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