When and far along the walk outside. Up- the spectators turned back to,>;:iew the stairs is an emergency hospital on a discomfiture of the interrupted speakdllninutive scale where over five er, they were greeted with the text: hundred first aid treatments were given in the first four months. Here "And when the living creatures are rest-rooms with comfortable went the wheels went beside them; couches for tired women. At one and when the living creatures were side is a day-nursery with a kinder- lifted up from the earth the wheels garten teacher and a trained nurse were lifted up. . and . in charge of the thirty or more I heard the noise of their wings like babies. A fenced enclosure with see- the noise of great waters." sa·w, sand-pile, and swings affords a playground for the older children, Not a man moved away during the and a cool, dark room with a row of stirring and timely talk that followed. tiny white cribs is the sleeping-place of the littlest ones. The big, airy For the employees and those who playroom is fitted out with low tables are adding to the pleasure of the Exand ridiculously small chairs, while position visitors much is being done playthings are everywhere. There is by both organizations at work. The Young Men's Christian Association has put its building in the form of a large club-house by the Presidio, or United States Military reserve, where
it deals primarily with the needs of food, some energetic county adverthe Army and Navy men, who are on tisers had supplied two fascinating the grounds in large numbers. films of Californian country and ranch life to amuse and instruct, and The girls emp·loyed in all the Exhi- prizes were given to the girls from bition palaces are organized by the the county and state which had the Young Women's Christian Associa- largest delegations among the worktion in groups. Each leader has one ing force. One of the girls said on or more buildings under her direct leaving that it was her first party in supervision. A committee of volun- five years. teer workers from outside cooperate with leaders among the girls in such Out on the zone, tucked in behind a way that there are practically no the gaudy houses of Mirth is a club THE GIRLS' CLUB HOUSE IN THE (lZONE'" Conducted by the Young Women's Christian Association for the dancers and other performers during their leisure hours women employed who are not known house for the workers there. It is to the working force. Parties have a low, brown house with broad eaves been given for the various groups, the and nasturtiums running up over the girls from California acting as host- windows. In a large but cosy room esses. are little tables for eating, large com- fortable chairs, a book-case filled with In the Food Products Building one books and magazil~es, and a few good evening, . the doors were closed as pictures hanging on its walls. A usual at six o'clock, and by six-thirty smal1 window, like a pantry-slide, in a space in the center had been cleared, one corner, opening into the kitchen, tables were set with white linen, silver is a lunch counter, where a hungry and flowers, and two hundred and girl may get a square meal for fifteen thirty girls sat down. The exhibitors cents. On one side is a rest-room, in that department had provided the
THE SAN FRANCISCO
and a large bath-room equipped with and to employ those who make good. the only bath-tubs on the Zone. If an international exposition is a Three visits at the club-house constitutes a girl a member with the free- reflection of the spirit and thought dom of the house and a card of per- of the world, then these are indeed sonal introduction to the nearest times after the Master's own heart. Association when she leaves the Ex- The world is awake to the preemiposition. nence of spiritual things, and it con~ siders the ideal of service large The problem of unemployment enough to be taken as the central after the Exposition is one which the thought of its latest World's Fair. workers are trying to solve. A night- There is a yearning and a striving A BANQUET GIVEN BY THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE GIRLS EMPLOYED IN THE FOOD PRODUCTS BUILDING WHICH THEY HAVE TERMED "PALACE OF NIBBLING ARTS"
school has been opened to give the toward what the Church can give, and fifteen hundred employees a lift the Church is alive to its opportunities toward the top. Classes meet in the in San Francisco as never before. Association Building, and teachers Let us take courage from this lesson from a standard commercial college of the Exposition and lay hold on give their services three nights a the great task before us in something week, and on alternate nights one of of the spirit shown in Weinman's the largest department stores offers statue of the Rising Sun, knowing a course in salesmanship. This store that the time is at hand, the day is has promised to give preference to indeed before us, and the world to these students at the holiday season, conquer.
the Dominican
THE MISSIONARY WORK OF THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH lC:;~~~~ HE Dominican Republic February, 1915. This occasion occupies a part of the brought together the largest and most island of Santo Do- representative gathering of Protes- mingo, which it shares tants ever held in the interior of the with the Haitian Re- Dominican Republic, about forty new public. The people of converts came forward and as many the Dominican Republic speak Span- more were received into the mission ish, while the Haitians generally use and church as members and pro- the French language. Recurring re- bationers.
volutions from its early history until Last February evangelistic meet- the present time have kept the island ings were held at Jababa, Santiago, in a: constant state of turmoil. The Maca, Palmar, Salcedo, Barbaro, and unsettled conditions of governments Sanchez, and were very fruitful, for have prevented most of the mission about ninety persons were received boards ·from sending missionaries to as members or probationers. At these fields, so they have not been Moca, where there are two large so well cared for as have Cuba and Roman Catholic churches, the Prot- Porto Rico. The nominal religion estant workers before mentioned, of the island is Roman Catholicism. marched through the streets singing About twenty-four years ago, Rev. and giving short addresses in the S. E. Mills, a minister of the Free parks and on the corners of the Methodist Church, went to the Do- streets, and at evenings held their minican Republic, taking his family services in a building. At the first with him, and commenced work in evening services, while the mission- the interior on the north side. Later ary secretary was speaking stones other missionaries of the same church began to come against and on the joined him, but the. frequent revo- iron roof of the building. The Chief lutions have hindered the work, and of Police, however, later gave ade- some of the workers have been quate protection.
obliged to return home. The only other Protestant mission Some of the converts have been in Santa Domingo is carried on by organized into a Free Methodist the Women's Board of the African class at San Francisco de Macoris, Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where a commodious church has been who have a station at San Pedro de built, a school building and mission- Macoris. In Haiti, the Seventh Day ary residences. This first Protestant Adventists are at Cape Haitien and church ever built in the interior of the southern Baptists and Protestant the island, was dedicated by the Rev. Episcopal societies have workers in B. Winget, Missionary Secretary, in Jacmel and Porto au Prince.
A Visit to a ] ungle Station
Siam* BY ROBERT E. SPEER Secretary of the Board of Foreign 1-Iissions of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A.
AP TEANG is one of The Tap Teang station equip- ment consists at present of a resimT the newest stations of dencecompound for Dr. Dunlap and the Pre s b y t e ria n Mr. Snyder, a hospital compound for Church, in the prov- the hospital and residence (the gift ince of Trang on the Bay of Bengal side of of the Siamese high Commissoner), the lower Siam Peninsula. The station and a church compound on which it is the outgrowth of twenty-five years is desired to erect also a school for of itinerating work by Dr. and Mrs. boys and girls and a residence for Eugene P. Dunlap, who traveled up the unmarried women of the station.
and down these provinces when there The little mission school is the only were only jungle paths through the Christian school in the whole state forests and crazy little sailboats of Puket with its seven provinces along the coast. On one of Dr. belonging to the Tap Teang field.
Dunlap's first visits to Tap Teang Twenty or thirty children have al- village through a Christian Chinese ready gathered in the school and who had emigrated to the peninsula are delighted at the prospect which from Hong Kong, he met an old it has opened to them. There is a Siamese gentleman who, by his re- chance here not only to train Chris- flections upon natural religion and tian men and women for intelligent especially upon the wonder of the service as they go about their own structure of the human hand, had lives, but also to prepare teachers come to believe in a beneficent and for the Christian schools which fatherly creator. When he first should be scattered up and down heard the Gospel, he welcomed it as these provinces. The only schools the full revelation of the truth which available for the people now are the he had already dimly grasped. Forty unorganized, inefficient schools in the of this old man's descendants have Buddhist wats or temples. For sev- since come into the Christian Church eral years Dr. Dunlap, who is be- and now in the villages north and loved and honored by the Siam south there are scattered three hun- officials from the royal family down, dred baptized believers connected was superintendent of schools for with the central church in Tap the government in the Trang prov- Teang. Far and wide through a re- ince and was building up an efficient gion untouched by any other agencies system.
of Christianity, Dr. Dunlap and his As the little Christian school is companions are sowing the seed of the only center of such enlighten- the Gospel on fruitful soil. ment in these provinces. so the hos- • A Letter from Nakon Stritamarat, Siam, June 3, 1915.
pital is the only place of real succor and they would end by climbing up and relief to the sick and needy and on the platform. Forgetting all other its influence has gone out far and errands, they learned all they could wide. As we came away from of this new story to take back with Trang one of the passengers in our them to their villages. We saw the coach was an old priest from the seed of the 'Kingdom sown on abso- Chinese temple in Penang, conduct- lutely new soil and realized that each ing. a cocoanut grove now in the one of these old men would be the province of Trang for the benefit of beginning of a new work of evanhis temple. Robbers had pounded gelization. him up not long before, and only Miss Christianson's skilful care at This is mission work in its truest the hospital had brought him through. and purest and most Christ-like He and we had no common language form. It is the heroic pioneering in except our common appreciation of which men do not build 0'n other the Christ-like spirit and the skill 111¥n's foundations, but go out into of Miss Christianson, and our com- the heart of the jungles and lay rnon gratitude to the great Love t11ere the first stones of the walls which had brought her to Siam to of the city of God. The men and conditions vastly different from those women who are doing this w0'rk she had known at home. In Dr. have no borrowed glory, indeed, they Bulkley's absence there has been no do not know that they have any medical missionary in the station glory at all, but every hour there we since January a year ago, and for all saw the glory as of the messengers this time Miss Christianson has car- of God who forget themselves and ried the full responsibility, doing in whom the grace and truth of the critical surgical work at times simply heavenly spirit shine forth. This is because it had to be done, and there 110t the sort o:f missionary work was no one else to do it, and, singie- which exploits itself or is clever in handed, doing work which half a its aqvertising and appeal, but if dozen workers at home would not there is any work regarding which have undertaken. the Lord Jesus must be pleased and in which He must recognize to-day The morning of our last day in the very likeness of the work which Tap Teang we spent in the corner He did while He was here on earth, of the market, where the evangelists it is work like this at Tap Teang. preached to the people. It was fascinating to watch especially the old 'Vhat makes work like this possible men from the country drift by in the is love and faith in the hearts of throng and stop to listen. Then as men and women. Neither the slow they were caught by some word of toil of the years nor the wet miseries truth we would see them sit down of the jungle, nor the isolation and on the edge of the platform from loneliness could quench that love or which the evangelists spoke. As the quell that faith and now at last the truth was opened out these old men rich fruitage of peace and joy is would begin to nod assent, to ex- being gathered in. What greater press their delight, to ask questions, privilege could we have than to share yet more fully in this fruitage?
BLA.CK. gUSSIA «
lU SEA Vl eTABRI2. ~ RUMIA ~) ~ -J<A'2..B/N 0 't-'
HAMADANe ~ ~ y PROTESTANT MISSIONS ARABIA. INTHE TURKISH EMPIRE AND SURROUNDING COUNTRIES SHADED TERRITORY INDICATES ARMENIA. TOWNS WHERE MASSACRES AND DEPORT" ATIONS OFARMENIANS HAVe BeEN RE- POR.TEO-ARE UNDERLINED. • M I 551 ON STATIONS- – R.AI L ~OR OS
MISSIONS IN EUROPEAN AND ASIATIC TURKEY BEFORE THE
– I STATIONS , i I FOREIGN STAFF I I I NATIVE AGENCY CONGREGATIONS SCHOOLS MEDICAL MISSIONS .~ …; I .!2 .", ~" III ~ .o.-..l …. .~.~, ….. …. ~ :: :: ~ :: .e~.. . . .a .!2 .~ :: ·1 ~ ·..t i ….~.. ~" SOCIETIES ,/:, .·"S… .~ f! ~ .~ .j".. ~ ~" ~… 'i. :x": ~ -"l ~ II .0.. i 0 t; til 0 ~ "~ "'! It ~ ~ * Cl ~ ~ ~ ~ -.; ~" i ~ .~ ~ ….~.. ~~ ~ .~ R.
2: I .. .. .. .. . American Board ……………………………
Kaiserwerth Deaconesses' Homes ………………. 308 ! 55 14 65 ! 75 209 102 1015 192 15,748) 55,240 i13 1,865 437 24,146 9 11 134,357 .,. .. .. 32 , .. …. ·1 …….. …. 3 490 1 1 1,430 Lohmann's Armenian Aid Association …………… 5 10 9 j1 33 SO 6 71 108 …. .. . . . 1 . . . . . 1 .. 21 1,900 2 3 4,856 Dr. Lepsius' Germau Orient Mission …………….. 4 2 I, 1 2,848 2 . .. 1 7 1 5 … ….. ….. ,' .. . … 2 300 1 Friends' Armenian Mission ………………….. 1 ." 1 .. .. .. 2 , '" … … ….. ….. I .. …. 1 400 .. .. ……
98 100 .. …. 5 308 1 ….. ….. .. …. … ….. .. . American Reformed Presbyterians (Cililia and Cyprus) 3 " 321 2 .. 8 … 23 '" 1 7,888 British & Foreign Bible Society ……………….. 1 … 1 .. .. … 1 … … … …… .. American … Bible Society ·····················t···· 1 26 1 I .. .. … '" 26 … ….. . …. .. …. -'" ….. .. . ….. – – — — — – -'- – – – — – — — – – — TotaL ……………………………… 39 334 74 18 73 146 275 109 1140 300 15,846 55,340 113 1,865 469 27,534 14 17 151,379 Proteaiant Societies W orkinc in Turkey Mission Stations, or Places Where Mis- and Syria Before the War sionaries Reside 1. American Board of Commissioners (The figures refer to the Societies occupy- for Foreign Missions. ing each) 2. American Bible Society. Acre, 17. Jerusalem, 4, 17, 22, 3. Asia Minor Apostolic Institute.. Abeih, 7. 23, 32, 36. 4. Christian and Missionary Alliance. Adabazar, 1. 5. Friends' Foreign Missions Associa- Adana, 1. Kefr Yasif, 17. Adrianople, 15. Kessab, 1. tion of New England. Ain Karim, 4. Kochanes, 11. 6. Mennonite Church. Aintab,1. Konia,3. 7. Presbyterian Church, North. Alexandretta, 29. Kortcha, 1. 8. Reformed (Dutch) Church in Ameri- Aleppo, 27. Larnaca, 9, 22. Antioch, 29. Latakia, 9. ca. Baakleen, 28. Marash, I, 33. 9. Reformed Presbyterian Church. Baalbek, 18. Mardin, 1. 10. Seventh-day Adventists. Bagdad, 17. Marsovan, 1. 11. Archbishop's Mission to Assyrian Bardizag, 1, 10. Mersina,9. Busrah (Bassora), Monastir, 1. Christians. Mosul, 17. 12. Baptist Missionary Society. 8. Moush,33. 13. Beirut Orphanage. Beersheba, 4. Mt. of Olives, 17. 14. British and Foreign Bible Society. Beit Marl, ZO. Nablous, 12, 17. 15. British Jews' Society in Adrianople. Bethlehem, 17, 24. Nazareth, 17, 19. 16. British Syrian Mission Schools. Beirut, 7, 13, 14, 18, Nicosia, 9, 22. 17. Church Missionary Society. Oorfa, 1. 18. Church of Scotland Mission to Jews. 22,32. Ramallah, 5, 17. 19. Edinburgh Medical Mission Society. Bir Zeit, 17. Ramleh,17. 20. Friends' Foreign Mission Association Bitlis, 1. Ras el Meth, 20. Brousa, 1. Safed, 23, 31. of London. Brummana, 20. Salonica, 1. 21. Jaffa Medical Mission and Hospital. Cesarea, 1. She farner, 17. 22. Jerusalem and the East Mission. Constantinople, I, 2, Shemlan, 17. 23. London Society for the Propagation Shweifat, 25. 14, 18, 20, 23, 31, Sidon, 7. of Christianity Among Jews. 32. Sivas, 1. 24. Miss Dunn's Home. Damascus, 18, 19, Smyrna, I, 18, 23,32. 25. Miss Proctor's Mission and Schools. 23, 310. Suk el Ghurb, 7. 26. North African Mission. El Mouktareh, 18. Tarsus, 1. 27. Presbyterian Church of England. Erzerum, 1. Tiberias, 31. 28. Palestine and Lebanon Nurses' Mis- Es Salt, 17. Tirana, 1. Famagusta, 22. Trebizond, 1. sion. Gaza,17. Tripoli (Africa), 26- 29. Reformed Presbyterian Church of Hadjin, 1,6. Tripoli (Syria), 7. Haifa, 17, 22, 23, 35. Tyre,18. Ireland and Scotland. Harput, I, 33. Van, I, 11,33. 30. Tabeetha Mission Schools. Hasbeiya, 18. Zahleh,7. 31. United Free Church of Scotland. Hebron, 4, 31. 310. Presbyterian Church of Ireland. Jaffa, 4, 17, 2f, 23, 32. Deaconesses of Kaiserwerth. 30,35. 33. German Hiilfsbund. 34. German Orient Society. 35. J udischer Verein. 36. Moravian Church.
Assassination of
THE TURKISH PROGRAM OF ANNIHILATION DESCRIBED BY GOVERN- MENT REPRESENTATIVES, TEACHERS, MISSIONARIES, AND OTHER EYEWITNESSES ~T HE most brutal, the~ sible for the systematic program of most ruthless, the most extermination. Is not Germany also ~ inexcusable, and the responsible-if not for inciting the most widespread mas- outrage, at least for failure to de- sacres of Christians in mand that Turkey, her ally, imme- the last one thousand diately put an end to these butcher- ies. Turkey would not dare to conyears are deluging Armenia with the tinue a course that would involve the loss of German military and financial blood of men, women, and children. support.
Whole villages are wiped out by fire, The following is the text of the government order covering the case. sword, and deportation. It seems Art. 2d. "The commanders of the army, of independent army corps, evident that this movement against and of divisions may, in case of mili- tary necessity, and in case they susthe Armenians is part of a concerted pect espionage or treason, send away, singly or in mass, the inhabitants of scheme against all non-Turkish and villages or town, and install them in other places." Christian inhabitants of Turkey. It The original orders to commanders is estimated that already 800,000 have may have been reasonably humane; but the execution of them has been for perished at the hands of the Turks the most part cruelly harsh, and in many cases accompanied by horrible and Kurds in their fiendish "Holy brutality to women and children, to the sick and the aged. Whole vil- War." In the massacres of 1895-6 lages were deported at an hour's no- tice, with no opportunity to prepare under the Sultan Abdul-Hamid II., for the journey, not even, in some cases, to gather together the scattered according to carefully prepared sta- members of the family, so that little children were left behind. tistics, 88,243 Armenians, of whom The accounts of the sorrows of Arabout IO,OOO were Protestants, were menia are harrowing reading. -Many of -the facts have already been pubmurdered; more than 500,000 robbed lished. VIle gather many of them here that the readers of the REVIEW may of all they possest; 2,493 villages make them a subject of sympathetic and towns were plundered; 568 churches, of which 50 were Protes- tant, were pillaged and destroyed, and 282 others were turned into mosques.
In many places the victims were of- fered the choice between death and Islam and unhesitatingly chose to die rather than to give up even the little light that most of them possest. In 1909, soon after the Young Turks came into power, there were 5,000 or more who died in the Adana onslaught for which the government disclaimed responsibility. To-day, however, the Young Turk government is respon-
prayer, and that some may be led to people was manifestly a part of a campaign of extermination. give financial help toward the relief of the surviving widows and July ro. Persecution of Arme- nians assuming unprecedented proorphans.* portions. Reports from widely scat- tered regions indicate systematic at- For obvious reasons the names of tempt to uproot peaceful Armenian populations, and through arbitrary arthe various writers can not be given rests, terrible tortures, wholesale exat this time. These are known to pulsions and deportations from one end of the empire to the other, acthe American Committee, who vouch companied by frequent instances of rape, pillage, and murder, turning for them and their statements. In into massacre, to bring destitution and destruction upon them. This is most cases it is necessary to conceal not in response to fanatical .or popu- lar demand, but is purely arbitrary, the place from which the statements and directed from Constantinople. Untold misery, disease, starvation and were written, and even the name of loss of life will go on unchecked. _ .
the cities and towns referred to, in July 16. "Deportation of and ex- cesses against peaceful Armenians are order that the writer or his inter- increasing, and from harrowing re- ports of eye-witnesses it appears ests may not suffer irreparable that a campaign of race exterminaharm. tion is in progress." Protests and threats are unavailing and probably Documentary Evidence incite the Ottoman government to more drastic measures, as they are VVe quote from a few of the docu- determined to disclaim responsibility for their absolute disregard of capituments which are in the possession of lations, and I believe nothing short of actual force, which obviously the Unithe American Committee: ted States is not in a position to ex- ert, would adequately meet the situa- The reports of persecution, plun- tion.
der, and massacre of Armenians in July 31. "Armenians, mostly wo- men and children, deported from the the interior parts of the country be- Erzroom district, have been massa- cred near Kemakh, between Erzroom gan to come in April, when the scat- and Harpoot." Similar reports from other sources, that probably few of tering of large numbers of innocent these refugees wilI reach their des- tination. . . . * A special American Committee of eminent In many cases the men were (those Americans has investigated the reports, and while of military age were nearly all in the the sources of information must be withheld for the present. the committee vouches for the truth of the statements. This committee includes the Right Rev. David H. Greer, Protestant Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of N ew York; Oscar S. Straus, former Secretary of Commerce and Labor, and ex· Ambassador to Turkey; Cleveland H. Dodge, of Phelps, Dodge & Co.; the Rev. Dr. Stephen S. Wise, Rabbi of the Free Synagog, New York; Charles R. Crane. of Chicago. Vice·Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Democratic National Committee during the last campaign; Arthur Curtiss James. Director of many railroads and of the Hanover National Bank, the United States Trust Company, and of Phelps, Dodge & Co.; the Rev. Dr. Prank Mason North, of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church; /ohn R. Mott, of the International Committee 0 the Young Men's Christian Association; William W. Rockhill former Ambassador to Turkey and former Ambassador to Russia; William Sloane, Presi· dent of W. & J. Sloane, 575 Fifth Avenue; the Rev. 'Dr. Edward Lincoln Smith, of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions; the Rev. Dr. Frederick Lynch, of the New York Peace Society; George A. PlImpton, of Ginn & Co., a trustee of Constantinople College; the Rev. Dr. James L. Barton, for many years a missionary in Turkey, and now the Secretary of the American Board of Commissjoners for Foreign Missions; the Rev. Dr. William J. Haven. one of tl)e fou'!.
ders of the Epworth League; Stanley White, Sec· retary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions; Professor Samuel P. Dutton, an authority on Balkan affairs.
Gifts for the relief of survivors may be sent to Chas. R. Crane, Treasurer, 70 Fifth Avenue, New York.
ASSASSINATION OF
army) bound tightly together with places added to this feeling. The ropes or chains. Women with little special Armenian troubles began in children in their arms, or in the last the beginning of May. In the middle days of pregnancy, were driven along of the night about 20 of the leadunder the whip like cattle. Three ing men of the national Armenian different cases came under my knowl- political parties were gathered up edge where the woman was delivered and sent to where they have been on the road, and because her brutal imprisoned ever since. In June the driver hurried her along she died of government began looking for weaphemorrhage. I also know of one case ons. Some of the Armenians were where the gendarme in charge was a seized, and, by torture, the confession humane man, and allowed the poor was extracted that a large number of woman several hours' rest, and then arms were in the hands of different procured a wagon for her to ride in. Armenians. A second inquisition be- Some women became so completely gan. The bastinado was used freworn out and hopeless that they left quently, as well as fire torture (in their infants beside the road. Many some cases eyes are said to have been women and girls have been outraged. put out). Many guns were delivered, At one place the commander of gen- but not all. The people were afraid darmerie openly told the men to that if they gave up their arms, they whom he consigned a large company would be massacred as in 1895. Arms that they were at liberty to do what had been brought in after the declarathey chose with the women and tion of the constitution with the pergirls. . . . mission of the government, and were for self-defense only. The torture The Use of Torture continued, and under its influence one fact after another leaked out. The trouble for the Armenians be- Under the nervous strain and physical gan, as for all other nationalities, suffering many things were said with the collection of soldiers. The which had no foundation in fact. government swept off all men possible Those inflicting the torture would for military service. Hundreds of tell the victim what they expected him the bread-winners marched away, to confess, and then beat him until leaving their wives and children with- he did it. The college mechanic had out means of support. In many cases constructed an iron "shot" for the the last bit of money was given to athletic games, and was beaten terfit out the departing soldier, leaving ribly in an effort to fasten the making the family in a pitifully destitute con- of bombs on the college. Some bombs dition. A number of Armenians were discovered in the Armenian were quite well off and paid their cemetery, which aroused the fury of military exemption fee. A much the Turks to white heat. It should larger number escaped in one way be said that it is very probable that and another, so there were more Ar- these bombs had been buried there in menians than Turks left in the city the clays of Abdul Hamid. . . . after the soldiers had gone. This made the government suspicious and Through the intervention of a fearful. The discovery of Armenian Turk, the college was able to free plots against the government in other
those of its teachers already taken, with people petitioning to become and obtain a stay of proceedings Mohammedans. Many did it for the against all of its teachers and employ- sake of their women and children, ees, by the payment of the sum of 275 feeling that it would be a matter of Turkish liras. Later this same Turk only a few weeks before relief would said that he believed that he could come.
obtain the permanent exemption of This deportation continued at in- the entire college by the payment of tervals for about two weeks. It is a further sum of 300 liras. The estimated that out of about 12,000 money was promised, but after some Armenians in – – – , only a few hun- negotiations, which shewed that no dred were left. Even those who definite assurance of exemption offered to accept Islam were sent would be forthcoming, the matter was away. . .
dropt. Dragged to Exile Panic and Outrage June 28, 19I5.
The panic in the city was terrible. I ,vish to inform you of conditions The people felt that the government here. They are very bad and daily was determined to extermi:1ate the getting worse. I suppose —- told Armenian race, and they were power- you of the horrible things taking less to resist. The people were sure place in – – – . Just such a reign that the men were being killed and of terror has begun in this city also.
the women kidnapped. Many of the Daily the police are searching the convicts in the prison had been re- houses of the Armenians for weap- leased, and the mountains around ons, and not finding any, they are – – – were full of bands of outlaws. taking the best and most honorable It was feared that the women and men and imprisoning them; some of children were taken some distance them they are exiling, and others from the city and left to the mercy they are torturing with red hot irons of these men. However that may be, to make them reveai the supposedly there are provable cases of the kid- concealed weapons. Four weeks ago napping of attractive young girls by they exiled IS men and their families, the Turkish officials of – – – . One sending them to the desert city of Moslem reported that a gendarme had —, three days' journey south of offered to sell him two girls for a here.
mejidieh. The women believed that The Gendarmerie Department seems they were going to worse than death, to have full control of affairs and and many carried poison in their pock- the Mutessarif upholds them. They ets to use if necessary. Some car- are now holding about 100 of the ried picks and shovels to bury those best citizens of the city in prison, and they knew would die by the wayside. to-day the gendarmerie chief called During this reign of terror notice was the Armenian Bishop and told him given that escape was easy; that any that unless the Armenians deliver one who accepted Islam would be their arms and the revolutionists allowed to remain safely at home. among them, that he has orders to The offices of the lawyers who re- exile the entire Armenian population corded applications were crowded of – – – ~.S they did the people of
ASSASSINATION OF
We know how the latter been brutally deported, deprived of were treated, for hundreds of them all their possessions, to the deserts of have been dragged through – – – Mesopotamia. A great number of on their way to the desert whither families have embraced Mohammed- they have been exiled. These poor anism to escape a certain death.
exiles were mostly women, children A Widow'. Story and old men, and they were clubbed and beaten and lashed along as tho A week before anything was done they had been wild animals, and their to – – – , the villages all around had women and girls were daily crimin- been emptied and their inhabitants had ally outraged, both by their guards become victims of the gendarmes and and the ruffians of every village marauding bands. Three days before through which they passed, as the the starting of the Armenians from former allowed the ,latter to enter – – – , after a week's imprisonment, the camp of the exiles at night, and Bishop – – – had been hanged, with even distributed the girls among the seven other notables. After these villagers for the night. These poor hangings, seven or eight other no- victims of their oppressors' lust and tables were killed in their own houses hate might better have died by the for refusing to go out of the tity.
bullet in their mountain home than Seventy or eighty other Armenians, be dragged about the country iu this after being beaten in prison, were way. About 2,000 of them have taken to the woods and killed. The passed through – – – , all more dead Armenian population of – – – was than alive; many hundreds have died sent off in three batches; I was from starvation and abuse along the among the third batch. My husband roadside, and nearly all are dying of died eight years ago, leaving me and starvation, thirst, or being kidnapped my eight-year-old daughter and my by the Anaza Arabs in the desert mother extensive possessions, so that where they have been taken. We we were living in comfort. Since know how they are being treated be- mobilization began, the – – – com- cause our – – – exiles are in the mandant has been living in my house same place, and one young Armenian free of rent. He told me not to go, doctor, who was there making medi- but I felt I must share the fate of cal examinations of soldiers for the my people. I took three horses with government, has returned and told me, loaded with provisions. My us. . . . daughter had some five-lira pieces The Young Turk government pur- around her neck, and I carried some sues unceasingly, and every day with twenty liras and four diamond rings added violence, the war to the finish on my person. All else that we had that it has declared against its Ar- was left behind. Our party left menian SUbjects. The provinces in- June 1st (old style), fifteen gen- habited by Armenians, which were darmes going with us. The party already under the reign of inde- numbered four or five hundred per- scribable terror, have been evacuated sons. We had got only two hours by force. Thus the Armenian com- away from home, when bands of munities, – – – and – – – , have villagers and brigands in large num-
bers, with rifles, guns, axes, etc., she would not be separated from me. surrounded us on the road, and Finally we were both taken into their robbed us of all we had. The gen- wagons on our promising to become darmes took my three horses and Moslems. As soon as we entered the sold them to Turkish mouhadjirs, araba, they began to teach us how to pocketing the money. They took my be Moslems, and changed our names, money and that from my daughter's calling me – – – and her – – – . neck, also all our food. After this they separated the men, one by one, **** and shot them all within six or seven days-every male over IS years of The Plight of the Exiles age. By my side were killed two priests, one of them over 90 years If it were simply a matter of being of age. These bandsmen took all the obliged to leave here to go somegood-lookin~ women and carried where else, it would not be so bad, them off on their horses. Very many but everybody knows it is a case of women and girls were thus carried going to one's death. If there was off to the mountains, among them my any doubt about it, it has been resister, whose one-year-old baby they moved by the arrival of a number threw away; a Turk picked it up and of parties, aggregating several thoucarried it off, I know not where. My sand people, from Erzroom and Ermother walked till she could walk no zinggan. I have visited their enfarther, and dropt by the roadside on campment a number of times and a mountain-top. We found on the talked with some of the people. A road many of those who had been in more pitiable sight can not be imagthe previous sections carried from ined. They are, almost without ex- – – – ; some women were among the ception, ragged, filthy, hungry, and killed, with their husbands and sons. sick. That is not surprizing, in view We also came across some old peo- of the fact that they have been on ple and little infants still alive but the road for nearly two months, with in a pitiful ,condition, having shouted no change of clothing, no chance to their voices away. We were not al- wash, no shelter, and little to eat. lowed to sleep at night in the vil- The government has been giving lages, but lay down outside. Under them some scanty rations here. I cover of the night indescribable deeds watched them one time when their were committed by the gendarmes, food was brought. Wild animals bandsmen, and villagers. Many of could not be worse. They rushed us died from hunger and strokes of upon the guards who carried the food apoplexy. Others were left by the and the guards beat them back with roadside, too feeble to go on. clubs, hitting hard enough to kill them sometimes. To watch them one One morning we saw fifty to sixty could hardly believe that these peawagons with about thirty Turkish pIe were human beings. widows, whose husbands had been killed in the war; and these were go- As one walks through the camp, ing to Constantinople. These women mothers offer their children and beg wanted to take my daughter, too, but one to take them. In fact, the Turks have been taking their choice of these children and girls for slaves, or
5] THE ASSASSINATION OF
worse. In fact, they have even had Lord Bryce's statements are contheir doctors there to examine the firmed by reports which come direct more likely girls and thus secure the from those who have firsthand best ones. knowledge.
There are very few men among Of the Armenian people as a whole them, as most of them have been one third or more are gone, and this killed on the road. All tell the same third includes the leaders in every story of having been attacked and walk of life, merchants, professional robbed by the Kurds. Most of them men, preachers, bishops, and Governwere attacked over and over again, ment officials. There is no certainty and a great number of them, especial- for those who are just now free. It ly the men, were killed. Women and is only temporary measures, such children were also killed. Many died, as bribes or special favors, that' have of course, from sickness and exhaus- secured postponement. tion on the way, and there have been deaths each day that they have been "It seems possible that something here. Several different parties have can be done to save those few who are arrived and, after remaining a day left. Permission has recently been obor two, have been pushed on with no tained through the German Embassy apparent destination. Those who for those connected with the German have reached here are only a small Mission, teachers and their families, portion, however, of those who orphans and servants, a circle of sevstarted. By continuing to drive these eral hundred, to remain. It is time people on in this way it will be pos- that America take whatever steps are sible to dispose of all of them in a possible to secure permission through comparatively short time. the American Ambassador for the remnant of the Armenians to remain A Plea for Intervention in their homes or to escape unharmed to more hospitable territory.
Viscount Bryce, formerly British American Missionary Interests * Ambassador to the United States, has made, through the Associated America has more interest in Tur- Press, a powerful plea that America key than any other country, or posshould try to stop the Armenian sibly than all Europe together. This slaughter. Lord Bryce is not one to interest is not political, but huma.nimisstate or exaggerate facts. Among tarian. In r8r9 the American Board other things, he says: "In Trebizond of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- City, where the Armenians numbered sions began work in the Ottoman over ten thousand, orders came from Empire, and has now for nearly a Constantinople to seize all Arme- century prosecuted that work with nians. Troops hunted them, drove vigor and statesman-like foresight and them to the shore, took them to sea, breadth. The missionaries have threw them overboard, and drowned introduced into the country the printthem all-men, women, and children. ing,press and a periodical literature, This was seen and described by the modern medicine and sanitation, the Italian Consul." • Paragraph quoted from The Outlook.
modern hospital, new industries and night and was severely beaten several commercial enterprises, and western times. About June 20th he was taken education, culminating in the well-or- out toward Diarbekir and murdered ganized colleges and graduate schools. in a general massacre on the road.
Some of these institutions are: the "Professor Nahigian, who had stud- Syrian Protestant College at Beirut, ied at Ann Arbor, was arrested about with its graduate schools; Robert Col- June 5th and shared Professor Tene- lege at Constantinople; and the Con- kejian's fate on the road.
stantinople College for Girls, each one "Professor Vorperian a Princeton of these incorporated in the United man, was taken to see a man beaten States and possessing a plant worth almost to death. He started into exile more than a million dollars. Besides under guard with his family, about these institutions of international re- July 5th, and was murdered beyond pute there are others, like the Inter- Malatia.
national College at Smyrna, Anatolia "Professor Boojicanian, an Edin- College at Marsovan, Teachers' Col- burgh graduate, was arrested with lege at Sivas, Euphrates College at Professor Tenekejian, suffered the Harput, Van College at Van, Aintab same tortures, and in addition had College at Aintab, Central Turkey three finger-nails pulled out by the College for Women at Marash, the roots, and was killed in the same American Collegiate Institute for massacre.
Girls at Smyrna, St. Paul's College "Of the female instructors one is re- at Tarsus, and, in addition, three ported killed in Chunkoosh, one re- times that number of high schools ported taken' to a Turkish harem; and academies with their intermediate three have not been heard from; four and preparatory schools dotting the others started out into exile, and ten country from Smyrna to Persia, and are free.
{rom the Black Sea to Arabia. The Armenians as a people have Among the many institutions to suf- been the most responsive to the ap- fer is the American Mission College peals of modern education. The ma- at Harput. One of the reliable in- jority of the 25,000 students in the formants writes: "Approximately schools north of Syria have been two-thirds of the girl pupils, and six- from this historic and virile race.
sevenths of the boys have been taken Thousands have taken graduate away to death, exile, or Moslem courses in the United States. It can homes. Of our professors four are be said that America discovered the gone and three are left. Armenian race and introduced it to "Professor Tenekejian, who was the Western World. It is, therefore, the Protestant representative of the eminently fitting that at this time of Americans with the Government, was death-struggle America should be the arrested on May I st. No charge was first to lift its voice in protest, and the made against him, but the hair of his 1110st ready to offer its help to save head, mustache and beard was pulled this nation from annihilation.
out in a vain effort to secure damag- There are some four hundred ing confessions. He was starved and Americans now in Turkey connected hung by the arms for a day and a with the various boards and institu-
ASSASSINATION OF
tions. With these are associated fully believe (and among these are the ten times that number of trained na- missionaries in large numbers, as well tives, mostly Armenians, Greeks, and as others) that Enver Pasha is under Syrians, all engaged in conducting a the pay of the Kaiser.
work that aims at bringing to that Who are the Armenians?· country the blessings of a Christian civilization. These Americans are In the strict use of the term, there remaining at their posts, endeavoring is no Armenia at the present day.
in every way in their power to re- The name is not used either politi- lieve and save their people. cally or geographically with refer- Upon the Armenian!> and the ence to a definite territory. When Greeks the blow is falling, but there used, the name refers in general to have been intimations that the Jews' a region centering about Lake Van turn will soon come. There are many in Asiatic Turkey, and extending indications that the Turks as a whole thence north and southwest. Ancient entertain no hostile feelings toward Armenia was a country whose bounds the Armenians and the Greeks, continually changed with the fortunes and would not carry out these drastic of war. The greater part of the remeasures of extermination were they gion now lies within the Turkish not forced to do so. Some have de- Empire, and is also called Kurdisclared that the measures are un-Mo- tan. This region contains only a hammedan, and so contrary to the fraction of the Armenian race. It is teachings of their religion. inhabited by Turks, Armenians, Rus- sians,' Persians, 'Kurds Circassians, In many places the local Turkish ;reeks, Nestorians, Yezidees, Syrauthorities have emphatically pro- ians, and Jews. tested. The Governor of – – – was called to Constantinople to answer to The early history of the Armethe charge of not obeying orders in nians is so mixed with myth and legcarrying out the drastic measures of end that the truth is difficult to find. the central government. Others have During the Assyrian and Median petold the missionaries that the meas- riods there was evidently a great orures were most cruel and unneces- ganized monarchy, with a strong milisary and even disastrous to the coun- tary power, in the Lake Van basin. try, but they were finally forced to At times they were formidable eneobey. Lenient and unwilling gover- mies of the Medes. This country was 10rs were transferred, like the one well known to the Assyrians as early at – – – , in whose place was in- as the ninth century B.C. It was in- habited by four races-the Mairi, the stalled the Governor of –, who U rarda, Minni, and the Hittites.
had already carried out with vigor These races appear to have main- the order of massacre and exter- tained the;r independence until the mination. time of Assur-bani-pal, about 640 So far as can be ascertained, the n.c., when the last king of this se- two Turkish officers, Enver Pasha ries succumbed to the Assyrian yoke.
and Talaat Bey, are the source of these measures. There are many who • Information gathered from the 'Encyclopedia of Missions.
But, at the time of Herodotus, every- It was the constant effort of Persia thing seems to indicate that a strange to subvert Armenian Christianity and people had entered the land, bringing establish Magianism in its stead. To with them a new language, new this end, cruel persecutions were un- names and customs, and a new re- dertaken, and frequent incursions ligion. The source from which they were made. From 632 to 859 A.D.
came is doubtful. Herodotus and Armenia was the scene of almost in- Stephen believe they came from cessant struggle between the Eastern Phrygia, while their language and Empire and the Mohammedans, and religion would indicate Media. One it became by turn subject to each.
thing is certain: the old Turanians It maintained its independence until had ceased to rule, and the Armenian 1375, when the last Armenian king, race had been formed, which is un- Leo VI., was captured by the Egyp- doubtedly a mixture of the ruling tians and banished.
Aryan tribes with the primitive Tu- From this time Armenia lost its ranian populations. (The word "Ar- separate national existence. The menia," used in Isaiah 37 : 38 greater part of the country was an- and 2 Kings I9: 37, is an incorrect nexed to Turkey, while the eastern translation for "the land of Ara- section remained subject to Persia, rat.") Armenian histories describe and the northeast to Russia. Russia the events of some sixteen centuries took another large section of Ar- respecting which contemporary evi- menia in 1878.
dence has not yet been found. Ac- In moral traits the Armenian com- cording to them, the first ruler of Ar- pares favorably with the other races menia was Haik, the son of Togar- of the East. The Armenians are . mah, the son of Gomar, the son of cultivators of the soil, artizans, mer- Japheth, the son of Noah. The Ar- chants, and bankers. They are per- menian histories also narrate that at severing, and shrewd in financial the time of the captivity of Israel a dealings. In Asiatic Turkey the certain number of the Hebrews es- Greeks alone can compare with them caped to the mountains of Armenia in trades, professions, business abil- and intermarriages took place. Later ity, and general intelligence. In .spite the· Armenian king, Kikran (Ti- of the general increase of poverty granes), was the friend and ally of throughout Turkey, the Armenians, Cyrus. His successor was Vahakn, up to the period of massacres of celebrated in song and story for his I895-96, held their own better than great victories, and deified after the other races. The number of Ar- death. menians in the world is estimated at In 67 B.C. Armenia became an ally from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000, two- of Rome, but rebelling, their king, thirds of whom reside in Turkey.
Ardavaz, was captured by Pompey The remainder are in Russia, Persia, and beheaded in Alexandria by Cleo- India, China, Africa, Europe, North patra, 30 B.C., and the country became and South America, and other coun- tributary to Rome. The country was tries. Up to the present time the na- in turmoil for two and a half cen- tion has preserved its individuality to turies thereafter. a remarkable degree, resembling in
ASSASSINATION OF
this respect, as in others, the Jews. of the Armenian beliefs are the fol- With their dispersal throughout the lowing: world, however, the Armenians intermarry with other races, and a dis- I. They believe the Spirit protinct tendency to race disintegration ceeds from the Father only. has appeared. 2. They accept seven sacraments, The Armeni'an Church and Beliefs altho in practise, baptism, confirma- tion, and unction are intermingled. Armenian writers claim that the Armenian Church goes back to the 3. They baptize infants eight days time of Christ. One Abgar or Ab- old or less by threefold immersion, garus, King of Edessa, is said by immediately offering them the com- Moses of Khorene, the Armenian munion. historian, to have been converted by hearing of the wonderful works of 4. They accept transubstantia- Jesus, and to have been baptized by tion, and worship the consecrated ele- Thaddeus, one of the seventy disci- ments as God. ples first sent out as missionaries. This Abgar is held by the Arme- S. They use unleavened bread, nians to have been their king, altho which is dipt in the wine and given Tacitus caJJs him King of the Arabs. to the people, who receive it into the It was not, however, until the mouth from the hand of the priest. fourth century that the Armenian nation as a whole accepted Christianity. 6. They pray for the dead, but At the beginning of that century Gre- deny Purgatory. gory the Illuminator preached at the Court of Armenia with such effect 7. They practise auricular conthat from that day to this Chris- fession to the priest, who imposes tianity has been the national religion penance and grants absolution, but of the Armenians. For this reason gives no indulgences. the Armenian Church is often called "The Gregorian Church." The Ar- 8. They pray to the Virgin and menians themselves, however, call it to the saints, and have great faith "The Church of the Illuminator (Lu- in their mediation. With the Greeks, savorchagan) ." they reject images and accept pic- tures. Persecution, as usual, only served to endear the Church to the people, 9. They believe in the perpetual and from that time it has been iden- virginity of Mary, "the Mother of tified with their nationality. Under God." Turkish rule each religious body is also a political organism. The Arme- 10. They regard baptism and renian Chur,ch is little more than that generation as the same thing, and at present. It is, therefore, insep- have no practical conception of a new arably identified with the race, and is birth. All are saved who partake of pervaded by much of the corruption the sacraments, do proper penance, of Oriental Christianity. observe the fasts of the Church, and perform good works. Among the leading characteristics I!. Original sin is believed to be removed by baptism, actual sin by confession and penance.
Services are held in the churches every morning at sunrise and each evening at sunset throughout the year.. The altar is invariably toward the
east. The sacrament of the Lord's sive with the Armenian race, so that Supper is observed twice a week, but one who withdraws from the Church the people partake usually only twice rej ects his nationality. (2) The a year. Mass is observed as one of Church is already nominally Christhe formal rites of the Church. Con- tian, but Christian life has little relafession to the priest is a necessary tion to the Christian profession. (3) preparation for participation. The poverty and oppression suffered by Armenians, and Oriental penuri- Originally the Church was under ousness. (4) The turning of young one spiritual head, the Catholicos, men to the Western world, as a refwho was the general bishop. He re- uge from oppression and massacre, sided at first at Sivas, but later con- and the consequent emigration of tentions arose, and with them divi- large numbers of the best youth. sions, until now there are three who hold his office. The Catholicos alone There have, however, been special can ordain bishops and consecrate the encouragements to the work among sacred oil which is used in the vari- Armenians. These include: (I) The ous ceremonies of the Church. religious nature of the race, and the fact that they accept the Bible as the Besides the Catholicos, there are in Word of God. (2) The general de- Turkey two patriarchs, one of whom sire for education. (3) The peculiar resides at Constantinople and one at relation of the Armenians to the Jerusalem. These offices were estab- 14,000,000 of other races among lished by Mohammedan authority for whom they dwell, and who must be political purposes alone. The patriarch reached largely through the evanmust have a bishop's office eccle- gelized Armenian Church. (4) Since siastically, but to this is added con- mission work began among the Arsiderable influence with the govern- menians, there has been a gradual rement and over all Gregorian Arme- jection of their superstitions and of nians in civil matters. The Patriarch their reliance upon rites, and a of Constantinople is, by virtue of his marked awakening in the line of office, the recognized civil head of the education. (5) Of late years, owing Armenian Church in Turkey. The to the urgent demands of the people priests are married, and must have a for the Gospel preaching, the bishops wife at the time of ordination, but and sometimes the priests and teachcan never remarry. The priest can ers, preach, and their sermons are not become a bishop unless· his wife often evangelical in tone and full of dies. wholesome advice. Some twenty thousand Armenians in Turkey are Evangelical Missions in Armenia members of Evangelical Christian churches and many others have be- There have been many obstacles to come enlightened through the work evangelical missionary work among of Protestant missionaries. Armenians. Among these are: ( I ) The idea that the church is co-cxten-
Christ's Conditions of
BY THE REV. JOHN HENRY JOWETT, D.D. Pastor of the Fifth Avenue P,-esbyte,-jan CllUrcD, New York NE hundred years ago the shall we begin the Christianizing of our thoughts? I JO American and British people signed the famons Our God treaty which ushered in the century of peace. First, we must Christianize our con- Difficulties have been ception of God. "He that hath seen Me met in good sense and self-restraint, and hath seen the Father." Our conception as Mr. Bryce has said, "Whenever there of God must begin and end in Christ our were mad manners in London there was good temper at Washington, and when Lord. Our conception must not be n. there was a storm on the Potomac, there was calm on the Thames." c. or A. D., but C. What shall we think Now at the end of the hundred years about God? Just what Jesus Christ ,ethere is a spectacle unprecedented in the veals. Lately we have been using the word history of the world, four thousand miles "God" without its Christian content. We of frontier line, invisible, undefended, have been going back to the Old Testawithout fortresses, without cannon, with- ment for our conception of God, and out military patrols; but marked hy even back to the early records of the Old happy homesteads and prosperous farms, Testament, back to the twilight of reveand stretching through almost endless lation, back to the God revealed in the leagues of waving grain. That U11- world's childhood, back to the e)emenguarded line is the most significant line tary standards, back to the time of the on the surface of the earth to-day, and first syllable, before the fuller Word had its profound significance lies in the won- yet been spoken. derful fact that it can not be seen. We have been opprest by the way What about the next hundred years? in which the name of God has been How is the shy, delicate genius of peace, used in the course of the present war. which is so easily offended and driven But what has been the value of the into exile, to be strongly and intimately name? By no chance have I seen him settled among us, and not only among called "the Father" in the invocations of the English-speaking peoples, but among kings or Kaiser. By no chance have I all the peoples of the globe? seen him addrest as Christ. No, it is the name of "God" robbed and emptied What is the guiding Word of God? of its Christ significance. It is the early "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Old Testament God, the God of battles, Father." We are tragically forgetting the Lord of Hosts. It is God, minLIS this word, and erasing it from our Christ! theories, and ignoring it in our practise. The significance is this: Christ is the The Old Testament is the wonderful ultimate expression of eternal realities. record of the slow education of a par- In Christ we see things as they really ticular people. The revelation begins in are. All our thinking must begin with the dawn, in the mist and dull haze d what He has revealed. If we would passing night, and the day brightens and secure lasting peace our thought-molds broadens until the full sun rises in Jesus must be Christianized. Where, then, Christ our Lord. Here is one of the things of the early twilight: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for
wound, stripe for stripe." That is where "Ye are all the children of God by * we are to-day; but that is not one of the faith in Jesus Christ.* * There is things revealed to us in Christ. Listen neither Jew nor Greek."
to our Lord: "But I say unto you, love "There is no difference between the your enemies." We have gone back co Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord the twilight for standards for the noon. over all is rich unto all that call upon This is one of the most deadly prac- him."
tical heresies of our time. We have un- "Where there is neither Greek nor christianized the name of God, and the Jew, Barbarian nor Scythian."
first and paramount necessity, if we arc How vast is the contrast between this ever to establish a lasting peace, is to conception and the one which I have restore that name to its Christian value. just named! But does the Christ-con- When we use the word "God" it must be ception wipe out the element of nation· Jesus whom we see. "He that hath seen ality and disregard it? By no means. It Me hath seen the Father." We shall disregards nationality as an ultimate, it never have peace until the God we wor- honors nationality as a mediate; it mag- ship, and to whom we offer our prayer, nifies nationality as a means; it rejects is the Lord and Father of us all, re- nationality as an end. Christianity con- vealed to us in the word and life and ceives national differences as the in- death of our Lord and Savior Jesus tended ministers of a richer union.
Christ. Nationality is not an orchestra, it is'only Our Nationality an instrument. Nationality is not a com- Another conception which needs to he plete picture, it is only a tint in the Christianized if an abiding peace is to making of a picture. In Christian teachmake her home among the children of ing endowments are specialized for the sake of a larger and general service. men is our conception of nationality. The nation is the servant of the race. Here again we can choose to live in the dim, hazy twilight, or in the fuller noon. Christianity, therefore, seeks to create We can choose to live in the early Old and nourish "the international mind." It Testament with Moses and Joshua, or is the mind which escapes from its own in the New Testament with Jesus Christ. national emphasis and moves sympa- We can do our thinking about nation- thetically over the universal field. That ality among the primitive standards, or is not a conception which disparages the we can go into the high school of Christ. unique endowments of a nation. Chris- tianity says: Cultivate your national Now where shall we get our thought gifts to the last degree of strength and molds of race and nationality? Shall refinement. Practise the mastery of we get them from Samson or from your own instrument to the last degree Christ? It is my deep conviction that of power, but always hold in view as the much of our evil practises have arisen aim of the mastery the enrichment of the from our unchristian thinking about racial orchestra of which you form a these things. We have wiped out the vital part. It is this Christianized con- Christian revelations and standards. We ception of nationality which is imperhave ignored Christ, and we pursue our atively needed in the world to-day if we thinking as tho He had never been. The are to enjoy the purposed relations of consequence is, our conception of nation. universal peace. ality is too often tribal and exclusive.
That is Old Testament thinking. It is Our Politics not the Christianized thought of the Another conception which needs to be New. Christianized, if human affairs are to lie Turn to the Christian revelation. in the bosom of peace, is our conception
of politics. Politics has become a de- ception of life. This is too often matebased word. It originally meant the rial and barbaric. It moves on the plane science and art of government. It meant where envy and jealousy breed, where the regulation of man in all his relations misunderstandings multiply, where strife as the member of a nation and a state. is engendered, and where fiery war springs to sudden birth. rt was a science and an art with large What, then, is life? Is it a collection ideals, and with correspondingly noble of things, or is it a set of relations? Is endeavor and achievement. To-day, pol- it a realm of having or a realm of being? itics too often means self-seeking, wire- If life is constituted of things, then in pulling, secret maneuvring, the pursuit the scramble for things we shall have of personal advantage, sectional cam- envy, and strife, and war, as long as the paigns, the magnifying of party interests world endures. But if life is determined above the welfare of the Nation and the by noble relations then the pursuit of State. It is too often a low scramble and true life will make war impossible. "To not a lofty crusade. And, therefore, be carnally minded is death, but to be there is urgent and immediate need that spiritually minded is life and peace." we Christianize our conception of politics. We must get back to Christ. What is this Christian conception of life? Here it is. "This is life, to know What is the aim and end of govern- Thee, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast ment in the life and teachings of Christ? sent." Real life is to be intimate with It is this: "Thy kingdom come." And God, to be the friend of God, to find what is the kingdom? It is the kingdom delight in the pleasures of God. That is of "righteousness, and peace, and joy." life. From that august spiritual relation Therefore, the Christianized conception come all manner of spiritual fruits; love, of politics is such an intelligent direction purity, fidelity, sympathy, sacrifice. To of human government as will make all live unto God is to live God unto men. that is crooked straight, and appoint such relations in righteousness as will This is the word of the Christ. And provide a nest for the holy dove of peace, this must be the Church's contribution to and for all the singing birds of sacred the establishment of peace among men. joy. Christianized politics are human She must call men, by all the constraints regulations in the sphere of government of love and fear, out of the sultry for answering the prayer of our Lord, swamps of materialism, where fever "Thy kingdom come." breeds, and strife brews, up to the heights of the spirit, the hill of the Lord, When the politics of all nations be- the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. come the strenuous wrestlings of noble men and women, intent upon noble Chris- Once get that ideal enthroned in the tian ends, the fair spirit of holy peace minds of men and war shall be no more. will come and settle in the earth as a Life will have an altitude where war joyful and abiding guest. germs can not thrive. When life rings with the song of "Glory to God in the Our Life highest," there will be peace among men Again, if permanent peace is to be in whom He is well pleased.
secured we must Christianize our con- "If a wren can cling to a spray a-swing, In a mad May wind and sing and sing, As if she'd burst for joy, Vhy can not I contented lie, In His quiet arms, beneath His' sky, Unmoved by earth's annoy?"
"Tiger Year" In ]apan*
BY MISS GRACE NOTT ~~~,..a,;~IROBABLY no nation, say that this may largely be traced to either in the eastern or the Christian influence and Christian western hemisphere, is ideals which are quietly but surely per- without its own peculiar meating the. country. Then, again, the superstitions, Japan is non-Christian community had a won- no ex~eption to this rule. derful object-lesson in the self-sacrifice and the eager desire to help shown by 1914 was, according to Japanese reckon- the little band of Christians, who truly ing, the "Tiger Year," and as such was out of their poverty made others rich. greatly dreaded by a large proportion of the Japanese people, who felt that it 2. Death. of Prominent Persona must inevitably bring in its wake calami- Japan's losses by death in 1914 were ties of all sorts and kinds, and who were also very great. Among those who consequently only too thankful when it passed away are many whose lives had run its course and they were fairly seemed essential to the welfare of the launchoo on the "Rabbit Year," which nation. First among these stands the might spell monotony, but which would Empress Dowager. A quiet, retiring, assuredly mean less stress and strain. essentially womanly woman, she was still an ardent and wise reformer, and 1. Public Calamities in her the nation lost a representative of the best type of Japanese woman- The year 1914, so the superstitious hood, one who was loved by Old and say, lived up to its reputation! Early New Tapan alike. Out of the long list in January the Hokkaido was visited by a terribly severe famine, as a result of of other nam~s I will only mention which large numbers were starved to death, whole families subsisted on leaves three: Prince Arisugawa, the founder and roots, and parents were forced to of the Japanese Navy, who died in July; sell their daughters into virtual slavery Prince Katsura, one of the greatest in order to keep soul and body together. statesmen of modern times, and to whom we owe the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, Hot on the heels of this disaster came who died in October; and Count Aoki, another, for on the 12th of the same one of the few prominent Christian month the southern island of Japan, Japanese statesmen. Kiu-Shiu, was visited by an earthquake so severe that the whole of Sakurajima 3. Outbreak of War (an island in Kagoshima Bay) was des- In August came the outbreak of the troyed, and 20,000 people were left war. What Japan's navy did at Tsingtau homeless and without means of susten- is well known, and a recent letter to the ance. Times from one of our Admirals who was on the spot emphasizes once more A wful as these visitations were, they the valor as well as the humanity of had their bright side. For one thing, her officers and men. Her splendidly the Government came to the aid of the organized Red Cross Society is helping sufferers with a promptitude and in the countries of the Allies. A conhumanity hitherto unknown; and surely tingent of some twenty nurses is in we are not assuming too much when we * From the Church Missionary Review, July. 1915. England; about the same number are in he is in his seventy-seventh year, and, Russia nursing their former enemies; according to custom in the Sunrise Land, while others may be found in France. anyone who has reached the age of What effects the war will have 011 sixty is "Go Inkyo" (honorably retired) Christian Missions in Japan it is difficult and has no further say in either public to say. It was at first greatly feared or private affairs; but Count Okuma is a by some that the sight of Christian glorious exception. He is a liberal and nations at war would inevitably hinder all on the side of reform, an ardent the preaching, or at any rate the accept· patriot, and loved by Old and New ance, of the Gospel of Christ, but so Japan alike. It is reported that lately, far we can thankfully record it is not when speaking of his age, he said that so. Japan's sympathy is entirely with a man was only as old as his heart, and Great Britain. Letters from the front that he felt sure he would be spared to say that Young Japan is more eager work for Japan till he was 120 if his than formerly for the teaching of Christ. beloved country needed him. He has One of the British missionaries writes already suffered somewhat on his under date of December, 1914: country's behalf, an attempt having been "I have found no difficulties, but, on made on his life, which, tho happily the contrary, daily new openings on ac- frnstrated, resulted in the loss of one count of the war. The conduct of leg. He is not an avowed Christian, British troops and the line taken by the but his influence is all on the side of Government henceforth will be of tre- <::hristianity, as he has shown time and mendous importance. The East is again during his long public life.
watching keenly, and any moral failure Markedly was this the case some years on our part will do infinite harm." ago when addressing a mass meeting of 4. Relations with Americ"a students in Tokyo. He was not speak- ing to a Christian audience, or from a The Californian land question is one Christian standpoint, and yet he reiterof the most burning, and alas! it still ated his belief that if Japan were to 'seems as far from settlement as ever. keep her place in the forefront of the It is not so much that the Japanese wish nations, it was Christianity alone which to buy land and settle in California, but would enable her to do so. their plea is that they have a right to the same treatment as Italian and other To his influence may be traced the immigrants, and the solution seems to greater leniency of the Educational Delie, to quote Count Okuma, not so much partment toward Christian Missions, in diplomacy, law, and statesmanship, as and perhaps also the continuance of the in the power of the Christian conscience present Emperor's favorable attitude to· in America and in the teaching of human ward Christianity, as evinced by the gift brotherhood. of $50,000 to St. Luke's Hospital, and possibly also in a minor degree by his 5. Home Politics use of one of our mission schools in The baneful influence of the "Tiger Osaka as a rest-house during the mili· year," so say the superstitious, is trace- tary maneuvers.
able also in the stormy atmosphere of At this time, when Red Cross and home politics. Conditions have been hospital nurses are so much in our terribly strained, but the situation was minds, it may be interesting to note that saved, at any rate for the time, by the the Emperor was greatly imprest with return to office of the veteran states- the beauty and power of Christianity by man, Count Okuma. From a Japanese the faithful witness of a Christian nurse standpoint he is indeed a veteran, for who, at his own request, nursed him
through a severe illness when he was to revivify herself some years ago, and, Crown Prince. finding that Christian methods had so much success, started a campaign on 6. Social Questions the sa.me lines, even going so far as to print "Bibles" in which the only differ- If we turn to social questions in Japan ence from our own was that Buddha's we find that the national conscience is name was substitnted for our Lord's! at last awakening to the terrible indus- Such efforts were naturally doomed to trial and social conditions, and that the failure. Now the nation is faced by Government now, for the first time, is the Hongwanji Buddhist scandals. The working side by side with the Christian priests are accused of living in luxury churches for their amelioration. Plans and extravagance on the offerings of the are being made and carried on for the faithful. The misappropriated money is relief of sufferers from insanity, con- put at the enormous figure of two milsumption, and leprosy, as well as for lion yen, and the whole matter is being the improvement of the condition of investigated by the Government. factory workers. Of the heart-rending condition of the 200,000 lepers in Japan, Sad as all this is, we can surely see who are truly without hope, either for that here also "God is working His purthis world or the world to come, I can pose out." These scandals have helped only say that the Government is at last to plunge the nation into a mood of in some degree recognizing its respon- introspection and self-questioning, and sibility toward these sufferers, and is there is a general holding out of the holding out a hand of fellowship toward people's hands to God. As one result, the four well-known Christian leper several well-known men and women hospitals, two Protestant and two Roman have become Christians; others are Catholic, which have for so long been studying the New Testament and buycarrying on their Christian work, and is ing Bibles in an unprecedented way. In also making plans of its own for the one of the Government colleges alone relief of those suffering from this ter- the students bought one thousand copie!! rible scourge. of the Scriptures, and in another six hundred; while in the normal colleges a Of the condition of the 471,877 wo- Christian professor has been asked to men and children employed in factories give thirty lectures on Christianity. The it has been weI! said that "there is but searching of the nation after God has one life in Japan worse than that of the been emphasized again most strongly by factory slave." Twelve per cent. of the the holding of the second Conference of workers are under fourteen, and most Religions, called together by the eduare working fifteen hours a day, under cational authorities, who invited Shinconditions which are utterly demoral- toists, Buddhists, and Christians to take Izmg. Some of our missionaries have part.. If measured by actual results in long been working among them as far as the shape of formal actions its value is, the conditions would permit, while the perhaps, small, but in so far as it places elder girls from Miss Tristram's school Christianity among the recognized rein Osaka have also had the joy of tell- ligions of Japan its worth is enormous, ing them the Gospel story-which in and we may indeed take courage and go some cases has been eagerly accepted. forward. The Christians proved their moral power in this conference by the 7. Religious Conditions very practical questions which they On turning to the spiritual condition forced the authorities to consider, and of the country, we find that the old re- the general result has been to prove to ligious foundations have long been tottering. Buddhism made a great effort
1 5] THE "TIGER YEAR" IN JAPAN
the Japanese in authority that Chris- 10. The Japanese Language School tianity is a very practical religion and is far more fitted to meet the moral The Japanese Language School is an needs of the nation than any other. accomplished fact, and has received the recognition of the Educational Depart- S. Evangelistic Campaign ment; by this means experienced J apan- ese teachers are now available for all That the Christians themselves are desirous of learning the language. What alive to their responsibilities and to the this will mean to missionaries can great field which lies before them is again best be realized by those who have evinced by the three years' Evangelistic had to learn Japanese as best they Campaign of which the moving spirit is could from teachers who knew no word Dr. Mott, and which has now entered of English. on its second year. It is the direct outcome of the Japan Continuation Com- Even a brief survey of the chief mittee. Foreigners and Japanese of all events of the past year must make us sections of the Christian Church are realize afresh the tremendous opporworking side by side, and it is note- tunities that lie before us in the Sunrise worthy that the leadership of the Cam- Land. Probably there has never been paign is in the hands of the Japanese, a greater conviction on the part of the and that half the needed money is being nation at large as to their need and as raised by them. to the inadequacy of their moral stand- ards, or such constant public utterances Letters from' friends at the front tell by those in authority as to the value of of many encouraging results and of a Christianity for meeting that need. widespread spirit of inquiry, but they emphasize the lack of workers who are To quote from the address of the sadly needed to prepare the soil before- chairman of the Conference of Federhand and to gather in the harvest. The ated Missions held in 1914: Japanese themselves also are still prone perhaps to fall into their old temptation "There is no nation in the East better of speaking above the heads of their prepared for a religious awakening than audience, and using the occasion rather Japan, or one that realizes so well the as an opportunity for showing their value of the Christian character. Japan's powers of oratory than of preaching the recent humiliation over the naval scansimple Gospel. Still, the gigantic effort dals and other national lapses and weakis being owned of God and used to win nesses have served to turn the mind of many souls to Christ, while those who the people toward God." are taking part in it need much prayer and encouragement. The opportunity is tremendous, and our missionaries far too few for the work. 9. Christian Education Spirit-filled men and women are needed as never before to teach, yes, ,but above Christian education in Japan is still a all-in the language of that oft-quoted burning question, and the establishment address of Count Okuma's–Itto live of united Christian Universities for both Christ" before the eyes of the nation; men and women is under discussion. to prove to them that the divine life The Church Missionary Society has al- can be lived by men in purity, sywready decided to cooperate in the Cen- pathy, self-sacrifice, and love; to prov~ tral Theological School in Tokyo which that those who live this life have someincludes representatives of the Society thing which it is worth the while of the for the Propagation of the Gospel, the Japanese to seek, something which will Missionary Society of the Canadian crown all their best ideals and be the Church, and the American Episcopal only answer to all their struggles and Mission. unrest.
Missions In Haiti *
BY THE RT. REV. CHARLES B. COLMORE, D.D. Bishop in Charge of the Work of the Protestant Episcopal Church [In view of the fact that the United States Government has temporarily established a ten-year protectorate over Haiti, "Vest Indies, the following account of work in the island is of special interest.-EDITOR.] 1A-~""""""'''''liil1!J AITI is a black republic, worship allowed by those in authority. and as such presents pe- In the cities, as in most Latin-American culiar difficulties. Whites countries, there is more indifference to there are living in Haiti, religious matters than in the country. but that there are ex- The Church in Port-au-Prince has had tremely few will be read- other difficulties to contend with as well. Three times the city has been burned, ily understood from the fact that the laws and each time our church building has forbid any foreigner to hold property in been destroyed. A temporary structure of wood has been erected in such a way the land. . that when the permanent church is erected they can build over this one and In 1861 the Rev. J. T. Holly went to so not be deprived of a place of wor- ship. There is a great opportunity to Haiti to investigate the conditions there, establish a model missionary work in and he was so enthusiastic about the Port-au-Prince with the threefold accountry that he took his family and tivities of evangelical, educational, and practically the whole of a well-estab- medical work. Two schools have been lished school from New Haven, Conn., begun in the city, which, with proper to cast in their fortunes with those of equipment and supervision, can be helpthe repUblic. This was the beginning of ful. The Protestants say that they have the Protestant episcopal work, which to send their children to the Roman has been fostered by the American Catholic schools as these are the only Church. In 1874, the Rev. Mr. Holly ones which are sufficiently equipped and was chosen Bishop and received his con- organized. secration at the hands of the American Bishops. The Church was now organ- The material at hand may be undeized as an independent body in com- veloped and ignorant, but they are humunion with the Church in the United man beings with souls which are pre- States and was called "The Orthodox cious in the sight of our Heavenly Father. The vision may not be the Apostolic Church in Haiti."t brightest, but it is such as to inspire The country is nominally Roman one to effort for God. After all, it is mission work we are endeavoring to do, Catholic, but altho practically every child and that is to help others to a plane of is baptized, there is still much adherence life higher and nobler and more God-like to the African cults. The people, gener- than that which they know at the presally speaking, are kindly disposed to ent. Is there not a great opportunity other forms of religion, and there has to do God's work right here at our own always been a remarkable liberty of doors, among these less fortunate breth- ren of the Republic of Haiti? t In 1911 Bishop Holly died, and later the Can· vocation of the Orthodox Apostoltc Church voted to request the ChlfTCh ip.. the Un~te~ States. to ,re- ceive the Church In Haltt as a m1sstonary dlstrlct, and at their request Bishop Knight was placed. in charge until such time as the General Convenhon should determine the matter. In 1913 General Convention accepted the cession of territ,ory and placed it under the jurisdiction of the Blshop of Porto Rico.
* From The Living Ch«rch. ~ DEDADTMENT ~ , , OF . '" t;). / ' ……………. ".~…/ / BEST METHODS J CONDUCTED BY BELLE M. BRAIN, COLLEGE HILL, SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK MISSIONARY SUGGESTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS ~C ~, HRISTMAS is coming. presents to one another on His birthday Already the shops are than we give in a whole year to win for gorgeous in holiday dress Him as a crown the world He died to save."-WrLLIS R. HOTCHKISS. … and rich in displays that ~ tempt the eye and fire We have made more of Christmas " the imagination. There than we have of Christ.
is the penny mechanical toy for the child We have made Christmas gifts to many people, but few direct to Him.- of the tenement and the costly electrical MRS. MAUD JUNKIN BALDWIN. affair for the child of the avenue. There Christianizing Christmas are make-believe automobiles that cost a "The tendency of late years to make few cents, and really truly ones that cost Christmas a mere holiday, a festival of lavish exchange of presents and of thousands of dollars. There is cheap, material ostentation, has so wrought upon interested church-members that there tawdry jewelry for rough, toil-worn has been a widespread reaction which assumes larger proportions each year," hands and wonderful gems for dainty, wrote William T. Ellis (The Religious Rambler), in his weekly contribution to toil-free fingers. In a few days the streets a syndicate of daily papers shortly be- fore Christmas last year. will be crowded with shoppers spending "The restoration of Christmas as priincredible sums. marily a day of religious significance is being wrought more definitely by the "Through it all I see the pinched faces Sunday-school than by any other agency. Their vast potency enables them to touch of the poor; I hear the sob of the suffer- practically an entire generation at once. So they are introducing the idea of a ing. Over against the gorgeous trap- 'giving Christmas' among the children. The Sunday-school celebrations, with pings of the day is the pathetic spectacle their 'treats' for the children, have been so common that even the joke-makers of a world, two-thirds of which is still know about them.
unreached by the message of a Savior. "All this is being boldly assailed in the ranks of the Sunday-school itself. In Up through the sounds of festivity in an increasing number of schools the chil- honor of the advent of His Son there comes to the ear of God the discordant noises of a world out of harmony with Him.
"A thousand millions have never heard the name of Christ, and yet the placid surface of our indifference is hardly ruffled by the fact. We write sweet nothings and talk sweet platitudes about the Babe of Bethlehem, shutting our eyes to the sight of myriads of children in heathen lands who have never had a chance to hear the story that has glad- dened our lives and gladdens the lives of our children. And we spend more on
dren are being trained to bring gifts to the holidays we have all been longing the Christmas celebration instead of for." taking them away. Mr. Riis proved a true prophet. The To associate Christmas with the un- idea met with such immediate response selfish idea of sacrifice and of service to that now many communities have their others is the goal which has been set. Christmas-trees with people of every In this connection it has become the nationality and every walk of life gatherusage in many denominations to make ing '!round them to sing the much-loved a Christmas offering for home and for- hymns of the Nativity. eign missions. The day is primarily the incarnation of the missionary idea, and But not every community is making the growth of gifts at this season for full use of the opportunity the tree afcarrying the Gospel into lands afar has fords to bind together the various nationbeen very marked in recent years." alities included in its population. Every- where it serves to rally the people to a As we are succeeding in a nation-wide new recognition of the fact that Christ- effort to crowd out the insane celebra- mas is the birthday of the Christ, but tion of the Fourth of July, let the missionary workers especially should see churches and Sunday-schools take cour- to it that it also preaches a winsome ser- age and begin at once a united move- mon on inter-racial brotherhood and fur- ment in every town to have an unselfish nishes a place where Italians and Poles, and joyous Christian celebration of the Swedes and Lithuanians may mingle "holidays" which many have forgotten with one another and with Americans, means "holy days !"-WILBUR F. CRAFTS, and, for the time at least, forget race- D.D. prejudice in the common homage they offer to the Christ. THE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE Some of the smaller communities, no- No nation ever had a more wonderful tably in Massachusetts, have taken the opportunity than America at the present lead in this. At Fitchburg each nationtime. The whole world has come to us ality was invited to sing national airs and we can, if we will, preach the Gos- and Christmas hymns around the tree, pel to the whole world from our own each in its own language. And at Southdoorstep. Christmas affords many op- wick an important feature of the proportunities for doing this if only we will gram was as follows: make use of them. Christmas Exercises in Many Tongues: The Community Christmas-tree is one 1. In English by School-children. of these. From the day, three years ago, 2. In Polish by Polish-Americans. when a wonderful 60-foot tree in Madi- 3. In Swedish by Swedish-Americans. son Square, with blazing star, gave all 4. In Italian by Italian-Americans. New York a sense of brotherhood, a new note has been sounded in the country at On the front cover of Southwick's at- Christmas time. tractive program this bit of rime was printed which served as the motto of the "Doubtless this tree in Madison Square day: was the first of a great many such THE FIRST TOWN TREE Christmas-trees in America," wrote Ja- "Tho differing in ways and speech, cob Riis, from whom it is said the seed- 'vVe gather round our Christmas tree, thought originally came. "Indeed, it was Our Christmas thought this day shal1 born a twin-its sister grew the same be, night on Boston Common. But it was more than the first tree. It was a mile- Each one for all and all for each." stone marking the new appreciation of
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On the back cover a Christmas mes- United States, because she had been in- sage was printed in the varied speech of vited to spend her Christmas vacation the town-English, Swedish, Italian, and in a fellow student's home. Polish.* "For the sake of the great plastic YOUR CHRISTMAS GUESTS nations they represent, the future of which they will so deeply influence, I be- Inviting a foreign student to spend speak for the Oriental students in this the Christmas holidays in a Christian country the friendship of Christian home, or even to spend an evening or people who will put them in touch with partake of a single meal, is a beautiful the people and influences most helpful service to a lonely soul which may, with to them."
the blessing of God, result in great Last Christmas Mrs. Henry W. Pea- things for foreign missions. body invited six of the young Chinese "Especially would I bespeak for the girls, who had recently come to New Oriental students in this country the hos- York as students under the Indemnity pitality of Christian homes," said Miss Fund, to spend Christmas with her in Margaret Burton, Foreign Secretary of her beautiful country home in Beverly, the Young Women's Christian Associa- Mass. There was a trip to Boston on tion, in an address at the Student Volun- Christmas Eve with dinner in town, the teer Movement at Kansas City last year. great Christmas tree on Boston Com- "One of the first Orientals that studied mon, the carols on Beacon Hill, and the in the United States said, many years stores with their Christmas goods and after his return to his native land, in gay decorations. Returning home, stock- looking back on his years here, that the ings were hung by the fireplace and early greatest blessing of his life in America Christmas morning, before it was light, was the opportunity it gave him to know Mrs. Peabody was awakened by a chorus the home life of our people. of joyous Chinese voices which sang "It would be ideal if all Oriental stu- just outside her door, first, "Holy Night"
dents could live in American homes while in their native Chinese, then, "0, Come here; but where this is not possible it All Ye Faithful," in English..
means much to them to be welcomed into Other beautiful homes in and around American households at vacation times, Boston had also been opened to this first for week-ends, or even for single meals. company of women Indemnity Students, Few experiences are so highly appre- so that each of the young women was ciated by them. One young girl who able to spend her first American Christ- has been in the United States almost two mas in a real Christian home. There years told me that so far she had had were many festivities during the week, almost no opportunity to know what our the crowning of which was a reception homes are like, and that she was most on New Year's Day at Mrs. Peabody's eager to know American family life. home to which all the officers of the Judging from a letter I received from ,,vomen's Foreign Missionary Boards in her just before the Christmas holidays, Boston and vicinity were invited.
that time would probably be the hap- To the girls it was not only a time of piest she has known since coming to the great enjoyment but of very great privi- lege. "The best time I ever had," said * Excellent articles on "The Community Christ· one of the most homesick ones to Miss mas Tree," with many suggestions, will be found Burton. "But the things we loved bes(" in The Survey, December 5, 1914, pages 258-260: wrote another after recounting all the The Craftsman, February, 1913, pages 497-500: and good times, "were the morning prayers Overland. December. 1914. pages 561-2. As these and the quiet talks with Mrs. Peabody." magazines are on file in most public libraries they can easily be consulted. See also HThe Christmas Spirit," by Irene Mason, Missionary Education Movement, price 10 cents.
The hostesses, too, had their reward. of them of such general interest as to Most of the young women are products be acceptable to persons who have little of Christian Mission Schools in or near or no interest in missions. The follow- Shanghai and Canton, and by their quiet, ing belong to this class: modest demeanor and sweet Christian characters, made a most favorable im- "Love Story of a Maiden of Cathay." pression. "It may be a pleasure to the (Revell.) . 50 cents. Chinese girls to be in our homes," said a charming hostess to Miss Burton, "but "Love Stories of Great Missionaries." I can assure you that it means more to (Revell.) 50 cents. us to have them than it can mean to them to come." "The Little Green God." (Revell.) 7S cents. The Oriental students are by no means the only foreign students in colleges and Grenfell's books, "Harvest of the Sea" preparatory schools. There are thou- (Revell, $1.00) and "Off the Rocks" (Sunsands of them from Mexico, South day-School Times Company, $1.00). America, and indeed almost every missionary land. What a joy it would be Steiner's "The Broken Wall." (Revell.) and how much it might mean to the $1.00. Kingdom of God if each of them should this year share in the festivities in honor For the dog-lover, be he man or boy, of the Christ Child in a Christian Amer- Egerton R. Young's stories of his misican home! sionary dogs, "My Dogs in the North- land," would be especially good. (Revell, YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS $1.25. ) By selecting things missionary in 3. Games. The game, "Who's Who character Christmas gifts may be made in Missions" (Sunday-School Times to do double duty. They may not only Company, 50 cents), would be approserve as reminders of love and friend- priate for children and adults who wish ship but will perhaps be the means to become familiar with the faces and of awakening an interest in the great task the Savior of the world has placed mprl.iSn.ScliOpanlane.evse.nts in the lives of fifty great in the hands of His Church. Here are a few suggestions: 4. Pins and badges. For members of women's missionary societies, the pretty 1. A subscription to a missionary mag- little "Coronation Pin" adopted by the azine, denominational or interdenomi- Federation of Women's Foreign Misnational. THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF sionary Societies as their official badge, THE WORLD, with its broad view of world would be a pleasing gift. These may conditions, its wealth of fine pictures and be ordered from any woman's board at its practical helps, makes an ideal gift. 35 cents for composit metal and $1.75 The same is true of Everyland for the for solid gold. There are also denomichildren and Men and Missions for the national pins especially in young women. The publishers of almost all mis- men's and children's societies, that would sionary magazines are prepared to send make pretty gifts. attractive gift certificates bearing the name of the donor so as to reach the 5. Curios. For Sunday-school classes recipient on Christmas Day. there is nothing better than some little 2. A missionary book. There are curio from a missionary land. In small many inexpensive missionary books that cities where there is no oriental store it would make ideal Christmas gifts, some is not always possible to get them, but by searching through the ten-cent stores they may sometimes be found. A pair of chopsticks would be a great novelty to many children, and boys especially would be pleased with the little cowrie shell stick-pins which may be obtained
15] DEPARTMENT OF BEST METHODS 86~
in lots of ten or more at the rate of 2 members of the Sunday-school and cents each from the David C. Cook Pub- church, or shall we impress anew the lishing Company, Elgin, Ill. Cowrie real significance of Christmas Day and shells formerly took the place of money give expression to the Christmas spirit in many parts of Africa, and it will add by gifts to those who are less fortunate? to the value of the pins if something is told of the use of the shells. For this The great danger in many Christmas see "Eighteen Years in Uganda," by celebrations is to forget the tidings of Bishop Tucker, page 339, vo!. 2. great joy and let the Christmas season lose its real meaning to the hearts of The following novelties put out by the men. More emphasis needs to be placed Beacon Hill Farm Association, Fu- upon the fact that it is Christ's birthday, chau, China, would also make good and that through His coming, His life, His death and His resurrection, we now gifts: (1) Little leaden boxes of Jas- have the Christmas cheer and the spirit of peace and good-will toward men.- mine Flower Scented Tea, which has a JANE B. SMITH, Hartford School of Redelicate and most unusual flavor. Price ligious Pedagogy, in The Sunday School 25 cents a box, postage 4 cents extra. Times. (2) Packages of Chinese Lang-gang, containing four, five, or five and a half If Christ Had Not Come yards, according to the grade. This is a narrow, hand-woven ribbon in attrac- Some months ago a little story was tive designs and gay colors, used in published in The Epworth Herald that trimming women's dresses and shoes, can be made the basis of a very effective and is fine for tying Christmas pack- object lesson for a Christmas program. ages. Price 25 cents a package, 5 pack- Nothing better could be found to give ages for $1.00 to one address. (3) children some idea of the social value of Christmas and New Year's Rainbow foreign missions. Flag Book-mark souvenirs in Chinese envelops ready for mailing. Price 7 A little girl had been given a very cents each, 4 for 25 cents, 20 for $1.00 to complete model of a village, which she one address. All these may be obtained liked to play with very much. from Miss Emily S. Hartwell, Fuchau, China. The tea may also be had (usu- "What kind of a town is it?" her father ally without delay) from Miss Flora asked one morning when she had set it Starr, 718 Simpson Street, Evanston, up. II!., and the Lang-gang and souvenirs from Miss Sarah Avery, 14 King Street, "Oh. a Christian town," the child Worcester, Mass. All profits go to the answered. support of children in China who would otherwise either starve or be sold. "Suppose we make it a heathen town," the father suggested. "What must we THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM'" take out?"
The Chief Aim.-In planning for a "The church," promptly answered the Christmas program thoughtful Sunday- little girl, taking it out. school workers must seriously consider the purpose of the program. Shall we "Is that all?" the father asked. aim only to amuse and entertain the "I guess so," the child answered. "No, indeed," her father said. Then * The Best Methods Department of THE M,S· he took out the public school and the library. ~IONARY REVIEW for December, 1913, and Novem- "Anything else?" asked the child. ber, 1914, contained a large number of suggestions "Isn't that a hospital over there?" for Christmas missionary programs. Others may "Yes; but, father, they have hospitals, be found in "The Christmas Spirit," by Irene don't they?" Mason, Missionary Education Movement, price 10 "Not in heathen countries," he excents.
plained. "It was Christ who taught us continuous impulse by which the original to care for the sick and feeble ones." light of Christ's revelation has been spread over all the world. Taking a large The little girl looked soberly around candle to symbolize this original light of the little town and presently took away Christ's truth, the Apostles, Evangelists, also the Old Ladies' Home, the Orphans' and St. Paul are lighted directly from Home, and the Insane Asylum. this. It is the Christ-light burning in another life, fed by that life's experience. "Why, father," she exclaimed, "there's From St. Paul the light is given to St. not one good thing left. I wouldn't live Luke and the Churches of Asia Minor, in such a town for anything." Rome and Greece. From Rome it is given to Europe, from Europe to England, and In using this as a Christmas object- thence by the way of our Church and lesson the model of a little village such others, on and on. The transmission and as is described in the story should be multiplication of the original light must provided. This can either be purchased go on until the whole world shines with or made from cardboard. The patterns Christ. The candle-flames may be so and directions for making a Japanese arranged that at the end they will form house given in "Missionary Helps for a cross of light, stretching out its arms Junior Leaders,"* pages 11 and 13, to infinite need. would help in this. The liquid glue now obtainable in tubes will he found of great "For equipment use a short step-ladassistance. der, draped, and the requisite number of candles (29 in this case), of which one, The subject matter may be given either to represent Christ, should be very large. by two persons-an adult and a childwho impersonate the father and daughter, or by some one person who takes the part of the father and calls forth the child's part from the school. The latter plan would probably make the most lasting impression.
If greater length is desired, the dialog can· easily be elaborated by having the father add brief statements concerning the .animal hospitals of India and the treatment of the sick and insane in lands where Christ is not known.
Christ the Light of the World Order of the Candle-LighlillY The following object-lesson on mis- 1. Christ. sionary history devised by the Rev. P . .R. Osgood of the Protestant Episcopal 2. St. Matthew } From Christ Church and printed in The Spirit of 3. St. Mark 111issions, is especially appropriate for the Christmas program. Care should be 4. St. John taken to guard against fire. Do not place the candles too close together, as the heat 'of so many lighted at once will tend to soften them and make them bend over.
'The missionary enthusiasm of the Church," says Mr. Osgood, "has been a * "Missionary Helps for Junior Leaders," by Margaret Tyson Applegarth , and. Nellie Prescott. . Central' C01Dmittee on Unite<!Study' of . Foreign Missions, West Medford, Mass. Price, 25 cents.
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j516 oTtheenr having a getting Christmas we have a 7 Apostles giving Christmas and help them out." ~ tak~~h~ ~lace 10 of Judas From Christ This met with an enthusiastic response and mite-boxes were at once distributed. 11 Two Evan- Every Sunday items of information were 12 gelists presented to keep up the interest, and each class was asked to keep its gifts 13 were secret. When at last Christmas Eve 14 Apostles) came, when the gifts were to be brought in, the church was beautifully decorated. (15) St. Paul- From Christ Miracu- "Never was there a more gorgeous tree, lously nor a more crowded audience," says one of the members. 16. St. Luke-From St. Paul After the opening exercises the pastor 17. Asia MinOr} From St. Paul called the classes, the superintendent and 18. Rome assistant standing by with pad and pen- cil. When Class 1 was called, a tiny 19. Greece girl came through the crowded aisles carrying the gift of the primary class. 20. Europe-From Rome "Nine dollars," she whispered as she 2l. England-From Europe. handed the money to the treasurer. "Nine dollars," announced the superintendent 22. U. S.-From England. of the school. "Class 2" brought a small 23. Canada-From England. boy of six, who announced "Seven dol- 1 So far as our lars and seventy-six cents," as he proud- 24. JCahpianna ly handed it in. 25. 26. Africa As class after class responded, the in- Church is con- terest became intense. The room was 27. South America cerned, from the very still, the children hardly daring to 28. Alaska I United States breathe lest they lose some announce- 29. Philippines J ment. $28 from one class was greeted by a chorus of supprest A Christmas Gift to the Laurel Country "Oh's" from all over the room, and $32 from another capped the climax. The A few years ago, when a Presbyterian last gift was $5, from a member of Sunday-school in Cadillac, Michigan, the school who has since gone to China. was asked to help send a missionary When the sum total, $235.00, was anteacher to the mountaineers in the Laurel nounced, a hush fell upon the school, Country, South Carolina, the superin- which was broken by the superintendent tendent resolved to make it a special ob- saying, "The Laurel Mountain children ject at the coming Christmas. The Home will have their teacher. Let us sing, Mission Monthly tells of his success. 'Fraise God, from whom all blessings The first thing he did was to tell the flow.' " children something about these people isolated in the Southern Mountains. N ext he read a letter asking for a teacher for them, and at the close made his appeal. "We can not have those boys and men come over the hard trail for news of what we will do for them," he said, "and then go home to the girls and women with the word that Cadillac Sunday-school will not send them a missionary teacher. I move that instead of He knows, and loves, and cares- Nothing this truth can dim- And does the very best for those Who leave the choice with Him.
WODLD-W1DE
MISSI AnY NEWS LATIN AMERICA the theory of Christianity without this service. Why has not the Church seen Protestants in the Mexican Crisis this wonderful opportunity here in Mexico as well as in the remote corners A WRITER in The Missionary Sur- of the earth. The best hospitals and vey says that the Protestant Church sanitary cars of the country are mere in Mexico is wielding a tremendous in- makeshifts. The wounded are not atfluence-not as a Church, but through tended to, principally because they have the individual members now associated an inadequate corps of doctors and in the various armies. It is said that helpers-inadequate in numbers and igthe wife of Carranza, the first chief of norant of the first principles of sanitathe Constitutional army, is a Protestant, tion and first aid; also for lack of inand he himself, tho not actually a mem- terest and a lack of funds and of heads. ber of the Protestant Church, is openly It is the way the average Mexican does friendly. Many of the native ministers the average thing. Fortunately, I have hold positions of importance in the had Protestant Mexicans to help· me and various armies, and the story goes that they are always different. in all of the armies there is not a single Protestant who was enrolled as a pri- AA Mixed Multitude in Argentina vate. Whether that statement be strict- VIVID glimpse of the cosmopolitan ly accurate or not, it certainly indicates immigration into Argentina-where the part that Protestants are playing in more than 300,000 newcomers arrive the hour of the nation's crisis. A mis- each year-is given in a letter from sionary who has spent years in Mexico Mr. W. C. K. Torre. The following says that he has not heard the word paragraphs are of special interest: "Protestante" used in contempt since the We have in this city of Buenos Ayres opening of the revolution. 1,500,000 souls, and the population in- creases. With the natural growth and Medical Opportunities in Mexico the inflowing tide of immigrants from Europe, the need seems to me to be in- E VEN in the midst of revolution and creasing. The other day I asked a turmoil in Mexico there is still a call brother who has been visiting the imfor missionaty work. Miss Mary migrants on arrival, distributing Gospels Turner of the Presbyterian Mission among them and seeking to help them, writes from the hospital in Aguas if he would go out into the street, Calientes: If Christian doctors and speak to the first 20 men he met, and • nurses could know how great the needs see what they knew of the Bible. He are here for efficient help and money, did so, and the result is most instructhere would certainly be a few who tive. These twenty men represented would volunteer to come and a few of 6 different nationalities-Spanish, Ital~ the rich who would send them. The ian, Servian, Uruguayan, Portuguese, evangelical Church could gain more and Rumanian. The Uruguayan said within a few months of practical service he had read portions of the Bible. One in the army of wounded and ill, than with years of preaching and teaching
WORLD-WIDE MISSIONARY NEWS
Spaniard knew something about the special interests as Bible study with all Bible, but he had never read it. A departments-city, college, railroad, etc. Portuguese said he had read the Bible. An Italian had read the Bible and Mr. Mott is to have two associate seemed to have faith in the Lord Jesus. general secretaries, Frederick B. Shipp, Another Spaniard said he had studied who will give special attention to the at a Jesuit College in Spain, but he had business concerns of the committee, and never had a Bible in his hands. And Fletcher S. Brockman, who is called what about the other 15? N one of home from service in China to at- them had ever seen a Bible, and by tend to the foreign department and to their replies they knew nothing about serve as lieutenant to Mr. Mott in special it.-Bible in the World. tasks within the home department as well. Charles D. Hurrey, who has been Brazilians Publicly Accept Christianity the executive of the college department, succeeds in the foreign student's de- D URING the past month we have had partment Willard D. Lyon, who has gone the joy of reaping some of the re- out to Shanghai, while David R. Porter sults of our sowing. At Pirassununga is promoted from high school work to fill we received fifteen on profession of Mr. Hurrey's position among American faith, and seven at Santa Rita, leaving college men. Mr. Mott will continue on the roll of candidates several who had without cessation his work on the Conapplied for membership in the Church. tinuation Committee of the vVorld's Mis- In the last week several, the majority of sionary Conference and on the World's them men, have publicly accepted Christ. Christian Federation. At Dourado where we opened work in January, I preached three nights in suc- A A Baptist Five-Year Program cession, using the stereopticon for the T its meeting in Los Angeles in May, first time at that point. My congrega- the Northern Baptist Convention tions varied from one hundred and adopted the following five-year program ninety the first night to almost five hun- of aggressive spiritual activity, which dred the last night, and many were takes as its obj ective the development of turned away. At the close of the last every church into an evangelistic and service I gave the people an opportunity social force in its community. The defito accept Christ, and thirty-three re- nite goals set before the denomination sponded.-W. G. BORCHERS, Santa Rita, by this program are: A million addi- Brazil. tions to the churches by baptism; a mis- sionary force of 5,000 men and women NORTH AMERICA in America and the non-Christian world; two million dollars of endowment for John R. Matt's New Work the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board; six million dollars for additional JOHN R. Mott has accepted the posi- educational endowment and equipment tion of general secretary of the Inter- at home and abroad; an annual income national Committee of Young Men's of six million dollars for missions and Christian Associations as successor to benevolence. The methods recom- Richard C. Morse, who has been the mended for the accomplishment of this official leader of American Young Men's high aim are: A persistent, pervasive Christian Associations since his election Evangelism-personal, pastoral and voas general secretary in 1869. cational; the systematic and propor- tionate giving of not less than one-tenth The entrance of Mr. Mott upon this of the income, with larger giving by new service involves a complete re- those of larger resources; the Annual organization of the International Committee staff, and efficiency has further been promoted by a plan relating such
Every-Member Canvass for weekly the closed door of a church. The text giving and spiritual efficiency; an in- has a militant note reading; "Men creasing emphasis on education-Bib- wanted, National Missionary Campaign, lical, missionary and scholastic; the de- 1915-1916. Enlist for World Service. velopment of every Church in social Conventions in 75 cities." service; prevailing prayer-personal, public and social. As a reminder of the aims of this National Campaign it may be well to The Episcopal Emergency Fund quote from the call issued by the movement at its Lake Geneva con- W ITH the $375,000 contributed to vention; To the end of making oc- the Emergency Fund of the Prot- casion for such deep and grave inquiry estant Episcopal Church Board of Mis- and such lofty resolution as the great sions, the emergency has been met, even day in which we live requires of us all, tho the fund was not completed on Sep- the movement has provided-as it trusts tember 1St. In other words, the mis- under inspiration of the Spirit of God sionary treasury is practically out of -for holding great rallies for men of debt for the first time in eight years! the Church in seventy-five distributed The church has not only given the Emer- and accessible centers of American popugency Fund of $375,000, but has also ex- lation from October of the present year ceeded by $20,000 its gifts on the regular to April of the next. To each of these apportionment; so that about $400,000 there will come chosen leaders of over and above the giving of last year thought and action, to lay before such has come into the treasury. as are desirous to meet and confer there- upon the great charge of God to His con- One feature worth noting is that the temporary Church, the measureless fund has not been padded or inflated in resources with which He has enriched any way. There have been no com- His people for the doing of His will, and mittees of two waiting upon wealthy the means which will fairly put to test churchmen, and no whirlwind canvass the primary question of the agesmethods; neither were any large sums whether the followers of Christ are inheld back to be announced at the last deed able to take the world for Him. moment. The largest gift was $5,000 and there have been about 8,000 con- A New Inter-Church Commission tributions. The giving was real, spontaneous and personal; it represents de- INCREASED Christian efficiency in sire rather than pressure. dealing with community problems which concern the Church is the task set National Missionary Campaign for the new commission of the Federal Council of the churches of Christ in A POSTER in· four colors is to be America. Last June a conference of displayed in front of thousands of representatives from Christian organizachurches to announce the National Mis- tions doing cooperative work on a nasionary Campaign, the opening feature tional scale, was held at Atlantic City. of which is a great interdenominational Strong delegations were present from convention for men in Chicago, begin- such organizations as the Laymen's ning October 14th and closing next April Missionary Movement, the International in Washington, D. C. Sunday School Association, the Inter- national Committee of Y. M. C. A., the The poster is symbolical of both home National Board of the Y. W. C. A., the and foreign missions, the non-Christian Home Missions Council and other simiworld being typified by a great idol with lar organizations. This conference a group of worshipers before it, and mission work at home by a man standing bewildered in a city street before
asked the Federal Council to form a worship, and the Archbishop pointed out commission to make a careful survey of that England on her knees at home can all federated work now being carried on accomplish more perhaps than England throughout the country, to help federa- fighting in or out of trenches abroad. tions already formed, and to cooperate It is reported that a national movement in forming new ones where conditions has sprung up in the churches of Engwere favorable. land and Scotland in favor of family prayers in the home. It is said that This commission has been organized Free and Established church people are The membership in a large measure re- interested in about equal numbers, and presents unofficially the movement which that speakers are setting out to the protook part in the Atlantic City confer- vinces to talk in its fayor.-The Churchence. It is thus practically a federation man. of federated movements, and Rev. Roy B. Guild was elected Executive Secre- Jewish "Endeavor" Movement tary. AN interesting development is in prog- EUROPE-GREAT BRITAIN ress in connection with the Kil- burn and Brondesbury Hebrew and British Charity Religion Classes. In order to provide a "Jewish atmosphere" for young THE world-war has produced world- people who might otherwise suffer from charity on a scale hitherto unknown. religious neglect, juvenile services have The total value of British contributions been arranged in the local synagog, last year is estimated at $125,000,000. If whereat young Israelites have been engifts from the British possessions are couraged to read the liturgy and to added, the amount will be nearer $175,- carry through the general proceedings 000,000. Australian contributions in of public worship. In short, there has money alone exceeded $15,000,000. The arisen in the midst of Jewry an ana- Prince of Wales Fund for the year log of the world-wide Christian Enreached a total of $27,500,000, and local deavor movement, and impartial obcontributions brought this up to $40,000,- servers declare that it promises to pro- 000. The Belgian Relief Commission mote reverence and an intelligent incollected nearly $10,000,000 and the terest in the services of the synagog. Times Red Cross Fund brought in Letters in the Jewish papers show that $8,000,000. the movement has not yet passed the stage of opposition. . A Revival of Family Prayer THE CONTINENT THREE marked tendencies in the re- ligious life of England and Scotland A War Prison Y. M. C. A. to-day are by many observers attributed to the war. One is a popular wave of THE bringing together of great enthusiasm for family prayer. Another bodies of young men in military hosis better observance of Sunday as a day pitals and in camps as prisoners of war of rest. And the third is such measure offers an almost unprecedented opporof cooperation between the Anglican tunity for Christian work, and the Inand Free Churches as was not dreamed ternational Y. M. C. A. has not been possible one year ago. A great meeting slow in recognizing this. In response has recently been held in London, at- to a formal inquiry, the German War tended by Free and Established church- Ministry stated that they would welmen in about equal numbers, and having come the cooperation of the Young for chairman a Free Church layman and Men's Christian Association in the work for principal speaker the Archbishop of Canterbury. The subject was family
for the prisoners of war, and in con- and love among differing races. I ex- sequence there has been erected near perience this fact every year at the GOttingen the first war prison Y. M. C. Eastern Conference at Teschen in Aus- A. building in the world. It contains a trian Silesia. German and Polish large hall, which will be used for wor- brethren sing the same hymns at the ship by pastors, priests, and rabbi; for same time in their respective" tongues. concerts and lectures, and as a reading One prays in Polish and is immediately room; a small hall as a quiet room for followed by another in German. I prayer, also for choir and orchestra prac- rejoice greatly to be a connecting link tises, and three small rooms for edu- in all Austria for these little groups- cational work. The equipment consists Bohemian, Polish, Hungarian, German, of a library of English, French, and Slovak, and Ruthenian. It is gratify- Russian books, piano, harmonium, ing to see how the Gospel is beginning tables, benches, blackboards, maps, and to gain entry among the Slovaks. pictures. Brother Chraska, a member of the Free Reformed Church, has just completed "In front of the building, which is a translation of the Bible into Slovenbeautifully situated, the Commandant ish and along with him a young, fiery has had laid out a formal garden. The Slovene believer, Brother Chlastan, has building was put up by the men them- started to spread the Bible among his selves, and they are also making the people. He has done this without legal equipment." authority and has had, consequently, to suffer fine and imprisonment repeat- The extension of similar work in the edly. The Society of Christian Enmilitary camps of Germany is under the deavor in Agram, under the active direction of a committee appointed by leadership of Mr. Schumacher, a school the National Committee of the German principal, proposes to engage a mis- Y. M. C. A. sionary for the Croats.-Recard of Christian Work. The Bible in Ireland Indian Troops in Europe T HE annual report of the Bible and Colportage Society for Ireland rec- THE Y. M. C. A. of India has been ords a welcome increase in sales for the making a record in its service to year. In Ireland, as a rule, the colporteur confines his attention to scat- the native troop contingents sent to tered country districts, where the people Europe. All the money for this extra live far from book-shops, and where the work has been raised in India. Beginmeans of getting literature is difficult. nings were made by the Bombay Asso- It is here the agent does some of his best ciation as the native troops came pourwork as a missionary and evangelist, as ing into the city for embarkation. Last well as "the man with the Book." Dur- October, twelve secretaries sailed from ing the year 5,500 copies of the Scrip- Bombay to be with the troops in tures were disposed of, and nearly 20,000 France, among them being Dr. S. K. tracts and booklets distributed. Datta, one of the young leaders in the Indian church to-day. They organize Sure Cure for Race Hatred literary, athletic, and social events, pASTOR MONSKY, Secretary of the provide post-office facilities, write let- ters for the natives by the ten thou- Evangelical Society of Austria, sand, issue a little paper in Urdu to affirms that the unhappy racial ani- furnish them with war and home news, mosities of that land cease within the run barber shops, sell mustard oil, circles of the Gemeinschaft (evangelical Christians) . "Where Jesus is really in men's hearts there are peace
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carry stuffs, soap, matches, etc., and countries as gifts of American Sunday- actually hold French classes for the school scholars, is trying hard to meet Hindu officers, having issued 25,000 the great demands that are being made copies of a booklet of French-Urdu upon it. Rev. A. C. Harte, working in phrases. The secretaries are both In- prison-camps in Germany writes: "I dians and Englishmen. am beginning to distribute the Testa- REV.Russian Protestants in War-Time ments, and long before this reaches you, I will have used up the 40,000. WILLIAM FETLER, the Rus- . It will be good if you can get another sian Baptist preacher, who, as the 40,000 or 80,000 for us." REVIEW has already stated, is now in A worker in Austria writes: "Thou- New York, is far from enthusiastic sands of soldiers and prisoners of war over the prospects of real and general :n this way get their own New Testareligious liberty being soon established ment or a copy of the Gospels which in that country. Many signs since the most of them never possest before. outbreak of the war, such as a new That the men in the trenches prize the spirit toward the Jews and the Poles, gift is evident from extracts from solhave encouraged English observers to diers' letters, such as these; . predict an era of liberalization, but "A book in the trenches is better Mr. Fetler is inclined to quite the op- than the knapsack full of provisions. posite forecast. At least, the Protes- Anyone who has spiritual food for us tants of Russia have experienced more is welcome." trouble since war began than for a long "We are hungry after spiritual food. time before it. My library consists of Faust, Lillien- Immediately after Russia plunged cron's Selected Poems, and the New into the great European struggle, Testament which one has learned again officious government agents recalled to read." that the Stundists-the original Rus- sian Protestants-were mostly non- MOSLEM LANDS resistants, and on principle opposed to The Future of Armenia war. Also, it was remembered that the Stundists arose originally in a German A CORRESPONDENT in the Mancolony within Russian bounds. On cheJ:ter Guardian, referring to Art. these grounds it was assumed that Rus- 61 of the Berlin Treaty, writes: sian Protestants were likely to be sympathetic with the enemies of the nation, "When the general settlement takes or at least indifferent to the progress place at the close of the war, the Powers of the war. Shortly after Mr. FetIer's should not forget the interests of the arrest and exile, already described, Armenians, and that not for the sake of eleven other Protestant preachers were the Armenians alone, but also for the sake banished, ten of them being sent to of Turkey and of the maintenance of Siberia. It seems plain that the most peace in Europe. Because if Armenia bigoted party of the Russian orthodox is allowed to remain in her present church has employed the war situation wretched condition she will surely convery skilfully to its own advantage. tinue to appeal to Europe and to Eng- land for help, and Europe, being moved, will seek to interfere, and thus the East- Testaments Wanted in Germany ern question will still remain open.
THE "Million Testament" Movement, "It is evident that the geographical inaugurated by the World's Sunday- and ethnological conditions of Armenia school Association to send Testaments do not permit of her being constituted and Gospels to soldiers in the warring an autonomous unit. Being a commer-
cial people in the towns, and agricultural elements of arithmetic and science. The in the rural districts, what they demand boy must drone away aloud at the is the possibility of carrying on their bus- strange rhythmic sentences without a iness, commerce and agriculture, with- word of interpretation from the teacher, out being molested by the lawless. There until he has memorized the Koran from is no need of elaborate schemes or drafts cover to cover! The Koran has some of new laws. It is quite sufficient that exalted portions, approaching in style a governor-general be appointed with and power the Book of Psalms and the consent of the Ambassadors of the Job; but as a whole it has had a degrad- Powers for a number of years. The ing and retarding influence both on the jurisdiction of this governor would ex- personal and social life. It is after all tend over the six vilayets mostly popu- a reflection of the tragedy of Mohamlated by the Armenians. This governor, med's Iife-a character gifted with rare endowed with judicial and executive spiritual powers, but under the stress of powers, would be responsible for the temptation yielding to lust, revenge, depeace and tranquility of the country ceit and the fire of fanaticism.-REv. and for the carrying out of the laws. STEPHEN V AN R. TROWBRIDGE. The governor should organize and have at his disposal a local force of militia INDIA recruited from the inhabitants, and in the case of need the military forces of German Missionaries in India the country would also be at his command. Such a governor would be quite THE British government of India capable of pacifying the country and in- has decided that all enemy aliens troducing good government, happiness in that country must be either interned and contentment in those lawless prov- or deported. The decision wiII chiefly Inces. affect the German missionaries, of whom there are a large number in A A Need of Moslem Children India. At the beginning of July, a NEED which characterizes the child considerable number of these mission- life of Moslem lands is for a Holy aries had' been removed from Assam, Book that can be understood and that is Behar and Orissa, but a fair number in the common language of the country. still remained, especially in the dis- I have often looked in upon a room full triCts of Chota Nagpur, where a Luof Turkish school boys seated cross- theran mission long has been establegged on the floor, each with his Koran lished. At the beginning of April in front of him, memorizing each line there were 442 alien enemy missionin that strange Arabic language of which aries in the whole of India, of whom he knows nothing save the alphabet. The 115 had been interned or paroled. Only Koran is a little longer than the New a few Germans and Austrians were Testament and contains a confusion of pt:rmitted to remain at large in Upper ecstatic poetry, historic legends, cere- India, and those now have been sent monial laws, and personal adventures of to the detention camp at Dagshai in the Prophet. All this is in a language the Simla district. and style as unintelligible to a Turkish or a Persian boy as Virgil's "JEneid" The work of the Schleswig-Holwould be to a boy in one of our grammar stein Mission in India has been comschools. He is under the sharp eye and pelled to stop because of the war. At threatening rod of the schoolmaster, the beginning of the war Superintenwhose whole training has been in schol- dent Timmke dismissed 200 boarding astic Moslem theology, instead of in the pupils and 78 seminarists and 194 teacher helpers who were laboring in baptismal instruction, etc. ; teachers were placed on half pay and the gov-
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ernment was successfully petitioned to these ten years. Everywhere we went take over the expense of the upkeep we could hear the people talking of of the seminary, three high schools and "The Jesus Church." Great crowds two hospitals. The male missionaries came for all the services. Except for were all placed in concentration camps two or three times when it was raining at Ahmednagar near Bombay, while the hard, the tent, seating about one thou- women and children were taken to sand, was full and most of the time more Waltair. Two sisters were allowed to than full. Fully 2,500 people attended return to Europe. The imprisoned the services each day for twelve days.
missionaries are compelled by the sub- All classes cam~. Some 1,200 portions ordinate officers to do hard labor daily. of the Scripture were sold, and 4,000 Superintendent Timmke is only allowed tracts distributed. Over 200 proba- to write once a month to the mission tioners were enlisted.
stations where there are 17,000 Chris- tians and 7,000 catechumen without an Modern Methods in Chuchow ordained native pastor. Missionary THE report of the missionaries in N eudorffer of the General Council of Chuchow, China, brings together a the Lutheran Church of North America was able to visit the field twice and striking group of facts which illustrate was of great help and benefit.-All- both the wonderful transition in China gemeine Missions Nachrichten, August, and the marvelous openings for the 1915. Gospel there now. In a small $3,000 hospital the medical missionary treated CHINA over 1,600 cases during the month and, Thirty Thousand Hear the Gospel with his Chinese helpers, vaccinated 346. The missionaries are directing L ATE in the year 1914 the two de- famine relief for 800 people by build- nominations (Southern Presby- terian and Southern Methodist) doing ing a macadam street, the money all work in this city, met to discuss the furnished by Chinese, and Christian advisability of having some sort of a services for these people are held gathering to celebrate the tenth anni- weekly in the Confucian temple! The versary of the coming of Protestantism adult Bible class in this interior Chi- to Changchow. To be sure many mis- nese city has had seventy in attendsionaries and Chinese workers had been ance, and these non-Christian officials here before and some of them left and business men have been studying faster than they came, and that to the the Gospel of Luke to find out the tune of stones and the then usual title basis of Christianity. This Chinese given to the foreigner; but it was in city is not only being led to do the the year 1904 that the first house was unheard of, construct a macadam rented and the first Protestant preach- street, but the missionaries have pushed er moved into the city. It was decided them along toward Christian ideals for to have the celebration in April, 1915. child life until they actually have a We had such a meeting as this people city playground, and gymnastic ap- had never seen. All former pastors paratus has been provided for it. And were invited and some came. The finally, China has a Boy Scout move- Suchow District tent was used, as no ment, led by the missionaries.
church was large enough to accom- A Chinese Children's Magazine modate the crowds. This we pitched on the lot formerly occupied by the. HAPPY CHILDHOOD, the new jail in the center of the city. Chang- magazine for Chinese children, is chow has never been so stirred in all meeting with unexpected success. Mrs.
MacGillivray, its devoted editor, says they considered a more acceptable in a recent letter: dress, in order to acquaint the literary class with its contents and remove the "I know you will be delighted to hear prejudice against Christianity. The that so far the magazine has met a Bible has also been introduced into very warm welcome from all parts of some Government schools as a text- China. For instance there is a mis- book. To its influence Dr. Hykes atsion to rickshaw coolies here in Shan- tributes not only such reforms as the ghai. The founder and director is a abolition of torture, the decrease of business man, and the mission take in infanticide, the going out of fashion forty copies per month and say they have of footbinding, the tendency to subnever had anything that has helped stitute monogamy for polygamy, but them so much. Miss Bonnell of the also reforms in the administration of Door of Hope says the girls have never justice, the abolition of opium-smoking, had anything to read in which they the adoption of a national scheme of have taken such interest as this mag- education, and the growing recognition azine. I also have had letters of ap- of the right of free thought, free preciation from Manchuria, Shantung, speech, and free conscience. Foochow, Canton, and many other places. General Chang in Peking of German Mission in China the Chinese army subscribes for eleven copies, ten of which he sends to an THE Missionary Magazine of the orphanage and one for his own family. In writing he said, 'This paper is truly Allegemeine Evangelische Missionsa light for the children of China.' verein reports: Since' March 1, 1915, The children's competition page is also our Seminary in Tsingtau has again a great success. Children from all been opened; about 50 pupils are now over China are sending in answers, and instructed. In March one of our Chinthis month we sent little prizes to ese was baptized. Our Chinese lady Foochow, Shantung, Manchuria, Ki- teacher, Mrs. Dschang, returned to angsi, and one to Shanghai. The sub- Tsingtau. The girls are awaiting anxscription list now stands at over six- iously the opening of our girls' school. teen hundred, and we hope for an in- Missionary Voskamp, of the Berlin Miscrease in the autumn." sion, is again allowed to preach and has opened one schoo!. The Chinese The Bible and Chinese Civilization Christians and helpers were a credit to themselves, not one of them back- MANY of the radical changes for slid. They all pray for Germany and for a speedy peace.-Calwer Missions- . the better in Chinese life, char- blatt. acter, customs and government can be directly traced to the influence of the On the China-Burmese Border Bible. The Rev. John R. Hykes of THIRTEEN thousand converts have China reported facts to prove this at the World's Bible Congress in San been baptized on the Kengtung field Francisco. Besides the various trans- in the extreme east of Burma. About lations made by missionaries, the Bible 4,500 of them are on the Chinese side was translated into Chinese by Chou- of the line. With the exception of fu, Provincial Treasurer of Shantung, eight churches near the border, these in conjunction with Li Hung-chang. converts have not been organized. They copied out the entire Bible in the When the first ingathering took place literary language, their object being to on this field eleven years ago, within produce an independent version in what a month groups came from across the China border, both of the Wa and
WORLD-WIDE MISSIONARY
Lahu tribes, begging the missionaries on John 14: 6. The prominent ladies of to come to them at once with the the city attend this class, and some of Gospel. This same appeal has been them were baptized this year. I think sounding ever since. Native workers many preachers in America would envy who have toured the section regularly me, if they could see the enquirers' report many villages where the entire class on Saturday nights. This year population has exprest a desire to be we have had about 30 in attendance, baptized. In one of these, Ho Hko, most of them young people, and the whose 130 families all desire baptism, time is devoted only to study of the the teacht;rs stayed a few days, and Word. Ve have nine out-stations in eighteen villages from the surrounding the province, where workers are living. country sent in representatives saying There are one hundred and forty their entire villages desired baptism at towns with an average population of once. Rev. W. M. Young, in writing 5,000. Our work will be finished when of this situation, says: we shall have built up a self-supporting church in all these towns." "If we open this work on a proper basis and give them the Gospel I have Good and Evil in ConRict no doubt we will soon have more converts on this field to the north than we INa recent Church Missionary Review have in all Burma to-day." Grace Nott says: "Buddhism mad( a great effort to revivify herself some JAPAN-KOREA years ago, and, finding that Christian methods had so much success, started REV. Work in One City a campaign on the same lines, even CHARLES A. LOGAN writes going .so far as to print 'Bibles' in home: "Our work in the city of which the only difference from our own Tokushima (population 70,000) lS was that Buddha's name was substigrowing. The self-supporting church is tuted for our Lord's! Such efforts making steady progress, and gradually were naturally doomed to failure. Now reaching the more influential people of the nation is faced by the Hongwanji the city. There are two other mission Buddhist scandals; the priests are acchurches where evangelists are working, cused of living in luxury and extravaand one preaching place in the center gance on the offerings of the faithful. of the city, where I preach twice a The misappropriated money is put at week, and conduct a night-school. We the enormous figure of 2,000,000 yen, are now planning for a union evangelis- and the whole matter is being investitic campaign for this fall. About gated by the government. Sad as all eight promil1ent speakers will come, and this is, we can surely see that here also speak' in the churches, theaters, public 'God is working His purpose out.' As hall, government schools, railroad sta- one result, several well-known men and tion, and other companies' offices. Some women have become Christians; others of our most interesting meetings are are studying the New Testament and held in our home. English Bible classes buying Bibles in an unprecedented way." for students on Tuesdays, the ladies' cooking class on Wednesdays, Christian Tokyo Sunday-School Convention Poatwomen's meeting on Fridays, and the poned children's meeting and Bible study for enquirers on Saturdays. The ladies' ANOTHER result of the war has cooking class met here to-day. Mrs. been the postponement of the Logan taught them how to make ice World's Sunday-School Conventioh, so cream, and then their Bible lesson waS long announced as to be held in Tokyo in October, 1916. 58 n<l,tions wen:
represented at the Zurich Convention cation in Korea. The Korean Sundayin 1913, and it had been confidently school Association during the present expected that the holding of the next year has by the adoption of Sundaygathering in Tokyo would do much to school standards and the energetic prostrengthen the bonds which unite Chris- motion of Sunday-school· work been tians throughout the world. The Ex- fitting the Sunday-school for the greatly ecutive Committee of the World's Sun- increased responsibility it must bear for day-School Association, however, real- the Christian education of Korean ized that the belligerent nations would youth in the near future. not send delegates, and therefore decided at their meeting in September to AFRICA postpone the convention to a date soon after the close of the war, the date A New Y. M. C. A. Building in Egypt to be suggested by the Japanese Committee, of which Count Okuma, Prime REV. STEPHEN VAN R. TROW- Minister of Japan, is Chairman. An- BRIDGE sends an account of the other reason for this decision, also due opening of the new Y. M. C. A. building to the war, was that difficulties have in Alexandria on September lIth. The been encountered in the matter of building, which adjoins the Regina Palproper transportation facilities for ace Hotel, is to be used especially for the American delegates because of the scar- benefit of British soldiers and sailors. city of desirable ships. More than 3,000 The cost was met jointly by the British Americans have asked for information Y. M. C. A., the British and Australian in view of possible attendance at the Red Cross Societies, and by the Y. M. convention, a full year before the date C. A., in America. In opening the new set. building Sir Henry MacMahon, the High Commissioner, paid a high tribute to the When conditions permit, the eighth work of the Y. M. C. A. in Egypt. Mr. convention of the world's Sunday-school Jessop and his helpers have done releaders will be held in Tokyo with all markable service-both social and spiritthe features originally planned. ual-among the troops in Egypt. Not only have reading and writing tents been The Sunday-School Opportunity in established for their comfort but many have been converted in the Bible classes Korea and Evangelistic Meetings.
IN view of the Japanese ordinance Mr. Trowbridge also writes of the great opportunities presented for Chris- against religious education in mis- tian work among the wounded soldiers sion schools (already referred to in from Gallipoli who are filli,.-g the hosthe REVIEW) the Sunday-schools will have an added responsibility. While pitals of Alexandria. ~fa~y of. them the regulation is technically no more hostile to Christianity than to other having faced death are now beginning religions, and simply separates religion a new life that will never end. from education in regular schools, whether public or private, it does de- European Bishops on the West Coast prive Christian missions of one of their most valuable agencies of religious FOR a European an episcopate of education. The fact that there is yet twenty-one years in West Africa is 10 years before the full operation of the regulations gives ample time for unique, and Bishop Oluwole in his adthe organization of the 8unday-school dress to the Synod said: as a serious agency of Christian edu- We have so far had 13 European bishops of the Anglican Church on the West Coast: 9 of Sierra Leone, 2 of Accra, and 2 of Western Equatorial Africa. The first 3 bishops of Sierra
WORLD-WIDE MISSIONARY
Leone died within 7 years-an average Ifon, and Imeri, in the Owo district, of two and one-third years. Two re- besides passing through some of the tired, each at the end of ten years. One Akure stations on the way here. At retired after 14 years, and his successor I fan and Imeri several candidates were after 4. The next died after 8 years. baptized. During the year six new The present bishop succeeded in 1910. churches have been built, and three new Bishop Hill died about six months after houses for teachers, two of these hav- his consecration. Bishop Hamlyn had ing been built in anticipation of having to retire after six years, and was suc- teachers to occupy them soon."
ceeded by Bishop O'Rorke, in 1913.
Thus you see that the episcopate of Remarkable Progress our bishop is far and away the longest NEARLY 11,000 people (7,627 of European episcopate on this coast. Nor whom were adults) were baptized should we forget that he had previously in the diocese of Western Equatorial served as a missionary among us for Africa last year-the highest number four years, so that this year also marks ever reported in one year in any Church his semi-jubilee in the country. Only Missionary Society mission. Of the six other European male missionaries adults the men numbered 5,752 and the had a longer record in West Africa: women 1,875. There are 21,399 catechu- Townsend and Wood, of 40 years each; mens on the registers, and of these Mann and Maser, of 32 each; Hinderer 14,179 are men and 7,220 women. Comof 28; and Harding of 29. menting on these figures at the first session of the fourth synod, held at The following statistics are of in- Lagos, Bishop Oluwole said: "These terest as indicating the growth of the statistics constitute a loud call to the Church in Western Equatorial Africa clergy and to all church workers to during Bishop Tugwell's episcopate: 1894. 1914. labor to instruct these multitudes in the Native Clergy ……… 17 66 things of God. . . . Let us not aim at Communicants ……… 4,000 15,600 large annual returns, but let us labor in Baptized members ….. 7,500 52,470 teaching and prayer that every candidate Catechumens. . . . . . . . . .. 1,240 21,400 baptized may indeed be born again. . . . Baptisms in the year.. 586 10,935 It is a real danger to the life of a church Scholars …………… 3,080 26,800 to fill it with baptized heathen." The Contributions ……… £3,360 £29,780 total amount contributed by Christians Communities of Christian Adherents THE Rev. H. F. Gane wrote from in the diocese tor religious purposes was Owo recently: "An interesting and £29,779 against £23,343 in the previous distinctly encouraging feature of the year.-Church Missionary Society Ga- work is that in all the small villages zette.
immediately connected with Owo there German Missions in West Africa are now small communities of Chris- T tian adherents, and in most of them HE North German Mission, whose territory in Togo which, in the besimple buildings have been erected for services by the converts themselves. ginning of the war, was an easy prey Members of the Owo church go out for the allied English and French, and Sunday by Sunday to conduct services of whose 17 European workers no less in these places, and I cycle out to one than six were imprisoned in Dahomey, or other of them as often as possible has cause to be very grateful in com- when I am not away visiting other parison to other German Missions in parts of the district. Since our arrival which the colonial war has made great it has only been possible to visit Ipele, devastations. Yet the war has been a
great hindrance. The schools are behavior were allowed to remain at their empty in 97 places, and the number of posts. Several missionaries have been pupils has decreased from 7,311 to 3,311. dismissed from the concentration camps Yet the membership in the churches, so far; from the Hermansburg Mission where 394 were baptized, numbers now all except one, from the Berlin Mission 11,682; 341 more than in the last year. all except two or four. This has been Mission property was not taken away effected, it seems, through the labor of nor destroyed by the events of the war. good Christian circles in England.- The fund for invalids deposited in the Allgemeine Missions Nachrichten. West African Bank, belonging to the native helpers, was not touched. The ISLANDS OF THE SEA missionaries, who were arrested for a short time during November, have rea- The Church of Rome in the Philippines son to hope to be able to remain in Togo during the war. The order given to the H DOnat let the Church at home think missionaries the 21st of January not to that we are facing a decadent, preach in the German or Ewe languages did not hurt the work as was feared at weakened Catholicism," writes Rev. D. first. This order was only for Lome, C. McCallum. "It is a mistake to speak and forbade the missionaries the solemn of the Roman Catholic Church in the sermon from the chancel, but not divine Philippines as decadent, and the ruined service; the native helpers were not churches here and there are not indicatroubled at all. In the interior, preach- tions of its state. Enormous sums of ing in the Ewe language received no Catholic money are being poured into the greater hindrance than that the mission- Philippines, and scores of her most inaries are only allowed to visit out-sta- telligent and capable workers are contions in the district of one day's jour- stantly coming to the islands. Dozens of ney, while the native pastors have full dilapidated buildings are being repaired liberty to go where they please, and their and numerous new buildings are being work has full recognition from the Eng- erected in new communities. Other revlish officials. Industrial conditions in enues are taking the place of the lost Togo are very difficult since the price State revenues, and a far more able and of kako has fallen from 80 to 25 cents. efficient body of workers is taking the -Allgemeine Missions Nachrichten. place of the discredited Spanish friars. Many of the newcomers are able, thor- German Missions in South Africa oughly trained, and possest of much mis- sionary zeal. The Roman Church is C ONCERNING the welfare of the straining every nerve to adjust herself German missionaries in South Af- to the changed conditions, and, one must rica, the authorities have had great appre- confess, with considerable success. The hension since the middle of May. The greatest, most bitter and prolonged brother mission received word from Eng- struggle is yet before us, and it will reland that all their missionaries should quire the highest concentration and the keep themselves ready to be imprisoned richest gifts in men and money." in concentration camps on the 23d of May. Not even the petition of Bishop Episcopal Progress in the Philippines Kalker to remain free to look after the work seemed to be successful. Fortu- THE mission to the Philippine Islands nately these things did not come to pass. which is under the direction of Bish- The German missionaries were not im- op Brent and is supported by the Ameriprisoned, but on the promise of goor! can Episcopal Church, is making solid progress. At Sagada, a station which is 5,000 feet above sea level, in the course of ten years, 1,200 persons, chiefly Igo- rQts, have been baptized. The Rev. J.
1 5] WORLD-WIDE MISSIONARY
Staunton and 12 assistants, Americans there were other public exercises, and and Filipinos, are in charge. Among on the 15th, "Centenary Sunday," there the industrial features of the work is the were special services throughout New operation of a great sawmill providing South Wales. A centenary offering of work for hundreds of men, women, and £50,000 is being collected, a per capita children. There are also workshops in gift of about ten dollars a member. which a great variety of tools and tin- The Methodism of Australasia, which ware are manufactured. The girls do began in 1815 with one minister and lace work and weave native fabrics. A 20 members, now reports 1,020 minisprinting-press furnishes all the printing ters, 149,767 members, 260,500 Sundayfor the district. A great stone church is school scholars, and 630,970 attendants in process of erection, as well as a hos- upon its services. pital.-The Mission Field. MISCElLANEOUS War Rumors in Borneo Sunday-School Standard. RHEINISH missionaries tell of wild reports which have spread in Bor- THE fivefold standard suggested by neo because of the war. So it is said the Missionary Department of the that after Germany had been conquered by the English and the French, International Sunday-school Associait asked help from Turkey, which had tion, adequate missionary instruction, been granted under the condition that definite missionary prayer, systematic Germany must become Mohammedan. missionary giving, practical missionary The Emperor immediately accepted Is- activities, enlisting missionary recruits, lam, and the German soldiers had the has been enlarged to a ten-point stanhalf moon sewed on their uniforms. dard, in order to make the work of the In the meantime the real truth has State and County Associations more become known. In general the respect definite in the Missionary Department. of the natives for the white man has A Ten-Point School: (1) A missionary greatly diminished through the war.- superintendent. Instruction – (2) The Allgemeine Missions Nachrichten, Au- United Missionary program; (3) Misgust, 1915. sions in the graded lessons; (4) Mis- sionary exercises and drills. Offerings Australasian Methodilm -(5) Home Mission Boards; (6) For- eign Mission Boards; (7) Union mis- METHODISM in Australia is cele- sionary movements. Service-(8) Com- brating its centenary and .Ameri- munity social service; (9) Surplus matecan Methodism will soon be celebrating rial department; (10) Recruits in prepits sesquicentenary. An English Wes- aration. leyan, the Rev. Samuel Leigh, was the pioneer minister, and he landed at The Influence of the Bible Sydney, August 10, 1815. Since that time Methodist services have never OF the many great religious gatherfailed. August 8th was Preparatory ings which have been held at San Sunday. Tuesday was Centenary Day, Francisco during the present summer, when Dr. W. H. Fitchett, of Mel- one of the most important has been the bourne, preached the commemorative World's Bible Congress, which occurred sermon in the Town Hall of Sydney early in August, at which delegates from -a city of 700,000 people-followt!d by all parts of the world were in attend- "tea meeting" and a demonstration to ance. Figures were given showing that which other conferences sent speak- during the calendar year 1914, more than ers. On Wednesday and Thursday 28,000,000 copies of the Bible or por- tions of the Bible were printed and dis~
tributed, this distribution reaching to cessant fight he waged for nearly half a every corner of the globe. century against those who would cor- rupt and mislead them. Dr. Scudder, of the Arcot Mission, stated in his address that the Bible has Mr. Comstock has died in the midst been translated, in whole or in part, into of his battle against gambling and immore than a hundred Indian dialects, and purity, but the war is to go on. The it is estimated that 250,000,000 of the Society for the Suppression of Vice has people of India have some portion of th<:! appointed as his successor Mr. John S. Scripture in their own language. It IS Sumner, for three years his associate regarded not only by British but by secretary. The offices are at 140 Nassau many Hindu officials as one of the most Street, New York. During Mr. Comimportant aids to the English nation in stock's term of office he has destroyed the government, education, and better- 50 tons of obscene books and 2,500,000 ment of the people; is studied as a text- vile pictures by which the vendors book in a great number of schools and sought to spread moral plague. colleges; is bringing together the conglomerate races into a human fellow- T Rev. G. P. Knapp, of Turkey ship, and by imbuing them with a spirit HE death at Diarbekir, Asiatic Turof humanity is gradually undermining key, of Rev. George Perkuns Knapp, the caste barriers, which have hitherto a missionary of the American Board been one of the greatest obstacles in the for twenty-five years, occurred about way of true human civilization in India. August 10th, but was not known in Amer- ica until October 1St. Mr. Knapp had OBITUARY NOTES been stationed at Bitlis, which, on the withdrawal of the Turkish forces from The Rev. Dr. Thomas S. Barbour Van before the Russian advance, be- came one of the storm centers of the T HE REV. DR. THOMAS S. BAR- war. He was formerly stationed in BOUR, formerly Secretary of the Harput. American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, died suddenly at his summer home Many of the missionaries in the intein Stoddard, New Hampshire, on Sep- rior have not been heard from ciirectly tember 28th. Dr. Barbour was highly for two months. honored and much-beloved among Baptists and others who knew him, and was A Two Missionaries in Egypt an efficient missionary secretary. Dur- WOMAN of rare charm and ability ing the last years of his life he was at as a missionary "has recently laid work on a history of the American Bap- down her life in Egypt. Mrs. A. W. tist Foreign Missions. As head of the Pollock who with her husband, were foreign mission work of his denomina- missionaries of the United Presbyterian tion, he became prominent a few years Church, had burned out her life in serago as leader in the movement to put a vice on the mission boat Allegheny. stop to the atrocities in the Kongo. Dr. After thirteen years of devoted service, Barbour was a half-brother of the Rev. she was called Home after an operation Dr. Clarence A. Barbour, President of for appendicitis. the Rochester Theological Seminary. Rev. Thomas J. Finney, D.D., a mis- Anthony Comstock, of New York sionary in Eygt since 1882, has also re- T HE United States-and, in fact, the cently gone to his reward. Dr. Finney world-can never adequately ac- was editor of the Church papers in knowledge what its youth owe to An- Egypt and was a wise counsellor, a faiththony Comstock for the brave and in- ful friend and successful missionary of Christ.
1m II ttl!
: BOOKS ON MISSIONS AND ………….. ……….. ………./ S5ION LANDS .,…, ……………// 11 South America. Observations and Im- small, and it had not yet developed many pressions. By Hon. James Bryce, LL.D. of the problems and ramifications which 8vo. 611 pp. $2.50, net. The Macmillan now characterize it. The growth has Co. New edition. 1915. been so rapid during recent years that The approach of the Congress on to-day the foreign missionary movement is generally recognized as the vastest en- Christian Work in Latin America, to be terprise of modern Christianity, repreheld at Panama in February, 1916, and senting over 300 missionary societies, the renewed discussion of South Amer- about 25,000 able and highly trained forica which it has developed, justify our eign missionaries, 2,531 educational incalling fresh' attention to this valuable stitutions, ranging from kindergartens volume, which will be one of the great to universities, 1,616 hospitals, a staff of standard works on South America for native workers numbering 130,262, a many years to come. Americans do not communicant membership of 3,167,614, need to be told that the author is one of and a Christian constituency of 7,253,- the most competent men in the world to 836. estimate correctly the character and institutions of a country and people that This immense work is scattered all he studies. His two volumes on the over the non-Christian world, and it and American Commonwealth are the best its related problems are challenging the and wisest accounts of the United States attention of thoughtful men and women that have ever been written. This states- everywhere. The great task of writing man of wide experience, comprehensive the history of this splendid movement knowledge, and sympathetic mind, re- from the beginning down to the present cords in the best literary style his ob- time has been undertaken by Charles servations and impressions of South Henry Robinson, D.D., the well-known America, to which he has added excel- Honorary Canon of Ripon Cathedral, lent notes and maps. We earnestly hope England, and Editorial Secretary of the that not only the delegates to the Pan- Society for the Propagation of the Gosama Congress, but many ministers and pel of the Church of England. His book others in America, who can not attend indicates an almost incredible amount that Congress will read this book. of labor, and it presents a wealth and variety of information which makes it History of Christian Missions. By Rev. not only exceedingly useful but really Charles H. Robinson, D.D. 8vo. 533 indispensable to the missionary student. pp. $2.00. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1915. John Hus. The Martyr of Bohemia. By A good history of Christian missions, W. N. Schwarze, Ph.D. Illustrated. 12mo. 152 pp. 75 cents. Fleming H. Revell Co. comprehensive in scope and yet reason- 1915. . ably limited in size, is an exceedingly difficult book to write. The very fact The 500th anniversary of the martyrthat it is difficult is indicative of the magnitude which the modern missionary dom of John Hus was widely celebrated. enterprise has attained. A generation ago it was easy to write such a book, for He was a remarkable character, and missionary work was comparatively came of a remarkable people. The story of his life is stirring and full of lessons
for men of to-day. Hus was born in The Progress of Doctrine in the New 1369 in a small village in South Bohemia, and was well educated in the Testament. Considered in eight lectures leading university of the day. His student life, his interest in national ques- preached before the University of Oxtions, his work as a professor and preacher, his literary work, the contro- ford, being the "Bampton Lecture" of versies with the Church of Rome, his de- 1864. By ~homas Dehany Bernard, M.A. nunciation of religious abuses, his condemnation and martyrdom are all de- 12mo. xVI-223, Is., net. Pickering & scribed concisely but graphically and Inglis, Glasgow, 1915. with power. It is a story worth reading, and if it does not inspire to similar mar- Why Four Gospels? By F. D. Van Valtyrdom, it will at least awaken an admiration for this reformer who led the kenburg. Frontispiece. i2mo. 92 pp. revolt from Rome, and will inspire to 'a similar spirit of loyalty to God and His 50 cents. Pentecostal Publishing Co fruth, Louisville, Ky., 1915. ., Comrades in Service. By Margaret E. The Social Teachings of Jesus Christ. Burton. Illustrated. 12mo. 196 pp. 60 cents, net. (Paper, 40 cents.) Mission- A Manual for Bible Classes, Christian ary Education Movement, New York, 1915. Associations, Social StUdy Groups, etc. These brief biographies are unusually By W. Beatty Jennings, D,D. 16mo. 111 interesting stories of men and women pp. 50 cents, net. Fleming H. Revell who have achieved great success in ser- Co., New York, 1915. vice. They include some well-known names like D. L. Moody, Samuel Crow- A Life at its Best. (College Voluntary ther, Chundra Lela, Jacob Riis, and others less known but worthy of ac- SBtyudRy icChaorudrseHs,enSryecoEnddwaYrdesa ra-nPda rEt thI~)1 quaintance-such as J. A. Burns of Ken- Cutler. 16mo. 145 pp. 50 cents. National Board, Y. W. C. A., New York, 1915. The Maze of the Nations and the Way Out. By Gaius Glenn Atkins. 12mo.
128 pp. 75 cents, net. Fleming H. Revell Co., New York, 1915.
Millard Fillmore. Constructive States- man, Defender of the Constitution Presi- dent of the United States. By William Elliot Griffis, D,D., LH.D. 12mo. 159 pp. Paper, $1.25; cloth, $2.00, net. An- drus & Church, Ithaca, N. Y., 1915. The Credentials of the Cross. By North- cote Deck, M.B., Ch.M. 12mo. 133 pp. Morgan & Scott, Ltd. London, 1915.
Economic Aspects of the War. Neutral Rights, Belligerent Claims, and American Commerce in the Years 1914-1915. By Edwin J. Clapp. 8vo. xiv-340 pp. $1.50, net. Yale University Press, New Haven 1915. '
tucky, Kaji Yajima of Japan, Li Be Cu PAMPHLETS of China, and Frances Coppin, an The One Hundred and Third Annual Re- port of the American Board of Com- American negro. The lives are of varied missioners for Foreign Missions. To- gether with the Minutes of the Meeting interest-some relate to service in the held at Kansas City, Missouri, October 26-28, 1913. Illustrated. 259 pp. Pub- United States, and some abroad; some lished by the Board, Congregational House, Boston, 1915. ,had black skins and some white; some The One Hundred and Fourth Annual passed their days in comparative ob- Report of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. scurity and some in the limelight, but all Together with the Minutes of the Meet- ing held at Detroit, Michigan, October were Godly, hard-working, self-sacrific-, 13-16, 1914. Published by the Board, Congregational House, Boston, 1915. ing, and succeeded in the work they un- Five Hundred Thousand of a Hundred dertook. The life stories are inspiring Million. A Sketch of the Evangelistic Work of the Presbyterian Church in and make a valuable volume for young non-Christian lands, the third of a series of booklets published by the Presbyterian people. Board of Foreign Missions. The others in the senes deal with the educational NEW BOOKS and medical work of the Board. IlIus- trated. 87 pp. Board of Foreign Mis- Childhood in the Moslem World. By sions, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York, Samuel M. Zwemer, F.R.G.S. Illustrated. Bvo. 274 pp. $2.00, net. Fleming H. 1915. Revell Co., New York, 1915.
Protestant Missionary Directory of In- dia for 1915-1916. Compiled by Jas. In- glis. 12mo. xxx-242 1>P. Scottish Mis- sion Industries Co., Ltd., Ajmer, Raj- putana, India.
The Missionary Review of the World — November 1895
~be 1Reglecte~
(tontinent.
UAL NEEDS OF KEY TO TIlE BLACK MISSIONARY SOUTH AlIERICA MAP OF SOUTH AllERIC!. maybe Judged by the darkness Date of Founding this map. All cen- Wk. In S. America. tres where American 17'65. Moravian Missionary or European Protes- tant missionaries are Society (9). statioued are 1815. West IndIan Confer- shown by the white dots ence (Wesleyan) (11). numbered to 1821. London MIssionary refer to the Key. (The Society (12). boundaries of 1824. British and Foreign the fourteen States of Bible Society (14). South America are 1836. American Methodist Episcopal North (5). indicated m white, 1840. Plymouth Brethren (16). as also the principal 1844. South Americau Missionary Society (10). rivers.) 185.,). Dr. Kalley's Churches" Help for Brazil" (8). All parts printed 1856. American Presbyterian (North and South) (2 and 3). black are either Ro. 1:l61. Society for the Propa,ration of the Gospel (13). man Catholic, hea- 18M. American Bible Society (15). then,or uninhabited. 1875. American Methodist Episcopal, South (4). The population of 1879. Southern Baptist Convention (1). South America is 1880. Bishop 'raylor's Mission (7). estimated at 37,000,- 1889. American Episcopal (6). 000. Of tltese pmb- 1889. Salvation Army. ably le88 than 4,000,- OOOhave been t·eacheel FALKLAND I! by the Gospel, leaving 33,000,000 wholly un- ", evangelized. MISSIONARY REVIEW OF' THE WORLD.
VOL. XVIn. No. 11.-0ldSerie&.-NOVEMBER.-VOL. VIn. No.ll.-NBIII&riu.
THE MIRACLES OF MISSIONS.-XXV.
WHAT JOHN WILLIAMS SAW IN THE SOUTH SEAS.
BY THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.
Two specific predictions in the Old Testament seem specially to refer to missionary labor. One is this: "The isles shall wait for His law," which has been literally fulfilled in the South Sea archipelago.
John -Williams, who is most closely identified with this wonderful story of missionary heroism and success, is known as the "apostle of the South Seas." Born June 29th, 1796, and murdered at Dillon's Bay, Erromanga, November 20th, 1839, his life covers only fortythree years, but it abounds in proofs of the Divine interposition and wonde.r-working. At twenty years of age he offered himself to the London Missionary Society, and was sent to Eimeo, one of the Society Islands, whence he removed to Huaheine, and afterward to Raiatea, the largest of the group. After five years of apostolic success, he visited the Hervey Islands and founded a mission at Raratonga. Continuing to reside at Raiatea until he learned the language of the Society Islands, he then returned to Raratonga, where he prepared books and translated a portion of the Bible. In a vessel of his own building he conducted a four years' exploration of nearly the whole of the South Sea Archipelago, establishing the Samoan Mission. Then he spent four years in England-from 1834-38 -publishing his Raratonga Testament and his narrative of adventures in the South Seas, raising $20,000 for a new missionary ship, planning for a high school at Tahiti, and a theological school at Raratonga for the training of native missionaries j then returning with sixteen additional laborers, he visited Samoa, sailed for the New Hebrides to plan a new mission, and fell a martyr on the shores of Erromanga. Such is the outline of that marvellous life which we are now to trace, somewhat in detail, as a missionary career crowned with apostolic 'success and abounding in moral miracles.
Many islands in this archipelago are belted with coral rock from two t<l'
THE lIIRACLES OF mSSION!
twenty yards in width, against which the waves dash with terrific violence; they burst against this rocky bulwark, curling their foamy crests over the top of the reef, and spread in harmless vengeance upon its surface. What an apt symbol is this coral belt of the ramparts of superstition and idolatry which encompassed these islands! The moral darkness of the people was so deep that the idea of the true God had almost disappeared from their minds, and also the conception of the brotherhood of man, which is so akin to that of the Fatherhood of God. These ferocious savages were constantly engaged in desolating wars, and their cannibalism was but the crown of a system of iniquity, the like of which has seldom been found elsewhere. Even the printed page would blush to present a true picture of their licentiousness before the rays of Christian light touched and transformed them. It is a shame even to speak of those things which were done of them in secret.
Women were barbarously treated. Their condition was very low.
They were under the bondage of a Tabu system similar to that which pre- vailed in the Hawaiian Islands. They could not eat certain kinds of food, or live under the same roof with their tyrannical lords. Children were cruelly strung together by skewers, and old people pierced with javelins or beaten to death with clubs. There were among the people two captivities: one to the gods, and the other to the king's servants. The first rendered one liable to be offered up as a sacrifice; the other, to have his house entered, and to suffer the greatest depredations without even the right of remonstrance. Of course wars among such a people were very sanguinary. Female prisoners were generally put to death lest they should become mothers of warriors. Captive children, with spears passed through their ears, were borne in- triumph to the temples, and the skulls of other conquered foes were beaten in and their brains spread on bread-fruit leaves as an offering to the gods.
The mission work, which extended through twenty-two years, was, as has been hinted, a triumphal progress.
The Mauruans, who formerly attributed every evil that befell them to the anger of " evil spirits," learned to worship the true God, and pointed to demolished Maraes and mutilated idols as proofs of the great change. In some cases the spears used in warfare were converted into balustrades for pulpit stairs, and no vestige of idolatry remained. Oro, the war god, and other grim-looking wooden idols were degraded into props for the roof of cooking houses or wood sheds. It was a common thing for- the temples to be destroyed and the idols to be burned or surrendered to the missionaries as trophies. In Aitutaki not a single idolater remained, and a large chapel was built nearly two hundred feet in length. Recitations in the catechism, prayers to God, and grace at table displaced unsightly gestures and obscene songs. A people that eighteen months before had been the wildest Mr. Williams had ever seen had become mild, teachable, diligent, and kind. The rapidity and thoroughness of these changes have probably no parallel in all Christian history, and furnish a striking fulfillment of the prediction, "As soon as they hear of Me they shall obey Me j the strangers shall submit themselves unto Me" ( Ps. 18 : 45 j 2 Sam. 22 : 45).
A little more than a year after the discovery of Raratonga the whole population had renounced idolatry and were erecting a place of worship six hundred feet in length ; and at a meeting held, the chiefs from Aitutaki were the principal speakers. The means which God used made the work more astonishing. Two humble native teachers were the instruments of this wonderful change before a single missionary had set foot upon the island. And yet it. was at Raratonga that Mr. Williams, in 1827, met the greatest concourse he had seen since he left England; the people, walking in procession, dropped at his feet fourteen idols, the smallest of which was about five yards in length.
Mr. Williams drew up an elementary work, translated the Gospel of John and the Epistle to the Galatians, which were printed a few months later, and from that time the progress of the people distances all comparison. The manner in which the Raratongans spent thcir Sabbaths shames most other Christians : A preparatory prayer-meetillg at sunrise, conducted by themselves; a service of worship led by the missionary at nine O'clock, prior to which they met in classes of ten or twelve families each, distributing among themselves 1;he portions of the sermon which each individual should bring away, carefully noting the divisions of the discourse, and marking opposite to each the chapters or verses by which it was illustrated.
A code of Christian laws was adopted. The inhabitants had alwaYIil been systematic thieves, and before the introduction of Christianity their punishments were little more than acts of vengeance. The friends of the aggrieved party would take from the offender by force any article of value, destroy his trees and crops, break down his house, and sometimes murder the thief himself. Christianity brought with it a proper code of laws, with judges and juries, in place of this method of private revenge. Theft, trespass, Sabbath-breaking, rebellion, marriage, adultery, and "land-eat· ingt> or the forcible and unjust possession of another's land, were all regulated or restrained by law, and deliberate murder was punished with death. Plurality of wives became unlawful ; wedlock was honored with becoming ceremonies. The Raratongan women were completely transformed, even in outward appearance; they became more industrious, neat in person, modest in manners, faithful in their households, and helpful in all Christian work.
The chiefs themselves commonly led the way in the conversion of the people, and sometimes in the advocacy of the Gospel by public addresses. Knees bowed in prayer to God, and tongues were unloosed in supplication on islands which had never before known prayer to Jehovah. Sometimes the public destruction of idols was attended by vast crowds, and presided over by the chiefs in person, who disrobed the gods of their gaudy trap- pings and flung them into the fire. In some cases all the relics of idolatry were destroyed throughout an island in a few hours, and the erection of a place of worship for Jehovah immediately succeeded. When Tamatoa and his followers arrived at Opoa, a multitude met them on the beach, shouting welcome in the name of their gods, and expecting to receive war captives; but as the chief's canoe approached, a herald shouted back: " We have brought no victims slain in battle i we are all praying people and worship the true God i'! and holding up the books which the missionaries had written, cried : "These are the victims, the trophies with which we have returned."
Soon after the arrival of Tamatoa at Raiatea the inhabitants were told of the work of grace at Tahiti, and urged to yield to the Gospel, and about one third of them agreed to the proposal. Tamatoa shortly after being taken very iII, one of the Christians proposed to destroy Oro, the national idol, lest perhaps Jehovah might be angry with them for not having done this before. After consultation, a courageous band proceeded to the great Marae at Opoa, took the war god from his seat, tore off his robes, and fired his temple. The heathen party, determined to fight the Christians and destroy them, built a sort of wicker cage of cocoanut trunks and bread fruit trees in which to burn them alive. The Christian natives spent hours in praying and planning defense against the fury of these foes. Their attack upon the Christians was turned into a panic, for they were seized with consternation, and after a short resistance threw away their arms and fled for their lives. Instead of meeting with such barbafous treatment as they would have inflicted had they been the conquerors, they met at the hands of the Christians not only mercy but loving kindness. A feast was prepared at which nearly a hundred large pigs, baked whole, were served with bread fruit and other vegetables, and when these defeated heathen sat down to eat they were unable to swallow their food, so overwhelmed were they by the astonishing events of the day. One of them arose and said: "Let everyone act as he will i but, for my part, never again to my dying day will I worship the gods that could not protect Us in the hour of danger. Tho we were four times the number of the praying people, , with the greatest ease they have conquered us. Jehovah is the true God. Bad we been conquerors, they would now be burning in the house we made for the purpose i but, instead of injuring us or our wives or children, they have set for us this sumptuous feast. Theirs is a religion of mercy. I will go and join myself to this people."
Such was the effect of this address that everyone of the heathen party bowed his knees that very night in prayl31' to Jehovah, for the first time, and actually united with the Christians in returning thanks to God for the victory which had been accorded to those whom they had sought to destroy. The next morning, after prayers, all parties united in destroying every Marae in Tahua and Raiatea, so that in three days more no vestige of idol worship could be found in either island, tho at this time there was at neither of these islands any missionary !
A most affecting story is told of a spiritual beggar known as Buteve. There were six or eight stone seats, held in much veneration as connected with ancestors or great chiefs, and formed of two smooth stones, one serving as a seat and the other supporting the back; and here, in the cool of the day, would be found certain persons ready to chat with any passer-by. Mr. Williams noticed a man getting off one of these seats and walking upon his knees into the center of the " parent path," shouting, " Welcome, servant of God, who brought light into this dark island! To you we are indebted for the Word of Heaven." He asked this cripple what he knew about heaven, and found his answers so intelligent about Christ and His atonement, the future life, the approach to God in prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit, that he said: "Buteve, where did you obtain all this knowledge ~ I do not remember ever to have seen you where I have spoken ; and, besides, your hands and feet are eaten off by disease and you have to walk upon your knees." Buteve answered: "As the people return from the- service I sit by the wayside and beg for a bit of the Word; one gives me one piece and another another, and I gather them together in my heart, and thinking over what I thus obtain, and praying to God to make me know, I get to understand." _Thus a poor cripple, who had never once been in a place of worship, had picked up crumbs from the Lord's table and eagerly devoured them.
These natives, rapidly converted, became evangelists, and made tours of the islands to bring others to Christ, and sought to leave no heathen settlement unvisited and no idol remaining. They proved to be prayerful, zealous, and successful, faithful and singularly benevolent, so that their gifts averaged far beyond the gifts of members of Christian churches in the most favored lands in proportion to their ability.
Once, when Mr. Williams explained how English Christians raised money to send the Gospel to the heathen, the natives expressed regret at not having money to use in the same good work. He replied: "If you have no money, you have something that takes the place of money, sometaing to buy money with;" he then referred to the pigs that he had brought to the island on his first visit, and which now every family possessed; and suggested that every family should set apart a pig for cau8ing the Word of God to grow,. and when the ships came, sell the pigs for money. The natives eagerly followed the suggestion, and the next morning the squeaking of the pigs which were receiving the" mark of the Lord" in their ears was everywhere heard. On Mr. Williams's return to the island, the native treasurer put into his hands one hundred and three pounds, the product of these sales. It was the first money they had ever possessed, but every farthing was given to the cause of Christ.
At Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, and Mauke all these changes were due to 806 THE MlRAOLES OF MISSIONS. [November native missionaries, no European missionary ever having resided at either island.
The eagerness of the people to welcome missionaries probably has had no parallel. When Mr. Williams went to Savaii, he was met with extravagant joy, which the South Sea Islanders invariably show 9Y weeping. He learned that Malietoa, with his brother and the principal chiefs and nearly all the inhabitants of their settlement, had embraced Christianity and built a chapel holding seven hundred people, which was always full j and that, in the two large islands of Savaii and Upolu the Gospel had been introdu~ed into more than thirty villages, and the great body of the people were only awaiting Mr. Williams's arrival to renounce heathenism. When he met Malietoa, the chief remarked, " My heart's desire is to know the Word of Jehovah." In the afternoon Mr. Williams preached to not less than a thousand persons, and was followed by the chief himself, who urged all Savaii and Upolu to embrace this new religion, and pledged his whole soul to encircle the land with the Word of Jehovah j and when Mr. Williams proposed to return at once to his native country to bring back more missionaries, he replied, "Go with all speed j get all the missionaries you can, and come back as soon as you can j but many of us will be dead before you return." What pathos lay in that short plea!
The public renunciation of heathenism was often accompanied with most interesting ceremonies. For instance, every chief of note had his Etu-some species of bird, fish, or reptile iu which the spirit of his god was believed to reside-and the way to desecrate the Etu so that it could no longer be regarded as sacred was to cook and eat that in which the god was believed to dwell. For example, the Etu of one of the chiefs was an eel, and an eel was caught, cooked, and eaten, in order to evince his sincerity. Seeing that no harm came from such acts as these, like the inhabitants of ancient Malta, the spectators changed their minds' and said, " Jehovah is the true God."
In the museum of the London Missionary Society is a relic which Mr. Williams himself brought from the South Seas, and known as Papo. It was the god of war attached to the leader's canoe when he went forth to battle, and was held in great veneration, tho only a piece of old rotten matting about three yards long and four inches wide.
The apostle of the South Seas, in concluding his own narrative of these remarkable experiences, says that he was especially impressed with the rapidity of the work i whereas at Tahiti, fourteen or fifteen years of toil and anxiety passed before a single conversion; and at New Zealand the Church Missionary Society wrought for nearly twenty years before the natives showed any general desire to be taught j at the Navigators' Islands, in less than twenty months chapels were erected and the people clamoring for instruction.
,!he new religion was so highly esteemed by all classes and the desire for the missionaries was so intense that at many stations the people built places of worship, and, having prepared food on Saturday, came together at six o'clock on Sabbath morning, sitting for an hour in silence, and repeating this silent waiting on God a second and even a third timy during the day. Truly the isles did" wait for His law. "
When Mr. Williams first visited Raratonga, in 1823, he found them all heathens; when he left them, in 1834, they were all professed Christians; and, in the stead of idols and Maraes, were three spacious places of Christian worship, with an aggregate of six thousand attendants. He found them without a written language, and left them reading in their own tongue the wonderful works of God. He found them without a Sabbath, and when he left them there was no manner of work done on the Lord's day. He found them ignorant of the nature of true worship; he left them with family prayer every morning and evening in every house in the island ; and what was true of Raratonga was true of the whole Hervey group. In ten years' time a dark and bloody idolatry, with all its horrid rites, gave way to the triumphs of the Gospel. To the close of his life he witnessed one series of successes. Island after island and group after group were successively and rapidly brought under the influence of the Gospel, till no group or island of importance could be found within two thousand miles of Tahiti, in any direction, to which the good news had not been carried. When the late Bishop of Ripon laid down the story of Williams's missionary career he said: "I have been reading the twentyninth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles !" Surely those who feel no interest in the work of missions either have not the Spirit of Christ or are ignorant of the facts of missionary history.
Mr. Williams's death was the result, undoubtedly, of misapprehensions. Injuries received by the natives of Erromanga from the crew of a vessel which shortly before had landed there had irritated them, and the sight of foreigners awakened resentment. Mr. Williams, when approaching the shore, was struck with a club by one of the natives, then pierced with several arrows, and his body was drawn into the bush, and probably the greater part of it eaten by these cannibals.
In 1889, the fiftieth anniversary of John Williams's martyrdom, a monument to his memory was erected at Erromanga; and the man who laid its corner-stone was the son of that very savage who dealt. the deadly blow; while, at the same time, another son of this murderer and cannibal was preaching the Gospel in Australia !
THE IMPORTANCB OF FRONTIERS
THE IMPORTANCE OF FRONTIERS.
BY REV. W. G. PUDDEFOOT.
There is no question before the churches of America of greater importance than the home missionary work on our frontiers. In proportion as we attend to the work at the front, every benevolent society goes forward, or stands, or retrogrades. Had the churches kept pace with the growth of the frontiers there would not only have been an abundance of men for the foreign field, but no lack of money to have sent them.
The great mass of church-members have the most vague idea about the frontiers. The time was when the frontier was well defined, and was supposed to have settled about twelve miles from Boston. After a long period it stretched away into Western Massachusetts, and then the churches of Massachusetts and Connecticut began to think of missions to the heathen in America.
Within a generation men have proposed calling a conference in Ryracnse "the northwestern," but an old gentleman hinted that it might be possible that conferences would yet be held farther north and west, and the name become a misnomer. Within the last twenty-five years the frontier has seemed to recede as fast as does the horizon as the traveler walks toward it, and to-day men are heard saying, "We have no frontier j all the land is taken j" but the real facts are, we have more frontiers than ever, and there is much land to be possessed.
The land is settled in spots, and each new settlement sees new frontiers to be conquered. Where the fathers had a well-marked frontier, the sons have four, and, paradoxical as it may seem, our frontiers are in the interior.
One of the great obstacles for successful evangelizing of the land is the fact that 70,000,000 are scattered over a field that can support 1,000,000,000. Settlements are constantly formed that grow into great cities with all the luxuries of modern life, and yet within a few miles the wilderness spreads out in all directions, growing wilder as it recedes until it begins to meet the next center of civilization, and this in hundreds of cases.
In the beginning of this century Detroit was the largest and most important city west of Albany. There was no Buffalo, but a place called Buffalo Creek j and long before Chicago was started men were doing business at Sault Ste. Marie and at Sugar Island. I sat at breakfast a short time ago with Dr. Bacon, whose father was the first white boy born in Detroit.
Detroit was a stockade fort j most of its popUlation composed of English traders, half-breed French Canadians, and Indians. Before that boy died, Michigan had a popUlation of nearly 2,000,000, and the country over 50,000,000. The frontier of to-day is in many instances as it was in Peter Cartwright's time. There are large settlements twenty years old that saw the first buggy last year, and where the minister needs to go armed, on ac- count of the wild beasts he lllay meet coming and going from his church services.
Maine is a frontier State with much land to be possessed. Alabama and Georgia have millions of acres of virgin soil and primeval forest yet to be settled. Some States such as the Dakotas were settled at the rate of a thousand miles a day north and south, and three miles westward for some time, while the five settlements in Oklahoma were en masse " yet rapid as were these developments, the great Northwest was faster. Texas yearly has It gulf stream 70,000 strong pouring in upon her. One part of the country will have 70 per cent. Scandinavian, another almost 80 per cent. German, while still another is Russian. On the frontiers in New Mexico and Arizona we have old Spain and Protestant churches, often seventy and a hundred miles apart. County after county is without a church, so that to-day we have towns, villages, and hamlets by the thousands without a church.
To take the number of church sittings and the popUlation of the country, and show how everyone can go to church on Sunday may be very comforting to people that do not think. Hundreds of thousands could not get to church were they to start with a fast horse and ride all day, while thousands are born, grow up, and die without once hearing a sermon. There is no civilized land on earth to-day in the condition of ours in regard to church privileges, and where crime of a serious nature has made such rapid growth.
The Superintendent of Home Missions in Canada wrote to me in answer to my question as to the number of unchurched towns in the Dominion of Canada: "Not one that he knew of had not some church," was his reply. Canada, with her 5,000,000, had eleven murders last year. We had reported through the Chicago Tribune, which makes a specialty of these statistics, 9800 homicides. Life is cheap on the frontier; and, apart from violence, the poor settler often literally dies for those who come after him. The loneliness of the women especially on the great ranches and prairie farms often leads to insanity and early death. Thonsands of our city roughs to-day were born and raised in the outposts of civilization where no Gospel privileges exist.
Last winter I had a letter from a friend who keeps a reading-room in the Rocky Mountains. One day a bundle of papers was sent out by a freighter to leave at the lonely homes on the ranches. A letter came back from one poor woman, saying the reading had saved her from suicide. Another man, writing to me, says: "I am building a church in His name -the first in 9000 square miles. Very little money in this region; one of my members does all her sewing with thread that she gets from the cotton flour sacks. A man who had managed to get a little wool geared his grindstone so as to spin it, and is making stockings on his grindstone. This man gave us eight days' labor for the church." Little as the peopIe care for the Church under ordinary circumstances, when dcath co~es they like to have a minister. Let me give you a recent case. The man has traveled 25 miles. His horse is bespattered with mud. There are no bridges, the roads are mere trails. He pleads with the missionary to go with him. The missionary is an invalid. He asks, "How can I go 1" " I have brought a thick strap, and I will buckle it around my waist, and you can hold on, and I will ride slow over the bad places and through the rivers. We ain't quite heathens, but we are pretty near. I won't ask you to say much; just read a bit and make a prayer," and away goes our missionary to carry the consolation of God to this stricken family. Thewife and mother is dead. The grown-up children are weeping around the coffin. For the first time they hear the words: "Let not your heart be troubled," and beside the grave the triumphant questions and auswer of St. Paul : " 0 death, where is thy sting ~ 0 grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord." They want to know more, and beg for the missionary to stay and tell them about it. Back in the little cabin is the missionary's wife. She has gathered a class, and they are going to have a Christmas tre3. Some of them have never heard of such a thing.
One young woman wants to know whether there is any connection between Christ and Christmas Day. "Why, we keep Christmas Day to commemorate His birth." " Yes ; but there never was any Christ, was there 1" ""Vhere were you born, dear 1" "Here in this State ;" and then for the first time she hears the story of redeeming love. Had this happened in China or Japan we should not think it strange; but here in America, where there are over 21,000,000 church-members, with millions of dollars to spare and a country to save, it seems strange indeed. Within a month I have seen people on the frontier who had already been to church on a week day driving ten miles to Ilcar the Gospel again that night. On Sunday many came twenty -miles, some attended three services. In a hundred different places you can find the people ready to put out chairs and furniture to make room for a service in the house, so crowded that they cannot sit down. Women and men weep as they hear the old hymns, and beg the minister to come again. Like the exiles by the rivers of Babylon, they wept when they remembered Zion.
The poverty in the new settlements is almost past belief. They often pay 3 per cent. per month intereet. In hundreds of homes there is nothing to eat but flour and a little milk. Fresh meat is a luxury not thought of. It is in the great farming districts of the frontier where the most good can be done, and often where it is most neglected. The towns and villages Qf the newer parts are in a constant state of flux. In the great lumber regions, where there are tens of thousands of men, scarcely anything has been done for their spiritual welfare.
The miners, too, are shifting people, and live too often where vice of every kind-is made alluring, and the Church too feeble to cope with it, or not there at all. In the Southwest we have over 400,000 Mexicans speaking the Spanish language, ignorant, superstitious, and mostly left to themselves. Utah is another great field white for the harvest; indeed, there is not a Western State or Territory to-day that could not profitably employ from two to three hundred missionaries, and not one of them need build on another man's foundation.
It is true that eight new churches are built and dedicated every day in the year, while one thousand new post-offices are added yearly j but many of these churches are built where they are not needed; they are built too often to preach an " ism," and not the Gospel. The Church has property valued at $670,000,000, but the added wealth of the nation is more than that daily. And grand as are the proportions of the Church's growth and her riches, it still remains true that there are more places to-day upon the frontiers without a church than at any previous time in our history. Churches expend thousands on decorations, thousands for music for hundreds they give to missions. It costs more to run an average city church than the denomination to which it belongs gives for the support of missions in a great State. There is not a great denomination in our land but has members whose incomes are more than the amount given by its entire membership for missions.
Five hundred thousand dollars for wedding presents to a couple that don't need them, and 500,000 church-members can't raise as much in their love for Jesus for home missions! In looking over the gifts of the churches fifty years ago the amount seems small compared with the great aggregates of to-day; but when compared with our ability, we don't give as much with all our array of figures. Meanwhile, the missionary has to pay the deficiency out of his meager salary, or, what is often ha~der for him to do, drop his work or be kept from the growing fields that invite him.
Take the brightest view that we can, pile up the gifts to home and foreign missions, add all the expenses of the churches for all departments, add $34,000,000 for gifts this year to colleges, and then remember that two cents per day from every church-member in the United States would come to more than the whole amount and leave millions to spare.
The frontiers of any country are its weakest places morally, and its most dangerous characters are there. This is true on the borders of old countries, much more so of ours. When the great denominations get enough of Christ-Spirit in them to rejoice when anyone of them raises His standard in a new town, and say with Abraham: "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, for we be brethren," then new light will break out over the frontiers ; but so long as we see new churches being erected in New England in towns of 1200 inhabitants, where there are five or six already, just so long will the frontiers cry in vain for us to come over and help them; and until Christians give their Lord's cause at least as much as they spend on luxuries, we shall be paying out, as we now do,
BRAZIL THROUGH AN EVANGELIST'S EYE
four times as much to care for the criminal as we do for his reformation. But once let the church-members of the land rise to the sublime sacrifice of two cents a day for Christ, and then " will the wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose j" but that time will not come until the man in the pulpit is at least interested enough in missions to take one annual collection for them.
BRAZIL THROUGH AN EVANGELIST'S EYE.
BY REV. D. G. ARMSTRONG.
The humble parentage of great events is one of the surprises of his- tory. The cackling of geese saved Rome. A vagrant spark has wrapped many a beautiful city in flames. A pebble from the brook delivered Israel from the Philistines. A storm of wind dispersed the Spanish armada and saved Protestant England from papal dominion. A cordite cartridge went whistling to the heart of a recent liberal ministry. The history of Brazil also furnishes a notable instance of this connection of great issues with trivial circumstances. In the year 1567, on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Rio de Janeiro, where now stands the large and important city of the same name, an insignificant battle was fought whose issue was fraught with mOllientous consequences. It was the battle· between the Roman Catholic Portuguese and the French Protestant Huguenots. For some time after the discovery of Brazil by a Portuguese navigator little was done toward its occupation and colonization. About the middle of the sixteenth century the Huguenots of France, whose religious convictions had b~ought them into disfavor with their crown and countrymen, conceived the plan of establishing a colony on this vast unexplored continent, where they should have freedom to worship God. Admiral Coligny favored their plan and aided them by providing ships and soldiers. The colonists established themselves, first on the little island of Villegagnon, in the bay of Rio, and thence went across to the neighboring mainland. They succeeded in winning the confidence of the natives, and, in spite of many internal dissensi.ons, were obtaining a firm foothold in this new territory. But at this juncture the Portuguese, who had meanwhile planted a colony farther up the coast, incited by envy and by Jesuit priests, began a war of conquest and extermination. They attacked first the French fortifications and drove the colonists to the mainland, where, in the short, sharp, bloody encounter just referred to, the French were defeated, and the hope of Protestantism perished on the South American continent until revived by the arrival of Christian missionaries less than half a century ago. An insignificant battle, followed by three centuries of Romanisma result of awful significance to Brazil and South America! Sappose the issue had been decided differently! What room for speculation upon this acorn of possibilities, like the historical acorns imbedded in the careers of Gustavus Adolphus and Napoleon Bonaparte! Certainly the destiny of Europe would have been changed had these two important struggles issued differently. What might the outline of Brazilian history have been had the event of this first battle left the tracing pencil in Protestant instead of papal hands! Have we no right to believe that a country so vast in extent, so accessible and resourceful, with a soil so rich and productive, a landscape so varied and beautiful, and inhabited by a people not sparingly endowed with natural gifts, might have attained to a higher place among the world powers, and discharged a nobler mission had she not been dwarfed and blighted and cursed by the Romish Church ~ Professor Agassiz, in his very interesting book on the fauna and .flora of Brazil, . ~rites as follows: "There is much that is discouraging in the aspect of Brazil, even for those who hope and believe, as I do, that she has before her an honorable and powerful career. There is much, also, that is very cheering, that leads me to believe that her life as a nation will not belie her great gifts as a country. Should her moral and intellectual endowments grow into harmony with her wonderful natural beauty and wealth, the world will not have seen a fairer land." Why this want of harmony between nature and man, between man and his Maker, between possibilities and actualities ~ Nay more; why a want of harmony with her sister nation, the great republic of North America, in development, in social and moral progress ~ The shores of both are washed by the same ocean, both have received lavish blessings from a kind Providence, and both entered the arena of history about the same time. Why, then, this disharmony in destiny and development ~ The only satisfactory answer is that one was committed to Protestants and the other to Romanists. Three centuries of Romanism, and to-day-what 1 Irreverence; no Bible, no Sabbath; religion and morality divorced.
The reader will observe that we are concerned in this article not with Romanism in her ideal form as exhibited in the life and teachings of some distinguished prelate, nor even as modified and held in check by close contact with a dominant Protestantism, but with Romanism pure and simple, where her sway has beeu undisputed for centuries and no restraint has been laid upon her influence over the people in molding and directing the social and moral life of the nation. We dare not enter here upon the exposition of the gigantic social evils that exist in Brazil, for which the gross and notorious immoralities of the priesthood are largely responsible. We shall here be concerned with a practical consideration of Brazil's religious condition as revealed in some general characteristics.
Irreverence? Can the gentle reader imagine what name one of the States of Brazil bears ~ A glance at the map will show Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit). Many a town in the interior of the country has the same name. One can imagine the holy horror with which the missionary-1tears the brakeman on the train call out, " Next station, Holy Spirit." Ask a friend how he is, and he answers, "Very well, grapas a Deus" (thank God). Speak to an old negro in passing, and he responds, " Sao Ohristo"-i.e., " May you have the blessing of St. Christ," thus revealing his theology in his salutatiou, as in his ignorance he means to classify Christ along with St. Paul, or St. Patrick, or any other saint of the Roman calendar. One hears frequently a gambler, after a night at the gaming table, remark th&t he has been very successful, "grafas a ])eus" (thank God). The object worthy of true reverence, God, with His titles and attributes, is treated in a light, thoughtless manner, while one frequently sees the men on a street car take off their hats as the car passes a Romish church, whose chief claim to sanctity is its being the receptacle of the wafer and images of Christ, the Virgin, and certain saints. Hence a prime nece8sity i8 to awaken the consciences of the people to the awful majesty of the Divine name and the guiltiness of him who, willfully or thoughtlessly, in pleasantry or in passion, takes that name in vain.
No Bible.2 Yes, it is strictly true that the people in general have not the Word of God, except, of course, where and since its circulation has been effected by our Protestant Bible societies, the American and English both having representatives in Brazil. The Bible is a prohibited book; the people are told by their priests that reading it will have an injurious effect in unsettling their minds and raising doubts as to matters that should be accepted without question because taught by Mother Church and Father Confessor. It is often distressing to hear the people contend for their religion with sophistries drawn from human experience and Romish books, without a single reference to the Word of God. The priests have tried to forestall the sale of the Bible by circulating the malicious slander that the Protestant Bible is a falsified book, notwithstanding the translation commonly used by the missionaries was made by a Romish priest and differs only in minor details from another translation that has the sanction of Pope Pius IX. But, in spite of this opposition, the good seed of the word is being scattered broadcast over the land, and from time to time springB"up in some thrilling instance of conversion to testify that the labor is not in vain. I recall going once to a town where, on account of the bitter opposition, I could not obtain 'a house for a public meeting. Content to mingle with the people in private intercourse, I at last sold a Bible and several books treating of religious subjects. On my return to this place some weeks later, one of the young men who had purchased the Christian literature had meanwhile been made chief of police, and through his help and protection I obtained a house and held in safety a public meeting that wa~ well attended. Brazil's great need is not the schoolhouse, advancement in the arts of modern civilization, and such like, but the Bible, to teach her that "the soul of all improvement is the improvement of the soul."
No Sabbath? True, in many of the large cities, like Rio and Sao Paulo, all the chief stores are closed and many of the wheels of business are stopped on Sunday j but this is not due to any religious motive or any recognition of man's moral obligation to keep the Sabbath. It is due only to the force of circumstances. The clerks and operatives combined and demanded of their employers one day in seven for rest and recreation, and the employers were forced to yield. But instead of spending their forced leisure in the refreshment of mind and body, both employers and employed while away the day in dissipation and pleasure, attending the theater and race-course, and perhaps walking through the streets in some idolatrous procession headed by Romish priests, thus ending the day more jaded than if it had been spent in the routine of business, and ill prepared for the week's labor. In the interior towns there is literally no Sabbath, not even a suspension of business. All the stores are open, and trade is generally more brisk than on any day during the week, as the people from the country come in, avowedly to mass, but always take special care to bring their wares and produce along with them and to do the week's trading. If there is to be a dance or a concert of any kind, Sunday night is generally chosen. At the celebration of the mass, no religious instruction is imparted, tho sometimes a distinguished priest will avail himself of this occasion to discuss a current topic of interest. The presence of a few Protestants in his neighborhood is also very likely to furnish a priest with " juicy matter for homiletical exploitation." The Sunday of worship and religious instruction is still a desideratum for Brazil except where Protestant influence has introduced it. The effect upon the nation, both morally and socially, of this failure to observe a day of rest and worship is incalculable, for, as Mr. Guizot well says, "Social stability requires character; character requires religion ; religion requires worship ; and worship requires a Sabbath." Edmund Burke ascribed the horrors of the French Revolution to the abolition of the Sabbath by the French Government. The overtaxed nerves and overworked brains of that high,strung, hot. blooded people plunged them into an unparalleled abyss of cruelty and excess. It is doubtless due only to the Brazilian's constitutional indisposition to haste, to doing to-day what may possibly be postponed till to-mor· row, that has prevented through all these years It similar uprising of his overtaxed nerves and brains.
Religion and morality divorced? This is a very grave charge; is it a just one? Let us see. It is very common to meet people who enjoy the reputation of being very religious. They go to mass regularly, take part in all the processions, are well versed in the peculiar doctrines of the Romish Church, contribute their money liberally, help the poor, and, in short, display an unusual religious zeal. Does it follow that they are likewise very moral and upright? Perhaps a business transaction would be a conclusive answer, as one is likely to carry away the impression that he has the worst of the bargain. Take, for example, the priests, who are very attentive generally to their round of religious ceremonies and duties, but whose lives are grossly and notoriously immoral. Many of them make no secret of keeping paramours in their homes, and their shameless inter· course with the women is a common subject of remark. On one occasion, while I was engaged in preaching to the people, an assault was made on my life by a band of drunken ruffians, led by the priest of the village, who had given them liquor from his own shop with which to incite them to this deed of violence. It frequently happens that, where Romish influence is particularly strong, a whole community will be set against the Protestants, whose lives are without reproach and who are seeking only to do good, while in this very place the same influence has exalted the most immoral men to the highest positions in Church and State. Many a time has the priest spent the time allotted for his discourse in abusing the few humble, harmless Christians worshiping quietly in another part of the town, tho he had not a word of censure or warning for the notorious sinners before him, who doubtless were the chief supporters of his church. We have here an explanation of the singular fact that in those papal lands where Romanism seems to have the strongest hold in the affection and devotion of the people the proportion of crime is greater than in Protestant countries. For example, the rate of illegitimate births in London is 4 per cent. ; but in Paris it is 33 per cent. ; in Brussels, 35 per cent. j in Munich, 48 per cent. ; in Vienna, 51 per cent. Religion and morality in the Romish system may meet and embrace each other in a given individual-the probability is they will not. I do not affirm that the papal Church in Brazil, any more than Ellsewhere, openly makes light of good morals and a holy life, or formally rejects the fundamental truths of God's Word. No, she dare not do this ani still seek to palm herself off as the Christian religion. Just here we find the difficulty that causes so many to hesitate in condemning as apostate a Church that makes such high pretensions, claiming apostolic sanction, appealing to her many charities, and citing the lives and teachings of many eminent saints within her communion. Can a church with such a record and with so many professions of attachment to Christ and His religion be false and apostate ~ The proper way to deal with such objections and to consider the Church of Rome is to examine not her ostensible, but her real nature; not her professions, but her practices; and thus looking beneath the surface, to find if, under a profession of Christianity, there is not something in doctrine or practice that in effect makes void the Christian truth and life. Applying this test that searches the real character of Romanism and is not baffled or diverted by her ostensible nature, the arrogant pretensions and great swelling words of vanity, we are bound to believe that she has actually made a mock of virtue and put a premium upon vice j and instead of operating as the light of the world, and making herself felt throughout the earth as a preserving salt, she has, on the contrary, corrupted it by the teaching of errors, the sanctification of abuses, and the hatred and scorn exhibited toward the faith and purity of the saints. Coleridge, who was himself a Romanist, has left this remarkable testimony : "When I contemplate the whole system as it affects the great fundamental principles of morality, the terra finna, as it were, of our humanity i then trace its operation on the sources and conditions of national strength and well- being ; and lastly consider its woeful influences on the innocence and sanc- tity of the female mind and imagination, on the faith and happiness, the gentle fragrancy and unnoticed, ever-present verdure of domestic life, I can with difficulty avoid applying to it what the Rabbins fable of the fratricide Cain, after the curse : that .the firm earth trembled wherever he strode, and the grass turned black beneath his feet" (Shedd's edition of Coleridge, vol. vi., p. 103).
From these general features of Brazil's religious condition I turn now to call attention to several obstacles one encounters in the practical work of evangelization.
I mention, first, family and national pride. The traditions of the past, social and political as well as religious, are connected with the Romish Church. Hence many of the oldest and most aristocratic families are un- willing to sever their connection with that which has become sacred and venerable with age. There is to-day many a man in the Romish Church of Brazil solely because his father was there. This pride has deluded many into the belief that the Church herself is all right, and that the undeniable corruptions are the work of the clergy. The literal meaning of this is that.we will hold on to our Church at any hazard! Another obstacle is the system 'of spon8ors, by which nearly the whole population, of towns and districts is bound together in a network of artificial ties. A child at its baptism has sponsors along with its natural parents. At marriage. other sponsors are appointed. Thus, these numerous ties, supplementary to those of consanguinity and affinity, bind each man and each family so closely to nearly every other man and family of the neighborhood that oftentimes those who would otherwise attend the Protestant services are kept away by the fear of giving offense to some one of their numerous connection, who, perchance, is a strong Romanist. The Church of Rome has gone to the spider and has proved no sluggard in learning his ways.
The other obstacle I wish to mention is a prevalent infidelity, found not only in Brazil, but in all Romish countries. The human mind at last revolts against the slavery, the mass of absurdities and superstitions, and the frightful abuses and immoralities, as well as the preposterous dogmas of the Romish system, and unfortunately, tho naturally, rushes to the other extreme of infidelity, skepticism, and atheism. As a distinguished theologian has said : "By a fatality of error which seems to be characteristic of this grand apostasy, the Church of Rome is at once the patron of atheism and the parent of superstition." In the rebound from religious shams and a galling bondage the mind will not brook restraint, but converts its liberty into license and rushes headlong into wild excesses, forgetful of its own limitations and necessities, seeking rest in its own speculations and in the deductions of an impotent philosophy. Confounding two things so dissimilar as the Church of Rome and the Christianity of the New Testament, these free-thinkers indisciminately denounce both. They treat with contempt any effort to bring them under the power of a religion that bears the faintest resemblance to that from which they have just escaped. Hence the great disadvantage one labors under in papal lands from the verbal and apparent similarity between Rome and Christ, between the vital organism of Christian truth and that which is an empty shell, without the informing spirit and power of godliness. An apostate Ohristianity is Satan's masterpiece!
The question is sometimes asked: "Well, with what success do you meet in your work ?" "Are you making any impression upon the people and gathering, many converts 1" Only the careful observer who has lived in Brazil for some years and can look beneath the surface at the undercurrents of thought and action is competent to answer properly such questions. The cursory traveler would be impressed with the crowds that accompany the religious processions on feast days and throng the churches on the occasion of some imposing ceremony, and he would be surprised at the comparatively small Protestant congregations. Thus, he might at once infer that Romanism was still overwhelmingly triumphant. But a longer experience and a more intimate acquaintance with the people would disclose the fact that a large proportion of those who attend the processions and the churches are infidels and free-thinkers, entirely out of sympathy with the priests and their religIOn. They are willing t{) be found in such company for the excitement and pleasure. One never sees in Brazil the harmless social diversions and sports that form so attractive a feature of American and English life and act as the safety. valve of society; and as edncational and literary facilities are very limited, life would be dre~rily monotonous were it not for the constantly recurring feast days and the elaborately arranged processions and church ceremonies. These break the routine of business and serve to divert the minds of the people. The Church engages to provide amusement, and, in fact, has so entwined herself with the civil, social, and domestic customs and life of the people that the civilization of a Romish country gravitates about the Church and is regulated and controlled by her shaping, powerful hand. Hence, if one could analyze the crowds in the processions or at the festivals, he would be surprised to find how few are devout Romanists and how many are merely seeking excitement and pleasure and the society of the women who, attired in their prettiest costumes, are always present in large numbers. I should also add that many break with the Church as the dispenser of religion who are unwilling to avow openly their alienation, and thus expose themselves to an inevitable" boycott" and lose their means of livelihood. From this exposition of the Church's seeming popularity some idea may be formed of what it costs a humble man or woman to come out boldly on the Lord's side-the setting aside of cherished tradition, the endurance of social ostracism by friends and relatives, and the sacrifice of business interests and prospects. When we add the claims of the papacy to be the true
BEFOBHS IN CHINA
Church of Christ, and the plausible sophistries by which she seeks to support her pretensions, we readily perceive how loth men will be to run counter to their customs and prejudices and embrace a new doctrine and order. To dislodge Romanism from the carnal heart of man, which she can allure so well with her seductions, and where she has entrenched herself so strongly, is a slow and most difficult task-one that can be accomplished only by patience, tact, and persevering prayer. But, thank God, the Saviour already has His blood-bought trophies in Brazil, and they are numbered by the thousands! So far as I can judge, the evangelistic outlook is brighter and more encouraging now than it has ever been.
Is there not a lesson for us Americans and for the world in the fact that an overruling Providence allotted Brazil to the papal Church, and the United States of North America to the Protestant ~ These Western continents appeared above the horizon about the time Protestantism was born in the throes of the great Reformation, when the papal power was supreme and possessed of the fairest of earthly regions. At this juncture the two contending systems were transplanted to the virgin soil of the New World to work out their respective destinies and exhibit their respective natures and tendencies untrammeled by the prejudices and pre-existing institutions of the Old World. Three centuries have rolled by. In our free and glorious republic we have the product of Protestantism j in Brazil we see the fruit of Romanism! "By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ~ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit j but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. " With this unmistakable and Divine object-lesson before our eyes, when Rome has the preposterous audacity to invite us, with soft words and arrogant pretensions, to seek rest and the solution of all our problems within her bosom, shall we go ~ God forbid !
REFORMS IN CHINA.
BY REV. GILBERT REID, CHINAN FU, CffiNA.
For months the eyes of the whole civilized world have been turned to the two nations of the Orient, Japan and China, with augmented glory to the former and shame to the latter. To the Christian what is of more importance is the increased volume of prayer which has ascended to the Sovereign over all-more, if anything, for China than Japan-because of the weakness and peril in which the former has been placed. More than ever could Christians in China thrill with hope when they think of this power coming to their aid. But will China learn from these lessons and begin to reform ~ Will she, as well as the missionary, look up to the true God and throw aside her errors, evils, and misfortunes f We dare not
REFORMS IIi CBIl'I'A
prophesy, but we believe that these are d!lYs of providential interposition, hastening on the coming of the kingdom.
One thing we may safely do, and that is to examine calmly the ques- tion of the reforms in China, for which intelligent men are looking with dubiousness or wonderment. While ranking personal conversion supreme, I now deal with reform just as it receives attention at home.
First, then, let us notice the reforms which are needed. In China, both among foreigners and Chinese, there are two conceptions of reform. One class is inclined to emphasize material reform j the other, moral re- form. One class dreams longingly for more wealth j the other for more honesty. One class advocates a stronger navy and army, trained according to the Occident, railroads, mills and factories, new roads, mines, and currency, increased trade and commerce j the other class, beginning with virtue, would eradicate the present peculations and corruption, adopt a better judicial system, establish schools and universities, bring in new professions, advance religious instruction, and then, subordinate to all, encourage every factor of material growth.
Of these two classes we emphatically plead for the second. Better the old conservative civilization, slow and heavy, with the ever-increasing opportunity for missionary ingrafting, than a new civilization wherein military glory is sought and military defense made supreme. Better the quiet workings of the leaven of Christianity, as seen the last thirty years, than a feverish ambition for wealth, with the increased development of the already existing mercenary proclivities of the people.
No j reform in China, as in Paris, London, Chicago, or New York, means the destruction ji"lJt of vice, dishonesty, fraud, and lawlessness. Without this starting-point I dare not hope for any permanent improvement as a result of the war. The overruling power of God must surely be for things moral, spiritual, and divine, and without an overruling power of God I for one look for no blessing from this needless unjustifiable slaughter of life and waste of money. It -was only the other day that the British minister, himself a Roman Catholic, remarked to me : "China, first of all, must learn honesty and adopt honest methods. "
In true reforms, then, and with a correct mutual inter-relationship, we specify the following: 1. A change of official custom, so that bribery and extortion would be forbidden, and wherein every officer, high and low, would have a definite and increased salary, beyond which no one should step with safety. 2. The establishment by the government all over the land of schools for teaching Western branches and for emphasizing ethics as one of the branches, and the resuscitation of the educational commission for sending young men to be trained abroad. 3. Change in the laws of the land, the opportunity for appeal without the necessity for bribery, the removal of the custom of extorting confessions by means of cruelty, and the gradual establishment of a respected profession of barristers acquainted both with Chinese and foreign law. 4. 'the extension of religious toleration, so that a man could hold office without any religious re- quirement. 5. Along with all these, I would favor the material improvement-hardly to be called reforms-such as railroads, mining, improved agriculture, factories, and, if necessary, a navy and army. Moral first and material second.
Secondly, we are to consider who are the Chinese to initiate and favor these reforms. The American, living amid republic institutions, is apt to look to the creation of popular sentiment. This, to be sure, is an aid in China not to be despised. The people have a voice, even tho the system of government be monarchical. Of the two great Chinese philosophers, Confucius and Mencius, the former emphasized the power and duties of the ruler, while the latter the right of the people. To initiate anything pertaining to the country, the all-important factor is the ruling classes. Others may bring pressure to bear, even to the point of revolution j but the men in power, and placed there by the decree of God, are the responsible agents to be moved. They, so far as China is concerned, are the ones to start reforms. H they are corrupt, as most people suppose, they mnst begin with themselves. Hence the first moral reform which we have indicated is that pertaining to the officialdom. With this unchanged, the country will be unchanged.
H reforms a century and more ago could take place in British officialdom, why may it not come to-day in China ~ An a priori argument, however, is not enough. China can't be studied by analogy.
Looking at the leading men in China to-day-and if reforms come, they must probably come through such-we mention certain names and make certain specifications.
First of all, the name which occurs to all is that of the Grand Secretary and Viceroy, Li Hung Chang. He has been for years conspicuous for his progressiveness. He was the one who advocated the navy, a railroad, the telegraph, and Western medical science. All save the last are in the line of material expansion, and this has been about the proportion of material and moral reform in his own mind. While thus extolled as the man of progress, he has had around him a herd of corrupt officials. He has never sought to rid the nation of this corruption, but has himself amassed wealth. His conscience has never been equal to his brains. Hence his foes and the mass of the censors have denounced him and all his satellites as rolling in corruption and bringing ruin to the country. In talking with a foreigner who has been with him for years, and expressing my fear that the changes which Li would bring if he should succeed in making peace would only tend to augment the corruption, his reply was, "Li has learned much of late, and knows pretty well the men ~round him j he will not allow such corruption again, but will make real changes. "
A rival of Viceroy Li in the provinces is the viceroy now located at Nanking, Chang Chih-tung. For years he was regarded as anti-foreign, while seeing the necessity of foreign inventions. Some two years ago, when visiting the city where he was then a viceroYt I learned that he had not yet received the American consul, altho he was at the same time building a massive foundry and cotton-mill. As for moral reforms, he has always been regarded as personally incorruptible, but never exerting himself to check it in his subordinates. Since the war he has shown greater friendliness to foreigners as such, and might almost be called more pro-foreign than his former rival, and more opposed to corruption. Aside from his visionary and somewhat fickle disposition, he may be put down as one of China's reformers. In all this Rev. Timothy Richard has exerted an influence for more than fifteen years.
The rival of Viceroy Li in the counsels of the court has been the imperial tutor, President of the Board of Revenue, and now member of the Grand Council, Wung Tung-ho. In point of Chinese scholarship he ranks ahead of even the other two. He has been opposed to the railroad and to spending money on an army and navy. He has. been, hence, the great anti-foreign leader. At the same time, he has been a man of upright habi.ts, not working for money, and anxious to see the government rid of its existing peculations. Largely through him edict after edict rang forth through the winter against the corrupt military officers, as well as against Li. He was head of the war party, because he believed the attack and inroads of Japan were unjust. As for being anti-foreign, I may say that, when I saw him in my first interview in early March, I was never treated with more courtesy, this distinguished official dressing himself in his robes and escorting me on my departure clear from the guest hall to my cart on the street. I certainly reckon him as a moral reformer, and properly convinced he may yet favor material improvements from abroad. With him I would also place a former imperial tutor, now seventy-five years of age, Li Hung-tsao.
High in the government is Prince Kung. Before his retirement in 1884 he was considered pro-foreign and a friend of Li. At that time the censors got at him, along with three others in the Grand Council, and denounced them all for peculations in connection with certain mines in Yunnen province. From the experience of the war he is still more in favor of change, and would probably include therein moral reforms.
Above all these I have mentioned are the emperor and his aunt, the empress-dowager. The latter has been the advocate of peace and the former of war. Of moral reforms I would have more hope from the young emperor aided by the imperial tutor.
Thirdly, and very briefly, we may consider the aid which missionaries, and, in fact, all Christians, may render. First, there is prayer, and this power, backed by God's promises, is incalculable. Let us all " continue instant in prayer" for China's regeneration, and so of reform. Secondly, there is the spiritual leaven of the heavenly kingdom, and as the leaven affects the whole lump, so the kingdom is affecting the whole empire.
A TREE WITHOUT BOOTS
With the experience of the war I am sure masses of the people can now be led to inquire the way of salvation. Thirdly, direct influence on the officials themselves. More than ever is such work needed. It is a crisis in China, and men actuated by the highest spiritual motives are wanted to counsel, exhort, and aid, as Providence, hearing the prayers of His people, shall guide and command. Denominational boards may shrink from such work as not their legitimate function, but it is a duty none the less for the Church. It is also a calling for the missionary that these men in power may see that their truest friends are those who are not ashamed to call themselves the ambassadors of God to save, through the Divine redemption and the Spirit's regeneration, both individuals and nations. Then will the song sung 2300 years ago be fulfilled, "Gentiles shall come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His shining."
A TREE WITHOUT ROOTS.
BY REV. CHARLES C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
The REVIEW, having received from the learned author a complimentary copy of the essay noted below, * ought not to neglect taking some notice of it. Undoubtedly much in this paper is valuable and sound. We note some points. The religious faculty, tho not always much developed, is an essential part of the human constitution. The essential postulates of religion,' martyrdom, miracles, prophecy, high morality, the apprehension of a future state, pure and self-devoted lives, the brotherhood of man, and to some extent the Fatherhood of God, are found expressed and influential in religious documents of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, India, Persia, China, and other countries. Some men out of the line of either Testament, like Socrates and Buddha, have uttered thoughts which the world will not easily let die. There are accumulating evidences that God will have all men to be saved, and that many souls in all lands, even as weighed down by unworthy superstitions, have felt His renewing power.
On the other hand, outside of the Greco-Roman ideas, of Judaism, Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, few systems of moral and religious apprehension have been developed, and fewer still have survived in any continuous influence on the life of mankind. Those less coherent systems were not crushed, but died of their own incoherence.
There are many other things in the essay of great value as illustrating the SJlrit of God struggling with tho sins and low conceptions of mankind, * Essay on the Ancient Religions of the World, before the Great Anno Domini, contributed to the Tenth International Oriental Congress, held at ('",neva, September, 1894, by Robert Needham (Just, LL.D., Honorary Secretary of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Hertford. Printed by Stephen Austin & Sons, 1894. winning many anticipatory victories, and preparing the way for a final and conclusive victory under the leadership of Christ.
The essay, however, has some serious faults, and we are obliged to say that in our view the faults much outweigh the merits. Not to mention a comparatively trifling one, the somewhat pedantic and oversolicitous spirit of classification, which does not give a very strong impression of clean cleavage, of striking always through the main joint.s of the subject, tho certainly more successful than a classification once made by Dr. Cust in the Intelli9~r, the author seems to have made an extraordinary rebound from a position of rigorous orthodoxy, or even hyperorthodoxy, to something that might almost be designated a modern Marcionism, not, indeed, as teaching a greater and a lesser God and a phantasmal Christ, but as using a tone of most contemptuous disparagement toward the Jewish race, which is necessarily reflected on the Old Testament.
Before remarking on this, however, we will remark on these words: "All expressions of abuse, or disparagement, or praise of the subjects discussed are out of place; all contrasts of one with another, favorably or unfavorably, are equally avoided. There is not the least reason for attributing to the writer any laxity or haziness in· his own religious persuasions; quite the contrary ; they are dearer to him than life, but they are placed on one side in this discussion as they would be in solving a mathematical calculation," etc. Now, this appears to us a wholly false position. Of course a Christian believer, if gathered with a large company of unbelievers to consider religious phenomena scientifically, will use good sense and courtesy, but it is hard to see why he should conceal his own belief, and,. so far as occasion serves, the grounds of it. Assuredly unbelievers do not conceal their unbelief and the grounds of it. Who ever heard of a scientific meeting, at which, if the discussion turned on religion, an unbelieving member held himself bound to a colorless neutrality? Why, then, should a believer be bound to it 1 This seems both spiritless and unscientific. Moreover, it is impossible. The whole tone in which a real Christian treats of religion will of absolute necessity show him to be a Christian. The almost complete success, therefore, with which the author of this essay has succeeded in discharging all Christian complexion from his religious science is not precisely the strongest evidence of a faith dearer to him than life. He does, indeed, so far forget his non-religious attitude in discussing religion as to refer to Christ as the Divine Wisdom who assisted in the creation of the world, and who appeared in "the great Anno Domini. " But this passage is so detached from the essay at large as to sound somewhat perfunctory and formal.
The author, however, when he comes to handle the Jews, forgets all his previously assumed obligations of courtesy and neutrality, and pours out on them, and by implication on much of the Old Testament, a torrent of disparagement, we might almost say of contemptuous abuse, which might well delight the heart of an Ingersoll. Every disparaging epithet addressed to them by Moses or the prophets, when contrasting their actual character with thll high ideal to which they are called of God-epithets, therefore, which simply show them to be a true specimen of mankindevery such style of address is uRed by him as implying a contrast of inferiority to the human race at large. He describes them as " a nation of slaves"-as if every people of Europe had not until lately been a slave nation. The most that an aristocratic English family ventures to boast is that the shape of its instep shows that it has had no slave in the line for four hundred years. The author, while dwelling with scornful satisfaction on their successive states of vassalage to neighboring great powers, which, nevertheless, as he knows, had very little to do with their internal development, has nothing to say of the lordly consciousness and exploits of warlike valor which illustrate the Old Testament and the Apocrypha, and which gleam with lurid magnificence in the closing agonies of Jerusalem. He puffs at the kings of Israel as " petty rajahs," and computes that their dominions would make two good-sized Indian districts, such as he has had the honor to help administer. We believe the smallness of Palestine is pretty well understood, and had supposed that the Old Testament brought out with sufficient distinctness its great political and military inferiority to Egypt, or Assyria, or Persia. Nor, we believe, has the Christian world had to wait for Dr. Cust to inform it that the greatness of Jewish kings rests mainly on the trust which they had to guard, and is not to be measured by the standard of mere physical bigness, which, in consequence of the author's Indian experiences, seems to have laid as overmastering a control on his imagination as if he were a Mr. Jefferson Brick holding forth on Independence Day. Small as the Holy Land is, how· ever, we believe that it is a good deal larger than either Attica or Latium, neither of which territories exactly suffers by a comparison of its historical significance with the biggest of those Indian provinces which have contributed to Dr. Cust's sense of his own importance, as has sometimes appeared before in a manner a little verging on the ludicrous. Never having had the honor of administering an Indian province, ·or even district, we criticise easily a temptation to which we have never been exposed. However, we know of no law of the kingdom of God which forbids the author of this essay to approve himself as enjoying as high a place in the history of mankind as David or Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah or Josiah. Whether he has this, posterity will decide.
The author attacks and reviles the poor Jews on every side. The trifling initiatory excision of Judaism is magnified by him into a portentous mutilation which ineffaceably brands its adherents as belonging to the ignobler races of mankind. Because the Israelites agreed with most of the ancient races of mankind in expressing the sense of sin and the need of self-devotion by animal sacrifices, and because their peculiarly deep sense of sin caused these sacrifices to be developed into peculiarly large proportions. he scoffs at them with a tone of lofty superiority which reminds us just enough of Paul's mention of " the weak and beggarly ele- ments" to startle us by its utter incongruity with it. '
The author does not seem able adequately to give vent to his scorn of the Jews, to his sense of their immeasurable inferiority to their neighbors, Eastern and Western. Nothing that they are, have, or do can please him. It is even a count in the indictment against them that nobody but themselves used their written character, tho he does not make apparent of what earthly consequence this fact is, inasmuch as the character is easily learned, and as the Old Testament has acted chiefly on mankind through its innumerable translations. He carps at the Hebrew language because it is so inferior to many others in subtlety and symmetry. This inferiority is undisputed. It was not appointed to enshrine the wide range of sec- ondary ideas, or even all the ramifications of spiritual maturity. And by the very fact of its comparative unsusceptibility on this side, it has all the better, by its intuitive simplicity and vivid figurative distinctness, and by a uniformity correspondent to the nature of religious emotion, established in the center of mankind those deep foundations of primary relig- ious thought and feeling on which the great Christian fabric has been built up, and without which it would certainly tumble into cureless ruin. And even when the necessities of a wider spiritual development, appointed for all mankind, made requisite that the Gospel of the kingdom should be expressed in the ampler proportions of the Greek, it was a Greek that could only be fitted for its sacred charge by becoming thoroughly colored and imbued with the simplicity of Hebrew intuition, which even then could not remove a certain pagan chill from the new tongue, until at last the New Testament, having fashioned Christian tongues, could then ponr itself into vehicles combining Hebrew intuitiveness and warmth with Hellenic amplitude. But of all this Dr. Cust says not a word. The Hebrew is ill adapted, certainly, for metaphysics, altho we have been informed by Dr.
Schaff that the elder Thiersch once held a conversation in Hebrew with a Polish Jew on the Hegelian philosophy. It is probably still worse adapted for reproducing the pessimistic mysticism of the Hindu Upanishads. But it was not providentially appointed for this. Why' does not Dr. Cust object to it that it would be with great difficulty that anyone could render into it the astonishing vocabulary of our athletic world ~ It has nobly served and still nobly serves its one great appointed end, which is, in the words of the Athenceum, as the great and simple language of a great and simple people, to embody eminently the temper of wise wonder in view of this universe of ours, and of noble humility before that God" in whose great hand we stand."
It redounds, 'in Dr. Cust's view, by no means to the honor of the Old Testament as compared with the sacred books of other lands, especially of the extreme Orient, that while the Jews are supposed to have borrowed some- what from Zoroastrianism, the great conceptions of the East borrowed nothing from them and did not even know of their existence. What a fatuous conclusion! Then if it should appear that there are ootional inhabitants of Mars, we could comfort ourselves that we are at least immeasurably their superiors, inasmuch as until lately we knew nothing of their existence, and have not even yet borrowed anything of them! Dr. Cust must have been hard pressed for a stone to throw at t.he Jews when he can use such a style of reasoning. Not to say that the latest studies, those of James DarIlletester, appear to leave it probable that the later Mazdeism is a cross between the earlier Mazdeism and Judaism, does Dr. Cust mean to deny that it would have acted like a clear wind passing over a heavy sky.if India could have been purged of her nebulous confusion between the Creator and the creation by a faith in the living God coming upon her from the Old Testament ~ It is certain at least that eminent Hindus begin now to signify that their religion is doomed ·unless it can in some as yet incomprehensible way reconcile its historical continuity with the theism of Israel and of Christendom. As to China, would Confucianism have become that arid system of mere social ethics, constantly tending to degenerate into mere social etiquette, which it now is, if, for the vagueness of an impersonal heaven, its founder had laid hold of belief in the living God, Creator of heaven and earth ~ Would the profound and sublime speculations of a Lao tse, coming at so many points nearer the Gospel than perhaps anything else outside of the Gospel, have degenerated into a system of vulgar jugglery, had this great sage been able to root it into historical deeds of the self-revealing God ~ No one denies, certainly no Christian, that the Old Testament of itself is incompetent to redeem the world. The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than the greatest of the prophets. But it is none the less true, as has been well said, that the Old Testament, with the New, is written from the nucleus of human nature. And the Old Testament alone gives its historical place in the world to the kingdom of God. Christendom has no meaning without Israel. If Jesus is not the Messiah, He to whom Israel looked forward, He is only a vagrant and transitory phenomenon of religious hallucination, as, indeed, those so-called Christians, who, like the Gnostics of old, divide Jesus from the Christ, seem to be coming to regard Him. This is certain, to treat Christ as the wisdom of God, and at the same time to pour contempt upon the Jews for having in the Old Testament accounted themselves as centrally placed in the world, is, as says the prophet to Israel, to " limp" between two incongruous and incompatible positions. Certainly at this present, Christendom is central in the world, mentally, ·morally, religiously, and civilly; and Christendom is sprung out of Israel. Undoubtedly there may be found in Eastern and Western religious philosophies abundance of deep and valuable religious thought, which, absorbed and digested in the consciousness of the Church, will greatly enrich it. As saith St. Hilary, truth, by whomsoever spoken, is of the Holy Ghost. Yet it is none the less true that, as was once reo marked by that great admirer of the East, Max Miiller, to Principal,Fair. bairn, it is a great advantage when the Bible can be treated coordinately with the other religious books of the race, inasmuch as only in that way can its immeasurable superiority over them all be adequately displayed.
Dr. Cust's professed reverence for" the great Anno Domini" turns to something that sounds very much like mockery in the bitter remark, borrowed from Voltaire, and certainly very slightly mitigated from his hatred, not only of Judaism, but much more of Christianity : "It is a comfort to think that none of the elder religious conceptions of the world were intolerant, .or propagandist by the arm of the flesh, or were possessed with that evil and aggressive spirit which became the feature of the conceptions dating after the Anno Domini." Now, what does this mean but that the coming of Christ, of its own proper force, developed a spirit of evil and cruel aggressiveness in the world, which is a true characteristic of his religion and shows it to lie on a lower plane than the earlier religions ~ This certainly is the natural inference unless Dr. Cust had taken pains to say that this persecuting spirit was a stage through which Christianity must pass, but which was alien to its true nature and which it is fast overcoming. Yet so far from taking pains to say this, he has taken pains not to say it. The remark retains in his mouth the unrelieved malignity of a bitter sneer.
To this malicious declaration of Cust we count it enough to oppose the words of the illustrious Italian theologian and philosopher, Vincenzo Gioberti: "Voltaire is fond of repeating that Christianity is the only religion that has kindled religious wars ~ that the blood shed by it has been immense. Most true. But this is just what proves the greatness of Christianity ; because the abuse corresponds to the use, and the corruption of the best is the worst. This engendered a phenomenon till then unheard of-war for ideas. Before Christ men used to fight only for gain, for ambition, for power. After Christ, they fought ofrell for the consubstantiality of the Word, justifying grace, etc. This scandalizes the lightminded- Voltaire, Gibbon [Cust], etc.-but it is sublime. Good is found in the very evil of Christianity and progress in its regress. "
It is very evident that Dr. Cust interprets the religious neutrality which he was bound to observe at this convention in a very peculiar sep-se. We will venture to say that there was not an unbeliever present who would not have been ready to say to him: "My dear sir, if you are a Christian, I can only hope that the number of such Christians as you may rapidly increase."
The author would do well to bring some important points of his scholarship nearer to date. Thus he tells us that Cyrus was not an idolater, notwithstanding that Cyrus's proclamation, discovered several years ago, which he issued on entering Babylon, boasts of the devout worship which he rendered to all the gods of Babylon, and the care which he took of their temples. Indeed, it is now known that genuine Zoroastrianism was not restored in Persia until the time of Darius Hystaspis. So also he
REV. I!Hl!lLDON JACKSON. D.D
boasts in behalf of Buddhism, that in spite of all our Crusades and Inquisitions, it has a far greater number of nominal adherents than we, as if the high authority of Dr. Legge and other Orientalists had not shown that the number of Buddhists in the world cannot at the outside be put beyond 100,000,000, except by throwing in the whole population of China, who, apart from the monks and nuns, and probably a small number of laity, do not dream of calling themselves Buddhists, altho they very commonly call in the monks to celebrate the imposing funeral rites of their religion.
This essay is too vituperative of the Jews and too sneering and bitter in various allusions to Christianity to be well entitled to a place in science j it is too large in its praise of various pagan systems, and too scant in its praise of the Gospel, to be well suited for a Christian tract j and it is traversed by somewhat too many expressions of reverence for the Redeemer and the prophets to be well suited for circulation by a Freethinkers' club. On the whole, without impugning the author's good faith in declaring that his Christian belief is dearer to him than life, we must in all frankness say that he has, as appears to us, evolved a document which is fitted for nothing so well as for the use of" the foolish people who are serviceable neither to God nor to His foes."
REV. SHELDON JACKSON, D.D. PIO~"'EER MISSIONARY TO ALASKA.
BY OSCAR E. BOYD, NEW YORK:.
Dr. Jackson was born at MinaviIIe, New York, May 18th, 1834. He was educated at Union College and Princeton Seminary, and was ordained to the ministry in 1858.
He began his missionary life in Indian Territory among the Choctaw Indians the same year. Failing health compelled him to leave this mission and seek a colder climate. He became a home missionary in Wisconsin . and Minnesota. His zeal and success in his work quickly carried him into the front ranks, and he was appointed general missionary of Southern Min- , nesota, and tshortly afterward to the general superintendency of that vast field embracing Western Iowa, Nebraska, Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Utah. and Idaho. Over one hundred churches owe their existence to his labors.
While working in this field his sympathies were awakened to the- hope- less condition of the women and children of the Indians, the Mexicans, and the Mormons. The ministers of the Gospel were unable to reach them. If reached at all, it must be through the agency of woman j thus the teacher became a necessity in order to prepare the way for the minister, and to be an aid in his work by mingling with the people in their homes and by daily teaching the Gospel truths in connection with the elements of an ordinary education. With his usual zeal Dr. Jackson began to plead by pen and voice with the women of the Presbyterian Church that they organize for the purpose of raising money for the support of teachers. These appeals, combined with those of other zealous and enlightened missionary workers, resulted in the organization of the Woman's Executive Committee of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in December of 1878, whose marvellous success in raising funds for missions is one of the miracles of this missionary period.
Dr. Jackson is not only the founder of missions in Alaska, but is also their untiring promoter. In fact, he might be called the embodiment of all Alaska missions. He has intimate knowledge of every station and of the workers. His writings abound with information regarding the resources of the country, the manners and customs of the people, and their need of the Gospel. His presentation of these needs is so earnest and convincing that his hearers are not only impressed by his pleading, but thrilled with desire to give liberally.
When his attention was first called to the needs of the people of Alaska, he planned to visit them as soon as Providence opened the way. The Board of Home Missions made this possible by sending him on a journey of exploration into the northern limits of Montana and Idaho. Upon his arrival he learned that nothing could be done there because of an Indian outbreak, and he determined to push on to Alaska. Gaining the Board's permission, he passed on to Portland, Ore., and was there further encouraged to go at once by Rev. Dr. LiIidRley, who had made several personal attempts to open up missions in Alaska, but had not been able to secure a permanent missionary. Dr. Jackson took with him Mrs. McFarland, and after seeing the wretched condition of the natives, he left Mrs. McFarland at Fort Wrangel and returned to the East fired with zeal for the relief of these degraded people. His appeals were first made to Presbyterians, who responded generously and opened the first missions in· Alaska. Other denominations soon awoke to the need of work there, and began to consider the calls to establish mission stations. Great wisdom was needed at this time to so direct affairs that several stations be not opened on the same field. Dr. Jackson arranged with the different denominations willing to undertake Alaskan missionary work, and by common consent a portion of the. vast territory was assigned to each. His wisdom and open-hearted frankness in the arrangement of the details of this scheme won all parties. All who know him know well that he is one of the most unselfish of men, and that he has no private ends to advance in his undertakings. His joint offices of United States Agent of Educa- , tion for Alaska and General Missionary for the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions gave him rare opportunities to develop this scheme, while his ardor and undaunted energy fitted him to overcome all obstacles in the way of its accomplishment, many of which would have disheartened other men. His long and perilous journeys, so unostentatiously made over land
THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN NORTH KOREA
and into far Arctic seas, are characteristic of the man. No thought of personal danger or isolation hindered the accomplishment of his object.
During his first visit to the Arctic Eskimo he saw the necessity for in- troducing into that desolate region the Siberian reindeer, and thus saving f•tohremneartliyvefsurfnriosmheda food famine, which was inevitable. The walrus, which the chief food supply of the natives along the coast and . islands of Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean, had been nearly exterminated by whalers. who wantonly shot them for their ivory. By far the greater number of these huge mammals, which were destroyed for their tusks only, were not utilized for food, but were simply left to perish. This destruction of their main dependence made it an imperative necessity to introduce some other. The moss which grows in such quantities in all this region was found to be the same as that which is the chief sustenance of the rein- deer in Siberia. The conditions of climate being similar, it seemed certain that they could be introduced with every hope of success. With this thought in mind Dr. Jackson returned East, and at once began to impor- tune congressmen, politicians, ministers, editors, and everyone whom he could influence until he secured an appropriation from Congress, and the beginning of this most iIllportant undertaking was assured.
In his next trip to this region he secured by purchase sixteen reindeer and turned them loose' upon one of the Aleutian Islands. The next year one hundred and seventy-five were purchased in Siberia and taken to Port Clarence, July 4th, 1892. These increased until in September, 1894, there were five hundred and eighty-eight domestic reindeer in Alaska.
Thus there has been started a nation-saving food supply, the value of which to the future inhabitants of this region who can tell. When these few hundreds of reindeer have increased to many thousands, and the people are assured of their daily food, then will we begin to see the magnitude of this conception of Dr. Jackson. If he had done no other thing than this, his name would deserve the praise of all lovers of humanity.
THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN NORTH KOREA.
BY REV. SAMUEL A. MOFFATT, PYENG YANG, KOREA.
The persecution which arose at the time of the stoning of Stephen, resulting in the scattering of the Christians from Jerusalem and the wider heralding of the Gospel, with the establishment of the Church in many places, finds its counterpart in a measure in the persecution of the Pyeng Yang Christians. * In this latter case the Japan-China War has caused the troubled state of the country which followed the persecution, as the Roman occupation * MIsllIOlfABY REVIEW, September, 1894. of J udma caused constant unrest in Jerusalem. The Lord knows better than we how best to make all things work together for the carrying out of His plans and the establishment of His Church among the heathen, and so i~ this case" all were scattered abroad except the missionaries" (apos- tles), and they" went everywhere preaching the ·Word."
The sequel of the persecution, and the way in which God is yet bringing good out of j,he turbulent times in Korea, will be of interest to those who delight in the work of " calling out a people for 1Iis name."
The persecution with the severe beating of Kim and Han, two faithful witnesses of the power of the Gospel, took place under the administration of one of the powerful and well-known Min family, who was then governor of the province. Our little flock was scattered, and the enemies of the Lord prophesied a repetition of the bloody massacre of the Roman Catholics which took place nearly thirty years ago. Fear took possession of those who had begun to inquire into the truth, and for several weeks none but a faithfnl few dared to come near the missionary's lodgings where services were held. Those wore days of fervent prayer and strong supplication, and the faith of the few was visibly strengthened.
The Lord heard us, and soon, through the mediation of the God-fearing American Minister, meted out punishment to the persecutors, and compelled the haughty Min to return the money which had been extorted. News .of this spread quickly through the province, and great was the surprise and exultation of the people that some one had been found who could secure the punishment of one of the Mins. Curiosity to know what this Jesus doctrine is was rapidly growing, and the Lord had His plans for sending His witnesses throughout the province that they might herald the good news unto all these inquiring ones. Already Japanese soldiers were in Seoul. Already the Christians who had gone to the country had scattered books here and there, and had returned. Soon war was declared, the palace was taken by the Japanese, and the Chinese soldiers poured in from the north and took possession of Pyeng Yang. The hearts of all were failing then for fear, but in tho midst of it the oourage and faith of the Christians showed strong and clear, and never before had the name of God been so widely proclaimed in Pyeng Yang. People in fear and trembling sought the Christians and the missionary, asking what they should do, and day after day women came to the wife of our evangelist, one of them remarking: "It is good to come here; it is so restful, for everywhere else all is confusion and fear." Then came the Japanese march on Pyeng Yang. Under the expected bombardment of the city the Chinese general kindly gave me an escort of troops as far as his scouts had gone, and I went to Seoul to await the issue of the battle. Koreans by the thousands had fled, and when the Chinese rout took place, after the battle on September 15th, those who remained fled in wild confusion.
Han and Kim, who had shown such courage under persecution, now showed their faith in God by remaining through the battle, protecting the property and still witnessing of the truth.
The Christians and their families, inquirers, and those who had only heard the name of God and of Jesus, and had witnessed the persecution and the punishment which followed, and the steadfastness of the Christians even under trial, were all scattered in every direction, and wherever they went they carried news of the Jesus doctrine. In the villages in which they settled the Christians assembled their families for prayer. Fathers and mothers, wives and children who before had scoffed, who had reviled them for becoming Christians, now listened to the preaching of the Word, and knelt as prayer was offered unto the only living and true God in the name of His Son Jesus. Some of them have since asked to be received into the church, while probably all have become friendly to the preaching of Christianity. The mother of one of the Christians had in her hasty flight snatched up some clothes, and with them a tract which her son had been reading. In the country village she ran across this tract, and immediately asked her son to read it to her that she, too, might learn to fear no more.
One of the Christians with his family fled to a village where a most earnest inquirer lived, a place which I had visited a short time before, and where tracts had been sold. He was heartily welcomed by. those who had become interested in the truth. They provided for his physical needs, while he set himself to instructing them in spiritual things. Be had been there several months, and in company with the inquirer referred to above, had gone from village to village and house to house proclaiming the good news. In two places they gathered the men for services on Sunday and more thoroughly instructed them. This spring Mr. Lee and I were able to visit this place, and our hearts were made glad as we listened to the accounts of the labors of these men and saw what the Lord had done for them. Each humbly gave all the praise to the other, one saying that he had only gone about sowing the seed while the other had followed and cultivated the field. It was our privilege and joy to enter into their labors and reap the harvest. We enrolled thirty most hopeful, sincere, and earnest catechumens. They have been meeting every Sunday for several months in these two places, fifteen miles apart, have evidently been studying the Scriptures to some purpose, as their intelligent questions plainly showed and as was evidenced by the lives they were living and their joy in Christ's service. As they came from various villages, each man brought a little sack of rice on his back, and this the good wives.and mothers of the Christians in the central villages cooked for them that they might stay all day without expense to their host. We held a number of services with them and met many inquirers. We heard their plans for building churches, for which they had already begun the collection of money, and we rejoiced that the work was being undertaken on the basis of self-support. It was an iI),teresting fact that these Christians had not been interfered with by the Tong Haks, who had arisen in rebellion and who were producing great confusion in that province. They recognized the fact that Christians are the true friends of oppressed Korea. We were in this village in the very midst of the Tong flak excitement, and were visited in a most friendly way by three of the leaders, one of whom I had known before. We held our services in the largest building in the place, which had been used by the Tong Haks as their headquarters, but which was offered for our use. We pointed them most plainly to the only real remedy for the oppression and injustice against which they have arisen, and we were given close attention. While not able to countenance their position, and unable to approve in the slightest the methods they have taken in order to rid themselves of their unjust, wholly unprincipled and cruel officials, yet seeing the so-called "rebels" in their own villages, hearing others describe the raids of the soldiers who march through the country, beating, murdering, and pillaging the inoffensive and helpless people, and knowing as we do the thoroughly corrupt practices of the officials and their underlings, our hearts go out in sympathy toward the poor, misguided Tong Haks, who are more sinned against than sinning.
Since we left there reports have been received of the continued activity of the Christians, and 1 write this on the eve of another visit to them, when I shall hope to baptize a number, organizing them into a church.
In another village to the north of Pyeng Yang a similar work has been going on. Just before the persecution one of our catechumens had invited me to his house that I might preach to his fellow-villagers. Spending a few days with him some twenty men began to assemble· regularly on the Lord's Day to study God's Word. The persecution in Pyeng Yang, with the report that the officials had ordered the arrest of the Christians in this village, caused some to drop out, hut others firmly adhered to their determination to serve Christ. They came to Pyeng Yang, received counsel and encouragement, and soon after were rejoicing over the victory which the Lord had granted. This village being near the main road, it, too, was invaded by both the Chinese and Japanese armies in turn, and these Christians also were most of them scattered that they, too, might more widely witness of Christ. Later, coming back to their homes, they again took up their work. Some of the women became sincere and firm believers, as also several boys of from fifteen to eighteen years of age. Among the latter were two who had been greatly distressed by evil spirits. Over these prayer was offered, a number gathering and, with strong crying and great faith, appealing to God to drive out the evil spirits. Their prayer was answered, and that whole neighborhood bears witness to the fact, that whereas before those two boys were possessed of evil spirits, now they are clothed in their right minds. Those Christians, too, began to plan for a church. They collected some money, and with the aid received from t.he Pyeng Yang Ohristians bought a house and have converted it into a church, the first chu1·ch in Korea wholly provided for out of native funds. This house was said to have been greatly disturbed by the presence of numerous evil spirits, and so they were enabled to get a good strong tiled house for a very small sum, $24 in silver being the price paid for it. I have just returned from a visit to this village, where I baptized seven men and received sixteen more as catechumens upon public confession of their sin and of their desire to serve Christ as they grow in knowledge of His will. This gives us art enrolment of forty-one believers, in- Cluding catechumens, besides a number of women, whom I have not yet been able to meet. The Lord has done great things for this people, and it is a joy indeed to hear them give thanks for the way in which He has led them and relieved them of all their former fear of evil spirits.
This is the kind of work for which the Lord has been preparing, and we bless Him now for the persecutions and troublous times through which He has led us, only that He might work out His own most wise purposes.
As I write this I have been interrupted by my teacher, who hands me a letter from another inquirer twenty-three miles in the country, who writes that in his village there are now twenty men who wish to become Christians. The work is growing faster than we can follow it. Already my plans are laid for visiting three other places, and I do not know just when this call can be heeded. However, the work is the Lord's, and I thank Him that it is His work, and :know that He will provide for it. Inquirers come in daily from all over the two provinces saying they have heard of this doctrine from the men who were scattered from here. They are getting books, they are awakening to a sense of sin, and are going back to gather together all who will join them in the worship of God and in the study of His Word. One man who met me to-day walked in eighty miles on purpose to find me and learn of this doctrine. Oh, for a baptism of the Spirit that we may be used of the Lord for the gathering of His people-a work which He is accomplishing here at this very time!
From Brother McKenzie, a. Nova Scotian Presbyterian located in the western part of Whang Hai province, comes news of like precious blessings and of a similar work of the Spirit. He was there when the Tong Haks rose, ami at first they were suspicious and unfriendly, not knowing what Christianity was.
Last winter he wrote me as follows : " I know you all have borne me continually on the arms of faith and prayer before the Father above. I feel satisfied if that were not so, and so many praying for me in America, that my life were not spared till now. Twice I made ready for death, expecting to have to leave in a few hours. I am thankful if friends who visited me in the darkest hours saw no fear, but I could tell of the power of Jesus to bear us over life's troubles. The darkest hour was brightened by His presence. Saw Kyung Jo started out in the night to see a leader of the rebels who formerly was a friend. He found to his surprise a Testament in his possession. On into the night they conversed over the book, Saw showing him the deeper meaning of God's Word and who Jesus was. He promised his protection. Several times lawless bands came to our neighborhood to wipe out the name of Christ from the land, but were prevented, so that when the crisis was over the passing bands only came to see the foreigner. Far and near they came for medicines and books. One man bought fhe or six Testaments besides a dozen others for his friends to read. Tong Haks and anti-Tong Haks, Christians and anti-Christians joined in erecting a pole near the house I live in to unfurl the banner of Jesus, white with St. George's cross. As it was unfurled we joined in singing, ' All hail the power of Jesus' name.' All were glad to have the banner of peace waving over the village. They first suggested it themselves through our wonderful deliverance and peaceful appearance in the midst of such trouble, while others from far and near were filled with fear:'
The Lord had taken them through these experiences for a purpose, and all these troublous times were to be made to work out His plans. Under date of March 1st Brother McKenzie again wrote: "We are waiting for the snow to clear to begin building the church, the first Korean church with Korean money alone. Already 1000 nyang ($40) is signed by them, besides all the wood given and work gratis. The contract is given out, 800 nyang for the woodwork alone. We would ask you to save up your spare papers and magazines to paper the church. Three Tong Hak chiefs are studying in their homes the Jesus doctrine, and have contributed to the church.
"Ten houses cleaned their homes of tablets last New Year, and no longer worship them nor sacrifice. Sixty or seventy meet twice on Sunday and at prayer-meeting on ·Wednesday night. Their lives are indeed reformed. Every day inquirers come from far and near. Next Sunday we make a new move, going to a near village to preach in a large sarang offered for our use. The women can be in an adjoining room listening. Several boys who can sing will go with us, besides Saw Kyung Jo and one or two others. I purpose securing similar privileges in as many villages as possible, and send them out by twos or more. The Sabbath is well observed in about ten houses. The church will be on the spot where devils received homage a year ago. We have started a school. God has converted a carpenter and farmer who knows Chinese, and he is chosen as teacher. His wages are 250 nyang, five bags unshelled rice, and a suit of clothes. I went this morning on the track of a tiger who visited our village last night and took off a dog. I tracked him to the mountains and got near him, when he roared and ran, leaping from rock to rock. He was within a few yards of me, and only that he disappeared so quickly behind the rocks I would have shot him. I am hoping to get his skin ere I am through with him. If so, I hope to build a church with it. He was quite a monster, and has frequently visited our village this winter.
THE JEWS IN PERSIA•
•• The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. The prayers of God's people have done it all."
Thus it is that God is working in Korea. Thus it is that He is establishing His work, and one of the most hopeful features of it is that the nat;ives themselves are diligently preaching wherever they go, and that from the start it is planned on the basis of self-support. With such a work developing wit,hin two days' journey of this city, the Pyeng Yang station, consisting of but two ministers (a doctor is under appointment), calls loudly for another man, that one of us may give his time to the work in the farther north around Eui Ju, which is a six days' journey from here, one hundred and seventy miles. There, too, we have two hopeful churches and many inquirers who have not been visited for a year and a half, a young native evangelist alone looking after them. May the Lord send more laborers into this field white already for the harvest.
THE JEWS IN PERSIA.-II.
BY s. G. WILSON, TABRIZ, PERSIA.
The eccentric Wolff visited the Jews in Persia in 1823 and in 1828-33. In 1844 the London Society for the Jews sent out four missionaries, with Bagdad as a center. In 1846 Mr. Stern, of this company, took up his residence in Ispahan. A state of anarchy compelled his withdrawal. In 1852-53 he again visited Persia. In 1866 this mission was suspended.
Work for the Jews has been carried on as part of the work of the Presbyterian Mission in North Persia, and of the Church Mission Society at Ispahan.
Beginning our review of this work at the northwest, our mission has an evangelist among the Jews in Salmas. In Oroomiah some interesting events have occurred among the twenty-five hundred Jews. In 1875-78 there was a movement among the Jews. About twenty-five families rejected the Talmud and traditions. This made a commotion, and the new party was cast out of the synagogue. Persecution followed, and some were fined. They afterward came to the missionaries, wishing to put themselves under the instruction and protection of the mission. A school was opened among them. The government opposed, to prevent our getting a foothold among them. In 1888 this work had a fresh impulse. A boys' school was opened. A sewing and Bible-class was organized with thirty or forty Jewish women in attendance, and a girls' school with thirty-two pupils. The government closed the school for boys, and only half of the girls dared to continue. In 1892 the first fruits of this work were reaped in the baptism of four young Jews, who stood firm, tho beaten and expell~d from the synagogue. An evangelist is working among them in Oroomiah. In Nakada, Suldooz, an evangelist preaches to the one thousand Jews as well as to the Armenians. Once a story was circulated that they had celebrated the passover by drawing a picture of Jesus on the cross and maltreating it. The Mussulmans collected and nearly tore down thcir synagogue. I was invited to this synagogue one evening. It is a plain, mud-plastered room, with a raised platform in the center, upon which I and the rabbis with open Bibles sat down, and about fifty Jews stood around. I attempted to show them Jesus as the Christ, but one cried one thing and one another, like in the theater at Ephesus, and soon it became evident that they were nearly all tipsy. The more sober ones said, " Come in the morning," which recalled Peter's proof of the sobriety of the apostles.
In Upper Kurdistan, including Soujbulak, Mianduab, and Sokkus, there are about two thousand Jews. In Soujbulak we have a school among them. There I attended morning prayers in their synagogue. On the doorpost, inclosed in a glass tube, wert) the Ten Commandments. In one corner were benches for circumcision and the bier. Each worshiper had portions of the Law bound on his arms and forehead with leather cords, and thrown over his turban a thick white veil, which hung over his shoulders. The service, led by three or four rabbis, consisted of prayers from the Psalms and Talmud, and of reading from the Law. Each man held an Old Testament in his hands, and they read in concert or responsively, with frequent hearty amens to the prayers. The attitude varied, being sitting, standing, or bowing prostrate. The climax of the service was reached in the procession of the Law. The manuscript roll was inclosed in a cylindrical case covered with scarlet broadcloth topped with two silver pomegranates, with pendent silver bells, such as hung from the high priest's robe. It was carried in p'rocession through the synagogue, each one devoutly kissing it j the women who had previously held aloof coming forward to take part in this ceremony.
In Mianduab a peculiar case occurred. Rabbi Benjamin had also opposed us. In his school I had had discussions with him, in which he strongly maintained his position. Afterward he was led to profess his faith in Jesus as the Messiah. He thus preached in the synagogue and aroused opposition. His income from the people was cut off, consisting mainly of his fees as teacher and priest and his portion from every animal slaughtered. His wife desired to drive him out of the house. He appealed to us for support. Having been deceived by some" loaves and fishes" converts, we insisted on his finding some means of supporting himself. Meanwhile, the Jews persecuted him. Once they took him to the river and ducked him, thinking to exorcise the evil spirit which the Christians had put into him. Finally he yielded to their threats and went back to Judaism. The Jews immediately presented him with a sum of money, a donkey, and an aba (cloak). He went into a vineyard, bought a quantity of grapes for winter use, loaded them on his donkey, and covered them with his cloak. Coming out of the garden, he was detained for a few minutes, and when he bethought himself of his business, donkey, grapes, and cloak were gone, having been stolen. He remarked, "That is a punishment to me for denying Chl'ist."
In Teheran * considerable work has been done toward evangelizing the Jews, and some have become Christians. In 1875 there were special signs of encouragement. A hundred Jews attended the church services. A school was established which has continued with success until the pres- ent time. Great opposition developed in 1883. The Jewish rabbi who was assistant teacher was compelled to withdraw with his pupils. The principal was threatened with death and hIS scholars beaten. Many left from fear. He, being a Christian, appealed to the government for protec- tion. His persecutors were arrested and fined.
In 1886 a letter was written from the Jewish chief rabbi of Jerusalem to the Shah, complaining against the Protestant school as turning away Jews from their faith, and especially accusing Rabbi Baba, the teacher, of doing harm by inducing many t9 come to school. Baba was thrown into prison by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was cuffed and beaten, his head was shaved, a chain put on his neck, and his feet made fast in the stocks. Direct appeal on his behalf being linavailing, the good offices of the English and American legations were besought for him, and his release was secured. Other Jewish converts were persecuted at the same time. Baba's father, a physician of note, was imprisoned, but a high official whom he had cured procured his release. This persecution was instigated by' a hostile Jewish rabbi in concert with an oppressive chief of police; but retribution soon overtook them. Within less than a mouth this officer was imprisoned, bound with the same chain, and treated in the same manner because he had accepted a bribe to release a prisoner. He was fined two thousand tomans and dismissed from office. The persecuting Jewish rabbi was turned out of the city and was not seen for days.
One of the teachers in the Teheran school was Nurullah, a baptized convert. He had studied in the Shah's college. Afterward he studied in the Hebrew Missionary Training School in London, spending his vacations in Morocco. He returned to Teheran, and later to Ispahan, where he has a school of forty-five boys, supported by the London Society for the Jews.
Jewish evangelization in Ramadan began to bear fmit in 1875 under Pastor Shimoon. A considerable number of Jews during 1877-80 professed an interest in Christianity. Popular slander reported that a powder mixed with their tea by the preacher persuaded them to become Christians. According to their own statement, forty men, besides women and children, accepted Jesus as the Messiah. They met with much persecution. Ostracized from social intercourse, excluded from the baths and schools, their business was interrupted and their shops were threatened.
* See Bassett's Eastern Missions, pp. 167, 238, and Foreign Missionary, 1886, by Dr. Torrence.
THE MOHAMMEDAN UNlVElU!ITY IN CAIRO
Appeal was made t:> the authorities in Teheran to put a stop to these persecutions. Repeated orders were given. One order of the government declared, "Let thc Jew choose the Christian faith or a Christian the Jewish faith, they should not incur opposition or molestation from anybody. Give such exertion and attention to the matter that hereafter eternally no liindrance shall be placed in the way of those certain individualR of the Jews and Armenians who wish to enter another faith." Notwithstanding these and repeated orders persecutions continued. Several of the prominent Jews were arrested on a false charge, imprisoned, and fined. The chief officer went to them repeatedly in prison and beat them, saying, "You have become filth, turn now and become Mussulman." They answered, "If you cut off our heads we will not deny Jesus." Word of these troubles was telegraphed to Teheran by Pastor Shimoon, and the following day the imprisoned brethren were severely bastinadoed. Inquiry was made from the Foreign Office at Teheran. The governor, enraged at this, called the pastor, reprimanded him for sending word, and having taken seventy tomans from the Jews, commanded the pastor to telegraph to Teheran a message of satisfaction with the governor, and that no money had been taken. On his refusal he commanded him to be bastinadoed. His feet were bound to the stick, but Ibn the entreaty of Dr. Raheem, a Jewish brother who was in favor, he was released. The congregation next addressed a complaint against the governor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs concerning the dishonor put upon their pastor. The latter, fearing further violence, took refuge with the Khan of Sheverine, and afterward fied to Teheran. There he laid his case before the Annual Meeting. After a short time he returned with a proper order for his protection.
Shortly after this Rev. Mr. Hawkes went to reside in Hamadan and open up a regular station. Of these baptized Jews, some turned out timeservers, some became Babis, some, as Dr. Agajan, died in the faith, some continue to this day faithful. The younger converts who have been trained iII:, the schools are much more stable. In 1892 I had the privilege of hearing their recitations, preaching to their congregation and communing with them. The work for this remnant of Israel seemed full of hope.
THE MOHAMMEDAN UNIVERSITY OF CAIRo.-The Azhar at Cairo is the great university of the Mohammedan faith. It was founded A.D. 1000, and from 10,000 to 12,000 students are always in attendance, gathered from all parts of Africa. There are 321 sheiks or instructors. The instruction is very superficial, and largely consists of committing to memory and reciting, the subject being the Koran and the traditions founded on it. When their education is finished, some of the students return home, while others, who are to be missionaries, join a caravan, and soon disappear into the heart of Africa.
INTERNATIONAl, DEPARTMEN'r
II.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND CONDUCTED BY BEY. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
'rhe Utility of Protestant Missions in partial, that the character of the Mexi- My Native La:nd. cans may be bf.ttcr understood.
1. Speaking in general terms, the * BY JUSTO M. EUROZA. MEXICO CITY. Mexicans are of medium height and are MEXICO. well proportioned. They have low, re- 1. Genel'al .Aspect of the Oountry. ceding foreheads, s:>ft. expressive black eyes, strong teeth, beautifully white 1. The Republic of Mexico is situ- and even, thiele, straight black hair, thin beards, and dark skin, almost oliveated between 14° 80' and 82° 42' south tinted. Deformity is rarely found among the Indian tribes. These are by latitude and 88° 54' 80" and 119° 25' no means repulsive in appearance. The women are usually beautiful; some 80" west longitude from the meridian are fair, with rosy cheeks, and these charms are enhanced by a soft voice, of Paris. pleasing manners, and natural modesty.
2. It is a 'Very mountainous country; 2. The five senses are well developed, especially that of sight, which remains its Cordilleras are a continuation of the good while life lasts. They seldom suffer from skin diseases or stomach Andes. running the entire length of trouble. As they enjoy excellent health, it is not uncommon for them to live to the country. In their sloping to the be a hundred years old.
seacoast, fertile and extensive table- 3. They are very temperate as regards eating, but unfortunately very much lands are formed. given to strong drink.
8. In this wonderful country three 4. The Mexican mind is capable of cultivation in every branch of human distinct climates may be clearly de- science. We boast of good mathemati- cians, renowned architects, sublime fined: (1) The hot country, extending poets, and, among the Romanists, good theologians. '1'he best proof we ha.ve from the coast to an altitude of 8000 of the intelligence, natural talent, and real genius of the Mexicans is this feet above the sea-level; (2) the tem- fact; the conquerors of Mexico, While they undervalued, oppressed, and deperate zone, extending from 8000 to stroyed the conquered nation, had nevertheless to confess that they pos- 5000 feet; (8) the cold zone, which in- sessed a high state of civilization.
cludes all those places having an alti- 5. The Mexicans, like all families of the human race,are at times ruled by tude of more thah 5000 feet.- passion; but are neither so impetuous nor vehement as the people of some 4. It is this difference in altitude other countries.
which causes such differences in prod- uc~. < Gold, silver, copper, iron, zinc, lead, mercury, antimony, arsenic, sulphur, cobalt, opals, turquoise, topaz, garnet, amethyst, etc., are found in i~ mineral regions.
Many valuable woods are found in i~ forests. In the hot zone abundant crops of coffee, sugar· cane, tobacco, and cotton are produced; while in all par~ of the country the common cereals may be advantageously cultivated.
II. Okaracter of tke Ywican People.
In treating this most delicate subject I desire to be perfectly just and im- * The author of this article is presiding elder 6. By Dature they are slow in all their movements, and for Int»icate work reof Hidalgo District Mexico Methodist Episcopal quiring much time and attention they Conference, and is the first Mexican ever lIlIIde are possessed of an admirable amount presiding elder. of patience. Their resignation amounts latter destroyed by a course of thorough, to heroism, and their gratitude toward systematic training. their benefactors is great. They not only lack confidence in foreigners, but III. Institutiona. are deceitful and even treacherous with 1. Scarcely had we passed the horrors them; but this is the logical result of of the war of conquest when it became the way in which their conquerors necessary, in order to avoid certain abused their good faith and loyalty. evils and abuses, to form a colonial gov- ernment; but instead of preventing 7. Naturally they are grave, taciturn, these abuses, they increased, and and dignified. To them virtue is a brought about such oppression and duty which brings its own reward, tyranny that the result was the cry of while vice must be severely punished. independence raised by the never·to·be- forgotten Miguel Hidalgo of Costillo. 8. One great distinguishing char· 2. Years of war and bloodshed folacteristic of the Mexican is his lack of lowed this outburst. and when, in New interest in temporal things. Gold is not Spain, the throne of the Spanish kings an idol to him; he earns it by the sweat tottered and the public mind was fully of his brow, and scatters it freely and persuaded of the immediate triumph of ungrudgingly. the insurgent armies, then Iturbide changed his political creed and entered 9. The indifference of the Mexicans, the ranks of those who fought for the not only as pertains to temporal neces· independence of Mexico. sities of life, but for those for whom When independence was fairly won they labor, causes them to refuse to do he placed himself at the head of affairs, the work required of them; hence they and with fond dreams of a monarchy have the name of being lazy. But the caused himself to be proclaimed Emhonest fact is that in this beautiful coun- peror of Mexico. For this he was contry there is no one more industrious demned to death by a people who were than the pure· blooded Indian. born to be sovereign and free. S. From the ruins of the ephemeral 10. Respect for parents and for old empire of Iturbide the Conservative age is innate in the llexican. The love party arose with renewed determination of the parents for their children is great, to fight incessantly to dominate the as is also that of the wife for the hus- public mind, appealing to the darkness band; but, alas, the husband is too apt of fanaticism to oppose the high aspito care for other women too. rations of the Liberal party. For these desperate struggles between brothers 11. Their courage bursts into daring no one is responsible save the enemies in time of danger, but this extraordinary to free thinking and dignity among daring is easily quelled by the stern the Mexicans: these latter having been glances of the ones who are over them. corrupted and downtrodden by their This may be easily explained by remem- conquerors for more than three hundred bering the shameful treatment to which years, allowed themselves to be ruled they were subjected by their con- by ignorance, superstition, and fanati· querors. cism-tbe crowning work of villainous priests who, in the name of God, sought 12. They are superstitious, like the to annihilate from the Mexican mind ignorant people of all nations. Their all thought of independence. exaggerated and boasted propensity to 4. At last, in spite of unheard·of diffiidolatry is equal to that of any pagan culties, the republic arose with its country. Let it be distinctly under- admirable constitution; and if a few stood that all of the above refers to the ungrateful sons of Mexico, in their despure.blooded native Mexicans, not to peration, yielding to the ambitious those whose blood has been mixed with that of European nations. Undoubtedly there is much…,that is good in the Mexican character and little that is bad. The first may be cultivated, and the schemes of some Europeans, sought to religion. Some were social vultures, wipe ont the republic and establish in now they are transformed into harmits stead an imperial throne for a de- less doves; some were tyrants in the luded prince, it only proved more dis- home, now they are tender parents, astrous for them, bringing down on loving husbands and wives, worthy themselves the censure of all, making citizens, and within the sphere of their them a curse in history. ability participants in the actual prog- ress. These changes are due to the 5. To-day Mexico with her reform influence of Protestant missions, for laws, which originated in the brain of wherever these are established the conher own eminent sons, has begun a new version referred to takes place among era of existence. The independence those who before had professed the and sovereignty of indi vidual conscience Roman Catholic faith, 'W hether it be are one result of these laws. The among the high mountains, Or in the Mexicans may embrace whatever relig- villages, or in the great centers of progion they choose and be protected therein ress and learning. by law. 4. It seems unnecessary to say it, but, 6_ Taking advantage of the above, following the plan I have adopted, I Protestants have sent their representa- must say here that the influence of tives to preach the" glad tidings" of Protestantism sanctifles the home, perthe Gospel of Peace. To.day there are fects society by the self-denying pre-_ twelve different Protestant missions cepts of the lowly Nazarene; and by represented, all of whom have begun the education of the masses, respect for work since 1871, and whose progress is the powers that be, promotion of the most apparent to everyone in Mexico. spirit or liberty. and the teaching of the principles of equality and fraternity, IV. Influence of Protestantism in Protestantism is and ever will be the Memco. grand support of the existing political institutions of Mexico. 1. Here, in this priest-ridden country, it is not to be supposed that Protestant V. Practical ReauZta of P'rotll8tant missionaries will be received as In Missions in Mexico. pagan. countries. Romanism, frantic because of its decline, seeks to preju- In conclusion, it remains for me to dice the popular mind against Protes- give two or three facts. tants by saying that they are working for the annexation of Mexico to the 1. The great majority of the inhab- United States; but this and similar itants of this country are pure-blooded ideas are confined to a few fanatics who Mexicans, whose character we have still have simple faith in what is taught already outlined in this article. This them by the Catholic priests, those great majority remains indifferent to enemies of progress, who claim for them- the institutions by which we are govselves the honor of being God's repre- erned; and. generally speaking, they sentatives on earth. are sunken in the ignorance and super- stition left them by their conquerors in 2. In spite of their cowardly and place of their former freedom and cruel attacks, the educated people, the riches. With this people plunged in great Liberal party, the thinking people, abject misery, Mexico never will prosdeclare that in Protestantism there is per, for no country has ever prospered something superior in every way to that while under the power of the Roman which is taught and practised by ROo Catholic Church. . manism. 2. The intelligence and aptitude of S. To the careful observer of social the Mexicans, their proverbial tenacity revolution in this country this fact is and patience (when these. are necessary) presented in all its splendor in the rad- when well developed and educated, in ical change in the mode of living among evangelical schools, will give to Mexico those who have embraced the Protestant such worthy men as Juarez, men of miles above the city of Agra, in January, culture like Manuel Altamirano, and 1888. It had been debated for some others whom we will not mention here. time whether it would be wise to ent~r such a field. Some thought that it 3. When the Mexicans rise above their would be useless, as Hinduism was so present condition, when they are taught intrenched and the people so bigoted the healthy principles of science and that there would be no converts, and virtue, when they feel themselves to be the time of the missionary and the equal to all mankind and cbildren of precious funds of the mission would the universal Father, when they are only be wasted. Others thought that thoroughly Protestantizcd, then and it would be a good thing for Methodism not till then will Mexico, with her "bank- in India, which had been successful in ing, scientific, and beneficent institu- other fields, to come in contact with tions, take the place that rightfully IIinduism at the center, and, so to belongs to her on account of her national speak, beard the lion in his den. One prosperity. of our good missionaries had had a mar- velous dream about the place. He tells The Liberal party has done much for us that he was awakened three times the people-brought them liberty and one night by a voice saying to him disreligious freedom; but it canrwt bring tinctly, "Send some one to Muttra." about their 8piritual regeneration. The So distinct was this impression that he forming of the character of the future awoke his wife and told her of the wongeneration is not in its hands; this is derful communication; and as soon as the work of Protestantism, whose mis- opportunity offered he hastened to lay sion it is to diffuse the doctrines of before his -brethren what he had heard Christ and push forward on the work in that strange way, and to urge that of elevating the people. the mission be opened In this strong- hold of Hinduism. I also had a strong Thus, dear reader, Protestant mis- desire to go to Muttra. It is difficult sions in Mexico are and always will be for a man to analyze all his motives, useful, and merit your support and your but as far as I can, at this distance, prayers. after seven years have passed, read the thoughts that were then predominant The Founding of the Methodist Epis- in my mind, it was an impression most copal Mission at Muttra, India. singular and mysterious, such as I had never had before. that there was some BY REV. J. E. SCOTT, S.T.D., PH.D. special work that the I,ord had for me to do at Muttra. I had never been in .. Forasmuch as many have taken in the place. There was no worldly Inhand to set forth in order a declaration ducement for me to go. I had a wife of those things which are most surely and child. The mission owned ~no believed among us, even as they de- property there, nor was it likely that it livered them unto us, which from the would be able to purchase property beginning were eye-witnesses, and min- there very soon. It turned out that isters of the word, it seemed good to there was no house even for rent. me also, having had perfect under- There was a small travelers' bungalow standing of all things from the very where I alone found sbelter for a week first, to write unto thee in order that or two. Then we were able to rent a thou mightest know the certainty of couple of rooms in a large house; but those things, wherein thou hast been the hot weather coming on, we were instructed. " driven out of that by the heat into a house in the cantonment, from which I was transferred to the town of we were in turn driven by the military Muttra, a place of 60,000 souls, the birthplace of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, and a hotbed of modern Hinduism, standing on the right bank of the sacred river Jumna, 30 authorities, who required the house for fore was but a field of sand became a their officers. center of life and industry. In the middle of the year before, I had suc- But now notice how the Lord will ceeded in taking over a small school in provide. A committee came and selected the heart of the city. The teachers the best and really the only desirable were all Hindus, and there were no site anywhere near the city, and said, Christian pupils. That was to be the .. This is the place," and took the next Central Christian Boys' Boarding train for home. I said, " 0 Lord, this School. Soon the hired house became is the place." But when I hunted up too small and another was taken, and a the owner I found that he was a rich Christian headmaster employed. Con- Hindu priest in the city, and that be verts coming to us, the boys were sent would not part with his ancestral prop- to the school. Then we cast about for erty to anyone, and especially not to a site on which to erect a suitable boys' Christians; but still something seemed school-house and hall for evangelistic to say that that was the spot where we services in the city. The best site, it would found our mission. It so turned seemed. was tbe one just in front of the out, for in a few weeks the priest made house in which the school was held. the astonishing proposition to rent me A Mohammedan oWll/'!d it. It was the land I desired fore"er, and soon right in the very heart of the city. the perpetual lease was executed and Temples and mosques were all round registered. Money was borrowed, and it. The Mohammedan said he would by the end of the year we were living sell. He paid off a mortgage held by a in our new house overlooking the city Brahman on it, and sold the whole site of Muttra. Just at that time a benevo- to me. This made some stir in the city. lent gentleman living in the city of A petition was sent to the government Chicago was anxious to find a suitable protesting against tbe transaction, but place to found a deaconess' home and as the land was bought fairly no objectraining school as a memorial to his tion was made on the part of the govparents. His attention was called to ernment. But there was no money to the new mission at Muttra, and he at build. In a strange way the same friend once sent the money, and directed that intimated his willingness to help; or the home and school be built; but rather his mother-in·law turned her where was a site to be had? The place thoughts toward this enterprise as StlJtwas the rest of the priest's laud adjoin- able to serve ItS a memorial for his Ing the mission house, already built. daughter, a young lady who had re- But upon being interviewed he declared cently been taken home. Through her that he would not rent or sell; and, munificence Flora Hall was erectel! in indeed, could not, as the land really 1893, in the very heart of the city of belonged to a minor, and he could not Muttra. In the mean time, the girls' sell it away from him or in any other school was growing, and it was becomway dispose of it. To show his oppo- ing necessary to erect a suitable schoolsition, he, one rainy Sunday, threw up house for it. God has promised to a mud wall between that portion of the supply all our need, and soon word land and ours, and planted a great came from our aged sister, who had number of fruit-trees, and said that built Flora Hall, that she would also henceforth that would be his garden ; build the new Gracie Hall, in memory but in a few days, strange to say, he of another dear departed granddaugbter. changed his mind, and rented that land Work was started among the soldiers to us on the same terms as the otber, in the station, and soon it became adand so we were free to build. By the visable to build a chapel for them. end of 1889 the new building was ready The land was secured lree from the and occupied. Dormitories were soon military authorities, and soon a chapel, erected, and the place that a little bereading and prayer-room and coffee heart of a heathen city to Sunday- shop were erected. Tents were needed school. Do missions pay? If the for evangelistic work. and large camp- heart of a millionaire could only get meeting tents, in which hundreds of one real look at it, and take in its sig- people could be gathered for Gospel nificance for this world and for the meetings, were provided ; and so from next, he would throw all his gold into nothiug, inside of seven years, has the lap of Jesus, and say, "Blessed sprung up a well-equipped mission. Lord. give me such an opportunity to do good." But houses are nothing without souls. ,Have there been any souls saved? A Bless God, every man has a chance proper question. It is enough to say to do good. The work is not all that Muttra has become the center of a done here. Who will build boys' dor- presiding elder's district; that around mitories ? Who will send money to it lie five circuits in which there are employ much-needed evangelists and more than a thousand Christians, where teachers for these poor people, who are seven years ago there was not one; that themselves too poor to pay? Who will the schools are filling up with Chris- erect a few simple school-houses and tian girls and boys; that" Flora Hall" chapels for these people? Who will is full every day with scholars and send a few scholarships for the board- twice on Sundays with hearers of the ing-schools ? There is plenty to do• Word; that there is not only a training .. He that doetn these sayings of Mine school for women, but also one for shall be likened unto a man who built men; that every department of mission his house upon a rock." "Inasmuch work is being carried on, and that on as ye nave done it unto the least of every hand there are inquirers who are these, My brethren, ye have done it seeking the way of life. Last January unto Me." was held on the hill, that six years ago was only a sand-heap, the third session Prc>gress in Brazil. of the Northwest India Conference, which reported nearly nine thousand EXTRACTS FRO}! A LETTER OF REV. baptisms during the year 1894, and stated that within the bounds of the W. A. WADDELL, ARRANGED BY REV. Conference, where there were none when Muttra was opened, there are W. A. CAURINGTON_ now more than 35,000 Christians; and the cry ie, 8tilt they come! Progre88 in Supporting PasWr8.-In 1890 Rio and Sao Paulo churches sup- "Not unto us, not unto us, but ported pastors. unto Thy name, 0 God, be glory." Every day two large Troy bells ring To-day Rio, Sao Paulo, Jabei, Botuout the glad sound from the towers of catu, Sorocaba, Rio Claro, Mogy Mirim, "Flora" and .. Gracie" halls, letting and Cabo Verde support pastors. Guarathe people know that Christ has come. pU3va, Corityba, Araguary, San Carlos, Christ has come to Krishua's strong- Rio Feio, Santa Cruz, and Faxim would hold. He has come to stay. He has were there men available to serve them. come to these priests of Muttra, and will never leave till all the impurity Reason: the eagle and the stirred-up and greed and worldliness is driven nest. from the place and from the hearts of men. Come with me on Sabbath Progre88 in Supporting Students for morning. I will show you a sight that the Minist1'f/.-In 1890 all students for will make your soul rejoice. It is a the ministry were supported by mislong procession of white-robed girls sions. and boys on their way through the To-day all theological students (five) are supported by the church, which pays all current expenses of the theo- logical seminary. Some (follr) students who are preparing for the seminary are studying in connection with the .seminary ; others in the Mackenzie College accessions have been made. Mr. Fin- (five); still others are with different ley's work in Sergipe, Mr. Kolb's in ministers (three or five). Of these Bahia, and Mr. Rodger's in and about preparatory students some are sup- Rio have held Rio PreSbytery up to old- ported by the church, some by the time figures of growth-64 per cent in missions. three years. In S110 Paulo Presbytery growth has been about what it should Pl'ogresa in Joul'nalism.-In 1890 the be in old churches, 18 per cent in three missions had a paper apiece-the domes- years. Here most of the growth has tic mission board one, the young men been in fields where foreign workers as- of the church another, while two or sisted. Minas Presbytery as a presby- three more semi· private enterprises were tery has stood stilll and but for large between life and death. To-day the gains in a single field would have gone various mission papers have been back seriously. dropped, and all efforts concentrated on a general journal and a child's paper, Taken as a whole, the synod increased, supported entirely by Brazilian fnnds. according to official statistics, between June 30th, 1891, and June 30th, 1894, Other Enterprises. – The Brazilian from 3780 to 4365, or 15 per cent. It Boards of Foreign Missions, Church is probable that the gain was a little Erection and Ministerial Relief are be- larger. ginning to receive s:Jme attention. The Tract Society is getting on a Bound The :fact seems to be that in their zeal footing. to boom the financial movements the pastors forgot some other things, and Financially there has been an advance with the losses due to the death of all along the line. This great advance many workers, a serious check was felt. is not due to any increased ability on the part of the Church, but to an in- Relation to the Misaion.-By means creased willingness on the part of the of battles and compromises we are ap- members, stimulated by an increased proaching the basis of a free church and zeal on the part of the Brazilian minis- a free mission. We will get these some ters. Had the missions been able and time. willing to meet all the wishes of their ordained and licensed helpers, nothing A Note from Mount Hermon, would have been done. In the north, where there has been no tendency on Miss Charlotte H. Brown, writing the part of the mission to withdraw from Shebaa, Mount Hermon, Syria, help, the contributions of the Church have diminished. under date of August 5th, 1895, says: Spiritual Progres8. – 1. Discipline. .. I feel as if I knew now more about The various acute crises of this transi- tion period have resulted in the righting medical mission work than I ever did of some old wrongs, and the opening, if not cleaning and healing of some old before, and if all medical missionaries sores. Unfortunately impersonal zeal for the purity of the Church, joined are so besieged as Dr. Mary Eddy is, with charity that is sensible, is even rarer in Brazil than in the United States, I pity them. We have just spent three and discipline has degenerated into a series of quarrels. weeks together in a village several 2. Evangelistic progress. This pre- hours away, and now she has gone for sents a sad picture. The Presbytery of Pernambuco has presented no statistics a week to another place, and I have during the past three years. It is in- 'ferred from what iii k.:nown that few come here to this village, high upon the slopes of Hermon, to pass the remainder of my summer, the nearest Americans at present being three or four hours away .
.. Kufair, where I have just come from, has been touched by the Ameri- can fever, and it seems strange to hear those ignorant men and women, most of them unable to read their own lan- guage, talk of .. America," .. New York ~"hi"cFhotrht eWiraiyentte~r"s and .. Brazil " from come. As to which is larger, "America" or .. Fort Wayne," many would not be able to cfally the last meeting, when perhaps tell. three hundred assembled-a good-na· tured, but rather noisy crowd-around H The regular dispensing-days were the ladies, the organ, and the two Syri. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but an teachers of the schools in the Village. some CRses had to be treated every day, and each time the numbers increased, " The buzz, the hum, the stir in the until the crowd was so great that time Sunday-morning meetings, when people and strength did not suffice. As word crowd into the school·room from the spread to the surrounding villages of Greek church, are something one has to the doctor's fame and skill, people be· experience to appreciate. First the gan to come in from aU directions, ar· girls and then the boys have to be sent riving. a very few on animals, most out to make room for the incoming walking, reaching the housc before we older people, and many of t.hem then were out of bed. The doors had to be stay outside and make remarks. I kept bolted till the hour for seeing the have come to the conclusion that the people. These had to be let in grad· most effective missionary work is done, ually by a discriminating assistant, a not in a crowd hard to control, but young Syrian woman who has proved with the few, whose attention can be herself invaluable. A doctor's assistant gained and lleld in some quiet little must have certain qualities in this coun· private meeting; and so the doctor, try (and I suppose in all countries), for with her one or two patients at a time in her own room, can really do more she must be able to discriminate be· good perhaps than one Who sits outside tween the people who can and those and talks to a restless, impatient crowd. who cannot pay the six cents for treat· ment, the poor being received if they "I had hoped to tell you a little of bring papers from the priest, the teach· this interesting village, some 6000 feet er, or the sheikh; she must be quick above sea·level, with its clustering of eye and ear to help, and she must houses on the steep hill·side, its ice-cold have a strong arm also, to be able to fountains, its Moslem and Christian in· quickly push the door and bar it when habitants, but space and time forbid." people insist with all their strength upon coming in before their turn. James Liddell Phillips, "My part was to read and talk to Only a hurried line could be inserted the people as I had opportunity, and partly through real eagerness, and partly When the news reached America of the through the desire to win my favor, and so use me as a go·between to allow death of Dr. Phillips, of India. Dr. them to be seen out of turn, I always found them ready to listen to my story Cyrus Hamlin presently after wrote as or my portion of Scripture. Some· times a few at a time were anowed in follows: "Our beloved Brother Phil· the wide hall that ran the length of the house, sometimes a good many would lips has left us and gone up higher. be there at once. a most forlorn groupwomen with sick babies, all sorts 'Of The Master came and called for him. people with poor eyes, from the goat· herd from Ain Attar to the women I have a sweet and savory remembrance from Meinas who kept 0. badly in· flamed eye covered. Several people of him. He was affectionate, impul· troubled with partial paralysis were also treated, the "lightning wheel" sive, full of life and vigor, earnest in being a never·failing source of enter· tainment to the onlookers. Several his Master's service, working to do pitiful cases of leprosy also were pres· ent. and an opportunity was granted to good to all men as he had opportunity, point them to Christ, the Physician of the soul. especially to those of the household of " At home you have lectures. can· faith. IllS name was in his forehead; certs, international meetings to entertain you; the people of Kufalr had for three he has had the white robe given unto weeks the excitement of having In their him; he has become 0." king and a priest midst two American ladies (one a doc· tor) and a baby organ, with almost unto God and the Lamb. Hail to thee, nightly meetings, either in the house or at the grape-press near, for singing and Brother Phillips I" India has become prayer, all of them well attended, eape· a mourner, and the tribute to the worth, the spiritual loveliness of character, and the active usefulness of Dr. Phillips pour out over the pages of the press from one end of Indio. to the other.
The India Su,nday.&hooZ JournaZ says that during his thirty·three years of mission life he opened up a new district to Christian influence. He committed come to this country, remain till they the Santali language to writing, and become naturalized. then return as citi- saw many hundreds of Oriyas and San- zens of the United States permanently tala brought to Christ. When he left in tbeir native land. This is a matter India he received the thanks of govern- that so far interests persons on many ment for his work among the Santals. mission fields,that we venture to quote He had a working acquaintance with from the report of Dr. Samuel L. Beiler, sCleral Indian vernacular tongues. D.D., Vice·Chancellor of the American The Calcutta Missionary Conference, University, Washington, on the result the largest body of missionaries meet- of an interview of a committee who ing monthly anywhere on the globe, waited on Secretary Gresham concern- held a special memorial service, at which ing protection to Armenians who have Rev. George Kerry presided, and ad- been naturalized here and returned to dresses were made by eminent men. Armenia. Dr. Beiler addressed the At the time of his death and since communication, from which we make 1890 he was the Secretary of the India the extract, to Secretary Leonard, of Sunday-School Union, by appointment the Methodist Missionary Soeiety, and from the London Sunday;School Union. the whole appeared in the Ohristian He was seemingly ubiquitous, from the Ad'/lOcate. All that is relevant to the Himalayas to all parts of the Continent illustration now sought to be furnished of India, and far away to Malaysia. is the following: Humanly speaking, he was too young " There is a class of Armenians who to die. come to this country and are natural- He was the son of Rev. Jeremiah ized, and then return to Armenia and Phillips, D.D., who went to India in claim protection 8S citizens of the 1886 with Mr. Noyes to open a Free United States. Concerning such there Baptist mission in Orissa. James Lid- was an attempt at a treaty some years dell Phillips was born at Balasore in ago, but while it was pending a differ- 1840; his mother died when he was ence in the construction of one clause six months old. From 1852 to 1865 he arose. The clause was that a natural- was in America, receiving his educa· ized Armenian (that is, naturalized in tion. He then entered upon the work this country) who should return to Ar- among the Hill tribes in Santal. He menIa and remain there two years received his degree of J'lLA. and M.D., should then forfeit all rights as a citi- and later LL.B. ; and his own college, zen of the United States, and thence- Bowdoin, conferred on him the degree forth be treated as again a subject of of Doctor of Divinity; but he worked Turkey. The Turkish Government among his brethren and all others as construed this as meaning those who plain Mr. Phillips, simple in character had returned before this treaty should and life as thc children whom he had be fully enacted. Our Government in· always loved, and loved to the end. sisted that it should be prospective also, He died June 25th, 1895. or apply to all who should return in J. T. G. the future. The Turkish Government refused to sign the treaty as thus con- Adopted American Oitizenship. strued, and there is no treaty to this day covering such cases. It is not There seems considerable misappre- known yet that any such persons were hension both at home and abroad as to killed or injured in the late troubles.
the right and the obligation of the If there were, contrary to the rights of United States to protect its naturalized such persons under the provisions (gen- subjects when within the territory eral) of international law, our Govern- whence they came to this country. ment will certainly look after such Many suppose that Asiatic peoples may cases. There have been, independent of the late reported massacre, C8.8eS of ar- about three Armenian priests who hon- rest and imprisonment of such natural- ored Mr. Knapp; and by following the ized and returned Armenians, and our cablll misprint last month, the noble Government has protested against it, devoted Miss Mabel C. Hartford, who holding that all Turkey has a right to barely escaped martyrdom at Kucheng, do is to send such persons out ot her was rendered Hartwell. Miss Hartford domains. Turkey now denies the priv- has arrived in this country; she suffered ilege of return to Turkey of these natu- a great shock, and needs rest.
ralized Arm()nians on this clear ground. The opium question, in its relation to First, the United States, in the face of the native Church, was also discussed. a treaty with China, has denied admis- The Church in China gives no uncer. sion to this country to the Chinese, on tain sound, and opium-smokers are dealt the simple ground that they are Chi- with. Japan has prohibited opium to nese. Second, on an appeal case, under her people. The fact was referred to this law, the Supreme Court of the that the use of opium was on the in- United States decided that it was con. crease in the United States, and that it stltutional, as it was one of the essen- was more extensive than was supposed, tial rights of sovereignty to say who and that there were opium plantations should or should not come within its in the country. domains. Turkey simply takes the same grounds, and denies admission to Great Britain's threatening attitUde Turkey to these returning Armenians, has seemingly brought China to terms simply on the ground that they are Ar- in the degradation of the viceroy remenians. Our Government can only sponsible for the Szchuan riots. Many insist that Armenians who have re- think, however, the riots will not cease turned, or may return with the consent until the government is still more strictly taken to account, and civilized Or knowledge of the Turkish Govern- nations take for each offence a slice from her territory. This would be felt ment, shall not be held In Turkey for by the government as no money indemtrial and imprisonment under Turkish nity will ever be, or any other penalty laws, but shall be sent out of the coun- which falls chiefly upon the people. try as we propose to send the Chinese out."
In these times when China is much Even the degradation of an official is In evidence, a great many people be- not sufficiently severe.
sides those interested in missions will find it a great convenience if they have Oonstantinople Riots.
Miss Burt's map of China on the wall The Armenians, perhaps somewhat for ready reference. It is on cloth, has encouraged by the sympathy manifest- the stations of forty-six Protestant mis- ed toward them in England and Ameri- sionary societies, all the provinces de- ca, have been in conflict with the Con- fined in bold boundaries, and a compen- stantinople police, and the result has dium of much valuable information. been over one hundred killed and more Address Miss M. Burt, Springfield, 0., wounded, and the end is not yet (Octo- and secure the revised edition of this ber 4th), though the Turkish authori- map. ties believe they will have no trouble in restoring order. The Moslems, espe· Not" many infallible proofs" come cially of the lower class, show no hu- from the compositor's room. Our Ar- manity in their treatment even of un- menian brethren must have been sur- armed and peaceful Armenians. The prised to find that in a compiled article city is being patrolled by troops, and in a mid-summer number" Armenian" no such terror has existed since the was turned into •• heathen," in a phrase days of the Greek revolution.
FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY
III.-FIELD OF MONTHLY SURVEY.
BY D. L. PIERSON.
South Amerioa,* Frontier Missions,t the Mormons.
SOUTH AMERICA. matchless network of natural water- way it affords, this river has been called What has been said (p. 614) in our the Mediterranean of South America_ August issue regarding Papal Lands The soil of its basin, one or two million and the Papacy is eminently true of square miles in area, and fertile enough South America. There we find Ro- to supply the inhabitants of the world manism at its worst, and the difficulties with food, is for the most part covered of coping with it very many and great. by sombre, primeval forests-pathless, All the republics except Bolivia and impenetrable-the largest extent of ar- Ecuador have now some Protestants boreal growth in the world. working in them, and enjoy more or less religious liberty-generally speak- Titicaca, the largest lake in the New ing, l1!88. In all this continent is 4700 World south of the St. Lawrence bamiles long and over 3000 wide, a stu- sin, belongs to this stately and colossal pendous contine'nt, 7,000,000 square continent. It is 170 miles long by 70 miles in area-over twice the size of broad, and could float Cyprus, Crete or Europe-containing one eighth of the Corsica, at an altitude of 200 feet above land surface of the globe, the most mag- the summit of Mount Etna. Its lonely nificent system of river drainage in the waters have no outlet to the sea, but world, a coast line 16,500 miles long, are ~uaJ'ded on their southern shores by ~lgantic ruins of a prehistoric emand a: rOl(ky mountain backbone of ex- pire, silent palaces, temples, and for- tresses-mysterious monuments of a traordinary magnitude and sublimity. long-lost golden age. Lying away in the Southern Seas is South America, well called, from a In the great song of redemption, tbe spiritual standpoint, the "neglected con- chorus of renewed humanity, can the tinent." We give the following sum- millions of a continent like this be mary of the continent and work from dumb and God not miss their jubilaa pamphlet of the South American tion? Evangelical Mission of Toronto, Ont.: Can one eighth of the globe be left In the far northeast its tropic Orinoco out of the reckoning of the coming surpasses, by 100 miles, even the flood kingdom of Christ? Can the spiritual tide of the Ganges. In tlie sub·tropic state of its 37,000,000 people be immasouth, the Rio de la Plata is 150 miles terial to Him? What is that state? wide as it sweeps into the sea, after its Who are these people? What has 2200-mile course, and pours into the been done to bring them "into the ocean more water than any other river way of peace" ? in the world-but one, for South America possesses a mightier stream than SOUTH AMERICA'S SPIRITUAL STORY. these. The whole of France, or of the Ottoman Empire, might lie in the lap South America is divided into fourof the monarch Amazon, the largest teen great countries, and includes repriver in the world-equal to the Indus resentatives of almost every Tarietyof and the Nile put together. From the race and language-from the degraded Fuegians of Cape Horn, who, when * .. The Neglected Continent," Miss Lucl, discovered. had drifted so far from Old World traditions, that they retained no Gninness ; .. Spanish-American Republic8.' word for God, and the Indian tribes of Theodore Child; .. Adventures in Patagouia." "sad, calm aspect" scattered on the Titns Coan; .. Allen Francis Gardiner," J. W. pa.mpas plains or among the virgin Marsh. Also pp. Z7 (January), 802 (present forests of the Amazons, to the Angloissue). Saxon and Latin leaders of civilization in the free republics. The negroes and t See pp. 422 (June), 601 (Augnst), 808 (present half-castes of the north and central Issue). States, with the Mestizoes (a mixed race of Spanish, or Portuguese and Ind- ian blood), are numbered by millions, while the imported Chinese coolie classes, and foreigners from almost every country under heaven, drawn hither by the fabled silver wealth of churches in the Guianas on tIle north- Ecuador, Peru, and the Argentine, east coast, and the scattered centerH on complete the tale. The Spanish and the Atlantic borders of Brazil, one may Portuguese element is politically domi- say that the continent is almost unnant, while the .. redmen" constitute touched by aggressive Protestant misthe main stock of the population. sionary effort. . Discovered A.D. 1500, by the Portu- Venezuela, more than nine times as guese Pedro Cabral, South America has large as England and Wales, two and been for nearly four hundred years part a half times larger than Germany (arca of the parish of the Pope. In contrast 593,943 square miles), with a populawith it the north of the New World, tion of 2,323,527 men and women, has Puritan-prosperous, powerful, pro- only one missionary. gressive-presents probably the most Colombia. larger than the total area remarkable evidence earth affords of of Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Greece, the blessing of Protestantism, while the Roumania, the Orange Free State, Bulresults of Roman Catholicism left to garia, Servia, Switzerland, and Belitself are writ large in letters of gloom gium (area 504,773 square miles), more across the priest-ridden, lax, and super- than three times as large as all Japan, stitious south. Her cities "among has nearly 4,000,000 people, and only the gayest and grossest in the world," three missionary stations of the Amenher ecclesiastics enormously wealthy can Presbyterian Church. and strenuously opposed to progress Ecuador, called after the equator, on and liberty, South America groans un- which it lies, has no missionary, and der the tyranny of a priesthood which, never has had. Quito, its capital, the in its highest forms, is unlllumimid by, highest city in the world, with 30,000 and incompetent to preach, the Gospel souls; Guayaquil, its principal com- of God's free gift, and in its lowest is mercial eenter, and all its 1,270,000 illproverbially and" habitually drunken, habillmts scattered over an area of 120,- extortionate and ignorant." Altho the 000 square miles, are wholly unevanspirit of the age has, in our nineteenth gelized as yet-unless ceremonial can century, transformed all her monarchies save, and the wafer-god be divine. The into free republics, Ecuador still pro- present struggle for a change of governhibits any but Romish worship. ment in Ecuador has as one of its objects Only the fringe of this continent- the emancipation of the people from more than sixty times as large as the priest rule, and the proclamation of re- United Kingdom-has been touched by ligious liberty. It is hoped, therefore, the message of free 8alvation. On the that the door of Ecuador may soon bo frozen rocks of Fuegia, fifty years ago, opened to the Gospel. Allan Gardiner and his immortal band Peru, with its 2,621,844 people, its of companions, to the undying honor 650 schools, its magnificent railways, of the South American Missionary· So- well-equipped army and navy, and ciety that sent them forth, kindled a world·famed products (If bark, silver, spiritual beacon light that to·day shines and ~uano, has but twelve missionaries right around the world. Four thou- withm its borders. India has one missand miles away, in the deadly tropics sionary to every 165.000 souls; Peru, of Guiana, t,he heroic MoravIan breth- twelve missionaries to nearly 3,000,000. ren died and died till deathless blessing Bolivia, an enormous inland State for multitUdes sprang from their tombs (area 567,680 square miles), modelled, -both extremes of the continent prov- like all the Routh American republics, ing the lowest of earth's races capable on the constitution of the United States of becoming new creatures in Jesus of America, with its president-elected Christ. Between these two extremities every four years-its congress, unlver· thirteen different missionary agencies sal suffrage, and 2,019,549 souls, bas have undertaken labor in this great received one or two passing visits from harvest field. 'rheir entire efforts are itinerant colporteurs of the noble Amerirepresented on. the black map which can Bible Society, but has no resident appears as a. frontispiece for this issue. missionary, and never has had. lIave they been commensurate with the Brazil, which alone is larger than tbe whole United States (area 3.209,878 needs of tve sphere? By those efforts judge whether or no square miles, 296,000 more than the South America merits the title" neglect- United States of America, and more ed continent." than three times exceeds all British India), has 14,002.335 people, of wbom THE BLACK MAP Am> ITS MEANmG. not more 2,000,000 can possibly hear the Gospel from Protestant, missionaries Omitting the group of Christian there working, leaving 12,000,000 in
AMERICA'S SpmITUAL
The above diagram (915 squares) represeuts the npoepvuelraytioonne of South Amenca-37,OOO,OOO. Each square=40,OOO persons. of the 400 Mi88iouarles in South America could reach 10,000 persons, only the central White squares would be evaugelIzed.
Black squares=unevangelized population.. 827 !l25x40,OOO= 37,000,000. l White.. =partially evangelized popu- f lation •. ., •• 98 DIAGRAlII (No. I).
COUNTRY AND POPULATION. POPULATION UNREACHED.
GUIANAS, 890,000 (partially evangelized.) PARAGUAY, 400,000–5 ml88ionaries. 850,000 unreached In Paraguay. URUGUAY, 750,000–5 mleslonari;". EcuADOR, 1,260,ooo-no missionaries. 700,000 Uruguay.
1,260,000 Ecuador.
BoLIVIA, 1,450,000.. . 1,450,000 nnreached in Bolivia. no mlSSlOnarles.
PERU, 3,000,000 ••..•.•. 2,910,000 unreached In 9 missionaries. Peru.
CHILI, 3,300,000 2,690,000 unreached In ChilL 61 missionaries. 3,730,000 unreached In ARGENTINE, 4,000,000 the Argentine• 27 missionaries.
COLOlllBIA, 4,200,000 12 mi88ionaries.
BRAzIL, 16,000,000 14,S40,000 unreached 116 missionaries. in Brazil.
DIAGRAlII (No. m.
DIAGRAM SHOWING THE COMPARATIVE SPIRITUAL :NEEDS OF THE TEN REPUBLICS OF SOUTH AMERICA, Reckoning that each Missionary could evangelize 10,000 persons. The above diagram (915 squares) represeuts the population of South Amerlca-87,OOO,0iJ0. Each square=40,OOO persons. If everyone of the 400 Missionaries in South America could reach 10~OOO persons, only the central ,Vhite squares would be evungelIz{·d.
rt Black squares=unevanl;elized population.. 827 9215×40,000= 37,000,000. White" = partially evangelized popu- lation .. .. .. 98 DIAGEA)! (No. I).
COUNTRY AND POPULATION. POPULATION UNREACHED.
GUIANAS, 890,000 (partially evangelized.) PARAGUAY, 400,000—5 missionaries. 350,000 unreached in Paraguay. URUGCAY, 750,000-5 missionaries. ECUADOR, 1,260,OOO-no missionaries. 700,000 "Uruguay.
1,260,000 Ecuador.
BOLIVIA, 1,-150,000 1,450,000 unreached in Bolivia. DO missionaries. 2,190,000 unreuched in Venezuela. YE"EzeELA, ~,200,OOO 2.910.000 unreached in 1 ll1i~sionary. Peru. PEne, 8.000.000 2,690.000 unreached in Chili. g lllb~ionaricB. CHILI, 3,:lOO.()00 {jl lllb~ionurie8.
ARGENTI"E. 4.(~lO.OOO 3,730.000 unrouched in the ArgentIne. 2i' llli~::,iollarie8.
COL01fRIA. -t:.!OO.OOO 4,080,(KXl nnrearherl in 1:2 mi:::;!::iollarics. Columuia.
BUAZIL. 10.00n.noo 14,840,000 11llrcarhcd 11ti 11li~~iullarks. in Brazil.
DIAGRA" (~o. II). DIAGRAM SHOWING 'l'HE COMPARATIVE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF THE TEN REPUBLICS OF SOUTH AMERICA, Reckoning that each Missionary could evangelize 10,000 persons.
FmLD OJ!' MONTHLY SURVE!"
Brazil only, wholly unevangelized. of the caption of this article, attention The rest of the wide, dark spaces we is called to the following translation of leave to utter their own plea. a part of an article which appeared in the Monitor Oatlwlico of October 7th, Persecution is suffered in many parts 1894 (this journal is the official organ of the Archbishop of Bahis): 'Peoples of the country at the hands of priests nations, as well as individuals and fam: ilies, seek and invoke the Virgin Mary, lind people. We give the following because she has been the tutelar angel of the fortunes of humanity, the bow communication, just received from of promise suspended between the two testaments. Lima, Peru, which tells of a recent .. , In truth, who more than she has persecution in the interior of Peru: interested themselves in the felicity of .. Tumult has arisen. Prefect urges men, even in this world, than the glorius to leave. Advise us." We cannot ous queen of angels, who hypothecated tell how serious this may be, and are all . the treasures of her most loving anxiously awaiting further news. Their heart, who sacrificed her own Son, the last letter, dated August 5th, informed life of her life, so that G:>d might be us that both were seriously ill in bed, Mr. Jarrett with smallpox, and Mr. reconciled with men I Peters with similar symptoms. .. , In the hours of deepest agony for .
In appealing to the British Consul- men, behold her always at His side, in- General of Peru he laid the trouble be- terceding with her Son for men, and fore the President, who has telegraphed to the Prefect of Cuzco, thereby hoping always ministering to them the means to prevent any fresh outbreak; but of regeneration and moral tranquility.' Cuzco is many miles inland, and practically ruled by the priests, who Insti- .. The balance of this article narrates gated the mob, therefore their lives are the ~lorious character and attendant still in danger, and we cannot tell if blessmgs upon the devout use of the they will be able to maintain their ground. rosary. " Recommended most highly by Leo This is the first attempt to open a permanent mission in the interior of XIII. in an encyclical as the most pow- Peru, and we request the prayers and erful and most efficacious means of resympathy of all who desire to see the alizing the moral equilibrium of famwork of the Lord prospering in this needy land.* ilies and nations. " In view of the foregoing, it would Is Romaniam Ohristian? is a ques- seem incrediable that Romanism could tion asked by Rev. J. B. Kolb, of Bra- be termed Christian. It is true that she does teach some of the essential zil. In answer, he writes as follows: doctrines of the Scriptures, but this is simply to save appearances and 10 de- .. December 8th was a notable day in lude. Altho the encyclicals and pastile city of Bahia, Brazil-notable in torals of Pope and bishops are sown the fact that the whole city was given with Scripture quotations, they do not over to the adoration of the Virgin weigh anything, like the small dust of Mary. During the previous night bells the balance, in comparison with the eswere tolling, bombs and rockets explod- sential and practical doctrine and pracing, all to announce the grandje8ta; of tice of the Church respecting the Virthe succeeding day. The Feast of the gin. Intelligent and well-informed Immaculate Conception of the Virgin men will affirm, with all the intensity has taken a deep hold on the popular of deep conviction, their faith and consympathies. To raise a voice against the Virgin, or, as she is more properly fidence in the power of Mary to save termed, • Our Lady,' is to bring down them. So far as the masses are conupon one's head the most bitter re- cerned, the article cited above exactly proaches and persecution. However, expresses the conviction and belief of this is not to be wondered at. when from pulpit and press the glories and the popular heart. Divine attributes of Mary are being .. The last element in the perfection constantly proclaimed. In justification of Mariolatry was the declaration of * Any friends desirous of further information, the 'Immaculate Conception of the Virgin,' thus putting her on an equal- 01' wishing to help forward the Gospel here, may addre.. A. R. Stark, care of British Consul, ity with her Divine Son. Callao, Peru; or Dr. GuinneBB, Ha.rley House, .. Surely, the wily adversary has r,ti~~~~ !te:d'~giB ~~~K~atlY needed to main- made this people believe a lie, and has so bound about this people the meshes of his net that there can be no possible egcape, exceptiug by coming out from the midst of her and accepting the plain, simple truths of the Gospel of our ers as were incorrigible. Brigham Young, commenting on this doctrine, Lord Jesus Christ. These blinded said: .. I have known a great many ones merit our sympathies and prayers. men who have left this church, for May the Holy Spirit break the scales from off these blinded eyes!"
whom there is no chance whatever for THE MOlU.t:ONS. exaltation, but if their blood had been Interest in the Mormon question has spilled it would have been better for been recently revived, owing to the ap- them." . " .. The wickednes8 and Ig- proaching entrance of Utah into the norance of the nations forbid this pdn- rights of Statehood. The wisdom of ciple being in full force, but the time permitting this step is still doubtful in wilZ come when the law of God will be in the minds of many, but all hope for the fullforee. This is loving our neighbor best results from an apparently favor- as ourselves; if he needs help, .help able beginning. l!im; if he wants salvation. and it is •• Mormonism is not essentially a re- necessary to spill his blood on the earth ligion ; it is a secret political institution in order tbat he may be saved, apiU it."
in the form of a secret order, with ex- II Will you love man or woman well ceedingly worldly ends in view." enough to shed their blood? That is Its thorough organization is said to wluJt JesU8 OMist meant. I could refer rival the papacy, and is as nearly per- you to plenty of instances where men fect perhaps as anything human can have been righteously slain in order to be; but the doctrines, having been add- atone for their sins." Seven months- ed at different times and under different after this one hundred and twenty-nine conditions, are so much at variance emigrants were II .blood atoned" at with one another as to defy any at- Mount Meadows by a force under com- tempt to include them all in any sys- mand of Mormon priests.
tem. The Adam-deity doctrine was first Opportune II revelations" came, how- preached by the II Prophet, Seer, and ever, at various times to grant desired Revelator" in 1852. This is his lan- privileges in financial and social spheres. guage: .. Now hear it, 0 inhabitants Their II god is progressive," they say, of the earth, Jew and Gentile, saint and •• and able to meet' emergencies as they sinner. When our Father Adam came rise." A new emergency has recently into the Garden of Eden he came into arisen under the Edmunds law, making it with a celestial body, lind brought it expedient for them to annul the mar- Eve, ono of his wives, with him. He riage revelation, or at least to suspend helped to make and organize this world.
it, or in some way (nobody seems to He is lIichael the Archangel, the An- know just how) to render it inopera- cient of days, about whom holy men tive II for the present." have written and spoken. He is our Polygamy has secured loyalty to Father and our God, and the only God Mormonism of those born under it, with whom we have to do. Every man since one is compelled to uphold it or upon the earth, professing Christians or confess his illegitimacy. It also se- non-professing, must hear it and will cured to the Mormons desired Ilecluslon know it sooner or later."
from Christian civilization, since de- This doctrine holds out to the faith- cent people wish to keep far from such ful the hope of becoming gods, as the a community. following rhyme by one of their poets The doctrine of blood atonement was shows: invented by Brigham Young as a pro- " • . • 'Tis no phantom that we trace tection against apostasy and opposition Man's ultimatum in life's race; of infidels. This fearful doctrine fast- This royal path has long been trod ened upon faithful Mormons the duty By righteous men who now are gods, of shedding the blood of all such offend- As Abram, Isaac, Jacob, too, First bebes, then men to gods they grew_
I'DIiLD OF MONTHLY
As man now is, onr God once was ; and commandments to Individuals, As now He is, so man may be, churches, rulers, nations, and the Which facts unfold man's destiny. world; to appoint, ordain, and estab- So John asserts: • When Christ we see lish constitutions and kingdoms; to Then we like Him will truly be.' appoint kings, presidents, governors, Ah, well, that taught by you, dear Paul; Tho much amazed, we sec it all ; or judges, and to ordain or anoint them Our Father, God, has ope'd our eyes, to their several holy callings ; also to We cannot see it otherwise. instruct, warn, or reprove them by the You're right, St. John. supremely right, word of the Lord" (" Key to Theol- Whoe'er essays to climb this height Will cleause himself of sin entire, ogy," p. 73). Of course it is impossi- Or else 'twere useless to aspire." ble for a man who claims such powers The Mormons worship a deified man to be loyally subordinate to the consti· instead of an incarnate God. They set tuted authorities of our country, or to the living priest before the crucified be willingly subject to our laws or to Christ, and tithes and offerings over conscientiously and faithfully teach his against regeneration. They teach that people so to be.
the faithful must" gather" into seclu- And the men under such a leader, or- sion, in opposition to the command of dained by him to "the priesthood and Jesus to " go into all the earth." But apostleship after the order of the Sons then their motives are different and op· of God, are His representatives or am- posite. bassadors to mankind. To receive The Mormons seem to have a peculiar them, to obey their instructions, to faculty for seeing things in reverse po- feed, clothe, or aid them, is counted the sition. Brigham Young once said that same in the final judgment, as it aU had .. the Presbyterian God is the Mormon's been done to the Son of God in person.
devil, and vice versa." He recognized On the other hand, to reject them or his reverse attitude toward Christianity. their testimony or message or the Word Mormonism can hardly be called a of God through them, in any matter, is union of Church and State. If that counted the same as if done to Jesus were all, there might be a dissolution Christ in His own person.
of that union so as to meet the require- "Indeed, such ambassadors will be ments of our constitution, but with the final judges of the persons, rulers, them the Church is the State, or the cities, or nations to whom they are State is the Church, as you please. sent. And all merely human religions There is an identity of Church and or political institutions, all republics, State which is an essential feature of States, kingdoms, empires must be dis- Mormonism, and which cannot disap- solved," etc. (" Key to Theology,"
pear until they abandon the whole p.73).
business in good faith. From this very significant language, It is a theocracy recognizing no right taken not from a platform address, but of the governed tq participate in the -from one of their standard books, which affairs of the government either by per- is now and has been for more than sonal vote or representation, and claim- forty years published for the instruc- ing for its leader Divine prerogatives tion and comfort of the Mormon peo- and entire exemption from the duties ple, it must appear very clearly what and obligations of citizenship under is the mission of the Mormon Church any earthly government. He is sup- and its priesthood. Such a pretentious posed to be God's vicegerent, and as system, boldly asserting its powers and such is superior to all constitutions and prerogatives, and publisWng far aRd Iaws of this or any other nation. He wide its purposes concerning the insti- .. holds the keys of revelation of the tutions under which it is tolerated, Oracles of God to men upon the earth, would have been stamped out of exist- the power and right to give laws ence by any monarchy, it not upon the first publication of. its program, cer- these valleys to me" and told me to give tainly upon the first effort to enter ac- them to wbom I pleased. Anyone tively and aggressively upon it. who goes to a government Jand office for his title is a traitor to the kingdom The people of the United States have of God, and will be treated as such." given little heed to the hostile attitude To this remarkable utterance the audiof Mormonism, and have been slow to ence, led by the eight apo~t.Ies who believe and disinclined to resent their were present, responded " i men. " insults to the flag. It is but ten years since they hauled down the flag which When one of the State presidents said had been unfurled by loyal citizens on to a missionary in Utah, "You are a July 4th in Salt Lake City. Had it citizen of the United States and not of not been for the military force and the this kingdom, and therefore have no large number of non· Mormons in the rights to the privileges of citizenship city, the insult to our national emblem here," he was but expressing the alien woul$! have been carried to the last ex- character of Mormonism and the imtremity. About the same time they possibility of a man's being a loyal citihauled down the Stars and Btripes zen and a Mormon at the same time. from a mission house and trailed it in The principles and purposes of the Latthe dust, and in its stead ran up a filthy ter-Day Saints are so hostile to our fragment of a rag carpet. In another American institutions, that it Is imposof the smaller cities of Utah, the Mor- sible to hold to the one without despismon city authorities refused to allow ing the other. They cannot dwell in the 1lag-the property of the city-to peace together. be run up on the pole that stood in the public square, or to be used in any way It would be a pleasant, a grateful whatever on July 4th; but on the 24th, privilege to be able to believe that the the anniversary of their entrance 'into Mormons have abandoned theIr fundathe Salt Lake Valley, they unfurled it mental principles, discarded the whole to the breezes and marched in grand theory of Mormonism, and become loyal procession to the bower where their citizens. They have a constitutional orators predicted the ultimate conquest right to their faith and worship; but of "the kingdom" over the Govern- they have no such right to maintain an ment of the United States, and rejoiced alien and hostile government, to perin the hope that the 4th would then be petuate practices which are at variance forgotten, and the 24th take its place with the laws and customs of our comlas a national holiday. try, to abridge the common rIghts of citizenship, to inculcate principles To those who were familiar with the which are destructive of domestic peace teaching and spirit of Mormonism these and social purity, or to deny to any demonstrations were no surprise. It law-abiding citizen the privileges and was never their custom to regard Inde- Immunities guaranteed to every such pendence Day as worthy of their notice. citizen by the Constitution. The birthday of these great facts in natIonal life, freedom of religious opin· They need a more extended pupilage Ion, liberty of thought and speech and under the wholesome and generous auworship, and a government •• of the thority of the Government, the educatpeople, by the people, and for the peo- ing influences of the churches and the pie," stirs no cmotion of pleasure in a schools, and the contact with intelligent Mormon heart. and enterprising Gentiles in social and business relations which have alreadY Their prophet, on July 22d, 1875, accomplished, by God blessing, so much said, while addressing a large mass· for Utah. There are about 170,000 meeting of !Iormons: "The Govern- Mormons in the United States, most of ment of the United States has no right whom reside in Utah.-Preabyterian to a foot of land in Utah. God gave Bom'd Pamphlet.
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
IV.-EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
Correspondents will please observe thing that establishes right, honorable, that the editor's permanent address is and pacific relations among men pro· changed to 1127 Dean Street, Brooklyn. motes the kingdom of God, which il:l righteousness and peace, as well as joy The March of Events. in the Holy Ghost.
The deputation of the A. B. C. F. M., The mission press in Turkey is kept referred to previously, sailed September under constant surveillance by the ab- 12th for Japan, from San Francisco. surd and often comical apprehensions The practical questions to be adjusted of the government. "All the manuare not controversial, but economical. scripts must be submitted to examina- They concern the expediency of the con- tion at Constant,invple before being tinuance or withdrawal of the mission· printed. Some are rejected or returned aries; and, if they are to remain, their In a mutilated condition, while those relati ve position as to the native Chris- accepted are kept a long time and the tians and workers._ Rev. J. H. Pettee printing delayed. Books that have resuggests six topics to be covered by the ceived the sanction of the government investigation: The nature and tendency may be seized and destroyed at any of the theological movement; future time upon a foolish pretence, such as the co·operation of the mission with the coloring of a map in a geography. Two Kumiai churches; relation to the Doshi- men were imprisoned and their books aha; the property question; the desira- confiscated, not for selling their geogbility of enlarging the miosionary force raphies, but for procuring them for the in Japan, and the changing of meth· governors at their request." ods of work. Dr. D. O. Greene, of the Japan Mission, published not long ago All this reminds us of a recent occuran account of the declaration of inde- rence in Russia, when a cable despatch, pendence on the pilrt of the Home Mis- in cipher, from a family in America, sionary Society. Japanese Christians read, T1'Y again, and was interpreted to are desirous to assume the responsibili- mean that another attempt should be ties of the evangelization of their own made to blow up the Czar! country, and to be no longer a burden on the American churches; and this is Japan has had a serious visitation of most commendable. The deputation cholera. The terrible disease made its should be followed by earnest prayers. appearance among the troops at Pesca- dores, Port Arthur, and Chin Chow, its The compact between Salvador, Nica- germs having been carried home by reragua, and Honduras provides for a turning soldiers, and the government United RepUblic of Central America, made strenuous efforts to check the mainly in the interests of defence and spread of the disease, but the situation permanent peace. Executi ve power is was greatly complicated by the fact to be lodged in a diet, with one deputy that the plague germinated from over a from each legislature and one member dozen localities simultaneously. from each repUblic. How far this political movement is to affect missions, The Oongo Railway. which is all that specially concerns this REVIEW, will appear later on; but no Work on the Congo Railway is being such union, if secured in the interests pushed. Kimpise, the half-way point of mutnal wellbeing, can be other than between tide-water and Stanley Pool, helpful to all missionary work. Every- will be reached by another year. The remaining portion c~n be ):milt muc~ more easily, as the dIfficultIes of englneeri-ng will be much less. The Eng- to us to be without excuse or even lish Baptist Missionary Society reports pJausible pretext. and to be one of the in the Congo Basin a line of stations great outrages of the century. 1000 miles long. This region, unknown twenty-five years ago. has an area greater than that of all India. Already in ten of its one hundred languages the While some boards are retrenching. Gospel is being preached. It has been some are strengthening cords and traversed in all directions. and the only lengthening stakes. For example. at religion of the people is a degrading a recent board meeling in Fort Wayne, fetishism well called devil worship. Ind., the United Brethren In Christ Cheers rang through the House of voted, thirty-nine to.one. to open a new Commons when it was announced that mission in Japan thIs year. They al- " Her Majesty's government have come ready have on hand for the work four to the conclusion that it is necessar~ to or five native preachers and teachers, most of whom have been educated in make the railway to Uganda." The this country. They have es!ablished British protectorate is to be extended this year a mont~ly ~agazme! T~e over the territories between Uganda Search-Ligltt, for dlssemmating .mte,Ihand the East Coast. The railway will gence throuO'hout the denommatIOn open the continent, both to travel and upon the subject of missions. It has to commerce. It is practically the also been determined to build a home route to Uganda over which Bishop or sanitarium for missionaries on Mount Hannington went to his death that 'the LAefirciceastear~adbotoveoFpreenetuopwnin, WcoenstnCecotaiostn. proposed railroad will follow.
with the Rufus Clark and Wife Train- ing School at Shaingay. West Africa, IJ, EJrench operations in Madagascar can- medical department, in which to place not but awaken lively interest among two physicians with a view bo~h. to all friends of missions. The first con- instructmg graduates of the trammg flicts with Hova forces were generally school in a regular medical course and to service among their own people. these victorious for the French, but the cli- . physicians befng at liberty also ~o pracmate was their foe; and the Christian tise medicine in the mission statIOns.
queen has done her best to avert war.
She is said to have given utterance to her convictions to an English corre- spondent, thus: Siam is to follow the example of "I and my people must go forth to Japan in establishing a. parliamentary do battle with that great nation. Tho system of government. The king rewe may have less men and poor arma- serves the right of choosing the memments to withstand them, yet shall we bers of Parliament. and of nullifying trust in God and our righteous cause its action, and of abolishing it; but to sustain our hands and keep us a free perhaps, after it has once been set up, people and kingdom. I trust in my it will find means of enlarging its own people and in God, who I daily pray powers. The king has been much imwill guide us. It is better that, as a pressed by the success of the Parliafree nation, we should disappear, or be ment of Japan during the past four exterminated, than become the servile years, and especially by its submission subjects of France. or any other for- to the authority of the Mikado. The eign power. I ask all of you who are population of Siam is only about 8,000,- Christians to pray for us in this deep 000. but it is not so homogeneous as that trouble, because, tho we desire peace of Japan. It consists of four or five above all things, we are obliged to fight. races and of a variety of castes living We have wronged no one, we would under a. social system which must make make war on no one, and all we now liberal institutions difficult to work; ask is to be allowed to live at peace but these innovations show that Siam with all men in the land that God has is sincere in her desire to gain the good given to our forefathers and to us. Let will of other powers and keep up in the French keep their land ; we shall keep ours. Then we shall be glad to be good friends with them. as with all Christian people the whole world over."
The movement of the French seems the march of the ages.. Distribution of Bibles in Ma.ny La.nds. Progress of Ohristianity in the United According to the seventy-ninth an- States.
nual report of the American Bible So- The census rcport on religious statis- ciety, the society has distributed more tics just printed shows that 20,613,000 volumes of the Scriptures in China dur- people belong to churches, including ing the year than in any preceding year spiritualists, theosophists, altruists, since it began its operations within the etc. There are 165,177 congregations. and 142,521 edifices. The value of all confines of the Celestial Empire. In church property used exclusively for purposes of worship is $679,630,139. Japan, too, a great work has been done There are 111,360 regular ordained min- isters. Five bodies have more than among the soldiers of the .Tapanese 1,000,000 communicants, and ten more than 500,000. The leading denomina- Army. tions have communicants in round num- bers as follows: Catholic, 6,250,000; Uore than one million and a half lIethodist. 4,600,000; Baptist, 3,725,- 000; Presbyterian, 1,280,832; Luther- Bibles, Testaments, and portions of the an, 1,230,000. There are 130,000 Jew- ish communicants, 13,500 Russian or- Bible were printed by the society within thodox, 10,850 Greek Catholics, 8742 of the Salvation Army. In number of the period treated of in the report. and communicants and value of church over one million of them were printed property, New York leads, and Pennon the presses in the Bible House and sylvania follows. hut in the number of more than half a million were printed organizations and church edifices, Pennin foreign lands. Through purchases sylvania is first and Ohio second. The of additional volumes, the total num- increaRe in the value of church property ber printed and procured by the society since 1870 has been $325,146,558, or amounted to 1,958,674 copies. Of nearly 92 per cent, while the number these, 947,103 volumes were issued of churches has increased 42 per cent. from the Bible House, and 634,025 in The increase in the number of organiforeign lands. Of the volumes issued zations is 126 per cent. from the Bible House, 101,196 copies were sent to foreign lands, and are not The testimony of the United States couuted among the issues in foreign countries. Minister to China, Mr. Denby, should The work in the home field has not be put on record, as recently received been neglected by reason of the unlooked ·for success met in distant lands, at the Department 01 State. He says: and of the iS8ue of 947,103 volumes from the Bible House, 845,907 have " I think no one can controvert the been for the home supply. The num- fact that the Chinese are enormously ber of familics visited by the American benefited by the labors of the mission- Bible Society and its auxiliaries was aries. Foreign hospitals are a great 516,798, of which 119,244 were found boon to the sick. China, before the to be without the Scriptures. Desti- advent of the foreigner, did not know tute families were supplied to the num- what surgery was. There are more ber of 34,299, and individuals in addi- than twenty charity hospitals in China. tion to the number of 19,982. which aTe presided over by men of as great ability as can be found elsewhere In the year 1890, upon the completion in the world. Dr. Kerr's hospital at of the fourth resupply of the United Canton is one of the great institutions States, the Board of Managers entered of the kind in the world. The Viceroy. upon the most extensive and important Li Hung Chang, has for years main· work which it has eyer undertaken- t.ained, at Tientsin, at his own expense, namely, "The Bible for every child a foreign hospital. In the matter of who can read," and solicited the co- education the movement is immense. operation of pastors, Christian parents, There are schools and colleges all over Sunday.school superintendents, and China, taught by the missionaries. I teachers. "The importance of this have been present often at the exhiwork," the report says, "has been em- bitions given by those schools. They phasized by the various ecclesiastical showed progress in a great degree. bodies, and cordially approved by the The educated Chinaman who speaks Sunday-school associations in almost every State, yet it must be confessed, altho there has been steady advance in this supply. the demand for Bibles for the children has not come up to the expectations of the managers." English becomes a new man. A long book existed only in Arabic, which few time before the present war the Em· in India understand, or in ambiguous peror was studying English, and, it is paraphrases. Now that it Is in torm to said, was fast acquiring the language. be read by the common people there is Nowhere is education more sought than a panic in the camp of Islam. Two in China. 'fhe government is, to some Mohammedan copyists engaged on the extent, founded on it. There Is a Chi· translation have abandoned Islam in nese imperial coJIege at Peking, the disgust. • The Word of God I it is not Tung-Zoen, presided over by our dis- even the word of a decent man,' they tinguished fellow-citizen, Dr. W. A. P. said. This translation is the outcome Martin; also a university, conducted of the events referred to in this maga- by the Methodist mission. There are zine for February in the editorial para- also many foreign orphan asylums in graph, • A False Prophet,' and indi- various cities, which take care of thou· cates a most encouraging break in the sands of waifs. The missionaries trans- solid ranks of Mohammedanism. The late into Chinese many scientific and converts to Christianity are a unit in philosophical works. A former mis- their testimony as to the character of sionary, Dr. Adkins, translated a whole Islam. It is • earthly, sensual, devil- series of school readers. Reflect that ish.' " all their benefactions come to the Chi- nese without much if any cost. Where The following, printed by the 0 hU1'cl~ charges are made they are exceedingly small, and are made only when t~ey .A.dvocate, deserves to be preserved and are necessary to prevent a rush, whlch, in this vast population, would over- hung up in some conspicuous place for whelm any institution. There are va- rious anti·opium hospitals, where the frequent meditation: victims of this vice are cured. There are industrial schools and workshops." THE BIBLE.
Lord Macaulay said in his speech It was never known who composed the following description, found in in the British House of Commons, Westminster Abbey, nameless and dateless: lIarch, 1843: •• That to discountenance .. A nation would be truly happy if it a religion which has done so much to were governed by no other laws than those of the blessed book. promote justice, and mercy, and free· .. It is 80 complete a system that dom, and arts, and sciences, and good nothing can be added to it.
government, and domestic happiness, .. It contains everything needful to be known or done. which has struck oft the chains of the .. It gives instructions to a senate, slave, which has mitigated the horrors authority and direction to a magistrate.
of war, which has raised women from .. It contains a witness, requires an impartial verdict of a jury, and fur- .servants and playthings into compan- nishes the judge with his sentence.
ions and friends, is to commit high .. It sets a husband as a lord of the household and the wife as a mistress of treason against humanity and civiliza- the table, tells him how to rule and her how to manage. tion." .. It prescribes and limits the sway The Baptist Mi88ionM'1J Magazine of the sovereign, the ruler, and the au- thority of the master, commands the says: subjects to honor, and the servant to obey, and promises the blessing and .. A deadly blow has been struck at protection of the Almighty to all that 1Ylohammedani&m in India by the trans· work by its rules. lation of the Koran into simple, idio· matic Urdu, the language of the com· .. It promises food and raiment; and mon people of a large part of Northern limits the use of both. India. Mohammed forbade the translation of his book, and his superstitious .. It points out a faithful and eternal followers ha ve believed it could not be guardian to the departing husband and put into any language except Arabic, father, tells him to whom to leave his the language in which it was written. fatherles,q children, and whom his wid- The translation into Urdu is the work ow is to trust, and promises a father to of an able Mohammedan convert to the former and a husband to the latter. Christianity, and it has caused consternatIon to the defenders of Islam. .. It teaches a man to set his house in The power of Islam has bcen that its order and know his will ; it appoints a dowry for his wife, and entails the rijl;ht of the first·born, and also shows fiber of his being. There was a ring how the young branches shall be kept. in his voice and In his crisp sentences which attested his sincerity, and a .. It defends the rights of all, and re- manliness in his bearing which won for veals vengeance to every defaulter, him instant respect." over-reacher, and trespasser. .
.. It is the first book and the oldest book: in the world. .. It contains the choicest matter, In the archives of the Presbyterian gives the best instruction, affords the Board of Foreign Missions, in this city, greatest pleasure and satisfaction that there has just been found an edict prowas ever enjoyed. .' mulg'!-ted by the Emperor of China more than half a century ago, it being " It contains the most ancient an- dated 1844, with relation to the treattiquiti€s, strange events, wonderful oc- currences, heroic deeds, and unparalleled wars."
ment to be accorded to all those within Rev. Dr. Behrends on June 9th paid the domain of the Chinese Empire who a fine tribute to Henry Martyn Scudder, professed the religion of the " Lord of D.D., his predecessor in the Central Heaven." The edict was called forth Congregational Church, Brooklyn. As by disturbances which had arisen to his life generally, character, and through some misbehavior of the missionary career, he says: French Catholic missionaries, and in the .. It was a long life, beginning in course of which many of the innocent 1822 and coming to its earthly close on had suffered at the hands of the natives.
June 5th, 1895 It was a cosmopolitan The edict was in the form of a memolife. He was born in Ceylon, educated in New York City, spent twenty years rial of Keting, Imperial Commissioner in India, held pastorates in Jersey City, and Viceroy of the Canton and Kwang- San Francisco, Brooklyn, and Chicago, Se provinces, to the Emperor. Among labored for scvcral years in Japan, other things contained in this document crossed the Pacific once more for the health of a dear daughter, who died in is the following statement, which, in Southern California, tarried for a sea- view of recent events, will be found of son in Chicago, and then went to Win- deep interest: "Now, according to the chester to wait for the end. It was a request of the envoy of the French navaried life in personal experience, cov- tion, Lagrene. that the virtuous profesering the whole range between ecstatic sors of the said religion in China shonld gladness and bitterest anguish, during be exonerated from blame, it appears all of which his cheerful courage and suitable to accede thereto; and it is sunny faith never suffered eclipse, proper to request that henceforth with though for two years his constant prayer regard to all persons, whether Chinese had been that the Lord would take him or foreigners, professing the religion of home, for he dreaded that his disease the Lord of Heaven, who do not cr('ate might make such progress as to render disturbance nor act improperly, it be him helpless and bed-ridden. From humbly entreated of theimperJal benevthat he was most mercifully spared, olence to grant, that they be exonerated and his mind was clear to the very last. from blame. But if such persons re- It was a very busy life, for he never sume their former ways, and indepenspared himself, but worked to the ut- dently of their professions commit other m(Jst limit of his energy. He was an crimes and misdemeanors, then they Oriental scholar of no mean ability, a will be dealt with according to existmaster in Scripture exposition, an able ing laws. With regard to the French and instructive preacher, a devoted and and the subjects of other foreign nasympathetic pastor. His fellowships tions who profess the aforesaid religwere wide and ~enerous. He had no ion, it is only permitted them to build taste for theologlcal subtleties, and no churches at the five ports opened for patience with dogmatic controversy. foreign commerce, and they must not Yet he was intensely and emphatically improperly enter the inner land to difevangelical, and on the doctrine of the fuse their faith. Should any offend incarnation he firmly and enthusiasti- against the regulations and overstep cally maintained the ancient and uni- the boundaries, the local officers, 8.Il versal faith. He had a passion for soon as they can apprehend them. shall souls, an enthusiasm for humanity immediately deliver them over to the which made him democratic in every consuls of the di1lerent nations to be punished; but they must not rashly fossils. The Japanese are a bright, inmdict upon them the punishment of tellectual people, lovers of the beautiful, and are much more open to the claims death. " of the Gospel than are the Chinese.
Sunday Papers in Japan. The Pope of Rome is planning to send more missionaries to Jltpan. The Mika- do has appointed Christian chaplains in In the July issue of this year, pages his army, and he has on more than one 517 and 558, will be found two con- occasion shown his kindly feeling tow- trary statements as to the Sunday issues ard Christianity. The whole of his em- pire is as open to the preaching of the of the papers and periodicals published Gospel as England or the United States. In Japan. As frequently must happen There is indeed a crisis in the affairs of where different members of an editorial Japan-a place. as Dr. Pierson puts it, staff draw information from different "where opportunity and responsibility meet. " The Christian world should sources. condicting testimony appears improve the opportunity and meet the now and then. In this case the state· responsibility by sending hundreds of ments were so diametrically opposed missionaries into this white hatvest field. that careful inquiries were made to It takes an American from four to six years to learn to speak the Japanese lanlearn the facts. Professor Stanley says: guage correctly. It is one of the most .. I based my statement on what I had difficult languages in the world. The or had not seen while several years a best way, therefore, to prepare misresident of Tokyo, ag also on two peri- sionaries for Japan is to reach the Jap- anese in this country with the Gospel. odicals' statements in this country this When converted, they become enthusi- year. " astic evangelists, and are eager to return The authority for the counter state- to their native land. About two years ago the Hanson Place ment is Rev. J. D. Davis, at A. B. C. Baptist Church, of Brooklyn, opened a mission for the Japanese young men F. M., and the well"known professor in the Doshisha seminary, one of the best who are in this cluster of great cities. authorities on Japanese matters. He There are about 400 of them, and dur- ing these two years more than 90 have says that the other statement-that of accepted Jesus Christ as their. Saviour. 600 papers, none of them issues a Sun· From this mission two have already day edition-" is so utterly at variance gone to Japan as missionaries, one at with all he has ever seen or heard, that his own expense, the other supported by a good Christian woman. Two more he does not believe there is a paper In are at Northfield preparing to gCl, and Japan which does not issue a Sunday several are ready to present themselves edition. To be certain, he asked a whenever the way shall be opened. Japanese student in Oberlin College, Twelve of these bright young men have been baptized into the Hanson Place who substantiates his own statement, Baptist Church, and in giving their exand says that he has never hcard of any periences they showed that they knew such regard for the Sabbath, tho a few what they were about. Their views of dailies may issue only six copies week- Christ and the Bible were clear cut; there was a deep conviction of sin and a ly." The bulk of testimony, as we are hearty turning from it unto the Saviour; sorry to conclude, confirms Dr. Davis's and every one of them knew just why position. Dr. Knox says: "Newspapers' they wanted to join the Church. are issued on Sunday as on other days." This is the only mission for Japanese in New York, Brooklyn, and Jersey Citv, and the time has come when it I Rev. A. C. Dixon, D.D., of Brooklyn, ought to be enlarged. We have, there- fore, rented a house, 54 Sands Street, sends us an interesting bit at news : "FOR CHRIST .AND JAl'AN." near the Brooklyn end of the Bridge, and opened a" Japanese Christian In- Just now the most interesting heathen stitute." We.desire to make it a home country in the world is the Mikado's for the Japanese Christian youn~ men, empire. By its valor and resources in an evangelistic centre for reachmg the war it has stepped to the front with unsaved, and a training school for Japcivilized nations, and Japan hereafter anese Christian workers. It seems to will not be classed among the national me that we have a sort of apostOlic college for the evangelization of Japan. This is an age of reading circles and clubs. Let the idea be applied more About $2000 a year will be needed to definitely to missions. Foreign miscarryon the work as it should be. We sions are not supported, simply because expect large returns in the way of con- the Ohurch does not know about flu W01'k versions among the Japanese, but :still in order to feel about it. Set the laf/~er returns in the future through Church to reading on missions, history, biography, peoples, religions, state and theIr work in Japan. Mr. Frank Tishiro, need of the work, duty, etc. All this one of the converts, gives all his time can be done best by method. Form circles in the churches, organize someto the work of the mission, and among thing, give certificates or seals. With his fellow-Ohristians are several very the reading will come light and inter- est and giving." spiritual, earnest soul-winners. There is scarcely a meeting without a conver- To all which we have often said, sion." " Amen.
Dr. Dixon closes with an appeal for From Vitolla, Turkey-In-Europe, funds to carryon this work, which has in view the twofold object of reaching the Japanese in America and of preaching the Gospel to the whole em- pire of Japan.
No wonder a process of demoraliza- June,3d, 1895, a correspondent writes tion goes on in India through drink to the editor of the Voice: sent from England. There passed through Madina in one week, as shown .. My RESPECTED 8m : Please pardon your slave if I do not this letter trans- late precisely into your language, asfrom the posted daily returns in Liver- sisted by my lexicon. pool, 900,000 cases of gin, 24,000 butts "Many Christian newspapers, In America particularly, upbraid our race, of rum, 30,000 cases of bra~dy, 28,000 and our must gracious ruler, the Sultan, cases of Irish whiskey, 800,000 demi- because on account of the, what you johns of rum, 36,000 barrels of rum, call, Armenian .ontrages, concerning Christians In our country. 30,000 of Old Tom, 15,000 barrels of ab- .. These severe censures are not sinthe, 40,000 cases of vermouth; and equitable to my mind and to my patriyet we send missionaries to elevate and otism. Let us look. You say our Sul- tan treats the Armenians with cruelty, save this same people I but how have your Christians treated Dr. Oyrus Hamlin, long an American the first owners of America? I mean the Red Indians named the aborigines. missionary in Turkey, was sitting at You have four hundred years of persemeat with a Turkish governor, when cutions which you celebrate with yOUl' Columbian Exposition. the latter took a piece of roast mutton .. You have also one war of four In his fingers and politely passed it to years, where 1,000,000 Ohristians were the missionary. "Now do you know by their brother Christians killed. what I have done 1" asked the gov- What is one small village of rebels killed 1 ernor. "Perfectly well," replied the .. Then you had some of African slamissionary. "You have given me a very. worse degraded and cruel than delicious piece of roast meat, and I Moslem slavery, 4,000,000 slaves. have eaten it." "You have gone far " Slave-sellers are not benevolent and humane very. from it [have missed its real meaning]," said the governor. "By :that .. Statistics from America say that one half of the money for the support act I have pledged you every drop of of the United States is taken from immy blood, that while you are in my ter- post on intoxication drink, and 100,000 yearly die, caused by this vice. Our ritory no evil shall come to you. For Sultan kills a small village of heretics, that space of time we are brothers." traitors. In your Koran, which I ad- mire, there are such words like this: • Take the beam out of your eyes and Rev. T. J. Scott, D.D., missionary quickly you are able to see clearly and to India, asks: . take the mote out from your kinsman's "Why do not missionary societies eyes.' take up the' Reading Circle' idea more fully? There is a grand thing in it. " Your obedient slave, " HAMDI-NuZRET."
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGJ!:NCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
EDITED BY REV. D. L. LEONARD.
Extraots and Translations from Foreign up to the mountain-sides on either Periodicals. hand, these are covered below with BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, mulberry groves, cotton plantations, MASS. and trim tea grounds, which arc often disposed in artificial terraces, which CHINA. sometimes also bear corn. Higher up, -" JAP HAN CmONG, one of the as far as the mountain will consent to pastors of the Amoy American Re- be • clothed,' grow woods, among formed :Mission, is probably the senior whose leafage the light leaves of the ordained native pastor in China. Two camph:.Jr·tree, the reddish leaves of the years ag.) he celebrated the thirtieth an· tallow-tre:J, and the dark-green lea.es niversary of his ordination, a great oc- of the arbor 'CitCJ occupy a conspicuous casion in the town in which he is set- place; but there are also found cedars tled, marked by kindly words and gifts and cypresses. And where the wood from missionaries and from Chinamen, sinks into shrubbery, it frequently con· non· Christian Chinamen as well as sists of azaleas and similar plants, which Christians. He is pastor of the church we grow in greenhouses or windows at Sio·khe, the western center of the fronting the south, and which in the American Reformed Mission, where flowering time afford a spectacle of they have a large hospital. His high dazzling beauty. There are also found character, spotless reputation, good groves of roses or jessamines. On the judgment, and kindly feeling and man- whole, there are many very beautiful ner have jnstly won for him a place in landscapes in China. Nor are there the affection a:ld esteem of all who wanting wild mountain regions of an know him, and even exceptional Influ- Alpine character. Deserts there are ence with Chinese officials. He is one none; but, on the other hand, there of the noblest fruits of the Gospel in are dreary and melancholy marshes, China. His wife is like-minded. Their and the coasts are often flat and tire- lives and work have been of signal ser· some.
vice to the cause of Christ. "-The "While plant life is thus richly de- Ohronicle. veloped in China, the opposite is true ._" There are," says the Dansk Mi8- of animal life. There is certainly no sions-BEad, .. more building stones in region on earth where it plays so slight the Great Wall of China than in all the a part and is so scantily represented as buildings of England and Scotland to· here. The greedy and reckless children gether. What are the pyramids of of men have consumed or expelled the Egypt to this ?" beasts of the field and the fowls of the air. "-Ibid_ -" Let anyone place himself in the middle of one of the beautiful river -The Blad mentions, as a corre- valleys of China, southward of the sponding work in literature, answering • Yellow Earth,' the soil of the valley to the general "voluminouGness" of is clothed with light green or yellow Chinese matters, the "Conversations· rice-fields, through which the water- Lexikon" composed about 1403, in the course winds like a glittering silver rib· course of four years, by a committee of bon; along the stream, or on either 2000 scholars, and existing (unprint- side of the valley. wave the delicate ed) in 22,937 volumes. A similar but leafy crowns of the bamboo reeds, bow- briefer one, printed in 1726, contains ing to the slightest breeze. If we look only 5000 volumes. A copy of this
EXTRACTS AND TRANSLATIONS
latter has lately been added to the Brit- my people happy, every one after his ish Museum Library. condition. This have I endeavored The Blad remarks that, after having after with steady solicitude, incredible advanced beyond the Immovable Chi· zeal, and unwearied toil, so that now l nese types, we are now returning to am broken and worn out in body and them by our stereotype plates. soul. Kings, dignitaries, officers, sol- diers, people-in short. all of every rank -The present Muntchu Dynasty, show their devotion to me by lament- which, as we know, has governed ing that my years are so advanced. If China since 1644, seems to have fur- my long career is now. drawing to an nished some very capable and excellent end, I leave life with contentment."
emperors, especially Kung. hi, who The Chinese emperors have always reigned from 1661 till 1722, and who, at least had a high ideal of public duty, after a reign of sixty·one years, died at and many of them seem to have made the age of seventy. His last will and not unsuccessful efforts to fulfil it.
testament, given in the Dansk MissioruJ. This goes far to explain the long en- Blad, is the more impressive as it is said durance of the nation.
to answer very truly to the character -" The Church at Home and Abroaa of the man and of his reign. " I, the affirms that nothing has stood so much Emperor, who honor Heaven, and in the way of China's prosperity as whose calling it is to undertake ameli- her disinclination or incapacity to read orations in the State, issue this ordi- the signs of the times. I allow that the nance and say: Never among rulers, disinclination and incapacity of the who have governed the world, has there Chinese to read the signs of the times been anyone without feeling himself has been great-very great; but it must bound to honor Heaven and resemble be said in excuse of them that the avahis forefathers. The true way to do ricious policy of foreigners, especially of this is to treat men afar with kindness, the English and French, could not fail and men near by according to merit. yet more to strengthen the Chinese in Thereby one brings about repose and their indisposition to learn of the outabundance for the people, he makes the landers. Righteousness and good-will, goods of the world his goods, the heart when joined with patience and firmof the world his own heart; he fortifies ness, do not find the way barred even the State against coming dangers, and into the heart of a civilization which, obviates future calamities. I have like the Chinese, has been said"-with lived long enough: I have owned as very. decided exaggeration-" to have, many riches as are found between the for three thousand years, taken no step four seas ; I am the father Of 150 sons either forward or backward, and which and sons' sons, and of many more is represented by a mass of population daughters; I leave the kingdom in embracing nearly the third part of the peace and gladness, therefore my pros· total population of our planet. We perity may be called great; and if noth- see this, among other facts, by the uning even yet occurs to cross it, I die expected solution of the long-disputed content. Altho I do not venture to question of the audiences demanded by say that I have bettered evil morals, or the foreign ambassadors."-Missionary helped every family to superfluity or J. GENAIIR, in Be1'ichte de:r RheiniBchen even every man to necessities, even as Mi88ionB- GC$dlBcha,ft. I, moreover, cannot be compared with the pious rulers of the earlier dynas- _" Whatever one may think as to ties, yet I believe myself able to give the question whether, as Rocholl ex- -assurance that during my long reign I presses it, China and Japan will ever have aimed at nothing else than to pro- accept the Christian religion • as such'
cure the realm deep peace and render –i.e., as State r~ligion-one thing, how-
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
ever, remains certain for us; even if in Lord; and the Lord Himself says (Luke Eastern Asia there should no longer be 12 ; 47); • He that knew his Lord's will sal vable peoples, yet there are at all and did it not, shall be beaten with events salvable 8ouls, and on them the many stripes.' "
might of the love which rests on the -The Danish Missionary Society havfaith in Jesus can and should approve ing taken up work in China, the Blad itself. To seek them out and to gather has been publishing a series of articles them in; to grasp the hands of the sink· on China, in every aspect equally thor· ing, to lay them at the feet of the great ough, popular, and interesting. They Physician; and where the hand of love deserve to be translated into English in cannot reach, to interpose with the arm full, omitting only the local Danish of prayer-this must, from day to day, references. be more and more recognized by us as our holy duty. There are yet many .. Chinese boys come to school richly sheaves lying out upon the tield, which endowed by ancestral inheritance with should be gathered into the garners. an unbounded reverence for consti· • Pray ye therefore the Lord of the har- tuted authority, and for the teacher's vest, that He will dri'1Je out (eklJalto) la- authority in particular. They come borers into His harvest.' "-Ibid. prepared not only to obey, but to wor· ship you. Mind, they do not come -Concerning those easy-going Chris- prepared to love you. Love on the tians who think that it lies entirely part of a pupil covers in Europe a mulwithin their own good pleasure whether titude of sins on the part of a teacher; they will do anything for this work but the Chinese boy never loves his abroad, Herr GENAHR says: "In the teacher. The very idea of it is unin- Book of Judges, fifth chapter, twenty- telligible to him. He does not love his thIrd verse, we find: "Curse ye Meroz, parents. He reverences them."-Ohisaid t.he angel of the Lord, curse ye nese Rewrder.
bitterly the inhabitants thereof; be- -In China the form of life seems to cause they came not to the help of the have been 80 extraordinarily developed Lord, to the help of the Lord against as almost to have destroyed the sub· the mighty." In lin old book we tind stance of it. Indeed, the ReC<:Yrder goes the following questions and answers on to say; "Chinese boys, who are all upon this verse: singularly deficient in the matter of "Who has commanded to curse emotion and feeling, have generally an Meroz ? Answer: The angel of the amount of :.esthetic feeling which you Lord. rarely find in European children• .. What had Meroz done? Nothing. There is inborn in Chinese boys are· .. How? why, then, is Meroz cursed? fined sensibility to the impressions of Because she has done nothing. form. Witness, for instance, their deli- .. What should Meroz have done? cate perception of what is pretty lind Come to the help of the Lord. graceful in rites, ceremony, and eti· .. Could not the Lord, then, have quette. It is for you to take advan- succeeded without Meroz? The Lord tage of this :.esthetic feeling, which in did succeed without Meroz. the case of the whole Chinese nation " Then has the Lord met with a loss forms the essential basis of both rellg· thereby? No, but Meroz. ion and morality. They have no true " Is Meroz, then, to be cursed there- religious feeling, no genuine moral sen- for? Yes, and that bitterly. timent, such as you know European "Is it right that a man should be children possess as their Christian birth· cursed for having done nothing ? Yes, right. Their religion is all reverence; when he should have done something. their morality springs with them not " Who says that? The angel of the from an inborn God·consciousness, but,
ENGLISH NOTES
as it was with tile Greeks of classical !tovement initiated by the Church Mis-.
antiquity, from an inborn, !esthetic sionary Society over seven years ago, feeling of propriety and good form." that society has furnished an object- This may remind us of what James lesson of what faith, under God, When Parton says, evidently with complacent supported by courage, can accomplish.
approbation, of Thomas Jeft'erson, that During this period no suitable candi- religion was with him not a conflict or dates, no qualified missionaries have an agony, but" a supreme etiquette." been refused on financial ground8; the consequence has been that the number :English Notes. of missionaries, exclusive of wives, has lIY JAMES DOUGLA!!. increased from 333 to 634, and the number of single lady missionaries The Kumaon Mi88Wn.-This branch from 32 to 193, while the receipts last of the London :Missionary Society's year exceed by more than £20,000 those work, since its establishment forty-five of any former year.
years ago by the late Mr. Budden, has Bouth &aa.-Thenew steamshipJohn grown most promisingly, including to- Wi1liams is proving of immense service day all the usual round of Christian to the agents of the London Missionary agencies. In addition to schools for Society. By her means a long run to boys and girls, boarding-houses, wom- the northwest out-stations has been en'shome, orphanage, and hospital, the safely and satisfactorily accomplished list includes a flourishing and well- in forty-four days, ,ess than half the managed leper asylum, out of 121 in- time required by the former bark, bemates of which 94 are Christian. Miss sides allowing longer time for each Budden, now in England, hopes on her visit. Captain Hare reports that" teachreturn to be free to push forward the ers and people were delighted with the work in.to Bhob, along the borders of ship; and the only discomfort the dep- Thibet. utation had was the quickness with Addre88 by a Samoan Queen.-The which they passed from one station to address delivered by the Queen of another." It was literally "from isl- Mantua, on the occasion of opening a and to island. " Before the excitement new church in the capital town of the of one visit had time to subside, they group, May 26th, 1895, is now reo were at a fresh destination.
ported in full in the organ of the 1,on- Medical Mi88Wn8. -The estimated cost don Missionary Society. It is full of of the Church Missionary Society's praise Godward, and has as its chief medical missions for the current year is burden manward the inculcation of £5170. Last year over 4500 in·patients brotherly love. " My last word to YOIl and. over 370,000 out patients were is to urge you to accept and obey treated. This means more than the Christ's new commandment, which He saving of many lives and the imparting gave to His disciples and to us each of much physical benefit in various and all: 'Love one another.' How ways. As the report points out, the can a people be blessed if God's Word medical missionary is an evangelist first is not obeyed? And this is His special and a physician afterward. By his command to us, to you all, that we means much misconception about ChrIs- should all strive to have love, the one tianity is removed, while hundreds of to the other. May God bless and help thousands are brought under a hear- you all to obey Him, and then will true ing of the Gospel, and often become blessedness come to these islands of themselves bearers of the truth to parts Mantua." of the country whither no missionary The FO'1"1J)ard MOtJem(Jnt in the Churclt has ever come.
.Mi~ionary Society.-In the Forward Upper Congo.-The Rev. J. H.
GlllNERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
Weeks, of the Baptist Missionary Soci. never pass from Korea to work here, ety, reports the baptism of the first and 'Vice f!61'Bd" because there is no ho- Bangala converts, four youth who for mogeneity of race or language or any- six months have given proof of saving thing whatever. The Church has to chango of heart. As three of these are open an absolutely ncw field of work town lads, free born. they will, by rea· here. Who will open it Y Please re- son of the status of their families, be· member our needs in your prayers."
come men of position and influence. One in OhriBt.-In the Presbyterian missionary organ an interesting account Madaripore.-Three new chapels are is supplied of the power of Christian to be erected in this district in connec- love in the mutual relations of Chinese tion with the operations of the Baptist and Japanese Christians in the Pesca- Missionary Society. Of these two will dores. When the Japanese took posbe memorial chapels-one in memory of session of Makung, the inhabitants, the late John Chamberlain Page, and among whom was a group of believers, the other in memory of the late Mr. retreated to the north of the little isl- Sale. Both Mr. Sale and Mr. Page lao and. Afterward, the Chinese returnbored hard for many years in the Back· ing to Makung, the Christians asked ergunge and Furreedpore beelB, and that their church might be restored to their names are still fragrant in the them; and this being granted by the memory of thousands.
" The Oongo for 0 l;,ri8t: the Story of Japanese, Divine service was held in it the Oongo Mi8sion." -Such is the title as in former time. No sooner did the of a new work published by S. W. Christians in the Japanese force learn Partridge & Co.• London, price lB. 6d•• of this Chinese Christian church than and written by the Rev. J. B. Myers, they came to join them in their wor- Association Secretary of the Baptist ship. In each case the New Testament Missionary Society. The work on the and hymn-book in .. character" help to Congo has, in several places, passed the make the service interesting to those to pioneer stage, and there the harvest is whom otherwise it would be in an un- already in course. The most promis- known tongue. The plan adopted is ing feature in the movement concerns to hold a Chinese service in the morn- " the evangelistic efforts of the native ing, the Japanese attending, and in Christian churches. This especially ap- the afternoon the service is in Japa- plies to the little church of San Salva- , nese, to which also the Chinese Chris- dor, the male members of which have tians come. Mr. Barclay writes of for seven years devoted themselves to " this beautiful Christian union" with the gracious work of making Christ a glad and thankful heart.
known in the neighboring towns and Soutlt Afriea,-An S. P. G. mission· villages. A further feature of promise ary of mark has just fallen in South in the work is the extent to which the Africa, who, after devoting many years duty and privilege of contributing to to the work of the Church in Natal, the work of Christ have taken hold on had just volunteered to take part in the converts. the more arduous work that has to be Manchuria.-Tidings long delayed, done in the diocese of Lebombo. We owing to the disturbed state of the allude to the Rev. H. T. A. Thompson.
country, have arrived from the Rev. As a man of means, he laid his gifts as F. W. Doxat, S. P. G. missionary in well as his life on the altar. Ordained Newchwang. He writes: "Oh, I wish in 1881, he was stationed at the famous we had missionaries here! The time mission of Springvale in 18S6, and of suffering before us would be times since 1892 has labored with much suc- of BOwing, if there were only some one cess at Euhlouhleui, where his school to carry the seed. Korean workers can and church were as an oasis in the wil· demess. Mr. Thompson did important -Dr_ R. N. Cust says: "Prayer and service in translating into the Zulu praise to the Lord of heaven and earth tongue the Book of Common Prayer and reading and teaching of the Word and the Bible. of God are heard at every hour of the day in all the chief languages of the THE KINGDOM. world, in every part of the world ac- cessible to the Anglo-Saxon, by every -Can a Southern Presbyterian, asks race of mankind, black, brown, yellow, The Mi88ionary, who is lukewarm on red, or white, under the leadership of tbe subject of foreign missions, be English-speaking missionaries." loyal to his church when on her banner, from the day of her organization, -Is it not perfectly erroneous to talk she has affirmed that preaching the of the failure of missions, when they Gospel to every creature is the g·reat started with 120 despised Galileans, and end of Iter organization , when now there are at least l20,OOO,000 of Protestants, and they have in their -St. Theresa was aged and indigent power almost all the wealth and almost in the extreme, but with only three all the resources of the world !-Archsous for a beginning, she set out to deacon Fa'l"l'ar. build an orphanage. When taken to task for her "folly," she answered, -It is said that the Christian natives " Theresa and three sous are nothing, of the South Sea Islands prepare their but Theresa, three sous, and God are Sunday food on Saturday. Not a fire everything. " is lighted, neither flesh nor food is cooked, not a tree is climbed, nor a. ~He who plants missions, and he canoe seen on the water, nor a journey who conserves that which others have by land undertaken on God's holy day_ planted, are among the immortal bene- Then it might not be amiss to import factors of mankind. He who in mod- some shiploads of them into Christenern times announces the name of Christ dom to show the saints how to carry to men who have never before heard themselves on the Sababth. the incomparable word, ranks with the disciples and apostles who announced -A. writer in the Foreign Mission the name that is above every name. Journal (Southern Baptist), from the Livingstone is the spiritual father of startling, but eminently sound postu- Africa, and is in the list with Moses, late, « The Missionary a Human Being." who personally touched but a corner in sets forth to make reply to some critithat great land. The law·giver went cisms, which tho common are absurd. to Egypt to get God's people out of Surely, never before have Christian Africa, but Livingstone explored the missions been brought into public no· Dark Continent so that those people tice so often and with such prominence might re-enter and occupy the almost as for a month or two since, and in conunknown equatorial regions.-Ohicago nection with the troubles in Turkey Advocate. and China. Criticisms have been sharp, but the answers have also been abun- -Instead of the cry" world-wide dant as well as fully adequate to the evangelization I" which acceptll no fur- occasion. The value of this discussion ther responsibility and awaits but little in adding to the hosts who look and laresult, I would substitute the motto, bor for the word's redemption can .. World-wide victory I"-the world scarcely be overestimated. for Christ; the Church in every land; every church a witness for Christ; -In particular, one of the wiseacre every church more and more trium- critics essayed to laugh down by a carphant, till Christ, through the Church, toon in a. noted comic paper those who shall rule over aU I-Edward A. Law- would carry the Gospel to the ends of rence. the earth, and the legend; .. Our church charities cannot see the misery man, as a surgeon who undertook cases under their own noses at home." that would not be risked in Philadel- Whereupon the Independent and the phia. In this country, he estimated that Dr. Kerr might get. $75,000 a year. ohurchman proceeded so to belabor Yet that missionary, • the peer of any living surgeon in the world to-day,' him with facts and logic as to make who hilS treated three quarters of a his case pitiful in the extreme. million patients, lives on a slender sal- ary for the sake of Christ and the so- -The Illustrated MiBBionary Nll1JJs is called celestial." responsible for the statement that" it is not perhaps generally known that, -We must wait and look afaT to find counting clergy and ministers of all de- aught more significant than the recent nominations, Bible-women, catechists, proclamation of Li Hung Chang, the etc., . there are as many missionaries eminent Chinese statesman, who stands working among the 4,000,000 of Lon- next after the Emperor himself. It don as there are among 800,000,000 of leaves nothing to be desired as a testiheathen and 200,000,000 of lIohamme- mony to the moral worth of the misdans abroad. Therefore if the cry of sionaries and the value of tbeir work. outcast London is loud and stirring, the These words contain the gist of his tesbitter cry of outcast heathendom is 250 timony: .. Now having examined the times as loud and 250 times as pierc- doctrine halls in every place pertaining ing. .. And yet, tho similar statements to this prefecture, we find there have can be made as to New York, Chicago, been established free schools where the and every large city in Christendom, poor children of China may receive inthe smart cartoonist commiserated struction; hospitals where Chinamen above is pained to note that .. Our may freely receive healing; that the ch'ITch charities cannot see the misery missionaries all are really good; not under their own noses at home." , only do they not take the people's pos· sessions, but they do not seem to desire -Count Tolstoi, the Russian philan- men's praises. Be it known that forthropist, calls attention afresh to the eigners here renting or otherwise setfact that the martyrs to wrong-doing ting up halls do so to save and to help far exceed the martyrs to right-doing. the poor and that there is not the least He says: " In 1800 years 380,000 peo- underhandedness. .. ple suffered voluntary or involuntary martyrdom in the cause of Christ. -Bishop Galloway condemnll .. him Count now the martyrs of the world. who canonizes the man who goes to You will see that for one martyr to Africa to save the negro, and ostracizes Christ there are a thousand martyrs to the man who stays in Chattanooga to the world-martyrs whose sufferings save the negro." That is aimed at the have been a thousand times more cruel. center of the target.-North and West. In the waTS of the present century alone 30,000,000 men have been killed." -It is truly comforting I and even Add to these all the victims of lust for hope-inspiring I I to learn that after a wealth, and fame and pleasure, of dev- year's effort on the part of the Chicago ilish passion and animal desire, and Methodist preachers to persuade the how insignificant the number of those Pope, who simply dotes on the freedom who have lost their lives for Jesus' of conscience which Catholics enjoy in sake II this land, to use his good offices to miti- gate the sharp pains and penalties visited -" Those who scorn our missionaries on Protestants in certain States of South may be forgiven on the same petition America, to hear straight from the lips that Christ-offered for His murderers- of his Holiness that, if Indeed there be viz., • They know not what they do.' intolerance down there, it is purely a Our consul-general in Canton, China, pointed out Dr. Kerr to a newspaper civil matter with which he cannot med- a salary of $18.000 a year. And yet dle (ah, no I), and that, moreover. he our sisters can scarcely expect that such has actually written thither to ascertain openings await their coming in all misthe facts in the case. sion fields.
WOMAN'S WORK. -Chaplain McCabe, under the title "A Faithful Steward," tells how a Methodist saint. Mrs. Adeline M. Smith, -In the department of " Women and of Oak Park, Ill., administered an es- IvIiBBions," Gi8t relates the following : tate valued at $125,000, and left by her .. In a company the question was reo husband. By prudent care and ecocently asked, • What event of this cen· nomicalliving she increased it by more tury is most important and far-reaching than $10,000, and distributed the whole in its power for good to the human to various churches, missIons, etc., at race? ' Answers followed in quick home and abroad, including large sums succeBBion: • Discoveries in medical to establish a Biblical Institute in Tokyo, science,' 'New interest in sociology,' Japan, and in Mussoorie. India. and a • Explorations in Africa,' 'The appli- hospital in Nanking, China. cation of electricity to the service of man.' When there was a pause one -Regions Beyond for April contains said, • The higher education of woman, an interesting sketch of women's forand her service in giving the Gospel to eign miBSionary societies in Great Britthe secluded women of the world; in ain. It says: "The women of Great a word, the organization of woman's Britain and Ireland are sending to wom· en, by meaus of 12 different organizaboards of missions.' "-Tlte Helper. tions, 770 women, of whom 38 are medi- – Woman'8 Evangel (United Breth· cal workers, 20 being fully qualified ren) urges concerning September 29th : doctors. These reach 20 different " We want to make this a 8pecial wom- countries, employ about 2000 native an's day-we have a special object in helpers, and manage 900 schools, in view. All of our collections on this which brsnch of their work 64,000 girls day are to be used in the building of and women are brought under Chrisour sanitarium in Africa. The women, tian teaching. It is impossible to reckyoung people, and children are asked on the thousands of lives they dally to raise $1000 for this purpose, to be touch and infiuence in their evangelispaid through our association. We have tic, zenana, and medical work. a nucleus of $250. What if we should bring an offering on woman's day ag- -A.nother noble woman has died at gregating $750, and our 'Bome of the post of duty. The Society for Pro- Rest' for our missionaries be assured!" moting Female Education in the East bas lost one of its earliest and most ac- -The Woman's Baptist Foreign Mis- tive missionaries by the death of Mrs. Sionary Society is pushing a good work. Buckley, of Cuttack, Ori888. Mrs. It is erecting at Newton Centre, ncar Buckley was appointed to take charge Boston, a building for the young wom- of an orphan Bchool in Berhampore. en taking at the Newton Theological OriBSa, in 1841, so that at the time of , School a course of study preparatory to her death she had compl~ted over 53 foreign missionary work. It is a three- years of active service in miBBionary story builuing, colonial in style, and work. Among her pupils were girls equipped with all needed privileges for rescued from the Khonds, who stole or study by day and rest by night, while purchased female children, whom they the class-rooms of the school furnish fattened to sacrifice alive to the goddess opportunities for instruction. of the Raldi fields. She was permittcli -An American woman, Mrs. Ellis, to see much fruit from her labors among is physician to the Queen of Korea, at them. and to train many of them to be teachers to their own people.-The pel's. They have made dolls for the Ohurchman. Christmas manager of the primary de· partment of the Sunday-school, and YOUNG PEOPLE. have prepared games and a large scrap album to make other little people -The Christian Endeavor Union of merry. A very important association the Maritime Provinces has just held is the Earnest Watchers' Circle, whose its sixth yearly meeting, about 400 dele- work it is to avoid scandal and help gates being present. During the past others. This circle has given a year's year 84 new societies had been enrolled, subscription of the Silver Cross to the making the whole number 595. Of King's Daughters room, and visited and these Nova Scotia has 381 ; New Bruns- provided for the comfort of a poor wick, 162; Prince Edward's Island, woman who is bed-ridden, money for 62. The total membership is about which was raised at a lawn social."- 37,000. During the last' year 2500 as- The Temple Magazine. sociate members passed into the ranks of the active membership, and $7000 -Alice M. Douglass, in Woman's were raised for missionary and other Home Missions for September, names Christian work. " one hundred ways for little people to raise mission money." Let children -Some Methodist young people of and youth scan the list carefully, select Washington, D. C., recently held a what will :fit their case, and go to service with a unique program. One work: of the officers spoke on the topic, .. Look up," another on " Lift up." an- By making and selling: Dish cloths, other, "Read up," another, .. Brush sweeping caps, holders, pin-balls, pinup." The secretary's talk was on cushions, lamp lighters, glass wipers, .. Write uP." the treasurer's, "Pay emery bags, book marks, needle books, up," the Junior superintendent's, slumber robes, broom-holders, shaving "Grow up," while the president eon- cases, hair combers, hemstitched wash cluded the exercises with a brief ad- rags, clothes bags, wristers, knit reins, dress entitled" Summed up." pine pillows, slipper cases, bread cloths, hairpin cases, " scratch-my· backs," toil- -According to this statement, Rev. et sets, sachets, kettle holders, splash- Russell Conwell's young people must ers, flower-pot covers, boxes for burnt constitute a veritable hive of holy ac· matches, book covers, paper weights, tivities: "The Doork.eepers' Circle of knit garters, Christmas wreaths, Christ- boys has provided birthday cards for mas cards, Easter eggs, Easter cards, the primary department of the Sunday- card cases, photograph holders_ school, raised money for an open-air By selling: Old rags, hair-combings, fund, given a package of horse-car flower seeds, soap grease, paper bags tickets to a poor woman who could not to the grocer, vegetables, fruit, cur- have a vacation during the summer, rants, hens' eggs, milk from mission and has carried to a number of poor cows, old papers, old boots and rub- children packages of good things at bers.
Christmas. The Ever-Ready Circle of By gathering and selling: Wild flow- young girls meets once a week, except ers, herbs, berries, teaberry leaves, cat- during the summer, holds a little pray- nip, plantain, chick weed, pepper grass, er-meeting, learns the commandments, cresses, sassafras root, cat-tails, thistle reads the Bible, and dresses dolls for puffs, autumn leaves, potted ferns~ the children of the poor. The Little pressed ferns, flr and pine for pillows, Pilgrim Circle is a society of young wild rose leaves for sachets, dultz, girls who try in their spare moments to snails, scallop shells, sand, soil for lend a hand at home and also to gain plants, feathers from fowls.
control over unruly tongues and tem- By "thank offerings," the placing a: penny in your mite-box, under the fol- -Oberlin is increasingly proving lowing conditions, thus thanking God itself to be the paradise for missionathat blessings increase and faults de- ries home on furlough and their chilcrease; and by fines for your faults. dren who must be educated in this Every time you are honestly rebuk- country. Just now 8 adults are resied, read a book, favorite plant blooms, dent here, with 45 boys and girls, while receive a present, forget to say" thank enough more have recently departed, you," speak cross, speak ungrammati- or are soon to arrive, to raise the numcally, use a slang phrase, an oppor- ber to 70 for the current year. These tunity for doing good is wasted, forget represent 7 countries-Africa, China, to close the door gently, receive a re- India, Japan, Mexico, Micronesia, and ward of merit, receive a letter, are Turkey-and 14 missions of the Amerispoken kindly to, have a new friend, can Board. Judson Cottage will hold are deservedly praised, can speak a scarcely half who desire to enter, and good word for an acquaintance, learn several thousand dollars are imperaa new chapter in the Bible, learn a new tively needed for the new building. song, can' play a new piece of music without a mistake, etc. -Theodore Roosevelt. in the Sep- tember Forum, speaks thus wisely on -AI!, a missionary possessed of a racy the enforcement of law; "In the end style, and who is sure to write what the we shall win in spite of the open oppoyoung will be sure to read, Rev. L. D. sition of the forces of evil. in spite Morse may be named, whose letters ap- of the timid surrender of the weakly pear quite often in the Messenger and good, if only we stand squarely and Visitor (Baptist, St. John, N. B.), un- fairly on the platform of the honest ender the title "Sights and Sounds in forcement of the law of the land. But India." if we are to face defeat instead of vic- tory. that would not alter our convic- UNITED STATES. tions and would not cause us to flinch one hand's breadth from the course we -The Boston street-car company this have been pursuing. There are prices year gave to the poor 20,000 tickets for too dear to be paid even for victory." free rides on the electric cars. -The influence of the work done -It is stated that Cambridge, Mass., among the Japanese in San Francisco has been eight years without a saloon. is far-reaching. The majority of young Its population is over 80,000. The se- men coming in personal contact with cret bars have been rooted out, and it missions sooner or later return to their has long been difficult to procure in- native land, and in many instances toxicating liquor in the city. Mean- carry back with them new purposes while, the valuation of the city increased and high ideals. At the present time from $59,703,000 to $76,282,000, and 4 young men who were converted in the same rate of taxation produces this city are practiSing physicians in $130,000 more than formerly. The Japan. Others are teachers in Japaonce 122 saloons have been turned into nese schools. One is professor in the stores or dwellings. Government Agricultural College at Osaka. Others are evangelists among -Booker T. Washington, Principal their own people. of Tuskeegee (Ala.) Normal and Industrial Institute, has won a notable vic- -At the last annual meeting of the tory for himself and his race, in receiv- American Missionary Association. Proing an invitation to make an address at fessor T. S. Inborden said; "What has the Atlanta Exposition. He has al· this society done for the negro? It has ways Ipaintained that the best element caused some of our Southern boys and of the South would recognize and hon- girls to put a part of the English Bible or the negro as soon as he proved himself worthy. into the African language. It has New York, and hopes eventually to or- made college presidents of some of our ganize a church of converted Chinamen.
bootblacks. It h!l.S made preachers of EUROPE. truth and righteousness out of our ho- tel boys. It has made college profes- -Between 5000 and 6000 tons of sors of the first order out of cotton- opium are sent from India to China anpickers. It has given us lawyers and nually, as an article of English trade, doctors of whom you cannot be asham- from which the Indian Government deed. It has filled hundreds of public rives at the present time an annual revschool-houses with teachers who give enue of about $82,000,000. And what honor to thcir profession. " is this but an enormously large and odorous fiy in the ointment of British -After 81 years of most laborious Christianity, which grievously pollutes and devoted service, and at his own re- the air of this lower world, and smells quest, Dr. M. E- Strilby retires from to heaven. his place as Senior Secretary of the American Missionary Association, a so- -Look, indeed, on that picture, but ciety which has no peer for benefits also on this. The spiritual vitality of spiritual and intellectual conferred upon the Church' of England is undeniably the Freedmen. proven by the large number of faithful men in her communion who at much -Luther Sunday was inaugurated sacrifice of worldly gain give themby the General Synod in 1888, and since selves to the ministry of the Word. then 12 annual offerings have been The Rev. J. W. Ingram, the head of made, each one larger than the preced- Oxford House, writes of the spiritual ing, until the sum total for 1894 was needs of the East End of London and over $10,800, the entire 12 offerings ag- numbers of young men who are ready gregating over $70,000.
-It is pleasant to find the following to give themselves to this work. He in the .A8lle'Tl/JJl1l He'rald, in an article says: under the headIng, "The Embargo .. It is the pick of the universities, Lifted:" "One of the most distressing lhe captains of the boats, and men who consequences of the heavy deficit with are the life of the universities who want which the Board of Foreign Missions to come into East London work. We closed its last fiscal year was its action will provide 10UO men if you will pro- declining to send any new missionarIes vide stipends for them. They only ask to the field unless special funds were food and lodging; and if you will give provided for the purpose. To the them that they will come and work for praise of God's grace and the honor of you."
the Presbyterian Church we now re- A church which produces such men as cord the fact that provision has been these need not fear that IdiQ1Jod will ne made for 82 mi~Bionaries under appoint- written on her temple walls. She ril- ment, leaving but 2 or 3 still to be pro- mains established in the hearts of the vided for. This has been done without people and endowed with the Holy any pressure from the board other than Ghost, and will not suffer from any a statement of the facts." form of disestablishment and disen- -The first Chinaman to enter the dowment which Parliament may enministry in New York State is Hui Kin, force upon her.-Indian Witness.
who was ordained recently at Univer- -The North Africa Mission hopes sity Place Presbyterian Church. He .. the coming winter to increase the has been educated under the care of the number of missionaries in Egypt. It presbytery, and has been very success- is just over three years since the first ful in mission work among his country- party of our workers went there. They men. He will hold Chinese services In have been encouraged by the entrance they have gained and by the number San Sebastian. This event was un- who come to talk on religious matters, precedented in the land of Isabella.
but need more help to enable them to The more than 1000 male students of go out on the waterways in the boat the university were astounded at the that has been provided to facilitate our presence of the two girls taking their conveniently reaching the villages of examinations. Once, when tbey had the Delta. It is hoped that 7 new occasion to visit the university library workers may be sent out this season to refer to some books, the students from among those who have been study· formed two lines on each side of tbe ing Arabic here. It is proposed also staircase, threw down tteir caps for to send 3 more new workers to Tripoli the girls to walk upon, and, as they and 1 to Tangier-11 in all, all of whom passed along, sung the Royal March.
have some knowledge of Arabic gram· After a week's examinations came the mar. The new session for the study of climax. Four grades are given: apro..
Arabic, etc., began on September 2d bado, bueno, notahle, and 8ob'1'e8aliente.
with Bome 6 or 7 new students who will The last means .. overleaping every· commence their labors. These, with thing," and testifies to a most unusual those now studying, who will not be degree of attainment. In every exami· ready to go out till after Christmas, nation these Spanish girls received 80- will bring our numbers up to 12 or 14." bre8aliente. The professors were much -In this great work of instruction astonished, and especially when they the Society for the Propagation of the found out that the girls had been taught Gospel is bearing a very prominent part by a woman. What this incident means not only in Asia, but also in Africa, for Spain it would be hard to estimate. America, and the West Indies. There It is a missionary triumph of the first are now 87 English colonial and mis- magnitude.-Euhange.
sionary dioceses, the bishops of which -It is an interesting result of the control education in no less than 53 Ian· work of the Waldensian Church in Italy gnages, having 680 ordained mission· that from Girgenti, one of the most aries under them, of whom 119 are na· bigoted and intolerant towns of Sicily, tives of Asia and 38 natives of Africa. there has just gone the first evangelical There are in the Society's colleges about missionary from Italy to China. Other 2500 students aud 2300 lay teachers, Waldensian pastors have entered upon mostly natives employed in the various mission work, but they have gone from missions in Asia and Africa, in the the native churches of the valleys of schools of which 38,000 children are Piedmont. This Is the first fruit of under instruction. These facts show their work farther south. The Wal· to what extent the Society for the Propa. densian theological school at Florence gation of the Gospel is assisting the has 155 students, 106 of them coming gQvernment in the great work of edu· from the Waldensian valleys, and from cation.-MiaBion Field. their number 2 missionaries have gone -One of the most noteworthy of our to the Zambesi and 1 to Lessouto.-In- American missionary enterprises is Mrs. Alice Gordon Gulick's girls' school at dependent.
ASIA.
San Sebastian, Spain. This noble in· Islam.-It is a sad reflection, well stitution is rapidly proving to the chiv· says the Bishop of Hereford, that more alrous Spaniards that women are capa· than 1800 years after the death of our ble of as lofty intellectual attainments Lord, over all those Asiatic districts as themselves; Two of Mrs. Gulick's in which He preached, and in the very girls this year took the degree of Mas· home of His birth, for a man, woman, ter of Arts at Madrid University, hav· or child to be a believer in Christ is to ing completed the required studies at be exposed to the risk of nameless atrocity and outrage, and to death and seeking instruction in lieu of a silver shame. bracelet which she brought. This " maid" lmd counted the cost, was -It is stated that in 1822 the Turks quite prepared to "forget her ornamassacred 50,000 Christian Greeks in ments," if only parting with it would the Island of Chios; in 1850. 10,000 secure that knowledge for which she Nestorians and Armenian Christians in was prepared thus to deny herself.- Kurdistan; in 1860, 11,000 Maronites &rvicejol' the King. and Syrian Christians in Lebanon and Damascus; in 1876, 10,000 Bulgarian -A Russian Hebrew is said to hav!> Christians in Dnlgaria; and in August, devoted a large sum to establishing a 1894, 16,000 Armenian Christians in Jewish university in Jerusalem, ;.n Sassoun. This makes a total of 97,000 which special attention is to be paid to official murders. It is not too much to the Semitic languages and Hebrew litassume at least 3000 uncataloged, un- erature. official murders of Christian subjects during the last 75 years by the Sublime -In a recent article the New York Porte. At a low estimate the grand Observer says: "The Bible itself is a total would be 100,000 Christians Wall- missionary In Arabia. Its Oriental tonly murdered by Turks since 1820. character makes it acceptable. Books are greatly valued by the Arabs, and -The mills of the gods grind slowly, the Old Testament, with its stories of but they grind to powder. Let the Abraham, Ishmael, and Job, is pargood work of disintegration and demo- ticularly pleasing. The New Testalition go on in the Sultan's domain. It ment is acknowledged as God's Book, is pleasant to recall that during the as having come down from heaven, and century Turkey has lost a very large an inevitable result of an honest study part of its territory. Greece, Cyprus, of the Gospels by the Mohammedan is, Servia, Roumania, Bulgaria, Montene- at least, a logical conviction that the gro, Batoum, and all North Africa, we prophet has fearfully misled his follow- – may almost add Syria. are free from Turkish government. There remain ers. Nothing can be more encouragonly Albania and Roumelia in Europe, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and Arabia; ing, therefore, than the fact of continand Turkey's hold on these is very weak. ually increasing Bible sales."
-May the recent dreadtul barbarities -" The Arabian Mission Field Rein Armenia prove as fruitful in good port Number Fourteen, April 1st to . :results. The Lebanon massacre in 1860 June 30th, 1895," has for the opening opened up the sympathies of Christians sentence: "The best thing to report for . in England and elsewhere, and soon 30 thi~ quarter is the reinforcement of the schools had 3000 children under in- mission, not only by the arrival of Dr. struction. The work of Mrs. Bowie Worrall, who fills the place so long Thompson and all associated with her pleaded for, but also the engagement has borne abundant fruit in Damascus, of two additional native helpers, made Beirut, and Tyre, and in no other coun- possible by the grant of the American try have the efrects of the Church Mis- Bible Society." The book sales for the sionary and Female Education societies quarter were as follows: In Busrah, been attended with more cheering re- 22 Bibles, 40 Testaments, 406 portions, sults. Beirut has a large and important 468 Scriptures, 84 religious books, and training school, in which 70 boarders are 116 educational-total, 668; in Baheducated as teachers, many of whom rein, 24 Bibles, 44 Testaments, 556 porare greatly valued in their own and ad- tions, 624 Scriptures, 125 religious joining countries. Not long ago a bookS, and 129 educational-toml, 878. young girl came to the boarding.school A large proportion of these sales was to Muslim; Christians come next, and , some of the sales were to Jews and ligious Reforms," etc. In one of her . Hindus. lectures to a large audience she con- demned in unmeasured terms the vices Iodia.-The Revue des Mi88ions Oon- which are at present eating into the tempo1'uines has it that at least in some vitals of Hindu society, and advocated sections the Hindus much desire to have the days return of the precious very eloquently the cause ot female EllSt India Company. which by its offi- cers guarded the wealth of the pagan education. She belongs, we are told, temples. So much so, indeed, that to the Arya Samaj, and is traveling in ," last year the notabilities of the city the important cities of Upper India of Iirupali petitioned the viceroy to with the object of rousing the Hindus take charge of the preservation of their of those places to their sense of duty in temple possessions, and native journals matters of religious and social reform, on all sides vehemently urge the same and insisting upon them to ameliorate measure with regard to all the temples. the condition of their women by giving The reason for this is that it is every- them education on all lines.-Indian where acknowledged that the priests, Me88enger. preoccupied solely with their own self- interest, speedily diminish the wealth -In 1893 no less than 21,213 persons of the temples to which they are at- perished from snake-bites in India, and tached, and the people believe the only 117,120 of these venomous reptiles were remedy for this state of things is again slain. to commit to government the adminis- tration of these affairs. The viceroy, – Where is the romance of mission- however, returned a categorical refusal ary life in India during the summer to the petition." solstice, according to the statement of Rev. S. C. Kinsinger, of the Lutheran -A new society known as the Maha General Synod Mission, Guntur? "At _ Bodhi has been created for the purpose first one does not suffer much from the heat. The heavy walls-two and a of reinvigorating Buddhism. Its gen- half feet thick-protect one from the eral secretary is Mr. A. Dharnapala, hot blast. After a time, tho, the wind who represented Buddhism at the Par- warms them through. Then they be· liament of Religions in Chicago last gin to emit their pent-up heat. The year. With Calcutta as headquarters bungalow seems like a dry house then. and with corresponding members Everything inside it becomes warm. throughout Europe and Asia, the society Whatever one touches feels hot. Then proposes to make _known to all nations a person becomes about as uncomforta· in a thoroughly modern way" the sub- ble as he can well be, and there is no lime teachings of the Buddha Sakya escape from the situation. If he sits Muni, and to rescue and restore the down on a chair it Is hot. If he picks light of the holy tree at Buddhagaya, up a book it is hot. When he sits where the Buddha attained supreme down to the table the dishes are all wisdom. "-Standard. hot. Should he seek refuge for a little while in a bath-tub when he comes out -Some of our North Indian contem- he finds the towels hot. If he takes a poraries speak highly of an Indian clean white drill suit from his tin-lined woman preacher, by name Pundita boxes, where they are kept, to protect .Surendrabala Devi, who is evidently them from being devoured by white trying to follow in the footsteps of ants and other Insects, it is hot. In the Pundita Ramabai. She Is described as evening when he retires his night of good education and a fiuent speaker, clothes are hot He lies down on the and has lately been delivering l'tirring bed, but the bed clothes are hot-actu- addresses in and about Lucknow on ally hot-as hot as if they had just such subjects as " Public Good," " Re- come from the ironing board. Some times relief is sought by dipping the itors. We constantly come across the bed·clothes into water just before reo effects gf his life and conversation in tiring," etc. villages which he has no official con· nection with." -But, besides, there is torrid heat of another sort, and even harder to bear, -This is how they" take up a col· and which a missionary of the Ameri· lection" in South India! Easter Mon· can Board hints at in these words: day was set apart for an " ingathering "After the missionary, pastors, and service" at Zion Church, Madras, and preachers had formally received these theRev. W. W. Clark reports : .. Words people to the Christian faith, had laid cannot express the readiness and cheerout the site of the church with prayer fulness with which all the members reand an address, and had visited the sponded to this appeal. All sorts and houses of the different familles to en· varieties of articles, such as sheep, turcourage and instruct them, I returned keys, fowls, ducks, cotton, linen and to my tent and said to myself, ' This is woolen goods, fancy articles, brass ves· delightful, but oh, the storm that is sels, jewels, vegetables of all sorts, going to break over these poor people! books and refreshments were brought. What shall I do? what can I do to These were all arranged in a large help them? t Instead of resting peace- shamiana or tent, which was erected in fully, the missionary agents and new the church compound. A short thanksconverts have to brace themselves for a giving service was held in Zion Church, fight-a long, bitter, and cruel fight. after which the congregation moved to Eight of the ten years of my mission· the shamiana, where all the articles ary life have been spent in Mandapasa· were exhibited, and afterward sold by lai station, and I assure you, with the auction to the members and friends asexception of the few weeks spent at the sembled under it. This was the second hills, no month has passed that I have service of the kind in the pastorate, and not been in hot water. With 4000 I am glad to say it proved a success. Christians in 120 villages, if the wave About $70 were realized from the sale of persecution is b<laten back from one of the offerings, as against $40 in the village in one part of the station, it previous year. " rolls in with power and force on the Christians of another village in another China.-The Chinese in Singapore part of the station. " number about 100,000; Yokohama, 100,000; Sumatra, 100,000 ; California, -Mr. Rowland Bateman, of the Nar- 100,000; Cuba, 60,000; Peru, 60,000; owal Mission, in North India, writes of Siam, 25,000. In all in foreign parts, Chowdry Mansabdar Khan, who was probably not much less than 1,000,000. baptized about two years ago: "Man· sabdar Khan is a pe1'S6tJ. of considerable -A retired Episcopal bishop of importance, both in and out of the China, the Rev. S. E. J. Schereschew- Christian circle. His baptism and his sky, has recently left America to com· change of life since it took place have plete the translation of the Bible into been and are a constant theme of con· Chinese from the original tongues. He versation among the Mohammedans. has already finished the stupendous He is an elderly man, not easily moved, work of translating the whole Bible an enthusiastic horse·breeder, and into Roman characters, and on his arspends most of his time day and night rival in China will begin the task of reamong his mares. But tho he cannot producing the manuscript in Chinese take his eyes off his pets, he is always characters, after which it will be print. ready, and able, too, to give a reason ed. Since his health compelled him to for the faith that is in him, and to press give up active missionary service 13 the truth of Christianity upon his vis- years ago, he has been engaged in this work, and its completion will probably the recent atrocities in the Foochow tak-e 3 years more. region we are compelled to recall the ·-Dr. Hu King Eng is the first Chi- long catalog of wrongs inflicted upon nese woman with a medical degree from Chinese in this country, including sevan Occidental institution to practise in eral cases of wholesale slaughter, of China. She is about to inaugurate a which the one at Rock Springs, Wyo., new era of woman's work among worn· is a specimen.
en. About a year ago she graduated Korea.-The Oentral Ohristian Ad- from the Woman's Medical College of vocate says: "Bishop Ninde has had Philadelphia, and since then has take:Q. an audience with the King of Korea, a post-graduate course and dispensing at the special solicitation of the king course at the Polyclinic in that city. himself. No bishop ever before stood She has made a special study· of dis- in the presence of royalty In tbe Hermit eases of the eye and ear. Her work Nation. The notable feature of the will begin in Foochow at the Woman's conversation was the utterance of the Hospital. She will also try to build up king. 'There are many, many Ameri- a regular practice among her country- cans in Korea. Weare glad they are women, some of whom would almost here. Thank the American people; rather die than be attended by a man. and we shall be glad to receive more The doors of rich and poor would be " teachers. ", It happens that there open to a woman, and a great influence are scarcely any Americans in Korea could be wielded for good by a woman but' teachers. ' If the king wants more who is at once missionary and physi. of them it is significant, to say the clan. Tho Dr. Hu King Eng is a pure- least. "
blooded Chinese, she never was a hea- -The Korean cost9mes of both men then. Her grandfather was one of the and women are described as pictufirst native converts in Foochow, and resque; consisting of padded socks, her father one of the first native minis- trousers fastened together at the ankle, ters ordained in China.-Evangelical a short jacket with long silk ribbons in Ohurchman. front, and twisted paper sandals. The -If anybody is of the opinion that women add to this a short skirt tied Christianity is a failure in China, let very high above the waist. The hair him read What Eugene Stock has t~ is simply arranged, plastered down and say in the Westmin8ter Gautte. He tied in a knot, at the back of the head .. points triumphantly to the 13,000 for a woman and at the top of the head Christians connected with the Church for a married man ; bachelors wearing of England in the northern part of thc theirs in a pig·tail, tied with a ribbon province of Fuh·Kien, where the re- bow at the end, in the manner of school· cent massacre occurred, to an equal girls of the West. The children of number belonging to the American Korea are said to be pretty, but with Methodists, and a smaller body to the their faces whitened with chalk, and American Congregationalists. To the their hair oiled, parted in the middle, south the English Presbyterians and and plastered down on each side, one Congregationalists have much the same may suppose that they are kept whole- report to give. 'And then,' adds Mr. somely ignorant of the fact of their Stock, , we have only looked at one of good looks.
the 18 provinces of China, and the ex- lapan.-The Rev. J. C. Ambler tensive operations in other provinces of writes from Tokyo as follows: "A the China Inland Mission In particular postal card recently received from a reare not touched upon.' .. turned soldier tells of the deep impres- -Alas I that as often as we American sion made by a Christian village in Christians are inclined to wax hot over China, where the Chinese treated the Japanese soldiers quartered upon them around. About 22,097 patients from with a courtesy in marked contrast to that in other places, illustrating very over 420 districts and villages were clearly. as he stated, the principle of Christian love. Upon a recent trip I treated in the out-patient department was much impressed by the composi- tion of the company of Japanese who in the last year. . knelt together at a communion service. There was a farmer who is a notorious -Mr. Wilcox:, of Groutville, writes instance of wonderful reformation, ow- that some Christians now in Zululand, ing to the power of Christ. There was formerly connected with Groutville and a reformed maker of seals, whose wife Mapumulo, . have been building a was once a dancing girl; but both are school-house and chapel, employed , now earnest Christians. Besides these, t~eir own teacher and preacher, and the wife of the chief of police in the have lately sent for a church bell. At place, and a clerk in a rich store, all another point on the banks of the exemplary Christians, were there as- Tugela an interesting work has been I sembled together." opened by a boy only sixteen years of age, who is holding several meetings a AFRICA_ week. Mr. Wilcox adds: II I know of 8 places where they are only asking that a missionary may visit them occa- sionally and help in starting schools."
-The following table of distribution -African chieftains are able to disexhibits the growth of the work of the tinguish between true and false friends. American Bible Society in Egypt dur- When lIsidi, once king of the Garening 30 years : ganze, was urgenly pressed by the Arabs not to allow Mr. Arnot to settle From 1865 to 1874, inclusive…… 6,630 copies in his kingdom, bringing the gravest charges against the white man, Msidi " 1875" 1884," 45,586 " replied that he did not know an Eng- lishman, never having seen one, but he : " 1865" 1894, .. …. 116,474 " added: "One thing I know; I know you Arabs." With this knowledge in , During this same period the British:and his mind, Msidi was willing to receive the missionary in total disregard of the Foreign Society also has accomplished charges made against him.
a great work, through its own colpor- -Great is the rejoicing in Pretoria, the capital of the South African Reters, and also through the cooperation public, over the completion of the Dela- goa Bay and Pretoria Railway reached 'of the Church Missionary Society, and that city.
:to some extent of the Presbyterian Mis- -When a deputation of the leading men of the colony recently waited upon sion. Probably the total distribution Mr. Cecil Rhodes, to insist that the government prohibit public entertaineffected by the British Society has not ments on that day, in his reply the pre- ~very greatly differed from that of the mier said: "Without entering into the religious part of the observance of the :American Society. So that it would be Lord's Day, as a politician I believe one of the chief mainstays of good govquite safe to say that during the 30 ernment is religion, and the most im- portant factor in connection with religyears as many as 325,000 copies of the ion is thestrictrobservance of the Lord's Day." . Bible in whole or in part have been scattered through the land.
-The Church Missionary Society has issued an urgent appeal for funds to build a new hospital and dispensary in Cairo. The committee have given a grant for the site and for houses for the doctor and lady nurses, but a fur- ther sum of at least £2700 is needed for the hospital and dispensary. Already a good work is being done in connec- _tion with the medical mission, not only among the poorer inhabitants, but among the fellaheen of a large district
The Missionary Review of the World — January 1891
J. M
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XIV. No. t.-Old Series.–J ANUARY.–VoL. IV. No. t.-New Series.
L–LITERATURE OF MISSIONS.
FALLEN ASLEEP-REV. JAMES M. SHERWOOD, D.D. Like it winter avalanche in the Engadine-sudden, swift and inevitable-Deathcame to our beloved, associate editor, on October 22d. He had been, as usual, at the weekly prayer service, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, the week previous, and had spoken-all unct'>nsciously-his last public words. At the close of a brief, but earnest and impressive address, he faltered a little, said, "Let us pray," and sank back into his seat, speechless. He was tenderly borne to his home, and, after a few days of flickering flame, life's lamp went out so quietly that the exact moment was scarcely perceptible-let us not say "went out," but was transferred to another sphere to burn and shine forever. This departure withdraws from earthly scenes a man who had a large circle of friends. He had been preacher, pastor, author, editor, and in every sphere of activity he touched nothing which he did not adorn. He was not cut off prematurely, for he was in his seventyeighth year; and his years were packed with various and versatile endeavor. Born in Fishkill, N. Y., in 1813, he had only a common-school education, and entered, as clerk, his father's store in Johnsville; until, feeling in him the resistless impulse, toward the ministry of the Gospel, he, with his father's consent, turned his steps toward the pulpit, was taken under care of presbytery and studied theology with the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Fishkill, Rev. Robert G. Armstrong. At, the age of twenty-two, he was licensed to preach, and subsequently served churches in Mendon, N.Y., New Windsor, N.Y., and Bloomfield, N. J. In each of these churches he left his mark both as a preacher and a pastor.' He also acted as evangelist for a term in Milford, Conn. After his health seemed to demand a change of occupation he found a fitting sphere for his busy brain and ready pen in the gi'eat republic of letters. His work as editor of the National Preacher, Biblical Repository, New York Evangelist, Eclectic Magazine, Princeton Review, Hours at Home, Homiletic Repiew, and MISSION-
FALLEN ASLEEP-REV. JAMES M .. SHERWOOD, D. D
ARY REVIEW, has entered, into the unchangable record of history. He was the founder of Hours at Home, which was, in a sense, the parent of Scribner's Magazine; and the richness, variety, and marvel- lous success of the Homiletic Review, none know so well as the twenty thousand readers who study its pages.
Beside all his occasional papers, published in the leading maga- zines and periodicals, he wrote the "History of the Cross," and edited a new edition of the "Life of David Brainerd." He had also written a voluminous work on "Books and Authors," which has not yet ap- peared in print.
Such are the brief outlines of an intellectual life that extended over half a century. He was thrice married; his first wife was Miss Amanda Carpenter; his second, Mills Jane E. Lamberson; the third, Miss Annie Clarke, who survives him, as do also his five children.
We have never known a man of larger capacity for work. No one who knew him would have suspected that he was far on the way toward four-score years. And there was not the slightest sign of intellectual decadence. Up to the last his mind worked with all its pristine vigor and versatility. To the very day when paralysis struck him, he seemed as fresh and young, mentally, as in the years of early manhood, and he actually worked from fifteen to eighteen hours out of every twenty-four.
He was an embodieo, conscience. Duty was his polar star. Indeed, he had but little patienc~ with anything wrong, ignoble, di3honest. In his vocabulary the word" expediency" was not found. Right was his only might, and principle his only policy. There were those who possibly construed as severity what was only an uncompromising adherence to right and righteousness. I,ow moral standards and equivocal moral practices could find with him no toleration, and but little forbearance.
Religiously he was a thoroughly evangelical disciple. He knew no theology but the old theology of Paul. That was good enough for him. He regarded the new notions creeping into the doctrinal beliefs of our day as signs of degeneration and disintegration. He believed implicitly the Word of God and the whole of it, and bowed in humility before tIle mysteries he could not explain. To no work of his life did he give himself with such absolute heartiness as to the editing of a REVIEW whose grand object was to promote a world's evangeli-' zation. ,He was especially desil'Ous' to live till he might see this, the last and most precious work of his life, established on a basis of permanency and having a world-wide circulation.'
As a man, especially in his own household and within th~ circle of intimate friends, we cannot in these pages undertake to photograph his character. There are some secrets that cannot be unveiled to the common eye-they refuse to emerge from their privacy; they lose their beauty by disclosure. It is enough to say that 'he was most bel6lved by those who best kRew him.
Our readers will no longer read his words or feel the pOWEl'!' of his guiding hand in shaping the content·s of this REVIEW. His work here was invaluable. Although his duties, as simply editor, gave him little leisure as a 'Writer, and it was only in an occasional paragraph or a more infrequent article that his hand was seen, even while hidden, it still moved beneath the whole structure of this REVIEW. He was constantly seeking to engage the most competent pens to contribute to its columns, and was always on the alert to improve its quality and increase its circulation and enlarge its influence.
He rests from his labors; we devoutly believe that his works will follow him.
"MORS JANUA VIT.LE."
It may be well for the editor to add that, being left now in sole <lharge of this REVIEW, he proposes some minor alterations, which will be noticeable in the present issue. The number of departments will be less, and the fine print, so trying to many eyes, will be abandoned. Instead of letters from abroad, we shall venture often to give only their substance, and notices of books will appear on,Iy as editorial notes. The Monthly Bulletin will be simply an appendix to General Intelligence, in the briefest and most compendious form, presenting the latest news from various fields, etc. And, in view of the unselfishness of our work, which is undertaken solely for the promotion of the Kingdom of God, we again ask the prayerful, sympathetic co-operation of all who daily pray " Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done In earth as it is in heaven."
SYSTBMATIC GIVING.-To raise large sums for missions we have no need to depend on a few large givers, but only to "organize the littles." Dr. Guthrie eloquently urged hundreds of the poorer folk to take subscription cards and fill them up with such sums as they were able, from a sixpence to five shillings; and explained to them how the drops unite in showers, the showers produce rills, the rills, rivers, and the rivers make the sea! Not six hours after his speech a poor woman in Currie's Close had collected from scavengers and night police and basket-wives and match-sellers-and beings who live no mortal can tell how, over half a sovereign! And a little woman, who sat in all weathers on the street selling eggs from her ba8ket, brought in five shillings, the earnings of many a day's labor.
LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY
LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY. [EDITORIAL. ] On the map of Africa, which history is making, these two names will be engraven in letters so large that they will be read at the distance of ages. It may, therefore, be well to put on permanent record some characteristic facts which link with Equatoria and with each other-David Livingstone and Henry M. Stanley.
DAVID LIVINGSTONE, born March 19, 1813, died April 30, 1873~ having just passed his sixtieth year. Converted at twenty, he was. for forty years, in heart and aim, a mIsSIOnary. Thus have we roughly outlined a life that, within those two-score years, poured forth as much of the costly ointment of a consecrated service as, perhaps, anyone life since the age of the Apostles.
He was a man of singular force. As Sir Bartle Frere said, "Any five years of his life might have established for him, in any other occupation, such a character, and raised for him such a fortune, as none but the most energetic can realize." His last public utterance in his native Scotland seems to have been in Oswell's school, where his closing sentence was: "Fear God and work hard," and these words disclose the double secret of his life. By simple, God-fearing, hardworking perseverance he traveled 29,000 miles in Africa, .and added to the known regions of our globe a million square miles; he discovered Lakes 'Ngami, Shirwa, Nyassa, Moero, Bangweolo, the Upper Zambesi and other rivers; he unveiled the Victoria Falls that surpass Niagara; revealed the high ridges that flank the basin of the central plateau; first, as a European, compassed Tanganyika and gave it its true orientation; explored the geology, and hydrographyfauna and flora of the continent; nd so grappled with the two great enemies of man and beast, in Africa–j'ever and tsetse-that he himself said those two words would, at his death, be found engraven on his heart.
To energy he joined industry. What Livingstone was, as a scientist and explorer, the world does not yet fully know. His powers of mind were but medium, and his early opportunities were but meagre. But, like William Carey, he could" plod;" and rigid economy of time, yoked with patient resoluteness, gave a momentum to his life which native genius and great advantages often fail to secure. In the factory at Blantyre, where attention to his cotton-spinning was necessarily incessant, it was only fragments of time-often less than a minute-that could be spared from his work; but those fragments he gathered up, and it was upon solid and substantial diet that he fed his growing mind. In the books he read as a lad we can see the germs of his scientific career as a man. He was also careful in details. That famous" lined journal' of his was a quarto volume of over 800 pages, where the plain, neat writing is a model and a marvel -of pains and patience. The mind that, even in African wilds, found Telaxation in "Smith's Dictionary of the Bible," will not be charged with lightness or waste of time!
He was certainly ve1'satile~' and what great questions he studied! the dessication of Africa, the possible utilization of her great rivers, .as water highways; the physical structure, geology, climatology, botany, of the tracts traversed! Then, again, we find him translating hymns into the Sechuana language, and adding to all else the toil of book-making, in which, perhaps least of ali, he was a success. This was the only task he did not approach with that enthusiasm, without which he himself said that nothing either good or great is done. Book-making was to him a mere task, to which even crossing Africa was far to be preferred. But it is no marvel if a man, shut in with pagans and for years without contact or converse with a white man, not to sayan Englishman, should feel that he had none of the facile <Jommand over his own tongue, and none of that leisure to digest and .assimilate his own material, which are needful if a book is to be any- thing more than a printed jou1'llal.
Livingstone's services to science were too great for hasty recognition. The accuracy with which he traced his course and marked his geographical points, leaves almost all other explorers behind him. His astronomical observations, his dilicovery of the fact that the In- terior is a plateau intersected by various streams and lakes, whose waters reach the ocean through great fissures in the flanking hills; and his manifold contributions to every department of natural science, compelled even sages to say that such various and versatile suc- .(lesses were without precedent.
Traveler, explorer, geographer, astronomer, zoologist, botanist, physician, missionary-what a many-sided man! What accurate observation of details! What husbanding of results! He brought home twenty-five different sorts of fruits; told of oils, dyes, fibres, varieties -of sheep and vegetable-products of which even the Chamber of Commerce knew hitherto nothing. In May, 1855, the Geographical Sodety decorated him with their highest honor, the gold medal; London, Glasgow and Edinburgh conferred on him the freedom of their dties, while he who loved to minister but not to be ministered unto, shrank from publicity and courted retiracy.
Humor is a conspicuous element in all great natures. A hearty laugh, genuine and generous, somehow inspires confidence. Livingstone's habit of seeing the funny side of things saved many a tragic ending and tU1'lled many a tragedy into a comedy. He writes to his daughter Agnes, about his almost toothless jaws, that if she" takes .any more kisses from him it must be through a speaking trumpet." He declared the sight of a soko (gOt'ilIa) nauseating, and that he is so bideously ugly that he could conceive no other use for him than" to sit for a portrait of Satan." When showing his lantern-slides-the only service for whose repetition the natives clamored-it greatly amused him that those who stood on the side where the slides were withdrawn shrank back in mortal terror lest the mysterious figures that so magically appeared and disappeared should prove wandering spirits and enter into their bodies!
.Duty was his watchword. He was an incarnated conscience. In the scales of a candid mind he weighed eve)·y question, and, aftercarefully considering a course, judged for himself; and then dared to act independently, even though against the remonstrance of his best friends. To keep his word and to do his work was the double motto of his life.
Such elements of character always crystallize about a strong will. His favorite maxim was" Try again!" His persistence and perseverance were heroic and herculean. "If I live I must succeed in what I have undertaken; death alone will put a stop to my efforts,'" were his words in 1866, and they proved prophetic. Half-starved on tough and tasteless African maize, even his goats lost, and milk denied him; his medicine-chest stolen; in the heart of Africa without resource or defence against a thousand ailments, like a warrior without weapons at the mercy of his foes; afterward, narrowly escaping' death thre!l times in one day, and then almost dead of debility and disease;-not one man in a million would have gone forward. Especially when, in 1872, Stanley himself begged him to return with him to England, he never flinched from his resolve to remain in Africa. Nay, when a strange presentiment burdened him that he was on his last journey and would never reach its goal, he pressed on, praying' that before he fell he might work out his purpose!
Self-denial was, from the first, a habit. Privations and sorrows he accepted and expected, as Moses did when he calmly exchanged the treasures and pleaBures of Egypt for a share in the afflictions of the people of God. Rather than sacrifice Africa's good he would spend his last penny, surrender his dearest gains, and give up his last drop of blood.
Such was THE ~IAN who, beyond all others, henceforth stands in history as the heroic friend of Africa. Mr. E. D. Young, who knew him so long and so well, pronounced him" the best man he ever knew.'" Such filial trust in God, such a childlike, Christlike spirit, such loyalty to duty, purity of motive, simplicity of aim, energy of purpose and unselfish love, united to make his life one grand sermon. The iron pen of action, held in the hand of resolve, wrote out its sentences in living deeds on history's imperishable scroll, for all future ages to read in letters of light!
Iile was a man of great faith. His strong but simple confid~nce· in God's providence was the north star of his life. He saw how every' crisis of his life turned upon some seemingly trifling event, as a door swings on a hinge-but the hinge argues a workman who knows how much to hang upon it. He remembered how the chance reading of Dick's" Philosophy of the Future State" led him both toward faith in the unseen and toward a reverent philosophy of science; how Gutz- laff's appeal led him to be a missionary and a medical missionary, too; how while the opium war closed China against him, Moffat's visit wedded him to Africa and to his beloved" Mary" ; how the friendly word of a director procured for him another" trial," while his dangerous illness in London strangely shaped his unconscious future.
He learned also that the leadings of Providence, like the subtle sense of the Inspired Word, are to be read not by the natural but by the spiritual eye; and he sought, by specific prayer for guidance, to cultivate the" single eye," that there might be no dim or confused vision; and carefully watched every motion of God's beckoning hand, pointing finger, or guiding eye. One text gave telescopic range and microscopic delicacy to his vision: "In all thy ways acknowledge Htm, and He shall direct thy paths." This trust in God's providence discerned good and cause for gratitude even in trials and troubles.
Apparent calamity became a storm signal of the will of God; and when, in the death of his wife, that nameless sorrow which finds no earthly balm smote him, his only answer was that great petition of his life: "Fiat, .Domine, voluntas tual"
He believed in special providence. Even among men it is the great minds that give heed to minutire: the astronomer grasps an infinity of small things; the general-in-chief commands the least details in his wide survey of camp and campaign; and so God is not so high above us as not to "number the hairs of our head."
Such a man, of course, loved his Bible, wrote on his heart its pre- cious promises, and became so absorbed in them that he was indiffer- ent, if not insensible, to praise or blame; and, that he might neither be misled nor inflated by human approbation, he made it a rlile never to read or preserve any words ofpraise-which resolve, of itself, marks him as a most uncommon man. While in Manyuema, he four times read his Bible through; and when in Ulva Cottage, in Hamilton, I took that very book in my hands, I saw dimly through my tears the evidences upon its worn pages of the singular devotion of its la- mented owner.
Whatever Livingstons may be in history, in his own eyes he was, first and last, simply a missionary. Charles Gutzlaff's "Appeal for China" first set his heart aflame; but, when his early longing toward China was transferred to Africa, the fire of his enthusiasm lost noth- ing by the transfer of those live coals to a new altar of service and sacrifice. ' When he began his work his conception of himself was that of a mere missionary laborer, but better acquaintance with Africa's wants and woes gave breadth to his aim. He said there was need of one whose plans would embrace a whole continent and its whole. future. The entire land must be surveyed and mapped out; the accursed traf- fic in the bodies and souls of men abolished; the resources of the country developed, and new facilities devised for travel and traffic. Before the missionary could go, his path must be explored. Some John the Baptist must go before Jesus to make a level highway for our God. And this humble missionary-worker unconsciously devel- oped into the MISSIO~ARY GENERAL AND STATESMAN. Restraining the natural impatience of visible progress, he was willing to wait a century for the fruits of his works to be seen; as he grandly declared, the "END OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL FEAT IS THE BEGINNING OF THE EN- TERPRISE."
And so this humble man had a passion to act as a PIONEER, and open a path for others to follow; if he could not himself sow the seed, he could break up fallow ground, where as yet neither sower nor reaper had ever trodden.
Livingstone's ideas of mission work were evangelical and catholic. He offered himself to the London Missionary Society, because its sole aim was to send the Gospel to the heathen; setting up no par- ticular form of church order, but accepting laborers from different denominations, it concerned itself mainly with rearing churches of Christ on Pagan soil. Paul's motto was also Livingstone's: "THE REGIONS BEYOND." He took no "other man's line of things made ready to hand," but yearned to preach Christ where He had not hith- erto been named. As he told the directors of the London Missionary Society, he was at their disposal to "flO anywhere provided only it be FORWARD." The views of Blantyre's great hero, as to missions, are such as we wish might prevail everywhere. "Vith him the foremost law of mis- sions was NOT CONCENTRATION BUT DIFFUSION! However important to secure conversion of individual!'! or of communities, the field is the Vorld, and seed, scattered broadcast over the whole area, is far bet- ter than seed sown however thickly over a limited area. Ve are to seek to sow the whole field, rather than seek harvests however abun- dant in any part of it. He favored colonization, transplanting a body of Christian workmen into the midst of the dark places of the earth and the habitations of cmelty, to show how men and women in every calling, may "abide therein with God;" and he yearned to see twenty . 01' thirty families going together, at one time, to build up a Christian community in the heart of paganism. He gauged missionary success not by the shallow showing of so many converts for so many pounds, shillings and pence; but by the diffusion of better principles which no statistical columns can exhibit, any more than Babbage's calcula- ting machine could suffice for a barometer 01' a thermometer.
He was, in every best sense, a missionary martyr, both in witnessing and suffering. "Sacrifices" he would not call them; but they were many and great. Often soaked with drenching rains; his bed, the coarse, damp grass; his food, bird-seed, roots, African maize; forty timE)s scorched in the furnace of fever; what words can tell the agony, when, April 27, 1860, he left his dear "Mary" in the grave at Shupanga, and turned from her dust to find the only balm for his broken heart in seeking Africa's redemption! Three years later he must have touched the bottom depths of trial. His wife dead, his <lhildren orphans, his expedition recalled, his very efforts to serve God and man apparently turned by Satanic ingenuity into instruments of {lviI, isolated from all true human companionship, with the prostra- tion of disease added to all the vexation of delay and disappointment, how many men have ever faced such environments without suicidal ~e~pair? Seven years later, long without tidings from home,or contact with any European, lingering on a sick bed, without wife, child, mother, brothel' 01' friend to cheer him, a horror of great darkness fell upon him!
Among the great charms of this great man his genuine interest in individuals, however humble, was at once one of the highest, both as an ornament of his character and a secret of his influence. His deep piety transfigured this noble trait into a passion for souls which begot unsparing self-scrutiny. His lament over "poor Sehamy," and his misgivings and self-accusations, lest he had not done all he might to save his soul, reveal profound depths of habitual watchfulness over the lost. He bent every energy to the good of men. When he could not preach, his lantern-slides were made to tell to the eye great facts of Bible history; he subordinated everything to service.
His abhorrence of the slave trade was literally detestation-i. e., it compelled a testimony, which marked his whole course and even his dying utterances. To abate 01' abolish this evil was, perhaps, his master passion. What a debt Christian nations owe to Africa! The destruction of life in the" middle passage" forms but a fraction of the total waste. For every slave transported, a score have fallen by war or violence, disease 01' fatigue. Such atrocities have been linked to this nefarious traffic that the victims sacrificed by it, if laid side by side, would reach round the world, paving with skeletons a pathway over land and sea-bed. Everywhere he saw signs of this continued and continuing desolation-bones bleaching in the sun, fresh corpses floating on the rivers; often heaps of bodies where slave caravans had abandoned their sick, helpless 01' dead. Inhuman drivers shot, stabbed or left to die tho1<e who could not keep up with the rest, and often these were found not yet dead. On his way to Lake Bangweolo he heard six men, wearing the slave yoke, singing in the joy of the vengeance they anticipated in coming back after death to haunt their captors. Exaggeration as to the horrors of this trade is impossible; as the sailor said: "If the devil don't catch these fellows, as well have no devil at all! " The massacres he witnessed gave him the impression of being in hell, and to disclose the horrors of this business so as to lead to its suppression, inflamed his holy ambition more than to reveal the fountains of the Nile. And so, wherever he went, he aimed to teach the first truths of the Gospel and to rouse the dormant Christian con- cience to the measureless atrocity of this traffic. Just one year before his death he uttered those memorable words which still speak from -that memorial slab in Westminster's aisle: "ALL I CAN ADD IN MY LONELINESS IS, MAY HEAYEN'S RICH BLESSING COME DOWN ON EYERY ONE, AMERICAN, ENGLISHMAN OR TURK, WHO WILL HELP TO HEAL THE OPEN SORE OF THE WORLD!"
Livingstone's devotion to Africa was n.ot more remarkable than his power over her sable sons" even his first year there showed that in his hand was the sceptre that could rule Africans. His power was an open' secret. His simple frankness, kindly bearing, honest courage, transparent unselfishness, trust even in strangers, disarmed both sus- picion and antagonism. While with prayer and faith he sowed the seed of the Word, he sowed himself as the seed of the kingdom; and by forgiving injuries and trusting even the unworthy, by absolute fidelity even to trivial promises, and by a Christlike life that taught more than any words, he moulded even savages into noblemen. What his character wrought in this direction may be seen in Susi and Chuma, his faithful body servants, who amid such hardships bore his body from Ilala to England.
Dr. Blaikie, in his charming" Personal Life of Livingstone," sug- gests that the old Roman fashion would have written his name Livingstone" Africanus." When first overwhelmed with the vastness , of Africa, he asked: "Who will penetrate through the Dark Conti- nent ?" And that was the question of his life. From the day in December, 1840, when he first set forth for those shores, this double work, the emancipation and evangelization of Africa, was his passion. When, in 1863, he expected the recall of his expedition, he could only say: "If I am to go ' on the shelf' let that shelf be Africa." And history presents no fact more pathetic, poetic, prophetic in its sym- bolism, than this-that when, on April 80, 1878, he was found on his knees, at Ilala, dead, his heart should be buried there beneath a moula tree, while his body was borne to England to be laid in the great sepul- chre of her greater dead! Emphatically Livingstone's heart was from the beginning buried in Africa; but buried as the seed of a future harvest. It shall not abide alone, but dying, and springing up, bear much fruit-fruit too vast in measure for our arithmetic to estimate! 1Ve yearn to see that life and death bearing fruit in many holy lives. How slow are disciples to learn the ministry of money. Moffat nsed to say that the coming day will :find rich and great disciples regarding it an honor to spend their money not on hounds and horses, but in the support of whole stations of missionaries. Many who read these lines are providentially kept from giving their lives in personal labor for the degraded and destitute. But how many of Ull, had we but the spirit of David Livingstone, would be found living in the persons of other consecrated men and women, and, by the agency of these workmen, preaching the Gospel where Christ had never yet been named. Oh, that those who read the story of such a life, and walk over that memorial stone at the Abbey, would take up the work he laid down, and by their money, their prayers, their tears, their influence, if not their personal efforts, help to heal this open sore of the world, and light the flame of the Gospel and of the new life wherever darkness reigns and habitations of cruelty are found!
Yes, David Livingstone-thy candle, found burning in the grass hnt at IIala, still burns and shines, and never will it go out, until, from Zanzibar to Banana, from Nile to Niger, and from the Cape of Good Hope to the Pillars of Hercules, shall shine the Light of the World!
HENRY MORTLAKE STANLEY is by birth a Welshman, and his. original name was John Rowlands. The same year, 1841, that David Livingstone first reached Africa, was the year that ushered into life the boy who was to be his distinguished successor in the exploration of the Dark Continent. This is one of the striking coincidences of history: while the cotton-spinner of Blantyre was on his way to the Cape, an infant boy at Denbigh, in Wales, was :first starting on his voyage upon the unknown sea of life. A certain Mr. H. M. Stanley,. in New Orleans, adopted this Welsh boy, transmitting to him his own name, little knowing what high honor that boy was to reflect upon it. We follow this waif of humanity, as he enlists in the armies of the Confederacy, and subsequently drifts into the Federal ranks; until 1865, when, acting as secrctary for an admiral, he was promoted fOl' heroism, having manifested his courage by swimming, under :fire, to fasten a hawser to a Confederate vessel.
The next great step toward his after career was his becoming a· representative of the press'-;"a newspaper correspondent. He served in a Guerilla warfare against the North American Indians, then wrote letters to the New York Herald, accompanied the British expedition into Abyssinia, etc. Thus a mixed experience on land and sea, in army and navy, :fitted him for camp or campaign, tent or vessel; picking up scraps of information and gathering treasures of varied experience, he grew to be peculiarly adapted for the unique life he was to lead, but which only God's Providence had foreseen.
In 1869 he was commissioned by James Gordon Bennet, of the New York Herald, to find the lost Livingstone. His expedition was to be kept secret. He went by a round-about course, arrived at Zan- .zibar January 6, 1871, and started for the interior, feeling his way toward Livingstone by such indications as only the most sagacious instinct could recognize. He had used the time at sea, en route to the African Coast, to learn how to take astronomical observations and lJrepare himself as a surveyor. November 10, 1871, found him at Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika, and there he grasped the hand of the .scotch herb, of whom for three years no certain word had reached the ears of an anxious outside world. Twenty-three times Stanley }lad been prostrated with fever, but he felt repaid when, on December 27th, the travelers set out together for Unyanyembe; and more espe- {)ially when, on March 14, 1872, they parted, having been four months .and four days together.
In 1873, Mr. Stanley again accompanied the British expedition to Coomassie. That same year, May 4, 1873, Livingstone was found by Susi, at four o'clock in the morning, in the little grass hut, not in bed but at the bed-side, his head buried in his hands, and both buried in the pillow; the candle still burned, but the candle of life that bad shed its rays so far over benighted Africa, had gone out. In 1874, April 18th, the sacred dust of the great traveler reached their final resting-place in the Abbey; and MI': Stanley led the body of pallbearers, as they deposited, in the tomb in the nave, the body of the man to whom he owed more than to any other human being.
And now begins a new chapter, the .fourth in the weird experi- ence of that Welsh-American. He who, at U nyamyembe, had sorrowfully parted with Livingstone, by that open grave in Westminster, resolved to take up and finish the work he had left undone. And so a new chapter also opened in' Stanley's African experiences. On August 5, he left England, and on November 12-three years almost to a day from the time he first grasped Livingstone's hand-he left Zanzibar again for the unknown interior. At Uganda he met Mtesa, whose warriors he estimated at a quarter of a million. "While at his {)ourt he translated the Gospel according to Luke, and actually wrote a brief analysis of Bible history in Kiswaheli for the monarch's use. Mte,sa professed adherence to the Bible instead of the Koran, and invited to his capital Christian teachers. Stanley then wrote a letter, which was published in the Daily Telegraph, urging that missionaries should be sent. And so Stanley began, in more senses than one, to follow in the steps of the grand Scotchman. The Church Missionary Society sent men to Uganda, who, in 1877 began to labor. That letter of Stanley's had a stl'ange histOl"Y. It was given to I~inant de Belfonds, one of the officers of Gordon Pasha. When he was killed by the Baris the letter was found in his boot and forwarded by Gor- .don Pasha. After a journey of 7,000 miles, consuming 999 days, Stanley reached Banana point, August 9th, 1877. In January, 1879, he was again en route to the Dark Continent, at the head of the expedition, organized by Leopold 11., of Belgium, who, in place of his dead son, adopted Africa as his child and ward. Stanley reached the Congo's Estuary on August 14, 1879; Leopoldville station was built in April, 1882. Compelled by illness to return for a time to Europe, he came back to the Congo toward the end of the same year; and in August, 1884, reported to the King of Belgium that his mission was ac.complished. He had performed the stupendous feat of opening up the Congo basin, with its 5,249 miles of navigable waters, its 43,000,00() of people, its area of nearly 11,000,000 square miles drained by various streams. In February, 1885, the Congo Free State was erected and recognized as such, with Leopold II. as its sovereign.
January 20, 1887, Stanley begins a new chapter, and again Africa is the theatre of his action. He departs from London for the relief of Emin Pasha. February 25th, he once more left Zanzibar, and, going by the Congo's mouth, reached Leopo}dville, April 21st. A year later, April 29th, just fifteen years from the last day of Livingstone's travels, he met Emin Pasha at Kavalli, and December 6, 1889, emerged from darkest Africa once more at Zanzibar.
From that day honors were showered thick as autumn leaves on Stanley's head. The reception given him, May 5, 1890, at Albert Hall, in London, when 7,000 people were present, was one of the most brilliant assemblages of all modern history. Then, on July 12th, in the great Abbey, he led to the marriage altar his accomplished bride, Miss Tennant; and sInce, in her jubilee year, the Queen was there, Westminster has had no such gathering. Had it been a ,royal ceremony, the interest could not have been more intense or the throng more dense. 'l'he long, crimson carpet broke its lines only over the slab which in the isle bore the name of LIVINGSTONE. Two magnificent floral wreaths, one from the officers of the relief expedition, and another from Mr. Stanley himself, were laid on the sides of the prostrate tablet, and when the bride moved up the aisle she gracefully laid still another tribute upon the marble memorial, bearing, in flowers, the words, "In memoriam, DAVID LIVINGSTONE-H. M. STANLEY."
Thus, at no little length, we have chosen to place before our readers in outline, for permanent record, the twin stories of these two strangely-linked lives. We do no injustice to Mr. Stanley when we say, what he himself is reported to have said, that, to the four months and four days that he spent with Livingstone in Africa, he owes the greatest impulses of his later life, and especially his attitude toward Christianity. Livingstone found himself suddenly thrown into the society of a stranger who was far from being a Christian disciple. There is no. evidence that during all those months he ever directly <lonversed with Stanley as to his spiritual interests. But sure we are that by his manifest character he commended the religion of his }Iaster. His uncompromising loyalty to Christ, his unobtrusive conscientiousness, his unselfishness, considerateness, readiness to obligeall this impressed Stanley as no words had ever moved him; and, when he parted from his new friend, he was constrained to' say, what Pilate said of a far greater, " I find·no fault in this man!"
From that day Mr. Stanley has led a life that runs strangely in sympathy with that which had its spring in Blantyre. When Sir William Mackinnon asked the pleasure of presenting· him with some token of friendship to carry with him to Africa, Stanley replied, "Give me a Bible," and he took it and read it thrice through. Afterward, in darkest Africa, constrained at the darkest hour humbly to confess that, without God's help, he was hopeless, he says: "I vowed a vow in the forest solitudes that I would confess His aid before men. Silence, as of death, was round about me. It was midnight; I was weakened by illness, had been prostrated by fatigue, and wan with anxiety for m'y white and black companions, whose fate was a mystery. In this physical and mental distress, I besought God to give me back my people. Nine hours later we were exulting with a rapturous joy. In full view of all was the crimson flag with the crescent, and beneath its folds was the long-lost rear column."
And now he whose previous reserve upon such matters had seemed to bear a special seal of silence, has made this, his latest confession: "Many forms of belief and curious ideas respecting the great mystery of our being and creation have been suggested to me during my life and its wanderings; but after weighing each and attempting to understand what must be unsearchable, my greatest comfort has been in peacefully resting firm in the faith of my sires. For all the human glory that surrounds the memory of Darwin and his wise compeers throughout advanced Europe, I would not abate a jot or tittle of my belief in the Supreme God and that divine :Man called His Son."
Space alone compels our pen to halt as we pursue this fasciitating story of these twin lives. We have had space not even for a paragraph about that last book, with its thousand pages, of forty lines each, all the work of fifty days, and itself a greater feat than his march in Equatoria; and the production of which as a printed volume is said to have employed an army of nearly 15,000 men and women. We have had no space to repeat Mr. Stanley's noble tributes to the heroism and success of Christian missions which present such a marked contrast to some modern critics who ought to have been in better business. We have sought merely to put side by side two lives whose unique parallelism demands a permanent memorial and suggests lessons of lasting value. We must not fail to note one marked contrast. As Livingstone's great successor followed the mIssionary explorer, he iltrewed his path with the blood of the slain. Livingstone had trodden those same paths without even a pocket pistol for personal protection from wild beasts; his great weapon of defence was a magnanimous Love that forgave even the injuries it could not prevent. And, when we read of the demijohns of strong drink which Stanley, in his former passage across the Dark Continent, distributed to those sable sons of her soil whom he employed in building his stations, we cannot but deplore any such ministry to the destructive appetite for intoxicants. We recall that letter, the first written in English by a Congo native, and addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury: " Great and Good Chief of the Tribe of Christ, Greeting: " The humblest of your servants kisses the hem of your garment, and begs you to send to his fellow servants more Gospel and less rum. " In the bonds of Christ, " U GALLA."
And now, 3S we turn from these two lives, may we not invoke the prayers of all Christians that the latter, the unfinished one, may complete its noble and heroic course by a service to God and a ministry to man that shall surpass anything yet accomplished by Stanley, or even by Livingstone? Our living hero is decked with many medals and crowned with many laurels. We crave for him one ,still higher and brighter-a crown wrought by no human handswhose lustrous gems burn with immortal fires and outshine in splendor ~Ven the glory of the stars!
A PERTINENT REPLY.-We understand that our friend, Chaplain :McCabe, has sent the following message to Colonel Ingersoll: "DEAR COLoNEL:-Ten years ago you made the following prediction: 'Ten years from this time two theatres will be built for one church.' The time is up. The Methodists are now building four churches every day-one every six hours. Please venture upon another prediction for the year."
Evidently the Colonel is as far out of the way as Voltaire was when he set up a printing press at Fernay to demolish Christianity. That press is now used at Geneva to print Bibles !!
MONEy.-Early in our own generation there were but five men in this country who were millionaires: John J. Astor and Stephen Whitney, New York; Nicholas Longworth, Cincinnati; William Gray, Boston, and Stephen Girard, Philadelphia. To-day in New York alone there are 500 millionaires, some of them worth from 100 to 300 millions, and in the coffers of American Protestant Christians there are not less than ten thousand millions oj dollars. One man in 1869 spent as much for a corner lot on which to build a private residence as the Presbyterian denomination spent for its entire foreign mission work!
NEW EFFORTS IN BELGIUM
NEW EFFORTS IN BELGIUM.
BY REV. HENRY E. DOSKER, A.M., HOLLAND, MICH.
Of all the countries of the continent Belgium is one of the most peculiar. With an area of 11,373 square miles and a population of nearly 6,000,000, it is the most densely populated strip of land on earth. This may seem strange, and yet it is true. While the Nether- lands come next in order, with a population of 312.86 to the square mile, Belgium crowds together, in the same space, not less than 481. 71 of its inhabitants. British India has only 311.57 and China but 83.86. These figures are respectively taken from the census-reports of 1885~ 1881, and 1887.
The physical aspect of Belgium, generally speaking, is flat, like that of Holland; a great part of the country actually lying below the level of the sea. In t.he south-eastern districts, alone, a considerable highland is formed, of some 2,000 feet high, by a spur of the Ardennes. This mountainous region, rich in different minerals and coal, together with a proverbially rich alluvial soil in the lower parts of the coun- try, enables Belgium to maintain its enormously dense population.
Its inhabitants are of a mixed Teutonic and Celtic stQck. The two main branches are the Flemings of German and the Walloons of Celtic, origin; the fonner out-number the latter, in the proportion of 4 to 3, throughout the country.
The French language is spoken at court and among the higher classes. In the rural districts and provincial towns a curious patois prevails, in various dialects of either Flemish or Walloon. This lack of a national language and literature has greatly retarded the intel- lectual progress of the nation, which is in no wise proportionate to its physical advantages. The educational system of Belgium was, till recently, quite deficient, and the sharp antagonism between the cleri- cal and liberal parties has made adequate provision in its behalf well- nigh impossible.
As might be expected from its history, the religion of the country is prevalently Roman Catholic. Of the nearly 6,000,000 of inhabit- ants, from 13,000 to 18,000 are Protestant, with some 35,000 Jews; the remainder nominally belong to Rome. Nominally, I say, for the close contact with France, the permeating influence of its periodic re- , volutionary attacks, and the prevalence of socialistic and rationalistic tendencies among the masses of the people, have so materially changed the religious 'complexion of the country, that a large pro- portion, possibly a majority, of its inhabitants may be put down as irreligious, if not atheistic.
The Gospel of Christ in Belgium meets with much the same dif- ficulties as it does in France. Efforts to bring the Word of God to the masses of the people have been made for years, and the so-called "Belgian Mission Church," and similar organizations, have not been unblessed in their endeavor to reach the Belgians by the channels of the two great languages of the country. But the trouble was that heretofore the labor performed has been too staid and conservative; the methods adopted were antiquated and ill-adapted to the peculiar character of the people and of the work in hand, and the little focus points of life, which resulted from such efforts, have had a tendency to develop too quickly into establishments for the edification of the few rather than for the salvation of the many.
A new attempt has been made of late at Brussels, which, if it should prove to be tenacious of life may become for Belgium and its capital what the McAll Missions are for France and Paris.
Allow me to outline the new movement. The name of its leader is Rev. N. De Jonge, who, some sixteen years ago, came to Brussels as a young preacher in the Dutch Evangelical Church. Through his personal influence, his church soon developed a rare missionary'activity. He made his people understand their divine call to labor among the bigoted 01' irreligious masses who surrounded them in the capital.
The year 1880 was one of special activity in this line. A revival visited the church, and especially those who were engaged in this department of her labors.
A city evangelization society was organized, of which pastor De Jonge became the director. The double task soon grew too heavy and he was placed before the inevitable choice between his charge and his mission. He was not long in deciding, and yet the decision. was one, in which he staked all on his faith in God; for he lost his salary and had no visible means of support. His resignation took effect on the first of Jannary, 1887, and another pastor soon took his place, whilst~ he began to devote himself, with all the energy of his young and vigorous manhood, to the work of evangelizing the masses of the Belgian capital, trusting, for the support of himself and large family, in the promise of God. And not in vain!
The work now rapidly extended and assumed encouraging proportions. It affords, to-day, the following aspect: a hall, named "Silo," with a seating capacity of 300, in the suburb I..acken; another, "Bethel," with l'oom for 80, about a mile distant, in the same neighborhood. In the suburb Anderlecht, a hall, named "Pniel," with seats for 200; neal' by, at the hamlet of Veeweyde, the hall "Bethlehem," with a seating capacity of 100. And still another and larger hall in the village of Ruysbrock, neal' by, as yet unnamed, but offering room for more than 300 hearers. As with the McAll rooms, the stations are simply but neatly furnished. Every night of the week, meetings are held in at least foul' of these mission halls, and the attend:l.llce is steadily increasing.
Besides all this the Mission has a printing-office in connection with the Silo station, where hundreds of pamphlets. and. tracts are pub- Hshed, to be spread broadcast over the entire kingdom. Two week- lies are issued fram this press: "Het Ohristelijke Volksblad" (The Christian National Paper), and "])e Blijde Boodschap voor Vlaamsch Belgie" (The Glad Tidings for Flemish Belgium.) The circulation of the latter, the smallest paper, has reached the number of 1,500. Moreover, a mission hospital has been opened, and h~ndreds of Catholic patients have been treated and evangelized at this "Beth- esda," as it has been appropriately named.
By catechetical instruction and Sabbath-school work the Mission endeavors to reach Roman Catholic children; hundreds of whom at- tend, notwithstanding the open opposition and secret scheming of the priests. All this missionary work is clinched by systematic house- visitation, which is richly blessed. Besides Rev. De J onge, the director of the Mission, two evangelists, two colporteurs, two regular trained hospital nurses, and some forty assistants are employed. It seems to me that this movement is worthy of close observation and encouragement.
The Catholic masses of Belgium are harder to be reached than those of France. The antagonism against Protestantism here is a.
growth of centuries; its earliest roots lie hidden in the memorable struggle of the eighty years' war. The southern part of the country never fully shared in the struggle for liberty. At Brussels the Spanish court was established; there the two most noted political victims of Alva's wrath were beheaded; there the "bloody assizes" held their councils. At Antwerp the two earliest religious m;utyrs of the Nether- lands fell. When the cause of freedom finally triumphed, and the North became independent, the South was still held in the Spanish vise, and the reformation within her borders had literally been drowned in a sea. of blood. From this time on, the unfortunate country was tossed to-and-fro between the great powers. To-day Austria, to-morrow Spain, then again France ruled it, as a whole or in part. In 1748 it finally came back to Austria, in whose g-rasp it remained, with varying fortune~, till the Congress of Vienna, in 1815, united it with Holland. But the two countries were only united never unijied.
In the revolution of 1830, the Belgians revolted and established their own independence and the severance became a fait accompli, by the treaty of London, May 21, 1833. Hence the antagonism against Protestantism has a political background. To the Belgian mind it is a thoroughly "Dutch" affair. And the overcoming of this prejudice is no small factor in the difficulties of Protestant missions in the country.
May the movement of De Jonge prove for the Belgians what the McAll Mistlion is to France, for the spiritual rescue of hundreds of thousands. Foreign Protestant missions, generally considered, in heathen lands, are far easier and far more hopeful than those COllducted by the handful of trusty laborers, who have given their lives to the evangelization of countries, thoroughly and for centuries nnder the influence of the papacy.
HELPERS AND HINDERERS OF MISSIONS IN JAPAN
[The following charming letter is from the beloved son of Rev. A. J. ·Gordon, of Boston, one of our editorial contributors.] HELPERS AND HINDERERS OF MISSIONS IN JAPAN.
BY ERNEST B. GORDON.
While enjoying the cordial hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Brand, the excellent missionaries of the Baptist Union, I have had considerable opportunity to observe the progress of the work as well as some {)f its drawbacks.
I went over to the Shogum's tombs, in Shita, the other day, and while straying in and about the temple of Zojigi, stumbled across a little fellow, a Buddhist novice, who spoke a little English. He had Dr. Hepburn's Dictionary, and was reading Peter Parley's Universal History. I struck up an acquaintance with him, and learned that he was a protege of Oolonel Olcott, who was to take him to India to study Sanscrit and the sacred books, but was prevented by the boy's poor health. Olcott, as is known, is the American Buddhist who goes about wearing a jewel said to be a crystalized tear of Mme. Blavatsky. He has published a Buddhist catechism in Singhalese, which has received the imprimatur of the Southern Ohurch in Oeylon, and is considered by Oeylonese Buddhists as almost canoni- ~al. It has gone through seventeen Singhalese editions, and was recently published in English by Estes & Lauriat, of Boston. I invited the boy around to Mr. Brand's to dinner and gave him a copy of the New Testament, which he promised to read. Last night he came again and talked a long time with Mrs. Brand about Shaka or Buddha and Jesus. He seemed much interested, especially when she told him of what Jesus left when He came to earth. He was surprised to find that Ohristians were not hateful and bitter.
The story of Roman Oatholic misl"ions in Japan is well known. Shinabara and the Oliff of Pappenberg will ever bear witness to the constancy and heroic endurance of the Roman Oatholic converts. Nevertheless, Oatholicism left a bad impression. I met the other day an old Japanese who remembers distinctly the annual ceremony of trampling upon the cross. A brass cross was brought around to every house in his village by the authorities, and everybody was required to trample upon it as a sign of his repudiation and contempt ()f Ohristianity. Much of this misapprehension and. bitterness still lingers among the Buddhist priests. The little novice, therefore, was pleased at our attention. He promised to come again and hear more about Ohrist.
Oolonel Olcott has done much harm here in Japan. An American is a person of influenee on account of his birthplace. To find an American teaching Buddhism was an experience, therefore, which startled young Japanese and which encouraged the Buddhist priests to attempt the galyanization of their putrescent superstition. Arthur May Knapp, too, the Boston representative of "Reciprocity in Religion," to use his own phrase, is encouraging the Buddhists in every possible way. He has abandoned his title of "missionary," and has assumed that of "ambassador"; the idea being, (,7idently, that he and the Buddhists are to exchange ideas and to treat with each other on an equal footing. This reassures the Buddhists and amazes the advanced men in Japan, who look upon Buddhism with the hatred and contempt which the liberals in Italy feel for the obscurantists of Rome.
Have you seen what Mr. Takahashi Goro, a prominent newspaper man, said at the banquet last May about the Unitarian movement in Japan? Its significance will fully appear when one takes into account the extreme politeness of the Japanese people. He said that he had not yet succeeded in fully mastering the doctrine of Unitarianism. He had perused the books kindly placed at his disposal by Mr. Knapp, but he still remained more or less in the dark. One thing, however, he had ascertained beyond question, viz., that Unitarianism is the child of orthodox Christianity. There was no manner of doubt about its parentage. Why, then, he wanted to know, should the attitude of Unitarianism to orthodox Chistianity be one of antagonism. He had read a book by Mr. Savage, entitled the "Religion of Evolution," and he had learned from it that Unitarianism regards orthodox Christianity with strong feelings of dislike, and would spare no pains to sweep it away from the face of the earth. Was that the proper attitude of a child toward its parent? Certainly not according to Japanese ideas of filial duty. Such an unnatural antipathy could only shock and deter Japanese observers. Besides, the Unitarians should remember that the law of heredity applies to bad qualities as well as to good. ""Vhen a man denounces his parents and declares them unworthy of respect he denounces himself by implication, for as the father is so, to a great extent, must the son be also. U nitarians coming to Japan, and arraying their forces against orthodox Christianity, would immediately find allies in the Buddhists and Confucianists. What would be the sequel of such an alliance? If the three united succeeded in driving out orthodox Christianity, the Unitarians might be quite sure that from that moment these sincere allies, the Buddhists and Confucianists, would turn on them and leave no stone untu'l'ned to drive them out also I In a. recent number of the Japan Mail, Mr. Takahashi Goro invites the attention of the Rev. Mr. Knapp to the short-sightedness of his alleged wish to ally himself with the Buddhists. Mr. 'rakahashi premises that he entertains no ill-feeling toward Unitarianism itself, but being convinced of the folly of the views of its representative in Japan as to Buddhism, he cannot but give utterance once more to the opinions he expressed at the Unitarian banquet some time .ago. Since then, he obse~ves, the Buddhistic press throughout the country had more and more distinctly shown a tendency to utilize Unitarianism as an instrument for attacking Christianity. Mr. Takahashi, however, believed Mr. Knapp to be too sagacious to become a tool of Buddhists. What, then, was his surprise to learn that the Unitarian missionary is still bent on cultivating the friendship of the Buddhists, as is shown by his article on the" Similarities and Dissimilarities of Unitarianism and Buddhism." Mr. Takahashi even goes so far as to say that Mr. Knapp'S attitude toward Buddhism is that of one who flatters, prays and solicits its favor.
"Does Mr. Knapp know," he asks, ,,, what Buddhism is really like? Buddhism is essentially an atheistic religion. This proposition can be proved by quotations from the Buddhist sacred writings." He then proceeds to consider another statement of Mr. Knapp, that, on the fundamental idea of creation, Unitarianism and Buddhism are directly opposed to orthodox Christianity. Mr. Knapp is represented to have stated that creation is not an event, but a perpetual progress which has neither commencement nor end.
"Now, in the first place, it is an abuse of a philosophical term to speak of 'creation' in connection with Buddhism, for how can there be any creation in a religion which does not recognize God? Nor is it correct to say that creation is a perpetual progress without either commencement or end, because man, as maintained by no less an evolutionist than Virchow, does not seem to have made any progress -during the first five or six thousand years. Further, there is no place for the idea of progress in the conception of atheistic creation."
If J-"1r. Knapp means to adopt the theory of atheistic evolution, Mr. Takahashi thinks he would better leave the Unitarian camp and join the atheistic Buddhists. Our author, however, believes that these apparently atheistic opinions have been expressed by Mr. Knapp for the purpose of obtaining the good will of Buddhists, for, from ·other utterances of his, it is evident that he recognizes the existence of God.
Mr. Knapp is said to have observed further, that Buddhism is, next to orthodox Christianity, a representative of the pessimistic religions; but that Unitarianism represents the optimistic religions. Mr. Takahashi does not attach much importance to the fact that Christianity is included among the pessimistic religions of the world, for he thinks this is merely a device of Mr. Knapp's to please his Buddhistic friends. He refers Mr. Knapp to Schopenhauer and Hartmann for an account of the crushing pessimism of Buddhism. He warns Unitarians against being utilized by Buddhists, and quotes from a Buddhist tract, by JUl'. Maesa Unkei, as follows: " Unitarianism will not be productive of any positive bendits / Jmt, as it will be negatively useful in neutralizing the evil effects of Christianity, we approve its spread for the sake of the country / nay" for the sake of our Shin-shu (Buddhistic) views."
It is interesting to note that the so-called " short cut" movement has extended to Japan. Last year the Japanese Presbyterians of Tokyo came to the conclusion that the work in Japan requires not only all the men who could be put through their theological school, but also those whose age or means would not allow them to take the full five years' course. Accordingly, of their own free will, they opened a school for evangelists. This year there are between thirty and forty men studying the Bible and receiving enough instruction to fit them for the work of preaching to the common people. The school is designed of course to supplement, not to antagonize, the Presbyterian Seminary. The Japanese Christians initiated the move.- ment, recognizing as they did the intense need of evang~lizing preachers, skilled in the Word, as well as of pastors versed in hermeneutics and apologetics. Many of the missionaries consider the success of the school as one of the most hopeful signs in late years.
It shows the determination of the Christians here to spread abroad the story of the Cross, and their good, common sense in choosing practical means for the furtherance of the work.
Christian work in Japan is complicated greatly by the present political excitement. The nnwillingness of foreign powers to repeal the unjust and unrighteous treaties forced upon Japan a generation ago has resulted in an increased hostility to foreigners and to foreign things. Christianity, of course, is classed in the latter category. Of our present United States representative, Mr. ,Swift, we will not speaK, except to say that the removal of his predecessor, the Texan Baptist minister Hubbard, appointed by President Cleveland, is greatly regretted. A Christian man, he did all in his power to assist Christian workers. No American since Perry, Minister Bingham possibly excepted, has been so popular in Japan. As to diplomatic. results, the Hubbard treaty negotiated with Count Okuma, although finally breaking down, was the first attempt to settle the vexed question of Treaty Revision in an honorable and statesmanlike way. If Mr;, Hubbard had been retained in Japan, it is likely that the revised treaty would be an accomplished fact, and the Christian missionaries would not be hampered now by the irritated condition of public opinion which prevails throughout the empire.
TOKYO, Oct. 12, 1890.
A JAPANESE CONVERT, who united with Bethany Church, Philadelphia, in 1886, said that "so great were the changes in his native country during the ten years previous, that nothing was left, as it. had been, but the naturalsceneryl"
EXAMPLES FROM MODERN MISSIONARY HISTORY
[Although the number of competitive essays sent in, in response to the editorial note in August number, 1890 (p. 631)-631), is not sufficient to justify the award, the edltor will avail himself of one or more of the best, as was then intimated, as articles in these pages.] EXAMPLES FROM MODERN MISSIONARY HISTORY OF THE UNMISTAKABLE INTERPOSITION OF GOD IN ANSWER TO PRAYER AND IN BEHALF OF HIS SERVANTS AND THEIR WORK.
BY REV. JOHN RUTHERFORD, M.A., B.D., ROTHESAY, SCOTLAND.
Pentecost was preceded by prayer. The coming of the Holy Ghost and the conversion of 3,000 souls in a single day were the result of ten days' continuous prayer.
Events like the siege and relief of Leyden, in 1574, when the Spanish armies were compelled to retreat, not before the brave Hollanders, but before the force of nature itself, visibly used by God in defence or the oppressed, witness to the fact that the hand of Almighty God is still interposed in behalf of those who trust Him. "As well," shouted the Spaniards derisively to the citizens, "as well can the Prince of Orange pluck the stars from the sky as bring the ocean to the walls of Leyden for your relief." But what was the issue? "A' violent equinoctial gale, on the night of the 1st ana 2d of October, came storming from the northwest, and then blowing still more violently f!'Om the southwest. The waters of the North Sea were piled in vast masses on the coast, and then dashed furiously landward, the ocean rising over the earth and sweeping, with unrestrained power, across the ruined dykes." The relieving fleet sailed up almost to the walls of the city. As the historian records, it was the hand of God that sent the ocean and the tempest to the deliverance of Leyden, and that struck her enemies wi th terror likewise. We cannot doubt that the preservation of Holland and Britain from the Spanish fury were in answer to many prayers offered up by those who fled to God as their refuge. (Motley, Dutch Republic, II., p. 558).
And much more does the history of the church assure us that God answers prayer. If we review the qistory of missions in any part of the wo,dd, we see that those who do the Lord's work live near to Him, and that He guards them in danger, and watches over that work which is not so much ours as His.
1. In the "Life of John G. Paton" (I., p. 118), the events are narrated which led to his leaving Tanna. He says, "On reaching Nowar's village we found the people terror-stricken, crying, rushing about in dispair at such a host of armed savages approaching. The whole village collapsed in a condition of indescribable terror. The approaching multitude had gone to the mission house and broken in the door, and, finding that we had escaped, they rushed on to Nowar's village. W e ~rayed as one only can pray when in the fear of death and on the brink of eternity. We felt that God was near and omnipotent to do what seemed best in' His sight. When the savages were about 300 yards off, N owar touched my knee, saying, 'MisRi, Jehovah is hearing! They are all standing still.' On gazing shc-rewards, we saw a dense host of warriors, but all were standing still. To our amazement the host began to turn and entered the remote bush at the head of the harbor. We were on that day His trusting and defenceless children; would you not, had you been one of our circle, have joined with us in praising the Lord God for deliverance from the jaws of death? I know not why they turned back, but I have no doubt it was the doing of God to save our lives."
2. Again Mr. Paton writes (p. 345,) "About ten o'clock the savages surrounded the mission house. My faithful dog, Clutha, pulled at my clothes and awoke me. I silently awoke Mr. and Mrs. Mathieson, who had also fallen asleep. We committed ourselves, in hushed prayer, to God, and watched them. Immediately a glare of light fell into the room. They set fire to the church all round, and the'l a reed fence connecting the church and the dwelling-house. In a ""lW minutes the house, too, would be in flames, and armed savages waiting to kill us on attempting an escape." Mr. Paton then ran out and cut the burning fence and tore it up, thus preventing the fire from reaching the house. He stood surrounded by seven or eight savages who had raised their clubs in the air, yelling in rage that none of them ventured the first blow, though they shouted "Kill him! kill him!" "At this dread moment occurred an incident which my readers may explain as they like, but which I trace directly to the interposition of my God. A rushing and roaring sound came from the south, like the noise of a mighty engine or of muttering thunder. Every head was instinctively turned in that direction, and they knew from previous hard experience that it was one of their awful tornadoes. Now mark, the wind bore the flames away from our house, and had it come in the opposite direction no power on earth could have saved us from being all consumed. It made the work of destroying the church only that of a few minutes; but it brought with it a heavy and murky cloud which poured out a perfect torrent of tropical rain. Now mark again: the flames of the burning church were thereby cutoff from extending to and seizing upon the reeds and the bush, and besides, it had become almost impossible now to set fire to our house." A panic siezed the savages, and, throwing down their torches, they fled.
Returning to the house Mr. Paton was met by Mr. Mathieson, who exclaimed, "If ever, in time of need, God sent help and protection to His servants, in answer to prayer, He has done so to-night. Blessed be His Holy name."
3. In "Darkest Africa" Henry Stanley writes, "Constrained at the darkest hour to humbly confess that without God's help I was helpless, I vowed a vow in the forest solitudes that I would confess His aid before men. A silence, as of death, was round about me; it was midnight. I was weakened by illness, prostrated by fatigue, and worn with anxiety for my white and black companions whose fate was a mystery. In this physical and mental distress I besought God to give me back my people." And' what was the result of Stanley's vow and prayer? "Nine hours later we were exulting with a raptur- ous joy. In full view of all was the crimson flag with the crescent, and beneath its waving folds was the long-lost real' column."
4. Shortly before the disruption of 1843 the Church of Scotland sent Dr. Keith, Dr. Black, Rev. R. McCheyne and Dr. A. Bonar, the last of whom still survives, on "a mission of enquiry to the Jews ;" they went to Palestine, and on their return journey visited Buda Pesth. There Dr. Keith took suddenly unwell, and all hope of his l'ecovery was abandoned.
In Buda Pesth there lived the Archduchess Marie Dorothea. Liv- ing, as she did, among a morally, degraded people, she longed that they might be made acquainted with the Gospel; for seven years she had prayed that God would send them a missionary. And God answered her prayers in a way she thought not of. She heard that an English clergyman lay dying in the hotel; she sent word that nothing should be left undone to save his life. The physicians had given up the case, but to please the Duchess they redoubled their efforts, applying friction and using other means, until, as they held a lighted taper neal' his mouth, the flames wavered: he lived.
The Archduchess visited him, and begged that the proposed mission should be located ill Buda Pesth. This was agreed to, and as long as she lived she gave it her protection and support. Thus the Gospel came into Buda Pesth. Fifty years Gospel work among a people held down by popery and ignorance and sin; such is God's answer to a woman's prayer (see Bonar's "Mission of Enquiry to the Jews").
5. Rev. E. Pearse in "China's Millions," September, 1882, vouches the truth of the following incident (see "Progress in China," by Rev. Arnold Foster, p. 52). "A man was converted, who had been for many years a vegetarian to gain merit and be saved. He came to our chapel, heard and believed the Gospel, and for years has lived a consistent Christian life. Some time ago the people collected a large sum of money to be expended in idolatrous work, in order that their houses might be saved from fire, and asked this man to contribute to that fund. He declined, on the ground that he trusted in the living God, and that the idols were not able to save them from fire. No sooner was the idolatrous ceremony over than an extensive nre broke out in the very street in which this man's house was situated; 120 houses were burnt down, and when the flames were coming nearer and nearer to his house, the people said, 'Now you see what you have got.' And they wanted to persuade him to take out all his furniture into the street that he might save something. He knew that if he brought the things out into the street, even though they would be safe from fire, they would probably be stolen. But he believed that God was going to preserve him from suffering loss, and he told the people so. While they were hurrying to-and-fro in all their excite- ment, he, in the presence of them all, prayed God that He would show that He was the living and true God. And then he watched the fire as it came nearer and nearer, until there was only one house standing between his own and the flames. But just then there was a sudden change in the wind: God had said, 'Thus far shalt thou come and no further,' and his house was saved. If I had time, I could tell you of a great many more instances."
6. David Livingstone, returning from Central Africa, tells of a great inland sea-Lake Nyassa. The Scottish churches and the Uni- versities' Mission take possession of the land for Christ-money and life are freely spent to evangelize N yassaland. After a dozen years the envy of Portugal is aroused; she sends Major Serpa Pinto to sieze the country, and Cardinal Lavigerie is ready with his priests to sta- tion them in all the places where the missionaries have labored, where the graves of English men and English women are "the title deeds to Nyassaland." Alas! is all this work for Christ to be overthrown? No, indeed; a spirit of prayer comes over the British churches, and the Portuguese encroachments are defeated not so much by the s~ates manship of Lord Salisbury as by the prayers of those who sent out the missionaries, and who, day by day, cease not to pray on their behalf. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."
7. On August 19, 1856, Rev. William Burns arrived at the city of Chao-chow-fu, south China; he had gone there in order to preach the Gospel and do colportage work. vVhen suddenly he was arrested and the same night examined before the district magistrate (Life of William Burns, p. 290). The magistrates decided to send him to Canton., It was the time of the Taiping rebellion, and, in addition to this, his arrest took place immediately on the eve of the war which that same year broke out between Britain and China. Had he arrived at Canton just a very little later, while the events begun by Commissioner Yeh were in progress, death would have been the probable result to the missionary. N ow compare an entry made by Mrs. Stewart Sandeman, at Perth, Scotland, in her diary, of date 28th December, of the same year: "Mr. Burns was safely kept through his arrest and imprisonment in China. Comparing the dates I find that we were met in prayer for him during his dangerous jOttrney under guard of the Ohinese ofJicials." (lVlemoir of Mrs. Stewart Sandeman, p. 177).
[ NOTE: The 8th and 9th instances are omitted, having been already published in the REVIEW, 1889, pp. 29, 348-ED.] 10. The repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts in Britain was a.
work as arduous as any in Asia or Africa. Those vile acts roused t(} a white heat the zeal of a noble band like Mrs. Josephine Butler and Miss Elice Hopkins who were aRsisted by men like Mr. Stead, Mr.
Stanfield, ~1.P., and Professor Stuart, M.P. Almost the whole strength of the House of Commons and of the House of Lords were against them. The army and the navy were against them. Two or three women and as many men against a nation! but they determined to struggle and suffer in order to save our poor, lost sisters from the brutality of demon-like men. They could endure to he hooted, to be insulted, to be written against in the daily press, as "the howling sisterhood," and they could enlist the arm of God against the power of British immorality. Christians gave themselves to prayer through- out the whole kingdom, and the power of prayer conquered, the Gov- ernment yielded, and by the unanimous vote of Parliament the Con- tageous Diseases Acts were abolished. '
Verily, there is a God that judgeth in the earth, whose ear is not shut to the cry of those who wrestle in prayer as they do His work.
11. And pr~er which God thus answers for the preservation of His servants and their work, also brings spiritual blessing. We have testimony to this on all hands. For example: Rev. Griffith John, of Hankow, says (Records of the Shanghai Conference of 1877, p. 26)), "Feeling my own lack of spiritual power, I spent the whole of a Satur- . day in earnest prayer for a baptism of the Holy Ghost. On the fol- lowing morning I preached on the subject. At the close of t·he ser- vice I proposed that we should meet for an hour on every day of the ensuing week to pray for a baptism of the Holy Ghost. From fifty to seventy of the converts met day by day, and confessing their sins with tears, pleaded for an outpouring of the Spirit of God. The na- tive church at Hankow received an impulse then, the force of which continues to this day. The Holy Ghost became a mighty reality t(} many. vVhere once other things are preached, Christ and His power to save is now the theme."
12. What a successful mission is that carried on in China by the English Presbyterian Church. Begun in 1847, by that apostolic man> William Burns, it has increased until now it has five separate centres, Amoy, Swatow, Formosa, the Hakka country, and Singapore. With its thousands of converts, its native preachers, its ordained native pastors, its schools and Sabbath-schools, its medical missions, its lady missionaries, it has received from God much spiritual blessing-bless- ing which has enabled the converts to stand true even when persecu- tion brought the loss of worldly goods and when heathen fury against the native Christians resulted in murder: this occurred at Poih-buan, in 1878. And they willingly acknowledge that much of the divine blessing, so abundantly given, is to be traced to a monthly prayermeeting for China, held in a room in Edinburgh.
Whether we are opposed by immoral legislation or the opium trade {)r the cruelties of slavery or of the African trade in alcohol, or by the vast forces of heathenism, let our resources be the power of God made available for all the needs of His church. Yes, in all Christian work God supplies all our need according to His riches in gl'ory in Christ Jesus.
GREED IN THE WAY OF MISSIONARY ZEAL.-We fear that there is no form of selfishness more fatal to missionary consecration than the worship of the dollar. Avarice prevents abundant giving, and it hoards fol' the sake of gain what could be used with the most ~bundant profit in the wide harvest field. Not only so, but the Scripture phrase is sagaciously accurate, gold "blinds the eyes." Men do not see the facts or feel the force of the appeal of God and {)f souls because the love of money intervenes as an obscuring medium. There are many professed disciples who hold a dollar so Dear the eye that they can see scarcely anything else in the world.
Robert Hall, arguing with a clergyman suspected of having -changed his opinions from mercenary motives, proposed to him several reforms of great importance, but was invariably met with the reply: "I don't see it; I can't see it at all."
At length, penciling in small letters the word "God" upon an .envelope which lay on the table, Mr. Hall showed it, and asked: " Can you see that?" "Yes. " Then, covering it with a half sovereign, he asked again: " Can you see it now? " " No." Whereupon, without another word, he went away. The argument was sufficiently conclusive without any drawing of a "moral" after it!
THE " New Theology," according to Dr. O. W. Holmes, in teaching probation beyond this life, has as effectually deadened all sensibility to the fear of eternal punishment, as cocaine, the new local anresthetic, deadens the sensibility of the part to which it is applied. We may be permitted to raise the honest inquiry whether any doctrine which practically destroys the power of the retributions of a future state can have any other effect than to paralyze missionary activity. And, if the tree is known by its fruit, can that be a safe doctrine to hold which either deadens sensibility to the plain warnings of the Scripture or to the degradation and destitution of the heathen world?
DO HEATHEN MULTIPLY FASTER THAN CONVERTS?
DO HEATHEN MULTIPLY FASTER THAN CONVERTS?
BY THOMAS LAURIE, D.D., PROVIDENCE, R. I.
The thought of the conversion of the world prompts the question, " How large is it?" There have been v~rious estimates of its popu- lation. In 1753, Voltaire said 1,600,000,000. Fifty years later Volney put it at 437,000,000. Matte Brun, in 1810, made it 640,000,- 000; Balbi, in 1816, estimated it at 704,000,000, and in 1843, at 739,000,000; Behm and Wagner, in 1880, fixed it at 1,456,000,000, and in 1882, with probably greater accuracy, at 1,434,000,000, though it was less than their previous estimate by 22,000,000. This popUlation they distributed as follows: Europe …….. 327,743,400 Asia…………… 795,591,000 Africa………. 205,823,200 America …………100,415,400 Polynesia…… 4,232,000 Polar Land……… 82,500 Total population of the globe………………… 1,433,887,500 These statistics do not introduce a dissertation on population, but only a brief consideration of a recent objection to the missionary work. It is estimated that modern missions have won about 4,000,- 000 converts from idolatry; but we are told that running parallel with these conversions is an increase of the number to be converted from 600,000,000 to 800,000,000, and if 200,000,000 heathen are added to the number, while only 4,000,000 become Christians, at that rate when will the world be converted to God? At first sight the case seems hopeless, and that on these conditions we can only make progress backward; but is the prospect as dark as it seems? Let us look at it carefully and dispassionately. One thing is plain: while the 200,000,000 are the natural increase of the previously existing 600,000,000, the 4,000,000 are an absolute creation. Four millions from nothing is a vastly greater proportion than the other, though the Bums are larger.
But let us examine the subject yet more carefully. Modern evangelical missions have now been in operation about a century. The first missionary society (the Church Missionary Society) dates from 1792. Now, if conversions began immediately, then the 4,000,000 converts are rightly set over against the 200,000,000 increase of heathen; but if they did not begin for a number of years, then the heathen increase of the years during which there were no converts must be subtracted from the 200,000,000, and so we have already reduced the seemingly hopeless contrast.
But that is not all. '1'he first converts were not only the fruits of many years of labor, but they were very few in number. For many years Leang Afa was almost the only convert among the many millions of China, and this introduces a riew element into the discussion, for while the natural increase goes on from year to year, and from age to age, with slight variation, missionary converts in~ease in the ratio of a geometrical progression. At first there were no conversions at all; only a work of preparation. The military stores are gathered together and the forces massed for the coming conflict, and, when that begins, each prisoner taken is not immured in a dungeon, but becomes at once an active soldier, able to avail himself of his famil- iarity with the condition and position of thc enemy for their over- throw. And it is worthy of notice, that the Lord of Hosts does not isolate the converts, but scatters them purposely among those to be acted on by their example and their labors. Already in some.of the latter decades of the century the increase of the converts has been at the rate of eighty-one per cent., and the natural increase of the heathen during the same period only six and one-half per cent. Now, if that proportion were to continue it would only require a sum in arithmetic to find out how soon the eighty-one per cent. would overtake and go beyond the six and one-half per cent. But we have seen that the ratio is one of geometrical progression-" the constant quantity by which each term is multiplied to produce the succeeding one "-and so we see the way clear to transfer very rapidly the hundreds of millions from the heathen side to the Christian side of future increase.
It may be said this is a very beautiful theory, but-. Then take an actual case. Robert Morrison entered China through much tribulation in 1807. When Dr. Happel' went there in 1844 he found only six Protestant missionaries and two native assistants in all that empire. While at the Shanghai Conference, in May, 1890, 1,285 missionaries and 1,469 native assistants were reported as then in that field, and with slich an increase in the past, what may not be hoped for in the future? Other examples might be given equally encouraging. When a fire is kindled in the forest its progress depends on the denseness of the mass of trees to be set on fire, and when everyone of the millions of China is a tor~h waiting to be lighted, it needs no prophet to foretell the effect of casting in these torches already lighted.
Take another view. A century ago there were in all the earth 174,000,000 nominal Christians, 44,000,000 of them Protestants. Now there are 165,000,000 Protestants, almost as many as the whole number at that time, among 450,000,000 nominal Christians. Add to that that the energy and efficiency of the race is concentrated in those Protestants, and the prospect for the future is radiant. Furmerly the Latin race was the conqueror and colonizer of the world, but since it fell under the paralysis of Popery it has lost its power. Now the race which lives by truth is marching at the head of the race, carrying the source of its own energy to all the nations.
It is significant in this connection that, while one hundred years
THE PRAYER LEAGUE
ago only 22,000,000 of the race spoke E'llglish, 115,000,000 now use that language, an increase of more than 500 per cent., and while at that time the 22,000,000 had neither missions nor missionaries, the 115,000,000 now sustain 120 missionary societies, of which our American Board is only one, and these societies raise annually $11,250,000 for the conversion of the world to God.
Then we need only to call to mind the immense store of Christian literature in that language to thank God that it is having such free course in all the earth.
Indeed, we thank the objectors for calling attention to a line of truth where there is nothing to discourage but everything to fill us with the assurance of a glorious success.
THE PRAYER LEAGUE.
We note with sincere gratitude the movement toward covenant prayer in various parts of the Church, and we regard it as the most promising sign of the times. When God's people begin to pray in faith and with true agreement marvels begin in the earth. And not a crisis of missionary history, from the beginning until to-day, has been turned except by prayer.
The Reformed Church has recently formed a Foreign Missionary Prayer League, whose purpose it is "to unite God's people in abundant and prevailing prayer; to intensify, accumulate and direct the power of prayer so that multitudes of heathen may be turned to the Lord in our missions."
In the very impressive appeal which has been issued prayer is recognized as the mightiest power in missionary work, whether to open the doors, thrust forth the laborers, secure the needful means, or to call down abundant blessing. Those who cannot go to the foreign field can, at least, sustain the work by prayers for it, "striving together" with the workmen by their own supplication. United prayer carries resistless power, as is shown throughout all history, and is especially acceptable to God. The method encouraged is special seasons, daily set apart, and particular prayer for individual persons and places: abundant prayer, prayer with fasting, arid with intercommunication among those who join the league.
Mrs. Joseph Scudder, 57 Cannon street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., acts as secretary of the league. We exhort all who belong to that communion especially to join this league, and make its objects and aims heartily their own. We believe that if the whole Church would get into a new attitude of fervent, believing prayer there would be such a new Pentecost as the history of man has never yet recorded.
COl>'VENTION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS AT BANGALORE, INDIA
CONVENTION OF CHRISTIAN WORKERS AT BANGA- LORE, INDIA.
BY REV. JACOB CHAMBERLAIN, M.D., D.D., MADANAPALLE, INDIA.
Bangalore, the chief city of the kingdom of ]fysore, has just witnessed a singular sight for the capital city of a non-Christian kingdom.
Pursuant to an invitation from the missionaries of all societies working in Bangalore and other earnest Christians residing there, a convention gathered at that place on the 23d of September, of missionaries and other ChriAtian workers from all parts of the Madras Presidency with some also from Bombay.
'l'he convention was not for the discussion of abstruse problems of missionary policy, but for the promotion of spiritual life and growth and earnestness in work for the Master.
Trains arriving on the afternoon of September 23d, from four different directions, centering at that place, brought those invited, and others who could attend, from many different provinces, districts, cities and villages. .iUJ. parts of the Tamil country, from near Cape 00morin to Madras and the N eilgherry Mountains,sent representatives. All parts of the kingdom of Mysore, the Kanarese kingdom, were represented. Two delegates from the Marathi country and one from the Gujarathi; myself and another from the Telugu country; missionary workers among the Mohammedans in Hindustani; workers in English among the Eurasians and in the English army, and native preachers in Tamil, Kanarese and Telugu were there. Seven languages were required to do the daily work at their stations of the workers there assembled.
Not missionaries alone: many laymen were there. Coffee planters from the Shevaroy and the Neilgherry mountains. An executive engineer from one of the new state railways on the East Coast; a general and several other officers from the Madras army; soldiers in uniform from the garrison; artisans and tradesmen and their families; natives, male and female, in their striking costumes. All mingled, as children of the King, in this conference. It would be hard to match it in any city of the Western world.
Twelve different branches of the Church of Christ were represented-the Church of England,English Baptists, American Baptists, English Independents, American Congregationalists, English Wesleyans, American Methodists, AustralasianWesleyans, German Lutherans, American Reformed, English Plymouth Brethren and Salvation Army officers-all joined heartily in counsel and prayer for higher spiritual life, for more absolute consecration, for more efficient. service.
Tuesday evening was devoted to an informal reception, a social gathering, the Rev. and Mrs. W. H. I. Picken, Wesleyan missiona- ries of Bangalore, behlg host and hostess.
It gave us all an opportunity of becoming acquainted. English, Germans, Hindus, Americans, Australians, and an exceedingly pleas- ant gathering it was, closing with half an b1u ~Cff more formal words of welcome, praise and prayer.
The next three days, with three sessiOn!, each day, were given to the consideration of "What Christ does for His people," "What Christ does in His people," and "What Christ does through His people," one day being given to each theme.
The vVednesday morning meeting was a Bible reading on the first theme, conducted by Rev. E. Chester, M.D., thirty-one years a missionaryof tbe American Board in the Madura Mission. The afternoon meeting was devotional, led by Rev. I. G. Hawker, twenty-five years a missionary of the London Missionary Society at Belgaum. It was a helpful, uplifting meeting. The evening's session was a more public meeting for addresses on the day's theme, presided over by the representative of the Arcot Mission of the Reformed Church in America, thirty years a missionary among the Telugus, at which every seat in the large audience-room was filled and some stood. Addresses were given by the chairman, on what Christ does (a) by His atonement; by Rev. G. W. Lawday, of Tumkur, Wesleyan, (b) By His example; and by Rev. W. Ioso, London Mission, Madras, (c) By His intercession. The exercises were interspersed with warm prayers and spir:ted singing by a volunteer choir who had previously practiced for the purpose.
Thursday's was the second theme, "What Christ does in His people." The morning's Bible reading on it was led by Handley Bird, Esq., Plymouth Brother, from Coimbatoor, and was exhaustive and stimulating. The afternoon meeting was for ladies only, and was said to have been of exceptional interest. The evening meeting, for public address, was led by Dr. Chester, of Dindigul, and addresses were given by the chairman, by Mr.E.Lynn, Plymouth Brother, Malvalli, and by Rev. John S. Chandler, of the American Madura Mis- SIOn.
Friday was the crowning day. The theme, "What Christ does through His people." The morning Bible reading, led by H. Clift, Esq., railway executive engineer, mapped out the subject well. The afternoon meeting was a conversational session on "Methods of Evangelization," or "How shall God work through us for His higher glory?" 'rhe writer was asked to open and guide the conversation. This was declared to be a "Council of War" for the conquest of India. And it proved one of the most stimulating of the meetings, full of val'lety and suggestiveness.
The methods referred to were: Oral proclamation of the Gospel in the streets, villages, markets, fairs, with such accessories as large colored Scripture pictures or magic-lantern Bible scenes, by night;with cornet and bicycle to tow in the crowd and "baby organ" to hold them for the preaching: Medical missionary work, with preaching to all patients, and terse Gospel tickets for the patients to take home; and Zenana medical work by lady doctors; Reading rooms and preaching halls in crowded thoroughfares; Sunday-school work among Chris- tian and heathen children; Young Men's Christian Association work in large cities, and Young People's Societies of Christian Endeavor in smaller places. The Press and Tract Gospel and Christian book distribution all through the country. Christian school work to reach non-Christian pupils, and to train workers, and Zenana work and Bible women, and lIindu girl's schools to reach non-Christian women.
This meeting being a "family gathering," all mingled freely in the discussion-ladies and gentlemen, lay and clerical, English, Germans, Australians, Americans, Hindus, Episcopalians, Methodists, Salvation Army, Presbyterians, Plymouth Brothers, "Faith Mission" Workers, Baptists, strict and open, Congregationalists and Wesleyans, with prayers of unction, and hymns of victory thrown in all the way. The only difficulty was in bringing the meeting to a close.
Friday evening'S meeting, the closing one of the series, was the most crowded one of all. General MacAusland, of the Madras army, presided and made the opening address, on "What Christ does through His people." (a) by the example and influence of their live!', and was followed by Rev. L. S. Gates, of the American Board's Mission, Sholapore, Bombay, on (b) by their testimony to truth and experience, and by Rev. I. G. Hawker, of Belgaum, on (0) by their works of faith and love.
After the Benediction there was a general handshaking of those who had come, many of them one and two days' journey to attend, and so this memorable "Mildmay Conference," held in India, of Christian Workers, was brought to a close amid a universal desire for a similar meeting to be held next year, at which very many more workers, lay and clel'ica~, will be sure to be present. The Kingdom is coming. We can see its onward progress. God bring it in speedily!
SAID a heathen to a mlsslOnary: "There must be something in your religion which makes you come all the way out here to tell us of it. I am sure I would not go so far to tell you of mine." Nothing is perhaps more likely to impress the minds of pagan people than the evidence that missionaries afford, that the good news is worth telling! And the more sacrifice our evangelism costs us the more eloquent is t.he testimony that missions give to the value of the great salvation and our own passion fOI" souls.
THE MISSIONARY OUTLOOK
THE MISSIONARY OUTLOOK.-I.
BY J. MURRAY MITCHELL, M.A., LL.D., NICE, FRANCE.
We intend to take a view, if possible, of that field which is the world. It follows, of course, that in so general a survey, many particulars that are by no means unimportant, must pass unnoticed, and that only the most outstanding objects can receive more than a passing glance.
It is often said that we have entered, or are entering, on a new era in missionary history. Various things seem, on the whole, to justify this language. Of these we shall specify only three-the student movement in America, the request of the Missionary Conference at Shanghai that a thousand missionaries be sent to China within the next five years, and a prayer from members of the Church Missionary Society that its missions speedily receive the same accession. Ten or five years ago such things could not have been. The double, indeed ,triple demand (Mr. Hudson Taylor had already asked for a thousand new laborers for the China Inland Mission) for a thousand missionaries, if made, would have been scouted as ridiculous. Reserving to the end of this paper Bome questions as to the practical carrying out of the proposal, we can express nothing but admiration in view of the enlargement of heart which the demand implies.
We divide this paper into three parts. We first advert to the missionary spirit as it exists at home. 'Ve then speak of the position of things in the foreign field. We shall conclude with a few suggestions grounded on the sur~ey we shall thus have taken.
I.
First, then, let us attend to the missionary spirit as it exists in Christendom: Undoubtedly there has been, for a good many years past, a steady growth of missionary zeal. The movements we have already mentioned are the natural result of what preceded. Hardly any portion of the Church of Christ now fails to take a share in foreign evangelistic work; or, if it fails, it is quite aware of having to explain its position and apologize. Otherwise, it knows it will stand condemned at the bar of Christendom. There is not merely a growing interest in non-Christian peoples, arising out of a growing knowledge of their condition; there is a deepening sense of duty towards our fellow-men -an increasingly clear perception of the social character of Christianity. Time was when even good men thought not too much, but too exclusively, of their own salvation. We see better than we did that we must "add to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity"-to love of God and love of Christians-a love that embraces the entire human race and that does not evaporate in talk.
Such is increasingly the feeling of the church, and the general public shares it to a considerable extent. We are old enough to remember the time when any new missionary effort that might be pro- posed was sure to be sneered at-classed under the head of "missions to the moon and elsewhere." But no man will scoff at missions now who does not scoff at the Bible itself, and he who speaks of the useless- ness of missions is prepared to assert in the same breath the useless- ness of Christianity.
This growing appreciation of missions on the part of the general public is due to the strong testimony in regard to their practical ef- ficacy, which has been so often rendered by men fully qualified to form a judgment-many of whom were prepared to look on missions with an eye severely critical. Among .such witnesses Charles Darwin has been one of the most tnfIuential. He certainly had no predispo- sition to think well of missionary work; but, as an entirely honest man, he told what his own eyes had seen. One of his expressions has become proverbial: "The lesson of the missionary is an enchanter's wand." Speaking of some who had ridiculed the work in the South Seas, which he himself had carefully examined, he used the scathing language: "Disappointed in not finding the field for licentiousness quite so open as formerly, they will not give credit to a morality which they do not wish to practise." Testimonies in favor of missions are multiplying. Stanley has spoken, with characteristic warmth, in praise of Mackay and others, and, as we write, an eye lights on the high eulogium which Mr. Johnston, in the New Review, pronounces on the doings of Dr. Laws, of Nyassaland. Mr. Johnston says Dr. Laws "learned to make bricks in order that he might teach others. He has become a practical engineer, carpenter, joiner, printer, photographer, farrier, boat-builder and druggist, so that he might instruct his once savage people in these arts and trades."
Mackay, the "engineer missionary," labored with much zeal in teaching the arts of civilized life at Uganda. He spoke very warmly of the missions at Lovedale and Blythswood, in South Africa, as exemplifying what he regarded as the right kind of missions for Africa. They combine intellectual and religious teaching with industrial training.
Men who are believers in Christianity may be expected to write in terms such as we have been referring to. And when those that are not believers use such language as we have quoted from Darwin, we need not be surprised. For now-a-days many who never think of the service of God, plead earnestly for "the service of man." They have drawn the lesson, directly or indirectly, from the Bible, which makes the service of man an essential part of the service of God; and this they ought, in fairness, to acknowledge. But, although they believe in no Divine command to evangelize the nations; they can hardly deny the elevation of the aim. They may blame the missionaries for proclaiming dogmas which to them seem unintelligible, but the philsnthropic character of missions they do not seek to deny; and, when testimonies multiply as to their practical efficacy in raising degraded races, they cannot but express approval. 1'his is true, at least of the higher class of unbelievers-of men like Cotter Morison, one of the ablest of the Agnostics. He speaks of the "unequaled potency" of Christianity in moulding character, and of the "true Christian saint" as "one of the most wonderful phenomena of the moral wOl·ld-so lofty, so p~re, so attractive." We do not wish to make too much of such testimonies; neither do we despise them; but, at all events, language like this rises infinitely above the polished sarcasm of Gibbon no less than the vulgar ribaldry of Paine.
While we speak thus, we are not ~rgetting that, if missions are better appreciated than they were, yet the missionaries themselves have lately been subjected to severe criticism. It is not long since an Anglican canon was writing foolishly about Mohammedanism, and bitterly about the missionaries of his own church. And, certainly, we cannot overlook the excitement aroused among the 'Vesleyans by charges made by one who had seen very little of India-charges which were repeated in one or two influential quarters at home. Such attacks do temporary harm, both at home and among the heathen; but, as the truth becomes known, there is a great reaction in favor of the men assailed. Canon Isaac Taylor will hardly return to the bat-' tIe, seeing he was not only refuted by missionaries, but charged by literary men like Mr. Bosworth Smith with "invincible ignorance" and" headlong heedlessness." The Canon has done good service in linguistics and archreology, and to these he should confine llimself. And as for theWesleyans, it is, we trust, a joy even in the quarters at home in which the accusations were rashly credited, that, instead of their being" proved to the hilt," the sharp weapon, though powerfully wielded, has not pierced-has barely grazed-the skin. For the mis- .sionaries were, after the fullest inquiry, completely exonerated from all charges made, or implied. And so let us pass from the whole thing as from a painful dream.
Of course, criticism is not over. It is inevitable, if real interest be taken in the work. There will be unjust and ignorant criticism; for some men have a perfect genius for finding fault, and there will be room for legitimate and enlightened criticism, for missionaries are not infallible. Inquiry into evangelistic methods there ought to be. Every true-hearted missionary will be most grateful for any new light that can be thrown upon his work, and all friendly criticism he will meet in a friendly spirit. He will indeed be disposed to smile at not a few of the changes that are suggested as improvements on pres- ·ent methods, for probably either he himself, or others, have already tried the thing proposed and found it wanting; but he will fully appreciate the spirit oy which the criticism is prompted. No doubt, as he watches the slow, steady advance of the truth wherever the Gosper is faithfully made known, he will be pained to note the impatience of some who think that the high places in heathenism ought to be cap- tured by a rush; and he will be disposed to ask why things move so slowly at home-why the Pope and the College of Cardinals are not r converted-why unbelief and worldliness are still so fearfully strong A craving for the salvation of souls is beautiful, but a craving for results, mainly in order that we may get our money's worth, is pitiable; and the Church of Christ needs to examine her own heart and see which feeling chiefly sways her. The Apostle speaks of the need of the sower having" long patience," "till he receh-e the early and the lat- ter rain." N ow, in this ale of unsettlement and restlessness, "long patience" is, to the best of us, difficult of attainment; and many crave- for perpetual excitement and perpetual change. Let the Church be " instant in season and out of season," but let her also seek to enter into fuller sympathy with Him who sees the end from the beginning, and who is seated at the right-hand of God" from henceforth expect- ing till His enemies be made His footstool. "
We hail a growing desire on the part of the Church at home to draw tighter the bonds between the foreign laborers and herself. .One mark of this is the sending of deputies to the missions. When these are wise and sympathetic men, only good should result from this. Would that all home ministers could visit heathendom! It would enable them on their return to plead the cause of missions far more zealously and effectively. "Mine eye affecteth mine heart," and a sight of real heathenism would be a lesson and an impulse for life. Indifference to missions is often traceable to ignorance rather than unfaithfulness. Certainly, in this case, zeal will be in proportion to· knowledge.
All that we have said implies that the interest of the Church, and even of the general public, in regard to mission work has been, and still is, deepening. The world begins to see that the work is good, and the Church that it is glorious. Now, do we sufficiently realize the magnitude and importance of the change? Doubtless everyone has heard of the rebuke administered by Dr. Ryland to young Carey for his excess of zeal, and most of us -can repeat the story of the Scottish Assembly, and good Dr. Erskine's "Rax me that Bible.'" But at a later date such representative men as Bishop Horsley, in England, and Dr. Timothy Dwight, in America, were opposed to the' movement on behalf of missions. Or, going farther back, it is deplor– able that from the Reformation till about the end of the sixteenth century the only great man who is known to have seen the import– ance of missions was Hugo Grotius. When from about the year 1664 the Austrian nobleman Van Welz was striving to arouse the churches: of Germany to a sense of their obligations, he encountered the sternest opposition from men of position and unquestioned orthodoxy, such as Ursinus, the superintendent of Regensburg. "The heathen," said this high ecclesiastic, "have already had sufficient means of learning the truth. The Greenlanders could have learnt it from their neighbors, the Danes and Swedes; and the Turks and Tartars from the Greeks. God is not bound to help these'heathen more than He has done." "As for those who have been persecutors of the faith, why should heaven's pearls be thrown to dogs or swine like them?"* Can such things have been said by the leaders of the Christian Church? Unhappily, yes; and they were, by the people under them, all too readily acquiesced in.
Let us thank God that such words cannot be used again. They would arouse one general feeling of horror throughout the churches.
One proof of the deepening interest in missions is the increasing number of university men that are offering themselves for service. It was long before any such, in the Church of England at least, were willing to work among the heathen; but, during the last four years, seventy-nine English university men have become missionaries. In former days of coldness special colleges for training missionaries were wholly indispensable; but the belief is growing that ordained men in the foreign field require at least as good an education as ordained men at home. In the Presbyterian churches the same training has long been given to both classes; there is no abbreviated curriculum for missionaries. The flower of university youth everywhere is pressing more and more -into the foreign field.
The steady increase of female missionaries is equally remarkable III all missionary churches and societies. If we mention the C. M. S. as an example it is not because it stands specially prominent in this respect, but because the requisite information regarding it happens to be at hand. Three years ago it had twenty-two female missionaries. (excluding the wives of missionaries); now it has sixty. Equal or nearly equal progress has been made by the distinctively female missionary societies connected with all the churches. For example, the Zenana, Bible and Medical Mission has, during the last eight years, sent out 138 additional workers, and is making an effort to send twenty more.
The claims of the heathen world are overwhelming, and the conviction grows that the class of ordained missionaries must be supplemented by the unordained men, with or without academical training. This is as it should be. In certain fields, and for certain kinds of work, the higher education is indispensable; a thorough acquaintance with Hebrew and Greek, for example, is necessary for those who are to translate, or revise, the Holy Scriptures in foreign tongues. Devout laymen do admirable service at home, and why may they not abroad?
* See The Nordisk Missions-tids sleri/t. vol. 1, pages 62, 68. This excellent missionary maga- zine has just been started under the able editorship of Provst (Dean) Vah!. As for women, of course, the question arises: "Is the Church to Rend forth only those who are in the position of ladies?" Certainly; native ladies in India and elsewhere can quickly take the measure of their foreign visitors, and a woman of little education or refinement will hardly be welcome in the homes of the higher and middle classes. But are the lower classes to be' overlooked? No woman whose heart is burning with the love of Christ need despair of doing good to her heathen sisters. And, then, the Spirit of God will seldom work powerfully in the heart without imparting a large measure of sweetness and refinement to the bearing-whereas, polish of manner without the grace of God is nothing worth-for Smooth, good breeding, supplemental grace, 'Vith lean performance apes the work of love.
The importance of medical missions is now pretty fully recognized in Britain and America. lVIedical missionaries having British degrees are about 141 in number; while from America and the Continent there are 150. China has the largest proportion. The number of female practitioners seems to grow rather more rapidly than that of medical men.
So hI' we have spoken of Britain chiefly, though we trust our remarks apply also to America. We proceed to refer briefly to the Continent of Europe.
In Germany there is decided progress in missionary zeal. 'rhe vast territories which Germany now possesses or " influences" in East Africa have naturally led Christians to feel that new obligations rest upon them; and new societies ha~e been formed to meet these claims. For example, one at Neukirchen, another in Bavaria, and another at Berlin (where a third society has thus been set up). In medical missions Germany does comparatively little, though the late Professor Christlieb earnestly pleaded for them. Still, the lVIoravians and the Basle and Bremen societies now recognize their exceeding value.
There is a clear advance in Denmark. The imperative obligation of evangelizing heathen nations has been of late earnestly pressed on believing men and women, and a great many missionary uriions (450, at least, we understand) have been formed. The first university men that have become foreign missionaries did so in 1888 and 1889-one in each of these years; but several students of theology have resolved to give themselves to the foreign work on the completion of their course. ,"Vomen also begin to come forward. A deaconess was sent to India, in 1888; two young ladies are under training for foreign work, and several others are likely to follow their example. No medical missionaries have as yet proceeded from Denmark; but two young men are receiving medical tralning with a view to go out in 189l. The mission to the Red Karens has been given up; but one is to be begun among the Burmese. All this, it may be said, does not amount to much. Still, it distinctly implies progress; and some Danish Christians are very much in earnest with regard to missionary work.
Three missionary societies have for a good many years existed in Norway, and a fourth was formed a short time ago, called the" Free lEssion," which sends out men and women to Natal. Quite recently a small society has been set up which will send missionaries to China.
In regard to medical missions Norway is in advance of Denmark.
Au ordained medical missionary was sent to Madagascar in 1869; a second in 1876, and in the same year a third, who had taken his degree in Edinburgh, was sent to Zululand.
In Sweden there are three larger societies-that of the state (lhurch, the evangelical union, and the missionary union. '1'he Swedes work earnestly in various places abroad, especially in Africa, in the Congo Free States and among the Gallas. They have not been able to enter Abyssinia itself, but among Abyssinians on the borders they have done a good deal. These bodies send out among their agents both m<edical men and ladies. There are several other small SOCletles. There is evidently au increasing zeal for missions in Sweden, and it is interesting to note that the state church, as a (lhurch, is hearty in the cause.
The French Societe des Missions Evangeliques has of late made ~al'llest efforts to increase the zeal of French Protestants. The synods of the National, Free and Lutheran churches some time ago recommended that there should be annually a mission Sunday-a day on which the duty of evangelizing the heathen should be pressed on the attention (If worshippers. Mission festivals (fetes) have been established in "Various places~* though by no means as yet in every parish, as was the hope of the synods; publications giving missionary information are largely circulated, and subscriptions to missions have considerably increased. '1'he missions have struggled with great difficulties (in Senegambia particularly); and now, when France has obtained such vast possessions in northern and western Africa, the question is, (lan the French Protestants rise to the requirements of the high occasion? '1'hey deserve sympathy; they require help in their foreign, as in their home work.
In Holland missionary zeal is increasing, though not rapidly. Switz('rland has the Basil Missionary Society-a most valuable and progressive institution, and the small Canton de Vaud has, sinee 1872, had foreign missions connected with the Free Church. In 1883 the free churches of Geneva an<d Neuchatal joined in the work. The united society is called La Mission des Eglises Libres de la Suisse Romande. The venerable Waldensian Church, while it feels itself especially .. See last annual report, p. 3.
NUNNERY LIFE IN NAPLES
called tp evangelize Italy, has taken some part in foreign missions since 1881. It works in South Africa in connection with the Paris society.
The Finnish Christians are not neglectful of missions to th~ heathen. We wish we could say the same thing of the Hungarians (who are also of the Turanian stock). Still, let us not forget that the "T Hungarian Church works both in Herzegovina and Roumania. e have been speaking of interest in the evangelizing of the heathen nations as it is manifested in Christendom. Happily, the bounds of Christendom are enlarging. Ve may now include Australia and New Zealand under that designation. In point of missionary zeal the churches in these regions are hardly behind those of Europe and America. The Dutch Church in South Africa" is also earnest in missionary work.
[To be continued.] NUNNERY LIFE IN NAPLES.
The recent disclosures in this Italian city have produced a pro- found sensation throughout the whole bounds of the thinking world. A convent in Naples, which for four centuries has been shut to all, and has been appropriately known as the nunnery of the "Buried Alive," has been opened by the police and the secrets unearthed. A young girl had been hurriedly" buried" there to cure her of an un- fortunate passion; but when her family afterwards wiRhed to com- municate with her it was found impossible. An appeal to the Italian Minister of Justice procured an order for entrance, and, against vio- lent opposition, the police forced their way. They found twenty-six nuns, ragged, wretched, and some of them half-insane. Eight of them had been immured in this death trap by order of their parents, against their own will. The horrible spectacle thus brought to 'light has caused the Governor of Naples to order a further and complete investigation, and all the closed nunneries of Southern Italy are to be visited officially. "Free Italy" is proving both her right and her power to be free! These women were walled in, 'Yith only a small opening to " pass in food, and were like bony skeletons, The government pro- poses to turn the large convent into a school for girls. Of course the priests cry, "Sacrilegio I Sacrilegio!"
One of the Erskines said: "I can call God to witness that I have done my best to bring on a definite issue between Christ and the adversaries of the truth." .Let us not be afraid of conflict. Christ came not to send peace, but a sword. Loyalty to the truth will inevitably arouse to violent opposition the minions and myrmidons of' error.
"HOW MUCH BETTER THEN IS A MAN THAN A SHEEP?"
"HOW :MUCH BETTER THEN IS A MAN THAN A SB,EEP?" MATT. xn:12.
BY A. J. GORDON, D.D., BOSTON, MASS• • An absurd question! you may exclaim at first. But it was a very pertinent question when Jesus asked it. And it is just as truly so to- day. For do you not know that our American congress has given vastly more attention to the protection of sheep's wooi than it has given to the protection of the home and family? And this is a typi- cal fact which illustrates the conduct of worldly rulers and secular shepherds in all time. Therefore, it is necessary for us to answer anew the question: "How much better is a man than a sheep ?"
Answer first: "The gooa shephera giveth his life for the sheep,'" (Johnx:ll), which, being interpreted, means: "The Son of God gave himself for the sons of men." Our first computation of the worth of man, then, is not in an earthly currency but in a heavenly; not in the denomination of "corruptible things as silver and gold" but of "the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." Think of that, ye monopolists and Christian millionaires~ who have ground humanity between the upper and nether millstones of combination and capital in order to make gain and grist for yourselves, till the Lord has cried out repeatedly: "Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge who eat up My people as they eat bread ?" Here is the difference between man's estimate of man and God's estimate: The one will grind the masses into food for his own stomach, if he can do so; the other-the Son of God-will give his own body to be ground into food for man, saying, as he offers us his own wounded and bleeding members: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The philosopher, Compte, is said to have instituted and kept what he' called "Man's Supper," in which he partook of a crust of bread and a cup of water, saying, as he did so: "This I do in remembrance of the great multitude who have only a crust to feed upon.'" But such a sacrament is not needed: for the Lord's Supper, instituted centuries ago, declares all this and vastly more. By it our Lord says to our hungry, oppressed and suffering humanity, " I give myself to you, My.body to be your loaf, lIy blood to be your life, take, eat ye all of it." When was ever such valuation set on man as this? "Every man has his price," says the proverb. And the politician is in the market bidding for him; and the capitalist is in the Exchange bidding for him; and the man-slayer stands in the door of his saloon bidding for him. All these are bidding him down, vieing with each other in deadly competition to see which will get him for the smallest. and most paltry price. But Jesus Christ steps into the circle and sternly asks of the bidders: "How much better is a man than a sheep? Look on him, made in the image of God, and, though bruised and broken by the fall, capable of being restored to that image, and re- dothed with glory and honor and immortalityl And is this all that he is fit for, to be sheared of his daily income by the saloon; to ~ Tobbed of his fleece by the usurer, and to be sold in the shambles by the monopolist? I will not bid him down, I will bid him up. 'As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my lifefor the sheep,''' (John x:15). Here is the Divine valuation of man; Christ's invoice of humanity. Look at the price-the Lord Himself – and then estimate the purchase. N ever was such fine gold of purity and perfection coined into a single life; never was such weight of priceless suffering crowded into a single death. And all this the purchase money of our redemption. "Or what Hhall a man give in exchange for his soul?" asks Jesus. And He answers His -questions by giving Himself. We want no more powerful argument for missions than this: "Who loved me and gave Himself for me"- Himself, so infinitely much, for me, so insignificantly little. Then woe to the Christian who can hoard his gold, when the dying millions are crying out for more missionaries to be sent to them; and our bur- dened and anxious Boards are crying out for more money with which to send them.
"How much better is a man than a sheep?" Answer second: "I willmake a man more precious than fine gold/ even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir" (Is. xiii. 12). The seer looked on, through the long perspective of prophecy, to .the day when the heavens shall be shaken; when the sun shall be darkened .and the moon shall withdraw her light. In this time, when God shall }mnish the world for its eyil he "will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible"- then" a man shall be more precious than fine gold." Here is something new in the history of the race. For ages the gold brokers of this world have counted humanity as oBly so much crude ore to be reduced and coined into cash for their vaults. But now the golden age has come when a man stamped with the image and superscription .of God will pass for what he is worth-the highest currency on earth. Hear this, ye missionaries of the Cross! You have forsaken all to go down into William Carey's "Gold Mine," while many of your brethren at home are filling their safes with thousands and ten thousands of superfluous wealth, leaving you short-handed and discouraged for want of helpers which they might send you if they would only give as the Lord has prospered them. And in hours of heart-sinking and faintness you sometimes wonder what you will get for all your thankless sacrifices. Be of good cheer. You are mining men, and that for the most part out of the lowest strata of humanity; and though your products have little value in this world's market, wait a little. There is a financial panic approaching in which yellow gold will go down, while there will be an astonishing rise in your securities. Listen to the report of the coming crash, as it appears on the bulletin-board of James, v: "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 'Your riches are co~ rupted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered: and the rust of them shall be a witness against you and shall eat yourflesh as it wereflre. Ye have heaped together treasure for the last days." Did you ever hear of such a gold panic as that? Boom the market; form syndicates; pass silver bills; enlist the banks! It is of no use. The day of judgment has come. "Your gold and silver is cankered." :Millionaires become insolvent, banks suspend, and the only people who have anything to depend on are those who laid up somewhat in the savings bank of heaven.
But what news for the missionary on St. James' bulletin-board? Listen: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman 1vaiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient/ stablish your hearts/for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." "The coming of the Lord." And what of that? Ah, that is going to revolutionize society. Read the :Messianic Psalm 72d and learn for yourself the change that will be ushered in by the millennium. :Money will go down, man will come up. Immanuel will now control the market in the interest of his clients. "And to Him shall be given the gold of Sheba," and" He shall deliver the needy when he crieth, the poor also and him that hath no helper."
And most wonderful of all: "A man shall be more precious than gold." Hear that, 0 long-suffering and patient missionary; your stock will be at par now-as it never has been before. The poor souls which you dug from' the dark caverns of heathenism, and which you coined in the mint of redemption, will be worth millions of such "corruptible things as silver and gold." Did the mother of the Gracchi present her own children to those who inquired concerning her treasures, saying: "These are my jewels?" How much more will the missionary exult in his spiritual children in that. day when the ]~ord shall" make up his jewels," presenting them before the Redeemer, and before the angels, saying: "These are my riches!" :Moffat, who is that black man who stands by your side, and what do you count him worth? And the aged apostle of Africa replies: That is Africaner, the once bloodthirsty and raging man-slayer, now become as gentle and tender as a Iamb since Jesus laid him on His shoulders rejoicing. Do you ask me wha':. he is worth? He is "more precious than fine gold. Yea, than the golden wedge of Ophir." 'Who is that, 0 William Carey, whom you are introducing with such joy to your Lord? That is Khrishna Pal, my first convert from among the heathen of India. Listen, and you shall hear him sing, " 0 thou my soul forget no more The friend who all thy sorrows bore."
And who is this, 0 Boardman beloved, whom you are leading up to the throne with such thanksgiving? This is San Quala, whom God gave me from the dark-faced Karens, and who himself in turn led thousands to Jesus Christ.
" Where can I invest most safely and profitably?" is the question constantly asked on 'Change. Invest in souls; seriously, deliberately and solemnly we urge you to inv~st in souls. There is no insurance on gold and silver that will protect tllem against the fires of the last day. But saved and glorified souls-these are" the gold tried in the fire," out of which your crown of rejoicing shall be wrought. Get money, you mayor may not, 0 Christian. But as you care aught for the rewards of heaven, fail not of getting souls. Get them at your own door; get them from the ends of the earth; but fail not to get them.
" I FEEL age creeping on me. I know that I must soon die. I hope it is not wrong to say it, but I cannot bear to leave this world with all the suffering in it /"-Earl of Shaj~esburJ/.
SCHLEGEL, and Madame de Stael after him, called" architecture, frozen music." From some of the music we have heard in so-called sanctuaries during the past five years we have concluded that the praise was frozen in the icy surroundings of an !esthetic performance, in which all the warmth of devotional fervor had somehow been utterly lost. Is it not possible for even our missionary spirit so to be chilled by the icy rigidity of a heartless formalism, that even while we are boasting of our efficient organizations, God sees that they are like frozen corpses, from which all life is gone?
ARE OUR PASTORS FAITHFUL?
The large number of our non-contributing churches, after making a liberal allowance for unintentional omission, and churches having only a nominal existence, also the trifling amount given to the Foreign Mission Work by congregation" whose wealth runs up into the millions, shows the necessity of some new movement. I have been attending a prominent evangelical church in a great city for the last three years and more, ministered to by one of the most mature preachers in our church, and during the whole tiJlle he has made no reference to the foreign work from the pulpit. The attention of the officers of the church has been called to the strange omission but no explanation has been given. If men who have the ear of the church are silent, God will raise up others. " The stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber and help destroy it." This is beyond endurance.-A Parishioner.
1891.J Tl4-NSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN PERIODICALS.
BY REV. C. C. STARBUCK.
-The Missions-Blatt der BrUdergemeine, for June, 1890, gives the follow- -ing account of the peculiar relations of the mission-stations in South Africa to the civil authorities: " The practical English government has long since come to see that mission_ stations are the very best representatives of good morals, good order and civilization, the most trustworthy guarantees of public quiet, above all in the domain <>f the hot-blooded, turbulent Caffres, who have already cost the English colony streams of blood and untold sums of money. No wonder, then, that the higher -officials, in the well-understood interest of the common weal, encourage missions~ It is natural, therefore, when a mission-station is laid out, that they should gratuitously grant the ground required for church, school and missionhouse, if it is in the hands of the government. Indeed, they used also to give, without compensation, even the land for fields and gardens likely to blil required by a future community. This was known as the station-land. The rules and ordinances necessary for such a station then receive government sanction, and the presiding missionary receives civil jurisdiction to expel, from the station and its domain, those that offend against these ordinances by gross offences. Less important violations of station rules are visited with a fine paid into the public purse of the congregation. Thus the presiding missionary of the station is armed, not only with ecclesiastical, but also with civil and judicial prerogatives. On the other hand, the State naturally reserves to its representatives the right to ascertain whethcr the grant in land is actually applied to the designated purpose, whether discipline and good order prev:;til at the station, whether the school is efficiently carried on, and so on. Moreover, those that are condemned to leave the station lands have the right, in case they esteem the penalty unjust, to appeal to a government officer, who takes cognizance of their complaint."
This banishment from the station, however, especially as concerns submission to the heathenish and degrading rites connected with circumcision, is now in disuse, milder, but practically less dangerous and more effective measures of discipline taking its place. This universal Caffre usage, in itself indifferent, is so inextricably interwoven with all manner of vile concomitants, that it seems to be Satan's chief instrument for holding the Caffres under his dominion. Yet a Caffre yputh who does not submit to it becomes virtually a pariah among his tribesmen, and can scarcely obtain, even from Christian parents, the hand of one of their daughters. Its final overthrow will storm the citadel of darkness.
-The Rev. Mr. Stahle, of Australia, a Moravian, though at present connected with another society, communicates the decision of the" Aboriginal Board," appointed to look after the interests of the rapidly-vanishing native race, that they shall all be removed to certain stations, where they shall be kindly cared for, and not allowed intercourse with the whites, or even with the half-whites, until the race disappears, as within a calculable time it appears that it must.
Mr. Stahle says that for several months an awakening, accompanied with rich blessing, had been in progress among the Tapuas of his station. "Much sickness, however, had prevailed, and from January till October there had been eleven deaths. But all who fell asleep bore witness on their deathbed of their faith in Him who justifies the ungodly, and of their fervent desire that they might be permitted to enter into the joy of their Lord."
A visitor to the station, who attended a meeting, says: " But, ah, the hacking cough, which is heard on every side from among them! It sounds like the deathknell over the remnant of the once so numerous native tribes of Australia. Sitting thus in the midst of them, we cannot fail to remark how weakly they are, and how evidently the sentence of death against them is already proclaimed by their debilitated constitution. How emphatic is the appeal to our affectionate Christian sympathy, which resounds in our ears as we listen to this cough!"
-This work of bringing the regenerating influences o(the Gospel to the last survivors of a dying race, casts, of course, a shade of sadness over the minds of the missionaries, such as appears in these words of Missionary Kramer, of the Brethren's Mission, at Ebenezer: "Our beloved Ebenezer will, doubtless, be permitted to enter, as a mission station, upon the new decade. But how will it be at the end? The Lord alone knows. If it is to be dissolved I hope that ourlittle church will remain 'God's house,' and not be turned to the uses of a barn or a· stable. Many blessings, by God's grace, have descended upon us therein, and a certain sadness comes over me when I fear that in the place where we have assembled so often, in the name of the Lord, seeking to be built up out of His Word, or to present before Him our supplications and thanksgivings, or to raise to Him <;lUr songs of praise, the voice of riotous blasphemy may be heard. May the Lord forbid that it should be so !"
The following description of Cashmere, from the Missions-Blatt, reminds one of Moore's "Who has not heard of the vale of Cashmere, With its roses the brightest that earth ever gave, " etc.
"It is a region so richly and bounteously endowed by the goodness of God. that some naturalists have ventured the conjecture that it must have been the cradle of mankind-the origin at Paradise. That wonderful union of the sharpest antitheses in the life of nature, which characterizes the mighty Indian empire, the heat and luxuriant vegetation of the tropics, combined with the refreshing alpine ail' of snowy summits, glaciers and blue-green mountain lakes-so strengthening to the nerves-this fullness of God's glorious creation bursts upon the traveler in Cashmere in its purest, noblest forms. We cannot wonder, therefore, that the children of men to be met with there are also a. wonderful combination of the most startling contrasts. These are the proper inhabitants of the land, genuine Asiatics, arrested in their development for centuries back, and still bound in the chains of a relaxing heathenism. On the. other hand, you meet here with all the facilities of modern intercourse, and the country swarms with Europeans, some seeking recovery from the ill effects of a long sojourn in the heated plains, some finding delight in climbing the glaciers and snowy mountain-tops, like the tourists of Switzerland and the Tyrol."
-It is known that the Moravian Mission among the Himalayas is at oncein Thibet and in India. In other words, the people are Thibetan Buddhists, but are on the Indian slope of the main ridge, and are subject to British authority. They say: "As a missionary, Brother Redslob, so long as he and his wife, though seeking relaxation, are still within the range of Thibetan speech, he feels it incumbent on him, wherever he makes a stay of any length, to bear his witness to the crucified and risen one."
-The Roman Catholic government of Nicaragua, after many refusals, has finally granted permission to the Moravian brethren to establish mission stations in Nicaraguan Territory, for the pastoral care of the converted Indians, who have emigrated thither from the Mosquito State, or have received the Gospel from there.
-The Missions-Blatt' expresses surprise that John Morongo, a leading Indian of their Ramona Mission in California, had previously been a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, but until lately was unbaptized! Of course he was only an adherent, not a member, of the Episcopal Church-a distinction with which our German brethren seem to find it a little difficult to become familiar, as almost everybody in Germany is baptized, and, therefore, accounted a member of some church, though not necessarily a communicant member.
-The Missions-Blatt likewise makes a slight slip, very natural in a German magazine, in speaking of the government of California, instead of that of the United States, as controlling the Indian reservation. The distinction, of course,. is of no consequence to German readers.
-Our German brethren greatly admire the American and English institution of medical missions, to which, for want of suitable candidates, they themselves have not as yet been able to give any wide extension. The Unitas Fratrum, however, has its first, and, at present, its only trained medical missionary, in Carl Marx, who is established in Leh, in connection with its Thibetan Mission. The different German societies are making special effort to come up in time with the Anglo-Saxons in what may be called this left-hand of Christ's work, which now, as with the Lord Himself, has always so mightily supported the work of His right hand.
-The annual report of the Societe EvangeZique of Geneva, for 1890, has-the following remarks: "It is, in fact, beloved hearers, a word of hope, of confidence, indeed of certainty, with which we would fain conclude this reporta word of faith, for that is it of which we have need, in present conjunctures, to sustain us in our work. The times are most serious, and, in face of the growing troubles of the present hour, one might easily be tempted to dl~wur agement. Owing, to our limited view-owing, above all, to the deafening cries of our adversaries, who, in the name of science, of progress, of liberty, of equality, of democracy, proclaim that the era of Christianity is past; that the hour of the definitive enfranchisement of human thought is about to strike on the clock of time–one might believe that it is over with the reign of Christ; that the last times are here, and that the world, given over to itself, is about to undergo the final convulsions. In face of the storm, some are ready to lay down their arms. Why strive, when defeat is certain, why suffer when there is no longer a morrow? Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Others, more spiritual in appearance, hold another language: "Let us separate ourselves," say they, "from this perverse world, destined to a final destruction. Little Hock of the Good Shepherd, as we are, let us withdraw into His fold; the hour of deliverance is at hand. Let us go out of Sodom and Gomorrah, and, in prayer, await our Deliverer. Let us, too, eat and drink; let us feed on the heavenly bread, let us refresh ourselves with the spiritual drink, and let us abandon to their fate the masses destined to destruction.' Gentlemen, let us listen to neither of these voices, the voice of discouragement and of pessimism or the voice of spiritual egoism; the voice of insane enjoyment or the yet more culpable voice of abdication in the name of sanctity! No, no! neither: .. 'Labor, labor, for the thankful 1 let the thankless hold their hands, Happy the servants whom the Master, when He comes, shall find watching I'
"Is it true, in fact, that the final hour of defeat is arrived, and that everything is discouraging in the Church? Must the rapidly approaching twentieth century necessarily witness a new inroad of barbarians, the more terrible that it will be the inroad of science turned infidel? I do not believe it. It is true that humanity, that unceasing traveler, marches uninterruptedly through valleys and mountain ranges, now ·on the summit, in full sunshine, to-morrow in the depths, in darkness and peril. Possibly we have reached one of those dolorous hours when it descends towards the precipice; but let us not forget it stops an instant; where it takes breath and rests, in order there to address itself to the climbing of new heights. And, gentlemen, let me be taxed with optimism, but I must still say, in spite of all I hear, in spite of all Isee, in de- spite of the sombre prophecies of the guardians of Israel, and of the cries of distretls from the leaders of the flocks, I believe that the present hour is not an hour for despair; I believe that at this end of a century Christianity is not like a wild creature brought to bay; I believe, and I may even say I affirm, that never has the Church been more active, more audacious, more victorious; that never, at any epoch of its history, has Christianity exercised upon the world a power more energetic and more glorious.
"To open, Christians, the way to you, the princes of industrial civilization are transformed, without willing it or knowing it, into pioneers of Providence. These bridges which they hang in air, these mountains which they transpierce, those roads on which fire is their ,bearer and which they desire to serve their ambition, are only channels through which the Spirit is to flow. Thus did three centuries before Jesus Christ, the conquering Alexander, when he sub- dued Asia and transplanted the Hellenic civilization into the distant Orient; thus did the Romans, his successors, when marching in their turn to the con- quest of the world, they brought peoples together by their arms, and furrowed the three continents with their military roads. They believed that by these their legions would eternally pass and repass to impose their commands on the world. They knew not, what we know to-day, that they were preparing tri- umphal ways for the Saviour and his Apostles. 0, you, then,masters of science and of wealth, engineers, colonizers, conquerors, whatever may be your names and your designs, continue the work of your predecessors, abridge space, les- sen the breadth of the sea by your steamers, and suppress distance by your telegraphs, draw from nature her final secrets, so that one day the Truth may no longer be checked by rivers and by mountains, but may advance rapidly to break the last-remaining bonds of slavery and to stifle the ultimate lurking places of barbarism and superstition !"
-The report for 1889 of the Societe des ll:fissWn8 Evangeliques gives for Tahiti: 23 parishes; 4 European missionaries; 20 native pastors; 2,044 church mem- bers; 44 catechumens; 8,949 francs for home work, 594 francs for foreign missions.
-The Paris society, speaking of Tahiti, remarks: "The religious life of the Tahitians is still in a state sufficiently rudimentary. It has its bright sides: profound attachment to the Word of God, very general observance of the Sunday; regular attendance on worship; practice of Christian liberality. Butit has its deep shadows likewise: for one thing, the considerable number of the unconverted, who form the majority of the population; then, even among believers, are insufficient apprehension of the -exigences of the Law of God; the almost complete absence of true Christian faInily life; in brief, to speak with our brethren, 'a piety which still localizes itself too much within the walls of the churches, and which does not spread abroad sufficiently in good works and in regenerating influences.'"
-In speaking of the great work of the Paris society, that in Basutoland, or, as the French call it, Lessuto, the report remarks: " We bless God that He has given to the churches of France a work proportioned to their strength, adapted to their genius, and the success of which has stimulated a zeal which efforts too long without fruit might have discouraged. And, to-day, that which strikes the eye in the Lessuto mission, by the side of that in still advancing, it from time to time regains some large plateau where weaknesses and defects inseparable from every human work, is its sound and vigorous growth."
This mission last year experienced a remarkable revival, bringing in many pagans. This has not continued, but it has left open many new doors of access. Paganism, on the other hand, having recovered from the early impressions of awe before the missionaries, has become at once more malicious and more aggressive. It is assisted, as in Paul's day, by two rival missions, the Roman Catholic and the Propagation Society. The latter, however, excites the contempt of the Basutos, who regard it as coming to the ground between two -stools. "The danger is in the scandal of these three rival Christian confessions, these three Gods, as the natives still phrase it."
The awakening among the heathen Basutos resulted in the addition of 514 new members, making the present number 6,543. The present number of catechumens is 3,332. Out-stations, 110; for 1888, 94; native helpers, 194; for 1888, 176. Primary scholars for 1889, 5,347; for 1888, 4,566.
-11. Coillard, of the incipient, but noble mission of the Zambesi-anoffshoot (){ the Lessuto mission-speaking of the imperative need of extension, or rather 1)f filling up intermediate space, remarks: "We are no longer in the earlier time when missions of magnificent distances had leisure to develop themselves as they might without the risk of taking any harm. To-day the centre of Africa is the object ofa general assault, which contests every point of attack. God grant that we may be resolved and faithful."
-It is known how discreditably,indeed, ridiculously, jealous, both the French and the German governments are, of having missionaries of any other nation in their colonies. Germany, however, being Protestant, does not dislike them as Protestants, and, by its late agreement with England, expressly allows them in Africa. France, however, whose occupancy of the Gaboon, in West Africa, is much more recent than the American missionary occupancy of it, distrusts .our Presbyterian brethren there as foreigners and dislikes them as Protestants. Even French atheists are" Catholic atheists." They have forbidden our missionaries to use English in their schools, to which acceding, the Americans have obtained from the Paris brethren several teachers of French. The Journal says: "The authorities, having obtained satisfaction on the point as to which energy"-French-" colonial administration is inflexible, the teaching of the language of the mother country in the schools, have come to regard the American missionaries with a more favorable eye. If, as we hope, these friendly dispositions become fixed, every one will at last comprehend that which has always appeared evident to us, namely, that an intelligent administration, eager to extend civilization, ought not to refuse any assistance, even though offered by foreigners; especially when these foreigners are the repre sentatives of a friendly nation, and only ask leave to preach the Gospel without any intermixture of political aims."
Should the French Republic, as Father Hyacinthe forebodes, swing over from atheism to Jesuitism, it would fare ill with Protestant efforts, French or foreign, in her colonies. But, as Sainte Beuve remarks, whenever Jesuitism stretches out its hand to some great work of mischief, the eternal wound dealt by Pascal reopens, and it gives up the ghost afresh.
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
n.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
EDITED AND OONDUOTED BY HEV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
The Past Ten Years in Persia. rians, and Catholics; and the Jews, who are quite numerous. BY REV. W. L. WIDPPLE, D.D. The field of the Bible work is divid- In looking backward ten years we ed with the British and Foreign Bible find very little change in the status of Society. Dr. Bruce, its representa- Persia. The same king, ~asr-ed-deen tive, looks after the southern, while I Shah, who has reigned, according to superintend the northern portion or the Persian reckoning, nearly fifty the kingdom for the American Bible years-the longest of any Persian Society. monarch-is still on the throne, a wiser and better sovereign than he There has been decided progress wastenyearsago. The journey which made in the missionary work, reprehe made to Europe, for the third time, sented, on the one hand, by the Amerilast year, seems to have had a bene- can Presbyterian Board, in the North, ficial effect upon him. He visited and on the other hand, by the Church most of the principal capitals and Missionary Society of England, who manufacturing centres, and appeared have their centre at Isfahan. to be in earnest in obtaining information and an insight into the various. In taking a retrospect of the Bible improvements and progress of the 19th work in Persia during the decade just century. Since his return he has be- drawing to a close, I am glad to say gun to introduce changes and reforms that it comes up, in the main, to my of a practical nature. This is no easy reasonable expectation, though not so task, for the same forces are still at extensive as I should wish to see. In work, opposing in every possible way forming plans for the work, when I the introduction of Western ideas, as first entered upon my duties, July 1, on his return from his previous Euro- 1880, I thought that if I succeeded pean tour. He has, however, gained in placing in the hands of the people in solid stamina, and we trust that he of Persia, in ten years, 40,000 copies will not be held in such subjection by of God's Word, I should be thank- "the power behind. the the throne" as ful. I was not over-sanguine that in former years. I should be able to attain that cir- culation. I find that the total cir- The kingdom has been quite free culation, including grants, has fully from internal troubles, with the ex- reached that amount. The sales exception of the Koordish Rebellion, ceed the grants in the proportion of which occurred about nine years ago, fourteen to one. The larger portion and was soon suppressed. are in the Persian, Turkish, and Ara- bic languages, representing the Mos- There has been no foreign war. The lem population. The Syriac comes. territory remains the same, contain- next. Then follows the Hebrew, ining nearly one-fifth of the area of the dicating the interest manifested by United States, or about as much as God's ancient people in His Word. Germany, France, Austria, and Hun- The Armenian does not enter so gary combined. Roughly estimated, largely in our sales as we expect it to it is 1,500 miles long, by 850 miles do in the future. There is too much wide, in its greatest extent. light creeping in on all sides of that ancient and dark Christian Church to Our work is among the following debar God's Word from its communion nationalities: The Moslems-the pre- much longer. dominent class-including the Sheah and Sunee sects (the Koords, as a In 1885 I made an address at the rule, are all Sunees); the nominal jubilee celebration in Oroomiah, com- Christian nations-Armenians, Nestomemorating a half century of mis- mission to the present time, it is be- sionary labot among the Nestorians, <>n the subject, "What part has the lieved that 70,000 copies of God's Word Bible had in the work of the last fifty years in Persia?" There were have been distributed, in different present about 2,000 persons, nearly Qne-half of whom were women and languages and among varions nation- girls. It was stated then, that fifty years before there were only two alities in Persia, apart from what has women in the entire Nestorian nation who could read, and the request was been done by the British and Foreign made that all the women present who (lould read the New Testament would Bible Society, through the agency of rise to their feet. Imagine our grati- fication when 800 arose. It was a Dr. Bruce. This may not seem very sight never to be forgotten by those present, who saw those daughters of wonderful to one unfamiliar with the the East, with intelligent and beaming faces, rise up, en masse, and remain bigotry and self-satisfaction of the standing until they were counted. And these were only representatives Persian Moslem, especially when he from many villages and towns upon the plains of Oroomiah, Sooldooz, and reads the circulation reported each Balmez, with a few from the moun- tains of Koordistan. The incident is year in some larger and older estab- a very impressive and encouraging object-lesson of what missionary ef- lished agencies. But let us not despise forts have accomplished in one di- rection merely-a rather liberal per the day of small things, nor forget >cent. of return in fifty years. Itspeaks even more teIlingly, when it is borne that these millions in Persia are a part in mind that at the commencement of the work among the Nestorians by of the world into which the triumph- Dr. Perkins and Dr. Grant these poor peeple did not have the Scriptures in ant Master commanded to preach the their own language (the Syriac). There were a few manuscript copies on Gospel. ' parchment of the ancient Syriac, so revered and precious that they were The fact that the representatives -only used on special and very holy oc- Clasions, and upon which oaths were from this Oriental land were the first administered to Moslems. as well as Christians, as they were counted very ambassadors to pay homage to the in- sacred by all classes. fant Saviour, and to lay at his feet It was the privilege of the American Bible Society to furnish the means to their royal gifts, is a very significant -carry through to completion the publication of the entire Syriac Bible, in one. And cannot we bring this up both the ancient, or sacred, and the modern languages. It is now revising before the adorable Master as "a methe modern version, and preparing to :,print a new edition with references. morial" in her behalf? We all in Per- From the commencement of the sia believe that there are brighter days in store and greater ,blessings held in reserve. The people are beginning to be aroused to a sense of their duty.
There is no more potent energy at work to bring about this greatly de- sired end than the printed Word. It enters silently where no preacher is allowed to stay, and quietly'and daily preaches to some one or more in that village or city where it finds lodgment and then suddenly the place is thrown into commotion by the rumor that one of their number has left the faith and become an "infidel Armanee"
(Christian). Then persecution begins; loss of relatives and friends and prop- erty follow, and revilings, beatings, and imprisonments hasten on apace; then threatenings, and, at last, it cul- minates in casting out and banish- ment from home and country. It may terminate in death itself.
But, meantime, this faithful one has taught a few of his firm friends, or read to them night after night from this new and interesting Book, .And this was the fact, as I can testify until they, too, have been won over to from what I have seen as I walked believe in the Injeel, and to accept through the bazaars. Christ as their Redeemer. And when a colporteur or evangelist visits the .After various methods were tried, place again, he is surprised to find a without avail, it was decided to pronumber who are not only favorably hibit all sales of Scriptures by colinclined, but who actually accept porteurs, whether in cities or towns Christianity, and petition the mis- or villages. So they could not make sionaries to send them a teacher or tours. This was made a jetwa, or ofpreacher. This has been the case in ficial action by the chief mujhtaheeds, a number of instances. It is inter- or highest ecclesiastical authority; esting, indeed, to see how the leaven 'and when the notice was communiworks, "until the whole lump is leav- cated to the governor-general hedared ened." not disregard it. He therefore in- formed our representative of this or- But in Persia, as elsewhere, "the der, and requested him to notify the kingdom of Heaven cometh not with agent of the American Bible Society observation." Very little attention at to respect it. After careful deliberafirst was paid to the circulation of the tion and counsel, we all deemed it Scriptures. When I began the work, expedient to observe the rule until reten years ago, they were admitted free dress could be obtained. of duty; but as the demand increased, and the cases of books-fifty and This proved to be by far the heaviest eighty at a time-began to arrive, the blow our work ever received. It was custom-house officials deemed it worth over one year before we could get the their attention, and soon we had to order rescinded, and receive permispay customs. A moderate rate wa..'1 sion to resume our work. This profixed, to be paid in kind. But it was hibition was in force only in .Azerbinot long before the officials com- jan, the other provinces being still plained that this was burdensome to opened to the colporteur. The printhem. They did not have room, they cipal part of our work, however, was said, to store away their share of in that province, where such cities Scriptures received for duties; so it and districts as Tabreez, Oroomiah, was decided, after due consideration, Salmas, Maragha, Sooldooz, etc., are that mone,y would be paid instead of situated. It affected, in conse- Scriptures. Soon after these points quence, our sales very materially. were settled, then the mullahs and high ecclesiastics of the Moslems ap_ I have told this story of the conflict, peared on the scene. They seemed to between truth and error, which has have been taken by surprise, and were been in progress for some years, so not aware how many Scriptures were quietly that few have been aware of going into circulation. They began to it, to show what advances the former investigate, and the more they in- is making over the latter, and, how quired the greater were they dis- stubbornly each stronghold has been turbed and alarmed. They held coun- held until captured by force. Progcils in various places, and discussed ress has been slow all along the line;' meaures for putting a stop to this but the fact that nearly 100,000 " torwork. Some were heard to say: pedoes" have been" placed," and are' " These men are filling the bazaars only abiding their time set for them with the Injeel, and wherever we go to accomplish the work intended for' we find one. Even merchants and them to do, is full of encouragement tradesmen are seen neglecting their to those who "wait patiently on the work, and poring over this book." Lord."
The colporteurand evangelist going' out together to the districts and, cities in the distant portions of Persia Testament. There are a number of have had a marked influence for good. converts to Christianity from the Indeed, they have been the advance Jews, and all have been faithful readguards, and have prepared the way for the establishing of every station in ers of the Tourat, or Old Testament. Persia except Oroomiah. All the others, viz.: Teheran, Isfahan, Ta- But as they compared Scripture with breez, Ramadan, Salmaz, and the Scripture, they were at last convinced new one recently established in the that the Messiah had surely come, and mountains of Western Koordistan, they hastened to acknowledge, and do were visited and canvassed first by him honor. There are many intellicolporteurs and evangelists, sent out gent Jews in Persia to-day, intellectuyearly by the missionaries in OroD- ally converted to Christianity, who do miah. They would spend, every not confess Jesus publicly" for fear visit, one week or more in each city in of the Jews," lest they be cast out of preaching and selling Scriptures. In the synagogue. That means to-day this way much precious seed was what it did 2,000 years ago. But the sown, which, after many days, has truth is working in many hearts, and sprung up and brought forth fruit–a will eventually prevail. The missionrich spiritual harvest–already; and aries' schools are composed entirely of the work is only fairly begun., Jewish boys and girls, who daily study the New Testament, and even the OBSTACLES IN THE WAY. catechism.
During these ten years a civil war, Another encouraging fact is the following closely upon the heels of large sale of Scriptures to Moslemsfamine and pestilence, has interfered perhaps the largest part of the gross with and curtailed materially the sales. These are in the Persian and sales of the Scriptures. Likewise, as Arabic, the Azerbijan and the Osalready mentioned, for over one year manli – Turkish languages. Weare no colporteur' was allowed to sell able, by these languages, to reach all Scriptures in the large and influential classes of the Mohammedans of Persia province of Azerbijan, where the larg- and Koordistan. Not only that, but est share of sales was usually made. they are purchased and carried home These circumstances, combined with to dwellers in Mghanistan, Beloochisthe constant animosity and vigilant tan, Turkestan, and even India. opposition to our colporteurs and the scarcity of ready money, have ham- It is a grand accomplishment and a pered the sales. Should the Armenian powerful agency in the evangelization bishops and priests withdraw their ob- of Mohammedans that the entire jections to the people purchasing the Scriptures have been translated, pub- Scriptures, and permit them to be lished, and circulated for years in the used in their schools, our sales would Arabic tongue, the sacred language of be greatly augmented; for they are all Moslems. abundantly able to purchase, and they are well supplied with schools. We The Arabic Bible and New Testahave been working to bring this about, ment are popular with the Moslem and some recent indications lead us to high ecclesiastics and clergy; for, behope that it will not be long before our ing in the sacred language, they al'e en<! will be accomplished. not suspected of reading the holy books of the Christians. If questioned ENCOURAGING FEATURES IN OUR WORK. what they are reading, they can re- ply, "the blessed Arabic tongue," and Among others might be mentioned then they read aloud a few verses in the number of Scriptures that are sNd confirmation of their statement. Our yearly to the Jews. It is true that colporteurs have sold Bibles in this most of these are copies of the Old language to some of the highest rank of Moslems, both clergy and nobility. I could mention some very interesting In concluding this paper, I append cases of this character, which it is not the resume of sales and grants for ten prudent to publish. years. The figures for 1889 are only All the converts 'from Islam to Christianity, whom I have met, at- approximately correct: tribute their conversion directly to the reading of the New Testament in The average number of men employed Persian, and not any human agency. annually ………. ~ •….. . . .. …. …… 25 Number of years spent by them…….. 170 " U miles (on horseback) tray· eled by your agent …….. 10,000 " " months spent on those jour· neys….. …. …. ……… 22 RESUME OF SALES AND GRANTS FOR TEN YEARS. GRANTS. SALES.
Bibles. Tests. Parts. TotaL Value. Bibles. Tests. Parts. TotaL Value.
From July 1880 to 2,114 1,921 4,488 $1,24800 50 285 402 737 151.00 end of 1881. .. .. . 453 2,129 1,755 4,308 1,069 12 47 265 394 706 149.40 2,178 2,363 5,026 1,295 48 58 185 240 483 127.85 F,?r 1882.. …….. 424 1,973 1,977 4,426 1,050 03 …2.9… ..1..7.3.. 236 ….4…3..8….. .1.0.6…2.5.. 1883………. 485 1,105 1,310 2,754 94090 1,549 2,974 4,852 …….. ……. . …… " 1884………. 476 1,023 1,625 2,844 1,311 98 . …… " 1885…… …. 339 2,464 2,129 5,004 384 36 1,500 1,870 3,625 87588 48 " 1886 ……… 329 1,225 15 ……… …9.0… ..1.7.1… ..3.0.9… ..6.4…0.0. , 1887. ……… 196 " 1888………. 411 " 1889………. 225 Total Sales in 10 years. .. ……… 3,368 16,035 17,924 37,327 $9,401 50 232 Total Grants in 10 998 1,448 2,637 $598.50 years… … ….. 232 998 1,443 2,637 59850 Total circulation, 10 years….. '" 3,600 17,033 19.367 40,000 $10,000 00 [NOTE: The above paper was read before International Missionary Union, 1890.-J. T. G.] Missions to the Native Mexican Races. and saving power of the Lord Jesus than their ancestors knew in the old REV.WH. P.F. FERGUSON, BANGAL, N.Y. days when the Aztec altars were piled with human hearts. I showed, in my former paper (see What prospects are there for their MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD, Christianization under present meth- ods? March, '90, p. 218) that there are today in Mexico, out of a total popula- The Roman Church has given them tion of less than 12,000,000, nearly all that it ever can.. They have the 4,000,000 who speak some one of the rosary, the crucifix, holy watermany ancient languages. In other pretty idols, compared with the fiendwords, to-day, after 370 years of the ascendency of Spanish blood, one- ish representations of the old Aztec third of the nation still use the lan- divinities; but only idols, and Rome's guages of their fathers, hands hold no better gifts.
In regard to these peoples I shall The Protestant missions' now at raise a series of questions and suggest work in the country have not, as yet, such answers as are in accord with attempted any very considerable work my conception of the facts: among the indigenes, not can they in the near future. Given the money Have these people been Christian- and the men, and to·day, in parts of ized? the Republic already under the eye of the missionary, 100 workers could be I might give a very extended an- placed in Spanish-speaking towns and swer. I might array facts and pile cities of from 1,000 to 10,000 inhabitup quotations to show you their con- ants where there is now no teacher of the Gospel and where good and sucdition. i refrain, and, with full real- cessful work could be entered upon at izationof the sad import of the words, sum up the condition of the native Mexicans to-day, in the one statement, that they know no more of the love <lnce. It is to be expected, and is To say nothing as to the ability of right, that these missions should ex- native workers to create a Christian pend their slowly increasing force literature of which I shall speak, none upon this work, lying right before of the missions at work in Mexico them and for which they are prepared. have as yet succeeded in training any It will be many years, in the probable considerable number of native minis- -course of events, before any of our mis- ters who would be considered by those sions can offer the Gospel to even the who best know them, as competent to greater part of these ancient peoples. manage the affairs of a mission with- out the constant supervision of the It seems to me, then, not in the least foreign missionary, and, besides, they unreasonable to urge the establish- are, with a few possible exceptions, as ment of special missions among the ignorant of the native languages as native Mexican races. At this day are foreigners. Some boys and girls missions are being founded among in our mission schools, and a few wasted tribes that contain only a few young men employed in the "supply" thousand, or even only a few hun- work would be available as interpre- -<Ired souls, and shall we neglect these ters, but I need not draw upon my peoples who, remnants though they own slender experience to show to .are, still are counted by hundreds of anyone who has ever been obliged to thousands and even by millions? Their work by such agencies that such work romantic history, the remains of their is often worse than unsatisfactory. .ancient greatness, their manifest and And I believe that the best results can' admirable qualities of mind and heart, never be attained by it. The bearer and, above all, the love of our common of the Glad Tidings must come into Saviour impel us to the work of their personal contact with those to whom salvation. he is sent.
This leads me. to question: Can mis- Is there any reason why the Amerisions to the native races employ the can missionary should not go to these Spanish language as the means of peoples, leaming their languages and -communication? entering into their life as he does among other nations? I speak with the fact fully in mind that there are others whose observa- Some have expressed the belief that tion uponthis point has been far more the Mexican government would asextensive than my own, and thus sume an attitude toward any such more valuable; but, in my judg_ movement not unlike that of our govment, the answer to this question is, ernment toward the use of the native No. As well as I am able to judge, languages in the Indian schools. much less than half of the 4,000,000 of whom I speak, have any knowledge of This seems to me in the highest dethe Spanish, and the greater part of gree improbable. I would expect that these but very little. I have seen the government would rather look people living within six miles of one with favor upon anything that would <If the largest cities and gaining their tend to arouse a pride of race among living by selling garden produce in the indigenes, It must be remembered its streets, who could' scarcely under- that Mexicans to-day are fond of 13tand or 'use the Spanish language thinking of the Republic as the lineal enough to transact their business. To successor of the Aztec Empire. Many confine us to the Greek language for scholars would, too, I think, give a <lur religious instruction would be welcome to a missionary who should about a parallel. undertake the study of the ancient languages. It may next be inquired: What are the available resources among our va- Some, again, look upon such labor tive Protestants? as unnecessary, believing that the use of the native tongues is soon to cease. Scriptures and religious books, my I consider this also improbable. For 370 views would be as follows: The be- years the Spanish has had every advan- ginning already made by the publica- tage in Mexico, but has failed to dis- tion of the Aztec Luke, I look upon as place the native languages. To-day it is valuable, more because of the interest· itself growing weak. The day comes, I that it has attracted than for its prac- venture to predict,when, in the greater tical use, which must be slight because- part of Mexico it will be of no greater of its antiquated form. But if mission importance than isthe French language work is ever conducted among these to-day in some of our Southern States. people to any extent, a translation of It cannot be expected to do, in its de- the Scriptures into the languages used cadence, what it has failed to do in will be a necessity. Independent. its strength. So that I do not expect translation by each worker could not to see the native languages spoken by be thought of. If schools should be any very greatly less numbers until a established and the people taught to stronger than the Spanish race rules read their own language, which they in Mexico. cannot now do, the Bible would, of course, be put into their hands and Again, it is asked, if these lan- other Christian literature would be guages are capable of expressing the called into use. The teaching of the truths of the Gospel, and if they are native languages, would, however, de- not of so barbarous a character as to pend upon conditions not as yet fully be almost impossible of acquirement. understood.
Man speaks no language in which The facts which I have briefly he may not be told that "Jesus Christ stated warrant, it seems to me, the came into the world to save sinners." appeal and give promise of success. There is no linguistic impossibility to It may be, that some of the missions the successors of those upon whom now established can be so enlarged fell the baptism of tongues. And, and adapted as to include the most from what little study I have given urgent part of the needed work; but I the subject, I am of the opinion that a should expect better results from new man who has the courage and ability missions established either by the soto begin his study at the very basis cieties now engaged in Mexico, or by anew can master even the most diffi- others. If each would confine itself cult of these in about the average to one nation, or, at least, if the work time required to master other foreign could be so adjusted as toavoid waste, languages. and conflict of forces, much could be accomplished in a short time, while The existence of numerous dialects the less numerous tribes would furnish is also urged as an insurmountable fields of labor for societies of limited obstacle. We are told that even a resources. slight change of location among people of the same race would render Conceeding the possibility that some useless the study of years. I question of my condusions may not be well if this obstacle is not very much over- founded, and doubting at the same rated. I believe that missionary his- time if data are yet at hand for a pertory will show many instances of fect judgment of the case; I would greater difficulties of this character urge that the first step should be an overcome elsewhere. And, it is to be exploration with a view to discoverremembered that the introduction of ing accurately such points as, to what missionary work in the languages will extent these peoples are dependent strongly tend to remove the differences upon the native languages, to just – of dialects. what extent the more important of them are divided by dialects, and If we shall raise here the question of the necessity of translating the what is the present prospect for their interest to remember that the mission- survival. Attention should also be ary living among these peoples, mak- given to the disposition of the people ingan intelligent studyof theirlife and toward the Roman Church, their wil- language, would doubtless encounter lingness, or otherwise, to receive in- many facts, and would give light upon struction and other things that would that most perplexing problem, the aid in the selection of fields of labor history and origin of American races. among-them. If those who were ex- pected to become the missionaries This work is a duty to someone; is should make this exploration (and this it not to us? How can the Protestant would be desirable), a good beginning Christianity of the United States be should be made toward a mastering blameless if it fail to preach the true of the native languages. Gospel to these dying millions, who, right at our doors, have been for cen- The outfit for such an expedition turies cursed with a false faith ? When need not be very expensive and. the we stand before the judgment throne total cost of a year's work could be will not we hear the question, "Where more than met by the literary pro- is thy Mexican brother?" Shall we ceeds. This part of the work might be answer, "Lord,we left him in his filth entered upon at once and would do and ignorance and vice." Or shall we much to arouse an interest in the sub- answer, "Lord, we told him of the ject and make further advance pos- blood that cleanseth, we brought to sible. In fact, I believe that it must be his dark mind the knowledge of Thy done and that, too, by private effort, be dying love, we showed to him 'the fore any organization will move to the Lamb of God that taketh ..way the work of planting a miSflion. sins of the world,' and here, Lord, he is, washed and redeemed, a jewel for Once in possession of the facts that Thy diadem." could thus be brought to light, some society, or it might be, some man of llnent the ~ec~ means whose heart God should touch, would, I trust, furnish the necessary BY REV. LEVI B. SALMANS. financial support for the opening of the work. The field chosen would Anglo-Saxons, as we are, and misprobably be remote from civilization sionaries, too, suddenly set down in and full of dangers. A small, care- the midst of a Latin people, we could fully selected and well-furnished force not fail to admire the Astec populashonld be sent to make a beginning and tion of the fastnesses of the Sierras. advance should be upon the lines de- They have never been conquered by veloped. It might prove that,under the force of arms, though the Latinized touch of Christianity, elements of the government, which has come to preold civlization would spring to life and vail throughout Mexico in a certain thus new peoples be brought into the way, has come into the power of ruler- "federation of the world." Or, it ship. Yet the Ancient Cacique is the might prove that all traces of the old organized ,power behind the throne. were but forms of dust to vanish at Nothing of importance can be done by that same potent touch. Then it the Mexican government in these would be the work of the missionary mountains except it be agreeable to to guide these peoples clear of the the leaders among the Indians, as we dangers of the present Spanish-Ameri- would call them, though they are as can civilization, and introduce them different from our Indians as the Japinto the better and purer form of life anese are from Chinamen, or French into which we are already trying to from English. I do not know whether lead their Spanish-speaking neighbors. these comparisons are just right or not, but the Astcc was a semi-civil- It cannot fail to add a thought of ized race, living in cities built of stoneand morta'!', and had laws and govern- than the inhabitants of the Sierra of ment, with arts and industries, and Pueblo, risen into prominence or fur- were by no means the wild savage nished political leaders in the national nomad, known as the Indian in the affairs of the past generation. United States. Bishop Hurst says: .. while the Spaniard conquered and On Board the "Taichiow," Two Days ruled for three hundred years in Mex- From Bangkok Siam. ico, and grafted upon the people his religion, laws and customs, the Mexi- August 30, 1890. can or Indian has at last conquered DEAR DR.GRACEy:-Am on my way the Spaniard, and taken possession of to my field of missionary labor, in the realm. More than this is true of Laos, and, in reading the July num- the Sierra of Pueblo. They were ber of THE REVIEW, 1 have been much never conquered at home, while they interested in an article headed "Meaided nobly in conquering and ex- chanic Missionaries," by Secretary pelling the Spaniard, and afterward Brown, of the International Commit- the Roman hielarchy. They formed tee of Y. M. C. A. the troops who saved the day on the The Church is waking up to the great fifth of May, 1862, at Pueblo, grand importance of utilizing its lay and on many another fiercely fought element, though slowly. Themechanic battlefield. They hold their land in missionary comes in contact with a severalty, and live largely on their class of people, the very bone and land, rather than in villages. The sinew of a country, unreachable by personal independence of the Anglo- either the ordained or the medical Saxon largely. characterizes them. missionary. The rank and ,file of an They are fierce in war, while at the army could not be made up of colonels Bame time they are very mild-man- and generals. Private soldiers do the nered in peaceful intercourse. Ro- fighting directed by their officers. manism destroys the individual and Why should not the Church carry on builds up the institution. When Pro- her work both at home and abroad on testant evangelism seeks in the midst the same plan? -of a Roman civilization for individuals Secretary Brown speaks of an extento convert, who, after being converted, sive movement to establish one or more will have independence and individu- Christian undenominational schools ality enough to become useful evan- of technology, to fit men to become gelists and leaders among their people teachers of the trades and first-class against the odds of sin, conservatism, mechanics, and at the same time to and feudal inequality, it rejoices the enlist and prepare them for personal heart to find such a people as these in work in winning souls. This is a the Sierra. It is true they are not laudable undertaking, and ought to .nearly so highly civilized as the people have the hearty support of the entire in the cities of Mexico, but they are in Church. But it will, necessarily, be sympathy with the country and the some time before these institutions country is in sympathy with them, can be in readiness for students, and and they belong to the race that is on then some time before these students the top at this time; and when we get will be ready to be sent to work. Let them converted we will have a most us call attention to the fact that you valuable evangelizingagency. Nearly have just such a school in your midst. -one-half of the whole population of Park College, Parkville, Mo., has for Mexico still speak their original fifteen years been sending its trained tongues, and maintain, to a greater or men, and women, too, into all parts less degree, their original customs. of the home field (1 am writing as an Among these none have, more notably American), and into many foreign countries. There is this difference be- hundreds of her sons pleading to be tween this college and those proposed fitted to carry the Gospel to all lands?
by Mr. Brown: its distinctive work is ROBERT IRWIN.
the training of Christian workers for M. Henri Lutteroth, who died personal Christian work. The study February 12, 1889, was the last surof the Bible and the inculcation of viving founder of that lamp shining, personal piety are first; then the col- we will not say amid darkness, but lege work proper leading up to the de- certainly among vapors, the Societe gree of A. B., and lastly, the manual des Missions Evangeliques de Paris. training, embracing nearly all the Speaking of him, the Journal says: trades. " Our work has never had greater This would seem to be the natural need than at the present hour of colorder, and an argument in its favor laborators of this stamp, knowing how is the great success Park College has to place at its service the intensity of had. Everyone of our hundred and piety and of zeal together with all the twenty-five graduates is actively en- distinctions of culture and of knowlgaged in Christian work, besides a edge. Never, in fact, has the amount. great many who were unable to of labor imposed on the committee graduate. There is a practical advan- been more considerable than during tage in their mechanical department. this year." Nothing is done simply to show how it is done, but because it is necessary. The Moravian Church, which first The institution depends largely on the sent a missionary to the south of work ,of its students. They quarry Africa, in 1737, and which has a flourthe stone, mould the brick, burn the ishing work in Cape Colony and the lime, cut the logs, saw the lumber, neighboring lands, now proposes t() and build their houses; they cultivate join the ranks of those who are seekand tend large gardens and a farm of ing the evangelization of the equaseveral hundreds of acres; raise cattle, torial regions. A mission has been sheep and hogs; make wagons, repair projected, under the protection of the implements, shoe horses, and do the German government, for that part of one-thousand-and-one other things the German zone of eastern Africa necessary on a large industrial estab- adjoining the northern and northlishment. There are now over three eastern shores of Lake Nyassa. The hundred students in attendance, and two pioneers of this newest Moravian' hundreds are refused admittance mission, Theodore Meyer and Theaevery year just because there is no phile Richard, will shortly set out for room. If now there are those who the sphere of their future labors. want the mechanic missionary training, proposed by.Secretary Brown, J. TAYLOR HAMILTON, they need not wait until several other Secretary of the Societyfor the Propainstitutions are equipped. Let twenty gation of the Gospel, Bethlehem, Pa.
such be built at once, they will not be A Waldensian church-edifice, hold- too many; but let the Church use, to ing four hundred, has been opened its utmost capacity, that one now in by Cav. Dr. Prochet in Vittoria, a existence. The foreign field is calling Sicilian town with a population of for men. It is the loud cry from the 25,000. The church was so full that north and the south and the west and Dr. Prochet could scarcely reach the the east and from all over the home pulpit. After sermon seven catechu- field. Shall the Church hear the cry mens were admitted, and the crowd, and withhold what is in her power to inside and out, was so much interested give-viz: facilities for training Chris- and excited that the municipal guards tion workers, and oppo~nities to the had to disperse it.
ii2 EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS
1II.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
Editorial Prospectus for 1891. eluding notes by the editor on various The editor cordially salutes his read- topics and books of a mISSIOnary ers with the best wishes of the New character, and editorial correspon- Year. Notwithstanding the decease dence. of the associate editor, no material change will be needful either in the IV. The Department of Intelligence, character or contents of THE MISSION- including the Monthly Concert, Gen- ARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD. The eral Items of Information, Statistics editor-in-chief will be aided by the and Monthly Bulletin. prolific and graceful pen of the Rev. J. T. Gracey, D.D., president of the The editor will spare no pains, and International Missionary Union, under the publishers no expense, in securing whose sagacious control it is hoped from the ablest sources whatever will that the International Department enrich the columns of this magazine. IDay supply to our readers even richer We hope to make it indispensable to stores of missionary information and every minister and missionary, theoinspiration. The Rev. A. J. Gordon, logical student or friend of human D.D., of Boston, whose praise is in all weal. We have planted our standard the churches, will act as a regular on a level higher than any denomina. editorial contributor, and we can tional platform, and shall seek to think of no man in this country whose unite all true disciples of Christ in a words will be read with more interest new crusade against all the powers of and profit. darkness, and in favor of a speedy Beside this editorial staff we shall and universal proclamation of the be aided by a large and able body of Gospel. Once more we ask the prayer. editorial correspondents and contribu- ful and sympathetic co-operation of tors, and no pains will be spared to every Christian, and invoke, upon this secure the best talent and the most sincere and unselfish endeavor, the consecrated piety in the service of this blessing of the Master of us all! REVIEW. These pages will be devoted to the discussion of all the great ques- The editor would add a special word tions connectedwith the spread of the to contrlbutors of articles intended Gospel both at home and abroad, and for publication. So great is the influx will be open to the advocacy of every of unsolicited manuscripts already cause or IDeasure which is linked becoming that even the reading of with human well-being, and to the them has been almost impossible. Of impartial and critical investigation of course, preference will be given to papers which have been solicited; but those who desire to send manuscripts all forms of philanthropic and Chris- would ordinarily do wisely, before tian endeavor. sending, to inform the editor of such intention, state the topic, and inquire It will be observed that, in the whether they are likely to be used. interests of greater unity and sim- The editor begs to say, also, that the plicity of arrangement, we have but qualities of brevity, directness, and, four main departments: especially, freshness of matter and pertinency to the great qUj*ltions of I. The Literature of Missions, in- missions, will give particular value to cluding papers pertaining to general contributed matter. We cannot undertopics, translations from foreign peri- take to return rejected manuscripts odicals, etc. unless stamps for that purpose are enclosed with them when forwarded II. The International Department, to us. Any recent and well accredited under the efficient conduct of Dr. Gracey.
III. The Editorial Department, inintelligence from any part of the field tional interest, and at Cleveland, Ohio, will be especially valued, and all the evening meeting held in Music accepted articles will be paid for so far Hall numbered, probably, 4,000 peras the limited resources of the REVIEW sons. Some very beautiful examples allow. Manuscripts, written in a clear of the power of consecrated mission_ and legible hand, and not obscured by ary-spirited pastors to mould their corrections, interlineations and other congregations into missionary helper, blemishes, are also more likely both to and to stimulate systematic and cheerbereadandaccepted. Wehaveattimes ful giving, have been found. As in been compelled to cast aside a manu- Great Britain, there have been many :script because it was neither possible gifts of jewelry, etc., showing how for the editor to read it, nor the printer God is leading His people to sacrifice <correctly to put it in type. Special superfluities for Him. A gold pen pains should be taken by writers to with pearl handle, a seal ring, two make proper names correct and plain, solid gold chains, a society badge, a and statistics accurate and unmis- pair of gold-mounted eye-glasses, etc., takable. No second article should be have been sent to me for missions. sent, ordinarily, until it is known that Large collections of money have, in the first is accepted. If the corres- several cases been made for the Board pondents will observe these sugges- of Missions. And the farther the tour tions and exercise due patience, the has reached the more abundant the editor will endeavor to see that there calls for service became. It was a is no just cause of complaint as to his curious coincidence that the very day part of the work. The burden of on which the last week-day appointeditorial duties and responsibilities is ment was fulfilled, was the day on excessively onerous, but the constant which the co-editor, Dr. Sherwood, endeavor will be to deal courteously, departed for the Better Country! In promptly and impartially by all con- any case that death would have made tributors and correspondents. further engagements, to any consider- able extent impracticable, as it im- Since arriving in this country, in posed double duty on the survivor. June last, the Editor has been making But no impression is stronger as left a brief tour of the churches in the by these four months of contact with great centres, mostly east of Chicago, the churches, than this, that the best in the interests of missions, and with agent a mission board can have, is results most gratifying and encourag- simply an unselfish missionary-spiriting. Boston, Northfield, and Green- ed, well-informed pastor, who keeps field, Mass.; Willimantic, Conn.; Ger- the vital interests of the world-field mantown, and Pittsburgh, Penn.; Al- constantly before his people. We bany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, never once struck an apathetic church Buffalo, Lockport, Binghamton, and where there was a man in the pulpit Elmira, N. Y.; Montclair, Newark who was full of passion for souls. and Camden, N. J.; Baltimore, Md.; Youngstown and Cleveland, 0.; Lan- Are Mission Oonverts a Failure? sing and Detroit, Mich.; Indianapolis, In The Ohurch of Scotland Mission Ind.; and Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, Record of May and October, 1890, Dr. and Chicago, Ills., have been among the places comprehended in this hur- Archibald Turnbull, B.D., of the Darried tour. Almost without exception jeeling Mission, writes on the above the audiences have been large and the topic. The author is abundantly able interest manifested unusually intense. to discuss the subject. He is one of the At Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, El- ablest and most accomplished missionmira, the gatherings were of excep- aries in the field and his labors have been remarkably successflK. The A. Beautiful Epitaph.
work begun by Rev. McFarlane, in The most interesting specimen of an 1870, yielded to his prayers and labors, epitaph is one to be seen in a pretty but little apparent fruit, for some church, in Aneityum, one of the Loy- years. When Mr. Turnbull first joined alty Islands, or New Hebrides. It is the Mission, in 1880, there were some a tablet erected by the grateful natives hundreds of converts; and Mr. McFar- to their missionary, John Geddie. On lane, having been called to his rest, this tablet is inscribed, in their lan- Mr. Turnbull is now at the head of guage, the following: the mission, which has branched out When he landed, into three divisions, each headed by in 1848, able and devoted missionaries. Considerably over a thousand baptized there were no Christians here, and when he left, in 1872, Christians are now in communion with there were no heathen. it. Professor Lindsay, convener of On almost any island within 2,00<1' the Free Church Foreign Mission, who miles of the shores of Tahiti, in any recently visited India, has described direction, a similar tablet might be this Darjeering Mission, as the "best erected, as an expression of the results mission he had seen in India." When of the twenty-two years' work, besuch a man as Mr. Turnbull, with tween 1817 and 1839-the epoch of such a large experience, tells what he John Williams-and yet, "missions has seen of converts, his opinion can- are a failure! "
not but be of great value, and by per- A Practical Cure for Scepticism. mission of our beloved friend, Rev.
Thos. Nicol, B.D., the editor of The In the life of Dr. Fleming Stevenson Ohurch of Scotland Record, we pro- we find an interesting commentary on pose to give our readers hereafter, at the words, "He that doeth my will least, some portions of Mr. Turnbull's shall know of the doctrine." At one valuable testimony. He proves, to a time his mind was in a somewhat certainty, that the Gospel is the unsettled state regarding some ele- power of God unto salvation, even in ments of the creed in which he had India. been brought up, to which he clung with loyal reverence. Itwas by plung- Rabinowitch, the Hungarian Jew- ing into practical mission work that ish Rabbi, who, a few years since pub- light was to come to him upon these licly conf03ssed Jesus as the Messiah, thorny points of theology.
and led out a new body of Jewish be- This reminds us of what Shaftesbury lievers, adheres to his faith and used to say to young men: preaches to great crowds. A new, ,,Nothing is more likely to keep you large hall, called after the great evan- from mischief of all kinds-from mis- gelist of the Free Church of Scotland, chief of action, of speculation-from the Somerville Memorial Hall, is to every mischief that you can devise, be opened soon. We look with the than to be everlastingly engaged in intensest interest upon the new some great practical work of good.
movement, known as the "Israelites Christianity is not a state of opinion of the New Covenant," and bless God and speCUlation. Christianity is essen- for the Hebrew New Testament trans- tially practical, and I will maintain lated by Dr. Delitzsch, and for the this, that practical Christianity is the sermons and addresses of such men greatest curer of corrupt speculative as Rabinowitz, David Baron, Wilkin- Christianity. No man, depend upon son of Mildmay and a host of others it, can persist from the beginning of Who are taking the warmest interest his life to the end of it in a course of in the conversion of the Jews. self-denial, in a course of generosity.. in a course of virtue, in a course of ing service, go first to gather in and piety, and in a course of prayer, un- teach the poor neglected children in less he draw~ from his wellspring, un- the afternoon, then hold a yoke-felless he is drawing from the fountain lows' prayer-meeting and take supper of our Lord Himself. Therefore, I together at their humble place of meetsay to you again, and again, let your ing; and who then go out for an hour, walk the streets, and personally invite Ohristianity be practical." * to service those whom they find. And then, at eight o'clock, they go to their To all of which the writer adds his meeting-hall, or tent, and, in their confirmatory witness that never, since simple way, preach, simply as laymen, the taking up in dead earnest the work and hold after-meetings for inquiry. of a world's evangelization, have speculative doubts harrassed the mind.
As to churches and missions, I think The Ritualism, which is more and their true relations to each other are more obtruding itself upon observation very simply defined. The church is in the Anglican Church, and in some both a rallying and a radiating point. of the High-Church services of this We are to come there to be fed and go country, is compelling some who have from there to feed others. GenerallyI been zealous champions of the Episcomake my morning service especially a pal Church, to look with alarm on the encroachments of a latent Romanism feeding time for Christian swubosrtkaenrcs~ .that is rapidly becoming patent. If when I try to bring out the of the Word-the promises, the ways these things go on, they will compel a of serving, the motives of true work withdrawal of those who cannot felfor God, the preparations of prayer, lowship these semi-Papal practices. etc.-whatever helps to qualify any Take these two examples: Canon Scott mHogllhaI.nSds,eirnmSont., Preafuelr'srinCgatthoetdhreald' edautrh- . disciple for holy living and unselfish serving. Then I am glad to have my Christian workers go out after that of the late Canon Liddon, thus solicitmorning service to preach and teach ed prayers on his behalf: "Pray for that sermon and that Gogpel else- him-for his refreshment, for his ilwhere, and am quite willing to have lumination, for his eternal repose." their places empty at the second service Praying for the dead finds no warrant that they may go and hold little evan- in Scripture; it is a Romish practice gelistic meetings, cottage meetings, that ought to receive no countenance prayer services, etc., where they may from Protestants. A service, which was, to say the get at the non-church gael's. I do not least, novel, was held lately in that believe in Christians feeding without same Cathedral. It was styled a "Serworking. "If any man will not work vice of Reconciliation." In Septemneither shall he eat." Activity for ber last, during public worship, one souls prevents spiritual dyspepsia. It Sabbath morning, a stranger suddenly is the exercise needful to carry off the drew a pistol a.nd shot himself, and food into normal channels and assimi- I?hortly died within the sacred struclate it to our constitutional wants. I ture. Having no precedents to folcannot understand how any man can low, after much consultation, the dean be jealous of his workers going out to ' and chaplain formally requested the carry the Gospel and leaving an empty Bishop of London, in the exercise of place half a day for some one else to his Episcopal authority, "to declare fill who needs the Gospel far more. I the said Oathedral church exempt and have had a band of such young men, reconciled from all canonical impediespecially, for years, who, after morn- ment, and from everyprofanation con- * Hodder's Life of Shaftesbury, 1: 328. tracted and incurred by or through the aforesaid acts of suicideand blood-let- all thatoffends refined taste, the Salva- ting, forever." Hence this "Service tion Army compels recognition by of Reconciliation" on the 14th of Oc- downright earnestness and heroic self- tober. The London Times, with a denial. One of the most conservative tone bordering on contempt, asks why, ministers of the Presbyterian body, in if the great temple was "polluted" by a recent visit to London, went re- the crime, services were not entirely peatedly to the army meetings, and, suspended-why the altar was not after careful investigation, declares dismantled, and the edifice closed un- himself wonderfully impressed with til the profanation could be removed· the evidences of God's presence and by a "reconciling service?" Others power.
ask, why the freak of a sensational Shortly before his death Canon suicide, should be considered as "pol- Liddon went to one of the Salvation luting" a sacred edifice. Army meetings in London. As' he was returning with a friend, he said: General Booth gives to the world "It fills one with shame! I feel his new contribution to the great guilty when I think of myself! To problem of how to take care of the think of these poor people, with their unhoused, unfed poor of London, imperfect grasp of the truth! And yet almost at the same time that his wife's what a contrast between what they do body is borne to burial. and what we are doing! When I Her funeral was one of the most compare all the advantages we enjoy, impressive events of modern social we who possess the whole body of history. Whatever we may think of truth, and see how little use we make the Salvation Army, it is one of the of it, how little effect we produce com- most remarkable developments of our pared with that which was palpable time. Its genesis is recent-it began at that meeting, I take shame to my- in the year 1865, and kept its" Silver self. I did not like the women speak- Jubilee" in 1890. A quarter of a cen- ing, however. You know I have the tury ago William Booth resigned his misfortune to agree with the Apostle post as a'Methodist minister, New Con- Paul on that question. "
nection, and began his "Christian And now, Mrs. Booth, after long ~fission," thirteen years later called and acute suffering, has died, and the the" Salvation Army." day of her funeral, though raw, foggy, After this quarter century, this dismal, the procession numbered Salvation Army, at whose members probably 50,000 people, and the streets and methods the world and the were densely thronged with spectators.
Church sneered, now has its banners At the head of the marching columns flying in thirty-four countries or colo- were the 5,000 officers of the army, nies, boasts 10,000 men and women men and women, marshaled in fifteen wholly given up to its work, holds battalions. Each battalion carried a 50,000 religious meetings weekly, flag, some of them a number,of flags, which are attended .by millions of generally of white, with inscriptions hitherto neglected and outcast people. in colored letters, such as "Love one It has, moreover, twenty-seven weekly Another," " Save your Soul," " Believe newspapers, of which about 31,000,000 in God," and one especially striking copies are sold in the streets, saloons, flag bearing the words, "Mother of etc. It has accumulated nearly $4,000,- the Salvation Army." The coffin was 000 worth of property, and its rentals carried on an open hearse, and bore for meeting-places reaches $1,000,000 no emblems beyond Mrs. Booth's a year, while it has a total income of bonnet and cloak, and the flag of the between three and four millions. army, according to her earnest desire Despite all ita sensational methods, for simplicity in funeral reform. Even the London Times lends two or the individual statements and >()olumns to a detailed description of propositions of this book, in common the event, and the Methodist Times with thousands of the best men and describes Mrs. Booth as " the greatest women on both sides of the sea, we Methodist woman of her generation." heartily wish General Booth success. No one who has read the little volume of her addresses, known as " Aggres- Canon Farrar, on November 9, sive Christianity," will doubt her preached a sermon on this philan- })ower. thropic scheme, and even the great Abbey would not hold the crowds that And now, almost simultaneous with thronged to hear it. He had, the her death, General Booth issues his week before, made a tour of the army book, inscribed to her memory: "In centres, and was so impressed that he Darkest England, and the Way Out." made a fervent and impassioned We have read it with profound in- appeal in behalf of the proposed plan, terest, and we find ourselves very far while he disclaimed any authority to from being disposed to ridicule or dis- represent anyone but himself. regard its practical suggestions. From a somewhat extended study of the Those who wish to get the substance practical methods of the Salvation of General Booth's scheme may find a Army, especially in Great Britain, we l·ecapitulation of it in Chapter VII, were compelled to admit that, more Section 5. Some of the most pious than all the churches put together, this and philanthropic of British Chrisunique organization is bringing relief tians are coming forward with liberal to the unfed, unhoused and uncared contributions toward the $5,000,000 for masses of the great cities of for which General Booth appeals, as Britain. the financial' basis of his plan. So awful and so widespread is the degra- General Booth's book is a bold dation and destitution of this "sub- ~ttempt to solve the most perplexing merged tenth" of Britain's population, <>f social problems. His plan is a that we rejoice at any honest attempt mere expansion of that which on no to relieve and remove another of the small scale is in actual operation in open sores of the world. Let the new the Salvation Army ~ntres in London. project have at least a fair trial. He proposes a scheme of three colonies -a town, a country, and an over-the- The following is from the son of the sea colony. Cheap food depots, advice editor, studying this winter in Edinbureau, labor shops, a household sal- burgh, Scotland: vage brigade; the gathering of what would be wasted otherwise, and its " After tea we went to the univerutilization as food for human beings sity to hear Professor Drummond on and for animals, or for various pur- , Christian Evolution.' He dwelt par- })oses of manufacture. He proposes ticularly on the progress of missions to exact a reasonable amount of work and their condition and work, as he from colonists and to pay reasonable had noticed it in his recent trip around wages, so that there may be no en- the world. The lecture was a fine one couragement of paupers; to help out- in every particular, and he seemed to cast and criminal classes to a better be thoroughly in sympathy with the life; to help those who are disposed missionary movement; to have obto help themselves; to maintain whole- served keenly on the subject in his some discipline, and afford religious tour; and he urged all to consider care- {lulture without compulsion. Those fully if their lives could not be best who would know details must read his used for Christ in the foreign field. book. Without giving endorsement He lamented the fact that there seemed to the peculiar methods of the army, to be so much misdirected effort by well-meaning Christian missionaries, because the problem of missions, in Here is another, enclosing a gold. connection with the special countries pen with a pearl handle: in which they worked, was not more thoroughly studied and understood. Sabbath Morning, Oct. 5,1890. He contrasted Australia and the South Sea Islands, Japan and China, espec- DEAR DR. PIERSON: ially, as presenting entirely different kinds of fields, which were to be sown This gold pen was a Christmas gift. with the same seed but in different It has a sad story. It has nev!'r been ways, according to the nature of the used-it has lain idle ten years. May ground, and growth already planted the dear Lord now use it in some way there. One thing he said about Japan so as best to tell of the "Peace on was pretty well put-Japan is ready earth and good will from heaven for anything new and European; she toward men." has taken from France a system of law; from Germany an organization ONE OF YOUR HEARERS. for an army; from England a navy; from America a public school system; The American Missionary Associafrom' the civilized world in general a tion has 500 missionaries. Among fine system of railways and electric the Indian children they have entelegraph, etc. At present she is in couraged unselfish efforts to help in the unique position of prospecting for carrying the Gospel to the destitute a religion. There are, too, on the and unevangelized. But the children islands many missionaries prospecting had no money. Some of them had for converts: they include Episcopal- never seen a copper coin. The governians of every degree of height, Presby- meNt had offered premiums for the terians of every degree of breadth, and killing of gophers, and so the boys Methodists of every degree of warmth. would hunt the gophers and bring Roman Catholics are practically out of their tails in as proof of the work the race. done. Among other contributions was an enclosure, wrapping a gopher's tail " It was a thoroughly good lecture, within, and bearing this memoranand I would like to have it in print. dum: "Richard Fox, one gopher's tail: four cents." "DELAVAN L. PIERSON." One old colored saint in the far South Latterly, the editor has been making used to pray with great fervor for the a short tour of the great cities in the missionaries, and this was one prayer interest of missions. Among numer- heard from his lips: "Oh, Lord, let ous letters received by him, the follow- de missionary down deep into de treasing will suggest their own lesson: ures of de Word, and hide him behind de Cross of Jesus." For whom might DR. PIERSON: not that prayer well be offered?
Dear Sir-Enclosed please find four While Christianity makes us more dollars and ten cents, a small sum that and more tenderly considerate even of I had intended to use toward a society the welfare of the most distant and pin, but if the Master can use it for destitute of the race, sin makes IlUtelling the good story in the lands of man beings more callous eve:n to the darkness I dare not keep it for my own most appalling misery close at hand. pleasure. We have all heard of that notorious gambling resort on the Gulf of Genoa, I would that it were more than Monte Carlo, and of the wretched and it is. summary life-ending of many who have thrown away their means in its May God, our Master, bless you in elegantly-furnished halls. Very lately the work you are doing for Him, is it was reported that during ten weeks the prayer of a college girl. of this year as many as forty-nine E – College, Oct. 6, 1890. suicides had occurred there. "Every before the introduction of Christianity. night," says The Christian, of Boston, All interested in South Sea missions "'the grounds are carefully searched should procure it. It especially com- by the police after the casino is closed. mends itself for brevity. Other vol- Dne man drags a covered spring-cart, umes in this series, lives of Carey, the wheels of which have India-rubber Chalmers, Comber, Crowther, Morri- tires. When a body is found, for son, Patteson, Griffith John, etc., are which a reward is given, it is immedi- as readable as romances. Such vol- ately stripped of clothes and valu- umes can scarcely be multiplied in too ables, tftrust into the cart, and silently great abundance. hurried away and buried. Next morn- jng the sun shines again, the band The Success of Christian Missions, plays, saloons and tables are thronged, by Robert Young, F. R. S., G. S. In and people gamble as usual." this volume, Mr. Young has made a careful compilation of testimonies in New Books. favor of foreign missions in most heathen lands, similar to that of Mr. F. H. Revell has issued two more vol- Liggins. Personal, official and .pub- umes of the short biographies of mis- lic testimony to the value and influ- 'sionaries: Henry Martyn and Robert ence of the missionary operations of Moffat. If there are any better brief many societies is here gathered and biographical sketches for general nse preserved. For permanent reference, .as educators of the young, and as a and as an answer to the slurs and at- means of general stimulation to the tacks of adversaries, the book will be missionary spirit, we have not met always useful and should be at hand them anywhere. 'Within the compass in every well-stocked missionary ,of 160 pages, there is comprised a library as, in its way, an encyclopedia mass of information that is often di- of testimony. London: Hodder & .luted through three times the space. Stoughton. Cheap, thrilling, fascinating, these stories of missionary life combine the While we write, there just comes facts of heroism with the fancies of by mail from a dear personal friend, romance. They are very near to Dr. George Smith of Edinburgh, the ideals realized. We believe that few last book so far produced by his schol- will read one chapter without wanting arly and prolific pen. It is entitled A to read the whole, or read one of the Modern Apostle, and is the life of series, now embracing twelve, without Rev. Alex. N. Somerville, D.D., "the wanting to possess the entire series, world's evangelist." He was an ex- ,and give them away to others. We traordinary man, and we propose here- would like to give the series to every after to present an article upon young man and woman in every him to our readers. Suffice it to say Protestant congregation where Eng- that he thirteen times made a "world lish is spoken. The whole twelve may tour of missions;" viz.: to Canada, be had for $6, exclusive of postage I Syria, Spain, India, Australasia, France and Italy, Germany and Rus- The editor also cordially commends sia, Central Europe, Greece, Asia and to all readers the following books on Africa; and beside this was the able missions: James Calvert; or from and faithful pastor of one of the most Dark to Dawn in Fiji, by R. Vernon. prominent churches of Scotland. Here F. H. Revell, Bible House, New York. is a story of more than seventy-five 'This account of mission work, in what years, full of service and every form was once the cannibal group of Fijian of inspiration to heroic endeavor. – Islands, is rendered specially valuable Those who have read the lives of Carey, by its graphic account of native man- John Wilson of Bombay, Alexander .ners and customs as they were found Duff, Stephen Hislop, and that Short History of Christian missions which terestmg and valuable. One sees as. we have never seen equaled in its in a birdseye-view the steady and sure way, all of them by the same gifted advance of the Master's Kingdom, and author, will not need to be told that we rejoice. this latest volume from his pen, recently issued by John Murray of Lon- In the work of a missionary there don, is a book without which no min- is often much to disappoint. One has isters library is complete. It is one to sow in faith and labor in patience, of the grandest books that modern seeing no sign of a reaping-time. But biographers have offered to the public. when one reads of others who are al- ready rejoicing in the ingathering of Livingstonia Mission. an abundant harvest, he for a mo- ment forgets the plowing and sowing, [The following letter relol,ched Dr. the watering and waiting, and cannot Sherwood's home November 3d, too help sharing in their joy and the Maslate for his eyes to read it. Notwith- ter's. standing the personal references, the Another end gained by your REVIEW Editor feels that it belongs to the is that our hearts are enlarged and we begin to have a fore-taste of that readers of THE REVIEW.] glorious time for which our Saviour LAKE NYASSA. prayed: "That they may be one even as we are one. . . . that they may Mvera Station, May 11, 1890. be perfected in one, that the world DEAR BROTHER:-Were there the may know that Thou didst send Me." least doubt about the excellence and usefulness of your REVIEW, I With reference to the contents of should gladly give my testimony in THE REVIEW I have no suggestions to its favor. Let me merely mention make. What we in the field need is that, along with many thousands of an occasional inspiring article, one to, your readers, I most heartily enjoy rouse and encourage. To my mind and profit by it. Especially on a Sab- there is no pen so gifted, in this rebath afternoon or evening, after sev- spect, as that of Dr. A. T. Pierson. eral services and two Bible-classes, Let us be urged to prayer, patience, feeling somewhat tired, it is with personal devotion to Christ, to faith great pleasure that I take up THE and faithfulness. "Ve know these MISSIONARY REVIEW and read it things but do not realize them. through, I may literally say, from beginning to end. Even though the As many of us are unable to have "news" is from four to five months large libraries, a summary of the biold when it reaches us, we, neverthe- ography of some missionary hero (as less, eagerly look forward to each fol- has appeared of Carey, Egede, etc.), is, lowing number. always most acceptable, or even an I have, of late especially, enjoyed episode from such a man's life, or his an article in the number for Septem- views on any important missionary ber, 1890, on "Prayer-Basis of Mission subject. And why not pubhsh a whole Work," by Dr. Pierson. I have read biography, continued in several numand re-read it, and read it to my com- bers ?" panions, and each time I feel more than ever that "the whole basis of suc- As regards my own work Ishall not cessful missionary work is to befound say much. At this present station we in believing and importunate prayer." have been at work for only about six These words should be written in let- months. The work is much the same ters of gold on the tablets of our- here as on other stations round the memory. lake. Weare 3,400 feet above the sea The items of news you give from in a healthy and fertile country. A various fields of labor are most in- great door has been opened to us. The work is becoming more and more, interesting. Some 500 to 600 people simply as a way of introducing the hear the Word preached every Sabbath letter. Mr. Baldwin will be remem- day. In the school, however, we bered as the writer of the papers in have as yet only some twelve boys- The Christian (London), on "The boarders. People are afraid to send Question of the Hour," advocating the their children lest, having secured a conduct of missions on the lines laid good number, we should run off and down in Matthew x.
sell them as slaves! This fear, will, of Without giving our endorsement to course, pass away in course of time. every sentiment of Mr. Baldwin in Should you care to publish any part those letters, we confess to a large of this letter and any discouraged measure of sympathy with his general worker happens to read it, let me position. And we cannot but feel that stretch out to such an one a brotherly when any missionary in these days hand, and say, "Courage, friend! the attempts a work for God in the spirit Master is looking on and is intensely of faith and prayer, it is not for other interested in our work; let us press on, Christianworkers toridiculeor criticise if not so ably as others, then at least or oppose. There are many ways of as faithfully. Let us often prostrate doing the Lord's work. Why not let ourselves before the 'WondroUB Cross,' them all have a fair, faithful trial?
and in deep self-abasement and lowly Experiment will show whether God reverence, there learn to be' nothing, is with such methods; but the ex- nothing,' that the world might our periment must not be embarrassed Saviour see. When weary let us rest with the secret or open hostility of at His feet; when sad, lean on His even nominal disciples. Mr. Baldwin's breast. Let us drown our cares and personal consecration not even his worries in the ocean of His love, and critics can question. He is about to we shall not sow in vain, but receive start on a prolonged journey, with a the sower's reward." single companion, probably among the Bedouin. May God be with him!
Itis because I so often feel the need of encouragement myself that I am seek- Rev. Dr. Wayland Hoyt, his brother, Colgate Hoyt, and Charles L. Colby, ing to encourage others to-llfght, for Esq., have been preparing a" chapel the Master bas been very near to-day car," for use in Minnesota and on the and wonderfully kind. My subject of Wisconsin Central and Northern to-day, "My son, give me thy heart," Pacific railroads. ' , Uncle Boston" is has touched my own heart. to use this chapel-on-wheels for his I cannot ask your readers to pray Sunday-school mission work, and it is for us and our work specially; there finely adapted to his purposes. Atone are others who have probably a end are arrangements for living, and greater right to their prayers and the rest of the car is a chapel fitted thought; but let me urge all who pray for about 100 persons. During summer for missions to more "believing and months a tent will be carried, which importunate prayer," and we also can be set up for temporary use where shall receive our share of the blessing. crowds are too great for the chapel. Bishop Walker, of the Episcopal ANDREW C. MURRAY. Church, has done a like thing for the territory under his jurisdiction, in The Rev. E. F. Baldwin, now in North Dakota. Each of these moving Beyrout, Syria, desires it stated that chapels is about 60 feet by 10. The latter has gothic projections to give it the letterin the October number, 1890, a church-like appearance, and is finpages 776,777, was not a specific letter ished in oak, in gothic style,. with for THE REVIEW, although Dr. Sher- . chancel, altar, lectern, cabinet organ, wood so understood it at the time, but and even baptismal font and bishop's a circular sent to THE REVIEW. The chair. Weare surely making pro- adch'ess, "Dear Editors" was affixed grE'ss!
THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
IV.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
[EDITORIAL. ] Faots and Figures about the World-wide Field.
-.Alaska's coast is the sepulchre 40,000,000 were called Protestant; now, of ships. Dr. Sheldon Jackson says the population is more than double, that almost a hundred vessels have and the nominal Protestants more found a watery gra,e there within than quadrupled!
twenty years! In one storm, and atone -The first convertamongthe natives place, thirty-three ships were ground of India was Krishna Chundra Pal between ice-fields, and 1,200 sailors in 1800. Renry Martyn said it was a cast, wrecked, on a barren shore. miracle as great as the raising of the -According to the census of 1890, dead. Now, every ten years the con- the population of the Unite9. States is verts increase over eighty per cent.
62,480,540. It seems to us that this is The first convert in western Poly- an underestimate; we have supposed nesia was King Pomare II.; now there 66,000,000 nearer the actual truth. are 850,000, and all western Poly- -A Messianic pretender appears in nesia is evangelized.
an Indian tribe. He claims that the -Up to 1853, the Edict Board of Indian power and prestige is to revive Japan made it capital offence for a and the lost ground be recovered. If Christian to set foot on the island this notion gets hold of the mercurial empire. Now, there are 30,000 pro- red men no one can tell what may fessed converts and 17,000 children in come of it: they may attempt to ex- Sunday-schools. One in twenty-eight terminate the whites. .Already, for of the elect members of the new par- three months, the whole northwestern liament is a Christian church member.
part of our country has been in a state As the Christians of Japan number of disturbance and serious alarm. but 1 to 1,200 of the population, it will -Principal Magee,ofDublin,says the be seen that the proportion of Chris- dogma of the infallibility of the Pope tian members of parliament is forty- has repelled the bulk of Irishmen, and three U'Yhes as great. This impresses led to intellectualindependencewhich us as one of the most remarkable is reducing the ranks of Romanism signs of the power of Protestant mis- and filling up those of Protestantism. sions in Japan. The contributions of He thinks vaulting ambition has native converts were about $50,000 again" overleaped itself" and "fallen last year, nearly $2 a head!
on-tother side." -At Oroomiah, Persia, last year, -These are old figures, but their fifty-one out of sixty-seven pupils in lesson is always new: the seminary were Christians and In 1800, not over 50,000 converts in members of the church.
all heathendom; now, over 1,500,000, –The McAll mission schools had and five times as many adherents. last year 235,000 children under in- In 1800, not over 70 mission schools; struction.
now, about 14,000, with 600,000 -The Established Church of Scot- scholars. land reports 2,034 converts and 2,465 In 1800, 50 translations of the Bible; pupils in the schools in the Punjab now, between 300 and 400, of the whole Mission, India, with 723 converts bap- or parts, like the Gospel of Mark. tized in 1890.
In 1800, not over 5,000,000 copies of -Dr. Robert N. Cust reckons 223 the Bible; now, more than that issue missionary societies in the world: 113 from the press every year. in Britain and colonies; 56 in the In 1800; the population of the globe United States; 20 in Germany; 14 in about 700,000,000, of whom some Netherlands, and 20 in other lands. Many of these are doubtless small. sustained by the facts. Mr. Henry Fifty have incomes of $10,000 and up- A. Hinshaw, in the August Science ward, and twenty report over $100,- Monthly, says: "At the end of the 000. At least ten of these have got mission rule the Indian was really three-fourths of their funds from less capable of taking care of himself 1tative converts! than at the beginning. He was found Roman Oatholicism, if we may trust a free man, he was left a dependent.
the "Catholic Dh;.ectory," for last year, Driven to church by the whip, forced has, in the United States, 13 arcb- to kneel by being punched by goads, bishops, 73 bishops, 8,332 priests, 2,132 with no free or rational cultivation of ecclesiastical students, 7,523 churches, mind or conscience, the religious in- 3,302 chapels and stations, 35 theo- struction made up of scarcely any- logical seminaries, 102 colleges, 635 thing else but ritual and superstition, academies, 3,194 parochial schools and the idea of obedience to the priest, with 633,238 pupils in them, 553 chari- the result was what might have been table institutions, and about 8,000,000 expected." Why should the Govern- members. ment continue to appropriate money The approximate distribution of to such schools?
missionaries is said to be as follows: -M. Monod says he adopts very No. of Mis- .much the words of one of his best col- Populatlou. sionaries. Proportion porteurs: "It seems to me supersti- .syria …….. 3.000,000 100 lto 80,000 tion is not so general as it was, and Turkey …… 21,000,000 450 lto 45,000 that what people call the' Protestant Madagascar. 5,000,000 50 1 to 100,000 Burma …… 8,000,000 40 1to 200,000 faith' is honored by many Roman Japan……. 38,000,000 200 1to 200,000 Catholics, who ten years ago felt noth- Jndia …….. 250,000,000 900 1 to 275,000 Persia……. 7,500,000 80 1to 300,000 ing but a bitter hatred against the ·.Africa.•… _..250,000,000 600 1 to 400,000 Gospel and the Scriptures which we s. America'.. 80,000,000 75 1to 400,000 colporteurs circulate. Blessed be the Korea…….. 9.000,000 25 1to 400,000 Lord for that! Those times are gone, .Siam …….. 8,000,000 18 1to 000,000 and the light of the Gospel seems to Chiua …….. 380,000.000 600 J.toQ..A5O,OOO spread. The Lord gives me new Arabia……. 6,000,000 4 1 to 1,500,000 'Tbibet.. ….. 15,000.000 7 1 to 2,000,000 openings, and I must hasten to meet In Sahara district with 3,000,000; . theln." ~ Afghanistan, etc., with 3,500,000; An- -The women's societies in America nam, etc., with 12,000,000; Russia, are doing untold good by preparing 16,000,000; Algeria, etc., 12,000,000; and scattering broadcast missionary Soudan, 75,000,000, there is an ENTIRE literature in condensed and cheap DESTITUTION. forms. Some of us, in·this fast age, [Weare aware that the above must skim the great pan and serve figures are not exact, but they are the up the cream in little pitchers, rich best we have been able to'Obtain from and sweet. Our" little pitchers" are a variety of sources. We shall be multiplying. Brief, compact and in- grateful to anyone who will furnish teresting leaflets, containing the great us correct and reliable statistics.-ED- facts of missions, or short biographical lTOR.] sketches, or quaint stories of a half- -Senator Dawes, opposing an in- humorous sort to illustrate giving and crease to the appropriations to Roman praying, and helping in the work, are Catholic schools among the Indians, freely circulated. Those who can declared the 120 years of Jesuit mis- condense the facts into a small space sionary work among the Indians of and yet preserve all their vitalizing California had left them less capable force are benefactors indeed, and this of self-support than it had found the women of our day are doing with them. The accusation seems to be well grand success. -The Church of Scotland Mission -On the plains and in the selva.s of Record nobly says: Brazil there are a million of wild " But no one can pretend that our Indians, ignored by the Christian missionary collections are such as world.
ought to satisfy us. Let us remember – During the past ten years over how large is our number of communi- 11,000 converts have been gathered in cants-about 588,000. Our missionary the missionary fields of the Moravian contributions show but a very small Church.
sum as given per communicant. For -Sabbath observance is making the foreign mission, or mission to the great progress in Paris. A determined heathen abroad, there was contributed effort is made to close all places of last year by the church at home, business on Sunday.
through the assembly scheme, the -Ninety thousand copies of the ladies' association, legacies and special illustrated Bible, issued in weekly subscriptions, a total of £28,331-not , parts, have been sold among the quite one shilling from every com- Roman Catholics in Italy.
municant. And when we exclude the -The last five years have seen ladies' association, legacies and special greater developments in the opening subscriptions, it appears that the sum and Christianizing of Africa than the raised for tilis object by church col- ninety-five years preceding.
lections in Scotland was £13,172-giv- -The Gospel of Matthew has been ing an average of only 5 1-4d from translated into the Laos language by each communicant. We grant that Mrs. McGilvary of the Presbyterian many of our communicants are poor Board. The Acts of the Apostles is persons, but it will not be denied that also nearly ready.
the great majority are in circum- -The American Baptist Telugu stances to afford some help to any Mission calls for a re-inforcement of good cause which thoroughly interests twenty-five men in the next two sears.
them. If they give nothing, or very Dr. J. E. Clough, of Ongole, has under little, we must conclude either that his care more than 17,000 Christians.
they do not know that there is an -:Et!!',">Dr. Boggs, of Ramapatam, object deserving and needing their aid, says all India is in a state of ferment.
or that they feel no interest, or little The Hindus and Mohammedans interest, in it." actively oppose the advance of Chris- -Arch-deacon Farrar, of London, tianity, and at the same time mis- says: "It comes with shocking ill sionary work is pushed more vigor- grace, and sounds like shameful ously than ever.
hypocrisy, when those who give -The appropriations of the Ameri- nothing and do nothing for mis- can Baptist Missionary Union for the sions, make the 'home heathen' year ending March 31, 1891, are $503,- a false excuse for doing nothing. 159.53. The society calls for an im- They talk as if it were weakening the mediate special contribution of $50,000 resources of England and surely that to meet the deficiency caused by the is stupendous nonsense when we are passage of the silver bill.
not even spending as much on mis- -Four railroads are projected, or sions as on tobacco and Christmas in process of construction, from the cards." east coast of Africa toward the in- -Canon Christopher, one of the terior ; one in the territory of British notable men of Cambridge, England, East Africa Company, one in German proclaims his interest in missions territory, one in the Portuguese pos- by annually entertaining a great sesions, and one passing through Port- company of representative men to uguese territory to the domain of the breakfast. British South African Company.
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
V.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Foreign Mission Notes, by Rev. James Johnston, Bolton, England.
African Mlssions.-There are re- cessible. remarkably intelligent, and ported to be over 500 missionary considered by the missionaries to be stations in the Dark Continent, with more Christian, on the whole, than the which 400,000 converts are associated, ordinary run of Christians in England.
whose numberis increasing at a yearly By the Rev. W. E. Taylor, (C. M. S., average of 25,000 souls. Frere Town,) it was observed that the Slavery.-A meeting held at the present is the time to win the popula- Stanley and African Exhibition in tion to Christianity, otherwise they London was addressed by several re- would be made converts to Moham- turned missionaries, of different so- medanism. The Rev. R. P. Ashe cieties. Their reports were very en- (late missionary of the C. M. S. at couraging, especially as to the Congo Uganda) said that the friends of mis- region. Lord Knutsford urged more sions do not realize that the mission- exertion for the suppression of the aries in Central Africa have, with less horrible slave traffic. Although the assistance, d1fficulties to face, corresc British are less directly active in com- ponding to those which Mr. Stanley batting it they seem determined to narrated in "Darkest Africa." A col- banish the great curse of Africa. So lection was taken for the purchase far as Pro1!estant societies are con- of a steamer to be launched on the eerned they are free from the disgrace waters of Victoria Nyanza for the use of buying boys and girls to train them of the Church Missionary Society's as Christians, whereas, French Catho- agents. The total outlay will be £5,000, lie societies openly countenance this of which £2,300 has been secured. In unwisfj .pgliey. A representative of aid of this desirable object Mr. Stanley the -~Anti-Slavery Society entreated made an eloquent appeal in the eol- English people to eschew the use of umns of The London Times, to British ivory, every scrap of which, accord- Christians. ing to Mr. Stanley, issteep~la:lnblood. Bishop Smythies.-The brave lead- The venerable Archdeacon Maple, of er of the Universities' Mission, de- the Universities' Mission, described parting once more to his field, his work on Lake Nyassa. He paid a preached a farewell sermon to a eon- warm tribute to the African Lakes gregation of supporters in St. John's, Company for resistance to the intro- Red Lion Square, Holborn, from the duction of liquor and to similar evils. mlsslOnary passage in Col. il-:3, The work of Dr. Laws, of the Free "Withal, praying also for us, that Church and of the Scotch Established God would open unto us a door of Church, on the Shire Highlands, was utterance, to speak the mystery of equally eulogized. The Archdeacon Christ, for which I am also in bonds."
said, in face of the partitioning of He returns, accompanied by three Africa by European powers, their clergymen and two lady nurses, mak- duty as pioneers was to maintain their ing a complete mission staff of seventy ground unless superior force com- persons. During his sojourn in pelled them to retire. Dr. Guinness Europe the Bishop visited Berlin, and referred to the scope of the Congo was cordially welcomed by the young Mission, founded in 1878, by Mr. Emperor of Germany, who spoke with Henry Craven and others, which had marked sympathy and appreciation of at the present time three missions the Universities' Mission.
and seventy-five missionaries. No- Cardinal Lavigerie. – After dis- where in the world is mission work cussing in Rome further plans bearing more hopeful. The people were ac- on the anti-slavery question, the • Cardinal passed through Marseilles, on 1890, they had received only £13,000; his way to ~'.lgiers. From there, to meanwhile they had to borrow money Biskra, whence he will make various at a high rate of interest to meet their ,excursions in southern Algeria. . liabilities.
Holland and the S,ave Trade.- Japan. – To secure more help for The principal members of the Belgian the English Church mission in Japan government are impressing upon the an important meeting has been held Dutch cabinet the absolute necessity in the library of the Lambeth Palace, 'of giving its signatures to ,the general London. Bishop Barry said, not- act of the Brussels Conference; if not, withstanding the lateness of the Eng- a stigma will rest on the country in lish Church in the field, it would ulti- preventing the execution of effective mately take the leading place in measures for the suppression of the influence and responsibility among slave trade and its horrors. The ex- Christian communities there. A re- port trade'of the Congo State for the markable feature of the Japanese is second quarter of the year 1890 was their capacity to adapt themselves to double that of the corresponding what they had adopted. The church period of 1889, and five times larger mission had certainly no desire to than it was in 1887. These figures hinder the growth of native institushow the necessity of giving the Congo tions, or .to press upon the Japanese State the means to pursue its honor- any western customs which could not ,able and humane mission. be appreciated or assimilated.
Wesleyan Missionary Society- Madagascar. – Excitement reigns Tonga. – The good news is con- in the island consequent upon the fumed respecting the improved condi- terms of the Anglo-French agreement tion of affairs among the native Wes- becoming known. The various misleyans, chiefly due to the wise inter- sionary societies view with lIlisgivings vention of the High Commissioner, the ultimate action of the queen and Sir J. B. Thurston. The majority of her advisers. As to the immediate the exiled Wesleyans have returned prospects, religiously and politically, from Fiji. With the re-affirmation of the sta£ements of authorities are conreligious liberty, the hitherto sup- flicting. According to agents of the pressed feeling of fear and restraint is London Missionary Society recently beginning to disappear, and large arrived in England, no alarm is ennumbers are again attending the Wes- tertained in relation to Madagascar's 1eyan Church. agreeableness to the French Protecto- rate. An experienced missionary, the Secunderabad.-That ardent Wes- Rev. J. Sibree, believes that there isa leyan missionary, the Rev. William tendency to exaggerate the differ- Burgess, reports that he has baptized ences and apprehend risks only in 200 natives this year (1890), and ex- days to come. The English Governpects shortly to announce double that ment have been gradually compelled number. to subscribe to what the Malagasies must have foreseen many years since. Italy. – In, connection with the A younger missionary, the Rev. James vigorous campaign of English Wes- Taylor, declares the influence exerleyans in the Italian peninsula, the cised by the London Missionary Socidoubted secession of a whole Roman etyon the natives is unequaled by any {)atholic village in Italy to Method- kind of organization in the island, and ism is now ascertained to be beyond that from the Society it would be difdispute. ficult to wean the people.
English Wesleyan Missionary So- On the other hand these assurances ciety Finances. – With regret the are vigorously controverted by the secretaries state that out of a procSpective home income of £100,000 for latest mail communications from the car has remained quiet because she island. Great unrest prevails touch- believed that she was outgrowing the ing the Anglo-French agreement; the time for foreign aggression. She now Hovas pronouncing vehemently finds that she has been sleeping in fan- against a French Protectorate sway. cie<i'security, and to-day she is awake For two powers to deprive a country in a rage. The country is aroused. sUbstantially of her rights and privi- There is a dangerous spirit thrilling leges without consulting her is con- throughout the country. The late po- sidered cruelly unfair. In retaining litical calm has disappeared. To an her freedom to conduct her civil and individual the Hovas are patriotic, commercial intercourse, "Madagas- and, if France insists upon putting car," says the principal local journal, a wrong construction upon the Treaty "will fight to the last if France de- of 1885-6, the Malagasy will heroic- mands the control of the foreign of- ally repel her aggression. Watchful fice, or assumes a protectorate over sympathy is desired for the religious the Government of Her Majesty Ran- and national welfare of a people who avalomanjaka III." This language is are beginning to enter on a civilized unmistakably decisive. Until very career. By the missionaries in particu- recently the government in Madagas- lar, abounding grace and wisdom are car had no idea of the island's liberty needed to guide their converts in the being endangered. A claim of France right paths. some time ago to represent Madagas- London Missionary Society. – car in her foreign relations was re- The London Missionary Society will fused, consistent with articles 1-2 of send delegates to the International the 1885-6 Franco-Malagasy Treaty. Council of Congregationalists, to be It was consequently surmised that held in London in 1891. This step is as France did not urge it ,that she regarded as a sign that the society is inte~ the clauses to refer to moving from a broad evangelical basis the pledge of Madagascar not to to one of a more denominational enter into compact defensively or character. offensively elsewhere unless–tt";"'con- Church Missionary Society.- sent of France was previously ob- The benefactions to the Church Mistained. The Malagasy Government sionary Society for the current year is content to allow France to intervene are about twice as much as those of on her behalf in exterior political mat- the average of the last five years, and ters, quite otherwise respecting inter- the ordinary income steadily increases. nal affairs. Madagascar cherishes her Six London societies send out unindependence and sets great store on ordained missionaries, not demanding everything which develops her re- college education. Thus not only sources, and naturally wishes to retain are wider doors opening before the ' a free hand for her administration and, church in foreign lands, but the gate an openseaboard to transacttrade with ,of entrance for workers is becoming other lands. The organ of the Eng- much broader. lish, The Madagascar Times, asserts Two more young ladies went out that the agreement is a monstrous last month to the Zenana work in contravention of past treaties, and Rajahmundry, India, sent out by the warns France of the dangers which Lutheran Mission Committee. The await her should she persist in taking two workers, Miss Sadtler of Baltinominal possession. "Europe," this more and Miss Schade of New Brighpaper states, "is mistaken in her be- ton, Pa., were given a farewell meetlief that Madagascar has been unde- ing in St. John's Lutheran Church, monstrative because the French con- Philadelphia. A chest of medicines trol affairs. This is not so. Madagas- was presented to the missionaries. Monthly Bulletin. -Miss Anna E. Johnson has left Bryn Mawr, Pa., for the McAll work -Mr. David Sinclair, M.A., princi- in Paris. pal of the Missionary College at Mad- ras, and who, after twenty years of -Two Bengalese ladies, after a five service, retired at the beginning of the years' course, received at Calcutta last year, is dead. University the degree of Bachelor of Medicine. They are both disciples of -Professor Riggenbach, of Basel, Christ. for twelve years president of the great Basel Missionary Society, died also -The British and Foreign Bible So- September 5. He had a fascinating ciety issued last year 3,790,000 copies history. of the Bible, either wholly or in part; -Some 200 Hebrew students in the and the London ReligiouB Tract So- University of Odessa petitioned the ciety 77,000,000 publications, every Russian government to be allowed to one of which, in some form, ango forward with their studies as nounces the glad tidings of salvation Hebrews, and met a refusal. It re- in Christ.
sulted in their conversion to Ohris- -The French Protestant Mission tianity! among the Basutos has over 6,000com- -Bishop Hannington was cruelly municants.
murdered by Mwanga, of Uganda, -Rev. R. Glover, D.D., of Bristol, whose Christian subjects have now re- and Rev. T. M. Morris of Ipswich, instated him on his throne. Two years two of the foremost men of the Bapago Bishop Parker, who followed tist deilOmination in England, are in him, perished on the shores of Victoria China as a deputation from the mis- Nyanza. And now, a third bishop, sionary society to visit the stations Mr. Tucker, has started for equatorial Africa. Thus far these bishops have and report on needs and claims of the ~-…. work.
held office less than two years each; -Arthur Brooks, whom the natives but lor the work in which they per- killeq a year ago in Africa, was the ished .more than twenty have been elev~lM:llartyr the London Mission- found ready to take the place of each ary Society has given to the East one who has died. African Mission. Since then Mr.
-It is proposed to build a sort of Slade's death left but three men to "People's Temple" in London, with carry on this work.
sufficient space for 100,000 persons, so -Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson has been that when great public interests are at establishing three new missions-Con- stake room may be found for popular gregational, Episcopal and Presby- meetings and discussions. terian respectively, in Alaska. This -A "Hindoo tract society" in is a practical illustration of inter- Madras is trying to neutralize the denominational comity.
missionaries' work by leaflets in de- -In three colleges of North Caro- fence of Hinduism, as they have lina 15 students have volunteered for already imitated Christian "cate- mISSIons. At Oberlin 32, and $400 chisms " for teaching and indoctrina- have been raised for their outfit.
ting the young. -On Lake Nyassa the Scottish Free -A chair for study of the English Church has, at Bandawe, 1,180 pupils Bible was last year established at and 38 native teachers in its schools.
Princeton College. At Yale over 150 -Moravians distance us all in mis- students of the higher classes elect a sionary heroism. One of their Alaska course of Bible studies, with two lec- missions is 3,000 miles from its base tures a week. of supplies, and sometimes the cold is so intense that even the smoke is a pronouncedly good influence upan turned to frost in chimneys. him and his people. He has abolished drinking in his land, and is always -Mr. Penazottj, the agent of the intent on some reform. His word is American Bible Society, in Peru, is always trusted, not only by the mis- in prison solely for the crime of circu- sionaries, but also by traders and lating the Word of God in the Spanish hunters, wl'lO are mistrustful of every- tongue. His instructing of the people thing accomplished by missions. He has been construed as violating a is sincere, courageous and manly, and semi-obsolete decree of the Peruvian if all Caffre chieftains were like him, {lonstitution. We watch the result of Caffreland would have a very different this trial of Protestantiam in South look from its present one. America with interest. -Basel Missionary Society recently -Rev. John Newton, seventy-eight observed its seventy-fifth anniversary. years old, and oldest of missionaries It has missions in India, China, and in India, landed in Calcutta in 1835, on the African Gold Coast and the and is still a hale and happy worker. Camaroons, and not until recently He is a Presbyterian, and believes in have unmarried lady missionaries goue the" Perseverance of the Saints!" to the frontier to engage in educa- tional and other work among their -According to Dr. Pentecost, dark and darkened sisters. Bishop Taylor is the only evangelist who has left behind him in India a Alaska.-Important are the openpermanent work. We may be per- ings for the spread of the Gospel in mitted to say that our friend Pente- this largest possession of the United cost sometimes allows himself to make States. Its area is 531,409 square statements which are too sweeping, if miles: Arctic division, 125,245; Younot careless. Bishop Taylor not only kon, 70,884; Southeastern, 28,980. Its worked as an evangelist, but he extreme length north and south is founded churches, and large churches, 1,100 miles; its extreme breadth is too, which few evangelists do. Hence, 800 miles. Total population about his eminently scriptural and apostolic 30,426; white, 430; Creole, 1,756; Inwork abides, which cannot be said of nuit, 17,617; Aleut, 2,145; Tenneh, some who only do the work of an 3,927; Thlinket, 6,763; Hyda,788. It evangelist. . occupies the extreme northwest of the continent. This important coun- -Think of America sending a few try was purchased from Russia by the missionaries to Africa and finding it United States government in 1867, difficult to raise enough money to and is now under its control. support them, while Boston alone, from 1882 to 1887, sent to the Dark Turkey.-Great Revival in Aintab. Continent 3,500,000 gallons of strong In the annual report of the American drink! Rev. David A. Day, at Monro- Board the siguificant event in Asiatic via, saw landed at one port on one Turkey was the revival, whereby 538 Sunday 50,000 casks of gin! were added to the church in Aintab, and by its influence no less than 1,000 Africa.-Mr. J. Nixon declares of hopeful conversions occurred within Magata, a chief near Pretoria, where the limits of that one field. The three the Hermannsburg missionaries are centers of collegiate and theological working, that not even in England training were specially blessed. Only has he met with a more perfect gen- a small number of college graduates, tleman. Chief Kchama, he declares, however, enter the theological school, is also a chief whose word can be de- and there is an increasing tendency to pended upon, a noble example of suc- come to America to complete their cessful missionary work. His Chris- studies and to better their fortunes. tianity is nothing nominal, but exerts Cost of War.-According to rep- Canon Liddon on Missions.- resentations given recently in the Across the triumphs and the failures German Reichstag, France has'a war of well-nigh nineteen centuries, the footing of 3,300,000 men; Russia, spiritual ear still catches the accents 2,570,000; Germany, 2,900,000; Austro- of the charge on the mountain in Gali- Hungary, 1,150,000; Italy, 1,090,000; 100; and, as we listen, we note that or these five powers can summon into neither length of time nor change of the field, should the necessity require circumstance has impaired their it, 11,019,000. Who can foretell the solemn and enduring force. It is a awful consequences should any power precept which, if it ever had binding be so rash as to let loose the war virtue, must have it at this moment dragon? And to prevent such a catas- over all who believe in the Divine trophy, it is deemed necessary to keep Speaker's power to impose it-it must up a peace footing for Russia of 314,- bind us as distinctly as it was binding 000; France, 511,334; Germany, 486,- on the first disciples. Weare ambas- 983; Austro-Hungary, 325,693; Italy, sadors of a charity which knows no 255,418; or in all, 2,393,423. distinctions between the claimants on Worth Noting.-The secular press. its bounty, and no frontier save those announces that Abbe Mesmer has of the races of man. A good Chrisstarted from Rome to assume his posi- tian can not be other than eager for tion at the head of the Roman Catho- the extension of our Lord's Kingdom lic University in Washington. In among men, not only from his sense of this case at least, we regret that the what is due to the Lord who bought law which prohibits the importation him, but also from his natural sense of of contract labor will not be enforced. justice, his persuasion that he has no We trust, however, that the American right to withhold from others those public will not lose sight of the fact privileges and prospects which are the that this new university is to be placed joy of his own inmost life. When he under the direction of tt foreigner, and finds comfort in the power of prayer, of one who comes witk the blessing of when he looks forward in humble a Pope who, from his hatred of free confidence to death, when he enjoys institutions, continu~s to keep up the the blessed gift of inward' peacefarce of his being a prisoner in the peace between the soul and its God, Vatican, and is arrayed in open an- peace between the soul's various powtagonism to the civil law of Italy. If ers and faculties-he cannot but ask the man is like the· master, we may the question: "Do I not owe it to the reasonably expect that the consistent millions who have no part in these policy which has been so long main- priceless blessings that I should do tained in Italy will not be forgotten what I can myself, or through others in America. to extend to them a share in this smile of the Universal Father which is the Mr. W. F. Wilkinson.-Another joy and consolation of my life? Can worker fallen on the Congo. The I possibly neglect the command to Baptist Missionary Society have re- make disciples of all nations?"-Spirit ceived this.sad intelligence of one who of Missions.
less than ·six months ago was set Rev. Dr. A. P. Happer, President apart at the Society's Birmingham of the Christian College, Canton, meetings for the noblest of callings. China, .is ordered by his physician to Of heroic ardor, the death of so give up work and return home. He young a man cannot be other than a has disease of the heart. As soon as source of grief to all wilo follow with the trustees appoint his successor he interested eye the course of the con- will hand over the College, which he flict. is now arranging to do.
The Missionary Review of the World — July 1890
DR. PIERSON'S LETTERS FROM ABROAD
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
m. VOL. XIII. No.7.-01d Series.—JULY.-voL. No.7.-New Series.
I.-LITERATURE OF MISSIONS.
DR. PIERSON'S LETTERS FROM ABROAD. No. V.-THE McALL MISSION. Paris, April 8, 1890.
The more I see of the so-called" McAll Missions," the more I am prompt~d to exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" In 1871, he and his wife came to Paris, to view the scenes made desolate by the Franco-Prussian war. That war had prostrated obstacles to the spread of the gospel among the French working people, and he found opportunity for disseminating among them tracts on the vital themes of the gospel. While standing on a corner in Belleville, opposite a wine-shop, distributing these tracts to passers by, a man stepped out from the throng, and, in good English, said: " Sir, I perceive you are a clergyman; if anyone like you is ready to come over here and teach us a gospel, not of superstition, priestcraft and bondage, but of simplicity, liberty and charity, there are many of us ready to hear; but we have done with the priests."
This is the substance of that appeal, from an unknown man, a man not even yet known to anyone connected with the Mission. That was the voice of another" man of Macedonia," saying, "Come over and help us," and Robert ~w. McAll heard in his voice the summons of God. Like Paul, he and his wife could say, "Immediately we gathered that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel" in France. And on the 17th of January, 1872, they opened the first salle in Belleville, little dreaming whereunto all this would grow. With no little timidity that first room was rented, and about five dozen plain chairs, a table, a Bible, and a parlor organ constituted all its furniture. The first night twenty-eight persons constituted the entire audience. Mr. McAll was no French speaker. He could say in the langu3,ge of those people, "God loves you," and" I love you," and that was his beginning. But those poor working people-the commune of Belleville-instinctively discovered that a man and a woman were come to seek their welfare. They were taken captive, as by surprise. There was about this Mission nothing priestly or churchly; no imposing ceremonial or ritual; no robes or vestments; no choir or procession; no altars or tapers; no crucifix or mass in a de:td l:tnguage. Everything was as simple as simplicity itself. A few verses of a hymn, a short reading of Scripture, a -prayer, a brief address, a warm hand of welcome-that gospel of the grasp-an atmosphere of cordiality and homelikeness, and withal, not a centime asked in return. Here was a new sort of religion, and of church and of worship. It was so different from anything the working men of France had seen before that they called it a " new religion,"
and a new word had to be framed to meet the case; it was "Mc- Allizing the people! "
Every regiment in Britain has two sets of colors: the regimental flag, and the Queen's colors; the former different in each regiment, and bearing the names of all the battlefields where the regiment has been engaged; but the Queen's colors are the same in all the regiments. Here no denominational banner was to be seen; only the banner of the cross, the King's own colors. Nothing indicated whether Mr. McAll was a Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregationalist, or Episcopalian. His peculiar" ism" could not be dis- (lovered, unless it was what the Frenchman calls Ohristianisme, as Rev. Howard Gill well says.
The work, thus carried on without ecclesiastical furniture and garniture, and on purely evangelical lines, without any trace of denominationalism, was also conducted on the most economical basis. Mr. McAll devoted his own means to the support of himself and the work, asking no compensation for his services, and freely giving all he possessed to enlarge and expand the Mission as new doors opened. But the work outgrew his slender resources; the room in which he began became at once too small, and a larger one was secured; then it outgrew the largest available place, and it became evident that God was calling for another salle to be opened; and this meant more cost, more work, and more laborers. Then came the appeal for helpers, and they rallied to the support of the Mission; and so salZe after salle was opened, and band after band of helpers was organized, until last year there were some 130, not only in the metropolis, but in all parts of France, and even extending into Algiers and Corsica. Behold how this humble work has grown in somewhat over eighteen years! That first night sittings perhaps for sixty; last year in the various salles an aggregate of 19,000; then two workers, Dr. McAll and his wife; now sixty persons give up their whole time to the Missions, and from 600 to 700 (lo-operate, lending such aid as occasion demands and their other work permits. That first night there were twenty-eight present; last year the aggregate attendance was nearly 1,200,000.
We have referred to economy of expenditure as a marked characteristic of the Mission. The entire income last year fell short of 19,000 pounds sterling (about $95,000), i. e., about one pound sterling for every sitting in these mission halls. On the average every five dollm's contributed insured one seat for a working man or woman, for 365 days, with all the evangelical influences of preaching, teach- ing, prayer, and other services throughout the year. If anything outside the Moravian Missions can show results of expenditure in excess of this, we know not where to look.
This is my fourth visit to Paris, and the last three times I have sddressed meetings from once to thrice a day. The halls have been crowded with audiences as decorous and attentive, and even enthusi- astic as I have ever addressed anywhere. There is an eagerness, an expectancy, a patience, an absorbed attentiveness, which indicate a rare preparation of mind and heart for gospel truth. In fact, in these McAll Missions the ordinary conditions seem to be largely reversed. Commonly the difficulty is, having a place of assembly, to get it filled; here the difficulty is rather to find places of assembly enough to hold the people. Superstition, corrupt religion, priest- craft, have done their work here; the people have swung away from Imperialism to republicanism, and from clericalism toward indifferent- ism. They have largely, as a prominent French woman phrases it, "lost their faith," and, though nominally adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, the bulk of the French working classes are" free thinkers," by which they mean that they have swept away the barriers and bonds of their foriner creed, and now are free to think for them- selves.
It is a golden day of opportunity for the Protestant Church in France, to give the pure and simpl~ gospel to the common people. With much sorrow we have learned of the closing of thirteen salles of the McAll Missions for lack of funds. This implies positive disaster, for each hall is a rallying and radiating point for the Christian. workers to meet and to disperse for wider activity. Round these salles gather all the beneficent influences of worship, preaching and teaching, Bible classes, converts' meetings, mothers' meetings, children's schools, etc. '1'0 close a salle is to dismiss workers, shut out the eager crowds, and, in a word, abandon a station which has been like a new fortress on the border of the enemy's country. Every -opening door demands expansion, and retrenchment is a double evil, for it means not only non-expansion, but actual contraction. Had Dr. McAll to-day $500,000 and 500 new laborers, he could use every dollar and employ every worker inside of six months! The Government looks with favor upon the work, as the Prefect of Police said, ~'Every new McAll station means a reduction ofpolice force."
While we write all this with profound conviction that no work of which we know, especially in Papal lands, deserves more hearty snd enthusiastic support, we feel constrained to add a few words, • not of cold criticism, but rather of sympathetic suggestion and fraternal caution. After speaking repeatedly in these crowded salles, we are strongly impressed with the neglect of proper sanitary precautions. The effort has been to conduct these lVIissions with the utmost possible saving of money; hence locations have in some cases been chosen, because cheap, which were both unsavory and unwholesome. A courtyard may be found which can be rented at a low rate, and where an iron room, ~ith glass ro.of, may be constructed at a very small cost. But what if in that courtyard there be one or more cesspools, as there are apt to be in such places ! We have spoken in audience-rooms where there was no facility or possibility of ventilation, and where the atmospere became sickening, if not stifling, before the time of dismission. Into these places Dr. lVIcAllleads the way, and is followed by his devoted band of workers, and in such an atmosphere they, night after night, attempt to carryon the vital process of respiration! One or two salles lately opened are conspicuous for the provision made for fresh air, and the increased safety and COmfo.l·t of all who assemble in them; but the major part of these assembly halls are shockingly devoid of any metho.d for either the escape of foul air or the ingress of pure air, and are strong reminders of the" Black Hole of Calcutta."
We feel constrained, in the interests of truth and candor, to say also that we feel sensible of a certain atmosphere of hurry and 'Worry about thif! mission work, which we believe ill comports with such a work of faith and prayer. Dr. lVIcAll drives himself and all his co.- wo.rkers at a toO. rapid pace. I arrived in Paris, April 1, at evening, and left for Rome, April 8, at morning. Between these dates I found myself "boo.ked" for fourteen services, at widely-separated points, and these fourteen services compressed into six days! And this is only a fair sample of how Dr. lVIcAll works himself and all his colaborers. From week's beginning to end it is one perpetual" drive," without even a day of rest. No wonder if workers have headache, shattered nerves, and shortened lives, and either must go away and rest, or run the risk of taking that long rest that has no waking hour until the resurrection!
We write sympathetically, for we fully understand how it is the very zeal and, consecration of this great organizer and the devotion of his fellow workers makes such disregard of God's eternal principles of health possible. And yet we insist that all this is a disregard of laws as fixed and irrevocable as the Decalogue. "Thou shalt not kill" is a command of many applications. If this is the Lord's work, worry and hurry are out of place in it; if it be not the Lord's work, disciples are out of place in it altogether. That is our short logic in this case.
While feeling constrained by candor to make these suggestions, we are by no means unaware that the sole impulse in this self-saCl'ifice is zeal for the Lord. In the face of this deep need and wide door, Dr. McAll and his fellow helpers feel urged on, by an inward passion for souls, to do their very utmost to overtake the spiritual destitution of these millions. They try to make up in a measure for lack of funds and of friends, lack of money and of men, by doubling their own activity. They shorten their hours of sleep and rest, and lengthen their hours of labor and wakefulness. But it is a serious question whether" in the long run" this pays. Life and health are valuable treasures, more easily lost than regained. Experience and capacity are still more valuable as qualifications for successful labor, and well-trained workmen must not be sa.crificed by indirect suicide. Dr. McAll himself is singularly fitted for this sphere. He is at once preacher and teacher, organizer and administrator, architect and draughtsman, a man of business and a man of piety. He has rare combination of traits; guileless like Nathaniel, shrewd like James, earnest like Paul, loving like John. He has been here over eighteen years, and has learned many lessons which he can impart to no successor. He has the "inside track" in this evangelistic race, and every way the advantage in seeking to reach this mercurial people. For such a man to be prematurely disabled, or removed from his work, would be an irreparable calamity. He may not account his life dear to himself, but he ought to account it dear to his Master and His work. We can see the marks of age upon him, which his years do not justify, and since we were here, less than two years ago, the lines have seriously deepened upon his face, and his work has left furrows of care that two years should not have ploughed.
We write it tenderly, but earnestly. Dr. McAll and his workers should consult health and rest. They do not honor God's moral and spiritual laws, while they neglect the physical, which emanate from the same source. And to insure this needed relaxation, recreation, abatement of excessive toil; to eliminate this hurry and worry, the Church of God must come up to the help of this devoted man and his helpers, and provide more money, and more men and women to enter this great and effectual door of service. It is a shame, a reproach, that no words can adequately express, that salles should be closed in face of such blessing on present work and such demands for new laborers.
We venture one more suggestion, applicable not to this Mission work alone, but to many other spheres of service. There should be more concentration and less diffusion. There is a mania in the public mind for mere numbers j and there is a natural, but perilous, temptation to pander to this abnormal passion. Unless the number of salles opened increases every year, as the offerings increase, a hasty judgment concludes that the money is either not needed, or not well spent. And so Dr. McAn is anxious that every pound or dollar con-
THE SCIENCE OF MISSIONS
tributed shall show results that appeal to the eye, and are appreciable numerically. We consider this a serious mistake, to cater to this insane popular demand for a mathematical standard of success. Our calm opinion is that if instead of adding another salle for a year to come, increased energy and efficiency might be imparted to those already open; if, instead of scattering more workers over a wider field, more workers could come to reinforce the overtaxed and exhausted ranks of those now in service, relieving those now employed of the needless wear and tear of excessive toil-no better use of money or of men could be made. The Christian Church should not identify itself with the world in this senseless clamor for a numerical showing of results. Lengthened cords imply weakness, without strengthened stakes. There may be extensity at cost of intensity. We want not simply an organization whose network covers immense territory, for we may attenuate such network until it is as frail as a spider's web; but we must have strong organization, strong enough to sustain its own weight and connect all its remotest parts by vital and helpful bonds.
For Dr. McAll and his work we have nothing to say but words of cheer and praise. If there be any fault, it leans to virtue's side. For constancy and energy of toil, for self-sacrifice I and devotion to souls, for economy ~nd sagacity of administration, this work is unsurpassed. But we should be more than glad to see the Church so generously sustain the work, that it may not unduly tax and prematurely disable these willing workers; and we yearn to see high spiritual standards of measurement used in estimating results. The door seems open to evangelize all France. Only money and men are needed. The people are more ready to hear than the Church is to help. How can the open eye be given to see the open door?
THE SCIENCE OF lHSSIONS.
BY PROFESSOR HOlIER B. HULBERT, SEOUL, KOREA.
It is probably impossible to expect that foreign missionaries will go into the field with greater zeal or devotion than were displayed by the pioneers of missionary work three quarters of a century ago. But in view of the mass of experience that has been subsequentlyacquired-the long list of successes and failures, the costly experiments that have been tried, the millions of pages that have been printed on the SUbject-in view of these things, I say, we have a right to expect that the missionary of to-day shall take the field with betterpreparation and better methods than then.
The development of the science OL war is marked by two things: the steady and rapid decrease in the mortality of soldiers, and the tremendous increase in the destructiye power of military engines. This 11y no means implies that the soldiers of to-day are braYer than those who fought the historic battles with sword and axe. But it does mean that those who have battleR to fight are quick to make use of every opportunity by which the maximum of execution can be accom- plished with the minimum expenditure of treasure and of hum:t,} blood. So in the mission field-the worker may not be braver than Judson or Carey, but he ought to be able to do more execution in a given time and with a given amount of expenditure. A thousand years ago a young man who could swing the broadsword and hack was a good soldier. He received no special training, he was not taught the science of war; but to-day the soldier is a specialist. He passes years in studying the special methods of attack and retreat, flank-movement and center-movement. Just so and not otherwise should it be in the missionary movement. The missionary ought t'o be a specialist. His training ought to be of a special nature. He ought to know something more than a college and seminary course can give him. Let us ask then what are some of the points to be observed in the preparation of men for the mission field?
First, The men to be sent as missionaries should be selected. You say, of course they should be selected. But too frequently they are not. I mean by that, that beyond a man's education and credentials of good and regular church standing, the Boards rarely look. If a yonng man wishes to enter West Point or Annapolis, he first undergoes a rigid examination. If there is a weak spot in him anywhere it is found, and his application is rejected. Our government recognizes the folly of educating and training for the army or navy a man who has some physical deformity which could hinder his usefulness. On the same principle and for identically the same reasons, candidates for the mission field should be carefully selected. In the selection, what qualities should be looked for? We pass over, as being taken for granted, a thorough consecration and a firm purpose to put the pure gospel of Christ before the heathen. After this the first quality should be that of phy~ical health. It often happens that men who have wasted their strength by confining themselves to their studies, who have permanently damaged their constitutions by lack of exercise, are sent into the mission field. Thel change is too much for them, and in a year or two they have to be put on the retired list before they have even learned the language of the people to whom they were sent. Or, if the case is not so severe as this, they live o'll in the mission work accomplishing only a fraction of the work an ablebodied man could do.
The second thing that is absolutely essential to successful missionary work is the habit of study, by which is meant the power to sit down and apply oneself uninterruptedly to one thing for several hours with- out letting the mind stray off into other lines of thought. It implies the power to concentrate the mind on one thing, and work hard while working. The reason for this is plain. The missionary's time is almost sure to be broken in upon at all hours and in a thousand ways, and so it is necessary that he should be able to sit down even for half an hour, and so concentrate his mind on his work that he can accomplish something even in that short time. However mixed his work may be, he must not let his thoughts get mixed.
And now, in regard to preparation for the mission field after deciding to become a missionary: First, do not put off deciding whatfield to go to until near the time of going. It is very common for young men or women to say, "vVhen I have finished my education and am ready to go, then I will decide where to go." Such a plan can only result in injuring future usefulness, and for the following reasons: Between the time when a man decides to go into the foreign field and the time when he starts, he ought, together with his other studies; to make a special study of the geography and history of and the general literature about the country to which he is going. From the moment he contemplates mission work he ought to consider himself as bound to become a specialist in regard to the country to which he is going. It is extremely probable that it would be much more difficult to get hold of the books about a heathen country in that country itself than in the home land. For instance, if I wanted a copy of the only grammar which has been published of the language of this people, Korea, I should have to send to Japan for one, or else borrow one and discommode my neighbor; but in New York I should drop into the Astor Library and ask for the Korean grammar in French, written by the fathers sent out by the Societ~ des Missions Etrangcres of Paris. Read ·all that can be read of the country before going there. Secondly, by deciding upon the field and having it always in view, and making it a special object of prayer, the young man has his enthusiasm aroused, and his sympathies engaged, and he enters upon the work when the time comes with double the power that he otherwise could have.
Mission life among the comparatively civilized and cultured Hindus is vastly different from mission life among the nomadic hordes of the Tartar plains, and a man ought to know which he is going to a long time before he goes. In deciding what field to enter, a man must be led largely by what he deems the needs of the various missionary lands. But one thing ought to be borne in mind-one's linguistic power, or the power of acquiring language has a very great deal to do with success in the mission field. Some men acquire languages readily, others with great difficulty. I have heard it said by a prominent and successful missionary in China that not half the missionaries in that great land are able, or will probably ever be able, to speak the colloquial language readily and correctly, not to say fluently. Of course, no one can vouch for such a statement, but it shl)ws a weak spot in the general subject of preparation for mission work as handled to-day. If a man is slow to acquire language, let him go to some Home Mission field, or to some country where they use a language cognate with our own, or 'some offshoot of the Latin. There is splendid work to be done in ,Spain and Italy and among the Spanish speaking peoples of Southern ,and Central America. But let no one think that simply because he has not studied foreign languages, he has no linguistic power; it does not necessarily follow. Don't give up the darker continents unless you are pretty sure that your linguistic power is beneath the average.
There is one thing more. Before leaving home for a mission field make one determination, and pray over it and place it deep in your heart, so that it cannot be changed; and that is, that whatever shall .happen, however yon shall be tempted to do otherwise, you will never allow yourself to be drawn into misunderstandings with other men on the field; that you will always be conciliatory; that you will go more than half way to meet anyone who differs with you in regard to ways and means and methods, unless some great principle is at stake. 'That you will always put the very best construction on the acts and -words of your co-laborers that you possibly can. But what are the reasons for the necessity of great carefulness in this particular? In the :first place, a young man starts for his :field with his heart brim full of enthusiasm, and with a good many plans laid as to his meth- ~ds of work; and it is often very difficult to give up those plans, although they may conflict with plans that are already being carried ·out in the same :field. It tends to dampen his enthusiasm when he nnds that the older and wiser heads tell him that his plans, although ·theoretically excellent, will not work when put in actual operation. 'I.'bis is likely to be one cause of difference of opinion. It must be remembered in the second place, that the relations of missionaries in ,the same :field are very different from those of any set of men at home. A dozen men or more, thoroughly in earnest, with ideas of their own, each feeling the weigbt of responsibility resting on his shoulders, and each having an equal voice in the management of the work and of the funds which are appropriated-in these circumstances, I say it would not be strange if each man should feel the importance of his own special work, and fail to appreciate that every other man's work is as important as his own. This, also, is a cause of difficulty at times.
There is one other thing which ought not to need mentioning, and yet which the history of missions warrants the mention of, and any .young man who contemplates foreign mission work needs to bear it ,in mind. The young man or wotnan entering the foreign :field must i!l]otgO expecting to make a mark in the world. He or she must be mrilling to be forgotten so far as the public at large is concerned. Of
THE LAW OF THE
course, in mission work as in everything else, those who are exceptionally bright or successful will make a name, but it comes unsought. We should blame a young seminary graduate if he entered upon ministerial and pastoral work with the strong and controlling idea of pushing his way as rapidly as possible to the pulpit of the largest or wealthiest or most influential church in the country. If such an idea is blamable at home, how much more so is it in the mission field,. where men are bound together so firmly that such ideas are sure to be soon discovered, and are almost sure to become a rock of offense.
These few cautions, while implying some of the unpleasant and undesirable features of missionary life, and so taking away, perhaps, a little of that romantic feeling which is sure to arise in the mind of the· young man or woman who is }ust starting for his or her foreign field, are yet necessary as enabling one to forearm against foreseen dangers. May the men and women whom God sends into the harvest be wise' as serpents and harmless as doves / THE LAW OF THE ADVANCE.
BY REV. THOMAS LAURIE, D.D., PROVIDENCE, R. I.
No Christian will deny that every command of Christ is to be' obeyed, because he is our Lord, so that debate concerning the command to preach the' gospel to every creature is limited to the manner of our obedience. The only question is, How shall the work be done?
Some say that when the Master bade us begin at Jerusalem, He meant that we were to go over the countries of the world in order,. finishing it in one land before we proceed to another; but that cannot be true, for preaching the gospel, like woman's work, is never done. So that if other lands must wait till the work is done in one, their' chance for hearing the gospel will be very small. It may be replied,. however, that it ie not necessary to wait so long, but the work is to e., be done as one ploughs a field,' i. we are to begin at the point.
designated, and regularly advance from there, leaving no places uuploughed, but throwing the soil from each furrow into the hollow of the preceding one, and that along its whole line without a balk.
This sounds very well. It is a beautiful picture to look on and see the work advance so regularly and so smoothly; but beautiful ideals are not often realized in practice. The actual carrying out of the idea differs very widely from the imaginary original. God has a perfect knowledge of the difference between the ideal and the actual,. and would it not be well, if instead of reasoning a priori what it ought to be, we simply ask how has the Lord of the harvest actually calTied on the work up to the present time? Holy Scripture is not a. collection of theories, but a history of actuRI transactions that have been brought to pass by the Providence of God working through men. in accordance with their nature. Does then inspired history give us a law of advance fitly repre- sented by the ploughman patiently plodding on in his furrow, one step after another, or has there been some law of selection manifest in the matter? Even from the first, when God laid a foundation in one family for a church against which the gates of hell should not prevail, He did not confine himself to the spiritual education of that one family. Why was Abraham chosen, that in him all the families of the earth should be blessed? (Gen. xii: 3.) God tells us why, when he says, on another occasio~ (Gen. xviii: 19):." I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, to the end that the Lord may bring upon Abra- ham that which He hath spoken of him." Here is not merely the training of Isaac, the heir of the covenant, but of Ishmael also, and the children of Keturah. Yea, the record speaks not of children only, but also of "a household" in addition, and few readers of the Bible notice how large that household was. On one occasion we are told that he armed three hundred and eighteen trained servants, born in his own house (Gen. xiv: 14). "This," according to one of . the latest commentators on Genesis (Murphy, p. 286), "implies a following of more than a thousand men, women and children." Then that large household was gathered from among the heathen, and trained to keep the way of the Lord, as well as to fight against oppression. In fact, it was the first missionary training- school recorded in history, and such continued to be the character of the households of his children after him, both as to numbers and training. Thus, when Israel went out of Egypt, we are told that "a mixed multitude went up also with them." (Ex. xii: 38.) We know not how large that mixed multitude was, but we know that it also was from among the heathen, and, in being joined with Israel, entered a training-school for spiritual profit to themselves and others. We pass over individuals, such as Jethro and Rahab, Ruth and Jonathan, son of Rechab, to emphasize the fact, that while the evil example of heathen outside of Israel corrupted the less spiritual of the chosen people, the good example of such elect souls as J ochebed and Naomi, Moses and Joshua, together with mul- titudes of unrecorded names, told with immense power on the con- sciences of the more thoughtful among the heathen. And if these things are true of the time of preparation, what may we not expect to find in the period for which it was the preparation? For all this was only laying a foundation for the command to preach the gospel to every creature. Even in his prayer offered at the dedication of the Temple, Solomon did not forget to make mention of" the stranger that is not of thy people Israel, when he shall come from a far coun- try for thy great name's sake, and pray toward this house" (II. ehron. vi: 32, 33), and his father before him prayed (Ps. lxvii: 1, 2), ~'God be merciful unto us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations," and that was the true spirit of the old dispensation, though the fullness of the time had not yet come for its complete development.
Let us now proceed to look at the Law of Advance under the gospel, as shown, first, in the conduct of Christ himself, and second, in that of His disciples under the leading of. the Holy Spirit.
Our Lord says of HimsiM, that He was" not sent but to the lost sheep of the House of Israel." (Math. xv: 24.) He, too, began his work at Jerusalem when he was only twelve years of age, but he was the author of such faith in a Roman centurion as the infallible judge Qf faith pronounced unparalleled in Israel. He attracted some Greeks to Himself, not merely by outward rumors, but also by the inward drawing of His grace. He walked far under a hot Syrian sun to work the work of faith in a woman of Samaria, and even went entirely Qutside of Jewish territory to meet the woman of Syrophrenicia, in whose heart He had been workiHg even before she met Him. One morning Peter broke in on the private devotions of his Master with his" All men seek for Thee," but the calm reply was, "Let us go to the other towns and villages also, for therefore came I forth;" and in the same spirit he said: "Other sheep have I, which are not of this fold; them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice." Still all this was only preparatory work, for as the Spirit was not given till Jesus was glorified, so His great command to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, in which He expressed the yearning of His soul for a lost race, was not given till just before He re-ascended the throne of His glory, and, in determining the law of the advance of the kingdom, it is all important to know how the disciples were led of the Spit'it in their obedience to this command.
If the law of advance under the gospel dispensation had been patterned after the movement of a plough over a field, then, after Jerusalem, Bethany should have formed the next centre of Christian work, for it had peculiar claims as the home of the family whom Jesus loved, and where He spent so many happy hours. There also He raised Lazarus from the dead, and it was the place whence His ascending form was last seen by His disciples.
Then, by the same law, next after Bethany should have come Bethlehem, the home of Ruth and David, and the birthplace of the son of David. Instead of these places, the next centre is at Antioch, further from Jerusalem than Dan is from Beersheba, and almost halfway to the shore of the Black Sea. Having gone so far to find its first resting-place, does it there begin to take places in their regular order? Not at all. It next vaults across the lofty summits of the Taurus range to distant Antioch of Pisidia, more than halfway to the Grecian Archipelago-that, too, though Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, stood in a direct line between the two Antiochs, and the apostle must have yearned to preach the gospel to the associates of his childhood and his nearest kindred. After leaving this latest missionary centre it would seem as though Paul was very anxious to make the regions near by partakers first in the grace of the gospel, but in two consecutive verses of the Acts of the Apostles (xvi: 6, 7), we are pold, first, that he was forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia, and then, when he and his associate essayed to go into Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not to do that, but, instead of either, he was divinely directed to find his next field of labor in Macedonia, and this reminds us that this whole line of movement from the beginning had not been left to chance, but was from first to last under the immediate guidance of the Spirit of God. It was not the Church at Antioch that chose PiRidia as the field to which Paul should be sent from the capital of Syria, but the Holy Spirit had said (Acts xiii: 2): "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." The undertaking then was wholly the Lord's, and He knew from the beginning where He would send them, and in what order it was to be done. And was not the tribulation that arose about Stephen permitted in order that the disciples might be scattered abroad from Jerusalem sooner than they would have gone of their own accord? This law of advance then, in regard to communities, was from God. W a~ it otherwise in regard to individuals? Was it not the Angel of Jehovah who spoke unto Philip, saying (Acts viii: 26), "Arise, and go toward the south, unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza," where He had brought a man of Ethiopia, a eunich of great authority under Candace, the queen, to request from Him the knowledge of Jesus? (verse 31).. And was it not the same God (Acts x: 1-20) who moved Cornelius to send for Peter, and bade Peter go to Cornelius, nothing doubting? Thus, while Paul was divinely led along his checkered path all the way round to Corinth, arrangements were made to send the gospel as far as Ethiopia on one side and Italy on the other. In all these things we have clearly revealed the divine law of advance in the Kingdom of God. Has that law been changed? If not, then it is just as plainly revealed by the Spirit· how the kingdom is to advance in our day, as He has recorded the law of that advance in the days of the Apostles. And what God has so unmistakably arranged, let no man presume to disarrange.
We are not to evangelize our own conntry first, and then after tl!tat turn our attention to the rest of the world, but we are to work after the pattern set before us in Holy Scripture, and that both in the Old Testament and the New.
TELL THE TALE
TELL THE TALE.
BY PASTOR J. CLARK, ANTIGOUISH, NOVA S<;JOTIA.'
TeU the tale of Jesus' love Tenderly and sweetly; Like to one who fain would be In its power completely.
'Tis a wondrous, wondrous theme I Love o'er sin victorious!
'Tis the love of God's dear Son- Let His praise be glorious.
TeU the tale of Jesus' love Fresh from Truth's own pages; All its hold on man it keeps Through long-lasting ages_ While to you the passing years More and more endear it, Millions of the human race Die and never hear it i Tell the tale of Jesus' love Where life's ills are thronging; Nought like this in all the world Meets the heart's deep longing: Nought like this can cheer and bless Sinful, dying mortals; Nought like this can gild with light Death's dark, gloomy portals.
Tell the tale of Jesus' love; Think not, None will listen; Soon, beneath its sacred spell, Childhood's eyes will glisten.
Aye, and souls, perchance, e'en now, Wonder why you never Speak of Him whose name might bring Life to them forever.
Tell the tale of Jesus' love, Free from formal phrases; Let each meaning word and look Speak the Saviour's praises.
Heaven is listening! Wherefore wait? Haste I for time is flying: Speak as though you just had seen Christ for sinners dyiug.
Tell the tale of Jesus' love; Oh I 'tis worth the telling, Where, amid the multitude, Joyous strains are swelling; Yes, and where one sorrowing soul, Weary, burdened, lonely, Has no friend to come between Him and Jesus ouly.
Tell the tale of Jesus' love, Fervent prayer upbreathing; Plead as Christ would plead with men, Tears with words enwreathing; Plead as one whose gladdened heart Thrills with Calvary's story; Plead as one who longs to win Souls for God and glory.
Tell the tale of Jesus' love While the strength is_~iven; Glorious work on earth is this- Pointing souls to heaven!
TeU this tale of love until Soul from body sever; Then, among the saints above, Tell it ont forever!
FOREIGN MISSIONS IN THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES
FOREIGN }IISSIONS IN THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES.
BY REV. EDWARD STORROW, BRIGHTON, ENGLAND.
(Continued from page 341.) No man during the latter half of the 16th century did more to assist missions than the Hon. Robert Boyle. His wealth and influ- ence were used freely and habitually in their behalf, as the follow- ing instances will show: Dr. Edward Pacock was one of the first Englishmen who, by great learning and religious zeal, interested his countrymen in the literature and evangelization of the East. Boyle engaged him to translate Grotius's ".De Veritate Christiana Be- ligionis" into Arabic, bore the entire cost of printing it, and took means to have it circulated in various places in t~e Turkish "empire. He was at the expense of publishing the four Gospels· and the Acts, in the Malay language, but in the Roman character, and of sending them to the East for distribution. Through his influence and with his assistance the New Testament was translated into Turkish, and circulated in the empire; and he rendered similar service to the trans- lation made by Eliot for the North American Indians, through the Corporation for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England, the new Charter of which he was the chief means of obtaining in 1661. He had before this been the friend and correspondent of Eliot, and remained so till death, though theological differences separated them widely. He also powerfully imbued others with his own spirit, and probably did more than any other man to prepare for the organized efforts to spread Christian truth with which the 18th century opened. Some of its most influential leaders, as Dean Prideaux, the author of the Connection of the Old and New Testaments, and Archbishop Teni- son, received their evangelizing zeal fron~ h"im. He exerted his power- ful interest as a Director to induce the East India Company "to pro- mote the honor and worship of God, by the conversion of those poor infidels in those places where, by His blessing, they had so much ad- vanced their worldly interest." Failing in this he adopted the independent course of publishing the Gospels in Malayan, and this brought him acquainted with Prideaux, who from that time combined great zeal for Christian propagandism with unusual learning. * Already much had been written respecting the duty of imitating the Portuguese and Dutch in providing not only our countrymen abroad with Christian instruction, but such of the subject races as desired it. Prideaux, advancing on the general principle, urged that * Boyle left at his death the sum of £5,400 for the propagation of Christianity among infidel and unenlightened nations. With this sum an estate was purchased in Yorkshire, the annual rent of which was paid to William & Mary College in Virginia, until the commencement of the American war. In 1793, the accumulated capital, which now yielded near £1,000 a year, was appropriated "to the Society for the Conversion and Religious Instrnction of the Negroes in the British West Indies," which was then incorporated by royal charter. Brown's "History of Mis" zions, " Vol. III., p. 475. churches and schools should be erected at Bombay, Madras and· St. Davids for the instruction of the natives in their own language; that a seminary should be established in England to train ool'efully selected men for the missions; that natives of India should be brought over and educated here as missionaries; that as soon as practicable a. bishop should be consecrated for India; .that then the seminary should be removed there and placed under his care; that at once careful in- quiries should be made to ascertain how the work could best 1;>e carried on; that an act of Parliament be obtained, obliging the East India Company to carry it out; that wise and good men be chosen in London to direct the whole design, and that all good Christians pray for the success of it.* At the same time Prideaux wrote to Archbishop Tenison, begging pim to intercede with the King that the Company might be obliged to do "something toward that good work." He reminded him of the exertions of Boyle, with whom the Bishop had doubtless often conversed on such topics, when the one was incumbent of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields in London, and the other a parishioner; alluded to the mighty work before them, of the guilt of neglecting· it, of the hope he had because the archbishop had previously accepted from him proposals of a like nature, and concluded by saying that though there "is work enough at home," that isno reason for neglecting opportunities abroad, and if the Company cannot be moved to action, he suggests that the clergy should undertake it, offering a contribution of £100, and such future help as he could afford to give.t Thus did his zeal and sagacity suggest most of the plans which since have been adopted.
The appeal of Prideaux was so far successful that in the next Charter, granted by Willia:m in 1698, it was enacted among other important clauses that "all ministers sent to reside in India shall be obliged to learn, within one year of their arrival, the Portuguese language, and shall apply themselves to the native language of the country where they shall reside, the better to enable them to instruct the Gentoos that shall be the servants or the slaves of the same Company, or of their agents, in the Protestant religion." These words, alas, became a dead letter, though they were designed to be the basis of a grand evangelistic work on the part of the Company and everyone of its chaplains. The intention was noble and Christian, and it proves that some dignitaries of the Church of England were profoundly interested not only in the religious well-being of their own countrymen in India, but the enlightenment of the natives, almost a century before the famous resolutions of Wilberforce were passed by the House of Commons in 1793.
The zeal of Prideaux was not quenched by failure. In 1718 he * Anderson's "History of the Colonial Clmrch," Vol. II., p. 476, and Brown's History, Vol. m'F p.477. t "Life of Dean Prideaux," Vol. I., p. 151. addressed Archbishop Wake on the subject to which he Jiad called the attention of his predecessor twenty-three years before; stating, evi- dently as the result of careful observation, that it was "not possible to carryon the work of the ministry, either in the East or West In- dies, with any good success, nnless there be bishops and seminaries settled in them, that so ministers may be bred and ordained on the spot." Thus nobly in the midst of his home duties, and though greatly interested in sacred learning, did he seek to enlarge the bor- ders of the Kingdom of God, and though (as some will judge) his aspirations were fettered by too much dependence on political and ecclesiastical machinery, his zeal, wisdom, and breadth of sympathy, are worthy of the profoundest respect.
Shortly after this, in 1725, Berkeley, the friend of Swift, Addison, Steele, Pope, Chesterfield, and the favorite of Queen Anne, of whom Bishop Atterbury said, "So much understanding, so much knowledge, so much innocence, and so much humility, I did not think had been the portion of any but angels till I saw this gentleman," published "a scheme for converting the savage Americans to Christianity by a college to be erected in the Isles. of Bermuda." It has been charac- terized as one of the noblest designs that had ever entered into the human heart to form, .and undoubtedly displayed an unselfishness rarely equalled. He was Dean of Derry, with an income of £1,100 a year and the certainty of preferment, but, as Swift wrote in a letter, recommending the scheme and its author, to the Viceroy of Ireland: "He hath seduced to join him several of the hopefullest young clergymen and others here, many of them well provided for, and all of them in the fairest way of preferment. He hath been struck with a notion of founding a university in Bermuda, by a Charter from the crown, with a college founded for Indian scholars and missionaries, where he most exorbitantly proposeth a whole hundred pounds a year for himself. His heart will break if his deanery be not taken from him, and left to your excellency'S disposal." After delays most trying to a spirit so unselfish and noble, the Charter was granted, but the £20,000 he had been led to expect for the college was never paid by Sir Robert Walpole, so that after a residence of two years in America, he returned home, giving then, as ever, repeated evidences of remarkable zeal, benevolence and generosity. * But a deepening consciousness of the Christian duty of seeking the conversion of the heathen was not confined to Episcopalians. Dr. Doddridge thought much of the wide extent and deep degradation of heathendom, and was one of the first eminent non-conformists to de- * He gave back to the subscribers every farthing of the £5,000 he had received, or, when they could not be discovered, to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. He gave half his books to Yale College, a gift alike liberal in purse and in sentiment, and the future bishop was, no doubt, equally surprised and amused to learn tbat they had converted some most promising st~,l'nts from Congregationalism to Episcopacy. vise means for its conversion. Whether he acquired his interest from Pacock and Prideaux, with whose lives and writings he, no doubt, was familiar, or from Eliot's remarkable history, or from his contem- poraries, Bishop Berkeley and David Brainerd, the true and worthy successor of Eliot among the North American Indians, or as an impulse of his own benevolent nature, we cannot tell, but he formed in his own congregation at Northampton, in 1741, a small society for the spread of the gospel among the heathen; urged other ministers to adopt a like course, was anxious to see some of his best students laboring in spheres such as Brainerd's, and wrote in his diary when those desires were disappointed: "I hope I can truly say, that if God would put it into the heart of my only son to go unde; this character, I could will- ingly part with him though I were never to see him more. What are views of a family and a name when compared with a regard to extend- ing my Redeemer's kingdom, and gaining souls to Christ." Noble senti- ments, rare alas now, as they were then! That most Pitthetic hymn, "Arise, my tenderest thoughts, arise!" one of the first of our noble series of modern missionary hymns, was written by him, and shortly before his early death, he wrote: "I am now intent upon having something done among the Dissenters, in a more public manner, for propagating the gospel abroad. I wish to live to see this design brought into execution, at least into some forwardness, and then I shall die the more cheerfully."* If the health and vigor of Doddridge had been equal to his learning and zeal, the awakening of missionary ardor, which distinguished the close of the century, might have taken place fifty years earlier.
But we must turn back to notice the beginning of that great and noble work which so many churches in so many lands are now prose- cuting in India; which, when completed, will be the grandest triumph Christianity has ever won over heathenism, or can win.
When Frederick IV. became King of Denmark in 1699, he imme- diately turned his attention toward the conversion of the heathen in .his India~' territory around Tranquebar. His tutor, chaplain and friend, DI Lutkens, to whom probably he was indebted for his Christian principles and benevolent aims, and whose soul longed for the conversion of the heathen, was commissioned to find men who, by learning, piety and zeal, were qualified for this mission. Lutkens begged that he might be allowed to go himself. "No," said the king, "I cannot send that hoary head to encounter the dangers of the voyage and the devouring heat of the climate. Seek younger men." He did so, but none were found in Denmark. 'furning to Germany, his attention was directed by Dr. Augustus Hermann Franke, whose aspirations were kindred to his own, to Bartholomew Ziegenbalz, who, with Henry Plutscho, embarked for India on November 29, 1705, and landed at Tranquebar on the following 19th of July. Seldom has a * Orson's "Memoir of Dr. J;>oddridge,"p. 126, and Brown's "History of Missions," Vol.m., p.491. mission been more fortunate in its founders. How nobly, and amid what difficulties, they labored among Danes, Germans, Portuguese, and especially Hindus, cannot now be described. The strength and .success of their endeavors chiefly arose from the fact that, unlike many in America who regarded their labors among the negroes and Indians as secondary to their ministrations among their own country- men, they were first and above all things missionaries to the heathen. Five converts were baptized on May 12, 1707, the first fruits of the harvest which almost every decade since has been gathered over a wide area, and with augmented richness. In 1711 the translation of the New Testament into Tamil was completed, though its publica- tion was delayed for three years. Plutscho returned to Germany in 1712, and Ziegenbalz died in 1719, but it is questionable if any mis- sionaries in so short a time, and with such limited resources, ever did more, in such varied directions, or with equally permanent results.* Happily the mantle of Ziegenbalz descended on a succession of men singularly able and devoted. Schultz landed in India in the same year that his great predecessor died, and labored until 1742 with wonderful zeal and efficiency. He was instrumental in sending Schwartz to Tranquebar in 1750, and when Carey began his noble career in Bengal, in 1793, Schwartz was still living at Tanjore. John Frederic Kierieander, a Swede, who was sent by the Christian Knowledge Society to Cudalore in 1740, and removed to Calcutta, in 1758, was still 'there. t J ainicke, who began his work in 1788, was vigorously sowing the good seed of the kingdom in Tinnevelly, which now bears such an abundant harvest, and Gericke, who began his labors in 1767, extending more widely than any of them to the south and north of Madras, did not finish his course until 1803. Thus far more had been done in various parts of South India and in Bengal than is generally supposed.
But we must now turn our attention to the formation of the two great English societies which, throughout the century, did so much to sustain the missionaries just named, to perpetuate Christian truth. and knowledge in the British dependencies and possessions, and still * The numbers of converts in 1712 was 255, and at his death 355, but the catechumens were numerous; the whole Bible had been translated into Tamil; many schools had been established; school books had been p"epared; the gospel had been preached far beyond the narrow limits of Tranquebar, and an interest had been awakened in missions, not only in various parts of southern India, but in Denmark, Germany and England, which powerfnlly tended to nourish the missionary sentiment into the strength it exhibited at the close of the century. See "Lives of Missionaries in Southern India," published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge; Carne's "Lives of Eminent Missionaries," Vol. 1.; the "History of Protestant Missions in India, " Chap. I., by the Rev. E. Storrow, published by the Religious Tract Society, London.
t He was the first missionary in Bengal, and was invited there by Cleve. His labors were very varied, consisting of preaching to Danes, Portuguese and English; whilst his school labors extended to a large number of Europeans, East Indians, Mohammedans and Hindus. His success was greatest among Roman Catholics, but the number of his adult Hindu converts was considerable. He died in 1799. See "Sketches of Christianity in North India," by the Rev. 111. Wilkinson, and the Calcutta Review, No. XIII., "The First Protestant Missionary in Bengal." represent the evangelizing zeal of one of the most influential sections of the Church of England.
Two hundred years ago the religious state of most of the fourteen North American colonies was very deplorable. The six New Eng- land States, owing to a general diffusion of Puritanism with its simple forms of church life, were well supplied with churches, schools and ministers, but none of the rest were. The State of North Carolina will illustrate the condition of most of the other colonies. Through- out an area equal to that of all England, there were three small Episcopal churches. Nor did the Puritans to any adequate extent supply the deficiency. The clergymen were at least 120 miles distant from each other, and though required to itinerate, there were but two roads in the colony, both of which were very bad.
In 1696 Dr. Thomas Bray was appointed Commissary to Mary- land, or representative of the Bishop of London, who had ecclesiastical charge of all the British colonies. He had already gained repute as a preacher and organizer, and at once devised efficient measures for the spiritual benefit of the colony placed under his charge. But as the conception of the Bible Society grew out of the idea of supplying Wales with the Sacred Scriptures, so Bray was led on to form the plan of a "Society for the Spread of Christian Knowledge, byestablishing libraries for the benefit of the poorer clergy, and schools for the educating of children in all the colonies; by appointing an adequate number of missionaries for all the plantations; by allotting gratuities or pensions to the most worthy on account of their learning, labors or success; by providing specially for such ministers as most hazarded their persons in attempting the conversion of the negroes or native Indians, and by supporting the destitute widows and children of missionaries, more particularly of such as by their zeal and industry in converting souls may have occasioned the loss of life or goods."* This noble scheme was propounded in 1698, and led to the formation of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. This was at once so successful, that in 1700 Bray, with the powerful aid of Archbishop Tenison and Compton, the Bishop of London, set about the formation of a society more purely evangelistic, and obtained from the king a charter in 1701, incorporating the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts."t Reference is often made to the eminent men whe founded the Baptist and the London Missionary Societies, but few religious societies have ever been favored with more founders and early helpers of eminence, learning and piety than was this one. At its first meeting, in addition to the three just named, there were present the well known Sir Richard Blackmore, Dean Sherlock, Dr. Kennett, Dr. Hody, Regius Professor * See Anderson's "History of the Colonial Church," Vol II., p. 409.
t "Missions of the Church of England," Chap. II., by Ernest Hawkins, B. D., published by Rivingtons.
THE INDIAN SOMAJES
at Oxford; Dr. Mapletott, a physican of eminence; Dr. Stanhope, Dean and author, and Melmoth, author of "The Great Importance of a Religious Life." The society received the approval of many bishops and of the University of Oxford, and the assistance, in one form or another, of Bishops Beveridge, Burnet and Patrick, of Dean Prideaux, of Burkit, the commentator of Nelson, author of the "Companion for the Festivals and Fasts of the Church of England," of John Evelyn, Sir John Chardin, the traveler, and Dr. Ratcliffe, the physician.
The objects of the Society were declared to be two-fold. " First, the providing of learned and orthodox ministers for the administration of God's Word and Sacraments among the king's loving subjects in the plantations, colonies and factories beyond the seas, belonging to the kingdom of England, and, secondly, the making of such other provision as may be necessary for the propagation of the gospel in these parts," that is, for its extension among the heathen inhabitants ,of the countries indicated.
These two Societies for a time carried on simultaneous work, but gradually and harmoniously became more strictly what their names ,designate. In one respect have they altered. Practically they are ~ore exclusively sacramentarian. They never were other than strictly Church of England Societies, but their extensive and varied correspondence with learned and eminent men, throughout Europe, belonging to various churches, and the generous and free manner in which they gave assistance and encouragment to other than Episcopalians, justifies the expression of regret, that whilst Protestantism gives so generally indications of noble catholicity and a broadening liberalism, here there should have been retrogression.
It is beyond our range to give the history of the Societies; all we .can attempt is to indicate their aims and to glance at their foreign mission policy. ,( This series ofvaluable historicalpapers will be concluded in our ne:.ct.) THE INDIAN SOMAJES.
BY REV. F. F. ELLINWOOD, D. D., NEW YORK.
The founder of the first was Mohun Roy, who was born in 1780, 'and died in 1833. He attempted to find everything which modern sentiment considers noble and pure, in the Vedic literature. He opened a prayer hall for men of all creeds, but his system and his fraternity declined at his death, if not before, because the Vedas afforded no adequate inspiration. In 1866, Chesub Chunder Sen ,endeavored to revive the Brahmo Church by adopting the eclective principle and freely admitting the best things gathered from the sacred books of all religions, the Vedassimply holding a place among them. His great personal magnetism, his poetic and spiritual nature, and his literary genius enabled him to gain great influence, but cOUld not carry the conservative element in the Somaj into such dangerous concessions to foreign religions. He was not long in discovering the transcendent character of Christianity, as compared with all other faiths, and he proclaimed with such eloquence and fervor the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ that the Christian world began to hail the Brahmo Somaj as something fast approaching the threshold of the Christian Church.
THE ADI BRAIIMO SOMAJ.
This led to a schism between the progressive party which he represented and the strict Vedaists, who denied the authority of all other books and systems. As Chunder Sen and his party had borne off the name Brahmo Somaj, the conservatives adopted the name of Adi Brahmo Somaj (Great Brahmo Somaj). An adherent of the latter thus defines its relative attitude: " Its demeanor towards the old Hindu religion of the country is friendly, but corrective and formative. It is this circumstance which pre-eminently distinguishes it from the Brahmo Somaj, whose attitude towards the old religion is antagonistic and offensive. The mission of the Adi Somaj is to fulfill the old religion and not destroy it. The Adi Brahmo Somaj is accessible to all. The minds of the majority of our countrymen are not deeply saturated with Christian sentiments, and what would they think of a Brahmo minister who should quote on the vedic altar sayings from the Bible? Would they not from that time conceive an intolerable hatred towards Brahmoism and everything pertaining to it? "
It is easy to discover in this frank and well-worded statement the inveteracy with which the conservative Hindu mind clings to its old traditional faiths, entrenched as they are in the national pride, and how it resists Christian influence, even though half-conscious that it is the real regenerative power of modern India.
TIlE BRAHMO SOMAJ.
The Brahmo Somaj of Chunder Sen was the nearest approach that has been made to the Christian faith by any system in India. Since his death, and even before his death, signs of decay appeared. Chunder Sen had taken strong grounds against child marriage, fixing the marriageable age by what he claimed as divine authority. When, however, the hand of a rajah was offered to his own daughter, who was under the prescribed age, he yielded to the temptation. This greatly impaired his influence.
At the same time he drifted into a species of mysticism, and claimed personal revelations. Some disreputable extravagances were introduced into the worship of the Somaj, which soon led to divisions.
Mr. P. C. Mozoomdar, who has lectured in this country, and has written a book of charming style, entitled the" Oriental Christ," is now, perhaps, the leading exponent of the more orderly wing of the lapsed and waning Somaj. But without a Divine Christ he fails to revive the dead system.
The creed, drawn up by Chunder Sen, might fairly pass for the standard of any Unitarian church in this country. It is as follows: THE CREED.
I believe that f':xOd is a spirit, and that He is one. I believe that He is personal and living, with infinite attributes of wisdom, love, holiness and power. I believe that He is present in us all, directs all the functions of our bodies, according to laws, and watches over our thoughts and acts. I believe that man has a double nature-body and spirit-the body perish- able; the spirit immortal. I believe that the immortality of the soul means eternal progress in good- ness and godliness. I believe that sin, both inward and outward, brings its own punishment; goodness its reward; that sin is willful violation of God's law. I believe that Heaven and Hell are not material, but are states of being. I believe in prophets and teachers, through the lustre of whose words and example we learn of salvation and spiritual life. I believe that Jesus Christ was the chief of all prophets and teachers. I believe in the efficacy of studying the Bible, and the Hindu Scriptures, and the other sacred books of the nations. I believe Theism to be the dispensation of this age, and that it will be the religion of the future. I believe in the inspiration of certain teachers and prophets, especially Chunder Sen, but not that they are infallibly inspired. I believe woman's position in the Theistic Churoh to be very high, and 'that, without her influence, Theism will not take deep root. I believe in the duty and efficacy of prayer for all spiritual sood. I feel it a duty to propagate our faith. I believe in cultivating independence of thought and will. I believe in the ultimate triumph of· good over every form of evil, of truth over falsehood.
Near the close of his life (1883), Chunder Sen published an appeal to all churches, sects, creeds and cults to unite under the one banner of the Church of the New Dispensation, of which he was the apostle.
The assurance of this Pauline appeal is refreshing. It is as follows: THE APPEAL.
Cheshub Chunder Sen, Servant of God, called to be an Apostle of the Church of the New Dispensation, which is in the holy city of Calcutta, to all the great nations of the world, and the chief religious sects in the East and West; to the followers of Moses and Jesus, of Buddha, Confucius, Zoroaster, Mohammed, Nanak, and of the various Hindu sects: Grace be to you, and peace everlasting. Whereas, sects, discords, and strange schisms prevail in our Father's family, causing bitterness, and even wars and carnage; and whereas, this setting of brother against brother has proved the prolific source of evil, it has pleased God to send into the world a message of peace and reconciliation. This New Dispensation has he vouchsafed in mercy to us in the East, and we have been commanded to bear witness of the nations of the earth. Thus saith the Lord: "I abominate sects and unbrotherliness; I desire love and concord, and that my children shall be of one heart, even as I am one. I have at sundry times spoken through my prophets and my many dispensations. There is unity in them. There is one music, though many instruments; one body, but many members; one spirit, but many gifts; one blood, but many nations; one Church, but mallf churches." Let Asia, and Europe, and America, and all nations prove this New Dispensation and the true fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man.
THE SADHARAN BRAHMA SOMAJ.
This is the result of another division, following Chunder Sen's defection. It means the " Universal" Somaj. It seceded and formed a new organization in 1878. Its leader is Sivinath Sastri, though means are taken to guard against the popish assumption and power which characterized Chunder Sen.
It has a republican form of government, and is very active. It has large prayer halls, students' weekly services, students' prayer meetings, a theological institute for lectures and discussions, a "Theistic Philanthropic Society," night schools for laboring men, a Brahmical Somaj for women, and schools of various grades. It sends forth missionaries, who are adopting some of the methods of Christians. All the Brahmo Somajas employ the press, and they support twentyeight periodicals. Yet they all show signs of decay as organizations, while, at the same time, their ideas live in the literature which they have produced.
THE ARYA SOMAJ.
But the most significant of all branches of the modern Hindu Somaj is known as the Arya Somaj. This is now in its full power and influence. It is evidently designed as a protest against the radical and broad church confession of the Brahma Somaj of Chunder Sen. The Arya Somaj professes to be purely Vedic, and to admit no Christian element. On the contrary, it is bitterly hostile to all that savors of Christianity. It borrows the stock phrases of our modern infidelity. Nevertheless, it has plainly been influenced by Christianity to a very great degree. Its current literature is full of assailments upon the Bible, yet the whole moral force of its creed has been borrowed from the Christian influence exerted in India during the last two generations. Its ethics are Christian, and not Hindu in any sense. It has turned its back squarely upon all that is characteristically Brahmanical, but it claims to derive all its inspiration from t,he Vedas. As the Brahmo Somaj is very nearly powerless, and as the Arya Somaj is that with which we are now chiefly concerned, some idea of its doctrines will here be in place. From a catechism by Ganeshi Lal, F. A. S., of Merut, we copy substantially the following doctrines: ARYA DOCTRINES.
1. There is only one God, omnipotent, infinite and eternal. When the Vedas speak of different names, as Agni, Vayu and Indra, they apply them to the same supreme God.
2. God was never incarnate. Vishnu's alleged incarnations, Rama and Krishna. were only good men.
3. God created the world by the union of atoms (supposed to be eternal) through His direct power, and the object of creation was the revelation of his attributes, and glory to his creatures. There are clear evidences of design in nature which bear witness to a divine creatorship.
4. The human soul, though encompassed by the infinite soul, is a distinct entity, endowed with thought, choice and free will.
5. God created man (the first man) out and out as an adult. "If they had at first appeared as infants there would have been nobody to care for them."
6. The universe was created nearly two thousand million years ago. Its future will be even longer than its past. Three entities are .eternal: God, the soul, and Pakriti, or the ultra atomic substance.
7. Man differs from the lower animals in having reason, but both have souls. 8. Religion consists of contentment, the virtue of returning good for evil, repression of the passions, knowledge of the Vedas, obedience to God, truth- fulness and justice toward all men. 9. Heaven and hell are not places, but characters and conditions. 10. Prayer is asking God for blessings which are beyond our own power to secure. They must be general, and not selfish, in their objects.
11. Transmigration is a true doctrine and is desirable for these reasons: (a) It maintains divine justice to all. (b) It opens the way of salvation to all. It is only a question of time. (c) It displays the love of God, as it gives all a chance, or chances. (11) It guards us from sin. (e) It proves our immortality. (j) It divides up eternity into a series of probations. (g) It explains the inequalities of human fortunes.
12. Moksh or Nirvana is a true doctrine of the ultimate. 13. Cremation of the dead is to be maintained as of great sanitary im- portance. 14. A missionary spirit is enjoined upon all Aryas in the promotion of their creed. 15. Caste is recognized as a character, but not as an outward condition; the true Brahman is one inwardly. Any man may rise above his rank by virtue , and culture. 16. Aryas, like Brahmans, are to be invested with the sacred thread. 17. Child marriage is strongly condemned for cogent reasons. 18. Widows are encouraged to marry. For neither child marriage nor the prohibition of remarriage are found in the Vedas. 19. The only revealed truths are those of the four Vedas. Other works derive their authority from them. 20. The six Darsanas, or schools of Hindu philosophy, are in the main ap- proved, especially the Yoga. 21. The Puranas, so-called, are condemned. The true puranas were ancient traditions, the works of the renowned rhishis. 22. The Vedas are free to all, men or women, and should not be monopo- .1ized by special classes. 23. Female education is encouraged. . 24. There should be no worship, except of the one true God. '25. Souls are eternal, past and future. '26. Vegetable diet, temperance and purity are enjoined• . 27. The worship of ancestors is forbidden. A few points in this creed are worthy of special note: Its testimony for the monotheism of the Vedas is clear and ex- plicit. Its humane elements in respect to woman and child marriage are evidently borrowed from Christianity and the higher sentiment which it has created. Its doctrine in respect· to caste is a virtual arraignment of the entire Indian cultus and civilization. It strikes a. blow at the all-prevailing pessimism of India in ascribing benevolence of design to the supreme and personal Creator of all things. In this respect it approaches very nearly to the Christian view and to that of" Plato and Aristotle. It is less grossly anthropomorphic and more spiritual than the old Hindu faith, in its conception of heaven and hell, which it looks upon not as places, but as characters and conditions. It is elevated in its moral standards, and it assigns to ethics a Godward side; obedience to God is one of its foremost'requirements. Its denial of all incarnations of deity. is a two-edged sword which strikes at both Hinduism and Christianity; it is so far in accord with Islam. Though it approves of Yoga, or asceticism in theory, yet its definition of true religion is as practical as that of the apostle James. It embraces the cardinal virtues of life, both activeand passive, such as contentment, repression of the passions, the return of good for evil, knowledge of the Vedas, obedience to God and truthfulness and just dealings towards all men. Its positivelymissi(Jnary character is in sympathy with Buddhism and Christianity, rather than with Hinduism. Its advocacy of female education is a proof that it has caught the spirit of Christian lands. In no one feature does the Arya Somaj strike more deeply at the root of old Hinduism than in its policy with respect to woman. Its doctrine' of transmigration is exceedingly plausible. No better reasons could be given for such a theory of eschatology. On the whole, there is reason to expect a wide-spread influence' from the doctrines of the Aryas. Their organization may not be' large. Their creed may not be widely accepted as a whole, but some, at least, of its principles are gaining an extensive following. Whole provinces are .practically renouncing some of the time-honored re– strictions respecting child marriage and widowhood. The public. sentiment regarding female education is being revolutionized. An aspiring girl may now claim all the privileges of university training- and university~onors. The Maha Rani (wife of the Maha Raja), of"
Mysore, has under her patronage a large seminary for the daughters of Brahmans, in which all the branches of female education are taltght, and which, except that its religious teaching is wholly Vedic, instead of Christian, closely resembles the higher class of boardingschools in Western lands. The medical schools, established by Lady Dufferin, and supported by Hindu patronage, are a concession to the same general movement.
THE LACK OF INFORMATION AND INDIVIDUALISM
The Arya Somaj, therefore, is but one factor, though It very important one, in a wide-spread Aryan revival. Tens of thousands of intelligent Hindus, who would be found too conservative to break so violently with the past as to adopt all the articles of this creed, are more or less in sympathy with its general spirit. The Vedantic philosophers can maintain their pantheism, in all its Alpine coldness and lifelessness, and yet take on the common-sense view of social ques- tions here taught. It helps th,em over the awkwardness of admitting the real advances of Christian philanthropy and the irresistible force of Western ideas. It challenges their united suffrages in support of the assumption that the new era of progress is not the product of Christianity, but of Vedic wisdom too long dormant and unrecog- nized. It challenges their respect, also, by its bold rejection of all . those base influences of idolatry alld superstition which have grown out of the debasing literature of the Puranas and Tantras, of which all educated Hindus are now ashamed.
The relation of the Arya Somaj to Christianity and to Western thought is unique and full of interest. It is exceedingly hostile to Christian propagandism, and yet it has borrowed its whole power from the Christian faith, while it gives the honor of Christ to a dead cult of the distant past.
THE LACK OF INFORMATION AND INDIVIDUALISM.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. P.] PART I.
Just now a singular paradox confronts us. On the one hand, displays of God's providence and grace in modern missions, which constitute His trumpet-call, exceeding loud; and, on the other hand, a singular lack of response on the part of His church to His omnipotent challenge to holy enterprise.
The nineteenth century is the wonder of the ages. More of nature's mysteries have been penetrated, more of her secrets unlocked, more of her resources utilized, during the fifty years past, than during the six thousand years preceding. Ocean steamships and continental railways, all the marvels of electricity, whether as a motive power, a message-bearer, or an illuminator; all the wonders of spectroscope and spectral analysis; of anresthetics in llurgery, of illuminating oils and giant explosives; audiphone, and telephone, and phonograph-these are a few of the marvels of the last half century. Never before have all the elements of the universe come, bowing at the feet of man-gases, fluids, liquids, solids, the sunbeam,' the thunderbolt, the crystal, the cell-and said to man, "Call us by ou!" names, and use us for your service."
The only department of human enterprise that does not' seem to feel the quickening pulse of this nineteenth century is the missionary work of the church, the noblest enterprise of all the ages, and the most needing and in~piring a consecrated enthusiasm. With fifteen hundred million of human beings, out of whom only one-fiftieth are members of Protestant churches, and only one-fifth can be fairly reckoned as nominally Christian, we have sent to the whole field only one out of 5,000 of our church membership, and give annually only one out of every 5,000,000 dollars, aggregate income, believed to be .at the command of Protestant disciples! For example, the Presbyterian church, excelled by no other Protestant body in intelligence .and ability, finds it difficult to muster 500 laborers, clerical and lay, male or female, and to gather in a year an amount equal to one dollar for each member, less than one-third of a cent a day.
Mr. Gladstone has said that the first fifty years of this century ·surpassed in rapid progress, in art, science, invention, social reforms, .all the ages preceding; that the next twenty-five years surpassed the previous fifty; and that the next ten o~tran the previous twenty-five. Is it not a reproach that, with all else accelerating its pace, the ·Church of God remains so far immobile and immovable, that she is left far behind in the onward march of the centuries? Surely, if Christ did say" that the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light," He never said that it ought so to he.
The question natually arises, Why is this so? and it demands a 'plain and exhaustive answer.
1. First of all, Information is lacking in the church at large. Knowledge does not always awaken zeal, but zeal of a true type cannot exist without knowledge. There may be fuel without fire, but not fire without fuel. There is not only amazing ignorance, but, in some parts, an audacious display of it. A few, perhaps, affect to know less than they do, as though missions belonged to a level far beneath them. Such remind one of Beau Brummell, who, with exquisite affectation, replied to a poor beggar who asked a ha'penny, " A ha'penny? And what is that? Really, I don't know that I ever saw one; but would a shilling do you?" The London Times, of October 14,1863, accounted for prevailing apathy as to the propagation of the gospel by the lack of satisfactory reports of resuIts-a parading of ignorance which was astounding, in view of the missionary literature, .already so abundant, which for reality or romance, power or poetry, was unsurpassed in the products of the human pen. At the very time of that challenge the writer might have read the story of William Carey in India, Robert Morrison in China, Robert Moffat in South Africa, Adoniram Judson in Burmah, V{illiam Johnson in Sierra Leone, John Williams in the South Seas,-those new chapters in the Acts of the Apostles.
The bulk of our church membership remains ignorant of the subject of missions. Even the geography of heathen lands is misapprehended. An intelligent Englishman sent to Dr. Duff a package,. containing other smaller ones, requesting him, at his convenience, to· hand one to a party at Bombay, and the other to another party at Madras; about as reasonable as to ask a New Yorker to deliver one package at Boston and the other at Washington, or Cincinnati. We have been accustomed to speak of Africa as the Dark Continent. But, the great subject of missions is itself a whole unexplored continent. It has more than a thousand million inhabitants. Its area is equal tofour-fifths of the habitable globe. Its vast "coast-line" has, as yet, been scarcely explored; here and there missionaries have p~netrated a few hundred miles towards its interior; a very few intrepid explorers have reached the heart of this Dark Continent of Missions; but their path of exploration has been very narrow. And to-day, not only are there vast tracts unoccupied by the missionary, but practically untraversed; and, as to the great mass even of intelligent Christians, there is no real acquaintance either with the wants and woes of these millions, or with what is now doing to relieve them.' Were the facts familiar; could the degradation and destitution of these unsaved millions be really understood and felt, the prevailing apathy would not last an hour. It is inconceivable that a true disciple can be brought face to face with the facts, both of man's extremity and the church's opportunity, without an immediate and enthusiastic response to man's wail, and to God's will.
The name of William Carey is a household word with all lovers of missions. How did that poor, unlearned, obscure cobbler of Hackleton come to flame with such zeal that it not only consumed him, but. set the church on fire? He began simply by gathering facts. He learned what he could of the earth's populations, how they were distributed as to territory, and as to religions; he made himself familiar with the awful destitution, degradation, depravity of heathen and pagan 'peoples; he made his own rude map of the world on great sheets of sole leather, or coarse brown paper; he kept before his mind'il eye this vision of a dying world until he seemed to hear the groaning of perishing millions, and could no longer stay at home. He had to go abroad and minister to this want and woe. His only hope of rest was in unresting labor for souls, paradoxical as it may seem. And so Count Zinzendorf led and inspired Moravian zeal. On the one hand he seemed to see that" Ecce Homo," constantly saying: " All this I did for thee; What hast thou done for ME?"
and, on the other hand, he heard from the thousand million of perishing souls, the cry: " Thou hast, with living Bread, Been made alive and fed; And canst thou shut thine eye And leave a world to die?" We can hardly understand how, as late as 1813, in the British House of Commons, Mr. Charles Marsh, in protesting against the introduction of Christianity into India, could, in the face of all the facts, aetually use the following language: "When I look at the peaceful and harmonious alliances of families, guarded and secured by the household virtues; when I see, amongst a cheerful and well-ordered society; the benignant and softening influences of religion and morality, a system of manners founded on a mild and polished obeisance, and preserving the surface of social life smooth and unruffled, I cannot hear without surprise, mingled with horror, of sending out Baptists and anabaptists to civilize or convert such a people, at the hazard of disturbing or deforming institutions which appear to have been hitherto the means ordained by Providence of making them virtuous and happy."
Over against such words as these we place one example only of the beneficent "institutions" which Mr. Marsh was so horrified to have "disturbed or "deformed."
There is a class of Hindu procurers known as " Panwas," who provide for sacrifice victims, also known as "Merias." These victims may be of any age, and of either sex, and are bought or kidnapped from the poorer classes. One condition of the virtue and value of the sacrifice is that the victim be bought with a price, as a life, unbought, is supposed to be regarded by the deity as an abomination. In every village victims are reared and kept ready for sacrifice, conveyed to the hills, and sold for so many lives, animals there taking the place of coin as standards of value. Dr. Duff has said that, in a hill district of no great extent, probably from four to five hundred such sacrifices have been offered annually for two or three thousand years.
In the vicinity of the village is a grove known as the "Meria grove," with a vacant space in the centre. The sacrificial festival consumes three days. After one day of drunken riot and excesses, on the second, with musical accompaniments, the victim is clad in gay attire and borne to the centre of the grove and tied to a post, anointed with oil, butter and tumeric, and, amid revolting orgies, treated as an object of worship. On the third day, the great day of the feast, the ceremony reaches its climax of horror and of cruelty. The victim mllst be unbound and unresisting, and to insure entire submission the bones of hands and legs are usually broken, and the head is thrust through a rift or slit made in a large branch of a tree. With the neck firmly held in this vise, and the extremities held by cords, the priest gives the signal by a sharp blow with a hatchet on the shoulder of the victim; then, instantly, like a pack of maddened bloodhounds, the whole multitude pounce upon the helpless being, and in a few moments every shred of flesh is torn from the naked skeleton, ana flung over the fields as a tribute to the goddess of the sacrifice. And this is only one specimen of these institutions that exist among this" cheerful and well-ordered society."" When Buchanan was yet fifty miles from Juggernaut's shrine, he knew it by the bones which paved his pathway, the remains of millions of devotees crushed beneath the gigantic car of that hideous idol-god; and when he came near to the altars and fanes, he found them covered with the green slime of the leprosy of lust and the red stains of human blood; he saw that two words-cruelty and sensuality-adequately describe the whole worship of this monster. Dr. Wilson, in Bombay, enumerated some thirty or more of these "beneficent institutions'] of East Indian life which the English supremacy in India has either abolished or abated. And yet Mr. Marsh had no words but those of surprise and horror when he heard that missionaries were likely to go forth to convert these people so blessed of "Divine Providence"! !
Information about mission fields and mission work is at hand, but it is hard to get it before the church. Occasional public meetings, with stirring addresses; here and there a newspaper column; now and then a sermon, or a missionary meeting-all this does not suffice. Somehow or other the knowledge of these facts must be given a wider .currency. Great hopes were entertained that when a single authorized -church periodical should, within its covers, embrace the whole scope -of missionary and benevolent work, it would insure readers. And so that" Great Eastern" of the Presbyterian brotherhood-"The Church at Home and Abroad"-was launched. One of the most gifted and honored men of the church was called to take her helm. The best business machinery was put in her hQld, and she was equipped with sails, and screw, and paddles. An excursion to all lands was offered at less than the cost, with every inducement that could be devised; the editorial committee invited suggestion and criticism, and tried to suit everybody-remodeled the new periodical within, and covered her with new sheathing; nay, even changed her figure-head and lettering; but, to-day, out of over 720,600 communicants, only about one out ofjorty-or, if those 720,000 represent 200,000 families, still less than one family in ten takes this, the only missionary magazine of the denomination! And this is simply one instance of the difficulty of making the fire burn even when fuel is furnished!
No wonder that when an English Canon, and a member of Parliament, assail aud criticise missions as at least, if not a failure, a toocostly outlay for the results, so many disciples should accept all their inaccurate statements and "illogical conclusions, and begin themselves to question whether the work were not a badly-paying investment! Ignorance can easily impose on ignorance, and superficiality mislead the superficial. How little knowledge, for instance, of Indian mis-· sions is sufficient to show that any man, however honest or intelligent, is incompetent to criticise the work in Hindustan, who skirts the northern limits only, and knows nothing of the missions in the Madras presidency; who does not go to the Telugu country, where 10,000 converts were baptized in a twelvemonth; or to Tinnevelly, where 16,000 were gathered in half that time! Missions must endure criticism and welcome suggestion; but let us have these at competent, hands. When we read such absurd blunders and reckless statements as have been going the rounds of the press, we are reminded of Dr. Parr's answer to a conceited student who proposed to him that they should together write a 'book. " Yes," said the doctor, "if I should put in all I know, and you all you don't, what a big book it would be!" or, of Dr. Bacon, who, when a disputant, in debate, said of his statements, that, if they were facts, "he did not know of them," quietly replied that "his knowledge, however limited, could not be set aside by his opponent's ignorance, however extensive!"
Information-yes, that is a foremost need. When William Carey saw himself a sinner and Christ his Saviour, he began to study the condition of the heathen world-when, in his little cobbler's shop, he made those rude maps, and hung them upon the wall where he could see them; when he studied those statistics until he filled in his maps with figures representing populations and adherents of false faiths, every new fact had thus both its visible sign and its constant reminder. No wonder that Thomas Scott, the commentator, used to call Carey's shop, "Carey's College!" When, afterwards, Carey eked out a preacher's scanty living by keeping school, or working at his cobbler's bench, as he taught his pupils geography, he would rivet their attention on the spiritual condition of the various lands under review. And, as he pointed to his map, and his finger rested on those vast areas given over to the darkness and death shade, he would say, " These are pagans, and these are pagans, and these, and these, and these-" until, overcome with emotion, he wept aloud. The subject will, to a true disciple, be more absorbing as he ponders it, until his zeal, fired, and fed, and fanned by knowledge, flames into a zeal-a passion for souls that consumes him, and renders impossible a listless idleness and apathy.
2. The sense of obligation is lacking,-of individual duty to the lost. The time has passed when missions are ridiculed by disciples, and even ministers of the gospel use unsanctified wit or logic to make the work appear chimerical-" the dreams of a dreamer who dreams he has been dreaming." But while the church does not deny her debt, it is paid, if at all, by proxy. We erect great Boards; put at their head some capable and earnest men, take a yearly collection, attend an occasional missionary meeting, perhaps subscribe directly for the support of some man or woman who goes to represent" our own church," and there, with most disciples, activity ends.
There are some great truths that must be burned or beaten intO' the conviction and conscience and consciousness of all believers-inculcated-"trodden in with the heel"; and, among them, this is foremost -EVERY BELIEVER IS A PREACHER-every hearer is a herald. Proclaiming the gospel is not an exclusive prerogative. From the moment we open the New T'estament the line between priest and people disappears, and never reappears in history until the church apostatizes. We are all a priesthood of kings, a kingdom of priests. All the rights of the "clergy" inhere essentially in the "laity"-indeed, those very terms are the invention of the Devil in the dark ages. It may be well to set apart certain persons to give themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word; it may be well to have a class of men to act as bishops of the churches and exercise oversight of the flock, to insure soundness of teaching and practical piety. But, to make the ground work of the ministerial calling a" division oj labor," is one of the worst practical heresies that ever cursed the church. The labor of proclaiming the good news and seeking to win souls is universal and indivisible. God scattered the infant church, and, while the Apostles were yet at Jerusalem, these primitive believers went everywhere preaching the word. Philip-only a deacon-went down into Samaria and evangelized, yes, and baptized, and a new pentecost came to Samaria. The command-" Go ye into all the world "-came to the whole church, and the whole church obeyed. We must get back where the primitive disciples were. Preaching the gospel must be so universal, that if every ordained minister were shut up, like Luther at Wartburg, preaching will go on. Even the woman who finds Christ must remember Mary of Magdala, who first bore the tidings of a Risen Christ, and that nameless woman of Samaria who forgot her waterpot in her zeal to tell even the men of Sychar what a Saviour she had found. Christian women must not forget Phoobe, the deaconness; Priscilla, who taught even ApoIlos; and other women who, like Persis, labored much in the Lord.
Weare proclaiming no new doctrine. Any church that differs from prelatical bodies in affirming the parity of the clery, is logically compelled to concede the parity of the eldership also. The New Testament knows but one order of men entrusted with spiritual functions, the presbyter, and the presbytery is but a bench of elders, or presbyters. The presbyter may exercise the function of a ruler, of a teacher, or both; but it is difficult to find any scriptural basis for constituting the teaching elder a separate order in the church. Not a few intelligent New Testament students so far hold to the parity of the eldership that they question not only whether it is properto'speak of an elder as a layman, but even to re-ordain a ruling elder who develops teaching gifts and is called to the pastorate. To hold the parity of the eldership implies logically the equality of all believers. Essentially, inherently, the right of preaching, and even of administering
FAMINE AND THE WORK OF FAMINE RELIEF
the sacraments, belongs to disciples, as such, and whatever rights are surrendered are surrendered only in the interests of expediency. There is one right that never ought to be or can be conceded or transferred, namely, the right to proclaim the gospel. That must ever remain the inalienable, untransferable yrerogative of ,everyone who believes. To believe is, ipse facto, to be a preacher, with a divine right of one of God's kings and priests, to tell the good news.
'Ye must learn the power of illdividual work for Christ from Oncken, first a domestic servant, then a bookseller, then a tract agent, then, with six humble men in a shoe-shop, organizing an evangelistic church in Hamburg; then visiting every part of Germany, preaching, scattering tracts and Bibles, gathering converts, and organizing churches. Twenty-five years of labor showed over 65 churches and 756 stations and out-stations, 8,000 members, 120 ministers and Bible readers; 15,000 Bibles and Testaments and 458,000 tracts distributed in one year. Behold what results-one little church multiplies to 70; 10,000 souls are hopefully converted; 400,000 copies of the Scriptures and 8,000,000 pages of tracts have been scattered, and 50,000,000 of people have heard the message, and all this within a quarter of a century! Give us twenty-five hundr€d men of like consecration, and in another quarter of a century we can have 175,000 new churches, 1,875,000 gospel stations, 25,000,000 converts; we will scatter 160,- 000,000 Bibles, 3,000,000,000 pages of tracts-and, with these twentyfive hundred such men, we will tell the good tidings to the whole population of this globe within the remaining ten or eleven years of this nineteenth century!
Individualism is what is needed. God and man must unite to lay upon every believer's heart and conscience the weight of a world's lost conditition. To evangelize this race is a load that will crush the few; it can be lifted only by the many.
(Ooncluded in our next number.) FAMINE AND THE WORK OF FAMINE RELIEF.
BY REV. J. L. NEVIUS, D.D., CHEFOO, CHINA.
That famine is to be attributed to supernatural intervention-that is, to the expression of divine displeasure~and a punitive infliction for individual and national sins, is not only clearly taught in the sacred Scriptures, but is also one of the fundamental beliefs of heathen nations. This belief seems to be the interpretation which man's religious instincts put upon the evils by which he is afflicted. The Chinese, not only scholars but the illiterate as well, speak of famine as tien tsai, "heaven-caused calamities," and, in time of famine and other misfortunes, it is not uncommon for the emperor, on behalf of himself and his people, to confess his individual sins, and the sins of his nation, and implore immunity from these dreaded expressions of the wrath of heaven. In the religious conceptions of the Chinese the fact that famines are produced through the operation of obviously natural laws is regarded as perfectly consistent with referring them ultimately to a power above, but immanent in nature, acting through natural laws and controlling and directing all events. The destruction of property and life by the overflow of rivers, owing not so much to unusual meteorological conditions as to man's neglect (as in the case of the overflow of the Yellow river), though very similar in effect to providential calamities, are quite distinguishable from them. Famine is the result of the two opposite causes-drought and flood-which may be referred to one and the same cause, the unequal distribution of the rain-fall, producing drought in some places and floods in others. In that part of Eastern Asia which includes the great empires of Hindustan, China and Japan, the alternations of the winds of summer and winter are so marked as to produce what are called the northern and southern monsoons, to which the climatic peculiarities of this whole region are to be largely attributed. During the winter months the northern monsoon blows almost continuously, and sometimes with great violence, from the Arctic regions to the tropics. Early in the spring the tropical winds, charged with moisture, commence moving northward, at first continuing only for a few degrees of latitude, but graduallyasserting their supremacy, and extending farther and farther northward, until, in July and August, they constitute the southern monsoon, which, on the entire coast of Asia, extends from the tropics to forty degrees of north latitude. The region in which the southern monsoon and the colder breezes of the north meet, like two opposing armies alternately advancing and retiring (the colder atmosphere condensing the vapor with which the southern monsoon is surcharged), forms the rain belt, which, as it advances step by step to the north, brings what is called "the rainy season." The rainy season reaches Ningpo and Shanghai, in central China, the latter part of May, when the rain is almost constant, while north, in the province of Shantung, the sky is cloudless. This monsoon, after discharging its moisture in the south, often continues its course northward for several degrees of latitude with great violence, and almost as dry as the sirocco of the desert. In the latter part of July, and nearly the whole of August, when the air in central China has risen to a high temperature, the southerly monsoon blows past . that region, holding its moisture in suspense until it is condensed and falls in northern China and Manchuria. These two monsoons, with the fluctuations in their force and temperature, produce the very irregular rain-fall of the rainy season. In one section of country there is sometimes such an excess of rain as to form destructive floods, while in an adjacent region, north or south, there is a comparative deficiency. Sometimes the rain falls gently for days, and at other times in such volume that it is impossible to distinguish objects at mid-day a few hundred yards distant, and water-courses half a mile in width, in which the stream had shrunk to a little rivulet, requiring only a few stepping-stones for the foot-traveler to pass, in an hour's time becomes a rushing torrent, overflowing its banks, and rendering all passage, for the time being, impossible.
The province of Shantung has within the past thirteen years suffered from two destructive famines, in which millions of its inhabitants have perished. The famine which reached its highest point of intensity in the spring of 1877, was from drought, affecting thehigher mountainregionsofthisprovince, and extending west to the adjoining provinces of Shansi and Shen-si. In this famine the work of relief was carried on by missionaries with the most satisfactory results. The famine of 1889, which was produced not by drought, but by floods, affected the plain bordering on the Pe-chi-li bay in the northwestern part of the province. It covered an area of about 6,000 square miles, containing a population of not less than 1,000,000. In consequence of the excessive rains of the summer of 1888, the swollen streams in the central part of the province overflowed their banks and poured their contents through the villages, carrying away trees and houses, in some places denuding rich arable land of its surface earth, and in others covering the land with sand to the depth of one or two feet. Reaching the plain, the overflow of the streams, with the deluge of falling rain, united in a continuous flood to the depth of from one to ten feet, flowing onwards to the sea. Not only the crops, but a large proportion of the houses, were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of the inhabitants were left without food or shelter. They subsisted on wild grass, chaff and roots. As a natural consequence, physical weakness, emaciation, disease and death quickly ensued. The fearful privation and distress of the unfortunate inhabitants may be easily imagined. The harrowing accounts of individual suffering furnished by our missionaries are doubtless still fresh in the minds of many of your readers.
The work of relief commenced with January, 1889. Appeals for aid had been sent to Shanghai, Europe and America, and the generous response which they met in all quarters enabled us to enlarge the work so that it soon reached proportions which at first were hardly dreamed of. The contributions received for this local famine in Shantung, independent of the still larger amounts which were spent in the relief of the distress from the inundations of the Yellow river, amounted to about $300,000, and the persons who received aid aggregated more than 300,000.
The work of relief was carried on by the members of the English Baptist and the American Presbyterian Missions stationed at Ching Chowfu and Wei Hien, about a day's journey from the famine region. As our supply of funds increased the work was rapidly enlarged, until all the members of both mis- sions, including twenty persons, were engaged in it, assisted by a much larger corps of native workers. All adopted the same plan, co-operating and assisting each other in every possible way. Contributions, from whatever source, were paid into a common fund and divided equally between the two missions. Dis- tinctions of nationality and creed, and also territorial divisions for missionary work, were ignored. Six of our distributers were missionary ladies, five of them .accompanying their husbands. They sought out the sick, especially women and children, who were so nearly starved that they could only be brought back to life and health by special care, and more nutritious food than the general plan provided for. By finding out these women and children in their homes, and ministering to their individual wants, many were saved who would otherwise have been without hope.
This work of famine relief has not only saved the lives of tens of thousands, but it has had marked moral effects as well. The famine relief of 1877 gave a new impulse to our mission work in this province. Similar results have accompanied and followed that of last year. There are now in connection with the stations of the English Baptist mission and our own about 1,500 inquirers. It is not to be inferred that these inquirers all received aid, nor that most of them were thus led to enroll themselves as Christians. Such a result would give very little cause for congratulation for the present, or hope for the future. That a desire to secure sympathy and help in case of future emergencies has been, in some instances, one of the motives, even of sincere converts, and that in some cases it may have been the only motive of applicants for baptism, is more than probable. There are many beneficial results from this famine relief work, which have reached far beyond its territorial boundaries, and influenced many who had no need of help, even in times of famine. These results may be summarized as follows: 1. While the Chinese have hitherto been disposed to regard us with suspicion as the propagators of an exclusive and revolutionary foreign religion, the famine relief work has given missionaries a new introduction to the people as their true benefactors, presenting in a concrete form the central idea of Christi-
THE REVIVAL IN THE NESTORIAN CHURCHES IN 1890
anity, 8elf-sacrifice for the good of others. This favorable opinion of foreigners could only be arrived at by overcoming strong national prejudices. It was more natural at first to account for these generous gifts, this unremitting toil, and voluntary exposure to pestilence and violence, by referring them to sinister motives, generally expressed by the Chinese as" buying the people's hearts," which was at first supposed to be for political ends. These imaginary causes are, however, gradually giving place in the Chinese mind to the real ones. .
2. Missionaries in having entrusted to them large sums of money to be dis- posed of as they think best, are thus presented before the peopleas men possessed to a high degree of the confidence of those who know them.
3. What most suprises the Chinese, however, and has the most powerful and salutary moral effect on their minds, is the evidence given of business integ- rity. Here the character of the foreigner comes into direct contrast to that of the Chinese in that point, which discloses their national weakness. Their high idea of righteousness dominating covetousness, which is rarely illustrated in real life in China, is actually realized in this work of the missionary. These people believe, and probably with good reason, that a considerable portion of the famine relief funds intrusted to their own officials is absorbed by them, and never reaches those for whom it was intended. In the open and methodical way in which the missionary does his work there is no ground left for suspicion or distrust, and his manifest honesty is attributed to the superior excellence of the religion which he l'epresents.
As in Apostolic times God made use of miracles to powerfully attract public attention to those whom He had chosen to be His agents in propagating the gospel, and at the same time to .give evidence suited to the comprehension of the masses of its divine character, so in the present age God is subserving the same ends by this work of famine relief. It would be a great mistake, how- ever, to suppose that the spiritual results connected with this work are to be attributed to it as its efficient cause. We believe that that Divine power which opened the eyes of the blind was accompanied by a special influence of the Divine Spirit opening the eyes of the understanding, and enabling men to apprehend and embrace the truth; so now the same Spirit, through the liberality and in answer to the prayer of God's people, is conferring spiritual as well as temporal blessings on this people, making even the scourge of famine a blessing.
We call upon Christians in the West, and especially those who recently showed their interest in China by such generous responses to appeals for material aid, to pray that the enlightening and transforming power of God's .Spirit, now manifested in the famine region and its vicinity, may extend through- <Qut this province and the whole Chinese empire.
THE REVIVAL IN THE NESTORIAN CHURCHES IN 1890.
"The Lord hath done great things for us whereof we are glad." We desire .all our friends to rejoice with us-rejoice over souls saved, over Christians awakened to newness of life, and over our churches filled anew with the spirit of love and unity and of zeal for souls.
Let us go back a little and glance at the dark back-ground which makes our present joy all the more radiant, and also at the steps which led up to the blessing in which we now rejoice. Last year was a year of trial and discouragement in many ways. Coldness within our churches, and opposition without, caused the utmost anxiety to those who had the work most at heart. The accessions to the churches were fewer than for many years. The reports at the close of the year showed there had been a net loss instead of gain. We almost began to fear the Lord had hidden his face from us and from our work.
The first sign of better things was a band of consecrated young men who met together frequently for prayer to God for revival of true piety among his people, and who made their voices heard throughout the churches, calling, in no doubtful accents, for a higher standard of Christian living and consecration. Their influence was felt, especially among our pastors. In the summer, at a Chautauqua-like gathering of our helpers, at the lakeside, the spirit of prayer was most manifest, and the need of the Holy Spirit was reiterated and empha- sized at every session. Then again, later in the fall, at the meeting of Synod, the same spirit was present, and a general expectation prevailed of a great blessing to be received. Before the college closed for the winter vacation there was a quiet but genuine revival among the professing Christians. Many who had hitherto bolstered themselves with false hopes confessed that they had never before e,xperienced a change of heart.
All these things we accepted as tokens that the Lord was near unto us to bless us, and that it was only for us to prepare the way for his coming. With this thought in mind, the Friday before the Week of Prayer was set apart as a special day of fasting and prayer, and was observed by the most of our churohes with solemn interest. But the Week of Prayer went by, and the greater part of the month of January, and though there was more than usual of earnest work on the part of many, in spite of the prevailing sickness, still we saw no such results as we had hoped and prayed for. But the blessing came at last, and it began when we least expected it. Two young men of the band above mentioned, who scarcely knew how to read, but in whose hearts the love of God burns warmly, together with one of our college teachers, moved by some Divine influence, united forces, and without consultation with anyone, proceeded to the large village of Ardeshai. The church there had been in a very languishing condition, but at the very outset of these young men's labors they were greatly blessed. The church was quickened and revived in a wonderful degree; large congregations assembled to the preaching, and many from out- side avowed their purpose to begin a new life.. The next week one of our largest and most influential churches began to experience times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and every week since we have had occasion anew to praise God for the cheering tidings of some church blessing in like manner. All our available missionary and native force has been taxed to the utmost in meeting the calls for help from churches holding extra services. In about ten of these there has been a deep work of grace, and in five or six others marked and encouraging interest. In many places there was much bitter opposition to the work by the enemies of the pure gospel; women were threatened and intimidated, and in one or two cases wives were actually driven from their homes by their enraged husbands, because they insisted on attending these services. Many persons noted for their wickedness have been wonderfully changed. Especially worthy of notice is the case of one of our native physicians, a graduate of our college and medical department. He has until recently given himself to very unchristian habits, and even delighted in the utterance of infidel views. The Lord has worked a change in that man's heart scarcely short of miraculous. His confessions, his prayers, and his walk, give the strongest evi7 dence of a thorough reformation. He recently visited the village in which he has worked most of his deeds of darkness, and there, before a large audience, he made a confession so humble and contrite, and with such evident sincerity, that the whole congregation was melted into tears, and many then and there arose and confessed their sins, and expressed their desire to experiencethe change
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN MISSIONARY MAGAZINES
wrought in him. Another of our native physicians of excellent capacity, who a few months ago was a slave to drink, has ever since the summer been a changed man and a Christian of shining example. His activity for the Master is delightful to behold, and his influence in the recent revival has been very stirring in many directions.
To speak of numbers at this time would be misleading. While upwards of four hundred have expressed publicly their desire to begin a new life, we can by no means count on that number as genuine converts. Still, we believe that the ingathering to the church will be very large. The work of grace has been to all appearances a thorough one, unaccompanied by undue excitement. Much of the preaching has been of the most searching, practical kind along the lines of sin, repentance and the new birth. In the village of Goolpashan, nearly fifty are propounded for admission to the church at the next communion. Probably a large number will unite with the church in Degala. Other of the smaller churches will be increased in like proportion, we have reason to expect.
Men's pockets have been reached as well as their hearts. The church in Goolpashan, always a liberal one, has increased its annual SUbscription fifty per cent., and they are planning to employ one of their own earnest young men as an evangelist for the neighboring villages. The church in Ardeshai was prompted to subscribe a large sum for a needed church edifice, one-third the expected cost, but double what anyone supposed could be raised in that church.
But the earnest spirit and newness of life manifested by many of the church members who have been hitherto very cold and worldly, are perhaps the most cheering aspects of these revival experiences. Our printing office has become a veritable Bethel. PrinterS and binders alike seem animated with a purpose to improve every opportunity to speak for Christ. No one drops in on any sort of business scarcely who does not have some helpful word addressed to him. Many a blessed influence has emanated from that building during the past few months. It was not so in former times.
And so having received these tokens of God's presence and favor, we are filled with rejoicing. As we look back over the past few weeks, we may exclaim with the Psalmist: "This is the Lord's doing, it is marvelous in our eyes."
[In transmitting the above joyful intelligence to us, Dr. Samuel Jessup, of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, adds (probably from still later accounts): "You have doubtless heard of the revival in the West Persia Mission. Our last dates from that field from Dr. Labaree and Mr. Coan are very encouraging. They report about four hundred conversions during the spring, and that the religious interest is still continuing. It is probable that after all the sifting and testing of these four hundred there will be three hundred or three hundred and fifty accessions to the church. It is pleasant in these times of financial depression at home to have such cheering intelligence from the mission fields."-J. M. S.] TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN MISSIONARY MAGAZINES.
BY REV. CHARLES C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
Cowper's reference to the Moravians, as those who were willing to endure every hardship, in order "To plant successfully sweet Sharon's rose On icy rocks, and 'midst eternal snows,~'
receives illustration from this description of Labrador, in the Monatsbliitter for last March: "As always, so now, the weather and theftshing playa great part in the reports of ourmissionaries. Offence has sometimes been taken at these perpetual references to drift-ice and seals, but unreasonably. Labrador is one of the most inhospitable lands of our planet. It offers, it is true, water, air, and stone. But how scanty is its vegetable world, so far as regards advantage to man I A few berries and a little firewood-that is all the soil affords the Eskimo, and at the nortl;1ern stations there is great scarcity even of firewood; for what is called the 'Hebron woods,' is only·a low brush, consisting of birch and alder shrnbs, that just manage to creep out of the earth. As to the yield of vegetables, which the missionaries procure from their hot-beds and gardens, that, even in the most favorable summers, hardly pays for the care and pains spent upon the preparation of the soil and the tendence of the plants. Grain fields or potato grounds· are something wholly unknown to Labrador. And the ground (of this parsimony of nature is found in the extraordinarily rough, changeable, capricious climate of the country. Seven months long, even during the last ship's year (on the whole a right favorable one), did the winter maintain his iron dominion, and cause his snow-storms to rage. And these are storms of such a violence as the inhabitants of more temperate regions can scarcely conceive; storms which, e. g., in Hebron, carry off a good share of the toilsomely-collected garden earth, or, a few weeks later, so shake the little church, that amid cracking beams and roaring winds the preacher's voice is almost drowned. And even when approaching summer seems at last to be victorious over winter, he bides his time to return again and again with spiteful reprisals. Thus this year, as late as June 27, snow fell a foot deep in Okak, and at the other stations also violent snow-storms prevailed."
The Moravians, in choosing Labrador, were indeed illustrating their principle of going where no one else was willing to go. These circumstances of their people, and the obstinate improvidence which they engender, compel the missionaries to take a much greater share in providing for the bodily wants of their people than almost anywhere else.
Yet even in Labrador nature has another side. " All through this last fall we had mild and friendly weather. There were days, such as even at home, in dear Germany, would be reckoned as 'ideal' autumn days. And though we miss here the yellow stubble fields, yet the variegated woods fill the heart's desire. The dark, solemn firs, the lighter pines, among them the yellowing leaves of the deciduous larches, and, above all, the carpet of moSil at their feet, shimmering in the most various hues, joyfully convince the eye and the mind that not all the beauty in our land is glacial and cold."
-It seems that there are six stations in Labrador-Ramah, Hebron, and Okak, in the north; Nain, Zoar, and Hofienthal, or Hopevale, in the south. The number of adherents is: Adults. Children. Total.
Ramah…………………………………………………… 32 21 61 Hebron…………………………………………………… 147 236 Okak……………………………………………………. 209 89 332 266 Nain………………………………… …………………. 181 123 98 85 316 Zoar…………….. … ……. …………………………… 65 Hopewell ……………………………………………….. 221 33 95 1,309 -The Allgemeine Missions-ZeitschriJt, speaking of the difficulties caused by the rather high-handed proceedings of the German authorities on the Marshall Islands towards the mission of the American Board, remarks: "We have not too many friends, either in or out of Europe, and for that reason our youthful colonial policy should avoid every unprofitable irritation. It should be considered that it is a dictate of political wisdom to put one's self on a good footing with a long-established and influential Mission, if for no other reason because it has the natives on its side. Instead of this, during the short time that the German flag has waved over the Marshall Islands, one vexatious measure after another has been adopted against the Protestant mission there. If under such circumstances the German Government is felt as a hard yoke, and regarded with discontentment by the very best elements of the native population-the Christians-who, besides, are already tolerablynumerous there, while the report of such measures, spreading far and wide, renders it disagreeable even to the whites so far as they are not Germans, we are not to wonder at it." -In April, 1889, the Heidenbode, i. e., "Missionary," of'the Nederlandsche 'Gereformeerde Zendingvereeniging (Netherlands Reformed Missionary Society), connected with the Established (Presbyterian) Church of Holland, gave'the following report of its missionary work in Java: Residences. Population. Churches. Adherents.
Bagelen ……………………………………. . 1,269,000 21 2,411 Banjoemas…………………………………… .. 13 713 Tegal ……………………………………….. .. 1, H17,OOO 4 341 998,000 6 515 tfo:j~~~~::::·.'.':::::::.: .::::::: :::::: .::::::: :::: 532,000 9 637,000 1,013 "So that, in the midst of a Mohammedan population of over four and a half million souls (the population of the Netherlands) in numberless dessas (villages), spread over an extent of land of more than 6,000 square miles (half the size of the Netherlands), there are fifty·three Christian congregations, numbering altogether something over 5,000 souls, gathered out of the Javanese. Certaiulya cause of humble thankfulness to the Lord God, that He has been pleased to make the work in the gospel fruitful, and has extended His church, even in Middle Java. And yet it is a cause of the deepest humiliation, that there are still so many millions dwelling there who have not heard the gospel, because, through the unfaithfulness of the churches in Holland, there was no one to preach to them."
The spiritual and normal condition of the Javanese churches, though a plainly advancing one, is yet described as deeply colored by the inborn slavish- ness of a race that has been under oppression for ages. One excellent trait, however, is, that the church members, and especially the elders, are always ready to converse about Christianity. Two elders preached Christ in a village in the principality of Djokjakarta with such effect that fifty persons went over to Christianity, forming the first church in the principality. The common inaccessibility of Mohammedans to the gospel seems to suffer a decided exception in Java and Sumatra. And yet precisely there is where Islam is at the farthest removed from the gospel, since the people very commonly hold that Christ has forfeited his rank as a prophet by allowing his people to dishonor Mohammed, a doctrine which, of course, orthodox Mohammedanism would reject asabominably heretical, since it holds Christ, and even his mother, to have been, unlike Mohammed, conceived without taint of original sin; anticipating, as respects Mary, the papaldecisionof the Immaculate Conception by some twelve centuries. The language of the Koran is a little vague, but is so interpreted by scholars.
A great part of the Javanese, however, are heathen, or practice more or less of Mohammedanism without knowing much about the system. Indeed, the religion of the people at large is described as such a medley of heathenism and Mohammedanism, that some have, not altogether amiss, designated it as "Javanism." Lately, however, the Mohammedan element has been powerfully reinforced. .Ifthis process goes on, the susceptibility of the Javanese to the gospel is likely to diminish. It is to be hoped, therefore, that Netherlands Christians will pour out their gifts before the era of fanaticism fairly sets in. The practice of pilgrimage to Mecca is now so greatly facilitated by the use of steam, that Hadjis (i. e., pilgrims), with their intense consciousness of superior holiness; are rapidly multiplying, and with them the influence and intolerance of pure Mohammedanism may be expected to rise. Already there is at least one Hadji or more in almost every dessa or native settlement, from the seashore to the high mountains. Yet it may encourage us to reflect that in Sumatra, where Mohammedanism appears to be much more genuinely such than as yet in Java, half the 11,000 Christians have been won from it, a fact which that great authority, Sir William Hunter, declares to be more significant as to the hope of a future prevalence of the gospel in the Moslem world than any other that had been brought to his knowledge. The congregation mentioned above is only one of a number that have the fearfully oppressive government of the Dutch, who take about thirty-five cents out of every fifty that they,earn, abominate the whites, but are ready to hear the gospel from their own countrymen.
"Native preachers to evangelize, and native instructors for the native Chris- tian schools; then, native pastors and teachers for the native churches; and native Christian doctors for the care of the sick." This is the ideal towards which the Dutch missionaries are working.
– Dr. Warneck makes some comparative estimates as to the number of pupils in the Protestant and in the Roman Catholic missionary schools of India and Ceylon. In 1881 the Protestant schools numbered 4,175, with 234,759 scholars. In 1881, the Protestant Christians of India and Ceylon numbered 528,590. As- suming them in 1888 to have numbered 620,000, and that there were then 4,500 schools with 275,000 scholars-(the latter doubtless too Iowan estimate), these would average for every 1,000 Christians 440 scholars. But the Missiones Catholical for 1888 give the number of Roman Catholic Christians for India and Ceylon at 976,943, the number of schools at 1,280, with 70,138 scholars. This would give for every 1,000 Catholics 71 scholars. The Protestant zeal for education in India therefore appears to excel the Roman Catholics in the proportion of more than 6 to 1. Perhaps the Roman Catholics will do better in future, as Sir William Hunter attests that they are very much more attentive to education in India now than they used to be. On the whole, however, their ideal seems to be the same as that of their great antagonist, Mr. Froude, namely, to pick out the bright boys of the poorer classes for training, and to let the rest go. Where their practice is higher than this, it seems to be most frequently where it is stimulated by the force of an antecedent example. In view of this, it is a little difficult to keep our faces straight, when we read the declaration lately made in the German Parliament, "That the English government owes it principally to the Jesuit order, that it has achieved in India such results, and that it has gained its present stability."
Dr. Warneck remarks, that to all appearance the appeal of the viceroy of India to Christians to increase the force of Christian schools, is receiving deep attention in missionary circles, as the State declares itself willing to assist them by grants-in-aid, having become convinced that the result of its own government-schools, without religion as they necessarily are, is showing itself in a wide-spread popular demoralization. India has discovered this; but of course America will insist on learning the lesson for herself. "But whence are characters of the needed Christian maturity to be obtained in due numbers? We see it all leads out again to what is really the central missionary supplication: Lord, send forth laborers into thy harvest I"
-At the great missionary meeting at Christiania, special honor was rendered to the memory of an eminent Swedish missionary, Charles Alexander Ouchterlong. He was born in Stockholm, October 12, 1826. When a young private tutor, his eye fell on an article in the Lunds Missionstidning, entitled, "Is it right?" which determined him to a missionary life. It had, indeed, a remarkable working, for it sent out another missionary also, Carl Olaf Fast, who, going to China, was murdered by pirates, when only 28; but was, in his death, the incitement to embrace the missionary life for the eminent Swedish divine, Dr. Blomstrand, the most distinguished of Swedish missionaries, in his influence both in southern India and at home.
Ouchterlong likewise went to south India, where he labored with singular faithfulness and effectiveness for 36 years, and where he died a year ago. Oertainly that was a fruitful article in the Lunds Missionstidning. -Mr. Kabis, of the Leipsic Society, mentioning the recent baptism of a, Brahmin in Madras, says: "One after another came to convince the Brahmin of the folly of his resolution, especially an agent of the Hindu Tract Society, to which this conversion was especially odious, What-an uproar had been evoked by the mere rumor that a young Brahmin student in the Christian college intended to turn Christian I Indeed, it had led to the establishment of a Hindu divinity school in Madras. The Hindus had imagined that by word and writing, by street preaching and lectures, they were again masters of the field. It sadly dashed their joy of victory, that now once more a Brahmin, and he no youngster leavened with Christian schooling, but a man of ripe years, hitherto an orthodox priest, who understood not a word of English, should have been converted to the Christian religion."
The young Leipsic missionary Mohn, newly arrived in south India, writes: "On the evening of November 5th, we went ,by rail together to Majaweram, in order here, November 7th, to celebrate Brother Meyner's wedding. This fell just in the time of the great Bathing Festival to which as many as 50,000 to 60,000 assemble. The railway alone forwarded 27,000 persons last year. On the chief day we went to the bathing-place, and looked at the matter a little more closely. There was a tumultuous throng, hardly to be penetrated. We were the only white faces among all these dusky multitudes. The best place for viewing the whole affair appeared to be the flat roof of the idol temple. We climbed up to it by a ladder, without any opposition. From here we could overlook the human masses; they stood close packed together, some bathing, some chatting, etc. We saw also how they were carrying about different idols, which were adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones. All were greeted by the crowd with uplifted hands and loud acclaims. In view of this our hearts might well sinll:, as we beheld heathenism yet subsisting in its full, unbroken might. If we did not know that God's truth gains the victory, we should despair of the possibility that India will ever be converted. It is an almost impregnable citadel of Satan, and the individual mission stations are like oases in the waste, and the individual missionary is as a drop in the ocean. For instance, in each of such cities as Sidarnbaram, Kudelur, Kurnba-Konam, etc.,of 40,000 or 50,000 inhabitants, there is only a single missionary I What can a single man effect over against such masses? Even yet it is only a siege from without, we have not yet made our way into the interior of the fortress. Nevertheless we will not therefore despond, but with fresh courage attack the task in the name of the Lord-you at home with prayer and gifts, we in the land itself by preaching the gospel to the poor, blinded people, and attracting such as are willing to let themselves be saved. We know that the Lord by little can accomplish much. But Thou, 0, Lord Jesus, accept our poor, weak will, our slender strength, take also the offer of our youth, and fashion us into men, and into instruments of Thy mercy I Do Thou Thyself fulfill Thy work in power and bring hither to Thy flock them that are scattered abroad in the world, so that Thou canst SOon appear in Thy glory and conduct us out of the conflict and strife of time into Thy kingdom of peace! Amen."
-The following description of.Barsute heathenism is equally applicable to many other mission fields: "The adversary whom they combat, although wounded, is still on his feet and powerful, and he defends himself with a singu- lar vigor. This formidable adversary becomes more dangerous and more subtle as the strife goes on."
-Pastor Haccius, of Hanover, speaking of a visit to the only Jesuit station in the Transvaal, occupied by one priest and one lay brother, where he was very cordially received, inquired what success they had. They told him none. His companion remarked that they had come too late. "Yes," the father answered, "the Caffres had become so much accustomed to reading the Bible, that they scorned missionaries who made so little of it. Moreover, in their masculine pride, they take great umbrage at the honors paid to Mary, apparently not so much because she is a creature as because she is a woman." "But, if the Jesuits have here no spiritual, they have, at least, a terrestrial success. For they have, with admirable perseverance, turned the whilom farm into a lovely, fruitful garden, and laid it out with such perfection as I have never seen rivalled here. The most various sorts of trees had been set out, all manner of vegetables and flowers were reared; they had even made a trial of asparagus fields-and this all was skillfully irrigated. And, as a main proof of their industry, in beds and fields not a weed was to be seen. The two men, in their monotonous life, find their especial delight in this garden."
524 NOTES ON NEW BOOKS OF A MISSIONARY CHARACTER
NOTES ON NEW BOOKS OF A MISSIONARY CHARACTER.
John G. Paton, Missionary to the New Hebrides. An Autobiography. Edited by his brother. Second Part. New York: Carter & Brothers. $1.50. Those who read the first part of this fascinating autobiograpby will read with equal delight this second volume. For thrilling adventure, for heroic daring and enduring, for vivid romance and apostolic zeal, for robust piety and noble achievement, this work stands almost unrivaled in the annals of Missionary literature. We cannot do better than quote the Introductory Note to the volume from the pen of our associate, Dr. Pierson: "The avidity with which Part I. of Mr. Paton's remarkable life story was received by the public in· England has been no surprise. Before this second part was issued from the press three thousand copies were already sold, and the entire edition of 5,000 was so soon exhausted that it has beenimpossible to cope with the demand. We have no hesitation in pronouncing this second part the most fascinating narrative of missionary adventure and heroism and success that we have ever met. This volume abounds in poetry and pathos, dramatic interest and thrilling experience, lit up by the golden rays of a delicate and unique humor. It reminds one of a varied landscape, with bold mountains and modest valleys, where snow-crowned summits look down on summer gardens; where cascades fall into quiet streams, and where all the marvels of light and shade at once relieve and diversify the scene. The twenty-two miles' gallop through the Anstralian bush on the back of Garibaldi, which made the inexperienced rider drunk with ex- ·citement and fatigue; the Ariwan woman who, judging clothes an evidence of a new heart, proved her decided conversion by coming into chapel having her person grotesquely adorned by every article of male attire which she could beg or borrow, may illustrate the comical side of this charming story. The three years of progress among cannibals, in laying foundations of Christian families, schools, churches, and even social order, may serve as one of the grandest indications, through all history, of that gospel which is still the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation."-J. M. S.
Foreign Missions: Their place in the Pastorate, in Prayer, in Conference. Ten Lectures. By Augustus C. Thompson. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1889. $1.75. These lectureswere delivered as the annual series under the Foreign Missionary Lectureship in the Hartford Theological Seminary last year. The topics and the method of treatment were of course chosen with reference to a select professional class-room audience instead of a large popular assembly. While of special interest and value to a Senior Class of Theological Students, they could not be otherwise than instructive, coming from the eminent source they did, to all the students and friends of missions throughout the world.
The topics of the several lectures will show the breadth of the discussion and the highly practical character of them all. I. The Minister's Sphere. II. and m. Missionary Obligation.
IV. Ministerial Prayer and Missions. V., VI. and VII. Missionary Concerts. VIII. Prayer for Missions Answered. IX. and X. Missionary Conferences. These topics are all vital to the missionary enterprise. They are each and all subjects of the utmost importance to be clearly under- ·stood and made practical in missionary life. And we rejoice that such a master in Israel has grappled with them, and set them forth so promineutly and with such clearness and force and wealth of illustration. "Mis.'lionary Obligation!" How faintly is it conceived or felt! Only here and there one begins to comprehend the significance of the High Commission of our Ascended Lord, or to see the Hand of God in the marvelous and supernatural movements of the day. Dr. Thompson shows the true basis of this "obligation"-the great underlying principles of all missionary work-and he enforces the obligation by weighty motives and facts. We call special attention to his remarks on "Missionary Concerts." He devotes no less than three chapters to the subject, showing the importance he attaches to the subject. It was a sad day for the Church when the" Monthly Concert of Prayer for Missions" lost its hold and was largely given up by pastor aud people. The church ought to rally everywhere for its restoration. We know of no one agency so wisely adapted to interest and enthuse pastor and people and promote a liberal and self-sacrificing spirit, than such a regular monthly service can be made to be. We earnestly hope these lectures will fall under the eye of thousands of our pastors and leading laymen who now neglect this service, which was once observed so extensively and with such blessed results. The lecture, "Prayer for Missions Answered," is highly inspiriting, while the two last lectures on "Missionary Conferences" afford a fund of information and suggestion that can be extensively utilized by the friends of missious. The infiuence of such a volume-BO scriptural and philosophical in its teaching, so broad and catholic in spirit, so clear and incisive in its statement, and so eminently timely and practical in its cas~nnot fail to have its effect on the current thought of the day, even beyond the immediate circle of missions.-J. M. S.
A Century of Christian Progress: Showing also the Increase of Protestantism and the Decline of Popery. By the Rev. James Johnston, F. S. S. Second edition. Fleming H. Revell. New York and Chicago. Paper 25c., cloth 50c. We expressed a highly favorable opinion of this little work in our notice of the first edition in our issue for November, 1888. .The present editiou ,contains "all that is essential for demonstrative proof" found in the first, modified somewhat
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE
so as to secure a wider circulation. The object of this brief remarkable treatise is: 1. To encourage hope in the evangelization of all nations, by showing the progress which Christianity, as a whole, has made in the past, and specially during the last century. There are now 400,000,000 of nominal Christians in the world. Fully 800,000,000 out of the 1,400,000,000 of the population of the earth live under the government of Christian States. With the exception of savage tribes, no nation is under the independent rule of an idolatrous government. The idols, though not abolished, are dethroned. 2. To show the growing ascendency of Protestantism, and, owing to its slow rate of increase, the relative decline of Popery. 3. To make Protestants feel their obligation to spread the religion to which they owe. the unparalleled position of power and intluence which, in Providence, they occupy: with their 135,000,000 stationed in almost every part of the habitable globe, and with 3,000,000 of converts scattered among the heathen of every race, it needs but the breath of the Holy Spirit to infuse life into them, and the evangelization of the world is as sure as the promises of God. 4. To warn Protestants of the danger and folly of mimicking the rights and yielding to the seductions of Popery, which has, as a religious system, as a moral intluence, and as a political power, proved itself, where dominant, an utter failure. Protestant statesmen, eccleSiastics, and ritualists, are now its greatest dupes, or are making dupes of the ignorant. All who are interested in the progress of the Kingdom of Christ should procure this book. It will impress and encourage as well as unfold how much is still to be done.-J. M. S.
In the Far East is an exquisite volume, with illustrations, containing letters from Mary Geraldine Guinness, on China, and published by F. H. Revell, Chicago and New York. It is sufficient to say of this book that it is written and edited by daughters of Dr. Henry Grattan Guinness, and introduced to the public by Dr. A. J. Gordon. The map of China, which prefaces the volume, is one of the best we have ever seen, prepared with artistic care. The letters are racy, homelike, and written with a woman's keen appreciation of everything she saw. They are full of information, and have a strange touch of sympathy about them which makes the whole world seem kin.-A. T. P.
Map of Central Africa. Published by the "African News," Vineland, N. J.-75 cents. This is an interesting and valuable map of Equatorial Africa, covering that portion of the continent between six degrees north and twenty degrees south latitude. It is 18×24 inches in size, but on the same sheet are severalinsets giving (1) the whole of the continent, with enlargements of the Delta of the Nile and southern Africa; (2) map of Liberia; (3) Angola; (4) Africa in its relation to other continents; (5) Bishop Taylor's missions on the Lower Congo. Leopoldville, on Stauley Pool, is made the centre of circular lines showing distances across the continent. The publication is specially designed to illustrate the missions and plans of Bishop Taylor, but willlfe valuable to anyone who desires a good and detailed map of this portion of the great continent. The map is on good paper, printed in colors, and folded into a cover which renders it convenient for use.-J. M. S.
II.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions, It happens frequently that volun- and persuaded by the power of that teers are compelled to give as a reason love to a practical exhibition of for their non-departure to their chosen loyalty to their Master. "The Student missionary fields that there are no Volunteer Movement" has under- funds in the treasuries of the Boards taken, through her representatives, to send them. The Presbyterian to awaken churches to a consciousness Board of Foreign Missions carries, at of their duty and privilege in support- present, a debt of $60,000, and the ing missionaries; the missionary hav- financial status of other old-established' ing been urged as "a living link"
Boards is itself a commentary on the between the church and the foreign lukewarm interest manifested in the field. The following "Plan of Sys- cause of foreign missions by the multi- tematic Giving" has been adopted by tude of Christians possessing this individual churches in many parts of world's goods-men and women, en- New England and the East: rolled as church members, who are, we believe, not willfully disobedient THE PLAN. to .our Lord's commands, or deliber- 1. An opportunity will be given to all who so ately unresponsive to His love, but desire to subscribe to the following pledge: who simply need to be enlightened "I promise to give $ ….•….. and …….. cents each week during a period of five years from date, towards the support of a missionary in the foreign field, this sum to be over separately and go to other objects." and above my present offerings to the cause Before the adoption of the plan of of foreign missions."* systematic giving between $500 and $600 was raised by the church. The (Instead of weekly payments, quarterly or amount pledged per annum by this plan yearly payments may be made if so desired.) is something more than $2,700 (a sur- plus of about $400 over cost of support 2. The weekly offerings shall be placed in of our two missionaries; this sum being envelopes furnished by the church treasurer exclusive ofchurchcollection, Sunday- to those who subscribe to the pledge, and these school contributions, etc.). Two mis- envelopes shall be collected on each Sabbath sionaries and their wives are wholly in connection with the usual collection. supported. Our regular collections have been larger since the adoption of 3. It is suggested that a committee be ap- "the plan" than before. "I se~ no pointed by the church to assist the treasurer reason why other churches should not in the work of collection and in obtaining new quintuple their gifts to foreign mis- subscriptions. sions, to their own spiritual benefit, if pastors would do their duty in inform- 4. If the amount pledged in any church is ing their people of facts, and enlisting sufficient for the annual support of one or of their sympathies in the work, by the several missionaries, that church shall report adoption of this, or a similar plan." to the Foreign Board with which it is con- nected, that such a sum has been pledged for Between the dates April 8 and 26, five years, and request that the board appoint Mr. Robert E. Speer, traveling secre- one or more missionaries to represent that tary, has visited the following educa- church in the foreign field. tional institutions: University of Vir- ginia, Charlottesville, Va.; University 5. If the amount pledged in any church is of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N. C.; more than sufficient for the support of one colleges: .Emory, Oxford, Ga.; Rich- missionary and not enough for the support of mond, Richmond, Va.; Wofford, two, the surplus shall be sent to ihe Foreign Spartansburg, S. C.; Vanderbilt, NAsh- Board to be applied to the cause of foreign ville, Tenn.; Davidson, Davidson, N. missions in whatever way may be thought C.; Trinity, North Carolina; Pantop's best. Academy, Charlottesville, Va. Total number of volunteers secured within 6. If the amount pledged in any church is dates above mentioned, sixty. insufficient for the support of a missionary, that church may unite with neighboring Concerning Mr. Speer's recent visit churches of the same denomination in the to Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass., support of a representative. If this is im- a correspondent writes: "He ad- possible, the amount raised shall be for- dressed the whole school on the mornwarded to the Foreign Board, to be used as the ing of March 22, reading 2 Kings, board may direct. 7th chapter, and considering especially a portion of the ninth verse: 'Then 7. This plan is to be so carried out as not to they said one to another, we do not interfere in any way with existing missionary well; this day is a day of good tidings, agencies, but with the hope and earnest and we hold our peace; if we tarry prayer that it may result in larger contribu- till the morning light some mischief tions than have ever been made to the mission will come upon us.' cause. " A general interest," continues the A letter received recently by Mr. R. writer, "has been felt throughout the school since Mr. Speer's visit, which P. Wilder, from Rev. William H. seems to have lasted, and since he was here the volUJ.iteers have met once in Miller, of Bryn Mawr, contains facts two weeks for prayer, and to help one which demonstrate the practicability of support of missionaries by hundreds of other churches throughout the country-churches who have as earnest and aggressive and enthusiastic pastors as the incumbent of the Presbyterian Church at Bryn Mawr, who writes: "Our contributions to this special work are made in quarterly installments, paid directly to our missionary treasurer. The church annual collection, and the gifts of our Ladies' Society and of our Sundayschool to foreign missions are all made * This pledge is not legally binding. .another. Most of the nUp,lber have count of the heavy adverse balance been present, and are earnest, conse- with which the Treasurer's return for crated girls. Weare trusting that 1889 was closed, the unexpected be- much good may be done for God here quest is highly acceptable. Mr. Sturge's in our school, and later in other lands, interest in the foreign missions of the through these consecrated lives." English Presbyterians is remarkable, inasmuch as he himself was a member MAx WOOD MOORHEAD. of the Society of Friends. Previously he had contributed £1,000 towards it. Foreign Mission Notes. The missions are carried on in Amoy, Swatow, Hakkadom, Formosa, Singa- BY REV. JAMES JOHNSTON, A. S. A., pore, and Rampore Banleah, Bengal, BOLTON, ENGLAND. at an annual expenditure of about £17,000. – General Presbyterian Alliance. At the last meeting of the Foreign -British Churches and the Anti. Mission Committee of the Alliance, in Slavery Conference. The presenta- Edinburgh, a large number of repre- tion of some 120 memorials, princi- sentatives attended from the different pally from Scotland and Ireland, to Presbyterian churches in England, the Conference relating to primary Ireland, and Scotland. A resolution questions in its deliberations, is a sig- was adopted thanking Lord Salisbury nificant indication of the watchful at- for the protection afforded by Her tention devoted to the recommenda- Majesty's government to the mission- tions expected. The non-conformists aries on the Shire Highlands and in have been singularly energetic, especi- Nyassaland, against the encroach- ally the Society of Friends, in dis- ments of the Portuguese, and the se- patching petitions. Until the Church ,curity guaranteed for the continuance of England Temperance Society pre- .of the missions in Southeast Central sented a memorial signed by the Africa. It was decided to submit to Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Anti-Slavery Conference at Brus- and numerous dignitaries and lay- sels, the views of the Committee on men on February 26, the Established Slavery, and the reckless distribution Church of England (with the ex- of firearms and alcoholic drinks ception of a few wide-awake par- among the native races of the Dark ishes) had been entirely silent. The Continent. Other matters of vital in- memorialists touched on the special terest to foreign mission work had features of the traffic in spirituous €xhaustive consideration. The pro- liquors. They alluded to the practice jected union into one national church of Europeans forcing the natives to of the various Presbyterian missions allow the importation of drink; tothe in India, and similar proposals with inferior quality of the spirits sold; its regard to China, were favorably re- disastrous effects upon semi-civilized ceived. It was stated that a United races, and the need of repressing the Mission Presbytery is being formed in trade wherever practicable. The Manchuria between the agents of the President of the Conference referred Scottish United Presbyterian and of in his reply to the long programme, the Irish Presbyterian churches. consisting of difficult and intricate questions affecting slavery, arms, am- -Prelbyterian Church of England munition, and liquors, to be dealt with Foreign Missions. The Treasurer of by the 43 representatives of 17 powers. the Society is to be congratulated upon He anticipated that the enormous 'the intimation from the solicitors of tracts, chiefly under the swayof Islam, the late Mr. George Sturge, London- which at present were untouched, a noble advocate and patron of peace might be saved from the introducand missions-that they proposed for- warding, in aid of its operations, a donation of £5,000, from the "residue" of the deceased gentleman. On action of drink; and he was hopeful orating agency of education, superinthat an improvement was possible, tended by ~issionarY organizations. It where the traffic has a foothold, by the wascontendedthatwithmoreinforma- interdict of a general impost duty tion of the statesmanlike plans which upon an equalizing scale all round the had been inaugurated by Dr. Duff and coast. The deputation were urged to Dr. Inglis, beneficial results might be make public to the uttermost among traced which exceeded material arith- the nationalities represented at the metical calculations. Dr. Scott elo- Conference the legislation adopted, quently demonstrated that an evan- and, ultimately, to keep a vigilant eye gelistic mission must be an educational on its execution. It is evident from mission if absolutely successful. To their letters and speeches that the the twofold instrumentality of preach- English and Belgian delegates are in ing and teaching, much of the eleva- warm sympathy with the movement tion socially, intellectually, and relig-· for the repression, if not the total pro- iously in India, he held, was distinctly hibition, of the sale of liquors among attributable. In proportion to its re- the native tribes. sources, no educationally religious, -The Presbytery of Edinburgh and method had excelled that of the As- Indian Missions. On the mooted sembly, and to abandon the Hindus in question of higher education in India, this respect, meant Government teach- the report of the Assembly's Foreign ing,which regarded no religion. or per- Missions Committee was lately sub- version by Roman Catholic mission- mitted to the Presbytery. The Com- aries.
mittee was requested to pronounce May Missionary Anniversaries. whether the discontinuance of the current system of higher education -Wesleyan Missionary Society.
was advisable, and whether the cost At the annual gathering May 5th, in of maintenance could be reduced. For Exeter Hall, the best meeting known, education in Calcutta a sum of £1,157 according to Dr. Rigg, the report was expended, of which £594 repre- showed receipts amounting to £140,623 sented the outlay on higher instruction and the expenditure £139,814. The and £563 on elementary education. At actual debt amounts to £6,500. It Madras the expense was £385, of was stated that the total expend- which only £66 was laid out on ad- iture on the Indian Missions during vanced teaching. Of the Foreign the past ten years had increased by Mission revenue, £18,479, contributed £11,000, while the native contribu- in 1888, the Church at home spent tions had more than doubled, being only £660 on higher class training. now £17,247.
The recommendation of the Gen- -Church Missionary Society. On eral Assembly by the Committee to the 6th of May the 91st anniversary retain the high schools and colleges was attended by a vast audience in in India, was accompanied by valu- London. It appeared from the report able suggestions. These referred to that the Society had 297 stations; the utility of effecting co-operation in European missionaries, ordained, 282 ; this department with sister organiz- lay, 51 ; ladies, 57; total, 390. Native ations, of a modification in the scale of and Eurasian clergy, 287; native lay fees, of the missionary design of the col- and female teachers, 4,210; native leges b,eing emphasized, and of the in- Christian adherents (including Cate- culcation of a strong missionary spirit chumens), 187,785; native communi- among the teachers. Influential mem- cants, 46,520 ; schools, 1,772; scholars, bers of the Presbytery cordially sus- 72,277 (returns incomplete). Total re- tained the views of the Committee, and ceipts £260,282, and payments £224.- adverted in positive terms to the ameli- 585. A donor who had been interested in the newspaper reports of the Society servations. He thought that there gave £5,000. was a tendency to unduly exalt the negro, which only did him harm -British and Foreign Bible Society. and the missionary cause no good. More system was wanted in missions, The 89th annual gathering was cele- and the natives should be taugJ1t brated on the 7th of May, and, as in the value of labor. He had known former years, attracted a crowded as- several of their missionaries, and could testify to the thoroughly '*' sembly. Mr. Spurgeon, Mr. McNeill, practical manner in which they did their work. Young mIsslOnaries Dr. Newman Hall, and other distin- were apt to think that they were guished representatives of thechurches going to do something very wonder- attended. The free income of the S0- ful, that miracles would be worked ciety realized £113,773; sale of Script- on their behalf, in consequence of ures, £98,189; and various channels which ordinary precautions were often made the aggregate receipts £212,077, disregarded. The time seemed to have the expenditure amounting to £227,- come when God had decreed that 566. Encouraging signs were visible Africa should be subdued by the gos- throughout the world, particularly in pel, but there would be a great strug- France, Spain, Germany, Austria, gle between Mohammedanism and Hungary, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Christianity, and this would likely 0c- Persia, European and Asiatic Russia. cur on the Congo, or further north.
-Baptist Missionary Society. At the annual soiree held in CannoIiStreet Hotel, the chairman, Sir Francis de Winton, made some noticeable ob- Africa.-African Trade. Mr. Kel- capable with the progress of popula- tie, of the Royal Geographical Society, tion, order and civilization. gives some reliable statistics on this subject. The entire trade of Africa, -The strong position Italy now ocexports and imports included, he cupies at Massaua on the Red Sea, its reckons at 85,000,000 to 90,000,000 ster- military strength, its alliance with ling. Of this some 40,000,000 are to be King Menelek, itsrisingcolonyatAssab credited to the countries along the -all inspire the hope that Abyssinia Mediterranean. The West African and the Galla country may be speedily trade between the Tropics is about opened up to the gospel. The past 5,000,000. The entire trade of Central . labors of the C. M. S., since 1830, in Africa is some 15,000,000. The remain- these regions are well known. Gobat, ing amount must go to South Africa, Krapf, Isenberg, were among its faithwhere trade is increasing at present, ful agents; these were, however, it may be said, by leaps and bounds. gradually driven out through religious As an instance, the exports of Cape intrigue and the violence of King Colony for last year are reckoned at Theodore. There remain, however, 9,405,955l., being an increase of more valuable translations, such as those in than half a million (673,354l.) on the the Amharic, Tigre and Galla tongues; previous year. Of this amount, Trans- the last the laborious work of Dr. vaal gold stands for 860,945l. Of the Krapf. There are still, also, fragentire African trade, Mr. Keltie reck- ments of missions among the Falashas, ons that seven-eighths are derived in the Shoa country, and there is the from one million square miles, the Swedish Mission at Massaua, etc., remammg millions not yielding which General Gordon so generously 10,000,000 worth; that is, about a mil- supported. The church of Rome is lion on an average for each million of availing itself of the opportunity. It square miles. This suggests of what is said that Russia also is to establish a large development African trade is consulate and to send a mission. Itis to be hoped that evangelical missions will not be slow to avail themselves of French will now have it that the Mo- this open door. An immense region bangi is within their limits. In the of country opens out, if we include Lower Congo there is also progress. the territories north of the Blue Nile, Vessels now ascend, passing Banana Shoa, the high regions of the Interior, and Boma, to Mataddi, the basis of the the Galla country-all that may be railway to Stanley Pool. The laborers embraced under the name Ethiopia. here include Vei, Kru, Haussa, Loan- :111 The grand total, it is stated, amounts go, the Bangala of the district, who to 1,141,690 square miles, occupied by are found the best. It is hoped that numerous races, probably destined to the railway may be completed in four hold a high place in a future civilized years. Its length will be some 180 to Africa. 190 miles, and it will cost about a million sterling. Meanwhile there are -Mr. Mackenzie, of the British ox-wagons, and the cost is about East African Company, and Major 201. per ton, which leaves a good Wissman, have agreed upon a joint margin for railway profit. Commerce plan of action to prevent the sale of is extendmg in the Middle Congo; arms in their respective spheres of ad- there are three trade steamers plying, ministration, with a view to checking and two being completed at Stanley slave raids in the Interior. Also, that Pool. But the Middle Congo naviga- Mr. Mackenzie has concludedarrange- tion will not be safe so long as the ments with the Arab masters on the Arabs hold the strategical position of coast for the redemption of from two the Stanley Falls. Tippoo Tib, it is tothreethousandrunawayslaves. Still plainly seen, is not to be trusted. The more welcome is the news thalt he is Arabs must be dislodged from the framing a license law to prevent the position, if the slave trade and slavery sale of intoxicating liquors within Brit- in Africa are to be vanquished. At ish territory. So long as this latter present they can send out marauding traffic is unrestrained, no permanent expeditions in all directions. progress, no general development of the country's resources, no civilization -Congo Money. There in now a worthy of the name, can be expected silver and copper currency, but, exin Africa. If the utter destruction of cept at Boma and Banana, it is of no the native races, both in body and use for work among the natives. At soul, is to be averted, the "raging Banana they have for many years Phlegethon" of gin, rum, and gun- been accustomed to use English silver, powder, which the "white man" is and I believe all along the coast its pouring down the rivers of Africa, value is well known; but for us to must be stopped. Only the other day, adopt it as things now are would be it is stated, two German vessels dis- ruinous. There is as yet so little cash charged at Zanzibar more than seven trade and so little competitionamongst thousand cases of gin, or some hor- traders that cash has a very low value. rible compound so called. For instance, a certain piece of cloth, or any of the more common articles of -In the great inner valley of the trade, would in England cost one Congo there is a large extension of dollar; but to buy the same with cash operations. There are the American herewouldcost$2.250r$2.50; and while and English Baptist Missions at work, the traders aim chiefly to develop a and there is also the Mission of Dr.Guin- barter trade-native produce for Euroness. The exploration of the Mobangi pean goods-this will remain so. by Mr. Grenfell is an important fact. The river is beyond what was under- The native currency from Palabala stood to be the French boundary east- to Ngombi, say three days and a half ward, !!eventeen degrees; but, as with on this side of Stanley Pool, is blue Stanley Pool and the Kwilu, the glass (chopped) beads. I understand the bead is made by manufacturing a Ho-zi. A native Christian, thrown long tube, six-sided, of blue glass, out of employment for refusing to work on the Lord's day, went on the which is then chopped into irregular Monday afternoon to a tea shop to lengths, one-fourth to one-eighth of an preach the gospel. Mr. Wong there inch long. A string of about one hun- and then accepted it, and after some dred of these lengths or beads is the time returned to his native district to standard coin of the people. In the seek the conversion of his family and markets one can r3J.'ely buy food, etc., neighbors, while working on his own farm. After· several years of such with other goods. One must first sell work, a lady in England, recently de- his knives, or cloth, etc., for these ceased, sent him a small sum of money blue beads, and thereafter purchase to enable him to hire partial help on food, etc., with them. Beyond Ngombi his farm, that he might be more free for evangelization. The old man has the currency is a rod of brass, about been preaching the gospel there for 29 twenty inches long and one-eighth of years, and for over 20 years has shepan inch thick. It will no doubt be years ere the people take to a metal herded a little church in his house of 20 or 30 native Christians, the fruit of his labors.
(European) currency, such as is being A missionary, not connected with tried by the State, as they will be very the C. I. M., passing through a city slow in believing that one of these in the north of Kiang-su, preached .silver or copper coins represents so the gospel there. One of his hearers was much impressed, and obtained a many strings of beads or so many couple of tracts from a native helper.
brass rods. Another grave hindrance After studying them carefully, he is the fact that it will be very difficult went to the inn where the missionary to get the trading-houses, etc., with had stayed to seek further instruc- tion, but found that he had gone. In the State, to agree to a standard of deep hunger and thirst of soul, after exchange for coin and native cur- weeks of vain inquiry, he learned rency.-Rev. JQseph Clark, Palabala. that we had an out-station four days' journey to the south. Thither he re- China.-Value of a Single Proc- paired, and received much instruction, lamation of the Gospel. Dr. Med- but failed to find rest to his soul. Journeying four days further to the hurst, in 1835, landed on the island of south in search of help, Mr. Tomalin, Lam-yit and left books; in 1868 a of the C. I. M., had the joy of being native preacher vi.ted that island, instrumental in his conversion, and he and was preaching on the seashore, returned to his duties with Christian when two men said: " Come up to tracts and books, a rejoicing believer. the village; we have books that con- Before he left that neighborhood he tain the same doctrine; our father was the means of interesting about a -charged us before his death to take dozen people in the gospel, who subgood care of these books, for by-and- sequently became the members of a by some one would come to explain native church when one was formed them." In six months more than 60 there. Leaving the city, he went to persons were baptized on that island. his own native district, where he The first convert in the Presbyterian was greatly used of God, and three or ·church at Yu-yao read a sheet tract foul' village churches exist to-day, the posted on the city wall, and not liking outcome of his work in the Lai-gan the position assigned to Confucius, as district of the Gan-hwuy province. compared with the Lord Jesus, took One of the most remarkable helpers the first opportunity of going to dis- we have ever had in Cheh-kiang was cuss the matter with a native preacher, a literary man, Mr. Nying, whose con- which issued in his conversion. version was the fruit of a single con- The first convert the Lord gave us versation with Mr. Stevenson. Eternity in Ningpo rose up and testified to his only will show all the fruit of that acceptance of the gospel the first time man's conversion. One of the most he heard it. He subsequently became devoted native pastors we have in a native preacher, and died, I believe, Shan-si received his first leading to in the service of the United Methodist the truth through a gospel given him Free Church. by a man who procured it from one The oldest native helper in connec- of our missionaries on the occasion of tion with the C. I. M. is Mr. Wong, of a solitary visit to the neighborhood. Time would fail to tell of scores of Ohristians doing something on behalf of people who are under the same Im- similar cases which might easily be perial rule. An endeavoris at present collected, showing the blessing re- being made to drive home this fact, ceived through once hearing or with a view to the revival of the de- through receiving a book. Apart, al- funct Auxiliary Oommittee. together, from cases of distinct con- version byvisits of the kind proposed, Recently a meeting in aid was held the whole Ohinese mind is being en- at the Oonference Hall, Mildmay Park. lightened, and subjects for thought The chair was occupied by Dr. Ward- are suggested that cannot be forgotten, law Thompson, of the London Mis- and will surely bear fruit in days to sionary Society, who spoke of what he come. The Ohinese nation had lost had seen and heard of the work of the the knowledge of one living, personal Society in South Africa. The long- God. Without God there can be no continued and successful labors of M. true idea of sin, and there is no place George Oasalis in Basutoland, and for forgiveness and atonement. A the brave pioneering work of M. and dingle visit may sethundreds of people Mme. Ooillard on the Zambesi, were thinking and talking, and prepare the described in the terms of warm admi- way for a great work later on, even ration they merit. M. A. Boegner, where no immediate good is apparent. secretary of the Society, told in ex- -J. Hudson Taylor, in Ohina's Mil- cellent English the story of the exten- lions. sion of the work, which was begun in great weakness, but with faith in God, France. – French Missions in and a desire to obey the command to preach the gospel throughout the Africa. The Paris Society of Evan- world. There are in Basutoland 17 sta- tions and 111 out-stations; 5 superior gelical Missions has long been doing sohools, and about 111 primary schools; 190 native workers, 6,543 church mem- excellent work in the great harvest bers, and 3,332 candidates for member- ship. Special efforts have been made field. Quietly and persistently, since to render the work'llelf-supporting, but through the increasing poverty of the 1822, it has testified for Ohrist in people since the late war, this is'not yet possible. The Roman Oatholics distant lands where the gospel is un- are very busy, and the field must not be neglected. M. Boegner pointed known. Beginning in South Africa, out, in conclusion, that the pressing need to-day is a special fund of about it has done a work of unique interest £500 or £600 a year to support native evangelization. among the Basutos. Other regions Pastor G. Appia followed with a have also been entered in the true spirit vigorous address. He rejoiced to speak of the enthusiasm of the chilof gospel conquest, and an admirable dren of French Protestants in regard to missionary work. M. Ooillard's read!ness has ever been shown, on mission is, he said, full of promise. MdIle. Kiener, a Swiss lady, who is political emergencies arising, to oc- about to join the misflion party on the Zambesi, was present at the meeting, cupy spheres which only Frenchmen and was, in earnest prayer; com- mendM to the Lord for protection and could fill. We rejoice to state that blessing in her undertaking.
the Society is about to send a mis- sionaryto take the place of Rev. John Jones, of the L. M. S., who was ex- pelled from Mare, one of the Loyalty Islands.
A peculiar interest attaches to the work of the Society in South Africa, inasmuch as subsequently to the Ohurch of Ohrist being firmly planted in Basutoland, the people have been taken under British protection. Some years ago there was an English Oom- mittee in aid of the general work, and the assistance was gratefully received by the Society; to-day there is not only more acute need for such help, seeing the demands on the Society have greatly increased, but the fitness of things points the desirability of British
MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE FROM ALL PARTS
Jews.-The following is quoted awakened a marvelous echo, and from a recent address by Dr. Adolph although we may not be able to point Saphir: "The attitude of Israel to the to many results as far as baptism is person of Jesus himself has become concerned, and the organization of .changed, and also to the New Testa- such things as appear outwardly and ment, which formerly thousands and can be registered, yet the amount of thousands would not even touch with interest which has been called forth their hands, reg:trding itas an unclean among the Jews throughout all Europe thing. It is most astonishing how in the testimony which has been many thousands of Jews within the raised by him, clearlyshows that there last few years have begun to read that is something special in the present book, and to read it in an attitude day, that the Jews have entered into of compartive candor. Rabinowitz is a new phase, that the field is prea wonderful sign of the times, and the pared, that the hour has come, that it message which, as a Jew, he brings to is our duty to go in faith and in love, the Jews, that Jesus is our brother, and bring to them the glad tidings of whom we sold into Egypt, has salvation."
I1I.-MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD-FIELD.
Africa. Algiers.
LETTER FROM REV. JOHN SCOTT. BAPTISM OF A MOHAMMEDAN IN A PRESBYTERUN Impolwerie, Natal, South Ajrica, CBURCH. March 12, 1890. My DEAR DR. PIERSON:-I have just time to On Sunday, April 27th, an interesting service :give you a short account of my work on Sab- (writesa correspondent) took place in the Scot- bath, February 23<1. After many delays and tish Ohurch at Algiers–the handsome edifice nearly two years absence, I held a baptismal presented to the Presbyterian Ohurch of Scot- service at H1atlkulu, one of my distant out- land by the late Sir Peter Ooats. In addition to stations. This station, not yet four years in the regular congregation, a large num~r of existence, is under the faithful evangelist, strangers were present, some of them being Petros Muyabi. I leave you to imagine my students of medicine attending the Ecole de feelings when I admitted 50 adults and 61 chilo Medicine in Algiers. There were also present dren to the visible church of Ohrlst. It was a Rev. J. Lowitz, agentoftbeBritishandForeigu long forenoon's work; in only one' case was Bible Society; Rev. Adolphe Goldenberg, mis- there a united family, father, mother and sionary to the Jews; the Hon. and Rev. Francis children; the majority of the adults were Byng, former chaplain to the House of Oomwomen; in two cases they brought twins, and mons; Mr. Borel, agent of the M'AII Mission, in each case a third child of three or four years etc. The occasion of the unusual gathering of age. A few years ago one o/the twins would was the public baptism and reception into the have been smothered, as that is Zulu custom. Ohristian church of Abdel Kader Ould Bouzian, In the afternoon, in God's glorious temple, we an Arab and Mussulman by birth, and a nasat down over 200 professing Ohristians to re- tive of Morocco. He has for the regular member our dear Saviour; whilst nearly 1,000 course been a student of medicine, has obheathen or semi-heathen looked on; they were tained his diploma as a medical practitioner, scattered about on the grass. It was impossible and has lately been chosen to the post of into hold the service in doors, as our little church terne or house surgeon at the Hospital Oivil at would not hold even the communicants, in Mustapha, having been promoted to this offact, it was nearly filled with the candidates t1ce after public examination, in which he was for baptism. successful over a list of above twenty others- We are not without our trials. Satan is mak- mostly French and other European students. ing a big fight, and, as usual, trying many Dr. Bouzian is a tall, intelligent-looking man, methods to hinder our work. The greatest seemingly about 26 or 27 years of age, with 1:..ial that I have met with as yet is the fall the tanned skin and large, mellow eyes of the into gross sin of one of my evangelists, a man wandering race. He is evidently a man of who seemed greatly blessed of God. His strong will and determination, and as he stood case is not concluded yet, but I feel it almost up before the congregation to answer the impossible that he can clear himself. Another questions put to him regarding his belief, his new foe is the Church of Rome, which is steal- appearance indicated that he fully realized the ing in, seeking to destroy our work. serious nature of the step he is taking, which ~iIl sever him forever from his kindred, and make him a marked man among the Arab enable it to rent rooms for its Sunday-school, p"pulation of Algeria. After a statement re- prayer meetingR, missionary work, and such garding the nature and ends of Christian bap- appointments for its life and work which every tism, and the reading of Scripture recording well-organized church in our land possesses. the conversion and baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch, by the Rev_ J. Royd, Scottish clergy- The needs in Paris present unique and re- man, Dr. Bouzian was asked, in French, ques- markable opportunities for usefulness. This. tions regarding his belief and resolve to live a church ought to be made a centre of religious. Christian life, to which he responded in a soft life and activity. It is in close sympathy with but distinct voice, "Oui, c'est mon d~s-ir." He the forces which are at work in Paris_ We arc wasthen publiclybaptized,the old test benedic- praying and hoping that'some person or per- tion being pronounced in French, and immedi- sons will give the needed endowment. ately afterwards chanted in English by a choir of ladies. Dr. Bouzian was then solemnly ad- The pastor, or the American and Foreign dressed in French by the Rev. J. Lowitz (him- Christian Union, will be very glad to furnish self a convert from Judaism to Christianity), all information concerning our condition, need and, in accordance with an old French ecclesi- and plans. In the meantime it is necessary, astical custom, he was publicly presented with in order that we may meet our current ex- a French Bible in the name of the church. The penses, that we ask the co-operation of ceremony was deeply touching and interest- churches and friends in the United States. ing. Many will watch with keen interest the The following plan has been most helpful to- career of this young Arab surgeon, who has re- us in the past year. We desire to thank the solved to abandon the religion and friends of churches and individuals whose kindness has his early days, and to cast in his lot with the been so opportune and encouraging. The Christian church. plan is that individuals and churches rent pews for a term.of one or three years. France. The name of the party renting the pew will be A STRONG APPEAL. placed UpOI'. it, ,"nd the pew will be reserved for- the use of the persons or members of the con- [The Scotch church at Paris is doing gregations when they visit Paris. The pews a noble work for our Lord, and its contain six sittings, and the rent is $80 (eighty dollars) per annum. The.money may be sent by value is high above all denominational cheque on local bank by any church treas';rer questions. The editors with pleasure to Mr. Edward Henry, Treasurer of the Amerigive to the public this appeal in its can Church, 21 rue de Berri. Mr. Henry's address is 10 rue Poisson. behalf.-EDS.] Most cordially and fraternally yonTS, DEAR DR. PIERsoN:-The American Chnrch, EnWA.Rn G. THURBER. 21 rue de Berri, Paris, in its history of more than thirty years has justified the wisdom and PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE. Christian zeal of its founders and friends. It has fulfilled a most important mission in William Herrick, F. A. Gaylord, Eugene C_ ministering to the large nnmber of travelers Savidge, Edward Henry, R. S_ Waring, Henry who pass through Paris, and to those who for a Crandall. longer or shorter period have taken up their residence in this city. This church is vitally CHURCH COMMITTEE. r~lated with the Christian churches of the United States. It is their representative and Alex. Donaldson, A. A. Anderson, J. B. Rey.. servant; it seeks to care for the welfare of nolds, C. C. Curran, K. N. Cowedry, N. K.. those who are absent from their homes and Gillett. present in Paris. More than a thousand students in art, literature and other branches of INTl!:RESTING LETTER FROM MISSIONARY CHARLES study in this city need its helpful Christian care and sympathy_ There is a large field here E. FA.ITHFULL. for its best activity and service. Its position is strategic and most important. The Seamen'. Re.•t, Marseille, April 5, 1890.
It was established on an evangelical and DEA.R DR. SHERwoon:-It is Good Friday, union basis to be a home to members of vari- and on all public buildings, theatres of course ous households of faith. Its prosperity and included, and on the ships facing our MiSSion, efficiency are measured by the degree of sym- fiags fly at half mast, a sad but forceful illuspathy and co-operation it receives from the tration of a religion with a dead Christ. We· home churches. The resources of the church have hoisted full mast all our bunting, Bethel, are from weekly Sunday offerings, donations, English, Norwegian, and Swedish flags, and and pew rentals; the income from these when asked why, our reply was, we believe in' sources .has been inadequate for its support a living God and rejoice to witness to His' and work. The church should have an ample power and grace. endowment, the annual income of which would Taking advantage of the day, I had a special meeting this evening,when seven different na- tionalities joined, first in French and then in English (the latter is the language most spoken by sailors) in hymns, principally from the well known Sacred Songs and Solos, and then fol- lowed two brief pointed addresses from myself on the questions, (lIs it True 'r' andif so I' Where am I Drifting?" An American afterwards ex- tenance of the Rest with its varied branches pressed his pleasure at having dropped in; he of effort for the good of the souls and bodies was a civil engineer, and said he had heard of men. Dr. Pierson, who, by-the-bye, we are looking forward to see for a few hours next week. By The M'All Mission, that I have the privilege God's help we have gone forward in this work. of assisting, mainfains a steady course, and its Last year showed a considerable increase upon able director here, Monsieur Lenoir, is mO!3t the previous oue, over 100 more sailors having active in seeking to improve opportunities. lodged in the Rest. We had, however, very Emigrants leaving our port, as well as differ- serious difficulties to contend with, small pox ent classes of men, such as postmen, soldiers, and typhoid fever having three times visited gas men, rag-pickers, have all come in for a the Rest; though proving fatal in only one in- share of special attention. stance, this entailed much expense, and then the serious strikes in the British Isles further The Mission Interiore has also been at work complicated matters so that, though friends lately: a series of eight consecutive meetings were as liberal as ever, our receipts fell off, was held in a large building that was generally and the year closed with a debt of £80, half of well filled with respectful and attentive audi- which is, I regret to say, still unpaid. ences. Some instances are recorded of con- version, one of whom I had the privilege of Another feature of advance is the Temper- dealing with, and many heard, probably for ance Coffee House and Restaurant, that since the first time, the gospel in all its purity and the alteration of premises and transfer to the simplicity, ground floor of the Rest, has steadily pros- pered, though not as yet self-supporting. This An almshouse for aged Protestant men has very desirable object, howe"er, is kept well also just been acquired here, and is mainly in view, and I hope to report its realization due to the energetic, devoted and determined ere another year closes. It is a matter for efforts of Pasteur Edouard 1I10nod, one of our very deep thankfulness, that in this wicked council. and increasingly intemperate city there is at least one place where spirituous liquors Whilst thanking God for all that is thus go- are nnknown. The light wine of the country ing forward, ones heart bleeds for the multi- is allowed, however, at meal times only. As to tudes still unreached, and by the shameless our customers, they are "all sorts and con expose of the corruption and impurity on ditions of men," and even women, respectable every hand. Imagine this: An immense plaof course, soldiers, sailors, workmen, clerks, card outside a large music hall announces as even a priest has been patronizing us the last a spectacle, "Ie Parades et l'enjer;" (paradise few days (an ex-missionary), and men of all and Hell) and crowds went to see it. nations. We are often sadly reminded of Babel whilst listening to the varied tongues But I fear I have already over-stepped the talked, but we sing" 'tis better on before, " and limits of a letter. Begging a continuance of Pentecost in its fullness will yet bring these your sympathy and prayers that are offered jarring elements once more together. for great blessing on the other side.
Still, yet I have to speak of advance. For Japan. some years we have been trying to counteract the terrible evils surrounding the sailors in the Hiroshima, Japan. shape of tailors and tailors' runners, by sup- To THE EDITORS OF THE MISSIONARY REVIEW: plying clothes at a fair price. I have at last decided upon a regular shop where everything The enclosed Outline Map of Japan I am Jack requires will be obtainable. Just at the confident wiII be of great interest to you. very time suitable premises offered, a cheque Working at Hiroshima, as I am, I will state arrived for the rent until Michaelmas. So I how it looks from this standpoint. This map am encouraged to expect my Heavenly Father is designed to show the work of the "United to send what we require to purchase the stock. Church of Christ in Japan," which now in- cludes all churches connected with the Ameri- Briefly, then, there has been progress, for can Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian, which we thank God and take courage. ·We Southern Presbyterian, Scotch Presbyterian, feel we are eminently .•ower., but we seek to Dutch Reformed, and German Reformed. sow prayerfully and carefully, and fullyexpect a rich harvest. All my fellow workers at In January, at the council of missions laborpresent are heartily and happily one with me. ing in connection with this United Church, the We represent six different nationalities, and following general stptistics were presented for speak eight different languages. For all that 1889: In the United Church the number bapwe need both for personal requirements and tized during the year was more than 1,500; for the work, I am cast upon the faithfulness contributions by native churches, 18,071.05 yen of a Covenant-keeping God, the payments of (the equivalent of about $14,100 U. S. gold)_ the sailors for board being the only source of The number baptized in connection with a.1l income, and only a small portion, for the sus- denominations, 5,500; amount contributed by the native Christians of all churches, 53,500 yen (about $40,000 U. S. gold).
In view of such figures it would seem that Missions do .'pay. " By glancing at the map, you will see that The only foreign missionaries in all this while the work of the United Church has a region are three men with their wives, and wide reach, there are large blank spaces, es· one single lady, of the Presbyterian Mission; pecially on the main island between Osaka two Southern Methodists, and one Episcoand Shimonoseki, and on the island of Kyushu. palian; these at Hiroshima, with another In view of this, last October, at the annual Episcopalian on the coast to the north of meeting of the Western Japan Mission, which Hiroshima. The location of 80 many at has missionaries located at Osaka, Kanazawa, Hiroshima shows that it is regarded as a MAP OF JAPAN …….. ~,tne W'QI"fI: _ ~ Vntl.«:l atuf'ch ~ N'1IUn" CIt phlOM ~" UIe. .' …. ~n:90 ;OUfI"Ohee are underlined.. In an otIIo.,. PI_ _ho'Wn on I.hlll IlUIP _0'"
,. Irtf'"?'J- bu_ QD OI…."*'!- IuI_ ret bean Of'g_nleed.
Kyoto, and Hiroshima, the following resolu· strategic point. It is a fine centre for evangeltion was passed: istic tours, being in quick communication by steamer with any point on the inland sea, " That we respectfully ask the Board (Pres- which I have indicated by crossed lines. byterian) to send out, as soon as possible, at least five new men to aid in the work of the On account of the Government restrictions Mission, in view of the very pressing need in with regard to passports we cannot travel the region south and west of Osaka, and in with freedom at present; but even if the rethe island of Kyushu." vision of the treaties do not go into effect, as we had hoped would be the case this month, In Hiroshima and its immediate vicinity we yet we hope for a modification of present reo have considerably more than 100,000 people, strictions. We hope then to do more towards and to the west of this point there is a popula- filling up these blank spaces. tion of three millions.
~890.] INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
On this western part of the island Yamagu- evangelistic work, for though the A. B. C. F. ,chi and Shimonoseki rank next. If men were M. have a very large force in this place, located at Shimonoseki, they might not only among its quarter of a million of people, its work among the people on that extreme lower missionaries are carrying on scarcely auy end of the island, but, by a few hours' journey, evangelistic work. The United Church, how- reach important points on the coast to the ever, does not undervalue the work of educa- north of Hiroshima, which would take us two tion, as is proven by the Meiji Gakuin, at ,days to reach overland. Tokyo, with its academic .and theological departments; smaller schools with these same As to Yamaguchi, not as a centre but in departments at Nagasaki and Sendai, and still itself considered, perhaps there is not a more another to be started at Osaka. Also a boys' promising field in all Japan_ The people of school at Kanazawa, several girls'schools in Yamaguchi province are counted among the the same place; also at Tokyo, Yokohama, ,best as to sterling worth. Many of the lead.ers Osaka, and elsewhere. in Japan to-day are Yamaguchi men. One of the fioest schools in the empire is located Surely we no not undervalue the educational there. Work among people of such a character work, but we feel the great need of pressing will be productive of great results. The out into the regions beyond. We need evan- Presbyterian Mission, therefore, feels strongly gelists as well as teachers, and so we must inclined to man this field. have more foreigu missionaries to lead in this movement, and to strengthen and counsel the But not less urgent is the call from the island churches already established, for the fields are ,of Kyushu; we are, in fact, inclined to give its white to the harvest. 'claims precedence to all others. Here are 6,500 square miles of territory, with a popula- Affectionately yours, tion of six milUons, and the only foreign mis- FREDERICK S. CURTIS. ,sionaries of the United Chnrch on the whole island are those in connection with the Dutch Sweden. Reformed Mission at Nagasaki. However, these men are so taken up with school work, [We gladly lay the following brief that they have little time left for the evangel- but earnest request for prayer before istic, and besides, Nagasaki is not a good our many readers. It is made by an centre for working the island. Itis hoped that American, working as an evangelist in we may put men in some such location as Stockholm, Sweden-the Rev. Otis L. Kurame, which will' probably become a railroad centre, and an excellent base for opera- Leonard. As an earnest of his in- tions. l't seems strange that so important a terest in missions in his native land, part of Japan should have been so compara- and especially in our Student Voluntivelyoverlooked. ,Ve feel that we must go teer movement, he sends us $16 as a up at once and possess the land. contributioh to our Volunteer Fund, Although the names of places on this map besides renewing his subscription to seem well to fill up the empire, in reality there the REVIEW. A similar request, and a ,are wide spaces between, and though work is liberal gift for the same object, came established in all these places, in less than one- from him last year.-J. 11:. S.] third are there organized churches-as indicated by the underlining-and in only sixteen Request for Praye:. are there ordained foreign missionaries. I have indicated these places by a cross eX) DEAR BROTHERS AND SrsTERs:-Pray for under the names. Sweden! God has wonderfully heard prayer since I made my last request, and is sending Of course all this is only with reference to great revivals in various parts of the land. the work of the United Church. The Ameri- Hundreds are coming to Christ. Two young can Board work, which ranks next to that of converts, who have laid themselves on the the United Church, is almost entirely educa- Lord's altar, to go to the ends of the earth if tional, and its missio~aries ar~ located in He sends them, have been blessed to the consome ten different places. version of more than one hundred persons in a little country place. Pray that a PENTECOSTAL What we are emphasizing is the evangelistic REVIVAL may extend through the whole land, work. As an evidence ofthis is our just having and that thousands may be saved! gone into Kyoto with the pnrpose to do purely IV.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
CONDUCTED BY REV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D.
Eduoation in Japan. as uncivilized and uneducated, but it :BY PROF. M. N. WYCKOFF, OF JAPAN. may be a surprise to malny to know that I presume there are few people any- much attention has been paid to learn- where who now think of the Japanese ing, even from very ancient times. EARLY EDUCATION. Government to make education general. Native accounts seem to show that scholars were brought from China and Primary schools are found in all Korea about 300 A. D., to teach mem- towns and large villages, and are bers of the Imperial Court. About 675 attended by both boys and girls. The A. D., a university was established at studies are reading, writing, arithme- the capital,with branches in the princi- tic, history, geography and moral pre- pal towns of the various provinces. cepts. The course extends over a The object of this institution was only period of eight years, and pupils who to train men for Government service, have completed it in a satisfactory and not at all to promote general edu- manner are eligible for admission to' cation among all classes of people. the middle school. This university exertedgreatinfluence, and was the parent of many schools Middle schools have a five years' which sprung up in different parts of course of study, including, besides the the empire, but it was finally discon- subjects begun in the primary school, tinued. physical geography, algebra, geome- try, botany, physics, chemistry, Eng- DECLINE AND REVIVAL. lish as the principal foreign language, and German or French as a secondary From about 900 A. D. the interest foreign language. Middle schools are in learning gradually declined, but found in all the cities and large towns. in the year 1603 A. D., Tokugawa Some of them have an advanced course Ieyasu, the founder of the dynasty of extending over two years. They are Shoguns, which lasted till 1869, en- called" Higher Middle Schools," and couraged education, and Government their graduates are eligible for admisschools were founded not only in Yedo, sion to the university. They correbut also in the chief towns of the spond to our colleges, but resemble principal daimyos. rather the German gymnasia. Five of these gymnasia are under the direct These schools were designed only for control of the Educational Departthe sons of military retainers, but girls ment, and are located in Tokyo, and children of the common people Kyoto., Kanazawa, Kagoshima and had opportunities of studying in pri- Sendai. vate schools, or under private teachers, and many availed themselves of these Of great schools there are three, viz. :. advantages sufficiently to be able to 1. The Imperial University, in Tokyo, read and write the simpler forms of established and controlled by the the language, and to cast up accounts. Department of Education. 2. The Keiogijiku, an outgrowth of the school MODERN EDUCATION. of Mr. Fukuzawa, controlled by a pri- vate company. The foreign professors During the later years of the Sho- in this institution WE're selectE'd by gunate, the influence of the Dutch Mr. Knapp of the Unitarian Mission. language and learning was plainly They are all Unitarians, but claim perceptible, but it was not till after the that thE'ir rE'ligious views have noth-, overthrow of the Shogun and the ing do with their work as professors. restoration of the emperor to power, 3. The Doshisha, established by the that the present system of education American Board Mission, and dependwas inaugurated. ing upon that mission for its staff of foreign professors. This institution The Department of Education, or- owes much of its success to the labors ganized in 1871, has established a of Rev. Joseph Niishima, whose recent course of instruction which requires death is a great loss to the whole Chris– schools of three grades. These are: tian church in Japan. 1, Primary schools: 2, .Middle schools, or academies; 3, Great schools, or universities. These are open to people of all classes, and it is the object of the Besides the three kinds of schools parents and superiors, and obedience to them, were the corner-stones. These already mentioned, there are special ideas were kept constantly before the minds of the young, both at home and schools, such as normal, professional, at schools. The flood of new knowl- agricultural, commercial and indus- edge from the West has re-arranged the methods and teachings of the trial schools and kindergartens. Pri- schools, and largely destroyed the covate schools of any kind may be estab- operation of school and home, for most of the present generation of parents lished upon receiving the consent of are unable to follow their children in the proper authorities. There are the new paths of learning, and many have ceased trying to do so. In this many such schools, among them being way parental influence has lost much of its power. all 'the schools of the various missions This loss of reverence is in itself a working in Japan. The statistics for serious matter; but, when added to disregard of authority we find even 1889 show 142 mission schools, with 10,791 pupils. boys figuring as political agitators, we meet with a positive danger. It may PRESENT DANGERS. not seem credible, but to-day there is From what has already been said it probably no m,ore difficult problem confronting the statesmen of Japan will be perceived that school work in than the question of dealing with stu- Japan is well advanced, and it would dent politicians.
seem that progress and growth on Some remedy must be found. What· shall it be? is the cry on all sides. these lines are all that can be desired; Some educators advise that moral but the foremost native educators are teaching be emphasized in the schools, but that can produce littleeffect, unless to-day bewailing the fact that,although supplemented by home training, and made real by being revealed in human the schools are undeniably better in lives. Others are looking towards most respects than any that have pre- Christianity as a possible key to the ceded them the conduct of students solution of this problem, and we believe they will not be disappointed. In a has greatly deteriorated. In an address paper on "Educational Needs of Japanese Students," read before the delivered by Dr. Kinoshita, in Octo- Tokyo Teachers' Association in 1885, ber, 1888, to the students of the First when the loss of good manners had not yet attracted much attention, I Higher Middle School, occur these used the following words, which I words: believe to be just as pertinent to-day: " It is a regrettable fact that society " So far I ·have considered education generally seems to have lost the guid- merely as an instrument, and have ing principles of conduct, and one is endeavored to show how it may be not particularly surprised at seeing made most effective; but we must not the rude, disorderly, and even mean forget the uses to which the instrumanners of the present day. People ment may be applied. The surgeon's simply call them 'students' manners,' knife is most fitted for its proper uses a hateful but appropriate term. The when it is made of the best steel and present Japan is in a transition period has the keenest edge, but these very -she is not what she was-while the excellences make it the more dangernew order of things is not yet settled, ous in improper hands. Education is and you [students] are surrounded by a keen and powerful instrument, but those who have no feeling of selfrespect, and whose mannel1l are, to say the least, disorderly. In cOntrast with European countries, where the feeling of self-respect and the observance of social duties and the rules of etiquette are due to education at home, our country at the present day is in an unfortunate position."
Manyof the best men of the day are impressed in the same way as Dr.
Kinoshita, and are earnestly seeking a remedy for this state of things, which is serious, though not sur- prising.
In the old education, reverence for it may be the weapon of the evil as cellently educated, and offering the highest well as of the good. With the studies gnarantees of character and competence, who already mentioned we must, there- are willing to discharge the duties of teaching fore, combine moral teaching, in order for salaries quite inadpquate to compensate that our pupils may have their facul- laymen." ties not only developed, but developed in right directions; that th(lY may be I need not dwell upon the importnot only 'wise as serpents,' but also ance of this fact as related to the moral , harmless as doves.' Our work in this education of the rising generation. direction should be founded upon the Bible. All that is best of morals is Any sketch of education in Japan found there. I neither say nor think would be incomplete without notice of that the Bible should be our only text- what is being done for the girls. book, but whatever books or methods we use, our teachings should agree Advanced education for females is with Bible teachings. Nor, in my a growth of the last t,wenty years, but ·opinion, can we do better than to it has been taken up heaI1ily and follow the Bible plan. If I read my pushed with vigor in both Govern- Bible aright, its greatestaim is to lead ment and Jlrivate schools; indeed, DIen everywhere to know and trust there are some who think ij; has been Christ. Knowing Christ and trusting excessive. The missions are not back- Him brings us salvation, and we learn ward in this important work, and in to love Him as ourSaviour. Knowing our girls' schools are being trained Christ and trusting Him, we know and future mothers who will be able to Jove th~ Father who sent Him. Know- supplement the training of the school ing and loving Christ and the Father, with wise and sound home training we strive to be like them, and in this andinfiuence. With Christian teachers -effort we are not left unaided, for the and Christian mothers, we shall proba- Holy Spirit is given 'to guide us into bly find to-day's problem far on the all the truth '-not true knowledge way to a satisfactory solution. alone, but true living also. New Brunswick, N. J. " This is God's plan, and we cannot improve upon it. We may wear our- Meohanio Missionaries. selves out in trying to spread human opinions of right conduct, and accom- BY HENRY E. BROWN, SECRETARY plish little, but by this plan we have INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF Y. M. C. A., OBERLIN, OHIO. only to hold up Christ, and God does Friends of missions have learned the rest. ChrIst Himself said, , And four great lessons during the present I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men century, viz.: unto me.' Let us hold Him up before our pupils." 1. Native missionaries are neces- sary to the most rapid opening and Such is part of the training that is permanent development of mission fields. being given in all our mission schools, 2. Schools are absolutely essential. and I need not tell that such teaching 3. Physicians can reach some hearts and opent the way to some classes is bearing good fruit. God's word otherwise inaccessible. 4. Home churches are prospered in does not "return unto Him void." their local work in proportion to their gifts of men and money to missions. And this kind of teaching is not con- One more lesson remains as a com- plement to the work of the century, fined to mission schools. Many mis- to which the Divine finger seems to point distinctly, and for which the sionaries and Y. M. C. A. workers are other lessons have prepared the way, viz.: The preparation and use of ~mgaged in teaching in Government mechanical missionaries. In order to secure important testimony in reand private schools, and while not allowed to use the Bible in their regu- lar school work, they have abundant -opportunities in Bible classes, and by their daily living, to make Christ known, and they are making Him known. The Japan Mail, of Septem- ber 20, 1889, says: "The educational work of this country, as far as concerns foreigners, is rapidly being monopolized by missionaries. From mission- ary sources it is possible to obtain youths exgard to this question, the following become interested in missions through such a letter was recently sent to forty-nine practical effort? Mission Boards of this country. From the twenty-four replies already re- 70 per cent., yeS. 30 per cent., po.sibly. ceived, all the definite answers are col- lected and given in italics after their The large per cent. of affirmative respective questions. answers, and the favorable nature of nearly all the remainder, indicate a LETTER. remarkable readiness for the move- ment. There is an extensive movement to establish one or more Christian, un- LAY MEMBERS. denominational schools of technology, to fit men to become teachers of the The great problem, humanly speak- trades and first-class mechanics, and ing, in evangelizing the world, is the at the same time to enlist and prepare question of the general and effective them for personal work 'in winning use of all classes of church memsouls. bers. Great progress is already made in this direction, at home and abroad, The plan includes an effort, as Zenana Missions, Young Men's through Christian Colleges and Young Christian Associations, and Young Men's Christian Associations in great People's Societies of Christian Encities, to show young men of charac- deavor amply testify. ter and culture, who have mechanical ability, the large opportunities tbey The work by lay members which is would have for work for Christ in safest, and most profitable, and capaconnection with the trades. ble of largest extension, is that done for others of the same craft. If such I am gathering statistics and opin- work is to be done extellsively and ions from many sources showing the wisely, suitable men from some class imp0rtance of such a school. must be selected, who shall be "care- fully trained and directed in this work. I write you in common with other Mechanics comprise one of the best Mission Boards to ask: classes with which to promote this lay effort in mission fields. 1. Do you believe that good mechanics and mechauical teachers, who are interested in and The medical missionary has proved prepared for doing personal work for souls, a success. "Livingstone Memorial would be especially helpful in connection with Medical Missionary Training Institumissionary operations? tion," ofEdinburgh, together with its medical missions in India and Damas- 65 per cent., yes. 35 per cent., in some fields. cus, is doing a noble inter-denomina- 2. Would Christian mechanical missionaries, tional work in fitting English and who would support themselves as mechanics, native Christians to become physicians manufacturers, or teachers of the trades, be of both soul and body. The demand of material aid in gaining access to mission for mechanical missionaries will surely peoples, and in developing among them Chris- be as great, for it provides for the well tian institutions? rather than the sick. 65 per cent., yes. 35 per cent., scattering. 3. Would it be an advantage~to home KINDS OF WORK. churches to call on them to develop young men for such service? 1. To superintend the erection of 61 per cent., yes. 29 per cent., scattering. buildings, and provide the material 4. Could some ordinary missionaries wisely comforts of the missions. spend a little time at such a school before going to their missions? 2. To teach the skilled labor depart- 70 per cent., ye8. 30 per cent., to a limited ments of mission schools, which might extent. wisely be multiplied in many mission 5. Would some simple outfit of machinery fields. and tools. as foot·power lathes, blacksmith outfits, or small engines, such as might be 3. To build factories and shops, and made in a school of technology, be helpful in aid in developing the material remission fields? sources of mission countries, thus pro- 77 per cent., yes. 23 per cent., sometimes. viding opportunities for self-support, 6. Would some wealthy men probably and means of higher civilization for means of preparation for spiritual students in the schools, and for the work in the shops. communities to which they go after leaving school. It is unreasonable to 3. Well balanced. Mistakes are expect Christian churches to best illus- easier made than corrected. The deli- trate the power of the gospel to ele- cate service required of the mechanical vate men, while their members live in missionary cannot be rendered by hovels, and cultivate the soil without mere enthusiasts, or by those who are tools or machinery. Railway and tele- "carried about with every wind of graph, saw-mill and machine-shop, doctrine." are essential to the rapid evolution of a Christian people. These agencies PREPARATION REQUIRED. are sure to come ere long to every nation on earth which is not already 1. Culture. It is impossible for one supplied with them. If they are con- to accomplish most in this direction trolled by men of consecration and without a good education. While a prayer, who are more anxious to win· full college course is not absolutely souls than dollars, they will greatly essential, it is of vast service. One hasten the kingdom of Christ; but of the greatest mistakes now made in in the hands of mere seekers after technological training is the small .gain, they seriously complicate the amount of previous education re- .situation. Sooner or later Christian- quired. Cultureis especially important ity will be tested by its civilizing to one who would combine mechanical .agencies. If Christians, on the aver- ability adequate to an undeveloped age, have better homes and more country with spiritual power sufficient of the real comforts of life than to undeveloped minds. adherents of other religions, then will Christianity be appreciated, and 2. Knowledge of trades. If general Christians will secure a controlling in- cultureis important,athoroughknowlfluence. edge of the elements of several trades is demanded. To be a good mechanic KIND OF MEN NEEDED. is not sufficient. One must know the principles that underlie his trade. He 1. Consecrated. Many men are must also possess a fair knowledge of ,church members and highly respected the several related trades, which in their communities, who yet lack together make up the group to which the consecration necessary to highest his particular trade belongs. If he usefulness in this field. A desire to would be a good carpenter in a mission forsake all that interferes with winning field, he should also know something souls, and do, be, or become whatever of architecture, of bricklaying and would best promote this service, must stonecutting; if a machinist, he must be characteristic of the successful be familiar with pattern-making and mechanical missionary. the foundry.
2. Apt with tools. Some men seem 3. Theory and practice in personal to be "cut out" for mechanics. It workfor souls. The better education a frequently happens that one boy in a man has, whether in books or tools, the family is "always making something." less willing is he to do anything poorly; His deepest interest and best service therefore, the educated mechanic will are in the shop. An ambitious, though be likely to excuse himself from spiritmisguided, mother tries to make a ual work if he is not prepared to do it preacher of him. Pity the church well. Hence, training-class drill, inthat employs him! He may be very cluding study of the Bible with referanxious to do good, but what a mis- ence to inquirers, and actual work in take his choice of vocation! And winning men, must be a part of his what a blessing to him would be a education.
HOW SECURED.
1. Suitable men for this service are scattered throughout our churches and for and encourage mechanical ability colleges. They can easily be gathered in large numbers whenever provision in their boys, for the sake of missions. is made for their training. The recent enlisting of young men in Kansas and 2. Mission fields which secure the Minnesota for mission work, without even awaiting any human call, or aid of suitable mechanics in the mis- securingany financial support, testifies a rapid increase in zeal for missions. sion, and in adjacent shops and fac- 5,000 college students lately pledged to go as missionaries, if wanted, is still a tories, will make safer and more rapid .stronger testimony. Many of these men would doubtless make good progress, sooner reach self-support, mechanics, and would show their faith by their works in learning a trade and enjoy more home comforts, than before going to a foreign field, thns preparing to become self-supporting mis- had been possible without such aid. sionaries, if God calls to such service. Some countries will welcome the 2. Adequate preparation for the work proposed can be rapidly secured missionary that brings better tools and in a school provided for this special purpose. It is not necessary that such machinery, though at first caring a school limit its students to those nothing for Christian doctrine. It is expecting to enter a foreign field. Home missionaries are wanted in our impossible to foretell all the ways in shops and skilled labor schools, who possess the same consecration, charac- which the Holy Spirit will use this ter and training that are necessary to success abroad. The course of study new agency. Only one thing is im- .should be similar to those of the best ordinary schools of technology; but portant-that we see the door opening, should include, as electives, some other branches, as printing, brick and and enter in, ready, and hoping to .stone work, plastering, steam-fitting ,and work in sheet metals. know and do to-morrow what had not Provision should also be made for been possible to-day. the training-class and its personal work among the unconverted each Re1igion in Ohina. week. In this way the student will not only learn how to deal with men, POLYTHEISM; PANTHEISM; ATHEISM. but he will find whether he has special interest in such work, without incur- BY REV. ARTHUR H. SMITH, P'ANG CUIA CHIANG, ring the expense of a foreign trip. No man is fit for foreign work who CHINA.* cannot succeed at home. Volumes ha~e been written upon the RESULTS EXPECTED. religions of China, and upon the relig- ious ideas of the Chinese. Confucian- 1. Home churches will receive great ism is now well understood, and both benefit in developing men for this Buddhism and Taoism have been so work, just as in furnishing men for thoroughly explored that it is hard to ~rdinary mission work. It will be a believe that anything of first-rate imglad day for Christ's kingdom when portance is to be discovered. At least pastorS shall urge the need of Christian one more book upon this topic, howmechauics, and parents shall watch ever, remains to becomposed, or rather to be compiled, namely, a Chinese Mythological Dictionary. Such a work should contain an account of all the principal divinities actually worshiped by the Chinese, with authentic histori- cal notices of such as are historical, together with a record of the steps by which many of them have been pro- moted in the Chinese pantheon, until, like Kun Ti, the god of war, from very humble beginnings they have become "adjuvant of heaven." The number of such divinities would probably be seen to be very much less than is ordi- narily supposed. Some of them would * Chinese Characteristics is the title of a volume soon to be issued, probably simultane- ously in England and America. The author, Rev. Arthur H. Smith, has very kindly given us permission to use such part of the advance sheets as we please in the REVIEW. We are bewildered to make choice of a topic out of the many which are dealt with in the work. To those who know the author, we cannot com- mend the book by anticipation better than to say that in treating of" Chinese Characteris- tics" the author has lost none of his own.- J.T.G. be perceived to be of purely local im- towards the worship of nature is a portance, and others to be practically mere truism. The recognition of irre- national in their influence. Some of sistible and unknown forces leads to them would -be found to have been their personification and to external continuously worshiped for more than act~ ?f adoration, based upon the sup- a millenium, while others have been pOSItIOn that these forces are sentient. recently evolved from the ranks of Thus temples to the gods of wind, ordinary humanity. Such a manual thunder, etc., abound. In China the would prove to be of the highest inter~ north star is an object of constant est both to the casual traveler, who worship. There are temples to the wished to get an idea of Chinese re- sun and to the moon in Peking, in ligious worship as it exists in fact, as connection with the imperial worship, distinguished from the theory, and also but in some regions the worship of the to the more or less permanent resi- sun is a regular act of routine on the- dent, who is often confused by the part of the people in general, on a day heterogeneous, if not contradictory , III the second month, which they are phenomena of worship in China. pleased to designate as his "birthday." Early in the morning the villagers go Into the disputed guestions con- nected with the religion of the Chinese to the east to meet the sun, and in the we have no intention to enter in any evening they go about towards the manner whatsoever. Whether the west to escort him on his way. This Chinese ever did have a knowledge of ends the worship of the sun for a year. one true God is indeed a point of con- An exceedingly common manifesta- siderable interest. Those who have tion of this nature-worship is in the examined most critically the classical reverence for trees, which in some writings of the Chinese assure us that provinces (as for example in north- the weight of scholarship is upon the western Honan) is so exceedingly side of the affirmative. By others who common, that one may pass hundreds have a claim to an independent judg- of trees of all sizes each of them hung ment this proposition is altogether with bannerets, indicating that it is denied. To us it seems to be of very the abode of some spirit. Even when much less practical concern than some th~re is no external symbol of worwould make it, and for our present ship the superstition exists in full purposes the question may be alto- force. If a fine old tree is seen standgether ignored. What concerns us in ing in front of a wretched hovel, it isour present inquiry is neither a histori- morally certain that the owner of the cal nor a theorf?tical matter, but a tree dare not cut it down, on account practical; to wit, '¥hat is the relation of the divinity within. It is often which exists between the Chinese and supposed that the emperor is the only their divinities? In speaking of the individual in the empire who has the disregard of foundations on the part prerogative. of worshiping heaven. of the Chinese, we have alreadyad- The very singular and interesting cereverted to the singular mixture by monies which are performed in the which the same individual is at once a Temple of Heaven by the emperor in Confucianist, a Buddhist, and a Taoist, person are no doubt unique. But it and with no sense of incongruity. It would be news to the people of China is in some cases not difficult to trace as a whole that they do not and must the stages by which the heroes and not worship heaven and earth each for worthies of antiquity from being themselves. The houses often have a honored came to be commemorated, small shrine in the front wall facing and from being merely commemorated the south, and in some regions this is came to be worshiped. All the gods of called the shrine to heaven and earth. China may be said to have been dead Multitudes of Chinese will testify that men, and by the rite of ancestral wor- the only act of religious worship which_ ship it may be affirmed that in a sense they ever perform (aside from ancesall the dead men of China are gods. tral rites) is a prostration and an offer- Temples are constantly erected, by the ing to heaven and earth on the first consent of the emperor, to men who and fifteenth of each moon, or in some while living have in various ways dis- cases on the beginning of each new tinguished themselves. It is impossi- year. No prayer is uttered, and after ble to say that anyone of these men a time the offering is removed, and, as may not in the slow evolution of ages in other cases, eaten. What is it that rise to the highest place among the at such times the people worship? national divinities. There can be no Sometimes they affirm that the object doubt whatever that as a nation the of worship is "heaven and earth." Chinese are polytheistic. Sometimes they say that it is "heaven," and again they call it "old man of the That there is a tendency in man sky" (lao t'ien yeh). The latter term pretation which is not only materialisoften leads to an impression that the tic, but which, so far as we understand Chinese do have a real perception of a it, is totally atheistic. After the Yellow personal deity. But when it is ascer- river emerges from the mountains of • tained that this supposed "person" is Shansi and Shensi, it continues its way frequently matched by another called "grandmother earth" (ti mu nai nai) for hundreds of miles to the sea. Insucthe value of the inference is open to serious question. The word "heaven" cessive ages it has taken many differis often used in the Chinese classics in entroutes, rangingthroughsixorseven such a way as to convey the idea of degrees of latitude, from the mouth of personality and will. But it is likewise employed in a manner which the Yangtzekiang, to that of the Peiho. suggests very little of either, and when we read in the commentary that But wherever it has flowed it has car- "heaven is a principle," we feel that ried ruin, and has left behind it a barren waste of sand. Not unlike this the vagueness of the term is at its has been the materialistic current inmaximum. To this ambiguity in troduced by the commentators of the Sung dynasty into the stream of classical use corresponds the looseness Chinese thought, a current which hav- ing flowed unchecked for seven cenof meaning given to it in every-day turies, has left behind it a moral waste of atheistic sand, incapable of supportlife. The man who has been worship- ing the spiritual life of a nation. Taoing heaven, upon being pressed to ism has degenerated into a system of incantations against evil spirits. It know what he means by "heaven," has largely borrowed from Buddhism, will frequently reply that it is the blue to supplement its own innate deficienexpanse above. His worship is there- cies. Buddhism was itself introduced fore in harmony with that of him who to provide for those inherent wants in the nature of man which Confuworships the powers of nature, either cianism. did little or nothing to satisfy. individually or collectively. His creed Each of these forms of instruction has been greatly modified by the others, may be described in Emersonian and as at present found in China, they phrase as " one with the blowing clover may be likened to three serpents. The and the falling rain." In other words, first serpent swallowed the second up he is a pantheist. This lack of any to its head, beyond which it could not definite sense of personality is a fatal go. The second serpent in like manner flaw in the Chinese worship of "heaven." swallowed the third to the same ex- The polytheism and pantheism of tent. But the third serpep.t having a the lower classes of Chinese are mouth of indefinite capacity, reached around and finding the tail of the matched in the upper classes, by what first, also swallowed this serpent up to appears to be pure atheism. Upon its head, leaving only three heads this point we are not prepared to speak visible, and an exceedingly intimate with the same confidence, as in regard union between all three of the bodies. to the prevalence of polytheism and Buddhism swallowed Taoism, Taoism swallowed Confucianism, but at last pantheism, for the reason that oppor- the latter swallowed both Buddhism tunities for a satisfactory estimate of and Taoism together, and thus "the what the condition of mind of the three religions are onel" The practical relatively higher classes of China relation of the Chinese to theIr "three really is, have not fallen to our lot. religions" may be illustrated by the relations of an Anglo-Saxon to the But from the testimony of those who materials of which his language is know most on this point, from the composed. " Saxon and Norman and abundant surface indications, and Dane are we," but even were it possifrom antecedent probability, we have ble to determine our remote origin, no difficulty in concluding that there the choice of our words would not be never was on this earth a body of edu- influenced to the smallest degree by the cated and cultivated men so thoroughly agnostic and atheistic as the extent to which we may happen to have mass of Confucian scholars. The Saxon or Norman blood in our veins. phrase "antecedent probability" re- Our selection of words will be deterfers to the known influence which has mined by our mental habits, and by been exerted over the literati of China the use to which we wish to put the by the materialistic commentators of words. The scholar will use many Latin words, with liberal admixture the Sung dynasty. The influence of of the Norman, while the farmer will Chu Hsi, the learned expounder of the lise mostly plain Saxon terms. But in Chinese Classics, has been so overwhelming, that to question any of his views has long been regarded as heresy. The effect has been to overlay the teachings of the classics with an inter-
THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
either case the Saxon is the base, to nese, but such utter confusion as if which the other stocks are but addi- found on earth would be equivalent to tions. In China Confucianism is the chronic anarchy.
base, and all Chinese are Confucian, as Another significant result of the all English are Saxons. To what ex- union of all beliefs in China, is the de- tent Buddhist or Taoist ideas, phrase- basement of man's moral nature to the ology and practices may be superim- lowest level found in any of thecreeds. posed upon this base, will be deter- All the lofty maxims of Confucianism mined by circumstances. But to the have been wholly ineffective in guard- Chinese there is no more incongruity or ing the Confucianists from fear of the contradiction in the combination of goblins and devils which figure so the "three religions" in one cetemony largely in Taoism. Wealthy merchants than there is to our thought in the and learned scholars are not ashamed interweaving of words of diverse to be seen on the two days of the . . . . . . . national origin in the same sentence. month set apart for that purpose, worshiping the fox, the weasel, the It is always difficult to make a Chi- hedgehog, the ~nake, and the rat, all nese perceive that two forms of belief of which in printed placards are are mutually exclusive. He knows styled "Their Excellencies," and are nothing about logical contradictories, thought to have an important effect and cares even less. He has learned on human destiny. It is not many by instinct the art of reconciling prop- years since the most prominent states- ositions which are inherently irrecon- man in China fell on his knees before cilable, by violently affirming each a water-snake which some one had of them, paying no heed whatever to been pleased to represent as an em- their mutual relations. He is thus bodiment of Lung Wang, the god of prepared by all his intellectual train- floods, himself supposed to be the ining to allow the most incongruous carnation of an official of a former forms of belief to unite, as fluids min- dynasty, whose success in dealing with gle by endosmosis and exosmosis. He brimming rivers was held to be mi- has carried''intellectual hospitality" to raculous. This Lung Wang is gener- the point of logical suicide, but he ally regarded as the rain-god, in re- does not know it, and cannot be made gions adjacent to water-ways, but at to understand it, when he is told. a little distance in the interior, the god Two results of this mechanical union of war, Kuan Ti, is much more likely of creeds are very noteworthy. The to be worshiped for the same pur- first is the violence done to the innate pose; but sometimes both are supplant- instinct of order, an instinct for which ed by the Kuan Yin P'u Sa, or goddess the Chinese are especially distin- of mercy. To a Chinese this does not guished, which is conspicuously dis- seem at all irrational, for his mind is played in the elaborate machinery of free from all presumptions as to the the carefully graded ranks of officials, unity of nature, and it is very hard from the first to the ninth, each for him to appreciate the absurdity, marked by its own badge, and hav- even when it is demonstrated to him.
ing its own special limitations. Some- In connection with thf>se prayers for thing analogous to this might certainly rain, another curious and most sig- have been looked for in the Chinese nificant fact has often been brought pantheon, but nothing of the sort is .to our notice. In the famous Chinese found. It is vain to inquire of a Chi- novel called the' 'Travels to the West,"
nese which divinity is supposed to be one of the principal characters was the greater, Yii Huang or Buddha. originally a monkey hatched from a Even in the "Temples-to-all-the-gods " stone, and by slow degrees of evolu- the order is merely arbitrary and acci- tion developed into a man. In some dental, subject to constant variations. places this imaginary being is wor- There is no regular gradation of au- shiped as a rain god, to the exclusion thority in the spirit world of the Chi- of both Lung Wang and Kuan Ti.
v.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
BY SECRETARY F. F. ELLINWOOD, D.D.
APlea fOl the Senecas. inheritance. A bill which was before The people of the State of New the last Legislature proposed to abolish York are again brought face to face all tribal relations still existing among with an effort to deprive the Indians the Indians, and to carry out a division within its bounds of a portion of their of lands in severalty. The land so ,divided was to be rendered inaliena- to exist in the Indian Territory or ble for a given period, and steps were among the Sioux. There are no vast to be taken to extinguish those re- tracts of unimproved land which block versionary claims of the Ogden Land the progress of railroads and other Company, which have so long stood public improvements. The Tonna- in the way of all schemes to deprive wanda Reservation would, if divided the Indians of their lands. It was in severalty, afford only about seven- represented or implied that a majority teen acres per capita to the tribe now of the Indians were in favor of such a occupying it. On the Cataraugus Res- division. ervation the allotment would be still It cannot be denied that some ad- less. The truth isthatthe NewYork In- vantages would be secured by such a dians have already been so pressed and step, provided the consent of the ma- crowded by the white man through jority of the Indians should be freely every species of fraud, that they have given, and provided that only the un- but a very scanty provision. Why divided farmlands should be included. take away the little that is left?
But the reasons for such a measure do 2. It is proposed to break up the tribal not apply to the leased lands which lie relation by force. The enforcement .adjacent to large towns. of the laws of the State and the Some cogent objections have been abrogation of all tribal laws in con- raised against the bill which did not at flict therewith would be entirely first appear upon its face. it provid- just and prOPQr, but to break up the ed that certain lands in and around tribal relation as a guild would be Salamanca, and other villages on the tyranny. The Senecas have as good Alleghany Reservation, should be sold a right to perpetuate their chieftain- immediately, and it has been sus- ship and their old customs as the Irish pected that just here was the real se- Catholics have to parade the streets ·cret inspiration of the whole move- on St. Patrick's day; or the Odd Fel- ment. lows or the Masons to hold their secret Pending the discussions in the Legis- sessions and perpetuate their orders.
lature, a letter was published which 3. The Tonnawandas and the Tus- divulged the purpose of interested caroras have purchased their lands parties to secure the destruction of the and could no more be compelled to Iflases by which the village lands on give up their joint tenure than a real the Alleghany Reservation are held, estate syndicate in Salamanca or in and to secure a fee simple-in other the suburbs of Buffalo. It would be words, to get possession of the most a strange procedure to undertake to valuable lands. It was asserted that raise the Indians to citizenship by an Buffalo had done the same thing with act of the Legislature which should the Reservation of Buffalo Creek and violate every right which a citizen is why should not the citizens of other l!Iupposed to possess.
towns have the same privilege? The Tonnawandas, in a treaty of The time has come when the people 1857, paid the Ogden Company in cash of New York have a duty to perform for all the land which they now pos- in the interest of common justice sess, and not at any trivial rate, but at and humanity. They should know a maximum price of $20 per acre. A the truth in this matter as between supplement to the treaty allowed even the conflicting statements. A few con- a higher price to the Company in cer- siderations should be borne in mind: tain cases.
1. There is in the case of the New 4. The land in and around the vil- York Indians no such demand of the lages on the Alleghany Reservation public welfare calling for a breaking constitutes the chief and only adequate up of the reservations as are alleged provision of the Seneca Indians, and it is this that certain interested parties We of the Eastern and Middle States.
are now trying to secure through have been ready to criticise many of Legislative action. the schemes which have disgraced the Weare being told repeatedly in far West, and which are not wholly these times, that farming is so poor an unknown even now; but it may be industry that even the white man can well to consider our own history in scarcely obtain a livelihood on a farm this respect.
of average size; how then is the Indian . A single sketch will illustrate the to be supported on a much smaller methods which were pursued with the tract,and husbanded in Indian style? Indians of the Alleghany, Cataraugus.
The Salamanca leases will all be and Tonnawanda Indians fifty years needed as a supplemental resource. ago. Up to that time the Indians had The people of the State should hold held a tract known as the Buffalo them as saCred as those of the Sailors' Creek Reservation, lying in what is.
Snug Harbor in New York. It may now a suburb of Buffalo, and is worth be very undesirable to hold property millions of dollars. But in 1838 a under a perpetual lease. It is doubt- treaty was there formed whose pur- l~ss felt to be so by many occupants pose was to gain possession of all the of the vast properties of Columbia Indian lands in Western New York.
College; but who thinks of appealing It was negotiated by Ransom H. Gil- to the Legislature to compel a sale of lett, Commissioner of the United those properties at nominal rates? In States; butthe parties in whose interest how many instances are such property it was done were Messrs. Ogden and rights maintained without even a Fellows, or the Ogden Company.
question! Have the Indians, whose Under the guise of a "whereas," the tenure is the oldest and clearest of all, preamble to the treaty recited that the- no rights under similar circumstances? Six Nations "had become convinced 5. The people of New York should that their true interest must lead at least consult their own interest, if them to seek a new home among their they are not impelled·to act upon con- red brethren in the West." This was science and a sense of right. To allow untrue, as the sequel will show.
the Indians to be pauperized that a There had been a previous treaty.
few individuals may be enriched, is to which gave to them certain lands place burdens on the public treasury around Green Bay. By this new treaty for years to come. If the Cataraugus those lands were to revert to the Indians had been broken up as a tribe United StatesGovernmentinexchange· forty years ago and the fee of their for a large tract in Kansas, where all lands been placed in individual hands, the Western New York Indians were the adjacent counties would long since to be located.
have been burdened with taxes for the The so-called treaty, with some· maintenance of hundreds of paupers questionable signatures of the Indians, of every description. This must be so was submitted to the Senate in the in all cases in which Indians are thrust June following. After sundry amend- into "civilization '.' before they are ments, it was ratified with the proviso prepared for it; but especially so " that the same should be of no bind- where evil contact with white men is ing effect, and it should not be under- so close as in Western New York. stood that the Senate had assented to The public mind should be awakened any of the contracts made in connec- to serious apprehension by the fact tion with it until the same and the that there has scarcely been a treaty amendments added should be sub- or land purchase relating to the New mitted, and fully and fairly explained York Indians within the present cen- by a Commissioner of the United tury that was honest and equitable. States to each of such tribes or bands,. separately assembled in council, and Society of Friends, all expressed the they have given their full and volun- opinion that improper means had been tary consent thereto." The require- brought to bear to secure the assent ment that the signatures shonld be of the Senecas to the treaty. Mean- given inopen council was disregarded. while the Tonnawandas presented a Many were secured in private and by statement that only one of their chiefs questionable means. had signed the s<K:alled treaty, and that he lived off th~ Reservation. In 1840, the President, in transmit- " Still," says the report of the special ting the treaty to the Senate, saidin his committee of the New York Legisla- message: "No advance toward obtain- ture of 1888, " with what must have ing the consent of the Senecas to the been a full knowledge of all the facts, amended treaty in council was made, the Senate ratified the treaty, by the nor can a majority of them in council casting vote of the Vice-President, now be obtained. The provision of a both Senators from New York, one of resolution of the Senate, June 11, 1838, whom was Silas Wright, voting in its requiring the assent of each of the favor, and President Van Buren pro- tribes to be given in council, has not claimed it." been complied with as it respects the Seneca tribe, and furthermore, that But the Society of Friends, whose improper means have been employed philanthropy does not tire so easily as to gain the assent of the Seneca chiefs, that of most other peoples, still con- there is every reason to believe." Not- tended for justice and humanity. withstanding all this, the Senate short- They appealed to Daniel Webster and ly after ratified the treaty, and the others, but were told that a resort to President proclaimed it. the courts wonld be useless, because "they wonld not undertake to go In an early dispute relating to the back of a ratified treaty." Yet in respective jurisdictions of New York how many scores and even hundreds and Massachusetts over the lands of of cases have treaties, and even just the Six Nations, it had .been agreed and regular treaties, been overthrown that Massachusetts shonld have a right when it was for the interest of the of protest against any unjust aliena- white man to .set them aside? tion of titles held by the Indians. The Senecas, availing themselves of Mr. Webster advised a compromise, this agreement, now memorialized which was finally made. By its terms Massachusetts for protection on the the Indians were permitted to remain ground that of their ninety-one chiefs in the State and to hold a possessory a majority had not signed at all; that right to the farm lands of Cataraugus a part of those who had signed were and Alleghany Reservations, while the not chiefs; that some of the names Ogden Company gained the rich prize were forged; that some of the chiefs of the reservation in the suburbs of had been bribed by the Ogden Com- Buffalo. pany, and that the contracts for bribes had been in writing and were in their This history, which is abundantly custody; and that while the resolution verified by Governmental documents, of the Senate had required that the should fill every citizen of the State signatures of the chiefs should be with shame, and stir him to a firm given in open council, only sixteen resolve that this work of spoliation had been so given. The President, shall go no further. the Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, Governor Everett, of I have shown that so far as farm Massachusetts, Governor Seward, of lands are concerned there is nothing New York, a committee of the General left to excitethe cupidityof whitemen, Assembly of Massachusetts, and the unless there be a purpose to rob the Indians of their all and send them adrift. The movements now on foot must, therefore, either be influenced The Japanese on the Pacifio Ooast. by a disinterested desire to benefit the Indians by compelling them to divide The Japanese in California, mostly their lands against their will, or by in and around San Francisco, are now the expectation that somebody else variously estimated at from two to will be benefitted by the sale of village three thousand. More than half are lots. of those who have received Christian baptism in Japan. What should be done? 1. The lawsof the State should be ex- A more interesting and promising tended to these Indians as to all other classcouldscarcelybefound. Nobetter classes, and should overbear all tribal field for missionary labor exists on any laws so far as there is conflict and no continent; the churches and Young farther. Men's Christian Associations in this 2. It would be desirable by amicable country should be fully awake to the means to secure a full and inalien- opportunity. These young men repreable possession of a proper amount of sent the most vigorous element in the land for all who desire it and for no Japanese churches. Very largely they others. Those who prefer a tribal are of the higher middle class, and the partnership or syndicate, as giving very fact that they have crossed the a more permanent tenure, should be ocean for study or for practical knowlallowed to have it. edge of business is proof of their 3. The leases of valuable lands now energy and enterprise. Shall they be maintained as a resource for the met with cordial Christian fellowship, tribes should be left undisturbed both and strengthened for future usefulness for the good of the Indians and for in their native land-for they intend the protection of the public treasury from the burdens of wholesale pauper- to return-or shall their Christian ism. 4. The public should cultivate an faith and their high expectations be intelligent interest in these Indians, shocked by indifference and neglect? and should watch with jealous care all legislation which concerns them. Unfortunately the complaint i3 5. All possible effort should be put frequently made that they are disapforth to raise the lowest of them to pointed in their hopes, that their ideal the intellectual and moral estate of of American Christianity is dissipate,l, the highest. There is every encour- that the worldliness of the churche,; agement to such effort. and their practical indifference to the The Tuscaroras show a larger per spread of the gospel, give rise to grave cent. of church members than any misgivings. equal rural community of white people in the State. Mr. John Babberton has It is easy to see that such disappointshown in the columns of the New ments may often result in a similar in- York Herald that they are orderly and difference and even apostacy from the law-abiding, and that they bring no faith, whereas a cordial reception disgrace upon our average civiliza- with faithful effort and encouragetion. ment might confirm these men and fit Among the Senecas, in the Presby- them to go back to Japan as earnest terian churches alone there are about Christian laborers. They are nearly 300 communicants; 47 have been all young men, and as so large a proadded this year-a gain of more than portion of them are already Chris- 15 per cent. This is a higher ratio than tians, it ought to be easy to foster could be shown by the Synod of New such a prevailing Christian sentiment York. among them as should bring them all or nearly all to Christ.
Some of the missionary organiza- tions, as the Methodist and the Pres- byterian Boards, are in some degree showing their appreciation of the
EDITORIAL NOTES O~ CURRENT TOPICS
rare promise of this work, and vigor- foreigners and western civilization, ous Japanese churches have been and, in particular, the Christian re- formed. But there is a fine field for ligion, from Japan. 'Vhen he saw thesupplemental effortof the churches that the new order of things was to prevail he be~an to prepare for it. He in San Francisco, in fellowship and studied ' for81s:n medicine' in Tokyo, sympathy, in every form of encour- and was admItted to practice in 1882. "In the spring of 1885 he came to agement and help. These young men San Francisco for the double purpose are by no means inclined to be unduly of learning English and pursuing an dependent. The Japanese Presby- advanced course in medicine. He was terian Church, which numbers only invited to the Presbyterian Mission, where he found many of his countrysixty-five members, has contributed men in circumstances similar to his $1,174 during the year, besides sub- own. Dr. Sturge, of the Mission, gave him special instruction durin~ the scribing $800 toward the erection of a day, and Mrs. Sturge taught hIm in chapel. The Methodist Church is the evenings.
equally active and self-reliant. In "He was converted, and united with both missions Young Men's Christian Associations have been formed with the church by baptism and confession memberships much more numerous of his faith. He subsequently entered than those of the churches. the medical department of the State The following account, quoted from a letter of Rev. A. J. Kerr, of San University, where he remained two Francisco, reveals the character of years. He opened an office for pracsome of these men: tice on one of the principal streets, "A recent steamer carried back to Japan one of our elders, Dr. Kawa- where, during certain hours each kami. He is in some respects a very noteworthy man. In 1876, when only week, he gave free medical treatment seventeen years of age, he took part in Maebara rebellion against the Japanese to the poor of his countrymen. S"overnment. He was arrested and Imprisoned, but on the overthrow of "About a year ago he was elected the revolt he was released. The pur- to theeldership of the church, in which pose of the rebellion was to exclude capacity he served till his departure for Japan. Before leaving he asked for a letter of dismissal, that he might unite with a Presbyterian church in Tokyo, and he particularly requested that I would give him a letter to one of the sinall churches where he would find plenty to do."
VI.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
An "Extra-Oent-a-Day Band." work, and in remembrance of the [We give below a letter from a gen- Lord's command to preach the gospel to every creature, an Extra-Cent-atleman filling a high position in one of Day Band was formed at the church the leading banks of Boston, who is with which the writer is connecteddeeply interested in missions, and the Congregational, Newton Centre, after giving much thought to the sub- Mass.-at the missionary concert in ject, has devised and put in operation November last. Our members give in the church to which he belongs a one extra cent a day for missionary plan forsecuring specialaid to advance the cause. The plan is simple. feasible, easily worked, and affords the possi- bilityof grand results. Its immediate purposes. We started with about 40 success in Newton Centre is the pro- members, and have now 111. We phecyof success wherever it is wisely shall give in a year, with our present and efficientlycarried out. 'Ve heartily membership, $405.15, which will • commend the scheme to all our minis- practically all be extra. 'Ve did not ters and churches. Never was there wish to interfere with other ways of greater need than now to increase giving, and therefore we give but an largely our missionary receipts.- extra cent, and simple ways were J. M. S.] suggested for saving that small EXTRA-CENT-A-DAY BANDS.
To THE EDITOR OF THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD:-In view of amount. Our band has butone officer, the many present splendid opportuni- a treasurer (though the addition of a ties and pressing needs for mission president would give the organizat:A:l more form), who reminds the mem- Almost 1900 years have gone since -bel's monthly of their dues by means the great commission fell from the of small envelopes printed: Master's lips. Let the Church, follow- WILL M __________ ers and representatives of Him whose earthly life was a mission to a lost PLEASE HAND_..__._TO .aM'–_ __ world, resolve that ere this century closes the story of the Saviour shall In this Envelope. indeed be proclaimed to every crea- ture. That will make our age sublime! EXTRA-CENT-A-DAY BAND. With Extra-Cent-a-Day Bands To_……………………._._………………………………… everywhere doing. their fullest work, supplementing the present ordinary A few members, however, paywith- missionary contributions, the ways out any reminders. A small book is and means would be amply provided, kept by the treasurer, containing the and we may be sure that the Lord members' names, with space after each of the harvest would raise up laborers for entry of payments. We give one- in abundance. half of our contributions to the foreign work, through our American Board, I have pondered the Extra-Cent-aand onljl-half to the work in our own Day Band idea for many months, and land, through the several home mis- have come to believe in it enthusiassionary societies. One hundred dollars tically. It is simple and practicable, -one-halfof our moneyfor the foreign within the means of almost everyone, work-will be applied to build a school greatly needed, and fraught with prohouse and to support a teacher for one digious possibilities! year at Kumbhari, India. Rev. Chas. Harding, of Sholapur, India, has long Let Christ's followers of every name regarded Kumbhari as an important form such bands everywhere. I hope place to occupy, but his repeated ap- to hear of very many, and will gladly plications for an appropriation for that render such help as I can to all who purpose have not been granted, solely will address me. S. F. WILKINS. for lack of funds. Now, through our little band, this long-desired work is Newton Centre, Mass. already under way. This is one specimen of what we hope to do in for- " Shall Islam Rule Africa 7" eign fields, and in the home land as well. This is the startling title of a paper· One extra cent a day seems insig- by Rev. Lemuel C. Barnes, Newton nificant, but thirteen million Protes- Centre, Mass., read before the Ministant evangelical Christians in the isters' Conference of Boston, and pub- United States giving at that rate, lished by a Committee of the Conferwould add $47,450,000 a year to the ence, who "express their high appremisdionary treasuries, the total amount ciation of the writer's earnestness, contributed at present being about candor, and thorough diligence in in- $6,000,000. vestigation, and heartily commend his work to the candid consideration of Since our band was formed another Christian men everywhere." has started at Auburndale, and still another at Groton, Mass., and we The paper is a notable one. in some believe that such bands may be formed respects. It is written by one who in all the churches of our land. Such has carefully studied the problem, and bands, doing but half their fullest understands the present condition and work, would furnish means sufficient tendency of the African situation. It to more than quadruple the entire is written with candor, looking fairly present missionary activities of all the at all sides of the question, and duly Protestant evangelical churches of estimating the various factors which the United States. enter into the significant question he asks. His statements as to the growth and extent of Islam in Africa and and finally considers "the radical dif- elsewhere are bold and startling. They ference between Christianity and Is- .are too general and sweeping to be at lam," and "some special conditions -once accepted as facts. He divides of the conflict between Islam and the continent into two nearly equal Christianity in Africa."
portions, the northern and the south- Dark as the picture is made to ap- -ern. "The northern half has been at- pear, there is still solid ground for hope tached to the Arabian prophet; all its that Islam will never rule Africa.
roads lead to Mecca." It consists of Africa, in the marvellous providence i;hree zones: North Africa, the Sa- of God, is now pushed to the front, hara, and the Soudan, with an esti- and is destined in the near future to mated population of 18,123,846; be the arena of a sharp and decisive .2,500,000, and 83,800,000 respectively. conflict between Islam and Christian- "These three zones, which contain con- ity. In this conflict Islam will be ;siderably more than half the popula- shorn of many of the elements of its tion of the continent, are thoroughly past success; while Christianity will Islamic." "The whole northern half possess new and powerful auxiliaries.
·of Africa is as thoroughly Islamic as The sword and the slave trade have Turkey or Persia, if not more so." On been the right arm of Islam, but the the basis of t,he estimated total popu- days of their dominance in Africa are lation of the northern lobe of the con- numbered. Although the most diffi- tinent "its Moslem population is over cult and stubborn of all false religions rather than under 75,000,000," while to subdue, Islam cannot, we believe, the strength of Christianity is only withstand Christianity in a fair fight.
"35,777" souls; including "Romanists Now after 1,200 years of contact, for less than half a million western Chris- the first time Islam and Christianity tians." The writer states also that are to meet face to face for a trial of Islam has made large advances in the faith on an open, fair, broad field.
southern half of the continent. For the first time it is to be mainly a We have not space to follow him in trial of moral strength.
the details. "In a word," he says, The European nations, which have "the northern lobe of Africa is covered planted their authority and civilization by Islam, with mere traces of Pagan- in the centre of Africa, and have gone ism and touches of Christianity. The there to stay, will not long leave Is- southern wing of Africa is covered by lam to propagate itself by sword and Paganism,with a considerable area of the slave trade as in the past. The Islam in the north, and a considerable Congo Free State-the very garden of area of Christianity in the south." "Is- the continent-is already guaranteed lam has ren'dered void the Christianity religious liberty. These two religions that once reigned from the Pillars of span the continent. If Islam move Hercules to the Indian Ocean; and southward it will be because it has going beyond, has, century by cen- moral power for conquest, which we tury, pushed its way across the Sa- know it does not possess and never did.
hara, throughout the Soudan and Surely,when the Mohammedan pow- down the east coast, until more than er in Europe is crumbling to pieces; half the continent is in its grasp. The when no Mohammedan empire or grasp to-day is as fresh, warm and people anywhere is rising into signi- greedy as ever." ficant position .01' influence, and when The writer next discusses "what the leading Protestant powers of have been some of the great elements Europe are running a sharp race for ,of the religious strength and weakness the possession of African territory, of Islam and Christianity during the and the extension of Christian civil- centuries of their paralleled history," ization over the best portions of the Dark Continent, it is not the time to wrote to her of this opening, when. fear that Islam will rout or check Christianity and "rule" that vast con- she came and was introduced to the tinent, which is evidently destined to figure conspicuously in the future ladies of the three Zenanas. And from history of mankind, if we interpret aright the wonderful series of provi- that time the work spread rapidly. dences which has opened it up to view, and fixed the attention of the whole Now there is no need of work as a civilized world upon it, and enlisted, as never before, the combined forces bribe to learn to read; so anxious are of Christendom for the redemption and elevation of a degraded people.- the ladies in the Zenanas for instruc- J.M.S. tion that where we have one female The Origin of Zenana Work. [Understanding from Mrs. Arm~ missionary we ought to have a hunstrong, of Burmah, that Mrs. Elizabeth Sale, of Rockmount, Helensburgh, dred, and would if the Christian Scotland, could give information of the earliest movemeilt in this direc- Church were alive to its responsibilition, I wrote to her, and received the following reply. It will be of great ties. interest to all who are interested in woman's work for woman.-A. T. P.] " Excuse this hurried reply. " As soon as I knew enough of the " I am yours in the best bonds, language to make myself understood I began going into the villages among "ELIZABETH SALE." the women of India, in 1852. In 1856 I got first an entrance into a Zenana -We have received a copy of a letproper. In 1858 I began work in Calcutta, and worked more than a year ter addressed to the Corresponding in my first house before I got anyone to take anything out of my hand. It Secretaries of the American and Ha– was very difficult to get one of the ladies to look at a book, as they feared waiian Boards of Missions, and of the being made widows if they desired to know anything of the outside world. American Bible Society, from the As soon as some little bits of work were finished-a little pair of shoes Rev. Hiram Bingham, of Honolulu, and a bit of canvas work-I had them make up, which so delighted the hus- announcing the completion of the bands and brothers, that the' wonderful work' was taken to other houses, translation of the Old Testament into when invitations came to teach there also. The needle work had to be made the language of the Gilbert Islanders. the bribe to induce the women to learn to read. I had then been so far blessed, Seventeen years ago he and his wife, that the ladies in three Zenanas were who ably assists him in his work, redaily hearing the Scriptures read, and joiced in the completion and pub_ some had so far broken through their lication of the New Testament. And fears that they were learning to read. now, after more than thirty-one 'Years "In 1860 my husband was ordered from the beginning, he is able to to Europe, when I heard of the arrival announcP. the completion of the enof Mrs. Mullens and .her daughters. I tire Bible. We congratulate this be- loved missionary that, with the valu- able assistance of Mrs. Bingham, "a born linguist," he has finished the long and arduous work. It will be an enduring monument of patient and heroic work done for Christ. And we congratulate the Boards under whose auspices the translation has been made, and the American Bible Society which is to print it, "for a people now emerging from heathenism, and of whom not a few are waiting in eager- ness for a complete Bible."-J. M. S.
-We have received the printed ad- dress made by Rev. J. T. Stevens be- fore the Presbytery of Athens, Ga., entjtled, "The Gospel can, and ought to be preached to the whole Heathen, Jewish and Mohammedan world in the next ten years." So far as the "ought" is concerned, it is undoubted- ly true; and it "ought" to have been done ten centuries ago, and many more. But the "can," considered in the light of actual practical accom- plishment, we more than question. vVe doubt the wisdom of fixing on a brief definite period for the world's. evangelizatioI. It is a tremendous The Soudan Missionary Movement. work, the full import of which it is impossible for a finite mind fully to Thel'!'l sailed from this port a few take in. It is not a mathematical days Slllce three young missionaries, problem that a dexterous play of F. M. Gates, Warren Harris, and figures will solve. Let us give the facts, the arguments, the motives, qharles Helmick, for the.Soudan, Afand press and reiterate them with all possible force and urgency and nca. They are a part of that heroic faithfulness, but let us not presume band of Kansas young men, who, unto assign a period within which the der the powerful appeals of Dr. Gratwhole world "can" be evangelized. tan GUlllness, resolved to establish a. The appeal of our brother, so far as mission iii that vast unoccupied region facts, statements, and array of mo- of the Dark Continent without the tives go, is excellent, and cannot b3;c~in~ of any soci.ety, trusting im- plICItly III God and hIS promises. They fail to quicken the blood of any Chris- were business men, several of them tian who willreadit.-J. M. S. pro~i~ent offic~r~ of Young Men's Chnstlan ASSOCIatIOns. One of their number, Mr. Kingman, had gone in advance to locate the mission, and had Death of Alexander Mackay of Uganda. written to them to come on. They The Church Missionary Society has took with them implements for farmsustained an almost irreparable loss in ing and house building, and expect tothe death of this heroic missionary. spend their lives there. They express He has labored fourteen years in Cen- unbounded confidence in the PrOVIdentral Africa, and his brave continuance tial supply of their needs. Some will at his post, when others retired, and question the wisdom of their method, when difficulties and dangers thick- but all must admire their heroic and ened around him, has won for him self-sacrificing spirit. Others:will folmuch well-deserved esteem from all low as soon as they have finished their who can appreciate faith and Chris- series of missionary meetings, which have been productive of much good. tian courage. It was when the news of the assassi- Mr. Kingman went by way of Engnation of Mr. Shergold Smith and Mr. land, at the invitation of Mr. Graham O'Neill on the Victoria Nyanza Wilmot-Brooke, of England, who has reached him, near the coast, that he traveled extensively in the Soudan, pushed on to Rubaga, reaching Mtesa's and was about to leave again for that capital in December, 1878. Uganda country, and he kindly invited the· became his home from that time till Kansas missionaries for the Soudan he was driven out by the emnity of to have one of their number meet him the Arab traders nin~ years later. in England and sail with him. Our Even then he only retired to the south associate, Dr. Pierson, was present at the farewell meeting, iWnilEmxote-teBrrHooakll~ end of the Great Lake, where he has London, given to the now fallen asleep. He has carned his life in his hand all these years, and party, and made the Consecrating has seen colleague after colleague Prayer. Mr. Kingman joined this either carried off by death or obliged party at Liverpool, and took ship to retire from the field. No one could with them for Africa. During the read Mr. Mackay's letters in the Church voyage out he had ample opportunity Missionary Intelligencer without see- for conference with Mr. Brooke, and other members of the party, and so, ing that he was, over and above his on his arrival, was soon able to give missionary devotion, a natural genius. the needed information to his fellow- His translation of the Scriptures into workers in regard to their outfit, etc. the tongue of Uganda, his mechanical , contrivances, his marvellous tact and The agent of the steamship com- soundness of judgment, nis calm pany by whose line Mr. Kingman courage at the court of Mwanga-all sailed sent this telegram: "To-day marked him out as a man of extra- has seen, in the departure of Kingman ordinary power and devotion. He for the Soudan, the beginnin!5 of what was born in 1850 in the Free Church is going to be the greatest mIssionary manse of Rhynie, his father, the Rev. movement of this century. God bless A. Mackay, LL.D., being the Free it, and the West where it started. Church minister there. Mr. Stanley Keep believing." And adds Mr. Walspeaks of him in the most enthusiastic ton: "And so the Soudan missionary terms, classing him with Livingstone movement is no longer something and Moffat. The Christian Missionary talked of, but is now something real. Intelligencer for May has a deeply- Praise the Lord! "*-J. M. S.
interesting sketch of him.-J. M. S. * :';ee our June issue, pages 472-73.
556 PROGRESS OF MISSIONS-MONTHLY BULLETIN
VII.-PROGRESS OF MISSIONS: MONTHLY BULLETIN.
Africa.-King Mwanga. Uganda is one made the first complete ascent of Mount Kil- ·of the most powerful of African kingdoms, ima Njaro, in East Africa, and finds it almost =d the conversion of its king to enlightened 20,000 feet high. A graphic account appears views, and his restoration to power by the aid in the Royal Geographical Society's Proceed- <)f Christians whom he had so cruelly pel"S!3' ings for March. This is the mountain that cuted, are events of no small importance to the was discovered by our missionary, Rebmann, -cause of missions and of civilization in Central on May 11, 1848; and his letter, announcing the Africa. From a cruel enemy he has become a discovery, was printed in the very first num· warm friend, so that he now sends to the ber of the Church Missionary Intelligencer, Protestant and Catholic missionaries south of 1849. The scientific world and the AthenaJum Victoria Nyanza, begging them to return to laughed at a poor missionary finding a snow- their work in his kingdom. " You will be at capped mountaln under the Equator. But liberty to do whatever you like," says he. Rebmann merely replied, "I was brought up H Do not imagine that Mwanga will become in Switzerland, and I ought to know a snow· bad again. If you find me bad, then you may clad peak when I see one." That discovery ·drive me from the throne; but I have given was the first event in the history of modern up my former ways, and I only wish now to Central African exploration. follow your advice." It is also reported that the English have completed a treaty with -The acceptance ofthe Italian Protectorate Mwanga, by which Uganda comes under the by the King of Abyssinia is reckoned as af- ·suzerainty of Great Britain. Still another re- fording much hope for missionary work in the port affirms that Mwanga has been defeated valley of the Nile. and dethroned. It is impossible to tell at present how much truth there may be in the.m -Along the valley of the Nile, from Alexan- rumors. dria to the first cataract, there are seventy mission stations, and seventy Sunday-schools, -The Brussels Conference. The results numbering 4,017 scholars, while the boarding will not be fully known till the Powers have and day schools have over 5,000 pupils. :Severally ratified its action. The report of the Maritime Committee is a long document, and -There are, in connection with the Pres- ;shows that all difficulties have been sur· byterian Board of Foreign Missions, nine mounted, and an agreement has been con· churches in the Gaboon and Corisco Missions, ·cluded on every point. If the recommenda· with 1,090 communicants enrolled, of whom tions of the committee be adopted, the 163 were added during the past year. repression of the slave trade by sea will be regulated henceforth by a complete code -The London Missionary Society has re- which respects the views of the various ceived news from its missionaries at the south Powers, and at the same time forms a code, end of Lake Tanganyika. They have beim in the efficacy of which cannot fall to make itself great peril from the Arabs, and in great straits felt. According to L'Afrique, all trade cara- for provisi()Ds and cloths for barter purposes vans, before starting from the coast, must and wages, but the worst is thought to be give a deposit to be forfeited if they trade in now over. slaves. Arms are not to be taken into the interior; and even on the coast, guns and -Stanley says that during his recent Afri- powder will be under close supervision. Slaves can expedition he came across a new and in- fonnd in any caravan or ship will, if possible, teresting race of blacks, the Wanoumas, who be liberated and restored to their own are absolutely European in type, and very in- country_ telligent. They appeared to be decendants of the ancient Ethiopians, who settled in some -A large quantity of intoxicants is being way not known to him in Equatorial Africa. imported by the Germans into their East These people never int..rmingled with the ab- Africa territory. Great care is taken to pre- original races, but kept their blood intact, vent this being brought into the English considering the ordinary negroes beneath sphere. The English are beginning to see the them. baleful effects of this trade in rum, and are restricting it. But they have not yet much to -Rev. Alfred Robert Tucker has been con· boast of. It should be said, however, to the secrated at Westminster as Bishop of Equa great honor of the African Lakes Company, torial Africa, to succeed Bishop Parker, dethat they absolutely refuse to have any share ceased, who succeeded Bishop Hannington, in the sale of intoxicants to the natives. The who was assassinated. British South African Gompany is also working in co-operation with the African Lakes -The Congo. Mr. Grenfell, of the English {Company. Baptist Societ~, reports that they are expect- ingto open anew station at Lulanga, some 150 -A German traveler, Dr. Meyer, has lately miles northeast from Lokolele. The officials of the Congo Free State desire the Society to make much greater advances up the river to Ukoto, some 400 miles, where the Arabs have as yet obtained no foothold. It is evident that the authorities of the Free State are desirous ox stables, damp huts, and filthy, small, dark to aid missionary societies in all possible ways rooms; of the ddys with students in wet grass, so that a barrier may be made against the on the mountain·tops and by the sea-side, of Arabs. Mr. Grenfell says that if the railroad the visits in a savage country, among the between Stanley Pool and tidewater were only aborigines, you will never fully know. Four· built, the Arabs would find their vocation gone. teen years of toil have passed away. Yester- He affirms that a railroad cOllld do much more day 1,273 rejoiced in singing praises to the than could an army. The work at Balolo station Lord God Almighty. To God alone be all is most promising. People listen attentively, the praise, honor and glory. There are now and express much surprise over the teachings hospitals as well as churches, native clergy- of the Bible. For instance, they cannot see men as well as teachers, colleges as well as why God should object to their stealing one primary schools in Formosa, and the native from another. But Mr. Grenfell says, that Christians largely aid them." though they acknowledge that the Command· ments are good, "they are not yet prepared Greece.-Mr. T. R. Sampson, an intelli- to accept the awkward restrictions their adop- gent missionary at Salonica, admits that the tion would entail."-Missionary Herald. call for laborers in Greece is not so urgent as. in China or Japan, but says that there is now -The following list gives statistics of the an opportunity in Macedonia, Epirus and various Protestant missions working on the Asia Minor such as never has existed before, and may not exist there long, should Russia Congo: or Austria come in. The work can be done Baptist Missionary Society. established 1878: only by Americans, for they are not mixed up with politics abroad, nor embarrassed by In the field, 24; on furlough, 7; studyingmedi- State establishments at home. The rest ot cine, 1; transferred to other missions, 3; in the world is open to Christians of all nations home work, 2; *left the mission, 4; dead, 25. alike, but in this part of Europe the circum- Total, 66. stances particnlarly favor those who come from the western world. American Baptist Missionary Union, estab· lished 1878: In the field, 23; on furlough, 9; India.- The Disintegration of Hindu- studying medicine, 1; in other foreign mis- ism. Thus the work goes on, and has been sions, 7; in home mission work, 8; *left the going on for seventy years, now with a larger mission, 5; dead, 18. Total, 71. staff and now with a less, but with an ever- increasing volume and with results which stIli Simson's (New York) .Mission, established in a great part await the future to declare 1884: In the field, 3; *Ieft the mission, 5; dead, them. This work among the lower classes is 1. Total,9. not so conspicuous in its results as that which is carried on among the higher. It is Swedish Mission, established 1886: In the not pulling down the pinnacles of the Hindu field, 10; on furlough, 3; dead,S. Total, 16. temples, but it is disintegrating their founda- tions. At Sal' Nath, near Benares, is a huge Bishop Taylor's Congo Mission, established Buddhist tope of brickwork, through which 1886: In the field, 11; helping other missions, 2; antiquarian investigators have driven a single *Ieft the mission, 11; dead,7. Total,31. tunnel jnst at the gromid level. The mighty mass stands all unshaken by that. But one The Congo-Balolo Mission, consisting of 11 by one the bricks are loosening where they are members, is not included in this list, as it has exposed, and by and by the.whole .tructure only recently been established. will collapse. We are driving tunnels in all directions through the mass of Hinduism. N. B. Those going home by April mail are The lower classes are being permeated by included above as "on furlough."-Missionary the dissolving element of Christian truth, and notes from the Congo. the mortar of ignorance and superstition is being picked out from the joints of the caste England. – The British and Foreign system. Even if the higher classes were un· Bible Society has, during the eighty-one years touched, the work in and around Calcutta of its history, issued from its London Deposi· could not fail to tell at last.-Christwn tory alone, 29,000,000 complete copies of God's Missionary Intelligencer. word, 32,000,000 Testaments, and nearly 12,- 000,000 portions of the Bible; a total of 73,000,- -A new sect, called the Arya Somaj, is at- 000, or nearly 1,000,000 a year, or enough to tracting considerable attention in Northfurnish every twentieth inhabitant of the western India. Its purpose is to oppose giobe! Truly England's noblest cathedral is Christianity by restoring the worship taught in the ancient Vedas. An orphanage and her great Bible Society. school have been established in ~arei1ly by the Formosa. – A Rapid Conquest. Some- sect, whICh is probably the first effort ever made by the natives of India to provide a times the conquest of Christianity in foreign home for the care of helpless and neglected fields is qnite rapid. Dr. Mackay, the distinguished missionary on the island of Formosa, off the coast of China, writes: "Fourteen years ago I arrived here. All was dark around. Idolatry was rampant. The people were bitteI towards any foreigner. There were no churches, no hospitals, no students, no friends. Year after year passed away rapidly; but of the persecutions, trials and woes; ot the sleepless nights; of the trawiling barefoot, drenched with wet; of the nights in * Many of these are connected with Mission work at home. children. The attempt is undoubtedly in- schools. The translation of the New Testa- .spired by the successful efforts of missionaries ment was not completed until 1880, and the in this direction, and is intended to keep the whole Bible at the beginning of 1888. A few ·children of Hindu parents from falling into months later one society had distributed over Christian hands. 100,000 copies of the complete Bible, and, previously, more than twice that number of -In politics, III religion, and in religious the various parts. No less than 575 daily and .and moral and social development, we have weekly newspapers, and 111 scientific periodi- entered, or are entering, upon a new era of cals are printed in Japan. There Is also a transformation under the quickening influence good system of postal and telegraph service, of the West; and it is the highest glory of the with extensive lines of railway in course of missionary that he has contributed no small construction. They manufacture their own share to this upheaval of a nation of 250,000,- locomotives and steamships, while last year's ®.-TheHindu of India_ imports with the United States from Japan amounted to $16,000,000 in value. -There .are 10,000 licensed opium shops in the British territories in India. The opium Madagascar. – The Chronicle of the habit is increasing rapidly. Ladies Missionary Society contains an inter- esting account of the opening of a new church -Rev_ E. P. Thwing, Ph.D., of Brooklyn, in Antranobiriky, Madagascar, on Christmas N. Y., has recently traveled 4,500 miles in Day. One of the principal pastors from An- India. He says that 8,000 entries are yearly tananarivo came with letters from the Queen made in the official catalogue of vernacular and Prime Minister-the former containing 101• .and English works, issued mainly by Hindus, Services were continued with great success .and on religion more than on any theme. for several days. .. But Buddhist theosophy will never tear Christianity in tatters." Dr. Thwing has been Scotland_ – The Free Church of Scot- .absent from home six months, and has land have received the following interesting traveled 20,000 miles. After the Shanghai items of news from their missions on Lake -Conference, in May, he expects to remain till Nyassa: Dr. Laws reports the baptism of 32 July in Japan. Mrs. Thwing is on her third converts at Bandawe. Dr. Elmslie records the missionary tour among the heathen villages, application of the two first wild 'Ngoni for 120 miles southwest of Canton. baptism. (2) Her Majesty's Consul, Mr. Johnston, F. L. S., having hoisted the British -As India is engrossing at the present fiag at the north end of the Lake-the mission- time so much of the attention of the Church, aries, after 13 years' heroic exposure to dan- some figures relating to its people and their ger, are now under some form of British pro- religion may be useful. In March, 1888, the tection against the Portuguese and Arabs_ population of British India, including the Pr0- (3) The Rev. A, C. Murray, with Mr. Vlok, tectorates and Feudatories, was reckoned by evangelist, has founded the first station of the Government at 269,000,000. It is calculated "the Dutch section of the Livingstonia Mis- that there are about two millions of Chris- sion" at Chewere's, fifty miles west of Lake tians in Indilt, counting Roman Catholics, Nyassa. This will constitute their central Protestants, and adherents of what are known 'Ngoni Mission, as Dr. Elmslie's is North as the Eastern Churches. To the Romish 'Ngoni, and Dr. Henry1s is South 'Ngoni. (4) -Church about a million adherents are as- Dr. Henry sends an account of wonderful signed; to the Syrian, Armenian, and Greek medical missionary work among South 'Ngoni Churches about 300,000; to the Church of Eng- of Chikuse's country_ land, 360,000; to the Presbyterian Churches, 20.000; and to other Protestant communions, Sweden.-A new Mission.-The Church 158,000. There are still 106,000,000 men and Missionary Intelligencer reports that a Swed- 111,000,000 women who can neither read nor ish expedition has been organized to proceed write. The languages spoken are 109. to Victoria Nyanza, with the intention of form- ing stations between that lake and Lake Tan- Japan.-The first Protestant missionary ganyika, for the purpose of co-operating in landed in 1854; the first baptism took place in the suppression of the slave trade. One hun- 1865; the first church was organized in 1872. dred Swedish artisans have entered into ar- Now there are 28 missionary societies at rangements extending over three years. The work, with a force of 443, male and female leader, Mr. Sachrissen, has had experience in foreign missionaries, 142 native ordained mis- Africa, both on the Congo and on the Zambesi. sionaries, 257 native helpers, 8 colporteurs Fifteen hundred native carriers are to be emand 70 Bible women. There are 396 stations ployed. Of the £250,000 necessary, £50,000 and Out-statIOns, 92 of the churches are self- have already been subscribed for this entersupporting, and 157 partly so, with a total prise. membership of 25,514, whose gifts, for all purposes, in 1888, amounted to $48,340.93. The -Swedish MISSionaries, numbering about Sunday-schools number 295, with 16,634 twelve, who were originally connected with scholars in attendance. There are 14 theo- the Livingstone Inland Mission on the Congo, logical schools, with 287 students, and 9,698 but who, at the time that mission was transhave been gathered into the missionary day ferred to the American Baptist Missionary previous nine months, the amount exported would be 209,127 gallons. Now, this is 209,127 Union, came under the direct supervision of gallons too much, but it is pleasant to notice that it is nearly a third less in amount than the Swedish Missionary Society, will soon be the exports of the preceding year, and only one-third, and in some cases one-fourth, the reinforced by seven new helpers from Sweden. amount of several preceding years. While we rejoice over the decrease that we can chroni- They have already had some fruit from their cle, there should be no slackening of effort to put a complete stop to this nefarious traffic.- labors; the congregations are increasing, and Missionary Herald.
the children are coming to school. -The American Board. Since the 1st of November the Prudential Committee has ap· Syria.-The Syrian Christians. Several pointed 52 persons to the various foreign fields. This is about as many as were apmonths since we gave some information pointed in the twelve months of last year; 21 of these are men, and 31 women. The list in· regarding the Syrian Christians in the Travan- eludes several children of missionaries, which shows that the infiuence of heredity tells. core region of southern India, and of the One of the latest appointments is that of Miss Susan H. Calhoun, whose father, the late Rev. reformed party, headed by Bishop Mar Atha- Simeon H. Calhoun, was one of the noblest workers the board ever had in its Syrian field. nasius, which sought evaugelical reformation Her grandfather, Andrew Calhoun, was one of the founders of Park Street Church. A son of within the old church. We referred then to Dr. Joseph K. Greene, of Constantinople, just through his studies at Andover, goes back to a prolonged lawsuit to determine whether Turkey, and a daughter of Rev. J. T. Noyes, of India, returns to the Madura Mission after Bishop Athanasius was in the rightful posses- a course at Wellesley. Her brother, Rev. W. H. Noyes, It will be remembered, is working sion of his office. This case, which has now independently in Japan.
been in the courts fifteen years, has been -Southern Presbyterian Foreign Mis· sions. The report of Dr. Houston, Secretary decided against the reformed party, it being of Foreign Missions, shows 14 missionaries sent out last year, being more than in any held that Mar Dionysius, who had been con- previous year. An important mission was started in the Congo Free State, Africa. Resecrated by the patriarch of Antioch. was ceipts from all sources, $107,627, being $11,000 more than in any other year. From legacies the legal head of the Syrian church of Mala- came nearly $15,000. The committee asks for one-fourth of the church collections, instead bar. It seems that the Court of Final Appeal, of one-sixth as now.
consisting of two Brahmans and a European -Presbyterian Church, Northern. Total receipts of the Board of Foreign Missions, barrister, presented two opinions in open $794,066.44. From churches, $291,791; from Sabbath-schools, $36,062; from woman's court, the Hindus favoring the authority of the boards, $280,285; from legacies and from mis- cellaneous sources, $73,120. There was a depatriarch of Antioch, while the English judge crease of $58,599 as compared with last year. Thirteen less churches contributed. There is gave his opinion that the Syrian church in at present a deficit of $60,275. There were sent out during the year to Mexico 5 mission· Malabar was of right entirely independent. aries; to Colombia. 4; to Brazil, 8; to Syria, 6; to Persia, 13; to Laos, 3; to Korea, 5; to China, This decision was not unexpected, and the 26; to Japan, 15; to Guatemala, 2; to Africa, 3; and to India, 16.-Total, 106. Besides outreformed party have been for some time pre- stations there are in the Indian mission 6 sta- tions, in the Mexican 5, in Gautemala I, in the paring to act independently. The Harvest Brazilian 8, in the Colombian 3, in the Chilian 4, in the African 17, in India 19, in the Siamese Field, in reporting this decision, well says: 5, in the Chinese 13, in the Japanese 5, in the Korea" 1, in the Persian 6, and in the Syrian 5 " A sad sight, truly, it is to see a Church which -in all 98.
has stood through a long course of centuries -Reformed Church. The receipts of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed as a conservator and witness of Christian Church for the year just closed were about $117,000, an excess of nearly $24,000 over the truth, notwithstanding much deadness, in a previous year. The debt of the board has been reduced from $23,500 to $16,500. very dark region of India, when once it begins to show signs of spiritual life and evangelical reform, crushed down again by the heel of a foreign ecclesiastic and his interested abet- tors in Travancore."-Missionary Herald.
Thibet.-A "Thibet Prayer Union" has been formed to plead for the opening of the door into Chinese Thibet, at which the Moravi- ans have been waiting SO long.
United States. – Boston and African Liquor Traffic. As the result of inquiries made at the Boston Custom Honse, we are glad to say that there has heen a great de- crease in the amount of ardent spirits sent to Africa from this port. The following table gives the exportation of rum and other spirits since July.!, 1882, down to the 1st of April of this year. In each ease the year ends with July!.
Year. Gallons Exported. 1883……………………. __ …….. 737.236 1884 ……………………………..576,268 1885 ." …………………………. 803.437 1886 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 737,650 1887… .. … … .. …………………646,205 1888 …………………………….694,716 1889 .• _.. ….. .. …………….. 297,008 To April 1, 1890 (9 months) ………… 167.302 If the exportations for the remaining three months of 1890 should be at the rate of the
INDEX OF CONTENTS OF THE JULY NUMBER. [July-
INDEX OF CONTENTS OF THE JULY NUMBER.
PAGE PAGIIi' I.-LITERATURE OF MISSIONS••••••• 481-525 n.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLI· tian Knowled~; also for the Society for the PropagatlOn.of the Gospel in Foreign GENCE …………………… 525-533 Parts, 500; Presbyterian Alliance, 527; m.-MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE.. 533-<i37 Presbyterian Church of England Mis- IT.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT••• 537-546 sions, 528; British Churches and the V.-MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS 546–551 Brussels Conference, 527; Presbytery of VI.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT Edinburgh and Indian Missions, 528; Wesleyan Miss. Society, 528; Church TOPICS…………………. 551-555 Missionary Societr, 528; British and vn.-PROGRESS OF MISSIONS: MONTH- Foreign Bible SoCIety, 529; Baptist Mis- sionary Society…… .. …. •.. .. … .. … 529' LY ·BULLETIN ……………. 556-559 "Foreign Missions: Their Place in the PasvnI.-INDBEXERTO..C.O..N.T..E.N..T.S..J.U..L.Y…N.U..M..- 560 torate, in Prayer, and in Conference," noticed. … .. .. .. .. …. .. .. …. .. …. 524 Authors. FORMOSA.-Dr. Mackay's Fruitful EDITORS.-A. T. Pierson, The McAlI Mis- Work. . ……………… 557 sion, 481; The Lack of Information and Indivualism……………………….. 507 FRANCE.-The McAli Mission, 481; A Strong Appeal for Help, 534; Letter Brown, Henry E., Mechanic Missionaries. 540 from lI1issionary Charles E. Faithfull… 534 Clarke, Pastor, Poem, Tell the Tale…….. 494 Editorial Notes, J. M. Sherwood …….552-55 Frederick IV., King of Denmark,Efforts Ellinwood, Dr. F. F., The Indian Somajes, to Convert the Heathen in 1699…… . . .. 490· 501; A Plea for the Senecas, 546; The Gracey, J. T., D.D., International Depart- Japanese on the Pacific Coast……….. 550 ment …………………………….. 537· Hulbert, Professor H. B., The Science of Missions…………………………. 486 GREECE.-Call for Laborers…….. . .. 557 Johnston, Rev. James, Mission Notes…… 527 Laurie, Rev. Thomas, The Law of the ad- Guinness, Mary Geraldine, "In the Far vance…………………………….. 490 East, " noticed… .. … .. . •… .. …….. 525· Nevius, J. L., D. D., Famine, and the Work of Famine Relief ………………….. 514 INDIA.-The Indian Somajes, 501; Pupils Smith, Rev. Arthur H., Religion in China. 543 in Protestantand Roman Catholic Mission Storrow, Rev. Edward, Foreign Missions Schools, 522; The Great Bathin~ Festival, in the 17th and 18th Centuries……….. 495 523; Disintegration of Hinduism,557; A Starbuck, Rev. Charles C., Translations New Sect, 557; Dr. Thwing'sTravels, 558; from Foreign lI1issionary Magazines '" 519 Strength of the Church, and the Popula- Wyckoff, Professor 111. N., Education in tion ………………………………. 55& Japan……………………………. 537 Information, Lack of… …… .. ……… 507 Countries and Subjects. Java, Missionary Work in ……………… 521 AFRICA.-lI1ap of Central, 525; British Churches and the Brussels Conference, JAPAN.-Map and Statistics, 535; Educa· 527; African Trade, 529; Italy's Position, tion in, 537; Japanese on the Pacific 529; lI1ackenzieana Major Wissman, 530; Coast……………………………… 550 Inner Valley of the Congo, 530; Congo Money, 530; lI1ission Work in the Congo Jews, Dr. Saphir'sViews ……………… 533 Valley, 556; Letter from Rev. John Scott, 533; Baptism of a Mohammedan in Johnston, James, F. S. S., "Century of Algiers, 533; Shall Islam Rule Africa? Christian Progress," noticed……….. 524 552; The Soudan lI1issionary lI10vement, 555; King Muanga, 556; BrusselsConfer- MADAGASCAR.-Opening of a New ence, 556; Country of the Oil Rivers, Church.. . .. . …. .. .. ; . . . ………. 558, 556; Intoxicants, 556; Dr. Meyer's Ex- ploit,556; Various Items of Interest, 556; Mackay, Alexander, Death of … …….• 555 Stanley Fouud a New Race of Blacks, 556; New Statiou on the Congo, 556; Mis- lI1echanic Missionaries. ………………. 54!) sionary Societies on the Congo…….. " 557 Missions, How Advanced …….. '" •….. 49{) American Board, lI1issionariesAppointed. 559 Bingham, Rev. Hiram, Letter on Complet- Missions, The Science of.. … .. .. …. .. . … 486 ingTranslation of the Bible…………. 554 Moorhead, Max Wood, Volunteer Move- Boston and African Liquor Traffic …….. 559 ment ……………………………. 525· CHINA.-Famine and its Relief, 514; The Moravian lI1issions in Labrador………. 519 Religions of China, 543; Value of a Single Proclamation of the GOspel …………. 531 Nestorian Churches, Revival in, in 1890… 517 ENGLAND.-lI1issionary Operations in the 17th and 18th Centuries, 495; Forma- Paton, John G., "Autobiography," no- tion of the Society for Promoting Chris- ticed………………………………. 524'
Poem, Tell the Tale .. ……………… 494 Presbyterian Foreign Missions (South) re- port of last year … ………………. 559 Presbyterian Foreign Missions (North) re- port of last year……………………. 559 Reformed Church, receipts of last year .. 559 SCOTLAND.-Good News Received by the Free Church from Lake Nyassa…•. 555· Stevens, Rev. J. T., Address on Converting the World……… .. ……………. 554 SWEDEN.-Request for Prayer. 537; A New Mission in Africa, 558; The Force of the ~lission on the Congo to be Increased. 559 SYRIA.-The Reformed Party in the Syrian Church defeated after a long contest ………………………….. 559 THIBET.-"A ThibetPrayerUnion"…. 559 Thompson, A. C., Lecture on Missions ..•• 524 Zenana Work, Origin of……………….. 554
The Missionary Review of the World — November 1889
OF ' BRAZIL, from a ~hbtograph taken on 7th September, [888, the day after the orR"anization of the Synod. AN OB1ECT
on the "Race Question.' The brother in black is an elder elected to represent a white constituency, for the grace of God that is in him. The red man's hlood is manifestly in the veins of the young licentiate on the lower step. The majority of the native ministers can not be distinguished from the Anglo-saxon missionaries. MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XII. No. It.-Old Series.–NOVEMBER.–VoL. II. No.l1.-NewSerie..
I.-LITERATURE OF MISSION S.
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY IN THE ORIENT.
BY THE AUTHOR OF "ISLAM AND CHRISTIAN MISSIONS" IN THE AUGUST REVIEW.
THE missionary is just now somewhat to the front. His presence in the world is nothing new, but the attention he is attracting at present is phenomenal. He figures largely in the religious, and often in thp. secular press, with now and then a place in the foreign telegrams. He is in half the monthlies and all the quarterlies. He is frequently a subject of comment in books of travel and exploration. He appears in the role of a foreign correspondent, and is on the platform of religious conventions at home, and in the pulpits of our churches. A theological controversy rages about him and his func~ tion in current discussion which has its echoes even in the novels of the day. Dr. Munger, in the Forum for last June, has a spirited article with the suggestive title, "What is the Missionary Doing?" He credits him generously and kindly with a general uplifting and civilizing function where the world most needs a helping hand, but proceeds serenely to justify him from any complicity in what he considers the recently-exploded theory that men require the gospel thisside of the grave. 'rhe missionary's contributions to various departments of knowledge are growing into a respectable library. He has a remarkable following of monthly reviews and magazines, which seem to be exclusively devoted to the cause he represents, and circle about him and the work he is doing. He handles millions of dollars annually, and requires societies and boards and secretaries and treasurers, and in Borne circumstances even ambassadors and consuls, to give him advice and support. He is dined, and comes near being wined also, at some of the most coveted tables at home and abroad. He is in many cases trusted and honored by the rulers of foreign countries and has a remarkable influence in the social, intellectual, moral and religious development of the awakening nations of the East. He is sometimes an obscure or indirect factor in politics and commerce, although usually he gives close attention to his own special business. Personally he is an object of considerable. scrutiny and comment, which, although
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY IN THE ORmNT. ~ov
usually favorable, is sometimes quite otherwise. What he is doing, how he lives, what he accomplishes, whether he has any business to be where he is, whether he is faithful in his duty, whether he is "having an easy time of it" or enduring the requisite amount of ,hardship, whether he is married or single, whether he has children and what he is going to do with them, whether he rides in a "pony carriage" or walks, whether he has copies of the Oentury and the Independent on his table, whether he has too many" comforts," whether he has any" culture" and how much; does he dare to be wealthy, or allow loving hearts at home to brighten his exile with a few" alabaster boxes" from Tiffany'S or Steinway's-in short, is he to be recognized or repudiated; is he genuine or is he a fraud; is he a" success" or is he a "failure"? Such are some of the minor currents of thought which seem to drift into little whirlpools about him.
In the meanwhile the missionary goes quietly and patiently on with his work, than which, for serious responsibility, and far-reaching influence, and fragrance of spirit, and charm of unselfish love, and power of uplifting and transforming energy, we know no higher and sweeter task for loving hearts to plan and human hands to do. He is undisturbed by criticisms, undismayed by difficulties, undaunted in purpose, unflinching in his loyalty to the sublime commission he holds from those pierced hands which rule the ages. He believes ina whole world of possibilities for this present existence, and in better and sweeter hopes which may brighten the future of even the most degraued souls. He is confident of a coming triumph which will thrill and gladden the world.
We have spoken of the welcome he receives from rulers and high officials in many of the countries whither he goes, but this is not always the case. In some lands his work is at present stoutly opposed, and he himself is uot altogether welcome, but is regarded with considerable distrust and disfavor. What to do with the missionary is just now a pressing problem in Turkish official circles. Where did he come from? who sent him here? what is his business? how did he get so thoroughly at home among the people? 'how has he accomplished so much before we knew what he was about? what is to be the outcome of his work, and what is the best way to deal with him? These are questions of both state and church at the Ottoman Porte. The missionary, in fact, seems to have unconsciously arranged a sort of "surprise party" to the Turkish parsonage, and as is often the case in those well-intended affairs the party surprised is somewhat embarrassed by the excess and variety of the gifts thrust upon him. In the traditions of the Ottoman Foreign Office there has never appeared a hint or a warning of an American invasion. In the rogues' g,allery of the Turkish police, although we may find pretty much every type of European and Asiatic physiognomy, there is no portrait of the American. missionary or his English colleague, unless possibly it is a very recent addition. The natives of India are said to look upon Englishmen as "very uncomfortable works of God." We suspect the Moslem officials of Turkey, were they to speak their minds freely, would pronounce the missionary to be a painful eccentricity of Providence by which their customary spirit of resignation to the. dispensations of divine sovereignty is sorely taxed. Let us distinguish here sharply between the views of Moslem officials and the Christian (and to some extent even the Mohammedan) populations of Turkey, for among the latter the missionary has had a warm and beautiful welcome. It is in both Moslem and Christian circles the hierarchy rather than the people who oppose him.
Sixty years ago and all was going on well. The Turkish authorities ruled in church and state with unquestioned supremacy; the Moslem was in his lofty position of religious, social, intellectual, and political dignity, and the Christian was in his rightful and proper condition of humiliation. It was the Moslem's duty to tolerate and endure. It was the Christian's privilege to exist, and his only safety was to bear with abject submission whatever injury or indignity the Moslem chose to inflict upon him. Christian communities were permitted to live unmolested provided they paid tribute and kept within bounds, and meekly attended to their own affairs. They were not to make any effort to get on, or improve their condition, or assert their ·existence ; much less to enter into any competition with the Moslem in any sphere of life. The idea of any effort on the part of the Christian to convert the Moslem or even argue the matter of religiou with him, was too dangerous and absurd to be thought of. To this day no Oriental Christian is attracted by this project, and is disposed to pray with the devout Anglican: "0 Lord, give us peace in our time."
The advent of the Protestant missionary has brought remarkable changes in many directions. His influence at first was not discovered. He was at work many years before the Turk realized he was there. He established his schools, made the acquaintance of the people, gathered his congregations, translated his Bibles, trained his native helpers, prepared religious and educational books, circulated his tracts, stimulated thought, awakened inquiry, carried conviction to many hearts, and sent the thrill of a new life through the stagnant East, and it was not until his work had assumed large proportions, with permanent buildings, and rapidly growing apparatus, and far reaching influence, that the Turk became aroused and restless. He has awakened slowly, and rubbed his eyes lazily, and even taken fragmentary naps in the process, while now and then he has hurled his arms wildly about as if determined to hurt somebody or break some- thing, until in the year 1889 he seems to have his eyes fairly open, and what does he see? If he should take the pains to survey the ground carefully he would find 185 organized churches, 200 church buildings, 70,000 Protestants, 15,200 communicants, and would be obliged to take note of an average annual increase of about 1,500 to the membership of the mission churches.
He would find, all told, inclnding the English and German missionaries residing chiefly in Palestine, and the Kaiserswerth sisters, about four hundred foreigners, male and female, engaged in mission work within the bounds of his Empire. Of these, 135 are ordained ministers of the gospel, and 20 are medical and lay missionaries, who, with their wives, and over one hundred single ladies, make up the total, of which probably four-fifths are Americans. He would light upon about six hundred localities where mission work is visibly established, and from which it radiates. He would find nearly two thousand native assistants engaged in the employ of these foreigners, many of them educated and accomplished preachers and teachers.
He would visit six American colleges, some of them well endowed, and occupying permanent buildings, and representing an investment of American money not less than $800,000. They are located at Oonstantinople, Marsovan, Harpoot, Aintab, Beirut and Ossiut. He would listen to the roll call of 1,200 names, as these college students gathered at their accustomed places. He would find them studying the ordinary branches of a liberal education, some of them pursuing advanced professional courses-at present about fifty in medicine, and seventy in theology-peering into science, turning over history, scanning the record of the House of Othman, weighing creeds in the balances. studying the Bible, listening to the gospel, receiving helpful and invigorating moral influences, having their lives shaped and guided by the truth of God and the inspiration of His Spirit, and growing into a type of manliness and culture that the Turk has never yet seen in his empire. Having finished with the colleges, our Turkish committee of investigation could be escorted to over seven hundred schools of all grades.. with 40,000 pupils in attendance. They could visit the mission presses, where 40,000,000 pages were printed last year, and issued in the shape of Bibles, religious and educational works, tracts, newspapers, Sunday-school lessons, leaflets, etc. There are issued by the various missions five weekly and six monthly papers, the latter mostly for Sabbath-school children. Upon the catalogue of the mission press in Beirut are 380 separate publications. The medical missionary work must not be passed by. Fully one hundred thousand patients are treated annually, if we include the 14 medical missions and the 20 hospitals and dispensaries of English, German and American societies.
If the influence of these missionary activities had been confined to the Oriental Ohristian communities, the Turkish Government would, not probably have interfered. The authorities seem to have gra:ve suspicions, however, that Moslems were being reached and influenced. Bibles and tracts and other volumes of mission literature were circulating among them; their children were attending mission schools; a desire for education was springing up ; a spirit of inquiry. was manifest; conversions were occurring here and there; a secret tendency toward liberal views cropped out in some quarters; new sects, like the Shathaleyeen, which, a1though nominally Moslem, were inclined to accept doctrines and practices suspiciously Christian in their character, began to appear; the Ottoman dynasty, representing the Turkish Khalifat, became conscious that its official grip, both religious and military, was being loosened upon not only the various politicallyallied or semi-Mohammedan nationalities of the empire, as the Druze, Nusairiyeh, Metawaleh~and Bedawin, but upon the Moslems of the Arab stock also, residing in Syria, Palestine, Arabia and Egypt.
It must be also a very disquieting reflection to the anxious Turk that other agencies, entirely independent of all missionary operations and from an entirely different quarter, have been at work during the last fifty years, all pushing steadily in one direction, viz. : the political dismemberment of his empire, and the introduction of reforms in the interest of his Christian subjects throughout the Levant. Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Servia, Roumania, Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia have been cut off from the northern section of the Balkan Peninsula. Greece has won her independence, and by recent changes in her frontier has included Thessaly in her dominion. Russia has secured a small section of northeastern Asia Minor, including Kars, Batum and Ardahan, and will be ready again at the first favorable opportunity to unsheath her sword for the possession of Constantinople. Mt. Lebanon has been made a Christian province, under the protection of the European powers. Syria is in imminent danger of a French protectorate, should any circumstances occur to render such a move possible. Palestine, and especially Jerusalem, is tacitly in foreign control, as the Turk can hardly walk the streets of the Holy City without treading on European toes. Russian buildings by the cubic acre are going up at Jerusalem, and the Powers of Europe keep vigilant guard over every square inch of property in the holy places. A railway is now projected from Jaffa to Jerusalem, and its charter is already in the hands of English capitalists, so that our modern. pilgrim will soon buy an "excursion ticket" to Jerusalem and get his "baggage checked" for the Holy City. What an intrusion of the nineteenth century to have a modern locomotive puffing up Mt. Zion?
The Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula, where they are not entirely independent, are restless and rebellious. The mysterious Mahdi hides in the Soudan and is a constant menace to the Ottoman Khalifat. From the days of Mohammed-Ali Egypt has been ooly.a nominal vassal, and now England is in possession, and mZah alone knows if slll:l will ever move out. Cyprus, off the coast of Asia Minor and twelve honrs from Syria, is under the English flag, and a mysterious protectorate of Asia Minor is latent in English policy, the exact meaning of which probably neither Turkish nor English statesmanship would be willing to define until circumstances arise which make it desirable to give it whatever interpretation is a convenience to the parties interested. Algiers and Tunis have gone to France, and Tripoli is conveniently near to Italy. The Black Sea is once more a Russian lake, in defiance of the Treaty of Paris. The splendid" Orient-Express" train, without change of cars from Paris to Constantinople, now shoots down through the whole length of the Balkan Peninsula until it stops under the shadow of the Sublime Porte. A branch line to Salonica is also ready for use. The Turkish ironclads lie rusting and rotting in the Golden Rorn. The imperial finances are fermenting and threatening to explode in the very precincts of the Seraglio. Turkey is in sore straits, and God's will is mysterious.
Yet, despite these changes and harassing troubles within and without, Turkey still exercises an efficient and. increasingly defiant control over her internal affairs. Nothing which has been done, either by the great ambassador, Sir Stratford Canning, afterward Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, who was prominent at the Porte from 1812 to 1858, or by the united diplomatic efforts of Europe since then, has ever secured the slightest recognition on the part of the Turkish Government of the' liberty of the Moslem to change his creed. The Ratti-Sharif of Gulhane in 1839-which has been caned the 'I.'urkish Magna Charta-the Ratti-Rumayun in 1856, the Treaty of Berlin in 1878, all of which, so far as they refer to the Christian subjects of the Porte, amount in substance to a declaration on the part of Turkey that she will give entire religious liberty and full toleratIOn and equal rights to all her subjects if Europe will not meddle, have never for an instant been acknowledged by the Turk as referring to the Moslem, or recognized as securing to him any liberty of conscience whatever. Every time a Christian diplomat, or a missionary organization, or even the united corps of European ambassadors at Constantinople has quoted these or any other official utterances of the Turkish Government, in behalf of a Moslem's liberty to accept Christianity, the Turkish autporities from the Sultan downward have either repudiated the idea, or quietly and effectively snubbed it. The old Moslem law that the penalty of apostasy is death is to-day the inexorable rule in Turkey. The Ottoman authorities will not publicly execute, as was formerly the custom, but will arrest upon some false criminal charge, as for example desertion from the army, or attempting to avoid the draft, or some imaginary misdemeanor, and will transfer the victim from one prison to another and put him out of the way by some secret means. If any fanatical Moslem privately assassinates the victim, or his neighbors or friends poison him, no questions are asked and the government is saved all trouble. Even in Egypt, where there is considerable liberty, no convert is safe from private conspiracy by fanatical Moslems.
If we seek for the reason for this inflexible persistence in the desperate methods of the old Mohammedan bigotry we find it in the instinct of self-preservation, and also in the undying spirit of Islamic pride and fauaticism. Turkey is on the defensive. Islam sees that it is a struggle for existence. The 'furk re!tlizes that as things are now tending he must go to the wall, and Moslems must be left behind in the race. The Christian communities are coming forward so rapidly in wealth and numbers, and rising so conspicuously to positions of social respectability, education, influence, refinement and general culture, that the Moslem feels himself to be sadly behind the times and out of date. While he clings to his religion and to the old Islamic traditions and practices he cannot compete with the Christian in the race of civilization and improvement. He must, therefore, by all means at his command, strive to set back this rising tide of missionary influence and especially take stringent measures to prevent the Mohammedan constituency of the empire from coming at all within the range of its movement.
The Turkish Government, representing both church and state, is reluctant to allow and cannot ignore a social and religious revolution of this kind. Islam must not lose its proud position; its prestige and glory must not be dimmed. Liberality, so the Moslem reasons, would be fatal to both church and state. Self-reform is both dangerous and impossible. Islam needs no reformation. Amalgamation with other existing social and religious organizations is self-annihilation. Joining the march of progress and civilization is losing its distinctive identity. Concessions to Christianity are disparagements to Islam. The Sultan himself cannot make them without putting himself in danger. Christianity can be and has been tolerated in Christians just as many other nuisances are submitted to because you cannot get rid of them, but never can Christianity be tolerated in Moslems. Liberty of conscience in this sense is treason to heaven.
In many other respects mission work is an offense to the Turk. The translation of the Bible into so many languages of his empire,- the united work of the Bible societies and missionaries-the industrious and successful distribution of the Scriptures, at the present time, amounting to about 100,000 full or partial copies a year, and making a total of 2,250,000 copies since organized work of this kind began in,the Levant, is an impertinence which so annoys him that he l!Ieizes innocent colporteurs and puts them in prison as coihmon criminals, where they often stay for months. He will do this even though he has officially sanctioned the issue of every book the colporteur is selling. The busy activities of mission presses, -and the literary renaissance of the present generation, make him impatient, and his censorship of the press is both tormenting and amusing in its furious stringency. A solemn order was recently promulgated that hence- forth no mission press should have more than one en trance and that by the front door in full view of the police. Back doors to presses are too suspicious to be allowed. Orders have been given that every book henceforth to be printed must be sent in manuscript entire to the authorities for approval. An existing pUblications must at once be submitted. Strange to say, however, the official indorsement of the Imperial Ministry of Public Instruction has been obtained upon the Bible in every language of the empire.
Just at present the government has a severe spasm of restrictive oversight of all foreign books and periodicals. Everything bearing upon missions, Islam, Turkey, Oriental travel, Eastern history and the religious and political condition of the East, is at once confiscated. Encyclopredias are in special disfavor; they know too much and say too much on a great variety of subjects. The letter m is an exception- ally dangerous one, and if the book is not finally retained, it is re- turned with a portion or all of the letter m cut out. What propriety in having Mohammed talked about in the same breath with Mephis- topheles and monk and mule, or Mohammedanism with mythology and missions and malaria, or Moslem with Mormon and mummy and mIsSIOnary. Among the books recently confiscated at the custom houses are Robinson's" Researches," Thompson's "Land and the Book," Murray's "Handbook of Palestine," a copy of the" Schaff-Her- zog Encyclopredia" and of the" Encyclopredia Britannica," Pierson's "Orisis of Missions," Clark's" Ten Great Religions," English or French translations of the Koran, histories of Russia, and all reports and periodicals referring to missions. At a recent holocaust at a prominent sea-port of the empire 600 foreign books under condemnation were burned by the authorities. It is said that an old Moslem law was promulgated with reference to the famous" Apology of AI-Kindy" that any house in which it was found should be destroyed and forty houses around it. Who knows but we shall yet hear that it is the will of His Imperial Majesty the Sultan that the mission presses shall be destroyed and every house around them within a radius of half a mile!
Educational work is also a serious grievance to the Turk. He has closed many of the schools-at one time over thirty were closed in Syria and Palestine, and policemen forcibly removed all Moslem chilo dren, and stringent prohibitory orders were issued forbidding Moslems to send their children. A law was recently framed forbidding all re- ligious instruction in schools, but was never promulgated. By the good offices of Mr. Straus at Constantinople and Mr. Bissinger at Beirut several of these schools have been opened, but not all. The Turk publicly orders them opened and at the sam~ time takes measures to havethem kept closed. It is almost impossible to get a permit to purchase or build for school or church purposes. In some places all right of public assembly for religious worship has been denied. School teachers have been arrested as disturbers of the peace; churches have been closed and a government seal put on the door. The authorities are just now very jealous of even the foreign press, and European or American periodicals and journals are watched to see if anything of an unfriendly or critical ·tenor against Islam or Turkey appears. If so the magazine is not allowed to enter the emp-ire.
A conflict between Ohristianityand Islam is coming on apace; it will not be a conflict of arms, but a struggle for moral supremacy. Ohristianity claims the right in the name of her Divine Master to win her way in the world wherever she can by the use of weapons which He Himself has put in her hands-persuasion, entreaty, argument, the demonstration of her great foundation truths, the appeal of divine love in sacrifice, the touch of human sympathy, the word of cheer, the deed of kindness, the helpful ministry, the gentle reproof and the solemn warning. In this great ministry of instruction and reformation she has the indorsement-in fact, she is the embodiment of the highest authority in the universe. She' cannot concede that any earthly authority has the moral right-although it may for a time have the power-to forbid her entrance or banish her agencies, if she is true to her message and limits herself to the simple methods and the spiritual weapons she is entitled to use. The world is slow to recognize the fact that the consciences of all men are free. No authority has been given to any human power of church or state to rule the moral nature. God has created it free. Its freedom is essential to its moral accountability. When, therefore, a civil power undertakes to prohibit by force all contact of Ohristian truth with the consciences of its subjects, it is assuming an attitude which is an 'offense to the highest moral rights of the race, and usnrping .. function which does not rightly belong to human governments. We do not deny that much wrong has been done in this direction in the name of a false Ohristianity, but never with the sanction of the Ohristianity which the Bible teaches, and the Divine Master inspires and leads. Let the Ohristianity of our century, and especially of our beloved America, which we believe to be ripening into something nobler, sweeter, and more beneficent than that of long generations past, declare for a world-wide liberty of the conSCIence, and seek by all gentle and proper means to free the down-trodden nations from spiritual slavery, and bring mankind into that noble and genial atmosphere where the soul can have untrammeled intercourse with its Oreator and freely seek its own highest welfare as God gives it light.
THE MINISTRY OF MONEY
THE MINISTRY OF MONEY.-No. II.
THE MOTIVES AND METHODS OF GIVING.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. P.] "Why and how shall I give f This question is answered at length in 2 Oorinthians, 8th and 9th chapt(.lrs.
The dignhy and gravity of the subject of Ohristian giving may be seen from the space here given to it, two entire chapters in this epistle being devoted to this theme. Giving lies lowest and highest in the structure of Ohristian life: lowest, for the idea of stewardship toward God and fellowship with man is at the bottom; highest, for. the ripest, richest fruit of godliness is unselfish benevolence.
The Levitical system of giving met all needs of church support and church work. The atonement money, Levitical tithes, temple tithes, and poor tithes, with the first things and free-will offerings, left no want unsupplied.
After the dispersion, the Jews and pJ'oselytes in foreign lands sent to Jerusalem annually the sacred money, or temple tribute, which was paid as a matter of patriotism and of piety. This usage may have suggested a contribution from the Gentile churches for the Mother Ohurch at Jerusalem during the extreme destitution which came of the social revolution, persecution, an overstocked labor market, and famine. At the first suggestion the matter was taken up eagerly at Oorinth, but not being followed up by systematic effort, easily gave place to lukewarmness, if not opposition, until disciples endeavored to hide behind complaints that Paul was too exacting in his demands, or was even seeking private advantage. Oonfident that the heart of the Oorinthian converts would react in favor of what was right, Paul sought to rekindle the spirit of alms-giving. Such is the historic introduction to these two chapters.
It would be impossible to exaggerate the supreme value of this perfect plea for Ohristian giving; for, in the course of this argument, every principle upon which giving is founded is distinctly stated, and every motive which could influence Ohristian giving is directly appealed to; hence, when this argument is thoroughly mastered, nothing remains to be added.
Examining and analyzing both chapters, we shall find fourteen grand divisions in the argument; half of them may represent princi~ pIes, and the other half motIves; though it will be often apparent that motives and principles run into each other. For unity and brevity we disregard the order of verses, and group the seven principles and the seven, motives in logical arrangement.
I.-PRINCIPLES, OF GIVING.
1. The basis of acceptable giving is self-giving. (See viii: 5.) "They first gave their own selves nnto the Lord." Oompare Psalm 1. where God teaches that the wicked who hate instruction and cast His words behind them cannot offer acoeptable sacrifice. This principle is fundamental, but is constantly violated. When we set out to get mqney, it is often without regard to the way we get it, the source from which it comes, or the effect upon the giver. We go forward to collect money even for great Christian enterprises without reference to faith in God, to His approval of our methods, or to the encouragement of self-righteousness in the wicked man who thinks his gifts atone for his neglect of God. Paul calls attention to Macedonian consecration as the triumph of the grace of God, and so he gives us the first great principle: the grace of God ,given becomes the grace of God ,givin,g.
2. The condition of 'aCceptable giving. (See 2 Cor. viii: 12.) This condition embraces two things: (a) It must be with a willing mind. (b) It must be in proportion to ability.
Here it will be seen that the principle suggests a motive; for we are asked only to give what the heart prompts and the ability justifies; hence, it is no exacting demand which God makes of us, or yoke of bondage which He lays upon us.
3. The law of equality. (2 Cor. viii: 13-15.) This embraces four particulars: (a) Individuality; every man is to be a giver; not even the poorest is excepted.
(b) There is to be equality by participation in burden-bearing, and for the obvious reason that the burden which all bear ceases to be a bnrden. " Many shoulders make a light load."
(c) There is to be equality, again, in mutual dependence. Those who are in need of help to-day may be helpers of the needy to-morrow. (See verse 14.) There is a strange law of circularity; the big wheel of fortune keeps turning, and those who are at the top to-day are at the bottom by and by. Hence, he who refuses to be almoner when he has means to give forfeits his claim on the gifts of others when the circumstances have been reversed.
(d) This law of equality contemplates a kind of brotherhood of believers, in which there shall be neither monopoly of wealth on the one hand nor extreme destitution on the other. This is beautifully illustrated by the reference to the manna, in the fifteenth verse. (Compare Exodus xvi: 16-1S.) No man in gathering the manna found that he had either more or less than the omer to which he was entitled.
4. The law of bounty. (2 Cor. ix: 5-S.) This means that when our gifts are contributed, it shall be without unwillingness, regret, or a disposition to recall what we have given. It includes five things: (a) It should be made up beforehand, or laid by in store. (Compare 1 Cor. xvi: 2.) Then our bounty is always ready against the appeal of need. (b) It should be a matter of principle, not of impulse or caprice. (0) It should be from habit; constant and systematic, and not simply occasional. (d) Giving should be the fruit of deliberate choice, not of hasty decision. (e) And, finally, it should be with cheerfulness, and never with reluctance.
In this way our gifts to the Lord will not be dependent for their regularity or sufficiency upon the state of the weather when the collection is taken, or the happy manner in which the, cause may be presented, or the feeling which may actuate us at the time, or the amount of money we happen just then to have on hand. Such principles as these would lift our entire system of giving out of the mire of its present wretched inadequacy. Think of the certainty and satisfactoriness of such a. system of giving in contrast with the uncertainty and precariousness of any other.
5. The law of quantity. How much shall I give? (2 Oor. ix: 6, 7.) (a) This will differ with every individual's measure of knowledge, ability and Ohristian growth. (b) It will be according to how large a harvest he both desires and expects to reap. We cannot but think that this sixth verse has a deeper thought than that which lies on the surface. There IS some sowing which we are justified in doing sparingly, while there are other fields so wide and so important that only he will sow with sparing hand who is governed by selfish greed. (c) The amount we give will be apportioned to the extremity and urgency of the need which appeals to us, and it is right that it should.
6. The law of quality. The spirit with which we give is far more important in God's eyes than the amount we bestow. (2 Oor. ix: 7.) (a) Motive determines the quality of our gifts. The question is not how much have I given? but, How much did I mean to give and wish to give? If I give a five-dollar gold piece, where I intended to give a twenty-five cent silver piece, I get credit with God only for twenty-five cents. If I give under constraint I get credit only for what I would have given with the constraint removed; hence, (b) My gifts must not be grudgingly bestowed; (0) Nor of necessity; that is, under compulsion; (d) But cheerfully as unto the Lord, as His servant and steward. Thus it will be seen that the inward moral condition determines quality. There must be deliberate preference. Grief at parting with our possessions, constrained giving for the sake of respectability, reputation, social position, or the urgency and importunity of the appeal, vi- tiates the character 0/1he gift. See Deut. xv: 10. To illustrate: if you give a hundred dollars because your neighbor has given the same, and you are too proud to seem behind him, you have given nothing; you have simply bouJht your own respectability. Again, if you give a hundred dollars to have your name appear in the published list of generous donors, you have given nothing; you have paid so much for popular applause. Again, if you give simply to get rid of an importunate beggar you have given nothing; you have simply bougkt _off a nuisance.
7. The law of faith in God. (See 2 Cor. ix: 8-11.) We are here taught that from first to last our giving is to be the result or outwork- ing of our vital relation to God.
(a) Faith that, in giving, I am simply heeding God's call; that the hand of the poor or needy stretched out to me is really God's hand. (b) Faith that my giving is really the work of His all-sufficient grace in me; that He is working in me to will and to do. (0) Faith that the supply of the means to give is of God; that of His own I am giving Him. (d) Faith that I shall suffer no serious lack for what I have be- stowed in answer to His call. (See verse 10.) This fine figure will bear examination: our substance is 4ere compared to seed which may either be sown for a harvest, or given to one who needs to make of it bread. If I, from the seed I reserve for the sowing, give to one who is in danger of starving, God knows how to make it up to me in my harvest. Money is therefore presented to us in two aspects: as seed of a harvest, as bread for human want; and we are warned against the subtle temptation of using it all as seed instead of giving it as bread. (e) Faith in the divine approval. (See verse 7.) God loves the cheer- ful giver. If therefore my giving is an act of faith, I am sure of God's approving smile. if) Hence, last of 3011, the law of faith includes the confidence of an abundant recompense. What I give, cast as seed on the waters, I shall find, even though after many days.
H.-MOTIVES TO GIVING.
1. The imitation of a beautiful example. (2 Cor. viii: 1-5.) Paul was eye-wItness of the zeal of the Macedonians. Out of their per- secution came both joy in God and loss of worldly goods; yet this joy and loss united to produce a rich liberality, or, literally, single- mindedness, that looked away from their own estate to the greater need of their brethren. John Howard says, "Our superfluities should give way to the comforts of the poor, our comforts to their necessities, and even our necessities to their extremities:"
The beauty of this Macedonian liberality lay in three things: (a) It was out of deep poverty, not of abundance. (b) It was in pro- portion to their ability and even beyond it. (e) It was spontaneous, entreating, rather than being entreated; instead of yielding only be- fore importunate appeal, they besought that they might have the privilege of giving, and so exhibit the true fellowship of all saints.
2. The necessity of a full chorus of graces. (Compare 2 Peter i : 5-8.) Grace is single in bestowment, but multiform in development and manifestation. We are like reservoirs in which a single stream emp- ties, but out of which pour many streams at different heights.
Paul says (2 Cor. viii: 7): "Thererore as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in .your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace' also." The emphasis is on this grace of giving. It is the highest up, hence the stream must rise higher in the reservoir, in order to supply this grace, than the others he has mentioned; in other words, faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, love, all lie on a lower level than unselfish giving. In a sense, all imparted grace is in order to the imparting.
He who in anything lives to get, defeats God's order. The end of all getting is giving; and God has connected giving with growing.
3. The practical test of the reality and vitality of love. (2 Cor. viii: 8.) The grand question is whetherlove is a gush of sentiment or a law of life. Dr. Judson said that his hand was shaken nearly off and his hair almost clipped from his head by those who would let missions die for want of aid. A great deal of impression and conviction wastes through sentimentalism. It is vain to sing" Send Thy word and let it fly," unless we give something to make it fly.
(a) Love is practically tested byseH-sacrifice. (b) Itssacrifice, however, must be voluntary, not obligatory. Love knows no debt but love, and acts from privilege, not from cold duty.
4. The image of Christliness. (2 Cor. viii: 9.) Here is put before us the grace of the Lor.d Jesus Christ, who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. This motive includes two things: (a) The law of self-denial. We are to consider what Christ gave up, and what He took, and, taking up our cross, follow Him. He died for all, that we which live should not henceforth live unto ourselves; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
.(b) The law of gratitude. Appreciating His self-denial for us, and His identification with the least of His suffering saints, our gratitude for what He has done for us should impel us to similar sacrifice for the sake of other members of His mystical body.
5. T hegood name of the brotherhood. (See 2 Cor. viii: 21-24.) The churches form one fraternity, bound by living links. Paul had undertaken, in -behalf of Corinth, to pledge their aid in this emergency; hence, the good name of the church and of the apostle was involved. It was necessary that they should make a fitting contribution: (a) To show their fellowship with their brethren. (b) To justify the reasonable hope of the apostle. (0) To fulfill the obligations which he had assumed as their representative.
6. The contagion of a true zeal. (2 Cor. ix: 2.) All good example insensibly influences others. Faith, courage, enthusiasm, generosity, are contagious; so is meanness. Every man is responsible for the evil that hides behind his own unfaithfulness. A whole congregation may wait for one man who refuses to do his duty, or may be inspired and stimulated by one pious, faithful, prayerful example.
THE GREAT CRISIS IN JAPAN
7. The glory of God. (2 Cor. ix: 11-15.) This is to b.e the crowning motive iu everything. Paul shows, iu the conclusion of his argument, that the exhibition of the grace of giving brings the highest honor to God. This he exhibits under two principal aspects: (a) The effect on the receiver. His wants are supplied. He is led to give thanks unto God for the bounty received through other dis- ciples, and to see the practical evidence that their professed sUbjection unto the gospel of Christ is a real partaking of the divine nature; for only grace could so soften the heart as to turn the selfish hoarder into an unselfish giver.
(b) The effect on the giver. He becomes enriched in his own soul, fitted for higher service-the power to impl1rt grace grows with the exercise of the imparting grace, and so the giver is increased in the fruits of righteousness, and enriched in everything to all bountiful- ness. (0) Last of all, God is glorified in the realization of a community of love, which is" as the days of heaven on the earth." Givers and receivers become more closely bound in the bond of a tender and sym- pathetic affectIOn; and those who have bestowed their alms upon other disciples receive in return the legacy of their love and prayers.
It is suggested in the" Speakers' Commentary" that the unl:lpeak- able gift, for which Paul gives thanks at the very end of this sublime discourse, is not our Lord Jesus Christ, but, as the context seems to . justify, this heavenly community realized on earth, in which all the members of Christ's mystical body, though strangers to each other in the 11esh, are one with each other by the spirit; and so this Christian grace of giving helps to bring forward that consummation of prophecy, namely, God's unspeakable gift, the restoration of the universal father- hood of God and the universal brotherhood of man!
THE GREAT CRISIS IN JAPAN.
BY F. F. ELLINWOOD, D.D., NEW YORK.
AT the students' annual meeting in Northfield, a letter was read from Mr. L. D. Wishard, giving a sketch of his experiences in Japan during the last few months. He is endeavoring to extend the Young Men's Christian Association movement among the colleges and churches of the East, and his first field of labor was the Doshisha College at Kyoto, where there are over 700 students. Fully one-half of these were already professing Christians when Mr. Wishard reached the place. Daily meetings with personal conversations were held for two weeks, and as a result 103 students were received into the College Church.
At Osaka he held several crowded meetings in the Young Men's Christian Association building, which seats over 1,200. He was also invited to address a large gathering of students in the Government College building, the first meeting ever held within its walls in the in- terest of Christianity. A. Y. M. O. Association, composed of the students of this government institution, was formed soon after. "The last day," says Mr. Wishard, "was enriched by such outpourings olthe Spirit as I have never before witnessed in Japan, and seldom in America. On Sunday morning, notwithstanding the heavy rain, the building was full. Over 100 students arose to accept Christ, including many Government students." They returned late in the afternoon and spent two hours in an inquiry meeting, and also filled the building at night.
A Sunday was also spent in Kobe conducting meetings in a school of young women, over sixty of whom professed a desire to accept Christ.
At Tokyo for several weeks special meetings were held in the MeijiGaku In, the Presbyterian College, where twenty were baptized and ten more were expecting to receive baptism soon after. As there was no association hall in Tokyo, the work was hampered, but the difficulty is soon to be remedied. A lot has been purchased and a suitable building will be erected within five minutes' walk of the Imperial University and the Preparatory Oollege, which together number 1,700 students, while within twenty minutes from the place, are the leading Oommercial and Normal Colleges, containing a thousand more. During the present autumn a Ohristian Association building will be erected on this spot.
Meetings were held also at Nagasaki, the famous center of the bloody persecution of the Roman Catholic Ohristians two centuries ago. There and elsewhere the same wonderful encouragement attended the efiorts made to interest the young men. It may well be doubted whether in any other country of the world the young men as a class are so responsive to Ohristian influence as those of Japan.
There certainly is no better place for establishing young men's Christian Associations, and there is great reason to hope that through these as well as through the native churches formed by the missionaryorganizations, a self-propagating Christianity will be widely and rapidly extended. Who can realize that ouly seventeen years ago the first Christian church was organized in Japan?
On the other hand it is well to remember that forces hostile to Christianity are aroused to new efiorts. A large Buddhist college is being established at Kyoto, in which Japanese who have studied the Sanscrit and Pali languages are to give instruction. A new temple, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, has also been reared in the sacred city, of which some of the largest timbers were dragged from distant provinces by ropes twisted from the consecrated hair of Buddhist women. These large ropes are now hung up in the temple to show the devotion of the people to their religion. Where can such an expression of consecrated giving be excelled in Christian lands?
Meanwhile, there are in Japan several colleges neither Christian nor Buddhist, in which advanced instruction is given in every department of science, but whose influence is decIdedly hostile to religion. And in the new literature of the country, now imported ILnd in part translated, the modern agnostic philosophy, which has so • much in common with the old systems of the East, is extensively read by the educated classe swhile the coarse assailments of Ingersoll are sought for by those of more vulgar tastes.
The term H missionary" has been rendered a little ambiguous since the advent of the American Unitarian, Mr. Knapp, who as his last word t)ounsels the Japanese to cling to their old faith. In a recent address before the English law school in Tokyo he is reported to have said: H I have no sympathy with those who are seeking to engraft bodily upon your national life a foreign religion. There are to be sure many features in that religion which are true and good. There are none of the great religions of the world which do not contain a great deal of truth. But as Japanese you have a religious past, and it is upon that, what- ever help you may receive from foreign sources, it is upon that, that you will build the structure of your future religion." Mr. Knapp has returned to this country to seek recruits for the proclamation of this gospel of sedatives.
At the same time there is in Japan a small following of theos- ophists who do not look with indifference upon the general ferment of new ideas which Buddhism has encountered, and they have sent a special messenger to India. to bring out that high priest of their order, Col. .Olcott. Iu a meeting of the Theosophical Society of Madras this Japanese messenger, Zeushiro Nagouchi, gave from the native stand- point a vivid pICture of the marvelous changes and the urgent demands of the times. The miracle of the railroads, telegraphs, electric lights, newspapers, steain presses, sewing machines, and postal facilities, as well as the incoming of "whiskey and cigarettes," was aptly presented; and the total change from the old ideas to the study of physics, photogra- phy, biology, astronomy, geology, metaphysics, materialism and Chris- tianity, was bemoaned. These, he said, were now the dominant topics of thought and conversation and the former civilization was fast being " dIsguised in foreign garments." Much of all this sad upheaval Mr. Nagouchi laid at the door of the missionaries who, he said, had largely met the desire of the people for western knowledge by estab- lishing colleges and primary schools in all parts of the land, and they were converting many of the people to their faith.
He complained that, whereas, the Japanese emperors were formerly warm supporters of the Buddhist temples and ritual, and many princes and princesses entered the monasteries, the present attitude of the Government was indifferent; that royal contributions to the tem- ples were now given only for the purpose of preserving the sacred im- perial tombs.
The priests, too, of the present period he regards as a bad lot, lazy, wasting their time in playing games, only occasionally repeating the Pitakas before the image of Lord Buddha, and that without knoMng aught of their meaning, and by their worthless lives alienating mil· lions of the faithful. "Many of them," said he, "have become free. thinkers and materialists; while seventy.two thousand one hundred and sixty-four temples are going to decay and many are already in ruins and cannot be rebuilt. About one hundred and seventy thou· sand Buddhist priests are disturbed from their long sleep by the many opposing forces which are now in motion in the phenomenally excited atmosphere of Japan. They are in a state of confusion. Some have become laymen. Some temples are rented to the public. Some have been changed into European hotels. Buddhist writings, once proudly and sacredly kept in the temples, are being sold. Old Japan is no more. '1'he old grandeur and prosperity of Buddhism, alas ! 'tis no more visible. What shall we do? How shall we wipe off the rust accumulated on the solid gold structure of Buddhism, so that it may outshine the new brass structure which they are trying to erect?"
After delivering this plaintive jeremiad, the speaker supplied his own answer. "The different Buddhist sects in Japan (there are over a dozen) must be united and every priest must be educated. To rescue our Buddhists from the thralldom of western vices we have thought of only one way. I have hinted to you what it is. It is to obtain the unselfish help of Col. Olcott, the reformer of religions. All Japanese Buddhists are now awaiting his visits and they have named him the Bodisat (the coming Buddha) of the nineteenth century."
In response to this call Col. Olcott has visited Japan. He has come and seen, but not conquered. His audiences are said to have been" disap. pointed at the shallowness of his pretensions, and il)was the opinion of leading Japanese and of foreigners alike that his mission was a failure."
But what a battle-field of truth and error do these conflicting forces present. The Christian Church never had a more inviting field of effort, and it was never more forcibly warned that only consecrated diligence can hope to win. In such a contest there must be no mere "playing at missions. I, Meager efforts, grudging expenditures, easy- going interest, will not suffice. There must be a moral earnestness commensurate with a nation's life, nay, with tho eternal claims of Christ and the glory of His kingdom.
There are special reasons for rejoicing at the work of the Young Men's Christian Associations, both in sending out instructors for the colleges and high schools and in establishing branch associations. They are such as these: (1) The young men who are likely to be reached are largely of the Samauri class, and they represent the native energy and life of the nation. (2) From this class the clergymen and teachers have thus far been mainly drawn. (3) The thought of a direct alliILnC}
THE HISTORIC CHURCHES OF THE EAST
between the Christian young men of America and those of Japan is inspiring, and it carries with. it an appeal which is sure to meet with large response. And who imagines that it will end with Japan? It is only another grand link in a chain of fellowship which will embrace the world.
THE HISTORIC CHURCHES OF THE EAST.
BY PROF. GEORGE H. SCHODDE, PH.D., COLUMBUS, O.
AMONG th~ many perplexing problems of modern mission enter- prise none is more unique or arduous than that which is presented by the remnants and remains of the once so flourishing churches of the Orient. Throughout the Turkish Empire and Persia, in Abyssinia, Egypt and other historic lands of the venerable East, are found forms of Christian communions bearing names of prominence in the annals of the church, but now presenting a condition of affairs little more than a petrification of dogJlla, a mechanical formalism, and a sterility of Christian life that indicates clearly the need of a new and renewing evangelical spirit. The various sections of the Armenian Church, the Nestorians or Chaldee Christians "f Persia, together with their brethren, the Thomas Christians of India, the Monophysitic Copts in Egypt and their associates of the Abyssinian Church, as also the other modern representatives of the early Christian Church of the East, live virtually on the grand reminiscences of a glorious past, but have retained little more than the name and forms of those pioneer days of Oriental Christianity. The spiritual elements have been eliminated to such an extent through the incrustation of centuries of unprogressive conservatism that a ne.w life-blood of evangelical principles and spirit is an absolute necessity for the rejuvenation of what is now practically little more than a lifeless faith and a faithless life.
It is a matter of not a little interest to examine into the conditions and status of this mission problem, and even more into the causes that have brought them about. It requires no deep knowledge of history or psychology to see that the present condition of these churches cannot possibly be the mushroom growth of a night, or the sudden whims of a people or individual. Causes, chiefly ethnographic and historic, have conspired to produce these results, and to properly understand and appreciate the latter, which practically !Beans to estimate at the correct proportions the problem involved, requires a somewhat closer inspection of the former.
'fhe East is the original seat of Christianity. Ex Oriente lux expresses one of the most far-reaching truths in the annals of mankind. But the East did not remain the permanent abiding-place of the Christian Church, although it flourished there for centuries to a greater extent than is usually accepted. The majority of the Eastern people are Semitic in character. Christianity itself sprang from SemiticsQil. The fundamental ideas of Christianity are deeply embedded in the Old Testament revelation, the sacred volumes of a leading Semitic people. At least in His manners and methods, both personal and as a teacher, Christ was Jewish. The natural aptitude of the Semitic peoples for the development of religious thought is so great that the philosophy of history is a unit in ascribing to this family of nations the greatest agency in unfolding that factor which has been the most powerful in the history of human thought and action, namely, the religious. The Eastern people are accordingly by nature intensely religious in character. The prominence which the reasoning faculties have in the make-up of the Aryan or western character is there occupied by the heart and the feelings. The development of the logical sciences, of exact thought, of rationalizing tendencies is the product of Greek or Aryan soil. Aristotle and his system could never have sprung from Semitic sources. Arabic philosophy is only a mechanical adaptation of Aryan thought to Semitic molds.
Yet, strange to say, Christianity did not remain the permanent possession of peoples seemingly so well endowed by nature for its reception and acceptance. The Christian peoples are nearly all of Aryan, origin, and the spiritual inheritance of Shem has come into the posses- . sion of Japhet. And yet originally a good beginning was made with the establishment of Christianity on Oriental soil. The first country in which anything like a national church was established was Syria. Evidences are accumulating to show that at one time the Christians of the East were a much strouger element than is generally accepted, and that the statements of early church historians making no sn-.all claim in this direction are substantially correct. Only within the last few months has a new discussion been carried on about the famous Chinese-Nestorian stone, which was discovered in 1625 in Si-ngan fu, in Shensi, China, and contains the names, in Syriac and Chinese, of seventy bishops and priests of the Nestorian Church, who before the. year 781 A.D., when the tablet was set up, had engaged in missionan work among the Chinese. Scholars are practically a unit that the statements of this stone are correct. Southward as well as eastward Christianity spread rapidly. There are ample data on hand to show that in the seventh century, when Mohammedanism arose in the East and began its crusade of death and destruction on the Christian Church, the doctrines ,of Christ and the apostles had spread as widely in Arabia as they had in the Germany of that age. The Sinai peninsula is still full of Christian inscriptions, written in a Semitic dialect, and dating from those early centuries. In India, too, Christianity had gained a firm foothold, so that the indications were favorable for the Christianization of the East as completely as the West has been brought to the feet of the Nazarene. Such progress became possible through the energetic activity of the early Christians of the East. In
1889·1 'l'JtE JtISTOtuO cHtfMftE9 OF Till!: teAST
strange contrast to the conservatism and lethargy so natural to Oriental peoples, particularly the Semitic, the new gospel seemed to transform national peculiarities and impel its adherents to an active and aggressive propaganda of the faith. The early churches of the East were missionary churches; of this there can be no doubt. The status of the church from the fourth to the seventh and eighth centuries is evidence sufficient of this fact.
The causes that produced the subsequent and present stagnation and {}ecay were of two kindlil, internal and external. Historically the former precede the latter and consist in the great theological and Christological controversies of the fonrth and subsequent centuries, which, while subserving the good purposes and ends of elucidating the great truths of revelation in their length, breadth and depth, succee~ed also in dividing the churches of the East into fully a dozen and more of antagonizing elements. No new error was developed by any of the prominent teachers of the day but what found a larger or smaller number of adherents; and when the various great representative councils of the church officially condemned such errors, a schism and separation of a section of the church was sure to follow. In this way arose the various branches of the Eastern Church now yet existing in venerable ruins, the Monophysites, the Nestorians and others. In the nature of the case, the divisions thus produced were of a more decisive and determined character than any which could be caused by other agencies. It is one of the clearest lessons of the philosophy of history that the religious is the strongest factor and force controlling the destinies of men, both as nations and as individuals. It outweighs ethnological, historioal, and even the family relations, subordinating them all where its real or imagined interests are concerned. The deepest chasms that divide men are the result of a difference of religion, beliefs and faiths. To this must be added as a further consideration that unfortunately the centrifugal forces 'in Christianity have almost at all times been stronger than the centripetal; the tendencies toward divisions ever more powerful than the desire or work for union. Church history furnishes a sad commentary on the injunction and prayer of the Lord that" all should be one." Even the strongly unionizing spirit of the Christianity of the nineteenth century has not been able to do much more than effect an outward friendly attitude of the various sections of believers toward each other; while in the harmonizing of the iuner dividing elements practically little has been done, except in so far as the distinctive historical features of the various denominations are more or less ignored.
Among the Oriental people, where the religious is so much more an all-powerful factor in the determination of character aud history than it is in the western people, where other interests at least divide with the religious this prominence, such divisions and schisms enter the very mar-
THE HISTOIUO CItUROHll:S OF THE EAST. [No"
row and bones of the people as they do nowhere else. The sects and sectlets of the ancient Orient were more distinguished by a complete isolation from the influences that were active in the other sections of the church. Each saw in its own peculiar tenets, for which it had chosen or been condemned to such isolation, the reason and right of its existence, and recognized in the maintenance of such tenets the one object of its life. As at that age when the lesson of religious tolerance had not yet been learned, these separatistic movements were followed by persecutions, the adherence to such doctrinal peculiarities became all the more a matter of life and death for their devotees: That in the nature of the case such an adherence should, in the course of time, become purely a formal and mechanical matter, without the vital energy of a gospel spirit, was only a natural consequence. The kernel was national1y allowed to decay while the energies were devoted whol1y to the preservation of the hull. Hence it is that the distinguishing feature of Oriental Christianity is the determination of clinging ito their historic idiosyncrasies, while the spiritual soil out of which they should receive sustenance has lost its life-giving power. King Theodorus of Abyssinia, a man much in his way like Peter the Great of Russia, and naturally gifted as a ruler far beyond what is generally the case of Eastern potentates, was accustomed to discuss by the hour with Christian missionaries from the West the doctrine of the one person of Christ, and to see no violation of his pretended firm Christian faith when soon after he ordered the hands and feet of a hundred prisoners cnt off.
Such a preservation of the traditional doctrines and errors of the dif_ ferent churches became all the more the one object df existence when to the inner causes of decay there came also the outer one, particularly the struggle for life and death between Mohammedanism and Oriental Christianity. The followers of the false prophet of Mecca managed to cut Eastern Christianity into a large number of fragments and sections, and the only national church which escaped this fate was that of Abyssinia. There a stereotyped and formalistic type of Monophysitic Christianity has been engaged in a struggle for existence with Mohammedanism for nearly one thousand years, and the latter is just at present making another strong effort to crush the last national church of Africa out of the Orient. The two great political powers of the East for many centuries have been the T,urkish and the Persian, both anti. Christian, a:ldagainst such fearful odds the remnants and remains of the once powerful Easte.rn churches have been compelled to maintain the struggle for existence. That against inner and outer agencies of decay like these even the outward appearance of a Christian organization was maintained is even more to be wondered at than that they have lost their vitality and evangelical life. 'Even as it is large portions of the church were doomed to destructhm, the ruins of which, in their way as interesting and instructive as are those of stone and brick in Egypt and Babylonia, are even yet being rediscovered. Only in recent months has a prominent Italian traveler found in the districts south of Shoa, in Eastern Africa, the remains of It once powerful Christian kingdom, of which only a few decayed churches and a few simple rites and ceremonies strongly corrupted by pagan and Mohammedan influences remain.
As to what has been done by the Ohristian churches toward the solution of this :problem presented by the Eastern Ohurch, the greater part of the data are readily accessible to the friends of mission work. For several centuries a large section of the Armenian Ohurch has been in friendly relations to that of Rome, and only recently has the Pope issued a document urging the others to join the so-called" United" Armenian Church, a step which was somewhat sharply resented by the Armenian Ohurch official at Oonstantinople. The American missionaries have for fully three or four decades been successfully at work among the so-called Nestorian or Ohaldee Ohristians in Persia; in late years an evangelistic movement among them has been inaugurated by one of their own number, Pere Johannes, who has had the good fortune of spending several years of study and observation in the evangelical center of (termany and Switzerland. • Indeed the Armenian Ohurch or churches are the only ones among those of the East that have shown anything like a desire to come under the influence of Western Ohristianity. Missionary efforts, both Catholic and Protestant, have been made in Abyssinia since the sixteenth century, but with little success, the so-called Black Jews or Falashar· proving even more accessible to the influences of the gospelthan the native Abyssinian Ohristians themselves. Naturally the case presents more than ordinary 'difficulties not e~ualed by those presented by the work among Gentile nations. In the former case the greatest task consists in the removing of obstacles that lie in the traditional formalism of a dozen or more centuries. To produce first of all a tabuZarasa of error as a basis for the building of truth is an undertaking as arduous as that of the evangeli~ation of Israel. It is scarcely an open question that the possession of an incrusted corrupt Ohristianity is not an advantage but a disadvantage to genuine Ohristian work, and where there is still retained a larger organization, as is the case in Abyssinia, the further difficulty of determining whether to operate within or without the established churches is met with. In Ayssinia, for instance, all efforts of organizing a renewed and rejuvenated Ohristian communion outside of the existing church WaS studiously avoided, partly, though, from necessity, as the political authorities would permit only this, and the ecclesiaRtical authorities sought to prevent also the missionizingwithin the church. Even the converted Falashar were directed to connect themselves with the exist-· ing church, although there seems to be now a separate organization of them consistini of from three to five hundred souls, who have but
S'ttl1>lCNf MISSIONARY trPkISING
_ i recently sent a communication of their condition and needs to their former missionary, Pastor Flad, of Wirtemberg. The reconquest of the East for Ohristianity is a most glorious ideal of Ohristian mission- aryactivity, butjt is one that will take work, time, patience, prayer and Providence.
THE STUDENT MISSIONARY UPRISING.
BY JOHN R. MOTT.
ONE of the greatest missionary revivals since the days of the apostles had its beginning in July, 1886, at the Mt. Hermon Oonference of college students. Two hundred and fifty-one students from eightynine colleges of the United States and Oanada had come together at the invitation of Mr. Moody to spend four weeks in Bible study. Nearly two weeks passed by before the subject of missions was even mentioned in the sessions of the Oouference. But one of the young men from Princeton Oollege had come, after weeks of prayer, with the deep conviction that God would call from that large gathering of college men a few, at least, who would consecrate themselves to the foreign mISSIOn service. At an early day he called together all the young men who were thinking seriously o£ spending their lives in the foreign field. Twenty-one students answered to this call, although several of, them had not definitely decided the question. This little group of. consecrated men began to pray that the spirit of missions might pervade the Oonference, and that the Lord would 15eparate many men unto this great work. In a few days they were to see their faith rewarded far more than they had dared to claim. On the evening of July 16 a special mass meeting was held at which Rev. Dr. A. T. Pierson gave a thrming address on missions. He supported, by the most convinc-' ~ilg arguments, the proposition that" all should to and to to all." This was the key-note which set many men to thinking and praying. A week passed. On Saturday night, July 24, another meeting was held, which may occupy as significant a place in the history of the Ohristian Ohurc~ as the Williams' hay stack scene. It is known as the" Meeting of the Ten Nations." It was addressed by sons of missionaries in Ohina, India and Persia, and by seven young men of different nationalities-an Armenian, a Japanese, a Sia~ese, a German, a Dane, a Norwegian and an American Indian. The addresses were not more than three minutes in length and consisted of appeals for more workers. N ear the close each speaker repeated in the language of his country the words: "God is love." Then came a season of silent and audible prayer, whICh will never be forgotten by those who were present. The burning appeals of this meeting came with peculiar force to all. From this night on to the close of the Oonference the missionary interest became more and more intense. One by one the men alone iri the woods and rooms, with their Bibles and God, fought out the battle with self and were led by the Spirit to decide to forsake a.ll and carry the gospel" unto the uttermost parts of the earth." Dr. Ashmore, who had just returned from China, added fuel to the flame by his ringing appeal to Christians to look upon "missions as a war of conquest, and not as a mere wrecking expedition." In the last consecration meeting in the parlor at Marquand Hall, where the lights were extinguished and men were left on their faces wrestling with God in prayer, many a man said in answer to the call of the Lord: "Here am I; send me." Only eight days elapsed between the "Meeting of the Ten Nations" and the closing session of the Conference. During'that time the number of volunteers increased from twenty-one to exactly one hundred who signified that they were" willing and desirous, God permitting, to become foreign missionaries," Several of the remaining one hundred and forty delegates became volunteers later-after months of study and prayer.
On the last day of the Conference the volunteers held a meeting, in which there was a unanimous expression that the missionary spirit which had manifested itself with such marvelous power at Mt. Her- mon should be communicated in some degree to thousands of students throughout the country who had not been privileged to come in con- tact with it at its source. It was their conviction that the same reasons which had led the Mt. Hermon hundred to decide, would influence hundreds of other college men if those reasons were once presented to them in a faithful, intelligent and prayerful manner. Naturally they thought of the ' , Cambridge Band" and its wonderful influence among the universities of Great Britain; and decided to adopt a similar plan. Accordingly a deputation of four students was selected to represent the Mt. Hermon Conference and to visit during the year as many Amer- ican colleges as possible. Of the four selected only one was able to undertake the mission, Mr. Robert P. Wilder of the class of 1886 of Princeton College. Mr. John N. Forman, also a Princeton graduate, , was induced to join Mr. Wilder in this tour. One consecrated. man, who has ever been glad to help on missionary enterprises, defrayed the expenses of their tour. During the year one hundred and sixty- seven institutions were visited. They touched nearly all of the lead- ing colleges in the United States and Canada. Sometimes they would visit a college together. Again, in order to reach more institutions, they would separate. Their straightforward, forcible, Scriptural pre- , sentation came with convincing power to the minds and hearts of stu- dents wherever they went. In some colleges as many as sixty volun- teers were secured. Not an institution was viSIted in which they did not quicken the missionary interest. By the close of the year, 2,200 young men and women had taken the volunteer pledge.
During the college year "1887-'88 the movement was left without any particular leadership and oversight. Notwithstanding this fact, I I 'rHE STUDENT itISSIONAR~ tTi>ittstNG. '.
it was so filled with life that it could not stand st,ill. Over six hun- dred new volunteers were atfded during the year, very largely as the result of the personal work of the old volunteers.
About fifty volunteers came together at the Northfield Conference in July, 1888, to pray and plan for the movement. When the reports were presented showing the condition of the movement in all parts of the country it was found that there were three dangerous tendencies beginning to manifest themselves: (1) A tendency in the movement at some points to lose its unity. All sorts of missionary societies and bands, with different purposes, methods of work, and forms of pledge and constitution, were springing up. It was plain that it would lose much of its power should its unity be destroyed. (2) A tendency to a decline in sOnie colleges. Because not properly guarded and developed, some bands of volunteers had grown cold, and a few had been led to renounce their decision. (3) A tendency to conflict with existing agencies appeared in a very few places. All of these tendencies were decidedly out of harmony with the original spirit and purpose of the volunteer movement; accordingly the volunteers at Northfield decided that immediate steps should be taken toward a wise organization. Another consideration helped to influence them in this decision, and that was a desire to extend the movement. Messrs. Wilder and Forman, in their tour, had been unable to touch more than one-fifth of the higher educational institutions of America. Upon Mr. Wilder, therefore, was urged the importance of his spending another year among the colleges which he had previously visited, and thoroughly organizing the missionary volunteers-a work which was impossible during his first visit.
A committee was also appointed to permanently organize the volunteer movement. That committee, after long and prayerful consideration, decided that the movement should be confined to students. It was therefore named the Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions. It was also noted that practically all of the volunteers were members of some one of the three great interdenominational stude:ht organizations, viz. : the College Young Men's Christian Association, the College Young Women's Christian Association, and the Inter- Seminary Missionary Alliance. This suggested the plan of placing at the head of the movement a permanent executive committee of three (one to be appointed by each of the three organizations) which should have power to develop and facilitate the movement in harmony with the spirit and constitution of these three organizations. The plan was first submitted to the College Committee of the International Committeeof the Young Men's Christian Associations and was heartily approved. They appointed as their representative Mr. J. R. Mott. Later the plan was fully approved by the !ational Committee of the Young Women's Christian Association, and Miss Nettie Dunn was
1889.1 TaE. STUb:llltiT MtSSIONAfiY tr1'RtSINO
chosen to represent them. The Executive. Committee of the Inter- Seminary Missionary Alliance indorsed the plan and named Mr. R. P. Wilder to represent them.
The new Executive Committee began its work in January, 1889. Since then they have perfected a plan of organization for the movement which has commended itself to the leaders of the different denominations to which it has been submitted. The plan of organization may be briefly outlined as follows: (1) The Executive Oommittee shall layout and execute plans for developing the movement wherever it exists; and for extending it to the higher educational institutiQns which have not yet come in contact with it. (2) The committee will have its agents, the principal one of whom will be the Traveling Secretary. Mr. Wilder has filled this office during the past college year (September, 1888,-August, 1889). During that time he visited ninety-three leading institutions in which he developed the missionary department of the college associations. He has also secured nearly ~six hundr(d new volunteers. In more than thirty colleges he has wisely induced independent missionary organizations to merge themselves into the missionary department of the college association. Another striking feature of his work this year has been the fact· that over forty institutions have been led to undertake the support of an alumnus, in the foreign' field. Their total annual contributions amount to $26,000. The plan pursued in denominational colleges has been to have the man sent by the regular Church Boards; in undenominational colleges the money is usually contributed to some form of undenominational effort; as, for example, sending teachers to the Government schools of Japan. As Mr. Wilder retires from this posi- tion to complete his seminary course preparatory to going out to India, it is no more than justice to state that he has done more than any one man to extend this great movement from its very inception to the present time. Mr. R. E. Speer of the class of 1889 of Princeton Col- lege has been chosen to succeed Mr. Wilder. Mr. Speer has been one of the most active volunteers in the country. Besides being a thor- oughly consecrated man, he was the leading scholar and debater in his college class. The committee will also have an Office Secretary and an Editorial, Secretary. (3) '1.'here is an Advisory Oommittee composed of seven persons-five representing as many of the leading evangelical denominations, and one each from the Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations. The Executive Committee is to confer with this committee about every new step which is taken, so that nothing will be done 'which will justify unfavorable criticism from the Church Boards. The movement is designed to help the Boards in every way possible, and in no sense to encroach upon their territory or to conflict with their work. (4) Mr. Speer will be unable to visit more than one-fifth of the colleges next year. It was therefore plain that liIome other means must be devised in order to brin'g the other colleges in touch with the movement. The Executive Committee have accordingly decided to have a Corresponding Member in every State and province in which the movement has been sufficiently introduced and established to insure its permanency. This Corresponding Member will be the agent of the Executive Committee in that State and carry out their policy, viz.: to conserve and extend the movement in that State. The Traveling Secretary will touch only the leading colleges in each State. In States where it is thought to be advisable there will be a Corresponding Committee instead of a Corresponding Member. The States of Maine, New Jersey and North Carolina were organized on this plan last year and a strong work was done in each of them. New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kansas will be organized this year. The work in a State consists not only in arousing more missionary interest in the colleges and seminaries, but also in quickening thG missionary spirit in the churches by means of visits from volunteers. Volunteers, who have the time and fitness for such work, spend all or a part of their vacations in assisting churches. In this way the contributions of many of the churches have been increased. One volunteer in less than two months influenced a number of churches to contribute over $5,000 to missions over and above what they were already giving to that cause. This work is attempted only where the full approval of the church is previously obtained, and has always been highly indorsed by the pastors of the different denominations. A young man who is actually going into the foreign field has a peculiar influence over a congregation. (5) In the colleges the movement will be organized as the Missionary Department, of the College Young Men' s Christia~ Association. The reasons for this are clear. It will insure the permanency of the missionary interest in the college by placing it under the direction of an organization, which, from its very nature, is destined to be permanent as long as the college exists. This cannot be said always of independent missionary societies. Moreover. by making it a department of the Association it will have a far wider constituency and basis of support, because the Association includes students who are interested in five or six distinct lines of work. and not simply in one. Experience has abundantly proved that this is the best plan. In more than sixty colleges during the last two years independent missionary societies have been merged into the associations, and not one of them has changed back to the old plan. The chairman of the Missionary Department of the Association should, where possible, be a volunteer.
The movement has far outgrown the early expectations of its nearest friends. Even Dr. Pierson and Mr. Wilder at its inception could not claim over one thousand volunteers in the American colleges. Today there are recorded 3,847 volunteers ready, or preparing, to preach
THE STUDENT MISSIONARY
"the unsearchable riches of Ohrist" in every land under the sun. A very large majority of them are still in the different college classes. Probably not more than five hundred have reached the seminaries, medical colleges and other schools for special training. Between one and two hundred have ac~ually sailed for foreign lands. Well may Dr. McOosh ask: "Has any such offering of living young men and women been presented in our age? In our country? In any age or in any country since the day of Pentecost?" To-day, after over one hundred years of Protestant missionary effort, there are only about 6,000 ordained missionaries in the foreign field. If the church does not send out more than one-half of the present number of volunteers, it will still mark the most significant and encouraging chapter iin the annals of the Ohristian Ohurch since the Acts of the Apostles. But everyone of the 3,847 volunteers is needed, and many more. Mr. Wishard writes back from Japan that 20,000 native and foreign ministers are needed in that fastmoving Empire before the year 1900 in order to keep it from infidelity. Dr. Ohamberlain appeals for 5,000 missionaries for India during this century. "The evangelization of the world in thisgeneration" is the watchcryof the Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions. What does this mean? At a convocation of missionaries held a few months ago in India, it was estimated that at least one foreign missionary was needed for every 50,000 people in unevangelized lands. This is regarded as a very conservative·estimate. It means, then, that at least 20,000 foreign missionaries are needed in order to "preach the gospel to every creature" within this generation. Is this too much to ask and expect? Already nearly 4,000 have volunteered in less than two hundred colleges. From those same colleges during this generation will pass over a score of classes to be touched by this movement before they graduate. There are hundreds of colleges which have not yet had the opportunity to come in contact with this movement. The colleges of the South, of the far West, and of the Maritime Provinces know almost nothing about it. There are two hundred medical colleges and schools in America from which are going annually thousands of graduates. Nineteen-twentieths of those graduates are locating in this country, where there is one physician to every 600 of the population, whereas in unevangelized lands there is not more than one medical missionary to every 1,000,000 of the popUlation. Twenty thousand volunteers too many.to ask and expect from this generation! Over 2,000,000 young men and women will go out from our higher institutions of learning within this generation. The foreign field calls for only one one-hundredth of them. But where will the money come from to send and support them? It would take only one six-hundredth of the present wealth of the members of the Ohristian Ohurch in America and England. There are men enough to spare for this grandest mission of the ages. There is money enough to spare to send them.
THE CRISIS IN CITmS
May the Spirit of Christ lead His church to consecrate her men and money to the carrying out of His last command!
THE CRISIS IN CITIES.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. p.] THE heathenism in our great cities is absolutely appalling and awful; and one of the most encouraging signs in onr social firmament is the growing thought given to the question of how to take care of the poor and outcast classes of society. No adequate attention has ever yet been paid to this question; here is one of the open, fester- ing and infectious sores of the world. Abject misery, poverty-all the worst features of heathenism,-hide in the alleys and lanes and crowded tenements of our great centers of population. No outside organiza- tions, no district visitations, no organized charities, no mission Sun- day-schools, mission halls or mission churches, will reach the evil, though they may serve to mitigate and alleviate it. This is but poul- ticing a cancer that needs the knife or the cautery. It is but touch- ing and cleansing the fringe of a leprous garment, green with the fatal disease. "The Bitter Cry of Outcast London," five or six years ago, startled the church of God, and even society itself, so far as ears were open to hear it. But even that startling tract touched only the borders of this awful theme-or, to use a more consistent figure; that " bitter cry" was only like the faint, smothered echo of a distant and almost inaudible groan or sob of anguish.
While we are rejoicing in the prosperity of our churches, in the pat- ronage of the rich and noble and cultured, and in the vast sums given to benevolent and philanthropic purposes, the poor are getting poorer, the wretched more wretched, the filthy more filthy and the home-heathen more heathenish. The gap between the churches and the poor and non-church-goers has already widened into a gulf, and will soon become a gulf like that between Dives and Lazarus, fixed and not to be crossed.
How shall we enlist the strength of the churches in local evangelization tt '
This is a question of supreme practical import. No problem is just, now pressing us more heavi,ly for sohttion.
Let us once again define evangelization; it is bringing the gospel into contact with unsaved souls. This needs constantly to be emphasized, that the church of God is responsible not for conversion but only for contact. We may not always win but we may always faithfully witness.
The emphasis of the above question lies in part on the word "strength."
A few in every church are enlisted; often it is the weaker portion of disciples, not only the few, numerically, but those of little education, influence and pecuniary means. The strength of the churches, nu- merically, influeJ:.ltially, financially, intellectually, has never yet been enlisted in the practical work of evangelization. What would be the rapidity with which that work would be done, if we might have the brains, he!).rts, will-power, ano. money-power of the churches yoked to the chariot of evangelization I 1. First of all, the needs of the local populations must be pressed upon the attention and conscience of our church membership both by public and private appeal. The most awful destitution may be found right around us, under the very shadows of our church spires, and beside our very dwellings. In the city of London you may, in less than three minutes' walk from the door of St. Paul's Cathedral, come into the midst of the worst slums of the city. In Glasgow, the homes of the most abject poverty and misery lie at the very rear of the palaces of merchant princes. In New York I went to the Florence Mission, and afterward, with the then employed missionary of that noble enterprise for fallen women, went out on a midnight tour of exploration. A few steps out of Broadway, we came to the vilest dens of infamy, where one shuddered to tread. In one .room, not morethan ten by twelve feet, we came upon eighteen human beings, men and women, black and white, American and foreign born, who there ate, slept and lived. In that room we found a woman of the highest refinement and culture with the faded dress of a courtesan upon her dishonored body; a former leader in the Salvation Army, a.J!oman of sweet song, half drunk; a snoring, disgusting negro wench; an opiumeating, licentious Italian, etc. Out of that den had been rescued a descendant of one of the most illustrious men this country ever produced; and there had been found a daughter of a Brooklyn clergyman who had no knowledge of her whereabouts.
Virtual heathenism, in its worst aspects, may be encountered in any' of our ci.ties within a stone's throw of our costliest homes and fashionable quarters. That" Bitter Cry of Outcast London" was a revelation of wretchedness, of which few people of that world's metropolis had before any conception; and that simple tract ought to sound its trumpet call throughout our churches, to wake up the dormant consciences of our people I "Bleak House" is an attempt on the part of Dickens to unveil the condition of our home heathen, as in the character of " J0," the poor street-sweeper, and the family of orphans, of which" Charlie" was the only support. What makes the condition of these virtual outcasts the worse is that there is a .irowin~ estran~ement between the poorer and more destitute classes and the church of God. There is a gravitation toward different centers-the poor huddle together in close, crowded tenements, while the rich move into the ampler, healthier homes of the " West End." The churches, finding no source of support in their old quarters, move, like a tree transplanted from an exhausted soil, to a mOr~ fertile territory. .A.u,d, thus~ t~e :places where the chqrch as anevoinielizini aiency is most needed are left destitute. Thenow thickly.crowded and heathenish quarters are abandoned to sin and Satan! Until this fact is understood and appreciated by the church, this evil cannot be reached. It is lamented by us all that the impression should exist in the minds of the" masses of the people" that the churches are indifferent to their welfare; that church edifices are 'built and conducted in the interest of social caste, of wealth, intellect and aristocracy. We wonder that the wage.workers will not come and do not feel welcome, while the whole method of our church management fosters and justifies their impression that they are not wanted. The poorer and more ignorant classes see the churches moving away from them and leaving them to degradation and destitution. They see no adequate effort made to reach them. A few ignorant but wellmeaning exhorters, or "exhausters," address a few scores of people on a street corner; a "mission" is begun in some tenement, or store, or hall; a "mission church" is built here and there which is conducted on the very principle of invidious distinction, as though it were labeled "for the poor and the outcast." In our methods of dealing with the degraded populations of our cities, we are contradicting all the known laws of human nature; yet we expect these methods to be effectual. Were foreign missions so conducted, they would have no success. But we send our best men and women, our noblest scholars and linguists, our most gifted orators and winners of souls to China, Japan and the Dark Continent. Why should we not do the same to the heathen in our alleys and slums at home?
II. Secondly, we must press the duty of universal evanieUza. tion upon all church members. "Give ye them to eat" is a command addressed to all who have the bread of life, and are in the midst of perishing millions, whether at home or abroad. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" is a c9mmand that in a double sense is universal; universal, first, because it includes all unbelievers as the objects of labor; universal, secondly, because it includes aU beUevers as the persons to do the preaching. These millions are by the plan of God providentially made dependent on us who know the gospel, for their own knowledge and, so, their salvation. No miracle is to be wrought in their case, carrying the gospel to them by angelic agency, or by direct spiritual illumination. The believer is the divinely appointed and indispensable channel through whom the gospel message is to reach human souls; and every beUever is constituted a herald. In the Old Testament, we observe a very marked line of division and separation between priesthood and people-rigid and almost frigid. But the moment we open the New Testament that line disappears. All believers are a kingdom of priests, a priesthood of kings; the terms "clergy" and "laity" are inventions of the dark ages; the idea of a clerical caste is wholly foreign to the New rresta- ment. (Of. Acts viii: 1-4; xi : 19-20.) Those who, scattered abroad, went everywhere preaching the Word, were common disciples, for the apostles were still at Jerusalem. And it was because Ohristianity was thus borne by all disciples in those primitive days, that its conquests were so rapid and far-reaching. This principle of universal obligation is not yet fully accepted-certainly, not yet felt in the church. And, not until it is, will the strength of the church be enlisted in the practical work of evangelism. The great bulk of church members have no sense of personal duty in this matter of direct work for souls. A few teach in Sunday-schools, or work in missions among the poor; but the body, of professing Ohristians content themselves by coming to cl;lUrch ser- , vices and supporting the minister by their contributions; and es- pecially if they help to sustain missionaries abroad, they think their full duty is done. We may as well understand that the world can never be reached by a few thousand men and women who go forth to do this work-it needs a whole church, as it needed a whole Ohrist, to save this world. The Sunday-school movement and the Young Men's Ohristian Association have done a great deal to revive in the church general personal participation in the work of preaching the gospel and working to save men. At present about 36,000 laborers are all that are in the foreign field, including the 30,000 who have been led to direct work for souls, from among the converts from heathenism. And could these 36,000 divide the entire unevangelized popUlation among them equally, each one of those laborers would have to care for 30,000 souls. It is so at home; there is not more than one of a hundred of our church members who can honestly be counted among those who are systematically engaged in the work of local evan- gelization. It takes fifteen church members to save one soul a year-as Dr. Strong says: while Ohr:st's lowest average increase is "thirty fold," we are increasing at the rate of one-fifteenth of one fold! How obvious it is that the church has never yet enlisted the strength of its membership in the work of God! There must be plainer preaching on this subject-and we must beat in this convic- tion by constant and emphatic repetition, until disciples outgrow this absurd notion of doing by proxy the work of saving souls!
III. We come now to the how of this matter-the question of methods; and a little consideration will suffice to show that it is entirely feasible not only to do this work, but to keep doing it, so as never to allow it'to outrun us. There are always virtue, truth and piety in every community to offset the vice, falsehood and irreligion, if properly applied. An applied Ohristianity is what is imperatively needed. " Ye are the salt of the earth"-a little salt, apphed to a considerable mass, will season it if the salt has not lost its savor. " Ye are the light of the world "-a little light, propl;lrly diffused, will relieve if not dispel deep darkness; provided, as a. quaint old Scotch lady puts it, "the light does not need snuffi;ng!" The piety on earth, properly distributed and diffused, would suffice to evangelize the world.
The root idea in this practical solution of the problem of local evan- gelization is the parish idea. Oonceive for instance of any great city like New York or PhIladelphia, carefully divided up into districts, and the churches in or near each district taking charge of the unevan- – gelized inhabitants within it-and you have an easy and practical solu- tion of the whole difficulty. Parish means "dwelling near"-it conveys the idea of neighborh60d. A first round of visits reveals cer- tain foundation facts: who goes to church and where such go; who does not, etc. Then a second visitation can be conducted with this, knowledge as a guide. Those known to be regular attendants become subject to congregationa~ care on the part of the pastors and churches with which they are identified, and can be remanded to their superVISIOn. Non-attendants who at first visit express preference for some particular church or denomination can be reported to appropri- ate parties; and so at every visitation the families to be visited, in any given district, become fewer in number, and the work becomes sim- pler and easier. Moreover, every new round of visits makes the visitor better acquainted, more at ease and at home, and more fitted to reach and win those who are visited. There is no reason why every house in any city ortown may not be visited by disciples, and the inmates known and kept track of, and gradually won to Ohristian contact if not to Ohristian faith! This parish, or territorial, plan is the simple, prac- ticable way of reaching the unsaved, non-church-going classes in our cities and towns. Suppose Philadelphia, with a population of 1,000,- 000, has 500 churches, large and small; this gives an average of 2,000 persons for every church to care for, including, of course, church members. Let each ch-urch see that two families be visited daily, having an average of three members each, and thus the whole city may be looked after and every house be visited once a year. How easy it would be, by increasing the frequency of these visits, to make sure, without any severe tax on time or strength, that every house should be visited four times a year, will appear without argument. Will any.,. one tell us what is to hinder every church of Christ undertaking to keep watch over two thousand persons every year, in its own vicin- ity? Let it be borne in mind that two thousand persons represent be- tween four hundred and five hundred families, and this would neces- sitate on the part of a whole church only from one to two visits per day each week! The fact is that for a church, alive with working members, this is not more than each member may well undertake.
IV. We have one word to aqd aboubenlisting the strength of the churches. Nothing impressed the writer during four months in England and Scotland in the summer of 1888 more than the fact that the most consecrated men and women he ever knew are to be found there, engaged in this very work, and they are the strong men and women of the British nation. We can show very few of our stronJest disciples here who have given up business, social leadership, public official honors and positious, for the sake of working among the poor and outcast. London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Liverpool, can show not a few whose whole time, strength and fortune are consecrated to service. It would be invidious to mention the names of those yet living. But there is a merchant in Glasgow who refuses a seat in Parliament, lest it imperil his work among the Glasgow poor. London can show earls, lords, gentlemen, ladies by the score, who have no other business but seeking to save the lost. There are wealthy memoers of the aristocracy who, with their wives and daughters, go habitually into the lowabodes of poverty and misery, and who conduct missions of every conceivable kind. Like Shaftesbury, they sacrifice everything to the one purpose of bringing to Christ and to virtue and temperance and chastity those who seem scarce worth saving. Why cannot we have a similar oonsecration in our own land? Why should Reuben make great resolves and then sit still at ease to hear the pipings of the pastoral flute while God's martial trumpet sounds for the battle? Why should Dan be so preoccupied with his maritime commerce that he abides in his ships? Why should the men of Meroz, at the very place of the narrow pass, come not up to God's help and cut off the retreat of His foes? It is a whole-hearted devotion to Christ that is the one want of our day. And this can come to us only when first there is outpoured a mighty spirit of prayer. Then we shall see our opportunity and realize our responsibility, and our touch on the unsaved will be a sympathetic, loving touch-not the cold and formal approach that repels. God grant us a spirit of prayer!
It ought to be added that the methods of city evangelization advocated in this paper are substantially those of the Evangelical Alliance. Dr. Josiah Strong and his noble associates have brought to this problem big brains and even bigger hearts. They have devised and put in operation in several cities the best general scheme yet suggested, and have proven it perfectly practicable and feasible. It is house to house visitation by districts, all denominations joining and co-operating in it. This is the latest and by far the most promising movement in behalf of our cities. It needs only to be vigorously and universally prosecuted to transform not oniy our city populations, but by its reflex influence even the churches themselves. We would earnestly counsel pastors and church officers and all earnest workers to send to Pl'.
Strong at the Bible House, Now York, for pamphlets, etc., which fully inform as to the details and practical working of this scheme, and which the Alliance furnishes free.
A CHRISTIA.N COLLEGE AT SAN PAULO, BRA.ZIL•. [N:ov
Let us. all remember that startling parad9x, which contains the whole philosophy of evangelism: Christ, alone, can save this world; But Christ cannot save this wodd,alone.
A OHRISTIAN OOLLEGE AT SAN PAULO, BRAZIL.
BY REV. G. W. CHAMBERLAIN, D.D., BRAZIL. " THERE is much that is' discouraging in the aspect of Brazil, even for those who hope and believe as I do, that she has before her an honorable and powerful career. There is much also that is very cheering, that leads me to believe that her life as a nation ill not belie her great gifts as a country. Should her moral and intellectual endowments grow into harmony with her wonderful natural beauty and wealth the world will not have seen a fairer land. "
The obstacles to progress patent to Professor Agassiz, who thus expressed himself in the closing chapter of "A Journey to Brazil," were: Slavery, whose" natural death is a lingering illness, wasting and destroying the body it has attacked"; clergy, who as teachers of the people "should not only be men of high moral character, but of studious, thoughtful lives," who are rather corrupt and corrupting the people by their example, who seem to "believe that the mind can be fed with tawdry processions, lighted candles, and cheap bouquets"; and in the third place, the" present condition of education."
Great changes have taken place in Brazil since those words were written. Slavery is a thing of the past, although its consequenceR still linger. The clergy remains unchanged in character. As a class their "ignorance is universal, their immorality patent, their influence very extensive and deep rooted," but rapid emancipation has been going on, and the cry for religious liberty (instead of the old-time toleration), which has been swelling from the Amazon to the River Platte, was voiced last year in the bill which passed the Senate; and though suffocated in the lower house, even as that of John the Baptist was silenced at the bidding of a woman, is yet a voice crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord! Make His paths straight! "
Even though, like that of the great forerunner of the Ohrist, this "VOICE" should be silent in the tomb, to which 14,000 women, moved by the imperial Princess, who in turn was moved by the clergy, would consign it, yet it has fulfilled its mission, for a greattlr than John is already there.
In nothing has His presence been more manifest than in the thirst for education which has characterized. the last decade. Professor Agassiz very justly observed: "In order to form a just estimate of the present condition of education in Brazil, and its future prospects, we must not consider it altogether from our own standpoint. The truth is that all steady progress in Brazil dates from her declaration of independellce, and that is a very recent fact in her history. Since she-has passed from colonial to national life her relations'
with other countl'ies have enlarged, antiquated prejudices have been effaced, and with a more intense individual existence she has assunH~d also a more cosmopolitan breadth of ideas.
"But a political revolution is more rapidly accomplished than the remolding o[ the na.tion, which is its result-its consequence rather than its accompaniment. Even now, after half a century of independent existence, intellectual progress is mamfested rather as a tendency, a desire. so to speak. giving a progressive movement to society. tllan as a positive fact. The intellectual life of a nation when fully developed has its material ex- istence in lal'ge and various institutions of learning scattered throug'hout the country. Except in a very limited and local sense this is not yet the case in Brazil." '
The tendency, the desire, giv~ng progressive movement to society, noted in the above extract, has been taking to itself a furm in the-past twenty years, and if it has not yet materialized into large and various institutions, it is crystallizing in plans for them.
Normal schools, under the fostering care of the Government, have sprung up in nearly all of the provinces, and, although crude and pedantic in their methods, are yet learning wisdom by the things which they suffer at the hands of many doutores (doctors), who are trying to make them walk on stilts. As soon as they get their feet on the ground, where the common people walk, they will do yeoman:,s service. – The "pedagogues," who see clear over the heads of the children, will yet give place to a class who will put themselves on their level, and so lead them up. It is true of Brazilian children, as of all others, that they are not forgotten of the "Teacher sent from God," who said: "For I say unto you that in Heaven their angels do always be- hold the face of my Father, which is in Heaven. It is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
Like the" root out of dry ground ,. which escaped the vision of the" doctors of the law," there was growing in Brazil, even while Agassiz and his honorable band of helpers were being filled with delight by the multitude of fishes which came to his net from the "many waters" of the Amazon and other rivers of Brazil, a little plant, which, if it was then despised and rejected of men, was destined by God unto honor, and shall yet divide the spoil with the strong.
The keen-sighted naturalist did not discern all the signs of the times floating in the air as clearly as he did the great ,ariety of fishes swimming in the waters of that marvelous land. He was brought into close contact with the earliest missionary of the Presbyterian Church, for the news of the assassination of Lincoln bowed all heads, and so general was the feeling among American residents in Rio de Janeiro that God only was our refuge and strength in such a time of trouble, that Simonton was asked to conduct a religious service appropriate to the occasion, and the heart of the great man of science led him, with the rest of our loyal countrymen, to the humble place" where prayer was wont to be made," and there he freely mingled his tears with theirs.
Yet, if the work which Simonton and his colleagues were doing to overcome the evils that Agassiz so plainly saw sapping the foundations of society in Brazil merited the attention of the naturalist, I have failed to find any reference to it in" A Journey to Brazil," other than that on page 497, where he says: "Independent religious thought seems, however, rare in Brazil. There may perhaps be skepticism, but I think this is not likely to be extensively the case, for the Brazilians are instinctively a believing people, tending rather to superstition than to doubt, Oppression in matters of faith is contrary to the spirit of their institutions, Protestant clergymen are allowed to preach freely, but as a general thing Protestantism does not attract the Southel'n nations, and it may be doubted whether its advocates will have avery widespread success, However this may be, every friend of Brazil must wish to see its present priesthood replaced by a more vigorous, intelligent and laborious clergy."
He who doeth His will among the inhabitants of the earth in His own time led. Agassiz to that southland. "Toward Brazil I was drawn by a life-long desire," he says in the preface, WhICh tells of the genesis of that notable visit. But even while he was "brooding"
over the prospect of realizing his life-long wish, the Spirit of God who moved his generous friend, Mr. Nathaniel Thayer, to say, "Give it a scientific character. Take assistants. I will be responsible for all expenses," was" moving on the face of the waters"
in Brazil in a way which does not come under the ken of scientific or monied men, as such, and was drawing sons of that southern nation, not to Protestantism, but to Christ and His word, and raising in their hearts protests deep, long and strong against the spiritual tyranny which had for three centuries deprived them and their ancestors of the blessed Book, the law which is a lamp unto our feet. That very year it was that an old, gray-haired Brazilian, who stood in the open court of his house, surrounded by his twelve sons (stalwart fellows), said to me: " Young man, answer a question. You say that this book has been in the possession of your people for generations. What was your father doing that my father died and never knew that there was sucha book as theBible?
Why didn't they have mercy on us and send it?" "My friend," I replied, "the book was contraband once in your custom house, and it would still be so had your church the power to move 'the civil arm' as of old. You would hardly ask me the question if you read the daily papers, for only the other day, in the city of Oascoeira, near Bahia, a mob, led on by the vicar, surrounded a man who was distributing these books, robbed him of all of them and buned tRem in the public square in the full light of the sun. Time was when they would have burned the man, and you and me for talking about the Bible. But let me ask you a question.. I' What are you going to do with the Book now it has come?'" wAh, I shall see to it , that my boys have no reason to complain of me. I am going to hav~ one."
The book brought a school in its train, for neither Henrique Gomes de Oliveira, nor anyone of his 13 children (for like Jacob he had 12 sons and one daughter, knew how to read. "The schoolmaster abroad" on that farm 'reached a wide circle of the neighbors. They had a "bee" and went up into the woods and cut down trees and built them a school-house which served for a meeting-house on Sabbath, in which the gray-haired patriarch still meets with hundreds of his neighbors on the Sabbath, and if he is not a' clergyman" ordained of men," he is ordained of God to hold forth the word of life. . A few years since, as the sun was going down, I checked my horse at the gate of a plantation house and asked lodging for the night. Who ever was denied hospitality in Brazil? After supper, a bountiful one, I turned the conversation on the Bible. Mine host, a wealthy coffee-planter, at length said, frankly: "To tell the truth, I have no religion. That in which I was brought up never satisfied my reason. This of which you speak I know nothing of, for I have never had a Bible. But if you want to (encherasmedidas) be satisfied go up on the mountains sixteen miles from here and you will find an old man after your heart. I am chief magistrate in this district. The quarter where that old man lives used to be one of the worst for broils. Scarce a week passed that I was not called to adjudicate some quarrel or judge of some crime which had taken place on the previous Sabbath when they met to drink and fight. For two years I have not had a case, and I never understood it until I went up to spend the night at that old man's house and saw the Book out of which he reads to his family every day and to his neighbors Sundays. Now, although I never rell-d it, I wish you would propa· gate more and more, for if there was a man like that in every quarter my office would be a sinecure. I would be relieved of much bothe!'."
Well, such parish schools have multiplied with like results since 1865. That of the city of San Paulo has gone through the primary I and secondary (grammar school) stages, has become a high school, with a normal class for teachers, and a theological school with a class of students for the ministry, some of whose graduates were members of the Synod, formed in September of 1888, of 62 native churches with their elders and pastors. It has at present 342 pupils. And this is the genesis of the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America at its sessions in New York, May last, after hearing the report of its Commission, appointed the year previous, consisting of Rev. A. A. Hodge, D.D., and Rev. Charles E. Knox, D. D., recommending to liberal members of our churches the immediate endowment of a truly Christian college at San Paulo, Brazil, as a necessary means for the advancement of the work in that empire, and extending to all evangelical churches a coraial invitation to co-operate in this catholic enterprise.
THE OONTINENTAL MIsSIONA1l.Y CONFERENOE
THE CONTINENTAL MISSIONARY CONFERENCE.
[THIS Conference was small in number, but highly representative in char-. !!octer. We were kindly favored with a report of its proceedings by one of its members, and knowing that our readers will be intere&ted in the results of the Conference we have had the salient features of its doings translated by Rev. Chas. C. Starbuck for our REVIEW.-EDS.] The Eighth Contlllental Missionary Conference met at Bremen, in Ascen- sion week, 1889. It consisted of twenty-one deputies, m9stly inspectors, with some missionaries. The societies represented were the Moravian, Bar- men,Berlin I. and II. ,Bremen, Breklurn, Hermannsburg, Leipsic,Neukirchen, besides two Dutch societies, the Nederlandsche Zendelinggenootschap and the Utrechtsche Zendingsvereeniging, and the Swedish Evangeliska Foster- lands ShHrelsen. There were also several eminentinvitedguests-DiJ'ector Frick, of Halle; Dr. Fabri, Missionary Hesse of Calw; Pastor Paul of Saxony, and Drs. Grundeman and Warneck.
The modest dimensions of the Conference were, in the view of its mem- bers, compensated by the fact that they are all experts in missionary matters, and by the fullness and intimacy of conference which their fewness facilitated. Their members were not enough for rhetoric, but all the better for solid discussion.
Pastor Leipold opened the Conference witha discourse from Eph. vi: 1-16, which was the keynote of the proceeding-so There were many differences of judgment, but not a single difference of feeling.
The subjects of discussion were six. I. What position should the Continental Protestant missions take in view of the fact that the number of trained clergymen is coming to exceed the wants of the congregatlOns? Prof. Plath answered this question in the foling sense: Undoubtedly this fact is likely to impart a new impulse to missions which on the Continent have hitherto, for the most part, had the command of scarcely any universIty men and have had to train their own missionaries in their own mission-houses. The Roman Catholics procure theirs chiefly fl'om monasteries. The earlyProtestant missions were colonial, and only employed regularly educated men. Zinzendorf first broke through this usage, and Rationalism made an end of it. But the present Continental method supplies only half-trained men. Complicated necessities are often beyond their reach, such as translation, tl'ainin.!' of native clergymen, etc. Their labors undoubtedly are often blessed. Not fewer of them but more university men are needed of course, such as have a living faith and have maintained it through their time of study. Such men, of course, must have a position accorded them, both of greater difficulty and of gt'eater influence, as answers to their deeper training. Even should they remain abroad only certain years the gain for missions at home and abroad would be marked. To this was opposed an energetic protest against the undervaluation of .the present system, which had done excellent things, even in the way of turning out translators, trainers of native preachers and organizers. Besides, the missionary pupils were apt to be more faithful in preparation than the university men, and the complications and responsibilities of missionary life were found to have an astonishingly educating power. The Conference rejected the notion of making any aristocratic distinctions between the two classes or of accepting a limited service from university men. Yet the Conterence fully agreed that m.ore university men were needed, and that all suitable measures sh.ould be taken t.o engag.e their interest in missi.ons.
II. The second t.opic, intr.oduced by Dr. Schreiber, respected the training .of native helpers. It was remarked that this sh.ould .only be begun, n.ot c.on· eluded, with their sch.o.oling.; that the f.oreign missi.onary by example, supervisi.on, c.ounsel, incitement, by h.olding with them .occasi.onal retreats f.or study and s.ometimes by interp.osing a further c.ourse between their first activity and a pr.oper past.orate, sh.ould endeav.or t.o bring them t.o a higher fitness. "T.o.o much sch.o.oling was deprecated, as als.o sending them t.o Eur.ope.or America. Elders, it was remarked, are .often better Chl'istians than native past.ors-Iess tempted t.o self-c.onceit and m.ore healthily r.o.oted in thes.oil. It was agreed that in India the native past.ors must learn English, but in general the learning .of Eur.opean tongues was deprecated.
III, Thirdly it was c.onsidered h.ow far missi.onary sch.o.ols .ough t t.o prepare sch.olars f.or earning a living. This questi.on was intr.oduced by Past.or Sehiillert.ot Peursum, .of Amsterdam. It was all.owed that these sch.o.ols, th.ough primarily, must n.ot be exclusively religi.ous, but must as sch.o.ols, .of c.ourse, prepare their pupils f.or their future callings. In Africa and such regi.ons they must d.o m.ore f.or mechanical andagl'icultural instructi.on than in China .or India. But it is n.ot their business t.o enc.ourage a veneer .of Eur.opean culture.or t.o estrange the sch.olars fr.om their c.ountryand their nati.onal ways, s.o far as these are n.ot evil. Only by their awakening .of higher wants they refine these nati.onal cust.oms and lift them t.o a higher plane.
IV. The fourth t.opic, respecting R.oman Cath.olic intrusi.ons int.o Pr.otest· ant missi.ons, deserves a full translati.on. We theref.ore pass it .over here. * On the aftern.o.on .of Ascensi.on Day a public service was held, in which a more p.opular presentati.on .of the vari.ous t.opics was given.
V. The fifth topic, intr.oduced by Dr. Warneck, respected slavery and the slave trade. It was generally agreed that while n.o Eur.opean member .of a missi.on and n.o native helper must be a slave-h.older, a rev.oluti.onary pr.oclamati.on .of immediate emancipati.on must be av.oided as it was av.oided by the ap.ostles. But the equal rights .of all men in the church must be maintained; slaves must be admitted t.o c.ommuni.on with .or with.out the g.o.od will .of their masters; slaves mllst be, in fact as well as the.ory, equally eligible, if qualified, t.o the deac.onship and eldership; cruelty.of masters.or an indisp.ositi.on t.o fav.or the self-purchase .of slaves must be treated as un·Christian behavi.or. The Basel S.ocietyhas refused c.ommuni.on t.oslave· h.olders, p.ointing .out that the chastity .of masters and their s.ons is .otherwise practically imp.ossible. Against the slave-trade, .of c.ourse, a g.overnment can act, but it was generally agreed that where, as in Africa, slavery itself is interw.oven with the wh.ole fabric .of life f.ormal g.overnment acti.on against it sh.ould n.ot be precipitate but sh.ould c.omm.only await the preliminary patience .of missi.onary w.ork in raising the standard .of human rights.
VI. The sixth t.opic was: Are special relati.ons .of determinate circles.of friends .of missi.ons at h.ome t.o particular missi.onary fields .or stati.ons desirable? This paper als.o was presented by DI'. Sch"reiber. He sp.oke appr.ovingly.of such special relati.ons. They had been largely devel.oped in the Rhenish missi.ons, and f.ostered by the C.ommittee. There is a rever!>e side, it is true. Narrow-mindedness, indeed, is a danger m.ore than c.ounterbalanced by the deeper interest.of fuller kn.owledge. But it is bad t.o have a *Will give this in our next issue.-EDs. sort of intermediate control between the missionary and the sOcIety. There should be a clear understanding as to this from the beginning. Nor should such opportunities be given to particmlar missionaries, by extraordinary advances, to cultivate particular tastes in leisure which might awaken discontent among their associates. All such liberalities should be brought under the general control.
The essay, as a whole, met with general approbation. Too specific a relation, however, to individual missionaries, or even stations, was thought less desirable than that of wider circles to special missions. Relations to natives, especially children, are peculiarly open to abuse. Correspondence with these is emphatically to be discouraged. It encourages sickly sentimentality on the one hand and vanity, boldness and an insincere display of religious phraseology on the other. Let correspondence be with the school, not with the fosterling. Nor should unreasonable fI'equency of correspondence be required. One of the Dutch deputies held the dangel' of these special relations in general to be greater than the essayist had represented. Relations to particular branches of work, he pointed out, and to particular persons, are to be sharply distinguished.
Finally, Pastor Kllrze of SchlOben, in his necessary absence, proposed that, in view of the fact that the Continental representatives to the London Conference, especially those possessed of specific missionary knowledge (Missionsfachmanner) regard themselves as havmg been treated with scant consideration there, and in view of the very inadequate knowledge prevailing in England and America respecting Continental Protestant missions, the Bremen Conference should authorize one of its members to volunteer in some Anglo-American missionary magazine-best in THE MISSIONARY RE- VIEW OF THE W ORLD-a serie.s of articles respecting this year's BI'emen Conference. He also proposed the publication in English in the name of the Conference, of a brochure, under svme such title as "Hints to the Next In_ ternational Missionary Conference," containing proposals for a more effective constitution of the next Conference, a copy to be sent to each British and American missionary society. The Conference resolved that Missionary Hesse should draw up such reports as were implied in the tenor of this proposal.
Pastor Kurze's second proposal is: That the representatives of the German missionary societies should, after obtaining full information from the American Board respecting late occurrences on the Marshall Islands, petition the 'German Government: {i) That the regulatIOn of the German Commissary, Dr. Sonnenschein in Jaluit, to the effect that the American Mission shall neither be permitted to hire nor lease from the natives plots of ground for churches, schools or mission-houses, may be revoked. (2) That the mission steamer, Morning Star, may be relieved of the lately-imposed yearly license of 1,000 marks. (3) That the Christian congregation at Ebon may have reimbursed to it the fine imposed on it by Captain Rotger in October, 1885, in view of the judicial decision rendered in a sui ~~I'ecting the Allgemeine Missions·Zeitschri/t.
The Conference was deeply and painfully surprised by the facts reported under (1) and (2). Understanding, however, that the American Board is itself about to make representations to the Gel'man Government through our minister in Berlin, the Conference decided this to be the most effective course. Messieurs Zahn, Schreiber. Fabri and Warneck were appointed a committee to communicate its feelings and action to the American Board.
TRANsLATIONS FR(l:1It FUREtGN MISStONARY
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN MISSIONARY MAGAZINES.
BY REV. CHARLES C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
THE AllgemeineMissions Zeitschrijt, acknowledging, though ungraciously, that Cardinal Lavigerie has been doing a good work in rousing the con- science of Europe more fully to the crying need of suppressing the African slave-trade is, nevertheless, justified in calling attention to the fact that the first great abolitionists of our century were Protestants; that Wilber- force and Livingstone had pleaded long ago for the closing of "the world's open sore," and that it is our duty, in a forgetful world, to see to it that the ultramontane press does not, before very long, represent that a Catholic prelate was the one "who broke the chains of the slave," and that certain Protestant journals do not echo this false eulogy.
The Zeitschrijt says: .. There can no longer be a doubt that through the whole of Eastern aud Middle Africa there is awakening a hostile movement, and that this has its ground in the overhasty advances from all sides of the colonial powers of Enrope. Last year there was an abortive. but this year a more success- ful attack of the Arabs, or of the Arabianized Suahili. from the east coast against the commercial stations of the African Lakes Company on the north of Lake Nyassa. This evidently proves it to , be the encroachments of Enropean trade, in which the Arab dealers discern their foe. They seem a.lso to have got wind Of the fact that England is extending the tentacles of her colonial policy to· ward Nyassa Land • .. Like all the great questions which Africa offers ns to solve. so also the slave qnestion call only be gradually solved by patience: but patience is an irksome word to that haste which marks the modem colonial era ; nor of patience does the crwoading Cardinal appear to be any great friend."
Doubtless the Cardinal's French fire needs to be tempered by German pa- tience. Nevertheless, fire is a good thing in a holy cause against a hideous evil. Yet, as Peter once, so the Church of Peter has always been overready to take the sword.
There is now a perfect mania, in this whitewashing age, for glorifying Mohammed. Mr. Bosworth Smith IS one of his greatest admlrers. How- ever, as Herr F. M. Zahn, in the Zeitschrijt remarks, he is unfortunate in that his chief authorities turn against him. Thus he callI:! Sprenger "the greatest European authority." Now Sprenger calls Mohammed an "im- poster," asserts that "Omar has had more influence upon the development of Islam than Mohammed," and is of opinion that Mohammed, after estab- Hshing himself in Medina, degenerated into "a voluptuous 'theocrat and bloodthirsty tyrant, pope and king." So Bosworth Smith rates almost as high the authority of Sir W. Muir, whom, besides, he declares to be "un- partisan." But Sir W. Muir charges the prophet with "gross blasphe- my," with having" forged the name of God," and suggests that he must have been inspired of Satan. However, Dr. Bosworth Smith uses his au- thorities where they give matter for eulogy, but rebels against them as soon as they give him anything else.
Hindus are becommg very much wrought up over the results of mission- ary labor in their country. These are far less than they ought to be, the increase of late being, as the Allgemeine Missions Zeitschrijt points out, relatively less than in either Japan or China. But they are enough to be very disturbing to the heathen, who are borrowing the missionary meth- ods of schools, preaching and tract-distribution with which to oppose mis- sions, as Julian the Apostate endeavored to galvanize Roman paganism by an imitation of Christian organization. One very funny thing has lately happened. A catechism of the "Aryan. religion" had been issued and
FROM FOREIGN MISSIONARY MAGAZINES
greatly admired. It was declared to be sca.rcely distinguishable from Christianity, and being so much more ancient, of course carried the inference that the gospel was a plagiarism from the. "Aryan religion." Great was the confusion when it was discovered that the "Aryan Catechism" was simply the" Westminster Shortel' Catechism" with the name of Christ left out. How so gross an imposture could have been attempted is a Hindu mystery. Yet when we see that in our own country the crucifixion is shamelessly declared to be a myth taken from the ~tory of Krishna, a lie which it is perfectly easy to refute, we need not wonder at what the Hindus do. As the Zeitschrijt remarks, it is almost a pity the imposture was exposed so soon, as with a little delay we should soon have had some of our Western unbelievers trumpeting it among the masses as a wonderful document of the beginnings of our race. This, it seems, was what Voltaire actually did with the Vedas interpolated by the Jesuit, Robert de Nobili.
The Dansk Missionsblad for January, 1889, remarks: .. At the great Missionary Convention in London last June. which has been often mentioned in the Blad, the director of our society, as the readers of the Blad know, was present. Of all the discourses which he heard there, Dr. Pierson's address on 'Home Work for Missions' made the strongest impression upon him; this, moreover, is distinguished both by its depth of thought and by Us beauty of form. We, therefore, give here a translation of it as it appears in THE MISSION- J.Bl' RSVIEW OF THE WORLD, edited byDr. Pierson and Dr. J. M. Sherwood. We take this occasion also to commend tbis publication to the friends of missions as one of the most comprehensive and most Impartial, best written and best edited of the many missionary magazines of our time."
The French brethren on the Zambezi, in the kingdom of Lewanika, find him still a thorough pagan. Yet he is very proud of his missionaries; and on a recent campaign against a neighboring tribe he compelled his people to a rigorous observance or Sunday, and availed himself of the presence of two renegade Christians in the army to have regular morning worship, with singing, prayer, and biblical instruction. In their evening bivouacs, also, they were required to recount biblical narratives and give lessons in reading. Some of the chiefs were very proud, on arridng back, to show the missionaries how much they had learned. Let us pray that this sowing of the word may turn out to be not wholly by the wayside, or among the thorns.
Another proof that the word of God is working. A chief said to Mr. Jeanmairet: "Know that neither I nor any of my men have kIlled a single man in the war. My son, it is true, had taken a woman prisoner, but I said to him: 'Let her escape,' and he obeyed me." And there is every reason to believe that several other chiefs have done as well, for never have so few prisoners been brought in from a foray.
One of the Finnish missionaries in Southwestern Africa, Herr Roiha, remarks that the kings of the country had discovered that during a recent rebellion the Christians had proved themselves to be more trustworthy defend~rs of their country and their lawful rulers, heathen as these were, than the heathen. Not a single Christian deserted his place in the van until the rebels were chaseq out of the country. Previously the heathen used to call the Christians "poltroons" hecll-use they would not join in their raids. Afterward they began to call them" heroes."
At the recent ordination in Paris of M. Benjamin Escandre, who goes out to Senegambia, the eminent clergyman, author and senator, M. Edmond de Pressense. made an address, or, as we should say, gave a charge, from which we give an extract: … Mil Dear Young BrotMr: You have requested that I would address you some farewell words iu the name of the free evangelical churches of France, to which you belong, and which are proud and happy to be represented byyou, as well as by various predecessors of yours in the missionary field. But God forbid that I should diminish in any way the char_ acter of evangelical catholicity which belongs to this touching hour. I address you a cordial adieu in the name of all our churches of France, which are never more thoronghly ,,0 united than in the face of missions, foreign and domestic. I express to you their deep affection, I promise you their solicitous interest and their prayers. You to represent them in that difficult field of labor where you will find two paganisms: that which comea from the desert, and tha~ which comes from our so· called Christian countries, to say nothing of Islam and its allurements for the black race. Without withdrawing any mea$nre of our deep love for our missions in the South of Africa we are assured that we are followin/:' tbe intimations of the Divine will in assigning a larger measure to our French colonies. That to which you go has long been dear to us, and it is consecrated by memories at once noble and sorrnwful. We shall never forget that our way thither has been opened np for us by that grea.t and heroic citizen, who was also a sincere and earnest Christian, Admiral Jaureguiberry. The work which you are about to undertake is grand, and will sometimes be perilous. I felicitate you that you are going to this post of honor. Transmit our messages of affection to your elder brethren, and carry with you the feeling that you remain present in the midst of us. I have'nothing to add to what has been said to you from this pUlpit concerning your duties. I confine myself to saying again, implying therein the full beauty of its present signification, the word of separation, which is also the implication of reunion: Adieu. • • • Permit me, in conclusion, to transmit to you the echo of certam great words, dating from the heroic age of Christian antiquity. One who remains at home experiences a, sort of shrinking from urging courage upon such a.s are setting out for a distant mission. He whom lam about to give you to hear had surely the right of address- Ing himself to a young soldier of Christ in a time of danger. Hear what Ignatiu's, loaded with chains, and conducted to Rome to perish there in the amphitheater, wrote to the youthful Polycarp, stationed in one of those posts of danger which are the greatest honor God can bestow on His servants. He was yet to seal his testimony therein with his blood.
… I require thee. in the name of the grace which thou hast received. to pnrsue faithfully thy course. and to exhort every man to be saved. Let thy support be constant. that God may support thee I Let thy charity never fail I Never be weary of praying, demanding e"ermore wisdom. Watch indefatigably. Speak to each one according as God ah:loll give it to thee to say. Bear the sufferings of all. Be a valiant soldier of Christ. The greater the pain the fairer the crown. As the wary pilot seeks the haven. ever seek thy God. Fight thy fight courageously. Thou hast before thee life everlasting. Be firm as the rock a'5ainst the billow. Remember that It becomes a great athlete to overcome undera temp. est of blows. Redeem the time and thereby win the time. He who, being invisible and eternal. has for us made Himself visible and a man of sorrows. having suffered all to save us.' This is the most beautiful farewell with which I can take leave of you."
M. Dieterlen, writing in the Journal des Mission8 EfJangeUques of the dis- gusting and immoral ceremonies-many of them secret-with which a. Bassuto youth, of eitl;er sex, is initiated into maturIty, remarks: .. The life of a young female Bassuto is yet to be written; it would explain, with elo- quence, why heathen women are. at first approach, so little interesting, why they are so lrl'OSS in appearance and in character, so little intelligent, and too often profoundly vic- ious. How many times my eyes have passed to and fro over a. group of heathen women to seek there a countenance bearing some reflection 01 a soul illuminated by a ray of in- telligence or of spirituality I I have sometimes remarked a head more expressive than the others. for the soul lives in spite of paganism and its turpitudes. It is not for nothing that it comes forth from the hands of God. But the impression which one gathers from the spectacle of a pagan auditory is that he is In the presence of some sparks burled un- der a heap or ashes which smothers them and which only a breathing from on high can revive."
As to the nature of these initiatory rites, no man is permitted to know a.nything.
.. What is actually known is. that things pass there not lIt to be spoken of; we have long known more of them than is supposed. but, as to explaining tbem, tbat Is another matter. The Cbristan women who have gone througb tbese mysteries sbake their head with a gril!ll.~. when-
"TILL HE COME." [Nov~
per a.lllmion ill made to them. And old Penelope, one of the best Christian women of &ssutoland, of whom I asked general information re81lecting this ceremony, answered me sadly and almost under her breath: • Do you see, DIY Child, that which is done there, a person who knows God would say that it is shameful; there are evil things which cannot even be mentioned.'
"In brief, the pagan initiation is a school of immorality, where the young girl loses what remained to 'her of innocence and self-respect. And it is her mother who couducts her thither, it is her grandmother who chaperons her, it is ~er father who authorizes it and defrays the costs of the ceremony I Where is that poetic and sentimental paganism, where is that state of nature from which certain philosophers would desire that Chtistianity should not set about lifting out the pagan peoples t .. These hideous and senseless cerem onies, however, which, if they ever had a meaning, are nOw but fragments which have long since utterly lost significance even to those who practice them, will fall. They cannot subsist indefinitely; the gospel and civilization will bring them to an end. The present paganism is a paganism in decay; it is coming to pieces by the very fact of its absurdity, notwithstanding the desperate tenacity with which, thus far, the Bassuto clings to it, as to the ark of their national salvation. Some happy day we shall assist at the most delightful collapse which the world has ever seen. When nothing remains but empty forms, the catastrophe is not very remote, and there is hope pf salvation for the people. "
Says the Evangelisch Luthe'l'i8ches Mi88ion8blatt : .. How earnestly has the Lord commeuded to us Prayer for Missions I When he says: •Pray the Lord of the harvest. that he will send forth laborers Into his harvest '-what is this, but a missionary prayer' which he has laid with plain words in our mouth f' And when He taught us •Our Father' as the prayer of His church, He has interwoven missions into it, so that they are to be a daily exercise for us, like the prayer for daily bread. For if we sincerely pray the first three petitions, it must be our earnest concJl'll, that the blaspheming of the name of God among the heathen may have an end, that on this account the kingdom of God also may be brought to them through the preaching of the gospeland that In alllands even unto the ends of the earth the will of God may be accomplished, so that the whole world may be full of his glory. Yes, the Lord's Prayer is a daily prayer for missions. "
"TILL HE COME."
By MRs. MERRILL E. GATES, NEW BRUN'SWICK, N. J.
NOT ours to know the day or hour, But ours to know that Thou wilt come in po~er; Ours to await Thy swift return, Ours to watch for Thee, while our bright lamps burn. Quickly, 0 Lord, assume thy power and glory great, Break through these starry heavens and claim millennial state!
Take crown and throne, faithful and true, Reign Thou on earth, the whole wide world subdue, Here, where by man Thou once wast slain, Here on this sin-stained earth in triumph reign. Hasten Thy glorious coming, Lord, nor long delay; We wait Thine Advent and the glad Millennial Day!
One thousand years with Thee as King!
o years of peace, what raptme shall ye bring!
Time's years for long have come and gone, But now we know your d.awn is drawing on. Oh, swiftly, swiftly onward roll, ye years of golden light, Oh, grand Millennial Years, break quickly on our sight!
Swiftly they come! Worker, awake; To the world's rescue for the Master's sake! Millions are yet to win. The night Is dark. The time is short., Urge, urge the fight! New millions must be won, to greet His world-wide sway, When Christ shall usher in the glad Millennial Day!
GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENOE
II.-GENERAL MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.
Africa.-Fighting the Arabs with their mated at nearly $400,000,000 annually. own weapons. The Arabs of Africa, espec- British trade is worth $125,000,000 of this ially in Uganda, have become so cruel, in- sum, while France claims as her share solent and obstructive to civilization and something like $100,000,000. The interest of Ohristlanity that a number of young Bel- Americans in Africa is so insignificant that gians and others have volunteered to fight it scarcely deserves mention. What bright them with carnal we~pons. Their friends and glorious visions will soon attract the are equipping them, and the movement is genius "of men to that last remnant of unspreading throughout Europe, especially in developed territory I Wit1lin the next five England. Oardinal Lavigerie has headed hundred years that entire continent will the crusade; in fact, he has been the prin- become tbe heritage of enterprise. Great cipal means of stirring up the people, and cities, huge manufacturing centers, will be he is receiving aid from all sources. In all found on its rivers, which resemble the the capitals of Europe he has met with Amazon and the Mississippi. Wheat fields, great enthusiasm. In London an associa- cotton fields, and coffee plantations will be tion has been formed for this purpose, with fonnd everywhere. Its forests of valuable the Prince of Wales and Commander Cam- timber will yield to the woodsman's ax, eron at its head. With his characteristic and saw-mills on every stream will make enthusiasm and benevolence, the King of the music of wealth and progress. Cables Belgium has promised half of all the ex- to the metropolis of Europe and America penses, and societies are formed in all parts will record the discovery of new gold mines of that plucky little kingdom to increase in the mountains and the prospects of the the amount and furnish men. The Pope crops on the plains. The savage aborigines contributes $60,000. Cardinal Sanfelice will be driven from their possessions or absends a valuable gold cross, presented to sorbed by the new civilization, and in the him for his care of the sick during an epi- streets of some prosperous city on the demic of cholera in Italy. The Protestant Niger, the Chadda, the Congo or the Zam- Congress, at Freiburg, have adopted strong bezi, on fete days, will be beard the" Marresolutions in favor of the movement and sellaise " and" Hail Columbia," or the stirmany volunteers are enrolled for military ring melody which informs us that John operations.-The African News. Brown's soul is marching on. Already a demand has been made for two transconti- -The future of Africa. Africa will tempt nental railroads. One is to have its westthe avarice of every race on the globe ern terminus at Monrovia, the capital of within the next century. Within the next Liberia, and its route will extend through five centuries it may become ODe of the Masina, Sokoto, Darfur, Abyssinia, and end great factors of civilization, crowded with on the eastern coast at the foot of the Red nationalities which may possibly hold the Sea. The other will begin at the mouth of balance of political power and dictate the the Congo and run through the heart of the policy of the rest of Christendom. It is the continent, already explored by Stanley, only large area on the globe that remains with an eastern terminus close to Zanzibar. unconquered. On its Mediterranean sea- All this reads like Utopia. But the latter coast are a few tangled tassels of the robe railroad project has already been seriously of civiliza.tion-Morocco. Algeria, Tripoli. considered, and it is declared by Stanley On the West is the struggling Republic of and other experts that it would pay a large Liberia,which has never received the credit interest on the in vestment from the start. it has so hardly earned. On the South the To be sure, it almost makes the brain reel British have captured a few square miles to think of the time as near at hand when with valuable harbors, and on the east are New York will hear from Oentral Africa by scattered hardy colonists with their herds telegraph, as we do from Dakota, of conof cattle. Still, Africa is comparatively tested elections and strikes in cities of a unknown as yet. Fifty years ago it was the million inhabitants, and .vhen it will be as Dark Continent; but travelers have re- attractive to spend a winter in some fashcently "xplored its inner depths in part, ionable heal th resort a few miles from Vicand come back with tales of inexhaustible toria Nyanza as it is now to make the tour resources, of mineral wealth, of a fertile of Europe; but the signs of the times foresoil capable of supplying breadstuffs to the cast these changes as likely to be wrought people of the whole planet. The merely before five more centnries shall have rolled tentative commercial relations with Africa into the past of history. The last unconwhich now exist have resulted so favor!l.bly quered spot on the earth will surrender to that pioneers are ali agog with excitement. the victorious eoaterprise of man, and Afri- The dream of the future is a golden one and ca, heretofore symbolized by nakedness and the prospect is alluring. The total value barbaric splendor, will be .. clothed upon" of exports and imports by the white men who live a.long its fringe of sea-coast is esti- with the robes ot a. Ohristllm civiliza.tion ana be admitted into the brotherhood of words of our church in these closing deca.dea nations. worthy ofa place in the councils of of the nineteenth century that Christ, the human progress.-The Herald, New York. Cbild of the Orient and the divine heir of her tribes and kingdoms, shall possess Hla -Missionaries for Central Africa. The de- inherita.nce. The Moslem world shall be pa.rture of Mr. T. H.Morris, Dr. Fisher, and open to the gracious entranceof theSaviour others to join Mr. F. S. Arnot's mission in and the triumphs of the gospel•.The spell Central Africa has been awaited with lively of twelve centuries shall be broken. That interest by many chnrches and cosgrega- voice from the Arabian desert shall- no tlOns throughout the country. Now the de- longer say to the chnrch of the living God. parture is a historical fact. Last'-'eek a Thus far and no farther. The deep and sad telegram was received from Mr. Arnot, who delusion which shadows the intellectual and was still at Benguela, stating that transport spiritual life of so many millions of our felinland was difficult. Thereupon Mr. and low-men shall be dispelled, and the blessed Mrs. Morris determined to leave their chil- life-giving power of Christ's religion sha.ll dren in England for the present. The last snpplant the dead forms and the outworn creed of Islam." day.. ot the devoted band in this country -Great changes at Bonny, in the Niger were happily spent, many friends commend- Mission. The worship of the Iguana is overing each and all to the God of all grace and thrown, the priest is a regular attendant a.t power. On Thursday last week a large fare- the house of God, and the iguana. itself conwell meeting was held in the Folkestone- verted into an article of food. The Juju road Gospel-hall, Walthamstow, and it was temple, which a few years ago was decofelt by many to be a very blessed season. rated with 20,000 skulls of murdered victims I found rottlng away in ruin and decay. I The party left the London Docks for Lis- passed through the grove which was forbOil on Saturday morning in the steamship merly the receptacle of so many murdered Gibraltar. In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Mor- infa.nts, and I found it had become the regris and Dr. Fisher there were: Messrs. Gall, ular highway from the town to the church, Thompson and Johnson, and Misses Davies and that the priest was now a baptized and Gilchrist. An inspiritmg meeting was Christian. At 11 o'clock I went ashore and held jnst before the ship left, twenty or addressed 885 worshipers, including the thirty friends being present. Among the king, the three former hea.then priests. melodies ,that were snngwas "Goye into all chiefs, and a multitude of slaves. and was the world," with its stirring and cheering thankful to ascertain that the work of conrefrain. "All power is given unto Me." version was still going on; for, in addition Afterward a prayer-meeting was held on to 648 persons already baptized, of whom 265 the green near the docks. the loved ones are commnnicants, there are over 700 at who had gone forth being earn<'stly com- Bonny alone who are now under instruction. mitted to the loving care of the Lord of the -Rev. W. Allan, West Africa. harvest. On the same ship were three American workers, also bound for spheres in Portuguese Advance. – Portngal is awakthe interior of Africa-Mr. Cotton and his ening to her presnmed rights In East Central Wife, the latter a doctor of medicine, and Africa. During the centuries of her nominal Mr. Lee. Our readers will, we are sure, join occupation she never gave a single missionary us in prayer for present and future blessing to Nyassaland. Britain, on the other hand. upon every member of both parties. since LiVingstone's discoveries, has been repre- sented by the Universities' Mission, the Estab- _co Watch the tightenmg grip of Christian lished and Free Churches of Scotland, several civilization upon the African slave trade, trading companies, and a large body of Chris- .which is the most hideous scandalofour cen- tian traders. Vast territories have likewise tury. and is almost entirely the work of Arab been explored by Englishmen. To this list the Mohammedans. Take a broad ont,!ook over following names should especially be added: the field where are gathered the momentous Bevs. P. W. Johnson and Alex. Hetherwick, interests involved in this Mohammedan M. A., Consul O'Neill, Mr. Bankin, Mr. J. T. problem, and let us have the prayers of Last, and 1I1r. Montague Ker. By the mission- Christendom in the interests of Christ's aries stations have been erected, schools buut, kingdom and its blessed reign. Within the tbe .language transcribed, and the natives memory of living men the Christian church taught agriculture and a variety of industries. was praying for open doors in Asia and It is now imminent that in the neighborhood ot through@utthe heathen world. To-day the these prosperous settlements bands of Catholic church is sending her missionaries through missionaries will be planted. In Algiers re- a thousand avenues into the heart of heath- cently, Cardinal Lavigerie, with imposing dem- endom. Let us have another triumph of onstrations, consecrated a batch of half a dozen prayer. If the church of Christ will march whose destination is the Shiril Highlands and around this mighty fortress of the Moham- also the banks of the lakes. The Cardinal un- medan faith, sounding her silver trumpets bhshinglyasserted the prerogatives of Portu- of prayer, it will not be long before. by some intervention of divine power, it will be Overtbrown. Let it be one of the watchgal from [the Zambezi to the Rovunna, and that his wants were few. He wore the Chinese Lake Bangweo)o, and eft'usively complimented dress, had no regular meals, drank only water, Portugal upon her spiritual fidelity to the dusky and lived on fruit with a little rice or millet. Angoni and Mgwangwara. . He aimed at translating his ideal Christ into reality. He wore long auburn hair, parted in Referring to the closed door on the East the middle, so as to resemble the pictures of Coast and at Uganda, the Cardinal extolled the Christ. Charitable people furnished him advantages of the Zambezi under Portugal's money for his refuge, and he never seemed to sway as the highway to the interior via Lake want fQr funds. He slept on a board or on the Nyassa, Stevenson Road, and Tanganyika. floor. Even in his last hours, being a deck This difficnlty is perplexing to the English and passenger on the El Porada, he refnsed to be Scotch residents, in addition to three others, transferred to the cabin, bnt the kindly captain viz.: the apathy of the British Government, some hours before his death removed him to a Arab hostility, and Portugnese obstructiveness. berth." It is plain to men of the type of Commander Cameron and Mr. H. H. Johnston that Britons I ndia.-Child Marriages. The arrival In on both sides of the Tweed will be compelled in a private capacity to retain the land already England of the gifted Rukhmabai from Bombay possessed. in order to qnalify herself for medical work among her sisters in India is another indication Mr. Cecil Rhodes will at once be joined by of the good time coming when the Hindu Captam Lngard on Lake Nyassa to defend the woman will be emancipated from her bonds and British missionaries and trading establish- disabilities. Rukhmabai's pathetic repudiation ments under the auspices of the lately char- or the Hindu marriage system has been intentered company. In prosecuting the combined sified by contemporary shocking disclosures in interests of civilization and Christianity for Bombay. In the Bombay courts of justice, above thirty years, upwards of £250,000 has Holkar's son-in-law was charged with cruelty been expended. It is monstrous that a country to his child·wife. The revolting facts adduced exerciSing a semi-civilizing policy only, should in evid_ce have excited strong public disgust trample rough-shod over promising fields. against the law which permits the existence Scotland, at least, is resolved to maintain every of a costom so iniqnitous. It was shown that foot of soil in her possession for the welfare of the accused was 47 years old and his wife 9, the defenseless tribes .-Our English Corre- and that he had previously been married 14 spondent. times. The father of the child admitted that he had sold the girl for 20 rupees a month. A Ch ina.-Remarkable Career of an Amer- few days before the trial the poor girl was seen on.the parapet of her house, intensely agitated, ican Missionary. The Department of Stale threathening to throw herself into the street has recei…ed from the legation at Pekin, China, below. To a native policeman. who hurried under dale of July 3, an account of the death Into the house to restrain her, the girl told him and extraordinary life-work of the Rev. J. that her husband had whipped her and vowed Crossett, an independent American missional'y to take her life if she failed to undo a knot in his in China. He died on the steamer El Porado, hair witkin five days. Unable to confirm the acen route from Shanghai to Tientsin, on June cusation of habitual cruelty the magistrate re- 21. He leaves a widow living at Schuylers- leased the defendant. ville, N. Y. In speaking of Mr. Crossett, Min- i.ter Denby couples his name with that of The case has nevertheless provoked indigna- Father Damien, and says: " ~lr. Crossett's life tion among the Hindus. It illustrates the out- was devoted to doing good to the poorest classes rageons wrongs whicn spring from existing of Chinese. He had charge of a winter refuge marriage laws and justifies the demand for for the poor at Pekin during several winters. Immediate reform. In the interest of social He would go out in the streets on the coldest life and the weal of common hnmanity, legisla- night, pick up destitute beggars and convey tion cannot long be delayed. An influential them to the. refuge where he provided them Hindn, the Dewan Ragunatha Rao, has made a with food. He also buried them at his own powerfnl protest against the prevalent mar- expense. He visited all the prisons, and often riage contract in India in the light of the Bom- procured the privilege of removing the sick to bay trial. He intreats the Indian Government his refuge. The officials had implicit confidence to display snfficient moral courage by proposing in him, and allowed him to visit at pleasure all remedial measures in order to rescne millions the prisons and charitable institutions. He was of Hindu women from a life which is not less known by the Chinese as the' Christian Bud- detestable than slavery itself. A paragraph dha. ' He was attached to no organization of from his letter says, .. British blood and money men; he was a missionary pure and simple, have ftowed like water in efforts to stamp ont devoted rather to charity than proselytism. He slavery in other countries; yet in India the literally took Christ as his exemplar. He trav- British Government sits by with folded hands eled all over China and the East. He took nO while a father is permitted with impunity to sell care for his expenses. Food and lodging were in marriage a danghter of eight years to a man vohmtarily furnished him; innkeepers would of 47, already rendered notorious by his mar- take no pay from him, and private persons ital trranDf. ThiS cbild-wifeis then se~re~ated were ~lad to flntertalll him. It mllst be sli~ from the companionship of her own sex, and is of custnm. We all have the will for freeso persecnted and terrorized that, child as she dom, but not the power. We look to our is, she is driven to attempt suicide rather than men fnrassistance, but that simply amounts continue in such cruel bondage. And yet the to dependinl: on a rotten reed. British magistrate is compelled to ~tate in open court that the law gives him no power to re- .. It cannot be denied tioat this enforced strain revolting oppression of this character, as system of secluslOn is inconsisteut with the it is justified by law." It is unnecessary to re- divine laws, and it is therelore not by mark that an epistle of this nature, which choice that we assume a custom by which clearly reflects the opinions of an advanced and we are completely shut out of tbe beautiful enlighteued section of the Hindu community, world wherein the Almighty has created us will hasten the abolition of a crying abomina- to live and admire His works. It is idle to tion lying at the very root of Indian national think that our Indian women are content Iife.-Our English Oorrespondent. with their treatment; they have resigned themselves to their fate. Our rights ha.ve -Zenana seclusion. To overcome the sec- been utterly ignored, while our men have ond gigantic evil of Hindu tradition, zenana not forgotten to prefer preposterons claims Isolation, the English spcieties are being on us, so as to render us powerless to plead nobly reinforced with funds and helpers. on our behalf. We are the weaker sex, and A growing array of educational, medical, instead of being helped and respected on and evangelical organizations are destined this account, we are i1I-treated, tortured to break down the barrier which deprives and repudiated as thongh we were enemies Hindu women of the rights and privileges of the human race." of social life. The urgency of woman's work for the deliverance of Hindu females The continued favor which the manifold was never more vividly realized than now. branches of zena.na operations comma.nd in Of the 100,000,000 of womell in India., only England and the UnitedStates constitutes one in 800 is under instruction. Th", state the most effectively sympathetic answer to of widowhood, which, in itself, is one of this piercing cry from an empire of spiritual appalling sadness, has the additional burden darkness. For the past year, 1888, tile of austere confinement. There are 23,000,- Zenana Bible and Medical Mission report 000 belonging to this class, or about everl' an income of £11,500, the largest raised durfiftll female in India. Every third Brah- ing the last eight years. The Baptist zemanee woman is a widow. Mrs. Duthie of nana roll of workers is now 42 lady zenana Nag-ercoil, Southern India, says that the visitors,30 assistants and 114 native Bible widow question in its many painful phases women and teachers, and the number of is the despair of all well-wishers of India. zenanas regularly visIted is 1,000, and of pupils receiving daily lessons 1,250. With In publishing portions of a letter written these are afliliated some 50 schools, conby a native lady of Calcutta the London taining 1,650 scholars. In the emancipation Times has rendered eminent service to In- of the women ofIndia, China and the Orient dian missions by making widely known the it is yet, as the Rev. R. W. Thompson,of the nature of the degrading customs of zenana London Missionary Society observed, "emimprisonment. The burning earnestness, phatically the seed time and not the harvest which pervades her words cannot fail to time. " Nevertheless, the discoura.gement, touch the hearts of Christians in every self-denial, persecution and waiting shall land. Says the writer: "This horrible cus- be exchanged for the long sunny day of tom of purdah has been enforced upon us reaplDg.-OUr English Oorrespondent. through the jealons cruelty of our men, and is a proof of ignorance. Our men are -In India there are missionary schools apparently not as yet ci vilized to such an in which a Christian influence is exerted, extent as to be able to repose implicit faith and also government schools which seek to in the fidelity of their women. Thoug-h we be neutral in matters of religion. But the are by nature extremely adverse to thissys- result in the case of the latter is irreligion, tern of exclusion. yet it has been so blindly and hence the young men they seud forth. and cruelly enforced upon us by many who while intellectually improved, a.re insuborhave either no idea or conscience to realize dinate, headstrong and without a sense of the horrible outra~e they commit on nature moraloblig;ation. 80 obvious has been this that we cannot help it, bntsuccumb to this fact that at a. great representative meeting cruel treatment in the best way we can. of Moslems it was, after deliberation, re- We are too weak to rebel against the in- solved that in 8011 places where they had no schools of their own the young men of their junctions of the stronger sex, no matter community should be sent to miSSionary how ignominious they may be. Yet when schools rather than to Government schools. we think of some of our sisters' struggles Tbis was by a vote of 170 to 30. Many most for freedom, we cannot help but regard the respectable Hindussre of the same mind. world as a picture of hell. Our men enjoy all the freedom of the bird, bnt love to keep Italy.-··Evangelical Schools at Fiaa. Rev. their women in seclusion as tortured slaves T. W. H. Jacob (formerly English chaplain at Turin), who baa lately had the privilege of. visiting and thoroughly inspecting the schools deavor to keep the unity of the body in the carried on by ]fiss Carrnthers at Pisa, sends to bonds or peace. All unordained missionaries ns some details of his visit. After describing who shall become pastors will be expected to what he saw in the variolls classes he eays : seek ordination from the ordained missionaries already in the tleld . .. Here was a glorious sight I More than 640 children being trained in clear gospel truth. -Protestant Missionaries and Lepers. In Here, in Italy, the land of darkness and snper- a time of popular excitement there is always a stltlon, is this Christian lady working alone, in danger of allowing oneself to be carried on the feeble and delicate health (the last eight weeks top of the wave. It is easy and it is pleasant, actually contlned to her room), yet standing but we sometimes find we are carried too far. tlrm and steadfast to the glorions gospel, and in Jnst now there is that danger with regard tothe the strength of the Lord propagating its blessed great stir that has been created by the heroism trnths. She does thls not only by means of the of Father Damien, that noble Belgian priest schools, but hy Bible and tract distribntion who has jnst tallen a martyr to his Christ .like work among the factory girls. Bible-classes and devotion to the lepers. It would be all right night-schools. She has gained euch a power were it not that by so doing we may intlict inover the hearts of the people that the very place justice on others. We would yield to none in is called' Inghilterra' (or England) by the par- onr admiration of the noble Damien, but we ish priest himself. cannot hide from ourselves the fact that for many years before he was heard of in this con- .. Should any readers feel moved to help this nection, yea, even before he was born, there efl'ort they may commnnicate with Mrs. Filby, were devoted missionaries of the Protestant 10 Chapel Field Gardens, Norwich. Above all, faith ministering to the wants of lepers in pray for this servant of God and her work for India and elsewhere. Some of these, it has mm. For OVer 20 years she has labored in it. been my privilege to know, and, thongh their Hnndreds of Protestan,t children have gone names have never appeared in the public prints forth from these schools to carry the good seed or been passed from mouth to mouth in Lendon throughont the land. Who can tell what a drawing-rooms, they are written in heaven, and share the present tIOO may have lu the evangeli- Jesus will one day say unto them, .. Inasmuch zation of Italy f "-The OMi.ttan (London). as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it nnto Me." KOrea.-The Korean Umon MiSSIon has been established and issues a circular as follows Let us tlrs t mention the Moravian brethren, from Toronto: who, as far back as 1819, were working amongst lepers in Sonth Africa. In J annary, 1823, Basis of faith: All connected with the mis- Brother Leitner and his English wife entered sion, whether at home or abroad, must hold and the leper settlement of Hemel en Aarde (Heaven practice the fundamental trnths that form the and Earth), .. probably so called because of the basis of the Evangelical AIliance. pecnliar character olthe locality -8 narrow val- ley, afl'ording no prospect beyond the rocky Basis of union: A prayer-meeting to be boundaries that hem It in and the strip of sky held every Saturday evening to wait npon the above." For sixyears did Brother Leitner con- I,ord for gnidance and blessing. tinue his arduous and Christ-like work in that· terrible abode of living death, a work that re- Basis ofaupport: There shal! not be any sembled in most respects that of Damien, and, collections or personal solicitations of money. like him, he fell at his post, though, happily, not a leper. The following is the touching ac- No debts will be incurred by the mission. ('<ount of his death, which we tlI:d in a small All who go out as missionaries shall go in de- tract by Bishop La Trobe, entitled, .. Self-dependence npon God for temporal supplles, with votedness in the service of Christ": .. On Easthe clear nnderstanding that the mission does ter Monday, April 20, 1829, having preached not guarantee any iucome whatever, and that it with great earnestness on the snbject of the will ouly minister to those concerned with it, season, he proceeded to administer the rite of as the funds received from time to time will al- baptism to one of the converts. During the low. prayer offered up over the candidate his voice Executive Oommittee: An Execntive Com- was observed to waver, and, while in the very mittee of twelve members shall be chosen by act of baptizing, as he was nttering the words, the subscribers from among their own number, 'Into the death of Jesns I baptize thee,' his and all vacancies in this Committee, as they hand suddenly sank, and, canght in loving arms, may occnr, shall be filled In a similar manner. he was conveyed out of the church amid the A qnorum of seven of this Committee shall have lond weeping of the whole congregation. Beanthority to transact all business in connection fore medical aid conld be obtained his redeemed with the mission. spirit had taken its tlight into the mansions of Mi88ionaries.' Duly qualified candidates for eternal bliss, at the age of fifty-nine years." missionary labor, whether ordained or unor- The Leitners were followed by Brother and dained, and without restriction as to denomina- Sister Tietze, who remained in the settlement tion, will be accepted and sent ont, as the Lerd nearly ten years, when :Brother Tietze too may may open up the way. Organization in the field: While freedom of conscience will bl! allowed to all missionaries in the organizing of churches among their con- 'YIlrts, it will be expected that they shall enhave been said to have tallen at his post. Here that of the preaching bishop, using that word in its accurate and not in its English sense. His is what Bishop La Trobe says othim: "In this bllsiness is to make, to inspire and to guide na- tive Christian evangelists. It is from these, devoted spirit Brother Tietze labored tor nearly and these only, that the apostle can come who will make converts by tribes and nations, and len years, remaining at his post till he became pending his arrival they can do the work, which it is sought to have done through cheap so dangerously ill that three times he seemed missionaries, infinitely better. They have no languages to learn; they understand the to breathe his last. He, however, recovered thoughts as well as the ntterance of their conn- trymen; they can rouse, with their natural gift suJl!.ciently to be removed to Genadendal, where of poetic eloqllence, the enthusiasm for which the European sighs in vain. They are beginhe lingered in much sulfering till April 18, 1838, ning to be counted in thonsands, they do not' cost one-fourth of the cheapest Ellropeans, and when he fell gently asleep in Jesus." Next they have often a burning faith which puts that of ordinary Christians to shame. All they came Brother and Sister Fritsch, who were fol- need is wise gnidance, occasional stimulns and, npon points, strict disciplinary control. That lowed by Brother and Sister Lehman. It was control need not last forever, but at present it is indispensable. The native preacher, often to while the Lehmans Were in charge that the set- my mind an admirable man, and occasionally a mo~t gifted one, haa still the fanlts of all early tlement was moved from Hemel en Aarde to CODverts, a tendency to bark back on old super- stitions, a liability to moral weakness, especial- 'Robben Island in 1846. These devoted laborers ly as regards pecnniary alfairs, a tendency to exaggerate morsels of Christian doctrine whkh were followed in turn by the Stoltzes, Brother might easily lead to a development of singular and dangerous heresies. Like the native judge Wedeman (who was once for two years without and the native soldier and the native revenue officer, he needs still the help of the stronger a visit from any of his brethren on the main_ European, who knows instinctively the prob- lems which perplex him, and is, when the case land), the Knsters, and Brother John Taylor. is fairly before him, incapable of swerving. To my thinking, the true white missionary is a At present, as is pretty generally known, man who is the head of a group of preaching natives, who coufers with them every day, who the Moravians have an interesting leper home perpetually stimnlates their zeal, whose con- trol, thonghnot obtrusive, is always felt, who is near Jernsalem, where there are men and the personal friend, the spiritnal director and the conscience, of them all. There are seven women who for Christ's sake are in hourly at- hnndred Protestaut missionaries in India. Snp- ply each of them with one hnndred native tendance on the snlfering inmates of that insti- preachers, costing, say, £1,500 a year only tor each group, and we have an evangelizing tntion. force of 70,000 men, directed by able offi- cers, fnlly aeclimatized, with no language to ac- In India the missionaries who minister to qnire and no prejndices to unlearn, gifted with natural eloquence and fnll of the zeal for the exlepers do not need to come into the same close tension of the faith which belongs to early con- verts." and continnous contact with them as did Father -Literary Missionaries. .. The Mission- Damien and the Moravians, and yet some mis- ary in Relation to Literature" is the title of a paper prepared by Dr. H, W. Weitsionaries and native Christians have done brecht, C. M:. S., Punjab, and read at the World's Missionary Conference in London things as tryiug to the flesh, and which must last year. Mission Boards and missionaries will do well if they adopt mauy of his sughave required as much ot the heroic spirit of gestions.
self-sacrifice, as anything we have heard of. One of the tremendous problems that is still awaiting solution iu every great mission Mr. Kirke, a humble, earnest soul, but little field is how to provide stimulating Christian literature for the native cburch" and for known except to those with whom he came into evangelistIc ends. Every mission in India. has madll some attempt to solve It ; but th~, immediate contact, took charge of a new asy- lum for lepers in the Himalayas; and on one oc- casion when one oftheiumates died, he, with his own hands, prepared the poor body tor bnrial and then, taking it up in his arms, anli carrying it to the grave, bnried it himself, being nnable to get anyone to help him, even from amongst the lep- ers. I stood beside a man" full ofleprosy," and as I spoke with him the poor fellow moved sever- al times as If in pain. "You are not comforta- ble," said a native Christian doctor who was close behind me, and suiting the action to the wor!!, he went behibd the sulferer, and, placing both arms round him, he raised him gently till he got him into a comfortable position, and then with a "There, is that better' " he left him arid went back to his place behind me. This native gentleman had been a Mohammedan, and was dressed in spotless white muslin, while the poor leper was dressed in the coarsest of clothing, and was in a deplorable condition. 11 Was, I thought, a beautiful illustration of "the love of Christ constraineth us."-W. C. BAlLEY in Word and World. – -The True Missionary Method. Mr. Mere- dith Townsend brings to a close an article in The Oontemporarll Review on •• Cheap Mis- sionaries " as follows, and his ideas in the mat- ter do not differ from those having in charge our American mission work in those conntries : "I contend that there is for the white mission- arT in A,sia and lodia bqt >De natqral place,
most successful has much to learn. Home economical both of men and money, and at boards show an inexplicable reluctance in the same time secure the ends sought. making provision for the support and equipment of missionaries whose sole business Speaking of the distribution of mission shall be that of creating and pushing Christ. literature, the writer calls atteution to a ian literature into circulation. Other work very practical matter when he says, "What is expected from men who do this. The con- we need in the distribution of our mission sequence is they can only give fragmeuts literature is that commercial principles of their time and strength to this all-im- should be more fully applied to it. For inportant task. They have not leisure to be- stance, iu the get-up of books. Such matcome masters of the various vernaculars, ters as the best arrangement of the titlenor to study the pec·uliar tastes and mental page, the best style of binding • . • and peculiarities of those for whom they the various minuti.., of typography and a write. hundred other things, demand attention. Again in the sale-room,showing up thestock Dr. Weitbrecht emphasizes the need of at without exposing it to damage from glare. least one literary missionary for each lan- weeding out old stock, advertising new arguage area. His work will be .. to watch the rivals . . . all this and much more has needs of his province, to inquire after liter- to be considered with care and vigilance. ary workers, native a.nd European; to sug- • • • The Church of Christ must enlarge gest to them the part that each shall take, her ideas of missionary work. We need layto unify and press forward the production men acquainted with the book trade,yet full of Christian books iu each of the great lan- ofa desire to win souls,who will devote themguages ot India." The writer does not raise selves, with no thought of wordly gain, on the question whether each society should the same footing as other missionaries, to have its own literary missionary in each of the work of pushing the sales of mission litits language areas, or whether several soci- erature in Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, Allaeties working in one area should unite in habad and Lahore without neglecting the "evolving" and supporting such a worker. many opportunities for direct evangeliza.- If wisely done, the latter would be far more tion that will come in their way."
I1I.-MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD-FIELD.
Ohina, inlluenced by national prejudice, but by an impartial judgment upon his acts, may be VALUABLE communication from inferred from a letter of the Missionary Bishop Rev. George W. Wood, D.D.: of the English Church in China to the Arch- bishop of Canterbury, In which he says: • It is G1I:NESEO, N. Y., July 27, 1889. right that the friends of Christian missions, on DEaR EDITORS: Among my newspaper clip- both sides of the Atlantic, should know how pings of past years I lind the following highly much they are pre-eminently indebted for the ill terestlng correspondence, in connection with Christian element in the wording of the treaties, the treaty made by our Government with China to the hearty zeal, sympathy and co-operation in 1858, between the Hon. William B. Reed, the of his Excellency William B. Reed, ably second- U. S. Commissioner and the American mis- ed by his Secretary of Legation and Interpreter, sionaries. I find no allusion to Mr. Reed in Dr. Williams, and the Rev. W. A. P. Martin- Liggin's recent work, "The Great Value and names well known in connection with the· mis- Success of Foreign Missions," Is not this tes- sionarywork in China.' " timony to the service of Mr. Reed in negotiat- Ing the Important treaty of 1858 with China and We can only find room for Mr. Reed's reply: of his noble commendation of the work of Christian missions in China, worth perpetuat- "LEGATION Oli' THE UNITED STATES, } ing in the pages of THE MISSIONARY REVIEW On Board the Minnesota, oll·Wusung, Oli' THl!: WORLD Y "The Journal of Commerce (New York) pub- November 6, 1858. lished an interesting correspondence between "GENTLEMEN: I thank you cordially for your some American missionaries in China and the words of approval and farewell. There are Hon. William B. Reed, United States Commis- those in my distant ·home who will be prouder aioner to that empire. The Journal says: of kind words, and wishes, and prayers from "The missionaries acknowledge with grati- you, the ministers of religion, than of any tude and high consideration his successful efforts political honors I can carry back. For them, in behalfofour common Christianity, by procur- and for myself, 1 thank you. Ing the insertion in tlie treaty of a clause which "It is not always that a policy which restless provides for a full toleration of the Christian people think so ungrateful as neutrality, comr<lligion throughont that vast empire. That in mands approval-and when 1 think oCthe fever- ish condition ·of the public mind ID China this making this acknowledgment they were not time last year, it is matter oC wonder that health and equanimity should be so soon
· restored_nd my countrymen, I believe, with- .. I went to the East with no enthu~laBm as
out exception, should admit that the course missionary enterprise. I come back with the pursued was the right one. tlxed conviction that it is, uncier Providence, the great agent of civilization; and I feel it my .. For this, credit is mahily due to the instruc- dnty to add that everywhere in Asia and Africa, tions of the Governmeut at home, and to the among the Kalllrs in Natal, on the Continent Of wide discretion and thorough support which, India, among the forests of Ceylon, and over from first to last, the President has e:iven me. the vast expanse of China, the testimony to the Buccess and zeal of our countrymen, as mis. .. In my dispatches homeward, I have spoken sionaries of troth, is earnest and concurrent. of my high obligations to the American mis- I heard It everywhere and from high au- sionaries in China, without whose practical aid thority." I could have done little, and to whose good example, making a deep and favorable impres- India.. sion on the Chinese wind, what is called diplomacy owes much. A SUGGESTIVE LETTER_ H.UDA, C. P., June 15. 1889. .. The missionary is never by his own act in trouble here. He is never importunate for MB. CAINE has tried to prove the uDfruit_ assistance, or clanlOrous for redress. He is fulness of missions and the unfaithfulnes. never querulous; and your kind address shows of missionaries generally_That the wa.ys that he is ready to do a public servant more and means of carrying on the Lord's work than jnstice. and to give him unsolicited words in foreign lands, or that the workers them- of generous approval when his work is done. selves could be improved and bettered, no one will deny. .. When the American negotiations were in progress at Tientsin, the Impel'ial Commis- It is useless to break down and not to re- sioners, of their own accord, offered to concede build, and it is equally vain to treat for a to missionaries the privilege of free access to disease without knowing the cause of it_ all parts of the country of China. Honorable :Sow the question is. "Is money the root of as was this testimonial, I could not accept it, the evil Y" "Is thereno other alternative Y" for various reasons-the controlling one being I believe there Is. In this country one oC that it involved the recognition of classes the greatest stumoling-blocks in the way of among my countrymen which I could not missionaries, and one of the most formid- admit. The missionary, the merchant, the abie obstacles towards the spread of Chris- scientitlc explorer, should share the same prlvi- tianity, is CASTE. It Is the missionary's le~e. They do so now, and I look forward to mountain of difficulty and is not to be the early day, when uuder the providence of easily overcome. But how can we expect God, with an improved state of feeling, invig- snccess to attend our preaclling against orated loyalty, and sense of obedience to law, this terrible evil, when the same curse, which creates as wany duties as privileges- though under a different, and therefore Americans shan pass the opened gates of the more subtle, form, is lea.vening our own so- mysterious empire, alike doing good, obeying cieties r I write cautiousiy because it isa law and giving no evil example. sore point. It is right and proper that a body of people entrusted with funds tor the .. Every missionary to whom I have men- propagation of the gospel in heathen lands tioned the offer which was made to me, and should have a voice In the choice of their my reasons for declining it, approves what I own representatives; but are they bound did. to select only their own countrymen and converted heathen r We see in this land .' Permit me, gentlemen, with renewed thanks missionaries from Great Britain, America to you and all my missionary friends-and I and other parts of the Christianized and extend them to those devoted and accomplished civilized world working in concert, and women whom I have seen here laboring in the upon almost the same footing, with well- great cause of Christian education-to express educated and high-toned moral Christian my earnest wish for your welfare and success natives. This is good, and a true and in China, and for what to me just now seems powerful exposition of Christianity. But the greatest happiness this world can give, a why is such manifest distinction made be- return to your friends at home, and to that tween the English and Americans and distant land of whose institutions one becomes Anglo-Indians and Enrasians! Why are prouder every day he lives, and which he loves the latter made to feel that they are looked better and better every hour of his life, at home down upon and despised by the former rAre and abroad. they not equally related to each other on Christian principles; and, as regards na- " Very faithfully, your friend, tionality, more closely connected to us than "WILLIAM B. REED. the natives of the country r Yet Isay, with- out fear of contradiction, that the same op- "To the Rev. Messrs. Nelson, Mills, Barton, portunities are not afforded them. It ap- Lamballo, Carpenter, Gayley and Macy, pears to me that any person, whatever hia no- Shanghae." After his return to America Mr. Reed ad- dressed the merchants of Philadelphia, as fol- lows:
11lS~10NA1l.'Y'ooaR1tSl'oNnENC:d FROM ALL
tlonalitll, haVing tke qual(ftcati01lB to fulfill anll But this is not all. Lack of unity to a deposition worthilll, is entitled to tke jtill privileges the (,.f/lC<I or appointment gives. But an- plorable degree exists among the ditl'erent glo-IndJans and Eurasians are handicapped. Is It considered that mentally they are un- missionaries of anyone society. We are not fit f Have they not brain power equal to 80 Hinduor Parsi, who obtain, under our so- so much surprised, though that is bad cieties, appointments from which-the others are debarred f We see them filling admira- enough, where the difference arises from a bly positions of honor and of trust in Government service; and it is only reasonable sect.arian spirit; but to have co-workers, to conclude that were equal opportulllties for training In the Lord's work open to them, co-wrangling, to have division in the ranks, with an outlook of being treated with the same respect and cousideration 80S workers cannot be buta source of weakness and uufrom home holding similar positions, much increase of work and reaping of fruit would profitableness. result. And why, The missiouaries who come from abroad have not ouly to spend Verily we need to pray to be made one in t.he time but strength and money upon a foreign language, and have to learn the habits and Father, and in His Son, and in one another, cnstoms of the country, whereas most of those on the spot who would offer themselves and to pra.ywith the intention of practicing for the Master's service are acquainted with these things, and would be in a posi- this spirit, that the world may know that tion to actively and successfully engage in work within six months. There are men the Father sent the Son, and loves them as and women here who would be only too glad to devote their Iives to this important work, He loves the Sou. W. E. C. but who couldnot associate themselves With those who would snub and sneer, their only [We print the above suggestions because fault being that they are born in this country, or that their skin is of 80 darker hue. the writer, by his remarkable success, has This is no new question; but it is none the Jess a preSSing one. I do not say that there won the right to be heard. He is no captious are noexceptions, thank God there are I but the admission of these upon an equal footing critic, but a workman needing not to be has been only after an exhlbition of jealousy and selfishness on the part of those sent out ashamecl.-EDs.] by the societies. It seems strange that they can engage inaU kinds of Christian labor and [WE regard the following movehave the <IOndMcerlding approval of the societies' representati ves as being fully capable ment as one of the most startling of undertaking the work in hand without movements of our day, and we are the manifestation of mnch iIl.feeling until the shelved ones venture to express that glad to record it as a matter of the they need, as weH as their self-opinionated overseers, a house to live in, food to eat and history of modern missions.-EDS.] clothes to wear; and that it costs as much to support four of them as it does to provide THE ARABIAN MISSION. for four of the others. This is caste-horri- Organized 1889. Undenominational. ble caste-a child of pride, and the SOoner it .. Oh, that Ishmael might live bifore Thee!" is cast out of societies the better for mis- Syndicate of……….. . sions generally. Subscriptions payable quarterly, in advance. Subscribers may change or cancel their sub- I refer to no particular society, workers, scriptions at any time if necessary. or places specially. Bombay Presidency, Fiscal year begins October 1, 1889. Fnll Central India, Central Provinces and the financial statement will be mailed subscribers at Northwest Provinces, all tell the same sad the close of every fiscal year. story. It is 80 shame, a. crying shame, that lIuch 80 state of affaira should exist I Mav PLAN. the time speedily come when all these terrible barriers and hindra.nces shall be thrown We, the undersigned, believing ourselves to down, a.nd when righteous jUdgment, with- be divinely caHed npon to engage in pioneer out partiality, shall &"uide the choice of mission work in some Arabic-speaking conn· worker", try, and especially in behalf of Moslems and slaves, do at the ontset recognize the foHowing facts: li'irst.-The great need of, and encouragement for, this work at the present time.
Second.-The fact that hitherto comparatively little has been done distinctively in the chan- nels Indicated.
Third.-Tbe non·existence of such a mission under the charge of American Church Boards generally.
Fourth.-Tbe general financial inability of these Church Boards to. organize such a mission and send individuals to snch fields in addition to the work they have already assumed.
Therefore, in order that the ohject desired may be realized we agree to the following plan which is hereby adopted: FirBt.-This missionary mO"l"ement shall be known as The Arabian Mission.
Second.-The field, so far as at present it is possible to be determined, shall be Arabia and the adjacent coast of Africa.
Third.-Selected by and associated with the
C6RR1!:SPONbENCll: fROM: ALL PAR'l'S. tN"o~
underSigned shall be a Committee of AdVice, Korea. composed of Cour contributors, to assist in advancing the interests of this mission. A LETTER of friendly criticism.
Ji'oorth..-In view of the fact that this mission Two things concerning Korea in the MISSIONis of necessity undenominational in its peraon- ARY RBVIEW OF THE WORLD for September, nel and working,contributions are solicitedfrom call for remark. One is the statement that" The any and all to whom this may come, without predominant religion is Buddhism, though there reference to denominational adherence. are some Confucianists and Shintoists." The caSA is rightly stated in the paper of Prof. Hul· Fij1h.-The amount reqnired to carryon the bert in the same numbe,·:" Buddism still work of this mission will be the sum necessary struggles for existence. . •. But for many cen to meet the eqnipment and working expenses of turies the people have been devoted Confucianthe individuals approved of and sent to engage ists. . . ." Prof. Hulbert is, of course, hein tile work of this mission. No debt Shall be cause of his three years' residence in the counincurred and no salaries be paid to other than try, well qualified to spe~k. As he intimates missionaries. Buddhism is not the regnant belief. Almost its only adherents are the monks, who are intrnst- Bi:tth.-Tbe funds necessary for carrying on ed with the gnardianship of the king'sfortresses, the work of this missiou shall be raised upon a and who find in the fact that, as thus doing sIndicate plan. according to which yearly snb- garrison duty, they draw food from the royal scriptions shall be solicited in amounts of from garrisons, compensation for the low position $5.00 to $200.00, the subscribers of like amounts socially they are compell<,d to take. I think Dr. to constitute a syndicate with such organization Pierson is ri~ht in saying that there are traces as sball be desirable. of Sllintoism, as I have vi.ited temples which certainly have some closer affiliations with that Seventh .-The fnnds necessary tor carrying on system than with Buddhism, Certainly, howthe work of this mission shall be solicited and ever Confucianism, while not the only religion, secured according to the following subscription is b; far the most important and is almost uniform : versal in Korea. The sacred books are not the Vedas, but the classics of Confucins and Men~ Ist.-The amount subscribed shall be so much cius. per year. Prof. H1llbert has given several reasons for 2d.-The amonnt thus subscribed shall be the persistence of Confucianism, having refer" payable quarterly, in advance. ence, I suppose, especially to Korea. These reasons are: (ll it,s basis on respect for parents; 8d.-The year shall begin October 1, 1889. (2) its freedom from ecclesiasticism; (8) tbe con- 4th.-It is desired that the amount sub- sequent freedom from drain upon the purs" of scribed shall not interfer6 with. tkeindividua!'8 the people; and (4) its appeal to family pride, regular derwminational contributions to for- or .. clannishness." Tllese reasons apply of eign mis8i()Tl8. course to its existence wherever it is found. Butoverand beyond aU these there is a special 5th.-Subscribers sign with tbe understanding reason for its continuance in Korea. It might that they shall be at Uberty to change or cancel have possessed aU tbe foregoing characteristics their subscriptions at any time ifProvidence so and yet have failed in a particular conntry to dictates. maintain its supremacy or even its existence. Tbisspecial reason is theprevalenceofthe.tudy 6th.-In accordance with the above I agree to of the Cbinese literature. Korea is bilingual. contribute the sum of – – dollars a year for While all, from the Kiug: down, speak Korean, the work of The Arabian Mission. Signed, the language ofliterature and ofcourt documents is Chinese. The latter is the language of culture, Eigkth.-Of the undersigned the first party and occupies just the position of Latin in Roger shal! be Treasnrer, and have general oversight Bacon's time in England. orthe interests of the mission at' home and as such shall render an annual statement, while the Presumably mandarins are made and promotmissionaries in the field shall have the direction ed for, their proficiency in this tongne. Examof those interests abroad. inations for admission from the ranks of pess- antry to those of mandarins are in Chinese. Ninlh.-lIissionaries shall associate them- The educated classes speak Korean and write selves in the work with the mission already Chinese. There is no lIteratnre, that is, no established in that field, to which mission and classic. in the Korean. The science of the counits board the brethren sent are most cordially try is Ghinese, and the sacred bookS are precommended. served in that character. Probably half the male population can read and write both Chi- Tenth.-It is understood that this plan is, nese and the vernacular, a large proportion do either eqnally well, since only in this way can with the consent of contn"bntors, subject to they reach the heights of mandarinship, which is the haunting dream Df every Korean. such change as may be necessary or advisable for the advancement of the desired object.
Signed, J. G. LANSING, JAJI[RS CANTINE, S. M. ZWElIIER. N. B.-Please fill out the blanks in No.6 and return to J. G. Lansing, Treasurer, New Brunswlck,N.J.
188f1;1
Bence tbe !OUrces of Confnclanlsm and Its Iy a greater readiness to embrace it. Among tenets are always before tbe people, and In the masseS there is no affection for COnfncianreading and learning this mass of literature ilm barring the way to the entrance of Christhe liUrati imbibe along with Confucian tenets tianity. Another cheeTing fact apropos of the more or less of that intense conservatism which present discnssion is that the eleemosynary Is the characteristic of the Chinese people. Since then only Confncian literatnre is read-f work of our missionaries In "Cho Son" has barring ont the cheap native .. stuff" (short the sanction olthe Government. The kingdom stories oChalf-dime novel caliber)-it ilt no won- which six years ago was shnt in from all light der thatin the" Hermit Klne;dom " the exclusion has now as a part of the national government of sources of information concerning other re- the care of a Presbyterian hospital! Remem, ligions adds power to other reasonS for the per- bering that it is necessary, for the sake of the eeverance of Confucianism there. converts, for Christianity to woi-k down through society, as well as up, how Providential and Prof. Hulbert has done good service in re- how encouraging seem the snccess of Dr. Allen marking that one encouragement for missions in evoking an interest in such an institntion, in Korea is roun~ in the fact that Confucian- and of Dr. Heron for maintaining tbat Interest ism is not really a religion, there. It is rather in the very palace of the King, by their profesa custom. It does not among the masses grasp sional skill. Firm friends of all the missionthil emotions and sway the WIlls. It is also to aries are found among mandarins of high rank. be noticed, that this system's grip is less firm as .. Checks" may occur, but judicious conservawe proceed downward from mandarin to cool- tism on the part of our workers will undoubtie. Pride of position and of family tends to in- edly work good resuits. tensify mandarin opposit ion to Christianity. In the lower ranks there is less reluctance to [Rev.] GEO. W. GILlIon, examine the truths of our faith, and consequent- Late of Government School, Seonl, Korea.
IV.-INTERNATIONAL DEP.IRTMENT.
The Missiona.ry in the Midst of Poverty, bread, and often do nut know how future wantsare to be supplied. They BY REV. CYRUS HAMLIN, D.D.* suffer from want and from oppres- sion. "The poor and him that hath IT is the destiny of most mission- no helper" are inseparable terms. aries to witness great displays of They first of all are disposed to give wealth, but to come into close and ear to a message of hope and deliverdaily relations with poverty. Unto ance. There may at first be no apthe poor the gospel is preached. This prehension of sin 01' of spiritual want bl'ief assertion of our Lord is signifi-' or spiritual deliverance. Very narcant of the condition of the race and row and eat·thly views may govern the resultant attitude toward the the first movements toward the gosdivine message. It is divided into rich pel, but they are powerful enough to and poor. A certain number have bring numbers of the poor to heal' all that heart could wish. "They are and to recei~e the gt'eat salvation. notin trouble as other men." "Their eyes stand out with fatness." They Very often one of the first and most prosper in the world. They increase keenly felt results IS greater strinin riches. As in the days of Asaph, gency in the means of satisfyingdaily so now the rich are not generally the wants. Hostility is raised, the poor God-fearing, the devout, the benevo- believer is deprived of employment, lent. They are not disposed to listen and perhaps his children cry for to the message of salvation to sin- bread which he cannot give them. ners, lost, ruined, under condemna- What shall the missionary do? tion. The world is theirs, and they What course shall he take? .He sees are satisfied. that these cases will multiply-that the spiritual blessing which he seeks But by far the greater number are to bestow will multiply them. the poor. They are those who have no laid-up resources. They are de- Now, what principlesof action shall pendent upon daily labor for daily he, as a missionary, lay down with *Rea.d before theInternationalMissionary Union, 1889. .
8M INTERNA.T10NAL bEPARl':MIllNT
relation to these his spiritual chil- which the truth has found a lodg- dren in distress? ment, out of distress and crushing, paralyzing poverty is to introduce an First, he cannot throw off all re- orderly, Christian family life. sponsibility in the case. He cannot say to them, "I have brought you (a) A Christian breakfast, the the words of eternal life, but as to family all present, a bles5ing asked your temporaL life I have nothing to upon the meal, the children with do with it." If any missjonary has clean hands and faces, has been often ever relieved himself from care and the beginning of a new and more 01'- effort in this way, he was probably derlylife. not worth much as a missionary, although the temptation to do so is (b) The Sabbath kept sacred from sometimes strong. unnecessary labor and from amuse- ments, the time devoted to worship, Secondly, a missionary cannot call reading and the Sunday-school, is upon his society to support these another efficient means of rescuing poor converts. That would be to the poor fl'om the squalor of their establish a pauper Christianity, and poverty. the result would be paupers enough, but no Christianity. (C) Everyone who comes under the enlightening powerof the gospel Third. The missionary cannot be must grow in knowledge as well as reasonably required so to exhaust grace. If parents, their children his own resources for their relief as must be educated. The missionary to endanger his health.and the wel- should insist upon this. In most fare of his family. There seems to cases he will find parents ready, be something noble in this. but as a often eager to secure the benefits Qf rule is it wise? education to their children. The idle, careless, shiftless, should be But still he has a great and holy dealt with faithfully, and if incorri- duty to perform toward these his gible should be set off as not belong- brethren in the Lord. ing to the children of light. Chil- dren well trained in schools will not He must understand them fully. grow up to be paupers. He must get down as nearly as pos- sible into their family life. He must (d) Schools should always be in know how they live, what is the food part industrial, after a certain age, they eat, the clothes they wear, the to be governed by CIrcumstances. houses or huts they live in, the occu- This is a difficult and laborious part pations upon which they depend for of education, but a most important sustenance, their hours of labor or one. It will teach the dignity of amusement, or listless idleness, their labor and will teach the hands to sicknesses, theil' general sanitary con- war and the fingers to fight in the dition, and indeed all that relates to struggle for existence. their mode of life. I have known families living in wretchedness who It will give character, courage and only needed advice and encour- confidence to youth to feel that he agement, and to have the better has the uSe of tools, that he has mas. way opened clearly to them, and tered some of the forces of nature, then the emancipation from poverty that he can by his own industry and eame through their own efforts. knowledge provide for himself and The most questionable way of aiding be useful to others. However low " the poor is by money. There are may have been his condition, this cases which demand it, but they are will raise him to a higher level comparatively few. and make him a living force in so- ciety. I hold thatone of the most effective ways of bringing a poor family, in (e) The missionaI'y must teach the
tN'I'EkNATIONAt
poor to give something every week, " The young lions do lack and suffer however small the sum. It may hunger, but they that seek the Lord seem hard, but it is the truest kind- shall not want any good thing." It ness. OUt'Lord Himself taught it by must be so or the Bible would not be commending the poor widow who true. I have been young and now cast in all her living. The gifts of the am old, but I have never seen the poor for the support and extension righteous forsaken nor His seed begof the gospel retul'n a hundredfold ging bread. into their own bosoms. It may seem to the earthly, materialistic mind a (g) The missionary must laborsheer contradiction, but it is true in iously fit himself to be the wise adfact, in philosophy and in the word viser and helper ofthe poor converts. of God. Tire writer has known too They must live, and so far as possimany instances to doubt it. Giving ble a comfortable life. The poorman for the promotion of a noble object may be as happy as the rich man, ennobles the soul. It makes it con- but he must have food and clothing scious of thus entering into the and gratitude and trust in God. And brotherhood of the benefactors of he must obtain all these himself. man and of the disciples of the Lord. The gl'eatest kindness the mission- It gives a joy that is new and pure. ary can possibly do is to help him to There will be new efforts at economy, work, to put him in the way of oba new inventiveness and industrious- taining his living by his labor. A ness in both saving and earning. little assistance in money may some- Teaching the poor to gi ve systemati- times be necessary as a start, but for cally, constantly to some noble ob- the most part aid in money, except ject is one of the surest ways of re- to the sick and disabled, is corruptlieving theit' poverty. The causes of ing. The superiorintelltgence of the poverty are in part mental and missionary and his wider acquaintmoral. The environment may be ance with men and things will enunfriendly to success, but the person- able hIm to open doors which the ality of the poor man is after all the humble and ignorant convert could chief factor. When you change that nevllr reach. But if there be a naall is changed. If you find a poor tive church already formed he may person not susceptible to benevolent often work more effectively through and generous Christian motives you the officel's and more intelligen t memrna' be pretty sure that his poverty bers of the church. is remediless. Persecution, oppression and wrong (j) 'fhe missionary must teach the must often be met. Thereis in some poor believer to seek help from God. flfllds so much of this that the soul There is prevalence in prayer. The cries OLlt, 0 Lord, how long! "Via earnest suppliant becomes strong in lucis via crucis" is the destiny of taking hold of the strength of God. whole sections of the struggling "Ghe us this day our daily bread" church. The sympathies of themisis a hint of what he should do in s,ionary are taxed often beyond enprayer. By it he walks with God durance, but he must face the enand God walks with him. Such are emy with all the patience, wisdom the methods of God's grace and and firmness which God shall give providence that neither can do his him, knowing that the Lord will best without the other. never forsake His persecuted people.
The promises of God are scattered From this very brief and imperfect all through the Bible, encouraging view of the relation of the missionapd inviting the poor to seek from ary to poor or persecuted converts- Him whatever they most need. and they are often both poor and persecuted-it is plain that the mis-
·~ov
sionary should be a man of varied cannot look for his reward here. 11· attainments, and especially of great his wants are few they will be pro.· practical common sense. He must vided for, and he will be happy. If undel'stand men and things. He they are many he may suffet' and be must understand at least in a gen- unhappy. He is to be a good soldier eral way the industries, the trade, of Jesus Christ, whowentaboutdoing the commerce by which the converts good, a.nd where the Mastel' leads he must live. He should be able to in- must follow. troduce them to the better way of -doing things. All his attainments The lady missionaries are generally will be called into action. All his much better fitted for their work resources will be dl'awn upon. He than the men. They all know housewill often have to contrive new ways hold arts, while the men often know of doing things, and his inventive little outside of their study. The powers will be taxed to the utmost. missionary woman is at homQ in the Happy is the missionary who is not households of the POOl', and knows called upon for a great deal more just what they need to be ,taught and than he knows. how to teach them. No machinery has set aside woman from the care Our present modes of life and ed- of the household. The infinite Jehoucation do not prepare the yo'}ng vah invented one machine and enmissionary for such a life. Every- dowed it with faith, love and immorthing is done by machinery. Ap- tality, and placed it in the social prenticeship has ceased and we im- paradise to keep it, and it will never port our skilled labor from Europe. be replaced by any patent taken out I have known a young missionary against Him. Woman's whole life who could write a good sermon, but at home in its daily industries· and if he had a board nail to drive he had cares is a better fitting for missionary to call upon his wife to do it. I life than man's. She goes into the would not blame him. He was never field fully equipped for her work, required to do anything demanding man but poorly fitted for his. He human muscle beyond the absolute has an apprenticeship to serve, and needs of locomotion and nutrition. he needs abundant antecedent prep- aration and great grace and wisdom If the missionary is to have no con. in the process. cern with the earthly liCe of the poor converts. if he is to declare to them Through them both the Lord must positively and clearly that he comes work as best Hecan to accomplish the simply to bring to them the truth, and great purposes of His redeeming love. they must fight their own battles without bothering him, such a man The experience of the last· fifty may do much good. And yet there years has made one fact prominent is danger that the convert will not that we cannot omit. It is the feel for his teacher all the veneration supreme importance of medical misand trust that are desirable when he sionaries, men and women. Theyfolsees him a mere child, in many low eminently the footsteps of the Sathings needing a guardian rather viour who healed the sick of all their than pupils. But the missionary is diseases. This service gains the ear to be a guide and teacher in all that otherwise would have been deaf things. He is the model man, and to the message. This compensates his family is the model family. HIS in part for the necessarily impractilife must be above reproach. It must cal character of the young missionbear the scrutiny of watchful and ary's education. jealous eyes. It must be a life of great self-denial. The missionary In some mission fields the Chris- tian mechanic and farmer may be quite a.s useful as the ~ost thor-
-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT
oughlyeducated man. The heathen i'epresented therein. At the close of are to be raised out of degradation this meeting, also, a committee to and ignorance and indolence to a. life carry out these suggestions was elect- of decency and mdustry. Every kind ed, consisting of the following ladies: of consecrated talent WIll find its Mi88 Abbie B. Ohi'd, Chairman, SecretalT sphere in this diverse work. The Woman's Board of Missions, Congregational progress of missions is intensifying House, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. this demand. Some successful missions in China and Africa illustrate Mra. A. S. Quintan, President of the Woman'8 it. Self-supporting missionaries must National Indian Association, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A.
Miss BenMtt, London Miselonary Society.
have resources of their own. Then Miss Mulvany, Secretary of Church of Engwho can forbid their going? "The land Zenana Missionary Society, 9 Salisburr Lord gave the word, great was the Square, Fleet Street, London, E. C. company of those that published it." Miss Reid, Secretary of SClltland Ladies' As- sociation for Foreign lIisslons, 22 Queen Street, The Revised Version has it, "The Edinburgh. women that publish the tidings are a MI". John L<no~, 56 George Sqnare, Edingreat host." This seems to be in process of fulfillment. This must have burgh. amazed the Oriental mind. It was kindred to the prophecy of Joel, ADDITloN.A.L MlCJ[B1I:RS OF THE COJlllITTEB.
Miss Amelia Angw, Secretary Ladies' Asso- ciation Baptist Missionary Society, The College, Regent Park, London,N. W. C.
"And it shall come to pass afterward Miss M. A. Lloyd, Church or England, Wo- that I will pour out my spirit upon ma.n's Missionary Association, 143 Clapham all flesh, and your SOilS and your Road, London, S. W. daughters shall prophesy." Miss Christina Rainy, 25 George Sqnare, Edinburgh. Ladies' Society for Female Educa- tion in India and Souih Africa.
World's Missionary Oommittee of Ohris· Mr•. Weatherly, 51 Gordon Sqnare, London, tian Women. W. E. Indian Female Normal School and In- struction Society. AT a woman's meeting held in con. Mi88 Rosamond A. Webb, 267 Vauxhall nection with the General Missionary Bridge Road, London, S. W. Society for Pro- Conference in London, June 9-19, motion of Female Education in the East.
of 1888, it was proposed that a World's Mi.. rJOtI. 58 St. George Road, London, N. W. Zenana Medical College. Missionary Committee Christian 1£..s. J. B. DlJvi., Rochester, N. H., U. S. A.
Women should be established, which Free Baptist lrnsslonary Societr.
should form a means of communica- Mi.. S. O. Durfee, 84 Waterman Street, tion between the different denomina, Providence, R. I. Woman's Baptist Foreign tional, union and other great (not Missionary Society, Tremont Temple, Boston, Mass., U. S. A.
local or parish) societies. The object Mrs. A. M. BlJC()n, 3112 Forest Avenne.
of such committee would be to secure Chicago, Ill. Woman's Baptist Societr of the concerted action on the part of all West. Women's, General, Foreign and Home Missionary Societies: 1. For Mrs. A.. M. Ca.tlen, Cllestnnt Street, Evans- ville, Ind.. U. S. A. Woman's Board of Foreign Missions of Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
special prayer. 2. For united effort Miss Mary F. Bailey, Milton, Wi•., U. S. A. for other objects, as, for example, Woman's Board of Seventh-Dar Baptist the legal relief of the 20,000,000 of. Church. widows in India. 3. For the ar- Mr•• H. R. Ma8sll, 133( Chestnut Street, Phil- adelphIa, Pa., U. S. A. Woman'. Foreign }fls- rangement of any general confer- sienary Society of the Presbyterian Church. ence that may be deemed desirable. Mr,. C. N. Thorpe, Philadelphia, Pa. Wo- It is suggested that each member man's Board of Missions of the Preshyterian of such World's Committee should Church.
Mr•. L. R. K~ilter, corner Main aad 4th be requested to send annually some streets, Dayton, 0., U. S. A. Woman'. Mi.- communication from her society, sionary Association of Brethren in Christ. either by letter or printed document, to its <;:h<tirman, and to each society Mr•. W. H. Hammer, Oakdale, corner Stein- way Avenue, Clevelaud, 0., U. S. A. Woman's Missionary Society Evangelical Association. Mrs. BerlJamin DouglaBB, Presid~nt Woman' same privileges as natives of the Presbyterian Board of the Northwest,48 Mc- country. Cormick Block, Chicago, III. It is now announced that a similar Mis8 Nathalie Lord, Secretary Woman's treaty has been agreed upon between Home Missionary Association, 32 Congregational the United States Minister and the House, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. rep.resentatives of Japan, and only walts the sanction of Congress to Mrs. Darwin B. James, 58 5th Avenue, New rendel' it effectual, This kindly treat- York, N. Y. Woman's Executive Committee of ment on the part of the United States Home Missions Presbyterian Chnrch. is looked upon with great favor by the Japanese, and will add still more Hus 8. E. Haight, Morvyn House, 248 Jarvis to the high esteem which is felt for Street, Toronto, Canada. Woman's Foreign all who represent our glorious re- Missionary, West Section. public. Other nations will undoubt- edly follow in the same line, but the Mrs. E. T. Strachan, 113 Hughson Street, fact is evident that it is not a matter Hamilton, Ontario. Woman's Missionary So- of choice, but of necessity on theil' ciety of the Methodist Chnrch, Canada. part, or they would otherwise be at great disadvantage in the conduct of Mr8. J. T .. Gracey, 202 E.tgle Street, Bnffalo, business. N. Y. International Missionary Union. The r.esult of this treaty will give Mrs. Carruthers, Ceutral House, Central Hill, a new Impetus and strength to the London. S. E. work of missions. Up to the present time no foreigner could travel in the ~otes from Japan. interior except by special permission of the Government, and the only THE subject of treaty revision has reasons for which passports would be issued were for either" Health" or been one of the leading questions of "Scientific Observation." So that really there was no chance for misthe day for some time in Japan. Up sionary tours except by violation of the terms of the passport. All misto the present time the Imperial sional'ies and others living in the in- terior, or even outside of the very Government has not been allowed to narrow concessions given at the treaty ports, have been obliged to fix the rate of duties upon imported engage in teaching of some sort in order to procure a residence of that goods, and foreigners resident in the ki.nd.
country were not amenable to the The effect of the treaty will be to remove aU such obstacles and give Japanese laws. Of course, this was Christian workers from the United States an oppOI·tunity to live or travel very annoying to this people of so wherever they choose. In this way there can be a better arrangement of much national pride, and who have the missionary forces and also more time devoted to direct evangelistic now attained such a high degree of work wherever it is thought best.
civilization, and their efforts to ob- A Moslem Manifesto.
tain a position of perfect equality The Punjab Mission News, a paper published in Amritsur, India, and dehave ·been frequent and arduous. voted to the interests of missionary The representative of the United States Government has always been ready to concede all that was just and desirable, but the European powers have been a unit in denying all claims of equality to the Japan- ese people.
After a long series of meetinO's by. 0 the varIOus representatives a plan of revision was agreed upon, but Count Inoye could not get the sanction of the scheme by the Imperial Cabinet, and so the whole matter was dropped for a time.
But the Japanese were not content to let the matter rest. And S(l a treaty was recently made with Mex_ ico in which all the rights that were asked for were fully conceded. In return for these concessions all M ex- ican subjects, of which there is said to·be one in Japan, were allowed the work, published in a recent number .. These Mission Englishwomen and their Hindu and Mohammedan of the latestMohammedan manifesto. servants who teach, take their women and girl pupils on Sundays This manifesto was issued at La- to church, and under pretense of keeping them behind a red curtain, hore, and is circulated in India. It seat them in the mIdst of men, and they join in Christian worship, and is signed by several of their lead- sing with them, and this is nuw common.. and these things are to be ing teachers, or men learned in the found everywhere in cities. Women and girls become Christians in Koran. churches, and so blacken the face This speaks for itself. The Mo- of their families (i. e., are a cause of hammedans would like to counter- shame and disgrace). If their rela- tives seek legal redress, missionaries act, if possible, the Christian influ- spend hundreds of rupees and win the case in law courts. ences which are being exerted among "0 Mohammedans I haye you not their women. even so much sh;me left as to make you save your wives and daughters .. What, 0 Mohammedans 1 do from this dishonor and blasphemy, you remember that blessed time and to camle you to make propel' when your forefathers spread the arrangement yourselves for their teaching of the unity of God in the education? whole world? Theirlabors al'e still your boast 1 To-day these great "Some people labor under the ones sleep in graves of excellent delusion that these Mission Englishreputation, but you who pray for women are appointed by Governthe repose of their souls, careless of ment. The Government interferes the greatness of your true faith, with no one's faith; this is the wor!): have reached such depths of degra- of missionaries only, who collect dation, that Christians, morning and subscriptions to enable them to evening, are wiping Islam out, and propagate their faith. If you forbid you sleep J If there is a remnant of them to come into your houses, and the excellence of your great ones deciine to send your girls into their left you nowadays, then it is this schools, they cannot force you. only, that Mohammedan women are For this reason an authoritative unmatched in the world for good- declaration has been obtained from ness, modesty, obedience to their learned men of Islam, and is pubhusbands, and adhet'ence to the lished. Let all men act upon it. faith; but herein is the misfortune, Those who do not do so, a list will that they too are becoming snakes be published of their names, and in your sleeves, and you do nothing I Behold the spies and be- thl'y will be dealt with." guilers, English women of Christian missions, under pretense of educat- The followmg was the question ing and teaching handiwork, go about teaching all your women-folk submitted to the doctors of Islam: in every house, saying, 'Why do you waste your lives? Come, be- "What say the learned in the come Christians, be free!' and num- faith, the understanders of the law, berless households have been de- about this, that the English women stroyed (i.e., have become Christian) of Christian Missions come into and are being destroyed. Especially houses under cover of giving worldare the tender, innocent, under-age ly instruction, and go about teachgirls of Hindus and Mohammedans ing their own faith, employing taken in dolis to their schools. and Mohammedan women as th!'ir servthere they are taught the Testa- ants and teachers? They do also ment, and hymns which tell of by mel»ns of them spread their relIg- Christ being the Son of God, and so ion. Is it lawful or not for Mohamthe sel'd!' of blasphemy are sown in medans to let their women and chiltheir hearts. Whatever the seed dren be educated or taught needlesown is, that also will the fruit and work and so forth by these English harvest be. When from childhood women and their Mohammedan these things are instilled into them, teachers, or is it lawful even to let then when they grow older, nay, in them come amongst their womentwo or three generations, all women folk? If a Mohamml'dan lets such being drawn to the Christian faith, women come into his household, and careless of their own, will go into the churches and become Chris- does he transgress the law or DQt? " tians. Examples are not wanting. This is the Fathwa of the Maul- and liberal views, it is sa.id, ca.n. not work with them. Here is an ilvies: lustration. After several futile at- tempts a native Bulgarian pastor in "It is not at all right even to a prominent city obtained an inter- allow such women to come into view with the Bulgarian Minister of houses, and to let the purdah Foreign Affairs and Public WorshIp, Women come before them, much less in regard to persecutions to which to let them give that religious teach- he had been subjected, when the foling by which we see such great lowing conversation took place: damage done to the faith. For these women come in reality in order that Minister. Where do you hail they may beguile Mohammedan from? women and make them Christians, B.nd that then by means of them Preacher. I was born in Macedonia. they may ensnare the men also. Therefore, whoever allows these M. When did you come to Orchawomen to come into his house, he nia and from whence? does in truth destl"oy the root of P. Two months ago from T–. his true faith, Islam. Whatever M. What is your business? Mohammedan, therefore, does, by reason of ignorance of the evil re- P. I am a. preacher of the gospel. sults of his act, allow such women to come into his house, commits a M. How many Protestants are great sin; and if, after he has been there in O. where you live? duly warned, he does not stop them, he is in great danger of losing his P. There are five families and 20 or faith." , 24 persons. M. Will you lie to me' There are The lawyers ,declare : "The unbe- only two Protestant&thereand there lieving woman of another faith is as is no need of your preaching. a strange man;" that is, just as it P. But the people there have deis unlawful for a woman to appear sired me, and my superior has sent before a strange man, so it is not me th, re to preach.
lawful to show herself to such a M. Your superior has no authority woman. It also written in the in O. He can give ordel's only in L.
Sha.ru Mukhtar: Beside that Bulli'arians must not " It is not lawful for a Moham- preach. Let the Americans do the medan woman to appear unveiled before a 'Christian woman, a Jewess, preaching. or an infidel woman; yet, verily, If she have a slave of these religions, P. But my predecessor in O. wasa. then it is lawful for her." That is to say, if the slave-girl of a Mohamme- Bulgarian. dan woman is a Christian, Jewess or infidel, then it is lawful for a woman M. But you shall not preach. They to appear before her slave. will break your head if you do. " Let Mohammedans be extremelv wary of such women, and on no ac- After abuse and threats the mincount let them come into their houses; nay, further, whatever ister said: "I will permit you to restreet such women are in the habit of g'oing' to, it is incumbent on the turn to O. on condition that you do chief man of it to use every effort to stop their g'oing into the houses of not pi"each. If you begin to preach Mohammedans. If he has the power and does not use it, he too is a ,I will send you out of the country. sinner." (Jome to-morrow and hear my decis- BULGARIAN ANOYANCES.-Bulga- ion and then go." . ria is now free from external press- The next morning this Methodist ure, hut her present ministry is Bulgarian preacher called for the about as tyrannical as if they were final answer and one of the subordi- Russians. They carry rather a high nates read to him the following: "It hand, and men of broad culture is permitted to 1– D– to return to 0– and find himself work-not to remain idle." The next day he found himself work preaching to his congregation.
DEACONESSES IN OROOMIAH, PER- SIA.-At the ladies' meeting of the International Missionary Union at Binghamton Mrs. Rev. Dr. J. H. Shedd said: The churches in 01'00- miah, Persia, all have deaconesses.
Th~ iutentio11 is to selectiQt this offi~
1889.j TH. MONTHLY CONCERT OF
such women as are described in 1 lage a short time after the afternoon Tim. v.: 10, but it is not always pos- church service for a prayer-meeting. sible to find them. During the winter, when the peo- The larger churches are well or- ple are at leisure, the pastors often ganized, and the pastor divides the district their villages, and over each female members into companies, division places one of the deaconplacing over each a deaconess. It esses. She directs those under her is her duty to look after the spirit- charge, and thus every house in ual interests or her charge. to rec- the village is visited and every soul oncile any who may have fallen invited to meeting. Often the Bible into quarrels, to admonish them of is read and prayer offered in the neglected duty and to report to the houses. pastor any cases which may require his attention. The pastor at stated The missionary ladies hold meettimes· meet these deaconesses and ings for Bible stUdy with these deagives them needed instruction in the conesses from the various villages. Bible and counsel. In these the various methods of work are discussed and sug-gestions made These different companies usually and much prayer is offered for the meet in the different parts of the vil- divine help.
V.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
BY ARTHUR T. pmRSON, D.D.
FOR this month our subjects are rique, 12 years old, is a remarkably South America and Cuba, Home Mis- bright and promising child. His sions, the Y. M. C. A. work and pa- father had long hoped that the Lord pacy. We refer the reader on all whom he had served so faithfully these topics to the gl'eat mass and would honor him by accepting the variety of material found in these gift of this son for the ministry, but pages in this and previous numbers, the way had not appea.red. At last, particularly to the work of Alberto in June, 1885, it seemed necessary J. Diaz in Cuba, etc. In this number that the boy should commence to we call attention mainly to Braziland earn his own living. The father the papacy in South America, and tried in vain to find a place for sundry facts as to Home Missions in him in some business. Taking the the United States. failure as a sign that God had bet- BRAZIL. ter things in store, the old man de- cided to wait three months longer, In Rio de Janeiro lives an old man for many years employed as colpor- and to spend the time in earnest teur by the British and Foreign Bible prayer that God would provide the Society. He is a native of the Madeira. Islands, whence he was ex- means to educate the boy.
pelled with other converts to Prot- In this same month a young mis- sionary was preparing to leave the estantism in 1846. After years of United States to join the Presbytewandering he was invited to Brazil rian mission in S. Paulo. The last to meet Dr. R. R. Kalley, just com- Sabbath but one bad arrived. An mencing his labors in the capital. intimate friend of the family, 8. Ever since he has been employed in young man just commencing his distributing the word of God. business career, was a visitor in the He has raised a large family, but cottage by the sea.
with his sman salary (less than $40 a At bed-time the youngel· of the month) could give them only a prim- two called his friend aside, and handaryeducation. Three little boys re- ing him a roll of bins, said: "I feel ma.ined at hOIp.e i the oldest, Hen- tba.t I 'muat send this money with you to Brazil. I do not know why, ha.nds virtues, graces, being and but it has been on my mind all day, preservation; graces not only natand the impulse is too strong to resist ural, such as hea.lth, riches, rain, longer. It is rare that I carry so much hal'vests and remedies, but also sucash when I travel, but yesterday I pernatural, as inspirations, aids and dre wthis to pay my tailor, and a series every gift: willing and commanding of unexpected interruptions kept me that nothing be gra.nted or commubusy until the last moment before nicated to creatures save by the train time. Please take it with you hands of the lady, and that she be and use as you think best." arbiter and mistress of aU the wealth and treasures of God. 'For,' (the After a six weeks' voyage the cus- words of the Lord are literally todian of this money landed on Bra- quoted) 'all our possessions are thine, zilian soil. A month later a special as thou al ways wast ours; and there· providence let him into the secret of fore thou shalt reign with us for all the old man's prayers, and it became eternity.' " plain what it was that kept pulling all day long at his friend's purse- And this is the purest type of Rostrings that Sunday in America-the manism to be enllountered in Brazil! very day undoubtedly in which faith And yet some doubt whether Brazil had determined to make its final needs missionaries! effort. The money sufficed for travelingexpenses and two months' charges PAPAL DOCTRINE. in the S. Paulo boarding-school. Before they had expit'ed more money So early as 1681 "acompendium of was on hand, and ever since, though often from unexpected sources, and Christian doctrine" in the Ir:.dian always unsolicited save by prayer, the means have been graciously sup_ tongue was prepared by Romish misplied to continue the boy's education. sionaries in Brazil, and printed in WORSHIP OF THE VIRGIN. Lisbon in parallel columns of Portu- It is not a rare thing to meet in the interior towns women of lovely char- guese and Tupy, and reprinted by acter devoted to the Romish faith and observant of all its precepts, but order of HiB Royal Highness in 1800. taught to substitute Mary for Christ, and to lavish on her the devotion due The follOWing extract is a sample of to Him alone. A favorite picture represents the Father and Son plac- the" Chl'istian doctrine: " ing a crown on the Virgin's head, and the Holy Spirit as a dove descending HlJllter, How maDJ places are there in the upon her. A cUI'rent pamphlet of thirty pages, octavo, is filled with center ot the earth which S8rv8 for the abode of fabulous details of the Virgin's life. We translate a portion. After de- 800ls f scribing her resurrection and as- ])i,dpl~. There are four, Hen, Puf'gatory. sumption and crowning by the three persons of the Trinity the writer Limbo of children, and Limbo. of the Boly proceeds: "She was thus proclaimed Queen and Mistress of all creatures, Father8. with entire control, bestowed by divinity, over them all, so that all de- H. What is Hell f pend on her, and receive from bel' D. It is a flaming, inextinguishable fire; and a place most horrible of penal sutrermg. and eternal torments of devils alld of those dying in mortal sin. Jf. Wbat is Purgatory f D, It is a great Are Il little aboTe Hell. in which are the holy souls (atmlJll6tJntIJllJ oC those who died m grace. giving satisfaction for their sins for which they had not fully 8ati(jlw. in this world. Jf. What Is the limbo oC children 7 D. It is a. dark cavern above purgatory In which are the children who died without bap- tism. 11. What Is the Limbo oC the Holy Fathel'8, or bosom of Abraham f D, It is a cavern above the limbo of chIldren, in which were anciently the souls oC the Holy Pathers, before Ohrist our Lord took them out d~ . A pertinent question was first ad. dressed to the writer, but 'he passes who prevents any other 'man from it on to every reader as pertinent to working. Strikes that countenance each, and not impertinent to any. violence become treason against law and government. " What was your father doing; that my father died, and never knew As to the religious characterof our that there was such a book as the mixed population, another year will, we hope, give us a more accurate Bible '" census. But it is said that, of our I could excuse the fathers by alledg- 61,700,000 people, 70 per cent. belong to families of which oneor more pering that when they attempted to put sons are members of evangelical the Bible in the hands of the last churches-4,500,000 Methodists, 8,- generation of Brazilians" the Book" 750,000 Baptists, 1,000,000 Presbytewas contraband. But who will ex- rians, etc. Seventy per cent. of our cuse us if such a question is put to people are native whites, and 12 per our children? It is in our power to cent. more are native blacks. Eighty bring the gospel in its fullness within per cent. of our people live in the reach of everyone of the present rural districts. Theforeign-bornare generation in Brazill C. W. C. only about 17 per cent., including Chinese as well as Europeans, some HOME MISSIONS. of whom are excellent Christians. JOSEPH COOK says the very features of our land hint a providential As to the growth of the country, pm'pose, and that the rapid growth notwithstanding all the reverses to of population verifies the prediction. which it has been subjected since the As the Jews were intrusted with the formation of the Constitution, the guarding of the first table of the law extension of our domain, the inwe seem to be intrusted with the crease of population, the developworking out of the principles of the ment of resources, the progress of second table. Duty to man as man manufactures and the accumulation and the heterogeneous character of of wealth have ast9nished the world. our population seems to afford us an . The population in 1790 was 3,929,- opportunity, never before realized, 214; now it probably approaches 66,- to. exemplify the assimilating power 000,000. Great Britain and It-eland of the gospel. had in 1831 a population of 24,000,000; Certain gl'eat reforms seem to be in 1881,34,000,000. Franceincreased imperatively demanded in this land from a popuation of 32,000,000 to 37,- before we can accomplish our true 000,000 in the same 50 years. But in destiny. There must, first of all, be these 50 years the United States adsuccessful resistance to the growing vanced from 13,000,000 to 50,000,000. spirit of anarchy; secondly, an ad- In. half a century the increase of justment of the disturbed relations popUlation in our Republic was equal of employers and wage-workel's, so to the whole population of France at as to prevent the alarming strikes the end of that period. And to-day and outrages that interrupt com- we have a majority of the Englishmerce, travel and business. Our speaking people of the world. elective franchise must either be reshicted onegulated. Impartial suf- Equally marked has been the adfrage we believe in, but we doubt the vance in wealth. In 1850 the total expediency of universal suffrage; wealth of Great Britain and Ireland and especially do we believe thatany amounted to $22,500,000,000, while man who perverts the ballot by brib- that of the United States was only ery or in any way corrupts it should $8,430,000,000. But 30 years afterbe permanently disfranchised, and wal'd Great Britain and Ireland had so would we punish bl·ibe-takers. We $43,600,000,000, while the United would put in State's prison any man States had gone up to $48,950,000,000. the arrests made by the police are of Our national debt is becoming less persons of a foreign origin. The in- lluence of the gambling-room and every month, .while t.hat of leading the saloon in originating. fosterin.lr nations in Europe is on the increase, and pel'petuating crimes of all kinds owing to immense standing armies. can hardly be ovet·estimated. Such incentives to industry, such good wages, such favorable oppor- THE pen of Mr. Warner Vanorden tunities for the poor to better their we think we recognize in these stir· condition and such general content- ring paragraphs: ment and happiness among the masses of the people exist only here. Weare come to a crisis unequaled The followers of such demagogues as since the Reformation, and church Most or of theorists such as George and state are beset with dangers are comparatively few, mostly for- threatening social progress. eigners, as are nearly all Anarchists. In 1880 we had only five persons out I. Note first the immense, unof every 1,000 who were the objects ceasing and ever .nlarging inftWlJ of of public charity; but in Europe the foreigners-more than a thousand numbel' was five times greater. souls a day-mostly ignorant and irreligious, often discontented and ACCORDING to Rev. Frederick How- restless, and not seldom vicious and ard Wines, Secretary of the National criminal. Our civilization is thus Prison Association, the census of undergoing dilution. We are en- 1880 showed nearly 60,000 convicts gorging ourselves with crude barin all the various grades of prisons barism, far beyond the possibilities in the United States; 11,000 inmates of easy assimilation. of reformatories; in all, a criminal population, actually incarcerated, of II. The country tOwns of the East, 70,000. He estimates that the next the old-time nurseries of our,nationcensus will give 75.000 or 80,000 in al piety-suffering from the attracthe prisons; 15,000 in the reforma- tion of cities and the alluring invitories; in all between 90,000 and 100,- tations of the West, 1D part depopu- 000 men, women and children con- lated of the fOl'mer devout stock, fined for some crime or offense. and rapidly filling with foreigners, Among the 60,000 in prison in 1880 hostile or indifferent to evangelical nearly 10,000 had been sentenced for religion, threaten now to paganize terms over fi ve yea.rs or for life. The our future rural population. Religdirect cost of maintaining the pris- ious indifference replaces devoutness, ons is $15,000,000; of police, $15,000,- and there creep in spiritualism and 000. While the expenses borne by various low forms of fanaticism, folthe public on account of proceedings lowed by lunacy, vice and crime. against criminals in the 2,000 courts and before BO,OOO justices of the peace III. In the South eight millions of in the United States, and the losses ft'eedmen and their descendants, a incurred by means of them, is some- distinctive and utterly unassimilated thing enormous. State prison re- people, doubling in numbers every ports show an increaseof convictions twenty years. of whom scarce 10 for high crimes one-third more than per cent. can read, appea.l in tones 20 years ago. monitory rather than suppliant, not only to benevolence, but to patriot- The large number of objectionable ism, nay, even to the instinct of selfarrivals from Europe is undoubtedJy preservation. Among large masses a potent agency in the growth of of the white population of the South illiteracy and degradation are as cl'hne, .A. very large proportion of great as among the negroes.
IV. In the west new villages and cities constantly crystallize out of threatened by facts so colossal and diverse and often inferior social frag- portentous. For these evils there ments, which come fro~ all lands is but one thorough and lasting and races. Foundations are forming remedy-the gospel-which, that it of future states, that must be god- may be practiced, mus t be preached; less, immoral and dangerous if not and not only from pulpits oC self- possessed and controlled by the mili- sustaining churches, but in the high- tant church. ways and by-ways, in the hovel as in ·the hall, on the hill-top and V. And even more alarming and in the wilderness. The pastor and pI'essing is the problem of our mod- the church must be SUpplemented ern cities, In 1800 our entire popu- by the Home Board and the mis- tation, except some three pel' cent" sionary. Nor have we begun to was rural. In 1850 twelve pel' cent. realize the.vastness of the work the lived in cities, and now a quarter of Lord has called us to do, our citizenship. In 2000 A.D" one- third of our population will be civic. SUGGESTIVE PARAGRAPHS. Commerce, manufactures, railroads, sanital'y reform and infrequency of IF there was any district of which wars have made it possible for the missionary must despair, any enormous masses of men and women one would have said it must be to swal'm at certain centers. Social that apparently God-forsaken region congestion and disease result. Pov- of Tierra del Fuego, southern-most erty becomes the grievance of hun- inhabited land of this Western hemi- dl'eds of thousands, vice abounds, sphere, Yet the very misery of the and socialism and anarchism arise people, the very hopelessness of to mock at wealth and culture and their condition, drew to their shores to assail society. Thus in NewYOl'k devoted men, whose inspiration in nearly one million of human beings life was the doing of good. One dwell in tenemllnt houses; and the group of such perished of absolute prevalent social depravity which starvation on that inhospitable like physical contagion flourishes coast, Another was murdered in nowhere so virulently as in crowds, cold blood, in an ebullition of savage bids fair to rival the common per- hate and fury, To-day if you visit sonal discomfort and discontent, that coast, you find a Christian vil- From these overcrowded retreats of lage there, in which, instead of the human misery, churches and all self- miserable wigwams, cottages have supporting institutions of social or been erected, gardens have been . religious cultUl'e flee away, In 1840 planted and fenced, roa~s have been there was in New York one Protes- made, cattle and goats have been tant church to 2,000 of population; introduced; polygamy, witchcraft, now there is one to 4,000. A like infanticide, wrecking, theft, and fate seems to impend over all our other vices have been abolished, great or growing cities. And these A grammar of the language, an ex- misbegotten, unfed, untaught and tensive vocabulary and dictionary, unhappy multitudes are American hadbeen prepared; among thebooks, citizens, and at the ballot-box peers the Gospel by Luke, and the Acts of of the most eminent of our voters; the Apostles, The list ofchurchmem- their political freedom, a perilous bership, years ago, enrolled one hun- privilege for them, is a fearful men- dred and thirty-seven names, ace for us. DE TOCQUEVILLE declared the Mis- It is no exaggeration whatever, to sissippi Valley the most magnificent say that all our institutions and our abode which the Almighty ever pre- very civilization are challenged and pal'ed for the habitation of man.
ItDITOltIAL NOTES. [No~
This central vale, touching the East- they banded themselves together, ern and' Western mountai~s, and with the high and holy pUl'pose of holding the nation into a geogoraphi- the development of Christian char- cal unity, this imperial domain acter; that they might not be mere through which descends the father nominal Christians, but active work- of waters, draining the snows of a ers, for whose-lives the world would thousand peaks and fed by the cur- be better. They organized the ji;rst rents springing from a thousand women's aS8ociation; another was· lakes, was discovered by the chival- formed in Northwestern College, III., rous vanguards of French and papal in 1875 j in 1876, one in Olivet College, enterprise and exploration, and few Mich. j in 1881, one in WesterviUe, events in our history are of equal O. These knew nothing of each importance with that long, fierce other's existence, and it may well fight, which gave the supremacy of seem a divine suggestion which the infinite West, not to the French- came at almost the same time to dif- man and the Jesuit, but to the ferent girls in different places. The Anglo-Saxon and the Protestant. first idea of unified work was in 1883, in THE largest city in Dakota, Sioux when a constitution was suggested, Falls, has 11,000 inhabitants. Ten and associations formed many years before it had but 697. places on the same plan. Last year FOURTEEN years ago, atNoi'mal, Ill., there were 135 associations in twenty- six girls met in a student's room to five different States, and perhaps hold a prayer-meeting for girls espe- 5,000 young women banded together.
cially. Work sprang from their -(Selected.) prayers: an associati&n was formed; VI.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
Private Missionary Enterprises. organization. People will natnrally ask why, if this is a good thing, you should set So many of these are springing up up entirely on your own responsibility; and all over the church, and we are re- since you pay over, as you say. every cent ceiving so many appeals for our in- received by you, whence your support dorsement and for space in the RE- comes? We have not the knowledge that VIEW to set forth their claims, that justifies us in vouching for your honesty we feel constrained to say a word on a.nd responsibility, however little doubt we the subject, and perhaps we cannot inay have of it. Your 9th report acknowldo it better than to give here our re- edges receipts but gives no account of ex- penditures, which is hardly a business methply to an application of this kind od, and will look to the public suspicious. just received, and one that had many You will see that as editors we may not do what we might as persons, or Individuals. things to commend it. We must not commIt the REVIEW to such an enterprise until we are fully satisfied by DEAR SIR. – We return herewith your personal knowledge of its perfeot claim to statement and appeal which as editors we publio recognition and confidence. We think it unwise to publish. The missionary should lay ourselves open to deserved cenpnblic will regard the REVIEW as indorsing sure if we were to do otherwise. this private enterprise and indirectly appealing for help. This were a bad precedent We write frankly because a principle is at fo~ us to establish. The circulation of the stake. In last week's Independent there REVIEW is now becoming large and its influ- appears a. statement to the effect that there ence still larger. We must be very careful is a Mission to the Jews in this city (we how we open the door to applications for our withhold the name) "which publishes no official indorsement of private schemes. flna.ncial account whatever, and has refused Many a man who is conducting such may be to show it to us when asked." ' a worthy and consecrated man; but of this we cannot always be sure. Moreover your We are pained to hear it, for many feel enterprise is aperBonal affair, without any a deep Interest in its success; but this polbackinl:' from any church, denomination, or icy, if persisted in. will prove fatal. No so- ciety, much less no individual, can gain a.nd hold public confidence unless its financial was virtu'Ous, intelligent aud truly account is ma.tter cif public record. patri'Otic, universal suffrage might be safe, but we have nQt reached In view ot the Bcores of new agencies that state yet. apringing upall Over the country which are responsible to no one. we feel the absolute Missions a.nd the New Theology. neceB8itll of being on the alert, and never giving our indorsement to anything of JOSEPH COOK well says in 'One 'Of which we bave not a personal knowledge. his B'Ost'On lectures," The strength 'Of missi'Ons has been fQund, by pr'O- Very truly and fraternally, l'Onged and m'Ost varied experience, t'O c'Onsist 'Of these three things: The EDITORS. belief in the necessity 'Of the New Birth, the belief in the necessity 'Of The Imp'Ortance 'Of Oities is grQW- the At'Onement, the belief in the ne- ing uPQn all thinking men. They cessity 'Of Repentence in this life." are becoming mQre than ever the Apr'Op'Os 'Of this, 'One 'Of the 'Oldest centers 'Of populatiQn and the SQurces and f'OremQst missi'Onaries, Rev. Wil- 'Of influence. PictQn's maxim was: liam Ashm'Ol·~, D.D., testifies what "Always keep yQur center strQng: he has 'Observed 'Of the w'Orking 'Of put yQur best men there." The the "New The'Ology," both abr'Oad maxim that is gQQd in war is gQQd in and at h'Ome. Citing from a periodi- , peace: in fact war is eternal. We cal publicati'On, printed in the mter- . are never thrQugh with the cam- est 'Of this latest dl:ift 'Of speculative paign 'Of the ages a.nd the cQnllict 'Of thought and thinking, Dr. Ashm'Ore rIght and wrQng. The "bestmen" reaches the f'Oll'Owing generaliza- are nQt the mQst brilliant, but the ti'On: mQst herQic j nQt thQse whQ draw the biggest crQwds but whQ are m'Ost .. From this, and other material of the same drawn t'O the m'Ost destitute and neg- sort, it will be seen, and can be shown, that lected. S'Ome men and w'Omen wh'O the New Theology as there exponnded is a con- are the salt 'Of 'Of 'Our city p'Opulati'On census of certain views of Unitarianism, Uni- are n'Ot kn'Own in the public prints, versalism. 'Higher Criticism,' Evolutionism, but they are kn'Own in the back al- Rationalism, Phariseeism, Sadduceeism, Pan- leys and slums. Their kingd'Om theism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, mixed c'Omes, n'Ot wit.h Qbservati'On, but in with Christiaulty. The men who criticise where it c'Omes there c'Omes the sav- old-fashioned Christians for holding to a the ing p'Ower 'Of the g'Ospel. ology which they show to be Pauline now offer in its place a theology which they claim to be The New Ja.pa.nese Oonstitution, only Clementine, and which is also heathen. , Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. ' .. I THERE is 'One pr'Ovisi'On in the new C'Onstituti'On 'Of Japan, limiting the Arthur T. Pierson, D.D. right 'Of suffrage t'O pers'Ons wh'O pay taxes t'O the amQunt 'Of $25 a year. IT is pr'Obably kn'Own t'O m'Ost 'Of 'Our There 'Ought tQ be s'Ome pr'Operty readers that 'One 'Of the edit'Ors, Dr. qualificati'On f'Or vQters in this c'Oun- Piers'On, has resigned the past'Oral try large en'Ough t'O shut 'Out fr'Om charge 'Of Bethany Church, Phila- the right 'Of suffrage lazy, visci'Ous delphia. N'Otwithstanding state- and irresP'Onsible perSQns. If a man ments made by a p'Orti'On 'Of the sec- d'Oes n'Ot value the right 'Of suffrage ular press, there was n'O cause 'Or QC- en'Ough t'O make the needful exer- casi'On f'Or this step in any contro- ti'On which w'Ould give him a title t'O versy 'Or m'Oral issue, either with the it, he 'Ought nQt t'O be intrusted with church 'Or any individual in it. Dr. the right. As a nati'On, we have Piers'On felt that the past'Oral care s'Old the suffrage right tQQ cheaply. 'Of this immense fl'Ock was t'O'O 'Oner- This dem'Ocratic idea 'Of universal 'Ous ; and that G'Od had called him t'O a manh'O'Od suffrage w'Orks disas- wider w'Ork 'Of missi'Onary evang.elism, tr'Ously in practice. In a millennial at least f'Or a time, in the dissemina- state 'Of sQciety, where every citizen tiOh of knowledge of the facts about zeal and consecration, and meeting modern missions and the arousing of and minglingfreely with the leaders interest and zeal in reference to the of missionary thought and the great workoC the world's salvation. army of missionary workers abroad, he will be able to enl'lch the pages of Thesessionof BethanyChurch pro- the REVIEW with contributions of posed thattheirpastorshouldretaina rare value from his own eloquent a sort of unique connection with it as pen, and enlistinits behalfthe pens of a sortofmissionary pastororbishop; several of the most eminent writers thatthus heshouldgofreely wherever on mission themes on the other side called of God to stir up greater ac- of the water. tivity in the church at large. But on mature consideration Dr. Pierson Dr. Pierson sails for Great Britain foresaw that such a relation might Nov. 9, in response to aloud call from interfere with both the calling of the Central Committee in. Edinanother pastor, and with his cordial burgh, which conducted his mission. acceptance of such call, and in or- ary campaign in Scotland in 1888. der to leave the field without any such hindrance, he preferred to sever J. M. S. his connection entirely. When a new pastor is called, should he coin- Death of Dr. Theo. Ohristlieb of Bonn. cide, such a missionary bishopric may be instituted, and the previous THE departure of this grand man pastor be invited to resume connec- from the ranks of the living withtion with the church in this new re- draws from the sphere of missionary lation. activity one of the most apostolic men it was ever our privilege to Whether this plan be feasible or know. It may be doubted whether not remains to be tested. But any man of 011.1' generation has at 56 should it be adopted and prove a suc- years of age reached a pinnacle of cess, Bethany Church will add to its true greatness more exalted. He world-wide reputation for evangel- was born at W urtemberg in 1833, and istic work a new feature, namely, studied at Tubingen. He aftt"rward helping a pastor, who is admitted taug-ht in France, then preached at to possess eminent fitness Cor such a Islington, where he also lectured to work, to go about freely among the cultivated Gel'lDans; then some churches in this and other lands to twenty-four years since he returned arouse and stimulate missionary to Germany, and since 1868 has been zeal, information and consecration. university preacher and professor at Bonn. Dr. Pierson, after a few months spent in England, Scotland and Ire· Germa.ny presented no man who land. expects to return to this coun- could cope more successfully with try and will be open to any call of modern rationalism. Those who in God, and to any work which may 1873 heard him at the Evangelical seem to be of God. Alliance in New York will remember his martial bearing, his peculiar Meanwhile this REvmw will not manliness of mien, his ringing clarsuffer by his temporary absence, but,. ion tones, his marvelous handling of on the contrary, will be benefited English, his unction, his powerful by his visit abroad. His editorial logic, his magnificent metaphors, his relation to it and his work upon it, startling antitheses, his overwhelmwill go on the same as if he had re- ing exposure of the rottenness ofthe mained in Philadelphia. Freed from basis of rationalistic philosophy. a. great pastoral charge, devoting all After he had given the substance of his time, energy and gifts to the his masterly paper in Association cause of missions, with apostolic Hall, the repetition of that pa.per
1889·1 ORGANIZED MISSIONARY WORK AND STATISTICS. S7S
without abridgment was so impera- by a bjrd's eye glance; accurate sta- tively demanded that he was con- tistics, gleaned facts, and helpful strained to deliver it entire, at Dr. hints,interspersed and adorned by Adams' church. There I heard it- some of the most eloquent appeals to and it took nearly four hours to de- be found in any language. We had liver-but I would have sat another hoped that he would have lived to four hours, willingly. No one who have issued a new edition bringing heard it will forget it. It is publish- this invalua.ble compendium down to ed in full in the proceedings of the the present dll.te. In its way, it has a.lIiance; and is the substance of all had as yet no rival.
that is found in extenso in "Modern What a blessing God gave to the Doubt and Christian Belief," which world when, in the very hot-bed of is the great classic on infidelity• German neology and mysticism and . But Dr. Christlieb was as eminent rationalism, he set this bl"illiant, as an advocate of missions. His lit- saintly scholar, who could smite tp tle book, " Foreign Missions," mod- the earth such giants as Strauss, estly put forth, was the first brief . Schleiermacher, Baur, Renan, resume of the whole work and field Fichte and Hegel, and at the same which late years ~ave produced. time lead the hosts of God in an of- Within the compass of 260 l8mo fensi ve warfare against the powers pages the whole field is given as of Satan. A. T. P.
VII.-ORGANIZED MISSIONARY WORK AND STATISTICS.
Reformed (Dutch) Ohurch in America. Less Amount paid in $10 $93,132 U South America…… 50600 SEORBT.A.RY. REV. H. N. COBB. D.D., 26 RUDlI: Cash received on de- 37,500 00 STRlIIET. NEW YORE. N. Y. posit………· …….
REPORT I'OR YlII.A.R ENDING "pRIL 30, 1889. Cash borrowed from bank…………… . Receipt•• Balance from old ac- count……………. $82865 Contributions fr 0 m Churches……… ..• $41,58917 Expenditure•• For Missions ………………….. $100,28796 Contributions from Administration expenses……… 6,271 51l General Security Fund……….. 2,04750 Sunday Schools….. 11,67258 Loans and interest…………… 22,37721 Balance………………………. 97189 Contributions fro m $131,76189 Individuals………. 22,086 (3 Total deficit dueat bank………. 823.500 00 Miscellaneo u s sources………….. 13,3'7692 Legacies………….. 4,~17 92 $93,H2U 8T.A.TISTICS 011' THE RElI"D (DUTCH) CH. IN J,)(ERIC.A., GEN'L SYNOD I 111 611 1551"1 121 China…. 3 81 81 21 26 861 73 11 .. 186 $2,367 66 India….. 8 88 8 .. 816 3 .. 210 213 23 1.711 79 14 .. 103 3,171 611 ~6 91 I Japan…… 3 20 2 14125118 .. 17 35 20 12,517 610 20 .. 61 373 5.078 95 15ti 261-1 usl m TotZ- 14 127 23 1"3 ii 27451 5,089 762 45 – 3-:-'lii $8,o.5SU1 Presbyterian Ohurob in ·the United States of Amerioa..
Secret.al'ies, 53 Fifth Avenue. New York. N. Y. .
REPORT FOR THIC YKAR JeNDING Il.A.Y 1. 1889.
Receipts. Expenditures.
Balance from old ac- $4.214 38 Payments toMissions …………..$~.189 45 count ……•….•..• Home Department…………….. 53.53740 Bala.nce to new account……….. 31,166 72 Receipts from churches…………$308.6'79 13 Receipts from Wo- Total. ………………………$002,893 57 man·sBoard ….•.•• 278.004 17 *This amouut must be repaid to these Receipts from Sab- funds. Omitting this item there is an aC- bath Schools…….. 83.400 55 tual detic.it of $44.696.62 in the transactions Receipts from Lega- of the year. Attentiou is especially callea to two facts: 1. The general decrease In the receipts. 2. The large amount con· cies ……………… 145.581 95 tributed by the Woman's Board. An inde- pendentSynod has been founded in Brazil. Receipts from Indi- 852.81585 with the cordial approval of the Northern viduals. etc……… 86.250 05 Borrowed from In- and Southern Presbyterian Churches. In Africa also the work has advanced, and vestment Fund….• *75.863 34 everywhere throughout the many tields oc- Tota.l. ……. cupied by the Missions of the Board there . $932,893 57 is grea.t encouragement.
STATISTICS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NORTH "' Missiona'ies Native W'kers Churches. Etc. :+;>, .; -Sch-oo-ls. " -" -'" -" -c" -"" " -"., 3 – -8=- – – .; ~ ——- " " …. . .. .. -."..-" "'"." '" –" i.''."". —. -.'"- -~B'"- :MISSIONS.r:i..;..e-…;..;..: +>:i ,,; … .~>"" ,'g0"], ~ 0:1 &: +> oj >:fJ 0:1 Z ~""~0 ",r/; 0 … § ..; ',; .,; .~ .; 8 ~~ A 0 .,; 0:1 ~~ >:fJ .t:i .; .; :;J 0 .Cl 'j;j '5'. .~ 0._ .+C>l oj fi« .Cl 8 ~E ">:fJ oj … .,.9 .~ "0 ~ .~ "0 oj +'O">J S 0 .0 .c .Cl '0 ~ 0 '0 '0 0 .Cl 8 ~'" .Cl .0 0 0 0 oj >:fJ OSo P – 0 0p0:1 0 al i::= – al Mexico……..• 5 7 .. 10 17 26 24 44 94 85 5,003 26S 29 1.795 41 1.292 $4.219 Guatemala….. 1 .. .. 1 .. 3 4 1 1 1 4 .. 2 30 1 16 408 South America 15 20 1 23 44 8 8 61 72 41 2.780 384 1 761 23 1,052 7.423 Africa ………. 12 11 9 10 30 3 4 27 84 15 1.266 279 11 1.:162 17 519 530 India……….. 18 Siam and Laos. 5 .. 37 2 62 101 21 11156 188 24 1.106 126 4.623 1:; 9.462 1,152 .. 11 3 17 31 1 4 27 32 12 983 162 555 23 629 2r.J China ………. 14 41 7 56104 20 38201 259 41 3.852 313 13 2.656 118 2.613 2.034- Japan………. 4 Korea ………. 1 20 2 41 63 18 20 .. 38 30 4.345 968 29 2.000 11 1,130 7.814 .. 2 2 3 7 .. 5 5 1 65 45 8 .. 2 39 ….
Persia………. 6 14 7 83 54 36 50157 243 25 2.290 225 19 4,878 122 3.164 2.280 Syria ……….. 589 12 1 2235 4 37160 201 20 1.584 63 6 4.620 140 6.032 7.355 —– – — —- – —- – -_.— ——– Total foreign .. 8689 176 84280 490 137 191 839 1,167 295 23.258 2.833 118 23,280 513 25.978 33,4,88 – — – — – – – — – – – — -I – – — Indians ……… 15 9 .. 20 29 14 4 16 34 22 1.713 186 1 510 10 343 '3.054 Chinese and – – – – — – – — – – Japanese in U.S.A ……. 3 – 4 1 8 13 .. .. 8 8 4 388 51 4 i~-) 20 1.073 2.199 – — – — – 104 89 18935 308 532 151 195 863 1.209 321 25.359 3.070 123 24.4 543 27.394 38.7 1 General Synod of the Reformed Pres- This Board reports for 1888 an increase byterian Ohurch in North America. amounting to $4.500.
SECUTARY.RICV. D.STICELE.D.D•• 2102!:!PRlNG It has one mission at Rurki (Roorkee). Sa- haranpur district. North·West Provinces of GARDICN STRICBT, PHILADJCLPHIA. PA. India: 8 outstations; foreign workers, 11.ot which 4 ordained. 8 unordained. '1 Juvenile Fund………….. .. £1.'789 15 0 medical missionary and 8 missionaries' Edinbiirrh Committee..•….. 2.240 0 0 wives; 12 native helpers, 2 teachers, 8 Legacies……………….. .. preaching places. Average attendance at Donations………………. .. 945 111 each, 75; adherents, 100; 1 organized Students' Missionary Society. 1,745 8 IS church. and Id communicants, 6 added dur- Miscellaneous……………. . ing the year; 2 Sabbath schools with 40 355 IS 2 scholars. Amount contributed by native 991 14 8 church, 1100. Total…………………. £14,374 4 4 Presbyterian Ohuroh of England, Expenditurea. £ 8. d.
SEClETARY MR. ,JOHN BELL, 13 FENOHUB()H For Missions…………….. 12,909 o 4 AVENUE, LONDON, E. C. Home charges…………… .. Amount drawu on account.. .. 778 3 11 REPORT POR THE YEAR ENDING DEO. 31, 1888. Interest …………………, Balance on new account….•• 100 o 0 Receipt8. £ 8. d. Balance from last account ….• 295 18 2 88 7 :I 498 12 11 Congregational contributions. 6,061 1 0 Total. …….. ;: ………. , £14,874 4 4 STATISTICS.
Mission- Native .; .; '" .- .. ". .. .'". . .~=.s,; Workers. a.ries. "", .!l .; 2l <> ::s ::s .; .,; .; .; .; '" ·=S~ ~ — — ._0 – .<:l '=("i <> .".::.s. .,; .: "',<,<I>'" -p~"~"",l,,.-a""lc ~-0…,. "0. ….;, ~ .; "<IJ <IJ … "=~ ~… ·'""S" ::;; '0 '"=(i "8 .c -..'<."""."..:.,l ·"S :~a -'0.".-. 0 '<Ic. .f.c. 0 – – -0 – – ::s – ~ ".<:l t"! p" -0 – -E-<- -~ – 8 8 0 -0 Amoy…………………… 47 6 2 9 6 33 38 1.574 8 918 53 1 4 Swatow ……………….. 27 5 3 10 2 24 22 1,497 9 1,003 52 1 11 Hakka Country………… 14 3 1 5 …. 11 10 407 4 258 5t' 1 6 Formosa ………………. 85 8 4 9 …. 26 4 2.875 21 1,807 80 1 13 Singapore ……………… 5 1 3 …. 4 163 2 111 26 …. …. Bampore (India) …..•….. 1 …. 1 4 1 No reports. ….. 2 .,, 129 18 11 40 8 1001 75 6.016 1'44j3,597 :J12 4 34 This Boa.rd pays especial attention to Interest ………………….. 343 17 6 medical work, two of its ordained and nine Investments repaid ………… 765 0 0 of the unordained missionaries being medi.. Miscellaneous …………….. 1,896 15 11 cal men. The missions have suffered from the enforced absence of some of the mis- Total………………….£9,092 8 8~ sionaries, but generally are in a hopeful condition. Paymentl. ;£ 8. d. For expenses of mission in The Presbyterian Church of England's Mission to the Jews reports expenditures Assam. . . . …. ………….. 5,868 17 7 amounting to £1.260 3s. Id. It employs one missionary and assistant in London, White· For expenses of mission in chapel; and a medical missionary in Mor· rocco. It is expected that he will receive Brittany ……………. ,. . .. 398 ·14 7 the assistance of an ordained evangelist, as the work opens up most encouragingly General expenses, ~ printing, among the Arabs and Berbers. Over 330 visits have been made to the houses of the secretary, etc. . . . . . . . .. . .. •.. 748 13 0 people. Interest and investments…… 83 2 :3 – – – – – – Balance on hand in bank ..•..• 1,993 1 4~ Tota. ………………… £9,092 8 8~ In addition to the general Treasurer's Report, the Treasurer for the India. mis· slon acknowledges Govern- Welsh Oalvinistic Methodists, England. ment ~rants for schools…… £600 0 0 SEORETARY, REV. JOSIAH THoMAs.M. A., 28 Church contributions……… 106 8 ~ BRECKPIELD RoAD SOUTH, LIVERPOOL. From pupils, sale of books, REPORT POR YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1888. •medicine, etc…………… 468 7 2 £574 15 10~ R~ipt8. Donations, etc ……………… £1,508 18 1 £ I. d.
Balance from last account. …. 1,106 15 3 £2,683 14 1~ Total expense of Assam ColJections. …. . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . 4,792 26 ~ mission ……………… £8,552 11 8~ Legacies.. …. …. ………… 187 3 10 STATISTICS.
1II18slon· Native .sloll _ 'g" • . -ar-tea-. helpefl!. .. .s • OIl {,.gl..1s8..! :; . • . g. t;i !~~ ~~ !e g~.~a~ ~ s~o j 8 j ttl . ilf !!' ~li ,,"1:1XI• .!…, ~ ~~~ ip~l 0 ~~ ~~ .. I ~0a) ~-o1-!:1~5" A 'S. ~ ~~j~:-~~ – – – – – ~'I~~ ~~ Assam ….. 8 oS £ ,. II.
186 8,080 1>.1M 2M 186 II 903 4,197 ';69 11 II The Society "s180 carries on work In Brit- Zellalla Fulld………. •….. …. 4.U6 5 7 tany where It has three missionaries. No sta- Miscellalleous……………….. 3,415 7 11 tistics are glvellin such form that they can be tabulated, bu the work seeins to be progreso Total ………………………£42.185 I> 8 slve and successful. The regular basis of expendi- 'United Presbyterian Ohurch of Scot- ture made up of the contribu- land. tions and a certain propor- tion of securities and lega- SEORZTARY,REV.JAKKS BUCHANAN.COLLIGE cies amount to …•..•.•.•..•••£27.030 8 8 To this were added certain spe- BUILDINGS. CASTLE TIIRIUCII. EIlIJIBURGH. cial receipts………………. 9,152 10 10 lDPOaT J'OR YIIAB ENIlING IlIlC 81. ISB8. lIaking .. total of………….. £36.182 19 II Recdpt.: £ •• d. Expenditure. : £ &.11. Contributions. donations. etc•.• 21.946 2 9 Legacies… •••• . . . .• …. •••••••• I;.~ 18 0 Balance from old account …•.. 1.972 811 Transfers aDd proportion of se- Expenses of mlssioll ..•..••.••.•• 30.561 11 3 curities.. •••• ••• .• •• . . . . •.. ••.• 3,419 9 11 – – – – – Ba.lance to new account ••••.••• 3.64819 4 Contributions to £20.000 ElI'ort. 3,693 3 ( Total. •. .. •• ….. ….. …. . .• •.£36,182 19 6 BTATJ8TICS 011' vmTED PRBIIBYTIIRlAN CHURCH 011' SCO'l'LAND.
.". ….. .- " . i…,~ i.'". . ~ SCHOOLS.
. .. … S '" 5 ttl — – . — – — — — — 4a6 is 8 11 10 llIBsIONARI_ NATlVlI WORlurns.
c .,.,; ;b&;> . li I. ~>. 'i "" .,; 0- 'a" .£ 'i ., 8 I." .,; 0; "'c 01 lIIBaIOll8. .,., ., 'i ..0… "8- ~ S -.. -.. -.., :5 -.,- .. 17'<i..=, '"Ii -'Iei .g J::. a '0 '0 Jamaic•••….•••. .. .. 2 s J::…c:= Trinidad ………. 0 :"a 0 0 aI I. 8 .0g .Q Old C.Jabar '" ••. 6 ~ -0 . Eo< o0 Kall'rla ………… 14 11 ~ l' 16 J::. ttl "ttl India …………. I; 11 80 24 1 0 e0- '16 5 39 1/ '6 .'3. a1 2i '.7. 127 10.614 8.0. '1'.471 a 164 8 888 1 'j 37 41 Mi8 19 W 11 15 2,852 43 1,735 87 318 Mi6 85 4.839 Chin………….. 4, 9 I) 8 1 15 4 20 47 895 6 67 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – J.pan…….. …. 4 5 8 " .• :: :: 1 2 .• Total………… /-.-. 6 '100 – – . – – 55 "9 21 4 20 90 304 114 617 16,363 l!33 14,676 *Fourof thesea.re ordained medical misslOn.rles.
Free Ohuroh of Scotland Oommittee on Various funds… ……………. 32,375 '1" 6 Foreign lliuioIlS. Investments,etc., paid up…… 10.774 0 0 SIICRIITABY. Dr. GIIOIIGB aKITH, C. I, E., 15 Total……………………… £86,678 13 1 Expenditure. : NORm BANItSTBIIBT, EDINBUIIGH. Sco'l'LANIl. £ B. II.
BIIPORT II'OR YEAR IINDIJIG KAROH 31.1839. General and special mission ex- penses. . . •. . . •.. . ••. •. •.•. . . . . .. 55,4l!O 6 11 R«cipt.: £ •• d. General charges and home ex- penses……………………. 2.477 6 3 Balance from old accounts….. 8,674 lU 'I' COllections and do- Investments and transferences 14,1170 0 0 Ba.laoce to new accounts ….. 18.810 19 11 nations ….. ~ ••• £25,358 17 • Lepcios……….. 9,495 17 1 Tota.l……………………… £86.678 18 1 – – – – 34.8M 14 10 STATIBTICS J'BlllIII OHUMH or IICOTL.U{D roDIS. 1118810NI.
3Ol8 IKnadtifar.a.r.i.a•.•.•…•… 192 7616 10 13 198 …. 122 91 22874 12103…. 209 23..018634 327368 1] 25016 138,.509468 £552809 112 18 Natal………. 3 20 3 5 II .. .. – 13 45.. 1 615 128 6 14 795 131110:1 Llvingstonia.. 1 13 " 7 .. .. .. – " 3…. 16 8.. 10 2.303 .. 16 II ll New Hebrides. 2 1 1 1 .. .. .. — 37 …. 2 340 67.. 16 256 356 10 0 1 1 …. .. 4 … 1.. 1 61 1 Syria…… …. 1 1 1 1.. ..- 3 …. 50 0 S.Arabia…… .. 2 60 ;; 183 50 35"ii 14 14 i!29s 368 182 -:-:- 303 6.279 818 25.052 £1,608 10 8 Presbyterian Ohuroh of Oanada. Expenditure•• S5,552 87 Balance from old account…….. 'llI,136 4D SECRETARY, REV. WILLIAII REID. D.D., TOB- General mission expenses.•.••••• 3,81122 General home expenses..••.•…•• ONTO, CANADA. S82,OOO 58 BIlPORTI'OR THill YUR ENDING .t.PRIL 110, 1889 As tbe statements of the dltferent mis- Receipt•• sions are pesented in very ditferent forms, the arra~ement of these tables is not sat- General and fiscaloontributions. $42,388 68 isfactory. They are not presented 1'8 com- Woman's Foreign Missionary So- plete, !limply as indicating so tal' as we could gather from the Annual Report the oiety, western division……… 29.700 67 work being done by the Board. Balance…………………… 9.961,48 $82,000 58 STATISTICS.
MISBlONABlES. ! SOHooLS, ETC.
'"" I~. .~.. ~. i'.l 3… . '" …a. . i.. I . S HIssIONB. ~ ~ ~ .; i ;":: ,It,a'"> -10- ."=8 ~ .; "i 1.,;',5~ ;o".$~. a> .I,I "'tI ."= :~=a ~ ,..S., ~ ii It –………a..~.."=~-….l-……..–..0.3.=""'=-".813. oi <1 "0 II ~ J:> .! "<i 'tic "::;/ ~ "aa J:> .0= ~" :.I.l,t 1..0, -e0 0 .~• 8obJ.l 18 ca> ~.= a> 0 160 – "al b al 0 0 10- 0 69 6 D :l 428 S..7.7.6..0.0 -..2.. 1.961 ~ '943"83 — – — — — —— – – — …. – -…-3.6..-6.
New Hebride~… 3 20 3* …. 6 100 319 ~ 'i!:7iil' – – …. – – – – – – – – – – – – – Trinidad ……..4…4.4'i2'37"'79' 8 5 31 Central India•.. 2 5 1 14, 12 51 China ……….. 6 ~l~~ Total…….. 18 4 1923 19 61 230 3.4:M 247 7 …… 42 2,755, $8000 5100 N. W. lndi8.DII … 9 12 9 4 6 19 …… 178 47 3 Grand total. 20 –~- -.–~- 294 10 100 58 8,07% 111 00 16 26 33 25 84 230 3,598 1 *There are 15 other with , miSSion, but as they are supported missionaries connected thlll by the Free Churc h of Scotland and the AU8trahan Societies, they are not included here.
United Presbyterian Ohurch (Amerioa), From Ladies' AuillllJ'7 •.••••• '" •. •• 8,MO 78 Miscellaneous ………….. '" 18,107:11i 8EOBII:TARY, REV. J. B. DALII:B, D.D., 136 N. 18TH ST., PHILADELPHIA, PI.. Total………………………. SI08,58G 13 REPORT FOR THIll YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 1889. Ef1JPenditure8. ' Receipts. For Missions …………………….879,368 2& From Presbyteries.•….••••••.••••..$52,792 71 " Legacies………………….. 17,1Il5 lilt Debt in fnel, also specials …..•…… 21,56218 If 6a1)1)MIl SChOQls… , ……….. 11,888 ~ —– Investment by terms of bequest…… 4.000 00 General expenses …….. , ………. , • 8,659 72 Total….. ".,',•.•.•• "., ••••.. ·'108.seG 18
PROGRESS OF MISSIONS-MONTHLY BULLETIN
STATISTICS OF UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHUROH (AMERIOA).
Misslon- Native Schools, etc. j aries. workers· Churches, etc. — —-.. —–t- ————– Missions… !, .; ~ " .;; <'"""l ., ~ al i .. 5 .. . -! ."2.,.,;j.,.,;j :!sot.t,: ..,; i ~ .; .=;; .,-ge" e'::1 ~ ~ 0 0 .. .. I ~ "" E0'""~.s O.!: '0 ''0" —— — — — —- — -1-12- 0 0 a -~,."E"l . – 1-12 – 1-".1",2 – -r-"n" – 0 ~ I<t 0 ~–~- -1-"1"2- 0 ",,1; ~ -<-I-l"-, -0 – -0 – India ……. 5 75 9 20 11 153 8 6,188 1,495 67 3,488 139 3,938 $57930 – – – – – – – – Eaypt …… 5 100 11 17 10 :;28 ~6 2,624 2,346 78 4,285 97 5,701 6,97400 ~–, 381 84 8,712 l,l:S74 145 7,773 236 9,689 87,55330 Total. …… 10 115 o i 37 21 2 VIII.-PROGRESS OF MISSIONS: MONTHLY BULLETIN.
Africa.-",There are to-day, within the ment, 'and the priests have offered bribes and lake region of East Africa, extending to the made threats to the Spanish converts to induce coast froJll KiJimanjaro in the North, to the them to cease attending the meetings, but so highla.nds of the Shire in the South (not far the converts are holding lirm." reckoning Borne little ont – sta.tions). 44 Protestant missionaries, inclusive of the -The mail steamer "Congo" from the West unordainedf such as physicia.ns, artisans, Coast of Africa and the Canary Islands brings etc., male and female. A small number it is news of the most revolting hnman sacritrne,compared with the extentof the. region, fices. The old king of Eboe died a few months which is from five to six times aslarge as the ago, and his funersl ceremonies were made whole German Empire; bn t then 15 years the occaslou of the sacrifice of at least forty ago two little missionary attempts were all hnman beings. More were held in readiness that was to be fonnd there,and this advance to be sacrificed when certain traders arrived has cost muoh. not in money merely, but in andputan end to the horrible butchery. Verily the sacrifice of human lives and health; Africa needs the gospel.-:-Indian Witne88. for at lea.st fifty men and sevaral women have given up their lives for East Africa. -At Banza Manteke. on the Congo River, There ha.ve not yet been great visible re- 69 Were recently baptized in the Baptist suits; the baptisms which have taken place Mission. The work is becoming increasingare perhaps about 1.800 in all, but the dUII- ly enCouralrlDg at all the stations. cuities have been both numerous and peculiar.'" -Henry M. Stanley aeems to be emerg- ing safely from his long and dan.srerous ex- -A correspondent of The Christian {Lon- periences in Central Africa, and is expected don}, writing from Gibraltar, says: "We have at Mombassa, a port on the East Coast, in a. had very cheering news from Morocco. A won- little more than a month. derful work has sprung up among the Spanish and J ewi.h people of Tangier. Meetings, com- –A Christian tribe, sunounded by paga.ns, menced· two or three months ago, have been has just been discovered in the heart of held in Spanish. addressed through an interpre- Africa. They had never before seev a white ter by some brethren of the North African Mis- man. While their religious ideas are crude, sion. and there has been an inten.e eagerness to still they have a priesthood. the cross, and hear the truth. The Holy Spirit has carried other emblems of Christianity. They are home the gospel messag.. with conviction to believed to have been exiled from Abyssinmany hearts, and a few days ago the brethren ia abou t 800 years ago.-Catholic Review. informed me that seventeen Jewish and Spanish converts were baptized, and others were wait- -The Southern Presbyterian Church pro- .ing for baptism. The meetings have been pose to establish a mission on the Congo. crowded night after night, so much so that the friends in Tangier contemplate hiring a music- Belglum.-Consumption of liquor. It hall. at present used for midnight revelry and iM stated that seventy million liter of whissin. This revival has aroused the enmity of key are consumed annually. and that the both rabbi and priest, consequently bitter per· amount is constantly on the incl-ease. secntion has followed. Several Jewish inqui- Withi~ the last fifteen years the population rers have been beaten in the synagogue. con- has increased 14 per cent.• but the use of al- cohol37. the number of the insane 45 ; of verts ba.ve been dismissed from their employ- crime the increase was 74. and of suicides 80 per cent. With a population of about six millions Belgium annually spends 135 million francs for spirituous liquors, a.nd but 15 million for public instrUction. There are 5,500 schools, but 136,000 saloons.-Dr. are more or less regularly visited. There are 13 8tuckenberg, in Hom. Review. ' schools, an average attendance of 14,000 per • Burmah.-A severe famine is prevail. month. In one village the workers were asked ing in the Tavoy district in Burma. Many to preach the gospel by some of the inhabitants of the Karens, who live by tilling tbe sOlI, petitioning for tblS, their signatures being wit- are dying from starvation. The work of nessed by the Mayor, aud themselves offering the missionaries Is :;reatly hindered in con. light, fire and room for the services. Tbere is sequence. an unmistakable reaction in favor of religion, Chi n a.-A remarkable missionary meet- Roman Catholics coming to the places of wor- ing was held in the large foreign settlement ship in unusual numbers. Tbe superintendent at Sbanghai on May 1. Gen. Kennedy, U. S. is Pastor Mouron, 76 Rue d'Assas, Paris.
A. Consul-General, presided; Rev. T. R. Creat Britain-The Record of the Free Stevenson, pastor of the Union Churcb, Chqrch of Scotland states that there are 47 opened with prayer; Rev. W. Muirhead, Protestant Jewish missionary societies in the L.M.S., spoke on India, Ceylon, and Bur- world, employing 377 miSSionaries among the mab; Dr. Anen, American Episcopal Meth- Jews, and spending about a half·mlllion dollars odist, on ChiRa and Japan; !ll:r. C. Thorne, annually. There is, therefore, about one mis- an English resident, and a member of the sionary for every 17,000 Jews. About 80,000 C.M.S. Finance Committee, on the mission- copies of Delitsch's Hebrew New Testament ary work going on in Shanghai; Rev. F. L. have been distributed in Eastern Europe and Hawks Pott, American Episcopal .Church, Siberia, while of Salkinson's Hebrew Testa- read a paper by Dr. Percy Matthews, de- ment two editions of 200,000 have appeared. It scribing personal visits to Moosonee, etc.; has been estimated that fully 100,000 Jews have, Rev. G. F. Fitch, American Presbyterian, during the century, beeu brought into the spoke on !ll:exico and South America; and Church of Christ, Archdeacon Moule, C.M.S., on Africa and -DurIng the past year British Foreign Mis· the Islands of tbe Sea. Rev. H. C. Hodges, slonary societies have contributed $6,134,000 for British chaplain, closed with a tew hearty work in pagan and Mohammedan lands. Of words. this amount $2,300,000 came from societies -Church of tbe United Brethren;-Suri- connected with the Cburch ot England; nam. The official report made' to the late $1,885,000 from English and Welsh :Noncon- General Synod noteR an increase of 5,000 formists; $1,014,000 from the Presbyterians in members in this Held during the last ten Scotland and Ireland.
years. The increase in Paramaribo itself -C. M. S. Missionaries. There will be a isstartling. Ten years ago w<' had 7,324 mem- goodly number of missionaries going forth thiR bers in tbat town, now tbere are 13,140 di- autumn. As far as we can see at present (says vided into four congregatIOns. Our Surinam The Ohurch Mi88ionary lntelligencer), there mission-staff at present consists of 36 mar- will be about 40 iucluding wives, returning to ried pairs and one single brother, 73 In all. the mission field, and about 50 going ont for the Besides these tbere are some native mis. IIrst time. The latter figure includes about 25 sionaries in charge of cOl1gre~a tions, as clergymen and 140r 15 single ladies. Never be- John King at Maripastone, Charles Edward fore has the Society sent forth such a rein- Bern at Kwattabede, Samuel Treu at forcemeut at one time. The lady missionaries Gansee and Marius Keeks, the itinerant are for the most part either wholly or partially agent for the neighborhood of Portribo. honorary; it is for the men that we want our The report also states tbat the deficiency missionary boxes filled.
of £3,662 136. in the accounts of 1887 has Ceylon.-A lady who has labored for fif- been entirely wiped out by special contri- teen years in Ceylon writes: .. A marvelous butions; change has taken place since the winter mis- A new edition of tbe New Testament siOn of 1887. Many of the planters, who were considered a very diftlcult class to influence, and tbe Psalms has lately been issu~d by have come ont graudly on the Lord's side, and now carryon work among their own gangs of the Bible Society in tile Negro.English, the coolies. Moreover, the power of God has, of colloquial dialect used by the negro popula- late, been remarkably manifested among the soldiers stationed in CeylolJ, and several meet· tion of Surinam. Writing from Pa.ramar- , ings for prayer are held weekly. So we have ibo January 22 of this year, Dr. Kersten very great canse ror thankfulness, but we are says: "At tbe end of December we bad the pleasure of receivIng the first thousand of the Negro-English Testament. It gives uni- versal satisfaction both as to print and not satisfied, for much remains to be done. binding."-Periodical Account8. God is graciously sending us again His s<,rvant, Rev. G. C. Grubb, and we are prayIng for a France.-Th. past year of the Socitite mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Evangeliqne of France bas been one of progres- Island." sive work. In connection with-Mr. McAIl three new popular conferences were started in Paris, Japan.-Dr. G. W. Knox believes that Tonnerre and Poitiers. Regular sen-ices were Japan will yet become the center orthe Christiau held in two large villages. Alrout 400 places ageucies that are to revolutionize the East. Last ,ear the Japanese converts gave for church 10,000 Armenians; 10,000 Franks 80nd LoTanand misslbna17 purposes a sum equivalent to S8OO,OOO trom 211,000 Cbristi&ns in tbe United tines. This is only an approximate esti- States, .. a standard that no denom!n&tion haa yet reacbed… mate, but probably not far from the truth.
-The Japanen government bas removed United States_-A MIB.,ona17TraJn~ tbe tax from Cbristiau cburcbes, thus placing them on the same basis of Shinto and Buddhist ing School was opened at the Baptist Tabtemples. The barriers are breaking down. ernacle, Boston, Mass., Oct. I, under the -Ar sIgnificant contrast. Tbe mission ot Col. Olcott, tbe noted tbeosophist, to Japan presidency of Rev. A. J. Gordon, D.D. The was a tallure, while the visit of Secretary Wishard, representing the Y. 111. C. Associations object is not to interfere with existing edu.- of tbe United States, was a graud success. cationallnstitutlons, but to supply to those -Though faith In the old religions is certainly declining In Japan, yet there are still who are called to missionary labor but are over 250,000 Buddhist priests in the empire -over eilrht times as many priests as Christ- unable to avail themselves of the usual adians-and the old superstitions have yet a very strong hold upon the masses. vantages, the best possible training to fit -Japan i. moving forward on the line of them for the work which they feE'l God inself-support. In 1882, 92 cburohes were wholly and 157 partly self·supporting. tends them to do. Evidences of piety, -In certain Sbintu poems and songs of earnestness, and a reasonable degree of fit- Japa.n, the idea. is brought out frequeutly that beasts have kept their first estate. ness for religious work will alone be required Man has fallen. of those desiring to enter. Both ladies and -The imperial University of Tokio has 188 professors and teachers, all but 16 being gentlemen will be admitted, and boardinK Japanese. ThiS year's students number 788. facilities are provided adjoinin&' the Ta.ber- -While only ODe in 1,500 of the popula.tion nacle. The course of study will be chiefty of Japan Is a Christian, one In 20 of the students In five of the leading Government exegetical and pra.ctical. Rev. F. L. Chap. schools hall been converted. ell of Flemingtou, N. J., is to be the resident Switzerland.-The Evangelical SocletyoC Geneva has80t present fifty students Instructor; but, aside from his classes, the preparing for the ministry, whilst its large staff of earnest colporteurs is constantly at services of a number of teachers and lecturwork with encouraging success. These agents sold last year over 27,000 Bibles and ers have been secured, whose instructions Testaments, and disposed of 000,000 tracts. will beof grea.tvalue. Furtherinformation This society labors in some of the most des- can be had by addressing Rev. R. M. Demtitute parts of France, where no other work is carrIed on. ing, Secretary, Baptist Tabernacle, Bowdoin -There is an interesting work among the Square, Boston, Mass. Jews at'Basle, an outgrowth of the work under the care of Rev. Mr. Gotthiel in Stutt- -American Board. Tbe total receipts for gard. • brother of a Jewish Rabbi in New Y6rk. Bis work has extended over a large tbe last month were over 8106,000, making the section of country in West Germany. In East Genna.ny the inftuence of Roman Ca- receipts' for the year from these two sources tholicism is so strong that little work can be done by Prutesta.nts. The Jews care nothing $548,698.62, a gain of nearl, 88,000. for a religion which countenances idleness 80nd ain indailyhfe. InWest Germany they -The annual report of the Japa.n mission of are brought in contact with a purer Christia.nity. Every year there are additions to the American Board gives the statistics of the the church'in Stuttgard from their number. year's work at tbe various stations down to RUBBla.-The Government of Russia has laid a tax on dissentingchurches, hoping to April 80, 1889. One evidence that the Japan hinder their progress. mission has advanced far beyond its incipient Syrla.-The population of Smyrna is esti- mated at over 200,000. About 100,000 are stages is furnished by the statement of the Greeks, perhaps 50,000 Turks; 00,000 Jews; condition of a church like that at Oks,ama, wblch bas 542 members, and Is the largest Con- gregationslist church in tbe countr" and the tbird in size smong Protestant cburcbes. It supports, beside. Its pastor, four paid evangel- ists and thirteen out-ststions, a Y. 111. C. A., a woman's temperauce society, a montbly maga- zine, a small dispensary, and neigbborbood meetings. Tbe Sunday-scbool has a regular attendance of over 1,000. Evidently our mos enterprising City churches are not so far in advance of this Japanese sister.
-The African Methodist Episcopal Church, which has not a wbite JD8n amOll1t its members, reports a membership of 460,000. It has 19,000 places oC worsbip, numbers 10,000 ministers, has 15,000 Sabbath·schools, supports its own denominatioual papers, bas mlssious In the West Indies,. Mexico and Africa, and its re- ported contributions foot up more tban .2,000,- 000 annuaUy for the support of church work.
-The Baptt8t .Ml.8BWnary Magazine for October reports 429 baptisms.
-Two checks went through the New York Clearing House recently for 13,168,432 They did not cover a year's expenditure for mis- slons; they p~id for ~ 8ln&,le purch~.e of. -B~rl '
The Missionary Review of the World — June 1888
THE RELATIVE PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY
MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE WORLD.
VOL. XI. No. 6.-0Id Series.–]UNE.–VOL. I. No. 6.-New Seriea I.-LITERATURE OF MISSIONS.
THE RELATIVE PROGRESS OF OHRISTIANITY. * BY J. T. GP..ACEY, D.D., BUFFALO, N. Y.
THE Ohristian public has been somewhat startled by statements recently made to the effect that in estimating the relative extension of Ohristianity through its aggressive agencies, there has been a singular oversight of a most important factor in the sum-that of the annual increase by birth of the non-Ohristian populations of the world. Mr. Johnston puts the case thus: " The heathen and Mohammedan population of the world is more by 200 millions than it was a hundred years ago; while the converts and their families do not amount to 3 millions. The numbers now generally accepted as accurate and quoted by the church missionary and other societies, are 173 millions of Mohammedans and 874 millions of heathen, 1047 in all. When Carey wrote his famous Enquiry in 1786 he estiqtated the Mohammedans at 130 and the Pagans at 420 millions, equal to 550 millions. This would give an increase of 493 millions. But as we have come to the knowledge of vast populations in Africa and the East, which could not be even guessed at in Carey's time, we must largely increase his estimate, but I am not prepared at present to say to what extent. Of this, however, I am sure, that the ACT- UAL INCREASE during the hundred years is much more than the 200 millions at which I have put it down. • . . We mourn over the sad fact that the increase of the heathen is numerically more than seventy times greater than that of the converts."
Mr. Johnston is recognized as a candid, careful and capable author and an earnest friend of missions, and he makes these statements the basis of an appeal to the Ohristian church to address itself more vigorously to the task of evangelizing the nations, which he says it is abundantly able to do. He informs us that he could easily give the details of his estimates, and will do so on another occasion, and also says that the members of almost all the missionary societies of Great * A Century of Protestant Missions and the Increase of the Heathen during the Hundred Years. Rev. James Johnston, F.B.S. 1886. James Nisbet & Co. 2d. Christianity, Islam, and the Negro Race. By Edward W. Blyden, LL.D. 1887.
Whittingham & Co. lOs. 6d. . Mohammed and Mohammedanism By R. Bosworth Smith, M.A. New York: Harpers. 1875. Canon Taylor's Wolverhampton Address. London Times. Britain have had ample means of testing his accuracy, and their secretaries have given him many kind marks of confidence. He does not of course say that they concur in this specific statement.
It seems that it would have been more desirable that the author should have furnished the details of the evidence before he announced his conclusions and made them the bases of an appeal, or at least set them forth as an incentive to Christian effort.
Instead of following the course he proposes, the reader will most probably hold the statement in suspense or decide from such data as may be at his command as to its credibility, while many will question if even such tolerable accuracy can ever be obtained in the estimate, as to bring it within the range of practical missionary thought. It is difficult to say what is the population of China even in our own day, and there is little hope of establishing any but questionable inferential proof of what it was a hundred years ago. Whoever has made a close study of the H Table of the Different Censuses of the Eighteen Prov-, inces," and other carefully made estimates as quoted by Dr. Williams, and his elaborate discussion of the entire subject of the past and present population of the Chinese Empire (" Middle Kingdom," vol. i. pp. 206-240), will readily understand that there is no credible statistical data on which to formulate anything approaching exact statements, such as we have become accustomed to for a comparatively few years past, in the Western world; and inferences, deductions and "guesses" have been always easily matched by counterinferences, deductions and" guesses."* One becomes curious to know what fresh sources for reliable statement or argument are to be brought to light, to prove what the popUlation of China was a century ago.
Dr. Williams estimated the population in 1876 to be less than it was in 1812, because the Taiping rebellion probably destroyed twenty millions of human beings during eighteen years of carnage in the fifteen provinces to which it reached. For twenty years prior to that the increase of the population was estimated at less than one per cent. per annum, and this renders Dr. Williams's statement probable. We put emphasis on China, because it popularly is supposed to contain about one-third of the population of the globe, and if no basis of calculation approaching accuracy can be had here, it would cause serious defect in the total result.
It may not be quite fair to allude to Africa, as that may be included in the two or three hundred millions which Mr. Johnston so generously deducts as peoples which have come to our knowledge within the century. But suppose these three hundred millions of newly discovered people have been numerically reduced within the century, what then? Whether the populations of these nations newly added to the world's census are more or less than they were a century ago, cannot be now * See International Department for discussion of the latest Returns. shown. The internecine strife of the tribes of A.frica, the devastationB of the slave-hunt and other causes may·have lessened the aggregate in the last hundred years, and that would affect the total sum. India comes more nearly within the range of statistical comparisons, specially within a few decades, but it lacks anything like exact figures for a century ago. Even within the latest decade covered by the British census, territory has been brought for the first time into the census tables, and the prejudice against the census-taking was so great even twenty years ago, as to limit accuracy. It is impossible to prove what part of the increase in the tables is due to greater accuracy in the returns. But as the people under the British raj are saved from much internecine strife, and measurably from infanticide, and subjected to hygienic and other regulations calculated to afford peace and to increase longevity,-notwithstanding two, and even four millions have been swept off within sixty days by famine in a single province,- it is probable there has been an actual increase in the popUlation, though it is variously estimated in the aggregate, all the way from three to ten per cent.
We have thus hastily sketched the probabilities as they will appear to the ordinary reader of establishing either increase or decrease by birth-rate among perhaps four-fifths of the total non-Ohristian population of the globe.
Of course we write all this merely as indicating the problem which Mr. Johnston promises to deal with and the difficulties surrounding its solution, and as justification of suspense of judgment in the premises till the promised evidence is furnished. But we must think it scarcely fair for Mr. Johnston to make bold assertions in the "text, while in the preface to the second edition he starts off at a tangent to say, "Even if the increase of the heathen were not so great as asserted, it would only prove that the death-rate from war, infanticide, pestilence and famine was greater than my estimate for these ~ad calamities, and would only furnish fresh arguments for sending the gospel," etc., which is very much like saying, If I cannot prove what I promise, I can prove something else. It is not with something else that he asks us to deal, but with this; and whatever allowance must be made because of the brevity of the treatise, it is long enough for us to understand the unvarnished statement which is offered to our faith, and which we are asked to take merely as the announcement of a fact. But as many will decline so to do, the influence of the alleged fact will be paralyzed till the evideuce is furnished.
The author would have broadened his discussion if not made it more fair, if instead of comparing the increase by birth-rate with increase by conversion, he had compared birth-rate with birth-rate among Ohristian and non-Ohristian peoples, in order to show what the probabilities are, of the total Ohristian population of the world gaining on that which is not Ohristian. But he gives promise of dealing with that too, in a separate treatise. In other words, he has given us only a fragment of the total argument, while the whole is essential io the reaching a conclusion about the reasonable probability that the world is to become Christian. Besides, if even the fact of comparatively greater increase by birth-rate were established in favor of heathen nations, that is certainly no more than the early church must have experienced, if not within the Roman Empire alone, then over the world at large. Mr. Johnston singularly enough, thinks there was no increase throughout the Roman Empire by birth-rate through the three hundred years in which the early church rose to supremacy therein. That in this his view will be challenged, is a matter of course.
While we doubt if any argument or compilation of facts can at all remove the question of the comparatIve world population of 1786 with that of 1886, out of the realm of pure speculation, and hence doubt if any practical value is to be got from its discussion, we beg that the Christian public will not overlook the masterly array of other statistics, facts and stirring appeals of this extraordinarily thoughtful pamphlet. And we caution them against ill-considered statements and influences which Mr. Johnston's pamphlet would not warrant, but may incite.
A. STUDY OF RATIOS.
The Bombay Gnardian some time since furnished an illustration of this heedless use of figures. It quoted the Independent as follows: "In round numbers the non-Christian population of the world is generally estimated as a thousand millions, leaving a Christian population of four hundred millions. Now the naturalincrease of a thousand millions, though it may not, because of the conditions of population in crowded countries like China and India and among uncivilized hordes like those of Africa, be quite as large in proportion as that of the four hundred millions of Christians living under the highest forms of civilization, it must be vastly larger in bulk. The rate of natural increase in India, in the last decade, jwas seven per cent. If that rate were applied to the whole of the thousand millions of pagans we should have a gain of 70,OOU,OOO every ten years. In Europe (exclusive of Turkey) and the United States, the increase in the decade was something undel' ten per cent. Apply that to the 400,000,000 Christian population and we have a gain of 40,000,000. In other words, the natural increase of the heathen world is thirty millions greater evel'y decade than that of the Christian world. Thirty millions in a decade is three millions a year, and this three millions a year must be overcome by propagandism among non- Ohristian peoples before it can be said that Christianity, by which we mean the whole Christian population, is increasing as I"apidly as Paganism. This is a fact which we need to look at steadily, in order to understand the vastness of the work before us."
Just why the Independent should assume that the increase by birthrate in India, which it puts at seven per cent., is the rate of natural increaseof the world for the last decade, is not very apparent. It singularly overlooks the emigration from Christian Europe to other places than the United States, though its colonies have overrun British America, Mexico, South America, and Australia. It places the heathen rate ridiculously high and that of Christian Europe fallaciously low. It would seem that such calculations might be relegated to the curious, but when a sober Christian paper like the Bombay Guardian is misled by it to make mischievous comment like the following, the time has come to call a halt on such indiscriminate ciphering. That paper complemented the above quotation thus: " A decennial augment of 7 per cent. on the population of India (250,000,- 000) would be 17,500,000, or 1,750,000 annually. But it would be thought a marvelous thing if our converts reached 100,000 in one year. If the addition of one to our converts implies the addition of 17 to the number of the unevangelized in this land, it certainly does not look as though we were subduing the world to Christ."
Both these quotations illustrate afresh the habit which has become common among too many well-intentioned writers on missionary progress, of singularly ignoring true ratios. Archdeacon Farrar is reported as stating that a century ago, in a procession of the inhabitants of the globe, only one in five would have been Christians; to-day, in a similar procession, the Christians would be nearly one in two, while the Christian population of the globe is increasing at the rate of 86 per cent. each decade. We do not know his basis of calculation, though the last remark comes within touch of modern statistics, and is susceptible of proof or refutation. But we do know that a preeminently important factor in all these comparisons is, that among Christian populations and notably among Christian converts from non-Christian populations, there is a remarkable increase of the ratio of increase. Christlieb says that in 1800 there were 170 Protestant missionaries in the whole heathen world, with 50,000 converts. George Smith, Esq., says there are now roundly three millions, of whom 802,028 are communicants, an increase of sixfold within the century. India furnishes a more definite illustration of our point. A writer (" R. H.") in the British and Foreign Evangelical Review, Oct. 1870, said the progress of Christianity in India was as great as that of early Christianity in the Roman Empire, it being popularly estimated that there were eight millions of Christians in that empire after 300 years; but if the rate of increase of the India native Ohristian community between 1852 and 1862 were maintained for 300 years, it would give 200,000,000 of converts. Making his calculations on that ratio, he anticipated that there would be in India in 1882, 273,000 Ohristians, but four years earlier than the date of his estimate (1878) Ohristlieb gave the numbers as 460,000! And Ohristlieb further says that the ratio of increase between 1852 and 1862 would give in A. D. 2002 a Christian popUlation to India alone of 138,000,000; or two hundred years after Oarey's first baptism, a victory seventeen times greater than that of the early church in the Roman Empire. If it be urged that such estimates are speculaative and untrustworthy, it is to be borne in mind that the above calulations are made on the rate of increase between 1852 and 1862, and that e::ch decade since has not only sustained that, but has shown an incI'B{!se of the rate of increase. The Christian population of India is now doubling itself e,very ten years, and every change of ratio is an increase of that ratio. And what is true of India may be reasonably anticipated for the future through- . out the missionary world as a whole, if we give due weight to the munificent equipment of agencies and preparatory occupancy of posts so ably summarized by Mr. Johnston.
COMPARATIVE INCREASE OF RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS.
We have glided into another phase of the question stated by Mr. Johnston in the caption of one of his chapters, thus: "The great heathen and Mohammedan systems of religion are not only increasing their adherents by the ordinary birth-rate, but are yearly making far more converts than our Christian missions." As Mr. Johnston does not promise further information on this specific topic, we are left to deal with the general statements of the chapter. A statement like this needs examination in detail, and from the title of the book it is fair to confine our examination to the century past. As to China, Buddhism, Oonfucianism, and Taoism have divided the population among them, and as no man is wholly of either in Ohina, it seems difficult to see what room there has been for converts. ~'hey had the whole, and except the Christian community represented by 31,000 Protestant communicants, the increase of Roman Oatholic Christians, and probably some accessions by Islam on their western borders, they have the whole yet. If the increase by birth-rate be not established, it seems difficult to establish .an increase at all within the bounds of the empire. Japan may be placed in the same category. Buddhism has been disestablished of late, and unless a birth-rate increase is proven, the case probably falls to the ground. Such is the influence of Western Christian civilization that it is possible that Ohristianity may any day be established as the national religion. In India proper there is no Buddhism except in name, and Oeylon's population is too inconsiderable to enter into these broad estimates.
Brahmanism-or rather Hinduism, a much broader term-has made encroachments on some of the aboriginal tribes by social absorption or by a sort of religious accretion. It is not a missionary religion, and its accessions are by marriage, or by the exchange of a popular fetish for some popular deity of thQ Hindu Pantheon. The total evangelistic task of the church is not increased by such social amalgamation, as these hold too loosely to Brahmanism to make it more difficult to convert them from Hindu idolatry than it was from Dravidian demonolatry. Then the aggregate accessions to Hinduism cannot be known, for if the total increase of the population be even 10 per cent. within the decade, it would be difficult to show what deduction must be made for increased longevity and other itcms, such as new territory now first included in the census, or the incompleteness of statistics ten years ago. There seems little room to construct an argument either way.
Not as a matter of logic, but as a curiously interesting item, we quote a Hindu. opinion on the relative progress of Ohristianity and Hinduism in India, published as Tract No.2, issued by the Hindu Tract Society of Madras, and sent to the Ohurch Gleaner by Rev. H. Schaffter of Tinnevelly Oollege: "How many hundreds of thousands have these padres turned to Christianity, and keep on turning! How many hundreds of thousands of dear children have they swallowed up! On how many more have they Gast their nets! How much evil is yet to come upon us by their means I If we sleep as heretofore, in a short time they will turn all to Christianity without exception, and our temples will be changed into churches. Do you suppose these padres to be mild and gentle? Do you think they are excellent teachers? Are you ignorant of the fact that Hinduism is daily decreasing and Christianity increasing? How long can a lake last that has an outlet and no inlet? So if, as we see, no converts are coming in to Hinduism, and every year multitudes on multitudes are going over to Christianity, there will not be a single Hindu left. Then what will become of caste, what of the Sivite and Vishnuvite faith I What of our temples and sacred tanks? We shall see no monastery or even footprint of a Hindu. When Christianity has laid waste the land, will a blade of Hinduism grow there?
" Now who cares or speaks about these things? When the flood rushes over our heads it will be too late. It is because of our carelessness that these strangers insult our gods in the open streets during our festivals, Is there no learned pundit to be secured for money who will crush the Christians?"
INCREASE OF ISLAM IN THE EAST INDIES.
Weare left to glance at the increase of Islam, and as it is convenient we begin with India. Oanon 'l'aylor's paper or address, read at the Ohurch Oongress at Wolverhampton last year, has been supplemented by so many fragmentary utterances of his in the London Times and el,sewhere that it is not easy to know for just what he is to be held responsible. His Ohurch Oongress 'Paper has been abundantly reviewed, quite beyond its deserts. Mr. Bosworth Smith in the Nineteenth Oentury charges him with lack of originality and wholesale plagiarism from his lectures on "Mohammed and Mohammedanism," published a dozen years ago, and alleges that even the opinions are" as nearly as possible identical" with those which thirteen years before he had promulgated, though " they were couched in an exaggerated form and without any modification or explanations," and were reproduced" without any adequate preparation or study of the subject at first hand," and that he "rushed at the task with headlong heedleslmess."
But the archbishop may be credited with originality in his statement in the Times when he says that the Moslem population of India increased in the decade 1871-1881 between nine and ten millions, of whom he estimates six millions to be converts, while the Ohristian missionaries had not made one-tenth as many converts in the same period. The recklessness of such a statement was equaled by the ludicrousness of the method of ciphering, when it became known that the canon had added to the later Moslem population the entire number in the Moslem feudatory states, which were not included in the census of 1871. If this is not" heedlessness" it is difficult to furnish a specimen of it. The London Spectator too, was so far misled in this general controversyas to place the annual conversions to Islam in India at 100,000. Sir William W. Hunter, the distinguished author of the Imperial Gazetteer of India, in a paper read recently before the Society of Arts, said, "The recent discussion in the Times was vitiated by a forgetfulness of the fact that the great Muhammadan pmvinces layoutside the influence of the famine of 1877, which fell with full force on Hinduism."
The Indian Evangelical.Review (Jan. 1888) said these statements were " so recklessly absurd that to many the very idea of formally contradicting them is itself absurd. And yet," it adds, "such dense ignorance abounds both here and at home that to many a formal contradiction becomes necessary. And that contradiction we unhesitatingly give as full and as formal as we can. After inquiries and investigations in various parts of the country, we emphatically assert that there is not a word of truth in Canon Taylor's sensational statement as regards India. He would be within the mark if he had said six hundred as the utmost figure for all India. Archdeacon Matthews has answered for the Punjab, and the Rev. J. J. Lucas for the Northwest Provinces and Oudh; Mr. De St. Dalmas and the Bombay G-uardian for Western India, and of Bengal we say that the Englishman regards the matter as simply fit to be made a joke of; the Statesman treats the statement as regards India as beneath notice, but grapples with it so far as it concerns Central Africa; and we ourselves, having inquired of not a few most qualified to inform as rega.rds Bengal, give the statement an emphatic denial. We do not believe six hundred Hindus, Christians and aborigines have become Mussulmans within the last ten years. The only cases thateame within our knowledge were all cases of seduction-Hindu wives or widows seduced by Muhammadans-and one or two Christian girls tempted into so-called Muhammadan marriages. We have also heard of Muhammadan men and women becoming Roman Catholics in the same way, so that possibly as many are lost to Muhammadanism in this way as are gained."
But the figures were shown to Maj.-Gen. Haig, an acknowledged authority in such matters for India, and he is reported as saying that "in Bengal, with a popUlation of 42 per cent. of the whole Muhammadan population of India, the Mussulmans are at a standstill, while in the Punjab and Northwest Provinces, with 36 per cent. of the total Mu- 'hammadan population, Islam is slightly advancing."
The Indian Witness was quoted in the April Review as follows: "Gen. Haig furnishes interesting facts and statistics concerning Muhammadan progress in India. Of the 50,000,000 of that faith in India, 21,000,000 are in Bengal. From the most careful census reports ever taken in India it appears that the followers of Islam increased during the nine years 1872- 1882, 2,145,472, or at the rate of 10.96 per cent., the whole population increasing at the rate of 10.89 per cent. The actual gains of Muhammadans were 15,000. This figure shows how much faster they increased than the whole population. A careful thinker would not concede all of this number to proselytism. A small increase in the health and longevity of the Muhammadans, which is not unlikely, would wipe out all the gains at one stroke. But we would think that a church of twenty millions of members, that only gathered 1,666 members a year more than another body, that made no converts and could make none, was not a model of progress. The case grows darker fo~ Muhammadan success when we remember that few have left Islam in Bengal, although several are far from being as orthodox as of yore."
The Bishop (designate) for Lahore is quoted as saying: "The movement in certain parts ;of India of low-caste or outcast Hindus toward Islam may be compared with the yet larger movement of the non- Aryan tribes toward Brahmanical Hinduism. In both cases the movement is far more social than religious. Impartial writers like Sir A. Lyall are forward to recognize the unfairness of comparing this wholesale melting into another religious system, which is the outcome not of individual persuasion, but of great social changes, with the results of Christian missionary enterprise, which represent personal conviction, and entail, not social advantage, but social loss."
Rev. W. J. Smith, also of Lahore, says: "My surprise is not that so many Hindus have turned Mohammedans, but that so few have done so. Had Mohammedanism in India possessed its old vitality we shouldindeed have been startled by the result."
The Methodist Recorder of London discriminates when it says: "The result of the discussion, therefore, as regards India, is to show that there is no cause for anything like panic at the advance of Islam as a missionary religion in India, while there is every reason for increasing our own efforts thoroughly to Christianize a population which amidst the decay of ancient religious. beliefs is naturally somewhat prone to adopt a form of religion which is close beside them in full force, which makes little demand upon them of a spiritual kind, and interferes so little either with their superstitions or their domestic habits."
The accomplished author of the Gazetteer oj India, already quoted, says the converts to Islam in India are attracted less by religious fervor and conviction than by considerations of social convenience. Islam offers to the" teeming low castes of Eastern Bengal, who had sat for ages abject on the outermost pale of the Hindu community, a free entrance into a new social organization." But he goes on to say that " Christianity holds out advantages of social organization not offered by Hinduism or Islam. It provides for the ~ducation and moral supervision of its people with a pastoral care, which Islam, destitute of a regular priesthood, does not pretend to. It receives the new members into its body with a cordiality and completeness to which H:induism is a stranger. . . . Christianity also raises the position of woman toa degree unknown to Hinduism or Islam."
He says "the new religious force of missionary Christianity is Protestant." He then shows the growth as represented by the statistical results of three periods, into which he divides the work from its initiationat Serampore down to 1881. He says that " a cordial recognition of the wide field for evangelical labors does not exempt Christianity in India from being judged by its present l'esults. Nor need the friends of missionary enterprise shrink from the test; for while the number of native Protestant Christians has increased by fivefold during the thirty years preceding the last census, the number of their communicants has multiplied by nearly tenfold. The progress has been a progress of conversion, concurrent with a progress of internal growth and of internal discipline. It .is the result, not alone of the zeal which compasseth the earth to make a proselyte, but also of the pastoral devotion which visits the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and labors to keep its Hock unspotted from the world."
Again we say, we are willing to hold all that we know of difficulty in the way of Mr. Johnston's establishing his statements, in suspense, until he presents the evidence which years of patient toil and assiduous study, with special adaptation and rich experience in dealing with statistical problems, might perhaps have justified us in taking on his mere announcement, if the immense interests involved warranted such acquiescence on the mere assertion of any authority whomsoever.
But we caution the Christian churches against construing anything we have said into ground for relaxation of effort, or miscalculation of the forces to be mastered. Whatever has been the absorption of the uncasted natives of India by any of the lettered religions in the past, Sir William Hunter utters a prophecy of startling import when he says that he believes that the dense and dark mass of jifty millions outside thepale of orthodox Hinduism and Islam will within jifty years be absorbed into these or into Ohristianity.
'fhat Islam is extending in the East India islands seems well established, for the German and Dutch missionaries laboring there seem to fear great difficulties from them. Journal des Missions Evangeliques says: "Nor have the missions alone reason for alarm. Some months since hundreds of Dutch merchants and others having direct relations with this part of the world sent a petition to the King of Holland urging him to take active measures for the protection of his subjects and their property in those regions. The Atchin war seems never ending and increases the peril of the situation. The Atchinese and the Malays are the tribes mostly moved by Islam to fanaticism, and the Battas, among whom the Rhenish missionaries are working so successfully, live between the two tribes."
At the Mildmay Conference some ten years ago Rev. Dr. Schreiber, secretary of the Rheim (Barmen) Missionary Society, speaking of the Netherlands mission in the East Indian Archipelago, said: "At present in Java almost all the whole population (twenty-one millions) is. Mohammedan, at least in name, a great deal of heathenism still being concealed under the surface. On Sumatra the fourth part is still heathen. On Borneo and in the Celebes, perhaps one – half; but wherever in Dutch Indies a heathen population is in contact with Mohammedism the latter is ad,vancing steadily." He says that " By far the greater part of the ground Mohammedanism holds at present in the Indian Archipelago, it has gained after the time the Dutch took possession of those regions. In the island of Sumatra it is true Atchin and Menangkabao had become Mohammedan before that time, and thence Islam had found its way to Java; but on both these islands the great majority of the people were still heathen whe!! the Dutch took possession of them, and to the island of Borneo and Celebes Mohammedanism has crept in the time of the Dutch Government."
He holds the Dutch Government to be responsible for this advance
AFRICA: A WONDERFUL OHAPTER IN MODERN HISTORY
of Islam,. The Bataks had been for centuries in contact with Islam • through Mohammedan Malays, but had kept their heathen creed firmly up to forty years ago, since when, under the patronage of the Dutch Government, it has extended all over the colony, "while almost no Mohammedan is to be found beyond the borders of the colony."
He says there are few proper Mohammedan missionaries there, but that there is personal Moslem zeal in propagandism, especially among the Hadjis, "whose number increases year by year on account of the· passage to Mecca by steamer being now so cheap and easy. In 1875 there were no less than 5,600 Hadjis (pilgrims) from Dutch India." (Mildmay Report, 1878, pp. 137-155.) [Ooncluded in our nex:.] AFRICA: A WONDERFUL CHAPTER IN MODERN HISTORY.
[EDITORIAL.-A. T. P.] THE organization of the International Association of the Congo and the Congo Free State are among the modern marvels in African history. T~e steps in this movement are marked by a peculiar touch of the divine finger.
Fifteen years ago, May 1, 1873, Livingstone, one of the great pio~ neers of African discovery, died upon his knees in his grass hut at Ilala, in the very heart of the Dark Continent. He was alone and utterly worn out by forty experiences in the furnace of African fever, and by every form of exposure and exhaustion. The awful death shade overhung the vast regions of Central Africa. Such depravity and degradation can be imagined only by those who have come into contact with it. Such cruel customs, such a cyclone of crime, such scenes of horror, such a carnival of lust prevailed, that Livingstone, moderate and temperate as he was in his habits of speech, could only write of them, "They give me the impression of being in hell! Oh, Lord, let thy kingdom come I"
The civilized world no sooner learned of the departure of this marvelous hero of African exploration and evangelization than there was a spontaneous and simultaneous movement in two directions: first, in the direction of scientific and geographical investigation, and secondly, in the direction of missionary effort. The latter we put second, not in the order of time but in the order of importance, for the Christian church was for once on the alert to follow Livingstone's labors in a true apostolic succession.
The next prominent step or stage in this remarkable history was the transcontinental tour of Henry M. Stanley. Strange indeed that such a man as James Gordon Bennett, and such a man as Stanley, the reporter of the New York Herald, should be chosen by God to open up the vast Congo basin! But so it was. In 1874 Stanley started at Zanzibar, and after a thousand days emerged at the mouth of the Congo in • 1877; the mysteries of the unknown interior were penetrated, and King Mtesa's appeal for Ohristian teachers echoed round the world and revealed Ethiopia stretching out her hands unto God. Of course Africa was during all these years more and more becoming the one point of attraction; like a constellation in the firmament which for some cause glows with supreme splendor, it became the cyn- osure of all eyes. The worldly man looked that way, for vast riches, vegetable and mineral, lay disclosed between the seas; the scientific man looked that way, for geology and geography, the fauna and flora invited and would reward a thorough research; the Ohristian man looked that way, for a hundred millions of people waited for the gospel, and a highway had been opened for the chariot of missions. A zone of light had taken the place of the deep darkness that so long lay like an impenetrable pall upon equatorial Africa. Robert Arthington of Leeds resolves to make new investments for Ohrist in planting the gospel along the shores of these lakes and rivers, and missionary societies appeal for fresh recruits to follow up the path of the explorer by the labors of the evangelist and teacher and conse- crated physician. Meanwhile from the little kingdom of Belgium there comes a new and very remarkable sign of the coming future for Africa. King Leo- pold II. has been watching the developments of African discovery and studying the signs ofthe times. God had taken his only son, and when he laid his dust in the sepulchre he turned away from the grave say- ing, "I have nothing to live for." But a voice from above seemed to say, "Live for Africa." He heard and heeded the celestial voice, and determined henceforth to adopt the sable sons of the Dark Oontinent as his own, and spend his life and his imperial treasure for the devel- opment and direction of this new empire lying along the Oongo. This Belgian king, while Stanley was yet in the heart of equatorial Africa, summons a conference at Brussels, Sept. 12 to 14, 1876, and the A.frican InternationaZ A.ssociation is the result. His Majesty the King of the Belgians invited to this conference a num- ber of the leading geographers of the chief nations of Europe. Represen- tatives gathered from Germany, Austro-Hungary, France, Great Brit- ain, Italy and Russia, as well as from Belgium, and the result of their deliberations was an agreement that an international commission, hav- ing its seat at the Belgian capital, should be founded for the purpose of exploring and ci vilizing Oentral Africa; each nation co-operating should establish a national committee to collect subscriptions to further the common end and send delegates to the commission. The first to form such national committee was Belgium, the mem- bers meeting under the presidency of Leopold II. himself, November 6, 1876. We cannot follow the history of this International Oommis- sion in detail. Those who are not already familiar With the minutire may find them fully preserved in Stanley's book on the Oongo. vol. i. chap. iv. But this was the foundation of the African International • Association. out of which have grown all the stupendous movements now fulfilling Victor Hugo's prediction that in the twentieth century the eyes of the world would be on Africa.
Into the treasury of this International Association in ten years this one man, Leopold II., sends gifts amounting in the aggregate to $2,500,000. The Oongo river is thus arouEled from its long sleep and is soon alive with steamers, and the surrounding forests resou:l.d with axes, and trees are felled and buildings are erected, and all the machinery of modern enterprise and civilization is put in motion. Mission bands advance westward from Zanzibar and occupy the shores of the great lakes, and other pioneers move eastward from the Oongo's estuary until the equator is reached and the cross is set up at Equatorville.
As to Stanley's connection with King Leopold it behooves us to add a few words. '
When Stanley, in January, 1878, reached Europe, slowly recuperating from the effects of famine, fever and fatigue endured in his great journey of three years, he was met at Marseilles by two commissioners of the King of Belgium, who communicated to him King Leopold's desire that he should undertake to assist him in accomplishing something practical and permanent for Africa, and asking Stanley to pay him a personal visit. Too exhausted to attempt any new enterprise, or even venture a visit, the explorer rested for a season and then went to Brussels and saw the king. Then a few weeks of pedestrian touring in Switzerland, a few months' lecture touring, and in November, 1878, Stanley was again summoned to the royal palace at Brussels, and found various persons of note in council as to what might be done to utilize previous discovery and make the Oongo river and basin of service to humanity. A new expedition was organized, with Leopold II. at its head, and on Nov. 25001. Strauch of the Belgian army was made president of the society, called" Oomite d'Etudes du Haut Congo;" and the expedition was put in charge of Stanley. The coincidences of history are often startling. He had emerged from the Oongo at Banana Point Aug. 12, 1877. On the 14th of August, just two years 'later almost to a day, Stanley arrived before the mouth of this river to ascend it, to sow along its banks the seeds of new settlements, to suppress the slave trade, and to prepare the way for a new and Ohristian civilization.
Another great step remained to be taken. Ten years pass away from the time when Stanley first began the transit of the continent, and a conference is held in Berlin which for its character and the possible magnitude of results probably has had no equal during the Ohristian era. The Berlin Oonference sprang from the African International Association. It met in the closing months of 1884, under the presidency of Prince Bismarck. There were representatives of fourteen European powers-Great Britain, Germany, Aus- tria- Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Norway and Turkey-with the United States of America. After full conference with leading explorers, philan- thropists and missionaries, they have created by solemn compact a Free State, embracing nearly all of equatorial Africa. They have covered by the protection of their covenant a territory equal to two and a half Europes, as large as all the United States except Alaska, peopled by nearly fifty millions of souls; and this is the covenant into which they )lave entered with reference to the land for which Livingstone prayed. It is to be read in the sixth article of their Convention: " All the powers exercising sovereign rights or influence in the aforesaid territories bind themselves to watch over the preservation of the native tribes, and to care fOl> the improvement of the conditions of their moral and mental well-being, and to help in suppressing slavery and especially the slave trade. They shall, without distinction of creed or nation, protect and favor all religious, scientific or charitable institutions and undertakings created and organized for the above ends, or which aim at instructing the natives and bringing horne to them the blessings of civilization. Christian missionaries, scientists and explorers, with their followers, property and collections, shall also be the objects of especial protection. Freedom of conscience and religious toleration are expressly guaranteed to the natives, no less than to the subjects (of the sovereign states) and to foreigners. The free and public exercise of all forms of divine worship, and the right to build churches, temples and chapels, and to organize religious missions belonging to all creeds, shall not be limited or fettered in any way whatsoever."
Every wQrd of this international covenant deserves to be written in gold. A more wonderful highway has not been cast up for Christian missions even in this wonderful century. A page more remarkable, both for the prophecies which it fulfills and the promise which it gives, has not been penned during the Christian era.
It is an appropriate recognition of his generous gifts and unselfish labors that the Kingof Belgium is appointed the sovereign of the Congo Free State. His sovereignty implies little else than the dedication of his energies and resources to the elevation of Africa, with the good-will and the powerful support of the whole civilized world.
The Berlin Conference, springing from the African International Association and under the presiding hand of Prince Bismarck, apparently conferred blessings upon Africa, during the few days of its session, surpassing all that had been secured for her during the present century. At this conference kings became "nursing fathers" for the church, and the basis was laid for the Congo Free State.
Fifteen great powers, thus embracing adherents of Protestant, no-· man Catholic and Greek churches, and even the Mohammedan faith, met in conference at the invitation of the German Imperial Government. One of our British exchanges says: "This conference of powers which sat at Berlin during the past few closing weeks of the year 1884 has dop,e more for AFRICA than all the political action of individual states, including our own government,· during a century. On the 2d of Decemb~r these high contractors adopted a declaration of free trade and oj free intercourse in the basin oj the Oongo, embracing religious, philanthropic and scientific enterprise and the protection in all respects of the native races. Geographically the basin of the Oongo includes 1,300,000 square miles, although a commercial area is reached of more than 3,000,000 square miles. It is understood that the boundaries covered by the Oonference embrace the whole country eastward to the Oentral Lakes, and the Pree Ohurch Monthly of Scotland considers the Lake Nyassa mission field as embraced in the scope of this convention. "
We have watched these signs of the times for twenty years with intent and interested eye. Here is one land alone, of all that at the opening of this missionary century lay in the impenetrable death-shade. Robert Moffatt went to the southern Oape and began his course upward; he was joined by Livingstone, who became his son-in-law. In 1873 Livingstone dies. In 1874 Stanley takes up the unfinished work of exploration. In 1876 Leopold II. calls a conference in Belgium, and the African International Association is born. Stanley emerges from the Oongo's mouth in 1877, and barely reaches Europe in 1878 when he is called to Brussels to meet the king. Before the year 1879 opens a new expedition is organized with Stanley to conduct it, and in August he begins to ascend the mighty river of Africa. Five years pass away and fifteen powers meet in Berlin and lay the foundation of the Oongo Free State. And yet there are some who see no God in history I or who, faintly recognizing a general Providence in human affairs, take but little interest in such mighty and momentous changes as these! For ourselves, we see the luminous pillar of cloud moving, and moving over Africa. If God ever called his people to "arise and possess the land" it is now. Here is a vast territory suddenly thrown open under the united protection of fifteen of the dominant powers of earth and waiting to be taken for God. This is but the latest of a series of developments, the like of which history may safely be challenged to produce, showing that the God of nations is constructing a highway for his people to encompass the world. To the mountain obstacle he says, "Be thou a plain!" and straightway it disappears and there is a level road for his mission band. The danger actually is that the doors have been opened too fast and too soon for the church to enter and take possession! Worldly enterprise, commerce, science, are moving so much more rapidly; even infidelity is outdoing us in propagandism! Rum is flowing into the Oongo basin and threatening to flood it, while one hundred millions of nominal Protestants lethargically delay vigorous efforts to follow God's moving pillar, and risk the loss of the greatest opportunity ever yet placed before the church of God! Have we not wronged Africa enough in the enslaving of her children to make some tardy recompense by giving to her myriads the redeeming gospel?
REV. GEORGE BOWEN
REV. GEORGE BOWEN.
By ROBERT AIKMAN, D.D., MADISON, N. J.
I DO not propose even to sketch the life of this saintly man and eminent missionary; but having been his classmate and familiar friend during his theological course in Union Seminary, I would like to speak of some of those early experiences which gave tone and color to his unique spiritual life and career.
Of the class which entered the seminary in 1844 Bowen was almost the oldest man, having been born April 13, 1816. There was nothing striking in his countenance or personal appearance-of slight frame, quiet demeanor, unimpassioned utterance, and no magnetism of manner -a man who could hardly ever be an orator, and indeed who never came to be one-a most unpretentious man, and courteous as was to be expected of one who had been much in the world of men.
Within the few months during which classmates learn to place each other, we all came to know that Bowen was different from most men, and better than most of us. He had never been to college, yet his Greek and Hebrew recitations were among the finest, and his thoughts at our missionary and prayer meetings, expressed with choice simplicity, were original and quickening beyond the common run. He looked at Bible truth in a novel way, which yet was evidently his natural way. He was not communicative of himself, but we learned that he was newly born into the ChristiaJ.!. life, and almost up to his entrance upon_ ministe:cial studies had been a skeptic, utterly unacquainted with religious truth, and as ignorant of the Bible as a man of his general intelligence and cultivation could well be. The remarkable and pathetic manner in which his mind was turned to the Bible and his striking conversion have been well told and will never lose their interest. Up to that period he was an infidel of the French school, and although never a mocker, he told me that he had always regarded the Bible very much as he had regarded Esop's Fables.
Out of this darkness Bowen came into sudden light, and the light was strange and wonderful and sweet. He probably never had a doubt of Bible truth, of the way of life through Christ, and of his own acceptance with God, from the beginning to the end of his Christian life; and it was at first matter of surprise to him that any believer should have doubts as to his spiritual estate. His expressions were the least hackneyed of any man I ever knew, which, no doubt, was because he had read almost nothing upon religious subjects and was so unacquainted with the views of other Christians. He drew water directly from the wells of salvation, and it is both interesting and profitable to know that he became an evangelical believer; without bigotry,caring little for denominational peculiarities, but evangelical through and through. About the middle of our junior year, Bowen passed into a spiritual experience which I find it difficult to describe, although I was somewhat familiar with the process and the results. He had been giving hlmself more and more to protracted and intense study of the Bible, and particularly of the Gospel of St. John, and more especially still, to those deep portions of it which comprise the Saviour's last discourses with his disciples in the passover room. He discovered that there was an experience to which he had not yet attained, and in which it was possible permanently to abide-a state of absolute certainty as to spiritual truths, of entire devotement to the glory of God, and of rest in God. This, of course,-was nothing else than the" abiding" of which our Lord speaks, and it was not different in its nature from that of Bowen's first experience; but it came to him as almost new, and so it came to his classmates. I shall never forget an evening prayer meeting in the seminary and the impression which his testimony made upon his classmates, although nothing could be less ostentatious than his words and manner. One of our most intelligent men arose and said, "Is this something new in the Ohristian life, or is it a deepening ot the cur- rents which flow in all our hearts?" No doubt it was the latter, but it made the impression almost of newness.
At that time Bowen began to come under the power of a mental habit, not peculiar to him indeed except as to its completeness and permanence. He made a distinct effort to realize the actual and personal presence of the Saviour with him, to become intimately and at all times conscious of the nearness of Jesus as one to be spoken to and walked with. This grew by cultivation to be a great life power with him. One day, Bowen, J. Edwards Ford (afterward of the Syrian Mission) and myself were together in the room of Thomas A. Weed. The last named was a genial and even jovial man, and a great favorite of us all. H.e led the conversation into the line of the nearness of Ohrist to his own, in order, I suppose, to draw remarks from Bowen, who, after a while, said in his quiet way, "I have at this moment a more vivid sense that Jesus is in the room here than I have that either of you three are."
Quite a singular illustration of the power of this mental habit occurred with him in Bombay. In the fall of 1848, when he had been less than a year on missionary ground, he was seized with what seemed to be a fatal attack of ulceration of the larynx. This was long before the days of telegraphs, and on the day when the India packet sailed Bowen was supposed to be dying. Obituaries appeared in the papers, and in one of our religious journals a tribute to his memory and a chastened lament over his" early sickness and death." 'rhe very night the ship sailed the ulceration was arrested and his recovery began. During this illness he began to be troubled with the not uncommon hallucination of groups of persons apparently visible in his room. He said to himself, "I will arrest this delusion by the realized presence of Jesus; of that l am sure>,' and as these forms be~an to appear he su~~ cooded in banishing them simply by the power of this fixed habit of his mind. I have always believed that this habit was almost the greatest force in his life, and it is certain that he endeavored to make it such.
In the ~omplete surrender of himself to Christ, George' Bowen has had many equals, but few I think who became at once and so utterly dead to all former things. Just as absolutely as Paul, did he say, "What things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ; yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." All his literary ambitions and pursuits, all his linguistic attainments, all his social reputation, he not only laid upon the altar, but he seemed to forget that he had ever had such attainments or objects. I was often with him in his room and in the family circle, yet I never heard him speak of Italian or French art, although he was master of both languages and had looked with appreciative eye on most of the galleries of Europe, in this resembling the great apostle, who saw the temples, statuary, and altars of Athens, yet spake of one altar only, and made that the text for a sermon. I am not characterizing this, but simply making the statement. He had entered upon a literary career. From others I knew that the Putnams had published a graceful volume from his pen; he never alluded to it in my hearing, One of the family told me that he had nearly completed a much larger work, of which all I ever saw was some manuscript pages which he was putting to some common use; it never saw the light, except perhaps as kindling material. I think he underestimated the influence of his early literary habits and his study of the modern languages; they were of greater service to him all through his life than he seemed to recognize. His facility in acquiring languages was such that he commenced preachi,ng in the difficult Mahratta tongue before he had been nine months in Bombay. The ease with which he accomplished his varied literary and editorial work was due to the practice of those earlier years, when he was building better than he knew and preparing for future work divinely planned for him.
When he gave himself to foreign missions he made two resolvesnever to marry and never to return to his native land. So he lived alone, and died where he had labored. It may be questioned whether his choice to live so near the low plane of Hindu life in food and expenditure was a wise choice; it would not have been possible had he been a married man, as most missionaries will be and ought to be, but his course was prayerfully and deliberately taken, and he had the right to be his own judge. That most devoted Scotsman, William C. Burns, adopted the Chinese mode of living, and went so far as to adopt the Chinese dress. In later life he expressed doubts as to the wisdom of this course, and said that he would probably not do the same if his missionary life were to begin over again. When Bowen withdrew from the American Board and adopted his new mode of life, Dr. Rufus Anderson said it was well to have one man make such an experiment and to
MORMONISM MORmUND
mark the results. Christian Frederick Schwartz and George Bowen were men of great ability, entir'3 consecration, and of wide Christian influence; each was unselfish and generous to the l~st degree, and the work of each abides and will ever abide. That Schwartz hindered his influence because he lived in European modes, or Bowen helped his by living in the Hindu mode, who shall say?
A remarkable feature of Bowen's work has awakened thought among his friends. It is not known that many conversions can be traced to his personal efforts. That he himself ever mourned this or even regarded it as strange does not appear. The Head of the church gives to every man his own work, and Bowen's work seems to have been as nearly perfect as is often given to man to do. When Bishop Randolph Foster returned from India he said to me, "Bowen is called the Saint of India." To be thought .of as such by the many missionaries of the great peninsula is proof of an influence for good greater than is often given to men to exert. He said once to his classmates, "Our aim must be to bear the greatest possible amount of the best possible fruit." It is enough to say of him that for more than forty years he endeavored to fulfill the purpose thus tersely expressed.
The last time I saw him we were standing at the parting of Broadway and one of the avenues. He said, quietly, "It is as if you took this road and I took that, to meet soon where the streets join again."
The class that entered Union Theological Seminary in 1844 had this distinction, that eleven of those who were its members became foreign mISSIOnaries. Bowen was the last who remained in the foreign field, and was the latest of them all to be taken home.
MORMONISM MORIBUND.
By REV. AND PROF. DELAVAN L. LEONARD, OBERLIN, O.
NOT exactly in articulo mortis. Alas, no. The glad time for the setting forth of funeral baked meats is not yet, and most likely is still somewhat remote. But that the obnoxious and abominable system has seen its best. (that is, worst) days, is well advanced on the road that leads to death, and is even in the earlier throes of dissolution. No doubt abundance yet remains for Oongress and the courts, the churches and the whole people to do; but in the thick of the fight there can be no harm, there is much comfort and profit, in surveying the situation, steadily if slowly improving, and in reconnting some of the cheering facts in the case.
A review of thirty years, of twenty, or even of ten, will supply a multitude of indications that the theocracy, long so haughty and defiant, is playing a losing game. Think of it: time was when for an entirdecade Brigham was the despotic head, not only of ecclesiastical but also of civil affairs, and for as much longer governor de facto if not dll jure, since no other than church authority was in the least regarded. How changed from the day when such a one as he could proclaim martiallaw, forbid the Federal army to enter the territory, and send out the Nauvoo Legion to burn the trains and capture the stock! Even so late as 1862, so evil was his disposition and so great was his power for mischief, that even wise and cool Mr. Lincoln shrunk from provoking a conflict by executing the law against polygamy then just passed, removed a governor at the demand of the hierarchy, and promised, "I'll let Brigham Young alone if he will let me alone! " Never again can that so-called" Reformation" return, outbreak of fanaticithn, lust and every devilish passion, a veritable two-years' reign of terror, and whose legitimate culmination was reached in the massacre of Mountain Meadows, engineered altogether by Mormon elders.
Yes, the good work of bringing" the saints" to reason and to decency has made fine progress since Cannon the polygamist, and selected because he was a man possessed of divers wives, took his seat in Congress in 1874, and was able to hold it for eight years. And since about the same date a grand jury, composed of John Taylor and other apostles and high priests, was called to investigate the charge that Brigham had added to the already ample number of his "celestials" by marrying Amelia Folsom, and though the fact was as patent to their knowledge as the shining of the sun, after a two-days' inquisition had the truly sublime impudence to allege that they could find no evidence of his polygamy, and with faces solemn as owls!
Verily the world has moved; and not backward, since Norman Mc- Leod, the first Christian missionary, crossed the rim of the Great Basin in 1865 and opened the batteries of the gospel hard by the Tabernacle. Within two years his Sunday-school superintendent was murdered and he himself compelled to return lest the assassins take his life also. But now teachers and schools, ministers and churches, are found in every considerable settlement in the Territory, and have gained a solid foot. hold, have even conquered a place in the respect and affection of the people.
Through all the earlier years one great difficulty was found in the fact that Utah was so remote across the Great Plains, and the seat of disturbance was hidden behind the mountains. Interference of any kind was an effort at arm's length or a stroke in the dark. But isolation came suddenly and forever to an end when the railroad reached Salt Lake in 1869. Another perplexing feature was this, that the population was so homogeneous, or was Mormon almost to a man. The saints held all the land available for agriculture, and only from the soil could sustenance be gained. But 10 ! in 1863 it was found that the mountains round about the Latter-day Zion were full of the precious metals, and Gentile miners by the thousand began to pour in, and ever since have wrought mighty disturbance to the souls of the hierarchy. These rough delvers for gold, silver and lead regard the peculi/tr institutions of the region with intensest hatred, and never fail to speak their minds on all occasions with the utmost of freedom and force. And through the .impulse borrowed from the mines and from railroads now existing and soon to be built, it looks much as though ere long further additions to the anti-Mormon population by the ten thousand might be made.
And even the execution of Federal laws has been fairly successful of late, at least by comparison with former years. Wholesale disfranchisement of polygamists has been achieved, and in Idaho, wr.ere the elders had long carried things with a high hand, everyone is politically bound hand and foot and fiat upon his back. Whoever in that Territory belongs to the Mormon church is not only debarred from holding any office whatever, he may not even approach the polls! And the edifying spectacle, too long postponed, is continuous now of a procession of those high up in priesthoods, both Aaronic and Melchisedec, marching tramp, tramp, tramp to jail with none to deliver, and with no signs of relaxation in the severe stress of prosecutions. How the nation is minded was seen not long since in Washington, when Senator Ingalls .presented to the Senate a petition against statehood of the size of a nail keg, and signed 105,000 by persons, all from the thirteen original States! And numerous signs, of which these are specimens, unite to show that the theocrats themselves begin to catch glimpses of the handwriting upon the wall. They are willing, now at least, to pretend that polygamy is defunct, and to promise to prohibit it in the future State. Four years ago the Legislature (wholly Mormon) would rather lose a $40,000 appropriation for Deseret University by a gubernatorial veto than elect any but saints to the Board of Regents, but at the last session (with five Gentile members) three were appointed who refuse to bow the knee to Joseph Smith, one of them a Jew, and another a Congregational minister!! And it is even given out by one high in church station that some months since Wilford Woodruff, the present head, issued orders forbidding any more polygamous marriages. This statement, however, is not to be believed until well corroborated. A bold front is still maintained, but the strong probability is that the Mor- mon Church is in the same critical condition which marked the Con- federacy when Grant had reached Petersburg and Sherman had cap- tured Atlanta-just ready to collapse.
Certainly, however, it will not be at all wise to count the victory won. It is altogether too soon to trust any talk that wears the sound of contrition,' or of purpose to mend marital ways. The whole career of this most odious concern has been such as to breed grave suspicion that to date it is only the old case over again: " The devil was sick, the devil a monk would be : The devil was well, the devil a monk was he."
Only a protracted and most searching probation, with large and long bringing forth of fruits ,meet for repentance, will be wise and safe.
MIRACLES OF MISSIONS.'
[JUNE, For not the ancient Jews in their worst estate w~ a whit more stil!- necked and nncircumcised in heart and ears than these same Utah po- litico-religious leaders. Fifty years of successful resistance to law and defiance of public sentiment has made them exceeding bold and se1£- confident, and theirs is a pride to which yielding is an evil only less ter- rible than death itself. .
And so, though it be with trembling and with loius girded for further fight,. let us thank God that giveth the victory to righteousness, and rejoice to see the curse removed.
THE MIRAOLES OF MISSIONS.-No. IV. [EDITORIAL.~A.. T. p.] SIERRA LEONE.
SIERRA LEONE is a well-known British colony of Equatorial Africa, situated in the southern part of Senegambia. It has an area of 319 square miles, aud had twenty years ago a population of 60,000 to 80,000, nearly all blacks. This territory was in 1787, one hundred years ago, bought by a number of private indviduals for the purpose of establishing there a place of refuge for the negroes rescued from slavery and especially from the holds of slaveships, and it was hoped it might prove a convenient and open door to introduce into Wes~ern Africa the blessings of a Ohristian civilization. It early acquired the name of the White Man's Grave from its extreme unhealthiness. Freetown, the capital, contained in 1864 about 16,000 inhabitants, among whom were but a few whites besides the authorities, garrison and missionary agents. In the colony there were said to be, even as late as within a quarter 'of a century, members of seventeen chief and two hundred minor tribes, and from one hundred to one hundred and fifty different languages aud dialects were spoken in the streets of the capital.
If such are the conditions within'the last twenty years some conception may be formed of the state of things early in the present century, when this colony came under the governorship of a ruler appointed by the crown. Seventy years ago if you had gone to what was afterward known as Regent's Town you would have found about one thousand, people, taken at different times from the holds of slaveships, in the extreme of poverty and misery, destitution and degradation. They were as naked and as wild as beasts. They represented twenty-two hostile nations or tribes, strangers to each other's language and having no medium of communication save a little broken English. They had no conception of a pure home; they were crowded together in the rudest and filthiest huts, and in place of marriage lived in a promiscuous intercourse that was worse than concubinage. Lazy, bestial, strangers to God, they had not only defaced his image but well-nigh effaced even the image of humanity and combined all the worst conditions of the most brutal savage life, plundering and destroying one another. Here it pleased God to make a test of his grace in its uplifting and redeeming power. If out of materials so unpromising and in circumstances so unpropitious he could raise up a native church of true disciples and create a Ohristian community, surely men must be compelled to say this is God's husbandry; here is the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
'rhe oldest mission on the western coast of the Dark Oontinent is at Sierra Leone, and is that of the Church Missionary Society. It was about 1816 that William A. B. Johnson applied to this society asking to be sent as a schoolmaster to this colony. He was a plain German laborer, having but a very limited common-school education and no marked intellectual qualifications, but he was trained in the school of Christ and was a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. It became obvious that he was called of God to preach the gospel, and he was ordained in Africa. His period of service was brief, but marvelousin interest and power, and he raised up a native church of great value. Into the midst of these indolent, vicious, violent savages he went. He found them devil worshipers, and was at first very much disheartened. But though William Johnson distrusted himself, he had faith in Christ and his gospel. Like Paul, he resolved to preach the simple gospel, holding up the cross, show them plainly what the Bible says of the guilt of sin, the need of holiness, and the awful account of the judgment day. He simply preached the gospel and left results with God, confident that his word would not return unto him void. For nearly a year he pursued this course. And he observed that over that apparently hopeless community a rapid and radical change was coming. Old and young began to show deep anxiety for their spiritual state and yearning for newness of life. If he went for a walk in the woods he stumbled on little groups of awakened men and women and children who had sought there a place to pour out their hearts to God in prayer; if he went abroad on moonlight evenings he found the hills round about the settlement echoing with the praises of those who had found salvation in Ohrist and were singing hymns of deliverance. His record of the simple experiences of these converts has preserved their own crude, broken, but pathetically expressive story of the Lord's dealings with them, and the very words in which they told {)f the work of grace within them. No reader could but be impressed with their deep sense of sin, their appreciation of grace, their distrust of themselves and their faith in God, their humble resolves, their tenderness of conscience, their love for the unsaved about them, and their insight into the vital truths of redemption. It was very plain that the Holy Spirit was once more working the miracle of Pentecost.
'1'he outward cha,nges were even more striking and marvelous. Those who had before been idlers or vicious busybodies in evil, now learned trades, became farmers and mechanics. About their dwellings gardens were to be found, with evidences of industrious tillage. Marriage took the place of that awful indifference to the family relation that had made the wreck of households imposRible only because there were none to be wrecked. Their night revels and orgies ceased; they stopped swearing, stealing, drinking and quarreling; they built a stone church with galleries, where about two thousand persons regularly gathered for worship, and a more decorous, decently attired, reverent body of worshipers the Church of England herself could not produce. They gathered a thousand of their children into schools; they built parsonage, storehouses, schoolhouses, bridges, all of stone, and in a word exhibited all the signs of a well-regulated, orderly, thriving community of Christians.
William A. B. Johnson died in 1823, having been engaged in his work only seven years. And yet all that we have here recorded he saw before his death-God's word had not indeed returned void. It had been as heavenly seed in earthly soil. Instead of the thorn had come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier the myrtle tree. There could be no doubt who was the Husbandman.
The work was not due to, nor dependent upon, Mr. Johnson. It was God's work and not man's, and therefore it survived the loss of its consecrated leader, although the effect of his sudden removal could not be otherwise than for the time disastrous. Twenty-five years after the mission had been begun one-fifth of the entire population of Sierra Leone was already gathered in Christian schools, and twelve thousand people were regular attendants at the places of worship! Twenty years later not only were native pastorates established, but ten parishes were supporting their own native pastors; and to evangelize the tribes yet beyond the colony's limits not less than six different missions were established and maintained by a people, less than forty-five years before so hopelessly lost in grossest sin and abandoned to the vilest and most shameless wickedness that few thought them worth the ~tJort to save them. In 1868, after a little more than a half century had elapsed since the inception of the mission, the number of nominal Christians in the colony was estimated by some as high as 80,000, and of communicants 20,000, and Sierra Leone was regarded as no longer a field for Christian missions. The rallying point had now become a radiating center. God's husbandry was already so complete that the harvest field was yielding not only bread for the eater but seed for the sower. To any who would fill out the outline of the wonderful work of God furnished in this sketch we commend the memoir of Mr. Johnson, published in London in 1852, also the r~ondon Missionary Register for 1819 and 1829, and the twentieth report of the Church Missionary Society.
Here is a chapter in the modern book of the Acts of the Apostles. The days of the supernatural have not passed, nor will they ever pass while the spirit of God continues to produce in the hearts of men results so amazing, superhuman, stupendous.
THE INSUFFICIENCY OF
THE INSUFFICIENCY OF BUDDHISM.
[We reproduce the following article from the Presbyterian College Journal, from the pen of its editor-in-chief, Prof. E. H. MacVicar, D.D., with his approval It is able and timely.-EDS.) To attempt to show the insufficiency of· Buddhism in an article necessarIly short as this must be, is an ambitious and difficult task. It may seelll even audacious in view of the fact that a choice community of Americans in Boston-ay, at the very "Hub of the Universe"- have openly avowed themselves as Buddhists. But fairness demands that we should recognize truth wherever it is found; and in every system of human thought, it seems to me, we may discover elements of truth as well as of error, so that it is really not surprising that those who persist in eliminating the divine from Christianity should become devotees of the next best system-that is, the next hest regarded from a purely ethical standpoint-that exists. For not only does Buddhism rank next to Christianity: it contains much that is directly parallel. The parallelism is indeed so striking that to some minds it affords not a little perplexity. The Church of Rome especially has found so many of its own doctrines and practices revealed in the" Light of Asia" that it boldly ascribes the whole system to the malignant agency of the prince of darkness transformed into an angel of light. And no wonder. The correspondence between the two is more than shadowy. Both have" a supreme and infallible head; the celibacy of the priesthood; monasteries and nunneries; prayers in an unknown tongue; prayers to saints and intercessors, and especially and principally to a virgin with a child; also prayers for the dead, with the use of a rosary; works of merit and supererogation; self-imposed austerities and bodily inflictions; a formal daily service, consisting of chants, burning of candles, sprinkling of holy water, bowings, prostrations, marchings and countermarchings. Both have also fast days, religious processions, images and pictures and fabulous legends, and revere and worship relics, real and pretended."
An equally striking correspondence is detected in the account of Shak-ya-Muni-Buddha's life, which is made to resemble in a remarkable degree that of Christ himself. Buddha is described as "coming from heaven, being born of a virgin, welcomed by angels, received by an old saint, presented in a temple, baptized with water and afterward with fire, astonishing the doctors with his understanding and answers; as led into the wilderness, and after being tempted of the devil, going about doing wonders and preaching. He was th) friend of the poor and wretched, was transfigured on a mount, descended into hell and ascended into heaven." These remarkable coincidences, skeptics of course have not been slow to seize upon. They at once pointed out that Guatama must have lived at least six centuries before the birth of Christ, and sought to explain the phenomena by alleging that during the eighteen years intervening between Ohrist's twelfth and thirtieth years-a period concerning which, it will be remembered, the inspired record'is quite silent-Jesus went to India, and after possessing himself of the particulars of Buddha's life, returned to Palestine to become the barefaced imitator of the Indian prince. The Ohurch of Rome surmounts the difficulty, as already stated, by declaring that Satan, six centuries in anticipation of Ohrist's coming, counterfeited his history and religion in order that men, being seduced by the false, might refuse to accept, when presented to them, the true.
Fortunately, we are not compened to resort to either of these theories. For reasons clearly stated by another writer in a former number of this magazine, we cannot, on the one hand, consider Ohrist a deceiver; and while, on the other hand, it may be admitted that Satan is the instigator of every system of error, it is unnecessary to attribute these particular resemblances to and perversions of the truth to occult influences, since it has been discovered that none of them are mentioned in the Buddhist writings earlier than the 5th or 6th century after Ohrist. So that in order to assert the paganism of Rome we are 1mrdly justified in pointing to this religion in the Middle Kingdom as if it had borrowed most of its errors from that source. There is rather more reason for believing that Buddhism borrowed from Romanism (since resemblances have been detected chiefly in the modem developments of each) and that "the so-called Light of Asia shines in a borrowed radiance from the Son of David," who is the true Light of Asia and of the world.
But quite independent of this, there is much in Bnddhism which, from the very nature of things, could not have been borrowed and which yet calls for our approval. This may be said more especially with reference to its code of morals. Shak-ya-Muni laid down four principles which he regarded as fundamental. In spite of the luxurious life he had led in an Indian palace-and possibly in consequence of it-he became convinced that the normal state of existence is a state of misery, of sorrow, of unhappiness, and in casting about for the ca~se of all this wretchedness he fixed upon desire as the real disturbing element. Desire, satiRfied and unsatisfied, brought misery into the world and kept it there. Desire was fraught with sorrow. Desire made life unhappy. Therefore, he concluded, if desire could but be quenched, life's misery would cease, for then man would attain to nirvana-a state of perpetual quiescence. But how to quench desire-that was the question. Ultimately he propounded a fourfold method of doing this. To quench it a man's life must be characterized, 1st, by proper wisdom or faith; 2d, by proper judgment or thoughts; 3d, by proper language; 4th, by proper actions. "Under these, the principles he laid down were five, in a negative form-not to kill, extending even to animal life; not to steal" (a good maxim for Boston Buddhists, by the way); "not to commit adultery; not to lie-this extending to the use of improper language; and not to use strong drink" (a good maxim for Christian lands as well); "and positively, he enjoined six virtues-charity, purity; patience, courage, contemplation, science. " Now, to none of the latter principles can we take exception. They are all sound and embraced in Christianity. They all go to show that the law is written on the heart of man; that the" invisible things of God from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." But, while there is much that is good in the system, there is more that is bad. Let us briefly consider the points that are most assailable.
And we must attack it- I. First of all, on its ETHICAL SIDE. From this standpoint the most serious defect presented is 1. That it ignores Oonscience. The ethical system of Buddhism, so far as I am able to understand it, is not unlike the egoistic or selfish system which made Thomas Hobbes both famous and notorious, driving him to Paris in terror of his life. 'rhe Sage of Malmesbury started out on premises similar to those which Siddhartha adopted. He contended that in every performance, even the simplest, we are actuated by a specious motive of desire-desire to escape pain and enjoy pleasure; in short, the great mainspring of all activity, individual and collective, is selfishness, or as some people prefer to distinguish it, self-interest. And just as Buddha declared that misery, sorrow, sui!ering, is the normal condition of existence, the inevitable result of sentient being, so Hobbes declared that the state of nature (as distinguished from the artificial state brought about in society) is a state of warfare-warfare inevitable, continual and bitter-each man pitting his own interests against those of his fellows, and waiving them only when mutual concession to abstain from the exercise of certain common rights claimed by both at the same moment is established and observed. Far be it from us to deny the pa:T,',tial truth involved in both instances; life is far from being unalloyed enjoyment or unbroken peace; but the error lies, in the one case, in making this imperfect condition to depend entirely upon the presence of desire, and, in the other case, in making the performance of every act, the simplest, depend entirely upon the wish to escape pain and secure pleasure. The fact is that much, if not all, our misery arises through an entire or partial failure to obey the dictates of conscience. It is the peculiar function of conscience to make distinctions between right and wrong, and that all men make such distinctions is evidenced by the occurrence in all languages (including those spoken where Buddhism prevails) of ideas of moral excellence and moral evil, as well as by the prevalence in all civilized lands of systems of reward and punishment, indicating that there are some actions which ought to be done, and others which ought not to be done. This is the work of conscience. But Buddhism simply proceeds upon the supposition that all desire is undesirable. It takes no cognizance of the fact that desires are neither all alike right nor all alike wrong. It ignores the question of right and wrong altogether; and upon the broad assumption that all the misery in the world is caused by desire, often in itself perfectly innocent, seeks the ultimate extinction of desire of any and every kind. As a code of morals, therefore, it signally fails in that it ignores conscience and its function of declaring right and wrong.
2. This failure really arises from another. It has no true standard of right and wrong. This, simply because it ignores the existence of God. Buddhism originally came from India, but is now said to be more widespread in Ohina than in· the land of its birth. Originally, it was pure Atheism. Gautama used to say that he could not conceive of a Being who could create a world so full of misery as this is, and therefore he denied the existence of a Oreator altogether. In India the system developed into Pantheism, nirvana corresponding to ab- sorption in the Deity; while in Ohina it has come to assume the form of Polytheism. It will thus be seen that no immutable standard of right and wrong can be adduced. The true standarCi. is God's own nature; but in Atheism the existence of God is absolutely denied; in Pantheism God is regarded as devoid of personality, so that there can be no room for responsibility; in Polytheism a multiplication of standards IS obtained, so that the Buddhist is debarred from saying, "Right is right, since God is God,"
because with him" God" would stand for gods many, and one of these might be offended by obedience rendered tc q,nother; no two of his standards might agree. Buddhism, if it have a standard at all, must place it either in a series of antagonistic deities, or in human nature, and to do this is to make it mutable and gooJ for nothing. Such a law must be ever shifting with the moods, the dispositions, the envi- ronments of those from whom it emanates, and on that account can never have reliance placed upon it.
3. The insufficiency of Buddhism is further manifest in the practical outcome of it. In its favor it must be said that it has never deified vice nor sanctified prostitution (as has too often been the case in East- ern lands), nevertheless it is confirmed at the mouth of more than one or two witnesses that the statement of the fourteenth psalm de- scribes with vivid accuracy the system in its practical working out: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works." Under it the grossest immorality has been developed. But this I would not press too confidently as evidence of weakness in the system of ethics as such, since the failure may, and indeed must have arisen, not so much through imperfec- tion in the system itself (for this we know to be directly opposed to immorality), as through its inadequacy to change human nature defiled by sin. It is a matter of fact that abominable scandals have occurred, more especially in connection with its monasteries and nunneries, which have more than once been condemned and suppressed by the imperial authorities as hotbeds of immorality. It is true that at the time when Buddha appeared in India, his system was a revulsion from lower forms of heathenism, and elevation of thought and life was in a measure secured by it; but nowadays Buddhism is a mass of degrading formalities and inconsistent superstitions. Even the priests are densely ignorant, and the majority of its votaries are said to know really less of it than many Europeans who have made it a study.
So much then for Buddhism on its ethical side. II. Let us consider it now on ITS RELIGIOUS SIDE. For it is well to remember that Buddhism is received bS one-third of the human race, not as a philosophy, but as a religion. Buddha described himself as "the father and mother of his helpless children; their guide and leader along the precipitoHs path of life; shedding the light of his truth like the sun and moon in the vault of heaven; providing a ferry-boat for passengers over this vain sea of shadows; as a propitious rain-cloud, restoring all things to life; providing salvation and refuge, by directing men into the final path that leads to the' Eternal City.'" Let us then inquire, Did the path he pointed to, in very truth lead to the It Eternal City" or away from it? Most assuredly the latter, since it only led away from Him who is the Light of it. 1. For in the first place we may instance its materialism. It gives no proper recognition to the soul. Indeed it does not recognize spiritual existence at all. It denies that the.re is a soul in man, a permanent self separable from the body. And as a consequence of this it regards life as material, involving decay. Buddha's last words were, "Beloved, that which causes life causes also decay and death. Never forget this; let your minds be filled with this truth. I called you to make it known to you." But it may be asked, Does not the doctrine of transmigration, which in these days has come to occupy the most prominent place in Buddhism, involve the idea of a soul? One would think so; but such is not the case. Life is looked upon as something material, and therefore may change and dissolve like anything material. And this was the whole essence of the salvation Buddha had to proclaim. "Life involves death. Wherever there is life, decay must follow. In eVt;lry form of existence there are already the germs of dissolution. To get rid of decay and its accompanying misery we must get quit of life; of life not merely in this present world, but of life in every form. For in the Buddhist philosophy there is no such conception as a purely spiritual existence. He is a heretic who holds that a man has a soul or permanent self separable from the body. Whatever is material is subject to change and dissolution, and there is no life which is not material. These are postulates, the ultimate facts on which Buddhism proceeds. As long therefore as man is, he must be miserable. His only salvation is not to be. There is no cure. The only escape from evil is escape from existence. The great problem comes to be, how to commit suicide-suicide not of that pitiful and de- lusive kind which rids a man of life in one particular form, but which rids him of existence in every form. The ultimate good to which the individual looks forward is annihilation; the consummation of all things which is to be prayed for and striven after is absolute universal nothing." Now with materialism like this we must as Ohristians take issue. And apart altogether from revelation we know that though physicists have often given us analyses of matter, they have never dis- covered in matter the phenomena of thought. They have never, for instance, found in it hope, fear, joy, sorrow, volition, a sense of per- sonal identity or anything akin; and these being yet unaccounted for in their analyses we properly relegate them to spirit. And if with our modern medical science we can persuade the Buddhist that these frail bodies of ours Imdergo a complete change every seven years, while the sense of personal identity remains unaltered, he must (so be it that he is an intelligent Buddhist) admit that life has not been changing, though the physical frame, the material body has, and that conse- quently this life or spiritual entity must be quite a distinct factor from the body.
2. And then in the next place Buddhism as a religion fails to teach the trzte nature of sin. This was to be expected since it admits of no personal God against whom sin can be committed. While it profes- sedly seeks to purge the outward life, it does nothing to remove the pollution within, denying indee4 that there is any heart, any soul, Ifrom which evil can proceed within. As a consequence, missionaries assure us that their great difficulty lies in convincing the heathen of their guilt; a difficulty which we shall all have to encounter whether we stay at home or go abroad.
3. A third defect in Buddhism as a religion-and it is the most serious of all, being the very root of all-is that it presents false views oj God. Space forbids anything more than a mere comprehensive statement of this defect.
In a general way it may be said that Buddhism, and for that mat- ter all heathen systems, both of philosophy and religion, fail utterly to reveal a Saviour and sanctifying Spirit; and it is especially unsatis- fying in the dim, shadowy allusions which it makes to the future state. .
The task I have now tried to accomplish of showing the insuf- ficiency of Buddhism has been far from a self-imposed one. I was requested to undertake it by the Montreal Foreign Missionary Volun- teers, and hardly realized its magnitude till I began to consult the voluminous authorities upon the subject. It is told how a learned divine across the waters once waxed so eloquent over the excellences of Buddhism that some one passing out of the door was forced to exclaim, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a heathen!" This is matched by the story of the Unitarians sending a missionary to Ohina who actually was persuaded to be a Buddhist heathen. But until the defects just pointed out-namely, the denial of spirit, the belittling of sin, the dishonoring of God, silence as to the true way of salvation-have been remedied, we must still regard the "Light of Asia" as wofully insufficient.
I have then tried to suggest how we may refute the system theoretically; but after all, as our own Professor of Apologetics recently remarked in the class-room, there are not many infidels converted through Apologetics; often the most powerful argument with them is that of a consistent example, so that if anyone would prepare to meet Buddhism effectively the surest course of preparation will be by seeking spiritual life" more abundantly," in order that by Ohristlike lives we may convince the followers of Buddha that we follow a Greater than he.
Only the power of the Holy Spirit can really be depended upon for meeting Buddhism, and that power, in terms of the great commission is at our disposal. The Saviour still says, "Ask and ye shall receive." If we have been finding it our greatest difficulty in preaching, especially to the heathen at home in cushioned pews, to make them fuel their sinfulness, we may depend upon finding this difficulty as great and greater under the Buddhist system. Our true work whereever we go shall be to promulgate the great cardinal doctrines of Ohristianity–to preach the gospel to every creature-but in doing so we shall have to tear down as well as build up. To us, as to Jeremiah, the Master says, "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull uown, and to destroy, and to throw down "-all eventually in order "to build and to plant." And the only question that arises is as to the manner of doing it. Shall we be destructive before we are constructive? Or shall we first and always sow the seed of positive truth, in the expectation that, like the single parasite that took root in the walls of a massive building and in the course of time brought the whole structure crashing to the ground, even so the word of God "shall not return unto him void . but shall prosper in the thing whereto he sent it," both to the down-pulling of every refuge of lies and to the upbuilding of the truth in Jesus. Whatever we may conclude regarding methods of warfare, the conviction must surely force itself upon our minds and hearts that we are called not so much to attack and refute every heathen system that prevails the wide world over as to preach in a positive and persevering manner Ohrist and him crucified, relying on the power of the Holy Ghost, whose it is "to reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."
THE SPEECHLESS TESTIFYING FOR CHRIST
THE SPEEOHLESS TESTIFYING FOR CHRIST.
By REv. W. H. BELDEN~ BRIDGETON~ N. J.
IN a city sixty miles from Oanton, Ohina, Miss Whilldin of the South- ern Baptist Mission noticed once in meeting a few years ago a man evi- dently dumb, who was indicating by extraordinary attempts his delight at the Ohristian hymns. His incoherent mumblings as he attempted to sing from the printed page before him led to some inquiry. The man had the unusual faculty, to one dumb, of hearing; he could read and hear, but he could not speak. His home was in a village at some distance from the city, and his neighbors testified of him that since he had begun to learn our Saviour's gospel his devotion to it had known no bounds. He had somehow obtained a copy of the Scripture in Ohi- nese, and when he would encounter some of his neighbors quarreling, he would open his Testament to some pertinent word of admonition and hold it ont for the wicked ones to read and profit by. He had never been known to utter more than a single word, or rather sound like a word, such was the nature of his malady. But the villagers said that his zeal seemed to lead him even into supernatural utterance, for he would rush upon his neighbors, bringing their paper devotions to idols, and, tearing the papers to pieces, would manage to speak these three words with significant gestures: "Pai go wai !" "Worship that one! "
In the course of time this poor man was proposed for baptism. The pastor and brethren hesitated, feeling that it was impossible to gain from . his speechless mouth any adequate proof that he had the knowledge re- quisite for church membership, or that he was not acting with duplicity. He was brought before the church, however, and the minister asked him this question: "What is the ground of your belief that there is sal- vation for you in Jesus Ohrist? " The others looked at one another in dismay; this question seemed impossible of answer from a dumb man. But he, on hearing it, instantly arose and proceeded to answer by signifi- cant signs. First, he put his hands upon his breast with an expression of loathing, to indicate his own sense of sin; then he stepped forward and looked down as if beholding a deep and awful pit, from which again he shrank back with a look of terror ;' but presently drawing near again, he looked and seemed to see something just beyond; then he made the sign of the cross! Jesus was there! And now agfin he looked into the pit and smiled, as that he saw his own sins cast in there! At last he looked up and pointed to heaven with a smile of ecstasy. Jesus had died for his sins and was risen forever to make intercession for him !
Was not this speech? It brought vividly to the missionary's mind the words of Scripture (Isaiah xxxv. 6), "Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb s-ing, for in the wilderness shall waters break out and streams in the desert." " Behold! (Isa. xlix. 12) these shall come from far, and lo! these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim I ,.
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN MISSIONARY MAGAZINES
TRANSLATIONS FROM FOREIGN MISSIONARY MAGAZINES.
By REV. CHARLES C. STARBUCK, ANDOVER, MASS.
M. VERNIER, in a letter to Paris from Tahiti, says: "Weare profoundly rejoiced to learn how greatly the interest in missions has increased within a year among the Protestants of France. They assuredly will not halt in so happy a path, but will show more and more that the Saviour's injunction to make the gospel known to every creature is not for them a dead letter. Our Tahitian churches also begin to have a better understanding of their duty in this direction. The proceeds of the system of collections recently organized among them by our little Missionary Committee, in view of a work on the Marquesas, already amount to a very respectable sum, which now allows us to form plans of action. The Lord, we trust, will soon let us know which one of our Tahitians he would have set apart to open this work."
THE Journal des Missions Evangeliques for December, 1887, in comment- • ing on Canon Taylor's and Dr. Blyden's commendations of Islam, remarks that a religion which has taken twelve centuries to occupy Northern Africa, and which has left still surviving there tribe after tribe of pagans, while of those nominally Mussulman some do not even practice circumcision, must not be rated too high as a missionary force. The editors remark that when the followers of the Crescent are once setin motion by one of their periodical outbursts of fanaticism, idolatry has certainly a way of disappearing very rapidly, inasmuch as entire populations professing it disappear in one grand massacre. That, however, is not our usual conception of missionary effort, though it may suit the purposes of Canon Taylor and Dr. Blyden to give it this holy name. And it must be confessed that when a tribe chooses rather to be Moslemized than extinguished, it is allowed its election. In this case, however, the conquerors, according to the great traveller Barth, do not give themselves the trouble to communicate the slightest tincture of religious knowledge to their new subjects.
There is, however, the editors remark, one important exception to this easy willingness to take the name of Islam for the fact. The disciples of the Tripolitan saint Snoussi are innumerable, and bent on spreading far and wide the somber and taciturn type of their Puritan Mohammedanism. "They are making ready for one of those gigantic and sudden explosions of fanaticism of which it is impossible to calculate the effects." But, say the editors, it would be a strange hallucination to imagine that they would receive with any other feeling than that of furious scorn the knowledge of the fact that a Nazarene mollah complacently claims their system as "an incomplete Christianity," or to impute to them any other attitude toward civilization than that of uncompromising hostility. "What they are dreaming of is a return to the Islam of the early ages-a violent and definitive triumph by an irresistible conquest."
Among the benefits of Islam, according to Canon Taylor, is the spread of chastity. Upon this the Journal remarks: Islam and slavery are one. The news that slavery is the parent of chastity is news indeed. Well may Islam advance toward the heart of Africa, for the spread of Islam is one prolonged slave-hunt. "Almost always," says the Journal, here quoting from an eyewitness, the celebrated traveller Schweinfurth, "almost always the agents of this traffic in human beings are educated Mussulmans. This commerce is for them an ordinary accessory of their religious character; they traverse the country, the Koran in one hand, the knife destined to furnish guardians for the harem n the other; they associate with their religious practices infamies the most revolting, cruelties the most atrocious. . • • Brokers of human flesh, lustful and pitiless, they watch for their booty as vultures watch over a camel fallen in the desert; the shrill sound of their blasphemous prayers mingles with the imprecations with which they overwhelm their merchandise; nothing is to be seen but uncleansed wounds; cadaverous stenches spread themselves far and wide. The sum-total of these scenes forms a spectacle the most revolting, impossible to efface from the mind; it leaves behind an insurmountable disgust, an unutterable horror."
If the hordes of Brigham Young were turned loose in the middle of Africa, they surely could not do a completer devil's work than this. No wonder the Journal concludes with, "Behold, Canon Taylor, your missionaries, your apostles of humanity!"
LAST year, at the Moravian station of Gnadenthal, near the Cape of Good Hope, was held the 150th anniversary of the commencement of missionary work among the Hottentots by the Moravian Schmidt. He had previously served a term of three years at hard labor in Spielberg for having endeavored to carry a purer gospel to some remnants of the Brethren's Church still found in the Austrian territories. After gathering a community of forty-two converted Hottentots and revisiting Europe, he was refused permission to return by the Dutch East India Company, and died at home. At the anniversary services, the Lutheran minister who preached, instead of being furnished by the Moravian pastor with a well-bound Bible, was requested to take his text from a shabby New Testament, the sight of which, it is remarked, profoundly moved all who were present. It was the book which Schmidt had left to one of the first Hottentot women converted; "it was in this little book that she was to read during fifty years, waiting always for the return of her spiritual father, or of some other messenger of God; it is in this New Testament that she taught her children and grandchildren to read; it was, in fine, this New Testament which had been, at the end of the last century, rediscovered by the first missionaries who bad again come to the Cape; and it was in this volume, so full of remembrances, that Missionary Schmidt of Amalienstein was invited to take his text at the celebration. The seed may indeed be no' larger than a mustard seed, but sooner or later it has its harvest, that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." '
IN the Dans7c Missionsblad (Danish Missionary Magazine) for January, 1888, Missionary Lazarus of Madras says, in substance: "Our activity in street-preaching has lately aroused a new spirit among the Hindus. They are no longer listless as they were. They now show unmistakable signs of life and energy. They may be now regarded as coming forward in an effectively organized opposition, both to our preaching and to our faith. A new society has been organized in defense of Hinduism, with regular collections-' missionaries' and 'catechists,' who are sent out to preach Hinduism and attack ChristIanity and the Christian missionaries. They make it a point to preoccupy our preaching places, going to them an hour or two before the time. If they fail of this, they make it a point to annoy us by asking questions in the middle of the discourse. If we answel'~ which we never do till we have finished preaching-they badger us and hunt us from point to point, with the one thought of hunting us off the field. Of course we can claim no rights in the matter, as our Christian government observes a contemptuous neutrality. Often a Hindu preacher, taking his station close by us, begins his discourse at the same time with OUnl, which naturally carries over to him most of the hearers. If a.ny remain with us, a messenger comes over from him and asks upbraidingly hew children of lawful marriage between Hindu fathers and Hindu mothers can stand there encouraging a Christian to preach. This appeal commonly strips us of our few remaining hearers.
"They have also a Hindu tract society in operation, which issues all manner of pamphlets, including many which are so vile as to expose both author and printer to the law. But who is to bear the cost of prosecution?
"Meanwhile Madras resounds with preaching, especially every afternoon -Christian preaching, Hindu preaching, Mohammedan preaching, Brahmo preaching. The Tamil journals are full of announcements of sermons and debates: The Tamils have also a 'Punch,' which loses no opportunity to make merry at the expense of the' padres.' To meet such attacks a joint committee of various missions has determined to issue a popular journal in English and Tamil, of which I have been put in charge.
" However much the Hindus may have combined against us, I am glad to say that there are none the less a good many schisms in their camp. 'A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand,' and Hinduism is divided against itself. One preaches against the other's doctrines and moral!!. One will defend idolatry, and another will unsparingly condemn it. One will attack the Bible, especially the Old Testament, and another will take up arms in its defense. One party will issue tracts discussing Hindu questions, and another will rejoin with pamphlets, taking the opposite view of everything, and laying bare the vulnerable points of Hinduism. And so Hinduism divides itself and goes to buffets. Hinduism is so tolerant and elastic that every religious system, even to the worst atheism, can find a corner within its spacious domain. But under the disintegrating influences to which it is now exposed, these incongruous elements cannot long maintain an armistice. Some reformers, clearly conscious that Hinduism is in great danger of losing its hold upon the rising race, are trying if they can revive the old Veda religion, and so we have around us sooieties entitled Veda-Somaj, or Arya-Somaj, or Societies for the Propagation of the True Religion, and what not. All this stir and commotion may end in something good, may issue in the recognition of the crucifled Jesus as the Saviour of the world."
A DISCUSSION had lately been held in Madras before an audience of 2,500 persons, between the Hindus and Mohammedans on the one side, and the Christians on the other, concerning the Godhead of Christ. The principal spokesman of the former was a learned Moslem. He concluded his argument by saying: " Although we cannot acknowledge that the Bible represents Christ as the Supreme Being, we must all concede that he is the best and holiest man that has ever li ved, so good and holy that he can secure to all who put their trust in him the inheritance of eternal life." The force of this testimony, from such a man at such a time, must have been very great.
DR. W ARNECK remarks, in the Allgemeine Missionszeitschrijt, that a few years back at a synodical meeting in Berlin indifference to foreign missions was excused under the plea that" the shirt is nearer than the coat." He says, however, that even in Berlin they have since learned to be ashamed of this flimsy pretense, and to discern (1) that seemliness does not allow a man to go in nothing but a shirt; (2) that for the prosperity of the church the export of missionaries is as advantageous as for the mercantile world the export of goods. Dr. Warneck goes on to rem&rk that there has been a marvelous reversal of opinion in Germany generally as to the value of missions. Now that the German ambition is opening out toward colonization, the auxiliary value of missiona,ries as a~ents of culture cannot well be overlooked. The assistance rendered to science by missions is also coming to be more and more appreciated. Thus multitudes who care very little for the kingdom of God are nevertheless learnipg to set a higher estimate upon its ambassadors.
THE Zeitschrift recalls the time, some fifty years ago, when a missionary secretary in Scotland wrote to the young Duff, afte/'ward so famous, that things were going well; $6,000 had been raised for foreign missions. "No more?" wrote Duff in reply. "It ought to be ten times that." " Is the man mad?" wrote the secretary on the margin of the letter. " Has he had a sunstroke in India?" Perhaps Duff himself would have been staggered had some one told him that in fifty years Scotland would raise for foreign missions not ten times but a hundred times as much as the sum which had so encouraged the worthy secretary. ," Had anyone then," says Dr. Warneck, "ventured to prophesy that before 1890 Protestant Christendom would annually contribute $8,400,000 for foreign missions, and put in the field, ordained and unordained, much more than 3,000 missionaries, and have translated the Bible into some 400 languag'es, the question as to his wits would not have been raised. It would have been taken for granted that they had forsaken him. Yet for all that the impossibility has become reality.
THE Tidning, after remarking that two hundred years ago the heathen world was almost wholly shut out from the knowledge and activity of Protestantism, and in large measure of the whole Christian world, happily says: " At present the heathen world lies like a poor Lazarus at wealthy Christendom's door, so that this, as it were, can neither go out nor in without stumbling over its unhappy brother, whose case may well awaken to compassion all who have a heart to feel for the wretchedness and for the religious degradlJ,tion of their fellow-men."
THE Missionsblatt of the Leipsic Lutheran Mission, referring to the present disposition in Germany to yoke missions to the car of national ambition, says, in its January number: "Whence shall we draw new strength, in order, with the new year. to receive a fresh impulse toward making ready the way for the returning Lord? Shall we seek it in new plans, new missionary gatherings, and allmanner of means of stimulating interest? Or shall we, as some would have us do, enlarge our missionary programme, and write also civilization and colonization upon it? Far be it from us. Our work is, and is to be, to' bring the present Saviour. in the offer of the means of grace to the heathen, and so to prepare the way for the coming Lord. Therefore we know only one means to get new strength, namely, above all things, in simplicity and faithfulness, to do and pursue this one thing, first to win Christ for ourselves, and then to seek also to find an entrance for him into the hearts of others."
WE used to be taught at school that there were four castes in India. But the Leipsic Mis8ionsblatt says that among the Tamils of South India there are computed to be 8,000 castes and subcastes, and in all India perhaps more than twice as many. A subcaste appears to be for most purposes the same as a caste. We must not expect these 16,000 walls to fall at 13 blasts of the trumpet, though fall they will.
THE Bulletin Missionnaire of French Switzerland, the churches of which support a mission in the Transvaal Republic, remarks, in view of a possible war between the Boers and some savage tribes: "If war does break out, there is a prospect of scenes of sickening brutality. During the summer the people of Mpafouri have devoured their prisoners of war, and M. Beuster has been himself witness to all the prepa-
CONTAGIOUS SUPERSTITION
rations for a cannibal feast. Our neighbor Ndjabune of Tsofirn has also eaten one of his brothers who gave him some matter of offense fifteen years ago, and there is every reason to believe that he would have a very good appetite'for another such repast if a fair opportunity offered itself. Yet it would be wrong to put all this to the account of a depraved taste for the flesh of the hostile warriors. A good many only take part in such horrors when urged by the chiefs or the kindred of those who are called to face the enemy. The fact is that there exists among our Bavenda, and a good many other Africans, an inveterate opinion that whoever has tasted of' human flesh is invulnerable in battle. Of all medicines this, it is held, is the most efficacious for turning aside the stroke of an enemy and giving victory. This horrible practice among these wretched people, therefore, roots not so much in depraved appetite or cruelty as in superstition. The need of protection is a sentiment so natural to us poor human creatures that it seems as if nothing ought to be spared to assure us of it. Let us then pity these eaters of men; their wretchedness is extreme. 'Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.' The prophet, in writing these words, so profound and so simple, did not perhaps know that there could ever be occasion to attach to them a material and literal sense as true as the other. Ah! how many surprises for one who lives in a pagan worldl"
"CONTAGIOUS SUPERSTITION."
By Lucy E. GUINNESS OF LONDON. IT was 1700 years ago and more, in the early days of the church. Pliny, the Roman governor and historian, was writing to his master, the Emperor Trajan, of the progress of the province of Bithynia, and the questions that arose in the administration of justice there. Among other elements that he found most difficult to deal with was a certain small religious sect of simple and harmless tenets, but who absolutely refused to pay homage to the gods. As citizens these people were exemplary in'life and conduct, but they actually held their opinions as regards the worship of one God and the great evil of idolatry in defiance of all the laws of pagan Rome. The whole heaven of mythological deities was as nothing to them, and they refused, even under torture, to burn incense on the altar of Jove or before the statue of Trajan. Such conduct was incomprehensible to the Roman governor. But it was not the worst of their crimes. Not content with themselves forsaking the state religion, they were far from keeping silence on the subject of their guilt, but so published abroad the delusion under which they labored that Pliny exclaims in distress, "This contagious superstition is not confined to the cities only, but has spread its infection among the neighboring villages and country. Nevertheless," he adds, with a gleam of hope, "it still seems possible to restrain its progress." And so he went to work, and torture (that the old Romans knew well enough how to inflict!) measured its strength with the faith of Jesus Christ. Then it was that Pliny discovered what a marvelous unseen power lay in this" contagious superstition." Some few professors, he relates, gave way, but even flame and sword utterly failed in compelling the early Christians to offer incense to the statue of Trajan or to the gods. All his efforts were vain. They would die, but they would not deny Jesus! And the Roman governoc makes the striking statement that" There is no forcing those who are really Ohristians into any of these compliances! " The" contagious superstition" was more than a match for him! Seventeen centuries have rolled by, and could Pliny look around Ol,lr world to-day he might ask what had become of the "contagious superstition" that baffled his skill long ago. Had it been trampled out of existence by the iron heel of Rome? Or had it run a brief course, like so many other superstitions, and died a natural death, according to the law of such fungus growths? And he would be astonished in no little measure at the answer of Christendom. For the" contagious superstition" has spread overthe world, and still it is reaching forth its arms to the heathen, nor will it ever cease to spread till it has affected all nations.
Yes. The faith of Jesus Christ is verily contagious. This is one law of its being. It must be aggressive or it cannot live. "The Christian or church that does conquer will be conquered." The vital principle in Christianity requires that it should extend or die.. There is no middle course. We know this individually in our own experience. If we have" been with" Jesus we cannot help witnessing for him, "we cannot but speak." Freely we have received, freely we must give to others of the water of life. And thus watering we are watered ourselves. But very surely is the converse of this blessed fact also true. If we water not we shall be withered. "We do not find warrant in the Word of God for spirit-level experience. Count the dead and dying churches, all because they did not fight and conquer I"
From its earliest dawn to this nineteenth century of its existence the Christian faith has been essentially "contagious." To-day we see this contagion spreading to the heatben by means of missionary effort. The hundreds of missionary societies all over the Christian world; the thousands of workers at home and abroad; the millions who help by their gifts to forward missionary work; the stream:of missionary literature in the shape of reports, periodicals, accounts, letters, appeals, and countless other productions, that issues month by month, and even hour by hour, from the press; the earnest missionary addresses delivered from all sorts of platforms, from that of Exeter Hall down to that of the simple Sunday-school in the bush at the antipodes, and in all sorts of places, from the crowded metropolis to the quiet country lane, where the student confides to his fellow his purpose to enter the great harvest-field; the countless hearts that turn with love and longing to the regions beyond; the countless prayers that ascend to our Father for the dark places of the earth i-all these are so many agencies for that spread of the truth which so long ago attracted the marveling attention of Pliny.
And the soul that is out of touch with this missionary zeal and energy, this contagious spirit of tlie church, is out of touch with the Spirit of Jesus Christ, who was the First Great Missionary; who so loved us-the dwellers in darkness-that he gave, not money, nor time, not thought or interest or help, but himself, for us !
A NOTABLE CONVERT TO MISSIONS.
BEFORE the late M. Paul Bert was appointed as Resideht in Tonquin, he was most violent in his opposition to religion and in any crusade against clericalism. His hostility to missionaries was equally pronounced. In the report of his administration of Tonquin, just published, he dropped his hostility to missionaries altogether. and availed himself of their immense knowledge of the people, by which, if not by their advice also, he guided his actions. Without their assistance it was almost impossible for him to succeed, and he had to acknowledge the great value of their services. It would be difficult to find a more surprising example of a complete turning upside down of a public man as publicly avowed; and the fact is an important testimony to the value of missionary work.
SENT BEFORE THE MAJiTER
SENT BEFORE THE MASTER.-LuKE x. 1. By MRS. MERRILL E. GATES, NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J.
Air, .. From Greenland's Iell Mountains…
Isaiah 6. 8 "WHOM shall I send? He sayeth ; " What servant shall it be?" " " " " 'Tis Faith's strong voice that prayeth, " " "My Master, 0 send me !"
Gal. 1. 16 Send me to tell Thy story, Abroad, or here at home. Acts 22.21 Send me, 0 Lord, before Thee, Luke 10. 1 Where Thou Thyself wilt come.
Acts 10.89 Send me, for I have known Thee, I would Thy witness be ; Acts 22.15 To speak thy message only, Acts 5.20 My Master, 0 send me.
Romans 10. 15 Send me to speak of Jesus, Of what my Lord hath done- John 1. S His finished work most precious, Luke 8.89 Of this and this alone.
John 17. 4 Ps. 71. 16 Ez. 34. 4 To bring the lost and sinning, To Thee, the Sinless One, Reb. ~ 26 To speak sweet words and winning, Eph. 3. S Of Christ, the Father's Son.
John 17. 1 Send me to darkest places, To many a shadowed home, Isaiah 9. 2 Where with Thy shining gl'aces, 2 Peter 1. 19 Lord Jesus, Thou wilt come.
2 Cor. 4. 4 2 Cor. 4. 6 Heb. 3. 2 Send me to work appointed, But, Master, let me be Micah 3. S By Thine own power anointed, Acts 2.4,17 Then, Master, 0 send me !
Acts 1. S Not unto us the glory, When lost ones find their home; Ps. 115. 1 We only go before Thee, Luke 15.24 Where Thou Thyself wilt come!
Luke 10. t " "
BRIEF NOTES ON NEW BOOKS OF A MISSIONARY CHARACTER
BRIEF NOTES ON NEW BOOKS OF A MISSIONARY CHARACTER.
])ictionary and Grammar of the Kongo Language. By Rev. W. Holman Bentley. Bapt. Miss. Society, Holborn, London; also Trilbner & Co.
This book is one of the landmarks of the age. Here is a volume of over 700 pages, both English-Kongo and Kongo-English, and all printed in Roman characters! The Congo Free State became such only in 1884–85, and here in 1887-88 we have a complete grammar and lexicon of the language, pre- pared by a scholarly missionary, and printed in beautiful typography by English publishers. This will put all students of the language in the way of easy conquest of the Kongo tongue. Not only are words given with their equivalents, but sentences and phrases and idioms are placed at the disposal of the student. The wide and warm interest felt on iJoth sides of the water in Africa's unveiling and revealing will insure in many hearts a deep interest in this new and largely pioneer work toward mastery of the Kongo dialect. -A. T. P.
Brazilian Missions. A Monthly Bulletin of Missionary Intelligence. Edited In Sao Paulo, Brazil, aud published in Brooklyn, N. Y., at 25 cents per annum. Subscriptions may be sent to Donald McLaren, D.D., 372 Lewis avenue, Brooklyn. Outside of the United States and Canada, 12 cents for postage.
We are glad to see this monthly of eight pages. It aims to keep before the church the details of the work in Brazil more fully than hitherto has been possible. Thebulk of Christians know very little of the work of God in papal lands, and especially in South America, where the Romish system may be seen in its most corrupt, idolatrous and immoral form. Those who, in their desire to be charitable, talk of the Romish Church as simply a branch of the church catholic but in error in some particulars, should become familial' with papal customs, manners and morals in Brazil. Dr. Howard Crosby in- cisively says of those W!:l0 call the Papal Church a church of Christ, "Yes, an apple may be an apple, even if it be rotten to the core!" This little peri- odical will be found both interesting and instructive if the numbers we have seen may give indication. We shall present extracts from it from time to time, particularly in months when papal lands are under review.-A. T. P.
Our ])ay. A Record and Review of Cnrrent Reform. Joseph Cook, editor. Boston: Onr Day Publishing Co., 28 Beacon st. $11.00 a year.
This new magazine of eighty pages starts with flying colors. With Mr. Cook as the editor-in-chief, it unites six prominent specialists-Miss Willard, Anthony Comstock, Profs. James and Townsend and Revs. Eby and Pente- cost. Its contents are what its name and prospectus would indicate, and we predict for it a foremost place in the periodical literature of the world. It is epigrammatic, comprehensive and glowing. It deals with living questions in a living style.-A. T. P.
Autobiography of William G. SchauJfter. Edited by his sons. Randolph & Co., New York. 12~o, pp. 258.
The introduction by Prof. E. A. Park is admirable and sets forth the liter- ary and moral characteristics of Dr. S. clearly and effectively. He was an . extraordinary man-scholar, Christian and preacher, as well as missionary. He is said to have understood twenty-six languages and was able to preach extempore in six of them. His gifts were varied as well as eminent. But they were all singularly consecrated to Christ in the mission work, spending forty-nine years as a missionary in the Orient. His own account of his life, from the time he left Odessa (he was born at Stuttgart in 1798), whither the family had removed, embracing the period of his conversion while in Russia, and. his visit to America, his life at Andover, his consecration to mission work among the Jews, and his long and eminently useful service in connection with the American Board, is modestly and succinctly told in these pages. And no reader can follow him without being impressed with the sincerity and single-headedness of the man and thanking God for raising him up to do the work he did.-J. M. S.
Life ofRev. Justin Perki1!8, D.D. Oloth, 30 cents.
This is the fourth in the "Missionary Annals" series, published by the Woman's Presbyterian Board of Missions, Chicago. The son, Rev. Henry Martyn, gives in this brief space a clear and interesting account of his father, a pioneer missionary to Persia, where thirty-seven years of an earnest life were consecrated to the Master's service.
P1'Otestant Missions in Pagan Lands. By Rev. Edward Storrow. London: Snow & 00.
12mo, pp. 191. Price 3s. 6d. .
The author has written other missionary books, particularly" India and Its Missions," and the" History of Protestant Missions in India." The present volume purports to be "A Manual of Missionary Facts and Principles relating to Foreign Missions throughout the World." It gives a bird's-eye view of the religious condition of the world, the missionary effort in the three pre- vious centuries, the rise and development of modern missions, and the work and the results of missions on various fields. It is an instructive manual, giving definite information on a multitude of points. Its tables of missionary societies are taken from our own MISSIONARY REVIEW.-J. M. S.
The M"usionary Problem. By James Oroil. Toronto, Canada: Wm. Briggs. 12mo. pp. 224.
This work is similar to the one noticed above, although not covering so broad a field nor quite so recent in its survey. Still it gives a condensed his- tory of Protestant missions in several of the principal fields of missionary enterprise. Brown's" History of Missions" is the author's chief authority for the earlier times.-J. 1:1. S.
The Inspired. Word. A Series of Papers and Addresses delivered at the Bible Inapiration Conference in Philadelphia. Edited by Arthur T. Pierson. Randolph & 00. 12mo, pp. 359. Price $1.50.
This is a work of solid merit. There are no less than eighteen distinct papers on the various phases of the subject by as many writers of acknowl- edged ability, each fitted for his special theme. Most of .them are" special- ists" in their departments and represent all forms of evangelical faith. They came together and gave their united testimony, and the reader of these pages has the result. And it is not too much to say, there is scarce a chord shuck in which there is not the fullest harmony. The editor well says: "It is not strange that upon the Word of God all the forces of the foes of Chris- tianity should be massed. If confidence in that word can be undermined; if, by subtlety and sophistry, its infallible inspiration may be made to appear like an old wives' fable or groundless tradition; if in any way men may feel at liberty, like Jehudi, to use a penknife on the sacred scrolls and cut out of it whatever is offensive to the proud reason or the wayward will of the natural man, the devil will have achieved his greatest triumph." The work is as timely as it is able, and deserves extensive circulation, both for the sub- ject's sake and the character and ability of the treatment.-J. M. S.
NfYr'ard of the Dor;ger; or, Deep Sea Trials and Gospel Trinmphs. Being the Story of the Initiation, Struggles and Successes of the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. By E. J. Mather, fonnder and director. with illustrations. London: Nisbet & 00. New York: James Pott & Co. 12mo, pp. 376. Price $1.50. Fourth thonsand.
Few among us, I fear, are well informed respecting the "Deep Sea Mis- sion." And yet it is doing a much-needed and highly useful work, as Mr.
Mather's enthusiastic and charming narrative makes clear. Fishermen in deep waters-fishermen on board of thousands of "smacks," fishermen in the North Sea-are the special objects of this mission'fI care. The miBsion on their behalf began in 1880. By means of mission ships, which are really hospitals, churches, schools, etc., going to sea with the fleets of fishing vessels, and staying with them, and by every other possible agency and influence of a social, moral and sanitary kind, this mission strives for the temporal and spiritual welfare of this class, so exposed to perils and hardships and enjoying so few privileges of any kind. It is a blessed work, and the mission has been greatly blessed. The reading of this book cannot fail to awaken an interest in it in the United States and Canada, especially in the maritime provinces, where so many fishermen follow the sea fOl' a living.-J. M. S.
Pale8tiM in the Time Qf Ghrist. By Edmond Staprer, D.D. Translated by Annie Harwood Holmden. !'p. 527. New York: A. C. Armstrong &; Son.
This volume has reaahed its third edition, and now appears in a beautiful form, accompanied by very valuable maps and plans. It is open to every believer's observation that the Land is at this present' time greatly aiding the Book. While the two international societies for exploration, the Egypt and the Palestine, are doing admirable work in bringing forth corroboration and elucidation of the Scriptures from the ruins discovered in the countries around the Mediterranean and up the Nile, any book treating of the Holy Land is sure to be welcomed by Christian students. The author of this one is a professor in the theological faculty of Paris. He writes fiuently and well, and his general orthodoxy as well as his devout spirit is evidenced by his own declaration: "Jesus Christ was not the natural product of his eBvironment ; his appearance was a miracle; he came from God." Science has at last become a foreign missionary and is preaching with a spade. It would be an interesting theme for study, if one at his leisure would search out and com- pare for use how much missionaries have done for scientists within the last few years, and how much now scientists are doing in an attempt to return the favors.-J. lL S.
The Dawn of the Modern Mission. By Rev. Wm. Fleming Stevenson. D.D. Edinburgh: McNiven & Wallace. 1887.
This charming book of 188 pp. contains the foul' lectures delivered in con- nection with the Duff Missionary Lectureship, in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen during the years 1884-86. They possess peculiar and pathetic interest as a posthumous pUblication of the last utterances of that gifted , and consecrated author of "Praying and Worh.'ing."
It may be doubted whether any man of his generation has, from a pulpit and parish in a Christian land, done as much as Dr. Stevenson to kindle the fiame of holy enthusiasm and intelligent consecration in the direction of the' ch)lrch's mission to the unsaved millions. He was a missionary pastor. His tongue and pen were both aflame. Though he was a Dublin clergyman, his field was the world and his church only his working force,. nay, he was him- self the centre and spring of all his church force. He sought to spread the knowledge of missionary trials and triumphs, to bring those who heard and read his words into sympathetic contact with the degradation and destitution of a dying world at its remotest corners and deepest needs. " Hans Egede's Story," illustrated by his pen, stirred many a home pastor to yearnings over those who were far off; his beautiful picture of "Pastor Harms and Her- mannsburg" quickened many a listless minister and church to organize the home force into a base of supplies for the foreign field. He made a world tour of missions, his pulpit being meanwhile supplied by the members of his Presbytery, without cost; and being elected the second lecturer under this Duff Lectureship he delivered these four grand lectures, which come to us scarcely complete, w1).en his pen dropped from. his dying hand, and his de- voted wife took it up to prepare the manuscript for the press.-A. T. P.
ORGANIZED MISSIONARY
n.-ORGANIZED MISSIONARY WORK.
National Bible Sooiety of Scotland. number 335, and represent more than 700 parishes. Annual report for 1887, being the seventyeighth report of the Edinburgh, twenty-eighth The purely missionary side of the work is of the National, seventy·fifth of the Glasgow, growing year by year. The grants at reduced sixty-sixth of the Glasgow Auxiliary to the ·rates to charitable and evangelistic agencies British and Foreign Bible Society, and twenty- at home amounted isst year to 38,921 copies, beseventh since the Union was formed. ing more than one-third of the whole issues in 1861; and of the 384,703 copies issued in foreign FOR the first time since 1877 the in- lands, only 71,130 went to nominally Protestant come of the year has sufficed to meet countries, while 71,652 were circulated in Roman expenditure, the receIpts having been Catholic countries and 241,921 among heathen £33,432, and the outlay £30,988. nations. Thus, in a period of great commercial depression and without any spe- The China issues for the year reached the cial effort, the income has almost large number of 183,559 copies, and the publicareached that of the semi-jubilee year; tion of its new Wen-Ii version places the &0and 1887, which came in under the ciety in the front rank of agencies at work for cloud of a. deficit, passes away in the the evangelization of China. Iu Japan the year sunshine of a surplus. is notable for the issue of the complete Scrip- tures in the tongue of the people-a work in The issues, though they do not which the society has taken its full share. quite reach the exceptional figures of Since 1861 it has issued in Spain 531,561, in the two preceding years, are far France 750,346, in Germany 1,247,542 copies. above the record of any former year. It touches .. the dark coutinent" at more than They are in all 632,073 copies, of one point-last year in Calabar, Kaffraria and which 411,319 have been circulated Natal. In South America it aids Protestant abroad and 220,754 at home; and aggressive work in Brazil, where a congregation they include 164,729 Bibles, 180,662 in Pernambuco, itself the fmits of colportage, Testaments, and 286,682 portions. supplies several successful distributors or the The total issues since the union of Word. In Asia it has begun work among the the Bible societies in 1861 are now wandering Bedouins of the Syrian Desert; it 10,110,975 copies. has distributed the Scriptures in thousands among the Tartar tribes of Mon~olia ; it is sow- The auxiliary societies – whose ing the good seed of the Word in four great co-operation not only supplies well- provinces of India; it was among the first to nigh half the free income, but establish regular colportage in Corea, Into whose keeps the board in touch with the tongue it was also the first to translate the goscountry and gives the society its pe1.story; in the great Chinese Empire, where it right to the name it bears – now has since 1864 circulated 1,024,280 Scriptures, it employs four European agents and forty native colporteurs, and has the aid of missionaries be- longing to eleven different societies; aud in the island·empire of Japan, under two European agents, forty·one colporteurs sold last year 46,687 Scriptures, making a total of 321,458 since 1875.
TREASURER'S REPORT FOR 1887.
Receipts for Scriptures during year, viz.: INOOHE.
Home, including grants, etc ……………………………….. £9,392 15 9 Colonies, do. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. .. 2,028 12 4 British and Foreign Bible Society for Scriptures supplied to them in China, 1886 ………………………………………… .. 417 17 5 do., 1887………………………………………… .. 544 2 3 Foreign agencies, per contra…………………………….. .. 4,055 13 1 £16,489 010 t~Nf~r;~~~~~~f!!~.~~·.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: : 1,174 10 0 Donations, viz. ~ . 8,123 9 9 Ordinary………………………………………………… £2,956 14 5 For semi-jubilee fund…………………………………….. 213 19 10 £2,95614 II Total received …..•………. £3,187 14 3 2,780 1 9 582 II 8 Legacies available in 1887………………………………………………… . 2lIII111 9 Net rents……………………………………………………………. .. Iuterest on investments and bank accounts ………………………………… . Semi-jubilee fund, viz.: Amount received in 1885 and 1886 ………………………….. £4,875 13 4 Whereof available for curreut year-twenty·five per cent….. £1,218 18 "' .£1,276 13 3 And twenty-five per cent. on £230 19s. "1Od., amount received 14 Ii 8 in 1881, as above .•…………………. :………………. 57 14 11 £33,576 3 Chinese Blind Mission amouut paid in excess on 31st Dec. last, repaid………•…• .£10,582 8 4 EXPENDITURE. 1,252 14 1 385 1911 Scriptnres for home and colonies…………………………………………. . Home circulation, viz.: 15,920 1 6 2,135 13 7 Scotlaud… . . . . . . . .•• • .. .. .. . . .. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . .£974 8 4 Ireland . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 5 9 538 910 21514 9 Colonial circulation. ………. ………….•……….. . …………………… . Foreign circulation- 990 Applied to circulation Remitted to 2,58712 1 as recelved. Agents. Total. £33,576 3 Africa . .. . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . •. . . . . . . .£7 0 0 .£12 13 3 .£19 13 3 Austria.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . 268 1 2 96412 5 1,23213 7 Belgium. …. . .. .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . 46 10 0 221 15 0 268 5 0 125 0 0 Brazil……………………… 0 0 0 125 0 0 3,009 13 I) Ohina……………………… 176 8 2 2,833 1) 3 France… . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. .. . . 147 9 2 1,192 18 1 1,340 7 3 Germany…. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . .. . . . . 2,196 8 4 2,825 18 3 5,~~ ~ ~ Holland. .. . . . … ………….. 142 1 0 104 0 0 95 9 8 123 9 8 Iudia………. ………….. …. 28 0 0 737 1 3 Italy……………….. ……. 10817 0 628 4 3 Japan….. …. .. .. …. .. .. … … . 805 8 1 2,060 10 2 2,865 18 3 Norway……………… …… 0 0 0 66 12 5 66 12 I) Spain……………………… 90 0 0 424 9 8 514 9 8 Swedeu……………………. 0 0 0 178 17 7 178 17 7 t30 2 5 169 12 7 Tnrkey and Syl"ia.. .. . . . . . . . .. . . 39 10 2 £4 055 13 1 '£11,864 8 5 Salaries and wages, viz.: General managemeut (including visitation of auxiliaries) …•…… '£1,277 I) 7 Bible department……………. : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . 858 8 0 Office expenses (including freights, traveliug, etc.) ………………………….. .
~:?l.~;;~~~:t~~i:~,: ~~~: : : :: :: ::: :: : :: :: ::: :: :: ::: :: : :: :: : ; :: : :: : ::: : :: :: :: :: :: :: Ameri,can Mission, Egypt. from the natives for congregational and school purposes, the expense THIS mission was begun in 1854, in 1887 was £7,600. New places are and carries on its work in three de- calling, some for schools, others for partments-the evangelistic, book preachers. The mission gratefully and educational. The work of the acknowledges the generous aid of mission extends from Alexandria to .the A. B. Society and the B. and F. Assouan, and entails a large expendi- B. Society in Bible distribution. ture. After deducting all receipts STATISTICS OJ!' THE EGYPTIAN MISSIO!{-GROWTH 1!'ROM 1865 TO 1887.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – -186-5. -1-870.- -1-875.- -18-80. – -188-7. Ordained missionaries……………………… . 7 7 8 8 11 Unmarried female missionaries……………… . 3 Native pastors…………………………….. . 3 7 8 10 1 3 Native licentiates………………………….. . 6 10 3 8 I) 7 Organized con~regations…………………… .. 1 3 6 12 24 Stations occupIed………………………….. . 5 Communicants……………………………. . 79 10 21 48 85 Average Sabbath attendance……. . ………… . 125 237 676 1,036 2,307 513 1,133 1,837 4,747 Pupils in Sabbath schools……………………. . 1,494 4,~ Number of schools…………………………. . '5 236 658 49 Pupils in schools…………………………… . 315 8 23 520 1,040 2,219 . Tuition fees ……………………………….. . 5,601 ; $655 i4,863 $13,083 Books distributed (vols.) …………………… . 5,506 $797 24,534 33609 11,890 Proceeds from sales of books………………… . r $1,037 $2,975 $5,541 $1;815 Total paid by natives for preaching, schools and books………………………………….. . $2,788 $4,840 $14,986 $27,173 Tuition" fees for 1870 and 1875 do not include amount paid in congregational schools. That sum was not large, as the demand had not arisen for such schools. It wili be noticed that in the most important items the work has nearly doubled, in some cases trebled itself each five years.
ASYOOT. March 7. 1888. JOlIN GI1!'lI'EN. The Syrian Mission. 1850. The Sultan, Abdul Mejid, issued an imperial firman, called [The following historical sketch was prepared the Imperial Protestant Charter of by Dr. Jessup of Beirut, Syria, at the request of Rights, guaranteeing to the Protest- the edltorR, as this Syrian Mission is one of the ants all the rights and privileges of pivotal enterprises of the East.-EDs.] other Christian sects in the empire.
THIS outline history may be divided 1846. The first boys' boarding into three periods: school was opened in Abieh, Mt• Lebanon. Also the first girls' board- FIRST PERIOD, 1820-1840. ing school in Beirut under Dr. and Mrs. De Forest (see" Women of the .A Period of Exploration and Prep- Arabs," by Jessup). aration.-Its features: intolerance, persecution, banishment, wars, and 1848. First Syrian evangelical pestilenc.e. church organized, with eighteen members. 1822. The American Arabic press was founded in Ma1ta. 1848. New translation of the Bible into the Arabic language begun by 1833. The press was removed to Rev. Eli Smith, D.D. Beirut. The first girls' school ever opened in the Turkish Empire was 1853-1855. Crimean war. British commenced by American ladies in influence predominant. Beirut and Mt. Lebanon. The first Protestant martyr, Asaadesh Shi- 1857. Death of Dr. Eli Smith. diak, was starved to death in the Translation continued by Rev. Cor- Maronite monastery of Kannobin by nelius Van Dyck, M.D., D.D. order of the Maronite patriarch. When the missionaries returned from October, 1858. Female Seminary Malta to Beirut, in 1833, one small opened in Suk el Ghurb, Mt. Lebanon. rowboat came out to meet them, containing the entire Protestant com- 1860. Translation and printing of munityof the Turkish Empire-viz., Arabic New Testament completed by five persons! The number of Prot- Dr. Van Dyck. estant adherents in 1887 is not far from 50,000 in the empire. The THIRD PERIOD, 1860-1888. Greek war, the plague, the invasion Light Out of Darkness.-New imof Ibrahim Pasha, son of Mohammed pulse to Christian education and Ali of Egypt, and the disturbed state great advance in civilization. of the country rendered continuous 1860. Ci viI war between Druzes missionary labor impossible. and Maronites in Lebanon, followed by bloody massacres in Lebanon, SECOND PERIOD, 1840-1860. Hasheiya, and, Damascus. Occupa tion of Syria for nine months by From the Expulsion of lbrahim 6,000 French troops on behalf of the Pasha by the European Powers to European powers and with the conthe Oivil War and Massacres of sent of the Sultan. New govern- 1860.-Protestantism was recognized ment instituted in Lebanon under a by the Turkish Sultan as one of the Latin Christian Pasha appointed religions of the empire. with the approval of the European powers. Increase of European and March, 184.4. The Sultan issued a Christian interest in Syria. New firman that Christians of all sects are educational and benevolent institunot to be insulted, nor be persecuted tions founded. for their religion. 1862. American Female Seminary reopened in Beirut with native Syri- 1840. Boys' boarding school estab- an teachers. lished in Beirut under Mr. Hebard. October, 1862. Suk Female Semi- nary transferrE'd to Sidon. 1847. The Protestant Charter of 1860. British Syrian schools, found- Rights was issued by the Grand Vizier ed by Mrs. Bowen Thompson, now in Constantinople (see "Goodell's Forty Years in the TU1'kish Empire" -appendix). have 3,000 children in their schools Majesty the Sultan the Caliph of Mo- hammed, place the seal of authorizain Syria. – tion upon 33 different editions of the Arabic Scriptures and parts of Scrip- 1860. Prussian deaconesses' orphan- tures. The local board in Damas- cus also approve 330 different Arabic age founded. in Beirut, with 130 or- publications of the American press in Beirut. phans. Up to this time they have [See statistics of the World's Missions near the trained about 800 orphan girls. close of this nnmber for tabnlar statement ofthe Presbyterian Mission in Syria.-EDs.] 1863. Syrian Protestant College in- corporated by Legislature of New York.
1865. The college formally opened in Beirut (see catalogue, which can be obtained of Rev. D. Stuart Dodge, 11 Cliff street, New York. See also General Ohristian Missionary Society.
"Missions and Science," "The Ely THIRTY-EIGHTH anniversary held at Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 20, 21, Volume," for account of the college 1587. The work of the society is chiefly evangelistic in its character and other work in Syria, especially and is spread over most of the States and Territories of the Union. the press). Number of students Jan- RECEIPTS DURING TH1I YEAR. uary 1, 1888, 175. Girls school of the Missionary Fund ……… $20,019 37 Society for Promoting Female Edu- Regnlar Extension Fund. . 937 00 Special Extension Fund cation in the East, at Shemlan, Mt. (Boston House)…….. . 2,23621 Lebanon; Free Church of Scotland Ministerial Relief Fund.. . 17205 Tract Fund…………. .. 27093 schools at Shweir, Mt. Lebanon, Kirk Interest on Extension of Scotland; Jewish Mission schools Fund loans…………. 54 00 Repaid loans…………. 300 00 in Beirut; Miss Taylor'sSt. George's Borrowed.. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . 800 00-$24,789 54 Moslem girls' school in Beirut. I 1873. American Female Seminary opened in Tripoli, Syria.
I append the last statistical sum- mary of the missionary and educa- tional work in Syria up to January, Total from all sources …..•…….. $25,772 31 1887. This will give you a compara- DISBURSElIENTS.
tive view of the progress in the ten To missionaries, cash.. . .. $8,228 12 To missionaries, collecyears 1876-86. tions on field…. …… 9,68722–$17,915 M 1877. Mohammedans open schools For all incidental expenses 81848 To cor. sec'y, salary….. . 1,800 00- 2,61348 for girls in Beirut, Damascus, and For Boston house deht .. . 2,09685 For ministerial relief…. . 24500 Tripoli; Greeks, Maronites, Jews, For tract distribution…. . 340 00 To other miss. boards …• 9110 and other sects open schools for boys Loans from Extension Fd. 1,100 00- 8,87fl 45 Leaving bal. in Miss. Fund 21622 and girls. The whole number of chil- " Extension Fund….. 980 57 dren in Protestant schools in Syria " Ministerial ReliefF'd 158 80 .. Tract Fund ……… 20 45- 1,37077 and Palestine is probably about Total…………………………. $25,772 81 15,000, of whom at least 7,000 are girls. The number of nominal Prot- estants is not less (in Syria and Palestine) than 6,000. There has been a steady growth in the work of The Foreign Christian Missionary Society held its twelfth annual sesthe press in Syria. There are 11 Ara- sion October 19 and 20 at the same place as the General Society. bic journals in Beirut, 1 Turkish offi- cia.l, 3 Protestant, 2 Papal, 2 Greek, 2 Moslem, llitera.ry. Three hospitals SUMlIlAllT.
have been founded !!ince 1860-St. Number of missions.. .. …. . . .. .. .. • 6 John'!!, Protestant; St. Joseph's, Pa- stations.. .. .. …. .. .. .. .. 2S pal, and the RUl!Isian Greek HOl!lpital. missionaries (male). . . •. • 22 lM7. The Mejlis el Maarif, or Board (female)…. II natin assistants……… 13 « of Public In!!truction of his Impel'ial Whole number of workers ………. Whole number of converts under were $317.36, making the total ineome $11,102.02. Total receipts, including the $487.50 for the pereare of Society. . •. •. . . . ••. ••••. • l,85G mauent tund, $11,588.52. Expenditures direct1;y out of our treasury were $10,536.31. Addition31. (This does not include 348 at expenditures reported from China, out of tunds received on that fteld, $317.36, making the total Chester aud 120 at Southport.) expenditures $10,853.67, viz. : Home missions………………….. $5,330 83 Number added during the year…… 592 China .. .. .. .. ….. .. .. .. .. …. 2,559 36 Holland" .. . .. .. .. .. … .. •.. .. .. 490 00 Net gain…. …….. ………… …• Ii02 Salary and expenses of the corre- Whole number added from the 1Irst.. 3,518 sponding secretary, printing min- utes, interest on loans, and inci- Receipts for year ……………….. $40,559 35 dental expenses……………….. 972 98 Pa;yments for money loaned . ••••. •. •• 1,500 00 Total receipts [rom first…………. 259,201 60 The receipts canceled the debt, met It has a mission among the Scandinavians of all expenses, and left a balance of the United States, the Turkish Mission, India, $247.35. China and Japan missions, and the Perslau Mis- sion.
T,tal receipts of the year..•……..•. $48,489 27 .. disbursemeuts.. .. .. .. .. .. ….. 47,597 75 TABLlI JlXUmITING TUB LABOR OP llISSIONARIlIS POR THB YEAR ENDING OOTOBER 1,1887.
Baptisms… .. ….. ….. .. . . . .. . .. . •.. 762 Other accessions.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. • 792 Churches visited and assisted… . . . . •• 143 New places visited………………. 96 The Baptist Oonvention of the Karitime Nnmber churches organized… . . . . . •• 25 Pronnces. – Amount collected on field for remu- ORGANIZED in 1846. Forty-second annual meeting held in Charlotteneration… . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . .. .. .. .. $9,687 21 town August 20, 1887.
Amount received from treasury G. C. Strength of the denomination, 375 churches, 1,768 baptisms during the M. C… .. .. .. .. .. .. .. …. ……… 8,228 12 year; total membership, 43,553.
Amount received in cash and pledges for local work ………………… 26,200 00 TABLlI EXHmITING THE MISSIONARY WORK OJ'
TUB STATE ORGANIZATIONS. 200 Receipts of the' Foreign Missionary Board 8,970 (comprising Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Number of missionaries. . . . •. . . . . . . . • 5,134 Prince Edward Island) amounted to $9,325.65, Baptisms.. . . •. •. . . •. . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,878 the expenditures to $10,269.06, leaving a balance Other accessions………………… of $442.58 due the treasurer. Churches visited and assisted. . . •. . .. 326 Unorganized places visited………..
Churches organized…………….. 123 Places assisted in building……….. 63 Raised by State Board…………….$83,422 58 The Baptist Foreign Missionary Oon- Raised by County and District Boards 29,327 49 vention of the U. S. Raised by evangelists for church build. ORGANIZED in 1880. Eighth annual ing and other local worlt ……….. 89,571 44 meeting held at Little Rock, Ark., Kembers in State.. .. …. .. • . .. .. .. .. • 625,000 Sept. 21-25,1887. Receipts reported, $4,069.22, and expenditures, $4,018, Adding work of G. C. M. C., we have, mis· leaving a balance to the new year of sionaries, 231; baptisms, 9,932; other acces- $51.22. We are not able to give an Sions, 5,926; new organizations, 140; collec- account of the results of the year. tions, $137,539.63. Ten States were represented. It resolved to devote the fourth Sunday Seventh.day Baptist General Oonference. in July of each year to the work in THE seventy-third annual session Africa. was held at Shiloh, N. J., September 21, 1887. The forty-fifth annual ses- Baptist Foreign Mission Society of Onsion of the Seventh-day Baptist Missionary Society was held during the tario and Quebec. sessions of the conference. The annual report gives the following FROM the twenty-first annual refacts: port, made in October, 1887, the Tbe amount oCthe permanent tund is $7,486.91, being an increase during the year of $487.50, board expressed its "fervent t;ra.tiwhich is for missionary purposes. The receipts tude for another ye&r of hard work or the treasurer from all sources from Septem- and marked prosperity in the Socieber 9, 1888, to I!!eptember 12, 1887, for the «eneral fund were $10,71!3.66; the receipts on the ty's operations. Four ap- China deld b;y our missionaries from contrlbutiOllS, etc., for the year ending June 30, 1887, pointments, the largest ever madein one year to our missionary staff, viz.,
CORRESPONDENCE AND GENERAL INTELLIGENCE
the Rev. J. E. Davis, B.A., Rev. H. The Southem Baptist Oonvention. F. Laflamme, Rev. H. Garside, B.A., THIS society was organized in 1845. and Miss Bella Alexander. Numer- The forty-second anniversary was held in Louisville, Ky., May 6-10, ous converts have been baptized dur- 1887. The Board of Foreign Missions reported 116 laborers in the field, dising the year, making the member- tributed in Africa, Italy, China, Bra- zil and Mexico. ship of our Telugu churches on June 30 last something over 2,000. New churches have been organized. Ad- ditional native helpers have been put SUllI)[ARY. into the field, and important buildings Missionaries ………………….. .. 116 in course of erection last year have Baptisms for the year …………. .. 228 been completed." Total members…………………. 1,551 RECEIPTS. Churches and stations………….. . 65 Total from churches ………………. 88,424 98 Schools ………………………. . 25 Sunday-schools. . . .. .. . . . . . . … 1,260 11 Pnpils ……………………….. . 587 Woman's For. Mis. Soc. (West) 3,100 00 Contributions from the native . (East) 1,095 00 churches… .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . $3,012.61 Fyfe Missionary Soc., Toronto.. 50 00 Receipts from all sources. . . . . . . . . . . 154,559.04 J udsou Missionary Society. . . . • 13 00 Expended on mission fields. . . . . . . . .. 62,584.81 Association collections …….• 88 41 In agency work………………… 8,264.44 legacies.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . 250 00 The debt of the board had been canceled dur- individuals…… …………… 684 70 ing the year and a balance left in the treasury.
Miscellaneous.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 253 02 The Home Mission Board sum- marized the labors of the year as fol- Total received during the year…… $15,219 22 lows: Balance on hand,at last audit… ….• 364 78 Balance due treasurer…………… 142 32 Missionaries …………………. .. 251 Churches and out-stations……… . 822 TotaL …………………………$15,726 32 Baptisms …………………….. 3,923 EXPENDITURliiS. Total additions. . . .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 6,242 Sunday-schools reported. . . . . .. . . . . . 318 Paid to missionary ……………….. $14,642 87 Teachers and pupils……………. 13,031 " for printing .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .. 254 68 Churches constituted…………… 119 " for interest…………….. …… 136 95 " other disbursements……. , .. . .. • 549 50 Houses of worship built. . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Balance due treasurer.. ……… …… 142 32 Total receipts from all sources …… $122,097.20 The year began with an indebted- ness of…………………….. .. 8,500 815,726 32 This has been reduced to ………. . 2,500 III.-CORRESPONDENCE and GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
Netherlands India: An Appeal With- heathen. In Borneo and in the Celebes per- out a Response. haps about one-half; but wherever in Dutch India a heathen population is in contact with [THE following letter from our cor- Mohammedanism the latter is advancing steadrespondent in Singapore we are sure lIy." In fact, wherever the Dutch Government will be read with deep interest.- extends, Mohammedanism is spreading. Dr. S. does not charge this government with" know- EDS.] ingly and willfully propagating Mohammedan- ism," but, as he says, "here Mohammedanism About ten years ago the Rev. Dr. Schreiber, steps in to do that which Christianity ought but secretary of the Rhenish (Barmen) Missionary neglects to do." Society, gave an account of his society's efforts in Neth. India, at Mildmay.* He said that Mo- Dr. S. speaks of the workers already on the hammedanism was spreading with astonishing field and of their ntter insufficiency to occupy rapidity, especially in Java. "At present in Java the whole field. This field in some parts has almost the whole population (21,000,000) is Mo- been wonderfuily productive. In Ninnahassa, hammedan, at least in name; a great deal of or Celebes, in 1886, out of a population of 138,- heathenism still being concealed under the sur- 026 there was a nominal Christian population face. In Sumatra about the fourth part is still of 115,361. But" there is only one Ninnahass8 !nthe whole archipelago." In many parts • MIldmay Conference of )l'oreijpl Missions where there is a large nominal Christian popula- Report, 1878. tion " the poor Christians are quite neglected and forsaken," and are now fast falling before Mo- 19, in Lias 5, Borneo 7,' Celebes 11, Sumba 1, "hammedan influences. Ten years ago Dr. S. said Timor 1, Rotti 1, Wetter 1, Buru 1, Ceram 2, N. his society could not increase its staff of work, Guinea 5, Jilolo 2, Saugi 3, Talau 2, Saparina. 2, Amboina 4, Ternate 1, Letti 1, Harnku 1. ers, and it has not increased them. He made a strong appeal for other workers, assuring all According to censns (1885-1886) there were na- that the government would allow other nation- tive Christians, Malayan races, 235,070 ; Chinese, 939 (but not one missionary able to speak Chi- . alities to work freely, as the Germans do in nese), and natives of India, 121. In Dutch Timor there are 33,015 nominal Christians, with only Neth. India. one gove~nment helper. Truly the harvest is The part of his ,address I wish to emphasize plenteons, but the laborers few.
is this: " Will no otMr missionary society step (REV.) J. A. B. COOK, in, in order to at'ert suck a reproack to tke Presbyterian Missionary in Singapore. Okristian name? I want to make an earnest Oxford University and Missions, appeal to all the missionary societies in Englaud, America and Australia." Tkis appeal as yet kas LETTER from our correspondent in kad no response. Surely before long there will Oxford, J. F. Reyes, F.e.S" F.R.G.S. be a willingness to consider the claims of Malay- sia, especially the claims of the 27,000,000 of A MODERN ROBERT BRUCE. Neth. India. All that the Christians of England are doing for the 35,000,000 of Malaysia is being In Oxford the other day we had a remarkable done by the Sarawak (S. P. G.) Mission in illustration of the way in which the world will Borneo, and by a few scattered workers in continue to miss its greatest heroes. A great Singapore and Penang, with occasional visits to crowd had assembled to hear a notorious states- the peninsnla. There is only one solitary man speak on the Irish question. A few gradu- American missionary to represent the Chris- ates in a small room met without advertisement tianity of America in this wide region. two days later to hear from Dr. Robert Bruce an account of his work in Persia. He strongly re- Let me give a few facts as to the present state minds ns of Livingstone in his appearance and of missions in Netherlands India, with a few directness, and there is the further analogy that other facts, to be well pondered by thoughtful he has heen working alone in Jl1ifa,near Ispahan, Christians. these twenty years. Any ordinary person be- coming a Christian would be sure to disappear The Dutch possessions extend from Atcheeu", in a few days, probably by poison, but it would in Sumatra to New Guinea, and contain 612,520 be impossible to trace it. On the other hand, he square miles, with a population of 27,000,000 instanced a woman who became Moslem, and , under the Dutch flag. Among all this vast mul- speedily acquired property from Christian or titude of souls there are only 69 Dutch and Jewish relations in the law courts. German missionaries and 24 government mis- sion "helpers." These" helpers" are in govern- Dr. Bruce in fact gave incidentally many illus· ment pay. Their sphere and all their move-' trations of some of the misleading criticisms of ments are regulated by the officials, and thongh the now famous paper read by Canon Isaac Tay· they speak Malay are only allowed to work lor at the Wolverhampton Church Congress. In among the nominal Christians, The mission- Persia there was a "complete divorce of morals aries alone are free to go to the heathen and from religion," and his observation was that Mohammedans with the gospel. Mohammedanism " made every country a Wilderness." It is only fair to state that Canon Of the 93 missionaries on the field (always in- Taylor referred more especially to the civiliza- cluding the 24 government "helpers") fully 70 tion of the negro. He has since excluded the have arrived since 1870, the result no doubt of stations of the nniversity's missions to Central the reaction in university and college life in Africa from his criticisms. favor of evangelical doctrine and many forms of aggressive Christian efforts in the Nether- Before passing from this subject let me call lands and Germany. The 69 missionaries are attention to the remarkable phenomenon of the as follows: Times admitting correspondence on this question in extenso, writing leaders on it, and finally 6 from Neth. Miss. Society (Rotterdam). printing Sir W. W. Hunter's lecture on the re- 6 from Neth. Miss. Association (Rotterdam). ligions of India in full, with a leading article. 8 from Utrecht Miss. Association (Utrecht). Missions both in Africa and China have similarly 1 from Neth. Ref. Miss. Ass. (Amsterdam). been dealt with in the jubilee year. No facts 3 from Ermelo Miss. Association (Ermelo). could testify more emphatically that the time is 4 from Mennonite Miss. Ass. (Amsterdam). now ripe for the existence of a really great and 4 from Hague Home and For. Miss. Soc. impartial Review devoted j 0 missions and abso- (Hague). lutely independent of all missionary societies. On the whole I am inclined to think that the 3 from Christian Reformed Church (Leyden). best place for such a Review is America. Its 1 self-supporting Dutch missionary. language is available for one bundred millions of There are besides these Dntchmen 34 Ger· that party, the human race, which seems called man missionaries, of whom 28 are from the by God to an extraordinary future and an ex.- Barmen Mission, supported by the sub·society at Amsterdam; the rest are of the Berlin Mission These missionaries do not live together in large centers, but scatter themselves in families among the natives. In Java there are 24, in Snmatra ceedingly great present responsibility with re- MUKTSAB, PuNJAB, Jan. 31, 1888. spect to the actual condition of and openings in To the Princeton College .Men: the non-Christian world. The name of this town means" The Fountain Dr. Bruce's remarks on Mohammed and the of Salvation." The town Is not yet this, but I Koran were often at variance with the apologies trust the name is prophetic. It is one oCthe holy we sometimes hear. Even in the matter of places of the Sikhs, who are a reformed sect of temperance it was clear that the Shiite was the Hindus. There is said to be already a spirit always glad to get the drink which the base of earnest Inquiry among some few, and we hope Christian trader supplied him with. If they there will be II church established before long. are kind to their slaves, they are grossly cruel to their animals. The state of the women needs I have come here with Mr. FrankNewton, my no notes here. But the Doctor confessed his ad- uncIe. He and his few native helpers have II miration for Mohammed np to his 50th year and parish of about one million people, Ferozepore the death of his wife Khadisha. being the center. It is one of the finest districts of the Punjab, and the men are an exceptionably Here I must stop. The Oxford Graduates' strong, independent, manly lot. Missionary Association was privileged to hear a great and good man. There are others like him Last week we spent a couple of days at Jaito, in the misSion field. My thoughts for the mo- a village of somewhat over three thousand peoment turn to Burmah and the American Judson. ple. It had Once before been visited by a native In their single-handed translation work the par- catechist, but never by a missionary; so far as allel is very close. But Dr. Bruce has a parish we know. In doing village work, missionaries of half a million of square miles, covering three often carry tents with them, but this Involves great ancient empires. much trouble and expense. We are depending on getting quarters in each place. At J aito we The type of Christian hero changes in each had a very comfortable little house of two rooms ceutury. We cannot stop the progress of the lent us by a railway official. Here we are putage, nor get nineteenth-century people to like ting up in a sarae or native hotel. There are what was admired in a different epoch. Let us three native preachers with us, and we five ocnot make any insidious comparisons, but thauk cupy one long room. The hotel charges for all God for all, and not least for that great gift of five are nine cents a day. adaptability to environment which is evinced iu the work of our best missionaries from either While here we expect to visit a number of the side of the water, a gift which seems akin to that surrounding villag~s, sometimes all four of the which made the great apostle" all things to all preachers going together, and sometimes two by men," and yet ever loyal to the great Head of all, two. Mr. Newton has a small organ, and this who, however imperfectly. show the apostolic with singing attracts a great many. Last evenspirit and the divine power. J. F. HEYES. Ing the audience of a1}out one hundred and fifty listened closely for nearly two hoors. OXFORD, :March 5, 1888. It seems to bc the general opinion that the Mr. Porman Heard Prom. most hopeful feature of the work in India is the villages. Many missionaries give II large part of :MR. JNO. N. FORMAN, after arrJving in England toward the close of September, spent two their time to school work in -the large Cities. months in working and speaking throughout the universities and larger cities of Great Britain, This work is important, but many of those who much of the time in company with :Mr. Taylor have been engaged in it now think that what Is of the China Inland Mission. In the universities needed most is men who will gi"l°e their whole he frequently found it difficult to gather an audi- time to evangelistic work, chiefly touring among ence of the students. At Cambridge the largest the villages. Mr. Newton is considered very number of stUdents he succeeded in assembling good in this line, so I was advised to go with was but thirty. At Edinburgh some thirty-five him for a while before starting for my own field. men pledged themselves to the foreign mission- The truth of the matter is that we need men in ary work. Meetings were held at Oxford and every department of work. In our mission in Wales, and in London an inter-hospital meet- school at Lahore we have over a thousand boys. ing of medical stndents. In Belfast thirty-three And the college which was started less than two men signed fo~ miSSionaries, and Mr. Taylor years ago has already some seventy students, coming after found that these were but the first and is growing fast. One feels often inclined to fruits. At Wakefield, Leeds, Duudee, Aberdeen. be discouraged at the size of the work and the Glasgow and other cities, meetings of the citizens and especially of the Young Men's Christian fewness of workers. But I believe firmly 2 Cor. Associations were held. ix. 8, and this Is a "staying power." I am now Mr. Forman left England early in December engaged in a study of the Holy Spirit, searching and landed in Bombay January 2. He has been through the Bible to find just how mnch is promstationed by the mission at Allahabad for the ised to us, to me. May God grant, each of us first year, during which he will devote most of may claim alt. his time to the study of the language. He writes to the stUdents at Princeton: I am praying daily for a great blessing upon you in Princeton, and expect to hear of a good work. Eph. iii. 14-19. And may God add the .. exceeding abundantly" of verse 20. When yoo pray for me, please pray by name.
Yours in Christ's service and in Christ, JOHN N. FOBJu.N. A Boat Journey in Ohina. [OUR editorial correspondent, Prof.
[EXTRACT from a private letter from W. C. Wilkinson, D.D., is making the Mrs. Edward P. Thwing of Brooklyn.] tour of Palestine. The following in- Just now I am living on a boat. To-night we teresting note from him shows that are auchored near Chung Wan. We leftCautou Dec. 27, and have had lovely weather since. We he is on the lookout for missionary are about 115 miles from that city. There are twelve of us-Rev. Charles R. Hager, missionary information. The observation and of the American Board from Hong Kong, my son, myself and a Chinese woman Bible reader, testimony of so close an observer and six boatmen, a captain and a cook. We have already stopped at several towns and villages On critical a mind are worth noting.- the river. At Hong Moon we found A. S. [a Christian pupil taught a year before in Brook- EDS.] lyn], and I rode about ten miles in a sedan chair PORT SAID, EGYPT, March 24, 1888. . to his home. He and Edward walked behind the bearers. I never before realized the expres- I have just been visiting the Egyptian missiou sion, .. The whole city came out to meet him. ,,- stations of the United Presbyterians of America, There was a general turn-out to see us, strange both at .Alexandria and at Cairo. At the latter beings from a foreign land. When we went into place I saw also something of the work in progthe house it was at once crowded full, probably ress. In both places I was favorably impressed much as when Jesus found" no room, no, Dot so with what I saw. Excellent men and women much as about the door." The open space in the the missionaries seemed to me to be, and sinroof reminded me of the opening through which it is said the sick of the palsy was let down. cerely devoted to their work, which is prosecuted The women and children felt of my clothes and nnder the disadvantage of resources in money hat and hair and shoes. They were grently amused. We took supper and remained over seriously inadequate to the demand. Cairo is a night. When we left town crowds preceded and followed us. Suuday we were at anchor at San Bwarming Oriental capital of perhaps 450,000 Ui, where there is a mission chapel. Mr. White of Macao admiuistered commuuion and Mr. H. people, with a reputed supply of 400 Mohammepreached. The room opened into a little sunny inner court. Thirty-one gathered, and fifteen in dan mosques, to feed these hnngry human souls all partook of the sacrament. After dinner on the boat I took my Bible woman and went to a with the dnst of death instead of the bread of village close by. As we entered a crowd of women and children swarmed out of every open life. I was irreSistibly incited both in .Alexaudoor. They were more interested in me than in anything she said, examining my clothes and dria and in Cairo to pray for poor groveling person. God only knows whether any good was accomplished. Work was going on just as on Egypt. Can these dry bones live' Let our any day all about us. United Presbyterian brethren redouble their We observed the week of prayer. and have had good meetings on our boat. Mr. H. is a spiritual prayers and their toils and their gifts for this man and it is a blessing to have his society. He has evening prayers in Chinese, and calls the perishing people. W. C. WILKINSON. boatmen into the cabin. Some come in and he talks very earnestly to them, and one asks mauy From a Student Volunteer. questions, apparently much interested. May God bless this" bread cast upon the waters." Pass- NEW BRUNSWICK THEO. SElIl., April, 1888. ing from place to place by water we have time DEAR EDITORS: One of the most iuteresting for the study of the language and reading. My features in THE MISSIONARY REVIEW to me is Bible woman has small feet and cannot walk far the letters from the Student Volunteers. lhave at a time. Many of the villagers never saw a read with pleasure the circnlar addressed to foreigner and very few ever saw a foreign woman them, and am heartily in favor of the plan that till they saw me. When they saw me from afar, each college or seminary send out a letter sketch- the news spread rapidly from lip to lip, and ing the history of its own foreign missionary countless swarms poured out through every alley movements and plans. Some of our colleges to meet us. We visited many places. as the and seminaries, however, are perhaps too weak whole district is intersected by many streams to print and send out circular letters, but all of and canals. I cannot tell how -many hundred them can tell their brethren what the Lord has mUes our sixteen days' trip will aggregate, bnt done for them and what they are trying to do for it is a most instructive aud profitable journey to him, through the columus of THE REVIEW. us. and. we trust, to the thousands we·have seen. The volunteers in the three educational insti- tutions at New Brunswick have not been idle this year. The District Miss. Alliance held here in February, of all the seminaries in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania,was the outgrowth of missionary interest at oor mission circle, and the alliance has been a great blessing to us all. The students of the seminary, college and gram- mar school, with their respective faculties, have pledged more than $800 yearly for the support of a missionary in the field, and at a meeting held March 21, the following resolution was unanimously carried: .. Resolved, that in view of the especial qualifications of L. R. Scudder, M.D., who has offered himself to our mission board, and in view of the special needs of the mission field in India and our Board of Foreign Missions, the entire subscription of the Stu- painted and oiled snch parts of our steamer and dents' Missionary Association for the first year sawmill stnff as were liable to rust. lirother be given to the board for the equipment and Rasmussen has given us a plan for a cheap passage out of L. R. Scudder, if the board shall bnoyant raft for the discharge of our traction appoint him and start him out before Octoher 1, engine when she shall be bronght up by the 1888." • steamer. The materials for said raft are being Oor mission circle meets weekly, and we dis- prepared, so that we hope we shall within a fe,!!, cuss every part of the world-field during the weeks see our road engineers, Brothers Clamn, course of a year. Our prayer is that every vol- Rasmussen, White and Briggs, moving inward unteer may read aud ponder the article in the with our steam wagon and traction engine.
April number of THE REVIEW, entitled" What Brother Wm. H. Arringdale, our architect and Oue Did." What one did all can do, "(hrough man of all mechanical work, has been busy and Christ which strengtheneth us." I heartily join effective in house-building and repairs.
in the cry, " 0)) that the volunteers would pull "Our dear sisters have done the cooking for together" ; but let each of us be sure that his all our working force-a heavy task that is never hand is on the rope. Let us link Matt. xxviii. 20 finished. Meantime, though I have wrought in to 1 Cor. xv. 58. ONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS. our varied work at Vivi three months out of the five of our sojourn here, I have explored the line What Bishop Taylor is Deing in Africa. to Isangala, and report the opening of five sta- tions-1. Vivi, the site of" the former capital of THE second annual meeting of the District the state. For a little over seven acres ofground Conference of the Upper Congo District assem- here and the buildings remaining we paid £160. sembled at Vivi mission station Dec. 3, 1887, at 2. At Vumtomba Vivi, four miles distant, in 2 o'clock p. M., with Bishop Taylor in the chair. sight of the mountain, we have built an abode honse and opened a station. 3. Sadl Kabanza, Fifteen members were present, including the about twenty miles from Vivi. 4. l:Iatamba, bishop, and sixteen were unavoidably absent. about twenty-nine miles from here, all on the The bishop reported briefly as follows: caravan trail. 5. Isangala, where our freights have to be taken by boats up the river to Manyan- " Our disappointment in not being able to get ga.. We have not bnilt, but our missionarY,E. A. direct and prompt tral)sport of our steamer and Shoreland, occupies rent free the station-honse other stuff to Stanley Pool, and detention in Vivi, of the government. 6. Natumba, near Banana, tllough trying to our faith and patience here, we have just received permission from the govand hard on the bopes of our patrons at home, ernor-general to select a Site, and I hope to be is working fOl' our good and for the enlargement able to send in duly a sketch of the land selected, of our field of operations on the Congo: and to settle on the premises in a tent till we can get a small iron house ordered from Liverpool." "1. In the nnexpected depletion of our transit funds. lIad the government of the State of Reports from varions stations were then pre- Congo been able to transport onr freight to Stan- senled. John A. Newth stated what had been ley Pool at a pound ($,;) per man-load, according done at Sadi Cabanzi. He said that the natives, to agreement, we could not have paid their trans- though willing to be taught English, declined port bills. Here, in Vivi, onr expenses are but having anything to do with the worship of God, light and our transport by steam will he much believing that all joining in it will die. Yet Mr. cheaper than by carriers alone. Newth helieves there is ground for hope. The witch-doctor, having been warned ,!gainst his ,. 2. It has been the means of a government barbarous practice, now brings all sick patients authorization to open a line of mission stations to the mission to receive medical treatment. from Vivi to Isangala, 55 miles, and thence to This is certainly a step in the right direction, for Manyanga, 88 miles, thence on the south side of it will give tbe natives confidence in the misthe Congo 100 miles to Stanley Pool. sionary. Mr. Newth thinks that when he is able ,to speak the langnage of thl' natives he will be "3. We are finding out as our acqnaintance able to {eason away tbeir prejudices. extends that north of said base line of stations there is a densely populated belt of conntry belonging to the Congo Btate, extending back to the Loango River, and that parallel east a belt of about 100 miles or more.
"Since our arrival here, about the first of The report from Vumtomba, back of Vivi, de- July of this year of grace-five months-we have, tailed the building operations, and stated that under the mechanical generalship of Brother the natives are very friendly, and there is a daily Critchlow, extemporized the construction of a class of from eight to eleven to learn English.
new steam wagon of 'Va.t pulling power, for the Miss Mary Kildare reported the result of her transport of our heavy freights np the steep hills, teaching in two villages near Vivi. She first got by means of this wonderful wagon and a little good classes of children, taught them to sing man force. All our cargoes have been bronghtup Christian songs; and to repeat the Command- the crooked, steep, rocky hills, from the beach ments and the Lord's Prayer. The interest and to Vivi top, a distance of about a mile and a attendance increased, and the parents began to half, since which our preacher and storekeeper, come, and one man has given up idol worship.
J. C. Teter, has taken stock of all our stores and The report from Matamba, by Charles Lamn, pat them under roof, lock and key. pur chief stated that that station was opened in September.
engineer, Silas W. Field, has rubbed up and The natives are eager to be taught. Letter from Our Oorrespondent at long as he could. My dear little son (12 years Tangier, Morocco. old) was so impressed by the sight that he also I JIAVE just returned .from Fez (the great nortbern capital of Morocco). I Was absent desired baptism, to my great joy. Muley four montbs; nearly" fortnigbt was consumed in getting tberp. We "dwelt in onr own hired Hasham'S conversion oC~llrred onlyabont tour house, and received all that came unto us, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching weeks after my arrival in Fez. Therefore I those things which cOncern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding bad bis help in the work all the rest of my us." A beloved young Scotch brother, wbo volunteered to accompany me and look after sojourn. He boldly and publicly confessed material matters, and my little son Frank, were my only companions. We were in great dis- Christ, abandouing the false faith of Moham- comfort for a time after our arrival, but after- ward secured a little bouse in a garden through med. He daily instructed tbose who came to which the river of Fez flowed. Here we spent some happy months, though with scarcely any the house. He has gifts that make it desirable of the ordinary appliances and comforts of civil· ized life. The people came freely about us. that he should give himself wholly to the work Many heard the word of life. The great op– portunities and large promise of work in this of the ministry, which is his great desire. I have land were more than ever impressed upon us. Not a few were at least intellectually convinced brought him with me to Tangier, where he has of the truth of Christianity. Some professed conversion. I will speak confidently of but one, eudeared bimself to us all, and hope to retain whose experience was most remarkable, and – who abides faitbfnl. His name is Hasham, and bim for help in the gospel. He supplies my im- he has the title of Muley, being a lineal de- ·scendant of Mohammed, and is looked upon perfect knowledge of Arabic. He is withont with peculiar veneration by his fellow-country- meu. His father's grandfather was the Sultan means, and I should be glad if some rich friend of Morocco. He is of middle age, of great iu- telligence, and well educated for a Moor. He should covet the exceeding honor of supplying had been greatly devoted to the faith of Moham- med and held an hereditary position in connection his temporal needs; $250 a year would amply with one of the many mosques (some fifty) of Fez, which he relinquished ou his conversion. meet this dear man's humble needs, and enable The details of bis being brought to believe in aud confess Cbrist arc of thrilling interest, and me to keep bim wholly occupied in gospel ef- some of them I would fear to tell lest they migbt be doubted. His awakeniug illustrates fort. Who will do it? My stay in Fez was of how feeble a word may be blessed. He had a child at the point of death, and I simply told great help to me in increasing my knowledge of him it was useless to pray to God for the child save in the name of Jesus. This word ent.ered Arabic. At our out-station (Arzeela) ten or eleven at once into his soul, and he spent that night praying for his child in the name, the thriee- souls have evidently received Christ, of whom blessed name, of Jesus. The next day but one he professed himself a believer in Christ, tell- two have fallen asleep. In tbis work God has ing me of a vision of the Lord Jesus he had had, that sounded like a leaf from the Acts of the honored the faith and toil of two devoted sisters, Apostles. It filled me with amazement and joy, aud I could do little but stand still and see tbe who fearlessly took np their abode in tbat little salvation of God. I bad but to point out what God said about a thing, and he received it Witll city where were no otbers than natives save rejOicing, and daily waxed strong, and he has already become a stalwart believer whose faith themselves. I cannot express how deeply I feel and patience would put many at home to shame Two or three days after his conversion I pointed that there are hundreds of Christian young out what the Lord Jesus said as to baptism, and he was eager to at once obey. I baptized him women in America who could give themselves that noon in the river in onr own garden. He did not wish me to raise him up at once, saying to such like work here. What an unfading as Christ remained in the grave three days be should like to lie upon the bottom of the river as crown would be theirs! I will gladly be the belper of sucb, or of young brethren, either.
Who will come? Who bas faith and courage for it? Snch as can trust the Lord for support shall lack no good thing, though among the good things they will find as part of them plenty of trials, as do we. But noue of these things move us. We count not our life dear to us. if we may; but finish our course with joy. I am about starting on another trip, or series of trips, into the interior to occupy these spriug months.
My wife and daugbter Carrie and Muley Hasham will be with me. We hope to a~ain go to Fez and perbaps other towns of southern Morocco after the summer heat has passed. Traveling is expensive, and we must have at least five mules.
To hire them consumes too much, so they must be purchased. Brother Eugene Levering, No.2 Commerce street, Baltimore, continues to re- ceive and -forward the bounty of tbe friends of our work. E. F. BALDWIN.
The McAll Mission.
[THE following letter, lately re- ceived from Mr~ MeAll, will be of in- terest to our readers.-EDs.} PARIS, January 14, 1888. At the close of the year 1887 and the opening of the new one our work in Paris and through- out France 'presents very many features which I am sure will not fail to rejoice the hearts of our dear friends of the American auxiliaries, who, with us, are so earnestly desirous for the Bayroux, the French pastor of St. Germain, will spread of thE> gospel in this land. I will attempt take the direction of the station, we supplying no more than a faint sketch of what we have him weekly with speakers from Paris. On the been enabled to accomplish within the last two opening evening we were cheered to ~ee the little or three months in the way of extending the hall filled, and though all was new and strange work, planting new stations in hitherto neg- to the majority of those present, there was re- lected districts of Paris and throughout France. spectful and serions attention thronghout. The Yon are aware that deficiency of funds had pro- speakers remarked that, while during long cen- hibited, during some years, our responding to turies the town had witnessed all manner of the many and urgent calls to break new ground. events and revolutions, never had a place been It is only quite recently that, having somewhat opened in its streets for the preaching of the recovered, through the efforts of our French pure gospel (the Protestant church is on the out- friends, in connection with the sale they held for skirts) until that night. We all felt that it was us last May in Paris, and from other sources, we our privllege to make thus a direct assault on have had the great joy of once again" lengthen- the strongholds of ignorance and incredulity, Ing our cords." This we have been enabled to and returned home with the glad conviction that do at a comparatively small additional outlay, as .. the Lord was there."
the entire work of many of the new stations is Time and space fail me to detail the openings undertaken gratuitously by the French pastors which increased our stations from 99 at the and others in the respective localities, so that close of 1EE7 to 114 as it now stands. In all we we have only to provide the little mission halls have increased our number of sittings by about and their incidental expenses, which, In many 1,600, raising the number with which we start cases, the very small means of these frieuds on the year tu about 17,000.
the spot would not enable them to meet. Will you not, dear American friends, join I will begin with last evening, January 12. with us in fervent prayer that, through the Holy We had the privilege of opening at 8 o'clock P.lI[. Spirit's influence, each of these sittings may, our 114th station. It is situated in a quarter during the year, witness the drawing of at least of Paris peopled by very poor and religiously ig- one heart to the Saviour? R. W. McALL.
norant people, In a district called Monceau.
Several of our valued helpers live near the spot, and have long much desired to attempt some- GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
thing for their less favored neighbors. During Results of Missions. At the end the visit of M. Guillamne van der Beken, Secre- of 1884 there were at least 2,400,000 tary of the Paris Young Men's Christian Associ- adherents and 650,000 full church ation, some friends at Cincinnati felt so much interested in his statements respecting our members; 2,283,000 evangelized hea- work that they resolved to aid its extension. then-that is a significant number. They assured an extra fund to M. van der Beken for this pm·pose. He and his wife and It may not be that each of these is a her cousin and two ladies, all living close by, mature believer. Certainly;the ma- sought out this new mission hall, and last night jority have much weakness, and we set it apart for an effort to reach the poorest their Christianity is still in its juveand most neglected around. It is in the Rue de nile stage. Yet how many striking Tocqueville, close by a benevolent institution in instances of wonderful divine guidwhich houseless men get a meal and a night's ance, of the power of the gospel, of lodging. From this proximity we doubt not that many will turn into the room and hear the real conversion, of childlike faith, of gospel for the first time in their lives. The devout prayer, of love for the Word, opening meeting was very encouraging. With of willing self-sacrifice, of heroic enthe exception of a few friends, it consisted en- durance for the confession of Christ, tirely of the neighbors, working people, etc. The place looked exceedingly neat and attractive and are included in these 2,283,000 I How was well filled. It was delightful to hear the widely spread in different lands are people try to sing the hymns, and their attention these 2,283,000 I If we may take a. was reverent while we commended them to our journey around the globe, almost Father's blessing. These Christian ladies (men- tioned above) of the neighborhood propose to everywhere do we meet more or less organize in the hall, in addition to the public of them. In Labrador and Greenland, meeting, children'S religious services, mothers' among the Indians and negroes of meetings, etc. British America and the United On Wednesday of last week we opened our llath station, at St. Germain-en·Saye, an ancient States, in the West Indies, off the town of 18,000 inhabitants, a few miles from coasts of Central and Southem Ame- Paris. Mr. Elliott J. Shepherd of New York rica, and even in the wilds of Terra. has generously supplied the fands for this new del Fuego, 688,000 of heathen have movemeut, in memory of the birth of a little daughter during his sojourn in the town. M. Zealand and Australia, missionary been gathered into Christian commu- supply of two factories only. Mr. nities. If we leave San Francisco to go across the Pacific Ocean, we find in the Bently says" he has heard of 50,000 Sandwich Islands, in Micronesia and Melanesia and Polynesia, in New or 60,000 cases of gin as the annual converts numbering 240,000 souls. If we turn to the Indian Archipelago sale of certain factories of the Dutch and from there go to the Japanese islands, and then to the Asiatic con- House." / tinent, India, China, Persia, and Asia Minor, we find 754,000 heathen who Says Dr. Cuyler, in the New York have become Christians. Coming at last to Africa, we meet the converts Evangelist: in Madagascar, among the Caffres, Bechuanas and Hottentots, South .. I went to Washington to present a memorial Africa, the negroes of the interior, from the National Temperance Society to the and the west coast from Congo to Senegambia, amounting to 577,000. Committee on Foreign Affairs of the United -The Prospect in Asia. Dr. Abel States Senate, in behalf of rum-cursed Africa. Stevens, writing to the Central Chris- Wheu the Berlin Conference shaped the future tian Advocate from Yokohama, Japan, says: of the vast Free State of the Congo, three "I have been inspecting the great Asiatic years ago, they prohibited the slave trade. But battle-fields, and I report the general conviction of both foreigners and intelligent natives here, they left a worse scourge uncheCked. The Hon. that the epoch of a grand social and religious revolutiou has Bet in in India, Burmah, China. Mr. Kasson, who represented the United States, and Japan; that this old 'Asiatic heathendom is generally gIving way before the continually in- Sir Edward Malet, who l·epresented Great creasing power of Western thought and Chris_ tian civilization. The present is the most pro- Britain, with Count de Launey of Italy and pitious hour that ever dawned on Asia since the advent of Christ. Let us hail it, and march into Count; vau der Straten of Belgium, strove hard these great open battle-fields with all our fiags uplifted. I am not carried away by the enthu_ to have a clause prohibiting the sale of intoxisiasm of the heroic meu I have met in these tlelds: I know well the diftlculties that still cants to the native tribes. The German and remain, and can criticise as well as anybody grave defects iu the campaign. But I feel sure Dutch commissioners fought it out, and Gerthat the hoary paganism of this Asiatic world is tottering to its fall; that the tlnal Christian battle many has sent over BeVen millions of gallons of is at hand." • fire water' into that doomed region in a single Wendell Phillips says: year I Holland has sent over one million lAud .. The answer to the Shaster is India; the answer to Confncianism is China; the answer to out of the port of Boston, between J une,1885, and the Koran is Tnrkey; the answer to the Bible is the Christian civilization of Protestant Europe June, 1886, there was shipped 733,000 gallons and America." of death-dealing New Englaud rum into the -Africa and Rum. The exports of spirits to Africa from Great Britain, Congo country I The negroes are becoming Germany, Portugal and the United crazed not only with the drink, but for it. Many States in a single year amounted to nearly 9,000,000 gallons! And these of them refuse to take in exchange for palm-oil, gallons are multiplied many times before they are dealt out to the na- Ivory and other prodncts, any manufactured tives. One of the National African Company's steamers recently carried fabrics, and clamor for strong drink I Two re- 25,000 cases of gin and mm for the sults follow: the natives are being bestialized with alcohol, and all hope of opening a valuable market for our goods is being destroyed. The chief ' Christian' powers of the world are be- coming the colossal grogsellers to poor imbrut- ed Africa, and are destroying one hnndred times as many as Christiau missions are saving. A powerful influence is being brought to bear on the English Government to prohibit the liquor trallic iu Africa by British SUbjects. The memo- rial I took to Washingtou besought our gov- ernment to adopt effective measures to suppress this destructive trallic by American citizens. A vigorous push should be made by every constit- uency upon its representative, by petition and by correspondence. No time is to be lost. One year now iu the history of Africa is worth a century in its degraded past. If Christendom is going to supplant Paganismwith whiskey-barrels, then Africa had better been left in heathenish se- clnsion. At any rate, let our republic wash its hands of any further participation in this whole- sale crime against a whole race of immortal beings."
" What is being done out there in the name of conscience," says the New York Tribune, edito- rially, "is a world of crime of a character so colossal, of an immorality so shameless and pro· found, that if it could be regarded as a type and !1lustration of nineteenth century civilization, it would be necessary to denounce that civilization as a horrible sham and a conspicuous failure." Says Canon Farrar in the Contem- They are said to be a very musical . porary Review: people. Music enters largely into all "The old rapacity of the slave-trade has been matters of social importance, and followed by the greedier and more ruinous ra- the love of it finds expression in the pacity of the drink-seller. Our fathers tore from manufacture and employment of a the neck of Africa a yoke of whips; we have variety of instruments. The Bursubjected the native races to a yoke of scorpi- mese gong, when deeply struck by· ons. We have opened the rivers of Africa to the accustomed hand and thereafter commerce, only to ponr down them the' 1'aging gently waved in air, is by no means Phlegethon of alcohol,' than which no river of unpleasant to hear. And when, as the Inferno is more blood-red or more accursed. is often the case, it is employed to ls the conscience of the nation dead? If not. will no voice be raised of snfficient power to awaken it from a heavy sleep?" summon a passing neighbor on his Bosnia.-Pastor Kolatschek, who way with an offering to some distant spent the years 1884-1886 in gospel temple, in order that he may become work among the Bosnians, gives the agent in transmitting a similar some interesting reports concerning gift from a worshiper whom cir- the evangelization in that county.r cumstances detain at home, it con- The political authorities do not op- veys a lesson which we do well to pose this work in any way, which is lay to heart.
conducted under the auspices and China.-Ex-Secr«!tary Holcomb of with the financial aid of the Gusta- the American Legation at Peking vus Adolphus Society of Germany. says that out of the 400,000,000 in- habitants of the Chinese Empire fully Burmah.-All of Burmah belongs 300,000,000 spend less than $1.50 a to Great Britain and forms a part of month for food. the East India Empire. Lower Burmah consists of the· provinces of Ar- France.-Rev. Dr. Muchmore of rakan, Pegu, Irrawaddy and Tenas- the Presbyterian, Philadelphia, who serim, with an area of 87,220 square recently returned from a two-years' miles, and a population in 1881 of travel abroad, and whose admirable 2,736,771. Upper Burmah, known etters during that time have received previously to 1886 as Independent wide attention, gives in one of his Burmah, is estimated to have 190,- latest his views touching the MeAll 500 square miles and a population :Mission, which will be read with inof 3,500,000. It is probable that in terest by many of our readers who all Burmah there is now a popUlation are interested in this great religious of near 8,000,000. In Lower Burmah movement of our day. He says: the census of 1881 divided the people religiously into 88,171 Hindus, 168,- ., The McAJI work has never been independent 881 Mohammedans, 3,251,584 Buddh- of the churches and pastors of Paris. The selfists, 84,219 Christians. The people negation of this wonderfnl Christian man. who of Upper Burmah are almost en- is the founder and head, is monumental. It tirely Buddhists. wonld have been the easiest thing in the world to have started a church bearing his name or The Burmese make jokes freely, any other name. But instead. he has wrought but are not so ready to take them, in the greatest harmony with the French pasand have a. bitter dislike to being tors. Re has advised with them, has had their teased. Their manners are courteous, constant help. Some of the most eminent preaching in these stations- two, three and some- but quite free. They are not an in- times four times a week, is by men of worlddustrious race, yet we ought not to wide repntation, such as Dr., nOw Senator de call them lazy. A moderate amount Pressense, Pasteurs Bersier, Monod, Recolin, of work for two days supplies them Dhombres, Rollard and others. There is but with ample provision for both, and one opinion about this work in Paris, nay in all for a third, which they spend in medi- France, which is enthnsiastic and profOlmdly tation, boat-racing, football, or other trustful. It is the auxiliary ofthe French Protestrecreations according to taste. ant churches, and at this moment we are told that there are a hundred applications for these helpers for the churches throughout France by the pastors and consistories.. The work, by its of the people by a common religious own momentum. of grace, widens and deepens, bond. Hinduism is a social organizaand the cry, not only in France but far beyond tion an!i religious confederacy. As it, is to them, ' Come over and help us.' One of a social organization it rests on caste. its most blessed fruits is in imparting a knowl- As a religious confederacy it repreedge to the pastors of France of better methods sents the coalition of the cultured of work. In the long inactivity of the church, faith of the Brahmans with the ruder when it was practically fettered, the tendency rights and materialistic beliefs of the was to take the life and aggressive activity out more backward races. In both asof it and its pastors. Many had fallen into a pects Hinduism is a deliberate system humdrum conservatism, little less lively than of compromise. It accepts the posithe dead march. Then courage, which now tion that the spiritual needs of races works throngh their marvelous aggressiveuess, differ in each stage of their developwas all repressed by the terror which through ment, and that man most naturally ages becomes the law of being. The pastors worships what, for the time being, he come up from all over France. aud catch the . most reverences or most fears. On spirtt and learn its methods, and carry them this foundation Hinduism has built home, not in vain, as the wonderful revivals up the enduring but ever-changing' throughout France during the last two years st.ructure of Indian ritual and belief. have shown. To the ministry of France it has No conversions to Islam on a considbeen betterin its teaching how to work than a half erable scale have taken place since dozen ordinary seminaries. The French clergy 1872. Even a solitary case might be appreciate it, pray for it, French Protestants sought for in vain of such a change contributed to it over five thousand francs, a of religiOUS belief from conscientious great snm consideri~ their condition and the conviction. But a small amount of demands upon their poverty. They commend converRions is going steadily on. It it, as they well might, and God forbid that they proceeds from social and economical shonld ever become so blind as not to feel that reasons, and is confined to the lower it is the pnlsation of their own church heart. orders, and occurs oftener among For they mnst never be separated. It would females than males. Hindus who imperil, to our judgment, the hopes of the sal- have lost caste, women who have vation of France. But it may be asked, What fallen into an immoral life, men who are the results, not general, but organized? The have abandoned their family faith French Protestant churches are receiving con- for the sake of a woman of the other verted sonls that they could never have reached. creed-these, and such as these, re- All the pastors, who have wrought in this work, lease themselves from the restraints have had accessions from it, pastors Bersier, of caste rules by adopting Islam. In Monod, de Pressense, etc., and so has it been such conversions religious feeling has with the Methodist, Congregational and Baptist no place. churches" Into this ancient and powerfulor- -India's Religions. "The first idea ganization a new religious force has of our missio.aaries was to make con- thrust itself, a force animated by a verts from the established religions profoundly different spirit. Christianof India. During the last fifty years ityis not a new rpligion in India. Its this idea has been modified. In such a history dates from a period 700 years country a religion must stand or fall before the rise of media'lVal Hinduism by what it does for the well-being of and 1,000 years before any wideits own people. This principle ap- spread Indian settlement of Islam. plies to the three great religions of The new religious force now at work modern India – Mohammedanism, amid Hinduism is neither the Nesto- Hinduism and Christianitv. There rianism of the patriarchs nor the Cais a dense and dark mass;f $50,000,- tholicism of the popes. The Catholic 000 of human beings in India lying and Syrian churches still go on calmon the outskirts or beyond the pale ly with their great task and claim of orthodox Hinduism and Islam. Within fifty years these 50,000,000 will be absorbed into one or other of the higher faiths. Islam represents in British India a compact and coherent mass of 45,000,000, who in spite of internal divisions are more closely united than any equally large section over 1;600,000 of the 2,148,227 Chris- dition of one faith."'-Sir William tians in India. The new disruptive NelsvnHunter, in the London Times. force is Protestant and Anglican Christianity. English mlssIOnary Hindu Astrology in Trouble. The work began in the last year of the Bombay Guardian gives a singular last century. 'fhe results achieved story of the trials which some emiby three missionary periods in India nent Hindu pundits are undergoing -the period of private effort, the on account of the interference of period of great organized societies, Western science with their system of and the period of societies side by astrology, which is closely connected side with ascetic brotherhoods-may with their religion. A meeting of be thus summarized. In 1851 the learned Brahmans from Benares and Protestant missions in India and Bur- other places had been held to conmah had 222 stations; in 1881 their sider this conflict between science stations had increased nearly three- and their religion. It seems that the fold, to 601. The number of churches date of a certain holy festival, the or congregations had during the thir- Durga Puja, which ought to be fixed ty years multiplied from 267 to 4,180, by the study of the stellar influences, or over fifteen-fold. There is not has of late years been fixed by an only a vast increase in the number of examination of the Englishman's stations, but a still greater increase Sheet Almanac. The Guardian says: in the work done by each station, while the number of native Protes- .. This impious conduct, subversive of the tant Christians increased from 91,092 very principles on which Hindu festivals were in 1851 to 492,882 in 1881, and the instituted, has been reported by an enemy to the communicants increased from 14,661 orthodox Brahmans, and great has been the agito 138,254. During the same thirty tation produced by the disclosure. Not only years the pupils in mission schools according to this discovery:have past feasts been multiplied from 64,043 to 196,360. observed in violation of planetary conjunctions These enormous increments have and stellar influences, rendering acts of merit been obtained by making a larger nugatory, neceSSitating the repetition of vows, use of native agency. A native Prot- upsetting marriages, confusing births, and in· estant church has, in truth, grown ducing blight, pestilence, and disaster of every up in India capable of supplying in a kind; but the holidays this month, for which large measure its own staff. In 1851 many of us have made all arrangements, will be there were twenty-one ordained min- useless and need not be observed. Such were isters, and in 1881 they had increased the asseverations of the Brahmans, and as the to 575. The number of native lay great question when to hold the forthcoming preachers had risen from 493 to the pujahs must be settled immediately, the meetvast total of 2,586. The wonderful ings we have mentioned were convened." growth of the native clergy in recent years has brought Christianity closer There was a heated discussion at to native institutions. The appoint- this meeting. Many were not prement of native bishops, for which the pared to admit that all their rites time is at hand, will do more. Indi- and ceremonies were wholly without an Christianity, organized on the merit on account of the failure to hit Indian communal basis and in part upon the right day. But there was directed by native spiritual leaders, agreement upon the doctrine that would reproduce, as far as the diver- the stars must fix the day, while it gent creeds of modern times permit, was gravely disputed whether their Tertullian's picture of the early positions should be determined by churches united by 'the communion the use of modern astronomical inof peace, the title of brotherhood, struments or by the study of the the token of hospitality, and the tra- shastras.
Japan.-Joseph Cook, in Our Day, says as to the prospects of Unitarian missions in Japan: ":Mr. Knapp, who was lately sent to Japan on a Unitarian' embassy,' said in his farewell ad- dress in Boston, November 6, 'My errand 1ft not a mission to heathen. • • • It is conference, not conversion, at which I aim.' A son of Fu- i[ your committee think fit to elect knzawa, the eminent Japanese educator, readan me an honorary member of your soaddress following :Mr. Knapp, and closing with ciety. I have often said that the this extraordinary benediction: 'May God, progress of Japan was the greatest Buddha, and the eight million deities of Japau wonder in the world, but I declare bless him.' (Okristian Register, Nov. 17, 1887.) that the progress of Fuegiais almost The gross irreverence of tbis reference in its equally wonderful.' After commendconjunction of the divine name with pagan dei- ing the success of the London Misties shocked many hearers, but met with no re- sionary Society in the South Seas, buke, although Dr. Hale and President Eliot the late Professor Rolleston, at the were on the platform. Eveu tbe Unitarian Re- meeting of the British Association in view <Dec. 1887, p. 592) says only tbat no mis- 1875, quoted Dr. Gerland: 'The desionary was ever before sent abroad with' so crease of the Polynesian popUlation oomprebensive a benediction' as that pro- is not now going on as fast as it was nounced ou lIIr. Kuapp by young FUkuzawa. It in the first half of this century. is painfully evident that Unitariau missions COn- Whilst in this matter the English ducted in the spirit of this keynote wonld be ex- Government deserves great praise, ceedingly injurious to Japan, and that their suc- and whilst Sir George Grey has done cess wonld give to her population ouly a plenti- more for the Polynesians than almost ful feast of east wind. A Unitarian journal of any other man, the missionaries, nevleading authority lately said that the most noto- ertheless, stand in the very front rious inlidellecturer in the United States might rank among the benefactors of these be admitted to membership in a liberal Unitarian races, with their unwearied, selfchurch. Japan should remember the bright sacrificing activity.' Russell, in his saying of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of work upon 'Polynesia, 1840,' said: Charles Darwin: 'Unitarianism is a feather-bed 'The progress which the Polynesians to catch a falling Christian' (Life of Darwin, Am. have made was really set on foot by ed., vol. i. p. 513). The Land of the Rising Sun the missionaries. They have had the should keep in mind Coleridge's remark (Table greatest influence ~upon the civiliza- Talk), •A Unitarian may be a Christian, but tion of the natives; they have taken Unitarianism is not Christianity.' .. their part and protected them when they could; they have further given Polynesia. – Much has been said them the fast foothold, the new fresh against the introducion of Christian- object, motive, and meaning for their ity and civilization among the peo- whole existence, of which they stood ple of the South Sea Islands, as tend- so much in need.' Whatever ridicule ing to the destruction of the native 'The Earl and the Doctor' and simiraces. It has been affirmed that to lar books may have cast upon miscarry the gospel to them was the sure sions in the Pacific, this has been way to exterminate them. An arti- conclusively refuted by the unbiased cle in The LondonMissionary Ohron- testimony of Admiral Wilkes and icle brings some testimony on this Captain Erskine, to the effect that matter and shows what missions have the moral reformation of the islanddone for the" elevation and preserva- ers is pre-eminently due to the exertion of the islanders in the Pacific. It tions of the agents of the London SlJ,ys: "For the sake of the preserva- Missionary Society. So again, in retion and raising of the aboriginal na- sisting the coolie traffic of Polynesia, tives, whatc1ass of men have equaled the natives have not had more steadthemissionariesin promoting asancti- fast champions than the missionaries. fied manhood and womanhood among How much has also been accomsavages and heathen? It will not be plished for the redemption of the out of place to give Darwin's opinion slave in the West Indies, and in the upon the civilization of degraded alleviation of the brutish and servile tribes through the agency of mis- condition of the natives of India I If, sions. Writing to the secretary of the South American Missionary Society in 1870, he says: 'The success of the Terra del Fuego Mission is most wonderful, and charms me, as I always prophesied utter failure. It is a grand success. I shall feel proud
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT. '
further, we c6nsider the superhuman Arabic-speaking peoples, Pl'. Geo. E. self-abnegation of Livingstone for Post, in the New York Evangelist, the suppression of African slavery, or the labors and endurance of worthily says: Vanderkemp, Phillip, Ebner, KitcheneI', and Moffatt for the welfare " It would take a long'list to exhaust the ~ of the Bushman, KaffiI', Bechuana, !igious, literary aud scientific contributions to and Hottentot, there can be no the Arabic language from the missionaries in stronger exposure of the calumnies Syria. They include the translation of the which Sir Samuel Baker has raised SCriptures and the stereotyping of the same in against the missionary and his mes- numerous styles; the preparation of a Scripture sage." goide, commentaries, a concordance, and a complete hymn and tune book; textbooks in Syria.-Contributions of Mission- history, algebra, geometry, trignometry, logaaries to Science and Education. In rithms, astronomy, meteorology, botany, zoiilonoticing the completion of another gy, physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, hygreat work by Dr. Dennis of Beirut, giene, materia medica, practice of physic, snrone of a series prepared by him, in- gery, and a periodical literature which has cluding the Canon and Interpretation proved the stimulus to a very extensive native of Scripture and Evidences of Re- journalism. The Protestant converts of the ligion, which have become the stand- mission, educated by the missionaries, have ards of theological instruction for the written elaborate works On history, poetry, grammar, arithmetic, uatural science, and the standard dictionary of the lauguage, and a cy- clopoodia which will make a library by itself, consisting of about twenty volumes of from six hundred to eight hundred pages each."
IV.-INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
CONDUCTED BY REV. J. T. GRACEY, D.D., OF THE" INTERNATIONAL MIS- SIONARY UNION."
The English Language on Indian Res- the red races must, be taught the English language in order to their ervations. nationalization, and pressure, stead- THE relation of languagfls to the ily augmented, has been brought to civilization and nationalization of pagan peoples is no new topic. The bear on all having to do with these governments of Europe have given tribes, to secure compliance with large attention to the subject. Mis- this policy. The cousensus .of pubsionary organizations during the last lic opinion supports this aim of century have studied it more pro- the government, though there is di- foundly and with wider experience versity of view as to its relative im- than anyone government, if not portance among the several means more than all governments. contributing to the same result. The The United States Government moral and religious training of these has experience limited to its own ter- races is fundamentally essential to ritory and to the one aboriginal race their civilization and nationalization, found therein. It has, within a com- and the philological influences and paratively few years past, given a lit- facilities, stoutly helpful and impor- tle consideration to the relations of tant, are yet imperatively subordi- the languages of these people to the nate. All parties, therefore, outside question of their preparation for citi- of the Indians themselves, may be zenship, and their ultimate absorp- said to have favored the acquisition tion into the national commonwealth; of the Englis"h language by these a view of their possible future which tribes, and all have sought, at least in is itself of recent date. During these some degree, to attain this object. few years, those charged with the It appears that the Indian Bureau conduct of Indian affairs have had a or the Indian Commissioner, or a steadily deepening conviction, that subordinate of the Commissioner whose instrument he became, thought 2. Rev. Dr. Strieby has partially this object was to be secured more summarized the objections to the new rapidly by means of fOi'ce, and an regulation as, first of all, judged of edict was issued which forbade in- from only a secular and government struction, by anybody, to any Indians, standpoint. It is said that this in any of the Indian vernaculars. sacrifices the present generation of This was afterward modified in a adults, and is impracticable; it is imhomeopathic degree to read: possible at once to educate the chil- dren of school age among the Indians, .. No other person than a native teacher will as there are only 13,000 pupils now in be ~ermitted to teach in any Indian vernacular, the schools of a total population of and these native teachers will only be allowed 46,000 .of school age; that it would iu schools not supported in whole or in part by cost the government a half million the government, at remote points where there dollars to furnish school-houses for is no government or contract school where the these, and another half million for English language is taught." books and teachers, and thus require a million dollars for the first year; President Cleveland says, in his re- that it is simply impossible to secure ply to criticisms against this order, the teachers if the government werewhich were formulated in resolution otherwise ready-it would require one by the Philadelphia Methodist Epis- thousand teachers; that there must be copal Annual Conference, that it ap- increasing expenditure for the schools plies to text-books also. He says of the character desired, as the ap- propriations of the government show .. That uo text-books in the vernacular will be the expense of these schools to haye allowed iu any school where children are placed increased forty-fold in ten years, under contract, or where the government con- while the average attendance has tributes, in any manner Whatever, to the sup- scarcely trebled. At the ratio of inport of the schools; no oral instruction in the crease of attendance of these children, vernacular will be allowed in such schools. The in school during the past ten years, entire curriculum must be in the English lau- it will require sixty years to get these guage. The vernacular may be used in mission- children in schools. It will therefore ary schools ouly for oral instruction in morals probably, even following out the govand religion, where it is deemed to be an auxiliary ernment policy, require half a cento the English langnage in conveying such in- tury before the English language can struction, and only native Indian teachers will be be made the language of communicapermitted to otherwise teach in any Indian tion with the Indians; and thus while vernacular; and these native teachers will only the permanent use of these Indian be allowed so to teach in schools not supported languages is not necessarily to be dein whole or iu part by the government and at sired, their temporary use is of great remote points, where there are no government consequence. But it is essential that or contract schools where the English language the Indian be Christianized in order to is taught, and such instruction must give way to his nationalization. When the Indian the English-teaching schools as soon as they are becomes a Christian, his eyes are established where the Indians can have access opened for the first time to the idea to them." of a right qivilization, and he begins then to know the value of the Eng- It appears that even interlinear lish industries and of the Englishlantext-books are prohibited. guage.
Several objections have been raised 3. Rev. Charles W. Shelton, .at the to these regulations of the govern- same Mohonk Conference at which Dr. Strieby spoke as we have shown, ment. illustrated the process of Christiani- t. While the Board of Indian Com- zation as the short cut both to civil- missioners are on record over and again as favoring and strengthening the influences which would bring the Indians to a knowledge of English, they yet say in their last annual report that .. The school 'facilities being now snfficient for only abont one-third of the Indian children of school age, every effort for their education should be encouraged. A little teaching even in the vernacular is better than no instruction." ization and to the use of the English right to say whether they may have language, by reference to the 75,000 a theological seminary? How can it Indians of the Indian Territory, for be "satisfactol'lY" to missionaries to whom Congress has no need to legis- accept as a concession from the govlate, no bills coming before Congress ernment the right to have a " theoon their account. He says it is be- logical class," the number of which is cause three-quarters of a century to be "limited" at the discretion of ago the missionaries commenced to the Indian Bureau? This is a funda- Christianize them. He affirms that mental interference with fundagovernment cannot Americanize the mental and recognized rights which Indian from their standpoint, and if it were the sweetest charity to it were possible it is not the goal, as excuse as merely an impertinence. education in English is not a pre- And when again the President exventive of crime. plains that "these rules are not in- tended to prevent the possession: or 4. Serious exception is taken to this use by any Indian of the Bible, pubgovernment order, as invading nat- lished in the vernacular, but such ural and moral rights. Rev. Dr. possession or use shall not interfere Gilman asks if the government has with the teaching of the English any right to prohibit the Indian to language to the extent and manner teach his child in the only language hereinbefore directed," can he expect he knows. And if one may, may it will be "satisfactory," inasmuch "Ilot a half dozen employ the same as it involves the moral right of every means to teach them? Is it not man on American soil to own his proper to inquire what rights parents Bible and read it in Greek or Chochave over their children? taw without asking or receiving the concession as a privilege from the 5. Still graver objection is made to government? The very explanation the invasion of the rights of Ameri- is unfortunate. The government is can citizens in their personal and simply dealing with that which, out- private capacity. It is contrary to the side of its own schools, is none of its genius of the nation itself that the business, even if the matter at issue moral right to conduct benevolent, were vastly more essential to the charitable or Christianizing agencies nationalization of the Indians than it by such means as are esteemed nec- is or possibly can be. essary thereto by the parties in the case, shall be interfered with by an The brief expression of opinions of officer of the government. President eminent gentlemen, who have stud- Cleveland, in the letter already re- ied this subject for years, which will ferred to, says : be found below, was solicited by us with the privilege of their publica- "A limited theological class of Indian young tion in the REVIEW, and they will be men may be trained in the vernacular at any read with great interest. purely missionary school, snpported exclusively by misSionary societies, the object being to pre- OPINIONS OF EMINENT MEN ON LATE pare them for the ministry whose snbsequent ACTION OF THE INDIAN BUREAU. work shall be confined to preaching, nnless they are employed as teachers in remote settle- GENERAL CLI"TON B. FISK, CHAIRMAN BOARD 011' ments, where Ellglish schools are inaccessible." INDIAN COMMISSIONERS. And then, singularly enough, adds: • NEW YORK, March 26,1888. "The mIes referred to have been modified and changed in their phraseology to meet the I am in favor of using the English language views of good men who seek to aid the govern- ment In its benevolent intention, nntil it was only, in the schools conducted for the edncation snpposed their meaning was quite plain and their purpose satisfactory." of the Indians, as speedily as that can be done, How can the President suppose it I believe the Indian Bnrean erred in attempting to be "satisfactory" to American citizens or American Indians either, to prohibit the use of the Indian language in that the government shall claim the schools snpported by missionary societies. It was a wrong I Wish might be corrected withont delay. CLINTON B. FISK. THE BIGHT REV. BISHOP HAllE OF TIm lIIIS- gnu among the DakotaS' more than half a cen; SIONARY DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN DAKOTA. tury ago, and the result has been the conversion SIOUX FALLS, DAKOTA, March 31,1888. of hundreds from savage and heathen practices to Before answering your question and giving the white man's faith and civilization and the knowledge of the Saviour of men. Must this my opinion of the order of the Indian Burean good work cease at the nnchristian demand of prohibiting the teaching of the vernacular lan- an officer ofthe government of the United States , guage On the Indian reservations by missionary Why should the Bible in their own tongue be or other agents not supported by the govern- taken away from the Dakota people f And why ment, I must say by way of introduction, lest I should official edict prevent a poor Indian from reading and being taught of things divine in his should be misnnderstood, that I think some ac- Own vernacular? "Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe In me, It Is better tion in the'premises on the part of the govern- for him that a millstone were hanged about hill ment was called for. There is a tendency in neck and he were cast into the sea" (Mark many:of those who live on Indian reservations, ix. 42). The Washington order and not the Dahoth the Indian and the white missionaries, to kota Bible should be put under the ban. shut themselves in from the commOn life of onr people. This seems to me a capital mistake. E. L. FANCHER. Safety for 250,000 Indians, divided np unto several hundred trihes, speaking as many different HERBERT WELSH, ESQ., SECRETARY OJ!' THE languages, scattered on about seventy different reservations among 50,000,000 of English-speak- INDIAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION. ing people, can he found ouly if the smaller people fiow in with the current of life and ways of PHILADELPHIA, March 31, 1888. the larger. The Indians are not an insulated people, like some of the islanders of the South I believe that while it is of great importance Sea. Our work is not that of building np a national Indian chnrch with a national liturgy in or Indians to have a practical knowledge of the the Indian tongue. It is rather that of resolving the Indian structnre and preparing its parts for English language, so that they may know what being taken up into the great whole in church and state. things to take and what to reject in our civil- I think that decisive measures were needed in ization, a knowledge of Christian principles Is order to give emphasiS to these principles and to stir teachers and missionaries np to more intel- still more necessary to their welfare, as it is esligent and strenuous efforts to teach the Indians the EngliHh language. sential to the development of high strong per- I think, however, that the government has sonal character. Hence to oppose instruction shown, in the shape in which they have pnt the order referred to in your letter, great want of for Indians in the essentials of Christian trnth consideration for Christian teachers and missionaries who have been its best helpers in the throngh the medium of their own tongue, where work it wishes to do, and has trampled upon sa· cred rights which I had supposed would never circnmstances forbid the nse of English, I bebe made light of in this free land. lieve is nnsound policy. Yours respectfully, W. H. HARE, Bishop. "Forthe government to forbid or to restrict the HON. E. L. FANCHER, PRESIDENT AMERICAN use of the native tongue on the part of those who BIBLE SOCIETY. NEW YORK, March 30,1888. are laboring for the civilization of the Indians, I have no hesitation in saying that the edict independently of government financial aid, is, ofthe Commissioner of Indian Affairs is a blot on the page of Christian civilization. To command in my jndgment, for it to transcend the moral as it does that "no person other than a native Indian teacher will be permitted to teach in any limits of its authority. Such an act is oppressive Indian vernacnlar" is to close the door oCmission schools among the Indians and deny Christian in its nature, out of harmony with American missionaries the right of teaching the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and anyessen- ideas, and will only succeed in irritating and tial doctrine of the Bible. For there are thonsands of Indians who do not understand the alienating Protestant missionaries and In ham- English langnage, and before they can learn it their earthly existence, as to many, will ter- pering their valuable work for the welfare of the minate. Indians. HERBERT WELSH. The Dakota Bible is read in Indian schools by BEY. DR. GILlIlAN. SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAN many who cannot understand English, and what right has an officer of this free government to BIBLE SOCIETY. forbid its further nse f Mission work was be- BIBLE HOUSE, NEW YORK, April 4, 1888.
The rulings of the Commissionerof IndlanAl- fairS seem to have been determined, first by his personal opinion, repeatedlyannonnced, that any instrnction of the Ind4lns in their native tongne is nseless and detrimental to them; and sec- ondly, by his conviction that fidelity to his oath of 01lice requires him to prohibit instruction altogether. 1 In hoth these respects I think he Is wrong.
The missionaries are not dOing a nseleHs and harmful thing in teaching Indian boys and girl"
to read the Scriptnres in their own tongue, and even if they were it Is a high-minded measure for a government officer in Washington to set up his personal jndgment'on such a matter as a rule with which they must comply or be debarred from carrying on their philanthropic edncatlonal work. He goes out of his province when he dictates the methods of instruction for them to pursue, aud attempts to suppress a language by lows: In Philadelphia Yearly Mee~ ing, 1882; Iowa, Hl83; Indiana, 1883; an official edict. By his own confession "the New England, 1884; Ohio, 1884; Can- ada, 1885; North Carolina, 1885; Kaneffect of this policy upon any missionary body sas, 1885; New York, 1887. College societies are also formed at Earlham, was not considered," and that, when self-deny- Ind., and Wilmington, O. The mem- bership of these societies in 1886 was ing missionaries for all these years have been 3,892, and they had at that time raised $27,840. They have done much interested in giving the Indians a literature in valuable service in stimnlating the raising of money, and have rendered their OWn tongue. This is the gravamen of my much aid in establishing and sup- porting missions in Syria, China, Jacomplaint. EDWARD W. G,LMAN. pan, lVlexico, Jamaica, and among the American Indians. This work REV. LYMAN ABBOTT, D.D., EDITOR THE CIlRJB- has led to the establishment of a mis- sionary paper, the Friends' Mission- TIANU~ION. ary Advocate, edited and published at Chicago by Esther Tuttle Pritch- NEW YORK, March 31, 1888. ard. I can only say in answer to yours of March 28, in the briefest possible words: These several societies, ten in all, 1. That I think it very desirable to cease all were entirely separate, each from all nse of the vernacular in the Indian schools at the others, and have had no bond of earliest possible moment. union except that of their being 2. That I think the government has an entire of the same denomination, but they right to prohibit the use of the vernacular in any judged the time had a1'l'ived to seschools dependent in whole or in part upon gov- cure, if not some general organizaernment aid. tion, at least some unity of plan in 3. But it clearly has no right morally, what- the conduct both of their work at ever its technical legal right may be, to prohibit home and abroad. religious or philanthropic organizations from carrying on their work in any way and by any Representatives of these societies instrumentality they think best. were appointed to meet for this pur- pose, and some seventy of them met LYMAN ABBOTT. in Indianapolis, March 31, 1888, and organized" The First National Mis- Fifth Annual Meeting of the Interna- sionary Conference of the Woman's tional Missionary Union. Foreign Missionary Societies of Friends." 'fhe opening session it- THE fifth annual meeting of the In- self was marked by what is a "new ternational Missionary Union will be departure" among Quakers: it was held at Bridgeton, New Jersey, July inaugurated with singing. 5-1.2, 1888, inclusive. Ministers and others interested in foreign mission- This was an interesting moment, ary work are invited to be present. for in the veins of some of these All foreign missionaries, ladies or women flowed the blood of a Quaker gentlemen, temporarily or perma- ancestry of many generations, the nently in this country, are eligible to temporary president herself being in membership in the Union and will re- a line of Quaker preachers as far ceive free entertainment during the back as it can be traced; and to her meeting. For information address these associations were almost as the president of the Union, Rev. J. family ties; yet in this meeting, T. Gracey, D.D., 202 Eagle street, which was to set the precedent for Buffalo, N. Y.; the secretary, Rev. C. the future, the keynote was st.ruck W. Park, Birmingham, Conn.; the by singing treasurer, Rev. William H. Belden, Bridgeton, New Jersey; J. L. Phillips, M.D., Howard, R. I.; or Rev. E. R. Young, Brampton, Canada.
First National Conferenoe of the Wom- an's Foreign Missionary Sooieties of Friends. THE work of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Societies of Friends began in Western Yearly Meeting, the first s?ciety being formed at Plainfield in 1881. Since that, similar so- cieties have been organized, as fol- "All hail the power of Jesus' naDie." relative to future punishment, or other doctrine, in conflict with. the The season of devotion which fol- standards of other orthodox churches. lowed was oneof deep, quiet spiritual There are women of ability in this power. The address of welcome was church of whom this could not be made by Eliza C. Armstrong, who said, but the.y are not among these was among the first to suggest the delegates. This is attributed to the organization for women's societies revival of experimental holiness among the Friends. The Indianapo- which has swept largely over the lis Friends had spared no pains to denomination. give the delegates a fitting reception. An easel supported the pictures of The special aim of the conference their missionaries, with a life-size was to adopt, if possible, some basis engraving of Elizabeth Fry for a cen- of co-operation among the ten indetral figure, and an excellent portrait pendent missionary organizations of of Sybil Jones, one of the founders Quaker women. This was accomof Friends' Syrian Mission. On the plished in the establishment of a sort wall back of the pulpit were groups of confederation, by resolving that of pictures of pupils in the schools the independent boards of the several of Syria, and two idols that had yearly meetings have, each, three dejust been given to their Tokyo Mis- partments of work, as follows: (1) sion by a family that had embraced Junior and juvenile work; (2) gen- Christianity. as the result of the eralliterature; (3) systematic Chrishealing of a son who had been deaf tian giving; with a general superinand .dumb from his birth, but who, tendent over each department, to be it is said, received hearing and com- elected annually. These board sumenced to articulate sounds in an- perintendents, representing their sevswer to prayer in a meeting of the eral departments, shall elect their mission. A pleasant incident of the general secretary of that work anopening session was a telegram of nually, a two-thirds vote being necesgreeting from Mr. H. W. Fry, son of sary to elect. These general secrethe youngest son of Elizabeth Fry, a taries shall be a medium of communispiritually-minded business man, sec- cation through which the propositions retary of the London Bureau of of one board shall be conveyed to the Registration of Self-Supporting Mis- others. It is proposed that the name sions. It was, Col. i. 9, 10. under which these general secretaries shan act, shall be "Woman's For- The company of women was in eign Missionary Union of Friends." strong contrast with what a company These recommendations are to be reof Quaker women composing a simi- ferred for the consideration of the lar gathering would have been thirty various independent boards, to adopt years ago. There was but one "plain or defer, according to their several bonnet" among them, and that was needs, until the next General Conferworn by the veteran delegate of the Conference, a woman of striking ence. presence, sister to the late Dr. J. T. Another topic of interest was the Updegraff, M.C., and of the Quaker evangelist, David B. Updegraff. One relation they should sustain to the who has intimate personal acquaint- established missionary boards of the ance with the entire personnel of the Yearly Meetings: Should they be- company says they were a company come auxiliary to them, and turn of women fully consecrated to God their collections over to them, or up to their measure of comprehen- maintain their organic individuality sion of what that means, and, though and, self-government as women's so- the remark was not solicited, she cieties? The following action was adds, "not one of them holds views had: "Re8Ol'/J6d, That as a confereuce of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of Friends in and pleaded that the Friends do all America, we deslr~ to record our conviction they can to save these lost souls. that tlie separate form of organization represented by the societies is the providential chan- The committee suggested that all nel of women's work in mission fields; and Christian colleges should encourage further, that we cherish the organic individ- missionary societies among their stuuality of our boards and regard their self-govern- dents, to promote general intelligence, ment as essential to the best results; at the to secure a symmetrical development same time we earnestly hope the most cordial of mind, and a proper appreciation of relations of sisterly sympathy may ever be main_ personal responsibility in the dissemtained by our boards toward the other foreign ination of gospel truth among the msssionary agencies of our church." heathen. It also recommended that the different boards encourage the The Conference was addressed by promotion of junior and juvenile so- Dr. George E. Post of Beirut, Syria; cieties whose object shall be, the edu- Rev. V. C. Hart of China, and Rev. cation of their members concerning J. M. Thoburn, D.D., and his sister the needs of the heathe.n world and of India. Several papers were read their responsibility thereto. It was on methods of raising money, mis- further urged that the principles of sionary literature, and other practi- peace and arbitration be taught in cal topics, and the enthusiasm of the these organizations. ladies rose to a high point. The Committee on Resolutions re- Emeline Tuttle spoke of her Indian ported that it was the imperative experiences. She spent many years duty and exalted privilege of every as a missionary among the Indians, human being who believes himself mostly with the Modocs. Her work the purchase of the Redeemer's blood, . was firlilt among the Ottawas, in a to use all his natural and acquired log-schoolhouse; soon they had two ability to proclaim, either in person other schoolhouses. Then the Mo- or by proxy, the glorious possibility doc war came. She prayed much of salvation through Christ, "to the and longed for the deliverance of the uttermost parts of the earth," It also women and children. Soon word submitted a resolution "expressing came that the government would earnest sympathy with all efforts for bring the Modocs to the Indian Terri- the enlightenment of the North Amertory. She was full of joy at this. ican Indians, and for the securing of She visited them in their homes, their just rights under the governprayed for them, and soon got posses- ment, and recommending that the sion of twenty-five of their children boards do as much'as practicable for in the school, and within a year the promotion of the interests of the they all could speak English. The aborigines of the country." mistakes of Friends at first were that they did not bring the Indians to A resolution indorsing the policy Christ, so that little ones and igno- of the Friends' Missionm'y Advocate, rant ones might know about Jesus and and expressing appreciation of the be sweetly saved. In three years she labors of its editor, pledging the sohad twenty happy Christians among cieties to earnest and persistent them. She told of the conversion of efforts for its support and ex- .. Steamboat Frank," his union with tended circulation, was also adopted. the church, his ministry, his godly Anotherresolution commits the socie- Hfe,the death of his wife and five chil- ties to efforts in promoting systematic dren one after another, and his own giving, and to preventing the introtriumphant death. She then told of duction of any methods of raising the Ponca tribe, who had been driven money for the work upon which the from theil' home and were very de- Friends as Christians could not conjected. She spoke of the terdble sistently invoke the divine blessing. evils to this tribe, and to the Sioux, as perpetrated upon it by white people, The reports of the societies connected with the several Yearly Meet- the well-known De Guignes, give the ings gave the following results: population at that time, the one at 143,125,225, and the other at 203,916,- Indiana has as anxiliaries 59 and members 477-a slight difference of over sixty 911. Of the anxiliaries, 38 nS" nniform lessons millions. We also know that the and 21 do not; libraries, 14; women in Indiana "census" of 1711 gave the popula- Yearly Meeting, estimated, 5,857. We"tern : tion as 28,695,716, and that of 1753 at Auxiliaries, 41 ; members, 41 ; use uniform les- 103,050,060, and that an increase of sons, 32; do not, 9; libraries, 16; meetings three and one-half times in forty years without auxiliaries, 19. New England: Auxilia- cannot be accounted for as natural or ries, 28; monthly meetings, 29; Advocates birth-rate increase. As the object of takeu, 187; membership, 646. Ohio: Anxilia- taking the census was for enrollment ries, 19 ; members, 306; life members, 21 ; nse iJl, the army and to levy a capitation uniform lessons, 10; do not, 9; meetings with- tax on males between the ages of sixout, 13; Advocates taken, 233. Iowa: Anx- teen and sixty, it may have been very iliaries, 20; members, 650; meeting's without, unreliable. When we comparethe re- 24; using nniform lessons, 12. Canada: Aux- turns of the census of 1753 and 1812, ilianes, 15; members, 203; withont auxiliaries, we find that the increase is more 8; use uniform lessons, 4 or 5. North Caroliua : than 300 per cent. for the fifty-nine Auxiliaries, 5; members, 65 reported, proba- years, which also must be accounted bly 200; nse nniform lessons, 2. Kansas: Aux- for in some other way than by birthiliaries, 13' members, 246. New York: Aux- rate. If"authorities" are to be aciliaries.5; members, 86. cepted, then between 1790 and 1792- two years-the popUlation doubled, It is probable that a similar Na- and that could not be accounted for tional Conference will be held in 1890. by birth-rate. Dr. Williams says if We congratulate not only these so- the methods of taking the census in cieties, but the Society of Friends at the early dates are to be accredited large, who have been disturbed for as equally trustworthy, then there two years past almost to the point of was a period of 150 years in which schism, over the toleration of the there was no increase, while from ordinances of baptism and the Lord's 1711 to 1753 the population doubled it- Supper, that these ladies represent- self, as wehave shown, in each twenty ing both sides of ,that controversy years. A comparison of the figures of were able to meet in Christian con- the Anglo-Chinese College report for vention and that they realized a deep 1792 and the Chinese census of 1812, spiritual unity among themselves on would give over two millions, or an the platform of practical missionary annual increase of not quite one per work. cent. per annum for twenty years; but Dr. Williams says no one sup- Population of Ohina. poses there has been any such rate THE North Ohina Herald reports of· increase down to the present.• "Nor," he adds, "are there any data the last year's official tables of the from which to make even the least Chinese Government as giving a total guess of the present population of population of392,000,000,which is per- the whole empire." (Edition-of haps about what the general con- "Middle Kingdom," 1876.) J. Hudsensus of the most modern opinion son Taylor, after large itineraries would place itat. But so far as "cen- over the country, says some people sus" goes,it means the numeration for think the population not to exceed poll-tax of the Board of Revenue, and 250,000,000, and that in some provthe estimate of five persons for one inces the population is not one-fifth thereof. But the Herald goes on to of what it formerly was. compare the calculation made on the revenue returns of 1760 with those of It was as late as September, 1887, 1848, and concludes that the popUlation has increased at the rate of two and a half millions a year. We do not know wh<J,t the revenue returns-were in 1760, but two "authorities," astatistical work of Yih Tung Chi and
THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS
that Mr. Rockhill of the American Mr. Rockhill was confident this was Legation at Peking; writing to the considerably above the true figure; American Oriental Society, enclosed which goes to confirm the doubt a clipping from the North China about the possibility of reaching. Daily News of Shanghai, giving the very definite results. It is a matter results of a recent census, translated of reasoning, not of statistical accufrom a document emanating from racy. Yet the statistics are not the Board of Revenue, which gave without their value. They help us, the total of population in fifteen though sometimes it seems as if it provinces in 1885, as 319,383,500, with were after the order of the clock, the five provinces to hear from, whose owner of which said, when the ~ig population could not be much short hand was at ten and the little hahd of 60,000,000, which would make an at three and it struck twelve, ~e aggregate of about 380,000,000, and knew it was about sundown.
V.-THE MONTHLY CONCERT OF MISSIONS.
THE DARK CONTINENT. literature in their own" tongue, and WITH strange rapidity God has to preach the gospel, gather converts, opened the doors oC Africa. When, organize churches and educate a nathirty or forty years ago, boys were tive ministry. studying geography the vast district in the interior was marked on It was indeed a stupendous work to the maps "unexplored." Little was undertake. Prof. Drummond, W;ho known of the Dark Continent ex- had confessed his doubts as to the cept its six thousand miles of sea- results of such a scheme amid such a coast, its great desert, and those nar- people, himself sat down at Dr.. row strips of country which border Law's station with the seven men the ocean or the Nile. When the and two women who were first fruits heroic Livingstone, who had entered of that mission, with them partook from the south, seeking to know of the Lord's Supper, and in them besomething of the unknown and open held the promIse and prophecy of a path for the missionary, died on Africa's regeneration. his knees amid the swamps near Lake Bangweolo in 1873, his death Among the many wheels which sounded the new signal for the evan- Livingstone's death set in motion for gelization of Africa. The churches the evangelization of the Dark Conof Scotland, united, founded the sta- tinent, no one agency is more contion Livingstonia as the first fruits spicuous than Henry M. Stanley.. of that dying prayer. In May, 1875, Let us read Stanley's own testimony the party of missionaries left Scot- as to the influence exerted on him: land and, reaching the mouth of the Zambesi, put together their mission "Livingstone tanght me, during those {pur vessel, the steam-launch which had months that I was with him. In 1871 I went to been transported in parts, and in him as prejudiced as the biggest atheist in Lon- October the flala steamed into Lake don. To a reporter and correspondent, snch as Nyassa. With headquarters at Ban- I, who had only to deal with wars, mass-meetdawe, the missionary band began to ings and political gatherings, sentimental matsurvey the lake, erect buildings, ters were entirely out of my province. But make roads a.nd till the soil; to es- there came for me a long time for reflection. I tablish medical dispensaries with was ont there away from a worldly world. I competent physicians; to gather saw this solitary old man there, and asked mychildren into schools; to give the self, 'How on earth does he stop here? Is he people the Scriptures and a Christian cracked, or what? What l! it that inspires him 1 ' For months after we met I simply found myself listening to him, wondering at the old man carrying ont all that was said in the Bihle : 'Leave all things and follow me.' Bnt little by little his sympathy for others' became contagions; my sympathy wae aroused; see- Ing his piety, his gentlene~s, his zeal, his ear- lation of fifty million people; with nestness, and how he went quietly about his marvelous variety of scenery,climate, busines.,I was converted by him, although he product, fauna and flora. When in had not tried to do it. How sad that the good old 1877 Stanley completed his tour of man should have died so soon. How joyful he Central Africa, it was nine hundred would have been if he could have seen what has and ninety-nine days since he left since happened there… Zanzibar. He could now, " in forty- three days after leaving Glasgow, be Events move fast in these days. housed in his own station at Stanley Livingstone's death being known, Falls, and instead of running a this intrepid explorer determined to gauntlet for his life from the day he become his successor in opening up reached Vivi, his ascent of the river Africa, and when he reached the would be one continued ovation." mouth of the Congo the greatest step in-the exploration of Equatorial Afri- Well may all eyes turn to Africa. ca had been taken. England at once God is disclosing by his providence sent her missionaries to plant stu.- the great animal, mineral and vegetions from the Congo's mouth to the table resources of the interior; os- Equator, as well as about the great trich breeding is more profitable than lakes of the East, and now all Chris- that of South Down mutton; the tian denominations seem about to elephant tusks will supply the deconcentrate upon the Congo basin, to mand for ivory; and so through the carryon vigorously the work of evan- very avarice of men and the higher gelization and fulfill the prophecy love of science, the great unknown of Krapf, that a chain of missions contiuent is to be crossed with a netwould yet be stretched between the work of railways, penetrated in every eastern and the western shores. direction by travelers and explorers, settled by adventurers and far- The explorations of a quarter of a sighted traders, and planted with century have now unveiled Africa; Christian missions. Already steamso rapidly is the work of discovery boats sail the rivers and great lakes; going on that the maps of yesterday roads are being built and railways are imperfect to-day and will be ob- constructed, and a submarine cable solete to-morrow; nothing but the laid. Before this number of THE outline of the continent is as it was REVIEW can be issued changes will a quarter of a century ago. Victoria have taken place which will make Nyanza, Albert Nyanza, Tanganyika, this record out of date. Nyassa and Bangweolo, the five great lakes, have been surveyed, We have in another article traced which remind us Of our five great the remarkable history of modern American lakes; and as many great African civilization and evangelizarivers are discovered running to the tion. If God thus opens such a wide four points of the compass-the door of opportunity, what shaH be Zambesi, Nile, Congo, Niger and said of our obligation! Orange-furnishing with their great tributaries ten thousand miles of Early in the year 1565 a strange river roadway. ship was descried on the southp,rnho- rizon, slowly making her way toward The Congo Free State, thus sud- the continent of the New World. denly constituted a new empire The name of that ship was The Jesus, o~ freedom, is a rich area of one her"commander was Sir John Hawkaid a half million square miles, one ins; in her hold was a cargo of four of the richest countries of the globe, hundred wretched negro captives, with the noble Congo and its many who had been seized on the coast of -navigable affiuents for its water high- Africa and were now, for a round way, connecting with great lakes sum of Spanish dollars, to be sold whose, shore lines would measure into hopeless, servitude. Notwiththree thousand miles; with a popustanding perilous storms and dis- 1852, the Yoruba country was unheartening calms, the officers of this touched till 1842, and the Niger disship were able to recount a prosper- trict ri3ceived its first missionaries ous voyage, and piously to record in only in 1857, when no one dreamed their journal that their safety and that the youth helping Mr. Kissling success were due to the preserving in Fourah Bay College would be care of Almighty God, "who never known all over the Christian world suffers his elect to perish." Was in 1887 as one who, for a quarter of a there ever such a desecration of sa- century, has well filled tile position cred names and subjects – a slave- of the first native African bishop since ship inscribed with that holiest name, the days of the early church. and a company of men-stealers calling themselves by that intimate title In studying Africa as a mission of the chosen of God? fi~ld we ought to remember Dr. Bush- nell, in some sense the father and in The first missionary to Southern every sense the hero of Presbyterian Africa was George Schmidt, who missions in Africa, and who died in planted the gospel among the Hot- the service of the Gaboon Mission. tentots fifty years ago. We remember him bringing wants of that mission before the churches It is impossible in a few lines even and seminaries; supervising printing to mention the many changes in the by the American Bible Society of a aspect of missions in Africa, since part of the Scriptures in Thfpongwe David Livingstone gave his parting dialect, and smaller books in the charge to the students of Cambridge, same; providing for a grammar of in 1857, "I go back to make an open this language, and a vocabulary of path for Christianity and commerce. the Benga soon to be printed. He Do you carry out the work I have should ever be thought of side by begun." The Universities Mission side with Dr. Lindley, the hero of the sprang into existence at this call. Zulu mission, on the southeastern Two years or more ago, as a proof of coast. God's blessing upon its labors, it could show the old slave market at There are many who have fol- Zanzibar, where annually 30,000 lowed the fOl'tunes of Bishop Taylor's slaves were sold, transformed into a missionary enterprises, have watched Christian church, in the center of a as his advance guard reached the native Christian colony. Thirty-five goal in the depths of Africa toward missionary societies are now zealous- which he has so long been strugly at work in Africa, and in sixty gling. Before nis pioneer band of years 600,000 native Afl'icans have missionaries left this country, the been added to Christendom. The bishop declared his ambition to plant whole interior of the country is now his stations among the remarkable open to Christian effort. tribes that WiSSIl1ann had described. Toward this region, along the Upper Missionary work in West Africa Kassai and its tributaries, his chain has been wonderfully successful. of stations from the sea has been Speaking only of that part of it steadily lengthening. His new steel which is connected with the Church steamer was sent from England for Missionary Society, there are seven the Congo to take the newly-discov- European missionaries and forty na- ered water route to the populous tive clergy (one of them a bishop and street villages of which Wissmann two archdeacons), with 9,000 com- and Kund have informed us., Mean- municants, and 7,000 scholars in while Dr. Harrison, one of the party ninety schools and seminaries; there that Bishop Taylor led up the Congo, were 1,228 baptisms in the last re- reached Luluaberg, the new station ported year. Yet the Bishopric of of the Congo State. He. is one of the Sierra Leone was not founded till two physicians who followed the was the wren which aided Prometheus bishop to Africa, and he is now es- in stealing the sacred fire of knowl- tablished among natives who fully edge from beneath Jove's throne in justify Wissmann's enthusiastic de- heaven. Accordingly, he who kills a scription. wren will have his home destroyed.
If you have money in your pocket THE FREEDMEN. when you hear the cuckoo for the THE negroes of the South are mak- first time it is a good omen, and you ing material gains. Late statistics of will have your pockets well lined the States of Georgia, South Carolina during the year; if, on the contrary, and Louisiana indicate that since the you have no money, cultivate your war they pay taxes on $48,000,000. friends, for you will be in need of their Since the colored people have become assistance before long. The black- citizens, a decided force in the poli- bird which crosses your road brings tics of the country, it is of the utmost you good luck. No physician should importance tha,t they have a property fail to procure a bed of partridge interest in, the communities where feathers. A patient laid upon such a they are; and to good citizenship, bed, no matter what his disease, will thrift and economy and saving are never die of it, although he will not needful; as they acquire land and necessarily get well.
houses, they will be able to support schools and churches. Intelligence SUGGESTIVE PARAGRAPHS.
and religion with homes and real es- Saving others by sacrifice of self.
tate will elevate and fit them for ad- John Maynard was well known on vancing duties and responsibilities. our northern lakes as a God-fear- Ignorance is inseparable from su- mg, honest, intelligent pilot. On a perstition, and while ignorance re- steamer from Detroit to Buffalo, mains this will be one great hindrance 8moke was seen from below. The to the Christian manhood of the captain ordered a hand below to see negro. Among the negroes of the whence it came. He returned with Southern States the moaning dove the word, "The ship on fire!" and moans to save a man's soul; to kill there was no lifeboat, and large one of these doves is a sign of death, quantities of rosin and tar were but more frequently the death of a on board. It was seven miles to Buf- child. A buzzard or a crow upon the falo; they had perhaps three-quar- housetop is believed by these same tet·s of an hour to reach it. May- people to be an invariable sign of nard sent all passengers forward and death or disaster; a visit at the door stood firm at the wheel, enveloped from a rooster, the approaching visit in flame. The captain spoke through of a friend; the notes of the screech- his trumpet, "John Maynard!"
ing owl or "shivering" owl are a "Ay, ay, sir!" "Head boat south- bad omen of many interpretations, east and run her ashore. Can you while if the common owl hoots on hold five minutes more?" "By your right good luck will follow, but God's help I will." He lifted one bad luck should he take np his posi- hand, burned to a crisp, from the tion on your left side and hoot there- wheel, and put the other there to be from. The reputation of all night burned. All the passengers were birds, great or small, is no better; saved, but John Maynard's soul had but Southern imagination has discov- fled.
ered a remedy for all their spells. It -IT is said that the mirrors in the consists of throwing a pinch of salt temples of Smyrna represented the into the fire as soon as the sound is fairest and most symmetrical objects heard. If a chaffinch perches on your with distorted and deformed ima- window-sill, beware of treachery. It ges. Is it not so of t,he unregenerate
PROGRESS AND RESULTS OF MISSIONS-MONTHLY BULLETIN
'72 or even unsanctified heart? How gospel to every creature. Always aboandin& in much of the distortion of truth has to the work of the Lord. Gen. i. 28; Josh i. 6, 3; do with the imperfection of the re- Gen. xxvi. 13, 12; Neh. iv. t>-21; vi. 15; Mark flecting surface I He who reflects as xvi. 15; 1 Cor. xv. 58. in a mirror the glory of the Lord must be in close spiritual fellowship THURSDAY, JUNE 28. with the Lord in order to be true to When ye blow an alarm, then the camps shalt go the glory he reflects. Francis Bacon said there are three rays-the 7'adiu8 forward. directu8, radiu8 rejlectu8, and radiu8 HINDlUNCES TO PROGREss.-I. In Walk. He refractu8. How many rays are bent lingered. His wife looked back. He saw that out of their true direction by the me- rest was good. At ease from his youth-settled dium through which they are trans- on his lees. A little sleep. A little slumber. A mitted! lion in the way. His heart was not perfect. He pitched his tent before the city. Is there any TEXTS AND THEMES. secret thing with thee? Thou restrainest prayer. Gen. xix. It>-26; xlix. 15; Jer. xlviii. THE following is the programme 11; Prov. xxiv. 33; xxvi. 13; 1 Kings xi. 4; Gen. xxxiii. 18 ; Job x''. 11. 4. for the Grand Mildmay Conference, n. In Work. Strength decayed. Much rub- June 27-29. We print it as a model bish. Hands hang down. Feeble knees. The programme for a missionary meet- wind was contrary unto them. We sailed slowly, the wind not suffering us. Being armed, they ing: turned back. He went not with th~m to the work. Slack to possess the laud. Cannot see WEDNESDAY, JUNE '%I. afar off. Neh. iv. 10; Heb. xii. 12; Mark vi. 48; Acts xxvii. 7; Ps. lxxviii. 9; Acts xv. 38 ; Speak unto the children Qf I8rael that they go Josh. xviii. 3; 2 Pet. i. 9. forward. FRIDAY, JUNE 29. PROGRESS THE LAW OF THE KINGDOM.-I. In They went every o-ne straightforward. HELPS TO PROGRESS.-I. In Sanctification. Life. Grow in grace. Be no more children. Laying aside every weight. They lightened the Grow up into him in all things. They shall ship. Be filled with the Spirit. Looking unto Jesus. Beholding. as in a glass, the glory of the mount up. Still upward-still upward-still up- Lord. The sincere milk of the Word. Holding the head. By joints and bands having nourishward. From strength to strength. From glory ment ministered. Let us go on. Let us cleanse ourselves. Heb. xii. 1; Acts xxvii. 18; Eph. v. to glory. More and more unto the perfect day. 18; Heb. xii. 2; 2 Cor. iii. 18; 1 Pet. ii. 2; Col. ii. 19; Heb. vi. 1 ; 2 Cor. vii. 1. Like him. Conformed to the image of his son. n. In Service. Zeal as a cloke. Loins girt 2 Pet. iii. 18; Eph. i v. 14, 15; Is. xl. 81 ; Ez. about with truth. Feet shod with the preparaxll. 7; Ps. lxxxiv. 7 ; 2 Cor. iii. 18; Provo iv. 18; tion of the gospel of peace. The love of,Christ constraineth U9. Moved with compassion. The 1 John iii. 2; Rom. viii. 29. voice of his word. Exceeding great and pre- cious promises. That blessed hope. Is. lix. 17 ; n. In Labor. Replenish the earth, and sub- Eph. vi. 14, 15; 2 Cor. V. 14; Matt. ix. 36'; Pa. clii. 20; 2 Pet. i. 4; Tit. ii. 13. due it. Divide for au inheritance the land. Ev- ery place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you. And the man waxed great, and went forward. And received in the same year an hundred-fold. And the Lord blessed him. So built we the wall. So we labored. So the wall wa~ finished. Preach the VI.-PROGRESS AND RESULTS OF MISSIONS- MONTHLY BULLETIN.
Africa.-Trouble with the Arabs at the northwest Ride of Lake Nyassa at the North End of Lake Nyassa. The daily papers have informed us of has been besieged for five days, and this, notably the Manchester Guard- with difficulty held by a small band ian of Feb. 25, which had several of Scotchmen, Englishmen, and nacolumns of detailed narrative and a tives, the Arabs erecting platforms leader on it. Finding themselves menaced with the competition of upon neighboring trees, and attack- European commerce, and seeing the ing with great persistence and dedanger of a collapse of their nefarious termination. The arrival of a strong body of friendly natives, who came to traffic in human flesh, the Arabs in the rescue of the beleaguered party, East Central Africa are growing insolent and aggressive. For the past caused the Arabs to beat a hasty re- treat, but probably only to gather retwo or three years symptoms of com- enforcements and return to the ing difficulties have been noted. Now charge. Our alternative route to Tanganyika, via Quillimane, the , the storm-cloud has burst. A station Shire River and Lake Nyassa, is thus threatened. Dr. Tomory, who was declaim against idolatry. One reaon his way home in broken health, son is that in some of the temples was detained by this attack of the the Confucianists lecture, on the Arabs, and was one of the party be-, sieged. He has since left, ltnd .will 'Sacred Edict.' Another, that the soon, it is hoped, be in England. cupidity of the priests has led them to rent the temple precincts for petty Alaska.-Methodism has neglected merchandise, so that the ground is Alaska. It is comforting to find that no longer considered sacred. There the Presbyterians have a prosperous is no land so free for the gospel preacher as China." mission there. Here are the figures: -The progress of Christianity in SUMMARY. China is increasing rapidly. In 1t:>53 1886. 1887. there were 350 native converts; in Ministers………… , ….. 30 31 1863, 2,000; 1873,8,000; 1883, 22,000; 17–48 1888, 30,000 The Rev. J. L. Nevi- Native,; …………. : …. 8-38 us, D.D., in closing a series of article Churches… …………… 48 59 2,306 on Methods of Mission Work, says: Church members…. ….. 2,001 Teachers.. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . 63 95 " I believe a great de"l has been accomplished Schools …. '" 00 .. .. .. .. .. • 20 26 in every department of missionary work in Chi- Scholars………………. 1,134 1,607 n". The literary outcome of the paRt forty years is alone and by itself a rich legacy to the mis- Is it necessary to remind our bish- sionaries and native Christians of the present, and gives them a vantage ground in undertakops that Alaska is a part of the ing future labor which it is difficult to overesti- 'mate. The ratio of increase in the number of United States '(-Gospel in All Lands. converts and the evidence of growth and de- velopment in native churches are also full of en- Brazil.-Ten more adults have couragement. While we must record many made profession in Conceigao, and cases or coldness and defection, we remember nine children have been baptized. that such cases have characterized the history aud progress of the church to a greater or less -A letter from one of our mission- extent in every age. On the other hand, we rearies in Brazil says: "Weare look- jOice in being able to point to many who give ing forward WIth deep interest to the undouhted evidence of being God'8 chosen ones, formation in August, when the Pres- while there are others whose names are already byterians meet, of a united synod enrolled among the noble army of martyrs. It and Brazilian church." It will be has been my privilege to know many Christian remembered that the last General men and Christian women in China whose godly Assembly of our church gave "its lives and peaceful deaths have been an inspiraapproval of the formation of a Bra- tion to me, and made me, I trust, a better man zilIan synod, formed of presbyteries and a more earnest worker. I count among my which shall be separated from both nearest and most honored Christian friends not the assemblies in this country, and a few who are now bearing faithful testimony constituting in Brazil a distinct and to the truth in the midst of opposition and mauiindependent church, free from for- fold trials, such as Christians in Western lands eign control."-The Missionary. can only imperfectly appreciate."
Burmah. – Christian Karens of England.-Canon Maclear's annual Burmah. In an address to the Edin- "Combined Report of Missionary burgh University Missionary Asso- Studentship Al'!sociations" for 1887 ciation, Sir Charles Bernard, late shows that £2,186 has been raised in Chief Commissioner in Burmah, who 23 English dioceses toward the suphas two sisters working as mission- port of 91 studentships. Oxford leads aries of the Church of Scotland in the dioceses with a contribution far India, gave some interesting details in excess of any other, giving £496, regarding Christian Karens. They number about 200,000, being a third while the second on the list, Worcesof the Karen people, and there are ter, gives £200. Since the foundation from 500 to 600 congregations, prac- of the college upward of 400 students tically if not entirely self-support- have been sent forth from it for the ing. It is their practice to set apart work abroad. The report gives in- formation about the mission houses so much of the produce of their land at Warminster, Burgh-Ie-Marsh and as will suffice for the support of their Wallingford. Burgh shows a roll of native pastors, and this they do be- 110 students admitted, of whom 56 have proceeded in due course to St. fore they appropriate any of their Augustine's, 14 have gone direct to harvest to themselves. Nor are they missionary work, and 18 are now in residence.-The Mission Field. content with self-support. They send missionaries into Siam and regions India.-N0 less than 5,067 of India's, beyond, where hardships and priva- sons and daughters were baptized by tions of no ordinary character have the agents of the Church Missionary to be endured. Society in 1886. To this number must China.-Rev. H. C. DuBose writes be added the baptisms by all the diffrom Suchow, China: "It is a sur- ferent branches of the Church of prising fact that we may almost daily Christ., Taking into consideration have large congregations in the tem- ple arenas, and without molestation these hundreds of thousands of con- was finished Feb. 3. It is largely verts t<;> Christianity in India it is ob- the result of the Rev. John C. Hepvious that a spiritual development of burn, M.D., LL.D., assisted by six an uncommon type has so advanced other scholars. It has received high itself as to arrest attention.-Madras commendation from the Japanese Weekly as well as from missionaries Oh,'istian Oollege Magazine. -The Indian Witness, noting the capable of appreciating its excelretirement of a noted infidel educa- lence. It is dedicated to God's honor and service "in the name of the tionist from India, says: "The ancient god Nemesis seldom worked a whole body of Protestant missionmore striking revenge than he has done on Prin- aries in Japan." cipal Wordsworth, who has jnst left the shores of India, after abont a quarter of a century spent -Not long since Tokio and the there. Instead of a crowd of native friends on rest of Japan were thoroughly pagan. the pier to bid him farewell, such as gathered to Now we hear of a great Christian revival in that city, with five hunsee Sir Richard Temple away, two of the gentle- dred conversions in a single month. The whole city seems stirred, and men for whom he spent his life came to show their good will. The learned professor might well exclaim, •If I had served my God with half the zeal I have served my friend, he would not.' etc. Opposition to the gospel of Jesus missionaries, native pastors and Christ has been the most conspicuous feature of Mr. Wordsworth's efforts among the natives theological students are busy gather- _ing in the harvest. Everybody is in- throughout his Indian career." terested in Christianity, and nobody Principal Wordsworth is a disciple speaks against it. This is a revolu- of Herbert Spencer, and he com- tion of itself.-.New York Indepen- mended to the Hindus the gospel of dent.
Agnosticism. -The last report of the various Prot- -Bishop Sargent of Madras, who estant missions in Japan is a signifi- last year celebrated the jubilee of his cant index of the growth of Chris- missionary career in India, has out- tianity in that land. The total mem- lived all the original missionaries of bership of the 221 organized churches his society in that diocese. When he is 19,827, the 5,000 added during the went to Tinnevelly in 1835 the Church year representing a gain of thirty- Missionary Society had only three or three per cent. in the Congregational four missionaries, one native preacher and Presbyterian forces. Twenty- and 114 communicants. There are four societies have 253 missionaries now 81 missionaries, of whom 64 are on the ground, and the large part connected with his own society. In that America is deRtined to play in 1,618 villages there are now 98,184 the evangelization of Japan is Christians and catechumens, of whom shown by the fact that five-sixths of 18,460 are communicants. There are the workers are connected with so- 22,170 pupils in schools, and the con- cieties in the United States. There tributions last reported were 47,761 is a great demand for the new trans- rupees, or about $22,000. lation of the Bible, orders pouring in -Dr. Chamberlain's scheme for a by mail and telegraph for a consider- united Presbvterian Church in India, able time after its pUblication. It is the thirteen Presbyterian and Re- cause for deep gratitude that the formed bodies represented in the em- 37,000,000 inhabitants of the country pire uniting in one general assembly, can now read the entire Scriptures has been favorably received in Scot- in their own language. A sentence land.-ScottishFree Ohurch Monthly. in a recent communication to our -There is a great movement in the office from a correspondent in Yoko- Punjab mission of the Church of hama deserves pondering. He says: Scotland. New villages are receiving "It is felt here by all Christian work- the gospel and new churches being ers that the length of time required formed. The strength of the mis- to make this a Christian nation de- sionaries is taxed to the utmost by pends simply upon the number of the demands of the work. competent men which the churches -Christianity in British India has at home are ready and willing to fur"
advanced 30 per cent. during the last nish. Would that many would fol- decade. Mohammedanism during the low the example of Dr. Scudder, and same period only advanced 10 per others, who have come here with no cent. From these figures the general expense to the missionary boards."
increase of the population, which is Madagascar.-Two or three years now 201,000,000, must be deducted; ago 900 barrels of whiskey were this amounts to 7~ per cent.-Punjab landed on the shores of Madagascar Mission News. with a brand which indicated that Japan.-Japan has now an ex- they had come from a proffssedly cellent translation of the entire Christian nation. The authorities of Bible. After sixteen years the work that once heathen nation actually purchased this cargo of whiskey and India was a huge Anglo-Indian deknocked the barrels in the head, that moralization society, and that it was their vile contents might be swal- their duty to send out no uncertain lowed up by the sand rather than by sound regarding facts which had the people. come to their knowledge, and which had not been .contradicted, because -The London Missionary Society they could not be. continues to push its work in Madagascar with increasing success, notwith- Siam.-When Admiral Foote in the standing the political changes and harbor of Bangkok received the Kingthe aggressive attitude of the church of Siam on board his flagship,' the of Rome. With its 30 English mis- ChristIan commander asked a blesssionaries, it reports the astounding ing at dinner. "Why," said the number of 838 native ordained min- king, "you do just like the missionisters and 4,395 native preachers, aries." "1 too anl a nlissionary," 61,000 church members and 230,000 was the reply. adherents. But, as yet, scarcely onehalf of the population have been SwitzerIand.-The Basle Missionreached by the gospel. ary Society reports its variolls mis- sions communicants as follows: -Friends' Mission. Besides a large China, 1,808; India, 4,694; Africa, amount of work in connection with 2,995-total, 9,497. The income was schools, training of teachers, hospi- $198,847.60. tal, printing, etc., in the capital (Antananarivo), the district of Madagas- Turkey. – Euphrates College at car under the care of the Friends' Harpoot (formerly Armenia College), Foreign Mission Association covers is doing a noble work under its presiabout 2,000 square miles, and contains dent, that veteran missionary of the 133 congregations, with nearly as American Board, Rev. C. H. Wheeler, D.D., who is now in this country, many schools. Mr. H. E. Clark writes but means to be at his post on the that there is a pressing need that Euphrates by September 1. The more workers should be sent out this college has an attendance in all desummer. In Antananarivo there are partments of 500 students, about 100 only five Friends' missionaries (not being in the college proper. The Jiield including ladies), two of whom will over which its influence is especially shortly be leaving to take up work felt is about 100×200 miles. Here are in the country districts of Arivoni- twenty-four churches, ten of which are independent of the .American mamo and Manddurano, while the Board. The college has twenty in. health of one of the ladies is so shat- structors, of whom nine are ladies. tered that she will be compelled to Up to the junior year the students come home on furlough at once. study the Bible every day. Ten years ago a strong effort was made -I also tell you that I place my to raise funds for the college, and kingdom under the protection of $71,000 was secured. Now Dr. Wheeler is anxious to raise $30,000 God, for I know that it is the kingdom that is governed by dependence more for endowment, $5,000 for a upon God, that it is true and has new building (wfiich is about comstrength and progress. Go forward in wisdom that the glory of this king- pleted), and $2,500 for scholarships dom may increase. Remember that for need v students. it is righteousness that exalteth a nation, and that the fear of God is the United States.-Amf'rican Bible beginning of wisdom. – Queen of Society. At its recent meeting a Madagascar at her coronation. specimen copy was presented of the complete Bible in Japanese, just ScotIand.-The Anglo-Indian Evan- pl'inted at Yokohama, with a letter gelical Society. A most encouraging report of this society was presented from Mr. Loomis saying that there at the annual meeting in Edinburgh is a large demand, especially for the last week. Rev. J. Fordyce, secre- Old Testament, 1,600 copies of which tary, stated that larger contributions were called for within one month had been made in India than in any after its publication. Grants of books former year, and that they balanced were made for benevolent dish·ibu. tion, at home and in foreign lands, a slight decrease in the contributions from this country. Rev. G. G. Gil- of the aggregate value of about $10,- lan of Bengal appealed for increased 000. Appropriations of funds were. funds, and Mr. Duncan McLaren also made for publishing and dismoved a resolution embodying the tributing the Scriptures in foreign claims of our countrymen in India, countries, to the amount of $17.450, provision being thns made for Bible who were destitute of Christian or- work during the ensuing year in dinances. Rev. John McNeill said India, Italy and Siberia, and in the he believed that the English army in society's agencies in Persia and family. She also pursued the full Brazil. Numerous letters from three years' course in the Woman's foreign lands were laid before the Medical College of New York, and board, containing in some cases the was then invited to the position of summary reports of the distribution intern in the Presbyterian Hospital of the Scriptures during 1887. Dr. of Chicago, where she served two Gulick reported the distribution of years. She has also enjoyed valu- 252,915 copies in China and Siam. able advantages in the medical The Levant agency reported a circu- schools and hospitals of Zurich and lation of 51,000, the Japan agency Vienna. 72,926, and the La Plata agency 17,- 314, while the distribution in Russia -Student Volunteers. There has and Siberia was 39,771 copies. Cash been a great increase of missionary receipts in March were $69,131.66. spint among the students of Union The total cash receipts in the year Seminary, Va., largely ascribed to ending March 31 were $61B,373.B3. the recent visit of Dr. Houston. Sev- The whole number of volumes issued en of the young men have decided to during the year, not'including those go as missionaries, and others are inforeign lands, was 1,.032,672. considering the subject. An effort is being made to raise enough money to -Home Missions. The Presbyterian support a minister in the foreign field. Board, for the year just closed, re- The faculty have given $100, the stuport $783,527.30, and $130,000 more dents of Hampden Sidney College than any previous year. $100, and the young men of the sem-. inary are to give the rest. -The American Home Missionary Society is in an equally prosperous -The United Presbyterian Seminary condition. The close of the society's at Allegheny has resolved to send sixty-second year brought special out a missionary to India in October occasion for thanksgiving to God. The 31st of March found every note next; the choice has fallen on the at the banks paid, and not a dollar Rev. J. H. Martin, just graduated. His salary ($1,200) has been pledged due to any missionary who had reported labor. The debt at one time for ten years by the seminary and contiguous colleges of the denominawithin the year was over $75,000. tion. Besides paying this the society was -Xenia Theological Seminary has able to replace $30,000 of the $50,000 also started a similar movement, and borrowed from the Swett Exigency the students and faculty have pledged Fund. $330 annually for ten years toward the support of a missionary. They -The. Woman's Board of Foreign hope to get the balance needed from Missions of New York report for the certain colleges in the connection. year just closed, $62,244.35, an advance of more than $11,000 over the Wales. – The Nonconforming previous year. The receipts have churches are multiplying rapidly in largely gone into the treasury of the Wales. TheynumberedllOinl716; in Board of Foreign Missions. 1775 they had increased to 471; forty- one years later to 993, and in the next – The receipts of the Woman's 45 years to 2,927. In 1887 they had Board of the Southwest, which are grown to nearly 4,500. All these divided between Home and Foreign churches depend for their support Missions, amounted in the year just upon the voluntary contributions of closed to $15,226.11, an advance of the people. This shows not only a $2,700 over last year. marvelous development, but a hold upon the heart and conscience that -The first National Conference of no State religion can evoke. the various woman's missionary organizations of the Society of Friends Zulus.-Dr. Elmslie, an American in the United States was held at missionary, who has been stationed Indianapolis during the first part of for some time among the Zulus west of Lake Nyassa, has sent home the April. This is an important movement among the Friends, designed to first book printed in Nbungoni lanstimulate every department of mis- guage. The book was issued from sionary work among the young and the press of a neighboring mission the old. station called Blantyre. It contains the Decalogue. passages from the -Miss Alice Mitchell, daughter of Psalms, Proverbs and the Gospels, Secretary Mitchell of the Presbyterian with fourteen hymns. Much is ex- Board of Foreign Missions, is under pected from the book, as the Nbun. appointment to the Woman's Pavil- goni language is intelligible to a ion of the board's hospital in Peking, China. She began her medical large number of the tribes, studies with her grandfather, Dr.
Post of New York, living in his
STATISTICS OF THE WORLD'S MISSIONS
Vn.-STATISTICS OF THE WORLD'S MISSIONS.
General View of the Condition of Prot. MissiQns in East Africa-Approximate.
[From the Neukirchen Kis8i0r!8- und HeidenOote.] ;. Europeans. Africans. ,,; 1:l ~ tbw -',,00 2,; ~ a> 0 I'<~ I'<~ "" '"."" " ,; "a> Expend!- ,",.S< p. tures in one oi .! .e s .>l a> ",a> ",,01 year. a> §~ " ~" i "'" " ,., ~u2~ ,,~ 0 :'""a0>' .; I'l "8 'tl 00 . ,,"a2> 'OJ p. S " a> ~ ~o S 'tl … " d – – – -"" — -,..- – – – – ~~ ~ ~S -is::- ~a> S"0 0 ..c: 00. 0 Eo< 0 0 00.
I. Church Miss. Soc.- (a) Mombasa. Tiata and – Chagga ……………
' (b) Usagard and Uganda. II. Universities' Mission- 6 5 I) 1 2 21 34 565 231 1126 3 378 } $64,800 6 9 – 16 250 50' 150 5 150 7- (a) Zanzibar Island ….. 3 6 24 – 1 8 40 2 174 26.400 (b) Rovnmd district ….. -1 9 1 45 8,640 (e) Usambara ………… 36 2 14 18 421 4 43 17,280 46 3 1 -2 6 26 } 993 – – 529 13,200 m.(d) Lake Nyassa …….. 14 5 Free Meth. Miss.- – – 15 6,000 (a) Mombasa district …. — 23.040 (c) Jana River ………. 4 -1 — – .8 – 1491 1491 50 4 181 } 17.200 IV. London M. S ………. 1 5 V. Free Ch. Scotland ….. 34 8 1 – – 6 311 – 3l! 17 1 31 ~ – 9 – -2 58 2- 20 9 2 2 6 600 VI. Bavarian East African 8 — — — 1 f 4.800 – – – – Mission …………….. 2 3 10 1 f 7,200 – VII. Berlin E. A. M .• ….. 2 2 6 — VIII. Neukirchen Mission – – – – — – — – – — – (Pastor Doll)…………. – 1 3 -1 Total. …………….. 41 52 65 78 – – 3 – ca. 1,140 4,-71- — 200 1757 812 1766 30 1552 ca. $192.000 +1801 +1801 +f Approximate Estimate .of Oertain Missions in Heathen and Mohammedan Oountries for Five Years Past.
——————- . I .. . ~.~ Years.:::I .~ .'=6 2i Expenditures in …. ",,~ 0 00 a> "
'" '" " .~~",' "".~ . !;,'" '" ~ ,s"" .;~ll§" — —- – – —- —– —— 00. <D~11 .'2" S ~ heathen and .~ ~:a Mohammedan ,",,~ ~Q)tJ "0 countries. "", – – 0 ..:! iZi 'll 00.
1883…………………… 540 818 966 6,224 205,056 261,812 $2,947,000.00 1884 …………………… 574 882 1,003 6.026 216,829 271,852 3,145,000.00 1885 ……… ………….. 636 867 1,005 6.888 225,919 303,074 3,412,000.00 1886…………………… 648 927 1,044 8,646 230,819 307,739 3,160,000.00 1887…………………… 677 911 1.086 7,876 286.322 311,485 3,130,000.00 SOCIeties Included: American Board; Presbyterian Board; Baptist Union; MoraVIan Chureh' Church Missionary SOCiety; London Missionary Society; Protestant Episcopal Board; Methodist -Episcopal Board. The estim..te excludes the missions of these societies iu the West Indies, but inclndes Polynesia and the nomadic tribes of British America.
The Lntheran Synod of Missouri, which which $32.589.62 was for Home Missions.-The Christian Cynosure. thoroughly excludes members of secret lodges United States.-The new census gives the and represents Lutheranism of the strictest type, number of Protestant churches In the United States at 92.653; Protestaut ministers at 71,662, has 931 ministers and 620 parochial school teach- and members at 9,003.030. Taking the Catholic ers. who respectively have the care of 459,376 and Mormon population from the total population baptized membe!'!! and teach 71 •.504 children. it leaves 43,864,381. This gives one church for There is a total of 1,424 churches and 544 preach- every 473 persons, including infants and chiling places, with 266,000 communicant members. dren. one minister for every 612 of the people, Only 678 of these churches are officially con- and nearly one professing Christian for every nected with the synod. though served by pastors five of the popnlation outside of the two classes of the synod. Last year there were m,391 bap- named. We distrust these figures. Abont threetisms. and 13.724 were confirmed. The twelve fifths of all the population are children nnder 16. districts of the synod contributed offerings for education, orphans and widows. synodical treas- This would make everv other adult a professing ury and mi!!eions amounting to ,$107,346 71, of Christian ! !
of the American Presbyterian Mission in Syria. ~
00 I. EVANGELISTIC AND GENERAL MISSIONARY WORK.
1876. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885. 1886.
– – – — – – – — – – — – – — – – – — – – – — – 2123 }35 2103 }33 2113 }34 ~}37 2144 }38 ~}a7 i American Men ……………………………….. 1~}191 1~}203 1~}179 3~}189 — Mis810naries Women…………………•…••…..•… 1153 }28 Native {Ordained pastors ………..•…………….. S LYb.lGn Llcensed preachers……….•……………. 136310} 204 School teachers•…..•…•…….•••.•…•…. 1969}12O 1a48g}l94 142 rJl 12 >i a orer8 Other helpers……………•……..•…….. 8 10 14 10 9 ~ 5 Stations ……………………………….•……….. 5 5 5 5 5 5 86 .>…i Out-stations ………………….•………………….. 60 99 98 99 89 90 19 Churches …………………………………………. 10 12 19 19 19 19 31 rJl Church buildings …………………•………..•……. 24 21 28 30 30 30 Added on profession during the year.. . . . . . . . . . . .. . …… 75 131 109 120 130 153 .>…i Male church members ……………………………. 653}68 320694 } 573 579 } 1008 549798 } 1,00"7 652332 } 1,155 750938 } 1,301 677655 } 1,440 Q Female church members ……………… ·.·.··········· 429 ' 554 1,207 rJl Regular preaching places …. , ……..••……………… 61 74 89 84 87 92 Average congregations ……………………………. , 2,642 3,693 3,755 3,900 84 3,891 4,293 ~ Sabbath schools …………………………………… 84 3,961 40 3,094 80 79 73 68 >i Sabbath scholars ……………… ··· .. ·········· ……. 1,540 2,915 3,348 76 3,804 3,746 3,584 =l;;I Syrian Protestant Community (within the field of the 3,594 3,816 3,652 3,847' 3,977 4,165 ~ American Pres. Mission)………………………….. 2,982 $1,653 $2,022 $6,381 $6,302 $6,451 $6,980 ~ Contributions of native churches…………………….. 1 $1,252 t< t1~ II. EDUCATIONAL WORK. rJl College (Syrian Prot.) ………………. , ……………. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I..i.:. 1 1 1 1 1 106 152 170 175 185 1 1 rJl 1 1 1 1 1 165 rJl Medical School. …………………………….•……. 7 7 7 9 4 ~ PupilS in college (including Med. Dep't) ., ..•..•…..••… 1 1 2 2 2 1 165 Theological Seminary …………………….•…..•…. 42 37 67 75 68 4 1 3 3 3 3 3 7 !'" PupilS in do ………………•………..•…. 89 92 97 118 97 2 3 .2 9 14 20 18 72 Boys' boarding schools.., …………………………… 209 235 414 447 347 3 151 Pupils in do. . ……………………………. 71 113 119 123 118 110 8 20 Female seminaries ………………………………… 2,031 }2 840 2,925}4187 81,,;4)3992 } 4,831 31;648824 } 5,166 3,775 } 5 1801 443 119 819 ' 1,262 ' 1,405 ' 108 15 Pupils in do. . ..•…..•……………………….. 80 141 151 379 ~~~~:~~odo~~ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::: :::: 128 5,590 5,990 144 ~;~}4,871 Common schools ………………..•……………….. 3,509 4,710 5,881 97 ………… ………… 99 62 136 Boys in do……………………………..•..•… 111 5,665 3,178}4505 ~ 1,327 ' Girls in do. 134 121 Total schools …. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 5,344 j Total pupils. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . ……………….. 230 – – – Women in Bible Classes …………………… ········ ..
PRESS WORK, PRmTmG AND DIBTRmU'l'ION OF BmLE8, T1U.CTB, &0
1876. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885. ~ ~ 1886.
Bible House and Press Establishment:- …………….. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 W::d'J~~~~~s::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::: 4 3 3 3 8 3 8 Lithographic press ….. . ……………………… 2 5 5 5 6 6 6 ~ iilpe foundry………………………………….. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ~ ectrotype apparatus…………………………… 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Press employees ……………………………….. 44 45 42 35 41 44 PUblications On Press Catalogne. . . . . . .. .. . . .. … . … 2{)7 240 244 253 258 268 50 ~ Volumes printed during the year ……………………. 57,500 55,400 50,490 47,500 87,900 836 38,450 72,050 W ?of Page9 " H H ,. • ……………………. 13,786,900 18,041,600 20,190,600 19,579,480 19,235,547 27,981,600 83,284,675 <Jl 4,277,500 8,923,000 8,245,600 8,651,000 9,465,000 17,378,600 19,331,750 w~!ch pales Scriptures……………………….. 1,045,500 1,702,500 ~ 232,000 8S9,000 946,320 851,500 451,600 311,742,044 845,026,719 *ToStcarlipptaugreess from thterabcetsg:m..n.m..g……………………………………………….. 159,810,300 224,754,817 244,945,417 264,524,897 283,760,444 ~ distributed duriug tbe year………………. 23,576 15,571 t Other books and tracts sold and distributed. . . . .. . ….. 5,641 15,718 11,600 15,€67 15,953 68,311 Copies Of publications of all kinds issned during year ….. …….3.6.,7.5.2. 372,710 …….2.5.,7.2.1. …….2.9.,8.5..4 …….8.0.,0.0.0. …….2.8.,0.0.0. …….2.8.,2.3.2.
IV. MEDICAL WORK AT ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL. <JlI ~ The pbysicians of the Medical Department of the Syrian Protestant College have been appointed by the Order of St. J obn in Berlin as the medical attendants of the "Johanniter-Hospital" in Beirut. This most interesting charity, supported by the above mentioned Order, and served also by the Deaconesses of Kaiserswerth, has received ~ during the past years :' 'l'
"I Indoor patients ………………………………….. 537 539 642 577 571 595 465 Patients treated in the Polycliniqne………………….. I 9,162 9,874 9,213 11,172 7,489 6,009 7,126 Total of days of treatment …………………………. 17,879 19,015 18,248 16,489 16,348 18,146 17,500 * These figures represent the copies of Scriptures sold and send out from our Mission Press to private purchasers, and to our own and other missions, and to Bible Society agencies, for further distribution.
t The distribUtion bas been by the various missions among Arabic-speaking peoples, and the American and British Bible and Tract Societies. ~- ~
EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS
VIII.-EDITORIAL NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS.
THE INDIAN SCHOOL QUESTION. young Dakota Indians, who are attending school, on the question' Which has done the more good THE Fifth Annual Report of the for us, the Catholic or the Protestant church Y' Executive Committee of the Indian Rights Association, from the pen of The Protestants, it is said, beat their opponents. Mr. James B. Harrison, is a vigorous One of them was asked bow thlly won. He and outspoken contribution to the said, •I showed them the Bible in Dakota and literature of the subject and should read to them in their own tongue. I sh<;lwed be widely circulated and duly con- them a letter from an absent young man written sidered. It justly characterizes the in Dakota, which all could understand wtien I recent orders of the Indian Bureau as read it, and I said, hOur reljgion -gave ;us a written language and the Bible. 'Vhat has 'your " uuiutelligeut, arbitrary, despotic and unstates.' religion given to onr people?'" Is not this manlike, merely a blow at missionary work. pretty fair reasoning for a mau who, according There is no reason to suppose that a single to Commissioner Atkius, has no lauguage; only Indian anywhere will ever learn ten words a barbarous dialect? 'rhe promised concesmore of English by reason of these orders. There is, indeed, no provision made by tho sions of the Iuterior Department have' just government for any increase of facilities in the reached the missionaries among the Dakotas, study of English. The damage to the missionary two months after they were i.,sued. Under date work produced by these orders is their sole re- of Feb. 11 Commissioner Atkins added another sult. The orders should be distinctly and concession to those of Jan. 18, allowing Indians wholly revoked and withdrawn. It is not neces- to possess and use the Bible in the vernacular, sary that the missionaries and churches should and allowing a •limited theological clas" , of submit. If they will publish the facts fully, these Indian young men to be trained in the vernacuorders will be revoked. The facts must come lar iu any purely missionary school supported to light. Then the people of the country will exclusively by miSSionary societies, provided have something to say." they are to devote themselves exclusively to preaching. These conceosions, be it remem· No one can read this report with- bered, are from the InteriM Department of the out having his heart stirred with in- Republic Of the United Slates, wt from the Indignation at the condition of Indian teriM Department of the (lrnerument of tM affairs, through the unfitness of the Czar, and they apply to our Indians, and wt Indian Bureau. The Nation says: to the Poles Of Buss,a."
" The Indian Bureau appears to have made a The President's long reply to the serious blunder. Government has no moral right to order peremptorily that miSSionary Philadelphia Conference, while kind societies which maintain schools in many places without assistance from the Federal treasury in spirit, gives evidence that he has shall cease using the Indian language." not studied the matter with his The religious and missionary press, with almost entire unanimity, has wonted care and clearness and does condemned the policy and arbitrary edict of government, and the Phila- not comprehend the problem iI,l all delphia Annual Conference of the its aspects. . M. E. Church adopted very strong resolutions on the subject. All our We commend to our readers the ecclesiastical and missionary societies should follow suit and cease not to letters from distinguished civilians, protest till their demand shall be heeded. The President has not re- lawyers and divines, given in our Invoked the obnoxious orders; the slight modification conceded does not touch ternational Department (pp. 462–3), the essential iniquity. And his recommendation of a Commission, one-half in relation to this subject.-J. M. S. to be army officers, to manage the Indians, gives no promise of relief, A WORD to our subscribers. We but the contrary. The Interior well puts the case: are glad to be able to say that in the "There are two objectious to thi!l–One of future there will be no occasion for principle, and one of policy. The principle involved is that it is a violation of a fundamental delay in receiving THE REVIEW when right of civil and religious liberty. The policy involved is that the scrambling politiCians who ordered. The demand for it so climb into such positions are not, as a rule, tbe kind of meu to be intrusted with educational greatly exceeded the faith of our and moral interests. We never would have believed that this piece of utterly indefensible publishers at the start, and even tyranny would have been permitted to remain so long in force. Some one who has the ear of the down to a recent date, that they President ought to suggest to him that his fia/l:- ship is about to go into action, and that it is failed to make due provision for the high time for him to clear his decks." supply. Already four editions of the The Independent says: January number, three of the Febru- ary and two of the March have been "There was a discussion recently IJ.llOD~ sQ!IIe printed, and the demand does not abate. But this experience sufficed to show them the necessity of a much larger edition of succeeding numbers, so that in the future they will be able promptly to supply the work to all who apply. Every num- ber is stereotyped, so that THE RE- VIEW can be had from January. Our thanks are due to the press and to our many friends in all parts of the field fo~ their heal'ty commendation . and words of cheer.-J. M. S.