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Abstract of Cash Accounts for 1888A Convert’s Testimony ..............A Family Itineration in SI-c h ’u e n A First Glimpse of the Need A First Missionary Journey A Fortnight in a Village near Pao-ning A Fortnight on a Native BoatA Full Reward ....................... -A Good Day ..........................A Happy Visit .........................Among Tibetans ..........................An Auxiliary Council for Scotland ...A New Year’s Greeting ..............A New Year Well Begun ..............

A n n iv e r sa r y M e e t in g s, T h e ...

A f t e r n o o n M e e t in g —

Address by B. Broomhall (Secretary) ... 103Geo. Williams, Esq. (Chairman) 105J. E. Mathieson, Esq................. 105Rev. J. Hudson Taylor ... 106Mrs. Stott .......................... 108Mr. Geo. Clarice ... n o

E v e n in g M e e t in g —

pag e

1011193465

1474728

129»9

14850

166i

137

103-114

Address by Sam. Gurney Shepherd, Esq. 110,, ,, B. Broomhall ... .............. h i„ ,, Rev. J. Hudson Taylor ... h i„ ,, Miss Leitch .............. 114

Annual Meetings ..................................... .............. 86Another Little Church Formed .............. .............. 8An Outline of Fifteen Days’ Itineration ... .............. 26Appeal for the Aborigines of China.............. .............. 124A Riot at Shih-sheo..................................... .............. 117Arrivals, etc.................................................... .............. 127A Short Journey into H u -n a n ............... .............. 49A Woman’s Opium Refuge.......................... .............. 119

BBaptisms and Candidates—

Bhamo 117, 131, 156Bing-yise ... 57, 76Chau-kia-k’eo ..........................8, 22 , 34, 117, 133, 159Cheng-yang-kwan .......................... 131, 176Chen-ku................................................. .............. 74Chen-tu .............. 8, 18, 46, 117, 126, 130, 159, 169Ch u-chau................................................. .............. 117Chung-k’ing ..................................... 17, 46, 117, 159Dong-ling... 57, 117Fung-hwa....................... ......................... 17, 34, 117, 159Gan-k’ing................................... .. ... 17, 30, 49G an-ren................................................. .............. 159Han-chung ..................................... 17, 39, 167, 173Hiao-i ................................................ 42, 131, 168, 175Ho-k’e o ................................................. 61, 64, 131, 150Hung-t’ung ..................................... .............. 34Hwuy-chau ..................................... .............. 117Kin-hwa ... ..................................... 117, 142, 159Kiu-chau................................................. 117, 159

K ’iih-wu..............Kwei-k’i ...Kwei-yang ..............Nan-k’ang ..............Ning-hai-chau ..............Ning-kwoh ..............Pa-chau ...Pao-ning ...P’ing-yao........................Shao-hing.........................She-k’i-tien ..............Sih-chau ...Sui-fuT ’ai-chau.........................Ta-ku-t’ang ..............Ta-ning ...Tan-lin .........................Ts’in-chau ..............Ts’ing-kiang-p’u ..............Wun-chau Yang-chau Yung-k’ang Yuh-shan ...Yun-nan Fu

Blessing in a New Station ... Brief Extracts ... 12, 30,Brief Report from Kiu-chau...

PAGE......................... 126, 130 130, 131» 156.............. S3» 82» 131, 156.............. £.............. *59

17, 117, 126, 131, 155, 159.......................................8, 40.......................... 34. 36.......................................8, 26..................................... *7..................................... 130..................................... 159.............................12, 46, 150..................................... 76..................................... I3I 8.............. I3I> 132» *5° 46, 76, 117» “ 8.......................... 17, 38..................................... 159

8, 17, 34, 57, 761 ” 7» 127, 130.............. 17, 34, 46, 61

846, 13*. 156

... 17

... 48154, 167, 180

- 5372, 83, 126, 140

Cheer for Seed-sowersChrist Instead of VegetarianismChrist our Example in SteadfastnessChristmas Day at Ho-k’e o ..............Country WorkCountry Work in C h e h -k ia n g ...

Departures for China— Mr. Hardman>> Rough» Egertonn G. A. Huntleyif Donald» Griffith*» G. W. Clarke

Mrs. G. W. ClarkeMiss Dunn» Annie Taylor)) Anderson ...I) Clare..............19 Doggett>> Gillbam

Kolkenbfck...Î? Young

Mr. Allen..............,, A l t y .............., 1 Anderson» Dickiei, Graingerj. H a ll..............91 Stark

9132756466

163

73 73 73 73 73 73

142 142 142*56170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170 170

- 170

INDEX.

Mr. Nicoll Mrs. Nicoll Miss Carlyle „ Cowley „ Esam ,, Lane...,, £. Ramsay

Mrs. Stott Miss Annie Bardsley ,, R. G. Broman ,, Jessie F. Hoskyn ...„ A. Whitford............. .,, I. A. Smith...............,, E. A. Thirgood

Rev. Geo. HunterMrs. Hunter ..............

Diary from Miss F. M. Williams Difficulties in a New Station— Difficulty of Opening Stations Distribution of Relief in H o -n a n Divine Strength ..............

Early Days in H o -n a n ...............Encouragement and Need in S i-c h ’ü en Encouragement at Shih-sheo En Routt for Han-chung Evangelistic Journey in G a n -h w u y

Famine Relief ..............First-fruits at Pa-chau First Sight of Opium PoisoningFlood at Pa-chau ..............For the Young _ n , 37, 70From Pastor Tsiang Siao-vong From Shanghai to Han-chung Further Details of Baptisms at Ta-ning

Good Tidings from Gan-k’ing

PAGE170

, 170 170

, 170 170 170 170 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 68

6 123 25 59

125159

799

139

57, 7°. 78 ... 36... 136

163147, 164, 177

... 41

... 151

.... 150

49

H

Happy Service _ ... _ ..............Happy Service in Chau-kia-k’eo Hearis Prepared and Workers Provided Heathen Worship ..........................

1381664647

53Idols Destroyed in Kwei-yang ..........................In Memoriam—

Herbert L. Norris ................................................. 3Adam C. Dorward .......................... ... 4Eldred S. Sayers ................................................. 5Miss Alice Barrel t ................................................. 17

„ Maggie M a c k e e ................................... ... 43George Stott ............................................................ 77Miss Susie Parker ... _ ... _.......................... 152

In the Secret of His Presence, with Music ... 128Items of Interest ... 8, 17, 33, 46, 61, 76, 117, 130, 159Itineration in Gan-hwuy ... ......................... 19

Journeying Mercies 20, 144

Labourers together with G od List of Missionaries of the C.I.M. ...

M

Missionaries, Correspondence, etc.—Adam,Jas. ..............Andrew, George, and Mrs.Armstrong, Alex..............Bagnali, Benj.....................Baker, Miss Baller, Fred. W.Barclay, Miss Ellen A . ... Barclay, Miss Priscilla ... Bastone, Miss S. E.Beauchamp, M., B.A.Begg, D. ..............Belcher, W. M.................Beynon, W. T ..................Black, Miss MaryBland, A ...........................Botham, T. E. S.Boyd, Miss FannyBridge, A, H...................Brock, John ..............Broomhall, Miss A. G.... Broomhall, Miss Edith...Brown, Geo. Graham ...Brown, Miss M, GrahamBurnett, W. E ..................Burroughes, Miss

8, 61, 83

PAGE

5414

... 86 53. 82, 127

... 117 76, 126, 131

... 142

... 123

... 83

... 65

... 4726

8, 17. 155... 167 ... 17

398081

... 41...30, 76 ...17, 61 39. 138

... 4030, 140, 167

8, 38, 136 38, 72, 154

119

8 ,30, 55 9» 3*

Cameron, J., m .d . (U.S.A.), and Mrs., 8, 17, 33, 46, 56, , . „ *55» 159, 180

Carpenter, Miss S. ... 61, 127, 179Cassels, W. W., b .a ., and Mr

Cheney, Mrs....................Clark, Miss C. P.Clarke, G. W ...................Clarke, Sam. R.Cooper, Wm.....................Coulthard, J. J. and Mrs. Crewdson, Miss Anna ...Cumow, J. D...................Darroch, J o h n ..............Douthwaite, A. W.Drysdale, J. F .................Duffey, A. ..............Eason, Arthur and Mrs.Easton, G. F ....................Edwards, E. H., M.B., and M Ellis, Misses F. and C...,Elliston, Mrs....................Ewing, Arch. Orr, Jun.Eyres, Thos......................Faers, A. H. ...Forth, Miss L. M.Fosbery, Miss ..............Foucar, F. T ....................Fryer, Miss ..............Gibson, Miss AgnesGill, W. H.......................Grade, Arch....................Grierson, R. and Mrs. ...Guinness, M is s ..............Gulston, F. W. K. and Mrs. Hainge, MissHanbury, M is s ..............Harrison, M.....................Hibberd, Miss L. E. ...Hoddle, A ........................Holme, Miss ..............Hook, Miss A. K.Horobin, Charles

26, 34, 46, 56, 66, 84,130,15956

45. 85, 141 n o , 142 76, 170 46, 180

8, 21, 25, 46, 132,146,169 28,46,166 40,61, 131

8, 17, 57, 146 4,31,63,120

.......................... 176

.......................... 131

..........................46, 76

... 34, 38, 117, 173 75.117.......................... 34... . - 12, 56... 8 ,17 ,34 ,61,154.............. 8, 170.......................... 39.......................... 72.......................... 14*•......................- 141 ................. 126, 167................... 73. 137 69» 127 17. 84

17. 34, 57, 142, 170 ................. 22, 46, 125... ... 57. «5.............. 86, 141 155, 160.............. 61, 163.......................... 155.......................... 76......................... l6 7 76, 170

— ... 140

INDEX. iii

PAGE PAGEHoste, D. E ..................... ... 34, 6l, 83, II9, 154 Stewart, J. C., m .d . (U.S.A.)... 17Hunt, Ed. .............. 76, 131 Stooke, J. A. ......................... ... 76, 78, 13«Hunt, Henry W. ... .............. 38, I40 Sutherland, Miss ... 154Huntley, A. H. ... .............. 8,76 Taylor, H. Hudson, and Mrs.

Taylor, Miss Annie ..............46, 127, 155

Hutton, Thos................... ... .............. 30, 46, 85 ... ... 156Irvin, Miss G. ... _ 40, 141 Terry, Mrs.................................. ...Jakobsen, M is s .............. .............. 55, 126, 159 Thomas, Miss ...James, T. .............. ... ... 6, 17, 46, 79,117 Thompson, D................. ............ 46, 53, 117, 159Johnson, Miss ... ... 11, 37, 164, 177 Thorne, Mrs............................... ... ... 127Johnston, W. S.... .............. 32, 84 Tomkinson, Ed........................... 18, 156Judd, Charles H. and Mrs. 17, 62, 117, 126, 155, 159 Vale, Jos. ......................... ... 13, 85Judd, Miss H. A. ... .......................... 127 Waldie, Miss H. R..................... 84, 145Kay, Duncan .............. 19, 117 Waters, Curtis B. .............. ... 53Kentfield, Miss E. ... .............. 76, 127 Webb, Miss Lily .............. ... 56Kerr, Miss .............. ......................... 46 Webb, Miss Jennie ... ... 40Key, Wm. and Mrs. 12, 46,61, 83, 131, 132, 150 Wellwood, R. ... .............. • •• 8, 72, 169King, Geo. .............. ... .......................... 144 Whitchurch, Miss ... 42 54, 76, 83, 168, 174King, Thos. H ................. ......................... 141 Williams, Miss C. L ................... • •• 61Knight, Miss .............. .......................... 159 Williams, Miss F. M.................. • •• 56, 68Lachlan, H. N., m .a . ... .............. 76, 131 Williams, E. 0 ., m .a ................. ... 117, 144Langman, A. and Mrs— ••• .............. 142 Williamson, J.............................. 34, 76Laughton, Wm. and Mrs. 8, 34, 38, 55- 61, 83 Wilson, W., M.B., C.M............... ... 46Lawson, D....................... ... .............. 40, 49, 131 Windsor, Thos............................. 8, 34, 127, 156, 170Littler, Miss .............. ......................... 76 Wood, F. Marcus ..............

Wright, Andrew........................ 8,17, 131

Lutley, A. .............. ......................... 126 61,73, 76, *37» 147MacGregor, H. N. ... .............. 61, 139MacKee, Miss .............. ... 13

NMackintosh, Miss ... 24. 52, 70, 131, 138Marchbank, Miss E. ... .............. 73» 142McCarthy, John 8, 34, 45, 61, 141, 156, 159 Native Christians at Chen-tu . - 35McKee, Stewart .......................... 168 Nyuoh-tsi, a Bible W om an........................ . ... 179Meadows, J. ... .............. 41, 46Miles, Miss Alice A. ... 12, 46, 148, 150

OMiller, Geo....................... ... .8, 40, 73, 85Mills, D. J ....................... ... .............. 17, 57Muir, Miss G. M. .............. 12, 55 Outward Self-renunciation ... ... ... 15Nicoll, Geo. ... ......................... 124Ord, Miss......................... ... .............. 73, 170 0Owen, R. Gray and Mrs. 17, 34. 39, 85, 159 rParrv, H.. l .r.c .p., and Mrs. 8 18, 46, 61, 76, 81, 117,

Persecution and Baptisms in Tan-lin ... 118118Pearse, E. and Mrs. ... .............. 12, 19, 126 Persecution of a First Convert ............. . ... 176Peat, W. G...................... ............... 61, 180 Progress in Chen-tu.............. . ... 18Phelps, A lb e r t .............. ... 12, 17, 61, 70, 133Pigott, T. W., B. A. ... 20, 33, 39, 82, 131

RPolhill-Turner, A. T., b .a . .............. 8, 36, 163Polhill-Turner, C.rH. ... ... 8, 38, 50, 83, 134

Reminiscences..............................................Pruen, W. L., l .r.c.p. ... .............. 61, 169 . ... 120

Ramsay, Miss I. W. Redfem, F. A. ... ...

.......................... 56 Report for the Year 1888 ....................... . ... 87

.............. 9, 81, 147 Report from Kwei-yang F u ....................... . ... 82Reid, John ...............Ririe, B. ...

.............. 85, 131............... 13, 85

Report from Shun-teh Fu ......................................Report of the Hospital and Dispensary at Che-foo

... 82 ... 63

Riley, Mrs. ............. . ... 35 Request for P r a y e r .................................. ... 137Robertson, D. M. ......................... 12Robertson, M is s ............. .......................... 159 sRogers, Miss N. R. ... .............. 13, 61, 64Rudland, W. D. .H .............. 8, 131 Second Visit to North America — *43Russell, Wm.................... .............. 84, 168

.............. 56, 83Seed falling into Prepared Hearts ... ... ... 145

Saunders, A. R................ Seed-sowing ... ••• 133Sanderson, Miss ............... 156 She being Dead, yet Speaketh ••• 43Say, Miss Annie.............. .......................... 156 Sorely T r ie d ...................................... - 33Scott, Miss M. E. .............. 72, 150 Sowing the Seed in K ia n g -si ... 24Seed, Miss .............. ............... 56, 76 Special Services in Yun-nan Fu ... 18Shearer, W. E .................. .............. 33. 72, 169 Spiritual Preparation for Work ... 157Slimmon, J. A .................. .......................... 32 Stations and Missionaries of the C.I.M. ... 97Simpson, Mr. and Mrs.... 13, 49, 76, 117, 154, 169 Statistics of Protestant Missions in China ... 74Smsdley, Miss .............. ... .......................... 38 Statistics of the C.I.M. for January, 1889 ... 88Smith. Tohn ............... ............... 13, 57, 76Smith, Stanley P., B.A., and Mrs. 75, 76, 84, 126, 168Souter, W. M. ... .......................... 155 TStedman, M iss ............... .......................... iSiSteven, Fred. A. 117, 13», 156 Taylor, J. Hudson, Articles by—Stevens, Miss J. .............. 39, 83 A New Year’s Greeting........................ . I

Stevenson, Owen ........... 17, 131 Sorely Tried .............. « ••• 33Stevenson, J. W. 8, 17, 25, 46, 61, 70, 76, 117, Divine Strength ... — ............. ... 59

130, 153, *59 Tlie Results of Coming to the K in g .. ... ... 115

iv IN D E X .

PAGE PAGEA Full R ew ard................................................. 130 VA Second Visit to North America .............. ... 143Spiritual Preparation for Work.......................... ... 157 Value of Medical Missions.............. ... 122

. To Every Creature ..................................... ... 171 Visit to Pa-chau ......................... .......... ... 160•The Famine in China ..................................... 29» 31, 78 Visit to the Scene of the Yellow River Disaster ... ... 146The Harvest Waiting in H o-NAN ... .„ 21The Need of K iang-si ..................................... 22

wThe Opposition of the D e v i l ................................ ... 81The Results of Coming to the /King .............. ... 115The Work in the Hiao-i D is tr ic t .......................... 42.174 “ Wholly Thine” ......................... .. 86Tidings from Scattered Workers .......................... 38, 55 Work at Lao-ho-k’eo.......................... »M ••• ... I44Tidings from T'ai-chau ..................................... ... 131 Work at Y u h -sh a n ....................... « 52Tidings irom the-Scene of the Yellow River Disaster ... 32 Work in Ning-hai ......................... 6lTo Every C rea tu re ................................................. ... 171 Work in Pa-chau .......................... ... 69“ To the Poor the Gospel is Preached ” .............. 62 Work in the Lai-gan District (w ... I46Tour on the Thibetan Borders .......................... ... 134 Work in Wan-hien ... ... 70Trip to the Hills ................................................. - 138 Work on the Si-gan P la in .............. ... 80

l ö s t o f I llu s tr a tio n s .

C it y cf Y u n-yang F u ................................................................................... 7

Street in H a n - k o w ..................................................................................................10

T h e P o -y a n g Lake, K i a n g - s i ................... 23

Theatricals in C h in a ................................................................................................. 27

T h e M ilita ry Governor of K h a m i ...................................................................... 35

M u ssu lm an Tem ple of K h a m i ............................................................................... 37

T h e Great W a l l ..................................................................................................51

A Tartar W o m a n ................................................................................................. 54

C it y W a l l and Citadel, P e k i n .............................................. 67

A fine A r c h w a y in A m o y ............................................................................... 71

B u d d h ist M onastery in Thib et ..................................................................... 118

Shipping near H o n g -k o n g ..............................................................................121

A R o w of M erchants’ Stores, P e k in ............................................................135

Forts at T a -k u , M outh of the T ie n -ts in R iver ..........................................146

Prem ises of the Shen-si Guild, H a n -k o w .................................................. 149

C o u n tr y m a n of the Shores of the P e i-h o .................................................. 162

Chinese Cooking-stove and F o o t-w a r m e r ...................................................165

A Chinese V i l l a g e ................................................................................................ 175

Chinese G a r m e n t s ................................................................................................ 177

Chinese Girls’ H air at different A g es ............................................................177

L earning to Read ................................................................................................ 178

J fr o n tis p im .

Map of China, showing the Stations of the C. I. M.

C h I N A ’S M I L L I O N S .

iT«)

v W>rary of

% | t o fear's greeting. (yale divinity school

« A ribband o f blue."— Num. xv. 38. ^ f c j f e v e n , C - ^ ,

'S we sail along the beautiful coast of Japan, with a noble mountain, Fusiyama, full in sight, we wish to send a New Year’s greeting to our many friends at home. Not a few, we believe, will join with us in seeking a blessing on the coming year, that those at home and those in China may alike glorify G o d and fulfil the work He may give us to do. W e would remind ourselves at this season, and draw the attention o f beloved friends to the instructive passage with which the fifteenth chapter of Numbers closes; a n d may G o d , through our meditation on His precious Word, make it yet more precious and practical to each one o f us, for C h r i s t our Redeemer’s sake.

The ordinance concerning this " ribband of blue ” closes an important chapter. It commences with instructions concerning the bumt-offering, the sacrifice in performing a vow, and the free-will offering. It was not to

be supposed that any one might present his offering to G o d according to his own thought and plan. I f it were to be acceptable— a sweet savour unto the L o r d — it must be an offering in every respect such as G o d had appointed. W e cannot please G o d in ways of our own devising; from beginning to end it must be, 11 Not my will, but Thine be done.”

Then from the seventeenth to the twenty-first verses the L o r d claims a first-fruits. Thepeople of G o d were not to eat their fill and consume all that they cared to consume, and then giveto G o d somewhat of the remainder; but before they touched the bread o f the land a heave-offering was to be offered to the L o r d , and when the requirement of G o d had been fully met, then, and not till then, were they at liberty to satisfy their own hunger and supply their own wants. How often we see the reverse of this in daily life. Not only are necessaries first supplied from the income, but every fancied luxury is procured without stint, before the question of consecration to G o d o f time and substance is really entertained.

Then follow the directions concerning errors from heedlessness and ignorance. The people were not to suppose that sin was not sinful if it were unconsciously committed. Man’s knowledge and consciousness do not make wrong right or right wrong. The will o f G o d ought to be known : not to know that will is in itself sinful; and not to do that will, whether consciously or unconsciously, is sin— sin that can only be put away by atoning sacrifice. G o d dealt in much mercy and grace with those who committed sins o f ignorance, but w 11 the sin was known and recognised, confession and sacrifice were immediately needful. And, thank G od , the sacrifice was ordained, and the sin could be put away. It was not so with the presumptuous sin. No sacrifice was appointed for a man, whether bom in the land or a stranger, who reproached the L o r d by presumptuous sin. O f that man it was said, "H e shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.”

This distinction is very important to make. W e are not to suppose that our holiest service is free from sin, or can be accepted save through J e s u s C h r i s t our L o r d . W e are not to suppose that sins of omission, any more than sins of commission, are looked lightly upon by G o d : sins of forgetfulness and heedlessness or ignorance are more than frailties— are real sins, needing atoning sacrifice. G o d

J a h u a r y , 1889.

2 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

deals very gently and graciously with us in these matters, and when transgression or iniquity is brought home to the conscience, “ if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Even when walking in the light, " as He is in the light,” we are not beyond the need of atonement. Though our fellowship with G o d is unbroken by conscious transgression, it continues unbroken only because “ the blood of J e s u s C h r is t , His Son, is cleansing us from all sin.” The man, however, who would presume on G o d ’s forgiveness, and despise G o d ’s holiness and claim upon His people, by doing deliberately the thing that he knows to be contrary to G o d ’s will, that man will find spiritual death and spiritual dearth inevitably follow. His communion with G o d is brought to an end, and it is hard to say how far Satan may not be permitted to carry such a backslider in heart and life. It is awfully possible not merely to “ grieve ” and to u resist,” but even to “ quench ” the S p i r i t of G o d .

W e have a solemn example of presumptuous sin in the case of the man found gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. He was not— he could not be ignorant of G o d ’s ordinances concerning the Sabbath. The gathering of sticks was not to meet a necessity; his case was not parallel with that of the poor man who perhaps has received his wages late on Saturday night, and has had no opportunity of purchasing food in time to prepare it for the day of rest. To the Israelite the double supply of manna was given on the morning of the day before the Sabbath, and as the uncooked manna would not keep, it was necessary that early in that day it should be prepared for food. He had no need of the sticks to cook his Sabbath’s dinner. And the country was so hot that no man would kindle a fire from choice or preference. His object in gathering the sticks was simply to show, openly and publicly, that he despised G o d , and refused to obey His holy ordinance: rightly, therefore, was that man put to death.

But occasion was taken in connection with this judgment to introduce the wearing of the “ ribband of blue.” G o d would have all His people wear a badge. Throughout their generations they were to make them fringes in the borders of their garments, and to put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue, that they might look upon it and remember all the commandments of the L o r d , and do them, and might be a holy people, holy unto their G o d , who brought them out of the land of Egypt, to be their G o d . Blue is the colour of heaven. The beautiful waters of the deep sea reflect it, as do the depths of the cloudless sky. When the clouds come between, then, and then only, is the deep blue lost. It is the will of G o d that there should never be a cloud between His people and Himself, and that as the Israelite of old, wherever he went, carried the ribband of blue, so His people to-day should manifest a heavenly spirit and temper wherever they go, and should, like Moses, in their very countenances bear witness of the glory and beauty of the G o d whom they love and serve.

H o w in te re stin g it m ust h a ve been to see that ribban d o f b lue carried b y the farm er in to the fie ld , b y the m erch an t to h is p lace o f b u sin ess, b y the m a id -serva n t into the in nerm ost p arts o f the d w ellin g , w h en p erfo rm in g h er d a ily d u ties. Is it le ss im p o rtan t that the C h ristian o f to -d ay, called to be a w itn e s s for C h r is t , sh o u ld be m a n ife stly ch a ra cterised b y H is sp irit ? S h o u ld w e n ot a ll be " im itato rs o f G o d , as d ear ch ild ren ,” and “ w a lk in love, as C h r i s t a lso hath loved us, and g iv en H im s e lf for us ” ? A n d sh o u ld n ot th is sp ir it o f G oD -likeness be carried into the sm a llest d etails o f life , and not be m e re ly reserved fo r sp ecia l o cca sio n s ? I f w e u n d erstan d a righ t the m ean in g o f o ur S a v i o u r ’s d irectio n , “ B e y e th erefore perfect, even as y o u r F a t h e r w h ich is in h eav en is p erfect,” it tea ch es th is g rea t tru th . W e are to be the sa lt o f the earth and the lig h t o f the w orld , n ot to b re a k one o f th e le a s t o f the com m andm en ts, n ot to g iv e w a y to an ger, n or to to lerate th e th o u g h t o f im p u rity , to g iv e no ra sh p rom ises, o r in co n versatio n to s a y m ore than y e a o r n ay . T h e sp irit o f reta lia tion is not to be in d u lged in ; a y ie ld in g n e ss o f sp irit is to ch aracterise the ch ild o f the k in gdom , and th o se w h o hate and d e sp ite fu lly u se u s are to be pitied, and loved, and p ra y ed for. T h e n com es the d irectio n , u B e y e th erefo re p erfect, even as y o u r F a t h e r w h ich is in h eav en is p erfect.” In the little frictio n s o f d a ily life , as w e ll as in the m ore serio u s tria ls and p ersecu tio n s to w h ich the C h ris tia n is exp o sed , he is to be m a n ife stly an im itator o f h is h e a v e n ly F a t h e r . N o w , G o d ’s p er­fectio n is an ab so lu te p erfection, w h ile o urs, at best, is o n ly re lative. A n eedle m a y be a p erfect needle, in e v e r y re sp e ct ad ap ted fo r the w o r k fo r w h ich it w a s m ade : it is not a m icroscop ic o b je c t ; u n d er the m a g n ify in g p o w er it becom es a ro u gh , h o n eyco m bed p o ker, w ith a ra g g e d hole in the p lace o f the e y e . B u t it w a s n ot m ade to be a m icrosco p ic object, and b e in g adap ted to the p u rp o se for w h ich it w a s m ade, it m a y p ro p erly be co n sid ered a p erfect n eedle. S o w e are n ot ca lled 10 be p erfect a n g els , o r in a n y resp ect D iv in e , b u t w e are to be p erfe ct C h ristia n s, p erfo rm in g the p riv ile g e d

du ties th at as such d e v o lv e upon us.

CH IN AS MILLIONS. 3

Now, our F a t h e r makes according to His perfection the least little thing that He makes. The tiniest fly, the smallest animalcule, the dust of a butterfly’s wing, however highly you may magnify them, are seen to be absolutely perfect. Should not the little things of daily life be as relatively perfect in the case of the Christian as the lesser creations of G o d are absolutely perfect as His work ? Ought we not to glorify G o d in the formation of each letter that we write, and to write a more legible hand as Christians than unconverted people can be expected to do ? Ought we not to be more thorough in our service, not simply doing well that which will be seen and noticed, but as our F a t h e r makes many a flower to bloom unseen in the lonely desert, so to do all that we can do as under His eye, though no other eye ever take note of it ? Is it not our privilege to take our rest and recreation for the purpose of pleasing Him, to lay aside our garments at night neatly (for He is in the room, and watches over us while we sleep), to wash, to dress, to smooth the hair, with His eye in v iew ; and, in short, in all that we are and in all that we do to use the full measure of ability which G o d has given us to the glory of His holy Name? Were we all always so to live, how beautiful Christian life would become! how much more worthy a witness we should bear to the world of Him whose witnesses we are! May the new year on which we are, D.V., so soon to enter see in us all that growth in grace which will glorify G o d ; and may tell-tale faces, and glad hearts, and joyful service be to each one of us as “ a ribband of blue," reflecting the very hue of heaven, and reminding our­selves and one another of our privilege to “ remember all the commandments of the L o r d , and do them.”

“ Blessed are the dead which die in the L O R D f r 07n henceforth ; yea, saith the SP IR IT , that they may rest from their labours, and their zuorks do follow them.”— Rev. xiv. 13.

SINCE the above was written the L o r d has sent us another and a very solemn New Year’s message, to work while it is day, for the time is short. Three young men, full of vigour and devotion to

their work have been taken to the M a s t e r ’s presence. Letters from China, dated Oct. 4th, brought the very sorrowful tidings of the death of Mr. Norris and of Mr. Dorward— two beloved brethren who had proved themselves most efficient and faithful labourers in their respective spheres of service. The mail of Oct. 23rd brought the following from Mr. Stevenson :—

Yesterday, I lament to say, I received the following telegram :— “ S a y e r s d e c e a s e d .” This has filled us with intense sorrow— it comes quite unexpectedly.

The L o r d is speaking to us in loud tones by these sudden removals— three in less than one month. May He

lead us to yield up ourselves more and more unreservedly to Himself and His service. G od is surely about to send great blessing on us as a Mission, and these sore trials are sent to prepare the way and make room for His fulness.

H E R B E R T L. N O R R IS.

MR. NORRIS went to China in 1884, and on arrival at once took up work in the China Inland Mission Protestant Collegiate School at Chefoo, of which he afterwards became Head Master,

and in that position raised the school to a high degree of efficiency. A Friend who nursed Mr. Norris during his illness writes :—

Sept. 17th.— A t Dr. Douthwaite s request I write to tell you of the great loss that has occurred to the Mission in the death of Mr. Norris. About a month ago a miserable- looking dog entered the boys’ schoolroom, and rushed in turn at several of the boys. They all avoided it by spring­ing on to their desks, and then it made off up the corridor to the boys’ bedroom, where some boys were preparing for bed. Mr. Norris went after it and got it into a corner, when it flew at him and bit his finger. After seeing the boys into bed, he came up to Dr. Douthwaite and told him of the incident, and the doctor cauterised the scratch, for it was little more. No further trouble was experienced and the thing was forgotten by all. Last Monday Mr. Norris did not feel well. On Tuesday he kept his room ; he had difficulty in swallowing, but he thought it was caused by a cold. On Wednesday he became a little delirious, and the doctor carefully brought him up to his

house, thinking it would be quieter than the school, and that he could then have him entirely under his own care.

Delirious as was his talk, I feel 1 shall always be the better for having heard it. Such high aspirations, and such a grand conception of his work— so happy in it, and in his connection with all in the compound. His trouble was that he could not do all he would for the boys, being so short-handed, but he comforted himself with the thought that God knew how much it was possible for him to do, and would not expect more.

Many of the boys he mentioned by name, and said what dear boys they were. He spoke in very loving terms of Mr. F. McCarthy, and said what a blessing it was for the school that he had been led to take up the work.

It was not until Wednesday evening that the horrible thought flashed across Dr. Douthwaite’s mind. Could the disease be hydrophobia ? and when he went over the

4 C H IN AS M ILLIONS.

symptoms, no doubt was left in his mind as to that being the case.

A s time went on Mr. Norris got more violent, but by administering sleeping draughts he was quieted, and suffering was prevented. A ll night he talked wildly, but did not seem very much distressed. Mr. Stooke and Mr.

A t the end of the letter from which the above

“ Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ? ”

O f whom may this be more truly said than of my beloved friend Norris ?

Finlayson kept watch in turn, Dr. Douthwaite constantly going in and out during the night. Towards morning he went into a state of coma from which he never rallied, but very peacefully passed away at two o’clock this after­noon (Thursday). It is a terrible blow to all here, for he was beloved and admired by all who knew him well.

is taken Dr. Douthwaite wrote :—

A more noble, generous, and loving friend I have never had, nor can have, for he was the embodiment of all that is manly and CHRiST-like. Mrs. Rex has given you all the necessary details, and I am too sad at heart to care about writing.

The following is from the North China Daily News:—

HERBERT L. NORRIS, the beloved and honoured Head Master of the Protestant Collegiate School for boys at

Chefoo, a man singularly qualified for the position which he so ably filled, died of hydrophobia on the 27th September, 1888. Some weeks before, a mad dog had found its way into the school premises; anxious for the safety of the boys under his care, Mr. Norris at once attempted to turn it out, whereupon

They bore him sadly to his early grave,On that green slope that fronts the restless tide,Their bright, young faces awed to tearful calm—

The lads for whom he died.

Oh noble life! to whom earth’s gains were naught,The world’s loud praises but an empty sound,While in the confidence of these young hearts

A rich reward he found.

Scorn of all shams and cowardice and wrong,Flashed with keen anger from his sparkling eyes,Yet had he tender words for sorrowing hearts,

And counsel calm and wise.

He loved them all, and longed to make the boys Brave, trusted, strong as English lads should be,With gentle hearts and ready sympathies,

Faithful, and bold, and free.

A boy among his boys, he loved to hear Their laughter ring along the sandy shore,Alas ! the voice that led those joyous sports

Is hushed for evermore.

G o d placed him there, and nobly he fulfilled The task he took from the great M a s t e r ’s hands.

the dog attacked him, biting him in several places upon the hand.

He would not leave to have the wounds cauterised till he had seen the dog killed, fearing lest in his absence it might injure the boys. In consequence of this delay, medical treatment was obtained too late, and Mr. Norris’s devotion to his boys cost him his life.

Why does God call His noblest workmen home While white the harvest stands ?

What wonder that we mourn a life so fair,Poured out like water on the desert sand !Whispering, with trembling lips, “ G od ’s ways are strange

And hard to understand.”

Oh blind, blind eyes! See in life’s leaden sky A tiny rift, through which the blue shines bright ;Our F a t h e r condescends, by parable,

To strengthen faith with sight.

Not dead ! not dead ! in the far years to come,The lads he loved— their boyhood left behind,Shall in his noble life— his early death,

An inspiration find.

This seed-thought, planted sadly by his grave,In future days, its precious fruit shall bear,Firing to acts of brave self-sacrifice

The boys he held so dear.

And looking down from those far heights, new won, Perchance his heart, stirred with the old love still,Shall joy to see the lads for whom he lived

So well life’s task fulfil.

A D A M C. D O R W A R D .

MR. D O RW AR D went to China in 1878. He came home in February, 1887, and returned to China in October of the same year.

Speaking at our annual meeting in May, 1887,

O f the nine years that I have been in China, six years have been thus spent in trying to settle in H u -n a n . During all that time, just passing from place to p lace ; it has very often been attended with great suspense. W e have come to a city, by foot or by native boat, and have entered it, not knowing whether we should leave it alive or not. But G o d ’s presence was very real to me in

he said :—

the midst of all difficulties and trials. Sometimes I have been thankful that 1 had taken a journey, if only for the experience I had myself realised of G o d ’s presence and blessing in my soul. I hope to work in the same field again. I believe that G od will yet give us a settlement among the people, and that He will win many trophies for the L o r d Je s u s in that province.

Extracts from letters from Rev. J. W . Stevenson :—

C. I. M., Shanghai, October 3rd, 1888.I am exceedingly grieved to say a telegram has reached

me from Sha-shi, from Mr. Gulston, announcing Mr. D o r w a r d ’s death ! This news has caused us intense sorrow, as I am quite sure it will do you and friends at home. He was a devoted, faithful, zealous brother. The L o r d help us to follow him as he followed C h r is t . The L o r d send out a great many in his place.

In a letter from Chang-teh Fu, dated Aug. 15th, he sa y s:— “ I feel as if I would be willing to do almost any­thing that would be honouring to G o d , or undergo any hardship, if only I could get footing in Chang-teh, and see men and women turning to G o d .” This quotation shows our dear brother was willing to go all lengths for the S a v i o u r , and often has he hazarded his life for the L o r d

J e s u s C h r is t .

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 5

The same mail that brought to his mother the tidings of his death also brought to her the fol­lowing touching letter. Comment is needless; it speaks for itself. Oh for more men like A dam D o r w a r d in all the Mission Fields of the world !

Ska-shi, 15th September, 1888.M y d e a r M o t h e r ,

In my last letter I mentioned that Mr. and Mrs. Gulston had gone to I-chang for a change. I hoped that they would have been back by to-day, but last Tuesday I had a note from Mrs. Gulston, in which she says Mr. Gulston has been very poorly with dysentery, and at the time she wrote he had been confined to bed for two days. Consequently their coming back is somewhat indefinite. There is a steamer expected from I-chang on Monday morning. I scarcely think they will come by it; but I expect at least to get a letter, and hope it may bring news of Mr. Gulston’s recovery.

I have also had not very good news from Shih-sheo. When I was in H u -n a n there was some trouble there; but peace was restored, and all seemed to be going on well. On Wednesday, however, I had a letter from Mr. James, informing me that they have again had trouble, and this time it appears to have been more serious than it was before. At the time he wrote they were having a spell of quiet; but it was in suspense, as placards to agitate the people were posted about the place, and it is rumoured that a riot is coming on the 15th day of the 8th Chinese month (next Tuesday) to destroy the house, and drive the foreigners out of the place. Being alone in Sha-shi, I am unable to leave, and therefore cannot at present render any personal assistance; but I have written to Mr. James, telling him how sorry I am to hear of their trouble, and suggested if he sends Mr. Lawson up here I will gladly go down and join him. I hope G o d w ill undertake for us, and restrain the people ; but if in His wisdom and love He permit “ those of the baser sort ” to cause still further trouble we can but say,“ Thy will be done,” knowing that G od is able to bring about His own glory by ways and means that we know nothing of. “ G od reigneth over the heathen,” and we may rest assured that the enemy will not get it all his own way. Satan may think we are getting too near the border of H u -n a n , but “ G od is fo r us,” and with His help we mean to get nearer still, and hope to claim for our King J e s u s many trophies out of the ranks of the enemy. Pray that we may soon have this joy. “ The heathen shall yet be given to Him for an inheritance, and the uttermost part of the earth for a possession.”

At present the (cholera) pestilence is very bad in Sha shi. It seems to be not an uncommon thing for men to fall down in the street, and die in a short time. I saw one such case a few daj s ago ; and from what I am told it appears scarcely possible to go along the streets without passing several dead or dying, not to speak of funerals you may see or the wailing for the dead you may hear.It is said the price of coffins has gone up from 30 to 50 per cent. Ever since I came back from H u - n a n the people have been daily (I have not noticed them to-day) parading

the streets with long dragons made of calico or some other material, beating gongs, and firing crackers. This is to propitiate the gods and turn back the pestilence. Alas, the dense darkness that enshrouds the people ! But they love the daikness, and will not come to the light, and this is their condemnation.

You need not be in any way anxious on my account. I am just as much in the L o r d ’s keeping here as I would be if I were at home— ay, and just as safe, too. The L o r d can easily command that 110 evil befall me, and that no plague come nigh my dwelling; and then though a thousand fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand, it shall not come nigh me. But if the L o r d should will otherwise still all w ill be well.

There have not been so many people coming into the preaching-hall of late. It is, however, interesting and somewhat encouraging to find out that a good many people have a certain amount of Gospel knowledge; yet we cannot get them to come to the more private meetings 011 the L o r d ’s day. W e need the mighty power of the H o l y S p i r it to apply the truth to their hearts and convince them of sin. I long to see some definite conversions. Pray for this.

i jth September.— The people still continue to parade the streets with their idolatrous processions.

I have received a letter from Mr. Gulston, saying he and Mrs. Gulston expect to arrive here on Wednesday evening.

18th September.— Mr. Lawson arrived here this after­noon, and Mr. James wishes me to go down and join him at once, in the hope that I may be of some help in the difficulty and trouble at Shih-sheo. Praise G od that I am again honoured to go to the front of the battle! Duty calls, but it is a high privilege so to be honoured of G od. May we be enabled to lose all confidence in ourselves or in the arm of flesh, and may our confidence be in G od alone. " My soul, wait thou only upon G o d , for my expectation is from Him.” I have engaged a boat, and I (D.V.) go off to-morrow morning. The boatman has pro­mised to get me there by to-morrow night; but unless the L o r d undertake for us in the matter, the weather may be against us. I trust He will manifest Himself on our behalf, take me to Shih-sheo in safety, and give us peace at that place. I don’t know how long I may have to stay, but I hope to be able to send you a letter within the next fortnight. Good-night, as it.is time I was in bed. "C a st­ing all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."" Your Father knoweth.” * ' *

A d a m .P.S.— In my consecutive reading of G o d ’s Word the

chapter this morning was Daniel iii. How precious and how suitable ! See verses 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27.

A. C. D.“ The S on of G o d , who l o v e d m e and gave H im se lf

f o r m e.”

E L D R E D S. S A Y E R S .

TV/TR. SA YE R S went to China in 1886, after a stay at the Mission House in London, which was much more prolonged than usual. During this time he won the warm esteem of every one, and his

early removal is deeply felt. In China he was located in the Wun-chau district, and will be greatly missed. Mr. Stevenson wrote only on October 4th, “ Mr. Sayers has returned to Ch’u-chau Fu, and reports favourably of the work. He hopes soon to visit the seven remaining Hien cities of the Prefecture.”

It seems that he wrote to Mr. Langman from Ch’u-chau on October 9th, saying that he was ill with fever and ague. Mr. Langman invited him to come to Kin-hwa, and afterwards sent for him ; he arrived on the 15th, very ill, and Mr. and Mrs. Langman and Mr. Wright nursed him until the 21st, when he succumbed to typhus fever. While with them he was almost constantly delirious.

6 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

liffir a ltu s in a Ifcfo S ta t io n .F R O M M R. J A M E S .

SH IH -SH E O , Sep. 10th.— In writing of our continued residence here there is much wherein we praise our

G o d . During August we had large numbers daily who

came to see, hear, and buy books. W e had also four' cases of opium-poisoning, which were successfully treated. Such peace prevailed during the month, the whole place seemed glad to have us residing here.

Some seemed nearing the kingdom, and were gradually growing bold to join us in prayer on week-day mornings, and also to meet with us on L o r d ’s Days. But how in­secure are all earthly things, and how false may prove our dearest hopes! This month has brought a reversion.

Now how changed are our circumstances ! The devil has gathered his hosts to defeat our purposes, and if possible to cause our withdrawal from the place. Every­thing continued peaceful until Monday, the 3rd inst.; then there commenced nightly processioning of the dragon— the object aimed at being the driving from the street of the evil spirit, the cause of the prevailing sick­ness among the people. There had been no threats of their coming to our house, and we had retired, when, without waiting, the door was suddenly burst open and a large crowd of excited roughs demanded of us to fire crackers, or else admit them to our hall. This, of course, we could not do, so standing on the doorstep I endea­voured to keep them back. I tried to speak, but it was little they would hear. Fortunately they became divided, and the dragon was thrown down. Some were in favour of passing by, while others strongly wanted to cause uproar. Eventually a man who was friendly brought crackers, which were fired, and then, after a great deal of cursing, they passed on. Though we were freed from further trouble for that night, they said we had sinned against all the people of that street, and must atone for it by buying all the crackers on the street and firing them the next night as the dragon passed.

In our former trouble I had resisted great pressure, and kept away from the officials ; but now, after prayer,I felt I could do so no longer if our stay here was to be permanent. I was well received, and without any pres­sure was promised the fullest help possible. Three men were sent to spend the evening at our house. The dragon was brought again, followed by a much larger crowd, and the three ya-mun runners, with two policemen, had difficulty in getting them to go past. The next two days were more peaceful.

On Friday the officials issued proclamations stating that our being here was known to them, and that they would punish any who annoyed us. That night a man stood outside, and for some fifteen minutes cursed us most dreadfully. Next morning we found papers of a most slanderous nature posted over the town, one being placed on our own door. The proclamations had also been defaced, and some torn down. These facts I laid next morning before the officials. That day, Saturday, and Sunday were throughout very quiet, so I thought it right to send thanks to the ya-mun.

Throughout Monday the people who came into the hall were very uneasy, and rumours were afloat that on the 15th of the native month there was to be a general gathering of the city to demand of us a great firing of crackers, which being denied they would destroy the place and drive us out. Upon this I wrote a hasty line to Brother Dorward, asking either his presence or written advice. From 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. the place was full of men, who in great part were determined on fun, if not on mischief. This was very trying, especially having to hear

] so many talking of evil, but the worst was the sorrow to all who had been and are our friends. Our servant, middle­man, and his family were, with others, branded as having eaten the foreign religion. The landloid suffered m o st; day by day fresh papers were put out cursing him for having let his house to two foreign dogs ; his three gene­rations of ancestors and three generations of descendants suffered alike one curse. This, we are told, caused him grief, even to weeping.

Sept. 11th.— The day passed tolerably quietly. The L o r d graciously helps us to bear patiently much that at other times we could scarcely tolerate. A t night a fresh trouble awaited us. The people of this street were about to hold their yearly religious festival, to last at least four days. About 5 p.m. the innkeeper’s son came in and said he was deputed to solicit subscriptions for this worship of their idols. I tried to speak of our past eight months’ friendship, and of my continued desire to live in peace with him and all the people. I referred to his knowledge of our not being believers in Buddha, but to all this he would give no hearing, but said he was only to ask would I give or not ? Later in the evening the heads of this affair came in to consult upon the matter. It then turned out that this house had been used for some years past as the place of meeting, so they said if I would not give money I must find them another house. I pointed out the difference in our religious beliefs, our past friendliness, our willingness to help in any work of charity. They replied that they still wished to remain friendly, and would not by any means trouble anything of ours, but would in the morning come and take possession of our hall for four days, and have their worship here.

Next day, Wednesday, was again quiet but for the passing of the dragons, and rudeness from a few roughs.

On Thursday morning we rose to find our front door taken possession of on one side by a paper temple, with a black-faced idol on its top, and some sticks of incense on its sides. About it there soon gathered a crowd, which we feared would be worse as the day wore on, so we de­termined to ask the favour again of some runners to stay here during the evening hours. In the night we were aroused by a noise outside, which proved to be the cursing of some of our friends by some of the most earnest Buddhist worshippers. Early in the morning our land­lord came, and, in the most excited manner, said we could no longer remain in his house. Seeing the middleman is away at Sha-shi, I tried to persuade him to let the matter stay till his return ; but no, he said we must go in three days, or the tiles would be removed from over our heads. And thus we now stand, strong, glad, triumphant in our G o d , but hated and despised of His enemies.

Friday, Sept. 14th.— Again troubled by the landlord, who was most urgent as to our removal from the house.

Saturday was spent in quietness ; yesterday was more turbulent. Crowds were in all day, and inclined to be rude. News reached me that the landlord had made a feast, inviting all the chiefs of the town to confer as to our removal. M ay our G o d graciously hear our cry, and yet interpose to keep us in this house and allow us to bear testimony for J e s u s here. D ay by day to be in fear and dread of evil is not good for one’s nerves, but it is a good stimulus to prayer, though one should not need such times to make us wait upon G o d continually.

I should mention that on Sabbath evening the landlord and chiefs o f this place met for the feast, and to hold a conclave over the matter. Afterwards I was invited to meet a dozen or so of them. They were most polite,

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 7

spoke highly o f my virtuous intention and character, but said they wished to consider the matter of the threatened danger o f the 15th. I assured them o f m y peaceful in­tention, but that I could not think of giving up the place. Eventually I agreed to take down for five days our sign­board, as they said this would help them better to arrange matters o f peace with the different parties. A nd so we now await the issue of this fight with Satan. Victory is ours; our Go d doth fight for us.

That night, till very late, a crowd of men filled our hall. T h e LORD gave help, and we had no disturbance. Throughout the next day the air rang with threats for the following Saturday.

Late this evening Satan tried another method to alarm us. About 10 p.m. a sudden shower o f stones came against the wooden frontage of our house, breaking in several boards. Scarcely had we put the broken pieces together when another and yet another shower came. In the darkness we could trace no one.

Sept. 25/A.— To-night again came the stone-throwing. After the first stone I went outside, and at length saw a man stooping under shelter o f a house, so, waiting till a lantern came along, I stepped over and found there were several men in hiding. They soon scattered, but I knew one o f them, so I sent for the two policemen of this street and asked them to speak to this man. This being done,

CITY OF YUN-YANC FU.

Sept. 17/A.— Country people came in great crowds, to whom we spoke and sold books. .

Sept. 18th and 19/A.— These two days passed quietly. W e are having twelve men from the ya-mun as a protec­tion from riot. To-day Brother Dorward arrived safely.

Sept. 2o/A— Brother Dorward obliged to keep his bed, suffering from a severe attack o f dysentery, so, much as he desired, he could not help us with the crowds that filled the housed all day. W e sold a great number ot books. The crowds were so great, I felt it best to stand outside : so, looted, beaten, and killed, according to the threat of evil men, we had the privilege o f selling more books than for a long time p ast Several times the dragons passed our house, but no trouble occurred. In the morning a mandarin passed through the streets with several soldiers, warning the people to be peaceful.

Sept. 21 st, 22nd, and 2 3 **— These days passed in quietness. Crowds came all day, and many b o o ls were sold. This morning we were cheered b y the manifest in­terest a countryman took in the G ospel; he heard lt for the first time, and seemed to accept it in simple faith.

we have not had further trouble from that quarter.Sept. 28/A.— To-day had more trouble with the land­

lord ; he went to the shop of our middleman and returned our money and papers. The middleman now says he can stand this no longer ; the landlord’s rowing destroys his trade. T h e landlord is receiving letters full o f the most abusive language. G o d is our refuge, and the issues are with Him. . ,

Sept. 29/A.— To-day had a long argument with some scholars. Say they, W hy spend your energies, your time, your money this way when it is utterly impossible for you to make converts here ? And thus we are standing against Satan’s hosts o f error, evil, and persecution.

Oct. 8/A— E re this reaches you my last will doubtless have W " received. That letter I sent to Brother Dorward by the hand o f our native Brother Hwang, who if Brother Dorward could not rejoin us for a time, was to consult him as to the best step to be taken. You will doubtless have learned that our dear brother was too weak to give the matter any attention.

I am glad to say we continue still in peace, but the

C H IN A S MILLIONS.

landlord persists in our giving up the house, saying he wants no rent for the time here. It will be difficult to get another house of any size or convenience, but to leave Shih-sheo now would be fatal.

You may judge how great was my grief when news of dear Brother Dorward’s passing home reached me. I had fervently hoped and prayed that his might be a speedy recovery, so that he might be able to accompany Brother Hwang back here. Such was not the M a s t e r ’s ordering, and H e is all-wise, and worketh all for good

He arrived here late on Sept. igth, and seemed fairly well. W e had tea, and sat a long time conversing con­cerning our position here. Next day he was worse, and continued to get worse while here. I pressed his going to Han-kow as the quickest way to get medical assist­ance, but our brother thought that rest at Sha-shi, with Mrs. Gulston’s nursing, would prove sufficient. On the 24th he walked from the house to the boat, and I did not consider him reduced to any great extent. During his stay here he took little, and often complained that he was a hindrance rather than a help. I made him chicken broth, and tried other things, but all he could take was cocoa, cornflour, or oftener rice water. It is to us

mysterious that he, the strongest of us all, should be taken.I cannot but hope that this may prove an effectual call

for increased labourers in this district. Our dear brother was much troubled about the matter of more help. How could extension be effected with our present staff ? was constantly his plea. Early in Sept. he wrote, asking me if I would mind leaving my man for the preaching here with Brother Lawson, and join him on a journey of some fourteen days, visiting King-ho-k’eo, which he hoped to see opened this year. O f his plans and hopes for Chang-teh Fu he doubtless has told you himself.

But now our brother has g o n e ! Rest, glory, and reward already won, yet still H u -n a n lies in the hand of the evil one. His is a strong force to oppose u=, but victory even there must come. Who will take up the service ? Many are united in prayer that soon an abundant entrance may be given, that soon permanent work may be opened up. W ho is sufficient for this ser­vice ? I am most unworthy of His grace. Sometimes I feel like telling out by letter my conflicts and fears. I need your prayers. Oh that the SPIRIT of G o d in power and wisdom were poured out upon me ! S o vast a need ! So poor an instrum ent!

f f im s jof f i t t e s i .F R O M R E V . J. IV. S T E V E N S O N .

SH A N G -H A I, Sept. 27th.— Mr. Darroch, I am thank­ful to say, has agreed to take up the work in

Ku-ch’eng, and will proceed there shortly with Mr. Begg. Mr. Eyres goes to Ning-kwoh to be with Mr. Miller for a time. Mr. Grierson reports from Wun-chau one baptism on the 16th imt.

On August 23rd three men were baptised at Pao-ning. This makes thirteen baptised there altogether.

Mr. A. Polhill-Tumer writes me a very bright account o f .his work in Pa-chau.

Oct. 4th.— Mr. Wright, o f Yung-k’ang, reports five baptisms there on Sept. 16th.

Mr. Miller had a conference at Ning-kwoh ( G a n -H\v u y ) lately for the deepening of spiritual life. On Sunday, 30th September, nine persons were baptised. I hear that it was a very successful conference.

Dr. Cameron writes from Chung-k’ing that he hoped to baptise several persons soon. They are all encouraged with the work in the city. Mr. Wellwood writes me from Sui-fu (S i -c h ’u e n ) very brightly. He has been living fora month in our own hired house,and has accomplished most of the repairs needed. Mr. and Mrs. McMullan were expected shortly. D r. Parry reports onebaptism onSept.8th.

Mr. McCarthy has returned from his K i a n g -s i tour. On October 3rd he baptised five at Taku-tang, and

twenty-three during the whole tour. Mr. Orr Ewing has now opium refuges in four Hien cities. Three have been opened since he has taken up the work.

Oct. iSth.— Mr. Rudland writes me on the 10th inst. that nineteen persons were baptised— nine men and ten women— and that six more have been accepted.

Oct. igth.— One baptism reported from Kwei-yang, and I am thankful to hear that Mr. Windsor has rented a house in Gan-hsuin Fu. Praise G o d for this.

Oct. 26th.— Mr. McCarthy baptised six men on W ednes­day, 24th. I hear that Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Polhiil-Turner have arrived at Si-ning and hoped to get a Tibetan teacher soon. Mr. and Mrs. Laughton were going on to Liang- chau. I hear that Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Graham Brown have gone to T s ’in-chau, and that the three brethren Redfern, Huntley, and Bland have arrived at Han-chung.

Nov. m d .— The event of this week has been the arrival on the 30th of dear Mr. Taylor and his fifteen companion*. I am glad to say that he is looking remarkably well. He is full of hope and faith. It was a very great refreshment to meet him, even though he did not stay more than thirty hours with us. W e expect his coming will be greatly blessed. W e liked the friends very much. On the even­ing of their arrival we had a praise meeting. I think all who were present will never forget it.

| ln û % r ÿ itile Æfwrijï Jfarnwir.F R O M M R. C O U L T H A R D .

CH A U -K IA -K E ’O, H O -N A N , Sept 29//;.-D uring the past week I have visited the village about 130

l i from here, and very glad I am to report that through the grace of G o d another church has been organised, which will be self-supporting, and form an out-station of this. Some o f those received have been inquirers for a long while, and are very bright and earnest Christians. One, the father of seven sons, is especially so ; he and three of his sons were baptised on Wednesday last, September 26th ; his wife also believes.

Another man was baptised, making five in all. T w o others are ready, but were from hom e; all these c i u read, and family worship is held daily.

Oct. Zth.— On Wednesday last, at our church meeting, the cases of nine were discussed, six were accepted, and three deferred. A well-to-do tradesman was one of th ± accepted candidates. He has come out very brightly ; at present he is full of faith. He is reading the Old T esta­ment through, and when he meets with a difficult passage comes to me for an explanation. He is delighted with

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 9

the New Testament in the light of the Old. He gave me, a few days ago, a summary of Heb. xi. by reference to the history of each worthy in the Old Testament.

One boy, fourteen years of age, a bright lad, was one of the candidates. Some thought he was rather young, but in the examination he proved to be the brightest of all, and the eyes of the older ones were moist as he made his replies in such an artless, striking way, speaking of the S a v i o u r as “ my L o r d , my M a s t e r .”

A large tobacconist, who was deferred seven months ago, again applied for baptism, and in order that he might not miss the opportunity, sent some one in his stead to buy a stock of tobacco, as he could not have returned in time. I was sorry not to receive him, but he is not yet

prepared to close his establishment on the L o r d ’s Day, as he employs several hands. I do trust that he may yet

j have grace given him to take this step.Three of those received may be considered as the fruit

| of opening a hall on the south side of the river. They all live on this side, and but for the renting of the house here might still have been without hope and without G o d in this world.

Yesterday the six were baptised. W e had a blessed time in remembering the L o r d ’s death last night. Now the number of those baptised in H o -NAN amounts to twinty-four. Praise the L o r d !

If we can get a cart we start (D.V.) to-morrow for She-k’i-tien.

C J r t e r f o r j & c i b - s o f o m

F R O M M R. BOTH AM ,\

HA N -C H U N G , Aug. 30th.— This year so far has been spent in great part in travelling. I have

traversed about 5,000 l i (1,500 miles) and visited about thirty cities, besides innumerable towns and villages. There has been much to cheer and encourage in individual cases of interest. I do believe that no work done only for C h r i s t is useless or fruitless, though we may not know of the result, and that the great day will bring to light much grand fruit, many precious sheaves, that we had not the joy of seeing gathered.

In one out-of-the-way village among the hills of K a n - s u h I found an old man and woman repeating the L o r d ’s prayer together before going to their day’s work, who had only heard the Gospel once, and had one small book which the old man could read.

I think it is so grand that we may not only expect to see present blessing, but also to find fruit after many days. The seed may lie hidden and seem lost for a long time.

Some months ago I visited a village, and met with no special encouragement, but I gave the message G o d gave to me at the time and left, remembering the place afterwards in prayer. I have only recently heard that a man at that village who heard me speak and bought a book afterwards believed and gave himself to G o d . Praise the L o r d !

This is very encouraging, and throws a bright light on these weeks of travel. I have had many other cases for praise, both in S h e n -SI and especially in K a n -SUH.

(Bn limite îatF R O M M R. R E D F E R N .

ON Tuesday,July 24th, we reached a village called Lan- tan, where Mr. George King lived six months after

being turned out of Hing-an, a large city some eighty miles up the river. W e made no stay other than to buy a few provisions of which we were in need.

After breakfast, as we were sitting on the fore-part of our boat, our attention was drawn to something that was float­ing down the stream, which we soon recognised to be a human body, and of course thought the boatmen would at any rate pay some attention ; on the contrary, they were as regardless as they were of a dead dog which had been carried past us some few minutes before. We could not but notice the body as it passed close by our boat. A l­though it must have been in the water some days, yet we could distinctly see the agonies of death written on the features ; and as both arms were uplifted as though be­seeching help, we were greatly moved. W hat a picture of the millions in China ! Dead souls passing on to eternity, and yet, by the fact of so many idol-temples, showing they are seeking for help, though they find none. Many who know their state are as regardless and unfeeling as our boatmen were.

d e l i v e r a n c e f r o m p i r a t e s .

Later on in the day the LORD gave us a great deliver­ance, proving beyond a doubt that He is on our side. W e were busy studying at about 11 o’clock, the boat being anchored in a very lonely spot, while the men were taking their rice, when a man entered our cabin in a polite manner, and on being invited, took a seat. W e gave him

a tract to read, and at this time noticed that he had a dagger in his belt. Then another man made his appear­ance, taking a seat very unceremoniously, and eyeing everything, especially ourselves. W e went on reading, except answering a few questions as to whether we were English or French, etc. One then stood up and began to examine my cabin-pocket, where my watch was, the chain being attached outside. He quickly unfastened this, and then examined the watch, which was a Waterbury, asking if it were made of silver, and if I would give it to him. 1 o f course refused. He gave a smile of disdain, and at once fastened the chain round his fingers. At this time a third man made his appearance, and he was carrying a dagger too. He began to examine Huntley’s mosquito curtain, asking a few questions ; and then another man entered the doorway, who was carrying a bag, and I at once noticed he had a pistol. Things now seemed growing serious, and the men being so cool, one did not know what to do. Our men outside were quite uncon­cerned, so we were thrown entirely upon G o d — a grand position.

I prayed that we might be kept cool and exhibit no fear, and the L o r d truly helped us in this, for we kept appear­ing to be reading. Bland then told me his watch had gone ; it had been placed on his bunk, where we were sitting studying. He told them his watch was missing, and in a moment our servant had a short wrestle with one of the men, and took the watch from him, and re­turned it to Mr. Bland. T he man who had my watch, and was the leader, then came and demanded the other, but

IO CHINA'S M ILLIO NS

did not persist when we told him in English not to give it. A t this time the fourth man went out, bnt returned immediately, having a large bag, in which were swords. Our boy then called out loudly for the captain, who was on the other boat. I at this lim e m oved m y position, and placed m yself near the man who had the pistol, for he had now taken it out o f the bag, and I saw it was an old- fashioned horse-pistol. T h e L o r d kept me very.cool, and I never remember H is presence being so real and pre­cious as at this time. I prayed that we might be delivered from these men and that 1 might get m y watch again, which was in the man’s pocket. Huntley had left the cabin and gone to the other boat to ask the men to come to help us ; we did not know where he had gone, and so

at the same time, and truly the L o r d heard us, for the man, after speaking a few words to the others, put his hand in his pocket and then turned round to me and handed the watch. I quietly took it, without saying any­thing to him, but thanked GOD that he had heard our prayers, for after this I did not doubt but that the men would leave. Our boatmen then went on shore to start the boat, and two o f the pirates prepared to go, but the leader and another seemed reluctant at first.

It was a great relief to us to have the cabin again to ourselves, and we could only praise G o d again and again for such a deliverance. Our boatmen could not under­stand it at a ll, and said they would be likely to come back at night with more men, so that here we had a trial o f

STREET IN

more than ever felt cast upon G od . Brother Huntley told us afterwards that the boatmen only smiled and said these were very bad men, who would think nothing o f killing us and them, and that, as they had no money, they would not risk their lives.

In the meantime the captain came and had a long talk with the men. H e appeared to be very vexed, and yet at a loss to know what to do ; in fact, these four men inside and two outside seemed to have sole, charge, o f the' boat. Then the captain left Brother Bland and me with our boy, who was true to the end. W e were sitting quietly, appear­ing as unconcerned as it was possible to be, the L ord keeping us from overmuch fear. The leader then took the pistol from the other man, and coolly placed a cap on it and returned i t ; then again took the pistol and placed what appeared to be a new cap on, each time bringing it uncomfortably-near me. I felt now that something was going to b e done one way o r the other, and prayed earnestly. I knew that Bland and Huntley were prayipg

h a n -k o w .

faith; in fact, the trial after the men had gone was greater than when they were in our m idst -We were very anxious all day, and looked forward with some fear to the night, and yet we need not have done, for surely H e who had delivered could deliver. T h e L o r d so arranged that we arrived at a town about six o ’clock, where we anchored for the night, so that in this w e had to praise Him. The boatmen would only believe I had m y watch returned when they had seen it. 1 think what told most with them, as, no doubt, with the pirates themselves, was our cool­ness.

T his trial has been a great blessing, in that we now feel we know more what trust means : it has shown us how dependent we are on G od , and, in fact, the more we think, o f last Tuesday the more perplexed we are, nnless we attribute every thing to G od. W e have also learnt how weak we are in ourselves, how soon we can doubt and-be afraid, forgetting that H e who is for us is more than they who are against-us. _

C H IN AS MILLIONS. i l

J f o r % f f f w n g .

L E T T E R F R O M M I S S E M I L Y M . J O H N S O N .

To one ol the Hom e Council, together w ith translation o f a letter from one o f Miss Johnson’s schoolgirls tothe same friend.

NO R T H H O U SE , Han-chung Fu, Shen -SI.— It is with great pleasure I write to tell you a little about

the school work here, in which you have taken so deep an

interest, and for which you have spent so much time and trouble. H e who says, “ Suffer the little children to come unto Me,’’ will Him self reward you.

A fter describing the position and character o f the school building, Miss Johnson continues —

This is the order of things. At 9 (or 8.30 in summer) they begin to read, then repeat one by one to the teacher the lessons they have learned the day before. Then he reads with them the lesson they have to prepare for the next d a y ; this they then read over and over again out loud till n.30. After this they write copies till 12.30, then wash their very inky hands, and read (sentence by sen­tence after the teacher) “ Pilgrim’s Progress ” till one o’clock. Then have dinner, after which learn verse of Scripture for the day— at present 1 John iii. A t 2.30 assemble in schoolroom for class ; at 3.30 or 4 o’clock return home. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays they read and learn by heart from one of the Gospels— at present they are going through Mark. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays read from their native school books for the sake of the sound and character. In the after­noons Mondays and Wednesdays read a chapter all to­gether from “ Line upon Line,” and I question them upon what they have read ; on Tuesdays, catechism (a sort of Dr. W atts translated into Chinese) ; of this they can repeat pages by h e art; on Thursdays a singing-class. The children learn hymns with’marvellous rapidity, and can sing them very nicely ; on Fridays I question them upon, and hear them repeat, all the portions of Scripture which they have ever learnt, so as to prevent their forget­ting them. On Saturday, being a half-holiday, they only repeat all the week’s daily verses. Before every class

the roll is called, and every name marked on a board kept for the purpose.

There are some very interesting children who have been coming regularly to school for some years, and I thought perhaps you might like to hear about them. Tne eldest girl, who lives in the house, is the daughter of Mrs. Ma, our Christian woman. This child has lived for years with the ladies at the school. She has been bap­tized some time, and betrothed to the son of the former teacher of the school, Mr. Ho. This boy is a baptized Christian. T he father wishes the girl, who is sixteen years old, to read for another two years before her marriage. I really believe this child to be trying to live a holy, consistent life. I very seldom have occasion to punish her or find fault, but when I do she seems quite heartbroken. Her disposition is a very loving, clinging one, and I believe she will make a good wife and mother. She has an immense quantity of beautiful black hair, which hangs in a thick plait down to her knees. She learns whole chapters of the Bible with ease, and can tel 1 all the Old and New Testament stories beautifully. She has a class of younger children at Sunday-school, and preaches the Gospel as well as any one whom I have heard. She is a real comfort in the house, as she is so willing, and obedient, and useful. Her name is Chen- nii-tsz.

V e ry interesting descriptions o f several other girls follow, for w hich there is not space here, though we hope to g iv e them next month. Miss Johnson then continues : —

The other day I told the children how kind M rs.-----had been in sending all those nice things for them, and how kind you had been in so often helping to buy their rice and vegetables. It was the first time they had heard your name, and they were delighted, saying it over and over again, proud to be able to pronounce it—“ M is s te e .” Then they wanted to know thei-ser (meaning), so I told them............... “ Oh, K w a i! ’’they said, “ Kwai Sien-seng is his name.” So now you are known as Kwai Sien-seng. Sien-seng means “ es­quire,” or “ sir,” or more properly, “ teacher.” Chen-nii-tsz

at once said, “ W e ought to write and thank him, and song him something.” (Song means, give a present.) So she set to work, and little Chii-siang, to make some little things for you, but only managed to get these finished by mail time— a book-marker for yourself and ascent-bag for M rs. to wear hanging from the buttonsof her d ress; that is how natives always wear them. Chen-nii-tsz also has written a little note, of which I send translation. The children say you have “ wasted your heart ” upon them ; they are quite “ unworthy of so much honour.”

Enclosed w ith Miss Johnson’s letter w ere the presents above m entioned, and the little note of Chen-ntt-tsz w ritten in v e ry neat Chinese character, and o f which the follow ing is the translation :—

S ie n -se n g ,— In peace and good health I thank Sien-seng again and again for his interestedness. Before I did not know who was interested. The evening that I heard Cheo Ku-niang (Miss Johnson) say it was you, Sien-seng, I truly felt my un­worthiness. I also thank the grace of God, who caused Sien- seng to send the money for teaching me, so that I might know the same religion. I also have obtained eternal salvation, and know that the L ord Jesus died for me on the cross. I also

beseech Sien-seng to pray to G od for me, that the S a v io u r

might walk in front. I desire to see the face of Sien-seng and those of his family, then my heart would be full of rejoic'ng. I have made for Sien-seng a few small things ; do not despise them because made by my own hands. Excuse my not writing much.

4th month, 24th day.C h e n -n u -tsz (“ Little Pure-scent ”).

I have written this myself.

12 CHINA'S M ILLIONS.

m i é t iX Ï Ï t t i ï

ip r o b m c i .

F r om M iss M u ir .

Lanckau, June 2%tk.— “ The other day Mrs. Hogg and I were on our way to Mrs. Parker’s, w h eD , to our great joy, we were asked in to two houses, one after the other. In the first the woman was very pleasant; several neighbours came in, and one of them begged us to go to her house next time. Mrs. Hogg had a good opportunity of telling them the Gospel, and they pressed us to come again. In the next house there only lived one old woman, who was ill, but she had several guests spending the day, so again we had several listeners, and one or two mani­fested some interest. Oh that God would arouse these poor things, who have not a thought, apparently, beyond their present surroundings, and make them to thirst after Himself 1

[lily 24th.— “ To-day I was waylaid and almost pulled into a house by a very respectable elderly woman, and I certainly have not met with such a reception since I came up here. I saw six women, all one family, from young unmarried daughters up to an old woman of eighty. It was a real pleasure to get into a bright, talkative family, so different from many we have seen who sit and look at one in such a lethargic sort of way that one cannot tell if they are listening or not. I had such a happy time there; we seemed to be friends in a moment. I had some diffi­culty in getting away, and then it was with the promise of bring­ing Mrs. C. P. Turner, Mrs. Hogg, and baby to see them in a day or two. It was most refreshing to get such a reception. ”

S jm t- s i I jr o b m a .F rom M r . P e a r se .

Chen-ku, Aug. 14th.— “ We still get most interested and interesting congregations day by day. Mr. Liu, from Han- chung, is again staying with me for a few weeks. His help is very valuable in removing doubts in the minds of those who are interested. He is a zealous and well-instructed brother. We shall not employ anyone here, but trust the L o r d to raise up evangelists.

“ I have just published a small book for inquirers, setting forth clearly what are the advantages of becoming Christians, and wbat is required of those who desire to enter the Church. I think it may meet a want which I have felt for some time. We have formed a temperance soeiety, and started with six pledges. I purpose asking every person who is accepted as a catechumen to sign the pledge, as by this means a serious temptation will be removed.”

F rom M r. R o be r tso n .

Tai-yuen F u .— “ I am full of praise to our loving F a t h e r that I have gained in health since coming here. It is a joy to help dear Dr. and Mrs. Edwards, who are very kind.”

F rom M rs. E l l is t o n .

Tai-yuen Fu, Aug. 2nd.— “ Through this hot weather both I and my two dear boys are keeping in health. I have a class for children on Sundays; the numbers have varied from eight to twenty-three. Lo T ’ai-t’ai is back in T ’ai-yuen now. She is a very interesting and truly earnest Christian, and is quite a help to me sometimes. Her own family continue to persecute her, though some of the household will join her in singing hymns.”

F rom M rs K e y .

Sik-chau, Aug. 2>th.— “ Mr. Key had the joy of baptising seven converts three weeks ago, and others were asked to wait three months for further instruction. You know something of the joy of seeing people come out openly for C h r is t , and can joy in our joy. The S p ir it is moving in the hearts of many in

this city and the villages around. Dear Miss Kerr is at one of the out-stations, where she has been much blessed this summer.”

F rom M iss M il e s.

Ta-ning, July 3oth.— “ We have been away for three months. The first few days after our return we had such flocks of visi­tors. A great many of those who came wanted some simple remedy for slight ailments. We never give medicine without prayer, and without telling the comers of the G r e a t Ph y s ic ia n .

“ Dear old Elder ChaDg is here again. I am sure his life must be a great influence here, where he is so well known. He is such a faithful servant of G o d , and so kind and fatherly to us.

“ A man living a few l i away, is applying for baptism. He wanted to join the Church last year, but was growing opium, and could not be admitted. Praise G o d , this year he is free from that sin, and looks very bright, coming regularly on Sundays.

“ Last Friday two men came from a village about six l i away, and said there were several suffering; would we give them some medicine? We thought it would be a good plan to go, so waited until the worst of the heat was over, and then began our walk. Such liills ! All around was so pretty, but we had not time to stop and admire, for we had to get back before the city gate was shut. The village people were so nice. The time seemed to fly while we were there. So much to do and so much to say that, until it was nearly dark, we had forgotten the time ! They wanted to keep us for the night, but we hurried away, refusing their offer of donkeys. The man was waiting for us at the city gate, and as soon as we entered it was closed and barred for the night.

“ Yesterday (Sunday) was very full, from the first thing in the morning until nine at night. In spite of the heat, we had a good number of members, and in the afternoon there were a great many of the city women here. Some of the shopkeepers are interested in the Gospel, and one man is anxious to leave off his opium ; his brother broke off his when Mr. Cassels was here. Oh, how tired we were when the day was over ! Then we wanted to be off this morning before the sun was very hot to see an old woman who sent for us to pray with her, so when our man called through the window a little before five, we both seemed to have had rather a short night. However, the L o rd provided a horse for us, and we had a pleasant time on the road, and found our old friend and her daughter very pleased to see us. They offered us food, but we refused, on account of getting home before the great heat; and it was just as well we did, for our man told us they had very little food for themselves. Happy is the people whose G od is the L o rd ! Oh, we do long to see these poor, blinded people turn from false gods to serve the true L o rd !

“ Last night dear Pastor Ch’u came in. He was so bright. We both daily thank our loving F a t h e r for this dear native leader. He is so much beloved, both by his own countrymen and by the foreigners. May our God raise up many more like him ! ”

F rom M r . P h e l p s .

Wan-hien, Oct. 11 th.— “ You will be glad to hear that since I last wrote you we have enjoyed perfect peace ia our new house. It is now ten days since we came in, and we have had no trouble with either people or officials. I have had the shop door open every day, and a good number of visitors have heard the Gospel.

“ We have now good reason to thank G od for the diffi­culties we have recently met with here, for we are more firmly established than we otherwise should be. You will now join us in thanksgiving and praise to our prayer-hearing and ever- reigning G o d . We want to see J esus glorified in the salvation of souls. You will not cease to pray for us, will you ? I need hardly say how glad I shall be to hear of reinforcements for Wan-hien. I shall be very pleased to get the house ready for Mr. and Mrs. Williams. There is plenty of room for a married missionary, and two single ones besides.’'

CHINA'S MILLIONS. J3

F rom M r. R ir ie .

Lung cKang Hien, Aug. n th.— We [Messrs. Vale and Ririe] left Chung-k’ing on August 7th, and have had a nice journey over mountains and plains, through villages and towns crowded with people, as if every day was a holiday.

This Chen-tu road is busier than any I have seen in China. Between Chung-k’ing and Kia-ting we saw great crops of lice, sugar, Indian corn, various kinds of vegetables, and the cotton plant.

The people all along were most friendly ; we were able to sell some books and tracts at nearly every place we stopped. Some of the innkeepers pasted the tracts on the wall where all could read them. The most impressive thing is the great num­ber of villages and towns with immense populations. Twelve missionaries able to speak the language would be as nothing among the towns and villages between Kia-ting and Chung-k’ing.

Aug. l$tk.— We passed through a great mining district, salt and coal mines, but chiefly salt. There are hundreds of shafts or pits, which seem to cause a great traffic. There were about iwo thousand boats at one place.

Aug. 18th.— Arrived at Kia-ting. The L o r d has been very good to us in everything. His promise to keep us from a 1 evil Lever fails.

Aug. 20th.— Commenced study. We have a nice inn in one of the principal streets. We have a meeting every morning for prayer, and reading the Scriptures with our servant and any others who wish to join us, and we learn a little by asking questions and trying to explain.

Aug. 22nd.— Went out in the evening. Great crowd in the ya-mun yard, a kind of circus, about 8,003 people. Sold some tracts at the gate, also some portions in the tea shops. The people all seem very friendly.

Aug. 23rd.— Mr. Owen’s evangelist, Mr. Wu, arrived this morning from Chen-tu. Sold a good many books.*

Aug. 25ih.— Yesterday and to-day good times on the street. Sold yesterday 500 cash worth of portions, and to-day over 600.

Aug. 2&th.— Yesterday sold 700 cash worth of portions. This evening walked out west for two mile?. The country is very pretty; the people everywhere are surprisingly respectful.

F rom M r. V a l e .

Kia-ting Fu, Aug. — “ We arrived here on the iS'.h, after a most interesting and helpful journey of three months, from Gan-k’ing. We spent a pleasant week at Wan-hien with brother Phelps. Then we went on to Chung-k’ing, finding the friends there well and happy in the L o r d . There we stayed ten days, and then commenced our overland journey to this place. We passed through a most lovely country and many large cities crowded with people, who were very friendly, and bought our books. This journey has impressed me much with the need of this province, which just seems ready for harvest. Truly we should cry to the L ord of the harvest to send forth more labourers into this field.

“ We are very much encouraged here by the manner of the people. We go out daily selling books, which they buy very freely, and in many ways show us kindness. We are at present in an inn, going on with our studies, and after a while we expect Mr. Gray Owen down to look out a house for us. We are just as happy as the day is long, praising the L ord for His love and goodness. I do praise Him for bringing me to China ; it has been a real joy to my soul every day. Latest news from Sui-fu says that brothers McMullan and Wellwood have a house. Praise the L o r d ."

( la n - jiix r w g U r c h i n a .

F rom M rs S im pso n .

Gan-k'itig, Oct. \^th.— “ I cannot tell you of all the L o r d ’s goodness since coming here. Every day do we experience fresh tokens of His love and care for us, and all of free grace, for we are so unworthy.

“ The L o rd has been calling some of our little number to seive Him in higher and holier service above. According to our way of thinking we could ill spare them ; but the L o rd had need of them, and we can only ask Him to send others to fill

their places. I believe Mr. Dorward was much loved by the natives. Our teacher here, who travelled with him for three years, on hearing of his death, was much affected. We all had prayer together, and how earnestly he prayed for Mr. Dorward’s friends, especially for his mother ! After rising from our knees he burst into tears, and said he was so sony, even though he knew he was happier above. H e said Mr Dorward was so kind and so earnest, and no one knew how much he suffered in H u -n a n . We were so glad to see his affection for him. It showed us that the Chinese have a heart to feel and love, and encouraged us to seek to serve God faithfully that we too may gain their love.”

Jltmtg-swF rom M iss M a c K e e .

Ts'ing-kiang-p'u, Mon., Aug. 8th.— “ Yesterday afternoon five of the dear natives went out to preach the Gospel. We had a nice little time of prayer together before they went, then dividing, they went forth bearing the precious seed, to scatter it in the name of the L ord J esus. A little after I went out, too, with my woman. I stopped at many places, and the people were all nice and friendly.

“ A man from a village about 50 li from here came to inquire about the doctrine, and stayed all day, listening most earnestly all the time. He has given me an invitation to stay at his home for a few days, so I am thinking of going next week.”

guir-nan Jjrnbince.F rom M r . J o h n S m it h .

Yun-nan Fu, Aug. 1 1 th.— “ During the thirty-seven days I was on the road [from Ta-li-FuJ I sold about 10,000 cash worth of Scriptures and tracts, and gave away a large quantity of small sheet tracts. I had many more opportunities of speaking to the people than I could possibly take advantage of. I find that it is not easy to sell books in a busy market and at the same time try to speak.

“ One feels anxious to give them the written Gospel, and at the same time to bear witness for J esus, but it really requires two — one to sell the books and one to speak, taking it in turns. I went to a good many markets from ten to thirty li off the main road. The people were not afraid or surprised. In the market, in the tea-shop, by the roadside, or in the village inn, they talked to me freely, and asked many questions, thus giving me good opportunities of telling them the story of the Gospel.”

CJjifr-hfong |jrjoJbhutt.F rom M iss R oger s.

Pek-shik-kiai, Oct. 3rd.— “ lam sure you will rejoice with me over first-fruits. I can only wonder and adore; our Lord is so good. Some weeks ago a woman brought a boy here for medicine. As he was dropsical we told her we could do nothing for that, but as he had fever as well we gave him some quinine, and since I have frequently visited them. Last Saturday evening I heard the child was dead. It was quite a blow to me, and the more so because of bitter regret that I had not made an effort tu go to him that day, and been more sure that he was trusting J esus. But on Sunday morning we found that the boy was living and a little better. In the afternoon our woman and I went to the house, found him very bad, but quite conscious, and can you imagine my feelings when, a bad spasm of pain coming on, the dear little fellow clasped his poor wasted hands, and uttered a simple prayer to Jesus. There is no room for doubt now, for the tender Sh e p h e r d can never be deaf to such a cry. The next day the mother was telling of his sufferings, and one of the women m the room said, ‘ You must worship the idols.’ The others all laughed, but the sick child, with scarcely strength to speak, said, ‘ We trust in G od in heaven.’ A married sister touched my arm and pointed upward. I looked up, expecting to see an idol, but she said, ‘ G od in heaven.’ The whole family seem, to say the least, just open to receive the Gospel. It is unspeakably good of the dear M a st e r to have given me this joy, for at the present I can do little more than pray for the people.”

14 C H IN AS MILLIONS.

'g&issioncmes of f$e d ritta Anfanò f i s s i o n .“ BRETHREN, P R A Y FOR US.”

D ate of A rrival. J. H . T a y lo r , Director . . 1854 Mrs. H u d so n T a y l o r . . . . 1866J a m b s M e a d o w s ......................1862M rs. M e a d o w s .............................. 1866G eo r g e S t o t t ...................1866Mrs. S t o t t .............................. 1870J . W . S t e v e n s o n ......................1866M rs. S t e v e n so n ......................1866J. W il l ia m s o n ................... 1866M rs. W i l l i a m s o n ......................1875W . D . R u d l a n d ...................1866M rs. R u d l a n d ..............................1875J ohn M cC a r t h y ......................1867Mrs. M cC a r t h y ...................1867J . E . C a r d w e l l ...................1868M rs. C a r d w e l l ...................1868C h a r l e s H . J u d d ......................1868Mrs. J u d d ................................... 1868M iss T u r n e r ........................... 1872F r e d k . W . B a l l e r . . . . 1873M rs. B a l l e r ..............................1866B e n j . B a g n a l l ...................1873M rs. B a g n a l l ..............................1880A . W . D o u t h w a it e , m .d .

( u .s .a . ) ...................................... 1874H en r y S o l t a u , l .r .c .p . and

S.E.................................................. 1875M rs. S o l t a u ...........................1883G eo r g e K i n g ..............................1875M rs. K i n g ...................................... 1883J . C a m e r o n , m .d . ( u.s .a .) . . 187sM rs. C a m e r o n ..............................1883G eo r g e N ic o l l ......................1875M rs. N ic o l l ..............................1879G . W . C l a r k e .........................1875M rs. G . W . C l a r k e . . . . 1880J . F . B r ou m ton ...................1875M rs. B rou m ton .................. 1879G . F . E a s t o n ..............................1875M rs. E a s t o n ......................1881Miss E . W ilson .................. 1876E d w a r d P e a r s e ..............1876M rs. P e a r s e ..............................1875G eo r g e P a r k e r ..................... 1876Mrs. P a r k e r ......................x88oH o r a c e A . R a n d l e , m .d .

( U .S .A .) .............................. 1876M rs. R a n d l e ...................... 1878R . J . L a n d a l e , m .a ............ 1876M iss H o r n e ...........................1876C h a r l e s G . M o o re . . . . 1 8 7 8M rs. M oo re ...........................1878S a m u e l R . C l a r k e . . . . 1878M rs. S. R . C l a r k e ..............1878F r a n k T r en ch .................. 1878M iss F a n n y B o y d ..............1878E d w a r d T o m a l i n ..............1879M rs. T o m a l i n ...................... i 856J oh n J . C o u l t h a r d . . .. 1879M rs. J . J . C o u l t h a r d . . .. 1884H e n r y W . H u n t .............. 5879Mrs. H u n t ...........................1878T h os. W . P ig o t t , b .a ........ 1879M rs. P ig o t t .......................... 1882W . L . P r u e n , l .r .c. p. . . . . 1880M rs. P r u e n ...........................j876M rs. S c h o fiel d ...................1880M iss C . M . K er r . . . . 1880W il l ia m C ooper .................. j 881Mrs. C oo per .......................... 1888D a v id T h o m p s o n ...............1881M rs. T h om pson ...................1883A r t h u r E a so n ...................r88iM rs. E aso n « ...........................i88rG eo r g e A n d r e w ...............1881M rs. A n d r e w ....................... 1882H . H uDSO^bTa YLOR . . . . 1881M rs. H . H . T a y l o r . . . . 1884E . H . E d w a r d s , m .b ., c .m . . . 1882M rs. E d w a r d s .......................1882W . W ils o n , m .b ., c. m ..........1882M rs. W i l s o n .......................1883Mrs. E l l i s t o n ...................... 1882M rs. R i l e y ........................... 1882M iss S .C a r p e n t e r , . ... . . 1883F r e d k . A . S t e v e n ...............1883

D a t e o f A r r iv a l .

F . M ar cu s W oodMrs. W ood ...........................H e n r y D i c k ..........................O w en St e v e n s o n ..................M iss J . B l a c k ..........................W . E . B u r n e t t ..................M rs. B u r n e t t ..........................M iss S. S e e d ..........................A . L a n g m a n ..........................Mrs. L a n g m a n ..........................T h om as K i n g ..........................W il l ia m K e y ...........................Mrs. W . K e y ..........................M iss W h it c h u r c h ..................M rs. C h e n e y ...........................T h om as W i n d s o r ..................E d w a r d H u gh esd en . . . .M iss E m il y B l a c k . . . .M iss E m il y F o s be r y ..C h a s . F . H ogg ..................Mrs. H o g g ...................................J . M cM u l l a n ...........................Mrs. M cM u l l a n ...................J ohn F in l a y s o n ..................J. A . S l im m o n ...........................M iss C a t h . R . T odd ..M iss M a r y B l a c k ...................M iss A n n ie R . T a y l o r .. M iss E l l e n A . B a r c l a y . .H . P a r r y , l .r .c.p ., e t c .M rs. P a r r y ...........................M iss A . G . B roo m h a ll ..A . H udson B r oo m h all M iss M a r ia B yr o n ..D u n c a n K a y ...........................Mrs. D u n c a n K a y ..................G eo r g e M il l e r ...................W . F y f e L a u g h t o n ..M rs. L a u g h t o n ...................S t e w a r t M cK e e ..................T h om as H u t t o n ...................M rs. H u t t o n ...........................C h arlh s H o r o b i n ...................J ohn R e i d ...................................A l b e r t P h elp s ..................M iss C . K . M u r r a y . .M iss M . M u r r a y ..................Miss M a c k i n t o s h ..................M iss A g n e s G ibsonM iss M c F a r l a n e ..................M iss E l iz a b e t h W eb b ..F . T . F o u c a r ...........................T . J a m e s ...................................J ohn S m it h ...........................W . J. L ew is ...........................M rs. L ew is ...........................S t a n l e y P . S m it h , b .a .Mrs. S t a n l e y P . S m ithC. T. Studd, b .a .........................Mrs. C. T. S t u d d ...................W. W . C a s s e l s , b .a .................M rs. C a ss e i.s ...........................D . E . H o s t e ...........................M . B ea u c h a m p , b .a .................C . H . P o l h il l - T urn er M rs. C. H . P o l h il l-T u rn erA . T . P o l h il l-T u r n e r , b .a . Mrs. A . T . P o l h il l- T urn erF . W . K . G u l s t o n ..................M rs. G u l s t o n ...........................R ic h a r d G r a y O w en . .M rs. G r a y O w e n ..................M a u r ic e J. W a l k e r . .T . E . S. B o t h a m ...................W . T . B b y n o n ...........................M rs. B e y n o n ...........................M iss J e n n ie W e b b ...................M iss Ja n e S t e v e n s . .T. G. Vatistonel ...................M rs. Vanstotte] ...................S . T. Thornet ...........................M rs. Thom e\ „ ...................W . H ope G i l l ...........................D . M . R o b e r t s o n ...................J . A . H e a l ...........................M rs. H e a l ...........................

883883

883883881883

184

884

884

884

83S

83S

82

35883

85

«S

D ate of Arrival.R . G r i e r s o n ..............................1885Mrs. G r ie r s o n ...........................1885J. R . D o u g l a s .................. . . 1885M . H a r r i s o n ..............................1885M iss J . D . R obertso n . . . . 1886M iss L . E . H ib b e k d . . . . 1886M iss S . E . J o n es ......................1886

. Miss C . P . C l a r k ............1886M iss A , S. J a k o b s e n . . .. 1886M rs. T e r r y ..............................1886Miss F . R . K in a h a n . . . . 1886Miss T a p s c o t t ....................1886M iss F a u s s e t .................... 1886M iss C . L it t l e r ......................1886M iss A n n ie S a y ......................1886A r ch . O rr E w in g , jun. . . 1886 G e o . G r a h a m B rown . . . . 1886M rs. G r a h a m B rown . . . . 1886A ndrew W r i g h t ..................... 1886J . C . S t e w a r t , m .d . (u .s .a .) 1886W . S . J o h n sto n .................. 188F r a n k M cC a r t h y .................. 18J ohn B r o c k ...........................18WM. R u s s e l l .........................18J oh n D a r r o ch .................. 18E rik Folke ........................... 18F . Dym ond f ..............................1S . P o lla rd t ...........................1M iss G . M . M u i r .................. 18M iss K a t e M cW a t t e r s . . 18 M iss E . J. B u rrough es . . 18 M iss E m il y M . Johnson . . 18 M iss A n n ie M c Q u il l a n . . i8i M iss C a r o l in e G a t e s . . . . 188M iss J. A . M i l l e r ...................18Miss M a g g ie M a c K e e .. . . 18M iss H a r r ie t K . P a r k e r . . 18 M iss E l l a W eb b e r . . . . 188M iss C. Groves .................. 188Miss A d a E . K n ig h t . . . . 18:M iss L o u isa K . E l l is .. . . i8iA l e x . A r m s tr o n g , F .E .I .S . 18!M rs. A r m s t r o n g .................. i8iMiss M . E . S c o t t ......................188Miss A l ic e A . M il e s . .M iss H a r r ie t A . J udd M iss E m m a C u l v e r w e l l ..Miss L . M . F o r t h ............. 188A . H o d d le ..............................188J . O . C u r n o w ..............................188A . H . F a e r s ............................. 188I. F . D r y s d a l e ..................188D . J . M il l s ...................... ....J a s . A d a m . . . . . . . . 188A r ch . G r a c i e ..............................188E d . T o m k in so n ......................i88Mrs. T o m k in so n ..................... 188M iss E . M a u d H olm e . . . .M iss H . R . W a l d ie . . . . 1 8 8Miss A . K . F e r r im a n . . . . 188Miss S. E . B a s t o n e . . . . 1 8 8Miss A . K . H o o k ..............188M iss H a r r ie t C u t t . . . . 18?M iss E m m a F r y e r .............. i8iH . N. M a c G r e g o r . . . . 1 8 8J . A . S t o o k e ...............................M rs. S t o o k e ...................... 188A . E w i n g ...................................D . L aw so n ..........................188A . H . H u n t l e y ......................188M iss F l o r e n c e E l l is . . . . 188M iss C l a r a E l l i s .............. 188M iss W i l l i a m s o n ..............188M iss M . P a l m e r ..................... 188M iss E . H a in g k ......................188M iss M . M it c h e l l ..................... 188M iss E . M a r c h b a n k . . . . 188M iss I . W . R a m s a y . .Miss G e r t r u d e O rd . .B . R i r i e ...................................F . A . R e d f e r n ...................R . W e l l w o o d ..............................188A . R . Sa u n d e r s ......................188A . B l a n d ...................................... 188C . S. I ’a n s o n ..............................188A . L u t l e y .................... . . . 188

Date of Arrival.18 8 7 188 7

Jos. V a l e .,B . C u r t is W a t e r s Miss M a y G ra h a m B row n Miss F. M. W illia m s Miss J. A r t h u r Miss M. J. E la n d . .Mjss E. K e n t f i e l d Miss L. C h i l t o n . .Miss A l i c e B a r r e t t W . G. P e a t . . . .W . M . B el ch erF . E. L u n d . . . .A. H. B r id g e . .E. M u r r a y . . . .G eo. A. C o x , L.R.C.P. &Miss C a m p b e ll Miss E. H a n b u r y . .J. T . R e i d ...................M rs. R e i d ...................Miss A n n a C re w d s o n Miss R o b in a C rew d so n Miss N . R . R o g e r s Miss J. S u t h e r l a n d W . E. S h e a r e r T . D . B e g g . . ..T hos. E y r e s . . . .O. S. Ntzstegaard . .J a s . S im pson . . . .Mrs. Simpson . . . .Miss B a k e r ..Miss R . L. S m a l le y Miss S a n d e r so n Miss M. G. Guinness Miss Mary Reed ..Miss M a lin ..Miss Anna Grann ..Miss L u c a s ..Miss G r a c e I r vin ..Miss S. C. P a r k e r ..Miss C. F i t z s i m o n s

Miss J. M u n ro . . . .Miss J. D. G a r d in e r M iss H a t t i e T u rner M iss R eb e cc a M cK enz W m . S . H orn e . .J ohn M e i k l e ..W m . M . S o u te r G e o . H . D u ff ..Jos. L aw so n ..J. H. R a c e y ..Miss T h om as ..Miss J. B a n g e r t Miss C. L. W illia m s Miss E d it h E . B r o o m h a ll Miss M. J. U n d e rw o o d Miss E l l e n B r a d f i e ld Miss S a r a h V o a k . .M iss M a g g ie S t e w a r t M iss B e s sie H a r d in g M iss L iz z ie S p a r k . .J. C. S t e e n ..M. M c N a ir .. . .A. D u f f y .....................C. A. E w b a n k ..M iss H. M c K e n z ie M iss E. A. G rab h am Miss L i l y S. O ld in g

J. N. H a y w a r dC. W . L a m b e r tE. H u n t ................H. N. L a c h la n , M.A. T h o s . S e l k i r kE . J. C o o p e r ..T h o s . M a co u n Rev. E. O . W i ll ia m s ,Mrs. W ill i a m s Miss P r i s c i l l a A. B a r c l a y Miss F lo r e n c e B a r c l a y M iss N e l l i e M a r t i n .. M iss J e s s ie B u c h a n Miss R . E . O a k e s h o t t Miss F a n n y H . C u lv e r w e l M iss H . S te d m a n Miss S. M. B la c k M iss M a r ie G u e x

188S1888188S1888188818881888188818881888188818881888188818881888188818881888188818881888188818881888188818881888

188818881888188818881888

188818 818881888188818881888

18831888

18881888188818881888188818881888

t Btble Christian M ission.Native Pastors, Evangelists, Preachers, Colporteurs, e t c , e t c , 132.

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

dhtlfoarir S iÎf^ ttiranafiffn .*

Litton flf ijrt intoarb snb ouftoarir bital.

B Y A W S S T O N A R Y .

O the single eye there is divine beauty in the wisdom that has inseparably joined heart-experience and its appropriate outward expression in a life of manifest self-abnegation. There is a twofold reason for it. The one affects the spiritual growth and power o f believers themselves, missionaries included. The other has reference to the effect which the divorce of the two has upon the keen-eyed world, whether at home or abroad, which ever scrutinises the professed CmusT-life on its practical side. This latter will be considered in a later paper, dealing with the divine philosophy that underlies the methods for foreign mission work, which we believe were clearly laid down by our L o r d .

The first of these reasons will now occupy us. It lies in the fact that i t i s

O NLY IN THE P A T H W A Y OF OUTW ARD SELF-RENUNCIATION TH A T W E CAN BECOME

THE SUBJECTS OF TH A T DIVINE DISCIPLINE AND DEALING W HICH ISSU ES IN

M ATU RITY AND SYMM ETRY OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AND FULNESS OF SPIR ITU A L POW ER.

See this principle illustrated in the life of C h r i s t , " who though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich.’’ He became poor in the material senseof the word. H e chose to take the lowest place, He voluntarily passed by all the higher ranks ofsociety, in any one o f which He could have shone. He left on one side the world's arts, sciences, and politics, upon any one of which he could have discoursed as no other could ; and took from choice the place o f poverty and utter dependence on the F a t h e r . He became a peasant, though David's royal blood was in His human veins. He had no food save as the F a t h e r gave it to Him— no shelter, no earthly convenience, save as the F a t h e r appointed. W ith the elaborate appointments and refine­ments of life which obtained among the great of that day, as of this, He had nothing to do. In rude simplicity He ate and drank and was clothed.

Let us not lose sight of the deep reason jo r all this in our L o r d ' s life. It was that, for His soul's training and perfecting, He might be, as to all that entered into His environment, pliant in His F a t h e r 's

hands. Every experience, deprivation, deliverance, and suffering needed in the process, the F a t h e r

could appoint. When, as with Israel in the wilderness, fasting must furnish the lesson of the hour, and He be supplied with heart-food which would become a weapon in His hand, such becomes His experience, and in His quiver is ready found the shaft for Satan, “ Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word o f G o d .” He was “ made perfect through sufferings” : sufferings in the outward realm as well as inwardly; sufferings which would have been impossible had He either delivered Himself by miracles (which He never used for Himself), or chosen other than the lowly, despised, reputationless and dependent form of a servant In this pathway of simplicity and suffering He received and manifested the power o f G o d ; and when that life o f lowly dependence was crowned by the utter self-abnegation of Gethsemane and Calvary, then, being risen, He could say, " A ll power is given unto Me, in heaven and in earth." Here is wisdom for the wise.

• This Paper, one o f a series now appearing in the Christian, may have been already seen by many o f our readers, but we feel that it is so valuable that we are glad to reproduce, it for a second reading, as well as for the benefit of those who may not have seen it before.

F e b r u a r y , 18 8 9 .

i6 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

T he time was when it was the same with C h r i s t ’s followers as with Him, and when the word was well understood, “ the servant is not above his L o r d .” Let Paul yield us an example. He could have excelled in the schools of philosophy, or graced any social position. He appreciated refined surroundings and fine arts. Yet these were but 11 bones for the dogs ” to the man whose inmost heart C h r i s t had won, and who had been intrusted with the precious freightage of His name, and in whose ears the wail of a dying world was ringing. He enumerates, in Philippians, his outward advantages, and tells us he counted them but refuse. When, in that same chapter, his soul pants forth his desire for power— “ the power of His resurrection ”— he spoke of that to which it is indissolubly joined, “ the fellowship of His sufferings ; being made conformable to His death.” He followed C h r i s t in His out­ward sufferings and temptations; or, rather, he put himself into that position of simplicity and dependence in which G o d could shape his path and mould him at His will. He had the mind that was in C h r i s t ; he well knew that faith best flourishes in the soil of unworldliness of life and amid the rigours of poverty and outward trial, where the soul is momentarily thrown upon G o d for everything. He was one in spirit with that goodly “ cloud of witnesses,” to which the self-emptied and world- emptied souls of all ages belong, mean and despised in the sight of men, but of whom G o d the S p i r i t

writes, “ the world was not w orthy” ; “ they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented . . . they wandered in deserts and in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.”

As the eye turns from these examples of heavenly life in earthly scenes, as pictured in the Word, to the average lives of the most advanced in our times, how humiliating the contrast! W e see what sufficed our L o r d and the ancient saints, and the deep reason for their lowly surroundings; but we must needs “ reign as kings.” They were “ fools for C h r i s t ’s sake,” but we are “ wise in C h r i s t ” ; they were weak, but we are strong; they were despised, but we are honourable ; they hungered and were athirst, were naked and buffeted and without a certain dwelling-place; but we live in ceiled houses— the best our ample or slender means will allow. None are better clad than w e ; and as, in these last days, living has become more and more elaborated with its endless niceties and refinements, we have adopted them all. W e will be spiritual and consecrated, but will, nevertheless, cast our out­ward circumstances in that mould which appeals most strongly to our love of position and the material things of earth— the very opposite of the place to which G o d ’s Word and providence, as well as their own spiritual discernment of the fitness of things, brought C h r i s t and His early disciples.

W hy is all this ? W hy should we be better circumstanced than our L o r d ? Are we made of better stuff than the apostles that we need not come under the same rule ? W e have yet to perceive that, as one mighty in the Scriptures has said on this very point, “ It is not a conventional, but an appropriate, not an expedient, but a necessary character, for every one who possesses a certain measure of G o d ’s S p i r i t .” Are we “ still without understanding ” ? Do we not yet perceive that here is the very source of our weakness; that here are the foxes that spoil our vines ?

How well we understand that emptying must precede infilling. But emptying of what ? O f out­ward sins we agree to ; but as to social position, a good deal of worldly influence, the comfortable externals of life, the great bulk of our possessions— they must be retained. W e must, forsooth, use them for the L o r d . We, like Saul, will keep the best of the cattle to sacrifice to the L o r d our G o d .

Oh ! for some trumpet-tongued Samuel to thunder in our startled ears, “ Hath the L o r d as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the L o r d ? ” Thus Saul lost the king­dom. Thus we are weak and powerless. Our riches, reputations, and positions are our snare and weakness, not our strength.

Would we be fishers of men ? Would we have our missionaries such also ? Then we must heed the meaning of the word of C h r i s t , which will never accommodate itself to nineteenth century ideas of consecration. “ Follow Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.'* They became His literal followers in outward life. They left all. This opened the way for that correction and training, that suffering and emptying, that having deepest fellowship with C h r i s t , that being baptised with H i s

baptism, by which were dug out the channels through which the power of the H o l y G h o s t could flow in. The pathway of power is none other now. They were free from those 11 cares of this life,” and “ the deceitfulness of riches,” and the imperious demands of society; those “ weights ” to be not carried, but “ laid aside,” that enervate faith in all, that slay it in many.

There is no escaping them, save by resolute and radical dealing. There must be a real forsaking of all, a coming down from our social heights ; a deep, deliberate, practical renunciation of the world, with its lust of the eye and pride of life, as well as the coarser lusts of the flesh— its luxuries, its artificial system of living, its artistic and aesthetic pleasures and occupations ; an entering upon a life

C H IN A S MILLIONS. n

of evident simplicity and self-renunciation ; and all by deliberate choice, rejoicing that we have some­what to surrender for His dear Name’s sake. This is what G o d calls for. This is the price of spiritual power, or rather the door into the gymnasium where G o d trains His athletes. This is the Greater-than- David’s Cave of Adullam where are to be found His mighty men. Let not the few be pointed out of exceptional spiritual strength who rise apparently superior to the soft ease of their material sur­roundings. It is in spite of these forbidden things they are strong, and the fact ever remains that their example is most detrimental.

For the future, of which scene will we make our choice ? Shall it be that “ narrow way,” that separate and lonely path whose example and inspiration is the Son of G o d on earth, wherein is much hard to the flesh, but wherein awaits for faith the power of G o d ? Or shall it continue to be the broad pathway of worldly conformity ? If the latter, let us not forget the beginning and the end of the boasted progress and civilisation of this age, with its cities, manufactures, multiplied inventions, fine arts, its intricacies of life and etiquette, its pride of birth, position, and wealth. It began with Cain, the murderer, who “ went out from the presence of the L o r d , ” and, with his sons, began building cities, establishing manufactures and arts, and undertook to make themselves comfortable in the scene of the curse, and to get from beneath its sharp edge. It will end in the flames that devour Babylon the Great, which is now glorifying herself and living deliciously; when her harpers and musicians, her merchants who have waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies, her craftsmen and ship­owners, her “ heaped-up ” treasure will perish with her. “ Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers o f her sins, and that ye receive not oj her plagues

The weakness of the movement toward holiness o f life is the absence of these severer and more sombre teachings of C h r i s t o n which we have been dwelling. Because they are yet unlearned and unpractised, its full outcome is yet to appear.

Items flf Interest.F R O M R E V . f .

SH A N G H A I, Sept. 27th. —Messrs. Brock, Darrocb, Gracie, and Mills have all passed the second sec­

tion very successfully. I am very thankful to say that so far the new arrangements with regard to study and examination have been a great success, and we do praise G od that His blessing has rested upon this new effort to help His servants, and make them more efficient workers.

Nov. 2nd.— I have heard of the following baptisms this week : Fung-hwa, one woman ,* Yang-chau, one man ; Hang-chung nine, three men and six women. Mr. Gray Owen has rented a house in Kia-ting Fu, and had already taken possession of it. Praise the L o r d !

Nov. 7th.— On Sunday last, the 4th inst., we had the great pleasure of welcoming ten sisters, nine from England, and Miss Thomas from India, all looking well and bright.

Nov. 23rd.— I hear that Mr. and Mrs. Beynon have moved into the new house at Kwei-hwa-ch’eng, and also that Dr. Stewart and Mr. Belcher have safely arrived there, i

IV. S T E V E A S ON.

Mr. Wood reports four baptisms at Gan-k’ing on the Sth instant. Messrs. Darroch and Begg are getting on very well in their new district, Ku-ch’eng. I am thankful to say that Mr. Phelps writes of a peaceful residence in Wan-hien, so we may consider that through G o d ’s mercy this station is secured to us after years of waiting. Dr. Cameron reports four baptisms at Chung-k’ing. Mr. James tells us that things have settled down for the present at Shih-sheo.

Nov. 2,0th.— Mr. Grierson reports four baptisms. Mr Hunt, of T s ’in-chau, reports eight on Oct. 14th, two men and six women. Mr. Owen Stevenson writes on Oct. 17th of the baptism of a farmer in a village near Yun-nan Fu.

Dec. 7th.— Mr. Judd writes from Ning-hai of four baptisms last month. I am glad to hear that in Mr. Orr Ew ing’s district five were baptised in October. Praise G o d for these first-fruits. You will be interested to hear that arrangements have been made to hold the general Missionafy Conference here in May, 1S90,

n Mlemerriam.M I S S A L I C E B A R R E T T .

“ With CHRIST, which is fa r better."— Phil. i. 23.

IN the early autumn M r. Stevenson w rote, “ I am sorry to say that M iss Barrett is seriously ill. M iss W illiam son returned yesterday from Yang-chau, and brought her to Shanghai.”Since then the w eek ly tidings have been that she w as peaceful and happy, but evidently sinking in rapid

consumption ; and on N ovem ber 12th she passed away. W hen asked i f sorry she had come to China, sh e said, “ No, I feel the L o r d has led m e from the beginning to the end.” A t another time she said she had been having “ such sw eet m essages from J e s u s .” H er tim e o f service w as short, as that o f others has been. W e mourn her loss : G o d grant that w e m ay all feel heaven the nearer, be led to w ork w h ile it is day w ith quickened zeal, and to liv e holier lives.

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

a§ X G % t m m C f m t - t a , S i - r f f m t r .

F R O M DR. P A R R Y TO R E V . J. W. S T E V E N S O N .

CH E N -T U , Sept. 20th.— I mentioned in my last letter that I had just received an elderly man, Mr. Wang,

by baptism. You will be glad to hear that last evening we had the joyful privilege of welcoming three more men into the church. One is our gate-keeper, who has shown interest for a good while, and by whose improved life we have been encouraged, believing it to be the fruit of grace in his heart. The second, praise the L o r d , is our teacher, Mr. Cheng, who, as you know, has taken an intelligent interest in the truth from the time of his coming, more than a year ago. W e are trusting that his open confession will be a means of great blessing to himself and to others. The third man is Mr. Liu, a blacksmith, who attended your preaching in Bhamo some years ago, and evidently knows you well. He has since then learnt more of the truth from our friends in Ta-li and Yun-nan Fu, and now, having returned to his own province, and being at work at his trade outside Chen-tu, he some months ago came forward for baptism. W e find him a very intelligent Christian, and trust his testimony will be a blessing to many. He reads and knows his Bible a good deal.

I also mentioned in my last the sudden death of a little child of a member, Mr. Fu. They have much to try their faith.

Sept. 26th.— Notwithstanding all the bitterness of rela­tives, and the sore trial of faith, the wife of Mr. Fu has remained true to her desire to be baptised, and last Saturday she was received. Several outside women were present to witness the service, in which her husband took part. Praise G o d forone more married couple in the church.

F R O M M RS.

LA S T week the L o r d took to Him self our evan­gelist’s little child of two and a half years. She

was very ill for a week, and we all took turn in nursing her. She was a dear little thing. It has been a great blow to the parents, but it was splendid to see in the father such entire submission to the will of G o d , and such

I am trying to make the dispensary work more efficient for four days’ dispensing a week, and yet, at the same time, I am very desirous of giving my best time and strength to the work of the church. It is our earnest desire to see the church,by G o d ’s grace, in a happy, earnest, progressive state, and I have come back from Pao-ning more than ever persuaded and resolved that G o d ’s call to me, just now at least, is to concentrate my energies on the spiritual work of the church. So to enable me to do both, as I could not otherwise, I have taken Mr. Fu, who is an intelligent man, as an assistant in the dispensary, and so far I find him doing very well.

The work in Mr. T an ’s district seems checked for a time, owing to Mrs. Tan’s illness and death, but other doors are opening, praise the L o r d !

W e have to-day despatched Mr. Wang, the evangelist, for country work, to seek to confirm the Christians and inquirers in the Tan-lin district, and to visit intervening places. H e has gone with his whole heart in the service. Praise G o d for such a man !

The man from whose arm Dr. Pruen removed a large tumour has, by G o d ’s mercy, made an excellent recovery, and I do trust his heart is opening to G o d ’s message of life. Prayer has also been answered for a man taken off the streets with severe dysentery, who is convalescent.

W e are fairly started now in the Friday united prayer for the work and workers in our own province, and I am sure these seasons of frequent, united, and more prolonged intercession are the forerunner of a far grander blessing than we have yet seen.

P A R R Y .

implicit trust. H e was so fond of his little g ir l ; and as for her brother of twelve years, his devotion was most touching ; he would scarcely leave her a moment, watch­ing by her day and night. He proved himself in many ways a true little Christian. It is so nice to see all their children being brought up in the fear of the LORD.

p tr ia l S f r b k e sF R O M M R.

SE P T . 1st.— W e have arranged to have special services for the students who are here for the examinations

commencing on Monday next, and continuing for ten days. During this week we have been distributing bills all over the city announcing the services. W e have had special prayer-meetings this week, and believe that the LORD is going to give us great blessing. To-day has been given to fasting and prayer.

Sept. 3rd.— This first day of special services has filled our hearts with joy and thanksgiving. I believe that quite 500 people came, and they listened with great atten­tion. W e continued the service for two hours, and if we had had sufficient speakers might have done so much longer, as many people came after we had concluded.

Sept. 4th.— The attendance about the same as yester­day. The order is much better than we expected, there are no interruptions, every one seems intent upon hearing. Messrs. Vanstone, Smith, Curnow, and Pollard address the people, and I speak through an interpreter, which makes an interesting change in the proceedings.

in $ m x - m n Jfu.T O M K IN S O N .

Sept. $th.— The tide is certainly rising. To-day we made preparation for it by taking out the side of the chapel and covering over the courtyard, bringing the woman’s guest-room into use also. This proved to be quite neces­sary, as altogether seven or eight hundred came. In the evening we had forty or fifty present, and on asking those who wished to become J e s u s ’ disciples to stand, quite a number rose, and some seemed to be really in earnest.

Sept. 6th.— The spirit of the meeting to-day was quite equal to yesterday, and we took the names of four who expressed a desire to be followers of the L o r d J e s u s .

Sept. yth.— Meeting much smaller, and there did not seem to be the same power manifested. It may be only a trial o f faith.

Sept. Sth.— Meeting small again, but the influence ot the H OLY GHOST was more manifest. The names and addresses of several inquirers were taken. W e find that there have been some theatrical performances in the city during the last two days, which accounts for the smaller attendances.

C H IN AS MILLIONS. 19

Sept. gi/i.— To-day’s meeting was better attended than i

any, and the people were very attentive. Many remained , behind for conversation, and some are most hopeful cases. A t the close of the evening meeting we asked those who wished to become followers of J e s u s to come out from the others and sit on special forms, and sixteen did so, whpse names and addresses we took. It is just a year since we left England ; we did not expect to have such encouraging work so soon. W e feel more and more our I need of being filled with the H o l y G h o s t , that we may ' act rightly at this time.

Sept. 10th.— Meeting again well attended. In the evening we gave the same invitation as last night, and twenty-seven came out. Many were the same as last night. Some had a very clear idea of what they were doing, but others were very much in the dark.

Sept. 1 U/i.— To-day the attendance has been greater than e v e r; the place was crowded. There were large crowds in the street close by to see the Examiner pass. W e felt our need of resting on the power of G od to keep them all in order, and He did not fail us.

(Soflïr g a ir,F R O M R E V .

CH E N G -K U , S h e n -s i, Sept. 24th,— Yesterday we had a good d a y ; six more candidates were received, and

four temperance pledges taken. The number of C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s had just arrived containing the account of idols burnt at Hiao-i. I translated parts of the letter at the morning service, with the result that one of the Christians who had taken down his idols, but still kept them in the house (with, I think, an idea of turning them into money at some time, as they had cost him over 1,000 cash), sent his son for them as the service was in progress, and burnt them in the yard when the meeting was over. Mr. Peng, the father, lighted the fire, and then he and his son and future daughter-in-law knelt on the stones while the father dedi­cated himself and them to G o d in prayer, we all kneeling round, and afterwards singing the Doxology. "

Another departure was the praying definitely in the

E . P E A R S E .

meeting for a sick person, who had come on purpose, having been told that if he joined us G o d would heal his sickness. This, together with the fact that Mrs. Pearse had been restored during the week, after much prayer, Mr. Peng having twice come in on his own account to pray with me for her recovery, led me to speak on that subject, and I felt I could do no other than definitely pray for the restoration of the man who had come for the purpose, especially as he said he was willing to give up idolatry and sin and become a Christian ; others prayed for healing afterwards themselves, we having an impromptu prayer- meeting, which was most edifying. I trust the man in question will be saved soul and body, and be the first of many who will get blessing in the same way. I feel that, in taking this step, we have launched out into the deep. Pray that our faith fail not.

f i i n m i b n m ( ^ a n - ^ iv n t g ,

F R O M M R. D U N C A N K A Y .

HW U Y -C H A U F U , Sept. 17///- O n Aug. 24th I went to pay a long-promised visit to Fu-teh, a village

twenty l i from here, where lives an old woman who is very much interested in the Gospel. She has been paying us , visits more or less regularly for a year. Mrs. Kay and I stayed with them three days in April, and then they were with difficulty persuaded to let us go. W e dined, midway, at the house of her son-in-law, whom I have been helping to break ofif opium-smoking. A number of people came to hear the Gospel at his house. W e had to decline the offer to stay over night with them, but will endeavour, at their request, to go back soon. W e reached Nga-poh’s house in the evening, and were heartily received by the i

whole family. They were busy with their rice harvest, but in the evening, themselves and workmen, gathered j

round to hear the way of salvation. jMany false trusts have to be shaken and stumbling- |

blocks removed before they are willing to cast themselves i on the free grace of G o d . W hile we comfort ourselves \ with the truth that it is G o d alone who giveth the increase, ; we must be more alive to the fact that the plowing, harrowing, sowing, and watering is intrusted to us. May j

we belie no trust, and miss no privilege which the L o r d ; has given us weak ones. ;

W e returned home on Saturday evening. The follow- i

ing week Nga-poh came to visit us laden with gifts of tea and eggs. She was very anxious to learn to pray. !

During the week following I had several attacks of ; malaria, which I had got from the rice fields at Fu-teh. j

On Sept. 3rd I started for the outstation at Fen-k’i, where Hu Si-fu has been preaching for two months. On arrival 1

he took me to the houses of several inquirers ; one is a teacher from H u -n a n , who gives a good testimony, and promises to be a useful man. Two others have been inquirers at the Roman Catholic hall, but because of some inconsistencies in the native preacher, they have given up going there, and come to worship with us. One of these, a carpenter, is a very earnest young man. H e asked their advice last year about giving his contribution to a heathen feast; he was told not to give, but when the village people raised a disturbance, the preacher asked him to give to save annoyance. It was very cheering to see eight inquirers on their knees at evening prayer in a room with the door open to the street, to go forth after­wards to bear the taunts of their fellows. A man should be left in charge, as the Romanists watch every oppor­tunity to proselytise the inquirers.

W e started early on Tuesday, September 4th, to find a way through the hills to our other out-station. After selling some books and preaching in several villages we found that though we had travelled some fifty l i we were still only five l i from where we staited. W e went in amongst the hills again on Wednesday. When we were getting hungry we came to a cottage by the road­side. W e asked an old dame standing in the doorway if she had any rice. She said, “ Certainly, certainly, come in.’’ W e were made heartily welcome and took a hearty meal, of course expecting that we were to pay, but the old lady would have no money from us. She had heard that we were {good people, and that we were friends of Nga-poh, who lived across the hill.

In the evening we reached a place where the people

20 CH IN AS MILLIONS.

used to be very rich. There are six rich families there still. I went to the house of a gentleman named Chang, with whom I have been acquainted for some time. He was a tea merchant in Shanghai and had become very rich, but what with gambling, opium smoking, and the depression in the tea trade, he is now considerably reduced, though he still has very extensive land and house property. He has been trying to give up the opium habit, and was anxious that I should help him.

On Thursday morning we turned across the hill to a village where a market and heathen fete were being con­ducted ; our copper money was used out, and there was no place to change silver, and a very large mountain lay between us and the market-town. B y the time we reached the top we were very hungry, and mustered our last few small cash to buy a cup of tea at the temple. T he Taoist priest came out to receive us and told me that he had been a very heavy opium smoker, and had broken off the habit by using our medicine. He very soon had a good breakfast spread before us, which we heartily dis­cussed, feeling very thankful to the L o r d for thus supply­ing our need. W e thanked the priest, and after pressing him to give up his idols and false doctrines and worship G o d , we went on our way.

B y the time we reached Ta-fu the market was at its height. A friend lent us a table and stool, and we spread out our books in one of the busy streets, preaching and selling books just as we could. W e slept at night in the same house with the ya-mun runners who had been sent to keep down gambling. Instead of fulfilling their commission, they took a fee from the winners to

screen them. On counting their spoil they found they had 27 dols., representing a total of gambling between one and two thousand dollars.

W e returned home on Friday, rejoicing in the L o r d ’s goodness. Besides our usual services, we had two large open-air meetings here on the L o r d ’s Day. On Monday, 10th, we started for Shen-tu. Early on Tuesday we reached the home of one of the inquirers. He invited the village people to come and hear, and there were several very earnest listeners. W e were glad to have this house, where we can go and come, and preach the Gospel. Another specially bright inquirer is a pewter-worker.

On Wednesday, by midday, we reached Kiai-keo, the border between this Province and C h e h - k i a n g . W e had a very large open-air meeting before the custom­house here. Then we went in amongst the hills 30 It. On this hill-route we again met with exceptional hospi­tality. One old shopkeeper took my books and got every person in the village who could read to buy one. He then invited me to have tea and fruit. On Thursday morning a man came to our inn and invited us to have Indian meal bannocks ; they have no rice-fields, but live entirely on Indian-com, which is grown on the hillsides. After giving us as many as we could eat, he wished us to take some with us. Three large villages amongst these hills had never been visited by a foreigner before. On Friday morning my shopkeeper friend again provided us with a breakfast. H e patted me on the back, and bade me an affec­tionate good-bye, giving me a staff to help me up the hill.

W e are sadly in need of help, as there is not a soul left here who can speak to men-visitors when I am away.

fnutrajntrg; |$tm mF R O M M R. T. W. PTG O TT.

HW U Y -L U H , C h ih -L I , Oct. \$th.— W e have been here now nine days in this inn, Mrs. Pigott, baby,

and self, having come here slowly in our own cart over the rough mountains. Mrs. Pigott rode a pony, and baby rode in front, or in a pannier by her side, they changing to the cart in the smoother places, so that they got on pretty well. W e had at first several adventurous days; our animals, not having been used to such work, refused to pull in the steepest, places, and we spent two hours on one hillside, and should have spent longer but that we were able to hire a mule, and some friends of our carter who came by helped him and us very cordially, and would take nothing as reward. This delay made us late, and we were three miles from the inn at dark, when we came to a very steep decline. Now our carter has a very hot temper, and had been quarrelling with a very obstinate old man whom we had hired, with his mule, to help, but who would do nothing that the carter told him. Here he was worse than j ever, and would not help to stop the trace-animals in front from pulling the heavy cart forward on the poor mule in ! the shafts, so that we were slipping and sliding down, and might have had a bad accident in the dark but for the efficient help of the carter’s friends, who then came up, thank GOD. The angry carter, when the level ground was reached, and before I could interfere, struck the old man with the whip, whereupon he ran butting at him with his head, and the next thing was lying howling on the ground from a blow on the chest. He was crooked-backed and elderly, and I feared he might be hurt, and spoke strongly, reprimanding the carter for striking him ; then, stooping to examine him, I saw our man and his friend making off, and had to run after and persuade him to come back. After some time we got the old man on the pony and went

forward, having to cross two fords in the dark, and not getting in till long after 8 p.m. W e had a comfortable inn and supper, and no one, not even the old man, had suffered, thanks to our heavenly F a t h e r ’s care. Next day we found that a cart had overturned, with a number of men, in the same fords that evening, and in one of the neigh­bouring inns a yard full of clothes hung out to dry showed what we had escaped.

Next day we reached the city of Sho-yang, where, in a little inn, we spent Sunday. It was a pleasant, busy day, and many friendly people, some who knew us in T ’ai-yuen and others, came to see us and hear the Word, or be treated for some sickness. Mrs. Pigott made friends with women, and baby was a great attraction. WTe were earnestly entreated here to help the people to break off opium, and were told that if we could come to help them there were over 200 men who would be glad to come under our care. This whole neighbourhood seems ripe fo r work, but there is no worker to help them. I could only advise them to prepare a house and send word to T'ai-yuen, hoping that some one might come for even a month.

W e stopped at a little village near P’ing-ting-chau, from which we went to visit a Christian man who has lived alone, far from any help, for many years; his family, though heathens, gave us a friendly greeting. This visit and the fine city near, amongst the hills, made us wish to settle there, in the centre of five or six needy counties all without the Gospel, but about sixty counties in W . C h i h ­l i , N. H o -n a n , and a small comer of S h a n -t u n g called us forward. T he thirty cities that I visited ruled over 6,000 smaller towns and villages.

W e arrived, without further adventure, at Hwuy-luh on October 6th, and are busy and happy all day.

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 21

| | a r f a s t ^ t a i l i n g in |io -n a it.F R O M M R S. C O U L T H A R D TO R E V . J. TV. S T E V E N S O N .

''T 'H E Province of H o - n a n was estimated before the recent flood to contain fifteen millions of A inhabitants. May the appeal of our dear daughter, written without any thought of publica­

tion, call forth special prayer for her and for that province, and lead some to go quickly to carry the message of life to its poor women.

SH E -K ’I-T IE N , Oct. 17th.— A few days after I last wrote to you I went out visiting and had a rather

good time, though as soon as I was seen on the street numbers gathered and followed me into the first house. I tried to speak and tell the people about J e s u s, but the noise from the crowd drowned my voice, so after staying a little time endeavouring to satisfy the curiosity of those who pressed to see me, I left them. In the next house I visited it was much better, for, though a large crowd followed me in the streets, our friends were wise enough to close the outer door as soon as my woman and myself had entered, and so effectually kept the crowd outside.

Emboldened by the good time we had had a few days before, I went out again the following week. This time I went to see the wife of one of the Christians who had invited me to her home. She lives at the north of the river, and so, to avoid collecting a crowd by walking through the streets, we hired a boat to take us within a short distance of her house ; but our precaution was in vain, for the people saw us from the banks, and were able to outrun us as we were toiling up the stream, and so, when we got out of the boat, we found a crowd of at least a thousand gathered to see me. Our hostess came down to meet us, and then the crowd, discovering our destina­tion, ran on before and took possession of the house, so that when we arrived it was literally crowded out with men. After some time they were persuaded to leave, and their place was filled with women and children. I managed to talk a little to those nearest me, but the ex­citement was so great, and there were many more outside trying to get in, so we thought it best to return home.

I scarcely know what to do. I know that when once the people have k'an kwan-liao [satisfied their curiosity]I shall not have such crowds wherever I go, but what to do in the meantime is the difficulty, as no woman likes to have such crowds in her house as always follow me. Perhaps simply walking through the streets would be a good thing, but not very easy, as my woman is from the country and does not know her way about the city. But man-man-tih [slowly], perhaps, should be the order of the day, until the people are accustomed to seeing me.

The women have begun coming about again, and scarcely a day passes without some one coming to see me. They are coming in twos and threes now, which is much nicer than large numbers, as one is able better to tell the Gospel. When there are many in the room at one time, almost the whole of one’s time is taken up with answering questions, and there is little or no chance of individual conversation. But I have had some nice times lately, and some have seemed really interested. A few days before we left Chau-kia-k'eo, four or five women came to see me, saying they wanted to hear the doctrine. But of course they asked me my name, age, etc., and I asked theirs, and then my woman came in and they began in­terrogating her about me, when one of the women in­terrupted them by saying, “ Don't mind about these things j we have come to hear the doctrine, and it is get­ting dark, and we must soon be going’' and then turning to me, “ Please tell us the doctrine.” O f course I was delighted, and as I was talking, she and another woman

listened most attentively; the other woman’s face quite brightened as I told them that G o d , having laid our sins on J e s u s , could not, would not, also punish us, if we trusted in Him, but that when we died we should most certainly go to heaven, because G o d had forgiven us our sins. They could not stay long, but 1 trust that the seed fell into good ground that afternoon.

Another time— the day before we left— three women came to see me. They were vegetarians, they said, and wanted enlightenment ; they seemed to think I was a vegetarian too. I questioned them as to their aim in thus practising asceticism, and when they told me it was to atone for their sins that they might go to heaven when they died, I told them of another, the only way, to obtain forgiveness of sins ; and one old woman seemed very much impressed with the fact that for twenty years she had been going the wrong way, and that, if she con­tinued in that road, she would never go to heaven. I tried to persuade her to give it up and take a little beaten up egg, but she would not just yet, she said. She told me that they were only three of twenty women who were vegetarians, and that she would go back and tell the others that they were going the wrong road, and then they would come and see me again, and that if they would give up vegetarianism she would too. I do hope that she may never be able to forget that she is going the wrong road, and that soon she will turn to the L o r d JESUS for forgiveness and eternal life.

W e left Chau-kia-k’eo on Tuesday morning, the 9th in st, and reached here safely on Saturday morning. W e came by cart ; the road is fairly good on the whole, only very rough for one day. W e came very quietly and had no crowds except when leaving Chau-kia-k’eo.

I have seen a good many women here during the last three days ; yesterday fully sixty, besides almost as many children, came to see me ; to-day it has been raining, so none have come. There are two or three women here who are interested (they call themselves Kiao-iu) [Christians], and they very much want some one to come and teach them. They have begged me to stay and teach them, but I have to tell them that my home is in Chau-kia-k’eo, and so I cannot stay here, and then they want to know when some other lady will come to them. The other women, too, say that if only I were staying longer, they would often come and listen to the Gospel. Several have listened very well, and once or twice they have risen from their seats to be able to get nearer and hear better, and have listened so eagerly as I told them the good news. Mr. Stevenson, don’t you think you could possibly spare a married lady or two single ladies to come here and teach the women about the only S a v i o u r , J e s u s C h r i s t ? It is five months now since I last saw a foreign lady, and, much as I should like to be able to work with one now, I would willingly forego that pleasure, even for another six months, if only some one may be sent to the women here. It is dreadful some­times to think that I am the only missionary able to talk to the women in H o -n a n , and bow here is the old Mace­donian cry, “ Come over and help us,’’ and I must leave them and return to my work in Chau-kia-k'eo. I fctl so grieved about it. There is a water-way here from

22 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

Hankow, a nice house to live in, and several women wait­ing to be taught. W ho will come and help them? I wish I could be in two places at once, but that is im­possible. I am quite well now, and ever so. much better for my cart journey last week.

P.S.— October 21 st.— Just a line more to tell you that I have seen altogether not fewer than fifteen hundred women during the past week. For when once it became known that I was here the numbers increased very rapidly. Some few of these have seemed interested in hearing the way of salvation. I do hope that soon the

women inquiring here will have some one to teach them. I f you cannot send lady workers io both stations tlease send to She-k'i-tien first.

Mr. Coulthard baptised seven men this morning in the river (making thirty-one Church members in H o -NAN, and a year ago there was not one baptised), and this after­noon they gathered round the L o r d ’s table for the first time.

W e leave for home to-morrow (D.V.). I know I need not ask you to remember us and the native Christians, but please plead for the women of H o -n a n , that soon some may openly confess faith in J e s u s their S a v i o u r .

S k I t o of fUaitg-si:.F R O M M IS S G U IN N E S S .

TA -K U -T ’A N G , on the Poyang Lake, K ia n g -s t , October 13th.— I had often heard its fame— beauti­

ful Poyang ! but never imagined it half so fair as in truth it is. For ten weeks now we have been inmates of the mission house on the hill, and have daily delighted in the loveliness o f mountain, lake, and cloudland outspread before our southern windows, but never before did it seem so fair, I think, as now to-night. Perhaps it is that associations are gathering round this or that point or distance. I raise my eyes, for instance, to the frowning height of grey Li-shan, where the sunset glow has just faded from the clouds that now so darkly mantle its brow, and think with sadness of the self-exiled men dwelling among its lonely summits in the monasteries and temples placed there in blind superstition by darkened hearts. Or j

my gaze wanders away across the still bright waters of the rippling lake to yonder low green island facing the little town, while with a glad heart I recall the scene that quiet shore beheld only a few days since. Yes, it was just there we were all gathered to witness the joyful sight— the baptism of four men, Chinese Christians, and of one dear woman, the first ever immersed in the name of J e s u s in the clear waters of this lovely lake.

But it is not so much of these things I am thinking to­night, as with full heart I sit alone by my open window. The twilight deepens into evening, and the fair scene is veiled from me by drifting clouds that darkly flit across the moon. T he busy little town below sends up its many, varied sounds ot life, with now a burst of crackers, sharp and long and loud, echoed by another from some large raft moored at no great distance, and followed here and there by the clanging of heavily beaten gongs, and the loud wooden click of the curious instrument used so much with them . . . Another burst of crackers, drowning the shouts of the children, and more gongs follow, from rafts and temple, rousing the hoarse barking of the street dogs here and there, and so it goes on, while the quiet stars shine forth and I look and listen . . . Away, away to the south of us here stretches the wide and populous Province of K i a n g -SI. Ta-ku-t’ang is only just on its northern border. Fifteen millions of souls within its limits pass across the narrow stage of life . . . Fifteen millions / It is with them my heart is to-night!

Twice the size of Portugal, this busy province has no less than one hundred and three walled towns and cities, besides almost countless large villages, hamlets, and scattered homesteads.

One hundred and three walled cities. How many of them are occupied for C h r i s t ? In how many is the joyful message being proclaimed ? Alas, alas, for the sad answer ! In only fo u r ! ! Thank God for the four ! but are there still ninety and nine without a single light ? left in these last days to utter heathen darkness ? Yes, s till

ninety and nine. O ! that the burden of them were laid upon hearts at home as it is upon ours !

I have just laid down my pen to turn and look out again southward over the province, and leaning upon my window-sill have counted slowly over, one by one, all these great towns and cities, with face and heart both turned towards them. One by one, slowly and deliberately, all the ninety and nine ; solemn moments thus occupied ! How are we living in face of such realities ? O ! that any who may read these lines would stop here and do as I have just done.

Bring it to God, this great Province of K i a n g -s i , and count over slowly, in His presence, the full number of these cities, ninety and nine —great, busy, populous walled cities every one of them, now at this moment in utter heathen darkness. Count them over, stopping every now

«•and then to recall the solemn fact, and then at the close say— as I have sa’.d— “ LORD, what wouldst Thou have me do ? ’’ . . . .

There is no medical missionary in K i a n g -s i . The majority of the little band are ladies, and they are all gathered in the north and north-east of the province, leaving the great centre and south utterly untouched. Y et even this is a great and rapid advance, telling a tale that calls for much thankfulness. Two years ago, in the summer of 1886, two young sisters of the China Inland Mission made a journey up the Kuang-sin river from Ta-ku-t’ang. They visited Nan-k’ang, An-ren, Ho-k’eo, Kwei-k’i, and Yuh-shan amongst other places, and tell us that then there were no missionaries resident in any of these, and only a few converts at the last mentioned. On that journey they saw the first convert baptized at Kwei-k’i and rented the first house in Ho-k’eo.

Now, only two years later, there are ten missionaries living and working on this important river, making these five stations their headquarters, and in each place a living Christian church of baptized members is the result. In Yuh-shan there are over a hundred, in Kwei-k’i thirty, and so on, while Mr. McCarthy’s report of his recent visit to all these stations is most encouraging.

He, as the Provincial Superintendent, was absent for two months lately, spending a few days at each station. During this time he baptized twenty-three new converts and saw real and marked progress in the work . . . Some of the churches are not only themselves flourishing, but are sending forth native agents to carry the joyful message into the regions beyond them also ! A t Yuh-shan the devoted and successful missionary in charge, Miss Mackintosh, was able to attempt the opening up of another city hither­to quite unreached, and had sent down there (to Kuang- feng) two Christian men to commence the work. But more blessed still was the other extension of her work, of which Mr. McCarthy brought us word. She had just mapped

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

out a missionary journey o f three weeks in the surrounding country, and was sending forth two dear native women as evangelists to carry the sweet Gospel message to many a village and hamlet where before it had never been heard ! This is indeed cause for praise. One cannot but feel that these are the lines on which China must be reached, if it is ever to be reached at a l l ! The Lord hasten the time when the women o f China who publish the word shall be a great host I f ever there was a time when China thirsted'for the Gospel, that time is now ! T h e door of opportunity seems to be flung iust widely open. On all

tray and whole apparatus clean overboard into the broad Y a n g tsi; but now all is different. I have m yself seen the poor men lying openly in their bunks smoking it all day long, from morning till night. The devil is wide-awake to the crisis, and the Church o f Rome is not indifferent 1 H er attitude is powerful and advancing. Here in this very province she is actively seeking to make headway, and has an almost incredible number of young people in her hands in various schools and organizations. W e thank GOD for what the Church o f C h r i s t has done and is doing ; but, alas ! how little it seems in face o f the great need I

TH E PO-YANG LAKE, KIANG-SI.

hands the testimony is the same. From this province, from KlANG-SU, from Ho-NAN, and from the North and far- off W est, letters and tidings come, all telling the same tale. Now is the time for the Church of C h r is t to press forward, laying aside every weight, to g o in and take pos­session.

T he devil is not callous or indifferent to the importance of the crisis. H e is making strides in China in more than one direction— notably so in connection with the opium curse 1 I have it on good authority that there never was a time when opium was smoked so much and so openly as now. A few years ago it was a thing done in a comer, of which everyone was ashamed ; but now officials and others d o it quite openly, and as an occasion rather for glorying than otherwise. Mr. McCarthy can remember travelling by river steamers when such a thing as opium smoking was not allowed on the ship, and has seen an officer, finding a man thus engaged, throw'his pipe and

W hy, it all the hundred labourers that came out last year in our own beloved C.I.M . had found their w ay into this one province, even then there would have been only one to each walled city, to say nothing of the smaller towns and country places. Even then each one must have had an average of 130,000 heathen souls as his or her sphere o f labour, a population that is almost equal to that of Brighton and Torquay !

But the hundred did not, could not, all come here ; and as it is there are to-night fourteen millions of souls— at the very least— left in heathen darkness here in this one province I So accessible, yet unreached 11 Ninety-nine walled cities in KlANG-SI alone, with no missionary . . . O i l am so glad I am in China, by God's grace. M ay He call and send many another, and lead those who cannot come to pray, that we may all be more in sym­pathy with Him who gave H is all, not for our sins only, but also for the sins o f the whole w orld!

24 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

'ofomg ibt §&tàr in Jfuang-st.F R O M M IS S

Y U H -SH A N , Aug. 2gth.— W hile I was having my women’s class this afternoon Mr. McCarthy arrived.

Sept. ist.— H ad a very good day. In the forenoon a good many candidates were examined ; two men and five women were accepted ; o f these Li Si-mo, our teacher’s wife, is one. Afternoon had a splendid m eeting; Mr. M cCarthy very much helped.

Sept. 2nd.— This morning had a good meeting. Can­didates all so bright; answered the questions put to them, and professed their faith in Christ and desire to follow Him ; after which we gathered round the baptistery, and as one lay one came up from the water we joined in singing “ Praise G o d , from whom all blessings flow.7’ And, indeed, it does fill one’s heart with praise to G o d to see these dear Chinese brothers and sisters professing their faith in, and obeying the command of our L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t .

Sept. 14th.— Left this forenoon with Mr. McCarthy for Ho-k’eo ; his coming here has been a help to us. Reached Sa-k5i in the morning ; here we left two women to preach the Gospel till my return from Ho-k'eo. Our cook starts on Monday for Kwang-feng Hien to sell Gospels and preach to the people.

Tuesday, Sept. 18th.— Left Ho-k’eo this morning, having spent two days with the sisters there. Expect to reach Kwang-sin Fu early to-morrow morning.

Sept. 1 gl/i.— Reached Sa-ki about 5 p.m. As soon as we stopped sent for the two women (San Yiin-sao and San Nai-nai), as the boatmen were anxious to go on. I did not land. The women came back, looking very bright and happy, and I could see they had had a good time. W hen our boat started they told me how at first they had a good deal of opposition, and were compelled to leave the friend’s house they had gone to ; however, this they found afterwards was a good thing, as they could not have morning and evening prayers there, and would have been hindered in speaking to the people. They soon found a small inn, in a quiet place, kept by an old woman and her son and daughter-in-law. Here they lived all the time, and the family seemed interested in the Gospel. Morning and evening a great many came to prayers ; during the day they visited a great many houses ; those who at first were opposed to them, afterwards became friendly, inviting them to their houses, and listening to the Gospel. M any wanted them to stay, but they said they must go to other villages. They asked them to come back soon and bring me with them. Several old women seemed so glad to hear the G o sp el; one especially, who is very weak and ill. She has for years given up wor­shipping idols, as she knew they were false, and has day after day kept repeating the Tai-yang-king, and wor­shipping the sun. Lately, being too weak to kneel on the ground, she had a little bamboo chair, wadded on the top for kneeling on. She listened very attentively as the women told her of the great F a t h e r in heaven, who had created the sun and all things, and how He loved her and sent His only Son to die for her ; how He rose again, and was now a living S a v i o u r , close by her and ready to forgive and save her if she would only believe and trust Him. “ Oh,’’ she said, "this is true! This is what I want; some one to forgive my sins; but I never heard o f J ESUS before, and I am now an oíd woman. I f you had not come to tell me how should I have known ? ’’

They visited her several times, and always found her ready to listen. When they told her they were going

M A C K IN T O S H .

away, she asked if they would get a prayer written out for her ; as she was so old, she was afraid she would forget it when they had gone. She is now praying to J e s u s , instead of to the sun.

I was much cheered by all they told me, and the pro­gress San Nai-nai has made. They have been blessed

• themselves. W hat a happy night we had together on the b o a t! I did feel so grateful to G od for the help He had given ; and, in spite of many things that had tried them, they were so glad and willing to go to other places for J e s u s ’ sake.

Sept. 20th .— Early this morning reached Yang-tsuh, another large village which I have visited a good many times, and where many seem interested in the Gospel. Here I left the two women to remain for several days ; then go on to Sa-kung-ling (five li), where a good many Christians live. Reached Yuh-shan about 3 p.m. Lien- chao-sao, one of the women newly baptised, is seriously ill.

Sunday, 23rd.— A very busy, happy day. Have just heard our sister is no better. In her unconscious moments she often talks about God, J e s u s , and heaven. The Christians in Sa-kung-ling gathered together last night to pray for her.

Tuesday, 2$th.— Heard this morning of the death of Lien-chao-sao.

Sept. ibth .— Had a very attentive class to-day. One old woman came for the first time. W hile I was teach­ing and explaining John iii. 16 she listened most atten­tively. After the meeting was over, and the friends who brought her wanted to go, she was unwilling to, as she said, “ I want to hear more of this doctrine.’’ She waited for a long time, and I explained to her about the one “ true G o d ” and J e s u s C h r i s t — His incarnation, death, and resurrection. It was all so new and wonderful to her. “ W hy,” she said, “ I am sixty years of age, and I never heard this before.” She was able to read, and seemed very intelligent. When I gave her a little book and two Gospels, saying all I had told her was in these books, she was so pleased, and said she would get her son and daughter to read them when she went home. She seemed to see so plainly “ G o d ’s hand ” in leading her here to­day. She told me she lived thirty-five l i from here. One day her daughter-in-law went to the city to visit some friends, who brought her here, and she had heard about “ J e s u s .’’ On her return home she told her she had been to the foreigners’ house and heard about J e s u s . It was a very good doctrine, and she said, “ The first time you go to the city you must go and hear it.” This was why she came. “ I am very glad I did,” she added, “ because I have heard all this.’’ She was to return home next morning, but promised that the first opportunity she had she would come again. The L o r d save her soul and bless His Word, which she is taking back with her, to many, for the glory o f His great Name.

Sept. V]th.— Miss Marchbank and I started this morn­ing for Sa-kung-ling to attend the funeral of our native sister. The coffin was laid out in front of the house, and we had a very solemn and impressive meeting ; then we all followed to the hill-side, where she was laid to rest in sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection. San Yiin-sao and San Nai-nai were in Sa-kung-ling, and I was glad to hear from them how peacefully and trustingly Lien-chao-sao had passed away. They were in a village a short distance off on Monday, and after their evening meeting, hearing how ill she was, immediately went to

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 25

see her. On their arrival she was unconscious, but as soon as San Yiin-sao spoke to her about J e s u s she under­stood, and said “ I am trusting Him.” She then recognised the two women, and said “ She was not afraid; she was trusting J e s u s , and was going to heaven.’' Some of her relations then asked her about other things, but she took no heed, and seemed quite unconscious. Shortly afterwards San Yiin-sao again asked, “ Who are you trusting ? ” Lifting her hand, and bringing it down with energy, she replied, “ I, with my whole heart, trust in the L o r d J e s u s ,’ ’ and shortly after passed away.

Oct. 1 st.— Our cook returned on Saturday from Kwang-

feng Hien, where he had a good time, and intends returning next week, accompanied by Mr. T ’sang. At the morning meeting yesterday he told of his visit, so full

! o f encouragement, in spite of difficulties ; we trust the j LORD will soon open the way there for settled work. The ! women too returned to-day, having visited five villages

besides small hamlets, everywhere meeting with some glad to hear. The difficulties, etc., have in no way daunted them, praise the L o r d ! W e are praying that many native workers may be raised up, who shall go forth and preach the “ glad tidings of great joy,’’ which is for “ all people.”

g jb ln f a t t t o n o f | l t M in p o -n a ir .L E T T E R F R O M R E V . J . IV. S T E V E N S O N . TO R E V . IV. M U IR H E A D .

SH A N G H A I, Nov. 30th.— I received two letters from Mr. Coulthard, giving details of the distribution of

relief in H o-N AN . You will be interested to read the following extracts.

I have telegraphed to our treasurer in W u-ch’ang (Han­kow) to forward without delay a further sum of Tls. 3,000 { ¿ 7 5°) to Chau-kia-k’eo. It is highly satisfactory to notice that while the increased distress makes the little help we can distribute very valuable, the Chinese Government is still continuing its care for the vast multitudes who could not be otherwise reached.

Mr. Coulthard writes from Chau-kia-k’eo on Nov. 12th—

Last year at this time the poorest people from the surrounding villages were collected in the three large fan-chang (enclosures), and were duly supported by the Government. Then, when I visited the villages, no distressed poor were to be found, and therefore we withheld our funds till needed. The people for the most part have returned to their villages, the fan-chang being almost deserted. We are able to disburse the funds in a quiet, orderly way. Now the relief is worth twice or three times what it would have been last year, when there was a plethora of silver and provisions were as cheap again. Last week Tls. 400 (Shanghai Tls. 444) were distributed among the inhabitants of seventeen villages, twenty or thirty li to the south-east of this city. Relief was given to 424 indigent families.

The mode of procedure was as follows : The distributors first had an interview with the chief village elder, who furnished them with a list of the families in his village. This list was then verified, to prevent fraud. In one or two cases families misrepresented their number, but this the distributors were able to correct by personal examination.

When the list was found or made correct, to each family was given a slip of paper, to be exchanged for cash notes for 1,000 or 1,503 cash, according to the need of the family. These cash notes are obtained from our banker, who holds all our silver, and gives us the required amount in cash no‘ es. We are very fortunate in having with us an experienced and trustworthy native who helped to distribute relief during the time of the S h a n -si

famine. He is invaluable to us at the present juncture.To-day Tls. 600 were exchanged for cash notes. The distri­

bution will begin to-morrow in another direction, to give relief (D.V.) to about 800 or 900 families. The money lying here is going rapidly ; I hope that more will arrive before our present supply is quite exhausted. Our present distributions will only provide for the wants of these needy families for about a month. We shall need to distribute again before the inundated districts are covered with ice, when communication will be effectually stopped until-after the New Year. Next time we should give

them sufficient to support them for two months or more, as they will have to lay in a stock of provisions to last them until com­munication can be reopened.

To-day I received a letter from Mr. Johnston, who, with Mr. Mills, is making a survey of the inundated district to the east and north of this. They will skirt the flooded parts up to the breach, where they will hire a boat and travel by water from village to village, and see what can be done to relieve the dis­tress where help is most needed. Mr. Johnston writes me as follows: “ The course of our journey has been eastward as faras T ’ai-k’ang, but from there we went west in order to get nearer the flooded district. . . . As regards the condition of the people, we have not been able to obtain much information, except that those in need have gone to the larger towns, where food is being distributed. This place, Chu-sien-chen, is the fiist of these [distributing centres] we have come to ; we have only just arrived, and cannot yet say anything about the prospects of the place. One of the large enclosures [similar to those at Chau-kia-k’eo] just inside the city seems to be literally packed with people, much more so than I have seen elsewhere. Still, of course, they are being provided for.

“ I fancy it was reported at Shanghai that the water this year extended over a greater territory than last year. Whatever the state of the country was at the time the report was written, it is quite different now, as along our route we found that the water had receded to the extent of eight, ten, and twelve li in some places.

“ On the whole, we have failed to hear of isolated cases of need ; the people complain, however, of depression in trade on account of the floods, which is to be expected, but cannot be remedied.

“ We may probably remain here part of, if not all, to-morrow, and then make for the breach, and see about visiting the villages on our way down. As I write, a few interested individuals look in and impart to me the information that there are 30,000 people in this place receiving food from the Government."

Mr. Coulthard further writes, under date of Nov. 16th—

Our second distribution has been successfully accomplished, and this time 810,300 cash was distributed among 673 families, living in twenty-six different villages. The villages lie to the north­east of Chau-kia-k’eo, at a distance of twenty or thirty li. The water is gradually receding, and in places is so shallow that the boat can scarcely be pushed along; in some places the boat is “ poled ” over mud, the water being insufficient to float it.

We are pushing on with the distribution as quickly as pos­sible, so that all the villages may be reached before the water entirely recedes. Then, when those in this district have received

2 6 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

a first small supply, we hope that further supplies of silver will have reached us, to enable us to make a larger distribution before the close of the Chinese year. This morning we changed Tls. 500, and to-morrow morning the third distribution will be made in a different direction. This sum exhausts our present supply, but I hope to make arrangements with our bankers to

Mr. Taylor, writing from Shang-hai on November 28th,From the S h a n -t u n g Province we hear tidings of great distress.

Drought destroyed some of the crops in the spring, and flood­ing and burstingof rivers washed away what wouldhavebeen a very good harvest in the autumn, leaving, according to Dr. Nevius’s

advance us about Tls. 500, and so to have the work kept going until the silver written for arrives. The banker seems to have every confidence in us, and as we are doing all the business through him, he will doubtless advance us the money.

The first distribution has done much good. We are here in the midst of suffering, and will do all that we can to relieve it.

says :—

estimate, about a million and a half of people, many of them homeless, their houses having been washed away, and many of them in a state of starvation.

a p lis m s in | 1a:o-niirg, ü i - t f j ’m n .F R O M R E V . W. W. C A S S E E S .

A U G . 28th.— The past week has been a time of very special blessing here in Pao-ning. T he evening meet­

ings were unusually well attended by our inquirers, and the L o r d gave us tokens of His presence. Every night we had what I may call after-meetings, when we especially dealt with the candidates for baptism. During the early part of the week these were largely occupied with teach­ing, but as the enthusiasm increased the claims of the M a s t e r to full and immediate submission to Him were more and more strongly pressed. A ll through salva­tion in its fulness was our theme, and having to do with inquirers, there was no need to stop to say who G od was, what the Bible was, and so on. •

On Sunday three of the inquirers were baptised ; viz., Li, the son of one of our Chinese teachers ; Wen, an old man who has been attending all the year, and who keeps a little hat-shop ; Li, a shoemaker, who gives promise of making a very warm-hearted servant of the L o r d . The rest are put off for a week or two.

When our teacher’s son reached home after the bap­tismal service he found that his youngest child, who was delicate; had been suddenly taken ill. They did what they could, but the child died next morning. W hat a trial of faith ! On the one hand, one sees a loving F a t h e r testing the faith of His newly declared child ; on the other hand, the malice of the evil one, trying to over­throw the faith of this man, newly escaped out of his net.

One is reminded of similar things that happened not unfrequently in S h a n -s i . When I was at Ta-ning a scholar of the town had begun to show interest in the Gospel, and had surprised us by coming all day one Sunday to our services. T he next day, as his child was playing outside the city gate with other children, a wolf sprang up the bank from the river, and picking out this child from the rest, had soon put an end to its young life. When Fan, the elder, went up to P ’ing-yang to inquire into the truth one of his children was taken off in a similar manner, and when he returned to receive baptism a second child was tak en ! O f course, the heathen made great capital out of this, but in each case the tried ones stood

firm, and so the trial was made a blessing to them. I am thankful to say that Mr. Li is also standing firm. He came round, and asked me to pray with him, and prayed himself, especially asking that all his family might be brought in.

The old man Wen has been coming to services for fully six months, but showed no particular signs of the H OLY S p i r i t ’s working. Some weeks ago, however, a man came in to the guest-hall, and showed considerable acquaintance with the truth. I talked with him for some time, and it came out that this old man, Wen, had been telling him about it. This led me to take more interest in the man. I went round to his house, and found he had made a clean sweep of all his household idols, and had our street tracts pasted all over the walls ; so ulti­mately, though the old man is still on many points dull of apprehension, we received him, trusting that the L o r d

would continue to lead him, and teach him.Sept. 30th.— I have a dozen opium patients, who take

a great deal of looking after during the day, and some­times during the night too.

W e have been having large audiences at our daily evening meetings ; the L o r d has stood by me ; C h r i s t has been lifted up as the only One who can supply the present and eternal needs of men.

Praise G o d that our work is going ahead, and every month shows real progress. On Sundays our biggest room, which we use as a chapel, is packed, and people sit outside. I am considering what is to be done for them. W e may manage during the winter. I trust the room will be quite insufficient next summer ; and we must be getting ready for the showers of blessing.

W e have a good number of inquirers, some of whom promise very well. A ll this gives me great cause for thankfulness ; but I long to be out more amongst the outsiders, and wish the way were open for more street- preaching.

W hat masses there are around us, lying in darkness and in the shadow of death ! Oh for a band of Christians, all on fire, who would go forth to win them for G o d !

%n # n ilim of ¿fifteen Hags’ fiincrafiün.F R O M M R. B E A U C H A M P .

S H U N -K ’IN G F U , SI-C H ’U EN , Aug. 14th.— From Pao-ning to this city is three days’ journey ;

when the water is high, as at this time, you can get down in two days. But I want to give you a short account of how Mr. Horsburgh and myself came down in fifteen days, and the work we were able to do on the way.

The wet weather at last had given way to days of cloudless heat, but thank G od , we have both been kept in wonderful working order. W e took a boat to ourselves on the understanding that we should stop just when and where we liked. T he luxury of a moving home cost us the sum of is. 4d. daily, which was not much, considering

CHINA'S MILLIONS. *7

we were a party o f four (Horsburgh, self, servant, and teacher). ' O u r boat was a very lightly built flat-bottom barge, drawing from 12 to* 15 'inchies o f water, about 40 feet in length and 8 feet beam. T h e boat at midships was completely matted over to shelter from sun o r rain, giving a good 6 feet headway, both ends left open for working the ship, but these also can b e covered over when needed. W e lived m the permanently covered part, making a cabin o f about H fe e tb y 8 feet. A ll traffic from either end o f the boat was obliged to pass through this cabin ! Beds were made by spreading a mat on the floor, composed of very uneven planks, and mosquito nets were easily hung up.

From start to finish we visited eighteen towns, large and small. Two of them were a few miles upland from the r iv e r; these I visited alone with my man. Most of these places we visited on market-days, and on those days the crowds are dense. W e soon found by ex­perience that non-market-days were the best for our work. On market-days people are far too busy in the

pleasant resorts, being built in most costly style and general ly very shady.

During market-time the noise was • far too great to attempt preaching on the streets. I found in many places- that to go just outside the town on one o f the great main roads gave grand opportunities for preaching in the cool o f the afternoon to the crowds breaking up and going hom e; many, too, when there take books or tracts who couldnot during the bustle and heat o f the market. People who had bought Scriptures from Bible Society men and not understood them were very fre­quently met w ith; unfortunately, these people are not at all given to inquiring, but have given it up as hopeless, believing it to be some foreign mystery. A single-sheet tract,.well .written, given with each copy o f the Word, would, I think, increase the value of Bible Society work a hundredfold. Thank G o d for some who really have got a light in the darkness from what they have read, some o f these cases, too, o f many years back. This points to the importance o f working over the same

THEATRICALS IN CHINA.

morning to buy books, while after noon those who do not go home get the worse for drink.

On days when there is no market we find people quite disengaged and glad to have a talk, and although we only have perhaps one-fiftieth the number o f people, we can sell more books. On Sundays we abstained entirely from selling books, and either did more preaching or took the much-needed rest.

T o give a detailed account of each town separately, and the work in each, would be both beyond the compass of my memory and also your patience. Though each was similar, the work was far from monotonous, there being special points o f interest in each. In places near Pao-ning we constantly came across people who knew us, either having been personally to visit us at Pao-ning or having heard from others who had.

The"boat was very hot during the daÿtime whilst not on the move, so we -spent almost the entire day on shore. Many the streets are shady, being either matted over or else the houses on either side are built with -deep verandahs ; but the tea-shops and temples were our most common" haunts. The latter were invariably cool and

f ound again before too long an interval. Every evening think without exception, I got good opportunities for

preaching. W e often travelled between two and five p.m., thereby avoiding the great heat, and reaching a new town in nice time for evening work.

KINDNESS OF TH E PEOPLE.

I have always found the Chinese very civil, but never so much so as on this journey. I remember landiag for breakfast one morning at Hs'in-chen Pa. It w as awfully hot, though only 7 am . T h e people were a little curious to see the foreigner, and so crowded rather more than was pleasant in the great h e a t T hey saw m y unhappy position, and made a wider circle, while one man began vigorously to fan me, and kept it up vigorously till my breakfast was finished 1 The luxury was tremendous, and enabled me to eat at least two more bowls o f rice than I could otherwise have done t I hardly-ever preach now, either in town or country, but what a kind neighbour brings me a form to sit on, but 1 always use it to stand on, and so can better command m y audience.; A fe w d ay s ago an o ld mother sent her little son with a huge cup of

28 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

tea when my voice was beginning to fail. I saw that she and all the women of her house had crowded to the door to listen. In the shops, unless you are very sharp in paying, you will often have some one else come and pay for you, when they know you are come to “ preach good,” as they all say. I always declare that to exhort them to do good is not my object, but to learn of One whose doing good was genuine, and unlike that of all men. Exhorting one another to do good is very common in China, but utterly hollow, self or self-made gods being the greatest power they know of.

Apart from preaching and book-selling, which we both engaged in daily and all day long on this journey, we had a new war-machine in the shape of “ paste-pot ” and tracts. This I committed to my H o -n a n servant, and it is work he delights in and does well. Often I saw a knot of two or more men reading the tracts pasted on temple walls and other conspicuous places, where a set of some five or six remain as a permanent witness and mark of our line of march. Pray for this work, the account of which I have so poorly given ycu.

% Jm ittiijljl flit a §flat.E X T R A C T E D F R O M T H E D I A R Y O F M I S S C R E W D S O N .

A U G U S T 15th.— The last few weeks at the opium refuge have been so very busy— such a number of

outside cases to give medicine to or have wounds dressed, in addition to our three or four opium patients indoors, that between the heat and the constant work Miss Webb and I got quite run down. So, as most refuges are closed during the great heat, it was thought that we should get a change and rest, and so be ready for a good winter’s work. Miss Murray suggested a journey in a native boat up the Grand Canal, calling at T s’ing-kiang-p’u to see Miss Kentfield and Miss M cKee, and then going to the unreached villages beyond.

Aiigust 24th.— I have been charmed with the Canal all the way. On a long line of bank one would see now and again a Chinese wheel-barrow, m akinga pretty picture, the driver with his tawny skin and light blue short trousers, and in front a young mother, perhaps, in her pretty white jacket, skirt o f blue, and small bound feet in embroidered shoes, and on her knee her little one dressed in pink and green, or some other light shade. Or it may be a tall Chinaman curled up on this veiy primitive vehicle, with his long white robe, his tail ending in a black silk tassel, and to crown all his native umbrella, orange colour, grey, or pale green. Or you hear a quick tinkling of bells, and see a grey or white donkey trotting along at a brisk pace, sometimes boasting of a scarlet or blue saddle-cloth, and on its back a Chinaman in a long gown, and trousers o f almost any light shade neatly tied at the ankle with coloured silk. The men also wear embroidered shoes, unless in winter or wet weather. T o my mind riding a donkey is much the more manly way of travel­ling ; it strikes me as rather comical to see one man running along with a tall or stout man in a wheel-barrow, but really it is wonderful how soon one gets used to strange sights and sounds. I must say we all like the Chinese dress very much ; there is a great deal of variety among the natives, and I do think it is very picturesque. As we passed one pretty scene after another, I often thought, if only the home people could see !

W e stopped at nearly all the places on our way up, and our native Christian man was so earnest, and would re­turn with such a bright, eager face to tell us how many tracts and gospels he had sold. . . .

Oh, the awful curse of this terrible opium ! and to be told that our country sends it, and to know that it is painfully true ! It is no wonder the dear home land has national troubles, such as bad trade and other things. T h e marvel is that G od is so merciful. Then the small response of His children as a whole to do all they can to obey His command and take His glorious message into all the world, by giving themselves, their money, their efforts as H e shows them, and certainly their earnest prayer and personal interest. Is it not awful to see how

busy Satan is in India, Africa, and China in the sin, the drink, and the opium traffics? It really makes our blood boil, and sends us to our knees to beseech G o d to rouse up every Christian man and woman to realise their own in­dividual responsibility. Surely G o d is speaking with a very loud voice to every child of His at this time when Satan’s power is being so terribly felt at home and abroad, at this time when doors that have been long shut against the missionary are being flung open in all directions, and such readiness to h ear! How sad that so few are on the spot ready to take advantage of those grand openings, while in the meantime thousands are dying every day who have never heard of the SAVIOUR. And yet many who have enjoyed Christian privileges and influences all their lives are wondering how much they are called to do ! W hat painful realities in life and death stare us in the face !

A ll the way between Yang-chau and T s’ing-kiang-p’u we have not a single worker stationed. One evening we passed a group who were most interested, and bought several gospels. Do join us in earnest prayer that the books sold may each one carry G o d ’s blessing with it. Occasionally we hear most encouraging news of a man buying a gospel and taking it home to his village, and through it several been led to know, and trust in J e s u s , and to give up their idols and ancestral worship.

Well, I was going to say after we had walked on one ot the men overtook us, and asked earnestly if we would not come just a little further, as his home was quite near, so we went. It was getting dark, and they had been having their evening rice on a square table outside ; they rose and greeted us so kindly, and listened attentively. Although on the whole there seems a want of love in many of the Chinese, still just as at home you will see real home pictures of it here and there. A s a rule the men seem very fond of children, and nurse them quite tenderly. At this cottage I was struck with a young girl kissing a little child so lovingly, and the little thing clinging to her, and as I took notice of it she said, “ She is my little sister," and looked so pleased.

A t last we reached T s’ing-kiang-p’u, about 100 miles up the Canal, and what a welcome we had from our dear sisters ! W e purposely let it be a surprise. They were both well, and so very happy in their work. T he dear native Christians are so happy and earnest. The pastor is a blind man ; he has committed many portions of his Bible and hymn-book to memory, and although he is totally blind it is hardly noticeable in the ser­vice. H e has such a happy face. His eldest boy is about twelve, and frequently reads for his father and leads the singing, having a clear sweet, voice. Really it was a treat to see that happy Christian family. One felt when C h r i s t really comes into the heart, and after­

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 29

wards takes full possession, what a change He works in the daily life and character, European or Chinese alike ! Happier children I never saw, and that dear mother in her busy home going through her domestic duties in such a happy, contented sp irit; then in the afternoon clean and tidy, and always ready to tell the Gospel in her own simple way to any women who came, or pleased to go with the sisters to a village near on the same glad errand.

While at T s ’ing-kiang-p’u we heard we could not go beyond very well, because of some rapids, so we arranged to come down the Canal and turn off into two or three lakes and visit some villages where the people had never heard the Gospel. W e had a good time on an island ; a dear old woman, a vegetarian for over twenty years (this is counted very meritorious, as no animals have to be killed for them) listened so nicely, and her understanding was so clear and bright, though she was over eighty. She was sitting on a tiny stool in front of her little hut, sewing a dark green skirt trimmed with dark blue. It was inte­resting to see them grinding the grain in the old Bible way, between two large round stones.

On Sunday, while we were quietly taking our dinner, and intending to have a rest in the great heat afterwards, a

woman came on to the boat and begged us to go and tell a number of women the Gospel. Miss W ebb spoke of the heat, and said we would go in the evening (we had promised Miss Murray to be careful about sunstroke), but the woman was in real earnest, and said they were waiting in a cool place ; so we went, and found quite a nice little audience in a temple ! Some of the women were making their shoes ; out came the old priest across the courtyard, and he, too, stood and listened. W as it not a grand opportunity of telling the glorious message of salvation in one of the devil’s strongholds ?

W e went on shore again in the evening, as promised, and again more heard, and that was our farewell. W e returned to our little boat, and had united prayer for these dear people, thanking G o d for having taken us there. How many of these people, I wonder, shall we meet in the heavenly home ?

Oh, it is a glorious work, and we are so happy, and our GoDisalwaysso good. W e are finding out more of Hisgreat loving h eart; oh, to have more of His likeness ! Dear friends, pray much and often for us ; we are surrounded by opium dens and temples. A temple close to us in Yang-chau has 10,000 idols. Oh, it is terrible.

}t ¿famine in dljina.

SAD tidings have reached England from China during the last few days. The state of things in Northern China is painful to contemplate. Parts of the Provinces of H o - n a n , S h a n - t u n g , and

C h i h - l i are the scene of a widespread and disastrous famine, the suffering from which will be greatly aggravated by the calamities which have befallen Northern China during the last eighteen months. The Yellow River disaster and the terrible inundations in M a n c h u r i a were followed by a great drought in the early summer, causing the failure of the rice crops ; and subsequently, to the dismay of the people, who were encouraged by the prospect of a good autumn harvest, there came in the month of August the deluge of rain which has caused the present calamity.

From a statement in The Times it appears that Dr. Nevius (not Dr. Nevins as printed in error), a well-known and highly-esteemed missionary, having heard of the great distress prevailing in S h a n - t u n g , left Chefoo on October 1 8 th, to make an investigation. The result is given in the following statement taken from The Times, which will be read with painful interest:—

Writing on November ioth from a place called Chang-lo, he [Dr. Nevius] says that he found the distress more extended and greater than the reports had led him to expect. The district he visited had an area of about 6,000 square miles, and a population of 1,500,000. It had suffered much from drought during the past four or five years, and in one corner from the overflow of the Yellow River. The present calamity was the consequence of the unusual rains of August, culminating in what appears to have been a deluge on the 18th of that month. Although heavy rains are common and expected about that time, no one had before experienced such a rainfall there. The water rushing down from the mountains in the central part of the province swelled the streams, which burst their banks and, uniting in one common flood, swept over nearly the whole of a vast plain which slopes gradually to the north and terminates in Pechili Bay. The people, who had lost their wheat crop in consequence of drought during the spring and early summer, were rejoicing in the pro­spect of a good autumn harvest, when the flood destroyed all. The millet and bean crops were destroyed at once. The tall sorghum, with its head above water, promised for a time to survive ; but much of it was borne down by the current and the wind.

The houses of the people in many cases are gone as well as the food, for the floods, rising to the slight elevation on which the villages and towns were constructed, entered the houses and softened and dissolved mud bricks which formed the foundations, so that they fell to the ground. Dr. Nevius describes as an instance one particular town, where the destruction and misery are no worse than elsewhere, and not so bad as in some other places. The town is Han-chiao, on the Miho River, with a population of 2,000. It is surrounded by an earth wall 20

ft. in height. The river banks gave way just above the town, and an opening was gradually made for a distance of about a mile. The water burst oui towards the town, tearing away the surface earth from hundreds of acres of cultivated land and covering it with sand. It soon broke down part of the mud wall and poured through the streets, filling the whole space within the walls, and breaking out again on another side. Nine-tenths of the houses were carried away ; household goods, furniture, farming implements, and timbers of buildings floated away towards the sea. The people saved themselves by climbing trees or the higher parts of the wall, where [many of them remained standing in the water for hours. For two days they could obtain no food. The town, when seen by Dr. Nevius, was a scene of complete desolation. Large pools of water stood where there were recently busy streets and comfortable dwellings. A few of the original houses remain, and some huts have been erected on the open spaces. Many of the inhabitants have fled to friends living in more favoured localities, and many are reduced to hopeless beggary.

The whole region bore marks of the flood three months after­wards. The surface earth is carried away wholly in many places; in the others the ground is too wet to plough. Small streams have formed lakes and covered large tracts of country. Around the city of Lo-ngan the people were found living principally on the seeds of alno grass or shrub, which grows on alkaline lands, and resembles the sage plant of the high American table-lands. In every village the people were found gathering this grass. The seed and husk are ground into powder, mixed with chaff, and made into a kind of cake, which is nearly tasteless, except that it has a slight herby flavour. It can containlbut little nutriment. In none of the houses was any food except these cakes found.

3° CHINA'S MILLIONS.

In one house a man showed a little flour in a gourd which he had brought for a sick child. It was made from coarse sorghum, which in ordinary times is only eaten by the very poorest, who can afford neither rice nor millet, but now it is a luxury.

Death by starvation, says Dr. Nevius, is staring these people in the face. All the roads leading out of the region were thronged with refugees, usually able-bodied men with women and children. They endeavoured to plant their land, and were on their way to more plentiful regions to beg, so that more would be left for those remaining behind. They hope to return to get in their spring crops. They take their farm wheelbarrows, to carry clothing, bedding, and a few utensils, with the younger children sometimes sitting on top of the load, and the adults trudging behind. It was estimated that 2,000 persons were daily leaving the stricken districts in all directions, but especially towards the famine districts of 1877-8, where land is cheap on account of the dearth of the population. Sometimes illness of the wife or hus­band brought the family progress to a standstill, as the husband

was too weak to propel the wheelbarrow with his wife added to the load, and vice vend. Many refugees were also returning, as they found it impossible to get a living by begging ; but, as a rule, the fiightful privations of this exile deter all who are not absolutely driven to it. Some linger at home, loath to leave, until all the food is exhausted, but even the chaff bread cannot last through the winter. Those who have property of any kind try to sell it, but nothing will fetch a tithe of its value.

In conclusion, Dr. Nevius observes that any words can convey but a very imperfect idea of the misery, and it is sure to be worse in the spring, before which the limited supply of provisions will be exhausted. Those who have remained at home will be reduced to extremities, those who return from abroad will not have the means or strength to plant the spring crops. He esti­mates that a halfpenny a day, or fifteen pence a month, would, in addition to what the people can do themselves, support life. The district magistrates have remitted taxes, but seem to have done nothing further to meet the awful situation.

The region described by Dr. Nevius is but a small part of one province. A Shanghai correspon­dent of The London and China Telegraph says that

“ Six provinces, all thickly populated, are suffering at one time the effects of flood or drought, and the widely-extended famine caused thereby. . . .

“ The floods have, of course, kept a great many millions of farmers from cultivating their fields, and thus greatly reduced the production of grain and other food, and caused prices to largely increase.”

It will be seen from a preceding page that Mr. Coulthard has been engaged in relieving the sufferers from the Yellow .River disaster. Mr. Johnston and Mr. Mills also, of the China Inland Mission, are making a survey of the inundated district to the east and north of Chau-kia-keo, to see what can be done to relieve the distress where help is most needed. For the relief of the sufferers by the famine of 1 8 8 7 -8 about ^ 8 ,0 0 0 was sent through the China Inland Mission. Contri­butions for the relief of those now suffering will be gratefully received by the Secretary oi the China Inland Mission, 2, Pyrland Road, London, N., and telegraphed to China without delay.

If, as estimated by Dr. Nevius, “ a halfpenny a day, or fifteenpence a month, will, in addition to what the people can do themselves, support life," it is within the reach of all to do something to alleviate the distress which, whatever may be the combined efforts put forth to meet it, must prevail for months to come to an awful extent. B. BROOM HALL.

January 14th, 18 8 9. —

irixf ( fe tn u ls ,( S a n - h 'in g ÿ r f l b m r * .

F rom M r . B r id g e.

Gan-k'ittg, Nov. g/h — Other letters will convey to you the glad tidings of the baptism of four men, which took place here last night. It was indeed a joy to see them thus witness for C h r is t , the first I have seen in this idolatrous land. Two of them are from the Chi-cheo district and are the fruit of Mr. Reid’s labours there. The beaming face of one of them as he gave his testimony was itself strong evidence of what God can do for poor deluded idol-worshippers j the third is a soldier, and the fourth one of our servants.

3 jre n -s t ^ Irr ib h ite .F rom M r . B l a n d .

Han-chung, Sept. 2nd.— My first L o r d ’s Day in Han-chung ; one of encouragement and blessing to my soul. The Sunday- school was intensely interesting and novel to us. The sight of the men varying in age up to seventy years, sitting like children and being instructed, not by foreigners, but by natives themselves, was sufficient to gladden any one’s heart. The women appeared to be very intelligent, and at the close of the school when Mr. Easton interrogated the whole assembly on the lesson of the day they answered more readily than the men. The singing of the hymns was a great improvement upon Gan-k’ing.

At noon several of the brethren who lived at a distance from the chapel remained, as a most blessed service was to be held, that of baptising six men and three women. We could not help praising G od that we had left our boat at Chen-ku and come over in time to witness this happy ceremony. The nine seemed

so bright and real. May the L o rd keep them ever so, for a bright happy face must tell effectually in the long run.

Sunday, 16th.— I had a real treat after the long confinement in the boat, in accompanying Mr. Easton to Shih-pah-li-p’u. We had a walk of twenty li through a lovely country. The cotton plant was in flower and the rice was being cut. We had a most enjoyable time. Nowhere have I met Chinese so hearty and genuine as these were. We walked home, reaching Han-chung by five p.m.

F rom M r . H u t t o n .

Pan-ch'eng, Oct. <)th.— It is four years to-day since I embarked for China. I remember I was very happy the day I left England, but my joy is greater to-night. The words which came welling into my soul as I awoke on October 9th, four years ago, were : “ The L o rd Himself, He it is that goeth before you.” And to night the response to these words is : “ There hath not failed one word of all that the L o rd hath promised.” I do thank G od for all His mercies to me during the past four years. I love the Chinese more than I did when I first entered this country. This day I renew my consecration to the L o rd to spend all my days, if He will, among them.

I have written you in the last few letters of a company of men, coming regularly some distance to hear the Gospel, and to attend worship on the L o rd ’s day; I have visited their village and was well listened to. I often go out preaching on the streets. I had two or three interesting audiences this alternoon. I try to remember that the power of the Sp ir it is as much mine for preaching, as the blood of Jesus is for cleansing. He shall see of the travail of His soul— a deeper travail than ours can ever be.

C h i n a 's M i l l i o n s

J f a m in e iiT C jpna:.

China Inland Mission, 2, Pyrland Road,London, N., Feb. 19th, 1889.

HROUGH the kindness of many friends, we have been enabled to telegraph money to China for the relief of the sufferers from famine as follows:— On Thursday, January 25th, £ 200; Monday, January 28th, ¿1,30 0 ; Friday, February 1st, £ 7 0 0 -, Wednesday, February n th , ¿800; and to-morrow ¿600 more will be sent; making in all, ¿3,600. This amount has come to us in sums varying from 6d. to ¿1,000; the latter generous gift being a family offering from “ Father, Mother, and seven Children.”

To each contributor we offer our very grateful thanks, not only for his or her kind gift, but for the warm words of sympathy with the sufferers with which in so many cases the gifts have been accompanied. If the mission­aries who distribute the relief thus provided can only put it into the hands of those who receive it with a sympathy as true as that manifested by those

by whom it has been given, then surely the wish will not be in vain which so many of these have expressed, that this dire calamity may be overruled for opening more effectually a way for the Gospel message.

The Lord Mayor of London, with a promptitude and energy which cannot be too highly com­mended, opened a fund for the sufferers from famine, and has been enabled to telegraph assistance tothe extent of ¿12,000, a sum which we earnestly hope will, without delay, be very largely increased.

From the districts affected by the Yellow River disaster the missionaries of the China Inland Mission have sent reports, from which extracts are now given. Dr. Douthwaite, of the same Mission, earnestly calls attention to the awful destitution in the province o f S h a n t u n g . The following is from his letter received yesterday:—

CH E F O O , Jan. 1st.— A district o f about 6,000 square miles has been devastated so completely ihat at the

lowest estimate 1,500,000 men, women, and children are now reduced to the verge of starvation. In many parts ■he people manage to subsist on the shrubs and grass growing on the hills, but now that the winter has set in that supply is exhausted, and unless relief is speedily afforded from without, the greater part, if not all of this great multitude must inevitably perish.

T h e native authorities are doing little or nothing to relieve this distress ; but can we, as Christians, stand idly by, while so many o f our fellow-creatures perish for want o f food ?

W hat mockery it seems to go among these people and preach the Gospel, unless we are prepared to give them a practical illustration o f the power o f that Gospel to lead to acts o f self-denial on behalf o f suffering humanity.

Here we have an opportunity o f proving to them, that notwithstanding all they have heard to the contrary, we are indeed their friends. And surely if anything would remove the prejudice they have against us as foreigners, and incline their hearts to receive the divine truths which are being constantly proclaimed in their midst, it would be the timely aid rendered to them in their hour of dis­tress. For a Chinaman is not slow to perceive the truth of our old ptoverb, “ A friend in need is a friend indeed."

A very small sum, say 2s. a month, would suffice to keep one man from actual starvation, but when the extent o f the disaster is taken into consideration, you will see that the aid rendered, if to be o f any use, must be on a large scale.

In not a few districts the wheat, though sown, never will be reaped for the people are dragging up the roots and eating them to satisfy their craving for food.

The following telegram just received from Mr. Hudson Taylor forbids the hope that this need is less urgent now than when Dr. Douthwaite wrote :—

“ Shantung— Manchuria — Frightful distress — Assistance ts urgently required— Shanghai— nineteenth."

B. BROOM HALL, Secretary.

M a r c h , 18 8 9 .

32 CHINA'S M ILLIO NS

®iìrmgs f x a m % B t m t 0f % p ilo to H it e Inasto:*

FOUR brethren having been deputed to explore the flooded districts in H o - n a n , Messrs. Johnston and Mills spent about a month in visiting the place wheré the breach occurred, going by way of

the east side of the flood, while Messrs. Slimmon and Gracie journeyed on the west side. W e give below an abrégé of Mr. Johnston’s account.

Mr. Coulthard, writing from Chau-kia-k'eo, H o n a n , on Nov. 26, says, “ The L o r d is greatly helping us in the matter of distributing relief. It is being done quietly and systematically. Already Tls. 2,100 have been given away, and we can dispose of every cent that is being sent. W e are now waiting for more funds.”

F R O M M R. J O H N S T O N .

CH A U -K IA -K ’-EO, Nov. 30/&— We have just returned from our journey up the east side of the flooded dis­

trict and as far north as the breach, which lies about twelve l ì (four miles) to the west of Yang-k’iao. A t T ’ai- kang there are tents erected and Government relief afforded to the distressed. A t Cliu-sien-cheng we were informed that about 30,000 people were receiving relief from Government. There was a large enclosure with thè usual straw and mud huts, but much more closely con­fined than anywhere else I have seen. One is not sur­prised on looking at the way the people are huddled together to hear that the death-rate was exceedingly high during the seventh and eighth months.

T o the north the entire district seems only a vast sandy plain, with scarcely a trace of cultivation or habitation. This wilderness appearance continues all the way to and apparently beyond the breech, but one is not prepared for the scene of activity and life that has grown up there.

W e had been walking for some considerable time in the last old bed of the river, expecting to arrive at some comparatively small town, but fancy our surprise to find on arrival a thickly-populated place, that seems at least to have 100,000 people, and a splendid business going on. Shops of all descriptions have been opened, and judging from the rush of people it seems to be reckoned the “ gold-diggings ’’ of China for the present. Prices, too, are high.

W e managed to secure one of the general places of shelter for the night, which consisted of a few poles erected and sticks thrown across the top with mats tied on the outside : through the mats as well as the larger apertures the sand was drifting plentifully. For this we paid 150 cash [6d., double or treble the usual inn-money] a night, and it was in this class of shelter that even the higher class Chinese officials had to take refuge ; the tent adjoining ours was occupied by a mandarin.

The following morning we went to visit the scene of the disaster, and there we witnessed a sight that baffles description. The breach is from thirty to forty feet high from water mark, and from 300 to 400 feet wide. Judging from the rapidity, strength, and volume of current, it would seem that their attempts to stop it will be almost fruitless, at least this year. That they have material o f a kind is true, and also in quantity, if millet-stalks and sand are going to stop it ; their trust for a successful issue seems to be placed in the millet, which has been

FROM MR.

SH E -K ’I-T IE N , Dec. 20th.— Mr. Gracie and I have been partly on a book-selling expedition and partly

to see what was being done in the way of repairing the breach in the Yellow River. Travelling north from She- k’i-tien, we passed through Yii-chau, Chin Hien, Yeh Hien, Hsiang Hien, Hiri-cheng Hien, and on to Chang- chau, a distance of some 300 miles. Each of these places

brought from all quarters in enormous quantities, while cartloads are continuing to come in daily by hundreds. They pay 4,000 cash (13s. 4d.) a load for it, delivered on the place, and it would seem that 100,000 taels would scarcely pay for the quantity gathered. Besides they have hemp cables and bamboo cables by the ton, as well as brick and small square stone, about twelve inch by four inch, in abundance.

The work has commenced this season on the west but not as yet on the east side, and the thousands of men em­ployed are used in wheeling clay and placing millet stalks in layers as they fill in piece by piece. It truly is an amusing sight, from one stand-point, to see thousands of able-bodied men with their barrows full of clay, equal to about a good shovelful, following each other and wend­ing their way in and out, back and forward, like so many ants. They are paid 30 cash (i£-d.) a barrowful. Many have no spades, but use their hands for loading, and were it not that each barrow-load has its official check one would think that they were striving who could bring least. Employment of this kind, we learnt, was for all who cared to go, and so multitudes of those who have suffered from the flood have obtained employment, while their families have gone to the places for distributing food in their various districts.

Having now reached our intended limit northward, we tried to procure a boat to return by water, but not even a small fishing-boat would consent to leave even for a three- days’ run, though we offered 700 cash (2s. 4d.) a day. Near Fu-k’eo the water had spread itself over the entire land, and it was about that district of country that the condition of the people seemed most deplorable. Hun­dreds and hundreds of villages might be seen not only surrounded by, but actually standing in water. Scarcely any of these hamlets were entirely deserted. Where the houses are still standing, the people who could remain seem to have done so, probably upon the principle that “ There’s no place like home.”

It is not likely that one would meet with cases of alsolute starvation, as almost from any centre within a radius of thirty l£ (ten miles) food is being provided and shelter afforded by the Government for any who are needy. But the distribution of a few thousand taels would greatly increase the very meagre share of comfort that some of these possess who expect to pass the winter in their desolate homes.

SLIMMON.

I have named are large walled towns, representing dis­tricts with hundreds of villages and market-towns, where thousands of people dwell who have never heard the Gospel, for in all that 300 miles there is not a single missionary.

Praise GOD we were enabled to sell quantities of tracts and Scriptures in all the towns we visited, and found a

C H IN AS MILLIONS.

YALE DIVINITY SCHOOL

Häven, Cot\ready hearing for our message, meeting with nothing but good-temper and kindness.

The attempts to repair the breach would be laughable were it not for the pitiable fact that the fate of thousands of families depend upon their efforts, for the country is still under water, and that means no harvest yet sown for next year, and a consequent lengthening of the misery, which increases in severity, for notwithstandingthe noble effort that the Government is making to meet the distress, there are thousands that they do not reach. Only those who have literally nothing and are reduced to actual starvation will go to live in the miserable booths, where two basins of gruel are doled out to each individual per

day ; it is scarcely enoughtcT keepT soul and body together, and the suffering from cold in winter is some­thing terrible, while in summer they die off in hundreds through disease brought on by over-crowding and want o f sanitary arrangements.

It is a relief to think that our friends at C h au-kiak’eo are busy helping the distressed, and that Messrs. John­ston and Mills are working the Fu-keo Hien district, which is perhaps more needy than any, as it is the only one in the Province where relief work is not being carried on by Government. Their funds cannot last long, and what is to be done when they run out I do no know, for the distress will get more and more keen for some time yet.

F R O M MR. S H E A R E R .

Mr. Shearer, writing from Chau-kia-k’eo, Dec. 20th, repeats some information already given, and says :-

“ The native evangelist here has been very useful in this work. He had some experience in relieving distress in S h a n -s i during the famine there. Mr. Lund, who came up here with me from Gan-k’ing, has gone for a three days’ expedition with the evangelist and two others to some villages about thirty l i (ten miles) away, and Mr. Coulthard is out to-day at relief work too. . . .

“ I do trust much blessing will follow this work. There is much need for prayer that G od will direct us to the means of following up this with real Gospel work. The favour of the people is being gained so much by helping

them in this way, and I believe that it will lead, by Cod’s blessing in answer to prayer, to abundant fruit ere long.

“ A report has come, which I trust may prove correct, that, through some turn the Yellow River has taken, there are great hopes of the breach being stopped very soon. W hen Mr. Johnston and the others were there, it looked as if it could never be managed with the materials they were using. It will be a great encouragement to the native Church here if their prayers are answered in this remarkable way, as they have been praying for it much lately, and it certainly seems very much to be desired.”

brrljr íjfó íír.E X T R A C T S F R O M R E V . J. H U D S O N T AYLO R .

“ We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency o f the power may be o f G od and not of us. We arc troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexedbut not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the L o r d J e s u s , that the life also o f J e s u s might be made manifest in our body.”

O UR friends often share our jo y s ; it is easier to tell of joy than of sorrow, but the following extracts from private letters may call forth more prayer than the brighter tidings. There has

been a good deal of sickness among the missionaries, and another valued worker, Miss MacKee, has been taken home. On Jan. n th , Mr. Taylor had just heard by telegram from Hong-Kong that Mr. Cooper was very ill, and letters told that Miss MacKee and others were i l l ; he writes—

SH A N G H A I, Jan. n th .— W e are passing through wave after wave of trial. Each day seems to have

its full quota. G o d seems daily to be saying, Can you say, “ Even so, F a t h e r ” to that ? But He sustains and will sustain the spirit however much the flesh may fail. Never was there more need for grace and help all round, and especially for the leaders of the work, for while the spiritual tone of the Mission is much higher than ever before, the trials and conflicts are very great. I know the L o r d ’s ways are all right, and I would not have them otherwise.

Glad tidings of souls won for C h r i s t , and of very real progress in many directions cheer us amidst the trials.

Jan. \$th.— On Sunday the friends arrived, all well but Mr. Cooper, and he was wonderfully lecovering. Praise the LORD. . . .

Dear Maggie M acKee is with the K in g . Just as we were sending off our letters on Friday night, January n th , a telegram told us the news. She was only six days ill— black smallpox. Mr. McCarthy, Miss M. Murray,Miss Underwood, and her colleague Robina Crewdson, were with her when she died One of our most promising flowers, the M a s t e r has called her. Would we give Him weeds only? But I feel sometimes as if my heart was near breaking.

Jfterns cf Intm st.F R O M R E V . J . W. S T E V E N S O N .

DEC. 7th.— I have heard from Mr. Pigott that he has secured a house in Hwuy-luh, and also one in

Shun-teh Fu. He tells me that Mr. Hudson Broomhall has made an interesting trip to I-t.h eng-chen Ho-NAN and there found the opium-refuge flourishing, and about thirty men attending worship on Sunday, many of whom

showed a good knowledge of the truth. He also reports some interested in the Word at Chang-liwang Hien, a place over 100 l i south of Hwuy-luh, where he found no inquirer on their first visit. The medical work at Hwuy-luh seems to have made a good impression.

From Chung-k’ing, Dr. Cameron writes on Nov. 18th :

34 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

“ On Friday night last, eight stood up wishing to be received into the C hurch; of these, three were cured opium-smokers. W e have now some fourteen or more can­didates for baptism.” I hear from Mrs. Easton, of Han- chung, that her husband had left for Si-ning with the Misses Ellis. Mrs. Easton writes very cheerfully. Mr. Windsor has returned to Gan-hsuin Fu. It appears that they had rather a trying time, the people surrounding the house at night, yelling and inclined to be violent. How­ever, I trust that things will settle down now. W e do feel more and more the need of further reinforcements, and are continuing in prayer that G od will send the right men and women. W e are longing for medical missionaries. The L o r d will answer our prayer.

Dec. i ^th.— Mr. Williamson reports two baptisms in the Fung-hwa district on Nov. n th , and I hear from Mr. Robertson at T ’ai-yuen that twenty-seven have been

baptised in Mr. Hoste’s district. Mr. Cassels writes me that he has paid a visit to Pa-chau, and baptised two men on Nov. 4th and two women on Nov. 7th. Mr, Laughton has secured a house in Liang-chau, K a n -SUH.

Dec. 11st.— Mr. Coulthard is continuing the distribu­tion of relief to the poor people in the villages round about Chau-kia-k’eo. He writes that two persons were baptised at a village 130 U away on Nov. 28th. Mr. Grierson reports four baptisms at Wun-chau on Dec. gth.

Dec. iZth.— Mr. McCarthy reports from Yang-chau four baptisms on Dec. 18 th, and promise of much blessing there. Mr. Orr Ewing writes on Nov. 30th of encourage­ment. Mr. Hsi was visiting him. They were sending a man to Hsu-k’eo Hien to open an opium refuge there. When this city is open we shall have a direct line of stations from T ’ai-yuen to P ’ing-yang, that is all the cities on the main road occupied.

% J fa m iln f l im r a & r n in S i - r j i ’m n .F R O M M RS. G R A V O W E N .

MY husband and I had looked forward to visiting some of the places round Chen-tu together for a

long time, and at last we joyfully started, making first for Swang-lin Hien, a city half a day’s journey away. I felt £0 glad to have Long P ’o-p’o with us. She is a faithful Christian, and one who wants the L o r d ’s kingdom to come. Her work for some time past has been visiting families in the city of Chen-tu with a basket of books ; she has worked hard, and often returned to tell me how she was rejoiced by seeing some of the women listen gladly to the Word ; but often, too, she would tell me how much she felt the coldness that she and her message received. A t this time she was seeming to lose heart in her work, and longing to talk to those who had never heard her message before, so I was glad for her sake and my own that she was able to go. The after days made us glad in the L o r d and in His work ; when once the ice was broken women came to us freely.

On the day after our arrival, as soon as it was known that my husband bad gone on the street to preach, the landlady and several other women asked Long P’o-p’o to bring them to our room. They had many questions to ask about us, and were very much taken up with the foreign baby. They listened as they were told the cause of our stay in their midst, all so strange to them. As women came in larger numbers, it was found best to meet them in a large room next to our own, when it was not occupied by other travellers. There day after day quiet companies of visitors called, and heard for the first time of the true G o d and His love to them. A very little teemed to satisfy their curiosity about the two foreigners and their child, but some of them sat on and on as the same message of salvation as had been told to them was repeated to fresh comers, and then were anxious to take books or tracts away with them in case they should not remember all that they had heard.

Two countrywomen came to the city on some law matter, and stayed in a room opposite ours. They were very excited, and much taken up with their business, but I saw them often listening to the Gospel. One evening they were quietly sitting on the doorstep taking in all that was said, and tears came into the eyes of one of them. How one longed to see them “ buying wine and milk without money and without price ” !

W e had two outings ; the first one was really to get a little fresh air, for the inn, though a good one of its kind, was rather stuffy. Long P ’o-p’o and I went through the city in chairs, and had a real country walk, which was

delightful. W e rested at a hamlet a few l i out o f the city. A group of women gathered round us, and men round my husband. They were pleased, listened nicely, and accepted some tracts. One disagreeable thing happened. A man pressed through the women and held a small cup of opium up almost into my face, and said, “ This, to destroy people, comes from your country.” I told him that did not excuse him or his countrymen from smoking it or growing it, which they so freely do. Poor man ! I felt so sorry for him. I seem to see him now, with his staring eyes, and thin face, and the long bony arm he held out to show me the cup of opium.

Our next outing was to a village twelve l i from the city. The fresh morning air was so enjoyable, and the ride was a lovely one. When we arrived at the little place we went into a small inn, and were followed by men and women. My husband and Mr. W u were in the front part with the men, and the women came to us in the back. It was joy to tell the Gospel to them for the first time. The pure country air was perfumed with the odour of the wild flowers. W e returned to our inn late in the after­noon.

On the morning ot our departure visitors were waiting for admittance before breakfast. A s soon as I was able to receive them the women all came into the large room next to ours. To save time and to interest them I gave baby his bath before them. They were very quiet, as they were urged to make no delay in turning from their idols to serve the true G o d . S o ended our stay at Swang-lin. The landlady and her friends were most pleasant and attentive, and, indeed, all who came, men and women, were remarkably so.

W e started for Chung-chin-chau between ten and eleven. It was hot, and the roads dusty. Just as it was getting dark we reached our destination, and the nicest inn I have seen, quiet, clean, and large.

Next day Long P ’o-p’o went to inquire for two women who had been living with us for a month to give up opium. A few women came to see us. The following day was busier. The two women came twice to see us ; one was not ashamed to say before others present that she prayed to the true God. Poor thing, she has gone back to opium-smoking, only not to so large a quantity. The other seemed to have kept from it, but is held back from confessing C h r i s t for fear of her brother, with whom she lives. She is a widow, and somewhat dependent on him for her livelihood.

One evening late I was told that a young lady, who

CHINA'S M ILLIO NS 35

could not come during the day, had called. I felt tired, but went to see her, and found eight or ten waiting.Weariness passed off as I sat and talked to them of thesinner's S avio ur , for they listened so attentively. Another interesting group were the female members o f a large family living in the ad­joining house. T h e old lady sent a message several times, asking me to call on them. They received us very nicely, and were exceedingly pleasant. After talking to­gether for about an hour, we rose to go , but they simply would not let us do so till we had taken some dinner with them.They seemed to take in very readily the simple truths o f the Gospel.During the six days we were there there was much to be thankful for.The people listened to the preached Word, received tracts, and some bought books.

W e next went to Ta-yi Hien. The women living in the inn were the first to visit us. The eldest daughter of the landlady was such a nice bright girl, and got so interested in the Gospel ; often she brought several women in to hear, and would sit and listen herself as if she had not heard before. Towards the end of our stay she had got so far as to tell some of the Gospel

to the women herself. She seemed to have living faith in the Lo r d Jesus.

There was a nice room for meeting the women in, who came in no'small numbers. Long P'o-p'o was ever busy

telling o f the way o f life.Our road to Fen-tsen

lay through the moun­tains, so beautiful they looked I it was a most en­joyable day. W e had a nice lime in the village, twenty U from Ta-yi, where we stayed for break­fast. The L o r d gave us favour in the sight of the people, and we trust His message will findentrance in many of their hearts.

W e stayed at Fen-tsen from Saturday till Tues­day. During those days a great number of women came ; I think most were Romanists. Many of them expressed surprise at our simple way of approaching Go d in prayer, I read G o d 's W ord to them, that they might see that it is H is own plan. They were all very nice, and so fear­less with us. W e found that our little one was the means o f opening the hearts o f many, both men

and women. Some seed sown during our visit to Kwan- hien last year had found its way lu ri. W e returned to Chen-tu with hearts full o f praise and gratitude for the many blessings of our first family itineration.

M ILITARY GOVERNOR OK KHAMI.

Jtatibi Cfjristhms atF R O M M RS. R I L E Y .

T M U S T write you a letter telling you about some of •I the Christians here, that those who have prayed may see cause for praise, and increased cause for more earnest prayer. W e have not had many conversions at one time; but oh, we have much to praise for I

“ H e will not fail nor be discouraged,” nor will we, for we see that H e has been working with us in the past, and we are expecting and believing that His work will increase and His kingdom be extended in the future.

1 think first on the list should come

MR. WANG,

our native helper. Engaged by Mr. Riley in Ch’ung- Irtng as a water-carrier, unable to read or write, he soon became interested, and before very long, by dint of great perseverance, he could read his New Testam ent The past seven years of faithful, honest service have testified to the reality o f his change o f heart. Persecution he has had, but he has stood firm and true for his MASTER, never hiding his colours. His wife, too, baptised four years since, though without his strength o f character, is a decided Christian, and hundreds and hundreds of women have heard the truth from her lips. They have passed through deep trial la te ly ; a little girl o f two and a half years and a baby boy of six weeks died within a

> month o f each other. Their little boy of twelve is, I believe, really converted.

OLD LONG P’O-P’O

is another cause for praise. Five years ago a devotee of Buddha, she heard the truth from the late Mrs. Riley. One or two remarkable dreams deepened her convictions; fasting and chanting were all thrown aside, and whole- hearted devotion to Jesus her S a v io u r has been the result. How many times have 1 heard her pleading with others to turn from idols to the One True GOD, and such power has been with her words ! For twelve months at her washing-tub in many houses did she preach Jesus ; and now, a city Bible-woman, she carries the light into many a hold of darkness, where otherwise it would not be taken.

H er daughter-in-law, my own faithful woman-servant for the past four years, was baptised three years ago, and it is the hope o f mother and daughter-in-law some time in the future to have a shop in their native place where they can be preachers of the glad tidings.

MRS. LIU.

In the beginning of 1884, when I could only speak very little, I met the guests one morning. There were maay

36 CHIA A S MILLIONS.

women, and amongst them a Yang-chau woman named L iu. The next morning, while we were having breakfast, she came, bringing me a small present, and asking to see me in my room that she might know more. From that time, I believe, she has not worshipped idols. She went for a while into the country ; on her return, she came about us still, and was baptised. Quite unemployed by foreigners, she still stands firm.

About the same time a poor miserable-looking woman used to attend the services. The victim of an old, bad- tempered husband, hers was indeed a sad life ; but she found J e s u s , and still meets with us. Her husband died about three years since. She has had no help from foreigners either.

Another woman, named Cheo, not in our employment, was baptised about the same time as Long P ’o-p'o, and still holds firm. I have visited her in her home, a large court, with nearly a hundred families. She does not hide her light there ; all know she is a Christian.

MR. WU.

Among Mr. Riley’s first opium patients in 1883 was a m an named W u. He gave up his opium, found J e s u s , and was baptised. He went with Dr. Edwards to T ’ai-yuen, returned about three years ago, and is very bright ai d earnest for His Master. His old mother was baptised while he was away, his wife since his return, and recently his father.

A NATIVE ELDER.

In the summer of 1884 an old man in the country was attracted by the Gospel, and every Sunday used to walk several l i to service. He was baptised, and is now an elder. Two years ago he married again, and his wife was baptised last year. They are two simple disciples of J e s u s , and have never been employed b y foreigners, though now they live in the house on the street taken for a preaching-room.

There are several others in the city, some of whom cause us sorrow, but we know so much more of their every­day life than would be known of church members at home ; others give us cause for praise.

In January of 1885 a young man named Tsen, a seller of opium, was deeply convicted of sin. The time of his conversion was a time that Mrs. Owen and I can never forget, and can never cease to praise G o d for. His shop was closed, and he gavehimself to God, and still stands firm.

There have been many, I am sure, saved in the city whom we shall not know till we meet in His presence above. A young woman who came into the guests-hall one day told of her mother-in-law, who had been unable to come to

see us often, but who, from the time she had heard the Gospel, had given up the worship of idols, and who died calling on the L o r d Je s u s . “ Whosoever shall call upon the Name o f the L o r d shall be saved.”

Another old woman, who used often to come and see us, and of whom we had not heard for some time, bore bitter persecution from her daughter-in-law, but clung to what she had heard to the last, and I believe passed from her miserable hovel, where she had been bedridden for months, into the presence of Him the knowledge of whom she could so little grasp down here, but who she believed could and would save her.

IN LONG P’O-P’O’S NATIVE PLACE.

The L o r d is working and has worked. Praise His name ! After a visit there last year, Long P'o-p'o came back, accompanied by the father of her daughter-in-law, and an old lady, the wife of the farmer named T ’an. Both had walked (an old man over sixty, and the woman with her bound feet) nearly one hundred miles to confess their faith in Je s u s by baptism. W e have during the last few days heard of her death, and of the kept resolution of her husband, who was baptised last December by Mr. O wen in the river near their home, to have no idolatry at her grave, notwithstanding the importunities of her friends. He is such a simple, earnest child of G o d . Miss Webb and I were their guests last spring, and we shall never forget their love and hospitality ; it was most touching. I feel the death of 7 'an Po-p'o to be a personal trial, though we cannot but rejoice that our M a s t e r ’s will has again been done, and another of His loved ones safely landed.

MRS. WU AND MRS. HSIA.

When Long P ’o-p'o returned from another visit home this spring she was accompanied by an old lady named Wu. She stayed, learned more, and was baptised, showing a proof of her sincerity by giving up a law-suit in which she was engaged. She too has gone back to her native place. About thirty l i from them lives another dear old woman, named Hsia, who found the LORD whilst living in Chen-tu.

Others have been baptised this year, and others are inquirers. Two Christians, one man and one woman, are some of the results of Dr. and Mrs. Pruen’s work for the past twelve months in another part of the city.

W e have had trials, both from within and without; some have gone from us, for they were not of u s ; but only four, I think, out of between forty and fifty who have been baptised in five years. Three old men are, we believe, with the L o r d . Have we not cause for praise ?

M

jfirst-fm rte at S i-tfj’ura.F R O M R E V . A R T H U R P O L H IL L -T U R N E R .

R. AND MRS. A. PO LH ILL-TU R N ER only reached their new station, Pa-chau, on June 1 s t ,

so that it is indeed cause for thankfulness that they have so soon gathered in the first-fruits.Pa-chau, Oct. 8th.— I find Mr. Liang a real help to me

here; though quiet and undemonstrative, he is very sincere, I believe. W e greatly need more labourers here if the work is to extend and the neighbourhood to be evangelised.

Nov. Jth.— I must write you a few lines, that you may rejoice with us in our joy. D ear Cassels and wife arrived here on Friday, and we have received four in baptism, two men, on Sunday, our teacher, Mr. Liang, and our boy, both so b rig h t; and to-night we received two old vegetarian ladies, women of considerable influence, being heads of two shops and having large households. W e had a contest over the Sunday-closing question, in one case the

son having charge and control over the shop. The other promises to make her household observe the Sabbath. I am so thankful to have dear Cassels here to examine them, and bring everything out that might turn up. They much need our prayers, being the first-fruits, and well known, having spent many thousands of cash over idolatry in the past. Now may they be equally earnest in building up the R e d e e m e r ’s kingdom.

But our joy does not end here ; our prospects are so encouraging. Three other women are hopeful inquirers, also four boys, grandsons of the old ladies, and a man. Yes, He is almighty to save ! shall we not say, Praise the LORD?

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 37

MUSSULMAN TEMPLE OF KHAMI.

Jfor t| t_ |0«ng.

FROM M ISS E M IL Y M. JOHNSON. (ContinuedJrom page 13.)

THE HAN-CHUNG SCHOLARS.

TH E next girl, Chu-siang, is thirteen years of age, rather small, but wise beyond her years. She first came

to school when Mr. King was here, and could not have been more than eight or nine years o f age, i f so much ; she does not learn quickly, but what she does learn is learnt thoroughly well, and not soon forgotten. She has a beautiful little hand, and is excessively neat in every­thing she does. She is by far the best writer the school has ever had, and her needlework is also by far the neatest and in the best taste. She is very, very reserved and inclined to sulk, at least when 1 arrived in July, 1887, that was her character; she made friends with no one and no one made friends with her. But she has never told a lie to my knowledge, 1 could trust her with any­thing or to go anyw here; except for that one fault she was thoroughly sterling. So seeing that every one was Chen-nQ-tsz’s friend and no one was Chu*siang’s, I set to work to win her confidence and love. I had to go very cautiously to work, for if she had known my object she would have shrunk back, and I might have tried in vain. From that time the change that took place in her was quite wonderful, and though very gradual, noticeable by sill, till at this time there is not a happier, brighter girl in the school. Those dreadful, and at one time frequent, sullen, passionate fits, are gone, though now and then I can see the cloud beginning to gather on her face, especially when she is laughed at, yet, if she looks up and catches my eye, her face broadens out into a smile, and she is all right again. I feel quite sure she earnestly desires to be a Christian, and tries to please the LORD JESUS day by d a y ; she shows far more evidence o f a change o f heart than many whom I have known, but she is too nervous and shy to confess Him by baptism. I am hoping the L o r d will give her strength and courage to come right

out on His side soon, The reason she is living here is because her parents are very old and wretchedly poor, so in order to relieve them we took the child. She will read for some years more, and is not betrothed y e t

Kwei-ing, the third child, has also Christian parents, and they being also very poor and old, and a very deserving couple, we have taken this means o f helping them. Kwei-ing is about twelve years old, has a gentle, loving disposition, but is rather stupid now and then; she has not been here long enough to learn to read, but she is getting on daily. She can repeat by heart a great many hymns and verses of Scripture, but I do not see any evidence yet o f a change of heart May the L ord bring her early into H is fold. I do praise Him that she is daily under the sound of the GospeL

One more child 1 am expecting here every day to live. She is such a pretty, bright, loving child, and has been betrothed to the son of very worthy Christian people in Shih-pah-li-p'u [an out-stationj. Being now under the con­trol o f her mother-in-law, who is very anxious that she should continue to read for some time before marrying, I have decided to take her in for a year or so. I feel pretty sure, too, about this girl's conversion ; she is very sweet-tempered and loving, but excessively shy, far too much so to show her feelings. She used to be a day- scholar regularly for years, but since the N ew Year she is too old to walk any longer on the street, so discontinued coming. I was v e iy sorry to lose her, but the LORD has given her back to me in this way. This child’s name is Fung-ing.

Another very nice child comes regularly every day named U-king (have gold). H er mother is a loud, noisy woman, with a very bad character. There is an elder girl who used to come to school, but is now too old.

Another quiet little child named Huan-huan has also a

38 CH INAS MILLIONS.

disreputable mother. These two mothers (with two children each) are wives of the same husband. This latter mother five years ago left her baby on the mud floor to die, just as it was born. Miss Wilson heard about it and sent a woman, who rescued it just in time. Miss Wilson fed and clothed her, and eventually our cook and his wife, having no children, adopted her, and ever since being able to walk she has come regularly to school. O f course the child’s feet have not been bound. Her name is Teh-ngen (obtained grace). So Teh-ngen is Huan-huan’s sister, but they do not know it.

Another child has a wretched home, mother and father both being dreadful opium-smokers. The child says she

is herself very fond of opium ! She has been bom with it in her system, you see ! Poor child 1 But she is very bright, and is beginning to read her Bible nicely.

A ll these children are far more easy to manage than English children, taken as a whole, and are doubly as quick at learning by heart; perhaps it is because every word is monosyllabic, and they learn out loud at the top of their voices. This, once heard, is not easily forgotten. They share one large bedroom fitted up in the native way, and this they have to wash and keep tidy and clean ; and the schoolroom also is under their care, they taking it by weeks to brush and dust it.

C ib in p from S ta tto ir W orkers.A S our number of workers and stations increases it becomes much more difficult within the limits

of C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s to tell out all we would of G o d ’ s goodness in each station and to each missionary. If our friends will take a map of China and in province after province find the stations mentioned as they read, they may get a more intelligent idea of the location of the twenty-three workers from whose letters we this month give brief extracts. It will be seen that the letters come from fifteen of our seventy stations, and from eleven of the fifteen provinces in which we are working.

Jiatt-sulj JJrjobiim,F rom M rs. L a u g h t o n .

Si-ning, Sept. iglh.— Mr. Laughton left for Liacg-chau last Tuesday. We are trusting soon to get settled there, D.V. The work here in Si-ning is very hopeful. Last Sunday we had good attendances, both of men and women. Mr. and Mis. C. Polhill- Turner are well. They are daily studying Tibetan. Mrs. Turner visits among the women.

F rom M rs. C. Po l iiil l T u r n e r .

Si-ning, Sept. 26th.— It is so nice not to have the least doubt that this is just the place where G od means us to be just now. He has been so good to us all the way along, and specially the last month since we have been here. He has given a good preaching-place on the street for the menfolks, and we have any number of openings for visiting among the women, and several coming regularly to classes.

F rom M r. B u r n e t t .

Ning-hsia, Oct.— A short time ago Mr. McKee and I made a tour to the east of the Yellow River; we visited all the im­portant places, preached and sold quite a large number of Scrip­tures and tracts. I have now completed an entire tour of the prefecture, visiting all the large places once, and some of them several times. Since returning, my wife and I have been out into the villages, where we always find open doors for preaching the Gospel. I am very glad that I have been able to get about so much this year. The whole district is now supplied with books, and I am sure they will be productive of much good in time to come.

While out for a day a short time back Mr McKee and I, feeling very huDgry, went into a small walled village to see if anything in the way of bread could be obtained. We found a small baker’s shop, at which we sat down, and began to eat our bread. Presently a piiest appeared on the scene, and it came out that he was the possessor of a Gospel of Matthew from which he had gleaned a pretty fair idea of J esus. He was very much interested in Him as a teacher and a man of extraordinary ability, and said that he had been told that J esus was the Son of God. Of course it was a real joy to me to talk to one thus acquainted with a part of Scripture, and he listened with marked attention. We continually meet with people who know some­thing about the Gospel, and this gives encouragement to go on scattering the Word, knowing that God, by the power of His H o ly S p ir it , can use it to the spreading of the knowledge of His Name in these parts. My wife has been doing a good deal of visiting in the city lately. About a thousand women have been to her during her ten months’ stay in Ning-hsia. The seed is being scattered, and no doubt the reaping-time is to come.

F rom M iss M a y G r ah am B row n.

Ts'in-chau, Sept. 2.6th.— We are very well and so happy here. It is most refreshing to find the blessing in the work, and to see how G od is owning His children here to the salvation of souls. We are looking forward with pleasure to the expected baptismal service next Sabbath. It is a very bright reception for Mr. Hunt to find so many candidates awaiting admission to the church, and to begin bis work again here by the building and opening of the little chapel. It is good of the L o rd to let us all share in the rejoicing, I believe the L o rd has much people here ready to listen on every hand.

F rom R e v . H e n r y W. H u n t .

Ts'in-ckau, Oct. 16th.— We had the joy and privilege of receiving two men and six women into the church last Sunday, notwithstanding much obloquy cast upon them by their fellow- countrymen. Our little chapel, which holds 200, was quite full, so a good testimony was made. I believe we shall have more and more fruit here every year, for we have the token of it now. No modern theology could do what C h r ist ’s atonement is doing for China’s millions. If people who preach that, or Buddhism, or Mohammedanism were to live among these millions for a few years they would be compelled to acknowledge that nothing but the old-fashioned Gospel can drag these souls from the fire, and give light and joy in place of despair and misery. What blessed labour this is in a soil so perfectly virgin ! How strange that there are not more Christians willing to come away from Gospel- hardened Europeans, and bring the good tidings “ even unto the parts beyond ” ! What blessing and reward they are missing by such disobedience ! The hundredfold in this life, and who can tell how much in the life beyond ?

F rom M iss S m a l l e y .

Ts'in-chau, Oct, 28th— My note ought to be full of praise, and the language of my heart is, Oh, magnify the L ord with me ! It is a great comfort to remember that every Saturday we are really mentioned in prayer, not one of us forgotten out here. We have a snug little chapel here now; I think you would say it does my brother-in-law credit; but better than all is it to see the number of women who come on Sunday morning, nearly filling their side, and looking so bright, and cleaner and neater in appearance than outside women.

Sjmt-si probhu*.From Mr. T. E. S. B o th a m .

Han-chung, Oct. n th.— I hope to leave here with Mr. Redfem on Monday next, for the Si-gan Plain. We go in faith that God will prosper His own work there, and hope to see

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 39

souls won for C h r is t. We go forward glad in the L o r d and rejoicing. There has been a good evangelistic work going on here for some time. We open this house several nights in the w e e k , and get good numbers in. The church too seems to be prospering, and altogether the last few weeks seem to have brought “ days of blessing ” to Han-chung.

R e v . GK F . E A S T O N , of Han-chung, reports that in the quarter ending September 30th thirteen persons have been baptised.

S jja tt-s t U rairiita .F rom M iss I- S t e v e n s .

Tai-yuen Fu, Oct. 1 \th.— To day I came down from the hi'Is from the village we were staying at last year. Some of the ptople seem very interested. One family have put away their idols, and the mother prays night and morning with her children. In another village, quite near, three women have promised to come and break off opium and learn more of the Gospel. They all seem glad to see us, and especially to hear us sing. We are the more glad about these people because last year we lived with them in one of the rooms of their house, and they seemed so indifferent. The women come in numbers here on Sunday, and stay to the end of both services. I feel so much the need of more power in speaking to these women. They learn to love us, and believe that what we say is true, but only the H o ly S p ir it can reveal Jesus, and sometimes it seem? so difficult for them to grasp a spiritual idea. Will you ask power for me to make them ieel the importance of salvation from sin ?

F rom M iss B r o o m h a ll.

T'ai-yuen.— The Manchus have almost all moved into their new city, and as yet seem afraid for us to go ; they are strictly watched, the women forbidden to go to see a street theatre, etc. They say there has been a special command that they do not come to worship here. One day last month was a feast-day, when crowds of people go to some flower gardens outside the east gate to drink tea; one woman got permission to go, and then came straight to us, very pleased with herself for having evaded the authorities. Since I wrote the above, one of the Manchu women has come and asked me to go back with her to their city; so, thanking the L ord for this answer to prayer, I went with her. She has two daughters-in-law, one a dear girl who learnt to know me before she left her mother’s home. The oldir girl is very ill. When I went into the room she began to cry, and cried for some time. Her mother-in-law said it was because she had not seen me for so long. I think the girl is dying—slowly wasting away. I long to know she is truly saved. Many of our old friends were delighted to see me. I am so glad to be able once more to visit them.

The other day I went to an opium-poisoning case, where the poor victim—a woman about thirty—died. It was a dreadful sight, that dying woman, and her almost indifferent husband. Nothing so makes me realize the power of the devil, I think, as the sight of an opium suicide ; the circumstances are so full of sin and misery in every case. As I came back from that death I felt as I have hardly ever felt before. Are we doing all we can to save these people? China is dead— that presses more and and more upon us— dead, dead in trespasses and sins. How are we to rouse them from this sleep of death ? First, we must get their attention. O L o rd , teach us—teach me— how to do this, how to make them know that we are really in earnest about their salvation.

Cjitjr-Ii |pxobxnctF rom M r. T. W. P ig o t t .

Hu/uy-Iuh Hien, Oct. i$th.— We have now been settled in this inn for over a fortnight, and have had much cause to bless the L ord for His goodness to us. A cataract case brought by His blessing to a successful issue has been used to open the hearts of the people, and not only so, but we have some reason to hope that the S p ir it is using the Word to the man, his wife and brother, for all profess a desire to be C h r ist ’s disciples, and

are interested in the Gospel. Numbers come daily to be treated for various ailments, and we see the L o rd working with us.

Two Christian natives have gone to Shun-teh Fu, and I hear from them to-day of two houses at which they have been looking for an opium refuge. Romanists abound in these districts, and there seems to be much prejudice and dislike to overcome, but our K in g will have His own way, and that is what we, His servants, want.

Oct. zgik. —Yesterday we had news of the successful renting of a little court iorty-five li from this by Wang, a native Christian. It is in a central market town, and will, we think, be a good place for ladies’ work, or for an out-station.

The gentleman, Mr. K ’oh, whose eye has been restored to sight is most profuse in his gratitude, and besides smaller gifts, as shoes and a suit of handsome clothes to baby, and cloth to our servants, we find that to-morrow being market-day, he is to come with friends to present a fine memorial tablet to us. We are full of work, having numbers of patients and many friendly listeners. May He whose the work is speedily get glory to His Name and joy to His heart in leading sinners to Himself in His infinite mercy.

F rom M iss M. B l a c k .

Lao-ho-k'eo Nov. 24///.— During the last five weeks I have had such a number of visitors that it has been almost impossible to find a quiet time to write. There have been three festivals lately. Thousands of people came up from the country, often from distances of fifty or sixty li, and many of them found their way to us. For upwards of a fortnight, I should say, we received a hundred women daily ; they came in groups of from three or four to a dozen, a second and even a third party arriving before the first had left. The stream flowed incessantly from 7 a.m. until dusk. Many of these women heard the Gospel for the first time, and one often felt that angels might have envied us the privilege of telling it to them.

S i - t j n t c n J )r0 b m c£ .

F rom M r . G r ay O w e n .

Yan-tsi-ling, near Chen-tu, Aug. 27(h.— Last Tuesday I had the joy of preaching by magic lantern to over 100 of these mountain people, who behaved splendidly and apparently greatly appreciated the meeting. I had a gospel scroll in simple sentences; also half a dozen slides drawn by a native artist in Chen-tu illustratinglthe career of the prodigal son. Slide No. 1. Younger son speaking to his father about dividing the inheritance ; the scene is in a mandarin’s dwelling. No. 2. Yamun door ; father and mother standing entreating their son, who is about to leave in a well-equipped chair, to stay at home. No. 3. Younger son in a distant place, scene a nice inn, young man reclining smoking opium, surroundings adapted to his character. No. 4. A native beggar, wretched, lonely. No. 5. The same old home and the same old father extending his arms towards his kneeling ragged son. No. 6. A feast and family rejoicing over the lost found. The natives thoroughly appreciate these six sketches and are very quick to understand their meaning.

The priests kindly deferred their evening worship until ours was over, one saying, “ Teacher, you have had more people here to-night than we get to our theatres.” Two priests here have been cured of opium-smoking, also one other man, and I have one now being cured.

F rom M r. F a er s.

Chung-k'ing, Sept. 2lst.— We have since our arrival here had a very trying time, the enemy of souls has been doing his best; but our Captain is greater than he, and we are now seeing signs of blessing. We have nine enquirers, some of whom we hope ere long to receive into fellowship by baptism; besides these, three men came in 400 l i last Saturday to hear the way of life more fully explained, and to be received into the visible church. They have taken a house for three months in the city, and are coming contin­ually to hear more about J esus. Two of them have been opium- smokers, but have not smoked since knowing it was displeasing to God, whom they profess to believe in. They have been

40 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

taking native anti-opium pills at the rate of sixty a day. and are coining to us for a fortnight or so, when we hope,iby the blessing of G o d , to get them perfectly cured. They heard the Gospel from a Han-chung convert at the beginning of this year; we hope soon to be able to send some one to their village, as there are several others who profess to believe. Do pray for us and them, that this may be the beginning of great things. We also heard yesterday that in another village there are a company of men meeting for worship and the study of G o d ’s word. Praise the LORD. We have prayed and believed, and we are fully assured from G o d ’s own word that the prayer of faith shall be answered, therefore let your prayers be with thanksgiving, for the showers are near at hand, even in Chung-k’ing, where sin and gross iniquity truly abound.

Dr. Cameron is fully employed twice a week with patients,- and yesterday being the feast day, not a few who had received benefit brought presents, which was very encouraging. We are longing for an opium refuge, and are now waiting upon G od for one ; such a place is greatly needed here. We have appli­cations almost daily, and are compelled to send the men away, having no proper accommodation.

< S att-{)k u :g J J r d b m t* .

F rom M r . G e o . M il l e r .

Ning-kwoh Fu, Nov. 3rd.— You will be glad to hear that G od is encouraging us in the work. This year twenty-five have been added to the church, and we have now a membership of forty-three, The conference we had a month ago has done a good deal of good; many of G o d ’s own people were led to consecrate themselves afresh to .His service, while some in­quirers were led to come out definitely on the L ord’s side. This circuit consists of five stations, at which regular services are held, and the Gospel preached in the adjoining districts. I am indeed very thankful to G od for sending me to China, and especially to this field of labour. I do believe that a great tidal wave of revival interest is about to sweep over this prefec­ture. Praise the L o r d , the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our L o rd and of His C h r is t , and He shall reign for ever and ever.

p i m t g - s t t D m b m t e .

F rom M iss J e n n ie W e b b .

Yang-chau, Nov. 21st.— Last week we were glad, and yet sorry, to have five men leave the refuge for their homes, having given up this dreadful opium. Yes, dreadful it is 1 If you could see the sad faces of one and another, and hear the tales of need they tell us at our door, as they plead to be taken in ! On Sunday morning a man came with his dollar and his bed­ding, and begged to come in there and then, promising to bring his other half-dollar afterwards. Poor fellow ! he had to be refused for a time, as we had no empty bed, having our full number of twelve men. At last he left his dollar, saying that if he had it he would be sure to spend it on opium, and then not be able to come. On Monday morning a far more miserable- looking man came with a dollar he had borrowed, pleading to be taken in. We had to say to him “ There is no room.” He said, “ Oh, let me stay here in your courtyard. If I go I have no money to buy opium, and what shall I do ? I am ill, and the craving will come. Please take me in now.” Previously a man had been told to come on Monday, to take the place of one leaving. We told the sick man that he might call on Tuesday, and see if that man had come; and oh the joy of the sick one when he heard he might take the other’s place ! Now he is in the refuge.

F rom M iss J e a n n ie M u n r o .

Yang-chau, Nov. 22nd.— I never knew what a real F a t h e r I had till I came to China. I never felt my own weakness more, or the reality of a Sa v io u r . I shall praise G od through all eternity for the great honour He has conferred upon me in calling me to be an ambassador for Him. The whole atmo­sphere of this place is love ; how I long to be able to speak the language 1 Pray for me.

F rom M iss G r a c e Ir v in .

Yang-chau, Nov. 22nd.— These are very precious days to every one of us, and fraught with rich blessings. The L o rd is helping me with the language. Last Saturday morning we spent in prayer and fasting alone with the L o r d , and truly it was a day of great refreshing to our souls.

F rom M iss E d it h Br o o m h a ll.

Shanghai, Nov. 4th.— I have realised to-day how real the good-bye with home was, and also how real J esus is. Really in China ! and truly I can say I am glad. It is better to be here than I expected; it seems as if a blessing were waiting for me. Prayer was answered for our voyage. One of the quarter­masters said he had been at sea sixteen years, but never had a finer passage. I do praise the L o rd ! I shall be glad when I get settled down to the language, and more glad when I am able to begin some work. Yet I am learning more and more that life is made up of so many little things, and these done to the glory of G od are work for Him most truly. ‘ ‘ When He putteth lorth His own sheep He goeth before them,” was a text given me several times before I left home. It has been so true, and it will be true to the end.

J fim - n K it g r t f b m a .

F rom M r . C u r n o w .

Yun-nan Fu, Oct. Jth.— Our hall is often not large enough ; to-day we had the awning put up over our yard, as during the recent series of services. Our average was about eighty ; per­haps we had three hundred visitors during the two and a half hours we preached.

Monday, 8th.— Had a good number in the shop this after­noon. Mr. Owen Stevenson being delayed, I had the shop quite filled while I preached. That they understood was evident from their countenances. I feel encouraged. Evening meeting large.

Monday, \$th.— Mr. Tomkinson and Mr. O. Stevenson went off this morning to baptise the farmer at a village forty-five li out. I had to hold the fort single-handed. I spent two hours at the shop, preaching, singing, and conversing, and had the shop several times filled. A little before six p.m. I carried the banner and the gong outside, and held an open-air service for about an hour and a half. Afterwards the people followed me into the hall, and I further spoke for about an hour and a half. I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Nothing is sweeter than telling of our M a s t e r ’s love to poor fallen man. Many interesting questions were respectfully put, and I did my best m answering them. To-day is theanniversaryof my beginning study in Gan-k’ing.

Saturday, 20tk.— Took an outing to a spot romantically situated some twenty-five li out. Close confinement and study have been somewhat interfering with my sleep. When one passes through these benighted farmsteads one longs for village work. To-day I could not help but claim every inch of ground upon which my foot rested for my Ma s t e r .

Oct. 22nd.— This afternoon I was much touched by the question of a man, “ If J esus is so good, why did He send the opium over to us ? ” Our country in this opium trade has put a stone of offence before these people for which she will have to give account. Many of these poor souls will never get a true view of the Gospel largely because of this. Will not their presence amongst the damned be an awful witness against those who are in anyway responsible for this trade ?

jof ¡fu-naitF rom M r . D. L aw so n .

Shih-sheo, Nov. 2nd.— Crowds have continued to come from day to day, to whom Mr. Huang and I have endeavoured to make known the Gospel. Personally I praise the L o rd for all the help He has specially bestowed, enabling me to speak, though in feebleness, of His love to man. Pray that the power of the H o ly G h ost may come upon us.

Nov. 27th.— I have just passed my first year in the country, and on looking back can tiace nothing but the good hand of G o d . A friend asked me in a letter lately if I am now glad I came to

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 4i

China. To this I say, “ Yes, glad, gloriously happy ! Hallelujah.” Brother James returned a fortnight ago very much en­

couraged, and speaks of having had good times by the way. He is also much better for the journey physically. Last Friday we visited a place called Kao-k’i-miao, in which we spent four hours, selling and preaching the Word. The country people seemed very kind, and listened very attentively. It was a very happy experience for me to give public testimony to the L o r d ’s saving power for the first time on a Chinese street. Pray that God may abundantly bless us to the salvation of souls.

Cfrtjjr-feiang Jjrafrw«.F rom M iss F a n n y Bo y d .

Kiuchait, Nov. 6th.— I have no words to express the good­ness of the L ord to me during these few months; prayer has been wonderfully answered for me. I have now been two months alone. G od has been very near. About three weeks ago I felt so wonderfully blessed, that I had just to ask the L ord Himself to be responsible for all He was pouring into my heart and cup. Now I am longing that the blessing may be on all around me. I do not wish to have it to myself, and I believe there are signs among the heathen. My little school matron

seems quickened and stirred up. I have really enjoyed some times of prayer and communion with her. I never got so close to any Chinese soul before. Then, two of the native brethren have been giving up their Sundays to go by turns to the villages and places near. I hope the L ord will be pleased to give them a soul or two soon as an earnest of blessing on this effort. My Bible-woman and I have visited a good many homes, shops, and streets in the city and beyond. We shall reap in due season. I have thought lately that, though we are not to despise the day of small things, we have been long enough at it in Kiuchau. I think the L o rd would like us to go on by faith and prayer to great things for the glory of His Holy Name.

6 it $Jaute for (£j}hni.F rom D r. R a n d l e .

Colombo, Dec. nth .— Good meetings have been continued on board. The last two mornings friends have assembled from first and second saloon to commend us to G o d ’s work, as we leave this ship to-morrow. Christians on board have subscribed £22 10s. od. for the China Inland Mission, and £11 10s. od. for the Church Missionary Society— very cheering evidence of their sympathy !

J fm n t D a s in r C s im tg S m n - to n g t a § lcb . $♦

MR. MEADOWS, writing from Shao-hing on October 31st, mentions that, being too unwell to visit all the out-stations, he had asked the pastor to write him an account of the candidates,

and hence the following letter :—

HA V IN G left you sick at Mo-ko, I proceeded to Yih-ko-ciin, where I had the pleasure of meeting

with many brethren. W e held three services, at one cf which we broke bread with fifty-six brethren and sisters. W e also examined several candidates for baptism, but only one case is of more than ordinary interest, and I will briefly speak of it and show forth the grace of G o d in saving sinners.

About 60 l i (20 miles) from the city of Shing-hien lives a man named Tsang Ying-kwei, who is about fifty-three years of age. This man, five years ago, happened to carry the bedding of his sister, who at that time was meeting with us, to our chapel at Yih-ko-ciin. Here for the first time he heard the Gospel. He took away with him a little o f the good seed. Last year, a preaching- room having been opened by one of our members about ten miles from his village, Tsang Ying-kwei resolved to go to this place and learn more of the truth he had heard five years ago at Yih-ko-ciin. He listened and under­stood the way of G od more perfectly, and experienced such a change in his own soul that he went straight home and began to exhort his wife, his son, and his daughter- in-law, as also some of his neighbours, to cast away their idols and come and worship the only living and true God. Henceforth brother Tsang prayed, kept the Sabbath, and trusted the L o r d J e s u s as his S a v i o u r .

For some time his wife, son, and son’s wife unitedly opposed him in all his efforts to win them to C h r i s t , and would not for a moment listen to his exhortations. H'S relatives and neighbours reviled him as having gone mad. But Brother Tsang kept firm, and patiently endured all their spite and hatred, calmly going about his own duties, and forbearing to answer or retaliate in any shape or form. A t this his friends and neighbours were more than ever astonished, for they knew Brother Tsang to be a famous military athlete, many of his pupils having passed the Government military examinations with honours. But our brother was now an entirely changed man ; he sought no revenge, he took no advantage of his fame or prowess as an athlete to settle the petty persecutions to

which he was daily exposed. His weapons were no* carnal ; he himself was born again, and he believed others could be changed by the same quiet yet wondrous power that had changed him.

He has had his faith greatly tested by having to pass through heavy affliction since he became a follower of the L o r d Je s u s . Last year he lost three fine cows in an epidemic— a heavy loss to him, poor man. Soon after his eldest son died ; then his wife died, and his daughter-in- law left him. His relatives, instead of helping and trying to comfort him, only reviled him and bitterly mocked him about his new GOD and new SAVIOUR, declaring that all his sufferings were on account of believing the doctrine of J e s u s , and that the gods and his ancestors had sent down these judgments upon him for having forsaken them.

Now on the third day of the ninth moon I met him at Yih-ko-ciin. He had walked twenty miles to come here and worship, and ask for baptism. I gathered together a few of the elder brethren, and we examined him on his faith in the L o r d J e s u s . I asked him why he wished to join the Church ? He answered, “ I wish to act as a disciple of J E S U S ? ” “ What benefit is there in being a disciple of JESUS ? ’ ’ He replied, “ There is forgiveness of sins, and heaven with all its happiness.” “ How can sin be forgiven?’’ He answered, “ The L o r d J e s u s was nailed on the cross, and shed His blood to this end.” “ Are your sins forgiven ? ” He said, “ Forgiven long ago.” “ W hat evidence have you that they are forgiven ? ’ He answered, “ Since I believed and trusted in JESUS my heart has great peace and great joy.'’ “ Your great peace end great joy, whence come they ? ” “ From G o d and the L o r d J e su s C h r i s t . ” “ There are multitudes all around who know nothing of these wonderful things, how is it that you have obtained such peace and happiness ?” He replied, “ It is the extraordinary grace of G o d to me.” “ Other men know not these things; how is it that you know th em ?” “ By the teaching and guidance of G o d ’s H o l y S p i r i t I have been led to know them.” “ Is there any virtue or anything meritorious in baptism ? can it wash away your

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

sins?" He replied, “ My trust is in JESUS ; there is no merit but in Him, and baptism is only an ordinance." “ To be a disciple of J e s u s , and to join the Church will involve you in suffering and persecution.” He answered, “ When the S a v i o u r was on earth He was nailed to the cross by sinners ; now sinners become His disciples, and by His H o ly S p i r i t helping me, I am willing to suffer, even unto death. I shall the sooner get to heaven, and enjoy its happiness.” “ Do you believe in eternal happi­ness ? ” “ I do, with all my heart.”

Mr. Tsang moreover added the following words : “ Sir, I thank GOD very much for giving me this precious truth, for had I not had this belief in my heart when my cows were struck down one after the other, my son died, and my wife was taken away, I should have died myself, for

1 my friends not only stood aloof from me, but reviled and slandered me most relentlessly; yet I felt a calm and peace in m y heart that surprised and strengthened me. Now they may curse and revile as they like, my heart is not at all ruffled by their words. I know now that all I had the G o d of heaven gave me, and I also know that it is He who hath taken them all away ; therefore I thank Him for His grace to me. Moreover, I have eternal life from Him, and I see that the things of this life are only temporal, and passing away, while G o d ’s gift is for ever.”

So, Mr. Meadows, we must praise G o d for His great grace to brother Tsang. W e were all refreshed by his testimony of the grace of G o d , and all willingly accepted him. I baptized him with four others. Praise G o d . Tsiang Siao-vong writes this.

C{k ®Drk in % Hiaa-i $)islrirf.

F R O M M I S S W H IT C H U R C H TO R E V . / . H. T A Y L O R .

CH I-Y U -L I.— You will have rejoiced with us, I know, in our joy that the L o r d is blessing His work

in Hiao-i. W e see plainly this, that the evil one is not going to let us have an easy victory, for he contends for every step of ground, and we have often bitter disappointment in those of whom we had hoped great things, through their being led away by his sore tempta­tions. W e have shared in our M a s t e r ’s great sorrow when He said to some, “ W ill ye also go away? ’’ It is a terrible thought that while we are to some the savour of life unto life that to others we are the savour of death unto death. W e are looking to the L o r d to keep us, come what may, from ever getting discouraged, believing that He cannot use disheartened workers, to keep us looking off from ourselves, our difficulties, the poor Chinese in their dense darkness and sin, straight away to Him in all His love and mighty power, who has promised to fight for us and to give us the victory.

W hen we arrived here we had the names of twenty-two men and women given to us as baptized Christians belong- ingito this district. Since then Pastor Ch’u’s foster-father and mother have removed to Ta-ning, and one old woman has died trusting in J e s u s , leaving us nineteen to shepherd and teach. On the 25th of last month we had the intense jo y of seeing Mr. Key baptize ten converts, all from the vicinity of Hiao-i, and we have the names of thirteen others who have asked for baptism and who will, we hope, be received before long. W e asked of the L o r d , and He has given us a study and chapel, both of which are nearly ready for use, and he sent Mr. Russell to superintend the building, who has proved most helpful. Lately he and Mr. Lutley have been going daily to Shih-tung, a village a mile from the city, where they get a most attentive audience. There is a real work going on in that place, which is the home of seven of our converts.

Miss Seed and I came to this village on the last day of May. It is situated on the hills thirty It from Hiao-i. We have the use o f half a yard, which has been mortgagedfor ten years. Our neighbours in this yard and in another ad­joining are as friendly as they can be, the old great-grand­mother of seventy-six, to her great delight, I call my mother, and we have every reason to hope she is saved. When we arrived this was almost like an opium den, for two masters and two servants smoked and the villagers used to come in o f an evening to smoke with them. The two masters and one servant are breaking off, the other has been dismissed, and no smoking is allowed on the premises now I Is not that something for which to praise

G od? And better still our two neighbours regularly attend morning and evening prayers, also our midday prayer meeting and Bible-class ; both are very intelligent, and have now a fair knowledge of Gospel truth : one of them wishes to be baptized, and two others from this village are among the thirteen who have asked for baptism. Before prayers we sound a gong twice, so that all the villagers may hear, and sometimes, especially on Sunday, we have a very fair attendance, with occasionally visitors from other villages who have come simply to hear the Gospel.

As you say, the Christians have very much need of teaching; many of them we have every reason to fear do not keep the Sabbath, and some attend the theatres, but we are hoping to bring about a better state of things ere long. This village is said to be only five 11 away from Tao-shang, though across the hills it seems to me like fifteen ; but even some of the women can walk here, and we are doing all we can to encourage them all, men and women, to come on Sunday keeping a register of their attendance which we find a great help. In addition to this we have invited the women to come and stay with us as often as they can, so that they may get regular teaching. Last week we had two old widows ; this, a young woman who is trying very hard to learn Dr. Nevius’ catechism ; also Lo Ta-sao, one of the newly-baptized Christians who, we trust, the L o r d is going to use mightily ia His service : she is very bright and intelligent and very much in earnest. W e have also a woman with us breaking oft opium, and a man here for the same purpose. Also old Mrs. Chao, who has been our visitor ever since we came up here.

You express the hope that this year may be one of great spiritual advancement to us. It certainly ought to be, for here, shut off from other friends, we are thrown more fully upon our LORD, and thus have so many more opportunities of learning to know Him belter. For my own part I can thank God for every trial we have had, for it has been grand to wait and see the goodness of the Lord in every case, how that He has not failed in one particular. W e are praising for the great things that we believe He is going to do for us in Hiao-i, and I know that you will be praying for us that we may be kept faithful, so that we need not be ashamed in the day of our L o r d ’s return, when our work shall be made manifest, but that all may be done with a single eye to His glory, we all the time glorying in Him, the glorious C a p ta in of our salvation.

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s

j % " k i n g g c a i r , g e t j $ p £ a k e t j j . ”

F R O M M IS S M A C K E E T O A F R I E N D I N IR E L A N D .

Native Boat on Grand Canal,

KlANG-Su, N ov. 29th.

H AN K you so much for your prayers for dear Mrs. L i; she seems to need them now even more than ever, for I am afraid she is following the M a s t e r afar off. I saw her about three weeks ago, and my heart did ache for her; she could come on Sundays to the services, but shedoes not, because, she says, “ the people say things about her.” Sheis not happy, I know. Pray that she may come right back again to J e s u s ’ feet

Would you ask the Y.W .C.A. for praise and prayer for the opium refuge in Yang-chau ? It has only been opened a few months, but the L o r d has blessed and owned it already. One man has been baptised and is such an out-and-out case ; four more are waiting baptism, anda few others are inquiring; these men have all been enabled to breakoff this dreadful opium. The last Sunday I was in Yang-chau I

counted eight men from the refuge in the chapel at morning service. There are twelve patients now. This is as many as they can take in at a time, and twelve more are waiting to fill their places. Our sisters there are being much helped of G o d , but pray that the work may not be too much for them.There are two women breaking off opium too. W e want their souls to be saved; this is really theobject o f the refuge.

And now I must try and tell you something of what I have been doing, for I want your prayers too. When I received your last I was in charge o f the girls’ school in Yang-chau. I was able to carry on the work all the hot months at Ts’ing-kiang-p’u ; although at times it was trying to the body, I was kept wonderfully well, and towards the end o f August Miss C. Murray wrote and asked me if I would come and superintend the school for a month, as she was going away for a change. It seemed a tremendous undertaking for me, but not for my Master, and so I came down. I had a nice time, got to know more o f the girls than I did before, and sometimes some of them would come into my room for prayer; this was something unusual, as Chinese girls, as a rule, are bashful. One of them, named Kwei-ing, is going to be married soon to a nice young Christian ; she is a dear girl, and tries so to please J e s u s ; she is such a help to the younger children.

After a month there, I went to live for a while at the south end of the city, in the house of a native woman and her husband. Had a good time there, visited when I could, and often had many coming to the house.

Then, after a week at the home, I left with a woman and a native helper for a large city up the canal, 106 l i (thirty-five miles) from Yang-chau. I think I told you there are one hundred cities, towns, and villages between Yang-chau and T s’ing-kiang-p’u along the canal. Kao-yiu is one of the cities, and no foreigner had ever been in it. None o f these places have the Gospel. W e are now trying to open a station, and I had the privilege o f being the first to carry the message there.

W e had much prayer about our going, and at first it was thought advisable, in order to avoid crowds, to arrive if possible after dark. W e arrived instead at three o’clock in the afternoon, and as our

A p r i l , 18 8 9 . ,

44 C H IN AS MILLIONS.

boatmen were unwilling to wait, we saw nothing for it but to go on. So, after again commending our­selves to the care of our loving F a t h e r , asking Him if it was His will to take us up to the inn in peace and safety, and if not to prepare us for anything He might see fit to send, we left our boat and the man to look after my bedding and few necessaries, and went on before with my woman. I felt a strange sweet peace as I put my feet inside the city gate, and the L o r d gave me to realise His near presence. I could only marvel at His goodness as I walked along the busy street. The people, instead of being angry or even following me in crowds, only stood in their shops, looking thunderstruck at the coolness of the foreigner walking in unannounced and uninvited amongst them. They did not seem to get over their amazement soon, for on I walked, and scarcely one followed. I got to the inn without any crowd, but before long they recovered themselves and came flocking in to see, I suppose, what I meant to do. I told them why I had come amongst them, and soon the native helper came, and we sold books and spoke in turn all the afternoon and evening.

A t night the landlady said she could not have us there; she did not like the crowds of people coming. I felt this was a temptation. W e took it to the L o r d , and before long He turned it to His praise, for instead of one room at the back, I got the whole front of the house, consisting of three bed­rooms, a reception-room, and courtyard. During my stay, almost every day the place was crammed, and we had to receive the women in the bedrooms and leave the rest to the men. The people all the time seemed friendly, and several asked me to their homes, and when I was leaving invited me to come and live amongst them. I stayed a short time at Yang-chau, and am now on my way back to Kao-yiu for a second visit. As soon as a suitable house can be got I expect, if G o d will, to go and live there. You will pray for and ask great things for this city, will you not ? and that I may be a faithful messenger.

I have, I am afraid, been very egotistic, but it is only that you may know about the work for which I would like you to pray.

And now I will try and answer your questions. First you ask me, When I first came out to China was there anything in the spiritual aspect of my daily life that made me think of my spiritual life at home— did I ever feel it was monotonous ? Did I get a special blessing when I gave up all to come here ? I do not know if I quite understand the first part, but I will try and give you my experience. One thing I may say right o ff: Most decidedly no, I never felt it monotonous— I mean the spiritual life— and I am sure I felt that the L o r d had indeed given me the hundredfold promised, before I was long— many days— in this land. You know I came to the training home in Yang-chau, and the life there was such as made me ashamed of my spiritual life at home, and wonder that I was ever chosen and sent to work in China. The life of those at the head of the training home was such as opened up new possibilities to me— new as far as practicability is concerned, for I had often heard of the higher Christian life, but never understood what it meant till I came to China. I do not think any one goes to the home in Yang-chau without being blessed while there, and for this we ought to praise G o d and pray for every dear sister who goes there, because it must tell on all their future work in China.

The L o r d blessed me in every way, and I shall eternally praise Him, and were I to be called away now I should praise His Name throughout eternity that He brought me to China to bless me. But I trust, if it please Him, I shall have many years in which to serve Him here. I do long to feel the burden of souls more, and ask constantly to be kept realising my responsibility with regard to the heathen around; for unless one walks close to the L o r d it is the case that one forgets, or rather, to some extent, loses sight of the need around, for the enemy is strong in this land ; but as we look up for grace and earnestness the L o r d hears and answers.

I cannot say that when I am speaking to one about her soul I always expect to see her saved. I scatter the seed and expect G o d to use it, in what way I cannot say, but in at least eight cases out of ten I never see the person again. There are times when G o d seems specially to prepare hearts, and with only once hearing they seem really to believe and rest in J e s u s alone for their salvation. I have met a few such cases when itinerating, but as a rule, specially with the women, they need so many tellings over before they even understand what you are talking about; it is all so different from what they have been accustomed to hear. It is just the same here as at home; G o d does not deal with all alike; some seem to spring into the light at once, while with others it is a long time before they grasp the real meaning of substitution.

* * * * * * * * *

Ever your loving friend and sister,MAGGIE MACKEE.

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 45

P.S.— Praise G o d , I have got a house in Kao-yiu ! He has opened the city Himself, bless His holy Name ! Pray much for me, won’t you ?

“ Beloved of G o d the F a t h e r ,C alled to be J e s u s C h r i s t 's .5’

T HE foregoing beautiful letter, which was kindly lent to us just in time for insertion this month, needs no comment. The italics are all her own. Miss MacKce left for China on March ioth,

1887. She passed away on Janua^ ioth, 1889. The following details about her, together with her last letter, are of touching interest:—

f r o m r e v . j . M cCa r t h y .

On the Grand Canal, January n th .

IT is with great sorrow of heart that I write to you now. D ear Miss M acKee is now with the L o r d she so

truly loved and so faithfully served. Her precious re­mains are with us on this boat, and we are on our way to Chin-kiang to have them interred. I travelled all night between Chin-kiang and Yang-chau, and found Miss M. Murray and Miss Underwood just ready to start, so we reached Kao-yiu by the evening. W e found Miss MacKee very ill but quite conscious and very glad to see us, and thankful for the fresh milk we brought her. It was evident that it was a bad type of small-pox, and that no human help could save her. I cannot tell you how graciously the L o r d helped us. It was a great comfort having Miss Underwood. She had all the materials, and

knew so well how to use them that everything was done in the best and most expeditious way. Miss M acKee was only a fortnight at Kao-yiu, and may have taken the disease on the way or from some of her many visitors. She said that she could not tell what help and comfort the S a v i o u r had given her during the few days of her ill­ness. He was with her, and her bright and loving spirit is now with Him, whom she loved with all her heart. To me it is very much as if my own daughter had been taken. Her mind was quite clear until three or four hours before she passed away, and then it was just like a child going to sleep. Already the LORD had blessed her work at Kao-yiu. One dear woman has found the S a v i o u r through her testimony. She was much loved by the natives.

F R O M M IS S C. P . C L A R K .

Y A N G -CH A U ,/¿z«. i ith.— It seems almost impossible to realise that our dear one who left us such a short

time ago to take possession of the city which the L o r d had given her (as she said) is now no longer with us on earth. Her thought was to prepare the way in Kao-yiu for other workers, and it has been so in a sense we little looked for ; but her expectation of moving on and open­ing up more cities on the canal will not be fulfilled, for the earthly service is exchanged for the heavenly. Dear Maggie ! W hat unspeakable joy and glory for her with the K ing , her eyes seeing Him in His beauty ; her whole being praising Him and doing His will perfectly. Her short course was a peculiarly bright and blessed one, so unswerving from the “ one thing? so full of true devotion to the Master. Perishing souls seemed never to be lost sight of, and, constrained by the love of C h r i s t , all her strength and energy were laid out in seeking to rescue them. She does indeed still speak to us ; her influence will live on in our hearts for many a day. And, I believe, her removal will be a great blessing among the dear natives here and at the other places where she has worked.

All who knew her loved her, and surely many at Kao-yiu who have so lately heard of J e s u s for the first time from her lips will think of what she told them now that she is taken, and will want to hear more. Oh, that the falling of this corn of wheat into the ground may result in an abun­dant harvest!

Another voice from heaven to us all! May we truly have our hearts opened to understand the teaching of all these messages. How the LORD is shutting us up to Himself— the L ivin g One— as the great reality of our lives, and how low we are laid at His feet as He shows us that it is just as easy for Him to take away as to give, and that if He withholds His hand we are utterly helpless ! How emphatically, too, He is reminding each one of us that we little know how short our day may be, nor who may be the next to be called away.

Dear Mr. Taylor, I can’t tell you how deeply we all feel with you and Mr. Stevenson in these heavy trials which are pouring so thickly upon us. W e can but continue to bear you up in earnest prayer. “ The Lord of Hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our Refuge

MISS M. M AOKEE’S LAST LETTER.

Kao-yiu, 31st December.M y d e a r e s t M iss W i l l i a m s o n ,— I know you will

be glad to hear that we have at last got settled in this city— “ my city,” as I call it. W e arrived on Thursday last, and you can guess how very busy we have been ever since, getting our house in order. W e are very comfort­able and ready for plenty of work. How I wish you could come and have a peep at us, though I don’t think you would get away with only that.

The M a s t e r has been so good to us ; is it wonderful ? He is always crowning us with loving-kindness.

I am sure you will remember us here sometimes. O f

I course we are having great crowds daily. Yesterday they | were wonderfully quiet, and some listened very atten­

tively ; and although of course they all came to “ uan- ! uan” (to enjoy themselves), they heard of “ One J e s u s ,”

and two or three seemed specially to take in the message eagerly. Oh for souls saved ! Oh for H O LY GHOST power to convince of sin !

j W e don’t forget you and your work, but ask constantlyj that you may be much used for His glory................I must

now say good-night, as it is already pretty late. . .

“ His special treasure,’’

4 6 CH IN AS MILLIONS.

I t e m s o f I x t t m z L

F R O M R E V . J .

Shang-kaz, Jan. \th,— Dr. Cameron tells o f seven baptised at Chung-k’ing, S i-ch ’u e n , on Dec. 8th. I hear from Yiih-shan, Kiang-SI, that three men and three women were baptised on Dec. 17th. Mr. Thompson writes from Kiu-chau, C h e h -k ia n g , of a man named Hwang going to Kong-san Hien to preach the Gospel ; he was sent away with much prayer and hope. W e trust that soon that city will be opened. It seems the natives are taking great interest in this onward move. W e felt that the last day of the year was a time when G od was very near, and are looking forward to the best year that we have yet had in China.

Jan. wth.— Mr. Key tells me that two were baptised at Sih-chau, S h a n -s i , on N o v. n th . T h e L o r d is trying us very much through sicknesses, but we know it means greater blessing. He doeth all things well.

Jan. iZth.— Dr. Parry tells me that three were baptised at Tan-lin Hien on November 23rd, and one at Chen-tu on the same date. It was a great joy to us on the 13th to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Eason, and the seven young men. W e did praise G od to find Mr. Cooper was very much better, and he is improving rapidly.

Jan. 2$th.— l am glad to report four baptisms from Yang-chau— three girls and a woman— on January 22nd. Mr. Meadows writes me that the native contributions for

W. S T E V E N S O N .

the last year in the Shao-hing district amount to 255.26 dollars. This is very good for a membership of 208.

Mr. Hutton reports that Mr. and Mrs. H. H . Taylor, Miss Guinness, and Miss Waldie left Fan-cheng on January 2nd for She-k’i-tien, H o -n a n ; and that he was leaving shortly afterwards for Chau-kia-k’eo, Ho-NAN, to escort Miss Crewdson and Miss Chilton there.

Miss Kerr writes of quite an interesting work among the women of Ko-cheng, S h a n -s i . She had paid a pleasant visit to Ta-ning, and reporcs very cheerily of the work of Misses Scott and Miles. Mr. James writes that he has succeeded in taking another house at Shih-sheo, borders of H u-N AN . Mr. Cassels writes very hopefully of the work not only in Pao-ning, S i -c h ’u e n , but in the dis­trict round, and the ladies are exerting their influence very powerfully, for which we do praise G o d . You will be pleased to hear that Dr. W ilson’s large party have arrived safely, in good health, and all very bright.

On the 22nd a telegram appeared in the Shanghai papers from Kai-fung Fu, saying that the breach in the Yellow River was closed. W e only trust that this is true, and that there will be no further outbreaks. It is rather strange for a telegram to come from Kai-fung, but we live in changing times. The old China is gradually, though surely, passing a w a y !

itarts ||rtprtCr ¡mb W orkersF R O M M RS. C O U L T H A R D TO R E V . J . W, S T E V E N S O N .

CH A U -K IA -K ’EO , Dec. 6th.— Thank you, dear Mr. Stevenson, for your kind promise to do your best to

send us reinforcements. I do hope that some are on their way to us. It would be such a pleasure to welcome lady- workers. I am hoping that you will be able to do more than I asked you, and that we shall soon have two or three ladies here.

A few women come to our Sunday morning services who profess to be interested, and certainly listen very w e ll; but there is one poor woman who seems to be very much in earnest. Poor thing, she has a good deal of trouble. She is a widow, and has five sons, four of whom are grown up ; the eldest is an idiot, three are married and living by themselves, but too poor to help their mother, who has to provide for herself and the other two sons. Some little time ago she was very ill, and for two days was unable even to drink tea ; she thought she was dying, and the thing that troubled her was that there would be no one to care for her eldest son, for whom in his weakness she seems to have a real mother’s love.

On Sunday, Nov. 25th, she was a little better, and was invited by another woman to come to our morning ser­vice. She came, and to her great surprise found herself getting stronger. The next day 1 went to a house not far from where she lives, and she was among those who came in ; though I did not know her I noticed how eagerly she listened. But soon the crowd got very large, and the excitement too great, so my hostess asked me to go home.

T he following Saturday this woman came to see me ; she said she was coming the next morning to the service, but as there would be' other women there then she had come now to have a little quiet talk with me. Then she told me her name, and all about her troubles, and that

she wanted to be good and go to heaven, that she had tried all her life not to do and say what was wrong, and that often she had

d e n i e d h e r s e l f f o o d

that she might have money to buy incense and candles. I told her that G o d did not want such things, but that He wanted a true heart’s worship, and I advised her to tell Him all her troubles about her eldest son and about her daughters-in-law, who try her, and to ask Him to change their hearts.

The next day, Sunday, she was present again with several others, and after the service was over we had a nice talk together about the need of having our former sins forgiven— that doing what is right in the future is not sufficient. W hen the other women were gone she stayed behind for another little talk, and she cheered my heart by telling me that she gets up very early in the morning, before it is light and the doors are open, to pray to JESUS, as she is afraid that afterwards when the people begin coming about she may not be able to get any quiet.

A few days ago my woman told me that she was a Christian, and that JESUS had forgiven her all her sins. Hallelujah ! W e have been praying for her ever since she came, and I know that many in Yang-chau have been pray­ing that my woman might be led to JESUS, and in her turn lead others to Him. When I am telling my visitors about J e s u s the only Saviour she sometimes joins in with, “ Yes, Je s u s will forgive you.’’ She says she has told her own relatives and friends about Him, and they are pleased and want me to go and see them.

I do thank G o d for the hearts that He has been pre­paring to hear His Word, and I take courage. But those interested are only the few, and how about the many ?

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 47

Some hear about our great Substitute, and listen as if it were nothing very wonderful, and I am afraid often forget all about it— one does so long to be able to make them think and wonder, and repent and believe. But then there are others, again, thousands of women in this one city alone— the largest city in all H o -n a n — who have never heard, and how are they to hear ? I am the only one who can tell them, and I have to take a chair when ever I go out visiting because of the immense crowds that gather to see me, and can never get to more than one house at a time, as before I am there very long the crowd gets too large and I have to come away.

I have an open-air meeting on Wednesday afternoon, when a good number of men, women, and children hear. I meant this meeting to be a Bible-class for those who are interested, and it was to have been held in the house of one of the Christians, but such numbers came together as to crowd out the little room, so we have the meeting

outside in a great open space in front o f the house ; it is in a very quiet part, and I take the opportunity to sing and tell about J e s u s .

P.S.— I wrote this morning, but I must add a few lines, for in the meantime my husband has had your letter, tell­ing the good news that ladies were shortly to start for H o -n a n — two for this city, and two for She-k’i-tien. I am so delighted, and feel like shouting Hallelujah ! I do praise the L o r d in my heart for this answer to my many prayers that the women in She-k’i-tien might have teachers, and for the exceeding abundantly, two coming to help in this work amongthe women here! May eachof these four be mightily used among the women of H o -NAN. The work is all His, but He uses us as His instruments. May I and these four sisters be such that He can use us to the leading of many hundreds of women to Himself. I can­not write more now, but my heart is very, very full of praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly F a t h e r .

jjcatfmr SSEoxsjjip.F R O M M IS S B A S T O N E .

PA O -N IN G , Si-CH’Uen, Sept. 20th.— To-day is the feast o f the moon ; people here make it a holiday

and go visiting their friends, something like Bank holiday in England. Early in the morning the people go to the temples and burn incense and candles before the idols, and worship. In the evening they worship the moon, bringing out into the open air cakes and incense to offer up to it. To-day being the fifteenth day of the Chinese month, we went over to Mr. Cassels’ to the early morning prayer meeting among the natives at 6 a.m. It was good to hear them beseeching GOD to show their fellow countrymen not only the uselessness of worshipping idols, the moon, heaven, etc., but also what a great sin it was.

Oct. n th .— W ere so saddened this evening with a sight we saw from our door. The people in the house opposite had been unfortunate in business, trade had been bad, so they were having outside of their house a grand worship of their ancestors. They had the outside of the house lit up with candles ; just in the doorway was a table raised on a platform, on which were candles and incense burn­ing, and before these was placed a large paper house. Then on another table immediately opposite this were more incense and candles burning. On the right hand side of the house, a little lower down, was another table with a small paper house, with candles and incense burn­ing in front. A t the side of this small house was an effigy of one of the ancestors, and above on either side were cardboard tablets, hanging on which were written the ancestors’ names. To the right of this table there was a I bonfire of perforated paper, called paper money, which I

they burn and suppose it goes to their dead ones. Boys were putting this on the fire continually. Paper clothes were also burnt. Before the bonfire were two money hills, sugar loaf in shape, not solid, but just a framework covered with paper, and a candle burning in the inside. These hills indicate that they will give their ancestors hills of money. The male members of the household had white cloths (sign of mourning) wrapped round their heads in turban fashion. Several priests were officiating in the worship, some chanting or wailing, others play­ing instruments, drums, pipes, cymbals, triangles, horns, etc. The chief priest was an old man with a scarlet satin robe thrown over his shoulders. He stood between the two tables facing the large paper house, and prayed and chanted. The eldest member of the household stood at his left hand, and every now and then would make a grave bow, as the priest did, towards the paper house, and prostrate himself. After this chanting and praying had gone on for some time, the servants of the house placed a stick of incense and a candle (both lighted) along the pathway of the street, about five feet distant from one another. This they did on both sides of the house through the whole length of the street.

This ceremony lasted for more than three hours, and is to be repeated for several nights. The whole per­formance is in recognition of the sins of the present generation, and to turn away the anger of their fore­fathers. These poor darkened souls think that in so doing they will turn their misfortunes, and trade will prosper again.

% J^rtragljt in a ©tilagt n m Ijao-rmrg, Sr-rjnteit.

F R O M M I S S B A S T O N E .

NOV. 21 sL— For some time we have been praying that the L o r d would guide us about opening up

country w ork Two days ago Mr. Cassels told us there was an opening in the home of one of his servants. W e rent one room. Miss Culverwell and I arrived here early in the afternoon ; the people welcomed us kindly, and brought us tea and raw potatoes while our woman was putting the room in order. Soon all the people round about heard of our arrival, and came quickly to see us. W e let them look at us and ask any amount of questions, and then we told them why we had come and invited

them to come constantly and hear us. Afterwards we sang a hymn, and most of them departed to their several homes. After tea we invited the women of the house to come to Chinese prayers ; seven came and three children. Dear women, they listened so eagerly, as if they were hungry to hear.

N ov . 22n d — Our landlady took us for a walk over the hills, and we got a splendid view of all the country round ; this is such a pretty place— hills everywhere, with straw huts nestling on their sides. Returned home very hungry, and quite ready for our Chinese dinner of pork and

4? CH INAS MILLIONS.

carrots. All the afternoon had visitors. Good time at evening prayers. T he men stand outside and listen to all that is going on. W e have given them several small books and tracts, which they seem to enjoy reading.

Nov. 23rd.— After prayers the women were unable to go out into the fields owing to the rain, so they brought their work into our room, and we had quite a mothers’ meeting. Miss C. and I took it in turns to talk to them, and then they repeated a verse or two of a hymn and sang, which they enjoyed immensely. The little children who had crept in beside their mothers lustily joined in the chorus of “ J e s u s loves me.’’ Immediately after our dinner the women came in again ; they cannot hear enough.

Nov. 24th.— More rain. Women with us all the morn­ing. Hu Ta-sao, our woman, is very helpful in putting the Gospel to these dear women. Late at night when we were in bed we heard the old woman in the next room to us repeating over the hymns and verses we had taught them. It is indeed splendid to see the real desire and thirst after the Bread of Life in these dear women. The door of our room is open all day long, so whenever they have a spare minute they come in, and we have a little talk, and then they go back to their work.

Sunday, Nov. 25th.— A very happy and busy day, scarcely half an hour to ourselves.

Nov. 26th.— Had a good time at morning prayers ; was so rejoiced to hear one or two women answer questions quite readily. After they had left us and gone to their work, Miss C. and I went over the hills, and saw on our return a celebrated tomb belonging to the Ma family. In the open space leading to the tomb were several stone figures ; immediately in front was a stone table with seats round. On the right and left of this were two figures of gorillas carved in stone ; then lower down were figures of camels, rhinoceros, swans, elephants, horses, facing each other. A t the further end were two stone dragons guard­ing the entrance. All these have been placed there by the members of the family to gain merit.

Nov. 27th.— A t m orning prayers, two w om en whom we h ave noticed as particularly bright and interested told us th ey w anted to believe in J e s u s . Praise the L o r d .

Nov. 28th.— Had a good number of women to prayers. Visitors immediately afterwards. Before dinner visited another house on the hill opposite. It is wonderful how G o d has given the listening ear ; day by day the interest seems to increase and spread. Had visitors all the after­

noon, some from twenty li distant. A t evening prayers fifteen women were present, besides children.

Dec. 1st.— The last two days have been very wet, so we have seen a good deal of the women ; they brought their work and sat with us. W e were rejoiced that the three women who said they wanted to believe in J e s u s told us to-day that since the first day we came they have not worshipped their idols nor burnt incense, and the two who have husbands said that they also wanted to be­lieve.

Sunday, D e c . 2nd.— A d ay w ith the KING. H is pre­sence so real, filling our souls w ith jo y. O n e o f the wom en said that she prayed every m orning and evening to our G o d , and that she was savin g up the m oney she and her husband usually spent in bu ying incense, and candles towards building a chapel in this place.

Dec. 3rd.— After morning prayers went round the hills and visited some new cottages. Had a good congrega­tion in one of them. The people were very dirty and ignorant. Poor things ! how one’s heart goes out for these other sheep for whom C h r i s t died !

Dec. 4th.— The women are all so grieved because we are going to return to the city to-morrow. They begged us not to go, because they would so soon forget all we had taught them. Our dear old landlady broke down and cried as she pleaded with us to stop. The love and ten­derness of these dear women towards us is quite touching, and we have only been among them a fortnight! To cheer our landlady up, we asked her to take us for a ramble over the hills, which she did, and we came back laden with ferns, maidenhair, and violets.

This evening at prayers our room was crammed, over thirty present, besides young children. W e had a splendid time with them for more than two hours, and then they were loth to leave, only it was getting late, and some of them had to go up the valley to their homes. A ll the seven families in this compound have ceased to burn incense and candles.

D e c . $ th .— Before starting on our journey back to Pao- ning had a time of prayer with the dear women. They were full of sorrow at our going, and several broke down in tears. W e reminded them that JESUS would not leave them, but be always near. Some of them accompanied us half way, and one woman came all the way home with us. Full of praise to G o d for all His goodness to us on this our first outing.

kissing in a $tffo Station.F R O M MR.

SU -C H A U F U , S i- c h ’u e n , Nov. 14th.— The L o r d has blessed and prospered us wonderfully in settling

in this place. I enclose my wife’s diary, but I will give a few particulars as well. Some days ago our neighbours presented us with two wooden tablets and two lamps, the object being to congratulate us on coming amongst them. About forty persons made the presentation, and we gave them a feast. There are numbers of people desiring to give up opium. A tailor comes every night and repeats

F R O M M RS.

Oct. 2jth .— W e are getting pretty well settled into work here, and find our time well occupied. Visitors do not come in such crowds as at first, but every day we get a great many, both o f men and women.

Oct. 28th.— Liu P ’o-p’o came again to -d ay; she is seventy-eight years of age, and has been a devout wor­shipper of idols all her life, trying to gain merit by ab­staining from meat and by other good deeds. She is

M cM U L L A N

Scriptures and catechism, seems earnest, and has applied for baptism. Our teacher now does odd jobs ; he smoked opium, but professes to have given it up. He says he be­lieves his sins are forgiven ; he repeats from memory al­most every night ten or more verses of Scripture. He and his wife have applied ior baptism. Other men come to our evening meeting, but with less regularity ; for them also we would ask your prayers. I believe our work here might be extended to any extent if we only had helpers.

M cM U LL A N .

very interested ; I have taught her a prayer, and she keeps repeating it over. She says, “ My sins are very heavy ; will J e s u s really forgive me if I do not offer Him any incense or bum candles ? ’’

Commenced a class for four women who seem very anxious to learn the way of salvation. My husband, too, has encouragement among the men.

Sat. 3rd.— M y women are getting on nicely. They

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 49

come every morning and repeat some ten or fourteen characters which they have learnt. I teach them these from a little book, which gives them very simply the truth about God, and the way of salvation. I also ex­plain a portion of Scripture. 1 feel very weak and unfit for this work, but I am trusting in His power who has so lovingly given these women a desire to know Him.

Sun. 4th.— Liu P ’o-p’o came in spite of the rain, and gave me much joy by testifying to some outside women that she had given up her vegetarianism and worship of idols, and now was trying to please God. My own woman, who has been a constant worshipper of idols for twenty years, is, I trust, now seeking after JESUS, the j true way. The Roman Catholics are trying in every way j

to oppose the work. At most of our services men and | women come and try to upset the meeting, but we must j

expect persecution where G od is working, for the devil j won’t let his servants go too easily. j

Nov. 6th.— I was disappointed to find no women at my j class this morning. One of them came to explain that they are now forbidden to come by their husbands and friends, and threatened to be turned out if they join the Church. The Roman Catholics have also been visiting them, and trying to win them over to their church, offer­ing them worldly advantages ; this is a severe testing time. W ill they come out boldly in spite of persecution, or will they leave us and forget the little they know ? The work is GOD’S, even though everything appears in the power of the evil one. Pray much for these dear people, and for us that our faith may not fail.

Liu P ’o-p’o came this morning to say that her brother was dead, and she was going 300 l i down the river to at­tend his funeral, but she said, “ I will not join in the j

idolatrous customs at the grave, for I want to please G od.” j

W e must pray that she may be kept steadfast. As I looked j

at that dear old woman I felt it was worth while to come j

here if only to help that one into the light.Nov. yth>— At evening worship three of the women of

my class were present ; they say they will stay at home j

by day and work, and try to come every evening. j

Nov. 8th.— Accepted an invitation to dinner in a neigh­bour’s home, visited several of her friends, and met some at her house. My hostess is one of the women who come every day to receive instruction.

Nov. 12th.— W e are full of praise to G o d for the way He is working. This morning Mrs. Han, one of the women who comes daily, told me that she and her chil­dren have ceased to worship idols, and pray to G o d twice a day, besides asking a blessing at meals. I en­couraged her in that, but urged upon her the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of the sins of the past, pointing her to 1 John i. 9. She said, “ May I kneel down here and confess ?” She did so, and in a very sim­ple way, but very earnestly, asked the L o r d to forgive her, promising to be His disciple from henceforth. W e rose from our knees, and I told her of my own conver­sion, which helped her, I think, to take G o d ’S Word as I took it. As we were talking Mrs. Chang came in ; we told her what Mrs. Han had done, and she expressed the desire to do the same, and without my suggestion knelt down and gave herself to the LORD in the same way as Mrs. Han, after which they both prayed that their hearts might be opened to understand the doctrine and speak it. W e then sang “ J e s u s loves me,” forour hearts were all joyous, and I am sure in heaven there was great rejoicing too. Mrs. Chang has been a great opium smoker for some years ; she commenced to take it as a medicine for some disease from which she still suffers on abstaining from opium. She desires to give it up, and we are praying that G o d will heal her, but of course shemust take the big step of trust, and reject the opiumbefore she can be cured.

Nov. 13//;.— Mrs. Chen, who has been before and heard stories from the Bible of the leper and the blind men, was here, and when we knelt to pray sheasked that J e s u s would heal her disease ; her prayer was so simple and so earnest. After the service was over 1 spoke to the women separately, urging upon them the necessity of being born again. Old Mrs. Chen said, “ I do trust JESUS that He is going to make my body better, and I will be His apprentice.”

^ S J m l |ffunrcjr into Ifit-itatr,F R O M M R. L A W SON.

SH IH -SH E O , Dec. 2o:h.— Bro. James and I have just taken a short journey over the border into Hu-NAN.

W e left here on Monday morning for Kiao-kia-ho, taking passage in a small boat. After we had gone twenty-one l i we found that the lake was dried up, and so had to call a coolie and take to the road. W e arrived about 3 p.m., and managed to do some work for the M a s te r before dark. On entering the place we soon met with the cry, “ Kill the foreigner.” The people were more inclined for sport than to listen to the Gospel. In the morning we engaged a small boat, fully expecting to visit Hwa-iong,

but owing to heavy rain were compelled to stay in Wan-ii. W e arrived at midday, and early in the day the rain passed oft* giving us an opportunity to scatter the seed of the Kingdom. Although this place bears a very bad name, we were most kindly treated. W e had splendid times on the street, books sold very well, and the people were most attentive to the word preached. W e now rest in the assurance that it will not return void. On our way home we called at Kao-ki-miao, and again testimony was borne for our risen L o r d . It is indeed blessed to serve the L o r d C h r i s t .

F R O M M R S.

GA N -K ’IN G, Nov. 24th— A little over a fortnight ago we had four baptisms here— two from a country

district, one a soldier from the camp here, and one a servant. One of the two heard the Gospel first from Mr. Reid a year or two ago, when stationed in Chi-chau. He read the books and ultimately believed the doctrine, and a month ago, when Mr. Reid and Mr. Simpson visited his

SIM P SO N .home, they found to their joy that he had been giving a bright testimony ; outside his house he had tracts stuck up, and also a proclamation that he did not believe in idol worship, neither would he contribute in any way to it, but meant always to worship the true G od. One man there has been converted through his influence, and four or five others are inquirers, if not believers. They

5° CHINA'S MILLIONS.

have had a good deal of persecution, but have stood it bravely ; and now, as the two have been admitted into the visible Church by baptism, may they be able to be still more decided.

One of the servants here, whose home is in the country, had a son married last week ; both father and son are Christians, and the marriage, of course, was Christian. Mr. W ood went down to perform the ceremony, and was struck to see the footing which the Gospel seemed to have gained in that place ; the two nights he was there he was sitting up about half the night preaching to some who wanted to know more. You may imagine what effect a Christian marriage would have on those who are accustomed to so much idolatry at weddings— no wor­shipping of ancestors, no burning incense nor crackers ; only prayer ascending to the true God.

In another country district, where Mr. W ood used to go regularly to preach and stay for a week or so, a man has come, and brings the news that very many want to know about this doctrine. Some of the servants here belong to that place, and their friends see the change in them, and how differently they treat their wives now, and therefore they think it must indeed be a good religion which can change the heart, and want to know about it. The Bible says, “ B y their fruits ye shall know them.’’ This is where the reality of religion comes out— in a changed life in the home. It is easy to be a Christian among Christians, but few at home know what it is to confess C h r i s t in the midst of a heathen family. This is what these have been doing, and we feel sure that the grain of mustard-seed which is now visibly springing up will grow to a large tree,

so that many may find rest and comfort under its branches.To-day one of the small flock of Christians is being

laid to his last resting-place. H e has been a Christian for many years, and travelled about a great deal with Mr. McCarthy. About two months ago this man’s mind became affected, and he had to be kept in the house, with a man to watch by him. Two or three days ago he seemed to quite regain his reason, and told all that he was going home. His wife was crying, and he told her not to cry because he was going straight away to heaven. She asked him if he had peace in his heart, and he said, “ Yes, perfect peace.’’ Soon after, he told his wife “ G o d would take care of her and the children,” and “ Now,” he said, “ open the doors and windows, for the angels are coming to take me.” In a minute or two more the angels had taken his spirit, and presented it to Him who bought it with His own precious blood. W hat a contrast to the idolater’s death ! they want doors and windows shut to keep the devils away. Only J e s u s can take away the sting of death and sin, and, praise His Name, He does, and His power is able to cleanse Chinese as well as English. This man’s wife is blind ; she was brought up in the C.I.M . S ch oo l; she has four children, and now all are cast upon the help given by the L o r d ’s people. He who has said “ I will be a Father to the fatherless, and a Husband to the widow,” will look after them. W ill you pray for them, and us here ? “ The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.” M ay there be very many more sent to work here ; the fields are white to harvest. W e hear the voice of the L o r d , saying, “ Put ye in the sickle and reap, for the day of the L o r d is at hand.”

F R O M M R. C. H. P 0 L H 1 L L - T U R N E R .

THE following interesting account of a journey shows the accessibility to the Tibetans on the Chinese side of the border. W e ask special pra}'er that our friends Mr. and Mrs. CecilPolhill-Turner may be blessed among them

W E left Lanchau on Tuesday morning, July 31st, after a stay of a little over a fortnight. Our party con­

sisted of my wife, on a very small, pretty black donkey, bought for the journey ; another donkey to carry bedding and other things for the road ; a white pony carrying me ; and Lao-yao, a servant. B y the time we got off it was very hot, and after going 30 K we were glad of a rest and some melon.

Stayed that evening at a little village 50 l i from Lanchau. T he baggage donkey became lame, but was all right again next day. Here our road lay along the right bank of the Yellow River, which we crossed in the afternoon in two little boats lashed together. This second day, after another 50 //, we rested at a little village of a few cottages.

The next day again along the Yellow River to Kwan- chia-sT: this part very hot. Then left the river and commenced ascending the hills, which occupied us till evening. On the hill-top we were much refreshed by the cool air and fresh breeze. A t dusk could only discover a rather dilapidated farmhouse, and had to content our­selves with spreading the bed on the floor, for the kang, or large raised platform used for sleeping, was fully occupied. Our host was indifferent whether we stayed or left, and would take no trouble about it. The rain soon after came down, and we were glad of our shelter, though it required a waterproof hung over us to keep us from getting wet.

The following day, after going 20 l i all along the top of

a mountain range, the rain came down and necessitated our remaining at Siao-ling-tsi, where we had halted to feed man and beast. This village contained only Mahommedans, but they listened nicely to the Gospel, and were kind.

On Saturday we reached Kvvan-ting, descending the hill into a rather fertile valley. This bit (about 100 li) from Kwan-chia-si to Kwan-ting is very thinly peopled ; we only passed one village on the way. It is a fine grazing district. Kwan-ting is a small town, with a Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongol population, the two latter living in the country. An old Mongol, a Roman Catholic, called on us, and took us to his home to drink tea with milk and sugar. Some years ago he went with two French priests, Hue and Gabet, across Tibet to Llassa. He is now more than seventy years old. W e took a nephew of the old man’s, a young fellow named Ho, on with us, as Yao was only engaged for the journey ; and Ho knew the parts we were travelling through, and can speak Mongol, Chinese, and a little Tibetan.

A s we reached Kwan-ting on a Saturday, we stayed there over the Sunday, leaving on Monday morning. Our inn, kept by a Mahommedan, was a very clean one, and we had excellent loaves of bread made for us. The three days on from Kwan-ting were almost entirely amongst Tibetans. T he scenery was very fine, all grazing land, except here and there some agriculture, amongst mountains; sometimes we got a peep at a snow cap. The first night we put up at a little village, and

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

bad a very nice little room, built on the top o f a flat roof. H ere we got butter and excellent milk. Throughout the Tibetan district (Kwan-ting to Kwai-teh) milk is plentiful and cheap. W e passed a good number o f Tibetan villages, all the houses with flat roofs o f one storey, some­times with a little room built on the top. T hey are all of mud, built in a square, with a court in the middle. There is usually a pole with a white strip o f linen, on which a prayer is written, placed in each courtyard. The Tibetan women seem to do a large share o f the work in

easy stages to Kwei-teh, the most westerly town on the Yellow River, just on the borders ol Tibet, or rather Kokonor. T h e first night we stopped at a little town called Tsaba (Mahommedans). T h e second in a Tibetan house. The natives were much interested in us. W e were in a large room which was at the same time the stable, kitchen, guest and family bed-room. The women came in late from the fields, immediately set to work cooking mien, etc., for the whole party, and were up and at work about daybreak next morning. A s these quarters

TH E GREAT W ALI.

the fields, and the men live indoors more ; perhaps this custom is local. The women are fond of bright colours, as green and red. Their hair is done in a fringe of little plaits, beads or shells are attached to the end. The men mostly follow the Chinese custom, and shave their heads. The second day after leaving Kwan-ting, towards evening, we tried to get an inn to rest in, but none o f the Tibetans would have us. T hey feared the cattle disease, which had done much damage at Kwan-ting ; so we encamped under a little clump o f trees, by a stream of clear water, and after bread and butter, and some hot tea which we persuaded the villagers to give us, and alter most o f the little village had turned out to have a look at us, we spread out the bed, our animals close by, and soon went to sleep.

Next day sixty l i brought us into Pa-yen-rung. Here the population is mostly Mahommedan, with a Tibetan market daily. This little place stands very high, and in August is cold when the sun is not out. It is little more than a single street, with a walL W e spent a day here, as one o f the donkeys was out o f sorts, and we benefited by the re s t Leaving on Friday, ioth, we came on by

were not very convenient, w e went on twenty l i the next day (Sunday) to a little village of carpenters, who buy trees from the Tibetans, make boxes to hold tobacco, and send them to Si-ning. Very prettily situated this little village was. The following day, after going twenty li, we were obliged to stop at Gara, for the rain began to come down soon after the start, and wet us through. A t Gara we joined the Si-ning Kwei-teh road (G ara to Si-ning two days). Next day w e put up at such a pretty little spot. Coming across a little hill in front of us we saw the Yellow River (last seen by us at Kwan-ting), here spread out like a large lake, with shady groves, o f a kind o f cypress, down to the water’s edge. This was a Tibetan village, only three Chinese families. W e had several visitors, including two old Lamas, one of whom had met me formerly at Ta-si. W e got a little vocabulary of Tibetan words from them. The day following (Wednesday, 13th August), forty l i brought us into Kwei-teh. The road passes ten l i beyond the town to the ferry ; here we waited two or three hours till the boat started ; only one goes backward and forward in the day. After a time we found a little shade behind an old mill, otherwise there

52 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

was no protection from the sun. It was late in the after­noon before we reached Kwei-teh. The first inn we went to (the man was sent on to get one) was tenantless, and had no paper in the windows, and only half a door. W e were followed in by a crowd, who were most anxious at all costs to have a look at my wife. After waiting about an hour there, we could get nothing, and the landlord said he did not want us, so we moved into the town to an inn the boy had found, at which some Russian explorers had stayed on a previous occasion. Our friends, the people, were glad to have a look at a foreign lady, and followed, shouting and laughing. Our room was a good one to rest in, and evening soon came on for which we were not sorry. The following days my wife had many visitors, very cordial and simple they appeared, many of them bringing cucum­bers or other little presents. They listened nicely. A good many have large feet, and move about in the streets as they like, with none of the strict customs common to Chinese women about not going out. The men listened well, too, on the street. It is a very small tow n; most of the business is done outside the city. There is a civil and a military mandarin. It seems to lie just at the point where three little fertile valleys run together.

In the town all are Chinese. Many Tibetans come into the market daily. W hen one has a fair knowledge of Tibetan, Kwei-teh would be a nice place for a centre to the district around. Around Si-ning the population seems all Chinese. W e were struck with the place. It is very nicely situated. Fruit and vegetables are abundant. Milk is sold every morning on the street by Tibetans, by the half basin (six cash a basin, four basins a little more than id ). A road runs through Tibetan country south-east to Bao-ngan, three days ; then three days to Lah-rang, a Tibetan monastery. Another through wild Tibetan country into S i-CHU’e n (Sung-pan). W e spent a week at Kwei-teh, and then left for Si-ning.

The Tibetan monasteries at Ta-si have about 3,000 monks. Found Mr. and Mrs. Laughton well, and were very glad of a rest and clean rooms. Along this road not very many can read, and not many books were sold. But the living voice was heard in many places, at times understood, at times not. W ill you please pray for seed sown at Siao-ling-tsi (Mahommedan), Kwan-ting (idolaters), Pa-yen-rung (both), Tsa-ba (Mahommedan), Kwei-teh (idolaters); and pray that it may be follow ed up, and that the Tibetans along this road may have the Gospel taken to them.

M a rk at |u|j-s|ratr, Jtfmtg-si:.F R O M M I S S M A C K IN T O S H .

Oct. I'&th.— Had a good many outside people to-day besides the Christians, all very attentive. After service visited an old man, whose wife has been coming regularly for some time, and is, I am sure, a true believer. The old man listened so attentively, and then we all knelt down and prayed, he following us. They live all alone in a small hut to watch the fields. He said he did want to worship God, that he could not leave his post to come to worship on Sunday, but he was glad his wife could come. He told us how morning and evening, and before every meal, his wife went outside the door and knelt down to pray to GOD, and ask His blessing. Poor old woman ! she thought GOD could see and hear her better outside than in. When she first came here one morning begging for some medicine, she looked so poor and unhappy, and now she has such a bright face, and often speaks o f her home in heaven.

Oct. 30th.— Started early this morning for Sa-k’i, a large boating place, fifty l i down the river, accompanied by Mrs. T s’ang, our pastor’s wife, and Bible-woman; had a nice time on the way, reached Sa-k’i in the afternoon. I was surprised to find such a large place, and all kinds of sh o p s; the population is, I am told, over 10,000. A great many people followed us to the inn, and kept coming all the afternoon, so we had a busy time. After evening rice a great many more came ; very soon the inn was crowded, and outside as well. The land­lady, her sons and daughter-in-law, were quite pleased we should have a meeting, and took down all the outside doors to make more room. At least between 200 and 300 gathered round, and were so quiet while I told them why we had come, and invited them to be very quiet, as it was most important all should hear. Then we sang a hymn, had prayer, and spoke in turn of the SAVIOUR, urging them “ to flee from the wrath to come ” ; we sang some simple hymns, and explained the meaning. A ll the time the people were very attentive. W e then invited them to come back next morning and hear more, as we intended remaining for another day. W e retired to our little room, but so many women kept coming, asking more !

about J e s u s . Outside some men were sitting in groups talking over what they had heard. When all had gone the landlady and her daughter-in-law came in and listened for a long time ; though very tired we were glad to see them so interested.

Oct. 31st.— Another very busy day ; as soon as daylight began to dawn we had visitors, who kept coming and going. After our morning meeting did some visiting, and many listened so attentively ; sometimes so many crowded round that it was impossible to say much ; on returning to the inn I caught sight of the Commandments pasted on the temple wall opposite ; our landlady had it put up while we were out. All day we had visitors, and another crowded meeting in the evening ; after which had con­versation with many women, and when the inn was closed up, ourlandlady and her daughter-in-law again came to hear more ; they were very sorry to hear we were going away next morning, and pressed us to stay ; several came offering to rent us a house if we wanted it.

Nov. 1st.— After our meeting this morning leftfor Ch’ang- fang ; some women followed us all the way to our boat, inviting us to return soon. Reached Ch’ang-fang in the afternoon ; here we lived with a Christian and his wife, had a large and most attentive meeting at night ; the people all so kind ; one dear woman held my hand all the time, and kept saying, “ How kind of you to come and tell us I could not help praising GOD for the glorious privilege of being permitted to be an ambassador of the Cross.

Friday, Nov. 2nd— Started this morning for Yang-tsieh,6 l i off. Enjoyed the walk very much, as our path lay alongside the river. This, too, is a very large village. W e arrived at the house of little Hsi-ping^s father and mother (a little boy who died last year rejoicing in Je s u s ). Here we had a warm welcome, and very soon a good dinner, which we enjoyed after our walk. Then in the afternoon visited a good many houses ; heard of the death of a dear old woman who used to do some work for me ; she was all alone in the world, but I feel sure she is now with J e s u s . Had a meeting in one house where all the neigh-

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 53

bours had gathered in. At night had a nice quiet meet- ;ing, not very large. Afterwards had a long talk withHsi-ping’s mother. She has given up her vegetarianism as well as worshipping idols, and I think she really believes.It is a long distance or she would come on Sunday to worship. The L ord will hear prayer for her, I am sure.

Nov. 3rd.— Left Yang-tsieh this morning for home on wheelbarrows. Glad to find all well on our return. j

TsaDg Sien-sang has gone to Ho-pei, to the house of a Chnstian whose neighbours are persecuting him because he j

refused to give money to help the theatricals ; they have j

threatened to put him out of the village, and will not let him | carry any water ; however, he is determined to remain stead- ! fast and true to the L o rd . I

Nov. 5tk.— Ï have had no more attacks of fever, and feel so ; well. The L o r d has answered prayer. I was much touched by | one old man praying earnestly that the L o rd would send the fever to him instead of to me. Dear old brother, his prayer was answered ; he was so ill for some days, but the L o rd blessed the simple means used, and he is now well again.

Nov. 7th.— We have been endeavouring to spread the Gospel more widely by visiting among the villages. The women and ourselves have visited nearly forty villages. Many have heard !

the Gospel, some gladly, many indifferently, and though it may be but little they have taken in, He who fed the thousands with the few loaves and fishes is the same Jesus still, and He can just as easily bless the little to the salvation of many precious souls. I do so like that text, “ It shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the Name of the L ord shall be saved.” Who knows but that some of these who have listened, even indif­ferently, in some hour of need may remember and call upon the Name of the L o rd ?

You will, I know, rejoice to hear that the L ord has provided money to keep two Bible-women for a year in answer to prayer. It did rejoice my heart to receive Mr. Stevenson’s letter, saying he was sending the money. I send the two women together into the villages. They returned yesterday, after being away for ten days. Wherever they are they have a meeting morning and evening, and visit during the day. In a few days they start for a village forty li away, to visit the mother of one of them who has been here, and is very interested. They will visit all the places on the way, remaining over night in some. To-day a man has come from a large village which we visited last week, staying two days. He has come to hear more; his wife and several others seem much impressed.

So glad the Romanised New Testament is nearly finished ; it will be a help.

fïrals gfsltflgîïr in J jtó -p n g .F R O M M R.

NO V E M B E R 29th.— Our boys’ school teacher has for some time been at unrest on account of the idols,

etc., in his house. He has applied for baptism several times, but of course he was told he must cast his idols away first. He is a native of this city ; his father was a literary man, and well known. Last Saturday he told me he wished to take his idols down ; so after the meeting on L o r d ’s day evening, I went to his house accompanied by the evangelist and another Christian. W e took down the idols, then followed the heaven and earth tablet, a large wooden one, and then the ancestral tablets. His wife

A N D R E W .

I was much enraged, and when Mr. Nieh accompanied us I to the door of his garden, she shut and bolted the house i door, and would not admit him. She dare not have done

this some time ago, but the L o r d has changed her husband’s temper. The heaven and earth tablet has been broken to pieces, and the ancestral tablets have been burnt. Praise G o d !

His wife continues to abuse him, and his heart is somewhat troubled ; however, he is happier than when the idols were worshipped in his house. The L o r d sus­tain him !

F R O M M R. B. C U R T IS W A T E R S .

T V 'W E I-Y A N G F U , Dec. 3rd.— The boys’ teacher J lV baptised, also opened the new chapel. A good number in the evening at the meeting.

Dec gik.— Very good meeting in the morning, the place quite full on the men’s side. The evangelist spoke very earnestly, and the men listened well. Several are very interested. ______

Dec. \6ih.— Have much to praise GOD for in seeing the j numbers coming to hear the Gospel. W e are hoping ! soon to see more baptisms. Some seven or eight have j expressed a desire to be received. Have been through j the work of the 2nd section [study of Chinese], and hope I in a week or two to be ready for examination.

riff Import from Cijclj-luang.F R O M M R. D. TH O M PSO N .

DEC. 31st.— The work in Kiu-chau is by no means at a standstill; we are just now preparing for a good hard

hand-to-hand fight with the devil, and he seems to know it, but we do not mean to give in, but by G o d ’s grace to go ahead. W e believe the time has now come to try all possible means in our power to arouse these dead souls. W e have had two or three meetings with our evangelistic band and are being much encouraged by the willingness of the people to hear, both in city and village. All our mem­bers go out two and two by turn, and are very pleased to do it ; they go out not only on the L o r d ’s day, but on the week days. The natives arranged it all themselves.

Our Sunday and week evening meetings are very well attended, and we hope to gather in the sheaves very soon.

The work in the outstation is not encouraging just n o w ; cold indifference seems to have come over them like a London fog, but I trust it will soon disappear.

In the Name of our God we have commenced work in one more city, eighty l i from here, called Kiang-san. Two natives are there for a three weeks’ campaign, with Bibles, Testaments, Gospels, and tracts. I am glad to say we have sold this last year five Bibles, 185 New Testaments, and 6,073 portions of Scripture ; this has been principally the work of one man, by God'S help. Most of the sales have been in the Chu-chau and Song-yang districts, and all in this province ; but now he has gone off into F uh- k i e n for his first trip in the new year. W e look at twelve cities, and hope he will spend three weeks in each during the year (D.V.).

W e have done a little on the river-side, too ; have sold some forty Gospels and eighty tracts. W e have been made welcome both by masters and men, and about 100 have heard the Gospel among the boats, so you see we have made a beginning.

54 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

I f a k u m s i 0 g c % r to itjj (Bais.

F R O M M I S S W H ITCH U R CH .

HIAO-I, Dec. 6th.— W e had a g iand time o f blessing last -week. In a village to which we went on

Monday an old man named Ren tore up his one paper idol before his neighbours, and cam e here for the ser­vices last Sunday. T h e same day a man from Ho-tih brought his idols and smashed them before entering the Refuge. The next day W ang came and told us that his old neigh­bour wanted to take down his idols, and invited us to go and help, which we were not slow to do.T hey were several in number, paper, brass, and wooden ones, and the old gentleman himself, over eighty years of age, helped to smash them. H e and his wife have heard the Gospel from W ang, but at present they know very little, only that these idols cannot help them and that our GOD can. • They have a son in the Re­fuge, and are very anxious that he should b e cured o f opium. D o pray for them, for we hear that they both gamble and do not live happily together.

Last W ednesday we had our first fall of snow, and as none could go into the villages, Miss Seed sent our two servants and a Christian from Tao- shang to see the prison­ers in the Ya-mun. They saw three poor fellows who have committed mur­der, and are waiting to b e sent to T ’ai-yuen to be tried. T hey seemed pleased to hear the Gos­pel, and gladly accepted the tracts that we sent them.

On Thursday Lo Ta-sao brought in triumph a relative o f hers, from a village about seven l i away, with her ten false gods, that we might see them smashed here. I was out in the villages at the time, but heard the glad news on my return, also that there was a man named T'ien, living in the west suburb, who wished us to go to his house the next morning to take down his. W e went, singing all the way, and on reaching the place found a crowd await­ing us. T h e house opened on the street T h e man and his wife gave us a hearty welcome, and after prayer the gods were taken down and burnt right out in the street, where a large crowd had now gathered, and not one man or woman raised an angry voice against it 1 T h e man had been engaged in some dishonest business, and with his gods he burnt some papers that he said he dare not use any more. W e stood there more than an hour, sing­ing and preaching to the people, who listened most atten­tively all the time. T h e man T'ien’s testimony is a glorious proof that the H o ly S p ir i t is working in the

A TARTAR WOMAN.

hearts o f the people. H e says he was lying ill on his k ’ang on the 12th u lt, and heard the preaching out­side, it being the day we went to take down the idols belonging to the woman who lives close b y ; he heard that J e s u s was mighty to save and to heal, and the truth laid hold upon him, so that then and there he knelt down on his k’ang and told J e s o s that

if H e would heal him he would follow Him. From that time he got better, and he went to Chang, whom he knew well, to hear more. H e has bought books, and seems in real earnest, telling everybody what the L o r d has done for him. His wife and little girl were here at all the services last Sunday; he had gone to a village. Yesterday he fetched us to take down the idols be­longing to a friend o f his who is suffering in the same way as he did, and who now wants to trust J e s u s for healing. Have we not cause for praise and thanksgiving ? T ien tells us that he is an opium- smoker, but that since he has begun to trust J e s u s he has daily been taking less and less, and I am so hoping that he will en­tirely break off without taking medicine.

There has been some difficulty with regard to some fittings belonging to the old Refuge. It really did seem as though we must let the landlord cheat us or else go to the Ya-mun, and we did not

want to do either. Chang says he did not get much sleep on Tuesday night from worrying about i t ; but he neea not have worried, for we had put the matter in the LORD'S hands, and H e overruled everything for us by influencing the landlord's heart to confess that he had done wrong and render up the fittings without any difficulty. It was a glorious proof to Chang and Lo that our G o d is almighty.

Dec. 8th.— The pastor has been giving Gospels to all the business people in Hiao-i who would accept them, and there were not many who refused. It was laid upon Miss Seed’s heart to do this. Tw o o f the mandarins have also accepted a present o f books, and we are intending to give a Testament to every schoolmaster here ; we believe there are fourteen. Would it not be grand to get them converted ?

Our two opium patients left us to-day, and we trust the true light has dawned in their dark hearts ; they did not take down their idols before they came, but they say they mean to send them to us that we may see them smashed. T h e husband o f one o f them is a B . A. They have learnt

CHINA’S M ILLIO N S 55

to repeat the Ten Commandments while here, and several hymns ahd choruses, and have taken back a Testament and large hymn-book, both of which they bought, very proud and happy that they have people at home who can read.

Our native workers came home in good spirits to-night, having sold a good number of books, and having met with a man who some time back bought the little book Two Friends.” He says our religion is certainly the true one, invited them into his house, gave them tea, bought some more books, and promised to come here for the service to­morrow. Have we not indeed cause for praise? and yet I feel there is more and more to follow. D aily I seem to hear the L o r d saying to me, “ Bringye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” One’s daily prayer is that we and our converts may be kept loving, and lowly, and loyal towards G o d , that out of each of us may flow rivers of living water to these dying souls around us. It is such a joy and source of strength to remember how many dear friends are praying for us, and, above all, that Je s u s is ever pleading for us at the right hand of the F a t h e r .

Sunday, Dec. gift.— Another day brimful of blessing !

T h e man T ’ien came with his wife and only child, bringing his friend Liu with him, both looking so bright and happy, and telling every one how quickly the L o r d had healed them. T h e y also brought with them a lad about sixteen years old, who had his foot bitten by a w olf seven years ago, wishing us to pray for him ; the poor boy had already learnt to sing “ J e su s loves me,” and seem ed to enjoy the services. A neighbour o f ours was also led in by a friend, that we m ight pray for him ; he is evidently very ill. H is wife is very anxious her husband should get healed, but is unwilling to take down their idols. O f course, we told the poor sufferer that that must be done before we could expect our G o d to heal and bless, and all the Christians knelt down while we prayed that the H o l y S p i r i t m ight influence their hearts to leave the false and turn to the one true G o d . An old woman also came to ask us to pray for her. O ne’s heart is filled with jo y to see that the people increasingly believe in the power o f prayer, and a song o f silent praise went up to G o d when, at our prayer-m eeting, T ’ien, unasked, thanked G o d for having healed him ; his prayer was a proof that he was taught o f the S p i r it . Since the Chinese N ew Y ear (in February) fifty-seven people have professed to take down their idols, and we feel certain of forty-three. W hat jo y that they are to be utterly ab olish ed !

% x irmgs î x m Srattcreb W í t t x h t x B .

T H E preceding tidings, together w ith the shorter extracts w hich follow, come this month from thirty-seven dear w orkers, in fourteen o f the provinces and twenty-five o f the seventy stations. W ill our friends

use a map as they read, and bear up the w ork in each

iiati-sulj jjritomix.F rom M ies M u ir .

Lan-chau, Nov. gth.— Mrs. Graham Brown and I have begun going out together, and we have one or two fresh invitations already. Do pray for us that God will give victory over the stolidness and indifference, which is the most prevalent feature of the character of the people in this part of China.

An old woman at the class a few Sundays ago was bemoaning that she had no sons to mourn for her when she died ; it was touching to see one of our old blind women from the alms­houses turn to her and say, “ Never mind, I have no son either to mourn for me, but it does not matter, for J esus Himself will come and take me to His home.” She has told her husband she wishes to have no idolatrous rites performed when she dies. I believe her to be very real, praise the L o r d .

F rom M r. L a u g h t o n .

Si-ning, Oct. 13th.—Just a few lines about my visit to Liang- chau Fu, and the L o r d ’s goodness to us by the way and while there. Beyond P’ing-fan Hien one passes quite a number of caravans going to and from the capital. On reaching Ku-lung Hien we entered the plain. It is covered with villages and farmhouses, and seems to present a good opening for work. On our arrival we found that almost every inn was full; the streets were rather difficult to pass through, owing to the amount of bnsiness that was being done. Such a busy sight I have not seen in K a n -s u h . And what a display of fruit and flowers of every kind ! the air was beautiful with the fragrance. I thank and praise the L ord for answering prayer, and giving me a house there. Daring my stay I had it laid very much upon my heart to begin school work among the poor boys. I would earnestly ask your prayers that the L ord may guide and bless in this work, and that we may be the means of winning many souls. Here there seems every likelihood of a good work in the future. The sowing has been with tears; may the L ord use our dear brother and sister [Mr. and Mrs. C. Polhill-Turner] as the reapers.

place before G o d .

|| robin«.F rom M r . B l a n d .

Han-chung, Oct. Jtk.— On Sunday morning Brother Botham and I had a very enjoyable walk over to Shih-pah-li-p’u. Leaving here by 8.15 a.m., we went leisurely through the cotton-fields and along the rough country roads, and arrived by 10.30. at the little chapel built by the Christians themselves. Here we had a hearty reception, and the service was cheering and appreciated by us all. Most of the members here are old people ; some seem to be drawing near to the grave ; but praise G od, the peace and joy that abide within their hearts are plainly seen in their very looks. I think that I enjoyed this second visit even more than my first; it is really a treat to visit and minister to these dear brethren in C h r ist .

Oct. 2$th.— Went to Shih-pah-li-p’u again, and much en­joyed the intercourse with the native brethren. One old man, who had been absent some weeks, owing to the persecution he had received at the hands of his sons, was present at the service, and it was quite touching to see how affectionately the members welcomed him. Several of them appear to be very earnest in winning souls for C h r is t.

Sjratt-si robin«.F rom M rs. T e r r y .

Ta'i-yiien, Oct. 24M.— Dear Miss Broomhall and I have commenced village work, and are praying that the L ord will make our way plain and make us a great blessing to the people.

F rom M iss Jak o b se n .

T'ai-yueu, Nov. 7 th.— While waiting here for the return of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Smith, I have a splendid oppor­tunity for study ; we also go out visiting every day, trying to get into fresh houses. The people are very friendly. At the Sunday services not a few women come regularly ; there are generally forty present. In the afternoon we have them

56 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

separate from the men, and have three classes— one for the Christians, another for those who have never heard, and the third for those who have heard, but are not baptised. Mrs. Bagnall takes the first, Miss Stevens the second, and at the third several of us speak. Twice in the week we have classes for the Christians, which Mrs. Bagnall and Mrs. Elliston take. On Sundays Mrs. Elliston takes the children. On Wednesday I take a class for the inquirers. Mrs. Edwards sees the patients every day. She is full of energy.

F rom M r s . E l l is t o n .

T'ai-yuen, Dec. is I.— We hope to have some special meetings next week to pray for blessing on Mr. Taylor’s visit, and also for definite conversions, which we are longing for. We are not expecting perfect Christians, but we do want to see real ones.

F rom M r . Sa u n d e r s .

T'ai-yuen, Dec. 3rd.— Had a good time yesterday (Sunday). Dr. Edwards preached in the morning; had a splendid atten­dance ; have to get more seats for the chapel. There are many who are regular comers. Oh that G od might save them ! We more and more feel that the H o ly G h ost must save the soul ; G od has entrusted us with preaching the G o spe l , but we can­not reason men into the kingdom of G od, the H o ly S pir it alone can convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.

There are two men in the hospital now who have a very clear grasp of the truth, and one of them has destroyed all his idols and even his ancestral tablet, but he needs more teaching.

F rom M iss S e e d .

Hiao-i, Oct. 30th.— There are several of the Christians now who have not much work to do, so we intend working the villages round. We drew out a plan last week, and find there are about sixty villages within a radius of twenty li (six miles). I am only speaking of the fairly large villages; the smaller ones will of course be visited too. Yesterday a band of six went from here to sing and preach the Gospel, among them Pastor Ch’u and Miss Whitchurch. They had a very happy day, were well received, and a great number heard the way of life ; they had not much success with books, having only sold four, but we do not know what may be the outcome of these, do we ?

Dec. 12th.— I am sure you will praise G o d with us for the way in which He is working. We had a very blessed day again yesterday. We had twenty men and nineteen women and children to dinner; a great many more were at the services. We are thinking of renting a house not far from here, where we shall be able to receive those who are blind, poor, or maimed ; several very pitiful cases have come under our notice already. If we could invite really needy cases to be our guests for a week or two at a time, we might in that way be serving the M a s t e r . We are praying, too, for some adjoining land, whereon could be built some rooms for a women’s opium refuge.

Mr. Key and Mr. Lutley called here on Saturday week, on their way back from Sih-chau. They stayed until Tuesday morning, and arranged that two of the Christians here should go to Yung-ning-chau to try to rent a place for an opium refuge there. I should like to ask your special prayer for these two men, and also for the two who are in charge of the refuge here.

You will praise God when you hear that last week four families took down their idols. On Sunday seven families were here, husband, wife, and children.

Sfran-htttg ^ n rin ita ,F rom M iss Sa n d e r s o n .

Che-foo, Dec. 22nd.— I think it is just twelve months to-day since I began to be definitely impressed to offer for China as the result of attending the Pyrland Road prayer meeting. I look back upon the year with gratitude ; I do not remember to have previously had gathered into the same space of time so much of G od s blessing and presence. There is a shining track of light left on the backward path, where Ile has arranged and blessed. In our school work it has been the same, giving us continual cause to praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works. Letters from home friends give decided evidence that they have been receiving the promised hundred­fold.

F rom M r s . C h e n e y .

fan, 3rd,— Mr. Taylor asks me to send a summary of the work in Fuh-shan. It has been chiefly visiting in the houses amongst the women in the suburbs of the city and in the sur­rounding villages. This can be done to any extent; the people are friendly and willing to listen ; many have heard the Gospel. There are several women that we believe to be Christians, but they shrink from the publicity of baptism in the river. Three men have been baptised who are all working in Che-foo. Several intelligent girls come at irregular times who might form the nucleus of a school. I am also much interested in some boys who frequently come in the evening. They learn texts and hymns quickly, and one boy has taught his little sister, a dear bright child, to sing “ Jesus loves me” ; he was delighted to bring her to me that I might hear how correctly he had taught her. I have great hope of the children; they help me very much. Often a girl will explain to her mother what I am trying in vain to make her understand.

F rom M iss L il y W ebb.

Chen-iu, Dec. 20th.— I have had good times with the women lately. It has been so good to hear of our Canadian brothers and sisters coming out to join with us in winning China for C h r ist . Please pray for me, that I may stop at nothing which would help the work. We are looking forward to good meet­ings on the 24th. Is it not good to know that in S i -c h ’u en alone the day will be kept in eight different stations ? I do feel it should make us take courage and go forward in the name of the L o rd , when we compare it with only two years ago.

F rom D r . C a m e r o n .

Chungking, Oct. 1st.— Here we are in the far west, and our hands are full of medical and spiritual work. G od has been pleased to bless us in both, and some two or three profess con­version since our coming to this city. I need some room for hospital work, as some cases, chiefly surgical, ought to be attended to daily. We also require an opium refuge, as many people apply to be'cured. My first in-patient is, I believe, a true Christian, and my first opium patient came as an inquirer from a place 400 li away. I trust he may not only be cured, but saved also. We have a dozen applicants for baptism, and hope to have some of them in church fellowship with us soon. We are very short-handed, as the only evangelist had to be lent to Mr. McMullan to help him in opening Sui-fu. He may be back soon. We are praying much for more workers and more points of contact with the people. We especially need native agents. During the very hot weather we were not able to use the street chapel much. Our house is not in the best place for public preaching, but still we get crowds on Sunday to all services.

F rom M iss R a m sa y .

Chung-k'ing, Dec. 6th.— This sentence in your last is such a help to me, “ What you have to do is to love souls into loveli­ness.” My earnest desire is that the love of G od may so fill my heart that by it souls may be won to C h r is t .

Dr. and Mrs. Cameron are well and the dear little ones bright and happy. Mr. Faers, Miss Webber, and Miss Hook are also well.

F rom R e v . W . C assels.

Pao-ning, Nov. 29th.— Difficulties there are of course in our work, but by our G od we shall leap over every wall. G o d ’s servants while they trust their M a s t e r shall never be put to shame. We are on the winning side, and so, notwithstanding temporary checks, we must be victorious. I am not moved one bit by any opposition of the devil. G o d is with us, and shall be with us, and His kingdom shall come. Of course we are to learn by every providence that we meet, and grow wiser in our modes of work, but by the grace of G od never shall I give in or grow faint-heaited. G od has taught me that the burden is too great for me to bear, so I do not bear it. His is the work and His is the power to do it.

F rom M iss F. M. W il l ia m s .

We have been continually to our neighbours the Yangs since I last wrote. The mother of the two little girls, as well as their grandmother, seems really interested in hearing the Gospel. The

C H IN AS MILLIONS. 57

old lady had a long talk with us one day about prayer, and wanted to know what things we asked for when we prayed, and how we knew we were heard. A few days after this her little grandchild was taken ill, and nothing would satisfy the dear little girl until they sent in to borrow my soft cushion for her to lie on. Was it not nice of them to ask for it ? In the afternoon I went in and found her very ill indeed ; she had every symptom of fever. She seemed so happy when I sang “ J esus loves me,” and tried to sing it with me. I told her I was going to ask JESUS to make her well, and two days afterwards she was in our house quite well again. I thought it so good of the L o rd to let the old lady see how He delighted to hear prayer. I quite think this dear child is trusting J esus. Nothing pleases her better than to hear about Him ; whenever I go in she comes at once and says, ‘ Read about J esus,’ and calls her mother and sisters to hear. She is eight years old, and just now suffering terribly from her bound feet, poor little soul!

J U ro frm « .F rom M rs. G ulsto n .

Sha-shi, Jan. th.— We are both in the enjoyment of excellent health. Last week we were out in the villages, and had good times. There is an old woman who has asked for baptism ; we | believe she is really trusting the L o rd ; our boy is also an in I quirer, but both need teaching. Then there have been two men at the hall lately who seem to be real inquirers ; please pray for them. Ask the L ord to keep us faithful, although we do not see the glorious results we long for.

( ia t t - f jk r u g J Jro frm c*.F rom M r . J. D a r r o ch .

Ku-ch'eng, Nov. $th.— On Friday morning we left Lai-gan for'Fuh-tsing-tsih, twenty li (six and a half miles) off. Here we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Ts’u’s relative— a real hearty, happy old man. This old man is building a chapel, which is at least as wonderful as Solomon’s ; for while the great king had thousands of labourers,this old man drew his own plans, gathers his own bricks, mixes his own mortar, and is building the place himself. It is rather slow work, but the old man is bright and cheery. His sons do the work of the farm, and he spends his leisure time in building. We had a service on Sunday morning, more than thirty being present. There are now thirty-two

members on the roll in Fuh-tsing-tsih ; some of them live far away, and cannot come easily to worship.

Dec. $tk.— I have been here now for more than two months, and like the place and people much. The district, so far as I have been able to travel, is iairly open, but densely dark. The people listen well, and buy books readily. The church here is comparatively large, and is very scattered; there are a few inquirers. The spiritual life of the church has been mainly sustained by the precepts and godly example of Mr. Ts’u, the native evangelist. He is a dear soul, a vessel unto honour, meet for the M ast e r ’s use. Owing to his earnest efforts, we have much to praise G od for, but we must also admit that the love of some has waxed cold.

J h tn -tia iT f j r a f r m « .F rom M r. J oiin S m it h .

Ta-li Fu, Oct. 15th.— I got back here again two days ago Yesterday evening a nice number of people came to the open- air meeting. That part of our work is gradually opening up. There are not the crowds of people here on the streets to speak to that there are at Yun-nan Fu. I was delighted with the work there—a crowd of people ready to hand inside the hall or out at any time. Yesterday two new boys came to the school ; there are now thirteen.

Nov. gth.— I am looking for a harvest of souls soon. We are making arrangements to invite the people to special meetings

i very soon, and are having new forms made, believing that G od j is going to send in far more people than we have seats for at

present. The people are quite willing to listen to the Gospel in considerable numbers on the street, and many of them now know its leading truths. What is needed is the presence of the H o ly G h ost in mighty power to convince them of sin.

C { w jr - lim n 0 | J r 0 ir a t « .From M r. R. G rierso n .

Wun-chau, Nov. list.—We have just returned (Mrs. Grier­son and I) from Bing-yas, an out-station. On the 7th of October I had the joy of baptising two from Bing->DC, and two at Dong-ling on the 21st October. . . I have now anothermeeting on Thursdays at the house of one of our Wun-chau members; I hope soon to have the whole week filled up with meetings throughout the city.

Jfaminc $,cltcf."\7STITH deep thankfulness to G o d and to all who have entrusted us with their gifts in aid of the

* * sufferers from Famine in China, we gladly report that we have been enabled to telegraph the following help : as previously announced, £ 3,600 ; March ist, .£400 ; March 8th; ,£ 50 0 ; March 15th, ^ 5 0 0 ; in all £ $ ,000. The following letter from Mr. Dennis Mills gives some particulars of the work of distributing relief in the province of H o -n a n .

China Inland Mission, 2, Pyrland Road, London, N . B. B r o o m h a l l , Secretary.March i$th, 1889.

F R O M M R. D. /. M IL L S .

CH A U -K IA -K ’EO , Jan. 7ih.— W e left here Dec. 18th, taking with us a thousand taels in silver. Our pro­

posed plan then was to distribute only tickets in the vil­lages, and on a settled day or days in Fu-keo (and, if possible, with the help of the authorities there) pay cash to all ticket-holders ; or, should there be money-shops in Fu-keo willing to undertake the business, as they have done here, give out notes payable on these. On arrival at Fu-keo, however, we found both these plans to be im­practicable. First o f all, there was not a single money- shop in the p la ce ; and secondly, we found, on enquiry, that cash was exceedingly scarce, and that from every source we could not obtain more than eighty thousand, a sum wholly inadequate for our purpose.

Under these circumstances, Mr. Johnston and I could think of no other plan than that of having our silver broken up as evenly as possible, and distributing in this

way to the people. There being also a considerable doubt as to whether the mandarin would be willing to help us in giving it out at Fu-keo, and also taking into account the great difficulty many would have in reaching that place from the flooded districts, we determined to take the silver with us in our boat and give it out ourselves in each vil­lage, our two native helpers also not apprehending any special danger as likely to arise from such a course.

Having engaged a small boat suitable for reaching the district we intended to visit, and having all our arrange­ments completed, we left Fu-keo on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 22nd), and began work on Monday morning about 20 li south-east of Fu-keo, in which part, on our previous journey, we had seen the greatest distress of any in all the flooded district we then passed through, viz., the whole of that part lying north of this place, and extending to the Yellow River itself.

58 CHINA'S M ILLIO N S .

PLAN OF RELIEF.

Our plan, on reaching each village, was to visit every house, and if, after thorough examination, we were con­vinced the inmates were really wholly destitute o f every means o f support, we then gave first of all a ticket, which, by a system of marking, and having weighed each piece of silver, was proportioned according to the greater or lesser need of the household. Having completed the circuit of the place, we would then call for the ticket- holders, and give in exchange the silver. W e were never content with the story told by the people themselves, but always made search into every corner of the house, a liberty willingly granted by the would-be recipients. You will see by this that we were most careful against being imposed upon, and, having a very competent native helper with us, we do not think in any case this was so, though the schemes of the people in dividing up the households and secreting grain were neither few nor easily detected. In any home where there was but the slightest sign of being able to tide over the winter months, we refused to give anything whatever.

f r o z e n i n .

The weather did not interfere with our work till the Monday following, when much snow fell, and we found ourselves frozen in, though anchored in a place where the current was very considerable. B y this time, how­ever, all our funds were gone, and sufficient time had not elapsed for our messenger, whom we had despatched to Chau-kia-k’eo for more, to return.

During the seven days, we had visited twenty-five vil­lages and given relief to nine hundred and fifty-one families. The length of time taken in visiting so few places may be explained by the difficulty of getting frcm place to place ; but no place was inaccessible— men often wading to the waist in thick mud, and carrying us on their shoulders, rather than we should pass them by. A ll the places we visited were situated within an area of only ten It by five ! From the surrounding villages invitations for us to go and help them also came crowding in everyday. Their need was equally great, but our funds were all gone, and had not the weather set in as severely as it did, we must have perforce left them for the time.

On Tuesday morning our boatmen, breaking the ice in which we were enclosed, succeeded in taking us twenty l i down stream, when our way was blocked. T he water in the direction of Fu-keo was all frozen, and we could not by any means reach that place. W e anchored for the night at a small village, where we were able to purchase food, thus removing one of the elements o f danger our boatmen were most apprehensive of, viz., being frozen in and unable to obtain food.

The next day we again made a determined effort to break our way out, but again were unsuccessful, and had to return to our anchorage. On Thursday we engaged a somewhat smaller boat, and with the help of several villagers, broke our way through to where the ice was firm enough to bear, and a straight road of about a mile, without intervening thin places, afforded us the desired outlet. The raised bank of the river leading to Chau- kia-k’eo was the first land we touched, and following its course, we reached here on Saturday about noon.

The question now is, A re we to return when the weather will allow and continue this work? W e find that only about four hundred taels are in hand here, and with only this we feel we dare not go back, as this would only suffice to assist but a very few, and in this district there are hundreds upon hundreds of villages all in dire need. W e hear, however, that the question is mooted in Shanghai whether or no the need is sufficiently great to require further help. Whether this is so in this imme­diate district let those who have been engaged in the

work of distribution around here reply. I know they have now no doubts upon the matter. Concerning the need in the neighbourhood of Fu-keo, I would say that this year the authorities there are giving no relief what­ever, unless eighty cash to a home once in three months can be called relief? Last year food was being given daily at Fu-keo as in the other centres of relief.

R EALITY OF TH E NEED.

The havoc wrought by the inundations, too, is greater there than anything we have seen elsewhere, in some cases half or more of the houses being levelled to the ground, while those remaining present such a picture of desolation and ruin as it would be difficult to conceive of had we not seen them ; and this, too, when the water has sunk several feet, as is the case now. Many a cottage floor is nothing else than a quagmire, only pass­able by means of old doors and pieces of plank thrown down to make a road from the door to the bed and cook­ing-stove. Many of those whose houses are totally destroyed have built themselves straw huts, in which they and their families reside, even this poor shelter being better than being herded together with the thousands already residing at the centres of relief, to the loss of all privacy and decency, and exposed to no small risk of pestilence and death.

Many old people we found thus eking out an existence, their sons having left them and gone to where work could be obtained, for let it be remembered that the land on which alone they have depended hitherto for a living is all under water, or, if at present the water has receded — even supposing the breach is closed at once— it is so saturated with water as to be utterly useless for a long time to come, and, should the breach remain still un­closed, must inevitably, when the spring freshets come, be again covered with water.

The women out of many homes have gone south to beg. Savings which have hitherto helped them to exist are now all gone. The long continuance of this calamity must obviously be one of its most terrible features.

W e do not, cannot hope or ask to be enabled to sup­port these people, many tens of thousands of pounds would be insufficient for this ; but we do earnestly ask that we may be enabled to help them in their dire distress. Private individuals are doing this among their own countrymen. Pah-ta-kia (the eight great families) from Shanghai itself are doing this. This fact alone seems to me indubitable evidence of the reality and intensity of the need. The Chinese are not accustomed, I think, to lavish money where it is not needed.

GIVING RELIEF AND THE GOSPEL.

Viewed, too, from our standpoint as Christian mission­aries, what a grand opportunity is presented of showing practically what Christian pity is ! It has been our custom in each village to put the Gospel as prominently as pos­sible before all, and to give tracts and books to all who could read. Surely precious fruit shall be seen ere long to seed thus sown in faith and prayer.

Personally I have ever regretted that anything should have been said to lead the public to suppose that any help outside of what the Government was affording, was un­necessary. Arriving here but a few months ago, from what I saw I could not believe this to be the case. From the very fact, too, that a river like the Huang-Ho was spreading itself over hundreds of square miles of such a thickly-populated province as H o n a n , how could there but be distress, which all the efforts of officials, no matter on what scale carried out, would be utterly unable to meet. From what Mr. Johnston and I have seen these last two months, this conclusion has been abundantly verified. Many times could we have wept at what we saw, and only regretted that we were so little able to help.

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

gjiinnx Strmgtjj.

“ My gracc is sufficient for thee"—2 Cor. xii. 9.

E can, some 01 us, look back to the time when we were afraid to make public confession of C h r i s t from the fear that we might not have strength to serve Him worthily, and might bring discredit on the Name we were learning to truly love and revere. W e forgot that we had not saved ourselves, but had been saved by G o d ; and that while we could not keep ourselves, the L o r d would be our Keeper. Are there not many of the L o r d ’ s people who, when they feel the importance o f obedience to the command, " G o ye into all the world,” pressed upon them, would gladly obey by engaging in foreign service, but that they are kept back by the feeling that they have not sufficient grace to patiently serve amidst all the discouragements and difficulties and trials of life among the heathen ? To all such we would

give C h r i s t 's own word to His servant Paul, “ My grace is sufficient fu r thee." And to all those who are engaged in C h r i s t ’s service, whether at home or abroad, but who are in danger o f being discouraged by difficulties and trials around them, or affrighted by the prospects before them, is there not a message of special value in

these words, so graciously recorded for our instruction ?Few of the servants of G o d have had a path more difficult and trying than that of the Apostle.

His one desire was to "know H i m , and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death, if by any means ” he might “ attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” (Phil. iii. io, 11.) W e understand him to mean by this attainment for which he longed not a share in the general resurrection, nor even a share in the first resurrection, for he knew himself to belong to the L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t , and that consequently if he were not one of those alive and remaining unto His coming, he would be one of " the dead in C h r i s t ” who would be raised first. His thought we gather to be a present attainment of resurrection life and power, so that while in the world he would live practically as one who had died and been raised, and was above and beyond its influences. And his great desire " to know ” C h r i s t Himself was granted in no ordinary degree : with no little depth of meaning could he say, “ For me to live is C h r i s t . ” But it involved, as he foresaw, his being perfected as was his M a s t e r — through sufferings; and as the sufferings of C h r i s t abounded, so also did the consolations of C h r i s t . The path of the Apostle, so unique in its labours and imprisonments and distresses, was as unique in its special revelations and peculiar consolations. If he gave up much, he also received much ; for does not G o d promise to supply all the need of His people ?

To him the L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t was no mere abstraction. At his conversion the glory of the risen S a v i o u r revealed to him was surely brighter than that which the Apostles saw on the Mount 01 Transfiguration, for it completely blinded his natural eye, and his sight had to be supernaturally restored. Again and again in times of special difficulty he had special revelations o f the L o r d J e s u s

C h r i s t ; and years before he wrote these words, a revelation was given to him which strengthened his soul, and must have greatly helped to carry him through that list of trials which he gives in the eleventh chapter o f 2 Corinthians. Having been caught up into Paradise, and having heard

M a y , 18 8 9 .

6o CHINA'S MILLIONS.

unspeakable words, he w as enabled to labour more abundantly, to bear imprisonments more frequently, to receive stripes above m easure, and to be in deaths oft. H e w as ready to be beaten w ith rods, to be stoned, to suffer shipw recks, spending a d ay and a n ight in the d e e p ; he w as upheld in jou rn eyin gs often, in perils o f waters, in perils o f robbers, in perils b y his ow n country­men ; in perils am ong the G entiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the w ilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils am ong false b re th re n ; in labour and travel, in w atchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. A n d above all, in the anxieties which pressed upon him d aily concerning all the Churches, he w as upheld b y the present pow er o f God, and b y the recollection o f those m arvellous revelations which had been first vouchsafed to him. A n d not b y the revelations alone, for perhaps they would have been in su fficien t; and m oreover, they brought even to the A p ostle P au l their peculiar danger— for he w as no believer in the extraction o f the root o f sin, nor w a s his M a ste r . L e ft alone, he m ight have been "e x a lte d above m easure,” and have become w eaker rather than stronger from the abundance o f the revelations vouchsafed. B ut the L o r d in H is grace— not in chastening for falls, the result o f the revelation, but in grace— to keep him from the danger o f such falls, suffered the m essenger o f S atan to buffet him, the thorn, or as the m argin reads, the “ stake,” to grievou sly afflict him. A nd w hen he besought the L o r d thrice that this affliction m ight be taken aw ay, his prayer w as answ ered b y the L o r d H im self, “ M y grace is sufficient for thee, for m y pow er is made perfect in w eakness.” A n d henceforward he had this comfort in his soul, when the pressure w as greatest and his own w eakness most felt, he knew him self to be in ju st the v e ry position to be made the instrum ent o f b lessing to others, and to be m ost abundantly sustained himself. H is thrice- repeated p rayer w as not rejected, or un an sw ered; and yet his request w as not granted as he asked it, save in so far as, like the thrice-repeated prayer o f his divine M a s te r in Gethsem ane, he added, “ Y e t neverth eless not m y w ill but T hin e be done.” I f he also thus prayed, this petition w as the one directly answ ered part o f his prayer.

Do we not get, both in the case of the L o r d J e s u s and of the Apostle Paul, much light on the question so often asked, “ Does G o d always answer prayer ? ” There are, of course, many prayers that He does not answer— prayers that are asked amiss, that are contrary to G o d ’s revealed will, or that are unmixed with faith. But there are many other prayers that are proper petitions, offered in a proper spirit, in which nevertheless the answer does not come just in the way in which the offerer may have expected. When a great need is brought before G o d in prayer, He may answer that prayer by supplying the need or by removing i t : just as we may balance a pair of scales with a heavier weight in one scale than in the other, by adding sufficient to the light scale to counterpoise the weight, or by so reducing the weight as to leave only the counterpoise to the lighter scale. Paul was distressed by a burden which he felt that he had not strength to bear, and asked that the burden might be removed. G o d answered the prayer so far as the inadequacy of his strength to bear the burden was concerned, not by taking it away, but by showing him the power and the grace to bear it joyfully. Thus that which had been the cause of sorrow and regret, now became the occasion of rejoicing and triumph.

And was not this really a better answer to Paul’s prayer than the mere removing of his thorn would have been ? The latter course would have left him open to the same trouble when the next distress cam e; but G o d ’s method at once and for ever delivered him from all the oppression of the present and of all future similar trials. Hence he triumphantly exclaims, Most gladly therefore will I rather glory or rejoice in my weakness that the strength of C h r i s t may overshadow and cover me— as the covering of a tent or tabernacle embraces and protects all it contains. Ah ! who would not wish to share in the Apostle’s thorn in the flesh, if thereby he might be brought in reality into the experience of his deliverance from the oppression of all weakness, all injury, all necessity, all perse­cution, all distress; and might henceforward know that the very hour and time of weakness was the hour and time of truest strength ?

But Paul had not only this joy : he had also one further source of still greater pleasure. Not only did he find strength in weakness and joy in distresses, but “ for C h r i s t ’s sake” he could “ take pleasure ” in them ; because C h r i s t was exalted and magnified, and received glory through the weakness and suffering of His servant.

Let none, then, fear from the consciousness of personal unworthiness to step out in glad obedience to the M a s t e r ’s command, but let us all seek so to know Him, and so to trust Him, that circumstances in which He will be glorified will be a source of deep and intense satisfaction to our souls, whatever their cost may be to us personally. W e may each one take the promise, “ My grace is sufficient for thee,” and the assurance, “ My strength is made perfect in weakness,” as addressed to ourselves ; and may with gladness sing the hymn not now so familiar as it once was :

C H IN A S MILLIONS.

“ G o d in Israel sows the seeds O f affliction, pain, and t o i l;

These spring up and choke the weeds That would else o’erspread the soil.

Trials make the promise sweet— Trials give new life to prayer—

Trials bring me to His feet,Lay me low and keep me there.

Did I meet no trials here,No chastisements by the way,

M ight I not with reason fear I should prove a castaway ?

Aliens may escape the rod,Lost in sensual vain delight ;

But the true-born child of God Must not— would not if he might.”

Items of I n t e s i

F R O M R E V . J .

FEB. \st.— Mr. Cumow writes from Yun-nan Fu that he had paid a visit to Chu-ching Fu, and was very

favourably received. He hopes to return there before long, and that that city will soon be opened to the Gospel. Miss Carpenter has returned from Shing-hien to Shao- hing, C h e h -k ia n g , and tells me of a very interesting case of conversion at Shing-hien through her Biblewoman. Mr. Graham Brown writes of good large audiences in the street chapel at Lan-chau, K an -su h , who listen atten­tively. Please continue to pray for Lan-chau, as there are a food many difficulties connected with the work there. Dr. Parry writes from Tan-lin, S i-ch juen , that he and his wife were staying for a time in the house recently rented, and that there are nine members, includ­ing the native preacher and his wife, at that out-station, four women and five men. Mr. MacGregor writes from Ning-kwoh Fu, Gan-HWUY, very cheerily, and seems to be getting on very well, for which we praise God.

Feb. §th.— Mr. Laughton writes from Liang-chau, K a n - SUH, that he and his wife were getting settled there; there was no excitement on their arriva1, and we trust we may consider that a settled station. Dr. Pruen sends me fromChen-tu, Si-CH ’UEN, a very interesting dispensary report. Mr. Phelps reports several cases of inquiry at Wan-hien, S i -CH’u e n . He has lately paid a visit to a Hien city, and was favourably received. I have a most interesting account from Mr. Orr Ewing ; the L o r d is giving him much encouragement. Mr. McMullan tells of a journey he and his wife had taken, finding many open doors and great friendliness. A school-girl from Chung­k in g was baptised on the last day of the year, who is a great help to Mrs. McMullan in speaking to the women. You would be shocked to hear of the serious riot at Chin- kiang. W e are thankful to hear that our sisters, Misses

IV S T E V E N S O N .Bradfield and C. L. Williams, are safe, and though fire broke out near our premises it did not extend to lhem W e wrote you last week of the departure of Mr. Dick for England. It has made quite a blank in our Shang-hai home.

Feb. '12th.— I enclose an extract from Miss Rogers diary telling of four baptisms on Christmas Day.

Feb. i$th.— Mr. Hoste writes on Dec. 29th that it was very cheering to see the state of the work at the Chao- ch’eng Hien Refuge; in the evening there were more than fifty to worship. A t Hung-t’ung over forty men and women were breaking off opium. A t Yo-yang Hien the •work had received a blow by the spiritual collapse of one of the principal native workers.

Mr. Peat continues to send encouraging accounts of the work in the P ’ing-yao district. On the 12th inst. Mr. McCarthy baptised four men at Yang-chau. Mr. W right says that in Yung-k’ang the converts are develop­ing an aggressive spirit and desire to open new places to the Gospel. The Christians there number twenty-one.

Feb. 22nd.— I am very much interested to hear about the increase in contributions in 1888. Praise G od He is hearing prayer and helping us. H e is with us, and we have all the elements of success in that f-ict.

Letters have reached me from T ’ai-yiien, P'ing-yao, P ‘ing-yang, and Sih-chau, all telling of progress in the work. It is satisfactory to hear of two cities opened to the Gospel lately, Hsu-k’eo Hien in Mr. Orr Ewing’s district, and Yung-ning in Mr. K ey’s district. Opium refuges have been started in each, and we trust soon to hear of souls saved. Mr. Brock tells me about smash­ing up incense pots and breaking a god of riches in Cheng- yang-kwan, G a n h w u v . I trust this is the beginning of good things there.

(Êïnrii tit Hrtig-fjai, Cjjclj-fiiancf.

F R O M M R. M A U R IC E H A R R IS O N .

A S to paid native agents, I agree with all you say. The man whose bread is made sure has little to keep his

energies alive, unless he be an out-and-out m an ; so, when away from the eye of the foreigner, there is the tendency to slip into a life of indolence. Whereas, on the other hand, the man who must be about so as to get his rice is more likely to preserve his physical and mental activity, and when he has these there is a greater chance of spiri­tual activity too. Moreover, the bread-winner is more before the world, and has therefore a better chance of showing the world the power that the Gospel exerts. The Chinese need to see reproductions of the living CHRIST.

A few words of exhortation from men or women living pure, upright lives will have more power than a hundred nicely drawn-up addresses of the paid agent. China is groaning under fine talkers ; her books are full of it W hat she wants is the grace of G o d to live her fine talk. Then, as to ability to handle a subject; the man who almost always stands first in cur half-yearly essay is a man who earns his daily bread. May the L o r d soon hasten the day when His messengers shall believe and act up to their belief that the Gospel, minus money and every­thing else, is the power of G o d unto salvation. The H o l y G h o s t had doubtless a lesson for the Church to

62 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

learn when H e preserved the words o f Peter to the man at the Beautiful Gate— “ Silver and gold have I none . . . in the name o f J e s u s of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

The preacher here is about to try to strike out for him­self, so I have just sent off for some medicines and goods. He could not make a living here on medicine alone, so he is going to try foreign goods and books also.

The work here is, upon the whole, more hopeful. I am constantly having visitors, and the Sunday services are better attended. W e have at present three inquirers, but only two of these are hopeful. One is a widow who comes from a village on the co a st; she first heard the Gospel from the colporteur, and was so impressed that she came to the city and earned her living by the first thing that came to hand, so as to hear more about the truth. She has gone to her home again, after a stay of about a month, but hopes to return soon. I have rented a preaching-shop on one of the main streets, the members promising to pay half the rent. W e have often good audiences, especially on market-days. It is only, how­ever, when I am present that people care to enter.

W e have our Nicodemuses too. A few nights ago, after we had left the chapel for the night, a villager and his son came in ; he had bought a book from the colporteur lately, and took the first opportunity to pay us a visit and inquire. H e is well read, and, of course, held up Confucius ; but, as an honest man, was compelled to acknowledge the superiority of the religion of JESUS. N o less than two hours were spent in discussing and explaining, and his questions were far above the common run. May the S p i r i t lead him into the lig h t! His village is only some

“ Cfl % I) nor %

F R O M 11

N IN G -H A I, S h a n t u n g , January 2nd,— If others could see the sights that almost daily meet our eyes,

I think their hearts would be moved to pity. You will be pleased to hear that the people are more friendly than they were, though doubtless there are still many who would get rid of us if they could. Twelve persons have been baptised during the last year. One of the first three women baptised was an old body of eighty-four years of age. It seemed as if G o d had kept her alive to hear the Gospel. The first time she heard she seemed to understand more than most of them do, and weak, and old, and ignor­ant as she was, she seemed to take in the love of CHRIST. One day she said, “ Do you really believe JESUS loves m e ? ” Mr. Judd said, “ I am sure H e does.” “ W ell,’’ she said, “ that is wonderful.’’ On another day she said to me, “ Ah, my life has been all bitterness and sorrow.I have never known happiness since I was eight years old, when my parents died.'J I said to her, “ Now you know and trust J e s u s , He will care for you, and soon you will go to live with Him, and then it will be happiness for evermore.” Her face brightened, and she replied, “ Ah, yes, and when I get to heaven I shall look out for you to come ” The poor old thing soon died of cholera.

T he last woman baptised was the one who came first to the house when we came here to live. She was begging, but asked me to give her work to do ; she has worked for me ever since, and is so thankful to give up begging. Her husband went away last year, leaving her with three small children and an old mother to do the best she could for. For a long time it seemed hopeless work with her, but at last the light shone in, and you can imagine our delight. She has been slow, but is now one of the brightest Chris­tians among the women.

Another one came to the house to beg one day last

i s l i off, up among the hills, so I hope to find my way there soon.

I have been going out to opium cases lately; it is lamentable the number that there are in this small place. In two weeks I had five cases, and four of these were women. A few particulars about one case may not be amiss. One afternoon an elderly gentleman begged me to come and heal his daughter, who had taken opium ; she had taken a heavy dose in the morning, so that the case had reached a dangerous stage- As usual, the native doctors had done their best, but had failed before we were called. After three hours we were able to leave her safely in the hands of her friends. W e returned about 8 p.m. to see how she was progressing, and, to our joy, found that she was busy with her toilet. What a change had come over that household during our absence ! Anxiety had given place to joy, and they were deeply grateful to us. The object lesson which that family then gave me I shall not soon fo rget; it was an insight into Chinese life as it is, I suppose, all over the empire. The father and only son are opium-smokers, so, in order to raise money, the father betrothed this daughter to a poor fellow who was an invalid, and who died last night from consumption; when the state of matters reached the girl’s ears, she was overwhelmed with grief, for before her lay a long life of slavery, so, having no knowledge of a sympathising SAVIOUR into whose ears she might have poured her grief, she sought to end all by swallowing opium. W e remained some two hours, and had some good opportuni­ties of explaining the Gospel. May the seed sown yet bear fru it!

is

IS. JU D D .winter; it was piercingly cold, and she had nothing on but single ragged calico garments, and a child with her nearly naked. She is. the wife of a literary man, who has been reduced to beggary through sickness and misfortune. I gave her some clothing (very little) and food, and spoke to her about J e s u s . She did not understand much, but was touched by the fact that a stranger should show her such kindness. For some time she took very little in, but is now very bright and real, and it has made such a change in her.

For some months past I have had a women’s class on W ednesday morning and Sunday afternoon, and they are learning more of the Scriptures. O f course none of them can read, so they depend upon what they hear. I gener­ally get from nine to thirteen at these meetings. A ll those who are Christians pray, and often they are so struck with what they hear that they all talk at once about it, but this gives one an opportunity of knowing what they think, and correcting them, or helping them.

My chief wonder is how they live at all, how it is they do not succumb in the straggle for life. A t g a.m. we have prayers in a room opening to the street. W e give a meal cake to several poor women and children every morning instead of to beggars promiscuously all day long, and many walk a good distance to get that. In begging they only get refuse food, which even dogs refuse to eat, so these corn cakes are a luxury, though we think them very coarse food.

I am generally occupied the greater part of the morn­ing with women and children, and besides, prepare work for a few poor women to do, who are most thankiul to earn their living instead of begging, it so my time is very fully occupied. I often get very tired, but I am glad to help these poor things and to bring them under the sound of the Gospel.

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

I

ilepart of % fjmjptlal anb ^tspmsari) at Cbtfffff.B Y DR. A . W. D O U T H W A T T E .

T HE following brief summary of the medical missionary work in Chefoo during the year 1888 will be read with interest by many. That 5,539 out-patients should have been relieved, and

217 surgical operations performed, 96 in-patients treated and brought under spiritual influences, not a few of whom are believed to have accepted C h r i s t as their S a v i o u r , at the small cost of ^143,shows that medical missions can be conducted with great economy.

It is not easy to see how so small an outlay could relieve so much suffering in any other way, and the patients being natives of twelve different provinces, the kindly feelings engendered must influence many and widely distant localities. Will our readers pray that much blessing may attend the labours of each of our eleven medical missionaries, and of our sisters who possess medical skill, and ask that their number may be largely and speedily increased ? W e are greatly in need of more medical missionaries for our many stations in the interior.

General anaesthetics were given in twenty-one of the surgical cases, but in most of the others, which werechiefly operations on the eye, mouth, and throat, onlycocain was used.

IN-PATIENTS.

It is impossible to get up a large hospital practice in this district unless one is prepared to feed the patients gratuitously, which, if practicable, would not be desirable. A cook is employed in the hospital, and the patients make arrangements with him about their board. A minimum charge of 70 cash (3^d.) a day is made for food, for which sum three good plain meals are provided. Small as this charge is, it is more than the majority of those who apply for admission can afford, so they have to be turned away, as the small fund we have for support of poor patients is reserved for extreme cases.

Ninety-six patients were admitted during this year, chiefly for surgical treatment, and most of them were dis­missed cured, or greatly relieved. I consider the work done among these ninety-six in-patients of far greater value than all we could possibly do among the 5,000 out­patients.

The former are daily under Christian influence, which must affect their lives, even though they are not converted, and few of them will retain any faith in idolatry. But the out-patients are so irregular in their attendance, and so intent on receiving physical aid only, that their minds are not in a fit state for the reception of spiritual truth.

The same is tiue of the in-patients when first admitted, and it is not to be wondered at that anxiety concerning the results o f the treatment they are to receive should entirely absorb their thoughts. For instance, an old man was lately admitted, totally blind from cataract. Several Christians spoke to him about his soul and tried to get him interested in spiritual things, but all in vain, he could talk and think of nothing but his eyes. But when, on the eighth day after operating, I removed the bandage and allowed him for a few seconds to read some large charac­ters, his delight knew no bounds, and from that time the man was changed completely. A ll anxiety was gone, and he not only listened eagerly to what we had to say, but began praying to G o d to save his soul. I have seen very few in-patients who did not listen attentively to the Gospel, and most of them leave us with a fair knowledge of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.

I never baptise the patients who profess conversion, so they do not appear in our mission statistics ; but I trust many of their names are written in the “ Book of Life,” and that they will not fail to carry the Gospel to their distant homes.

Total ... 5,539 Not one of the in-patients was a native of Che-foo, but

N the report of this station which I issued a year ago, I stated that I purposed erecting a “ Fever Hospital ”

in memory of my late beloved wife, who lost her life through visiting the poor in Che-foo and neighbouring villages during an epidemic of typho-malarial fever. This project has now been accomplished, and the buildings, covering an area of 110 by 32 feet, are now ready for the reception of patients.

T he cost of the building and site was about ,£200, the whole of which was sent to me unsolicited, in answer to prayer ; and to Him who supplied the money for the hospital I look for all that will be required for its support.

Early in March my esteemed colleague, Dr. Cameron, left Che-foo to commence work in Chung-k’ing, in Si- CH’U E N ; so all the medical work of this station, in addition to the innumerable duties of general superinten­dance, devolved upon me. This rendered it necessary to cut down my work somewhat, which in July I did by closing the branch dispensary in Ninghai and lessening the hours of attendance at the Che-foo dispensary ; con­sequently, the number of patients was less than the two preceding years.

In August and part of September I was compelled to neglect the out-patient department, and leave it almost entirely in the hands of my native assistant, for the physician practising among the foreigners in this port was taken ill, and I could not do otherwise than take charge of his practice, as at that time there was a great amount of sickness among the visitors who had come from less healthy parts of China.

OUT-PATIENTS.

The number of visits recorded in the dispensary day­book is 5,539, not a very large attendance, but quite as many as I could do justice to with so many other things on hand. T o give a complete list of the diseases treated in this department would involve the preparation of a small medical dictionary, and would be out of place here ; but the following figures will give some idea of the nature and extent of our practice.

LIST OF DISEASES TREATED.

Diseases of the Eye„ ,, Nervous system„ >, Skin .............................,, ,, Digestive organs„ ,, Urino-genital organs ...,, „ Respiratory organs

Fevers and general diseases ..............Micellaneous d isea ses..........................Surgical operations ..........................

754377753

1.538475433623369217

6 4 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

as the following list will show, were from many remote parts of the Empire.

From S h a n -t u n g (east and west of Che*foo) ... 59,, H u -n a n ... ... ... s,, C h ih -li ... ... ... 3,, G a n -h w u y ... ... S„ K a n sun ... I,, IIo -n an 14,, S i-c h ’u e n ... ... ... ... ... I,, S h a n -si I,, K ia n g -su ... I,, S h e n -si ..................................... 2

C h e h -k ia n g ... 3„ H u -p ì h I

To* al 96

Many of these have returned to their homes, and the H o -n a n men— who are all soldiers— to their camps ; and we hope the seed thus scattered, will yet spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God.

DEATHS.

Three patients died in the hospital during the year. One, a soldier from H u -n a n , after suffering intensely from cancer for several months passed away rejoicing in C h r i s t as his Saviour.

Another poor fellow, suffering from acute phthisis, was carried into the hospital and left there by his friends with­out my permission. He died the following day.

The third was a young woman (aged 19) who was admitted for amputation of one foot.

Her case was a very sad one, and illustates one of the darkest features of Chinese social life— the degradation of woman. One of the girl’s feet had become so extensively diseased, through tight binding, that I advised amputa­tion. She herself was willing to undergo the operation, but her friends refused, and carried her away home.

A few weeks later she was brought in again by her mother, and asked me to remove the foot at once, but ^he was in such an emaciated state that I dare not operate till I had fed her up for a few weeks, so I handed her over to the care of one of our missionary ladies, who fed her from her own table every day. I was informed that her husband had tried to starve her to death because she could not attend to her duties, but that process being too slow he had determined to suffocate her. Her mother and other relatives, hearing of this, carried her off by force and brought her to me. She was progressing favourably, and I had decided to amputate her foot in a few days, but she

was found dead in bed one morning from some unknown cause— probably poison.

EUROPEAN PATIENTS.In addition to the Chinese patients, I have had under

treatment during the year seventy-six Europeans and Americans, most of whom were members of the American Presbyterian, English Baptist, and China Inland Missions, or pupils o f the C.I.M. schools. Forty-two of these were medical cases, seventeen surgical cases, and seventeen dental In eleven of the surgical and dental cases chloro­form or ether was administered, and I was able to supply eight of our missionary friends with artificial teeth, thus saving them the enormous expense which they would have incurred had they been compelled to seek the aid of a Shanghai dentist.

EXPENDITURE.

The whole expense connected with the above work, including servants’ wages, support of a student-assistant, purchase of drugs and instruments, etc., for the year was $904.66 (= £143), of which sum $275.83 were from balance in hand at beginning of the year, $480.00 from the funds of the Mission, and $279.83 donations (in lieu of fees) from foreign patients and other friends, including £ \o from a lady in Edinburgh for support of native students.

STUDENTS.

In October one of my students, after two years’ continu­ous work, returned to his native place in the interior of this province, intending to work up a practice for himself. It would have been well for him, and his future patients also, had he remained here a year or two longer ; but he imagined he had learned all that was necessary of the healing art.

In November another young man, who had been with me seven years, returned to his home in Wun-chau to take unto himself a wife, and start a medical mission in connection with the C.I.M. work in that city. He has been an excellent student, and for the past two years his help has been invaluable to me both in the hospital and the church.

I have now two students left, and shall probably take others under my care ere long.

In conclusion, I ask all who read this report to pray earnestly for G od’s blessing on this hospital. It is in­tensely gratifying to be able to relieve physical suffering, and in some small degree to lessen the sorrows of those in affliction, but i f souls are not saved I consider the work

I a failure.

(tljrisfmas g an ai H0-IÛ0, ftrang-sx.

EX TR ACT. F R O M M IS S R O G E R S 1 D I A R I.

T H IS has been an eventful and happy day in that four natives have professed faith in the L o r d J e s u s by

baptism. W e spent the morning teaching and talking with the women, and it is really wonderful how the LORD has enabled them to commit hymns and texts to memory. Vye had native dinner together, and directly afterwards went down to the chapel for service. W ith outsiders, there were perhaps about fifty present. W e commenced by sing­ing, “ O happy day that fixed my choice.” The pastor from Yiih-shan, who came for the baptisms, then read John iii. 16, 17, and delivered a very earnest address on G o d ’s great g i f t ; after which he fully explained the ordinance of baptism, and the candidates were asked individually if it was their own voluntary desire to profess C h r i s t ?

T he pastor had reminded us that it is a day of joy, and, indeed, we share the rejoicing with the angels of G o d .

The first was an old man of sixty-eight, who has been interested in the Gospel for some time, but, having been an opium-smoker, could not be received before. The next was W ang sien-seng, our teacher. He is a native of H o n a n , and seems not to have seen a Bible till he came here ; it is a great pleasure to see how really he appreci­ates the Word. W e are praying that he may be much used of GOD. The two women are very bright, and both cases call for much praise to the mighty Arm which has snatched them as brands from the burning.

After the baptisms the pastor conducted the communion service. W e have reason to believe that at least three of the onlookers are not far from the Kingdom, among them an ex-priest. Before the women left for their homes we had a little time of prayer upstairs together, and so ended our Christmas services.

CHllvA S MILLIONS. 65

% ¿first (§>Iimps£ fff i{]£ I)ccir.M I S S P R IS C IL L A B A R C L A Y .

Nearing Hongkong, January 17th, 1889.

A F T E R our first experience of seeing Chinese, though not yet China, I must write a few lines. W e have seen

enough to make our hearts ache and ache again— to make us long that some of the dear friends at home could see what we have seen.

Do we believe that G o d has made of one blood all that dwell on the earth ?

Do we believe that G o d so loved the w o r l d ?Do we believe that Matthew xxviii. 19 is genuine and

a part of the inspired W ord of G o d ?Do we in any degree fancy that He cares for these

heathen— that He really wishes them to be heirs with us of eternal life ?

Do we think He is being “ satisfied of the travail of His soul ” day by day ?

I wonder whether, as our beloved M a s t e r went through the agony in Gethsemane, as He bore His cross to Calvary, as H e hung there enduring and despising the shame and suffering because of the joy set before Him— I wonder if He foresaw the way in which the very members of His mystical body were going to act. I keep asking myself, Does not the l i v i n g C h r i s t just yearn after more messengers ? Oh, it is perfectly appalling to remember how people grudge even one here and there to come out here ! how they think for 200 to leave England in a year for the foreign field something quite generous ! It is perfectly heartbreaking. I felt this question of numbers keenly before leaving home, but what we have seen in Singopore alone and on our own steamer is enough to cause bitter regret that one did not strain every nerve and leave no stone unturned by prayer and ceaseless effort to bring before people the utter disparity between the needs at home and abroad. I believe more deeply than ever that England is losing blessing— perhaps in every gathering held in one way or another— because of this fearful wrong. W hat about the “ cry entering into the ears of the L o r d of S a b a o t h ” from those “ who reap our fields” in India?— literally our fields, fields which to China bring only a curse, but whence India gets revenue, “ without which India cannot be governed.” They are reaping, and China is reaping, and we are forbearing to give them the only thing worth having. W ill you think of the loss being inflicted on our dear country ? “ There is that withholdeth more than ismeet, and it tendeth to poverty!'

Yes, the utter need of work in England ; but give good measure of workers to G o d , and He will give back good measure, pressed down and running over. Verily our eyes are blinded to our real interest.

I can assure you I am thankful beyond words to have my sister with me, younger than most go.

For myself, I grieve not to have been here before ; but what is the remedy ? Is it not for each member of C h r i s t to be so utterly yielded to C h r i s t to do H is w ill— for each to be discharging the function for which he is placed in the body ? Has it struck you that in a body there is but o n e w i l l , many members, but one w ill? Is there but o n e will in the mystical body of C h r i s t ? W as it only in the Philippian Church that all sought “ their own, and not the things of Je s u s C h r i s t ” ? Do you mind my saying all this? but it is terrible to recollect the cold, complacent way Christians often speak of two workers in a heathen city.

If you had spent a few hours only in Singapore you would not be surprised

0 t h o u s w o r d o f t h e L o r d , how long w ill it be ere thou b e quiet ? Put up th yse lf into th y scabbard. R est and b e still. H o w c a n i t b e q u i e t , seeing the L o r d h a t h given it a charge ?

There is a place in Sumatra where for forty years the heathen have been asking for a missionary. F or forty years ! a whole generation has passed away, and none has gone to tell of that l o v e so d e a r; and now the Mohammedans are going, but no missionary of C h r i s t . I do beg you do all you can to get those Christians who are “ interested in foreign missions ” to be definite with G o d — to yield themselves to Him, utterly, honestly, for Him to do as He likes.

1 think many are not sent, not because “ circumstances ” hinder, not because they are not “ called,” but because there is an inner hindrance. God grant that this year may see a worthy contingent coming to the help of the L o r d against the mighty. This has been so on my heart I had to write it.

Hongkong, January 20th, 1889.“ T T passeth telling, that dear love of C h r i s t .” Only

X so glad to be thus far on our journey, so glad not to have been any longer getting off from England ; and how is it, I keep asking myself, so few Christians are out here. Our hearts have been deeply stirred through a few hours in Singapore and Hong Kong. There are just a handful of C h r i s t ’s ambassadors in these two places, and how many ambassadors of commerce !

A handful of worshippers and “ bond slaves ” of J e s u s C h r i s t . H ow many worshippers and slaves of the great goddess of riches ! Are men to go everywhere, settle everywhere in numbers, in rapidly increasing numbers, in every service but that o f the K i n g ? Might we not in our missionary prayer-meetings add this request, that G o d would reveal what are the reasons that so few mis­sionaries go forth— that so many of those who offer are refused! There must surely be something radically wrong in our Christian life. I am asking myself whether one of the reasons of the few labourers is not that the reality o f s a c r i f i c e enters so slightly into our English Christianity. Every Christian who bears that name with any truth thereby pledges himself to follow C h r i s t .

But to what extent is there the wish, the earnest, burn­ing heart-longing, that can deliberately answer “ We are able ” when he asks, “ Can ye drink of M y cup, and be baptised with My baptism ?” Do we really covet to suffer loss to be partakers in this life of daily sacrifice ?

A ll day and every day He was leaving HEAVEN for a sin-defiled world. A ll day long H e was deliberately remaining away from the bosom of the F a t h e r , whose delight was in Him. All day long He was bearing loss of every kind. Surely there are very many at home whose life brings little, if any, following of J e s u s C h r i s t , which involves a constant taking up and bearing the Cross of C h r i s t (not of those things which are incident to every one apart from the following of the M a s t e r ). I must confess there was very, very little in my own life.

“ Measure that life by Loss instead of Ga i n ,N ot by the wine drunk, but the vane poured forth,”

are lines that many love, but what about the reality ? W hat I have long felt, I feel more and more deeply, is that there are hundreds of girls at home who never can do this in any very real sense until they leave their homes as Je s u s C h r i s t left His.

Not sacrifice and self-denial for their own sake; oh

66 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

no ! He leads us on so gently, and will not give us more to bear than we can. I am very much inclined to believe many are called as heralds of the Cross, “ but few are

hosen,” because the following would involve so much hat they would not be “ fa ith fu l? It has been a great

puzzle to me that there was so little of the cross in one’s life, though I honestly wished to follow closely, and I felt it loss, not gain. Out here we begin to get a glimpse, a glimpse only, o f what it may mean. W ith so much about us of comparative comfort (even in the second saloon, and even on the sea, which at the smoothest is inex­pressibly unpleasant to me) it feels far too soon to speak of experiencing any loss for Him. Still, much in the way o f trifles has brought home to me how little many of us at home can know of daily loss for CH R IST. And if so, is it not high time to ask ourselves, from this point of view, whether staying at home is not a mistake ? It is not merely loss to our own souls to live without the Cross;

it is loss to J e s u s C h r i s t , who wants us to be followers in His footsteps ; and if to some there is no chance of following in His footsteps actually in England, is this not a sure sign that the quicker we get out the better ? But for those who are truly kept at home shall there not be a more real sacrifice than in the past? A C.M.S. mis­sionary said lately he believed the time was coming when those “ who tarry at hom e” shall divide the spoil by giving to C h r i s t perhaps half their incomes.

Our hearts are wrung as we hear Bishop Burdon say how they have been longing, and longing, and longing for workers, for ladies to work among the thousands of women in Hong Kong, but they have so few. A s we pass along the streets it is more than appalling to think of two or three missionaries among thousands of thesenatives. It looks just hopeless. One readily believes, too, “ the heart of each individual is a stronghold of Satan, that must be stormed in the n a m e o f C h r i s t . ’’

Cflttttirjr lE o rk .F R O M M R S. C A S S E L S .

PA O -N IN G , Si-CH ’UEN, Dec. \W i.— Mrs. Chen and I started for her home. W e had a chair ride of about

five miles along pretty country lanes ; then we arrived at the river, which looked very lovely in the morning sun­shine. W e crossed in a ferryboat, and were carried in our chairs a few l i further to the village of Chen-kia-pa. T he family in which we are staying are very much in­terested in the Gospel. The father, Mr. Chen, we believe to be really converted. He comes of a very good family, and was formerly in a much better position than now, his father having been a mandarin. For some years his employment was that of a geomancer, telling fortunes, choosing lucky sites in which to bury, and finding out the luckiest days for marriages, funerals, etc. B y these means he earned a good deal of money. He had a place in the city, where every day he received those who came to him. His first visits to us were during the early part of the year, and though he only came occasionally he seemed greatly interested in the truth, always talking the whole time about the Gospel. He was glad, too, to take books home with him, which he studied carefully. In August he came by invitation for a few days, and broke off his habit of opium-smoking. M y husband spent a good deal of time with him, and it was soon evident that the H o l y S P lR lT w a s working in his soul. Since then he has almost always come for the Sundays, has given up his place in the city, and refuses to tell any more for­tunes. He had a large number of books on these subjects, which he has lately burnt, and all the family idols have been put away out of his rooms for some time. He was anxious that his wife should hear more of the Gospel, so I invited her to come and stay with me for a few days. I was very pleased with all that her husband had taught her and with her earnest desire to learn more. I felt that the L o r d was working in herheart in answer to prayer. She begged me to go and visit her, and teach her more ; she said, too, that many other women in her village would gladly hear the Gospel, if I would go and tell them. Very thankfully I accepted her invitation, and now here I am in Chen-kia-pa. Soon after our arrival this morning guests began to come, and all day women came and went. B y the evening we were very weary.

Dec. igth.— This morning early my husband rode over on his pony to see me, and stayed to breakfast. Before leaving he called all the family in, and we had momiDg prayers together. I then started with Mrs. Chen, our hostess, for a walk. It was a lovely morning, but very

cold, I was quite glad of the exercise. The country all round is very pretty. W e constantly met people, and had a little chat with them, inviting all the women to come and see us. After climbing a hill we sat down to rest, and soon had a few women round us. Then we hastened back to receive guests ; some had already arrived, and others quickly followed, till our room was crowded out, and forms were placed in the court. The LORD helped us greatly, my Bible-woman taking turns with me in speak­ing ; every now and then our hostess put in a few words, testifying very brightly and clearly. The daughter-in- law slipped in whenever she could spare a few minutes from her work and listened so eagerly. She has such a sad, sad face. Her four children have lately died within a very short time, and now she has not one left.

About dinner-time all the women went away, and we were glad of a little rest and refreshment. In the after­noon we again had a number of women, several of whom were vegetarians. One of them said she had spent from seventy to eighty thousand cash in worshipping the idols. Poor old women ! They had been longing for the pardon of their sins, and to find the road to heaven, and there was no one to teach them. W hen we told them of J e s u s , and explained that only through Him could they obtain forgiveness and go to heaven, they listened gladly and begged us to teach them more. They all said they would give up their vegetarianism and trust no longer in that or in their idols. Then they asked what money we wanted for coming to tell them the way of life. When we told them we did not want any money they said, “ W e will bring you food.” T o this our hostess objected, saying that we ate their food, and did not want any from other people.

It was very touching to see how gladly these dear old women received the Gospel. They said, several times, “ W e did not know it was wrong to worship the idols ; nobody told us, and we had never heard of the one true G o d until you came.” Oh, how many villages, towns, and cities in China have not one to proclaim the glad tidings of a S a v i o u r ’s love ! And what numbers of weary, heavy- laden souls are seeking rest, pardon, and peace from their own deeds of m erit! W ill not some of our sisters, who are at ease in the home land, rise up and come forth to tell these perishing souls the way of life ? May G o d send forth many during the year.

Dec. 2.0th.— Very early this morning we heard a gong being beaten vigorously, and a man’s voice shouting out something about the foreigner. Afterwards I found out

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 6l

that this man was going round the village warning every one that a fqreigner had come to take away the precious things hidden in the mountains close by. This is a report which gets circulated in almost every place we visit, for they have an idea that foreigners can see into the ground and know where to look for precious stones, gold, silver, etc. T h e man who started the report this morning lives on the side of the hill we partly climbed yesterday mom-

your temple are not false." The poor priestess coloured violently, but said not one word. W e went on telling them more o f our glorious GOD. A s the priestess listened her face became more and more wretched, and presently she got up as if she could bear no more, and slipped out. Afterwards we read and explained a hymn, and then, to their great delight, sang it to them. T hey begged us to stay to dinner but we had promised to return.

C IT Y W A L L AN D

ing. But how he imagined that I carried away any precious things is beyond m y comprehension, for I had women round me the whole time, and was kept busy answering all their questions.

M y husband rode over again this morning before break­fast, and after prayers was about to return, but such a nice number o f men had gathered in the court to see him that he sat down and preached to them. T h e Bible-woman and I went to visit a court at the other end o f the village, leaving him still preaching. Several women came from there yesterday and begged us to visit them to-day. Such a large number of families live in and around the court. W hile we were resting and drinking tea they sent out and called those who were at work in the fields to come and listen. A gTeat number came in and an old lady brought with her a priestess who lives at the idol temple just opposite. I asked the Bible-woman to speak first, thinking all would hear and understand better. The room was full, and quite a crowd had gathered round the door and in the court beyond, men as well as women. T h e Bible-woman spoke very earnestly. Presently a woman sitting behind the priestess touched her arm, and said, “ Now you answer and prove the gods in

C IT A D E L , PE K IN .

In the afternoon we were talking to some women when an invitation came to go to another house near. W e stayed to finish our talk with our visitors first, and presently the people sent again. It was a nice house, and the inmates evidently very well-to-do. A number of women followed us in, and we sat in the court and talked to them. One dear old woman kept on saying, “ T ell us about JE SU S loves me, loves me to the uttermost.” W e had explained and sung the hymn the day before, and this line had evidently laid hold o f the dear old thing ; she was not content until we had taught her the whole verse. W e had a very interesting time, and went on for a long while regardless of the cold. It was a damp, cold day, and I took cold. When 1 reached the Chens I was feeling very poorly, so decided to go straight to bed, and i f not better in the morning to go home. [Mrs. Cassels had not long recovered from an illness.]

After short evening prayers Mrs. Chen and I had re­tired to rest, and I had just got into a nice sleep, when I was awakened by a great noise at the large doors ; a mob had gathered, led by the man who had gone round in the morning, and were banging the door and threatening with loud voices that they would kill the foreigner. A ll the

68 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

household got up in great alarm and came to my door, beg­ging us to get up quickly and dress. They wanted me to go and hide in one of the rooms on the other side of the court. The noise grew louder outside, and the poor Chens got very much alarmed for my safety. M y woman was soon dressed, but I did not get up, feeling sure that the L o r d would protect me, and not allow the mob to get in. Though suffering from palpitation of the heart and oppressed by a heavy cold, I was very happy and did not feel in the least afraid, for the L o r d kept me in perfect peace.

Presently a brother of our host’s came round and got in quietly at the back. After a while he went to the mob and spoke very wisely to them, asking what proof they had that the foreigner had stolen their treasures. He also warned them that unless they went quietly home they would probably suffer for it by being brought before the mandarin on the morrow. In a few minutes the noise ceased and the mob scattered. Mr. Chen says there were about seventy or eighty the first time. W e praised the L o r d for His goodness in dispersing the crowd, and after some time again fell asleep.

About midnight we were again awakened by the same noise, but there were fewer. Mrs. Chen and the daughter- in-law came in and begged me not to be afraid, for “ Heaven’s J e s u s ” would protect me. It was blessed to see how they looked to the L o r d to defend us. M y own dear woman dropped on her knees by my bedside and besought the L o r d to let no harm come to me. She got up quite comforted, and began to say over the chorus of a hymn we sometimes sing, “ Because the L o r d is almighty H e can save men to the uttermost.’' After a while the mob were again diverted and we could hear them shouting first in one direction and then in another. Mr. Chen’s brother came and told us that they had taken it into their heads that I was out on the hills

getting fresh treasures, so they had started with lanterns and sticks to hunt for me. Sometimes we heard them down by the river, then up on the hills at the back o'f the house, shouting at the top of their voices. They continued their search for several hours, and it evidently tired them out, for they gradually dwindled down in numbers, so that when they paid us their last visit there were only about twenty. This time they did not stay long, and we took no notice of them. In the morning, as I was still feeling very poorly, I determined to go home, so sent for the chairbearers. I went out for a short walk while waiting, for I wanted to see how the people would behave. The women were as friendly as before, and begged me to go again soon and teach them more, which I promised to do. Guests came in and out all the morning.

The man who was at the head of the mob is well known as a bad character. He evidently worked upon the others by untruths, and so aroused their anger that they were ready for anything. How lovingly our F a t h e r guarded us and kept us from evil ! GOD is our refuge and strength and a very present help. Therefore will we not fear.

M y husband came for me him self; the Chens insisted on our having dinner before we left. Afterwards all the household came in and we knelt down and had some p ra y er; the door was wide open and surrounded with curious onlookers. Quite a large number of women and men, too, gathered in the court to see us leave. They were all most friendly, repeatedly asking us to come again soon. The Chens were so kind and nice, not seeming to mind in the least last night’s affair, saying, “ D id not the LO RD J e s u s suffer persecution? and will not His followers have to suffer, too ? ’’ W e all feel that this was a device of the evil one to stop the work which has begun in that village. But “ Through G o d we shall do valiantly, for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.” Hallelujah !

¿from Ijrc D tar it of g l i s s df- !$• ® HHaws.

T O W A R D S the end of November Miss Culverwell and Miss Bastone went for a fortnight to the village

of Mr. Cassels’ servant. They were at home for a week, and then I went back with Miss Bastone for another eleven days. W e had Ho Ta-sao, one of the Christian women, with us, and she slept in our room on a bedstead made of boards, on which she spread her bedding. It took her about two minutes to get into bed and to go to sleep. She took off her upper garment and rolled herself up in the bedding, and she was settled for the night. She got up first in the morning, swept our mud floor, and made our fire, which consists of pieces of charcoal laid in a stone pan and placed on the floor in the middle of the room. This is a most convenient plan, for you can carry your fire from room to room. After breakfast and English Bible-reading, the women gathered in our room for worship ; those who worked in the fields generally put off going until after worship. Afterwards we sat in the courtyard, and the women who did not go to the fields gathered round us with their needlework, and we had friendly talks. After dinner we visited some of the houses round, the old lady from our house always accompanying us. It was beautiful to hear her telling her neighbours about G o d . She has a firm belief in the power of prayer.

Between the first and second visits to this village these dear women used to gather in the room they gave up to us, and every morning and evening had prayer amongst themselves, repeating over the texts and hymns they had learnt. This was their prayer : “ G o d me merciful to me a sinner, and send the ladies back soon to teach us more.’’

W as it not lovely ? At evening worship, at 5 p.m., more people were present than in the morning ; some came a long distance. Some of the husbands sat in the next room to ours so that they might hear too, and often men were standing outside the door, who repeated the hymns and texts with us, and knelt down on the pavement while we prayed. One boy, about seventeen years old, always came into the room with his m other; he is such an earnest fellow. I am sure he is a true believer. W e have given him some Gospels and other books, and in his spare moments we heard him reading and explaining to the others. Do pray that he may be a soul-winner. I feel sure that G od is going to use him.

Directly after our tea the women came in again for hymn-singing, and stayed until bedtime. So you see our days were well filled, and you can imagine how happy we were. It is a blessed privilege to be entrusted with the Gospel. I am finding this out more and more, and that telling out His love makes room for more in our own hearts.

On the Saturday night after worship the women told us they meant to keep the Sunday and not to go out to work, because they served G o d now ; this was a proof of the SP IR IT ’S work in their hearts. Mr. Cassels came over to have a service the two Sundays we were there, and he means (D.V.) to do so each week, or to send others. There was quite a large congregation. The first Sunday the children ran about and disturbed us, so the next time I had them in a separate room, and they were quite equal to Bath boys and girls ! It was so sweet to hear these

C H IN A S MILLIONS. 69

children, and the women, too, every day singing little bits o f hymns as they went about their work. I often thought J e s u s must have been so pleased to hear His name so constantly repeated by those dear country people. A n ­other thing so nice is that they seem so ready to tell others about Him. After the service on Sunday it was just like an inquiry meeting, little groups sitting all about listening to the explanation of Mr. Cassels’ sermon from those who had understood. W e came back at the begin­ning of this week, and think of going regularly one day in the week to teach them ; this, with the Sunday service, will, we think, be sufficient without another long visit.

And now I must tell you a little about the work at home. For some time we had been waiting upon G o d to know if H e would have us begin opium work. W e knew it would take up a great deal of time, and that as work in the country developed we should probably only be two at home, and be fully occupied each day with visiting, receiving guests, and studying, and also we knew nothing about treating opium patients ; but on the other hand we had vacant rooms which would nicely accom­modate patients, and we wanted to do whatever was the LORD’S will in the matter. W hile we were praying, Mr. Beauchamp was away on a preaching tour in the country, and two women who heard him in a village two days’ journey off, asked if he could help them to break off opium. He said that they only received men at Mr. Cassels’, but that if they liked to send a messenger to see if they could be received at the ladies’ house they could do so. W hen he returned he told us about this, and the very next day the two women, instead of sending, came themselves,

baggage and all. O f course we looked upon this as direct guidance from GOD, and took them in. T hey seemed to come as much to hear about the true G o d as to break off opium; it was beautiful to see their eager­ness to hear. W e have reason to believe that before they went back to their homes they were simply trusting. They invited us to go to their village, so Miss Hanbury and Miss Culverwell are going for a week.

I do not think I have told you about my little pupil, a boy of ten years old ; his mother is a widow living in our street, and cannot afford to send this bay to school. I was visiting her one day, and she said : “ I do want my boys to be Christians; will you teach them about JESUS?” O f course 1 was only too delighted, and so this boy conies to me every day for an h o u r; he wants to be able to read the Bible fcr himself. The eldest boy is at work all day, so I can only teach him on Sundays when he comes to my class. I think the mother is very near the Kingdom.

W e had such a happy Christmas Day. There was an early Chinese service at the Gospel hall, and many were present, specially women. W e invited fourteen of our poor neighbours to a dinner, as we cannot have tea- meetings out here, but only six came ; the others seemed afraid they would have to eat foreign food. W e were sorry, but hope to have them another day. Those who did come seemed to enjoy the time ; we had a nice little meeting after dinner, at which Mrs. Cassels spoke. How nice to look forward to the time when many of these dear people will love Christmas time for the same reason that we do. I think it is coming soon, praise G o d .

F R O M M R. V / E B L E Y H O P E G IL L.

T H E follow ing extract is from a letter from Mr. W ebley H ope G ill, dated Dec. 24th. W e regret to say that he and his fellow -w orkers have had the distress o f discovering that one o f the little band of four

persons mentioned as baptised had been guilty o f theft, and consequently they had to rem ove his name from the list o f Church members. T h e y have jo y , how ever, in the others, and are hopeful o f further accessions.

W H AT a joy it was to get your letter written on S3 . Batavia. I was so glad to hear you were actually on

your way back to China. I am sure you were needing the quiet which I hope you got on board.

I pray much that dear Mr. Williams’ visit to Cambridge may be the means of bringing out scores (as well as from Oxford). It does make me feel so sad at times to think of the many out- and-outers for C h ris t in our time up there, who then were red- hot for the heathen, and who now are settled down to work at home after all 1 I do pity them so much—they little know what they have lost in this life, and what they will lose in glory through not coming out to live amongst these dying multitudes. How can I ever praise my F a t h e r enough for bringing such an unworthy sinner as I am out here to proclaim His marvellous love to these dear people ? Ah ! it will take eternity to praise Him enough, for it is such an unspeakable privilege ; would that thousands of our homefriends would come, to taste and see whether the dear M a s t e r does not fulfil all His promises to us who trust Him fully ! Ah ! yes, He does ! That’s my testimony; and the way still grows brighter. Hallelujah, for such a Sa v io u r !

It does seem strange that we five brethren in East S i -CH’u en should have been left alone so long— over two years—without any more brethren joining us. We all thought many of our dear old chums would come out; but no, ’86, ’87, and ’88 have passed without one joining us. However, praise G od, we have just heard there are reinforcements coming soon from different quarters. May we each keep near to G o d , and all will be w ell; yes, then Satan will not get in, but our love the one towards the other will be increasing, and the work will progress.

Your kind letter reached me iust' before Mr. and Mrs. A.

Polhill-Turner left, so we three together praised G od for the good news you told us of the fourteen American comrades.

I am alone here just now, yet with C h r ist all the same. Mr. and Mrs. A. Polhill-Turner left'me on Friday, Dec. 14th, for Han-chung ; it does seem so strange to be all alone at Christmas and New Year time. What a happy and blessed season did we have in Shanghai this time three years ago (Christmas Eve, 1885), when I landed in China; that Christmas and New Year will long remain in my memory as one of the most hallowed times I ever spent on earth with G od ’s children. How our party are all scattered now ! All working, I trust, faithfully and hard for Him, and finding, too, His service perfect freedom and joy.

The work here is encouraging, and we are going ahead ; you will have heard dear Mr. Casstls came here two months ago, and baptised four, so there is a small Church now, including the two or three servants already members. As to the outside work, the simple preaching of the Gospel is most encouraging; we have hundreds coming still every day to hear the Word ; I am in the Guest Hall daily from 10.30 to 2, and from 3 to dark, i.e., about 4 30; the men listen grandly, but oh, to see some of them really saved, and true believers in J esus ; daily one in preaching proves “ the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness,” but how blessed to know that to us who believe and are saved it is “ the power of G od.” During the last ten days one has been more than usually opposed by the scholars with their Confucian doctrines, but nevertheless one has had grand times of proclaiming this glorious and full salva­tion oftered to them in C h r ist , and one has consequently felt the preciousness of His holy word all the more.

7o C H IN A S MILLIONS.

ori; in èc'lan-fmn, jíi-tfj’mn,F R O M M R

DEC. 31 st.— Since October 3rd, the date of our enter­ing the present house, I have had the shop

opened almost daily ; books and scriptures have been ex­posed for sale, while I have been ready to meet visitors.I have gone into the streets occasionally with tracts and books, and 1 have also visited market towns in the neigh­bourhood.

The friendliness of the people generally, with the apparent interest they have shown in listening to the Gospel, are causes for encouragement, and I trust we shall

P H E L P S .

have the joy of reaping precious sheaves ere many months have passed. I believemany are convinced of the truth ot Christianity, but most of them, I am afraid, are at present bound by custom and the fear of man.

I have been enabled to save three persons who at­tempted suicide— two with opium, and one with a mineral poison— and I have been able to give relief in a few cases of sickness and disease, through the use of medicine, which I sold at cost price. Several opium smokers have been cured.

Jfamrae f id it i in Slran-tmrg.F R O M D R . N E V IU S TO R E V . J . W. S T E V E N S O N .

T HE Rev. J. W. Stevenson wrote on Feb. 22nd : “ W e have received during the week more informa­tion regarding the famine in the north. The letters from S h a n - t u n g are very distressing.

During the week we have sent up to Chefoo taels 7,000, and yesterday we sent taels 500 to Moukden, M a n c h u r i a .” On March 1st, he adds that Mr. Stooke, of the C.I.M., had gone to help Dr. Neal, Am. Pres., in distribution, and that in M a n c h u r i a they are calling out for more funds. W e were able to telegraph £700 to China on April 2nd, and on April n th £300 more, making in all £6,000.

If we were warranted in doing so, we should be delighted toCH E F O O , Feb. 12th, 1889.— Many thanks for the taels 1,000 sent by you Feb. 4th, which has reached

us safely, and is already on its way to the famine region. I telegraphed to you yesterday asking for taels 5,000 more if you can spare it.

Mr. Laughlin has been waiting for weeks for the means to enlarge his work, with the most pressing and pitiful appeals coming to him every day from far and near. He will enlarge his work at once to 15,000, and soon to20,000. W ith this number enrolled, and a daily allow­ance of one cent each person, he will require 200 dols. a day or 6,000 a month. Laughlin could extend his work from this one centre to 40,000. Our plan, as you know, contemplates regular continuance and daily distri­bution on the same plan, and to the same persons, until June.

Other enterprises on the same and different plans will be started as soon as the funds will warrant. A s stated in the letters which we have sent to the press, it will hardly be possible for you to send us more funds than there is urgent need for, or we can distribute to advantage.

give a special grant to each person, about April 1st, of 200, say 300 cash each, to enable the poor people who survive to buy seed-grain and redeem the farming utensils from the pawn-shops, so as to plant their spring crops, and ward off another famine in the autumn. This one special grant o f thirty cents each would require for 40,000 people 12,000 dols. Two hundred thousand dollars would not hamper us. It would relieve untold suffering, and save scores of thousands of lives, but would still fail to reach more than a small fraction of those who are perishing. W hen I speak of what we can do in the way of distribution I mean all of us in S h a n -t u n g — American and English. There is the utmost sympathy and co-operation between us and our English Baptist brethren, and I have proposed to them to carry on some of the work together con­jointly. Mr. Laughlin has the advantage at present, in consequence of having commenced sooner, of having his w oik thoroughly organised and well in hand, so that he can extend and enlarge it without difficulty. I hope that in a few weeks all will have the same advantage.

BY

g a t % jg im g ,THE STORY OF HSI-PING.

MISS KATE B. MACINTOSH, OF YUH-SHAN, KIANG-SI PROVINCE.

“ Them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice.” —John x. 16.

M Y ACQUAINTANCE with little Hsi-ping began about the end of Feb., 1887.

Early one morning a poor family called to see me, who, as soon as I made my appearance, prostrated themselves before me, asking me to have “ pity upon them.” They said “ they had come from Yang-tsuh, a village twelve l i down the river ,* they had heard that the foreigner who lived in the city had good medicine, and was willing to help poor people, so they had brought their son to see if I would give him medicine to cure him. He had been ill for over five years, was now sixteen years of age, but could not do any work, and they were too poor to pay for a doctor to heal him.” Again they pleaded for medicine, while the poor mother, with tears in her eyes, told me what a

good obedient son he was, and how it grieved her to see him get worse and worse, and not be able to do anything.

Poor Hsi-ping looked very weak and ill, and did not seem then as if he had much longer to live. It was very hard to tell the poor mother that no medicine could cure him, and that she would not have her boy much longer. She wept bitterly, poor woman, and then pleaded that I would try and help him. I promised to do all I could, which greatly comforted her. Then I told them of the “ great F a t h e r in heaven who so loved them that He sent His only Son into this world; and how the L o rd

J esus left His throne in glory, and came to suffer and die for them, how He rose again, and was now in heaven preparing a place for all who loved and trusted Him here, and that if they

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 7i

were willing to (rust Jesds and pray to Him, He would forgive all their sins and save them, and ii little Hsi-ping loved and trusted Him, though he was ill and poor, yet the Lord Jesus loved him, and would soon take him to heaven, where there is no more poverty or sickness, but eternal peace and happiness.

They all listened eagerly, especially Hsi-ping. Then I turned to him and said, “ Little brother, you will pray to J esus when you go home, won’t you, and never worship the idols any more ? " He said be would, so I taught him a very short simple prayer, and invited them back to worship on Sunday. Hsi-ping promised he would “ come and hear more about Jesus.”

Early the following Sunday he camc to my children's class,

him home, though we would gladly have nursed him to the end.

Some time after this we again visited him, and 6b, what a change! We could see his days were numbered. So many people gathered round that we had to go outside, and H o ­ping came and sat down beside us. His mother 6tood by, and as she looked at the wasted features of her boy, the tears kept rolling down her face, she seemed to have such a deep love for him. Poor child, he told us he bad wanted to come to chapel last Sunday, but was too weak, and so he had just told the Lord Jesus about it. Then we asked him how he was feeling to-day. “ Very weak," he said. “ And are you happy,

A FINE ARCHWAY IN AMOY.

and was so attentive ; be told me he had been praying to J esus, and that he would never worship idols or burn incense again, because he wanted to love Jesus and go to heaven. After this he came regularly every Sunday, often staying with us till Monday morning, for he was eager to hear more and learn hymns. It was not very long before Hsi-ping learned to know and love the Lord Jesus, and he never tired of hearing about Him.

In May he became much weaker, and his parents being so poor, he stayed with us, for sometimes a week at a time; then would go home for a few days. A t morning and evening prayers he used to drink in every word, and was growing in grace very much day by day. About the end of June Miss Tapscott and I visited his home; many of the people in the village gathered round us to hear the Gospel, and we had a very good time telling them of the Saviour. The home was very poor indeed and had an ugly paper idol hanging up, which we were told Hsi-ping did not worship now, as he worshipped GOD. Poor boy ! he was looking very weak and ill, and the following Sunday when he came, we let him remain all the week. Though very feeble he would not miss evening prayers : he used to lie in a large bamboo chair, and oh, how eagerly he listened ! Many precious talks we had, and prayer together; he had such simple trust in Gob. His father came to see him one day, and as he was becoming much weaker we thought it better to send

Hsi-ping ?” *' Yes, very; I have peace in my heart, ” “ Who gave you this pcace ?” “ The L ord Jesus.” " Do you love Jesus?" “ Yes, I do.” “ I don't think, little brother, it will be very long before you see Him. Are you glad ? ” Such a bright smile lit up the wan features as he replied, “ I a m » glad ; I long to go.” “ But aren't you afraid to die ? ” " Oh, no, not the least bit afraid: I know I am going to be with Jesus in heaven." “ But then only those who are pure and clean can enter heaven, and you have often sinned against God 1" "Y e s," he replied, “ but Jisus died instead of me. He has forgiven all my sins. He loves me, and I trust Him with all my heart. I know He will take me to heaven. I am not afraid

His face had such a calm, trustful look, many seemed im­pressed as they listened to his testimony. Seeing he looked very faint and weak, we thought it better to go, and after some little talk with him about J esus, he said he .would meet us In heaven, and would be waiting for us. Then we took a last look at the dear face, which we knew we should next see in glory, and said our last farewell, until we meet where there is no more sorrow nor death, “ for the former things have pss*ed away.”

A few days after this, early one morning his father came to tell us he had passed away the nigbt before. I asked him to tell me all about it'; he teemedivery much moved, as he told me

72 C H IN A S MILLIONS.

how Hsi-ping called them to his bedside, and seeing his mother crying, said, “ .Mother, don’t cry for me ; I am going to heaven to be with J e su s, and there’s no more pain there ; lam very happy.” Then he made them promise that when he died they would not burn incense or have any idolatrous worship, but “ Go to the ‘ Jesu T ’ang ’ (Jesus Hall), and ask the pastor and foreign teachers to come and worship G od ; and thank them for me.”

The father said he was to be buried that same afternoon, the pastor and Miss Tapscott had gone to Kwei-ki, but I promised to go. Very soon after I started, and reaching the village a good many followed me to the house to see what I would do. All were very quiet as I sang a hymn, then read a few verses from John, 14th chapter, telling them that Hsi-ping had now gone to live in those “ many mansions ” ; and that if they would repent, and believe in Jesus, they too would enter in, and have eternal happiness. Many seemed impressed, and one woman asked, “ If I was quite sure Hsi ping had gone to heaven, and how did I know ! ” This led to many other questions, until it was time to finish, then after a short prayer, the coffin was carried to a quiet hillside, and Hsi-ping was laid to rest in “ sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection.”

% x \ d

F rom M r . B u r n e t t .

Pao-t'eo, Dec. 31st,— It is now nearly a month since I rented my room in this inn, and I have formed a few friendships and acquaintances. This being Mongol territory, all who are not Mongols are considered visitors. The city is a very busy, com­pressed one, peopled by a community whose chief aim is to get rich, and who seem to live as if their whole existence depended upon it. The god of wealth is the chief object of worship, the best building in the city being devoted to him. Opium-smoking, owing to the price of the drug, does not appear to be as common as in Ning-hsia, but Pao-t’eo far outstrips any ordinary city of China in vice, for places abound that would in other parts be brought under law. It is a comforting thought that our work here is service in which the Almighty G od is interested, and that it cannot fail.

F rom M iss F o r t h .

T'ai yuen, Dec. z'jth.— We arrived here, praise G o d , on the 22nd in health and strength. The journey had seemed rather long, but I never realised G o d ’s presence so much when travel­ling before. The whole journey was one glad song of praise. We had a very good day on Sunday here ; there were about fifty women, not reckoning children, to the morning service, and more in the afternoon. They come for no other reason appa­rently than to hear about J esus, and are so very attentive and interested it quite does one good to see them. Miss Jakobsen and I are expecting to leave for Hoh-chau on the Monday after the week of special prayer.

F rom M iss S c o t t .

Ta-ning, Dec. 5th.— We are so clean and comfortable now with whitewash, paint, and plaster, that we hardly know our­selves, and even feel ready to welcome T ’ai Lao-muh-shi [Mr. Taylor]. IIow the natives want you to come, too ! The old elder’s eyes sparkle whenever we mention the possibility of such an event, and really I think if you spent a Sunday here, or we had long enough notice to collect the Christians from their village homes, you would be as pleased as we are to see what a fine muster there is. I am sorry to say there is not much doing among the city people, they are not nearly so satisfactory as the villagers. Every L o r d ’s day, now the busiest season is over, we have men coming forty and fifty li, to say nothing of shorter distances, I

I tried to comfort the poor sorrowing mother, who was weep­ing bitterly. She took me to a small room, where she said Hsi-ping had died ; it was his room, and a very poor one it was ; only a few feet square, a mud floor and broken-down dirty walls ; all the furniture it contained was an old door resting on two forms for a bed, a ragged quilt and curtains. No window, plenty of air and light, as in several places the bricks had fallen down. I could not help thinking of the great change, “ from a hovel” to the “ Palace of the K in g .” Taking the mother’s hand I spoke to her of the “ many mansions,” and how her boy was now there, and would never again suffer any pain, or know any want. “ Yes ! I know he is happy,” she said, “ but oh ! I miss my Hsi-ping ; he was so good ; he loved J esus, and was often praying to Him, he would not even drink a cup ot tea, or his medicine, without thanking G o d for it.” We had a long talk, and I trust she, too, may learn to know and love the L o rd J esus, and by-and-by meet her boy in the bright Home above, where “ there is no more death, neither sorrow nor cry­ing, for the former things have passed away.”

P.S. October 18th.— I am glad to say that little Hsi-ping’s mother does not believe in or worship idols now. She seems interested in the Gospel, and says that she believes.

H r r f i s .

¡pucr-nan jjr c r b in te .F rom M r . S h e a r e r .

Chau-kia-k'eo, Nov. 11 th.— Iang Sien-seng and his companion returned again all well- Praise the L o r d for it ! He does use the weak things, but Mr. Iang seems particularly well qualified for relief work, and had experience of it in the Shan-SI famine. Everything has been so well ordered, and the L o r d has pro­vided wonderfully ; we must look for great results to follow. We have been praying much that G od would prevent anything from marring the effect of this work as a means of opening up the way for the Gospel in these poor people’s hearts. I trust that by His blessing there may be a great harvest reaped by-and- bye. Everything seems favourable just now. The people were so thankful and so willing to listen to the evangelist, but the H o ly G h o s t alone can bring them to the S a v io u r ’s feet.

Dec. 19th.— Mr. Lund set out this morning with the evan­gelist and two other natives to relieve some of the districts about 30 l i away.

Dcc. ZQth.— Mr. Coulthard was out again to-day at relief work. Some natives came last night from some villages not far distant, but very difficult to get at, reporting great distress. They found the poor people there very badly off indeed, and very grateful for a little help.

S x - d n t e n g n r f r h t a ,

F rom M r . M cM u l l a n .

Su-chau-Fut Dec. 'jth.— There are so many calls onus that we do not really know what to do first. I will not speak of the out­lying districts in this prefecture until I know more about them, but for this city more workers are absolutely necessary. If we had two more men much might be done for the ci'y, and the forty-eight towns and villages in the Hien could be systematically visited. My wife needs a sister to help her here. Another small house could easily be taken in another quarter of the city for t wo other ladies.

F rom M r. W e l l w o o d .

Su-chau Fu, Dec. \W i— You may continue to praise G o d for all His love and wondrous goodness to me. Pen cannot express my jo y ; in fact, my heart overflows. In looking into the New

C H IN A S MILLIONS. 73

Testament I find I am very far off the primitive lines, both in work and spiritual life. There has been too much of my own inter­pretation of the Word, rather making it suit my life instead of framing my life by it.

You speak of sending seven times seven more workers to Si- CH’u e n ; they are all needed ; until they come pray that the usefulness and power of those here now may be increased seven times seven. G od is moving ; may we be in full sympathy with Him. Pray that we may not limit the H o ly One of Israel.

f e n - j i b n i g | j r o b i n « .F rom M r . M il l e r .

Ning-kwoh, Dec. 227id.— The city is now crowded with stu­dents who have come up for the examinations. We intend to distribute at the examination hall door 2,000 copies of the differ­ent Gospels. W e preach every day in the chapel, and I do believe G od ’s Word will have free course and be glorified. The country work is even more encouraging ; doors are open­ing on every side, and we wish to obey the command, “ Go in and possess the land.” We find many false professors, but, praise G od, there are many who are sincerely inquiring after the truth.

p r a n g - s i J j r a b i h m

F rom M iss G ibso n .

Ho-k'eo, Nov. 15lh.— Miss Rogers has been here nearly a month. She is having many opportunities of telling the Gospel, and is being very much helped with the language. While I write she is speaking to a woman whose grandchild was healed here, we believe in answer to prayer, for the medicine used was very simple. We visited her village, and received a very warm welcome.

Last week we visited a small town about thirty-five li from here. We sold quite a number of books, and had the privi'ege of telling the Gospel to many who listened very attentively. One dear woman, who seemed very earnest when we last visited the place, as soon as she heard of our arrival made for the town (her home is about two li distant). She accepted our invitation to £0 to our little boat, and our old woman servant spoke to her very earnestly. She tells us she prays night and morning, and that her neighbours laugh at her.

There are some inquirers who hope to be baptised shortly. One young woman has been coming for some time. At first her mother-in-law objected, but she took seriously ill, and her relatives and friends wanted to call the priests and worship idols. The daughter-in-law came to ask us to visit her home. We went, and found the old woman very ill. Wre knelt down on the earthen floor and prayed for her, then returned, leaving all in our F a t h e r ’s hands. The old woman grew worse ; the native doctors gave her up ; still we continued to pray, and the daughter- in-law often resorted upstairs, and in broken language made her request known unto G o d . In answer to prayer the old woman was raised up from a death-bed, and now she is going about her daily work, believes in G od , and is very glad to allow her daughter-in-law to attend worship. It was a real trial of faith, but the L ord has strengthened the faith of the Christians through it. Every trial of our faith is but a trial of His faithful­ness. Time fails me to tell about other cases equally interesting.

F rom M iss M a r c h b a n k .

Yuh-shatl, Nov. 24th.— We have had such a happy month’s work. The weather has been delightful, and we have both been in splendid health. We have been a great deal among the people, I mean out living with them, for of course here we are always with them. I have been away all the week, visiting villages

with one of the Bible-women. We left on Monday, by chair, for a place fifteen li away, where one of the Christian women live. When we arrived we very soon had a number of women, and were kept busy until evening rice was ready, after which we had a meeting. Next day we visited all day, and again had a crowded meeting at night. Next morning, after breakfast and prayers, left by wheelbarrow for another village, where foreigners had not been before. The Bible-women had been, and in the house where we were invited to stay all night the husband and wife both seemed interested in the Gospel. They are well-to-do people, and have a nice house. Here we spoke for some time to a large crowd, then went out to visit all the afternoon, and had a meeting at night. These times of having meetings were times when the L ord did specially help, for of course the language is still a difficulty to me, but I have found that “ those who trust Him wholly find Iiim wholly true.” Praise His Name.

Next morning we went to another village. On the way we passed a large place, where we stayed for a short time and spoke to a large crowd. We arrived at the house of a Christian woman just about dinner-time; she is very poor and has a wretched house, but, dear woman, she was so pleased to see us, and gave us the best she could find of everything. Here we stayed a night, visiting all afternoon, meeting at night, and again in the morning with some children who gathered in. Visited all forenoon, and in the afternoon started by barrow for home, with our hearts full ol praise to our heavenly F a t h e r for all His love and His care over us. The Bible-woman who went with me is a very bright, true Christian, understands the way of salvation, and never seems tired of telling it out.

I did love the Chinese at home for the sake of their precious souls, but since I came to China I have learned to love them far more, and the more I go in and out among them the more I love them. I have received so much kindness from them. I do praise the dear M aster , who allowed poor unworthy me to come to China. By His help I will work for the glory of His Name in this land. I often think that when one like me can learn the language, and is used in this land, it does bring glory to J esus ; for I have no’.hing to recommend me, but just that I am saved, and that I love the L ord and precious souls. But just because I am nothing the dear L ord has all to do Himself, and His work is well done. I am so glad He let me come to Yuh-shan and to be wi.h dear Miss Mackintosh.

F rom Miss O r d .

Naa-k'ang Fu, Jan. ir f.-W e had a most happy time with the L ord y esterday. We have been here ten days, and are now quite settled down. I do so much prefer living in this way among the natives ; they are all so kind and loving. It was quite touching to see the welcome they gave us. Our woman gave her heart to the L ord last night, and our man is under deep conviction. The L o r d has been so very, very good to us in every way. Dear Miss Mitchell is much stronger, and Miss Tapscott and I are both very well, and all extremely happy.

C j r i l j - h m n g | ] t o b i n « .

F rom M r . A. W r ig h t .

Ch'u-chau, Da. 14/ .— The work here continues in much the same condition it was in July. There are several inquirers who live fairly honest lives, and who, I believe, have faith in C h r is t , but they all seem afraid to openly confess Him. The preacher works hard, and his prayers indicate that he is grieving at the coldness of the work here. This work needs united, definite

Pr^hope to return to Yung-k’ang on Monday. The work there continues to give me much joy and some sorrow. Last Sunday I had to rebuke two brethren for Sabbath breaking.

ï l t p a r h m s ia x C f r i r r a ,

On April à,th, Messrs. M. H ard m an, J. S. R o u gh , J. J. P. E g e r to n , G. A. H u n tle y , J. S. D o n a ld s and M. L. G r i f f i t h

left for China in the P. and 0 . s. s. Bengal.

Statistics jof iprotestant Prissions in Cfmta, gm m kr, J88S.From The Chinese Recorder.

74

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I London Missionary Society ........................................ 1807 SI 21 13 65 8 72 3>695 1,927 ? $ 14,420.002 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missns 1830 16 13 6 35 4 I05 816 443 425.073 American Baptist, North ......................................... 1834 11 9 IO 30 6 37 1,340 244 1,077.004 American Protestant Episcopal ............................ 1835 10 8 3 21 17 3 496 1,614 568.185 American Presbyterian, N o rth ........................................ 1838 48 36 18 102 23 84 3,788 2,352 7,090.006 American Reformed ( D u t c h ) ........................................ 1842 7 6 2 15 6 16 844 163 2,870.037 British and Foreign Bible Society 1843 14 7 21 ? 114 ...............8 Church Missionary Society ........................................ 1844 28 17 5 50 l i 81 2,832 2,041 3,469.209 English Baptist ............... * ........................................... 1845 21 16 ... 37 i 8 1,130 210 425.OO

IO Methodist Episcopal, North ........................................ 1847 32 31 17 80 43 91 3,903 1,288 4,490.91II Seventh D ay Baptist ..................................................... 1847 2 2 i 5 i SO 912 American Baptist, South ......................................... 1847 7 6 7 20 7 18 77 6 292 687.7013 Basel Mission ........................................ 1847 24 19 ... 43 2 49 1,885 692 949-86H English Presbyterian ..................................................... 1847 24 i6 10 50 8 89 3,428 575 5,435-io15 Rhenish M iss io n ................................................................. 1847 4 O 6 1 4 154 37 50.00i6 Methodist Episcopal, South ........................................ 1848 10 9 15 34 4 7 286 855 246.9117 Berlin Foundling Hospital ........................................ 1850 I i 4 6 i 27 80 ...............i8 Wesleyan Missionary S o c ie ty ........................................ 1852 25 12 6 43 2 33 975 552 403.0019 Woman’s Union Mission ........................................ 1859 ... 4 4 2 36 109 8.1820 Methodist New Connexion ........................................ i860 7 4 i 12 36 1,232 180 101.0021 Society Promotion Female Education............................ 1864 7 722 United Presbyterian, S c o t c h ........................................ 1865 7 5 i 13 ... 14 773 "¿7 ? 150.002 3 China Inland Mission .................................................... 1865 139 62 US 316 12 118 2,415 153 459-4524 American Presbyterian, S o u th ........................................ 1867 10 6 3 19 5 82 300 92.0025 United Methodist Free Church ............................ 1868 3 3 6 2 8 329 72 263.0026 National Bible Society of Scotland ............................ 1868 4 2 • M 6 ? 6027 Irish Presbyterian .................................................... 1869 3 3 • . 6 12 6828 Canadian P resb y ter ia n ..................................................... 1871 5 4 I 10 2 5° 2,650 318 491.8029 Society Propagation of the Gospel ............................ 1874 ? 5 2 4 ? h30 American Bible S o cie ty ..................................................... 1876 7 4 11 33 ...31 Established Church of Scotland ............................ 1878 i i 2 3 3° *8032 Berlin Mission .................................................... 1882 4 4 1 9 3 21 500 7033 Allem. Evang. Prot. Miss. Gesell..................................... 1884 I • .. i34 Bible C h r is t ia n s ................................................................. 1885 4 2 6 3

3I Foreign Christian Mission Society ............................ 1886 5 2 7 2 3236 Soc. Prop. Christ, and Gen. Knowledge ............... 1886 i I • • . 237 Society of Friends .................................................... 1886 i I 2 438 American Scandinavian Congregational ............... 1887 2 ... •. • 239 Church of England Zenana Missionary Society 1888 ... 3 3 ...40 Independent Workers .................................................... 2 i 3 3 . ? 30 ? ‘ 62

Total, December, 1 8 8 8 ............................ 526 337 260 1,123 162 1,278 34,555 14,817 $ 44, 173-39Increase over December, 1 8 8 7 ............... ... 37 17 39 93 ... ... 2,295 1,140 $5,936.69

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

Cjyrist b u t (fam p le in S le a ir fa s to s .

Notes taken by Mrs. Edwards o f an Address on i Cor. x v . 58, delivered by M r. Stanlev P . Smith, at

7 ’ai-yuen Fu, on Sunday night, January 6th, 1889.

“ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

S the tim e w ill not suffice to speak upon the w hole verse, w e w ill devote our

attention th is even ing to the first clause, " Steadfast, unm oveable.” O ur

thoughts instinctively turn to the one suprem e E xam ple o f steadfastness.

It w as th is point in the character o f C h r is t — the inflexib ility o f H is w ill

— that m ost deeply im pressed N apoleon Bonaparte, carryin g hom e to that

m aster mind the conviction that Jesu s o f N azareth w as indeed D ivine. A t

the close o f h is career, aw ay on the island o f S t. H elena, he ga v e utter­

ance to his thoughts on the subject in some such w ords as these : " O ther

men have had their day— A lexander, Caesar, m yself— but our v e ry su c­

cesses have been m arked by failure, and w e have not achieved our ideal,

Jesu s C h r is t ’s sublim e purpose, b y the inflexibility o f H is w ill, H e accom ­

plished.” * T h is steadfastness o f our L o r d is brought o u tjn a v e r y marked

w a y b y L u ke , w ho w as inspired b y the H o ly S p ir i t to devote n early ten

chapters o f h is G osp el to the account o f the final journey to Jerusalem , an incident w hich probably

occupied but a few days, but in which again and again w e are called to note the fixed determination

with which the L o rd ga v e H im self to the fulfilm ent o f H is purpose.

Turning first to L u k e ix. 51, we read, “ When the days were well-nigh come that He should be received up, He steadfastly set H is face to go to Jerusalem." The immediate result o f this was hatred and opposition from those o f whom He might reasonably have expected other treatment. The disciple is not above his Master, and the servant whose face is steadfastly set to Jerusalem and Calvary must be prepared for the same treatment as his L o r d . Note, too, that this rebuff from the Samaritans did not in the least lessen the S a v i o u r ’ s kindly feeling towards them; directly afterwards He uses a Sa­maritan as a type of Himself.

“ A s they went in the way (ver. 57), a certain man said unto Him, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest; " but when He learned that the S o n of m a n had no place to lay His head we hear no more of his following. It was not to a glorious rest upon the throne of David at Jerusalem that the S o n o f David pressed forward, but to ignominious death upon the bitter cross. And He knew all that lay in front of Him— every drop in the cup of anguish was tasted beforehand ; yet He did not take His hand from the plough, nor look back. He might have done, so we say, but He did not say so. Hear His reply to the Pharisees, when they sought to frighten Him away: “ I must go on My way to-day, and to-morrow, and the day following.” “ I m ust; " “ I must; " " so it must be'' “ The Scriptures must be fu lfilled ;" “ I must go on My way.”

* Napoleon's testimony was, 11 Alexander, Csesar, Charlemagne, and 1 m yself have founded great empires on force; J e s u s alone founded His on love, and to this very day millions would die for Him. I think I understand something o f human nature; and 1 tell you all these were men and I am a man : none else is like H im ; J e s u s

C h r i s t was more than man,’'— Liddon's " Bam pton Lectures?

J un% 18 89.

76 C H IN A S M ILLIONS.

The consciousness of His approaching sufferings was always upon the Lord, yet it was always held in abeyance. “ Behold, I cast out devils and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I am perfected.” In full view of the cross who, like J e s u s , would have had the heart at leisure from itself to soothe and sympathise ? “ A s they went on their way (Luke x. 38) He entered into acertain village,” and resting in the house of Martha, gives to the two sisters instruction and gentle reproof. Proceeding on His way, He teaches His disciples to pray, preaches to the multitudes, speaks to individuals, casts out devils, dines with the lordly Pharisee, and eats with outcast publicans and sinners. It was at this time, too, that He took the little children in His arms and blessed them. Thus “ He went on H is way (xiii. 22) through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jeru­salem” And “ as they were on the way to Jerusalem ” (xvii. 11) He healed those ten lepers of whom only one returned to give glory to God. These outward acts of grace and goodness were patent to all, but even His disciples understood nothing of that deep undertone, “ I must go on My way," so " H e took unto Him the twelve (xviii. 31-34), and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written by the prophets shall be accomplished unto the S o n of m a n .” But “ they understood none of these things," and so in utter loneliness as far as any human sympathy was concerned, “ He went on before, going up to Jerusalem ” (xix. 28). “ And when He drew nigh ” (ver. 41)“ He saw the city, and wept over it ”— not for the anguish he was to endure there, but for the woes its impenitent children were bringing upon themselves. Thus He continued to the end— in love to sinners and devotion to the F a t h e r — steadfast, unmoveable. And when at last His lifeless body lay sealed in the silent tomb His enemies triumphantly concluded that the Galilean’s labour was all in vain, and His disciples thought so too ; but was it in vain ?

“ Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, considering the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, even J e s u s , who was faithful to Him that appointed Him,” “ be ye stead­fast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the L o r d , forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the L o r d .”

Ifiems of Jinimst,F R O M R E V . J .

MA R . 8th.— Mr. Taylor preached in the Masonic Hall last Sunday, his address was greatly appreciated.

Mr. Williamson arrived here from Fung-hwa on the 7th, bringing old Kiao-yiao with him, who looked wonderfully fresh for seventy years o f age. W e are having many con­flicts with Satan in our work, but G o d is our all, and if He be for us who can be against us ? That question can never be answered, and so we are going forward praising Him for all His goodnesses, and we can never count them, they are beyond all thought.

Mar. 12th.— I hear that last week Misses Munro, Lucas, R. Mackenzie, S. Parker, and Kentfield went up the river for Ta-ku-t’ang, and that Mr. and Mrs. Eason have arrived at Kiu-kiang, and happily entered on work there. Dr. Parry writes from Tan-lin, S i -c h ’u e n , on February 1 st, that one woman had been received and that the work was going on very cheerily. Mr. Hoddle seems to be getting on very happily in his country station forty-five U from Hwuy-luh, C h i h -l i . Miss Littler reports serious persecution at Peh-shih-kiai. The heathen boycott the native Christians because they will not engage in idolatrous processions or pay for the theatricals. W e are praying earnestly that G o d will guide with regard to Mr. Taylor’s movements, as H e has in days gone by.

M ar. 15th.— I am glad to report five baptisms at Wun- chau on March 3rd, and three accepted for baptism at Bing-yae. Mr. W right, of Yung-k’ang, reports that four of the enquirers at Chu-chau Fu (the late Mr. Sayers’ station) have asked for baptism. W e are exceedingly sorry to think of losing Mr. Taylor so soon ; we will pray that his going home may be made a great blessing, and

W. S T E V E N S O N .

the means of sending out a great many workers. We certainly are in need of larger reinforcements.

March 22nd.— I hear, through Miss Hook, that Mr. McMullan baptised a man at Su-chau Fu, S i -c h u e n , on February 16th. Miss Littler informs me that the troubles at Peh-shih-kiai, C h e h -k i a n g , are passing away, the district magistrate having put out a proclamation. Mr. John Smith writes from Ta-li Fu, Y u n -n a n , on Jan. 7th, “ W e have got a shop, and have good meetings in it every evening. It holds about fifty, but many listen outside.”

Mr. Stanley Smith writes that he and his wife arrived safely in Lu-gan, S h a n -SI, on January 22nd. Mr. Bagnall writes me from Hiao-i of the very interesting and hopeful condition of the work th e re ; he is delighted with the Christians, and says they are very well instructed. Misses Seed and Whitchurch are well and very happy in the work. Mr. Huntley writes from Han-chung, S h e n -SI, that he hears that Mr. Pearse, at Chen-ku, was hoping to baptise ten or more. This is very cheering. On the 15th inst. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson and Mr. Bridge arrived here. They are going on to S. C h i h - l i , Mr. Pigott’s district.

March 29th.— I am glad to report this week fifteen baptisms ; two at Tan-lin, eleven at Chen-ku (Mr. Pearse’s station) on Feb. 13th, and two more on the 17th. I am glad to say that Mr. Stooke has returned safely from the famine district in S h a n -t u n g ; he reports a very sad condition of affairs. It is a great satisfaction to know that the friends there are being liberally supplied with funds. I have also heard from Mr. S. Clarke and his two companions, Messrs. Hunt and Lachlan in G a n - HWUY ; they were near Lu-chau when they wrote, but so far had not met with any serious distress.

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 77

$tt P^rm iràm .MR. GEORGE STOTT.

“ 0 Death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory ? ”

W E have this month to record the triumphant entrance into life of one of the oldest members ol the C.I.M. Our brother, Mr. Stott, left for China in 1865, and commenced work in Wun-

chau in 1867, where he has laboured ever since. From that far-off corner of the great harvest field not a few brought out of darkness through his instrumentality will be his crown of rejoicing in “ that day.” The following letters will be read with deep interest.*

F R O M W. T. B E R G E R , E S Q ., T O M R. B R O O M H A L L .

Villa Talbot, Cannes, A p r il 23rd, 1889.

W H O can estimate the issue of a single grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying ? Many lives

will surely spring up therefrom, and in consequence thereof.

It has pleased G o d to take to Himself His faithful ser­vant George Stott, late of Wun-chau, China, than whom it would be difficult to find one more devoted and stead­fast in prosecuting the work he believed the L o r d had given him to do.

W e committed his remains to the tomb yesterday after­noon to await the voice of the SON of G o d ailing those who shall hear it (His sleeping saints) ~ome forth from their graves, that they, with the changed living ones, may together ascend to meet and be with the L o r d for ever.

W e have reason to believe that Mr. Stott’s twenty- three years’ labour in China has been greatly owned and blessed, he having left in existence in Wun-chau and its neighbourhood (where, if I mistake not, no foreign mis­

sionary had previously laboured) three native Churches numbering in all about 300 members, besides as many attendants, to say nothing of the schools he inaugurated.

You will pardon my entering thus into details when I tell you that I made Mr. Stott’s acquaintance prior to his going to China in the year 1865, he being one of the five who went out when the China Inland Mission was but in its incipient state.

His works do follow him ! In thus writing we do not glory in George Stott, but in the L o r d , who wrought the works by His servant.

O f his devoted wife I must abstain from writing, but ask that much prayer may ascend to G od on her behalf. Her heart seems set on returning to China to carry on the work she left, as far as it may be in her power to do so. After twenty-three years’ correspondence with Mr. and Mrs. Stott, I look back with the most pleasing remembrance of the same, and rejoice if, in any measure,I can be considered as having had partnership in their labours.

F R O M M R. H. W E B B E R .

A P R IL 23rd,, 1889.— It was my privilege to be with our dear departed brother, Mr. Stott, during his last

night on earth, and a few particulars of the closing scene will, I know, be acceptable to you. Slowly, during many weeks of pain, the earthly house of this tabernacle was being dissolved, and on Saturday evening, about 9.30, one of the sisters came over to say that his sufferings had become more intense, and the end seemed approach­ing................

Entering the chamber, I saw our dear brother sitting up in the armchair, supported by his dear wife and one of the nursing sisters. It was one of the distressing features of his illness that he was unable to lie down, and all these weary weeks o f pain had been passed sitting, with no possibility of supporting the poor head or giving the body relief, only by occasionally leaning forward.

The strong man was bowed, and poor nature was in a pitiable plight. The props of the tent were being taken away, and the suppressed tones of the sufferer told of the silver cord being loosed and the links being broken which bound the spirit to the earthly tenement.

When he knew I was present, he expressed a decided wish that I would stay with him, which I was only too glad to do ; and as I look back on that night, I feel that not for any consideration would I have missed that scene of suffering and of holy triumph. Never before did I know how truly death is a vanquished enemy, its empire overthrown, and its sceptre destroyed.

During eight hours we witnessed the King of Terrors doing his worst. The combat was a fierce one ; blow after

blow was dealt, strong pains were tearing at the vitals ; the anguish of dissolution was there, but not for one moment did the spirit falter. W ith every moment’s respite from pain he collected his little strength to give forth some word of testimony that the L o r d was near, and doubt and fear far away. “ It is only the poor body that is suffering,” he said ; “ the soul is happy.” Early in the evening he said, “ I bless G o d that thirty years ago He washed me from my sins in His precious blood, and now the sun is shining without a cloud.” And thus, with unfaltering faith and unwavering hope, he went down into the valleyof the sh a d o w ..............

In this “ royal road ” we saw him advance, treading down with triumphant faith the powers of sin and death and hell. The word he repeated the most was, “ Come, L o r d J e s u s , come now, come now,” often reaching out his arms to wel­come the L o r d , who he felt was indeed drawing near. Once or twice, in moments of extreme pain, his cry went up, “ O L o r d , help me ; L o r d , have mercy upon me.” The L o r d heard him in the day of his distress, and strengthened him in the dire conflict. W e sought to supply stones for his steps as he forded the dark stream. W ords of life came spontaneously to our lips, and it was grand to see how his faith appropriated them. When his dear wife reminded him that he would soon hear the M a s t e r ’s “ W ell done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy L o r d ,” his soul seemed to revel in the thought. “ Enter thou— into the joy of thy LORD— of thy L o r d ,” he repeated again and again ; then turning it into a prayer, and stretching out his hands, he

*A fuller memorial has been prepared by Mr. Broomhall in the form of a little pamphlet, which can be had from the China Inland Mission, price 2d.

78 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

said, “ L e t me enter now— enter now — into th e jo y o f my L o r d — the joy o f my L o r d .”

He had feared lest in his weakness and suffering some impatient word should escape him, and he should thus dishonour his L o r d . He had begged his dear wife to put it down to nature’s weakness, but her prediction was veri­fied, the L o r d ’s grace was all-sufficient, no murmuring or impatient word passed his lips, while his deep gratitude and affection for the smallest service rendered him were touching and beautiful to see, and every one felt it a privilege to wait upon him.

And thus the hours passed— he fighting the last battle, his dear wife, worn with many watchings, wearied out physically, but wonderfully supported in spirit, with words of faith and hope cheering him as he breasted the billows, and watching for his release. Prayers from many loving hearts in England, China, and France were being answered that night. There could be no doubt about it. And the word the memory of that scene calls up spontaneously to my mind is “ Mahanaim,” for that chamber of death was then the rendezvous of the hosts of G o d .

It was six in the morning ; nature outside was awaking in the first fresh joy of morning. T he sun had risen in a sky of cloudless blue. The birds were singing their morn­ing song just outside the slightly opened window, while the carillon of the Easter bells came sounding joyously through the air. W ithin we were standing on the border­land, close by the gates which were opening to another who, having fought th e good fight through C h r i s t , was more than conqueror.

The change had come, the contracted features and glaz­ing eye told that the last struggle was entered on. A hurried “ H e is going,” escaped us. I did not expect to hear him speak again, and as consciousness seemed fading,I said, “ The M a s t e r is come and calleth for thee.” H e took it in, and to my surprise, with a last effort said, “ Then lift me up, that I may give another note of praise.” Putting my arms around him, I drew him gently forward. Then as fast as his poor breath came he turned it into praise. “ Praise the L o r d , bless His Holy Name,” he repeated again and again. It was wonderful to listen to, and I

could not help saying to the dear companion of his life and labours, who on her knees, with only half-suppressed cries from the pangs which were rending her own heart, was holding his hands and watching the shadows of death as they passed over his face, “ This is a precious legacy he is leaving you.’’ They were like words of triumph coming out of the very realms of death.

“ Do you know me, precious one ? ’’ she asked. “ Know you, Gracie ? It would be strange if I didn’t know you,” was the reply. Then with a strength that surprised me, he added, “ W e have rallied together around that dish o f fruit”— one of their last conversations had been about the fruit of the Tree of Life— " many a time, and the K i n g

in His beauty was there. Fare-well, Gracie. Don’t speakto me again ; I am going in to see the K i n g .’’ .............

Our tears were flowing fast, though we hardly knew why. He was looking on things which to us were in­visible, and hearing sounds our dull ears could not catch. W e could hear him say in a low whisper, “ Come, L o r d

J e s u s — L o r d , take my sp irit; ” then he said, “ Coming, coming— come.’’

C om e! W ith these last words our beloved brother, George Stott, went in to see the K i n g in His beauty, on Easter morning, at half-past six. Nature’s pent-up grief broke forth in brief cries and sobs, but they were happy tears. “ I don’t mourn for him,” said his dear wife. “ I mourn for myself. He is happy. He is at rest now.” And so we knelt together to praise Him who had given us that night to see thus death has no sting, and thegrave no victory.............

W e buried him yesterday, in the Cannes cemetery. The Rev. P. W. Minto conducted the service. A number of Christian friends were present. A ll who knew him loved him as a true man of G o d , and a faithful servant of C h r i s t . Among those present was Mr. W . T , Berger, his life-long friend. In a few brief but beautifully appro­priate words, Mr. Berger spoke of the zeal and love which had animated him in his work for C h r i s t . He addressed words of loving sympathy and consolation to the widow, and reminded us all that for each of us the day was hastening to its close, and that we should work ere the night cometh.

Jfamme i n Sfratt-teng.F R O M M R. S. B. D R A K E

{Of the Baptist Mission).

M r. D r a k e , in acknow ledging the receipt of T ls . 2,0 0 0 from Mr. Stevenson, w rites :—

KA O -Y U A N H IE N , March 3 rd — I have now some 1,100 names on the books, and am increasing at

the rate of about a hundred per day. I give 300 large cash for each adult, and 150 for each child, per month ; so that one shilling will keep an adult alive for a month, and sixpence a child. I investigate all the cases myself. Yesterday I called at nearly all the houses in four different villages. I have made an arrangement with

F R O M M R. J.{O f the

CH E -F O O , March 2$th.— On Monday, February 25th, Dr. N eal and myself started with 1,300 taels in two

carts, and with an escort of five soldiers, for Wei-hien, the head-quarters of the Presbyterian mission in the west. A m glad to note that we had no trouble of any moment on the road. W e were told about robbers behind and robbers before, and in some places we had some unruly crowds. In six days we reached Wei-hien, but there was no Sabbath rest for the weary, for Mr. Laughlin had

the proprietor of a money shop to this effect. I print my own money-orders, and distribute them as well. When the proprietor pays the money he attends to this business for one per cent. This saves me much trouble and at the same time prevents a good deal of squeezing, for each man can go and draw his own cash. This kind o f work requires good superintendence, or else the cash gets into the hands of bad men and [official] underlings.

A . S T O O K E C.I.M.)written urging that silver be brought to him, so Dr. Neal and myself re-hired the two carts and started off for Pei-shih-k’eo, one of the famine relief centres. Owing to rough weather and bad roads, we did not reach this place for nearly three and a half days. The carters were timid, and the soldiers somewhat like them ; the cart track was also terribly rough, so altogether it was quite an experience.

W e sighted the famine quarter at Sheng-kia-tao-k’eo,

C H IN A S MILLIONS. 79

and from this point we saw quite enough to make our hearts sad and desolate. The whole district seems God- forsaken ; the rains of the past have done terrible work. After the rains had drained off towards the sea, 80 l i away, the poor people found a layer of mud had been left behind over the soil, which, when nearly dry, gave off a white-crusted surface, something like salt­petre, and in this very condition we found it.

A t Pei-shih-k’eo we found Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin hard at it, and right glad was Mr. Laughlin at our coming. Now as to the work : I speak personally of the Presby­terian missionaries. I saw Mr. Laughlin’s work and Dr. Hunter’s, and I say gladly they are working right nobly. At the time of our visit Mr. Laughlin had nearly enrolled2,000, all starving cases. Dr. Hunter has 1,000, and I

F R O M T H E “ N O R 7

ON the 28th of February Dr. Hunter wrote as fol­lows from Pei-shih-k’eo “ Dear Dr. Nevius, I

am leaving to-day for the purpose of inquiring into the condition of the villages north and east, and of locating a centre say 40 l i from this, and beginning the enrolment as soon as possible. No cash can be paid out until Dr. Neal’s arrival, as there is scarcely enough on hand to provide for those on Mr. Laughlin’s list. If Dr. and Mrs. Neal are willing, I hope Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin may be relieved for a couple of weeks, as they have been here for over two months, engaged in about the most difficult work that any one can be called upon to perform.

“ The amount of suffering that cannot be relieved by our best efforts is simply heartrending.............In one village

F R O M D R . N E V I U S

CH E -FO O , March 13th.— Presuming that our work of famine relief will continue until wheat harvest,

about the 15th of June, we are now able to give you proxi- mately a general view not only of our work as at present organised, with four centres and thirteen foreign dis­tributors, but also of our wants and plans for the future.

Silver already forwarded from Chefoo will provide for the 60,000 persons now enrolled, or about to be enrolled until the 5 th of April.

In anticipation of the speedy arrival of the Shanghai Committee’s last grant of Tls. 15,000, and Tls. 5,000 addi­tional from the C.I.M ., the U.S., and the other sources, we have sent word authorising the extension of the enrol­ment to 80,000.

The Tls. 20,000 now assured, but not yet forwarded, will supply the 80,000 persons with the daily one cent ration until about May 5th. W e shall require in the future, in order to continue the distribution to the 8o,ooo, until June 5th, about Tls. 24,000. W ith an additional allowance of 20 cents to each person for seed-grain we shall require Tls. 36,000. [.£7,500 at 4s. 2d. per tael ]

An extension of the enrolment to 100,000 with this pro­posed allowance for seed-grain would require Tls. 45,000.

M ay we not hope that our original wish to enlarge the

helped him for two days to enrol two more villages. On these days we entered and searched about 500 homes, and only in twelve did we find any grain. The people had nearly given up hope, and were on the borderland of death.

The first supply of silver came just in time, and saved many thousand lives, but the distress beyond the limit is very great. Mr. Laughlin is relieving a 25 /* circle ; he cannot reach as yet farther than about 10 l i away ; those coming to beseech help from 12 or 15 l i away he has had to refuse, hoping the Baptists might eventually cover these in their increasing circle of relief.

To show you how real the need is, let me add that Mr. Laughlin was, at our visit, relieving 100 villages, but had to refuse 100 more.

' C H IN A H E R A L D ?

which I visited a week ago the condition of the people surpasses my powers of description. They seemed to have given up all hope. Their faces, wan and sallow by starvation, were darkened by the shadow of a hopeless despair; a silence like death prevailed in the village. The people sat still in their houses or lay upon their k’angs in mute suspense, as it seemed, awaiting their end. Alas ! alas ! htlp was too late for many in that village.

“ It would more than repay the generous givers of the money we are distributing if they could see the gratitude evoked by so small a sum as one cent, per day. It makes all the difference between death and life. Every dollar now given may save one more of these famishing people from the horrors of a death by starvation.”

TO M R. M U IR H E A D .

enrolment list to 100,000 may yet be realised? I trust that it will be understood that the receipt of a much larger amount in the immediate future than Tls. 45,000 would not at all embarrass us. With our present organ­isation the number of persons receiving aid might at any time be rapidly increased. Moreover, we should be very glad, if the receipts allow it, to increase the extra allow­ance from 20 cents each to 50, so as to give further help in redeeming from pawn and buying farming and house­hold utensils. This addition of thirty cents to each person would necessitate but very little extra labour on the part of the distributors, but would absorb at once an additional 30,000 dols. I mention this to show that there is no danger of our being embarrassed by a surplus.

It is impossible for us to set a limit to our work, or to the funds required for prosecuting it. Our distributors cannot with their utmost efforts relieve more than a tithe of the starving population. W hile we do not wish to divert funds from other places where help is equally needed, still, on behalf of those whose lives are in a sense dependent on us, we can only beg for all we can get.

As stated in previous letters, a full and detailed account of receipts and expenditures will be given when the work of distribution is completed.

(Kitararagmmf at Sfnb-sjmr-F R O M M R. T. J A M E S .

FE B . 17ih .— Our servant and one other man, a farmer, have become we trust true believers. Best of all is

the glorious opening this year has brought us. (It is now the 17th o f the Chinese month.) W e had during the first days of the year, when everybody was keeping holiday, many callers and much manifest good feeling. This has been followed by quite a time of revival. W e

have daily been having great crowds. I would ask that praise be given that we continue to remain in peace here, that daily large numbers of Gospels are being scattered and taken into the country for many miles, that crowds daily hear the preached word, and that such an attentive ear is given. Last L o r d ’s day morning we had some three hours’ service, afternoon also crowded, and evening

8o CHINA'S M ILLIONS.

a third service with about a dozen present. During the week there has been such a cramming of our small hall that we could have wished for a more commodious p la ce ; from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. there has been no stopping the crowd of anxious listeners, and for several evenings we have had batches of men coming to prayers. H allelu jah!

But what o f H u -n a n ? you may ask. This is all indirect work for that province ; being but five miles from its borders our audiences are frequently composed largely of its people. Then, too, we take frequent trips into the province. On Monday next my colleague, Mr. Lawson, and native evangelist leave for a week’s evangelising.

This said native helper is a native of the province, a Christian of four years’ standing. A s a brother in C h r i s t he is most faithful, earnest, and affectionate ; he has had to flee for his life on account of his faithful testimony and steadfastness. It has been my privilege to have him with me for a year now, and I do bless G o d that His grace is as effectual in its transforming power in a Chinaman as in ourselves.

M ay I ask prayer that the S p i r i t ’s quickening power may be given to open the hearts of this people and lead them to acknowledge C h r i s t as S a v i o u r . More urgently would I ask prayer for ourselves for mighty power ; daily anointing is what we want.

orh on Si-gan fjiain.

W E hear from time to time with great joy of one and another of the Hundred commencing work— some near at hand, and others in quite remote parts o f China. The following diaries are full o f interest. As

mentioned by Mr. Botham and Mr. Bland, special prayer had been offered that during the year 1888 G od would open up the Si-gan Plain, and a double answer has been given. Our brother Mr. Folke was permitted to secure premises in Wei-nan Hien, eastward of the capital, and about half-way between that city and the corner of S h a n - s i ; while similar success was granted to our brothers Botham and Redfern, in Fung-ts’iang Fu, a city rather farther to the west o f Si-gan than Wei-nan is to the east, and situated nearly mid-way between Si-gan and T s ’in-chau in K a n -s u h . T he brothers on the west were not aware that prayer was already answered to the east of the city, and consequently continued their petitions, and were able to complete the rental of the premises they were seeking on the last evening of the year, and, as the diaries show, to move into them early next morning. Our readers will join us in thanking GOD for the encouragement thus given to our brethren, and in asking that rich blessing may rest upon their labours. A large house in Ki-shan Hien has since been obtained.

FROM THE D IA R Y OF MR. BLAND.

FRIDAY, Nov. 2yd.— By noon I left Han-chung on my way to the Si-gan Plain, and by 5.30 completed the

first stage to Pao-chen Hien. As I left the walls of Han-chung behind me I thought over the past months— so quickly gone ; the four at Gan-k’ing, four on the river, and three at Han-chung, then I thought much of my present situation. At such times one seems to be cast entirely upon God. Yet I went forth thankful for the remembrance of past mercies, and at being privileged to enter this needy plaiD, trusting in the power of G o d . . . .

The journey occupied twelve days ; ten of them were spent wholly among the mountains and hills, so that I need hardly say the scenery was grand, the air invigorating, and I was in every way better for the change. The weather was cold.

Many times I found G o d to be faithful. If no opportunity was afforded in the inns for prayer and reading, it made but

little matter ; heaven was just as accessible on the road as any­where else, and occasionally I was able to read my morning’s chapter as I walked along. In other ways I found Him to be mindful of me ; on the fifth day the donkey was suffering from a sore on its back, produced by the constant working of the bag­gage. It was worse on the following day, and since the animal was not mine, it caused me the more anxiety. The next three stages were very long and over the worst part of the road ; but I was enabled for the small sum of 1100 cash (say 4s.) to get my luggage carried by a muleteer who had a partially loaded animal. By the end of this time my animal was in trim again.

On Monday, Dec. 3rd, I arrived at Ti-tien. Here I found Brother Redfern awaiting me. We spent a long and pleasant evening together reading letters and talking. Next morning we proceeded to Ki-shan Hien, where in the evening I met Brother Botham and received a hearty greeting.

The month of December was spent by Mr. Bland principally at Ki-shan Hien, sometimes alone and sometimes with the other brethren, who gave a good deal of their time to Fung-ts’iang Fu. Living in an inn, their days were occupied partly in study and partly on the streets selling books, visiting shops and endeavouring to converse with the people, whom they found very friendly. H e notes on Thursday, Dec. 20th, that it was the anniversary of his landing in China, and remarks that “ not one of all G o d ’s promises has failed” ,• he continues :—

situated, yet one cannot but rejoice and look for greater things in the near future.

Upon entering on a second year of service in this land there is abundant cause to continue trusting G o d fully. Of late I have been rejoicing very much in Him, for if I cannot look back on much accomplished for Him, I can indeed praise Him for the privilege of being here as His witness and ambassador.

Dec. 31 st.— Alone at the close of the year,— alone, yet alone with G o d . Such indeed it has proved to be. In the morning I fasted and gave time to prayer, as is the custom in our Mission.

Jan. $th.— Brother Redfern has returned and brought the glad news that a house had been taken in Fung-ts’iang Fu, the transaction being accomplished on New Year’s Eve, 1888. Praise G o d , a footing has now been granted us on this plain, and though our quarters are small, inconvenient, and perhaps badly

But for another reason we are specially thankful for this house. We accept it as a direct answer to prayer. Before leaving Gan-k’ing, Redfern and I were cheered to hear that several of the brethren and sisters at Ta-ku-t’ang and elsewhere had been praying definitely that a house might be secured this year on the Si-gan Plain. Upon arrival here it seemed as though an answer would be speedily granted, for the people of this city were very friendly to us, and, strange to say, our barber took upon himself to get us a house without any prompting on our part. He was rather a puzzle to us ; although mean in ap­pearance, he had fought under Gen. Gordon, and at present

C H IN A S M ILLIO NS . 81

shaved, among others, one of the secretaries in the Ya-nitn. About the middle of December he had influenced a silversmith and doctor to go and see an official in the Ya-nien who owned several empty houses, and to endeavour to induce him to rent us one. The landlord was quite willing on his own account, but for the present feared that too great a stir would be created amongst the people. We were told of this on the 27th of December, and on the following day Brother Botham returned with Brother Redfern to Fung-ts’iang Fu. We were certainly

FROM THE D IAR Y

FUNG-TS’IANG FU, Jan. izth.— From the accompanying diary you will see that we have a house here. Though

a small one, it is large enough for us and the L o r d , who is with us continually. We are making a few friends in this city, and I am expecting to see the L ord working in our midst. Mr. Botham, with Brother Bland, is at Ki-shan Hien for a few days,

FROM THE D IA R Y OF

K I-SHAN HIEN, on the Si-gan Plain, Jan. 6th.— We com­menced 1889 with praise and confidence in the faithful

G o d. Last year closed with a very encouraging incident. A number of brothers and sisters in China had prayed that this Plain might be opened in 1888; their prayers are answerer1, though at sunset on New Year’s Eve we had not rented a place. On Dec. 31st, late in the evening, we were able to complete the rental of a small shop and two rooms on one of the main streets of Fung-ts’iang Fu.

In Ki-shan Hien a good deal of interest has been shown recently, and the people generally are willing to hear the Gospel; th;y are beginning, too, to distinguish clearly between us and

disappointed, but thought that after all a house would be given us this year, and thus G od be glorified and His servants encour­aged by answered prayer. On New Year’s Eve I still had hope, and in the morning brought the matter up in prayer, knowing that whilst even there was a day left, there was time for G o d

both to begin and complete the transaction for us. Thus you may enter into my feelings of joy and gratitude on learning that on the last evening of 1888 the house in Fung-ts’iang Fu was secured.

OF MR. REDFERN.where there is a prospect ol a large house, more suitable for a centre when the work extends on the Plain. I believe you will soon have to send us more workers, for once settled on this Plain, there will be a fine scope for work. I can only add that the L o rd really satisfies, and we have need of nothing. Praise His Name.

MR. T, E. S. BOTHAM.the Roman Catholics. We have not succeeded in getting a teacher yet, but Mr. Redfern and Mr. Bland are both getting on with the spoken language, and have sold a good number of books here and in Fung-ts’iang Fu. Many people after reading them come and talk about the doctrine. This evening a man called who heard me speaking on the street a month ago. He had remembered what I said, and wanted to know more ; he did not see me again until yesterday, when I passed a place he was at. He followed, saw where I stayed, and came this even­ing. He seemed greatly impressed with the reality of Eternity and sin, and seemed to understand about J esus the Sa v io u r .

Such incidents are very cheering in the work.

©position of % g tbit,F R O M DR. P A R R Y .

TA N -L IN H IE N , S i -CH’u e n , Feb. 1st.— W e are still here, spending the Chinese New Year with the

Christians and inquirers. I have been up to Chen-tu once lately and on returning found the daughter of Mr. W ang, the evangelist, at the point of death, and she was taken hence the day following. Our brother and sister greatly need our prayers, for they have lost three little ones in five months. The LORD is upholding them.

On the last evening of the Chinese year we had the pleasure of receiving an old woman of seventy years, a former vegetarian, who was eager and glad of the opportunity to show forth her simple faith in J e s u s as her S a v i o u r . An old man of eighty years should also have been received, but it seems as though Satan was deter­mined to hinder him, for the same afternoon he was knocked down by a young man’s fist, owing to some dispute about a piece of work and a small account; as far as we know, the old man was unjustly injured. He still desires to be received at the first opportunity, and came last night quiet and peaceful as ever, saying, “ He did not beat me to death, so never mind, and a 100 odd cash is no great matter.’’ I could tell you much about the dear old man that we feel to be specially interesting, but defer until, G od willing, he is received as a member.

G od surely means a blessing for Tan-lin, for the adversary is evidently all alive and determined to dispute every inch of progress that the Gospel makes, I never saw his hand so vividly, nor felt the reality o f his opposition so much as lately. He finds a good handle now and then, and works it w e ll; for instance, we stayed once or twice at Mr. Fan’s house last year, and sure enough in the autumn his wife was taken ill and died (as theresult I).

Then, just two weeks ago, my wife and I went to the hills ten miles away, at the earnest invitation of an interesting couple. W e stayed two days, receiving much kindness and preaching to numbers, meeting, amongst others, some proud country scholars. Strange to say, the day we left them the wife and child were both taken ill, and “ what could this be but the evil influence of the foreign guests ? and what must their doctrine kbe if this is what follows their presence?”

Thus the poor and unlearned who desire to follow the true G o d are made the subjects of much trying talk from their wiser neighbours, who “ knew too much to be taken in by the presumptuous intruders on the decent and venerable religion of their fathers.” Any one who receives us is a marked man or woman, and it needs no little faith and courage even to take this step. Surely the L o r d will not fail to honour these simple ones, who receive us as mes­sengers of peace and not of evil.

In a small city like this one sooner discoveis than in a great city what a depth there is on every hand of under­lying suspicion and dislike, and readiness to believe any­thing bad and dreadful about us, even the glaringly absurd. This only shows us the more what cause for thankfulness every true and steadfast Christian is, and how great is their claim on our prayers and sympathy.

So we praise G o d for a grow ing band o f believing and seeking ones here in Tan-lin, and desire that every fresh

glim pse o f the m alice o f the adversary m ay not chill 01 discourage us, but only bring us lower at the feet o f our SAVIOUR, w ho endured such contradiction of sinners against H im self, and aw aken in us more unwearying,

undying love and pity for all around us.

82 CH IN AS MILLIONS.

irffm Sfnm-lil; Jfw,F R O M M R. P IG O T T .

T A K IN G up a history in brief o f the work in this district as left off in my last quarterly letter, dated

October 13th, 1888, I would firs t praise the L o r d for infinite goodness and kindness experienced during this period.

Its record is the following as regards the opening of new centres for work-

1. A village house rented and repaired at the moderate rent of 18,000 cash (about £3) a year at the central village of Shan-ying, forty-five l i respectively from Hwuy-luh, Ching-hsing, Yuen-shi, and Luan-ch’eng Hiens.

2. A n inn rented in Hwuy-luh and occupied by a Christian man named Wang, from Pao-ting F u, but not yet taken possession of by us.

3. House rented and work opened up here. Some hundreds of patients treated or visited, and regular preaching by natives first, and then for the last six weeks by ourselves also here in Shun-teh Fu.

4. House, or rather premises, at back of an inn obtained in Chang-teh Fu, H o-n a n , and near prospect of opium work being started there.

5. W ithin the last few days I have secured a second house here for opium refuge work. I have two good natives who will (D.V.) commence work in a few days, and I hope that the place may be soon self-supporting.

6. Then at I-cheng-chen, where up till now the work of the opium refuge has been carried on in a room in a temple, a house has been mortgaged by the natives. I hope soon to hear o f their having moved.

7. Another house was offered by our landlord at Hwuy- luh, and I accepted it, taking the responsibility o f rent for one year on myself.

Chang-teh Fu and I-cheng-chen are self-supporting, or to be so. T he refuge here has been started by a donation from home, help given by the Christians here, and some from ourselves, and will, I hope, soon be self-supporting.

W e spent October and November until the 18th at Hwuy-luh, and there treated a number of sick, o f whom Mr. Koh, the first cataract case, and his wife are here with us now, and profess to believe in the L o r d . These two and our cook are the only ones of whom we can speak definitely as inquirers as yet, although there are several other hopeful cases here, and the intelligent interest in the W ord is much more than either in Hwuy-luh o r T ’ai-yuen Fu. Lady workers would find a wide-open door h e re ; send us some as soon as you can.

Wu-an Hien is a large city, and needs a man, who might begin at I-cheng-chen or here, and after a while, when familiar with the language, move on there.

There are now two Christians employed at the mission expense, one in the house at Hwuy-luh and one here. W ang, the man who has helped best in getting quiet settlements, will, I hope, in a lew months at least be off mission funds working the opium refuge.

Our first opium patient is an intelligent young man from a village thirty-five l i off, of good means, apparently. H e seems much interested in the truth, and says he has come to be cured of his opium and to learn about the Gospel, but chiefly the latter. His brother and father have died of consumption, apparently, and he fears the same, which I think helps to make him anxious. Besides these, a man named Chang comes almost daily to hear and read, and professes a desire to be a Christian; he has heard the W ord before at Tientsin, and seems to be real as far as we can see. Many come in daily to see us or the native Christians with us, and we have much reason to praise the L o r d . Go on crying to Him for great things here. I believe the L o r d has many a one in this city. I hope you will soon send a man or two and some ladies. W e are praying for you and those lately come out. “ The L o r d will do great things for us, whereof we are glad.”

Report from ' i U i K i - p n g J f w .F R O M M R. A N D R E W .

JA N . 4th.— W e praise G o d that a station has been opened at Gan-shun Fu.

A new chapel has been erected in this city. It will seat about two hundred people, and we have been encouraged with the large attendances and interest of the people.

A little land has been purchased and houses built, all without any ill-feeling having been shown by the people in the city.

Three men and one woman have been baptised in the year. Three members who had been suspended have been restored, and one of our little company has joined the hosts above. One member who had fallen into sin, and had consequently been excluded, has returned to the L o r d and been readmitted into His Church.

Five m em bers h ave rem oved to other places during

the year. Four h ave gone to Gan-shun and one to Ch u ng-k ’ing.

There are several inquirers of whom we have hopes.T he meetings have been fairly well attended till lately,

when the attendances grew larger in the new chapel. W e hold evangelistic services every night throughout the year, at some of which the members proclaim the Gospel. W e like to see them exercise their gifts for GOD’S glory. Every evening a meeting is held. On L o r d ’s day we

have quite a number of meetings, including one for women and classes for men.

A number of meetings have been also held at the Gospel Hall. The daily preaching in the shop has been carried on, and we have sometimes preached on the streets. This last branch of the work has not been carried on to such an extent as formerly, owing to the departure of our brother Windsor for Gan-shun, and to the necessity of attending to the erection of the various build­ings here.

W e thank G o d that He has blessed His children here with the spirit of liberality. Some of them have denied themselves to give to the L o r d ’s work. The native members (alone) have contributed Shang-hai taels 48.465 (about j£ i o 5s.).

Our boys’ school has been well attended, but we have not seen any conversions among the boys. A youth who was formerly a scholar has applied for baptism.

I have taken but one journey this past year.I have been called to seventy-four opium poisoning

cases, in fifty of which I was successful in saving the person’s life.

W e have welcomed our brethren Adam and W aters to this province.

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

$ riff Holes.

ftait-sitfr ^probmcx.F r om M r. G. G r ah a m B r o w n .

Lan-chau, Jan. n th .— This house is in the busiest part ot the city, so that all we have to do is to open the doors, and the people come in numbers. Mr. Parker stays on after the morn­ing service on Sunday, so that we two together can relieve each other. The attention may be realised from the fact that several of these stolid K a n -su h men get so interested that they sit for two hours or so in the open air with the thermometer marking 10 or more degrees of frost. I preach alone on Tuesdays and Thursdays ; Wednesdays I keep for the beggars in their own place, and Mondays and Fridays for outside work, either in town or villages. The preaching here has shown me how really far-reaching such work is, for last Sabbath two men were claim­ing to have heard me before— the one in Ts’in-chau, and the other in Han-chung ; and hardly a day passes but I am recognised by some man or other, generally from Ts’in-chau.

Mr. Parker now takes charge of the preaching-shop to the west, so the Word is preached daily. May G od give the increase ! There are signs of real interest amongst the men. My wife and sister join with Miss Muir in wishing for a house in which they can have women visitors freely.

F rom M r s. A. P o l h il l T u r n e r .

Si-ning, Dec. 20th.— Just a few lines to tell you how glad we were to welcome Misses Florence and Clara Ellis here a fort­night ago. They were travelling just at the right time, for had they been any later the cold would have been very trying, and they could not have travelled earlier because of the heavy rains. It was so nice to have Mr. Easton with us for a few days, too.

We are a very happy little party, and are asking the L ord to use us. I should be so glad to hear of some lady or ladies going on to Liang-chau. Mrs. Laughton is not strong, and I know feels much the need of a helper in work amongst the women. These places are so different from many in the south, where there are native Christian women to help ; to be the only one in a large city to preach the Gospel to the Chinese women must be lonely. The beginning of the work is the hardest, too, when, before they have got into the way of coming to classes, one has to go and find the people.

F rom M rs. L a u g h t o n .

Liang-chau, Dec. 24th.— We are getting quietly settled down. How great has been the L o r d ’s goodness in opening a door so soon in this place ! This is a large house, and I think a very suitable one for mission work, with plenty of room for other workers. Although we had a cold, trying journey, dear baby, myself, and husband are very well. I feel at times the great responsibility of so many heathen women around, and I the only one to work among them.

F rom M iss E. Ba r c l a y .

Ts'in-chau, Dec. 2jth.— How much we need the fresh oil, whether it is when we first come out or when we have been a longer time in the field. Perhaps the work grows harder as time goes on and one gets to know more of the people. Praise the L ord we do not get to love it less. Miss Smalley and I spent a week in the villages, and then Miss Kinahan, I, and Miss Sutherland went for a time. We had Mrs. Chao with us, the brightest of the Christian women. We do praise G od for her ; she is a real missionary. I feel we must try to carry the Gospel more into the different parts of the city; there are so many who have never yet heard. The work here does not look so encourag­ing as sometimes ; we should like to see some of the Christians much brighter, and to see more not only interested, but brought in. --------

F rom M iss S t e v e n s .

T ’ai-yuen, Feb. \$tk.— We have moved into our new house for women’s work, and it promises to be a bright, convenient little home; some of our old friends (Chinese) have been to see

us, and like it very much ; their reception-room looks cheerful, and we have also a spare room, so that we can ask any who seem interested to come and visit us, as we shall then have more time to teach them, and they will see what a Christian home is like. Miss G, Broomhall seems stronger than she was, and she and her sister are very happy in being together.

A great many come to the services, and we hope some, at least, will soon decide. There is one very respectable woman who comes regularly, and says she is a Christian, and wants to be baptised, but is afraid, because she has such a bad temper, and “ if you are baptised you must not get out of temper.” She cannot believe that the L ord will keep her if she trusts Him. Hundreds came to see a magic-lantern shown in this week, and so heard the Gospel. I do wish they would believe more quickly.

F rom M r . S a u n d e r s.

T'ai-yuen, Feb. iS111.— As Dr. Edwards has arranged to leave for home on April i, I have taken charge of the stock of books here.

Feb. 26th.— Started this morning for a market town thirty li to the north-west of the city, taking my man with me and my donkey with ray bedding ; on the way passed a large walled village of about 700 families. We put up at an inn, and during the afternoon and evening had crowds of people coming in, to whom I spoke of J esus and gave sheet tracts.

Feb. 2"jth.— Went on the streets to preach and sell books. While preaching to a crowd of over 100, a man came up and asked me if I would go to his house ; he turned out to be a man who had been in the hospital a few weeks before ; he pressed me to stay at his house, which I did. Many of his neighbours and friends came in during the day, to all of whom I spoke of J esus. I was very pleased to find this man every morning and evening reading a few chapters of the New Testament he had received when he left the hospital. I told him that he could not worship the Lord while he had idols in his house, but he seemed unwilling to put them away, and said that when he had read all the New Testament he would know more about the doctrine, and then he would decide.

Feb. 28th.— To-day is market-day, so I went on the main street preaching and selling books, and after spending an hour and a half thus, began the walk home. I returned by a much shorter road, and passed through several villages. I am hoping that the market-town will prove an excellent centre for village work, and hope to visit it frequently this spring.

F rom M iss W h it c h u r c h .

Hiao-i, Jan. 4th.— Last Sunday we burnt old Mrs. Chang’s idols. To-day we have had the joy of smashing two lots of idols in the city. In the first house there were more than ten. Both households have a very interesting story.

F rom M r . K e y .

Sih-chau, Jan, 26th.— Last Sunday I had several of the shopkeepers and others to congratulate me on the birth of my son. I was also presented with a handsome scroll in scarlet satin, mounted with black velvet, with four large letters, “ The pearl the light of night.” Will you pray that it may be so, and that if the L ord tarry our boy may shine for J esus in this heathen darkness ? At the bottom are the names of those who presented it, seventy in a ll; nearly half of these are Ta-ning converts, the others from Ku-cheng, Pu-hien, and Sih-chau. After the presentation I told them about another seventy names that were written in heaven. I told them it was a great joy to see their affection shown in this way, but that it would be a

reater joy still to know that all their names were written in eaven, and referring to Rev. xx. 12-15, I said a word to those

who had not cast in their lot with us about the names that were not written in the Book of Life.

F rom M r . H o ste .

Hung-t'ung, Dec. l$th.—Through the mercy and power of G od we are happy here and prospering. I returned from Hoh- cbau about ten days ago, Mr. Folke having written me that he wished to go to Yun-ch’eng, where, I am thankful to say, God

84 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

has been blessing dear Chang Chih-heng, and there are, I hear, some twenty worshipping. We are full here nearly, there being about thirty men in the refuge, and some women in the west court under Mrs. Hsi’s care.

Yes, as you say, Satan is not yet bound, so his attacks are to be expected. Saul had power a good time after God had in purpose dethroned him, and David was hunted on the moun­tains a good time after he was annointed king. I like to think that Satan’s reign in China is irrevocably doomed ; the kingdom is to be given to another, or, rather, has been.

F rom M r . R u ss e ll .

P'ing-yang, Dec. 20th.— I started from here on Friday morn­ing, and arrived in K ’iih-wu about noon on Saturday. I found there were seven men in the mission premises breaking off opium, and was very pleased with them. Six were very intelligent, and it was a pleasure to me to preach to them. I fully expect that they will become, if they are not already, members of C h r is t . It is saddening to see men anxious to be taught and no one to teach them regularly.

Dear Brother Lutley came here last Friday from P’u-hien, where he had been staying for some ten days. He gave us an interesting account of his journey with Mr. Key to Yung-ning. Sunday was a very good day here.

F rom M r . S t a n l e y S m it h .

Tai-yuen, Jan. 13th.— Wehave just come in here for the week of prayer. Friday and Saturday we had two special days — Friday a meeting in the afternoon for the outpouring of G o d ’s H o ly S p ir it in our midst. I took the meeting, and dwelt on our L o r d ’s words in Luke xi., “ He will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask.” . . . . The next day we had a real earnest meeting for discussing plans for work— such a beautiful spirit in the meeting—such unity and utter absence of criticism............

I am sorry that friends at home will have so long to wait in the matter of the opium refuges. I have written to all telling them that it may be so. To send forth unqualified men would be to play into the hands of the devil, and be worse than useless.

I have the very best report from Mr. Studd, of Fan Erh-yu. He writes of him that he is walking humbly with G o d .

We had a good time on the road. I managed, nearly every day, to get in some preaching at midday, and my dear wife was,I believe, blessed to her mule-driver’s soul.

Lu-gati F u, Feb. 12H1.— My dear wife and I arrived here safely on Jan. 22nd. Notwithstanding snow and severe cold, she stood the journey beautifully, and she tells me she has never been so well since she has been in China ; I do not think I ever have been either. The L o rd wonderfully blessed that change and trip to the coast. . . . Mr. Studd had had a very trying time after I left, with my teacher, and also with his own teacher, who, with great outward profession, turned out to be smokingopium and living an impure life............ I thought it bestnot to employ my teacher and L i Wen-pau in the L o r d ’s service. It was a great blow to me, as I had looked on my teacher as a right-hand man for the Hien work. . . . I am very happy in just daily working and preaching the Gospel. I go out on the streets daily and invite the people into Mr. Studd’s chapel, and hold a protracted meeting there each afternoon. Numbers aregrowing, thank G o d Mr. Studd is being much blessedin the opium refuge and healing the sick............. We are fullof hope that G o d will be doing in our midst a mighty work of salvation ; He is working. We do feel ourselves unworthy to be used at a ll; but He will work, and He has wrought out our inheritance for us. --------

J n - n a nF rom M r. Jo h n st o n .

Ckan-kia-k'eo, Feb. A,th.— We have been having evening meet­ings during the past month, and the interest seems to increase ; then the regular services are saying to us, “ Lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes,” for the place of meeting is becoming too small; in fact, it is so at present; one of the most earnest of the church members said a few days ago, “ We want a place to hold a few hundreds, and they will come.” A general feeling of goodwill seems to prevail. The New Year passed very quietly and peacefully ; none of our members seem to have been entan­gled among the idolatrous obseivances.

F rom M r . G r a c ie .

She-k'i-tien, Feb. gtk.— It has been a great blessing to me being thrust forth into this great harvest-field to help to gather in the lost for whom C h r is t died. Oh the great joy we have in speaking to souls ! and how the sight and the thought of the multitudes that are living without G od and without hope make one long to be able to speak the language in the power of the H o l y G h ost ! But, praise Him, H e is able to bless the word spoken in weakness to the salvation of souls. The other night upon the street I had a few hundreds around me listening to the Gospel. They listen very well to what we have to say, and the Lord has said that His word shall not return unto Him void.

I believe that we are going to see great things in Ho-NAN; doors seem to be opening on every hand. Both at this station and at Chau-kia-k’eo the work is very encouraging. We have one or two here who have applied for baptism. The work among the women has begun very brightly; large numbers are coming every day; sometimes there are upwards of 200 assembled at one time. The ladies are going out visiting, and being warmly received.

F rom M iss W a l d ie .

She-k'i-tien, Feb. 28th.— Since our arrival we have been very busy, crowds of dear women coming every day. Praise G o d , they have received us so kindly. They listen very attentively, in many cases eagerly. One Sunday we had a large hall packed with women. Dear Mrs. Herbert Taylor mounted a chair and preached J esu s, and it was most remarkable the way they listened and understood. After the service some dear old women of sixty and seventy went off saying, “ Yes, Jesus loves me,” over and over again. Dear old things, it made my heart over­flow with joy to hear them naming the name of J esus for the first time. I do thank and praise G od for permitting me to be one of the first to come to labour among them here.

We have had a good many invitations to dinner, etc. We have been to a good many who were most kind, and put them­selves to a great deal of trouble. The great crowds that followed us to their homes and remained all the time could not have failed to annoy them. We mean, G od willing, to go out every day ; of course we shall have crowds for a long time, but it is the only way to keep going out till all have seen us. The crowds are very good-natured.

F rom R e v . W. W. Casse ls.

Pao-ning, Jan. 1 Jth.— I returned yesterday from eight days in the country. I started on Wednesday for Tsang-tsi Hien. On Thursday I visited a market thirty li from there. Friday I spent on the streets and in the tea-shops of Tsang- tsi. I have one or two friends there, and I think a house could be got without difficulty. On Saturday morning early I rode thirty li to a market, and after half a day there, went on twenty li to the place where I was going to spend Sunday and preach. Both places are on the main road northward. Monday and Tuesday I spent at two places on the East River, at the entrance to a large and interesting district that I have long wanted to visit. No one has been up that way yet, and I hope to have an early opportunity of visiting some of the larger places that I was unable to reach this time. There must be nearly 1,000 small one-man boats running up that river for coal, which is brought to Pao-ning and other cities to the south. How vast is the work, and how few and feeble are the labourers 1 Just now the markets are very busy because the country people are buying for the new year. One felt so terribly powerless to arrest and impress them. How it made one cry to the L ord for power. I long for prayer that I may be endued with fresh strength, and it is a joy to think that my Jesus is pleading for me at G od ’s side.

The native Christians here are going to hire a place on a main street for evening preaching after their new year.

Yes, indeed, there are many things that would naturally cause us to faint. We had as our New Year’s motto the “ Even then will I be confident" (Ps. xxvii. 3, R.V.), and rejoiced also in Ps. xxvi. 2, R.V., “ without wavering,” and Rom. iv. 20, R.V., “ he wavered not,” and 1 Cor. xv. 58, “ unmoveable.” Many a time would the devil make one lose one’s confidence and waver sadly.

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 85

It is good to be told “ He shall not he discouraged,” for one would say that no one ever had such good reason to be dis­couraged both on earth and during the 1,80 9 years since. I have been encouraged by that word in Heb. x. 12. The L o rd Jesus did His work faithfully and fully, and sat down “ expecting ” till His enemies be made the footstool of His feet. Calmly and patiently He awaits the certain result, the fulfilment of G od’s sure promise in Ps. ex. 1. How long He has had to wait, but yet He is not discouraged ! What an example for us in the midst of discouragements ! Well, by His grace we will go on. I won’t say, “ Faint, yet pursuing,” because our word is, “ We faint not,” and “ They that wait upon the L o rd shall not faint.” Praise Him.

F rom M r. G r a y O w e n .

Kia-ting is a “ Fu,” or prefectural city, lying 360 li (somewhat over 100 miles) to the south of Chen-tu. It is built at the con­fluence of the rivers Ya and Tung, which flow from the wilds of the west, with the Fu river, that runs down from the north-west of Chen-tu. It is beautiful for situation, the country around being hilly and well-wooded. Standing at the south corner of the west wall, where the rivers meet, forming a wide, flowing stream of nearly half a mile across, looking east, your eyes fall upon tall cliffs that rise abruptly from the river, crowned with pagoda, temple, and an abundance of foliage. On the face of the cliff is an idol larger than Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image on the plain of Dura. This idol is a figure of a sitting Buddha, 360 ft. high, mostly carved out of the red sand-stone forming the cliff, and in part built of concrete, in consequence of some damage received many years ago. It is said to be the largest idol in China. These cliffs are also famed because they contain some of the best preserved cave-homes of the aboriginal tribes who occupied this spot prior to Chinese invasion, about 2,000 years ago.

The city is important as the centre of a flourishing trade in silk, white wax, and coffin-wood.

The population of any Chinese city is not very easy to deter­mine, for the lack of a reliable census, yet I would say that Kia-tinghas a population of about 30,000, including those residing inside and outside the city wall.

F rom M r . V a l e .

Kia-ting Fu, Feb. 12th.— This month our efforts to preach to the people at night have encouraged us much ; numbers hear the Gospel by this means. In thinking and praying about new work I cannot but think of the vast district between Chung­king and here. I am glad to report all well and happy in the L o r d . Just to be praising Him all the time seems to be the best thing we can do.

F rom M r . R ir ie .

Kia-ting Fu, Jan. \6th.— It will be very difficult for us to do justice to our village work along with the work here, and find time for study too. If you could send other two young men, would it not be a good commencement for them ? I think few places can be more needy or more easy of access.

We have sold over 25,000 cash worth of tracts and books since the beginning of September, almost always accom­panied with preaching, so we must try and follow up the work both here and outside the city. There is a great popu­lation between here and Kien-wei Hien. I had a long talk with the landlord of an inn and his son. They seemed much interested. They had never seen a New Testament or heard the name of J esus. This must be the case with thousands in West Si-c h ’u e n .

1 w - p fe U r o i m t « .

F rom M r. H u t t o n .

Fan-ch'eng, Feb. 12th.— Last night I met three candidates for baptism. I trust they are resolved to live for C h r is t , and hope to receive them into the Church soon. You know better than I do how much they need our prayers. Miss Gates is just about beginning a day-school for girls.

F rom M r . G u lst o n .

Sha-shi, Feb. 20th.— Since the heavy fall of snow has cleared away I have been busy selling almanacs and Gospels on the streets daily. I have managed, by the help of G o d , to sell

several hundred Gospel portions and tracts. Thus the good work of seed-sowing has occupied heart and hand, and we rejoice to know that our labour is one which must be blessed to precious souls, for the L ord has said so. Several men have visited me, to each of whom I have spoken straight about J ESUS. Some women have also come, and Mrs. Gulston has had great joy in dealing with them. We must trust G od more for daily blessing on the feeble efforts put forth.

(iatt-jrtoxtg JJraribrai«.F rom M r . J. R e id .

Chen-yang-hmn, Feb. 27th.— Brother Brock and I in company have made two short journeys since the New Year, and have been enabled to spread the knowledge of the Truth in places we have not hitherto visited. We started on Feb. 7th, and stayed at three fair-sized market towns on the way to Luh-an-chau, selling books and speaking with the people as we had opportu­nity. We returned to Chen-yang-kwan on the 14th, and started off again next day in the Luh-chau Fu direction, going as far as Wa-pu, a town 90 li from here, selling books by the way. There we hired a boat for Ku kia-k’iao, a market town north from Sheo-chau, going by the latter place, where we stayed a short time and sold some books. We visited two small market towns, and then came to Ku-kia-k’iao, which is a busy little town, and there the people seemed specially friendly to us. A shop­keeper who had been to our hall at Chen-yang invited us to go and stay in his house, which we did. Some people in that town have broken off opium smoking by the use of our medicine, our host’s brother being one of them. This seems to have created a favourable feeling. A good many portions of Scripture and tracts were disposed of, and some people seemed interested in the Gospel. We have now two colporteurs at work among the market towns north from here, which are almost innumerable, and we trust they will be able to spread abroad the knowledge of the Truth in many of these places.

F rom M r . M il l e r .

Nin^-kwoh Fu , Feb. 6th.— A week past last L o r d ’s day we burnt two idols, gods of riches, opposite the chapel door. They were given up by men who have decided to follow the LORD. When the morning service was over the native evangelist and I went into the first street leading from our house, and invited the people individually to come and hear the Gospel, leaving a tract with the invitation. About 5.15 the service began; Mr. Eyres attended to the lantern while the evangelist and I explained. The audience remained very quiet for two hours. The business men responded freely to the invitation. We all felt it to be a solemn time.

In our circuit, including Wu-hu, we have six stations, all of which are visited every fortnight, and some every week. Since Bro. Darroch left I have felt rather pressed ; truly help is required.

Mar. Qth.— Please pray that grace and wisdom may be given unto me to act in all things like unto Je su s. Oh, how real our work must be if it is to stand the fire ! To build the Church with a firm foundation out of the materials we find in Chinese professors of religion will take time, perseverance, faith, and extraordinary patience. G od help us. I think it is more de­sirable to be faithful to G od in all things than to covet a super­ficial prosperity at the cost of moral consistency. I am often astonished, after all the earnest preaching and praying, to see how few are really saved.

F rom M iss T h o m as.

Yang-chau, Feb. 13th.— I do thank G od very much for bringing me here, for I am learning so many lessons from Himself. We had a very good service yesterday, when four men confessed their faith in C h r ist by baptism. It was so beautiful to see their bright, happy faces, and to hear their testimonies. May the L ord bless them and keep them faithful. I was so glad to be able to join in singing, “ Praise G o d , from whom all blessings flow,” in Chinese.

F rom M iss C. P. C l a r k .

Yang-chau, Feb. 26th.— What a change a few hours have

86 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

made in our feelings! To-day almost literally our mouth is filled with laughter and our tongue with singing, while among the heathen it is said, ‘ ‘ The L o rd hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.” I went over to see dear Miss Jennie Webb yesterday morning, and when I came away it was thought that she would not open her eyes again, and that she might pass away any minute, though Dr. Cox said it might be some time yet. _ As the day wore on she was still lingering, and in the evening, at the native prayer-meeting, a dozen or more of the Christians pleaded earnestly for her recovery, as if they could not give her up. We hear that afterwards some of them met again to pray more, and then went to inquire whether there was not a change for the better. What a lesson to us all their simple faith is ! It seems as if they have prayed our sister back from the very gate of heaven ; at all events, there is a wonderful change to-day. Our blessed L o rd appears to be truly working a miracle for us. To Him indeed be the glory ! [Mr. Steven­son wrote, on March 29th, “ Miss Webb continues to improve ; she is now able to sit up a little.”]

J ltt it - t tM t J rjo fam ce *F rom M iss H a in g e .

Yun-nan Fu, Jan, 12th.— As the disciples of J esus we are always happy, but to-day we have been made especially so, for after the repeated failuies in getting a house, to-day we have one which we may call ours situated in a needy, well-populated part of the city. To-day we walked to a village lying outside the small west gate. We had quite seventy attentive listeners ; the power of God was present. We were asked various questions ; many asked us to go soon again and tell them more, so we went home with such rejoicing heaits. This language is difficult, but God wonderfully helps ; He does not send us out to China, and then leave us to struggle alone.

F rom M r . A d a m .

Kwei-yang, Dec. 13th.— We have had a time of real joy : Mr. Nieh, a teacher, has destroyed his family tablets and idols and

received baptism last Saturday. This man has been much prayed for, so you can imagine the unspeakable joy that filled our hearts as we witnessed this new convert making a public con­fession of his faith in C h r is t . At present he is passing through the fires of persecution, so that already he is a partaker of the sufferings of C h r ist ; he is despised by his own family, and more than once they have shut the door upon him at night. Since taking his stand as a Christian his house has been broken into and his personal clothing stolen. He has lost cast among the literati, but notwithstanding all his troubles he seems fully determined to follow J esus.

At the close of last night’s meeting seven remained behind and applied to Mr. Andrew for baptism.

f t i a r t g - s iF rom M iss S a y .

Kwei-k'i, Jan ut.— I have enjoyed the work here so much since I came in October. I have Mrs. Herbert Taylor’s women’s class ; they come well, and on several Sundays lately I have had quite a room full, a good many visitors and seventeen or eighteen regular attendants. The L o rd is, I feel sure, blessing them.

On Christmas Day Miss Arthur spent the afternoon with me, and all the Christians came to tea. About forty were present, and we had a very happy evening, having a praise and testimony meeting. Old Mrs Wang, the mother of the first baptised Christian, told how she was led to give up her vegetarianism and trust in the L o r d . Mr. Fu told how the L o rd led him to the chapel, heard prayer and healed him, and thus led him to believe in the living G od . Mr. Chang, the evangelist, told how he was led to the L ord at Chang-shan. We had not time for more, as we had a good deal of singing, and I said a few words to them on E m m a n u e l .

Last night we had a special prayer meeting, and I feel it was a heart-searching time to some. G od is very gracious. Although they must, and do, miss dear Mrs. H. Taylor’s teaching, the L o r d , I feel sure, is in His own way caring for His lambs. It is such a comfort when the earthly helps are removed that the Chief S h e p h e r d still watches over His flock.

“ Mlbfflln ®(rrac.”

E X T R A C T F R O M A L E T T E R F R O M

Y ANG-CHAU, Dec. igtk.— I do so long to be filled full of the power of the H o ly G h o s t , to be used to the utter­

most in my M a s t e r ’s service. I realise more and more every day how impossible it is to do any work which is to last for eternity unless the H o l y S p ir it is the motive power, particu-

Safe in Thine arms, Beloved,That is my rest,

Sure of Thy peace, Beloved,I must be blest.

O N E O F T H E C A N A D I A N S I S T E R S .

larly out here in China. The showers are coming here thick and fast, praise the Lord !

It is glorious to be out here ! I send you a few verses which He gave me this morning, just straight from His heart; they echo my constant cry and desire, “ Wholly Thine.”

I follow Thee, Lord Jesus,Thro’ the dark grave,

Then live like Thee, Lord Jesus,Lost ones to save.

Filled with Thy Spirit, Saviour,I long to be ;

Taught by Thy Spirit, Saviour,Peace comes to me !

I once was blind, my Saviour, Now I can see !

Knew not Thy love, my Saviour, Grace set me free.

Show me Thy will, dear Master, Teach me to be

Just like Thou art, dear Master ; “ Not I, but Thee

Now praised be Thou, my Sovereign, From self I part,

Now crowned art Thou, my Sovereign, King of my heart 1 Amen.

Annual llt f iiitg s .

W ILL all our friends remember the Annual Meetings announced last month, to take place on May 30th, in

the Mildmay Conference Hall, at 3 and 7 p.m., and pray that much blessing may attend them ?

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

' g l e p o t f f o r f § e ^ e a x 1 8 8 8 .|HE PA ST Y E A R has been one of many mercies, but of unprecedented trial. For the

first time in the history of our Mission the amount of sickness and the number of removals by death have exceeded the average of the whole missionary staff in China. In several of our missionary districts there have also been special trials among the

________ native Christians, in some cases through failure in helpers or church members, and inothers through persecution from without. But with these trials we have had much spiritual blessing, steady progress, and many new developments. During the year the following fifty-five new missionaries sailed for China, though the two last parties, as will be seen, did not arrive in China

OctOct

9th30th

J. H . R a c e y M iss T h o m a s

„ J. B a n g e r t ...„ C . L . W i l l i a m s

„ E d i t h E . B r o o m h a l l „ M . J. U n d e r w o o d ...„ E l l e n B r a d f i e l d ...„ S a r a h V o a k „ M a g g i e S t e w a r t ...

„ B e s s i e H a r d i n g ...„ L i z z i e S p a r k

J. C. S t e e n M . M c N a i r

A . D u f f y ................

C. A. E w b a n k M iss H . M c K e n z i e

„ E . A. G r a b h a m ,, L i l y S. O l d i n g

Jan

J. N . H a y w a r d ...C. W . L a m b e r t ...E d w a r d H u n t ...H . N . L a c h l a n , M.A.T h o s . S e l k i r k ...E . J. C o o p e r T h o s . M a c o u n ...E . O. W i l l i a m s , M .A .M rs. W i l l i a m s ...

M iss P r i s c i l l a A. B a r c l a y „ F l o r e n c e B a r c l a y „ N e l l i e M a r t i n ...„ J e s s i e B u c h a n „ R . E . O a k e s h o t t ...

„ F a n n y H . C u l v e r w e l l

„ H . S t e d m a n ................„ S. M . B l a c k ................

„ M a r i e G u e x ................

ArrivedJan. 13 th

24th

until January, 1889 :—A rriv e d A rriv e d

M iss R . L. S m a l l e y ...M a r . n t h J. H . R a c e y .................. O ct. 30th„ S a n d e r s o n ............... „ M iss T h o m a s .................. Nov. 4th„ M . G . G u i n n e s s „ Mary Reed ...

„ M a l i n „ A nna Grann„ L u c a s ................„ G r a c e I r y i n

„ S. C. P a r k e r

„ C. F i t z s i m o n s „ J. M u n r o ...„ J. D . G a r d i n e r ... „ J. C. S t e e n .................. D ec. 15th„ H a t t i e T u r n e r ...„ R e b e c c a M c K e n z i e

W m . S. H o r n e ................Jo h n M e i k l e ................ „ M iss JH. M c K e n z i e ...D e c.'3 0 thW m . M . S o u t e r G e o . H . D u f f

J a s . L a w s o n

Most of the above proceeded to the Training Homes at Gan-k’ing and Yang-chau, where the majority of them are now continuing their studies.

In our last Report we referred to the removal of three of our dear workers in the spring of 1888. In the autumn four others were taken home—

W . L . E l l i s t o n , Pao-ting Fu, Jan. 19th.

W . E. T e r r y , T ’ai-yuen, Feb. 7th.

Miss T h e r e s a D a w s o n , Yang-chau, Mar. 18th.

H . L . N o r r i s , Che-foo, Sept. 27th. A . C. D o r w a r d , Sh a shi, Oct. 2nd. E . S. S a y e r s , Kin-hw a, O ct. 21st. M iss B a r r e t t , Shanghai, N o v. 12th.

In the removal of these valued workers our loss was heavy indeed, but they have left behind fragrant and helpful memories, and the seed which they have sown is imperishable : “ Their works do follow them.”

Notwithstanding the hindrances caused by sickness, thirteen new stations were opened during the year, some of these places of special importance, and we have to record the baptism of 472 persons, and the total number of 2,464 church members in fellowship at the close of the year. The number of organised churches is now 80.

Our readers will perhaps look here for some reference to the distress in H o- n a n and N o r t h G a n -

h w u y , caused by the bursting of the Yellow River. The distress this year has been somewhat increased by drought, which affected certain districts, and raised the price of provisions. The money contributed during the previous year, which at the time we were unable to use, together with further sums contributed during the year 1888, was carefully distributed by our missionaries in H o - n a n , greatly helping some of the most destitute. There has never been any lack of food in these provinces, but many have lacked the means to purchase, and there has been much of the most abject poverty. The Government relief centres have provided sufficient food to preserve life to all who could come to them, and so effective has this Government help been that we have not heard of any deaths from actual starvation in these provinces.

The terrible sufferings of the multitudes in S h a n - t u n g and M a n c h u r i a , are referred to on page 92, and the relief work having been in the current year 1889, will be reported later.

J u l y , 18 8 9 .

88 Statistics of % Cjjina fnlanfc pbston for farararg, 1SS9.

PROVINCES. {Arranged in three lines front West to East tor easy reference to Map. The dates in this column in many cases are of itinerations begun.)

STATIONS.Stations and Missionaries. Native Helpers. Communicants

in Fellowship.BaptisedPersons. 4/

•5Schools.

(Capitals of Pro­vinces in capitals,

of Prefectures in small capitals, and

of Counties in romans: Market

towns in italics.)

« -è 8 IB U uHi m 1) £ h3E I

U* ü

H ia a

££

Boarding Day.B3Ml

m

40c.0

r>

c.2555aO

VAaSi<J

v nJZ .

1 4 1 1.2 g *£ « > 11) “

m(£"o'c”2O

1KOh

cn <

a

”00X.cn

$$1 «a-«0U£

u

VE0£

3*

X30H

¡ 1

"32

o2

«8

l ' s(D 3£

cT3OJ4-1

1

u'C

cS0

£00

1‘2 a 1J3

tn

1 5•s 0,ci ¡3Z h

I. KAN-SUH, 1876... I LAN-CHAU ... I 6 I I 4 I 5i

■? 12 Sl-NING..............3 L iang-chau4 N ing-hsia 1; T s’in-chau

1 85 188b

42

I 1 iI

[8 85 187b

I1

26 1 I ”6 22 "28 *“ & 34 1

. . .

I 20G.

II. 8HEN-SI, 1876 ... 6 IIan-chung7 Ch’eng-ku

187c, 1887 r88*

1 2I

1023

I. . .

I 59 43 102 13 159 2 . . . I I5G.

9 Wei-nan I lien ... 1888 I I

III. SHAN-81, 1876 ... 10 Kwei-hwa-ch’eng..11 Pao-t'eo ...

i88fi ] 61888 J 2

12 Ta-t ’ong 1886

13 T ’AI-YUEN ...

14 Hiao-i ..............15 Sih-ciiau16 Ta-ning..............17 P’ing-yao18 Hoii-chau19 Hung-t’ung20 P’ing-yang21 K ’uh-wu..............22 L u-g a n ..............

1877

18871885 4885 c888 i8S61886 1879 1885£887

2

1

12

J

11

2

1

I

I

I9

1512

II

*5?,

20

30143410

454S i66

1021

39

3230365

53682

6

i

1?

. . .

. . .

4

>5

I5i

10iii

22

Î }i

5

I

1

1

512

12

I

I

I

I

25

1512 2

2510

35651

1

9s

30

565

96

12: i1311]

...

. . .

. . .

IV. CHIH-LI, 1887 ... 23 T ien-tsin24 Hwuy-luh25 Shon-teh F u ...

18881887 T 1

32

. . .2

-2

. . . . . . . . .

188» 2 2 2 2 2 4 8 I 9 . . .

V. SHAN-TUNG, 1879 26 Che-foo ...................27 Fuh-shan...................28 Ning-hai...................

187918851886

21i

18i3

i1

III

12 2

24

"8

12

5

36

13

81

12

534

14

1

i

2E # 2E.1Ii f

I7B.6B.

15B.

VI. HO-NAN, 1875 ... 29 Chau-kia-k'eo30 Sha-k'i-tien

18841886

1 3i

86

ii

II

268

268

177

267

. 2 )

... -

VII. Sl-CH’UEN, 1877 31 CH’EN-TU32 T a n -lin ..............33 K ia-ting34 SUI-FU ..............35 Ch’ung-k ’ing ...36 Pao-ning37 Pa-chau ...38 Wan-hien

18811888r888

21 n

1 2 2 2 7 26 19 45 15 53 22 {

15B.15G.

tR88 I *3 1 i i i187718861887 1887

22I

69<2

2 I" 1 i

? 10 9 3

?953

1914

12134.

23134

]1i

I ioG.

i

VIII. HU-PEH, 1874 - 39 WU-CH’ANG ...40 Fan-ch'eng41 Lao-ho-k’eo42 Sha-shi..............43 Shiih-sheo

187418781887 18841888

i3 ... ... I i 6

*54

517

1132 I

4435 T

...

i 532

2I I i i I 2 II

IX. GAN-HWUY, 1869 44 Cheng-yang-kwan45 L ai-gan ..............46 GAN-K’ING ...47 Ning-kwoh48 Hwuy-chau

18871887186918741875

3 24 2

12152

32

1042

I

i

3

1I

.... . .

i

•3}

i

3114

263

i

5717

4171

433

/Î9\ \ 5/

25

222

52(;1i

. . . I ( 7B.I3G.

X. K1ANG-SU, 1854 49 Shang-hai50 Chin-kiang51 Y ang-chao

i 8S418881868 i ! i

. . . . . .

45

- . . . . . .

23G.52 Kao-yiu..............53 Ts’ing-kiang-p’u... ... Former work

18881869 i

ii

. . .

I 2 I 4 4 2 8y 33 y»

98

2 1

* Two Boys’ and Girls’ English Boarding and Day-schools, Scholars about 60. One Native Day-school oi 17 Boys.

STA TISTIC S- (continued.) 89

PROVINCES. ^Arranged in three lines from West to East lor easy reference to Map. The dates in this column in many cases are o f itinerations begun.)

ST A T IO N S.

CCapitals o f Pro­vinces in capitals,

o f Prefectures in sm all capitals, and

o f Counties in romans: Market

towns in italics.)

Stations and Missionaries.

Î);OÎ U

*•3 »SS.S .

a i f f.2 3 “ -2

£ 0 «

XI. YUN-NAN, 1877... 54 Bhamo (Burmah)..55 Ta-li F u56 Y u n - n a n Fu ...57 C h a u - t ’u n g

X II . KWEI-CHAU, 1 8 7 7 58 K w e i - y a n g ¡59 G a n - s h u n

XIII. HU-NAN, 1875

XIV. KIANG-SI, 1869...<60 K i u - k i a n g |61 Ta-ku-t'ang ¡62 N a n - k ’a n g ¡63 Kwei-k’i ... ¡64 Ho-k'eo 165 Yiih-shan...

1S75188118821887

1877

X V . CHEH-KIANG, 1857 . . . H A N G - C H A U . . . 1866 I ¡66 Sh a o -h in g ... 1866j ¡67 Sin-ch’ang ... 18691 i . . . N ing-po . . . ,...1857

¡68 F u n g -h w a ... 1866|6g N i n g - h a i ...1868

j ¡70 T ’a i -ch a u ... 1867¡71 W u n -ch au ... 1867172 Bing-yae .„ ... 187473 C h ’u -c h au ... 187574 Yung-k’ang ... 188275 K in -h w a ... 187576 K iu -c h a u .. 187277 C h ’an g-sh a n ...1187878 Peh-shih-kiai ...J1879

M issionaries a b se n t, lo ca tio n u n determ in ed

U n d esign ate d M issio n a ry S tu d en ts

Total .........................

18891873

18781877

II,

1!

i I

.JlL’,

i j.Ji!..Ji i !i;...!I:....

- 7 7

t2

103

Native Helpers.

O <

IS

1243

68 12 7 1 332

2 4

i 6

i 41 4

4. . 1

Communicants in Fellowship.

fJLÙS <u o

BaptisedPersons.

..I I

• 4

3 2

12

1: I

4112

I

12

J 4

i

f i 67 18 29 119 144

14 Ii; 252 2! 4

6512.S

1!IS16

26

4 i|

428

1765

106

85, 20S

Schools.

Boarding

35

471 60 107

129 62! 191

181 98: 279

Mi 4 189i 22

28 19! 47

597 S67 >464 472(3587

24

278

327

2ÓJ

38c

"ii53

r , 129

Sg-

10B.

6G

Day.

10G

24G

7G

13B

80 13

6 B .

145

W e now refer to the provinces in the order o f the statistical table, to facilitate reference.

S b ttor%m ^robhuts.I.—KAN-SUH.

Population o f Province, 3 millions ; Area, 86,608 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . G. F. E a s t o n .

Stations, 5 ; Missionaries, 20; Native Helpers, 2 ; Baptised in 188S, 9 Converts ; Communicants, 34.

I T will be seen from the Table of Statistics that a new station has been opened during the year in the city of

Liang-chau. Mr. Laughton visited that city, and after a short stay rented a house on September 29th. He then returned to Si-ning for Mrs. Laughton, and removed to Liang-chau for permanent work.

In the capital, Lan-chau, from sickness and other causes, several changes have taken place, and the work has been considerably interrupted. Miss A. Taylor had a severe illness early in the year, from which she partially recovered, but needed to leave the country for fuller restoration. Mr. Parker’s long journey to Kulja occu­pied him most of the year, and in the autumn Mr. and Mrs. Hogg left for Wu-ch’ang. Mr. and Mrs. Graham Brown and Miss May Graham Brown have joined Miss Muir, and we trust the blessing of GOD may rest on their labours in this distant station.

3l9 l

261

In Si-ning Mr. Laughton had the joy of baptising the first convert in the spring ; he was not one of the five of whose conversion they were hopeful, and to whom refer­ence was made in last year’s report. These inquirers either went back or were afraid to confess C h r i s t . The temptations to idolatry at the new year were too strong for some of them, and one at least of those whom Mr. Laughton quite hopes is a Christian is kept back by the fear of man. The work of this station is now carried on by Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Polhill-Turner, and the Misses Ellis have joined them. Very interesting

V ISIT S TO T H E T H IB E T A N FA IR S

have been reported by Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Polhill- Turner, who brought a Thibetan woman back with them from one of these visits, in the hope of learning some­thing of her language while imparting to her some

9° CHINAS MILLIONS.

knowledge of Christian truth. There is no Bible-woman at this station, but Mrs. Polhill-Turner’s Christian ser­vant woman has been a great help ; she did her best to lead on the Thibetan woman, but without success. The latter proved herself to be quite a Buddhist devotee, was well satisfied with her own religion, and did not desire to listen to the Gospel.

In Ning-hsia M r. Belcher has joined Mr, Horobin, Mr. M cKee and Mr. and Mrs. Burnett having removed to North S h a n -s i . Before Mr. Burnett left he was very much encouraged by the appearance of the work ; a number seemed really interested, though none have been baptised. Some account of the opium-refuge work was given in the number of C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s for Sep­tember last. W e learn that a few of the persons who have been through the refuge have fallen back into the habit, but hope that in some cases permanent good has resulted.

In Tfin-chau Mr. and Mrs. Hunt had the joy on their return of baptising eight converts— six women and two

men. Their former place of meeting having become too small, a pretty little chapel has been built and opened, and the attendance ever since has been very good. A s before mentioned, the village station San-yang-chwang has been given up, but our sisters do not cease to itine­rate in the villages near i t ; they are well received, and are doing a work for which we are very thankful. In the city, likewise, amongst the women, there are excellent openings.

W e would ask continued prayer for this important pro­vince ; its population is small, but its proximity to Mon­golia on the north and to Turkestan and Thibet on the west makes it a very important mission district. As the gate to “ the regions beyond,” we may be quite sure that the great enemy of souls will do all he can to harass our beloved workers. Oh that the Church of the living G o d realised its responsibility to pray for these pioneers in Christian enterprise that their “ bow may abide in strength ” and the arms of their hands “ be made ” and kept “ strong by the mighty G o d of Jacob ! ”

II .—S H E N -S I.Population of Province, 7 millions; Area, 67,400 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in te n d e n t— R e v . G. F . E a s to n .

Stations, 4; Missionaries, 17 ; Native Helpers, 2 ; Baptised in 1888, 13 Converts-, Communicants, 102.

In Han-chuttg F u there has been much trial. Thirteen persons, however, have been baptised. There is much need for prayer for an outpouring of the S p i r i t of G o d .

In Cheng-ku Mr. and Mrs. Pearsehave continued their work with a good deal of encouragement. A ll vestiges of idolatry have been removed from the houses of five or six families, and in August Mr. Pearse wrote of eight persons accepted as candidates, and large and attentive congregations were daily attending the preaching. None were baptised last year, for the work is quite new; but though not’within the scope of the present report, we may add that thirteen have been baptised since the beginning of 1889.

There has been no further attempt to open up work in the capital, Si-gan F u , during 1888, but in the Si-gan Plain, one of our associates, Mr. Folke, of the Swedish Mission, rented a house in Wei-nan W en, a city about half-way between the capital of the province and the border of S h a n -s i . And on the last day of the year Mr.

Botham also succeeded in renting a house in Fung-tsiang Fu, a city about half-way between the capital and T s’in-chau, in K a n -s u h . The latter was a very distinct answer to expectant prayer that during 1888 an opening might be given them in the Plain. A t sunset on the 31st of December their hopes were not realised; but the land­lord of a house about which they had been for some time in treaty, came home soon after dark, and at once agreed to let them have i t : the deeds were drawn up and signed before the old year terminated. Possession was actually taken at breakfast-time on New Year’s Day.

W e long to see many more openings in this important province, but from lack of workers have been unable to seek for them. And while we wait, year by year the aged are passing away beyond the reach of the Gospel, and the children are growing up in Christless homes, with no hand stretched forth to help them. Oh that G o d would send many more workers into this great harvest-field !

I I I .- S H A N - S I .

Population o f Province, 9 millions ; Area, 55,268 square miles.M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t— R e v . B. B a g n a l l .

Stations, 13 ; Missionaries, 41; Native Helpers (many unpaid), 29; Baptised in 1888, 116 Converts; Communicants, 655.

I.— The North.(Including the district north o f the Great Wall, and that within

the two walls.)

The work in Kwei-hwa-ch'eng has been strengthened, Dr. Stewart having removed from the capital to commence medical work here. Mr. Archibald Ewing has also gone to the same station.

In Ta-tung, for the district between the two walls, Mr. Stewart M cKee, from Ning-hsia, has been joined by Mr. C. S. I ’Anson, but Mr. T. H. King had to leave.

Mr. and Mrs. Burnett have opened a new station at Pao-teo— a point of importance in which we have long desired to see work commenced.

There have been no baptisms in this part of the work, which, like several others, has been a good deal interfered with by sickness. W e shall be grateful for the prayers of our friends that the seed sown may speedily be blessed with abundant increase.

II .— The Capital ( Tai-yuen Fu).

In this district, also, the work has been greatly inter­rupted by sickness, six of our workers having had typhus fever early in the year. Great kindness was shown at this time of need by the members of the Baptist Mission, and by Dr. Osborn, of the A B .C .F .M . A ll the invalids recovered except Mr. Terry, but it was a considerable time before some of them were fit for work again. For a few months Mr. and Mrs. Pigott were able to a ss is t; but in the autumn they left for their own district in Western CHIH-LI, where new work has been begun, to which we shall further refer. W e have been disappointed in our hope of obtaining a medical missionary to take up the work of the Schofield Memorial Hospital for a time, to relieve Dr. Edwards for his furlough ; and it may have to be closed for a short season, as the furlough cannot be indefinitely postponed. There have been no baptisms in T ’ai-yuen this year.

C H IN AS MILLIONS. 9 i

I I I .— West o f the River Fen.

In this district Mr. K ey reports thirty-one baptisms during the year.

A new chapel has been built in Hiao-i, where the work of our sisters Misses Whitchurch and Seed has been most encouraging, seventy-two families having given up their idols during the year.

In Ta-ning Misses Scott and Miles have also done good work, and have, says Mr. Bagnall, “ entirely won the affections of the Christians around them.” They are also surely winningtheir way to the hearts of the heathen people. Miss Kerr has spent much time in the village Ko-ch'eng. Her last reports from this village were very encouraging.

Mr. and Mrs. Key at Sih-chau have been joined by Mr. Lutley, one of the Hundred. The district is large and important, and other brethren have had to give temporary help at some of the stations. W e are hoping to see the work spread across the Yellow River into S h e n -s i , and shall be thankful for prayer that this hope may be speedily realised.

Mr. Bagnall mentions 1 that Misses Scott and Miles have been much helped by “ Elder Chang Chih-pen. He is a well-tried and faithful old brother ” ; and that Misses Whitchurch and Seed have had some valuable help from Pastor Chu, of whom he says, “ Dear Pastor Chu is as earnest and guileless as ever. W hat a dear man he is ! ”

IV .— East o f the River Fen.

PHng-yao, a new station, has been opened by Mr. Orr Ewing, who has been joined by Mr. Peat, another of the Hundred. Including this city, Mr. Orr Ewing superin­tends work in five Hien or county cities, in which opium refuges have been opened, and evangelistic efforts are regularly carried on. In three of these cities there are converts, and five persons have been recently baptised.

In Hoh-chau, where our sisters Misses Reuter and Jakob- sen were working, there has also been much encourage­ment, and anumber of converts have been baptised, who are included in the returns from Hung-t’ung. Since Miss Reuter’s marriage to Mr. Stanley Smith, Miss Forth has been designated to join Miss Jakobsen in Hoh-chau. Our sisters spent considerable time in the adjoining city of Fen-si, where also their labours were attended with blessing. Mr. Bagnall’s last report from these districts, however, is not quite as favourable as his earlier ones.

In Hung-t'ung Mr. Hoste and Mr. Hsi have been working together in great harmony, which is all the more cause for thankfulness as there have been very serious troubles in the Church, caused principally by two of the elders, who are undoubtedly Christian men, but who have acted in a very lawless and unwarrantable manner.

In several districts there has been trial through

native helpers engaged in opium-refuge work, showing that either Mr. Hsi had been deceived as to the character of the men, or that they had been put in positions in which Satan’s wiles proved too much for them. Do our friends pray sufficiently for our native helpers? A l l Satan’s resources are enlisted against them ; how little of the Church’s spiritual resources are used for their pro­tection and help ! O f Pastor Hsi himself we have many pleasing testimonies, though he is by no means faultless, and needs our many prayers. O f him Mr. Bagnall writes : “ This good pastor is as earnest as ever, and is far more humble and mellow than formerly. He and his in­estimable wife have spent some time at Hung-t’ung, which is certainly a privilege for that station.” Mr. Hoste, Mr. Stanley Smith, and Mr. Orr Ewing also speak very highly of his service and growth in grace. W e look for still more progress here. Sixty-five persons have been baptised in this district during the year, inclusive, as men­tioned above, of those baptised in Hoh-chau.

Still further south, in the P'ing-yang district, the work has been largely at a stand-still for want of reinforcements. Mr. and Mrs. Bagnall have spent some time there, and had the pleasure of baptising fifteen. Mr. Russell and Mr. Folke have also spent some time in the district, but both have been absent on mission journeys or engaged in work elsewhere a good part of their time. There are not only promising out-stations connected with this work, but in three of the cites we have mission premises which are waiting for missionaries as soon we can send them. W e would ask prayer for this beautiful and promising region that the L o r d of the harvest may speedily thrust forth more workers.

In Lu-gan F u , our last opened station in this district, the work was hindered by Mr. Stanley Smith’s illness from fever. When able to occupy this city he was joined by Mr. and Mrs. Studd and Miss Burroughes, and after working with them for a time, left for the coast for his marriage to Miss Reuter. An extract from a letter from Mr.C . T. Studd, given in the December number of C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s , mentioned the excitement through which they had passed, and gives a translation of a favourable proclamation by the magistrate of the city was given in the same number. Since then the work has been carried on without external molestation. But there has been a good deal of trial in connection with some of the native helpers, which we hope will result in ultimate good. A second house has been taken, into which Mr. Studd has moved, leaving the first for Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Smith. Street preaching has been steadily kept up, and Miss Burroughes reports that many women come to them and show greater confidence than formerly. W e hope that Mrs. Studd’s little baby girl will prove as attractive a link here as little ones have done in so many other stations.

IV.—GHIH-LI.Population o f Province, 20 millions ; Area, 58,949 square miles.

M is sio n a r y S u p e r in te n d e n t— T . W . P i g o t t , B .A . Stations, 3 ; Missionaries, 7 ; Native Helpers, 6.

W e note this year three stations in this province. One of them, Tien-tsin, is principally for business purposes, for we have now to communicate through this port with fifty of our missionary workers. Through G o d ’s goodness very suitable premises have been procured on favourable terms, and considerable future expense has in this way been avoided.

Mr. and Mrs. Pigott have opened a station in the pre- fectural city Shun-tek, and have treated and visited several hundred patients there. The Gospel has been regularly preached, both by the native helpers and by Mr. and Mrs. Pigott. A second house has been taken for an opium refuge, and two good native helpers were to carry on that

department of work, which Mr. Pigott expected would prove self-supporting. There are several hopeful inquirers.

Two buildings have been rented in Hwuy-luh Hien, and an out-station, Shan-ying, distant some fourteen miles from Hwuy-luh, has been opened. The work done by Mr. and Mrs. Pigott in Hwuy-luh in October and November included treating many sick people. Mr. H. Broomhallwas absent from Hwuy-luh on business several times, which probably delayed the work in this station. He took possession of one of the houses, in some uncer­tainty as to being able to remain. Mr. Hoddle was living in Shan-ying, which is a useful village centre, equidistant (fourteen miles) from four Hien or county cities.

92 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

Another of Mr. Pigott’s outstations is in a village, I-cheng-chen, in the north of H o -n a n , in the Wu-gan Hien, where there is an opium refuge opened by Pastor H si. This refuge has been visited both by Mr. Pigott and by Mr. H . Broomhall; an encouraging work is going on in connection with i t ; about thirty persons were attend­ing worship when Mr. Broomhall was last there.

In Chang-teh Fu, in H o -n a n , Mr. Pigott has another outstation. A t present the work is confined to an opium

refuge, Mr. Pigott hopes will soon be self-supporting.There have been as yet no baptisms in this district, as

the work is very recent, and there was considerable hos­tility to overcome, especially in Hwuy-luh. This has been much lessened by the success of Mrs. Pigott’s medical work. Mr. Koh, an influential gentleman, on whom she operated for cataract, now professes to believe, with his wife, and has presented a memorial tablet; and other instances of benefit have been helpful.

V.-SHAN-TUNG-.Population o f Province, 19 millions; Area, 65,10 4 square miles.

M i s s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — A . W . D o u t h w a it e , M.D.Stations, 3 ; Missionaries, 2 2 ; Native Helpers, 5 ; Baptised in 1888, 21 converts; Communicants, 49.

A t Fuh-shan Mrs. Cheney is at present residing alone. H er time has been chiefly occupied with study ; she has now made such progress in the language that she hopes to be more out among the people. One convert was bap­tised in the month of June.

In Ning-hai, Mr. Judd reports extreme poverty among the people. The opposition is considerably lessened, and during the year twelve persons have been baptised.

In Chefoo eight persons have been baptised. Dr. Douthwaite has felt much the need of assistance, but hospital, dispensary, and evangelistic work have been carried on as fully as time and strength have allowed.

Dr. Cameron left Chefoo in March for Chung-k’ing, leaving Dr. Douthwaite single-handed. And not only so, during two of the summer months the medical man who attends the foreign community being ill, his work also fell on Dr. Douthwaite. Still, 5,539 cases were treated at the native dispensary, and 96 in-patients in the hospital. O f these, 59 were natives of S h a n -t u n g , and 14 of H o -NAN. The remainder were natives of ten different provinces, and few, if any, left without an intelligent know­ledge of the plan of salvation. Several gave hopeful indi­cations of real change. A soldier from H u -N A N died of cancer, rejoicing in C h r i s t his S a v i o u r . Seventy-six European patients were attended this year, most of them English or American missionaries or pupils in our schools. T he cost of the medical work for the year was 904.66 dols. ( ¿ 143).

Dr. Douthwaite has also accomplished his desire of erecting a fever hospital in memory of his beloved wife, who lost her life through visiting the poor in Chefoo and neighbouring villages, during an epidemic of fever. The cost of the building and site was about £ 200, which was sent him in unsolicited contributions in answer to prayer. The premises are ready for the reception of patients, and

Dr. Douthwaite looks to Him who answered prayer for funds for its erection, to supply the means for its support.

Dr. and Mrs. Randle have recently gone to Chefoo. Their residence is about five miles from Dr. Douthwaite, and they will reach a distinct circle. But we trust they will also be helpful to Dr. Douthwaite, both in evangelistic and medical work.

Mr. and Mrs. Stooke have continued in charge of the sanitarium, and their unwearied devotion has been much appreciated by our sick friends. The work in the schools has been most satisfactory, but the removal o f Mr. Norris, as reported in C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s , was a great loss to the boys’ school. W e would ask prayer for Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, who have succeeded Mr. Norris, and also that additional teachers may be given us for each school. They are urgently needed, and the work could be considerably enlarged if we had more teaching strength. The spiritual condition of both the boys’ and the girls’ school has been very encouraging; children have been converted in each— indeed, every boarder in the girls’ school has confessed her faith in CHRIST.

Our readers will be aware that the whole province of S h a n -t u n g has suffered from droughts, which have been all but universal. Alarming floods have also devastated some districts, causing extreme distress, to which atten­tion has been called, especially by Dr. Nevius and the missionaries whose work lay near to the sufferers. As these districts are remote from our own work, none of our missionaries have been personally engaged in relief. Though not within the year 1888, we may mention here that early in 1889 we were able, through Dr. Nevius and the Baptist missionaries, to send considerable help to the sufferers out of remittances sent us for famine relief from London. In like manner we were able to send funds to the missionaries engaged in relief in M a n c h u r i a .

VI.—HO-NAN.Population o f Provmce, 15 millions ; A?-ea, 65,104 square miles.

D e p u t y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . J. J. C o u l t h a r d .

Stations, 2; Missionaries, 14; Native Helpers, 2; Baptised in 1888, 24 Converts ; Communicants, 33.

The work of the mission has been continued in the stations Chau-kia-k'eo and She-k'i-tien, but no additional cities have been opened during the year. The distress caused by the floods has demanded to a large extent the time and labour of our staff. Many journeys have been taken, and the money which was not needed last year, on account of the Government help, has been distributed with great advantage this year in a large number of villages. W hile much attention has been devoted to this relief work, we are glad to report good progress in the Gospel.

A t She-k'i-tien seven persons have been baptised, and a church has been organised. A t Hsiang-ch'en, an out­station of Chau-kia-ke'o, seven persons have been baptised, and at Chau-kia-k’eo ten others have been received into

fellowship, thus adding altogether twenty-four members to the nine who were baptised last year.

In January, 1889, a telegram from the capital, K ’ai- fung Fu, reported the stoppage of the breach in the Yellow River. W e have taken advantage of the more favourable feeling in the province, and reinforced the work considerably. Messrs. Shearer and Lund joined the oilier workers in the autumn, and since then Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Taylor, Miss Guinness, Miss Waldie, Miss Crewdson, and Miss Chilton have gone forward. W e hope those of our workers who have been engaged in relief will soon be set free to open up work in new centres, for which funds have already been provided by the liberality o f our kind friends.

CH IN AS M ILLIONS. 93

t Jm tr Cm tral "jgraiimas.V II.-SI-CH ’ UEN.

Population o f Province, 20 millions ; Area, 166,800 square miles.M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t— R e v . J. W . S t e v e n s o n .

Stations, 8 ; Missionaries, 33; Native Helpers, 11; Baptised in 1888, 45 Converts ; Communicants, 85.

Turning westward to the large province of Si-CH'UEN, we have joy in again announcing considerable advance. In our last report we mentioned that Mr. Phelps was designated for Wan-hien. He has succeeded in renting mission premises there, which are now quietly occupied. Mr. McMullan was also prospered in opening up the im­portant city of Sui-fu (Su-chau Fu), where Mr. W ell wood is working with him. Our brethren Ririe and Vale were assisted by Mr. Gray Owen to rent and occupy premises in Kia-ting F u . T o these stations we may add Tan-lin Hien, in which a very suitable house has been rented, and station work commenced. W e will now review the work in each station.

In Chen-tu, the capital, medical aid has been continued by Dr. Parry and D r. Pruen, who work in different parts of the city. Evangelistic work in the city and suburbs has not been neglected, and several journeys into the country have also been taken. Our sisters labouring in the capital have also been encouraged. In this city and in Tan-lin Hien— which was formerly worked as an out- station— fifteen converts have been baptised during the year. O f the fifteen converts baptised, eleven were men. One is a member of an official family, one an elderly man retired from business. Three are native doctors, two are farmers, two are gatekeepers, one is a carpenter, and one a blacksmith. Besides these, there are about a dozen recognised candidates. The meetings for worship on Sabbath mornings are well attended ; the evening evange­listic meetings are sustained by the native Christians, who have shown both much gift and zeal. Four male members take part in these and other meetings, and two of the female members work with acceptance and success among the women. The membership at the end of the year was twenty-six men and nineteen women, in all forty-five.

Dr. Parry has spent four months of the year from home, and M r. Owen between February and April visited between twenty and thirty large and small towns and five walled cities. Similar work has been done at intervals since. Dr. Pruen sent an account of 677 patients who attended his dispensary, several of whom subsequently asked for baptism. Among other interest­ing cases he mentions that one day, when preaching in the streets, the group of bystanders began to be rude. Unexpectedly a man whom he had cured of dropsy appeared on the scene, and spoke in the doctor’s favour. The feelings of the people were quite changed, and they listened with interest to the good news of pardon through the blood of the L a m b of G o d .

In Chung-King Dr. and Mrs. Cameron have been greatly encouraged both in the medical and evangelistic departments. Twelve converts have been baptised, and large numbers have heard the Gospel from our brothers,

while our sisters have had equally good openings among the women.

In Pao-ning F u Mr. Cassels and Mr. Beauchamp have been “ in labours more abundant,” while our sisters have had ample openings, not merely in the city itself, but also in the villages. Large numbers have heard the Gospel, and are obtaining a more or less intelligent acquaintance with the truth. Including the five who were baptised in the beginning of the year, and whose reception was mentioned in our last report, thirteen in all have been baptised by Mr. Cassels. The degree of success has been such as to give rise to a little opposition, and prayer is needed that the friendly feeling which has hitherto existed may not be interfered with. There have been also, as is usual in early work, not a few things to try the faith and patience of the workers, who will be grateful for prayer for wisdom and spiritual power, that the foundations may be so laid that the sub­sequent work may be in all respects satisfactory.

A t Pa-chau Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Polhill-Turner and Mr. W ebley Hope Gill have had excellent congregations, and on the occasion of Mr. Cassels’ visit in November four persons were baptised, one of whom, however, subsequently proved a source of sorrow, and had to be removed from the list of members.

In Wan-hien Mr. Phelps has been alone most of the time, and is eagerly looking forward to the prospect of reinforcements. He reports several persons as interested in the Gospel, and we trust some of them may prove to be sincere inquirers.

In Kia-ting F u our brothers Ririe and Vale are energetically carrying on evangelistic work, both in the city and the country. It is a cause for great thankfulness to see members of the Hundred already opening up new work, and carrying it on with vigour and efficiency.

In Sui-fu , Mr. and Mrs. McMullan and Mr. Well- wood have had large numbers of visitors. When they last wrote the novelty was somewhat wearing off, and the visitors were fewer. They were able to take occa­sional journeys into the country, and some of these visits have afforded great pro.nise of future encourage­ment. A girl from Mrs. N icoll’s school in Chung­kin g has been baptised, and is proving a great help in the work.

In the whole province the year has been one of de­cided encouragement and progress; the new stations occupied are most important, and the forty-five persons baptised give great hope of further blessing, as we trust each one will become a centre of light. When we turn, however, from the number of saved to the area and popu­lation of the province it will be seen how much need there is for prayer that G o d will pour out His S p i r i t and do much greater things for S i-c h 'u e n .

VIII.—HU-PEH.Population of Province, 2Cj m illhns ; A rea, 70,450 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . F. W . B a l l e r .

St At ions, 5 ; Missionaries, IJ ; Native Helpers, 4 ; Baptised in 1888, I Convert; Communicants,

W e regret to have little of encouragement to report from the stations in this province. Wu-ch’ang is merely a business station; the whole strength of our brethren there is required for the heavy duties that devolve upon

them, and they will not long be able to continue them without assistance. One hundred and eighteen of our. missionaries residing north and west of this station receive all their correspondence and supplies through

94 CHINAS MILLIONS.

Wu-ch’ang, while Mr. Broumton carries on the whole of the monetary distribution of the Mission.

W e were anticipating much blessing from the return of Mr. Dorward to Sha-sht; through his energy a new station, Shih-sheo, has been opened, but he was called home before the initial difficulties of opening it were overcome.

Mr. and Mrs. Gulston have suffered severely in health, and it is doubtful whether they will be able to remain long in Sha-sh'i, which is a difficult and trying station.

A t Fan-cKeng Mr. and Mrs. Hutton and our sisters have been prosecuting their work, but there has been only one baptism, and they are depressed by

the want of spiritual life in the thirty professed Chris tians.

A t Lao-ho-Keo Mr. and Mrs. King and the Misses Black have large opportunities of proclaiming the Gospel, but none as yet have been baptised.

W e would ask special p rayer that G o d would be pleased to encourage our H u -p e h workers. I f in the pow er o f the H o l y G h o s t the apathy o f the people could be overcom e, and those who have already taken upon them the nam e o f C h r i s t could be m ade real liv in g w it­nesses for H im , the w idespread know ledge of the truth m ight soon be m ade largely fruitful.

IX -G A N -H W D Y .Population o f Province, 9 millions ; Area, 48,461 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in te n d e n t— R e v . W . C ooper.

Stations, 5; Missionaries, 21; Native Helpers, J ; Baptised in 1888, 49 Converts; Communicants, 217.

In this province, as last year, owing to the absence of Mr. Cooper and the training of new missionaries, much less evangelistic work has been accomplished than we could desire. W here, however, work has been done results have been encouraging, and forty-nine converts have been baptised during the year.

T he newly opened station in the north, Cheng-yang- kwan, has been peacefully occupied. The brethren living there, being two of the Hundred, are of course still largely engaged in study. Mr. Reid has been encouraged by indications of interest, especially in the villages.

In the Lai-gan district Mr. Darroch and Mr. Begg have gone for residence. Mr. Miller visited this district in June, and baptised nineteen converts. In his own work at Ning-kwoh Fu and its out-stations there has been much to cheer, and twenty-five persons have been baptised.

In the Capital itself Mr. W ood has had the joy of baptising five converts ; this was the more cheering as

his own strength has been so fully claimed for the train­ing of new missionaries. W e cannot speak too highly oi the services Mr. and Mrs. W ood have rendered to the Mission ; all the male members of the Hundred received help from him, and those who have gone out subsequently are not less indebted to his efforts. Mrs. W ood’s kind thoughtfulness has continued the home feeling which was established by Mrs. Bailer before her return to England, and which has made Gan-k’ing a home, and not an insti­tution merely, to the brethren staying there.

In Hwiiy-chau F u the work has been seriously inter­rupted by sickness. Mr. Duncan Kay was so ill that, accompanied by his wife and Miss Robertson, he had to leave the station and seek medical aid in Shanghai, and within a few days of his return a relapse took place which compelled him again to leave. Before Misses Robertson and Jones left they were greatly encouraged in work among women, and we greatly regret the interruption of this work.

X.-KIANG--SU.Population o f Province, 20 millions ; Area, 44,500 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . J. M c C a r t h y .

Stations, 5 ; Missionaries, 22 ; Native Helpers, 4; Baptised in 1888, 33 Converts', Communicants, 87.

Shanghai, like W u-ch’ang, is purely a business station ; but our missionaries when staying in the port have frequent opportunities of speaking a word for the M a s t e r , which they are not slow to embrace. Miss Campbell spent some months of the year in Shanghai, and during that time had encouragement among the policemen and sailors.

The growth of the work of the Mission has made larger premises an imperative necessity, and we are thankful to the L o r d for supplying the means for erecting such premises on the site previously secured. W e trust that before the current year is terminated these premises will be finished and occupied ; and we are proposing, if the M a s t e r tarry, to hold a large Conference of our own missionaries the week before the General Missionary Conference in May, 1890.

From the increased number of our sisters studying in Yang-chau it has been necessary to rent premises in Chin- kiang, the nearest port to facilitate coming and going. A serious riot took place in this port, in which the British Consulate and a number of foreign houses were burnt down. That in which our sisters resided received no injury.

O11 the Grand Canal, between Yang-chau and T s ’ing- kiang-p’u, at the city of Kao-yiu, a house was rented by Miss M aggie Mackee, and taken possession of by her and Miss Robina Crewdson, T he L o r d greatly en­

couraged them, and gave Miss Mackee to see the first- fruits of her labours in the conversion of one of the women interested. Just in the midst of so much that was promising, our sister Miss M ackee was taken home by an attack of small-pox. A devoted young worker of much promise was our sister ; she was greatly beloved, and her loss has been much felt. But He who called her to Him­self is worthy— would we begrudge Him the precious fruits of His own passion?

Still farther north, in Tsing-kiang-p'ti and An-tung, there is much to encourage ; but for lack of help several candidates there might have been baptised and received into Church fellowship. Our sisters have been “ in labours more abundant,” but neither native nor foreign pastor has been at liberty to baptise the converts.

In the city of Yang-chau work has been vigorously car­ried on throughout the whole y e a r ; and many of our sisters who have been there for the acquisition of the lan­guage have rendered no small amount of help by their sympathy and prayers before they could speak, as well as in effort as they became capable. In the city and the out-stations thirty-three persons have been baptised, and the number in Church fellowship at the end of the year was eighty-seven. There are twenty-three girls in Miss C. Murray’s school. There was a terrible epidemic of small­pox in the city, and it broke out in the school about the end of the y e a r ; but through the untiring care of our

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 95

sisters, and especially of Miss Jenny W ebb, all recovered. Miss W ebb herself, however, was prostrated by illness which nearly cost her life. A more interesting instance of answered prayer has rarely occurred than in this case. Dr. Cox gave no hope of recovery, and the friends were awaiting her death at any hour ; but the patients for whom Miss W ebb had laboured in the opium refuge— some of whom had been brought to C h r i s t through her efforts— were greatly distressed. They said, “ The doctor can do no more, but the LORD is almighty and is the Answerer of prayer,” and they went away to pray ; they prayed till nearly midnight, and came over the next morning, ex­pecting a favourable report. She was alive, but little

better ; they, however, continued to pray, and the LORD raised up our sister, to their great delight and encourage­ment, but not at all to their surprise. Though this inci­dent did not occur in the year 1888, we may well record it here, as it was in such close connection with the work o f the year.

O f the opium refuge we have no report, but the bene­fits conferred have been both spiritual and physical, as the above incident well shows. Only eternity will reveal the issues of the faith and patience of the beloved sisters who have carried on this work among those who otherwise were indeed hopeless and helpless. Here the prey has verily been snatched from the mighty.

®jje llffrf |)rflbw«s.XI.—YCJN-NAN.

Population o f Province, 5 millions; Area, 107,969 square miles.M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . J. W . S t e v e n s o n .

Stations, 4; Missionaries, 16; Native Helpers, 1 ; Baptised during 1888, 7 Converts; Communicants, 16.

Commencing a third line of provinces from the west, and connecting therewith as heretofore our border station Bhamo, in Upper Burmah, we are thankful to have some encouragement to mention. Mr. Steven, o f Bhamo, has still been unrelieved, but during the year the number of the native Church has been doubled, H e reports large and attentive audiences, the capacity of his preaching- room being fully availed of. W e are exceedingly thankful that his health has been sustained, but hope during the present year to relieve him for his return to China.

In Ta-li F u we regret to have no additions to report. T he work there has been carried on by Mr. Foucar and Mr. John Smith with perseverance, but they have little beyond the promises of G od to encourage them.

In Yun-nan Fu, the capital, there has been decided blessing. In the city Mr. Vanstone, of the Bible Chris­tian Mission, has baptised three men, and in the country

Mr. Owen Stevenson had the joy of baptising one con­vert, a farmer. Efforts have been set on foot to open an additional station to the eastward, of which we hope to have something to say in our next report.

Chao-tung F u.— Our friends of the Bible Christian Mission have been working with encouragement in this station. Mr. and Mrs. Thom e are both able workers, and they are assisted by Mr. Dymond, with Mr. Pollard (now in Yun-nan Fu). The two latter brethren, who came out among the hundred, have made splendid pro­gress in the language, and are already invaluable helpers. The time has come when reinforcements for their work are urgently to be desired ; and if the Bible Christians can send some more workers of the same stamp as their pioneers we shall be greatly delighted, and China will be the gainer.

XII.—KW EI-OH AU.Populatmi o f Province, 4 millions ; Area, 64,554 square miles.M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . J. W . S t e v e n s o n .

Stations, 2 ; Missionaries, 8; Native Helpers, 4; Baptised in 1888, 4 Converts; Communicants, 29.

At last we are able to report two stations in this pro­vince. The city of Gan-shun F u has been opened up — not, however, without a little difficulty. As is so fre­quently the case, excitement arose ; and in accordance with the advice of the authorities, Mr. W indsor and his companion, Mr. Adam, retired for a short time. Mr. Windsor soon returned, and reoccupied the premises, and there has since been peace in the station.

In Kwei-yang F u Mr. and Mrs. Andrew have suffered in health, but have carried on the work with some degree of encouragement, four new converts having been bap­tised during the year, and a spirit of attentive hearing having been manifested by many. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew shortly take their furlough, and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Clarke left Shanghai in April, 1889, to take up the work.

XIII.—HU-NAN.Population o f Province, 16 millions; Area, 74,320 square miles. L a t e M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — A . C. D o r w a r d .

Stations, none ; Workers, those at Sha-shi and Shih-sheo.

The sad removal o f our brother Mr. Dorward takes away from H u -n a n one of the truest hearts that ever beat in sympathy with that people. H e and Mr. James had made a few journeys into the province, and while Mr. Dorward was there on his last journey he was seized with the disease which ultimately proved fatal. W here shall we find men of like spirit and ability to take his place ? Mr. Dorward was looking forward to the time when he might again visit K w a n g -s i, and do something for the north of that province. W e have funds in hand

contributed for work in KWANG-SI, but still lack the workers to use them. It is somewhat remarkable that, inclusive of our brother Dorward, three who have been designated for K w a n g -si have been removed by death. W e would ask earnest prayer that He who has opened up so many of the long-closed doors of China will likewise open up both H u -n a n and K w a n g -si to the Gospel. They are now the only provinces in which there are no resident workers.

96 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

X IV .-K IA N G -S I.Population o f Province, 15 millions; Area, 72,176 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . J. M c C a r t h y .

Stations, 6; Missionaries, 15; Native Helpers, 6; Baptised in 1888,40 Converts ; Communicants, 117.

There has been much to encourage us in the work in K i a n g -s i . During the year 1888 forty persons have been received into the Church by baptism, and there are unbaptised converts at several stations who might well have been received had there been missionaries to visit the stations and baptise them.

In the last-opened station, Nan-k'ang Fu, Miss Tap- scott, Miss Mitchell, and Miss Ord have been peacefully residing, and the first two converts have been baptised. A t Ta-ku-t'ang, our sanitarium station, on the Po-yang Lake, three others have been received. On the Kwang- sin River, six have been baptised at Kwei-Ki, sixteen at Ho-k'eo, and thirteen at Yüh-shan H ien , making a total, as we have mentioned above, of forty. But this does not at all represent the amount of work done, or the encouragement which the L o r d has given. Misses Mac­intosh and Marchbank, in Yüh-shan, have done most en­couraging work in forty or fifty villages round about the

city, as well as in the city itself. W ith their two Bible- women they visit these villages, staying in the homes of the natives as they are invited, and find an eagerness to listen to the Gospel, which is most encouraging.

A t Ho-k'eo Misses Gibson and Rogers have had much encouragement. There, too, the Gospel is spreading into the surrounding country, and loudly calling for additional workers, who we trust will soon be there. A house was taken in Gan-ren H ien , but for want of strength its occu­pancy has been deferred. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Taylor have left Kw ei-k'i for She-k’i-tien in H o -n a n .

Most of the sisters of the American band have proceeded to K i a n g -s i , and will (D .V .) during the present year be located in these stations; and we hope that the brethren of the same band will commence itinerations in the south of the province, which is totally unoccupied for C h r i s t , with a view to entering into such openings as in due time the L o r d may give them.

X V .-C H E H -K IA N G .Population o f Province, 12 millions; Area, 39 ,150 square miles.

M is s io n a r y S u p e r in t e n d e n t — R e v . J. M e a d o w s .

Stations, 13 ; Missionaries, 2 4 ; Native Helpers, 6 1 ; Baptised in 1888, no Converts ; Communicants, 978.

W e have a rather more cheering report to give of the work in this province than last year. One hundred and ten converts have been baptised this year, while addi­tions last year numbered sixty-nine. W e would still, however, reiterate the request for earnest prayer that the work of the S p i r i t may be more manifest.

A t Hang-chau, the capital, we have only native workers. It is, therefore, not included in the above enumeration of stations ; those only are so called in which there are resident foreign missionaries. In the city and out- stations of this district fourteen have been baptised, as against eight last year.

In Shao-hing and the out-stations eighteen have been received, chiefly from the out-stations. In the Fu?ig-hwa district, under Mr. Williamson’s superintendence, three have been received; and in the T ’ai-chau district Mr. Rudland reports nineteen converts. A new chapel has been built in T ’ai-chau city, giving much more accommo­

dation, but it is already proving none too large. In Kin- hwa Mr. Langman reports six baptisms, and Mr- W right in Yung-k’ang six. In Kiu-chati, Cftang-shan, and Peh-shih-kiai together Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and our sisters have been encouraged by thirteen baptisms. T he largest accessions have been thirty-one, exactly the number of last year, in the Wun-chau district. The death of Mr. Sayers has left Ch'u-chau without a foreign worker. A s there are ten counties in this one prefecture, the desirability o f reinforcements is not less apparent here than in many of the districts already mentioned.

During this year Miss Britton has left the Wun-chau dis­trict for Brazil, and the continued illness of Mr. Stott pre­vented his return to the field. Our readers will be aware that our brother has, since the termination of the year, been called higher, and we ask their prayers that his be­reaved wife may be sustained and comforted in her affliction.

Reviewing the whole work of the year, it will be seen we have much occasion to praise G od. Includ­ing those received this year, 3,587 persons have from the commencement been baptised on profession of their faith in C h r is t J e s u s . The reports of so many of our stations fail to return the native con­tributions that we are unable to tabulate them. The following returns have been received :—

From C h e h -k ia n g „ Yüh-shan, K i a n g -si „ K w e i-c h a u „ K i a n g -s u . .„ G a n -h w u y „ Fan-ch’eng, H u -p e h „ S ï -c h ’ü e n

Dois.474-01

16.00 66.4525.0072.00

6.3614.50

From H o -n a n „ S h a n -t u n g

,, CHÏH-LI

„ S h a n -si „ H an-chung, S h e n -si

Dois.18.008.602.00

29.369.00

$741.28

From C h e h - k ia n g there is no return from Hang-chau, which usually raises over 100 dols. From some stations the reports only cover one or two quarters of the year, and as we have mentioned above, from many there are no returns sent in.

Though we have rejoiced in the augmented numbers of our missionaries, and particularly in the reception of the first band from our new American auxiliary, the reinforcements have been so much smaller than our requirements that the need of more workers is painfully felt. When will the L o r d ’s people in more adequate numbers listen to His command and to the wail of perishing millions ?

CHINAS MILLIONS. 97

taticrn® an b M i s s i o n a r i e s rf % C h i n a J fn lan ö M i s s i o nJAN U AR Y ist, 1889.

( The 68 Out-Stations o f the Mission are not given in this table. The names o f Associates are printed in Italics.)

1. Lan-chau, 1885.G e o r g e P a r k e r ............................1876Mrs. P a r k e r ..................................G e o . G r a h a m B r o w n M rs. G. G. B r o w n {née Fenton)Miss G. M u ir .......................Miss M . G r a h a m B r o w n

2. Si-ning, 1885.C e c il H. P o l h il l -T u r n e r .. 1885

I.— '|)robme of Jtan-sttfj. 1876.Population* o f Province, 3 Millions ; Area, f 86,608 square miles.

Mrs. C. P o l h i l l - T u r n e r (n eeMarston)......................................1884

Miss F l o r e n c e E l l is . . .. 1887Miss C l a r a E l l i s ............................ 1887

3. Liang-chau, 1888. W il l ia m F y f e L a u g h t o n .. 1884Mrs. L a u g h t o n (nee Brown) .. 1885

4. Ning-hsia, 1S85- C h a r l e s H o r o b in .. .. 1884

Native Helpers, 2.

W . T . B e l c h e r ..

5. Tfin-chau , 1878.

H e n r y W . H u n t ..Mrs. H u n t (née Smalley) .. Miss B a r c l a y Miss K in a h a n Miss S u t h e r l a n d Miss S m a lle y

1888

s 1; 886 887

II.— |) rain tra rrf Sjrcrt-si. 1876,Population* o f Province, 7 Millions ; Area, + 67,400 square miles.

6. Han-chung, 1879.

G. F . E a s t o n

Mrs. E a s t o n (née Gardner)W . W il s o n , m .b ., c .m . .. Mrs.W il so n {née Goodman) E d w a r d H u g h e s d o n A . H . H u n t l e y ..

881882

Miss J o h n so n ........................... 1887Miss F r y e r ...................................... 1887Miss H o l m e ......................................1887Miss S t e d m a n (designated) .. 1888

7. Cheng-ku, 1887.E d w a r d P e a r s e ........................... 1876Mrs. P e a r s e (née Goodman) .. 1875

Native Helpers, 2.

8. Si-gan P la in , 1888.T . E . S. B o t h a m ......................F . A . R e d f e r n ......................A . B l a n d .................................

9. Wei-nan Hien, 1888.E r ik F o lk e .. ..O. S. N æ stiga ard .......................

188518871887

18871888

III.— Iprobinri ßf Sfran-si. 1876.10. Kivei-hwa-cKeng, 1886.

G e o r g e W . C l a r k e (absent) .. 1875Mrs. C l a r k e (née Lancaster) (aisent) 1880W . T . B e y n o n Mrs. B e y n o n (née E . Taylor) J. C. S t e w a r t , m .d . (u .s .a .) A r c h ib a l d E w in g

188;188Ê18861887

11. Pao-t’eo, 1888.W . E . B u r n e t t .......................Mrs. B u r n e t t (née Jones)

12. Ta-fung, 1886.T. H. K i n g ..................................S t e w a r t M c K e e .......................C. S. I ’a n s o n .......................

13. Tai-yuen , 1877.B . B a g n a l l ..................................Mrs. B a g n a l l (née Kingsbury)..E . H. E d w a r d s , m .b ., c .m .Mrs. E d w a r d s (née Kemp)

Native Helpers, many unpaid,

Population* o f Province, 9 Millions ; Area,f 55,268 square ?niles.17. P'ing-yao, 1888.

A r c h ib a l d O r r E w in g W . G. P e a t ..................................

18. Hoh-chau, 1886,Miss Ta k o b se n .......................Miss L . M. F o r t h .......................

19. Hung-t'ung, 1886.D . E . H o s t e ..................................

20. PHng-yang, 1879. W il l ia m R u ss e l l

21. K ’üh-wu, 1885. Visited pro tem. by Mr. Russell,

22. Lu-ngan, 1887. S t a n l e y P . S m it h , b .a .Mrs. S t a n l e y S m it h (née Reuter)C. T. Studd, b .a ............................Mrs. Studd (née Stewart)Miss B u r r o u g h e s .......................

Bible Women, 3 Chapel Keepers.

18831881

1887

1873188018821882

D . M. R obertson A l e x . R . Sa u n d e r s Mrs. E l l is t o n (née Groom) Miss A . G. B r o o m h a ll .. Miss E d it h B r o o m h a ll .. Miss J. St e v e n s Mrs. T e r r y (née S. Wilson)

.. 1885

.. 1887

.. 1882

.. 1884

.. 1888

.. 1885

.. I88b

14. Hiao-i, 1887.

Miss S e e d .......................Miss W h it c h u r c h

.. 1883

.. 1884

15. Sih-chau, 1885.

W m . K e y .......................Mrs. K e y (née Symon)Miss K e r r .......................A . L u t l e y .......................

.. 1884

.. 1884

.. 1887

16. Ta-ning, 1885.

Miss M . E . S c o t t .. Miss A l ic e A . M il e s

.. 1887

.. 1887

18861888

18861887

1885

1887

29, viz., 3 Pastors, 21 Assistant Preachers, 2

IV.— Drobma 0! 1887.Population* o f Province, 20 millions; Area,f 58,949 square miles.

25. Shun-teh Fu, 1888.24. Hwuy-luh, 1887.A . H u d so n B r o o m h a ll ..A . H o d d l e ................................

T . W . P ig o t t , b .a ..............Mrs. P ig o t t (née Kemp)..

18791882

23. Tien-tsin, 1888.

E d . T o m a l in .......................1879 ..Mrs. T o m a l in (nee Desgraz) .. 1866 A . H o d d l e ..................................... 1887Miss Me W a t t e r s .......................1887

Native Helpers, 6, viz., 2 Preachers, 4 other helpers.

* The estimates of population are those given in the last edition of “ China’s Spiritual Need and Claims.” t For comparison, the following particulars are given :—

Population o f England, 2 4 ,613,926 ; Scotland, 3 ,7 3 5 ,573 ; Wales, 1,360,513 ; Ireland, 5 ,174,8 3 6 .A rea „ 5 0 ,8 2 3 sq. m is .; „ 2 9 ,8 2 0 sq. m is .; „ 7 ,3 6 3 sq. mis. „ 32.531 sq. mis.

98 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

Y.—Drfltàm ïrf S^an-teng. 1879.Population* o f Province, 19 millions ; Area,f 65,104 square miles.

26. Chefoo, 1879.A .W . D o u t h w a it e , m .d . (u .s .a .) 1874Mrs. S c h o f i e l d ................. 1880Miss M i l l e r .............................1887

T ’ung-shin, 1889.H. A . R a n d l e , m .d . (u .s.a .) .. 1876Mrs. R a n d l e (née Boyd) .. .. 1878M ì s s O l d i n g ............................1889

1887Boys’ School.

A l e x . A r m s t r o n g , f . e . i . s .

Mrs. A r m s t r o n g ........................... 1887F r a n k M c Ca r t h y .. .. 1887E . M u r r a y ..................................... 1888Miss M a l i n ......................................1887

Girls’ School.Miss H ib b er d ........................... 1886Miss K n ig h t .. .. .. 1887Miss L. K . E l l i s ........................... 1887Miss S a n d e r s o n ........................... 1888Miss S p a r k ......................................1888

Sanitarium.J. A . S t o o k e

Mrs. St o o k e ........................

27. Fuh-shan, 1885. Mrs. C h e n e y

28. Ning-hai, 1886.C . H . J u d d .......................Mrs. J u d d .......................Miss G roves .......................

18871887

1884

186818681887

Native Helpers, 5, viz., 2 Preachers, 3 School Teachers.

VI.— ^ x a h ' m a a t ¡po-nan. 1875.Population* o f Province, 15 millions ; Area,f 65,104 square miles.

29. Chau-kia-k'eo, 1884.J. J. C o u l t h a r d ........................... 1879Mrs. C o u l t h a r d M. H. Taylor) 1884W . S. J o h n s t o n ........................... 1887D . J. M i l l s .......................................1887W . E. S h e a r e r ........................... 1888

F . E . L u n d ..Miss A . C r e w d s o n . Miss C h il t o n

188818881888

30. She-kH-tien, 1886.H . H . T a y l o r ............................ 1881

Native Helpers, 2 Assistant Preachers.

Mrs. H. H. T a y l o r (née Gray) J. A . S lim m o n A r c h . G r a c ie Miss W a ld ie Miss G u in n e s s

YII.— Drobiir« 1877,Population* o f Province, 20 millions ; Area, + l66,8oo square miles.

31. Chen-tu, 1881. H e r b e r t P a r r y , l .r .c .p ., m .r .c . Mrs. P a r r y (nee Broman)W m . P r u e n , l .r .c .p .....................Mrs. P r u e n (nee Hughes)R . G r a y O w e n .......................Mrs. G r a y O w e n («¿¿Butland).. Mrs. R i l e y (nee Stroud)Miss F o s b e r y .......................

188018761885188318821884

1884

18871887

34. Sui-fu (Su-chau), 18? J. M c M u l l a n

Mrs. M c M u lla n (née Davis) , R . W e llw o o d .....................

35. Chung-Jfing, 1877.T. C a m e r o n , m .d . (u .s.a .)Mrs. C a m e r o n ((Sirs. Rendali) ,Miss W eb b e r .....................Miss R a m s a y

Miss A . K . H o ok

A . H . F a e r s ................................

188418861887

187518831887188718871887

32. Tan-lin Hien, 1888.Miss E l iz a b e t h W eb b ..

33. K ia-ting , 1888.B. R ir ie ..........................................Jos. V a l f . ..................................... 1887 W . W . C a s s e l s , b .a ........................ 1885

Native Helpers, 11; viz., 3 Assistant Preachers, 3 School Teachers, 2 Colporteurs and Chapel Keepers, 3 Bible Women.

36. Pao-ning, 1886.

W . W . C a s s e l s , b .a .

Mrs. C a s s e ls (née Legg) M o n t a g u B e a u c h a m p , b .a . .. Rev. E. O. W il l ia m s , m .a . (desi­

gnated) .................................Mrs. W illia m s (designated)Miss E. CULVERWELLMiss H a n b u r y .......................Miss B a s t o n e .......................Miss F . M . W il l ia m s

37. Pa-chau, 1887.A . T . P o l h il l -T u r n e r , b.a. .. Mrs. P o l h il l -T u r n e r (née Drake) W . H o pe G il l .......................

38. Wan-hien, 1888. A l b e r t P h e l p s .......................

18861885

1887188718871887

188518841885

YIII.— Urotóna of ¡fu-p-clr. 1874.Population o f Province, 20§ millions ; Area, 70,450 square miles.

39. Wu-cJiang; 1874.

J. F. B r o u m t o n ....................1875Mrs. B r o u m t o n .................... 1879M a u r ic e J. W a l k e r .. .. 1885

40. Fan-cJCeng,, 1878.T h o m a s H u t t o n ....................1884Mrs. H u t t o n (nee Le Bran) .. 1885Miss Ga t e s ...............................1887

Miss MÓQu i l l a n ........................... 1887

41. Lao-ho-k’eo, 1887.G e o r g e K in g ......................

Mrs. K i n g (née H . Black)

Miss Ja n e B l a c k ......................

Miss E m il y B l a c k ......................

Miss M a r y B l a c k ......................

Native Helpers, 4.

875

42. Sha-shl, 1884 (fo r Hu-nan).

F. W . K . G u l s t o n .. .. 1885

Mrs. G u l s t o n (née Evans) .. 1882Miss E. W il s o n (absent) .. .. 1876

43. Shih-sheo, 1888.

T. Ja m e s ...................................... 1885

D . L a w s o n .......................................1887

* The estimates of population are those given in the last edition of “ China’s Spiritual Need and Claims.” f For comparison, the following particulars are given

Population o f England, 2 4 ,613 ,926 ; Scotland, 3 ,7 3 5 ,5 7 3 ; Wales, 1,3 6 0 ,5 1 3 ; Ireland, 5 , 174,8 3 6 .

A rea 5 0 ,8 2 3 sq. m is .; „ 2 9 ,8 2 0 sq. mis. „ 7 ,3 6 3 sq. mis. „ 32,531 sq, mis.

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 99

I¡K-— n§ x a b h x a of (Üan-Ijírair. i869 .Population* o f Province, 9 millions; Area,f 48,461 square miles.

44. Cheng-yang-kwan, 1887.

Jo h n R e i d .......................Jo h n B r o c k .......................I. F. D r y s d a l e ..

188418871887

45 Lcii-gan, 1887.

J. D a r r o c h ...................................... 1887T . D . B e g g .......................................1888

46. Gan-k'ing, 1869.W il l ia m C o o p e r .................. 1881Mrs. C o o p e r ............................. 1889F . W. B a l l e r [absent) .. .. 1873Mrs. B a l l e r (nee Bowyer) (absent) 1866F . M a r c u s W o o d ...................1883Mrs. W o o d (nee Williams) .. 1883Jam es S i m p s o n ...................1888Mrs. S im pso n ............................1888A . H. B r id g e ............................1888

G. A . Cox, l .r .c .p . ¿v s . .. 1887

47. Ning-kwoJt, iS 74.G e o r g e M i l l e r ............................1884T. R . D o u g l a s ............................1885H. N. M a c G r eg o r

T h o s . E y r e s

48. Hwuy-chau, 1875.D u n c a n K a y .....................Mrs. K a y (née Mathewson)

Native Helpers, 7 ; viz., 1 Pastor, 5 Assistant Preachers, I School Teacher.

18871888

18841884

¡K-—|r á r o a of fàanij-sit. 1854.Population* o f Province, 20 millions ; Area,f 44,500 square miles.

49. Shanghai, 1854.

J. H u d so n T a y l o r .. .. 1854J. W . S t e v e n s o n .................. i8bbJ. E . C a r d w e l l ..................1868Mrs. C a r d w e l l .................. 1868H e n r y D i c k ............................ 1883W . J. L e w is ........................... 1885Mrs. L e w is (nee Kings) .. .. 1886Miss W i l l i a m s o n .................. 1887Miss P a l m e r ........................... 1887

50. Chin-kiang, 1889.Miss K e n t f i e l d ................... 1887Miss C. L . W illia m s .. .. 1888

51. Yang-chati-, 1868.Jo h n M c C a r t h y ....................1867Mrs. M c C a r t h y ....................1867Miss C. K . M u r r a y .. .. 1884Miss M . M u r r a y .................... 1884Miss C. P . C l a r k ....................1886

Miss J e n n ie W e b b ............................1885Miss F e r r i m a n ............................1887

52. Kao-yiu, 1889.Miss M a r y R ee d M iss R . C r ew d so n

18881888

53. Ts'ing-kiang-fi'u, 1869.Miss M c F a r l a n e ............................1884Miss Granit .. ,, .. 1888

Native Helpers, 4; viz., I Pastor, 2 School Teachers, I Chapel Keeper.

54. Bhamô ( Upper Burmah), 1875.F . A . S t e v e n ............................1883

55. Ta-li Fu, 1 881.F . T . F o u c a r ............................1885J o h n S m i t h ...................................... 1885

56. Yun-tiafi Fu, 1882.O w e n St e v e n s o n ............................1883

£1.— Ijrobhvrt of gim-nan. 1877.Population* o f Province, 5 millions; Area,f 107,969 square miles.

T. G. Vanstone ........................... 1885

Mrs. Vanstone (née Stewartson) .. 1887

S. P o l l a r d ..................................... 1887

J. D . C u r n o w ............................1887

E d . T o m i c i n s o n ............................1887Mrs. T o m k i n s o n ............................1887

Miss E l a n d ...................................... 1887

Native Helper— One School Teacher.

Miss C u t t ..................................... 1887Miss H a in g e ...........................1887

57. Chan-tung Fit, 1887.

S. T. Thorne , ................................... 1885Mrs. Thorne (née Malpas) .. 1883F . D y m o n d ..................................... 1887

¡XII.—protón« of Jítoíi-tíjatr, i877.Population* o f Province, 4 millions; Area,f 64,554 square miles.

58. Kwei-yang, 1877. B . C u r t is W a t e r s S. R . CLARKE (Designated)

’ 1 Faus!Mrs. C l a r k e (née Fausset) (do.) Miss Fausset (d o .) .......................

G e o r g e A n d r e w ............................1881Mrs. A n d r e w (nee Findlay) .. 1882

Native Helpers, 4; viz., 2 Assistant Preachers, 2 School Teachers.

1887187818781885

59. Gau-shuu Fu, 1888.

T h o m as W in d s o r ............................1884Ja m e s A d a m ............................1887

7QII.—Urobwti ° § x x - m \ x . 1875.Population* o f Province, 16 millions; Area,f 74,320 square miles.

This province is worked from Sha-sh’i and Shih-sheo, H u -PEH, which see.

* The estimates of population are those given in the last edition of “ China’s Spiritual Need and Claims.” t For comparison, the following particulars are given:—

Population o f England, 24,613,926 ; Scotland, 3 ,735,573 ; Wales, 1,360,513 ; Ireland, 5,174,836.Area 50 ,823 sq. m is .; „ 29 ,820 sq. m is .; „ 7,363 sq. mis. „ 32,531 sq. mis.

IOO CHINAS MILLIONS.

X IV.— protón« ^ Jtiang-st. 1869.Population* o f Province, 15 millions ; Area,f "¡2,126 square miles.

60. Kiu-kiang, 1889.A . E a s o n (designated) .. .. 1881Mrs. E a s o n (nee Southall) (desig­

nated) ................................. 1881

61. Ta-ku-fangi 1873.J . T . R e i d .......................................1887Mrs. R e i d .......................................1887Miss R o b e r t s o n ............................1886

62. Nan-k'ang Fu, 1887.Miss T a p s c o t t ............................ 1886Miss M it c h e l l ............................ 1887Miss O r d .......................................1887

63. Kvuei-k’i, 1878.Miss A n n ie S a y ............................1886Miss A r t h u r ............................1887Miss H a r r ie t P a r k e r . . . . 1887

64. Ho-k'eo, 1878.Miss G ib s o n ........................................1884Miss R o g e r s ...................................... 1887

65. Yüh-shan, 1877.Miss M a c k i n t o s h ............................1884Miss M a r c h b a n k ............................ 1887

Native Helpers, 6; viz., I Pastor, 2 Assistant Preachers, 1 Chapel Keeper, 2 Bible Women.

*Y.— robin« of Cfrdfj-kmng. 1857.

Hang-chau, 1866.(Pastor Wông Lœ-djün.)( „ Nying Ts-ky’ing.)

66. Shao-hing, 1866.Ta m e s M e a d o w s ......................Mrs. M e a d o w s (née Rose)Miss C a r p e n t e r .......................

67. Sin-ch'ang, 1870.T. A . H e a l ................................Mrs. H e a l (née M . Carpenter) .,

Ning-po, 1857. y. Williamson, Superintended from

Fung-hvua.

68. Fung-hwa, 1866.J. W il l ia m s o n ............................1866Mrs. W i l l i a m s o n ............................1875

Population* o f Province, 12 millions; Area, + 39,150 square miles.

74. Yung-k'ang, 1882. A . W r i g h t ................................

186218661883

18851883

69. Ning-hai, 1868. M . H a r r is o n

70. T ’ai-chau, 1867.W . D. R u d l a n d ......................Mrs. R u d l a n d (née Knight) .

71. Wun-chau, 1867. G e o . S t o t t (absent)Mrs. S t o t t (née Ciggie) (absent)Miss H . A . Tu d d .......................Miss S. E . J o n e s ......................

72. Bing-yae, 1874.R . G r ie r s o n ......................Mrs. G r ie r s o n (née Oliver)

73. Ch'u-chau, 1875.To be supplied.

1885

1866

1875

1866187018871886

1885188É

1886

75. Kin-hwa, 1875.A . L a n g m a n ............................1884Mrs. L a n g m a n (née M. Williams) 1887

76. Kiu-chau, 1872.D a v id T h o m p s o n ............................1881Mrs. T h om pson (née Dowman) .. 1883Miss F. B o y d ............................1878

77. Ch'ang-shan, 1878.Miss B y r o n ...................................... 1884

78. Peh-shïh-kiai, 1879.Miss L it t l e r ............................1886

Native Helpers, 61—viz., 5 Pastors, 28 Assistant Preachers, 4 School Teachers, 12 Colporteurs and Chapel Keepers, 12 Bible Women.

issiottariis m m tlg ambttr in Cfjina— (Bnpgfir in jJhttrjr.Miss B a k e r .Miss E. M. L u c a s .Miss G. I r v in .Miss S. C. P a r k e r .Miss C. F it z s im m o n s . Miss T. M u n r o .Miss J. D. G a r d in b r . Miss H a t t i e T u r n e r . Miss R . M cK e n z ie .Miss T h o m a s .Miss J. B a n g e r t .Miss M . J . U n d e r w o o d . Miss E. B r a d f ie l d .Miss S. V o a k .Miss M. S t e w a r t .

Miss B . H a r d in g .Miss H. M cK e n z ie .Miss E . A . Gr a b h a m .Miss P r is c il l a A . B a r c l a y . Miss F l o r e n c e B a r c l a y . Miss N. M a r t in .Miss J. B u c h a n .Miss R . E . O a k e s h o t t .Miss F . H. CULVERWELL. Miss S. M. B l a c k .Miss M a r i e G u e x .

Ìas. L a w so n .. H. R a c e y .

G e o . D u f f .

W il l ia m S o u t e r . W il l ia m H o r n e . J n o . M e ik l e .T. C. St e e n .M . M cN a i r .A . D u f f y .C. A . E w b a n k .J. N . H a y w a r d .C . W . L a m b e r t . E d w a r d H u n t .H . N . L a c h l a n , m .a . T . S e l k ir k .E . J. C o o p e r .T h o s. M a c o u n .

issioirams f i Pome— fix a tio n Sniritem im ir.Mrs. J. H u d so n T a y l o r . Mrs. T. W . S t e v e n s o n . Miss T u r n e r .G e o . N ic o l l .

Mrs. N ic o l l . C. G. M o o r e . Mrs. M o o r e . Miss H o r n e .

F r a n k T r e n c h . M issC. T o d d .Miss A . R . T a y l o r . Miss F . E . C a m p b e l l .

* The estimate of population is that given in the last edition of “ China’s Spiritual Need and Claims.” t For comparison, the following particulars are given:—

Population o f England, 24,613,926 ; Scotland, 3,735,573; Wales, 1,860,513; Ireland, 5,174,836.Area „ 50,823, sq. mis.; „ 29 ,820 sq. m is .; „ 7,363 sq. m is .; „ 32,531 sq. mis.

A B S T R A C T O F C A S H A C C O U N T F R O M J A N U A R Y ist to D E C E M B E R 31 st, 1888.

B a l a n c e , General Account...................„ Outfits and Passages Account„ Medical Stores and Goods

for C h in a ............................„ Property Account ...........

£ s. d.

60 7 4

7 9 0387 16 10

R e c e ip t s acknowledged in “ C h i n a ’s M il l io n s ,” as per total in Feb­ruary Number, 1889:—

General Account,— Donations 20,457 3 7 Special Accounts,— Donations

and Receipts for Sales of Goods ... 11,556 10 8

Receipts fromPublications 910 17 1

-------------- 12,467 7 9

£ s. d 52 17 9

455 K

£ d.

508 10 11

R e c e ip t s , as per “ A b s t r a c t o f C h in a A c c o u n t s ”

Donations in America and China 2,672 15 9 Exchange and Interest Account 413 12 2

-32,924 11 4

3,086 7 1 136,010 19 3

¿36,519 10 2

R e m it t a n c e s t o C h in a (including SpecialDonations, .¡£5,948 4s. gd.) ......................

Ditto, H o n an R e l ie f F o n d (covered by Special Donations) ...

Credits included in “ A b st r a c t o f C h in a

A c c o u n t s ” .......................... ...............Payments to M issio n a r ies a t H o m e (includ­

ing Special Donations, ¿£427 9s. od.)

Board, Lodging, Travelling, and Personal Ex­penses of C a n d id a t e s during Training and Probation (including Special Donations,¿ 1 1 13s. 2d.)... - ...............

O u t f it s and P assag e M o n e y to China (in­cluding Special Donations, ¿2,160 14s.)...

Rents, Rates, Taxes, Gas, Coal, Water, Mort­gage Interest, Repairs, etc. ...

Secretaries and Clerks (including Sp. Don. £yS) “ C h in a ’s M il l io n s ” sent to Donors, and

Postage of same ._ ..............Printing, Binding, Woodcuts, etc. “ C h in a ’s

M il lio n s ,” “ D ays o f B le ss in g ,” “ E v a n ­g e l is a t io n of t h e W o r l d ,” “ C h in a ’s S p ir it u a l N ee d a n d C l a im s ,” and smaller publications (largely recouped by Sales, £910 17s. id., Stock in Hand, etc.)

P h o to g r aph s and M issio n a r y Bo xes (in­cluding Sales, ¿59 12s. nd.) ..............

St a t io n e r y and G oods for Office use, and for Sale to Missionaries (including Sales,¿190 17s. od.) .....................................

M e d ic a l Sto r es and G oods for China, etc.(including Special Donations, £227 2s. 6d.)

Po stag es and T eleg r a m s (including Tele­grams ex Honan Relief account,^ i8s.4d.)

P e t t y C a sh ..................................................Expenses of M e e t in g s—Travelling, Printing,

etc. (including Special Donations, £9 13s.) F r e ig h t on Goods to China, Carriage of Par­

cels, etc. (including Receipts, £70 5s. 6d.)B a n k e r s ’ C h ar ges .„ ..........................A n n u it ie s in consideration of Donations to

the M is s io n ................................................

Ba l a n c e , Special Accounts :—,, Property Account,, China, Special Item

„ General Account ...

£ s. d.

20,049 4 2

888 16 9

3,086 7 11

2,278 17 o

£ s. d.

... 1,895 o - 15 o

8 5 3

47 o 0

26,303 5 10

1,045 4 11

2,741 8 3

263 19 2 933 13 8

300 o 0

1,488 2 4

62 I o

401 15 10

247 13 o

120 6 8 18 o 6

320 12 9

229 11 9

55 5 3

1,910 o 7 78 8 8

- 1.988 9 3

¿36,519 *0 2

We have examined the above Account, with the Books and Vouchers, and the Bank Pass Book, and find it correct.I, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C.— 27th May, 1889. (Signed) ARTH UR J. HILL, VELLACOTT & CO., Chartered Accountants.

102 A B S T R A C T O F C H IN A A C C O U N T S.Disposition o f Funds Remitted from England and Donations received in China and America during 1888.

Balances:—General and Special.........................Old Relief Fund ..........................Ho-nan Relief Fund..........................

General and Special Accounts:— Remittances from England—

¿20,938 os. I id. pro­duced at Current Rates of Exchange Tls. 97,708 46

Less Ho-nan Relief Fund (¿888 16s. 9d. at Current Rates) 4,15627

’•‘Donations in China Tls. 5,426 70 fDonations in America 5.264 46

Tls.714245

1,453

cts. Tls. cts. 818785

— 2,414 53

£Transferred from Exchange Interest Account ...

and

Unexpended Funds returned toAccount .....................................

Sales of Drugs, Books, etc., etc. ... Outfit and Passage Returned

Old Relief Fund '.—^Interest on Investments and at

Current A ccount..........................Investments withdrawn ..............

Ho-nan Relief Account:— Remittances from England, as above JTransferred from Exchange and

Interest Account..........................

93,552 19

10,691 16

1,470 61

1,534 72257 98254 00

77 821,100 00

4,156 27

xo6 00

103,713 96

2,046 70

1,177 82

4,262 27

Tls. 115,615 28

f For list of Donations in America, see next page.

General and Special Accounts:—Payments to Missionaries—

For Personal u s e ............................ 58,103 68For the Support of Native Helpers,

Rents, Repairs of Houses and Chapels, Travelling Expenses, and Sundry Outlays on account of Stations and Out-stations ofthe Mission ............................24,037 04

For Expenses of Boarding and Day Schools ... Tls. 1,467 94Less Payments from

Relief Fund ._ 689 70---------- 778 24

For Houses Accounts .................19,57* 42For Passages to England.............. 357 00

Do. and Outfits from America 3,3x6 57Medical Missionary Work, in­

cluding Hospital, Dispen­sary, and Opium Refuge Expenses ... Tls. 1,733 08

Less Payments fromRelief Fund ... 527

Tls. cts. Tls. cts.

1,206

689527

Old Relief Fund:—Support of Children, etc., in Orphan­

ages and Schools, as aboveMedical Relief ..........................

Ho-nan Relief Fund:—§ Remittances to Ho-nan and Expenses

Balances :—General and Special......................... 1,105 44Old Relief Fund .................. 206 99

08— 107,370

1,2165,7i 6

7012

1,312 43

1888. Rect. No. Jan. 2 A 345 .

16 346347 .348 .

20 349 .27 350 •14 351 •22 35229 353 •

353« •353 * •354 •355 •356 •357 .358 •359360361 .

Feb. 2

Mar. 7

14

Tls. cts. .. 200 00• • I 45- 44 89.. 72 30.. 18 75.. 75 00.. 90 00.. 60 00.. 17 77.. 150 00.. 25 00•• 8 59.. 12 40

2 92 •• 146 33•• 73 17.. 22 50

2 I

•* LIST OF DONATIONS IN CHINA.

Tls. 115,615 28

§ A Special Report of this work will be given later.

2550

Carrd. ford. Tls. 1,024 82

Profits by ExchangeIn terest..............Rents ..............

1888. :Rect. No. Tls. cts. 1888. Rect. No. Tls. cts.Brot. ford. 1,0 2 4 82 Brot. ford. 2 ,3 3 3 3 9

Mar. 2 6 A 362 ... 6 7 50 June 2 0 A 3 7 6 ... 12 1 80

30 363 ••• 18 7 5 26 3 7 7 ■ 25 77April 3 363 a... 42 00 July 10 3 7 7 a . . . , 150 00

364 30 00 Aug. 7 378 2 00

11 36 5 . .. 8 7 50 8 3 7 9 1 2 00

13 36 6 ... 30 00 3 7 9 « - ■ 3 i 7 536 7 .. . 25 4 7 380 ... 22 2 3

1 7 3 6 7 « - . 262 7 5 38 1 ... 31 5020 368 ... 250 00 1 1 38 2 ... 4 9 5

May 3 369 ... 2 5 7 7 3 3 8 3 - I 6 530 37 0 . . . 50 15 IS 38 4 ••• 24 25

3 7 1 1 1 25 3 8 5 - 24 75June I 3 7 2 . . . 28 00 25 386 ... O O 75

3 7 3 . . . 2 00 2S 3 8 7 15 46

16 3 7 4 28 9 7 388 ... 2 3 7 501 1 375 « ... 67 50 Sept. 24 389 ... 1,404 8720 3 7 5 * - 3 4 00 28 390 . . . 45 00

3 7 5 c . . . 15 00 391 - 5 10

Carrd. ford. Tls. 2,333 3 9 Carrd. ford. Tls. 4 ,4 9 4 7 2

1888. Rect. No. Tls. cts. Brot. ford. 4,494 73

Oct. 6 A 392 ... 25 7 7216 393 ... 75 0025 394 ... 17 25

395 ... I 38Nov.' 9 396 ... 15 00

12 397 ••• 7 9615 397« - . 154 08

398 ... 7 SO23 399 ... 67 50

Dec. 18 400 ... 43 20401 ... 33 50

24 402 ... 10 0027 403 ... 131 2531 404 ... 2 34

405 ... 108 29

Tls. 5.426 70

<3 > 5s- = ¿ 1,356 13s. 6d.

t EXCHANGE AND IN TEREST ACCOUNT.Tls. cts.

- 715 98... 702 64... 322 50

Tls. 1,741 12

Loss by Exchange Interest on D e p o s its ..............

Transfer to Gen. and Sp. Ac., as above ,, Old Relief Account ,,,, Ho-nan ,, ,,

II Tls. 1,654.43 @ 5s. = £413 I2s. 2d.

Tls. cts.o 44

86 25

1,47077

106

618200

Tls. Cts.

86 69

IU,654 43 Tls. 1,741 12

We have examined the above Abstract with the Returns from China, and find it correct.We have traced the Amounts charged in the “ Home Accounts ” as remitted to China, and find that they are all duly

accounted for. (Signed) ARTHUR J. H ILL, VELLACO TT & CO.,1, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C., Z'jth .My', 1889. Chartered Accountants.

CHINAS MILLIONS. 103

LIST OF DONATIONS IN AMERICA.

1888.* Rect. No. G.8 cts. 1888. Rect. No. G.S cts. 1888. Rect. No. G.S cts. 1888. Rect. No. G.S cts.July 20. B 10 25 00 Brot. ford. 423 25 Brot. ford. 1.595 65 Brot, fore 3 >39i 97

i l 5 00 Aug. 13. B37 ... 00 50 Sept. 12. B63 12 72 Sept. 24. B89 5 0024. 12 50 00 38 ... 250 00 64 .. 9 00 90 150 00

Aug. I. 13 •• 40 00 39 - 25 00 65 5 00 91 4 0013- 14 .. 15 00 18. 40 ... 5 00 13- 66 10 03 25. 92 25 CO

17. !5 - 4 00 20. 41 ... 50 00 67 .. 10 OO 93 100 00Sept. 19. 16 25 00 42 ... 5 00 68 .. 5 00 9 t 10 00

28. 17 21 50 43 ••• 2 00 15. 69 .. 3 60 95 i OOJuly 24. 18 00 25 44 ... 9 25 70 .. 20 00 26. 96 4 00

25- 19 .. 10 00 21. 45 ••• i 00 17- 71 .. 100 00 28. 97 10 0020 I 00 46 ... 10 00 18. 72 .. 250 00 3°- 98 l i 55

Si. 21 i 00 Sept. 26. 47 ... 50 00 73 - 5 •00 99 14 0022 5 00 Aug. 21. 48 ... 100 00 20. 74 •• 10 00 100 5 0023 .. i 00 23- 49 - 50 00 75 •• 25 00 July 25. 101 10 00

Aug. I. 24 .. 2 00 50 ... i 00 21. 76 .. 5 00 102 i CO

25 •• 10 CO 26. 51 . . . 15 00 77 •• 5 00 Aug. 30. 103 5 0026 5 00 27. 52 . . . 100 00 24. 78 .. 100 00 Sept. 28. 104 5 00

3- 27 .. 2 00 53 ... 2 65 I9 " 25 00 105 22 2510. 28 .. 5 00 28. 54 - 250 00 80 5 00 106 132 00

29 .. 100 00 55 5 00 81 .. 480 00 107 1.417 0013- 30 .. 10 00 29. 56 . . . 10 00 82 .. 250 00 108 25 00

31 •• 2 00 57 ... i 00 83 5 00 Dec. 22. 109 95 0032 .. 50 00 3°- 58 ... i 00 84 .. i 00 110 33 5233 •• 2 50 Sept. 6. 59 214 50 85 .. 100 00 I I I 7 5634 •• 5 00 60 10 00 86 .. 250 0035 •• 25 00 8. 61 ... 3 50 87 .. 100 00 KT

\4* 00 4 „85

36 .. i 00 9- 62 ... i 00 88 .. 5 00— T ic r oji-

Carrd. ford. G.$ 423 25 Carrd. ford. G.S 1,595 65 Carrd. ford. G.S 3,391 97 © 5s' = ¿ I , 3 l 6 2S. 3d.

* American Donations prior to this date were acknowledged among the English receipts.

ÄqniVeißäfiJ Meßiiqgg ai Aje Conference [lall, fljildmaj paí .THURSDAY, M A Y yath, 1889.

|ifícmo0 tx P i l i n g .

GEORGE W ILLIA M S, Esq., Chairman.

The meeting was opened with the hymn :

“ Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone.

Luke xxiv. 36-53 was read by the Hon. Sec., ID. B. H a n k in .

M r. B R O O M H A L L (Secretary).

IN the kind providence of G od we, who are united in a common bond of sympathy and effort, are permitted

to gather at another Anniversary to encourage ourselves in the good and great work of making known in China the glorious Gospel of the blessed G o d . W e meet as His servants to strengthen each other’s hands in His work, and in Him— and, verily, there is need enough that we should do this.

The past year has been one of unusual light and shade.It has been a year of peculiar trial, of serious sickness, and of painful bereavement, but it has not been all gloom ; through the mercy of G od there have been progress and blessing. This is made evident by a few facts.

H. H il l , Esq., and prayer was offered by the Rev.

During the year 1888 fifty-five new Missionaries left for China, of these one was from the United States, thirteen from Canada, one went on from India, and forty from this country.

If to these we add eight who have left for China during this year it brings the number of Missionaries of the China Inland Mission, at the present time, to 329, in­cluding the wives, most of whom went out in the first instance as missionaries. This number consists of sixty- one married men, eighty-seven unmarried men, and 120 unmarried lady missionaries. In addition to these there are six members of the Bible Christian and three members of the Swedish Missionary Societies working under the direction of the China Inland Mission. There are also fifteen accepted candidates.

io4 CHINAS MILLIONS.

INCOME, AND FAMINE GIFTS.

The income of 1888 was ¿36,010 19s. 3d., being ¿2,293 8s. od. in advance of the preceding year.

The income of this year, to the end of April, was ¿12,432, being ¿2,663 more than in the corresponding period last year. And over and above this amount it has been our great privilege to receive and telegraph to China for the relief of the poor sufferers from famine the goodly sum of ¿9,100. W e have been profoundly thankful for this help for the starving people. No words that I can use can express our deep gratitude to those who, in the kindness of their hearts, have sent us this noble sum. M ay G od bless them all.

These gifts have come in in sums varying from id. to ¿1,000. It has added no little to the work of our office, the number o f letters often rising to from eighty to 100 in a day, but for the sake of the sufferers the extra work has been welcomed.

I may here say a word incidentally. Our register of donors’ letters shows that nearly 6,000 have been received since the beginning of this year, being an average of nearly fifty a day, exclusive of the letters received about candidates, meetings, publications, etc., of which a separate record is kept.

The gifts from the poor for the sufferers from famine have been very numerous and very touching. The fol­lowing are extracts from a few :—

“ Will you please accept this small sum (is., stamps) for the famine-stricken ones. I do earnestly wish I could help them ; but may the dear L o r d send them relief. I know that He canhelp. I have proved the promise, ‘ Call upon Me in the dayof trouble ; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.’ ”

“ A trifle [2s. 6d.] to help the famine fund, from a servant who loves Jesus. ”

“ A poor cripple has sent her mite (st, 3s.) for poor China­men. I wish I could send more.”

“ Please receive a trifle (is.) for China Famine Fund. It is all the money I have.— A Paralyzed Invalid.”

“ I was very much pained to read of the famine-stricken people. I thought I would subscribe my mite toward relieving some of them. I am only a poor pensioner of 4s. per week. I send you P.O.O., 2s. 6d.”

“ Accept the enclosed [P.O., is.] from a poor aged widow toward China Famine Fund.”

“ I have sent 5s. for the poor Chinese ; it is not much, for I am a poor widow, and work for my own living.”

“ China Famine Fund—a small contribution from a poor orphan (3s.).”

“ From a working man’s wife for the Famine Fund (4s.).”

“ A very poor woman’s mite for the starving Chinese (twelve penny stamps).”

“ I was very sorry to hear there are so many poor people starving in China. My mother has given me this two shillings to send to you, though we are only poor, but we always have enough to eat.”

“ May the help rendered by the missionaries open many a door.”

“ M ay the L ord bring light out of this darkness is our prayer.”

“ While these poor people accept of food from the mission­aries, may they hunger for the ‘ Bread of Life ’ and be saved.”

“ Accept the shilling towards your Famine Fund. I do wish I could send you more. It makes one’s heart ache to think of the thousands in want of their daily bread, with no Friend to

whom they can turn, no F a t h e r to whom they can say, ‘ Give us this day our daily bread,’ knowing that He will not fail them — no hope. Yet it may be but ‘ a blessing in disguise’ ; the L o r d can make use even of this distress to prepare and open the hearts of the people to listen to and receive the glad tidings of salvation through J esus C h r is t .”

W e cannot doubt that the sympathy which has been called forth because the people were without the bread that perisheth will lead many to more earnest desire that they may know Him who is the Bread of Life, and I feel that G o d has honoured the Mission in allowing it to be the medium of forwarding to China such a measure of help for those in sore need.

And now to return to the ordinary work of the Mission.W e have referred already to the goodly increase during

last year in the number of missionaries, and to the good­ness of G o d in the matter of funds. The thought in many minds may be, what about

THE MEASURE OF BLESSING

vouchsafed to the labour of the missionaries ?In these days there is a laudable anxiety about results,

and there should b e ; but he who attempts to form an estimate of the comparative value of missionary organisa­tions by any results that can be put on paper needs to be a very wise man.

Nothing can be more misleading than simply looking at the number of converts. One day last week The Times newspaper had a very interesting article from a correspon­dent, on “ Protestant Missions in China,” and gave some details concerning the average number of converts per missionary, and very truly said :— “ But too much must not be made of these apparent discrepancies in averages. So much depends upon circumstances that cannot be stated in statistical tables— such as length of time during which the field has been occupied, the nature of the dis­trict or districts in which the main work of the respective societies is carried on, the degree of preparation required before a convert reaches the status of a communicant, and many others which will readily occur to the mind— that generalisation upon figures alone must be quite un­safe.” This is emphatically true. Take the case of the China Inland Mission : 150 of our missionaries have not been in China two years, and many of the older ones spent long years in most arduous pioneering work. Dr. Cameron spent seven years and travelled about 30,000 miles in work of this kind. Mr. Dorward spent six years in one province in the attempt to open a station. As he said, “ During all that time justpassing from place to place. W e have come to a city, by foot or by native boat, and have entered it, not knowing whether we should leave it alive or not. ”

You know that our dear brother toiled incessantly in his evangelistic work in the province of H u -N A N , with its18,000,000 of people, and laid down his life without seeing the desire of his heart in the opening of a station in that province. W as dear Dorward a failure ? N o— ten thousand times, no.

No station in H u -NAN marks the result of his devoted toil, and, so far as he is concerned, the best compiled statistical table would have nothing to show, and yet Adam Dorward was one of the most self-denying and zealous labourers who ever entered the land of China.

For all these things we know the Gospel has not lost its ancient power. It is still the power of G o d unto salvation, and where preached in the power of the S p i r i t we may, and should, look for results in the true conversion of souls. During the year 1888 we have had to record the profes­sion of faith by baptism of 472— making the number now in Church fellowship 2,464.

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

I am glad, and so are you that my dear brother-in-law, Mr. Hudson Taylor, is with us to-day, having only arrived from China a few days ago, and he will tell us more about the development of the work there.

O U R LO SSE S B Y D E A T H

since we last met have been heavy. Miss B a r r e t t was called to her rest very shortly after her arrival in China. T he others were A d a m D o r w a r d , H e r b e r t N o r r i s , E l d r e d S a y e r s in 1888, and this year, Miss M a g g i e M a c K e e and G e o r g e S t o t t .

T he removal of such workers is enough to bow our

heads in sorrow. A ll bat Mr. Stott were in the morning of life, and gave promise of long-continued usefulness.

Mr. Stott had been permitted to labour for twenty years, and his work was owned of G o d . *

It is said that when the saintly Payson was dying he ex­claimed, “ I long to hand a cup full of happiness to every human being.’’

W e have a cup full of happiness, are we longing to hand it to every human being ? How many are living to-day in whose hands this cup might have been, if we had done what we could? They are without it to this hour, and we are responsible.

The C H A IR M A N .

TH E L o r d ’s people are a suffering people. He suffered Himself, and it is our privilege not only to

believe on His Name, but to suffer for His sake. Every degree of suffering is noted by the dear LORD. “ Whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth.” W e are not to be discouraged. He knows what He is ab ou t; so let us lift up the hands that hang down, and make straight paths for our feet, so that the chastening may be with profit.

This terrible famine in China is a chastening of the nation, and is, no doubt, preparing it for the good seed of the Word. Let us, therefore, look up with expectant faith.

It is no small thing to go and live like a Chinaman. T he boots do not fit very comfortably. The perpetual rice— the altered habits— mean so much self-denial and self-sacrifice for a European; and those of our dear friends who go out must expect some inconvenience, some suffering ; but then there is the sweetness which comes from the word of the L o r d . W e have been reading out of G o d ’s W ord how the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. It must have been a terrible wrench for them to see the L o r d ascend ; but then He gave, never­theless, great joy ; and that is what He is giving to these beloved servants of His, who go out in connection with this Mission— great joy, great delight. He makes it up in that way.

It has been a very great pleasure to me, since we last met here to be present at one meeting at Exeter Hall when seven members of the Y o u n g M e n ’s C h r i s t i a n A s s o c i a t i o n said farewell to their friends in England.

The hymn— “ LORD of the harvest, hear our prayer,”

I hope that that is only a sample, and that many many such sevens will go forth to China and elsewhere, to carry the everlasting Gospel of the grace of G o d . Now, of that seven, one was a barrister, a splendid young fellow, the secretary of one of our Young Men’s Christian Associ­ations. He has gone out at his own charges. Another was a lawyer, full c f power and faith and good works, a very consecrated fellow. He has gone out at his own costs also. And there were five others. If Mr. Broom- hall tried to pick five, I do not know where he could get another such five. I had the pleasure of receiving a letter and a photograph of these seven men in their new costumes.

I saw a report from Stanley Smith in C h i n a ’s M il l i o n s — that most excellent little publication which, I am sure, must stimulate and strengthen your hearts. I do hope that we all give ourselves the privilege of reading it. Well, 1 read there that at one meeting in China a man reported that in a village not far distant, the whole of the inhabi­tants, numbering from fifty to sixty, had given up all their heathen worship ; and that the hall in which they formerly assembled had now become the church where these fifty or sixty persons regularly worshipped G o d . Let us hope that such will be the case in many other such villages.

I cannot help expressing, dear friends, how glad I am to be here, and how heartily I rejoice in this magnificent work for China. As a nation, we have done China a great wrong. Let us, by G o d ’s grace, make amends, and send the best thing we have in England— the glorious Gospel— to every Chinese family,

was then sung.

J . E . M A T H 1 E S O N , Esq.

HA V IN G been asked to say a few words, I can­not refuse to give my feeble testimony to the

esteem and value which I think belong to this Mission, and the increasing love which Christian hearts at this centre, at all events, feel for it as one of G o d ’s great agencies in the present day for stimulating our faith in G o d and our trust in His mighty power to save.

China is coming very rapidly into what is called the comity of nations. I was startled this morning to see that one evening this week in the city of Paris a Chinese diplomatist, with one of those names which only our missionary friends could pronounce, is to lecture upon the contemporary literature of China. When we see a phenomenon like that, we must realize that China is very fast becoming like the other nations, no longer closed against us, but open to all sorts of Western influences.

A recent and thoughtful writer, forecasting the future of the world, has uttered this prophecy— that the three great races which are to rule the world in the future are, first, the Teutonic race, then the Slav race, and then the

Chinese race. Well, at the present time the Teutonic race— by which, I suppose, we mean the Anglo-Saxon and the German races together— is pretty well to the front in the rule of this world ; but the Slav or the Russian races will have to look to their laurels or else John Chinaman will come to the front very quickly and take the second place. I rather think that this writer has left an old- fashioned Book out of the account in this prophecy of his, and that he has not reckoned with the Jew, nor regarded the great and glorious promises of GOD concerning the future destiny of that race.

It is a source of great satisfaction and thankfulness that this Mission has China for its field of labour. That great country is the most self-sufficing nation of the world, as regards natural products and industries, and is not, though so ancient, at all a decaying people, but full of vitality : the most populous country and the most homogeneous race, and therefore the most promising field in all the world for the spread of the Gospel. There is no danger of colliding with other missions. The field is so vast, the provinces

* M r . B ro o m h a U referred to M r. S t o t t ’ s tr iu m p h a n t d e a th — to u c h in g d e ta ils o f w h ic h h a ve b e e n p u b lish e d in a sm all p a m p h le t, e n tit le d I n M e m o r i a m G e o r g e S t o t t , w h ich m a y be h a d p o s t free, p rice tw o p e n c e , from th e C h in a In la n d M issio n .

io6 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

so enormous, that there is room for all that the C h in a I n l a n d M is s io n is likely to pour in of further mis­sionaries ; and I am sure that the Mission would be the first to welcome alongside of it missionaries of every other portion of the Christian Church.

I only wish to say that we rejoice in having the head­quarters of the C h i n a In l a n d M is s io n close by, and we have a very delightful little partnership with them, as many of you know. In one of our rooms (No. 6) every Saturday they have for a couple of hours— from four to six— their delightful prayer-meeting for remembering, one by one, by name, the large band who are now witnessing for G o d in China, and it is the sweet and blessed privi­lege of us who are workers at Mildmay that we are, on

our part remembered in the weekly prayer-meetings in China, and I have no doubt that, in consequence, G o d has sent to us and to our fellow-workers added blessings beyond those which have been sought for through our own prayers and the prayers of our friends in England. I think that our dear friend, Hudson Taylor, whom we are so glad to see amongst us to-day, has, perhaps, as great a mission to England as he has to China. May G o d in His mercy still spare him to stir up English Chris­tians to a sense of their duty and responsibility to the perishing heathen in distant lands. I would close by re­peating the words long ago addressed to King David, “ Peace, peace be to thee,’’ dear brother, “ and to thy helpers, for thy G o d helpeth thee.”

The Rev . J . H U D S O N T A Y L O R .

IT is a great pleasure, dear friends, to see so many in this hall who are interested in the L o r d ’s work in

China, and to recognise among you some who have given very noble contributions for its evangelization. I speak not of contributions of silver and gold, but I see some here who have given children, some who have parted from beloved brothers and precious sisters for the M a s t e r ’s sake. The L o r d bless them and abundantly reward them ! And there are others who have done the same thing in heart, though in the providence of G o d as yet their loved ones have not left them. Praise G o d for the willingness to give the dear ones to Him. Oh, I think that there is nothing that gladdens our F a t h e r in heaven more than seeing His grace working in the hearts of His children and leading them to tread in His footsteps, and to give up their most precious ones for His service.

There are trials in service in heathen lands. They are not few or far between ; but, if one may speak for others, those external discomforts and privations that sometimes at a distance are thought much of are very small com­pared with the real trials. Ah, it is the constant sight of heathenism ; it is the deadness of heart, and the apathy of the people to the Gospel when it is brought before them ; it is the blasting of bright hopes when some seem to be apprehending the truth, but when persecution arises and the cost o f giving up everything for JESUS is felt, fall back again, weak and unable to bear the strain ; it is when those who have come out and been bright on the L o r d ’s side fail, as we so often fail, but fail more openly than we do, and bring dishonour on the name o f the L o r d — these are the great trials of missionary service.

And then the members of the Mission are knit very closely one to another; we become in a wonderful degree bound together as members of one family ,• and when the L o r d comes down into His garden, and plucks His pleasant flowers, and takes the very choicest to Himself, though our hearts feel that He is worthy, and though we would not give Him the thorns and the weeds instead of the flowers, yet we do feel, we cannot help deeply feeling the bereavements. Some have been taken lately from whom we looked for many years of happy service ; and others who have grown old in His service, who have been used and honoured by Him, and been looked upon as pillars among the little native churches around them.

I spent the last six months in China, nearly all the time in Shang-hai. I cannot remember a time of such con­tinuous trial as we had there.

W hen we met twelve months ago we had to speak of three who had been called in to see our M a s t e r in the spring of the year— our brothers Elliston and Terry, and Miss Dawson. During the autumn the L o r d called home four others. W e had a time of wonderful blessing in America and on the Pacific Ocean, and reached Yoko­hama so glad and so thankful that we were nearing the

field. Quite a large bundle of letters was put into my hands. There was only time to read one, and I opened what seemed to be one of the last, to learn of the death of our beloved brothers Norris and Dorward. I cannot tell you what a blow it was. One knew the L o r d does right, one knew He makes no mistakes, but these two brothers seemed to be two who could be ill spared. One felt almost crushed. A few days later, on reaching Shang-hai, the first intelligence that met me was of the removal of our dear brother Sayers ; and in the home at Shang-hai Miss Barrett was dying. From that time on­ward it seemed as though the M a s t e r were saying, day by day almost, Can you say, to this new trial, “ Even so, F a t h e r , for so it seemed good in T hy sight ’’ ?

W e learnt of the sickness and removal of some of our leading native workers, of trials in the way of persecu­tion, and of some defection in workers. Then the daughter of beloved Mr. Stevenson, my co-director in the work in China, reached us. He was looking forward with such joy to the assistance of his eldest child, but she arrived deplorably ill, almost hopelessly so. This was a heavy blow. The L o r d graciously answered prayer, and when I left China she was all but convalescent. Then we had a telegram from Hong-kong, to tell us that dear Mr. Cooper, who was coming out in the next steamer after Miss Stevenson, had had a very dangerous attack of illness between Singapore and Hong-kong. But, thank God, before he reached Shang-hai he was consider­ably improved ; and he has been spared to us. Mr. Eason, too, who had come out to China after his furlough, took typhoid fever, and a second and a third in the house took it at the same time, and were brought very low. W e could not quite understand the L o r d ’s way, but we knew that it was our F a t h e r who was dealing with us, and that H e was, perhaps, giving us these trials lest we should be lifted up through the blessings of the year, which had been very great. G o d grant that we may never be strong, never be great in our own estimation.

“ O h , to b e n o th in g , n o th in g ,

O n ly to lie a t H is f e e t ;A b r o k e n a n d e m p ty v e sse l,F o r th e Ma st e r ’s u se m a d e m e e t.”

But if H e has made us to know a little more of the fellowship of His sufferings, we have had a very remark­able time of blessing. Some of those who have been ill have been enabled to bear such a testimony that it has seemed as though the very heavens were opened, as though there was light from the glory shining around the sick ones, of whom some have been spared and some taken. Through these very sicknesses blessing has re­sulted, which will be long and lasting in its effects.

G od has given us during the year thirteen additional stations. In the province of K a n -s u h , the city of Liang- chau has been opened, farther afield than we have ever

CHINA'S MILLION 107

been. If any of you have not got our map of China, let me say that it has been prepared, during my absence, in a very convenient form, and can be had [price 6d. and is.] with a list of all the missionaries and their stations printed at the back of it, and also the suggested order of prayer for China. Many join those who are in the field in pray­ing for the various provinces day by day, and thus there is a sort of prayer union amongst us in China and many of our friends at home. The stations are all underlined in red in the map, so that they can be very readily referred to. I do not know anything more helpful in realising the need, or in definite prayer for China, than a map.

THE NEW STATIONS.

Well, in K a n -SUH, Liang-chau, one of the most im­portant prefectures, and the centre of one of the most busy and populous districts of that rather sparsely-popu­lated province has been opened, and our brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Laughton, are resident there. Then in the next province, S h e n s i, on the River W ei, half way between the capital, Si-gan, and the adjoining province, S h a n -s i , Mr. Folke has succeeded in renting premises in Wei-nan Hien, thus opening a station in the Si-gan plain.

In S h a n -s i two openings have been given us during the year. The first is in the far north, at Pao-t'eo, a very important mart on the Yellow River. W e sent men there several years ago, but circumstances did not allow of de­veloping work there then ; now our brother and sister Burnett are there in their own hired house. South of T ’ai-yuen Fu, in P'ing-yao, our brothers, Mr. Orr Ewing and Mr. Peat are resident, and G o d has given them work in five different counties. They have opium-refuges in the capital o f each of those counties, and a few native Christians have been given to them. This opening is in a very important district. Several other cities in this province might have been opened, for mission premises have been obtained, and there are native brethren in them, but we have not had the men to send forward to occupy them. Mr. Folke has baptised a few native Christians, who have been enquirers for some considerable time in one of the cities (Yuen-cheng) in the south of the province, which might indeed be called a new station, as it is now occupied by him and Mr. Nsestigaard.

Turning a little farther eastward to C h i h -l i , during the year Tien-tsin has been occupied (as a business centre) by Mr. and Mrs. Tomalin, of our mission, and Shun- teh F u by Mr. and Mrs. Pigott. Shun-teh Fu is a pre- fectural city that has not previously been occupied for C h r i s t . I believe that our brother and sister have had souls given to them there, but none, as yet, have been bap­tised. There is very much encouragement in connection with the work in several opium refuges in contiguous towns in that part of the country.

Turning to the west of China, in the great province of Si- CH’u e n we have opened three new stations : Tan-lin Hien to the south-west of the capital, opened by Dr. Parry and his fellow-workers, and on the river Min two very impor­tant centres have been opened and occupied during the year, with a good deal of encouragement— Kia-ting F u and S ui-F u , often called Su-chau Fu on the map.

T h e city o f Shih-sheo, in H u -p e h , just on the very borders of H u -n a n , was opened b y our brother Dor ward before his rem oval. H is last journey, when h e was not at all fit to travel, was m ad eto that city a ta tim e o f great difficulty. H e felt it his d uty to go, though urged, on account o f his illness, not to attem pt it, and truly laid down his life for the LORD’S work, and for the province o f H u -n a n .

Then in K i a n g -SU two stations were opened this year. (1.) Chin-kiang, formerly one of our stations, has been re­occupied. This port is the terminus of the steamer navi.

gation in the direction of Yang-chau, T s ’ing-kiang-p’u, and the city o f Kao-yiu, and a home in the port has become a necessity. (2.) Kao-yiu. M y dear brother-in-law men­tioned the removal of Miss Maggie MacKee. She died this year, but it was in that newly-opened city of Kao-yiu. It was much laid on her heart, and G o d gave her the privilege of securing a residence there, and of seeing the first woman, her landlady, unmistakeably saved.

One of the distant provinces, K w e i-C H A U , has also given us a new station, Gan-shun Fu. This city is the capital of a prefecture, and is a very important point gained.

I think that you will agree with me that these thirteen important stations occupied, in which mission premises have been secured, and in some of which souls have been saved— eight capitals of prefectures, four capitals of counties, and one an important mart (Pao-t’eo)— are no small gain during the year.

T H E A D D ITIO N S TO T H E C H U R C H .

The great cause for rejoicing, however, is in the souls that have been saved. M y dear brother-in-law has told you that 472 have confessed C h r i s t in baptism this year. Some of you may remember that last year 551 were bap­tised, 79 more than the additions to the churches this year. The difference lies in the province of S h a n -s i . Some of the brethren there have been led to see the ad­visability of the plan that is widely adopted in our other stations, of keeping candidates for baptism as catechumens under instruction for six or twelve months before they are baptised. Some, probably, were baptised too soon last year, and there has been sorrow in consequence. Having adopted this method during the present year not a few who, under the old arrangements, would have been bap­tised, are under Christian instruction, and do not come into the list of baptisms this year. S h a n -si reports 191 fewer baptisms this year than it did last, so that, ex­clusive of that province, 113 more have been baptised in our other stations in China than last year. I believe that in S h a n -s i there has not been less blessing than last year though the fruits of it will appear later on.

It may interest you to know how many of these 472 Christians have been received in each of the provinces. In K a n -s u h to the north-west there have been 9 ; in S h e n -s i, 13 ; in S h a n -s i , 116 ; in S h a n -t u n g , 21 ; in H o NAN, the province in which the great floods have been prevalent for the last two years, owing to the burst­ing of the Yellow River, 24. During the time of this calamity G od has given us to form the first three little churches in Ho-NAN. In one of them, Sha-k'i-tien, dear Miss Guinness, whose brother is with us this afternoon, is working for C h r i s t with Miss Waldie. My own son and daughter-in-law are in the same station. In the other station, Chau-kia-k’eo, two sisters, Miss Anna Crewdson and Miss Chilton, have joined my dear daughter and her husband. W ork among the women of H o - N A N commenced last year, and already a number are saved. W e are profoundly thankful for this.

To continue, however;: in the large province of Sl- c h ’u e n , 45 have been baptised, only 1 in H u -p e h , 49 in G a n - h w u y , 33 in K i a n g -SU, 7 in Y u n -n a n , 4 in K w e i-

c h a u , 40 in K i a n g -s i, and n o in C h e h - k i a n g .

T H E V A L U E OF W OM EN ’S W O R K .

In connection with the work in K i a n g -si I may say that it is almost wholly the fruit of the labours of our missionary sisters. W e have scarcely had any male workers for K i a n g -SI ; in this large, important province, station after station has simply been occupied and worked by our dear sisters, together with their native Bible-women, with, in some cases, a native pastor or preacher and his wife

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

assisting them. There has been much blessing on this work— far more than the numbers baptised would appear to show. Quite recent letters from two of our dear workers in Yiih-shan, Miss Mackintosh and Miss March- bank, tell of the work of the quarter before they wrote, in which about forty villages and towns had been visited by them and their Bible-women. They had had invitations to the homes of the natives, which they had accepted for a day or two, or in some cases a week.

Nothing, perhaps, has been more striking of late years than the way in which G o d has used our beloved sisters in China. He does seem to place honour on the weaker vessels. The Chinese are not afraid of them ; they do not think that they have come with any political message ; they are not afraid that they are the pioneers of an army of conquest; and many who would be afraid of losing, shall I say, caste almost, if they were seen to be on terms of intimacy with a male missionary, are very willing to let their wives and families be visited by our sisters, and, making the excuse that they must know what their women are being taught, they will go in and hear for themselves the Gospel message. I imagine that, perhaps, it is in this way, through lady- workers, that the men of some of the higher classes are to be won for C h r i s t . I am sure that none of you have read the journals of Miss Geraldine Guinness without deep interest. They bring you into the very midst o f the work, and you almost see as well as feel what an opening there is for truly consecrated women in China. W hat­ever the population of China may be, there are certainly millions upon millions of women and girls who are only accessible to the efforts of lady-workers. May G od greatly increase their number in the present year, as well as give us the men that we so much need.

A L IT T L E E V A N G E L IC A L A L L IA N C E .

Tim e will not permit reference to several other points on which I might have dwelt, but there is one feature of the work of the China Inland Mission that affords me great delight, and that is that we are a little evangelical alliance. W e have working in the Mission, in the fullest harmony and brotherly love, brothers and sisters of all the leading Christian denominations of England, Scot­land, and Ireland, and through all the years that we have worked we have never had any friction on any denomina-

Mrs.

IN the little time that I have, I should like to speak about the women of China. There are not so many difficulties

in reaching them as are to be found in many places. They are very easily got at. W e have only to present ourselves to them, and doors are opened everywhere, so that the difficulty does not lie in getting at the women. It lies in getting them interested in our message. They will listen to us with open mouths, and tell us that everything that we say is perfectly true, and that they believe it, and yet it is mere politeness. It needs a good deal of patient plodding work before we can win souls for our M a s t e r . Our object out there is not to get the assent of the head but of the heart. W e want to have living stones built up upon the foundation of our L o r d a n d M a s t e r Je s u s C h r i s t .I laboured a long time in Wun-chau before I saw much fruit. I had access to almost every house that I tried to get into; the women listened, but it was a long time before any of them believed. Oh, the disappointment of those early days 1 T hey would promise me most faithfully that they would come to the meetings on Sunday morning, and I would go again on Saturday afternoon to invite them, and tell them that to-morrow was the day, and they would s a y ,“ Oh, yes, we will be there” ; yet not one came.

tional question. This is a cause for great thankfulness. It seems to me that just as the various conferences in Great Britain and Ireland bring the L o r d ’s people to­gether on a common platform on which they can unite as one in C h r i s t J e s u s , without interfering with each other’s views and feelings on various points, which are of not little m om ent; so in the C.I.M. we can meet together, and work among the heathen on the broad platform of being one in C h r i s t J e s u s . But during last year G o d gave me a new privilege— He has given me many— He gave me that of visiting a number o f the cities of the United States and of Canada, and there one was brought into fellowship with our brothers and sisters in CHRIST in another part of the world. I have met with great joy, and had much fellowship with many American missionaries in C h in a ; but it was a great delight to go to America and find that the family is only one on both sides o f the water, that the S p i r i t of G o d is just the same in America and in Canada as in E n g­land and in Scotland ; and my heart felt greatly en­riched by many dear Christian friends whose acquain­tance I made, and whose kindness I shall never forget. It was a great privilege to be permitted to come in con­tact with this large and active part of the Church of C h r i s t , and to see something of the development of missionary interest there.

Let us pray that in various ways the L o r d will unite the hearts of His dear children in different lands. May we not be bands so closely drawn together by the SPIRIT of GOD that international war between so-called Christian countries shall simply be impossible? I do believe that G o d wants Christian people to be the light of the world and to be the salt of the earth to a greater degree than we have realised, and if we only knew each other better we should love each other more. There are sufficient Chris­tian men in such countries as the United States of America, and Great Britain, and Canada, surely, to make our prayers and our efforts sufficient to secure permanent peace between our countries, though difficult questions may arise. I commend this thought to you. M ay the M a s t e r draw all His Church more closely together and unite us all in carrying out the one great desire of His heart, “ Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

S T O T T .

W e returned to England in the autumn of 1877, and then we had only left behind us one Christian woman, and she was over seventy years of age, so it was laid upon our hearts to ask many of our Christian friends in England to join with us in prayer that some one or more of these dear women of Wun-chau might be converted to the L o r d , and brought into active service for Him to help me in this work, which I felt to be most difficult. W hile we were praying here in England the L o r d was working out the answer there by very remarkable means. He has said, “ Before they call I will hear, and while they speak I will answer.” W e had in the church a poor firewood seller, who carried his load on his shoulder from door to door, and wherever he went he sought to speak of the L o r d Je s u s . Going one day into the house of a lady, he asked her if she had ever heard of this new religion which some o f them had been talking about. She said, “ N o; she knew the foreign woman, and she had often seen her in the street, but she had shut her door lest she should come in, knowing that she had a habit of going in at all the doors she could.” He told her a little again and again, until after a good many visits her heart became interested, and

l not hers only, but the heart of one of her neighbours, and

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 109

they began to long for the day on which the man would come round to bring them more firewood, and to give them a little bit of the Bread of Life that cometh down from heaven.

W hen we returned, in the autumn of 1878, the first news that I had was that there were two women interested in the truth. W ould I go and see them ? Would I not go and see them ! Two women interested in the tru th! W hy I had longed for years for such a sight as that. I had prayed for one to be interested in the truth, and so I said, “ I will go at once,” and off I w en t; and those two dear women welco.ned me right gladly. I sat down and talked with them, and before very long I had an intuition, as spirit am wers to spirit, that the women were not seeking the truth but had found it, and it proved to be the ca s e ; they were true converts. I at once began a Bible class with them. A t first it only numbered two, but by-and-by other women became interested, and I had three classes a week, though my united congregation only numbered five— two in one place, two in another, and one in a third— and three afternoons a week were taken up in teaching those five persons. A great waste of time it seemed, but then I knew the power of the Word of G o d .I knew that if those dear women were rooted and grounded in the W ord of G o d , and if their hearts could only be thoroughly imbued with a love to the L o r d

J e s u s , there was nothing in the world that they would not do for Him, and that they themselves would be wit­nesses for the truth if they had received it fully into their own hearts.

LO SS FO R C H R IST .W ell, the first of these dear women, Mrs. Liu, was

very soon called to give an open proof of her Christianity in a special way. One W ednesday afternoon I went into the class, and the neighbours said, “ Mrs. Liu has been called suddenly away ; her mother-in-law has died, and she has gone to the house, not knowing what she is to do. There is considerable property left. She and her son are the next heirs, and she is in great perplexity, and wants us to pray for her.’’ W ell, it seemed rather good news, to speak of property, but then property involves ancestral rites in China, and she could not, as a Christian, perform these. She had had no instruction on the subject ; she had had no time to communicate with us, and she went away not knowing what she would do. For two days we continued in prayer. On Saturday she returned, and as she came into the house the first glimpse of her face told me that, whatever had been done, it must have been well- pleasing to G o d , because it is not possible for a child of His to sin against Him and keep happy. There is sure to come a cloud over the spirit and over the face. Her face was perfectly radiant, and I asked her to tell me about it. She said, “ Well, as I went along in the chair I asked G o d for C h r i s t 's sake to help me to glorify H im .” That was all that she could ask ; she did not know what she was to do. She went to the house, and what a scene presented itself to her ! There were the relatives ; she had not seen them from the time that she had been a Chriitian, which was several years. Here, in one corner, were a number of priests chanting prayers for the dead. Here there were candles and incense burning before the image of the departed one ; while yonder, in the court-yard, were the paper men and houses and money and furniture, all to be burnt, and so to be turned in the next world into real houses and money and servants and property, so that she might be able to bribe the doorkeeper to let her in.

Mrs. Liu’s heart almost failed her. She thought that she had better begin at once. The S p i r it is a wonder­ful teacher. I could not have told her better. I could not have told her half so well. I f there are any young Christians here whose hearts have just opened to the

S a v io u r , and they are afraid to confess Him, lest, perhaps, they might fall by and by, oh, begin at once ! There is wonderful power in beginning at once to tell out the good news, and in confessing whose you are, and whom you mean to serve. She gathered her friends about her, and said, “ Dear friends, I have not seen you for many years, and since then a real change has come over me. I have learnt that above there is a G o d , who loved me and gave His S o n to die for me, and I have believed on that G o d . H e has washed away my sins, and now I have treasures up there, and I long no more for the treasures of this life. I long no more for the riches down here ; I have such riches up there. I have learnt to live for G o d ; I cannot sin against Him, and I cannot undertake anything like ancestral worship. My son is a little boy, it is true, and not a Christian, but I hope that he will be one day, and I cannot allow him to do it either, and so because we will not perform the ancestral rites we give up all claim to the property, and I leave you to give me what portion you like." She told me, “ When I had done that, my friends began to ask me one after another what sort of wonderful religion this was that would make me do a thing like that, and for two days I did nothing but tell them about the L o r d Je s u s C h r i s t .”

I am sorry to say that the friends took full advantage of her generosity, and only gave her one sixteenth part of what she ought to have had, but the L o r d blessed her wonderfully, and for many years she has been my right- hand worker ; she is now carrying on the work amongst the women very largely herself.

T H E R E S U L T S O F A P R A Y E R -M E E T IN G .

About that time we had a good many other Christian women, and we began a prayer-meeting to pray for the conversion of their unconverted husbands and children. W e had some who were really being very much persecuted by unconverted husbands. One woman had been beaten again and again by hers, and we did not know what to do. Our hope was alone in G o d . W e met once a week, just a few in number, to pour out our hearts to G o d , that He would convert this man and the grown sons and daughters. The prayer-meeting went on year after year, and as the result of it I am glad to say that eight husbands and twelve children of our Christian women have been truly converted.

But the meeting was very narrow, their thoughts circling round their own homes, and so I began to wonder what could be done to enlarge their sympathies and to lead them out into interest about others. W hile I was thinking, a paper came before me in one of the Chinese missionary journals, saying that a missionary society had been formed somewhere in the north of China amongst the natives, and I thought “ that is just the thing I am wanting.” I gathered the women together, and told them that it was time that our interest widened, for while charity began at home it was a pity that it should end there ; and I proposed that we should form ourselves into a mission­ary band, “ society ” was too big a word for a few women. W e decided on meeting once a month, when I would give them the missionary information which I could, gleaned from any source. I asked them if they in their turn would join in prayer to seek for their own sake a blessing on the work which we had been speaking about, and if they would bring to that meeting their contributions once a month. They were all very poor women, so poor that I am afraid that you would say that I was very cruel to expect them to do anything at all. But then GOD says,“ It is more blessed to give than to receive.’’ A great proportion o f His church is poor, and G o d never meant that this great proportion should be deprived of the best blessing. I knew that if they would give they would get.

n o CH IN AS MILLIONS.

They were so poor that they could not give even a few cash at a time, so I recommended that every day they should put one cash (a little less than the 20th of a penny) into a box or bag for the L o r d . Some days if they were prospered they might put in two cash. A t other times they might put in three cash, and so they would find at the end of the month that they had at least thirty cash, perhaps sixty, and perhaps more to give for the L o r d ’s work. W e went on in this way, and our missionary meet­ing was made a great blessing to ourselves. After two

. M r. GEOR(

I W IL L try in five minutes to give you a picture of the progress o f Christianity in China. In the year

1807 the first Protestant missionary went to China— Dr. Morrison. Then, in the year 1842 we find that there were six missionaries gathered at Hong-Kong. In the year 1853 there were fifty-two missionaries in China, and in the year 1861 there were ninety-one ; in the year 1874, 262 ; in the year 1884, 480. And four years later, in 1888 there were in China (including wives) 1,123 mis‘ sionaries.

Then notice the number of communicants, men and women who have been tried ; they do not represent the whole of the Christian effort, or the fruit of Chris­tian missions in China. In the year 1842 there were only twelve Protestant communicants gathered in the island of Hong-Kong. In the year 1853, 352 were numbered in the various churches; and in the year 1862, 2,000; in 1873, 8,ooo; and in the year 1883, 22,000; in the year 1888, vthe 30th of last December, 34,000 ; and what is the increase ? The increase in forty-seven years is the dififer-

The Rev. JOHN s h a r p , secretary o f the British and ]

years we consulted as to what was to be done with the money collected, and the end of it was that they appointed one of themselves to go out as a Bible-woman to be their representative, and, aided by their money and their prayers and their interest, to go forth to the women in the villages all round about them. I am very glad to tell you that Mrs. Liu is now their Bible-woman. If a few Chinese Christian women can do that what could not we do, dear friends, if we only tried?

I C L A R K E .

ence between 12 and 34,000— roundly speaking, three thousand-fold.

Many people think that the Roman Catholics are in­creasing at an enormous rate in China. But if from their own words we can gather the result of their efforts, we find on comparing the statistics for 1840 with those of 1887 that there is no increase at all, but rather a decrease.

Thank G o d , we have now about forty-five stations opened, where thirteen years ago there was not a resident Protestant missionary ; at least 150 men and women of our own mission working, besides some friends belonging to other missions. W hen we reflect on this, there is cause for great encouragement, but we have still to go on, for we have only begun to touch China. When you look at this large map behind, you will see Mongolia, with a mil­lion square miles, and some five or six millions of Mongols, and there is not a single Protestant resident missionary among them. Then Thibet, with another ten millions, is closed against all foreigners at present, whether travellers or missionaries.

reign Bible Society, concluded the meeting with prayer.

(¡Bbining H efting,S A M U E L G U R N E Y S H E P H E R D , Esq., Chairman.

The meeting was opened with the hymn commencing—“ Onward, Christian Soldiers.”

The sixty-seventh Psalm was then read by Dr. G r a t t a n G u in n e s s , and prayer was offered by T h e o d o r e H o w a r d , Esq. (Director C.I.M.), after which followed the hymn—

“ There shah be showers oi blessing.”

The C H A IR M A N .

I A M not going to occupy valuable time by apologising at any length for my presence here in such a

prominent position. It is quite sufficient for you to know that the China Inland Mission invited me to preside, so I am here.

I noticed last night that a very famous diplomatist, anxious to describe, in short but very pointed language, the services of a famous ambassador of our land, could find no other words than to say that he had been willing to be a “ maid of all work ” for the country. So those o f us who love the L o r d Je s u s C h r is t would like to take the situation of “ maid of all w ork” to do His will, and are very grateful if we are called upon to do any­thing, though we may feel utterly incompetent.

I also noticed, not m any days ago, a long article in The Times new spaper endeavouring to enlighten the readers as to some facts in connection with m issionary work. The writer adm itted that the L o n d o n M is s io n a r y S o c ie t y was the first that carried the G ospel into China, and he went on to describe next the C h in a In l a n d M is s io n , stating that its workers are to be found every­where in China, and that they had even extended their operations as far as Thibet.

W e find that it is recorded that there are over two

thousand communicants. I do not know whether the C h in a I n l a n d M is s io n count their converts in that way ; but thank G o d for all those who are brought to know the name and the work and the office of the L o r d JESUS C h r i s t . But then the writer goes on to deeply lament— I don’t know whether you will— that there are about forty different sections of C h r is t ’s Church labour­ing to save the heathen in foreign lands. He complains that it is a waste o f strength, and while he is describing the different sects, he goes on to say that the C h in a I n l a n d M is s io n is composed of all. Thank G o d for that, if he means that all sects and all branches of C h r is t ’s true Church may be found within its area. He also says that each sect is trying very hard to keep its own little heap of embers together. I thank G o d for that, if the writer thereby means to say that they are all en­deavouring to represent as witnesses of the L o r d Je s u s C h r is t , the grand event, the grand work of the Gospel, and the blessed privileges provided thereby.

On one point he is quite clear, and I am quite sure that you will endorse it— that something more must be done. The writer says that, in our present divided state, we shall never Christianise China. I am afraid that his prophecy may be true, but that will not prevent you from

CHINA'S MILLIONS. i n

doing what you can to send out more faithful messengers ; and I venture to believe that in this assembly there are some who are ready even now to give their hearts, their lives, their all, for the sake of Him who died for them.

It is not for me, my friends, to further occupy your time. This glorious work must commend itself to

all of us who in any way know the truth, and having accepted the L o r d Je s u s as our S a v io u r , are ready to do and dare for Him. May G o d in His infinite mercy bless, extend, and use the C h in a I n l a n d M is s io n even more than He has yet done !

Mr. B R O O M H A L L .

WE rejoice to see this large gathering, and to recog­nize in our meeting so many of those whose

warm sympathy and help we have been privileged to have for so long a lime.

Mr. B r o o m h a l l then briefly recapitulated some of the particulars given in the afternoon, and read again the following letter :—

“ I have sent you twice a little for China Famine. I pro­mised you more if my husband kept in work. I have to tell you his toiling is finished. Our Heavenly F a t h e r has taken him home. I am old and poor, but still I have food and clothing, and He has promised never to leave me. Dear sir, I desire your prayers.”

[This letter contained two shillings and sixpence.]I said this afternoon— and I say it again— and I hope

that you will say “ Amen ” to it, “ G od bless this poor widow ! ” (“ Amen ” from the audience), and G o d bless all who of their poverty have given to help the suffering. It has been remarkable how in letter after letter the hope has been expressed that this calamity in China might in one way or another further the work of the G o sp el; and I cannot doubt that many who have had their sympathies called out for the Chinese, by reason of their suffering from the lack of food, will more and more care for them as they think of them without the Gospel.

Mr. B r o o m h a l l then referred to the Chairman’s remarks upon the article in The Times upon Protestant

Missions in China; and said that in estimating the results of missionary effort many considerations had to be taken into account. It was impossible from mere statistics to say with any certainty, “ That is a success,” and “ That is a failure.” And in reference to the China Inland Mission, he added : “ W e get so many compliments now- a-days that I almost feel grateful to anybody who gives us a blow, because what I greatly regret is that, in the remarks that are sometimes made in reflection upon the work of other missions, the China Inland Mission is taken hold of to throw in the face of these missions. Now, we do not want anyone to make a stone of the China Inland Mission to throw at another mission. W e want it to be understood that we are the friends of all, and the enemies of none of those who are seeking in their own way, and according to their own best judgment, to advance the cause of C h r is t in the world. W e say with all our hearts, G o d bless them a l l ! W e will rejoice — and we should be failing altogether in loyalty to our M a s t e r if we did not rejoice in all that is done for Him, by whomsoever it is done. There may be points in which one mission will have to learn from another. Some of the older ones may learn from the younger ones, and the younger ones learn from the older ones ; any way, if only we may but more successfully and efficiently carry on the great work committed to us in the evangelization of these heathen nations.

Dr. M a x w e l l then gave an address on the need of medical missions, which we hope to report in our next number.

The Rev. J . H U D S O N T A Y L O R .

I would say to all our friends here, Do what you canBE L O V E D friends, we have all along felt that the real backbone of the work has been in the praying friends

at home, who have remembered us individually on their knees, and who have come together from time to time to remember us in our weekly prayer-meetings.

I am sure that you will be interested to know that we have prayer-meetings at our various stations in China on Saturday evenings, and that in Shanghai, which is a large and important port, the prayer-meeting has increased in interest and in attendance, until we are just as crowded out there as we were in Pyrland Road before the invita­tion of our friends to come here. W e have no Conference Hall across the way to fall back upon in Shanghai, but G o d has provided us with a very suitable site for building, and He has likewise given means to put up more suitable and healthy mission premises ; these are now in course of erection, including a large prayer-meeting room. It is one of the delightful features of that Saturday evening meeting that we usually have with us members of other missions, both English and American. It is so refresh­ing to come together, and plead with G o d to bless all our dear friends who are working for us and the cause of mis­sions at home, as well as to remember the needs of the people around us and the various labourers in different parts of China who may be known to or laid upon the hearts o f those present.

Going to China last time by way o f Canada and America, G o d was pleased so to open the hearts of some of His dear people there, that there are, to my knowledge, two good prayer-meetings being carried on exclusively by the friends of the C h in a In l a n d M is s io n ; besides one in which we have quite a large share of the petitions.

dear friends, in the way of keeping up prayer for China, and for all Christian workers there, and when you are praying for China always bear in mind what a GOD He is to whom we are drawing near. China is not a great thing for Him, though it is a great thing for us. Let us bear in mind that His love is as great to India and Africa, and all parts of the world as to China. Let us seek to culti­vate largeness of heart ; it will be a blessing to our own souls, and it will bring us into deeper sympathy with GOD. I delight to think that the reason, or one great reason why G od gave Abraham such a terrible trial was that Abraham might be able to sympathise with Him in the gift of His Son, as he could not otherwise have done.

G o d does delight in the sympathy of His children, or He would not be a real Father. I speak to many here who are fathers and mothers ; I speak to many who are sisters and brothers. Do we not delight in the sympathy of those dear to us ? Can anything be more precious to us ? And if finite human love, G o d ’s richest gift, so de­lights in sympathy, how much more the great infinite heart of Him who has put this feeling into our hearts !

I have been asked to say a little more this evening about

M Y V IS IT TO T H E U N IT E D ST A T E S A N D C A N A D A .

It was my privilege to accept Mr. Moody’s invitation, and be present at his Missionary School for Students.I was delighted to see that, while the young men were enjoying themselves in the afternoon in athletic exercises, and were thoroughly young men, they were just as eager for the meetings when the time came, and

112 CHINAS MILLIONS.

their hearts were evidently on fire with sympathy for the needs of the great world that were brought before them by one missionary from one field, and by another from another field, until Mr. Sankey said, “ If this goes on very much longer, I think we shall all have to become missionaries; ’’ and even Mr. Moody was debating whether he ought not, at any rate, to visit India himself, paying Japan a visit by the way.

T H E N IA G A R A C O N F E R E N C E .

Afier one or two other visits, I had the privilege of attending the annual conference for Bible study held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautiful little place. There was a gathering of people, of course very much smaller than the Mildmay Conference, but there seemed to be just that spirit of sympathy and love, that drawing together, that so characterizes our gathering in Mildmay. It was a very precious two days that I spent there. I had two oppor­tunities of speaking about China and its need, though the main subject o f my addresses was rather the privilege of consecration to GOD, and sympathy with Him in His desires for work at home and abroad. After I left that Conference Mr. Radcliffe stayed behind with Mr. George Studd and some American friends, very much interested in missions, especially young Mr. Wilder, who has been so greatly used in stirring up the Young Men’s Christian Association and the colleges with regard to missions. The interest that existed before I left deepened, and led to some practical questions being raised. Mr. Radcliffe was asked the probable cost of sustaining a single missionary worker in connection with the C.I.M., and answered ¿50. Before the Conference separated funds had been placed in the hands of one of the secretaries of the Conference for the support o f several missionaries, promises were made, and those amounts have been increased until sufficient money has been remitted to China to more than support fifteen workers for one year.

I had not the most remote idea of our visit to A m erica affecting the C h in a In l a n d M iss io n thus. It was a great surprise, and it led to m uch prayer that one m ight know what was the L o r d 's purpose in this dealing. Mr. R adcliffe had rem arked to me, and I to him, more than once, as we were crossing the ocean together, that we fe ’.t we did not know what G od was taking us to A m erica for, though we felt that we were following H is leading ; and when this rem arkable m anifestation o f interest and desire to help cam e one was thrown v ery much upon G o d in prayer, and it was im pressed upon m y heart and upon the hearts o f som e of m y friends that if there could be found men and women in A m erica who would go out to China, the funds so contributed would be a direct link betw een the m ission­aries, and w ould be likely to deepen the interest in missions and to further the interests o f the R e d e e m e r ’s kingdom . B ut I was very much concerned— I m ight alm ost use the word “ frigh ten ed ’’— at the thought, for one felt how difficult it m ight be, if persons were to com e forw ard and offer them selves, to so thoroughly becom e acquainted with them as only to select the right people. It is so im portant that we should get in the mission field GoD-given, GoD-fitted people, and that such GOD-given and GoD-fitted people should be put b y H im just in those associations and positions for which H e has pre­pared them. A n d so one felt the need o f very much prayer.

I conversed about the matter with a number of earnest Christians, and finally, at Mr. Moody’s second con­ference, I mentioned the fact that these funds were already contributed, and said, “ Are there any here whom the L o r d would have to go out, and, supported by these funds, do the work of G od in China ? ” The hearts of a

number of persons were stirred ; they came and had conversation with me, and I saw that G od was really working there.

There was much prayer in private and together that G o d ’s will might be clear. I said to the Secretary of the Niagara Conterence, “ Do you think it would be in accordance with the wishes of the donors for part of the money to be used for the expenses of outfit and passage to China, and part for support there ; or was the way in which it was contributed such as to confine it wholly to the matter of maintenance in China ? ” H e thought that the latter was really the wish in the minds of those who contributed. W ell, one felt that in that case one might have additional guidance as to G o d ’s w ill; and I was led to conclude that we should ask G o d to give funds in America that could be used for outfits and passage- money for as many as He would have to go with us to China, besides in other ways indicating His mind.

HOW GOD A N SW E R E D P R A Y E R .

T he first who offered in Mr. Moody’s meeting was one who is known at Mildmay, a young sister, who had suffered a good deal for C h r i s t ’s sake, and was out in America assisting Mr. Moody in caring for the sick in his Girls' Training Institution. When I spoke to Mr. Moody and his dear wife about her, they said, “ I f she would go, she would indeed be a fine missionary ; ’’ and Mr. Moody said, in his pleasure and zeal, “ I will pro­vide the expense of her outfit and passage-money if she is inclined to go.’’ There was no difficulty, you see, on that score.

The second had been trained four years in Mr. Moody’s institution for missionary work, and was intending to stay the fifth year, but it was laid upon her heart that, perhaps, in that fifth year she might acquire the lan­guage, and already get into some useful work. The great need of the heathen population perishing from day to day from lack of knowledge was so laid on the hearts of many that the question was raised whether a very prolonged preparation was in all cases the will of G o d with regard to those who should go and labour for Him there. This sister was led to offer, and after ascertaining all that could be learned about her, and get­ting the necessary medical certificate as to her fitness, she was accepted as a second.

The third who was present was likewise accepted after she had procured her parents’ consent, and there had been the necessary correspondence about her. I had not much doubt from the first time that she spoke to me, that she was one on whom the L o r d had laid His hands for China. One felt though, that there was no need to act hurriedly, and it was some time before her accept­ance was conveyed to her. I had much pleasure in meeting her father ; on our way from Mr. Moody’s con­ference, our train passed the town in which he resided ; he had not received the letters that she had written asking his and her mother’s permission to offer herself for missionary work, but I could not but be much struck by the little conversation I had with him, and felt strongly that that good man’s daughter would be a very safe missionary for China. She has proved so. A t one of the farewell meetings before she left, that dear father was present with his wife, and I asked him to join us on the platform and to speak a few words. He did so with very touching sim­plicity and beauty. He told us what his daughter had been in their home, what she had been to him as a fellow- worker in the L o r d ’s vineyard, for he had a little mission hall, which he had carried on with her help, and that of a few other friends. He told us how much she would be missed there, and missed every day ; but, he said, with a quivering voice, “ If my L o r d J e s u s wants dear Susie, I

CHINAS MILLIONS. Ir3

have nothing too precious for my L o r d Je s u s ,” and he gave her up in that spirit. There was not a dry eye, I believe, in that Presbyterian Church that afternoon, as that dear father spoke. One felt that one so given must be blest.

And so we went on, the L o r d making gradually clear the case of first one and then another of those who offered themselves. But it was not quite so easy to see how the money contributed at Niagara was to be disposed of. For instance, when the first sister offered her­self, the contribution of a lady in New York was appro­priated to her, but when we had a farewell meeting in the Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, of which she was a member, the good friends there said, “ W e can give her up for China, but we cannot allow anyone else to support her there. That must be our privilege.” And so the sum which was contributed by the lady at New York had to be appropriated to someone else. So it was with the second— the sister who had been trained for four years ; her father said, “ I am not a rich man, but I have saved sufficient money, 250 dols., to sustain her for the first year, and it is in the bank. I shall take it out ; no one else must support my Grace until my own money is used.’’ W hat had been appropriated to her had to be left for some one else. And as for the sister whose father so touchingly gave her up to the L o r d , it was only a question whether the Church of which she was a member or her father, was to have the privilege of sustaining her work in China- And so it proved with a number, so that we have not found the people to this day to use all the money that has been contributed and remitted to China from that Niagara Conference.

T H E O NENESS OF GOD’S PE O PLE .

Now, dear friends, it was very beautiful to see the L o r d working thus ; and this was only one way in which He worked, for there were such delightful manifestations of brotherly and sisterly love. I was quite melted by the kindness of beloved friends to me ; if I had been an old friend or a brother I could not have been received with more welcome than I was in many places. One’s heart was very much touched, and one felt what a wealth of love and of grace there is in the great Church— greater, perhaps, than one had ever conceived before— that, after all, all the wide world over, no matter whether in Africa, in India, in China, or in America, in Canada, in Scotland, or in England, all the L o r d 's children are children of one F a t h e r , all bound to one great central heait, and that they are indeed one in C h r is t J e s u s . It is so glorious to realise that the Church is one. It is not uniformity that we want, but real manifested heart unity.

W ell, the time came when our little band were to leave for China. I was really very thankful that it should come, for one felt that the interest was so deep and so strong that one was almost afraid of being led to take some unwise step. A s my dear brother-in-law has said, those of us who are connected with this work— my dear brother-in-law here at home, and myself in my move­ments abroad— do so much want your prayers, beloved friends, that the LORD will keep us from unwisdom, and from doing anything that might be cause for subsequent regret and difficulty. If the S p i r i t of G o d does in­deed guide us, surely He will make us prudent. David was prudent because the SPIRIT of G o d guided him in his movements. So we do ask your prayers that in all that is done in connection with the Mission a spirit of prudence may prevail.

A s the day drew near that we were to leave America, the interest deepened, and the farewell meetings in Hamilton, Galt, and Toronto were remarkable— meetings

which I have certainly never seen exceeded anywhere. On the last Saturday that we were in America we had a meeting in the large new hall o f the Y.M .C.A., at Toronto, which was well filled with people, and the spiritual power was very great. On the Sunday I had the privilege of speaking in three or four of the principal churches, and Mr. Radcliffe had other meetings else­where, the final meeting being in the large hall of the Y . M .C.A. When we reached the front oi the building there was no getting near to the doors ; all the ap­proaches to it were so crowded. A second hall, which was filled as an overflow, was also so crowded that one could not get near to the entrance. It was only after being taken in a back way, by a very circuitous path, that finally we were led on to the platform. The meeting began at eight o’clock ; it was packed. The aisles were not seated, but they were packed, too, as closely as it was possible to crowd people together, and there was no slackening of the pressure until ten minutes to eleven at night. There was great spiritual power, and I have no doubt that the daily papers were right when they stated that the meetings were such as no one who was present would ever forget.

M ISSIO N ARY M ETHODS.

I believe that there has been a great deal o f discussion lately about missionary methods, Well, it is quite right that we should carefully consider our ways, but one feels jealous lest Satan should throw sand in the eyes of the L o r d ’s people, and occupy them in discussing missionary methods instead of getting down on their knees for mis­sionary power— the power of the H o l y G h o s t . There is no missionary method used to my knowledge in China which, with more H o l y G h o s t power, would not bring abundant returns to the praise and glory of G o d . There are no workers among the evangelical Christian mis­sionaries in China who, with more H o l y G h o st power, will not be so blessed and owned, that all true hearts will rejoice together. Do not let us, in our anxiety to be looking at this method or that, forget that what the Church at home needs, and what the Church abroad needs, is to be filled with the H o l y G h o s t .

T H E S P E C IA L W O R K E R S N E E D E D .

G o d has greatly blessed our English schools in Che-foo. The number of children m the girls’ and boys’ boarding schools and day schools has been very considerably in­creased, and would be still greater if we had a stronger staff of teachers. These schools are not only important as afford­ing Christian education to the children of our missionaries and the missionaries of several English and American societies, but also to the children of Protestant foreign residents. Before they were opened, the children of Protestant residents were sometimes sent to the Jesuits’ schools, because they were the only ones in which a good, thorough education was to be obtained. I need not tell you how disastrous that proved, and how thankful we are that there is now an opportunity for a thorough Christian education in China, where the teaching is Scriptural, and souls of the children are cared for. Not a single boarder went home last Christmas from the girls’ school who had not made an open confession of faith in C h r is t J e s u s ; and a considerable number of boys also were savingly converted to G o d . W e want men and women as fully consecrated to G o d as any other workers, who will go out for this educational work— men and women thoroughly efficient and qualified for their work, and who will do it for the L o r d .

I have been very thankful to Dr. Maxwell for relieving me of the duty which I have written down upon my notes, of making a strong appeal for prayer for more medical

114 CH IN AS MILLIONS.

missionaries. W e are not satisfied with the present pro­portion that we have, and we should be most thankful to have more.

W e need also the help of several good business men. W ith between three and four hundred workers in inland stations, there is a good deal of work to be done in Shang-hai, Han-kow, and Tien-tsin, in the way of for­warding stores, and letters and medicine, and facilitating the despatch of money and other necessaries to the missionaries all over a vast country like C h ina; so that

Addresses followed by Messrs. B a l l e r , N i c o l l , and

we have openings for workers o f very different kinds.Now, dear friends, do pray for us all that the- year

on which we have entered may be the richest year for soul- winning that we have ever had. There are some indica­tions that are very encouraging, and there are very plain indications, too, that the great enemy of souls is seeking to do all that he can to harass and to hinder the progress of the L o r d ’s work. Continue in prayer, then ; let us work together on our knees, and G od will bless us more and more largely.

G. W . C l a r k e , for which we have not space this month.

M I S S L E 1 T C H(O f Ceylon).

CH R IS T prayed for His disciples “ that they all might be one, as Thou Father art in Me and I in Thee,

that they also may be one in us ” ; and C h r is t ’s prayer is beginning to be fulfilled, because His disciples all the world over are being drawn nearer to each other and to the F a t h e r in Heaven. And, as we are drawn nearer to each other, we begin to love each other’s work more, because it is the M a s t e r ’s work and the work of those whom He loves. Some years ago I did not love China as much as 1 love it now ; but eighteen months since, in Scotland, I heard the Rev. Hudson Taylor say at a Con­ference that, if people could not go to more distant fields, perhaps some of them could work in Germany or France or Spain ; and he said, “ You may wonder that I, who am a missionary to China, should speak on behalf o f these other fields. I love China, but China is not all the world. G od forbid that the day should ever come when China would be all the world to me.” These words went like an arrow to my heart that afternoon. I knew that Ceylon was to me almost all the world, and I thought, “ That cannot be G o d ’s wish. G od loved the whole world, and He wants His children to love what He loves ; it is not enough for me to love Ceylon. I must love all that C h r is t loves, as far as I can.”

And so I began to pray for, and I could not pray for China without beginning to love China, and beginning to hate the opium traffic, which is ruining China. You have been hearing about this great opium traffic, which is a monopoly of the English Government. It is cursing China, cursing our brothers and sisters in China. And, dear friends, who is responsible for this Indian opium traffic in China ? W hat makes it possible for this great evil to go on in India ? The public sentiment of Great Britain makes it possible ; the men and women of Great Britain make it possible. It is a national sin, and surely GOD will visit this national sin with national judgment, for the government of G od is just and retributive. G od cannot allow evil to go on unpunished, and if He calls Great Britain to account for this evil He will call every man and every woman to account, for the nation is made up of individuals. A s to you and me, what are we doing to remove this terrible stumbling-block? The measure of our ability is the measure of our responsibility. G od will hold every one of us responsible, not only for what we are doing, but for what we might do, to remove this evil. Have not the Christians of Great Britain power to remove it if they were banded together as one man, and were looking to G od for help ? Have not the Christian Churches in Great Britain power to make their influence felt to remove this evil ? Surely they have the pow er; and if the Christian Churches do not sever the connec­tion of the Government with the opium traffic, it will not be that they could not do it, but it will be that they were asleep

and would not do i t ; and God will call them to account.Some people speak disparagingly of the possibility o f

accomplishing this task. It cannot be impossible. Look at what was done last year with the licensing clauses of the Local Government Bill. A few Temperance workers arose, and the licensing clauses were thrown out. Look at what was done when it came to the knowledge of men and women that there were places of licensed sin in India. Some pure-hearted women came forward, with Mrs. Josephine Butler as their leader (G od bless her!), and some earnest men lifted up their voices ; and those laws had to be repealed. A few men and women like that, with G od for their helper, and relying simply upon Him, could create such a public sentiment as to accomplish like results in reference to the opium traffic. I f Christians were only aroused, and truly consecrated to the L ord J e s u s C h r ist , and if they were wholly opposed to this evil, could they not overcome it? Surely they could. G od can use the weak things of this world, and things that are despised. W e are called a minority because we are so few. Dear friends, one with G od is a majority. W e cannot be in the minority, if we are with G od . Let us look to Him for help. Let us believe that there is no failure if we are on His side.

One great result of the Missionary Conference held last year in Exeter Hall was that a prayer union was formed to pray about this matter. I f there is any Christian man or woman in this audience who has not yet joined that Union, let them join it at once. Surely this is a practical, real thing, by which you can oppose this evil. Just send to-morrow morning, and do not send for one paper— why not send for 100 or 200 for your friends ? W e need to interest many others. W e need to consecrate not only ourselves to C h r i s t , but our talents, our money, and our friendships, and to use them in His service. I ask you, then, every one, to send for 100 papers to begin with, and try to get 100 of your friends to join. I will send for 100 to-morrow morning, and I am sure that if I, who am a stranger, can get 100 persons to join during the year, as I am persuaded I can, why can not each of you take a hundred papers and get your friends to join ? There are perhaps 300 persons here. If they joined, and each got 100 others to join, that would be 30,000 new members before the end of this year for that prayer union. GOD is the hearer and answerer of prayer. If we put ourselves in His hand, and if we consecrate ourselves to Him, He can use us. Let us never be discouraged j let us never speak in a disparaging tone in this matter. W ith G od nothing is impossible. W ith Him all things are possible. Let us have courage,

“ There is no room, there is no cause, for sorrow.W rong ever builds a tottering throne ;And C h r i s t shall reign to-morrow.”

The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. H u d s o n T a y l o r .

C h i n a ’ s M i l l i o n s .

®{j£ R e s u lts fli C o r n in g to tbc J im g .

B Y J . H U D S O N T A Y LO R ,

" A n d King Solomon gave unto the Queen o f Sheba a ll her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her o f his royal bounty."— i Kings x. 13.

HE beautiful history recorded in the chapter from which the above words are quoted is deeply instructive to those who have learned to recognise C h r is t in the Scriptures. The reference to this narrative by our L o rd

Himself was surely designed to draw our attention to it, and gives it an added interest. The blessings, too, received by the Queen of Sheba were of no ordinary kind. She was not only pleased with her recep­tion, and with what she saw', but all her difficulties were removed, all her petitions were granted, all her desire was fulfilled. She was

satisfied— so satisfied that, with glad and thankful heart, she turned and went away to her own country to fulfil the duties which, in the providence of G od ,

devolved upon her. If we may learn from this narrative how to approach the antitype of King Solomon, and to receive from Him blessings as much greater than those received by the Queen of Sheba as C h r is t is greater than Solomon, we shall not meditate without profit on this portion o f Scripture.

In many respects we resemble the Queen of Sheba. Though of royal birth, she was doubtless like the bride in the Song of Solomon, black, because the sun had looked upon her. The post which she was called to occupy was no easy one; in her own life, and in her duty towards others, she found many hard questions to which she saw no solution. She heard of one reigning in the power of the L o rd , whose wisdom exceeded that of the wisest of men, and who, if any one could, might afford herthe help that she needed. She felt sure that the reports that she heard o f his wisdom and o f his actswere exaggerated; yet, even allowing for this, she was prepared to take a long and difficult journey that she might see his face and prove for herself how far her difficulties could be solved by him. And she came not empty-handed; she came not only to receive, but also to give, “ with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones," not because she thought Solomon poor and needy, but because she knew of his magnificence she sought to bring gifts worthy of his royal dignity, and so coming she was not disappointed.

Her long journey accomplished, she reached Jerusalem, and was granted the audience with the great king which her soul craved. She not only unburdened her camels, she unburdened her own heart, and found that her difficult questions were no difficulty to him. “ Solomon told her all her questions; there was not anything hid from the king which he told her not.” And so gracious was he that, without restraint, “ she communed with him of all that was in her heart." Surely this utter opening of the heart implies a great deal. To none but the true Solomon can we give such confidence,

A u g u s t , 18 8 9 .

n 6 CHINAS MILLIONS.

but to Him we may lay bare the innermost recesses of our souls, and bring the questions, difficult perplexing, or sad, which we could breathe into no human ear.

We know what came of the questionings in the case of the Queen of Sheba, as to whether Solomon really could be all that some enthusiasts had reported. When she had seen his wisdom, and the house that he had built, his state and his magnificence, and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the L o r d , there was no more spirit in her, and she said to the king, “ It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom; howbeit 1 believed not the words until I came and mine eyes had seen it. And behold the half was not told me : thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants that stand continually before thee and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the L o r d thy G o d who delighted in thee to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the L o r d loved Israel for ever, therefore made He thee king to do judgment and justice." W as there not the true spirit of prophecy in these words ? Solomon has passed away, and all his magnificence; the pleasant land is to this day desolate under the power of the Turk; but the L o r d has loved Israel for ever, and soon a K in g u shall reign in Mount Zion before His ancients gloriously.” But meanwhile this K in g , all unseen to human sense, is reigning, and to those who come to Him in no sordid spirit, but gladly consecrating the wealth of their heart’s affection and the most worthy gifts they possess— to those who feel enriched by His acceptance of their gifts, and find pleasure in bestowing on Him for His service the best they can offer— to such there is still given the opening of heart and opening of eye to behold the K in g in His beauty, and to find all needed present solution of every hard question.

Do we not often give to a poor C h r i s t rather than to a rich one ? Are we not sometimes un­willing to give until His work is allowed to be in straits and sometimes its very existence imperilled ? Are not our hearts ofttimes more moved by the recital of human needs than by C h r i s t ’s claim for the prosecution of the one work for which He has left His Church on earth ? A famine in India, a flood in China is more potent to bring temporal relief than the continual famine of the bread of life and of the increasing floods of heathen ungodliness. It is well, it is Christ-like to minister temporal relief to suffering humanity, but shall the deep longings and thirstings of His soul and the impressiveness of His last command ere He ascended on high be less urgent ? How many of the parents who refuse to let son or daughter go into the mission field would refuse the Queen of England were she to confer the honour of a mission on their beloved children ? Do we recognise the majesty of the K in g of glory, and the immortal honour that appertains to His service ? To those who do, the glad exclamations of the Queen of Sheba afford well-suited expressions, Happy are Thy subjects, happy are Thy servants which stand continually before Thee and hear Thy wisdom.

To the Queen of Sheba, however, more was given than to those happy subjects or to those servants who served the king in their own land. To her was given as an eye-witness of the majesty of the king, as a glad participant of his bounty, to return to the far-off land, and to testify to those to whom, if they had heard at all, the half had not been told. Not as she came did she return, with a longing, yearning, unsatisfied heart, with duties to discharge for which she had not the wisdom, with a royal dignity indeed, but which brought not rest to her own spirit; now she had seen the king, now all her desire was met, and the glorious king after thus marvellously satisfying her had further over­whelmed her with unthought-of gifts of his own royal bounty. Do we know much of this, beloved friends ? Has C h r i s t become to us such a living bright reality that no post of duty shall be irksome, that as His witnesses we can return to the quiet home side, or to the distant service among the heathen with hearts more than glad, more than satisfied, and most glad, most satisfied, when most sad and most stripped, it may be, of earthly friends and treasures ? Let us put all our treasures into His hand ; then He will never need to take them from us on account of heart idolatry; and if in wisdom and love He remove them for a time, He will leave no vacuum, but Himself fill the void, Himself wipe away the tear.

There is yet more for us than it was possible to give to the Queen of Sheba. King Solomon had to send her away, he could not go with h er; while, though we have to leave the conference or convention or the early hour of holy closet communion with our L o r d for the ordinary duties of daily life, our Solomon goes with us, nay dwells in us, to meet each fresh need and to solve each fresh perplexity as it arises. W e have His word, " I will never leave thee, never fail thee, never forsake thee.” Satisfied and filled to begin with, we have the S a t i s f i e r , the F i l l e r , with us and in us. When He says, “ Whom shall we send and who will go for us ? ” He means to send us on no lonely errand, but on one which will give to Him a better opportunity of revealing Himself, and to us of “ finding out the greatness of His loving he^pt,M Who will not answer Him, ‘ f Here am I, send me; ” or, Here are mine, send them ?

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

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F R O M R E V . J . IV. S T E V E N S O N .

SH A N G -H A I, A p r il xqth.— I have heard of the fol­lowing baptisms : in C h e h -k ia n g , at Wun-chau, on

March 31st, three ; at Dong-ling, one on April 7th ; at Fung-hwa two, on April 7th ; and in S i-ch ’uen, at Chen- tu, two on March 17th. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew left us for their furlough on the 17th. Mrs. Easton seems to be much encouraged with work among the women. Mr. Easton had gone to visit the brethren on the Si-gan Plain. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson and Mr. Bridge arrived safely in Tien-tsin, and were going on soon to Hwuy-luh.

A p ril 20th.— Yesterday we got a first telegram from Ta-li Fu, so that distant station is now connected.

A p ril 2i\th.— Mr. Steven reports a baptism on March 3rd, at Bhamo, and Mr. Duncan K ay four at Hwuy-chau, G a n -h w u y .

May 13th.— I have the pleasure of reporting the baptism of two men at Chau-kia-k’eo, H o-N AN , on April 7th, and that of two women on the same date by Mr. Judd at Ning-hai, S h a n - t u n g . On March 23rd Mr. Parry bap­tized two men and five women at Tan-lin, S i- c h ’u e n . Mr. Armstrong is greatly encouraged by blessing in the boys’ school. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have had a most prosperous journey up to Wan-hien.

May 18th .— I am sure you will be delighted to hear that Mr. Coulthard has baptized a woman in Chau-kia-k’eo on April 28th; this is the first Lydia of H o-N AN . On the 16th inst. we had the joy of welcoming six brethren,

Messrs. Rough, Hardman, Donald, Egerton, Huntley and Griffith. I trust that by Wednesday they will have begun their studies in good earnest at Gan-k’ing. Miss Voak is going on to Wun-chau to help Miss Judd in the school, and I trust will be made a great blessing there. The Lord is with us graciously vouchsafing His help and blessing, and we are going forward expecting great things.

On May 9th we had the pleasure of welcoming Miss Horsburgh and Miss Crossthw’aite from Canada.

May 24th.— In a P.S. to my last letter I announced five baptisms at the out-stations from Kiu-chau. Mr. Thompson baptized these persons on a visit which he paid at the end of April. Since then I have heard of two baptisms at Chung-k’ing, Si-CH ’UEN, on May 5th, and seven on the same date at Kin-hwa, C h e h - k i a n g ; at Ch’u-chau, four, and four at Ning-hai, S h a n - t u n g . I also heard from Mr. Steven, of Bhamo, of the baptism of three Chinamen there on April 14 th; G o d has blessed our brother also to some of the English soldiers, and at the same time three of them were baptised.

The six brethren who arrived last week left us for Gan- k ’ing, escorted by Mr. Douglas, on the 18th. W e had a splendid testimony meeting, and I think all were refreshed. On the 20th we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. and Mrs. Edwards ; they leave us to-morrow (25th) for Japan, en route for home.

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E X T R A C T S F R O M A L E T T E R F R O M M R. J A M E S TO M R. S T E V E N S O N .

Y A-M E N , SH IH -SH E O , A p r il 13th— I wrote from Sha-shT, saying that Brother Lawson had come to

see me, and that I had decided to return here. W e arrived late in the evening of April iotli, and spent it quietly. Next day reports were thick of threatened evil. Thinking that one was as good as twenty for defence if they meant any harm, and also that if they saw only one at the house it might be better, we decided that Brother Lawson, and Hwang should go off for a few days’ journey.

That night papers, blue, red, white, and yellow, were posted thickly over the town. These contained a number of slanderous reports, calling upon the scholars to smash up our house and turn out the foreigners. Next morning (12th) the scholars began to come at 9 a m., and continued coming till noon. I sat and talked to them, avoiding all discussion upon the doctrine or speaking of anything that might irritate them. They seemed, friendly. Gradually I became aware of some half-dozen who were restless ; these came in and out and spoke insultingly, pulled about the scrolls ; eventually they demanded admission to the back into the other rooms. This I was forced to allow, going in with them. Soon they began to show their true errand, for smash went the lamps— over went the tables— down came the windows. It was time for me to get o u t; remaining in the hall was for only a short moment, for no sooner were the things destroyed or stolen, than the house had to go, and with a thousand men I could do nothing. Soon came the cry for the foreigner. I therefore had to fly, and came on here as quickly as possible. By orders the military mandarin and staff were soon at the house, also a imall mandarin; but these also had to turn away. Arriving

here, I was put in hiding by the head secretary, Yao Ta-yeh. After some two hours the mob came seek­ing the foreigner, and demanding of Mr. Yao that I should be given up. This he steadfastly refused to do, saying that he was the Emperor’s servant and I was the Emperor’s guest. They took him by the queue and gave him some rough handling, and a few slaps in the face. Then they searched the whole place, and I had to come out. I have had some little experience of a Chinese mob, but nothing like this. Taking me by the queue some slapped my face, others kicked, and some struck me on my head with umbrellas. Then, taking me some four l i in the rain, hatless, to the examination hall, they tried to force it, and put me in as their prisoner before the magistrate. After a time some persuaded them to release me and let me stay at the Ya-men, and two days hence see what further should be done. I cannot get away, and do not know what they may do. This morning I am far from feeling like running away, but apart from head-ache and a few head bumps I am all right.

As regards my possessions here, I am free to leave any day, but shall be guided by circumstances until your letter comes.

I can assure you no provocation on our part has caused the trouble. The people as a whole are very friendly, though some have deep-seated enmity. The authorities, in desiring to protect us, again issued proclamations, and this, I fear, was the cause of bringing things to a point. They were issued in our absence.

May G od perfect His glorious will. W e cannot see how the Gospel is to be furthered by this, but JJe knows

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

Jjim m lfo it arâr §ap iism s in: Can-Iin, S ï- iÿ ’tten»F R O M D R . P A R R Y .

MA R C H 2 y d .— I reached here early yesterday morn­ing, the Lord’s Day, in good time for morning

service, and it was very pleasant to be again amongst the Christians here. M y arrival caused a little merriment, for it had been reported that, in consequence of my mortifi­cation at the success o f the adversaries and their wide circulation o f evil rumours, I had hanged m yself; but here I was with nothing worse than blistered feet. The determined antagonism o f the two B .A ’s who were ring­leaders o f the opposition had culminated in the circula­tion by the hundred in all the country round of a book o f slanders, as bitter and as vile as could well be put together.

It was evident that the book, which was well got up, was

to stand firm henceforth both as a believer and as an abstainer.

Their inn is outside the city, and Mrs. Kweh, the wife ol the above, is very bo'.d for the truth ; for notwithstanding that they have had threats of house-looting and expulsion from the place, still she has open worship in the house, and stands at her door and calls aloud to the neighbours to come to “ li-pai.” She leads in a hymn and then prays. It is most evident that she knows that the L o rd is her Helper, and fears not what man may do unto her.

T his family much need our prayers, for besides being the most marked objects for persecution in various ways, the man has yet before him the task of freeing himself from the sale o f opium and wine in his inn, and the

B U D D H I S T M O N A S T E R Y IN T H I B E T .

telling on the people, and the evangelist took copies to the ya-men here and at Mei-chau; the result has been the

Erompt issue o f proclamations, one for the doorway o f the ouse, and the others for the city gates and the country

markets.These papers order the suppression and withdrawal of

the books, and are, of course, favourable. Praise G od , the effect o f them has been marked in causing at least a superficial improvement in the state o f affairs, and shows what the officials can do, i f they please, to favour the work. But we have indeed cause for much thanksgiving, that the work o f grace is going on through it all.

Before I left Chen-tu, old Mrs. Kweh came up with Mrs. Riley and received baptism.

Her son, the landlord of the inn, came just after, partly to get away for a time, as the feeling was and is strong against him and the family, for giving the foreigners a welcome to the city, and so injuring the people and the place. But while he was in Chen-tu, it gave a good opportunity to carry on his cure o f opium-smoking, which had been incomplete at Tan-lin ; he has been a heavy smoker, but before he left us he willingly handed over to me his opium pipe, and returned I trust, by G o d ’s help,

taking down o f the last relic o f past ignorance, in the form o f an un-worshipped ancestral tablet.

W e do praise G od, when we think o f what H is grace has wrought in that family since May, 1888, when we stayed there. Mother and son have given up opium, both are believers, the former a baptized member, and now the son’s wife, who is the mother of two children, is about to follow her mother in regard to baptism. And not only so, but yesterday I was happily occupied in examining their nephew, a sturdy young man, who also has given up his opium smoking during our last visit. I was gladdened to find him so clear, and evidently sincere and earnest. GOD willing, he too will this evening be received by baptism. H e has kept steadily on with us through all the storm of evil reports, though some others have been frightened.

This morning, again, I had another young man, Yuen, a close neighbour o f the Kwehs, and who has learnt from them to pray to and trust in Go d , and now he with his wife together desire to confess their faith. I found him, though with less knowledge than the above-mentioned nephew, yet, as far as we can see, sincere in his faith in J esus as the only S a v io u r . This young couple work together for their living at braidmaking.

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

Then, again, there is the servant of the Kwehs, a young woman, who, by the testimony of her mistress, “ prays while she sweeps the floor, and prays while she washes the clothes,” and so is something like the old servant of whom we hear at home, who solved the meaning of “ pray without ceasing.” Her husband has given his consent, and she is waiting for baptism.

Besides these there are yet others to follow as the result of the witnessing of the family at the inn. Surely we have reason to say, “ Hallelujah ! ”

Tuesday, March 24th.— Praise the L o r d ! Last evening was notable in the history of the work in Chen-tu and Tan-lin. A t the evening service seven persons, two of them men whom I have above mentioned (Kweh and Yuen), and five women,— Mrs. Chang, the wife of the octogenarian baptized at the New Year ; Mrs. Kweh, the wife of the landlord of the inn; Mrs. Yuen, the wife of the man Yuen ; Mrs. Chen, the servant at the inn ; and Mrs. Lo, a neighbour of the same family,— were received as members of the Church here, and into the fellowship of C h r i s t ’s Church universal.

Before the baptism I spoke a while on “ Whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the L o r d ’s.” It was a time of gladness, and I believe that this band of seven is a good sheaf of the firstfruits presented to the LORD, and

to us the earnest ot a harvest in store. Now we need not wonder if Satan does get stirred up still more at such a sight as this, right in the teeth of what has been going on, but we pray G o d to keep us all low before Him and make each Christian such a bright, true witness that the adversaries may be put to shame and know that G o d is with us in truth. The Church here in Tan-lin now numbers sixteen members.

I am glad to find also a good sign of progress, this visit, in the institution of the Church money-box for weekly offerings, and in this matter they are evidently enthusiastic.

I should mention that young Yuen brought me a bundle last evening, the clearance of his household idolatrous papers and papers for the dead.

In returning to-day from dining at the inn with the new members, we saw written up on the city wall some of the evil things that have been said as to our dealings with the family at the inn ; but Satan has missed his mark, for, as Airs. Kweh says, they “ only add to her happiness.” Some of the proclamations are torn down and some pasted over. I am getting copies of them.

On Wednesday afternoon and evening had good times with the members, and on Thursday started for home, reaching there on Saturday. Praise the LORD !

% drrnkrf’s Ccsliwonn in a (£omi of fusticc.F R O M M R. D. E . H O S T E .

HO H -C H A U , March i y d . — W e have good news from Yang-ch’eng Hien. The people are well in­

clined ; some ten or more have broken off opium, and one or two have put away idols. The mandarin, at the instigation of one of the city district warders, has now forbidden them to receive patients, unless they promise not to preach the doctrine of JE SU S. He sent for the landlord of the Refuge to reprimand him for having let the premises to the promulgators of such obnoxious doc­trines. The landlord, on being rebuked, replied that if these men were evil they would give evidence of their bad character, but instead of this they had been doing good deeds and speaking good words since they had been on his premises. The official then replied, “ Why, you have followed them, and I hear the people are all being deceived by them.” The landlord, who had been I

cured of his opium, and had believed in the L ord , replied that he had. The magistrate asked him what the doctrine was, and what they did, and was told that they prayed and sang hymns. He thereupon told the man to give him a specimen of the hymns ; so the latter sang,

“ He leadet.li me, oh, blessed thought.”A blessed testimony, was it not ? given in a heathen

court of justice, hundreds of l i away from any foreign pastors or any organised church, by a man who had only just emerged from heathenism, and had had no teaching whatever from any foreigner.

Mr. Hsi, on hearing of these things, decided temporarily to stop receiving opium patients, but to let one or two men stay a while to comfort the little band of converts, and then go forward and occupy Tseh-chau Fu, ninety li off.

% W o m e n s % h n n R e f u g e .

F R O M M IS S B U R R O U G H E S.

LU -G A N F U , March. — The women have been coming from all parts lately to hear the Gospel,

and to get medicine for their different diseases. I have them all together and talk to them about their souls first, and then about their different ailments, and give them medicines. I have them all kneel down and we ask the L o r d to heal them ; this has gone on for about a month, besides fresh women coming into the opium refuge nearly every day. W e are now quite full, twelve women in. Mr. Studd has twenty-two men patients, praise the LORD.

Five women have broken off and gone home, and, best of all, the LORD is working in their hearts most wonder- j

fully ; I do believe some have gone out really saved. A ll 1 who have gone home have given up their idols, and more i

i than that, the L o r d is teaching them that salvation means giving up sin.

Some of the men too have been saved and are doing all j they can in their homes to win other souls. It is most ! encouraging that both men and women are willing to

pray, and that when they go home they come back to the ; meetings on Sundays and week-days of their own accord

without any pressing. W e cannot praise the L o r d enough for what He is doing in this city ; prejudices are disappearing, and both men and women come here now from the city and villages, of their own accord, to break off their opium. They turn up, bringing their money, bedding and food, saying, “ I have come to break off my opium ; will you take me in ? ”

I am managing the women’s refuge till Mrs. Studd

126 CHINAS MILLIONS.

is strong enough; it is so interesting and such a joy having the women to teach. I get them all together on a k’ang every afternoon and teach them hymns, choruses, and verses out of the Bible. I do so praise the L o r d for giving me this work ; having the women in the Refuge is such a splendid way of getting at their souls. They have to be here twenty days, and some longer, and teaching them every day, they can learn a good deal in that time. W e have some in now who have been heavy opium smokers, for twenty years and more.

Unless one has a very experienced Chinese woman to help it means being with the women off and on all day ; they nearly all come in with an illness of some kind, which needs constant attention. Praise G o d ! He has heard prayer most definitely in these Refuges, and both men and women are saying, “ Your G o d has wonderful power, we see it every day. H e must be the

true G o d .” One old woman of sixty has broken off her opium, and we have one in now who is sixty-five.

I am living in the same court with the women, and am in and out with them all day long ; one feels that if we are right, and our lives right, it must tell upon them, and influence them as nothing else ever will, it makes us so one with them. One woman said the other day, “ Living here with you, we are just like one family ; we are so happy, it is like having our own home people here with u s ; you are just the same to us, as if we belonged to you.” I tell you this just to show you that this sort of family life does seem so to touch and open their hearts.

W e have a dear old Chinese woman who cooks for the women; she is a great comfort, I believe she is saved; she certainly has a very good influence with the women and prays with them.

Ilcirarassmras,B Y D R . D O U T H W A I T E .

From The China Medical Missionary Journal.

SO M E time ago I heard a clerical brother speaking against medical missions, and asserting that the

spiritual results were so meagre as to warrant the con­clusion that they were a failure. These disparaging re­marks set me thinking over my own experience of nearly fifteen years’ labour as a medical missionary and of what I had seen of the works of others. The result of my meditations is, that I am more than ever convinced that medical missions, so far from being a failure, are the most potent means which the Church of C h r i s t can command for removing prejudice and opening the way to the hearts and homes of the people. They may have failed in some instances, as other agencies have, and there is great danger of the physician being so pressed with the business of the healing of the sick that he has neither time nor strength to carry out the other half of his com­mission and preach the Gospel also.

But, given a man well qualified to heal the bodies, and full of zeal for the salvation of the souls o f his patients, wherever that man is located he will draw the people to himself and lead them to CHRIST. He exhibits the prac­tical side of Christianity, and as the old adage says, “ Actions speak louder than words.”

About ten years ago I was passing through the streets of one of the large cities of China, and as usual was saluted on eveiy hand by cries o f “ Foreign devil.’’ Women and children ran away at my approach, and closed their doors to escape whatever baneful influence they supposed attended my presence. On reaching the house of a missionary, I met an elderly lady who had recently come to China, and she immediately pressed me into her service; she was just starting on her rounds with a little basket of medicines for a number of babies of her acquaintance, and begged me to accompany her.

W e went along the same streets through which I had passed scarce an hour before, but what a change in the attitude of the people ! / was ignored, but my companion was greeted with smiles by the children, and many women came to the doors of their houses to invite her in. Now what was the secret of this lady’s influence ? She could scarcely speak an idiomatic sentence, and had in fact been rejected by one of the missionary societies as utterly unfit for work in China. Yet one of the older mission­aries said she was the best worker they had, and had won the affections of the people where others had utterly failed to gain any influence over them. The simple fact

was that though she could not speak much Chinese, yet by the universal language of kindness she showed the poor women and children that she loved them, and was there­fore a welcome guest in every house she visited, and found many eager recipients of the simple remedies which she carried about in her basket, and many hearts glad to receive the news of salvation proclaimed to them by those who accompanied her.

“ Love never faileth,” especially when manifested by acts of kindness, and even the Chinese, who can hardly understand disinterested kindness, are not proof against its power.

In 1876, 1 removed with my wife to the city of Kiu-chau, in the south-west of C h e h -k i a n g , and, after some diffi­culty, succeeded in leasing an old house which had the reputation of being haunted. The city people were very hostile and as intensely offensive as they could be short of doing actual personal violence. For the first six months my wife dared not leave the house, for whenever she made the attempt she was followed by a howling mob.

Women, constrained by curiosity, would come to our house in crowds, but the men would not come near, except to revile and annoy. In fact, our position was almost unendurable, and nothing would have induced us to remain but a strong conviction that such was G o d ’s

will.As soon as possible I opened a free dispensary, and

ere long the opposition began to abate. Men and women flocked in from the country, and a few of the city poor also came for medicine, but no one with a reputation to lose would have any friendly dealings with us. The gentry, seeing so many countrymen coming under our influence, attempted to stop the work by employing spies, who followed the patients and frightened them by the usual silly stories about the power of our drugs to change the heait and convert the Chinaman into a foreigner ; or by assuring them that, although they would be cured of their diseases, they would certainly die within three years after taking the medicine unless they “ entered the foreign religion,” etc.

With such determined and organised opposition to contend with, our chance of success seemed small indeed, but G o d was working out His purposes, in spite of the raging of His foes, and soon we had abundant evidence that our labour was not in vain.

C H IN A S MILLIONS. 121

In a village on the borders of KtANG-Sl lived an elderly woman named Fung, who had for a long time been suffering from lupus, which had attacked her neck and was slowly spreading over her face. O f her it might be said truly that she “ had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,” for she and her husband had sold nearly aU their few possessions and pawned all their clothing in order to purchase medicine and pay the Buddhist priests for prayers offered to their gods. A t length, growing impatient, the old lady went to the temple to give the priests “ a bit o f her mind,”

calmed down a little, the chief priest came forward 'and asked to be allowed to speak. Said he, ** You have com­mitted a 'great sin in thus blaspheming, our god j he is not a vain idol as you suppose, nor without power to heal, but last night he revealed to us the cause o f your disease. H e told us, that in a former state o f existence you were unfaithful to your husband, and in revenge his spirit bit you on the cheek, and set up an incurable disease.” Having thus delivered himself he walked away, and the poor old couple left the temple with sad hearts, hardly knowing whether what they had heard was true or false, for she had no consciousness o f a

SHIPPING NEAR HONG-KONG.

for she began to suspect that either they or their gods were humbugs. T h e priests pretended to be horror- struck by such impiety, and warned the woman that a worse calamity would come upon her i f she dared to speak evil of the great Buddha. A t the same time they assured her that i f she would bring some more medicine, and give them a thousand cash, they would offer special prayers for a blessing on the remedy, and the disease would certainly be cured \ so the poor dupe sold the few remaining articles which she could spare, purchased the medicine, and committed it into the hands of the priests. Finding that, notwithstanding the assurance of the priests, the disease continued to spread, the woman induced her husband to accompany her to the temple, where she cursed both gods and priest with all her might. A s soon as she had exhausted her vocabulary o f abuse, and had

previous existence, or remembrance o f the crime ol which she was accused.

On their way home they met a man who had been at Kiu-chau and had heard the Gospel, and when he had listened to their tale of woe, he advised them to go to the foreign doctor in Kiu-chau, and expressed his con­viction that the priests were all wicked deceivers. “ But,” said he, “ you pray to J esus, the L o r d o f Heaven, and He will cure you." Happily they took his advice and came a three d iys’ journey by wheelbarrow and boat.

After listening to their story I invited them to stay in my house for a few days, as I had no hospital, and put the patient under the usual treatment— Ung. Iodi. ex­ternally, Potas. Iodi. internally. Being a “ Faith-healer " in the right sense o f the term— that is, believing that, with means or without, Go d is the source o f all healing-

122 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

pow er— I followed the exam ple o f m y heathen patient, and sought the blessing o f my G o d on the m edicine used.

After a few days, during which they listened atten­tively to the Gospel, my visitors departed, and three weeks later a messenger came for medicine, bringing the gratifying news that the disease was almost cured. Three or four months elapsed, during which I heard nothing about the case, and then, to my surprise, the worthy couple appeared again in Kiu-chau, not this time for medicine, for the cure was complete, but to hear more

about the true G o d , for, they said, they were now quite convinced that their gods were false. They had publicly renounced idolatry, and had spoken so enthusiastically in their village about the foreigner’s G o d , that many had resolved with them to worship Him. How long they re­mained with us I cannot remember, but they returned to their village, rejoicing in C h r i s t as their S a v io u r , and within two years many of their neighbours were led to trust in H im ; a church was organised in the village, through their influence, and one man afterwards went forth from their church as an evangelist.

Wulut d jlkbum litigsmrcs.Address by Dr. M A X W E L L at the Anniversary Meetings.

T H E R E is one name and one memory which is bound up with the C h in a I n l a n d M is s io n , and which

is very dear to the hearts o f all medical missionaries— I mean the name of Harold Schofield. W hilst he yet lived he sent home again and again to appeal for a large increase of the medical missionary body in China, and I should like to say to-night that there is need still for such an agency. The state of things there in reference to medical missions is not materially changed since he passed away. M y desire is to plead for your interest in medical missionary work, and, possibly, through G o d ’s blessing, to reach some persons whose hearts may be touched to look forward to that work for themselves.

On the staff of the C h in a In l a n d M is s io n there are, exclusive of M r. Hudson Taylor himself, eight medical missionaries. Two of these are in the far west of China at Chen-tu, the capital of S i-c h ’u e n ; one is in Chung­kin g, S i-c h u ’e n ; two are on the east coast at Che-foo ; one is in S h e n -si ; another in S h a n -si ; and the other two, I think, are now moving about in other parts of China. It strikes me that eight medical missionaries out of such a large number as 329 is not a proper proportion, and that it might be largely increased with advantage to the efficiency of the C h in a In l a n d M is s io n .

The function of a medical missionary in China is not one of little importance. He has to testify, like all his brethren, to the grace of G o d , which bringeth salvation, but he has to testify also that that grace is not blind to and not careless of human suffering ; but that, on the contrary, the grace of G o d is intensely sympathetic and helpful in present human need.

That is a kind of testimony which, in a country like China, is specially needed. I do not think that any of us who have been there would fail to testify that there is a great amount of worldly wisdom among the Chinese. W e are all willing to testify also that, so far as energy and efforts in the direction of education, or certain points of education, at least, are concerned, there is no lack in China. There is much study of what may be called “ moral philosophy.” A ll China may be said to bow down and worship a Fetish, which is simply a system of morals, having everything in it but G o d . And yet, with all its worldly wisdom, and with all its measure of educa­tion and knowledge, there is a terrible blank in the direc­tion of ministry to the human body. In China, whilst disease and death are as rife as in every other country, there is no provision, or almost none, in the way of pity, and of earnest endeavour to find out that which will be helpful to men and women in times of suffering and need. And it is to the doctrine of “ G o d manifest in the flesh ” that we here, in these western lands, owe the marvellous provision that is made for us. I think that it is one of the significant marks of the cruelty and degradation of

heathenism that, even in a partially civilised country like China, where there is so much talk about morals, there is this terrible neglect of human need.

When the Christian Church takes the message of life, the message of its M a s t e r , to the dark places of the earth, I think that it needs also to take the L o r d ’s own method— His intensely human and intensely sympathetic method— of presenting that message, if it is to honour its L o r d as it should do. There are many channels through which human sympathy may flow in the direction of kindness, but there is one channel in which the L o r d Je s u s C h r i s t Himself was very earnest to show that He delighted to manifest His sympathy— the channel of healing mercies to these bodies of ours. From His own person there was a ceaseless flow of kindness towards the suffering humanity that was around Him. W e can­not read the Gospels without feeling this in every page.

It is a striking fact connected with mission work in China, that among the very earliest workers on that field were two ordained men who had not been trained in medicine, or, at least, only one of them very partially, but who were among the first to be impressed with its vast importance in relation to the spread of the Gospel.I refer to David Abeel, from America, and to W illiam Burns. These were two of the saintliest men that ever entered the field; two men, the savour of whose zeal and spiritual power and holiness still flows forth for blessing to all missionaries in China and to the Church at large ; and they were so much impressed with the im­portance of medical work, that one of them, Mr. Abeel, the first missionary to Amoy, set himself deliberately to use medicine in order to draw the crowds around him. He did his utmost in treating them, and preached the Gospel to them, and he has left on record what a valuable agency he found that small knowledge of his to be, and what a valuable help it was in prosecuting Gospel work. He was the first missionary to Amoy, and laid the founda­tions of mission work there.

The other missionary, William Burns, laid the founda­tion of mission work in Swatow. Mr. Hudson Taylor was with him in its earlier days, and, after he left, Mr. Burns was so impressed with the necessity of carrying forward medical mission work that he used his own means to assist a Christian medical man from Hong-kong to come and live near him to carry it on.

Now, these two missions at Amoy and Swatow have been singularly blessed of the L o r d . Beyond all question, they are amongst the strongest and most consolidated and most prosperous missions in China, and I do not think that I exaggerate when I say that a large measure of the spiritual prosperity, and of the extension of the work in these two fields, circles round the medical element in them.

CHINAS MILLIONS. 123

Let me say here, and say with emphasis, that if medical mission work in any given field in China is to make the spiritual impression which it ought to make, there must be a very definite purpose, and a very definite use of means suited to bring about these spiritual results.It is possible to have an immense amount of medical work, and to heal an immense number of the sick, and yet not to attain large spiritual results. It is possible, on the other hand, to have a medical mission equally well, or perhaps much better conducted on its medical side, and yet to have spiritual results which are remarkable in the highest degree.

The first necessity in a medical mission is the presence of a devoted Christian man who is abreast of his profes­sion. Such a man will find, if he is planted in any well- chosen centre in China, large numbers of patients coming to him. His hospital and his dispensary will be crowded. Sometimes they will lie in the streets outside, in order that they may not miss the chance of getting in in the morning, or be sent away without seeing the doctor. And even when they have travelled hundreds of miles, if they do not find him at his headquarters they will follow him day after day to the country station where he may be labouring, in order to make sure of seeing him. Such is the patient, trustful temper of these people towards the medical man who is seeking to help them.

HOW t o h a v e s p i r i t u a l r e s u l t s .

The question arises at once, How is he to take advan­tage of the wonderful opportunity which G o d has given him ? And here is the hitch. There is no difficulty about the sufficiency of the number of people who come round the j medical mission. There is a most ample opportunity for j spiritual work amongst them, but how can you take advantage of it ? Some experience of medical mission work teaches me that the medical man, however willing, however devoted and anxious he may be concerning the spiritual interests of his patients, cannot himself do justice to the spiritual opportunity. He is continually handicapped by the presence of large numbers of needy, suffering men and women, to whom it is his duty to attend. How is advantage to be taken of the spiritual opportunity? The answer is this : He must press into the service all the men and women whom he can to assist him in his work. And it pays well to have a mission hospital wrought in the highest degree. It pays not only to have the medical missionary himself doing what he can, taking his turn with his brethren and sisters in im­pressing upon the patients his own intense desire for their spiritual welfare, but it will pay any mission body who have a medical mission in China to take care that the medical missionary, with all the other work upon his hands, shall be duly supported in seeking to take advan­tage of the spiritual opportunities that are presented in the hospital. By far the most outstanding mission hospital in China, I believe, both in past history and at

this present time, is the one I have just referred to at Swatow. Hundreds of patients have left that hospital servants of C h r i s t . There is no question of that. No less than 100 patients last year asked for baptism in that one hospital. Now, what is the secret of the success which has attended

THE WORK OF THE SWATOW HOSPITAL?

It is that while such brethren as Drs. Cole and Lyon, devoted skilled Christian men, have done their best, and have shown their own zealous interest in the spiritual welfare of their patients as far as they could, they have been backed up by a number o f like-minded men and women. The result is that all through that region, roo miles to the north, ioom ilestothe west, and 100 miles to the south of Swatow, you will find not only a large number of mission stations planted with actual congregations the direct fruit of conversion in the hospitals, but also all over that region, in villages here and hamlets there, you will find Christian men and women in ones and twos living witnesses for the LORD JESUS CHRIST where there are no stations.

You must recollect that there are no opportunities in China to be compared with these. I speak strongly. I speak from my own experience and from what I have seen of others. It is my conviction that, considering the time that the patients are with you, considering the spirit they are in whilst they are with you, and the quiet in which they live while separated from their heathen friends, there is no opportunity to be compared with the opportunity possessed by medical missionaries, and those who are working with them, of seeking to bring home spiritual truth to the hearts of these people.

I am not goin g to detain you longer, but I should like to say that I love the C h i n a Inl<\ntd M is sio n , though 1 m yself am a Presbyterian. I take a deep interest in its success, and I long to see more m edical mission work associated with it. I should like to see strong hospitals planted at m any points, and those hospitals worked not only b y devoted labourers who are abreast of their pro­fession, but also b y fellow-labourers fitted to assist them in the spiritual work.

I think that there is need for a special fund to provide MEDICINES AND SURGICAL APPLIANCES

for medical missionaries, so that the provision for such needs may not be drawn from the general funds. It is in your power to initiate such a fund. I think that it is at least worthy of consideration by the beloved friends who are at the head of this Mission, and by you who support it, whether it would not be possible to encourage young Christian medical men to come forward, as I believe many more would if it was made plain that there was a full scope for the professional part of the work. The L o r d has blessed this mission in time past very wonder­fully, and my prayer and desire for it is that He may bless it very much more abundantly in time to come.

Clic giffratiljr of (Opening StuliansAddress by Mr. F . W. B A L L E R

DU R IN G the afternoon meeting Mr. Taylor told us that in eight provinces fresh stations had been

opened. Now, I am perfectly sure that all of us who rejoice in the progress of the Gospel must have rejoiced in that fact, but I think that those of us who have travelled about in China rejoicemostof all. Years ago, when Mr. G. King and I took the first journey taken by any member of our mission into the province of S h e n -s i , we

at the Anniversary Meetings.

go: up about 800 miles from Han-kow, and very much longed to go further, but could n o t; it was our heart­felt prayer that not only the places which we passed through might have the Gospel, but that also to the remoter districts which we were unable to reach, G od would send men and women who would make known His truth. As one hears of one station and another being opened, some in the north, some in the west, some in the

124 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

east, and some in the south, one's heart goes out with very deep thanksgiving to G od .

W e can state in a very few words the fact that these stations are opened ; but I think if we look on the map we shall see that it represents a great deal of labour, and also that China is now being reached in its uttermost border. I f we take the station that was recently opened in K i a n g -s u , at Kao-yiu, a little to the north of Yang-chau, and look across the map to the north-west, to the station at Liang-chau, in K a n -s u h , which has been opened by our brother and sister Laughton, we shall find that there is a distance of nearly 2,500 miles ; and if from Lan-chau we were going to the most southerly station recently opened, we should have to go about 1,800 miles from Lan-chau, to the south of Kuei-yang Fu, in K w e i -c h a u . And again, if we look due west from Kao-yiu to Tan-lin, it brings us within 300 miles o f the borders of Tibet, and, to reach that, we have to travel about 1,800 miles.

W hen we think of it, we cannot but see that G o d has answered prayer wonderfully in thus enabling our brethren not only to go about the country, but in these districts to preach His Gospel and to open stations where settled work can be carried on for Him. I rejoice in coming home to find the number of earnest, godly men and women who pray for us. W e asked G o d in prayer that He would send one hundred workers, and give fresh openings for them, and He has done this, and I feel that we have cause for abundant thanksgiving.

I f we consider what it means to open a station, I think that we shall appreciate far more how gracious G o d has been to us in this matter. Now, to open a station in China to a great many minds may appear very much the same as renting a house here at home, but it is really very different. W hen we go to remote districts the people do not know who we are, and what they have heard does not prepossess them in our favour. Those who know anything about the opium traffic do not think that we have come as their friends ; while the Chinaman who has a house to let has to consider his own safety. The Chinese system of govern­ment is a very elaborate one, formed upon the principle that each man is his brother’s keeper. Mr. Chang is made responsible for the conduct of his next door neighbour, and should he go wrong will be blamed with having con­taminated him. A system of government like that, makes a man careful who he has for his neighbour, lest his neighbour’s sin should be put down to his accoun t: in many places one has to get the consent oi the whole street before renting. Every city is divided into wards, and the consent of the ward officer has to be obtained before you can get a settlement. In Wu-chang the brethren of the W esleyan mission bought a piece of ground about four

years ago, quite close to Han-kow, one of the treaty ports. The man who sold the ground soon found himself in prison. A false charge was brought against him, and all his property was confiscated, and when I left China a year ago the man was in prison still. He had been there two years, and there was every prospect that he would remain there, simply because he had let a foreigner have a piece of the ground in that city, which is the residence of many of the officials, and the centre of government for the province ; so you see a Chinaman has to consider that he may lose the money that he gets by the transaction, and that he may be cast into prison, and have his pros­pects altogether blighted. It seems to me that to think of these difficulties magnifies the grace of G o d in so helping and blessing our brethren that they have been able to settle down in so many places.

When I opened K ’uh-wu, in S h a n -SI, the only man in the city who would allow us to have a house was a broken-down opium-smoker, who had been in better circumstances, but who had indulged this vice, and so lost all. H e had nothing more to lose, he wanted money, and so we were enabled to get in.

In opening a place it is very important that we should let the natives know exactly what we have come to do. I had to be on view for about a week. The people had, many of them, never seen a foreigner, and the next day a large number came to see who I was, and what I had come to do. I threw the door open, put chairs round, and wel­comed the people in. They wanted to see upstairs and downstairs, and I showed them all I had. They said among themselves, “ W ell, there does not seem to be anything very secret about this. It is an open and above-board sort of business.” Then they began to ask a variety of questions. How old was I ? O f course I told them. How long had I had a moustache, seeing that I was not very old ? I told them that. Then they asked whether my country was away in the west, and what I ate, and so on, and that went on for a little more than a week. A s fast as one party went away another party came. The questions became rather monotonous, but in the end their curiosity was satisfied, and we were able to settle down. W e have cause for great praise and encourage­ment. One feels that if G o d has begun thus to bless, and has given us such openings as He has, surely it is that He intends to pour out all the riches of His grace upon these people that have so long sat in darkness.

Let us believe that G o d will still open doors before us faster than we are able to occupy. G o d help us that we may all o f us continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving, and to His Name shall be all the glory.

%n fnr % 0f Cljina,Address by M r. G EO. N IC O L L at the Anniversary Meetings.

DE A R friends, you have heard the voices o f several pleading for China t©-day, and if you could hear

the prayers of the brethren and sisters who are scattered about that vast empire, you would bear them plead with the L o r d of the harvest that He would send iorth more labourers into His harvest. You have heard of the great distances between the stations. Usually we have to travel days and weeks, and in some cases months, be­fore we can reach our next neighbour. W e pass many large towns and cities which have no witness for C h r i s t . But there are others in China besides the Chinese, and to­night I should like to plead for them for a very few moments. You know that we sometimes sing—

“ Let every kindred, every tribe On this terrestrial ball

To Him all majesty ascribe,A n d crown Him L o r d of a ll.”

It is a beautiful sentiment, but, oh, dear friends, sentiment is not enough in the work of G o d . He wants us to go forth for Him.

In the western provinces of China a large portion of the population are aborigines. In the provinces of Y u n -n a n and K w e i-c h a u , and in the south-west of H u -n a n , in K i a n g -SI, and also in the west of S i -c h u e n , there are a great many tribes which are not Chinese. To the south­west of Sl-CH ’UEN there are tribes— I do not know what

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

family they belong to, but Chinese who have lived amongst them and traded with them have told me that they are a most hospitable people, and that when visitors go into their houses they set a plentiful supply of milk before them. W hat an opening for a servant of C h r is t to go and receive of their milk, and to take to them something better than it is possibleforthemto return— the water of life !

A little to the south there is another people, called Lolos, who have been oppressed for the last 300 years. Still, although their territory has been much encroached upon, they maintain a certain amount of independence. They occupy at the present time a territory running north and south for over 200 miles, and from east to west about 100 miles, and they have their own rulers. When I passed through I looked upon them as a much more noble race than any of their conquerors. A ll these races are oppressed by the Chinese, and this ought to excite our sympathies for them. The Lolos do not worship idols ; they recognise a Supreme Being, but they have little idea of who He is. And the Shans and other races also recognise the Deity ; but still they are in darkness as to the way of life. Per­haps some of them may have been influenced by their Chinese neighbours to bow to stocks and stones, but as a rule they do not worship idols. These heathen people are very easily influenced, the one by the other. When they see that the Chinese are sincere in their worship of the idols, they may follow their example. Would to G od that there were more of this sincerity at home, then there would be less need for doctors of divinity to write large books to prove the truth of Christianity. Well, dear

friends, I would plead with any of you who want to spend your lives in the foreign field, to ask the L o r d if He would not have you to go amongst those poor down­trodden tribes.

W ith one word I will conclude. W hen we read the Gospel story, and come to the close of our blessed L o r d ’s life, our hearts are deeply touched as we see His sym­pathy and love as He is about to part from His disciples. And when we read that beautiful prayer which He uttered just before leaving them, and see there that, as it were, our names are mentioned, oh, we think of the large heart of love which our blessed S a v i o u r possessed, and we feel as if we could do anything for Him. Then, when we sea Him in the garden of Gethsemane sweating great drops of blood on our account, oh, do not our hearts go out again, so that we feel willing to make any sacrifice for Him? And as we see Him on the cross, the same feeling arises in our hearts ; we would be ready to give anything— to sacrifice anything. But a few days later, perhaps, we hear His command, “ Go ye and disciple all nations.” A h ! there is a different feeling then. Some­times the call to “ give ” is to a father or a mother, but the fathers and mothers are perhaps unwilling to give. And sometimes it is “ go ” to a young man or a young woman, and they are unwilling to go. Oh, dear friends, when you read that command of our L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t , look back to the story of love, how He poured out His soul on our account, and just then surrender your all to go forth anywhere to tell the blessed Gospel to a perish­ing world. M ay G od grant it !

(6arln gags in Po-trau,F R O M M IS S G U IN N E S S .

H E -K ’I-T IE N , A p r il 18th.— It is more than three months now since we came here. For the

first three weeks, as you know, we did not go out, and then for a fortnight had such constant crowds indoors that we could not. Since then, for the last two months, we have been pretty regularly at work, and are getting more settled in our new sphere. At first, when we came, it was not altogether easy. Dear Mr. Coulthard’s visit was a great help. The accounts he brought of the work at Chau-kia-k’eo cheered and rejoiced our hearts.

Our usual order now is much as follows :— Night and morning, prayers all together in the guest h a ll: often strangers join us, who are always welcome. On Sunday, general meetings morning and evening; quite a fair number are coming regularly now. On Sunday afternoon, separate classes for men, women, and children. Every day at 5 p.m., a class for women, open to any. A women’s meeting on Wednesday, and on Wednesday evening a general prayer-meeting. Each day, as a rule, one of us is out visiting, and though the crowds are still great, we get good audiences sometimes. O f the great number of women who come to us, about forty are, I think, really interested in the Gospel, and of that number ten at least have “ turned to G o d from idols.” O f these four or five are very bright and true. This is indeed great cause for praise. So amidst many discouragements, and much to try both flesh and spirit, thanksgivings abound.

Two of our own three women-servants are amongst the brightest, and are so full of promise that my heart is often caused to rejoice as I ponder ever the future of women’s work in H o -n a n . How to reach the women of H o n a n ? This is to me the question of questions just now, and it is one to which, as yet, I find no fully satisfactory answer.

My longing is, whenever I am able to read the Testa­ment properly, to take two or three of these dear women, the bright Christian ones, and go with them into a couple of rooms somewhere in different and distant parts of the town, and just live amongst the people, teaching them all day long, and teaching my women to teach. W e could easily get many openings for this kind of thing ; furnished rooms put at our disposal, and staying a month or so in each place, we should reach many who do not and could not come to us away in this corner of the city.

Then there is the country all around! The scores and thousands of villages, and the towns and cities beyond them again ! Oh ! I do so long to train scores of liible- women and lead them forth to do the work that we shall never do as well as they.

Sometimes I have a great longing to have a long, helpful talk over the future of the work here in H o -n a n . But the L o r d knows, and is surely leading on, is H e not ? to a future of blessing for H o -n a n and for all China such as we little dream of in our blindness, with low human thoughts. I do “ believe to see.”

Opium, here, is working fearful havoc. W e have many cases of opium poisoning, and could already if we were able have quite a number, both men and women, to break off the opium habit. One young man has come to us, and is, in G o d ’s mercy, already cured, we believe ; he promises to be a very useful helper of the work, if the L o r d will. As soon as we get more opium medicine from Han-kow his old mother is also coming for the same purpose. She is a bright, earnest Christian. One o f the first the L o r d gave us here, and a great help to us in many ways. They are well-to-do people, and keep a large shop. The young man’s wife, and indeed the

I2Ô CHINAS MILLIONS.

whole family seem t o be sincere believers. Praise the L o r d !

They are amongst the best-known people in the town.About the place itself. It is very very different to all

my expectations. So unlike the southern cities. Though large, populous, and busy, it is more like a poor country town than like an important city. The streets are wide, with great deep ruts down the middle, where the carts go heavily ; and the buildings are low, and shabby looking, the shops poor, and the sign-boards mean and small— in comparison I mean to Yang-chau, Kiu-kiang, or even Ta-ku-t’ang. Then the people seem equally different. Dear people, honest, simple, straightforward, kindly, and earnest, but distinctly provincial as compared to the

southerners. As far as we have seen yet there are no upper classes; that is I suppose because it is not a government centre, only a business place. There seems to be a great deal of sickness, we have many requests for medical aid and medicines.

The Mohammedans are strong here, and the Roman Catholics, very much so all over the province, I believe. A t Nan-yang, our Fu city, they have a big place, and a number of foreign priests in residence.

W hen shall we hear of more labourers for H o - n a n ?

Truly the fields are white unto harvest. Such interest! Such attention! Such wonderful readiness to receive the W ord !

F r o m M iss F r y e r .

Chen-ku, Feb. zyrd,— 1 am staying here for a week, and truly I thank G o d for allowing me to see His working in such a wonderful way, Last Wednesday there were eleven baptised, and on Sunday two, the first-fruits here of the work of Mr. and Mrs. Pearse. We have dined with the people three times in these few days, and there is a friendly feeling everywhere, for which we do thank G o d . Last night at the prayer-meeting it was grand to hear the simple prayers, with no waiting. It was just an outpouring of G o d ’s Spirit upon them all, teaching them to pray ; some of them prayed three times, some four, each time for a definite thing. One man prayed for his wife and mother, another for more love to C h r i s t , another for more knowledge of the Gospel; a woman prayed for her son and husband, and almost broke down. They seemed to have grasped what many find it difficult to do, that they were getting right into G o d ’s presence. I am sure you will pray that they may all stand fast.

We believe the L o r d is going to revive the work in Han- chung. Nearly all, far and near, have heard the Gospel, but few have decided for C h r i s t . We long that the Christians may be stirred up.

F r o m M r s . P e a r s e .

Chen-ku, Shen-si, March 5th.— It is overwhelming at times to see the fields white unto harvest and no reapers at hand. To­day we have had hundreds of women in to see me, and many listened to the Gospel message ; it was difficult to speak to the crowds and answer their many questions. . . . Mr. Pearse and I have never before seen in China such readiness to hear the truth as we are seeing in the people here. Great numbers of them are vegetarians, and the L o r d is opening their hearts to see that they may be satisfied in Him. We believe the blessing is coming in answer to your prayers.

Wednesday, 6th.—We have had another full day’s work with visitors, hundreds of women coming and going all the time from before ten o’clock till nearly dark; it is quite a strain to keep on so many hours, but we rest on His promise, “ As thy day,” etc. It has been encouraging to see some who were in yesterday come again to hear more. Both my own women have been helping me in turn, and also the carpenter’s wife, who has just been baptised. Do ask the L o r d to make her very useful; her husband we call John, and another man we call Peter, as they are like those dis­ciples in character. My husband has had plenty of help; we do praise G o d that these young converts are so willing to speak for the M a s t e r .

March 7th.— We have had crowds of women here again to-day.

Sjjatt-si IJrobin«*F rom M r. Ba g n a ll .

7 ’ai-yuen Fu, May 10th.— News from K ’iih-wu last night is that Mr. Russell has baptized six at that station.

Iloh s.F r o m M r . L u t l e y .

Kih-chau, April i yth.— I have been here nearly two months, and there has been much to praise the L o r d for. The people are friendly, and one or two are showing interest in the truth, especially one man, a vegetarian, from a village ten li distant, and also another, who is staying here for a month or two, and comes regularly to the meetings, manifesting a real desire to learn.

The L o r d has given me the privilege of taking two short journeys across the Yellow River into S h e n -s i .

F r o m M is s Ja k o b s e n .

Hoh-chau, Mar. igth.— I am sure it was of the L o r d that Miss Forth was sent to Hoh-chau ; we are very happy together, of one mind and heart. Mr. Hsi arrived here on Friday and stayed over Sunday. It was a great help to us. He led all the meetings. About fifty men and women came to the services. To the week-day services we have about sixteen men and women coming. They have learnt the Ten Commandments oft by heart, and repeat them every morning. At evening prayers they repeat John xiv., and seem to enjoy it very much.

For a long time we had no women coming to break off opium. Last Sunday we prayed definitely that G o d would send some this week. G o d heard prayer, and two have come.

At present we have four baptised women staying with us. Two of them seem to be hungering and thirsting to know G o d ’s will. They are a real help to us. One has been an opium- smoker and gambler. She does testify so bravely of G o d ’s power to save; everybody respects her. We have also her little girl staying with us; we are teaching her to read. She has unbound her feet. The woman who looks after the refuge unbound her feet last week, and I believe several want to follow her example. We have blessed times in dealing with these precious souls, and feel the S p i r i t is working in them ; the devil is working too ; we feel it specially when the members get a hunger and thirst after our money.

F r o m M r . S t a n l e y S m i t h .

Lu-gan Fu, March 26/A.— You will be glad to hear that the first Hien is now open, and I hope another ten days will see us in Lu-ch’eng beginning work. The house I have got is a most desirable one : may it soon be consecrated with souls born again there ! ______

Sjrmi-tmtflf Jjnjirm «.

F rom M r. J udd .

Ning-hai, April 22nd.— O n th e 7th inst. w e b ap tised tw o

w o m e n ; th ree oth ers h o p e to b e b ap tised in a fe w d a y s, an d

p o s sib ly tw o or th ree m en . P le a se p r a y for o n e o f th e m en , a

p e tty m ilita ry officer, w h o k e p t a n o p iu m -d en n ear to us. H e

h as g iv e n up sm o k in g , c lose d his o piu m -sh o p, an d desires to b e

b ap tised . H e sp en d s m u ch tim e in p ray er a n d re a d in g th e

Scrip tu res, b u t h is te m p ta tio n s an d b esetm e n ts are m an y,

CHINAS MILLIONS. 127

May 13ih.— O n May 5th tw o w o m e n a n d tw o m en w ere b a p ­

tised ; a ll four are v e r y p oo r, b u t, I b e lie v e , tru ly sin cere in th eir

faith in th e L o r d J e s u s .The poor here are suffering indirectly from the famine. Grain

food is nearly twice the price it was oD ly a year ago. Some un­known and some known friends have kindly sent us help for the poor here ; they would weep tears of joy if they only knew the good it has done.

I cannot tell you how intensely we need more workers—men and women who are willing to lay all, including European habits and comforts, at J e s u s ’ feet. One’s heart is ready to break as we feel the need around us. “ Pray ye the LORD of the harvest that He will send forth labourers.”

ÿü-nait Jjrafomre.F r o m M r s . H e r b e r t T a y l o r .

She-k'i-tien, Mar. 2.0th. — G o d is working here in She- k’i-tien. He has given us to see conversions already ; praise Him. There are eight women who seem really converted, and are so earnest for souls, and many more are really aroused to think about their souls, My husband is having great encouragement amongst the men too. His teacher and another man have given themselves to the L o r d . Numbers of men come in the evening to prayers. They sit and listen, and come again. It is not all bright and encouraging however, we have much that is trying, but what would we not suffer to save these dear people.

F r o m M r . W. H. G i l l .Pa-chau, April 20ih.— The work here is going ahead, thank

G o d , many coming daily to hear the Gospel. Mr. and Mrs. A. Polhill-Turner have been back almost a month. I was en­abled to start two new branches of work during their absence, viz, opium refuge work and a boys’ school. Now the hot weather is beginning we have only a few opium-patients ; some three or four have left us cured, we hope, and with a thorough knowledge of the way of salvation. The school is going on nicely.

I have just had a fairly good evangelistic journey to some of the surrounding markets, being away eight days. Oh, the cry­ing needs of E. S i -c h ’ u e .m ! How one longs to see hundreds of workers coming out full of the I I o l y GHOST to our aid.

JttH irg-S H I j r x r b m a .F r o m M iss K e n t f i e l d .

Yang-chan, May 29th.— I am so glad I was sent to China. I

do not know how to thank God enough. “ All the way ’long it is J e s u s .”

Yesterday I had a meeting in Cu Si-fu’s house, and he is quite willing that it should be so every week. His wife goes out to call in her neighbours and friends ; they listened so attentively, and promised to return next week.

Last Thursday I went to the old city, and as usual there, very many came round whenever I sat down, and all listened so well. One dear boy was most eager; he drew me to his home, and there bought a Gospel and tract, and asked me to tell his mother, which I gladly did. Many students and some old people gathered in the background, and several bought Gospels. Then an old lady sent for us to go to her home, and she, too, listened very attentively and bought a Gospel. The fields are white unto harvest, but the labourers are few. We are praying for more— those filled with the H o l y G h o s t , and ready to live or die for J e s u s . The time is short.

§ m - m m |g r0 ir iiT « ,F r o m M r s . T i i o r n e .

Chao-tun" Fu, April 22nd.— I thanlc G o d I am in China to­day. Oh, if I had a thousand lives, I would give them all to J e s u s for China ! If there were a thousand workers— native and foreign— in Y u n -n a n Province alone, they would be all too few to take the Gospel into every city, town, and village.

J U w i- r j r a u | | r 0 b t mF r o m M r . W in d s o r .

Kwei-yang, Jan. 21st.— The time for change for Mr. and Mrs. Andrew has come. I am very sorry we are parting. We have worked happily and very harmoniously together for four years ; our hearts are knit together, for we have indeed experienced that it is a good and pleasant thing for brethren to dwell together in unity. After their departure I shall be alone at the mission-house. I feel scarcely competent to take charge of such important and aggressive work ; it is G o d ’s work, however, and I trust He will help me. Please pray for me.

C fr t jr - I u a m f f j r a b m « .

F r o m M is s J u d d .Wun-chau, March 8th.— Mr. Grierson will probably have told

you of the baptism of five persons last Sunday. It is such a joy to see them coming forward, and also to witness the earnestness of the dear native Christians through whose instrumentality they have been gathered in. May their zeal inspire us with more devotion to our M a s t e r ’s service.

irritais, fir.M r . and M r s . A n d r e w and their two children reached home on furlough on June 10th, and M iss C a r p e n t e r

arrived on June 30th.M r . T a y l o r left for a short visit to the States and Canada on July 6th, and asks special prayer for blessing and

guidance.

<®itr Utaps of t i L b i m .

IN the coloured map ot China, given with the July number of C h in a ’s M il l io n s , we regret to find that several of the stations are wrongly marked. The new station Pao-t’eo, the most northerly on the map, should

be placed much more to the south-east, nearer Kwei-hwa-cheng. Liang-chau should be marked much more south­west. A reference to our large map will show the right position of Liang-chau.

The position of some of the other stations is also more correctly marked on the large map, which, in its new and very convenient book-form, should be in the hands of all the readers of C h in a ’s MILLIONS.

The Christian refers to this map in the following terms :—“ A M a p o f C h i n a .— Dr. Somerville once described a

pocket atlas as a new Prayer-book ; it creates and quickens an intelligent interest in the work going on in the countries it may represent. On this ground we heartily commend to the notice of all friends of Chinese missions the clear and excellent map of China issued by the Inland Mission. It is folded into a con­

venient shape, and finely bound. All the stations occupied are marked, and a classified list of the missionaries at the several stations, as well as those now studying the language, is printed on the back ; as also a suggested order of weekly prayer for the workers and the work. Copies can be had from the office of the Mission, 4, Pyrland-road, London, N. (paper, is .; cloth, is. 6d /

CH INAS MILLIONS.

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Only ¿/«i I know : I tell Him all my doubts, and griefs, and fears, Oh, how patiently He listens, and my drooping soul He cheers ! Do you think He ne’er reproves me ? What a strange friend He

would be,If He never, never told me of the sins which He must see !

5-Would you like to know the sweetness of the secret of the Lord ? Go and hide beneath his shadow ; this shall then be your re­

ward.And whene’er you leave the silence of that happy meeting-place, You must mind and bear the image of your Master in your face.

6.You will surely lose the blessing and the fulness of your joy,If you let dark clouds distress you, and your inward peace de­

stroy :You may always be abiding, if you will, at Jesus’ side;In the secret of His presence you may every moment hide.

N o te— The above verses were written by Ellen Lakshmi Goreh, a Mahratta Brahmin lady o f the highest caste. She was bom at Benares, September nth, 1853, and is now at Amritsar, in the Punjaub, working as a missionary among her own countrywomen ; often encountering opposition, but also often cheered tv finding women glad to listen to the Gospel story, and by getting welcomes here and there, even in the darkest places.

Do you think that I could love Him half so well, or as I ought, If He did not tell me plainly of each sinful deed and thought ? No, He is very faithful, and that makes me trust Him more,For I know that He does love me, though He wounds me very

sore.

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

% Jfnil ÿthrarïr aitïr g o b to S t m t it,

" I t hath fully been showed me a ll that thou hast d o n e and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother

and the land o f thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense

thy work, and a f u l l reward be given thee o f the LORD GOD o f Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust ” (Ruth ii. 11, 12).

N T H IS interesting narrative we have another instance of the way in which the H o l y G h o s t teaches by typical lives. In our August number we dwelt on some precious lessons taught us of our K ing by the account o f the coming of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. There we were specially taught how our hard questions are to be solved, and our hearts to be fully satisfied. Here a still higher lesson is given u s : How to serve so as to obtain " a full reward," while as to the nature o f that full reward no little light is given us. To us these lessons are of special interest, as bearing on missions to foreign nations, and perhaps they somewhat explain why He who delights to bless, and is able to bless the obedient soul, said so emphatically, “ Go, teach all nations ;" “ Go ye into all the world." The service o f G o d is a delightful privilege anywhere. Those

vho stay at home, however, need to become as strangers and pilgrims there. This is not always easy to do in the present day, and many fail, and forget their true position. Tothose who are permitted to labour in foreign lands, there is a lessened danger in this respect; andhence many obtain a fuller joy in present service, and look forward to a fuller reward by and by, than they anticipated ere they left all for J e s u s ’ sake.

Ruth was by nature a “ stranger to the commonwealth of Israel,” but by marriage with an Israelite was brought amongst that people. On the death of her husband, she still clave to her mother-in-law and to her G od , the G o d of Israel. She so esteemed her privileged position that for it she left her native land and all its enjoyments; left parents, relatives and friends, and all those attrac­tions that led Orpah to return to Moab. To her it was better to be the companion o f her mother-in- law, poor and desolate as she was, than to enjoy for a season what in Moab might have been hers. This sacrifice was so real that Naomi, much as she loved her daughter-in-law, and desolate as she would be without her, felt she could not wish it for her own sake merely ; but when Ruth said, “ Thy people shall be my people, and thy G o d my G od," she had no further doubt to suggest, and no further obstacle to put in her way. If companionship with one o f G od ’s poor servants is so precious, whatshall we say to Him who exhorts us, “ Go 1 .............and k>, I am with you ” ? Is He not saying, Thegood S h e p h e r d must seek the wandering sheep until He find them. Go ye, too, and seek them, and in so doing you shall find My companionship ensured ? Shall we decline this fellowship with Him, and leave Him so far as we are concerned to seek them alone ?

W e next find Ruth toiling in the burning sun as a gleaner, and there she meets for the first time the lord of the harvest. The beauty o f the narrative o f Boaz saluting his reapers with, “ The L ord

be with you," and their reply, “ The L o r d bless thee,” must delight every reader. And poor Ruth, too, though not a reaper— only a gleaner— is made most welcome, and encouraged to remain in the fields o f Boaz until all the reaping is done. With touching simplicity and humility the grateful gleaner

S e p t e m b e r , 18 89.

I 30 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

replies, " W hy have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger ? ” Then the lord of the harvest responds in the word we have quoted at the head of this paper, “ It hath been fully showed me all that thou hast done,” etc.

Let us turn from Boaz to the true L o r d of the Harvest. Does He meet us there, toiling in the heat of the summer’s sun ? Knowing fully all we have done, does that knowledge bring joy to His heart ? and is it a joy to us to know that He knows all ? Our risen and glorious L o r d , so wonder­fully described in Rev. i., still walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Can He say to us, “ I know thy works,” with no word of rebuke ? or do we feel the blush of shame as the eye as “ a flame of fire ’’ rests upon u s? “ And now, little children, abide in Him; that when He shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” Let us all leave the fatherland of the world, and at least become strangers and pilgrims in it. Let us all toil in some way or other in the great harvest-field of the world ; and if we may lawfully do so, let us not be slow to obey the command to “ go, teach all nations.” Where the need is greatest let us be found gladly obeying the M a s t e r ’s command. For it is in the harvest-field, it is among the reapers, that we shall find Him.

There is no Christian service in which faith must not be in lively exercise. At home, abroad, connected with this branch of G o d ’s work or that, without faith it is impossible to please Him. Paul may plant, Apollos w ater; G o d only gives the increase. Every true minister of G o d , every true missionary, every true Sunday-school teacher and Christian worker is a faith-worker. But in the foreign field workers are peculiarly cast on G o d . There are special dangers and difficulties, special weaknesses and needs that bring G o d very near— nearer than most of the workers realised Him to be while they remained at home. And to those who have gone out without human guarantee of support, who do not know when the next help may reach them, nor its amount, there is an additional link with the great loving heart of our F a t h e r a n d our G o d that is unspeakably precious a n d

welcome. M a y we not say that in every position of life when we are weak in ourselves, our friends, our circumstances, then are we strongest in Him ? And when in our great needs, for ourselves or for the souls around us, we lay hold on G o d and s a y , “ M y soul, wait thou O N LY upon G o d , for my expectation is from Him,” what rest and security and certainty come into the waiting soul. And ah ! when labouring in this spirit how words like those of our heavenly Boaz come home to the heart, “ The L o r d recompense th y work, and a fu ll reward be given thee of the L o r d G o d of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Happy toiler in China! if it is sometimes dark, the shadow is but the shadow of His wing, under which thou art abiding, under which thou art come to trust.

W e must not prolong this paper. He who comforted and blessed the lowly and lonely gleaner while the harvest lasted became her husband when the harvest toil was past. It was thus the L o r d

recompensed her work. Israel was not blessed apart from her, for David the deliverer, and Solomon the glory of Israel, were born of the seed which Boaz had through her. Soon shall come the glorious day of the espousals of C h r i s t and His Church. W ith her He will come to deliver Israel and to judge the world and even the angels. Ruth little knew the honour and happiness awaiting her when she left all for G o d and His people. We know the purposes of G o d ’s grace and the glories in store for us. W hat manner of men, then, should we be, and how earnest and faithful in the little time which awaits us before we are called to our reward, and to meet Him in the air ? When He says G o ! shall we reply, No ? When He asks us to continue in His harvest till the reaping is over, shall we answer, Nay ?

SH A N G H A I, May 24th.— Mr. Cassels tells me that he has rented houses in Tsang-chi Hien and in

Kwang-yuen ; he says that there is no fear of overcrowd­ing in Pao-ning and neighbourhood ; they have plenty of room and plenty of work.

Mr. Graham Brown says that he has secured a suitable house in the city (Lan-chau) and that Mr. Parker is so much better that he is hoping to pay a visit to T s’in-chau. It is cheering to read this sentence in his letter : “ There is a soul-saving work going on, which, after all, is the great end of life here, and the men seem most soundly con­

Jtems üf fn lm sl.F R O M R E V . J . W. S T E V E N S O N .

verted as far as man can judge. To G od be all the glory.” I am leaving to-night for Gan-k’ing, and hope to have

two days’ conference there, looking to the L ord to guide and direct Himself, about all the proposed movements.

June 1 oth.— I have the pleasure this week to report thirty-four baptisms, namely in C h e h -k ia n g , Shao-hing outstations on May 5th, fiv e ; in Wun-chau and out- stations, from April 14th to June 2nd, tw elve; in South SHAN-SI, at K'uh-wu, on April 12th, six ; in Sl-CH’UEN, at Chen-tu, on April 20th, o n e ; and in K ia n g -SI, at Kwei-k’i, on M ay 28th, ten.

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

Mr. Owen Stevenson and Mr. Curnow have secured a house in Ch’u-ching Fu, Y u n -n a n . Mr. Pigott writes encouragingly of his work and calls out very strongly for reinforcements. There is certainly great need for foreign labourers also in South S h a n -SI. Miss Mackintosh has secured the house at Kwang-fung Hien, K ia n g -SI. The American sisters have arrived at their stations, and they write very brightly, having found things much better than they anticipated. Mr. Wood reports that the following brethren have passed their first examination : Messrs. Lachlan, E. Hunt, Ewbank, Duffy, Duff, and Jas. Lawson. Mr. Lachlan passed with no mistakes, and Mr. Hunt with scarcely any.

June \$th.— I have very interesting letters from Mr. Key, giving an account of his visit to the W est of the Yellow River, and also of work in Ta-ning, S h a n -s i . He reports seven baptisms there on May 5th.

Mr. M cCarthy reports four baptisms (two men and two women) at Ho-k’eo, K i a n g -SI, on June 2nd. D r. Randle writes hopefully o f his work at T ’ung-shin, Chefoo.

June 24th.— Mr. Coulthard has paid a visit to the Yellow River breach and to the capital. He reports very |

favourably of the districts that were inundated, estimating that nine-tenths of the land is now under cultivation. Mr. Langman writes from Kin-hwa, C h e h -KIANG, of considerable interest in an out-station called Tan-t'eo, where there are reported to be twenty interested, who come regularly to read and hear. Mr. J. Reid tells me that on June 9th he baptised the first convert at Chen- yang-kwan, G a n -h w u y — a young Mahommedan. Mr. M cCarthy reports that on June 10th twenty-four were bap­tised at Yuh-shan, K ia n g -SI— ten men and fourteen women.

June 29th.— I have the pleasure to report thirty-three baptisms this week, as follows : On May 4th, at Kwei- yang, two, and on May 18th three more ; on May 25th, at T ’ai-chau, eight ; on May 29th, at Hiao-i, nine ; on June 19th, at Ning-hai-chau, two, and at Kwei-k’i, nine.

Mr. D. Lawson is now living in Shih-sheo, and repairs are going on at the house that was pulled down. He is liv­ing in an inn just opposite. The people are very friendly. We are continuing to pray for medical missionaries. Mr. Bagnall speaks very highly of the way the converts are instructed at Hiao-i ; he says they are some of the best instructed that he has met with in China.

F R O M MR.

JU N E 18 th.— Just a few lines to tell you about our recent conference. It began on Friday, May 24th,

by a good prayer-meeting, and on Saturday I baptised eight persons, in the afternoon married one of our native helpers, and in the evening had a prayer-meeting. On Sunday morning we had the communion service, and those baptised partook for the first time. On Monday niorniDg we kept the anniversary of the C.I.M., and after prayer and praise I gave a sketch of the rise and progress

R U D L A N D .

of the mission ; my object was to get them to take a deeper interest in the whole mission, and to let them see how G o d had prospered the work from the first, because it was founded on faith in Him.

Reports from the out-stations show fifty-one inquirers, so that we hope to have more to baptise ere long. The L o r d ’s blessing is resting on the work, and we see signs of progress on all hands.

§Hpitsms in I ’ ljivma.F R O M M R. F. A . S T E V E N .

A P R IL 16th.— Last Sunday, April 14th, was a marked day in the missionary history of Bhamfi. I was

privileged on that day to baptise six persons, three of whom were Englishmen, and three Chinamen. Two of the Englishmen were Christians before coming to Bhamo ; the other, who is a near relative of one of the most honoured members of the C.I.M., has been converted in BhamA. All three are bright, earnest Christians, and will, I trust, do good service for G o d . One of the Chinese came to me from Yun-nan Fu a year ago, bearing an introduction from Brother Owen Stevenson. He had heard the Gospel there. This man was a merchant, and has travelled in almost every part of the Chinese Empire. He lost his property, however, through the “ black flags” burning a cotton caravan on the border of Tonquin. The second is a man whom I first met at Tengyueh. He was sick, and I gave him medicine. He had heard the Gospel often from Rev. J. W . Stevenson in Bhamo. He has “ hung fire’’ for a long time, and is not a very satisfactory Christian in regard of warmth and zeal, yet I believe he is a Christian. He is a tailor, and has broken off opium without medicine. Though fe w ever do break the habit, it is nevertheless a fact that men can lessen the dose and break off altogether from Y u n -n a n opium as they cannot from Indian opium. Because of its greater cheapness, almost all the population of Y u n -n a n smoke it, and it is no whit less a curse than Patna or Benares opium. The third is a man who used to keep an opium den here. He himself has broken off the use of opium, and has shut

up his shop. He has intelligently chosen the society ot the Christians, and attended the preaching of the Gospel for many months ; I believe he is a truly changed man.

W e gathered on the bank of the great Irrawaddy River, and whilst the women and children who were bathing withdrew and crouched down on the bank or in the boats, to watch the little understood, though, thank GOD, not un­familiar ceremony, we raised a hymn of praise and worship in Chinese. I prayed in Chinese, and Rev. R. Harry Ferguson followed in English. I then took the hand of Private Ede, and walked with him into the water, and baptised him in the name of the F a t h e r S o n , and H o l y G h o s t . After him came a Chinaman, and then another Englishman, and so alternately, this arrange­ment being adopted to show more fully how we desired to wholly lose sight of differences of race when we deal with each other as C h r i s t ’s men, and brothers in His worship.

After the baptism there was the usual hand-shaking, Kah-chen and Karen, Burmese and Chinese, English and American congratulating and being congratulated. I think the L o r d Je s u s and the angels were glad to look down upon the scene. I wished that many friends and relatives of my own and of the men baptised could have been there to rejoice with us.

Leaving the river side, we adjourned to the chapel, where we partook of the memorial supper instituted by the M a s t e r , and I gave the right hand of church fellowship to our six brothers. May G o d bless greatly each one of these new witnesses for C h r is t .

*32 CHINAS MILLIONS.

^Baptisms in Ca-niirg, S»fmn-si.

F R O M M R. K E Y .

MA Y 7 th.— On F riday evening a good number of the converts arrived ; some of them had come from

villages fifty, sixty, and seventy l i distant. W e had our first Sih-chau convert and his wife. He was very anxious to be baptised. H e is a very sharp man, and it is remarkable how much he knows of the Gospel, having had very little teaching, and only having heard the Gospel for the first time four months ago. However, as he had rather vague ideas about baptism, we thought better that he should be kept on the inquirers’ list a little longer. Mr. Lutley says his son is also much interested in the Gospel, and has given up his opium ; he only used a very little medicine, and testifies to the L o r d ’s saving power in helping him to give it up. His mother, too, is an opium smoker. Our sisters have invited her to stay here for a week or two, and hope to be able to help her to give up the habit. W ill you pray that this family may be brought out for the L o r d , and be the means of much blessing in this newly-opened district ?

W ell, to go back to the baptismal service, by Saturday afternoon most of the Christians and inquirers had arrived. Mr. Lutley had also come down from Sih-chau. After prayer we examined the candidates for baptism— eleven in all. Besides these there were several women, but our sisters thought it would be best for them to wait. The men were baptised in a small stream about half a mile to the west of the city. Out of the eleven can­

didates we received seven. A s it was late before some of them came, we decided to have the baptisms on Sunday, 5th May.

I expect our sisters will be writing you at length, and telling you of the happy times. It was indeed a pleasure to be here and to see these dear people so full of joy and happiness. I suppose it will be a day long remembered by many of them. W e had several of the old women from Sang-ngoh, and amongst others Pastor Ch’u’s mother. She is the same bright old body, and has always a kind word for everyone. She does seem to ‘ ‘ bear the image of the M a s t e r in her face.” They were very pleased to see Mrs. Key and the children, and we had many pressing invitations to visit them in their homes. W e should have been pleased to do so, only by last mail I heard from Miss Seed that there are several matters that need my attention at Hiao-i, and the L o r d has opened up the way for Mrs. Key to accompany me. W e intend leaving here to-morrow morning, and hope to reach Hiao-i on Saturday. After settling matters there I will (D.V.) go on to Yung-ning-chau, leaving Mrs. Key until my return.

The work here is much more encouraging than at Sih- chau. Old Elder Chang is a great help ; he is really pastor here, and is well acquainted with the converts in the different villages. Pastor Ch’u and several other B .A .’s go down this month to P ’ing-yang for the examinations ; I trust they may be the means of much blessing there.

<f {rast mstcaïr of llcgetarhmtsm.

F R O M M R S. C O U L T H A R D .

CH A U -K IA -K ’EO , Mar. 12nd, 1889. — I know you will be pleased to hear that the LORD is con­

tinuing to bless the Wednesday afternoon meetings. Four have now professed to be on the L o r d ’s side, and there are two others very much interested; perhaps I should better describe one of them if I said she is really anxious. M ay the L o r d give her light.

W e are continuing to have large numbers of women daily visiting us; indeed, we have had almost every fine day since the New Year (this is the 21st of their month). The last few days I have counted the women as they came in, and I have had over 100 every day, not counting any under twenty years of age. They mostly come from the relief centres, and scarcely one per cent, have been before. They come nearly all day long, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Sisters kindly relieve me sometimes for half an hour or so, and they would sit longer with them if their studies did not take all their time. It is very kind of them to do so, and I feel it a great help, for I am beginning to find it rather a strain to be having visitors all day long.

W e have had an interesting case this week. Last Sun­day morning a great many women came to the service. W e seated as many as we could, and then Miss Chilton went out to the guest-room to sit with those who could not get in. She had a roomful, and of course told them the Gospel, laying emphasis on the fact that nothing but the blood of J e s u s could atone for sins, not even vegetarianism; she could not at the time think of other methods, and so repeated that vege­tarianism cannot atone for sin. One old woman listened very attentively and took it up, and repeated it over

and over again, and then added, “ Believing Je s u s , one goes to heaven and will never die ; not believ ing Je s u s , one goes to hell.” W hen the service was over she came into the chapel, where I told the Gospel to about fifty or sixty women ; she listened very attentively.

She came again on Tuesday, and told us then that she had not been able to sleep after what she had heard on Sunday. She came again yesterday (Thursday), and said she had come to hear the Gospel. I asked her if she had; been before, as I did not remember her face, and she told | me. I was struck with what a hold she seemed to have, of the Gospel, so I called Miss Chilton, as I thoughtj she would be pleased to see one who was really inte-; rested.

The old woman (she is sixty-one years old) told us that her mother, who is living, is a vegetarian and has been for ten years, and then she added, “ Vegetarianism cannot atone for sin.’’ I again told her that only Je s u s could forgive sins, and that if we trusted in Him He would take them all away. I told her to ask Him to forgive her her sins. She asked what she should say, and I tried to teach her a short prayer, but she could not remem­ber the words. She then said, “ I tell Je s u s every evening that I am willing. Don’t you think that is enough ? ’’ I said, Yes. if you ate really willing, Je s u s knows your heart, and if you trust in Him H e will take your sins away.” Suddenly she said, “ Is it wrong to give up vegetarianism ? ” 1 told that it was not, that GOD had given us animal food. The thought suddenly flashed across me that perhaps she too was a vegetarian, so I asked her if she was, and she said, “ Yes.’’ So I

CH INAS MILLIONS. *33

brought an egg, and told her I would beat it up for her if she would take it. She said she would, so I beat it up and gave it to her, and she drank it all, and then said, “ I am trusting only on JESUS ; He will forgive me my sins/’

You may imagine Miss Chilton’s feelings and mine! This is the first time I have ever seen any one give up vegetarianism, or had the privilege of beating up an egg for such a one.

F R O M M R. C O U L T H A R D .

CH A U -K IA -K ’EO , A p r il -2.$th.— Last night at our church meeting a woman was accepted, and will

(D.V.) be baptised on Sunday next. She is the first to be received into the church in the province of Ho-NAN. There are many others who know the Gospel, and some whom we believe are trusting in C h r i s t , but they have not yet come out boldly to confess Him ; and so it happens that the first are last, and the last to hear the glad tidings is the first to confess C h r i s t . T he poor old woman is a refugee, and lives at the relief encamp­ment. But for the flood she might never have heard of a SAVIOUR, s o the disaster of 1887 is bearing fruit to the praise and glory of G o d .

W hen she first came Miss Chilton was relieving my wife, who had to see large numbers every day, and told the old woman that “ vegetarianism could not save her,” and that message was used by GOD to impress h e r; she went home and thought about it, for it was a very important matter to her, as for many years she had subsisted wholly upon vegetables, in order to accumulate merit and ensure an entrance into heaven.

After the old woman had been rejoicing in C h r i s t for a time (and she never tired of telling how JESUS had saved her), she witnessed the baptism of the last two converts. She at once began to question about the rite, fearing that some truth necessary for salvation had been withheld from her, and when it was explained said, “ J e s u s has washed

away my sins; why may I not be baptised? May I bring a change of clothes next Sunday ? ” Snow was falling at the time, and a cold immersion was not a very tempting bait to a poor old woman, and more especially to one of this province, where the people have such a decided objection to cold water. She persisted, however, in her application until last Sunday, when she remarked that the next Sunday would be her last here, as the relief encampment would be closed and the refugees return to their homes ; she implored to be baptised before she left for her native village.

I had a little talk with her, and asked the evangelist and the senior deacon to examine her. They were both satisfied, and so last night she was accepted by the church. The deacons gave a nice little testimony in her favour ; they said they were preaching at the South encampment where the poor old woman is living, and were beginning to feel hoarse, when she said, “ You are hoarse; let me preach for you,” and suiting the action to the word, she began to address the crowd of over 200 people. As they returned home they looked back to see her still preaching, and the crowd had not disbanded. May the L o r d keep her bright and earnest, and make her a shining light in her own village. She has never asked for help as many of the refugees do, but on the other hand, with a few of the cash remaining in her possession has bought some tracts.

î i i ï r - s ü f o i n g .

F R O M R E V . A . P H E L P S .

W A N -H IE N , Si-CH’UEN, March 31 st.— In the early part of January I visited Kai-hien, a busy city

about sixty miles to the north, for the purpose of preach­ing and book-selling. The route being over a moun­tainous district, there are but few market towns between the two cities. The first day we continued our journey by moonlight, as the isolated inns by the wayside were already full. The second day, having only a short stage, we arrived before sunset. It being market-day, we had an opportunity of preaching to a good number of persons quite near our inn, and several bought books or tracts. W e reached Kai-hien on the third day, and were soon settled in a comfortable inn inside the city. The two following days were chiefly spent on the streets. It was very encouraging to find the people so friendly. Many heard the Gospel, and we hope the books and tracts left behind will, through G od’S blessing, be as a lamp unto the feet and as a light unto the path of not a few. After spending three days there I started for Wan-hien, leaving a man behind with Scriptures and tracts, which he hoped to sell there and at the markets on his return. What a vast field of labour there is in this one corner of Sl-CH'UEN! Six evangelists could easily spend all their time in preach­ing the Gospel to the inhabitants of neighbouring chies and villages.

A N IN T E R E ST IN G IN Q U IR E R .Visitors have not been so numerous as one would have

wished, but amongst the comparatively few were those who evidently came with the view of finding out the truth or error of the doctrine we preached.

One man, the most intelligent, spiritually-minded man that I have met in China, came one morning in company with a friend. He asked, and continued to ask, questions regarding the principles of Christianity. He said there was much that was identical with the principles of Con­fucianism, and that what we had to say was more antagonistic to the customs of the times than to those principle?. On leaving I gave him a Gospel and some of Mr. John’s books which treat of Christianity.

A few days after, my friend sent to say that he wished to have an interview, and to ask if it were convenient. It being Sunday, and as we were just going to begin worship, I suggested his coming in the afternoon. He came accordingly.

This time he told me that he had been a constant seeker after truth. He had gone to Taoist, Buddhist, and Romish priests in turn, seeking light, and he had been in the habit of burning incense and praying to GOD every morning. He confessed that we were the true Church. “ You are right; it is we who aie wrong,’’ he said. Speaking of prayer, I said that the motive of personal benefit should be secondary to that of G o d ’s glory, and that we should not follow our own ideas of what was right in the mode of worship. “ Where has G od told me that I should not burn incense and worship idols ? ” he asked.I pointed to the Conriinandments, which were written on a scroll in the hall. I also brought him a Testament, which he subsequent'y bought and read. A f er reading the first two or three Commandments, he turned to me and said, “ Our books have not these.’’

134 C H IN A S M ILLIONS.

He came again some days later, when it appeared that he had read the Testament through. He said all was good and plain except some passages in Revelation, which he had taken literally. H e said he would come and see how we worshipped G o d , but he died suddenly not many days after. W hat was the depth of his faith one cannot tell, but it is gratifying to know that one who

had been for years seeking the truth did not die without an opportunity of receiving it.

Going to Kai-hien it was a sad sight to see how exten­sively the opium plant was being cultivated. I was told that opium was the chief product of that district. But it was far more sad to see many in one’s audiences who were confirmed slaves to the drug.

% % a n t rnt % f t i t y i h d m § attars.

F R O M M R S. C. P O L H IL L -T U R N E R .

ON Thursday, April 4th, we started for a little tour in the border districts. A s the small carts are so

terribly shaky that to travel in them is more pain than pleasure, we tried a new experiment, which proved a great success. W e hired a large country cart with roof and sides of matting, put our baggage at the back, to make weight, then had a good deal of straw put down, and over that a hair mattress and rugs. The day before starting Miss Muir, Miss Ellis, and I went for a little excursion to try our carriage, and found it quite satisfactory. Except where the road was very bad indeed, it was quite easy going.

Having started rather late, we did not reach To-pa, our first stage, till late in the afternoon. W e were not allowed much time to rest, for from our arrival crowds collected in the courtyard, and stayed pretty well all the time till we left, next morning. A s there was no means of fastening our door, keeping them out for even a minute or two was a difficult matter. After some hasty refresh­ment, my husband went outside and talked to the men, and the women came in to me. Curiosity to see the “ foreign woman ” brought them, and for the first half hour or so they came in in streams, gazed a few minutes, asked a few questions, made a few remarks, and passed out, and I was beginning to wonder if this was to be all, and no work was to be done, when a better state of things came about, and I had the opportunity of telling some, at any rate, the Gospel message.

One old woman, who told me she was a vegetarian, and did good works, and “ loved good words,” listened longer than the rest, and asked many questions. It seemed hard for her to grasp the thought that her vegetarianism was utterly useless to save her, but she seemed in earnest, and GOD can keep alive the seed sown in her heart. Our special prayer all along this journey has been that in every place G o d ’s own word might be spoken, and some really saved. It is not too much to ask of Him with whom nothing is impossible.

W hen quite late there were still people waiting to come in, so we told them we would start late next morning, and give them time for another visit then. Accordingly we were up at daylight on Friday morning, and had had our breakfast, and got all our things ready for the cart, before any one came. W hen they did come I was kept busy with my visitors until it was time to start W e went on our way praising G o d for many who had heard the Gospel for the first time.

A good part of the way to Tau-ko-r is over a Avretched road ; how it is ever supposed to be a cart road is a mystery— just piles of large stones. After walking some distance to avoid the shaking, I mounted the pony and rode past the worst of the road. It was very pretty, along the side of a small river, dancing over the stones, and almost shut in by high mountains. Those who say K a n - s u h is an ugly province should go farther before they judge.

A t the end of the day’s journey I was pretty tired, and

glad o f a rest. We had almost as warm a reception here a s ‘ at To-pa, but a better room, with large window and door that would fasten, so that we had a little quiet to start with. After a cup of tea, my husband went on the street, and I had a good rest. W hile he was away a good many came inquiring for him (he had been there a year before) and asking to hear the book. It was very cheer­ing to find that reports, not only of us, but of the truth we preach, had reached here from Si-ning. The name of Je s u s was evidently well known, and not a few seemed to know a good deal about the Gospel.

On Saturday morning I was much rested, and we had a real good day, both with men and women. There were so many coming the whole three days we were there that the only way we could get any quiet or rest was to go for a country walk. Thibetans, Mongols, Mohammedans, and Chinese all came, and all for the express purpose of “ hearing the book.” A little scroll I have, on the pattern of the “ Wordless Book,’’ black, red, and white, was very useful in catching their attention, as a start.

I was much struck with one woman, a Mohammedan, who said sadly, when I was speaking of G o d ’s anger against sin, “ Yes, I know the wrath of the L o r d of heaven is on me.” She had had so much trouble that she thought she must have committed some great sin which had made G o d specially angry with her. It was glorious to tell her of the great Fatherly heart yearning over her, and longing to bring her to know Him. Next morning this woman came again, looking much brighter, and bring­ing with her another, I think the most miserable-looking woman I have ever seen, introducing her with “ I want you to tell her those good words you told me yester­day ; her troubles are worse than mine.’’ It seems the poor body had lost two grown-up sons and two small children within thirteen days, most of them through some throat disease which seems to be very fatal in these parts. Herself and married daughter were the only ones left. It was touching to see the one who had heard the day before watching how much the new-comer was taking in, and saying now and again, “ Don’t cry and be sad anymore. Believe in the true G o d , and His S o n will save you, and presently you will be at home in heaven for ever.” W hat a grand commission we have “ to comfort a l l that mourn” !

Saturday passed happily and busily ; many visitors. A walk through the city and a long rest beside a mill-stream where two willows seemed as if they had been made on purpose for arm chairs for us were part of it. Men came buying books and listening to the Gospel from early morning till late at night. Evidently G od had brought us to the right place.

Early on Sunday morning a Thibetan woman, whose husband is Chinese, one who came here a month or so ago, sent asking us to go to her house, so we went after breakfast. They gave us very nice tea and bread, then called the neighbours in, and while I had my audience on the k'ang inside, my husband talked outside to the men.

CH INA'S M ILLIONS. *35

W e had good times both o f us. W e went home from there, only to have more visitors, and so our Sunday morning passed, the best I have had for a long time- more to do and more strength to do i t In the afternoon we went again to our resort among the willows, and had an enjoyable time with our Bibles and Moule's Notes on Ephesians. Coming home it was nearly dark, but a few more women came in.

Next day the wife o f our landlord sent to invite us. The landlord himself was away from home, but his wife re­ceived us very cordially, and prepared food for us. Before going there, about eleven o’clock, I had a large number of visitors at the inn. T hey came in with such a rush that

temple, but on the walls outside were some rather well- painted pictures, illustrating the life of Buddha. From this place, sending man and horse back, we went on up the hill and settled for a nice read. H ad not been there long when two or three small boys came running up, asking the 11 teacher ” to go and tell “ the book ” to a group of men lower down, so o f course the “ teacher ” went, and I continued m y reading.

It was very dark and cold before the listeners all dis­persed. Am ong them was a young man who had seemed much interested last year, but says he understands better now.

Tuesday, April 9th, we left for Hsia-la-ku-t'eo, 70 U

A R O W O F M E R C H A N T 'S ST O R E S , P E K IN G .

they upset, or one o f the children did, a ju g of milk, our day’s supply. Their consternation was g re a t; they evi­dently expected I should be angry, and did all they could to save it, one of them wiping it off the dusty table into a cup with her own dirty handkerchief. This audience, which began with a misfortune, turned out a very good one ; their attention and interest were complete. During this time at Tau-ko-r I hardly ever saw the same woman twice, so could not watch even the springing o f the blade, but we can safely leave the seed with Him who sent us to sow, and who supplies and multiplies our seed for sowing, and will increase the fruits o f our righteousness. All glory be to Him !

After our visit to the landlord’s, where again the message was given to those who came in, we went for a little excursion to a hill near, crowded with temples, I riding the pony. There was nothing remarkable in the

arther, and a boundary o f China proper. Beyond that there are no villages, only black tents, in which the 11 black Thibetans" live. N o Chinese are allowed to pass this place without a written pass from the Governor of Kokonor, and as our passport only goes as far as K an- s u h , much as we would like to have gone on to Kokonor, we could hot do so.

T he Chinese are awfully afraid o f the Thibetans. W e suggested going on to Kokonor to our man. H e was almost trans6xed with horror, and when he did speak it was to say, “ But we have no gun or sword.” I laughed, and asked him did he want us to kill people ? but he was far too serious for joking. In the little place we stopped at there were no provisions to be got, either for man or beast, and our coolie thought it accordingly a very bad place, though he was highly delighted at the reception we had there. Being escorted from Tau-ko-r b y two soldiers,

1 36 CHINAS MILLIONS.

when we arrived at Hsia-Ia-ku-t’eo they took us for some great ones, and half a dozen soldiers came and gave us a salute ; then one of our escort found us a very good room in a house. (There are no inns). The drawback was it had no door, and a curtain hung could hardly prevent , the curious outsiders from marching in. Amongst those who came were two of these “ black Thibetans”— or “ thievish Thibetans,” or “ wild Thibetans,’’ as the Chinese also call them. T hey have long uncombed hair over their foreheads and down their backs, one sheepskin garment, which they wear, or sometimes dorft wear, summer or winter, and a sword slung across their backs. These were brought in and introduced to us as curiosities by the master of the house ; they seemed like great boys.

M y second visit from them was rather inopportune. Late in the evening, when I thought people had all retired to bed, and my husband was in the courtyard talking with the landlord, I was making preparations for going to bed, when all at once our two Thibetan friends uncere­moniously entered. A s they did not understand Chinese, I was afraid to venture any remarks to them, my Thibetan being so small in quantity, so thought I had better lie very still on the k ’ang, as if asleep, keeping one eye open to see that they did no mischief. After a little time my husband came to the rescue, and by degrees got rid of the unwelcome visitors.

W ednesday morning our landlady asked me to go to her room and talk to the women. A great many came in, and many listened most earnestly. I was feeling very tired at first, and the noise and clatter as the women began to assemble was trying ; but again, as always—

“ When my weakness leaneth on His might A ll is right-”

I felt the power of GOD with us. Later on we went across the fields, took our lunch and some books with us, and sat down at the foot of some snow-covered hills. H ad a long, refreshing time out of doors, with no curious onlookers, and came back in the afternoon in time for more visitors and more talk o f the L o r d Je s u s . There were two dear old Mongol women among my audience, very old and very dirty, but so loving and eager to hear. T hey could speak all three languages, Mongol, Thibetan, and Chinese. I wish I could get hold of any old body like that to live with me, but I am afraid it is impossible here in the city. W e feel more and more that we must be set quite free from Si-ning, and go and live in these little out-of-the-way places before we shall either really learn Thibetan or get at the people, and if only there were others here to take up the work, we might now go off at any time, coming back now and again for rest.

W e returned to Tau-ko-r on Thursday, and stayed there on Friday. I was very tiied that day, the road on Tuesday and Thursday having been long and rather diffi­cult. About 20 l i on the way back we made a détour to a monastery of some 100 lamas, such a pretty little place in a valley. After going to see the temple in which the lamas were all assembled drinking tea, we were taken to

% «first S igh t ofF R O M M I S S G

LA N -C H A U , A p r il A,th.— A t breakfast-time two well- dressed men came to ask us to come to see a girl

who had taken opium ; we left at once, following our leader with Lao-liu as they strided on into the heart o f city. In a rather well-furnished house we found a pretty young girl o f seventeen, quite insensible, and several women lending assistance. They had given up her case

a sort of reception-room, and entertained with salt tea and very nice bread and butter. W ith the head lama we left a book and an invitation to call here.

On Friday it was beautiful to see our F a t h e r ’s arrang­ing. A t other times there had been no means of getting rest in the inn, so many coming ; that afternoon, after a little walk, my head was so bad that I was obliged to go back, and the whole afternoon not one woman called.

On inquiring distances we had heard that leaving Tau-ko-r in the morning early we could reach Hsin- ch’eng, 70 l i north of Si-ning, in the day, so decided to do so on Saturday, and spend Sunday at Hsin-ch’eng. However, after going the whole day, we arrived at dusk at a place still 50 l i from our destination, a small village where nobody wanted us. After a great deal of talk, the head man of the village very ungraciously gave us a room. A s it wanted a little cleaning up, I waited in the cart till they came to tell me it was ready. Our host came and called out, “ W hy does not that foreign woman, or whatever she is, get out of that cart and let us all look at her ? W hat is she different from other people ? ” So we have in our travels all kinds of experiences. W e were so glad to have any kind of a room that our N abal’s behaviour did not trouble us, but he would only keep us that night, so we had to go on next day and lose our Sunday rest. However, as it was only 50 li, we hoped for a good afternoon.

But the 50 l i might have been 100, for although we started soon after dawn, it was nearly dark when we reached the end of our journey. On the way books and tracts were asked for, so we had opportunity for some sowing.

Our inn was quite luxurious— altogether three rooms, opening one into the other, and very clean and quiet. That night I was left quite in peace. Next day I felt too tired to do anything but lie still, and our F a t h e r , who knoweth what things we have need of, just arranged it for me, and not till late in the afternoon did any one come. Then I had a good time with a lot of women. There is a special joy in being the first one to tell these women of J e s u s , and in spite of the difficulties in untilled soil, we do thank G o d that He has not put us in a fruit­ful field to start with. The very need throws us back more on Him and on His power and His love to those who have never heard of Him.

The demand for books, Arabic and Chinese, was great and that evening all the Arabic Gospels we had taken with us were sold out. W e had arranged to end our trip the following day, but there seemed such eager interest and desire to hear at this place, and it lies near one or two other important places in our “ parish,” so we decided that I should come home alone in the cart, and my husband remain in those parts till the end of the week. So yesterday morning I started for home on a beautifully level road; the 70 l i seemed nothing. I found Miss Ellis and Miss Muir well, and very happy in their work here. So “ all the way ’long it is J e s u s /'

i k i s n r a n g .

A H A M B R O W N .

as hopeless, and were busy dressing her in her grandest clothes— silk, satin, and embroidery as gay as could be found. One woman was dressing her long black hair in grand style. A ll this stopped as we entered. W e went forward with strong coffee and my bottle of pure ammonia, but alas 1 only to find that all power of swallow­ing or smellingwas gone! Nothing that we could do

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 137

would rouse her now, and in a few minutes she would be dead. H er poor husband tried long and vainly to put coffee down her throat; he was in great grief; and her old father and mother, who had come to town to see seme special theatricals, moved one’s very heart in their silent sorrow. The girl was just a few months m arried; she had quarrelled the night before with her husband, and taken a large dose of opium secretly in strong wine, which made the effect very rapid, and it had had the whole

night to take action. W e had to leave, o f course, and the dressing business, that added to the misery of the scene a hundredfold, began again ; they were sending off for the Buddhist priest to come and chant prayers for her soul, and as soon as she was really dead the wailing would begin. I shall not easily forget my first sight of an opium case in China.

A p r il 6th.— Soon after six a.m. a call came to another opium case.

% flcfo fh a r ® trllF R O M M R. W R IG H T.

Y U N G -K ’A N G , C h e h -k ia n g .— Last night was one long to be remembered. About a week before I had

mentioned that we might spend the last night of the Chinese year in prayer. The Christians took up the idea heartily. So last night seventeen in all came. The first part of the night was spent in testimony. I rehearsed some of the “ good th in gs” which G od had given us during the past year. Oh, He has been good ! Then came the native testimonies ; each had a tale of thankfulness and joy.

A NATIVE TESTIMONY.

One testim ony I m ust relate ; we praised G o d as this brother spoke, and you will say, no wonder. H e said, “ T w o years have passed since I first heard this G o sp e l; then I was as others, worshipping things o f wood and clay, without know ing any better, and I was miserable. I was never well, and never happy. W hen I heard this G ospel I scarcely knew whether it was true or false, but the more I heard and the more I understood, the more I felt that this was the true doctrine, and I believed it, and since then I have been happy— very, very happy— and I am getting happier as I know more. But when I came out on the L o r d ’s side I had to suffer much persecution, as I was the only one in our fam ily who cared for the JESUS’ religion. A t hom e they called me ‘ a foreigner,’ and despised m e as if I were one. B ut the LORD spoke to one heart, and a younger brother took his stand for J ESUS ; shortly after m y son also yielded, and cam e over to me saying he wanted to be a J e s u s ’ disciple ; then some short tim e after this m y old mother— who so opposed m e at one tim e— said she also was going to be a disciple o f JESUS. So our fam ily was being changed. T hen m y son’s wife gave up her idols and took a brave stand for JESUS,” and then, and he pointed across the table, “ Look at Si-kin (his second brother), he last year was cursing and persecuting m e because I had left m y old ways and was a follower o f JESUS, but this year the L o r d has laid hold of him too, and to-night he is sitting here with me as happy as I, because he is a disciple o f JESUS, so I must say that the L o r d has been good to m e.’’ T o hear such a testim ony fm m a Chinam an caused me to rejoice indeed. Praise the L o r d ! H e is working.

After the testimonies, we got to our knees, and G o d

granted us a time of humiliation ; many were in tears. A few minutes before midnight we each silently pleaded with G o d , and thus we entered the new year. This short time of silent prayer was the means of much bless­ing to some ; they saw themselves in GOD’S sight. W e parted shortly after midnight, each feeling we had spent a remarkable night.

CHINESE NEW YEAR’S DAY.

Everything is so quiet and Sabbath-like that one cannot help one’s thoughts occasionally running to the homeland. In the forenoon all the Christians, except two who live at some distance, were here for New Year’s morning worship, which was a time of blessing. After the service we had a feast, spending most of the day together. W e seemed like a large family, happy, and desiring to make others so.

In the evening we met for Bible-reading, as usual. This has been a day of joy to me, and I think none of the Christians ever enjoyed such a happy time. It was pleasing to hear their expressions of happiness.

Monday, 4th February.— Saw some fruit to-day of our New Year’s meetings. Praise the L o r d ! Shortly after mid-day three brethren, who are off duty because of the New Year holidays, came to me and asked would I allow them to open the chapel and preach to the passers-by. “ Yes,” I said, “ certainly ; and I will go with you.” So I took down my organ, and it soon drew a large crowd, and these dear brethren preached as dying men to dying men. I have scarcely heard men preach better.

Tuesday, ¡th .— The brethren came again to-day and preached earnestly. The Bible reading was a special treat. Praise God.

Tuesday, 12th.— To-night is the beginning of the “ Lantern Festival,” so we lighted up the chapel, thinking to take the opportunity of the large crowds in the streets and preach the Gospel to them. Our chapel was soon crowded, and many listened earnestly, never heeding the passing lanterns.

Saturday, 16th.— Each night during the past week, the “ lantern festival’’ has given us large crowds, and I believe not a few have heard to profit.

Sunday, i jth .— For some time our number of inquirers has been increasing. I find five new inquirers have taken their stand with us this year, and are very hopeful.

|jiC()U£st for |3 ra iu r for % ¡po-h’tcr jjis tek t.F R O M M IS S G IB SO N .

JU N E 1 st.— W ill you very specially pray for the cities in the surrounding district ? W e cannot rest until

these other sheep for whom C h r i s t died are brought in. Je s u s said, “ Them also I must bring.” Oh that we possessed the spirit of our Master, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep! W ill you remember at some prayer-meeting Yuen-san Hien, I-iang Hien, Cheng-

fang, and U-fang. There are four who have given up idol worship and profess faith in these places.

W e praise G o d for the dear American sisters who are now in K i a n g -SI. Sometimes the people’s great need comes over me, so that my heart is very sad. I want to rest in G o d ; H e is love. W e need a mighty outpouring of the H o l y S p i r i t .

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

J l i&rip to % p ills .F R O M M I S S B R O O M H A L L .

T A ’I-YUEN FU, May 16th — Since I last wrote we—Miss Stevens, my sister Edith, and I— have been to the hills for

ten days. Miss Stevens and I were feeling tired, and I thought a few days’ rest now would help us in the approaching hot weather. As Mrs. Elliston kindly offered to come and live in our house and look after the children while we were away, Edith was able to go too. We had a very pleasant time, and feel much better for the change.

I must tell you about our journey up. Miss Stevens led the way on the cart mule, then Edith on a hired mule, and I followed on Mr. Saunders’ donkey, another mule carrying bed­ding, and a donkey with provisions completed the caravan.

Miss Stevens and I had to trust to our memories as to the road, and once, when among the hills, took the wrong turning ; this mistake took us about half an hour out of the toad. Nor was this all, for the mule was too heavily laden for such a moun­tain road, so we had to give up one of our animals and have the luggage divided. Edith insisted on being the one to walk, though she got very tired before, just at nightfall, we turned into the little yard of the village house bought as a holiday retreat by Mr. and Mrs. Pigott and Dr. and Mrs. Edwards. The rain, which had threatened all the afternoon, began to fall, and it was nearly dark, but everyone set to work ; Edith papered the window, Miss Stevens prepared some food, the man lit the kit­chen fire, and between us all we soon got our bedding spread on beds made of boards or doors on the top of trestles.

The next morning it did not take long to make our room com­fortable and prepare for our holiday. The village children came in a troop to welcome us, but we missed one boy who last year was amongst the most friendly; we afterwards heard he had been killed by a fall of earth in a coal-pit. He was eleven years old, the son of a woman whom we call “ the fat widow.” Poor thing ! the death of her only boy is a real grief; we long that it may draw her to the S a v i o u r to find comfort.

When we first thought of a spring trip to the hills, we hoped to go when the hill roses were in bloom, but as we were expect­ing some opium patients we could not choose our own time; we were too early for the flowers, and rain and snow kept them back till just as we were returning to the city ; we had some very cold days, and the villagers found our rooms too un­comfortable to stay in, so we were left undisturbed a great part of the time.

We paid three visits to the village where we stayed two years ago, and want twice to another hamlet; the people seemed more friendly than ever, and many had remembered portions of hymns and verses from previous years. We should be glad of prayer for

these people, especially for one woman. She has been a doctoress, can read a little, and seems unusually intelligent; we had two long, interesting talks with her, and, as far as we can tell, believe her to be really inquiring after the true light; she had formerly chanted prayers to the sun and to the goddess of mercy, and persisted it was no sin to have done so, for no one had ever told her it was wxong. One thing she asked us about our country was— As we had a woman ruler, were all the statesmen, magistrates, and officials women too ? This woman says she will come down to the city to learn more ; she seems well up in Chinese lore ; one day she met nearly everything I said with a quotation from a Chinese book, or a fact from history ; she said she had seen death by substitution acted on a theatre stage.

The journey home was delightful, the roses being in full blossom on the lower hills. We reached here about one o’clock. Mrs. Terry had been coming daily to see the patients while we were away. Several women were waiting for us, among these No. 3 of the Wang family ; she had come with a very bad mouth, and otherwise poorly, and asked if she might stay a few days with us ; she has been here ever since, and is much better. The day after our return one of the opium patients came. She has taken the drug for thirteen years, and in a large quantity. Poor thing ! she looked such a wreck of womanhood when she came in on Tuesday evening: her mother-in-law had been in early in the day to ask if we were not afraid the woman would die ; we have said we dare not trust to ourselves or to the medicine, but that with G o d all things are possible ; if her whole trust is in Him, He will help her to break it off. We are looking to the L o r d to glorify His Name through her.

We have started a noon meeting for the children and any one who cares to come ; to-day there were several outsiders. One of those who came to-day lives in this street; she has been several times and shows a more than usually intelligent interest in the Gospel. I may have mentioned her before as a patient who had vomited several basins full of blood through temper ; she is tall and thin, so I will nickname her Mrs. Gaunt. To-day she came to bring a small gift of food. Miss Stevens called to see her the other day, and says she was delighted that she should remember her and come to see how she was.

We should be glad of prayer for the little children who come daily; they are already old in deceit and falsehood.

The last two days it has rained steadily the greater part of the day. Hardly any patients have come, but the children have all turned up; they are singing away at their lessons while I write. Pray for them.

“ They shall not be ashamed that wait for Me. ”

H a p p y S c r i n a .

F R O M M I S S M A C K I N T O S H .

Y U H -SH A N , March 2ytn.— Last Friday I returned from my first visit to Kwang-feng. Had such a

good time there. The people were so friendly and kind, and it did rejoice my heart to see a little company gather together every evening to study G o d ’s Word. For some time the landlord has been asking us to leave. He is a rich man, and it is not out of fear, as the people are very quiet, but some of his friends are constantly worrying him about letting his house to us. W e are asking the L o r d

to touch his heart. Yesterday I sent Mr. Tsang and our teacher to see him, and now we look to G o d ; He is our Helper. The G o o d S h e p h e r d has other sheep in Kwang-feng, and they must soon be brought in.

THE CRYING NEED.

I cannot forget what one dear woman said to me when I was there. She came in every day, and always listened so attentively. She had such a sad face. Poor woman !

CHINAS MILLIONS. 139

she told me how her son a young man of twenty-five, had died a few months ago. He was a very dutiful son, and they were rebuilding their house so that he might open a carpenter’s shop, when he was taken ill and died in a few days. After she had told me with tears in her eyes, she held my hand and said, “ Oh, if you had only come sooner you could have prayed for him, and he might have recovered ; at least, he would have heard of JESUS, and I am sure he would have believed ; he was such a good son.” Is not this the unuttered cry of many? How many millions have already passed into eternity without the knowledge of a S a v io u r ’s love ! and from these myriad graves comes the cry, “ Oh, if you had only come sooner ! ” The L o r d make us faithful !

A p r il 25th.— Since going so much among the villages I have been more and more impressed with our L o r d ’s command : “ Go, preach the Gospel to every creature.” Many— nay, the greater number— of the village people at a distance have never been in the city. They say, “ W e never heard of G o d or J ESUS, and how could we know ? ’ ’ I feel more than ever the need to follow in His footsteps who went about doing good. He has given us the seed, and by His grace we will sow it broadcast. Praise G o d there is the good ground where it will spring up in due time and bear an abundant harvest to His glory. What a privilege to be sowers ! It is grand and glorious to be reapers bringing in sheaves and laying them at the M a s t e r ’s feet, but I do think there is special fellowship with Him in sowing, just receiving the seed from His hand as His instrument. W ill you ask for me that there m aybe nothing to hinder blessing ? It is so solemn to think that one can be a hindrance.

You will be glad to know that Mr. Tsang is very bright and earn est; the dear women too, are very bright. A woman who came to us last year is truly converted, and, like the woman of Samaria, goes amongst all her friends telling them to come and believe in JESUS. I met her when I first came here, and claimed the salvation of her soul from the L o r d . For some time I lost sight of her, but often thought of her. On our return I wanted a woman, and wished I knew where to find her. I asked Mrs. San if she would inquire about a suitable woman for me, and one day she told me she had heard of one, and had left word for her to come and see me next day. Judge of my joy next morning on coming down to see the new woman to find the very one I wanted. I could not but praise G o d . Since she came her brother has been saved and gone to be with J e s u s , and many through her have heard the Gospel. She wants me to go with her to see her mother, who lives fifty l i away, and is most anxious she should believe in J e s u s , as she is over seventy. T o ­day I sent her out with one of the Bible-women. They came back very bright and happy, as we were having our evening meal. They had had no dinner— had had no time to eat, they said. But this did not cost them a thought; what concerned them was that they did not know sufficient hymns, and the people wanted them to sing more. Dear San-nai said, “ Never mind, though the singing was poor, she understood the meaning, and that was of most importance.” These dear women are so anxious to have their friends believe, and are not easily daunted, though they have a good deal to bear. Praise the L o r d for them.

iBbangtlistk fourrag in (Skn-btourr,F R O M M R . M A C G R E G O R .

FO R T Y miles from Ning-kwoh Fu, May 2jth .— I am writing from an inn in a little village where my

friend Mr. Miller and I are staying on our way home from Kwang-teh-chau. I will tell you o f our movements during the last fortnight. On Wednesday week Mr. Miller and I started intending to make the short journey of sixty miles evangelistic by stopping at all places on the way to preach the Gospel to those who might be ready to listen. Instead of taking two days for our trip, we spent four days, stopping the first night at Sen-kia-p’u, where we have a hall opened on the street— a little un­pretending looking place, yet just what we w an t; the im- posing-looking buildings of the Roman Catholics lead the people to suppose that worldly inducements may be offered them should they join the church. Mr. Miller had spent a few days at Sen-kia-p’u just previously, and though the place only numbers about four or five thousand people there were large numbers coming to hear the Gospel. W e hear that the old woman whose house we have rented and who lives there has not only given up her vege­tarianism, wherein she trusted for merit, but is exhorting some of her friends to believe the Gospel. W hether she is a true Christian we cannot yet decide.

Next day we stayed at a farmhouse, the dwelling of one of our church members, an old woman of decided character and solid Christian living, though she has only known the L o r d for two years. Her brother-in-law, who had cursed her for believing in the foreign doctrine, was there also— a quiet man, and saved some months since. Her son, a believer, once a wild young fellow, was also at home, and we heard a good testimony to him the other day in a little village where one remarked to his neighbour that W ang’s conduct had changed considerably since he had

entered the foreign religion. This, unless true, would not be confessed to by an outsider.

On the way Mr. Miller seized many opportunities of speaking to small groups on the roadside at stopping- places where tea is drunk. I contented myself with listen­ing and learning how to put the truth before the Chinese.

Kwang-teh-chau is a walled city about the size of Ning- kwoh, where Mr. Eyres and two natives have been exhi­biting a magic lantern and preaching. W e stayed at an inn where the innkeeper is an opium smoker. Four times he has tried to break off opium and failed, and so the poor man seems bound to be the companion of his pipe till its poisonous power cuts off his life. A man from Ning-kwoh was there who had come to sell anti-opium medicine. He had been an opium smoker for thirty years, and latterly was taking a very large quantity and becoming debilitated ; but since he came to Kwang-teh- chau he had been taking pills and praying of his own accord to G o d to enable him to break it off, and now he smokes no more. W e do not make much of a case like this till it is shown to be a permanent cure, as some have stood for some months and then returned to the poison, Many have asked me for medicine, but I have told them that medicine alone is insufficient. A man’s body may be cured, but not his subsequent desire for the pleasure of opium smoking, for it is the pleasure that entices men to the drug. I tell them that their hearts must be changed, and only G o d can do this.

They say there are no less than 70 per cent, of the Kwang-teh-chau people smoke opium. In our inn con­siderable stores were being smuggled through for sale ; such smuggled opium is sold at a low cost, so that opium ruin is cheap

140 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

Our faith is much tried at times by the indifference and unbelief of the people, and at failing to see fruit. W e need the resolution of Habakkuk to rejoice in G od despite the failure of the fig-tree and olive-tree. The people have no desire to hear our message ; it must be forced on them. The Roman Catholics are about our greatest hindrance ; the people confront us with them, and are all the more prejudiced ; any desire but for their good is at*ributed to us, though many will aver openly

that we have come to exhort men to do good deeds.May 30th.— Arrived at Ning-kwoh safe and sound,

thank G od, and with good cause for gratitude. On our way home Mr. Miller went by invitation to a hamlet, where he found a good reception ; a man who bad heard the Gospel for the first time the previous day could repeat its main facts. H e is a leader there among some scores of families. The people were much inte­rested.

I ta n -s tr jjr | g r 0 b m a .

F rom M r . G rah am B row n .

Lan-chau, Mar. 1 Sth.— We have had encouraging attendances on Sabbaths. It is a new feature for me to see tears from Chinese, but yesterday was marked by this even more than the previous Sabbath. We believe that our own two servants are tiusting only in Jesus as their Sa v io u r . To Him be all the glory.

We have been in bad favour, as there was trouble during the feast of lanterns last month, from two Russians fighting with the natives in the street; now they are gone the difference is great— I have been most kindly treated everywhere.

Mar. 23rd.— Much pleased with the evident change in servants. Time, however, will be needed to prove them. Troubled by a Chinese opium-seller, who wanted the house I was negotiating for, calmly going in before he had. anything settled with the owner, but making it impracticable for the landlord to turn him out in our favour without getting into trouble. Have to submit joyfully, however ; lose nothing so far, as the owner is now really trying to help us.

Mar. 26th.— House offered, but owner has not yet come.Mar. 27th.— In forenoon went to see the house in North

Street, which seems satisfactory. Afternoon landlord came, and we had long negotiation ; no settlement made, but are to meet again on Friday.

Mar. 29th.— After much further negotiation, came to terms with landlord of house on North Street. Half the deposit money was paid, so we are now praying G od to give us a peaceable entrance and no hitch. Himself hath done it so far. A word of praise about the house mentioned. We had every door closed against us, as we had prayed, until this the seemingly right one opened. It came out of the most trying disappointment, when we submitted to injustice rather than force our rights. The house is in an almost ideal position for work here. On losing the first house I was led in prayer to claim that G od would give the house of His choice before the month closed; then, going out into the street the landlord arrived, and we fixed terms on the last day but one of the Chinese month. I mention the matter as a cause for great praise to God. He abideth faithful.

F rom Mr . H orobin.Ning-hsia, March 4th.— Since writing last I have been able to

do a little work outside the immediate neighbourhood. Some time ago a Mohammedan teacher who has ten students came to see if we could help his old mother who had badly sprained her ankle. Mr. Belcher spent one night in his house, and I also paid, him a visit, spending the night there. The place is about forty l i south of Ning-hsia, and there are several hundred Mohammedan families in it. I have since spent three days in the neighbour­hood, doing much among the sick, and setting befcre them C h rist crucified. On the day of my arrival last time the wife of the Elder of the village was taken seriously ill, but after she had taken some medicine found immediate relief. The L ord in this way brought us in contact with some of the leading families of the village.

Another Mohammedan village, ten l i east of Ning-hsia, Mr. Belcher and I have visited together, and I also have been many times alone attending sick cases. We dealt faithfully with the Elder of this village, who broke his leg last year and was

attended daily for a long time by Mr. Burnett. The way in which our lot from time to time is cast amongst these people leads us to believe that G od is going to do a work amongst them, and I would solicit your earnest prayers on their behalf. When the work does begin it will require as mach grace for them to associate with the Chinese as to renounce Mohammedanism,

j Many of them read Arabic, but very few read Chinese.I I think I told you in my last about making a charge of twenty ! cash (less than a penny) per dose of medicine. I have many | reasons to be glad I did so; it saves us from many hangers-on,! and only those come who really need help. Many times in a day

we have been called to visit people in their homes, where, without the medicine, we men-folk should have had very little chance of admittance. Some days we have scarcely had time to take our food.

Last year a caipenter decided for C h r ist , and has held on till now, meeting with more or less persecution in his family. A short time ago his brother, who is also a carpenter, and used to oppose him, cut his hand badly ; he kept away irom us until his hand became very bad, but afterwards he came and we did all we could for him. His hand has got quite well, and he is now a believer in J esus. I would ask special prayer for these two brothers. Outside the east gate we visited a man who had been in the refuge ; we persuaded him to take down his kitchen god, and we trust he will be drawn into the kingdom. A lieutenant-colonel in this city having heard of our fame, came to us about his ear ; he has been twice ; I trust we may be made a blessing to him. I gave him Bunyan’s “ Pilgrim’s Progress” and some other books. The thirty-fourth man is now in the refuge.

Mar. 22nd.— You will be glad to know that we are very well and very busy, and that the L ord is amongst us, leading souls to trust in Him. Since I wrote last I have visited Ping-lo Hien twice; it is 100 li north of Ning-hsia. The last time I was there I succeeded in taking a room, and we intend doing our utmost to work up that place. There are three markets during the month, and during these days the streets are lined with people. The first time I went proved to have been very provi­dentially ordered; there was snow on the ground, but I felt the L ord would have me go. When I reached the inn, and had taken out my books and medicines, an old friend from Ning-hsia came and would have me go to his private lodgings, and I re­mained with him several days. The following day was one of the market days, and I had some good times preaching in the street, selling all the books I took with me in quite a short time. My friend introduced me to several good families, and I was kept quite busy dispensing medicines. I purpose, when the weather becomes too hot for the refuge work, to make use of the two Christian young men who carry it on by sending them in turn to live in Ping-lo, for a week or a fortnight at a time.I think it will help to bring them out, and if they succeed well I shall endeavour to keep one there regularly ; if not they can fall into their own work again when the refuge opens. I find Mr. Belcher a real help, and I am very happy in the work.

There are about ten men who have expressed themselves desirous of acknowledging the L ord in baptism.

F rom Mr . H. W. H u n t .

Ts’in chau, Apr. 2$th.— It is very desirable that I should have a brother sent here to help me. The in-door and out-door work is quite more than one man can undertake. I should like one who has the language, and could help me in street preaching

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 141

or in going with a native to work in districts around where people have manifested interest.

S t - r l / w m U r o b m t * .F r o m M is s F o s b e r y .

Chen-tu, Feb. 2.2nd.— I am earnestly longing and hoping to see some Manchus turn to the L o r d . Please join us in this prayer. The little house we live in, so close to the Man-chu city, is exceedingly well adapted for women’s work. This is proved by the numbers of women who continue to come here. Twice a week I receive the women patients, and on other days Mrs. Pruen receives them. Twice a week Miss Lily Webb and I go out together; we have happy times in the country. One seems to do so very little, though, where there is so much to be done.

¡p0-traiT Igrtfijmtt.F r o m M r . T. H . K i n g .

Hvei-ching Fu, Apr. 27th.— Our brethren Slimmon and Gracie are leaving for Ho-nan Fu (D.V.), on Tuesday next. I hope to visit two important trade centres, forty and sixty li from here, next week. We have a Christian native with us who has been to a fair to-day selling books, and he is quite delighted with the people of this place, so we hope that at no very distant date we may be able to rent a house here.

| U a t t 0 - s u j jr .c r b m a .F r o m M is s I r v i n .

Chin kiang, June loih.— Since I have been here I have had some very nice opportunities of service for the M a s t e r ; I was left alone for almost a week, and there was no one but me to take Chinese prayers, and G o d did so make> His grace to abound, and did give strength. I am going to" begin to visit some of the houses, and try to get hold of some of the women. We are expecting that soon our new cook will be saved ; he is anxious that I should teach him to read, which if it seems to be the L o r d ’s will I will do. He is such a useful, helpful man.

F r o m M is s C . P. C l a r k .

Yang-chait, May 21si.— I was at Chin-kiang nearly seven weeks, though, as you know, I only went, as I supposed, for a couple of days. How happy the life of Num. ix. 15-25 is ! The cloud was lifted for me last week, and I came back to Yang- chau to take charge of the school during Miss C. Murray’s absence.

Mr. and Mrs. Hutton take charge at Chin-kiang very soon, all being w ell; in the meantime Miss Guex is there with Miss Irvin and Miss Bangert.

I am so well; the pure air of Chin-kiang was just the thing for me. How beautifully our F a t h e r does arrange for us each !

| ) m r - n a n Ijrxrfrfrt« .F r o m M r . F o u c a r .

Ta li Fu , Apr. loth.— We have re-rented the shop Mr. Geo. Clarke used to have, as alter many efforts we could get no better one, and have meetings in it every evening, as we find this is the best time. We have now three men who profess to believe in the L o r d J e s u s , and who have been coming more or less regularly for instruction after our meeting in the shop was over. May the L o r d richly bless them. In one of the two villages which we have been visiting regularly once a week there is a Mohammedan to whom Brother Smith gave an Arabic Gospel and afterwards a Bible, through reading of which he seems to have become genuinely interested. He has also been reading and explaining to other Mohammedans who come to worship in his house.

F r o m M is s H a i n g e .

Yun-nan Fut May 5th.— Our little circle has been saddened this week by the death of Mrs. Vanstone’s baby after a fort­night’s severe illness. The L o r d has indeed sustained Mr. and

Mrs. Vanstone; it has helped us all to see how much G o d has been glorified in them in this trial. It has been arranged for Miss Cutt and me to join them for a week’s rest a few li beyond the lake ; we trust that this change may strengthen us and fortify us against the hot days of summer. On our return we hope to start Miss Eland off for a holiday too.

Mrs. Tomkinson is quite well again ; she and Mr. Tomkinson are kept busy a great part of each day with visitors and patients requiring medicine. Usually we have good meetings on Sunday, both of men and women, who listen with attention, and after­wards we gather the children that come with their parents, with the object of forming a Sunday-school. We continue to have women visitors nearly every day at our house ; often they will sit attentively for an hour while we preach the Gospel and sing to them. --------

J ir a itg -s x $ | r 0 b in a .F r o m R e v . J. M c C a r t h y .

May 30th.— I reached Kwei-k’i on the 25th. I was glad to find the three American sisters well and happy, and seemingly as much at home as if they had been living there for a long time. Miss Say has been wonderfully helped of G o d , and there is a really good work going on among the women. On the Sunday we had a special prayer-meeling ourselves first, and then we held the Chinese prayer-meeting. At 11 o’clock we had service; Miss Say had the guest-hall lull of women, while I had the men and the Christian women in the chapel in front, one of the sisters having the children in a side room. After dinner we had the usual midday prayer-meeting, and at 3 o’clock a church meeting, which lasted until 6. Ten were received for baptism, and one backslider was restored. (The ten were baptised before I left on Tuesday morning.) In the evening we had the L o r d ’s Supper together. There may be as many more to be baptised on my way down, as a number of con­verts could not come in in time from the country.

F r o m M iss F it z s i m o n s .Native Boat, Kwaug-sin R., May 22nd.— Miss Gibson has

gone to Yang-chau for a change ; we met her at Kwei-k’i ; she is delighted with her two sisters, Miss Gardiner and Miss McKenzie. Miss Say was so glad to get the sisters sent to ht*r, and says she shall look for the showers now ; truly the drops have been falling there. When I heard the dear native Christians thank G o d for hearing and answering their prayers for more workers my heart glowed with gratitude to Him that He had given me the glorious privilege of coming to help in such a work, and where they were so glad to hear about our blessed S a v i o u r as in K i a n g -s i . l ie has blessed dear Miss Tapscott’s efforts among the boatmen ; she believes two of them are truly trusting C h r i s t , and one she thinks is very near the kingdom. He said he “ should like J e s u s on his boat all the time, like He was when we were there, and he should like Him in his home.” Of course, we told him that if he believed in J e s u s He would live in his heart, and would be with him on his boat, and in his home also. We will keep believing for him and his friends.

When we left Kwei-k’i we were anxious to get to Ilo-k’eo, and wondered why G o d did riot send a favourable wind, as with a very strong current travelling was so slow ; but before Sunday was over we knew why we were detained, as woman after woman came down tc our boat, and did not seem much interested in foreigners, but truly interested in hearing the Gospel. We knew that G o d had prepared their hearts, and had only allowed us to get to this place for Sunday. At night our cup of joy overflowed as we saw two dear men kneel down and ask G o d to forgive their sin, and to teach them how to pray and how to worship Him. One of them when he arose from his knees said, “ Now I am your brother, and the brother of everybody who believes in J e s u s ,” then turning to the other men he said, “ Believe in J e s u s and be our brothers.” His face was a perfect picture of happiness as Miss Tapscott gave him a Testament, telling him to read it every day, which he promised to do, as he wanted to know more about the true G o d . We feel sure the H o l y S p i r i t has commenced a good work in the hearts of many who came in night after night to hear the Gospel. We will pray much for them and for those who heard in the different villages.

142 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

F r o m M iss M a r c h b a n k .

Yuh-shan, Mar. 12/ .— We had a good day on Sabbath; we had an invitation to a village 50 l i away. A friend of our woman came here one night to see if it was true that we kept her locked up in a place where no one could see her. She met him at the door with a smiling face, and hearing how anxious he had been about her she assured h im she never was more happy, and spoke to him about his soul; then Miss Mackintosh had a long talk with him, and the result of it all was that he was very anxious we should go and tell these th iD gs to the people in his village, “ he was quite sure they had never heard.” And so eight of us again started out and visited that place and the places along the way. This time we sold over 300 Gospels and could have sold mere if we had taken them. A great many heard of the wondrous love of J e s u s , and we had another happy week. We got back on the Friday night feeling very tired, but so full of praise to the L o r d for all the way He led us. The days since have been very busy ones, crowds all day. Have felt so helped.

Yuh-shan, May gth.— The dear American sisters have not yet arrived, but we expect them very soon. We had a letter from Mr. McCarthy telling us that he was sending them under Miss Tapscott’s escort, also that he himself would follow in a week or two. Then we hope to have the joy of some baptisms.

We have had happy times of work this spring ; much seed has been sown, both by ourselves and the native Christians. The L o r d is blessing me in soul, and He has implanted in my heart a deep love for these people; it is my one desire to live for them. Living amoDg them as we do has a good effect upon them, and is certainly a great help to ourselves. Dear Miss Mackintosh and I work very happily together. I feel I have a very great deal to praise the L o r d for since I came to China ; all the way He has gone before, and made the rough places plain.

I remember a gentleman on board our ship saying that “ after we had been six months in China we should not look so happy ; ” but so far as feeling happy is concerned I am a great deal more so now, for I know J e s u s better, and have tried His faithfulness more. We are both very well.

Last week my teacher went to Kwang-feng to see about the house, and I went from Tuesday to Friday to visit a village fifty li away. The sister of my woman lived there, and as it was too far for her to come here to hear the Gospel, my woman, who is, I believe, truly converted, asked me to go and see her. Of course I gladly said, Yes. We did not arrive the same night, as we often stopped along the way to use the many opportunities the L o r d gave us of speaking to precious souls. We spent the night in a little way-side inn, which gave us the opportunity of a meet­ing there. Next day we had a warm welcome and a good time, staying over-night and visiting a good many houses. The woman we went to see pressed me to come again soon, which I mean to do if the L o r d will. Coming back we reached a large village, and made up our minds to stay the night, as the people had never heard the Gospel. At first we had a large crowd, but after a while they went away to have their dinner. In the after­noon we went out to visit, and spoke to a great many; then, feel­ing very tired, I came back to the inn to try and get a little quiet, but the people continued to come, and as they seemed to want to hear the Gospel, I began to tell it them. They listened so well, and the L o r d took my weariness right away, so that for the remainder of the afternoon and evening I had a good time. Truly it is when we are feeling weak in ourselves that the L o r d seems to help most. We returned next day so full of joy.

I expect my woman will be baptised when Mr. McCarthy comes, also the teacher this time ; he has long held back, but he seems really wanting to live for Je s u s now.

F r o m M r s . G r ie r s o n .

Wun-chau, Mar. 29th.— We had between thirty and forty women last Sunday afternoon. We are taking lessons from the life of our L o r d . On Thursday afternoon I have commenced

taking the Pilgrim’s Progress ; they seem to enjoy it much. Dear Miss Judd has a nice girls’ class. We are hoping soon to have the Gospels and hymns in the Roman letters, we want to see the dear women able to read. While we long for more labourers we do praise the L o r d for what He has done and is doing ; five more were baptised last communion Sunday, two of them the wives of husbands,. father and son, who were baptised together not long ago, so now the father, mother, son, and daughter in-law are all baptised believers ; they have meetings on Wednesdays at their house. Two more were a husband and wife, they looked so happy. The other was a woman who has long attended.

Last Saturday, three converts, a woman, her son, and a relative, came 120 li (thirty-six miles); they had heard the Gospel first from our colporteur, then from one of the Christians, and the result is that six in one family all believe and want some one to go and teach them more : three in another family had also accepted C h r i s t . H ow they did enjoy the Sunday here ! Their bright happy faces told the tale ; it was a joy to meet them. They returned on Monday morning, taking some books with them and hoping for someone to be sent to them soon.

I went with my husband to Dong-ling last time and took haby with us, the people were so delighted with her. We had a full chapel, but not many women as Sunday was wet. The preacher’s wife, one of our school-girls married last November, is getting on so nicely. She is a great help to her husband ; she has a nice women’s class and goes out and holds services at the Christians’ houses during the week. I was delighted. Next time I hope to go to Bing-yang. I do praise the L o r d more than ever for sending me to China and to Wun-chau.

F r o m M r . L a n g m a n .

I\in-hiua, March 23rd.—We are greatly encouraged at present; there is more spiritual health and earnestness in the Church, and a lively interest in the work. We hope soon to start a new work 25 li away, amidst numerous villages of 50, 100, and 2CO houses. May the L o rd prosper the effort, and save many precious souls. A fortnight since ten enquirers asked for baptism. There is opportunity for doing so much more in this district than we are able to do. We greatly desire the help of brethren and sisters to extend the work; are there none to come ? Our native brethren are really working well, and are being blessed in their own surroundings, but are not yet able to go to distant places.

F r o m M r s . L a n g m a n .

Kin-hwa, May 8th.— I think you will be glad to hear about the pleasant little time we spent in Tan-t’eo. We took with us Mrs. Ning and our cook and his wife, who speak the dialect splendidly. Of course we had many visitors, many coming from the villages around. Each evening the place was well filled at evening prayers. On the Sunday my husband and the few Christians of the district came into the city for the examination of candidates for baptism, and Mrs. Ning and the cook’s wife, formerly a girl in the Kiu-chau School, remained with me. When the time for service arrived we found the guest hall crowded out with men and women, but we felt only too glad to see them. After the singing of a hymn, I spoke, and Kwei- hsiang repeated what I said in the dialect, and my heart did rejoice to hear that dear girl plead with those women-; she seemed to put herself right beside them, and enter into all their doubts and fears, and showed so splendidly the finished work of C h r i s t for us all. How the women did listen ! Mrs. Ning spoke well, but her knowledge of the dialect is limited. In the afternoon they all came again,.and we have reason to believe that there will be fruit from that week’s visit. Two have already asked for baptism, but they need more instruction first.

Last Sunday, May 5th, was a very happy day with us; seven confessed C h r i s t by baptism, four men and three women. We are hopeful of others to follow in a short time.

$ tp r tu m for (fjritra.Mr. and Mrs. G. W. C la rk e with their two little boys left on Friday, August 9tb, to return to China, per P. and O. s.9.

Rosetta, accompanied by Miss D u n n .

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

% S Ü t t m ù t § isrt to ^ortfc ^ntcnra.

B Y J. HUDSON TAYLOR.

S many of our friends will be aware, I have recently paid a short visit to America. An absence from London o f seven weeks allowed thirty-four daysin the United States o f America and Canada, during which time I was ableto address about forty public meetings, to attend part ot the Niagara and Northfield Conventions, and to meet with the Council which was formed at the close o f my previous visit, as a tentative measure for dealing with those who were offering themselves for work in China.

W e landed in New York on July 14th, and after a kind welcome from friends there and in Attica, spent parts o f five days at the Niagara Con­ference (Ontario), then held meetings in Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Batavia, Clifton Springs, and Niagara Falls, all in New York State. Our next meetings were in Canada, where Hamilton, Elora, Galt, Guelph, Toronto, Kingston, and Montreal were successively visited. Returning to

the States through the beautiful scenery o f the Connecticut valley, we reached Northfield, Mass., on Friday, August 9th, glad again to be present at, and take some little part in, the concluding exer­cises of Mr. Moody's Convention. On the Sunday morning the meeting was held in the new churchat Northfield, which was literally packed, when Mr. Moody preached a wonderful sermon, and Mr. Sankey's voice seemed sweeter than ever. This was followed by missionary meetings in the after­noon, and the usual service in the evening. 1 spent Monday, the 12th, with Dr. and Mrs. Pierson, and had meetings subsequently in Pittsfield, Mass., and in Morristown, New Jersey, before embarking in the Etruria, on August 17th, for Liverpool. I was rejoiced by the missionary interest which I met with everywhere, and especially so at Niagara and Toronto, the Clifton Spring Sanitarium, and Northfield.

The principal object of my visit was to meet the gentlemen who had formed the Provisional Council, and after comerence with them to put the work on a more permanent footing. Eight half­day meetings were held with the Council— four in Niagara, and four at Toronto. The Council now consists of—

Hon, S. H . B l a k e , Toronto.M r. J. R . C o v e r s , G a lt , Ont.R ev. W . J. E r d m a n , A sheville , N .C . M r. H . W . F r o s t ,* A ttica , N .Y .M r. W m . G o o d e r h a m ,* Toronto. M r. J. S . HELMER, Lockport, N .Y . M r. R o b e r t KlLGOUR,* Toronto.

H on. and R ev. R , M o r e t o n , H am ilton, Ont. M r. J. D . N a s m it h ,* Toronto.R ev. H . M . P a r s o n s , D .D ., Toronto.M r. E l ia s R o g e r s ,* „M r. A l f r e d S a n d h a m ,* „M r. E d m u n d S a v a g e , H am ilton, Ont.R ev. R o b e r t W a l l a c e , B elleville, Ont.

Mr. Frost will leave Attica and take up his residence in Toronto, where a house will be procured for the accommodation of candidates with Mr. and Mrs. Frost. The gentlemen whose names are marked with an asterisk will meet weekly as an executive Council, while meetings of the full Council will be held quarterly, or by special invitation.

A number 01 promising candidates have been accepted, and with others will be sent out from time to time as (he L o r d opens the way. The liberality shown at Niagara exceeded that o f last year, and we have no doubt that the L o r d will supply all that is needful for this branch of the work, the funds for which are kept distinct. Friends in Canada and the United States can in future address their contributions to Mr. H. W . Frost, Secretary and Treasurer, China Inland Mission, 12, Richmond Street W ., Toronto. W e commend this new branch of the work to the earnest prayers of our readers and friends.

O c t o b e r , 1889.

1 4 4 CHINAS MILLIONS.

Irarnegtng I fc r a ts .

F R O M R E V . E .

PA O -N IN G R IV E R , M ay 2 is/.— I cannot tell you how thankful I am to our heavenly F a t h e r for

bringing me and mine out here for Him. It has been such a jojr all through our journey to know we were doing His will in coming, and we are looking forward with great expectation to being with dear Mr. Cassels and his wife in a few days. The journey has been a very wonder­ful one, full o f tokens of the M a s t e r ’s presence and love.

W e had a splendid breeze the first part of the way, and reached Wan-hien in nine days and Chung-k’ing in nine­teen, without a single break of the rope or any mishap whatever. I believe it is the shortest time that any in our Mission have made the journey. W e had a capital boat and every comfort. Our cook is such an obliging fellow ; he never makes a trouble of anything. He is a true Christian, but has not yet been baptised. He is thoroughly trustworthy and hard working. I must copy from my diary a little of what he said to a few people who gathered where we stayed last Sunday.

He began by saying that as day and night were divided, so were heaven and h e ll; all the wicked would be in hell, and all the believers in heaven. H e went on to speak of G o d ’s love, and of Je s u s C h r i s t His Son giving His life for the world. “ I used to worship idols ; why do I not do it now ? Because I have heard of this love of G o d . F oreigners came all the way from England to tell me, and we have come to tell you. W e should have thought it a very great honour for a beggar to be adopted by a mandarin ; but through Je s u s C h r i s t we are made G o d ’s children, who is far greater than an Emperor. W e think much of our Emperor, but he is only a sinner, and must die. G o d saw that in all the king­doms of the world there was no one who could save another, so Je s u s C h r i s t said to His F a t h e r , ‘ I will go and save them.’ ’’ H e quoted a Chinese proverb : “ ‘ Lift up your head three feet, and there is G o d .’ N o one can say that of an idol. I f my heart wished I could begin to make an idol of this piece of wood ; but of what use would it be ? Man is greater than an id o l; he can make an idol, but an idol cannot make him. G o d made all men. Do you think these foreigners would leave their homes and come all the way to tell us what is not true ? I am sure their homes are much more comfortable than any they can get here, and I know they eat much bitter­ness on this boat.’’

I need scarcely tell you that his last remark was not true, but you will be rejoiced at the change which has taken place in this man. I believe Miss Hanbury was helpful to him on the journey to Pao-ning last year, and also Dr. Cameron.

May 30th.— Mrs. Cameron and her teacher and Bible- woman came with us from Chung-k’ing as far as the

O. W IL L IA M S .

village of Yen-k’eo above the city of Ting-yuen Hien. W e were very glad to have her with us. She and her companions were going to spend a month in a village about forty l i beyond. A man came from there some little time ago to Dr. Cameron to be cured of opium- smoking ; he was cured, and is now a Christian, and there are several more Christians in the village. I trust this visit o f the L o r d ’s children will result in great joy coming to the place, and great joy to the heart of the L o r d J e s u s .

W e had a very large gathering o f people at Yen-k’eo to inspect us, 400 or 500, and we had a very interesting time selling books and tracts among them ; we took 400 cash. It has been very interesting watching the people who gather in large numbers as we pass. Many of them have never seen a European before or heard the Gospel. It makes one very sad to have to pass on and leave thou­sands of these poor people in utter darkness. Oh, when will there be at least one witness for the dear S a v io u r in every city and town, to say nothing of the villages ! These country people seem so easy to approach and so ready to listen to the story of G o d ’s love, work amongthem must be very interesting............. I trust that manywill be led to give themselves to the L o r d for His work among the heathen. I feel sure we shall never regret having listened to His voice in this matter. Oh, how much many of His children are losing by not listening to His v o ice !

I should much like to have sent a message through you to the L o r d ’s people at Keswick, but the Conven­tion will be over before you can get this. But if you go to the Glasgow Convention or other conferences do tell the people about these large cities that we have been passing on these two rivers and of the towns and villages filled with temples and idols, and no witness for the L o r d Je s u s — not one who knows Him. Oh, may G o d lead multitudes of His children at home to “ lift up their eyes and look on the fields,” not merely on the home field but on a ll the fields, especially those as yet un­touched. T ell them that we have met so many who have never once heard the G o sp el; we spoke to them, and they cannot understand why, if it is true, we did not bring it to them sooner. W ill you ask our fellow Christians to bear us up in p rayer; to ask that we may soon be able to speak to the people, that we may be kept abiding in C h r i s t and H e in us ; and that we may be willing to do our F a t h e r ’s will in everything.

Pao-ning,; June 5th.— I add a line before the mail goes to say that we have reached our destination, thank G o d , all well. I feel we have so much to praise G o d for. This is a beautiful place, so quiet and home-like ; it is one of the few places in China where there are lanes and hedges.

IS flrk at ITiia-fiff-Ji’fo, ÿtt-pfjr.

F R O M M R .

JUNE %tk— It is now quite a long time since I received your last kind letter, which expressed your desire for

some detailed account of our work here.. . . After breakfast daily we have prayers, at which a good many outsiders are usually present and listen with apparent attention. I like to take such subjects as those quite uninitiated in Christianity may profit by, judging that frequent repetition

G EO . K IN G .of the fundamental truths will not do those in some degree conversant with the truth anything but good. From this time till sunset I am at the beck and call of any, whether visitors, inquirers, or patients. Sometimes a visitor sets leading questions which give opening for discoursing of G o d , or at other times I take advantage of a fair number resting from their journey to or from H o-

CHINAS MILLIONS. M 5

NAN and elsewhere to preach briefly. A pplicants for m edicine com e in a pretty constant stream. . . . I tried on com ing here to put the people off, but in vain ; one can­not truthfully tell poor sufferers that one can do nothing for them when the rem edy is at hand, nor does it seem CHRlST-like to withhold good when it is in the power of one’s hand to do i t A lthough with lim ited m ateria medica and know ledge, I am able m aterially to relieve a large pro­portion o f the m any hundreds who com e month by month. T h ere have been one or two encouraging cures o f the opium habit outside by m eans o f our sim ple remedies, and w e have large num bers o f applicants for it, m aking a nom inal charge, which is yet sufficient to hinder any from getting it who do not intend to use it.

T h e re are now five who have asked for baptism , and you m ay be interested in a few particulars about them.

1. Ts’ao Ta-yeh still comes, almost always on Sundays and frequently to daily prayers. H e is over seventy, but hale and hearty. H e has been a more or less constant attendant at our services since the very start, and asked for baptism nearly a year ago. His knowledge of Christian doctrine is fairly clear, but I have as yet no reliable indications that his heart is converted from cove­tousness and pride, or that he sees his former misdoings in those respects. One great difficulty, moreover, is that, while he still resides in his own house, the said house has been apportioned to his sons, and thus ancestral worship and idolatry go on in full force, he either having no power or no will to resist. This, combined with some signs of latent love of money, put one in a difficult position with regard to him. Unless G od works mightily upon him, there is room for fear that he may get seared by frequent hearing without corresponding action on his part.

2. Yang Kong-teh, has been in our employ for a year and a half, and has, I trust, really given his heart to G o d . He evinces many gracious traits of character— love for the Bible, prayer and praise, meekness under reproof, e tc .; and if G od graciously keep him humble may

become a valuable man. Would I had time to train him !

3. Tsiang, our cook, a catechumen from Han-chong, has been with us two years and a half, and gives good grounds for thinking that his profession is real.

4. Yeh, a native cook, formerly our boat cook, who has also been in our employ for about two years and a half, though he only recently asked for baptism. H e is getting old, and is of course proportionally slower in learning ; and as we have never had much fault to find with him, his fitness for baptism must be shown in some evident increase of interest in divine things, and love for G od and souls.

5. Yin, the mason’s contractor, who built the chapel— a most engaging young man, and naturally gentle and amiable. One great desideratum in his case is some evidence that the hope of having any work from us has nothing to do with his application. The fact that his father’s old-established firm seem usually to have a good deal of work on hand tends to make one hope that sordid considerations are not the moving principle in his wish for baptism. Another inquirer and very frequent atten­dant at the services at times is a druggist named Yuen, whose mind is certainly a good deal exercised about Christianity.

At night the catechumen in our household usually occupy their leisure with reading or learning to write. Mrs. King teaches our coolie each evening for an hour or more, and he is making rapid progress. . . . Just now the country people are too busy with their harvesting and sowing autumn crops to come about us, but at slacker times the ladies gather in a goodly number to the Sunday services. . . . The above will give you some little in­sight into our usual run of work.

I was hindered finishing this by an opium suicide case, of which we have had several successful ones. One of the attempted opium suicides was a servant at the Hien Ya-men, who had swallowed, say, 120 grains of solid opium. B y G od ’s blessing he got round all right.

n S ijte ir i m x u Q i n t o p w p r t t r g j e a r f s .

F R O M M I S S W A L D IE .

“ A n d they shall come from the east, andfrom the west, and from the north, andfrom the south, and shall sit do'X’tt in the kingdom o f G od. And, behold,, there are last which shall be first, and there are first- which shall be last.”

SH E -K ’I-T IE N , June 26th.— I think you will be in­terested to hear about two dear old women who

came in from the country to see us. The first came about a fortnight ago ; she was seventy-six years of age, her home was twenty l i (six miles) away. She had come to She-k’i-tien last autumn hoping to see Mrs. Coulthard, but when she arrived Mrs. Coulthard had gone. When she heard we had come she came to see us as soon as she could ; she was so anxious to know and understand the Gospel. She said, “ It was good to hear, but that she was too old and stupid to understand.” I told her, No ; that she -must ask G o d for Je s u s ’ sake to forgive her sins and save her soul. She said, “ Can I not ask Him now? ” I gladly said, Y e s ; and we knelt down together. Our woman and I prayed, and then she herself prayed. She said, “ Je s u s , with my whole heart I beseech Thee, save m y soul.” W as there not joy in heaven over this one old woman who had repented ? I am sure there was.

T he other came last w ee k ; she was eighty-two years of age, and had come on a visit to her friends ; one of the sights to be seen was the foreigners, and she did not seem to be interested till she heard me say that burning incense and paper had no merit, and that the idols could

not save them or forgive their sins. She said, “ W h a t! and here have I been burning incense and worshipping idols all my life ; what shall I do ? ’’ I told her of J e s u s , and she asked how she was to worship Him. I told her she must ask G od for J e s u s ’ sake to forgive her sins, and she said, “ Is J e s u s w illing?” I told her, truly He was willing. Then she said, “ Let us ask Him now.” There were six or seven other women there, but she did not mind them, so we knelt down and asked God to forgive her sins. M y heart was so full I could not restrain tears of joy to see this dear old soul for the first time in her long life kneeling to the One true God. Several times before leaving she said to me, “ J e s u s is willing, J e s u s is w illing; I shall never worship the idols again nor bum incense.”

I may never meet either of these old women again down here, but I am sure I shall in heaven, for they believed and entered into the Kingdom like little chil­dren. There is no joy like that of seeing precious souls being saved ; how I thank G od that I am in China engaged in this blessed work. Mrs. Herbert Taylor and I were out yesterday and had a good time in three houses ; pray for us that we may be kept low at the Master’s feet.

T4Ô CHINA'S MILLIONS.

FORTS A T TA -K Ü , MOUTH OF TH E TIEN -TSIN RIVER.

% Ï Ï ï b ï î t a % Scene of % Jftlloto ÿiiw r g is a s t e .

F R O M M R .

CH A U -K IA -K ’E O , June 4th.— I have just paid a visit to the recently closed breach, passing through the

district mandated by water. I was so pleased to find that nine-tenths o f th e land is under cultivation, though the soil in some parts is shockingly poor. Now the people have returned to their villages one is able to ob­tain far more reliable information Qian before, when their homes were inundated and they themselves scattered.

T h e estimates of those drowned have been greatly ex­aggerated. Som e think 100,000 wili cover, all the loss o f life. I found that as far north as 100 K [30 miles] from Chau-kia-k’eo comparatively few were lost, as the villagers told me they could see the waters coming and made good their escape. Thence to, say, 100 l i south of the breach, the greatest loss o f life occurred, as the people had no rising ground to flee to, and were more or less surprised. Ninety /(' south o f the breach, where I spent the L o rd 's day,, the village was totally wrecked, leaving only portions of houses. I remarked to a villager, " W h a t numbers must have perished here ! ” H e replied,' “ N ot' to m y knowledge. D o you know o f any? “ How could you escape ? ” I ask ed “ W e heard the report, and fled at once to rising ground and this was confirmed by others.

W hen I reached the breach they explained to me that on the 1 ith and 12th o f the eighth moon, 1887, water began to issue from under the embankment, and that the people availed themselves o f the warning and fled. On the 13th at sunset the breach was made, on the 14th at noon the waters reached Chung-meo Hien, and gradually worked their w ay south,reaching Chau-kia-k’eo on the 19th instant

C O U L T H A R D .There was a large flourishing village close to the

breach ; to-day there is not a brick nor a stone the size of a nut to mark the site- Fortunately all the villagers escaped the day before. Chung-meo Hien and the north o f Fu-keo Hien suffered very much; the south o f Fu-keo is like a paradise, the high ground rejoicing in a glorious crop of waving corn, while outside the north gate a scene o f the utmost desolation presents itselt.

I spent a night at the breach. It seems to b e very secure at present, the embankment being three chang [about 12 yards] wide. T h e day I left they resumed labour, and were going to strengthen it by adding another chang to its present width. On the south side o f the breach is a deep pool of stagnant b lack water, all that is left to mark the place where the waters o f the Yellow R iver poured themselves before its providential closing. I sailed down the Yellow River some eighty li, and noticed here and there the mandarins and their em­ployés busily engaged in strengthening the banks.

I paid a visit to Kai-fung Fu, entering by the west gate, and walking slowly through to the south gate. It is a fine city its walls are forty-five l i in circumference. It is protected from future inundations by three circular em­bankments, at distances o f five, ten, and fifteen l i respec­tively. N ot a soul followed me in my excursion through the city, though occasionally a remark was passed, “ Can that be a foreigner ?” A -splendid opportunity presented itself o f returning here by cart in time for Communion Sunday, so I availed m yself o f it, or I might have spent a day in the capital. •

IS o rk in % ï a î - p i t «Bktrid, (iatt-jjimtg.

F R O M M R . D A R R O C H

MA Y i 6A4.— I left Ku-ch’eng with Brother B egg and the evaagelist on April 9th for.‘ Lai-gan Hien.

‘W e lived in an Inn at Lai-gan, and worked in and around the city, with some signs o f encouragement ‘ ‘ ‘ - - •

A STRANGE BEQUEST.On Tuesday, 16th u lt, we went to see some friends of

the evangelist in a village 25 l i from Lai-gan. T hey had heard the Gospel at Fuh-hsing-tsih, and professed to be­

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 147

lieve. W e went, hoping that their neighbours might come and hear the Gospel. W e found one old woman and her daughter confessing J E S U S ; they did not know much, but were evidently simply trusting in Him. The neighbours had told the old woman that if she believed this doctrine the foreigner would come and take her eyes out when she died. The old lady had never seen a foreigner, and I suppose she thought that there might possibly be some truth in what the people said. She answered them by saying, “ Well, I’ve used these eyes now for sixty yea rs; if the foreign teacher wants them when I die he can have them.” I was amused at the old woman’s readiness to make me a bequest of her eyes, but was glad to assure her they were as useless to me as to herself when she was dead.

On Friday, April 19th, Brother Begg and the evangelist returned to Ku-ch’eng. I spent the next Sunday at F uh- hsing-tsih, and on Monday went on to Luh-hoh Hien. I had just arrived at a good time, for there was an idol pro­cession next day (Tuesday). I went out in the morning with an armful of books and tracts. I must confess I felt rather strange when I walked up the street and saw crowd upon crowd, and reflected on the sad fact that

there was not a worshipper of the true G od amongst them. I had a good sale for my books, but could not do much preaching owing to the ever-moving character o f my audience (I was standing on the roadside while the pro­cession went past). In the evening I went up to the front of the Ya-men, and had a good and attentive audience.

On Saturday, 20th, I returned to Fuh-hsing-tsih, and was joined on Monday by Mr. Ts’ii from Ku-ch’eng. W e then visited some friends of his in a village about 25 U from Fuh-hsing-tsih. They understood something of the Gospel, and treated us very kindly. W e returned toLuh-hoh on Monday, the 29th, and spent a few daysthere, working as opportunity offered. I returned to Ku-ch’eng on Saturday, May n th . You will be sorry to hear that our house was broken into on the night of Tuesday, M ay 2nd. A hole was made in the wall at the back of the house. The thief took away nothing butclothing and a couple of table-covers. I have lost abouttwenty articles of clothing. I console myself with the reflection that none of them cost much at first, and some of them were well worn. Praise G o d , my treasure is where thieves do not break through and steal.

% J irs l p i ssioimn $0unwg.F R O M T H E D I A R Y O F M R. R E D F E R N .

FENG-TSIANG F U , S h e n -s i , April.— This month Brother Bland and I have taken our first journey, to sell books

and speak ; we visited eight Hien cities, besides smaller places, in each of which we were able to sell books and tell out the good news of salvation. We met with nothing but encourage­ment, the L o r d opening our mouths and enabling us to speak better than we had expected ; but we long ior the time when we shall be able to tell more of what is in our hearts of G o d ’s love for those who are so ignorant of Him. It was a joy to feel that now we can go about ourselves. After what I have seen of the people, places, and openings, I do praise G o d for bringing me here, where there is such need ; one feels sad, however, that time will only allow of flying visits to these places if all are to share alike. What a joy it would have been to have left behind with the books a living voice to tell them better than we were able of a S a v i o u r who died that they might have life. Praise G o d , we know that He can work through the books and the simple words we used, and we can confidently look ahead to the harvest, which will surely be the result of this seed-sowing.

Many people we met told by their faces as well as by theirquestions that they had not the true happiness we hear themspeak so much about, almost all, without exception, fearing death or devils. They seem surprised when we tell them thatwe fear neither, and, as I imagine that we do not look verymiserable, it must be something for them to think about. I believe one needs to have a bright face in going among these people, so that if they do not enjoy the happiness we have they may at least lead something oi it in our faces. May our re­joicing have the L o r d as its object, so shall it be continuous.

I was struck with the attitude of the people towards their idols ; only one or two during the whole journey of about 200 miles defended their religions.

Every day during the journey the L o r d gave us some token of His presence, keeping the people friendly, officials from troubling us, and giving us good inns to stay in. Where the hardships come in I do not know ; perhaps they may come later on, but I do not mean to expect them. “ Bless the L o r d , O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

Jfk Ik tfanuQ,THE PEACEFU L DEATH

F r o m M r .

Y UNG-K’ANG, June zgth.— The “ going home” of Tsi- hwen, an orphan, has given us much encouragement at

Ch’u-chau.I first met him in 1887, when visiting Ch’u-chau ; he was

then coming regularly on Sabbaths with his teacher, Mr. Wu, a Christian, and showed more than ordinary interest. His teacher had taught him to pray, and he could sing some of our favourite hymns. The preacher tells me that then he would not worship idols, and that among his schoolfellows he lived a quiet Christian life ; he was but fourteen years.

Last year he went to learn a trade, tent-making ; and, to his regret, was not allowed to come to service on Sabbath; but often when an errand took him past the chapel, he would run in

OF A Y O U N G DISCIPLE.A. W r i g h t .

and tell the preacher he was daily praying to J e s u s , and that on Sundays, when he was forced to work, he was so sad ; “ but,” he said, “ wait until I finish my apprenticeship ! Then I shall attend all the services, and not work.” When he could he came to evening worship, and his heathen master let us know that he was often on his knees.

In April this year he became very sick, and sent for Mr. Chang, the preacher, to come and pray with him, he himself also praying. He wss dangerously ill, and two days after, when Mr. Chang went to see him, he was much worse. When Tsi- hwen saw him he said, “ My disease is much worse, but I am trusting in J e s u s , and am ready to die. My heart is at peace.” That day his master’s wife had invited some Buddhist priests to

148 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

come and entreat the spirit of the boy to come back. Mr. Chang asked the boy how it was that these men were there. He said, “ I asked them not to do so, as they were of no use, but they would not listen,” and he said, “ The noise is more than I can bear.” Mr. Chang then asked them to stop, but they would not heed him either. The next time Mr. Chang went he was met with the words, “ Teacher, I must bid you good-bye. I cannot get better; we will meet again in heaven.” He was very

peaceful, and when Mr. Chang left he was quietly praying.Next day he could scarcely recognise the preacher when he

went, but continued mostly in the attitude of prayer, his hands clasped together and his lips moving in silent prayer.

When any of the noisy mourners came near his bedside he motioned to them not to come near, as he wanted quiet. And thus he “ fell asleep,” peaceful in his trust in his S a v io u r , and with the glorious hope of meeting us all in a “ better land.”

% liapp ! iUsit.F R O M M I S S A L I C E A . M IL E S .

SA N G -G O H V i l l a g e , S h a n -s i, A p r il y d — W e are on a visit to Pastor Ch’u’s dear old mother, one of

the nicest and truest gentlewomen in China. W e started on Monday, after a heavy Sunday’s work at Ta-ning, and arrived here at sunset. The scenery all along is just a continuation of Ta-ning, but the river here is beautiful, and in some places grand. W e felt much en­couraged as we came along to notice how the L o r d was working in the villages around us. On Sunday we had two or three women and several men from a village 15 l i from the city. One of the women had never been to see us before, but she had learnt so much of the L o r d from some of her friends that I really think she is a true Chris­tian. She knows two or three hymns, and has been taught how to pray. Everybody knows about this little hamlet, and what a rich nest of Christians it is.

IDOLS DESTROYED.

The Pastor is at home, and the Elder came with us, so we are quite a full force. Several came to worship the night we arrived, but the next morning we had a good number o f women here, and in the afternoon we went out to visit, Pastor Ch’u and the Elder leading the way. After going to the houses of two Christian families, we went to see a poor old lady of seventy-nine. She lives with a niece, who looks nearly as old as herself. These two have heard the Gospel very often, but had never given up their idols. W hen we went they had a coloured clay image outside their door, and two paper shrines inside. Besides these there were two branches of the thorn tree, ornamented with cakes made in the shape of serpents, mice, frogs, dragons, etc., and stuck on the thorns. These, the Pastor saidhad to do with idolatrous rites. Several women came to look at us and hear us speak, and after polite inquiries we began about the Gospel, and the Elder and Pastor took up the thread and spoke very earnestly to all. I sat beside the old woman and held her hand, and made her say several times, after me, “ JESUS loves me, and gave His life for me,” and then the Elder told her that JESUS and the devil were so unalike that she could not have the Truth in her heart and still have idols in her house. So, to our delight, we saw the paper pulled from the walls and burned, and the clay image destroyed. W e sang “ Je s u s loves me,” and had some prayer, and I got the old lady to say her sentence once more, and then we came away. May G o d keep them and teach them by His H o l y S p i r i t !

e f f e c t s o f f a m in e o f 1878.

Last night there were thirty people at worship, and several children. Our k ’ang was full o f women. This morning (Wednesday) we went out to breakfast. It appears the invitation came before we had put in an appearance, and so we were told as soon as we opened our door that our presence was requested at the house of our friend Mrs. Chang. As we came home we went down

to the river, and we looked at a temple just near where the Elder used to live, and where he used to encourage opium-smokers. This temple has seventy big clay images, and the dear old man told us how he used to dust and sweep and keep them clean. H e showed us his court­yard, now in ruins, and the theatre stage, which is not now in use. This village has suffered much from the famine. Formerly there were over seventy families, and now there are about twenty-three. O f these, ten are Chris­tians (either baptised or nominal), so that the travelling theatres do not find it worth their time to come here. M r. Hu has a school here for boys, but I am sorry to say there are only four scholars. However, that is not such a bad beginning, and we are soon hoping to see more of them. Some women have just come in, so I must stop for to-day.

f u r t h e r h o s p it a l i t y .

A p r il 5th .— This morning it is raining, and so we are having a little time for writing. W e have just left dear old Mrs. Ch’u and the Pastor’s wife, who are in the next room preparing food. Yesterday we were out all day. The Elder invited us to breakfast, and the dear old man treated us in the most fatherly and yet courteous manner. T he best of everything was produced for our benefit, and we both felt how good it was to be really amongst these dear people, and see their big, generous hearts. It seems a sort o f heavenly satisfaction to see what the grace of G o d can do in the hearts of those who have only known Him for a short time. When our breakfast was over (it was rather a lengthy proceeding), we came back here for morning prayers, and had a fair number of men and a k ’ang full o f women to join us in worship, and as soon as possible afterwards we started out for a village 5 l i away. The Pastor, Elder, and his little boy came with us. The road is down by the bed of the river, and most lovely— trickling streams from the rocks, and the river quite smooth and broad in places, which made one half expect to see masts appearing round the comers.

W e were making our way to Mr. Feng’s home, hoping to have a nice time with the women in his village. W hen we reached the bridge leading over to his house he was there to meet us, and taking us up the pathway to his courtyard, the Elder pointed out a temple, and told us that before he became a Christian he was priest in charge of that and many others in this neighbourhood. T he people soon collected round us, but we had hard work to make them understand us, and their astonish­ment at our not being married was so overwhelming that we could hardly get them into another channel o f con­versation.

Our dinner was beautifully served, and the dear Fengs did all they could to tempt us, giving us lots of nice things. They told us they used to cater for Mr. Cassels when he went to see them. After our dinner we went out to see some other people, and found another

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 149

family had prepared food for us, bat we declined as politely as we could, on the plea that we had already eaten. Just before we left we had a gathering in the courtyard and sang, the Pastor speaking to those assem­bled, and after the Elder had offered prayer we started for home. T h e walk was very beautiful, and we were so glad to have seen the home o f a Christian who has had so much persecution. This morning we were out to the Elder’s again for breakfast, and when we came back we found a good number o f women ready for morning worship.

A p r il 6/A.— Yesterday afternoon we went to see the old lady who had destroyed her idols a few days ago

here ! It was two years ago yesterday since we left England, and on this second anniversary we can look back and see what gracious and loving guiding we have had from our F a t h e r ’s hand. W hen we think, and try to realise where we are, and with what we are en- truited, it seems too m u ch !— a promotion one is so unworthy o f ; but oh 1 what glad and happy service it is ! I really think Ta-ning and its district must be the hap­

piest vineyard in the whole length and breadth o f China. The people love us, and are not afraid o f showing their feelings, and I am sure we love them.

Yesterday the Pastor took “ Prayer " as his morning subject, and spoke beautifully. The Elder took the first

liPKilBSIII

P R E M IS E S O F T H E SH E N -S1 G U IL D , H A N -K O W .

and had a very nice time with her. She is such a dear old thing, and has taken quite a fancy to us, and says we are her adopted daughters ; of course we are both glad of our new relationship ! T his morning, when we made our appearance, we were told that we were invited by her to breakfast, so we set forth for her house, and she was nicer than ever. H er niece was boiling four eggs for us, but the old lady persisted in her doing more, and finally eight were boiled. O f course we did not eat them all, but i t satisfied her to see them on the t a n g table. Mrs. Ch'u is making many preparations for to-morrow, and Miss Scott and I have had a lesson in making mo-mo (Chinese bread) this morning. It was almost like being in the kitchen at home 1

Monday, A p r il 8/A.— Yesterday morning was wet, but in spite o f the rain we had a full day o f work. Those who lived at a long distance could not come, although in the evening some few turned up from a village about 15 l i off. Oh I the blessed time we are having

service and the Pastor the second ; and in the afternoon we had Communion together with all the baptized Chris­tians— a solemn, glad time o f remembrance, and so much thankfulness in our brimming cup !

W e are so delighted with all the simplicity we see around us, the natural way in which the Pastor helps carry water, etc. The little children seem to have a par­ticularly happy time here, and it is delightful to near them answer the Pastor’s questions at the evening wor­ship. I don't think well-taught English boys would do better, for they have nearly every incident in the life of the L o r d J e s u s on their finger-tips. Pastor Ch’u thinks the fact o f asking questions keeps up the interest, and makes the people more sure o f their ground of faith, which, o f course, is quite true. H e said yesterday that every Chinese scholar must be well acquainted with Con- fucian books, and, o f course, every Christian must know his Bible. W hen the afternoon service was over yester­day, we went to see our foster-mother, the old lady of

*5° CHINAS MILLIONS.

seventy-nine. She was glad to see us, and wanted us to stay all night, but let us go, as we promised to visit her again to-day. Elder Chang has invited us to dinner, and as we leave his house we shall probably call in for a few minutes. To-morrow we hope to start for home, but shall be very sorry to leave these dear friends, who have done so much to make us happy while we are here. Anyhow, very bright memories will go with us.

Ta ningyApril gth. — Yousee we are home again! W e felt we must come away, although Sang-goh is such an inviting spot, and our friends there were so anxious for us to stay, j W e feel it to be a great privilege to claim these dear Christians as friends, and would ask prayer and thanks- j

givin g from all our readers for the little village which j has so many true followers of the LORD JESUS. The ! Elder is like a father to us, and took such pleasure and j

pride in showing us the beauties of river and landscape for the last time last night. W e started early this morn­ing, but before parting had prayer and praise, all the Christians in the village having assembled, and a few outsiders. It was quite as hard as parting with English friends. Some of the dear women brought us cakes (much valued in this out-of-the-way spot), and some dates, till at last we had to refuse, for we had nowhere to put them. Our friends came out some distance with us, and sat down on a rock and watched us until we were out of sight. W e have promised to go back as soon as the L o r d opens the way, and hope it will not be long. Please pray for Pastor Ch’u’s wife. She gives no attention to the Gospel, but we are waiting for her to be brought to the light by the power of the H o l y G h o s t .

Jfkrtfjtr Retails of % baptism s at Ca-nhtg.

F R O M M R S. K E Y .

MA Y 22 nd.— A t Sih-chau quite a good number come regularly, and several of them give good evidence

of truly following J e su s. W e expect a few baptisms this autumn as there are a number of candidates, some of last year; a little delay in receiving them into fellowship seems best. It is a joy, by living in close contact day by day, to teach the dear women what it is to be a Christian.

A t Ta-ning, where Misses Scott and Miles are, the seed was sown in good ground nine years ago ; now there are a native Pastor and Elder for the district, two tried and tested servants of G o d , who these past four years, both by life and conversation, have shown openly whom they serve. Mr. Cassels lived among these dear people for nearly a year, and endeared himself to all ; when he was removed to Sl-CH’UEN there was indeed a blank, but the LORD led and fed His children. Eighteen months ago dear Misses Scott and Miles were sent just at the right time. (Oh, how one can see the L o r d ’s hand in it a l l !) These dear young sisters, only a few months in the country, came full of love, hope, and courage, willing to be led of GOD, and He has guided them and given them heavenly wisdom. I have just spent three weeks with them— a long-promised visit, and it has cheered me more than I can tell you to see them in the midst of their work. W hen I was there preparations were being made for baptisms. W e had a week of special prayer ourselves, to plead for blessing and that we might be used. The L o r d says, “ Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.”

He did not disappoint us. Pastor C h’u was meanwhile away among the villages visiting the candidates, while Elder Chang saw those near the city. The rain fell heavily on the Friday, but the people began to come in from the villages ; two poor women walked from a village 15 l i (five miles) off", one of them with her baby five weeks old. On Friday evening quite a good number had arrived. On Saturday morning they came in good numbers, and by noon it was quite a sight. Five dear Christian women from Pastor Ch’u’s village, 40 l i off, came in on their donkeys. There were meetings for the exa­mining of candidates most of Saturday. Seven men were received, but the women, as also four men, were delayed till the autumn. The L o r d ’s presence was felt in power, and we believe much lasting blessing was received. W e had several good meetings with the women, and took the opportunity of speaking of the binding of the feet. Quite of his own accord, the Pastor, in reading over to the newly-baptised Christians the Church rules, strongly advised them not to uphold foot- binding. W e all sat down to the L o r d ’s Supper in the evening, forty in number. Several of those baptised were trophies of the dear sisters’ work ; we can truly jo y in their joy in the first baptisms they have been so soon blessed to see. They have got on well with the language. They love the women, and the women are so fond of them ; it did one good to see the mutual love and har­mony.

F R O M T H E D I A R Y O F M I S S S C O T T A N D M I S S M IL E S .

TA -N IN G , May 9th.— W e think that most of our friends who have seen our last diaries will know that

we were hoping soon to have some more baptisms here. Now that it is all over and our visitors have gone there is quite a lull, and we are free to write a little account of the meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Key were staying with us at the time, and we were very thankful for all their kindly help. On Friday afternoon our guests began to arrive, and there was quite an excitement about preparing the even­ing meal for so many. Pastor Ch’u came in about nine o’clock bringing the news that the Sang-goh friends were on their way. W e were very disappointed to hear that Mr. Hu, the aged professor of the little boys’ academy, had been left behind, and also the Benjamin of the party, Elder Chang’s little boy, as there were no donkeys to bring them. On hearing this we immediately hired an animal, and in the evening the old gentleman appeared all smiles and gratitude. You will be pleased to hear that

Chen-teo, alias Benjamin, came yesterday to spend a few days with us.

W e were both present at the examination, which was deeply interesting. From notes taken at the time we give the names and one or two details. The first candidate was L i ; he first heard the Gospel three years ago, and about a year afterwards applied for baptism, but was not accepted because he grew opium. On this sin being pointed out to him he ceased to grow it, and has been very bright and earnest for more than a year. His wife died a short time before we came ; she was a true Christian, and her death seems to have sealed his faith. The second was Mr. W ang, a young scholar, of whose petty persecutions you have heard before. His father died during our last visit to Sih-chau, and, we quite believe, is sleeping in Je s u s . His mother and others in his village are candi­dates for baptism. W e were much interested in hearing him say that a Bible given him by Mr. Cassels was the

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

first step towards his conversion. The third was an old man well known to the Pastor and Elder, as he lives near their village ; the fourth broke off his opium with us last autumn; and the fifth , named Ho, comes from the same village. Number six was a man called Yang, who has been frequently mentioned in our diaries ; he was one of our first opium patients, and is now servant to Mr. Lutley, who finds him to be a faithful child of G o d . The seventh was a distant relative of Elder Chang, and a native of Sang-goh.

On Saturday the number of visitors swelled to between fifty and sixty, to say nothing of several children. W e put our heads together to know where to sleep them. Our men’s courtyard being more than full, clean straw was laid down in the large room upstairs and they managed very comfortably. Before the evening service a church meeting was called, and all the members cordi­ally agreed to accept the seven. Our joy on this happy occasion was mixed with sorrow because it has been

found necessary to suspend two members, the only ones in the city besides our own household.

After the baptisms the Elder preached, taking for his text Col. ii. 8-15. He spoke beautifully on being buried with C h r is t , our sins nailed to the cross, showing plainly what Paul meant by “ walking in newness of life.’’ Be­fore the people dispersed Pastor Ch’u clearly announced the rules of the Church, and also spoke very strongly about wine-drinking, tobacco-smoking, and foot-binding as being very unseemly for Christians. One result from these pointed words was that our own woman smashed her pipe, and several promised not to bind their little girls’ feet. In the afternoon we had another hearty ser­vice, then came tea, and after a little praise and prayer in English we joined the native Christians in remember­ing the death of the L o r d .

Naturally Monday was busy with leave-takings, and also with preparations for Mrs. Key’s departure, night bringing our English mail.

Jtflm SjjancijKii to ^jan-rhing.F R O M M I S S S T E D M A N .

HA N R IV E R , A p r il 29th.— On the 8th of February our little party left Shanghai, and after four days’

journey up the Yang-tsi we arrived at Wu-chang. Here we spent a very happy ten days with Mr. and Mrs. Broumton, and embarked on our boat for this long river journey on February 21st. It rained hard the first few days, so we were not able to start till the 25 th. G od has been so good in providing for us such comfortable boats, and on the whole there have been very few delays. We are such a happy little party. Dr. Wilson has been help­ing Miss Southall and me a little with the language. One longs so much to be able to speak a word to the women who gather round us when we go on the banks. Dr. and Mrs. Wilson have had splendid times of preach­ing. Four or five times Dr. Wilson had meetings with the boatmen, showing them the magic lantern on the Life of C h r is t , the prodigal son, etc. They all seemed so interested, especially one man, who asked for medicine to help him to leave off opium smoking.

About a month ago I went into an idol temple for the first time, and I shall never forget the sight ; there we saw, numbers of men— our boat captain, his wife and children among them— burning incense and worshipping such hideous-looking idols. Up to this time I had been griev­ing because of the little real love I had for the souls of these dear Chinese, but on looking at this sad, sad sight I could not help crying, and now, praise G o d , I do love these people, and am willing to do and be anything if only He will use me lor blessing here. Before going out we had been reading together the story of the crucifixion, and had been rejoicing afresh in knowing JESUS as our own personal S a v io u r , and G od as our loving F a t h e r , and then to go and see this awful sight ! Oh, if the friends at home could have seen it, I think it would have made their hearts ache as it did mine. It is easy to pray for and think of the heathen when surrounded one’s self by Christian privileges.

The priests and a number of the men gathered round Dr. Wilson, so he was able to preach to them, and gave them all tracts on leaving.

W e reached Lao-ho-k’eo on March 19th, where we stayed a week and spent the greater part of the time with Mr. and Mrs. King and the Misses Black. They gave us such a loving welcome, and we had a good insight into work amongst the women those few days, for such numbers came every day. Sunday was the best day ; in

the morning Mr. King had a meeting in the chapel, and after dinner Miss Southall and I went round to all the houses near with Miss Black, to invite the women to the afternoon meeting ; quite a crowd came. After the meet­ing Mrs. King had a number of the children into the house and heard them repeat their hymns and texts which they knew very well. Our happy stay with these kind friends ended on March 28th, and we started once more.

Soon after leaving Lao-ho-k’eo the rapids began, and some of those we have ascended were dangerous, but, praise G o d , He has kept us in perfect peace and in safety. Three times have we seen boats turned right over close to us, but only once so far has our boat been in any danger ; this was on April 6th, when our ropes broke three times while ascending a very difficult rapid, and our boat dashed back on the rocks with great violence. About sixty people were pulling, thirty on either bank of the river, and at last we got up in safety. It was sweet at that time to realise that “ underneath are the ever­lasting arms.”

W e reached Hsing-gan on April 13th, for having had a favourable wind every day we were only sixteen days in coming from Lao-ho-k’eo. There we stayed a week, as another boat, a much smaller one, had to be engaged for the rapids and shallow parts we have yet before us. While waiting there Mrs. Wilson had a number of women to see her every day ; such splendid opportunities offered for telling them the Gospel, and books and tracts were given. As soon as it became known in the city that a doctor was there the people came crowding with their jars and basins for medicine, which was freely given. Again guidance was given in the choice of a very com­fortable little boat, and now we are again on our way towards Han-chung. Dr. Wilson left to go overland to Han-chung, as he had to be there on May 1st. Since then the weather has been very changeable, some days very hot and others very wet. W e now hope to arrive at our new home in a fortnight. I wish you could see the lovely scenery through which we are passing— splendid moun­tains on either side. The trees are beautiful and green, and the corn in some places is quite ripe. In our walks we fully appreciated the lovely ferns and flowers that are to be gathered everywhere. I had not the least idea that I should find China such a bright, happy place ; by G o d ’s blessing I look forward to years of happy service.

Han-chung, May i^th.— W e arrived here safely last

152 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

night, and met with such a warm welcome from the dear brethren and sisters here and also from a number of the native Christians. W e left our boat at Cheng-ku yester­day and started for this place by chairs. It was a delightful ride 5 the sun was shining brightly all day and we saw the country at its best. Two of the native women came as far as Shih-pah-li-p’u to meet Mrs. Wilson. When we were near the city we met eight other dear wo­men ; they had brought us lovely flowers, and were so kind.

May 2i\th.— W e had our little prayer-meeting here last Saturday evening, just eleven of us, and felt the presence of C h r i s t in our midst. Large numbers of patients come every day to see the doctor. I find it is just a year since I first wrote to you about China, and to-day here I am settled in this station. Can I ever praise our loving F a t h e r sufficiently that He has brought me here? Truly the happiest days of my life have been since I reached this land.

f i t P m c r n mM JS S S U S IE C. P A R K E R , o f P IT T S F IE L D , M A SS.

“ In my F a t h e r ’s house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place fo r you. A n d i f I go . . . I w ill come again and receive you unto M yself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”— John xiv. 2, 3.

OUR hearts have been saddened by tidings from China. The M a s t e r has again come into His garden and culled a fair flower— has gathered ripe fruit— heaven is the richer, and our L o r d

has rejoiced as our sister Susie C. Parker was gathered to His presence. W e cannot stay the fast falling tears; we do not quite understand our own feelings as we realise the joy of our M a s t e r and the bliss of our now sainted sister on the one hand, and on the other feel how great the loss to the work and the dear workers in China, how heavy the affliction of the beloved parents at home !

Hitherto Kwei-k’i has been associated with bright memories. In that city we were present at the baptism of the first convert; in that city our own beloved daughter did some of her first missionary work, and spent several months entirely alone among the dear native Christians and heathen women, whom she learnt to love. Still later our dear son and his wife have laboured there, and many a record we had of the kindly interest of the people and of the increasing band of converts. After they were called away to meet the needs of a more distant and difficult field, we were so glad to reinforce the work from the band of American sisters. Twice during her short time in Kwei-k’i had Miss Parker the joy of seeing additions to the church ; ten were baptized by Mr. McCarthy on his first visit, and nine on his second.

But a few weeks ago we had the joy of visiting her dear parents, and ol spending a night under their roof. Little did any of us think, as we spoke of her, that her earthly service was so early finished. She has received the M a s t e r ’s " Well done ; ” but oh, poor China ! who is prepared to fill her vacant place, and to love, as she loved, the needy ones for whom C h r i s t died, and for whom she now sleeps in a foreign land ?

Brief life is here our portion, Brief sorrow, short-lived care ;

The life that knows no ending, The tearless life is there.

The morning shall awaken,The shadows shall decay,

And each true-hearted servant Shall shine as doth the day.

There G od our K in g and Portion,In fulness of His grace,

Shall we behold for ever,And worship face to face.

Her brief, beautiful life in China was not in vain, it soon told, and her earnest prayers have been, and will yet be answered. Some extracts from the last letter we received from her will be read with interest.

F R O M M I S S S. C. P A R K E R .more, some from the country, are waiting for baptism

O happy retribution !Short toil, eternal rest;

For mortals and for sinners A mansion with the blest.

June 1 st.— I am daily praying that you may go to America this autumn, may there be greatly blessed, and that three may come with you from among my home people to China. W e are now settled in our new and pleasant home with Misses Annie Say and Jeanie Arthur. Miss Tapscott was our escort, and a pleasant time we had coming up the river, reaching here en May 1 ith.

Mr. M cCarthy came last Saturday, May 25th, staying with us until Tuesday morning. Last Sunday he re­stored a former member to fellowship and examined the candidates for baptism, who were all accepted, and were baptised early on Tuesday morning. They were a very happy company, but not more happy than the sisters who had been instructing them. And we— Misses Lucas, Munro, and myself— rejoiced with them all. Several

when Mr. M cCarthy returns. The L o r d is working here and building a strong Church for Himself. It now num­bers 43 [not including the nine subsequently received].

It gives me much joy to think you will probably see my dear father, mother, and sister within a few months. Please give them my love (it will seem more to them than by letter), and tell them it is good to be here. Miss Arthur, who went to Gan-ren last Tuesday, writes to say that there are eleven wishing baptism, and she is so happy there that had she her things with her she would s ta y ; so prayer is again answered for guidance. Mr. McCarthy will be quite pleased, for he requested her to pray about going there.

In safe keeping,S. C. P a r k e r .

CHINA'S MILLIONS. i53

F R O M R E V . J.

JU L Y 22nd.— I am exceedingly grieved to have to re­cord this week the removal of our beloved sister

Susie C. Parker, at midnight on July 8th, at Kwei-k’i, from fever. I know that you will feel this loss very deeply. W e are quite staggered by it. She was cer­tainly one of the brightest and most hopeful of the whole

F R O M R E V .

JU L Y 20th.— May the L o r d Himself sustain and help you, and the dear home friends of Susie Parker.

News came a few hours since that she has been taken to

W. S T E V E N S O N .

party, and we are praying very earnestly for the father who gave her up so willingly to the L o r d J e s u s . W e can but say, “ Thy will be done.’’ W e know that His will is always best. Miss Lucas and Miss Munro intended to leave at once with the precious remains, for burial at Kiu-kiang.

j . M cCa r t h y .

be with the L o r d . Few of our number more ready— but it seems so like a dream, it is so sudden. “ He doeth all things well.’’ They are waiting for the letters for post.

F R O M M l

P O -Y A N G L A K E , July I ¡th. It is with deep sorrow I write to tell you of the illness and death of my

darling sister Susie. It seems very strange, and I cannot yet realise all that has taken place during the last ten days. But I do know that “ He doeth all things well.” “ The L o r d gave and the L o r d hath taken away: blessed be the name of the L o r d .’’ “ F a t h e r , I will that they also whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold my glory.”

She had several intermittent attacks of illness, and for the three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, her tem­perature averaged between 102 and 103. On Monday the fever gradually rose, and at 6.30 p.m. it was 106-2, and she became delirious and cold. W e put hot-water bottles to her feet, hoping she would pull through the crisis, but at11.30 there was a decided change, and at midnight she passed away. She never realised that she was so ill.

I was sitting with her before she became delirious, and seeing that possibly the end was approaching, I tried to lead her mind to think about it. She asked me to sing, and I sang, “ He promised He never would leave me,” and at intervals she chimed in with her sweet alto voice. Then I said, “ When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee.” She said, “ Yes, He is faithful that pro­mised.’’ I then asked her, Is not JESUS very precious and very near to you now? She answered, “ Yes ; sing ‘ A ll the way ’long it is JESUS.’ ” I often used to ask her when she was well, “ Watchman, what of the night ? ” It was one of her favourite texts. I repeated it that evening, and she answered, “ A morning without clouds.” Just

F R O M Mu

P O -Y A N G L A K E , July 15th.— It seems very hard to realise all that has happened, and we have from

day to day been leaning hard on the promise, “ As thy days so shall thy strength be.’’ W e have been and are praying much for you, for we know how keenly you will feel this new tr ia l; yet we know it is a loving F a t h e r ’s hand that has drawn another dear one inside the golden gates, and can truly say, “ Thy will be done.” It is so good of the L o r d to have allowed us to be so much with dear Susie.

She had every kind of nourishing fever diet we could obtain— milk and limewater, chicken broth, cornflour and toast water. W e leaned hard on the L o r d for guidance and support, and truly He did not fail us. The heat distressed her very much. Thank G o d she never suffered any pain, but a strange kind of burning on the top of her head was what she complained of most.

I was with her a great part of the time from Sunday 12a.m. till she died on Monday night. When I was praying for her by her bedside and reminding the L o r d of some promises she was particularly fond of, she joined in so fer­vently. In the afternoon she asked me to read John xiv. to

S' M U N R O .

then dear Edith came into the room, and she recognised her at once, and said, “ I am very tired ; I want to go to sleep.” W e sang, “ Je s u s , S a v io u r , pilot me,” and at intervals she chimed in ; it was touching to hear her. Then she became delirious, and at last went to sleep.

At 11.30 Miss Arthur called me. I went down, but she was still unconscious. The sisters thought she would recognise my voice, and I spoke to her ; but there was no sign of recognition on her face. I held her hand and again whispered to her, this time the name of Jicsus. A beautiful smile broke over her face, and a few minutes later she was in the presence of Him she so dearly loved. W e sang her across the river her favourite hymn, “ Ten thousand times ten thousand,’’ and now she has joined the number. “ Thy will be done.”

It hardly seems possible that she has gone and I am left, but her prayers for the women will be answered, and we shall yet rejoice together over precious souls saved.

The L o r d accepted her sacrifice for China, but He has called her to higher service. Such a life ! so gentle, so loving, so unselfish, so Christlike ! W e shall miss her ; but shall we begrudge her to Him who died for her?

“ Sleep on, beloved, sleep and take thy rest,Lay down thy head upon thy S a v io u r ’s breast :We loved thee well, but J e s u s loved thee best,—

Good night.”

The L o r d has again entrusted us with a trial. Let us glorify Him through it by more earnest, devoted service, each one true to the trust He left us, “ Till He come.”

5 L U C A S .

her, and I noticed a peculiarly sweet expression pass over her face, the same as rested on it after she saw the K in g . Hers was indeed a wonderfully peaceful home-going; it scarcely seemed like death at all.

Much prayer was offered for her by the native Christians, and their kindness throughout the whole time has been very great. A great number of them came to see her on Tuesday, and as she was placed in her coffin we had a service. W e had also a wonderfully impressive service on the bank of the river. Crowds of people gathered round us, and I think no one will forget the solemn scene as the pastor and three brethren in long white gowns stood and prayed so earnestly for all who loved dear Susie, and com­mitted us to the L o r d for safety.

Dear Mr. Taylor, the waters have been very deep indeed, but He has been with us all the time, and we have much to praise for. It is so wonderful to see the loving F a t h e r ’s hand in everything small and great. May you at this trying time be strengthened with all might according to His glorious power.

July 19th.— Near Ta-ku-fang.— Dear Miss Tapscott is with us now, and accompanying us to Kiu-kiang.

154 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

r a f

pair-sjijr 'jfexabma.F r o m M is s S u t h e r l a n d .

Ts in-chau, May 23rd.— It is with pleasure I write. The LORD is so good, and day by day He is reminding us of His lovingkindness. Miss Barclay and Miss Kinahan left for Pao- ning on the 17th, so now there are not many of us able yet to do much. I have Chinese prayers about a quarter-past seven, and at eight open school. We first sing a hymn, then every second day repeat the commandments, and after prayer they commence their studies. About twelve the teacher comes, and I study with him until two; then I study for some time alone, and then go out. I do praise the L o r d for the help H e has given me in the language these last few weeks. I find such a difference in understanding what they say. I have read through the New Testament, and I am now reading the Psalms, and again going over the first volume of the Sacred Edict.

The women are coming very well to the classes, but we want to see them out and out for the L o r d ; several are very much interested. Yesterday Miss Smalley and I visited a very old woman who lives in a cave; she is very dull, but we believe she understands the truth. The men are also coming to the Sabbath evening services better. Oh that some of them might give them­selves to the L o r d .

I was out this afternoon, and talked to several women, but had not very long, as it was three o’clock before the school-children left; they are very nice children, but none of them as yet seem to take any interest in the Gospel.

F r o m M r . B u r n e t t .

Pao-t'eo, May 22tid.— An old man who is with us will, I think, be the firstfruits of Pao-t’eo. He takes a good deal of pleasure in listening to the Gospel, and is trying to live according to the light he has up to the Christian standard. His case gives me a good deal of joy. A few months ago he was living in heathen darkness, and knew nothing of a S a v i o u r ’s love. We are beginning to get regular attendants, and that is one point in the direction of progress. I am always sanguine about conversions when I see a tendency to regularity in those who come about. Last Sunday I enjoyed the morning’s preaching very much. I do not know when I have seen such wrapt attention. John iii. 16 is ever full of power, and arrests the ear as almost nothing else can do. We are working on and looking out for the growth of the seed ; more and more am I convinced that we can do no good thing in vain. From letters written by the brethren in the parts where we have worked before I find that those for whom I have laboured and prayed are now joining the various churches. You will not forget to pray for us and for the work here.

Last week, while out for a day or two in an adjacent village,I had great joy in a conversation with a Mongol, who seemed so interested and thirsty to learn the Gospel. I was reminded of the woman at the well. I left him, I believe, at least a worshipper of G o d . I intend calling upon him again. He is a splendid scholar. I left tracts and gospels with him for perusal.

F r o m M r . O r r E w i n g .

P ’ing~yao Hien.— I am glad to say that the work here is beginning to be felt; we are just now having a few willing to suffer for J h su s , praise His name ! Oh, that there may be many of His chosen ones in this district. At Ch’i-hien last Sun­day I had between thirty and forty to worship, and a glorious time of almost continuous preaching from early till late; one man was simply drinking in the truth. I had a most happy visit to a man forty It from the city, who broke off opium in our Ch’i- hien refuge about six months ago ; he had taught them at home to sing hymns and pray, and even his little boy of five could say Amen at the end of our prayer. I was greatly encouraged by what I saw at Ch’i-hien; there are eight or nine families who have put away idols. I long to see foreign brethren and sisters

S n i f s .

in all these cities of the plain, each of which governs its hundred and more villages.

Shanghai, July 22nd. - I came here at Mr. Stevenson’s re­quest, and arrived last Friday: my journey down from Pao- ting was very slow, in fact the devil seemed to wish to hinder me all along the way, but, praise G o d , he was not able. My boat was capsized when about forty li from Tien-tsin, and, along with four Chinese, I was in the water under the boat; in the lovingkindness of G o d He spared all our lives—we managed to crawl out, as the water was not deep. A violent thunder­storm was the cause, and although two anchors were out, all seemed of no avail.

F r o m M r . H o s t e .

Hung-t'ung, May 25th.— What solemn work really being engaged in G o d ’s service is ! It does bring one into close con­tact with tremendous powers of darkness. “ Keep me as the apple of Thine eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings ; ” “ Lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies ; ” are two petitions that have come to me with an increasing sense of their fitness, even in my small measure of service and conflict. All the kingdom of devils are, after all, under the power of our F a t h e r , and only afford means through which the perfect will and counsel of G o d can be unfolded.

Through the mercy of G o d we are well and happy; the refuges have closed once more for the summer months. Over 400 men and women have been cured on these premises alone during the past autumn and winter season. Of these over twenty families have put away idols, and are learning the truth, and over ico individuals, men and women whose families object to the putting away of the household gods, have given up the worship of them themselves, and attend our worship, besides praying in private. We are having no baptisms this spring ; the need cf baptising on the ground of nothing short of a turning from sin to G o d , and faith in the L o r d J e s u s , is increasingly impressed on Mr. Hsi and myself. I feel sure that the policy of waiting is of the L o r d just now, even though there are not a few ready for baptism, and large numbers desiring it. Do you not think that we shall in due time be having out here, and in Africa, a church far ahead in life and purity of that in England and else­where? May the L o r d help me to be faithful to Him, so that I may do my share in bringing it about.

Cbilj-Ii |jr0iritta>F r o m M r . S im p s o n .

Hwuy-luh Hien, June 12th.— We are now getting into working order here, and going out to the street and market­place, sometimes alone and sometimes with Mrs. Simpson. We receive the greatest respect and kindness. . . . Every time we go out we are asked if we can heal diseases. I do wish that many more who have a knowledge of medicine may devote their lives to the L o r d ’s service in this and other lands where the needs are so great both for body and soul.

Sjmii-tmxg Iproijitta.F r o m D r . R a n d l e .

Tung-shin, Chcfoo, July 4th.— Our work here during the past month has grown upon our hands, and we are happy in it. Our Sunday services have been well maintained, though they are still small; yet we have been encouraged by the way some have listened to the preaching. The weekday services three times a week reach not only the patients who come to the dis­pensary, but many others who come in and sit down for a while. We have no native assistant preacher, and feel a great need of the help of some earnest, godly Chinaman. Miss Boyd’s Chris­tian boy has been helping me constantly in the woik, for which I am very thankful.

During June we had 251 patients who came for treatment, which is an increase of nearly one hundred over the attendance in May. Our first in-patient has gone out much improved, and having learned a good deal of Gospel truth, which he said ha

CHINAS MILLIONS. 155

would never forget; he took with him some Gospels and tracts, saying he had friends at home who could read. May G o d graciously follow him with His blessing.

We have now three other in-patients ; one is interesting as being a native of Cashgaria, far away to the west; though he is a Mohammedan he has shown himself not only willing, but most eager to learn Bible truth. He goes out to-morrow, but we expect he will frequently visit us, not only because, his being a chronic case, he will come again for treatment, but I think he will attend our Sunday services when able.

Another in-patient is a youth of twenty, who but a month ago ran away from his home, coming to Che-foo to seek his fortune. More than a week ago he was taken ill with remittent fever, and no one would have him in his house, so he has found a refuge with us for a time.

The third is a soldier, who had been beaten with 700 stripes upon one thigh ; erysipelas followed, and he was brought in this morning, carried by four men. Thus the medical work is in­creasing, and I trust that with G o d ’s blessing it may be a power for good. We all keep fairly well, though we are feeling the heat, which however is much more moderate than in Kiu-chau.

F r o m M is s H i b b e r d .

Che-foo, Jtme i8tk.— Both schools have had much spiritual blessing, and our faith is strong that great good will come to China through those who have been influenced in them. We are having some refreshing showers of rain after the long drought; there were great fears of another famine.

F r o m M r . J u d d .

Ning-hai Chau, July 4th.— G o d has graciously been giving us encouragement in the work ; three men and four women have been baptised, making thirteen during the last three months. Several others have desired baptism, but we were not satisfied that they were really trusting the L o r d J e s u s . I am sony from various reasons to have been unable to visit the market towns as frequently as I hoped. At Lai-san, fqrty li off, the people have given me great hope that the S p i r i t is working among them, although I do not know of any clearly converted there. On one occasion a man pressed me much to stay the night and teach his people. At Wu-t’ai, also forty li away, I have had continued opposition. The annual fair of seven days recently passed over very quietly. My former native evangelist very kindly came to my assistance for a few days. Dr. Douth- waite says he helps them much in speaking at the hospital in Che-foo, for which I am thankful, as he is an unpaid witness for C h r i s t .

Our new school teacher was converted some months ago, but only recently baptised. His wife was converted more than a year ago, and his baptism and that of his eldest son, twenty years of age, was a source of great joy to her and the answer to many prayers. The woman recently refused to pay towards the theatricals in their neighbourhood, whereupon the people told her they would not let her have water from the public well. “ Then,” said she, “ I will go to the river and carry water from there for myself.” She gets a good number at her house, at times, to hear the Gospel.

^ x o b i n t t

F r o m M r s . H e r b e r t T a y l o r .

She-h'i-tien, June 3rd.—The work among the women here is truly encouraging, numbers come regularly to worship on Sunday, and eleven are eager to be baptised ; there are others who are trusting J e s u s , but there are things to hinder their bap­tism ; for instance, two or three smoke a little opium ; they want to break it off, and of course they cannot be baptised until they have done so ; others are forbidden to come by their friends, and we may not visit them ; they do manage to see us sometimes by getting us invited to other houses, when they come and hear more about J e s u s ; one or two others are afraid to destroy their idols, although they do not worship them. May G o d soon take away the fear of devils and men and put His fear into their hearts.

We have had many invitations to villages, but none of us have been able to go yet. I think Miss Guinness will visit

some soon. The people are getting to know us, and there are not nearly so many evil reports about us.

June 25th — It is a joy to teach the women who are candi­dates for baptism, they are all so eager to learn ; they do love J e s u s . We have been having two opium poisoning cases nearly every day lately. The last female case Miss Guinness attended ; the woman had taken opium because her husband had sold her for thirty taels to a man in the ya-men. Thank God she got better, and one of our Christian women well known in She-k’i- tien raised a subscription and bought her back. Last Sunday she came to the service, and afterwards in the women’s class she was in real earnest seeking to find J e s u s to save her soul.

S i - r j r 'u e i t g r o b m a .

F r o m M r s . C a m e r o n .

Chung-k'ing, June 14th.— The church members here are beginning to help themselves a little, which is a good sign. They proposed finding their own lights, etc., for the chapel, and in other ways are going on encouragingly. To G o d be the glory. My husband gets an average of 100 patients now three times a week, so he is kept busy. Perhaps some day the L o r d will send another medical man here, which would enable us to leave the city sometimes for country work. This is what we should both like.

F r o m M iss H a n b u r y .

May 8/A.--I am just on a journey from Pao-ning to Pa-chau. It is my first journey in the land alone, but one feels quite at home now, and the people are so friendly and nice that 1 would just as soon travel alone in China as in England. I have one of our old women with me and a dependable man, so that I am well looked after.

At the beginning of last month Miss Culverwell and I paid such a very happy visit in the country about 110 li from Pao- ning to the home of one of our opium patients. The dear woman has, I believe, received the truth, and up to her light is very true. It was a time of real hard work. People came in swarms to see us, and were so good in listening, some taking in quite clearly u hat was said to them. We were invited in all directions to dinner, and always had opportunities of telling the Gospel. The people of the house liked to come to evening prayers. It was a fine large house, four or five brothers and their families living in it. They would be very well-to-do people if they did not almost all smoke opium. The opium smoking in that district is teruble.

^ xa tirn t.F r o m M r . B e g g .

Ku-chen, June 7th.— Late yesterday evening our evangelist, accompanied by the eldest son of the old man of the Fuh-hsing- tsih Church, came in, both rather excited, and we were sorry to learn that when crossing the hill a few miles from Ku-chen he was attacked by four highwaymen with arms, and the donkey which he rode, along with some clothes which he was wearing, were taken from him. They had come to consult with Brother Darroch what they should do in this matter, and after some deliberation went away resolved on reporting it to the mandarin in Lai-an Hien. It was a pleasant surprise, however, when both came into the house this morning, the evangelist with a beaming face saying, “ We will forgive them, we will forgive them.” While leading in prayer shortly after, he quoted the text, “ If we forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your F a t h e r forgive your trespasses.” What a joy to see such real fruit! Praise G o d , His grace can enable a saved Chinaman to take joyfully the spoiling of his goods.

F r o m M r . Sou t e r .

Ning-kwoh Fu, June 20th.— We arrived here on Tuesday, and found the Christians all bright and happy. We left Wu-hu about seven on Monday morning, and had a very pleasant and profitable time on the native boat. We found the brethren all well here. Mr. Miller and Mr. MacGregor had just returned from a fortnight’s ioumey. The following week Mr. Cooper,

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

with Messrs. Begg and Ewbank, followed us, and on Thursday morning the two latter left for Hwuy-chau Fu. Mr. Cooper returned on the Friday.

Since coming here I have been pegging away at my books, and have been out nearly every night on the streets with the brethren here. We divide generally into two parties, one to a big bridge, and the other to the north gate. Brother Meikle and I have broken the ice in selling books. I made an attempt to speak last nigbt, but my words were very few. The L ord says, “ Hold not thy peace, but speak.” I have been very much encouraged by seeing the work that has been done in this city and the districts round about here. I went with Mr. Miller to their Thursday afternoon meeting in Liang-ting. I think there were six or seven men who left their work and came to the meeting, which seemed a good sign of their sincerity. We are both enjoying being here. Our G od and F a t h e r has pleasantly disappointed me ever since I left home ; everything has been so much better than I expected.

$ m - n mF rom M r. St e v e n .

Bhamo, July 3rd.— I am thankful to have heard from Mr. Stevenson of the definite appointment of two brothers, Lambert and Selkirk, to take up the work in Bhamo, and he has asked me to lose no time in going to Shang-hai in order that I may confer with him and with them before they start.

July n th .— I expect to leave Bhamo in a fortnight (D.V.). I have some baptisms on Sunday next, two of Mr. Ling’s children who, though young, ten and twelve respectively, ex­press an intelligent faith in C h r ist ; also a Si-ch’uen man named Hwang.

F rom M r . T o m k in so n .

Yun-nan Fu, May 16th.— When we left home we expected to have the M a s t e r ’s presence with us, but we did not expect half the joy we have experienced. The L o rd has gone before us all the way, and although we have met with some difficulties His presence has made all things bright, so that we have always been able to “ rejoice in the L o r d .” We have not met with anything like the hardships we expected, and all kinds of expected difficulties have disappeared.

You are probably aware that I have been left alone in charge of this station since January. When the other brethren left I had a good deal of fear and trembling at the thought of having to take a public service every evening and twice on Sunday ; but the L o rd has supplied every need.

We have had no definite conversion since the farmer was bap­tised in October last. I believe that many have been convinced of the truth, but from fear of persecution they hang back. How­ever, we are looking for a harvest, for the promise is, “ He that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully,” and I believe that God is as good as His word.

F rom M r . W in d so r .

Kwei-yang Fu, April 18th.— The work here is progressing and encouraging, I hope to tell of baptisms in my next. The evangelist is a humble, earrjest, useful Christian. The converts live joyful lives, and I am encouraged because they are becoming bold preachers of the Gospel. The evening classes are manifestly helpful to them. Although the work is thus encouraging, I am nevertheless dissatisfied withimyapparently inactive life ; it is true attending opium poisoning cases takes up much of my time, and that I conduct on an average seven meetings weekly, yet however busy I may be I cannot rest satisfied till I am in the field in the midst of the enemy, cutting right and left with the double-edged sword of the W ord ; being here alone now, and having to

attend to so many pressing cases, I do not like leaving the house for long it a time. Thank God, Brother Waters is out preach­ing almost every afternoon. The people are hurrying to eternity; what an eternity ! It is now about 4 p.m., and already I have attended two opium cases to-day, and on my way to each place I passed houses with coffins at the doors for dead people ! Where are their souls ? If we were permitted to go and see them in their everlasting prison-house and return again to the world, I wonder if the sight would stimulate us in the work of saving; souls? The “ so loved the world" of our heavenly F a t h e r ought to be a sufficient incentive to us in the work.

May 24th,— The L o rd continues with us at Kwei-yang. He gives proof of His presence in the large numbers of attendants at worship and their attention to the preached Word. Two promising young fellows, tailors, were baptised on the 4th inst. On the 18th three more baptisms took place. The first was formerly Mr. Andrews’ servant. He is rather dull, but I believe sincere; his father is already a Christian. The second is my servant whom I employed last year when I went to Gan-shiin to rent a house. Before that he was an opium smoker, who was cured in the refuge; while there his mind was cleared of much prejudice and fear concerning us, and enlightened about his soul. I look upon him as the second brought to Jesus through the medium of the refuge. His younger brother is a bright Christian. The third is the sister of the evangelist; although having much unpleasantness to contend with, she nevertheless lives a bright life, and if she continues thus to live will be a great blessing in this place. These three baptisms the Christians look upon as special answers to their prayers for the unsaved members of their families. The trials and temptations peculiar to some of the native Christians almost overcome them at times, and sometimes they are overcome and fall. I am praying and seeking to lead them to behold and trust in C h r ist as a perfect and constant S a v io u r .

| u a t t 0 - s i f l r f l b m a ,F rom R e v . J. M cC a r t h y .

Ho-k'eo,June iy h .— G od has been greatly helping us. In Yuh-shan twenty-four were baptised, and two deacons and four evangelists were ordained. A house has been leased at Kwang- feng for ten years. I think I told you that two men and two women were baptised here, and ten were received at Kwei-k’i.

Kwei-k'i, June 19th.— To-day I am going to baptise nine men here. I leave in the morning for Gan-ren H ien; there are several there and at Nan-k’ang Fu who are anxious for baptism.

F rom M iss Sa y .Kiuei-k'i, yune.— A little word in your letter has often helped

me ; you said you found every time you spoke you have helped lo overcome nervousness by just casting yourself upon the L ord and trusting Him to make the living water flow. Many times lately I have not had time for preparation for classes or meet­ings, the L ord has given me other things to do, but casting my­self on Him and praying that He would let the living waters flow, I have been able restfully to take my place and have found Him all-sufficient.

We have much to praise G od for here, You would rejoice to see the earnestness of the Christians and their prayerfulness. Lately during my illness— I had slight smallpox— they prayed continually for my recovery. The men went away in the coun­try in the early morning to pray, and the women with them fasted one day. They are the same about everything; they certainly set us an example in their simple faith. Our dear Ameri­can sisters are each one able to help a little already ; Miss Munro has a special love for and interest in the children. Miss Lucas tries to teach them to sing. I say “ tries/' because generally each one sings a tune of his or her own composing, and it is rather a puzzle how to get them to do otherwise. Miss Parker helps in receiving outside women.

for <£|jtra.Miss A n n ie T a y l o r sailed in the P. and O. s.s. Khedive, on Thursday, September 5th, or Calcutta, en route for Darjeeling, to

work among the Thibetans in the neighbourhood, while learning more of their language.Two parties will (D.V.) start for China in October.

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

Spiritual ^rfparaiian f0r Mnrh.

" L e t Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. A n d let the beauty o f the L o r d our GOD be upon us: and establish Thou the work o f our hands upon us ; yea, the work o f our hands establish Thou it."— Psa. xc. 16, 17.

HE desire to be prosperous in our worldly callings and in our spiritual enterprises is a most natural one, and there are few who are not pre­pared to unite in the last petition of the ninetieth Psalm, “ Establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.” This petition is perfectly legitimate if kept in its proper place. It is to be noted, however, that it is not found in the first verse of the Psalm, but in the last. If it take the same place in our hearts and lives that it had in the prayer of Moses, the man of G o d , it

will be a very safe one for us to offer.The history of Moses taken in connection with this Psalm is very instruc­

tive. He was not a young man when he first essayed to deliver Israel; nor, as men would say, unequipped and untrained. He was fully forty years old, was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was alike mighty in word and deed ; he had, moreover, a clear and correct conviction in his own mind that by his hand G od would deliver Israel. Yet he lacked the necessary

spiritual preparation for his great work ; he needed more meditation on the nature and character anc ways of G od ; he had not come to the end of self, and hence he failed. In his inexperience hewent forward "supposing” that his brethren would understand his call, would accept his mission, andthat he had only to set himself earnestly to his work to find it successful. But his premature attempt did not forward the deliverance of Israel, and probably retarded it by many years. Humbledand instructed by his failure, he did not again attempt their deliverance until it was pressed upon himby G od Himself, whom he had learned to know in the backside of the desert. By his own providential experience he was prepared to offer the inspired prayer which forms the subject of our meditation.

W e do well to note how fully the mind of the Psalmist is now occupied with the greatness of G o d as compared with the weakness and insignificance of man. 11 L o r d , Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations : from everlasting to everlasting Thou art G o d .” " A thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” In striking contrast with this, the children of men are likened to a sleep, to grass which groweth up in the morning and is cut down and withereth in the evening.

After confessing the sin of his people, and recognising G o d ’s righteousness in their chastening, he prays to G o d to satisfy His people with His mercy, that forgiven and saved they may rejoice and be glad all their days. Many days have passed since this prayer was first offered, and men have found out many inventions; but has any other ground for real satisfaction, in the true and full sense o f the word, been found than that which springs from G o d ’s mercy ? or has any supply of lasting and uninter­rupted joy been discovered save that which His grace bestows ? That such blessings are intended for the people of G o d the Scriptures everywhere testify; they are to be received by faith and enjoyed in faith; but do not joyless countenances too often make apparent how many of the people of G o d have

N o v e m b e r , 18 89.

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

either failed by an act of faith to appropriate the satisfaction and the gladness, or, perhaps more fre­quently, have failed by a continuation of faith to retain them ?

Taught by the S p ir it of G od , however, the inspired heart of the Psalmist could not rest satisfied with even this blessing. Mere deliverance from evil and from sorrow might lead to a self-satisfied life, devoid of knowledge of or interest in the great purposes of G o d . Hence he prays, “ Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children." W e know not at what period of Moses’ life this prayer was written, but probably it was after the completion of the tabernacle, with its services, and after the reflection of the Divine glory from his own countenance had necessitated the use of the veil. He may well have felt that, apart from special Divine revelation, observance of the ordinances might degenerate into mere ritualistic worship, without any intelligent knowledge of the things that were typified, or any entering into the glorious purposes of the eternal G o d . Hence his earnest prayer that G od would reveal the objects for which He was working to His people, and His glory, which had been revealed to himself on the mount, to their children.

This prayer is not less appropriate in our own day than it was in the time of Moses. Men of the world have found the importance of studying G od ’s works, and ascertaining the so-called laws of nature (for to unregenerate man it is pleasanter to speak of an impersonal nature than of the living G od). By acquainting themselves with these works of G o d , men really lay hold on G od ’s power, as in steam and electricity, and accomplish great results that would have been incredible to our forefathers. But G od has His spiritual as well as His natural works, and “ the law of the spirit of life in C h r is t J e s u s ” is no more uncertain in its operations than is the law of gravitation in the natural world. To those who recognise this supernatural power the life of faith is no dubious uncertainty, the path of faith is no hazardous speculation. But this was just the point on which Israel always failed ; they were ready to recognise Moses and Aaron, the power of Egypt, or the prowess of the Canaanites ; but in spite of the many Divine interpositions, they failed to recognise G od as working on their behalf, and His glory as manifested in their forgiveness, their preservation and protection. And in our own day how much more ready we are to recognise the power of wealth, of combination, of culture, of race, of habit and of prejudice, than the power of the H o l y G h o st ; and to appreciate the glory of things that are seen than that of Him who is invisible. W e do well still to pray, “ Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children.”

Continuing his inspired petition, Moses anticipates, as it were, the statement of 2 Cor. iii. 18, in which the same words are rendered in the Authorised Version, “ W e all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the L o r d , are changed into the same image, from glory to glory ” ; and in the Revised Version, “ W e all, with unveiled face reflecting as a mirror the glory of the L o r d , are transformed into the same image, from glory to glory.” W e take the words “ from glory to glory ” to mean that C h r is t ’s own glory, seen and reflected by the believer through the power of the H o l y G h o st , makes the believer himself bright and glorious, as a mirror placed in the sunshine becomes too bright for the naked eye to behold. So Moses prays, “ And let the beauty of the L o rd our G od be upon u s ” Let it not merely be revealed to us, but let it be reflected by us, let it rest upon us. As when he came down from the mount the beauty of the L o r d was upon him, so his prayer is that all the people of G od may reflect the beauty of His character. Then, when this moral transformation has taken place, their works will be such as G od can bless and most assuredly will establish.

Shall not we, beloved friends, be more concerned that the beauty of the L or d our G od shall be upon us than that our work shall be established ? And still further, as it was more important that Moses should commune with G od than that his face should shine, let us be mainly concerned that the glory of G od and His own mighty workings shall become to our own hearts a living, bright reality; that we may know Him indeed, may have that unhindered and habitual communion with Him which will gladden His great fatherly heart, and which that heart has a right to claim from the children of such love. Let this be our primary object, rather than the sure results of this knowledge of G od in our own character and spiritual enjoyment. Oh, to have the eye so opened to Him that self may be hidden from our view, so to gaze on Him that our faces may shine all unconsciously to ourselves ! The works that result from this moral transformation will assuredly be pleasing to G od and attended with His blessing.

Then come in their proper place the petitions, u Establish Thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.” If our life, all our life, becomes life in God— our work, all our work, the fruit of abiding in Him— then each call for thought, or word, or deed affords an outlet for the manifestation of His glory, and an opportunity of loving service to Him whose we

CHINA’S MILLIONS.

a re a n d w h o m w e s e rv e , a s w e ll a s o f se rv ice to o u r o w n gen era tio n b y th e w ill o f G o d , A ll the

d u ties o f life w ill be tra n sfig u re d —

“ The trivial round, the common task,“ W ill furnish all we need to ask—“ Room to deny ourselves, a road “ To bring us daily nearer God .”

Life spent in this spirit adorns the doctrine we profess, bears true witness of our M a s t e r , and is surely attended with His blessing. “ Whatsoever he doeth shall p.rosper.” May “ the beauty of the L o r d our G o d ” be, indeed, upon each of our readers at home, and upon each of our missionaries and converts in China, and may He surely establish the work of our hands upon us, for His own Name’s sake. J. H. T.

Items 0t |ttktcsiF R O M R E V . T. W. S T E V E N S O N .

SH A N G -H A I ,/ u ly 8th.— I am happy to report twenty- seven baptisms this week, viz., on June 22nd twelve

at Gan-ren, on June 27th seven at Nan-k’ang, by Mr. M cCarthy ; on June 16th three at Chau-kia-k’eo, by Mr. Coulthard; and five at Ning-hai-chau, by Mr. Judd. Mr. McCarthy baptized in all during his tour in K ia n g -si sixty-six persons, and he reports quite a number of in­quirers. At Chau-kia-k’eo a great fire has devasted the place, and 3,000 families are said to be burnt out of house and home. W e are having a spell of extraordinarily hot weather ; yesterday it was 101 degrees in the shade.

July 'i'ind .— Praise God, Dr. Cameron reports nine bap­tisms on the 23rd of June ; this makes twenty-nine baptisms at Chung-k’ing during this year. Mr. Coulthard has gone to She-k’i-tien and there examined quite a number of in­quirers ; five women and one man were accepted for bap­tism. The weather has been much cooler lately.

Aug. ÿ h .— Dr. Parry reports two baptisms at Chen-tu on July 1st.

Aug. loth.— Mr. Thompson, of Kiu-chau, reports four baptisms on July 14th. W e are all fairly well.

Aug. iqth.— Mr. Langman speaks of encouragement at Kin-hwa, C h e h -k ia n g , and hopes to baptise two or three from the out-station soon. Mr. Arm strong tells me that he has now the names of forty boys on the roll [of the English boys’ school], and that all the bedrooms are occupied. Miss Knight reports that last session there

were twenty-six girls, and that this session there are thirty. Both schools are getting on very satisfactorily. May I ask you to do what you can to get a music teacher. [.Help in the boys’ school is also urgently needed.] Dr. Randle is encouraged in his work, and says that he frequently has forty and sometimes fifty dispensary patients a day : he asks special prayer for spiritual bless­ing. I have to report this week the following baptisms : at Fung-hwa, C h e h -k ia n g , on July 28th, one ; at Kiu- chau on July 30th, e ig h t; and at T s ’ing-kiang-p’u, K i a n g - SU, on July 29th, five.

A ug. 2 y d .— Miss Robertson is getting settled at Chi- chau, G a n -h w u y , and writes very hopefully. Dr. Cameron reports all quiet at Chung-k’ing, the ladies having returned. Mr. and Mrs. Gray Owen have returned to Chen-tu, arriving there on July 22nd. On the way up the river they called at Kia-ting, and the result was an uproar at the house in the evening, when the door was smashed in. Happily the Hien magistrate appeared on the scene, and stayed two hours, and the crowd dispersed. In the meantime he had the door repaired, while he super­intended the operation. It is strange that the people should be so excitable there, while they are quiet further south ; at Sui-fu Mrs. McMullan has had no trouble, and other ladies have visited and stayed at the house. I have a very encouraging letter from Miss Jakobsen from Hoh-chau.

raiment anîr ftteïr inF R O M R E V . W. W. C A S S E L S .

PAO-NING,./a/j/ 18th.— Miss Bastone starts in a day or two to join Miss E. Culverwell and go on to Kwan-

yuan. I do pray that the LORD will use them much among the needy women of that place, and that He may abundantly bless this first going forth of two of our sisters to the glory of His Name.

I have for the last two years felt intensely the importance of walking closely in the paths of order and regulation expected by our Mission, and so essential for the welfare of our work. It was only a day or two ago that I was noticing, in Deut. xxxiii. 5, that the L o r d is then specially our K in g when there is order and unity and proper authority. I believe it to be G o d ’s plan.

May the L o r d send us some more brethren soon. When in the comparatively small district (that is to say, just about the size of England without W ales) that we are

attempting to work there is so much ground to cover, it is of course quite impossible for us to go two and two, so individual brethren have to go out alone, plunging alone into untouched districts, venturing alone into great heathen cities with all their dangers and temptations and masses of prejudiced and hardened and preoccupied idolators, and hastily and alone paying the briefest visits to thronging markets, crowded as they are here in Si- CH’UEN with seething masses of buyers and sellers— nay, is that all ? Alas, no !— with seething masses o f unwarned and unwashed souls, living sad and hopeless lives and passing away to sad and more hopeless deaths ! One knows that this going out alone is not our M a s t e r ’s will and plan. W ill you ask, dear Mr. Taylor, while you are at home, whether it is His people’s will and plan, and if not, whether they are doing their best to remedy it ? For

i6 o CHINA'S MILLIONS.

ourselves, have we any other course but to the utmost of our strength and time to go out obeying our marching orders, and, whether with companions or without, preach the Gospel to all we can ?

There is no lack of encouraging openings, both in the city and in the country far and near. I cannot doubt that a prayerful and patient perseverance will produce the most blessed results.

I heard an encouraging little story of one of our Chris­tians the other day. H e is an old man, the maker of cheap hats, and came to us for a long time, just sitting quietly in his place and going away without showing any sign of anything going on within. I never thought of his being a Christian, and had little to do with him ; for, hav­ing lost all his teeth, he was very hard to understand. But one day a man came into our guest-room with a great deal of knowledge of the truth, and on inquiring how it was that he knew so much, I found that it was this old man, Wen, who had been talking to him. This aroused my interest in the old man, and I soon found out that he was not

only praying daily at home, but also reading the Bible and preaching to his neighbours. In the course of time he was baptised. Now he brings his wife and one or two of his neighbours with him.

The other day— and this is what cheered me— one of our Christian women was there after dark ; it was getting late, and his little child wanted to go to bed. “ Father,’’ she said, “ will you have prayers ? I want to go to bed.’’ T he old man replied that he was busy, and that she must go to bed without prayers. The little one persistently protested that she could not go to bed without prayers, and at last her father laid aside his work to satisfy her, remarking that she would not be pacified until they had worshipped. The little one said a verse of a hymn, and they all knelt while the old man prayed, then the child went to bed happy.

This is to me like the blossoming of the first rose in the desert, and the beginning of the fulfilment of the promise. There is to be abundant blossom yet. The L or d send the showers down !

% ©tsit to

E X T R A C T S F R O M T H E J O U R N A L O F M I S S H A N B U R Y .

MA Y 13 th.— I am now at Pa-chau, 120 miles to the N .E. of Pao-ning, staying with Mr. and Mrs.

Arthur Polhill-Turner. I expect to be here about a month. I have come to help Mrs. Turner in the women’s work, as she is not very strong and was sadly needing help.

I must try and give you the story of my journey, though there is nothing exciting, for, thank G o d , all went so easily and pleasantly that one might have been in England— only it was better, for there was no bustle and fuss and fear of losing the train. Still, it is rather amusing to take the most of five days to go 120 miles. Last Monday at Pao-ning, the dear friends said that as I should be away for my birthday, they would keep it that day— and they made me so rich in presents ; Mr. and Mrs. Cassels giving me a Chinese box that would do for my journey, as well as other things, and the others giving me things for the journey, besides things most useful for home. I felt unworthy of the expression of so much love. Mrs. Cassels came to tea with us, and Mr. Cassels came in the evening to fetch her and to have prayer, as the next morning I was to set forth.

Tuesday, May *]th.— T he morning was sunny and fresh, and I set forth at eleven, accompanied by our old Li Ta-niang and Mr. Hughesdon’s servant, Lao-ch’en, who is also a Christian, though not yet baptised, a coolie carrying my little box and bedding.

W e started by going a little way down the river, and then for a short distance along the road we had come to Pao-ning by, and along which I had not been since that hot afternoon on July 3rd last. How different it all feels now from then ! Now so home-like and so many mercies filling the last ten months. The road was pretty flat, and there was nothing of special interest. The last ten l i in the afternoon I walked, enjoying as much as ever a good walk at one’s own pace. W e got to the inn soon after six, and the old woman and I had a tiny room. T he paper was all off one window, and as the wind was blowing strongly, we did not lack for fresh air. W e had travelled twenty miles. I made my supper on a basin of “ m ien” (a kind of vermicelli) and a couple of hard-boiled eggs, and did very well.

May %th.— I woke at five, but only to hear the rain splashing down, so knew there was no hurry to get up, as the men would not go till it cleared. I had breakfast, and then Lao-ch’en came and asked me if I was going to have prayers. I had already had prayer with old Li, but was so pleased at the request coming from him, that I said, “ Certainly, if he would like to come.” W e read and talked over John viii. 12, and then he prayed so simply and earnestly. After that I used to have them both morning and evening, though we generally only had prayer in the morning. By degrees the rain left off, and at eight o’clock we started. The road was very beautiful up and down steep wooded hills, and I had a splendid walk for more than an hour— the old love of trot­ting up the hills is still within me. I walked till the path became too dirty, and I was obliged to get into my chair. A t eleven the rain began again, and before one the men came to a standstill for the day. The inn was, com­paratively speaking, clean, and I settled in to write letters, and then had a few women in to see me, and had the opportunity of telling them the Gospel.

Thursday, May qth.— I was upand offby 5.30 a.m. The first twenty l i was hard work for the men, the path was so muddy and in parts slippery. The men generally stop four or five times a day to rest and eat or smoke. At6.30 I was popped down, and they sat down outside a cottage where they were making bread. I was thirsty, and wanted something to drink W ater in which rice and greens had been boiled was all that was to be had ; I considered it as a sort of light French soup ! and with a hot cake just out of the oven, enjoyed my early morn­ing breakfast. I had four or five good walks during the day, the men, you may be sure, never objecting to my walking up the steep hills, except one day when it was raining, and then they would not hear of it, and carried me up such steep steps. W e came to two small country towns, and the people naturally gathered in crowds round the chair, but were perfectly friendly and civil, and now that one can talk a little with them, it is no trouble. In the evening we reached Yun-kia-p’u. The inn was really quite good. I had a large airy room, with a table on which one was not afraid to put down one’s

C H IN A S M ILLIONS. 161

things, and two decent wooden chairs and three bed­steads. The landlady is a superior woman. She and neighbours came in to see me as soon as I arrived, and I had a room full of women for more than an hour, and some listened well to the Gospel, and kept encouraging me by saying, “ W e understand all you say.” I was very thankful and praised th e LORD. They were nice women, and so exceedingly friendly.

Friday, 10th.— I was ready to start at five, but by then it was raining again, and the men said they would wait until after breakfast, and it might clear. I knew if we did not make a long stage that day we should not get in be­fore Sunday; but I knew the L o r d was taking care of me, and if I had to spend Sunday in an inn, it might be He had some service for me. So I sat down happily to wait for my breakfast, and the landlady came in and we had a loDg, quiet, earnest talk ; and then an elderly woman came in, and the landlady left us. I found she was a vegetarian. She came and sat close to me, and talked so earnestly for nearly an hour, telling how she worshipped and what she did. I could not be sorry that the rain stopped us, and I hope on my road back 1 shall see that dear woman again. By 7.45 the rain had nearly ceased, and we started. The men travelled well, the

SCENERY WAS BEAUTIFUL,

especially in the afternoon, when the broken lights and shadows grandly showed up the distant mountains and the near hills and valleys. W e did not get in till dusk. It was a bustling, busy little town. It was a large inn, but I had rather a miserable, dirty little room close to the pigstye. Not a select spot, I assure you ! The women soon came crowding into my room, and for nearly two hours as soon as some went others came in. I had plenty of opportunity of talking to them. O f course, one has to answer all the usual questions. Everything in the house seemed upside down, for three days before the landlord had died, and there, in the centre of the house, was the coffin, and in front of it a large paper house. I was rather late in getting to bed, and was just going to sleep, when I heard my coolies call up, for my chair was not sheltered from the rain. That noise was over, when the members of the family began to wail round the coffin, not ten yards from my room, and kept it up for an hour. Poor things, truly it was the sorrowing without hope. It was a disturbed night all through ; the pigs had a quarrel every now and then, and the cocks crowed loudly some­where very close by, and one set of coolies after another went ofif. I got up before four, and started at half-past. Again all went quite smoothly. Soon after twelve I came in sight of Pa-chau. Just before entering the town I met Mr. and Mrs. Turner and baby, who had come out to welcome me. Their house is right in the middle of the busiest street, very well placed for work, and very well adapted for it. W e soon had dinner, and then I settled with the coolies, undid my things, and had a sleep, getting up quite fresh for tea, and hardly conscious of having made a journey, I mean as far as tiredness goes. Before we had finished tea, I heard about twenty women had come to see me. Mrs. Turner took me down to introduce me to them, and we had a pleasant little time chatting with them, and invited them to come to service the next day, Sunday. There were several bright young girls present, and I said if they would like to come I would teach them. They were de­lighted, and promised to come and bring other girls. W e had the

SATURDAY PRAYER MEETING

together, and a very happy time it was. Numbers do not I

matter, if we have the manifest presence of the LORD with us. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are most kind.

Sunday, May \ith .— Before ten a large number of women and girls had come. Firat there was the natives’ meeting, which they take themselves. There are two teachers here. One teaches the boys’ school, which, though only started this year, seems getting on well. Mr Turner takes great interest in the boys. The other teacher, a baptized Christian, helps Mr. Turner in the work. A t eleven Mr. Turner had the men's service, Mrs. Turner the women, and I the girls in a little room all to myself. There were between twenty and thirty of them, and such dear, good children, so willing to listen, and, thank G od, understanding all I said quite easily. When I had finished I went up to the women, as they were anxious to see the new-comer, and had a short talk with them, W e had a quiet afternoon, but before we had finished tea the girls and women were all here again, and we had the three services as in the morning. A t the end I spoke to the women, as there were some fresh ones. Two or three enquirers stayed for a talk, and it was a quarter to nine before I left the guest-room.

Mofuiay, May lyth .— On Monday mornings Mr. Turner hears the boys repeat what they have learnt on Sunday.I went down to listen. The boy gives his book to Mr. Turner— then he turns his back to him and gabbles away as hard as he can go in a regular sort of tune, often re­peating a line two or three times to make it fit in. I read with the teacher for two hours, and then wrote these sheets of journal. Soon after four I looked into the guest­room and saw my girls and a large number of women there, so I took my books and

HAD A REGULAR MEETING

with them. The girls are coming every day, and I hope some of the women will too. It is lovely to be really at work again, and I am so thankful to find the words come so easily, and the people undeistand me so well.

8 p.m.— The teacher and two of the servants have just walked into my room bringing me presents because they heard it was my birthday, the cook and boy giving me a very pretty fan and case, and the teacher a sort of orna­ment that the women often wear buttoned to their dress. Mrs. Turner has also given me a piece of material enough to make me an upper dress of much better quality than we can buy hereabouts. W hat does make them all so kind I cannot think.

June 2\st.— It is almost a month since I wrote in this journal, but I should like to give you a description of this afternoon, while it is still fresh in my mind. It has been very hot, the thermometer registering 90° nearly all day. After our usual Friday prayer-meeting I went out to see a woman who, when I first arrived, came regularly every day for opium medicine ; but I am sure she is still smoking it— is almost impossible for them to break off unless they come into the house. She had not been to prayers for more than a week, so I went to look her up. The house was amidst poor and very dirty ones. I sat down and in no time there was a great crowd round the door as well as inside. They invited me to speak, so I began, but it was awfully hot with the people crowding round, so some of the women suggested my going across the road to their house, as they had a cool courtyard. I went and perched myself on a stool in the shade in the open air. The crowd was soon greater than before ; but now it did not matter. O f course on such occasions I address myself only to the women ; if men come and listen I cannot help it, and in my heart I rather like it, for I know they can take in what I am saying so much better than the women, but I do not recognise their presence unless it be

i 8 a CH INA'S M ILLIO NS.

to announce to the women that I am pleased to speak to them, and that i f the men want to hear the Doctrine they had better g o to the Gospel Hall, where the gentlemen will be very pleased to preach to them. I stayed some little time, and spoke chiefly from A cts iv. 12, Neither is there any other Name given among men, etc. It reads well in the Chinese, and is a good verse to speak from.

Leaving this house, I was met b y one o f my girls, who said, “ W ill you com e'an d see m y mother ?" It was just what I wanted to do, so I went with her, and again had another crowd in the street outside, and some very nice women inside w ho l is te n e d intelli­gently. Then a young man came and told m y old woman that I was invited to some other house, and he led the way down an­other street to a good house, and as soon as I was in shut the door, which was rather a relief.In a shady part of the court sat a most disagree­able-looking woman and some children; soon other women appeared on the scene, one o f whom es­pecially attracted me ; she had but one eye, and looked pale and thin and ill; she came and sat down by me, and I had a good deal o f talk with her ; she conld read, for when a girl she had been taught b y the Roman Catholics, of whom there are a good many in the town, but now no priest or sisters or church.

On leaving this house I found seven or eight of my nice girls outside.“ Are you not going for a walk ?” they said. “ May we not come with you ? "T hey all looked so happy and anxious to go, that I had not the heart to say,“ N o.” “ W ell, we will go down this street, and out of the city, round the wall, and in by the east gate i f you like.” “ Ob, yes," anything i f only they might go with me.One carries my umbrella because the street is shady, another trots on in front with m y Testament and tan, and others catch hold of my hands, and so we go along ; our little crowd soon swells, and twelve or four­teen of the girls are with us, besides various dirty little urchins, o f course. The people turn out to look at us, and I am not surprised, but not one was rude or dis­agreeable.

Here and there I was asked in, but I said, “ N o, I had too many with me.” Passing the drill ground, ! said it they liked we would go and walk there. “ Oh yes, and then we can sit down, and you can teach us.” W e went to a shady corner and sat down on the grass ; they re­peated all the texts that they knew, and then leamt a new one. “ Is it possible to know that our sins are forgiven ? ”

I asked. Most answered,•¡I;;.. “ No,” but one dear girl

' - about eleven said, “ Siao-tsie(MissHanbury)knows that her sins are forgiven, but we don't know it." O f course we had a -small audience o f men and boys. One never can go any­where or do anything in China without some to look on. However, I go on as i f they were not there, unless there are women to talk to. The sun was setting, so we went home, and I felt very thankful, as I walked up our street surrounded by m y four­teen girls, to be able thus quietly, and just as in England, to go through the streets.

T h e country around here is exquisite, puts Pao-ning quite into the shade, beautiful as that is 1

Tuesday, Ju ly giA.— I am once more sitting in our little garden at home, having had a comfortable and safe journey. I left Pa-chau on Monday, July znd, having much enjoyed m y seven weeks there. Mr. Turner kindly accom­panied me the first forty li, and then I went on with m y woman and his boy, a nice, willing fellow o f about nineteen, who fol­lowed my chair whistling hymn tunes, and was a l­ways on the alert to see what he could get for me to eat at every stopping place. There is nothing special to chronicle of the home journey. The coolies behaved well and people were friendly. I had some opportunities of speaking, but not quite so many as in

going. I did not stop at the place where I had the long talk with the vegetarian, but she caught sight o f me as the men passed down the crowded street and called out so friendlily ; I could only give her a nod. It was in­tensely hot most o f the way. I started at daybreak or soon after each morning, but by 6 or 7 a.m. the sun seemed scorching- However, without any difficulty or harm, I reached home and received a very warm welcome.

COUNTRYMAN OF TH E SHORES OF TH E PEI-HO, in h is winter fu r-lined gown.

CHINA'S MILLIONS. 163

% J^ouîr at |)a-fljau .F R O M R E V . A . T. P O L H T L L -T U R N E R .

PA -C H A U , June iZth.— Yesterday, before daylight, we heard the rain pelting down in torrents ; after

breakfast we heard that some houses had fallen, and thought it was owing to the vehemence of the rain, but later on we heard of a great and sudden flood.

About 1 p.m. I started out on a voyage of inspection to see the truth of the various reports, and I will give you an account of what I saw with my own eyes. A quarter of an hour’s walk brought me through the city to the east gate ; from the city wall there is a descent of some thirty or forty feet to a lower level sloping down gradually about half a mile to the river. This plain contained houses and crops of every description; the river must have risen some forty feet, and the whole of the plain was covered with water, a great part of the houses being washed clean away. The sweeping current carrying all before it, was a sad spec­tacle. Here and there the roof of a house rose above the water, and articles of furniture were floating about. A few boats were seen struggling against the stream to rescue some of the belongings, and people still remained on their housetops seeking to save more things. Some 200 families were turned out of house and home, having only the clothes on their backs. I thought of what the great Yellow river disaster must have been, when even such a small destruction caused so much misery. W e have not yet heard much of the damage done higher up the river. Our teacher, Mr. Hu, who lives twenty miles away, hears that his house is demolished, and has gone off in a great state of mind to find out. A' man came in this morning saying his inn was swept away, some seven miles off, and asking for pecuniary help. Feeling it a great privilege to succour the distressed, and to be for once able to distribute money without any injurious effects, we rejoiced to help. (It appears the greatest injury to the work to give the natives an idea that they are to receive temporal benefit by entering the church.)

To-day after getting a list of the distressed I started off with Mr. Liang the teacher, his boy, and two men carrying this heavy, lumbering copper ca s h ; the old landlord came with us, thinking no doubt that merit

would accrue to himself from assisting in an alms­giving.

W e first came to a cluster of cottages half inundated yesterday, to-day the water had quite gone down, leaving only mud ; half-a-dozen families were huddled together in the highest part, and we distributed something to each, although a small sum equal to about a shilling at home, yet money goes a long way with the destitute in China, and they will probably have official and other gifts. Next we came to a flat open space with a lone woman beside it ; it was her home ! Poor thing ! we gave her a double portion. On we went wading through the mud till we came to a short street by the w aterside; the people looked abject and desolate, so we gave something to each fam ily; we passed along what two days ago were fields of Indian corn and other vegetables, now all swept flat. W e next came to a block of buildings, the wooden framework and roofs of which were standing, but the interior walls and furniture swept clean away, and the people departed. W e had a difficulty to get further owing to the mud ; when we did it was most pitiable, the people so poor and destitute ; one man had lost his child and was so thankful for a little relief. Others just took what one gave them and said nothing, looking so stolid, perhaps stupefied by the calamity. One block of houses we relieved where they used to call after me “ foreign devil ” when I passed. Strange to stay the very day be­fore I followed a boy for calling after me, and to-day I was able to return good for evil in assisting. Our money was exhausted before our work was done, so we are going again to-morrow.

W e heard of some very pitiable cases. At one place the people were preparing to escape the flood coming rapidly upon them, when they found their escape cut off by a flood on the other side, and, thus isolated, the floods rose upon them and they perished. It was very sad to go into house after house and see the desolation ; the floors in the condition of a soft quagmire, into which one sinks several inches, most of the furniture gone, bedding and everything ; fortunately it is not cold. W e do pray that this may be used to G od ’s glory.

Cflimtrg M orii in (itfrelj-kirog-F R O M M R. M A U R IC E H A R R I S O N

N IN G -H A I, June 22nd.— Since I last wrote I have been to T ”ien-tai, so will now tell you a little about

my visit. For the first few days there I was a prisoner on account of the rain, but by Monday it had cleared up, so the preacher and I started off for a flying visit to the west, to some of the places that we visited last autumn. I had some almanacks to dispose of, so we managed to catch three market days in succession at towns distant from the city 23, 50, and 30 l i respectively.

Nyi-san-kyiah was reached about noon ; after dinner we sallied out, and for some time did fair business. Four o’clock found us on our way to Bing-deo-don, where we hoped to spend the night, and soon the fine bridge, with its three dozen arches that span the T ’ien-tai river, burst upon our view ; then a few hundred paces brought us to the outskirts of the town, which has, I am told, a popu­lation equal to that of T ’ien-tai and a market three times larger. After the outside work was over, we had an interesting time in the inn with the inmates and our fellow travellers.

Early next morning we were off for Ka-deo, 20 l i further west ; we made for our old quarters in the inn. The town has something like 1,500 families, and a market as large as T ’ien-tai. During the afternoon we had a fair amount of sales, and in the evening had an interesting time in the inn. About eight o’clock a band of eight or nine young men came up and asked us to explain the doctrine to them ; all waited for quite an hour, and some longer. Our last visitor did not go till quite ten o’clock. There is a simplicity and openness about the Ka-deo people that quite draws one towards them. The last time I was there I could hardly take my meals for the crowds that wanted to buy books and look at the foreigner, and on till ten o’clock there was an all but constant stream, twos, threes, fours, and fives coming and going. A t last, being dreadfully tired, we turned into bed ; we were not there long, however, before a well-to-do gentleman came up and pleaded with me to go and cure his daughter, who had swallowed opium. W e told him how to treat her, and the result was satisfactory.

164 CHINAS MILLIONS.

Encouraged not a little by our flying visit, we next morning retraced our steps to Bing-deo-don. A busy afternoon was spent in the m ark et; as usual, how­ever, the chief interest centred in the evening talks ; the old lady and her family and a few friends gathered together then, and we spent some two hours with them explaining and answering questions ; the intelligent interest this time was most marked, compared with our previous visit. One man who had heard the Gospel before asked quite a number of interesting questions. A t the close he pressed us to try and open some little place in the town where he and others might hear more, as he was sure that others would be willing to listen. The old lady and her daughter-in-law were very pressing in their invitation to come to her soon again. I could not but feel encouraged. Bing-deo-don is a splendid centre from which to work, as its large market points to an immense population in the surrounding district. As to the working of that place just now, my plan would be to get the T ’ien- tai man to go there at stated times, say for two weeks at

a time, and go about amongst the villages during the day, and then meet with those interested in the evening. Then as to a preaching place, I would try and get our members to do a little ; for the first year they might arrange to pay the expenses of several visits, and then if things improved try and secure a small place.

After our second night at Bing-deo-don we made for the city, and the following day I left for home by way of T ’ai-chau.

A s to the work here, I am sorry to say it is just as usual, no real cases of inquirers. You will be sorry to hear that my school is scattered to the winds. The scholars all .at once broke off coming ; on making inquiry I found that others had been attacking the parents for sending their boys to eat “ the red-haired man’s ” religion, etc., and that since no grown-up people could be got to join us I had had recourse to the school as a trap to catch the boys. G od is on our side, so that “ Greater is He that is for us than all that can be against us.” All the members here are well.

gat % foung.

A L E T T E R F R O M M I S S J O H N S O N .

Han-chung Fu, S h e n s i , N.W. C h i n a ,

May 3rd.

MY D e a r C h il d r e n ,— Not long ago I received a nice little square packet by post, and on opening it I found it beautifully packed with all sorts of pretty and useful

things, with the inscription, “ From Mrs. S.’s little girls to Miss Johnson’s little girls in Han-chung.” I wonder whether you know anything about it ? If you should happen to be acquainted with them, will you please give them my love and many thanks, and say how pleased my little girls were to receive the things ?

I wonder whether you would like to hear what my little girls aie like ? When my mother used to tell me stories about little girls, I always wanted to know everything—whether their hair was long or short, or whether their eyes were blue or brown, and how old they were, and what were their names, and above all, “ Were they good or naughty little girls ? ’ I expect you sometimes ask your mother questions like that, don’t you ?

Now I am going to “ make believe” I am in that pretty nursery of yours at home, sitting in the low chair by the fire, and you are all sitting round on the hearthrug. Let me see if you are all here? Yes ! six of you— why, how strange, / have six little children too ! only you have a dear little baby, and my youngest little one is five. Oh ! how different they are to you ! In the first place they couldn’t sit on the hearthrug by the fire, for the very good reason that they have never seen such things. “ Dear me ! ” I hear one of you say, “ what do they do in the winter? How cold they must be !” No, they are not cold, as you shall hear, when I tell you about their clothes. Besides, instead of having one big nursery fire like you, they have a little fire each, all to themselves ! How would you like that ? The fire is composed of wood embers covered over with ash, held in an earthen bowl, which is placed in a round wicker basket, with a handle (see sketch No. 1). They carry their fires about wher­ever they g o ; sometimes it is on the floor, and they sit with their feet upon i t ; sometimes it is on their knees to warm their hands by, but more often still they carry it inside their clothes, to warm their body, by slipping their hands inside through their long white sleeves. “ Don’t they often bum their clothes ? ” Oh, yes, very often I see the bottom of their dress beginning to smoulder, and cry out to them, but they think nothing of that. Why, some people (not my little girls) take their fire to bed with them, putting it right inside the clothes, and very often it happens that they go to sleep, turn over, upset the fire, and are dreadfully burnt— not rarely to death ! Last winter I heard of one or two deaths in that way.

My children have never seen a hearthrug or carpet, and can­

not even imagine such things. “ What do they have on the floor ? ” you abk. Why, mud— nothing else. Why should they ? Mud is very convenient. If you spill water, why, it doesn't in the least matter, for it soon sinks in, and the trace is gone ; also it never requires washing, only brushing, which is much easier ; another thing, you never need wipe your feet on the mat before entering the room, for outside and inside are both alike ; and if it is cold in winter, it is delightfully cool in summer, so you see, if carpets have their advantages, so have mud floors. Which would you like best ?

This is such a comfortable chair I am sitting in ! it is nurse’s special chair, isn’t it ? but I expect you sometimes sit in it too, don’t you ? My children have no such thing as comfortable chairs to sit in ; they mostly have forms or little stools (see sketch No. 2). Chinese chairs are very large, vety high, and very hard, with straight backs, and oh ! so heavy to carry. The better class people sometimes have more comfortable ones of bamboo, but I have never seen one in the homes of my little girls.

What a pretty cot that is over in the corner 1 It looks so snug with its pretty warm counterpane ! May I peep inside ? White sheets and pillows 1 and blankets, with a soft mattress ! Well, you ought to be a happy little girl! I should think you would never want to get up in the morning ! Come, you should take a peep at my little girls’ bedroom. What is this ? Oh, this is our back garden ; you see it is quite an orchard ; these pretty trees, covered with pink and white blossom, are peach trees, pear trees, mulberry trees, fig trees, etc., but do not stop to look at them now. Come along to that little house built at the end. You see it has a door in the middle, and a window at each side. No glass, of course--the lattice work is filled in with red and white paper. Come inside ; you see it is one room. There is the mud floor I told you about, and mud walls too. There are three beds, one in the middle against the wall opposite the door, and one against the wall each side. Chinese beds are always placed alongside against the wall. “ What is the bed made of?” It is very simple ; only two forms, with three wooden boards laid across that, on the top a thick straw mat, over that a thin smooth matting, while lying lengthways by the wall is a long roll of bedclothes. Shall we undo this roll and see what it is ? You see it is a piece of thick cotton wool or wadding— about seven feet square, covered wiih stamped blue and white calico lightly tacked on, so as to be easily removed when it needs washing. This is all the bedclothes they have. The three beds are all alike, and just nicely accommodate six children, as Chinese mostly sleep two and two, under one coverlid, head and tail fashion; they get into bed, undo their

CH INA'S M ILLIONS. 165

clothes, then slip down through them, leaving them in a lump at the top, which serves nicely for a pillow. It does not take long to undress, does it ?

Shall we come and see the school-room ? There you are, opposite the children’s room is our house. It is built of mud, with nicely tiled toof, and six windows in a row. Shall we cross the orchard, and enter that small wooden door at the further end ? Here we are in a long, wide, covered passage. There is our woman washing clothes ; see her round, pleasant lace and little eyes, all puckered up into smiles. This is Ch'en- po-po; I do not know what we should do without her, but, alas ! she is not a Christian I We pray much for her, and speak to her continually; will you pray, too, that she may be willing to forsake sin and follow J esus ?

Here we are at the front garden. Isn’t it pretty? Pear, apricot, cherry, plum trees, all in full bloom, and oh I how the bees are enjoying themselves ; there will bea good store of honey in the autumn. But come round the corner and enter this door—mud; floor and walls again I Numbers of lii tie tables arranged with forms at each side, and pigeon-holes underneath for bcoks, etc. here the children sit. “ What a noise ! " you exclaim. Indeed it is

r 'te deafening, for while they learn they shout the words out at top of their voices. If they do not the teacher soon calls

of writing them ; see all these black alabs on the table ; they are what the paint is rubbed on. Now look at the copy-books ; is not-the paper thin? You see each leaf is double, so that the copy c»n be slipped in between and written over. The teacher walks in and out between the tables, speaking to this one, holding that one’s hand— what a mess the little ones are making !

But it must be getting nearly dinner-time. Whi’e the writing is going on shall we go and see the kitchen ? Coming out of the school-room, we are in the long wide verandah raised above the garden —mind this deep step down. We will just crossover the garden to that little house there. On entering, the first thing which strikes you is the 11 ko," or iron cookingpans (see skelch No. 3). The large pan is for the rice, and the smaller ones for vegetables. Do you see those holes underneath ? These are the places for the wood fire. Did you ever see such a quantity of rice boiling at one time ? and did you ever see such a funny cook ? That is Chen-po-po’s husband, Chen-lao-er; such a dear old man, and so fond of children I The rice is now half cooked— see I he is lifting it all out with a huge ladle and straining it through a basket tray; when strained be puts it back into the dry ko, covers it up with a great lid, and leaves it lo steam till it has finished cooking. Look now, how white and dry it is ; every grain is separate; in the next ko carrots are cooking.

out, “ Hallo I not reading ! ” Look how they rock their bodies to and fro. Here is my table by the window, looking out into the front of the garden. You sec I have a low wooden platform slightly raised, because not being Chinese, I used to catch cold through putting my feet on the mud floor.

There in the further corner is the teacher, by tbe window looking out into the back garden. Look at his bright yellow silk jacket, long black tail, and funny little black cap. I do not think you would like him for a teacher, but he is very good to the children, and only whips them on the hand when they are very naughty.

But it is twelve o’clock, and time for me to hear their lessons. I sit in my chair and call out, “ Come, repeat I " Oh I what a jabber, to be sure, learning up to the last minute in case they are not perfect. The first to come is U-kin (Have Gold)— she is nearly always perfect. She places her book on the table before me, makes a low bow, moving her hands up and down inside her sleeves three times, then turns her back, repeating so quickly i you seei how seldom I have to correct her. Wh;n she has finished she turns round, bows, and carries her book back to her table.

When all have repeated in this manner, I unlock my table- drawer and distribute pens and ink. “ Pens 1" you say. “ Why, these are paint brushes, and the ink is black paint.” Quite right, •o they are, but you know Chinese paint their letters, instead

How savoury it smells I These Chinese people certainly under­stand how to cook vegetables.

Now dinner is ready j we must hasten back to the school-room, and tell the girls to leave off writing and get ready. Pens and ink arc collected and given to me; then all the copies are taken to the teacher to mark, and he looks carefully down each one. and makes a round O by the side of the nicely written characters; then off the children run to wash their inky hands and faces.

Presently old Mr. Cben is seen walking across the garden to the school-room, with a tray full of basins of rice and vegetables, while one of the children carries a bundle of chopsticks. When all are assembled, the children stand and sing their grace very nicely, after which the rice disappears with wonderful rapidity I But do look at the three dogs, “ Peter,” “ T ’ai-T'ai," and “ Johnny." There they stand in a row on the doorstep, wagging their tails as if they would wag them off, and looking unutterable things out of their brown eyes. They know well enough it is dinner-time ; and what a mewing the two cats make I They are also aware it is dinner-time. Well, here is a chicken-bone for you; we will put it on my window-sill, so as to be well out of the reach of the dogs, who like to sit under that particular window in order to catch stray droppings. Rather lowering for a dog to eat cats’ leavings, isn't it ?

( To be continued.)

i66 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

dom ral f a t j^ariknir,

NO small proportion of our workers in China are natives of Scotland, and we hope that G od will send many more. In past years our work has been much facilitated by a number c f friends

who have acted as referees there, and latterly it has been felt desirable to ask some of them to unite formally as an Auxiliary Council. W e give the names of the gentlemen who have kindly consented to help us in this way.

Provost C o l v i l l e , Motherwell.Rev. J. E l d e r C u m m i n g , D.D., Glasgow. W i l l i a m L a m o n t , E sq .,* Greenock.J. S. N a p i e r , E sq ., G lasgow .

W . M. O a t t s , Esq., Glasgow, Sec. W i l l i a m S l o a n , Esq., Helensburgh. Ja m e s S m i t h , Esq.,* Dundee. C h a r l e s S h e r r i f f s , Esq.,* Aberdeen.

As the majority of the members reside in Glasgow, the meetings of the Council will be held there, and those whose names are followed by an asterisk will act as corresponding members. All candi­dates in Scotland will please send their applications to Mr. Oatts, the Secretary, at 70, Bothweli Street, Glasgow. The applications of those who have written from Scotland to London will be for­warded to Glasgow, to be first considered there, and also the papers of those whose cases are unde­termined. This will greatly economise time and travelling expenses, as only those who have been recommended by that Council will need to come to London for final acceptance.

trbia i n Ckw-kia-lùa.F R O M M I S S AJVNA C R E W D S O N .

MA Y 24 th.— It is so nice to see how G o d is answer­ing our prayers ! W e kept asking that G o d

would give us some open doors for work, and in a few weeks Miss Chilton had the pleasure of taking a weekly meeting across the river. And then a fortnight ago one of the Christians asked if one of us would come over and have a meeting in his house, so I have the joy of a weekly meeting there. Mrs. Coulthard has been going regularly on Wednesdays to another house, so now we have these three little gospel meetings every week, and we feel confident that our M a s t e r is going to send us showers of blessing. W e believe there are a few al­ready who believe, but as yet they have not the courage to take their stand.

Our hearts were full of joy a few Sundays ago as we witnessed the baptism of the first dear woman in H o ­n a n ; hers is a most striking case, she is so very bright and out-and-out. She is one of many thousands who took shelter in the rice refuges here, having been driven from the famine-stricken districts by the floods. Now that she has got the bread of life, she says, “ I f it had not been for the floods and the famine she would never have learnt about JESUS.” It is wonderful and beautiful to see how G o d Him self is teaching her. W e cannot help be­lieving that she is going to be an instrument in the M a s t e r ’s hand in her own village, to which she has now returned. T he first Sunday she walked all the way here on her little feet, but it is too far to come every week. I think she will try to come on Communion Sundays.

W e had a most delightful treat last week— an early morning walk with Mr. Coulthard, and trust soon to have the freedom to go alone. W e were called at five and left about six, so there were not many people about, and we had no crowds. In ten minutes or so we reached the city gates, and then walked along on the embankment over­looking the river, the freedom and the fresh morning air were most delightful. Taking a lower path we soon found ourselves among beautiful fields of corn ; we passed two little hamlets surrounded by trees and with such nice tidy plots o f ground planted with a variety of vegetables ; the wild convolvulus and poppy were beau­

tiful. Even at that early hour the news soon spread, and some men, women, and children turned out to see the foreigners taking a walk ; some looked only half awake and simply stared without a word, others were a little more communicative and friendly. W e had two or three invitations to stay and speak, or to return ; one old woman going along the road offered me her pipe, an act of native politeness. I, of course, declined with thanks, saying we did not smoke. Great numbers of women in all classes smoke tobacco, which is altogether different from opium-smoking. In Ho-NAN there are much fewer opium-smokers than further south, consequently they are a fine healthy race and much brighter. W e returned in plenty of time for family’worship at 7.30. W e breakfast at eight, and then have Chinese prayers with the servants.

Last week Mr. Coulthard had gone on a visit to the Yellow River breach, so we three ladies were invited by Mr. Chen, one of our native Christians in good position, to take dinner at his home. After talking to his wife and one or two others who came in, we proposed singing a few hymns, which they readily agreed to, and I think quite enjoyed. Mrs. Coulthard read over each verse and explained it a little. By-and-bye we were invited to come and “ eat rice.” W hat a succession of wonderful concoctions ! pork, veal and sugar, stewed meat, fowl, meatballs, a fish beautifully cooked in native ketchup, potatoes fried and eaten with sugar, and, to finish, basins of dry boiled rice. They had actually, unknown to us, sent round to our house for our knives and forks, but we used chopsticks in preference; I was very glad I could do so with ease. Mr. Chen’s two wives, his only daughter, and ourselves completed the party, and he made his appearance every now and then to see how we were going on. W e had our meal in their guest-room, which is delightfully cool and opens into the courtyard, where there are several plants and a magnificent rose-tree, from which they have sent us great quantities of roses.

Mr. Chen presented us each with beautiful native fans, painted on one side ; on the other we can have texts or a hymn written in Chinese character. I am sure there are very few Chinese husbands like him ; he is so nice to

CHINAS MILLIONS.

his home people, and very proud of his only daughter, an exceedingly nice girl of fourteen. He has been trying to help his younger wife to learn texts o f Scripture, and seems very anxious that they should both become Christians. W e would ask earnest prayer for them ; one has come twice lately— a wonderful step for a woman in their position.

Mr. Chen’s eldest son is our teacher ; he also has two wires, one a great invalid, in whom I am specially in­terested. I fear she will never get w e ll; please pray that very soon she may trust J e s u s , and have her poor sad heart filled with His joy and peace. The teacher was some months ago a terrible opium-smoker, but is now altogether changed, and, we trust, really a Christian. He has two darling children.

I had to leave early, as it was the day for my little meeting. I had such a good time ; these dear women ! I am getting so at home with them ; I do love them. Oh, for more words that one could talk more freely with them about their interests and duties, and understand what they say, so as to enter better into their thoughts ! But let patience have her perfect w ork; the L o r d is graciously helping in this language, and we will lift up our hearts in grateful praise.

May 2,0th.— Miss Chilton and I have been for the first time to spend several hours of the day in villages near, telling out our glorious message. W e started about ten with our woman ; our faithful man accompanied us just beyond the city gate in case of crowds, saying he would meet us there about 4 p.m. W e soon came to a nice clump of trees, and sat down. Directly the villagers came round we told them the Gospel story, which seemed very new to them, but we did not stay long, as they seemed rather frightened. Our dear woman walked most

bravely with her bound feet, and kept saying she was not tired. W e were very glad of the shade of our native umbrellas, and sat down just outside a village on a rough bank on the road-side, and made our dinner of bread and jam. I need not say that within five minutes, we were surrounded by a large eager crowd of men women, and children, who stared into our faces and watched every movement in great bewilderment. W e asked them if they could sell us some tea, we were so thirsty. They did not comply with our wish, but one woman said she would get us some rice water, and she kindly did so, bringing it in a great basin large enough to wash our faces in. It quenched our thirst grandly. Then we bought some rice rolled up in leaves, and con­taining a few dates inside. I think this broke the ice, and prepared them to listen, for we had a nice little talk, and one dear old woman seemed deeply interested, repeating our words over and over, and asking if she was right. May the true light shine into that poor old heart, and fill it with joy and gladness. So many women seem to want to know how to pray to this great GOD who loves them.

A little further on they brought out a bench, and placed it under trees, and Miss Chilton spoke to another little crowd. Then we walked through the village, and some women, sitting making shoes under shady trees, begged us to sit down amongst them ; so I repeated the old story, which was so new to them, over and over again, and thoroughly enjoyed my talk. Then we started home­ward, and on the way three women came running over a field, and begged us to come to their village quite near. W e promised to do so another day. Join us in thanking G o d for this happy day of village work, and please pray that it may only be the beginning of many blessed times, and that the good seed may take root in many hearts.

iBriif Holts.

Jiatr-sufj U r b i n a ,F r o m M r . B e l c h e r .

Ning-hsia, May 6th.— To-day Brother Horobin has gone to visit a Mongolian and Chinese town two days’ journey from here over the hills, and will not be back until Saturday next.

May gfh.— Last night 1 had a good time in the native meet­ing, and did not find myself at a loss for a word once. Most of the enquirers were there.

May 23rd.— I am again alone, as Mr. Horobin left on Mon­day for a city 60 li to the south, intending to visit all the markets round. Our servant is out too on a book-selling tour for a fortnight.

F r o m M r . G r a h a m B r o w n .Lan chau, June 3rd.— I am rejoiced to be able to say that we

believe there is evidence of some souls having been born again even since I wrote last, and this is surely the best of all news. The ground is hard, but Mr. Parker’s living here has not been in vain, and now we see the fruit coming, although he speaks of returning for rest, of which he stands sorely in need. Miss Muir, too, is very bright, and in going to this new house we look for a larger field for the ladies’ work. Please pray for the H o l y S p i r i t to work unrestrainedly here through all G o d ’s servants, native and foreign. We hope that there will be news of several new workers for K a n -s u h very shortly, either from Glasgow or elsewhere.

F r o m Miss F r y e r .Han-chung, June 23rd.— It is so nice to write when there is

so much to praise for ; G o d is working in our midst in so many

marked ways. To-day there has been a church meeting and four people have been accepted, and there are eight more to come forward at another meeting. And as there are children from the school it is more joy.

Mrs. Easton and I have spent a fortnight at Pah-koh-shan, a day’s journey from here, right in the midst of the mountains; we stayed with a family of Christians, and found good opportu- ties for a word here and there for J e s u s . I trust the L o r d will open up the way for me to go and stay with other families soon, for I have great faith in this way of working.

May I just add that I am more and more thankful for the privilege of being here ; the L o r d is here too, and He makes us realise it. It has been nothing but wonderful goodness all the way.

F r o m M iss H o l m e .

Han-chung, June n th .— The last fortnight in May I spent in Chen-ku. Mrs. Pearse asked for one of us to take charge of the women’s work for a week while she was away. During that time I had many an untried step to take. The Wednesday prayer-meeting with the natives was a real blessing to me, although I was very much taken aback when asked to speak ; the L o r d was with me. It was grand to hear the simple, earnest prayers that ascended to the Throne of Grace. On the Friday following I took Mrs. Pearse’s women’s class, there were fourteen present. This also was most encouraging. The few Christians are exceedingly bright. One woman, Chang Ta- sao, came every day to help me in speaking to the women ; she sat in the guest-room sewing. The Monday previous to my coming away one of the shopkeepers’ wives living opposite came to invite me, and I found she had a number of visitors. One of the number seemed to want to know about the Gospel,

i68 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

and how to pray. On Tuesday I returned home. It is so nice to have friends in the natives here. They seemed to welcome me back in such a loving way. I can scarcely realise that a year ago I was very nervous ol the Chinese. Certainly love has now taken the place of fear.

June 6th.— Had the women of my Sunday-school class to dinner. They were asked to bring two friends each with them. Some fresh women came, and in the afternoon we had a real good meeting.

June 6th— Took Mrs. Easton’s class as she and Miss Fryer were away at the hills.

June loth,— The meeting in the chapel was well attended, many fresh faces.

S jra n -s i iprtfbxna.F rom M r . St e w a r t M cK e e .

Ta-t'ung, June ¿,th.— I have nothing thrilling to tell, but can praise G o d for grace enabling us to hold on. The people here are, I think, less interested than others ; they are very religious after their own manner, but seem to want nothing to do with the foreign­ers’ religion. Still, the Sunday services are improving somewhat, and we have a few callers daily, to whom we can speak of J esus.

There is one man in the city who is very anxious to join the Church. I have no real reason for refusing him, yet I do not feel quite happy in accepting him ; he has attended all our ser­vices for about six months ; we are praying much for guidance.

I was interested to hear the other evening that the work is going on in secret. A boy who was in the guest-room as I spoke to some men said he understood the Gospel, and on my inquiring how he came to understand it, he told me that his father had one of our books, “ The Two Friends,” of which he read and explained a portion to his family every evening. Who knows how much of that sort of work is going on ? I go out almost daily to the villages, and am becoming known in the district. I generally get a fairly good number to speak to. My wife is kept busy with the women who come about very freely, the same coming again and again. She goes out visiting three or four times a week. We are all well in health. Mr. 1’Anson has just passed his second examination in the language,

F rom M iss B r o o m h a ll .

East Hills, T'ai-yuen Fu,July 2nd.— I think it was Sunday, May 19th, when we went up to the morning service, that we saw a large red flag hanging in front of the chapel; it had in large white characters an invitation to the service. Mr. Saunders had put it up, and had also printed some invitation notices with the dates of the Sundays according to native month ; these are pasted about the city, and have been successful in bringing in strangers every Sunday since. One of the visitors, a student visiting the capital, had a copy of the tract, “ Plan of forgive­ness of sins,” given him, and was so pleased with it that he went to the shop where the tract was printed, and ordered 500 copies to distribute at his home, two days’ journey or more from here; the shopman came to the gentlemen for permission to sell, and that is how we knew about it. Every Sunday the flag hangs out with its silent invitation.

You remember the woman Chao who came to break off opium ? She stayed nearly six weeks, and as far as we know broke off successfully, but we have been greatly disappointed about her. She is a more than usually intelligent woman, can read a little, and came to us with some knowledge of the Gospel gained in the time she spent with Miss Kerr two years ago. She has professed an interest in the truth for some time, and can pray very intelligently, but we found out while she was with us that she was most deceitful and positively dishonest. We are now told that the whole family is dishonest, one member help­ing another to sin in that way.

Lo T ’ai-t’ai is very unhappy at her home, and we ask special prayer on her behalf; it almost seems as if the trials there are more than she can bear. She is now staying at our house in the city, very happy to receive women there while we are away. The circumstances under which she left home this last time were very unhappy ones, and give one a glimpse of the wretchedness and immorality of a heathen home, even among the upper classes. As far as we can find out our friend was not to blame, except that she may have been injudicious in her way of reprov­

ing sin. She is sorely tried, more so perhaps than some of us can possibly realize; we, as those who watch for her soul as they that must give account, ask again that you will help together by prayer that this child of G o d may be one of those who overcome, and her life be greatly to the glory of G od in this her native land.

F rom M iss W h it c h u r c h .Hiao-i.— On May n th we had the unexpected pleasure of a

visit from Mr. and Mrs. Key with their little son, who remained with us till the 30th, Mr. Key during that time paying a visit to Yung-ning. Perhaps you will have heard ere this, that on May 29th we had the joy of seeing five men and four women confess C h r is t by baptism. The whole day was a bright, happy one ; most of the Christians from the villages were with us, and we fully realised that the L o rd was in our midst. For the last three weeks we had our dear Ta-ning sisters with us ; you will be glad to hear that they are looking very well, and are very happy in the L o r d .

We are still in the city, but when Pastor Chu arrives we are expecting to go to Tao-shang, and stay with a dear old Mrs. Li for a little while. Her house is beautifully clean, and in a lovely situation, and Miss Seed will then get the rest and quiet that she is needing. About a month ago we fear that she had a slight sun-stroke through standing a moment or two in the yard with her head uncovered, but she is almost well again now, and we are believing that she will very soon be fully restored.

F rom M r . R u s s e l l .P'ing-yang Fu, June 8th.— To-morrow being the Sunday

in which the L o r d ’s Supper is observed in K ’uh-wu, I set off this morning to walk the distance, 120 li. After I had gone twenty li my feet begain to pain, and I feared that I should not get to my destination; however just then I came up to a small cart without any occupant; the driver offered me the use of the cart all the way for 100 cash. I am sure it was of the L o r d ’s ordering. I arrived at dark and found all well.

June gtk.— We had not a large congregation, most of the enquirers being engaged in reaping; still the L o rd was graciously present, more especially during the afternoon when we partook of the L o rd ’s Supper. One dear fellow was con­victed of sin and dared not communicate. The L o r d bless him. This is not often seen.

June 10th.— After breakfast this morning I started for Kiang- chau ; I walked the 60 li without feeling at all tired, and it was just as well, as there was no conveyance of any kind to be had. Found Mr. Chen alone ; he seemed very bright and happy. There are still a few coming regularly to worship on Sundays. During the afternoon we settled several important matters.

June n th .— Spent the day with Mr. Chen and the visitors who came. We had a long time over the Word of G od ; his in­sight into it is great. The Lo rd keep him near Himself.

Sunday, June 16th.— To-day I was able to goto Si-mi-ts’uen and much enjoyed the delicious walk. Most people were busy either reaping or threshing, not many came to worship. Would that every member and enquirer would keep the Sabbath day holy. But worse, there are those among them who have planted the pappy ; this year the crop is a failure, praise G od .

F rom M r . St a n l e y Sm it h .Lu-ch'eng Hien, May 31st.— I have with me now five men ; I

consider them good material to work on. I hope to have them with me for some time learning the following important doctrines —sin, repentance, justification by faith, sanctification by faith, besides giving them exercise in the way of outdoor preaching.

In these parts they say that nine out of every ten smoke opium, and almost as many women. A week ago I went with two or three men to a large market; in the course of preaching, one of the speakers referred to heaven-sent calamities as proofs of the power of G od to punish. In enumerating different kinds, he mentioned rebellions, inundations, droughts, and fire. In comparing the different calamities, he maintained that opium was far the worst. “ See,” said he, “ when the rebel armies come they cut you down and you are dead, the waters engulph you and you are drowned, but this opium you buy with your own money, you dispose of your household effects, wife, children, all are sold to buy this calamity, and then dying you cannot die, and living you cannot live.” Since we came here six families have put away their idols.

CHINA’S MILLIONS. 169

F rom M r s. S im pson .

Hwuy-luk Hien, June 25th,— When out I have been invited into many houses, and have gone into some, but there are many which I have been unable as yet to visit. The weather is so hot that I can only go out for two hours or so before dark. Mr. Simpson and I have been all about the city, though very few of the women know any mandarin, and I am afraid it will be some time before I understand them, or they me, without some native to help. Many promise to come and see me, but very few have done so. We must carry the Gospel to them if they will not come for it. Some friends of our teacher’s living ten li in the country sent their cart to take me there and bring me back again ; I enjoyed my visit, did my best to make them understand, and left a few books.

I have been invited several times to one of the ya-mens, and the mandarin has been here several times; his wife and two daugh­ters seem very intelligent, but they are Mohammedans, and find it hard to believe that there is so much difference between us.

Our teacher, who is a man of very good position, makes no secret to us of being a believer, and he reads and prays at home, but as yet he is afraid to confess C h r is t , because, he says, he is sure his family would turn him o ff; they have already told him so. H e knows a great deal of the Gospel, and sometimes when reading stops and says, “ Surely that applies to him.” Is not that b:cause G o d ’s own Word is sharper than any two-edged sword ? Will you join us in prayer that G od will either make the way easy for him, or give him courage to come out boldly for C h r ist ?

H f l- n a nF rom M r. Sh e a r e r .

Chan-k:a-k'eo, May 2nd.— One of the deacons, Mr. Li, was telling Mr. Johnston of a very narrow escape he had in crossing the river yesterday. He was in one of the small ferry-boats, when suddenly a large sailing-toat was seen bearing right down upon them. They seemed to be in such imminent danger, that the passengers in the ferry-boat were pale with terror, and (he people on the banks were breathlessly watching and expecting to see the small boat go down. L i himself, standing up in the boat, earnestly breathed a few words of prayer to G od to save them, and suddenly a gust of wind, just in the nick of time, blew the large sailing-boat over on her side, and enabled them to turn so sharply that they just cleared the small boat, but only by about a finger’s breadth. The natives in the ferry-boat evidently recognised a miraculous intervention to save their lives, and one of them expressed the strange feeling in their hearts by asking why it could be that Heaven had interfered when there was no one of consequence on board. This was a splendid opportunity for old Mr. L i, with his heart full as it was at the time, and he seized it in his simple way, and, as he told us, said, “ No one of consequence on board ! Do you know whose books these are ? ” pointing to a bag full of books and tracts that he was carrying over his shoulder. “ These are G o d ’s books, that I am taking to the relief centre, and I am going to preach the Gospel to the people.” He meant that he was G o d ’s servant, and that G od had interposed to save him and them from what seemed certain death. Then he preached to those in the boat, as he is always so ready to do whenever he can get an opportunity. Thank G od for such a man among the natives ; he is a very humble and simple-minded man.

F rom M r . C o u l t h a r d .

Chau-kia-k'eo, June 20th. — The L ord recently gave our brethren upon the north side of the river a very gracious de­liverance ; a terrible fire broke out utterly destroying thirty streets, small and large, and burning out of house and home 3,000 families. Four temples were reduced to ruin (two of them belonging to the gods of fire ! and war) and two ya-mens. Only three main streets are now left in the north quarter of the city, the flood having previously destroyed a large number. Our oldest church member and the first to be received was burnt out, though he managed to save something, since his business is that of making and selling water pipes, and brass can stand the fire, A professing Christian whose baptism has been twice de­ferred has lost everything; he was a tobacconist The scene of

desolation is most sad to contemplate. May our God greatly use these calamities by water and by fire to lead the people to Himself. I have good times of preaching just now, the disaster being fresh in the minds of the people they listen with rapt at­tention to my appeals for a change of life, and to my exposition of the folly of continuing in that which is false.

Last Sunday three were baptised here.

S t - d j ’u m Ip r tffH tta .F rom D r . P r u e n .

Chen-tu, July Ist.— Old Mr. Yeh, the ex-schoolmaster at this end of the town, is hoping to be baptized this evening. Yester­day, as it was not known whether I could get back from the hills in time, our cook had prepared to conduct the Sunday service, and I was very glad for him to do it. Two years ago he could not read the gospels, but to-day he had written out in fairly good characters, “ G od so loved the world,” etc , and pasted it above the preacher’s seat. At the usual time he commenced the ser­vice ; his wife, formerly one of my wife’s pupils, led the singing. Then our old gatekeeper, formerly a ballad singer, but now a devout student of the .Bible, who was baptized by Dr. Parry two years ago, came forward and read from the Old Testament the description of the flood. Mr. Loh, the Christian carpenter, led us in prayer, and afterwards the cook preached and engaged in prayer, praying for the Emperor and all mandarins. On the men’s side we were fairly full. It was a blessed sight to behold this public service conducted by native Christians only, within two years of our entering this house, where the Name of JESUS had never before been sounded

Of the medical work for the past half year I enclose a report.F rom M r . M c Mu l l a n .

Sui fu , June 22ttd. - The L o rd helped us in the triennial examinations, and although the students have gone back to their homes without any ot their number professing conversion, we believe that, ihe seed sown will bring forth fruit. Except the two country inquirers all the others have scattered. We learn that the characters of most of them were very doubtful, and impure motives appeared in almost every case. I believe the field is now somewhat cleared for more effective work. We still keep the bookshop open, though there are but few books sold ; we have a feeling of satisfaction in knowing that no one need go away without hearing the truth if they have a desire to do so. A system of regular visitation has been commenced in the city ; we are going through it district ly district, leaving a tract, speaking a few words, and giving an invitation to come and hear further. I have not had one real rebuff.

A short time ago a large portion of Lu-chau was burned down ; considerable excitement has been the result, which has extended to this place. Several tracts have been issued by the natives, stating that G o d , the heavenly ruler, has sent this calamity on account of the people’s sins, and exhorting them to reform. I am preparing a large sheet tract, and hope to get 7,000 or 8,000 printed and scattered and pasted up in one day, so that the people may be arrested.

Brother Wellwood has had two journeys in this district; he hopes to spend about a fourth of his time in itinerating. I hope when the district is somewhat surveyed that definite places may be visited at regular intervals. Until some help comes I am afraid I shall be able to do but little country work. Please pray that the L ord will guide and help about a Sunday-school.

F rom M r . W ellw ood .

Suifu, July <)th.— Mr. Faers is here at present; he returns to-morrow ; he is not very strong, but is much improved by his visit. Since last writing I have been away again on a short journey ; this time I went to P’ing-shan Hien, calling at all the villages on the way. At the first the people were very nice, and most willing to hear the Gospel. They found me an open space, and some of the most earnest kept the others quiet. It is not too much to expect souls in that place. At the next place the people were rather suspicious, but they listened and bought books freely; it was the same at Lo-tong and P’ing-shan. It was a great delight to preach to these poor people, all eager to listen, and some asking questions about this doctrine. This district is worth working prayerfully, earnestly, and systematic­ally. Could two more brethren be sent, and all of us be filled with

CH INA'S M ILLIO NS.

the H o ly S p ir it , there might be a shaking. Through G o d ’s grace I can preach His Gospel so as to be understood. I am behind many of the brethren, I know, but thank G o d the lan­guage is falling before me every day. I have very much to thank G o d for since coming to this land.

F rom M iss H o o k .Chung'k'ing, July 2nd,— About a fortnight ago I spent a few

days at a place on the Kiang-peh side of the river, from whence we have had four women to break off opium-smoking. Since my return Miss Ramsay has paid another visit to Han-ku-chang. Last Sunday we had the joy of seeing some more natives confess­ing their faith in C h r ist by baptism— six men and three women.

F r om M iss M. B l a c k .Fan-ch'eng, July 12th.— la m thankful to say that, notwith­

standing the great heat, we have managed, by going out at sixa.m., and again at five p.m , to spend about five hours daily in outdoor work. Our audience sometimes consists of two or three, sometimes of forty or fifty. The joy of sowing the good seed can, I think, only be exceeded by the joy of reaping. This joy, too, will doubtless one day be ours if we faint not.

(gan-jjimtg fjrafrm«.F rom M r . E y r e s .

Ning-kwoh Fu, July 2$th.— We have to thank the L o rd for the rare health which all of us, including Messrs. Souter and Meikle, are enjoying during this trying season. Our Canadian brethren gave us a great and enjoyable surprise ; they have been with us about six weeks, and appear to find the experience they are gaining very helpful. They are very happy and exceedingly ready to accompany us to our open-air meetings, where they have already spoken a few words for the M a s t e r .

JJrobmcje.F rom M r . W in d s o r .

Kwei- yang, July 6th.— The work is going along fairly well here, but I earnestly long to see the Christians lead less fluc­tuating lives than they do. At one time one is greatly encouraged at their apparently bright, aggressive lives, and delights to report of them, to stimulate others ; but a dead cold life so often follows that one is sometimes tempted to lose heart, to wish he had remained dumb as to praising them to others, and almost to wonder if some are really converted.

F rom M r. S. R. C l a r k e .Kwei-yang, June.— I wrote a few days ago announcing our

safe arrival here; now we are about settled down and beginning to know the names and the faces of the converts. They seem earnest warm-hearted people. The meetings on Sunday are well attended, and every evening we have outsiders in to the evange­listic services; during the day, too, we have a good many people in the shop to listen and talk about the Gospel.

F rom M iss R eb e c c a M cK e n z ie.

Ho-k'eo, June 19th.— It is a great joy and privilege to live among these people; knowing, loviDg, and praying for those whom Jesus loves. I find such rest and comfort in the thought that over 1,800 years ago the S a v io u r so loved these dear men and women as to choose the way of the cross in order to work out an eternal redemption for them. As I pray for them I dare

not doubt that this great loving H e a r t is the same yesterday and to-day and for ever, and, therefore, as I watch them receiving the truth from the lips of G o d ’s servants, I can with holy bold­ness and full confidence believe that the H o ly S p ir it is con­vincing of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. I realise that the L ord is preparing His own children in H o-k’eo for the reception, not of droppings, but of showers of blessing.

We are very happy and comfortable here with dear Miss Rogers, and are looking forward to the time when we shall be joined by Miss Gibson. On Monday Mr. McCarthy left for Kwei-k’i on his return journey. I am sure his report of the work along the Kwang-sin River will give you great joy.

F rom M iss O r d .Nan-k'ang Fu, June 25th.— On May 27th, I went to Tu-

chang, and spent nine days there. I took the pastor’s wife, the healed opium patient, and one of the native Christians with me. We had a most delightful time, just the L o r d ’s grace all the way j we preached in the city and villages round, several people knelt down and gave themselves to the L o rd ; the captain and two of our boatmen were also converted, and I hear that they are attending Mr. Blandford’s services regularly and are very earnest. The native Christian has had a letter from Tu-chang, asking when we are coming back again. I never realised the L o r d ’s presence so much ; it was just marvellous how He helped me to speak and them to understand. I felt as though not a word were my own, but as if I literally opened my mouth and the L o r d filled it.

Oh. for more workers ! Thousands of people hungering for the Bread of Life, and so willing to hear, and yet so few to te ll! If only Christians at home knew the intense joy of preaching ths Gospel to those who have never heard before, they simply couli not stay at home.

(E Jxelj-km m j J } r 0 b m a t

F rom M rs. G r ie r so n .

Wun-chati, May 31 si.— We are continually seeing souls added to the church, and the members do seem live Christians whose hearts God has touched ; it does one good to see their bright, happy faces, and to hear their glad report of souls so willing to hear the Gospel. They generally go out two and two, and come back with such bright reports. One great cause for thankfulness is the way so many houses are being opened up for Gospel preaching.

A superior-looking young man has lately been coming to break off opium, and to hear the Gospel; we trust he will soon come right out on the L o r d ’s side. He asked one of our Christian women to go and tell his people at home about i t ; Miss Judd and I went with her, and they received us very kindly; we had promised to go to the house of our preacher’s mother, so we left the woman to explain the Gospel further. The preacher’s mother is quite blind, and still worships idols, having long resisted all attempts to induce her to give them up. Lately one of her daughters died suddenly, her husband is an opium-smoker; at the funeral priests, musicians, etc., were called in, much to the grief of the preacher, but he said that, it being his mother’s act, he could not help it. Special prayer has been called forth on her behalf, and now she has consented to have Gospel-meetiDgs in her house, which is an inn. She was pleased for us to visit her, and in the evening my husband and some of the Christians went, and a large number gathered to worship and listened most attentively. We ask earnest prayer that this poor blind woman, and the preacher’s wife too, may soon accept the Gospel. He is a good, earnest, faithful worker, and we should rejoice to see him have this joy. We have received so many precious answers to prayer, that we are believing that this will be answered too.

|)r0paseìr g ep rtuM ficrr Cljma.On Oct. 17th, per P. and O. s.s. Chu-san, Misses E. M. S. A n d e r s o n , E. C. C l a r e , F. E. D o g g e t t , A l ic e G il l h a m ,

H. M. K o l k e n b b c k , and I. A . Y o u n g .On Oct. 31st, per P. and O. s.s. Valetta, Messrs. H . A . C. A l l e n , H . J. A l t y , J o h n A n d erso n , F r an c is D ic k ie ,

A d a m G r a in g e r , J. C. H a l l , and Jam es S t a r k .On Nov. 14th, per-P. and O. s.s. Nepaul, Mr. and Mrs. G eo . N ic o l l , returning, Misses L o u isa C a r l y l f , L y d ia C o w l e y ,

A. M. E sam, M. A. L a n e , and E liza R a m s a y .

V ol. X IV., No. 12.] DECEMBER, 1889. P o st free Cents per A n n u m .

CONTENTS.

TO E V E R Y C R E A T U R E —

B y Rev. J . Hudson Taylor.

B A P T IS M S A T H A N -C H U N G —

From R ev. G . F . Easton.

T H E W O R K O F G O D I N H IA O -I—

From M iss W hitchurch.

IN D E X F O R T H E Y E A R .

IL L U S T R A T IO N — A Chinese Village.-

P E R S E C U T IO N O F A F IR S 7 C O N V E R T —

From M r. Drysdale.■■■ u •" 1 ____

F O R T H E YO U N G —

Letter from M iss Johnson.

IL L U S T R A T IO N S—

Children's Upper Dress and H air.

" Pure-scent" Learning to Read.

N Y Ü O H -T SI, A B IB L E -W O M A N —

From M iss Carpenter.

B R I E F E X T R A C T S .

P R O B A B L E D E P A R T U R E S F O X C H IN A .

i '- ‘ W ILLARD TRACT REPOSITORY, YOUNG STREET, TORONTO, CANADA.

gu itta gírtCanó f is s io n .D irectors / J* HuDS0N Taylor, 8, Pyrland Road, London, N.

\ T h eo d o rs: H o w a rd , Westleigh, Bickley, Kent.B . B r o o m h a ll, Secretary. | C h a r le s T . F is h e , Assistant Secretary.

Offi-ce o f Mission 4, P y r la n d R o a d , M ild m a y , L o n d o n , N .

DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING OCTOBER, 1889.

Dct. No. oí Ree. £ t. d. Get. No. of Ree s. d. Oct. No. of Ree. £ s. d. Oct. No. of Ree. £ s. d. Oct. No. of Ree. £ s. d.i. 7 111 ....... 0 10 0 5. 7180 .. I 0 0 14. 7249 ....... I I O 18. Tun. Wells 0 2 0 25 . 7386 ....... 12 0 0

7112 ....... 3 10 O 7181 O 10 0 7250 i O O 7318 ....... 100 0 0 7387 ....... 3 3 67113 ....... i 0 O 7182 .«• O 5 3 7251 ...... 0 4 O 7319 ..... 10 10 0 7388 0 07114 ....... 0 10 O sales 01

Jewellery*7. ...

- 8 0 i 7252 0 I 0 7320 ..... 10 10 0 7389 0 07115 ....... 25 n 0 ?n n n 7253 0 5 O 19. 732I ..... 0 2 3 7390 0 0Cheltenham 3 0 0

71857186718771887189719071917192

719371947195

8.7196 7197

0 TO fi 7254 ...... 0 12 O 7322 ..... 0 19 0 7391 I 07117 ....... 0 10 0 ?, 6 n 7255 i 0 O 7323 ..... 10 0 0 7392 5 07118 ....... I 0 0

37!

n 0 725t» i 0 O 7324 ...... 0 10 0 7393 0 07” 9 ....... 0 15 b n n

7257 b 12 7 7325 ..... i 0 0 7394 0 07120 ....... 0 b 3 7 n n 725¿> 0 i 0 7326 ..... 12 10 0 7395 ....... 50 0 07x21 ....... 0 10 0 n 71 6 7259 ...... 5 0 0 7327 ..... 0 7 b 2b. 739Ò ....... 0 10 07122 ....... 2 0 0 T 0 7

n

7260 i 0 0 7328 ..... 10 0 0 7397 ....... i 0 07123^ g j 0 10 0 5 0 7261 1 10 9 21. 7329 ..... 0 10 0 7398 2 671241 a s I 0 0 3 n n 7262 4 2 2 733O ..... i i 0 7399 . . . . . i 0 0

71*5 M g 7126 J ü <3

0 2 b 0 T n IS 7203 I 0 0 733I ..... 2 2 0 74=o ....... 9 0 0

5 0 0 0 q 6 7204 I 0 0 7332 ....~ 0 i 0 7401 0 0

2 .712 7 ....... 6 0 0 50

0 0 7265 0 3 3 7333 ..... 20 0 0 7402 i 0

7 1 2 8 ....... 0 10 0 50

0 7266 »•* • • . i 0 0 7334 ..... 0 8 0 7403 ....... 5 0 0

7 1 2 9 ....... 2 0 0 7198 i 0 7207 i 10 0 7335 ...... i 0 0 7404 ....... 5 0 0

7 1 3 0 ....... 0 12 0 71997200

0 8 0 7268 0 13 0 7336 ...... 4 10 028.

7405 10 0

7131 ....... i 0 0 52

0 0 72b9 i 0 0 7337 ..... i 0 0 740b 5 0

7 1 3 2 ....... 2 0 0 72017202

?, 6 7270 0 10 0 7338 ..... 1 0 0 7407 10 0

7 1 3 3 ....... 0 5 0 i 0 0 7271 2 0 0 7339 ..... 0 10 0 7408 0 0

7 1 3 4 ....... i 0 0 7203 0 5i

0 7272 1 0 0 7340 ..... 0 10 0 7409 0 0

7 1 3 S ....... i 0 0 7204 0 4 7273 1 0 0 7341 ..... 0 10 0 7410 0 0

7 1 3 6 ....... 0 2 6 9.7205 0 0 7274 2 10 0 7342 ..... 0 10 0 29. 7411 ....... i 0 0

7 1 3 7 ....... 5 0 0 7206 r T 3 727 b . . . . . 20 0 0 7343 ..... 40 0 0 7412 ___ 1 0 0

7 1 3 8 ....... 3 8 6 7207 0 6 727b b 0 c 7344 ..... 5 0 0 7413 ....... 0 10 0

7 1 3 9 ....... 0 10 0 7208 0 50

0 7277 1 0 0 22. 7345 ..... 5 0 0 7414 ....... 0 4 0

7 1 4 0 ....... 2 0 Q 72097210

i 0 727b 0 15 0 7346 ..... 3 0 0 7415 10 0

7141 ....... 13 13 9 0 10 0 7279 3 0 4 7347 b 10 0 741b 0 0

3.7142 — I 0 0 72 11 0 e, 0 7280 i 2 0 7348 ..... I 5 0 7417 10 0

7143 — 2 0 0 7212 0 8 0 7281 2 0 0 7349 ..... 2 0 0 7418 ....... i 0 0

7 1 4 4 ....... 0 6 0 7213

721472157216

î i 4 7282 0 b 0 735° ..... 0 5 0 7419 . . . . . 0 10 0

7145 F. M . i 0 0 0 T<1 6 7283 ...... 5 0 0 7351 ..... 0 10 b 7420 ....... 30 0 0

7146 ....... 0 i 3 i 0 0 7284 0 0 7352 ..... 0 10 0 7421 0 0

7147 ------ 0 4 0 i I 0 72^5 0 10 b 7353 S.D 0 i 0 7422 ....... 15 15 0

7148 ....... 0 5 072177218

72197220

i O 0 lb. 720b . . . . . i 0 0 7354 10 0 0 7423 ....... 50 0 0

7149 ....... 0 2 6 n n 7207 ....... i 0 0 7355 ..... 2 0 0 7424 0 0

71S0 ....... i 0 0 40 0 0Brompton Kd. i 0 0 7356 ..... 2 2 0 7425 I 0

7151 ...... I I 0 7,0 0 0 72°9 ....... b 0 0 7357 I 4 0 742b 10 b

7IS2 ....... 3 0 0 IO. 7221 0 6 6 7290 0 10 0 7358 ..... IOO 0 0 7427 0 0

7153 ....... 0 5 0 7222 0 15 0 7291 1 15 0 23- 7359 ..... 2b 15 0 7428 0 0

7154 ....... 0 4 S 722372247225

3 n 0 Readers of 1123 II

7360 ..... 24 0 0 7429 ....... 5 0 0

7*55 ....... 0 10 6 16 10 8 The Christian J 7361 ..... I 0 0 7430 ....... 5 0 0

7 1 5 6 ------ i 0 0 10 10 0 7293 32 10 0 7362 ..... 32 5 0 Sympathiser 0 2 b

7157 ....... 0 ie 0 7226 i 0 0 17. 7294 ...... 1 0 0 7363 ...... 0 5 0 7432 . . . . . i O 07Ic8FarthingSQ 2 3 7227 i 0 6 7295 0 5 0 7364 5 0 0 30. 7433 ....... 0 5 0

7159 ....... 0 10 0 II. 7228 32 5 0 729b 5 0 0 7365 ..... o 5 0 7434 10 0

7160 ....... i 0 0 72297230

I î 0 7297 2 0 0 7366 ..... u 10 0 7435 ...... 0 10 0

7161 . . . . . 0 7 6 ?. 0 0 7298 Bath 1 0 0 7307 ..... o_ 10 b 7430 ___ 0 3 0

7162 ....... 4 2 3 72317232

n 5s

0 7299 0 5 0 7368 ..... I 5 9 31- 7437 ....... i I 0

7163 ....... 0 12 3 I 0 7300 .. . . . 0 10 0 7369 .~.. b 3 2 7438Reigate 0 10 0

4. 7164 ------ 200 0 0 7233 0 II 8 7301 ...... 0 5 0 7 3 7 0 ------ 2 5 O 7439 ....... 0 10 0

7165 ------ 0 10 0 7234 s 0 0 7302 ...... 0 10 0 24. 7371 ..... i b> O 7440 ....... 87 4 2

7166 ....... 10 0 0 7235 2 10 0 7303 1 10 0 7372 ...... 0 10 0 7441 10 0

7167 ------ 0 10 0 7236 0 10 0 7304 0 10 0 7373 ...... 2 0 O 7442 5 0

7168 « . . . 0 6 b 7237 5 0 018.

730S 0 3 3 7374 ..... 1 0 O 7443 ....... 2 2 0

7169 ....... 3 18 i 7238 0 s 0 730b . . . . . 5 0 0 7375 ..... 0 5 O 7444 0 0

717O ....... 30 0 0 12. 7239 0 0 7307 . . . . . i 0 0 7376 ...... 5 0 O 7445 2 6

7171 ....... 2 10 0 724O 0 5 0 7308 0 10 0 7377 ..... 0 10 O 744b ...... i i 0

7172 ------ I 2 4 724I i 0 0 7309 1 0 0 7378 ..... 0 7 6 7447 ....... 5 0 0

7173 ....... i 0 0 7242 0 10 6 7310 0 8 4 7379 ..... 1 0 0 7448 2 0

7 1 7 4 ------ I 0 0 72437244

n s 0 7311 ___ 1 i 0 7380 ...... 1 0 0 7449 0 0

7175 ....... 0 3 0 19 2 9 7312 ------ 1 0 0 7381 .....7382 ......

7383 .......7384 .....

5 0 0¿ 2,517 0 10

7176 ....... 8 0 0 72457246

14. 7247

0 5 0 7313 20 0 0 55 0 0Brot. ford. 40,783 n 7<0 7

073147315

53

n 0 5Ui

5»7 l 77 .......7 1 7 8 ....... 0 IS I 0 0 . . . . . 0 0

25-

0 0 ¿43.300 12 57 1 7 9 ....... I i 0 7248 0 10 0 73 ib 1 0 0 7385 ..... 2 0 0

* Including Famine and other special Donations.

C h i n a ’s M i l l i o n s .

4% a fe a tu r e .”

E are nearing the close o f another year, and oi an important decade in the history o f Missions. In our own Mission the last ten years have been specially important; at their commencement the pioneering journeys o f Mr. (now Dr.) Cameron and others of our brethren were not yet completed; woman's work in inland China was barely commenced, and not at all in the western provinces; during this period the number of our stations and out- stations has been about doubled, and the number of missionary workers more than trebled, for in the year 1880 we had but ninety-one missionaries including wives, while now it considerably exceeds 300. This decade has witnessed the out-going of the eighty missionaries, whom G o d gave u s in response to our prayers for the seventy, and in the following year of forty

others, among whom were the well-known Cambridge band; many prophesied the early return of the members o f this band, but we are thankful to know that they are all engaged in diligent service in inland China, and that each one has been blessed and made a blessing.

Then we have to praise G o d for the 100 missionaries given us in 18 8 7 , and for the more than fifty who followed them last year, including the first American party. W e rejoice in first fruits gathered in many o f the more recent stations, and that over 1,000 were added to our native churches by baptism during the years 18 8 7 and 1888, with continued additions during the current year. While some converts have undoubtedly been received prematurely, causing subsequent trial and disappointment (a result which the experience of the oldest missionary cannot always avert), a large proportion are showing by the fruit o f the S p i r i t that they have really been born of G o d .

For the eighty little missionary churches now connected with the C.I.M. we give to G o d unfeigned thanks, as also for all those gathered in other districts by His honoured servants, the missionaries of the various European and American societies.

When we turn however from the total number of Protestant communicants— under 40,000— to think o f the population of China the contrast is appalling; double, treble this number to include adherents, and suppose each adherent to be a centre o f light to ten of his countrymen, and you reach but one million of China’s vast population. The M a s t e r ’s words are " to every creature; ” how far we are from fulfilling them! In 1877 the Conference o f Missionaries assembled in Shang-hai appealed to the Christian Church to evangelize China in the present generation, and many hoped it would be accomplished within the present century. More than half the time before the close o f the century has passed, and not one-hundredth part of the people have been reached, yet this generation is the last o f sixty since our S a v i o u r gave the command, which, as Dr. Pierson has well pointed out, has laid the responsibility on the Church o f each successive generation to give the Gospel to each individual living in its own period.

H o w are W E going to treat the L o r d J e s u s C h r i s t in reierence to this command ? Shall we definitely drop the title L o r d as applied to Him, and take the ground that we are quite willing to recognise Him as our S a v io u r J e s u s , so far as the eternal penalty of sin is concerned, but are not

D e cem b er, 1889.

172 C H IN A S M ILLIO NS.

prepared to recognise ourselves as bought with a price, or Him as having any claim to our unquestioning obedience ? Shall we say that we are our own masters, willing to recognise something as His due, who bought us with His blood, provided He do not ask too much; our lives, our loved ones, our possessions are our own, not His ; we will give Him what we think fit, and obey any of His commands that do not demand too great a sacrifice ? To be taken to heaven by J e s u s C h r i s t we are more than willing, but we will not have this Man to reign over us.

The heart of every true Christian will unhesitatingly reject this proposition when so formulated, but have not countless lives in each generation been lived as though it were a proper ground to take ? How few of the L o r d ’s people have recognised the truth that C h r i s t is either L o r d of all, or is not L o r d at all ! If we can judge G o d ’s Word instead of being judged by the W ord; if we can give to G o d as much or as little as we like, then we are lords, and He the indebted one, to be grateful for our dole, obliged by our compliance with His wishes : if on the other hand He is L o r d let us treat Him as such ; “ W hy call ye me L o r d , L o r d , and do not the things which I say ? ” “ I f ye love Me keepMy commandments.” Thank G o d , an increasing number of His children are truly seeking to crown Him L o r d of all, and are searching the Scriptures daily that they may know His will, in order to do it, praying continually, “ Teach me, O L o r d , the way of Thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end."

To all such the M a s t e r ’s command, " To every creature," will come with great power; knowing it to be His will that every living human being shall be evangelized, everything that prayer and effort can do towards its accomplishment will be felt to be a privilege as well as a duty; each will ask him­self, “ What wilt Thou have me to do ? ” W ill not the very youngest believers pray and give, and interest their young companions ? and what mighty power there is in the simple, trustful faith of a little child who believes in J e s u s ! Will not those who are older recognise the probability of their being personally called to missionary labour and make definite preparation for it, that if permitted a share in this holy enterprise they may be the better fitted ? Shall it not become a holy ambition to all who have health and youth to court the M a s t e r ’s approval and tread in His steps, in seeking to save a lost world ? and shall not Christian parents encourage their enthusiasm, feeling that they have nothing too precious for their L o r d who gave Himself for them ?

There is no impossibility in our M a s t e r ’s command. W ere the Government of England to deter­mine on the conquest of a distant land they would think it a small matter to land 10,000 troops in any part of the world’s circumference; and the Church of G o d to-day could easily, within the next five years, effect the evangelization of every one of China’s millions. No very great effort was needed in America to secure the signature of over 3,000 college students to a pledge that if G o d opened the way they would devote themselves to missionary enterprise. W ere the enthusiasm and devotion of all our churches aroused, and not merely that of a few individuals, more than that number of effective workers might easily be found on each side of the Atlantic for China alone. But no such numbers are needed in order that every man, woman, and child in China should hear the Gospel once, at least. If, in addition to the workers now in the field, one thousand whole-hearted evangelists, male and female, were set free and kept free for this special work, they might reach the whole number of China’s millions before the end of the year 1895, and this allowing two years of the five for study of the language and preparation for the work. Estimating the population of China as we do at 250 millions, there will be about 50 millions of families ; if fifty families were reached daily for 1,000 days by each of the 1,000 evangelists, every creature in China could be reached in three years’ time, leaving the evangelists two or three Sundays for rest each month. If it be said that unexpected hindrances would be sure to arise, it should be noted that this calculation takes no account of the help to be given by the 1,000 missionary workers now in China, mainly devoted to pastoral work, to shepherding and feeding the converts; and it takes no account of the help to be given by native Christians, which would of course be immense and invaluable. Shall a work which 1,000 workers might accomplish in three years of steady work, after two years of preparation, be thought of as chimerical, and beyond the resources of the Christian Church ?

But is it reasonable to suppose that a missionary evangelist could reach on an average fifty families a day, and this all over China ? In reply we may draw attention to the fact that a large pro­portion of the Chinese live in courts or quadrangles containing from four to ten families each; were five the average, then to take the Gospel to ten such courts would accomplish the necessary task. And this would not need to be done unaided, for each missionary evangelist would easily secure the com­panionship of one or more native Christians as helpers. There are, it is true, a few (though but a few) parts of China where the people are so hostile that we can scarcely call them now open to this

CHINAS MILLIONS. 173

kind of effort; but it must not be forgotten that the O p e n e r , who still holds the key of David, has given His Word of promise to be with such workers “ all the days." And no such effort could be made without an outpouring of the H o l y S p i r i t on the Church universal, which would include the native Christian Churches of China, and make the tens of thousands of native Christians, apart from the foreigner, a mighty power for the evangelization of their own people. G o d gives his H o l y S p i r i t to them that obey Him.

Even if the Churches were unwilling to take it up, are there not five hundred Christian workers in Europe who might go out at their own charges and do this grand work ? But shall we suppose that the Episcopalians of England, and the Presbyterians of Scotland and Ireland, have not each among them one hundred men and women fit for this glorious enterprise ? that the Methodists of the United Kingdom could not provide another hundred, and that Congregationalist and Baptist Churches could not each supply a similar contingent ? W e may feel well assured that the United States of America and Canada would not be behind, and thus the 1,000 evangelists might easily be forthcoming.

How shall a project like this be translated from proposition into practice ? First, by earnest believing prayer; this was our S a v i o u r ’s plan, and it has been left on record for our guidance : “ The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few ; pray ye therefore the L o r d of the harvest that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.” When we sought for the C.I.M. the seventy and the one hundred in prayer, and accepted them in faith, we received them in due course from His mighty, loving hand.

Then, if there is to be the fullest blessing, there must be the united simultaneous action of the whole body of believers ; it is by “ the effectual working in the measure of every part ” of the members of the whole Body that its growth and building up are to be effected.

T h ird: There must be intelligent co-operation and such division and sub-division of the field that one part have not an undue share of workers while other parts are neglected.

Fourth : There must be Christly giving on the part of individuals and churches of their real treasures to the L o r d for His service; and Christly service by those who go forth in His Name. By Christly giving and service we do not mean that which is done, for C h r i s t ’s sake merely, but that which is done after C h r i s t ’s pattern. His service began with emptying Himself, involved toil and suffering all along the line, and ended only with the perfect accomplishment of the object for which He came into the world.

F ifth : There is no time to lose, for if we commence at once millions of those now living in China will have passed away before the message can reach them.

W il l each o f o u r rea d ers jo in u s in p ra y e r that G o d w ill sen d out 1,000 e v a n g e lis ts fo r C h in a v e r y sp ee d ily , and p e rso n a lly a sk H im the q u e s tio n : “ L o r d , w h a t w ilt T h o u h a v e m e to do ? ” L e t us n ot fo rg e t th a t to p reach th e G o sp e l to e v e ry crea tu re is n ot a m ere hum an p ro ject but a divine com m and.

The question of the real value of such a single proclamation of the Gospel as is here proposed we hope to consider in a future number.

iHptisms at fpim-rfnMg.

F R O M R E V . G. F . E A S T O N .

JU L Y 30th.— On Sunday, the 20th inst., we had the pleasure of baptizing nine persons, five male and four

female ; one o f the former is a boy of thirteen, three of the latter are girls o f fifteen, thirteen, and twelve, two of whom were for some years in the school, while the youngest is still reading. W e hope to have another baptismal service soon, as several who are already ac­cepted were unable to be with us owing to the excessive rains.

W e are having a very trying summer, the country flooded, houses and walls falling on every hand and communication stopped. A t the hospital they feared a flood a month ago, and just now they are under water. W e have got Miss Stedman and the children over to our house, and the rest have taken refuge in the loft.

W e have just buried a dear native Christian woman— the one that we sent to assist Mrs. Cassels as Bible- woman at Pao-ning ; she returned nearly two months ago very ill and very sad, but before passing away we were glad to see her old joy and brightness return. She bore a most satisfactory testimony, and fell asleep per­fectly happy and assured. W e had a public funeral, and it was an impressive time. The L o r d has taken quite a number of our little circle during the last few years, our baptisms scarcely do more than keep up the number; but as we laid her in the little Christian cemetery and counted the twelve graves now there, and remembered many who are buried elsewhere, we took courage, being reassured that our work is not in vain in the L o rd , each precious one now safely gathered being worth years of service.

i74 CHINA’S MILLIONS.

CIj* W o rk 0f r xit ||k 0 -i.

F R O M M I S S W H IT C H U R C H .

'"T H E following extracts from a long diary, every entry in which is deeply interesting, illustrate the p o w e r of G o d among the heathen. In less than a month the diary has the following six records of

the destruction of idols. Shall we not praise the L o r d , and ask for like blessing in all mission stations.

A p r il 0.2nd.— Had the jo y o f smashing and burning idols in two homes.

A p r il 24th.— W ent to the east suburb to take down idols.A p r il 26th.— W ent to Wang-tung, fifteen l i away, with

a man from the Refuge, to see him take down his idols (my fourth visit to that place for the same glorious pur­pose). A s we entered the village, a man met us, who asked, “ H ave you come to smash idols ? ” I had quite a hearty welcome, and the yard was fairly filled while Mr. Lo and I talked to the people. Mr. W ang afterwards brought out his idols and burnt them.

May 11 th.— Lao-li came, bringing a number of valuable idols from a village, the property of a man who had only heard the Gospel from him and another native. W e had a grand smash in the yard that night. [The same day, a woman allowed her idol to be tom down that prayer to the true G od might be offered for her sick husband.]

May 20th.— Had the joy of going to a village, eight l i away, to take down idols ; there were fifteen in a l l ! The son was then breaking off opium in the Refuge, but went with us and helped to smash them, which was not easy, as six were made of iron. Many of the neighbours came to see and hear, and were very friendly; none seemed dis­tressed at seeing the idols destroyed.

PRAYER FOR RAIN ANSWERED.

A p r il 27th was a day that we shall not soon forget. On all hands the people had been asking that we would pray for rain. W e felt the L o r d must be displeased, or He would not have withheld the rain that was so much needed, and that we ought to fast as well as pray at such a time. The Christians quite agreed with us in this ; thirteen met here, two fasted at Shih-tung, and four at Tao-shang.

W hen we met for prayer here, I believe I gave the people a shock when I told them I did not feel sure that the LORD would hear our prayer ; neither Miss Seed nor myself had any assurance, not because we doubted G o d ’s love, but we felt that the Christians were not living up to the light that they had, that they often did what they knew to be wrong, and that therefore our G o d could not be pleased with us. W e studied the W ord together, and read how mighty were Abraham and Elijah in prayer, because they were right with G o d ; how that Joshua and the Israelites were powerless because o f one man's sin. One did plead with the L o r d to deal with each one of us and to put us right, that He might be able to hear and grant our request, that we might not be put to shame be­fore this people, for many in the city as well as in the dif­ferent villages knew that we were fasting and praying for rain that day. Every one prayed aloud and confessed sin (though indefinitely), pleading for forgiveness ; and I believe we were heard and answered, for in the afternoon we could pray no longer and had a praise-meeting in­stead. In the evening one’s heart was at rest, although the sky was very fair and clear.

Sunday, 28th .— The next morning was a time of great conflict and o f great blessing to my soul. I seemed to realize more than ever before the terrible responsibility resting upon me in having to tell out the Gospel tidings

to this p eople; so much depended upon the way in which the message was given them, and one felt so utterly unfit, that for a little while the burden seemed more than one could bear. But He who has said, “ Fear not, I will help thee,” did not fail me then, for while crying to Him to speak one word of comfort to me, I seemed to hear those words distinctly that H e spoke to Moses, “ Now there­fore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” That was all I needed ; such sweet peace and rest came into my heart with those words, and I knew the L o r d helped that day, and that H e always w ill as long as one is simply looking to Him for the mes­sage with a single eye to His glory. It is joy indeed to work for such a loving, faithful M a s t e r .

That Sunday our congregation was very good, and at our afternoon prayer-meeting when I asked for special re­quests, almost with one voice they said, “ W e want rain.” Then, and in a few words, I told the outsiders of the meeting of the day before, and that I knew that if we, His own people, were one and all right with Him that G o d could not fail to give us rain. W e knelt in prayer, many offered audible petitions for this much-needed blessing, and while we were yet pleading the answer came. Drops were falling as we began the second preaching service, and the clouds gathered so quickly that we had to stop the meeting in order to send all the women and children home, and a ll reached their homes without getting wet, except the villagers, who got a soaking, but they were so grateful for the rain that they did not mind that. You can just imagine what a praise-meeting we had that evening, as the rain poured down hour after hour in torrents. I really felt like dancing before the L o r d , as D avid did of old for very joy of heart, but did not dare for fear the people would think I was mad. I had, too, the joy of hearing that G od had heard prayer for a woman whose husband said she was very much better ; and that a sick man had sent word by Lao-li that he was quite well.

The next day, Monday, April 29th, was clear and bright, and I went to three homes in the east suburb. Everybody was speaking of the beautiful rain, and we were proud and happy “ to make our boast in the L o r d .” The day before, several went home before we had the praise-meeting, so, at Miss Seed’s suggestion, Monday afternoon, those of us who had fasted had a simple feast together, and after that a thanksgiving meeting, at which I felt strongly led to put before the Christians that seeing our G o d had graciously saved us from famine and sorrow that it would be well to give proof of our grati­tude by doing all in our power to help those sufiering from want in other provinces. W e felt they responded well to our suggestion, promising that afternoon 1,301 cash for the S h a n -t u n g Famine Fund.

Thursday ¡May 2nd.— A man came all the way from W en - shin to ask for medicine for his sick wife. W e preached Je s u s to him, begging him to take down his idols and trust alone in the S a v io u r , who would prove Himself mighty to save and to h e al; he was very willing to listen and accepted gladly a few books; we are trusting to hear of him again. It is sad to think of that large city without

CH INA'S M ILLIONS.

one w itness for CHRIST in i t I t h as been m nch la id on M iss S eed ’s heart to send som e one there fo r a w e e k or so, and w e are looking to th e L o r d to guide.

RESULT o f h e a r in g t h e g o s p e l o n c e .

Sunday, M ay 5/A.— Congregation very good ; registered eighty-three nam es, besides those outsiders w ho did not rem ain a ll th e time. In the evening I w as tellin g our people about a m an in th e south o f th is province, who had heard th e G ospel once a t T a-n in g, and returned hom e, takin g som e books w ith him. H e had a son w ho sm oked opium. H e told him that J e s u s could save him from his opium ; th e m an believed, and th e LORD did it. W h en M r. Lutley, w ho to ld us th e story, called there, he found a household o f believers. T h e son worked with his father in th e fields b y day, and told M r. Lu tley that w hen th e cravin g cam e on he prayed, w hich , he said, a lw ays “ settled th e m atter." H is father w as teach ing him

B agn all had an interesting conversation with him, and said th at there rea lly appeared to b e a w ork o f the S p i r i t in the m an's heart. H e had written out a state­ment o f w hat he believed to b e th e plan o f salvation bom reading the books h e had b o u g h t M r. B agn all sa id it w as very good.

THE BAPTISMS.

Tuesday, 28/A.— Thirteen candidates w ere examined, o f whom nine were accepted and four w ere desired to w ait a few m onths longer that they m ight have a clearer kn ow ledge o f th e truth. T h o se accep ted were (1) a dear old la d y o f seventy-one, who, without anyone sayin g any­th in g to her about it, ga ve o p cooking a dinner on Sun­day in order not to break the Fourth Com m andm ent. (2 and 3) M r. C h a n g and his wife, tw o monuments o f GOD’S m ercy. F or years he suffered terribly from asthm a ; last July h e cam e to break o ff opium, h avin g taken it for

A CHINESE VILLAGE.

to read, and he could then read thirty hym ns. A little adopted daughter had a lso been taught to pray, and at m eal-tim es sh e repeated such a long grace that sh e had to count on her fingers to kn ow w hen she h a d finished !

a v il l a g e r ’s t e s t im o m y .

W h en I had related this beautiful story one o f the villagers looked up and said, quietly, “ I, too, h ave broken off opium without m edicine.” I asked, 11 D id you pray when th e distress cam e o n ? ” “ N o ," he said, “ I could n ot pray, I only sang.” H e had only been com ing about th e place for two or th ree w eeks ; M r. W an g w ell re­m em bers th e first tim e h e cam e into the ch a p e l A theatre was go ing on not fa r aw ay, and W an g im agined that th e m an had com e to H iao-i to see i t ; bu t h e sat down a n d took up one o f our books to read, and re­m ained th e whole o f th e afternoon thus occupied, and bought som e before leaving.

AN INTERESTING VISITOR.

M ay 26th.— T h e man C h 'an g w ho h a d bought the seven books a t Ren-ko-tung, cam e bringing a letter for us in case w e should not understand his speech, explain­ing th at h e h a d read our books and believed in th e O ne T ru e G o d . F o r years h e had not worshipped idols, kn ow in g th ey w ere false, and had alw ays prayed to “ H e a v e n ” when h e had sickness o r trouble. Mr.

h is disease. L o T a-sao to ld him the G ospel, and he brought h is idols w ith him to be destroyed. H is wife w as very angry a t this, a n d on h is return threatened to kill him and herself too ; for som e tim e sh e led him a sad life, but he stood firm, and G o d changed her h e a r t ; she cam e to th e services, and now w e h ave every reason to hope th at th ey are both saved. (4) A m an nam ed H u, about sixty, w anted to be baptised last year, but could not g ive a very clear reason fo r the hope th at was in him, so was ask ed to wait. H e never will be v ery bright, but we believe h e is in e a rn e st; he has a shop, but has kept the Sabbath from th e first. H e seem ed very glad when accepted this tim e, and spoke very n icely to the man Chang, w ho w as told to w a it (5) H an, a young man about tw enty-five years old, broke o ff opium at the R efuge last N ovem ber, h is old father takin g down his idols at the sam e tim e. F rom that time h is life, as a ll the neighbours know, has been a changed one, having left h is gam bling com panions and becom e a real B ible student ; it has often astonished m e to find how much h e knew . (6) Ren- N eng-tsai had been attending the Sunday services and W ed nesday class regularly for som e m o n th s; h e is about fifty years old, h as a good mem ory, bu t is not very bright. H is wife was one o f those not accepted. (7) L o Ta-sao's m other-in-law was one o f th e accepted, bu t her daughter- in-law says her tongue and tem per are not alw ays good.

176 CHINA'S MILLIONS.

Please pray for her, for we are very fond of her ; she was one of the first who came to us, and has been very faith­ful all along. (8) Ho, a young man about thirty years old ; for more than a year he has kept the Sabbath and studied his Bible well, giving us every reason to hope that he is saved. (9) was our old friend Mrs. W en from Ho-ti,

who has been so much in earnest ever since my first visit to her village last year, when she took down her idols. I should like to ask you to pray for her son, who is still causing her great sorrow ; he has broken off opium twice but is still taking it. Nothing but a new heart through living faith in Jesu s can help him.

lirsMiifartr of % ¿first € a n h t x t in licrriïj (latT-IitettjT.F R O M M R. D R Y S D A L E .

J U N E 14A&.— I feel sure that a little news about the work in Cheng-yang-kwan will interest you, and, I

trust, enable you to pray more definitely for us here.I returned a few days ago from a journey of about two

weeks’ duration. I visited along with Mr. Reid many villages and market-towns, sold portions of Scripture in each, and told many people of the great Friend of sinners who is mighty to save. Many listened with marked attention, and asked questions, while others were quite heedless, or reviled the Name of Jesus.

On Sabbath, the 7th, we had our usual forenoon ser­vice at eleven o’clock, after which we had the unspeak­able joy of receiving our first convert. Mr. Reid baptised him in the presence of a small gathering.

W ang is a young man of only twenty-two years, but appears much older, and has a young wife and little daughter; they live with his foster father and mother, whose ages are seventy and seventy-six respectively. H e is their only support, and earns a livelihood as a travelling draper on a small scale. His own parents live near a city named Ing-chau Fu, distant 160 l i (sixty miles) north-west from this city.

Before he heard the Gospel he was a staunch Moham­medan, as are his foster parents; his ancestors have adhered to the Mohammedan faith for 300 years. H e had come about our place for some months before the light dawned upon him. I remember, on New Y ear’s night (Chinese), when all were enjoying themselves with feasts, idolatry services, etc., to my surprise and joy I found this young man on his knees in our little hall praying to G od to help him to be J esu s’ disciple, to influence the people of the city, and to prosper our work.

H e became earnest in his devotions, and at home, amid the revilings and cursings of his own household, neigh­bours, and former companions with whom he used to drink, gamble, and do all manner of evil, he exhorted, prayed, praised, and read GOD’S Word, that they also might know the way of salvation. Objections were raised to his coming to hear the Gospel, but all objections were in vain. N ight after night, week after week passed, and he was still regular in his attendance. A class for the instruction of inquirers was commenced, when seven (including our brother) gave in their names, desiring bap­tism. W ang soon had a good hold of the fundamental truths of the Scriptures, and by his consistent walk and conversation we had the assurance that he had passed from darkness into the glorious light.

After much prayer, and having put our brother W ang through an examination in the faith, it was decided to ac­cept him for baptism, and the above date was fixed for this most enjoyable service. But now came the fiery trial for the one but newly rescued from sin and the devil. H e joined heartily in our morning service in praising his R ed e em er, after which he publicly confessed faith in C h r is t , his separation from the things of the world, and desire to follow the One to whom he owed so much. W e told him plainly that he would have more persecution after his baptism than he had previous to it. His reply was, “ I do not fear.” Just before leaving his home that

morning he had been treated very badly. His mother, who had hitherto been friendly with him, and sometimes gave heed to what he said, had now become furious. N eigh­bours (all Mohammedans) used every means to rouse her, and in this they succeeded. They knew that an hour or two later he would be denying their religion. They cursed him and spit at him, and said he had apostatized from the true faith, and was no longer fit to, stay or eat food with them. An attempt was made to keep him from coming to service, but the devil was destined to lose, and without a cap or upper garment, with old shoes on his feet, and no socks, he entered our premises looking brighterthan before.

W e had arranged to have the Communion in the after­noon, and as our little company of believers only num­bered seven, it was thought best to make this a private service, when we might have quietness and close fellow­ship with G od . T he devil took advantage of this oppor­tunity of spreading a lie, and one fitted to rouse the Mohammedans to the highest pitch of fury. W e were accused of causing our brother to eat a bowl of pork, which, to the minds of the poor deceived ones of this sect, would be most degrading.

After the Communion Service W ang left for home, and Mr. Brock and myself went to preach in the open air. On the whole the people were attentive. A t our evening ser­vice we had a number of Mohammedans and Buddhists, but W ang was absent.

Monday was, as usual, a busy day, visitors coming and going all day until evening, when word was brought to us that W ang was being beaten by the Mohammedans. A second messenger said that they were waiting to kill him. Our landlord went to the priests to inquire as to the truth of these reports ; they said they were untrue, and expressed their satisfaction with our brother’s faith in C h r is t , but, Had he eaten pork ?

A noisy set o f young men and youths crowded into our hall until it was filled, when the door had to be closed. I had decided to take for my text : “ Y e are my friends if ye do whatsoever 1 command you,” which proved very appropriate, as our congregation was made up of professed worshippers of G o d , who knew nothing more about their religion than that the eating of pork was a great sin. Wang, who was no doubt the object o f their search, was absent, This kept them seated while I spoke to them. Mr. Brock, and our evangelist also, spoke plainly to them, contrasting their doctrine and the glorious Gospel of our L ord Jesus, after which they dispersed quietly.

Tuesday and Wednesday passed without seeing Wang, and as reports about him were numerous, we resolved on the Thursday to send our evangelist to his house to make inquiries, when, to our glad surprise, he found both father and mother much changed in their opinions, and quite favourable, even pleased at the step their son had taken. How this change came about is unknown to us, but his father’s testimony was : “ The doctrine is good. W hat my son should do he does. W hat he should say he says, but what he should not do or say he does not.” H e sent back, saying, “ W e were not to be anxious— that all was well.”

CHINA'S MILLIONS.

¿ o x % goixnjg.A L E T T E R F R O M M I S S J O H N S O N .

( Continued from page 165.7Now it is two o’clock and time or the afternoon class.

Where are the children ? Oh, out in the back garden learning the text for the day. There they all sit, like a large Sunday- school class at home ; the elder ones are teaching the younger ones ; at the head you see a chair placed for me, and one girl has got the roll-call board with pen and ink ready. I read over all the names, marking them as each child answers " Present." Then the repeating begins, each child rising to do so in turn. After each has done this, the lesson for the day is given— generally lasting for about three-quarters of an hour or more. Then I close the class, generally with a hymn. Why do not the children go now? Oh, they are waiting for theii needlework.

friends, and “ talk secrets" a good deal; the former ii one of my six children, the latter is a day-scholai. “ Secure Silver," “ Obtained Grace,” “ Extra Perfume," “ Perfume of Spring," and “ Pure Filial Piety,1' being all about the same age. are great friends. Besides these are “ Double Brilliancy," “ Have Perfume," “ Costly Jewel," etc.

You see they all dress their hair alike. If they are under thirteen years of age the whole head is shaved, except the patch of hair left at the back of the head, which is plaited in a lone tail. After that age their hair is allowed to grow, and is parted over the forehead and brushed straight down behind the eats, tied sccurely at the back of the neck by a red cord wound

I fetch my work-box and distribute the pile of work with needles and cotton. Then they all go round to the front verandah ; one child looks after the roll-board, another collects all the books, and the third collects my books and places them in my room (this is a most coveted honour, and such a rush was always made for them that I had to appoint week about).

Shall we follow the children round to the front and see what they are doing ? There they sit outside the school-room door on the verandah ; they have each a little wooden stool, you see, like those I told you about. Mrs. Ma sits in the middle to help them with their work. She is such a dear Christian woman, beloved by nearly a ll; her little girl is “ Little Pure Scent,” whom you have heard about. The children are sitting quietly at work, so we can have a good look at them and see what they are like. These three .bigger girls are day-scholars only, and are very great friends. Their names are 11 Rare Perfume,” " Honour­able Perfume," and “ Have Gold.” These always sit together. “ Rare Beauty" and “ Delightful Perfume" are also great

tightly round and round, and then plaited in a tail. How black their hair is, and their eyes too ! At home, you know, some little girls have blue eyes and some have brown eyes, and some have brown hair and some golden ; but here hair and eyes are all alike -black. The pictures which make their eyes look like sketch No. 4 are all wrong. I have never seen any Chinese little child look like it, or woman either. Certainly their eyes are longer and more almond-shaped than ours, and smaller, as a rule, but they don't go running up into their foreheads in that funny way. Some little Chinese girls are very pretty indeed, and they all have beautiful teeth— much better than we English have.

But do look at “ Secure Silver I ” did you ever see such a mischievous child in your life ? She is just brim-/«//, never quiet for one minute, and says such droll things I can hardly keep a grave enough face to reprove her, nnd if she sees the comers of my mouth giving way there is an end to order for at least five minutes. Do look at her black hair all rumpled up.

*78 C H IN A S M ILLIO NS.

and the way she looks out at the comers of her eyes, and her month pursed up like a little button— and her nose I Well, there is not much of that to speak of, but what there is, is most expressive. Who always has the most dirty bands, who always has a smudge of ink somewhere on her face, who always has a streak down the front o f her dress where she has spilled her rice, who always tears her frock, who always has a string hanging down ?— Miss “ Secure Silver.” Do you know any one like that,

" ‘ Delightful Perfume,’ it is your week to sweep the school-room how is it you have not done so ? ” “ There, do you hear ? " says “ Have Perfume ; ” “ go and sweep it at once. When it is my week I get up early and do it b«fore breakfast,” and she looks up at thirteen-year-old “ Delightful Perfume ” in a superior way. Some­times I can hardly keep a straight face when she comes to repeat her lessons, and says in a matter-of-fact voice, “ I don't know my lesson one bit, I cannot say one word of it, but nevertheless

"P U R E S C E N T ” LEARNING TO READ.

I wonder ? If there is a wrong way of doing a thing, she is sure to do it—not because it is so much more fun to do it wrong, though.

That girl over there, with her unbound feet planted firmly on the ground, doing her work in a business-like manner, looking at it critically with her head on one side, is “ Have Perfame she is ten years old, and just sets every one to rights; she pats the younger ones on the back and orders them about like a little mother— every thing I order she echoes. “ Yes, ot course, go and do what Cheo-kn-nmng tells you at once." Perhaps I have to say,

here’s the book,” and she puts It down on the table, makes a bow, turns her back, and remains silent. Sometimes when she repeats to me she stops in the middle to say, “ Dear me, what a mistake I am making, it can't be that.” In class she corrects everybody all round till some of the children say, “ Oh, yes 5 you are very quick in telling other people their mistakes, and all the while you cannot repeat the verse yourself," which is very true.

Do you ever hear little girls say, “ I’ll tell mother of you 1" or “ I’ll go and tell nurse wst what you say, and won’t she be

CHINAS MILLIONS. 179

cross ! ” or “ Mother, do speak to Daisy, she’s got my ball and won’t let me have i t ! ” Well, do you know little Chinese chil­dren say just the same things. “ I’lljust go and tell Cheo-ku- niang you tore my copy-book!” or “ Cheo-ku-niang, she’s got my needle and won’t let me have it,” or “ Cheo-ku-niang, do speak to “ Orange Flower,” she’s calling me names.”

Well, now wouldn’t you like to hear about their clothes ? When you look at little Chinese girls, what is the first thing you notice? Why, that they are nearly all dressed in blue ! There are no pretty frocks and pinafores and pink sashes to be seen— no ribbons and ties and gloves—nothing of the kind. Chinese dress is not nearly so complicated— but, dear me I that is a very long word.I ought to have said Chinese dress is much more simple. When I was a little girl I used to have thirteen or fourteen different sorts of things to put on before nurse said I was ready to go to break­fast—how many have you ? Count and see— everything, mind I collars and all. My children have only three or four things to put on— a pair of wide cotton drawers to the ankle; over this comes an upper dress (see sketch No. 5), also of blue cotton, reaching to the knees ; over that another dress exactly the same, only made of better blue cotton ; that is all / On their feet (those who bind them) they wind a strip of calico very tight, so as to keep the poor little deformed foot in the proper place, and put the little shoe over that. Children who do not bind their feet wear cotton stockings— not such as we wear, but cut out of white calico in the shape of the foot. Some of the children wear a sort of sleeveless jacket (see sketch No. 6); these are generally wadded and worn under the upper dress. In the winter the only difference in their appearance is that they are very fat. Why ? Because then all their garments are wadded with cotton wool. As the autumn goes on and winter approaches people grow fatter and fatter and fatter, till really it is such a trouble to move about with the weight of the wadding, that all they can do is to sit down and warm their toes on their fires. Rich people wear fur instead of wadding.

When you go out for a walk you put on your walking things, don’t you ? such as hats and jackets and gloves, and as I write I can just picture the lovely Surrey walks and wish for a pair of wings badly. I expect you know Guildford, Hazlemere, Lynch- mere, and all round the Hoggsback and Red Hill far better than I do. Oh ! the primroses and blue-bells and cowslips, how I remember them, and sigh a little sigh ! and wonder if I shall j

ever smell them again ! But then the children here need teach- ' ing about J e s u s , and if some one does not tell them they will never know or love Him, and if not washed in His precious j

blood when they die they will go to hell instead of heaven ; , wouldn’t that be very sad ? Oh, no I far better I never saw a primrose than that. Well, as I was saying, when you go out for walks, you have first to go and put on “ your things.” Now “ put­ting on my things ” when I was a little girl was always divided in my own mind into three parts. The first part was putting on my boots ; that I did not like ; the middle part was putting on my hat, jacket, and tie ; that I did like ; the third was putting on my gloves, and that I disliked almost as much as the first.

Do you ever lose your gloves and break your laces ? Chinese children never do, because they have none to lose or break, and they are saved all that trouble with hats and jackets, and lace-up boots, because they wear just the same things out of doors as in, so you see there is one advantage in being Chinese ; but then, on the other hand, you have the pleasure of nice walks, and they think that sort of thing a most strange proceeding;

they never go out, except, perhaps, a little way to a neighbour’s house (and that by the shortest cut), or they play in the street just opposite their own doors, but this is only in the case of the poorer classes.

Rich little girls are never seen out of doors at a ll; it would be considered a disgrace. I have been two years in China, and have travelled about two thousand miles inland, and have never seen a child of rich parents but once, and then she was in a house carefully looked after by a woman. My own particular six children are all poor, but even they are never allowed to go on the street except once a week to the service, and then they just go the shortest way there and back.

At home they have a great deal of house-work to do— sweep­ing, dusting, cleaning, washing clothes, cooking, and needle­work ; they lead no idle life, I can tell you! Up at the first streak of dawn, and always in bed directly it grows dark. “ Do they never have any play-time ? ” Oh yes ; they have finished their needlework at six o’clock, then after everything has been corrected and put tidily away, and the day-scholarshave.returned home, we have tea. After that there is a little time for play before bed-time. “ What do they play at ? ” All kinds of games, such as blindman’s buff, battledore and shuttlecock, knuckle­bones, hunt the slipper, etc. “ But are not these English games which you have taught them ? ” No, they are their own games, which are exactly like ours, except that in battledore they use their feet instead of their hands, as we do. Knuckle-bones is played exactly as boys play it at home, only they use stones instead of bones. Hunt the slipper is also just the same. The Chinese, too, have the most beautiful swings, and such kites ! I wish you could see them. Did you ever hear at home of a game called “ mothers and fathers ” ? and another called “ keeping school ” ? Here we have just the same. These Chinese know no end of riddles, both spoken and written, and they have all kinds of puzzles.

They have a funny way of choosing who shall be “ he ” in a game. One of them holds her hand out with the open palm downwards, then all the others stand round with the tip of their first fingers touching her palm ; then, after repeating a few words, she suddenly closes her fingers and tries to catch theirs. Some­times she fails to catch one, then it has to be done again, but if she does manage to imprison one finger, the owner of that finger has to be “ he.”

They very often play at weddings, and dress up as little brides. They rub the whitewash off the walls to make powder for their faces. One day I came into the school-room, and found quite a large piece knocked off the wall, and three fat little children sitting in a row behind one of the tables, their three fat faces having the appearance of clowns ! When they were punished for spoiling the wall, you should have seen the rivers running down from their eyes, and washing their white faces brown ! I could hardly keep grave enough to speak seriously.

But, dear me ! what a long letter I have written ! I am afraid you will be quite tired of reading it. Now I must say good-bye.I need not ask you to pray for “ my little girls,” because I am sure you do. The L o r d is hearing and answering prayer, for “ Honourable Perfume,” “ Have Gold,” “ Orange Flower,” and “ Incomparable Elegance ” are all Christians, besides little “ Pure Scent.” Do not forget to ask the L o r d to send many new children to the school, that they may learn of Him and His great love.

God bless you all, and make you His little lambs.

iJraoJr-isi, aF R O M M IS S C A R P E N T E R .

I AM sure you will be interested to hear a little about my Bible-woman “ Nylioh-tsi.” She has been help­

ing me now for the last five years, so having had her so long, I feel I can write the more freely about her.

She was a vegetarian for about twenty-three years and her mother also. She first heard the Gospel through the partition of her house, and wondered why the neighbours so often used the word “ Yice-su ” [Jesu s]. A t last she went to ask them, and the two

young men who were members oi our church gladly told her the “ old, old story ’’ so new to her; she was deeply convicted of her state as a lost sinner, and after a few months of great sorrow and heart-searching she was able to trust Jesus as her S a v io u r .

She at once asked the L o r d to give her some work to do for Himself, and at the same time to enable her to earn sufficient for her support and that of her mother also. Just at this time Mr. Meadows was looking for a

i8 o CHINAS MILLIONS.

Christian matron for the school, and so dear “ Nyuoh-tsi” came to us ; she helped us in the school work about a year, and a wonderful help she was with the girls. Four of our scholars who confessed C h r is t , and who I have every confidence were truly “ born again,3’ were much helped by h e r ; her Christian life preached the Gospel to them, to say nothing of her loving words and counsel.

She was also the means of leading her mother to JESUS three months after her own conversion.

A t the end of the year it was thought well to make a Bible-woman of her, and since then she has constantly visited from house to house with me. She was used of G o d in leading three dear women to believe in J e s u s as their S a v i o u r ; one of the three was her own sister ; the number looks very small for so long a time spent in visit­

ing, but of course there was much seed-sowing in many other places, which I trust will bring forth the hundred­fold, as Nyuoh-tsi so often prayed it m igh t; she has com­forted many a sad one, and also helped with her own hands many who were sick.

She is always such a rejoicing Christian, that I have often been much helped by her life myself, and she has taught me many useful lessons. Almost her last words to me when leaving China were, “ Be sure and tell all your English friends how much we need them to come to China and preach the G osp el; tell them how much work there is to be done and how few to do it.”

I must say of dear “ Nyuoh-tsi ” she is the most devoted Christian I have met in China, though one of the hum­blest.

IJroJbxm

F rom M r . Pe a t .

Ping-yao, Sunday, June 23rd.— Another busy and happy day for the L ord : was much helped in preaching to-'day from Rom. i. 16.

Kiao-iong, our chapel-keeper, who has been at home at his village for a day or two, returned to-night. He had lost count of the days, and thinking that yesterday was the L o rd ’s day, had been worshipping at home and preaching to the villagers at night. The people in his village are pleased to hear the Gospel, but none have yet decided to destroy their idols. Kiao-iong gives a very good testimony, having experienced much of the goodness of the L o rd in healing not only soul but body.

June 24th.— Mr. Orr-Ewing returned early this morning, bringing solemn news from Hsti-keo, viz., that our landlord who had rented to us our premises, but who latterly bad persecuted us, and wanted to put us out, had died suddenly, having only had three days’ illness. A sudden call, and unprepared ! How solemn and awful! One of the Christians at Ki-hien is passing through much persecution just now, his friends being all against him. The L ord keep him.

Saturday, June 2.9th.— Accompanied by Hsii and some of his fellow-villagers, we safely reached his village, and received a very warm welcome to our dear brother’s home, his family being all delighted to see us. There are quite a number of baptised Christians here, and they have a little place of worship in the home of Deacon Li.

On Monday as Hsu thought it necessary to go south and see Pastor Hsi at his home before returning to P’ing-yao, I deter­mined after much prayer to go with him. We set off early for Hung-t’ing, 30 li distant, where Brother Hoste gave us a very hearty welcome; I enjoyed much the time I had with him ; he has a large district and is kept pretty hard at work. I hope he will soon have a fellow worker. He accompanied us to P ’ing- yang, 60 li further; we found Brother Russell at home, and had a happy evening together.

The following morning Hsii and I set out together for a 40 li walk to Pastor Hsi’s home. We went and returned the same day. I was very pleased with this visit. It is very nice to see the simple unassuming style of the pastor’s home and manner of living. He received and treated us very kindly, and we had Chinese dinner with him. His mother and wife are as fine and intelligent Chinese women as I have met. The pastor was busy making medicine and harvesting.

Sx-tYmn grxrfmta.F r o m D r . C a m e r o n .

Chung-k'ing, July 3rd.— Two young men came down last week from the Yoh-chi district to find out more about the Gospel and also to know positively when we are going back to spend one or more months there. Many want me because of sickness, and others to help them to break off opium, while not a few want to know the truth. What is to be done ? I do not see how I can get away from here for any length of time unless we have more adequate help. I believe some months of the year could be spent very profitably in itinerating in the districts to the north of this. I hope that some day there will be a good work carried on in the Yoh-chi district and that itwillbe’partly self supporting. We need prayer for the place and people. There certainly is a spirit of enquiry abroad, and learned and unlearned, rich and poor are interested. One man returned with us to have hiseyes attended to ; he had been an inquirer for some time and has been baptised, so that now we have two members of the church in that district.

You will be astonished to hear that all mission work has been brought to a sudden stop in the city for the present. I have had at the request of the district magistrate and at the advice of the British Resident to give up preaching and dispensing. Of course we have daily meetings for the Christians still. It is the examination time, and threats have been uttered and placards posted, urging the destruction of the foreigners and their property. The officials are really doing all they can to prevent a riot, but it might break out at any time. All the ladies leave the city early on Friday morning; they are going up the river and may be away for a month. Should there be a riot no mis­take can be made by our M a s t e r . I should feel it most for the work ; it seems promising.

Nine persons were baptised on the 29th of June, which makes twenty-nine during the year. I think it is cause for thank* fulness, but we want a very much greater increase during the year on which we have iust entered.

J u a n g - s w U r t f b m a .F r o m R e v . W. C o o p e r .

Chin-kiang, Aug. 19th.— The buildings inGan-k’ingare nearly finished. We shall be able to accommodate fifty brethren easily this winter. May the L o r d choose and send them forth. We seem to need a hundred more workers more now than we did three years ago! Apart from the increased openings that there are on every hand, it is a question whether another hundred would be sufficient to evangelise the increase of population since that time.

probable g îp r tim s for (Ifjhra.On Nov. 28th, per P. and O. s.s. RohiUa, Mrs. S t o t t returning, accompanied by Misses A n n i e B a r d s l e y , R . G . B r o m a n ,

J e s s i e F. H o s k y n , A. W h i t f o r d , I. A. S m i t h , and E. A . T h i r g o o d .On Dec. 12th, per P. and O. s.s. Khedive, Rev. G e o . and Mrs. H u n t e r , and others.