LIFE AND LIGH
FO»
WOMAN.
PUBLISHED BY THK
WOMAN'S BOARDS OF MISSIONS.
1902, Vol. XXXII.
MAY 25 1955
BOSTON : P'rank VVo(5d, Printer. 1902.
INOHX TO VOIvUIVtK XXXII.
WOMAN'S BOARD OF MISSIONS.
Africa, Extracts from Letters, from Mrs. Mary K. Edwards, 313, 553; from Miss Gilson, 21S, 457; from Miss Margaret Melville, 552; from Miss Price, 555; from Miss Sarah Stimpson, 553 ; Inanda Seminary, 56; Kindergartens in W. C. Africa, 111.
Austria, Evangelization among Women of Bo- hemia, 297; lr*rotestantism in Bohemia, 248; Young People of Bohemia, 306.
Ceylon, Bible Women in Ceylon and India, 202; Progress in Ceylon, 349.
China, An Alabaster Box, 540 ; Extract from Annual Report of Tientsin Station, 5i5; Extracts from Letters, from Miss Andrews, 165, 459; from Miss Jean Brown, 40S; from Miss Abbie G. Chapin, 76; from Miss Cheney, 167 ; from Miss Garretson, 361 ; from Miss Hartwell, 460; from Miss Hannah Woodhull, 266; Interesting Occasion, 300; Mrs. Diong Cing-Hiong, 208; New Social Life at Peking,45i ; Pagoda Anchorage Training School, 492; Pagoda Bells, Medical Work in Foochow, 21, 70; Woman's Work, 303; Woman's Work at Pao-ting-fu, 401.
Editorial Paragraphs, 2, 49, 97, 148, 194, 242, 290, 338, 3S6, 434» 4S2, 530.
Helps for Leaders, Definite Work for Children, 502; Enlisting the Sunday schools, 74; How to use Via Ckristi, 25; How We Did It Last Year, 263; Knowing^ a Missionary, 216; Lux Chrisii, 457; Redeeming Our Covenant Pledge, 310,359, 407; Study of Via Ckristi, 116; The College Girl, 550.
Illustrations, Age of the Reformation, 3S5; Al- fonso XIII, 2S9; Anandibai and her Friends, 43S; Armado, 262; Bible Woman in Jafiha, 207 ; Bible Woman with Low-caste Hearers. 203; Bringing a Tablet to the Hospital, 72; Catherine of Siena, 193; Children Who Give a Handful of Rice, 440; Christian Workers in Ahmednagar, 537; Christian Zulu and Wife, 57; Christian Zulu Home, 59; Constant Attendants at Kinder- garten, 113; Crossing the Ferry, 397; Devotees Carrying Kawadies, 350; Egyptian Obelisk and Stone Pyramid, 7; Fatima Hanum, 15S; Forum Column, I ; Four New Students, Foochow Hos- pital, 23; Gorge in Rito Mountains, 154; Gradu- ates of International Institute, 296; Graduating Class, Smyrna, 49; Group of Ainos,40o; Group of Christian Women, Eastern Turkey, 405 ; Group of Hospital Patients, 25; Heathen Wedding in Indiaj 205; Hindu Fakeer, 354; Huss, John, 249; If It IS not Paid, 241 ; In Buhia, 443; In Monas- tir,445; Japanese Home, 399; Jeuf Schools, Ah- mednagar, no; Kindergarten Class, Monastir, 446; Kitchen Work in Madura School, 63; Kos- tinetz, on the Way to Samokov, 444; Land Walls of Constantinople, 5; Luis Mena, 261; Martyrs' Memorial Arch, 4S5; Mahar Wadi School, loS; Members of Junior C. E., Pradejon, Spain, 254; Miss Cole, Miss Matthews, and Native Teach- ers, 163; ^liss Hartwell and Bible Women, 211 ; Miss Stone and Bible Women, 152; Monastery in Bulgaria, 154; Monastir, 160; Monastir Girls* School, 161; New Premises in Madrid, 294; Nomdayi, Teacher in Ireland Home,5S; Object of Hindu Charity, 433; Orphans at Sholapur, 106; Pastor's Daughter, Madura School, 62; Plan of Chinese Pastor's House, 209; Portraits, Jud- son, Mrs. Ann H., ^Si, Mary Chellayapillai, 338, Mason, Mrs. Caroline A., 507; Promising Kin- dergarten Pupil, 115; Pupil in International In- stitute, 305; Raw Material, 112; Resurrection Message, 145; School Well, 65; Social Occasion in Foochow, 301 ; St. Bernard and Madonna, 97;
Street Scene in Samokov, 156; Tauste, Spain, 256; Temple Dancing Girls, 352; Three Pastors' Wives, in Pagoda Anchorage, 493; Vardar River, Macedonia, 447; Woman's Annual Meet- ing, Foochow, 495.
India, Bible Women in Ceylon and India, 202; Celebration of Mrs. Bissell's Jubilee, 17- Extracts from letters, from Mrs. Bissell, 167; from Miss Chandler, 360; from Miss Fowler, 77; from Miss Hartt, 166; from Mrs.C. E. Hume, 28, 311 ; from Dr. Karmarkar, 118; from Miss Bessie Noyes, 459; Giving in India, 437; Girls' Boarding School at Ahmednagar, 536; Hindu girls' schools, 197; Laying the corner-stone of Capron Hall, 291 ; Madura Girls' Normal and High School, 61 ; Missionary Homes, 292; Site for new Hospi- tal, 198; The Hindu Triad: Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, 533; To what Purpose is this Waste? 353; Village Schools in the Marathi Mission, 105.
In Memoriam, Miss Abbie B. Child, 529; Mrs. Clara Hamlin Lee, 217; Mrs. M. W. Warren, 128.
Japan, Extracts from letters, from Miss Adams, 265; from Miss Colby, 315; from Miss Daugha- day, 27; from Miss Fanny E. Griswold, 556; from Miss Gulick, 504; from Miss Talcott, 118; Letterfrom Mrs. Pettee, 346; The Plum Blossom Girls' School, Osaka, 544; Transformed Life, 257; Twentieth Century Forward Movement, 343; Vacation Work, 396.
Junior Work, An Afternoon among Village Homes in Turkey, 403 ; Christian Endeavor Work in Spain, 259; Helps for Leaders, 26, 74, 116, 216, 263, 310, 359,457, 503, 550; Ideal relations between Senior ana Junior Organizations, 168; Kinder- gartens in West Central Africa, 111; Pagoda Bells, Medical Work in Foochow, 21, 70; Spanish Girl, 30A; Sunday in Samokov, 355; Through the Crack of a Door, 546; Tushoon of Hoghi, 215; Unknown Heroines, 499; The Woman who gave Herself, 453; Young People of Bohemia, 306.
Micronesia, Extract from letters, from Miss Wil- son, 361 ; Letter from Native Woman, 410; Nu- kuaro Woman, 448.
Miscellaneous, Conversion of our Anglo-Saxon Ancestors, 52; Fourteenth Century Peacemaker, 199; Glimpses of Christian Women in the Mid- dle Ages, 100; Kaulbach's Era of the Reforma- tion, 390; Our Bible and Theirs, 120; Protestant- ism in Bohemia, 24S; Miss Stone in Boston, 245; Two Pioneer Women, 486.
Our Work at Home, All His Benefits, 461; Annual Meeting, 417, 466, 557; Convention of Student Volunteer Movement, 1^3; From our Branches, 29; Great and Present Need, 386; How to Study Lux Ckristi, 506; Laying Aside Weights, 222; Loyalty to Branch and Board and to Pledges, 258; On Life Membership, 412; Our Bible and Theirs, 120; Our Book Table and Sidelights, 33, 80, 126, 175, 225, 271, 319, 366, 416, 464.513,5^^2; Receipts, 35, S3, 130, 178, 227, 274, 321,359,419,467,515,565; Shall Single Ladies Work in Dangerous Places, 78: Some Books for Summer Reading, 318; Unitea Study of Mis- sions, 363 ; What shall we read this Summer.'' 317.
Poetry, Christ's Laborers, 2; For My Sake and the Gospel's, Go, 3S5; On Mrs. Judson, 481; The Resurrection Message, 145.
Spain, After Thirty Years, 295; Christian Endeavor Work, 259; Extracts from Letters, from Mrs. Gulick, 503; from Miss Page, 264; Fruits of Seed-sowing, 261; Spanish Girl, 304; Visit to Graduates, 252.
Topics for Auxiliaries, Bernard of Clairvaux
INDEX.
to Luther, 226; Book Reviews, 320; Chailemagne to Bernard, 130; Constantine to Charlemagne, 82; Current Events, 369; First Lesson in Lux C/trt'st 1,^64; Halle Missionaries to Careyand Jud- son, 514; Luther to the Halle Missionaries, 418; Our Present Work in Spain and Austria, 27^; Thank-offering Meeting, 467; AVork in Bulgaria and Macedonia, 177; Work of the Board in Con- stantinople, 34. Turkey, Afternoon Among Village Homes, 403; Alumnae Association of A. C. G. C, 12; Amer- ican College for Girls, 10; Bible Women's Work in European Turkey, 155; Boarding School at Erzroom, 497; Efforts for Miss Stone's Release,
151 ; Extracts from Letters, from Mrs. Bond, 411 ; from Miss Burrage, 221; from Miss Bush, 362; from Miss M. L. Daniels, 220, 265; from Miss Foreman, 75; from Miss Gordon, 117; from Miss Huntington, iiq; from Miss Loughridge, 503; from Mrs. Marden, 217; from Miss Isabel Trow- bridge, 315; Final Account of Miss Stone's Re- lease, 213; Letters from Miss Stone, 146, 212; Old Constantinople, 6; School for Girls, Mon- astir, i6g; Smyrna Girls' School, 65; Sunday in Samokov, 354; Touring in the Land of the Apos- tles, 392; Tushoon of Hoghi, 215; Unknown Heroines, 499; What to See in Europe, 442; Year in Gedik Pasha, 16.
BOARD OF THE PACIFIC.
Africa, Glimpses of Work in Amanzimtote, 325. China, Ing-hok, 229.
Home Department, Annual Meeting, 517; An- nual Report, 569, 571 ; Home Secretary's Report, 37 Quarterly Meeting, 231.
Illustration, Portrait of Madame Tsilka, 279.
In Memoriam, Mrs. S. S. Smith, 136.
Japan, Faces of Christian Japanese Women, 32S; Work in Matsuyama, 572.
Micronesia, Letters from Miss Wilson, 85, 133 469.
Miscellaneous, The Profit of Giving, 328; Tem- ple Keeper's Foul Deed, 2S0; What Would You Think ? 424.
Turkey, Letters from Mrs. Baldwin, 373, 431; Smyrna, iSi ; Story of Madame Tsilka, 277.
BOARD OF THE INTERIOR.
Africa, Extract from Letter of Mrs. McCord, 431 ; Fifteen Days in a Tepoia, 1S7; I^etter from Mrs. W'ebster, 47 ; Report of Amanzimtote Seminarj',46
Ceylon, Letter from Mrs. C. P. Brown, 377.
China, Extract from Letter of Miss Josephine Walker, 479; Extract from Report of Work Among Tung-cho Christians, 91 ; Letters, from Miss F. K. Bement, 380; from Miss Jean H. Brown, 37S; from Miss E. S. Hartwell,95; from Dr. Emily D.Smith, 2S;, 430; from Miss Grace Wyckoff, C22; The Light Shineth in Darkness, 1S9; Loyalty of Chinese Christians, 144; Pagoda Anchorage Station Classes, 475 ; . Report of Woman's Work, Tientsin Station, 473; Woman's Work in Peking, 526.
Home Department, Annual Meeting, 577.
India, Letters from Mrs. Dean, 2S3; from Miss Millard, 3U ; Lucy Perry Noble Training School, ^2; Sacred. Stable, 288; School for Blind Children in Bombay, 191; A Translation^ 574; The Opin- ion of the Native Preacher on Work in Melur Station, India, 576. •
In Memoriam, Mrs. John L. Davies, 576.
Items, 45, 90, 96, 240.
Japan, Niigata Notes, 139; Summary of Dr. Tor-
rey's Labors, 2S4. Micronesia, Bits from a Schoolgirl's Letter, 282;
Extract from Mrs. Gray's Journal, 429; Letter
from Mrs. Channon, 142; Miss Palmer's Journal,
3S1.
Miscellaneous, Notes hy the Way, 335; Rich, 93; Unity Among Missionary Societies, 186; *' Where Two or Three are Gathered Together," 523.
Mexico, Extract from Letter from Miss Prescott,
190; Letter from Miss Hammond, 42^. Poetry, Christmas Eve, 573; Hindrance, 329;
Hymn of Praise, 521 ; Jesus Risen, 185; The Old
Year's Blessing, 41, Receipts, 48, 96, 144, 192, 240, 288, 336, 3S4, 433, 480,
528, 580.
Turkey, Extracts from Letters, from Miss Blakely, 2S1 ; from Miss Shattuck, 137; from Miss Marj' Webb, 335; Letters, from Miss Fenenga, 426"; from Miss Haskell, 89; from Miss Spencer, 379; from Miss Welpton, 332; Mission ana Protestant Community in Marash, 237; Progress of Women, 233; Smyrna Girls' School, 238.
LADY MISSIONARIES
Abbott, Miss Anstice, 98, 265, 347. Adams, Miss' Alice P., 283. Andrews, Miss Mary E., 165, 292, 459.
Baird, Miss Agnes M., 357. Baird, Mrs. Ellen R., 357. Baldwin, Mrs. M. J ., 373, 421. Ballantine, Mrs. Josephine L., 105, 437. Barbour, Miss Catharine H., 31, 416. Barker, Miss Annie M., 3S6. Bartlett, Miss Cornelia S., 182, 23S. Bates, Miss Eula G., 379. Bement, Miss Frances K., 380. Bissell, Miss Emily R., 166, 194, 536. Bissell, Miss Julia, M.D.,98, 148, 194, 19S. Bissell, Mrs. Mary E., 17, 167. Blakely, Miss Ellen M., 117, 2S1. Bond, Mrs. Fannie G., 411, 446. Brewer, Miss Mary E., 386. Brown, Miss Clara L., 3, 51, 335.
lONED IN VOLUME XXXH.
Brown, Mrs. Clara P., 349, 377. Brown, Miss Jean H., 300, 37S, 408. Bruce, Miss Harriet L., 3, 340. Bunker, Mrs. Isabel H., 243. Burrage, Miss Fannie E., 221. Bush, Miss Caroline E., 215, 362, 392. Bushee, Miss Alice H., 261, 304, 4S3.
Case, Miss Lucy Ella, 544.
Calder, Miss Matilda S., 117, 282, 340.
Chambers, Miss Etfie M., 335.
Chandler, Miss Helen E., 360.
Channell, Miss Mary A., 98.
Channon, Mrs. Mary L., 142
Chapin, Miss Abbie'G., 76.
Chapin, Miss Jane E., gi.
Cheney, Miss Nellie M., 167.
Chittenden, Miss Caroline E., 20S, 26S, 285, 430.
Clark, Miss Elizabeth C, 387.
Clark, Miss Hattie, 46.
Clark, Mrs. Ruth E., 297.
INDEX.
LADY MISSIONARIES (Continued).
Closson, Miss Sarah A., 3S6, 503.
Coffing, Mrs. Josephine L., 379.
Colby, Miss Abbie M., 315.
Cole, Miss Harriet L., 150, 163, 221, 3S6, 446.
Cooper, Mrs. Harriet Bruce, 353.
Cull, Miss Phoebe L., 3.
Currie, Mrs. Amy J., 47.
Daniels, Miss Mary L., 220, 265. Ddughaday, Miss Adelaide, 27, 343, 389. De Forest, Mrs. E. S., 396. Dewey, Mrs. S. S., 426. Dodd, Miss Isabella F., 3S6. Dorward, Mrs. Florence A., 325. Dunning, Miss Mary B., 190. Dwight, Miss Adelaide S., 98, 434.
Edwards, Mrs. Mary K., 313, 553. Evans, Miss Jane G., 91.
Fay, Mrs. Annie M., iii.
Fay, Miss Louise B., 1S7.
Fenenga, Miss Agnes, 426.
Fensham, Miss Florence A., 12, 175, 336, 3S6.
Foreman, Miss Lucile, 75, 3S6.
Foss, Miss Ida C, 143, 386.
Fowler, Miss Esther B., 77.
Garretson, Miss Elsie M., 361. Gilson, Miss H.Juliette, 218, 434, 457. Gleason, Miss Alice, 2. Gordon, Mrs. Agnes D., 117. Gordon, Miss Annie L., 51, 117, 2S2, 334. Gordon, Miss Jean H.,51. Graf, Miss Johanna, 342. Gray, Mrs. Leta D., 3S2, 429. Griswold, Miss Frances E., 556. Gulick, Mrs. Alice Gordon, 295, 503. Gulick, Miss Julia A. E., 347, 504.
Halsey, Miss Charlotte P., 333.
Hamilton, Dr. Caroline F., 409.
Hammond, Miss Mary L., 425.
Harding, Miss Mary B., 3SS.
Hartt, Miss Florence E., 30, 14S, 166, 242.
Hartwell, Miss Emily S., 95, 460, 475, 493, 543.
Haskell, Mrs. Marga'retB., 151,213, 357.
Haskell, Miss Mary M., 89, 355.
Hinman, Mrs. K. F., 300, 40S, 479.
Holbrook, Mary A., M.D., 243.
Holt, Miss Sophie S., 375, 422.
Hoppin, Miss Jessie R., 134.
Howland, Mrs. Sarah, 483.
Hoyt, Miss Olive S., 98, 482.
Hubbard, Miss Emma R., 386.
Hubbard, Mrs. Nellie L., 242, 290.
Hume, Mrs. C. E., 28, 311.
Huntington, Miss Theresa L., 119.
Ireland, Mrs. OrianaR., 148.
Jones, Mrs. Sarah A., 341.
Karmarkar, Mrs. Gurubai, M.D., 118. Knapp, Miss Grace H., 386.
Lee, Mrs. Clara H., 2S2. Logan, Mrs. Alice P., 232. Lord, Miss Agnes M., 497. Loughridge, Miss Stella N., 333, 503.
MacCallum, Mrs. Henrietta M., 333. Maltbie, Miss Esther T., 357. Marden, Mrs. Etta D., 16, 386. Marsh, Mrs. Ursula C, 155. Matthews, Miss Mary L., 150, 160, 446.
McCallum, Miss Etnilv, 239, 333. McCord, Mrs. M. M.,;3i. Melville, Miss Helen J., 47. Melville, Miss M. W., 232, 552. Millard, Miss Anna L., loi, 284, 331. Mills, Miss Minnie B., 182, 23S. Miner, Miss Luella, 91. Moulton, Miss Mary E.,5i.
Newton, Miss Ella J., 2S7, 540. Noyes, Miss Bessie B., 459. Noyes, Miss Mary T., 3, 61.
Olin, Miss Jenny, 470. Osborne, Miss Harriet L., 2, 430. Ostrander, Mrs. Mary L., 357.
Page, Miss Mary L., 252, 264.
Palmer, Miss Annette A., 3S1.
Parker, Harriet E., M.D., 98, 434, 436, 48^.
Patterson, Miss Frances B., 473, 474.
Peet, Mrs. Caroline K., 300.
Perkins, Mrs. Estella L., 244.
Perkins, Miss Mary, 519.
Pettee, Mrs. Belle W., 346.
Phelps, Miss Fidelia, 3, 243.
Piatt, Miss Claribel, 182.
Piatt, Miss Miriam v., 119.
Pohl, Miss Use C, 3, 66, 175, 182, 194.
Porter, Mrs . Lizzie L., 306.
Porter, Miss Mary H., 473.
Pratt, Miss Clarissa H., 403.
Prescott, Miss Nellie O., 190.
Price, Miss M. E., 555.
Price, Mrs. Sarah J., 232.
Prime, Miss Ida W., 386.
Redick, Miss Emma, 48. Reed, Miss Bertha P., 340, 48a. Riggs, Miss Mary, 434. Riggs, Miss Susan D., 386. Root, Miss Helen I., 29, 349. Russell, Miss Nellie N., 401, 528.
Searle, Miss Susan A., 343.
Seymour, Miss Harriet, 119, 395.
Shattuck, Miss Corinna, 137.
Sheffield, Mrs. Eleanor W., 91.
Sibley, Mrs. Minnie C, 51.
Smith, Emily D., M.D., 230, 285.
Smith, Mrs .'Emma D., 475.
Smith, Mrs. Grace W., 230, 2S5.
Spencer, Miss Charlotte D., 379.
Stanley, Mrs. Ursula, 473.
Stimpson, Miss Sarah, 48, 553.
Stone, Miss Ellen M., 100, 146, 151, 156, 162,
212, 245, 277, 290, 443. Swartz, Miss E. Pauline, 139. Swift, Miss Eva M., 340.
Talcott, Miss Eliza, 3, ii8, 3S2. Tewksburv, Mrs. Grace H., 91. Trowbridge, Miss Isabel, 315, 332.
Wainwright, Miss Mary E., 347. Walker, Miss J osenhine C, 439. Webb, Miss Anna F., 98, 259. Webb, Miss Mary G., 334. Webster, Mrs . ^larion M., 47. Welpton, Miss Cora May,2S2, 332. Wilder, Mrs .Gertrude W., 473, 528. Wilson, Miss Louise E., 85, 133, 361, 469. Worthlev, Miss Evelyn M., 2, 430. WoodhuU, Miss Hannah C, 266, 300, 496, Woodhull, Kate C, M.D., 21, 70, 300, 37S, 40S. Wyckoff, Miss Gertrude, 473, 474. Wyckoft, Miss Grace, 92, 473, 522.
Young, Annie, M.D., 349.
%itc anb Xigbt for TKHoman.
Vol. XXXII. JANUARY, 1902. No.
THE FORUM COLUMN.
2
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January,
CHRIST'S LABORERS.
BY MRS. MERRILL E. GATES.
Ye faithful ones ! O not alone Ye toil in far, unfriendly lands, But 'companied bj valiant bands
Of shining spirits from God's throne.
A great, a glorious company — Hosts of the Spirit-led on earth, Heirs of the new immortal birth —
Are fellow-workers where ye be !
All praying souls, whose ardent view Sees Christ's fair fabric rise secure, 'Mid fierce time-tumults, heavenly pure,
Upbuild those wondrous walls with you.
Angels, who downward bending hear The sin-bruised soul's repentant voice, And in the blessed sound rejoice.
How closely do they gather near!
And Christ the Lord, the crucified. For whose dear sake alone ye go, Who loves us as we cannot know.
How is he at your very side !
God, saints and angels! Surely ye, Since all to God ye freely give. Befriended are as none that live,
And heartened by high ministry !
Washington, D. C.
Contributions With much regret we must report a falling off in our FOR THE Month, contributions of $434.74 in the first month of our new financial year as compared with the same month in 1900. We recognize the fact that the ingathering at the close of the year is apt to react in the first month of the new year ; but the same conditions existed a year ago, and it is a disappointment to be obliged to begin the year in the minor key. We realize, however, that contributions must fluctuate from month to month, and since eleven months remain to redeem the loss, we will not lose heart over it. May it the rather spur us on to more " determined effort" in the new year.
Missionary Three new missionaries have started for their respective Personals, fields of labor the past month, — Miss Harriet L. Osborne and Miss Evelyn M. Worthley for Foochow, China, and Miss Alice Gleason for
J ^02. 2
EDITORIAL PARAGRAPHS.
3
Guadalajara, Mexico. It is pleasant to think of the warm welcome they will receive in the places to which they go, and the fresh life and courage they will carry to the overworked missionaries. Of the young ladies in this country, Miss Phelps, of Inanda, has gone to friends in the West ; Miss Pohl, of Smyrna, plans to take up some studies in Hartford Theological Seminary ; Miss Bruce, of Satara, India, is to remain in the East ; and Miss Mary Xoyes, of Madura, is with friends in Cincinnati. Letters have been received from !Miss Clara L. Brown at Honolulu, on her way home for a well- earned furlough. Miss Talcott has proved herself so indispensable to the work in the Sandwich Islands that she has been persuaded to remain there till the arrival of Dr. and Mrs. Doremus Scudder, who are soon to take up the work. Miss Cull, of Marsovan, who has a furlough this year, is established in Cambridge, England, where she is to take up special studies.
Via Christi. This little text-book for our united study for 1902 is rapidly making its way among many of the women's societies in the United States and Canada. The first two editions were soon exhausted, and it has been received with universal favor. The publishers are to issue a holiday illus- trated edition, which many of our readers will wish to purchase. To be obtained from Macmillan Company, 66 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Price, 60 cents.
Miss Stone. It is with great regret that we are again compelled to say that there is no word as yet of Miss Stone's release. The fact that both Turkey and Bulgaria are eager to disclaim all responsibility greatly hampers negotia- tions. In justice to Miss Stone and to the missionary force, it should be said that there was no " recklessness," as has been implied in some statements, on Miss Stone's part, in being found in the place where she was captured. The road was considered safe, and she was traveling with a party of teachers and pastors. The good news of her release may come at any moment. Efforts to this end have not been in the least relaxed.
Union Meeting. An interdenominational meeting was held Tuesday after- noon, December loth, in the chapel of the Old South Church, Boston. Presi- dent Caroline Hazard, of Wellesley College, presided, and there was a good representation of ladies from the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal and other Boards, as well as from our own Board. After a brief devotional service, Miss Susie Sorabji, of Poona, India, the daughter of a prominent Parsee family, to whom many of our own constituency listened with great interest at our annual meeting, gave an address, which was a wonderful presentation of facts from various reports and authoritative statements from prominent
4
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\^ January »
men, in regard to the condition of India's women. At the close a generous offering was made for the school in Poena, which is the special work which Miss Sorabji represents.
A New Magazine. A new visitor has appeared among our exchanges, called The Indiaji Ladles* Magazine. It is published in Madras, and edited by a native lady, Mrs. S. Satthianadhan. It is printed in English, and its appearance is all that can be desired in a modern magazine. It is in- tended for circulation among two classes of women in India — the growing number of native ladies who have received a liberal English education, and with whom the future of Indian womanhood largely rests ; and the many European ladies who are spending tlieir lives for the emancipation of tlieir Indian sisters. It is hoped that it will serve as a bond of union for the edu- cated Indian ladies with each other and with the Europeans, and the manifold activities by which the cause of Indian women is being furthered. The number before us contains articles on " Social Intercourse between Euro- pean and Indian Ladies," "The Vedic Wife," giving some of the Indian ideals of womanhood in the ancient literature of the country, and some pretty Hindu stories. Social reforms are made prominent in an article on Pun- dita Ramabai and her work ; and practical help for Indian wives and mothers is given in the cookery column, where there are recipes for sucii dislies as " cocoanut chutney" and " brinjal curry." We think the peri- odical promises much of interest to the friends of India in this country, and we wish it might have a large circulation here. The subscription price is $1.50 a year, which should be sent to Indian Ladies' Magazifie^ Roya- pettah, Madras.
Among Our "The touch of nature which makes the whole world
Methodist Friends, kin " is shown in the following recently received com- munication : —
" The following resolution was adopted' by the General Executive Com- mittee of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Methodist Episcopal Church, at its recent session in Philadelphia, October 30th to November 6th, 1 901. Mrs. J. T. Gracey, Secretary.
''''Resolved^ That our sincere sympathy is hereby extended to the perplexed and afflicted great American Board on account of the cruel capture and detention of their devoted missionary. Miss Ellen M. Stone, by the brigands of Bulgaria, and will devouth* and constantly pray for her speedy release."
Many thanks to our Methodist friends. We most heartily appreciate their sympathy. May their prayers and ours soon be answered in the release of our beloved captives !
6
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[January^,
TURKEY.
OLD CONSTANTINOPLE.
BY REV. HENRY O. DWIGHT, LL.D.
One of the striking qualities of Constantinople is its great age. In year B. C. 658, when graceless Manasseh sat on the throne of Judah, Byzantium began to rear its walls upon the crest and northward slopes of the hill at the mouth to the Golden Horn. Our ancient histories are largely occupied with the tale of the grinding to pieces of the great empires of the East. Babyloa breaks the power of Egypt ; Persia destroys Babylon ; Greece cripples and Macedon overthrows Persia, and Rome gathers up the fragments for a purpose which it hardly recognized as we can. A measure of the age of the first city at Constantinople is the fact that the chief phases of all these strug- gles and upheavals and falls among the empires were contemporary market gossip in Byzantium. Even then it was cosmopolitan in population, and lived for gain from the needs of the nations. Changing its allegiance from time to time, through shrewd prevision or unwelcome force, it became a strategic point of value, now to Persian, now to Greek or Macedonian,, now to Roinan. Through all these changes, with some mishaps, it managed to guard well its existence, and to thrive and grow.
At length there came a time when the Roman empire was divided against itself. By this time believers in Jesus Christ had filled the Roman world with his message of a new way of life. There is inspiration in the history of this early spread of the gospel under the protection of the "peace of Rome." There was no organization to carry on missions. But up to the seventh century, when the rise of the sword of Islam ended missions in the Eastern church, we everywhere find individuals doing great things on their own responsibility. In the conquest of the Roman world by Christianity we have example of the tremendous power of the individual Christian when moved by a simple, loving heart.
Constantine learned of Christianity in what is now France, from the spiritual descendants of the church at Smyrna. What he learned made him deem it wise, perhaps from reasons of state alone, to champion the new *'way" when he moved against Licinius at Byzantium. With the cross for his standard, he whirled across Europe, drove Licinius back on Byzantium,, and, after a pause to catch breath, he moved on the city and defeated him in a last terrible battle on the other side of the Bosphorus, not five miles from the point now occupied at Scutari by the American College for Girls. After once seeing the place on which Licinius had relied to be his stronghold, he quicklv resolved to make it his capital.
ig02.'] OLD CONSTANTINOPLE. 7
Constantine changed the name of Byzantium to New Rome. He repah'ed its finest buildings, and embelHshed its streets and its public places. Then he added to the ancient city a space of open country five times as large as its
EGYPTFAX OBELISK AXD STONE PYRAISIID.
former area, making the whole secure by a great wall that extended from the sea to the Golden Horn. Among his measures intended to allure inhabit- ants to the city, he diverted to Constantinople the wheat tribute of Egypt, so that the government grain ships from Alexandria no longer went, as in
8
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\^ January^
Paul's time, up the Italian coast to Puteoli, but made their way to a little harbor on the Marmora shore of Constantinople, where they discharged their cargoes near the foot of the hill on which now stands the Gedik Pasha Mis- sion House. But it was not long needful to use inducements to draw people to that magnificent site. Before a century had passed by, the city was so packed with people that a further tract of open land, about as large as Con- stantine's addition, had to be added to Constantinople, and inclosed by a new set of walls. These walls of the fifth century form the city limits on the west to this day. After a thousand years of existence, Byzantium had ceased to be an outpost and had become the seat of power. The astonishing way in which the growth of the city justified the estimate placed upon the im- portance of its position by Constantine, emphasizes the rare powers of the founder of the first Christian empire.
This change in rank came to the city almost i,6oo years ago. One natu- rally looks eagerly for traces of the work of the great emperor. Within the limits of old Bj'zantium, on the site of the Hippodrome, stands an Egyptian obelisk, which Constantine probably caused to be brought to Constantinople, although it was not set up in its place until a century or more after his death. It is one of those "pillars of the House of the Sun" mentioned by Jeremiah when he was trying to convince the Jews that Egypt could not save them from Babylon. Upon its rosy, sculptured sides Joseph must often have looked when, as prime minister of Egypt, he married the daughter of the priest of that " House of the Sun " at On.
Near the obelisk still stands the pillar of the Twining Serpents, which Con- stantine brought to the Hippodrome from Greece. Moulded from the armor of the Persian soldiers, who had crossed half a continent to meet their fruit- less doom at Platea, during eight hundred years the pillar of the Twining Serpents served the temple of Apollo at Delphi. For more than fifteen hundred years it has stood where Constantine put it, upon the Hippodrome of Byzantium. As Professor Van Millingen has remarked,* that pillar stands for the triumph of civilization over barbarism. It is made of the very substance of the instrument hurled by Persia to destroy the awakened soul of Greece. Constantine moved it to its new j^lace as a token of a further triumphant advance of civilization. It is therefore worthy of note that the first act of the conquering Turk on taking the city, in 1453, was to smite and break that column, in wanton contempt of whatever it stood for. He would have assailed it only the more eagerly had he understood its history and its portent.
In laying out the new city, Constantine fixed a point on the top of tlie second hill, just outside of the great western gate of the old city, to be in a *Byzantine Consfatttz'nople, p. 267.
1902.1
OLD CONSTANTINOPLE.
9
special sense the center of public municipal life for Constantinople — the oval Forum called by his name. In the center of the Forum he set up a lofty column, made of the superb porphyry chosen by the emperors of the East as the stone peculiar to royal abodes and royal tombs. When he set up the column, it is said that the emperor solemnly dedicated to Christ the city which it overlooks, and, while the empire lasted, each New Year's Day a solemn ceremony of dedicating the city anew to Jesus Christ was held at the foot of this column, with imperial pomp and pageantry. Tradition says that in the foundations of the column lie buried the Palladium of Rome, a portion of the cross of Calvary, and a magnificent copy of the New Testa- ment. x\ll traces of the inclosure of the Forum have disappeared. But the great column stands there yet, its base buried in the accumulated dust of the centuries, and its surface cracked and seamed and blackened by the flames of countless conflagrations, and its substance held together by many metal hoops. Its broken head towers some seventy feet above the careless throngs in the great street, who have forgotten how often, at the foot of "the burnt column," this city has been reconsecrated to Jesus Christ, the King of kings.
Constantinople rapidly became a city of churches after Constantine set an example in church building. Out of a hundred or more which are known to have existed before the Turkish conquest, one or two only are still in the hands of the Greek church. Some twenty-five others of these ancient churches are still to be seen by him who looks for them. They are Turkish mosques. St. Sophia, the cathedral founded by Constantine, St. Irene, also founded by Constantine, and used as an armory by the Turks for four hun- dred and fifty years, and the monastery of the meadows, or the so-called " Mosaic Mosque," which dates from the fifth century, are examples of these churches known to all travelers. Fragments and ruins of others of the old churches have been built into walls by those who care for none of these things, or spring to light when excavations are made for new buildings. Some of these old relics speak to-day with words that thrill when encountered in unexpected places. Over the main door of the mosque of St. Sophia is a brass tablet, which the Turks have seen no reason to remove. Carved on it is a dove, hovering in the midst of rays over an open book. On the page are Greek words that read : "I am the door. By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture." East of the ter- races which supported the Acropolis of old Byzantium, the Turks have built into the sea wall of the citv two long marble slabs bearing a Greek inscrip- tion. One of these pure white stones is upside down, and the two are separated by twenty or thirty feet. But, taken together, they still speak for a cliurch of the misty past: "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will enter into them, and I will give thanks unto the Lord."
10
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_Januaryy
Such mute appeals to the Christian heart are the words of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and they give all children of the kingdom a part in the interests of the place where they once ruled. Let us hope and pray — and work — that as a result of our missions in that storied city the old churches may awake anew to that glorious service for Jesus, the honor of which is their birth- right, and to the pains of which they are called by the very stones of the walls.
THE AMERICAN COLLEGE FOR GIRLS IN CONSTANTINOPLE.
EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR.
The number of students enrolled was one hundred and fifty-six. The number of resident students was seventy-five. The class that was graduated at the end of the year consisted of seven members : two Bulgarians, two Armenians, one Turk, one Hungarian and one English girl. Of these, one will enter the University of Berne to study medicine, two will return to the college for graduate work, two will study further in England and America, and one has gone to a school in the interior as a teacher.
The following table will indicate the enrollment of the students by nation- ality : —
Armenians, S3 ; Bulgarians, 20; Greeks, 21; English, 10; Israelites, 9 ; Turks, 12 ; Germans, 2 ; Italians, i ; Hungarians, 4 ; American, i ; Austrian, I ; French, i ; Persian, i.
The following shows the distribution of the students by residence : —
Turkey : Aleppo, i ; Aidin, i ; Nicomedia, 2 ; Trebizond, 5 ; Constan- tinople, 118; Mecca, 2; Salonica, 1; Adrianople, i; Sivas, i. Bulgaria, 15 ; Persia, i ; Russia, 6 ; England, i ; Greece, i.
The work in the several academic departments of the college has been carried on successfully during the year. The absence of the dean. Miss Fensham, was greatly felt in the teaching force ; but with that exception all the required work outlined in the Calendar was given, the departments were well conducted, and the advance in scholarship was satisfactory. The higher elective work — history of philosophy, biology, French and English history, history of art, chemistry and English literature — was especially prominent during the year. There will be classes prepared to do advanced work in some of these subjects another year.
At the end of the year a further separation was planned of the collegiate and preparatory departments. The reorganization tends toward the estab- lishment of a fully equipped high school, and has already extended to a
AMERICAN COLLEGE FOR GIRLS IN CONSTANTINOPLE.
11
practical separation of the preparatory school in its teaching force and class arrangements. Boys are also tauglit there, especially in the lower classes, and quite a number of children from the ruling nation of the land take advantage of tlie opportunities thus offered. Miss Dunn, who is in charge of this school, is especially fitted to draw in such students, through her inti- mate knowledge of the country and its needs.
The two literary societies of the college carried on their work as usual ; Miss Seager was the president of the P. B. T. U. and Miss Edib was pres- ident of the Theta Alpha. Both these societies are developing as perma- nent, independent elements of our college life. A Century Club was formed in the autumn, which meets on Friday evenings throughout the year, to read and discuss current events. Such subjects as the Transvaal war, China and the Powers, and the United States in Cuba and in the Philippines were brought up to date, current news was discussed, and the forms of government of the leading countries in Europe and of the United States were studied. Two of the teachers kindly gave talks on the Spanish- American war and Egypt under the Khedives. In the spring a formal debate was held on the Transvaal war, to which the teachers and college students were invited.
Religious services have been maintained as usual in the college through- out the year. The Bible classes met with enthusiasm, and the Christian Association made good progress in its work, under the efficient presidency of Miss Dayan. The Sunday evening services were carried on by the Christian Association throughout the year, and were often conducted by one of its members. The students' voluntary pra3'er meeting, held on Sat- urday afternoon, was usually well attended. It was through personal effort, however, that the most notable results of influence on the character of the students were attained. There was great improvement during the year in habits of self-control and standards of uprightness, and, in general, in those qualities which it is the purpose of the college to develop. The money raised for benevolent purposes amounted to $79.30. Divine service was conducted in the chapel every Sunday morning, usually by members of the Advisory Board or other friends of the college.
The prizes which have been given for several years past for the best work done in essay writing in English, by Miss Mary Augusta Mason, were offered again this year. The first prize, consisting of a handsome edition of Shakespeare, was gained by Winifred Baker, the second by Coralie Dim- itoff', the third by Martha Zieda. The subjects written on were Edgar Poe, Abraham Lincoln and Longfellow.
The baccalaureate service was held on Sunday, June i6th. The gradu-
12
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January^
atin^ class invited Dr. Washburn, the President of Robert College, to preach the sermon. On Wednesday, June 19th, the exercises of com- mencement day took place. The commencement address was given by Dr. Jerome H. Raymond, Associate Professor of Sociology in the University of Chicago, on the subject " William Morris as an Idealist." The Hon. John G. Leishman, ISlinister Plenipotentiary U. S. A., was present on the occa- sion, and other official, diplomatic and religious representatives. The occasion was especially marked by the fact that one member of the gradu- ating class was a Mohammedan girl, the first in the empire to receive the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Halide Edib is already recognized by her nation as a writer, as she has for some time written constantly for the Turkish press of the city.
THE ALUMN.^ ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE AT CONSTANTINOPLE.
BY MISS FLORENCE A. FENSHAM.
The test of an educational institution is found in the men or women it fits for the practical duties of life. The spirit of the day demands that the in- telligence, judgment and discrimination which a thorough college education is assumed to develop be directed toward some practical need of society. This is true everywhere, but especially is it so in and about Constantinople, where society is passing through a period of rapid transformation, and a mingling of Eastern and Western culture must for a time produce something like chaos. European ideas are apparent everywhere in the Levant, — wine drinking among the Turks, the more innocent English afternoon tea, Euro- pean dances for social gatherings. The picturesque costumes of the Orient are fast disappearing, until, among the upper classes of the present genera- tion, the Turkish fez is the only survival of Eastern dress. Houses are fur- nished in European fashion, even where the use of each article of furnishing is not clearly seen. As is always the case in such changes, the East is ab- sorbing that which is pernicious first, and in many cases is exchanging the bread of a good old social. custom for the stone of a European vice.
In such a state of society the kind of young women which the American College is sending into the homes of Turkey is of great importance, for these women are to be reformers, in the noblest sense. Thev must under- stand their respective circles of society, and carefully discriminate between the foreign influence which makes for tlie good of societv, and that which will do it harm. A controlled, intelligent judgment is of prime importance in this work. But more than this, a deep religious devotion, the simple
ALUMNA ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN COLLEGE.
V6
love of Christ, appreciation of his teaching and devotion to his cause, will give unerring directions to a purpose which might be lost among the prob- lems of a society just emerging Irom mediaeval mists.
To learn, then, what the American College is doing for the women of the East, we must take a glance at the Alumnse Association, which was formed in 1S91 by Miss Caroline Borden, while visiting the college in Constantinople. The society numbers at present one hundred and fifty members, embracing some fifteen nationalities, and its representatives are to be found in almost every country of Europe and in many States of America. As a society the association has been full of energy. Not a year has passed that it has not raised money for some need ot the college. Its resources are limited, but its devotion to the college sincere. In the college library are works, the gift of the association ; the walls of one of the corridors are lined with photographs of classic works of art, put in permanent form under glass by the alumnie ; the chemical laboratory has here and there an added 1)it of equipment. Five years ago the members of the society gave a concert in the Pera, and raised $700 as a nest egg for a college endowment. Tw^o months ago they purchased two houses in Scutari, adjoining the college property, by funds which they had collected, and furnished and equipped tliese for the use of the college. Tliey are now at work trying to raise money for a third, which is seriously needed.
A chapter of the AlumniE Association has been recently formed in New York, with a membership of nearly twenty, most of whom live in and near New York. The president is Mrs. M. Chamalian ; the vice president. Miss Rosa Constantian ; and the secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Bedros Kazanjian. This chapter aims to strengthen the association in Turkey by arousing in- terest in the college in this country, also to keep up warm interest in the college by occasional social gatherings. There is also an associate mem- bership in this country of between twenty-five and thirty, composed of those who have been students in the college, but who did not complete the course. Monev has also been raised to provide a scholarship in the college.
So much for the society as an organized whole. A glance at its indi- vidual members is no less suggestive. One half of the members have been, or are at present, teachers in the schools of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece. One is in Oorfa, a strong and eflicient assistant to Miss Shattuck in her work. They may be met in Marash, Aintab, Marsovan, Erzroom, Mardin, Adaba- zar, in PhilippopoHs, in Athens, in Russia, in Egypt, in Italy, England, France, Switzerland, Denmark. One brilliant Armenian girl took a nurse's training in a London hospital, came back to her own country to work, and has achieved unusual success as a trained nurse in the harems of the nobility
14
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[January^
in Constantinople and Cairo. An Albanian, the only one of that nation- ality who has ever been in the college, started the first girls' school ever formed among her people, and has been very successful as a pioneer. In Batoum, Russia, another has made a large place for herself in her work as private teacher. A fine Greek girl started her work in Athens with a determination to use her opportunities as teacher of the young for Christ. Within a few months her services were in such demand that she could not meet the calls, and this in view of the fact that it was recognized that she had a carefully defined motive of training her pupils from the standpoint of Christian teaching. These people may struggle over the introduction of a modern version of their Bible, but there are not many parents anywhere who will not rejoice to have their children taught to be unselfish and loving and self-controlled.
One graduate student is at present studying medicine in Chicago in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. When her course is finished she does not intend to remain in America, but is full of earnest purpose to go back to Turkey and work among the women of her people in the relief of suffering.
In Adrianople a delicately reared Armenian girl after leaving college assumed control of her father's silk factorv, interesting herself especially in the women employees, and making a study of their respective conditions, the wage question, etc. Another has done fine executive work as head of the Armenian Relief Fund in Varna, which is under a committee in Great Britain. Some have learned typewriting and have done good work in this line, but the demand for such work is confined mostly to the American institutions. One Armenian graduate was a valued assistant in an industrial work in Scutari, and is at present studying nursing in a hospital in America. Another is making her preparation for work of the same kind. One can- not forget the noble woman, one of the earliest graduates of the Constanti- nople Home, who is matron of an Orphanage in Brousa, with a yearly stipend of ninety dollars. All these years she has cherished a warm love for her Alma Mater. At the first sound of the call for help for the college came a gift of five dollars from her. One can almost hear the Saviour's rich benediction on this spirit, " She hath cast in more than they all." The only Danish graduate has made an honored record for herself in Copen- hagen, where she has passed her examinations as a professional translator in English, French, German, Danish and Italian. Oriental people have unusual talent in writing and speaking, and one of the most useful fields open to these young women is in literary work. As we glance over the last report of the President there are the names of ten graduates who have done creditable work in this direction. A Mohammedan graduate has
igo2.']
ALUMN.*: ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN COLLEGE.
15
translated a book on " Home Influence" into Turkish. One can read her motive clearly from the preface, in which she addresses herself to the mothers of Turkey, appealing to their sense of responsibility as mothers for the character of the home life and the training of their children. A thousand copies of this work were sent into the interior of the country, and the young woman, received a special decoration from his Majesty Sultan Hamid, in recognition of her work. The most recent recognition of the college has been tendered a German graduate, who was received in the University of Berne without examination and with warm commendation of her graduating thesis.
In this record of the different lines of service which have been pursued by the graduates of the college nothing has as yet been said of those w-ho marry and, in the quiet of a home life or in some social group, are forces for uplifting society. In the present day, when so many women are enter- ing upon callings hitherto restricted to men, there is a tendency to overlook the importance of a woman's influence in the home. Yet this tendency is rapidly being counteracted by the increasing attention given to sociological study, and to this science the home always be the unit of society. The alumnae, therefore, who are living out their lives in quiet and seclusion under the influence of a new consciousness of Christian motherhood are doing no less, perhaps more, for the land than can be done in any other way. High ideals of the woman as home-maker, as wife, as mother, as neighbor, as a member of society, cannot fail to be a regenerating force. The children who come up under that mother's hand have a far better chance of growing into strong manhood and womanhood than those of their less fortunate neighbors. Perhaps now^iere is the difficulty of sustaining life on a high plane greater than in the home, where, in the narrow circle, tradition lays its heaviest burdens on unwilling shoulders. Yet in inverse proportion to the difficulties is the power which this influence exerts. Just here the most careful discrimination and judgment are called for. Many of the customs of the Orient, a natural outgrowth of the national life, are good. Many a lesson has the West to learn from the East in the importance of sound health, of attention to hospitality and gracious manner. No college graduate honors her education who does not discern the good and hold to it, while she is all the time quietly and steadily aiming to make better that which is injurious. But time would fail to tell of all those who are using their native power of mind and heart for some practical benefit to society. This is, to the graduates of the college, the highest expression of devotion to Christ.
16
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[January^
THE YEAR IN GEDIK PASHA, CONSTANTINOPLE.
BY MRS. ETTA D. MARDEN.
The work in Gedik Pasha for 1900 closed June 29th. From the school four pupils, having completed the course of study, were given certificates. One of these pupils entered the sub-freshman class of Robert College, one entered the same class in the Girls' College, and one remains with us as pupil teacher.
The opening of the work in the autumn was delayed a week. The cele- bration of the Accession Day of His Majesty prohibited traveling, and thus the teachers were hindered from returning to the city.
The first Sunday there was a good attendance at the Sunday school, both of children and adults. The numbers increased throughout the year, and, although the attendance is less than in some previous years, the work done is more satisfactory and the pupils of a better class. The study in the Life of Christ has been peculiarly rich, and both pupiis and teachers enjoyed the lessons to an unusual degree. Both the general prayer meeting and the women's meeting are well attended. Toward the latter part of the year an unusual number of young men came into meeting, and this led us to continue the service beyond the usual date of closing. In the women's meetings a growth is observed in the readiness of the women to lead the meeting, and to take part in prayer. These two meetings are conducted in Turkish and Armenian, the two languages always being used in the same meeting. The Greek meetings are held in other places.
From the women's class several women have become sufficiently pro- ficient to read the Bible by themselves. Others are still struggling with the mysteries of A, B, C in their ever-changing and never-ending combinations. A limited number of women from the city and from Hasskeuy have been given w^ork as a means to earn daily bread, and about a thousand dollars' worth of work has been disposed of* for them.
The coftee house still holds its place in Koum-Kapou. During the day from fifty to eighty men come in to talk, read and study. It is a quiet place, where students may sit, undisturbed by noise and brawls. The Greek evangelist, Mr. Demetrakopoulos, is present nearly every evening, reading and talking with the men. He also conducts a prayer meeting there Tuesday evening.
In the day school nearly two hundred pupils have been enrolled, the average attendance being one hundred and fifty-one. The work done can be commended for the earnest and faithful service on the part of the teachers. The course of study is continually improving, and the better facilities for
CELEBRATION OF MRS. BISSELL's JUBILEE.
17
learning English attract many pupils. The Christian Endeavor Societies, Greek and Armenian, hold weekly meetings. They have frequent mission- ary meetings, and the earnestness of the members of the societies is practi- cally evinced in the support of a baby girl in a Rescue Home in Foochow, China. From the Sunday school, contributions have been sent to China, and to the Armenian and Greek hospitals in this city. From the women's meetings have come gifts for the poor.
A report can only give a hint of work, especially when space is limited, but such is an outline of the year's history. We can only trust that He whose wisdom excels ours, and whose is the work, will fill in the blanks, correct the mistakes, and reward the honest efforts.
INDIA.
CELEBRATION OF MRS. BISSELL'S JUBILEE.
(Translated from a Marathi paper by Mrs. H. J. Bruce.) THE JUBILEE WEEK.
At Ahmednagar last month, from the thirteenth day throughout the week following, there were very joyful and profitable times. Joy was written on the faces of all the Christians, both young and old. They were all occu- pied with one subject. Inasmuch as the Lord has allowed our respected Mrs. Bissell to complete fifty years of service, how shall we express our joy.'' How show our gratitude to God, and what lessons shall we learn from this occasion ? It was in solving these questions that the people were occupied ; and truly, by the Lord's favor, the opportunities granted in connection with this jubilee have resulted in profit. Those who witnessed these events, on reading this account will be obliged to say what the Qiieen of Sheba said when she saw the glory of Solomon. Nevertheless, it is desirable that those who did not have the opportunity to witness these demonstrations should have some little idea of them.
The celebration of Mrs. Bissell's jubilee commenced on the evening of the twenty-third of August. Here and there were those who were very busy in writing addresses in her honor and in getting them printed. Others were occupied in consideration of how the arrangements for this celebration should be carried out. .Some were making preparation for concerts and some for speeches. On Friday evening, in the large church, there was a meeting for prayer and thanksgiving that the Lord had kept Mrs. Bissell so long in Hin- dustan. The lessons to be learned from her life were also considered. The occasion was a solemn one, but for want of space we cannot give an abstract of all the addresses.
18
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January^
On Saturday evening the theological students held another meeting for prayer. After rendering thanksgiving in reference to Mrs. Bissell, the prin- cipal object was to learn what lessons we may from her life. On account of differences in circumstances, experience and temperament, we cannot in all respects copy another Christian disciple, and it would not be best if we could ; but we may profitably consider what the Lord has done for such an one ; what, on certain occasions, that disciple has done, and how he has become increasingly useful. By so doing we may learn better what is our duty.
There is one thing we may learn from Mrs. Bissell's life. It is, tliat al- though it belongs to the Lord to determine the length of our service, yet we often, by some mistake, cut short this term of service. By not attending properly to the wants of the body we waste our strength, and the health becomes impaired. Then, of course, our term of service is shortened. Our allotted time is lessened by excessive care, by eating and drinking or by working irregularly, and in other such ways.
Whatever effort for God is undertaken should be continued constantly, without interruption, as long as the Lord supplies the strengtli, and thus more good will be accomplished.
It is very important that in all our works we estimate the value of every- thing in the scales of eternity. Unless we weigh all our actions in this man- ner, we shall not understand how much importance to attach to each, or whether we should spend more or less time on this or that. Such was the rule of Paul. This is very important to mission agents in regard to their time. How can the theological students store up these instructions for the time to come when they shall have entered upon their pastoral duties? Sucli questions were considered at that tiine.
Then, on Sunday evening. Rev. Dr. Hume conducted the meeting in the large chapel, and referred to Mrs. Bissell. His object was to show that all those virtues and works which we admire are of the Lord, and, therefore, his name should be praised. Then, in the evening, in the Church of the Lamb, there was a kirttan, setting forth the acts of Madam Sahib's life.
On Monday, with the first appearance of the glorious face of the sun, some tongas (conveyances) set out from Nagar in a northerly direction, and after reaching the town of Jeur they camfe to a halt, because there was to be in that place something worth seeing. In the Jeur district. Madam Sahib has labored many years. After Dr. Bissell's death, Mrs. Bissell worked that district with much pains, and the Lord has given to her "labors a good degree of fruit. In and about Jeur there is a good-sized Christian commu- nity, and it was Madam Sahib's great wish that a house of worship should be built for them ; but, on account of the want of means, that work had been
1902.-]
CELEBRATION OF MRS. BISSELL's JUBILEE.
19
delayed. In some way or other (who knows how?) Mrs. Bissell's wish became known to some of the people, and they arranged that at the time of her jubilee something should be done toward this building. Subscription papers were passed all around, when some of the people gave cash, some promised to pay, and some divided up the house into parts. One said, ''I will give the cost of the large door." Another promised to give the price of a certain window. Others promised to supply certain articles of furniture. Thus about three hundred rupees were raised, and one man became re- sponsible for designing and superintending the building. Therefore, on Monday, the 26th, Madam Sahib went to Jeur to dig the foundation of the building.
A good many people from the neighboring villages had gathered together. After devotional exercises, consisting of prayer and addresses. Madam Sahib took the spade in her hands. Those hands, which had done the Lord's serv- ice for three quarters of a century, were trembling, — perhaps because they were tired after doing so much work, or because of the emotion aroused on the completion of her wish in regard to this building. She struck with the spade, and thus made a beginning of the house of the Lord. Truly this was an occasion worth seeing.
Tuesday was the principal day of the jubilee. On that day there was a great display of flags, etc., in front of the chapel. While going along the street one might think he was walking in a garden. At half past nine o'clock Mrs. Bissell was conducted into the chapel. As soon as Mrs. Bissell's feet touched the doorway all the people stood up to do her honor, and they began to sing, *'We are very joyful," a hymn composed by Mrs. Deborah Keskar. After Mrs. Bissell and her children were seated. Rev. Lawalyaram Salvi conducted devotions, and in behalf of the Nagar church a written address was presented, which was printed in gilt letters. Then another address was given in behalf of the Kolgaw church. A third address was given by the Christian women whom Mrs. Bissell had taught and prepared to be Bible women. Another was read in behalf of the churches in the Jeur district. Still another was read in behalf of the Union, and these all were well written. Afterwards garlands of flowers were received from different places, and hung about Mrs. Bissell's neck. They were designed in number to correspond nearly to the years of her service. Mrs. Bissell returned from Jeur to Nagar, where she was drawn to the dispensary. A gfreat many people in Nagar know about Mrs. Bissell's medicated globules. Her daughter has increased the work begun in the line of medicine, and has built a dispensarv. The people at this place had taken advantage of this opportunity, and a good many native ladies, Hindu, Parsee and Christians,
20
LIFE AND LIGHT.
{^Januarys
had come together. Then one of these ladies read an address, and there were some speeches. One said that there were more patients every day in the dispensary than there were gathered together on that occasion. This indicates that the people are making good use of this hospital. Besides^ there is also a collection of people around Mrs. Bissell's door.
Madam Sahib was covered with garlands. It was as when the sun is covered with its own glory ; so in whatever place there were those who had received help from Mrs. Bissell, they covered her with their grateful gar- lands. Then Dr. Ballantine made a spicy address, which it is not ijecessary to write, and could not be written.
In the afternoon the Christian Endeavor Society had a social gathering, near Mr. Haig's school, in the spacious grounds. At that time a great many young people made a display of different kinds of gymnastic exercises. These games were continued till sunset. The Mission High School students also showed great skill in these matters. After seeing these exercises the people went out, and within one hour again assembled in tlie large church, where a sacred concert was conducted with musical instruments. The sub- ject was Christian Service. It is useless to remark what a crowd there is at a kirttan. In this way Tuesday was filled with the joy of jubilee.
On the second day the missionaries held a banquet in Mrs. Bissell's honor. On Friday the members of the theological class gave a pansupari — distribution of the betel nut, folded in an aromatic leaf — equivalent to afternoon tea — for Madam Sahib.
On Saturday evening Mr. Anandrow Savgll gave a tea, when there was a gathering of Hindus, Parsees, Mussulmans and Christians. A description of that occasion will come naturally In a description of the rug which was presented to Mrs. Bissell at that time. This rug was very beautifully woven, and in the center was an embroidered bulbul's nest. Near to this nest, on a dry branch, a bird was sitting, singing. This picture was suggestive of the noted singing book of Mrs. Bissell's, called Bulbul in the dry country of Hindustan. On the under side of the rug were the words, " Presented by the children of Salubai." Salubai has died, but her children remain, and help to keep up the relationship between her and Mrs. Bissell.
This was the last event In the celebration of the jubilee week, but there will not be an end of the jubilee. The Lord's servants who do God service shall shine like the diamond more and more. The more the diamond is polished, the more lustrous it becomes. The more w^orn is the Lord's serv- ant in his work, the more is his value increased. Whoever can estimate the advanced worth of this the Lord's diamond, by the friction of fifty years, will acquire much benefit from this jubilee celebration.
Dnanodaga.
PAGODA BELLS. OR MEDICAL WORK IN FOOCHOW.
BY DR. KATE C. WOODHULL.
Peace Street Hospital for Women and Children is near the White Pagoda, which looks down on us like a giant sentinel. This pagoda is said to be over 900 years old, has seven stories and is over 300 feet high. For many years it had been in a dilaj^idated condition, the plaster on the outside crumbling, the idols much defaced, and the stairs inside all broken, so there was no safe way to ascend, to get the fine view.
A few years ago some zealous Buddhist priests collected money to repair it. Among other repairs, the bells on the corners of the turrets, absent for many years, were replaced. When the wind blows hard these bells all join their voices in a melodious chime. In the fierce gusts of a typhoon they have a shrill, weird sound. Sometimes a breeze strikes only one side of the pagoda, and the bells tinkle softly, making a very sweet chime.
Oh, Christian churches ! Where are your heralds to proclaim on the mountain tops of China that Christ is The Way, the Truth, and the Life"? Where are your messengers to go through these villages and hamlets and tell of Him who said, *'I am the Light of the world," " He that followetli shall not walk in darkness " ?
(31)
22
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[January^
Sometimes when we listen to the pagoda bells they seem to us like voices bringing messages from far away. One day the voice sounded like a familiar anthem and it ran thus, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tid- ings of good, that publisheth salvation." " How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent?" And the sweet chime added, " And how shall they send except they hear?"
And so, dear friends, we send out this record of two years' work for women and children, that you may know a little of what we are doing, and so be stimulated in your work and prayers for this dark land of China.
GRADUATION OF MEDICAL CLASS.
One of the important events of 1899 ^^^^ graduation of our class of four medical students, after six years of training.
One of the graduates remained in the Hospital as assistant. Two are engaged in private practice in the villages where they live with their hus- bands. One has charge of the dispensary in Ing Hok. All four are making good use of their medical knowledge and bid fair to be increasingly useful.
We have a new class of four students. These, with the assistant, the hospital evangelist and hospital nurse, make a good native working force for the medical work.
INCREDULOUS PATIENTS.
The physicians' joy when able to give relief and cure their patients is as great on mission fields as in the home lands. We often think of what John Brown, a famous Scotch physician, said in a popular lecture: " When you are better don't forget to tell your doctor so. It is the mantle that he wraps about him, to comfort himself withal." But we here often have the sorrow of having to say, It is too late, we cannot heal you." The Chinese are so unwilling to believe this, it makes it harder still. A woman came one day who was blind in one eye and the other inflamed. She was much excited and very eager to know if we could heal her. We said, " It is a great pity ; you have waited too long before coming and the blind eye cannot be healed, but you can come into the Hospital and we will heal the other eye." In a loud voice she said, They told me you were very skillful and could heal blind eyes." We explained to her that some blind eyes could be healed, but hers was not the kind that could be healed. She turned to another patient and said, "They told me she could heal blind eyes," in a tone that said very plainly, She could if she would." People here believe quite generally that yve save our best skill for a few of our favorites.
24
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\jfanuary^
AN INTERESTING LITTLE PATIENT.
Early one beautiful June morning, men came bringing into the Hospital court a little crib covered with green mosquito netting, and looking very neat and attractive. Everything about it showed that it belonged to a well- to-do family. The occupant was a feeble child very sick with pneumonia, and they had brought it through the street in this way that it might come as comfortably as possible. The uncle of the child came witli it. He said his sister had come from a long distance that she might bring the child to the Hospital to be healed. Soon the grandmother and an older sister of the baby came to take care of it. The sister was a very pleasant little lady, and it was very interesting to see how tenderly she cared for the little one. The mother was in delicate health, but she spent a part of each day at the Hospital, going to her brother's at night.
Different members of the family came from time to time, and one day the little child's uncle came into the ward bringing his feeble old mother on his back and laid her on the bed. She said she wanted to come once and see their baby in the foreign Hospital. She rode in her sedan chair to the Hos- pital door, but was not strong enough to walk up the steps on her little feet.
Every day they would bring something new, hoping to add to the comfort of the little sufferer, as the weather was very warm. So eagerly did they co-operate with us in our fight with disease, that it was quite an inspiration.
We had the satisfaction of seeing the child relieved of the acute disease from which it was suffering, but the chronic disease with which it had struggled from birth proved a more formidable foe.
They remained in the Hospital until we liad to leave for the mountain. They seemed very grateful for what we were able to do for them and listened attentively to the gospel teaching.
One day a patient from the country was brought in on a litter. Several members of the family came with her. They were all very mucli excited, and tried to explain to us how very ill she was; that only cold medicine agreed with her ; that if she ate hot medicine it made her much worse. Would the doctor teacher be very careful to give her cold medicine ; if she should eat hot medicine they feared she could not get well. We assured them they need have no fear, for Western medicine was not divided into hot and cold, and we would be very careful to give just the right medicine that her disease required. They all looked very incredulous and anxious as we proceeded to examine the patient,
26
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[^January^
OBSTETRICAL WORK.
During the years 1899 and 1900, of which this report is a record, the obstetrical work has been mucii the same as in former years. With a few exceptions we have been called only to cases requiring surgical interference. One of these exceptions was in an officer's family. They called us in time, and the labor proved a natural one. Afterwards they called us several times for slight ailments of the little one, which were promptly relieved.
This family showed their gratitude by the presentation of a tablet. It was a case where kind Nature did the work, and the physician got the praise.
(To be continued.)
HELPS FOR LEADERS. HOW TO USE "VIA CHRISTI." BY MRS. C. M. LAMSON.
Lesson I.
First, go over our text-book. Via Christie especially the topics and lists at the end of the chapters, till you are overwhelmed with a sense of the riches brought to your hand. Perhaps, also, there will be a feeling that you are inadequate to so great a task. Doubtless you are an intelligent, well-informed woman ; yet few, even of such, would care to take an exam- ination off-hand on all these subjects. Then, your own mind being in a proper frame of humility and hunger, persuade every one of your society that you possibly can to buy tlie book and to go through the same process. Outside the Bible Society's publication, I know no book so meaty, so good to have at hand, for thirty cents.
If you are within reach of a large library, have a consultation with the librarian, showing her the course of study you hope to follow. She will be eager to help, and, doubtless, will reserve for the use of your club what volumes she may have of the rich bibliography given at the end of Via Christi. Very likely she will put them on some table where they are instantly accessible for reference. If you have no public library, consult your pastor, — consult him, anyway, — and he may have books that he can spare for a little while, glad to know that they are of use. And borrow of every one that you can. Many a useful book is standing idle on library shelves that would gladly be loaned to help any good work.
In planning your programme, though you will feel crowded, be sure to give time for the Word and for prayer. The portion of Scripture may be brief if you choose, just a few verses, showing, perhaps, that we, too, have
igo2.'\
EXTRACTS FROM RECENT LETTERS.
27
been brought out of darkness into His marvelous light, as the heathen must be, but never hurried. We might w^ell join in singing the hymn given on page 26, the earliest known Christian hymn, which fits the tune, " My Faith Looks Up to Thee." Join, also, in reading together, truly praying, one or more of those devout prayers. Five minutes would be well spent in swift question and answer on the text -book matter, — a sort of quiz class. This should leave half an hour or more for specially prepared topics. You cannot take all the twelve, but you must consider the first, — that awful picture of the state of the world when our Saviour came ; and you cannot pass over the story of those women martyrs, and the pathos of the Cata- combs ; nor can you spare the thrill of courage and resolve that the story of the persecutions always brings. Some musical girl will be glad to tell how music has been the handmaid of the gospel, being itself transformed and ennobled thereby. Some one, too, who revels in language study will like to investigate for you the early translations of the Scriptures, and so on. Discourage written papers. We all like better to be talked to than to be read to. Still, each must work in her own way. Probably you will feel, as does our little club, that we need a whole afternoon each week in the month.
EXTRACTS FROM RECENT LETTERS.
FROM MISS ADELAIDE DAUGHADAY, SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN.
No doubt you have already read of the great revival there has been in Japan, and to a certain extent still in progress. It is indeed a time of refresh- ment from the presence of the Lord. That which has long been prayed and worked for has come, and sower and reaper are rejoicing together over the bountiful harvest. During the dark days of nearly a decade ago, when the faith of many waxed cold, and some of the most gifted, trusted leaders went astra}', earnest souls began to pray, " O Lord, strengthen the things that remain and are ready to die ; " and now a flood of spiritual life is sweep- ing over the parched ground, and the barren places are blossoming into new life and beauty.
The close of the nineteenth century was a time of earnest w^aiting upon God, and the churches seemed to enter upon the new century with a more prayerful spirit and a deeper sense of responsibility than they had ever shown before. A Japanese pastor recently said in his sermon : Do you ask the cause of this revival ? I answer, ' Prayer, prayer.' " There seems to have been almost entire freedom from excitement and sensational methods, if we except the long procession of Christians that walked the streets for an hour
28
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\^January^
before the evening meetings, singing hymns and distributing printed notices of the daily services. But even this was done so seriously and reverently that the word " sensational" can scarcely apply to it. In a country where noisy Buddhist processions fire so common it seems quite appropriate that Christians of all ranks should bear testimony in this public but orderly way. One day in Tokyo in July last I unexpectedly got into one of the former. It was at the time of a heathen festival, and throngs of half-intoxicated men, and here and there women, also, were drawing idol cars through the streets, all yelling wildly. Even little children, in imitation of tlieir elders, were pulling empty sake tubs by ropes, and bringing up the rear of the noisy crowd. I was riding, and my jinrikisha man wheeled aside well out of the throng to let it go by. When all had passed it seemed as if a sweet silence settled down upon the streets that had been the scene of tumultuous excitement. A few minutes later from another side came a long procession of men and boys, headed by a missionary gentleman, walking two by two, singing in a quiet, reverent manner a gospel hymn. Their gentlemanly bearing was in such sharp contrast to that of the Buddhist believers that it seemed to me all the people along that great thoroughfare must have been impressed by it as well as myself.
There are now in our churches many hundreds of new Christians and thousands of inquirers. Of course a great amount of personal instruction is needed for these " babes in Christ." It is with feelings of solemn thankfulness that we take up this additional work.
FROM MRS. CHARLOTTE E. HUME, BOMBAY.
Our school was increased last year by the addition of another three hundred and more famine children. One dark day as many as fifty-five boys and about twenty girls were brought to me at once from two of the famine camps. You have heard how a wealthy Parsee gentleman has loaned us free of rent a very large house, where over three hundred boys and young men have their home. Nearly forty of these boys now go regularly to the '*Reay" Art Work shops, where they are being taught stone-cutting as masons, stone carving, wood carving, mural decorations, designing and cutting of stencils, and pottery. All are taught to draw, as an essential to these trades. In the evening one of our older boys holds a night school for them, that they may have Bible study and continue to learn to read and to write. On their own premises the boys clean cocoanut fiber, are taught gardening (vegetable), poultry raising and carpentry out of school hours. The carpenters work and study one half day each. All these must be sup- ported. Last year, through the Congregationalist Famine Fund and th^
ig02.'] FROM OUR BRANCHES. . ' 2d
American Indian Relief Committee, we were enabled to feed and clothe these boys and the over two hundred famine girls. Our school now num- bers quite six hundred and twenty-six boarders. But those funds have all ceased. Until the children have learned their trades they must be supported. Even now there are in Western India alone six hundred thousand on famine relief works. Prices continue very high, and in Gujerab anotiier famine is impending. In Northern India and the Central Provinces, where the crops seemed to promise fair, locusts have laid them nearly bare. We are having good rains. To-day there is a fearful storm.
The religious condition of our school was never more earnest. Over fifty were received into the church last year. Some of my new famine girls have developed lovely consecrated characters. Our gold and silver industry, added to all kinds of needlework, prospers.
FROM 'MISS HELEN I. ROOT, OODOOVILLE, CEYLON.
We have had a most enjoyable time during the visit of Mr. Hatch, the Christian Endeavor Secretary. Mrs. Brown arranged a fine rally — the very first Christian Endeavor Convention in North Ceylon. It was held at Atchuvaly, and about thirty of the Udupitty girls, with fifty from Udu- ville, and some from Manepy and Nunavil, made an enthusiastic company. The occasion was the organization of a new society of eight Christian girls in Atchuvaly, and the whole event was most cheering. It was specially pleasant to see the girls themselves take such an active part in the exercises, leading the meetings and taking part with great enjoyment. On the last morning of Mr. Hatch's stay we had at Oodooville what we called a local convention. All the young people's Christian organizations were invited, and all together their delegations, with our girls and the few older Christians who came, made an inspiring audience of more than five hundred. Secre- tary Hatch gave one of the best of his finely simple addresses, and it seemed as if everybody must have been greatly helped.
#w;r Wioxh at Momt
FROM OUR BRANCHES.
The home work of the Board and the work of the Branches are identical., and we are glad to lay before our readers very briefly the condition and special features of these organizations, and suggestive hints taken from the reports given at the annual meeting of the Board in Pittsfield.
30
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January^
The Philadelphia Branch has contuiued with success the plan inaugu- rated last year of sending to each auilixary printed cards containing the list of the pledged work of the Branch. With these was the statement, Your con- tribution last year amounted to so much ; and the question, For the coming year can you not make it so much? naming a reasonable advance. In most instances great effort was made to reach the sum mentioned. One new aux- iliary has been formed, a missionary loan library has been started, and the auxiliaries are taking up the topics recommended for the united study of missions. A loan exhibition of missionary curiosities was a feature of a Branch meeting.
In New Haven Branch the " determined effort " to establish an organization in every church in its territory has resulted in the formation of eleven new auxiliaries and fifteen mission circles. An important item has been the preparation by Miss E. M. Prichard, vice president, of an index of all the numbers of Life and Light from the beginning. The articles are so classi- fied and arranged that any item of information desired may be found at a glance.
The officers of Vermont Branch have made a vigorous and successful effort to reach every auxiliary in the State, and to learn its condition. Many interesting items have come to their notice. For instance, the case of a little village fourteen miles from the railroad, in which there are two women especially interested in foreign missions. One lives six miles from Ghurch, and the other two miles in the opposite direction. The latter, though an invalid, manages to hold an occasional meeting, and always reads the mis- sionary letters and prays for the work. Many tributes of gratitude and love have been paid to their beloved honorary president. In her own words in memory of the founder of the Branch : " We are richer and stronger to-day because we had her ; we are poorer to-day because we have her not ; we walk in the light of sainted souls, and it were well for us to keep Founder's Day as one by one these godly pioneers go out from us to higher service."
Rhode Island Branch reports'* quickened interest and greater zeal." The secretary for literature has established a small circulating library of new books, which she sends to auxiliaries in rotation. Several auxiliaries are ac- cumulating libraries of their own, and the Branch has placed a complete file of the Missionary Herald and Life and Light in the Providence Public Library. Four new junior auxiliaries, one mission circle and five cradle rolls have been organized the past year. A few months ago an appeal was sent to all Sunday schools which offered definite work to the primary and intermediate departments, promising information concerning it. Sev- enteen schools, nearly half the number in the State, have pledged contribu- tions.
Western Maine Branch has a hopeful outlook, and is steadfastly holding to the things that are, reporting no new organizations the past year. The adoption of a new missionary. Miss Florence Hartt, now laboring in the heart of the famine district in Ahmednagar, India, has brought much interest to the Branch.
Four senior auxiliaries and three junior societies have been added to Eastern Maine Branch the past year, and the officers are hopeful for the
igo2.']
FROM OUR BRANCHES.
31
coming year. The division of the State into two Branches is having benefi- cial results.
The number of organizations in JVew Hampshire Branch remains the same as last year, but some of the auxiliaries have materially increased in membership. A large legacy from one of its members has proved a very- great blessing to the Board.
Springfield Branch has suffered loss the last year in the death of seven- teen of its prominent members, including its first president and first vice president. The death of one of its most active vice presidents, Mrs. L. R. Norton, has brought great grief to the other officers. One new^ auxiliary and one new mission circle have been added, and the number of contributing Christian Endeavor Societies has more than doubled. A new plan has been tried, — that of dividing all the churches in the territory of the Branch, whether they have auxiliaries or not, into groups of three or four, who should hold one meeting together during the year. Of thirteen such groups, eleven have held meetings, and the other two hope to do so. The attendance varied ; but rain or shine, many or few, the goodly fellowship of the work was apparent, and the solidarity of the Branch was strengthened.
Hartford Branch reports increasing interest in missions in young people's societies, — one new junior auxiliary and two cradle rolls having been organized. Strong impulse and stimulus were received from the meeting of the American Board in Hartford In October. The Branch mourns the loss of a beloved missionary. Miss Catherine H. Barbour, who in Septem- ber "entered through the gates into the city, where *His servants do him service.' "
Although no new auxiliaries are reported in Eastern Connecticut Branchy there has been an increase in missionary interest, shown in the formation of study classes, and in special efforts among children. In ad- dition to the circulation of missionary letters, a Branch bulletin, containing short items of general interest, has been sent frequently to each auxiliary.
New Tork State Branch has passed its twenty-fifth milestone during the year, and the event was celebrated by a most interesting programme at the annual meeting, and an offering of $905.87. An effort is to be made to secure the co-operation of the pastors of a large number of the churches in which there is no Branch organization. Seven hundred and thirty copies of Life and Light are taken, and the home secretary has written a personal letter, accompanied by a sample copy, to all auxiliaries where none were taken.
''Chips" from Worcester County Branch gave interesting items from auxiliary reports. ''An effort of years" has at last resulted in the formation of a new auxiliary. "All newcomers in our church are called upon, and invited to become members of our missionary society." " In a manufacturing village a lady invites personally every Protestant to two meetings in the year held at her house." "In one small church thirty-eight women of vary- ing ages have agreed to give talks or papers at the missionary meetings." "A minister's wife has the school-children come to her house every Tues- day at noon for a short missionary meeting between the school sessions."
Franklin County Branch has completed twenty-five years of work, and
3^
LIFE ANt) LIGHT.
\_January^
celebrated the event by a most interesting programme and a silver offering. The total amount sent to the Board for the year is the largest ever raised by the Branch. "Last year we reported that we had ' done what we could,' but evidently we were mistaken. We have found that we could do better, even though our constituency is in no wise changed, and we are unable to report any new organizations."
Hampshire County Branch reports no new auxiliaries, because already there is some foreign work in every village. Even in the struggling home missionary churches there is a pathetic effort to send a few dollars every year, — pathetic because of the sacrifice it means. Some of these societies are among those most eager to take up the united mission study. Work * among young people is most encouraging in this Branch.
In Norfolk a7id Pilgrim Branch the year has been most successful. The contributions have been larger than for the seven years past, and the largest in any year except two in the history of the Branch. There has also been a gain of one auxiliary and two mission circles. " We cannot but feel tliat our life as a Branch is very interesting ; that we are doing good work, and expect to do better, and that the future has golden possibilities for us.
Andover and Wobiirn Branch has gained one new auxiliary, two cradle rolls, and one hundred dollars in receipts, and has doubled the number of contributing Christian Endeavor Societies and the number of auxiliaries taking Life and Light.
Berkshire Branch has met all its pledges, given its quota to the general fund of the Board, and is the richer by one cradle roll. Through the gener- osity of one of its former officers, the support of a new missionary has been assumed. This Branch mourns the loss of its honorary president, Mrs. E. J. Giddings. "To have had Mrs. Giddings as active president for eleven years, and as devoted friend and counselor for six years more ; to have felt her religious fervor, her unflagging zeal and personal charm ; and now to have ownership in her as one of our heavenly treasures, — what greater honor, what greater loss, has ever come to the Berkshire Branch."
The special features in Middlesex Branch are a greater desire for informa- tion, interesting study classes, and a large circulation of Life and Light. "There has been an ever-deepening interest, and a conviction that every Christian must love and work for missions if she believes God's promises."
The junior work in Essex South Branch has never been more promising than now. A new junior auxiliary, a mission circle and two cradle rolls have been formed the past year. The friendly relations between neighbor- ing auxiliaries, the strong helping the weak ones, and the intelligent and careful preparation for monthly meetings, and increased study, are the noticeable features of the year.
Suffolk Branch reports a successful vear in its auxiliaries, with increased membership and contributions.
In Essex North Branch the special advance has been in junior work, — a larger increase in membership and contributions in junior auxiliaries and mission circles.
In Old Colo7iy Bra^tch tliere has been a "decided revival of interest" among young people, with two new mission circles formed. This Branch
OUR BOOK TABLE.
33
rejoices in the presence in its meetings of its own missionary, Miss Harriet L. Cole, of Monastir, now at home on furlough.
North Middlesex Branch is alive and holding its own, in spite of fluctu- ations occasioned by death, illness, loss of pastors, and change of residence among prominent workers. The growing interest and warmth of feeling in auxiliaries is made evident in the many ways in which they enlarge and brighten their work.
OUR BOOK TABLE.
A Memoir of Edward Steer e^ D.D.^ LL.D.^ Third Missionary Bishop in Central Africa, By Rev. R. M. Heanley, M.A. Published by George Bell & Sons, London. Pp. 446.
Bishop Steere was the third representative of the Universities' Mission to Central Africa. Cambridge sent the first, Oxford the second, and the University of London the subject of this memoir. There is a passage in a sermon of Bishop Steere's which his associates testify as the rule of his own life : For the body, seek health and strength, rather than ease or pleasure. For the mind, try after sound knowledge ; cultivate the memory ; keep open the eyes and ears for better information ; be patient and persevering in all your pursuits. Guard your character in your own eyes rather than in other men's. Be sincerely good, and never try to seem better than you are, or seem to consent to what you cannot really approve."
In the appendix are letters of Bishop Steere's on such subjects as Mar- riages among Natives in the Mission," "Marriages of Native Christians with Heathen Women," " A Pastoral on Polygamy," and other vexed ques- tions, which reveal so much practical and sanctified common sense that they might well be studied by young missionaries who are perplexed by these problems.
Missionary Readings for Missionary Programmes. Compiled and arranged by Belle M. Brain. Published by 'Fleming H. Revell Co. Price, 60 cents.
The compiler's Foreword " gives the raison d'etre of this little volume : " The twenty-five readings herewith given cover a wide range of topics, in- cluding tragedy and comedy, pathos and humor. Not all of them are suitable for use on the Lord's day ; some are only appropriate for the social mission- ary hour. All, however, have their mission, being profitable for inspiration, instruction, or entertainment."
The Redemption of Africa: A Story of Civilizatio7i. By Frederic Perry Noble, Secretary of the Chicago Congress on Africa, 1893. In two volumes. Published by Fleming H. Revell Co. Pp. 856.
The author of this stately and scholarly work is the son of Rev. F. A. Noble, D.D., of Chicago, and Lucy Perry Noble, both of. them profoundly interested in missions. The book is dedicated, " To my father, in thankful- ness for a friendship enriching life beyond measure, and in reverence for the fatherhood that has been a human interpreter of Divine Fatherhood." This book will be tlie authoritative classic on Africa for many years. It is en- riched with bibliography, illustrations, maps, statistical tables and a copious
84
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[^January^
index. The gifted author has the painstaking spirit of an investigator, and also the literary skill of one v^ho has read w^idely in many fields. His apt mottoes show this. Even the prefatory note begins with Emerson's criticism, ''Our books are false by being fragmentary;" and Milton's ''Mouse-hunt and Ferret of an Index " prefixes that part of the book. The beginning of each chapter is thus illumined, and one also feels grateful for the prefac- ing of the chapters with the strategic points to be found therein. By way of'^apology for the size of this work, the author says : " Cyclopedic informa- tion about African Missions is only less indispensable than a statesman's year-book. Africa is the most interesting of continents. It is equivalent to six continents. It is a world in itself." Mr. Noble skips nothing. He treats of Roman Catholic Missions as well as those of the various evan- gelical denominations. And he begins with Abraham, the first book stretching from B. C. 2080 to A. D. 1520.
An entire chapter is given to " Women's Work for African Women," and Mr. Noble writes like one who has been familiar with this form of work from his childhood. He utters this daring propliecy : " Female agency is now so independent, so large, so vital a factor in Christianizing and civil- izing African peoples, that were women's work to cease to-day, missions would end to-morrow." o. h. c.
SIDELIGHTS FROM PERIODICALS.
The study of the Island World has taken on new interest and importance of late. In the December Forum Joseph Sohn gives a valuable sketch of the history of Islands as they have come into prominence at different epochs; title, " The Empire of Islands."
In the same, Gilbert Reid discusses " The Ethics of the Last China War,** following a former expression of his thought upon looting in China.
The Review of Reviews^ December, gives a character sketch of Li Hung Chang by Courtenay H. Fenn ; and Alfred Stead describes Railroad Build-? ing in Asia.
TOPICS FOR AUXILIARY MEETINGS.
TOPIC FOR FEBRUARY.
The Work of the Board in Constantinople. The Historic City; Evangelistic Work at Gedik Pasha; The American College for Girls.
A leaflet prepared by Rev. Judson Smith, D.D., on "The Place of Constantinople in Religious History," can be obtained of Miss Hartshorn.
The Historic City is well described in " Lamedi History for Ready Reference," Vol. I, in Johnson's Encyclopedia, and in the article by Rev. H. O. Dwight on another page.
Professor Grosvenor's book on "Constantinople" is finely illustrated, and gives a graphic description of the antiquities and the present condition. We would also recom- mend " Byzantine Constantinople," by Prof. A. Van Milligan, of Robert College, and " Constantinople, the City of the Sultans," by Clara Erskine Clement.
Dr. Dwight's new book on " Constantinople "'can be obtained from the Woman's Board Missionary Library.
The work at Gedik Pasha is given in the December number of 1898 of Life and Light; also the Life and Light of November, 1884; October, 1887; May, 1889, and December, 1897.
RECEIPTS.
35
The last Report of the Woman's Board contains the latest account of the work of th^ American College for Girls.
Illustrated articles will be found in the July (1901) number of Life and Light, bv the dean of the college, Miss Fensham, on " Self-Government" and on "The Re'lio-- ious Work of the American College." . ^
Ladies who are fortunate enough to own files of the Life and Light will find articles on the college in the following numbers: that of October, 1876; October, 1887; May, June and December, 1890; October, 1893; November, 1894; January, 1898!
An illustrated article will be found on "The American College for Girls "in the JVe-cV England Magazine for March, 1898.
North American Revieiv for September, 1896, has an article by Dr. Hamlin.
" Christian Forces in the Turkish Empire," in Missionary Reviexv of the World for November, 1901, contains helpful paragraphs on pages 840-844.
An illustrated article of great interest on Constantinople, by Peter MacQueen, will be found in the Cosmopolitan for June, 1897.
The Monthly Leaflet, prepared especially to supplement the studies, can always be relied upon to furnish real assistance. When sending to the rooms for leaflets the thoughtful inclosure of stamps for postage will be appreciated. m. j. b.
WOMAN'S BOARD OF MISSIONS
Receipts from October 18, 1901, to November 18, 1901. Miss Sarah Louise Day, Treasurer.
MAINE.
Ccwiine.— Desert Palm Society, 35 00
Western Maine Branch.— Mrs. C. C. Chap- man, Treas. Augusta, Aux., 50; Hethel, Aux., 10; Biddeford, Second Cong Ch., Aux., 11; Hallowell, Aux., 25; Portland, Seamen's Bethel Ch., S. S. and friends, 23, State St Ch., Aux., 12.06, Williston Ch., Aux.. Th. Off., 19.85. Less ex- penses, 5.12, 145 79
Total, 180 79
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
^ed/or<?.— Presbyterian Ch., Friends, 3 00
New Hampshire Branch.— Mrs. Allen L. French, Treas. Claremont, C. E. Soc, 10; Exeter, Aux., 41; Hampstead, Aux., 12; Henniker, C. E. Soc, 25; Ports- mouth, Aux., 17; Rindge, Aux., 3; Stewartstown, Miss Sarah Converse, 8, 116 00
Total, 119 00
VERMONT.
Vermont Branch.— Mrs. T. M. Howard, Treas. Burlington, First Ch.. Aux., 15; Newport, Cradle Roll, 11.75; South Hero, 9; St. Albans, 26; St. Johnsbury. North Ch., 45 38, S. S., 6.61, South Ch., 80.25, Search Light Club. 1.25; Stowe,5; Wells, River, C. E. Soc, 25.10, 225 34
Total, 225 34
MASSACHUSETTS.
Offerings at Annual Meeting atPittsfield, 146 23 Miss Fidelia Phelps, 10 00
-(4ndover.— Seminary Ch.. Aux., 10 00
Andover and Wobum Branch.— Mrs. G. W, Dinsmore. Treas. Andover, Free Ch., Aux.. 25.57, Sunbeam M. C..5; Low- ell, First Cong. Ch., C. E. Soc, 10; Med- ford, Mystic Ch.. Aux., Th, Off. at 25th Anniv., 50; Melrose, Aux., 53; Stone- ham, Aux. (with prev. contri. const. L. M's Mrs. Nell J. Dumm, Mrs. Yaquohi Adzigian); Wakefield, Aux., 50; Win- chester, Mission Union, 70, 263 57
Berkshire Branch.— Mrs. Chas. E. West, Treas. Dalton, Home Dept., S. S., 20; Hinsdale, Aux., 22.50; Housatonic, Cra- dle Roll, 25 cts. ; Lebanon, A Friend, 50 cts.; Stockbridge. Aux., 5.05; Pittstield, South Ch., Aux., 31.26; Williamstown, Aux., 184; Windsor. Mrs. Frank Leslie, 1 ; Two Friends in Berkshire, 250, 514 56
Essex South Brayich. — Miss Nannie L. Odell, Treas. Beverlv. Washington St. Ch., Aux., 58, Y. L., 28; Danvers, First Ch., Aux., 1, Maple St. Ch., Aux., 80; Gloucester, Aux., 51 ; Ipswich, South Ch,, Members and Friends, 21.50; Lynn, Central Ch., Aux., 24, Chestnut St. Ch,, Mrs. C. H. Welch, 2, First Ch., Aux,, 25, North Ch., Aux., 25; Marblehead, Aux., 14; Middleton, Aux., 13; North Beverly, Jr. C. E, Soc, 5; Peabody, South Ch., Aux., 8, Prim. Dept., S. S., 2,50; Salem, Crombie St. Ch., Aux., 45.51, Tabernacle Ch., Aux., 126.90. South Ch., Aux,, 374; Swampscott, Aux. (with prev. contri. const. L. M's Mrs. Mary Harris. Mrs. M. E. Newhain. 7; St. Bernard, Soc. of C, E., 3; Topsfield, Aux,, 30, 944 41
Franklin Co. Branch.— Miss Lucy A. Spar- hawk, Treas. Conway. Aux., 5,25; Greenfield. Aux., 7.38; South Deerfield, Aux., 9; Shelburne Falls, Prim. Dept., S, S ,3, 24 63
Hampshire Co. Branch.— Miss HaiTiet J. Kneeland, Treas, Belchertown, Aux., 38.10; Easthampton, Aux, (with prev. contri. const. L. M's Mrs. R, F, Russell, Mrs. C, H. Hamlin), Emily M. C„ 10; Northampton. Edwards Ch,, Aux,, Miss Winchell, 4; Southampton, Aux,, Mrs. Rachel Parsons, 5; Worthington, Aux,, 5.50, 62 60
Middlesex Branch.— Mrs. E. H, Bigelow, Treas, Ashland, C, E, Soc, 10; Hollis- ton, Aux,, 14.51 ; Natick, Aux,, 8; South- boro. Aux.. 14, 46 51
Norfolk and Pilgrim Branch.— Miss Sarah B. Tirrell, Treas, Brockton, Porter Ch,,
36
LIFE AND LIGHT.
^January*
Y. L. Aux., 18; Randolph, Aux., 25.50; Soutli Weymouth, Aux., 117, 160 50
A'o. Middlesex lira yich.— Mrs. Lydia R. Hudson, Treas. South Acton, Aux., 10 00
Old Colony Branch,— Miss Fiances J. Runnels, Tieas. Attleboro, Aux. (with prev. coutii. const. L. M's iMis. E. A. Cummings, .Miss Sarah F. Drown, Mrs. Harriet S. Rowe, Mrs. Mary H. Ester- brooks, ^liss Leonora P. Reers, Miss Calista C. Thacher, Miss Lucy Carpen- ter Sweet, Mrs. Sarah J. Remington, Miss Elizabeth C. Blanding, M;-s. Charles A. Bushee, Mrs. M. A. Messerlian, Mrs. Wilson S. Fritch, Mrs. Harriet J. Thacher, Mrs. Bertha S. Richardson, Mrs. Mary E. Lawrence, Miss Lydia B. Babcock, Miss Elizabeth C. Bushee, Mrs. Lydia S. TifEany, Miss Susan B. Thacher),
Springfield Branch.— Mrs. Mary H. Mit- chell, Treas. Agawam, Aux., L13; Chicopee, First Ch., Jr. C. E. Soc, 2.63; Palmer, Second Ch., Aux., 50; Spring- field, Memorial Ch., Aux. (with prev. contri. const. L. M's Miss Isabel B. Eus- tis, Miss Florence Eustis, Miss Carrie E. Spencer, Miss Eugenie Dawes, Mrs. Ellen E Cole, Mrs. Frederic P. Trask), 53 76 Suffolk Branch.— Miss Myra B. Child, Treas. In memoriara M. T, L.,50; Au- burndale. Prim. Dept., S. S., 3; Boston, Park St. Ch., Anx., 21 ; Brookline, Har- vard Ch., Abby M. Colby M. B., 7; Cam- bridge, Marion Gray, 1.81, Wood Mem. Ch., Cradle Roll, 5.21, Prim. Dept., S. S., 1.53, Clarendon Hills Cong. Ch., L. A. Soc, 4; Dedham, Aux., 15175: Dor- chester, Central Ch,, Jr. C. E. Soc, 5, Second Ch., Aux., 46.35: Mansfield, Aux., 10; Newton Centre, First Ch., L. Ben. Soc, 65.46, Maria B. Furber Miss. Soc, 10; Newton Highlands, Aux., 20.38; Roxbury, Walnut Ave. Ch., Aux., 35, Y. L. F. M. Soc, Thanksgiving Off., 85 cts. ; Somerville, Broadway Cone. Ch., Y. L. M. Soc (to const. L. M. Edith Dorothea Hill), 25, Winter Hill Cong. Ch., Y. L. M. Soc, 5; Walpole, Aux., 37; Water- town, Phillips Ch., Aux., 26.38. 531 72 Worcester Co. Branch.— Mrs. Martha D. Tucker, Treas. Lancaster. Y. L. Aux., 5; Westminster, Anx., 50; Whitinsville, E. C. D. Band, 17.05; Worcester, Pied- mont Ch., Anx. (with prev. eontri. const. L. M's Mrs. Willard Scott, Mrs. Thomas Hamilton, Mrs. Edward Hall, Mrs. Sam- uel Thayer, Mrs. John W. Gould, Mrs. H. C. Bruce, Mrs. Charles T. Haynes, Mrs. Grosvenor, Mrs. William Wood- ward, Miss Cora L. Greene, Mrs. C. F. Carroll, Mrs, Justin A. Ware, Mrs. George D. Boyden, Miss Caroline Cald-
well, Miss Florence M. Merritt), 72 05
Total, 2,850 54
CONNECTICUT.
Hartford.— A Friend, 20
Hartford.— A Friend, 10 00
Hartford Branch.— Mrs. M. Bradford Scott, Treas. Hartford, Miss Alice F. Stillson. A Th. Off., 5. Farmington Ave. Ch., C. E. Soc, 9.50, Fourth Ch., Aux., 1.79; Glenwood, Jr. C. E. Soc, 1; Kens- ington, Aux., 24.88; Rockville, Aux.
(with prev. contri. const. L. M. Mrs. H. K. Maxwell), C. E. Soc, 10; Simsbury, Open Hearts M. B., 20; South Glaston- bury, Aux., 10; West Hartford, Aux., 57.92, 140 09
New Haven Branch.— Miss Julia Twining, Treas. Beacon Falls, United Ch., C. E. Soc, 5; Bethany, Aux., 5; Bethlehem, Aux., 16.25; Bridgeport, First Ch., Aux., 36.75; Colebrook, Aux.,30; Darien.Aux., 60; Deep River, Aux., 10; Greenwich, Aux., 20.19; Kent, S. S., 10; Middlefield, C. E. Soc, 5.29; Middletown, First Ch., Aux., 48.91; Milford, Plymouth Ch., Aux., 25; New Milford, Anx., 97; North- ford, Aux., 30.78; Saybrook, Aux., 42.21 ; West Cornwall, Jr. C. E. Soc, 1 ; Wash- ington, Cradle Roll (with prev. contri. const. L. M's Alice Pratt Carter, Eric Winthrop Rossiter, Marie Church,
Franklin Feun, Helen J. Carter), 443 38
Total , 593 67
NEW YORK.
New York City.— Friemls, 75 CO
East Bloomfleld.— Mrs. E. S. Goodwin, 3 00
New York State Branch.— Mrs. F. M. Turner, Treas. Binghamton, Aux., 10; Brooklyn, Flatbush, Cradle Roll, 4.08, Park Ch., Aux., 5, Jr. C. E. Soc, 2, Lewis Ave. Ch., Earnest Workers, 35, Tomp- kins Ave. Ch., Aux., 200, Mrs. T. R. D., 250; Buffalo, First Ch., Aux., 40; Canan- daigua, Anx., 100; Java, C. E. Soc, 1.54; Oswego, Aux., 35; Poughkeepsie, C. E. Soc, 25; Saratoga Springs, Aux., 10; Wellsville, Aux., 1 05. Less expenses, 128.02, 590 65
Total, • 668 65
PHILADELPHIA BRANCH.
Philadelphia Branch.— Miss Emma Fla- vell, Treas. D. C, Washington, First Ch., Prim. Dept. and Cradle Roll, 6.48, Jr. C. E. Soc, 4; N. J., East Orange, First Ch., Cradle Roll, 32.33, Trinity Ch., Aux., 15; Glen Ridge, Aux., 185; Mont- clair, Aux., 235.90, Y. W. M. Soc, 3; Newark, Belleville Ave. Ch., Aux., 55; Orange Vallev, Aux., 7.30, Y. L. M. B., 7.30, Jr. C. E. 'Soc. and Cradle Roll, 10; Paterson, Prim. Dept., S. S., 1.16; Plain- field, Aux., 10; Westfield, Aux., 126.50; Pa., Germantown, Jr. Neesima Guild, 10; Philadelphia, Aux., 15; Va., Hern- don, Jr. C. E. Soc, 1.12. Less expenses,
49, 676 09
Total, 676 09
MARYLAND.
Baltimore.— A Friend, 40
Total, 40
TURKEY.
^inte&.— Pupils in Girls'School and Others, 8 80
Total, 8 80
General Funds, 4,864 18
Gifts for Special Objects, 459 10
Variety Account, 290 55
Legacies, 520 00
Total, §6,133 83
President. Mrs. a. p. PECK, Oakland, Cal. Treasurer. Mrs. S. M. DODGE, 1275 Sixth Ave., Oakland, Cal.
Home Secretaries, Mrs. C. B. BRADLEY, 2639 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, Cal.
Mrs. W. J, WILCOX, 576 East 14th Street, Oakland, Cal.
Treasurer Young' Ladies* Branch. Miss GRACE GOODHUE, 1722 Geary Street, San Francisco, Cal.
HOME SECRETARY'S REPORT W. B. M. P.— 1900-1901. (Read at the Annual Meeting.)
In response to the sixty-eight letters sent out last month to the auxiliaries asking for items of interest for this report, forty answers have been received, sixty per cent nearly complying with the request.
Berkeley, First. — Regular meetings, most of them in the homes of mem- bers,, with an increase of attendance and interest in the cause of missions.
Berkeley, Second. — A new auxiliary organized May 17, 1901, with twenty members. Meetings held on alternate months Wednesday evenings.
Black Diamond. — We regret very much that we shall not be able to have a delegate at the annual meeting. We do have some good missionary meetings occasionally. Our work is all carried on by the church proper and the Christian Endeavor Society. When the missionary topic in the Endeavor Society comes we try to make the most of it, and generally have an interesting time and an offering, too. We have secured some suitable boxes for gathering in the Lord's money, and hope to increase the interest along these lines next year.
Campbell. — Our meetings have been sustained during the year with a good degree of interest ; and in spite of hard times, caused by failure to see our fruit, we have met our pledge to the Board.
Fruitvale. — A new plan has been adopted, by which every member of the church is supposed to give a certain amount monthly toward missionary work.
(37)
38
LIFE AND LIGHT.
[January^
Grass Valley. — This is certainly an off year for our town in missionary matters. Reasons given for the same: (i) Mining season has never been so dull as at present, and many are out of vJorV, (2) New theater attracts some, even church members. We hope next year to regain our usual standard of giving to the W. B. M. P.
Lincoln. — The pastor, F. M. Washburn, writes : We have no auxiliary. I do not know whether we ever had one. We are trying to educate the people here missionarywise. We hope you will have a good meeting, and that the next year will be full of much larger things than the past one."
Little Shasta. — Inclosing a check for $12.50, says : I am sorry to have so little to send. I send love and greetings to the Board, and wish I could meet with you."
Mill Valley. — We wish very much our offering were more, and hope as time goes on to increase the amount. This little society is the outcome of a visit from Mrs. Peck. On a terribly rainy day last winter she kept her appointment to visit this church and speak to the ladies on missions. It was so stormy that it was thought impossible to hold the meeting. So brave little Mrs. Peck came home again ; but not disheartened. x\nother day was set, and bright skies favored the missionary enterprise ; so this new auxiliary sprang into existence.
Mills College. — Ours is the first missionary band formed on the coast. It was connected with the Union Board of New York. Our Tolman Band last yeax contributed $400 to home and foreign missions. We aid a mission church near us, support a Bible reader in Ceylon, educate a young man in Batticotta College, contribute regularly to Ramabai, of India, the Occidental and Pacific Boards, besides many voluntary contributions that appeal to us. May there be a spirit of prayer and consecration in the meeting, and may the year be one of spiritual and temporal prosperity !
Oroville. — We have no auxiliary, and I miss it so much, as I have belonged to one for many years. The time does not seem ripe yet to organize one. However, the church is interested in missions to some extent. We are trying to more and more cultivate the missionary spirit. Pray for us.
Oakland, First. — Meetings have been held regularly, with increased average attendance, the average this year being thirty-eight. The interest has been well maintained throughout the year.
Oakland, Second. — Our society is growing in numbers and interest. The first six months we work for the Missionary Union ; the second half of the year we work for the W. B. M. P.
Plymouth Avenue. — It is only fair to say w^e are very few in numbers, but some of us were members of the first auxiliary organized in the First
HOME secretary's REPORT.
39
Church, Oakland, and of the Plymouth Avenue. We look forward to the annual meeting as to a feast of good things.
Oakland, Fourth. — Officers are the same as for the Ladies' Aid. We hold our missionary meetings quarterly, in connection with a missionary tea. We also have our Board openings each year.
Market Street. — We hold our meetings the second Wednesday evening of each month, alternately home and foreign. Being without a pastor for so long has made a difference in all the church activities.
Pilgrim. — We have held regular meetings the last Tuesday of each month, vacation excepted. We have gained some new members, for which we are thankful. We enjoy our meetings, but long to share them with more of our people. We are doing something to arouse interest by twice a year having an interesting programme at our Board openings, and so draw in many who would not think of attending a regular missionary meeting.
Pacific Grove. — Regular meetings, but no delegate.
Redwood. — Sends greetings and a delegate.
Rio Vista. — We think we will be able to raise the amount asked of us.
Stockton. — Number of members, 23 ; average attendance, 15 ; number of meetings, 10. Subject for study taken monthly from Life and Light. Prayer meetings for foreign missions every month.
Sonoma. — A big star after this name — the home of Miss Wilson, of Micronesia. This society has held its regular meetings every month during the year. Attendance has been good, and a w^arm and helpful interest has been manifested. Pleasant, instructive papers have been prepared and read by the members. . The membership consists of nineteen ladies and five gentlemen. The sum contributed this year by our society is nearly double the amount sent to the Board last year, which fact gives a feeling of new courage to our little company.
Saratoga. — Our society has held its regular meetings through the year ; they have been well attended. There is always an interest and enthusiasm in the subject of missions here in our church, which is pleasant.
Sunol. — Sends greetings in the form of a gold piece.
San Juan. — We send a small offering, but the church is small.
San Francisco, First. — We have had a quiet year. Have held our regular meetings, with rather better attendance than usual.
Plymouth. — We are now trying to get the younger ladies of the church interested in our missionary work, and we think we have made a beginning in that direction.
Park Church. — We have no auxiliary to the Woman's Board, but hope we may have in the near future.
40
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\^ January,
San Rafael. — The offering is even less than usual. That we are later in sending it in is due to the fact that those who usually see to it have been so occupied at home. You will not think our interest in missions lessened by all this. It has been quickened ; and though financially we help but little, I think we may hope much from the increased interest all through the church in missions. The young people have a stated time for missionary topics.
San Jose. — We have enjoyed our studies of foreign fields very much. We have introduced a " current news department," to be given in three- minute reports at each of our meetings. Beside this we spend one evening with each foreign field. We have found it desirable (on account of the exodus from town in the summer) to change the time of our annual collec- tion for foreign missions, which will drop us out of this year's report ; but we hope our delegates will bring us the enthusiasm and inspiration which they receive.
Thus endeth the reading of the quotations from letters received. They are in the most part gratifying. The reports have been so interesting that it has been hard to cull from them. Never have the secretaries responded so promptly, and the Home Secretary thanks them one and all. But we cannot measure what has been accomplished by this report. Much sowing has been going on that will never appear in black and white. One case illustrative of this came to my knowledge the other day. In a little country church, which makes no public offering to us to-day, a lady and her son have been quietly supporting a young Japanese Bible reader. This seed- sowing has been going on for years. Who can estimate the good that is being accomplished by this faithful worker in Japan, and the equally faithful mother and son in California who stand back of him?
We report three new auxiliaries, — Mill Valley, Park Church, Berkeley, and Second Church, Oakland.
Mrs. W. J. Wilcox, Home Secy,
President. Mrs. MOSES SMITH, 115 S. Leavitt Street, Chicago, 111.
Recording Secretary. Miss M. D. WINGATE, Room 603, 59 Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111.
Treasurer. Mrs. S. E. HURLBUT, 1454 Asbury Avenue, Evanston, 111.
Assistant Treasurer. Mrs. E. M. WILLIAMS, 85 Rush Street, Chicago, 111.
Editor of " Mission Studies.** Miss SARAH POLLOCK, Room 603, 59 Dearborn Street, Chicago, 111.
Chairman of Committee on Life and Light.** Mrs. G. F. S. SAVAGE, 62S Washington B'd, Chicago, 111.
THE OLD YEAR'S BLESSING.
I am fading from yon, but one draweth near, Called the Angel Guardian of the coming 3'ear.
If mj gifts and graces coldly you forget.
Let the New Year's angel bless and crown them yet.
For we work together; he and I are one; Let him end and perfect all I leave undone.
I brought good desires, though as yet but seeds; J-et the New Year make them blossom into deeds.
(40
42
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_Januaryy
I brought joj to brighten many happj days p Let the New Year's angel turn it into praise.
If I gave you sickness, if I brought you care, Let him make one patience and the other prayer.
Where I brought you sorrow, through his care at length, It may rise triumphant into future strength.
If I brought you plenty, all wealth's bounteous charms, Shall not the new angel turn them into alms?
I gave health and leisure, skill to dream and plan; Let him make them nobler — work for God and man.
If I broke your idols, showed you they were dust, Let him turn the knowledge into heavenly trust.
If I brought temptation, let sin die away Into boundless pity for all hearts that stray.
May you hold this angel dearer than the last, — So I bless his future, while he crowns my past.
— Adelaide A. Procter,
THE LUCY PERRY NOBLE TRAINING SCHOOL.
The Lucy Perry Noble Training School for Bible-women in Madura is one of the great forces for good in the missionary work of that city. As these native women reach the very centers of such home life as India knows, these reports, written by themselves, will be read with great interest. They are from but a few of those trained in the school.
I AM teaching forty-four women, and of these nine are reading the Bible. Manamal was one day reading in the book called " Angel's Message," about the death of Christ. Her mother said : ''What do you want to read that for? There are plenty of our books that tell about the gods; can't you read those instead?" "But, mother, does it say in those that there is but one God, who died for sin and rose again?" ''Well, do your own liking," said her mother. The girl's courage in replying was encouraging to me. Whenever I go she asks me to read something from the Bible, and she is interested in her Scripture verses. But yet she is studying in the fear of her mother-in-law, and sometimes asking me to go, she also will rise and go away. Pethi is reading the Bible. I went there ; some one said, "What book is that you are reading?" " Not I ; some one else was reading it," she said, telling a lie. Then her husband came and said, " She doesn't like to
jgo2.'\
THE LUCY PERRY NOBLE TRAINING SCHOOL.
43
read your books, but reads these stories. Her good sense will be spoiled by reading the *'Fine Pandiyans," but \n your book she may get some good sense." Thus saying, he gave her a scolding.
Another writes : —
I have been w^orking among the silk-weaver women of Madura for five years. Wherever they may be living, I go in search of them and teach them. Besides those on my list who have dropped off, or removed to other places, or have died, there still remained at the beginning of the year fifty- two. Of these, eleven only are reading the Bible. At the beginning these women didn't know what sin was and what its punishment and its expiation. Krishnamal for three days before her death uttered no words save "The teacher has come; bring the book and let me read ! I shall not get well, but I shall go away to God." The relatives who knew her state and came to her death-bed, heard the words that came forth out of her mouth and acknowledged that she was God's child, and that her knowledge was the result of her studies, and allowed her to die in peace. There are many such incidents as this. When I see the change that takes place in them, 1 believe there is fruit in our work, and I continue to labor and endeavor with hope in the Lord. I have no hindrances in teaching these women, and I have much comfort and joy myself in doing it.
When Veeralet-chumi began to study with me she could read the Testa- ment. When I went, she would come and read a chapter quickly, and before I could explain it, would get up and go away. I waited for some days considering her case. One day it came about that I spoke to her con- cerning Christ's second coming. As she was listening with great attention, much moved, a woman who was sitting by said, ''Amma, when you are speaking our mind is upon him, but when you are gone it is all changed. Can't he make us think of him all the time.''" Veeralet-chumi suddenly burst out : That's the devil that you worship that changes your mind for your destruction. You are all going to hell!" From that day she begged me to pray for her, and she, too, every day read the Bible and prayed in pri- vate. As I observed her I saw her Christian life was growing. At night her father had a Brahmin come and read Hindu books a long time, and she would wait until he was asleep, and then pray. Her mother, observing this, beat her and forbade her to worship the Christian God. One day she was alone praying, but for fear her mother would come in, she prayed with her eyes open. She felt conscience stricken about this, and asked forgiveness. She continued to pray for herself, her parents, and for the man she was to marry, that they might be converted, and that hindrances
44
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January^
might be removed. When she wished to procure a Bible her mother and father forbade her to read either that or the Testament. She asked me to pray that her father might consent to her reading the Bible, and she also prayed. Soon after her father gave her the money to buy a Bible. Her parents often call her *' Christian donkey." She grieves much that she is not baptized, and v^henever she falls ill she says to me : I am not baptized. If I should die, how^ will it be with me?"
On the 6th of this June she was married to a man living in Dindigal. When I last saw her she said : " I shall not forget my Saviour. I am taking my Bible with me, and you must not forget to pray for me."
Still another sajs : —
I have been appointed to take care of the sick in the Lucy Perry Noble Bible School. A sick ward has been built. I get medicines for immediate use from our two physicians (Dr. Parker and Dr. Van Allen), and keep them on hand. If any one falls ill, I take them to the sick ward and give them such medicines as I have. If they do not improve I let the doctor know, and I will take the medicines she gives and bring and give it. If there is serious illness I stay near them at night to help. When there is no sickness I go out among heathen women to do the Lord's work.
Another : —
In various places fifty-seven women are studying with me. In contrast to their former devotion to idols, many people now listen without fear and with interest when we speak of our dear Saviour. Whenever I go they : receive me very lovingly. Most will acknowledge that they do as their fathers did under constraint ; but if they become Christians their people will cast them out from all family and caste relationships. This they think | of as exceeding disgrace in the eyes of all, and fear the bonds of caste. When I earnestly tell them our dear Saviour took upon himself human nature, and died and suffered and rose again, it was for them, there are some who reply: "Alas! Was it for me? This suffering for me?" and so saying will shed tears. In every place I go I tell of his sufferings, and the people of Madura are listening.
Another : — i
Fifty women are studying with me, of whom fourteen are silk-weavers. I Sixteen years ago work among this class was very difficult. They looked with disgust upon our faces. The spot where we stood was defiled, and they would purify it with cowdung. The very people who used to say to|
1^02.1
THE LUCY PERRY XOBLE TRAINING SCHOOL.
45
the missionary and the Bible women, " Go, donkey," now have a desire to study, and are buying the book written by our missionary, and are studying with intelligence. Some poor women, whose work is to tread mordant for fixing colors, will leave their work in their anxiety to study. In general many show this desire, and also a desire to know the way to God. -A woman named Lut Chimi said: ''When you come and tell us of the excellencies of Christ and of forgiveness through him, our old-time darkness flees away, but again the world and customs of our caste take hold of us and draw us back. When I think of our vain and useless customs they are disgusting to me. This world is as nothing, and I will think of the Lord, and praise him."
Another : —
Forty women are under my instruction, with fourteen Bible readers. The others are learning to read. They receive me kindly and study with interest. Though they have their housework and other occupations, they realize the importance of this, and continue their study. Some, as they have opportunity, converse with others about the Scripture verses and stories they have learned. Among these Murugai will speak to others who are not studying, and say : "If you, too, were studying these things, it were well. What is taught is good and true." She does not forget, but tells what she has learned to others. Some of the women, afraid of the abuse and threats of others, will hide what they know. When people say. What is the use of knowledge to a woman? some will make excuses. And some are swallowed up with desires of this world, thougli they may possess some good intentions.
The Christian worker holds on to the promise of God in Isaiah, "Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as wool." There is no man so low that the gospel of Christ cannot reach him ; there is no people gone so far astray, no slum in the great city, which the grace of God cannot redeem ; there is no field so dry and barren and desolate that when God works with us it may not become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. — W. H. P. Faunce.
Tell me to love an unlovely person, or one I have never seen, — some heathen in Africa or China, — and I cannot do it unless God puts the love for them in my heart. But when the Holy Ghost sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts, we shall have the same kind of love that Jesus Christ had. What we want is to be baptized with the spirit of Calvary. — D. L. Moody.
46
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January^
FROM REPORT OF AMANZIMTOTE SEMINARY.
BY G. B. COWLES. (Our missionary, Miss Hattie Clark, is associated with Mr. Cowles.)
FARMING.
The farming operations have been more extensive than usual. Special attention has been given to fruit and shade trees. About three hundred grafted trees, including oranges, citrons and limes, were purchased from the Botanic Gardens. We have now under cultivation 1,500 fruit trees, cover- ing about sixteen acres of ground. Gum and wattle trees have been planted for future fuel needs. In addition, bananas, pineapples, pumpkins, mealies, and sweet potatoes have been produced. Abundance of rain and scarcity of locusts have made the year an exceptionally favorable one. The boys feasted on green mealies for a number of weeks, consuming three hundred ears at a meal, four ears being the allowance for one boy at one meal.
RELIGION.
The two terms of the year have been in marked contrast religiously. During the first term there was little response to the presentation of the truth. There was hardness and deadness. The second was quite the opposite, and was spiritually, as well as in every other way, one of the most satisfactory terms we have had. The boys were earnest in prayer and in the study of the Word. About sixty expressed a desire to choose Christ. In all of these meetings, Robert, the native teacher, was a leading spirit. To his consistent life, his anxiety for souls, his steady zeal, must be attributed in large measure the more than usual earnestness among the boys. Friday, May 3d, was especially observed for prayer by the school. The regular session was shortened and the industrial work suspended, the time being given to all for prayer. During the afternoon the boys scattered to the hill- top and elsewhere with their Bibles. At four o'clock, at a given signal, they arranged to meet in the open and have a prayer meeting. This was followed by a meeting at night, led by Mr. Cowles. The day seemed to have been one of much blessing to teachers and pupils.
ALUMNI.
In July, 1900, we had, as far as I know, the first gathering of the Aman- zimtote Seminary Alumni. The native annual meeting, held at Adams, afforded exceptional opportunities for such an occasion. Many expressions of appreciation from the boys have been received for this occasion. No formal organization has been attempted, but we have the matter under con- sideration, and will take such steps toward it as seem to us wise.
LETTER FROM MRS. WEBSTER.
47
teachers' institute. For some time I have had in mind the desirability of a vacation school for teachers, and perhaps others. This might be for both sexes, and be held for a few days for Bible study and spiritual uplift, the study of school methods and school problems. We might combine the Northfield idea with the teachers' institute or summer school. There are no insurmountable diffi- culties, I think, unless it be the lack of time and strength to plan and carry out such a scheme with all that it involves.
LETTER FROM MRS. WEBSTER.
Kamundongo, Bihe, W. C. A., August 6, 1901. My last letter was written, I believe, at Sakanjimba, where I stayed over Sunday. One day's journey from there took me to Ocilonda, the station of the English Mission. I stayed there two days and then went to Chisamba. I had a very pleasant visit with the friends at Ocilonda. There are three families and two young ladies there at present. They have a good location, and there, as elsewhere, the work is going forward hopefully. The same day I left Ocilonda I reached Chisamba late in the afternoon. It was just at the hour for their weekly prayer meeting, and as I had not been able to send definite word as to the day I would arrive, I found the houses all deserted. I found my way into Mrs. Currie's house by a back door, and made myself comfortable until prayer meeting was out. They were somewhat surprised to see me, for though they had been expecting me, they had about given me up ; for through a misunderstanding, some one had written them that I had changed my plans and was not going to Chisamba. On the strength of that, Miss Melville, who had been planning to visit us in Bailundu after my visit with them, had called her carriers and was ready to start the day after I reached there. I spent a week at Chisamba, and had such a nice visit. I was pleased to meet Mrs. Bell again. They formerly belonged to the Phil- African League, and came to Benguella on the same steamer with Mr. Stover and me four years ago. I enjoyed seeing and talking with the young people of Chisamba. It is helpful in many ways to visit the other stations and see the work. While there I visited with Mrs. Currie and Mrs. Bell, the out-station at Ciyuka. The chief is a Christian, and quite a number of his young people, both men and women, are following his example. He is a man of about fifty years, I should judge, and a man of some standing. He had ten wives, and has put them all away but one. He has built a good schoolhouse, and they have morning and evening prayers and services regu- larly every Sunday, and week-day school during the school term. The
48
LIFE AND LIGHT.
\_January,
whole village attend all religious services. If a few more such men would take a similar stand, it would be a great blessing to the work everywhere.
I am now at Kamundongo spending a week with the friends here. It goes without saying that I am having a pleasant visit. All here seem very well. The work here is certainly making rapid strides. Last Sunday morning the church was full. There must have been four hundred and fifty present, and aside from those, about fifty others met in the schoolhouse at the same time. Small-pox is quite bad around here now, and they think it is wise to have the children of the station, with their mothers and all who have not had small-pox, meet by themselves. At seven different points schools have been started at the request of the head men of the village, and at all of these places many are professing Christ and burning their fetiches. Two days ago we visited the nearest school, and to-morrow we are going to one of the farthest, about an hour and a half distant. It is good to see this gen- eral awakening, and we pray that it may continue, and many may be brought to the light.
This week Friday I expect to start for Sakanjimba. It is two days' jour- ney from here. I shall stay there ten days, and be at home again before the mail leaves the last of the month, if all goes well. Mrs. Stover writes that they are all well, though Mr. Stover is somewhat under the weather. She says Katito gets around on crutches now, and is much better. She writes also of the death of one of our little kindergarten girls from small-pox. She was a bright, sweet little girl, about four years old. Miss Stimpson and Miss Redick are coming to tea and spend the evening at Mrs. Sanders, and to-morrow I am to spend the evening and night with the young ladies.
WOMAN'S BOARD OF THE INTERIOR. Mrs. S. E. HURLBUT, Treasurer. Receipts from October 10 to October 18, 1901.
Colorado 430 02
Illinois 4,097 56
Indiana 305 23
Iowa 3,162 98
274 45
Kansas . Michigan Minnesota Missouri . Nebraska Ohio . Oklahoma North Dakota South Dakota Wisconsin
1,156 09 70 75 360 21 35 99 104 28 1 75 11 05 185 25 573 38
Maine Micronesia
Receipts for the month Previously acknowledged
Total since October, 1900
CENTURY FrrND.
Received October 10 to October 18 Already reported ....
5 00 25 00
10,798 99 59,790 14
$70,589 13
1,175 17 3,131 77
$4,306 94
Total since October, 1900 . additional donations for special objects. Received October 10 to October 18 . 86 50
Already forwarded . . . . 1,130 34
Total since October, 1900 . . . $1,216 84 Mrs. E. M. Williams, Ass't Treas.