MAY 1955

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WHEN SAINT CHRYSOSTOM PRAYED.

'Tvvas not enough to kneel in prayer,

And pour his very soul away

In fervent wrestlings, night and day. For those who owned his shepherd care; But faith and works went hand in hand,

As test of each petition made, And saints were helped throughout tlie land

When Saint Chrysostoiii prayed.

Within the closet where he knelt, A l)Ox of Hcthleheni's olive wooti, —

"For Christ," engraved upon it — stood.

And ever as lie daily felt

The pressure of the Church's need, Therein the daily gift was laid;

For word had instant proof of deed When Saint Chrysostom prayed.

Beneath his folded hands he placed Whatever gold was his; and when He travailed for the souls of men

So long by Pagan rites debased,

The more he agonized, the more The burden of his spirit weighed;

And piece by piece went all his store When Saint Chrysostom prayed.

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Oh, golden-mouthed ! Let this thine alms Rouse us to shame, who daily bow- Within our secret places now,

With outstretched, 3-et with empty palms !

We supplicate indeed; but has

Our faith brought answering works to aid?

Have words by deeds been proven, as When Saint Chrysostom prayed?

— Miiygarct J. Preston-

It is with great anxiety and sorrow of heart that we present the record of receipts for the month ending June iSth. As compared with tlie same month last j ear, there is a falhng off of $2,910.38. The decrease between January ist and June iSth in contributions is $4,934.36. There is a sHglit increase in legacies, but they vary so much from month to month tliev do not form a reliable factor in comparison of receipts. If to the amount of decrease we add the amount raised by special efl'ort last year, we shall need at least $13,419.20 over the ordinary receipts for the remaining six months. We do not allow ourselves to think for a moment that the friends of our Board will be willing that our work shall be curtailed to this extent, as it almost certainly will be unless the extra amount mentioned is received before the first of January. We believe the only question is whether all oiu" friends, branch officers, auxiliary officers, mission circle leaders and all our member- ship will luiite with the Board officers in an immediate effort for increase, or whether we shall wait until toward the close of the 3'ear and crowd the effort into six weeks or two months. Is it not wisest and best, is it not imperative, to begin immediately.'

"Discouragement! Destroy that word! Blot it out of the Christian's vocabulary ! With the living God in front of us, behind us, below us, with- in us, above us, where is tlie place for discouragement.'' I do not understand the word. Jesus says, ' Go !' and ' Come I' and no ' ifs,' nor ' huts,' nor 'ups,' nor ' downs' about it." — Rev. G. L. Mackay^ of Pormosa.

When a Moravian pastor was asked how he accounted for the missionary zeal of his cliurch, he quickly replied, "When converts join us we try to make them realize that they arc joining a great missionary society."

The Japanese number among their numerous divinities the "great bright god of Self-restraint," and they worship liim witii appropriate ceremonies upon tlieir new year. A strong iron l)ox every new year is given a con- spicuous place in tiie home. In this each member of the family deposits during tiie year the amoimt saved l)y an act of self-restraint, or economy in a financial transaction. If a gown, usu.iily rc(iuiring nine yards, is cut from

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eight yards, the price of the one yard saved is dropped into the self-restraint box. Or if a common article is chosen when a superior one is desired, the price saved belongs to the same god. Would not a Cliristianized " self- restraint box," well patronized, be an exceedingly valuable addition to the furnishing of every Christian home? — The Missionary Review.

A MISSIONARY gives us this thought in relation to giving in heathen lands : "In a heathen country like China, native Christians often give more than they receive credit for in statistics. When a man becomes a Christian, even if he keeps his place under his heathen employer, through his observance of the Sabbath he must lose one seventh of his income. Of course no heathen is willing to pav for seven days' work when he has only six days of labor ; so that it really means that every native Christian gives one seventh of his income to the Lord."

The meeting of the International Missionary Union at Clifton Springs, June 13-20, was one of the most successful ever held by this organization. One hundred and forty-one missionaries of different denominations were present and the three sessions held daily were of the greatest interest. The Wednesda}' evening session was given to welcomes and "recognitions," by which mutual acquaintance was promoted, the missionaries present men- tioning tlieir names, years of service, fields, and class of work. The Thurs- day morning session was occupied by prayer and conference for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the meeting and in general missionary work. Other topics were experiences and progress in the different countries and such topics as native churches, education in its different departments, missionary policy, and woman's work; a "Home Session" in which there were discussions on "Vacations in the home land," "Proportionate and Systematic Giving," "Appeal for Financial Support," and other similar sub- jects. A session for 3'oung people, another for stereopticon views, and a social reception gave pleasant variety. A consecration session and one to consider "(lie mission command" were occasions long to be remembered.

Miss Annie R. Tavi-or, the intrepid woman who not long ago made a journey through the scaleil country of Thibet, has organized a missionary company of twelve people and they Iiavc recently arrived in India. They expect to remain for a year in Darjceling, a town on tiie frontier of Thibet, within a few days' journey of Thassa, tiic capital, where thev arc to learn the language from Tiiibctan teachers and wait for God's guitlance in entering the country.

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

CHINA.

HEATHEN AND CHRISTIAN. BENEVOLENCE IN CHINA.

BY MRS. HARLAN P. BEACH.

It is not uncommon to hear some zealous Chinese probationer exhort a heathen friend with the words : "You ought to join the Jesus sect. It won't cost you any money for their worship." Poor souls ! It is no wonder that a religion wliich is " without money and without price" appeals to them.

In a heathen home tiie first expense is for the idols tliemselves. The paper gods which are pasted on the gateways into the courts, on the doors of the houses, and over the kitchen fireplace do not cost much. But if there is a little Buddha in a handsome shrine in a corner of the room, and ances- tral tablets to the spirits of the departed, the outlay is considerable.

When the family wish to say their prayers, it must be with burning in- cense. A religious feast comes around, and all night long the air resounds with pounding fireworks and crackling firecrackers. If it is the New Year's feast the booming continues for the greater part of ten nights. The ears of spirits, good and evil, are electrified by this means at an annual expense of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Here on one of tlie business streets is a little shop, which has for sale gayly decorated cakes, piled up into fantastic castles, pyramids, and towers, and trimmed with knots of fringed gold and silver paper. These are some of the ofierings to be left for the gods at tiie temple by the devout worshiper. In another shop are various articles manufactured from j^aper for the same purpose. The most common imitation is of money, some of the copper cash, — big disks with square holes in the center, — and others gold and sihcr paper " shoes," shape in which these metals arc moulded for circula- tion. But the objects of sacrifice are not confined widiin in a few special shops. Flowers, grain, meat, silk, and iade, — .all are given in costl}' ofibring to heaven and earth, sun, moon, and stars, gods and spirits, to be \vaftctl heavenward on wings of fire.

The services of both Buddhist and Taoist priests, not onh' at I'unerals l)ut at stated periods afterward, for readings and prayer, are not among tiic smallest items of expense, nor are the collections, which they solicit in various ways. One form of appeal, which is commonly made for temple repairs, is especially iiard to resist. Among the street noises, some day, will sound the beating of a sharp, metallic gong, and soon a pitiful figure, beating it, comes in sight. It is a mendicant priest, in ragged and soiled garments, carrying on his back a standaid from which float several flags, and, horiible to see, liis clieek pierced with a skewer, which he has vowed

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to wear until tlie sum is raised. The priest photographed here had carried his for a month. So, in great ways and small, their religion makes financial demands of them. It is estimated that if the sum expended were averaged to each person it would be about one third of a cent daily, and that the entire amount for the year would exceed four hundred million dollars.

While the change to another religion strikes them as a relief in point of expense, it is doubtful if, after all, their oflerings are grudgingly made. Certainly the universal and constant daily service is an example to us. Although the first impression of the new convert may be that, henceforth, his religion will cost him nothing, his eyes are soon opened. It is true that he does not any longer need to buy his gods, or to confess sins and ofler thanks with incense and sacrifice. But the calls to serve with his substance Him from whom all that he has came, are not over. Probably the habit of spending mone}' in heathen worship is some help to Christian giving. But the motives are so diflerent in each, that the training in the one hardly answers for the other. There was nothing in the old system to teach them unselfishness. It is the reigning principle of the new one.

Another reason why gifts from native Christians do not swell to larger amounts is because that, as yet, most of the church members are from the poorer classes. Many of them are so very poor, too poor to eat meat, or in the north, even rice; too poor to have fire in their homes except at night; to buy water enough to keep clean ; to have house room enough to live decently. There are so many little mouths to fill, and little backs to cover, and crops so often fail because of floods or drought, — how can the missionary ask of such a people that they carry on the work of the Lord ?

And yet, in just such barren soil has blossomed some of the sweetest flowers of loving sacrifice and self-denial. The average annual contributions of church members throughout China is not discouraging. A careful esti- mate in 1S90 showed it to average one dollar j)er member, which in money value to them would 1)0 ccjual to ten times more. Sixty-eight churches were wholly sclf-supj)orting. In other missions than ours, where self-support has been pushed more aggressively, as in the English Baptist Mission in Shan- tung, for instance, a great deal has been accomplished. Not only are the pastors of chiuxhes supported by the natives, but evangelistic work and common and training schools, as well.

There are a few cases where wealthy Chinese ha\e come into the church, and their liberality has been all that one could wish for. One illustration is Air. Tsang, of Foocliow, whose gift of $10,000 to the Methodist Anglo- Chinese College is well known.

In oiu' own mission, too, the sjiirit of benexolcnce is having a sure growth.

HEATHEX AND CHRISTIAN' BEXE\'OLENXE IX CHINA.

363

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

It was in the famine-stricken district of Shantung that the walls of the Pang- Chiiang Chapel were raised, which generous friends in America brouglit to completion. The report for this year from the bleak region about Kalgan is that the contributions of church members have nearly doubled those of last year. The total amount given is over $40, from men who are supporting themselves and their families on wages of from six to eight cents a da}'.

One of the features of our Sundav morning service at Tung-cho, is tlie thump in the collection box of the string of copper cash ahvavs thrown in by one of our Bible women. She decided early in her Christian life to give one tenth of her meager salary to the Lord, and she has never failed to have it ready. As the years have gone by and little grandchildren have crowded around her door, we have wondered if their needs would not steal away some of that precious reserved cash ; but they never have.

A few years ago the pledge system was introduced into this church. Every member took h(jme a pledge card to think and pray over, and then re- turn to the treasurer with the amoiuit on it he would agree to give. The prom- ises have been well kept, and contributions were increased threefold. Tliis is one of the few churches in the mission which now supports its own pastor.

Last Christmas they had, for them, a unique celebration. There was an unusual amount of destitution in the neighborhood, owing to the summer floods, and on Christmas eve tiie chapel was open for contributions of food, clothing, and fuel for the distressed. Every one of the three hundred and fifty present brought something, even the little children. One little mite raised a general laugh by toddling up the aisle with an immense Chinese cabbage, almost as tall as she, in her arms. The delight in the homely faces was good to see as they looked over their pile of stores, and estimated that forty-five tiao (about eighteen dollars) worth of goods had come in.

Foreign missionary societies among the women and scnoolboys have been in existence for years. The women \vith their funds, which arc doubled by the foreign ladies, are sui)porting a Bible wom.'ui in Ceylon ; and the boys, a schoolboy in Africa. The latter, having no money to give, proposed to go without their vSimdav morning shao phig^ or biscuit, anil contribute the cost of that. This biscuit was all thcv had to eat until after the church service, at twelve, as the first of their two daily meals could not be conveniently pre- pared until after that time. Thev gladh' went iumgry to church for the sake of tiicir missionary contrilnition. In (lie African school the boys were so stimulated by what their Ciiincsc brothers were doing, that they, in turn, took up a scholarship in Turkey. As we have read that in far-away Micro- nesia the students of the training school in Kusaie have sent, from their slen- der resources, $15 for the unfinislied building of Tung-cho College, we have

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thought that the " bread cast upon the waters" had returned to them, though from a different field.

Onl}- one Eye sees all the deprivations and self-denials by which the Chinese church is growing up into habits of systematic benevolence. Its members have not learned their lessons perfectly yet ; but it may be ques- tioned if thcv, and other converts in heathen lands, are not more apt scholars than we. From the east and the west, and the north and the south, shall come those who will go into the kingdom before us. Is it not possible that in the matter of stewardship, when we are all called to give account of it, the smile of commendation shall be first for them.^

INDIA.

CHRISTIAN COMPARED WITH PAGAN GIVING.

MRS. EMMA WILDER GUTTEHSON.

The eternal helpfulness of God our Father is so great a part of our Chris- tian consciousness, that we find it hard to realize that the Hindu mother, as she hurries through the dark and noisome corridors of the temple, with her fear gift in her hand, knows of no sucli spiritual fact. To her, divinity represents something to be afraid of, something to be appeased and kept quiet ; so she brings her gift, great or small, day by day, and especially in times of peril, — perils of cholera, perils of famine, — believing that she has done what she could to ward ofi' all malign influences from herself and hei' household. She is afraid of the evil eye, and is willing to purchase freedom from its influence by some gift. She desires fruitful harvests of rice from the ancestral acres ; for these also the local or family divinity must receive gifts. For some coveted blessing which she thinks the gods only can bestow, she shrinks not from pilgrimages however severe, from fasting and bodily sufler- ing, however diflicult to endure.

In order to pass his examination and distance his competitors, the Ilindu boy will carry gifts to the temple. That the purciiase of a vokc of oxen or a piece of land may be attended with success, offerings are made to the gods.

Selfishness in large measure' may enter into ail these gifts, the object to be attained, whatever its cliaractcr, being largclv for self rather tlian for the community at large. In order to remove tlic guilt of sin, cspcciallv on cer- tain great feast days during the year, these Hindus tlirong to the temples, carrying gifts of money or oil, rice, and fruits.

The place of sacrifice in a certain temple not far from tiic Mi-lur Station ill Southern India, upon certain days runs red with tiie blood of hundreds of sheep and goats brought as a sin-oflxM-ing. The iicad and pelt, and p.ut of

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the body of the victim goes to the priest, the remainder is borne away b}- the person offering it to be feasted upon. Fowls are offered in the same way at wayside shrines. Wreaths of yellow chrysanthemums are hung upon gods and priests. Masses of pure white jessamine, with pomegranates, cocoanuts, bananas, and sugar, are laid before the idols in order that their favor may be secured.

On tlie occasion of the yearly festival in one of the great temples in Southern India, it is said that a huge brazen caldron, with flaring mouth, is placed in the court of the temple, and the faithful are given to understand tliat unless this empty treasury of the temple is made to overflow with coins,, the goddess will visit her wrath upon the people.

It is not at all improbable that some element of sincerity enters into all this offering of gifts in the land of the Vedas. Certainly, one .cannot conceive of the human mind as totally devoid of real earnestness even among the heathen, and the faces of many of the worshipers, especially the women and children, show forth an earnest longing for something higher than themselves. Tlie savage Zulu, sacrificing the fatted ox of his herd and hanging the flesh in the yard in order that the hungry spirits of his departed ancestors may satisfy themselves with good things and leave their earthly representatives to go and come in peace, is agitated by the same fear, as is his more civilized Hindu brother and sister.

Avenues of magnificent banyans, planted for miles around Madura by a heathen queen, anxious thus to win heaven ; free rest houses in city streets, and by the wayside for the travel-worn pilgrims ; booths built of palm branches at the corners of the streets, from which cool water is given to thirsty passers- by, the object of this charity being that some high-caste man, who would not touch the hem of the traveler's garment, may attain heaven by quenching their thirst. Still, a cup of cold water unselfishly given for sweet charity's sake may win heaven for a man who has never heard of Clirist or read a line of the New Testament.

Nearly, if not all, the great temples in India, and many of the smaller ones, are rich in houses, and lands, and jewels, the gifts of the pious ones of their religion through many centuries. The Hindu endowed his temple as tlie college alumnus remembers his Alma Mater. It is possible that the underlying motive in both cases is not always up to the high standard of Christian ethics. There is in the great temjile in Madura a paiuial., or porch, of large dimensions, constructed of rich teak wood, and beautifully carved, said to have cost fifty thousand rupees, the gift of some rich patron of tlie temple. His motive may have been to gain more merit on the credit side of his account witii the Iicavenly bookkeeper. It may have been self

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glorification. It may have been love of power. Who shall fathom man's mind? Human nature is the same the world over.

Self-inflicted pain is another sacrifice by which to merit a blessed here- after free from all pain. We are all familiar with the various forms in which this kind of gifts prevails in India. Learned representatives of the world's great religions come more and more to our Western shores. As they look upon our free kindergartens, our splendidly endowed schools of learning, our free hospitals, our summer homes for the sick and weary, our college settlements, and all the magnificent output of our Christian sympathv and charity, suppose they should ask us what in the last analysis is tlie underly- ing, impelling motive for it all, what answer could we give.''

We do not give from fear of evil, nor to merit heaven. What do we give for, then.-" Is it to set a good example to others.'' Is it an expression of our gratitude to God ? The relief which it gives to our Christian consciousness ? Or do we give as Christ gave to us, for the "joy that was set before him.'"

If we ask ourselves what was the source of Christ's joy in giving, the answer must be, the blessedness of having rendered aid to humanity at the place where humanity was well nigh helpless ; the joy of having made human nature better, purer, redeemed from self by personal sacrifice. If such were the motives of Christ's sacrifice, they must be the true motive of all sacrifice. How, then, shall we enter into this joy of our Lord.'' Are we not sometimes taught to believe that God needs, yes, demands our gifts.'' What need has God that man can supply.? Surely the truth is, that man, poor, naked, blind, wherever found, is the one whose need demands our gifts.

C^uite distinctly there stands out before us one servant who was invited to enter into his joy. He had put out into the world the ten talents given him by his Lord, and gained ten more. Let us give out for humanity all we have, and by the movement of the unfailing usury of God, the capacity for helpfulness which is our divinely given capital, will grow day by day witii us. Humanity is our present representative of God, and human need our opportunity. Our talents, l)c they one or be they ten, arc our power to be applied. Possibly, had tliat otiier servant put out to be used even one tenth of liis one talent, he would not have liad taken away from him even what he had. He would have escaped condemnation by the skin of his teeth as it were.

We Christian American womcMi are the Lord's servants with tiie ten talents, remembering the command of the Lord lo ]nit out all at usury. The Mission School, tiie Hibli- Woman's InstituU-, the Mission Station and Cluirch, tlie dispensary, tlu- licathen homes, await onr ministrations, our money, iniluence, prayers, the outgoing power of om- Christi.in wom.niiiood.

Let us be careful that wc have more to give our Lord at his returning.

'^Tfi give li^bt/ to them that. sit in darRt7ess k-».'7?-

TURKEY. THE WAY THEY GIVE IX HARPOOT.

BY MISS M. L. DANIELS.

Dear Friends of Life and Light : Qiiite often we meet people in Turkey who say, " Please thank the friends in America for their self-sacri- ficing gifts. Oh, how much they have done for our country !"

To-day may I tell you how our dear girls give of their time, strength, and money ?

I remember one summer that two little girls in the preparatory school wished to do something for Jesus. Their homes were in a poor quarter of the city. The streets were narrow and dirty. Many of the houses were small and dilapidated. There were many children who played out in the streets all da}' ; these two missionaries of ours (without any suggestion) started a "summer school." I wish you could have seen the tiny room, which was reached bv a ladder. The apparatus consisted of a few broken pencils, pieces of slates, and leaves fi om hooks. But here, day after da\ , during the summer vacation, those little children gathered in less fortunate children and taught them. Thev gave of their time to Jesus, and to others.

During the first years of mv life in Turkey there was a pupil in college by the name of Badaskhan (Answer). .She was exceedingly dull, and our

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faith was often tried. She never finished her course, as she had not the ability. To-day she is the popular teacher of a school near Harpoot. She has from eighty to one hundred pupils all the time. Her school duties begin almost with the daylight. Large girls and "brides" come to the school during the day for a few lessons. Women who have husbands in far-away America come for her to read letters from the absent ones, and for her to answer them. If a woman has a new dress she must go to Badaskhan to have it fitted. She conducts the weekly prayer meeting for women and children ; she has a class in Sunday school ; she also drills her pupils to recite Bible verses after the lesson on Sunday. What do you suppose she did? She had observed that the mud walls of the college buildings were white; so this industrious child took white earth, prepared it, and with her own hands she whitened the walls of the church in her village. She is a power for good in school and out of it. Badaskhan gives nobly, largely of her time and strength. Her all is on the altar. Truly her reward will be great when the Lord of the Harvest comes.

One da\' a class was reciting in the Primary School. There was one vacant seat, and Miss W^heeler asked, " Whom shall we invite to occupy the place?" One child replied, "We will invite Christ;" and Christ has been invited to remain with the children. A seat, the Christ-seat, has been placed in the corner of the room. To this seat, every morning, the little tots bring nuts, raisins, and peppers from their meager lunch. They are giving to Christ, and whatever is given is sold, and the money used for Chri^5t's work.

On Christian Endeavor Day our Junior society invited the Senior society to meet in the primary room for a prayer meeting. The children, witli the older girls, gave five dollars. That may seem a small sum to you, but to us it is large. Why, a woman will sew or wash all day for twelve or thirteen cents. Many of our boarders come to us with no money; others with two, five, or ten cents, as their allowance for a term of twenty weeks. Of course, some are richer. vSo this five dollars is really a large sum ; and the money was sent to India.

All our girls belong to a missionary society. There is a society for college girls, another for high school girls, one for grammar girls, and another for primary cliildren. A missionary meeting is held in one department every week. The girls bring money, fancy or useful articles. Last year they sent al)()ut thirty dollars to Inanda Seminary. After the cartliquake in Malatia, in i.Sy3, an appeal came to tlie girls for help. They sent about twelve dol- lars, besides clotliing and bedding. These are a few of the ways in which our girls, out of their poverty, with self-denial, give to the Lord and his work.

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How do their fathers give ?

In the Central Harpoot church there is a man by the name of Haratune, Efi'eiuli (Resmrection, Gentleman). This Haratune gives tithes. He calls the tentli the Lord's money, and says he could not use it. After using what he wished of his tentli for cliaritable purposes, five pounds remained. He consulted a missionary as to the disposal of the money. Finally he gave two pounds to our home missionary work in Koordistan, and three poimds to the American Board. This sum, five pounds, equals a month's salarv of a professor in Euphrates College.

There is a village not far from Harpoot in which the people are very poor. Mr. Barton, one Sunday, spoke of the work in Koordistan, but added, " You are poor ; it is all that you can do to support your own work." Deacon Simone rose and said, " We want to share in the blessing, and can- not unless we share in the giving. We will take a contribution." Over three dollars was given. Women even took oft' the silver coins from their headdresses.

An aged saint, Taron, lived in Koordistan. He gave a tenth of ever}'- thing to the Lord. All that he possessed in the world was a small tract of land, which he sold for ten pounds. He carried his one tenth to the pastor, who objected, and said, "You need the money; I will not take it." But Taron said, "You must, or I cannot use the rest." He was one of the most spiritual men in Turkey. Not long after he was taken sick. One day he left his sick bed to talk to a man in the market about his soul's need and danger. While so doing his Master came and he went home. It makes my heart glad and warm to know how these dear friends, out of their poverty, give so largely to the Lord. May our hearts be touched till we give ourselves^ and our all to him and to his work.

THE KINDERGARTEN IN CESAREA.

BY MISS F. E. BURRAGE. Those who have been contributing for the new building for the Cesarea kinder- garten, will be glad of the following description of the house which was purchased in the early spring. She says : —

Thk time for which we had rented our house was drawing to a close. We had been hunting for another house to rent, that we might buy more :it leisure, as we had not found one which entirely suited us. But the houses to rent were either unsuitable or would not be given to a school. Just then the owners of a house which we had been looking at, with the view of purchas- ing, came to tis for our decision, as they were about to sell part of it. We

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were urged bv some of tlie brethren to purchase it, as there was room and material enoiigli to cliange it accoiding to oiu" wishes. The locality was good, and tliere were probabilities of oljtaining the adjoining property. So that house has been puichased for two hiuidred and sixty-five (265) Hras, or thereabouts, and all consider it a great bargain.

The tluee families in it began to look for other homes for themselves, and we had permission to stay in our old house a little longer. This had been sold a few weeks previous. But soon the new owners were pressing us to give them at least one room, so that they might give up their house to the famih' who had bought it, and who were pressing them. We, on the other liand, could not go into our new home, as the former owners had to wait for the houses they had taken to be vacated. It was like a blockade of horse cars in Boston, each one being obliged to wait for the one in front to move f>n.

We finally gave one room, dismissed the school, and two or three days later, as soon as two rooms were given to us, we moved into our new quar- ters. We waited still nearly a week before opening school till two more rooms were given to us. We suffered a good deal of inconvenience from being obliged to move in in this way, and from the weather, which was cold and rainy. But now we have the sun, and we are all so glad to have a home of our own. The house is on the corner of two streets. From the narrow court, which we enter from the street door, we pass into a wider court. From tiiis, on the left, open two rooms which are of good size, with a good many cupboards. The young ladies of the training class occupy' one, and we are impatiently waiting for the other to be vacated. On the right are the stairs to the roof. Half way up the stairs is a large room, open on two sides, such as the natives use for summer rooms. Under this is a room which we use as a schoolroom. This room opens into a court which is three or four steps lower than the one l)eforc mentioned, but connected with it. In this court is the well and a small garden, with a trellis and grapevine. A small kitciien opens into it, and at the end are two large rooms, one back of the other. Tiiese we are using for schoolrooms. The inner room is only lighted from above.

The children are delighted with their new rooms. Tlie two little divisions were both in one room before, and that was dark. Now they each have a separate room, and tiiey all are very happy. One little fellow expressed his pleasure in this way : " I like bread and I like fck-si-tnct (a kind of biscuit) ; but I like our schoolroom much better than that." I h()|)e we shall be able to do mucii more for tlic children than l)efore. \\'e are onl\ making a

few necessary clianges now, and then n ill w.iit till tiie siinnuer \ ac.it ion. If

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PLAN 0|- THE CESAKliA KINDERGARTEN lir 1 1,1)1 N(; .

Notes. — i. All the rooms, with the exception of •' K," are lighted hy windows opening into the court. "E" has windows in the roof. 2. Over it is a large kiosk open on the two court sides. 3. The oiitsi<le broken lines, «, ^/ ", indicate

propertj which we hope to secure in the course of time.

FOR children's MEETINGS.

373

we purchase the adjoining property we can then make more satisfactory arrangements.

I hope the last family will get out this week or next, and then we can finish getting settled. The children will probably come in more after the Easter vacation. Our present number is about seventy-five. The young ladies are making good progress, and we hope to finish our work in five or six weeks.

We thank the dear children very, very much who have been working so busily that these little children may have a pleasant home. May God bless them for this loving service.

FOR CHILDREN'S MEETINGS.— MISSIONARY SHIPS,

BY MRS. JAMES L. HILJ,.

Text. — "And he spake to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him."

(It gives dramatic interest to these exercises if a little paper ship is pinned to the map locating the ship as the description is given.)

PROGRAMME.

1. Praise Service (see Note i).

2. Hible Reading on Ships (Note 2).

3. Hoat Building in Uganda (Note 3).

a. The Daisy (Note 4).

b. The Eleanor, and preparations for the Steam Launch (Note 5).

4. John G. Paton's Boat, The Dayspring (Note 6).

The Wreck (Note 7).

The Second Dayspring (Note 8).

5. Singing.

6. Mr. Stanley's Boat, The Lady Alice (Note 9).

7. The Morning Star (see questions, Note 10).

8. The Sea-faring Bible (Note 11).

9. Tiic Hiram Bingham (Note 12).

10. Tlic Robert W. Logan (Note 13).

11. Remarks by the leader (Note i_)).

12. Singing.

13. Mizpah Benediction, Gen. xxxi. 49.

Note I. "We are out on the ocean sailing." "Jesus, Saviour, pilot me." Note 1. Who, in trying to run away from a missionary duty, entered into a ship going to Tarshisli and paid the fare thereof? Jonah i. 3.

374

LIFE AND LIGHT.

Who came down out of a ship and attempted to walk to Jesus on the water? Matt, xiv. 29. See also John xxi. 1-14; Mark iv. i ; Matt. iv. 21 ; Luke v. i-ii ; Mark iv. :;S. Note 3. Two little essays by boys or girls. Note 4. See "Mackay of Uganda," pages 71-97. Note 5. Ibid, pages 241-251, 302, 307, 391, 395. Note 6. See "Life of John G. Paton," vol. II., pages 2-123. Note 7. Ibid, page 233.

Note 8. Ibid, pages 235-240. This story is also told in a condensed form in the children's edition of John G. Paton's Life, pages 244-254.

Note 9. See Stanley's "Through the Dark Continent," vol. I., pages 4, 60, 83, 85, 147, 156-298; vol. II., 18, 347, etc. (through the Rapids), 379, 400-442, 464. One or two essays. These volumes are in all public libraries.

Note 10. How many missionary ships bearing the name of the Morning Star have been sent out to Micronesia.' (See "Story of the Morning Stars," edition of 1892. price 10 cents, page 93.) Why did the missionaries need the Star.' page 20. To whom was an appeal made to build the vessel.' page 21. From what city did she sail.' page 22. Describe her route to Micronesia, pages 22-33. How many years did this first Morn- ing Star sail before she became so worn that she was sold.' page 75. To what was her name changed.' page 75. When did the second Star set sail.' page 76. What was her end.' 77. When did the third Star sail.' 79. What was her last experience.' pages 91-93. What kind of a vessel is the present Morning Star.' page 95.

Note II. A delightful little story may be written or told about this Bible carried on all the Morning Stars, saved from each wreck. See Mission Dayspr-ing, vol. V., 95.

Note 12. The need and the usefulness of this little vessel, and the fact that the man for whom she is named translated the whole Bible, form interesting suggestions for a brief essay. See leaflet. The Hiram Bingham.

Note 13. It is feared that this vessel is lost, as she has not been heard of for several months, but is interesting to know what she has already done. See Mission Herald, vol. 86, pages 267, 310, 392, 497; vol. 87, pages 311, 354, 369.

Note 14. There are over thirty missionary ships. The first was the Duff, sent out bv the London Missionary Society. While the first sent out from America was the Missionary Packet, sent by the American Board in 1826.

See Children's Work Exercises, No. i, on Missionary Ships. Make as much as possible of our own ships, the Micronesian Navy, the Morning Star, the Robert Logan, and the Hiram Bingham.

PROPORTIONATE GIVING.

BY MRS. C. H. DANIELS.

This subject wlien named seems to cany at once to many minds the thought of a tenth. Let us guard its meaning and keep it wiiere it rigiit- fullv ))elongs, — the expression of a general principle rather than tlie state- ment of a particular rule. Proportionate giving is not the giving of a tenth

PROPOUTIOXATE GIVING.

375

necessarily, nor of anv other established proportion. It is tlie laying aside for sacred uses some jjroportion of the whole amount in hand, before any of that amount is spent. The last clause is important, — before any of that amount is spent. Once we begin to scatter our money it is almost as difficult to keep any back for the " Lord's corner," as it was to recall the contents of Pandora's box when the cover was lifted.

"Proportionate " suggests a simple, common-sense, business principle, the same which governs the business man in his affairs, and the housekeeper in her home. These both know that best results are obtained only when plans are thoughtfully laid and capital carefully apportioned. Proportionate giv- ing for the kingdom of Christ, as well as for business and household, might periiaps have prevailed ere this among the many instead of among the few, had not the Christian church so long divorced business principles from religion. Order, system, and promptness in managing the affairs of a church might through the years have exerted an influence upon the individual pocketbook. Why have we so neglected to plan for the spread of the gos- pel, when we acknowledge its paramount importance over all other concerns.' We have been slow to grasp, and then hold in realizing sense, the fact that our religion, though spiritual, must be advanced by the use of material means. It will not soar upon wings of prayer, and settle down upon Iieathen lands, to brood over them imtil every soul becomes permeated. It will siu ely wait to be harnessed with silver and gold, — our " filthy lucre." Here is a union of the high and the low, the pure and the sordid, which must ever be to us on earth one of the mysteries of God's providence. Is money the *' root of all evil .'" It is also a root of every fair gospel flower whicii blooms on heathen soil. Realizing this, even our dimes and coppers take on a double nature. They are in part spiritual.

I wonder if the church would not finally come to the practice of propor- tionate giving even if its reasonableness were not strcngtiicned by Scripture authority.? Turning to the Old Testament we find the Israelites consecrat- ing their first fruits unto the Lord. God thought the tenth was the best for them. \Vc sec Christ approving tiic tithe when he talked with the Pharisee who had tithed mint, anise, and cumin, but had neglected the weightier mat- ters of law, mercy, judgment, and peace. "These things ought \e to have (lone, and not iiave left the otliers undone." If Clnist led Israel out into larger liberty, he smelv did not lead into lawlessness as regards anv (iul\- of the Christian life. V\'e read also the instructions which Paul gives to tlie churches, to lay .aside some proportion regularly for tin- Lord.

This is the princi])li', both sensible and Scriptural, .\ppiviiig it to Cliris- tian women, wi; approacii some of the dee])est .anxieties, the purest ilesires.

376

LIFE AND LIGHT.

the most sacred purposes, of the heart, and should walk softly. The final settlement as to when, how, and how much one can give for the Lord'a cause rests with each, under the Spirit's enlightening, guiding influence.

Three common difficulties ma\' be briefly named, with suggestions con- cerning them, and three results which follow the application of the principle.

First difficulty. — "I have no regular income. My money comes into my hands now and then, in varying sums. How can I have any system about giving with such h regularity

Suggestion : Small amounts may be proportioned as well as large ones. One can lay aside these differing amounts at irregular intervals as well as once a week or month. This persevered in makes a system of itself, if not the most satisfactory, at least as complete as circumstances allow.

Second difficulty. — "My money is passed me for tacitly understood needs, household and personal. Have I any right to take from this and give away.'"

Suggestion : May it not be that a frank, free expression of the desire which this Christian woman feels has never been given? Perhaps if it is understood by those concerned how deep and sincere her feeling is, the way will at once open.

A second suggestion : A worthy helpmeet has a right to believe that she has as truly earned a share of the family income as if she had toiled in the field, the factory, or office. A portion is her own and, other things being equal, she may do with her own as she chooses.

Third difficultv. — "I believe in laying aside a proportion for the Lord, and have tried it, but I am ashamed to confess it was not successful. I could not make the ends meet, and even had to take back some of that consecrated monev. I had supposed the Lord woidd somehow help me to make the rest do, but he didn't."

Suggestions : Perhaps there was poor calculation ; too much impulse in this first underfakiug. Few efforts come out with perfect success in the beginning. It is possible too much was laid aside ; more probable that needs were not considered thoughtfully and pared down. Have we any authority for thinking that nine tenths have as great a purchasing power as ten tenths, that nineteen twentieths will buy just as many aiticlcs, of the same quality, as twenty twentieths.' This is a practical matter, not one in which we may look for miraculous multiplication of dollars. The wa}' of satisfactor}' pro- portionate giving is paved with stones of self-denial, and they will be laid with increasing care and wisdom, as one learns of the Great Teacher. Do not some testify that they are conscious of no self-denial in giving propor- tionately.' If so, it must be because of the gracious ways of our Loril who, for every gift we offer him, lays upon our hearts that "hundredfold" of peace and joy which swallows up any bitterness the sacrifice may have suggested.

AUNT ZANIE'S prayer.

377

There is a wide field for tliought along the line of our needs. Here we may expect an influence to work far superior to our feeble powers, even to the entire removal of certain needs which formerly appeared real. But we approach one of tlie

RESULTS OF PROPORTIONATE GIVING.

Increased ability to plan tlie use of money wiselv : to discriminate between real and appaient needs, to manage affairs in a business-like manner. Love for Christ and joy in giving to him will wonderfully quicken the mind, ^^'e will be alert about expenses for the sake of that precious box in tlie sacred corner. It is well, too, that we have to try, to fail, to try again, to advance step by step, and so climb into the full sweetness of true sacrifice.

A second result is found in the added self-respect and content one feels about giving. When tlie collector of the missionary society calls for an offering, there is real satisfaction in being ready to respond promptly. And words can hardlv express tlie relief experienced by tlie visitor who is so often asked to call at a more convenient season.

A third result. There is more money to give than ever before. Xo mat- ter how small the sums as tliey are laid aside, together they make a surpris- ing amount. A young lady of small income began to lay away a tcntli. She soon remarked that she didn't know where to give so much monev.

When we consider that if all church members gave proportionately, the treasuries of all our benevolent and missionary societies would keep full, tlie heart burns with desire to give and to influence many others to give in tiuest possible proportion.

AUNT ZANIE'S PRAYER.

BY MISS MARY G. BURDETTE.

Did you ever hear of Lucy Henry? We knew of her first as a little girl in one of Miss Jackson's Industrial Schools for colored children in Richmond. Well, Lucy grew to womanhood, with a good education received at Harts- horn Memorial Institute, and a practical knowledge of Christian work, learned as a pupil and helper of Miss Jackson. By and b}- she was cm- ployed by tlic Woman's Baptist Home Mission Society; and shortly after there appeared on the scene Rev. J. J. Coles, a missionary from Africa, and he said : " That's the woman, and that's the work needed in Africa," and ho married Lucy and took her back with him. Nobly tiiey toiled together for the people in the land of their fathers, their hearts burdened with thovastness of the field and the scarcity of laborers. In a few years, in the iirovidence of God, Mrs. Coles returned to the United States to plead for reinforcements.

378

LIKE AND LIGHl .

She went from State to State and from church to church among the colored people of the South, and in course of time she came to Houston, Texas, and in the Shiloh Church told the thrilling story of Africa's need.

" Come in," said Miss Peck, the missionary, in response to a knock at her door the following morning.

The door opened and I'evealed a neat little brown-faced woman, in clean calico gown and long gingham apron, her head wrapped in a plaid cotton bandanna. The face wore a troubled expression so unusual that tlie mission- ary exclaimed : "Why, Aunt Zanie, what's the matter.^ Come in."

" Xo, honey, I hasn't time to come in ; just stopped a minute to ask you to pray to de Lord, dat he show me how to do mo' fo' Africa."

The missionary grasped the situation. Aunt Zanie was poor. On her arm hung the implements by which she earned a living for herself and a little grandchild, — a wooden pail in which she carried scrubbing brush and cloths. She was noted for honesty, thrift, piety, and generosity. Never was a good cause presented and a collection taken but what Aunt Zanie, with quick step and beaming face, was ready with her offering. Everybody who knew her wondered how she could give'so much.

" Oh, Aunt Zanie, don't be troubled ! The dear Lord knows what you can give, and he does not wish you to grieve because you cannot do more. I am sure you give enough."

" Sister Peck, I didn't come dis mo'nin' to have you tell me I do 'nuff'; I jes come to ask you to pray to de Lo'd dat he show me how I can give mo'."

" Well, well. Aunt Zanie, I will ; and if there's any way, I'm sure the Lord will make it plain to you."

The little woman turned, and went on her way to her d;'.ily toil. Several davs passed, and again Aunt Zanie appeared at tlie door of the missionary home, this time with beaming face, to say, " Good mo'nin', Sister Peck. I's come to tell you tlie Lo'd done answer prayer."

" How, Aunt Zanie? "

"Well, Sister Peck, I jest went about all dese days with a heavy heart, a-praying to de Lo'd to show me how to do something mo' fo' Africa. But 'pears like he dunno no wav, fo' not a bit of answer did he give me. But last night I came home from my wo'k, and I jes set my ole bucket on de flo', and I kneeled down bv a clia'r, and I pouied out my heart to de Lo'd, and I said, ' O Lo'd, isn't der no way I can do sometiiin' mo' fo' Africa?' For a long time I prayed, then I stopped, and everything was jest as still I and I heard a voice speak right to my heart, ' Zanie, ciiihl. ]a\ down tiiat pipe:'"

LEAVES FROM OUR BRANCHES.

379

Aunt Zanie had learned to smoke that pipe when she was a little slave girl, lighting the pipe for her mistress, and now she had passed her three- score years, and for a long, long time it had been her one personal in- dulgence, her one luxur\'. Is there anv wonder that the missionary asked,

"Aunt Zanie, do you think you can?"

"If de Lo'd say so?" was tlie wondering response.

"Yes, Aunt Zanie ; if the Lord says so, he will enable you."

Again the blessed little woman was gone, and again days went by, until one morning she came to the missionary, and laying twenty-five cents in her hand, exclaimed joyfully, "Here, Sister Peck, here's Aunt Zanie's first 'bacco money for Africa."

The days have grown into years since we gazed upon that bit of silver in Miss Peck's hand and heard her tell this story, but from then until now, Aunt Zanie's tobacco money has been conscientiously and joyously devoted to the nobler purpose of sending gospel light into dark places.

Reader, do vou hear the repeated calls for help? Are you doing all you can to relieve the needy? Have you a pipe? Some carnal pleasuie? Some citerished indulgence? Can you give it up? and let the Lord use the money it costs ? Will you ?

Do you pray, dare you pray, as did Aunt Zanie, with honest purpose to obey, "Lord, show me how to give more?" Then wait upon him as she did, with strong pleadings for the answer, and "Wiiatsoever he saith unto you, do it."

Wiien Christians thus prav and thus give, then will the treasury #\erflow, sowers and reapers be multiplied, deserts blossom, parched ground become a pool, and thirsty land springs of water. How does the sacrifice compare with tlie bloom? Will you lay down your pipe? — Standard.

LEAVES FROM OUR BRAN'CHES.

Old Colony Branch. — The semiannual meeting was licld in the beautiful town of Norton on June 5th, and was well attended, despite the threatening weatlier. The devotional meeting, preceding the business meeting, was centered upon the theme of tlie building of Solomon's Temple. Reports from the Junior auxiliaries and mission circles are always expected at this time of year, and they were full of hope and promise for the future. It was thouglit they had been greatly helped by those at the rooms in Boston in lay- ing out and planning work. Miss Lamson, of Boston, was present and spoke upon Junior work, beginning with the cradle roll ; and Miss Mattiiews, of Monastir, Turkey, a teaciier with Miss Cole, whose salary this Branch assumes, addressed us, making altogether a day long to be remembered.

A missionary Union has been formed in Brooklyn, New Vork., composed of representatives from the various evangelical denominations, from whom arc chosen a president and vice presidents, one from each denomination in the city ; a secretary and assistant secretary ; a treasurer and assistant treas- urer, also a committee of ten from each denomination to prepare and arrange a programme for each meeting of the Union, each dcuumination in its turn.

380

LIFE AND LIGHT.

— this committee to be under tiie direction of its own denominational vice president.

Meetings were lield weekly in the chapel of tlie Reformed Church on the Heights, Pierrepont Street, at three o'clock in the afternoon. During the summer montiis the meetings are omitted.

Tiie interest sliown in these gathei ings of the Union during the first few weeks, seems to prove that there was a place for such a Union. It aims to increase intelligence, to bind all workers together in mutual understanding and sy mpatii}', to increase united prayer for the evangelization of the world. Con\ ersationals arc introduced in the meetings, and ha\ e been successful, "no one being at a loss for questions."

One of the leaders of this movement, writing of it, says: "The friends gave us a delightful meeting last Friday. I was surprised at the extent of their foreign work. I have not missed a meeting as yet. It seems as if I could not, they are such a delight and of such profit."

Another lady says of the meetings: "They are steadily becoming better known, and next fall I am sure everybody will take hold of them with re- newed intei'est." •

mav hail this movement and bid it Godspeed, since it is one step toward that broad field of service where all Christian workers will stand in loving rank more intelligent, far seeing and active, because of union.

M. I.. D.

The Stiffolk Branch held its fifteenth annual meeting, by invitation of the five Somerville churches, in Franklin Street Church, East Somerville. More than five hundred ladies enjoyed the bountiful hospitality and the rich programme prepared for the dav. The ten reports of the district secre- taries, showing the work done by the fifty-eight auxiliaries, were full of encouragement and valuable suggestions. There are twenty-one young woman's societies, twentv-seven children's societies, and several Cradle Rolls connected with the Branch. The receipts of the year are $15,937.62 ; of this, $1,500 was raised in the young woman's societies. Twenty mission- aries are supported by tiie Branch, besides schools, native teachers, and Bible readers. Touring in Suffolk Branch, as presented by one of the young ladies, was made to seem verv attractive, and the good results were apparent. Five papers were read by voung ladies upon tlie following, topics : "Why am I interested in Foreign Tslissions? " " Lightiiouse Observations," " Social Mission of Girls," "Missions and Temperance," "Tlie Missionary Call." These were ai! helpful and suggestive, showing that tlie young women are preparing in maiiv ways to fill the places of the older ones as they drop out by the way. Missionary addresses were made by Mrs. F. E. Clark, Mrs. C. E. Holbiook, of the Zulu Mission; Miss Mary L. Daniels, of Ilarpoot, Tu rkey.

OUR BOOK TABLE.

lames Gilmojir and his Boys. By Richard Uovett, M.A. This book, i)y the autiior of "James (iilmour of Mongolia: His Letters, Diaries, etc.," is composed principally of letters from Gilmour to his two young

OUR BOOK TARI.E.

381

sons, while they were at school in England. ]Many of the letters are printed and given facsimile. Those who have cliarge of boys' mission circles or mothers who begin at the home fireside to interest their children in missions, will hail this book with special delight.

The Conversion of India. By George Smith, CLE., LL.D. Dr. George .Smith, of Edinbmgli, ^Mission Secretary of tlie Free Church of Scotland, is well known among readers of missionary literature as tlie biog- rapher of Dutr, Wilson, Henry ^lartyn, and other stars of tlie first magni- tude in the spiritual heavens.

He lived for several years in Serampore, near Calcutta, the scene of the labors of Cary, Marshinan, and W'ard. At his house in Edinburgli, in iSSo, it was the writer's privilege to meet, for the first time, Xarayan Sheshadri, whom even Alozoomdar, in liis recent article in T/ie Outlook., speaks well of. Whoever is disturbed by that article of Mozoomdar's in T/ie Outlook should read Bishop Tlioburn's hopeful presentation of mis- sionary progress in India in The Independent for May 24tli.

Dr. Smitli's Conversion of India includes tlie years from A. D. 193-1S93. As a full review of tiiis volune appears in The ^lissionary Herald for Jime, we will simply refer oiu" readers to it as an invaluable addition to the refer- ence liljrary. As The Missionary Herald says, it is " tlie Avoik of an erudite scholar, of a philosophic historian, as well as a devout and evangelical Clu istian." G. 11. c.

The Bishop's Conversion, by Ellen Blackmar Maxwell. Hunt & Eaton, New York, price $1.25.

"The India of one's dreams is a fanciful India, an<l exists only in visions and . poets' fancies," says Mrs. Maxwell early in her book. To those who have seen India only in poetical passages of the "Mahabarata" or the "Light of Asia," Mrs. Maxwell's interior views are disenchanting and somewhat prosaic. Here is a clear, unidealized picture of the evervdav life of the mis- sionary, sometimes in the chincli, sometimes in the pubiisliing house, often in the scliool, oftencr on evangelical tours, but, what is the special charm of the book, oftcnest in tlie liome, \vliosc Christian domestic life sets strangely against tlie background of an Indian ?nena<^e.

Next to these interesting interiors, the interest of the book is sustained by character pictures revealing the Iliiulu mind witli a clearness and fidelity impossible to mere description. The romance of .Sitara is well worth the price of the book ; but this work is not written for its romance or its novel local color, but has manifestly a serious object, lightlv satirical or painfullv pathetic, of teaching us wliQ remain at home how ill-taken :ire our points when wc would jjrescribe tiie same rules of living for our Christian workers in the liomc and foieign fields.

The fact that Mrs. Maxwell writes the "Bishop's Conversion" with liei' own heart's blood, and that her husband was a noble sacrifice to the work which shortened his life by at least twenty years, adds to the interest wc take in its pages. They will be not merely more intelligent adherents of mission- ary work in India who read this booU, but more ])ractical believers in that crucial saying of our Lord, "Ho that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." I,. M. II.

382

LIFE AND LIGHT.

TOPICS FOR AUXILIARY MEETINGS. August. — Missionary Siiips. See Life and Light for July. September. — Proportionate Giving.

October. — Two Lives Given to India and Ceylon : Mrs. Harriet Newell and Miss Eliza Agnew.

November. — Thank-ofiering Meetings.

December. — The Life and Times of Dr. Cyrus Hamlin.

PROPORTIONATE GIVING.

TOPIC FOR SEPTEMBER.

It is hoped that this subject will be considered in all our auxiliaries in the most personal manner, and tiiat steps will be taken to secure as many signa- tures as possible to the pledge cards issued by the Board. The j^ledge reads as follows : " I promise that for the } ear ending ... I will set apart a fixed proportion of my income for religious and bene\ oIcnt piu'pose. Of this sum I will give a definite part for the work of the Woman's Board of Missions." A printed form of a letter to accompany the card when sent to individuals will be furnished by the Board (free) if desired.

The following programme for the meeting is suggested : i. Singing. 2. Responsive Reading (arranged by Mrs. Esther Tuttle Pritchard, price 2 cents). 3. Prayer. 4. Paper on "Stewardship ;" see leaflets, ''The Tenfold Blessing of the Tenth" (free), and "Christian vStewardshi])" (price 3 cents). 5. Explanation of general jDlan for Proportionate Giving; see leaflet, "Pay- ing what we Owe" (price i cent). 6. Personal Experience in Proportionate Giving, by one or more present. If no one has had this experience let some one reacf, "My Little Box" (free), or "One Woman's Experience in Tith- ing" (price 2 cents). 7- Explanation of the action of the Board on the subject (see Life and Light for March, April, May, and June, 1S94), and the giving out of pledge cards. 8. Prayer of consecration. 9. Singing.

WOMAN'S BOARD OF MISSIONS.

Receipts from May 18 to June IS, 1894. Miss Ei.i.i;n Cauuuth, Tie:is\irer.

MAINE.

JiroirnvWe.—Y. P. S. r. K. .and S. S.,

Cnlui.i. — .Mary L. Newton, const, self L.M.,

Lyman.— -i. 1". S. V. E.,

Maine /Iranch.— Mia. NVoodbuiy P. Dnn.T, Tieas. Kllswoitli, Aux., ID.S.'i; Rock- land, Golden Sands, 7, liethel, 2d Cli., Aux., prev. cont. const. L. iM. M\sa G. L. Rowe, 10, Little llelpeis, L.'iO; .SkowliOKan, iMiss'y Soc'y, 1H.2.'); Itidde- ford, I'avilion Cli., Aux., const. L. M. AIis.T. Artliui- I"icy,2,''.; Hallowcll, Aux., 25; Ilanipdcn, Aux., 4r>, Y. \'.S.<\ 10., 10; Jonesport, Anx., '.! ; Itanpor, Aux., TiO.OO; Watcrville, Aux., 20.1,3; Gardiner, Aux., iirev. cont. const. L. iM. Mrs. .1. L. Quini- liy, 17; lirunswicU, Aux., Vt.m); Hath, M. r. of Central fli., 27, V. I". S. ('. V.., 10; East Macliias, Aux., '..30; Litelilleld <'orncr, Aux., ](,; Krvcl)urir, Aux., 20; Yarinontli, 1st Cli., a"ux., 2.').7.'i ; llari)s- well Cejitre, Anx.. prev. cont. const. I.. M. Mrs. W. C. Kalon, 14 ; 'I'lioniaston, Aux., f,; Woohvicli, Y. P. C. E., 12.50; lloolliliay llarlior, prev. cont. const. L.

n flo

2.'-. CO 2 13

M. Mrs. Mary Alice Real and Mrs. M. O. PattoM, 4!); Cuinlierland Centre, Aux., Tliank OIT., 24.;i0; Orouo, Aux., 5.84; Denmark, La<lies' contrili., 1; Jielfast, Aux., 23; llrooks, C'onp;. C'li. and Soc'y 2; Soutli Ereeport, Aux., 55.50; Sears- ]>ort, Aux., 10; Gray, Aux. ,7. 50; Norridpe- wock, .\u\., 18; West Falniontli. Aux., 10, M.C, 3; Iirid);t(>n, Aux., 14; Kcnne- Imukport, Aux., 11.20; Saco, Aux., IG; Karniinjiton, Aux., 37.70; Auburn, Gtll St. Cli., Aux., 5; Castine, Ladies of Cong. Cli., 10; Lewiston, Pino St. Cli., Anx., const. I,. M. Mrs. Mary Fogc and Mrs. Harriet Sands, 50; AVoodford's, Cong. Cli., Aux., const. I/. M. Mrs. Martha Newuian 151,ike, 25; Gorham, Anx., 29; SoMlli I'aris, Aux., 10; Pliippshurg, Aux., 12,4); Warren, Anx., 10; No. Eduecoinl), Aux., 4.50; Wintlirop, Aux., 6; Portland, Union Miss'v Me<'tinc;, 12.83, Y. Ladies M. 11., 118, State St. Cli., Aux. (of which 25 from a Friend const. I,. M. Mi.s8 Helen M. Pntncv\ 115.35, "The Gleaners," 40. High St.Ch., M.C., 100.90, 2d Parish Cli., Aux., 42, Williston Ch., Aux., prev. cont.

RECEIPTS.

383

const. L. M. Mrs. Jeunie B. Loi inp, Mrs.

M. W. Peuiiell, Miss Addie S. Davis, 29, 1,321 20

Total, 1,359 33

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

New Hampshire Branch.— Miss A. E. Mc- Intire, Treas. Bedford, Aux., 8.70; Can- terbury, M. C, 15; Concord, Aux., 20, ■\Vheeler Circle, 52; Candia, Helpers, 5; Brookline, Aux., 13.18; Dover, Y. P. S.

C. E. of 1st Cli., 20; Dunbartoii, Hillside Laborers, 5; Exeter, Aux., 5, Miss M. Gordon, Thank Off., 5, Junior C. E., 1st Cli., 13; Hampton, Buds of Promise, 5; Henniker, Ladies of Cong. Ch., 17.50; Hinsdale, Aux., 10; Lancaster, M. C, 20; .Meredith, Aux., 18; Nashua, A>ix., 48, Friends, 90.94; Hanover, Friends, 14; Plaistow and No. Haverhill, Aux., 22; Sullivan, East, Friends, 2; Swanzey, Aux., 10; Troy, Aux., const. L. .M. Mrs.

D. W. Eraser, 25.50; Warner, Four Leaf Clover Club, 1; Webster, "Alfred Little Gleaners," 8; Winchester, Aux., 13.75; Claremont, Y. P. S. C. E., 10; Greenland, Aux. 20 497 57

Suncook.—T. M. Mill, 2 00

Total,

4U9 57

VERMONT.

Vermont liranch.—'SUs. T. }>l. Howard, Treas. Barre, Willing Helpers, 10.83; Bennington, No., Aux., 1.11, Junior C. E., 2; Bethel, Mrs. Laura F. SparliawU, 10; IJrattleboro, Aux., 30; lirattlolioro, West, Junior ('. E., 2; Burlington, Col- lege St. Ch. Y. P. S. C. E., 10; ('allot. Lower, Y. 1'. S. C. K., 10; Fairfield Cen- tic, Cong. Ch., 7; Franklin Co. Offering, 4.75; Georgia, Aux., 3.50; Higligate, 7.75; IMiddlebury, King's D.iu., 5; Saxton's Kiver, Merry Bills, 2; Stanstead, South, Aux., 12..50; St. Jolnisbnry, So. Ch., Aux., 39.25, North Ch., Aux. (of which 5 Thank Off.;, 38. Less expense, 5.C5, 190 04

Total,

190 04

MASSACHUSETTS.

Amherst.— Y. P. S. 0. E. of South Cong. Cli., 5 00

Antloverand Wobiirn liranch.—'SUs.Chws. E. .Swett, Treas. Billcrica, Willing Workers, 10 ; Winchester, .Mission I'nion, 50; Lexington, Aux., 15, a Friend, 1; West Medford, M. C, 8, 84 00

Berkshire /iranch.— Mrs. C. E. West, Tre.is. Adams, Aux., 42.83; Curtisvillc, Aux., 33.30; Dalton, Y. L., 2; IJinsdale, Aux., 48.03; Housatonic, Aux., 12.30; Lee, Willing Workers, 39.75, Aux., 2; Lenox, (;olden Rule, 10; .Mill Rivei', 18.75; New Lebanon, 20.75; Peru, 1«; PittHtlcld, 1st Ch., Aux.,.53.2ti. .Memorial, 60, Coral Workers, (i3.28, South Ch., Aux., 70.33; Sheffleld, Aux., 32.78; W. Stock- bridge, Anx., 8.75, 62C 11

/JewcWj/.— (Jeorge Dvi Bols, Charles W.a- ters, and Kdward Edson I'rortor, 10 cts. each, 30

Essex So. //r«Hc/i.— Miss Sarah W. Clark, Treas. Lynn, Y. P. S. C. K. of IsK li.,

1, of Chestnut St. Ch., 10; Lynnfield Centre, Aux., 16, 27 OO

Franklin.— y. P. S. C. E., 10 00

Franklin Co. Branch.— Miss L. A. Spar- hawk, Treas. Greenfield, Aux., 1.15; Orange, Aux., 32, 33 15

Hampshire Co. Braiich.— Miss H. J. Knee- land, Treas. Belchertown, .\ux., 1.89; Hadley, Aux., 29; Hatfield, Aux., 6.98; Huntington Hill, Aux., 2; Northamp- ton, 1st Ch., Div., 15, .M. B., 17.70, Ed- wards Ch., Junior Aux., 150, Gordon Hall Band, 17.85; South Hadley, Faithful J Workers, 30; C'umminglon, Aux., 2, 272 42 Middlesex Uranch.—Mrs. E. H. Bigelow, Treas. Framingliam, Aux., 1.50; So. Framingham, Aux., 96.78, Y. P. .S. C. E., 6.50; Hojikinton, .\ux.,3; Maynard, Mrs. Lucy A. .Maynard, in mem. of Fannie, Marv, Hattie, and "Little Vickie," 10; Sudbury, Helping Hand Soc'y, 10; Wel- lesley, l)ana Hall Miss'y Soc'y, 75, 202 78

jVex; liraintree.—.K Friend, 40 Norfolk and Pil'jrim /Ira7ich.—Miss S.

B. Tirrell, Treas. l!rocktou, Aux., 85;

So. Weymouth, Olil South Ch., Aux., 8, 93 00 North Middlesex Bra7ich.— Mrs. Eliza- beth Hunt, Treas. Harvard, Y. P. S.

C. E., 10 00 .S'«7ew. -.Junior C. E. of Croinbie St. Ch., 5 OO South Hadley.— Miss Mary L. Judd's .S. S.

Class. 11 36

S'/. (■(«;/»>'/'/. —Junior Aux. Olivet Ch., 10 OO

Spri/ii/jiflil Branch. — M\ss H.T. Bucking- ham,'Treas. Holyoke, 1st Ch., Aux., 70, 2d Ch., I'll Try Band, 14.50; Springfield, Hope Ch., Jlission Reserves, 10, North Ch., .\ux., 2,"), Park Ch., Aux., 205.04, South Ch., Junior Aux., 10, Olivet Ch., M. B , 10, 344 54

Suffolk Branch.— Miss Myia B. Child, Treas. Arlington, Y. L.'.M. C. 15; Au- burndale. King's Dau.,20, Lasell Sem'y, 10; ISoston, .Mt. Vernon Ch., Aux., 114, Y. L. Aux., 25, Central Ch., Aux., S. S., and Sale, 322.97. Park St., Aux., 36.3, Echo Band. 15, Shawmut Ch., Aux., 21, Jliss Mary R. Bisboi«, 20, Union Ch., Y. L. Aux., 90; Cambridgeport, Y. L. M. C, 15; Charlestown, .Junior C. E. of Win- throp Ch., 5; Chelsea, 3d Ch., 10.80; Dor- chester, Pilgrim Ch., Aux., 21.10, Village Ch., Sunshine Circle, .'i; E. Boston, Ma- dura Aux., 17.20; Jamaica Plain, Junior C. E. of Central Ch.,,30; .Veedham, Aux., 20; Norwood, Anx., .^0; Roxbiny, .\ux. of Eliot Ch., 25, .Vux. Immanucl Ch., 5.69, Walnut .\ve., .\nx., prcv. cont. const. L. .M's Mrs. W. 1". Kitti idgc, Mrs. J. W. Hubbard, .Mrs. F. II. Uullens, Mrs. C. H. Foster, Mrs. C. II. W. Wood, Mrs. (!eo. Fisk, .Mrs. G. W. <;rcgorv, Mrs. F. W. F. Leach; .Somerville, Jlioad- way Ch., Y. P. S. C. 10., 10, "Mrs. Martha K. Whitaker .Memo. Kami." 10, Prosjiect Hill Ch., Aux., 16.75; Ni-wton. Littlo Helners of Eliot Ch., 15, Y. P. S. C. E., 10; Newton Centre, Aux., 58.10, Y. P. S. C. E., 10, .Maria 11. Furber .M. H., 10; New- tonvdle, .Vux., 125.82: W. Newton, Aux., •25; Waltham, Aux., Tt in. Cli., 20, 1,1537 43

HV)rr<"ii^rc. — Class in Hope Ch., S. S., 1.50,

Y. P. S. C. K. of Pdgi ini Ch., 10, 11 50

lyorcfster Co. Branch. y\r>i. E. A. Sum- ner, Treas. Clinton, .Junior C. E., 10; llolden, Aux., 1(1; .Millburv, S. S. Class, Prim. Class, and ,M.C. of ist C. C, 15.92;

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

Southbi idsc Hnikside M. C, 10; West- boroufrli, Aux., 29; Worcester, Park Cli.

M. C, 5, 79 92

.— "R," 10 00

.—A Friend, 5 00

Total, 3,278 91

CONNEOTICnX.

Jlarkhamstead. — A Friend. 80

Eastern Conn. Jiranch.— Miss M. I. Look- wood, Tieas. ISozrali, .\ux., 11.50; Lis- bon, Aux. (of which 25 const. L. AI. Mrs. Sarah li. Uadley), 28; AVindliam, Mrs. C. G. Latliioi), 5; Groton, .\ux., 24.50 ; Put- nam, Aux., prev. coiit. const. L. M. .Mrs. J. W. Cutler, .Mrs. Chas. X. Fenn, and JMrs. JIary J. Chase, 66.28; Lebanon, Aux., 10; \Vauregan, Aux., 20; Ponifret, Aux., 36; New London, 1st Cli., Aux., 89, 2d Ch., Aux., 108. i:6; Hrooklyn, Aux., prev. cont. const. L. .M. jMis. Geo. Gil- bert and .Miss Eva Snow, 02; Jewett City, .•Vux.,10; Griswold, Aux., 22; North Woodstock, Aux. (of which 25 const. L. SI. Miss Sarah L. ISishop), 28.50; Central Tillage, Aux., 12.3.j; Taftvdle, Aux., 16; Stonington, Aux., 2d Cli., 8.35; Wood- stock, Aux., 58; Norwich, Park Cli., Aux., 131.73, 2d Cli., Aux., 28; Hanover, Aux., 13; I'reston. Long Soc'v, 5.25, Aux., 11.15; Plaintield, Aux., 18.60; Col- chester, Y. L. M. .S., 13.13, Wide Awakes, 8.05, Hoys, M. 15., 0; Griswold, Pncliaug, Acorn M. C, 14; IMitnani, jM. Workers, 50; lirooklvn, .M. WorUcrs, 4; Norwich, 2d Ch., Thistledown .Soc'y, CO, Park Ch., Y. L. Aux., 25; (Jrotoii, S. S., 15.50; New London, 1st Ch., Ransom Band, 7.71; Norwich, 1st Ch., Light Bearers, 20; Jewett City, .Junior C. E. M. I!., 5, 1,051 66

Hart/oid fSranch.— Mrs. M. Bradford .Scott, Trcas. Bristol, Aux., 14.10; En- field, Kings St. M. C, 10; Hartford, 1st Ch., Aux., 2, I'eail St. Cli., Cradle Roll, 18; iManchesler, 2d Ch., 21.82; New Brit- ain, 1st Ch., .\\\\., 72.76, Little Givers M. C, 5.24, South Ch., Aux., 120; Ncwmg- ton, Y. P. S. C. E., 2.21, 260 13

Total, 1,318 59

LEGACY.

J\'or?('ie/i.— Legacy of Mrs. Mary li. Coit, 500 00

NEW VOKK.

GloversviHe.—.TnniorC. E., 5 00

A'ew York State /I nine It. —Miss C. A. Holmes, Ticas. Coll. at An. Meeting, 31.70; Brooklyn, Lewis Ave. Ch., King's I)au , }3.M. '.liiiiior Circle, 5, ICaniest Workers, 7, New Eng. <'h., Aux., const. L. iM. .Miss Margaret Boyd and .Mrs. Em- ilia S. Phillips, 50, East Ch., Aux., 15; Buffalo, 1st Ch., S. S., 1.5, W. G. Ban- croft .M. I!., 20, .Mrs. \V. G. liaiicroft, 200;Crowii Point. A ux., 5.5n ; East Blooiii- fleld, Aux., 12 63; Ellington, Aux., 19; Elmira, Park Ch., Aux.. 60; E. Sniith- flelil. Pa., Aux., 10.50, V. P. S. C. E.,3.29; Fairjiort, Aux., 15; Gaines, I'liioii, 10; Hamilton, Aux., 14; .T.iiiieslowii, .\ux., 2.";, .luiiior C. E., 10; Millvillc, Aux.. 1; Newark Valli-y, China Band, 12; New Y'oi k, Pilgrim Ch., Aux., 20; Broadway,

Tabernacle Aux., 125; Rochester, Mount Hor, Jliss'v Friends, 30, Children of jMonroe Hill M. B., 3.25; Scraiitoii, Pa., Aux., 20; Sinclairville, Aux., 1.70. Less

expenses, 251.95, 503 12

.— .\. Friend, 5 00

.—A Friend, 5 00

Total, 518 12

NEW JERSEY.

East Orange.— Mrs. C. H. Everest, 15 00

Total, 15 00

PENNSYLVANIA.

Philadelphia Dranch.—M\ss E. Flavell, Treas. D. C: Washington, 1st Ch., Aux., 51.76, M. C. (of which 50 const. L. M's Mrs. M. Ross Fishburn and Miss Ellen Marshall Rugg), 75, Junior C. E., 20; N. J., East Orange, 1st Ch., Aux., 9.5, Trinity Ch., W. F. M. S., 24.25; Eliza- beth, "Y. p. S. C. E., 10; Jersey Citv, Aux., 29.69; Newark, Belleville Ave. Cli., Aux., 1, Y. P. S. C. E., 15; Orange Val- lev, Aux., 15; Paterson, \'. P. S. C. E., lO"; Westficld, Infant Class in S. S., 6;

Penii., Philadelidiia, Aux., 120.30, 473 00

Total, 473 00 NORTH CAROLINA.

J/iOh Point.— \y. M. 17., 1 00

Ni'ltsboro.— \Y. M. U., 1 50

Total, 2 50

FLOUIDA.

Jiitcrlcchen.—Awx., 10 00

Total, 10 00

OHIO.

ll akeman.—S. S., 28 50

Total, 28 50

TENNESSEE.

Mossy CVeefc.— Alice M. Crosby, 5 00

Total, 5 00

■WISCONSIN.

Oak Centre.— ilrs. S. B. Howard, 1 80

Total, 1 80

KANSAS.

Fmjwria.— Carrie Bradley, 4 99

Total, 4 99

CANADA.

(Viri/.-W. B. M., 92 50

Total, 92 50

(ieneral Funds, 7,797 85

Variety Account, 40 SI

Legacies, 5«0 00

Total, 88,344 36

OUR MISSIONARIES.

MRS. JAMES C. PERKINS.

Rev. J. C. Perkins and family, also Miss Mary Perkins, are stationed at Arupukottai, in the Madura Mission, India. Rev. J. C. Perkins and Aliss Mary Perkins are from San Fran- cisco, California, their father, Mr. .Samuel Perkins, having been for many years a resident of the State. Ikliss Mary Perkins was tlie first presi- dent of our Young Ladies' Branch, and the second from among their own ninii1)er to enter the foreign field. vShe sailed for Intlla in Octo- ber, iSSS, her father assuming all her expenses. Mrs. J. C. Perkins was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where she li\ed, after her mother's dealli, witii her two aunts. Mr. Perkins preached during a vacation from Princeton in the Faith Church, Baltimore, and there became acquain- ted with Miss Taylor. She was at that time teaching in the city. They were married in June, 1SS5, and soon started for India. TiicN' were first stationed at Pasnmalai, afterwards at Arupukottai. Ouv Boaid has con- tributed five hundred dollars a vcar to the school work, under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, a part of

(3S.O

MRS. JANMCS C. rr.RKlNS.

386

LIFE AND LIGHT.

\vhich has been distributed in fifteen-dollar scholarships, for the support of worthy girls. In the boarding school at Arupukottai, under the care of Miss Mary Perkins, more than ninety children are cared for in all respects. Within a year eight of the older girls have united with the church. There are many day schools in the mission, attended by several thousand Christian and non-Christian children. Mrs. Perkins has sent us the sketch of "Saral," one of their young Hindu girls, which has interested very many in this countr\', and shows what fifteen dollars a year will do for the girls of India. This sketch can be obtained by application to our secretaries. Mr. Perkins writes to a personal friend : "You do not know what a fight it is ! We go

PKRKIN'S liUXGALOW.

into school work, and read and teach the Bible there. We send women into the houses. We have street i^reaching, bazaar preaching, singing, the dis- tribution of Scripture and tracts, the exhibition of stereopticon pictures illus- trating the Scriptures, all besides the regular church services. I appreciate the words 'fishers of men' as never before."

MISS LYDIA GERTRUDE BARKER.

Miss Barker was born in San Francisco, Januarv 17, 1S69. She takes the name Lydia from her father's mother, whom in many respects she closely resembles. Her early education was in the public schools of Oakland and Berkeley. At the age of thirteen siie entered Harmon Seminary, graduating

OUR MISSIONARIES.

387

at eighteen. We are unable to determine any fixed time of her conversion ; she was a child of God from infancy, joining the church in Berkeley when twelve years of age. S!ie has always been an active and earnest worker for the dear Master, and has seemed to us at home as untiring in her desire and effort to do good and win souls. At the early age of sixteen she felt the call to go to India. Xo doubt her attention was first attracted to this matter by her Sunday-school teacher, Miss Mary Perkins, now working so faithfully in the Madura mission. She often talked about India with her mother, expressing a wish to go out to assist Miss Perkins. Her parents felt that she has had the missionary spirit in strong measure for fully six years. They dis- couraged her going until she became older, but she has been quietly persist- ent, and has never wavered in her pur- pose. She has felt that a medical course would greatly increase her use- fulness, and looks forward to the possi- bility of this course at a later da}-. About two years ago she received a very urgent letter from Miss Perkins, at which time she expressed her desire with so much earnestness to her parents that they coidd no longer refuse her. She afterward prepared for her mission work, spending some six months at the Moody Training School in Chicago, under the faithful, helpful care of Mrs. Capron. She left for India, October 5, 1893.

Miss Barker is the daugliter of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Barker, of Berke- ley, California. Our Board Iiaving met all expenses necessary to placing her in her chosen field, her father assumes her support. Miss Barker is our youngest and our latest adopted missionary. We feel tiiat a life of great usefulness is before her.

MISS BARKER.

MISS ALIC E J. STAKKWKATIIKK.

Miss Starkweather sailed for Japan in 1S76, from her home in Hartford, Conn. Iler field in Japan was scliool work in Kyoto. Siie was in charge of the girls' boarding scliool, having two lady associates; also two Japanese

380

LIFE AND LIGHT.

teachers, and a Japanese matron. There were forty boarders in the school. Frequent letters from Miss Starkweather kept us in close touch with the en- terprise. Letters in good English were received from the JajDanese girls, and many became Christians. But Miss Starkweatlier's health broke down, and after ten years of most faithful service she was obliged to give up her work in Japan.

MISS ALICE E. HARWOOD.

]Miss Harwood is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Harwood, of Claremont, Los Angeles County, Cal. She was born at Crystal Lake, 111. She was converted, and joined her father's church in St. Louis wiien she was thirteen years old. She was educated in the public schools of St. Louis, and spent five years at Oberlin College, including two years given to the study of art in the Art Department. She taught three years in her father's academy at Santa Ana, and also at Orange Collegiate Institute, both in South- ern California.

As the oldest daughter of a large family, she had many home duties. She was also active in Christian Endeavor circles, and in all kinds of church work. Her attention had been for some time directed toward foreign mission work, and after making formal application for apjjointment to the American Board in December, iSyo, she was adopted by our Woman's Board. She took a three months' course at Chicago, in Mr. Moody's Bible Training School, and completed miss harwood.

her arrangcuients to leave for Jap- an, sailing in September, 1S91. Mrs. Harwood, being then president of our Southern Branch, the fact that her daughter was about to go as a mis- sionary awakened much enthusiasm.

Miss Harwood found her first Christian work in Niigata. J^atcr siic was transferred to Kumamoto, Japan, where she is now located.

BULGARIA.

LETTER FRO.\[ MARY M. HASKELL.

Samoko\-, 1?ulgakia, May 7, 1S94.

Mv DEAR Mks. Clark : I am going to give inwself a treat tiiis nftei iioou in the way of a visit with you. Downstairs a girl is cleaning the parlor, and a hoy beating the carpet, and I am sitting in this clean study with a mind at rest. Yon see, wiiile the dear little mother and father are awa\' at annual meeting, we are trying to get this house clean from garret to cellar. It is a delight to walk from one room to another and congratulate one's self that it is all "getting done." This morning we could have shouted for joy on learning of the cjuarantine that delavs tiie party a whole da\ , and gives us an extra day to prepare for the work of tiie coming term. Of course I had known all along of quarantine, but had not thought of it as a means of blessing before.

Miss Maltbie is with the party. Slie lias gone to read lu-r report of llie school, and to ])lea(l for a six vears' course, tiiat we mav not fall below the grade of education that tlie iiation.d schools maintain, and be |iut to shame

390

LIFE AND LIGHT.

by our neighbors. So we are waiting, now, all busv with preparations for the new term, and longing to hear

Alas, alas! "The best laid plans of mice and men"

Tuesday. — Yesterday, just as I had settled myself for a visit, a caller came. We almost never have callers, and it was a pity to have the house in the process of being cleaned, and quite upside down. But never mind. As this caller was calling, a telegram came from Para, announcing the fact that tlie travelers arrive to-day, Tuesday.

Qiiarantine must be lifted. To think of the trouble that quarantine has caused us all along, and just now, when it might have served us so well, it is — not. You may imagine a house as busy as a beehive. Three women at work, and a girl sewing for me, and Miss Maltbie's rooms at the school being cleaned, and your missionary correspondent vacillating among the cleaners, now arranging closet siielves, now directing, now studying. We are baking bread, also, and getting in supplies, making yeast, and browning coffee ; just exactly the work that must be done in the grand city of Chicago.

Our house is large, and very pleasant, with its sunny windows and views of the mountains. We have no carpets tacked down, but rugs, or pieces of carpet on the floors. I am quite glad, for the women don't know how to sweep carpets, but they all scrub well enough. People here have no carpets, but a.tBelek den (the " Great Day," Easter) they bring out their treasures, — pieces of carpet, that probablv the women themseh'es have woven.

Woidd you like to hear about our Easter? It was a week ago Sunday. Six weeks before this the people have been fasting, and the week before thev held services each day in the church.

One night they represented the burial of Christ. By Saturday niglit before Easter the houses are scoured with brick, and every one has been to the bath. Some go onlv at Christmas, Easter, and before the great cele- brations of three davs for the Virgin in August. Nearly .every one has some new article of clothing.

Saturday night, about ten o'clock, they go to the dimly lighted churches. There are no seats, or means of warming the churches ; and it is well at this time, for they are packed as closely as people can stand. The women are mostly in a back balconv behind a lattice work, which is rather a relic of Turkish times. Tiie priests keep up their chanting and various ceremonies until nearly midnight, when they all march out of the church, led by the grand bishop, the most holy of all, and arrayed in royal purple and gold embuoidcry. Outside the church they keep on chanting until the hoiu' of midnight has come, when a priest knocks on a door, and cries, '» Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and the King of glorj- shall come in!" A voice

LETTER FROM MARY M. HASKEI.L.

391

asks, " Who is the King of glory?" And the priest answers, ''The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory." The door miraculously (?) flies open, and as the hells peal, and the cannon fire, the procession passes into the church, and the priest says, '"Christ is risen I" And the people answer, ''He is risen indeed." Then the priest allows the people to light their candles from his and from one another's : the chandeliers are all lighted and set swinging, and every one savs to his neighbor, "Christ is risen," and is answered, " He is risen indeed."

Tliis is the ideal programme. When we went we could hear notliing and

e little, and we were in the center of the church in a good place. In the procession which passed out were some of the leading citizens, and among them one who boasts of infidelitv, and another whose character is not an honor to any cause ; but they wish to keep up church connections, and so go at this time. Monev goes a good way in this countrv toward conciliating the Lord and the '' Holy Virgin." People can do about as they please if thev have money to buy silver bands or jewels for the Virgin's pictures, and to pav the priests to pray for them.

Here I have been talking as though I had alwavs known vou, but vou see

>ur kind letter was so friendly and sociable it gave one the feeling of acquaintance. I am much obliged to those who appointed you corresponding secretarv. I am very glad that you are from Oberlin, for dear Oberlin is mv own College. I graduated from tlie Literary Course in '89. I see bv a recent review that Professor Ellis lias gone. What can Oberlin be without him? ^ly favorite professor, whose life has been an inspiration and whose words are treasured up, is Professor Chamberlain. He ^^•as younger than Professor Ellis or Professor Monroe (and of course we don't compare anv one to President Fairchild), and so he seemed more like us students, and his nobleness and goodness came nearer us.

It is looking like rain, and if it will only pour down right hard, I, for one, will be relieved. You see it is tlie custom Iiere, wiiere railroads are five hours away from us, to go out to meet tlie travelers. We iiave arranged to out iiorseback, but, as the Bulgarian idiom is, " It does not riile to me"

-night ; or, in Englisli, it seems pleasantcr to be sitting in this clean iiouse writing than to be galloping over tlie plains. I think we liave iiad ])lcntv of < \ercise alrcadx . I have promised myself not to talk about sciiool, for this is

cation, and there would be no end should I begin that subject. Ami now 1 must go to see about tlie workers. The cake is bakc<i, the sewing girl gone, and tiiere is the supjicr to tliink of. No old bread in the liouse, and the biscuits made by our ffiithftil Eleuka woulil probably be hca\ \ . Must run over to Mrs. Kingsbury's to see whether slie lias old bread. Slic is

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

going to take in tlie Clarke family, and we Miss Maltbie, who seems like a membei" of our houseiiokl. I shall try to persuade dear Miss Maltbie to take some meal with us after this. She has insisted on boarding at the school ; but after living there myself for two weeks on black bread and mongas, I feci sure Miss Maltbie needs home food.

Please pray for us, dear Mrs. Clark ; we especially need your prayers for our workers. Do you imagine the native Christians are earnest, thoughtful, grateful souls, eager to help raise their people.? The American Board is poor, and we cannot give them as much recompense as they would like, and we never hear the last of it. A day laborer receives here about a franc a day (/. a ^voman) ; a carpenter receives two and a half francs. But a lady teacher receives from ten to fifteen francs a day. The teachers receive the same wages as the Columbus teachers received when I taught there, but a day's work of a woman was five francs. This seems quite unjust to us, as the common people are heavily taxed to pav these wages. We do not and cannot pay such salaries to our preachers and teachers, and consequently we have much trouble in securing workers.

And now I must close this long, rambling letter. If you can spare time to write to us sometimes, to remind us that we are not a poor little handful of foreigners plodding on alone, but are working together with the great, glorious company of God's people, whose prayers imite with oiu's, how courageously and joyfully we shall go forward !

Our friends came safely ; the six years' programme for the school w:v€ adopted ; and my brother was appointed with Dr. House to occupy Thessalo- nica, only twenty-four hours from Samokov when there is no quarantine. Think of me in the future writing epistles to the Thessalonians (if the Prudential Committee at Boston approve of the arrangement).

CHINA.

REPORT OF WOMAN'S WORK FOR TIENTSIN, 1S93-94.

liV MISS U. J. STAXLKV.

In casting about for a suitable framing for this report, we have concluded that it is a matter of secondary importance ; and we arc convinced that if we can " arise and report progress," the matter will entirely overshadow the manner, and tiic factor be absorbed by the facts. By progress we do not mean an interrupted advance along a smooth ro;i<l, but a stce]i ascent, a diffi- cuU ])ath, with nian\' b.n i'islidings, ^vlK'l•e we can wnly see that we are draw- ing ;i little nearer tlie distant mounl.uii top \\ heii \\ (" turn our eyes backward and view the way we have come, stage by stage.

REPORT OF woman's WORK FOR TIENTSIN.

393

Tliough we have nothing of unusual importance to report, and thougli in point of numbers the advance has not been great, the prevailing spirit of deeper earnestness and the evidences of a real desire to learn and know more of the truth, have filled us with great thankfulness for the present and sure hope for the futuie. Our especial cause for tliankfnlncss is that our working force has been increased by the coming of Miss Gertrnde Stanley to join us in the work. The work is divided into three departments, — school, touring, and general work for women.

School. — The total number of j^upils during the year has been 33. The average attendance has been 22, belonging to two classes, — day and boarding pupils. The average number of boai-dei-s has been 17. In September, '93, four of the more advanced pupils were transferred to the Bridgman School, and the reports that come to us of their progress and growth make us feel sure that in tliem we shall have earnest Christian helpers. Two others were sent to the London Mission School, in Peking, as their parents belonged to tliat church. The studies pursued have been the Scriptures, Old and New Testament history. Genesis, Chinese classics, arithmetic, mental and written, and geography. All the older girls have regular lessons in character writ- ing. On the first day of February there was a formal examination of the school. Miss Roberts, of the London Mission, and Miss Wilson, of the American Aletiiodist Mission, were invited to act as an examining committee. The girls received the almost imqualified commendation of the committee, who expressed both surprise and gratification at the quantity and quality of the work done. This experience of being brought before comparative stran- gers to prove their diligence and intelligence, will be a wholesome incentive to them, and will help them to correct an}' habits of carelessness or indill'er- ence tliat might otherwise grow upon them. Besides the schoolroom work the girls have all had regular instruction in knitting and sewing, and have been responsible for the cleanliness and order of rooms on tiie schoolroom premises. We have experienced some difficulty in settling upon a suitable woman for matron of the school, for it is liard to all the cardinal virtues in one woman. We have had industry and good natme ofiset by deceit, cleverness and patience entirely hung bv tlic wavering line between mine and thine. Mrs. Ma, a woman from one of tlie soutii villages, served the sciiool very well duiing the winter, but as she is no seamstress was unfitted for the place. At present Mrs. Vang, an old playmate of Miss Stanlex 's, who has occupied for tiie past cigiit years an important ]i!ace in tlie city orjihanage, holds the position, and has thus far ])ro\ed (|uite efficient. This coming to us of one who was undcM' our inlluence wlu-ii Imt a child, encourages us in the little things, ;uid makes us fi-fl that nothing done " in I lis u.iint- " is done

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

in vain. Tlie deportn^nt of the giils during the year has been in tiie main good. Some of tlie girls have shown decided growth in womanly character, and liave developed a spirit of helpfulness which has led to the decline of quarrels and disagreements. Eight have expressed a desire to be taken into the church on probation. Great credit is due to their teacher, Eunice, for her faithful and patient work in the school. She is with the children day and night ; her influence is all in the right direction, and she has tiieir love and respect.

Geiteral M'ork. — Outside of the care of the school, a fair amount of gen- eral work is done. Every afternoon is de^•oted to the work of \isiting homes and teaching those who are willing to learn. At present there are twenty under regidar instruction, whose faithfulness and perseverance makes the teaching a pleasure. During the year 317 visits without, and 219 with teaching, have been made, making a total of 536. In October a Tuesdav evening class was started, to give those women who are busv as serving women, or ama/is, an opportunity of coming together for mutual help and instruction. Seven have attended regularly, and the class has been a real help to them, not only in learning Christian character, but in other wavs. During the Week of Prayer, and after, there w-ere meetings held for the women of our Tientsin churches ; meetings which brought them and us a great blessing.

The class with the Friday afternoon prayer meeting, the Sunday school, and visiting, are the means used for bringing the women and girls under Christian influence. For some months Mrs. Bostwick has gathered a com- panv of children together on Sundays at the house of a church member. The average attendance has been fifteen. At present tlie class is stopped, l)ut she hopes to take it up again in the fall.

The city work is more encouraging in some ways than last year. For tlie first three months of the year there was an average attendance of se\en • women on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, and three or four could read quite well in tiie primer. .Since then the number has fluctuated, and no definite invitations for visiting in tiie homes have been given. In February a tea meeting was held, and twenty women, mothers and relatives of the day-school boys, responded. Here we need a good, earnest woman, who can go where a foreigner will not be welcomed. If the women were not so sensitive to tlie ridicule and r.iiiiiig of their neighbors, they would doubtless come in greater numbers. .Such discouraging work has need foi' iiiucii strong pleading before Him who has all power in heaven and eartli.

Totiring. — In October a tour was made to Hsien-lisien. It was disap- pointing lo find two women who gave much promise, and iiad had much

LETTER FROM MISS GRACE WYCKOFF.

395

instruction with the liope tliat they would be of much help to their neigh- bors, had been content to do nothing. A number of viUages were visited, and teaching done where many were ready and wiHing to hear. In Novem- ber two viHages to the southwest of Tientsin twenty-five and forty li were visited, and meetings held with the women. Here the crowds that came at first have dropped ofi', but the hopeful few continue faithful. Only one woman from this district has had any regular instruction, and she has done something in teaching in her own village. In March three new villages near the city of Ching-hai were visited, where a warm reception was given us. The women seem thoroughly in earnest, and in one place, Che-tien, have learned the Lord's Prayer and a blessing. This teaching has been done by a young man, Li, who was in the men's station class during the winter. The days spent there were simply filled with discourse on the doctrine, from early morning till late at night. The women sat quietly listening or asking questions. Never has a more encouraging and refreshing trip been taken by the touring member of the station.

As our work among the women, especially those in the country, grows, our need for a suitable building for classes becomes more pressing. This need was urged last year, and during the winter the lack of such a building was keenly felt. Once more, prayerfully and earnestly, we ask that the need be supplied, if possible, before another winter.

We do feel that the work this year has been more encouraging tlian ever before, that the outlook for the future is full of hope ; and our pra\ er is that the interest may in no case wane, that the many open doors mav never be close<l against us, and that our strength, our faith, and our love mav increase from day to day.

LETTER FROM MISS CJRACE WYCKOFF.

Pang-Chuang, April 6, '94. I HKi.iKVK I feel like writing you a letter to-dav, and a delightful rain, wliich hindered me from lilling an' aj)]i()intmcut to a \ illage six miles away, gi\es me the time. I am sorry to miss seeing the ten or twelve women, but the wiieat needs tlie rain, and I imagine that I need tiiis afternoon. Theie are many other things that ought to have my attention just now, but this is per- haps just as important ; anyway, I iiave laid evervthing else aside, and am giving tlie time to writing, ^'our letter of Jamiarv .ftii was received almost two months ago, i)ut if you had been liere during this time I thiidv vou W(;ul(l have said, "No time for letters until station classes are over."

396

LIFE AND LIGHT.

We seem to have three New Years rather than one. At the end of De- cember we are in tlie midst of -work ; then the Chinese New Year, a month or so later, stops us again for a few days ; after which we recontiniie till the time for our annual mission meeting at Tiuig-cho. By this time win- ter classes are just closing, and we think the year's work is done. Yesterday (April 5th) the women belonging to what we term the "mother's class," left for tiieir homes after a ten days' stay in our midst.

There were fomteen scholars, three others who acted as teachers, four small childi^en who served in the capacity of baby tenders, three babies large enough to run around, and six in arms. This means a different kind of scliool from the other classes held during the winter, for the instruction of women and children. There is, of necessity, a good deal of confusion and interruption. We send the babies off', howling, sometimes (?), to be petted and coaxed by their small master or mistress ; but now hunger, and then a fall or sometiiing else, brings both back, and not infrequently there is more music ; tiien a few peanuts are handed around and some playthings distrib- uted, and in course of time the morning session, from nine to twelve, is dis- missed, dinner is prepared and eaten, from two o'clock to four the same routine is gone through with. At four, or half past, we have a short sing, and I must confess it is rather a relief to have school over.

In this way we help these tired, busy mothers to read and make a little more progress than they could at home. One woman of about fort}' years of age, not overbright, by reading a little each week at home, together with such a short class each year, has during this six years finished four small books and two Gospels, and is in a fair way to be quite at home in the New Testament before she is an old woman.

The poor mothers in China find it laborious work indeed to climb from not recognizing a single ciiaracter, to this step of intellectual attainment. Although but a step, it is a climb for tliem.

The report of our year's work will appear in due time. I wish, however, I could take you over the past six months, and tliat you might see the work wliich we liave tried to do, and tiie press mulcr which it has been done, and also that whicli might have been done had we had more time and more work- ers. Indeed wc do miss Mrs. Smitli, and you cm understand how gladly and longingly we hope for Miss Porter's return to our station.

Early in the fall, just as soon as tiie cotton picking was over, one of us made a tour to our three outstations, visiting in all some twelve villages near these small centers. Tiiis trip was mrule with a \ iew to arranging for a school of two or thiee weeks slioitK' to fnliow in eacii of these ])laccs. Two months' time w as consumed in tliis work. Meanwliile at I*ang-Chuang

LETTER FROM MISS GRACE WYCKOFF.

397

daily visits to the hospital and village worlc, but with less occasional visits, was continued. The Girls' Boarding School was in session, and four ditVei'- ent classes for women and cliildren were conducted, each of which required more or less of the foreigner's time.

You can well imagine that it took all the time of Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Porter, and myself to get all tiiis work done. Before the Chinese New Year we had another division of station class here for twenty days. Tlieii came Chinese New Year, and a little time for breathing. We improved tliis opportunity by making a visit to the capital of the province of Shan-Tung, where we have friends in llie Presbyterian Mission. Both going and coming we made it convenient to go to two other outstations.

The first few days after Chinese New Year are leisure days for the Chinese, and it is very desirable to visit the villages once during this season, so the first few days of February were thus employed.

Then another tour of ten days was made to a new \ illage sixty miles dis- tant, tlie new term of school opened, and owing to a change in time for oiu- mission meeting, the remaining three divisions of station classes were crowded in, one leaving the day the next arrived.

During this time Mrs. Peck and I put in another ten da\-s' trip to the out- stations above mentioned. You will thus see that out of the six months, almost three have been spent in this work in outside villages. Two hun- dred women and cliildren have attended these classes referred to. What has it all amounted to.' We don't know ; but could you sit and talk with a few old women who have had the advantages of this instruction, could you know this one and that one, .some younger, some older, hear them pray, listen to their testimony to the power of the gospel to help and comfort, it would seem to you well worth while the time.

Paul was confident of this very thing, "that lie which hath begun a good work in you, will j>erform it until the day of Jesus Christ." This is our con- fidence.

To tliink that there are those around us, and not a few, who have a living hope and faitli I O, there is so much of heathenish darkness, and ignorance, and superstition !

On Easter Sunday we had a large gathering ; four hundred present, our chapel full, forty were received to the church, — fifteen by profession and the rest on probation. We need a larger chapel for these large meetings ; we must linve a school building before next year.

Of this and the sclu>f)l I shall hope to write at auother time ; I ought not to write more. 1 am sure \()ur prayers do follow us and our work.

Il ,

398

LIFE AND LIGHT.

LETTER FROM MISS MARY EDITH STANLEY.

Tientsin, China, Ma}- ii, 1S94.

AIy dear Miss Pollock: We have a house full of guests, and I only write a note to slip in with a copy of our report which I want to send you. How delightful a mission meeting we had I cannot tell you, for words fail me ; we all enjoyed ourselves in every way, so much. Our ladies' noon prayer meetings were so helpful, and all through every meeting there was such a manifest showing of God's Spirit with us, that to each one came a fresh impetus and a renewed desire for a fuller consecration to our work.

The reports from the various stations were very interesting and encourag- ing indeed, and we look forward with much hope to the future. You will, in time, have an opportunity of seeing all the rejjorts, and reading for your- self the encouraging things. Yesterday I spent a most delightful afternoon in the city, talking with a few women. There was to be a great idol jiio- cession to take place, and as the processions go right by our chapel door, the mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers of the day-school boys always come there to see them. I have never gone up before, but decided to do so yesterday, and sent word to the women that I would be there early, and we would have a talk about tire doctrine. I had hoped for more to come, but the ones who came were women, one especially, in whom I am very much interested, and we had a very good talk. About five o'clock, the helpers and their w ives sat down to supper, Chinese of course, and lifid such a nice, jolly time, — a good time indeed. I left before the procession really began, so saw nothing of it. I tliink another time I will stay and see the procession, and "write it up." The god they took out yesterda}^ was the god of the lower regions. They take him out once a year for an airing.

To-morrow morning Aliss Gertrude Wvckoffaiul I are going to take some of our Cliinese women for a little trip on the railroad. She has a couple of Pang-Chuang women with her, and we will take Mrs. Len, our school- teacher's wife, and Eiuiice.

I send the report, which will tell much tliat I could not. Last Sunday four of our girls were taken into tiie church on probation. Please remember me to the friends at the Rooms.

LETTER FROM FRANCES E. NIEBERG.

Foociiow, China. My dear Mrs. Lyman : I am afraid I have 'most forgotten the first im- pressions, for I feel quite at home here (except that I know nothing of the language), but I remember they were very pleasant indeed, and much be- yond my expectations.

LETTER FROM FRANCES E. XIEBERG.

399

The scenery about here is beautiful. The mountains seem new every time we look at them. Then some of the hills on which temples are situated are very pretty indeed. I am thankful every day for these beauties of nature which surround us, for we are very human, and depend greatly on our sur- roundin<^s to keep us always cheerful. The flowers, too, make another brigiit spot in this dark land. "Every prospect pleases, and only man is vile."

The narrow streets seemed very queer to me at first, and were so crowded that I wondered how we ever should make our way through ; but I soon learned that foreigners were such a source of curiosity that the crowd stood back to gaze at us, and so room was made for us to pass through. I must confess I felt rather timid at first when I became separated from the rest of the party, and my coolies did not understand just where they were to go, but depended on following the others. It was a very distrustful spirit to manifest, but showed how weak indeed the flesh is. One day my chair was set down on the bridge, to wait for the rest of the party, and it was not long until I was completely surrounded ; and I was about as interested in studying the crowd as they were in studying me. \V lien tiiey took my chair up again to start, I thought I should surely be thrown into the river, for mv chair turned first to one side, then the otiier, before they coidd get it balanced on their shoidders.

We cannot step out of the yard that we are not surroimdetl. It is indeed fortunate, for it is no trouble to get an audience to speak to of Christ's love for them. A great deal of the seed is sown in that way. When I see how closely they watch us in all things, — and they are so bright they almost seem to read our inmost thoughts, — there comes to my mind what a missionary friend ftf mine from Africa told me. They had been proclaiming the gospel to tlie jjcople, wlien one of the leading men said, " Yes, it sounds verv good, this doctrine you tell us about ; but we will look at you a long time and see if there is truth in it." I feel that is what these people are tioing with us. May they indeed see tlie image of our Saviour reflected in the lives of his children.

This is a blessed work, and I am glad I have been called to take part in it, and pray that I may be used in any w.iv He may see best. I have often tliouglit, as we are studying the language and making so little progress, that tiiere is ci'rtainly a lesson of p.itience in it that ma\- be valuable in our future work. I have been so glad lliat Dr. Woodhull allows me to iicip her some, fftr it is a change from my study. The task of learning the language is in- deed a diflicult one, and rises up as a mountain before me ; but I try to think ol it as one day's work at a time, and not as a great whole.

1 am the " baby" of the mission now ; and I really feel like one, for I have

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

liad to be named, and must learn to talk. I am very helpless, and depend on those around me for everything. I shall indeed be glad when I can sjieak for myself, and not feel my deisendence on others. Dr. WoodhuU and sister are such dear good people, and are so kind to me that if it had been mine to have chosen with whom I should make m}' home, I could not have been bet- ter pleased. The way all along has been made ver}' easy for me. Dr. WoodhuU's sister met us in Japan, which, of course, was added pleasure on the wa}' ; and on our arrival here a warm welcome awaited us.

We found our house taken possession of and beautifully decorated with ferns, chrysanthemums, tube roses, etc., which told the thoughtfulness of loving hearts. It was dark before we left the boat landing and saw that our baggage was taken care of, and so could not reach the city before the gates were closed. We stopped for tiie night with our people at Ponasang, and came into the city early in the morning.

The narrow streets seemed very queer to me, for it seemed as if we were going through a very long building, and my eyes were so tired trying to see both sides of the streets at once and their queer shops. I am glad there is is no sham here, for the worst is in plain view, and you find something better when you get back into the building. I have seen a dirty meat market in the front room, and several rooms back a beautiful silk stoic. I am becom- ing somewhat oblivious to the tiltli, and can go through the streets without trving to hold my breath and closing my nose with m}' 'kerchief.

The work has begun this vear with the schools all filled, and many having been turned away. If we had more buildings and more workers how the Avork might spread !

In the hospital we have three young lady students, and several more who want to come in. We have some very encouraging cases. Only a few days ago a woman left wiio had been healed, and she was very happy, and had been \ erv much interested in the Doctrine. She said she knew it was good, and would thank (jod every day for having done so much for her. She had learned the parables and miracles, and could repeat a prayer and a few h\ inns. We feel she will be a great power for good among her friends. Slie lives about four or fi\c miles from here, but we will try to visit her occasionally, and encourage her all we can. Our patients have all been ex- ceptionally nice ones, and have been so thankful for all that was done for them.

Dr. Woodiuill has given me charge of her sister's sciiool, and I go over four times per week, and any other time I am sent for, and treat any who may be sick. When I learn something of the language, we will visit some of the villages around here and dispense medicine and teach the Doctrine. There is so much to be done if one has the time and strength.

LETTER FROM MISS IDA MELLINGEK.

401

I have enjoyed the Calendar so much, and think, as I look at it day by day, what a power in the united pra}ers that are going up to the tlirone of God, and liow can he but hear the pleadings of his children. How wonder- ful the tie that binds us all together the world oyer. The workers in the konie land are doing tiieir part as well as we, and if it were not for the in- terest there, we would not be here to-day.

TURKEY.

LETTER FROM MISS IDA MELLIXGER.

OoRFA, Turkey.

My dear Secretary : Did I ever write of a Sunday-school class I have among our poor neighbors' children? They are wretchedly poor, ignorant, and rough. They are in the streets all day Sundays, playing, and learning all sorts of evil words and ways. For some time I have called them together ai a neighoor's house, taught them Bible verses, hymns, and a Bible story is illustrated by pictures. About fifty children attend. This week I deter- mined to try to do more there, as now I am acquainted with their homes.

,The last two days I succeeded in getting eight into our schools. In giving an example of one instance, the difficulty of the whole can be seen. In one dirty little yard there lives a grandmother and grandfather, with an enormous family of sons and daughters. These are all married, and each has a nu- merous family of little ones. One of these is a little girl, quick, and learn- ing mucli that is bad. I asked iier grandmother to let her come to school. The woman was almost speecliless from surpiisc, and then exclaimed: *' She learn to read when neither I, nor her father, nor our parents, or grand-

•parents, or relatives have learned ! Why slioidd she learn.' What good will it do her?" No amount of argument on mv part could clear up tlie mystery to her. Tlic cliilil is in sciiool tiiougli, now, and \crv happy to be there. I feel that each ciiild l)r()Uglit under the influence of our dear Cliristian teacii- ers will be benefited for life, and that tlieir homes and tliose of tlieir children will be difVerent from tliose we .now see.

There lias been a great deal of sickness in the city tliis winter, and very

: many have died. It has been my great jov to sit by tiie side of a few CJre- 'gorians whom I could not doubt were truly Cliristians, and who are now in

I the heavenly land. I will tell you of one dear old woman whom I dc.irlv

T loved. A year ago last New ^'ear's I took cards and called on all our ne.ir ijeighbors, ostensibly to give the bright ])ictures to the children, but in real- ity to make the ac(|uaintance of these (iregori.'Ui homes. I found in one

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

yard an old woman who was bowed together, and could in no wise lift her- self up. She did her housework by crawling. She was nearly blind, and at all times a great sufferer. The tears ran down her withered, yet sweet, pale face as she repeated after me the verse I gave. From that day she was an object of special care and love. This winter she suffered more than usual, and as her husband was a stone-cutter in tlie mountains, and awav from home all day, I found she might die alone. One day she told me her story of suffering. Thirty-two years before she was a bride, and one day when she was in the yard cooking some food she felt something cold on one of her limbs, and looking down saw a snake wrapping itself about her. She attempted to pull it off, but it only clung the tighter, and she fainted, and lay unconscious all day till her husband came home at night. A long fever followed, and from that day she was the cripple I knew. Six months of eacli year she was unable to leave her bed, yet she had no word of com- plaint. She grew to love the Word so much that she did not want me to even ask how she was feeling. She would say: "You cannot stay long; read a few verses and let us talk of them." One Friday her husband came home, took the fever so prevalent in tiie city, and died the following dav. As she grew weaker I sat beside her each day, and the day before she went home she was unconscious of what was passing about her, but from time to time she spoke to Jesus Christ as though she saw him face to face. I miss her, but rejoice that one more soul has gotten the yictor\-.

I become much attached to a great many homes, and often wisii I could concentrate my work more. I cannot see those I am especially trying to lead to the light as often as I would like. There are hundreds — ves, I think I can safely say thousands — of homes open to me, and it seems so little one can do for so many. It is my desiie that the Protestant w'omen help in this work. But those capable of lending a helping hand are so hemmed in by household cares and the customs of the country, that at present little can be done by them.

Miss .Shattuck is very tired, and working very hard, as usual, yet her schools give her much joy. Tiiey could scarcely be recognized as the same found here a year and a half ago.

LETTER FROM EFFIE M. CHAMBERS.

Erzroom, Ti'RKEY, May 5, 1894.

My dear Mrs. Clarke : —

It is almost post time, but I must tell you tlie glad news. \Vc have beetii granted permission for repairs on our girls' school. We hope to make thfl said "repairs," like the l)r<)a<l mantle of charity, cover a great deal. Thd

RECEIPTS.

403

permit reads "for slight repairs," wliicli will at least let us mend our leaky roofs and repair the wall that is dangerous. We hope for enlargement, also, and the cliief man of the community sa^ s he thinks we may go on and do as much as we like, so we do not tear down the front wall of our building. They plan to begin work ^Monday, but tliis is Turkey, and W'c may be disap- pointed vet. However, I could not wait longer to tell you about it. I shall be so happy if it can be put through without any further trouble.

We are planning to reojien our boarding department next vear. It will be so nice if we can get our new building finished, or, rather, oiu" old building made over, in time for the reopening of the school.

Then if I only could have my associate ; but of coin se that is not possible unless these station troubles come to a more speedy settlement than seems probable now. But the Lord can do great things, and we are all praying that he will not only lead us to see our duty, but to do it.

I must close now, as it is nearly post time, and I do not want this letter to wait over. Love to all at the rooms.

WOMAN'S BOARD OF THE INTERIOR.

Receipts from May 18 to June 18, 1894. Mus. J. B. LEAKE, Tbeasuber.

ILLINOIS.

Branch.— Mrs. W. A. T;ilcott, of Rock- ford, Trea.s. Aurora, First Ch., 10.55; ChicaK", Callforiii.i Ave. Cli., 5, <.'ove- iiant Cli., 25, Mrs. Kliiior Miller, 25, New KiiglaiKl Cli., 109.25, ITiiioii Park of \vh. 25 Mrs. A. A. ISaiiks, to const. Miss Hazel A. It. Pierce L. .M., 25, Miss liello Speiice, to const. Mrs. ('. Sliervrey I>. M., 100, a Friend, 25; KIniliurst, IS..^ ; Kvans- ton, G2.50; Galesbnrp;, First Conp. Cli., 50; (ialva, 21. T5; Ontario, 10; Poplar Glove, 10; Moline, 29; Naperville, 19.05; Rantonl, 6; Ro(;er8 J'ark, First Cli., 9; Waukouaii, 17.92, 680 60

Junior: Chicaeo, Millard Ave. Ch., 39, Union Park C'li., to const. SvlviaCorwin L. M., 25; Kockford ColleRe', 40; Winne- b.iRO, 10, 110 00

JuvKNli.K : Klnilmrst,ForKet-Me-Not Soc, 1.50; (iaiesbiiri;. First Conj;. Ch., 10; .Joy Prairie, 6.25; Payson, Cheerful Workers, 5; Sonioiiatik, 5, 27 75

C. K. : Cain)irid|;e, 10 00

Junior C. K. : Chelianse, 2.BI ; Hniitley, 4, t; 51 Sunday Schools: Chicano, First Ch., 34 71; GalesburR, Old First Ch., 39.411, 74 17

Total, 779 03 I.KOACY: Rockford, Mrs. Harriet A. .San- ford, four shares of Kockford Insurance stock, valued at $1,000.

IOWA.

Branch.— Mrs. C. E. Rew, of Orinnell, Treas. Ames, 6; Anamosa, 8; Decorali, 15; I)es Moines, Plymouth Ch., 17.13; Kmnietsburc, 4; Genoa HlufTs, 5.10; I,e Mars, 6.18; Old Man's Creek, 3.35; Oska- loosa, 4.10; Red Oak, .Miss .M. I. Clark, 25; Storm Lake, 7.25,

Junior: Clay, 9.60; Genoa BlufTs, Kin(;'s DaUKliters, 2.08,

JuvKNii.K: Cedar Ra)>ids, Busy Bees, 3, Earl A. Munger, 2; Wrinnell, lUlsy Bees, proceeds of festival, 70.85; Traer', Coral Workers, 10; Webster City, 7.25,

Junior C. E. : Storm I,.ake, 5; Anita, 3.11,

Sunday Schools: Emmetsburt;, 3; Deco- rali, 2.05,

Tot.al,

Bran<;h.— Mrs. W. A. Coals, of Topcka, Treas. Leavenworth, 20; Blue Kapids, 12.50,

Less expenses.

Total,

101 11

II G8

!<3 10 8 It

219 66

32 50

32 50 1 35

31 15

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LIFE AND LIGHT.

MICHIGAN.

Branch. — .Mrs. Robert Caiiii)l)eil, of Ann Arbor, 'i'reas. Ann Arbor, 20.(;7 ; Alle- gan, 9; Fredonia, 2.50; Kenilall, of wli. 2 is from one member of society, 4.94; Michigan City, Mrs. E. ,M. Stewart, 1; Olivet, 26.7.5; I'ort Huron, 2.25; Uomeo, 70; South Eramett, 50 cts. ; Whittaker, 10.72; Webster, 11.50; AVayne, 10, 169 83

Junior: Owosso, King's Daughters, 10 oo

Juvenile: Ann Arbor, Children's M. S., 25; Memphis, Children's C. E. S., 1.25, 26 25

Total,

206 08

MI.NNESOTA.

Branch.— Mrs. J. F. Jackson, 139 E. Uni- versity Ave., St. Taul, Tieas. Minne- apolis, Fifth Ave. Ch., 3.79; Northfield, Carleton College .Students, 57.62, Aux., 62; Spring Valley, 10, 133 41

Junior: Northfield, 14 90

C. E. : Brownton, 2.25; Faribault, 10; St. Paul, Atlantic Ch., 5, 17 25

Juvenile: Hutchinson, 10, 10 00

Junior C. E.: Minneapolis, Vine Ch., 5; Rochester, 5, 10 00

Sunday Schools: Freeborn. .'54 cts.; Min- neapolis, Plymouth Ch., 73.83, 74 37

For THE Deist: Anoka, C. E., 565; Min- neapolis, Miss Lora KoUister, 5; St. Paul, a Friend, 5; St. Cloud, C. E., 2.6.5, 18 30

Spi'.cial: !Minneai)olis, Park .We. Cli., Aux., for furnishing new building at Marsovan, Turkey, 10 00

Less expenses.

Total, 281 49

MONTANA.

Union. — Chinook, Mrs. Fannie Richey, 2 00 Total, 2 00

NORTH DAKOTA.

Branch.— Mrs. G. L. O'Neale, of lJuxton, Treas. Fargo, Plymouth Ch., 5; Lisbon, 2.60, 7 00

Juvenile: Valley City, 1.55; Dwight, Helping Hands, 5, 6

Total, 14 15

Branch.— Mrs. Geo. H. Ely, of Elyria, Treas. Alexis, Mite-box Society, 4.67; Anstinburg,5 ; Conneaut, 16.50; Cortland, 2; Huntsbiirg, 11.25; Medina, 10; North Amherst, 5; Oberlin, 50; I'ainesville, 27.25; Raveniin, 15; Sandusky, 10; Steu- ben, 10; Tallniadgc, 10; ToU'do, First Ch.. 1 10; Wauseon, 2, 288 67

Jiockport. -ytrn. Clara Hassptt, 8 95

Junior: Lake Erie Seminarv, Y. S., 30 00 C. E. : Jefferson, 5; Oberlin.'First Ch., 36; West Cleveland, I.akewooil Cli., 10; Cin- cinnati, Walnut Hills Ch., 10, Gl 00 Juvenile: Klvria, liovs' .Mission Club, 12 50 Sunday School : Oberlin, First ('h., 23 It! .■^IMvciAl,: Colunib\is, First Ch., C. E., 15; Hannar, 13; Toledo, Washington St. Ch., 02.80, 80 80

Self-denial : Cleveland, Hough Ave. Ch., 50 For the Debt: Oberlin, a Friend, 5 00

510 58 13 50

497 08

Less expenses,

Total,

south DAKOTA.

Branch.— Mrs. C. S. Kingsbury, of Sioux Falls, Treas. Colviii and La Roche, 7; Fort Yates, Elkhorn Chapel, 4; Plaiik- intoii, 5, 16 00

Juvenile: Huron, 2; AVatertown, Snow- fiakes, 2, 4 00

Total,

20 00

WI.SCONSIN.

Br ANcn.— Airs. R. Coburn, of AVhitewater, Treas. Appleton, il.50; Arena, First Ch., 3.09; Leeds, 5; Stoughton, Ladies in convention, 1.81; Two Rivers, 2.25; Wisconsin, a Friend, 25, a Friend, for Miss Porter's outfit, 2,'jO, 298 65

Junior: Endeavor, Covenant AVorkers, 15; (Jrand Rapids, 40; M ilwaukee. Grand Ave. Ch., 25; South lAlilwaukee, C. E., 3.15: Wyoming, C. E., 4.15, 87 30

Juvenile : Green Bay, S. S., 14; La'Crosse, Coral Workers, 40; South Milwaukee, Jan. C. E., 1.85, 55 85

Less expenses,

Total,

441 80 13 82

427 98

LOUISIAN.\.

New Orleans. — University Ch., Aux., 10, Straight Univ., Lower Lights, 5.65,

Total,

Total,

Total,

rENN.SYLVANIA.

rutsburtj.— Mrs. AV. S. G.,

MICRONESIA.

Jdtk.— Gills' School.

TURKEY.

//atyin.— Armenian women,

Total,

MlSCfELLANEOUS.

Sale of leaflets, 19.47; envelopes, 30 cts.; boxes, 6; African curios, 1.75; etc., 85 cts.,

15 05 15 05

10 00 10 00

5 50

6 50

1 93 1 93

28 37

Total for month, 2,.'>41 06

Previously acknowledged, 30,615 49

Total since November 4, 1893, $33,156 55

Miss Jessie C. Fitch,

Ass't Treas.