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Digitized by the Internet Arciiive
in 2009 with funding from
Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries
http://www.archive.org/details/chinasmillions7576chin
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CHINA'S Millions.
EDITED BY
J. HUDSON TAYLOR. M.R.C.S., F.R.G.S.
Obverse. Reverse.
FACSIMILE OF CASH COINED BY THE EMPEROR HIEN-FUNG,
Who reigned from 1851 — 1861, represenling ten common cash.
1875-6
London :
MORGAN AND SCOTT, 12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, E.G.
HA7ELL, WATSON, AND VINEY, PRINTERS,
LONDON AND AYLESBURY.
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Jri^fot^.
■\ 1 TE gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity afforded by the issue of this volume to add a few prefatory
^ ^ words. Our first word must be one of grateful acknowledgment of the goodness of God. Through
His blessing our humble endeavour, by the publication of China's Millions, to promote a deeper concern
for the spiritual welfare of the teeming millions of China has not been in vain, as shewn by many cheering
testimonies. And, while thanking God for this, we wish also warmly to thank those who have helped us in the
circulation of our paper. AVe especially desire continued and increased aid in this particular effort, feeling
sure that the more China's need, as shown by the number of its people and their spiritual destitution is
realised, the more will prayerful, self-denying effort be called forth.
Their number claims consideration ; we cannot too often ponder the fact that Ch'na contains about one-
third of the entire population of the world.
This statement is easily written, but what it comprehends is not easily realised. In that far off land
more than twelve times the entire population of the United Kingdom dwell. Think of a few well-known
English towns — Oxford, Cambridge, Cheltenham, York, Brighton. In one week in China a number of souls
exceeding the population of all these towns put together, enter the Eternal world. Think of Birmingham,
Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, each with its busy hundreds of thousands of people. In one fortnight in
China a number equal to the population of either of these great towns pass into Eternity.
In one month — It has been truly said, in words easily remembered —
" A million a month in China
Are dying without God. "
Think of all the counties of England and Wales. In China in one short year half as many souls as live
in all these counties sleep the sleep of death. Surely the spiritual condition of a population from whose
midst such vast numbers descend to the grave yearly demands the thoughtful and earnest attention of all who
regard the Saviour's parting precept to preach t/ie Gospel to every creature.
What the Church of Christ is doing to fulfil this command in China is shown by the number of its
messengers there. At a recent date, there were in the nine Eastern Provinces of China Proper 262
Missionaries among a population of about 220 millions — \>tm% little more than one missionary to a millioti.
In the nine Western Provinces, containing a population of 150 millions, there was not a single resident
Protestant Missionary. The Statistical Table, page 43, shows the ground for these statements.
For more detailed information we direct attention to the Conspectus of Protestant Missions on page 63.
This table has been compiled with care from the best sources, and gives the number of Protestant
missionaries, the stations they occupy, and also the societies to which they belong. Would that all the
churches represented in China were enabled by the prayerful sympathy of their members greatly to increase
the number of their missionaries there. We rejoice to be fellow-helpers in the blessed work of preaching
Christ in China, and should be glad to see the agencies of all engaged in the same work increased tenfold, yea,
a thousandfold.
PREFACE.
Our aim in publishing China's Millions has been by giving varied information — by descriptions of
the people — by pictorial illustrations', to make China and its people more real and their spiritual destitution
more widely known to Christians at home. But while our paper has afforded opportunity for this, it has also
enabled us to give to the friends of the China Inland Mission reports of the progress of the work they are
aiding.
Of the origin and work of this Mission, a short account is given on page 201, and a brief review of its
first ten years on page 157. Its undenominational character is referred to in the plan of operations, page 31,
and is well described in the speech by the late Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, reprinted on page in. The
stations of the Mission are given in detail, page 228.
The workers in connection with it (members of various denominations, and now a goodly band) are
named on page 134. These have gone out to labour for China without guaranteed income, trusting that He
in whose name they have gone would supply their need. Hitherto they have proved God's faithfulness, their
need has been supplied, blessing has been vouchsafed to their labours, and we have had the joy to tell of
many who have been brought to Christ. We have also had to record the departure of twenty- three fresh
labourers for this great harvest-field. The stones would cry out if we did not give thanks and praise to God
for this.
But from the encouragement we so gladly acknowledge our thoughts turn again to the many millions
who are dying, who have never heard the Gospel, and to the many, many millions more who must die before
the glad tidings can reach them. Surely the open door is God's call to His Church. From those already
awakenedj and from devoted missionaries toiling there, the cry comes, " Come over and help us." The fields
are indeed -white unto the harvest, but the labourers are few.
Think, Christian believer, of the condition of these many millions in China, contrast it with your
own. You by happy experience can say, " Blessed is He whose transgression is forgiven,"- — they know nothing
of this blessedness. You can rejoice in the means of grace and in the hope of glory, — they have no means of
grace, no hope of glory. You can sing the song of sweet confidence, " The Lord is my Shepherd," — they
are as sheep having no Shepherd. It is yours in this happy trust to say, " Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort
me." They know nothing of this priceless comfort — their trust is in idols, the works of men's hands.
Oh ! how deep is their need. As you bow before the throne of grace, when you enter His gates with
thanksgiving and rejoice in the blessings of salvation which you enjoy, think of these multitudes in China
living and dying in the darkness of heathenism, and pray that soon they too may know of God's love in the gift
of His Son, and be led to put their trust in Him.
"' jffoii, shall they believe in Hitn of whom they have not heard ^ And how shall they hear zvithoui a
preacher ? "
" The Harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers arefeiv ; pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that
He will send forth labourers into the harvest."
December, 1876.
[nht.
Addresses, Valedictory — page
Rev. W. G. Lewis 87
,, H. G. Guinness 99
,, Samuel Martin 203
„ Alexander McAulay 215
Address, Missionary —
Late Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel in
Abounding Poverty 4
Ancestral Worship ... 171,190,204,218,230
Anniversary Meetings at the Conference Hall, Mildmay
Park 156
Addresses by Rev. D. B. Hanlcin, M.A. ... 156
„ Mr. J. E. Cardwell 160,167
,, Rev. James Sadler i6i
,, Rev. J. Hudson Taylor ... 163,168
,, Rev. Dr. Culross 164
„ Rev. John Wilkinson 165
„ R. C. Morgan, Esq. 166
„ Mr. W. D. Rudland 166
,, J. E. Howard, Esq. 168
Appeal for Prayer ... ... ... •■■ ... ... 13S
A Request 14
Are many praying for us ? ... ... ... ... ... 172
A Strange but True Story 120
A Successful Missionary Meeting 146
As a little Child. By the late Miss Blatchley 59
B
Baptisms and Candidates —
Chin-kiang 94, loi
Dien-tsi
Fung-hwa
Hang-chau
Ho-nan Province..,
Nankin
Ning-kwoh
Ning-po ...
Shao-hing.
Ta-t'ung .
T'ai-ping .
T'ai-chau .
Wu-chang.
Yang-chau
Yu-hang .
By the American Missionaries among the Karens
Do. among the Eurasian,
Bamboo, The ...
5, 23, 24, 94, 117, 125, 142,
2,
42, 170
... 222
4, 109
... 170
10, 225
... 170
. . . 209
.. I9S
170, 195, 210
... 222
... 222
94. 130. 170
142, 154- 170
170
170
105
104
197
PAGE
Bereavement ...
... 109
Bhamo Medical Mission
...
,.
... 67
Blatchley, The late Miss—
, Poetry, &c., by 3, 15, 44,
S3. 59. S5, 109
133.
1S5, 213
Burmah — ■
Arrivals in
- 135
Bhamo, Land obtained ...
...
... 120
,, House being built
••• 135
Burmese ...
... S8
Burmese Pagodas
- 37
Burmo-Chinese Missions
8, 107
Casting away Idols
23, 30
Drink and Opium
...
... 105
Drunkenness and Opium Sm
oking
... 82
Interview with the King
... 66
Rangoon to Bhamo
..61,
129, 152
„ Work in
...
... 81
Visit to the Karens
...
93. 104
Map of Burmah, to face f age
... 65
" China for Christ "—
" Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it "
"Not by might, nor by power"
" From this day I will bless you "
"Come unto me. . . Go ye therefore "
" Hold God's faithfulness "
China Inland Mission —
Letter to Friends. Supplement to No. I.
Stations. Supplement to No. I.
,, Undenominational character of
, , Origin and Work of . . .
Plan of Operations
Resume for 1875 ...
China, in Provinces, Map of
China, Wild Tribes of
China's Millions
,, Circulation of
Chinese Artists
Chinese E.vperience Meeting
China's great Need
Chinese Fortune-teller ... ■ ...
Chinese Temples
Cheering Tidings
Civil War, Horrors of
Conspectus of Protestant Missions in China
7
17
29
41
SS
228
III
201
31
69
42
50
2
67
SI
S
89
lor
15s
125
44
63
INDEX.
Conversion of a Native Pastor
Converts Gatiiered ... ... ...
Conference of Native Preachers
Christian Responsibility. By Rev. Samuel Martin
Call not Responded to
D
Departures for China —
Mr. King
„ Cameron
,, Clarke
,, Nicoll
,, Broumton
„ Easton
„ McCarthy
„ Budd
,, Turner
Miss Knight ■•
„ Goodman ... ...
Mr. James ...
„ Parker
„ Pearse
„ Randle ..
Miss Wilson...
J. Hudson Taylor
W.A.Wills ...
Miss Crickmay
„ Desgraz...
,, Home ,
,, Huberty
„ Hughes
„ Murray
Mr. and Mrs. Rudland
For Burmah —
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey
Deserted Infants. Mrs. Duncan
Evangelistic Work in Gan-hwuy
„ Hu-peh
Farewell Words. Mr. Edward Pearse
First Impressions
First of the Nine
Fishe, Mr. and Mrs. C
Fortune-telling in China
Fortune-teller, or All for Jesus
Fung-hwa District ... ... ... ...
For the Young —
Perseverance Rewarded ...
Jealousy Defeated
Justice
Eggs turned into Silver .. .
Letter from Mr. Stott
What a Boy did for Christ
Specimen of Ningpo Romanized Colloquial
Ah-shih, the little Chinese Girl
How a poor Boy became a Missionary
The Sudden Summons ...
Letter from Mr. Clarke . .
Earthly Care
PAGE
2
4
173. 193
... 17s
... 227
5
... 26
... 26
... 26
... 64
... 64
... 67
... 67
... 67
... 67
... 67
96, 118
• ■■ 135
96, 118
... 136
06, 118
204
222
118
116
136
IS3
• ■• 123
■■• 53
... 2, 24
195, 222
... 32
... 101
■ ■• 233
4
... 18
39> 56
92, loi
... lot
... 113
... us
... 124
... 141
... 150
180, 192
... 217
Gathering in Sheaves...
Glasgow to Burmah ...
G
H
Hang-chau Conference
Hong-kong
„ Protestant Missions of ...
I •
Interview with the King of Burmah , . .
Idols Abolished ...
Jealousy Defeated
Justice ...
PAGE
23
9> 20, 30, 47
173. 176, 193
85. 99, 96, 105
131, 150
66
K
Karen Conference
, , Customs
Karens, Visit to
.. 18
39, 56
■-. 57
• ■• 57
93> 104
Lake Menzalah ... 22
"Let him that heareth say, Come" 62
Letter to a Missionary ... ... ... ... ... 49
" Let him that heareth say, Come." By Rev. Dr. Edmond 1 86
M
Mandarins
Map of China, in Provinces
Map of Burmah, ^oyfece/rtj"!?...
Mandarins in Council ...
Map of the Chinese Empire, coloured, to face page
Maulmain Eurasian School ... ... ■
Miau Tribes
Mission Church at Yu-hang
Missionaries and Native Agents of the China Inland
Mission, Table of .. . ...
Missionaries, Correspondence, &c. —
Mr. Adams ...
,, Bailer
Mrs. Bailer ... ...
52,79
• 42
■ 65
• 147
■ 15s
. 102
• 50
170, 180
134
120, 182
136, 170
94
Mr. Broumton 64, 67, 94, 170
,, Budd 67, 94, 96, 118, 154, 196
,, Cameron 26, 49, 64, 94, 196, 209
,, Cardwell 41
„ Clarke 26, 49, 64, 94, 95, 105, 142, 154
,, Crombie 4,119,222
Mrs. Crombie 72, 108, 109, 172
,, Duncan 4, 89, u6, 154
Mr. Douthwaite 71,125
Mrs. Douthwaite .. 182
Mr. Easton 64,67,94,182,196
Miss Goodman 94,96,118,182
Mr. Harvey 118,234
Mrs. Harvey 182
Mr. Jackson 94,130,196,222
Mrs. Jackson ... 5
„ James 96, 118, 130
„ Judd ... 2, 10, 49, 52, 94, 130, 142, 153, 154, 222
INDEX.
Missionary Correspondence, &c. — CoiUlimcd.
,, King ...
Miss Knight
Mr. McCarthy
,, Meadows
Mrs. Mcidows
Mr. NicoU
,, Parker
„ Pearse
„ Randle
„ H. Soltau
J. W. Stevenson
Stott
M. H. Taylor
, , Turner
Miss Turner
Tsiang Liang- Yuong
Tsiang Ah-Liang
U Djun-Yiao
Mr. Williamson ...
Mrs. Williamson ...
Miss Wilson
Wong Las-djun
5. 49> 53. 94, '36, 142, 196, 210
94, 96, uB, 170
30. 67, 94, 96, "8, 170
71, 89, 100, 117, 195
23, 24, 94, 170
36, 49, 64, 94, 142, 170
135, 154. 1S2
96, u8, 123, 130, 196
136. 154, 196
9, 20, 34, 37, 47. 57, 65, 81, 93, io4, 129,
141, 146, 152, 194, 195, 208, 210
2, 5, Supplement to No. I., 14, 66,
120, 19s, 210
... 23, 30, 62, 73, 94, loi, 113, 145
24, 27, 46, 60, 78, 94, 130, 142, 154
181, 210
67, 94, 96, 118, 182
... 5, 71, 113, 117, 125, 170, 210
170
170
170, 222
74, 94, 101, 142, 222
182
96, 118, 130, 170,222
170, 209
Missionaries Designated for the Nine Unevangelized Pro-
vinces
76
N
Nankin 13, 25
Native Effort to Spread the Gospel—
At Ningpo 89
„ Shao-hing 117
Native Pastors 134
,, Evangelists 134
,, Colporteurs I34
,, Schoolmasters 134
,, Bible Women 134
Notice of Map and Table ... ... ... ... ... 44
Opium Smoking and Drunkenness ... ... 82
Opium and Drink 105
Opium, A Wife Sold to Buy 116
Origin and Work of the China Inland Mission 20I
Our Heading 27
Parting Words 204
Persecution at T'ai-ping-hien 196
Pioneer Work in Ho-nan — see Province of Ho-nan
Poetry —
The Bands of Love 3
Grace i4
Lines written at the Grave of Mr. Soltau 35
Joseph 44
The Rock of my Heart 53
The Two Anointings ... ... ... ... ... 85
Eastward Ho ! 97
Bereavement 109
" To the uttermost Parts of the Earth " 121
Poetry — Continued.
" Weeping may Endure for a Night "...
"By Faith"
For China's Distant Shore
A Fragment
The Missionary Call
Port Said
Power of the Gospel
Providential DeHverances
Provinces —
Cheh-kiang (Forked-Streams)
Gan-hwuy (Peace Province)
Ho-nan (River-South)
Ho-nan (River-South), Second Visit to
Third „ ...
Hu-nan (South- Lake) ...
Hu-nan (South- Lake), Second Visit to
Hu-peh (North-Lake)
Kiang-si (River-West) ...
Kiang-su (River-Province)
Kwang-si (Broad-A¥est)
Kwei-chau (Noble-Land)
Yrrn-nan (Cloudy-South)
Nine Unevangelized ...
R
Rangoon to Bliamo -
From Mr. PL Soltau's Journal ...
Rangoon, Work in
"Ramdass and Lee Fang," Notice of
Report of China Inland Mission
Report of Fung-hwa District
Review of Ten Years' Work
River Sal wen, Journey up ...
Rivers and Boats
Roman Catholic Converts, Yun-nan
,, ,, Missions, Statistics of
,, „ in Ho-nan
Slians of the Yun-nan Mountains . . .
Si.x Days' Preaching Tour
Stations —
Table of
Bhamo
Ch'i-chau ...
Chin-kiang 94, loi,
Dien-tsi ... ... ...
Fung-hwa,.,
Gan-k'ing
Hang-chau
Hwuy-chau ...
Kiu-chau
Kiu-kiang...
Ky'i-'o
Nan-kin ...
Ning-hai^...
Ning-kwoh
Ning-po
'0-z
Shao-hing 94, 100,
Shing-hien ...
Si-tien ...
PAGE
133
145
200
213
226
20
24
210
7°, 73
44. 75, 94, 136
27, 46, 60, 78
94, 130, 142, 181,
184
142, 154, 210, 225
49, 52
94
76
76
74
SO
50
r,8
27
194,
208, 221
... 81
... 94
... 69
... 233
157, 201
... 66
... 183
8
... 43
... 80
I
10
... 228
120,
135,
195,
210, 234
... J36
116,
142,
154,
170, 182
94,
130,
170, 222
109,
119,
126,
138, 233
136,
142,
154, 196
...
124,
150, 170
... 196
... 182
... 94
... 130
. 13, 25, 170
... 143
. . . 209
113,195
... 108
113,
"7,
125,
142, 170
... 195
... 139
INDEX.
Stations — Contimiei.
Sin-chang
Ta-tung ...
T'ai-chau
T'ai-ping-fu
T'ai-ping-hien
T'ien-tai
Wu-chang (Han-kow) ,
Wu-hu
Wun-chau
Yang-chau
Yu-hang
.Suez Canal
Supplement to China's Millions .
PAGE
195
136,210
94, 130, 170
136
130, 196, 222
222
142, (145), 153, 154, 170, 222
136, 170
94.113,
145,
196
... 170
170, 180
20, 34
12
Table of Stations of CHINA INLAND MISSION— Sup-
plement to No. I
,, Statistical, of Protestant and Romish Missions in
China
, , Protestant Missions in China
,, The Nine Unevangelized Provinces
„ Missionaries designated to the Nine Unevangelized
Provinces ...
Timely Aid
Toungthoos ...
Tribes Resident in Burmah
Trust Him
228
43
62
27
76
26
59
57
19
Valedictory Meetings —
Metropolitan Tabernacle
Home of Industry
Edinburgh Castle
East London Tabernacle
V
(Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's) 36, 64
(Miss Macpherson's) 36, 64
(Dr. Barnardo's) ... ... 36
.. (Rev. Archibald BrowTi's) 36
Trinity Presbyterian Church (Rev. Adolph Saphir's) ... 36
Paragon Road Chapel (Hackney) 36
West London Tabernacle (Mr. Varley's) ... 36,210
Harley House, Bow (Mr, Grattan Guinness's) 36
Conference Hall, Mildmay Park 64
Congregational Church, Milton Road, Stoke Newing-
ton (Rev. J. Johnston's) ... 6;.
Valedictory Meetings — Continued. PAGE
Westboume Grove Chapel (Rev. W. G. Lewis's) ... 64
Tottenham (Brook Street) 64,118
Camberwell (Beresford Chapel) ... 64
Earnsbury Congregational Chapel (Rev. J. Morgan's) 67
Hampstead (Rev. W. Brock's) ... 67
Bloomsbury Chapel (Rev. J. P. Chown's) 67
Regent's Park Chapel (Dr. Landels') 67
Burdett Road Congregational Church (Rev. J. L. Pearse's) 118
Stratford Congregational Church (Rev. J. Knaggs') 118
Mildmay Park Wesleyan Chapel (Rev. J. Watson's) 1 18
The Metropohtan Tabernacle (Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's) 118
Park Road Chapel, Peckham Rye (Rev. J. Tarn's) ... 196
Westminster Chapel (Rev. Samuel Martin's) 201
Earlham Grove, Wood Green 215
Visit to our Mission Stations—
I. London to Hong-kong (T-wo Illustrations ) 83, 89
II. Hong-kong to Shang-hai and Ning-po (Two
Illustrations) ... ... ...^ ... ... 96
III. 'Ningpo ( One Illustration) ... ... ... 113
IV. Fung-hwa. ( Tliree Illustrations) ... ... 126
V. Fung-hwa. to Si-tien f One Illustration) ... 138
VI. Si-tiea to Ning-hsii (One Illustration)... ... 143
VII. Nin^-hai to T^ien-T'a.i (One Illustration) ... 177
VIII. Tien-T'aitoT'ai-chz.n (One Illustration) ... 188
IX. Ky'i-'o Station (Tzuo Elustrations ) ... ... 206
X. Tai-chau and Sien-ku ('0??^ ///«jA'aft'(7«^ ... 211
XL T'ai-chau to Hwang-yen ... ... ... 213
XII. Hwang-yen to Wun-chau f'O^^ ///«jfrn/M«^... 223
w
Western China z'za: Burmah
Wild Tribes in China
Woman's Work in China
Do. (see Missionaries)
Work among the Seamen
Work among the Villages
... 7,61
... so
137, 154
... 89
... 232
Y
Young Men's Christian Associations needed in Burmah ... 82
Yao Tribes ... 50
-7^-^3^sS^^5i®'S^e<H^
Jfbi uff |Utt$iritiltrtt$.*
THE SHANS OF THE YUNNAN MOUNTAINS
The Shans are part of a great race which formerly occupied the province of Yunnan. They are still found in
many of the mountainous regions of this province. The Assamese, the Shans of Burmah, the Laos and Siamese, are
all portions of this race.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ...
" Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."
6
EXTERIOR OF A CHINESE INN ...
This illustration gives a good idea of Country Inns in China, where tea and ordinary refreshments are sup-
plied. Intoxicating beverages are seldom kept. The traveller in any part of the Celestial Empire will experience no
difficulty in finding a place of rest and refreshment for the night, or where he may have a passing meal and a feed
for his horse or mule. These houses are found scattered along the highways of the country, and each little town or
village has its well-known places of resort. In front of the doorway there is a long table, surrounded by rude chairs
and benches, on which a group of customers are seated, enjoying the reeking substantial fare of the inn. The land-
lord, who has a puffy air of prosperity about him, is standing at a window giving his orders for the entertainment of
his guests.
NANKIN ... ... ... ...
A view taken from the country side of the city, at a point from which the absence of suburbs allows the walls to
appear more distinctly. Several of the towers represented in this sketch were destroyed during the Tai-ping rebel-
lion, and have not since been restored. The present wall is about 14 English miles in circumference. The population
exceeds half-a-million.
13
ILLUMINATED TEXT ...
"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts.'
16
THE BREAKWATER OF PORT SAID
This illustration shows very well the contrast between the rough water outside, and the smooth anchorage
within the Breakwater. A beautiful lighthouse is erected at its end.
CANAL AT LAKE MENZALAH
The wide expanse of Lake Menzalah contrasts with the narrow canal, on the banks of which may be seen the
huts of the natives. The Arabs with their camels near the Eastern wall, im.part an Oriental aspect to the scene.
VIEW IN NANKIN ARSENAL ... ...
This view of Chinese mandarins inspecting a mitrailleuse presents with striking truthfulness the features and
costumes of Nankin officials and their attendants.
26
• With our list of illustrations we give a short description of each, taken chiefly from the fuller description given by J. Thomson, Esq , F.R.G.S. Autlwr
of '' Ilhistrations of China and Its People "*' The Straits of Malacca, Indo-China and China." Mr. Thomson by-his excellent and well-chosen
illustrations has placed all who desire an accurate knowledge of China and its people under great obligation. We cannot speak too highly of them.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... ... ... ... 28
" From this day will I bless you."
FORTUNE-TELLING IN CHINA 33
In this illustration a military mandarin may be seen coming up with his gaping attendant. The bird on the
table is selecting the lot which is to determine the fate of the young gentleman with the pipe in his hand. The boy
holding an open umbrella is stooping with eagerness to know the result. To the right of the table some boys are
looking on ; still further to the right is a farmer with his large spectacles, closed umbrella over his shoulder, and
palm-leaf fan in his hand. A coolie and young scholar are watching the proceedings.
BURMESE PAGODA ... ...
The great Pagoda at Rangoon, described by Mr. Soltau page 38 is very inadequately represented by this view.
ILLUMINATED TEXT
Hold God's Faithfulness.
TOUNGTHOOS ... ...
The costume of another of the Burmese tribes is here represented.
37
ILLUSTRATED TEXT , ... 40
" Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
REFUGEES FROM REBELLION ... ... ... ... ... ... 45
This painful picture gives some faint idea of the horrors of civil war.
A CHINESE ARTIST ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 52
The best Chinese artists of the present day are found in Canton and Hong-Kong. There are some artists who
execute portraits from life, as in the case of the artist in our sketch, who, adhering to the conventional ideas of
Chinese propriety in art, is careful to arrange every fold of his sitter's dress with geometrical precision, and to avoid as
much as possible shading in the face, as, were he to introduce the shading deemed necessary by our prejudiced minds
to give modelling and body to the figure, the work would in all probability be thrown on his hands as a failure, seeing
that the Chinese cannot understand why one side of the face or feature should be darker than the other.
54
KARENS ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58
In this illustration is shown the mode of carrying burdens on the back suspended by cords passed round the
forehead, the burden in this instance being a live sucking-pig.
HEATHEN GECKOS ... ... ... ... .. .. ... ... 58
Carrying cross-bow and arrows (possibly poisoned) stuck in his hair.
CHRISTIAN KARENS ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58
The woman standing is holding a Chinese umbrella. The man is squatting in the manner so common in the East.
BURMESE ... ... ... . ... 55
Carrying bread-fruit and sweetmeats on their heads. The boy is carrying a large palm-leaf fan, used chiefly as
sunshade.
59
SCENE ON THE IRRAWADDY ... ... ... ... ... ... 65
The alligator in the foreground ; the pendent roots of the young banyan tree with monkeys in the branches ;
the character of the foliage and the pagoda in the distance indicate the Burmese character of this view.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 68
" Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy."
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
AUDIENCE CHAMBER OF MANDARIN ... ... ... ... ... 77
The illustration represents a high mandarin receiving a private visit from an inferior officer. The visitor, when
he reached the outer gate of the Yamun or Palace, had to wait in his sedan while he sent in his card, which consists
of a strip of red paper bearing his name, more like a handbill than the tiny cards in use with us. An interview is
granted, he is borne into the inner court, alights from his chair, and proceeds to the reception hall, where he is met
by his superior. Had the visitor been a man of equal rank, he would have been received by the host at the outer
gate, but being inferior in rank lie has to make his way to the inner reception hall, where he bows low with joined
hands, while his superior receives him with a slight inclination of the body. Seats are next taken according to rank,
unless the visitor be a personal friend, when much of the strict formality of etiquette is set aside, and the visit rendered
agreeable by lively conversation, pipes, and tea.
HONG-KONG FROM THE SEA-WALL 83
In the foreground is shown one of the lighter sedan chairs and the coolies with their sun hats. These sedan chairs
of Hong-Kong take the place of the cabs of European cities, and also of private conveyances, as the residents who can
afford the luxury keep private chairs and bearers who are dressed in a kind of livery. The public chairs and bearers
are licensed by the government, each chair having attached to it a board bearing a printed fonn of legal tariff. There
are chair stands in front of the places of public resort, at the wharves, and corners of the principal streets, where the
bearers keep a sharp look-out for profitable customers, such as sailors from men-of-war or merchant ships in the har-
bour, who, when they have a run on shore, spend a considerable portion of their pay in hiring a chair to carry them
about for the day.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8^
"Looking unto Jesus."
STREET SCENE IN HONG-KONG ... ' ... ... ... 91
This view shows another kind of sedan chair more generally used. One of the coolies bargaining with an
English sailor is using his fingers to indicate the fare. The shopkeeper lolling at his door, fan in hand, is enjoying
the scene.
A CHINESE JUNK IN FULL SAIL ... ... 96
The vessel under sail in this illustration is a coasting trader of Canton build, and may be regarded as one of the
clipper fleet of China. This junk is a fine type of its class, and has in her model something of the foreign ship,
though retaining quite enough of the old Chinese build to soothe the prejudices of the nation. We can still notice
the huge unwieldy rudder perforated to break the force of the sea ; for the Chinese have not yet got the length of
perceiving that a very much smaller rudder fully immersed would be quite as serviceable and infinitely less exposed to
the risk of disaster. There, too, are the great eyes, and the configuration about the stem resembling the head and
features of a fierce sea monster, and intended to scare away the deep sea-demons, or huge fish, that might at any time
impede the voyage. These trading junks usually carry at least six smooth-bore guns for eight-pound shot, a number
of match-locks, and a quantity of ammunition.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... ... ... ... ' ... 98
"The Lord hath need of them."
A CHINESE GARDEN IN CANTON ... ... ... ... ... ... 103
A view in Pun-ting-qua's garden ; on the verandah a servant is putting flowers in the hair of her mistress, whose
little girl is bringing some for the purpose. This garden when in the possession of Pan shi-chen was a perfect model
of Chinese landscape gardening, and one of the most quaint and beautiful retreats in China.
PAGODAS AT PEGU ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... loS
These Pagodas of great beauty and height are now deserted and slowly falling into ruin. In the foreground are
houses occupied by the natives.
PORTRAIT OF THE LATE HON. AND REV. BAPTIST NOEL... ... no
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
STREET IN CANTON ... ... ... .., ... ... ... 113
This is one of the finest streets in Canton. Coming down the street are two Chinese gentlemen The long
pendants with Chinese characters upon them hanging above the shops are the shopkeepers' sign-boards. The inscription
upon them is generally some high-flown classical phrase, having little or no reference to the contents of the shop, and
simply intended as the sign or name by wbich each shop is known. During the summer, to shield from the direct rays
of the sun, the street is covered with matting or calico throv/n across bamboos.
THE BED OF A MOUNTAIN STREAM
After rain the narrow valleys are frequently filled by the mountain streams, but in dry weather they appear as
in this sketch.
NATIVES OF THE FOH-KIEN PROVINCE
Showing the mode of carrying goods on a split bamboo with the ends turned up.
HONG-KONG FROM THE HILL
St. John's Cathedral is shown to the left ; the roof and tower of the Roman Catholic Church to the right in
this view.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ...
" Brethren, pray for us."
A STREET STALL
The street stalls, common to all Chinese cities, are a great convenience to the poorer orders of the labouring
classes of the community, as they furnish food of all kinds at a much cheaper rate than it could be procured in an in
inn or restaurant.
It is wonderful to see the portability of their cooking arrangements, as an entire soup kitchen can be carried
about from place to place by its owner. Wherever labourers are congregated you will find that their food and amuse-
ments follow. If there is a house being built there will be a soup and meat stall, like the one in the illustration,
where one may have a good dinner for about a penny. The cook of our sketch was driving a brisk trade. There
was a particular soup for which he was held in high favour ; the seats at his table d'hote were usually filled, while an
eager group of customers were standing round, plying their spoons and chopsticks, never talking except with their
mouths quite full.
A BRIDGE NEAR NING-HAI ...
This fine bridge is built on granite pillars, The roadway is formed by immense slabs of granite reaching from
pillar to pillar.
119
ILLUMINATED TEXT 122
" Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?"
127
THE RAIN COAT ... ... ... 128
This shows a waterproof coat of palm or cocoa fibre in common use among agricultural and other labourers, and
is a complete protection against the heaviest tropical rain.
131
13s
139
143
MANDARINS IN COUNCIL (Double page) : ... 148, 149
Mr. Thomson, the artist, in describing this illustration in The Graphic, of October, 1873, says: "The Tsung-le
Yamun represents a department of state nearly resembling our Foreign Office. The office has six ministers of the
highest rank presided over by Prince Kung, the Ex-Regent of China.
"Prince Kung (the third figure from the left), who is now forty- two years of age, is the sixth son of the Emperor
Hienfung, and uncle and guardian of the reigning Emperor Tungche. He holds three offices, which makes him next
to the Emperor in power and importance, viz.. Chief of the Imperial Clan, President of the Grand Council of State,
and President of the Board of Foreign Affairs.
" Wensiang (the fourth from the left) is a Manchu, born at Moukden in 1817. He takes the next position to
Prince Kung in the administration of Foreign Affairs. He is also a member of the Grand Council, and fills several
other important offices of state, and from his high attainments is considered the most influential statesman in China.
LIST OF ILL USTRA TIONS. xiii
FAGE
MANDARINS IN COUNCIL— ««/«///«/.
" Peou Keuu, a Maiichu (the first from the left), is also a member of the Grand Council and one of the Presi-
dents of the Board of Revenue.
" Chinglin {the first from the right) is the youngest member of the Tsung-le Yamun, or Board of Foreign Affairs.
"Tung-sean (the third from the right) President of the Board of Revenue, is a famous scholar, and author of
several important works,
" Shen-Kwe-fen (the second from the right) is President of the Board of War and member of the Grand Council.
" Maou-Ching-he (the second from the left) is President of the Board of Works, as well as member of the
Tsung-le Yamun."
TEMPLE OF FIVE HUNDRED GODS AT CANTON ... ... 155
This temple is said in Mr Bowra's translation of the native history of the provinces to have been founded by
Bodhidharama, a Buddhist monk from India, about the year 520 A.D. The temple was rebuilt in 1755 under the
auspices of the Emperor Kien-lung. The abbot or chief priest of this temple in the foreground, is an old gentleman
who has spent half his lifetime in this secluded spot and is greatly devoted to his flo\\'ers, discoursing on their beauty
with an eloquent fondness, and expressing his delight to discover in a foreigner kindred sentiments of admiration.
THE ISLAND OF AMOY ... ... ... ... •■• ... ••• 162
This shows the Omega or horse-shoe graves common in China. A mourner is seen on his knees at worship at
one of them.
AN OPIUM SMOKER ... ... ... ... ... 167
This mode of smoking opium requires the use of both hands, and is always performed in the recumbent position.
A lamp and other etcetera as used by the smoker is shown in the illustration.
ANCESTRAL TABLET ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ■■• 171
Represents the tablet in universal use throughout China.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... ... ... ... . ... ... ... 174
" Compel them to come in."
A WATERFALL ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 179
Numerous waterfalls similar to this are found in the hilly and mountainous districts of China.
SCENE ON A CHINESE RIVER ... ... ... ... 183
Showing boats with masts lowered as when at anchor or when passing under a bridge, also the double-masted
passenger boats used in many parts of China.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... ,., ... ... ... ... ... 186
" Let him that heareth say come."
MEMORIAL PORTAL ... ... ... ... 189
These portals represent the filial piety and chastity of young widows, who never marry again.
WORSHIP BEFORE ANCESTRAL TABLET ... ... ... ... ... 190
The eldest son is here offering incense before the tablet of his ancestors.
CALLING BACK THE SOUL ... ... .,, ... ... ... ... 191
A man with lighted lantern and metallic mirror, with the garment of a sick person suspended from a bamboo, is
seeking one of the souls of the invalid, which upon the turn of the pole is supposed to have returned, and the coat is
forthwith laid upon the sick person's bed should he be too feeble to allow it to be put on properly.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
FATHER TEACHING HIS CHILD TO WORSHIP ... ... ... ... 191
Here the various articles used in worship are seen spread on the ground before the tomb of the deceased. "On
all the occasions when incense and candles are burned before the image of the goddess or before the ancestral tablets
with special reference to a child, the child is taken there, if well, and made to worship in a certain manner by moving
its hands up and down a few times. The child is taught from its earliest infancy to worship idols and the tablets of
its ancestors. " — Doolittle.
197
A CLUMP OF BAMBOOS
This illustration gives a good idea of the graceful appearance of the bamboo, plantations of which impart a
peculiar beauty to Chinese scenery. It towers a stately clump of giant grass, fifty or more feet in height, spreading
its leafy branches in graceful plumage and forming a thick strong fence with its straight tough stems beneath, while its
pale green foliage casts a grateful shade over the dwellings which it hedges around. It is impossible here to enumerate
all the varied uses to which the bamboo is applied, or to form an estimate of its value to the inhabitants of China.
Thus much we may unhesitatingly affirm, that so multifarious are the duties which the bamboo is made to discharge,
and so widespread are the benefits which it confers upon the Chinese, as to render it beyond all others the most
useful plant in the Empire.
MODE OF DRESSING THE HAIR IN CHINA ... ... ... ... 206
The Chinese lady, in common with all her sisters of whatever clime or colour, makes the most of her long
tresses and toilet. Her coiffiire varies in the different provinces of the Empire. It is always, however, modest, tasteful,
and strictly modelled after the rules of propriety and fashion, which have undergone little or no change, for centuries.
Unmarried women of China can always be distinguished frommatrons, as the hair is allowed to fall over the back in
long tresses or in the form of a queue, or caught up at the back in a simple bow, fastened with silk cord. In Canton
it takes the form of a plaited tail at the back, and a fringe of hair over the forehead, as in the case of the figure to the
right in the illustration, which is a young Cantonese girl of the middle class. After marriage it is taken up and dressed
into the form of a teapot, having its handle above the head. In Swatow it is made to resemble a bird resting on the
crown of the liead, or of a horn bent backwards, and rising from the back of the head. The figure on the left is an
example of this. The upper figure shows a style of dressing the hair very common in Northern China.
HEAD-DRESSES OF CHINESE GIRLS AND WOMEN "V.. ' ... ... 207
The two lower figures are styles common in various parts of the Empire. The Manchu or Tartar matron parts
her hair in front, as our ladies do, while the back hair is done up in a huge bow adorned \y\W\ flowers, as seen in the
upper figure. The basis of the device consists of a flat strip of wood, ivory, or precious metal, about a foot in length.
Half of the real hair of the wearer is gathered up and twisted in broad bands round this support, which is then laid
across the back of the head.
A CHINESE AUCTION ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 211
The auctioneer of the sketch is busy selling unredeemed pledges. To listen to this man is one of the choice
entertainments of the Pekin streets. He is selected by the pawmbroker for his fluency of speech and ready wit, to
which he gives full play in his humorous descriptions of the quality and history of the furs and richly embroidered
dresses which are piled up on the platform of his tent. He at times runs off his speech in rhyme, making clever and
sarcastic allusions to the requirements of his audience, pressing a satin robe on the attention of some naked beggar ;
talking in this strain: " Here is a fur coat, gentlemen, that preserved a delicate and honourable family for generations,
and it never grows old. In the coldest winter, when men and women were frozen to death in our streets, they had only
to put this coat on to bring summer into the blood." Then glancing at a beggar who has donned a coat of mud to keep
the cold out, "There are some of you here, whose honourable titles are unkno\iai to me, looking out for winter robes,
and dying to buy." He then appeals to the crowd to fix a price, and finally to his assistant, gradually reducing the
price until it has reached the figure at which he intends to sell, viz., the sum for which it was pledged //?« interest.
ILLUMINATED TEXT ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... 214
" The love of Christ constraineth us."
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. xv
ENTRANCE TO A CHINESE TEMPLE ... ... ... ... ... 219
This temple on the hill-side at Hong-Kong is erected to the honour of the Queen of Heaven, a popular Chinese
goddess, generally represented with a child in her lap, and frequently called the Goddess of Mercy. The characters
over the entrance are, " Ancestral Temple of the Queen of Heaven." The beautiful mouldings and representations
of figures above are usually done in plaster, but wealthy Chinese often spend very large sums in having them carved
in granite. This illustration is a good specimen of the elaborate ornamentation with which these places of worship
are adorned.
A COUNTRY SCENE ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 223
Scenery of this description may be found in many parts of Central and Southern China.
A CHINESE BUFFALO CART... ... ... ... ... ... ... 231
The large black water buffalo is one of the most thoroughly domesticated animals of the south of China. It is
also used in the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, in Siam, Cambodia, Cochin China, as well as Southern
China, as a draught animal, yoked to the largest ploughs and heaviest carts in places where the tough soil and bad
roads would defy the efforts of a smaller or a less powerful animal. The buffalo, though of great strength and possess-
ing in its horns formidable weapons of defence, is docile and easily managed, and is frequently led to and from its
work by the youngest children of the farmer. It is, however, timid and easily frightened by strangers, or by the
sudden appearance of a red cloth. It delights in water, particularly if thick and muddy, as the mud when dry
affords protection from the attack of mosquitoes.
W^$.
m
TABLE OF THE STATIONS OF THE CHINA INLAND MISSION,
WITH THE NAMES OF THE LABOURERS, FOREIGN AND
NATIVE, corrected to April, 1875, p. 2 and 3 A/^/Zf/w;// to China's Millions ... 12
DITTO, DITTO, corrected to 1876 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 228
STATISTICAL TABLE
This table shows the population of each province, its area as compared with Scotland, and the number of
Protestant and Romish Missionaries in each.
ijHjt$.
43
CONSPECTUS OF PROTESTANT MISSIONS IN CHINA IN 1874 ... 63
This table shows the number of Missionaries at each station, and the Societies to which they belong.
MAP OF CHINA IN PROVINCES ... ... ... 42, 169
In this map the Provinces are all shaded in a manner to indicate the configuration and extent of each. Those
numbering I to 9, on the west of the dark line running through the map, contain an aggregate population of 150
millions, and have no resident Protestant Missionary,
The others contain a population of about 220 millions, and have little more than one Missionary to a million.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page
MAP OF BURMAH. Coloured. To face page ... ... ... ... ... 83
Showing proposed lines of overland communication between Burmah and Cliina.
MAP OF CHINA. Coloured. To face page ... ... ... ... ... 155
\mxx.
FOR CHINA'S DISTANT SHORE ... ... ... ... ... ... 200
THE MISSIONARY CALL ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 226
W\-
LAKE SEE-HOO.
(This beautiful Steel Engra'uing is given as Frontispiece to the Voluvie of "China s Millions," bound in Cloth, gilt edges).
This view, taken before the rebellion, represents a beautiful lake near Hang-chow.
" This lake is celebrated for its extent, the clearness of its waters, and romantic character of the surrounding
scenery. Its picturesque shores, broken at one time by a projecting promontory, at another by a retiring bay, while
its ever tranquil and transparent surface is adorned by two wooded islets,that float with gi'acefulness upon its smooth
bright bosom.
" One of tlie most conspicuous, ancient, and interesting objects on the banks of the See-Hoo is the Luy-fung-ta,
or " Temple of the Thundering Winds." It stands ou the summit of a promontory that advances into the waters,
and is materially different in the style of its architecture from the temples or pagodas commonly seen in the
Chinese empire. From its tapermg form, massive structure, and peculiarity of design, little doubt exists as to its
great antiquity, and native authorities assert that its foundation is coeval with the age of ConfuciuSj upwards of two
thousand years since." — China Illustrated.
No. I.— July, 1875.]
loMon : MORGAN & SCOTT, 12, Paternoster Biiimngs, E.G.
r PEICE ONE PENN
L Bi/ FosI, Is. Od, per An
THE SHANS OF THE Y UN-NAN MOUNTAINS.
The province of Yun-nan is attracting much atten-
tion at this time, owing to the failure of the British
exploratory expedition, and the murder of the lamen-
ted Margary, at Man-wyne, on its Burman frontier.
Situated at the S. W, extremity of the empire, it is the
largest province of China but one, having an area of
107,969 square miles. It only contanis about six
millions Chinese ; but is inhabited by many other
races, among which are the Shans ; of whom, we are
enabled by the kindness of the Editor of the Graphic
to give a woodcut.
It is probable that, at an early period, the Shans
occupied a much larger portion of the province than
they now inhabit ; and that by the spread of the
Chinese, they have been compelled to emigrate at
various times, to fhe West and the South. They live
among the hills ; and when the floods begin to sub-
side, many of them go down to the marts in the plains
with their produce, — capsicums, arsenic, paper, rough
rubies, and amethysts. Their cattle are said to re-
semble our Alderney breed ; each carries a pair of
wicker panniers, ifitted to a rude pack saddle. The
Shans are generally Buddhists. A few of the Burman
Shans have been converted to Christianity by the
efforts of the American Baptist Missionaries, and
some translations have been made into their language.
We hope to give further information about the Shans,
with illustrations, in a future number.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Wi\vd% 8Hlmti$>
OUR NEW PERIODICAL.
When periodicals are so numerous, tlie question
naturally arises, Why commence another ? Our
answer is, that we feel the need of it so strongly, that
we can no longer delay the preparation of one. For
many years the stale of " China's Millions " has
absorbed our attention and claimed our life-work;
and again and again we have asked ourselves, AVhy
is not a deeper interest felt in China by the people of
England; and more especially, why does not the
Church take more concern in, and feel more respon-
sibility about' China's perishing millions? We think
that one reason is, that China and its people are not
Present to them. They have never seen its glorious
hills, its noble rivers, its fertile plains ; nor its crowded
cities, its populous towns, its countless villages ; and
therefore they do not realise their existence. To enable
them to do this will be our aim ; and by illustrations
and descriptions of places, individuals, and circum-
stances, we shall hope to bring more vividly before
our readers " China's Millions," and our work among
them.
One word more. We are about commencing new
work in new provinces, and we trust that this new
periodical will prove a much needed link between
English Christians and the toiling missionaries so far
away from home and friends, as well as largely tend
to draw out sympathy for those who are our brothers
and sisters, members of the great human family,
whether we recognise them or not.
Our Occasional Paper, which has been our channel
of communication with friends and donors ever since
the formation of the China Inland Mission, we shall
forward as before, by post, perhaps twice a year;
while this we propose to issue monthly through the
trade, and hope to see widely circulated.
THE FIRST OF THE NINE.
Mr. M. H. Taylor writes : —
" As it is your wish that I should consider Ho-nan
my future sphere, I turn my eyes towards its twenty-
five millions with much desire. If God enables me —
and I believe He will— to carry the gospel there suc-
cessfully, I shall have cause for rejoicing through
eternity. The need of the nine unoccupied provinces
has been much upon my heart ; and while their evan-
gelisation will continue to be a subject of the deepest
interest to me, henceforth I cannot but feel still more
deeply the need of cm. A whole province is a vast
field to fill ; but if the God of all grace fill us, power
and blessing must attend our efforts. Mr. Judd is at
present away on a week's preaching tour. I should
hke on his return to make the prehminary visit you
propose ; allowing myself two or three months, I should,
I think, be able to escape from the heat of the fifth
and sixth moons. I desire much that God would
send me a good native Christian to go with me into
this new province.
" I left three or four very hopeful cases behind me
in Nankin ; that Mr. Yoh, of whom I made mention
in my last, is still an inquirer, if not already a con-
verted man. Mr. Teng had become very zealous in
his work before I left Nankin. lie is just now suffer-
ing not a little persecution from his unconverted
friends, but he receives it in a very good spirit, and
gives them in his letters the gospel, and his reasons
for beheving it, very lovingly, God has been gra-
ciously pleased to keep me quite free from sickness,
and I have enjoyed better health since coming to
China than at any time before. Spiritually, I find
all I need in Jesus."
FIRST-FRUITS.
Mr. Judd writes r— " Yesterday, March 3 rst., we had
the pleasure of gathering in the first-fruits of our coming
here. We baptized our washerwoman, named Wang,
whom we engaged a few months since, and who soon
after began to manifest a deep interest in the grace
of God. Her change of conduct, as well as sim.ple
earnest prayers, and clear apprehension of the truth,
have been to us the evidence of a changed heart. May
our gracious Lord make her a mother in Israel. She
is very anxious to progress in learning to read the
Scriptures."
CONVERSION OF A NATIVE PASTOR.
This good manf was one of the early fruits of Mr.
Stevenson's labours in China, and after a time began
to work wdth much acceptance and success as an
evangelist. He was last year ordained pastor of the
churches of his native prefecture in connection with
the China Inland Mission. The following account of
his conversion was given by him in the course of a
conversation with Mr. Meadows. He was speaking
of the hardness of heart manifested by the people,
when Mr. Meadows asked him, " What was your own
* From Wii-ch'ang (province Hu-peh).
t Called Tsiang Siao-vong, a native of the prefecture of
Shao-liing, in Cheh-kiaiig.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
state of heart before the Holy Spirit visited it?" His
answer was in substance as follows : —
'■' I was a very bad man : exceedingly passionate,
fond of cursing and swearing, vain -and proud, highly
esteeming myself before others. Mr. Stevenson used
to exhort me, but I thought myself as good as many
others, and set myself with all my might against his
doctrine and teaching, determined never to receive
his religion. I saw some professors whom I thought
as bad as myself; I was very fond of exposing theii
conduct to Mr. Stevenson, pleading it as an excuse
for not receiving the truths he constantly endeavoured
to impress on me. Whenever I had an opportunity
of picking holes in the conduct of Christians, I
seized it with avidit}', and ran in triumph to inform
Mr. Stevenson of what I had seen or heard ; not so
much with the idea of injuring the person involved, as
to justify my own conduct. Mr. Stevenson was very
patient with me, and used to reason with me a good
deal ; still I was hard, yea, hard as a stone. At last,
however, Mr. Stevenson having to go to Ning-po, took
me with him. We stopped on the way at a large city
where the Presliyterians have a church. At this place
I met the preacher, whose name is Mr. Yee ; he ex-
horted me a good deal, and explained many things to
me. I began to think ; and perceived that he was a
respectable and intelligent man. We went on to
Ning-po, and came to your house, where we met you,
Mr. Stott, Mr. Crombie, and Mr. Jackson. Here I
heard Mr. Chu preach; and though it is now nearly '
eight years ago, I well remember the subject : the
Lord Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. I also heard
another old man from the country (the old farmer)
speaking very earnestly. This, together with what
Mr. Yee had said, besides the sight of so many natives
worshipping and believing, much impressed me. On
the return journey I saw many believers, members of
the Presbyterian churches, several of whom exhorted
me. I said to myself, ' All these people are believers ;
they are all intelligent persons ; shall I be left behind ? '
And, again, I was much struck by seeing foreigners
frequently on their knees, praying ; though, for the life
of me, I could not make out at the time what they
were doing ; at last I concluded that they must be wor-
shipping the God whom they exhorted us to worship,
and saw that they were most unlike the Buddhist
priests, who induce us to buy incense and candles,
and to worship the idols with them, but never think
of buying such things themselves. Thus I was per-
suaded ; and, after seeing Mr. Yee again, and learning
more of the doctrine from him and Mr. Stevenson, I
determined to give myself to Jesus, and He 're-
ceived me. This is the way I was brought to the
L07\D. It is true I was very hard once, but He
has soft.nt'd my heart, and He can soften others
too."
The go- d man appeared encouraged and clieered
in his work for God by recalling his own experience,
and the haidnessof his once stubborn heart before
it was subdued by Divine Grace. We would draw
the attention of our younger readers to the fact that
not only were the prayers of the missionaries answered
in this man's conversion, but that their habit of
prayer was of itself one of the powerful arguments
wkich most affected him.
Ic^ir^.
THE BANDS OF LOVE.
I HEAR Thee passing by ; — Oh ! Saviour, turn.
Touch these blind eyes, and let me see Thy face :
Me, clinging to Thy skirts. Thou will not spurn,
Or cast me from Thee, suppliant for Thy grace.
Mine eyes Thy touch unlocks ; Thy face I sec;
My winter'd heart is melted by its rays :
Oh ! Lord, that I might follow Thee,
To satisfy my soul's impassioned gaze.
Following, I watch Thee daily speaking so
As never man spake, till the words take hold
Upon my spirit ; and I burn to know
The Fountain whence such gracious streams have
roli'd.
" Can'st thou receive My baptism ?" Yea, sweet Lord,
Thy grace sufficing to uphold me through :
The love that draws will needed strength afford ;
Nor Satan's prowess shall my soul undo.
The shadow of a cross falls deep and broad :
With Thee I enter, tremblingly, the shade : —
Whence this new light which brightens round me.
Lord?
" The fellowship of suffering," He said.
O Christ ! Thou hast so bound me, that my heart
In vassalage is held by one desire ; —
To know T/iee more, to see Tliee as Thou art.
Till Thy sweet eyes shaH holy thoughts inspire.
And purify my heart more than refining fire.
{By the late Miss Blatchley, of the China Inland
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
\ixv i\t Tottttg.
PERSEVERANCE REWARDED.
A CHINESE STORY.
A POOR Chinese woman, whose previous education
very imperfectly fitted her for the discharge of her
domestic duties, determined by perseverance to make
up for her deficiences, and to become a helpful part-
ner to her husband. On one occasion she succeeded,
by dint of great industry and effort, in procuring
sufficient blue calico to make her husband a pair of
trousers. She secured the kind offices of a neighbour
in cutting them out, who also gave her directions how
to arrange the pieces. But, unfortunately, the said
pieces were as difficult to arrange as a Chinese puzzle ;
and when, late in the evening, she was able to sit
down to her task, she put them together in the wrong
way.
All unknown to her, a thief had made his way into
the house, and secreted himself under her bed ;
awaiting the time when she should put out the light
and go to sleep, to rob the house. The Chinese
usually retire early ; and ere long, all the rest of the
household were fast asleep ; but the patience of the
thief was sorely tried at the slow progress made by
the weary toiler, who was unaccustomed to her work.
It was already very late when she took up the last
piece, to the great relief of the thief, who hoped, as
she did, that the work was nearly finished. She found,
however, that it was impossible to fit this piece in ;
and, discovering the mistake she had made in the
arrangement of other pieces, had to unpick all her
work and begin again.
The poor thief could scarcely restrain a sigh of dis-
appointment as he saw the woman recommence her
task. Frequently was the dim oil lamp, by which she
worked, trimmed; and it was already far advanced
into the early hours of morning, when, on taking up
the last piece again, it became apparent that an
equally serious mistake had been committed. Once
more the work was unpicked and recommenced.
Now, the thief had been a tailor by trade, and when
he saw the poor woman put the first two pieces to-
gether for the third time in the wrong wa}', he could
restrain himself no longer, and, forgetting himself, he
exclaimed indignantly, " You stupid woman ! You
stupid woman 1 "
" Kih-!ee, Kih-lee,
" See-aw tang tsai lee."
A couplet which we may render —
" The small piece out of sight,
"And all will be right."
Of course a moment's reflection convinced him that
his position was no longer a safe one ; he leaped
through the open window and disappeared. The
story tells us that the alarmed woman never forgot
the couplet which had been so unexpectedly taught
her, and never made a mistake again in putting to-
gether the pieces of her husband's trousers. Thus
her perseverance was rewarded ; and not only were
the trousers in due time completed, but her husband
was saved from heavy loss, for which, it is to be hoped
he gave his wife due credit.
CONVERTS GATHERED.
Mk. Crombie, who superintends our work in the
capitals of three counties,* and four market towns,t
writes that he has much encouragement in five of his
stations. Three persons have been received into the
little church at one place, two at another, and one at
a third ; while at two others there are candidates wait-
ing for baptism. Besides these, he speaks of two or
three very hopeful inquirers. One dear old woman,
a member of the church, has been the means of lead-
ing one or two others to Jesus during the past year.
She is very poor, and Mrs. Crombie occasionally gives
her a little help ; but, says Mr. Crombie, " she speaks
for Jesus out of love for Him, I believe."
He was looking forward with pleasure to the open-
ing, on April 25th, of the pretty new chapel which
has been built in one city ; and tells us of a new
helper, Mr. Dong, whom he has engaged, who can
walk long distances among the hills, visiting the
different stations, and preaching as he goes. This
man has for some years been an earnest Christian ;
continually speaking and preaching for Jesus of his
own accord. Mr. Crombie wishes he had more men
like him.
The past winter has been a time of severe trial
to our dear friends, owing to the serious illness of
Mrs. Crombie and the children. We have felt much
for them, and are very thankful to hear of some im-
provement.
ABOUNDING POVERTY.
Mrs. Duncan writes: J — "I take the women and
children for reading and prayer, &c., frequently.
When Mr. and Mrs. Bailer move into the next
* Fung-hwa, Ning-hai, and T'ien-t'ai.
t Si-tien, 'Ong-zih, '0-z, and Ky'i-k'eo.
% From Chin-kiang.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
S
province I shall be glad to take charge of the girls.
We have only had a few fine days since I came here ;
but I have been out, visiting a good deal, when I
could. The people are very willing to be visited ;
but the poverty is very distressing; in giving a little
help it is difficult to know where to begin and where
to stop. Poor people ! if they only knew Jesus, all
their poverty would soon be left behind them. When
the weather becomes warmer, it will not be so painful
to go amongst them. May the Lord Himself open
hearts as well as doors.
" I want to have my time fully occupied, so that I
may be kept from feeling lonely. Surely the Lord
can be all I need."
A CHINESE EXPERIENCE MEETING.
Mrs. Jackson writes :* — " You will be glad to learn
that the Lord's work here is quite hopeful. On the
last evening of the Chinese year, a watch-night ser-
vice was held for thanksgiving, exhortation and prayer.
Earnest prayer was offered for the extension of Christ's
kingdom, and for increase of faith and love in seeking
to bring souls to the knowledge of Jesus. They had
a solemn and happy time.
" A few days after the above, we had the pleasure
of inviting all the members of the little church, the
hopeful inquirers, and Mr. Stott's school-boys, to a
social meal. After this we had a most interesting
meeting. It was left open for any of the native
Christians to tell how they first heard and received the
gospel. How it gladdened our hearts to hear first one
and then another tell how they had heard of the one
living and true God sending His Son to die for them,
and how their fetters were snapped when they believed
in Him as their Saviour. Each one spoke ; and the
hymns chosen were most suitable. Then they were
encouraged to labour for souls, and urged each one to
seek the salvation of at least one soul this year.
'• ^Ve hope to have these meetings as often as we
can. I believe they will be made a means of blessing.
They will be able to tell, from time to time, of the
successes and trials that they may meet with, and by
mutual help to strengthen one another's hands in
God."
GOOD NEWS OF MR. STEVENSON'S FORMER
WORK.
Miss Turner writes :f — " Mr. Meadows returned
this week from visiting the out-stations. He was
much cheered and refreshed by seeing the earnestness
of the Christians. God is working in their hearts,
* From Wun-chau.
t From Shao-hing.
and in their midst." From another source we learn
that at one station he baptized six converts, and at
another two.
WORK AMONG THE CHILDREN.
Miss Turner continues : — " Amongst my girls, too,
I notice an increased thoughtfulness and earnestness
in their prayers. The little ones are beginning to
put their own thoughts into prayer. One evening
this week' a thief got in and stole a garment belonging
to a poor old lady who lives with us ; she was much
troubled about it, so little " Mercy " prayed that her
heart might be comforted, and that she might think
of her home in heaven, where no thief could get in and
steal.
" One day this week I was reading with the elder
girls in ' Line upon Line,' about Solomon's prayer for
wisdom. In the midst of the reading, I suddenly
turned to them and said, ' What would you have
asked for ? ' One replied, ' Wisdom ;' another, ' To
be made good ;' another, ' For faith ;' and a fourth,
' That God would give me His Holy Spirit.' "
DEPARTURE FOR CHINA.
Mr. George King, who embarked for Shanghai in
the Cybele on May isth, wrote, off Dover:— "A
second pilot has just come on board, who will not
leave us until six or seven this evening, but will take
us right out to sea. I am so glad to have the chance
of writing, for it seems a litde outlet for my joy ! I
do not wean an exuberant burst of animal spirits ;
for to tell you the truth, I feel exceedingly sober as far
as that goes; but that sweet, restful joy that sees His
face smiling, and cannot help smiling back,— like the
little babe who laughs when it sees its mother
laughing. Well, I have often heard of brethren in the
Lord starting with a heart full of joy, overflowing
with the sweet consciousness of God's nearness, but
who have given ' A bad report of the land,' further
on. But 'All my springs are in Him.' I do like that
word ' springs.' It reminds one of nice, cool, ever-
fresh, ever-flowing water, — of which the more you
take, the more you find its worth. No fear of these
springs running dry ! I daresay a taste of the sea will
send me a little out of my latitude ; but there is the
compass, 'Jesus Christ, t/ie same yesterday, to-day
and for ever.' As long as He keeps the same, my
springs are all right ; and if I miss drawing water
once or twice, which I hope I shall not, it will be all i
the sweeter when I go again. . . . It is so
blessed to feel that Jesus has tight hold of you : such
a strong and yet tender grasp. ' Hold Thou me up,
and / s/iall be safe.' "
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
7
" Wliatsoever He faith unto yo\i, do it." — John ii. 5.
More than eighteen hundred years have elapsed
since these words were uttered; but a similar ex-
hortation is still needed by the Church collectively,
and by each one of us individually.
The words were addressed by the Mother of our
Lord to the j«i'««/x of the fainily; and none of the
true servants of God's household will deny (in theory,
at least) that it is alike our duty and our privilege to
do "Whatsoever He saith unto" us. Yet in practice
how far we fall short, and in how many respects our
consciences become so habituated to the neglect or
disobedience of some of His commands as to cease
to be troubled, and to remind us of our duty. Yet
surely the word stands good, " Whatsoever He saith
unto you, do it."
His commands sometimes appeared strange ; and
those to whom they were addressed could not always
see the reasons which led to them, or the results con-
sequent upon obedience. At times, it might have
been urged that they were impracticable; as, for
instance, when he commanded one to take up his bed
and walk, or told the man with the withered arm to
stretch it forth. Faith, however, " laughs at impos-
sibilities;" and obedience raises no questions. Most
affectionately and seriously would we urge upon each
of our readers, "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."
Many years have elapsed since the Lord first
laid it upon our heart to carry the Gospel to
every unoccupied province of China proper, as a
preliminary to the evangelisation of its surrounding
dependencies. Then there were eleven provinces
without resident missionaries. In one of them we
have since opened up work in seven or eight districts
and are labouring alone. In another, the good work
was commenced by an earnest and successful Ameri-
can Misssion, and we are also working there. But in
the remaining nine there has been up to the present
time no Protestant missionary to be found. It was
nine years on the 26th of May since the '' Lammer-
muir" party sailed for China, several of our brethren
having preceded it. We have needed all the time
since to gain experience, and to gather round us a
staff of native workers, through whose aid we are
occupying some fifty stations in five different
provinces. We believe, however, that the time has
come for clm'/ig more fully what He has commanded
us ; and by His grace we intend to do it. A^i?^ to try ;
for we see no Scriptural authority for trying. Try is
a word constantly in the mouth of unbelievers. " We
must do what we can," say they ; and it i? far too
often taken up by believers. In our experience, "to
try," has usually meant " to fail." The word of the
Lord in reference to His various commands is not,
" Do your best;' but, " Do it : " that is. Do thciVmg
commanded. We are, therefore, making arrangements
for commencing work in each of these nine pro-
vinces; without haste, for " He that believeth shall
not make haste," but also without unnecessary delay.
We hope soon to sound forth the word of truth, the
glad tidings of God's salvation, to the inhabitants of
each of these dark regions.
In January, we requested in several publications,
prayer that the Lord would during this year raise up
eighteen missionaries for these nine provinces ; we
are glad now to report that two of the number have
already left our shores. We are further in corres-
pondence with upwards of thirty candidates, upon
whose heart China's need is laid. We doubt not
that among them are some " willing, skilful men,"
whom God is calling to this service. And it may
be, there are others of our readers who are conscious
of His call to give themselves, or to give of their
substance, in aid of the work. To such we would
say, " If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the
good of the land." " Whatsoever He saith unto you,
do it:'
WESTERN CHINA via BURMAH.
" Though it tarry, wait for it." — Hab. ii. 3.
Ten years ago, much prayer was offered that God
would, if it were His will, open our way to Western
China through Burmah. But at that time the diffi-
culties were very grave, from the Mahomedan re-
bellion in Yun-nan (the south-west province of China)
and from the state of Burmah and the border tribes.
Moreover, Eastern China was much more open, and
appeared to offer suitable fields for gaining expe-
rience, the fruits of which, it was hoped, might be of
much service in entering the more difficult
Western Provinces. AVe therefore left the project,
for the time being, in the hands of Him who is
wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.
In the meantime, He has not been slumbering.
He has caused the Irrawaddy to be opened to com-
merce as far as Bhamo, a city within a hundred miles
from China ; and now British steamers are regularly
ploughing the water to and fro, conveying passengers
and goods, and making the journej', once so difficult
and tedious, both pleasant and safe. A British resi-
dent is stationed in Bhamo, nine hundred miles
from the sea ; and to that city caravans of Chinese
traders continually resort, to whom, as well as
CHINA'S M'lLLIONS.
to the Chinese inhabitants, who form half the popu-
lation, the gospel may now be preached without diffi-
culty. Should the recent political complications,
caused by the murder of Mr. Margary, and the attack
on the British exploring party, of which he was the
pioneer, not prevent it, Messrs. Stevenson and Soltau
will proceed, in the first instance, to Bhamo, and
make it their head-quarters ; should they be hindered,
however, for a time, they will still find in the study of
the requisite languages ample occupation until the
Lord sees them ready, and sets before them the open
door which no man can shut.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CONVERTS FROM
YUN-NAN.
In Yun-nan, as in other provinces of China, Roman
Catholic missionaries have been long before us, and
have made converts there, as the following extract
from the "American Baptist Missionary Magazine" of
September, 1868, will show. It is from the journal of
the Rev. J. N. Cushing, of a missionary tour made by
him and the Rev. A. T. Rose among the Burman
Shans,
PLEASING RENCONTRE.
" We left Thoung-zai at dawn. During the after-
noon we passed several long caravans of Chinese
from Yun-nan. There must have been in each train
several hundred mules ; they were heavily loaded with
copper vessels and other articles. Near the end of
the second caravan a curious event happened. A
Chinaman, as he passed, looked at us with a shy
glance and crossed himself. It flashed upon my
mind that he might be one of the Roman Catholic
converts in Yun-nan. I involuntarily crossed myself
[probably as the only means of letting him know that
he was a Christian], and passed along, when someone
called after me. As I turned around, I saw several
men running towards me. They immediately fell
upon their knees and kissed my hand, before I could
recover from my surprise and offer any hindrance to
that act.
" They understood neither Burmese nor Shan, and
the only word that I could understand was
' Christian.' I must confess my surprise and joy,
when in that wild place, and from those wild-looking
men, the sweet name, ' Christian,' broke on my ear.
Who knows but that some of these ignorant people,
following Christ according to the little light ^Yhich
they have received, may reach the rest above? I felt
moved towards them. Christ may have an elect few
even among them."
BURMO-CHINA MISSIONS.*
"Sir, — At this time, when a grave political question
has been added to a growing mercantile interest in
the opening up of a trade route with Western China
via Burmah, the attention of the general public is
being drawn to tribes and religions hitherto almost
unnoticed, even in our best geographies. In connec-
tion with this, I wish merely to mention the fact that
yesterday Messrs. Stevenson and Soltau sailed by the
steamship Tenasserim, from Glasgow to Rangoon as
pioneer missionaries, to break ground among the
inhabitants of Western China, beginning at Bhamo,
and working inland. They go out in connection with
the China Inland Mission, established for the
evangelisation of districts in China away from the
ports, and which hopes eventually to take up all the
wholly unoccupied provinces. This Western field is
virgin soil, of vast extent ; and while to the religious
world the first dawning of gospel light to hitherto
almost unthought-of millions is of profound interest,
at this special time, to merchants and to the public, the
setting out of these two to this district, soon we hope
to be followed by more missionaries, is well worthy
of note. We know what the American Baptist
missionaries have done in lower Burmah, as the great
educational and moral road-makers of its highways of
commerce and civilisation; and now that Britons have
gone from a London Society to strike out a new path
toward China, and to supplement among the Chinese
regions the great and successful work of the
Americans among the Karens, Burmese, and Shans —
not in the slightest degree to interfere with it — it is
worth while to at least record the fact of their out-
set. Perhaps it may help to stir up British mission-
ary enterprise to an emulation to accomplish, along
the valleys watered by the upper Irrawaddy, what
America is doing so nobly and successfully nearer
the sea. During the last three years, about
forty missionaries ha\'e passed here, bound for the
Burmese and Siamese field alone, from 07ie American
Baptist Society, besides a large number who went to
stations in Madras and Assam. When shall our Hvo
British pioneers, to regions from which two British
government exploring expeditions have been already
driven back, receive such like reiijforcements as
America sends to carry on her special work
now ?
"I am, &c.,
" Robert Shirra.
" Glasgow, April 7th."
* The above latter, which we have slightly abridged, ap-
peared in the North British Ddi/i/ Mail of Friday, April 9th,
1S75.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
t$$mmtrj| |om|nct|$.
FROM GLASGOW TO BURMAH.
Notes from the Diary of Mr. Henry Soltau.
"April 6th, 1875. — We left Glasgow in the steam-
ship Tcnasseriiii between 11.30 and 12 o'clock;
stopped about twenty miles down the river to adjust
compasses, and are still lying in a small but very
beautiful loch (Gare Loch), waiting till everything is
settled before finally putting out to sea. The pas-
sengers are few, numbering only four first-class, and
two second-class. The captain, an amiable man, has
been the voyage to Rangoon seven times. The
cabins are clean and comfortable, and the vessel is
quite new, and is making her maiden voyage.
" So we are fairly embarked on our voyage to the
heathen, and are contemplating the serious step we
have taken. Our comfort is, "Certainly / will be
with thee." The parting was very painful, and
as all the kind gifts are unpacked, the tears u'ill
start.
'■'■April 1th. — Drizzly rain and a cold wind made
us feel very glad to retire to our cabin last night,
and a little quiet reading and prayer was very re-
freshing before lying down to sleep. We read
Exodus iii., and tried to remember the precious
thoughts expressed at the Saturday evening's farewell
meeting at Notting-hill.
" The vessel lay-to all night, and started again this
morning at 4 o'clock. I did not sleep at all ; the'
noise of the men overhead, and the early moving of
the vessel, besides all the excitement, being too much
for me. This morning the sun rose beautifully, and
the view coming down the Clyde was very fine. In
the distance were the snow-capped mountains of
Arran and Ayrshire, reminding one of the Swiss photo-
graphs of the Alps. Some of the little peeps we had
up the small lochs were exceedingly pretty. The sea
was very calm, hardly any motion to speak of, so that
no one has felt at all ill. After reading and prayer
in our cabin, when we remembered all our dear friends
in England, Scotland, and Ireland, we took a walk
on deck, and sat down to read.
"Monday, April 12th. — Since writing the foregoing
sheets, we have made great progress on our journey,
and have had some rather unpleasant experience.
Wednesday, ith, was a lovely day, the sea \-&-^y calm
and the scenery lovely. We were able to get fairly
settled down into our quarters, before getting into the
Bay of Biscay. After clearing the Clyde we kept the
coast of Scotland in sight for some time, and very
soon Ireland could be discerned on our riglit. When
we awoke on Thursday morning, the 8th, we found
the ship rolling heavily, and all sight of land had
vanished. Our breakfast could not be touched, and
we began to encounter the miseries of sea-sickness.
All Thursday and Friday we were rolling about in the
bay, which was unusually calm, but rough enough to
send the water occasionally in at our cabin port holes.
All the time we had a most favourable wind, so that
we made good way, and by Saturday at 1 2 were out
of the bay and in much smoother water. Neither of
us were very ill. Mr. Stevenson was the worse of
the two. I was quite well by Saturday morning (loth),
and able to remain the whole of breakfast-time. We
sighted part of the coast of Spain, and yesterday (the
' nth) were off Lisbon. Through our glasses we could
see the coast very distinctly. We could not but praise
the Lord for being so gracious, in answering the
many prayers for us. I had told the captain that I
had a harmonium on board, and he gave orders for it
to be unpacked and fixed in the saloon, which was
carried out on Saturday. He then said, " Now I
shall expect you gentlemen to take the service here
to morrow morning." We gladly consented to do so,
and asked leave to get amongst the men and give
them tracts, which he kindly granted.
" After breakfast, therefore, on Lord's-day morning,
we went forward and gave each of the m ;n a " Moody
and Sankey " hymn-book, and invited them to come
to the saloon at 10.30. All mustered who were not
on duty, and all the officers and passengers. The
whole service lasted exactly forty minutes, as the cap-
tain thought it would be well to be short. Our hearts
were cheered by getting direct to the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ ; and continually, during the da}',
did I take a peep into the many chapels and class-
rooms in England, where dear ones were serving the
same Master, and testifying of the same Saviour. It
was a lovely day ; the sea a deep blue, and almost as
calm as a mill-pond, a little breeze just filling our
sails. No one would have pitied us if they had seen
us. Our comforts and blessings are far beyond our
deserts, and in every little thing our loving Heavenly
Father is preparing our way. In the afternoon we
took out a bundle of tracts, to distribute among the
men. The "Friendly Visitor" and " Evening Hour"
were very popular. The men were delighted, and all
^^'ho could read were engaged all the afternoon in
devouring the papers.
" We promised the men that we w'ould come among
them in the evening, for singing. All mustered, and
10
CHINA 'S MILLIONS.
one or two of the passengers. Seated on a large coil
of rope, with a circle of men sitting on the anchor
and capstan around us, we sang, " Hold the fort,"
" O think of the Home over there," " Come to the
Saviour," "Whosoever heareth, shout, shout the
sound;" and then all stood up, as the sun dipped
behind the horizon, and sang, " Praise God from
whom all blessings flow." We returned to our quarters
with hearts full of praise that the Lord had heai-d the
many cries of His people that day for us, and had
given us such a happy time for our first Lord's Day
on board the Tenasserim. After tea we had a little
singing in the saloon.
" We find the solitude of our cabin veiy refreshing,
when we retire together to read the AVord of God, and
pour out our hearts before Him. Oh ! may He daily
prepare us for His work, and make us fit vessels for
the Master's use.
"The weather to-day (the 12th) has been splendid,
the sea a deep blue. In the morning I had my first
lesson in Chinese, and shall hope to devote a good
portion of each day to its study. We rise between
7 and 8 ; breakfast at S.30. I alw.-iys get a good walk
and a psalm on deck before breakfast. Immediately
after we go on deck for a litde fresh air, and then
spend an hour and a half or so in our cabin, reading
and praying together. Then on deck till 12.30 we
employ ourselves in reading. I learn my Chinese,
and Mr. Stevenson reads to himself. At 12.30 tiflin
bell rings, and we go down. A good meal is pro
vided — hot meat and vegetables, and bread and
cheese. After tiffin we write or read, or walk on the
deck till 4.30, when we dine. A little quiet time
alone after dinner is enjoyed, and a stroll on the deck
closes the daj'. A shoal of porpoises passed us to-
day, enjoying themselves in the sunshine. Several
steamers have been sighted, but no communications
have been exchanged. To-night we pass through the
Straits of Gibraltar.
"Tuesday, April 13. — At 10 o'clock last night I went
up on deck with the captain and watched the revolv-
ing light at Trafalgar, where Nelson was killed. On
the African coast another light was visible, and we
had entered the Straits. It was a lovely mconhght
night ; the air balmy and refreshing, ^^'hen on deck
this morning, I found we had passed through the
Straits at 2 a.m., so that I missed seeing the famous
rock of Gibraltar. On the left could be seen the
snow-topped mountains of Sierra Nevada, in the
south of Spain. They looked like the most delicately
shaded white clouds, as the lower part of the moun-
tains could not be distinguished from the sky and the
sea. We are now in the most famous sea in the
world, the Mediterranean. The waters are a deep
blue : the waves are giving us a pleasant motion,
Avhile a very favourable breeze is helping us eastward.
Not one head-wind since leaving the Clyde. We
sliall not stop anywhere till we get to Port Said, at
the mouth of the canal, and thence shall go straight, with-
out stopping to Rangoon. The awning is spread over
tlie deck, and we are preparing for warm weather.
Until we were ofl:~ the coast of Portugal the weather
was very cold, and we were glad of all our \\Taps and
thick clothing. My rug has been invaluable ; also my
opera-glasses, wdiich Mr. S. so kindly sent me, are
second to none on board, and are used every day.
To-day we passed a solitary island to the south, and
a few steamers were seen in the distance.
"Friday, April 16. — Sea-sickness gone. Hope it
won't return ; it is one of those things better imagined
than described. Remembered the Newport classes
this evening in prayer. Prayer was never sweeter to
me than now, nor so real. How precious to bear up
each one in prayer daily before the Lord. We love
to help on all the labourers at home and abroad in
this wa}'. The work in London is much on our
hearts, and we are longing for the first news from
home about it. We shall only be able to post letters
from Port Said, and then our friends must wait for
tidings from Rangoon."
A SIX DAYS' PREACHING TOUR.
By C. H. JUDD.
" You will be glad to hear some little account of a
six days' preaching tour in the countr}'. Soon after
Mr. M. H. Taylor arrived here, I 'seized the oppor-
tunity the first fine weather aftbrded to leave him here,
while Mr. Chang and I went to the villages around.
We started on Monday morning, the 22nd of March,
having had a prayer-meeting the previous night to
seek God's guidance and blessing. A Christian coolie
carried our beds, and a parcel of books and ti-acts ;
Chang and myself also taking a bag of books and
tracts each.
" On the first day we walked about fifteen English
miles, over a rather flat country, amidst many small
lakes ; each of us preaching about seven times at
various small places, and selling, at low prices, a
number of tracts, &c. At the end of our fiist day,
and during the next three days, our journey lay
among very lovely hills and valleys. The valleys
were covered with green corn in the blade.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
1 1
or with the yellow flowers of the oil vegetable
(a kind of mustard), the perfume of which, though
sweet, was sometimes rather stronger than was
pleasant. Many of the hills were covered with plan-
tations of young fir trees; and the villages were
usually surrounded by numerous evergreens, fruit
trees and flowering plants, altogether making a most
lovely scene. As we often turned aside into the fields
or woods for prayer or thanksgiving, all nature seemed
to add its voice of praise to Him, who says, ' Con-
sider the lilies how they grow.'
THE CHINESE INN.
" Our first night's resting place was at a smaU ham-
let of about five houses, with others at a distance.
We sat do\\Ti in a litde shop ; some cakes of plain
rice, with a little sugar, formed my evening meal.
Having omitted our dinner, we had the best of sauce —
a good appetite, — which made the cakes seem very
nice.
'■ Before we had finished our supper, we found a
considerable number of men and women (chiefly the
latter), with children, seated on rows of seats, placed
for the purpose by our host, who quietly said, ' Do
not hurry over your suppers, gentlemen ; but when
you have done, these people will like to hear your
doctrine.'
"The Chinese inn (see an illustration on page 12)
in which we were seated was open to the street. There
was a high shed, under which the people sat, with
such patience and evident attention, for about an
hour, as I have seldom seen. The meeting over, the
people dispersed to their cottages by moonlight ; and
we sat down in the litde shop for evening worship,
greatly to the amazement of a few listeners. After
this we retired to our bed-room, which was about six
feet by four, built of unburnt mud bricks, and having
no window — for which, however, there was no need
by day, as plenty of light came through the holes and
tiling ; and of course there was plenty of ventilation.
Wrapped in my Chinese bed* I lay down ; a day's
walk and happy work, gave such sweet sleep that it
was not long before I knew not whether I was on a
downy bed in England, or on hard boards in a Chinese
hovel.
"The second night's bed-room was similar, with
the only addition of a pool, which drained a pig-stye,
within two feet of our bed-room door, and a straw-
platted mattress to soften our bed.
* A kind of large toralium, answerinj
beddins;.
at once for bed and
" One evening we could not obtain an empty room,
and therefore slept in a small thatched shop built
of rushes and poles. The sound of a few fowls in a
hamper near my head, told of more than human
lodgers taken in there. In some villages, neither
meat nor fish could be had ; but our friends would
hardly believe how good a basin of rice, with greens
and bean curd, tastes, after a long journey over the
hills. These hints may be useful to any who think
that missionary life in China is a nice romance.
INTERESTED HEARERS.
"At every village and small town the people ap-
peared unusually interested ; but I must mention only
one place in particular, a village of about fifty cottages,
which we reached on the third day. Here we
preached in a small doctor's shop, and sold many
tracts and books. I had felt led to speak specially
of the conscious need of many, of something better
than idolatry to satisfy the heart ; and of the ina-
bility of those who eat herbs [a popular mode of
meritorious fasting], by that means to get rid of their
sins. On leaving the village, two women, whom we
found to be vegetarians, followed us. They wished to
hear more of the gospel ; and, as they were
evidently in earnest, we stayed to tell them
of their deep need, and of the satisfaction to be
found in the Lord Jesus. They asked many earnest
questions, and wished Mr. Chang to teach them to
pray. One of the women repeated after him, sen-
tence by sentence, a few words of prayer ; and then
nothing v/ould satisfy her but that we should go back
to the house, and ^\'rite down a prayer for her to use.
This Chang did, at my dictation, the other women
begging for a copy ; we explained to them that God
would be better pleased by their looking up to Him
as a Father, and telling Him the simple desires oi their
hearts. We then left them, hoping some day to re-
visit the place, as they begged we would. As soon as
we were clear away, Chang began, with his heart full,
to sing aloud the doxology. He remarked, ' I have
been two years preaching and selling books, but never
before saw anything like this ; God's Holy Spirit has
been working in their hearts.'
" The rest of our journey was very interesting. We
passed many places, reaching home on Saturday after-
noon. I believe God is preparing China for great
blessing ; but we must ' Watch and pray,' expecting
his power. The inhabitants of the towns and villages
in which we preached, have, excepting one town,
probably never once heard the gospel before. Is there
not need of loving, earnest, patient labourers ! "
12
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
^^<-ih-.^^p^:^^^:^^m^\\''^\-\s\±m\\mmw^i^
~ SUPPLEMENT TO
AND OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
EDITED BY J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
No. I.]
JULY ist, 1875.
rSUPPLEMENT,
L GRATIS.
LETTER TO THE FRIENDS OF THE CHINA
INLAND MISSION.
In publishing the first number of our new paper, I
wish to address a few Vvfords specially to you. As
mentioned in our leading article, our Occasional
Paper will be issued less frequently than before ; I
therefore append a supplement to this number of
" China's Millions " in order to communicate with
you, and to give a recent list of our stations, native
assistants and missionaries.
You will not be wearied by my reiteration of the
oft-told fact which may not be, must not be forgotten.
More than half China Proper is still destitute of one
resident Protestant Missionary. All Thibet, and
nearly all Mongolia and INIanchuria are as totally
neglected. Many Roman Catholic missionaries from
Europe are labouring in these regions, (above one
hundred,) while we, who owe so much to God, are
doing nothing for them. This should not be ; this
must not continue. We are praying the Lord of the
harvest to raise up and send forth labourers to these
needy ones ; many of you are offering the same
petition. Fellow-workers in pra3-er, let us be fellow-
workers in effort. The wave of blessing which has
passed, and is passing over our land, has resulted in the
quickening of many believers, as well as in the con-
version of many sinners. From many a heart is going
up the cry, " Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ? "
Many, we believe, would be ready to devote them-
selves to the service of Him who gave Himself for
them, were they aware of China's need. Help us,
dear friends, to bring it before them by assisting us
in the circulation of this little paper.
How may this most effectually be done ? By
endeavouring to obtain for us a wide sale through
bookst le 3. If each of our friends were to in-
duce half-a-dozen others to take in the paper, not
only would all the expenses of publishing it be met,
but the profits would cover the outlay of sending a
couple of missionaries to China, and we are quite sure
the circulation of these copies would be used of God
to call out suitable men, and much earnest prayer. A
very good plan to increase the circulation is to induce
a bookseller to order half-a-dozen or a dozen copies,
and to expose them for sale, offering to relieve him of
any unsold copies. Such papers, lying on the counter
or in the window, may meet the eye of some earnest
Christian, and be God's finger-post, pointing out to
him the sphere, where of all others, labourers are most
needed.
Another very important desideratum is to introduce
them into Young Men's Christian Associations, and
to bring them before Sunday-school teachers and
scholars. We feel sure if our friends rightly estimate
the importance of circulating interesting and accurate
information, their own ingenuity will suggest many
other plans of fowarding this object. Allow us to
remind those friends who receive copies of this num-
ber from us by post, that subsequent numbers will
not be sent in this way. If, however, any are re-
siding in villages or other places where there are no
opportunities of procuring them through the trade,
they can have them posted to them by forwarding
their address to us, with is. 6d. for one year's sub-
scription, inclusive of postage.
I would also suggest that if this letter were read
aloud to Sunday-schools and other gatherings it might
lead to increased sale. J. Hudson Taylor.
> 6, Pyrland Road, N.
2 SUPPLEMENT TO CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Table of the Stations of the CHINA INLAND MISSION, ii'ith the Names of the Labourers, Foreign and Native.
CoREECTED TO AriiiL, 1875.
Capitals of Provinces are printed in Italic Capitals, of Prefectures in Itomaa Capitals, of Couu'ies in Small Capitals, the otlicr Stations are Market Towns.
Statioss.
DESCKirnoN. 1 Opened.
Native Assisukts.
Missionaries.
I— Cheh-kiaug Province, IT.
Haiig-chaa Pi'efecture.
1. HANG-CliAU
2. Kong-deo
3. Yo-HAsa
Eu<linu Pvcfectwe.
i. GAN-KIH
5. Di-pu
Capital of Province, 120 miles N.W.
from Ning-po. Population about
400,000.
Nov. 183G
Wong Ltc-dilin, P.
Loh Ah-ts'ili, E.
Superintendail by WOng Loe-djUn.
Hiver Port, 2 miles S. of Hang-ohan. ...
1868
Mr. Li, C.
District City, 30 miles "W. from Hang-
chau.
Mar. 1874
Tsiang Liang-yiiong, E.
Yiao Si-vu, C.
District City, 60 miles N.W. from Hang- 1S71
chau.
Market ToiTTi, near Gan-kih 1S71
Kao Ziao-gyi, E.
11 — Cheh-kiang: Province, W.
Kiu-ckau Prefectui-e.
G. KIU-CHAU
Kin-hwa Prefecture,
7. Lan-k'i
Prefectural City, 170 miles S.W. from
Hang-chau.
April 1872
Wong Teng-yiiing, E.
District City, 130 miles S, from Hang-
chau.
1871
•0 Ah-ho, E.
Dzing Si-TU, 0.
III.— Cheh-kiang Province, E.
(1st .Mission District.)
Shao-hing Prefecture.
8. SUAO-HINa
9. Tsons-ku-liu
10. Sien-ngrea
H. SuiNa-HIEN
13. SiN-CH'ANO
13. SlAO-SHAS ... r.
Ning-po Prefecture.
14. NING-PO
15. K'ong-p'u
16. Lih-dzO
Prefeotural City, 104 miles N.W. from
Ning-po.
Sept. 18GG
Tsiang Siao-Tong, P.
Mr. Vong, E.
Jfrs. Yang, B.
Me. and Mrs. Stevenson (absent).
Mr. and Mrs. Meadows.
Mr. and Mrs. Douthwaite.
(Girl's School) Miss Turner.
i
i
1
i
Town on Dzao-ngo Eiver, 45 miles S.E.
from Shao-hing.
1S73 ; SiJUn-kao,E.
Villaqo on Dzao-ngd Eiver, GO miles
S.E. from Shao-hing.
Deo. 1873
Mr. Nyicn, E.
District City, 73 miles S.E. from Shao-
hing.
July 18G9
Mr. Nying, E.
Mr. Sing, C.
District City, 85 miles S.E. from Shao-
hing.
June 1870
Vain KwOng-pao, E.
Tsi-ky'ing, E.
Mrs. Li, B.
District Cit3', 10 miles S.E. of Hang-
chau.
Jan. 1SU7
Tsiu ITong-j-iang. E.
Mrs. Tsiu (2nd.) 13.
Prefectural City, 120 miles S.E. from
Hang-chau.
June 1S.J7 ! Mr. Zi, E.
j Mrs Tsiu, Senr., B.
V'illage, 3 miles E. from Ning-po.
1SG5 1 Moh Dziang-ling, C.
Tou-u, 6 miles S. from Ning-po.
1870 1 Temporary supply.
TV.— Cheh-kiang Province, E.
(■2ud Mission District.)
Ning-po Prefecture continued.
17. FUNG-nwA
18. Ey'i-k'eo
19. '0-z
Tai-chau Prefecture.
20. Nraa-HAI
21. T'lEN-I'AI
22. Si-tien
23. Gyiao-bang COug-zih)
District City, 40 miles S. from Niug-po.
May 1303
Mr. Vku, p.
Mrs. Vien, B.
Lao Yiu-dzing, 0.
Mr. Dong, E.
Mr. and Mrs. Crombie.
To^vn, about 15 miles from Fung-hu'a. .
1873
Fung Neng-kwe, E.
Village, 20 miles from Fung-hwa.
18G3
Shih Da-tsing, 0.
District City, 70 miles S. from Ning-po.
Jan. 1SG8
Wong Kyilo-yiao, E.
Wong ' ing-ch'ing, E.
Mrs. Shih, B.
District City, 110 miles S. from Ning-po.
1873
Liu Si-yUing, 0.
Jlarket Town, 55 miles S. from Ning-po.
Town, 60 miles S. from Ning-po.
Feb. 1874
1870
Tsiang Ping-hwc, E.
v.— Cheh-kiang Province, E.
(3rd Mission District.)
(Tai-elum Prefecture co/ilinutd.)
24. TAI-CHAU
25. SlEN-Ki)
2G. Ky'i-'D
27. nwANG-YEN ... , ...
28. Dieu-tsi
29. T'AI-P'INQ HIEN
1
Prefectural City, 140 miles S.W. from
Ning-po.
July 16G7
Mr. Liu, P.
Mr. Budland (absent).
Visited by Mr. Jackson, of
-, Wun-chau).
■ Superintended by Mr Liu.
Superintended by Tsiang Liang-
gwe.
District City, 30 miles W. from T'ai-ohau.
Jan. 1S74
Loh Kying-sih, E.
Ling Hyin-djii, 0.
Koh Yih-djiin, K
Temple In a Town, 25 miles E. from
T'ai-chau.
ISio
District City. 20 miles S.E. from T'ai-
chau.
April 1SC9
Tsiang Liang-gwc, P.
Wong Yi-hying, 0.
V Djiin-yiao, E. |
Ling Tsiao-song, C. |
Temple, 30 miles S.E. from T'ai-ohau...
1873
District City, 50 miles S.E. from T'ai-
chau.
Jan. 1874
Tsiang Uong-kao, B,
SUPPLEMENT TO CHINA'S MILLIONS. 3
TABLE OF STATIONS— co?i«»K(«?.
SIAII0N3.
Desoiupiion.
Opened,
NATIVE ASSISTASTS.
MiSSIOMAIilES.
VI— Chehklang- Province, S.
Wiin-elimt. Pre/erturc.
30. WUN-OHAU
31. Dong-ling
32. P'lNQ-TANa
Ck'u-chan Pri^ftxtiirc.
33. OH'U-CHAU*
Prefectural City, 240 miles S.W. of
Ning-po.
Dec. 1SG7
Mr. Chii, E.
Kying Ts'ing-sicn, 0.
Mr. Ing, S.
Mr. and Mrs, Stott.
Mr, and Mrs, Jackson,
Village, with several converts and about
20 persons interested.
Services conducted by
resident members.
Tsiu Din-ky'ing, C.
Seng Shu-nyun, 0.
District City, S. of Wun-chau
1874
Prefectural City, four days journey W.
of Wun-chau.
1875
Sir. Yiang, E.
Til.— Kiangr-su Province.
31. NAN-KIN
35. CHIN-KIANG
35. YANG-CnAU
37. NOKTH T'AI-CHAD
33. TS'IN8-KIAN8-P'D
30. SHANO-HAI
Capital of Province, former capital of
the Empire. Population about
600,000.
Sept. 1867
Jan. 1869
Mr. Teng, E.
Mr, and Mr.^i, Cordon (abscn!).
ilr. Harvey (absent).
Superintended bij Mr. UcCarthi/.
Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Taylor
(absent).
Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy (city).
Mss Des^iaz (suburbs), absent.
Mrs, Duncan.
Prefectural City, about 215 miles up
the Yang-tse-liiang. Population
about 150,000.
Mr. Chang, E.
Iving-shu, G.
Prefectural City, about 12 miles N.
from Chiu-kiang. Population about
360,000.
June 1863
Tsiang Soh-liang, P.
Lo Si-fu, C.
District City, 30 or 40 miles E. from
Yang-chau.
Feb. 1873
Ch'engSi-tu, 0,
District City, 100 miles N. from Yang-
chau. Population. 30,000.
Dec. 1869
Mr. Ch'un, E.
Station for Press and husiness pur-
poses.
Nov. 1873
Printers.
Mr, and Mrs. E. Fishe.
Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Fishe.
Tin— Gan-hwuy Province.
40. OAN-JCINO
41. CH'I-CHAU
43. Ta-t'ung
43. T'AI-P'ING rU
44. Wu-HO
45. KWAN(3-TEH-CHiU
4'-.. NING-KWOH
47. UWUy-CHAU*
48. LU-CHAU*
43. FONG-YANG*
Capital of the Province, about 400 miles
up the Yaiig-tse-kiang.
Jan. 1369
Ohu Sien-seug, E.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailer.
Mr. Geo. King (expected to
arrive in July).
Prefectural City, S.E. from Gan-k'ing.
Oct. 1874
June 1373
Mr. Hsu, E.
Large business Town, on the Yaug-
tse-kiang.
Wu Si-fu, C.
Dzing Lao-yiao, C.
Prefectural City, N.W. from Nan-kin....
Sept. 1874
Mr. P'un, C.
District City and large emporium, on
the Yang-tse-kiang.
Mar. 1873
Mr. Tffl, E.
District City, near Gan-kih in Cheh-
kiang Province.
April 1872
Tsiu FOug-kyiag, E. (absent)
Prefectural City, S. of T'ai-p'ing fu.
Dec. 1874
Wu Cheng-tsan, E.
Prefectural City in S.E. of Gau-hwuy...
1375
Mr. T'ong, C.
Long-chung, C.
Prefectural City, near the Tsao Lake,
and N. from Gan-king.
1375
Mr. Han, E.
T'eng Si-fu, G.
Prefectural City m N.E. of Gau-hwuy...
1375
Ch'en Wcn-loh, E.
Tsiien-hng, C.
IX.— Kiang-si Province.
60. KIU-KIANG
61. Ta-ku-t'ang
Prerectural City, abnut 600 miles up the
Yang-tse-kiang (the itineiant work
has extnnded to upwards of 100
cities and towns in the province.
Dec. 18G9
Mr. Yiao, E,
Mr. P'en, 0,
Mr. Cardwell.
Mrs. Cardwell (ahsent).
Mr, and Mrs, Williamson.
Large Town, on the Po-yang Lake ...
July 1873 Lo Gau-fuh, E.
i X — Hu-peh Province.
52. WU CH-AKO
Capita! of Province, G50 miles up the
Yang-tse-kiang.
June 1574
Yao Si-fu, 0.
Chang Sien-seng, E
Mr. and l\rrs. Judd.
Mr. M, Henry Taylor (itinerat-
ing iu Ho-nan).
Ho-nan Province.- Mr. IL Henry Taylor and the native CTangelist Chang are itinerating in this province.
Yun-nan Province.— Mr. J. W. Stevenson and Mr. Henry Soltau are in Burmah, hoping in due- time to make their way into Tun-nan.
Totals— Mission Districts, 10; Stations and Out-stations (including Shanghai), 53; Native Helpers, 78; Missionaries and their Wives, 33.
Aebbeviatioks ;— P., Pastor; K, EvangeUst; C, Colporteur; S., School-teacher; B., Bible-woman; N., Nor:h; S., South; E,, East ; "W., V.'est.
• Work m these Stations has been recently commenced, aad it is hoped that it may become permanent.
SUPPLEMENT TO CHINA'S MILLIONS.
LATEST INTELLIGENCE.
At the moment of going to press, the following letter
from Mr. Stevenson has reached us : —
"Rangoon, May 15th, 1S75.
"You will be glad to receive a letter addressed from
this port. The Lord graciously gave us a favourable
wind most of the way , we made a very successful
voyage, and the captain was very kind and cordial.
We were also permitted to see some brought to Christ ;
several professed to have found peace, and we believe
a number besides are deeply impressed and exercised
about their souls.
" We arrived here yesterday at noon ; Vlx. Jj
came on board and kindly asked us to go home with
him. Now, as to the situation of affairs out herej I
feel rather disappointed at the present aspect; but we
must just be patient and wait the Lord's time, feeling
assured that although things seem to go against us,
the Lord is ordering and guiding all for His glory,
and the furtherance of the work in South Western
China. 'Be still and know that I am God,' is a word
that is specially needed by us just now.
" It appears that Captain Cooke, the British resident,
had to remove from Bhamo ; and so at present we
have no representative there. Some time ago, I
believe, all the merchants and others removed from
Mandalay, and the steamer ceased to go up the river.
The Hon. Ashley Eden is in Calcutta ; it is supposed
aiding Lord Northbrook to devise effectual means for
adjusting the Burmese difficulty.
" We had an interview with Mr. Thompson, the chief
commissioner for British Burmah, who is here in Ashley
Eden's place. He was kind and cordial, and gave us
much valuable information. He said that Mr.
Douglas Forsyth would come here next Friday, and
then proceed with Col. Sladeu, a gun-boat, and some
troops, up to Mandalay, the capital, as an envoy
to the king of Burmah. It would take six weeks
at least before things could be settled, and the British
government be able to resume the occupancy of the
residency at Bhamo ; he, of course, said that he could
not sanction our going before that time.
"Mr. Thompsonrecommended us tocall upon Prince
Hassan, the son of the late Panthay king of Yun-nan,
who is living now in Rangoon. I did so ; and I had
a long and most interesting conversation with him in
the Mandarin dialect, which he spoke well ; we had
not the least difficulty in understanding each other.
He is a native of Ta-li-foo. I wanted to know if I
could get a Yun-nan teacher here, but he said he
thought I should be able to get one at Mandala}',
though not at Rangoon. He had been in England,
and came from Yun-nan by the Thien-nee and Manda-
lay route.
" I think I have gathered most of the information
that can be had at the present time. I feel a little
sad at the prospect of having to settle down here; but
there is no other course open for us. Perhaps in a
few weeks things may clear up, and the way be made
plain for our going forward."
itthttit @|i$$intt.
C. T,
RICHARD HARRIS HILL, London.
FISHE, Shanghai; HENRY SOLTAU, Burmah.
?9nn. Crjss'urtr :
JOHN CHALLICE.
?i.ont(0ii ©Hire:
6, PYRLAND ROAD, NEWINGTON GREEN, N,
MOTIVES.— Love to Christ, and obedience to His
command to preach the Gospel to every creature,
together with a deep sense of China's pressing
need, containing, as it does, about one-third of the
world's inhabitants.
OBJECT.— By the help of God, to carry into the
whole of the interior of China the glad tidings of
His love in giving His only begotten Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
CHARACTER. — Evangelical and unsectarian — em-
bracing members of all the leading denominations
of Christians.
PRESENT Staff of the Mission: Over one hundred
and ten labourers; viz., Missionaries and their vfives,
Ihirty-eiglit ; together witlr seventy male native
assistants, and si."c native Bible-women.
STATIONS and Out-Stations : Over fifty in which
there are resident labourers. Many other places
are reached by itinerant efforts, in some of which
there are converts.
HOW SUPPORTED.— Entirely by the free gifts of
the Lord's people, both in money and time. As
there are no paid officers at home or abroad, all the
funds are appropriated to the maintenance of the
^Missionaries and the extension of the work.
N.B. — Friends intending the whole or a part of their
douaCions for the personal use of any member of the
Mission, or for any particular branch of the work,
should very clearly express their \Yishes.
ALL donations to be sent to Mr. Hill, the Hon.
Sec, or to the Treasurer. Bankers — London and
County Bank, Lombard Street. Cheques crossed
London and Coimty Bank. Post-Office Orders
payable to Richard Harris Hill, Newington
Green Road Post Office.
MISSIONARY BOXES (Ornamental), free on ap-
plication.
IN CONSEQUENCE of the considerable reduction
lately made in the charge for Post Office Orders,
and to ensure greater safety, it is respectfully s.ig-
gested that, where practicable, even small sums may
be remitted in this way.
PRAYER MEETING.— Every Saturday Afternoon,
from 4 to 5 o'clock, at the London Office as above.
China's Millions,
AND OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
NANKIN.
The high walls of a Chinese city so thoroughly hide
from view the streets and buildings contained within
them, that a view from the outside gives very little
idea either of its extent or populousness. Thus it is
with the city of Nankin, a view of part of which we
now present to our readers. It is taken, as will be
seen, from the country side of the city, at a point from
which the absence of suburbs allows the walls to
appear more distinctly. Several of the towers repre-
sented in the sketch were destroyed during the
T'ai-p'ing rebellion, and have not yet been restored.
There are some considerable hills within the walls,
and from them a good view may be obtained of the
densely populated parts of the city. It must not,
however, be supposed that the whole area enclosed is
covered with buildings; there are many gardens, and
even cultivated fields, to be found within the walls.
NO. 2. — AUGUST, 1 87 5.
The present wall is about fourteen English miles in
circumference, but there are remains of an outer and
more ancient wall, which can still be traced, which
was about thirty-five miles in circumference. AVithin
it, ruins abound everywhere, but it is not possible now
to determine how much of it was formerly covered by
houses. The present population of Nankin is from
500,000 to 600,000.
The celebrated porcelain pagoda to the south of
the city, was one of the towers already mentioned as
destroyed by the T'ai-p'ing rebels. Its site is within
a mile or so of our mission house. A monastery was
first erected on this site by a Chinese prince, in the
second century; and in a.d. 372 it was rebuilt by the
reigning emperor, who deposited a precious relic of
Buddha within it. It was further enlarged in the
seventh century; but the structure recently destroyed
14
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
was commenced by one of the emperors, who moved
his court from Nankin to Pekin in 141 1. The work
was finished by his son ; the entire cost is stated to
have been ;^8oo,ooo. In the year 1801 it was
seriously injured by a storm. The Chinese account
is amusing; it says, "The god of thunder, wliile
expelling a strange monster, chased it to this place ;
when instantly three-tenths of the nine stories of the
pagoda were demolished. But the strength of the
god was so awfully stern, and the influence of the
Buddhistic doctrine was so boundless, that the whole
building was not destroyed." The damage done by
the god of thunder was repaired by the government.
We hope to give an account of the first missionary
eftbrts in Nankin in our next number.
A MAP OF BURMAH.
Through the kindness of a warm friend of China and
Burmah, we have a considerable number of a beauti-
ful and accurate map for sale. It illustrates the
relations of British India, Burmah, Assam, and S.W.
China, and gives the important trade routes advocated
by Major Sladen and Captain Sprye. The town of
Manwyne, where Mr. Margary was murdered, will be
noticed with interest ; and also the border city of
Bhamo, which will, we hope, ere long, be the head-
quarters of the China Inland Mission in Burmah. Its
colouring adds to its clearness j and one view of it will
give a better idea of that part of the world than pages
of description. It is well worth sixpence or a shilling,
but we are glad to sell it at twopence, believing that a
fuller acquaintance with the localities indicated, will
lead to more prayer on their behalf
A REQUEST.
Our friends and readers will notice on the cover, and
will have seen in the supplement of our July number, a
table of the stations that God has given us, and we think
they will value the statistical information it affords.
But to give statistical information is not the only
purpose we wish it to serve ; we have a request to
make concerning it.
We rejoice to know that many of you are our fellow-
labourers in pleading China's need before God ; you
remember the missionaries individually in prayer, as
far as you are able, and any special needs that are
brought before you; but you have often felt it difficult
to take the work as a whole intelligently and in detail
to God. May not this table help you to do so ? Our
request is, that you would keep the supplement in or
near your Bible, and seek to plead definitely and indi-
vidually for the foreign and native labourers in one
mission district each day. Thus in ten days you
would have upheld the hands of each isolated worker
of our staff in that dry and thirsty land, without having
had larger numbers brought before you at one time than
your mind could easily compass. If the workers are
blessed, their work will prosper; and we doubt not
that this plan, adopted and carried out by our friends,
would soon be seen to result in marked increase of
blessing.
A LETTER FROM MR. STEVENSON.
Many thanks for your kind letter, which I safely
received yesterday. I can assure you I felt my
faith strengthened after its perusal, and what I want
at this juncture is implicit faith in God. To human
vision our project appears, I must say, rather a
hopeless undertaking ; or at least it is so beset with
difficulties, that without faith in God few would dare
to encounter them.
It appears that Dr. Mason, one of the American
missiona ries, went to Bhamo a few years ago, and
remained there for some time ; but he was so watched
and obstructed by the Burmese officials, that he gave
up the idea : besides which, he was unable to obtain
ground, or a suitable house to live in. There are no
European merchants residing in Bhamo, the only
European there is the British Resident.
We called upon Major Sladen, at the chief Com-
missioner's house, on Wednesday, the day upon
which he had arrived from Maulmain. He received us
cordially, and gave us much valuable information.
He said he thought we were on the safe side in going
to Bhamo, as the trade route to China, via Bhamo,
must, in the very nature of things, be eventually
opened up. He informed us that we had a perfect right
by treaty, to purchase land there if we so desired.
All those with whom I have consulted, officials and
missionaries, advise us to wait till we hear the results
of the pending negotiations. If amicable relations
are restored between the King of Burmah and the
Indian Government, we will proceed with all possible
haste to our destination. People here generally seem
to think that there will be no war; that the King will
look as good-natured as he can, under the circum-
stances, and assent to all the demands of Sir D.
Forsyth ; though, when the mission has left the
capital, he may return to his old exclusive and
conservative policy again, and may thus annoy and
defeat the English by deception and bad faith.
He asserts his innocence with regard to the murder
of Margary, and professes to feel hurt that he should
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
IS
be held responsible for that with which he had
nothing to do. I expect that the Chinese will do
the very same, that they will try to saddle the
responsibility upon the Burmese.
It appears that Burmese is the language almost ex-
clusively used in Bhamo, and I am advised to study
it, so as to be able to engage in common conversation
with the Burmese. Mrs. Bennett, who, with her
husband, came out here in 1S29 (both are still residing
in Rangoon), gave me my first lesson in Burmese. I
think that during the time I remain in Rangoon I must
try and pick up as many Burmese phrases as I can.
The language is much like the Chinese ; more simple,
i.e, they have fewer sounds, and but few sounds
that we have not in China — perhaps not more than
half-a-dozen. I feel sure that my knowledge of
Chinese will be a great, help to me.
We have had very pleasant intercourse with the
American missionaries here, of whom we have met a
good number. I have been struck by the earnestness
and thoroughness of some of these good men. One
of them, Mr. Vinton, who was born in the country,
and was in America eight years for education, speaks,
of course, like a native, and spends most of the
year in the jungle amongst the Karens. He seems
to be proof against the sun and rain. He says he
has 3,500 converts under his care. We attended a
home missionary meeting of the Karens, and it was
delightful to hear them praise God in their own tongue,
to hymns set to our tunes. I hear the American Baptist
Mission has 20,000 converts in Burmah, 1 9,000 ofwhom
are Karens, only about 1,000 Burmans. The work
among the Shans can scarcely be said to have been
commenced yet. The missionaries seem rather
downcast in speaking about the work among the
Burmese. There has been very little fruit, and there
are very few Burmese evangelists. At present there
are no Chinese in fellowship ; there used to be a few,
but they seem to have gone back ; the reason is, I
believe, because there was no one to care for them
who understood their own language. They had to
be communicated with in Burmese ; you know how
difficult it is for a Chinaman to comprehend
spiritual things, even in his own language, how much
more so in a foreign language. I met a Chinaman
from Amoy the other day in a store, who could speak
the Mandarin dialect very well; but, generally speaking,
the Chinese here can understand only their own
dialect, and a little Burmese and Hindostanee.
Last Sunday I attended a service in Burmese ; and
on Wednesday I conducted the weekly prayer
meeting at the Baptist chapel, giving a short address
on " Walking in the light." I felt helped to speak,
and trust the Lord will bless His own Word. Mr.
Soltau preaches to-morrow night (Sunday) in the
Baptist chapel. We intend to have some special
services next week in the same chapel. I believe we
shall have the co-operation of both the Presbyterian
minister and the Baptist missionaries.
I am afraid that we need not expect to get any
help from Burmese Christians as interpreters up in
Bhamo. We shall probably have to rely upon the
Chinese for aid when we get there.
Ju^tr^.
GRACE.
I PAUSE before the banquet hall,
Weary and cold and desolate ;
Faint fragments of the music fall
Here, where I stand, without the gate.
And now sweet voices whisper, " Come !
The Bridegroom bids you welcome home ! "
But I am black, — not beautiful ;
My voice makes echo thin and weak ;
These eyes with tears are dim and dull ;
I dare not to the Bridegroom speak.
" Then kiss his feet, if love be dumb ;—
' The Spirit and the Bride say, Come ! ' "
Ah, no ! my lips are foul with sin ;
He would draw backward from their touch :
My heart is black as night within ;
The Bridegroom cannot welcome such.
" Nay, but He does ; — He calls you home ;
And Bride and Spirit bid you, Come !"
My hands are empty of all gifts ;
My soul has failed her trust to keep :
How shall I face Him, when He lifts
On me those eyes that read so deep ?
" Your debts are cancelled in the sum ;
' The Spirit and the Bride say. Come !' "
Black as the tents of Kedar, I,—
Yet, Lord, I thirst, I faint ;— O Christ,
I love Thee ! let me love, or die
Beneath Thy feet, self-sacrificed.
I love Thee ! wherefore should I r
" The Spirit and the Bride say, Co"tie ! "
I love !— my hands are deeply stained.
But I have looked upon Thy face.
And love Thee, by that look constrained.
Till all I ask, is still to gaze — ■
To gaze on Thee, until my heart
Has learnt how beautiful Thou art !
(^By the late Miss BlatcMey.')
i6
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
17
ii,
\m Im i|ri$i/'
" Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the
Lord of Hosts." — Zech. iv. 6.
Sad, indeed, was the position of God's chosen people
at the time when these words were spoken, and heavy
were the hearts of the godly seed as they looked
around. Their kingdom was destroyed, their people
carried away by successive captivities, their religion was
a scoff, and their temple a desolation ; while they saw
idolatry everywhere triumphant, the heathen everywhere
at ease. As at the later period, when Nehemiah
answered Artaxerxes, "Why should not my counte-
nance be sad, when the city, the place of my father's
sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are con-
sumed with fire ?" so it was when Zechariah was sent
to encourage Zerubbabel ; and not only so, for the very
temple itself was still unbuilt, and the little band who
had been brought back to their own land, discouraged
by the overwhelming difficulties which beset them on
every hand, were beginning to think that God's time
for the rebuilding of Zion had not yet come.
Look up, look up, O Israel ! Heathenism is
strong, but there is One stronger. Yoic are weak,
and cannot contend against the power of the adver-
saries, yet the temple shall be built. Not by man's
might, not by human power, but by My Spirit shall the
work be accomplished. "Who art thou, O great moun-
tain ? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain."
His hands " have laid the foundation of this house,
his hands shall also finish it." And they did finish it.
St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Ye are the
temple of the living God : as God hath said, I will
dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their
God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come
out from among them [the unbelievers], and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto
you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises,
dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi-
ness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God." What glorious promises, and what won-
drous words these are ! How many of us have strug-
gled— all in vain — to cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, to perfect holiness in
the fear of the Lord, till we, too, have almost come to
the conclusion that the time has not yet come for our
whole being to be subjected and consecrated to Him,
and Him alone. The foes seem more mighty than
those by which Israel were confronted ; our case more
hopeless than theirs. Yet it is not so \ these words
were not written to mock us. " Not by might, nor by
power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord." Our divine
Zerubbabel lives and reigns. HIS hands have laid
the foundation in our hearts ; HIS hands shall finish
it. Dear burdened reader, do not attempt to read the
passage backward, begin at the beginning ; mix the
word with faith, and you will find that His yoke is
easy. His burden light. He will finish His work in
you. " The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.
I pray God, your whole spirit, soul, and body, be pre-
served blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you [He who is
calling you — the present tense — to walk in holiness, to
abstain from the very appearance of evil], who also
will do it."
And now, dear friends, with glad hearts and free,
let us look yet further. We want to see all His com-
mands fulfilled— not some of them merely. Go, go
ye, go into all the world, says the Master. We want to
go into every province of China, to tell of His dying
love, to tell of His living power. Who will help in
this glorious work? The difficulties are to human
strength insuperable. How can our brothers Steven-
son and Soltau enter Yun-nan ? Is not all Burmah in
turmoil ? Has not Margary been murdered at Man-
wyne ? Do not the latest tidings tell of Chinese
troops massing in Yun-nan ? " Not by might, nor
by power, but by My Spirit," saith the Lord. He
has said, Go; they have set off; and in His own time
and way He will bring them in. What, again, can
our brothers, Henry Taylor and his Chinese evan-
gelist Chang, do among the twenty-five millions of
Ho-nan ? We care not to answer that question ; we
know what He, who dwells in them and walks in
them, will do there. He will get to Himself a great
name ; He will save an election in grace j and do
this, not by might, nor by power, but by His own
Spirit.
Who will help in prayer ? Who will go and live
Jesus among the heathen Chinese ? Who will uphold
the hands of those who have gone, and of those who
are going there ? Who will circulate information, and
thus lead other believers to feel for Cliina's need ?
Let us ever remember that each of these things can
only be pleasing to God, and really effectual, as it is
done — " Not by might, nor by power, but by My
Spirit, saith the Lord."
MORE NEW MISSIONARIES.
May we ask prayer for two or three of our new mis-
sionaries, who (d.v.) sail for China early this month ?
Ask a safe journey, blessing on the way, and on their
future work.
iS
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
1[ur ^t lottng.
JEALOUSY DEFEATED.
A CHINESE STORY.
A VERY jealous Chinawoman was always troubled
when her husband commended any of her neighbours,
and was continually attempting to surpass them ; but
unfortunately, very often with but poor success. She
was not a good manager, and, as her husband was a
poor man, this defect frequently made itself felt very
unpleasantly.
The Chinese have a good rule that all debts must
be paid before the last day of the old year; and con-
sider it a great misfortune if, in addition to this, they
are unable to provide a feast for New Year's Day. One
evening towards the end of the year, the husband of
this woman, whose name was Mrs. Wong, came home
in great distress because he was unable to meet all
his claims and to provide the New Year's feast. He
asked his wife if she could not in some way or other
manage to help him ; but she, poor thing, was unable
to suggest any practicable expedient.
"Ah !" said he, "lucky Mr. Chang ! lucky Mr. Chang !
I wish I had a wife like his ! "
Now it happened that Mrs. Chang was a notable
manager, and a general favourite among her neigh-
bours ; being both able and willing to plan for them,
and to help them in their difficulties. She was, how-
ever, no favourite with Mrs. Wong, who was far too
jealous of her celebrity to allow herself to benefit by
Mrs. Chang's neighbourly kindness. She, therefore,
crossly replied to her husband, —
"I should hke to know what better Mrs. Chang
could do for her husband than I could do for mine. She
comes from a far poorer family, and, though it's all
very easy to pretend to be clever, you can't pay debts
and provide new-year's dinners with pretensions."
" Pretensions, indeed ! " retorted her husband,
" instead of talking for ever about respectable rela-
tions, she goes to work like a sensible woman ; and
she has just set up poor Chang, paid all his debts,
and provided handsomely for the new year besides."
" Well !'' said Mrs. Wong, with a look of surprise
and incredulity, "if she has done that, I shall begin
to think there is something in her after all. Pray tell
me all about it."
" I will," said her husband ; " when poor Chang
got up this morning he turned to his wife, and said,
'Do you know to-day is the 25th of the 12th
moon, so we have only a few days of the old year
left, (there are often twenty-iiine days in the last
Chinese moon ;) and I can neither pay my debts at
the confectioners' for the sweetmeats they have let
me have for hawking, nor provide anything against
the new year. Alas ! alas ! what shall I do ? '
" ' Don't be troubled in the least,' said Mrs. Chang,
' I'll put you in the way of iheeting all your require-
ments, and leave you a balance into the bargain.'
'"You are a wonderful manager, I know,' said her
husband, and can make a hundred cash go further
than any other woman in the neighbourhood. It's
always a wonder to me, how, with our limited re-
sources, you provide the rice, let alone the "small
vegetables" [a name the Chinese give collectively to
whatever they eat with their rice, whether fish, meat,
or any other dish, as well as to the cooked vegetables
which they most commonly use], but I fear our pre-
sent difficulties are beyond tvenyotir ability.'
"' Wait a while, and you shall see,' repHed Mrs.
Chang. Then, taking from beneath the bed a bag,
full of small pieces of copper, pewter, and things of
that kind, she said, ' Look at this ; take it and sell it,
and see if you have not enough to meet all your
needs.'
" ' Why,' exclaimed Mr. Chang, in amazement, as
she emptied the treasures on the floor before him,
' wherever did you get all this store ! '
" ' I'll tell you,' she replied. ' When you came
back each day from your hawking, I took a small
piece from your basket, so small that you never
missed it, and yet in the course of the year it has
accumulated to this extent.'
" ' You a7-e a wonderful woman,' exclaimed her de-
lighted husband ; ' the proverb is surely true which
says. Better clever at saving than clever at earning.'
Then away he went with his spoil, and soon found
the proceeds more than enough to relieve him from
all his anxiety."
The envious woman was not able to say anything
against this ; but determined that next year she would
have as loud a commendation from her own husband,
as Mrs. Chang had from hers.
Now Mr. Wong earned his living, in the early part
of the year, principally by selling almanacs. His trade
consequently was very flourishing for some months,
and" Mrs. Wong easily managed, without his know-
ledge, daily to abstract a number of almanacs from his
store. As the year proceeded, and the trade grew
less brisk, it was only occasionally that she was able to
secure a copy or two.
Mr. Wong frequently complained that, somehow or
other, his sales had been less productive than usual,
and that he had consequently less capital at his com-
mand, than he ought to have had, for the purchase of
the other pamphlets he vended. His wife, however,
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
19
comforted herself with the thought, " It will be all
right at the end of the year."
At length, the long-expected period drew near, to
the great sorrow of Mr. Wong, but to the great delight
of his wife. " We shall not hear so much of Mrs.
Chang this year," said she to herself. " Won't she be
vexed when she learns that I have done far more for
viy husband than she ever did for hers. We shall
have fewer of her airs and patronising ways and in-
sulting offers of assistance. How I hate the woman ! "
Now Mrs. Wong had determined not to spoil the
effect of the wonderful surprise she had in store for
her husband, by revealing the secret too soon. " Let
him feel the fix he is in," thought she, " and find out
how hopelessly he is involved, and then he will value
my help the more highly." But at last she felt the day
had come; and, as her husband was bemoaning his lot,
she exclaimed, with triumph in her eyes, " I suppose
you think Mrs. Chang is the only woman who can
provide for her husband ; I'll help you better than
Mr. Chang was ever helped."
" You indeed ! " said Mr. Wong ; " you are a likely
woman to help any one ! "
Mrs. Wong did not deign any reply ; but elevating
herself to her full height of four feet ten inches, she
went into the inner room, and soon came out trium-
phantly with a large armful of the past year's almanacs,
exclaiming, "I luill surprise you for once, Mr. Wong !"
A single glance told her husband the whole story;
and, unfortunately for Mrs. Wong, surprise was not
the only emotion excited.
" You wretch !" he exclaimed, "it's you who have
been the ruin of me 1 These almanacs are not now
worth the paper on which they are printed. I'll teach
you to steal again !" and forthwith he administered the
most severe (though not the first) beating she had ever
received since her name had been called Mrs. Wong.
The story soon became noised abroad, and from
that day the phrase, " Mrs. Wong's almanacs " has
been a well-known proverb. The lesson, however,
was not wholly lost upon her. Thoroughly humbled,
she learned at last to find in Mrs. Chang her best and
truest friend, and so far profited by her instruction,
that her husband at length began to admit that the
storing of the almanacs had led to the first step in the
right direction.
TRUST HIM.
By J. Hudson Taylor.
What a life of praise, and joy, and rest, we should
all lead did we but fully believe in God's wisdom and
love, and gladly acquiescing in His will and way, cast
every care on Him in trustful prayer.
It has been a great delight to me during a long ill-
ness, to see how God has met the daily need of His
work. First, in regard to helpers. When lying ill in
one room, with my wife laid aside in the next, ten,
fifteen, twenty letters would come in. How could they
be attended to? The Lord knew our need; and
scarcely would the letters be read when some friend
would call. " Can I help you by writing for you 'an
hour or two to-day ? " " Yes, indeed," was often the
reply, " see what a nunfiber of letters have come in ! "
Generally we had many letters ; but if, contrary to our
expectation, only a few came in, we said to ourselves,
" I suppose no one is able to help in correspondence
to-day ; " and so it usually proved.
After this came a time when more regular help was
afforded, first by Mr. Stevenson, now in Burmah, and
subsequently by students preparing for work in the
great field.- It became necessary to resign one of
these helpers in May, to go to China without delay. I
said to some of our friends, " Perhaps the Lord will
lessen the amount of correspondence for a time, unless
He provide unexpected helpers as before." The cor-
respondence lessened. Our brother, INIr. King, sailed
on the isth ; the correspondence continued small for
several weeks after the time that he began to prepare
for the voyage ; so we were able to compass it.
Then, in regard to means, our trust in God was not
disappointed. On the morning of the 24th of Tilay,
when we met for our usual hour of prayer for China, I
remarked, "The Lord has lessened ourcorrespondence,
as I suggested might be the case, but this has involved
lessened contributions. We must ask Him to remind
some of His wealthy stewards of the need of the
work." I added up the amounts received by me from
May 4th to 24th, and found they came to ,^68 6s. zd.
I then added, "This is nearly ^235 less than our
average expenditure in China for three weeks. Let us
remind the Lord of it ! " We did so.
That evening the postman brought a letter, which,
when opened, was found to contain a cheque for
;^235 7^. 9^., to be entered, " From the sale of
plate." Thus the Lord made up the sum asked for ;
and even more, for the next morning the first half of a
;^5 note was also received from another donor. I
need not say how joyfully \ve thanked God at our
little prayer meeting, an hour or two later, for thus
caring for our far-ofif brethren, and how earnestly God's
blessing was asked for the bountiful donors and their
families: Dear readers, " Trust in Him at all times ; "
you will never have cause to regret it.
i|t$$iu}iitr^ |]j«j|«i]|$.
FROM GLASGOW TO BURMAH.
Notes from the Diary of Mr. Henry Soltau.
[Continued from page 10.]
"Saturday, April I'jth. — Rose at 5.30 a.m. to catch
a glimpse of Malta. It was many miles away, and no
particularly good sight could be obtained. Only a
line of rock was visible. We expect, if the Lord con-
tinues to prosper us, to be in Port Said on Tuesday or
Wednesday.
"Monday, April i()t/t. — Fine weather and fair wind
still continue. Yesterday, we spent a very happy day,
and had much of the Lord's presence with us.
" Tuesday, April zotJi. — Fine day. Fresh breeze still
in our favour. Expect to be in Port Said some time to-
night. I keep my watch by Greenwich time, so that I
know exactly what friends are doing at the different
times of the day. We are just two hours before
Greenwich now, or rather we shall be at Port Said.
The Breakivater at Port Said.
" Wednesday, April 2 \st. — Here we are at anchor,
and quite still inside Port Said breakwater. Last
evening we had the brightest full moon imaginable,
so that it was almost like daylight, and we came
along very quickly and safely. At about 8 p.m. we
saw the first lighthouse on the Egyptian coast, and
at 10 o'clock could discern the revolving flash of
the Port Said electro light. We all remained up.
Mr. Stevenson and I spent a little time in prayer and
praise for the mercies hitherto. At 1 1 p.m. we went
upon deck, and remained there till 12.30. A rocket
and two blue-lights were fired off, in order to get a
pilot to come and take us in ; but none would come
out so late, so we dropped anchor about two or three
miles from the port, and waited till daybreak. A
quiet night at anchor is a very extraordinary and plea-
sant contrast to a night on the ocean with steam up
and sails set. "So he bringeth them into their
desired haven." No one knows what that " desire"
is, unless he has been at sea.
"We rose early this morning (Wednesday, 21st) ;
the vessel was already moving slowly along, with
the pilot on board, and all hands on deck. I jumped
out of bed, and as usual went over to the little round
window, which was open, and looked out. The first
thing I saw was an Arab-looking man, up to his knees
in water, with a large skin bottle under his left arm,
which he was filling with water, — dipping it up with a
little basin. I at once knew where I was. We passed
a fine Turkish man-of-war j the men looked gay in
their red fezes, and white or blue clothes, trimmed
with scarlet. When we had anchored, our vessel was
surrounded by small boats, with Egyptian boatmen,
and little boys who had photographs and other things
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
for sale. Then there were boatmen wanting to take
113 ashore ; and altogether it was a very lively scene.
Some of the people were able to speak a few words
of English and French.
"Alongside of us was a large Turkish troopship,
taking troops to Aden. The forecastle was crowded
with men in picturesque turbans and long cloaks,
and all kinds of gay-coloured rugs and blankets.
Here are four men, sitting on deck with a large metal
basin, out of which they are feeding themselves with
their fingers. There is a man standing upright, with
his metal water jug, or earthenware pitcher, to his
lips, pouring the fluid down his throat. Here are
a dozen men with a quantity of dirty linen, who
are bargaining with a shrewd-looking boatman who has
come alongside. A rush basket is handed up and let
down the side, with the clothes or goods in exchange.
Up comes a white boat, painted red inside, with a
handsome cloth in the stern, and twelve men in uni-
form pulling one or two gaily-dressed officers, who
sport some handsome medals on their breasts.
Ashore, the costume and colours of the men's things
are very bright and imposing. Little boys with the
brightest eyes, in their long garments and pantaloons,
are chattering away, or breaking out into a wild
kind of song, beating their hands and showing their
teeth ; whilst the boatmen, in the boats, talk in
broken English and French and Turkish to us, to try
and get us on board their craft. These fellows are
dreadful thieves, and very cunning ; and one feels
quite out of the region of trustworthy people. We
shall go ashore this afternoon and post this letter.
" What a treat awaited me on my arrival here this
morning ! Mr. Stevenson came into my room whilst
1 was dressing, and brought me a thick budget from
home, and a letter for himself and one for me from Mr.
Taylor. The joy of hearing again from home, after a
fortnight's absence, was very great ; and our faces
beamed with delight over our treasures. ' Surely
goodness and mercy' follow us every day. At our
reading this morning we felt we needed the promise,
2 Thess. iii. 3 : ' The Lord is faithful, who shall
stablish you and keep you from evil.' We send this
word to all our dear friends at home.
" Port Said is on the Mediterranean, and lies very
low on flat, sandy, desert soil. As you approach it
from the Mediterranean, you pass a long rough-
looking breakwater, inside of which lies the harbour.
FRENCH TOWN.
" Opposite the breakwater is the landing place, along
the side of which is a handsome range of buildings,
government offices, and merchants' houses. Long
and lofty verandahs set off the houses very well, and
give them an imposing and cheerful appearance.
Several steamers are inside the harbour. To the left
is the entrance to the canal — the harbour gradually
narrowing as you approach it. Vessels are steaming
in and out, flying the colours of their different
nationalities ; but the majority seem English. After
a fortnight's solitude at sea this lively scene is very
cheering ; but one pities the poor money-loving men
Avithout a God in Christ.
"After spending all Wednesday morning, 21st, in
writing and reading, Mr. Stevenson and I lunched, and
started for the shore in one of the native boats ; the
captain and the two first-class passengers accompany-
ing us. We found some good buildings on the quay, '
all the principal French, English, and foreign offices
being situated at this part of the town. The houses
and offices have long and lofty verandahs running
along their whole length. They are built of brick
and a kind of concrete, and are very substantial in
contrast with the houses or hovels of the natives.
Port Said consists of two towns, the one being half-
a mile from the other, and further inland on the
desert. The town on the harbour is the European
place of residence and business. In it may be found
people of all nationalities. Shops along the main
street, mostly built of wood, are kept by French
tradespeople, but in many of them English is spoken.
As may be supposed, prices are exorbitant, the articles
very inferior, and the selection poor. Every one and
everything is filthy, covered with dust and sand from
the desert.
" The streets are sand ; the houses are of wood, in
the bungalow style. In the centre of the European
town is the Place de Lesseps, which is a kind of
square, with a very pretty garden enclosed, and a
fountain in the centre ; geraniums and all kinds of
flowers were in full bloom, looking very gay. As we
approached the fountain, a man, dressed in a white
turban and tunic, with bare feet and legs, came to the
fountain with a large skin on his back. He carried
in his hand a small skin cup, with which he dipped up
the water from the basin of the fountain and filled the
skin, all the while chanting a dismal song. Having
filled the skin, he slung it on his back, keeping the
mouth of the skin under his left arm, and walked up and
down the streets, throwing the water from side to side
until he had well watered a portion of the sandy road.
We were interested in watching this primitive mode
of laying the dust.
NATIVE TOWN.
" Passing through the European or French town,
which is full of natives, Arabs, Turks, Greeks,
Ethiopians, &c., as well as more civilized Euro-
peans, we crossed a piece of the desert, and found
ourselves walking through the main street of the
native town, which was far more entertaining. The
town consists of one long street running through
the centre, intersected at regular intervals by
smaller ones, terminating in the sandy desert. In the
main street all the bartering and business was going
on. Seated on the ground, as we entered, were a
number of men and women ; the women with veils
covering their noses and chins, and a hood over their
heads and foreheads. Immediately over the nose,
suspended from the head-dress, was a coil of brass,
about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, looking
something like the piece of a wire spring. Before
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
them, on the ground, were little heaps of desert bushes,
dry, and cut up in lengths for firewood. Further on
to the left was a group of women with fish before
them ; and for some distance on either side, as we
passed up the street, there was a line of Egyptian
and Arab costermongers seated on the ground, selling
leeks, garlic, bread, greens of different descriptions,
and indescribable messes, covered with flies, supposed
to be food. Here and there were some tempting
oranges, but the vendors looked so filthy that we
could not make up our minds to effect any purchases.
The men and women, for the most part, wore long
cloaks, with hoods over their heads of the same
material, in fact made of one piece. The costumes
are very varied and bright. All colours of the rain-
bow may be seen blending together; white and red,
however, are the most conspicuous. If the people
were clean in their habits and persons, the effect of
the variety of colour in their costumes would be
greatly increased. The loose, long jacket worn by the
men, and which is very well represented in " Manners
and Customs," gives a graceful effect to those who are
tall and well-built. The Arabs and the Greeks are the
most noble looking, and have the finest features.
"Passing up the street through the Babel of voices
of the men, women, and squalling babies (as plentiful
The Canal at Lake Menzalah.
as in England, and making much the same kind of
noise), we were able to examine the wooden houses
better. These, for the most part, are mere sheds,
with no upstair rooms, except in the more respectable
parts ; on the entrance floor might be seen one or two
men squatting down writing or reading, or one or two
women, with their babies, gossiping very much as at
home. At the end of the street we came upon the
sandy desert, and found two or three little children
playing about, whilst their father was busy lading
three camels with sand. A wooden box was placed
on either side of the camel's back, and the animal
knelt down while the man put in the sand, and
then rose to carry it to a place some distance off.
The children, like all the others we had passed, called
out for " bakhsheesh " (presents) most perseveringly,
until we were far away from them. On our return to
the boat we met two Roman Catholic priests, and
passed by a nunnery and schools. Port Said has a
mixed population ot about 10,000, and has entirely
sprung up since the canal was commenced. The
pier, lighthouse, and breakwater, are built partly of
stone, brought from a great distance, and partly of
concrete made on the spot in immense blocks. The
lighthouse at the entrance of the harbour is 180
feet high, and lighted by an electric revolving light of
intense brilliancy.
" Thursday, 2.2 nd. — At break of day, the steamer left
Port Said, and entered the canal. The Red Sea and
the Mediterranean are exactly the same level, but the
tide rises in the Mediterranean only one and a half
feet, whereas in the Red Sea it rises six feet, conse-
quently there is generally a current from Suez to Port
Said in the canal. Rose at 5.30 a.m. on Thursday, and
soon went on deck. We were passing through part of
Lake Menzalah, which lies at the entrance of the canal.
(To he continued.)
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
23
Mrs. Meadows writes: — " Mr. Meadows has just
been visiting all the out-stations, where he has been
much cheered and encouraged. At his request, I
give you some extracts from his letters to me, whilst
from home. Writing on March 20th,* he describes
the delightful scenery through which they passed —
valleys covered with clover, wheat, and barley ; the
slopes of the hills dotted with cultivated patches of
green, in which were plum and peach trees in full
blossom ; the sides of the road lined with white and
yellow camomiles, cowslips, wild pansies and
hemlock : while the larks were warbling sweetly in
the air. He contrasts it with the misery and
wretchedness of the people whose dwellings they
passed ; — dirty houses, emaciated young women,
neglected children, old men and women v;ith the
rosaries of Buddha in their hands, and prayers to him
on their lips, hastening fast to the grave, to wake up,
poor souls, to eternal disappointment and horror.
He says, 'Our chair-bearers, both Christians, gave
the climax to our pleasure on this journey of fourteen
miles : they preached at five different places on the
way, aided by myself and the native pastor. One of
them is f the man whom God has used so much of
late in his own neighbourhood ; it cheered my heart,
and gave me fresh courage when I listened to his
earnest, yet short, addresses.'
"Again, on March 22nd, he writes, ' We had a very
pleasant day yesterday. In the morning we had
the Lord's supper, with closed doors ; after which
we instructed the candidates for baptism on the nature
and object of that rite. In the afternoon we had an
open service, the people were very attentive. We
then went to the place of baptism, a mountain stream,
and baptized four persons, — three men and a woman.
Two of the men belong to the next station, J and
were our chair-bearers ; the other is an old gentleman
sixty-two years of age, who had heard the gospel from
the first opening of the chapel. When we sang the
doxology after all had been baptized, our voices
were echoed by the hills on the opposite side of the
stream, and produced a most solemnizing effect.'
" The week was spent at the next station, visiting
some of the villages near, conversing with students, of
whom there were a good number in the city, &c., &c.
On Sunday, 28th, very interesting services were held.
Mr. Meadows wrote me, ' In the morning I conducted
a service at the house of one of the members, and
the native pastor another at the chapel. In the
afternoon we went to another family on the hill. We
* From Sin-ch'ang. f Mo-tong-ling. } Shing-hien.
first held a short service in the private temple of the
clan, connected with the homestead ; after prayer we
sang a hymn standing, then twenty-four of us knelt
down on the ground of the temple, with our backs
toward the idols, but our faces towards the living God,
and called upon the God of heaven. From the tops
of the hills some looked on in wonder, others laughed.
We then went to the pool, which has been made sacred
before by baptism, and baptized two men, a very in-
teresting little boy of nine years, and an old lady of
about sixty, after which we partook of the Lord's
supper.*" We also held a service at another house in
the evening. We had a pleasant day, nothing but
the weather interfering with us.' "
CASTING AWAY IDOLS.
" In the beginning of March," says Mr. Stott, " I
took my dear wife with me into the country,! on
a visiting and preaching tour ; crowds came running
from every direction to see her (they had seen me
often), and their curiosity was highly excited. I had
many hundreds to hear me at some places, and Mrs.
Stott spoke to many women ; some listened atten-
tively, and asked intelligent questions as to how they
were to serve the living and true God.
" We stayed two nights at the house of one of our
members, and were made very welcome. In the
evening many came to see us, and we had good oppor-
tunities of speaking for Jesus. Eleven persons have
been in the habit of joining him morning and evening
for prayer ; they are all his neighbours, and most of
them his relations. I think his wife and mother are
truly resting on Jesus for salvation. His wife was the
first to go and kneel with him, but his mother held
out for a long time, and scolded him vehemently when
he threw out the family idols that had been worshipped
in the house for generations. She determined to
keep one little clay thing for her own use ; and to it
she continued to bum incense and candles, until last
year, when she fell very sick, and her idol was neg-
lected. Her son prayed very earnestly every day to God
that she might recover; and by and by she did recover,
though her friends had thought she was going to die.
" When she was able to get about again, she threw
away her idol and joined in worshipping the Lord.
AVhile we were there, Mrs. Stott often spoke to her,
and found her very ready to listen, and also very in-
telligent, and much impressed at the love and mercy
of God. On the day we were leaving, whilst I was
talking to her, she felt about for my hand, and grasp -
* We ask prayer for the eight persons whose baptisms are
recorded in this and the foregoing paragraphs,
t To Dong-ling.
24
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
ing it firmly, said, ' Oh, how kmd of Jesus to send
you here to tell us of salvation ! we knew nothing of
His precious name till you taught us. I love to hear
you speak ; but my poor eyes cannot see you, but as a
shadow.' She added with deep feeling, ' I was not
blind the first time you came here, some years ago ;
but I did not love " the doctrine, " or know Jesus
then, and did not care to look at you ; now I love
" die doctrine," and love you for bringing it, but I can-
not see your face, no matter how I try ; but I will feel
your hands.' When we finished prayer, her 'Amen '
was said so distinctly, that it was quite refreshing. Her
daughter-in-law seems a very nice woman, and they live
very harmoniously together. They have one child, a
boy eleven years of age, now in the school here.
(To be continued.)
TIDINGS FROM THE FIRST OF THE NINE.
The following interesting intelligence from Ho-nan, the first of
the nine unoccupied provinces, has just reached us. It will be
remembeved that Ho-nan has a population of twenty-five and
a-half millions, and had no missionary before INIr. IVI. Henry
Taylor went there in April. How ready the people are for
the Gospel will be seen from the following letter, written to
Mr. Judd, from one of the lari;e prefectural cities of the
province : —
" As there is a possibiHty of a letter reaching you
from this place, I send a Hne or two to assure you of
our welfare. I would have written on arriving here
twelve days ago, but it did not strike me that there
were persons daily leaving for Han-kow.
" We returned to-day from our visit to all the sur-
rounding county cities. We were well received in each,
as well as in the towns and villages through which we
passed. I have not seen people anywhere so readily
disposed to hear the Gospel ; and as for buying books,
we might have sold any number, but we had to limit
the sale in each place. The Lord has given us en-
couragement from individuals who came to ask the
way to Zion. I could not rest if hindered from visiting
these places again.
" I should have gone on to another prefecture, and
to the capital, but I have neither enough money nor
books to go as far as the latter place ; at least I will
try and visit the former, and go from thence to a third
prefecture when homeward bound. We hope to spend
five or six days preaching in this city, dating from to
morrow. You may e.xpect us back about the middle
of June. We know you are praying for us. We are
enjoying so much of God's smile. AVe have prayed
often for you. Mr. Chang desires to be remembered
in love, and asks your prayers.
"I do not know wli ether this will ever reach you.
I give the bearer one hundred cash.
Yours very affectionately in Jesus,
M. Henry Taylor.
THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL.
The question is sometimes asked, " Is Christ cruci-
fied the power of God among the Chinese? Does
the gospel touch their hearts, and affect their lives?"
We answer, indeed it does ; we see it continually.
The following account, just received, is a striking
instance : — •
Mrs. Meadows writes : " The case of a man recently
baptised is very interesting. He is a cotton-
beater by trade, and first heard the gospel in a singu-
lar way. A dwarf, who had been to the chapel,
went home and began to tell to others what he had
heard. While he was thus engaged, the attention of
this young man, who was in the next house, was
arrested, and he listened attentively through a hole in
the wall. What he heard led him to make further
inquiries about the truth j and having ascertained that
he could learn all about it at the chapel, he went there.
Soon after, he determined to keep the Sabbath, and
this he did for about two months ; after which his
father-in-law and friends, suspecting that he was
becoming imbued with " the false doctrines," pro-
hibited his attending the services. Finding mere pro-
hibitions in vain, they forcibly prevented him every
Sunday; sometimes binding him with ropes. But the
young fellow managed to get to the chapel on the week
nights, and for some time escaped detection ; this, too,
was discovered, and he was beaten, first by his father-
in-law, then by his uncle, and also by his brother-in-
law. Still he remained firm, determining at all hazards
to adhere to the things he had heard ; so at last they
turned him out of doors, and told him he should neither
have his promised and already purchased wife, nor his
property. ' No matter,' he replied, ' when my father
and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take
me up.' And thus it proved; for, finding his way to
the chapel on that dark night, the preacher received
him gladly, and allowed him to share his room.
' Now,' he said, ' I am blessed ; I am where I can
hear the truth continually : they have frustrated their
own ends.'
" His friends, however, made one more attempt to
bruig him back to his right mind. Finding that threats
and punishments were alike of no use, his father-in-law,
uncle, brother-in-law, and even his own wife (elect)
came to him, and with tears besought him to change
his mind. It was a trying moment, and those who
were watching him trembled for the result ; but grace
triumphed, and for some time he has been left in peace.
Already his consistent conduct is having its result, and
the brother-in-law who beat and opposed him is now
inquiring for himself about that gospel which he so
recently hated.
China's Millions,
AND OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
From the " Graphic"
VIEW IN- THE ARSENAL, NANKIN.
The above view of Chinese Mandarins inspecting a
mitrailleuse, for which we are indebted to the kind-
ness of the Editor of the Graphic, presents, with
striking truthfulness, the features and costumes of
Nankin officials and their attendants. We well re-
member being shown by Dr. Macartney, the able
superintendent of the Arsenal, the first mitrailleuse
brought to Nankin as a model from Europe ; but our
object in introducing this cut here is to present our
readers with a view of photographic accuracy of the
Nankin people, among whom our missionaries have
laboured for some years. In our last number we gave
a view of the city itself, and now continue our ac-
count of it.
NO. 3. — SEPTEMBER, 1875.
Nankin was an important place when our Saviour
gave the command, " Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature." How many
generations have been born, have lived, and have died,
within those walls, since that command was given !
In September, 1867, our late devoted missionary, Mr.
Duncan, first reached Nankin. His heart was moved
with compassion as he beheld the immense multitudes
passing to and fro, as sheep without a shepherd ; and
he at once determined, in the strength of God, to live
and labour for them. The only lodging he was able
to obtain was a little room in the drum tower. Few,
very few, Europeans would have thought it possible to
Ive ini such a place, but Mr. Duncan gladly accepted
26
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
it. His resolution, once formed, never wavered ; but
long and tedious were the efforts he put forth before
he — the first Protestant missionary to Nankin — suc-
ceeded in finding the merest apology for a house in
which to reside. At last he obtained part of a room
in the house of a small tradesman, and a little later
induced his landlord to let him have part of his shop
— a room below that in which Mr. Duncan slept. A
light partition was thrown up, making a tiny room
facing the street ; and there he sat, like Judson in his
zayat, receiving and conversing with all those passers-
by who were willing to go in and hear him. This self-
denying work was not in vain ; one who first heard
him there became interested, convinced, converted.
After due probation he was baptised, and being early
removed, left his dying, as well as living testimony, to
the grace of Him who is mighty to save.
At length a gleam of brighter hope appeared. Mr.
Duncan rented a suitable house, and retained posses-
sion of it for a short time, with the companion who
had now joined him. But opposition was raised to his
remaining, and he judged it prudent to waive his legal
right to continue there, and returned to the poor
quarters in the tradesman's house, which providentially
he had not wholly abandoned. His next attempt was
more successful ; a house was first rented, and sub-
sequently purchased, on the south side of the city,
and he continued to labour there until the disease, to
which he finally succumbed, compelled his return to
England.
Much seed has been sowb in Nankin ; and though
but little fruit has yet been reajDed, we believe that,
hidden from view as it now is, it still e.xists, and will
appear after many days.
TIMELY AID.
The following incident occurred during the early
period of Mr Duncan's residence in Nankin, when he
was living alone in the little half-room of the trades-
man's house, mentioned in the preceding article.
It is not prudent to carry large sums of money
about in China, as pirates abound in many of the
rivers and larger canals. The supply taken by Mr.
Duncan when he first went to Nankin, and used with
the utmost economy, was expended, and he dared not,
would not, leave his post. Two of the Nankin
bankers had given him the names of agents in Hang-
chau — where, for the time being, the head-quarters of
the China Inland Mission were located. Through
these firms, he was told, money could be remitted to
him ; but we in Hang-chau found that one of them
had failed, and that the other had left the city ; we
were, therefore, left without the means of remitting.
Of this we informed him by letter, before his store
ran out, but he failed to find any other channel
through which funds could be sent to him. His
Christian servant asked him, " What are we to do
when the money is all gone ? " " Work on for God,
and trust Him," was Mr. Duncan's unhesitating reply.
The little supply did come to an end ; Mr. Duncan
did work on and trust in God. His Christian servant
said to him, " I have saved from my wages five
dollars (about ;£i), you must accept it from me as a
gift." Mr. Duncan thankfully did so ; but after a time
this money also was exhausted.
Saturday came round, and not one penny was left.
Mr. Duncan went out to preach as usual, and in the
various tea-shops of Nankin, and in its streets, told of
Him who is " able to save." His trust being in God,
he was neither anxious nor burdened. At length his
day's work over, he retraced his weary steps to his
humble lodging. His servant met him with a smiling
face. "Oh, sir! God has not forgotten us ; here is
Mr. Rudland with some money." " Did not I tell
you," replied Mr. Duncan, "that God could not forget
us ? It is safe to trust Him." We may add that Mr.
Rudland had unexpectedly returned to Hang-chau a
week or ten days before — just as we were in trouble,
on account of our inability to forward money to Mr.
Duncan, and that he at once left with supplies. His
passage had been taken by boat, and he was to have
travelled by water all the way to Nankin ; but at a cer-
tain point of the journey the water was so low, through
the breakage of an embankment, that he was obliged
to leave the boat and proceed overland. This made
the journey more laborious and expensive, but brought
him to Nankin four days earlier than he would otlier-
wise have arrived. Our readers will not fail to notice
how providentially all this was ordered.
DEPARTURE OF MISSIONARIES.
Many of our readers will rejoice with us as they learn
that the three missionaries, to whom we referred in
our last number, are now on their way to China.
They sailed in the Fleurs Castle on August 4th.
Messrs. Cameron and Nicoll are from Mr. Guinness's
Training Institute ; Mr. Clarke has for nine years
laboured in connection with Miss Macpherson's work
in London and Canada. Notices of the farewell
meetings will be found on page 36. We have before
referred to Mr. M. Henry Taylor's visit to Ho-nan ;
one of the three brethren will (d.v.) join him in
evangelizing that province ; the other two hope to pro-
ceed to Si-chuen. When these brethren have entered
on their work, and Messrs. Stevenson and Soltau
have reached Yun-nan, via Burmah, the fourth, fifth,
and sixth of the nine unevangelized provinces* will no
longer be destitute of the Gospel. We hope that
labourers for the provinces numbered one, two, and
tliree, in the table, will also leave us in the course of
a -few months, and ask the prayers of our readers that
this hope may be reahsed.
See table on next page.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
27
6Iptta'$ ||iHbtt$.
OUR HEADING.
{Chinese for Ehenezer.")
" Hitherto hath tlie Lord helped us." Such was
the language of our hearts, as we commenced our
little paper.
The Lord has been with us " all the way." " Not
one thing hath failed, of all the good things which the
Lord your God spake concerning you ; all are come
to pass unto you, not one thing hath failed thereof."
(Josh, xxiii. 14.)
O
(Chinese for Jehovah-Jireh.)
"The Lord will provide." W/iaf wiW He provide?"
A/l we need ; all we have faith to ask, in the name of
Jesus:
Do we desire to hear the glad tidings of salvation
echoing over every Chinese hill, and valley, and
bustling city ? Do we long to see the stately mandarin
reading the Word of God with his now neglected wife,
and the sick and lonely woman rejoicing in the
presence of Him who sticketh closer than a brother ?
Do our hearts yearn to hear the sweet story of old
from the lips of every little child ? Then let us not be
weary or faithless in asking, till all
CHINA'S MILLIONS
shall have heard of a Saviour's love.
Dear Reader, in yonder isolated village, if you find
it difficult to form a definite idea of China's 400
millions, will you bear with a homely illustration ?
Supposing on this first day of September, 1875, you
begin to count, and continue perseverihgly day and
night until the first of September 1887, or for twelve
years, you would not then have counted 400 millions.
They would form hand in hand a line long CHOugh
to reach the moon, or to encircle the earth ten times
at the equator.
And amongst so vast a population, there must ne-
cessarily be many deaths, 33,000 in a single day.
Since you commenced reading this paper, it is probable
that more than a hundred souls have passed from
time to eternity.
OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
The work is as much yours who stay at home, as ours
who go to China. Every time you. breathe a prayer
for China's millions, or speak of China's need, or even
try to extend the circulation of our monthly paper, you
are helping in the work. And may not some amongst
you, with youth, and zeal, and love for souls, be ready
to go to them, and bear the glad tidings of a Saviour's
love ? You feel, like Isaiah, of " unclean lips " — for
the presence of God always discovers sin — but the
live coal from off the altar is laid on your mouth ;
your iniquity is forgiven, your sin is purged ; and when
you hear the voice of the Lord saying, " Whom shall
I send?" will you not answer, " Here am I, send me ? "
You/tave cast your sins on Jesus, will you not now lay
yourself on the altar? You /icr7i£ said, " Just as I am " for
salvation; will you not now say, "Just as I am" for
His service ?
THE NINE
UNEVANGELIZED
OF CHINA.
PROVINCES
NAME.
AKEA.
POPULATION.
Northern.
1. Kan-suh ...
2. Shen-si
3. Shan-si
i. Ho-nan
Central.
5. Si-chuen •..
Southern.
G. Yun-nan ...
7. Kwei-ohau .
8. Hu-nan ...
9. Kwang-si ...
Sqr. Miles.
|- 154,000 1
55,268
65,104
166,800
107,969
64,554
74,000
78,250
16 Millions.
14* Millions.
15:'r Millions.
25i Millions.
27 Millions.
8 Millions.
7i Millions.
25l Millions.
10;} Millions.
Total
765,945
150 Millions.
GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND
(for comparison.)
England and
Wales
Scotland
Ireland
58,320
31,324
31,754
22= Millions.
31 Millions.
5 j Millions.
Total
121,398
31i Millions.
SOULS SAVED IN HO-NAN.
As we are going to press, a deeply interesting diary
has been received from Mr. M. Henry Taylor, from
which we hope to print copious extracts in our next.
Several persons appear to have put on Christ m
this i/ie first of the nine heretofore unoccupied
provinces.
28
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
"i|ma hx i|TOl."
" From this day will I bless you." — IIao. ii. 19.
" 0 Lord, there is no7ie like Thee, neilher is there any
God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard
with our ears. And what one nation in the earth is
like Thy people Israel? . . . For Thy people
Israel didst Thou make Thine own people for ever;
and Thou, Lord, becamest their God. Therefore now,
Lord, let the thing that Thou hist spoken. . . be
established for ever, and do as Thou hast said. Let it
even be established, that Thy name may be magnified
for ever. . . ; For Thou blessest, O Lord, and it
shall be blessed for ever." (i Chron. xvii. 20-27).
Such were some of the exclamations of David, as
he sat before the Lord, after receiving God's gracious
promises by the hand of the Prophet Nathan; Such
may be our joyous expression's, as we appropriate by
faith the promise, " From this day will I bless you."
For " God is not a man, that He should lie ; neither
the son of man, that He should repent : hath He
said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken,
and shaH He not make it good ?" The only question
for us to consider is, Hath He said it ? — said it to us ?
That He did say it, in the times of the Prophet
Haggai, is unquestionable. Let us ask ourselves to
whom, and under what circumstances, was the pro-
mise first given ? Was it to the godly Daniel, when he
cheerfully accepted the lion's den, rather than change
his hour and place of prayer? or to the Hebrew
children, who braved a tyrant's wrath, and the flames
of the fiery furnace ? Was it to some holy man, as he
crowned a life-long service by an act of pre-eminent
devotion ? No, no ; far otherwise. Not to one, but
to many, was the promise given ; not as the reward of
long-continued and faithful service, but to those who
but a few weeks before had been reproved for their
sin and indifference, their selfishness and their sloth.
Barely two months before, God had called them to
consider their ways, and the sorrowful end of them :
now He calls their attention to His way, and to the
fulness of blessing which He is about to bestow.
Whence this great difference ? and what are ive to
learn from it ? They had been caring for themselves.
They dwelt in ceiled houses — the Lord's house lay
waste. They sowed much, but brought in little ; ate,
but were still hungry ; drank, but were not satisfied.
They clothed themselves, but none were warm ; and
earned wages, but to put it into a bag with holes.
Thev looked for much, but it came to little. " Why ?
saith the Lord of Hosts. Because of Mine House
that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own liouse.
Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and
the earth is stayed from her fruit. And I called for a
drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and
upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the
oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth,
and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon the labour
of the hands."
So it had been. But now the people, with their
leaders, obeyed the voice of God, and began to build
the house of the Lord. And at once they received the
promise of blessing. " Consider now, from this day
and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the
ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of
the Lord's temple was laid " — " before a stone was
laid upon a stone" — "from this day will I bless you."
Oh ! how ready He is to bless !
God changes not : His principles of action are the
same now as then. Self-seeki'lig defeats itself; but the
■path of obedience leads to blessing. God commanded
Noah and his sons to replenish the earth ; but they
said, "Let us build us a city and a tower . . . lest we
be scattered abroad." And God had to confound their
language ere they would disperse. " Go ye into all the
world," said the Lord Jesus ; but He had to send per-
secution, ere the disciples dispersed themselves abroad,
and went everywhere preaching the Word. Much of
the bitter sectarian feeling of bygone days, much of
the inadequate result of the teaching and preaching in
our own times, is to be traced to the same cause.
Some pray to be filled with the Spirit, and are not
filled ; preach the Gospel, and few are converted ; try
to build up and edify believers, and much effort is
followed by little result. Why? Because of those in
the highways and hedges at home who are uncared
for ; because of the millions abroad who are unsought.
God cannot, will not, does not, bless those who are
living in disobedience. But only set out in the path of
obedience, and at once, before one stone is laid upon
another, God is eager, as it were, to pour out His
blessing. " From this day will I bless you."
In pleading for China's Millions, we need but
little argument. " Preach the Gospel to every creature"
is the command — broad,^ simple, unmistakable. Here
are not individuals merely, but whole tribes, and races,
destitute of the Gospel ; and of the vast Chinese popu-
lation, each morn, as its arisSs, sheds its light on 30,000
souls who Jtever heard of Jesus, who, ere the morrow
dawns, will die as they have lived. , My Christian
reader, what hn^e you done for them? What are you
doing for them ? What do you intend to do for them ?
Can God say to you, " From this day will I bless you "?
30
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
A LETTER FROM MR. MCCARTHY TO
A FRIEND IN ENGLAND.
" Your kind note arrived here this morning : very many
thanks for the cheque enclosed. You will be glad to
know that it came most opportunely, enabling me to
start on what may be my last tour of inspection of the
stations under my charge, before leaving for England.
I am very thankful that in Mr. Bailer we have a most
efficient missionary. He has considerable influence
for good over the native Christians, and is ably seconded
by his wife, whose former experience is, of course, of
much help to him. They leave this in a few days for
Gan-k'ing, and hope to make that place their home.
Mr. Bailer will thus be in a good position to look after
the stations in the Gan-hwuy province, especially as
we are asking the Lord for a co-worker, and we may
hope that the answer * to our prayers will not be long
delayed.
" Since my last letter we have been enabled to place
men in three prefectural cities t of Gan-hwuy. This
morning I received word that the magistrate at the
last of these places had given the men a proclamation
for the chapel ; so, with the Lord's blessing, we may
expect them to remain in peace. This is a great cause
for thankfulness ; and the more so, because the answer
to many, many prayers. This is the city in which two
men from Hang-chau resided for some six or seven
months. We are now looking to the Lord daily — ■
some of us oftener — that it may please Him to save
souls in each place. I would ask your united prayers
for this most desirable result. There may, and must,
be much preparatory work ; but the aim and end of all
must be the glory of the Lord Jesus in the salvation
of souls. The work often appears uphill, and the
results seem as yet meagre. But I trust that we are
on the eve of seeing a great work of God, even in poor
China. The trudi is being circulated among the
people \ in many places they are becoming accustomed
to the sound of the Gospel, and in some measure are
learning to know something of its meaning. The
farmer has to " wait " for the harvest ; and this is the
Scriptural figure used with regard to the work in which
we are engaged. After all, even though others should
reap where we have sown — sometimes with tears, and
in much fear and trembling — what matters it, if the
harvest is gathered home at last ? Sower and reaper
will then rejoice, and rejoice together, and the name
of the Lord Jesus will be glorified. I am more and
* Mr. George King will ere Ibis have joined him.
_t Fong-yang, Niiig-kwob, Hwuy-cliau.
more convinced that our one concern should be to do
with our might what our hands find to do, having no
confidence in the flesh, but full confidence in Him who
raised our Lord from the dead, and who can raise these
poor people from the state of sin and death in which
they now lie.
" Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are here now, and pro-
pose to remain with Mrs. Duncan. The two schools
can thus be attended to, and Mr. Williamson can
superintend the stations connected with this place. I
am thankful he has decided to remain.
" We examined five candidates for baptism a few
Sundays ago in this place. I am very ^glad to hear
-that Mr. Stevenson is starting for Western China; we
remember him continually in prayer. I quite expect
the Lord's blessing on the effort. Some of us take it
as the answer to many prayers, though we scarcely
anticipated that one in every way so suitable as
Mr. Stevenson could have been found to make the
attempt."
CASTING yVWAY IDOLS.
(^Concluded from par/e 23.)
"Next door to them lives an elderly woman, who
also takes a lively interest in the truth. She led
Mrs. Stott about to a good many places in the
neighbourhood, where she had abundant opportuni-
ties of witnessing for Jesus. This woman has three
sons, two of whom manifest great interest in the
truth; also her daughter-in-law. One of the sons
especially, seems as if the root of the matter was
in him ; his attendance at prayers in the next house
is very regular, and for nearly a year he has re-
frained from work on the Lord's day. The idols
have also been thrown out of that house long ago.
When the second son threw them out, his elder bro-
ther scolded him ; but their mother said, ' The idols
have been in the house all these years, and you have
never worshipped them, and you are so stupid and
careless tl^at you are not likely to do it. Now that we
know of the true God, and Jesus Christ who saves us,
you will not worship Him either; but when others
kneel to pray, you sit with a stupid face, and smoke
your pipe ! '
" The house of the older member is about four
miles off: we went there also, but we were so thronged
by hundreds of people crowding about us, that we did
not get much time with him. That man had a bad
wife, and before he joined the Church they often
quarrelled; and once since, the peace has been broken.
But the neighbours say they never quarrel now ;
she tries to b2 good, and he tries to overlook her
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
31
faults. Tlie husband thinks her much improved ; she
sits by him morning and evening, while he reads the
Scriptures, and then kneels with him while he prays."
Mr. Stott adds, " On our return we found that Mr.
Jackson had already gone to Ch'u-chau, a city nearly
100 miles up the country, because of difificulty about
the house which his assistant had rented there. I am
sure you will pray for us, that this important place may
become a centre of Christian effort. If we gain it, we
gain access to ten counties; if we lose it, we lose them."
PLAN OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE
CHINA INLAND MISSION.
The study of the Acts of the Apostles, leads to the
conclusion that a plan of Missionary operations, some-
what like that adopted by them, would prove the most
effective whtrever the needy territories are large, and
the labourers are few. In China, we might mass our
Missionaries at the Free Ports ; but such stations,
while convenient for correspondence and European
society, would have the disadvantages of all the evil
influences of a large and nominally Christian com-
munity, among whom are many whose lives are
less moral than those of the heathen around them.
The early Missionaries, appear rather to have scat-
tered themselves. They visited important centres,
usually in twos or threes ; stayed there long enough
to commence a work, and then trusted much to
the keeping of God, and to such help as could be
afforded by epistles and occasional visits, for its further
progress. They had advantages which we do not
possess in China, in the godly Jews and proselytes,
already acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures,
who were found everywhere ; and who, when con-
verted, soon became able to lead and instruct the
converts from among the heathen. We may, there-
fore, anticipate the necessity of a somewhat prolonged
residence in our districts, for the purpose of instruct-
ing in the Word of God those who may be converted.
Still, the general principle, if a true one, should be kept
in mind. Our desire, therefore, is : —
First, to send two Missionaries, logetlier with two
native converts, to each unevangelized province of
China, who may begin by itinerating through the pro-
vince, and gather believers as the Lord enables them ;
locating themselves for a period of years in some
important centre (say the capital of the province, if
practicable), when He gives an open door.
Next, with the aid of converted natives of the
province, to extend the work to the capitals of the
circuits, then to prefectures, and _ subsequently to the
county cities, from which it may easily be carried to
the more important towns and villages of the county
itself.
HOW FAR CARRIED OUT.
But missionaries cannot go into distant provinces
without knowledge of the language, customs, habits,
&c., of the people ; and those who will become native
assistants, need, in the first instance, converting, and
then instructing; and require time to show themselves
possessed of gifts and of suitable spirit for such work.
Commencing from the basis of Ning-po, where
God had already used us in gathering a Church,
we began our operations as a Mission, by occupy-
ing the capital of the province, Hang-chau, for
a few years. Thence we extended our work to
the capitals of the four circuits into which the
province is divided; and have since sought to occupy
as many of the prefectural and county cities as we
have been able. In other words, we have endeavoured
to gain experience and suitable labourers, by carry-
ing out among the thirty millions of Cheh-kiang (the
province to which God first called us), the plan which
we wish to see worked in each of the others.
From that province, again, we extended our opera-
tions by the Grand Canal to the northern part of
Kiang-su, and by the Yang-tse-kiang to the (then)
wholly unoccupied province of Gan-hwuy, and to
stations in Kiang-si and Hu-peh, as bases for further
operations in the regions beyond. We have gradually
gathered around us a number of native Christians,
and a staff of seventy-six native assistants, by whose
instrumentality mainly, we are carrying on work in
fifty-two stations — most of them important centres,'^
and most of them occupied by our mission alone.
Several other stations have been opened and worked
for a time, from which we have retired, after finding
the agents of other Missionary societies prepared to
carry on permanent work in them. From some of our
stations, important for the full development of our
plans, and from which therefore we could not wholly
retire, though other missionaries were there, we have
withdrawn our European agents, leaving native
pastors in charge ; but from three or four we are
unable to withdraw our Missionaries, their presence
being required, not so much for the sake of local work,
as on account of the position they hold with reference
to the general operations of the Mission.
Our Missionaries have been accepted from all the
leading denominations, on satisfactory evidence of
their personal piety, soundness of faith on essential
points, and, as far as could be judged, fitness for the
work. Those whose views correspond on minor points,
* See List of Stations, and of Native and Foreign Workers.
32
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
work together, and, as far as possible, in contiguous
districts. When the Lord uses them to gather
Churches, they are at liberty to carry out those views
of Church government which they believe to be most
scriptural. The area we cover being wide, there is
little danger of clashing, and the harmony of our
work has never been disturbed by questions arising
from difference of views.
l[ur i|]s f0«ng.
rORTUNE-TELLING IN CHINA.
( With an Illustration.)
China surely is the very paradise of fortune-tellers !
Professional and non-professional, priestly and lay,
scholarly and iUiterate, fortune-tellers by astrology,
by table-turning, and spirit-writing, by the look of your
face, by the palm of your hand, by the lot that you
draw, or (as in the illustration given in the opposite
page) by the lot drawn for you by a trained bird ;
fortune-tellers wide-awake and far-seeing, fortune-
tellers blind and mysterious ; everywhere they are to
be seen, by every one they are consulted, about
every matter they are in request. The emperor relies
on them, the viceroy uses them, the mandarins look
to them, the people depend on them.
A baby-boy is born, and the neighbours all flock to
congratulate the happy parents — for the birtli of a boy
is hailed by rich and poor ; or a girl, and all unite in
condolence ; but in either case one of the first cares
is to notice the " eight characters." And what are
these wonderful characters, thought to be of such deep
moment ? Two for the year, two for the month, two
for the day, and two for the hour ; these indicate the
time of its birth. Nothing can be done without them.
The child cannot be sent to school nor apprenticed ;
the youth cannot be betrothed or married ; business
cannot be commenced, or a journey undertaken; a
house may not be built, — or, lastly, a coffin may not
be bought, or a site for a grave chosen — both of which
a prudent man often sees after for himself — without
these " eight characters " coming into use. After a
man dies, they will be cut on his gravestone, and
painted on the ancestral tablet, for worship in the
family temple or shrine. For "luck" in life, for
happiness after death, they are held to be essential.
And this is only one of the many ways in which fortune-
telling is practised.
Look at the crowd gathering round the fortune-
teller in the woodcut. To the left is a military man-
darin, coming up with his gaping attendant behind
him. The bird on the table is selecting the lot which
is to determine the fate of the young gentleman with
the pipe in his hand, who is come to have his fortune
told. See how his "boy," or servant, holding an
open umbrella to protect his master from the sun, is
stooping with eagerness to learn what his master's
success will be. To the right of the table some boys
are looking on ; perhaps they, too, wish to know what
will be the issue of their studies. Still further to the
right is a farmer, with his large spectacles, closed
umbrella over his right shoulder, and his palm-leaf
fa;n in his hand. He is hoping, and yet fearing, to
hear how his crops will turn out. A coolie, with his
tail wound round his head, is watching the proceed-
ings ; and a young scholar stands between him and
the fortune-teller : he may be known by his skull-cap
fitting close to his head. The cloth on the table
displays the name of the fortune-teller, written
horizontally from right to left. The branch of art
which he practises is written beneath them perpen-
dicularly. The cap, or conical hat, worn by the
fortune-teller, is surmounted by a gold knob, or
button, which tells us that he is a literary graduate, — :
as the milk-white knob on the hat of the military
mandarin denotes his rank in the army. Thus rich
and poor are all believers in the same superstitions ;
for they have never been taught that Truth which
makes the people of God happy and free. Let us
thank Him for the blessings we enjoy, and pray that
soon the poor Chinese too may share in them, and
learn to put their trust in Him. They do not know
God as a loving Father, watching over and caring for
His people ; they do not know where to put their
trust, and so they are easily led by these blind guides.
How different the case of David, who was able to
say (referring to the heathen temples and oracles,
then, as now, built "on every high hill, and under
every green tree" ^'0 = —
" Shall I lift up mine eyes to the hills ?
" Whence should my help come ? (margin)
" My help cometh from the Lokd,
" Which made heaven and earth.
" He will not suffer thy foot to be moved :
" He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
" Behold, He that keepeth Israel
" Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
" The Lokd is thy keeper :
" The Lokd is thy shade upon thy right hand.
" The sun shall not smite thee by day,
" Nor the moon by night. ■ ;
" The Lord shiiU preserve thee from all evil :
" He shall preserve thy soul.
" The Lokd shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in,
" From this time forth, and even for evermore."
• 1 Kings xiv. 23 ; Jer. iii. 23.
34
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
%%mmx\^ %im^t\%.
FROM GLASGOW TO BURMAH.
Notes from the Diary of Mr. Henry Soltau.
[Continued f7'om page 22.^
"After leaving Lake Menzalah, a beautiful sight met
our gaze on looking across the desert to the east, namely,
the bright and alluring mirage. Apparently there were
mountains reflected in clearwater,andlittle rocks jirtting
up here and there as far as the eye could see. I could
imagine the joy of a poor thirsty, travel-stained, worn-
out traveller journeying through the desert, as he sees
in the distance before him a beautiful lake, encircled
by mountains, with fairy-like islets studding its
surface ; but how intense his misery and disappoint-
ment to find it all an illusion ; just as the pleasures
and honours of this world appear to men and women,
fair, promising, satisfying, and refreshing, to end only
in vexation of spirit and utter misery.
THE SUEZ CANAL.
" The sun was well up in the heavens ; our pilot
(French) was on board, and the sky was cloudless, as
with a steady, cool, north-east breeze we slowly steamed
carefully down the canal, between two high banks of
sand, mixed with portions of clay, dried and burnt in
the sun. The canal water was a deep blue, as deep
as the colour of the sky ; I expected to find it muddy
and murky, something of the colour of the Thames,
and was agreeably surprised to find it so clear.
" The sun shining on the sand is very dazzling.
Sometimes the banks appear quite golden, at other
times silvery, reflecting great heat. Our journey,
however, has been most pleasant and comfortable,
not even heat enough to require the drinking water
to be cooled with ice.
" On Thursday afternoon we came to a stop : in
front of us was a steamer agrouiad. After dinner we
all turned out into the desert.
THE DESERT AT NIGHT.
" The desert at night is very strange, not a sound
of any description can be heard ; not even the crawl-
ing of an insect, or the rustle of a leaf. All is still as
death, and one feels constrained not to make a noise.
The moon and stars shone out very brightly; the
latter being more brilliant, and their colour more
distinct than in England. A dozen Arabs of the
desert spent the night on the sands outside the
Dhoolia. Before going to sleep they entertained
us with some of their extraordinary music and dancing ;
one or two of the dances appeared to be war-dances.
Their bodies are so supple that they twist them in
various shapes, without moving their feet. They
seemed highly pleased with their own performances,
expressing their gratification by loud bursts of
laughter.
" On Friday morning, the 23rd, several of the
Turkish soldiers came on board the Tenasserim.
" Mr. Stevenson and I went over the DliocUa
and made the acquaintance of some of the passengers
and crew ; eight young gentlemen were on their way
to Ceylon as coffee-planters. I was able to give one
a copy of ' The Soul and its Difficulties.' All the
passengers and the captain were invited to lunch with
us, and they spent the afternoon playing quoits — our
ship beating them each game. We were invited to
dine, and spend the evening there, and were glad of
the opportunity of conversing with some of our
countrymen after being away from home so long. A
very good dinner was provided ; and we remained on
board till about 10 p.m. I had an interesting con-
versation with a gentleman, who, I believe, was not
far from the kingdom. I gave the captain two dozen
copies of Moody and Sankey's hymn books, as they
sing some of the hymns occasionally on Sunday
evenings. May the Lord bless those little books to
the conversion of some of the passengers. After
leaving the ship, Mr. Stevenson and I took a stroll in
the desert before retiring for the night. It was a
pleasant change after being so long in a hot saloon.
" Saturday, April 2\th. — Early this morning we left
for Suez, following iht Dhoolia; she had to lead the
way. We soon came to Lake Timsah, and found it
a very pretty piece of water, on the west side of which
is situated the little town of Ismaiha. The deepest
cutting in the canal is just outside this lake ; it was a
very difficult piece of engineering, as the sand rushed
in as fast as it was dug out. Ismailia is far more
picturesque and clean-looking than Port Said, and
has some good buildings. One house, which stands at
the northern extremity of the lake, is famous because
the Empress Eugenie stayed here when she opened the
canal. There is a much larger building, called the
palace, in the centre of the town. We did not stay
to anchor, but passed through the lake.
" Passing on, we again entered the narrow canal,
and are now in
THE BITTER LAKES.
"These lakes cover a large surface, but are very
shallow, except where the canal passes through them.
They were mere dry flats, until the water was let into the
canal. In these lakes were lying one or two dredges,
which were very similar in appearance to those so
often seen on the Thames ; none of them were at
work, which was disappointing. At one spot, we espied
an Arab, mounted on a donkey, riding along the
bank. He was armed with a rifle, which was fastened
so as to stand upright behind his left shoulder. He
was looking very dignified, and as proud of himself as
if he were one of the Horse Guards at Whitehall.
SUEZ.
" We came to Suez sooner than I expected. It is a
small, neat-looking, and busy little town. Several
vessels were lying in the harbour, waiting to enter the
canal. There is no lock or imposing structure at the
mouth of the canal. A breaKwater runs close by the
entrance, but nothing more has been done to render
this important place beautiful and grand.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
THE RED SEA.
" Soon after leaving Suez, and entering the Red Sea,
we passed on the left bank or shore some greenish
shrubs, which are said to mark the spot where Moses'
well stood, at which he watered the flock of his father-
in-law. There is a well there still. A gap in the
mountains on our right, was said to be the point where
the Israelites stood when they saw Pharaoh behind,
and the Red Sea in front of them ; and the moun-
tains on the right and on the left hand. The God of
Israel, who brought them through the sea, is taking
us down the sea, and our enemies are all conquered
by the cross, and we are more than conquerors. He
goes before us.
" On each side of the gulf of Suez, a chain of
mountains runs parallel with the coast ; those on the
right hand running south-west, and those on the
peninsula of Sinai, to our left, running south-east.
Before morning, we were almost out of sight of Sinai ;
but I noticed a range of peaks which reminded me
of the photographs of Mount Sinai which I have
seen in London.
"Sunday morning, April 2^th. — After reading and
prayer, we met a good number in the saloon for
service. Mr. Stevenson gave out, ' All people that
on earth do dwell,' and prayed ; he also gave out the
hymn, ' I am so glad that Jesus loves me,' which was
heartily sung. It being my turn to speak, I took up
the subject of Israel, by faith, passing through the Red
Sea, and the destruction of the Egyptians ; briefly
tracing first the history of Israel up to that time,
and especially their deliverance from the judgment of
Egypt by the blood of the lamb. All were very
attentive, and I felt happy in speaking of God's
faithfulness in this very sea so many hundred years ago.
"The Bible narratives acquire an increased interest
by being read on the spot where they occurred. At
the close we sang, ' I hear Thy welcome voice,' and
after prayer separated."
(Zb he, continued.')
fuix^.
[Lines written at the grave of the father and sister of Mr. Henry Soltaii, now in Buvmah. The writings of Mr. Soltau, sen.,
have been translated into several languages, and are used by Missionaries in various lands. — Ed.]
"HE BEING- DEAD, YET SPEAKBTH."
Is THIS his grave ? This, the memorial stone
That speaks her name ? The parted sire and child ?
Lo ! the good Shepherd spoke, calling her home.
And list'ning to His words she followed Him
Whose loving voice she knew, until He brought
Her willing footsteps safe into the fold.
Again the Shepherd speaks ! and now the car
Long deaf to earthly sounds of joy or woe.
Wakes to that voice of harmony Divine.
Heart speaks to heart, and sight and sound and sense
Have wakened to the melody of heaven,
And in that home of everlasting rest
Father and child have met.
Shall we look here to find his epitaph ?
Ah ! we may stoop to read the honoured name
So dear to many hearts to whom he spoke
The words of life, — bonds that are not of earth.
But does our God look here ? No ! for He lists
Where children's voices rise in songs of praise ;
Where sick ones love the story of the cross;
In lowly homes, in mansions fair, in climes
Beyond the salt sea waves. He sees the gems
That speak this name.
Midst Norway's rugged rocks, where snow-crowned
pines
Wave to the storm, we know his voice is heard.
Spain's softer tones whisper the words of hfe
Traced by his hand ; and iron hearts are bowed.
And souls are brought to God, and other tongues
Breathe forth his words, and bless the Saviour's name.
A sister's grave, a father's fading life,
Had brought a son and brother from his toil
Mid the great city's strife, to share the cares
Of that bereaved home; until a voice
Bade him leave friends and country, and go forth
To speak in heathen lands of Jesus' love,
And be a chosen tool meet for His hand —
God keep it ever burnished, ever keen.
Ready for Him to wield !
So on far Burmah's shore, by faith we see
Some living stones, more precious than its gold,
Brought into God's own temple fair and pure,
To sing His praises there for evermore.
Onward we look again, and China brings
Her diamonds and rubies — precious souls,
Who know with joy the Father's boundless love.
And speak Immanuel's name. Hark ! how glad
Hosannahs rise! for children sing His praise;
And temples fall, and ransomed sinners bring
Their treasures and their idols to His feet.
These are the letters fair that speak of him,
Graved by God's mighty hand of power and love.
Are there no " graves of memory," where lie
Our shattered idols, and our earth-born hopes ?
Are there no other graves that cry. Go forth.
And speak to " China's Millions " of His love ?
Yes ! there is one, a holy, empty grave.
From which it echoes ever ; and on high
The risen Saviour speaks the pledge of power.
Ah ! ye, who may not go, stretch hands of faith,
As kings and priests, unto our conq'ring Lord.
Like Aaron, and like Hur, lift up the hands
That grasp the rod of God,
36
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
T«bitldxiri| ffii^^ltttr}^*
Deeply interesting meetings in connection with the
departure of our new missionaries, Messrs. Cameron,
NicoU, and Clarke, have been held as under : —
METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE.
(mr. spukgeon's.) , ,
At the prayer meeting on Monday, July 19th, about fifteen
hundred persons were present. An address on the need of
China, and some account ot the work there, was given by Mr.
Hudson Taylor ; and the brethren about to proceed to China
were earnestly commended to God in prayer. Mr. Vernon J.
Charlesworth presided.
. HOME OF. INDUSTRY.
(miss macpheeson's.)
"The usual worker's meeting for praise,)prayer, and conference,
held at Miss Macpherson's " Home" on Wednesd.iy, the 2Jst,
proved unusually pleasant and profitable. The presence of two
of the young missionaries, who are on the eve of starting for
China, lent an unwonted interest to the proceedings."
After giving a most interesting account of her work, " Miss
Macpherson said that to-night she felt much moved, as the first
soul whom the Lord gave her in that corner of the vineyard was
about to leave for a foreign field. She then gave an account of
George W. Clarke's conversion (one of the missionaries about
to start for China), and said that he had been all along her
right-hand man and earnest co-worker in all her efforts to reach
the perishing. By the labour of his o^vn hands, he had main-
tiincd himself three winters at college in Canada and the United
States, and now he has volunteered for China. Addresses by
Mr. Clarke, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Hudson Taylor, and others, were
given ; and, after prayer, this interesting meeting was brought
to a close." — Abridged from " Word and Work."
i' EDINBURGH CASTLE."
(de. baknakdo's.)
" On Friday evening, the 23rd, a deeply interesting meeting
took place at the " Edinburgh . Castle," when three young
brethren were commended to God in prayer for their life-work
as missionaries iji China. The chair was taken by Dr. Baniardo,
who, in a few words, stated the object of the meeting, and com-
mended to the prayer and fellowship of God's people Mr.
Hudson Taylor, the founder and honorary director of the China
Inland Mission, in connexion with which the three brethren
present were going out.
"Mr. Taylor gave a deeply interesting account of the Lord's
dealings with him in China, and of the great needs of the mil-
lions of heathen there. He instanced some remarkable con-
versions, one of which must have touched the hearts of all
present. It was the story of a man, now a zealous native
Christian, who, when in search after truth, had travelled nearly
2,000 miles before coming in contact with a single disciple of
that Saviour who, when leaving His church, had said, ' Go ye
into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'
However, the native, a most intelligent and earnest man, heard
of Christ from Mr. Judd, in the open air at Chin-kiang ; and
being led to embrace the truth, became, and is now, a devoted
and c.irnest preacher of the gospel.
"Mr. Cameron, from Mr. Guinness's East End Training Insti-
tute, followed. He is a tall, strong, vigorous Scotchman, and
speaks with great feeling, evidencing not a little spiritual per-
ception and cultivated intelligence. His remarks upon the words
of the Master, ' Follow me,' were very impressive, and gave the
key-note to bis own life of proposed devotedness to that Master's
service in China.
" Mr. George Nicoll, also from the Institute, at once won the
sympathies of those present. With a heart that has learned not
a little of the ways of God in a peculiar school of experience,
he has laid himself and his motherless child upon the altar of
his Lord's service in that distant land. The words he spoke on
Friday night were few, but deeply solemn and touching.
" Mr. Clarke, the third missionary, has been for some eight or
nine years a fellow-labourer with Miss Macpherson, working in
Spitalfields and in Canada. His experience in dealing with souls
has been considerable, and liis address on the present occasion,
given with a view to reach the unsaved who Might be present,
was marked with singular power, and all the signs of a true
evangelistic gift. We are quite sure our brother, by God's grace,
will ably do the work of an evangelist.
"The speech of the evening was, however, Mr. Reginald
Kadcliffe's. The character of our brother's addresses is well
known to all to whom his name is familiar. But this evening
his spirit was stiiTcd to its depths by the occasion which had
brought ns together, and his words were words of faith and burn-
ing zeal, which can never be forgotten by those who were
privileged to listen to them. All in the meeting were deeply
solemnised and refreshed ; the spirit of the Lord was there, and
when Mr. Eadelilfe fell upon his knees to plead for the Divine
blessing to follow onr brethren, to keep and energize them, and
to stir up thousands in the land to be earnest in toiling for the
Master's kingdom, oft-repeated ' amens,' and the manifest wor-
shipful feelings of the audience, proved that a meeting may be
protracted until past ten o'clock if God is present and the Lord
Jesus glorified.
" Dr. Heywood Smith followed, closing this precious and
never-to-be-forgotten meeting with earnest and believing prayer."
: — From " The Christian."
EAST LONDON TABERNACLE.
(llEV. AECIIIBALD EKOWN's.)
A meeting, very largely attended, was held on Afonday, July
26tli. Addresses were given by Messrs. Archibald Brown,
Gratt.au Guinness, Frank White, and Hudson Taylor, and by the
dejiarting missionaries. There, also, in earnest prayer, they
were commended to the care and blessing of God.
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
(rev. adolph sapbik's.)
A very, interesting meeting, presided over by R. H. Hill, Esq.,
was held in the above church on Tuesday, the 27th. Addresses
wei-e given by Mr. Rudland (lately returned from China), by
Mr. Cameron, Mr. Clarke, and Mr. Hudson Taylor ; and prayer
was offered for blessing upon the brethren going forth.
PARAGON-ROAD CHAPEL, HACKNEY.
A tea-meeting was held at Faragon-road Chapel, Hackney, on
Wednesday, the 28th. After tea, Messrs. Rudlaud, Hudson
Taylor, and the departing missionaries, gave addresses, which
were listened to with the deepest interest ; after which prayer
was offered for much blessing upon the work.
WEST LONDON TABERNACLE.
(me. vaeley's.)
On Thursday, the 29th, a meeting for prayer was also held at
Mr. Varley's, in which Messrs. Hill, Hudson Taylor, Cameron,
Nicoll, and Clarke took part.
HARLEY HOUSE, BOW.
On Friday, the 31st, the brethren were able to be present at
the meeting preliminary to the dispersion of the students of the
East End Training Institute. Here again, as would be expected,
the warmest interest was manifested in their arduous and impor-
tant undertaking. Surely much blessing will follow tlie many
and earnest prayers offered at these meetings.
China's Millions,
AND OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
PAGODA AT RANGOON.
BURMESE PAGODAS.
By Mr. henry SOLTAU. .
Pagodas are very corarcon in and . near Rangoon.
That in the centre of the town is built of solid
masonry, and is ascended by steps. It is entirely
covered with gold leaf. On the steps may be often
seen rice or fruits offered to Gaudama (Buddha), but
eaten by the crows. These birds abound in all the
streets ; they are very audacious, flying into the houses
and helping themselves off the plates when no one is
near.
The Great Pagoda is an immense structure, covered
with gold leaf. It and its buildings stand on a high
mound, artificially raised on one of the most elevated
sites near Rangoon, from which it is three or four
miles distant. Approaching from the Rangoon side,
you immediately ascend a long covered flight of steps,
NO. 4. — OCTOBER, 1875.
mostly made of brick and earth. The roof-work
covering these steps is richly and elegantly carved, and
in some parts gilded. To the right and left as you
ascend you pass beggars who ask for alms, and
Burmese women with little stalls of flags, candles, and
ardficial flowers, sold for offerings. At the top you
find yourself immediately in front of the Great Pagoda,
with its costly jewelled umbrella or top.
The Pagoda itself is surrounded by a flight of steps
at its base, the circumference becoming smaller as you
ascend. On a level with its base is a large platform,
from which beautiful views of the surrounding country
may be obtained. On the one side, the lakes are seen
lying at your feet, their banks green with the rich
tropical foliage. From another point, Rangoon is
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
visible, with the houses and gardens of the residents
in the cantonment. The river, and the other streams
forming tlie delta of the Irrawaddy, are seen stretching
away in another direction. The palms, jack-fruit trees,
tamarinds, with many other trees and bushes of
luxuriant foliage, and the green fields and hedges, are
now in perfection, and give one a good idea of the
richness of the vegetation.
On this platform are situated many temples or sheds,
mostly made of wood, some of which have richly
carved gables to the roofs, and have the roofs rising
in tiers one above the other. In them you see
nothing but immense idols, made of plaster for the
most part, and gilded. Their faces are well worked
up, all the countenances being exactly alike, — images
of Gaudama. The ears and eye-balls are painted
black, the lips and finger-ends red. In many cases the
clothing on the idols is not represented by the gold-
leaf, but the idol is covered with a kind of coloured
glass, very dim. The gilt image of Gaudama is placed
opposite the entrance. In front of it is a kind of
wooden frame on which the worshippers place their
candles, to burn before it as they worship. A kind of
bowl by the side receives the flowers and paper
ornaments also offered. There are many of these
structures similar to one another. In one, we saw a
poor Burman carefully modelling a new face on the
old image.
At the base of the Pagoda, immediately contiguous to
these buildings, are four or five temples of much larger
size and more elegant construction. The images are
the same as those in the smaller temples, but some are
made of brass. In a deep niche in the wall, opposite the
entrance, is an image of Gaudama, with ten other
smaller idols apparently worshipping him. These niches
are covered with grease, and are black with smoke.
A BURMESE WORSHIPPER.
As we stood in one of these places, looking round,
some Burmans entered, bringing candles and flowers.
They came a little way in, then squatted on the floor
in a way peculiar to the Orientals : folding their hands
as in prayer, they spread out their fingers, and resting
their little fingers on the ground, bent forward and
touched their thumbs with their foreheads three
times. Resuming the squatting position, with their
eyes fixed on the idol, they raised their hands,
which were kept close together, to the right cheek, and
uttered their prayers to the idols.
These poor Burmans were the first idolaters I had
seen in the act of worship. The feeling which comes
over one, when face to face for the first time with
heathen worshippers, is one of inexpressible sadness
and pity. To see one's fellow men bowing down
before a greasy, ugly idol, with the earnestness and
sincerity of an Eastern worshipper, and to feel utterly
powerless to speak a word about the Lord Jesus, is
deeply affecting.
"Oh, soon may the people of every tribe and nation .
" Fulfil Thy blessed word, and cast their idols all away."
THE TREASURY.
In front of the pagoda is an immense iron box,
with about a dozen slits in the cover, as in ordinary
money boxes. This chest is locked with a large pad-
lock and chain. It contains the money and jewelry,
as well as gold and silver, which is dropped in. There
are many priests standing about, so that there is no
danger of any one breaking open the chest.
THE LARGE BELLS.
There are many large bells ; one of these bells we
saw. It was fixed in a large shed, and must have been
nine or ten feet in height, and about seven or eight
in diameter at the base. My companion and I
crawled in under it ; there would have been room for
four or five more.
The bell was made of brass; outside there were
inscriptions, and by the side lay a long pole, with a
bunch of dried grass fixed at one end to form a kind
of pad. AVhen a man has said a certain number of
prayers, he comes to this bell, and strikes it with the
pole on a certain part, which indicates the number of
prayers offered. If the bell is knocked on the lowest
rim it gives forth a certain sound, whereas when it is
struck higher up the tone is quite different. So truly
do these poor heathen pray " to be heard of men."
Small pagodas and temples full of idols form the
boundary to the large platform on which the pagoda
stands. The architecture is certainly good, and the
whole aspect of the place striking and beautiful.
"WHAT CAN WE DO FOR CHINA?"
"What CAN WE DO for China?" is the title of an
excellent little book by Mr. Cheyne Brady. It gives, in
a very short compass, a larger amount of important
information than any other publication of its size that
we remember. It has, moreover, the recommendation of
good type and toned paper ; so that it is a pleasure to
read it. We recommend all our readers to purchase and
circulate it. The price is only sixpence per dozen, and it
is published bythe Dublin Tract Repository, lo, D'Olier
Street, and by S. W. Partridge and Co., 9, Paternoster
Row, London. A kind friend interested in its circula-
tion having presented us with a considerable number of
these books, we shall be glad to forward them by post
to any address to the value of stamps sent us, at the rate
of sixpence for 10, inclusive of postage, one penny.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
39
|[or i|i Toattjt
JUSTICE.
A CHINESE STORY.
It was evening. The day's work was over, and the
mandarhi was whiling away the time by smoking his
" water pipe," and conversing with his personal at-
tendants. They were interrupted by the coming in
of one of the servants, who said, " A Mr. King wishes
to know whether he can see your Excellency?"
"What does he want?" asked the mandarin.
"I don't know," answered the servant; " of course
he i,aid, ' nothing particular,' but no one would come
here for nothing."
" Tell him I am gone to bed, and cannot see him."
" He seems to have a heavy parcel with him, your
Excellency."
"Does he? Well, that may alter the case ; tell him
I am taking my dinner and cannot see him just now,
and find out what he has come about."
" I understand."
The servant went out to the visitor, and told him
that his Excellency had just begun his dinner, and
could not see him at once, and asked him what his
business was. The visitor replied that he had no
special business, but wished to thank his Excellency
for a favour ; and intimated to the servant that if he
obtained an interview for him, he should not be " for-
gotten " (that is, unrewarded).
Now Mr. King had already given a present to the
boy who called the porter, given the latter a
bribe to let him in, and a third present had
brought out the servant who was now talking with
him. He had been told that his Excellency was out
of town, was in bed, was playing at chess, and several
other things ; so he had wisely judged that it was
most prudent to make further gifts conditional on his
seeing the "great man." In this conclusion he was
right ; the servant went in again to the mandarin and
told him that Mr. King was a sensible man (that is,
knew how to pay for favours) ; and was thereupon told
to say that dinner was over : he might be admitted ( ! )
So without further delay he gained an audience.
Mr. King begged ten thousand pardons for having
intruded on his Excellency. He had not ventured
to come during the day, when his Excellency would
be much engaged, and scarcely liked to come even at
night. But he had brought a small thank-offering of
50 ounces of silver, to ask his Excellency's acceptance
of. He regretted that the amount was so small ; but
he was a poor man, and he hoped his Excellency
would not be offended. He knew that he never
accepted bribes, but he hoped he would not refuse
his little thank-offering. It was prompted by gratitude
for the benefits conferred on him, and on the whole
district. Since his Excellency came among them
the virtuous had prospered, and (with but one excep-
tion) the depraved had either amended their ways or
fled from the neighbourhood, for the influence of his
Excellency's merits was all-pervading.
His Excellency replied that he certainly should
refuse the present, notwithstanding that it was not
intended to warp his judgment, were it not for fear
of grieving so excellent a man. But rather than do
this, he would do violence to his own feelings, and
accept it. It was a comfort to him that he had to
rule over worthy people like Mr. King ; and if he
could at any time be of any service to him, he might
count on his help.
Mr. King thanked his Excellency very much for his
favour ; but said that as an humble and quiet man,
whose great desire was to copy the wisdom of the
sages, and live at peace with all men, it was impossible
for him ever to need his Excellency's help.
" Yet," said his Excellency, " ' flies will tarnish the
brightest mirror ' ; even your fair name might make
you enemies."
" In that case," said Mr. King, " I would patiently
bear it ; — unless, indeed, duty to the state, rather than
personal feeling, required my taking legal measures
for the punishment of the offender. Do you not think
one's duty sometimes requires this ? "
" Certainly," rejoined the mandarin.
" Well, now," said Mr. King, " your words bring to
my remembrance a little matter that I had quite for-
gotten. There is a certain Mr. Zee, who is such a
stranger to all uprightness that he even dares to hate
and revile your Excellency ; he is of the same trade
as myself, and has given me much trouble. But I
would never go to law with him, unless your Excel-
lency thinks I am bound by duty to do so."
" Tell me the case, and I will advise you."
Mr. King told his story, and was advised by all
means at once to take an action against the offender,
"for the benefit of the stated And the mandarin
assured him that when the case was brought before
him he would give judgment that "justice" was on
his side.
The visitor left. The servant, who ushered him
in and had been present during the interview, ac-
companied him home, not wishing to tax his memory
too long ; and reminded him by the way that it was all
owing to his help that he had obtained the interview,
and had been so favourably treated. He received a
liberal present, and left. But instead of going direct
home, he went to the house of Mr. Zee, and putting
on an air of great concern, requested a private inter-
view wit'n him.
[To be coniimied.')
40
CHINA'S MILLINOS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
41
ii\
IIjiitH In S|m(/'
"COME unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest." — Matt. xi. 28.
" GO ye therefore and teach all nations . . . and lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world." — Matt, xxviii.
19, 20.
Man wants to work for, or towards, his salvation.
"What shall we rt'i?," he asks, "that we might work
the works of God ? " All false religions, and all cor-
ruptions of Christianity, correspond in this respect —
they find something for the flesh to do. But the truth
of God condemns man utterly, and saves him only
and entirely through the perfected sacrifice of Christ,
appropriated by faith. Faith finds in Christ all it
needs. To Him it never comes in vain; from Him it is
never cast out. To every toiling, heavy-laden sinner,
Christ says, " Come unto Me . . . and . . . rest."
But there are many toiling, heavy-laden believers
too. For them also is this invitation meant. Note
well the word of Jesus, dear brother or sister, if you
are heavy-laden with your service, and do not mistake
it. It is Twt, " Go, labour on," as perhaps you
imagine. On the contrary, it is stop, turn back,
"Come unto ME . . . and . . . rest." Never,
never did Christ send a heavy-laden one to work :
never, never did He send a hungry one, a weary one,
a sick, or sorrowing one, away on any service. No !
for such the Bible only says, " Come, Come, COME."
The Old Testament cries, " Ho, everyone thaX thirstet/i,
COME ye to the waters, and he that hath no money,"
etc. The first evangelist of the New Testament
records the invitation on which we are writing. The
last gives us the similar one, " If any man thirst, let him
COME unto me and drink." The New Testament
almost closes with the words, " Let him that is athirst
COME, and drink of the water of life freely." If
the disciples urge. The people are hungry and weary,
the day is far spent, send them away, Jesus replies,
" They need not depart." " Make the men sit (///. lie)
down," and rest in My presence : thus and then will I
feedxhem. How many of the Lord's redeemed people
have spent hours, or days, or even months, in sorrow
and self-reproach from some imagined duty which they
had not courage or strength to perform, heavy-laden
all the time ! How many can tell of the journey by
omnibus or rail that was a time of intense distress,
because they felt as if they ought to be speaking to
their fellow passengers about their souls,- but could not.
And how many have done far worse : have spoken,
when they had no message from God, and have done
harm rather than good. Oh ! how different it would
have been had they hwX. first come to Jesus ; found rest
and living waters ; and then, when the waters were
welling up within, the rivers would have flowed natu-
rally and irrepressibly, and the happy countenance
would have said more than the heartfelt words were
uttering! No one would then have looked at the
face of the speaker and/^//, "What a dreadful religion
his must be ! " At every time, in every place, about
every matter, if you feel heavy-laden, pause at once ;
come to Jesus and rest. Pillow your head on His
bosom, pour your burden into His ear, delight your soul
in His love. And then, when rested and refreshed,
" Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it ; " and you will
find that a little word will go a long way.
For the COME is not intended to exclude the GO,
but to prepare the way for it. " Go ye therefore^' said
the risen Saviour. Wherefore ? Because all power is
given unto Me, your Head. We who \\2cvtc0me to Jesus
have been made one with Him, and can " go therefore"
and bear fruit. There is a wonderful difference be-
tween work and fruit. Work is dead ; but fruit is
living, and has its seed in itself. The branch of the
vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek
for sunshine, and there to find rain. No ; it rests in
union and communion with the vine ; and at the right
time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on
it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.
But so abiding, — no longer empty, weary, hungering,
and thirsty, but rather " complete (///. filled full) in
Him," we may " GO, and teach all nations," — " preach
the Gospel lo every creature." If Ave may, let us go in
person to the dark places of the earth, to testify of
Him whom we find so wondrously "able to save." But
if we cannot, let us go in spirit — in prayer. Let us
ask God to prepare the people for the message, and to
send the messengers of salvation to them. Let us pray
for the missionaries, that they may be kept in unity
and love, in holiness and zeal, in health and vigour.
Let us ask God to protect and guide them ; to set
before them open doors, and to save many through
their word. Let us pray for all native converts, and
especially for those who labour in the Gospel. And
let us not only do this ourselves, but seek to stir up and
encourage our fellow Christians in so doing. While
thus watering others we ourselves shall be watered.
ZEAL OF A NATIVE EVANGELIST.
Mr. Cardwell, who recently reached England, tells
us that just before his departure he visited his out-
station, purposing to give some parting addresses to
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44
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
We would draw the special attention of our readers
and friends to the Map and Table on pages 42 and
43, which have been prepared at some trouble and
expense. We have sought to secure some of the ad-
vantages of a variously-coloured map by the use of
the different shadings, which give to our Map a some-
what pcc-iliar appearance. By this means a distinct
idea will be obtained of the configuration and extent
of the different provinces. A novel feature, we think,
is the English name, added to the Chinese name of
each province, which, with two exceptions, is a literal
translation of the Chinese one. In the case of
Kiang-su and Gan-hwuy, the Chinese name being
compounded of the name of two cities, a literal trans-
lation was not admissible; so the first part of the
compound only has been rendered. Many of the
names carry their own explanation. River-South in-
dicates that the province so named lies south of the
Yellow River, as will be seen to be the case by
reference to the Map. The dark line that winds
through the centre of the Map from north to south,
separates the totally unevangelized provinces from
those that are partially occupied by the soldiers of
the Cross. The numbers of the provinces east of
this line (10-19) indicate the order in which they were
occupied. In the S.W. corner of the Map, those in-
terested in the efforts of Messrs. Stevenson and
Soltau to enter Yun-nan through Burmah, will find
the position of Bhamo and the course of the upper
Irrawaddy indicated.
In the Table, we have introduced the population
and area of Scotland, that those acquainted with its
religious condition and advantages may, by com-
parison, be helped to a realization of China's spiritual
need and destitution. The figures in the second
column do not indicate the absolute area, but the
area of each province as compared with that of Scot-
land. In this way a more definite idea will be ob-
tained of the extent of each province, and of the
whole empire. It will be noticed that in the statistics
given under the head " Romish Missions," the pro-
vinces Willing-Reverence and West-Passes,* Broad-
Westj and Broad-East, River-Province and Peace-
Province,J are connected. The reason of this is that
when the Roman Catholics organised their church,
these provinces were not two, but one, and conse-
quently were committed to the care of one bishop.
Our desire and prayer is, that this Map and Table
may be used of God to deepen in the hearts of His
own people the sense of the need of China's millions.
We gladly and thankfully recognize the fact that many
who cannot go, who are not called to go, and tell in
China of a Saviour's love and death, do bring China's
need before God in prayer and supplication. Such,
we trust, will find in the Map and Table a help to
intelligent, heartfelt, constant intercession,
* Kan-suh and Shen-si. f Kwang-tung and Kwang-si.
X Kiang-su and Gan-hwuy.
JOSEPH.
^^ Little, children, keep yourselves from idols." (i John v. 21.)
With a thousand gods surrounded, —
Painted on the rainbow walls.
Sitting sculptur'd at the gateway.
Standing grandly in the halls.
Frowning from the frescoed ceilinj.
Traced on tesselated floors,
Piled about the palace pillars.
Seated guardians at the doors, —
Can he walk unscathed among them ?
Will he stand erect for aye ?
Yes ! for on his heart is graven
Name of other God than they.
So, Lord, when life's myriad idols
Come with each sweet subtilty.
May they find my heart like Joseph's,
Find it taken up with T/ue.
(By the late Miss Blatckley.')
THE HORRORS OF CIVIL WAR
IN CHINA.
We cannot attempt to convey any idea of the over-
whelming claims of the whole Chinese Empire upon
our sympathies, our prayers, and our eflbrts. We will
refer to one province, however, in which a little work
has been done, a little suffering and persecution have
been borne, a few souls have been brought from dark-
ness to light, from the power of Satan to God, in
connection with the China Inland Mission. We refer
to Peace-province, or Gan-hwuy (see map, page 41),
which receives its name from its two most important
cities, Gan-k'ing and B7uuy-ch3.u. Its capital is called
Gan-k'ing (peace and prosperity). Peace-province had
formerly a population of thirty-nine millions, but no
missionary. When in England some years ago, we
often pleaded for it ; but there was no one to carry
the gospel to its teeming cities and towns ; this was
then one of the unevangeUzed provinces.
During the latter part of the T'ai-p'ing rebellion, it
suffered most severely. Twice . did the rebel hordes
sweep through its fertile valleys and plains, carrying
off its possessions, and with them multitudes of its
people, never, alas ! to return to their desolated
homesteads. ^ A great part of the population fled at
the approach of the rebels, and many a sorrowful
scene, like that shown on the next page, might have
been witnessed during that period. On each occasion,
the rebels were ultimately driven back, and then fresh
sufferings awaited the people who remained : the
mandarin troops too often only completed the
destruction which the rebels had commenced. Famine
followed, and pestilence in its wake. Thirty out
REFUGEES FROM REBELLION.
of the thirty-nine millions were swept away to their
eternal destiny. So complete in some districts was
the destruction, that for miles not a man, nor woman,
nor child, not a hamlet, nor cottage, nor hut, was left
behind; and years after, heaps ot unburied bones told
the passers-by of the fate of the hapless inhabitants.
After peace was restored, and order somewhat re-
established, the native authorities offered the lands to
Chinese immigrants from other districts, and the
population has again been brought up to some twenty
millions. The new immigrants, however, like the old
inhabitants, are heathen, without God in the world.
In a future paper, we hope to give an account of the
work of God, in this province.
46
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
PIONEER WORK IN HO-NAN.
NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF MR. M. HENRY TAYLOR.
" In company with the evangelist Chang, left Han-
kow on the 3rd of April for the nearest prefecture
of Ho-nan,"' travelling overland. We were detained
for two days by rain, in a small place about 12 miles
(40 //) from Hankow. We had, however, a good
opportunity of preaching the Gospel in-doors, which
we gladly embraced. We found it a time of real
refresh.ment to ourselves, and not without encourage-
ment from those who heard us.
" We started again at daybreak on the morning of
the 6th, and preached during the day in several small
villages through which we passed. On each occasion
had almost the whole village for our congregation. We
found the women very attentive, and in some places
evidently interested ; for, as we spoke of Jesus and
His sufferings for our sins, we saw the tears stealing
down the cheeks of some. They go in, heart and
soul, for idolatry, but still feel unsatisfied, and their
minds are in a maze. We put up for the night at a
small city,f population about 1,500, having water
communication with Hankow.
inconvenient curiosity.
"The news soon spread that a 'foreigner' had
come, and the inn was speedily filled with men,
women and children, anxious to see the ' barbarian.'
It was rather amusing to see them looking for me,
while I was standing in their midst [of course in native
costume]. After a time, they penetrated my guise,
and the landlord besought me to go outside and let
them have a good look at me : this I did, leaving
the servant in charge of our luggage. I stood on the
chair they had placed for me, and attempted to speak
to them ; but, alas ! they paid not the least attention ;
my voice was drowned by their tremendous uproar.
Finding their curiosity becoming rather uncomfortable,
we thought it wise to take a walk in the fields outside
the city, and thus scatter the crowd. They escorted
us to the gate, keeping at a distance behind, and used
no violence or abusive language. On reaching the
gate of the city they left me, and I had peace ; and as
night drew on, Mr. Chang came to tell me that they
had all gone to their homes, so I returned to the inn
unobserved, and satisfied my appetite with a good
substantial Chinese meal, — whicli I enjoyed none the
less for its being the first that day.
" On waking next morning, we determined to
preach the Gospel before leaving. So, after waiting
upon God, we went into the street, taking with us a
good number of books. Finding an empty piece ot
ground, we placed our backs against a wall, and began
to speak to the large crowd which came together in a
few minutes. We had perfect quietness all the time,
which rather surprised us, though we had prayed for
it. We sold a good number of books, after which we
* Called Ju-ning Fu.
t Called San-k'ia-p'u.
moved a litde farther on ; a fresh crowd gathered,
which was as attentive as the former one, and seem-
ingly more interested. Two or three men much en-
couraged us ; they seemed to drink in what we said.
They followed us outside the city, where we preached
again for some time ; after which, we had a long con-
versation with them personally. Each bought copies
of the Gospel, and some small tracts ; — y^Q should
not be surprised to hear of them again.
"As the day wore on we left the city; preached
at two little villages through which we passed, and
put up for the night at a third. We slept comfortably
all night in a barn, till awakened about 4 a.m. by the
crowing of fowls in large baskets about our bed. Left
about 6 o'clock : the roads were very bad, making it
difficult for our wheelbarrow-men (conveying books,
&c.) to make much headway. At length we reached
a busy little place of about 1,000 inhabitants, and
stood in the market-place. A larger crowd than we
could reach with our voices soon collected ; we sold a
good number of small books, and were listened to
with attention till we were tired. Proceeding, we
preached and sold books at other places on our way,
and spent the night at a small market town.*
" Started next morning at daybreak, preaching at
several places during the day. At some of them the
people were very desirous to understand. The next
day reached a town of about 1,000 inhabitants.f
Preached both in the city and outside ; the people
were very friendly, and listened attentively. Some
had copies of the Gospels in their possession, but
told us that they had failed to understand them.
The devil had been spreading evil reports about us,
and endeavouring to dissuade the people from reading
our books — without success, however. During the
day we said a few words at other places by the way,
and put up for the night at an inn. The landlord
seemed to feel quite honoured by our presence.
" At daybreak next morning we set out again. In
the course of the day reached a small city, where we
received the usual good attention from the people.
One would like to remain among them all one's
life, that they might learn to know the true God, and
Jesus Christ His sent One.
Ho-nan reached.
" At noon we crossed the boundary into Ho-nan, it
being the ninth day of our journey. Preached at
several places next day, and sold many books. We
walked about twenty-five miles (75 li), over bad
roads, and under a burning sun ; so that we felt quite
worn out on reaching our resting-place for the night.
We came to an old temple in a dilapidated state.
Inside, on the floor, were heaps of rubbish, among
which were the remains of idols, some without heads,
arms, &c. Oh ! how ridiculously sad it all looked !
I drew Mr. Chang's attention to the fact that these
things were the gods of his people.
" He understood my meaning, and it moved his heart.
On coming to the town, distant about two hundred
* Siao-ho-si.
t Ta-sing-tien.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
47
yards, he drew a crowd around him, and told
them with affectionate earnestness of the folly and
wickedness of worshipping such things as those in the
temple outside. The people made no attempt to
justify themselves. One would think, from the light
way in which they speak of the idols, that they had
not a vestige of faith in them.
PRAYER ANSWERED.
" Next day preached at one town, and reached a
county city* in the afternoon, forty-eight miles (i6o
//) from our destination.! We wished to spend a day
at this city, but our barrow-men objected ; for, not being
paid by the day, they were desirous of getting to their
journey's end as soon as possible. We made it a
matter of prayer: the Lord heard and sent rain; so
that the coolies could not move till the roads became
hard. Where the Lord's guidance is plain. His blessing
may be expected. It soon became known that we
had come, and the people crowded in to see me. In
answer to prayer God gave them the hearing ear; they
listened till we were tired of speaking, with more
attention, I think, than I have seen manifested at any
other place. God moved our hearts, and theirs seemed
under the same influence; we saw the tears rolling
down the faces of some, and imperfect utterance did
not interfere with the effect of God's word. We spoke
to them till it was quite dark, and then dismissed them
for the night ; for some of them were loth to go away.
" After breakfast the next morning they crowded in
again, till the shed where we were was filled. The land-
lord objected to so many coming upon his premises, so
we thought it best to go to some empty space outside.
When once outside, our congregation swelled to several
hundreds : we spoke till almost exhausted, and then
began to sell our books. We emptied our bag in a
few minutes, and twice again filled and emptied it : the
only disturbance we had was the little they made to
get near to buy books. The crowd must have jostled
us sorely, had we not taken the precaution before
beginning to speak to place our backs against the wall.
We had at last to refuse to sell any more books ; so
we returned to our '■^ hotel," followed by some still
wanting to purchase. The remaining part of the day
we stayed in-doors, speaking to those who came. We
had an opportunity of speaking individually to them, as
our host sternly refused to admit more than a few at once.
Thus ended the day's work — precious work leading our
own souls nearer to Him whose name we had sought
to make known — not, we believe, without success.
" Started at daybreak next morning, but made very
little headway on account of the roads being broken up
by the previous rain. It began to rain again, so we were
obliged to take shelter in a small place by the roadside.
Had a few in to hear the gospel towards the evening.
"Preached next day at another place. J Had quiet
assent to all we said, but very little interest was
manifested. Pressed on, and the walls of the prefec-
tural cityf came in sight at nightfall. When we saw
them, our hearts filled with praise to God for the
privilege of seeing the first prefectural city in Ho-nan."
(To be continued.)
• Chen-yatig.
t Ju-ning
X Ma-hsiang
Notes from the Diary of Mr. Henry Soltau.
(Concluded from page .34-.J
" Wednesday, April iZth. — Red Sea. Temperature,
85° to 90° in the shade. Yesterday and to-day the heat
has been very great, but not inconveniently oppressive.
A bath, night and morning, proves very refreshing,
and keeps the body cool and healthy. A fine fuU-
rigged Turkish barque passed us this morning with
all sails set, apparently bound for Suez.
" On Thursday, April 2i)th, we descried Mocha in
the distance. We could only just observe the houses
through our glasses. Large numbers of fish, and a
shoal of porpoises were disporting themselves in the
afternoon. It was an interesting sight to see the
gulls following the fish, in order to try and catch
them ; each fish as it rose was pursued by one or more
gulls, which endeavoured to seize him immediately
his head was above the surface.
" In the Red and Arabian Seas th ere is a great quantity
of matter which gives forth a phosphorescent light as
the vessel ploughs up the water at night. The effect
is very pretty : the light resembles large sparks, or a
little stream of fire, or a bluish white flame. We passed
through the Straits of Babel-Mandeb the same even-
ing, and entered the Gulf of Aden.
INDIAN OCEAN.
"Sunday, May 2nd. — Passing Socotra: weather
very fine. A small muster at morning service, as the
men were on duty later than usual. Mr. Stevenson
spoke on the words, 'What must I do to be saved?'
The power of the Lord again was manifest ; our hearers
always listen with great attention, and usually join
heartily in the singing. The men asked for books
when I went forward after the service ; we distributed
a large number, which they at once commenced
reading. After lunch I again went forward, and read
aloud to about a dozen of the crew for nearly two
hours Major Malan's experiences of God's love. After
dinner we found ourselves again at the forecastle, where
we commenced singing, and when the sun had set I
talked with them about the hymns, leading on to the
gospel, and illustrating by many anecdotes. Just as I
was closing, the time-bell sounded the half-hour
(7.30. P.M.), and the man at the wheel sang out, 'All
is well, the light is burning brightly, sir,' which
afforded a beautiful illustration, and the ground for an
appeal to all, whether, when they came to die, they would
be able to exclaim, ' All is well ; the light is burning
brightly in the valley, and I fear no evil.'
'■^Monday, May yd. — To-night, I have had an
interesting conversation with several of the crew; they
are deeply interested, though I cannot say aroused.
A heavy shower of rain is falHng, which is very grateful
after the heat of the day. When I go on deck at
7 A.M., I generally find the thermometer at 82'',
and it rises to 90"^, in the shade ; still with a fresh
breeze the weather is not trying.
" JViursday, May 6th. — Fine weather still favours
us, relieved occasionally by refreshing showers of rain.
48
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
A pretty, novel sight is the flight of innumerable flying
fish, disturbed by the approach of our vessel. In the
distance they look lilce sparrows ; they fly about two
or three feet above the water, sometimes distances of
200 or 300 yards. They are apparently about from
three or four inches to nine or twelve inches in
length, with 'wings in proportion. In the sunhght
they look like pieces of choice polished silver.
LAST SUNDAY ON BOARD.
"May ()tli. — The Lord's day opened with a calm
sea, a pleasant breeze, and Ceylon plainly visible in
the distance. We had special prayer in our cabin,
that the Lord would give us a solemn, faithful, parting
message, and that we might see results, if it were His
will, in the salvation of some on board. The con-
sciousness that alarge numberof earnest children of God
were praymg for us, stirred us up still further to plead
for manifest blessings ; and we were not disappointed.
The quarter-deck was prepared for service, a couple
of books covered with the union jack served as desk,
and a very fair number assembled. I took the last
verse of John iii. as my text, dwelling on the two
great classes mentioned in it, the behever and t\\t u?i-
believer. After pointing out the way of salvation,
and warning all not to go on neglecting God's command,
I appealed to them to consider where we should be
when we next met. After concluding the service, which
was intensely solemn, I retired to my cabin to get
some small books for distribution among the men.
One of my hearers followed me ; I gave him one or
two tracts, and said, ' Have you decided the matter of
your soul's salvation before God ? ' With great emotion
he replied, ' Yes, I am determined to take my stand
for Christ : this morning's service has brought me to
this point.' We both wept together, and kneeling
down thanked the Lord for this answer to prayer. His
father had given him Spurgeon's 'Morning by Morn-
ing,' and 'Evening by Evening,' and had desired
him to read a portion daily ; so that his prayers, we
trust, are answered for his son, for we cannot but
believe that he is born from above. The men re-
ceived the books with more than usual feeling.
" In the afternoon I had an interesting conversation
withseveralpersons. One is really anxious to be saved,
but cannot let go all and cling to Jesus only. A
great subduedness of manner has been manifest all
day, and has caused us tobeheve that God is working.
Immediately after dinner we went forward, and were
quickly surrounded by a little company with their
hymn books. We sang over all the hymns they had
learnt from us, and also ' Nothing either great or
small,' a hymn they readily caught up. When dark-
ness had fairly settled in, the number increased, and
at the close of the service we must have had nearly,
if not quite, all the Protestant men and boys. I gave
tliem a somewhat lengthy address on salvation, ilkis-
trated by many anecdotes ; winding up with an appeal
to their consciences respecting their state before God,
and how they would appear before Christ at the
great white Throne. After urging them there and
then to be in earnest about their soul's salvation, I
asked if any would like to be prayed for before we
separated, inviting such to hold up their hands. In
the dark one hand was visible : we prayed for this
man, and after singing the doxology separated. Two
others followed, and asked to be spoken to about their
souls ; one had a praying mother, the other had made
a profession of faith in Christ. We conversed with
these two for some time, and after tea went forward
again, remaining with them till 10 p.m., rot leaving
them before both had confessed faith in Christ, and
the others had been faithfully spoken to.
PARTING WORDS.
" Thursday, May i^th. — We drew near to land.
Saw the lighthouse off the Burmese coast, and
anchored at eight o'clock, to avoid the many
dangerous reefs with which the bay at the mouth of
the Irrawaddy abounds. A calm, bright, moonlight
evening waspreceded by a very heavy storm. After tea,
Mr. Stevenson and I went forward, it being our last
night on board. The two who professed faith in
Christ on Sunday desire with the love of new-born
babes to hear more of the word of God, and are not
ashamed to speak of these matters before their com-
panions. Another man also came out decidedly as a
Christian. We conversed together, a little group of
nine or ten of us, for a long time, and ended with
several hymns from memory. The men were very
sorry to bid us good-bye, and thanked us several
times for coming forward amongst them. The seed
is sown, and the Husbandman will water it.
ARRIVAL AT RANGOON.
"Friday., May \/s,th. — Early in the morning the
anchor was pulled up, and we steamed up the bay.
The pilots came aboard before breakfast, and we
entered the river. The banks are low ; many bushes
and trees grow close to the water's edge, presenting a
very refreshing and cheering prospect to the eye. A
long way from the wharf we could see in the distance
an immense, gilded, solid pagoda, which reminded us
we were approaching a heathen country. We have
our gilded pagodas at home, not built of masonry on
an eminence to be seen of man, but occupying the
best situation in the heart, the object of worship of
him who has raised it there. Numerous boats were
busy on the river in all directions, with natives in
them. They are long and narrow, built some-
what of the canoe shape. The oars are tied to one
rowlock on either side, and the men stand up to row,
facing the bow of the boat. The scene was lively and
picturesque ; any number of turbans and large hats.
Many men wear nothing but a cloth round the loins.
The doctor came on board; and, as the vessel neared the
wharf, several boats put off from shore to bring
Europeans on board. Amongst the number who
came were friends looking out for us, who took us
ashore. ^Ve found letters and papers awaiting us, to
our great joy."
*^* We greatly regret to learn that one or two of those wlio
appeared to accept Cluist on the voyage, fell into ii-toxication
when in port. Let us pray for their restoration.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
49
||i$$iuttiiri| |tilcI%$W0.
EVANGELISTIC VISIT TO ANOTHER
UNOCCUPIED PROVINCE.
We have received, too late for insertion in the present
number, an interesting account of a visit made by Mr.
Judd and two native brethren to Soutli-Lake Province
{IIiMian). They had many opportunities of preach-
ing the gospel on their way, and sold many tracts and
portions of the Word of God. This seed sown we
would ask our readers to water by prayer, that we
may rejoice together, though it should be after many
days. In the first prefectural city of the province
they were enabled to rent a house, and to reside in it
for several days ; and had the mandarin of the city not
manifested his unwillingness for them to remain, they
might probably have done so in peace. His hostility
led to their being roughly handled by some of the
" baser sort," but they were mercifully able to escape
without serious injury, and after a trying and some-
what dangerous boat journey, reached home in safety.
ARRIVAL IN CHINA.
Our praying friends will be glad to learn that Mr.
George King, after a narrow escape from shipwreck,
safely reached Shanghai on July 14th, and proceeded
inland to Mr. Bailer on the i6th of the same month.
The steamer in which he sailed ran on a reef when
near Singapore, and was so injured as to be unable to
proceed : he had to complete the journey by another
vessel. We are very thankful for his safe arrival.
MESSRS. CAMERON, NICOLL, AND CLARKE.
Telegraphic news has been received of the safe
arrival at Singapore, on the loth of September, of the
steamer in which our friends sailed. We ask special
prayer that they may be preserved from the dangers
of the China Sea, as violent typhoons are often met
with at this season of the year.
LETTER TO A MISSIONARY.
I HAVE very often thought of you, and pra)'ed for
you, since we met, and very especially since I heard
that you had gone to Bhamo, to reach China from the
west. We are serving a noble Master, for whose sake,
and in whose strength, it is well worth attempting
great things. Your undertaking is certainly full of
great hazard and difficulty ; but our God is a God
for difficulties, and His help in the midst of tiiem
makes Him so real and precious. And He is sure
to help : none ever trusted in him and were con-
founded. Other beings act according to their
nature and character; so does God: He cannot
deny Himself You are plainly obeying the command
of our adorable Lord Jesus. Without trusting in
societies or individual men, you have gone to His
work leaning on His faithfulness. Could He deceive
you? or could He fail? Could the sun forget to
shine ? or the sea to ebb and flow ? or the earth
to keep its path? Nay, these might happen,
perhaps one day will, but tlie Word of the Lord
endureth for ever. His faithfulness is like the great
mountains. It is infinitely impossible that His
promise should be broken. And what has He
promised ? or rather, what has He not ! " My grace
is sufficient for thee," applies to much more than
Paul's thorn in the flesh. It is as true to you in the
needs of your present position, as it was to Paul in
those of his ; and what follows is equally precious,
" My strength is made perfect in weakness." When
a man in his heart (for his lips can say anything) says,
'' I am helpless : in my inmost soul I know and feel I
have no strength," it is wonderful what words of cheer
aiid comfort God has scattered over the Bible for him,
which he means to make good. Since I met you, I
have been greatly exercised under a sense of my
terrible corruption and helplessness, and for a while
I listened to what my own heart and the devil said on
the subject. I was sorely troubled. At last I said,
" I will go and see what God says to a man like this,"
and I carefully searched the Scriptures for what He
speaks to one 'who says : " I am a sinner ; I have no
strength whatever to conquer sin, or to love and serve
God." And truly my heart soon began to sing, as I read,
and believed what I read ; for it is worse than madness
to think that God will not do all He promises. One
cannot promise himself that he win do a whit better
in future, but we can venture our whole existence on
what God will do. " I will guide thee with Mine eye : "
" I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Though
not in the form of a promise, here is a very fine
promise, " The arm of the Lord is with them, and
a great multitude behind." And again, " The Lord
working with them, and confirming the \Vord by
signs following." For what the Lord was to the first
preachers. He is to us in these last days. He has no
pets among His children or servants. ITe loves all
alike, and is alike good to all.
I am persuaded that each moment He does the best
for us all that He possibly can. Anything else would be
unworthy of God. It is not we who are seeking to be
used, it is He who is seeking instruments that He can
employ. Why were the attempts of the apostles to cast
the devfl out of the lad at the foot of the Mount of Trans-
figuration useless ? " Because of your unbelief," said
Jesus. Perhaps they were secretly blaming God for not
hearing their prayer, blaming Him for not making use
of them. They did not suspect that unbelief was the
hidden cause of their failure. Why was the pitiful
cry of that father for the same lad not answered at
once ? For the same reason. " If thou canst believe,
all things are possible to him that belie veth." He
wanted Jesus to begin with healing his son. " No,"
said Jesus, " I must begin with yourself; I must first
heal your unbelief" How loudly our uselessness, our
failures in service, our delayed prayers, have said the
same to us, and we have been slow to heed their
voices, we have ascribed it all to our v.-eakness, our
want of gift, or to God's sovereignty. " No," says God,
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
" it comes from unbelief." It is impossible for God to
use one who is not emptied of his own strength, and
who, in his helplessness, is not counting entirely and
confidently on God. Such a person would rob God
of the glory of all that was done, and would claim it
for himself. He would be much injured, and God
Would be dishonoured. It is kind therefore of God
to put such a person aside till he is brought
down, and till he gets such a view of God's power,
and love, and faithfulness, that he begins to say,
" Oh, how certain God is to save, and keep, and do
all that He has promised, and all that will put honour
on the name of Jesus." Is it not marvellous, dear
brother, what a place self has in our thoughts, and
plans, and prayers 3 and what confusion and feebleness
it brings into them all. " Lord, make me strong, make
me wise, make me useful. If / could only preach
better ; if / had more wisdom and tenderness." As
if ze/e were the centre of all things, and oier holiness
and well-being the most important things in the whole
world. And as if ze/e could do such great things even
if we were in a better state of soul. " After this
manner therefore pray ye, Hallowed be T/ty name,
T/iy kingdom come, T/iy will be done." God Jirsi!
Oh, to set God always before us ! To have Him
exalted in our hearts ; to find our great delight in con-
sidering the infinite, inexhaustible, loveliness of His
character, and in seeing that character shown forth
in the carrying out of His own glorious plans and
purposes ; and to let self alone !
ilh '%\\\k\% m iljtim*
Extract, adapted chiefly from " Christianity in China."
I. Broad-West Province {Kwang-si).
i^Sce map on page 42. )
Many partially-subdued tribes are found within this
province, ruled by their hereditary governors, under
Chinese authority. There are twenty-four such Chau
districts given in the Red-book.
The mountains rise to the snow-line on the north-
west, and much of the province is uncultivated. It
is watered by the Cassia* and Dragonj Rivers. These
streams are used to convey timber and other produce
to Canton. At their junction they form the West
River; and here is situated the largest trading city f
of the province, through which pass all its exports
and imports.
The capital is called " Cassia Forest," § and it rises
on a river of the same name. The independent Chau
districts are scattered over the south-west, near the
forests of Annam, and they were probably settled by
Laos tribes. The unsubdued Miau tribes are pro-
bably altogether distinct from these races, and they
occupy the north-east portion of the province, in the
mountain fastnesses between it and Noble-Land.
II. Noble-Land Province {Kwei-chaii).
This province lies in the mountainous regions of
the Nan-ling. Its productions are rice, wheat, musk,
tobacco, timber, cassia, lead, copper, iron, and quick-
silver. Horses and other domestic animals are reared
in great numbers. It is a poor province, and the
people are illiterate.
The largest river is the Black River,! which drains
the centre and north of the province into the Yang-tse.
Other tributaries of the Black and Dragon Rivers also
have their sources in this province ; but its surface is
so uneven that none of them are available for naviga-
tion far from their mouths.
The capital,|| near the centre of the province, is
the smallest provincial capital of the eighteen, the
walls being only two miles round. The other chief
towns are all of inferior note. There are many mili-
tary stations in the southern portions of the pro-
* Kwei-kiang. f Lung-kiang. J Wu-chau. § Kwei-lin.
^ Wu-kiang'. || Kwei-yang.
vinces, at the foot of the mountains, to restrain the
unsubdued Miau tribes, who inhabit them. This name
(Miau) is used by the Chinese as a general term for all
the dwellers in these mountains, but is not applied to
every tribe by the people themselves. They consist
of forty-one tribes in all, found scattered over the
mountains of the provinces Broad-East,* South-Lake,!
and Broad-West, as well as in Noble-Land. They
speak several dialects, and differ among themselves
in their customs, government, and dress. The Chinese
have several books describing these people. Their
language differs entirely from the Chinese, but too little
is known of it to ascertain its analogies to other
tongues ; its affinities are most likely with those of the
Laos and other tribes between Burmah, Siam, and
China. One tribe, is called the Yau tribe; and though
they sometimes come to Canton to trade, the Can-
tonese believe that they have tails like monkeys.
They carry arms, and are inclined to live at peace with
the Lowlanders, but resist every attempt to penetrate
into their fastnesses. The Yau first settled in Broad-
West province, and thence passed over into Noble-
Land about A.D. 1200. Both sexes wear their hair
braided in a tuft at the top, but never shaven as the
Chinese. They dress in loose cotton or linen garments.
A Chinese traveller among the Miau says they live
in huts consisting of the boughs of trees, and others
in mud hovels. Their agriculture is rude, and their
garments are obtained by barter from the Lowlanders,
in exchange for metals or grain, or are woven by
themselves. The religious rites of the Miau consist of
various sacrifices of an ox, or a tiger, or a dog, offered
sometimes to the great ancestor or founder of their race,
and sometimes to avert sickness or death, or to pro-
pitiate the powers that rule the weather. The majority
of the Miau are not idolaters, strictly speaking — that
is to say, they do not worship images — still, they have
little or no knowledge of the one true and living God,
even as revealed in nature, and know nothing at all
of Him as revealed in His word, and in the person and
work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
* Kwang-tung. f Hu-nan.
lonaon : Printed by SMYTH & POLES, at the Holborn Steam Press, Holborn Buildings, E.O.
China's Millions,
AND OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
■' The fine arts appear to have been practised by the
Chinese at a very early date. Their most ancient
brown vases, made at a period long prior to the
earliest record of foreign intercourse, afford incontest-
able proof that the Chinese possessed a knowledge of
art in its application to the form and ornament of the
vessels used in their houses. Their ancient porcelain
cups and vases also throw some light upon their early
knowledge of painting in enamel, and are remarkable
for their brilliancy of colouring. Many of their water-
colour paintings on silk, of a much later period than
the bronzes and old porcelain, display, not only a
wonderful degree of perfection in colour and shading,
but a knowledge of drawing and perspective that was
probably borrowed from tlie Jesuit missionaries who,
NO. 5. — NOVEMBER, 1 87 5.
during the reign of Kanghi,* published a treatise or.
perspective.
" The best Chinese artists of the present day are
found in Canton and Hong-Kong. Adhering to the
conventional ideas of Chinese propriety in art, they
are careful to arrange every fold of the sitter's dress
with geometrical precision, and to avoid as much as
possible shading in the face, as were they to introduce
the shading deemed necessary by ns, the work would,
in all probability, be thrown on their hands as a
failure, seeing that the Chinese cannot understand
why one side of a face or feature should be darker than
the other." — Abridged from " The Graphic.^'
* Tho most emiuent Emporor of the present dynasty, under
whose direction the " Imperial Dictionary " was compiled.
52
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
OUR FIRST ATTEMPT IN SOUTH-LAKE
PROVINCK.
By Mr. C. H. Judd.
" On Thursday, the lotli of June, two native
brethren* and myself left here for South-Lake Pro-
vmce (Ho-nan) hoping to preach, and, if God opened
the way, to obtain a footing in the first prefectural
city.f This place is 480 H (160 miles) from here,
and is situated at the entrance to the great lake.l
The view from the city wall is most lovely. The one
side looks over an immcns; space of water, which, as
land cannot be seen on the other side, even from a
great height, has all the beauty of a sea, with several
rocks rising out of the water. The other side of the
city looks towards numerous mountains with a con-
siderable amount of wood to add to their beauty.
The city inside is but thinly populated, but outside
the south-gate there is a busy population. The people
are, doubtless, more fierce than in other parts of China.
" On our way up, which occupied nine days, having
a head wind most of the way, we were able to preach
in several villages and towns without any trouble
worth mention. There is a county city about eighty
miles from here, a nice quiet place, prettily situated ;
there we preached, and the people listened with
marked attention for a long time, and we sold many
books to them.
" On Saturday morning we arrived at the prefec-
tural city, and I walked through it without any trouble;
some said I was a foreigner, others said not. We
saw a small house which appeared suitable, but we
knew not one soul in this place whom we could ask to
be our middle-man, and our only resource was prayer
to God that He would incline them to let the house
without the usual middle-man on our side. This the
landlady agreed to do, and on Monday we moved
into it. I sent Mr. Chang back to Hankow to arrange
for some native to come in my stead. On Tuesday
the landlady's nephew told us that some neighbours
were giving him trouble because he had let the house
to a foreigner ; he said he should be glad to let us stay,
and all would be well if I would only ask the mandarin
to put a notice at the door to say it was all right.
INTERVIEW WITH THE MANDARIN
" After united prayer, Mr. Yiao and I believed
it right to go to the mandarin with this request. At
first he refused to see me, but I said the matter was
important, and I would wait his leisure. After some
time I was admitted and told him my business. He
asked if I had any letter from his superior; I said that
I had nothing beyond my passport, which at first he
refused to look at. I asked if he did not recognize
the governor's stamp upon it. At last he read itj
and then got up from his chair in an ' excited manner,
threw up his arms and demanded threateningly if I
did not know Mr. Margary's affairs in Yun-nan ; that
he was killed ; and did I dare to come here after that
*Mr. Yiao and Mr. Chang. fYoh-chau. % Tong-ting-hu.
all alone ? How little he knew that I was , far from
being alone, nor did I feel otherwise than perfectly
secure — God was most consciously with us.
"After long talking he said he would send to his
superiors for instructions, and if they said it was all
right, he would afterwards put out the proclamation ;
but as this would take some days I must not stir out
of the house. I thanked him and went away. On
our way back we had no trouble further than a few
persons to look at the foreigner.
CHARACTERISTIC INCIDENT.
" In about an hour he sent a message for me to go
again to his residence. On this occasion he brought
three other officers into the room, and most of the morn-
ing's conversation was repeated ; but in addition much
wassaidby him calculated tostirupthe crowds ofruffians
around the door. They said the people did not want
us; I replied, that up to this time the people had treated
us exceedingly well. Then they said that they could
not ask their superiors for their instructions (contrary
to their previous promise made on the first visit), and
further said that even if they did put out a proclamation
it would be totally unheeded by the people, and that
trouble was certain to arise. They also said my pass-
port was of no use ; I replied, that if they would please
give me a pen and ink I would write " no use " upon
it, and return it to the consul. This statement they
then withdrew. They said we must leave the city. I
answered, 'If your excellencies command us to go,
we will go.' ' Oh,' they said, 'we cannot command you
to go.' 'Then we will stay,' I replied. They said all
that was possible to frighten us, but we were not
afraid : God was our stay. They were evidently cross
with Mr. Yiao, a native of the province, for being
with me, but he was very brave, and told the magis-
trates that he wished they only knew the grace of God.
ROUGH USAGE.
"After abouttwo hours we retired, and before we had
left the gates, and most likely in the mandarin's sight,
the effect of their words was seen. A number of
ruffians set up the cry, ' The mandarin is unwilling to
protect him — beat the foreign devil.' Several blows
immediately were struck at my chair, but none yet
touched me. As we went towards the house curses
and threats were issued fast enough, and a few fierce-
looking men out of the crowd planted themselves at
the door, threatening to kill us if we dared to enter.
I was going forward when one seized me from be-
hind, and another struck me a few blows on the
chest; but I did not feel it much. A young man, a
stranger, evidently kindly inclined, took hold of the
roughest of them, and holding him back, bade me
enter the house, some of the neighbours also helping
to clear the way for us ; so we got inside. Mr. Yiao
was also struck a few blows by one of the roughs.
We saw that the only thing was to go away, if possible,
before anything worse took place, and I sent a coolie
to the mandarin to say that we would do so if he
would send assistance to see us safe through the
crowd to the boat. The man who took the message
was struck twice on the face by the under-officials,
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
53
because he served a foreigner. Happily, he was a
Ciiristian man, and had the joy with us of suffering
shame with our dear Lord, for joy it is — worth coming
out here for.
"While Mr. Yiao was gone to hire a boat, the
crowd outside were battering at the door ; but all the
time (about two hours) the Lord was saying to me,
' I will be a wall of fire round about you,' and the
promise was sweet indeed. I had also a good oppor-
tunity of speaking of the Lord Jesus to several of the
mandarin's servants and others. Some appeared im-
pressed. May God save their souls, as I expect He
will — at least some of them. The underlings soon
showed how easily they could put down a disturbance
if they chose, and we walked about a mile and a half
to our boat in peace. AVhen we had gone about five
miles, a very small native gunboat was sent to escort
us to the next town. I told them we had no need of
it, but they still went with us. You will understand
this apparent politeness. [The real object of the escort
was to see that they really left the neighbourhood. —
Ed7\ Our boat was small, and not weatherproof ; we
were therefore now in trouble by all our bedding
getting wet, as well as the boat well nigh being upset,
for it was very rough, wet weather. We reached
home on Saturday evening, having been only three
days coming down the river with head-winds, the
stream was so rapid."
FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
(from MR. KING.)
"We had a very enjoyable trip up the river Yang-tse-
kiang : I thought the scenery was very pretty, and in
many cases really grand. What struck me most was the
cosy look about many of the villages we passed ; the
labourers in the fields, the poultry, and the traditional
band of children — seemingly sun-proof— all made up
what would form a very interesting rural picture.
Perhaps, ' distance lent enchantment to the view ; '
but whether it did or not, I liked the look of the
places as a rule, though I must except the various idol
temples we passed, which were saddening to me.
" Mr. and Mrs. Bailer are very kind. I have had a
little practice in speaking Chinese, and am living in
great hope of being soon able to tell them simply, but
earnestly, of God's love. Just after breakfast we have
nice little prayer meetings, and they are often much
blessed to my soul. I have to make the best of the
morning for meditation and devotion, for the heat of
the day is intense, and the mosquitos at night come
boldly forth to do ' their deeds of darkness.' The
thermometer Avas 96° in about the coolest place
yesterday, and over 120° in the sun. Although I can
understand but little of the Chinese worship, I always
attend prayers, to gain familiarity with the sounds of
the spoken language. I am glad to find -myself pro-
gressing, though very slowly. Mr. Bailer is very busy,
of course, and cannot spare much time, but every now
and then he gives me a lift. Although I can under-
stand the servants very little, they take a delight in
teaching me the names of the various domestic utensils,
etc., and never seem tired of repeating them for my
benefit. Mr. Bailer has taken me several times along
the city wall, really a lovely walk ; but after our eyes
had been delighted with the beauty of God's works,
it seemed very sad to see a small crowd around the
door of a house where an old Taoist priest was
pretending ' to call back the spirit : ' — of a truth, ' only
man is vile.' God's long-suffering, both to His sleep-
ing church and to these wandering ones, is marvellous.
I think it teaches us how kindly we should deal with
them, when God thus tenderly continues His loving-
kindness to them."
" God is the Rock of my heart,
Some hearts are like a quiet village street —
Few and well-known the passers to and fro :
Some like a busy city's market-place,
And countless forms and faces come and go.
yunir^.
and my portion for ever." — Psa. Ixxiii. 26 (iixarghi).
Then in His eyes, I saw the love I craved —
Love past my craving — love that died for me :
He took my hand, and in its gentle strength
I learnt the joy of leaning utterly.
Into my life unnumber'd steps have trod.
Though brief that life, and nearing now its close ;
At first, the forms of phantasies and dreams.
And then the varied tread of friends and foes.
Coming and going; — ah ! there lay the pang,
That when my heart had blossom'd, and unlock'd
Its wealth to greet the lov'd familiar step,
Lo I it was gone, and only echoes mock'd
My listening ear.
But oh ! there came one step.
So soft and slow, which said, " I pass not by.
But stay with thee for ever, if thou wilt.
Amid this constant instabilitv."
He taught my heart to trust Him fearlessly
(Trust oft betrayed, but now misplaced no more).
My Rock ! my Rock ! my wave-besieged rock !
Safe in Thy clefts I rest for evermore.
All, all things change, and noblest human hearts
Can ne'er be rocks ; they are but potter's clay.
The Lord our God, He only is a Rock!
Who trusts in Him may trust in Him for aye
Still do the counrtess footsteps come and go ;
Still with a sigh the echoes die away :
But One abides, and fills the solitude
With music and with beauty, night and day.
Bv the late Miss Blatchley.
54
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
55
Iti
i|tim fur SI|ri$l/'
" Hold God's faithfiilnoss."— Mii'/c xi. 22.
Such we believe to be the purport of the three words
of our Lord that in our version are rendered, " Have
faith in God," and in the margin, more literally,
" Have the faith of God."*
Man needs a creed, and will have one. Here is
an inspired creed : short, intelligible, and to the point.
It meets every man's need, is suitable to every age,
and to every country, and appropriate in every circum-
stance of daily life. It bears on all man's temporal
affairs, it meets his every spiritual want. To God's
faithfulness should we look lor our necessary food —
" Give us this day our daily bread." To Him, too,
should we look for raiment, for He clothes the lilies
of the field. Every care for temporal things we should
bring to Him, and then be careful for nothing. To
Him likewise should we come with all spiritual want,
" that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need." Is our path dark ? He is our sun.
Are we in danger ? He is our shield. If we trust Him,
we shall not be put to shame ; but if our faith fail.
His will not — " If we believe not, He abideth faithful."
Want of trust is at the root of almost all our sins
and all our weaknesses ; and how shall we escape
from it, but by looking to Him, and observing
His faithfulness ? As the light which shines from
the dark waters of the lake is the reflection
of the sun's rays, so man's faith is the impress
and reflection of God's faith. And more, the man
who holds God's faith will not cheat his neighbour,
nor be faithless to his own covenants. The man who
holds God's faith will not be foolhardy or reckless, but
he will be ready for every emergency. The man who
holds God's faith will dare to obey Him, how-
ever impolitic it may appear. Abraham held God's
faith, and offered up Isaac, accounting that God was
able to raise him up. Moses held God's faith, and led
the millions of Israel into the waste-howling wilderness.
Joshua knew Israel well, and was ignorant neither of
the fortifications of the Canaanites, nor of their martial
prowess : but he held God's faithfulness, and led Israel
across the Jordan. The Apostles held God's faith, and
* For tho rendering. " God's faithfulness," see Rom. iii. 3,
■where " the faith of God " evidently means His faithfulnesp.
The verb translated " hold," is similarly rendered in JIatt. ssi.
26, " All hold John as a prophet." In the corresponding passage
in Mark si. 32, it is rendered "count"; and in that in Lukexs.6,
a different Greek verb is used, which well illustrates the meaning ;
** They be persuaded that John was a prophet." Let us see that
in theory we hold that God is faithful ; that in daily life we count
upon it ; and that at all times and under all circumstances we
are iaWy peisuaded of this blessed truth.
were not daunted by the hatred of the Jews, nor by
the hostility of the heathen. The early Christians
held God's faith, and when the need arose, acted on
the Lord's command, " Sell that ye have and give
alms : " and thus none had any lack. " And what
shall I more say, for the time would fail me to tell " of
those who, holding God's faithfulness, had faith, and
by it " subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lionr,
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed
valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the ahens."
Satan too has his creed: "Doubt God's faithfulness.''
" Hath God said ? Are you not mistaken as to
His commands ? He could not really mean so.
You take an extreme view — give too literal a meaning
to the words. Then it is not quite true that such and
such a result will follow." Ah ! how constantly, and
alas, how successfully, are such arguments used to
prevent whole-hearted trust in God, whole-hearted
consecration to God. How many souls will be damned
because they will not trust simply and solely to God's
saving love and power! How many Christians go
mourning, and lose joy, strength, and opportunities of
helping others, because they do not hold God's faith-
fulness ! How many estimate difficulties in the light
of their own resources, and thus attempt little, and
often fail in the little they attempt ! All God's giants
have been weak men, who did great things for God
because they reckoned on His being with them. See
the cases of David, of Jonathan and his armour-bearer-
of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and many others. Oh ! beloved
friends, if there is a living God, faithful and true, let
us hold His faithfulness. If there is an eternity of
bliss, of reward for those who love Him — if He will
verily withhold no good thing from those who walk
uprightly, let us " Hold God's faithfulness," and walk
worthy of Him. If there is an eternity of woe, if " All
have sinned, and are coming short of the glory of God,"
let us seek to
" Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave :
Weep o'er the erring one.
Lift up the fallen,
■ Toll them of Jesus, the Mighty to save."
Holding His faithfulness, we may go into every
province of China. Holding His faithfulness, we may
face with calm and sober but confident, assurance of
victory, every difficulty and danger. We may count
on grace for the work, on pecuniary aid, on needful
facilities, and on ultimate success. Let us not give Him
a partial trust, but daily, hourly, serve Him, " holding
God's faithfulness."
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
!^3jr ^t T^ttng.
JUSTICE.
A CHINESE STORY.
(^Conchuhd from parjR 39.)
The inmates of Mr. Zee's bouse were alarmed on
seeing one of tlie magistrate's confidential servants at
such a late hour, and eagerly inquired, " What is the
matter ?"
"Oh, nothing at all," replied the servant, "but I
am very busy during the day, and thought I would
come in the evening to have a little friendly conversa-
tion with Mr. Zee."
" Do step in, do step in ; your coming is true
felicity. Take some tea.. Mr. Zee is out now, but
will be home before long."
"I'm sorry for that," said the servant, "for I have
some important words. I can't wait; but tell him
when he comes in, that if he has any regard for his
own interest, he had better see me privately without
delay."
" Cannot you leave a message for him ?"
" No ; it's too important, and too confidential. By-
the-by, I have come out without any money, and
want to make a little purchase ; can you lend me a
couple of ounces of silver? I will make it all right
with Mr. Zee."
" Two ounces ! you should have ten with pleasure ;
but unfortunately we paid all we had away just
before closing business. Perhaps, however, one of
the servants has half-an-ounce of silver ; if so, we will
borrow it of him."
" Half-an-ounce would be of no use ; but if he can
lend me an ounce, that may do for to-night, and I
will be sure to repay it." (Such loans are never
repaid ; every Chinaman understands that.)
The man went out ostensibly to borrow the money,
but really to consult with Mr. Zee, who was anxiously
waiting in the next room ( !) to learn what had been
ascertained about the visit. Finding that the real
purport of the call had not been elicited, Mr. Zee,
leaving the house by the back-door, came round to
the front, and entered the room in which the servant
was sitting. [We are obliged to omit the compliments
for the sake of brevity, and come direct to the subject
of the interview.]
" By-the-by," said the servant, " a good friend of
yours called at our office to-day ; but of course you
know all about it ? He would be sure to call and tell
you first."
" No," replied Mr. Zee, " who could it be ?"
" Mr. King, of course," replied the servant.
" What makes you think he is a friend of mine ?"
" Why, I overheard him repeat your name several
times to the 'great man,' and thought perhaps he
was arranging some difliculty for you."
" Arranging some difficulty for me, indeed," replied
Mr. Zee, " there will be difficulty enough in any
matter with which he meddles."
" Then he's not your friend ?"
" My friend ? no, he's my worst enemy ! "
" Dear me ! dear me ! I wouldn't have breathed a
sj'llable of this if I had known that. I am afraid I have
betrayed confidence. I dare not say another word."
" You're my best friend. I consider you as my
own elder brother ; it is therefore no betrayal of
confidence. You may depend on my-silence ; do tell
me all about it."
"How dare I accept the compliment? I will,
however, tell you all — you're a man of good judgment."
" I will not forget to thank {i. e., recompense) you."
The servant then told Mr. Zee the whole matter,
and received a present of five ounces of silver for his
trouble. Going home he told his master that he had
called on Mr. Zee to smoke a pipe with him, and had
received a present of six hundred cash (rather more
than a third of an ounce of silver) from him.
" All right," replied the 'great man,' "I comprehend."
It was long before Mr. Zee retired to rest that night.
Summoning some of his friends, in whose judgment
he had much confidence, he informed them of the
state of affairs, and that the " great man " had already
received fifty ounces of silver, and had promised to
give judgment in his opponent's favour. It was
evident that the matter was urgent ; and he was
advised to lose no time in feeing the mandarin with
a present of a hundred ounces of silver. Accordingly,
with the help of several friends he raised the money
early next morning, and, after opening the way by
presents to the subordinates, secured an interview.
His Excellency received him with great urbanity.
Mr. Zee stated that he had had these two ingots of
silver '^ packed up to bring him for several tens of
days ; but had been hindered by a deep conscious-
ness of his own unworthiness, and by the smallness of
his gift, which would have been twice as large, but for
the injury done to him by a man, whose name was
loathed by all the upright — a certain Mr. King.
" Mr. King !" replied the mandarin, " why, he has
lodged a charge against you this morning, and it was
so plausible, that I felt convinced justice was on his
side. Let me hear your counterplea."
Mr. Zee told his story, which, emphasized by a
hundred ounces of silver was so weighty that it
convinced the mandarin that after all Mr. Zee was in
the right. Advising him, therefore, to employ a cer-
tain lawyer to prepare his case without delay, he dis-
missed his visitor.
The day of the trial arrived : Mr. King came into
court very triumphantly, looking scornfully at Mr.
Zee, who returned his glances with a measure of
assurance that almost staggered Mr. King. His con-
fidence, however, was soon restored, for as the charge
was being read, the mandarin frequently exclaimed,
" True, true ! very just, very just !" At each ex-
clamation he darted looks of defiance at the defendant,
who, however, was nothing daunted thereby. But
when the defence was being read, which proved to be
* An ingot usually weighs fifty ounces.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
57
an ably written and forcible document, the mandarin's
exclamations were, " Still more true, still more true !"
and poor Mr. King began to change countenance,
and was soon waiting for the verdict with all the
anxiety he had hoped to see pictured on his enemy's
countenance. At length the judge summed up.
" This difficult case," said His Excellency, " I have
heard with the greatest attention. It is evident, Mr.
King, that justice is on your side " (Mr. King
brightened up) ; " but," said he, turning to the de-
fendant, " it is yet more evident, Mr. Zee, that there is
more justice on your side. I therefore give the ver-
dict in your favour."
The oracle having thus spoken, retired with great
dignity. Over the discomfiture of Mr. King, and the
elation of Mr. Zee, we draw the veil.
TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
The above story gives a faithful picture of tlio lamentable lack
of truth and justice ■which prevails in China. Isaiah said to the
Jews, " Your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttorod
perverseness. None calloth for justice, nor any pleadeth for
truth: they trust in vanity, and spealt lies; they conceive
mischief, and bring forth iniquity." We would refer our young
readers to the whole of the o9th chapter, which but too truly
describes the state of the Chinese. Among them, " judgment
is turned backward, and justice stands afar off : for truth is fallen
in the street, and equity cannot enter." But note what the
Loi-d says to those whose sins He is mourning over: "The Lord's
hand is not shortened that it cannot save." "So shall they
fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from
the rising of the sun." Will not our readers pray God to send
forth His liijht and His tmth into everypart of China?
TRIBES RESIDENT IN BURMAH.
Messrs. Stevenson and Soltau during their sojourn in
Burmah have been brought in contact with several
of the tribes inhabiting that region, and on their
journey up the Irrawaddy towards China (commenced
September 9th), will meet with others. Our readers
will be pleased, we think, to see the accompanying
woodcuts, for which we are indebted to the proprietors
of T/ie Graphic.
The first illustration is of a party of Karens, from
the territory recently in dispute with the King of
Burmah, one of them carrying a pig, others selling
pine-apples. The second shows two Christian
Karens, one of them squatting in the fashion common
all over the east ; and two heathen Geckos — husband
and wife. The Karens are an interesting race;
many of them have received the gospel — about 19,000
are members of the American Baptist Churches.
A KAREN CONFERENCE.
" On Wednesday, May 19th," wrote Mr. Soltau, "we
went with Mr. Adams (from the East End Training
Institute) to the Karen Conference at Hemendin.
We went into the chapel — a large plain room upstairs,
seated with three rows of teak benches. At the top
of the room was a platform on which was a desk and
chair. The few women who attended sat on one
side of the chapel, the men occupying the other side
and the middle row of seats. The costumes were
bright; the men wear turbans of yellow, green, red,
and brown ; they also wear a loose silk or cotton
jacket, and a loose garment of red silk
which reaches from the waist to the knees.
Yellow and red are the chief colours ; the women's
dress is similar, but the upper jacket is different, and
the skirt more like a woman's skirt at home. The
men keep on their turbans during the whole service,
but leave their sandals at the foot of the stairs. The
women wear no turbans, but throw their handkerchiefs
over their heads. The hair is worked in a knob
at the top of the head. The men wear their hair in
the same fashion, and are said to be very proud of
their chignons. Before the service commenced we were
introduced to two Karen pastors, dressed in English
costume, with black frock coats and coloured trousers.
They had lately returned from America from one of the
colleges there, in which they had received a good educa-
tion, and are well adapted to teach their countrymen.
They are earnest Christian young men. One is very
clever, and distinguished himself gi-eatly at college.
He lent me his hymn book, on the cover of which his
name was written, with M.A. after it. They both
speak good English.
" One of the native evangelists went to the desk.
He wore a yellow silk turban, a blue jacket made of
cotton, and a red skirt ; no shoes or socks, tie com-
menced the service by giving out a hymn. (The
Karens here have good voices, and when trained and
taught to sing from notes, they compete with any of
the singers at home in the ordinary country meetings.)
The native evangelist then knelt down and prayed in
Karen. The whole "service was of course quite unin-
telligible to us. After singing another hymn, he gave out
his text, which was, we were told, Rom. xii. 4. He was
exceedingly energetic at times, thumping his hand on
the desk, and throwing about his hands.
"At the close he evidently announced that another
meeting would take place ; and then a chairman was
elected by show of hands. He ascended the platform
and gave out a hymn, the first speaker taking his seat
among the others. I should say there were about fifty
in all. They assembled to confer about missionary
work. After the hymn had been sung he engaged in
prayer, and the business proceeded. This consisted
in hearing reports of the work from some of the native
evangelists, and appointing secretaries for the ensuing
half-year. The native Christians in one place have
purchased and manned a boat, in which they leave
some evangelists in different places on the river,
preaching the gospel with great success. At the close
of the service they sang a kind of doxology. IVIany
of them came up and shook hands with us. Some
looked wild and barely clad — regular mountaineers —
who had travelled two or three days to come to this
meeting ; while those living within ten or twelve miles
were neatly and tastily clad."
THE HEATHEN KARENS
have many peculiar customs. "They believe that every
man has seven spirits within him, and that when he
58
china: S MILLIONS.
is ill, or ill poverty or trouble, it is because one of the
spirits has left him for a time, and he has to propitiate
it with offerings until
health is restored or
business prospers. The
Karens have no definite
idea of heaven or hell,
though they profess to
believe in a place of
reward and punishment
hereafter. All the spirits
leaving a man is death.
Offerings are often seen
placed at the junction
of four cross-roads out-
side a town, and at every
road leading to a town,
to propitiate a spirit that
has left some man, and
who it is supposed will
take one of these roads
on his journeys."
BURMESE.
Our third illustration is
of Burmese. Mr. Soltau
writing of them says :
" They are a good- tem-
pered, lazy race, and
leave most of their work
to their wives. They are
very dirty in their habits
and mean in their deal-
ings ; but are
very proud.
None of them
are employed as
servants, as they
are neither suffi
ciently indus
trious nor trust
worthy for such
occupation. The
children manage
to get on without
any clothing at
all till they are
about sevenyears
of age. The
bazaar is a long,
low market
place, at which
all kinds of eat-
ables and articles
of merchandise
are to be pur-
c based. The
former are the
chief staple of
commerce in the
bazaar. The sales-people are for the most part women,
who instead of standing or sitting on a seat behind \\\q
KARENS,
From the rec&iithj disvuted terntofij, Karenee.
HEATHEN GECKOS.
goods as at home, find it more in accordance with their
taste to squat amongst their wares. Both women and
men maybe occasionally
seen smoking green
cheroots. The mode of
sitting down followed by
natives of the East is
peculiar (see Illustration
2), and looks most un-
comfortable. They squat
down on their feet, their
bodies very nearly touch-
ing the ground, and their
chins sometimes almost
touching their knees.
Until one gets accus-
tomed to it, the effect of
seeing a group sitting, or
rather squatting, in this
way is very amusing."
Our readers will be
glad to know that the
American missionaries
have about 1000 Bur-
mese converts in church
fellowship. Mr. Soltau
has had opportunities of
addressingthemafforded
him by the kindness of
the American mission-
aries, who have acted as
interpreters. On leaving
Maulmain these
converts from
heathenism pre-
sented him with a
purse of 41 rs.
(Mr. Soltau is
whoUysupported
in his missionary
work by gifts and
donations spe-
cially designated
as for his own use.
Having been
several years one
of the Hon. Sees,
of the Misssion,
it was thought
better for him to
adopt this course,
than to accept
anyofthegeneral
funds of the Mis-
sion). The purse
wasaccompanied
with the follow-
ing address,
written in
English by one of themselves who was educated in
America. Such tokens of Christian love are very
CHRISTIAN KARENS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
59
grateful to the feelings of labourers in distant lands.
The letter was dated Maulmain, August 29th, 1875: —
"Mr DEAR Brother,
" Ths Christian Bretbron of the Maulmain Bmiuan Church
dosiro to expro33 thoir appreciation of your kind intorostin thoir
spiritual welfare, and to show you that thoy lovo you for the
Lord Josus' sake, and respect you as His servant. Thoy ask
your accoptanco of this purso as a slight token of thoir Christian
regard. Will you purchase something with it which will bo
useful to you, and also help you to koop thom in your
remembrance ?
"Thoy desire to express their warmest affection for you and
your labour of love, and wish you God speed in your mission.
" Your affectionate Brother in Christ,
"Shaw-Loo, M.D.,
" In behalf of the Maulmain Baptist Church."
He also received the following letter, accompanied
by a wicker-work couch suitable for travelling, a
travelling basket made by Chinese, and a travelling cap
made by themselves, from the Eurasian Girls' School.
" Dear Mr. Soi.tau,
" Will you please to accept from the Eurasian Girls' School
these few articles, with earnest dosiro that thoy may provo
sources of comfort and rest when woary?
" Accept also our thanks for your kindness ; and trusting that
we may be enabled to live better lives for tho lessons you have
taught us,
" We remain, &o."
TOUNGTHOOS.
Our fourth illustration exhibits the peculiarities of
the Toungthoos, an isolated tribe of agriculturists,
who wear black clothes embroidered with red, and
smoke long pipes like the Chinese, not cigars like tlie
Burmans.
BURMESE (jGoint) to Bazaar).
About the Shans we gave some particulars, with an
illustration, in our first number; and hope ere long to
TOUNGTHOOS.
refer to them again. If able to secure a residence in
Bhamo, our friend.s will be surrounded by them.
"AS A LITTLE CHILD.'
It is best to let Jesus plan for us, and not to plan,
or even wish for ourselves. He will supply all
spiritual nt&i\. It is so blessed to feel that nothing
could be for our soul's good which He withholds, how-
ever much it may seem to ourselves that it would be so.
It is so blessed, standing perplexed at the head of two
or three paths, to shut one's eyes, and put one's hand
into His, and say, "Jesus, lead me." It is so blessed —
when the path, so taken, leads over sharp thorns or
through a long weary wilderness — to feel, "He led me
here ; I did not lead myself into this." It is so
blessed when the loneliness of that way makes Him
stoop and clasp our hand more tightly, and the sharp
thorns and stones induce Him to lift us sometimes
quite off our <";=t. Do you know that feeling of being,
as it were, lifted off one's feet? I do; but it was learned
in days of deepest trial. Such a happy, nestling, con-
fiding feeling ! And I have never wholly lost it since —
the feeling — though gently set down again upon the
stones and thorns. And I know that if the road could
be so painful again. He would lift me up again. Shall
we ever, ever fathom the ultra-philosophic depths of
that phrase, " As a little child ? " — By the late Miss
Blafchley.
6o
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
PIONEER WORK IN HO-NAN.
NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF MR. M. HENRY TAYLOE.
{Continued from page 47).
"We had bow reached our first destination, and
before commencing work in this important place we
knelt and prayed God to make us a mighty blessing
to its people, and that the day might not be distant
when the gospel will be preached by a resident
missionary.
" We put up in an inn outside the city, thinking it
the most prudent course, as we did not desire to
create a stir by our arrival, lest Satan should use it to
defeat our object.
" We hope to have a day's rest to-morrow, as thirteen
days' walking over bad roads has been quite as much
■as we are able to bear at one time. We feel also that
we need time to seek guidance for our next step.
" April i^th. — We have decided to visit each of the
surrounding county cities, making this prefectural
city our centre, and taking with us only a fair propor-
tion of books, as the carriage of luggage is expensive.
With this intention we set out this morning. Soon
after leaving, rain came on, and we were obliged to take
shelter in an idol temple. The priest treated us very
kindly, in return for which we endeavoured to lead
him to the Lamb of God; but, unfortunately, in
addition to his not being able to read, he was exceed-
ingly stupid, and therefore understood but little of
what we said. We gave him a copy of one of the
gospels on leaving, which he promised to get a scholar
to explain.
PREACHING, NOT BOOKS, NEEDED.
"When the rain had ceased we moved onward,
preached at some small places, where the people
received us with the greatest kindness, bringing
chairs from their houses, to have us sit down and talk
to them about ' good things.' We stayed some time
speaking ; not a single person could read, so that it
would have been useless to leave books with them.
A Christian residing at the prefectural city would find
in these small places an effectual door for gospel
work. Put up for the night at a small village, and before
retiring to rest had a talk with those who came in to
see us.
" April iSt/i. —Reached the first county city* about
3 P.M. After a litde rest went into the streets;
a large crowd collected in a few minutes, who listened
without any interruption as long as we could speak.
We had a few who inquired more fully about Jesus :
this sort of inquiry rejoices our hearts. We also sold
1 200 cash worthf of books in a very short time.
After supper took a walk by moonlight on the hills,
at the base of which the city stands. We could not
pray without being disturbed in the inn ; but found
the still mountain-top hallowed by the presence of our
Father.
* Choh-shan. f Perhaps 200 gospels, and other small books.
" April igt/i. — Spent the greater part of the day out
in the city. In the morning the people were too
many to be attentive ; we had encouragement from
some, however, and could have sold a great number
of books, but having four other cities to visit before
returning to our depot, had to limit ourselves to the sale
of 800 cash* worth.
REALIZED BLESSING.
" In the afternoon it was otherwise : the greatest
attention was observed by the crowd that surrounded
us. The Lord filled our hearts, and the outflow was
spontaneous ; I believe there will be souls converted
to God as the result of this visit. There are a few
Roman Catholics, and several Mahomedans in this
place ; we met with no opposition from either, but
with inquiry from both, and never saw people so open,
unprejudiced, and desirous of knowing the truth. We
hope to visit this place again before many months pass.
"April 2o/7«.— Set out at daybreak this morning for
the next city,t distant 90 li. Heat intense ; feel com-
pletely exhausted. When within 10 li of the city, had
to lie down in a field and rest. Struggled to the city
when the sun had set, but could not have reached the
inn unassisted. I abused my strength by walking
such a long distance, and eating too freely of unsubstan-
tial food such as flour-gruel and half-baked bread, and
was confined to my bed next day as the result.
"April 22nd. — Went into the streets this morning.
Very few persons were about ; saw not much hope of
getting a congregation. As we passed by the door of
the magistrate's office, we noticed that a new proclama-
tion had been issued. So taking our stand near it, we
lifted up our voice and said, ' The Great Emperor has
issued a proclamation of very great importance (hold-
ing up a copy of the New Testament), come and hear
it read.' This not only brought them together but
made them curious as we declared the rights of
'another King, one Jesus.' Some who listened
responded heartily. We felt too weak to speak much ;
so after about an hour's preaching we returned to our
inn. After resting we preached in the street again for
some time, and sold about 500 cash* worth of books.
Later on in the afternoon we had some literati to see
us, with whom we conversed about the doctrine.
" Started this morning for another county city,| and
preached at one or two small places by the way, but the
people did not seem particularly interested. We
arrived at our destination in the evening, and next
morning Avent out into the streets, and had some diffi-
culty in getting attention ; but after lifting up our hearts
to God to incline them to listen, we tried to catch
them with guile, and succeeded, the number increasing
to 200.
PREACHING TO THE ILLITERATE.
"We spoke to them in turns till we felt exhausted,
and had sold all our books. The people seem very
illiterate, perhaps not one in five hundred can read
* Probably at from six to ten cash per vol.
t Si-p'ing.
t Sui-p'ing.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Ci
intelligently; yet they bought iioo cash worth of
books. In the afternoon again we drew a crowd, but
they did not seem much inclined to listen, /was the
chief attraction, and doubtless the reason we were so
slow in getting a crowd at first was, that they did not
recognize me as a foreigner. They understood me
less at this place than at any other we have visited.
'■'■April 2^ih. — The following day we were detained
by the rain, but had several in to buy books, and
among them two medicine vendors. We asked what
kind of medicine they sold, and they answered,
' Several kinds.' \Ve then told them of a very common
diseaseto which all men are subject, andforwhich many
for years seek in vain a cure. One of them asked very
seriously the name of it. ' A corrupt heart, ' we re-
plied ; and asked him if he had any medicine that
could cure it. Having told us he had not, they
listened very attentively as we spoke of our pre-
scription, which could effect a cure.
FURTHER ENCOURAGEMENT.
" Shortly afterwards an old man came in, whom v/e
invited to be seated, and then preached the gospel to
him. I never met any one who grasped the gospel
more readily. He repeated what we had been saying
very clearly, that when Jesus became a sacrifice for sin,
our sins were laid upon Him; and that His righteousness
was imputed unto us, when we believed on Him. We
knelt together, and asked God to save his soul. We then
asked him if he truly believed this Gospel. With much
earnestness he answered, ' Why should I not believe
this good news ? ' and seemed astonished that any
could disbelieve it. He is an old scholar, and reads
the character readily : we gave him some books.
When we come this way again we should not be sur-
prised to find him in the kingdom of God
'■^ April 21th. — Reached the last county-city* of this
journey this afternoon, which is about 50 It from the
capital of the prefecture. As we had no books we did
not stop this time, intending to call again when we
can make our visit more useful with books. Arrived at
the prefectural city at nightfall, and put up at the inn
we had previously occupied. There being no room in
the inn, we were obliged to make our bed in the
midst of half a dozen barrow-men. We were, how-
ever, better treated than our Master, for they gave
Him the manger."
(To he continued.)
WESTERN CHINA viii BURMAH.
Our beloved friends, Messrs. Stevenson and Soltau,
left Rangoon on the 9th September for Mandalay, the
capital of Burmah, kindly accompanied by an able
and experienced American missionary, Mr. Rose,
whose knowledge and experience will be of the utmost
service to them. We give some extracts, condensed
from an interesting letter received from a Christian
merchant, who saw them off, and to whom they — and
we — are indebted for many acts of kindness : —
"There were no imposing circumstances attending
* Shang-ts'ai,
the embarkation of Messrs. Stevenson, Soltau, and
Rose. No salute was fired ; no flag unfurled ; no
guard of honour presented arms. The bales and
cases of British piece goods that blocked up the way
received much more attention — room had to be made
ior them, at all hazards, as they tumbled from the
native bullock carts on to the landing stage. It
might have been dangerous to step in their way.
" But it augurs well for the success of this embassy
that it is not initiated with the pomp and circumstances
of many others which I have witnessed in Rangoon,
and that ended in failure in Upper Burmah.
" Many would counsel delay in this enterprise.
Some have the impression that the political horizon
is too dark at present on the Burmo-Chinese frontier.
Others share this feeling with another : ' Good work
can be done in British Burmah.' Again, it is said,
' There will be war,' and the influence drawn is prac-
tically, ' Don't trust yourselves among the savages till
the sword has tamed them, and prepared the way for
you.' Many other reasons are also adduced, and
marshalled in full uniform under the auspices of that
giant spectre — jungle fever — which is abroad at this
season of the year. I mention these facts in proof of
the profound interest which the presence of Messrs.
Stevenson and Soltau has created in Rangoon — an
interest which has perhaps too much care, and too
little faith in it. To me the reasons for delay are not
satisfactory ; I have heard them before frequently.
This week brought round the twentieth anniversary of
my arrival in Rangoon, and therefore I cannot be
charged with hastiness or crudeness of judgment
through lack of experience. The existence of the
Kakhyens was known then, and they had been visited
by an American missionary, who, strange to say, is
alive now. A friend dined with Mr. Stevenson and
myself the other day who lived in Kakhyen villages
some weeks, and received much kindness from them.
He noticed that they had peculiarities, and he did not
offend them. He is of opinion they would do no one
any harm who showed a friendly spirit. An opinion like
this is of much greater value than a host of conjectures.
" The utter lack of faith in Christian mission work
which one sees among men who are sensible on other
points, and men of experience among the people also,
is marvellous. One who heard your desire expressed
to see some of the Kakhyens brought to the feet of
Jesus, said, ' Hem ! that sentiment is beautiful : but
he does not know the Kakhyens : he should see some
of the spears they use ! '
" One of the Panthays asked Mr. Stevenson what
his real object was in going up there, and smiled
incredulously at the idea of making Christians of the
people who now hold Western Yun-nan. But the
Panthays here regard him more as their friend already
than they do anyone else ; and I saw with my own
eyes, the day before yesterday, a Kakhyen going up
to him and asking him for medicine. If these strangers
have already felt the power of the tongue, may they
not also feel the power of the heart ?
" There is one really important questioi, Can an
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
English missionary live at Bhanno without the King's
special sanction, and in spite of native opposition ? I
hope our friends will solve it ere long. It gives me
much pleasure to say that I have seen much of them,
during their stay at Rangoon. Their time has been
well spent; they are now the centre of a large circle
of local sympathy. It is a pleasure to meet one like
Stevenson, who can devote himself to the hard and
fatiguing work of studying Burmese for ten hours
daily, his only recreation being a lesson in the Yun-
nan pronunciation of Chinese, of which he is nearly
master. The loss of Soltau to Rangoon and Maul-
main will be much felt. When he can speak in Yun-
nan the language as powerfully as he has done to
English speaking audiences here since his arrival, we
shall hear good news from Yun-nan.
"The presence of Mr. Rose is a singular providence.
He has been over the ground, as far as Bhamo and
the Shan states, already. Until he intimated his inten-
tion of accompanying them, it seemed as if there was
only one link wanting to give confidence. That link
was the Burmese tongue. It has been supplied ; and
along with it a kindly heart, a cheerful face, and a
frame of such mould as inspires confidence.
" As I bade them God-speed this morning, I asked
him if he was really going to put the key into the
door of AVestern China and turn it. The answer
will come by-and-by. I cannot but think, with such
an Englishman as Soltau, such a Scotchman as Steven-
son, and such an American as Rose, in God's hands
and with God over all, it will certainly be done."
" LET HIM THAT HEARETH SAY, COME."
In a regular, well-built Chinese city, situated amidst
lovely scenery, a crowd was gathered on a little bridge.
One of our missionaries* residing in the city had
started on a preaching tour, and his servant, who had
accompanied him to the boat, was returning through a
neighbourhood which he did not often traverse, when
noticing the crowd, he, with natural curiosity, went up
to see what was going on. To his surprise, a strange
voice was preaching the gospel to the little knot of
attentive listeners. Edging his way up to the speaker,
and waiting till the address was over, and the crowd
dispersing, he learned that the man had been a fre-
quent hearer at the chapel. He had spoken to no one
there of what was passing in his mind ; had not asked
for, perhaps had not known of, church fellowship ; but
the good seed had sprung up in his heart, and could
not but bear fruit. It was afterwards found that in the
Government office, where he was employed, among
some three hundred others, there was hardly one who
had not heard the gospel from his lips.
TABLE OF PROTESTANT MISSIONS.
In our last number we gave a Map of China
Proper, showing the eighteen provinces, and the popu-
* Mr. Stott, of Wunchau.
lation of each ; distinguishing the nine which, as yet,
are without a single resident Protestant missionary.
Widi the Map a Statistical Table was also given,
containing in a small compass weighty facts, which
could 7wt be appreciated and realised without securing
the blessings of the Gospel to many of the perishing
Chinese.
The lower half of the table showed the population
and comparative area of the nine provinces in which
missionary efibrts are being carried on, and also very
briefly the statistics of bolh Protestant and Romish
Missions. It was impossible in that space to give
full details.
The Table on the opposite page will furnish fuller
particulars. It presents at one view the number of
Protestant missionaries in China, the stations they
occupy, and the Societies to which they belong.
May we not hope that our readers will give tliis
Table their prayerful consideration, and draw their
own conclusions as to China's need, and the necessity
for strengthening the hands of every Agency endea-
vouring to cany the Gospel there ? It may seem al-
most incredible to some that outside the 39 stations
named on that page, there is noi one Protestant
missionary to be found in any of the thousands of
Chinese cities, in any of the tens of thousands of large
towns, or in any of the hundreds of thousands of
villages, with their millions of perishing inhabitants !
Yet such, alas ! is the fact. Fellow-Christians, we are
redeemed ones, and, as redeemed ones, the servants
of Him who bought us, " not with corruptible things,
as silver and gold," but with His own precious blood.
"He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify us unto Himself a peculiar
people, zealous of good works." Our heart, our love,
— born of His own great love, — our life, our all, is
rightfully His — His, not to be held in idle, selfish pos-
session, but to be used in holy, loving, obedient service.
And what a blessed service it is that He has called us
to. Himself having provided at so great a cost a
remedy for sin and sorrow — to us, who already enjoy
its precious power, has He committed the high and
blessed work of declaring it to others. "Go ye into
all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature."
" If ye love me, keep my commandments." How
has our love for Jesus been manifested in the keep-
ing of that commandment of His? What has loving
obedience done? Let the subjoined Table answer!
Oh ! brethren and sisters in Christ, by the mercy
of God, by the yearning love of Jesus, by the
memory of what you were before you found in Him
your all, by the certainty of a coming eternity, we
beseech you ponder these things. Let every one ask.
What am I doing for these perishing miUions? Arn I
clear of the blood of their souls ? Is not the Master
willing, waiting to use me, my life, my all, if conse-
crated to Him, in self-sacrificing, but blessed service
for the lost ones ? Oh, that you may hear His voice
in these sad facts, and with all speed and earnestness
inquire, " Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ?"
CONSPECTUS OF PROTESTANT MISSIONS IN CHINA IN 1874:
Showing the Number of Missionaries at each Station, and the Societies to which they belong.
63
rnoviNCK
(5ee Map, page 42.)
Population
Kwang'-tungr.
19i Millions.
Foh-
kien.
15 Mills.
Cheh-kiang:.
28 Millions.
Kiang-
su.
84 Mills.
Shan-
tung.
29 Mills
Ohih-U.
. 28 Mills.
Hu-peh.
24i Mills.
§
S
6
<
B
M
a
1 .
i p:
! ts^
ALrnABETio List
OP
Missions.
s
3hil]tQMO|i(PHhIW^<l]tlHf^SW03l25EHPMM3;2i
rtiNco<#iri<oS(no56rt(Hc6*rt«e6^>6<OrHOJco<*
"' 1
p ^ -a f=l ^ d iri
EH 0 EHfN M Pk EH
i4 N CO i-i oi CO *
1. HANKOW.
2. Han-yang-.
3. Wu-ch'ang:.
4. Wu-sueh.
5. Kwane-chi.
6
i
DO £
at:
American.
1. Baptist Missionary TTnion
2. Baptist Mission (Inde-
pendent).
3. Board of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions.
4. Methodist Episcopal
Church (South).
5. Methodist Episcopal
Mission.
6. Presbyterian Mission
(.North).
7. Protestant Episcopal
Mission.
8. Reformed Dutch Mission
9. Seventh Day Baptist ...
19. Southern Baptist Con-
vention.
11. Southern Presbyterian ...
12. United Presbyterian ..
13. Woman's Mission
-.-..-----3
3 _ - - _ _ _
c
0
»>_-___
1 1
1 I5 .
C 6 1 3
27
2
2..J -_
g
!
7 - - 1
0
10 ~--- _____
4 2 - - - -
a 4 - - 5 4 1
g
80
10
4
1
10
s
1
2
1
22
17
20
3
1
16
2
2
3
18
X _
q 0
4 _ _
4 1-
-
-
^
_ i _ _
X - - - - ___-
j
1
9 _
J _ - _
—
British.
14. Bapt"st Mission
15. British and Foreign Bible
Society.
IG. China Inland Mission ...
17. Church Missionary Society
IS. London Missionary Society
19. Methodist New Connexion
20. National Bible Society,
(.Scotland).
21. Presbyterian Mission
(English).
22. Society for the Propaga-
tion of the Gospel.
2-3. United Methodist Free
Church.
24. United Presbyterian
Church (Scotland).
25. "Wesleyan Missions
2 - _ _
- - 4 1 1 **
2-54
- . 1 . _
1
1
„
2_"_-_---
4 - -
2 - - -
4 - _ 1
2 1
-
-
6 3 2-
" _ _ _
_ 0'
91-------
-
-
Canadian.
26. Canadian Presbyterian ...
1 -
1
10
6
4
262
—
—
Continental.
27. Evangelical Missionary
Society of Basle.
28. EhenishMissionarySociety
--411 4---
1----_S11
1
1
tJnconnected.
29. Unconnected with any
Mission.
11.-.
2
1
Total Number of Missionaries
in Stations.
27, 1, 8, 1, 1, 4, 3, 1, 1, 8
14, S, 8,17
17,10,7,1, 1,2
17, 8, 7,414,12,1
34, C, 1, 10
9, 1, 6, 1, 1
9
Totals : in Provinces
65
37
38
30
27
41
18
9
1
262
N.B.— New-chwang, in Manchuria (not included in China Proper), has also two Irish Presbyterian Missionaries and one Scottish United Presbyterian
Missionary. This station, with the foregoing 38, malies 39 stations in the whole empire.
64
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
NEWS FROM Mrs. DUNCAN.
" I HAVE had a little girl given me for the school.
She is seven years old, and her parents wish to
indenture her for five years only, but I want her for
seven, eight, or nine years, if I can so arrange it.
She is a nice little thing, and will improve, for she
looks now as if she had been half starved. I have
also received another baby, one month old. My first
is four months old to-day, and is doing well. God
has answered prayer in giving me these children, and
I expect more yet ; you will help me to pray for more
little girls, will you not ? I want a large school, and
mean to take all the babies I can, though they occa-
sion a great deal of trouble and anxiety.
" The other children are all well, only fretful with
prickly heat. Millie has had ague, but is better again,
though her appetite is very bad. You will be glad to
know that tlie Christians, both girls and boys, are in a
very nice spirit, earnest in prayer for the conversion of
their fellows. One of the boys especially is very bright,
and speaks so beautifully and so earnestly ; he has
asked (while they have their half-holidays) to be
allowed to sit in the chapel sometimes, to speak to the
people, and he wants our prayers that God may bless
His own word to the hearers. I have crowds of
women on Sunday afternoons. Last Sunday the room
would not hold them, they were sitting in the verandah
and on the steps. They come for the ' loaves and the
fishes,' but I think one is justified in using all lawful
means to bring the poor people under the sound of
the truth. I know you pray for us. God does help
me. I am thankful to have my hands quite full."
ARRIVALS IN CHINA.
Our readers will rejoice to hear that the Flairs Castle,
in which our friends Messrs. Cameron, Nicoll, and
Clarke sailed for China, safely reached Shanghai on
the 30th of September. Letters from thern may be
expected in the latter half of the present month. Let
us not fail to give thanks to God for His goodness in
thus hearing our united prayers on their behalf.
DEPARTURES FOR CHINA.
On the 2ist of October, Messrs. Broumton and Easton
left us for China, whither they proceed by the French
mail. We hope that one of them will labour in Noble-
land Province {K-ivei-chau'), and the other in West-Hills
{Shan-si). From a letter just received from an officer
in the Chinese army, who resided some years
in Noble-land, we learn that in the capital city alone
the Roman Catholics have now two cathedrals, one
Eishop, and nineteen European clergy, together with
several minor establishments and European priests.
By reference to the Table given on page 43 (October
number), it will be seen that in 1866 there were in
that province one bishop, fifteen priests, and 5,000
converts. These numbers must now be largely
increased.
FAREWELL MEETINGS.
The new missionaries have been affectionately com-
mended to God for their journey and their work at
several meetings. At the Metropolitan Tabernacle,
the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon and his congregation very
warmly committed them to the Lord. At a meeting
at the Conference Hall, Mildmay, the chairman, the
Rev. D. Hankin, vicar of St. Jude's, gave them a
cheering address, which was followed by a charge
from the Rev. W. G. Lewis (Bayswater), based on the
words, " Looking unto Jesus." His weighty words
will not soon be forgotten by our brethren, or by any
who were privileged to hear them. Another meeting
was held in the Congregational Church, Milton-road,
Stoke Newington, presided over by the pastor. Rev.
J. Johnston, and in which the Revs. John Morgan,
H. Grattan Guinness, and others, took part. Meet-
ings were also held in Bayswater (Westbourne
Grove Chapel), in Camberwell, and in Tottenham.
The last they were able to attend was Miss
Macpherson's Monthly Meeting, at the Home of
Industry, Commercial Street, which took place the
evening before their departure. Probably many of our
readers have seen fuller particulars of some of these
meetings in 'The Christian,"' Word andWork,' ox%oxtiS.
other weekly religious paper, and will have rejoiced
with us in the Catholic spirit of sympathy with missions
manifested in the various denominations of the
Christian Church.
THE NEXT PARTY.
If the Lord makes the way plain, we trust that Mr.
McCarthy and another party of missionaries will leave
us about the iSth of this month.
"RAMDAS," AND "LEE-FANG."
Those of our readers who are acquainted with the in-
teresting and well illustrated book entitled Ramdas,
by the Rev. G. T. Rea, will be glad to learn that he is
about publishing a similar book on China, to be called
Lee-fang, the Mandarin. We are told that it is now
in the printer's hands, and is likely to be issued as a
New Year's story. We note that Hamdasis sold at id.,
or 7^. per hundred, and presume that Lcc-fang will be
about the same price. We need scarcely draw the at-
tention of superintendents and teachers to the import-
ance of interesting school children in missionary work ;
but we may say, that there are very few of us older
children who may not be both interested and in-
structed bv such books.
London . Printed by SjtyTa >&
9.x tils HolborD^Steam Press, Holboru BfJisJi'iS E.G.
China's Millions,
AND OUR WORK AMONG THEM.
SCENE ON THE IRRAWADDY.
JOURNEY UP A BURMAN RIVER.
BY MR. HENRY SOLTAU.
The above woodcut depicts a scene on the river
Irrawaddy, up which our friends Stevenson and
Soltau have gone towards the Burmo-Chinese frontier.
It also gives a good idea of the general appear.ince
of river scenery in that part of the world. We have
seen many such views in the Saigon river, on the
opposite side of the peninsula. These rivers are
highways to the Christian missionary. In August
Mr. Henry Soltau accompanied Mr. Rand, an American
Baptist missionary, up the river Salwen in his visitation
of some of the Karen stations. He writes : —
" The boat is long and narrow. The foundation of
it is a tree hollowed out and made to taper at either
end. Bulwarks are fastened upon the edges of this
log, forming a moderately dry boat or canoe. Over the
middle of the boat, and reaching almost to the stern,
is an awning of matting, fastened over hoops of bamboo.
NO. 6. — DECEMBER, 1871;.
The bottom of the canoe is planked over. There are
no seats, as in our English boats, but the passengers
have to crawl under the awning and lie down or
sit on the flooring of the boat; We found our beds
unrolled, stretched under the awning on tlie flooring
of the boat ; on these we reclined during the journey,
being well sheltered from sun and rain. Our
company consisted of two Karen boys, a cook,
four Gontle boatmen, and a brawny, swarthy Indian
at the stern, who steered us with a round paddle
fastened to the boat. He sat in the peculiar crouch-
ing position adopted by all natives out here, occa-
sionally amusing and solacing himself with whiffs from
a large water-pipe that stood before .him.
"The oars of the boat are fastened through rings of
rope, which are attached to the gunwale of the boat.
The rowers pulled well together, as in an ordinary four-
66
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
oared boat. We had to take everything with us,
— cooking utensils, crockery, beds, curtains, bread and
butter, &c. ; also two folding chairs, as the Karens use
no furniture, always sitting on the ground when at home.
"The river Salwen, upon which we went for some
distance, is a fine broad river. It is very wide at
Maulmain, really being the junction of three rivers.
The banks on either side are low. Here and there
among the jungle grass and plantation groves may
be seen peeping out the little grass-thatched huts of
the Burmese and Karens.
"Rafts of teak pass us as we slowly row against the
stream. Close by the banks are little canoes, in which
men and women are squatting and fishing. We meet
many canoes on their way to Maulmain. They are
all constructed from trees which are hollowed out :
one man or woman squats at the bow, and the other
at the stem. Each carries a short paddle with which
they seem to spoon the water towards them, and thus
propel and steer the canoe. Most of them are smoking
long, green cheroots.
" In consequence of the heavy rains immense tracts
of low-lying land on the banks of the river are flooded.
We were thus able to take some short cuts on our way
to the villages by rowing across the country. Growing
above the water, to the height of three or four feet in
many places — one or two feet on an average — were
large tracts of jungle grass, in the distance looking
like fields of green waving corn.
"It was a strange experience to sail through grass.
No water could be seen, but we pushed on, the men
using long bamboo poles, with which they propelled
the boat ; and soon we were gliding through the long
grass with four or five feet and more of water beneath
us. The noise of the boat gliding through the grass
was something like the rustle a breeze makes in a
field of ripe standing corn. Now we passed under
the branches of a fine tree, and now through a bamboo
hedge ; while before us there seems no outlet, grass and
shrubs forming an impassable barrier. As we ap-
proach nearer, however, we see a little hole in the
hedge, through which the boat is steered, and again
we are in the long grass, being poled along by the
men. Occasionally we get into a shallow, and the
men jump out and pull us along."
Describing a higher part of the river, on the return
journey, he writes : —
" The river was narrow and the view lovely for some
distance ; kingfishers of various sizes and of most
brilliant plumage were seen in numbers sitting by the
river watching for fish, or flying across the stream as
we glided down. Parrots, large and small, with green
plumage and red heads, flew about in numbers. Some-
times a large number would settle in one tree, chattering
and hopping about, looking quite gay in the sunshine.
Gorgeous-looking dragon-flies, with bright scarlet
bodies and wings, added to the brilliancy of the scene,
whilst the river, with its sharp, snake-like bends and
twists, gave continual change of view.
"At one bend of the stream we were able to take
a short cut, which lessened our journey by nearly a
mile. We went through a little narrow passage formed
by two high walls of prairie grass, which must have
been ten feet above the level of the water. This
passage, which is only covered with water in the rains,
took us across a little bit of land into the river again.
" You could almost throw a stone from the one part
of the river to the other, yet had there not been water
enough in this passage we should Imve had to go a
mile round, winding in and out until we reached the
end of the passage."
INTERVIEW WITH THE KING OF
BURMAH.
LETTER FROM MR. J. W. STEVENSON.
Mandalay, Sept. 2^t/i, 1875.
" The Lord has most manifestly answered the prayers
of Christians at home in prospering us so far.
" The King of Burmah puts no obstacle in the way
of our residence in Bhamo. We had an interview
with him on Monday last, and he was both kind
and cordial. He said he would rather that we stayed
in Mandalay, where he could better protect us, and
where he thought we should be more successful in
our work ; but, as we had decided to go to Bhamo,
we might go. He has given us permission to reside
there, and will give us a piece of land upon which to
build a dwelling-house, &c.
"The same permission has been granted to Mr. Rose
for the American Mission. We took no presents to
the King, but he gave to each of us a large silver
betel box and a bag containing one hundred rupees
(about ten pounds) to show his friendship and good
wishes. He warned us to be careful not to expose
ourselves to danger among the wild Kakhyens, as
he has no authority over them. The King made each
of us promise that we would write to our Superiors in
our respective countries, viz. : America, Scotland, and
England, and ask for teachers to come and reside in
Mandalay. The King said he should like to have
them, would protect them, and see that all their wants
were supplied.
"The result of our negociations both with the King's
Ministers and the King is most satisfactory ; we shall
carry with us the King's order for our residence in
Bhamo, and also passes. In Burmah it is impossible
to buy land, as it belongs to the King. He will make
grants, but will not sell ; so we are left with no alter-
native but to accept a piece.
"In a month or six weeks hence (D. V.) you will
hear definitely how we are circumstanced at Bhamo ;
and after we are settled you will take into consideration
the question of reinforcements, and I trust that Mr.
Harvey will be included. Mr. Rose has endeared
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
67
himself very much to us, and has been of great service.
Ill fact, his help in Mandalay has been invaluable ; I
don't see how we could have got on at all without him.
' ''I fed that so much prayer has been offered for Western
China, that our success is absoluteiy certain.
" Since writing the above we have been to the head
Minister's house, and have received a letter to the
Bhamo Woon (or Governor). He is directed to allot
us a piece of land, and to empower us to buy material
and employ workmen. Praise the Lord ! "
BHAMO MEDICAL MISSION.
Our hearts greatly rejoice in the glad tidings conveyed
in the above letter from Mr. Stevenson. He
will be rejoiced to learn that the reinforcements he so
much desires will not be long delayed. Mr. Adams
(an evangelist from the East End Training Institute,
under the care of our friend Mr. Grattan Guinness)
who has been working for some time in Rangoon, has
been accepted for labour in connection with this
mission ; and our friend Mr. Harvey, having obtained
his diplomas as physician, surgeon, and apothecary,
will probably sail in January for Burmah.
Mr. Harvey first went to China in 1869, and having
laboured there for about three years, returned home
to complete his medical studies. His return, and his
expenses whilst engaged in study, have not been de-
frayed by the mission : the kind gifts of his Christian
friends have supplied all his needs. Early in the year
we communicated to him our intention of locating a
medical missionary at Bhamo, and of establishing a
hospital there, and he very heartily entered into our
plans.
Many of Mr. Harvey's friends having intimated
their wish to help in his medical missionary work, a
special fund has been opened, entitled the " Bhamo
Medical Mission Fund." Mr. Harvey will not be per-
sonally helped from this fund, which will be used only
for the erection, furnishing, and support of the Bhamo
Hospital and its accessories ; any person desiring that
their contributions should be appropriated, in whole or
in part, for Mr. Harvey's private use, will please to
carefully specify this, as is done in the case of contribu-
tions for the private use of other members of the
mission.
DEPARTURE OF FIVE MISSIONARIES.
Again we request the prayers of our readers for new
Missionaries on their way to China. Mr. McCarthy
has returned, after a very brief absence, taking with
him Messrs. Turner and Budd. They travel by the
French mail, which has the advantage of cheapness
and speed : we anticipate their arrival in China
during the first week of January. Our sisters. Miss
Knight and Miss Goodman, in the steamer Crocus,
will probably arrive there a week or two later. In
their case the absence of frequent changes and stop-
pages will more than compensate for the slightly
longer passage. Our friends were very earnestly and
affectionately commended to God for their journey
and their future work by Mr. Spurgeon and his Con-
gregation, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, on Nov.
ist (one of them was trained in the Pastors' College);
and also at the following meetings, of which space
allows us to give only a bare list : —
Nov. 8 The Edinburgh Castle
„ 9 Barnsbury Congrega-|
tional Church j
,, 10 Trinity Presbyterian]
Church )
„ II Heath-street Chapel, (^
Haverstock Hill ...j
„ 13 Home of Industry ...
„ 15 Bloomsbury Baptist|
Chapel j
„ 16 Brook-street, Totten-(
ham )
„ 17 Regent's Park Chapel
Dr. Barnardo.
Rev. John Morgan.
Rev. A. Saphir.
Rev. W. Brock, jun.
Miss Macpherson.
Rev. J. P. Chown.
J. E. Howard, Esq.
Rev. Dr. Landels.
Our friends will need the prayers of all who long for
the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom. We are
thankful for the catholic sympathy they have met with,
and hope that it will be sustained.
MESSRS. BROUMTON AND EASTON,
who left us last month, we expect will arrive in Cliina
during the second week of December ; they were
being prospered on their journey when we last heard
from them.
THE NEXT PARTY.
Having to go to press earlier than usual, we are not
yet able to announce definitely whether the next mis-
sionary party will leave us in December or in January.
We ask the prayers of our readers that we may be
guided in every detail of the work, and that all the
heavy expenditure connected with it may be met
during the coming year, as, through God's faithful and
loving care, it has been during the past twelve months.
CIRCULATION OF " CHINA'S MILLIONS."
In sending out our last number for the year 1875, we
heartily thank those friends who have helped us in the
sale and circulation of the paper. We are thankful to
report that from month to month there has been a
steady increase in the numbers ordered ; but a yet
larger sale is needed to render it self-sustaining. We
have pleasure in announcing that the numbers already
pubhshed may now be had, stitched in cover, for six-
pence ; in paper boards, printed in colours (or limp
cloth, gilt lettered), with a beautiful coloured map of
Burmah (11 in. by 12 in.), for one shilling. The map
extends as far west as Calcutta, and shows the valley of
Assam, Cachar, Munnipoor, the trade routes pro-
posed by Major Sladen and Capt. Sprye, the position
of Manwyne, vi'here the lamented Mr. Margary lost his
life, &c., &c. We shall be glad of all the help our
friends can render us in the circulation of these
volumes ; they can be ordered through any bookseller,
or will be sent by post from the office of the Mission,
postage 2d. extra, each vol.
68
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
69
Wi^m %xhik %mm*
53011. ffltrrcfar.
HUDSON TAYLOR.
5j0n. fi'cc.
RICHARD HARRIS HILL,
liatitfnn (Bffirc :
6, PYRLAND-ROAD, NEWINGTON GREEN,
S01T. Crf^^tirrr.
JOHN CHALLICE.
N.
MOTIVES.— Tiove to Christ, and obedience to His command
to prcai'h the Gospel to every creature, together with a deep
sense of China's pressing need, containing, as it does, about
one-tliird of the world's inliabitants.
OBJJWT.—By the help of God, to carry into the whole of
the interior of China the glad tidings of His love in giving
His only begotten Son to be the Saviour of the world.
CHARACTER. — Evangelical and unsectarian — embracing
members of all the leading denominations of Christians.
now SUPPORTED.— By God, through the unsolicited
offerings of His peojile.
PRESENT Staff of the Mission : One hundred and twenty
labourers; viz., Missionaries and their wives, foVty-four ;
together with seventy male native assistants, and six native
Bible-women.
STATIONS and Out-Stations : Over fifty in which there are
resident native or foreign labourers. Many other places
are reached by itinerant efforts.
PRAYER MEETING.— "Every Saturday Afternoon, 4 p.m.,
at the residence of J. Hudson Taylor, 6, Pyrland-road,
Stoko Newington Green, London, N.
\iimmi nl §ptnikm \t^ 1875>
" Behold, I bring you good tidings of great
HOME
Most sincerely do we wish our readers a truly
happy Christmas and New Year. The year now all
but past has been full of blessing ; may there be much
more in the one before us ! How heartily can we
respond to the words of the Psalmist, "Blessed is the
people that know the joyful sound," and thank God
that ever we heard the "good tidings of great joy."
.Shall we not during the coming year, if the Lord tarry,
be more earnest in our efforts to make them known
also " io all people ? " We cannot all " go " in person
" into all the world ; " but let us all " go " in heart, in
sympath)', in prayer, and thus " look not every man on
his own things, but every man also on the things of
others." So doing, we shall inherit no small blessing
from the Lord.
For us, as a mission, the past year has been one of
special mercy. Commenced with much prayer, it
ends with much praise. Our older friends will
remember joining with us in prayer, many years ago,
that men might be raised up, and doors opened, for
the evangelisation of every unoccupied province in
China. Access to China via Burmah and the Irrawaddy
was much on our heart, and formed a topic of corres-
pondence between us and the late Rev. W. C. Burns
in 1 865-6. A letter from him, bearing on this subject,
was published in our second " Occasional Paper."
During the present year decided progress has been
made towards the achievement of these ends. At the
united meetings for prayer in January many joined in
the request that God would raise up this year eighteen
men for the evangelisation of the nine still unworked
provinces. In answer, He has laid China on many
hearts. We have had correspondence with more than
joy, which shall be to all people." — (Luke ii. 10.)
WORK.
sixty candidates ; with some of these we are still in
communication. God has given us more room : we
have secured the house No. 4, and some rooms
in No. S, Pyrland-road. This enables us to invite
candidates to stay with us for a time, so that we may
be more fully satisfied as to their probable fitness for the
work.
During the year between twenty and thirty young
brothers and nine or ten sisters in the Lord, have spent
periods varying from a few days to several months
with us, more or less engaged in study and preparation
for work in China, and in doing such work among the
London heathen as they have been able. Of these
candidates, ten (eight brothers and two sisters) are
either now in China, or on their way thither. Others,
we hope, will shortly follow. We have also recently
accepted Mr. Adams who has been some time in
Burmah, to help in the South-western work ; and, as
will be seen from the foregoing notice, Mr. Harvey
also hopes shortly to proceed thither. Messrs.
Stevenson and McCarthy, and Mr. H. Soltau, having
devoted themselves to the new work, and Mr. Henry
Taylor also having entered on it, we lack only four, or,
if we count Mr. Judd, who has given, and will give,
so?ne time to it, three, to fulfil our petition for eighteen
this year. Two of the nine provinces have been already
visited, and we have heard of the progress of our friends
in Burmah as far as Mandalay, its capitah We give
a tabular view of the progress liiade on page 76, and
once more refer to our Mission mottos : —
Ebenezer — Jehovah Nissi — Jehovah Jireh.
Hitherto hath the LORD helped us; The LORD
is my banner ; The LORD will provide.^
70
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Proceeding to the work in China, we will follow the
order of the Mission Districts, commencing with
the Northern and Western Circuits of Chehkiang.
This work is superintended by our brother Wong
Lse-djiin, the native pastor. He has received occa-
sional assistance from Mr. Meadows and Mr. Douth-
waite, who reside in the adjoining circuit.
In speaking of the four circuits of Cheh-kiang, it
may be helpful to compare them as to area with the
four provinces into which Ireland is divided, remem-
bering that whilst the area of Ireland is 32,000 square
miles, that of Cheh-kiang is over 39,000 ; and also,
that the population of the latter is nearly five times
that of Ireland.
I|ii|-limjt0 yruuiut^t \ itrijttit*
Stations.
Description.
I— Cheli-kiang' Province, N-
Haiig-chaa Prtfecture.
1. HANO-CUAU
2. Kong-deo
3. Yu-HANS
Mu-chau Prefecture,
4. Gan-kih ...
5. Di-pu
II — Cheli-kiang: Province, W.
Kiu-chau Prefecture.
6. KIU-CHAU
Kin-hwa Prefecture.
7. Lan-k'i
Capital of Province, 120 miles N.W.
from Ning-po. Population about
400,000.
Eiver Port, 2 miles S. of Hang-chau.
District City, <
cbau.
I miles W, from Hang-
District City, 50 miles N.W. from Hang
chau.
Market Town, near Gan-kih.
Mar. 1874
1871
1871
Native Assistants.
W6ng LeB-ajiiu, P,
■0 Ah-ho, E.
Yiao Si-vu, O.
Mr. Li, C.
Tsiang Liang-jiiong, E.
Kao Ziao-gyi, E.
Prefectural City, 170 miles S.W. from
Hang-chau.
District City, 130 miles S, from Hang-
chau.
April 1872
W6ng Teng-yiiing, E.
Loh Ah-ts'ih, E.
Dzing Si-Tu, C.
Missionaries.
Superintended hy Wong L(b-
djiiti.
It will be seen, from the above Table, that we have
only seven stations in these two circuits : some work
has been attempted during the year in two or three
other cities, but no definite footing had been obtained
in them up to the date of our latest intelligence.
In the Western Circuit we cannot report much that
is encouraging; but in the Northern Circuit the
review is more cheering. In "Occasional Paper"
38, we mentioned that the lease of our Mission pre-
mises in Hang-cliau was about to expire, and there
seemed no prospect of our being able to renew it.
We feared we should have to build a small chapel, at
an outlay of not less than ^^150. Under these cir-
cumstances we asked prayer for God's help. We are
now thankful to be able to report that that help has
been vouchsafed, and that at an outlay of about ^30,
in addition to the deposit previously paid on the
building, we have been able to purchase the premises.
Nor is this the only blessing. The hearts of the
brethren have been cheered by additions to their
number, both in Hang-chau and in their own special
Mission District (Yii-hang).
Many of our readers are already aware that the
native church in Hang-chau formed among themselves
a little missionary society, selected one of their number
as their missionaiy, and sent him to the capital of a
county, distant from Hang-chau 20 miles by land, 30
by water. They have had special difficulties, owing to
opposition of literati, but also special encouragement.
Pastor Wong wrote : — " We have secured new
premises in Yii-hang, a two-storied house. This
opening was indeed a God-given one. The elders of
the clan to which our former landlord belonged were
about to expel him for having let his house to us ;
and being himself an unbeliever , he, of course, gave us
notice to quit. But, in very deed, when God wants
to spread His truth, man attempts in vain to hinder.
We have obtained better premises than before."
A little later he wrote: — "I do not remember
whether I mentioned in my last that I baptized four
persons in the first moon (IVIarch). At present there
is one family living outside the middle east gate of
Hang-chau, the father of whom was one of the four ;
now, almost the whole family love the truth, and are
candidates for reception into the Church. They are
all very sincere, and two of their neighbours are also
inquirers. This, truty, is of God's grace."
Writing again in August, he says : " We have
had a little difliculty among the Church members
at Kong-deo, where Mr. Li was living. It made me
very uneasy, but I was thankful to find on investiga-
tion that it was not so serious. Satan had found an
occasion of stirring up a sore feeling, which I am now
thankful to say is thoroughly removed. On the 2nd of
this moon, I baptized here five persons of the Mission
Church at Yii-hang, and six of our own inquirers — in
all, eleven persons. The Yii-hang people wished to
come over, and we had a very happy and profitable
day. One of the four baptized in March was also
from Yii-hang. One of the female candidates there
has been undecided, but came along with the others
to Hang-chau. Her heart was much stirred up ; she
became decided herself, and her husband being
agreeable, both are now earnest in their attendance at
public worship. I have sent Mr. Li and Fong-
ky'ing to Fu-yang again, to try to secure a footing.
I expect to baptize two persons shortly ; the Church
has already accepted them ; they come from Siao-
shan. There are also several inquirers at Gan-kih,
some of whom I trust to baptize ere long."
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
71
We now come to the Eastern Circuit, which is subdi-
vided into three Mission districts. The first comprises
the Prefecture of Shao-hing and part of that of Ningpo.
Since the departure of Mr. Stevenson it has been
superintended by Mr. Meadows. No part of our work
has given us more joy and encouragement than this
district ; some notices of it, with accounts of the bap-
tisms of eight converts, have been given in previous
numbers (see pp. 2, 5, 23 and 24). Our recent intelli-
gence is so full and interesting that it is difficult to
know what to select. We give some extracts from
Mr. Meadows' letters.
-IvtlUtg |*tHJUUUe, J* (i^^ Mission District:)
Stations.
III.— Cheh-kiang- Province, E.
(1st E. Mission District.)
Shao-Jiing Prefecture.
8. SHAO-HlNG
9. Tsong-ko-l)U
10. Sien-ngren...
11. Shino-hien
12. SiN-CH'ANQ
13. SlAn-SHAN...
Descuiptiok.
Prefectnral City, 104 milea N.W, from
Ning-po.
Town on Dzao-ngo Kiver, 45 miles S.E.
from Shao-hing.
Village on Dzao-ngo River, 60 miles
S.E. from Shao-Mng,
District City, 72 miles S.E. from Shao-
hing.
District City, 85 miles S.E. from Shao-
hing.
District City, 10 miles S.E. of Hang
chau.
Opened.
Sept. 18Ce
Doc. 1873
July 1869
Jan. 18C7
NATIVE Assistants.
Tsiang Siao-vong, P.
Mr. Vong, E.
Mrs. Yang, B,
Veng-ing
Si Jiin-kao, E.
Mr. Nyien, B.
Mr. Nying, E.
Mr. Sing, O.
Vffin RwOng-pao, E.
Tsi ky' ing, E.
Mrs. Li, B.
Tsiu Uong-yiang, E.
Mrs. Tsiu (2nJ), B.
Missionaries.
Mr. and Mrs. Meailows.
Mr. and Mrs. Doiitluvaito.
(Girls' School) Miss Turner.
THE SHAO-HING PREFECTURE.
" With one exception, the work at all the out-stations
is most hopeful and interesting. At Shing-hien there
are three candidates as well as three hopeful inquirers.
The latter refuse to work on the Lord's Day, and suffer
much abuse and opposition on this account. One,
however, of the members there is causing great sorrow:
he has fallen into sin, and there is much scandal.
" We are seeking in that station a larger and more
healthy house for a chapel. The present one is in
many ways unsuitable. The Christians there are very
nice people. I never felt so deeply moved towards
Chinese Christians on parting from them as I did on
leaving them the last time I was there. I was glad to
get to a place of solitude, where unseen I could give
vent to my feelings before our Father and their Father.
Mr. Stevenson has much cause to be thankful to God
for the honour and privilege conferred upon him in
having been permitted to open up these stations, and to
gather so many precious souls from among the heathen.
" We are thinking of trying to open a station still
farther on in the interior ; for this purpose I have more
than 100 dollars in han(i, collected by the members.
There are several inquirers here (Shao-hing) ; and at
Ning-po there are six, all hopeful cases.
" A fortnight ago we baptized a farmer, the first
fruits in Ts6ng-k6-bu. Although a literary graduate
(B..\.), he is not particularly intelligent; but we trust
that by a consistent Christian life he may influence for
their eternal good his own people and neighbourhood.
" Miss Turner is busy in her school every day, and
has hope that God is working in the hearts of some
of her girls. She has a right to hope this, for she is
always praying for and working amongst them.
" Mr. Douthwaite's hands are frequently quite full
in ministering to the sick. Some come a long way
to be healed : we hope they may take away something
more precious than medicine for the body. I have
a man here from Shing-hien, who was baptized by
Mr. Stevenson : he was very ill and nearly blind, but
now is much better. He has been very useful in
talking to the patients, and in preaching in the chapel.
"Mr. Douthwaite has opened an out-station in the
suburbs outside one of the city gates, so that he
has plenty of work to do."
The following extracts are from recent letters re-
ceived from Miss Turner : — •
" The thoughts of God's care embracing us and all
we care for, even to little tiny things, has been quite
a comfort to me lately ; I like those verses in Exodus
xxii. concerning the man praying about his coat, and
God saying, 'I will hear, for I am gracious.' The
sums of money that have come to me lately, both for
myself and school, have come just when I needed
them, and had been looking to God for help. A few
days ago I felt inclined to be anxious ; but ' Be care-
ful for nothing ' was my stay : and when thanksgiving
was offered for the past, and requests made for the
present and future, God fulfilled His promise and
gave me His peace. And now I have received (last
Saturday) a larger sum for the school than ever before."
" A few weeks ago I went with Mrs. Yang to her
home, a village a few miles from here. Although
only a few miles, yet owing to the slow rate of
travelling in China, it took us more than three hours
to go, and the same to return. Our native pastor
{Siao-vong, literally Little F/iccnix*) went with us, and
I was very glad of his help. I attracted the people
and gathered a crowd. Sometimes I read a few verses
* See account of his conversion, page 2 of July Number,
72
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
out of the Testament, and sometimes sang a hymn ;
and Siao-vong would explain and seek to bring the
message of salvation through Jesus home to them.
The people were very poor; they received us kindly
and were willing to listen. I hope (D.V.) to visit
them again. Will you pray for these people, who
are living without a single witness for Christ, that
they may be brought under the sound of the
gospel ? And hearing, may they truly repent, and
believe ! "
THE NING-PO PREFECTURE.
Static ss.
Description.
OPESED.-
Native Assistants.
MiSSIOSARIES.
Ning-po Prefecture.
U. NING-PO
Prefeotural City, 120 miles S.E. from
Hang-chau.
June 1857
Mr. Chii. P.
Mr. Zi, E.
Mrs Tsiu, Senr., B.
Fiiperniirnded by
Air. Meadows.
15. K'ong-p'u
Village, 3 miles E. from Ning-po.
1865
Moh Dziang-ling, C.
IG. Lih-dz3
Town, 6 milea S. from Ning-po.
1870
Temporary supply.
In Ning-po the work is progressing favourably, but
not so well in the out-stations. Mr. Meadows gives
news which is cheering evidence that the Church here,
too, has a growing sense of its responsibihty to support
the work of God as it is able. He writes : —
" I have this mail something to communicate from
Mr. Chu, of Ning-po ; to me it is good news, as it
indicates a growing interest in the work of God among
the native Christians, and especially in the leader of the
movement. He could easily have put his money out
to other purposes, such as would have brought him
and his family much temporal profit ; but he chose to
purchase a piece of ground on which to build a place
of worship for the true God. This will be a constant
reminder to the heathen that the true light shinetb,
and that the gospel of the blessed God is in their
neighbourhood. The ground is already purchased,
and a subscription among the members is commenced ;
so far things look hopeful. May their desires be
realised, is our earnest prayer to God.
" I believe that this is a purely voluntary movement
on the part of the Church. The site chosen is one
that I should never have thought of ; but if a wall be
built round the chapel, and the chapel itself have good
thick walls, worship may be conducted with much
more quietness than in our present place of meeting."
i|]s]^-Hjtnrj l*rUtjm^% ^> {2nd Mission District.)
Stations.
Description.
Opened.
Native Assistants.
Missionaries.
rV.— Cheh-kiang' Province, E.
(2na E. Mi.ssion District.)
Ning-po Prffecture continued.
17. FUNa-HWA
District City, 40 miles S. from Ning-po.
May 1866
Mr. Vffin, P
Mr.-!. Vojn, B.
LaoTiu-dzing, 0.
Mr. Dong, E.
Mr. and Mrs. Crombie.
18. Ky'i-k'eo
Town, about 15 miles from Fung-hwa.
1873
Fong Neng-kwe, E.
19. 'O-z
Village, 20 miles from Fung-hwa.
1863
Shib Da-tsing, C.
Tai-chau Prefecture.
20. NlNG-HAI
District City, 70 miles S. from Ning-po.
Jan. 18C8
Wong Eyiio-yiao, E.
W6ng Sing-cb'ing, E.
Mrs. Sbih, B.
21. T'lEN-T'AI
District City, 110 miles S. from Ning-po.
1873
Liu Si-yiiing, 0.
22. Si-ticn
23. Gyiao-bang ("Ong-ziii)
Market Town, 55 miles S. from Ning-po.
Town, 60 miles S. from Ning-po.
Feb. 1874
1870
Tsiang Ping-hwe, E.
We gave a short notice of the baptism of six persons
in these stations on page 4 of our first number. Owing
to the long continued and serious illness of Mrs.
Crombie and two of her children, we have received
less intelligence concerning these stations than other-
wise would have been the case. For two years they
have been almost constantly ill, and much need our
loving sympathy and prayers.
As to the work in Fung-hwa itself, Mr. Crombie
writes : —
"The work here is very encouraging. We have had
a full chapel every night since it was opened, and the
people seem to be interested in the gospel."
Of the other stations we have not yet received the
report. Mrs. Crombie says, on Oct. 26th : —
" There is much to report of the work here if I
were able to give you details : some which gives us
much joy, and much, too, that gives us sorrow. My
husband is away visiting the stations : he is likely
to be away eight or ten days longer. He and Charlie
are the only ones who have anything like strength.
Georgie has fever daily, and looks like death ;
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
73
William and I have diarrhoea always j it defies all
treatment.
" I often feel the grave to be very near indeed ; yet
many of the young and strong have gone to rest,
and I am still here to suffer, or to stand still and wait,
not to do."
•Hnng yr0ui«t^^ ^* itrtuli. (Z^d Missionary District.)
Stations.
Descuiption.
Opened.
Native Assistants. Missjonabies.
1
v.— Cheh-kiang: Province, E.
(3r(i E. Mission District )
Tni-chnn Prt'fi'i-lnre contintied.
24. T'AI-OHAU
Profeotural City, 140 miles S.W. from
Ning-po.
July 18G7
Mr. Liu, P.
Superivtntdedbj/ Afr. Liu.
( Vinited hji Mr. Jackson^
Wun-CUau).
25. SIBN-Kij
District City, 30 miles W. from T'ai-chau.
Jan. 1874
Loh Kying-sih, E.
Ling Hyin-dju, C.
KolTYit dj iin7 K
26. Ky'i-'o
Temple in a Town, 25 miles E. from
T'ai-chau.
1873
27. HWANG-VCS
District City. 20 miles S.E. from T'ai-
chau.
April 18G9
"W5ng Yi-hying, 0.
28. Dien-tsi
Temple, 30 miles S.E. from T'ai-chau.
1873
U Djun-yiao, E.
Ling Tsiao-song, 0.
Tsiang Uong-kao, E.
29. T'AI-P'iSa HIEN
District Citj', 50 miles S.E. from T'ai-
chau.
Jan. 1874
The work in these stations has been well kept up
during the year in Mr. Rudland's absence by the
native brethren, visited occasionally by Mr. Jackson.
It will be remembered that in two of these stations
the chapels are temples presented to us by their
former owners, now Christian men, seeking to spread
the truth they have found so blessed to themselves.
Some of the letters we receive from the native brethren
are very simple and instructive ; we hoped to give
some, but space will not allow, this month. More
eligible premises have been obtained this year in
several of the stations, and the prospect greatly en-
courages us. We hope soon to receive from Mr.
Williamson a detailed report of the present state of the
whole work. Mr. Jackson, on account of difficulties in
Ch'u-chau, has been unable to visit them very recently.
ij^^l-limng yrautJttt, ^, itrtuttt
Stations.
Description.
Opened.
Native Assistants.
Missionaries.
VI.— Cheh-kiang: Pro-Tinoe, S.
Wun-chau Prefecture.
30. WUN-CHAU
frefectural City, 240 miles S.W. of
Ning-po.
Dec. 1807
Kying Ts'ing-sten, 0.
Mr. Ing, S.
Mr. and Mrs. Stott.
Mr. and Mrs, Jaclison.
31. Dong-ling
Village, with several converts and about
20 persons interested.
1375.
Services conducted by
resident members.
32. PlNO-TANa
District City, S. of Wun-chau.
1874
Tsiu Din-ky'ing, 0.
Seng Shii-nyiin, 0.
Tsiang Ah-liang. P.
Ck'u-chau Prefecture.
33. CH'U-CHAU
Frefectural City, four days' journey W.
of Wun-chau.
1875
Although far from being without occasions of sorrow,
perhaps in no previous year has more real progress
been made than during the present one. When we
think of its extent and population, we mourn that
there are only four mission stations in this circuit ;
yet, looking back to the former half of 1874, when
there was only one, we feel thankful, and take courage.
It was with great difficulty that an entrance was
eflected into station 32 ; and for a time there was
great opposition. Now, this has died away, and the
promise of blessing begins to appear. Notices of
work in Wun-chau were given on pages 5 and 62 ;
and of station 31 on pages 23 and 30. Of Ch'u-chau
we have as yet been able to say little ; for the diffi-
culties we have met with, and the recent nature of
the work, have hindered the effect of the gospel
appearing.
We proceed to give some extracts from Mr. Stott's
correspondence : —
" On the 1st of June we baptized a fine young man
from inside Dong-ling (station 31), whom we have
known for a long time. He spent last winter here at
school, at his own expense, seeking to improve him-
self, and will return again this autumn after the
harvest. Some other members of his family are
favourable to Christianity, and have been enquiring
for some time. The members at Dong-ling are much
needing a place where they can assemble on the Lord's
74
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Day for mutual benefit ; meeting in one another's
houses proves very unsatisfactory, but I am unable to
help them under present circumstances.
" We had a visit lately from a man who was a hermit
amongst the hills ; he is now living with his parents
and a brother, and seems to hold fast to the truth.
Every effort has been made by many of his friends to
turn him aside ; but he appears determined to follow
Jesus. He says a few others in his neighbourhood
are interested in the truth, and sometimes meet with
him to read the Scriptures. At P'ing-yang (station
32) there are three persons inquiring ; one of them is
a very interesting case ; but we hardly know enough
of them yet to speak very decidedly. We can only
seek to instruct them, and bear them on our hearts
before a prayer-hearing God. He loves them more
than we do, and is far more interested in their welfare
than we can be.
" There is an old man, nearly seventy years
of age, living near the mouth of the river, who
has come here almost every Lord's Day for more than a
year. He comes on Saturday, bringing his rice with
him, and returns on Monday. He has induced several
people from the same place to accompany him.
Nearly three months ago an elderly man came with
him to hear ; ever since they have come together week
by week. I dare say the old man will be baptized in
a few days. Once or twice, when he could not get a
boat, he walked all the way (about 10 English miles),
and arrived here tired out, rather than stay away. He
also has been subjected to a good deal of petty annoy-
ance and trouble from his own family. The man who
now accompanies him is an interesting, intelligent
man, able to read the Scriptures or any common
book; he takes a lively interest in learning the truth.
" I might tell you about another interesting inquirer,
also an elderly man. He is from the county between
here and P'ing-yang, doing a small business in the
country ; he is also a literary graduate, and obtained
his B.A. when a young man. By-and-by the rebels
came and ruined him. He was able to save the lives
of all his family, but for many years had a hard
struggle to bring them up. Now they are grown up ; but
his wife died a few years ago. He is earnest in seeking
to understand the truth, and listens attentively when
the Word is being preached. I pray God that he may
soon find rest in Christ.
"The book shop has been very much frequented
of late. Many people have been in daily, some days
hundreds ; most of them have heard something of the
truth, and many of them have bought portions of the
Scriptures or other Christian books. May we not
hope for blessing ?
" I have been hoping and praying that God would
give us men to itinerate in this and the adjoining
counties. There are many hundreds of tozmts and
villages scattered over them. Almost every week
some interesting person turns up at the book shop
from some of them. After listening awhile, he will
say, ' This is very good and true ; but I live so far
away that I cannot come to hear, and I do not under-
stand the books well.' / have met hundreds of such
men. Often when I have seen their willingness to
hear I have asked them when they would be in the
city again. The general reply is, 'Hard to tell,' or
' Next year.' Now I feel convinced that if we had
some one to follow up such cases, we should reap a
larger harvest ; but as it is, they hear once or twice,
disappear, and we never see them again. ' The com-
mon people heard Him gladly,' is still as true as ever."
!|timg-$tt Jrijuitt^*
Stations.
Desokiption.
Opened.
NATIVE Assistants.
MiSSIONAEIKS.
VII— Kians-su Province
34. NAN-KIN.
Capital of Province, former capital of
the Empire. Population about
800,000.
Prefectural City, about 216 miles up
tlie Yapg-tse-kiang. Population
about 150,000.
Sept. ISG7
Cb'en Wen-loh, E.
Siqjci-iiitended htj Mr. McCarthy.
35. OHIN-KIANQ
Jan. 1889
Mr, Chang, E.
Mrs. Duncan.
Miss Knight "1 Arriving
Miss Goodman / (D.V.) in Jan.
36. TANG-GHAU
Prefectural City, about 12 miles N.
from Chin-kiang. Population about
300,000.
June 1868
Tsiang Sob-liaug, P.
Temporarily : —
- Mr. Broumton 1 Arrivin;^
Mr, Easton / (D.V.) iu Dec.
37. NOETH T'AI-CIIAn
District City, 30 or 40 miles E. from
Yang-chau.
Feb. 1873
Lo Si-fu, G.
Mr. P'un, 0.
Mr. Oli'un, E.
Oh'eng Si-fu, G.
38. Ts'iNa-KiANQ-P'n
District City, 100 miles N. from Yaug-
cbau. Population, 30,000.
Dec. 1809
39. SHANS-nAI
Station for Press and business pur-
poses.
Nov. 1S73
Printers.
Mr. and Mrs. G, T, Fishe.
The work in this and in the adjoining province was
superintended during the former half of the year by
Mr. McCarthy; during most of the latter half Mr.
Williamson has superintended that in Kiang-su, and
Mr. Bailer that in Gan-hwuy. The work in Kiang-su
has not been so fruitful this year as we could have
wished. At two only of the stations have there
been additions to the number in church fellowship.
This part of the vineyard has from the very first proved
a difficult one. At times, when special prayer has
been offered by our friends at home, we have been
much cheered by seeing many asking their way to
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
75
Zion, and some evidently resting and rejoicing in a
realised salvation. We are conxinced that not a few
have become intellectually acquainted with the truths
of the Gospel ; and there are others of whom we hope
that they are really trusting in Christ, but who still
lack the moral courage to stand out boldly as the
professors of a despised and hated religion. This is
in harmony with the general character of the Kiang-su
people, in whom moral cowardice is very prominent.
Will not our Christian readers earnestly pray that the
mighty power of God's Spirit may be manifested in
.strengthening these weak-hearted ones ?
We have lost two very valuable helpers by death
during the year : one a truly Christian young man,
whose holy and consistent walk gave promise of much
usefulness ; another the young wife of the native
pastor at Yang-chau. Both of them died of consump-
tion. They were trained in the schools formerly
located at Hang-chau ; and were there, whilst young,
brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. Both
rendered much help among their young companions,
and after leaving the school gave us great joy. AVe
would gladly Iiave kept them for earthly service : He
who loved them better has called them to His
heavenly rest.
The mother and relatives of our departed brother
are still unconverted. His last words to them were
of exhortation and earnest entreaty to turn to the
Saviour, and to meet him above. The mother, who
resides in Ning-po, has since his death regularly at-
tended chapel, a thing that she would never do
before.
The husband of our young sister, writing shortly
before her death, said : —
" It is long since I wrote to you ; nevertheless, I
have not forgotten you at all. May God speedily give
you health and strength, that you may the better care
for us little ones of the flock. Through God's good-
ness I am very well, but my wife is very sick : pray
for us. May the Lord enable us both to spend our
whole lives as becomes true believers, serving Him
here with all our strength, and then receive us to His
own kingdom ; this is my heart's one desire.
" Mr. McCarthy will have given you the church
news. . Would that God would send more labourers
to China, that the places now in black darkness may
obtain light ! Please give my salutations to those
friends in your honourable country that assist us in
our work. I daily pray for those who are helping us,
that the seed which they sow may receive the Lord's
abundant reward. "Tsiang Soh-liang."
The schools are under Mrs. Duncan's care. The
difficulty of obtaining suitable girls as schol.irs is still
very great. As we gave a communication f.om Mrs.
Duncan in our last number, we will here o.ily add a
request, that much prayer may be offered that parents
may be induced to send their daughters to our
sisters, who will gladly care for both body and soul.
iittt-|tttuj| yjttntmt^
SlATIOXS.
Desokipiions.
Oi>ENED.
Native Missionaries.
ASSISTANTS.
VIII— Gan-hwuy Province.
40. GAN-ICINO
Capital of the Province, about 400 miles
up the Yang-tse-kiang.
Jan. 18G9
Chu Sien-seng, E.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailer.
Temporarily : —
Mr, Geo, King.
Mr. Geo. Cameron,
41. GH'I-OHAU
Prcfectural City, S.E, from Qan-k'ing.
Oct. 1874
Juno 1S73
Mr. Hsu, E.
42. Ta-t'ung
Large business Town, on the Yang-
tse-kiang.
Wu Cheng-tsan, E.
43. T'AI-P'ING FU
Prelectural City, N. W, from Nan-kin.
Sept. 1374
"Wu Si-fu, C.
King-shu, C.
44. Wu-HU
District City and large emporium, on
the Yang-tse-kiang.
Mar. 1873
Mr. Tffi, E.
45. KWANS-TEH-CHAn
District City, near Gan-kih in Oheh-
kiang Province.
April 1872
Tsiu Fong-kying, E. (absent)
46. NINH-KWOII
Prefectural City, S. of T'ai-p'ing f u.
Deo. 1S74
Dzing Lao-yiao, C.
Tffi Si-fn, C.
47. nwuT-cnAU
Prefectural City in S.E. of Qan-hwuy.
1876
Mr. T'oug, C.
Long-chung, C.
48. LU-CHAU
Prefectural City, near the Tsao Lake,
an 1 N. from Gau-king.
1876
Mr. Han, E.
T'ong Si-fu, C,
49. FUNG TANG
Prefectural City in N.E, of Gan-hwuy.
1875
TsUen-llng, C.
Our work in this province, as in the last, is rather
breaking up the soil and casting in the seed than
gathering in sheaves. AVe would ask much prayer for
this province, and for the few native Christians God
has given us from amongst its twenty millions, whose
temporal poverty and spiritual need alike call for our
deepest commiseration. Of more manly character
than their neighbours in Kiang-su, we have every
reason to expect that when the work of God really
takes root among them, its progress will be more
rapid and satisfactory. Our first entrance was ob^
taiued with great difficulty by Messrs. Meadows
and Williamson, and the position was but barely
maintained by our late brother Mr. Duncan. Con-
stant prayer has been answered in the opening of
additional doors for the preaching of the Word, and
in the first eight stations in the list we may regard the
work as somewhat established. It is not so, however,
in the last two ; our native brethren have been driven
away from the house they had rented in Fung-yang,
and have had to be recalled for the present from Lu-
chau. The native authorities have promised that in
future they shall be protected in the prosecution of
their work at Fung-yang; and we do not despair
76
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
about Lu-chau. In the case of both these cities, and
also in that of Ying-chau, the only remaining prefec-
tural city in this province without the gospel, we feel
!^mtt5-$t a«b ]|«-p^| yrotttnqs*
that our desires will be granted, and that openings
will be effected and souls saved. Too much beheving
prayer has been offered to permit us to doubt this.
Stations.
IX— Kiang-si Province.
50. KIU-KIANG
51. Ta-ku-t'ang ...
Desckiptioss.
rro^pctural City, abnut 500 miles up the
Yang-tse-liiang (the itineiant work
has extended to upwards of 100
cities and towns in the province).
Larye Town, on he Po-yang Lalte.
X.— Hu-peh Province.
62. WU-C-H'ANO
Capital of Province, G50 miles up tho
Yang-tse-kiang.
Opened.
Native Missionaries.
Dec. 1869
July 1S73
Mr. Yiao, E.
Mr. P'en, 0,
Lo Gan-fuh, E.
Assistants.
Visited by ifessrs. Judd
and Ilaller
June 1S74
Chang Sien-seng, E,
Yao Si-fu, 0.
Mr. and Mrs. Judd.
T<:inporari(i/ : —
Mr. M, Henry Taylor.
Mr, NicoU.
Mr. Clarke.
KIANG-SI.
The work in these two stations has been carried
on by the native helpers, under some disadvantages,
since Mr. Cardwell left for England. Mr. and Mrs.
Bailer went there, and made a stay of two months or
more, during which time they were also visited by
Mr. Judd ; but we have received no detailed report
of the state of the work.
HU-PEH.
Brief accounts of work done in this Province, and
of tours made from it, were given on pages 2, 10, 46,
48. Our object in opening a station at VVu-ch'ang
was to secure a basis of operations for the regions
beyond ; and such it has proved to be. From this
station, Mr. M. Henry Taylor has visited River-South
Province (Ho-nan), and Mr. Judd, South-Lake Pro-
vince (Hu-nan). Ere this time next year we hope
Four-Streams (Si-chum) and Noble-Land (Kivei-
chau) will also have been reached. Mr. Judd has
baptized three or four persons at Wu-ch'ang ; and
Mr. M. Henry Taylor has had good reason to be-
lieve that souls were given him in Ho-nan. More
details we must reserve.
Judd has already visited
South-Lake Province (Hu-
nan). Although unsuccess-
ful in obtaining a footing, we are far from being dis-
couraged. It may be that we shall have to repeat the
Name.
South- West.
Yun-nan
(CLOUDY-SOUTH).
Kwang-si
(BROAD-WEST).
Population.
Missionary.
8 Millions
lOi Mmions
((Now in Bimnah).
J. W. Stevenson.
I Henry Soltau.
Jos. S. Adams.
Shortly to follow.
T. P.Harvey,M.E,.C.S.
Eng., L.S.A. Lond.,
L.K.C.P. liOnd.
TO THE Nine Provinces hitherto without Resident Protestant Missionaries.
Under the headings "Interview with the King of 1 effort as often as did the Syro-Phenician woman her
Burmah," and "Bhamo Medical Mission" (pp. 66,67), I entreaties: but of ultimate success we cannot doubt,
will be found information
of progress made towards
the formation of the South-
Western Branch. We be-
lieve that the soj ourn of our
missionaries in Rangoon
and Maulmain has been
much blessed; and that the
effects of their work will
extend far beyond the time
of their stay, and the limits
of our observation. We
most earnestly entreat those
who love the Lord Jesus to
follow them on their way to
Bhamo with their prayers.
We have received most in-
teresting information from
them, which, however, space
will not allow us now to
give.
In the Western Branch,
as mentioned above, Mr.
West.
Hu-nan .
(SOUTH-LAICB.)
Si-ehuea
(FOUR-STREAMS.)
Kwei-chau ..
(NOBLE-LAND).
Central.
Ho-nan ... .
(RIVER-SOUTH.)
25^ Millions
27 Millions
7^ Millions
25i Millions
North.
Kan-suh... .
(WILLINS-REVERENCE.)
Shen-si ... .
(WEST-PASSES.)
Shan-si ... .
(WEST-HILLS.)
16 Millions.
14J Millions
15i Mmions
For the other two provinces
we already have three of
the four men desired, and
we anticipate no great delay
in sending out the fourth.
Special contributions have
covered the outfits and pas-
sages of several of the new
missionaries, and we doubt
not that He who has sup-
plied all the need of the
past, through the liberality
of His stewards, will con-
tinue to supply all the real
needs of His work.
For Avork in Ho-nan,
Mr. Cameron, now in Chi-
na, is preparing to join Mr.
M. Henry Taylor.
Northern Provinces. —
We have for these pro-
vinces one man in China,
and four on the way : it is
probable that one or two
others will shortly follow.
May God abundantly bless
all these workers, and prosper their efforts, for Christ's
sake.
(C. H. Judd, partialli/.
fC. Nicoll.
")G. Clark.
(J. F. Broumton.
1
(M. H. Taylor.
\Q. Cameron.
(J. McCarthy, par-
\&. King. Itialbj.
(C. Budd.
(G. F. Easton.
|j. J. Turner.
AUDIENCE CHAMBER OF A CHINESE MANVAHIN— {See page yg).
78
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
\.* *
PIONEER WORK IN HO-NAN.
NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF MR. M. HENRY TAYLOR.
(Continued from page 61.)
There is so much of interest and encouragement connected
with Mr, Henry Taylor's visit to the province of Ho-nan, that
we are induced to place before our friends the fullest details
our space will allow.
IN THE PREFECTURAL CITY.
" April 2W1. — Sent my brother into the city this
morning, to look for an inn where we could have
a room with a door to it, as we intended staying
here for a few days. When they knew who we
were, they placed the large well-furnished hall,
where Hu-peh literati meet, at our disposal, free of
charge. We accepted this kind offer, and attempted
to move into our new premises unobserved ;
but in this we failed. It became known that there
was a foreigner inside, and they crowded in hundreds
to see me. We spoke a few words to them, but they
paid no attention whatever. The crowd was every
moment being swelled from without, and we knew
that the greater the crowd the more turbulent it is.
The sooner it was scattered the better ; so, filling our
bag with books, we went in the street, and, as we
anticipated, they followed us out, till not a single
person remained on the premises. An effort to preach
in one or two places failed completely. We walked
quietly on till we were alone, and having left the city,
we then gathered a few around us, to whom we spoke
the whole of the afternoon.
" I then sent for my luggage to an inn outside,
where accommodation had been offered to us.
Towards the close of the day when I returned I found
the native and luggage awaiting me. In the course
of the evening we had several visitors, amongst whom
were two that gave us encouragement. One, an old
vegetarian named Hu, grasped what was said very
readily. It was not a mere polite assent to what we
said : he evidently used his heart to understand. The
other, a young schoolmaster named Wan, who has
been for some time seeking for Truth, understood
many of the facts of Christianity from contact with
Roman Catholics, but had been hindered from joining
himself to them by their inconsistency. We had a
long talk with these two men, continually referring
them to the Scriptures, which they had not previously
seen. They each gave us his address, inviting us to
come and see them, and, when leaving, promised to
call on us again. We have made these men the sub-
ject of special prayer. Mr. Wan is a clever, intelli-
gent man, needing only the help of the Holy Ghost to
enable him to use his powers aright.
" April 2()th. — Had three of the literati in to see
us this morning before going out into the streets, with
whom we conversed. One of them waited behind
after the others had gone, to inquire more fully. He
told us that he had a friend who was a Roman
Catholic, from whom he had heard a good deal of the
doctrine. We endeavoured to show him God's way
of life from the New Testament, and he caught our
meaning very quickly, his mind having been in some
measure prepared. We asked him afterwards if he
believed on Jesus, the Son of God. ' If I do not
believe on Jesus, whom else have I to beheve on?'
was the reply. We knelt together, asking God to
open his heart, and to give him the witness of the
Spirit. After rising from our knees, he asked what he
was now to do. We told hiin that the first and most
important thing was to trust Jesus with all his heart ;
then to seek, prayerfully, to learn His will from the
Bible. He asked what were the customs of our Church.
We told him of baptism and the Lord's Supper,
explaining the meaning of both. He asked us to
baptize him, as he was soon returning to his family,
some distance off, and might never see us again ; but
we advised him to wait a few months, till he under-
stood the truth, telling him we should come this way
again, probably in a few months. He gave us his
address, and we promised to look him up.
" Shortly afterwards we went out to the streets.
Strange to say, scarcely any followed us. Taking our
stand in one of the principal streets of the city, we
preached for some time, and sold some books. We
afterwards preached in four or five places, getting
good crowds. When tired we returned, and had a little
refreshment. We were followed to our inn by a priest,
to whom we spoke about the true God, and Jesus
Christ whom He had sent. We gave him a copy of
' The AVay to Heaven made clear.' Went out again,
and the people listened more attentively than any of
those who heard us in the morning. As the sun began
to set, we strolled over to some dilapidated temples a
short distance from the city, and testified to the true
God in the midst of false ones. Some of the priests
seemed to look upon our coming as an intrusion ;
others listened politely. Wlien leaving we gave them
two of the Gospels.
"After supper Mr. Ma (the man who had asked for
baptism) returned, bringing with him a friend. He
asked us to write him out a form of prayer. We told
him the best form of prayer was to tell God his need
just as he felt it, pleading the name of Jesus. He
seems to be sincere. May God make him so, if he is
not ! The day's work closed with some conversation
with our landlord about the Truth. We leave these
feeble efforts with the God who loves sinners.
" April 30//Z. — Mr. Ma came again this morning to
learn more of the Truth. After helping him, we knelt
and prayed together. He is evidently honest in his
motives. After he had left we filled our bag with
books, and went out to the streets and preached in
two or three places, but the people were not very
attentive ; returned about noon, as the heat was
intense. Whilst resting, we had several in to buy
books, with some of whom we conversed about the
things of God. A special case was a man named
T'ang, who has been in several times. He is about
50 years of age, reads the character well, and is, we
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
79
tliink, a man of more than ordinary ability. We asked
him to-day if he behaved on the Son of God. He
answered that he beheved every iota : we knelt and
asked God to open his heart.
" Had several of the literati to see us in the after-
noon ; and our time being fully occupied, we could
not go out again. Argument and truth are lost upon
these men ; nothing but the Holy Ghost can convince
them of sin and lead them to Jesus.
SISTERS OF MEPXY NEEDED.
" May ist. — The young schoolmaster came again
this morning, still inquiring for the Way : we find him
a most intelligent man. Went out and preached in
several places. Whilst preaching at one place there
passed along a number of old dames going to worship
idols. These my native brother hailed as they passed,
and they turned aside to hear us, the crowd making
way for them respectfully. He spoke to them most
affectionately and earnestly for some time. On hear-
ing that they should not worship idols, they exclaimed,
' Oh ! if we aie not to worship idols, what are we to
worship ? ' They were told to worship the true and
living God, who made heaven and earth. As we
told them the way to worship Him, they thought that
Jesus was indeed a good friend to die instead of us,
and then offer us His merit. Would God there were
Protestant ' Sisters of Mercy ' willing to spend their
lives for the poor degraded millions of their own sex
in this land !
REQUESTED TO LEAVE.
" On returning from the streets, we found a message
awaiting us, to the effect that the gentlemen of the city
desired our leaving the place at once, giving no reason
but that they feared the place was too small for us, and
that we should be more comfortable in a larger place.
We thanked them for troubling themselves about our
comfort, but added that we could not pay any atten-
tion to the command, ist, because we were not
conscious of having committed any offence, and 2nd,
because it did not come from the mandarin. Our
landlord, however, was very desirous we should leave,
saying that if we did not he would be involved in
trouble. We felt in a strait, and laid our letter of
complaint before the Lord. After rising from our
knees we saw that we must do one of two things ; either
obey an unreasonable command, and leave the city,
giving up all hope of future work in it, or go to the
mandarin and explain our object in coming to the
place, and, as we wished to remain a few days, ask
that the landlord of the inn at which we were staying
might not be troubled by the people. Much as we
desired to avoid contact with the mandarin, this
seemed the better course of the two, taking our work,
or in other words, the people's souls, into account.
mandarin's audience chamber.
(Sec Illustration, page 77).
" Accordingly, we went to the magistrate's office, and,
after the usual time of waiting, saw him. He received
us very politely, and apologised for the people,
saying that as there were good and bad in the city,
to whom the presence of a foreigner appeared strange,
he was afraid that they might trouble us ; but as we
intended staying only a few days it did not matter.
He gave us his word that there would be no trouble,
and told us to go about carefully. This we promised
to do, and thanked him for his kindness. We heard
afterwards that the message did not come from the
gentlemen of the city, but from the mandarin himself.
Thus it is that Satan seeks to oppose us ; his devices
God alone can bring to nought.
" Mr. Ma came again this evening, wanting us to
baptize him. We do not doubt his sincerity, but yet
feel that nothing is lost by being careful. We told
him that baptism would not make him a child of God,
but faith in Jesus, and that it was better to understand
baptism more clearly before being baptized.
"■May 2nd. — Mr. Ma came again this morning.
We gave him a few books, and told him of the
privilege he had, and of the responsibility he was
under, to witness for Jesus by life and word, especially
the former. We thanked God together for working a
manifest work of grace in his heart. In the street we
had a good number to listen in several places, and
sold several hundred cash worth of books. The Lord
gave us perfect peace. After preaching a couple of
hours, we returned to rest.
MR. t'ang.
" Mr. T'ang, to whom a day or two before we had
given one of the Gospels and a Catechism, came again
in the afternoon. AVhile speaking with him to-day,
he astonished us with the progress he had made in
the letter of the Word. I have seldom seen a man so
apt ; he seems to have laid hold of a personal Christ.
Referring to those in the morning who had stumbled
at the name of Jesus, ' Don't want Jesus ! ' he
exclaimed in astonishment, ' If we are without Jesus
we are without doctrine ; Jesus is all. He redeemed
us ; He came from heaven to do it ; outside of Him
where have we hope ? ' May the Lord God keep
him on this Rock I We left him a few books to make
what use he could of them. He prays at home three
or four times a day, and seems to be in comfortable
circumstances. Formerly he held a good post in the
magistrate's office, and thoroughly understands all its
affairs. He must not be lost sight of.
ENCOURAGEMENT .
" My brother went this afternoon to see Messrs. Hu
and Wan, and had a long conversation with them
about the truth. Mr. Hu for years has been seeking
God,\ivX his heart has not rested — nor can it in idolatry.
The Holy Ghost has fastened the simple preaching
of Christ in his soul. There were idols placed in every
part of the house. While speaking to my brother he
turned, and pointing to them said, 'I held these,
because I had nothing better; now I have found
Jesus, so I let them go. I know this doctrine is true ;
my conscience tells me so ! ' He would hardly let
my brother go, who told him that we expected to
return in the course of a few months. He seemed
very pleased, and said, 'Come and open a house here;
I know there are many in this city, who, like us, are
So
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
seeking the true way.' Oh ! our hearts were filled
with praise to God for the blessing He has given us
in this city. The harvest is plenteous, and we are
reaping (not merely sowing), and God is with us.
"May yd. — Spent the morning in street-preaching,
and in three or four places sold a good number of
books. Had some of the literati to see us after
returning : several came in the afternoon also.
TRAVELLING AGAIN.
" Ala} j\tli. — Started this morning for the next pre-
fectural city,* which lies due west from this one.f
We have not enough of either money or books to go
farther north this time. Our time for this journey is
limited to ten days, chiefly on account of the expense
of the carriage of luggage. Reached a county-cityj
about s P.M. Had not much opportunity of preach-
ing during the day ; scattered a few seeds by the way.
"■^ May c^th. — VVent into the city this morning, but
the people would not pay the least attention ; so
we took it to be God's will that we should move on,
our time being precious. We reached the next county-
city § at sunset. As we had already spent two days
at this place, we thought it best not to stay here
long on this occasion.
" May 6th. — Started out this morning, and reached
a small place of one street|| by evening ; here we put
up for the night. We felt the heat so severely to-day
that we found ourselves unfit for anything. After
sunset we went out to seek a place to pray ; entered
into a cornfield and found it a Bethel.
'' May Tth. — Left to-day at day-break, and reached
another county-city .1[ Early in the morning put up
outside the city, and, filling our bags with books, went
forth to the streets. Had breakfast in a cook-shop.
As soon as it became known that I was a foreigner
the shop was filled. After breakfast we went out,
and were soon surrounded by a large crowd, who
hstened attentively, and bought all our books.
Sending my brother back for more, I kept the crowd;
and after his return we preached for some time longer,
and sold all our books a second time. Had dinner,
rested, and preached agahi till late in the afternoon.
Moved on when the mtense heat had passed, and
after making about 20 // (six miles), put up at a way-
side inn. The landlord seemed afraid to let us stay
the night, as there were robbers in the district, and
he could give us no protection if they came. After a
little persuasion he allowed us to remain, and we lay
down to rest, making a pillow of that precious promise,
"I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
stayed on Me, because he trustcth in Me."
"May <)th. — Reached a city** about noon to-day,
but it rained too hard to work in the streets.
"May loth. — Went out this morning, and preached
for some time. The people listened indifferently, and
would not buy any books, seeming to look upon us
with a good deal of suspicion. The Romish priests
have been here, and have some converts. They do
not seem, however, to have the goodwill of the
* Nan-yuDg, t Ju-ning. X Shang-t'sai.
§ Si-p'ing. II Si-lang-tien. ^ Wu-yang. ** Yu-chau.
people; and, as they make no difference between us
and them, we are received very coldly.
"May 11th. — Started again this morning, but were
obliged to take shelter from the rain at a small place,
20 // (six miles) distant. The Lord acts wisely : we
trust Him implicitly.
"May 12th. — Left at noon to-day, but made slow
progress, as the roads are very bad. Reached a
place* at nightfall, still 60 // from our destination. f
In the streets of this place we had a good crowd next
day, to whom we preached for a long time, helped of
God. Among the hearers was a Tauist priest, who
listened attentively. We spent some time answering
his questions, explaining the truth, and endeavouring
to show him that his present course was a false one.
He told us that he left a comfortable home to find the
true way of salvation, and had been nine years a
priest. He had just begun to eat herbs, and was about
to take the oath. He asked us earnestly what he was
to do. We told him that his only safety was in be-
lieving on Jesus, the Son of the true God, who came
down from Heaven to save sinners. When we re-
turned to our inn he followed us, so desirous did he
seem to hear more. We gave him a Testament and
some small books. We started again a little before
noon ; preached and sold some books by the way.
Reached the prefectural cityf at sunset, and put up
at an inn outside the walls.
ROUGH USAGE.
"May \i,th. — After waiting upon God for a mighty
blessing, we went into the street ; but attracted no
notice till we began to speak. Then the people
gathered round us, listening with a measure of atten-
tion for some time, and buying a few books. AVe told
the people that we did not come among them to injure
them with impure words or books ; but to tell them of
the true God, in whom we live, and move, and have
our being. After this they became calm, and we
preached for some time longer, till " certain lewd
fellows of the baser sort " stirred up the people again.
They threw our books in the mud, stamping on them,
and, tearing them up, cast them in our faces, &c., and
ridiculed that worthy Name by which we are called..
Though this conduct was calculated to provoke us,
the Lord kept us perfectly calm. As the street be-
came thronged, we moved to an empty piece of ground
near the magistrate's office, and endeavoured to speak
for some time longer, but with little effect. The
literati had succeeded, by their false speeches, in in-
stilling their hatred into the minds of the common
people. We thought it unwise to persist in speaking,
as the people had already begun to be troublesome.
As we left them to go to our inn, some shouted
out, ' Throw the foreign devil down,' &c. We
rejoice to be persecuted for the name of Jesus,
much as we mourn the cause.
ROMAN CATHOLICS.
"The opposition we received was probably on
account of the Roman Catholics, who have been living
♦Po-
f Nan-yung.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
here for the past five years, and have given the Mandarins
a good deal of trouble. Their house is situated in a
very beautiful place about 12 // (4 miles) from the
city ; they are now completing a magnificent chapel,
upon which they have spent a year's labour.
" May i^th. — We went to-day to see the residence
of the Roman Catholics. One of them came out,
and very courteously invited us in. They showed us
the greatest kindness, and told us of all the persecution
to which they had been subject. During the time of
the late examination there were from 8000 to 10,000
persons surrounding the premises, and they knew not
the moment when an attack might take place. The gun
Jiever left their hands.
" They have a seminary (theological) for young men,
containing about twenty-four in all ; and an orphanage
tor male and female children, in which are about
one hundred. They have fully one hundred domestics,
all of whom are as willing to handle the sword as to
bow down before the cross : the end is supposed to
justify the means.
RETURN TO HANKOW.
" May i6lh. — As our money and books were almost
all used up, we were obliged to take boat to return.
Preached in all the towns and cities on the river till
we reached Hankow. We had encouragement from
the people at some places, especially at a prefectural
city * as large as Hankow, and busier, about 800 //
from the latter place.
"May 2W1. — Arrived in Hankow, it being fifty-
six days since we left it.
"Goodness and mercy had gone before, as well as
followed us. God heard the much prayer that was offered
on our behalf, and gave us on our first journey to
Ho-nan {River-South Province) the earnest of great
things. I believe it is God's intention to glorify
His holy name in that dark place through us.
" With respect to the province, I may say that
as far as we can judge, there is very little water
communication, making travelling by road the only
alternative. This, though expensive, is the most
useful mode, and suits me personally far better than
boat travelling.
" The people are very poor and very illiterate.
The food to be had is not the most nourishing.
Bread only is plentiful. The people have many
pleasing traits of character, among which is the greatest
reverence for those who exhort them ' to be good.'
May our great, merciful God give us a long, fruitful
life among them ! "
axk m ^nttrjuuttt
NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF MR. HENRY SOLTAU.
" Visited the missionaries here, some of whom have
spent a long life in arduous and self-denying labours.
When the dry season commences they start off in a
boat and visit all the stations on the Irrawaddy, preach-
ing and building up the believers. A large staff of
* Siang-yang iu Hu-peh (^North-Lake Province),
native evangelists is continually carrying on the work
with decided proofs of success. It would put many
young men to shame to see these grey-haired labourers
pushing on in their desire to save souls through all
kinds of difficulties and dangers. One of them, Mr.
Vinton, has been labouring with great success in the
Sgau Karen district. Almost the whole of his time is
spent in travelling about the jungle, preaching and
helping the native evangelists, and keeping a general
oversight of some 3000 Karens. He can stand any
amount of sun and rain without being affected by it.
His face is almost as brown as a native's. Undoubt-
edly the American brethren are a hard-working, steady
body of self-denying labourers. They need every
encouragement from Christians in England as well
as in America. There is still a vast amount of
heathenism as yet unreached by the gospel. Labourers
are needed everywhere. Oh, that more would come
out from England, and tell the natives all that they
know about Christ.
"The contrast between the state of things here and
in London when I left home is very great. Still the
same Lord is rich unto all that call upon Him, and we
are expecting blessing here. The Presbyterians,
Baptists, and other brethren, are uniting in getting up
evangelistic meetings for us. The Hall of the Literary
Society has been taken, and Mr. Stevenson and I
are advertised to preach. We are thus seeking to
labour for the Lord until the way shall be open for us
to proceed to Bhamo.
" Wednesday, May 19M. — Attended the united
weekly prayer-meeting in the Baptist chapel. Mr.
Stevenson spoke with power from ' Walk in the light'
Several prayed. The whole service lasted an hour.
"Sunday, May 22,rd. — A happy day. I took a
class of boys in the seven o'clock Sunday school, and
at eight went down to the ' Tenasserim.'
"After breakfast, I went with Mr. Stevenson to the
assembly-rooms to hear Mr. Bain. We were greatly
refreshed. In the afternoon I went to the gospel
meeting at the house of Mr. Edge. At 6 p.m. preached
at the Baptist chapel. Ever since I have been here
my mind has been running on the verse, ' Make this
valley full of ditches.' I therefore took that subject,
and felt helped of the Lord in speaking to the workers,
and to the unsaved. The Lord is opening many
hearts to expect a blessing.
" Monday, May 2^th. — Had our first evangelistic
service in the Literary Society's Hall. Mr. Bain, the
Presbyterian minister, took the chair and opened the
meeting. I spoke on ' I, even I, am He that blot-
teth out thy transgressions.' The attention was good;
the number very small. One person remained, and
asked me to call upon him during the week.
" Tuesday, May 25//?. — Mr. Bain again presided, and
Mr. Stevenson spoke with power on being ' Recon-
ciled to God.' I followed for about ten minutes.
The numbers were very much better than on Monday.
"I went to see some earnest Christians. They deplore
the spiritual dearth in the land, and hail with joy, as a
token of better things, our enforced sojourn here.
82
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
When I came here I asked the Lord to show me where
to go, and what to do, day by day. As long as we
are here we shall hope to work among the English-
speaking portion of the community.
" The Wednesday evening meeting was held, as
usual, in the Baptist chapel. I was asked to preside.
I gave a little sketch of what I had seen of the work
in London, seeking to stir up the hearts of Christians
to expect the like good things here. The remainder
of the time was spent in prayer.
" Sir Douglas Forsyth left on Saturday for Mandalay.
The feeling prevails here that there will be no war.
DRUNKENNESS AND OPIUM SMOKING.
" Were the English to take possession of the whole
country, I am not at all certain that it would be a
Moral gam to the natives, though it might be a com-
mercial gain to them. ]3efore the English came to
Burmah, drunkenness and opium-smoking were almost,
if not totally, unknown : now these evils are rapidly
spreading, and a great part of the revenue of our
government is derived from these vices. In many
places the opium traffic and public-houses are let by
government to the highest bidder. He, of course, has
to do everything in his power to extend his trade, in
order to make his fortune. When a man gets a license
to sell opium in a neighbourhood in which it has
hitherto been unknown, he gives away small quantities
to the natives until they have got a craving for it,
which can only be met by its constant use ; and thus
a trade becomes established.
" On Sunday evening, May 30th, Mr. Stevenson
took the service in the Baptist chapel. The audience
were deeply interested by the relation of his expe-
rience, and the results of his work in China.
" Monday evenings May ■i,\st. — Went again to the
Literary Society's Hall. Mr. Stevenson preached with
power on ' What must I do to be saved ?'
" Two Panthays (Yun-nan Chinese) come every day
to give me a lesson in Chinese. Mr. Stevenson is
generally present to pick up for himself the exact pro-
nunciation. He has a Burmese boy for three hours
every morning to teach him Burmese, and is getting
on well with it.
" Tuesday, June \st. — Had a much larger audience.
Mr. Rose gave an address, ' No man can serve two
masters,' an earnest searching word which must have
gone home to many hearts.
"On Wednesday evening there was a good at-
tendance at the Union Prayer meeting. I spoke for
a short time on 'The judgment-seat of Christ,' as a
motive for earnestness, diligence, and love now, in the
service of the Lord Jesus. Many seemed stirred by
it. A devoted Christian said a few words afterwards
about the importance of the subject, and the desira-
bility of making an earnest effort, in union with each
other, for the salvation of souls in Rangoon. He
asked if some definite work could not be undertaken,
in which all could co-operate for the spread of the
Gospel. Mr. Rose, Baptist missionary, also expressed
his thankfulness for the subject brought before the
meeting ; and remarked how thankful he would be for
a combined effort on behalf of the Gospel, and in the
direction of the increase of brotherly love. Several
prayed earnestly for blessing, and thanked God for
what was being accomplished in England and America.
YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION NEEDED.
" I suggested that steps should be taken, after
prayerful waiting upon God, for the formation of a
Young Men's Christian Association here. This is
immensely needed — will you pray about it at home ?
It concerns all mothers and friends whose sons or
relatives come out to the East. Not one in ten main-
tains his Christian profession out here. I quite hope
this effort will result in success ; we are looking for
blessing, and feel that the Lord is keeping us here for
some wise purposes. One person .professes to have
found Christ through the meetings, and we know of two
or three who are anxious. Continue in prayer for us,
for Mr. Adams, and for the devoted American mis-
sionaries here, whom you would all love if you could
see them work and know them.
" Mr. Stevenson is gone, by invitation, to a feast at
the Panthays' house this evening. They are all
becoming quite attached to him ; and I trust that he
will soon be sufficiently at home with the language to
preach Christ to them. They are all strict Mussulmans.
" Friday, June ifth. — Spent, forthe most part in-doors,
in reading and prayer with Mr. Stevenson and a few
Christian friends, that we might ask great blessing
on Rangoon and its neighbourhood, as well as seek
guidance about our future path. It was a day of
much refreshment of soul.
" Saturday, June c^th. — Walked into Rangoon and
secured some quiet time before the evening meeting
at six — our first children's meeting. It was well
advertised in the papers, but I must say I hardly
expected to see so large a company. Several adults
were present ; the children (about fifty) listened very
attentively. It certainly was most encouraging ; all
the seats were occupied.
" Sunday Morning, Jufie 6th. — I took a class of
little girls in the Sunday school, and afterwards went
to see a poor young fellow who is suffering frightfully.
After breakfast I went to hear Mr. Bain.
" In the afternoon the young men's class met here ; I
left at four o'clock for Mr. Edge's meeting, where I
had promised to preach. At the evening meeting
large numbers were present, and there was deep
attention ; the work was going on. I spoke on Cant, v.,
' He is altogether lovely,' and felt much refreshed.
" Tuesday, Jime Wi. — The children's service in
the Literary Hall was the best of all the services.
Although we had borrowed many forms and chairs,
the room was so full that several had to stand at the
bottom. It rejoiced us greatly to see the rapt atten-
tion, the little eyes and mouths wide open, and the
(?/(/ children sitting round the room, as much pleased
as their little sons and daughters and grand-children.
I bless God for sending us here. Work at home is
sweeter and easier, but it is a privilege to be found in
a needy place, helping on the little ones.
London : Printed by Smtth * Poles, at the Holbom Steam Press, Holborn Euildirfs. E.O.
And Jesus went about
ALL the cities and villaees,
teaching in their synagogues,
and preaching the Gospel of
the Kingdom.
IN CHINA,
With its countless thousands of cities
and villages,
38 STATIONS ONLY
Are occupied by Resident Protestant
Missionaries.
*' The Harvest truly 15
plenteous."
IN CHINA
Four Hundred Millions.
It is estimated that every day 33,000 — every month
One Million souls pass into Eternity.
*' The Labourers are
few."
IN CHINA
NOT ONE MISSIONARY TO A
MILLION.
*' PRAY ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest
that He will send forth Labourers into
His Harvest."
"GO ye into all the world and preach the
Gospel to Every Creature."
CHI N A.
China contains about one -third of the entire population of the world.
In the nine provinces of China where Missionaries are now stationed there P
nearly a million of Chinese to each Missionary. ;
In the other nine provinces of China there are one hundred and fif
MILLIONS without a single resident Protestant Missionary, and this, Eighteen hundr.
years after the Saviour's command to
"PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE."
n
THE OBJECT OF THE
CHINA INLAND MISSION
3
Which is Evangelical and unsectarian in its character, embracing members of all the leadin
denominations of Christians, is, by the help of God, to carry into the whole of the interior (
China, the glad tidings of His love in giving His only begotten Son to be the Saviour of the worldj
Its present staff consists of one hundred and twenty labourers, viz., missionaries and thei-
wives, forty-four ; seventy male native assistants, and six native Bible women. These ar'
supported, and the rents and other expenses of Mission premises, schools, &c., are met, by th
contributions sent in by those who wish to aid in this effort to spread the knowledge of the Gospel
throughout China. They occupy about fifty stations in five of the nine Eastern provinces
of China. These nine provinces contain an aggregate population of about two hundred
and twenty millions.
The other nine provinces,* containing about one hundred and fifty millions, have had no
resident Protestant Missionary. They have, however, two hundred Roman Catholic priest:
foreign and native, and nine bishops.
The China Inland Mission purposes, in dependence upon the guidance and blessing of
God, to send at least two Missionaries to each of these provinces, which till now have be::
without a single resident Protestant Missionary. Already (Nov.) fourteen of the eighteen desin
have been designated for this special purpose. Included in these, are several who have alrea^
laboured in China, but who are now giving themselves to these unevangelised Pro\ inces. I
For them, and others preparing to follow shortly, we earnestly ask the prayerful sympath,
of all who desire that the Gospel may be preached to these perishing millions. 1
" God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Hin
should not perish, but have everlasting life."
" How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hea
without a preacher .'' " i
" The Harvest truly is Plenteous, but the Labourers are Few ; Pray ye therefore the Lord of th'
Harvest, that He will send forth Labourers into the Harvest."
For particulars see page 42.
I
Al
teaf
ar .
tL
n
o p.' 96
LoiLffiixielj: Eo.at 9£l /'foni 'rfi- en.-" I'c ft
Ch
INA'S
M
ILLIONS.
HONG-KONG.
{See ^age go.)
I.— LONDON TO HONG-KONG.
Oftentimes have we wished that we could take
our friends and helpers with us to China ; could
introduce them to our native Christians, and let
them see for themselves the country, the people,
and the work among them. Having been there,
knowing every step of the way between most of
the stations, and having a personal acquaintance with
most of the native helpers, as well as with the mission-
aries, we often in thought take the journey ; and thus,
whilst absent in person, are present in spirit. It occurs
to us that by description, with the help of some
suitable illustrations, we may to some extent enable
our readers to accompany us in such a journey.
We propose therefore, by God's help, in a series
of papers to attempt this ; and we trust that the
NO. 7. JANUARY, 1876.
result will be a deeper interest in the work and
workers, and more intelligent prayer to our God
and Father, who is not only prepared to give what
we ask, but "to do exceeding abundantly above
all we ask or think."
In a series of papers, taken from the diary of Mr.
Henry Soltau, we last year gave an account of a
journey from Glasgow to Burmah. We do not
propose to repeat this, as there is much of
similarity in each journey. We will rather follow
the route taken by many of our missionaries who
travel third class through France to Marseilles, and
thence by the noble steamers of the " Messageries
Maritimes," to China. In this way the journey is
accomplished in a comparatively short time, and at
§4
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
a very moderate expense — considerably less indeed
than that involved in any other route.
Setting out usually from London Bridge Station
about 8 p.m., we find ourselves about midnight
on board the steamer at Newhaven. In crossing
to Dieppe a rougher sea is oftentimes experienced
than in any subsequent part of the journey. Leaving
the steamer we proceed by rail to Paris, which is
generally reached some time between lo a.m. and
noon. Here not unfrequently our friends have had
the joy of meeting our honoured brother, Mr.
George Pearse, whose Christian kindness and local
knowledge have both helped and cheered them.
The journey is continued through the night and
the next day, and Marseilles is reached about 6 p.m.
on the third day of the journey. By this time we
are quite ready for the rest and refreshment of a
good night in one of the hotels of that city.
EMBARKATION AT MARSEILLES. '
And now our overland journey is completed, and
we embark about 9 a.m. the next morning. The
steamer starts about 10 a.m., and we are soon
gazing at the magnificent scenery of the southern
coast of France. A short run brings us in sight
of the north of Corsica, then Elba, Monte Christo,
and other islands are noted and viewed with great
interest. In about two days the steamer casts
anchor in the beautiful
BAY OF NAPLES.
Here some of the passengers go ashore, and
spend a few hours in viewing the city ; others
prefer to remain on board, making purchases of
fruit, pictures, objects carved out of lava, etc., etc.,
brought in boats for sale by the Neapolitans.
Mount Vesuvius too is seen, and the smoke
issuing from the crater is usually noted with much
interest.
But the short stay is soon over ; the bell rings,
the boats push off, and we are once more on our
way. And now running down in sight of the
Italian coast, we pass the smoking volcano, Strom-
boli, and soon enter the Straits of Messina, where we
have ■ a beautiful view both of Italy and Sicily.
Mount Etna raising its giant head on one side,
and the white marble villas on both sides of the
Straits, make one long to be ashore to more
minutely examine these, and other objects of interest.
CRETE. — ST. Paul's shipwreck.
But we pass on, and in another day or two we
are beholding the Island of Crete, at some little
distance from the southern coast of which we
steam along for many hours. Here the history of
St. Paul's shipwreck is read with fresh interest,
and we specially notice the little island of Clauda,
under the lee of which the boat was taken up
with so much difficulty. AVith our glasses we
examine the headland round which the "ship of
Alexandria " attempted to make its way after
emerging from the harbour of Fair Havens, which is
very plainly in view. But onward we steam, soon
leaving all these interesting objects behind, and in
another day or two come in sight of the fine
breakwater at Port Said, of which we gave an
illustration on page 20 of our second number; Port Said
and the Suez Canal were then so fully described,
that we shall pass on to the end of the second
week of our voyage, when we find ourselves in
THE GULF OF ADEN,
rapidly making for that port.
The arid appearance of the mountains — bold,
dark, and without a blade of vegetation, looking as
though burnt up with fire and cursed with a curse,
produces an intense feeHng of desolation, as we find
ourselves surrounded by them. Scarcely are we at
our anchorage before we see around us on every side
the native Arabs in their little canoes. They seem
as much at home in the water as on land, and greatly
amuse the passengers by their feats. Throw a
sixpence into the water, and splash go twenty of
them out of their canoes head first after it. Long before
it reaches the bottom it is seized by one of the
skilful divers, who returning to the surface holds it
up in his hand in triumph. "Throw us a shilling and
we will dive under the steamer, and bring it up at
the other side," they cry out. At another time
overturning their canoes, they fill them with water,
empty them again, and then replaca themselves in
their tiny barks in a most amusing style. But we
must go ashore and post letters to loved friends far
away. After visiting the Square, we set out for the
Arab town, some four miles distant. The numerous
camels with their burdens, the appearance of the
market, and all around, remind us that we are far,
far away from home. We visit the celebrated reservoirs
among the hills, which will hold a supply of water
sufficient for the inhabitants for a long time ; but
we find them all empty; no rain has fallen for
more than three years, and the only supply of water
is from a deep well. Would to God that the
suffering inhabitants valued "the water of life " as
their necessity leads them to prize the waters of
this well. We have just time to visit the English
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
85
church, and to walk througli the cemetery, where
lie the remains of so many of our countrymen,
before returning to the harbour. The short
twilight is rapidly giving place to the darkness of
night as we reach our steamer, and we settle down
for the night, not sorry that all being well we
shall be on our \yay to more fertile regions on the
morrow.
And now wc arc leaving Aden in the distance,
and we have before us the longest stretch of the
voyage. Ten or twelve days elapse after passing
the island of Socotra before we come in sight of
Ceylon. The beautiful scenery, and the boiling of the
waves as they dash themselves upon the rocks
which here and there raise their heads above the
water, attract our attention as we approach the
entrance of the harbour of
POINT DE GALLE.
We are glad to find that we have to remain here
for a day or two. It is very amusing to watch the
natives moving about in their little canoes or
catamarans. We despair of being able, by mere
description, to make our readers realize the sprightly
appearance of these curious structures. A log
hollowed out, with a couple of boards sewed to
it on each side, makes a boat of twelve or fifteen
feet in length, and so narrow that you cannot put
your foot across inside. It is prevented from
turning over by what we may best describe as a
buoyant out-rider, lying parallel with it at a distance
of six feet or more, and connected with the boat
by cross supports. We must have a sail in one of
these curious looking things ! But the big waves
are rolling about the bay, and make the passage
from the steamer to the catamaran quite an exciting
feat. Now the boat lies eight or ten feet below us,
when up comes a wave, and before we have time
to jump into the canoe, we are drenched by the water
as we stand on the ladder. A hasty retreat to the
cabin, a change of dress, and we try again. This
time we are more successful, and have a most
delightful row to the shore. The springing elasticity
of the canoe has a most exhilarating effect on the
spirits.
( Contimced on page 89.^
"THE TWO
By the late
Part I. — Luke vii. 37-39.
Such a wicked heart she has !
By the shadows of the wall
Gliding, she would hide her face
In that shadow from them all.
Creeping round to where He lies.
Stooping low, the vagrant hair
Curtaining the weeping eyes,
She may pour her sorrows there.
" Will He spurn her ? Does He know?"
Simon asks in much disdain.
Will He 1 Does she tremble so
Lest her coming be in vain ?
No : ah no ! so sweetly sure :
She dares to come, she dare* to weep;
For she has heard Him tell the poor
That He sought the wandering sheep.
Dear, those penitential tears,
To those weary, way-worn feet :
And that slighted heart she cheers
With a burst of fragrance sweet.
Who she is we do not know :
Nameless — since the flush of shame
Still might dye the pardoned brow,
Finely they withhold her name.
ANOINTINGS."
Miss Blatchky.
Only this one act they tell
Of her life's wild history ;
For it pleased the Master well,
It toas love's first ministry.
Part II. — John xii. i-S.
Sitting often at His feet,
Gazing long, with ear attent,
When He spake of grains of wheat,
Mary compassed what He meant.
No — " far be it from Thee, Lord,"
Burst in anguish from her heart :
Deeply had she drunk His word.
And she understood in part.
By love's instinct or His word,
SoQn the corn must fall, she knows :-
The twelve and Lazarus, and the Lord,
Sit at meat in Simon's house.
'Tis her hour ! Behold her take
Box of costly spikenard sweet, —
Break it, as her heart must break, —
Pour the nard o'er head and feet.
To her yet uncrowned King,
In His deep humility,
In His life of suffering,
// was love's last ministry.
86
CHINA'S MIL LIO?. S.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
87
"LOOKING UNTO JESUS."
Address of the Rev. W. G. Lewis, of Bayswater, to Messrs.
Broumtoii and Easton, at a meeting of friends of the China
Inland Mission, in Mildmay Conference Hall, prior to the
departure of these brethren as missionaries to China.
My Dear Brethren, — Nearly nine and a half
years ago our beloved friend Mr. Taylor asked me
to speak a few farewell words to a party of eighteen,
of whom he was one, then going out in the good
ship Lammcrmuir to China. Well, I had long ago
forgotten every sentence I then spoke, except the
text ; but since then I had so often heard from
different members of the band in the field, and
from the lips of those who had returned, how greatly
the Lord blessed the message to their souls, that
when Mr. Taylor asked rae to address you on this
occasion, I felt impelled to take the same words
as the foundation of what I may say. You will
find them in Hebrews xii. 2 — " Looking unto Jesus."
A very brief reference to the connexion in which
they are used, will suffice. The inspired writer,
having spoken of the faith of the heroes of the
Old Testament times, and of the great things wrought
by them, refers to their testimony as left to the
Church — for the primary work of a witness is to
testify. Having such a crowd of testimony, let us
run, looking off them, unto Jesus. We might say —
"Look to Paul, the most able and successful of
missionaries f but Paul would say — " Look higher ;
you will need a more perfect example than I can
furnish ; you will often stand in need of encourage-
ment eminently beyond any that I have power
to give you."
I. — "Looking unto Jesus." Do this, in the first
instance, considering always Christ as the Supreme
Director of your 7vork. It has pleased God, by His
gracious Spirit, to call you to preach the Gospel
among the heathen. In you we trust that the Divine
Spirit is about to accomplish the same work as was
accomplished in the ministry of the Apostle. We
trust you are sent " to open their eyes, and to turn
them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan
unto God." Now this work is not of man. This
undertaking is not the result of any combination of
human wisdom, or philanthropy, or holiness. This,
the cherished purpose of God, has a distinguished
prominence, from the most ancient times, in His
sacred Word. " All the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God " (Isaiah Hi. 10). He has.
even appended to this purpose pledges, expressed
in the most solemn language that could enter human
ears — " As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled
with the glory of the Lord" (Numbers xiv. 21,
Habakkuk ii. 14).
This is the work of God, then, that you are about
to undertake, and this should be most distinctly
cherished in your convictions, and bear its im-
pression upon all your labours. This is the work of
the Lord Jesus Christ, which He Himself came
to accomplish in His incarnation, in His sufferings,
in His death, and in connexion with which He
retains an interest, far loftier and more profound
than that which has been entertained by the holiest
and best of His followers and friends upon earth.
Calvary did not exhaust the Saviour's love to souls ;
it was an expression of that love, unparalleled and
unapproachable. But the same unchangeable com-
passion of the Son of God is still ever associated
with faithful, simple, earnest, self-denying efforts
to make the Gospel known among the sons of men.
By the grace of God, we will never forget to pray
for you ; but we are far too fickle to be depended
upon. But be assured that Jesus never will forget
you. So long as you adhere to the simple conse-
cration you have professed, rest assured your
heavenly Lord and Master will never lose sight of
you. You will be very dear to Him. You will be
always in His thoughts. And do you never lose
sight of the Lord and Master. Be very confidential
with Him about all the details of the work. Con-
sult Him in every step that you take. I do not
know whether you have read that precious piece
of biography — "The Memoirs of Mrs. Winslow."
How deep, how practical, is her remark — " I tell
Jesus everything, I ask Jesus everything." As long
as this is the leading rule of your action, in mission-
ary work for Christ, you will never be at a dis-
advantage ; for His omnipotence will never fail, His
wisdom will never be perplexed. His compassion
will never be exhausted. Go forth in His strength,
leaning on the arm of the Beloved. Seek such
fellowship with Him as when one human heart responds
to the beatings of another heart. As long as He
is the Supreme Director of the work, you can place
before Him all its results and all its responsibilities.
If you had to find all its requirements your prospect
would be a poor one indeed. But " strong in the
Lord and in the power of His might," your hand
shall be upheld, and your labour shall not be
in vain in the Lord. On February 17, 1682, when
Francis Bamfield was preaching in the city, a con-
stable came up to him, saying — " Mr. Bamfield,
I hold a warrant in the name of the Lord Mayor,
88
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
to stop you." " I hold a warrant, from the
Lord Maximus to go on," was the reply. The
Lord Maximus is He whom you serve and follow.
II. Then again, I would urge upon you, the
habitual " looking unto Jesus," as the unfailiiig source
of all fitness for the work. Every instrument requires
adaptation and fitness. Suppose you were going
forth as the delegates of Western civilization to
awalcen the dormant curiosity of the many millions
of China ; to bring them into the regions of sympathy
with all living things ; to indoctrinate them with
all the recent developments of science ; to familiarize
them with Western literature ; to soften their
manners, and not suffer them to be brutes — you
would want great adaptation and much care and
preparation. But it would be trifling to what you
want now. Let me mention two things you require.
(i.) A very high degree of spuitiialiiy of mind.
This is to be obtained only by "looking unto Jesr.s."
Here is the great need of our prayers for you
continually, and of your own prayers. It is hard
for some of us, surrounded by privileges as we are,
to keep the heart near to the Lord and Master. But
you, my brethren, dearly beloved, the very echo
of your steps upon the shores of the land where
you go, will ring through the dark halls of Satan,
and his counsels will be stirred up to ensnare your
feet, and to put obstacles in your path. Only the
almighty grace of Him you follow will be sufficient to
maintain a needful degree of spirituality of feeling.
Your ears and eyes will be met by the most atrocious
crimes and sounds. Nothing will keep you through
all this but the daily and hourly recurrence to the
fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. May the
loving God keep you very near to Himself in
spirituality of heart and life.
(2.) The enterprise is one which demands a
very eminent degree of prudence and strength of moral
character. It is not every man that is fit to be
a missionary to the Chinese. You are going to
the most astute of the peoples of the earth — a
race that is a very paradox to us. The stratagems
of political finesse, and the shrewdness of com-
mercial sagacity, find it scarcely possible to bring
them into the comity of nations. In the conflict
in which you engage, Saul's armour will not serve
for your defence, nor Saul's weapons for your
attack. The Chinese are to be won, not by the
sulphurous cruelties of war, but by the loving
power of the everlasting Gospel. Your battle is
the Lord's, the warrior and his weapons must be
the Lord's, and the victory shall be entirely His.
Take constant counsel with the Saviour. He will
preserve you — and that will not be a small thing —
from indiscretion, from shortness of temper, from
unwisdom in causing offence, from unseasonableness
of zeal, from haughtiness of manner. Ever re-
cognise the fact that your strength is in Another —
that is, the Lord Jesus.
III. Once more I charge upon you, this " looking
tmto Jesus " as your refuge in all times of distress
and trouble. Do not wait until the heavens have
become all black, and the storm bursts ; but when
the small cloud is on the horizon, flee to the
Saviour. I do not know, but it may be that in a very
short time you will have your faith in Christ sternly
tried. Perhaps wh^n you have found the distance of
a few hundred miles between you and this land, the
heart-strings will relax, and the spirit will sink.
Perhaps as your voyage lengthens,home will cling about
your memories as it never did before, and thoughts
of the friends of your childhood may try very
forcibly the strength of your resolution. In every
conflict of the kind, may your remedy be
"looking unto Jesus." We do not know, but
your' voyage out may be over stormy seas
and in exposure to bodily peril. We know this :
our Christ will be with you in the typhoon
and the tornado -as really as in the church and in
the assembly of His worshipping people. You
will have to meet all sorts of difficulties and trials ;
you will awaken the hostility of Satan ; you will
want sustaining power. Look to the Saviour;
think of His faithfulness unto death. It may be,
though we will earnestly pray that God will preserve
your health, that you will be exposed to bodily
pain and suffering. If lingering in sickness in
some lonely hut or boat, and dependent on
strangers for help, may He be near to you, who
says — " I am Jehovah-Rophi " (the Lord that
healeth thee). We do not know, it may be, that
He who sends you forth may call you to an early
triumph and an early reward. Brethren beloved,
may you in that hour be " looking unto Jesus."
IV. May this be your spirit and conduct, a con-
tinual looking to Him as t/ie truest friend of your
7CJork, and the faithful Promiser of a large rewai-d for
its continuance unto the end. He has engaged to
crown every one of His faithful servants. It is
the spirit of the labourer He thinks of. He is
sending you to do more good to yourselves than
you could do to anybody else. If it were not
for the welfare of the labourer, we should all be
displaced by Him, and angels would take the
work. But our faith needs to be strengthened, our
love enlarged, our meetness for the Kingdom matured.
Brethren and sisters, we charge our brethren
about to leave us, to be " looking to Jesus :" may
we show the sincerity of our wishes by walking
in the same direction ourselves. Let us strive to
find in Him, more and more intensely, " the chiefest
of ten thousand," our all in all, for time and for
eternity.
Brethren beloved, God speed you. " They that
be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament,
and they that turn many to righteousness as the
stars for ever and ever." Though we shall never
meet again as this afternoon, by the grace of our
heavenly Saviour be it yours and ours, in His time,
to hear the words — "Well done, good and faithful
servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Amen.
■ — From " The Christian."
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
89
CHINA'S GREAT NEED.
FROII MR. MEADOWS."'
"Aug. Tjist. — We pray earnestly that you may be
able to carry out more effectively than ever the
plans and purposes you have in view with reference
to this great country and the evangelisation of
its teeming multitudes. When shall they be evan-
gelised ? Alas ! when .'' All that has been done
and is being done to this blessed end is but as a
drop of the bucket. The mere shadow of Gospel
light and missionary influence has not yet so much
as touched the skirts of the great body of the
people ; so that Mr. Sankey's hymn — ' Jesus of
Nazareth passeth by ' — has no application to the
mighty masses of China. Oh, when will Jesus
come this way, in the person of earnest, loving,
sympathising men and women from the churches
of England and America ? A thousand times we
ask this question : When will Christian fathers
and mothers give up their sons and daughters to
be used as He chooses and not as they choose ?
May the answer come soon.''
SPONTANEOUS NATIVE EFFORT.
FROM THE NATIVE PASTOR,! NINGPO.
"Yesterday, at 4 o'clock, the members of the church at Lake
Head Street, j Ningpo, came together for prayer and con-
sultation about a certain object that had been laid on my heart.
Who should come in just when we were in consultation, but
our dear brother, Pastor Wong, of Hang-chau. This was
most opportune and providential. Now let me infonii you
of the thing we were consulting about ; and, at the same time,
permit me to beg of you to pray earnestly to God for us, that we
fail not in our object. The members of the church are all
desirous of building a hall for worship. Part of the ground
is already purchased for 80,000 cash; 130,000 cash was first
asked for it, but we eventually got it at the above figure. There
is another piece of ground (adjoining) I am negociating for, the
price of which we have not yet settled. They ask 100 dollars :
I have offered 30,000 or 40,000 cash. They will probably
come down to 60,000 or 70,000. May our God help us speedily
to complete the purchase. With regard to the size of the
chapel, it will be nearly as large as that at Fong-hwa, but
the style of the building will be different, as we wish to have
two stories, so that services may be held in rooms upstairs,
as well as in the chapel below.
" But the cost ! What shall we say to it. It cannot possibly
be less than 500 or 600 dollars. The disciples have already
consulted about the ways and means of raising the money.
Those who formerly contributed to the ordinary collections,
raised 4,015 cash a year; others have now joined them, and
yesterday twenty-four persons promised to contril^te to this
object. Their contributions will amount to 21,900 cash a year.
For some who gave nothing before, have promised to give
now, and others have either doubled or increased their con-
tributions. A few, who were absent yesterday, will probably
help when the matter is brought before them. Moreover,
there are private persons and servants, formerly members of
this church, who are now removed to other places, as well as
preachers and evangelists that have been drafted away from this
church ; from them, also, we expect help. Pastor AVong and
myself each promised three dollars a year. This will bring
the yearly aid up to 28, 100 cash. May our gi-acious God so
influence the absent preachers, evangelists, and others, that they
* Of Shao-hing. f Mr. Chu. % Wu-gyiao-deo.
will, with one heart and mind, help us to secure our object,
to the glory of God.
"Wc feel gi-ateful for what has been done, and eaicouraged
to hope for help from tlie absentees ; but we feel very conscious
that wc are a feeble folk, and need much help from our brethren
who are better off and more highly favoured. Our hope is in
God, who will remember that it is a few poor ones of His
church who desire to build this house to His glory. We trast
that He will assuredly help us to complete that which we have
already commenced.
"I earnestly beg you to pray fervently for us, and hope that
you will greatly help us, and perhaps also inllucnce otlier
believers in the Lord, so that we faint not by the way. He
is omnipotent ! Nothing is impossible with Him. The Lord
be present with you. Amen."
WORK AMONG THE SEAMEN.
FROM MRS. DUNCAN.*
" Od. \2th. — God has been working so much
lately among the sailors in China. I have not
much gift for this sort of work, but try to do what
I can. My house is open for them to come and
read or write, or do what they like, though I can
give them only Thursday evening and Sunday.
There are twelve Christians on board the S.S.
Swinger, a man-of-war ; some of them are very
earnest Christians. We have had some very nice
meetings with them. The wife of one of the
missionaries in Han-kow taught them to sing in
parts, and it is quite refreshing to hear them.
''One night, over the table, one after another told us
how the Lord had led him. One young man from
Exeter said God had followed him from the Sunday
School, where his dear teacher Miss Soltau, now in
glory, used often to urge him" to give his heart to
Christ. Although unwilling to do so then, her words
never left him altogether. Eventually the hymn,
'Safe in the arms of Jesus,' was blessed to his
conversion and he gave up himself to His loving care.
Soon after, he received an intimation of his teacher's
death ; and on the card were the very words which
had brought peace to his soul. So the sower dies,
but not the seed sown."'
LONDON TO HONG-KONG.
( Continued from page 85.^
POINT DE GALLE.
Here we have time to visit the missionaries, and
are delighted to find that there will be service in
the Wesleyan Mission Chapel in the evening. It is
a great joy to unite once more in prayer and praise
with the people of God. AVe are likewise much
interested in the quaint old Presbyterian chapel,
built a couple of centuries ago by the Dutch
burghers. We meet, too, with many persons of
Portuguese descent, whose presence tells of the
time when the Portuguese were in command of
the place. We visit some of the celebrated
Buddhist temples, noting the difference between
them and those we are more familiar with in
China. We have the pleasure and privilege of
hearing a native minister preach in Singalese, to
* Of Chin-kiang.
90
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
an evidently devout and interested audience. After
a short stay we leave the island with feelings of
great regret, well supplied with its rich fruit for the
next stage of the journey.
But a few days, and we enter the Straits of
Malacca, and those who have been suffering from
sea-sickness, or that still more trying headache
which the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean often
produce, are not sorry to be in the quiet, still
waters of the Straits. Beautiful little islands, wooded
to the water's edge, with occasional glimpses at
Sumatra itself, add variety to the scene. We are
not sorry, however, to find ourselves, about the
sixth day after leaving Galle, entering the harbour of
SINGAPORE.
Anything more beautiful than the scene here
presented, it is difficult to conceive. At last we
are moored and are set free once more on terra
firma. One scarcely knows whether to linger and
admire the splendid corals, shells, and fruit brought
down to the wharf for sale, or to proceed at once
to the town. Deciding, however, on the latter
course, we make our way first of all to the post
office. After despatching letters to loved ones at
home, we look over the place and make the
acquaintance of some of those who have been long
engaged in the Lord's service here. Miss Cooke's school
is visited, where v/e hear the girls sing with sweet
voices, whose faces plainly show that their hearts,
as well as their lips, sing the sweet songs of Zion.
A short drive into the country, reveals more and
more of the beauties of Singapore, and we only
regret that we have not time to see more of them
and of the hospitable residents of the island.
Again we are in the midst of the bustle of departure.
The bell rings, the moorings are cast off, and waving
a farewell to the kind friends who have accompanied
us to the steamer, we are once more moving towards
China. We look around with interest upon the
numerous deck passengers, most of them Chinese, that
have been taken on at Singapore, and seek to have
a little conversation with some of them. Some
speak broken Enghsh, and have long resided in
the Straits ; others know a little of the Mandarin
dialect. We have a few words of Foh-kienese
with another part of our passengers ; but there are
not a few with whom we can hold no direct com-
munication. Away we steam, and in less than a
week we are looking with interest, on the entrance
to the
SAIGON RIVER.
Now we see the pilot's boat, with its white sail,
and the flags flying from the telegraph post at the
fort, communicating to Saigon the intelligence that
the mail steamer is in. The pilot is soon on
board, and we plough our way up the river, looking
upon waters that have passed through Western
China, and on their way to the coast have supplied
many a tribe and people that have never heard of
our Master, or of the water of life He came to
bestow. Our hearts sigh, and we think of the words —
"Ah, soon may the heathen of every tribe and nation,
Fulfil Thy blessed word, and cast their idols all away,
Oh shine upon them from above, and show Thyself a God of love,
Teach their little children to come mito Thee."
And now as we are journeying up the mighty river,
we watch with interest the jungle on each side.
Here and there are beautiful openings, as tributary
streams pour their contents into the main river.
Beautiful birds, parrots of gay plumage, and
chattering monkeys are occasionally to be seen.
As the country becomes more open, rice fields
come into view, with here and there some native
huts. But there is the spire of the Roman Catholic
cathedral, and the tall masts of the shipping
appear in sight ! A little longer — quite long enough
for our impatience — and we are moored along the
wharf of the go-down of the " Messageries Mari-
times." It is nearly dusk, but we must go ashore,
if only for never so short a time. There is a charm
about terra firma that one can scarcely describe
but which we are are most unwilling to forego.
We are glad to find that we shall be here most
of to-morrow, and so comfort ourselves with a
short walk, and the hope of a longer excursion on
the coming day. A visit to the Botanical Gardens,
a view of the noble tiger, the monkeys, the parrots,
and other animals in the zoological department,
an excursion to the native city some miles
inland, a few purchases at the Bazaar, and our time
has gone. We are not on board at all too soon.
Once more the bell sounds, the moorings are cast
off, and much more rapidly than we ascended
against the stream, we are steaming towards the
mouth. About dusk, having bid the pilot good-bye,
we are again in the broad ocean.
HONG-KONG.
Another six days bring us within sight of the
flag-staff of the Hong-kong harbour. Very interest-
ing to those of our companions who have never before
been in China is the appearance of the archipelago
through which we approach this once insignificant
but now famous island. As we enter the harbour,
we gaze with admiration on the beautiful city of
Victoria, built on the side of the hill.* Street rises
above street, and all its architectural beauties are
displayed at one view to the delighted observer.
There are the public gardens, there is the mansion of
the Governor, there St. John's Cathedral; and so,
one by one, objects of interest are pointed out. But
the anchor is down, and the boats alongside. A short
row and we are ashore. Our illustration will convey
better than any description one of the first scenes that
meets our view. The portly Chinaman fanning
himself at his door, the sedan-chair, one of the
coolies bargaining by signs with Jack Tar, who is
offering a fare, and many other things both in-
teresting and amusing, attract our attention. But
night rapidly shuts out the scene, and for the
present closes our paper.
(To be continued.)
* See frontispiece.
92
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
'•EGGS TURNED INTO SILVER."
A CHINESE STORY.
It was a cold morning. A cross old woman was
sculling a boat on the Grand Canal, some fifteen
I miles north of the city of Su-chau. She entertained
herself alternately in scolding her husband, who was
meekly engaged in poling the boat along, and in.
bewailing the heavy duties collected by the Custom-
house officers at a barrier some five miles farther on.
They were passing a bend in the Canal, when they
were hailed by a man on the bank, apparently a
pedlar of some kind, v/ith a pack on his back, who
with a marked northern accent, asked them how far
it was to Su-chau.
" Dear me !" replied the stranger, " how shall I
ever get there ? I am so tired ! Won't you give
me a lift?''
" No," shrilly replied the old woman, " it's not
convenient."
" How much money will you give ?" asked the
old man.
" Twenty cash," said the stranger.
" Not enough," said the old man.
" You stupid old man," said the wife, " how do you
know who he is, or what trouble he may not get you
into ? "
" Forty-five cash, grandfather," cried the stranger
from the bank, who saw that if he didn't mind,
the old woman would be too much for him ; " don't
be too hard on a poor man."
" Very well, get on,'' said the old man, pushing his
boat to the bank, " and be steady, for the boat is full
ofeggs."-
" Well," muttered the old woman, as the stranger
took his place at the head of the boat, " some people
are stupid. If men have no stomachs*" you can't
expect any wit to come out of them. It's no use
presenting pictmes to blind folk."
" It seems that ' the hen crows in the morning ' in
your family," said the stranger.
" Yes," replied the husband, " but she is good at
selling eggs. I should often loe taken in but for her.
You mustn't mind what she says, it's only her way ;
she is not so bad as she seems."
" And so you are taking eggs to market, are you ? "
said the visitor.
"Yes," replied the old man.
" And what can you get for them ?"
"Four cash for small ones, five cash for large ones,
[about twenty cash make a penny] but we have to
change the bad ones or allow for them."
" Why ! you must make a good thing of it at that
rate," said the stranger. " You can buy them for
two cash where I come from." [This is the case in
many parts of East-hill (Shan-tung) province.]
"We might do pretty well if it were not for the
Custom's charges."
* The Chinese suppose the stomach to be the seat of the intellect.
"What ! do they charge you duty on eggs ? That is a
shame."
" Indeed they do, and heavy duty too."
" Now look here, old uncle ; I have a friend on
the Custom's boat, and I can get you passed without
paying any duty. All you have to do is to scull
right away and don't look back, and when they hail
you, say the eggs are mine. You stick to that, and I
will call out to my friend on the Custom's boat that
they are mine, and he will let us pass."
" All riglitj" said the old man, "you shall have your
ride for nothing if you do that."
" Right, indeed ! " shouted the old woman ; " have
you taken leave of your wits altogether ? Once say the
eggs are his and you might as well give him the boat
too. If he chooses to give them to his friend on
board the Custom's boat, what can you say for your-
self?"
"Don't be a stupid, grandmother," said the stranger,
"for every egg you lose you shall have an ounce of
silver."
" Do you hear that, old lady," said the husband,
" shouldn't I like to lose them all at that rate."
" And he could hardly pay forty-five cash for his
journey," said the woman, "and didn't want you to
be too hard on a poor man 1 "
The altercation was still going on when they came
in sight of the Custom's junk. With the quiet air of
one accustomed to command, the stranger, turning to
the old woman, said, " Not one word until we have
passed that junk " ; and even she was awed into
silence for a time. He directed them quietly to pass
the junk, which they did, but were at once hailed.
"Say the eggs are mine."
This was done, and the stranger, telling them to
scull away, called out in a loud voice, " My eggs pay
no duty."
A couple of men at once sprang from the Custom's
junk into a small boat and pursued them.
" Scull away," said the stranger, " pole away."
"Stop," cried the old woman who could bear it
no longer, "or .we shall lose all!" and she ceased
sculling. The old man, now thoroughly frightened,
looked undecided.
"An ounce of silver for every egg you lose," said
the stranger decidedly, "only stick to it that the eggs
are mine, and pole away."
The old man began again,, but so much time had
been lost that in another minute they were grappled
by the boat-hook of their pursuers, and further
attempts of escape were vain.
With loud and threatening language the Custom's
men pulled alongside. "AVe'll make you pay for
trying to evade the duties, you old wretch."
"The eggs belong to this gentleman and not tome."
" Yes, they're mine," said the stranger.
" Then come along with us on board the junk."
" You'll have to carry me first," said the stranger.
" We'll soon do that," said one of the men, seizing
him by the shoulder and aiming a heavy blow at him.
The stranger, who was perfectly cool, eyaded it;
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
93
and the man, who had all but lost his balance, needed
but a little push to throw him into a large basket of
eggs, which of course were broken by his fall ; while
the poor man, doubled up with his arms and legs out
of the basket, could not readily extricate himself.
Further help, however, soon came ; and despite his
struggles the stranger was bound, but not before
another basket of eggs had come to grief. The
poor old woman was almost frantic and driven to
despair. (To be continued.)
VISITS TO THE KARENS.
In our last number we refwrred to the tour taken
by Mr. H. Soltau with Mr. Rand, an American
Baptist Missionary, among the Karen Christians,
and gave an account of the boat, and river scenery.
We now insert Mr. Soltau's account of the visits : —
" Tuesday, Aug. lot/i, 1875, — Embarlied in a native boat
on the Salwen river. After proceeding some way up the
stream, amid pouring rain, the river becomes narrower as
we approached a famous and elegant monastery and poungee
house. Here we landed, and wallcing up from the boat,
under some beautiful trees and palms, we came to the idol
house and inspected the builcfings.
"Adjoining the idol house was another large building of
the same style. A large, grand flight of gi'anite steps led up
to it. Entering a large verandah, the roof of which was
supported by grand, lofty pillars, we found a large numbei' of
little boys squatting on the ground, with their slates before
them, learning to read and write. The poungees or priests are
the educators of the people. One longed to see the place
turned into a large Christian school-house. In one of the rooms,
lay an old grey-headed priest, with his bony hands grasping
a book which he was reading aloud. ' Darkness covers the
land and gi'oss darkness the people.'
"Leaving this large building, we went across to a" smaller
one, with a handsome, pagoda-like spire rising above it. Two
or three priests were reclining in this building. In the centre
stood a lofty funeral car, not on wheels, in which the bodies
of priests are carried to be buried.
" Havmg inspected all that was to be seen, we returned to
our boat, and ate some lunch as we journeyed up the river.
The country all round tlie river is very flat, covered vn\h. long
grass, cocoa-nut palms, and plantain gardens. At length we
came in sight of
THK FIRST KAREN VILLAGE,
Here we spent the night. The water being too shallow to allow
of the boat approaching the shore, we were obliged to take off
our shoes and socks, aird wade to the land. The village of
See-ti-yan is a small hamlet of nine houses, and a chaj)el which
the Karens are building at their own expense. Two of the
houses have shingle or , woodsn-trled roofs ; the rest are
covered with dried grass, made into a kind of thatch. We
called at tvco or three of the houses at which Christians live, and
shook hands with them. They received us most cordially.
We found one of its best houses empty, the man and his wife
having gone to Maulmain, as the wife was very ill. Being a
Christian man, we knew he would be well pleased if we occupied
his house, so we had all our things brought over from the
boat, and the cook-boy prepared some dinner.
"I wonder if I oan describe the house. Imagine a kind of
wood with most of the trees cleared away, long grass growing
all over it, through which are narrow pathways, just wide
enough for one person to walk in. Following one of these
paths, we come to a house, built on large timbers, which are
fixed iu the ground. All the houses are built on poles, on
account of the wet. About s^x feet from the ground, a long
platform or floor is built, part of it floored with timber, the
rest with bamboo ; over that part floored with wood, is a simple
roof on poles. The three sides of the house are made of grass
matting. The front is quite open, the verandah being about six
feet wide, with a wooden fence in front of it. The sitting-room,
if such it can be called, is open to the verandah, but has a
flooring raised aljoiit two feet above the level of the verandah
floor, A wooden partition separates the room from the bed-
room, which has two apertures for windows, but no glass in
them : a piece of matting is hung oyer them to keep out the
rain. One of the Christian women came and swept out the
place for us, another brought some eggs, another a fowl, so we
had plenty for dinner. Over part of the bamboo flooring, a
little shed was built, with a grass roof — this is the cook-house.
' ' Dinner was laid on the floor of the sitting-room, and we
sat in our folding chairs in the verandah, two feet lower, to eat
it, and enjoyed it very muclr. Two or three Karens sat in the
verandah, chewing ' their betal-nut mixture, while we dined.
I used my pocket filter to drink from, as we discovered insects
in the water. After dinner we took a stroll into the jungle, and,
as the sun set and darkness came on, returned to our house.
Several came in to talk with Mr. Rand. After tea, the gong
was sounded, and all the villagers, except the heathen, as-
sembled for
EVENING PRAYERS.
"A very good custom exists among the Karen Christians ;
morning and evening, when the gong is sounded, as many as
can and are willing to do so, assemble In the pastor's liouse for
prayers. The pastor reads a chapter, gives out a hymn, and
prays. It was a strange scene. Mr, Rand and I and one or
two ot the men were in the raised part of the verandah, which I
call the sitting-room. In front of us, in the verandah, sat
cross-legged, men, women, and children, in a row, nearly all of
them busy chewing their coon. We had a glass lantern for our
own use, the people brought their torches, made of a kind of
giun found on some of the trees, which they mix with leaves and
form into a torch ; these were stuck into three bottles and placed
on the floor. The flickering light lit ivp the brown, open faces
of the Karens. Mr. Rand gave out a hymn which they all sung,
and then read and commented on a portion of Matthew v. ;
at the close, two or three of the native Christians prayed ; and
after singing the doxology, all rose to go. Every one came and
shook hands with us, from the oldest to the youngest ; a few
remained for a little talk with Mr. Rand, When these had
gone, we read and prayed together, and retired to rest. We
found our beds spread on the bed-room floor, the mosquito
curtain suspended from cords oves: them. It was my first
experience of sleeping on the floor out here. At first, I
imagined all kinds of things, but after a while I fell asleep,
being conscious before I did so, of a rat flopping about the room.
He did not come nearus, as our curtains protected us.
" After a tolerable night of rest, we rose ; already one or two
girls and boys were in the verandah, and I had to wash my
face and hands in the little pewter basin we had brought, in
as dignified a manner as possible. Having taken our pre-
liminary cup of tea, the gong sounded for morning prayers. A
good number, nearly thirty in all, assembled. Mr. Rand
94
CHINA'S MILLIONS:
explained to them the Tabernacle pictures which I had brought
with me. The Karens are very fond of pictures, and the
Christians among them were especially interested in the dis-
course on the Tabernacle. After prayer and singing, they
left for their work.
"We paid the school a visit after breakfast. The teacher
is a young woman who was, until last year, in Miss Rand's
school. She has now about a dozen pupils, who squat on the
ground and learn to read, write, and cypher. No chairs or
desks were visible in the schoolroom. Mr. Rand examined the
children, and was satisfied with the progress they were making.
We waded from the bank of the river, and at 9.30 set sail
for Don-yan. A fine breeze took us through the grass covered
waters. A bright sunshine brouglit out all the beauties of the
scenery, which was grand and lovely. Before us lay a range
of steep hills or mountains, from 1,000 to 2,500 feet high. The
hills are of limestone formation, but a small portion only
of the rocks can be seen, as the hills are wooded to their
summits. "
(Tb he continued.')
||i$$tt[ttar5 ^ttt^Htg^ttq.
SECOND VISIT TO
SOUTH LAKE PROVINCE (HU-NAN).
Our friends will be glad to hear that the native brethren
who accompanied Mr. Judd on the occasion of his first
visit to this province (see No. 5, pages 52 and 53) have
again visited Yoh-chau. They had many opportunities
of scattering the good seed without molestation. Let us
ask God to make it bear much fruit, and to open the
way for wide-spread evangelistic effort among the
twenty-five millions of this province.
SECOND VISIT TO
HO-NAN (RIVER-SOUTH PROVINCE).
We learn that our brother, Mr. Henry Taylor was about
to re-visit Ho-nan with the evangelist Chang. There
was much prayer, on the occasion of his first visit, that
God would prepare the minds of many of the people for
the message, would speak through His servants, and
would give them wisdom and grace to avoid needless
difficulties and to guide them in such as were un-
avoidable. These prayers were graciously heard and
manifestly answered, as our brother's diary shows. We
earnestly ask for similar prayer again for blessing on
his second visit.
TIDINGS OF THE NEW MISSIONARIES.
The Sindh, in which Messrs. Broumton and Easton
sailed, was due in Shanghai, Dec. 9th. Letters have
been received from them, posted in Ceylon, Nov. i6th.
The Amazone, in which Messrs. McCarthy, Turner,
and Budd sailed, is due in Shanghai Jan. 6th. Letters
have been received from them, posted at Port Said,
Nov. 2gth.
The Crocus, in which Misses Knight and Goodman
sailed, was due at Port Said about Dec. 22nd. We
hope soon to have good tidings of them, if the Lord will.
Will our readers remember each of the above at the
throne of grace ?
GOOD NEWS FROM THE OLDER STATIONS.
Space does not allow of our giving this month an
interesting letter we have received from Mr. Williamson.
He speaks of the examination of eight candidates for
baptism at Chin-kiang, four of whom were subsequently
received.
Mrs. Meadows tells us of eight candidates at Shao-
hing, of whom five were baptised and three deferred.
From T'ai-chauwe hear of more than twenty candidates,
many of them true believers as far as our native brethren
can judge. Some of these are referred to in the fol-
lowing letter.
At Wun-chau Mr. Stott seems cheered by prospect
of blessing, though both he and Mr. Jackson need
our special prayers at this time.
Sttjjj]^$jti:rtt^ttt^.
FROM THE NATIVE PASTOR AT T'AI-CHAU.
"I have paid a visit to our stations at T'ai-ping-hien and
Dien-tsi. I really think that there are ten sincere inquirers, or
rather candidates for baptism, at the fonner place. At Dien-tsi
all the Cliristians continue to attend the services regularly. The
average number present on the Lord's Day is from twenty to
thirty, including the members. There is one very interesting
candidate for baptism, from a village fifteen li (five miles) off.
He was at first much opposed to the new doctrine, but has been
won over by the walk and conversation of the two native
Christians there."
FROM MRS. BALLER.
" Kiu-kiang, Sept. 2$th. — You will be glad to know that I am
quite well again, though still feeling a little weak. My little
girl seems a strong healthy child, and is so bright and happy.
I feel very thankful for her, and accept her as a precious gift
from the Lord. Mr. Bailer is away visiting the stations in
Gan-hwuy. Mr. King is with me liere, and is most kind. We
like him very much, and he is making such good progress in the
language. He takes prayers with the natives sometimes and
every day speaks a little in the chapel. We have prayed much
that the Lord would choose the right ones to work with us, and
feel sure that He is answering our prayers."
FROM MR. CAMERON.
" On the Yaiig-tsc-kiang, Oct. ^/h, 1S75. — We arrived at
Shanghai on Sunday, Sept. 26th, after a most pleasant passage.
The Lord has indeed heard the many prayers of His people in
our behalf. This gives us much encouragement in entering on
our work here ; as we know that they will still plead for us that
we may acquire the language speedily, and that we may be much
used of Him in leading the blind to Him who can give them
light. We left Shanghai on Friday morning, and are now
surrounded by Chinamen. We stopped two hours at Chin-kiang.
Mr. Williamson came off and brought us ashore. We spent
about an hour and a half with him, Mrs. Williamson, and Mrs.
Dimcan. They seem to have plenty of work, and would have
been glad if some of us could have stayed with them.
' ' I expect to reach my destination to-morrow ; Messrs. Nicoll
and Clarke may reach theirs on Wednesday night."
"RAMDAS" AND "LEE FANG."
We are glad to inform our readers that these interesting and
well-illustrated New Year's addresses can be procured of
NiSBET & Co., Berners Street, London, and of Wm. Mullan,
Donegal Place, Belfast. Price One Penny. Per 100, 7s.
Chinas Millions
A HONG-KONG JUNK IN FULL SAIL.
% !f rrjtg-fottj |ujtk
FROM THE DIARY OF Mr. G. W. CLARKE.
About 6 a.m. I had for the first time the pleasure of
seeing a Chinese junk. It was peculiar in shape, with
sails of bamboo and matting, and was a family junk :
you could see the parents and children. The man
wanted to act as pilot, but we took no notice of him.
As we approached Hong-kong we saw hundreds of
these junks sailing about. A few miles from port we
had quite an exciting scene. Several boats met the
ship hoping to take off the Chinese passengers.
These junkmen are expert in boarding a ship. They
have lines with hooks attached, which have a square
socket that fits upon the end of a long pole ; by this
means they soon hook their line to the ship. In the
meantime others are at work climbing up the side with
boat-hooks. It was useless to tell them to clear off;
so the sailors set to work and cut their ropes, to the
mortification of many boatmen.
The women work hard, pulling the oars ; in one
boat I noticed a little child tied upon its mother's
NO. 8. FEBRUARY, 1876.
back while she was rowing. The married women in
these junks have their hair done up in a peculiar way
— something like the handle of a teapot. We went
ashore in a boat, and the woman while rowing steered
the junk by fixing the rudder lines upon her toes.
Some of the little children have life-buoys tied to them,
in case they fall overboard.
It is interesting to watch the Chinese women cook
in the junks ; they have an open fire in the stern for
cooking, and one wonders that the boat is not set on
fire. The family pan is large, and while the rice is
boiling sometimes two sticks are put across it, on
which they place perhaps two saucers of fish, to cook
in the steam. One admires the economy of fuel.
Night and morning the people worship on many
junks. They beat gongs and throw fire over the
stern ; and if close enough one may hear them mutter
their prayers.
96
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
THE RECENTLY DESIGNATED
MISSIONARIES.
We are thankful to announce that the steamers in
which GUI friends Messrs. Broumton and Easton, and
Messrs. McCarthy, Turner, and Budd sailed have
safely reached China. Cheerful letters from each,
posted at various stages on the way, tell of many
mercies, though Messrs. Easton and Budd had been
tried by sea-sickness.
We heard from Misses Knight and Goodman
when at Malta and Suez. They had had a very
stormy passage, and Miss Knight had suffered
severely from sea-sickness. We ask prayer on her
behalf.
Messrs. Pearse and James, and Miss Wilson will
be due in Naples on February ist, in Port Said on
February 5 th, and in Shanghai on March i6th.
The departure of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey for Burmah
is delayed till about the middle of February.
Tmi iu ttttr Hmmtt iWmtt$.
II.— FROM HONG-KONG
TO SHANGHAI AND NING-PO.
HONG-KONG.
We must not oversleep ourselves, for we are still
within the tropics ; and if we want to visit the Peak
it would be wise to start early, in order to accomplish
the ascent before the sun has risen high. Having
provided ourselves with refreshment, we set out in the
early dawn on our expedition. Hailing one of the
native boats, we take a short water trip ; but we are
soon ashore, and having hastened through the
town ere long commence the ascent in earnest. We
find the road in excellent condition, but sufficiently
steep to test our climbing powers. It is now light
enough to admire the scenery as we progress from
point to point, and our short rests become increasingly
enjoyable.
VIEW FROM THE PEAK.
At length we reach the summit, and our toil is
rewarded by the magnificent view before us. We
look with interest on the Archipelago surrounding
Hong-kong,"' and on the hills on the mainland as they
* " The island of Hong-kong is nine miles long, eight broad,
and twenty-six in circumference, presenting an exceedingly
imeven, barren surface, consisting for the most part of ranges of
hills, with narrow intervals, and a little level beach land. The
highest peak is 1,825 feet. Probably not one-twentieth of the
surface is available for agricultural purposes. The town of
Victoria lies on the north of the island, and extends nearly three
miles along the shore, occupying all the land between the water
atid the ascent of the hills, and rising up the latter wherever the
acclivity is not too steep." — Williams' " Middle Krirgdom."
trend along the coast towards Canton. The shipping
in the harbour looks very bright in the early sunlight ;
boats are rowing and sailing to and fro, with here
and there a steam launch moving about. And see !
the Canton steamer is preparing for its daily trip, and
we watch it start, and pursue its course for a long dis-
tance up the estuary. The air is bracing, though
warm, and we feel fully prepared to do justice to our
early meal. That being finished, we visit the Obser-
vatory, and determine to go down the other side of
the hill by the fine reservoir that supplies Hong-kong
with water, and to walk round the western side of the
island. When we reach the bottom of the hill we
find that this part of the island is called Aberdeen,
because of its granite quarries, and that an excellent
road takes us to the western extremity of the town.
It is yet early in the day, and we cannot do better
than call upon the German missionaries, who kindly
receive us, and furnish interesting details both of their
local work, and of that carried on at their stations on
the mainland. An extract from the diary of Mr.
Clarke, given in this number, will supply the place of
any lengthened account of our visit to them and to
others of the worthy missionaries labouring here.
HAPPY VALLEY.
We must, however, go out to the beautiful
cemetery, situated in what is called "Happy Valley,"
some three miles distant. We reach it by a most de-
lightful road. As we get near to the cemetery, whicli
is situated on one side of the road, we have a beau-
tiful view of the race-course and grounds on the other
side. Any words of ours would fail to give our readers
an adequate idea of the romantic beauty of this spot.
As we read the inscriptions on the tombs of some of
the eminent missionaries who lie here, we are reminded
of the noble labours of those who have entered into
their rest, the fruits of which we are now enjoying.
There come to mind the words of the Master, " One
soweth, and another reapeth," and hope looks forward
to that glad time when both sower and reaper shall
rejoice together.
We greatly enjoy the quiet walk back and the
musings suggested .by what we have just seen. On
our way we visit the public gardens, where we sit and
rest awhile, enjoying the cool evening breeze. The
short twilight, however, limits our stay here, and again
it is dark ere we reach the vessel.
DEPARTURE FOR SHANGHAI.
After an early breakfast next morning we again go
ashore, post letters for home, and make a few pur-
chases before the vessel leaves for Shanghai. To that
port we make a fine run of four days. Long before we
reach the mouth of the celebrated Yang-tse-kiang we
exchange the blue sea-water for green turbid water,
which in its turn gradually changes to a thorough
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
97
brown, pea-soup colour as we enter the mouth of the
Yang-tse-kiang. There is little of interest to be seen
until we reach the entrance to the Wu-sung river. It
then becomes quite an exciting occupation to watch
the steamer thread its way amongst the numerous
junks, some lying at anclior, others tacking to and fro,
as we proceed up tlie stream. The little town of
Wu-sung is soon left behind, and we now need all our
time ere we reach Shanghai to prepare for disembarka-
tion. The low, flat, alluvial nature of the sOil here
forms a striking contrast to the bold rocky coast of
Hong-kong. As we approach
SHANGHAI
we see for some miles a frontage of noble buildings
facing the river, which do not, however, give an ade-
quate idea of the extent and wealth of the settlement.
But hark ! there goes the anchor, and the steamer
vibrates from end to end. Among eager faces in the
flock of boats that put out from the shore we soon
recognise familiar friends, and are thankful again to
meet those who are linked with precious memories of
the past. Our luggage is quickly transported to the
boat ; and after a somewhat toilsome row, owing to the
rapidity of the current, we put in at a convenient jetty,
and land near the premises of the China Inland Mis-
sion, thankful that our long ocean journey is safely
and happily terminated.
Shanghai has been so frequently described, and is
so familiar to many, that we will not linger here very
long. A hasty visit to the foreign settlement, a call
on a few familiar friends, and a run through the native
city, are all that we have time for if we wish to leave
by the evening steamer for Ning-po. Though we can-
not present our readers with a picture of the tea-gar-
dens at Shanghai, we give an interesting engraving of
a characteristic scene in one of the gardens in Canton,
which will convey to the mind some of the pecu-
liarities of Chinese garden scenery, in which artificial
pools, bridges, pavilions, rockwork, &c., are always
prominent features. (Seepage 103).
DEPARTURE FOR NING-PO.
And now we are once more on our way. About
dusk we repass the town of Wu-sung. After a plea-
sant evening we have a good night's rest, and by early
dawn find ourselves nearing the moutli ol the Ning-po
river. A fine hill crowned with a temple keeps guard
on the north side ; and a similar hill surmounted by
a camp stands on the south side, making the entrance
of the river very picturesque. We are soon amongst
the junks and busy boats again, and by the time we
pass the city of Chin-hai the sun is fairly up, making
the landscape very engaging, The rich, fertile plains
that skirt the river for some distance on each side,
bounded far away by fine ranges of hills, give a pleas-
ing variety to the scene. But we are nearing Ning-po,
and before long catch sight of the pagoda in the city,
and of the tops of the masts at the anchorage. On
reaching our destination we land without delay.
Calling a coolie to convey the baggage across the
bridge of boats, we enter the city by the east gate,
and make our way to our mission premises in Lake
Head Street. Our native brethren are delighted to
receive us. The tidings of our arrival soon spread ;
and by the time we have refreshed ourselves with a
wash, and have partaken of an early meal, a number
of them are collected together to unite with us on ce
more in thanksgiving and prayer. We must not, how-
ever, attempt to introduce our readers to these dear
Christian friends until next month.
(To be continued.)
Juiir^.
BY
O LAND of the sunrise, and uttermost isles,
Where morning in Asia the earliest smiles ; .
The eldest of countries, the greatest, the last ;
Enchanted, enchained as the slave of the past ;
EASTWABD SO!
li. GRATTAN GUINNESS.
They wait for the message, neglected they wait, —
Shall it come ? but for millions, alas, 'tis too late ;
They droop, they despair, they descend to the grave,
They perish, though Jesus is mighty to save.
Where idols, dumb idols are worshipped alone
In temples of error, and Christ is unknown ;
I mourn for thy millions, all, all but ignored,
Still living and dying afar from the Lord.
O children of light in the isles of the West,
With the knowledge of Jesus distinguished and blesa«€.
To whom the dear record of life has been given
To bear it to all that are found beneath heaven ;
Up, up with the sail ! to the Eastward away !
No langour, no lingering, no selfish delay ;
Haste, haste to the rescue^ swift traverse the seas ;
Give, give ye the words of salvation to these !
They perish — they perish ! their blood at thy hands,
0 preacher, O Christian, the Saviour demands ;
For yet at His coming, for soon at His seat
The neglector of souls the neglected shall meet.
But their children are yonder ! hark ! hear you their cr}'
Come over and help us, come soon or we die .'
'Tisyou they are calling, 'tis you and 'tis me,
Let us go to them brother ; their brothers are we !
O land of the Bible and sweet Sabbath bell,
O land of our fathers, w'e bid thee farewell ;
To follow the Saviour, and publish His word
To the heathen who never of Jesus have heard.
98
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
99
BY H. GRATTAN GUINNESS.
Delivered at the Edinburgh Castle to Messrs. McCarthy,
Turner and Budd, and Misses Knight and Goodman, prior to
their departure as Missionaries to China in connection with the
China Inland Mission.
" THE LORD HATH WBED OF THEM,"
(Matt. xxi. 3.)
I AM reminded, dear friends, by the object of our
gathering here this evening, and by the sight of these
dear young missionaries, of the question — " What do ye,
loosing the colt ?" (Mark xi. 5.) That is just what we
are doing ; separating these young servants of God from
their secular employments, cutting them adrift from home
and friends, and sending them forth at the Masters'
bidding in His service.
The Lord Jesus was about to enter Jerusalem ; He
sent forth two of His disciples, telling them to go into
the neighbouring village where they should find an ass
tied and a colt with her. He bade them loose the colt
and bring it to him, and, anticipating that objections
would be made, He added, " And if any man say ought
unto you, ye shall sa)', the Lord hath need of them,
and straightway he will send them."
Observe, dear friends, in this answer dictated by
Christ three things : His sovereignty, " The Lord hath
need of them ; " His necessity, " The Lord hath need
of them;" and His condescension, "The Lord hath
need of them."
Christ is sovereign in His choice of labourers. It is
not for us or for any one to say who shall engage in His
service. It is for Him, and for Him alone, to decide
that question.
Let us, let all, beware how we intrude unbidden or
uncalled into His service ; or lest, on the other hand, we
hold back when He deigns to call for us. These young
brothers and sisters have heard the command " Go, work
to-day in My vineyard." They consider that they have
received His call, and their going forth is consequently
an act neither of presumption nor self-will, but of simple
obedience.
"The Lord has need of him." Amazing truth that
He who possesses all things should lack ! That the
Almighty should be dependent on means ! But so it is.
He will not accomplish His designs without them. He
has need of them to fulfil His purposes.
In His great work of redeeming and blessing mankind
He has made salvation depend on faith, and faith depend
on hearing, and hearing depend on preachers, and the
sending forth of preachers He has made to depend on
the conjoint action of the Spirit and the Church. To
the Church of Antioch the Holy Ghost said, " Separate
me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereto I have called
them ; " and then we read, "When they had fasted and
prayed they sent them away; " and in the very ne.xt
verse, "So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
departed." The Holy Ghost moved the Church to send
forth these preachers because the Lord had need of them.
On considering the various needs that on every hand
claim our attention, let us never forget the moving,
touching fact that the Lord has need — need of messen-
gers to tell of His mercy, need of heralds to proclaim
His salvation. He has need of preachers to proclaim
the love He feels, the sufferings He endured, the work
He has accomplished and the eternal life which he
bestows. How great these needs of Christ in view of
the present condition of the world !
Mark next, Christ's condescension : "The Lord has
need of them." The Son of Man would ride into Jeru-
salem— not on a war-horse, for He was the Prince of
Peace — not in some kingly chariot, for He was meek and
lowly, but — on a colt !
O, what a lesson ! The same condescension shows
itself still in His choice of men to be fellow-labourers
with God. He passes by angels and makes men His
messengers. He calls not many mighty, or noble, or
wise, but employs instruments despised and base, that no
flesh should glory. The lowly Jesus, who came Himself
in humble guise, still works by humble instrumentalities,
and by them confounds the wise and brings to nought
the mighty. Let this thought encourage some who are
little in their own eyes, to hope that even by them God
may yet do great things and let it on the other hand
have a humbling influence on all whom He does use ; for
no matter what their learning or wisdom or strength or
power, it is condescension on the part of Christ, a con-
descension we cannot estimate, when He deigns to
employ them in His service.
But there is another aspect of this subject. We have
looked at it on the Divine side, let us glance at it on
the human side.
How noble, how glorious the work to which this colt
was called. The colt carried Christ. He carried none
other than the Son of God, who carries all things ; he
aided the progress of Him, who speeds on their way all
worlds, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
And you, dear young missionary friends, are called
and consecrated to this same blessed work ; you go forth
on this same errand. You carry Christ ! You carry the
name of Christ, i.e.. His history, to publish to those who
know it not. You go to teach the words of Christ ; the
words which the Father gave Him, and which He gave
to His disciples, and which He has given to you. You
go to carry the Gospel of Christ, that particular truth of
all truths, which is the power of God to salvation, the
truth which is the mighty instrument of regeneration
and sanctification to the souls and lives of men. And
you carry too in a sense the very person of Christ, for
go you not forth as temples of God, in whom He by His
Spirit dwells ? Have ye not Christ in you the hope of
glory ?
Observe next the colt carried a weeping Christ. It
bore Him on till His eyes fell on the outspread city
which knew not the things that belonged to its peace ;
bore Him while the tears flowed from His pitying eyes,
and the words of compassion broke from His heaving
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
bosom, because He foresaw the desolation of Jerusalem
in the day of her fast-approaching judgment. And how
often will the compassion of Christ in you stir all your
nature into sympathetic grief in contemplating the
heathenism (alas 1 who of us realizes all that word
means ?) into the midst of which you are to bear His
name.
The colt carried a rejected Christ. His own Israel
received Him not ; wonder not, therefore, if though you
bear so sacred a message, so divine a Person, your
mission should too often prove unsuccessful. In its
opposition to God, the world is still what it was, almost
as unchanged as He Himself. " If the world hate you,
ye know that it hated Me, before it hated you" ; "if
they have persecuted Me they will also persecute you.
The servant is not greater than his Lord."
But there is a brighter side here ! The colt carried an
accepted Christ. The Pharisees might question, the
Sadducees might sneer, the Chief Priests might conspire,
but the multitude of the poor, and the hosts of the little
children rejoiced to welcome the Son of David, and to
rend the air with their shouts of gladness, saying, " Ho-
sannah to the Son of David ! blessed is He that cometh
in the name of the Lord. Hosannah in the Highest!"
Be of good cheer, therefore ; some will believe the things
that are spoken by you, though some will believe not,
and though ye may have to weep at times as you bear
forth your precious seed, you shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, bringing your sheaves with you !
For note lastly, the colt carried a triumpliant Christ.
He entered Jerusalem as King, He was greeted as the
Son of David. It was a scene, I know, as brief as it was
bright, but the history of it is a prophecy as well, a,nd
shadows forth a more glorious advent of this lowly King,
when all Israel shall greet Him with heartfelt adoration,
all princes bow before Him, and all the earth sing for
joy. He must reign. They who fight His battles are
fighting on the winning side ; they who suffer shall reign
with Him. You go forth, brethren and sisters, to carr\'
a Christ who is King of kings and Lord of lords, a Christ
to whom every knee in heaven, earth, and hell must bow.
You wage no uncertain warfare, you play no doubtful
game, you run no risk of failure. Your Master must
reign, the earnests of final victory are already His, and
the time is short, it may be that even ere your toil be
ended, "The kingdoms of this world shall become the
kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ."
Go ye forth then, dear young brethren and sisters,
strong and very courageous, leaning on the true and
faithful promise of this triumphant Christ, " Lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
!i$$mitar5 JitJ^Hij^nt^.
GATHERED HOME.
By Mr. Meadows, of Shao-hing.
We have recently lost an old member, who was baptized
by Mr. Stevenson about six years ago. We very much
regret his loss, as he was a quiet, unobtrusive, consistent
, Christian man. Mr. Douthwaite did what he could to
save him, but the Lord, doubtless, intended him to "go
up higher."
.Consistent Christians are not so plentiful as to make
us soon forget our dear old brother.
TRUST IN GOD.
Though quite a gentleman, he was very poor and
friendless, having only one near relative living, namely
his sister, and even she seldom or never rendered him
help since his profession of faith in Jesus. He had for
some years before this an Imperial pension of some ten
dollars a year, on which he managed to live ; having a
two-roomed house, he let a man have one of the rooms
as a shop in which to sell refreshments (Chinese), for
which privilege he partly supported the old gentleman.
Some time after his conversion this pension was taken
away from him — for what reason I don't know — ^but the
old man never complained ; he said, " God will not let
me starve." A few years before he died the pension
was restored to him, but reduced to seven dollars a year.
I believe he was very thankful for this instance of God's
watchful providence over him, his confidence growing
stronger every day in his Heavenly Father.
PATIENCE UNDER PROVOCATION.
He used to put up with a good deal of insult from the
man to whom he gave the use of the room, and also from
the friends of this man and the neighbours around him ;
but he bore it all patiently and uncomplainingly. In his
unconverted days he was very fond of passing the year
with great festivity, eating, drinking, and worshipping,
the gods of the kitchen and of the new year, &c. This
he could do to his heart's content, from the fact that the
man who lived with him was a sort of purveyor at this
time of the 3'ear. But when the old man became a
Christian, he gave up all his feasting, and would pass
the year with a few cash worth of bean-curd. The
lodger and his friends would sometimes on these
occasions curse and insult the old man, mix blood with
the different soups, etc., so that the old man would not
touch their food. He would say nothing, but leave them
to themselves, and go and purchase a little bean-curd to
eat with his rice, and thus pass the year.
LOVE TO THE CAUSE OF GOD.
He was, naturally, very fond of plays ; and even after
his conversion would go to them, not knowing there was
any wrong in doing so ; but on hearing that a brother
had spoken of this in an uncharitable manner behind his
back, instead of getting angry, he said, " He shall not
have another occasion to speak thus," and never went to
another play.
He was always to be found in his place at Chapel,
sunshine or rain ; even when he had a lame foot, and
most people could have found a good excuse for stay-
ing at home, our old friend would manage to hobble to
the services. He was constantly seeking openings for
the pastor to go and preach to the people, saying, "You
can talk and explain things to them better than I can."
He would do more ; out of his scanty means he would
sometimes provide a simple meal on Sundays for a
neighbour or two in order that they might hear the Gospel,
or he would pay the price of a man's dinner to induce
him to come and hear the truth.
A brother in the Church here, who was offended
on account of some supposed slight, endeavoured to
dissuade him from attending the services ; but he turned
round and mildly expostulated with the man, saying,
" We don't go to Chapel to honour man, but to honour
God."
ILLNESS AND DEATH.
When he was ill he would frequently call to remem-
brance the Lord's dealings with him in the past ; and
when the pastor visited him he would say, " God in my
unconverted days brought me through rebellion, pesti-
lence and famine. He will not leave me now; perhaps
He is calling me home, and that is better still."
He had a peaceful, happy end, frequently saying he
was going to be with Jesus. Mr. and Mrs. Douthwaite,
Miss Turner and my family, with some native Christians
accompanied him to his grave. He was buried in the
piece of ground belonging to this Church that is
appropriated to burial purposes. At his funeral I heard
incidentally a good testimony from the heathen man who
had so frequently insulted him in his own house : he said,
" Outsiders don't know much about the old man, they
have not seen him and lived with him as I have ; I know
what a peaceful death he died, and I know how he lived
also." So he " being dead, yet speaketh."
THE CHINESE FORTUNE-TELLER;
Or, "ALL FOR Jesus."
There are times in the history of most Christians when
duty and self-interest seem to conflict ; but few perhaps
are called, at the outset of their course, to so severe a
testing as that through which many converts from
heathenism have to pass. When grace is victorious
in such circumstances, the testimony to the heathen
around is of great value.
Mr. Williamson tells us of an interesting incident
which took place at our mission chapel in Chin-kiang
on the 24th of October. Among the candidates for
baptism there was a man who gained his livelihood
by fortune telling. He had previously been examined
for baptism, and had made a good profession of faith
in Christ : there was little doubt of his sincerity ; bzit
he was a fortune-teller, and as such could not be
received into a Christian church. He was exhorted to
seek some other mode of supporting himself, and did
so ; but without success.
Again the period for examination of candidates came
round; and more eager than before, he presented him-
self among seven others. Most reluctantly he was
again refused, and urged to have faith in God, and to
follow Jesus at all cost. The poor man went away
sorrowing. It was not felt wise to hold out any
promise of help to him, but much prayer was offered
to God that He would help him- ; and He did so, by
giving the needed strength and grace.
The morning for the baptisms arrived, and the native
church with a congregation of unbelievers was gathered
together to witness the baptism of the three who had
been accepted. The service was about to commence,
when in came the fortune-teller, carrying a bundle
wrapped in a piece of carpet. A bright and happy
countenance told its own story, and said more
emphatically than words could utter, "All for Jesus."
He opened his parcel, and displayed the books, tablets,
and other articles used in his profession : they were his
worldly all, but he proceeded to destroy them ; and
taking them into the court-yard adjoining the chapel,
set them on fire to the delight of the Christians, and to
the astonishment of the heathen.
The circling smoke continued to ascend in the sight
of all during the service ; and, ere the smouldering fire
had consumed the last vestige of them, he and the
others were baptized in the name of that Saviour who
had laid down His life for them.
Dear reader, did you ever give up so much for Jesus ?
This was a poor Chinaman ; and a million a month
of his countrymen are dying without God.
\^ \\ I'uitttg.
LETTER TO OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.
Prom Mr. Stott, of Wicn-chau.
" It may interest you a little to tell you about some of
the modes of travelling in China. In the flat parts of
the country there are boats, some of them big and some
of them little : here they are all small, and the highest
speed is from three to four miles an hour. In hilly parts
one must either walk or be carried in a sedan on men's
shoulders. If the road is steep and hilly all one can
make in a day is about fifteen or sixteen miles ; if the
road is good and level about thirty miles. In the
country the broadest roads are very crooked and un-
even, only about three feet wide. A road in this part is
never more than a hundred yards on one line ; they
are made crooked and twisted to prevent bad winds
blowing away the good luck from the rice fields.
" From this place we have to go to any port where
other Europeans live by sea-junks. They are in general
very frail, crazy craft ; but the junkmen are sometimes
very expert in handling them. In the case of opium
smokers, however, it is very diiierent. We went to sea
this year in a junk in which more than one half of the
sailors were opium smokers.
" After starting, the man at the helm left it to go and
smoke opium, and we stranded on a sand bank from
which we did not get off for some time. Then bad
weather came on, and we had to turn back to the
Wun-chau river and anchor. While lying there the
weather was very stormy ; one day the wind was blowing
strong, and our anchor cable broke, the junk drifted
away, and the anchor was lost. As they had no money
to buy another we could not go to sea. I had already
paid our passage to Shanghai, but lost all the money,
as the head man was neither able nor willing to return
it. We had to go in another junk. Their accommo-
dation is very poor ; we had to crawl into a small
place like crawling in below a table, where we could
hardly sit up. We were huddled in there nine days,
but during all the time the weather was fine, which
was a great co'mfort.
"We visited a good many places where there are
stations belonging to our mission, and were cheered by
the Christian converts. But I will not tire you with a
long letter. Next month I will tell you an interesting
story of what a boy did for Christ."
"EGGS TURNED INTO SILVER."
A CHINESE STORY {concluded).
As the mandarin in charge of the junk was not yet
up, the Customs' men handcuffed the stranger with his
hands behind him, round the mast of the junk, to
prevent his escape, and left him there to repent his
folly.
After a little while he called the old boatman to his
CHINAS MILLIONS.
side and told him in an undertone not to be afraid.
An ounce of silver for every egg he lost, and he
should never be charged duty on eggs again. " Only
take my pack," continued he, " go into the city of Su-
chau, and deliver it into the hands of none but the
viceroy himself, and all will be right."
There was such an air of dignity and assurance
about the stranger, despite his strange position, that
the old man went off with the pack, much to the grief
of his wife, who was fully assured that, having already
lost his eggs, he was about to lose his head also.
The old man made his way to the viceroy's palace,
and walking boldly past the guards, went up to the
apartments of the viceroy, and requested to see him.
The underlings at first thought the old man was crazy;
but at length convinced that there was something
extraordinary, they took his message to their master,
saying that he had a parcel which he would deliver
only into the viceroy's own hands. Supposing it to
contain secret despatches, the old man was forthwith
admitted. When, however, the parcel was opened it
was found to contain a folded lantern, which, when
expanded, all recognised as the credentials of an
imperial envoy, commissioned to travel incognito
through the country, to observe the administration,
and empowered to impeach, and even suspend, the
highest officials.
The viceroy at once knelt thrice and made nine
prostrations before the imperial l-.intern. When he had
heard the old man's story,in great alarm he despatched
" flying carriers " to release the envoy, following him-
self with all speed in a sedan chair with only two
bearers, while sending his own with eight bearers for the
envoy.
In the meantime the mandarin in charge of the
Customs' junk had risen, breakfasted, and at his leisure
had come out to see the prisoner.
" Who are you, sir," he demanded in a loud voice,
" who dares to violate our commands ?"
"I, sir," replied the stranger, "am his Imperial
Majesty's envoy, and command you to kneel down,
take off your hat, and throw your button into the
canal."
To the amazement of all the men, he instantly
obeyed. Tremblingly he drew near to unloose the
handcuffs,but the envoy sternly ordered himoff,and sent
him to the city to report himself to the viceroy. Soon
afterwards the viceroy himself arrived, and with many
prostrations and salutations besought his clemency.
The envoy refused to allow anyone to remove the
handcuffs, until the will of his royal master should be
heard.
At length however, he was induced so far to relent
as to agree to go into the city, on condition that the
old man should be indemnified at the rate of an ounce
of silver per egg ; that he and his family should be
freed from all customs' duty for life, and that all the
people from his village be freed from paying duty on
eggs — a privilege they enjoy to this day. It is further
stated that the old woman was never afterwards heard
to rail at her husband as a stupid old man.
!i$$ittttaj|5 iit«p|^$ptin^tt^^.
MATTLMAIN EUBASIAN" SCHOOL.
We have been permitted to make the following extracts
from a letter from Mrs. Longley, of Maulmain, to Mrs.
Soltau, dated Sept. 29th, 1875 : —
" Through the kindness of your son (Mr. Henry Soltau) we
liave had the opportunity of reading much from his father's
vahiable works, by which my heart has been strengthened and
refreshed and my faith revived. I cannot but feel a deep sense of
gratitude to the kind Father who guided him here just at a time
when, as worlcers in His vineyard, we were having more than
usual to bear. Our burdens in this land, so far distant from home
and country, seemed very heavy to carry ; and we were needing
cheer and comfort, as we were striving to give the knowledge
of salvation to the perishing heathen around us. Had Mr. Soltau
accomplished nothing else in British Burmah than to strengthen
and cheer the hearts of our burdened missionaries, and help them
to a higher faith and deeper trust as he has done by his own
beautiful example, he would have accomplished a great work.
1 am sure that the lessons of simple, childlike faith learned from
him will never be forgotten.
" When he came to Maulmain, he found the little mission
circle sadly depressed. Dr. Haswell, the senior missionary, is
paralysed and is perfectly helpless ; while with his mind perfectly
clear he sees the needs of the work and suffers because he cannot
do it, although his prayers and his advice do a great amount of
good. His son is perfectly deaf, can be communicated with only
by writing, and his liead troubles him badly. On him devolves
the care of the entire Burman mission ; he cannot do a tithe of
what should be done, and he knows it, and it malces his heart
aclie. Mr. Rand, the Karen missionary at this place, has for
some months been feeling that his failing health would oblige
him to relinquish his work and return to America, which has
been a great trial to him. Miss Haswell was born in this country
and commenced her work when quite young ; she has the lan-
guage as she has English ; consequently, her work is firmly
established, having a very nice building and eighty-five boarding
pupils, beside a class of day scholars numbering over thirty.
ORIGIN OF THE EURASIAN SCHOOL.
" I came to assist her in the Burmese school, but as I was
obliged to begin the study of the language, I took a class of
thirteen little Eurasian* girls whom Miss Haswell had received
out of pity (as they were destitute), and heard their lessons in
English. My heart went out to these poor little waifs, and I
asked the question, what will become of these children when I
have acquired Burmese sufficiently to teach ? That was a prob-
lem, I was told, as there was no shelter or school for destitute
Eurasian children except that of the Roman Catholics who do
all in their power to gather them in. In this they are very suc-
cessful, as they do not scruple to cater to Budhism by substitut-
ing images of saints for those of Gaudama, thus changing one
form of idolatry for another. When their boys are grown to
manhood, and even before, they do everything that is possible
to marry them to Protestant girls in order to weaken the power
of Christianity in this land.
" Learning these facts, I did not hesitate a moment. I felt
this was the work God would have me do ; and committing it to
Him, I resolved that, with His help, I would have as good a
school for Eurasians as there was for Burmans. I have been here
a year and a half, and in that time my school has grown in
* Children of European faL'hers and Asiatic mothers.
104
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
numbers from thirteen to fifty-four. If I had proper accommo-
dation I could double the number in another year, but I have
not ; the house they are in is small and totally inadequate to
their present needs.
ENGLISH HELP NEEDED.
" I wrote to the Board with which I am connected asking for
help in this important work. They refused it, liowever, on the
principle that as these children are of mixed origin, and they had
taken the Burmese work and could not do what ought to be done
for both, they felt that English people should feel an interest in
this matter. I wrote them that I presumed English Christians
would if they knew of it ; but as Americans had taken up Bur-
mah as their mission field, other people out of courtesy had not
encroached. I feel that if any one could see as I have done,
pretty Eurasian children led by their mothers to pagodas, and
these same children (dressed in our costume and with faces nearly
as white as our own) making offerings to these hideous images,
they would not wait to question to whom the work belonged,
for being God's work it is the work of any of His children.
MR. SOLTAU'S WORK. ,
"Mr. Soltau was principally engaged among the Eurasians
while here, and his efforts were greatly blessed. When he arrived,
I was feeling very badly from my failure to procure money for
ray school ; indeed at times I was almost discouraged. He came
into our midst as one of our number ; came into our homes and
our hearts, where he will ever live, and ever be welcome. He
came into our work also, with a freshness of life, and spirit, and
cheer that did us all a good we can never forget. He came into
my school and taught the children the beautiful hymns that have
been sermons to them, and sermons that liave reached their
hearts. And he told me that my work was the Lord's work, and
that He would take care of it, whether the American Board of
Missions_ could or not— a fact, I presume, I knew before he told
me, but in my worry had lost sight of, and was trying to carry
my own burden uistead of casting it upon Him. He was a greater
help to me than I can express ; and when he left we all felt that
we had lost a brother indeed. Last evening we had a mission
prayer meeting, and I think it would have cheered your heart to
hear the fervent prayers that were ofl'ered for him. In these
little meetings we come very near to each other, and to God.
Last night Mr. Haswell, junior, made this remark, 'God has
been good to us in sending our brother Soltau here : I feel that
his visit was direct from His hand ; and my heart is full of grati-
tude as I realize how much lighter my work seems, and how
different everything looks, for that man's work and life here.'
_ "Thus you see that he was indeed a blessing to us : but he
did more than this. In his simple but beautiful way of telling
the truth as it is in Jesus, he touched the hearts of many, especi-
ally the young, and brought them to see themselves as they were
— sinners before God. He also aroused some who were cold
and lifeless in the cause they had once espoused, and stirred them
to new life and zeal ; while in our schools, a work has been done
that has made our hearts glad. Seed had been so\to that we
could see no fruit of, and we feared was lying useless, but he
brought it to life, or rather aroused them to the influence of the
Holy Spirit until it sprang up to bear fniit, we tiiist, to God's
glory. Miss Haswell has vmtten to your daughter something of
the work in her school, and although it has not been so extensive
in mine, as my number of pupils is much smaller than hers, a
good work has been done, and I am very happy in the influence
left upon them.
MRS. LONGLEY's SCHOOL.
"My school is Eurasian. The children generally speak
English and wear the English dress, but possess most of the
vices, without the virtues of either race. Most of my boarding
pupils are left to the care of tlie mothers, and are quite as much
heathen as the Burmans themselves. I had been feeling very
anxious about one of them for some time before Mr. Soltau came.
At one time her heart seemed veiy tender, and I hoped she was
a Christian ; but she was obliged to leave school and associate
entirely with Burmans, so that I feared the little light she had
received would be lost. Shortly after Mr. Soltau came, she
returned ; and the visits which he often made to the school, and
the children's weekly meeting which he held, again touched her
heart. Two others, a brother and sister (children of a heathen
mother), who before they had come to my school had worshipped
at pagodas, were also blessed ; and I had the happiness of see-
ing the three led into the baptismal waters before he went away ;
and there are others who will shortly follow. My heart cries
out, 'Bless the Lord, oh ! my soul.' I know yon cannot but be
happy in feeling that the labours of your son have been so blessed
of the Lord thus in the beginning of his life in the East ; and
we all rejoice with you. "
[We would ask the prayers of our readers for Mrs.
Longley's work, and if any of them should desire to aid
her, we will gladly receive and forward their contribu-
tions to her. Such contributions should be distinctly
specified as for Mrs. Longley's work. Ed. China's
Millions.]
<>f
wm^mm^ |uitt[Jtijp
VISITS TO THE KAEEWS {co,tcluded).
BY MR. HENRY SOLTAU.
"We arrived at Don-yan at 10.30 a.m., and experienced
the same difficulty in getting the boat near the bank as before.
We waded through water and thick, black mud to the school-
house. The rain began to pour down in torrents, so we did
not put on our boots again, but waded on to the pastor's
house. I did not mention, in describing the house at See-ti-yan,
that we had to climb up a bamboo ladder to get into the
house. We found it rather, difficult to ascend the ladder
outside the pastor's house. Imagine us sitting down with
the pastor's wife and daughters and others, our trousers tucked
up to our knees, our feet and legs bare, and no collars round
our necks. The pastor was away for the day : his wife
received us kindly. One of his daughters could speak English
a little. We took all our meals there, as the pastor is more
civilized than the rest of his people, and had a table and
two chairs in his sitting-room. On the walls was the text
in English — ' The Son of Man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost ;' and close by, an illuminated advertise-
ment of 'Jayne's Family Medicines ;' while a little way off
was a picture, from an illustrated paper, of the Queen and
the Duchess of Edinburgh driving into London.
" Underneath the pastor's house is a kind of farm yard.
Ducks, buffaloes, geese, and fowls assemble there, and the
odour ascending through the floor is, at times, anything
but pleasant. . I was asked many questions by Mrs. Pastor,
through Mr. Rand. Where I had come from ? Whether
Mr. Rand knew me before he came out to Burmah ?
Whether we lived near together in England and America?
How old I was ? I said I was going on for 100 years of age.
At this they laughed, saying they were sure I was not 100.
I told them to guess. Had I a mamma? meaning a wife.
No. They thought that a very serious calamity, and looked
at me with great commiseration.
■ ' The work at Don-yan was commenced by Miss McComber,
who went to the village and found every one drunk. However,
nothing daunted, she remained until they became sober, and
then began speaking to tliem, with encouraging results. Now
there are over 100 names on the church books, and the
Christians are going on steadily.
" The pastor is a sound, steady, true Christian man. He
works for his living, but receives help, as well, from the
Karens. They have built a tolerably large chapel, close by
the water's edge.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
105
' ' We went to visit the school, in which there are twenty-
five pupils, but fourteen of these only were present, in con-
sequence of the floods. Mr. Rand spent some time in
e.xamining them. Returning to the pastor's house, we found
he had returned. He can speak a little English, and under-
stands a great deal that is said to him in that language. He
is about forty years of age. Some time since he was taken
to America by one of the missionaries, consequently he has
enlarged ideas of things in general. After tea, the gong
sounded for evening prayers. A good number assembled,
sitting roimd the room against the wall. The pastor himself
conducted prayers. A hymn was sung, scripture read, and a
few remarks made ; then all fell on their knees while he
prayed. The doxology was sung and the service concluded.
Mr. Rand and I were asked to sing something in English. We
had brought 'Songs and tiolos,' and sang 'Sowing Seed,'
' Ring the Bells,' and ' The Home over There.'
" The schoolmistress and a niece of the pastor, who could
speak a little English, and were able to sing from notes, joined
us afterwards, and sang some of the pieces very well, in their
broken English. They were greatly pleased with some of the
tunes. What strange stories some of these hymns could tell
if they could give account of all the people who have sung them,
and all the circumstances, under which they were sung ! We
spent a very happy evening at the pastor's house. I felt drawn
out in love to these humble followers of the Lord Jesus. Our
Gospel must be divine, for it so exactly suits all sorts and
conditions of men. Wading back to our school-house, we
retired to rest.
" TImrsday, Aug. 12th: — Breakfasted at the pastor's.
Shewed him and a few others the pictures of the Tabernacle.
Mr. Rand interpreted the meaning and description given.
" Left the village, after paying another visit to the school.
Mr. Rand was satisfied with the progress the scholars were
making. Amid pouring rain, we waded back, through mud
and water, to the boat, and moved off in the direction of another
village in the same valley.
DRINK AND OPIUM.
"Don-yan is a large village containing about 300 houses.
The people there who are not Christians are very lawless.
Drink and opium are ruining them fast, and some believe
the place will soon be depopulated by these poisons. The
English have allowed opium to be introduced, and receive large
revenues from it. The Karens get such a craving for it that,
in order to satisfy it, they will plunder and rob one another.
' ' At length we reached the small village, and waded among
mud and water, round some rice fields, to the school house and
the house of a Christian.
"The rain was pouring down. After climbing the bamboo
ladder as well as we could, to the house of the native Christian,
we were kindly received. Water for us to drink was brought,
in a large brass basin, by the hostess, with a little brass cup
inside it, for us to drink out of. ' She brought water in a
lordly dish.'
" Bye-and-bye, the school bell rang, and Mr. Rand crossed
over to the school house. Imagine a school inspector examining
a school of boys, with their shoes and stockings off, and his
trousers tucked up to the knees. The school house was a
very rough affair : a bamboo ladder with about eight steps,
leads up to a flooring of split bamboos, supported on wooden
posts. A simple roof, made of dried grass, covers this. The
sides are all open, bamboos being fastened horizontally and
perpendicularly around, to prevent the scholars falUng over
the sides, making the building look like a cage.
"The boys were all naked with the exception of a cloth round
their loins. They sat on the floor, the master having one table for
his books to rest upon. The little fellows seemed very happy,
and were all chanting their lessons at the top of their voices,
a strange noise which would very much perplex an English
schoolmaster.
' ' The school here has made the least progress of any, the
master being new, and the scholars irregidar and veiy ignorant.
Mr. Rand having given the master sundry instructions, and
having examined the boys, we left at 2 o'clock for See-ti-yan,
where we were to pass the night.
"We reached See-ti-yan about 5 o'clock, and immediately
proceeded to the same house we had previously occupied. The
owner had returned, having left his wife in Maulmain ; he was
very glad to receive us. After dimier, the people assembled for
evening meeting, in the verandah, as before, the pastor of
Don-yan, who has also charge of this village, having come over
to baptize those who wished to confess Christ. The people told
Mr. Rand, they thought it would be very nice if the English
teacher would speak to them, through him.
"After singing a hymn, Mr. Rand read I Peter iii, and
I spoke on the verse — 'Christ hath once suffered for sin.'
At the close, another hymn was sung and prayer offered.
The examination of candidates for Baptism then took place.
The pastor examined the one who came forward. All the
members of the church were then invited to put any questions
to him. Mr. Rand asked him some, to which he gave good
replies. The pastor then requested all who were in favour
of his being received into the church and baptized to hold
up their hands. The whole company immediately held up
their hands, and the lad was told he was accepted as a
candidate.
"Friday, Aug. 13^. — Pouring rain. After we had taken
our tea, the people assembled, at the sound of the gong, for
morning prayers. At the close, the other two candidates
were publicly examined. The one was a woman who had
a baby in her arms. Her husband is a heathen, but she has been
converted since their marriage. The pastor examined her, and
all were perfectly satisfied with her replies. She was passed
for Baptism. A lad present was also examined. His parents
are heathen, and are rather opposed to his becoming a
Christian. He also answered satisfactorily, and was received.
After breakfast, the company again assembled in the verandah,
for the baptismal service, and then all adjourned to the
river-side. The pastor repeated the words — 'I baptize thee
in the name of the Father,' &c. , and then immersed them. At
the close all sang the doxology, and, having shaken hands with
us, the company separated. We entered our boat for our
return journey home. At length we reached our destination
and were not sorry to get some dinner and a good bath."
Ifutt^-l^trttJ.
FROM THE DIARY OF Mr. G. W. CLARKE.
Hong-kong, Sunday, Sept. l<)th. — Had a profitable time on
Luke xiii. About 3 a.m. we sighted land, and as we proceeded
towards this port, we passed hundreds of small islands, very
rugged and with scanty vegetation.
Before the bustle of leaving began, I gave my pupils some
slips 6f Gospel news in large print, having first asked the Lord
to bless the message.
io6
CBINA'S MILLIONS.
We entered the beautiful harbour of Hong-kong about 10.45
a.m. and as soon as possible left for church. A stranger is struck
with the method of carrying passengers here ; there are no public
"garries," as at Singapore, but sedan* chairmen stand in the
street. Some chairs are carried by two men, others by four.
The first church we could see was
THE CATHEDRAL.
It is very beautifully situated upon the hill-side facing the harbour.
Upon approaching, the sight was peculiar ; instead of carriages
waiting, a large number of sedan chairs were to be seen about
the grounds, the bearers lying about till the service was over. I
observed a number of men outside the church pulling ropes.
Upon entering the building I found that a large number of
"punkas" were hanging from the ceiling, and were being worked
by the men outside. These "punkas" are large fans, about ten
feet long and ten or more inches in depth ; they are made of
calico nailed to a frame, and by their motion keep the place cool.
In the evening I had a little singing with three or four of the
sailors in the forecastle, and the Lord enabled me to put the
Gospel before them.
The town of Victoria is situated on the slope of the hill (see
page 83), and it looked very pretty when lighted up. The har-
bour was enlivened by a large number of lights from ships, and
by the rays of the rising moon.
Monday, Sept. iQth. — Arose about 5,45 a.m. and enjoyed
reading the Word.
I went to see St. Paul's College : Bishop Burdon received me
very kindly. There are about sixty boys attendhig the College,
taught by Mr. May and two assistants. The Bishop kindly in-
vited us to take tea with him this evening, and if in port to-mor-
row evening to go to a missionary prayer meeting in his house.
It was cheering to hear how the Lord had blessed the visit of
the Rev. Sholto Douglas. In the evening went again to the
College and spent a very profitable time. "I left it all with Jesus "
and the " Higher Rock " were sung, after which the Bishop read
and prayed, and in parting wished us God-speed.
Tuesday, Sept. 2,1st. — Arose at 6 a.m. and studied Luke xiv.
15-35-
It was very pleasant to watch the sun rise upon the beautiful
harbour, alive with large ships lying at anchor, and the numerous
native boats rowing about taking Chinamen to their work.
At night attended the
MONTHLY MISSIONARY PRAYER MEETING,
held in the Bishop's house. A good number were gathered to-
gether, and the Lord was in our midst. Several engaged in
prayer; the singing was good, and in conclusion the Bishop
spoke a few encouraging words upon the missions in India. He
was fully persuaded that in China the triumphs of the Gospel
would be as great. It was very refreshing to observe the lovino-
spirit manifested among those present. Mr. Hutchinson, of the
Church Missionary Society, kindly invited us to breakfast at his
house in the morning.
IVediiesday, Sept. Z2nd. — Found it sweet to meditate upon the
seven " I wills" in Exodus vi. 6, 9.
We left the ship about 8.10 a.m. and made our way to Mr.
Hutchinson's house, which is a very substantial one, beautifully
situated facing the Bay. Though some of the walls are 2j feet
thick, yet in a typhoon the house rocks, and every blast makes it
quiver : so this will give a faint idea of the terrible typhoon
which visited the colony a year ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson very kindly received us. After
breakfast and prayers, Mr. Hutchinson offered to show us a little
* See cuts on pages 83 and 91.
of the mission work carried on. The first place we visited was
the mission station of the
BASLE EVANGELIZATION SOCIETY.
There is a block of several buildings for the work. We were
kindly received by a German brother, who showed us the girls'
school, in ,which were about fifty girls, whose ages were be-
tween five and twenty. There are a number of Christian girls
among them, most of them engaged to be married. They sung
two hymns very sweetly to us. There is a large chapel ; and the
Lord has blessed the efforts of this mission.
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY'S MISSION PREMISES.
U pon leaving this place we went through a few poor streets
and came to Mr. Hutchinson's Mission premises. He has a large
school for boys ; at the last Government examination it passed
very well. We had the pleasure of meeting his native Pastor
and also a Catechist, who were glad to meet us and to bid us
God-speed. We crossed a little green moat and went into the
Church. It is a very plain building, comfortably seated, and
lighted with gas.
This Church is solely for Chinese ; it is open every evening
for the preaching of the Gospel to the heathen, when it is
crowded. A few have been added to the Church, and one of
its members is working in the interior.
He next took us into
A CHINESE TEMPLE
to the "god of letters." It was a very dingy looking place
inside, and as we went further back it was darker. There were
a number, of candles burning which showed many dir-ty and
peculiar looking objects. In one corner we heard a sharp sound
and asked Mr. Hutchinson what it was : he replied, " It is some-
one praying." Soon a poor decrepid looking woman came out
of a corner looking very sad. I asked how the noise was caused.
He e,\plained that it was made by two pieces of wood lying upon
a table before us. When the persoir prays, these are thrown up,
and if they fall a certain way their prayer is heard, if not, they
buy and burn another candle and try again. Those who have
sons or others at sea bum paper boats. I noticed a large iron
censor nearly full of ashes. Upon one table were a number of
sticks in a vessel, by which their fortunes are told. A stick is
drawn and the writing upon it is referred to a book for its
solution.
I raised my heart in prayer that some of the devotees of this
place might be shown the truth.
Mr. Hutchinson then took us to Dr. Eitel of the
LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
He was preaching to the heathen in his church. There were a
good number present, and a stranger could not help noticing the
earnestness of the preacher and the interest of the hearers, many
of them inclining forward to catch the news. The service being
concluded. Dr. Eitel gave a tract to each person. It seemed
peculiar, at the conclusion of the meeting, to see one man bring
in a number of pipes on a stand, which put me in mind of an
umbrella stand, and another man bring some tea. Some lit
their pipes and others had tea.
We had a -very profitable time with Dr. Eitel. It was very
encouraging to hear of the Lord's work in this mission. The
Christian natives manage their Church government, so that it
is not dependent on foreign help. They support their own
ministers, and there are eight who preach in their spare time to
the brethren.-
We left Hong-kong at 5 p.m., and my heart's desire was, that
the Lord would abundantly bless His servants and His work
there.
China's Millions.
PAGODAS AT PEGU, AN ANCIENT CAPITAL OF BURUAH.
We now present our readers with another Burmese
scene, and would seek to engage the prayerful
interest and sympathy of all our Christian friends for
Burmah and the Burmo-Chinese branch of our work.
It is through the kindness of the king of Burmah that
our missionaries have been able to proceed to Bhamo,
and to settle there under such favourable circum-
stances. And not only has he treated them kindly,
and given them a grant of land for mission purposes
in Bhamo, but he has specially asked America,
England, and Scotland, to send missionaries to his
own town, Mandalay, the capital of Burmah.
Will not our readers pray for him, and for his
people ? Let us ask that the band of devoted
American missionaries, who have so long laboured
in their midst, may soon have the desire of their
hearts, in a rich harvest of saved souls. Let us ask
NO. g. — MARCH, 1876.
God, by His Spirit to prepare the whole country
for the Gospel, and to send many labourers into this
part of the great field.
" Shall we, whose souls are lighted
With wisdom from on high —
Shall we, to men benighted,
The lamp of light deny ?
Salvation ! Oh, Salvation !
The joyful sound proclaim,
Till each remotest nation
Has learnt Messiah's nartie."
Notice of the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey,
to commence a Medical Mission at Bhamo, will be
found on page 181 ; and are there not some of our
readers who, in this request from the king of Burmah,
will hear the call of God ? Shall the command to
go and the request to i;(7;«« have no response ixomyou ?
io8
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
MRS. CROMBIE'S VISIT TO ' O-Z.
I AM happy to tell you that my dear children are
better than they have been for some time, but my own
complaint seems to be incurable.
I have just returned from ' 0-z, a treat which I have
not had for a long time. I never enjoy a Sabbath so
much anywhere else. Formerly I went often with
Mr. Crombie to visit the stations, but lately have had
so little strength and so much work that I have been
unable.
It was a lovely day Avhen I started with the native
pastor, Mr. Vaen. The birds were singing merrily,
the sun was shining, and everything around seemed to
turn a bright and grateful face towards Him who is
the Light of the World. It was the latter harvest, and
as I looked at the people beating out the handfuls of
rice I thought how different it was from the expedi-
tious way of working in England ; and yet the poor
Chinaman saves his grain as well and wisely as the
Englishman.
I think this road affords one of the most varied and
lovely scenes this earth can display. It is not now
the season for the beautiful flowers on, the hills, but
they presented almost as rich an aspect, being clothed
with every tint of foliage. Here a patch of bamboos
waving their feathery branches in the air, there a few
tea-plants with their yellow, waxy-looking blossoms
just in bloom. Now and then a strong oil tree, with
its large balls almost fit for gathering and its fig-like
leaves making a pleasant sunshade. All along the
roadside the tallow tree was very plentiful. At a
little distance the bunches of tallow have just the ap-
pearance of grapes when green. Inside the tallow is
another shell with a kernel, from which oil is made.
One tree of fair size will yield about 900 or 1,000
cash worth of tallow every season. Now and again I
pass by a brick kiln with plenty of busy Avorkers.
Then I come to a place where straw paper is made,
and further on to another kiln for making tiles. Such
is the varied scene one meets with on the way to
' O-z. I could not but admire the wisdom of Him
" who iilleth all in all." My very soul seemed to re-
joice in the abundance of peace which cometh from
God. Doth He so clothe the grass with beauty, and
shall He not care for us ?
ARRIVAL AT THE VILLAGE.
But I have reached my destination at last — a flat,
low, uninteresting village. A stranger might say,
" Can any good come out of ' 0-z ? " But we know
the secret of the Lord is there.
They were much pleased to see me. I found many
-..- ■J.-.T-T \. - ■ .. ■
of the old members had fallen asleep since I last
visited them. One woman who was waiting for bap-
tism has gone without the baptism of water, but I
trust she had been baptised with the Holy Ghost. A
cup of tea was soon put into my hand, of which I was
not a little glad, for the long day's jog, jog in the
Sedan chair had given me much pain. After talking
a while I went to see their gardens, and after supper
we had worship, and I went to bed as soon as the
many talkers would allow me. I could not sleep for
pain, but my spirit rejoiced to be there once more.
The bed, or rather boards, seemed harder than they
used to be. It seemed lonely not to know the time,
as my watch will not go.
SLINDAY MORNING.
But the precious Sabbath seemed to be breaking at
last. I got up and dressed, and looking out of the
window (rather a strange one, for it was made of
foreign calico) I saw them bringing me a cup of tea.
We then sent messengers to tell those living at a
distance of the arrival of the native pastor ; not that
this was usually necessary, but some of them were ill,
and, as it rained a little, might not come, and after-
wards would have been much disappointed. I sent
my Sedan chair for a poor blind woman, but her hus-
band would not let her come.
We had breakfast, and then the people came to
morning worship, during which a young woman was
baptised. Afterwards we remembered the dying of
the Lord. It was a very sweet service. The native
pastor was veiy earnest ; he preached from Eph. ii.
8-9 — ■'■'■ By grace are ye saved.""
After dinner I was suffering much pain, and had to
lie down to see if I could get a little rest, but you
know that is next to impossible where there are
Chinese. In the afternoon a good many came to
hear, and the members seemed to think it " high day."
After the service I went out to visit the neighbours,
and told them how sad it was they lived so near where
the Gospel was preached, but did not come to hear.
They said they had heard ! By and by we had supper,
and then the evening worship.
RETURN SYMPATHY OF THE CHRISTIANS.
I had another restless night, and got up early,
anxious to go home to my little pets ; so I roused up
the Sedan chair man, and told the native pastor I
should like to get off as soon as possible. We had
breakfast, and afterwards most of the members came
round me ; some whom I had long known seemed
really affected at parting, especially when I told them
the doctor said, " he could not make me any better."
They had many kind words to say, and words were
not all, for they loaded me with their gifts — three
parcels of cakes, one of fruit, another of acorns, a fine
fowl, and a number of eggs, besides some young palm
trees for planting.
' 0-z is a very unhealthy place ; there is so much
ague and typhus fever that ahnost whole families die
off One of the members' boys came back with us
for some medicine.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
109
TIDINGS FEOM FUNG-HWA.
From Jilrs. Crombie.
You will be glad to hear that the Lord is blessing
the women here ; they seem to love the word of God^
and there is a spirit of union amongst them. They
go to call on each other, and each one seems to wish
to bring one or more with her to the services. They
come regularly to my women's class twice a week,
and are nearly all able to read. They ask many ques-
tions, and I allow them to choose the chapter for our
reading, that I may know what they like and remem-
ber. One said she heard me speak many years ago
of our home in Heaven, and that I read the chapter
about the precious stones, and she would like to hear
it again. Another day the chapters that speak of
Jesus being nailed to the cross, and Jesus the Good
Shepherd, were chosen. This shows they like the
best gifts, and the precious gems of God's holy
^Vord.
The Spirit is working, though we hear not His
voice, and some are coming in good earnest now
who listened for a while nine years ago, and then
left off coming. One, especially, was received as a
candidate for baptism, but hindered by her husband.
Now he is not only willing for her to join the Church,
but makes things easy for her attending the meetings.
This is the LORD'S doing, and the glory shall be HIS.
By the late Miss Blatchky.
" I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU COM-
FORTLESS."
Lines written on the departure of a beloved member o,f the
China Inland Mission in 1870.
For thee, O loved ! for thee, the light of lights :
For me, the shadow of thine absence falls !
To thee, sweet Sabbath rest hath fully risen ;
Thy brow hath lost its coronet of care,
Thy fair, frail trame, its langour and its pain.
Sweet rest is thine, dear weary, weary one.
Glad joy is thine, oh, patient sufferer ;
Joy mensurate to thy deep capacity !
O happy satisfaction ! thro' the glow
Of that high Temple fo/Zowzng' the Lamb
Whithersoe er He goeth ! this to thee
Is heaven, is heaven of heavens.
But unto me life turns a sadder face !
The glow and smile have faded, sintfe thy voice
And presence have departed. I shall live.
And work, and joy, and sorrow ! But the gloKi
Has faded.
Yet a holier voice's sweet persuasion
Steals o'er the darkness like a star of dawn.
If this transplanting of my heart's dear treasure
Lift mine eyes upward, and the hungry void
Be filled with JESUS— surely " it is inelir
He doeth all things well ! I would trust Him
That somehow loss shall ripen into gain.
" THEY THAT WEEP, AS THOUGH THEY
WEPT NOT." (I Cor. vii. 10.)
" It does not say they are not to weep, but they are
to act, to labour, to live, as though they had no cause
for weeping ; to go on steadily, denying self and
pleasing Christ, just as though their hearts were not
broken ; not fixing their eyes on the wound, but
covering it from all but Jesus, and walking on, on.
" Being full of sorrow I asked Jesus to speak to me
through the Word, and He chose this clause, and it has
greatly comforted me. I wanted a special word from
Him, and this just suits. I was, besides feeling
physically weak and overwrought, as well as tried
and burdened with the pressure of sorrowful thoughts
that will crowd into my mind when they can — though
they do not touch the deep peace that Jesus confirms
to me. 'They that weep, (Zj- though they wept not.'
Not that they are not to weep ; but that there is for
us in Jesus a power to live above the weeping ; while
the heart bleeds, to live as though it bled not ; while
the whole soul is shaken by some trial from which there
is no escape, for which there is no mitigation, to be a
quiet comfort, and a steady helper to those around.
If God has taken away an earthly sympathizing bosom,
there is still the secret chamber where we may occa-
sionally find, though alone, the relief of tears ; and
tears wept on Jesu's bosom ought to be as great a
relief as those shed in the arms of the dearest earthly
friend. And surely they leave more power to go out
and stand before others ' as though we wept not.'
'■'And then the 31st verse also: Wordsworth re-
marks, on the word rendered ' abusing,' that it means
not cleaving to the use, not using to the full. That it
denotes a downward zSiecXvm. of the mind, which shows
itself by a riveted devotion to its object, and may be
illustrated by the attitude and temper of the men of
Gideon who fell down on their knees to gulp down the
water, in contradistinction to the 300 who oxAj lappedit
and passed on. This was the' test prescribed by God.
They who lapped were chosen ; the others were
rejected; and the Apostle advises here to lap the
waters of life's flowing stream, but not to kneel down
and drink it.
" In love and mercy to me God has cut oft' my
flowing stream, at which He saw I should have drunk
too deeply. Such a sweet stream ; such a painful wean-
ing ; and, therefore, such a great blessing must await
me, for Jesus to bear to see me have so much pain !"
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
THE LATE HON. AND REV. BAPTIST W. NOEL, M.A.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
BY THE
LATE HON. AND EEV. B. W. NOEL.
We have no common pleasure in being able to give
a place in "China's Millions" to the portrait of
one who was held in such universal and deserved
esteem during life by all who knew him, and who for
many years was an earnest friend of missions in
China. We have scarcely less satisfaction in repro-
ducing in our columns, the earnest words he spoke
when addressing a meeting in London, nearly twenty
years ago, on behalf of the " Chinese Evangelization
Society."
That society ceased to exist a few years later, and
of those who laboured under its direction the writer
is almost the only one still connected with mission
work.
The " China Inland Mission " has since then been
formed with similar aims, and Mr. Noel's speech so
well sets forth the undenominational character of the
mission that, if the words " China Inland Mission "
were substituted for "Chinese Evangehzation Society,"
it would exactly represent our present plan of opera-
tions* ; and in Mr. Noel's words respecting the circu-
lation of the " Chinese Missionary Gleaner " (also no
longer existing) we find, as we trust our readers will,
fresh encouragement to circulate our periodical
" China's Millions." [Ed. C. M.]
The Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. Noel said : The
Apostle Paul had stated it to be a Christian principle
that the Christian was a debtor to all men to do as
much good as he could. Having been redeemed by
the blood of our Saviour, rescued from intolerable
miser}', and made the heir of eternal happiness by
the free gift of God, he owed Him so much that it
became him to do as much good as possible in the
world. "I am a debtor," Paul said, "both to the
Greek and the barbarian ; " and he was ready to meet
all demands, because he felt his obligations to the
Saviour. That, of course, was equally true of all
Christians. But they should feel attracted to China
on several grounds. To say the least, the population
was more than ten times the population of Great
Britain and Ireland ; and that should not be over-
looked by those who wished to do good in the world.
The Chinese were inferior in intelligence to no heathen
nation, the Hindoos not exxeptcd. And, perhaps, the
missions established among that people would, upon
examination, be found to have been as productive of
the highest fruits as any other missions upon record.
The question was, therefore, by what means should
Christianity be promulgated in China ? There were
societies which had, much to their credit, entered on
the work. The Church Missionary Society had not
* See article on "The Plan of the Operations of the China
Inland Mission," in the number for September last.
over-looked it long ago ; still earlier, and more largely,
the London Missionary Society had gone into the
matter. Whether it might not be sufBcient for
Christian men to pour their contributions into those
two treasuries, and try to increase the efforts so
properly commenced, instead of forming and esta-
blishing a separate society like the Chinese Evange-
lization Society, was perhaps a consideration in some
minds ; but he would take the liberty to touch upon one
or two of what he deemed to be distinctive features of
the society, because it was a society which specially
commended itself to his mind, and, he hoped, to the
minds of others. He should have no hesitation what-
ever in contributing any sum to the work of the Church
Missionary Society in China. Its missionaries were
excellent men, and it was doing a great work. He
should have at least equal pleasure in supporting the
very zealous and intelligent work accomplished by the
London Missionary Society ; or he should aid with like
pleasure the Presbyterian and Baptist boards working
for that great countrj'. But most of those societies
made China a part of a very complicated and extended
sphere of operations — and only, as it were, put China
into a corner ; whereas, other fields were more largely
cultivated by them all. China seemed to him to desers'e
very special attention ; and, therefore, it was a good
thing that a society should make it the 07ie field
of its efforts, and should turn the attention of Britain to
it, if it could, far more than heretofore. He should be
very glad to find that all present could see that it was
right to circulate the Ctmiese Missionary Gleaner,
published by the society. Let religious persons in this
country have the claims of China brought home to their
consciences and hearts. In order to do that, a society
ought to make it its principal, if not its exclusive, object ;
and thus, he conceived, the Chinese Evangelization
Society was doing right. The society had, however,
adopted
A PRINCIPLE WHICH WAS NOVEL,
and which was in advance of every other society of the
kind. The combination of all denominations of
Christians in the promotion of religious and benevolent
objects was, happily, by no means new in this country ;
but the combination of all denominations in the em-
ployment of pastors of Christian Churches, or evangelists
to form Churches, was quite new. There was nothing
elsewhere like it. The only consideration was, was it
a right thing ? Was it latitudinarian, or was it sound ?
Was it wild, or prudent ? Gentlemen would recollect
that the object of the society was to send out to China,
to work side by side in the same field, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, and Wes-
leyans, if they chose to go ; in fact, all good men of
every denomination. It was only required that they
should be men manifestly taught of God, with the quali-
fications the Spirit of God gave for evangelising, and
that they were willing to go on the terms of the society.
Was that practical ? It had been believed hitherto to
be not so, for while the London Missionary Society had
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
adopted it as a principle, they never appeared able to carry
it out ; the Church of Scotland had not acted upon the
system. The Baptists of India never employed a Con-
gregationalist. He believed, therefore, he \nz.s rig-ht in
saying the principle of the Chinese Evangelization
Society was novel. They sent out, side by side, and to
act in the same field, one a Baptist and another a
Congregationalist, or one a Congregationalist and
another a Presbyterian, or one a Presbyterian and
another an Episcopalian. Was it right? Setting-
principle aside,
COULD IT POSSIBLY WORK WELL ?
They would permit him, he did not doubt, freely to
express his views upon the subject. He held his own
opinions very firmly ; and, indeed, he was sometimes
surprised that all the world did not see as he saw. He
could have, then, no hesitation in acting as the Society
proposed to act. Were he in China, and if a Baptist,
he should still hold the opinions of a Baptist, and yet
would be content to have established close by him, or in
conjunction with him, a Congregationalist Church, if he
believed the pastor to be a wise, good man, whom God
was blessing, and who was, under the Spirit of God,
doing all that he believed to be right ; and, therefore,
he oug-ht thus to express before the world his sense of
brotherhood, and allow him to have the same liberty to
judge as he (Mr. Noel) had. The conduct of the society
was a step in advance, because none of the societies
had done it hitherto. The Bible Society combined
men of all religions ; but the Bible that they
circulated was the book of the faith. The Tract
Society combined men of all religions ; but the
Tract Society issued only summaries of what
was believed by all. The City Mission employed
agents of all denominations ; but only on condition that
they did not bring into the society their own different
persuasions. In the Chinese Evangelization Society,
however, the principle was not merely advocated, not
simply was the experiment made, (which he believed the
Great Head of the Church would signally honour,) but
all its missionaries, of whatever denomination, laboured
together, each feeling he was doing what he believed to
be right, and thus testifying to the world most signally
that they were one in Christ. Suppose their Baptist and
Congregationalist missionaries working side by side,
and a Presbyterian should come and he should be blessed
of God, and first one should follow him and then another,
so that in the course of time ten or twenty churches
might be formed by the blessing of God upon the labour
of that good man, — could those missionaries, holding
their different views, act in conjunction with a number
of good men, who said they must be governed by a
presbytery and a synod, or external power of governing
the Church, or a combination of ministers with certain
lay delegates ?
COULD THEY ACT TOGETHER ?
He thought they could.* Then, perhaps, came an
Episcopalian minister, and he was followed by brethren,
and the Lord blessed them, and they were equally men
of God, devoted to their work, and God prospered the
work. These four denominations, he conceived, could
act together, whilst each was doing what he deemed
right and best for his Master ; and that they might
cluster to Baptist Churches, to Congregationalist
Churches, to Presbyterian Churches in association, and
to Episcopalian Churches under one prelate. That the
society was doing. It might bo said that such a union
*' The experience of 20 years has happily proved the truth of this con-
clusion.
might lead those missionaries to quarrel together, for
human nature was very infirm ; that one would try to
force his principles upon one brother, and another mis-
sionary might try to force his opinions upon another.
Now, he quite admitted that the committee ought to act
with very great vigilance and very great temper, lest
such quarrels, which would be very discreditable to all,
should take place ; but the chance of quarrelling was
far less among their missionaries than if those brethren
acted under different societies. It was quite obvious
that if there was a temper at home tending to keep
them all together, they were much more likely to act
harmoniously than if societies which were somewhat at
variance at home sent them out, and so far they were
lessening the danger of disagreerrient, whilst they ad-
mitted it would exist so long as human nature continued
as at present. So among converts : one might be
taught and teach his fellows that all his children
should be baptised, or that the church should be
governed by a presbytery or a prelate ; and much con-
fusion might then be looked for, and it might be said
that the differences would drive the converts to infidelity.
From the number of missionaries of various Christian
denominations in China sent out by various societies the
people could not help learning those differences of
opinion ; but if they learned those various views from
men who were acting as brethren together, they would
learn, too, that the differences, whencesoever resulting,
still allowed the holders of them to be one family in
Christ. Thus the convert would catch the very temper
of the missionary and would say, "We see there are
these differences, but we will consent to act with one
another even as the ministers who are preaching the
knowledge of Christ are doing." If that was the course
taken, it showed the most signal triumph, approaching
that very state in which Christians were meant to be — ■
a mutual band in which all should have one heart and
one mind. Doubtless, there were many Christians, as
shown in Romans xi v., differing in some minor points,
j'et they were all of one heart and one soul, and all de-
voted to the work of the Lord, and each adding to the
number of converts daily. So that, if in China they
could give that exhibition of a number of devoted men,
having in secondary matters different opinions, all act-
ing harmoniously for the salvation of their neighbours,
or promoting the cause of the Saviour with equal fidelity,
and seeking manifestations of God's grace and blessing,
it would not only do good to China, but have an influence
reflectively among themselves, making them ashamed
to exaggerate the points of difference which still existed.
He did not undervalue the evil, and never should, and
nothing would make him esteem any precept taught by
an Apostle as insignificant and trivial ; for what the
Apostle had taught they should learn and welcome, and
what he had commanded they should obey ; yet it was
quite plain that some truths were immensely more im-
portant than others : it was quite certain that some pre-
cepts were much more clearly established than others,
and consequently that Christian men ought to allow to
each other that liberty of interpretation they claimed for
themselves. That point seemed to him the distinctive
feature of the society, though some friends might differ
upon the subject.
The other features of the society were common to
other associations. The endeavour
TO PENETRATE INTO THE INTERIOR
was manifestly a wise thing. They would never
conquer China by continuiizg on the coast; but
men who were sufficiently courageous and devoted
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
to hazard a little danger should venture into the
interior ; and though other societies had attempted the
work, he thought others had not made it so prominent
as the Chinese Evangelization Society. Gutzlaff had
strongly recommended the step.
Another point of the society was combining a know-
ledge of medicine with missionary work. He did not
think that a novelty.
If the principles he had enunciated were sound, he
hoped gentlemen present would feel it to be a part of
their duty to China, and a part of their grateful obliga-
tion to the Son of God, to endeavourto promote the work
of a Society which ultimately might bring great good to
numbers of their fellow-creatures.
!Htiij i^ futtttj.
WHAT A BOY DID FOR CHRIST.
A notJier Letter fro)?t Mr. Stott.
" I PROMISED to tell you a story of what a boy did for
Christ. It happened while we were away on the
journey, of which I told you in my letter of last month.
There were two men in charge of one of our out-sta-
tions, and before leaving home I had to call in one of
them here, to look after the book-shops till my return.
I sent one of the boys from the school to be a com-
panion for the other man at the out-station.
" Well, one day while there, this boy walked out to
an idol temple by the west gate of the city, and there
saw an elderly man very busy worshipping all the idols
in turn, and chanting prayers to them. He went and
stood by him, and when he got an opportunity, said
to him, ' Grandfather, (a title of great respect) these
idols cannot see you or hear the prayers you offer.
Why not worship the living God in heaven, who has
given you food and raiment all these years, and by
whose power and goodness you live ? '
" The old man seemed startled, and gazed earnestly
at the lad, and then said, ' Where can I go to find
that Being ? ' The boy then quoted a Chinese pro-
verb, which says, ' Three feet above your head there
is God ! ' and went on to tell him about the love of
God to man in sending Jesus to be our substitute.
The old man caught at the word ' substitute ' as if he
felt that was what he wanted. He went with the
boy to the mission-house, and the native preacher and
the boy talked to him a long time. Day after day he
came to hear more, and then he took away all his
things from the temple and brought them to the chapel,
and lived for a time with our people.
" One day he said,' This doctrine is really precious ;
I must let my old woman hear it ' — meaning his wife.
He said to the boy,' You must go with me and tell the
o/it viother all you have told me.'
" They went, and the boy found the ' old mother '
as easy to instruct as the ' old father,' and with this
ad vantage, that she has a better memory and so remem-
bers better what she has been told. For instance, the
boy told them to thank God for their food before
every meal, and taught them what to say. Sometimes
the ' old father ' would forget, but the ' old mother '
would remind him after he had begun : he would then
lay down his basin of rice and his chopsticks, and ask
God to forgive him for forgetting, and then ask his
usual blessing. He and the ' old mother ' Iiave taken
a great liking for the boy. They are not po.or people,
and have treated him very kindly. He has been to
their house twice, and the old man has been here
several times. I like him very much, and think he is
in earnest. I earnestly pray that the truth may find
a lasting lodgment in his heart, and also in the heart
of his aged wife. Will you please pray for them
too?"
SPECIMEN OF WING-PO ROMANIZED
COLLOQUIAL.
From Miss Ticrner.
" I WAS very pleased with the July China's Millions,
and hope it will have a wide circulation, and be the
means of stirring up a great interest in China's spiritual
condition. One of my Chinese girls gave me a different
ending to the Chinese story, which is the form current
here. I give it in Chinese and English : —
" Ing-we t'in yi kw'aliang-de, gyi
ts'eng-ts'eng keh-go nyti-nying wa
feh kw'eng, iao-bung ve kw'eng.
Keh-go zeh wo, —
*Coh-pi, coh-pi.
Siao tong dzlao-li.'
" Keh nyii-nying ting p'o ing-we
si-si-\vu-long wo-go ; gyi ziu kw'a
kw'eng-de, liang c'ii-c'u u. Keh-go
zeh p6 gyi-go tong-si t'eo-leh-ky'i-
de. Keh nyii-nying t'in-liang bu-ky'i
k'en-kyin tong-si t'eo-leh-ky*i-de,
ziu hyiao-teh z zeh w6-go, ing-we
[When he saw the poor woman
put the first two pieces together for
the third time the wrong way] *' be-
cause the morning was almost dawn-
ing he thought the woman, not
having yet gone to bed, probably
would not do so. The thief then
said, —
' The small piece turn within.
And your luck will begm.'
"The woman greatly feared be-
cause the words were spoken in a
whisper ; so she quickly lay down,
blowing out the light. The thief
then took the materials and stole
them. In the morning when the
woman awoke, seeing her things
were stolen, she knew it was the
thief whose voice she had heard, for
she could not tell at the time
whence the voice came."
wo z-'eo, feh hyiao-teh z soh-si."
"There is a Chinese lady in this city who has been
here three or four times. I have been twice to visit her,
once with Mrs. Yang, once with Mrs. Nying; her hus-
band is an assistant Mandarin. She had begun to pray
to the only Living and True God in her own room. She
was here almost the whole of one day with her woman
servant, who also seems interested in the truth as it is
in Jesus. The lady herself seems to listen and ask
questions with the simplicity of a little child. Pray for
her that she may be saved."
Yi$ii tu uttr i|i$$iutt ^litimtt$.
III.— NING-PO.
Our mission premises at Lake Head Street, humble as
they now are, present a very different appearance from
what they had when we first lodged in them in the year
1856. We have a very distinct remembrance of writing
our initials on the snow which during the night had
collected on our coverlet as we slept in the large, barn^
like upper room, which is now subdivided into four or five
smaller ones, everyone of which is comfortably ceiled.
The tiling of an unceiled Chinese house will keep off the
rain — that is if it hajipens to be sound — but it does not
afford so good a protection against the snow, which will
beat up through crannies and crevices, and find its way
within.
114
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
But leaving the past, and not venturing now to refer
to the many who have been at one time or another mem-
bers of the little church in this place, let us first intro-
duce our readers to
THE NATIVE PASTOR, MR. CHU,
a translation of whose letter, about the spontaneous
effort of the native church to build a new chapel for
themselves, appeared in our January number. You
notice the deep scars on his cheek and forehead ; they
tell a tale of suffering and danger passed through soon
after his conversion. His aged mother had heard some-
thing from a Roman Catholic Chinese, which led her to
desire to know more of the Christian religion. On en-
quiring at the house of Mr. Jones, my late colleague,
for a Roman Catholic book, she was presented instead
with a New Testament, which she took home and had
read to her by her son, Mr. Chu. Their interest was
deepened ; further inquiries were made ; and eventually
mother, son, his wife, and other members of the family,
were converted.
For a time Mr. Chu went on very well, but, afterwards,
wishing to better his fortune, he concluded to go to
Shanghai, though strongly dissuaded by Mr. Jones, who
feared that, if the step conduced to temporal advantage,
it might yet be detrimental to his soul's interest.
IN THE HANDS OF THE REBELS.
However, determined to go, he set out, and proceeded
by way of Hangchow ; but on the journey he fell into the
hands of the rebels, who, finding he was a Christian,
spared his life, but at once set him to laborious work as
a carrier of burdens. An educated man, never accus-
tomed to toil, he often felt as if he must faint by the way.
The rebels were very cruel, and at once beheaded those
who professed or proved to be unable to carry their
burdens, saying they did not wish to feed lazy men.
Numbers of lives were taken in this way. Mr. Chu,
however, was sustained. After a long stay amongst
them, being caught in an attempt to escape, he was
branded on the cheek and forehead with the style of the
rebel dynasty. This made escape almost impossible,
as the imperial soldiers were in the habit of summarily
beheading any persons caught with this brand upon
them.
THE PRAYING CHURCH.
The little church in Ning-po, however, never ceased to
pray for this man, and to their joy and amazement one
morning he walked into their meeting, but so altered as
to be scarcely recognisable. He told a marvellous tale
of God's preserving care, and of the preciousness he
had found in the Word of God as his only companion
and comfort. He had read it night and morning with
the feeling that it might be the last time he would be
permitted to open his precious New Testament. The
deep scars on his face were produced partly by the
branding, and partly by the surgical operations he
underwent for the removal of characters which might
have cost him his life if unobliterated.
WORKING IN THE VINEYARD.
Since that time he has done good service in the Lord's
work in several stations in Cheh-kiang and Kiang-su.
He has feeble health, and was obliged to retire from
active work for a time, but has resumed with earnestness
and energy his labours in Ning-po. He has an un-
usually extensive acquaintance with the Scriptures, and
he possesses a respectable knowledge of English, as
well as of Chinese. Some years ago he commenced the
study of Greek and Hebrew, and made very creditable
progress, till compelled to relinquish it for want of a
suitable teacher and apparatus in the inland station
where he went to work alone.
His style of preaching is gentle and persuasi%'e ; his
mild and gracious manners, as well as the real merit of
what he says, seldom fail to produce a favourable im-
pression, though, alas, few of the many who hear him
receive Christ as their Saviour. Nevertheless, he has
been one of our most successful native preachers.
THE MOTHER OF THE LATE PASTOR.
Do you notice that dear old lady who is waiting with
so much eagerness to speak to us ? She is the mother
of Mr. Tsiu, whose biography was given in "Occasional
Paper" No. 31,* and was the first Chinawoman I had
the pleasure of baptising. She and her late son have
been most successful soul-winners and soul-watchers.
There is scarcely a station connected with the Mission
in which he did not reap some fruit. How little we
thought, when we last bade him farewell, that our next
meeting would be in the presence of the Master ! His
loss was one of those which it seems impossible to
repair.
Mr. Tsiu's mother was baptised early in 1858, and
ever since has been a diligent worker for God. Whilst
failing health has lessened the amount of labour, it does
not appear to lessen her influence for good, especially
among the younger female converts. If not the first,
she was amongst the earliest Chinawomen who laboured
in the Gospel in Cheh-kiang, and few known to us have
been instrumental in bringing more to the feet of Jesus.
For some years she worked as a Bible-woman, but
latterly has visited and held meetings amongst church
members and others as she has been able.
Death has been very busy among those who were
members of this little church ; and as the most able and
experienced of our native pastors, evangelists, and col-
porteurs have been drawn from this place, and are now
labouring in other districts, those who are now waiting
to unite with us in prayer and piraise form but a small
part of the number to whom Lake Head Street has been
a spiritual birthplace. Perhaps of 150 or more who have
been baptised in connection with this church, not more
than one-third arenowliving and on the roll at this station.
Until the year 1866, Ning-po was the head-quarters of
our Mission, and for two years longer it was under the
supervision of a European missionary. Since then the
work has been carried on entirely by native brethren,
occasionally visited by our English missionaries from
Hang-chau and Shao-hing.
THE CITY AND SUBURBS.
We have many warm and valued friends residing in
Ning-po. The city itself, too, is one that will well repay
the attention of a visitor. With its suburbs it has a
population of more than 400,000. Some of the streets
are very fine. We have not been able to procure a cor-
rect delineation of any of them, but give a woodcut of a
street in Canton sufficiently like many of the principal
streets inside and outside the East Gate. The Ning-po
streets are somewhat wider than that pictured in our
illustration, and the houses are not quite so high. The
matting sometimes placed over the streets in summer,
to keep out the sun's rays, gives to them a somewhat
bazaar-like appearance. Beautifully varnished and
elegantly gilded signboards, hanging perpendicularly
outside the windows, give a peculiarly lively aspect to a
• To be had at the office of the Mission, price, with postage,
ijd.
Vi? — -f
!.«/— 3-1'
A STREET IN CANTON.
ii6
CHINA'S AHLLiONS.
Chinese street, which a mere woodcut in the absence of
colours fails to convey.
VARIOUS MISSIONARY AGENCIES.
The Church Missionary Society has several chapels in
this city. Bishop Russell and Mr. Gough are among the
oldest missionaries resident in Ning--po, and there are
several other missionaries of the same society at this
port. A little farther on, in one of the suburbs outside
the North Gate, resides our honoured friend. Dr. Lord,
of the American Baptist JNIission, who, however, is not
the only member of that mission residing here. Across
the ferry, on the north bank of the river, are the premises
of the American Presbyterian Mission, who for many
years have done a good work in the city and surrounding
districts. Latterly the Methodist Free Church have also
had a mission in Ning-po. Their senior missionary,
Mr. Galpin, has had many sorrows during his residence,
but has had large blessings resting upon his labours. ■
CANAL NAVIGATION.
And now we return from our calls, and find the con-
venience of Chinese canal navigation. A boat is await-
ing us outside the back door of our mission premises,
into which we transfer our bedding, book and tracts for
sale and distribution, and our indispensable luggage.
We will have a few more words of prayer with our native
brethren, who are somewhat disappointed at our short
stay. Then, waving an adieu, we are soon on our way to
Fung-hwa, at which we hope to arrive in time for a late
breakfast to-morrow morning.
THE JOURNEY TO FUNG-HWA.
Passing through the lake within the city we are struck
with the beauty of the ancestral temples which skirt its
banks, the architecture of which quite raises the estima-
tion of those wlio are unaccustomed to the better style
of Chinese building. A little longer and we pass under
the fine city wall, and pursue our journey along the
smooth waters of the canal. But the shadows of evening
gather around us, and the twilight is short, so drawing
on the cover of our boat we dispatch our evening meal.
The hot steaming rice has been prepared by one of the
boatmen, whilst the other has been sculling us along;
the other provisions were procured for us in Ning-po.
CROSSING THE PA.
But bump ! " What," you exclaim, " can be this shock
which threatens to overturn our little set out of crocker}^
and to send the contents of our teapot into the bedding
lying on the floor ? ' ' See how one end of the boat is
rising ! we shall have to look after all our moveable
effects, for we are just about being hoisted up one side
ol3.fa, at an angle of some 40 degrees, and shall very
soon be swiftly sliding- down the other side into the tidal
river, which is to convey us along- the next stag-e of our
journey. The canal runs alongside the river, and every
few miles there are j)as like the one we have just passed
over. They are a sort of di-y stone bridge, thickly
covered with soft, greasy clay, kept smooth and well
watered on the surface. The boats are dragged up one
side of the ^(^ by a couple of winches, and then allowed
to slide down the other into the stream below. The tide
is so rapid that it is impossible to propel the boat
against it. The boatman therefore skulls along in the
canal until the tide becomes favourable in the river
below; then, paying a few cash to the keepers of the j5a,
he soon avails himself of the rising tide, which now
carries him rapidly with little labour up the country. We
shall not lose the influence of that tide until we reach
Fung-hwa. The best thing we can now d-o- is to- put out
our lights, which tend to make the darkness outside
more dense to the boatmen ; and, commending ourselves
to the care of " our Father," to seek the sleep and rest
which will best prepare us for the busy scene which
awaits us at Funo--hwa.
DESERTED INFANTS.
From Mrs. Duncan.
" Chiii-hiang, Oct. lotk. — For some time after I came here
I felt very lonely and sad. My constant prayer was that God
would give me plenty of work to do,and would Himself satisfy all
my longings. He has done so : llie responsibility of the schools
and the work among the women fill my hands with abundance
of work, and though alone in this house, I never feel lonely."
Day after day I am busy from morning to night, and I was never
more happy in China. In our school there are sixteen boys and
five girls, and I have five babies besides.- Tliere are many
claims from without, and housekeeping to attend to, so that I
have no time now for visiting among the houses of the Chinese.
But I send two of the Christian women out frequently, and evei-y
Sunday afternoon have a large room full of people who listen
very attentively, often asking questions. I am asking God to
raise up a suitable Bible-woman. Will you help me to pray about
■this ?
■' I am very .anxious to have a good girls' school here, but the
people are so unwilling to indenture girls that I am taking
babies. I may not live to see them grow up, but all I have
taken yet, have been simply to save their lives or at least give
them a chance of life. When I had been here only a fortnight,
I was out visiting one day and went into the house of a poor
woman who had lost her husband not long ago, and ^^'as very
destitute. I gave her a little help then and have done so since
from time to time. One morning, about a month after I first
met her, while we were having breakfast, she came seeking for
me to tell me that one of her neighbours had given birth to a
female child on the evening of the previous day. The husband
was not at home, but the mother did not want the child because
it was a girl, and left it lying on the mud floor all night, just as
It was born. Now, the father had come home, and had
brought a bucket of water to drown it. But she had gone in at
the time and had besought him to ^^■ait till she asked me if I
would take it, because she knew 1 was fond of children.
' ' I went with her to satisfy myself as to the truth of the story,
and found it just as she had represented it. I asked the woman
to lift the child from the floor and get something to wrap it in,
and to bring it home to me. I tried to find a wet nurse but was
not successful, so began to bring it up by bottle.
"Soon after, the same woman came again with a similar
story, but this time the parents wanted to sell the child to be
brought up to a life of shame. If unsuccessful, they intended to
leave it on the hills, when it would have been devoured by the
wild dogs. As my first baby was not thriving on the bottle, and
caused me a great deal of anxiety, I oftered the mother of this
one wages to nurse it for me : this she agreed to. The first
wasted and died.
WirE SOLD TO BUY OPIUM.
" About three weeks after this, a poor, ragged opium-smoker
came one day carrying a poor sickly babe of eight months old
and asked to see me. I went doAvn, thinking he had come for
medicine either for himself or for the child.and was not a little sur-
prised when he told me his story. He said that his wife had run
away a week ago, and left him with this child : he could not care
for it any longer, it was having ague every day, and had diarrhcea.
He wanted to sell it. I told him I did not buy children, they
were all given tome. I gave him a little money to buy a shirt for
himself, took the child and had her in my room, nursing and
doctoring it night and day. I am already repaid for many
sleepless nights by seeing her begin to look like a child. I
have found out the truth about the mother. The poor wretched
man sold her to another like himself, and is spending the
money he got -for her; iin smoking 'oplum. I "must leave the-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
117
story of the otliei- two babies for another time. Thus I have
quite a family to care for, and should more come to me, I
would not turn them away to perish.
" P.S. — Since concluding this note a sixth baby has been
brought to me — the sixth in less than five months. Pray that
they may live, and then in a few years we shall have a school
of ray children."
From Mr. Meadows, of Shao-hing.
" The Lord is graciously encouraging us here, though
we have seen with sorrow two backsliders, who were re-
stored some months ago, fall back again. One of them
was cured of opinm smoking by Mr. Douthwaite, and
seemed to run well for a time, but he grew cold, and
again took to the opium dens, sponging upon the
strength of his poor wife. The other man has 'joined
with Ahab,' but I still have some hope of him.
They are both experiencing the truthfulness of those
words, ' The way of transgressors is hard.' "
TWENTY CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM.
" Some weeks ago we had the privilege and pleasure
of examining eight candidates for baptism here at
Shao-hing. Three of them, I believe, were first brought
to inquire about salvation by coming to Mr. Douthwaite
for medicine. And you will be filled with gratitude and
delight when I tell you that another of the eight was the
man called ' Twenty- seven.' Many times have I spoken
to him privately, but could never elicit an answer from
him ; he always gave me a dogged look. One night he
said he did not know that there was anything to hinder
him from obtaining the forgiveness of his sins ; ' but,'
he added, ' they are not forgiven now.' When he openly
declared that his sins were laid on Jesus I quite gave way ;
my heart and eyes filled, and in the depth of my soul I
thanked God for His grace to this stubborn and self-
willed young man. To add to our delight, his young
wife, only sixteen years of age, who was a heathen girl
when he married her, and indeed up to the time of her
coming to Mrs. Douthwaite as servant, gave a very
clear testimony of her sins being taken away by the
Lamb of God. They were baptised together on Sunday,
Oct. 24th, with a man who is a rice-bag maker by
trade.
" Two others of the eight were Mr. Fu, an embroiderer,
cured, by Mr. Douthwaite, of opium smoking, and a
young man from Sin-chang. These two were accepted
by the church for baptism, though not baptised with the
rest.
"Among those not yet received was Mrs. Meadows's
nurse. She appeared quite earnest about the matter,
and seemed to understand a good deal. Another was a
literary man from Shing-hien, who left his father's house
— a good home — on account of some dispute or dislike
to his step-mother. We told him to go and first be
reconciled to his parents, and then come and offer
his gift. You know the deep duplicity of the literati
of China ; of all the men in the empire they are the
worst. We have to be exceedingly cautious in receiving
such into the church, as ' a little leaven leaveneth the
whole lump.'
"Besides the above-mentioned candidates, Miss
Turner has four girls in the school who give good -evi-
dence of a saving acquaintance with the Lord Jesus.
We hope to receive them, with the remaining three of the
eight, very soon. We have also seven or eight persons
waiting baptism up at Shing-hien — all, we trust, genuine
converts. Blessed be God for such real encourage-
ments !
" We need not say, ' Pray for us ! ' We believe you
do. ■ But pray that we may have more faith in the
promises of God, and may realize more of the power of
the Holy Spirit in saving souls. He ought to have His
proper place, not only in our work, but in our hearts too.
A man may preach very eloquently indeed about ' Christ
and Him crucified,' but, except the Holy Ghost teach
the sinner about Christ, it is all in vain. The more I
believe in the power of the Holy Spirit as the sole agency
in the salvation of the sinners, the more I see the little-
ness of my faith.
FRESH NATIVE EFFORTS.
" The Church here at Shao-hing have opened a place
with their own subscriptions, at a market town about
thirty-five li froin this, called Bing-si, a very busy place,
and large trading mart. I have nearly enough money
left (after deducting expenses of repairs, and a year's
rent) in hand for a year's salary ; but I think they would
like, at present at least, to have a man supported by
the Mission, and they themselves ;pay the rent, which
is 28,000 cash a year.
"Two Shing-hien members promised to find the rent
for a house in their own village, if I would find a man
to preach. Their village has about 1,000 families in it.
An old lady in the church at Sin-chang, on hearing
from our pastor that the church at Lake Head-street,
Ning-po, were hoping to build a chapel for the Lord, said
to him, "We'll have one here too, and I will give eight
dollars towards it. I'll give four now (going away to
get the money), and at the end of the year I'll give you
the other four.' The pastor brought me the four dollars,
but really I don't know what to do wfth them. Mrs.
Yang also gave, willingly, a donation of two dollars to
the Ning-po Church, to help forward the building, — a
larg-e sum for such a poor person to give, taking the
relative value of money into account."
ILLNESS AND DEATH OP MR. WYING.*
From Miss Tw'ner.
" October 1st. — Mr. and Mrs. Nying are still with us,
we have sometimes thought that Mr. Nying was passing
away ; but we trust our prayers will be answered and
that he will be spared to us. Mrs. Nying seems very
grateful for being here, she told me she did not think
she herself would have got better in her own room. Her
sister has lately sent me a packet of tea. Siao-vong,
the pastor, has lately paid her a visit, and was pleased
to find that though she was cursed and reviled for her
religion, she was still looking to Jesus, and trying to
follow in his footsteps. She sent a message asking me
to pray for her, and said she was praying that God
ivozcld give her one friend that they might read and
pray together. God grant that her prayer may soon be
answered, and may there not only be one more witness
for Jesus, but many who shall live to the praise of our
Lord and Saviour.
" When the native pastor paid a visit to Shing-hien, a
week or two ago, he found eight enquirers ; the five men
he thought might be received at once, but though the
three women were very hopeful candidates, he thought
they had better wait a little while for further instruc-
tion.
" November 5th. — Mrs. Nying says she knows herhus-
^ -By the death of this valued labourer the mission has sustained a heavy
loss : we hope to refer to him again.
ii8
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
band is in God's hands, and they know His will is best.
Mr. Nying says he is ready to depart and be with
Christ ; or if Jesus wills it so he is ready to live and
work for Him. One feels sure that they have been
taught by the Holy Spirit the ' earnest of our inherit-
ance.'
THE LITTLE ONES.
" I have hope, too, that my three girls Love, Victory,
and Golden-sister, are trusting in Jesus for the forgive-
ness of their sins ; they seem to have a very clear idea
of salvation through Jesus, and Jesus only. I believe
they try, too, in their lessons and play to please Jesus.
The Pastor, Siao-vong, has examined each of the above-
named children. He expressed himself as very pleased
with the answers they gave him. He said they seemed
to understand the work of Christ for them, and the work
of the Holy Spirit in them, better than the generality
of people admitted to the church. He said, ' Surely
God Himself has been teaching them.'
" Little Peace, too, has at length engaged in audible
prayer with some of the other girls ; it appears, from
what she told one of the girls, that her reason for not
praying before was that, when she went home last year,
her mother threatened and warned her not to become a
Christian.
" However, the poor child said she had been thinking
that it would be worse to die without Christ, or not be
ready when He appeared, than to be turned out of the
house by her mother. The Pastor's little girl Rest has
begun to pray ; and says she loves Jesus.
A CHINESE LADY.
"A week or two ago, Mrs. Nying and I called on
Na-na* next door ; the door being openf we got in
before they knew it. We had a long talk with Na-na ;
when we were speaking of Jesus and how much
we hoped she would trust in Him and be saved,
she took my hand, and her eyes filled with tears, which
she had to wipe away. We told her that some in
England were praying for her. She did not ask us to
call again [probably dare not], but I hope to do so.
FALLING ASLEEP.
"November 12th. — I must write to you at once to let you
know that our dear brother, Mr. Nying, fell asleep in
Jesus last Monday morning, the 8th inst., about four
o'clock. Truly it was to him falling asleep, and now we
know he is ' absent from the body, present with the
* Na-na, — a Mandarin's lady.
t Of this lady, Mr. Stevenson, then in Shao-hing, wrote on April, 1874 ; —
" The lady who lives next door to us appears to he converted. My heart
was melted to hear her speak as she did after the baptism of the two ladies on
Tuesday night. She related with tears the persecution and derision that
she has already met with for Christ's sake." Miss Turner writing at the
same time said : — "We had a short service in the chapel, after which Mrs.
Nying's sister and mother were baptised. We sent an invitation to the lady
ne.\t door ; she came and seemed much impressed. We think she has al-
ready passed from darkness to light, though as yet it is but dawn with her.
She said that her people counted her as dead ; but that God's grace was
her last thought at night, and first in the morning. Last Sunday I asked
her if she had forgotten the verse she had learned with me in the week. She
replied, * I could not forget it,' and then so earnestly repeated the verse
which runs in Chinese —
" ' Gracious Saviour (I) pray Thee lead me
Through this world's drear barren land ;
I've «(? strength, but Thou art mighty
Help me all the journey through ;
Heavenly Manna
Evermore on me bestow.'
*' I think that the visit of the Nying family has been a great help to her.
How God's blessing seems to rest upon that family ! I think it is because
they have so fully yielded themselves up to Him,"
Soon after that time the Nana's family prevented her _ from either
visiting Miss Turner, or receiving visits from anj of the Christians ; and
for a year and a half she had been secluded from al Christian intercourse.
Lord.' Now he can see his Saviour 'face to face,'
whom not having seen he had learned to love.
" Mr. Meadows went to him twice on the Sunday even-
ing, and gave him some wine and medicine ; he spoke
a few words and prayed. I do not at all think he thought
he was seeing and speaking to him for the last time ;
but so it was. After that Mrs. Nying was praying for
him ; he said to her, ' Go to bed and rest ; I am very
comfortable, and my heart has great peace.' Then
speech and hearing failed him, but his face looked as
though he were praying ; so he breathed his last.
" Mrs. Nying says she is so thankful that her husband
went home at this place, for if he had died at Shing-
hien she would have found it almost impossible to have
prevented her brother-in-law having some idolatrous
rites."
DEPARTURES FOR BURMAH.
Will our readers remember in prayer Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey, while on their way for Rangoon. Their
steamer, the Irrawaddy, sailing from Glasgow on Feb.
26th, will be due in Rangoon about the end of March.
We also ask sympathy and prayer for Mr. Stevenson,
of Bhamo ; his mother died in Jan., and his youngest
child, Anne, succumbed to an attack of measles in
February. His other four children have safely passed
through the same disease.
ARRIVALS IN CHINA.
The Crocus, in which Misses Knight and Goodman
sailed, reached Hong-kong on Feb. 2nd, and probably
Shanghai, a week latter. Letters from- Messrs.
McCarthy, Turner, and Budd, posted at Hong-kong
on Dec. 30th, tell of a happy voyage so far. They
had all particularly enjoyed their stay in Ceylon and
Singapore.
OH" THE WAY.
Pleasing letters have been received from Miss
Wilson, and from Messrs. Pearse and James. Their
journey through France, and the first part of their
voyage in the Hoogly, which left Marseilles on Jan.
30, had been attended with many mercies. They are
due in Singapore on March ist. We were unable to
refer in our last number to
THE VALEDICTORY MEETINGS
On the occasion of their departure. They were as
follows : —
T .= T>j^^T>jo ) Rev. J. L. Pearse,
Jan. 16 Burdett Road Con- ^^^^^j^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^
gational Church ) departing missionaries
" ^^'"tSchu°rT^^"}^-J-^-^g^-
" ^^'^wtlTyancIrpd}^- J- Watson.
" ^^ "^ Tabem1de°^"''" } ^^^- ^- "• Spurgeon.
Prayer meetings were also held at Pyrland-road and at
Brook-street, Tottenham. Notes of some of the ad-
dresses we are compelled to hold over till next
month.
Ch
INA'S
M
ILLIONS.
BED OF 4 V0UNT4/V S fP T 4 U
BY MR. CROMBIE.
FuNG-HWA is situated on the northern bank of a
mountain stream, which,* after receiving several tribu-
taries, becomes considerably enlarged, and joins the
Yung River at Ning-po. Fung-hwa is about thirty
miles distant from the latter place, in a south-westerly
direction. The city, with its immediate suburbs, con-
tains about 3,750 families, so if we reckon five
persons as the average of a family, we have a popula-
tion of 18,750 persons.
Up to the time that we visited the city, no Mission-
ary had resided there, and, except the European
soldiers who drove out the T'ai-p'ing rebels in 1861,
few foreigners had visited it. With one or two excep-
* Not so wide or rocky as that shown in the cut, which
represents it better somewhat nearer its source.
•NO. 10. — APRIL, 1876.
tions, none of the inhabitants knew anything of
Christianity, and the great majority had not even
heard the name of Jesus.
We found that a large proportion of the men, and
a good many of the women, were opium smokers;
and, although the city was comparatively a small one,
yet Confucianism had a stronger hold there than in
many, other places ten times its size. When I say
that Fung-hwa was a stronghold of Confucianism, it
must not be thought that we found a good, honest,
quiet, moral-living people in Fung-hwa. On the
contrary, we found them to be proud, unteachable,
self-righteous and wicked. The Fung-hwa people
were notorious as wild, unruly, and dangerous charac-
ters ; so much so, that a few years previous to our
going there, our Consul did not think it prudent to
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
allow British subjects to visit the city at all. Even
the native officials were unable to reduce the people
to obedience. On one occasion, the chief mandarin
of the city gave some offence to the inhabitants, and
the consequence was that several hundreds of them
rose up against him, and, having seized and forced him
into a sedan chair, they carried him all the way to
Ning-po and coolly told the mandarins there that they
would not have him any longer. Such conduct to a
mandarin would, in ordinary cases, have brought down
severe punishment upon the perpetrators ; but it would
appear that it was thought unwise to stir up the wrath
of the Fung-hwa people, so they got another man-
darin, and escaped unpunished. About the same
time, another official gave offence to the people, and,
as in the former case, a mob surrounded his house.
He, thinking to frighten them away, sent out threaten-
ing rnessages by his underlings ; but the mob became
infuriated, knocked the house down upon him, and
killed him. Before we arrived, however, they had
been compelled to submit more to their mandarins,
and everything was going on quietly; but, hke all
other dark places, it was the habitation of horrible
cruelties. Suicide was a thing of almost daily occur-
rence, and infanticide was practised by rich and poor
to a fearful extent. The Buddhist and Tauist temples
that had been destroyed during the T'ai-p'ing rebellion
were being rebuilt, and the people were as mad after
their idols as ever.
GOOD NEWS PEOM BUBMAH.
From Mr. Sievenson, of Bhamo.
"Jan. 7TH.— I am very glad that you have decided
to accept Mr. Adams, and I pray and trust that even-
tually he may become an honoured servant of the Lord
in South Western China. It will be best for him in the
meantime to study Burmese, as you desire, in Rangoon,
and at the same time to carry on Evangehstic work in
English.
"We have just accepted a piece of land from the
Governor of Bhamo. The size is about Soft, by 150ft.
We should have much prefeired a piece on the principal
street, but the governor seemed adverse to that,— not
ostensibly, but really and effectually so.
LAND OBTAINED.
"The present site is rather out of the way, in a lane
to the south of the East gate, but inside the stockade.
We have had a difficulty even to get a piece inside the
stockade. We shall hope soon (D. V.) to begin building,
and propose to put up a teak-house, built after the
fashion of the Burman houses. I cannot say what it
will cost, but I fancy more than 2,000 rupees (;£20o) : we
shall endeavour to economise as much as possible.
ROMISH MISSIONS.
The Roman Catholics have just obtained a small
piece of land upon the bank of the river. They intend
to put up a substantial brick building, as they purpose
making Bhamo the centre or channel of communication
between Europe and China (i.e. Western China).
" The three priests that are living here belong to the
Mission Etrang^res, which has the provinces Yun-nan,
Si'-chuen, Kwei-chau, Kwang-si,' and Kwang-tong, in
China, and also Burmah, Siam, and Cochin-China, as
their special field of labour. Father Lecomte told me
some time ago that his people have been urging the
establishment of a mission in Bhamo, and also upon the
hills among Kak-hyens and Shans, thus to effect com-
munication with their missionaries in Yun-nan. He said
they are looking forward to all the missionaries from
Europe for Yun-nan, Si'-chuen, and Kwei-chau to enter
China via Bhamo ; and that invalided missionaries from
these provinces will come to Bhamo. The Catholics are
wise, and know that this is the nearest and most natural
route to Western China. They are all eagerly watching
the negotiations pending with reference to the opening-
up of Western China to trade, via Bhamo, and are now
diligently preparing for that day.
" The nearest mission station they have to this is in a
village near Ta-li-fu, where a foreign priest is stationed,
and has lived for many years. They have no converts
or stations in either Teng-yueh-chau or Yung-chang.
CONVERSATIONS.
" I have had interesting conversations with men from
both Si'-chuen and Yun-nan, who come in here from
China. I hear various reports of the Roman Catholic
Missions in these provinces from the different Chinamen
I talk to. I feel Yun-nan, with its millions of perishing
souls, laid upon my heart more and more, as I meet
with Yun-nanese and pray for them. Often do I cry,
' O God, speedily, in great mercy, send Thy Gospel to
Yun-nan, and save many souls there.' "
A STRANGE BUT TRUE STORY.
By Mrs. H. Grattan Guinness.
A WEALTHY farmer, who cultivated some thousands of
acres, had by his benevolence endeared himself greatly
to his large staff of labourers. He had occasion to
leave the country in which his property was situated
for some years, but before doing so he gave his people
clearly to understand that he wished the whole of the
cultivated land to be kept in hand, and all the unre-
claimed moor and marsh lands to be enclosed and
drained and brought into cultivation ; that even the
hills were to be terraced, and the poor mountain pas-
tures manured, so that no single corner of the estate
should remain neglected and barren. Ample resources
were left for the execution of these works, and there
were sufficient hands to have accomplished the whole
within the lirst few years of the proprietor's absence.
He was detained in the country to which he had
been called very many years. Those whom he left
children were men and women when he came back,
and so the number of his tenantry and labourers was
vastly multiplied. Was the task he had given them to
do accomplished ? Alas ! no ! Bog and moor and
mountain waste were only wilder and more desolate
than ever. Fine rich virgin soil by thousands of acres
was bearing only briers and thistles. Meadow after
meadow was utterly barren for want of culture. Nay,
CHINAS MILLIONS.
121
by far the larger part of the farm seemed never to have
been visited by his servants.
Had they then been idle ? Some had. But large
numbers had been industrious enough. They had ex-
pended a vast amount of labour, and skilled labour
too, but they had bestowed it all on the park immedi-
ately around the house. This had been cultivated to
such a pitch of perfection that the workmen had scores
of times quarrelled with each other because the opera-
tions of one interfered with his neighbour. And a
vast amount of labour too had been lost in sowing the
very same patch, for instance, with corn fifty times
over in one season so that the seed never had time to
germinate and grow and bear fruit ; in caring for the
forest trees, as if they had been tender saphngs ; in
manuring soils already too fat, and watering pastures
already too wet. The fanner was positively astonished
at the misplaced ingenuity with which labour and seed
and manure, skill and time and strength had been
wasted for no result. The very same amount of toil
and capital expended according to his directions would
have brought the whole demesne into culture, and
yielded a noble revenue. But season after season had
rolled away in sad succession, leaving those unbounded
acres of various but all reclaimable soil barren and
useless ; and as to the park, it would have been far
more productive and perfect had it been relieved of
the extraordinary and unaccountable amount of energy
expended on it.
act so absurdly? Did
On the contrary ! They
coveting good crops,
Why did these labourers
they wish to labour in vain ?
were for ever craving for fruit
longing for great results.
Did they not wish to carry out the farmer's views
about his property ? Well ! they seemed to have that
desire, for they were always reading the directions he
wrote, and said continually to each other, " You know
we have to bring the whole property into order." But
they did not do it. Some few tried, and ploughed up
a little plot here and there, and sowed com and other
crops. Perhaps these failed, and so the rest got dis-
couraged ? Oh no \ the yield was magnificent ; far
richer in proportion than they got themselves. They
clearly perceived that, but yet they failed to follow a.
good example. Nay — when the labours of a few in
some distant valley had resulted in a crop they were
all unable to gather in by themselves, the others would
not even go and help them to bring home the sheaves.
They preferred watching for weeds among the roses,
in the overcrowded garden, and counting the blades
of grass in the park, and the leaves on the trees.
Then they were fools surely, not wise men ?
Traitors, not true servants to their Lord ?
Ah ! I can't tell ! You must ask Him that ! I only
know that Master said, " Go ye into all the world, and
preach the Gospel to every creature," and 1876 years
after they had not even mentioned that there was a Gospel
to one-half of the world !
Jm^lr^.
THE liAST WOBDS UTTERED BY OUR LORD ON EARTH.
' Ye shall be witnesses unto Me ... to the uttermost parts of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they
beheld, He was taken up, aud a cloud received Him out of their sight."— Acts i. 8, 9.
"To the uttermost parts of the earth,'
The risen Saviour said.
Speed forth, O friends, as My witnesses ;
Proclaim that I've left the dead,
And ascended up on high
Remission of sins to give,
And repentance too, and faith.
That perishing men may live.
" To the uttermost parts of the earth : "
Speed forth, O friends, and tell
Of the need of a new, a second birth,
To save mankind from hell;
Tell men I was lifted up
On Calvary's cursed tree.
Go, tell what ye have seen and heard
And draw all men to Me.
" To the uttermost parts of the earth : "
O mark ye well the bound ;
The distant isles of the Gentiles all
Must hear the joyful sound !
To My murderers preach it first,
At Jerusalem begin,
But linger not at that starting-point,
For the world lies dead i:i sin.
For "the uttermost parts of the earth"
Eternal life I've won,
On the gloom of universal death
Shines now the risen sun :
Go forth, let every creature hear.
Let all the world be told,
That the woman's suffering seed has cirush'd
The head of the serpent old.
" To the uttermost parts of the earth : "
Friends ! 'tis my last command,
My parting charge that ye bear the words
Of salvation to every land.
Let every erring child of man
Be assured that God is love.
And freely offer'd to each and all
Be a home with Me above.
" To the uttermost parts of the earth : "
O Lord, the words unfold,
Thy heart how large ! Thy love, how warm !
Our hearts how cramp'd and cold !
Full eighteen hundred years have pass'd
Since Thy final accents fell.
But " the uttermost parts of the earth " are left
In death and darkness still. F. E. G.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
123
BY MR. EDWARD PEARSE.
[ We cannot, perhaps, give a better comment on the text
chosen for this month than the farewell words of Mr. Pearse,
spoken at the Valedictory Meeting held in the Mildmay Park
Wesleyan Chapel prior to the departure of Messrs. Pearse and
James and Miss Wilson for China. It may be helpful to others
passing through similar experience. — Ed. C. M.]
I HAVE been asked to give my reasons for believing that
God has called me to go to China as a missionary, and to
furnish a brief account of the way in which He has led
me to this. I will do so in as few words as possible.
That I go forth to this work in obedience to God's com-
mand I have not the slightest doubt. I should be very
sorry were it otherwise, for I can conceive of nothing so
calculated to discourage as uncertainty as to whether
one is really walking in the path God has marked out
for him, or not. Were I merely gratifying my own
wishes, and following my own inclinations in the matter,
there might be room to doubt ; but so far is that from
being the case, that I fought against the conviction that
God was calling me to this work as long as I possibly
could : and I only yielded to the call when it became, as
it seemed to me, a test of the reality of my consecration
to Him.
About three years ago, after reading of the claims of
the heathen world, I deliberately and solemnly gave my-
self to the Lord for mission work. Soon afterwards I
came to London to seek an open door ; but the path I
had marked out for myself was closed against me.
Doubtless other ways of entering the field would have
opened to me had I not been too easily turned aside from
my purpose ; but at this time an event took place which
made my settling in England appear desirable. So,
although somewhat doubtful as to whether I was follow-
ing God or not, I returned to my work in the country,
and for the time gave up the idea of mission work. I
tried to persuade myself that I was doing right, and that
my work was in England ; but God's voice had sounded
in ray ear so clearly, telling me to go abroad, that this
was no easy task. He did not forget the promise I had
made to Him although / tried to do so ; and ever and
anon I felt as I think Jonah must have felt when trying
to flee from the presence of the Lord, when he had been
told to go to Nineveh to preach against it.
Two circumstances I especially remember which took
place when I was in London at the time I have referred
to. One of these was the calling upon a brother in the
Lord who had been the instrument of my conversion
to ask his advice about my future life. He gave to me
one of the China Inland Mission Occasional Papers
to read ; but so afraid was I that it would speak to me
too loudly of China's needs, that I locked it up in my
box without reading it, and there it remained for a long
time a witness to my unfaithfulness and self-will.
The other circumstance to which I have referred was
my attending, about the same time, a meeting for
Christian workers, in the Mildmay Conference Hall. At
that meeting a very powerful appeal was made by Mr.
Henry Reid (now in Tasmania), to Christians present to
give themselves to the Lord for foreign mission work.
Quoting the words of God in Isaiah vi. " Whom shall I
send and who will go for Us?" he said, "Listen to
God's voice. God the Father asks, 'Who will go for
Us ? ' God the Son asks, ' Who will go for Us ? ' God
the Spirit asks, ' Who will go for Us ? ' What response
are you making ? Does the heart say ' Here am I, send
me ' ? or is there silence ? Remember God is reading
every heart. A very solemn responsibility " he added,
" rests upon every one here for this evening's meeting."
I well remember the effect produced upon my heart by
those words, how every sentence seemed meant for me,
and how sensible I was that I was holding back some-
thing from the Lord who had given Himself for me.
Still I was not willing to obey the call : I shrunk from
the self-sacrifice and privation which I knew a mission-
ary's life would involve. But, blessed be God, His grace
triumphed at last. Whilst attending some special
meetings last spring, I was enabled to say " Here am I,
send me " ; and the result is that I am here to-night as
a missionary about to embark for China.
Many other circumstances, trivial in themselves per-
haps, but not uninrportant to one who, deeply humbled on
account of past failures was watching for every indication
of God's will, have tended to deepen my conviction that
China was the field in which the Lord would have me
labour. Since that time my way has more than once
been blocked up by obstacles that seemed likely to effect-
ually hinder the carrying out of my purpose ; but one by
one they have given way before the earnest prayers of
God's people. Now I am going forth in the full assur-
ance that He who has so signally interposed to take
me to that far off land, will be with me there even to the
end, according to His promise.
Am I, I wonder, speaking to any to-night who are
consciously withholding something from the Lord who
bought them with His blood — who in spite of the voice
of conscience are refusing to say " Here am I, send
me " ? We prayed before we came here to-night that
God would lay hold of some young man in this congre-
gation, and send him to China ; and why may it not be
so ? If there is anything lacking to-night in your con-
secration, or in mine, I pray that it may be revealed to
us. A few weeks ago I was preaching at a Mission Hall
in a town in Yorkshire. At the close of the service, ayoung
woman stayed behind, evidently in concern about her
soul ; but although I urged her to decide for the Lord
there and then, I got no response. After a while I
quoted to her that beautiful verse of a well-known
hymn : —
" Just as I am : Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down ;
Now to be Thine, and Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come."
I asked her if she could say it from her heart, and if
while repeating that verse, she would consecrate herself
to God. Still there was no response. By and bye we
124
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
knelt in prayer, and when I had sought the power and
teaching of the Holy Spirit for this precious soul, and
another brother had done the same, the young
woman began to pray for herself. ' ' Lord I will be
thine," she cried, and then came the words I waited to
hear,
" Just as I am : Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down :
Now to be Thine, and Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come."
She rose from her knees resting. I trust, in the cruci-
fied and living Jesus. Some here who have said "Just
as I am " for salvation, may have never yet said the
same for service : may God help us all to say with refer-
ence to service as well as to salvation —
" Just as I am : Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down :
Now to be Thine, and Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come."
AH-SHIH, THE LITTLE CHINESE GIRL.
A True Story, by Mrs. Hudson Taylor.
Dear Children of England, — I have often thought
that I should like to tell you the story of one of my little
Chinese scholars ; and now I am going to do so.
A few years ago I lived in the fine and prettily located
city of Hang-chau. I walked about its streets day by
day, visiting the poor women and telling them in their
own homes of the love of Jesus, and how happy He could
make them. It was a strange story to them and to their
children, for they had never heard His name before.
They were living sad, unloving, unloveable lives, and
could not believe that they could ever go to heaven ; but
they liked to see the foreign lady and to hear her speak
tlieir language, so they were very kind to me, and that
made me feel for them the more. I went into their
temples, and saw the ugly gods of wood and clay which
they worshipped ; I saw them teach their little children
to kneel and bow before the gilded idols, and my heart
felt very sad.
I had a school for boys, where every day they learned
the Word of God from a Christian teacher ; and then I
wanted a school for girls too, but for a long while no one
would send me their little girls. " 'What did girls want
to learn ? " some said ; and others, who would have
been glad to have them provided for, either thought that
the warm bath I should give them once a week would
kill them, or that the unbinding of their little feet would
cause them to be despised, and ruin their prospects for
life ; and so for some time I had to wait.
The first scholars God gave me were a young widow
who wanted a home and thought she would like to learn
to read our books, and her little girl of three years of
age. Then a little baby a month old was given to me
for my own, and I took her to train in the school when
she should be old enough. Next a brother and a sister
of eight and ten were sent, and then two little sisters
came to me, one of whom was Ah-shih. Their father
had been carried away from them in the dreadful
rebellion, but their mother had been spared, and had
afterwards learned to believe in Jesus.
The younger of these sisters was a delicate little
thing about four years old, so spoilt and self-willed that
I often had to punish her, though I sometimes wondered
whether she would live ; she is a better child now, how-
ever, and has grown fat and strong. She is still in the
school, and says that she loves Jesus ; but I am not now
going to tell you more about her. The elder, Ah-shih,
was about eight years of age, a quiet, good child, not
so quick or bright as her little sister, but apparently
strong and healthy. She liked the hymns we sang very
much, and tried hard to learn to read them, and the
Bible stories which she heard. One hymn which was
an especial favourite of hers she often asked for ; it
began —
" Happy they who trust in Jesus ! "
I daresay you, dear children, have often sung it in
English.
She was a dear trusting child, and soon became very
fond of me, and was pleased to come to my room to be
talked to and prayed with before she went to bed each
night. One day, on the occasion of some baptisms, she
said to the little companion about her own age, "We
must be baptized when we grow older ; " and I, though
I did not know then that she had said this, was hoping
to see her grow up loving Jesus herself, and useful in
leading others to Him. But the Lord saw fit to take my
little scholar away, and I tJmik He took her into His
own school, and that she is now praising Him there.
But I have often wished that I was quite sure that she
had given her heart to Jesus, and trusted Him to wash
all her sins away.
It was in the middle of summer that she died, very
suddenly and unexpectedly. I found when I was going
out one afternoon that she seemed to have a complaint
very common in China, the ague ; so I gave her some
medicine to prevent its coming on again. The day
after, however, it returned more severely. The next day
was Sunday, and she took some breakfast and would
have got up as usual, but the teacher said she must lie
still until I had seen her. She was much disappointed,
for she loved the Sunday services. Before I saw her the
fever had come on again. She was hot and restless, but
put her hand in mine, and was so pleased when I sat
down by her and fanned and bathed her burning hands
and face. I quite thought she would be well again in a
day or two, but I sent every one else to the chapel, and
decided to sit with her and take care of her myself that
morning. Well, as I watched her I found that her mind
wandered, and I noticed that her face had a chiselled
look that I had not seen before ; and then, a few
minutes after the service was over, her spirit passed
away, and I felt quite stunned.
Oh, how I longed to know, had she really come to
Jesus, or was she only intending to come ? She had not
expected to die so soon ; was she ready ? I could only
hope that she was, and urge upon the other dear child-
ren round me at once to seek the Lord.
And you, dear children, if you died as suddenly,
would you be ready ? and would those who know and
love you feel siire that you were safe and happy with
Jesus ? Oh ! if not, let the story of this little Chinese
girl lead you to come to Him at ofice.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
125
jt$$tuttar^
FURTHEE BLESSING IN SHAO-HING.
From Miss Turner.
Dec. ioTH, 1875. — " I am sure you will rejoice with me
when I tell you that last Sunday morning four of my girls
were examined and received by the Church — their names
are Peace, Victory, Beloved, and Golden-sister ; they
one by one confessed their faith in Jesus as the Son of
God and their Saviour, and said they believed His blood
had washed away their sins.
" Mr. Meadows asked me what I had to say about
their conduct, and whether I thought they might be re-
ceived at once. I replied, ' I believe they try to please
Jesus, and think they might be received at once.' Mrs.
Yiang and two of the Christian girls also bore testimony
as to their good conduct. They said that, as far as they
could see, their conduct was in accordance with God's
will.
" I believe God has been working in their hearts for
some time ; they have been very attentive at our meet-
ings for Bible reading and prayer.
" The last few Sunday evenings we have had a prayer
meeting in my sitting-room ; just eight of us (counting
Mrs. Yiang and myself), each one a professed disciple
of Jesus. The girls choose and read the hymns, and
engage in prayer. I have found it a pleasant time, and
I think all have ; for when I asked them if they would
like to meet once a month, once a fortnight, or once a
week, they replied, ' Each week.'
"It is indeed a cause of gratitude to our God and
Father that I can look upon seven out of my twelve chil-
dren as sisters in Christ Jesus. I believe too that Mr.
Nying's death has been blessed to the girls. They saw
that, trusting in Jesus, he was not afraid to die ; that to
him was fulfilled the promise ' Thou wilt keep him in
perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee ; because
he trusteth in Thee.' They saw too that the widow's
heart was comforted, and that she could smile through
her tears and say, ' I know he has fallen asleep in Jesus,
and now he is with Him, enjoying eternal happiness.'
God grant that each one of my girls may truly love and
serve our Saviour; may they ' be faithful unto death,'
and receive the crown of life which Jesus will give to all
those who love Him.
" I had a nice little note from Mr. Nying's daughter
the other day ; she is at home with her mother on a visit.
I expect her to return to school in a few weeks. The son
is also at Shing-hien. Mrs. Nying told me that after
prayer and talking together, both Mr. Nying and herself
came to the conclusion that they would rather their
daughter never married ; but that she should spend her
life with me in work for Christ. Mrs. Nying said the
girl herself had the same wish. She is still quite young,
and if she should change her mind I should not think it
right to bind her to this ; still I feel grateful that God
has put this wish in her heart, I think she is one that
might prove a great help to me. I am fond of my quiet
Yiio-kying (Mrs. Nying's daughter), my merry Kyiiih-
ing — indeed, I love them all : yes, even Ju-i, though she
has been a great grief to me. Ah-kyiao is, 1 hope,
growing in grace ' : may God guide us about her ; her
future is still unsettled.
"We continue to have our Saturday evening prayer
meeting and the women's prayer meeting on Wednes-
day afternoon. I am sorry to say that few outsiders
come ; still, I believe it is a means of blessing to our-
selves, and the people and children about the house or
houses ; and we have the promise of Jesus for ' two or
three ' who gather in His name, have we not ?
"We believe that Mrs. Meadows' nurse has been con-
verted ; she says it was hearing of old teacher's peaceful
death and trust in Jesus* that made her begin to pray
that her sins might be forgiven and that she might
escape the misery of hell. She was examined and re-
ceived last Sunday morning : her clear, simple answers
quite touched my heart, she seemed so clearly to under-
stand God's plan of salvation. The native pastor asked
her, ' When you leave here and go home to your rela-
tives and friends, and they curse and even persecute
you for being a Christian, what will you do then ? ' She
replied, ' I will look to Jesus, and put all my affairs in
His hands.'
" Some weeks ago some of her relations fetched her
away under the pretence that her mother was seriously
ill : when she found it was all false, they told her they
had brought her away to save her from having her liver
and eyes taken out by the foreigners ! They begged
her not to return here ; but she would not listen to them,
and came back at once.
" Both she and the wife of ' Twenty-seven ' have learnt
to read : may God's Word be a lamp to their feet and a
light to their path. I am keeping well and happy in
Jesus. I am glad to think you remember me in your
prayers : we also remember you. Last mail I had a
very kind letter from Miss S and one from Miss
B . I hope to answer them very soon. Their loving,
prayerful sympathy has quite cheered me ; it is a real
pleasure to receive and answer such letters."
CHEERING TIDINGS.
From Mr. Douthwaite, of Shao-hing.
Dec. 2ist. — "I and two of the assistants have visited
Xiu-chau, and leased a small house for the native helper
there. In a letter since received from the latter he says
that since his removal into the new house he has had a
good audience every day, which he never had in the old
place.
"We also visited the prefectural city of Kin-hwa, and
rented a house for mission purposes, in a good situation
for present use, and left Mr. Li there, with instructions
to be on the look-out for more permanent premises. As
soon as it became known that the house was to be made
into a preaching hall, some of the people began to
make a stir; but I have just had a note from Mr. Li,
in which he says that all is quiet now.
"I have arranged to hold a conference of all the
workers connected with Hang-chau at that city, on the
5th and 6th January. I hope and pray that God will
bless this effort to stir up our native helpers to greater
zeal in His cause."
TWENTY MORE CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM. f
"The son of our landlady in Ts6ng-k6-bu has for a
long time been an enquirer. Now he has taken a
decided step, and has sent his " god of riches " to Mr.
Meadows, saying he has "no longer any faith in it."
There are also fi^le other enquirers in the same town.
This is a great cause for rejoicing.
"Dec. ze^ih. — ^We have heard to-day of ten more
enquirers at Shing-hien (making eighteen there in all),
and oi four or five at Sien-ngaen. The Lord be praised
for this answer to prayer."
* See account of this in page lOO of February No.
t We had the joy of mentioning 20 candidates in this district
last month. The 20 here mentioned raises the number to 40.
Let us continue in prayer for yet larger blessing.
126
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Tmi iti mx %mm ^kHtitt$.
IV.— PUWG-HWA.
{ Continued fro?n ;page 1 1 6^.
The cradle-like motion of the boat ceases, the boatman
pulls in his scull, the boat's side rubs gently against the
grassy bank, and we are quickly moored. It is barely
dawn. Where are we I Surely this is not Fung-hwa !
No. We are now amongst the hills, though not yet
beyond the reach of the tide, and close by is the little
town of Nen-du. Enquiring of our boatman, we find
that we shall have to wait nearly an hour before the tide
is high enough to float us along the narrow mountain
stream, on which we are to complete our journey to
Fung-hwa. During the rains, the freshets from the hills
convert the small stream into a wide foaming torrent,
requiring much skill for its navigation. At other times
the channel, except near high water, is very narrow,
with only sufficient water to convey light rafts, or small
boats of peculiar construction, drawing at most three or
four inches of water. But our frontispiece will give a
better idea of this kind of stream, of which we shall
meet with many in our subsequent travels, than a pro-
longed description, so to it we refer our readers.
THE TOWN OF NEN-DU.
Let us draw on our boots, and take a run through the
town, whilst waiting for the tide. It is situated some
twenty li (six miles) from Fung-hwa. The main street,
as you see, is almost wholly occupied with boat-offices,
inns for travellers, and warehouses for the temporary
storage of their goods. During the dry season, goods
and passengers have to embark for Ningpo at this point,
instead of at Fung-hwa, there being too little water in
the higher part of the stream.
NATIVE EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS.
One of the native Christians residing in Fung-hwa, a
farmer by trade, walks over to this town every Sunday,
to preach the Gospel, after having attended the morning
service in the city. He is an industrious, hard-working
man, seeking to serve God faithfully in his ordinary
occupations during the week, and not less zealously in
what he seeks to do for his Master on the Lord's Day.
It is oftentimes a puzzle to the heathen, that men who
are diligent in business, and know how to improve their
opportunities, should sacrifice one-seventh of their time
to the worship and service of God. They see the
worldly loss, but do not understand the eternal gain.
THE TEA-SHOP.
Let us step into this tea-shop, and refresh ourselves
with a cup of tea. If you prefer it, we will leave the
boat to make its way slowly along, and after a little rest
set out on foot across the country for Fung-hwa. " Are
tea-shops usually like this ? " you ask, " large rooms on
the ground floor, with a number of square tables, sur-
rounded by four stools, each accommodating one or two
persons?" Yes, this is the common style of thing. In
luxurious cities, such as Su-chau, Hang-chau, &c., you
will often find places much more richly got up and
adorned, and with an upper floor, in which the charges
are slightly higher, and the refreshments furnished of a
better quality ; but the average run of tea-shops is very
much like the one we are in.
GOSPEL WORK IN THE TEA-SHOP.
Did you notice how freely those two men came and sat
down by our side, evidently wishing to enter into conver-
sation with us, thus affording us an opportunity of
telling them of our mission, and of the Master we
serve ? And see, as we converse with these men, how
others in the room move over to adjoining tables, who
freely take part in the conversation, and listen atten-
tively to our remarks. Let us give them a few sheet
tracts, containing a simple statement of the Gospel, and
ask them to post them up on the walls of their homes
when they arrive there ; and as we go along the way we
will seek God's blessing on the seed we have scattered.
The boatman just enters to tell us that there is water
enough to allow of our proceeding. We direct him,
however, to go on, saying that we intend to walk to
Fung-hwa, unless we become tired and join him by the
way. The boatman goes ; and we take out the ten cash
(a halfpenny) that are to pay for tea for two. But the
master of the shop returns it, as one of the Chinamen
h.is already paid for our tea with his own — an instance
of kindly feeling and politeness that we shall not unfre-
quently meet with as we journey along. Let us only
show a kindly interest in, and give a hearty welcome to,
these somewhat rough, but honest people, and we shall
find them fully prepared to reciprocate.
What a beautiful morning for a walk. The song of
the blackbird and the thrush, and the sweet sonnet of
the lark, would make us feel ashamed of ourselves
indeed, if our own hearts were not going out in praise
to Him who has filled the heaven with His glory, and cov-
ered the earth with His bounty. The country about Fung-
hwa is full of wild birds. Notice that pair of beautiful
doves on the tree before us, and observe how, as we
come within gunshot, they fly away to the bamboo grove
beyond ; and you learn that the sportsman not unfre-
quently visits this district. How green is the young
corn, and how sweet the smell of the bean flowers. But
see those two men beyond us. The one with bales of
goods is surely the man who paid for our tea ; let us see
if we cannot overtake him. His companion with the
buckets is evidently going out to water his crops. We
may have a little further conversation with them by the
way. Our friend with the bales is, like ourselves, going
to T'ai-chau, and these are the purchases he has made
at Ningpo in exchange for his little stock of
PALM FIBRE AND VEGETABLE TALLOW.
This fibre is largely produced in the Fung-hwa and
T'ai-chau districts. You see the stunted palms growing
at the side of the path : notice that brown fibre, like
cocoa-nut fibre, which envelopes the top of the stem and
supports the young branches. This is annually collected
from the palms, and is manufactured into various kinds
of waterproof articles. Coats and caps are made of it
to secure the wearer from the rain (see the woodcut on
page 128^. That brown fibrous mat wrapped around
our bedding is made of the same material ; and among
other articles the soles of the boots worn in wet weather
are made from the same fibre. The tallow which our
friend has been selling in Ningpo is also a vegetable
product. You see these dry, peculiar-looking trees,
whose buds are not yet burst, though all around is
forward — these are all tallow-trees, and as is evident
from their appearance, most of them have been grafted
when young.* Grafting makes the trees produce more
fruit, though in growth they are not so luxurious as the
ungrafted trees. Here our friend with the buckets
leaves us : this is his farm on the left, and the little
hamlet we see over the way is his homestead. Let us
hope there is some one there who can read the sheet
tract, which he has promised to paste up on the walls of
his sitting-room, and that he will accept our invitation
* See Mrs. Crombie's description of the tallow-tree in our
March Number, page 108.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
127
to visit the chapel at Fung-hwa, when he comes up to
the city on market-days.
Along we go with our Chinese friend, who says he
knows of our chapel in T'ai-chau very well, but has
never been in it. He promises, however, to try to look
in about the time we expect to be there ; so we may see
him again, and perhaps some of the members of his
family also.
But look ! that high building before us is the tower
over the city wall of Fung-hwa. Would you believe it
possible that we have already walked five out of the si.x
miles, and feel refreshed rather than weary ! And sec
that small object a little to the left, surmounting the city
wall. That is the belfry of our little chapel, which is
not far from the city gate, and which alone stands
higher than the wall. The town on our left is called
Do-gyiao (literally, great bridge). It takes its name
from that large bridge, with shops on either side like a
street, and the whole roofed over. We must not, how-
always liable to interruptions from other occupants of
the compound, who with ourselves had a right to use
this hall on certain occasions. A third room was opened,
the entrance to which, however, was not direct from the
street, but from a yard common to three houses. One
Sunday morning, while Divine service was going on,
the hearts of the worshippers were distressed by the
pitiful cries of an infant, whose brains were being
literally beaten out by its own parent in the adjacent
yard. It was a girl, and would not pay for the expense
of keeping !
How thankful we were to escape from such a neigh-
bourhood, when the site of our present chapel was
secured by Mr. Williamson, may be imagined ! The
tumbled-down buildings, however, were in such a state
that after some parts had fallen of themselves, the
rest were removed, as it was dangerous to occupy them.
Then meetings had to be carried on in an outhouse,
until the liberal donation of a kind friend enabled us to
ever, venture into this large suburb, but proceed at once
to the east gate, passing through which, another minute's
walk brings us to the chapel.
CHAPEL AT FUNG-HWA.
We are very thankful for this chapel, which was
opened last year. At none of our stations have we had
greater inconvenience from the want of suitable pre-
mises for the worship of God, and for the proclamation
of the Gospel. From the character of the people (see
description of Fung-hwa and its people, in the first
article of this number), great difficulty was experienced
in finding suitable accommodation. At one time we
had a room in a private house ; but the character of
some of the occupants was such that, though the room
was convenient, it was inexpedient to remain there.
Then we obtained a hall connected with the premises in
which Mr. Crombie resided; but worship there was
begin the building of a chapel ; which, as we were able
to spare a few pounds, was carried on, and finally
completed.*
As in most of our mission premises, there are rooms
over the chapel for the residence of the missionary, or
native helpers. By passing round to the back we find
the staircase, by which we ascend, and receive a warm
welcome from our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Crombie, and
from the native pastor and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Vaen,
who come running in as soon as they hear of our arrival.
The latter reside in a little cottage adjoining the chapel
premises.
THE OLD FARMER AND THE BASKET-MAKER.
But see, who is coming in now ! That odd-looking
* In several of our stations we are stUl much in need of pre-
mises ; the building of those most desired would involve the
outlay of little short of £\ ,000.
I
128
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
old man with the immense spectacles, the circular
glasses of which are fully two inches in diameter, is the
old farmer, of '0-z, the story of whose conversion and
subsequent work are so well known to most of our
friends. His station, unfortunately, does not lie in our
route ; but as a description of a visit to it by Mrs.
Crombie was given in our last number, this will be the
less cause of regret. We inquire after other well-known
friends, and find that our brother Neng-kwe is ex-
pected from his out-station (Ky'i-k'eo). He was
once a basket-maker, but now for many years has
been a colporteur. We shall be glad to meet him again,
and to hear how the work in his hands is progressing.
It is twenty years since we visited the town where lie
labours. There were no Christians there at that time ;
but two of our most efficient native preachers who came
from it, were after their conversion much in prayer for
their native place. Subsequently the Church at Fung-
delicate. Is it not a cause for gratitude and praise that
in this station, where nine or ten years ago there was
not a single Christian, there are now fifty or sixty be-
lievers in fellowship ? not to speak of those who have
already fallen asleep in Jesus, whose number is large
compared with the aggregate of Church members. It
is indeed remarkable how many aged persons are con-
verted in China. They are not gospel hardened ones,
as aged people at home often are, but are persons who are
literally called for the first time at the eleventh hour,
and who with a prolonged experience of the vanity of
earthly things and a consciousness of the nearness of
death, have given serious and thankful attention to the
good tidings of an assured salvation through the finished
work of Christ.
Some of our friends may remember the touching words
spoken by an aged woman in this city, when it was sug-
gested to her, on her application for baptism, that she
hwa was led to think of it, and the native Christians pro-
vide by their own contributions the rent of our mission
premises there, while the teachers and children of a
Sunday School in the West of London provide the sup-
port of our brother Neng-kwe, who now labours in the
town and surrounding district. We may add that our
friend the old farmer has been for many years supported
by a lady in England, who we feel sure sustains
him, not only by her pecuniary contributions, but
also by her Christian sympathy and prayers. The other
native helpers connected with the Fung-hwa circle of
stations we shall meet in the courseof our journey.*
We are thankful to find Mrs. Crombie's health some-
what improved, though her children are still very
* The history of the conversion and early labours of the old
farmer and of Neng-kwe, were given in " Occasional Papers,"
; 32, 33, to which we refer our readers. They can be obtained
from 6, Pyrland Road, price with postage, threepence.
should defer it for a season, until she had been more
fully instructed in the Scriptures : " I am eighty-two
years of age ; my day is nearly spent ; the sun is going
down; there is no time for deferring in my case."
(" Occasional Paper," 32, page 48). She was received
at once, there being no doubt as to her sincerity ; and
after nearly two years of consistent walk, in which the
reality of her change of heart was fully manifested, she
fell asleep, and from a life of hardship and suffering went
into the presence of the King.
THE BIBLE WOMAN.
I must tell you a little about Mrs. Vaen before we bid
her good bye. With Mr. Crombie's permission we will
ask her husband to accompany us to the next station in
his circuit, and on the way you will have an opportunity
of making his acquaintance more fully. Mr. Vaen was
converted in the year 1863 and his wife in the following
year. They have helped Mr. and Mrs. Crombie in the
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
129
work at Fung-hwa from its commencement ; and scat-
tered through the " Occasional Papers " will be found
letters from Mr.Vaen; much information too about them
and their work will be found in the letters of Mr. and
Mrs. Crombie. Through God's blessing upon the efforts
of Mrs. Vaen, who is an indefatigable visitor and Bible
woman, x\ot a few have been first interested in the truth
and brought by hertoMrs. Crombie's classes, where they
have found peace in believing. She is now 2)21 o'^ 34
years of age. May she be long spared to be a helper to
her husband, and a blessing to her fellow-country-
women. (To be continued.)
%m \mym in ||anra.
Extracts from the journal of Mr. Henry Saltan.
Thursday, Sept. 10 — Rose at five, and set off for the
steamer at six. Mr. McCall accompanied us to the
ship ; we found quite a company there to bid us good-
bye, Mr. Rose having decided to come with us, he of
course drew forth the sympathy of all his friends. Mr.
James Haswell cheered me much by reading portions of
a letter from his sister in Maulmain, stating that the
work in her school was extending and deepening, and
that all the Christian girls are holding on their way.
Several are continually coming to be conversed with.
OFF AT LAST.
After all the good-byes had been said, and we had
heard the last " God bless and help you," from our
brethren, as we watched the Golden Pagoda of Rangoon
fade away in the distance, a solemn feeling crept over
me in the thought of what we were going into, and of
what stupendous consequences may, and we trust will
follow. Three weak men, going forth in dependence
upon God to do His will, and if needs be to suifer for
His sake ! Precious it is to know that we have an un-
changeable, unerring Friend and Guide, into whose
powerful and loving hands we commit all.
OUR STEAMER.
The river steamer " Rangoon " is a fine, large boat
with two decks. On the upper one are the cabins and
saloon. Behind the rail which divides the fore-part from
the remainder of the deck, all the Burmans, Chinese,
and natives of India spread their rugs and live. On
either side of the steamer, connected with it by strong
hawsers, are flats or barges laden with goods. One of
them has an upper deck, also covered with passengers.
Both the steamer and the barges have iron roofs over their
whole lengths, and an awning underneath. Broad planks
form passage ways between the steamer and the flats.
Everyone seems to be amazed at the idea of our going
to Mandalay and Bhamo now, on account not only of
the unsettled state of the country, but also of the
malaria always prevalent at this time of the year.
Many prophesy that we shall be back in Rangoon in a
few months. The time seems to be come when a move
should be made, and God is able to preserve us from the
pestilence and from the powers of darkness.
Friday, September 11. — ^We are now slowly steaming
up the gigantic Irrawaddy ; may it be the highway for
hundreds of labourers in the Gospel ! The river as we
enter it is from one-and-a-half to two miles broad. A
swift current rushes past us, carrying the little canoes
laden with plantains or paddy for transplanting, with it.
HENTHADA.
Saturday, Se^t. 12. — By seven a.m. we were within
sight of Henthada, a large town prettily embosomed
among mango and palm trees. A few substantial teak
houses among the native huts give the place an aspect
of importance. A large crowd of people come down to
the bank to watch our approach, and a very picturesque
group they form. In the river are the children disport-
ing themselves in their almost native element. Behind
them, crouching on their haunches, is a long line of
natives, Burmans and Karens, men and women, with
bright red, blue, and yellow turbans and costumes,
intermixed with white ; and beyond these stands a long
row of natives, smoking and talking. Under the shed
which serves for a wharf, and alongside of which we
soon anchor, is a group of Europeans, or white-faced
men, with solar topes on. Mr. George, a missionary
working under the American Baptist Mission Board, is
there to meet us. He takes us to his house, where he
and Mrs. George, with Miss Watson and the Crawleys,
reside.
MISSIONARY FRIENDS.
Mr. George works among the Burmans in this district.
In a previous journal I copied some extracts from a
letter written by him to Mr. James Haswell, about the
revival which had broken out in a neighbouring village.
This still continues. He has already baptized 69, and
expects to baptize some 12 more at his next visit. Each
convert is becoming a missionary ; the men are showing
such true evidences of change of heart. Mr. George is
a bright, tough, somewhat rough, loving, outspoken
man. His wife is a very pleasant quiet person, who
looks as if she had known much sorrow, as indeed she
has, for they have lost two dear little children. They
still have two. If the loss of little ones at home is
great, how much more must it be out here, where they
are almost the only joy in a land of sorrow and darkness.
Miss Watson has been out about 18 months. She
superintends a Burmah girls' school, in which 17
scholars board. Five of these have lately confessed
Christ, and others are true Christians.
Mrs. Thomas, who lives close by, came to breakfast.
She is a widow. Her husband was an indefatigable and
honoured labourer among the Karens. His health
broke down, and he was urged to go home and recruit ;
but his love for his work and his people was so strong,
and his sense of the vast need of labourers so great,
that he would not leave his post. Ultimately, when he
became too weak to do anything, he took a voyage to .
America, but he reached that land only to die : the
change had been taken too late. He leaves behind a
son, a clever young fellow who speaks Karen like a
native, and who, though endowed with abilities which
would help him to rise to a good position at home, is
preparing to take up his father's work, and to aid his
widowed mother. Mrs. Thomas is a wonderful little
woman, with much energy and determination, and much
love for the people. She has a large girl's school at
Henthada, and just now she is passing through a trial
of faith. One of the girls committed suicide the other
day by jumping into the river. Her elder sister, when
the same age, did the very same thing ; an aunt also
committed suicide. Of course it has frightened the
superstitious Karens, who have extraordinary belief in
ghosts and evil spirits ; and at present it seems probable
that this incident will be the means of breaking up the
school for some time. It is expected that all the parents
will withdraw their children ; I hope not.
After singing a hymn, and prayer, we sat down to
breakfast ; and almost immediately after had to^leave
for our steamer again. Mr. George accompanied us to
the ship, and we had opportunity for long conversation
on various topics. Ko Ah, one of his evangelist pastors,
came with us : he is a bright, earnest Christian. Mr.
130
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
George says, as an evangelist and pastor, he does not
know his equal in Burmah. He considers him one of
the best labourers in the country. His knowledge of the
Scriptures and his style of preaching are quite uncom-
mon. With no book but the Bible, he is an instance of
how much may be learned by the teaching of the Holy
Spirit without other aid.
!t$$tt[ttar^
iittrr]i$
puttit
TIDINGS FROM HO-NAN.
We hear through Mr. Judd of the welfare of Mr. M.
Henry Taylor, who has been itinerating in Ho-nan for
three months. He wrote to Hankow on Dec. loth from
K'ai-fung-fu, the capital of the Province, and was then
well. We have only room here to quote one sentence
from Mr. M. H. Taylor's letter : — " llie Lord has indeed
helj>ed us 171 every city." For this let us give thanks,
and be encouraged to continue in prayer.
BAPTISMS IN" TAI-CHATT.
FROM MR. JACKSON, OF WUN-CHAU.
December 5. — " I left here October 28, direct for Dien-tsi, and
reached there on the 31st. The members of the church had
almost given up hope of seeing me. I found that the former pro-
prietor of the Temple had gone to Lu-gyiao, to meet Djun-yiao
the evangelist who was expected that day. He did not come, so
it was fortunate that 1 was there to take the Sunday services.
"All the members were present except two, who were pre-
vented by sickness. It being harvest time, I felt deeply thankful
to God to see them assemble with one accord to worship Him on
the Lord's day.
" In the afternoon, we had a Church meeting, and received one
new member ; and then had the Communion. Thus ended a
happy day.
" On Monday, I went to a market town, called Yiang-fu-miao,
to see a candidate for baptism. Had a very hospitable reception
at the house of a member. In the afternoon examined a candi-
date. I found him to have a good knowledge of salvation
through Christ, and he was accepted for baptism. In the even-
ing, the villagers came together to worship. I selected the
parable of the prodigal son, and spoke for about forty minutes.
All appeared interested, and when I had done, repeated my
remarks to one another. The members here are vei-y anxious
to have a preacher stationed here.
" We returned next day to Dien-tsi, in a boat belonging to one
of the members, and started the same night for T'ai-ping, where
we arrived the following morning. On account of the illness of
the assistant's wife, I foui\d it inconvenient to stay long ; so
called the inquirers and candidates together for a church-meeting,
which we held on board a boat a short distance from the city.
' ' I was never more satisfied with answers to questions relative
to belief in the gospel, and especially with those by an old man
of 73 years of age. To test their courage, I said, ' Do you wish
to go to Dien-tsi and be baptised ? or, will you be baptised in
your native district ? ' They all answered, ' By all means here ;
for if we went to Dien-tsi few would know of it, but if we
are baptised here it will spread far and wide, and will be a testi-
mony for God.'
" In the afternoon I baptised five persons in a mountain-stream
outside of the city, in the presence of a large number of the
heathen. I wonder if the old man of 73 is the one Mr. Taylor
met on his visit to that city who was so troubled about his sins.
May God keep them from falling !
TEN PERSONS BAPTISED.
" I returned via Dien-tsi to T'ai-chau and Ky'i-'o. The total
number baptised was ten, as under : five at T'ai-ping, two at
Dien-tsi, one at T'ai-chau (a woman), and two at Ky'i-6 (an old
woman at 72 and her son). The harvest is ripe ; come and
gather in the sheaves ! "
ARRIVALS IN CHINA.
The Hoogly, in which Miss Wilson and Messrs.
Pearse and James sailed, would probably reach
Shanghai on the i6th of March. Interesting letters
received from Aden tell of many mercies during the
first part of the journey. Letters from them after
their arrival in Shanghai inay be looked for about the
end of April or early in May.
DEPARTURES FOR CHINA.
We ask prayer for Messrs. George Parker (from Mr.
Guinness's East End Training Institute) and J.
Scott Monro, of Aberdeen, that their voyage in the
Ava from Marseilles to China may be safe and pros-
perous. Leaving Marseilles, March 26th, they are
due at Port Said on April ist, and Shanghai on
May 8th.
ARRIVALS IN BDRMAH.
By the tiine that this paper reaches the hands of our
readers, we hope to have tidings of the arrival of Mr.
and Mrs. Harvey in Rangoon.
The Efficacy of Prayer. — Dr. Judson felt a
deep interest in the Jews, and about the year 1832
he collected a sum of money, with the hope of in-
ducing the Baptist Society to support a mission to
Palestine. The scheme failed, however, and his
intense desire to be made the means of blessing to
Israel seemed most unlikely to be accomplished.
Not a fortnight before his death, Mrs. Judson read
to him a newspaper paragraph, which told how a tract
containing an account of his labours in Ava had been
blessed to the conversion of some Jews in Germany.
It had also reached Trebizond, where a Jew had
translated it for his brethren there, and where it had
awakened such a spirit of interest and inquiry among
many of them that they had sent to Constantinople to
request that a missionary might be sent to them.
Mrs. Judson, relating these facts, continues : — His
eyes were filled with tears when I had done reading ;
but still he at first spoke playfully, and in a way that
a litde disappointed me. Then a look of most un-
earthly solemnity came over him, and, clinging fast to
my hand, as though to assure himself of being really
in the world, he said, " Love, this frightens me ! I
do not know what to make of it." "What?"
"Why, what you have just been reading. / never
was deeply interested in any object, — / never prayed
sincerely and earnestly for anything, — but it came. At
some time, no matter at how distant a day, — some-
how, in some shape, probably the last I should have
devised, — it came. And yet I have always had so
little faith ! May God forgive me, and while he con-
descends to use me as His instrument, wipe the sin of
unbelief from my heart ! " — Life of Dr yudson, by
Dr. H. Bonar.
c
HINA'S
M
ILLIONS
HONG-KONG.
)|$ yrtiii$tettt Hi$$iutt$ iti llong-fonj.
We condense from the China Mail the following excellent
address delivered by the Rev. Dr. Eitel, of the London Mis-
sionary Society, at St. Paul's College, Hongkong :—
Having been invited by Bishop Burdon to give an
address on Missions in this part of China, and con-
sidering that this meeting is for prayer on behalf of
Missions, I will briefly review the past history of
Hongkong Missions, and state their exact position at
this day. Remarkable successes have been obtained
by some Protestant Missions in China, like those of
Amoy and Foo-chow, where there are numbers of
self-sustaining churches scattered over the interior.
But if this paper prove anything, it will demonstrate
that even with exclusive reference to Hongkong there
NO. II. — MAY, 1876.
is as much cause for gratitude to Almighty God, as
for self-humiliation ; that Hongkong Missions have
real positive success to thank God for, as well as to
accuse themselves of comparative failure in certain
points.
The different Missions of Hongkong, with their
out-stations on the adjacent mainland, have up to this
day gathered no less than 2,200 native Christians under
the banner of Christ, of which number more than
1,400 are regular attendants at the Lord's table. This
is the result of over thirty years' uphill wor . Small
as it may appear to those who expect great things in
the harvest-field of the Lord, it will yet be seen to be
something to be thankful for, Avhen we consider how
132
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
many years it took Protestant missionaries to find out
the right way of going to work in this field of labour.
Even now all we missionaries are doing is but sowing in
weakness, looking to the Lord of the harvest to give his
blessing on the work, and to bring on the day of hai-vest,
distant as it may be.
Looking ever the history of Hongkong Missions, re-
viewing the early growth of the several German
Missions, the London Mission, St. Paul's College and
the Church Mission, with its schools for boys and girls,
our attention is immediately arrested by four remarkable
characters. Around them the varied events, failures,
and successes of Hongkong Missions naturally group
themselves. These four personages are, to arrange them
in chronological order : — Dr. Gutzlaff, the originator of
all the German Missions in South China ; Dr. Legge,
the founder of the London Mission churches of Hong-
kong and Poklo; Bishop Smith, the founder of St.
Paul's College and Church Mission work here; and
finally Miss Baxter, the indefatigable worker among
Chinese women and orphans, ainong the destitute and
outcasts of all nations.
DR. GUTZLAFF.
The first in the field was Dr. Gutzlaff. He had been
sent by a Dutch Society first to Java, then to Siam,
where he laboured among Chinese immigrants, and
with his remarkable linguistic talent learned the Foh-
kien dialect in a short time. Having lost his wife and
child by death, and having inherited a small fortune, he
disdained working among the scattered Chinese immi-
grants at Siam, and set his heart on missionary work in
China. His Society declined sending him there ; but
he, nothing daunted, took passage in a Chinese junk,
and on arrival in China, finding it impossible to effect
an entrance, enlisted as Chinese interpreter on opium
ships. In this capacity he travelled up and down the
China coast for several years, all the time hard at work
at a translation he made in the Chinese character of the
whole Bible, and preparing many tracts in Chinese.
These he printed at his own expense, and used every
opportunity to distribute the New Testament and his
tracts. He never approved of the opium trafSc, and
readily took service with the English Government in
1839, which, at the outbreak of the war with China, was
glad to avail itself of Giitzlaff's services. Besides Mr.
Morrison and Mr. Thom, he was almost the only
European in China who combined an excellent know-
ledge of the Chinese written language with a thorough
practical acquaintance with several dialects. He acted
as third interpreter throughout the negociations result-
ing in the Treaty of Nanking in 1842 : was for some time
Superintendent of Chusan ; and finally accepted the post
of Chinese Secretary, to which the Hongkong Govern-
ment appointed him in 1843, and which he retained to his
death.
As soon as he settled iji Hongkong he set to work,
combining with his official work the most energetic
missionary labours. Every morning from seven to eight
he gathered round him at the Government ofBces large
numbers of Chinese, to whom he expounded the Scrip-
tures in the Fohkien dialect ; then, after a hasty break-
fast in his office, he gave from 8.30 to 9.30 another Bible
lecture to Chinese, speaking the Punti or Hakka dia-
lects. Every evening after office hours he went into the
towns or villages preaching among the Chinese, or
worked at home finishing his translation of the Old
Testament.
ORIGIN OF THE CHINESE UNION.
From those who attended his Bible classes he
selected the most attentive, and sent them with bags
full of New Testaments and tracts into the interior, to the
most distant provinces. He parcelled out among them
the whole of China, supplying them with passage-
money, and paying them a salary of six dollars per
month, at first out of his own pocket, and afterwards
with the additional aid of contributions he received for
the purpose from America and Europe. No wonder the
Government oflices were thronged with anxious inquirers
for the good things to be obtained at Giitzlaif' s Bible
classes.
He had at one time 366 such colporteurs, or rather
preachers, as he called them. They came and went
with the utmost regularity, starting from Giitzlaff's
office with bags full of Bibles, travelling money, and
directions for the route, and returning at the proper time
with well-written journals of travels they had never
made, sketches of sermons they had never preached,
and lists of converts they had never baptised. Poor
Giitzlaff ! he believed them all to be inspired with his
holy zeal ; he translated their hypocritical reports,
couched in the moist fervent strains of piety and devo-
tion, and sent them to all parts of the world, asking for
the support of his " Chinese Union," as he called this
host of sham evangelists, which he verily believed was
destined to win the whole of China for Christ. Poor
Gutzlaff ! the very Bibles he bought from the Chinese
printer with his hard-earned money, and handed to the
members of his Chinese Union, were sold by them to the
printer, who resold them to Giitzlaff.
He was too charitable to find serious fault with his
men, though he did not trust them altogether, for it was
one of the principal features of his plan for the conver-
sion of China that his colporteurs should make their
journeys in the interior under the supervision of foreign
missionaries. For that reason he spent hours every
night writing to every Missionary Society and to every
friend of Missions he knew, urging them with all his
powers of eloquent persuasion and enthusiastic zeal to
send him men who would not settle down in the open
ports like other missionaries, but would adopt Chinese
customs, live in Chinese style, and be prepared to live
and die in the interior of China. And such missionaries
did come, and with warmest enthusiasm they fell in
with his plans, joined his Chinese Union, dressed and
lived in Chinese style, went into the interior, patiently
submitted to being robbed and plundered, driven from
place to place, till, striken down with fever, they died, or
returned to Hong-kong to recruit their shattered health.
But these missionaries, as soon as they began to
understand the language, also began to see the hollow-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
133
ness of this Chinese Union. They protested against
Gutzlaff's credulity, wamed him against impostors, and
finally exposed the whole sham, whilst yet retaining their
esteem for Gutzlaff's own Christian character and well-
meaning, though injudicious zeal. Thus this missionary
bubble burst, and Giitzlaff survived it but a very short
time. He died in 1851, having just returned from a
short visit to Europe, where he had succeeded in estab-
lishing several Missionary Societies for the conversion of
China.
He died ; but thanks to his energetic spirit, the
missionaries who had come out to join him had gone
through an e.Kcellent training school in their connection
with the Chinese Union. As they had acquired a
thorough acquaintance with the Chinese, their language
and their vices, they had learned from the failure of
this Chinese Union to discard the dreams of a speedy
conquest of China through paid agents. They had re-
solved to settle down to quiet, gteady work in churck
and school, laying in earnest perseverance the solid
foundations of Christian family life, to build up thereon
a Christian Church life, and to trust U these native
churches to bring forth the teachers and agents who
shall conquer China for Christ in the time appointed.
Thus it was that the German missionaries foundcJd in
the interior of the Canton Province and in Hongkong a
series of native churches on the basis of a sound faith
and strict discipline. The Basel Mission in Hongkong,
in the Sunon and Ch'onglok district, the Barmen
Mission and Berlin Men's Union in the Sunon, Tung-
kun and Fayiin districts, the Berlin Foundling House of
Hongkong, all owe their first origin to Giitzlaff' s enthu-
siastic solicitations, and their success to the salutary
warning afforded by the sad failure of this Chinese
Union.
{To be continued.)
" WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT, BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING."
By the late Miss Blatehley.
• BLACK
AS THE TENTS OF KBDAR."
{Cant. i. 5.)
So vile ! so full of anguish — anguish most
For my great vileness and failed purposes.
The tears burst sometimes — scant, hot, burning tears.
Just few enough to pain and not relieve :
Or, oftener far, my heart sinks cold and flat
As any stony pathway trodden hard
By unclean feet ; and yet not wholly dead,
But not alive ; still seeing my ideal,
But weak, weak, weak to grasp it. Self-abhorr'd !
Oh life that should be ! life of holy trust —
High, broad, deep trust in God, and strong pursuit
Of worthy purposes, and self, self triumphed o'er.
Oh, life that might be ! might be, this I know,
For God is truth ; yet knowing this I fail.
O God, from whom the everlasting hills
Shut in no treasure but Thine eye beholds.
From Whom the depths of Hades nothing hide.
Thou knows't the pale desire that starts and sleeps, '
And sleeps and starts, or like a captive lies
Half-conscious in the darkest corner, starved,
Neglected, hush'd and naked — the desire
To serve Thee whoNy. Now it dormant lies ;
And now 'tis wakened, till it creeps
Like Spring, through every fibre of the heart,
Supplanting other thoughts, and hopes, and aims —
Lov'd thoughts, perhaps, as dear as life itself;
Long-cherished aims, it may be, hard to crush.
And hopes that cling and weep in that divorce —
All, all awhile are subject unto Thee.
Awhile! my soul craves something more than this.
Than these mere transient flashes of a light
That still to me, to me is wrapt in cloud.
Must I still long in vain, and live in vain ?
Oh ! will there never, never be for me
The Master's brightening smile, the sweet "Well done"?
No victor's crown, no labourer's hire for me ?
The accursed thing, the abominable thing —
Pride, intellectual pride, unblushing throned
In God's own holy place, has eaten out
All use, all sweetness, from my wasted youth.
I passed thro' common pleasures with a front
Too elevated, or they might have bless'd —
And would have bless'd, well used, being God's gift.
Life's simple duties, lying in my path,
Neglected, spread and tangle round my feet !
And still the gleaming star I sought to touch
I touch not, standing so among the weeds.
O God, I would have serv'd Thee — in my way,
But that Thou would'st not. I was blind, too blind ;
And now I reap the Summer of that Spring.
My fields are waste, or thick with noxious weeds :
This is my portion ; and a polar night
Too swift displaces fitful gleams of joy !
"SHOWING HIMSELF THROUGH THE
LATTICE." [Cant. ii. g.)
That is how it used to be with me. I saw Him
through a lattice : saw Him — a very different thing
from embracing the Beloved One. And sometimes
a bar of the lattice would come between my eye and
His ; and I lost, for a time, its loving expression.
But in another place we read of the bride, that His
arms are about her. He has come in ; there is no
longer a lattice between them. That is how it is
»07ci. His arms are round me. I ha-'e Him. And
oh, there is all the difference in the world between
these two things. Then I loved and yearned, and my
heart was not at rest. Now I love, and am satisfied,
and my heart does rest in His love ; — yes, even when
painful wounds are bleeding, even when sorrowing
most, because the sorrow seems to make Him
tighten His embrace.
134
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
" Brethren, pray for us, that the word, of the Lord, may have free course.
and be
glorified, even as it is with you."— ^ Thess. Hi- i.
[jPE
RS,
MISSIONARIES, NATIVE PASTORS, and other NATIVE HE]
in connecti(
MISSIONARI]
Dn with the China Inlai
id Mission.
s : total, 52.)
SS. (36 and 16 wives of Missionarie
* J. Hudson Taylor, Director,... arrived in China 1854.
* A. W. Douthwaite, arrived in
China
1874.
* James Meadows,
,.
1862.
Henry Soltau, ...
... .
..arrived in Burmah
1875.
* George Crombie,
1865.
Jos. S. Adams,
...
M
1875-
* George Stott, ...
..
1866.
George King, ...
...
. . arrived in
China
1875-
* J. W. Stevenson,
..
1866.
James Cameron,
...
.,
1875-
* Tames Williamson,
1866.
George Nicoll, ..
1875.
* W. D. Rudland,
1866.
G. W. Clarke, ...
. ..
1875.
* J. A. Jackson, ...
..
1866.
J. F. Broumton,
..
1875-
Miss Desgraz, ...
1866.
G. F. Easton, ..
1875-
* John McCarthy,
1867.
J. J. Turner, ..
...
.,
1876.
* J. E. Cardwell,
..
1868.
Charles Budd, ..
1876.
* C. H. Judd, ...
1868.
Miss Knight, ...
...
..
1876.
* Edward Fishe, ...
1868.
Miss Goodman,
. ..
1876.
* T. P. Harvey, L.R.C.
p., &cV,
Lond.
1869.
Miss Wilson, ..
...
>>
1876.
* C. T. Fishe, ...
...
1869.
Edward Pearse,
...
. .
1876.
Miss Turner, ...
.. . .
1872.
Francis James,..
George Parker,
. . .
,.
1876.
* F. W. Bailer, ....
..
1873-
...
sailed April e,,
1876.
M. Henry Taylor,
1873-
Horace Randle,
...
... ,,
1876.
The * indicates the Missionaries who are man-
ed.
NATIVE PASTORS. (7-)
W6ng Lse-djun.
.
Tsiang Siao-vong.
Tsiang Ah-liang.
Chii Ying-tsiu.
Liu Sin-sang.
Tsiang Soh-liang.
Vaen Sin-sang
EVANGELISTS. (33-)
'0 Ah-ho.
Zi Sin-sang.
Chang Sien-seng.
Tsiang Liang-yiiong.
Dong Sin-sang.
Ch'un Sien-seng.
Kao Ziao-gyi.
F6ng Neng-kwe.
Chu Sien-seng.
W6ng Teng-yiiing.
Wong Kyiio-yiao.
Hsii Sien-seng.
Loh Ah-ts'ih.
Wong Sin-ch'ing.
Wu Cheng-tsan.
Vong Sin-sang.
Tsiang Ping-hwe.
Tse Sin-sang.
Si Jiin-kao.
Loh Kying-sih.
Tsiu F6ng-kying.
Nyien Sin-sang.
Koh Yih-djiin.
Han Sien-seng.
Vaen Kwong-pao.
U Djiin-yiao.
Yiao Sien-seng.
Nying Tsi-ky'ing.
Tsiang Yuong-kao.
Lo Gan-fuh.
Tsiu Uong-yiang.
Ch'en Wen-loh.
Chang Sien-seng.
COLPORTEURS. (27.)
Yiao Si-vu.
W6ng Yi-hying.
King-shu.
Li Sin-sang.
Ling Tsiao-s6ng.
Dzing Lao-yiao.
Dzing Si-vu.
Kying Tsing-saen.
Tai Si-fu.
Sing Sin-sang.
Tsiu Din-ky'ing.
T'ong Sin-sang.
Moh Dziang-ling.
Seng Shii-nyiin.
Long-chong.
Lao Yiu-dzing.
Lo Si-fu.
T'eng Si-fu.
Shih Da-tseng.
P'un Si-fu.
Ts'uen-ling.
Liu Si-yiiing.
Ch'eng Si-fu.
P'en Sien-seng.
Ling Hyin-djii.
Wu Si-fu.
Yao Si-fu.
BIBLE "WOMEN. (6.)
Tsiu Si-meo (senr.^
Tsiu Si-meo (junr.)
Vaen Si-meo.
Yang Si-meo.
Shih Si-meo.
Li Si-meo.
NATIVE SCHOOLMASTERS.
(2.)
For the Statior
Veng-ing.
IS of the Mis
1
Ing Sin -sang.
;ment to the number of "China's
sion, see Table of Stations in Supple
Millions" for July,
1875. Price One Penny.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
135
rt%m, ^ra| for m.
m
(2 Tkess. Hi. I.)
APPEAL FOE PRAYER.
"Brethren, Pray for us." — Thus wrote, in
large Chinese characters, our departed brother, Mr.
Nying. " I cannot go myself to foreign lands to plead
with brethren and sisters in Jesus ; let this be my
letter to them. They cannot read it, yet let them see
it. Do you," said he to Mr. Stevenson, " read it to
them : explain it, and urge its appeal, for us — their
far-off brethren." Our brother now sleeps in Jesus,
but his large scroll still speaks to our eyes and hearts
on behalf of Chinese labourers in the gospel ; and surely
it will not be without response.
Not less earnestly does almost every letter received
from our missionaries in the field plead, " Pray for
us." The millions of China are no myth to them : they
see them, they feel their deep needs, and realize their
own utter inability to meet them. Most deeply are
they impressed with the fact, that the Spirit of God
alone can give light to the blind eyes, and soften the
hard hearts; alone can open the closed doors, and
rescue the perishing from the mighty hand of the des-
troyer. " Faint, yet pursuing," they cry, " Pray, O
pray for us."
On the opposite page we give a list of our mission-
aries and native workers — a mere list of names. It
cannot tell the deep exercises of soul through which
they pass, ofttimes known only to God, as was Moses
cry, of which the only notice is God's reply, " Where-
fore criest thou unto me ? Speak unto the children
of Israel that they go forward."
Ofttimes our brethren see the sea before them, and
the mountains on either side ; and they hear the not
distant roll of the chariots of the enemy. Of return
they never dream; to stand still is impossible; but how
can they go forward ? Will not our readers as they look
at this list of names, breathe forth a heartfelt prayer
that God will indeed supply all the needs of each
one " according to His riches in Glory, by Christ
Jesus."
J^rritt^fe nuh ^t^nxhxm.
BURMAH.
The Irrawaddy, in which Mr. and Mrs. Harvey sailed
for Rangoon, arrived at that port on the 4th of April.
We learn from a recent letter of Mr. H. Soltau's that
by the time they arrived the building of the house at
Bhamo, on the site presented by the King of Burmah,
would be completed ; so that they and Mr. Adams
would be able to proceed at once up the river towards
the Chinese frontier.
CHINA.
The Hooghly, in which Miss Wilson and JMessrs.
Pearse and James sailed, reached Hong-kong on March
II, and doubtless arrived at Shanghai a week later;
it is not customary to telegraph the French mails from
that port. Interesting letters posted by them at Singa-
pore have reached us.
In our last number we announced the intended
departure of Messrs. Parker and Monro. After going
136
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
to press, and within a few days of the time for sailing,
Mr. Monro was benighted in a snowdrift in Scotland,
and nearly lost his life, and has since been much
shattered. For the present Mr. H. Randle takes his
place, and our friends left us on the 5 th of April.
his wife are going on very well ; the old man preaches
the Gospel very clearly.
!i$$i0ttitJ|^ I'tti^Hig^ttti^.
EVANGELISTIC WORK IK" GAN-HWUY
PROVINCE.
From Mr. J. W. Bailer.
[We have been much encouraged by this account.
A few years ago when journeying in this province
there were none to be met with who knew anything of
the Gospel.— Ed. C. M.]
Chinkiang, Jan. 6th. — When I left Gan-k'ing on this
journey, Brothers King and Cameron were in very good
spirits, the latter making good progress in study. The
more I see of him the more I like his sterling Christian
character and stability of purpose. Mr. King is doing
very well, and will make one of the best scholars in the
mission. I cannot tell you how grateful my dear wife
and I feel for the goodness of our God in sending us two
such earnest, loving brethren.
Here in Chinkiang I find Messrs. Easton and
Broumton making good progress in the language : they
will be able to preach Christ within six months of their
arrival.
t'ai-ping fu.
Since I last wrote I have visitedthe out-stations twice,
and have been much cheered by what I have seen. At
T'ai-;ptng there had been some disturbing rumours, but
I hope all is again quiet now. They arose from the fact
that a number of houses had been set on fire in different
parts of the city. Reports were industriously circulated
that the Roman Catholics had assumed the name of
Jesus-men (Protestants), and had sought to induce the
people of the city to adopt their religion. Failing in
the attempt, they now sought to be revenged by setting
the houses on fire ! The Roman Catholics are held in
such utter detestation (largely from the confessional, &c.)
that it is important in preaching the Gospel to teach
the natives the difference between us and them.
The colporteur, Ts'iien-ling, seems to be getting on
very well, and advancing in spiritual things.
Ch'i-chau.
At Ch'i-chau the work is going on much as usual,
but there are as yet no converts. Two of the inquirers
I mentioned in a former letter are still attending ; the
rest have either left the place or grown cold.
GAN-K'ING.
The examinations are almost over in Gan-k'ing, and
have passed off without any riot. The chapel has been
filled every afternoon. During the first examination the
authorities requested us to avoid open-air preaching till
the city was a little more empty. To this I consented,
but we had the chapel open daily. Chu Sien-seng and
I paid the second visit to Ta-tung and Wu-hu with
one of the missionaries belonging to the American
Methodist Mission at Kiu-kiang who was going to
Wu-hu on an evangelistic tour. We arrived at
TA-TUNG
on a Friday morning, and preached and sold books
during the remainder of the day. I visited the chapel
in the evening, and found both King-shu and his col-
league well. They reported no enquirers, but a good
average congregation daily.
The next day (Saturday), after preaching in the streets
on both sides of the river, we dropped down about fifteen
li to a place called
t'ong-ling-k'ia,
on the mouth of a small river that led to T'ong-ling
Hien. We sold a few books, and preached awhile till
dark.
On Sunday I had good congregations both morning
and evening. Owing to adverse wind a number of boats
put into the creek. Several in the crowd
HAD HEARD THE GOSPEL BEFORE,
while one man gave evidence that he was not far from
the kingdom. He knew the Gospel well, but was not
very clear as to worship. May he be led " to know the
Father, and worship Him in spirit and in truth."
On descending the bank to go on board, a man in a
small boat by the side of ours asked me to sit down and
talk. He surprised me by the remark that he hoped
the Lord would give us a fair wind to-morrow, as he
wanted to go to Wu-hu. On questioning him I found
his knowledge of the Gospel very good. He had heard
it several times in Hankow, and was just
HALTING BETWEEN TWO OPINIONS.
He fully believed it was true, but was in difficulty
about observing the Lord's Day. "You see," he said,
" supposing I have one or two passengers (who of
course do not believe the Gospel), I cannot avoid tra-
velling on the Lord's Day ; besides which, if I stop at
.any small place there is no worship hall." I sought to
show sympathy with him in his difficulty, and referred
him to 2 Cor. viii. 12, pointing out to him that a chapel
is not essential to the worship of God, but that
"Where'er \Ye seek Him, He is found.
And every place is hallowed ground."
We talked on till late. Before we separated, he pro-
mised to think of what I had said, and I with a full
heart commended him to our gracious Lord, who
gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them in His
bosom.
My heart was greatly encouraged to find how the
knowledge of the truth was spreading, and how God is
able to nourish the seed sown in weakness.
On Monday morning we visited T'ong-ling Hien,
and had a good time of preaching there. The city has
suffered greatly from the rebellion, there being only one
street of any importance in the whole place.
ANOTHER HOPEFUL CASE.
In returning, we dropped down to a place called T'u-
k'iao, and had good congregations right on till after
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
137
dark. I was much pleased and cheered by the attention
of one man named Wu, who asked several intelligent
questions. As it was almost dark, and too late fully to
explain all I wished, next morning I invited him to the
boat, where we had a most interesting- conversation.
He had heard the Gospel from Wu Cheng-tsan, our
evangelist formerly at Ta-tung, almost two years ago,
and had been thinking aboui it ever since ! He knew
a good deal of truth, but there was a good deal of works
mixed up with it. Like the Jews of old, he wanted to
know what should he do to work the works of God.
I sought to explain to him that it was not by doing,
but believing, that we obtained salvation — that this
was " the work of God, to believe on Him whom He
hath sent."
I gave him some small books on various subjects.
He had a very good knowledge of the character, and
seemed to understand very well, and I cannot tell you
how full my heart was when I parted from him. May
our loving Father graciously preserve and bless him.
"In due season we shall reap, if we faint not." It
was one of the happiest hours I ever spent when I
sought to lead him to Jesus. I promised to come again
in about a month's time and give him further instruction.
He keeps a small shop, and has two brothers, who are
scholars. Please pray for him.
We spent the morning of the following day at a small
place governed by T'ai-ping Fu. Had very good con-
gregations, and sold a fair number of books. May our
gracious Father bless the seed sown.
WU-HU.
Ne.xt day we arrived at Wu-hu. I went straight to
the chapel, and found Tae Sin-sang and his wife quite
well : his report was most encouraging. I will give you
it briefly.
Mr. McCarthy baptised last year at Wu-hu a relative
of Han Sien-sing named Long, who had been a vege-
tarian for some years, and who, at the time of hearing
the truth, was about to become a priest. He had
become a vegetarian through the instrumentality of a
man named Ho — a leading man of the sect called the
Sien-t'ien sect, which is composed of men who are a
little dissatisfied with the idolatry of Buddhism, and the
Rationalism of the Confucianists. They labour very
earnestly to e.xtend their doctrine, supporting them-
selves in a new place, and promulgating their views at
the same time. After Long had received baptism he
returned home, taking some Christian books with him,
and evidently
NOT HIDING HIS LIGHT
under a bushel. Ho, on hearing he had broken his vow
and was no longer a vegetarian, very strongly opposed
him at first, but afterwards began to inquire for himself.
He read the New Testament and Evidences of Chris-
tianity, and being desirous of hearing more, paid his
fare from Lii-chau Fu to Wu-hu, about two days'
journey. He had left Wu-hu the day before I arrived,
after spending three consecutive days with Ta; seeking
a fuller acquaintance with the truth. Before he left he
professed to have faith in Jesus, and expressed his
determination to seek the conversion of those he had
formerly led astray. He proposes to devote all his
time to the preaching of the Gospel, if he can manage
to support himself. I need not say how much ll.^s
encouraged me. Surely such things a-, Liiese arc the
beginning of greater. " Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee
the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the] uttermost
parts of the earth for Thy possession."
timatts
ttt
xm.
EXTRACTS FROM MRS. WILLIAMSON'S
JOURNAL OF A VISIT NORTH OF
CHEFOO.
[There is a too prevalent impression that there is little room for woman's
work in the interior of China. That there are dijficulties we admit, but are
these to exclude nearly 200 millions of Chinese women and girls from the
benefits of the Gospel? We reprint from the United Presbyterian Missionary
Record this valuable article bearing practically on the question. — Ed. C. M.]
WEI-HIEN.
We entered the city at dusk, and met Mr.- Mac Intyre just inside
the north gate. We speedily found an inn, with a most spacious
courtyard and plenty of out-houses, where we could see men and
women apart. It was announced that on the morrow we would
be prepared to see those who chose to come. Very early in the
following morning the inn yard was well filled. I went out to
the room where 1 had arranged to see the women. In a short
time crowds of women came ; some sick themselves, some with
sick children, some to see the foreign lady. The fact that I had
visited Wei Hien last year allayed the intense curiosity. I found
they had talked me over, as I heard them tell each other minute
particulars regarding the dress I wore, etc. Not being quite a
novelty, I was able to speak to them mthout much interruption.
Dr. Henderson's dispenser, Lee S. S., had the men and hoys ; I
the women and girls. Dr. Henderson had kindly put up for me
in doses such medicines as I understood. These I made use of,
and called in Lee S. S. when my stock was too limited. At in-
tervals, all during the day, I spoke to different crowds of women
of our heavenly Father and His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. I never spoke to more interested audiences of women,
who, for the first time, heard the Word of Life. Often the
women got so interested that they sent out some crying child,
who disturbed them in hearing far more than it .did me in speak-
ing.
The leaven is evidently working over the city. The
foreigner is respected, and the doctrine is supposed to be worth
hearing.
While this was going on inside the rooms, Mr. Mac Intyre
and Dr. Williamson preached to large crowds outside. With the
exception of a short time for a mid-day meal, we four were kept
busy all day till sunset. I feel sure over two thousand persons
heard the word that day. During the two days, I often heard of
the wonderful medicine that had been dispensed by Dr. Hen-
derson last year. Numbers came whom only such skill as Dr.
Henderson's could relieve, and we had regretfully to tell them
that he had not come this year to Wei Hien . Two clear days
were passed m this way ; and as we then could not stay any
longer, we intimated that we would spend two or three days on
our return.
Next mornng we said good-bye to Mr. Mac Intyre, and set out
for Tsing-chow-foo, only some thirty-five miles distant fromWei
Hien, yet it is a very long day's journey in a mule litter. Jog,
jog we go along shady lanes, and through picturesque villages,
where beautiful naked little cherubs rush out to see the foreigners.
Men, women, and children are quite prepared for the
much-spoken-of bearded barbarian ; but, by the expression on
their faces, I see they are not prepared for this new importation,
with smooth face, brown hair, and earrings ! Generally a bright
young woman shouts out, ' Oh, a lady ! ' and at once the rush
of little-footed China to see one of its western great sisters is
amusing. The women elbow the men back, and the girls slap
the boys righc and left out of their way, so that they may get
complete possession of their portion of foreign humanity. AVe
exchange a few words with them, and then it is passed from
mouth to mouth all round the great crowd, ' Her speech is the
s^-'Tie as ours.' Thus confidence is established, and they are
ready cither t j hear the doctrine or apply for medicine. Some-
times the men are averse to women taking our drugs, because,
they say, in that way we get their hearts to go after us. In one
district where a great many have lately become Christians, they
said it was entirely done through our giving medicine. Last
138
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
night Dr. Williamson told them it so happened that not one
packet of medicine had been dispensed in that quarter of the
country.
TSING-CHOW-FOO.
Tsing-chow, the next large city where we stayed, is very
ancient, and all the surrounding district is famous in history.
Before the time of Abraham it is recorded that this city sent
pheasants' feathers as tribute to the emperors. The city is beau-
tifully situated, with lofty hills to the west.
The city is surrounded by a fine wall, and the gates are lofty
and strong. We had some difficulty in finding an inn. The first
one we got into was one in which Dr. Williamson had resided
several years ago ; but, alas ! it had so gone to decay that it was
impossible to remain. The roof was broken, and mould and
damp and dust were everywhere. Besides, there was no food
for the mules, so we decided not to stay there. Dr. W . went in
search of another shelter, and found one. It was just being va-
cated by a mandarin, and I was ushered in most unceremoniously,
to avoid the crowds that thronged us. With the most dignified
courtesy the mandarin showed me to a chair in an inner room ;
inquired if I was fatigued : How far I had come ? How long
was I going to stay ? and, Where was I going ? All this was
done with a grace and dignity [that would have served as a
model for our gentlemen travellers in "bonnie" Scotland.
After this he huiried his servant to collect his things, as the hon-
ourable lady was waiting. Well, we settled down to the comforts
of the inn, — those comforts being a brick flooi, coated inches
thick with mud, two chairs, a table, and a rough bench for a
bed ; dirt everywhere, and the odour of opium very strong. Our
sleep was disturbed by the visits of cats, and there were no
means of stopping up the holes where they entered. During our
meals, the inn yard was constantly full of a gaping crowd, and a
sea of faces, packed as closely as they could be, peered through
every door, window, and crevice. We walked all over the city,
and found the people perfectly civil. Instead of the ugly name
they give, I heard one man call to his boy, ' Look, come and see
a great sister ! '
Dr. W. went and stood at the inn gate and preached to the
crowd, and at intervals sold books. All who were sick he ad-
mitted,and the dispenser,Lee S.S. and myself, in separate rooms,
saw and prescribed for the sick. The women were kind and
agreeable, and listened with attention when I spoke to them of
the heavenly doctrine. They always laughed heartily when I
found out an opium smoker. They told me that nearly half the
women of the city smoked opium, and not one of these smokers
but wished to give it up. We saw a great many patients ; large
numbers came with cataract in one eye, and very large numbers
had goitre, which they call ' ying-su,' or eagles' wattles.
The women begged me to stay some days longer, and many
invited me to their honias. These were all respectable people.
Dr. W. had to exert his authority to keep back the rough, idle
women.
For the sake of change and rest we took one or two walks
through the streets ; and as I stood in the midst of that ancient
city, and knew that I was the first woman of a strange race who
had ever trod its streets, or walked amid all these altars which
had so long smoked with incense to false gods, — that no woman
had ever been here who could point her sisters to that Living
Sacrifice offered once for all, — I felt I occupied a most solemn
position.
The memorable saying of Napoleon to his army in Egypt
occurred to me : ' Forty centuries look doiun on you ;' but I felt
another Eye and a nobler cloud of witnesses were upon me, and
an infinitely more sacred exhortation and more profound motive
presented itself to my mind. And under the sense of my own
nothingness, I felt my whole being roused in prayer that God
would send out more women to teach these millions of immortal
beings ; and under that same sense of need, I would implore
you, O ye Christian women of Scotland ! to think of the claims
of your sisters in heathen lands. Women are one-half of the
human race ; there ought therefore to be as many women as men
in the field, especially in such countries as China, where only
women can properly and powerfully teach women. Surely God
has some chosen vessels among you who will bear His name
thither; women with steady zeal and firm nerve, who have
already passed through the fire, and are prepared to face trials
and death itself, if need be, for the sake of Him to whom we are
indebted for everything precious we possess or hope for ; womwi
who have resolved to spend their lives in the most noble of all
services under heaven, so that in that great day the Saviour's
crown may be adorned with jewels from among the women of
this, the most ancient people on earth.
The missionaries you send out work at a great disadvantage.
Few of them can speak as St. Paul did of the "women who
labour with them in the Gospel." In your own churches, where
would be the life if you blot out the work that woman does ?
Here there would be work unlimited for medical women, and
for those who have the gift of speaking either to the young or
mature.
TSI-NAN-FOO.
We next proceeded to Tsi-nan-foo, the capital of the province,
which is 330 miles distant from Chefoo. It is a fine city, but as
it has been often described, I will refer only to our work. The
missionaries of the American Presbyterian Board kindly offered
us the use of their premises and their native helpers ; and this
proved most providential. The situation was good, the premises
well adapted for work, and the native preachers most suitable
men. We stayed nine days. The first day a good many women
came ; but they were chiefly scouts, to see what I was like, and
what I intended to do. Next day a better class of women came,
and every day there was an improvement, both as regards num-
bers and respectability. And our last day there was the best of
all. We began work about 1 1 a.m., and were incessantly en-
gaged till the evening. The women were received into a room
by themselves, and the men were attended to in an outer apart-
ment. I examined and prescribed for 342 women and girls
during our stay, thus making an average of nearly 40 per day.
But this gives no idea of the numbers who visited me. Every
sick woman or child had one or two and often several friends
with them. Whenever the room was full the door was closed,
and they were addressed first by myself, and then by the elderly
native preacher, on the great truths of our faith. They were
then dismissed, and a new assembly met who were treated in the
same way. A very large number of women, therefore, heard
the great message of salvation for the first time. We all wished
to stay longer, but a more lengthened sojourn was quite inexpe-
dient at this time.
Not only at the cities, but on the road, at the inns and in the
villages, wherever we .stopped, we administered medicine ; and
Dr. Williamson and the native preacher spoke to the crowds
which always assembled. But I need not prolong my narrative.
Suffice it to say, that everywhere I found the women most plea-
sant and accessible, and feel sure that, if there were ladies here
qualified for such work, great fruit would be gathered. At Wei
Hien I prescribed for 254 women and children ; I therefore beg
again to commend this matter to my fellow countrywomen at
home. I know the difficulties, I know the bitter pangs of part-
ing with dear ones in my native land, I know and have passed
through sore privations in the Master's work, but the peace and
joy outweigh all. The promise is time, Mark x. 29, 30. We
get the hundredfold in this life with persecutions, and in the
world to come life everlasting.
Tmt Jfl ^^\ ilmiutt ^Jitlmtt$.
v.— FUNG-HWA TO SI-TIEN.
The col;porteur, Neng-kwe (formerly a basket
?nakerj.
Here comes our old friend, Neng-kwe, who is de-
lighted to see us, and hopes that the sedan chairs in the
yard below do not imply that we are leaving at once, for
the country. But indeed they do, and whilst the coolies
are preparing them for our journey we must seize the
time for a little chat with him. Poor Neng-kwe is not
strong. We were almost afraid a year or two ago that
we were going to lose him, but God graciously restored
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
139
him in measure, and though unable to take long
journeys, as in his younger days, he has continued to
work near home.
He speaksregretfully of the lossof his step-son, whose
death indeed was a loss not to him only, but to the
whole mission. Converted to God when about twelve
value, but on account of its long connection with the
family, again and again he refused it. The Lord, how-
ever, took him home last year, and has given him a
better inheritance, even a heavenly one.
Neng-kwe's two sons, we find, are well, and growing.
He much regrets that we shall not see them this
THE STREET STALL.
From The Cra/hic.
years of age, he cheerfully resigned all claim to the
ancestral property, because it could have been enjoyed
only by participation in the idolatrous rites of ancestral
worship. Again, at seventeen, and at twenty, the elders
of his clan communicated with him, offering to restore
to him his patrimony, provided he would comply with
this custom. But, much as he would have prized it, as
every Chinaman does, not merely for its pecuniary
time. But the chair-men will not wait any longer,
so we must go and see whether our things are arranged
conveniently.
MOUNTAIN CHAIRS.
What peculiar looking chairs, you may well remark.
How is it possible to describe them ? Suppose we sug-
gest to our friends to look at the sedan chair which w«.
I40
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
gave as a frontispiece to our January number, and
to imagine the seat extended to the front, and the lower
part closed in by wicker-work, making a box, into
which are put our various travelling requisites. The
covering of our chair (unlike the square-topped one
delineated in that illustration) is drawn over arched
hoops of bamboo, and closed at the back and two sides,
leaving us only the prospect in front. " What are they
doing with our bedding ? Why are they opening it ? "
Oh, they are taking- the matting and the heavier cover-
ing to put over the calico awning of our chair, so as to
make us rain-proof; and the wadded coverlet which
forms our bed and bedding will be arranged as a
cushion along the back and bottom of the chair, for us
to recline upon, sofa-like. No other conveyance is used
along these roads ; — the hills are so high and the roads
so irregular, that even wheelbarrows are out of the ques-
tion. There are no horses or asses for hire, so that we
must walk the whole distance, or avail ourselves of these
chairs. One pair of chair-bearers will convey us and
our etceteras twenty or thirty miles a day ; and we
shall have plenty of opportunities of preaching the
gospel by the wayside and of posting up bills, for which
purpose the jar of paste, which excited your surprise, is
put into the wicker box under our seat. Once more
good-bye, and we are on our way.
WALK AMONG THE BAMBOOS.
Suppose v^'e take a short walk whilst our chair-bearers
are resting themselves under -the Liang-ding, or rest
pavilion.* I think you will much enjoy the next few
miles. Can anything be more beautiful than these
charming groves of bamboos, with their foliage like
graceful ostrich feathers, the' delicate light green
leaves beautifully set off by the darker evergreens
which one usually finds in close proximity to them ?
What would the Chinese do without their bamboos ?
There is no part of the plant which is not turned to
economic purposes. The young shoots which sprout
up from the roots in the early spring" make a delicious
vegetable for the table. The slender stems make
walking sticks, curtain rods, umbrella handles, tobacco
pipes, water dippers, fishing rods — they are turned to
every imaginable purpose. The branches are almost
like tinder for lighting fires. The leaves are invaluable
for thatching boats and buildings, being water-proof.
Bamboo splits with ease into thin strips, with which
basket work is wrought, and of which our sedan chairs,
among other things, are made. The larger stems are
used for posts and beams in building country houses.
The cradle of the baby is made of bamboo ; the beds of
the poorer people are formed of the same material ; and
when the Chinaman is carried to his last home, it is the
poles of the never-failing bamboo that form the means
of conveyance. Single knots of bamboo make the fluid
measures of the shop-keeper, and the ordinary vessels
in which oils and other liquids are stored and conveyed.
In short, its applications are literally endless. It is to
the Chinaman almost what iron and glass and india-
rubber are to the English people.
* Our friends at home will get a good idea of these structures
from the pleasure pavilion given in our illustration of a garden
Iq Canton on page 103 of the February number. There are just
the same four posts and roof, with a bench or two at one or
more of the sides for the passers-by to sit upon whilst screened
from the sun. We shall meet them every five li of our journe)',
(three li are an English mile), and our chair-bearers rest lor a few
minutes to smoke their short pipes, and occasionally to refresh
themselves with tea or cakes, or such other provisions as some
stall-keeper may supply for the mutual benefit of passing travel-
lers and of vendor and family.
THE STREET STALL
(See Illustratio7i on ;previous ^age).
But see, we are approaching the next stage. Here
the coolies will take a lunch of rice gruel. Whilst they
are doing so, and our friend Mr. Vaen is conversing with
them and the other attendants of the street stall before
us, and is preaching the gospel to them, we will take
out the paste jar and post up a number of gospel pla-
cards and tracts. You are surprised that so soon after
leaving the city you come to a town so large and popu-
lous as this is, with perhaps from seven to ten thousand
inhabitants. Your surprise will not decrease as you
come upon towns and villages all along the roadside —
at least every third or fourth mile — and see vast numbers
at a very short distance on the right and left of us as we
pass along. This is the state of the country for
hundreds of miles. We were just conversing about the
bamboo. Do you notice that the chop-stocks with
which the coolies are taking their lunch are made of
split bamboos, and that the curious umbrella-like stall
cover is made of a bamboo pole and some cross bamboo
rods covered by a calico awning ? The coolies' hats,
too, are made of the same material. The waterproof
bamboo leaves interwoven between the inner and outer
layers make these hats at once effective umbrellas and
sun-shades.
THE NATIVE PASTOR.
We soon leave the town far behind, and enjoy our
conversation with Mr. Vaen, who is greatly cheered by
the attention he has had from the people near the way-
side stall. Though short in stature and far from
vigorous in health, he has preached the Gospel in a great
number of these villages, and tells us that it is very
different work now from what it was a few years ago.
Then the people had no idea of what Christianity was.
Now many of them are acquainted with the general
facts of the Gospel, and listen with an intelligence that
makes preaching both pleasant and hopeful. Oh, for an
outpouring of the Spirit of God on these villages ! What
a harvest might soon be gathered !
Now suppose we rest in our chairs awhile, and seek
God's blessing on the remainder of our journey. We
pass six or eight small villages between here and Si-
tien, our next station south of Fung-hwa. After leaving
Fong-meng, thirty li from Fung-hwa (where the road to
'0-z turns eastward, while ours continues in a southerly
direction), the scenery increases in beauty. But where
all is so beautiful it is difficult to describe it minutely,
and we must leave our readers' imagination and Mrs.
Crombie's description on page 108 of our March number
to supply the deficiency.
THE FIRST LING OR PASS.
You notice how narrow the valleys are becoming, and
that just before us is a steep hill with a road up its side.
We must dismount here and walk. The pass through
this hill is called Ts'ah-k'as-ling, because traders have
to open (ts'ah-k'(sj their burdens at this pass flmgj
for the inspection of the custom-house officers. How
charming the view from the summit ! We look back on
the rich valleys of the county Fung-hwa, through which
we have just passed, and we look forward to the even
finer scenery of the Ning-hai county. This hill is the
boundary between the two prefectures of Ning-po and
T'ai-chau, each of which contains six counties. The
town that you see a couple of miles farther on is Si-tien,
where we shall spend the night.
About an hour before sunset we reach Si-tien, and are
warmly received by the native helper Tsiang Ping-hwe
and his wife. His only daughter seems quite as pleased
as her parents to receive the foreign visitors. A cup of
CHINAS MILLIONS.
141
tea at once prepared is but a prelude to the evening
meal, which our hospitable friends insist on serving'
before they will indulge themselves or us in a long chat.
But supper is over, and the chapel is full of people. We
must have a little meeting with them before we attempt
mote private conversations. Could any audience at
home listen more attentively as we read and expound
the Word of God ? There certainly is room for an im-
provement in the singing ; but as each one evidently
composes a tune for himself, no one can complain of his
neighbour. You will not find this the case where we
have churches of older members, but we are now in one
of our most recent stations, where the people have not
yet learned to sing foreign tunes. Is it not nice to find
that the druggist next door, and some of the members of
his family, are amongst the first-fruits of work in this
station ? That looks as if the life of our dear brother
did not gainsay his message. At two other villages
within five miles of this we have a larger number of
native Christians ; but, on account of the impor-
tance of Si-tien, we have recently made it our head-
quarters.
[JTo he continued.')
!|ui| J]^^ f XrWttJ.
HOW A POOR BOY BECAME A
MISSIOHABY.
A true story, from the Diary of Mr. IIe?try Soltau.
Almost as soon as we were moored at Prome, in
British Burmah, a very strange-looking old gentleman
came on board and greeted us warmly. He wore a very
large, ugly, but useful hat on his head. His hair was
grey, almost white. A shabby frock coat, white
trousers with large black stains on them, and a rather
worn-out pair of shoes completed his costume.
This strange little man is Brother Symons, one of the
American Baptist missionaries. He is about 75 years
of age, and possesses all his senses m good order. The
only loss which he appears to have sustained is that of all
his teeth, save one, to which he pointed to as a valid
reason why he could not come to dine with us in the
evening. His hearing, sight, and powers of walking
are remarkably good.
He has been a missionary in Burmah forty-three
years, and has been the longest in the country except
the Bennetts. He has been married twice, and has a
son in America who is filling a very high post as barris-
ter, a kind of Attorney-General, at Washington. He
has a daughter also in America, and his wife recently
•went there, as the heat of this climate does not suit her.
Mr. Symons' little bungalow (a one-storied house) is
situated close by the river, opposite the place where our
steamer anchored. For more than twenty years has he
lived in this little house — the most uncomfortable of all
the mission houses I have yet seen. ■ He has never left
Prome during that period, except to pay short missionary
visits into the jungle. His sons have written begging
him to come to America to end his days with them.
This he decidedly refuses to do. We went to his little
place, and he entertained Mr. Stevenson and myself
with an account of his early days.
He is a Welshman, but was born in Woolwich, and
lived there with his parents for some years. Whilst a
lad that word came forcibly to his mind— " Seek ye
first the Kingdom of God," &c. To use his own
words : " The next thing, of course, was, You must
come off that chair, kneel down, and say, ' O
Lord, be Thou the Guide of my youth.' " From
that time a change came over him. He used
every night to attend a little prayer meeting held in a
Congregational chapel, which was much blessed to his
soul. Shortly afterwards he commenced teaching in
the Sunday School. Some friends in Shropshire invited
him to come and live with them. He went, and settled
in Shrewsbury, where he learnt the trade of a baker, I
think. There also he engaged in Sunday School work.
The daughter of the minister of the chapel in which he
then taught, who was much associated with him in Sun-
day School work, is now the wife of a missionary in
India, while Symons eventually came to Burmah.
After a while some friends induced him to go to
America with them. Here he rapidly got on, and
was successful both in his secular and Sunday School
work.
Two missionaries were one day sitting together.
They were bound as labourers among the heathen.
The one says to the other, "I want to get a good
earnest Sunday School teacher to accompany me. Do
you know of anyone ? " " Symons, the baker is the man
for you," says the other. Symons is asked about it.
He considers it a call from God, and for two years
labours with the missionary among the Indians. No
fruit was seen then of that work ; now there are several
hundreds of converts among the Indians.
Some of the ministers thought that Symons ought to
be educated for a preacher and missionary. He had no
money, but knew the Lord would provide it, and would
feed him also, if he were called to engage in that work.
One minister said he would give him his board for six
months ; another said he would give him his tuition
fees; and so on. Symons therefore went to College, and
all his need was supplied while there. Eventually he
was sent to Burmah as a missionary.
Whilst taking a missionary tour in the Bassein dis-
trict, many years ago, he happened to put some tracts
into an empty boat lying in the river. Many years after
another missionary was travelling over that ground, and
found there were some people who worshipped the Eter-
nal God. On seeking them out and conversing with
them, they said they had learnt about God from tracts
that had been left in a boat by some teacher
many years before. Thus the seed sown had yielded
fruit.
Brother Symons is very fond of little children. About
a dozen of them came out of school as we passed by the
entrance to the school-house, which adjoins his house.
He invited them into his garden, and gave the little
things each a flower to wear in her hair. Evidently
they are very fond of the old man, and he of them.
Brother Symons is quite an institution in Prome. Every
one knows and respects him, notwithstanding his eccen-
tric ways and manner of living. He visits the schools
every day, and takes a kind of general oversight of the
Christians in Prome. There is a chapel there, and a
good native pastor, whom we wanted to take with us,
but Brother Symons would not spare him. We went to
make a call, and on our return found a Christion Bur-
mese woman and two little children awaiting us. This
woman is a very superior, intelligent Christian, and does
a great deal of good as Bible woman. Her husband
once professed faith in Christ, but he is now a great
drunkard, and treats her shamefully. The two little
girls she brought with her are dear little things. One
of her daughters is married. Another is at Miss Has-
well's school at Maulmein, and will leave next October,
I believe. This woman very kindly brought us each a
tin of biscuits, which the little girls handed to us. She
142
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
said she thought we were going where there would be
little food, and we should need something to eat. The
love and thoughtfulness which prompted her to do this
must have been highly pleasing to Him who
searcheth the hearts ; and of all the gifts we have re-
ceived in His name, surely this has not been the least
precious.
Seeing large black clouds rapidly gathering, we
hastily returned to our steamer, wishing good-bye to
Brother Symons.
From Mr. George Kmg, of Gan-k'ing.
" Sunday, December 12th, I took part of John x. for my
subject. I hope the hearers took in what I said. One woman
especially seemed to be listening attentively. She is a bright
old lady, and possessed of more mind than many of her
countrywomen. I find it no small help to take evening prayers
daily, as I get a somewhat different line of thought by doing so
than by constantly speaking to unbelievers. I do find danger,
when I preach so frequently, of saying over the great truths
of Christianity as just so much mere doctrine. It is a danger
which constantly threatens me.
" On Sunday, the igth inst., at service in the morning I took
for our subject Abraham's offering up Isaac, and felt much
helped. I had a most encouraging time in the chapel in the
afternoon ; many came and listened most attentively. There was
one who came with a companion, who seemed really very in-
terested, and I was glad to see him on Monday, and also on
Tuesday, when I gave him a copy of John's Gospel. Another man
st.-uck me on Monday afternoon as being very anxious to listen.
But I felt most encouraged on Wednesday. The tnith seemed
to break in upon the minds of some of those who listened— how
that Christ stood in the place of poor fellow sinners, and bore the
punishment they deserved to receive. I may be rather sanguine,
but I could not help thinking that the face of one seemed to
beam with joy, and although much pressed by his companion, he
could scarcely be prevailed upon by the other to go, at least for a
long time. May God grant that the truth shall prove indeed the
power of God unto his salvation. Our _dear Chinese brother,
Mr. Chu, preaches nearly daily in the chapel, and, I am glad to
say, keeps close, as far as I can judge, to the story of Christ's
love.
" December 2lst, 1S75. — For some time past the city has been
more than ordinarily full, owing to the large influx of students
who have come up to the literary examinations. We have
therefore refrained from preaching in the streets till they were
over. Mr. Cameron and myself went out one day to a little
place about seventeen li (some six miles) off, to find only a few
tea shops, and scarcely any other houses there. However, Ave
made the best of it, distributed tracts, and sold what books we
could. It did seem a change from the busy streets of Gan-
k'ing, where, almost as soon as I take my stand, I get a pretty
fair audience. I suppose there is as much grace needed to take
advantage of what we might call small opportunities as to
rightly use larger ones for God.
" Near Gan-k'ing, on our way back, I had a much larger
congregation than before, and got rid of my tracts and books.
" Thursday, December 2yd. — Mr. Bailer returned from a
journey which he took with one of the American missionaries
from Kiu-kiang. They went down the river as far as Wu-hu,
and stopped at every place of importance on the way to sell
books and preach. Mr. Bailer having seen some manifest
tokens of the Lord's working in the course of his journey,
seemed much strengthened and blessed in sold.
"Sunday, December idth. — At morning worship I took for
my subject 'The Raising of Lazarus.' I do so feel the need
of more language when I take service. I feel, too, more and
more the necessity for waiting on the Lord. Not just a prayer
now and then, but a constant attitude of humble and patient
waiting upon God. China is indeed a place of testing. A soul
that does not find its all in God must soon sink to its own
level out here, for there are no inspiring meetings to buoy
it up."
A LETTER FROM SIAO-VONG,
The Native Pastor at Shao-hing.
I HAVE now less leisure than when Mr. Stevenson was here, and
am pretty fully occupied in visitations among the little churches ;
but I am kept well, thank God, and am glad to be employed in
the service of the Lord Jesus. So do not be luieasy when you
do not hear from me. I know you think of me, and I thank
God for it.
Since you and Mr. Stevenson left the truth has progressed,
and in each station there has been addition to our numbers.
Here, in Miss Turner's school, four of the girls have been added
to the church, together with Mrs. Meadows' woman-servant. At
Shing-hien many persons are awaiting baptism — all thanks be
to God. Now the number of our church members in this dis-
trict exceeds seventy. May God the Holy Spirit lead in many
more, which will be still better. Especially pray for us that
God will increase the number of labourers in the Word, and in-
crease the spiritual power of the churches.
We have now opened a new station in connection with the
work, and the friends at Shing-hien want us to send a preacher
to another place, the rent of which is provided by themselves.
These disciples are very good. Alas ! our brother, Mr. Nying,
is removed, and the preachers left are not many.
May I ask you to write for me to Mr. Martin, to ask his wel-
fare. He wrote to me, and I do not forget his words. I will
try to write him myself by and bye. Please also to remember
me to Mrs. Stevenson, and tell her that I, my three children,
and my wife are well, as also my mother.
BAPTISMS IN CHIN-KIANG-.
Mr. Wiliajison, writing from Chin-kiang, January 4th, 1S76,
says: — "Two weeks ago we baptized two persons here —
one the wife of Mr. Koh, the country farmer; the other the
girl Mien-tsi, who is in the school and is supported by Mrs.
Judd."
Mr. Judd writes : — " On my way back from Shanghai I spent
a few days profitably in Chin-kiang. I found that the little girl
Mien-tsi, who we had some time ago given to us for eight years,
has now become a believer in the Lord Jesus, Mrs, Duncan
speaking quite warmly of her consistent conduct as a Christian
girl. The father of this child is a most wretched and dissipated
character."
FROM MR. NICOLL.
Jan. 8th, 1876. — I have been very happy since I came to
China. Jesus has been more precious to my soul than ever He
was before. I have also had a few struggles with the devil ; he
has tried me two or three times about trusting God. When I
received your last remittance (which came in a good time) I was
cheered by receiving the los. from Miss P •. It told me
that God could raise up friends who would think of both me
and my dear child. I thank God with my whole heart that
I have been enabled to trust my Father for all I need.
BAPTISMS lU WU-CHANG.
Some time ago Mr. Judd baptized two persons, one of them a
tailor named Hu. More recently he has baptized a teacher, whose
education and zeal lead Mr. and Mrs. Judd to entertain much hope
of his subsequent usefulness. Mr. Judd has visited the native
district of Hu, with him, when he very boldly confessed Christ
and urged his own people to accept Him likewise. There is
reason to believe that the journey was not without blessing. Pray
for the young converts.
SAFE RETURU' OP MR. HENRY TAYLOR.
Just before going to press we learn and are glad to announce the
safe return to Wu-chang of Mr. M. Hy. Taylor from his second
visit to Ho-nan. We have received an interesting account of his
tour, but must reserve further notice of it. He was to leave
again for Ho-nan in March, probably accompanied by Mr. Geo.
Clarke.
China's Millions.
BRIDGE NEAR NIKG-HAl. (See page 144.)
jl Tmi h uttr Umiutt ^laiwtt$
VI.— SI-TIEN" TO NinSTG-HAI.
LEAVING Sl-TIEN.
Time will fly. It is already late, and we need to re-
tire, for we must be up before dawn to take our early
breakfast and proceed on our journey. Now we bid
both our friends Vaen and Tsiang good-bye. You will
not regret that breakfast has been a little late, for we
shall have a delightful view of Nimrod Sound (as this
inlet of the sea is called), as we journey for some hours
near it. You will greatly enjoy the oonny peeps at the
sea through the hills, and the beautiful landscape
through which we pass to-day. One feels inclined on
this fine spring morning to sing with Heber : —
" Every prospect pleases,
And only man is vile."
Again we see as ■vye pass along, the same constant suc-
cession of town, village, and hamlet that we passed yes-
terday, until one's heart is burdened, and even the
beauty of the scenery, and the delightful elasticity of
the air from the hills fail to relieve us. We thankfully
avail ourselves of the stopping of our coolies at each rest
pavilion to paste up the Gospel message, and to speak
NO. 12. — JUNE, 1876.
to the passers-by of Him "who is exalted a Prince
and a Saviour," and who alone can meet the deep
needs of this people.
At last our day's journey draws towards a close. It
is near three o'clock as we sight
THE CITY WALLS OF NING-HAI.
Half-an-hour later and wc find ourselves at the doors
of our little chapel, and of the premises at their side
occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Grombie when in this town.
They divide their time between this station and Fung-
hwa. The native assistant coming to meet us is the
son of the old farmer whom we saw at Fung-hwa ; and
this Christian woman, with the large round-glassed
spectacles, is the Bible-woman, Mrs. Shih. She is the
mother of one of our assistants whom we shall see in a
day or two at T'ien-t'ai. This neat little chapel will be
well filled in the evening, when the doors are thrown
open for a short gospel service.
I shall not soon forget my first visit to this city in the
year 1868. It was not a station then, and there were no
Christians in the place.
144
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
TOO LATE !
As we approached the city walls a funeral came out,
and we stood on one side of the road to allow it to pass.
The native Christian with me remarked : " Alas / if the
Gosjiel were io reach this ;place to-day, it would come
too late for that j)Oor :per son." Yes, and to how many
more it will come TOO LATE ! Tens, hundreds,
thousands will pass away from towns and villages in this
district without having ever heard the Gospel. And
how many other districts there are far worse off than
this through which we are now passing !
" But what means all this hubbub in the yard ?" you
ask. I suspect it is made by our coolies, who are being
paid off, and with loud cries are asking for a larger
gratuity (in addition to the sum for which they agreed
to convey us and our things) than the assistant is pro-
posing to give them. Let us go and inquire into it. It
proves to be as we thought, — the men have behaved
very well on the way, and now a little extra present of
from 40 to 60 cash each will send them all home
delighted. Had the assistant offered them this larger
sum before they made the hubbub, and not increased it
afterwards, they would have gone off very discontented.
If you would make a Chinaman happy, you must never
offer at once all you mean to give. If they think that
by hard pleading they have induced you to go beyond
what you were spontaneously inclined to do, then, and
only then, are they satisfied.
THE EVENING MEETING.
Now the church members are beginning to come in :
they are always pleased to see a missionary amongst
them. You notice that each one has his New Testa-
ment and his hymn-book. When we are holding the
service you will see how readily and how constantly
they refer to each passage quoted- — a habit which does
credit both to themselves and to those who have trained
them to it.
The Bible-woman, Mrs. Shih, was the first person
baptised here, in the year 1869. Between that year and
1872 eleven persons were baptised. I do not know how
many more have been added to the church since — at
least two or three. About the same number have
been baptised in connection with the work at Si-
tien (and the adjoining villages) where we slept last
night.
You notice the mging here is a great improvement
on that at Si-tien. Here they keep very fairly in tune,
and sing as though they enjoyed the exercise. They are
"somewhat rough, these dwellers amongst the hills, but
are hearty and kindly. We have much hope that the
seed which has been quietly sown here for some time
past will soon spring up and greatly change the aspect
of things.
" Why do not the people go away now that the ser-
vice is over?" Suppose we ask one of them. They
want some tidings, they tell us, of the progress
of the work in the northern stations. Are we
meeting with encouragement there ? and what prospect
is there of more new missionaries coming out to labour
among their own hills and valleys ? It is quite evident
that they mean to have a missionary meeting after the
ordinary evening service to-night. These simple people
are greatly interested in all that is going on, not only
in various parts of China, but also at home. They want
to know how Mr. Moo and Mr. Sang are getting on.
Whoever can they be ? IVe have no missionaries of
that name. You noticed that one of the old men in
prayer asked God to bless these persons, and to use
them to convert some who might come out to China and
preach the gospel. The work of Messrs. Moody and
Sankey (for it is to them they refer) has been followed
with great interest by some of the native Christians.
One expressed a hope, some time ago, that the opium
traffic would soon be stopped, if so many people were
being converted in England. Would that there were
more probability of that hope being realized.
At last they go ; and if you feel as I do, you will not be
sorry to retire for the night. Early hours and long walks
make rest very sweet.
EARLY DAWN.
"What can you mean, my dear friend, by rousing one
up in the middle of the night ? I feel a.s though I had
scarcely gone to sleep. It cannot be five o'clock yet.
But if it is not, my watch as well as yours seems to bear
false witness. Well, if there's no help for it, we must
get up ; but don' t you feel very stiff ? ' '
I do ; and we have a very hard day's work before us,
though the scenery through which we shall pass from
Ning-hai and T'ien-t'ai is magnificent beyond descrip-
tion. Our native assistant here, who is the son of the
old farmer and evangelist of 'O-z, has hunted up the
chair coolies. He says that they give another descrip-
tion of the journey, and pronounce the road unspeakably
bad. Well, there are some parts of it that merit that
description, too, as we shall find before we rest our weary
limbs to-night at the stopping place on the way.
The journey does not seem to be injuring our health,
judging from the way we are demolishing basins of rice,
and plates of meat, and fried eggs. It is fortunate
that these things are cheap in China. Would not our
London friends be glad to buy three or four new-laid
eggs for a penny, and to procure good meat for seven-
pence a pound ?
LEAVING FOR TIEN-T'AI,
Once more good-bye. "No!" says the old colpor-
teur Yiu-dzing. He is not going to allow such honoured
guests to leave the city alone. He must walk at least
twenty li with us. To this we object, but finally com-
promised the matter by agreeing to his going some little
way, and we and our worthy friend set out on our
journey. This dear garrulous old man is quite a
character. He cannot but talk, and the one subject
that he talks about is that of which it most concerns his
hearers to hear.
THE LONG BRIDGE.
(See frontispiece.)
But see ! is not this a noble bridge ? The solid
granite masonry of the pillars, protected by sharp
angular buttresses, which cut the water, would do credit
CHINAS MILLIONS.
1 45
to any engineer or contractor in the world. Look, too,
at the immense slabs of granite whicli form the roadway
of the bridge. How they were ever placed in sitzi with-
out the use of machinery appears a mystery.
The chair-bearers are about to take a rest before
crossing over the bridge ; and as the people collect
round us, old Yiu-dzing is ready with a word for them.
Whilst he is talking, we will secure a little refreshment.
Here the old colporteur leaves us, and we cannot afford
to stay long. A few more miles of level country, and
we shall commence in earnest the steep ascent of the
grand old hills.
[To he continued.)
yn\x\.
"BY FAITH."
When Abraham his father's home forsook,
And went, at God's command, he knew not where—
When, leaving all, he gave his last fond look.
Then wandered forth to breathe an alien air — ■
Like mariner of old, whose gaze was found,
Through all his trackless course, on polar star,
So he, though shifting oft his tented ground,
By faith his stedfast eye kept fixed afar.
His heart was on yon city far away,
Whose architect and builder, too, was God,
Whose pillars were not framed from earthly clay.
And whose foundations marked a sure abode.
So guide me, gracious God, and so teach me
To heed not change, unrest, nor weary toil ;
To look from earthly hopes straight up to Thee,
And thus to leave my home and native soil.
To seek remotest bound of human woe,
Where infants never lisp the Saviour's name ;
By all around unknown, unloved, to go.
And still to go, through ridicule and shame.
By faith to see what yet I cannot see
By faith to walk when all is dark before ;
By faith to lean, untroubled, upon Thee,
By faith to trust Thee ever more and more.
A. M. K.
!t$$mtta^^
"mf.
FAITH IN CHRIST.
A good testimony from Hankow.
One of the oldest missionaries here held daily prayer meetings
for a week for the native members of his church, and it was a
time of great refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The
native Christians sought more earnestly for a fuller outpour-
ing of the Holy Spirit, and since that time their lives and
preaching have been very different. Where once other things
were preached, Christ and His power to save is now the
theme. One man said a few days ago, " When I was an
idolater, I was a thorough idolater ; I believed in it fully.
I heard of God, and believed on Him, and my belief in God
was as thorough as my former belief, and I at once gave up
all doubtful things ; but I was a very timid Christian, and
dared not confess Him before my friends. But lately I have
learnt also to believe as thoroughly in Christ, and he has
made me very courageous. I now love to speak of Him to all
whom I meet."
DIFFICULTIES OF MISSIONARY WORK.
From Mr. Geo. Stott, of Wun-chau.
"December 6th, 1875. — Yesterday was a fine day; we had good
attentive audiences, especially in the afternoon, when many
heard the way of life made plain to them. I sincerely pray it
may prove the way of life to some.
' ' I have learned that my name has been sent into the ' Ya-men '
with those of some money coiners who had been coining false
dollars. When caught, they said I had a large share in it, and
the city is all in a ferment. These reports ; greatly retard the
progress of the work. I hardly think any could go beyond the
Chinese in evil-speaking. Not long ago a money shop was
robbed — it was done at the request of the foreigner. Then a
rumour got abroad that the foreigner had predicted that a great
calamity was to overtake the South-gate quarter. Many families
moved away, and when the dread night came most of the people
sat worshipping their .idols. Then a time of fires came, with
which there were rumours that the hated foreigner had to do,
and had predicted that the quarter of the city between the east
and west gates would be burned down. If a murder or a robbei-y
has taken place, the perpetrators are hid in the foreigner's house
and the mandarins must not go to look for them. All the year
round such rumours as these, and many a hundred times worse,
are about. I sometimes wonder if they ever will weary, or fail
of material to talk about.
"One Sunday afternoon, when preaching in the chapel to a
large audience, I looked several times at my watch. Some one
asked his neighbour what it was I took out of my pocket, and
what I looked at it for. Another replied that it was a ' hocus-
pocus ' instrument, by which I could tell how many people, and
to what extent, would be ' hocussed ' by my preaching ; and
that when the desired number had been ' hocussed ' to the de-
sired extent I should stop. I did not know of this until some
time afterwards, when I ,went to the country, and found the
district full of it. No one can understand the force of such non-
sense upon the people until they know them ; the wilder the
reports the more greedily are they swallowed.
" For some weeks past I have spent a goodly part of every
day in the chapel, and have met men from almost every part of
the country. They have gathered in a bountiful harvest, and
have come to the city to buy clothing, &c., for their families.
As they pass along they see me sitting in the chapel, and must
come in to look at the barbarian. I thus get an opportunity of
speaking for Jesus, and many of them take home with them
small books and tracts. For years I have longed to get some
one to look up many of the visitors to the bookshop. Many
come and listen to the truth, and hear it favourably, and would
gladly hear more, but do not get another opportunity. I will
take the names and addresses of some of the most hopeful, and
then get some one to find them out, who will speak to them and
ti-y to lead them to Jesus. This is what we live for, and what
we pray and hope for, to lead gouls to Jesus. If we fail in this our
lives are a failure ; if successful, then our lives are a success.
We also want to lay up riches for the future, and to put jewels
in the Saviour's crown.
' ' We are not securing girls for our school very fast, because
girls with big feet are regarded as being very vulgar. The other
day four were offered to us : but, as we refused to cramp their
feet, their parents would not allow them to come ; they would
rather let them starve.
' ' I must now stop, for the post will go in the morning, and it is
getting late and alittle chilly. I have no fire. I daresay you would
not feel so comfortable in London during December without fire as
I do in Wun-chau. We have now the best weather we get during
the year ; for two months or more it has been really delightful.
146
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
It is one of my greatest pleasures, when the moon is near the
full, to sit an hour or so in the yard with the natives, and liave a
tallc with our faces heavenward ; it is a luxury unknown in Eng-
land. A small cherry tree in the backyard is in blossom for the
second time this autumn. In September we had some rainy,
warm weather, and leaves and blossoms came out freely ; but
the blossem soo n fell off. What this gi'eat and good land would
be inhabited by a Christian people none can tell ; but as it is, the
curse rests heavily on it. The religion is a curse, the government
is a curse, and many of the customs of the people are of a very
degrading nature. Tliere is evidence, however, that the Chinese,
if christianized, are capable of doing and being much. It will be.
a blessed thing to see tlie 360 millions of Chinese all worship-
ping Jesus as their Lord anil Saviour. O ! when shall it be ?
' ' The year that is now nearly gone has been one of my best,
if not the best and happiest, I have had. On February ^th, 1S76,
I shall finish my tenth year in China, and begin my eleventh.
During those ten years, I have experienced more of the goodness
of our Heavenly Father than during all my life before. Truly
He has been good and kind to me and mine,"
)tttti$$W
!t$$ttittitr5
A PARABLE BY MR. HENRY SOLTAU, OF BHAMO, IJTPER BURMAH.
A TERRIBLE famine held a large and wealthy city in
its iron grasp. A mighty array, with its numerous hosts,
had encircled the city for many days, preventing the
conveyance of supplies to its starving inmates, as well
as cutting off from them all means of escape. Death
by starvation or at the hands of their enemies stared
tiiem in the face. Outside the gate of the city lay four
wretched, diseased men — rendered unfit by reason of
their disease to dwell within the walls of the city, and
cut off from their homes and friends by their very cor-
ruption. They were dying also of hunger aud naked-
ness. These four men determined to go out to the camp
andputthemselvesinto the handsof theirenemies, taking
their chance of life or death. With tottering steps,
with famine-stricken faces, and the cold stamp of death
almost upon them, they set out in the twilight for what
they expected would be to them a place of death. Not
a sound was heard as they stealthily approached the
tents, save only that produced by the tethered horses
and asses as they crunched their food.
Cautiously peeping into one of the tents, the lepers
found it tenantless. Instead of meeting an enemy, as
they had expected, they discovered only plenty to eat-
and drink spread out before them. At once they com-
menced to satisfy their hunger by partaking of tlie food
which they so sorely needed, and soon the traces of
famine began to disappear.
The cravings of hunger and thirst having been
appeased by partaking of this bountiful provision, they
noticed that rich clothing and gold and silver lay
scattered about. This made them feel conscious of
their wretched condition ; and it took but a moment to
throw off their filthy rags, which but ill concealed their
disease and nakedness, and to clothe themselves in the
garments provided for them by an unknown hand.
Moreover they helped themselves to plenty of silver and
gold, and from being beggars in rags, became princes
in clothing and wealth.
From tent to tent these four men went, increasing
their wealth, carrying away their treasures of gold,
silver, and clothing, and hiding them in the ground.
"We shall never get such another chance as this,"
say they; "doubtless the enemy will come before
to-morrow, and we shall lose our opportunity ; let us
bury our treasures, and hoard up as much as we can."
Very busy and exceedingly wise were these four men.
Had it not been that there was almost within sight a
famine-stricken city, within whose walls hundreds of
men, women, and children, were enduring all the awful
horrors of a siege, we could not but heartily commend
them for their discretion and diligence. But the starving
multitude within their reach altered the whole position
of affairs. Each moment spent in increasing their own
wealth and comforts, was a moment fraught with awful
consequences to those who were shut up within the city
walls. Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters were
dyi?ig; whilst these men had the means within their
reach of saving their lives and supplying their need.
And yet they toil on, increasing their own wealth, heed-
less of their fellow - men who are falling before
the terrible sword of death. Have these men no respon-
sibility ? Can they be held guiltless of the deaths of
some of those who, had they been less selfish, might
have lived ?
See the dying city, look at the sunken eyes, the
hollow cheeks, the wasted limbs — hear the bitter wail
from the starving multitudes, all strength and joy is
gone from them. And yet there was salvation, deliver-
ance, food, and raiment close at hand, if they only knew
it. Toy and gladness might come to the city at once,
if only there were messengers to carry the glad tidings.
But to return to the four men ; they stopped their
labours, and appeared uneasy and sad in the midst of
all their wealth and spoil. The night was growing
darker; the joy they had experienced when first they
found their needs all supplied was passing away.
At length they held a conference together. "This
day is a day of good tidings ; we have suddenly and
unexpectedly had all our need more than met ; and we
do not well in holding our peace and keeping from
others the knowledge of the plenty we are enjoying, and
of the departure of the enemy."
Number two says : — "Yes ; if we stop here till morn-
ing dawns some mischief will overtake us. I do not
feel at all happy about it myself : I propose that we go
and tell the people the ' good news.' "
Says number three : — "Well, I do not know; I have
not looked at it in that light. You see we have been
jilaced in these circumstances ; all we have to do is to
be careful to use wisely those things that have been
given us, and to abide in the calling wherein we are
called. If you two feel it on your consciences to go and
tell the people, you had better go and do so. Our
consciences are not exercised in the matter ; and there-
fore we will remain here, and continue to hoard up the
treasures which we have so bountifully received."
But number four could not altogether agree with his
friend number three. He, too, began to feel the need of
those in the city ; and the thought flashed into his
mind, " What a joy to bring good news to those starving
ones."
He therefore proposed that all should go at once and
carry the good news to the starving ones. " For," said
he, "there are so many of these to tell, and the message
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
147
is such a glorious one, it will require all of us to make
them all know it ; and, besides, if one of us is missing
they will suspect our message is not true."
Number three acquiesced in this, evidently being
moved by the arguments and enthusiasm of number
four. "We have all we require," he said, " and more
than we deserve ; it would indeed be a joyful mission to
go to these people and let them know all the plenty there
is for them."
It was then carried unanimously that a// should go —
the chairman and all the members — and they imme-
diately rose up to go to the starving people and carry
them the message of life.
A deeper joy now filled their bosoms than they ex-
perienced when they first found their need supplied. As
quickly as the darkness would permit they ran towards
the city. As they approach, they see the old place
where they were accustomed to lie. They call aloud to
the keeper of the gate. "Good news! good news I
We came to the camp of the enemy, and, behold, there
was no man there ; but horses tied, and asses tied, and
the tents as they were. There's plenty for you all to be
had for nothing. Your enemies are all gone. _ Come
and partake of the plenty."
" Who are you ? " says the porter.
" You know us," say they ; "we are the four leprous
men whom you would never allow inside the gate.
Look at our clothing' now. See the silver and gold, the
precious ornaments that we have upon us."
" What did you pay for them ? "
" Nothing, we only had to take them. We have had
as much food as we could eat, and have become wealthy
as well. Make haste and tell the King, and all his
people."
The good news rapidly spread. As the first streaks
of the morning light appear in the horizon the city is all
astir. Presently the gate is rolled back, and out rush
the starving multitudes, following the lepers, who guide
them to the place where they can obtain food, clothing,
riches in abundance.
Could we but have glanced into the hearts of those
four members of that missionary conference, what joy
and satisfaction should we see in them. Well were they
rewarded for their missionary work.
And now let us ask the question, "Are there any
starving multitudes near us, or within our reach, who
have never heard of the good news of peace, plenty,
righteousness, and everlasting riches, which are theirs if
they will but take them ? Do we know of any dying
ones, who, if they hear now of the Bread of Life, may
yet live in eternal blessedness ?
Listen to the cries of the famine-stricken towns in
China, Burmah, India, and Africa. Are there any at
home who are e«yoy«z^ the peace, joy, and righteous-
ness resulting from faith in Christ, and yet, instead of
letting others know of this, are hoarding up their own
treasures and burying them in the ground ? Let such
remember that the morning is coming, the morning
without clouds.
Then will the cries of the starving ones be heard by
the Lord Himself ; and if any have failed to do their part
for their salvation, surely some mischief will be-
fall them. Who, then, are responsible? Every man,
woman, and child is responsible who has tasted of the
Bread of Life, who has heard the message of peace,
who has been clothed with the Robe of Righteousness,
on whose hands are the golden rings of everlasting love,
and who is the possessor of eternal riches.
Look at the death-stamped faces of the perishing
millions. Hear the groans of the captives ; and now, in
this dark night time, before the day dawn, let all be
unanimous, whole-hearted -in surrender of body, soul,
and spirit, for the work of carrying the glad' tidings to
the perishing ones around.
And then the reward ! Look onward to that morning
when you shall see the King in His beauty — when, with
Him, you shall see those who have heard the glad
tidings of peace from your lips and lives — when, with
Him, you shall rejoice at the great and glorious results
of His suffering and death, and consider whether the
" well done " from His lips, and the eternal blessedness
of those once sin-chained heathens, will not be sufficiejzt
reward for all you may suffer or lose by faithfulness in
His service.
MAWDABINS IN COUIfCIL.
We think that our readers will be interested in the
illustration on the following pages of " Mandarins in
Council." The engravings usually made are of the
lower classes of China^ or exhibit the grotesque
aspects of native life : it is much more difficult to
obtain truthful representations of the higher classes.
And in consequence, the popular idea is as far from
doing justice to the Chinese, as ideas of England
would be, were the representations of English life to
be drawn from phases to be seen in Shadwell and
Whitechapel, varied with sketches of scenes among
the hop-pickers of the south, and of country fairs in
the north of our own land.
Dr. Williamson in his valuable pamphlet on " The
Claims of China " says : —
" And then, mark, the mental capacities of the people are of
no inferior order.
" Their continuance as a nation, and their wonderful career
through more than four thousand years — a fact quite unique in
the annals of this world — speaks for the remarkable vitality and
importance of this race ; the size of the country, the extent and
activity of the population, and the efficient manner in which the
people have been governed during these four millemiiums, prove
to demonstation that there must always have been among them
minds of the veiy highest order, in point of width of view, force,
vigour, decision and persistency of character.
"Nor are the Chinese of the present day in any degree in-
ferior to their predecessors. Sir Frederick Bmce is reported to
have said that ' Chinese statesmen were equal to any he ever met
in any capital in Europe.' If he refers to their mental abilities,
he is undoubtedly right ; they more than hold their own with our
diplomatists. Chinese merchants cope with ours in all depart-
ments of trade ; in fact they are gaining upon our merchants, and
at the minor ports are taking the trade out of their hands.
" The ttUra/i are equal to anything we can set before them.
Witness the honours canied off by Chinamen in British and
American Universities, and the high class of books which have
been already mastered by not a few. The common people evince
a width of view and stability of intellect which surprise me, and
in general are solid, shrewd men ; and the more I have travelled
among them and mingled with the people, the more I have been
struck with their mental promise, their plodding persevering
propensities, and their docility and love of order.
" The fact is the Chinese differ from us in taste, habits,, and
many other matters ; but in the sphere of pure intellect, and in
respect of the abstract sciences, and in the arts, they are quite
equal to ourselves. And not only so, but the presumption is,
that when they have fairly entered on the career of progress,
their ingenuity, patience, perseverance, powers of observation,
skill, and dexterity in manipulation, will enable them to discover
new facts, new processes, and new appliances for the economy of
human toil and the advancement of the human race."
(See ;previous fage.)
From " The Graphic'
ISO
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
\m^ ^ foang.
THE SUDDEK" SUMMONS.
A True Stoi-y. By Mrs. Hudson Taylor.
" As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days
of the Son of Man. They did eat, they drank, they married
wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe
entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot ; they did eat, they
drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded. But
the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and
brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus
shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. (Luke
xvii. 26-30.)
It was a brig-ht, calm, sunshiny day in spring, in the
city of Hangchau ; men and ■women were all engaged
' in their ordinary employments \ in the busy streeis they
bought and sold, but in the quiet corner where our mis-
sion house stands, the hum of a factory and the inces-
sant murmur of voices from a Chinese school, were the
only sounds that echoed over the patches of land,
and among the little huts, or substantial houses, around
us.
Suddenly a crash, and a vibration ! What was it ?
All ran to see ; and the sight was a terrible one. The
factory for the manufacture of gunpowder, standing in
the fields close by, had exploded. The day before a
large quantity of gunpowder had been removed ; and
yet now the work of an instant cost fifty poor workmen
their lives. Some poor creatures were blown to atoms,
and were landed in eternity without a moment's warn- ^
ing. Others, most fearfully burnt, rushed about the
fields for half an liour or more, frantic with agony and
then passed away. And we, who saw them suffer, could
not wish them to live, until with an overwhelming reality
and vividness, such as we had never felt before, the
remembrance of the unquenchable flames, into which
the unsaved must be cast, rose up before us.
The Gospel had been at their doors ; most of theip,
probably, had heard it ; but we never had reason to
think that any one of them had received it. And now
— they were cut off; it was too late, TOO late !
Some few of our scholars and others took heed to the
solemn warning, and the boys established a nightly
prayer-meeting among themselves. But in the minds
of the many the impression soon passed away ; and to-
day they are living as. if life were to last for ever, and
hastening on in their sins, to meet sin's awful punish-
ment.
And now to you, dear little reader,-to you who have
had so many more opportunities of learning of Jesus
than tliese poor Chinese ; to yoii, the warning comes,
" Boast not thyself ai to-morrow, for thou knowest not
what a day may bring forth, ' '
BY THE BEV. DR. EITBL OP THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.'
DR. LEGGE.
The next man who came into the Hong-kong Mission-
field, after Giitzlaff, and who for many years laboured
side by side with him, though working on an entirely
different plan, was Dr. Legge (of the London Missionary
Society). After many years of tuitional labour in con-
nection with the Anglo-Chinese College at Malacca, Dr.
Legge removed to Hong-kong when China was formally
opened through the Treaty of Nanking. Dr. Legge
arrived here in 1843. He was too sober and practical a
man to indulge in dreams of such a speedy evangeliza-
tion of China, or to be taken in by empty professions of
faith and devotion, as was the case with Giitzlaff.
Patient, steady work was his motto, and he persevered
in his work, preaching in chapels, teaching in schools,
superintending a Printing Press and Type Foundry for
the printing of Chinese Bibles and tracts, and burning
the midnight lamp over his translations and commen-
taries of the Chinese classics.
And his work had a blessing on it. Out of his
preaching in his Chinese chapels — two of which were
built by native subscriptions, and in which he was effec-
tually supported by a native pastor of his own training,
whose preaching pow-ers he often likened to those of
Spurgeon — out of his preaching in these chapels gradu-
ally arose a native church, which is not only self-
supporting, but supports by its own contributions
another native church which its pastor founded in the
interior. Out of the English services which Dr. Legge
used to hold on Sundays in his drawing-room arose the
church and congregation now called Union Church.
* We conclude the reprint of this valuable paper from the
China Mail, commenced in our last Number.
Out of the Theological Seminary, founded by him in
1848, which he carried on for many years witli unflag-
ging zeal — till the patent failure he met with convinced
him that it was a mistake to take heathen boys, pay
them, feed them, clothe them, and give them a liberal
English education, and then expect them to go forth as
humble self-denying preachers, or to become faithful
pastors of native churches — out of this educational
failure arose the plan he urged upon the Hong-kong
Government, which led to the establishment of the
present Government Central School. Out of the tracts
he printed and sent inland through members of his
church arose the six churches now established in the
Poklo district. And last, though not least, out of his
Translation and Commentary on the Chinese Classics
many a Missionary learns to understand the Chinese
language and Chinese mode of thought. Dr. Legge
was always a plodding worker, and he is still at work.
May God spare his life and enable him to finish the work
he has still in hand.
BISHOP SMITH.
Next, after years of Missionary labour elsewhere.
Bishop Smith, of the Church Missionary Society, came
to Hong-kong. He arrived here in 1850, and immediately
set to work to open a training College, which he hoped
would supply the Church Missionaries in China with
well-trained native preachers or teachers. He went to
work as Dr. Legge did ; took heathen boys, paid,
clothed, and fed them ; obtained first-class teachers for
them from England, and thus gave to numbers of
pupils a really sound English Christian education ; but
he met with exactly the same failure as Dr. Legge did.'
Another school founded by Bishop Smith, the Diocesan
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
151
School, became also a source of great disappointment
to hira, as it has not only not realized his expectations,
but been diverted from its ^ original purpose to a mate-
rially different object. The College, however, he estab-
lished stands yet, and may yet prove a great success
under its present management ; and the Church Mis-
sionary Society's work here, which he initiated, and
which after his departure resulted in the establishment
of a small but living church assembling at St. Stephen's,
will always be connected with the name of Bishop
Smith, its first originator.
MISS BAXTER.
This brings me to the fourth Missionary character.
Miss Baxter. Bishop Smith received the first impulse
to devote his life to Missionary work in China at a meeting
held at the house of Miss Baxter's father. From that
house, a centre of religious and intellectual life, a home
of social refinement and happiness. Miss Baxter went
forth to a voluntary exile in Hong-kong, unaided at first
by any Society, the servant of none but her own
Heavenly Master, to make herself the servant of all that
came in her way. She made her home in Hong-kong,
the home of every friendless, fatherless, motherless,
suffering, destitute, outcast woman or child, without any
distinction of nationality, creed, or social rank. There
was no limit to her sphere of work ; her home was a
general refuge and asylum, combining schools with
regular and methodic teaching in English and Chinese,
open to all who would come ; for all that came near
her, whosoever they might be, she considered as sent to
her by God that she might lead them to God.
Her one principle was to do whatever work her hand
found to do, and to do it with all her might. And with
all this work in her house she combined the mangement
of day-schools for Chinese children in different parts of
the town, she found time to visit the barracks, the
prisons, and the hospitals, and even the most wretched
hovels of Tai-p'ing-shan were not too low for the visits
of this noble sister of mercy. No doubt there was not
much systematic organisation in her work ; but her
practical common sense and her presence of mind
counteracted this defect, and carried her clear through
any entanglement of her varied self-imposed duties.
No doubt there was little sympathy in her with senti-
mental ailings and sickly religionism, and some people
thought her character somewhat stern and hard ; but
her feelings were too deep and true to have any patience
with fictitious sentimentalism, and she was too well
acquainted with the multitude of real sufferers in this
world to waste her time on imaginary sorrows. She has
gone to her everlasting rest, and her work in the' schools
is still can led on by ladies trained in her own school.
But her name will ever be remembered in Hong-kong,
and her memory be treasured by hundreds still living,
to whom she was a ministering angel on earth.
There are others, men and women, who have con-
tinued the work initiated by these four Missionaries
whose lives I have attempted to sketch. Much might
be said about the labours carried on by those who trod
in their_ footsteps, but there is no time for it. May it
suf&ce, instead of giving you a history of the last ten
years of Missionary work here, to put before you a
simple statement of the present condition and numerical
strength of the various Missions connected with Hong-
kong.
THE BASEL MISSION,
With a staff of 8 German and 2 Chinese ordained
Missionaries, have succeeded in establishing regular
churches in Hong-kong, in the Sunon District, and in
the Ch'ong-lok IJistrict. The majority of their Mis-
sionaries live in the interior, some at a distance of 300
miles East of Canton, one of their number having settled
down there more than ten years ago, and remained at
his post through many a storm of violent persecution,
and more than once in imminent danger of his life. The
Basel Mission have here in Hong-kong a large school
for Christian girls, and in the interior a training-school
for native preachers ; and, whilst enforcing very strict
church discipline, and requiring their church-members
to give regular contributions towards the expenses of
churches and schools, they have now 968 native church-
members, of whom 618 are in full communion.
THE LONDON MISSION
Of Hong-kong, with a staff of 2 foreign and 2 native
ordained Missionaries, have a native church in Hong-
kong, with 142 regular attendants at the Lord's table,
and a total of 216 baptized members. The native
church supports by its own voluntary subscriptions two
of their native preachers ; and farther contributes all
the expenses of a church of 100 members, founded by
them without any foreign aid in Fatshan, where they
pay the salaries of a native pastor and of a native
school-teacher, raising for these purposes every month the
sum of 34 dollars. The London Mission have further, in
different parts of the Pok-lo District, 120 miles East of
Canton, six separate native churches, superintended by
an ordained native pastor, five of those churches having
each its own local preacher, acting also as school-
teacher, its own deacons, and its own church-fund.
These churches, however, are not yet able to pay their
own preachers ; all they do at present is that they sub-
scribe towards the building or pay the rent of their own
chapels, keep them in repair, and provide for their own
poor ; whilst the London Missionary Society spend on
this Mission 400 dollars per year. There are there
altogether 332 baptized members of the churches, of
whom 175 are regular communicants. This brings the
total of native Christians connected with the London
Mission in Hong-kong to 648 baptized persons, of whom
399 are communicants.
"As to
THE BARMEN MISSION,
With which the Berlin Men's Union has lately been
amalgamated, I could not obtain detailed statistics, as
all their ordained missionaries, five Germans and one
native, are at present residing in the interior ; but this
is certain, that they have altogether over 400 native
members in full communion, with a training-school for
native preachers in Canton, and a series of native
churches scattered over the Sunon, Tungkun, Fayiin,
and other districts, one being; located at the farthest
northern point of the Canton Province at Namhung, at
the foot of the Moiling pass, 350 miles North of Canton.
THE BERLIN FOUNDLING HOUSE,
With its quiet but blessed work among Chinese orphan
girls, maintained by the Berlin Women's Union, with a
staff of 4 German ladies under Pastor Klitzke, musters
altogether under its roof 87 native Christians, of whom
however, as the majority of them are children, there are
only 14 communicants.
" In connection with
THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY,
With 2 English and i native ordained Missionaries,
there are 80 native church-members assembling at St.
Stephens, 38 of whom are regular communicants, and 7
152
CHINAS MILLIONS.
native Christian students at St. Paul's College under the
instructions of Bishop Burdon.
" There is, finally, here a small
BAPTIST CHURCH,
Established so far back as 1842 ; but as the Missionaries
of this Society gave up Hong-kong as a Mission station
in i860, and the work has only quite lately been lesumed
by an American lady, assisted by a native preacher, the
church is naturally small, consisting of 11 members in
full communion. A boarding school for native girls has
this year been opened in connection with this church.
These detailed statistics of Hong-kong Missions show
therefore a total of 2,201 native Protestant Christians, of
whom 1,487 are regular attendants at the Lord's table.
There is, however, a branch of Missionary worii I pur-
posely kept apart from the foregoing statistics of native
churches. I mean the work carried on by Hong-kong
Missionaries among heathen children brought together
in
SCHOOLS.
The Society for the Promotion of Female Education
in the East, with two Lady Missionaries, have established
four separate day-schools for native girls, the well
known Baxter Vernacular schools now mustering 160
native girls. There are, further, in St. Paul's College 60
native boys under Christian instruction, and 70 native
boys in St. Stephen's Church School; thus bringing the
total of native children under the instruction of Mission-
aries of the Church of England to 290. The London
Mission have two day-schools for native boys, with a
muster-roll of 140 boys. The Basel Mission have a day-
school and boarding school for girls numbering 60
Hakka pupils. With the exception of St. Paul's College,
all these schools confine themselves to giving a simple
Christian education in the Vernacular, and as they all
have voluntarily placed themselves under Government
inspection, I can refer you to the impartial testimony of
the Government School Inspector as published at the
beginning of this year in the Government Gazette, where
full credit is given to the regularity and thoroughness of
the teaching given in those schools.
SUMMARY.
To sum up then, we find that Protestant Missions of
Hong-honghave broughttogether2,200 native Christians,
formed in permanent churches with regular administra-
tion of the ordinances ; and further that they have now
"(without counting the schools maintained by them on
the mainland of China) in Hong-kong alone 490, or if
we add the "j}, children in the Foundling House School,
altogether 563 native children under daily instruction in
the Word of God.
Yet, there may be people who will say this is very
little ; with 25 foreign Missionaries connected with
Hong-kong Missions, with so many thousands of dollars
spent every year, with so many hundreds of : thousands
in heathen darkness around them, what is there after all
to see in 2,200 native Christians ? What are they
among so many ? They are the seed from which the
harvest of the future will spring. God knows I am not
boasting of the achievements of Protestant Missions.
I know full well what feeble men and women we Mis-
sionaries are : I know full well how many defects our
native Christians have : but the feebler we Missionaries
are, the greater is the wonder that such a result has
sprung from ourwork ; and as to the native Christians,
with all their weakness of Christian character, I confi-
dently believe that every one of these native churches
will stand a comparison with an average Christian
Church of Europe or America, not in numbers indeed.
but in Christian earnestness and Christian life. We are
not harvesting, we are not reaping yet ; we are but
sowing and planting ; and thank God we find that the
native Christians themselves are more and more coming
forward to take a share in the work themselves, that they
take an interest in it, and further it with liberal contri-
butions and with their own personal exertions. Surely
the harvest-day will come if we faint not ; and if we but
continue to sow God's own good seed well, and with
prayerful perseverance, the harvest will be great
indeed.
!^^^um ^Jlattjuutt in
Extracts from the Journal of Mr . Henry Soltau.
Monday, Sept. 13TH. — The views approaching Prome are
the finest we have yet seen. It is one of the most important
towns on the river, and a railrord is being laid down to connect
it with Rangoon, wlricli will bring it within eight hours' ride,
instead of being a three days' journey by steamer. Tlie railroad
will be completed in 1876.
We muclr enjoyed meeting witli Brother Symonds*, and
when we left him and Prome, had passed the last outpost of the
American lUissions. One by one we leave behind our brethren
in the Lord, and enter the trackless desert. Perhaps we shall
next meet at the Judgment Seat, when our work will be tried in
the balances of the sanctuary.
Tuesday, Sept. l\ih. — At three o'clock we arrived at
Thayetmo, the last town of importance in British Burmah, and
remained tliere till 6 a.m. of the 15th. As we passed the
Nemasis, the gun-boat of the Commissioner, she was dipping her
flag to tire fort, which responded by a salute of twelve or thir-
teen guns. Although we Ayere not nearly across to the opposite
side of the river, we could count twenty quite easily in the
interval that elapsed between the firing of the gun and the time
the sound of the report reached us. This will give a small idea
of the breadth of the river. Not far from the town, within
about two hours' journey, is the last English house, at the tele-
graph station on the frontiers. Near the house may be seen an
obelisk marking the boundaiy between British Burmah and
BURMAH PROPER.
Burmah Proper appears to be very much the same as
British Burmah in its outward aspect. The villagers are, per-
haps, a little less decently clothed. The women do all the
work — they load the steamer with wood when we stop to take in
fuel ; they buy, sell, draw the water, cut up the wood, work in
the paddy fields — in fact, do everything. I was ashamed to see
a Burman get off the steamer at one of the towns, and hand his
large wooden box and his mat to his wife, who met him there.
She immediately put the box on her head, and carried the mat
and bedding under her arm, while he walked empty-handed
behind her.
Thursday, Sept. 16th. — By breakfast-time we arrived at a
village called M'twe, where a large quantity of cargo was dis-
charged for a neighbouring town. Salt, iron bars, betel nuts
were the chief commodities landed here. The shipper of these
was a Burman, but the principal shippers are Chinese, of whom
we have some on board who have come from Yun-nan, and are
now returning thither. Mr. Stevenson has had long conversa-
tions with them. They say they are much more civilised in
Yun-nan than the Burmese are.
Mr. Rose, Mr. Stevenson, and I went on shore, taking iour
or five hundred tracts with us. We were surrounded, as soon
as we stepped on shore, by an eager crowd of people, mostly
men, who were delighted to receive the books. Mr. Rose
seemed quite in his element ; he distributed the tracts and
talked to the people, who asked many questions. Having left
a fair amount of books with the gi'oup we pressed on, walking
inland for some distance. We passed through several villages.
♦ See account of him in the column for the young of the May Number.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
153
In each of them Mr. Rose spoke to an attentive crowd of
listeners, and gave away large numbers of tracts. We were fol-
lowed by several asking for more.
The people received us very kindly. They were quite as de-
lighted with the books as children are at home with picture-
boolcs. By tlie time we had passed through the last village
Mr. Rose was fairly tired with talking. Returning by the same
way, we found the villagers eagerly reading the tracts tliat had
been distributed. Some were reading aloud to groups of men
and women. Others were reading alone.
Who can estimate the results of this day's sowing ? What
shall the harvest be ? What a field for labour is the country of
Upper Burmah ! Oh that men would come out ! Dr. Stevens
and his son once made a most successful and interesting
missionary tour in a boat down the Irrawaddy, visiting all these
places, giving away tracts. Mrs. Ingall also has done much
good here. Still a persistent continuous gospel work is needed.
It strikes me (ignorant ine ! ) that a couple of ithierant
missionaries, who would go continually from place to place
would be most successful, and would most easily escape
hindrances that might be thrown in their way, were they to
settle down and build a house. Oh, to be able to write so
clearly and paint these scenes so vividly that those who read
these lines might burn to come out and testify of Christ to
these heathen ! They are very susceptible of kindness ; good-
natured, proud, and self-righteous ; as fond of making money as
Londoners are, and as much engrossed in it.
Returned on board at twelve, noon. Stevenson gives me a
lesson in Chinese each day. He is getting on well with Bur-
mese, and speaks Chinese with much freedom.
Friday, Sept. 17M. — Passed a beautifully situated town to-
day, called Nenang-young. It is situated on a number of little
hills on the bank of the river, and it is full of beautiful pagodas,
some gilded, others of masonry, and others of wood. The neigh-
bourhood all around is famous for its earth oil, a kind of petro-
leum dug out of the earth, which is very full of oil. Wells are
simk to the depth of two to three hundred feet. The oil pours
into the well, and all they have to do is to let down the buckets
by a long rope, %\hich is suspended over a kind of drum, fixed
between two forked sticks placed in the ground. A woman takes
the end of the rope and walks down the hill away from the well,
thus pulling up the oil. It is sent down in large earthem pots to
Rangoon, and is used for lighting, and for painting woodwork,
to preserve it from white ants.
Saturday I'&th. — Came near Pagan, an ancient city of con-
siderable size, on the right bank of the river. We could see the
ruins from a long distance ; they are the most remarkable in
Burmah.
Passing on we come to high cliffs with inhabited caves, and
behind the cliffs stretched a long plain towards the mountains.
The country still presents a barren aspect. The river here is
wide, about five miles from bank to bank ; it is certainly a
gigantic, noble river, worthy of the mountains in which it is sup-
posed to rise.
Sunday, i^tJi. — Started at 5 a.m., arrived at 10 o'clock at
Myingyan — a fine town. Many passengers, especially Yunnanese
are coming on board here ; we get about among them, and try
to pick up a few words. This would be a fine station for a
missionary. A hundred and eighty passengers came on board
for Mandalay.
Leaving Myingyan, and proceeding north, I noticed a strange
structure of bamboo, uninhabited, standing on the marshy land.
It was built something like a Kyoung or priest's house. This I
learnt was a house built to propitiate a " Nat '' or spirit supposed
to haunt this region, and to bring calamities on the boatmen as
they passed up and down the river.
The next point of interest was on the left bank, where stands
the large spreading tree under which the treaty of peace between
England and Burmah was agreed upon in 1S26. Thus far the
British troops approached, and Dr. Judson was prevailed upon to
assist as interpreter in drawing up the terms of the treaty. The
place gives its name to the treaty, Avhich is known as the Treaty
of Yan-de-boo.
Monday, September iQtk. — At breakfast we were startled by
hearing the bell, and observing the steamer immediately stop.
On going aft, we ascertained that an old woman had accidentally
tumbled off one of the flats into this rapid current of the river.
She struck out boldly for the shore, and though carried a long
way down by the current, she got to the bank before the steamer's
boat could an'ive there. She came back in the boat laughing
vip-ourously, and evidently highly pleased with herself for her
proficiency in swimming. The people on board greeted her very
warmly, and with great hilarity ; any Englishwoman of her age,
with English clothing, would certainly have been drowned before
help could have reached her.
In a plain, scattered amongst some rich palm and other trees,
lay the remains of the ancient capital of Upper Burmah, the
famous city of Ava. Here Judson endured those tortures at the
hands of the king and his minister, and here Mrs. Judson shone
as an example of womanly energy, patience, devotion, and deep
ChrisLian tenderness. We should have enjoyed a ramble over
these ruins had the steamer stopped and time permitted.
On thelefthand we approached alovely little vale, in which was
situated amongst a cluster of trees the pretty little town of Sagan,
more than once the capital of Burmah. In the distance in front
of us lay Amarpoora with its beautiful pagodas interspersed
among its rich foliage. Still pursuing our course we noticed that
the houses on our right hand became more and more numerous ;
signs of ship-building, of weaving and spinning were noted, and
it was evident we were nearing Mandalay. The steamer anchored
alongside the bank, about two miles from the city, and about the
same distance from the British Residency.
(To be continued.)
^:mwm\ ixrrr$$puttitittti.
From Mr. Judd, of Wu-ch' ang.
There is a Christian tailor here named Hu, who has been con-
verted some few months. He has numerous relatives in the
neighbourhood of Ko-tien. Some time ago I proposed going
to that place to preach the gospel, and the tailor said he should
like to go with me. Three of us (including himself) took a boat
to Ko-tien, and he proposed our spending the night with a rela-
tive of his. We had not, however, preached long before an
uproar began in the crowd. Our books were snatched away
from us, and violence was threatened by a few of the roughs,
though many of the more respectable were desirous to hear and
buy our books.
Soon the crowd pressed with such violence against us that the
wall of a house against which we stood began to give way, and
we had to make the best of our way out, amidst the shouts and
hootings of the mob. We made our ca.se known to a small
official of the place, who showed us every kindness, and
offered to allow us to pass the night in his house. This I de-
clined with many thanks, and returned to our humble lodging.
In about two hours he came with his attendants to our
room to see if we were all safe and comfortable. He
expressed his sorrow to see us in such a miserable room ; but I
assured him that our happiness did not consist in outward com-
forts, but in the consciousness of God's pardon and love to
us, with the certain hope of eternal life. This young man-
darin appeared much interested in the gospel. May God save
his soul !
The next morning we again preached in the street, with but
little opposition, and then made our way to a near village.
After preaching there for an hour or so we were about to
leave, when a relative of our friend the tailor begged us to
stay, as they had prepared breakfast for us ; and a most
abundant one it was, in excellent Chinese style. Our host ap-
peared interested in our message of grace, and accompanied us
after breakfast to the next village.
At the next village we found the wife of a member of the
church at Wang-chao. She had applied for baptism a few years
back when in Chin-kiang, but was too ignorant then to be re-
ceived. Her name is Chen. As I was unable to speak with
her privately, on account of the crowd of listeners and lookers-
on, I asked our friend the tailor to speak with her about the
IS4
CHINAS MILLIONS.
Lord Jesus. His report afterwards was: — "She believes, I
think, with her heart, but not witli her mouth" — that is, she is
afraid to confess that she believes among her numerous rela-
tives. Many villages here each consist of a few hundred per-
sons of the same surname, the male members of the family,
with few exceptions, never having left their native place for
generations. I trust our visit strengthened the faith of Mrs.
Chen. She was greatly surprised to see us at her village, and
much delighted. An excellent dinner was rapidly prepared by
her for five of us, including two friends from the former
village.
We then took our journey to the village of the TIu family, to
which the tailor belongs. Here we met with welcome from
some, and opposition from others. But it -vi'as delightful to find
our friend not ashamed to stand up for Christ amidst about two
hundred persons all of the same kindred — some of them most
bitter towards him, because, said they, he had cast aside his an-
cestors (really had given up ancestral worship). The tailor tells
me that he thinks his sister-in-law has accepted Christ. At first
she thought it must be wrong to give up ancestral worship, but
after some time of conversation with our native preacher Yaoshe
was quite satisfied.
After supper we had evening prayers together in a small mud
room. We heard that a number of villagers had gone off to
worship the god of fire, because a hen had been heard to crow.
They said it was sure to bring down the anger of the fire-god,
and some house would be burned unless they propitiated his
anger. Poor souls !
In most of these villages there are hundreds of children who
have no school to go to, the villagers being too poor to support
a teacher. I hope the Lord will some day enable us to send
teachers among them.
FIRST EXPERIENCES IN CHINA.
Extracts from the Diary of Mr. Bicdd.
Chinkiang, Jan. 8th — Passed yesterday on the river Yang-
tse. Mr. McCarthyspoketomany of the Chinese on board, telling
them the glad tidings of the gospel. They listened very atten-
tiv'ely ; a few seemed impressed ; but God only knows the
results, for we may never see them again on earth. I longed to
speak to them, but could not. May God soon enable me to do
so. We reached Chinkiang a little before one o'clock this
morning. Messrs. Bailer, Broumton, and Easton met us. We were
all glad at the meeting, and having got our luggage, we had a
pleasant walk up to the house (through mud over our boots),
where we very willingly went to bed, not haviiig had much of it
the last two nights.
yan. gth. — To-day being Sunday, we attended the Chinese
service. Although we do not understand much of it, our ears
get accustomed to the tones, and make it more familiar to
us. This evening we had a Bible-class to ourselves at Mrs.
Duncan's.
yan loth. — This morning we all had a run up the hill to get
ourselves warm. It was a hard pull to the top, but we did not
need a fire when we got there. The peaks of neighbouriug hills
looked very pretty covered with snow. As soon as we came
back we had some prayer together, asking the Lord's guidance
at this time, and that more blessing might be poured out upon
this land. I enjoyed the meeting much. This evening I have
had a good lesson in Chinese, especially on the tones, from Mr.
Bailer, who talks like a native. I believe myself, if we want to
learn the tones well we must get away from English people.
Jan. \zth. — It has been arranged to-day that I shall go with
Mr. Bailer until I know the language. We hope to start to-
morrow.
Jan. lyh. — We are now on board a Chinese boat. It came
up rather unexpectedly this morning, and we made haste and
caught it, so that we may get to Gan-king by to-morrow night.
If some of our friends in England could only have a peep at us
now, I think they would have a good laugh. There are about
twenty of us down in the hold, all Chinese except ourselves, each
with our baggage at our side, or else sitting upon it. I am com-
fortably seated on my bedding writing this. A short time ago
we had dinner in real Chinese style. At 4 p.m. they served rice
up, on the floor, in a basket, with a few Chinese cabbages and
turnips. We then dug a basin full of rice out of the basket, ai
then went to work with our chopsticks. I am afraid that I c
not use mine very neatly, for it was only my second or third {
tempt. With a few extras we brought with us, we hadj
capital meal, my portmanteau serving in place of a table. V\
fortunately my native costume was not finished when we li
Chinkiang, and consequently my English clothes have be|
undergoing the most minute examination from the Chinese, i
number gathered round me on deck, much interested in myovc
coat, feeling the cloth and stroking it do^m ; while down belo
Mr. Bailer gave quite a short lecture on myself and clothes — 1
pecially the boots — to an admiring audience, except a soldi
who stood looking very grimly on. He was a Hu-nan ma
and they hate the foreigners most sincerely. We have now
contrive some plan for making our beds, for there is little roon
UNEXPECTED DIVERSIONS ! ' (
ym. ij,ih. — We slept very well last night, rolled in o
wadded coverlets, until about four this morning. Tbeaas/um
of biiiidhs, boxes, &c., came tumbling through the port, pr
pelled by some unseen power, and alighted on Mr. Bailer, wi
had pitched his bed under it ! Next followed a general scrii
mage with those going out and coming in (for we had reached
stopping-place, by the way), in which, from the manner th
went over my bed, they must certainly have taken it for a hid
way. ^
Mr. Bailer has been preaching to many of the Chinese to-da
They received the message very kindly, acknowledging it to 1
very good and the right thing. May God bless the Word !
GAN-KING REACHED.
I am sitting down very tired, but very thankful to God )
bringing us in safety to Mr. Bailer's house, in the city
Gan-king. We reached here about 9 p.m., and have just b'-
piaising Goi for His goodness during the journey.
jm^{ktt]s0«$.
WOMAN'S WOBK IN CHINA.— We reprinted
our last a valuable paper on this subject by Mrs. Williamson, tl.
wife of the Rev. Dr. Williamson, of the United Presbyteria
Mission. We would also draw the attention of our readers i
papers in T/ie Christian oi A-pnl 20th, by Mrs. Gauld, of tl
English Presbyterian Mission, and of April 27th, by the sister 1
one of the Presbyterian missionaries.
MARRIAGE OF MRS. DUNCAN.— By a recej
mail we hear of the marriage of our dear friend with M
Stronach, of H. B. M. Consular Service. She leaves us wi,
our sincere wishes that she may be both useful and happy in h.
new sphere of service.
HO-NAN. — Mr. M. Pleniy Taylor is now, we expect
itinerating in this province, accompanied by Mr. G. W. Clarke
We hope, in our July number, to give an account of his last toui
Writing of Mr. M. H. Taylor's work in Ho-nan, Mr. Jud^
savs : — " These journeys are of no small weariness, from (h
daily pressure of crowds to see the foreigner, from the great wai
of privacy in lodgings by the way, and from the frequent dill
culty in a long overland journey of procuring wholesome fooc
I ask for the continued prayers of God's people for him and fo,
ourselves." j
WU-CHANGr. — Mr. Judd has recently had the pleasur]
of baptising several persons here, and speaks of some hopefu
enquirers.
THE NEW MISSIONARIES.— Messrs. Parker an.
Randle were well and happy when last heard from. Thei
steamer was due in Shanghai on May 22nd. Cheering lettei
have been received from Miss Wilson and Messrs. Pearse an'
James, as well as from several of those who preceded them. W
have not space for quotations. 1
THE ANNUAL MEETINGS.- Having to go t^
press earlier than usual, we are compelled to defer notice 01
these meetings, held at the Mildmay Conference Hall, till nex
month. We also hold over the list of donations and othei
matters from lack of space. 1
In
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ai
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ai
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China's Millions.
'THE IDOLS HE SHALL UTTERLY ABOLISH:
mmn^
bm{t!$$.
The above illustration gives a life-like view of the
interior of the temple of the Five Hundred Gods in
Canton.
Chinese temples vary very much in size and
character; some have monasteries attached to
them, containing sometimes from one hundred to two
hundred Buddhist priests. Other smaller temples
may have one or two priests, or only one or two lay
attendants. Sometimes they are built by private in-
dividuals, and are either retained as private property,
or made over with or without endowment to Buddhist
priests or nuns. Others, again, are built by subscrip-
tion, and are in the hands of trustees ; while some
belong to the Government.
NO. 13. — JULY, 1876.
Two private temples, which have been presented to
the Mission by their owners, who are now Christians,
are alluded to in Mr. Rudland's address (page 167);
and we hope to give fuller particulars about them in
a subsequent number.
We wish that our readers could, if but for once,
experience the feeling that has often come over us on
seeing parents take their little ones into the heathen
temples, and teach them to prostrate themselves
before the dumb idols. Could this be, they would
pray with deepened feeling for the fulfilment of the
promise which heads this paper, " The idols He shall
utterly abolish."
iS6
CHINAS MILLIONS.
S^^EOIJ^L
PUBLIC MEETINGS
CHiiisr^
OF THE
I3SrL.A.3SrX)
HELD AT
nvnissioisr.
THE CONFERENCE HALL, MILDMAY PARK,
ON FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1876.
It being Ten Years that day since the sailing of Seventeen Missionaries in the Lammermuir for China.
THE AFTERNOON" MEETING.
The chair was taken at 3.30 p.m., by the Rev. D.
B. Hankin, M.A., Vicar of St. Jude's, MildmayPark.
The meeting was opened by the singing of the hymn — •
" God loved the world of sinners lost.
And ruined by the fall."
Mr. Grant, of Singapore, followed in prayer. After
which, Mr. Hankin addressed the meeting as follows :
My Dear Friends, — I am sure it must be a
matter of great satisfaction to our dear friend Mr.
Hudson Taylor to see so many present this afternoon
to give expression to their heartfelt sympathy with
the blessed work which lies so near and dear to his
heart ; and I hope it will not be out of place upon
this occasion if I as a clergyman of the Church of
England express the satisfaction I feel in presiding
over a meeting which is not entirely connected with
the Church to which I belong. The cause of missions,
by whatever section of the Church carried on, is the
cause of the Lord Jesus Christ, and is and ought
to be dear to the hearts of all those who bear His
name.
There is something, too, specially unique in this
mission, both in the sphere cf its operations, and in
the method it adopts to secure the end in view.
We are all of us aware of the good effects which
result from concentration of purpose, and unlike any
other missionary society, this one concentrates its
powers upon one portion of the world — China.
It is very affecting to realise that there, one third of
the human race is now lying in the darkness of heathen-
ism ; that there are 360 millions of the human race thirst-
ing for the water of life ; and I know, as I say this, that
I give utterance to one of the deepest mysteries con-
nected with the administration of God's kingdom
upon earth, that after eighteen centuries have passed
away this should be the case. Millions have never
heard of the name of Jesus : their spiritual neces-
sities seem to become vocal, and in the language of
the man of Macedonia they say, " Come ove?- atid help
us." I am sure that we must all be thankful that
God has put it into the heart of His dear servant to
organize this Mission, and we shall rejoice this after-
noon as we hear of the blessing it has pleased God to
bestow upon it.
I say there is something unique in its internal
administration. I mean that, unlike other missionary
societies, this Mission is willing to send forth repre-
sentatives of the various branches of the Church of
Christ. So long as their hearts are right with God,
so long as they have a clear spiritual perception of
God's grand remedy for sin, and thus know how to
meet the awful condition in which that vast empire
now is, I believe I am right in saying that members
of different churches would be gratefully accepted and
gladly welcomed, and sent forth side by side and hand
in hand to speed the Gospel plough. I think there is
no other society existing that has reached to this
state of spiritual elevation ; which, whilst overlooking
the minor differences which unhappily separate and
divide and therefore weaken the Church of Christ, sends
forth men imbued with the one great desire and the
one blessed object simply and solely of winning souls
to Christ — and leaving the newly formed churches
to develope their powers under the teaching and
guidance of the Holy Spirit, and expecting them after-
wards to choose such ecclesiastical organization as
shall seem best to them.
And now, my dear friends, one word about the
men who are sent forth. I cannot imagine a matter
of greater moment than this, that the Mission may be
wise in the selection of the men it sends forth — that
they may be men who are imbued with the spirit of
the Apostle, desiring to proclaim nothing but the
wondrous story of redeeming love. I am quite sure
that our dear brother is very decided upon this
point. I feel I am right when I say that he would
send forth only those men who go to their warfare
against sin and Satan with arrows dipped in the blood
of Jesus — men who are determined to know only
Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. That blessed Gospel
has not lost its power. To the Chinese, as well as to
the people of England, it is still the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth ; and I am
afraid that sometimes we are apt to overlook the
power there is in the Gospel message itself.
When I hear Missionary Societies so anxious about
choosing suitable instruments, I think they are in a
little danger of making too much of the men and too
little of the message — in danger of forgetting that after
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
IS7
all it is "not by might nor by power," but by the
Spirit of God that souls are bora again, and that the
message, when given in the power of the Holy Spirit,
is as powerful to that end, whether delivered from the
lips of a little child, or by the profoundest of human
philosophers. Do not let us lose faith in the power
of the Gospel: I believe what we have to do is
simply to proclaim the message — to sow the seed —
believing that God will not only prepare the hearts of
men to receive it, but that copious showers shall come
doAvn, and that the seed shall spring up and bear fruit,
so that the wilderness shall rejoice and blossom as
the rose.
One other thought. I believe this afternoon we are
not to plead with you for pecuniary assistance — that
seems not to be in accordance with the practice of the
Mission ; but while we shall all feel it a happy privi-
lege to render what pecuniary assistance we are able
to do, I am sure that I should be wished to press
upon the hearts of you all your responsibility, and
also your privilege, of coming forth to the help of the
Lord against the mighty in another wa)^
My dear friends, in the wonderful mystery of the
administration of spiritual things, the blessing is made
to depend upon the earnest, persevering prayers of
God's children. It may be that in eternity we shall
be able to perceive the why and the wherefore, to
understand as it were the philosophy of prayer. Here
I am obliged to confess I cannot see the connecting
link. I can only by blessed experience know that if
we ask we shall receive, if we seek we shall find, if
we knock it shall be opened.
Success in work is in direct proportion to the
amount of prayer bestowed upon it, and therefore I am
quite sure that I am doing what Mr. Taylor would
wish me to do, when I ask you to take this China
Inland Mission and lay it upon your heart ; let it rest
as a burden upon your soul ; take the burden to the
throne of Grace, and leave it there. Let it be our
happy privilege to fulfil the words of the Psalmist,
"Prayer also shall be made for Him continually, and
daily shall He be praised." Yes, my dear friends, we
make prayer for the loving Saviour when»we pray
that His kingdom may be enlarged. We make prayer
for iiim when we pray that His servants in far-off lands
may with no faltering tongue tell the story of the Cross ;
and afterwards, there is sure to come the praise that
^vill be seen welling up from the souls of new born
Chir. ese, who together with us will adore the mystery
of redeeming love, will bless and magnify the Lord for
havi ig taken them out of the horrible pit, and having
set tl leir feet for ever on the Rock of ages, and 'estab-
lishe \ their goings.
I am very glad, I say again, to have the happy
privilege of presiding upon this interesting occasion,
and thus showing my hearty sympathy with the object
which has called us together. I will not detain you
any longer -with these preliminary ramarks, but will
call upon Mr. Hill, the Hon. Sec. to read the report.
Mr. R. H. Hill then read most of the following —
BEVIEW OF THE PAST TEN YEARS OP
THE MISSION".
Ten years have elapsed since the first large missionary
party connected with the "China Inland Mission"
sailed in the ship Lammermuir, for China. The
present, therefore, seems a fitting opportunity briefly to
review — the causes that led to tlie formation of the
Mission — its objects and aims — the measure in which
these have already been realised — and then to glance at
the work which still lies before us.
I. THE CAUSES WHICH LED TO THE FORMATION
OF THE MISSION.
These were the deep spiritual need of China, and the
utter inadequacy of the existing agencies to meet it.
It is not necessary to enter into any laboured proof of
the deep spiritual need of China. Containing, as it
does about one-third of the entire population of the
globe, and one-half of the heathen world, China had
not, in 1865 — when this Mission was organised — one-
tenth of the Protestant missionaries then labouring in
the mission-field. In the years 1860-61 there had been
an aggregate of 115 male Protestant missionaries in
China, but in March, 1865, the number had fallen to
about ninety-one. If these had been equally distributed
throughout China it would have given more than four
millions of Chinese to each missionary.
But they were not so distributed ; they were located
in ten or eleven ports, situated principally on the sea-
board of the six maritime provinces ; the only exception
being one mission station in Hankow, a free port on the
Yang-tse-kiang, in the central province, Hu-peh. This
left eleven of the eighteen provinces without a resident
Protestant missionary, and in the seven provinces above
referred to, less than a dozen mission stations.
Further, altogether beyond these eighteen provinces,
lay the vast depefldencies, Manchuria, Mongolia, Thibet,
&c., &c., all destitute of the Gospel, and loudly crying,
by their deep spiritual needs, " Come over and help us."
It has been truly said : " If all the missionaries of all the
societies were withdrawn from every other part of the
world, and thrown into China, they would be inadequate
to the task of reaching all its people."* Such being
the case, the need of additional efforts to evangelise
China is abundantly apparent.
The problem was — how to attempt wisely an auxiliary
effort that should not in any degree interfere with the
operations of those Missionary Societies whose agents
were already in the field, and on whose labours God had
put His seal of approbation. There were societies
already seeking in vain for additional labourers ; where,
then, were new missionaries to come from ? There were
agencies in need of increased funds ; how could pecu-
niary supplies be drawn without diverting contributions
from established channels ? a procedure greatly to be
deprecated. Again : were men and means forthcoming,
would the interior of China be found open to their
labours ? Would they have needful protection ? and
should they succeed in penetrating the remote provinces
of central and western China, could pecuniary supplies
be transmitted to them ? Such were some of the problems
before us.
After prolonged waiting upon God and much earnest
prayer, and after conference with experienced workers in
the home and foreign field, it was concluded that these
difficulties might be largely met by forming a Mission
on a catholic basis, for evangelistic purposes ; one in
which members of various Evangelical churches, sound
* "The Church Missionary Gleaner," Nov., 1874.
158
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
in the faith on fundamental points, might work together
in spreading the Icnowledge of the blessed Saviour, whom
all love and adore. It was believed that, in answer to
prayer, suitable agents would be raised up ; and that by
adopting the plan of making no collections, interference
with contributions to existing societies might be avoided ;
while, if we only had God-sent workers, there could be
no doubt as to His "faithfulness in supplying their pecu-
niary needs.
It was foreseen that in the prosecution of the work,
grave difficulties' would be inevitable ; men of faith,
therefore, and of sober mind, as well as of earnest piety,
were sought for ; and these were found. And now we can
gratefully record that the experience of ten years has
proved God's faithfulness in adding all needful blessings
to those who have sought first " the kingdom of God and
His righteousness."
II. ITS OBJECTS AND AIMS.
It was decided in the first instance to open a number
of inland stations in the province of Cheh-KIANG, and
gradually to extend the operations, as the workers gained
experience, and as God opened the way. It was also
proposed to locate, as early as possible, two European
missionaries, and two or more native helpers, in each of
the unevangelised provinces. This was considered
desirable, first, on account of the great extent and pecu-
liar dialects of each province, which render the evange-
lisation of each of them in the main a distinct work ; and
further, it seemed probable that, if the ;practicability of
working the interior were demonstrated, the Church of
God in Europe and Ameiica would be encouraged to
more adequate efforts.
III. THE MEASURE IN WHICH THESE AIMS HAVE
BEEN REALISED.
In the first and preliminary effort above referred to,
that of opening stations in unevangelised districts of
Cheh-KIANG (as also the adjoining province of KlANG-
SU) we have been prospered. About forty stations have
been opened in these provinces, and are worked prin-
cipally by native evangelists, under the superintendence
of missionaries who are, or have been, located in twelve
of them.
In one of the previously unoccupied provinces, Gan-
HWUY, eight stations have been opened successfully,
and two others attempted.
In another province, Kiang-SI, which was unoccu-
pied when the Mission was organised, but in v/hich the
^American Methodist Episcopal Mission commenced
work before us, we have one station and one out-station.
And lastly, a station has been opened at Wu-chang
in Hu-PEH, as a basis for operations in the regions
beyond. In these five provinces, twenty-eight little
churches have been gathered, and in some of the other
out-stations there are converts. The total number of
stations and out-stations is fifty-two, and the number
of native agents, including Bible-women, exceeds
seventy.
MISSIONARIES.
Let us now see how these results have been brought
about. Our first prayer was for suitable meti and
•women to go out to the field. The need was made
knoyvn in various ways, and candidates offered them-
selves from different parts of the United Kingdom, from
among whom, after suitable training and probation,
missionaries have been selected from time to time.
Mr. Meadows, our senior missionary, went out in
1862. In 1865 five others were sent; and on the 26th
May, 1866, a party of seventeen sailed in the Lammer-
muir, making altogether twenty-three in the field.
From 1867-70 sixteen others arrived in China ; from
1872-74 eight followed ; and during 1875-76, twenty-
two have been added • making a total of sixty-nine
persons, of whom fifty-two * (viz., sixteen married and
twenty single missionaries) are now in connection with
the work.
Those who are intimately acquainted with missions
in the East will see that these statistics are very en-
couraging. The climate of China is well known to be
trying to many foreigners ; and it was anticipated, both
by ourselves and others, that the hardships of pioneer-
ing would tell even more seriously in the way of sickness
and death on our numbers, than on those of other Pro-
testant missions in China. Special prayer has been
offered that the lives and health of the labourers might
be preserved ; and these prayers have been answered
to a remarkable extent. There has been no death or
serious illness from violence ; and the losses from the
ordinary causes have been considerablj^ below the usual
average.
As, however, the question of the effect of our mode
of work on life and health is one of some importance,
we may refer to two missions, one English and one
American, labouring in the same part of China — mis-
sions, the value of whose labours, and whose care for
their missionaries are well known. Careful comparison
will show that while pioneering involves hardships,
health may suffer no more, or even less, than in ordinary
missionary operations.
We find this statement of the experience of thirt}'
years' labour in China, in the Church Missionary
Gleaner, of Nov., 1874: —
" The work in China has been greatly hindered by several
peculiar circumstances. One is the injurious effects of the
climate on many of the missionaries ; and from tliis and other
causes, it has resulted that, out of thirty-four ordained clergy-
men sent out, only fifteen stayed more than four years, which
with such a people to work amongst, and such a language to
acquire, is a short time for becoming a really efficient worljer.
Of these fifteen, one is dead, one retired, two have been trans-
ferred to Japan (besides two others of the thirty-four), and eleven
are still at work, including the two bishops."
In the case of the American Baptist Missionaries
labouring in the same district as ourselves, out of an
aggregate strength of twenty - one persons, male and
female, nine have been removed by death, and six by
retirement, during the last thirty years.
In the 10 years of the China Inland Mission (excluding
those who have gone out within the last four years), of
thirty-nine persons of both sexes, thirty-two were able
to stay more than four years, and twenty-five are still in
connection with the Mission.
FUNDS.
Next, as to jiecuniary suj>^ort. We have to pi aise
God for His constant and continued care. The spon-
taneous liberality of His people not only met the im-
mediate expenditure connected with the going 01 1 of
the Lanimermuir party, ten years ago, but enable i us
to commence our work in China with a balance in 1 and
* Of the remaining seventeen, one married out of the mis-
sion ; eight were removed by temporary failure of health or
family circumstances ; one, a married missfonary, was dismissed,
and six died. Of these six, one was only a few months in China,
having never rallied from illness which supervened on the
voyage out. A second was taken off by small-pox a few months
after reaching China. A third, consumptive before going out,
remained nearly four years in China, and died four years after
coming home. One died of consumption after six years service in
China ; one of diarrhoea after eight years, and one of compli-
cation of diseases seventeen years after reaching China.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
159
of rather more than ^2,000. The contributions from
year to year have sustained the work adequately, though
not without our faitli being at times considerably ex-
ercised. But we have never had to leave an open door
unentered from lack of funds ; and although the last
penny has not unfrequently been spent, none of our
native agents or foreign missionaries have ever lacked
the proniised " daily bread." Times of trial have always
been times of spiritual blessing, and needed supplies
have never failed. The income of the Mission has been
as follows : —
January to December, 1865
January to May 25, 1866
May 26, 1866, to May 25
Do.,
Do.,
Do.,
Do.,
Do.,
Do.,
Do.,
Do.,
Do.
1867, to
1868, to
1869, to
1870, to
1871, to
1872, to
1873, to
1874, to
1875, to
do.
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do..
1867
1868
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873
1874
'87s
1876
;^I.I30
9
2
4,094
12
3
2,971
19
9
3.358
3
9
4,102
19
4
3,912
II
I
i,T^-^
2
b
3.205
I
2
i^il?,
18
10
4,426
3
7
7.311
IS
7
8,119
14
2
2,200
0
0
^,51.918
II
2
Donations for new work sent direct
to, or contributed in, China
Of the above, about ;^3,700, given for the prosecution
of work in unoccupied provinces, is still on deposit.
This sum, of course, is not applicable to the ordinary
requirements of the mission, for which we have a balance
of ^132 13s. 4d. in hand.
RESULTS.
God, having graciously supplied us, in answer to
prayer, with suitable agents to carry on and extend
the work, and with funds for the maintenance of the
native and foreign labourers, for the support of schools,
and for the expenses of the mission buildings, has not
withheld His blessing from the various works we have
undertaken. From time to time we have reported ad-
ditions to the number of native Christians in our monthly
paper, China's Millions, and at the present time we
have a larger number of candidates for baptism than
ever before. Letters received during the current month
from some of our stations report seventy-two candidates,
and there are several districts from which we have not
heard. We would earnestly entreat that much prayer
may be offered that this year may be made one of un-
exampled spiritual prosperity.
It now remains
IV.
TO GLANCE AT THE "WORK THAT LIES
BEFORE US.
Many of our friends will remember the appeal for
prayer which was put forth in January, 1875, that God
would in that year raise up eighteen men for the evan-
gelization of the nine provinces of China proper still with-
out resident Protestant missionaries. That petition has
been answered, though all the eighteen men have not
yet left us for China. Nor is this all we have to give
thanks for ; God has given us several missionaries to
reinforce and carry on the older part of the work.
During the past eighteen months a total of twenty-two
new labourers have been added to our staff, including
the wives of four of our number.
With this staff in the field, we hope that during the
coming year decided progress may be made towards the
evangelization of the yet unoccupied districts of Cheh-
KIANG. In this, one of the most favoured provinces,
there are still forty-eight counties containing an aggre-
gate population of probably not less than twelve millions,
without a single labourer for Christ. We hope also that
the work may be greatly extended in the province of
Gan-hwuy, and that before the year terminates we
shall be able to establish boarding-schools for boys and
girls in the capital of that province. In Hu-PEH and
KlANG-SI also we confidently anticipate decided progress
in the next twelve months.
THE NINE PROVINCES.*
But from the old parts of the work we turn with hopeful
expectation to the " regions beyond."
I. Kan-svu (TVtlling-Revere7ZceJ, 2. Shen -si ("IVest-
Passes), and 3. Shan-SI (West- Hills).
Messrs. McCarthy and five other brethren are desig-
nated for these three northern provinces (population 46
millions). We expect ere long to learn of the first
pioneering journey in this direction.
4. ho-nan (River-South Province).
A central Province having 252 millions of people. Mr.
M. Henry Taylor has been itinerating here with en-
couraging results. A few, we believe, have already ac-
cepted Christ. He and Mr. G. W. Clarke are now at
work in this province.
5. si-CHUEN (Four-Stream Province).
Messrs. Cameron and Nicoll are preparing for work in
this province. Mr. Cameron is now able to take some
part in preaching the Word, and will soon be ready to
move further inland. The spiritual need of the 27 mil-
lions of Si-chuen calls for much prayer.
6. yun-nan (Cloudy-South), and 9. kwang-si
(Broad- West Province).
In Bhamo, on the Burmo-Chinese frontier, on the site
presented by the King of Burmah, a house has been
built by our brethren, Messrs. Stevenson and Soltau. By
this time they will have been joined by Mr. Jos. S.
Adams, and by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey who go to estab-
lish a missionary hospital there. Access to Yun-nan, in
Western China, via Burmah, has not yet been gained ;
but it seems much nearer now than it did twelve years
ago, when our prayers were first drawn out about it, or
than it did twelve months ago, when Messrs. Stevenson
and Soltau first landed in Rangoon. Already they are
able to put many portions of the Word of God and many
gospel tracts into circulation, by means of the Chinese
from several provinces, who go in trading caravans to
Bhamo; soon they may be able to enter China from the
West, and may find the way somewhat prepared by the
silent messengers which have preceded them. We hope
their labours may eventually be blessed in the two
provinces of Yun-nan and Kwang-si (population i8j
millions).
7. kwei-CHAU (Noble-Land).
Mr. Broumton is preparing for labour amongst the 7f
millions of this province ; and, when ready, will be ac-
companied by another of the brethren to this important
sphere of labour.
8. HU-NAN (South-Lake Province),
Also having 25* millions of inhabitants, has been
visited more than once during the past year. Some little
seed has been sown which may appear after many days.
It will shortly be revisited by Mr. Judd or his Native
Helpers.
* The reader is requested to turn to the map on page 169, to
which the province-numbers refer.
I
i6o
CHINAS MILLIONS.
Several other brethren will (D.V.) leave us in the
autumn to assist in work among- these nine provinces.
THE DEPENDENCIES OF CHINA.
Still further beyond, lie the vast steppes of Mongolia,
and the all but inaccessible regions of Thibet, Ko-ko-
NOR, Turkestan, and Sungaria — regions almost
equal to the area of Europe. Towards these we look
with earnest prayer and longing expectation. We ask
the prayers of those who know the value of salvation —
that ere long our way may be opened to commence
definite efforts for the evangelization of these regions.
God has laid Thibet on the heart of one of our mission-
aries. His present work is the best preparation for
future sendee there, if the Lord will ; and we are far
from hopeless that, in due time, He who holds the key
of David will set before him an open door among the
Thibetans.
Acknowledging with gratitude the help of God during
the past ten years, we feel encouraged to look for-
ward, and to trust in Him for yet greater blessing in the
future.
HOJIE WORK.
As may well be supposed, the growth and extension of
the work in the field has required some modifications in
the home-work of the mission. More help has been
needed to carry it on, and we have required extended
premises, which we have providentially been able to
rent in Pyrland-road, in addition to No. 6, which we
have occupied for some time. These houses suit us well,
and it would be a serious inconvenience were we obliged
to relinquish them. As they are to be disposed of,
and have been offered to us on very reasonable terms,
we have prayerfully concluded to purchase them. An
immediate outlay of about ;^i,ooo is required, of which
one-fourth has been contributed or promised, and we
trust God will incline the hearts of His people to send
special contributions for this object, as a large saving
to the. Mission in rent will thus be effected, and the work
will be put on a more permanent footing. '
During the last year our Occasional Paper, which
was no longer the best mode of reaching our friends, has
given place to a monthly illustrated paper, " China's
Millions." We are thankful to find that the change
has proved generally acceptable. We shall greatly
value any help our friends can give us in increasing its
circulation. If that could be about doubled, the paper
would become self-supporting.
Among other desiderata arising fiom the development
of the Mission, one has been much on our hearts in
prayer — that of a home for the children of our Mis-
sionaries labouring in China. This want is now met in
the opening of such a home by Miss Soltau and Miss
Minchin, at Coplow House, Tottenham, N., which will
relieve us of much expense and responsilDility, while
admirably meeting our present requirements.
Our friends having furnished the house independently
of the Mission, and given their time and labour to this
work, are open to receive contributions, which it is
trusted may prove adequate to its support.
Should it become desirable, the Council will from time
to time give grants towards it. We have in hand a
small sum contributed for this purpose, and shall be
happy to forward any sum that may Ije entrusted to us.
We would, in conclusion, ask our friends to continue
earnestly in prayer that the Lord's blessing may rest
upon all our undertakings, and that increased prosperity
may attend the efforts of our brethren to "rescue the
perishing" in China.
Prayer was offered by Mr. Hudson Taylor.
MR. J. E. CARDWELL,
of the China Inland Mission, lately returned from China,
then addressed-the meeting : —
Dear Christian Friends,— I am here this after-
noon to bear witness to the faithfulness of God, who has
heard and answered prayer in the formation and con-
tinuation of the China Inland Mission.
I may tell you that my own going out was entirely in
answer to prayer. When I first came to the Lord, my
earnest desire was for Foreign Mission work, but the
way was not clear for several years. During that time
I met a gentleman who, knowing my heart's desire,
often sympathised with me, and forwarded that desire
as much as possible.
One day, talking with him about it, and happening to
have a map of China in his room, he said, " Dear
brother, you see that map ? You see the province of
KlANG-Sl : you see the Po-yang lake ; and looking upon
the province you see rivers in all directions, by which
you can reach nearly every city. Shall you and I pray
that if it is the Lord's will you may be sent there to
labour on that lake ?" We prayed over the matter, and
at the end of seven years I went to China, though not to
the Po-yang lake, but to the city of Tai-chau, in the
province of Cheh-kiang, a long way, you will see, from
the place to which I had been praying to go.
I had only been there a short time (three months)
when I was laid low by diarrhcea and dysentery, which
continued for eighteen months. My friends at Ning-po
said, " You must return to England. ' ' Return to England,
I said, after seven years' prayer for this work ! Return
to England ! No! I could not do that. I felt the Lord
would not have taken me to China unless He had a work
for me to do. The Po-3'ang lake, and the need of that
large province, was upon my heart, and I felt I must go
there before returning home ; and it is to the praise and
glory of God that I had not been in Kiang-si more than
a week before the complaint turned, and I have never
had a relapse to this daj^ This I now look upon as the
way the Lord intended to answer our prayers.
missionary journeys.
Perhaps it would be interesting to sa}^ a little about
the work in that province. It is all new ground, so to
speak. I have travelled over a large extent of country ;
I have journeyed to the south for 500 miles ; to the south-
west for the same distance ; south-east, 250 miles ; due
west, 150 miles ; and to the south-east for 200 more. I
visited during these journeys some 120 cities, towns, and
villages ; in all of them I distributed the Word of Life ;
and in each place the Gospel was preached. At the
majority of these places — I may say with two exceptions
— it was the first time they had seen a foreigner, and the
first time they had heard the name of Jesus from the
lips of a Protestant missionary. I cannot now tell you
the number of books sold during these journeys, but they
amount to some thousands. I feel sure that if in the
providence of God I return to Kiang-si, I shall find the
distribution and preaching of the Word has not been
without frnit.
first fruits.-
Indeed, it has in some cases alread}' taken root. One
day a young man waited upon me and said, "You
remember being at my brother's house and seeing me ?"
It was some 200 miles away, and he had come all that
distance. He was interested in the Gospel, and had
i-ead the books left behind ; but being so far removed
from any teacher, came to mo, asking if he might reside
some time with me, and learn more of the doctrine. He
came and lived in our house some months, then went
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
i6i
back again, shortly to return to us, bringing his elder
brother, who also lived with me for a time. They told
me there were no less than ten persons in their town who
were also interested.
SUCCESS NOT DOUBTFUL.
In my various travels about the country I have had
many literary men on my boat, conversing about the
doctrine, and going away in every instance with a full
copy of the Scriptures, besides purchasing other books.
Of course, working on new ground like this, one often
has hindrances and discouragements, but we commit
all that to the Lord. We know we take with us the
Word of God, which is able to make wise unto salva-
tion. He is not restricted by the feebleness of our efforts
or by our failures : if we only labour, having faith in His
Divine Word, success is sure. He has promised it. I
can assure you that it is with no small pleasure I am
here this afternoon to bear witness to God's faithfulness.
Unprotected as I was — 500 miles away from any Euro-
pean habitation, surrounded by thousands of Chinese, I
never felt the least fear, being assured that He who was
with me was more than all that were against me. I
have always felt more real pleasure and joy in these
journeys than when amongst my own people, realising
more the presence of my God, and His grace in my
heart.
THE GOSPEL THE GREAT CIVILIZING AGENCY.
Many efforts are now being put forth to elevate the
Chinese, but to my mind everything must give place to
the Gospel. However low a man has sunk, it can'reach
him ; however degraded he may be, it is able to raise
him. Many say commerce must first raise man, and
then we may bring in the Gospel ; but my belief is,
first bring the Gospel, and then men become properly
fitted for commerce and other duties in life. The Gospel
alone is what the Chinese need ; the Gospel alotie is
able to elevate them.
I will tell you, as an instance, of one who had been a
priest for eighteen years, and had lived entirely away
from mankind (as most of them do) in a little temple in
the country, mingling only with men of his own class ; a
man who for eighteen years had been a vegetarian.
You can imagine that that man's heart was like a stone ;
and if you could have seen his features when I first saw
him, you would have said a smile or a tear could never
be seen there. But I have seen that man weep bitterly
over the dead form of one of my dear children. How
was his heart thus softened ? The Gospel had changed
it, and had made him a new creature.
EARNESTNESS.
Another man, sixty-five years of age, is now an active
worker in the Lord's vineyard, and has been for several
years — so earnest, that he will sit the whole day at the
door of the little chapel, selling books, speaking to all
who like to come, and inviting others.
On one occasion, when I visited my out-station before
coming to England, his earnestness was such that at
all- the places at which we stopped he preached the
gospel, and on arriving at the little chapel he got up
immediately and continued preaching until the time for
departure arrived, scarcely giving me opportunity to
speak. I said to him, "You have been speaking from
six in the morning till six in the evening, and have
tkken no refreshment." "No," said he, " I have not
felt the need of any ; my heart has been full, and it
is full now."
Yes, it was full of joy, full of peace, and full of love
for the souls of his perishing fellow-countrymen. And
we have many others of the same mind in our little
churches, men who are full of life, power, and earnest-
ness for the salvation of those around them.
china's GREAT NEED.
_ What China wants is more men, more women, full of
living faith, and love for souls, prepared to go anywhere
and everywhere, trusting alone in their God, who, not
looking at their own insufficiency, but unto Him who is
' all-sufficient, shall be used in bringing her millions to
Christ.
My dear friends, I do trust our meetings of this day
will have the effect of creating in your hearts a deeper
and more earnest desire for the salvation of China.
We want you to sympathise and to be with us in the
work, and earnestly beseech you to pray for us, that our
hands may be strengthened, that the year upon which
we are now entering may see our brethren in China
beginning their work in each province, and blessing
attending their labour.
Mr. Denham Smith then engaged in prayer, after
which the Chairman called upon the
REV. JAMES SADLER,
(of the London Missionary Society), from Amoy. He
said :
My dear Friends,— I am thankful that we are all here
this afternoon as lovers of China. Your love for China
is being known far and wide. I was at Mrs. Ranyard's
this afternoon, and there was a gentleman there who re-
ferred to the interest with which he had read " China's
Millions." I have had opportunity of knowing
that in various parts of England, and I believe
of Scotland too, the illustrations have taken the imagin-
ation of many, while the loving, earnest words written on
behalf of China have inspired their hearts. I think you
ought to be very much encouraged by this fact, and to
feel that the more this periodical can be made known
and men's minds be roused to think of the great work in
that mighty empire, the more you will have reason for joy
and gratitude.
Then_ there is another paper which has gone out in
connection with your mission.* I have seen it in the
hands of many ministers amongst others. It bears the
names of Mr. Miiller, Lord Radstock, and one or two
others. I can tell you that that little paper has raised
thoughts in many minds, so that doubtless in answer to
the earnest pleadings which you and others of God's
people are putting up to the throne of grace, God is
doing a work, the results of which will be seen more in
the future than in the present.
china needs deliverance.
Last night I had an opportunity of attending a meeting
where the Jubilee Singers were singing, and one seemed
to be reminded of that frightful state of slavery in which
they had once lived, and of the wonderful goodness of
God in bringing them out of it. I could not but draw
some sort of a parallel between the slaves and the people
of China. It is true we have not a number of Chinese
who go about the country and rouse Christian people to
earnest effort and prayer on behalf of their fellow-
countrymen, as is the case with these coloured friends ;
but I think we who have been in China should take that
* This paper, entitled ' ' Why abodest thou among the sheep-
folds? " signed by the Revs. C. D. Marston and Dr. A. Bonar, as
well as the above-mentioned, refers to the need of the whole
heathen world, and was not issued hy the C. I. M., which has only
assisted in its circulation. It may be procured at is. per 100, from
John Elliott and Sons, 17, Stourcliffe Street, Edgeware Road.
London, E.G.
l62
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
place. I can look upon the Chinese people as my people,
and, especially in regard to the Christians there, say,
" Their God is my God ;" and 1 feel an earnest desire
that all of us who have been in China should be helped
of God to awaken in English Christians an earnestness to
seize the glorious opportunity of winning the Chinese to
Christ.
The Church of Christ at home should do far, far more
than has^ as yet been done. We surely ought to learn a
lesson from the children of this world. Our Saviour said,
"The children of this world are in their generation wiser
than the children of light." What do we see of tliem ?
They are making headway ; they rest neither day nor
night to win a place in China for their trade, manufac-
burden of the Lord " was upon them, and could not rest
without putting forth all the power at their command to
do the Lord's work in bringing the Chinese to Himself
NO VAIN WORK.
Many people seem to think that it is a vain thing to
attempt the evangelization of China. " Oh," they say,
" the Chinese are beyond hope ; they have their peculiar
obstacles to receiving the Gospel, and the work among
them is a miserable task." I have met men with this im-
pression in China, and on the way from China, and in
England. Well, what is our duty ? Surely it is the duty
of the Christian to take up his cross, let men say what
they will. This work is of God. His heart is far more
THE ISLAND OF AMOY, AND THE MAIN-LA. \D BEYOND.
tures, and the like. What a lesson we ought to learn
from them! If a place for the manufacturer, if a place
for the trader, how much more should we win a place for
Christ!
Dear friends, you are doubtless acquainted with many
of the great facts of China's destitution. Oh, the need !
the need of the Gospel in a country like that ! It is most
pitiful to see the state of the people, notwithstanding all
the efforts ever put forth by their sages and philosophers.
You may know that what we see in China at the present
day is fairly represented in ist chap. Romans. Oh ! the
fearful state of social life. Oh! the oppression. Oh! the
life of fear and distress, darkness, ignorance, and sin.
If the great facts of this destitution could be made known
as they ought to be to Christian people of this country,
then surely they would feel with the prophets of old " the
concerned in bringing this people to Himself than ours
can possibly be. Our prayers and longings that the
Chinese may be brought to the Saviour are but so many
little streams, the great source of which is in God. He
is far more concerned lor their salvation than we can ever
be. His purposes will be accomplished ; and it will be
our highest joy if we can do ever so little in carrying out
His work to bring these heathens to Christ.
BLESSING ON THE WORK OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY
SOCIETY.
I can testify, from what I have seen, that this work is
quite practicable. We, at Amoy, have been greatly
cheered in recent years. When I first went there, our
Mission had only two or three stations away from the
port : since then, one station — that is, one little church —
1
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
163
after another has grown up, insomuch that now we have
as many as twenty churches and congregations, the far
larger part being away from the port ; and I trust these
will grow more and more abundantly. You have just
heard of many cases of individual conversions, and those
of you who read "China's Millions" will see many
more. But you may allow me to lay stress on
THE FORMATION OF NATIVE CHURCHES.
Many converts bind themselves together in Church
fellowship, in holy association, such as you have I pre-
sume in connection with this Mission. This is one of the
most encouraging features in China Missions. You know
how the Chinese make their way in all parts of the world,
and when their ability is sanctified to God, you can easily
imagine how well they will work in propagating the truths
of our holy religion which they have received.
Again, we see them devote of their resources to the
support of the Gospel. As heathens, they give largely
to the support of heathenism. The money spent in in-
cense, in the offerings of sacred junks, in temples and
idols, and in the various trades connected with idolatry,
is something fabulous. If you imagine all this wealth
dedicated to the Saviour, why, what a great thing that
would be ! There are resources in China almost endless ;
and I believe we shall not for ever have to put forth our
energy in giving money, and in sending the best men and
women that can go. It may be a long time before China
will be Christianised ; but it is encouraging to think that
the work is practicable ; and if we go and make known
the Gospel, it will be sustained and grow. If once
Christianity is received, the converts can take care of
themselves.
THE CAPACITIES OF THE CHINESE.
The Chinese are not a worthless people by any means :
the more I think of their capacities, and that these may
be all consecrated to Him who alone is worthy, the more
I feel that there is everything to inspire us in this great
work ; and the more you know of it, the more you will
feel interested in it.
Some people imagine it is an endless task, that it is
impossible to move the mighty masses of China. I have
been with brethren who say they can be interested in such
a place as Madagascar, because there is something they
can grasp ; but cannot be interested in China, as it is
quite beyond their grasp ! But the East is the land where
people often move in masses. I take much encourage-
ment from the evidence of this which we possess. Mighty
things might be done in China, in a very short time.
Cannot we trust God ?
I can only say a few words, but I do feel that if you
could realise what missionaries in China realise — the need
of the people, and the blessedness of bringing them to
the Saviour — you would be inspired with the earnest
desire to do everything that lies in your power to carry on
His work, and to pray for the time when His kingdom
shall come, and His will be done on earth as it is in
Heaven.
MR. HUDSON TAYLOR
then addressed the meeting : —
Dear Friends, — Our coming together on this occasion
is a cause for much joy, and yet what a solemn thing it
is ! What does it mean? It means that there is a living
God, who has loved and pitied us, who were once just as
needy as these poor Chinese. It means that the redemp-
tion of our souls was so precious that no human power
could have raised us from our lost condition ; and so He
gave — what ? Ah ! He gave His only begotten Son !
We have sung that hymn, " God loved the world of
sinners lost." Oh ! if He had not done so, what would
have become of us ! But that Blessed One, who left His
glorious throne, and shed His blood on Calvary, gave to
His people a parting command, " Go ye into all the world,
and preach these glad tidings to every creature." And
our coming together, means that if you and I who have
this knowledge in our possession do not do all that in us
lies to save these poor perishing millions, their blood is on
your souls and mine. It is His Church that He has com-
manded to " Go into all the world." Well, who is to do
it ? Who is it that ought to go ? Oh ! I would to God
that He would so stir up His people in this city by His
Spirit that there should be a meeting of ministers and
evangelists in this our London, some thousands of whom
would determine to leave their pulpits and to go out to the
far-off heathen. If four diousand ministers were to
ascend their pulpits some Sunday morning and to
solemnly address their congregations thus : — " The
message God has committed to us is too real to be trifled
with : we shall soon have to give account of our
stewardship ; we can no longer tarry with you. Some of
you are -already saved : the Spirit of God is with you :
we commend you to God, and to the word of His grace.
Others of you are still unsaved. Sunday after Sunday we
have warned and exhorted you, have prayed with and
prayed for you. We have set before you the whole
counsel of God, and are clear of your blood. You are
still impenitent ; you reject the grace of God ! We no
longer linger with you : your blood is on your own heads ;
and since you count yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn from you and go to the heathen —they will
hear us." I believe that if four thousand men of God
were thus to leave their pulpits and go, there would be
such a revival here as we have never seen.
If it be said. This cannot be : Well, we can only speak
for ourselves. Do you, beloved friends, believe the
Bible ? Do you believe that our Almighty God is willing
to hear and answer the prayers of His people ? Then
look at China's need.
[Mr. Taylor here directed the attention of the assembly to a
map of China hanging in the room, and glancing at province
after province, spoke of their terrible destitution.]
We meet together this afternoon, he continued, not
to ask your money ; but we beg, we entreat your pra> ers
on behalf of 150 millions of perishing souls ! We are
pecuniarily sustained by the freewill offerings of the chil-
dren of God ; as you have heard, nearly ^52,000 have
been sent in during the past eleven years, without solici-
tation. But oh, we do beseech your earnest prayers, that
those vast portions of China which are still without the
light of the Gospel may soon be evangelised— by us or
others (we care not by whom) making known the glad
tidings of salvation. We are truly thankful for what the
British and Foreign Bible Society has been doing by
colportage ; for what the National Bible Society of Scot-
land has been doing in the same way ; but we want men
and women to go and live amongst these poor people, to
show that the religion of Christ is a reality, and to mani-
fest by their lives the difference between a vital religion
and one which consists in mere form.
One thought more. In answer to earnest prayer, God
has enabled us recently to send out a large number of
additional missionaries. Twenty-two, during the past
two years, have given themselves to China, to labour for the
Master. Do you think that Satan will let them alone ?
Depend upon it, all his wiles, all his powers, will be used
to turn them aside, or to hinder their work ; and I do
entreat of you to remember these young brethren and
sisters in your prayers.
164
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
After a few more earnest and solemn words, Mr. Taylor.
closed by thanking Mr. Hankin for kindlj presiding ; and Mr.
Hankin concluded the meeting with prayer.
In the interval between the afternoon and evening
meetings, many of those present gathered for tea, and
then enjoyed a hallowed season of prayer.
THE EVENING MEETING.
The chair was taken in the large Hall at 7.30 p.m.,
by Captain the Hon. R. Moreton. The North
London Evangelistic Clioir attended, and, besides the
members of the Council of the China Inland Mission,
many ministers and friends occupied the platform.
Captain Moreton opened the evening meeting by
giving out the hymn,
" Who, who, are those beside the chilly wave."
Prayer was offered by Mr. Theodore Howard,
Chairman of the Council of the Mission, and by Mr.
Hudson Taylor.
Captain Moreton having read Philippians ii., 1-16,
Mr. R. H. Hill, the hon, secretary, rose and gave
extracts from the report, accompanied by explanatory
comments.
The Rev. Frank White having engaged in prayer,
the
REV. DR. CTJLEOSS,
of Highbury, then addressed the meeting as follows : —
Christian Friends, — I have in my. hands just now
a copy of the report which has been read, and should like
during the few minutes I speak to compare the principles
and working of the China Inland Mission, as disclosed
in this report, with the New Testament.
CHRIST'S COMMISSION.
In the first place the Mission in its idea is an en-
deavour to carry out the will of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is simply a department of the great enterprise founded
on Christ's command to carry the Gospel into all the
world. As widely as the cicrse extends, so widely let the
message of mercy extend.
The Lord's charge, however, is not merely to preach
the Gospel to every creature ; but, as it runs in the Book,
" Make disciples of all nations." So when Christ sent
forth the Apostle Paid to the Gentiles, He commissioned
him to " open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness
to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." We
cannot then, acting under Christ's commission, rest con-
tent with simply delivering our message. We cannot
preach Him truly without desiring with our whole hearts
that men should believe the message, and should thereby
be brought to the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. I can
conceive of a message-bearer being personally uncon-
cerned as to the reception that his message meets with.
The postman, for example, brings joy and sorrow to our
doors without even so much as knowing what he brings ;
the doctor's message-boy leaves the medicine at the
houses of the patients, and possibly has very slight con-
cern indeed as to the results. But it is inconceivable
that a true bringer of the Gospel should take unbelief on
the part of his hearers coolly ; if he is not grieved by
their unbelief and the hardness of their hearts, he is not
fit for the post he has undertaken. I need not dwell on
this matter, but simply start by this statement — that the
very conception of this mission is to carry out the de-
clared will of the Lord Jesus Christ.
CHINA'S DESTITUTION.
Then I notice, looking into the report, that it was the
vastness and destitution of China that originated the
work ; and the appeal is still made on the very same
ground — the vastness of the field and the immense desti-
tution.
Bring this plea into connection with such a New Testa-
ment record as this — " When Jesus saw the multitudes
He was moved with compassion for them, because they
fainted and were scattered abroad as sheep having no
shepherd." Well, here in China is one-third of the
human family practically without the knowledge of God, ,
the living and true, and Jesus Christ, whom He hath
sent. Is it possible for Christian hearts — is it possible for
those who know the joy and blessedness of reconciliation
to God, to be otherwise than moved with compassion ?
THE AIM OF THE MISSION.
The next point I notice in examining the report is
this. The aim of this enterprise is to tell of Jesus
Christ, or, as the report puts it, " to Avork together in
spreading the knowledge of the blessed Saviour." That
expression, which I have quoted from the report, compre-
hends the whole scope of the mission. The work of the
missionaries, taken broadly, is the telling of the story of
the love that came down from Heaven into our midst —
the love of Him who gave Himself for us, an offering and
a sacrifice, that He might bring us to God — the teUing of
His name as '' Saviour "; so named, not by way of cour-
tesy title, like a Peer's eldest son, but because He really
saves. Well, that is the work undertaken by the China
Inland Mission ; and looking at it with Christian eyes, is
it not the very work that a Christian mission is to take in
hand?
Then I find that the work is carried on
IN THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER.
I note such expressions as these in the report : — " It
was believed that in answer to prayer suitable agents
would be raised up." " Our first prayer was for suitable
men and women to go out to the field." " Prayer was
offered that the lives and health of the missionaries might
be preserved." " God has answered prayer for suitable
agents, and He has furnished native and foreign agents
ever since," Such references as these (which seem to me
not to be mere casual and matter-of-course references,
but to express what is in the very heart of the enter-
prise), are they not just in keeping with- what we find in
the Bible ? What did Christ say as he looked at the
multitudes ? " Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that He
will send forth labourers into the harvest." Or, again,
take Paul — " My heart's desire and prayer to God for
Israel is that they might be saved." These two passages
are a fair specimen of what pervades Scripture.
Of course prayer can never be made a substitute for
effort. When the priest and the Levite passed the
wounded man without helping him, they might have
prayed for him ; but though such prayers came from con-
secrated lips, they could not " avail much." If you saw a
person drowning and (being able) did not pull him out,
but prayed instead, what would the prayer be but
hypocrisy ? It is not necessary to argue the matter that
prayer cannot be made a substitute for Christian work.
But then it is part of the means — not something added to
the means, that renders means effectual, but part of the
means which God gives us to employ for blessing the
world.
There is a connection — a vital connection — whether
you and I can trace it or not, between
PRAYING AND SUCCESS
in mission work. We can see very well that prayer lies
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
i6s
at the root of our own spiritual well-being as workers. We
can see tliat prayer calls forth and sustains Christianeffort.
We can see too that prayer gives a right spirit to the
worker. You must all have observed that when you pray
about any subject whatever, you come to take a deeper
interest in that matter. If you pray about any one you
take a deeper interest in his welfare. But after saying all
such things as these, the chief thing has yet to be said —
that prayer brings down God's blessing in answer.
I remember an illustration from the life of Dr. Judson,
the Burmese missionary. In the early part of his career
he took a deep interest in the Jews, and collected a sum
of money for instituting a mission to them. Nothing,
however, came of it. Many years passed, and 1 think
within a fortnight or so of his deatl^, when the monthly
periodicals were brought in, his wife opened one of them
and read to this effect : — A tract was written and cir-
culated in Germany, giving an account of the life and
work of Dr. Judson ; this tract fell into the hands of some
German Jews, and was the means of their conversion. It
passed from them to some Jews elsewhere — 1 think in
Trebizond — and was the means of awakening a deep in-
terest among them and leading to a request to send them
a Christian missionary. Dr. Judson's eyes filled with
tears, though for a time he spoke playfully. By-and-bye
he grasped his wife's hand and said, " This frightens
me. I never was deeply interested in any object ; I never
prayed for anything earnestly and believingly, but it came,
— at some time, perhaps, long after 1 asked ; in some way,
perhaps, the veiy last 1 should have devised — it came"
Now I think the strength of all our missionary effort — the
strength of this Inland Mission — is not simply and neces-
sarily our dependence upon God, but our assurance of
His readiness and willingness to bless us, in answer to
our asking, in the work we take in hand.
Then 1 should name one other thing, and only one.
I notice in the report the statement that the mission
depends for money on
FREE-WILL OFFERINGS.
Personally, I would not stickle about mere otitiuard
ai'rangement, so long as the offerings that come in for the
carrying on of the work are free-will offerings. But I am
satisfied that our true prosperity in all departments of
Christ's service depends, other things being equal, on the
heart that is put into the offerings. You do not declare
the income of any missionary society when you have
shown its balance-sheet. The balance-sheet may look
very favourable; the sum of money shown to the eye may
be very large ; and yet the society may be spiritually
bankrupt. And on the other hand, the sum may seem
very poor and paltry, and yet the society may be very
rich.
I have already said there is a connection, whether we
can trace it or not, between praying and prospering. Is
there not as vital a connection, whether we can trace it or
not, between the quality of the offerings and God's
blessing in the mission field ? Suppose I should lift from
the treasury of this or any other mission a handful of
shillings and hold them out before you. You may take
any one of those shillings, and it will buy the same quan-
tity of bread as any other. Are they also of the same
spiritual value ? You and I cannot distinguish between
one and another ; but He who sat over against the trea-
sury knows the value of each, — the shilling that is like
the widow's mite — the shilling that should have been a
sovereign— the shilling that means gratitude to the
Saviour and love to men — and the shilling that is there
simpl)' because a collector called. If we take that into
account, I think we shall rest satisfied that the real income
of the China Inland Mission is made up of offerings of
grateful, loving hearts, accepted by the Lord . We have
no right to refuse what is freely offered. Still, let us re-
member that it is the quality of the offering, and not its
mere amount, which is to be regarded, and on which we
look for a blessing.
I notice an expression in the report to this effect :
" We have never had to leave an open door unentered
through want of means ; and though the last penny has
not unfrecjuently been spent, no agent, either native or
European, has failed of the promised daily bread." Now,
can you depend on that for the futiure ? I would answer
by reminding you of a bit of New Testament history.
You remember when the Lord sent the Twelve out on a
brief trial mission without purse or scrip, they were to
take nothing with them ; if they had private means they
were to leave them behind, and to cast themselves on the
Lord. The Lord said, " I send you out as my servants
with certain powers and with a certain message/ Go out
— do my will. The labourer is worthy of his hire." He
sent them out in that way. They went out and came
back ; and sometime after he said to them, " When I
sent you out without purse or scrip lacked ye anything ? "
and they said " Nothing." I would answer all fears con-
cerning the sufficiency of funds for such a mission as the
China Inland Mission with that bit of New Testament
history.
" Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,
uiimoveable, always abounding in the -work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in
the Lord."
Captain Moreton then gave out the hymn —
" In some way or other,
The Lord will provide. "
REV. J. WILKINSON",
Missionary to the Jews, then spoke as follows : —
Captain Moreton, and Dear Christian Friends, — It is
not my purpose to speak at any length to-night, but
very briefly to express my warm and hearty sympathy
with our dear brother Hudson Taylor in this wondrous
Mission. I suppose most here are acquainted with the
object and the success of that Mission. I should like to
say two or three words as to its constitution — ^^evangelical
and unsectarian.
Thoroughly evangelical, by having at the top of its
papers, I believe, " Preach the Gospel to every creature."
Unsectarian, for it employs all who give evidence of true
conversion and fitness for this special Mission. So that
in one sense it is a Methodist Mission, by copying Divine
methods in soul-winning. In another sense it is a Baptist
Mission, by baptizing those who wish, in the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It is also an Independent
Mission, for it seems independent of those appliances for
getting money and- support which, I am sorry to find, in
some departments are still practised ; and I was very
much interested in what Dr. Culross said on this subject.
And it is Episcopal, by taking oversight of those in-
stnicted in the truth.
I wish to draw your attention to another point in this
wonderful Mission — the free-will offering principle. It is
delightful to see the Church of Christ, under the influence
of love to Him, pouring in its substance to send men
abroad to carry the Word of Life to sinners. I know of
few instances more refreshing than one to be found in the
Old and the other in the New Testament. You will
recollect those brick-makers would not have got food in
the wilderness, imless God had worked miracles for them.
Then, when a Tabernacle was wanted by God, the people
brought the materials of which it was to be made — the
gold and silver — and the overseers of the work had to
i66
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
say, " Stop, we cannot do with more, we have more than
enough." When filled with the love of Jesus, those of old
sold their possessions and had all things common. We
want a baptism of the Holy Ghost, and then we shall
consider no sacrifice too great of effort or money.
CHINA'S OVERWHELMING NEED.
Look at the masses of our country and other countries
who are strangers to the cross of Jesus, and take this one
point about Chinese Missions. I cannot grasp it ; to my
mind it is overwhelming. Look at London ; we have
three millions of inhabitants. But this report speaks of
150 millions in these nine unoccupied provinces. It tells
us of 150 millions who have not up to the present had
one resident Protestant missionary among them. Will
you please try to realise fifty Londons ? Fifty Londons !
Why, we canjioi realise it. Think of one London. Try
to imagine all your churches and chapels shut up, your
prayer-meetings coming to an end ; nobody speaks of
Jesus ; no one speaks of a Bible, no one has seen it.
Imagine fifty Londons side by side, and all perishing!
We hear it, we get our supper, go to bed, and go about
our daily work ! It is well these things are brought before
us.
If we get the Gospel ourselves are we prepared to make
any sacrifice — give something, do something, consecrate
ourselves, or substance, or both, in sending abroad the
glorious gospel and refreshing the heart of our dear
brother and of his colleagues by sustaining their loving
toil ? My heart is very full with gratitude to God that He
has raised up our dear brother, and sustained him in this
wonderfully interesting mission. Will every Christian
here — man, woman, and child — pray to our loving Father,
whose eye now rests upon us, for more abundant
blessing in the future than they have ever had in the
past ?
I once more just call your attention to the opening
words, " Preach the Gospel to every creature." Just
think of the circumstances under which they were given,
and by whom. Jesus had just risen from the tomb, and
showed Himself to Mary Magdalene. Off she went to
tell others, but they doubted and would not believe her
tale. Then He showed Himself to the two brethren
taking a walk in the country. They tell the rest. They
would not believe them. Jesus came to the eleven and
showed Himself, and kindly reproved them for their un-
belief ; and, having proved his resurrection, said, " Go ye
into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every crea-
ture ; and lo ! I am with you." And what is the last verse
in that chapter ? " And they went forth, the Lord work-
ing ^^'ith them and confirming the words with signs fol-
lowing."
Take another reference in Matthew. The risen Jesus,
speaking under similar circumstances, said, " All power is
given to me in heaven and earth. Go ye, therefore, and
disciple all the nations, and lo ! I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the age." Just look at it in this
light. If our Queen called the officers of the army, and
addressed them herself thus — " I have a proclamation to
be carried by our army to the very ends of the earth, and I
will place the revenue of Great Britain, seventy-five millions
sterling, at your service ; and all the men that can be
found in the three kingdoms and the colonies for soldiers,
and all the borrowing powers of Great Britain shall be
placed at your disposal. Will you carry out that procla-
mation ? " There is not a man in the army to-day who
would not be ashamed to say " No," and who would not
walk all over the world with it. Jesus says — not merely
the power of Great Britain, but — " all power is given to
Me. Go ye therefore." Who will go ?
MB. R. C, MORGAN,
Editor of The Christian, said his mind had been
dwelling on the record that David, " after he had served
his own generation according to the will of God,
fell on sleep, and was gathered to his fathers." It was
a comfort to think that the great problem of Mis-
sions to the heathen would be solved in the great
coming day. But whatever the future may be, it is
for us to serve our own generation. One of his children
once said to him, " It is very well to think that the Jews
will be converted by-and-bye, but what about all those
who are living and dying unconverted now ?" And must
we not say, It is very well to think that righteousness
will cover the earth ; but what about the heathen now ?
We are to serve our own generation. It would not only
be good for China, but for ourselves also, if a large
number of Christian men and women would go abroad.
We should multiply oiu- workers by scattering them.
Many who are in the front at home would, if they went
forth to the foreign mission-field, make room for others,
who now are doing nothing here. We should expect to
have a double blessing when a fellow-servant leaves our
shores, just as, when Elijah was taken up, Israel gained
two Elijahs in Elisha. He concluded his address in a way
calculated to make the fondest parents hesitate to with-
hold their children from this blessed work, saying he had
one request to make : " I have two sons. Will you pray
God that, if they can better serve their generation in other
lands than at home. He will prepare them for th§ work,
and put it into their hearts to go ?"
Captain Moreton then introduced
MR. RUDLAWD,
of the China Inland Mission, who said :
Dear Friends, — It is a great pleasure to me to stand
before you to-night, as one of the party which sailed in
the La)nniermuir ten years ago. Looking back upon the
past ten years, calling to mind the trials, troubles, and
dangers through which we have passed, and then re-
calling the many blessings we have received, and how
the Lord has prospered us in the work, we are constrained
to say, " What hath God wrought ! "
Well do I remember the feeling that came over me on
landing in China, seeing idols at every turn, and human
beings who must live for ever bowing down and worship-
ping them — it is a feeling which no tongue can describe.
And when one sees the gigantic difficulties before him,
unless he has a firm belief in God's word, and a firm faith
in the power of the Holy Spirit to apply it to the heart, he
will be compelled to give up in despair. But with that
belief in the Word of God, and in the Spirit's power, one
can go forward and look to God for results. We have
been enabled to do so, and He has not disappointed us.
But let us look for a few moments at the map which
hangs before us.* There we see the eighteen provinces of
China, which contain the four hundred millions of inhabi-
tants. We can speak of four hundred millions, but who
can grasp that number.? We speak of this mass of human
beings, and fail to realize what it comprehends, but God
looks down and sees each individual, each with a soul
that must live for ever. By looking at the map, you will
see that the nine eastern provinces have their names in
red letters, and the nine western ones in black. Those in
black are without one resident Protestant missionary ;
but they have nearly 200 Roman Catholic priests, native
and foreign, in their midst, who are going forward,
teaching another form of idolatry ; while we, who have
* See page 169.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
167
the light of the glorious Gospel, are standing back, leav-
ing their heathen darkness untouched.
But let me call your attention to this Province of
Cheh-kiang. It contains twenty-eight millions of inhabi-
tants, and it has just now about twenty-eight male mis-
sionaries ; so that, if these were equally distributed,
each would have one million of souls in his district !
But they are not equally distriljuted ; they are residing in
five out of the seventy-four cities which the province con-
tains, leaving a surplus of sixty-nine cities without a resi-
dent Protestant missionary, besides the numerous towns
and villages belonging to them. But, dear friends, do
not think that I am con-
demning those who are
in these five cities, for
in these cities alone
.there would be ample
scope for them all, if
there were ten times their
number.
In the south of this
province of Cheh-kiang
is the Prefectural city
of Tai-chau, where I
laboured for some years.
The Prefecture contains
about three millions of
souls. It is often said
that missionaries are
making but little pro-
gress. But suppose all
London to be heatlicn,
and one preacher of the
Gospel set down in their
midst, and he a for-
eigner^ what progress
would you e.xpect him
to make.? But though
there has been such a
vast number to work
amongst — and the diffi-
culties have been many
— the Lord has helped
us. The prophet Isaiah
said, " The idols He
shall utterly abolish."
So it has been with us
in some instances —
brought about by God
Himself, in His own
way. Some ol those who
once worshipped these
idols before you, are now
" turned from dumb idols
to serve the living and
true God, and to wait for his Son from Heaven."
But there is one feature of the work which I must
not pass over — the work of the native Christians. If
ever the enormous population of China is to be brought
under the sound of the Gospel, it must be very largely
by native agency ; and to the extent that this is made
use of, to that extent may we look for success. Let me
give you an example of the way the Lord is using the
native Christians.
One man, the first convert from among those three
millions, began, at home, to work for the Lord. In due
time one after another of his neighbours were converted ;
then his son and wife, until there are now on the Church
books the names of eight persons who were either con-
verted or brought under the sound of the Gospel through
AN OPIUM SMOKER.
his instrumentality. And this man was not a scholar, for
at that time he could not read a letter, though now he can
read the New Testament for himself And he is still
going on, speaking to those with whom he comes in con-
tact about their souls. Some of those brought to the
Lord by him have been used in the conversion of others ;
so that the stream is flowing, and the great day alone will
reveal the results of the work. Another ycrnng man, who
was a Roman Catholic convert, being warned by his
priest not to go near our place of worship, came and heard
the Gospel, was brought to Christ, and soon used in the
conversion of others. Two of these were owners of idol
temples ; these temples
they gave up to us that
they might be used as
chapels ; and now, in
the very places where
dumb idols were once
worshipped, the glorious
Gospel of the blessed
God is preached. The
idols now before you
were once worshipped
in these temples, and
were given up by their
owners that they might
be sent to England for
English Christians to
see what the heathen
do worship, and that
they might speak to
your hearts.*
And now, dear friends,
we are not going to
make a collection of
money to-night, but we
do want a collection of
men and women to give
themselves for the work
of the Lord in that land.
I do not think it right
for my brother, Mr. Card-
well, to return to that
vast province of which
he has spoken, alone ;
or that I should return
alone to work among
those three millions of
souls.
The Lord Jesus said,
" Go ye into all the world,
and preach the Gospel
to every creature." I
do not know whom that
means to-night ; but I
know that more than ten years ago it meant me ; and
I trust that from this meeting some may be led to give
themselves for the Lord's work in that needy land.
MB. CARDWELL
then said : — At this late hour it would be unwise of
me to detain you by a long speech, but I must take
advantage of the few minutes allotted me to draw your
attention once more to the map of China before you,
and point you to the nine provinces the names of
which are printed in red. These are the evangelized
provinces. But to what extent can they be called so .' It
is estimated they contain 250 millions of inhabitants,
* A fuller account of this work will f D. V. > be given in a future
number.
1 68
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
and about 250 Protestant missionaries of all nationalities ;
this is one million to each missionary. We get some
idea of their condition by comparison with London, with
its four millions, and imagine it with only four ministers
of the Gospel. Even this will fail to give you an adequate
idea ; for one of these provinces, Gan-hwuy, has 20
millions and only one missionary. Another, Kiang-si,
has four millions to each resident missionary.
Then look at the other nine provinces to the west, in
black letters, containing 1 50 millions and NO missionary.
I fain would dwell upon these facts, but I can only now
present them in this naked form, and with deep solici-
tude leave them with you to speak for themselves, louder
and more forcibly than human tongue can speak, of the
great and pressing need of further and continued effort.
Need of more labourers, and need of more earnest
waiting upon God, in order that this state of things may
be materially mitigated, if not altogether removed.
These facts, I repeat, speak loudly to the Christian
Church, reminding her of supineness and past neglect, at
the same time pointing her to the path of duty, the path
of privilege, the path her Lord would have her take.
May the call uttered in them to come to the help of the
Lord meet with a response in many a heart here to-night !
THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.
There is, however, one great hindrance, the greatest to
my mind, not only to the progress of Christianity, but to
all and every effort to develop trade or raise the social and
moral standard of the Chinese. It is the opium traffic.
It is eating out the very vitals of the nation. It is the
source of poverty, wretchedness, disease, and misery, un-
paralleled in this or any other country. It debases the
debased to the very lowest depth of degradation. It
closes the eye to all pity, and the heart to all shame and
sympathy. See that poor wretch with emaciated frame ;
he has parted with his land, his house, his furniture, his
children's and his own clothing and bedding, and either
sold his wife or hired her out for prostitution, a?id all for
opium, to satisfy an insatiable appetite, which grows upon
him the more he feeds it, until it has consumed his life.
Time forbids me to tell of the deep misery opium has
entailed upon the people : it is their bane, their curse.
ENGLAND'S GUILT.
Are we not verily guilty in forcing it upon them ? They
did not want it — they do not want it now — but they are
powerless either to stop its importation, or check its
growth in their own country, so long as it remains an
article of trade cnfoixed by treaty. The quantity grown
and consumed is increasing year by year, and in the same
ratio is the misery and woe. To give you an idea.* In
1857-8 the land devoted to the cultivation "of the poppy in
Central India was 289,062 acres. In 1865-6, it vi'as
700,000, being an increase during eight years of 410,938
acres, or 642 square miles, equal in extent to the county
of Hertfordshire. The next year it was 750,000 acres, or
1 170 square miles. Thus for nine years there was a steady
annual increase of at least 50,000 acres. I believe, if
this matter were looked at from the proper stand-point, it
would be found to have more to do with the Indian famines
of late years than we think.
But China is the greater sufferer, as will be shown by
the fact, that in 1873-4 the exports to China from India
were over 11 million pounds sterling, of which 10 millions
were for opium alone. In the face of this, do we wonder
the Chinese are suspicious and jealous of us. We talk to
theni about the advantages they will reap by opening up
their country to foreign commerce ; they may well reply,
the advantage is all on one side. We send you an
* See " London Quarterly Review " for April.
article which adds to your comfort, affords you pleasure,
and tends to increase the sobriety and happiness of your
people : in return, you force upon us a deadly poison,
which is depopulating our cities and ruining our country.
IVIany times, whilst travelling and preaching, have
intelhgent men said to me, " Yes, your doctrine is all
very good : 'do unto others as you would others should do
unto you ;' but how about the opium you bring us ? We
cannot reconcile the practice with the precept ;" and, I
am bound to confess, neither can I. It has been said, it
is of no use to speak to man about the opium, we must
bring the matter to God, and upon our knees plead with
Him. I believe in the latter method as much as any
man ; but I feel it is, it will be, of use to speak of it ; as
Christians we must speak, or our prayers will avail but
little. It is high time something should be done.' We
cannot shirk the matter and say it rests with the Govern-
ment. What is the Government, but the people's repre-
sentative, elected by and from the people ? If the
Government has been guilty of wrong-doing, you share in
the guilt if you shut your eyes to the fact, and hold your
peace. Were we to look upon things in this light, — to
my mind the proper light — there is not a right-minded
man in Great Britain but would raise his voice against
this iniquitous traffic. If we are real friends of China, as
we profess to be, and as I believe we are, and wish her
to look upon us as such, we must remove the opium as a
forced article of commerce. Until this is done, depend
upon it, whatever else you may do, there will only be
trouble and disappointment.
Captain Moreton next called upon
J. E. HOWARD, ESQ., F.R.S.
who expressed the great interest he felt in the
mission. His interest in China was not a recent one.
He had been connected with two previous attempts to
benefit the Chinese, both of which had failed through the
use of unsuitable and incongruous measures. God had
prospered the work of this mission, because it had been
carried on in dependence upon Him, and in accordance
with His word. He well remembered Mr. Taylor's
coming up to London twenty-five years ago, and the
objections that were made to his going to China. Some
said he was too short ; that his hair was not the right
colour, it would be no use his going to China ; and more-
over, he was too young and inexperienced. But God,
who used the stripling David, had used him, and he
hoped that continued blessing would rest upon the work.
ME. HUDSON TAYLOR
Said,-- It is a cause of joy that we have with us at this
thanksgiving meeting one who has been such a true
friend of Missions in China for so many years as
Mr. Howard. As I look back to the year 1851, when
I first met him, it seems but a short time ; but when I
recall all that has transpired since, it seems long indeed.
But we miss from our midst to-night an aged and much
valued friend, the late Miss Stacey, who has gone in to
see the King ; and we cannot but regret the absence
through illness of our dear friend, Mr. Berger, who ten
years ago took up the home department of the Mission,
and to whose constant prayers and laborious efforts the
Mission owes so much.
Much has naturally been said at these meetings about
the China Inland Mission, but I should not like them to
close without an expression of our gratitude to God for
His blessing on the work of all the other Protestant
Missions in China. We heard a little this afternoon from
our friend, Mr. Sadler, of God's blessing at Amoy on the
work of the" London Missionary Society— the Society
170
CHINA'S -MILLIONS.
which sent the first honoured pioneers to China. If time
permitted, I should Hke to refer to the cheering en-
couragements that have been vouchsafed to the Enghsh
and American Presbyterian Missions in the same port
and elsewhere. God has given wondrous blessing on the
labours of the Church Missionary Society, especially in
Fuh-chau ; and the Wesleyan and other British Missions,
the American and the Continental Missions, have also
been encouraged. Our work is not in rivalry with any
other : it is sui generis, and auxiliary and supplementary
to all. We can therefore rejoice, and we do rejoice,
in the success of any who are carrying the Gospel to
that needy land.
REV. H. GBATTAK" GUINNESS,
of the East End Training Institute, then concluded
the meeting with prayer and the Benediction.
!i$$itiititr5 icrri^pmtit^tta.
MRS. MEADOWS writes—" March 30th, Mr. Meadows
has just visited the out-stations, and been much cheered by what
he heard and saw of the consistent lives both of members and
enquirers ; and yet the persecutions they have to bear, he says,
are such as we here have no idea of."
MISS TURNER has recently taken a httle girl and a babe
of two months old, under her care. The heartless mother would
have W</the girl, we know not to what life, had she refused.
Another daughter of the same woman had been converted in
Miss Turner's school, and pleaded that the little ones might be
taken in, that they might share the blessings she had been
benefitted by. Mrs. Meadows says— "As I look at my own
darlings I could weep for these poor unloved little ones."
MR. McCarthy writes, on April nth,— "While on
my last journey, I paid Mr. Meadows a sliort visit ; it was a
happy time. Miss Turner is getting on well in the school, and
is very well herself ; she has now seventeen girls. Mr. Meadows
was greatly cheered by his recent visit to the country stations ;
fourteen persons were baptized."
At HANG-CHAU, continues Mr. McCarthy, I "invited
all the members to dinner. I was very thankful to meet the
new members— thankful because six or eight had been received
during the year, and also to find that they were probably the
best members ol the cliurch. I expect to see great results from
these men : they are so thoroughly earnest and prayerful, and can
all read the Testament in the Romanized Colloquial, that I hope
the Lord will use them largely."
TSIANG LIANG- YUONG, missionary of the native
church in Hang-chau, writes of the work in the county city of
Yu-hang. He says they have six members, four candidates for
baptism likely soon to be received, and two others less fully
instructed. The Christians are regularly contributing of their
small means for the spread of the Gospel.
WONG li-ffil-DJUN, native pastor at Hang-chau,
writing later about the same work, mentions the reception of the
four above-mentioned candidates, and the acceptance of three
others as enquirers under instruction.
TSIANG AH-LIANG the native pastor, writes from
Tai-chau ; — " God has graciously kept us here in much peace.
Last year we received ten additional members into the church ;
we have now a number of inquirers, and can see them growing
in faith. Many persons come to us from false motives, owing
to the way in which the Roman Catholic priests interfere
in the law-suits, &c., of their converts ; pray that we may have
wisdom for dealing with such cases. Such persons really are
of the generation of vipers ; they wish to escape the wrath of
the mandarins, but do not fear God."
U DJUN-YIAO, the evangelist, writes from Dien-tsi
(one of the chapels which was formerly a heathen temple): —
" Four of the members of this church live five miles from here ;
they have of themselves rented a house in their own village for a
chapel ; they meet together to study the Scriptures, and are
doing all in their power to spead the knowledge of salvation.
Pray earnestly for them."
MR. NICOLL writes from Wu-chang :— " i)/ffrr,5 30//;.
I do enjoy the life of luoi-king fcv and depending on the Lord.
The longer I am here the more clearly do I see God's hand in
leading me to China. The work here is very encouraging : there
have been ten persons baptized this year. My teacher told me
last night that he wished to be baptized soon ; he has not yet
mentioned it to Mr. Judd."
MISS WILSON writes from Wu-changon April 13th.—
"I have to thank God much for choosing a home for me with
such privileges in the way of Christian fellowship, and sucli
examples of loving-kindness and courtesy to the Chinese. Seven
literary men have recently been baptized here, and another is
asking for it."
MR. BROUMTON sends us his diary from which we
make a few brief extracts. — "Dec. wtJi, 1S75. Arrived (from
England) at Chin-kiang at 9 p.m., glad to reach our destination.
Dec. 12th. Had the happiness of witnessing the baptism of a
Chinawoman, whose husband is a Christian, and of a girl who lives
with Mrs. Duncan. Jan. 16th. Arrived at Wu-chang, and
received a very hearty welcome. Feb. 1st. This morning a
teacher named Hwang was baptized by Mr. Judd. Since the
commencement of the year the brethren here have been praying
for the conversion of literary men, and this is the first answer.
Feb. I'jth. To-day three men were baptized; they are all from
one village some distance (thirty miles) from the city, where a
tailor who has been recently converted here has been testifying
to his friends and neighbours what God has done for his soul.
March 10th. To-day another man was baptized here ; he is a
native of Hu-nan, and of a very good family, though now in
reduced circumstances, 'Still there's more to follow.' March i'jth.
Our mouths are filled with praise — prayer is being answered.
Four more were baptized this morning — two teachers, a servant
of the man baptized on the loth inst., and a fisherman from a
village some thirty miles off, where the tailor mentioned above
lives. May God keep and make these men great blessings to
their fellow-countrymen. March 2^th. This morning Mr. Judd
baptised a gentleman named Chang ; he comes from a city some
200 miles further up the Yang-tse-kiang called I-chang. He
studied Buddhism, but could find no satisfaction for his soul, and
was much interested in the Gospel the first time he heard it ;
now he appears to have a very intelligent belief He leaves to-
morrow for a two months' journey down the river ; may his soul
be kept steadfast."
MR. BALLER writes : — "On my way from Gan-king
to Chin-kiang I spent a Sunday at Ta-t'ung. The evangehst
Cheng-tsan appeared to be in a very good state of soul, and the
chapel is well attended daily. At Wu-hu, Mr. and Mrs. Chang,
the native members, are going on very well, the old woman
especially. At Nan-kin I found two enquirers, neither of them
natives of the city ; — one is from Shan-tung, the otlierfrom Hu-
nan. At Yang-chau also there are two enquirers, one of them
a Shan-si man. Mr. George King seems encouraged about both."
MISS KNIGHT from Chin-kiang : — " I feel very happy,
and bless God for bringing me here, notwithstanding all that has
tried me, and long to be able to take up the work. We are
studying hard at the language all the day. I know that you will
not fail to ask that we may acquire it very soon. - ' Ye that are
the Lord's remembrancers keep not silence ' and do ask that
I may be filled with the knowledge of His will."
Hazell, Watson, and Viney, Printers, London and Aylesbury.
China's Millions.
jIutKJraJ ^ijrs|ijt.
[The Ancestral Worship of the Chinese is still
imperfectly understood, and we think that we shall
render service to the cause of Missions by reprinting
a valuable paper on this
subject, by the Rev. M.
T. Yates, D.D., of Shang-
hai. It was read at a
quarterly meeting of
Missionaries, and pub-
lished in China at their
request, but has never
been obtainable in Eng-
land.—Ed. C. M.]
" Ancestral worship, or
the worship of the dead,
has not hitherto been re-
garded as a system of
religion, but merely as a
commendable reverence
for parents, or filial
piety. Those who form
their opinions of the
Chinese system mainly
from reading their ancient
classics would naturally
come to this conclusion.
Those classics form our
only guide as to what
ancestral worship 7eias ;
but they cannot be re-
garded as a true exponent
of the practical working
of their religious systems
in our day. If we take
the dogmas and practices
of a people as true ex-
ponents of their religious
systems, all those who
have given the subject
long and close attention
cannot avoid coming to
the conclusion that an-
cestral worship, or the
worship of the dead, is
the principal religion of
the Chinese (it being the
only one that unites all
classes), and that all other systems are, practically,
merely its adjuncts. For the Tauists devote most
of their time to endeavouring to keep the peace
NO. 14. — AUGUST, 1876.
ANCESTRAL TABLET.
between the living and the dead ; and the Buddhists
of the present day, seeing the prosperity of the
Tauists in this department, have, in a great degree,
prostituted their services
to the same cause. The
Confucian philosophy, it
is true, teaches filial
piety ; it is, however,
equally true that the filial
piety of the present day
consists mainly in devo-
tion to deceased an-
cestors.
" The teachings of
Confucius undoubtedly
contributed much towards
elevating the Chinese
character, and the main-
tenance of good order ;
at the same time, they
fastened upon the people
a system which, with the
changes of dynasty and
the gradual decline of the
Chinese Empire, has. de-
generated into what I
regard as the principal
religion of the Chinese.
All Chinese worship,
whether of the dead or
of their idols, is designed
to secure temporal good,
or exemption from
calamity.
"In attempting to
establish the position
assumed, I shall state,
first, some of the dogmas
of the Chinese in regard
to the dead; and, se-
condly, some of their
practices from the time
a person is taken ill.
" I. Theories of the
Chinese in regard to
THE Dead.
"They believe in the
existence of two worlds —
one the world of light (China) ; the other the world
of darkness, in which men live after death. They
conceive that the denizens of the latter world stand
172
CHINAS MILLIONS.
in constant need of the same kind of comforts tliat they
enjoyed in their former state of existence. As the dead
have become invisible, everything designed for their
use must be rendered invisible — hence it is burned.
They suppose that the inhabitants of the world of dark-
ness are entirely dependent for their comforts upon their
relatives and friends in the world of light. They be-
lieve that the ancestors who are neglected by their
relatives, as well as those whose families are extinct,
are consigned to a state of beggary, and, in order to
find a modicum of comfort, are forced to take a posi-
tion with the multitudes who die at sea, in war, or in
foreign lands — who, in consequence of their burial-
places not being known, are entirely dependent upon
public cliarity. It is the presentation of offerings to
these that I denominate the "worship of the dead," by
way of distinguishing this class from those whose
graves are known, and who have relatives to sacrifice
to them. It is supposed that these neglected spirits, in
attempting to avenge themselves, prey upon those in
the world of light, who are in no way responsible for
their forlorn condition. Hence the Chinese believe that
nearly all the sickness and other ills to which flesh is
heir are inflicted by these unfortunate spirits, or by the
ancestors of those who are unfaithful. For the same
reason, those who congregate at distant cities for
business invariably establish a Way-quan ; the main
object of which is to take care of the dead of their
native place, and in due time to assist the friends of the
deceased in recovering their bodies, or — as in the case
of those at a great distance — their bones, in order that
they may be interred with the other members of the
family, and partake of all the benefits of ancestral
worship.
THE GOVERNMENT
of the world of darkness is supposed to be a perfect
counterpart of the Government of China, from the
Emperor down to the lowest policeman in a Chinese Ya-
mun. They are supposed, too, to be alike in character,
and to be influenced by similar sordid and selfish motives.
As the Chinese have never had a knowledge of God,
they have no higher standard of official justice and pro-
bity than they see exhibited by their own officials, &c.
The government of the spirit-world is represented in the
world of light by the various idols and their attendants
in the Tauist temples and elsewhere. The superior
resides in the temples (their Ya-muns), while the subor-
dinates are placed in various parts of the city, like
policemen, to guard against the depredations of the tur-
bulent beggar spirits, and thus preserve public tran-
quillity. Hence they are to be seen at the city gates, at
bridges, at any sudden turning of the streets, and
wherever a street is stopped by a blank wall, a niche
may be seen, where offerings of candles, incense, &c.,
are made. Blank walls and sudden turns in streets,
&c., are supposed to irritate them ; but finding them-
selves in the immediate vicinity of one of their own
authorities is quite sufficient to restrain the illwill
excited by any obstructions in their way. To prevent
these spirits from going into every room in the house,
the Chinese, in building, rarely ever place doors and
windows opposite each other. If the house is double,
and it is found necessary to place the doors of the hall
of the first building opposite to each other, in order to
pass through the inner court, a broad and fixed screen,
or a succession of doors, are placed before the back-
door of the front hall, and ingress or egress is had by a
narrow passage between the screen and the back-door.
The Tauist priests are the interpreters between the
world of darkness and the world of light. Hence they
are in a position to oppress the people ; and the sequel
will show that they have not failed to abuse their privi-
lege.
The Chinese believe that a man has three souls — one
in the head, one in the chest, and one in the lower ex-
tremities. At death, one of the souls takes its position
with the ancestral tablet, one with the corpse, and
one goes into the world of darkness for trial and punish-
ment.
THE ANCESTRAL TABLET {sen. illllstratioiC)
is a bit of board, resting on a pedestal, upon which is
written the name, birth, and death of the deceased.
Those of the wealthy or distinguished are usually gilded
and highly ornamented. These tablets are usually
placed on a table that occupies a position against the
screen in front of the back hall-door. Those who
are able to maintain an ancestral liall usually
place them there, with some responsible person to
take charge.
The Chinese believe in the immortality of the soul,
and in a certain kind of rewards and punishments. The
rewards they most desire are twofold ; — the first is to
be exempted from punishment ; the second is, according
to their ideas of metempsychosis, to be promoted in
their next advent into the world of light to a more
honourable position, or to a position of greater wealth.
The punishments are a reflection of the Chinese criminal
code, with some embellishments, and are of the most
brutal character.
Illustrations of some of them may be seen in the
" Qziang-foh-ss" temple, within the north gate of this
city (Shanghai). Wicked men are supposed to be sawn
asunder, roasted, flayed, beaten with many stripes, &c.
The illustrations of the punishments of tlie other world
have, undoubtedly, a restraining influence upon the
minds of men. They have about the same influence on
men who think of the chances of punishment in
the spirit world that the bamboo and the execu-
tioner's knife have on the minds of those who expose
themselves to punishment according to the criminal
code of the world of light. They all believe that there
is a chance of evading their just deserts in both worlds,
for they cannot conceive of any higher degree of
prescience on the part of the authorities of that world
than what they see illustrated before their eyes by the
acts of the authorities of this. Hence the great demo-
ralisation of the people.
{To be conimued.)
ABB MANY PBAYING- FOR ITS?
From Mrs, Croinbie, of FuiigJnoa,
May 5th, 1876. — I have been thinking for some time past that
I should like to ask a few questions ; because we have found, on
more than one occasion, that, when dear friends at home have
been praying much for us, we have been receiving much blessing
here. And now I should like to ask if they are still praying for
us with that faith and zeal which asks, and expects to receive ?
We came to China to win souls — are there many at home pray-
ing that we may be %uise to do so ? We try to cany glad tidings
to weary hearts, but few believe our report ! Are there many
at home praying for us that the word spoken may be " mixed
with faith in them that hear it ? " We try to tell the " Old, old
story," but it often seems like beating the air, and we marvel at
their unbelief ; are there many at home praying for us, that we
may speak God's Word in that " demonstration of the Spirit
and of power " which all our adversaries shall not be able to
gainsay nor resist ?
I see more and more that it is not merely coming to China,
and living amongst the Chinese, and talking to them, that will
save souls. Satan is not so easily driven from his stronghold.
It is now as it was of old — he " goeth not out but by prayer and
fasting." When there is much prayer there is much prosperity ;
therefore, "Brethren, pray for us." If " the effectual fervent
_
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
173
prayer of a righteous man availeth much," surely the effectual
fervent prayers of many righteous will avail much more. Pri-
soners' chains soon fall off, and prison-doors fly open, when
"prayer is made without ceasing of the Church unto God."
The work is the Lord's ; and except He build the house, they
labour in vain who build it. And if it is the high privilegt: of
those who are here to work, it is also the high privilege of those
who are at home to pray. Indeed, I am quite jealous that so
much blessing has been received at home, and such a harvest of
souls gathered in, while we must be content to sec one little seed
here, and another there, growing up amidst a thousand tares. But
we are not content ; and we often wonder if the same amount of
prayer and supplication had been offered up for poor dark China
that has been offered up for other privileged lands, whether or
not our hearts might not have been gladdened with the sight of
a revival. I wish we had a few Moodys and Sankeys in China
to bring down " the former and the latter rain."
The few here who have come oyer unto the Lord's side much
need and often ask for prayer. They have felt the sharp point
of persecution. Some of them have been beaten with many
stripes, others have lost fi lends, houses, lands, and money. They
are taunted by their neighliours, and have their names cast out
as evil, because they have cast in their lot with the people of
God. Are any at home praying for them ?
And now as to ourselves. We have never found our path in
China strewed with roses. We expect those by-and-by, and
laurels too ; but, at present, we seem to have a good share of
sorrow and trial, of care and toil. The flesh is still weak, the
world still hates, and Satan's darts are still fiery. We are far
from the means of grace for our souls, and we are far from
medical aid for our bodies. Are there many at home praying
for us, that we may not grow weary in well-doing, tliat our faith
fail not, and that the pleasure of the Lord may prosper in our
hands ? May He " overturn, overturn, overturn, until He come
whose right it is." For the kingdom is His, and the power is
His, and the glory shall be for ever His.
un|]iritta ulj l|itlitt$ ftrnx^itx^ ni !f Httg-t|ittt.
Frofn Mr. A. JV. Douthwaite.
Jan. 15th, 1876. — I send you the following report of our
"Conference of Native Preachers," at Hang-chau,
thinking it may be interesting to some of the readers of
China's Millions. My notes on the addresses I
have translated as faitlifuUy as I could, but erring some-
what on the side of liierality.
The meetings were held on Wednesday and Thursday,
January 5th and 6th, commencing at 10-30 a.m. and
3.30 p.m.
FIRST DAT.
The first meeting was opened with prayer by Pastor
Wong LsE-djiin, and after singing the hymn,
"Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quickening powers,"
the opening address was given by myself as follows : —
" Beloved brethren, our object in convening this meet-
ing is — ■
" I St. That we may consider together how to promote
the interests of our mission.
" 2nd. To praise God for His goodness toward us in
the past, and to pray for a great increase of blessing
upon all missions in China during the coming year. (The
Chinese new year commences January 26th.)
" 3rd. To pray for a great outpouring of the Holy
Spirit upon the members of our Churches, that their
hearts may be stirred up to speak for Jesus, that they
may daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; that by a consistent
life they may show forth the virtues of their Lord, and
walk before God with a pure heart.
" 4th. To pray for those who help us in our work by
giving of their substance and in other ways.
"I suppose you all know that the money used in
carrying on the work of this mission and your own
support is contributed by Christians in foreign lands, in
greaterorsmaller sums, according to their ability. Some,
who are wealthy, will give from one to some thousands
of dollars ; even poor working-men will give a little,
perhaps a penny a day, or more, if they can afford it ;
whilst in our Sunday Schools there are hundreds of
children who every week contribute a penny or half-
penny to send the Gospel abroad. Besides giving
money, these friends also help us by their prayers.
' ' No doubt God will abundantly reward them for all
they do in His name, but we ought nevertheless to pray
for them. Because of their prayers for us w-e have
already obtained much blessing, both as individuals and
as a mission, and in order that you may see how our
mission has laeen blessed, I will give you a
BRIEF OUTLINE OF ITS HISTORY.
" More than twenty years ago Mr. Taylor came to this
country, and worked for some years alone ; then, when he
returned to England, he interested others in the work,
and, fourteen years ago, was enabled to send out Mr.
Meadows, the first agent of the China Inland Mission.
Again, about three years later came Messrs. Crombie,
Stevenson, and Stott, and in 1866 Mr. Taylor returned
with a party of eighteen. At present (January 5, 1876)
our mission consists of forty-four foreign missionaries —
i.e., twenty-six men and eighteen women. The number
of native preachers is seventy-six, of mission stations
fifty- two.
" In the province oi Cheh-kiang we hatwe thirly-four
stations already opened ; in Kiang-sii we have six,
in Gaji-hwziy nine, in Kiang-si two, and in Uu-;pe/i
one.
" Nine provinces are still without the Gospel, but Mr.
Henry Taylor has commenced evangelising in IIo-na7i,
and hopes after a few years to open a station in each of
the prefectural cities. He will probably soon be joined
by one who has recently comeout from England, and is
now studying at Wu-chang. Others who have arrived
this year will probably go soon into the interior
provinces.
"I have just received a letter from Mr. Stevenson, who
with Mr. Soltau is endeavouring to get into Yun-nan.
They are now in Bhamo, a small town in Burmah, near
the borders of Yun-nan, and hope before long to make
their way into that province. They have had an inter-
view with the King of Burmah, who received them very
kindly, made them each a present of a bag containing
100 rupees, also a small silver box. He asked them to
remain in his capital, and offered to build a school for
them ; but as their mission was to the Chinese, they were
obliged to decline.
" Several brethren will shortly come out in connection
with our mission (these have since arrived), so we may
hope that before many years have passed, each of the
nine provinces of which I have spoken will be open to the
preaching of the Gospel, and that soon every city and
village may hear its glorious sound. Some people may
say, ' It is all very easy to talk about such things, but
(Coniinued on jiage 176.)
174
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
175
THE
[The following earnest words from a sermon by the Rev.
Samuel Martin need no commendation from us. — Ed. C. M]
" Go yc info all the world, and preach the Gospel to
every creature." — Mark xvi. 15.
Not yet has the Gospel been carried into all the
world, and preached to every creature. A vast
majority of mankind know not the Gospel, and how
can they hear of it without preachers ? It is not in
their sacred books, or they might read it there ; it is
not in the hearts and minds of their religious leaders
and priests, or they might receive it from their lips ;
it is not a seed lodged deep in the soil of human souls,
or it might spring up within their own spirits ; it is
not a discovery or invention of men, else they who
sit in darkness might see a great light. Those who
know and who have obeyed the Gospel are held re-
sponsible for communicating it, and these two things
are certain : first, that if Jesus Christ sent the Gospel
to the world, the world needs the Gospel ; and,
secondly, if Christ bid His disciples carry the Gospel
to every creature, they can do it.
The whole Church of Christ is responsible for the
execution of this commission, but individual men are
chosen and called by Christ to preach. There may
be some of Jesus Christ's elect among yourselves —
men who feel that they are called and divinely con-
secrated to this work, but they have not as yet given
themselves to it. Does not the Master of all say in
this service to such, "Go!" Go — stay not in the
place of private prayer, a man of meditation ; tarry
not in the Church of Christ, a mere worshipper ; but
go ! Go, linger not in sinful hesitation ; let not
parents or other kindred bind you, but go ! Go ye — -
some go in their fellows, because they themselves are
not qualified or not free, but you are free and quali-
fied, then go ye. Go, whithersoever Christ calls you,
through the streets and lanes of our Jerusalem,
through our Judsea and Samaria, or to the uttermost
parts of the earth.
But while all cannot preach, all can repeat the
faithful saying that Jesus Christ came into the world
to save sinners, and all can unite in sending
forth men qualified to preach, and in sustaining such
men by contributions of property, by manifestations of
sympathy, by prayer. And this we ask from all
Christians in this assembly — money, sympathy, and
intercession.
We magnify not the workers as men, but we exalt
the work and God, when we say that there is no work
which hath equal claims upon the disciples of Jesus
Christ. The world hath its associations for the ad-
vancement of civilisation and of learning, for extending
commerce and protecting trade, for the encourage-
ment of the arts, useful and fine ; and it hath its in-
stitutions for healing the sick, feeding the hungry,
educating the orphan, relieving the widow, and
succouring all who are oppressed and distressed,
whether in mind, body, or estate. But what are all
these compared with societies for the propagation of
the Gospel, for sending that Gospel into all the world,
and preaching it to every creature }
Christian men and women, what enterprises, what
societies and associations, do you support most
liberally ? I suggest this question for several reasons.
First, your reply will furnish you with a test of your
own state ; and, secondly, your answer will show
where your energies and resources are most distinctly
recognised and most powerfully felt.
Shall the eyes of any Christian be chiefly directed
to pleasant pictures and to beautiful statuary, while
the image of God has fallen and lies broken in the
dust, and while there is a commission to raise and to
repair that image ? Shall the thoughts of Christians
be directed chiefly to man's dominion over the works
of God's hands, while he has lost the mastery of him-
self, and a power exists which can save him from his
captivity and degradation ? Only one answer can be
given to this question. But let us take a child, and
set her in our midst, and make her our instructor in
this lesson. A ragged-school teacher went out into
the lanes of our city to bring in neglected children.
He found a child, the very incarnation of wickedness
and wretchedness, and led her to the school. There
she heard expounded and applied the parable of the
prodigal son. Shortly after, the child was seized by
fever, and the teacher visited her. In one of his
visits he read this parable, and when he came to
the words, "When he was yet a great way off, his father
saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and
fell on his neck, and kissed him," the child exclaimed,
" Ah,, that was just like me ! That's good, say it again,
'A great way off.' What, ever so far away — away, like me,
with the devil ? That must be far from God and the
Lamb. Yes, I was a great way off. How good, how
kind ! But I'm afraid I've been worse than that bad
son. Still I have said, ' Dear Jesus, I want to love
you, I want to get away from the devil ; please help
me.' And I think He heard me, for I have felt some-
how different ever since. I am not afraid now, no,
not one bit." When death was so near that it was
supposed that all power of utterance Avas gone, she
aroused herself, and said, in a clear and distinct voice,
evidently referring to destitute children allowed still to
wander through the streets and lanes of the city :
" Fetch them in — oh, be sure and fetch them in. Fetch
them in, and tell them of Jesus, tell them of Jesus ; oh !
be sure and fetch them in."
This is the commission of the dying ragged-school
girl to her teacher, and were we in a position to hear
it, a similar charge concerning the heathen would
often be given to us British Christians. The dying
convert in heathen lands, pointing to his kinsmen and
countrymen, would say, " Fetch them in." The dying
missionary, and catechist, and native preacher,
would say, " Fetch them in." Missionaries
who have died in the Lord, and who now rest
from their labours, would say, " Fetch them in." But
176
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
does not One say, " Bring them in ? "—One whose
voice is more solemn than the voice of dying saints,
and whose word has more authority and power than
the words of the " goodly company of the prophets,"
or " the noble army of martyrs," or " the holy
Church throughout all the world ?"
The Incarnate Word, standing in the midst of His
sheepfold, and pointing to the wanderers throughout
the world, saith, " Bring them in." Jesus the crucified
saith, " Bring them in." He who has sought us and
saved us saith, "Bring them in." He who hath
bought us with a price saith, " Bring them in." And
if, as we hear of the commission of a dying ragged-
school girl, we feel as if we must go into the streets and
lanes of our cities, and lead into our school all neg-
lected children — do we not feel as though we must
obey more perfectly, obey with all our heart and soul,
obey with all our mind and strength, obey by more
fervent intercession and more liberal contributions of
property, and by entire devotion — Him who hath said,
" Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to
every creature ?"
Utt|^J|lttlJ$.
{Continued from ;page 173.)
not quite so easy to accomplish them.' That is quite
true, but then the Lord Jesus says, "■ If thou cajist
believe, all things are ipossible to him that believetJi.'
It is God's own promise, and, though heaven and earth
may pass away, God's word can never pass away. He
must fulfil His promises. Meanwhile let us be diligent
in our work, for God will not bless us if we are idle.
Remember, ' He who soweth sparingly shall reap also
sparingly, and he that soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully.' If we are earnest in sowing the good
seed of the Gospel, God will certainly bless our labours,
and sooner or later the reaping-time must come :
' Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, un-
moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in
the Lord.' If God's word is faithfully preached, blessing
inust follow, for He has declared, ' My word shall not
return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I
please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I
sent it.'
PROGRESS OF THE WORK.
" Now let us see what God's word has really accom-
plished in a few of the places with which we are most
familiar. Nine years ago, when Mr. Stevenson first
went to Shao-hing, there was not one Christian in the
city ; but he preached the Gospel, and, as the result, we
have now, there and in the out-stations, a church of
seventy disciples of Christ, besides about thirty enquirers
of whom we have hope. Two other missionaries in the
same city have also about twenty converts each. In the
Fung-hwa district Mr. Crombie has about fifty converts,
and here in Hang-chau wa have over forty.* Other
missions, and other stations [of our mission, have also
been greatly prospered. But this will sufiice to show
that our labour is not in vain in the Lord. Although to
* More than double this number have been baptized here ;
many temporary residents have been removed from the city ; a
few have been sent to evangelise elsewhere, and death and
discipline have reduced the number.
this day the Lord Jesus is despised and rejected of men,
the day is drawing nigh when ' At the name of Jesus
every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth, and that every
tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.' "
" Jesus shall reign where'er the sun.
Doth his successive journeys run,
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more."
After singing and prayer,
TSIANG SIAO-VONG,
pastor of our church at Shao-hing, gave a very stirring
address on i Corinthians ix. 16, 17 : " Though I preach
the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of, for necessity is
laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not' the
Gospel ! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward ;
but if against my will, a dispensation of the Gospel is
committed unto me."
" Paul says, ' Though I preach the Gospel, I have
nothing to glory of.' Now Paul was an Apostle, filled
with the Holy Spirit and with power — talented, wise,
earnest, patient, and full of love to God. If such a man
has nothing to glory of, how much less have we ? He,
of all men, was most able to say, ' Be ye followers of me,
as I also am of Christ.' But, alas ! our hearts are too
proud, and we have too little knowledge of our own
weakness to be true followers of Paul. Although he
had nothing in himself to glory of, yet he had whereof
he might and did glory continually — that was, ' Christ
crucified.' Through Christ he had obtained salvation ;
from Christ he hoped to receive the crown of righteous-
ness when he had finished his course ; therefore all his
glorying was in Christ. Brethren, let us follow his
example, and glory only in the Lord ! Paul says, ' Ne-
cessity is laid upon me ; yea, woe is unto me if I preach
not the Gospel ! ' He could not help preaching the Gospel,
for it was like a fire burning within him. When he was
on a journey to Damascus, intending toperseciite every
Christian he could find, the Lord Jesus revealed
Himself to him by the way, and from that hour he felt
that necessity was laid upon him to preach the Gospel,
to convince others that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed
the Christ.
" ' If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward ; but if
against my will, a dispensation of the Gospel is com-
mitted unto me.' We, who have the charge of the
flock of Christ, ought to study Paul, and try to follow
his example ; for he was a faithful servant, never per-
mitting the fear of man to turn him aside from duty to
God. Where exhortation was needed, he exhorted ;
where comfort, he administered comfort ; where it was
necessary to reprove, he reproved ; where condemnation
was demanded, he condemned. He was ever jealous of
the honour of his Lord, and would not allow that which
was inconsistent or unholy, either in himself or others,
to pass uncondemned. He was chosen of God to be an
example to His people in all ages. Would that we had
more of his courage and zeal ! — and why have we not ?
What have we to fear ? — for the Lord Jesus has
promised to be with us to the end. Therefore let us be
strong in the Lord, prepared at any time to endure hard-
ness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, not entangling
ourselves with the affairs of this life, that we may please
Him who has chosen us to be soldiers. We shall not
labour in vain, brethren ; the Bible assures us that ' in
due time we shall reap if we faint not.'
" As Mr. Douthwaite has just said, when Mr. Stevenson
came to Shao-hing, not one in the city believed the
Gospel, because they had not heard it ; but, thank God, I
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
177
hoard it, and believed it too. I was the first Christian
baptized about nine years ag-o, but since then more tlian
seventy have been baptized into our Church, besides
about forty belonging- to the other churches in the city,
and in addition to this, there are about thirty who pray
to Cod and keep the holy day. Thanks be to God !
Soon alter my conversion 1 was anxious to see others
converted, and thought everybody very foolish for not
believing in Jesus. I well remember Mr. Stevenson
saying to me, ' In working for God we must be patient,
for we know that our labour in the Lord is not in vain.'
" In the second verse of my text Paul says, ' If I do
this thing willingly, I have a reward-' what reward
does he refer to ? He tells us in his second letter to
Timothy: 'Henceforth there is laid up for me a cri^row
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but to all
them also that love His appearing.'
" O Almighty God, help us by Thy Spirit, that we too
may keep the faith, that we too may obtain the crown of
righteousness, and that at the appearing of Jesus Christ
we may not be ashamed, but hear Him say to each one
of us, ' Well done, good and faithful servant !' Amen."
The remainder of the forenoon was spent in prayer
and singing hymns of praise.
THE AFTERNOON MEETING
was somewhat of a business character. Pastor
W6ng LsE-djiin gave a very interesting account of the
"Hang-chau Native Missionary Society." He said it
was started about four years ago ; but it is only half that
time since they opened their first mission station at
Yii-hang, where the pastor has already baptized six
men.* They commenced their mission when they had
70,000 cash in hand, and since then the contributions
have been about 40,000 cash a year. The number of
contributors is about twenty.
Pastor Tsiang Siao-vong said that the Shao-hing
Christians, although poor, were very liberal ; they have
contributed more than a hundred dollars to furnish a
mission-room at a place called Bing-s, about ten miles
from Shao-hing. Mr. Chu, the pastor of our church in
Ningpo, has bought a piece of land there, and intends,
with the aid of his congregation, to build a chapel upon
it. Two young men, near Shing-hien, have offered to
rent a room in their native village, if we will send a
preacher there ; and in another place an old woman has
given 10,000 cash toward building a mission-hall.
These facts are valuable, as indicating the shicertty
of our converts. They are all by nature greedy and
avaricious, so it is a pretty sure proof that their hearts
are in the work if they give so liberally to help it
forward.
After several short addresses on the duty and privi-
leges of giving according to our means, the first day's
meetings were brought to a close.
* Several have been added to them since this meeting : see
letter on page 180.
h ttmj i|i$$mtt ^iHlmtt$.
{Continued from ^age 145.)
VII.— PROM NIWG-HAI TO T'lEW-T'AI.
The remainder of our journey will be veiy heavy, as
there are numerous high hills on the way. There are
steep ascents to climb, and declivities to descend, which
are dangerous as well as difficult. We are compelled
to walk most of the way, as our chair-bearers have
quite enough to do to climb the passes with empty
chairs. Now our road leads for miles along a trying
path of shingle, which fills the whole width of some of
the narrow valleys. (After heavy rains these valleys
are covered with water, and the view we gave as a fron-
tispiece to the April number very fairly represents their
appearance.) Then another climb, and for miles our
way lies along the edge of a long range of hills ; occa-
sionally climbing a high peak, then a distance on a
table-land, now a descent, and again the road lies
along a narrow path cut out of the side of a precipitous
hill. The very thought of what would take place were
we to slip and have a fall here is enough to make the
head swim.
TERRACING.
Notice, as we go up this steep ascent, the immense
pains and labour that have been taken in terracing the
sides, to make them suitable for the cultivation of rice,
which, as you know, must be grown under water. Look
at these massive walls, six, and eight, and ten feet in
height ; and, after all this labour, there is only a narrow
terrace of from four to six feet in breadth at the top !
Now, you see, these terraces are nearly all covered with
young wheat or beans ; those on the southern side of
the hills, being in flower, regale us with their .charming
odours. We notice nestling in scores of the recesses
of these hills, amidst the clumps of fine old trees,
villages and hamlets— some larger, some smaller ; and
almost every turn of the road shows us larger towns and
villages in the plains below. Oh, yo"u may well exclaim,
are there not servants of our common Master almost
rusting away at home, or at least doing work that others
would do were they to leave it, who ought to be out
here amongst these numberless towns holding up the
standard of the Cross ? How many generations have
these fine old trees witnessed, growing up, living, and
dying, in complete ignorance that there is a Gospel, and
a Saviour for sinners ! Let us cry mightily to our God
for this poor people, that the Gospel may reach them
ere long. They are far more Wedded to their idolatry
than those in many of the cities, and from the energy
of character which their hard battle for life has engen-
dered, one might hope that, if converted, many of
them would prove invaluable labourers in spreading the
truth.
THE VILLAGE INN.
Glad the poor coolies look, as we turn into the inn that
is to be our resting-place for the night ! Can't you sym-
pathise with them ? I can ; and I confess that I am
not at all indisposed to emulate the example of that
poor fellow who has fallen asleep while supper is pre-
paring. We must try, however, to keep awake, and to
tell the people who collect around us of the Saviour.
This may be the only chance they will ever have of
hearing of Jesus and His love. Notice their simple
questions, as they hear with wonder the, to us, "Old,
old story, which satisfies our longings as nothing else
can do." How thankful one is for a sim;ple Gospel, and
also that we can now direct them to some places within
a day's journey, where they may inquire further into those
truths of which they are now hearing for the first time !
We tell them that " whosoever shall call upon the name
178
CHINAS MILLIONS.
of the Lord shall be saved." " Won't you write out a
prayer for us ? " they then ask/ ' we should not know how
to pray to your God ourselves." How touching and
affecting their simplicity, as they enquire, with surprise,
"What ! will God listen to us if we just ask Him any-
thing that comes into our hearts?" "Yes," we say, "if
you ask in the name of Jesus." " Do give me a book,
then, which has this name written in it," says an old
man ; "I cannot read it myself, but I can get others to
do so for me ; I should not like to forget what you have
been telling us to-night."
These are the questions that make our prayers seem
real, and that make us feel our need of prayer ; for un-
less the Spirit of God work mightily in and for this
people, what are we among so many? Where should roe
have been if, instead of the line upon line Ave received
from our earliest youth, a passing visit from the stran-
ger— a few hours' wayside conversation — -had been our
only opportunity of obtaining salvation ? But supper is
ready, and as the old people are going home, we will
take our evening meal, and, after prayer for more la-
bourers, retire for the night. Such a day's walk as we
have had enables one to sleep well on hard boards,
scarcely aroused by the storm and wind that burst upon
us during the night.
AVATERFALLS AND CASCADES.
Another glorious morning, and we pursue our journey
along the grand old hills. The rains that came down
whilst we slept have made everything look wonderfully
fresh, and have filled the hillsides with foaming cascades,
and the air with the music of boiling streams that every-
where rush along. What would not tourists give for a
sight of some of the finer of these waterfalls ! They
alone would well repay all the toil and labour of the
journey.
But we may not stop long to admire them ; our jour-
ney is not over yet, though it is not quite so laborious as
yesterday's. Then we did most of the ascending ; now
we are gradually descending, and, in due time, shall
reach the venerable and celebrated city of T'ien-t'ai,
one of the strongholds of Buddhism in Eastern China.
Our time will not admit of our visiting the noble monas-
teries,with their extensive libraries and ancient Sanskrit
manuscripts, which are situated some few miles from
the city. An afternoon and evening with the native
helpers, Christians, and inquirers, will be all we can
allow. It was only last year that the first converts
were baptized in this city; let us hope they may soon
prove the firstfruits of an abundant harvest.
t'ien-t'ai.
You notice that it is a substantial well-built city,
though the walls in some places are dilapidated. The
oppression of the Mandarins caused an insurrection
here last year, which was not quelled without much
bloodshed. You will see that the vegetation is much
more forward here than it was during the first part
of our journey, and that the tallow-trees are just burst-
ing, and putting forth a purple-tinted foliage. Entering
by the north gate, we see the newly-made graves of the
soldiers killed last year ; within the city evidences of
the riot still remain, in the ruins of the official build-
ings, torn down at that time. The Gospel work in the
city was not seriously interfered with, and is becoming
more and more widely known ; it takes sometime, how-
ever, to overthrow the prejudices, and to enlighten the
minds of a people wrapped up in idolatry. We must
sow the seed in patience, assured that, in due time, we
shall reap if we faint not. Perhaps we had better avail
ourselves of the remaining daylight to go with our native
brother stationed here to the river side, to arrange for a
journey by boat to T'ai-chau. A boat journey will
afford us a rest, and be less expensive than a journey
overland. It will not occupy less time, as the inter-
minable windings of the stream amongst the mountains,
and the shallowness of the river in many places, make
the journey slow, though very delightful.
After evening prayers we retire to the boats to sleep,
hoping to leave at early dawn, and secretly purposing
to take a long rest ; in both of these expectations, how-
ever, we are disappointed. The boatmen, who are
ready to promise anything until they get our deposit of
one-half of the boat-money, feel they have us in their
hands now, and are not disposed to go on until they
have made profitable purchases with the money so
obtained, which they may take down to T'ai-chau to do a
small business on their own account. Well, there is no
help for it ; a large stock of patience is a useful com-
modity in China, and we shall not save any time by
working ourselves into a fit of impatience ; suppose we
have a chat with the boatman of the next boat. Let us
ask him how far it is to T'ai-chau.
" A hundred and twenty li (40 miles) by water, but
ninety by land."
" How is that ?" we ask ; " does the road cut across
the country, and save some of the numerous bends of
the river ?"
" Oh, no ; the road goes along the riverside all the
way."
" How then can it be that the one is ninety li, and
the other one hundred and twenty ?"
THE boatman's STORY.
"You see," he replies, "there was once a wealthy
literary graduate residing in T'ien-t'ai, a member of the
Han-lin college, who had a beautiful daughter."
"But what," you exclaim, "has a beautiful daughter
to do with the road to T'ai-chau ?"
" Wait awhile," replies our friend, " and I will explain
to you ; it has everything to do with it. This worthy squire
promised his favourite daughter not to marry her more
than one hundred li away from home. When, however,
she became of marriageable age, he found that there
was no one of suitable rank nearer than T'ai-chau,
which was one hundred and twenty li distant, and was
therefore in a difficulty. Devotedly attached to his
daughter, he could not make up his mind to disappoint
her by breaking his word, but the only way to keep it was
in some way to shorten the distance between the two
places."
"Oh," we suggest, " he doubtless cut a short foot-
path across the most intricate part of the road — was
that it?"
" No, indeed," says the boatman ; "he was far too
able a man to attempt so expensive a proceeding, when
a simpler and equally effective mode was open to him.
He called upon the prefect of T'ai-chau, and told him
that he was greatly distressed because there was no
recent topographical history of the prefecture, and es-
pecially none that gave any record of the immense ad-
vantages that had accrued to the district from his
excellency's rule. He therefore proposed that a new
edition should be brought out embodying these things.
His excellency, not caring for the expense, etc.,
objected, stating that he was so conscious of his own
incompetence that he could not consent to any such
flattering proposition as that made by the worthy gentle-
man. ' You fill me with regret,' replied the father, ' as I
had proposed my humble and unworthy services as editor,
and hoped for the privilege of bringing out the edition at
my own expense, as the only method of showing my deep
regard for your excellency's administration. This
changed the views of the prefect considerably, and after
areasonable show of reluctance, he was induced to give
his consent. A new edition of the prefectural topo-
graphy, which stated the distance between the tw'o
cities to be ninety li by land, and one hundred and- twenty
li by water, was brought out, and in due time the
i8o
CHINAS MILLIONS.
daughter of the clever scholar was married to the son of
a T'ai-chau scholar of suitable rank."
" Well," we say to the boatman, " and does everybody
approve of it ?"
" No, indeed," he replies, "not everybody; for the
poor coolies, who are paid for carrying burdens by the
mile, get only three-quarters the pay they used to have.
They are far from approving of it. The employers of
labour like it well enough."
(To be continued.')
!l[mj l|i} f uuttj^
{From Mr. G. W. Clarh; of Wu-chang.)
It has been laid upon my heart to write a few lines to you from
this distant land. I feel my inability to say much, because my
knowledge of the people at present is very limited ; but if what
I write stirs one desire in your soul to love this people, I shall
feel amply repaid .
As you cannot personally accompany me in a walk to see a
little of this city and its surroundings, perhaps you can in your
imagination. You must try and think you are in the capital of
Hu-peh ; and you can easily find its geographical position by
tracing the 114th line of longitude east of Greenwich. It is a
walled city, and the wall is nearly seven miles round. The
streets are about ten or twelve feet wide, and they are filled by
busy crowds of long-tailed Chinamen, occupied in the various
vocations of life. There is the Fu-tai, or governor, one of the
highest men in the city, who goes forth with a large equipage.
First a number of soldiers, dressed in large red jackets, very
different from the British soldier ; they have a large piece of
cloth on their backs, which says they are brave men ; if they
turn their back in the time of battle, of course they are false to
their character. These men have gims ; another lot follow car-
rying halberts ; and then comes the great man carried in a beau-
tiful chair borne by eight men. Behind him come a number of
little boys carrying Uttle silk flags or square boards ; the rear is
closed by a, number of attendants upon horseback.
Lower mandarins do not turn out in such state as the above.
(I may here say that a mandarin is a kind of magistrate.) When
they go out, a number of ragged boys, dressed in red hoods with
two large feathers sticking in the corners, and carrying boards
wilh their master's title, attend him, and, at first, you would
doubtless think it was the Fifth of November ; then a man follows
carrying a large red umbrella, and then the great man, who sits
erect, apparently taking no notice of the passing events.
But if we go on a little farther we meet with some beggars,
miserable-looking beings, such as you do not see in England.
Oh, it is grievous to see them, and the heart is sad to think of
men fallen so low.
Here is a small crowd looking at one. It is a very dirty
morning, the streets worse than the London streets. I wonder
what the people are looking at. We have reached the knot,
and we see it is a crippled beggar, naked with the exception of
a piece of stuff round his loins. Presently, we see him roll over
a few times jin the mud, and then ask alms. We soon come up
to some who have a little pad on their foreheads, and are bump-
ing their heads on the stones or earth ; every blow appears to
shake the whole frame. Some are clothed with straw-band coats,
and lying upon the dirty street, begging. Again we meet with
another, a little girl who has lost her feet ; and there are many
other sad sights we might mention. I often think that Jesus
loves these, even these that men despise ; they have hearts that
could be influenced by love, but there are few who can speak to
them of the love of Jesus, and money, money is the great desire
of their own hearts.
We will now go through the east gate of the city down to
the banks of the Yang-tse-kiang. The water is low, sometimes
it is 40 or 50 feet higher; and just think of this mighty river, so
broad, when from this place to Shanghai is 602 miles, and it has
flowed down 2 720 miles from its far-off source in Thibet to this place .
Entering it just opposite to us is the Han, with Han-yang on its
west bank, and Han-l<ow on its east. This river for a long dis-
tance is closely packed with junks ; their masts have very much
the appearance of a large plantation of small pines, after a fire
has run through it.
The city of Han-yang is enclosed, as we see, by a small wall;
but as many houses seem outside the walls as inside. There is
a very prominent hill near the city, which is thickly studded with
tens of thousands of graves ; yea, the hills for two or three
miles seem to be the same. These hills will present a great
sight in the resurrection-day. But the same charge will not be
brought against these poor souls as will against you, if you die
without Jesus. Oh ! may the Lord Jesus manifest ILimself as
the Resurrection and the Life to this poor people !
Han-kow is only seen as a thickly- populated city with the
roofs of its houses covering a great area. We notice there is a
great gap at the landing-place — " There has been a fire there, has
there not?" you say. Yes, on that spot, a few weeks ago,
stood a large temple to the god of the rain ; it was surrounded
by houses, but some worshipper of this god was careless in his
devotions, and set his home on fire. The fire spread, and burnt
the temple, and the result was very serious. If the god had
any power over the rain, surely he would have taken care of his
house. I should think some must have had their minds shaken
in the efficacy of this god.
The foreign settlement in Han-kow is a very nice place. The
houses are built in foreign style ; opposite them, in the river, are
two gunboats— one English, and the other Russian.
But I must not tire you with too long a letter this time. I
will try to write again, and tell you something about the children
in China, for whom I want you to pray.
THE MlSSIOlSr CHURCH AT YU-HAWG-.
Commenced and supported by the Native Christians at
Hang-chazi.
LiANG-YUONG Writes: — " Yu-hang, yd moon, nth day. You
will be glad to hear tidings of the progress of the work here.
When we first came here, we lived in an inn. We were unable
for a time to rent a house, and therefore had to live there eight
or nine months, chiefly engaged in colportage. The landlord's
name was Ts'a ; he had three sons and a daughter, his wife's
mother, and his wife — altogether making a family of seven per-
sons. WMien at last we secured a house to live in, it was rented
through his help, and for inany clays he continued to listen to
our preaching, and became a lover of the Truth. He did away
with his kitchen-god, and god of riches : the latter, with its
shrine, he gave to Mr. Meadows. He began to observe the
Lord's-day, and asked for baptism. But after he had joined
the Church, he suffered much persecution on account of his
faith. He was wanted to contribute towards heathen sacrifices,
and beaten when he refused. His own wife persecuted him, and
sometimes, whenhe was worshipping with us, she would come and
rate at him with loud cries, calling him toleave the chapel. Now
this very woman herself is a worshipper, and observes the Lord's
day ; surely the Lord's great grace has come upon her — she soon
will be baptised.
" Mr. Ts'a had to give up his inn, and he is now employed as
a colporteur to help us. He is most earnest, and serves God with
a willing heart, receiving only £^ or £^ for his own expenses —
the rent of his former inn supplying the wants of his family. Was
it not God's grace that led us to his inn, and kept us there, that
they might be saved ?
" Now we have six persons in communion — five men and one
woman — of whom five can already read the Word of God in the
romanired colloquial. There are also four accepted candidates
for baptism [since baptised by Pastor Wong Lse-djiin] who have
long shown their faith and attended worship. May God give
them all the blessings of His people Two others [now three]
are learning the truth. Night by night we meet for Bible-
reading. 'Those of the members and enquirers who live near
enough come every night, and have long done so. This gives
me great joy, and I gladly provide tea and lights for them my-
self.
"We have formed a branch Missionary Society here, and
raise about a dollar a month in aid of the Hang-chau Society.
We have also a few dollars in Pastor Wong's hands, which we
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
i»i
hope to increase, and by-and-by either rent a Gospel-hall
soniewlieve, or send a missionary ourselves to some place. I
like this thought. May Ciod liless the disciples, so that they may
accomplish it ! The Christians here have themselves bouglit
twenty-four forms for the eliapel, and have put an ornamental
inscription outside tlie chapel, at a cost of some four dollars
or so [eighteen shillings of our money — a large sum for poor
people, some of whom may eara, and support a family on, six-
pence a day].
" I beg you to pray for this little church, and specially for
this place, that God may be greatly glorified here. Write and
aslc friends in England to pray for us. We remember you in
prayer, and ask that you may be guided in all your ways."
'^x%\ tif rtp ]|mi.
SECOND VISIT TO HOW AN (Rmr-Smith Province).
From Mr. M. Henry Taylor.
Jan. 25, 1876. — We have just returned from our second
journey, and send you a brief account of it. We need
not enter into details of the whole journey: it would, I
fear, call for too much of your patience and my time ;
but I will just say a little about the reception we met
with in the principal cities visited.
We left Wu-CH'ANG on the 24th October. We had
entertained the hope of leaving much earlier, but it was
thought wiser to wait a month longer, till the rumours of
war had subsided. On this, as on the former journey,
we preached in the villages through which we passed ;
but I grieve to say we found the people as ignorant of
the Gospel as if they had never heard it. We met with
many who had bought our books, but not one could give
an intelligent answer when questioned as to their con-
tents. This experience has confirmed me in the belief
that to do the ^people generally any lasting good they
must be dwelt atnongst ; though, thank God, there are
exceptions to this rule, some of which I have lately
seen.
JU-NING-FU — PAST VISIT.
The first prefectural city in Ho-nan, Ju-ning-fu, was
reached in fifteen days. This city was the scene of
eight days' encouraging work during our first visit, and
we met there with a little of that which Christ assures
us in John xvi. we must meet with if we endeavour to
follow Him. When we were here the first time, the
mandarin called the literati together, to consult as to the
most effectual means of putting a stop to our work. It
appears that some were in our favour (probably those
who had heard us preach) ; others suggested their going
in a body to our inn, and commanding us to leave the
city. This suggestion was opposed on the ground that
it would be a shame thus to treat a stranger, and one
who had come to "exhort men to be good." It was
finally decreed that a message should be sent to us in
the name of the gentry of the city, the particulars of
which you already know. After our departure, the
books we had sold were, as far as possible, collected
and burned, and a proclamation issued to the following
effect : — " That neither houses nor land are to be either
rented or sold to any stranger, and any person who acts
as middleman in such matters, without the mandarin's
permission, will be punished." There can be no doubt
entertained as to the meaning of this specimen piece of
Chinese legislation. Agitating rumours spread in every
direction that children were missing — that people fell
down in the street in a swoon, upon whom it was sup-
posed we had exerted our satanic influence. Inns were
closed against travellers, and ever so many persons were
reported to have lost their eyes (!) which the foreigner
had taken to make into — not medicine, this time, but
— telescopes / / One poor man, who was found speaking
to a child in the street, was dragged to the Ya-men, and
received 800 blows of the "bamboo." Poor deluded
China ! I feel, as I write, as if my heart could weep for
her, that she should be so slow to discover her danger,
and so slow to recognise her true friends.
SECOND VISIT.
When we reached the city this second time, the Lord
graciously inclined the heart of the chief innkeeper of
the place towards us ; otherwise it would have been
next to impossible to get a place in which to rest. His
name is Peng ; he is a vegetarian, has considerable
influence in the city, and has kept an inn here for the
past twenty years, though he is a Hu-peli man by birth.
He prepared a sumptuous repast for us on the day we
arrived, and said he felt himself responsible for the
treatment Hu-peh travellers received. When summoned
by the mandarin to the private consultation referred to
above, he went, taking with him a copy of the Gospel.
He listened to all that was said against us quietly till
the close, when the mandarin cautioned him against
allowing us, under any consideration, to put up at his
inn, or at any inn at his side of the city ; he then pro-
duced our book, saying that " he had read it, and had
found nothing objectionable in it, that we were good
men, &c., and that as his inn was opened for travellers,
he could not close it against any." How good is our
God, and how great ! He can incline the hearts of all
men as He wills.
Our first stage was now ended, and our wheelbarrows
were dismissed. As the examinations were taking
place, we stayed but two days, which were spent in
looking up the few who gave us encouragement on our
previous visit.
THE FOUR CONVERTS.
Mr. T'ang, whose name you will perhaps remember,
still keeps on his way Zionward ; we hope he has been
doing a little among his neighbours, and has made
considerable progress in the knowledge of the truth.
Mr. Mu*, whom we mentioned as asking for baptism,
has rejoiced our hearts very much, by the remarkable
change that has taken place in him, which is readily
seen in his conversation. He has been working so
earnestly among those of his native village during our
absence, that there are six, at least, reliable men, he
tells us, who have determined to become Christians, be-
side many others of whom he is not quite sure. He has
had mucii trouble in his family by sickness ; but he sees,
we think, the hand of God in it, and bears it meekly.
He saw that I hesitated to baptise him, and he feared
that I doubted the purity of his motives ; so he un-
burdened himself to Mr. Chang, who, in turn, told me.
I was glad to disabuse his mind of the mistake, and tell
him my true reasons, which fully satisfied him. He is
a young man, reads the character readily, and is in com-
fortable circumstances, being by profession a native
doctor. I doubt not he would be willing, if asked, to
give himself wholly to the Lord's work, but I have not
as much as hinted such a thing to him ; he is doing a
good work, for his testimony has power, and it would be
a great pity to employ him now, though I am greatly
needing native helpers.
FALLEN ASLEEP.
The third person whom I mentioned in my former
letter, in this city, is that Mr. Hu, who said of the idols,
* This man's name was incorrectly printed Ma in the last
diary. See " China's MilUons," No. 6.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
"1 held these things because I had nothing better;
now I have found Jesus, and I let them all go." He
died during our absence, after having given that testi-
mony. I trust that he will be found among the jewels
of God on the day they are numbered.*
The fourth, a friend of the last, named Wan, has left
the city, so we did not see him. These four men are the
only persons in this place who gave hope of their being
converted ; and day and night they have been the sub-
ject of our prayers. The Lord of Sabaoth has left us a
seed in this city, which will, we believe, germinate, and
bear fruit a hundredfold.
TSO-CHAU-K'EO.
Our next destination on this journey was Tso-chau-
k'eo, i6o li farther on. It is a very busy place, being
one of the great trade depots of the province, and has
water-communication with many important places.f
We preached eight days in the streets, getting very
large and attentive crowds to listen ; the people appear
very good-natured, straightforward, and refined in
manner. The Mohammedans are numerous, but are
not, I think, very active. The Roman Catholics have a
house here, where native medicine is daily dispensed
gratis ; they have about lOO converts. Would that God
would give us a house here, and, if not a house, many
converts ! I am of an opinion that the difficulties of
getting a house here would be less than at other places,
as it is an emporium of trade, where merchants of
several provinces meet. The cities are jealously
guarded ; ihis is not, strictly speaking, a city.
We next went to the prefectural city,
CHEN-CHAU-FU,
80 li distant. The disposition of the people here is the
very opposite of that of the people of Tso-chau-k'eo —
proud, rude, callous, and annoying to the last degree.
We tried to preach in the streets, but our efforts proved,
if we dare judge by the results, worse than useless ;
they trampled on our pearls, and literally turned to rend
us. We prayed for them and left, hoping to spend our
time more advantageously elsewhere.
KWEI-TEH-FU.
We preached eight days at another prefectural city,
Kwei-teh-fu, 280 li NNE. of the last-mentioned one,
and received not a little encouragement, but we had not
one moment's rest during the eight days we remained
there. The streets in which we preached were thronged
to excess, and when tired of speaking we were followed
to our inn by large crowds, who deprived us of the quiet
we so much needed.
While there we received a visit from the mandarin,
who conversed with us familiarly, though we afterwards
found that his familiarity was " put on " to hide his real
motives. He called the landlord into our room, and in
my presence gave him strict orders to see that we were
made comfortable, and also that he was not to allow the
people to cheat us if we made purchases. The inn-
keeper, who is a Mohammedan, told us that he after-
wards received a message from him to say, "that he
must get us'out of the place without delay." I have an
impression that they thought us spies of the English
* Is it not a blessed thought that the Lord Jesus has with
Him one trophy of His grace, a firstfruits from among the 25J
mUlions in Ho-nan ! Had the Gospel reached that province this
year instead of last, it would have been too late for this man, who
now sleeps in Jesus ! Shall we not pray and labour earnestly
for the eight remaining provinces ? There are men who wiU
soon be ready to go, if the Lord open the way. — [Ed. C. M.]
t There are water-communications with the various parts of
the Gan-hwuy province, and with Chin-kiang and Nan-kin, and
other places on the Yang-tse-kiang.
Government, who were sent out to ascertain the feelings
of the people, or the weight that a passport possessed.
The mandarin sent his carriage (they use an ancient
sort of carriage in Ho-nan) to convey us part of our way,
which doubtful kindness we declined with thanks.
{To be concluded in our next.)
%$mmx^ %nxnp.ix)miu.
ABRIVALS AT BHAMO.— Mrs. Harvey writes on
May 22nd : — "I cannot express our feelings of joy and thank-
fulness, on finding ourselves safe with our friends in Bhamo,
after our long wanderings. It seems a long, long time since we
parted from you and all in Pyrland-road. Our steamer reached
here early on Monday morning (May 15th). Messrs. Stevenson
and Soltau were on the high bank of the river, waving us a
welcome before we anchored. After breakfast we came up to the
zayat, in which I am now writing, the house being still in an
unfinished state."
Mr. Joseph S. Adams writes on May 19th : — " Dr. and
Mrs. Harvey and myself, left Rangoon on Thursday, April 20th,
and arrived in Bhamo on May iSth, thus occupying twenty-five
days in the passage . On the way I spent a week very agreeably
in Mandalay, where I was kindly entertained by Mr. Fairclough,
of the S.P.G."
ARRIVALS IK" CHINA.— Mr. George Parker
writes on May 20th, announcing the arrival of Mr. Randle and
himself at Shang-hai : — " This morning came up the river, and
at 2 p.m. were alongside the wharf at Shanghai ; Mrs. Fishe
kindly met us, in the absence of her husband. I am glad that
the voyage is over, and very thankfiil to have put my feet on
China's soil. I believed more than three years ago that He who
turned my mind and heart to this country would bring me here,
and to-day God has done it ; my business now is to please Him
who has put so gieata trust into my hands."
MRS, DOUTHWAITB writes, on March 17th:—
"The house at Kiu-chau has been secm-ed on a lease for ten
years. As soon as Mr. Meadows returns from his visit to
the stations, Mr. Douthwaite hopes to go to Kiu-chau to see
about repairs.
MRS. JAS. WILLIAMSON writes from Fung-hwa,
on March 25th: — "I have been very happy since I came to
China, although there is much to try one here. Yet when I
look round on this poor people it makes me happy to think that
our Father has privileged me in any way to help in making
known His name, and I can help my husband, so that he can
do more than if he were alone. It is very cheering to us when
any of the natives are baptised. The first baptism I saw quite
overcame me. I do not think I ever was so overpowered.
MISS GOODMAN wiites from Chin-kiang, on April
7th : — " It is so sad to see how the people are living ; they are
quite indifferent to everything but the things of time, and the
best way to get money. Returning from a walk through the
, streets of Chin-kiang, we saw some men burning funeral paper for
the dead at one of the graves. Everywhere we turn there are
sights and sounds in China to move the stoutest hearts. Oh !
that the love of Christ may constrain us more and more to spend
and be spent for this people ; and may many of them be so in-
fluenced that they shall be willing to live for the good of their
fellow-countrymen and the glory of God."
MR. EASTON writes from Yang-chau on April 7th:—
"We are very happy here, and feel the Lord very precious to
us. We unite in prayer every day, when the friends hi Pyrland-
road are frequently remembered by name."
MR. TURNER, also writing from Yang-chau, under date
of March 24th, says; — "This evening I conducted prayers in
Chinese, but did not get on very well, though I had spent the
whole day in preparation. I am working away at the language,
but progress is slow."
c
HINA'S
M
ILLIONS.
SCENE ON A CHINESE RIVER.
A STRANGER joum eying on many Chinese rivers
might gain a very incorrect impression of the popu-
lation of the districts through which he passed. The
lower lands bordering on the stream are mostly under
water for a considerable part of the year, and are
utiHzed for the production of the long reeds valuable
for fuel and for making mats to cover boats. The force
of the current would wash away rice or other vegeta-
tion ; but the reeds, on the contrary, bind the soil
together with their strong roots, and so tend to pre-
vent the river from changing its course. Other parts,
somewhat higher, are cultivated, but are still not
adapted for building purposes. Then, too, from the
frequency of piracy and of political changes, the
towns and villages of some districts, and particularly
the hamlets, are purposely placed in positions hidden
from the eye of the passing stranger.
The boats vary very much in their build. Those
intended to run up the mountain streams are long,
narrow, and sharp-pointed. Those required for shoot-
NO. 15. — SEPTEMBER, 1876.
ing rapids rise high at stem and stern, and resemble
in shape a moon of a few days old. Others are
adapted for passing under bridges, by having a light
double mast which works on a pivot fixed at each
side of the vessel, so as to be rapidly lowered and as
quickly elevated again. The skilful boatman will keep
his boat under full sail till close upon a bridge, lower the
mast, pass under, and be flying before the wind again
long before the momentum of his progress has been
lost. Some such boats are represented in the above cut.
Boats chiefly intended for passenger traffic are often
very comfortable. A high house is built and divided
into several rooms according to the size and require-
ments of the boat, and over this the sailors sometimes
sleep on a second storey, though more frequently they
have their quarters below the deck in front of the
house. The family of the owner live behind, and
usually steer the vessel and do the cooking for pas-
sengers and crew. River boats, as may be supposed,
differ considerably from sea-going junks.
iS4
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
\
\m.
M. H. TAYLOR'S SECOND VISIT TO HON AIT.
{Concluded from ;page 182.)
K'AI-FUNG-FU.
When on our way to the capital of the province, the
people came out from the towns and cities in large
numbers to see us, even before we arrived, which led us
to suspect that word had been sent from our last
stopping--place to say that we were coming. We were
much in prayer on the way that God would give us
entrance. When we reached the city, our cart was
stopped at the gate, and we were questioned as to where
we were from, what we came to do, &c. , after which
they allowed us to pass on. I was not recognised,*
though I made no attempt to disguise myself, but con-
tinued in prayer. When we reached the inn, however,
I was recognised by the innkeeper, who came to pay his
respects. He told us, in the most earnest manner, that
he was sorry to sin against the " venerable old foreigner''
(an expression of respect), but he dared not give us a
room.
We were compelled by this circumstance to send to
the mandarin for his permission, which he reluctantly
gave, but sent four men to sit at the door of our inn,
who did not leave the spot the whole of the five days
we remained in the city. They closely watched all our
movements, followed us when we went out into the street
to preach, and hstened carefully to the conversations
we held with those who came to see us.
PREACHING AND CONVERSATIONS.
We preached to large and, on the whole, attentive
crowds in the street daily. At first they hesitated to
buy books ; but as soon as the spell was broken by a
few, others bought readily. Many of the literati came
to our inn to see us, with whom we had some interesting
conversations. They appeared favourably impressed
towards us, and were surprised and pleased to hear that
we were not Roman Catholics. A book written by Dr.
A. Williamson appeared very acceptable to them, and,
I believe, removed some of their prejudices. We had
several nightly visits from a Mohammedan, who is a
military mandarin in this city. He is a remarkable
man, reads and writes the Arabic character, and is well
read in the doctrines of his religion, though he acknow-
ledged the superiority of Christianity, to the study of
which he has given himself for some time past, but is
yet undecided. We did what we could to enlighten his
understanding, and have prayed very often since that
God may convert him to the truth of the Gospel. He
has a very great influence over the minds of the
Mohammedans of this place, who look up to him as
their instructor with apparent respect. If our God is
pleased to convert him, we pray that He may also be
pleased to use him mightily.
* Mr. M. Henry Taylor was travelling in native costume.
When we were leaving, he said that nothing would
give him more pleasure than to see us permanently
settled in this city ; and, after considering the difficulties
in connection with getting a house, said he would gladly
sell us his own house (which is larger than our present
premises in Wu-ch'ang, though not in quite such good
condition), if we failed to get one. I mention this offer
for your consideration. I am not very enthusiastic about
accepting it myself — not simply because I believe the
obstacles and difficulties in the way of settling in any of
the Fu cities (and especially in the capital) to be im-
mense, but because — and this is my chief objection — I
believe a greater and more enduring work can be dohe
in the smaller places, where the people are unprejudiced,
and where the opposition from officials and the literati
is less than in the large cities. Nevertheless, if it be
thought that the offer should be accepted and taken
advantage of, I am most willing to attempt it ; and in
doing so, have not a particle of doubt as to our final
success. I believe not only that God can do anything,
but that He will do anything for faith which trusts Him
— though, of course, those who exercise implicit faith
must also have the assurance that what they ask is
according to His will ; and this assurance, when the
revealed Word does not give it, can only be got by
prayerful and absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit's
guidance — a guidance which, I doubt not, we should
have in this matter.
Three Europeans from Pekin, who visited this city
two years ago, to make inquiries respecting the colony of
Jews here, were driven from the city, and the inn they
occupied razed to the ground.
HO-NAN-FU.
We next travelled due west to a city distant 500 li.
The country is very barren, and the people very poor ;
thousands of them live in holes dug out in the mountain-
sides, having the appearance of small caves. The whole
country has the most curious and novel aspect, as if
torn asunder by some mighty convulsion of nature.
These hills are the retreat of robbers and banditti, and
about every mile there are houses by the wayside in
which there are armed men, placed there by the Govern-
ment for the protection of travellers. We noticed that
all our fellow-travellers carried firearms, and many were
accompanied by an armed escort. We had an armed
escort too — " a wall of fire." " The angel of the Lord
encampeth round about them that fear Him, and de-
livereth them." With this most efficient bodyguard, we
felt prepared for every emergency.
The prefectural city, Ho-nan-fu, was reached in seven
days. We preached at the towns and villages through
which we passed. At some of the places the people
seemed interested — at others utterly indifferent. Here
the Mohammedans are very numerous ; many came to
our inn to converse with us about Christianity. The
whole of their religion seemed to consist in abstinence
from certain kinds of food, daily ablutions, and a con-
stant repetition of a prescribed form of prayer. We told
them of the cleansing of the heart and conscience, and
the way in which it was accomplished, which they con-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
185
fessed was of more importance than the washing of the
body. We preached in the streets of the city three
days, with very little success as regards numbers. We
were surprised to find not the slightest evidence of the
sensation we usually cause on our first visit to a place.
We felt, after our three days' preaching, that we were
scarcely repaid for a journey of 500 li (150 miles) by the
reception they gave us ; yet we do not despair of good
being done by our visit. God works " deep in un-
fathomable mines of never-failing skill." Besides, we
are glad of the experience which we g-ained from the
journey. I think we may now say that we are pretty
well acquainted, practically, with the geography of
Ho-nan.
About five miles south of Ho-NAN-FU there is a
famous pass, called
THE "dragon's gate."
The mountains on either side rise to about 300 feet,
and are composed of a hard limestone. There are
several caves cut in the mountain, in shape like the
dome of St. Paul's, London ; and in each of these caves
there are five colossal images, nearly thirty feet high,
cut from, or rather in, the mountain, and upon which
200 years have had but little effect.
We entered each of these caverns, and as our eyes
became accustomed to the darkness — darkness which
must inspire idolaters with awe — we saw those hideous
idols frowning down upon us. We lifted our voices in
prayer, and besought God — Jehovah, beside whom there
is none else — to speed the day in which these delusions
will be judged, and be thrown to the moles and the bats.
We felt it a solemn moment ; and as we prayed, our
voices were thrown back in a strange echo. With a
piece of fiint we wrote the following words — " False,
deluding, doomed to perish ! " Wg also saw numberless
miniature idols car\'ed in the mountain-side, almost to
its summit. From beneath the caverns beautiful streams
of clear warm water gushed forth, mingling with the
river which ran at the bottom of the pass. We told the
Gospel story to an old priest in charge, but he did not
at all appear to relish our discourse, and showed his
displeasure by walking off in anger.
THE RETURN JOURNEY.
On our way homeward, we preached and sold books at
several cities, at some of which the people gave much
attention to our preaching. Any one of these cities
would afford work for a lifetime : how little can be done
for the poor people in a passing visit ! There are ninety-
seven county (Hien) cities in this province, besides nine
prefeetural (Fu) cities. If the Almighty God would but
give us a Christian worker for each of these 106 cities,
our joy would be full, though our desires are even greater
than this.
When we reached Ju-ning-fu again, we sent to the
Ya-men with some books, to tell the new mandarin
(the former mandarin having been removed), that we
intended distributing these books in the city for a few
days. He refused the books, and would not look at my
passport, giving no reasons. We do not know whether
he feared us, or expected some trouble, and therefore
thought it best not to recognise us. We stayed three
day9»in this place, but did not preach in the street ; one
day was spent in fasting and prayer, and the other two
we devoted to conversation with a few individuals whom
we hope yet to see on the Lord's side.
The weather has been intensely cold for the past
month — much colder than we had anticipated when
leaving home, so we found ourselves rather short of
clothing. We reached home on the isth of Januaiy,
1876, having been absent eighty-four days.
I have given but a very imperfect account of my
journey, mentioning only those things which I thought
would be useful to you. I have refrained from speaking
of many things which are very interesting to me, believ-
ing it best to do so. I have, on the one hand, the
strongest desire to keep back anything which, though
perfectly true in itself, is calculated to mislead those
who are not acquainted with work in China ; and, on the
other hand, a strong desire to write for the glory
of God.
We hope to take another journey early in March ; I
say this in faith, for at present I have not a single helper
of any kind to accompany me. "The Lord WILL
PROVIDE."
BY THE LATE MISS ELATCHLET.
••HE RESTORETH MY SOUL."
' ' I HAVE been feeling so weary through the past week, both in
mind and body, and sometimes very sad ; my rest in Jesus not
broken, but a longing for more communion with Him, and yet
unable to get it. ' I sleep, but my heart waketh,' Solomon's
bride could say ; but with me it is often ' I wake, but my heart
sleepeth.'
" This evening I longed for communion. I thirsted to be able
to think, to talk with Jesus, and to listen to His voice ; but my
heart felt dull and listless, my body tired, and my head
aching— as it had been all day. I just told it all to my
Saviour, and asked Him to wake up my heart. Then I lay
down and prayed, just a broken sentence now and then, and
listened for His voice ; and He spoke to my heart, a little at
first, very gently, knowing how tired I M'as and incapable ; and
then more and moi-e, till my heart awoke, and my eyes opened,
and I could see Him, clasp Him, eat and be satisfied. ' He
rcsloreth my soul.' "
MINISTRY TO THE LORD.
"And the child did minister unto the Lord" (l Sam. ii. 11).
It does not say lie ministered unto the priests, though I suppose,
such a tiny child as he was, he could only pick up a spoon for
one, hold a censer or open a door for another. And yet it says
he ministered tc the Lord. Here is a lesson for us . Whatsocucr
we do in the spirit of consecration — (Samuel was consecrated,
given wholly to the Lord) — is ministry unto Him. Oh, how
life is redeemed from commonality or meanness when we tread
it with consecrated steps, and approach its necessary toils with
consecrated hands !
i86
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
PROM SERMON BY THE REV. J. EDMOTTD, D.D,
" Let him that heareth say, Come." — (Rev. xxii. 17.)
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been pre-
sented in a variety of aspects, all harmonious, yet each
distinct and in its distinctness important.
In one view it is a history, a record of facts — facts,
it is true, with doctrines in their bosom — meaningless
otherwise — but still in themselves matters of observation
and testimony.
On the basis of these great historic verities the Gospel
may otherwise be viewed as a.grand royal ^proclamation ;
a publishing, in the name of the heavenly King, of
peace and pardon ; a proclamation implying in its very
nature a welcome to the blessings proclaimed.
In a third aspect, which brings out more the element
of authority, the Gospel is acot?imand, speaking to be
obeyed, or rejected with aggravated guilt. " How shall
we escape if we neglect so great salvation ! "
But, perhaps, in no other light is it so frequently ex-
hibited in the holy writings, or so familiarly and tenderly
known by all, as that of an invitation — a celestial call
and welcome to blessedness. This idea of it pervades
Scripture, and appears at once in plain language and
varied figure. (See Proverbs i-v; Isaiah Iv. i ; Jere-
miah iii. 12-14.)
Our Lord's whole appearance on earth was the em-
bodiment of gracious attraction and welcome. "Come
unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden," was
His express word. He gathered round Him disciples
who clung and clave to Him ; He was the centre of
crowds of sick and suffering ones, who flocked to Him
for help ; and He predicted the future triumphs of His
cause in these terms, "I, if I be lifted up from the
earth, will draw all men unto me." Thus, indeed, it
behoves to be, for sin is wandering away from God,
and the voice and power that win from sin and its
doom must be those which call "Return," and bring
the sinner back.
In no passage of Scripture does the Gospel, as a
gracious and earnest invitation, appear more em-
phatically than in the verse, of which one of the clauses
is our present text. The key-note of the passage is,
'• Come." The term is iterated, till it cannot be for-
gotten.
But we do not dwell on the invitation generally.
What does this clause, " Let him that hearcth say.
Come," specially teach in its connection ?
First. It illustrates and intensifies the universality of
the Gospel call. There is no limit to the compass of
the invitation, as tht first clause has it. Come, is the
simple accent, sounding forth from the open gates of
the city, north, south, east, west. But this clause seems
to carry the invitation to the remotest bounds, and to
the amplest licence of solicitation. For it not only
welcomes every man for himself, but arms him with
authority to become in turn an inviter. A sinner hear-
ing the Gospel may not only comply himself, but re-
turning to God may, if he can, bring the whole world
with him.
Secondly. This clause translates the invitation of the
Gospel out of the form of fact into the realm of obliga-
tion a?id duty.
It is not merely that by her very existence the church
is an invitation to the world, implying, in her constitu-
tion, a welcome to the Saviour as addressed to all man-
kind. She is all this, undoubtedly, by her presence in
the earth. Why should she be as a city set on a hill
that cannot be hid, but that men seeing her exalted and
privileged position, should say to each other, "Come
and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the
house of the God of Jacob ?' ' Why should she be set as
a lamp upon its stand, buttogivelighttoallthatarein the
house? Is not her house ahouseof prayer for all people ?
And when she keeps her most sacred feast, is she not a
preacher, showing forth the Lord's death, till He come ?
But these things, implied in the very constitution and
plan of the church, are here expressly made matters of
obligation and command.
When our Lord was about to ascend to His heavenly
throne, He left this charge with His apostles: "Go
ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to
every creature." About to retire, as it were, from the
earth a second time ; about to close the volume of in-
spiration, to withdraw His voice in this form of revela-
tion, He binds the obligation on His church. He in-
vests His believing people with this great character, of
servants sent to call to the wedding, the marriage-
supper of the Lamb.
It is in keeping with His own great mission to earth
that it should be so. The disciple should be as his
Master. It is strange, dear friends, that the missionary
cause should ever have needed to assert or defend
itself. Yet so it is ; what seems to us written as with a
sunbeam, and commended by invincible arguments of
gratitude and love, was at one time bitterly decried by
even professing Christians. I know not that the spirit
is dead yet ; it is not in the world, the echo of whose
sneer or laugh may sometimes be heard. The heathen
world to many is yet a field rather for covetousness than
for Christianization. Are there no professing Christians
who, in their secret heart, join them ? disbelieving,
doubting, disheartening others ? We fear we dare not
answer in the negative.
Yet the text and kindred passages of God's Word
leave no doubt about it. Missionary enterprise on the
part of a Christian Church is not a matter of option.
How can any cut themselves off from Christ's vi-ork, and
hope to live in union with Christ himself? Two things
the Church must have lost when she ceases to have in-
terest in missions. She must have lost the spirit, and
she must have lost the memory, of her Lord's command.
Thirdly. This clause individualises the oblgation it
proclaims ; translates the truths from the regior. of
generalities into the form ol -persoiial responsilMlity.
We must not be contented with maintaining our part
in the general work of the Church, with swelling the
voice of the common society. It is much to do this;
and I would that all of us were free from heedlessness
and neglect in this respect. In whatever way — let me
put it at once in this form for our own admonition — this
Church ought to witness for Christ, we individually
ought to take part. In maintaining public religious
ordinances, for example, how can I, as one of its mem-
bers, hold my obligations loosely? Absentees from
God's house delude themselves if they think they do
no harm to the Church's power for good. The empty
pew may, indeed, make room for the stranger, but will
not half so readily attract him as the full one. So with
the Church's treasury. If the whole society should thus
help Christ's cause, I ought to share.
But in all this the individual, so to express it, works
through the Church : all ought also to do something
which may be represented rather as the Church working
through the individual. There can be no readier or
better illustration of this than what is suggested by the
word Come. Classes have been recruited, churches
have been revived by nothing else than this simple
principle — "Come with us and we will do thee good."
Leave the thoughts of the Church aside, and let us
test ourselves as to whether we are personally doing
anything for Christ — In the closet ? In the walks of
daily life? In any sphere of direct usefulness? "No
man ever asked me." Are we careful to avoid the
possibility of any we meet with having this to say ?
Fourthly. — In common with the foregoing clause,
this my text -clause commends individual appeal.
Now, all invitations are addressed to individuals.
A preacher does not address one aggregate ear, but
many ; not one multitudinous soul, but all, and each.
Come thou, says the reading, says the psalm, says the
sermon. But the clause before us suggests that we
should help the application. In these days the subject
is receiving ample illustration. It is discussed and
wrought out in actual deed, and thus three advantages
are gained. Attention is constrained — present decision
urged — and finally, the conscience is often thus helped
against the hesitating will. A little touch will over-
throw the leaning tower, will turn the wavering balance.
To do this effectively, however, it must be the result of
fulness in ourselves. " Out of him shall flow rivers of
living water." Such an one, weary with forbearing,
could not stay the outflow. This is the dealing that
wins and conquers. If, then, we would do better, let
us first be better. If we would say, " Come," with
effect, let us be unmistakably travellers to Zion, with
our faces thitherward.
i88
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Tmi h xtxtr Umititt Siatititt$.
(Coniinued from jbage i8o.)
VIII.— T'lEN-TAI TO T'AI-CHAU.
Here come the boatmen, at last, and, if we may judge
by their pleased looks, they have made a good bargain,
and now will be willing enough to proceed on their
journey. You find it a succession of delights. Sitting
still in the boat, the view is changing every moment.
Now we are going along slowly through the deep and
quiet waters ; then the way appears blocked up by a
huge rock, but, the boatmen turning round sharp to the
left, we shoot a rapid with wonderful velocity, but in
perfect safety, thanks to the skill of our boatmen ; and
soon again we are pursuing our way as quietly as before,
through the rich green fields and amongst the ever-
changing hills. Our first day's journey accomplishes
but a third of the distance ; we progress, however, more
rapidly and uninterruptedly on the second day, towards
the close of which we see, far before us, running across
the summit of a high hill, a wall with battlements ; and
a little farther on we catch a glimpse of some pagodas,
which announce our near proximity to T'ai-chau.
Another hour or two, and we shall find ourselves at the
gate of the city, and thus conclude the next stage of our
journey.
THE CITY OF T'AI-CHAU.
Here we are at last ; and as our boat sweeps round
the sharp bend of the river, the floating bridge, on
which we shall land, comes full into view. The river
here is probably wider than the Thames at London
Bridge, and is a tidal stream. After the rains the
current sweeps along with great velocity and power,
and it would be a work of no small expense to build a
bridge witli solid piers. But all difficulty is obviated by
the construction of this floating bridge. It is the first
we have met with of a kind not uncommon in China.
Boats are moored stem and stern, across which timbers
and planking are placed, making a roadway, which too
is oftentimes a convenient landing-stage. Usually some
part of the bridge is arranged as a drawbridge, to allow
the larger junks to pass ; smaller ones strike their masts,
and make their way under the bridge. T'ai-chau has
two of these bridges — the one we are approaching is the
upper one.
Calling a coolie to carry our things, for we have nearly
a mile to walk, we enter the west gate, and pass down
the main street. We go by the prefect's Ya-men
(official residence, public oflices, etc.), and then, a little
farther on, turning to the north, we proceed through some
cross streets until we reach our mission premises. These
were in the first instance rented by iVIr. Jackson, in the
year 1867, and were subsequently purchased by us. This
large hall downstairs is the chapel, whilst the upper
part of the building is used as a dwelling-house. Let
me now introduce you to our friends
MR. AND MRS. LIU,
the native pastor and his wife. A little rough in
manner, they are so hearty and genial, so thorough and
true, that they are general favourites, and are particu-
larly suited for work in T'ai-chau, where the character
of the people is somewhat rough but kindly. Mr. Liu
was one of the early converts in Ning-po,and like many
others, after running well for a time, fell back again
into the v,'orld, in which, however, he could find neither
happiness nor rest, having once tasted better things.
Soon after commencing our work in Hang-chau, in the
year 1866, he began to attend the services; the back-
slider was restored, and since then his course has been
most satisfactory. He gave us much help on the Lord's
day, for a time, whilst supporting himself by his trade as
a master-builder. His usefulness and success led to
the desire on his part, and on ours, that he should be
more fully occupied in the Lord's work ; and first as an
evangelist, and then as a native pastor, he has served
the mission for some years. When we were leaving
China, about two years ago, the failure of Mr. and Mrs.
Rudland's health required them to suddenly leave
the station, and the work at T'ai-chau was left in the
hands of native evangelists, superintended by Mr. Liu
and Ah-liang, another of our native pastors. Mr.
Jackson, of Wun-chau, paid two or three visits to the
stations, but for about two years, or till Mr. Williamson
gave them a measure of help, they were without other
foreign supervision. Yet not only was the work in all
these stations maintained ; it steadily progressed ; and
we have reason to believe that not less than thirty per-
sons were brought to the Lord, while the converts were
growing in grace and in the knowledge and love of
God. We think that most of our friends will agree with
us that it is no small cause for thankfulness to find our
native brethren so well able to carry on the work and to
extend it in the absence of European supervision. May
we not well ask that thanksgiving and praise be given
to God for this, and that more prayer be offered for
blessing on the work of the native helpers ? Through
their efforts mainly it is that forty or more persons have
been brought to Christ, who have been baptised, and
are now in church fellowship in the T'ai-chau circle of
stations, besides the candidates for admission to the
church still on probation.
Mrs. Liu was educated and converted in the mission
school conducted by the late Mrs. Lord, of Ningpo. To
that school we have been indebted for the Christian
wives of not a few of our native helpers.
T'AI-CHAU PRAWNS.
Our friends inform us that our evening meal is ready ;
an announcement they evidently make with great satis-
faction, and that we are prepared to receive with equal
pleasure. I see they have prepared us some T'ai-chau
prawns, and I will venture to say they are the largest
you have ever seen or tasted. I have seen smaller
lobsters in London. What do you suppose these have
cost ? "Sixteen cash" (four-fifths ofa penny) "each, "says
Mr. Liu ; not a great price for a prawn as thick as our
wrist, though not as broad. T'ai-chau prawns, T'ai-
chau rice, and a traveller's appetite, are a combination
many a dispeptic at home might envy.
EVENING SERVICES.
Do 3'ou hear the hum of voices beneath us, which in-
dicates that the friends are collecting together for
evening service ? It is usual in all our mission stations
to have a public service every evening, corresponding
to family prayers at home. This plan has many ad-
vantages. Many of the Chinese cannot read at all, so
that were they inclined they could not study the Word
of God in their own homes. Besides which, the exposi-
tory remarks which are always made are very helpful
for the correct understanding of the words of Scripture.
As these little services draw in many of the heathen
natives, as well as many of the Christians, they serve a
double purpose. After the little meeting, while some
go away, others will remain behmd for a Bible class or
a lesson in reading. Though the spoken dialect differs
from that of Ningpo to some extent, the Christians learn
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
189
to read the Ningpo New Testament, and to use the
marginal references. The hymns, too, that they sing
are printed in Roman type in the dialect of Ningpo.
The British and Foreig'n Bible Society never conferred
a greater boon on the province of Cheh-kiang than when
they printed the vernacular New Testament. The most
successful labourers in the Gospel known to us have
attained much of their knowledge of Scripture from the
use of this version, and many who can well read the
character, tell us that it never comes home to their hearts
as the Word does in the colloquial translation.
Our friends are gone ; and we bid Mr. Liu good night.
If you are inclined for an early walk before breakfast, we
will mount the hill on the north side of our house, and
climbing up the city wall, get a view of most of the city ;
the remainder we shall see from " Golden Hill," which,
with its pagodas, is near the south gate. That we will
leave, however, for another ramble.
EARLY MORNING IN T'AI-CHAU.
Now for an exhilarating walk. As we go out, notice
that magnificent camphor tree, with its wide-spreading
branches, one of the most
beautiful trees in China. This
tree, however, is nothing like
so fine as some in the suburbs,
where trees from twenty to
twenty-seven feet in circum-
ference are to be found. Could
they tell us all the changes that
have taken place since they
were planted, and speak of the
hundreds and thousands that
have been born, lived, and died
without the Gospel in their
neighbourhood, what revela-
tions they would make.
We have had a stiff climb,
and here we are at last. You
saw the outer side of this battle-
ment from a distance as we
approached the city yesterday ;
now you stand on the inner
side. This fine hill on the
north of the city screens it very
much from the north wind, and
greatly adds to the fertility of
the gardens within the walls.
Look over the city : it seems like one vast peach orchard,
always very pretty at this season of the year, the profu-
sion of the peach-blossom gives it a specially beautiful
appearance.
Notice those monumental structures, erected to the
honour of young widows who never married again, which
span the street here and there ; they are sometimes
called triumphal arches by Europeans, but, as they are
never arched, this is not a happy designation. The
accompanying illustration gives a general idea of their
form, but no idea of the massiveness and size of the
noble monuments to be found in T'ai-chau. Delicate
and intricate carvings in solid granite adorn them, which
must have cost immense labour and expense. It is a
marvel how those immense blocks of stone were lifted to
their present position.
The view of Golden Hill to the south of the city and
its two pagodas, of the ornamental lake with its pavi-
lion and bridges outside the east gate of the city, illu-
minated by the bright rays of the morning sun, is very
charming, while the noble river winding round three
sides of the city, and then extending itself with innu-
merable bends far away in the distance, and the five
MEMORIAL PORTAL
hills in every direction, add not a little to the beauty of
the scene. How often we are reminded of Heber's
lines : —
" Wheie every prospect pleases,
And only man is vile."
These beautiful regions were but a few years ago so in-
fested by pirates and banditti that travelling was most
unsafe ; and even an armed escort failed in some
instances to secure the safety of native merchants and
others, conveying valuables and treasure overland across
the hills inland, or by sea along the coast. The late
prefect of T'ai-chau, a man of great energy and deter-
mination, and not overburdened with scruples or sym-
pathy, has effected a thorough revolution in these,
matters. Indeed, he has almost stamped piracy out of
the prefecture, though there is one of the native ports in
the T'ai-ping district which still bears a suspicious char-
acter among the native merchants. It is now however as
safe to travel in the T'ai-chau prefecture as in any other
part of the empire.
Let us now return to breakfast, after which we will
examine the candidates for
baptism, and then set out to
visit our out-station at Ky'i-'6,
a day's journey to the north-
east. Mr. Liu in the meantime
will secure chairs for our
journey, for we shall not be
able to walk all the way.
Were you not pleased with the
attention of those dear people
whilst the Word of God was
being read, and with the hearty
amen with which they endorsed
the petitions that were offered
in our little meeting ? The
simplicity of the faith of these
native converts has often
p^ 11=] struck me.
I They really believed in the
j EJ 1^ false gods which they for-
merly served ; and when they
had turned to serve the living
and true God, they as really
believed in Him. They cannot
be unconscious of the power
- which has made them new
creatures in Christ Jesus.
I often wish our friends at home had the same sim-
plicity of faith in God, and in the power of prayer, that
I have seen in converts from heathenism.
Here, again, our friends will not let us leave the city
alone, but' accompany us to the east gate ; pastor Liu is
preparing to go with us the whole length of the journey.
By walking and riding in turn we shall be able to make
two chairs answer for the three of us. The journey and
the stopping-places by the way are so similar to those
through which we have been passing for some time that
we shall not stay to describe them.
CULTIVATION OF POPPY FOR OPIUM.
We must, however, draw attention to the vast number
of fields that a few years ago would have been found
planted with wheat, but which are now under poppy
cultivation. Hundreds, and even thousands, of acres
are now producing opium, the only effect of which is to
destroy both body and soul, instead of producing food
for the support of the cultivators, or for sale, to provide
other articles needed by their families. True, year by
year proclamations are put out by the mandarins pro-
\.
190
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
hibiting the cultivation of this opium, but this is only to
secure the revenue for winking at its growth and pre-
paration. They do not see what use there would be in
preventing themselves and the country farmers from
gaining profit by it, when England with its mighty
power will insist on the introduction of foreign opium,
stronger in its narcotic and stimulant properties, and
much higher in price than the native product. Were
England to cease her part in this iniquitous traffic, we
are convinced that there is still both power and
patriotism enough left in China immediately to lessen,
and possibly ultimately to stamp out, the cultivation and
use of this baneful drug.
If there be such a thing as retributive justice —
and who can doubt it — must not England suffer for her
guilty part ? And may it not be that God is permitting
drink at home to slay its thousands, to avenge the tens
of thousands who are slain by our opium policy in India
and China ?
Now I hope your nerves are steady. We are near the
end of our journey, but have to cross this foaming
mountain torrent on stepping-stones, which are quite far
enough apart, and are somewhat slippery too from the
dashing spray. I remember crossing this stream once
when very unwell ; an attack of fever just coming on
made my head somewhat giddy, and it was with the
utmost difficulty that I reached the opposite side of the
stream. And now we walk through the village to the
house of our native evangelist, K6h Yih-djiin, who is
supported by a Christian Church in Canada.
II.
( Continued from ;page 172.^
-PRACTICES DURING ILLNESS AND AFTER DEATH.
DURING ILLNESS.
WhkN any member of a family falls ill, the other
members sacrifice to, and worship before, the ancestral
tablets. {See illustraiion.) They may have been
remiss in their offerings ; if not, they pray for assistance
in their hour of great trial. If the sick person does not
improve, they call a
medium (usually a wo-
man) to see whether
the trouble is caused
by any of their own
ancestors, or by a wild
or beggar spirit. If by
the former, they bum a
large quantity of dien*
before their tablets ; if
by the latter, di'en is
burned without the door
to appease the dis-
contented spirit. If the
sick person become
delirious, or his ex-
tremities become cold,
they suppose that one
of his souls has left the
body, or that one has
been captured by some
roving spirit ; where-
upon some member of
the family, with a
lighted lantern, stands
without the door, and
calls the departed by
name to come back.
{See illustration on
next 'page.) This call-
ing is often continued
till a late hour at night.
No one who has heard
the call once will fail to
recognise it the second time.
voice is neither elevated nor depressed ; but its intona-
tion expresses affectionate anxiety.
AFTER DEAIH.
The moment a man dies, he is supposed to be arrested
by the authorities of the spirit-world. While he was
sick, his friends were
UORilJir hEFORE
It is a peculiar call ; the
* Dien is a substitute for sycee ; it is thin paper, covered with
tinfoil, and pasted together in the form of sycee, and is the silver
currency of the world of darkness. A large portion of the time
of working women is consumed in the manufacture of this money
for the dead. Some is made of gilt paper. In some parts of
at a loss to know what
to do for him ; after he
is dead, they know what
he requires. The first
thing done for his com-
fort is to place a cup of
cold water at the outer
door, in order that he
may take the last drink.
I have found no one
who could, or would,
give me an explanation
of this practice. The
Chinese, as a people,
do not drink cold water.
The next thing, in order
for his comfort, is to
burn a suit of good
clothes ; the object of
which is to secure for
him kind treatment
while he is in the
hands of the police of
the other world. It is
a well-known fact that
the police of this world
usually treat a well-
dressed prisoner with
some degree of con-
sideration, while a
beggarly-looking fellow
is cruelly handled. In
like manner they sup-
pose the police of the spirit-world are influenced by
personal appearance.
THE DEAD ESCAPING JUSTICE.
They next proceed to burn a considerable quantity of
China they make paper dollars, with the stamp of the old Spanish
dollar, one hundred of which are worth about ten cents.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
191
dien — the object of which is to provide the deceased
witli the requisite funds to enable liim to bribe the police
to allow him to escape before they reach the higher
authorities. As it is not an uncommon thing' for the
police of the Chinese Ya-muns
to allow a prisoner who has
been arrested to escape by the
■way, for a consideration, they
suppose that the police of the
world of spirits are influenced
by similar motives. Having
provided him with what is
deemed quite sufficient to
enable him, if he is clever, to
make good his escape, they
next proceed to burn the bed
and bedding, and most of the
wardrobe of the departed, in
order that he may be provided
with every necessary comfort
in his present position, whether
in prison or at liberty. Mean-
while, all the relatives, friends,
and neighbours of the deceased
send in large contributions of
dien to enable their departed
friend to bribe the officials of
the land of shades, or to pay
the prison-keepers, etc., and
thus greatly ameliorate his
sufferings during his trial and punishment, if he has
been so unfortunate as to be incarcerated. When a man
is dead, he is in a position to avenge himself of all the
injuries of which he may have thought himself the sub-
ject. Hence these large contributions by relatives,
friends, neighbours, and indeed by all who feel that the
deceased had aught against them. It is by no means
an uncommon tragedy for a man, with an irreconcilable
difficulty, to take his own life, in order to place himself
in a position to avenge
himself. I have known
a widow who had been
wronged to go to the
grave of her husband,
and with great lamen-
tations make known
to him the injustice
she had sustained,
and beg him to see
her righted, or her
oppressor punished.
These dernier resorts
rarely ever fail to bring
the refractory person
to terms.
THE COFFIN
Is an important item
in the list of articles
which are deemed
necessary for the re-
pose and comfort of a
man in the world of
darkness. As a man's
respectability in this ;
world is often estimated by the appearance of his
dwelling, so, for similar reasons, the friends of a
deceased person, in order to gain for him this mark of
respectability in the other world, often impoverish
themselves in order to provide for him a decent burial.
Indeed, so much stress is laid upon this article, that
CALj^n\G BACK IIIL SOUL.
old men, and even younger ones, in times of prosperity,
to ensure for themselves a suitable habitation when
they die, often superintend the making and varnishing
of their own coffins. They even go a step further while
they have the means, and
employ one skilled in " fung-
shtiy " to select a fortunate
place for their graves. They
construct vaults, and raise
mounds for their entire families.
These are usually in a line,
under one mound, with the tops
slightly separated, so as to give
a peak for each vault. Hence
some of the graves we see in
the vicinity of Shanghai are
empty vaults. As the members
of the family drop off, one end
of the vault is opened, and the
coffin inserted.
MOURNING.
On every seventh day, for
seven sevens, after the death
of an individual, the female
portion of the family give vent
to boisterous lamentations, dur-
ing which they call the deceased
by name, and recount all his
virtues and good qualities. It is
supposed that this demonstration of grief is heard by the
authorities of the spirit-world, and the hope indulged that
they, seeing the high estimation in which the prisoner was
held in the world of light, may be induced to modify
the intended punishment. For the same reason,
families of some wealth, during this season of mourn-
ing, and subsequently during the period of worshipping
at the tombs {see illustration below), often employ a
person to blow at their graves at night a ram's horn or
a conch shell.
FATHER r£ACIII.\G HIS CHILD TO llORSHIP.
KOONG-TUH.
From the ninth to
the eighteenth day,
depending on the day
of the month on which
a person dies, the spirit
is supposed to return
to its old habitation,
bringing with it a host
of ravenous beggars,
to aid it in its re-
vengeful visitation.
The family, to coun-
teract the baneful in-
fluence of this visit,
employ Tauist priests,
whose gods rule the
spirits, to perform at
the family residence
on the day on which
the spirit is expected
to return, the ceremony
called " Kooiig-tuh,"
meritorious service,
the object of which is either to appease or frighten the
spirits, and thereby secure to the family tranquillity. All
the relatives and friends of the deceased are in-
vited to meet their old friend, and take part in the
festivities and general confession of the family.
The family hall is decorated for the occasion with
192
OHINA'S MILLIONS.
embroidered hangings of various devices, and emblems
of authority in the world of darkness to intimidate the
spirits, and for the time looks more like the abode of
royalty than the humble abode of a common shopman.
The ancestral tablet of the expected visitor, the cause
of the convocation, is elevated to a position on a table
in the centre of the decorated hall, before which all
the family must humbly bow, and confess their short-
comings, and around which Tauist priests, attired in im-
perial robes, march, chanting and bowing to the ringing
of a small bell, by the master of ceremonies. The whole
affair amounts to a most humble confession, and deep
humiliation on the part of the family. This ceremony,
enlivened by music and gong, is kept up for a day or
two.
THE FEAST.
When the guests are invited to partake of refresh-
ments, a table is set in a vacant room for the accom-
modation of the spiritual guests. It is furnished with
viands, chopsticks, &c. When all things are ready,
the master of ceremonies enters this vacant room, and
after a wave of his wand of authority and incantations,
orders the spirits to come and partake of what has been
provided for them, and to keep quiet. At the close of
the ceremony he re-enters the vacant room, and with
another wave of his wand and incantations, and at the
same time cutting the air towards the four points of the
compass with a sword, orders the spirits to depart, and,
on pain of the severest punishment, not to disturb the
peace and quiet of that family. The spiritual guests,
terrified at the sight and emblems of authority in the
world of darkness, and the sound of the gong and
crackers without, are supposed to take their departure
to their proper place of abode. The family pays the
priest's bill, and takes his word for it that the spirits
will not disturb them.
This is the family confession, and a large amount of
money is expended in order to make the visit of the de-
parted as agreeable as possible. The main object, how-
ever, is to secure immunity from sickness or calamity,
&c. It is deemed the duty of every family to do some-
thing analogous to what is described above whenever
one of their members is snatched from the world
of light. It corresponds in almost every important
particular to what is done by his friends for the
comfort of a man who is arrested by one of the local
authorities.
[To he conttmied.)
%H h\ f ti«ttg.
{From Mr. TV. G. Clarke, of TVu-chang.)
I PROMISED last month to tell you something about children in
China ; now I will try to do so.
Some of the little ones look very pretty in their red hoods
tipped Avith fur, and bonny little beads. But the children of poor
parents have a very hard time. They are not very highly valued
at birth, especially girls, and are often killed. I know a
woman very well, who is exceedingly poor ; she had a little
baby a few months ago ; and because she could' hardly keep the
childreri she had, she could not keep another, and so she killed
it. This was her only reason. She has two little girls, aged
eight and eleven, I think ; these are both given away to their
future husbands' families, who are giving them an introduction to a
life of drudgery. The youngest child is sick, and she is left in a cor-
ner, uncared for ; if she can get up and get a basin of rice when the
others have theirs, she may ; otherwise she is not attended to.
She is afraid to cry before them ; so, in the night, when they are
asleep, she gives vent to her feelings. Her mother has begged
Mrs. Judd to take her into her house. You, who have kind
friends, think of the thousands of poor suffering children in
China, and in your prayers do not forget these little ones.
A woman came a few days ago to Mrs. Judd to intercede for
her poor sister, whose little baby was going to be killed, if pro-
vision could not be made for it. The question was whether the
little child should live or die ; if it was refused a home, then
death was the only other thing, so Mrs. Judd decided to take it.
One day, as we were at dinner, we heard some one knock at
the door ; it was soon opened, and a woman brought a bundle
in her arm. She was conducted into the nursery, the parcel was
undone, and, amongst a lot of pieces of old rags, a new-born
babe was found. The necessary things were soon performed,
and its aunt exclaimed, " It has come to heaven's hall— this is
heaven ! " I suppose there is some truth in this ; a Christian
home is a little heaven compared with the home it came from.
The poor mother is lame, and has five children under ten years
of age to support on her scanty earnings. She works from
morning till night, for which she receives loo cash (about 4^d.).
Its father is a bad man, an opium-smoker and gambler. I think
I should not be complained of, if I make the suggestion, that a
love-offering on this child's behalf would be acceptable to the
Lord. Mrs. Judd could very soon receive a number of such
little ones, if any person would provide for them.
The boys here with their nice long black tails look pretty,
ivhen clean. They have very fine kites of all kinds and shapes —
some like a large wasp with moving eyes ; some like a centipede
with its tail moving gracefully in the air ; and some have other
forms which look very curious when flying. They have a game
with a shuttlecock, the feathers of which are sewn or made fast
in a piece of cloth, which keeps the feathers upright. They
kick it with the sole of the foot turned upwards behind them,
and turn round quickly and kick it again before it drops.
The cliildren are, as a rule, polite, and have a desire to secure
an education ; they commence very young to study for a literary
position. The foor children attend free schools pretty well.
After much prayer we opened a school here about three weeks
ago with three boys, and now we have twenty-six j pray that
these boys may know Jesus.
There is one school in the city in which the Lord has been
working, and some of the boys speak to those around them of
Christ. Two or three of them went forth distributing tracts in
front of the governor's palace ; he is the greatest man in the city.
Some people gathered round them, and one of the boys began to
preach the Gospel to them. A soldier came and told the hoys
to go away, or perhaps the great man would come out to them.
The young preacher said, " If he did, I should be very glad, for I
should be able to tell to him the same story." Some during their
holidays go home, and seek to do evangelistic work.
The little girls are not to be seen so much as the boys ; they
have exceedingly small feet, bound up very tightly. Their hair
is plaited up nicely in a little bunch on one side, and generally
ornamented with flowers, and a small band on their foreheads.
I have written much about the children, for I hope that some
young hearts may be led to give themselves to Cliina from their
youth, and so seek to improve the precious opportunites God may
give to train themselves for the work of Jesus in China or else-
where. Oh ! think of the millions of children who have never
heard of Jesus — they do not know His name ! My heart was
moved this afternoon to see a poor blind boy begging by the
wayside. It was sad to see his poor sightless eyes, and uncared-
for sore head ; after giving him a few cash, I was moved to say
to him, "Jesus loves you." But he did not know the name. I
repeated it several times, but still there was the vacant expres-
sion, saying, " I do not know Him." 1
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
193
What can i'.'« do for tlio millions of heathen children ? There
is one thing' you can do, and that is, pray that God will bless
these children with the knowledge of Jesus ; that He will bless
the Christian schools ; and that lie will raise up many more mis-
sionaries to labour among the children and older people. My
heart was cheered by hearing of one boy who desires to become
a missionary. The time for serving the Lord Jesus is short ;
give Him your service from your youth.
]jtt|]^n^ttt0 n| \i&m fxui^tt at !f attg-tJ^an.
From Mr. A. W. Doiithwaite.
SECOND DAY.
On Thursday, at 9.30 a.m., I held a private meeting-
with the preachers connected with the Hang-chau and
Kiu-chau districts, and placed before them the following
rules, which they all cheerfully agreed to adopt :— -
I St. Each man shall read a given portion of Scripture
each day, and write a short comment upon it.
2nd. Those who have converts under their care shall
carefully prepare their sermons, and send a copy to me
once a week.
3rd. Once a month each man must send in an account
of his proceedings, what places he visited, how many
books he sold, how many men attend the services, &c.
4th. Every man in his own house to have fixed time
for prayer, and not to allow anything to interfere with it,
or prevent it.
5th. Once a month each man to write an essay on a
given subject, and send it to me for examination.
By this means I shall be kept well acquainted with
the work at all the outstations, and the preachers will
be led to study the Scriptures more than they have done
hitherto.
MORNING MEETING.
At 10.30 a.m., we all reassembled in the chapel, and
the meeting was opened by singing the hymn, —
" There is a fountain filled with blood."
Prayer was offered by one of the American missionaries,
and then a very instructive address, on the necessity of
studying the Holy Scriptures, and of freely circulating
the Bible among the people, was given by one of the
English missionaries. He said the reason why the early
missions to this country had failed was " that they had
not the Bible."
I was so interested in what he said that I forgot to
take notes. After prayer and singing another hymn,
VAEN SIN-SANG,
pastor of the Fung-hwa Church, addressed the meeting
as follows : — ■
" Beloved Brethren, — ^\Vhat we have just heard, about
the necessity of spreading- abroad the Holy Scriptures,
is very important. Now, there is one great doctrine
which occupies a prominent place in the Bible, and
which it is most important that we should constantly
study and preach — that is, ' C/^r/j-i? crucified.'
" In 1 Corin. i. 17, 18, the Apostle Paul says, ' Christ
sent me to preach the Gospel — not with wisdom
of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none
effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that
perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the
power of God ; ' and in verses 22, 2},, ' The Jews require
a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach
Christ crucified. '
"Therefore, when we preach, let us not think of
pleasing men ; for if we are faithful to our Lord, we
cannot do that. The men of the world will listen to any
other doctrine, and be pleased with it ; but preach to
them the doctrine of ' Christ crucified,' and they treat
it with scorn and contempt. Plowever, we have nothing
to do with that ; let them scorn if they will to their own
condemnation, but let us uplift the cross, and preach
the glorious Gospel with all our might — yet not with
words of man's wisdom, lest we make light of the
wisdom of God, and exalt ourselves. You may compose
the most beautiful sermon that ever man could preach,
but unless you uplift the cross, your preaching is all in
vain ; you need never hope to save a single soul. Ex-
cept by the cross of Christ, no man ever did or ever will
escape the damnation of hell. It is the cross which is
the power of God unto salvation to everyone that
believeth. Therefore, brethren, if we desire God to use
us in saving souls, we must never neglect the precious
doctrine of ' Christ crucified.'
" If you turn to Acts i. 21-23, you will read that after
Jesus had ascended into heaven. His disciples gathered
together to choose a man who could fill the place of
Judas. They did not choose one who was remarkable
for learning, or who could preach a good sermon ; what
they wanted was a man who could bear witness with
them to the death and resurrection of their Lord and
Saviour. Wherever they went this was their theme,
whether in preaching or in conversation, Christ the
Saviour of the world, crticified, dead, risen again, and
now seated at the right hand of God, ' from henceforth
expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.'
Therefore, we who preach the Gospel should make this
our most important theme, Jeszis died, and rase again,
that through His death all who believe may have ever-
lasting life ; that having risen from the grave, He has
now become the Mediator between God and man. May
God help us faithfully to preach this precious Gospel,
that all men may hear, and hearing, believe, to the sal-
vation of their souls ! Amen."
This address, of which I have only given the mere
outline, was delivered with an amount of energy such as
I have seldom witnessed since I left England, and made
a great, and I hope lasting, impression on all present.
THE AFTERNOON MEETING
was devotional, most of the time being spent in prayer
and thanksgiving. Pastor Tsiang Siao-vong gave a
short address on " Importunate Prayer," using as illus-
tration a little incident which happened a few weeks
ago. He said : —
" One day I went to visit our station at Bing-s. In
the evening, as I returned, a terrible storm came on,
and the darkness suddenly became so dense that I
could not see the ground upon which I trod.
" I found my way to a cottage, and knocked at the
door, but the wind was howling so loudly that for a long
time the people inside could not hear me. At length
the door was opened, and I begged the master of the
house to lend me a lantern. He said he had not such a
thing, but he thought his neighbour had.
"I then went to another door, and stood knocking for
a long time ; when at last I was admitted, I told the
194
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
people what a strait I was in, and asked them to lend
me a lantern. They, too, said they had not one in the
house. ' Well,' I said, ' what am I to do ? I am more
than twenty li from home, and I dare not go a step far-
ther lest I fall into the canal.' ' Can't help you,' they
replied ; ' you must do the best you can.' Now, I knew
they could help me if they would, so I continued beg-
ging, till one of them went into a back-room and
brought out a lantern and three candles for me, and so
I reached home in safety.
" Now, I think we ought to do the same when we go
to God in prayer. If we don't get what we pray for at
once, we should not give up in despair, but keep on
asking till we do get it. ' Ask and it shall be given
you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened
unto you.' "
PASTOR VAEN
spoke a few words on the " inheritance, incorruptible,
undefiled, and that idiA&ih.noi3.wa.y, reserved in heaven
for" us, "whoare/fe^^bythepowerof God." Hesaid: —
" With this precious promise before us, brethren, we
need not be afraid of a little trial and persecution.
Jesus suffered the same, and more than ever we shall be
called upon to bear. There, in heaven, at the right
hand of God, His body still bears traces of what He
endured at the hands of sinful men ; in His hands may
still be seen the print of the nails which fastened Him
to the cross ; and when we have finished our course
here on earth, our trials for ever at an end. He will
receive us into the mansions which He has already pre-
pared for us, and with His own hand — those very hands
that were nailed to the cross— will wipe away our tears.
Then we shall dwell with Him for ever. Eternal joy
will be our reward for the few years we may have to
suffer for Christ here."
The hymn, " Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah," was
then sung, and after a few words of exhortation from the
chairman, the Conference was brought to a close. The
benefit derived from a meeting of this kind cannot be
estimated by one's feelings at the time, but by the
results which follow. I would ask every Christian who
reads this earnestly and constantly to pray for our
native preachers, for they have to suffer a great deal of
petty persecution. Forsaken by all dear to them on
earth, despised and disowned by their own kindred, and
contemned by all for being in the service of the hated
"foreign devil," they call for our sympathy and
prayers ; for nothing but the grace of God is sufficient
for them in this time of trial. One of them told me a
few weeks ago that he felt so keenly the insults he
received that lie could not sleep for fretting about it.
But their trust is in God, by whose power they are ke^i,
and who will never leave nor forsake those who lean
upon Him /or suJ>j)ori.
\xt^m \m^mix h P|amu>
\^Co7itimied from j>age 153.)
EXTRACTS PHOM THE JOURNAL OP MR. HENRY SOLTAU.
Monday, September 20th. — Waiting till 4 p.m., we took
our first stroll in the vicinity of the city of Mandalay. We were
kindly received by one of the foreign residents, who showed us
over his compound and garden. There were some handsome
flowering shrubs, and some healthy-looking cocoanut palms.
Some time since, he told us, the cocoanut palms began to droop,
and looked as if they were going to wither and die. He could
not understand why it was. One of his Burmese servants re-
commended him to bore a hole into the trunk of the tree, and
fill it with ngapu, semi-putrid salt fish. Two holes were ac-
cordingly made for some distance in the trunk, and filled with
the odorous compound. The tree soon revived, and became
quite healthy and strong. The others were treated in the same
way, and have all proved the efficacy of this strange mode of
treatment. It is a known fact that cocoanut palms never flouiish
well at a great distance from the sea. Doubtless this method of
administering salt food to them supplies the very lack from which
they suffered.
Early on Tuesday morning we rose. Found Mr. Stevenson
very poorly. Mr. Rose and I decided to go on shore witli all
our things, and look out for quarters. It was next to impossible
to obtain an empty house, so we went to consult Mr. Fairclough,
the resident missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel. He very kindly offered us the use of his own house,
which is a commodious wooden building, erected at the King's
expense for Mr. Marks, the former missionary. Our things were
brought on bullock carts, and we settled in comfortably. In the
afternoon, when the intense heat was over, Mr. Rose and I took
a boat and went down to the steamer to fetch Mr. Stevenson.
He was better, and came up with us at seven o'clock, and we all
dined together.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY OF MANDALAY.
Thursday, September 23rd. — The town outside the city walls
is well laid out ; the streets are broad and regular, the town
being divided into squares. The houses are for the most part
bamboo and matting structures, very low, and separated from
the road by a high wooden fence and plaintain or other trees and
shrubs. The pariah dogs are a great nuisance.
Separating the city proper from the town is a deep moat, full
of water at present, but in the dry season fordable. Many
wooden bridges span it, built close to the surface of the water.
Some of them are carved, and all are painted white. We crossed
one of these bridges, and found ourselves outside the high brick
wall of the city. The gateway through which we passed is a
large hole in the wall, the sides of which were plastered. Over
the top is a handsome wooden pagoda-like erection, gilded.
The gates are of wood, and run on iron wheels. The wall is
turreted all the way round, and in many parts of the city is
strengthened by earthworks. Inside each gate was a guard of
soldiers or policemen with their guns stacked.
The streets and buildings in the city are superior to those in
the town, and trees and shrubs line the main streets and sur-
round the houses, giving the whole a cheerful and refreshing
appearance. Passing by pagodas, wells, houses and stores, we
came to a wide cross-street leading to the palace, which is sur-
rounded by a wooden stockade. The whole of Mandalay city
and suburbs is said to contain 120,000 people.
VISIT TO THE MINGYEE.
September 24th, 1875. — Received notice yesterday that the
" Mingyee," or officer of state, would see us to-day at 9 a.m.,
provided we could excuse his not being able to receive us in his
proper reception-room, but in his private apartment. Accord-
ingly we prepared for our visit.
Three bullock carts were engaged to convey us, and cer-
tainly I never rode in a stranger vehicle. The carts are covered
somewhat like an ordinary wagon, and the only seat is a mat, or
layer of straw. A little window on the side and behind lets in
the light and air. The entrance is in front, behind the driver ;
you crawl in on your hands and knees. Round the bullocks'
necks were leather bands with tinkling bells. Mr. Rose got
into the first cart, Stevenson followed, and I brought up the
rear.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
195
Thus we started ; tuniing off to the left along a short piece of
rough road, we ascended a steep hill leading up to the bridge
across the canal. It was intensely ludicrous to watch my two
companions in their carts in front of me. I could just see their
bodies and heads swaying from side to side as one wheel went
up and another went down along the hillocks and ruts. The
bridge being made of wood, a large pole lay across our path, at
the head of this little pinch of hill, quite uncovered. First I saw
one wheel perched on the top, the cart looking as if it
must turn over ; then back it goes again into the rut.
Another attempt is made by pulling the bullock on
the further rein. The other wheel now mounts the pole, and
safely descends, bumping the occupant of the cart most un-
mercifully against the sides of the vehicle. Now for the first
wheel — up it goes ! Stevenson's head just appears, his hat
almost knocked oflT. Then he goes back again, as the wheel
safely descends into the rut on the opposite side. How I did
laugh ! and nerved myself for the ordeal. Bump ! bump !
bump ! yell ! ! yell ! ! yell ! ! from the driver ; and I am over
safely, and thumping along the bridge. On the other side the
descent is steep, and the ruts abouc two feet in depth . I see
my companions safely on ahead, and presently find myself on
more level ground, amid a cloud of suffocating dust.
At length we entered the city by one of its large gateways,
having crossed a massive wooden bridge spanning the moat.
Passing through several broad streets intersecting each other at
right angles, we arrived outside the gate leading to the house of
the Kin-woon Mingyee — that is the title of the superintendent
of guard stations. There are four Mingyees, or Ministers of
State, all equally high in office. These four men form the
cabinet.
INTERVIEW.
We found M. d'Avera awaiting us. Entering a yard, to the
left was a building with green Venetian blinds, set apart for the
reception of foreign visitors ; on the right stood a Burmese
house. Leaving our shoes at the bottom, we ascended a flight
of wooden steps, and were shown into a spacious apartment
covered with Burman mats. In the further corner were a
number of gaily-coloured European mats ; on these we were
requested to seat ourselves.
We squatted down, keeping our feet out of sight. Inside the
doorway was the Mingyee whom we had come to visit. We
first shook hands with him. lie was dressed in white, with a
simple muslin band tied in a knot round his head. He looked
much pulled down by his illness, and showed us his leg, which
was certainly in a bad condition. In the other part of the room
crouched a group of eighteen Burmans, neatly dressed ; also the
secretary, with his desk placed on the iloor, writing with a style
in Burmese on dried plantain leaves.
A good deal of conversation was carried on between Mr.
Rose and the Mingyee in Burmese. We were introduced, and
questioned as to our object in coming into the country. Mr.
Rose presented our petition to the King, and the Mingyee said
he would have the matter laid before His Majesty, and would
request his wishes on the subject. I give you a copy of
THE PETITION.
"A humble petition to H. M. the King of Burmah
*' respectfully showeth: —
" 1st. That your petitioners, A. P. Rose, of America,
" J. W. Stevenson, of .Scotland, and Henry Soltau, of
" England, are Christian missionaries sent out by benevo-
" lent people of their respective countries, with the one
" object of teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus
"Christ.
" 2ndly. That your petitioners are not in any way con-
" nected with their respective Governments, nor have
- "they any interest in trade, and consequently have no
" political or commercial end to sei-ve in petitioning your
" Majesty.
" 3rdly. That your petitioners desire to reside in Bharao,
" in your Majesty's dominions, and petition that your
" Majesty be graciously pleased to issue orders granting
" your petitioners the privilege of securing land on which
" to build dwelling-houses and other buildings requisite to
" carry on their missionary work.
" 4thly. That should the prayer of your petitioners be
" granted, your petitioners will ever feel grateful to your
" Majesty, and will earnestly seek to promote the peace and
" prosperity of your Majesty's dominions."
Cheeroots and a box of matches were laid upon the floor.
Presently tea was brought in in a handsome silver service, with
apples, plantains, and a small nut, called Chinese jujubes.
We each took a cup of tea, the Mingyee doing the same. I
could not understand much of the conversation. Many topics
were discussed, and we expressed our sorrow that the Mingyee
was sick. After a while we asked permission to leave, again
shaking hands. Putting on our slippers at the foot of the stairs,
we re-entered our carts. The drive back was far from
pleasant ; the heat had become intense, and the dust was
suffocating.
(To be continued.)
'^m^ixi |ttlrffigi?tt:$>
MB. SOIiTATJ writes from Bhamo, in reference to the
English troops under Col. Duncan, who passed through Bhamo
on their way to and from Yun-nan.
"May 24th. — We had such a happy time on board the
steamer last night. The group of soldiers listened to the Gospel
as if thev had never heard it before, and I felt as if it were all new
to myself also . You can picture me sitting down on a rug on
the deck, surrounded on all sides by men standing and sitting,
their faces lit up by the lovely tints of the setting sun, which
gleamed across the water. To-night Dr. and Mrs. Harvey and
Mr. Stevenson will join us, and we hope to have plenty of sing-
ing with the men, and then we shall bid them farewell, and leave
the seed for the great harvest-day, while we return to labour
among the Chinese.
^'' June yd. — This week has been a busy one. Mr. Adams
and I have had to work at hanging doors and windows, fitting
up bath-rooms, and making other preparat ions for the removal of
our friends. Dr. and Mrs. Harvey. I have never had such a
spell of carpentering in my life ; we are all pretty well tired out
by bed-time. Writing and study were out of the question."
MB. STEVENSON writes (to Mrs. Stevenson)—
" Last Friday, Dr. and Mrs. Harvey removed from the zayat
into the new house. The new house is not nearly finished yet ;
though Mrs. Harvey's room is almost done. We dine in the
verandah, and live very comfortably and pleasantly. I hope
that, with God's blessing upon us, we may be helpers of one
another's faith.
' ' I returned to the zayat the same night the Harvey's left it,
and, I can assure you, I very much enjoy the quiet, and am very
thankful for many comforts. I go over at 8 o'clock in the morn-
ing for breakfast — it is about eight minutes' walk from this — and
lunch at the zayat by myself. Again in the evening, I go over and
dine with all our friends, returning about 10 o'clock. Now, my
zayat has a large iron bedstead, with mattrass and everything
complete. Mrs. Harvey has also lent me a nice looking-glass.
I have two chairs, a table, and a Hong-kong couch in my bed-
room. Then I havea bath-room, and in my outer-room a table,
on which I study. Dr. Harvey has his medicines in a large
press (which he made himself) in the outer room; he proposes
to come and attend to patients from 9 to 12 o'clock every day.
" Siao-vong, [the native pastor at Mr. Stevenson's former
station in China] dear, good Siao-vong, wrote me a long letter,
and wishes kind love to you [Mis. Stevenson]. He says that
34 people have been added to the Church since we left, and
that the work is prospering in both Shing-hien and Sin-chang.
The chapel is now far too small at Shing-hien."
MB. MEADOWS informs us that of eight candidates for
baptism in Ning-po, five have been accepted by the Church,
and three of them baptised. The other two were sick.
ME. AND MBS. CHAELES FISHE are on their
way home. His health has been failing for some time, and at
196
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
last, though unwillingly, he was compelled to leave, vi& America.
He has been out nearly eight years.
MR. C AMEEOW writes from Hwuy-chau, of a riot made
there by the literati, who attacked the Mission-house, destroyed
the forms, books, &c., and stripped the native helper of all his
possessions. Mr. Cameron an'ived there soon after. The
native authorities promptly took up the matter, repaired the
damages, put out a proclamation, and restored order.
MR. GEO. KING has been spending some time at Ta-
tung, and writes veiy hopefully from that station.
GAN-KING.— Mr. Charles Budd is now daily preaching
the Gospel here. Mr. Pearse and Mr. Randle are at the same
station, and are making steady progress in the language.
MR. EASTON is superintending the mission press at
Yang-chau, and is becoming more able to take part in the general
mission worlc there.
PERSECUTION AT T'AI-P'ING-HIEN.
FROM MR. JACKSON.
Wtm-chaii, April 24th, 1876.— The work at T'ai-chau is very
encouraging just now. I hear there are ten persons desiring to
be baptised. We hope to baptise some here (in Wun-chau)
soon. To-morrow Mr. Stott and I go to P'ing-yang. I am
only just back from a trip to the Wun-chau Islands.
May yth.—Oa returning from P'ing-yang, I found one of
the converts from T'ai-ping, with a letter from Ah- liang, telling
of persecution there, and beseeching me to lose no time in
coming. First, let me Say that the flesh shrank from going ; but
as there was little hope of Mr. Williamson being able to help
them, I felt the hand of the Lord leading me.
I engaged the same craft that I went to sea in before, and pro-
ceeded to the nearest place of landing for T'ai-p'ing. Not
having much wind, we were rather long in reaching there ; but
we improved the time by going on shore at a village and preach-
ing the Gospel.
The trouble proved to be as follows ; An old woman who has
been a candidate for a long time, went one night to a temple to
seek her little boy who sells cakes. Some^of the people, know-
ing she was one of the " Christian Religion," asked her to tell
them of the doctrine ; so she stood up and began to preach, but
was soon stopped by a man seizing her, and calling upon the
people to drag her to the Ya-men.
A false charge was got up against her, and the magistrate
apprehended her at once. He said you are charged with making
a disturbance and spreading " agitating reports." She denied
the charge, confessing that she worshipped the true God, and
therefore could not be guilty of such a charge.
The Mandarin asked her how many dollars she was paid per
month for being a Christian. On denying that she received any
renumeration, he ordered her to receive one hundred blows on
the face. On leaving the Ya-men, she said, "Though beaten
again, I will worship the true God." The man who beat her
then went to her house and demanded 600 cash from her.
Feejing convinced that the poor woman was entirely free from
blame, I determined to call on the magistrate. He received me
kindly and listened with attention to my complaint. I asked
him if he was aware that the woman belonged to the religion of
Jesus. He said he did not know. I then asked him if he had
commanded her to be beaten. He said, " Yes ; for spreading
agitating reports." "But," said I, " a member of the Church
could not be guilty of that charge ; she has been falsely accused;
here is the name of the man who has done it." He looked at
the paper and said : "I will send for the man and have him
punished." The next day he was beaten, and brought to the
Mission-house wearing the cangue ; and a proclamation was sent
for my approval. I returned it to the messenger, and requested
that it should be posted at the city gates ; which was duly car-
ried out. To God be the praise.
The work there is in a most encouraging state. The chapel
accommodation is too small to seat the members and candidates
for baptism. Houses are very scarce and difficult to obtain ; but
ground, they think, could be got, so I told them to secure a
building plot as soon as possible, and I would do all in my
power to have a chapel put up. I hope that Christians at home
will help in the erection.
Trf^Htl0j|5 il^ritttg.
An interesting meeting was held on August 1st, at Park Road
Chapel, Peckham Rye, to bid farewell to Mr. W. A. Wills,
who has been for six years an active member of that Church,
and who was leaving for China. The Rev. G. Turner of, West
Green, commended Mr. Taylor, Mr. Wills, and three sisters also
shortly leaving for China to God in prayer.
The Rev. J. Tarn, the pastor of the Cliurch, in a few intro-
ductory remarks, expressed his sympathy with tlie mission^ and
his opinion that the very best men were needed for the mission-
field. He referred to the solemn impression produced at a
meeting held last November, when Mr. Turner was commended
to God in prayer before setting out for China. He also men-
tioned the great blessing which has rested on the work carried
on by Mr. Wills at Bell's Garden Road Mission, and the many
souls he had been privileged to lead to Christ.
Mr. Wills spoke of his early desire to labour in the mission-
field. He mentioned what his own thoughts had been as to
training and preparation. The Lord had put all these aside,
and had led him through bereavement, sorrow, and pain. After
the death of his godly mother, his surviving parent, he had
suffered much from a spinal injury, and recovery was not antici-
pated, when the Lord seemed to speak to him and tell him He
had work yet for him to do. From that time he began to
recover slowly. He first began a Sunday School at his own
home ; then, when able, entered upon open-air work, out of
which the Bell's Garden Road Mission had sprung. God had
given him with great joy to see many souls brought to Christ.
He bade farewell to the friends connected with that Mission,
urged the undecided to come at once to the Saviour, and asked
earnest prayers for himself and for those dear ones he was
leaving behind.
Mr. Taylor then followed, and remarked that in the
1 6th verse of the 3rd chapter of John — "For God so loved the
world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
beheveth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life " —
there were twenty-five words ; and though a person might write
those twenty-five in about a minute,during that one minute twenty-
five souls in China would pass into eternity who had tiever heard
the message of salvation. Speaking of the principles of the
Mission, he stated his belief in three facts, which formed the
basis upon which the China Inland Mission was founded,
viz : — There is a living God. He has spoken in the Bible. He
nuans what He says, and will do all that He has promised. He
referred to the work of Mr. M. Henry Taylor in Ho-nan, ex-
horted his hearers to trust Jesus simply in all things, and to offer
such definile prayers that when the answers came they would be
unmistakable.
Mr. Beale (who succeeds Mr. Wills in his mission), in a few
words expressed, in the name ofthe friends of Bell's Garden Road
Mission, their sympathy and love for Mr. Wills, and presented
him with a watch and chain as a token of their affection and
esteem.
Mr. RUDLAND spoke of the encouragement, as well as the
difficulties ofthe work in China, and mentioned an answer to
prayer in the case of a native who could not learn to read till
the promise of our Lord in John xiv., 13, 14 was applied to his
own case.
Mr. Cardwell spoke of the impossibility of male missionaries
reaching the Chinese women, and expressed a desire that some
of the ladies of this church would volunteer to go and carry the
glad tidings to those of their own sex in China. He also spoke
of the evil consequences of the opium traffic, and the unwilling-
ness of the Chinese government to acquiesce in it.
Mr. Tarn, after stating that the more he knew of the Mission
the more pleased he was with it, closed the meeting with
prayer.
Several other valedictoiy meetings have been held, of which
we cannot now give details for lack of space.
HA2ELL, "WatsoNj AND VZNEY, Printefs, London and Aylesbury,
Ch
INA'S
M
ILLIONS.
We are glad to be able to give our readers an illustra-
tion of the graceful bamboo which forms so constant
a feature in Chinese scenery. We need not repeat
what we have said on page 140 of our May number of its
use as well as beauty ; but we may add that there are
many varieties cultivated, varying in size from the
slender and graceful garden bamboo, the stem of
NO. 16. — OCTOBER, 1876.
A CLUMP OF BAMBOOS.
)|]? Jitmfoxr.
which averages the size of the finger or thumb, to the
stately giant of the forest and hill, which rivals the tall
trees around it. A medium-sized variety is often used
to form a hedge round houses and grounds. The
temple at Dien-tsi, now used as a chapel, is so sur-
rounded ; and the effect is very beautiful, while privacy
is well secured by the living wall.
198
CHINAS MILLIONS.
^h]jl$ jlfolt$|]iir.
By Mr. W. D. Rudland.
" The idols He shall utterly abolish."
Thus- said the Lord by the mouth of the prophet Isaiah ; and
the events I am about to relate will show that the idols are being
abolished by God Himself, in His own way. In September,
1872, a carpenter, about forty years of age, was passing a small
chapel, opened at his own expense (as to the rent) by one of our
native pastors, in the city of Hwang-yen. Seeing some books
for sale, and hearing of some (to him) new religion, he went in
to listen, and sat down.
It was not public preaching which he heard, but simply con-
versation witli a few who had come in to enquire about this new
religion. The carpenter listened to the two native Christians
who were answering the questions put to them, and soon began
to enquire for himself. He asked the younger of the two Chris-
tians why he had forsaken his former religion, and was told that
Jes2is only can forgive sins ; that we have no righteousness of our
own, and that no works of ours can save us ; but that trust in
Jesus is the only way of salvation.
He was struck with the simplicity of the Gospel, and with its
suitability to his own case. He could not read, but bought some
books to take home, having a friend who could read them to
him ; and the result was that they both came together every
Sunday for some weeks a distance of tliirteen English miles to
hear the Gospel.
Others heard the Gospel from them, and wished to know
more, but could not come so far as Hwang-yen ; so the first two
requested the native assistant there to write and ask me to send
them a teacher, promising to find a place for preaching the
Gospel, and rooms for the teacher to live in.
The place proposed was a Buddhist temple and nunnery.
This aroused my suspicions, as I had never heard of a place of
idol-worship in China being turned into a chapel. Not being
able to go myself, I sent a native helper over, and his report was
most favourable, as the following extract will show : —
FROM PASTOR CH ij
"The house for a chapel is already purchased ; there are two
persons living in it of the surname of Ling ; boih husband and
wife are thorough believers. He is a carpenter by trade. The
place was formerly a Buddhist nunnery, and Mr. Ling's wife
was formerly a novice in it. The abbess being dead, the build-
ing has been sold. There are still a few idols unremoved.
Thanks be to God, this is really an idol temple being turned into
a Christian chapel."
Still I was very sceptical. It was the very thing we had been
long praying for, yet when God was answering our prayer we
were slow to believe it. Soon after, the two men came and
asked to be baptised. I conversed with them, and could see no
reason why they should not be received ; but wished, if possible,
to go to their home myself first, that I might learn more about
the men themselves, and about the place they had bought for a
chapel. But this I could not do. Our native assistant at
T'ai-chau was absent through illness, and I was left alone. In
April, 1873, Mr. Jackson, who first opened the station, came
over to my help for a few months ; and he went down to enquire
into the whole matter. And now we will let him speak forhimself :
LETTER FROM MR. JACKSON.
"I arrived at Dien-tsi on the afternoon of May 1st ; the
distance from T'ai-chau is thirty English miles. We found that
Mr. Ling was not at home, but his good wife was. Her face
seemed to light up with joy when she saw us. She at once
dispatched a messenger to inform her husband of our arrival,
and soon after he made his appearance. They both showed
how welcome we were, and at once made provision for our
supper.
"After a pleasant meal, I enquired how they first came to
hear the Gospel. They told me that it was through the instru-
mentality of the colporteur'' and the evangelistf at the cityj
Uong-kao.
t Yih-djiin.
X Hwang-yen.
station, in the seventh month of last year. I examined them,
and found that they had a good knowledge of the Gospel. Words
fail me to express my feelings at this time. I could only say in
my heart, ' What hath God wrought ?' We had evening
worship together, and they seemed to drink in every word.
" On Saturday afternoon, while I was visiting the house of the
younger candidate, Hyin-djii, the colporteur and Mr. Ling
removed the idols, to make room for the congregation on .Sunday.
We just got back in time to have the pleasure of assisting to dis-
mantle the Goddess of Mercy. The table of incense was made a
preaching-desk, and the chair upon which she used to sit I occu-
pied next day.
" On Sunday, May the 4th, I opened the temple for Christian
worship by singing the hymn,
' Awake, ye saints, to praise your King !'
The temple was full, and everyone listened with attention, and
stayed the whole of the service. Some remained behind to make
inquiries. The afternoon service was also well attended, and I
felt much helped in proclaiming the good news of salvation
through Jesus Christ. They presented all the idols to Mr. Rud-
land and myself The principal ones are made of wood, and are
covered with gold-leaf. On May 5 th I left these disciples
happy, and full of hope for the success of the Gospel in their
district.
"June 7th was one of the most happy days that I have had
during my missionary experience. The two candidates from
Dien-tsi I baptized at T'ai-chau, for Mr. Rudland. In the even-
ing we had a social meal together, and afterwards sat down to
the Lord's Table. I gave them both the right hand of fellowship,
and said, ' As ye have received Christ Jesus, so walk ye in Him.'
The meeting was concluded by singing, ' Praise God from whom
all blessings flow.' They both left us the following day. May
God's blessing rest upon them!"
FURTHER PROGRESS.
Mr. Jackson and I spent Sunday, June 22nd, 1873,31 the Dien-tsi
temple, and had a good company to hear the Gospel at both ser-
vices. It was evident that there was a good work going on
among the people around ; not a few were anxious to know more
about the Gospel. In the evening we examined two more
candidates, and were quite satisfied with them.
Monday was a day which will ever live in our memory. The
idols were all removed from their seats, and those made of clay
were broken. But before this was done, a man who was repair-
ing a temple near by thought that, as the idols were not being
worshipped, he could buy them cheap to add to those already in
his own temple. Mr. Jackson and myself were both sitting by
and heard the offer, and waited anxiously for the result. He
oflered as much money for them as their owner could have
earned in a whole year ; but he would not take it, though the
man tried his best to get them. After he was gone, the owner
gave them to us, saying, " Send them to England, and let
Christians there see what the Chinese worship ; they have never
spoken here, but I trust when they reach England they will
speak."
Just before those made of clay were broken up, there seemed
to be a struggle going on in Mr. Ling's mind, for he feared lest
the people around should be offended, and make some trouble.
His wife, seeing this, put in her word, which soon settled the
matter.
The native Christians began the work of destruction, and we
were glad to help. The Goddess of Mercy, which had before
been dismantled and dethroned, was now broken up, and used as
fuel to cook our evening meal ; her head, which was a solid
block of wood, was near following the body, but I reserved it,
and it has since been brought to this country. After supper we
thanked God together for the day's work, and next morning we
left them, much cheered and encouraged by our visit.
JUST BEFORE LEAVING FOR ENGLAND
on account of ill-health, I had a happier day there tlian
even when the idols were dethroned and broken up.
On the 9th of July, 1S74, I last went to Dien-tsi, and
arrived ne.v;t evening, very ill from the journey. I had to keep
my bed all Saturday and part of Sunday. Mr. Liu, one of our
native helpers, took the morning service ; when that was over, I
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
199
was just able to hear him examine the sixteen candidates for
baptism, and asl< them a few questions myself. They had all
been examined before — some by Mr. Taylor, and others by Mr.
Jackson and myself ; and this was the final examination before
baptism. Out of (he sixteen, ten were received, and were bap-
tised after tlie afternoon service by Mr. Liu. I spoke a few words
to those about to be baptised, and also to the heathen, who to
the number of about 200 were looking on with astonishment,
but who were quieter than I ever saw so many heathen Chinese
before. There seemed to be solemnity in every face, and we did
realise that tlie Lord was present. Two of those baptised were
the firstfruits from Hwang-yen, the other eight lived near the
temple ; and it is an encouraging fact that six of them date their
conversion to the opening services in that temple, conducted by
Mr. Jackson fourteen months before.
I must leave the reader to imagine my feelings at the time.
Here were ten souls who had been brought up from their infancy
to worship the idols now dethroned, confessing Christ publicly
before 200 of their heathen neighbours, and one of those baptised
was the wife of the owner of the temple. At the back stood
the shrines, where once the idols had sat, now empty and
deserted. And what had brought all this about? "The
glorious Gospel of the blessed God ! " Nothing else could have
done it, and nothing else ever will uproot the idolatry and
superstition of the Chinese.
Do you think, dear readers, that while looking on this scene,
I regretted leaving my country, home and friends, to work
among the heathen ? No ! I felt that it was worth the labours
of a long lifetime, instead of only a few years, to have the privi-
lege of seeing what I then saw.
The good work is still going on ; recent letters tell of not a
few others who have given up idol-worship, and are now meeting
together to worship God ; and of some converted at Dien-tsi,
who have opened at their own expense a chapel in their own
town,* five miles off. One case is worthy of special notice.
After those mentioned above were received, one man, a near
neighbour of two of them, was very much opposed to the
Gospel, and availed himself of every opportunity to insult and
persecute the Christians. But they bore it so quietly that he
began to think that they must be in possession of something he
had not. He began to listen to the Gospel for himself, and is
now a candidate for baptism ; having been won by the quiet
and consistent life of his two neighbours, an evidence of the
power of a truly Christian life and walk.
The idols above mentioned have been brought to England,
and can be seen at the office of the Mission. They have already
spoken loudly to some hearts, and I trust they will continue to
do so until the Gospel shall be carried through the length and
breadth, of that vast empire .
ky'i-'6.
I will now ask you to follow me to another temple, far away in
another direction, to see what a change has been wrought there
also. This temple was offered me some months before the other,
but I had not accepted it, fearing lest the work already going on
in the village should be hindered rather than helped. I did not
expect God was going to answer our prayers, that the idols
should be abolished, so soon, or in this way. But after the temple
at Dien-tsi had been open for Christian worship, the owner of
this one again put in his plea, saying that he could not see how I
could refuse his temple now, having accepted one in another
place.
The owner had now been converted some time, and had long
stopped all idol worship in the temple. Inquiry, carefully made,
led me to think I could safely accept his offer, which I was con-
sequently only too happy to do ; so I asked him when he would
like the temple opened for the preaching of the Gospel. He
replied, "Next Sunday."
On the following Friday, I went over with him, a distance of
20 English miles, and, after making all the inquiries I could of
other members of the clan, no one had a word to say against the
change. On Saturday, therefore, June 14th, 1873, the idols
were removed from the slirines where they had sat in silent
dignity for more than sixty years, and one small one made of
clay was used to repair the path outside the temple. The place
* Called Yang-fu-miao.
was swept up, an operation quite necessary, as it looked as if it
had not been done for years. To stand and see these idols, so
long held in highest veneration, removed from their places,
rejected, and cast out as useless, was no ordinary privilege.
On Sunday, June 15th, I commenced the opening service by
giving out the well known hymn —
" This is the day the Lord hath made,
He calls the hours His own."
and, by offering to God the first prayer in that place. We had an
mterested audience, though not very large, as it was raining
heavily nearly all day ; but they listened attentively, and
seemed rather glad than otherwise that the place had changed
its character. After reading John i. 1-5, and speaking of Jesus,
the True Light, I preached from I Tim. i. 15, "Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners." The conversation after
the service showed that it was the first time that many of the
audience had heard of a Saviour or of sins forgiven.
The afternoon service was conducted by one of our native
helpers, a native of this village, the one who had been the means
of the conversion of the owner of the temple, and, through
whom, therefore, it was principally that the change had taken
place. He read John 2, speaking first of the miracle, water
turned into wine. He then spoke of the temple, saying that this
change had been brought about by God Himself; for years idols
had been worshipped, but that now the doctrine of sins forgiven
by faith in Jesus was to be preached. The wine of idolatry
could not satisfy ; but now they had the good wine of the king-
dom offered to rich and poor alike, without money and without
price. He then spoke of Jesus driving out the traders from the
temple at Jerusalem, and said that formerly the vendors of
idolatrous wares had often resorted to this temple, but now they
were driven out, no more to return ; but in the place where so
many had been deceived, and so much money had been used in
vain, now the living bread was offered free. He then exhorted
them at once to accept the salvation offered them, saying, that
now was the time ; they might not have another opportunity.
Death had just taken away one of the clan who had not
believed ; no one could tell who would be next.
The service was concluded by singing
" Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
Not long after this, the people round began to say that some
evil would be sure to come upon the owner, and that the gods
\\'ouId be revenged. But to show you how the work has pros-
pered since, and how that, instead of the gods being revenged,
GOD has blessed the owner, I cannot do better than give vou
an extract from a letter recently received from the native helper
above referred to.
' ' At my own village there are now five persons asking for
baptism.* My father truly believes, also more than ten of my
friends andrelatives believe, but are not very clear.
" Mr. Lao, the owner of the temple which is now a chapel, is
very pleased, and more in earnest than ever. On the third day
of the first month his wife gave birth to a son, and his whole
family are very pleased, because he had been married 15 years
and had no son ; he now has great cause for thankfulness."
This will have great weight with the people round, as he is
one of the leading men of the clan, and it would, in their
estimation, have been sad indeed for him to die and leave no
son to fill his place. And here he had been, married 15 years,
and had no son, until the idols were dethroned, and the temple
turned into a chapel.
It will be seen that, in the letter quoted above, there is an
accomit of sixteen conversions in or near this village, showing
that God is working still. Will you, dear reader, pray that God
will bring many souls to Himself in and around these two
temples ?
And one other fact is worthy of notice : these two teipples '
have been turned into chapels through native agency. I did not
know of their existence until they were offered for the preach-
ing of the gospel. This shows us hoM' the Lord is using the
natives in the conversion of their fellow countrymen. WiU you
not pray that God will raise up many more natives to go forth
and carry the Gospel to the perishing millions around them ?
* Two of these have since been baptized, an old woman of 72 and her son.
200
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
I. For
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leave
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From friends and kindred go,
By sense of duty led ;
The stranger and the foe
To cherish in their stead.
'Tis hard to break each tie.
But grace is freely given ;
And grace will strength supply
When strongest ties are riven.
Away then, loved one, go
When Jesus says, " Depart " ;
Let nothing here below
With Him divide thy heart.
He gave His all for thee :
Leave all to serve thy Lord ;
And soon thine eyes shall see
A hundredfold reward.
5-
Away then, loved one, go.
Whose spirit God has stirr'd ;
To stranger and to foe
Convey the blessed word.
From friends and home away
To China's distant shore ;
The sacred call obey,
And hesitate no more.
The perils of the sea,
The perils of the land,
Should not dishearten thee ; —
Thy Lord is nigh at hand.
But should thy courage fail
When tried and sorely press' d,
His promise will avail
And set thy soul at rest.
6. Nor wilt thou grieve for home —
The home that's left behind ;
The thought of one to come
Will wholly fill thy mind.
And thou wilt bless the day
When thou didst part with all,
And hasten far away
At thy lov'd Master's call.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
AT WESTMINSTER CHAPEL.
On Monday, August 14th, 1876, a Valedictory
Service on the occasion of the departure of several
Missionaries for China, was held in the Lecture Hall
of the above Chapel. After singing, the Rev. Henry
Simon, co-pastor with the Rev. Samuel Martin, read
the seventy-second Psalm and offered prayer. Mr.
Taylor then engaged in prayer, and gave as requested
the following account of —
THE ORIGIN AND WORK OF THE CHINA INLAND
MISSION.
There is much of interest, beloved friends, sometimes
almost of romantic interest, attending the subject of
missions. Who has not felt it ? But I always feel that
in a missionary meeting the spirit should be reverent,
and solemn, and chastened. Our coming together, if
it means anything indeed, means this — that the whole
world lieth in the wicked one — that this blessed gospel
of which we are partakers, which we so richly enjoy
through God's grace, others are entirely destitute of.
In speaking of China, it is present to my mind and
the minds of all of you, I have no doubt, in a greater or
less degree, that we are speaking of a vast and mighty
land with overwhelming spiritual needs. You remember
that one-third of the human race is contained in that one
empire — that of all the men living, one out of every
three is a Chinaman, or a man subject to the Emperor
of China, including the Tibetans, the Mongolians, the
Manchus, and other Tartars subject to Pekin ; that out
of all the women living, one out of every three is a
China woman ; and that of every httle child that walks
this earth, one out of three is a Chinese child needing
the gospel. How great are our privileges, brought up
from childhood in the enjoyment of spiritual blessings
which the majority of the Chinese never have had, and
never can have, unless many, many more go out, as our
sisters here present are about to do, to carry the
unsearchable riches of God's grace to them.
When one speaks of three or four hundred millions of
people, the expression conveys no adequate idea to the
mind of the deep need. We cannot grasp such a vast
number ; but we may be helped to do so if we divide
them, and if we realise that between thirty and forty
thousand of those living in China are passing every day
away beyond the reach of the Gospel. Surely, then,
there is a needs-be that we should be up and doing,
seeking to obey the command of our risen Lord.
Nor, beloved friends, do we realise sufficiently the
majesty of our risen Saviour. I love to read the ist
chapter of the Revelation. You remember how familiar
John was with the Lord Jesus Christ. It was he who
lay on His bosom at supper. It was he who was so
near to Him, and so intimate with Him on earth ; and
yet when he saw Him in His glory above, he fell at His
feet as dead. Oh, what majesty there is about the risen
Saviour ! Now, do we live sufficiently in the presence
of that glorious One, and do His commands come home
to our hearts with that weight and with that majesty
with which they ought to come ? And when we read
those words, " Go ye into all the world," do we realise
that they have a personal reference to each one of us ?
We cannot all go in person into all the world ; we
can none of us do this ; but our duty is in sympathy, at
least, and in spirit, and in prayer, to seek to go out
wherever there is a needy man or woman ; to feel the
need and to sympathise, as far as we can, with the need
of the needy one. It is very helpful to seek not to be
occupied about one sphere — not even China, vast as it
is — but to take in the vast needs of Central Asia and
Central Africa, and America, and the many isles of the
sea, and to bring them before the great and glorious
One, the Omnipotent Lord — before Him who opens His
hand and satisfies the temporal wants of every living
thing — before Him who can open the hearts of His ser-
vants, and thrust them forth into every part of the
earth. Beloved friends, let us seek more fellowship
with the Master in this service of prayer, and the mis-
sionary workers abroad will soon find an added success
to their efforts.
It was my privilege twenty-three years ago this
month to be set apart for the service of God in China.
A good part of the intervening time I have spent in
China, and the remainder of the time in labouring for
China. Coming home to England, broken down in health,
at the end of the year 1 860, with little hope of ever return-
ing— being told that it was improbable that I should
ever be able to return there — I was occupied for some
time in the preparation of an edition of the New Testa-
ment for the British and Foreign Bible Society in the
vernacular of that part of China in which I have latterly
laboured — Ning-po. And while engaged in that work,
spending day after day with a beloved and honoured
friend of the Church Missionary Society in the work of
revision and translation, the Lord laid more heavily
upon my heart than ever before the need of the whole
Chinese empire. At the end of the year 1864 and the
beginning of 1865, I found that there were only 97
missionaries in China. There had been as many as
115, but they had gone down to 97 ; and, surely, there
could be no question that there was a needs-be for some
further effort on behalf of China. I found that in
eleven of the eighteen provinces there was not a single
Protestant missionary; and, I felt that without inter-
fering with the work of those existing agencies, which
God was then and is still largely blessing, there was
abundant room for additional effort ; and not only
abundant roo7n, but a loii-d call for it. And recognising
that God means what He says — that He loves to hear
and answer prayer — I was led, after a good deal of
prayerful conference with some friends interested in
China, to sketch out the plan of the China Inland
Mission, and to attempt its formation, and not without
success.
There was a little difficulty attending it. I was very
anxious that what we did should not appear for a
moment to conflict with the work of any of the older
societies ; and still more that it should not actually
divert any help of any kind from channels already
existing, because that would have been no gain to China
or to the cause of God ; but that we should have such
a method of working given to us as should draw out
fresh labourers who, probably, would not go otherwise,
and should open fresh channels of pecuniary aid which
otherwise, perhaps, would not be touched. After a
good deal of thought and prayer, I was led, in addresses
on China, to lay the needs of China before the hearts of
God's children as I was able, in England and Scotland
and Ireland, and to make it known that I should be glad
to enter into correspondence with any persons who felt
desirous to go out to labour in an Evangelical and un-
denominational mission in China, and who were prepared
to go out without guaranteed support. For haying no
single denomination at our back, and being anxious not
CHINAS MILLIONS.
to interfere with existing channels of communication, I
felt it best just to leave one's self open to receive such
remittances through the post as God might lay on the
hearts of his children to send ; in this way interfering
with no collections made in places of worship, nor with
any collections made in other ways.
Well, forty or fifty persons entered into correspondence
with us, and fifteen or sixteen were selected and came
up to London from various parts of the United Kingdom,
and had a short period of preliminary testing — testing
rather than training — training in some measure, but
rather testing than training. In the May of 1866 we
found ourselves in this position, that we had full con-
fidence that here were men and women who desired to
go and live and labour for God, leaning on Him for grace
and strength and support, and prepared to trust to Him
indeed, in whatever circumstances they might find them-
selves. But, of course, their going out involved a con-
siderable outlay. There were matters of outfits and
passage money to be met, and we saw that not less than
a couple of thousand pounds would be needed to launch
the Mission.
Well, what did we do ? I thought it was right to pre-
pare a first number of an occasional paper to be pub-
lished from time to time in connection with the work,
and to circulate this, as I had opportunity, among
friends, telling them that there were so many persons
ready to go, and that if it pleased the Lord's people to
send us a sufficiency of money, we should be prepared
to leave very shortly. We had a cover put into the
hands of the engraver and he delayed us some consider-
able time ; so that it was a month and six days really
after the manuscript of that paper was put into the
printer's hands before I received the first copies of it for
circulation.
We had done another thing. We had felt it right to
meet together — eighteen of us — from twelve to one
o'clock, daily, to ask God if it were His will to incline
the hearts of His people to contribute from ;^i,soo to
;^20oo for this object, as he saw it would be needful.
And on the day that I received my first copies of this
occasional paper, and before it was put into circulation,
after our usual prayer-meeting, I brought my mission
cash-book, and cast it up before our brethren. I said
" Let us now see what God has done in answer to the
daily prayer before this paper is circulated ; ' '
and we foimd that between ;^i, 700 and ;^i, 800 had been
remitted to me direct, and that a friend of mine — Mr.
Grattan Guinness — in Ireland, who was interested in
the movement, had received two hundred and odd
pounds ; so that there was in hand, if my memory serves
me rightly, within a Httle of the ;^2,ooo.* We had to
send out a further paper to say that God had answered
the daily prayers of His children in supplying the amount
that was needed for first launching the mission. In
consequence we sailed in the " Lammermuir," in 1866.
Well, I do not want to occupy your time very much,
but I may tell you that God has given us to commence
work in two provinces, in which no other missionary
society is labouring at all. Those two provinces have
an aggregate population of 45^ millions of souls. As
you see, we are not treading on anyone's toes or heels
in these provinces. God has given us a few souls in
each of them. And, including this work, we have fifty-
two stations established, in which either native or foreign
workers are resident ; and in all those that have been
' The sum actually contributed was ^1,974 5s. Ild. being
;^i,8o3 17s. 8d. more than we had received duiing the same
period of one month and six days before the daily prayer-meet-
ing.
established for any length of time, God has given us to see
some fruit. There are still eight provinces remaining,
in which we are hoping to commence work very shortly.
We have brethren now in China, and others in Burmah,
on the Burman frontier of the Chinese empire, prepared
to go as God may open the way, and, as they become
competent, to commence work first in an itinerant way,
and then to locate themselves as God may give openings,
in the eight provinces that are still unoccupied by
missionary societies.
One of our missionaries in China is studying Chinese ,
and hoping to spend some time in evangelisation in
Si-chuen, and then, as God may enable him, to attempt
to enter Tibet. And we have with us to-night a young
brother who has been studying for two years and a half
now, and preparing to go out to China. It is just a
question now under prayerful consideration as to whether
it would be wise for him to go to the Moravian Mission
settlement Kye-lang in Lahoul in British Tibet, to
acquire the Tibetan language before joining our brother
in China, who is hoping to enter into Tibet ; or whether
it would be better for him to proceed direct to China.
Well, there are, of course, not only men in China,
but there are women who are needing the Gospel. We
are unable to gain access to them as male missionaries.
The women, especially the more respectable women, are
isolated in their own homes. They cannot come out to
our places of worship, and we cannot go and visit them
at all. Are these poor women without souls ? The
Chinese think they are ; but do we think so ? Do not
the lives of these poor unloved ones need something to
cheer them ? And when the hour of sickness, and
sorrow, and death comes, do they need no hope beyond
the grave ? And how are they to hear, unless Christ be
carried to them ? We have been asking God that he
would enable us to commence a work for the especial
benefit of the women, something like the Zenana work
in India, modified a little, owing to the different state of
China, and the comparative unpreparedness of the
Chinese to value the education of women. But, still, it is
to be a work something of that kind — a carrying of the
Gospel into the homes of the Chinese women by those
whose hearts have been touched by God's grace and who
are sent forth by Him.
We have this evening four of our sisters who, God
willing, probably on the 7th of next month, will leave
England to engage in this work. One of our sisters,
Miss Desgraz, of Switzerland, has already spent
about eight years in China, and has been home for a
season and is now returning again. Another, Miss
Huberty, a native of Belgium, who has been resident for
some years in the United States, has been led by God in
a very marked and interesting way.
A third, our sister. Miss Crickmay, is a member of
your own Church, and I have no doubt is well known to
many of you. The fourth, who is with us here, is Miss
Hughes, from St. Jude's, Mildmay. Two other sisters
accompany them — one Miss Jessie Murray, of Dundee,
who is now at home bidding farewell to her friends, and
Miss Celia Home, of Bristol, who is also at home at the
present time, will accompany them, God willing, on the
7th of next month.
Now, dear friends, it is real work for God which we
trust they are going to do, and they will need the sus-
taining strength of your prayers in that work. They
will find the Chinese women dull in mind. They will
find them very incapable of entering into and compre-
hending spiritual things. They will find that their
deepest feelings on their behalf are misunderstood, mis-
interpreted. That the more eager they are for their
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
salvation, the more the Chinese will suspect them of
having some interested motive in seeking access to
them. They will need exceeding grace; and I do be-
seech you, not merely this evening, as we are met to
commend them to the care of Him who will be with
them all the way through, but constantly in your prayers
to remember our sisters. Oftentimes there will be
heart-yearning for the spiritual communion and sym-
pathy which they have had at home. Oftentimes they
will look back to the comparative receptiveness of those
among whom they did labour, and the ease with which
they spoke of Jesus and His love in their own native
tongue, especially during the first years, when with but
stammering lips they are able to speak of His grace.
But God will bless them. The efforts of our mission-
aries, both male and female, have met with a very
cheering success. Thank God, some hundreds of souls
have been, as we have every reason to believe, savingly
converted. Their lives and, in not a few cases, their
deaths have testified to the reality of the change of
heart they have experienced.
Let us pray God that there may be a harvest of souls
yet gathered who shall be to the praise of His grace.
May the Lord grant it for His Name's sake.
The Rev. Samuel Martin then offered the
Valedictory prayer — a prayer which will never be
forgotten by those who heard it, and after a hymn
gave the following address : —
In the 96th Psalm, and the loth verse, you have
often read, my dear Christian sisters, and we have all
often read, the words, " Say among the heathen, the
Lord reigneth."
The Apostle Paul in his preaching said this. You
remember the scene at Lystra, and you remember
the words of the Apostle, " Why do ye these things ?
We also are men of like passions with you, and preach
unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto
the living God, which made heaven and earth and the
sea and all things which are therein ; who in times
past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Nevertheless, He left not Himself without witness in
that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven and
fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and
gladness." Here is the preacher saying among the
heathen, "Jehovah reigns." It was this which he
said to the Ephesians in words which we have not
time this evening, without trespassing on the time of
others, to quote, but you remember in the sermon
which Paul preached at Athens how he carries out the
idea in the passage that I want you to take with you
as a sort of motto-text, " Say among the heathen that
the Lord reigns : Jehovah reigns."
" Reigns !" He has a throne, and that throne an
everlasting and infinite foundation. In and by
Jesus the Christ he reigns. God is in Christ recon-
ciling the world unto Himself, not imputing unto men
their trespasses. Say this : say among the heathen
that Jehovah, in his son Jesus, the Christ — in His
Son, the Word made flesh — reigns.
The heathen, as you know, have gods, many and
false gods ; the heathen know not Jehovah. Oh, how
much is there in this simple, well known, but over-
powering fact — that the millions of mankind know
not God. Think of a child not knowing his mother —
a child not knowing his father. Think of the mother
being perfection and the father goodness, and the
child not know'ng them, never speaking to them,
never hearing their voice — strange, without father and
without mother. The Father seeks to reveal Himself
to the heathen. " From the rising of the sun to the
going down of the same," hear Him say, '■ My Name
shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every
place incense and a pure offering shall be presented
to My Name." The Father seeks men to worship
Him, and waits for men to worship Him. He sees
them in His foreknowledge all worshipping Him, and
He describes the scene in the words we have just
quoted. " From the rising of the sun to the going
down of the same, My Name shall be great among
the Gentiles, and in every place incense and a pure
offering shall be presented to My Name." To be
without God is death, but it is life eternal to know
God, and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent. Then
say among the heathen, "The Lord reigns : Jehovah
reigns."
Say it, my dear sisters, as believing it. Faith
makes great use of emphasis — large use of emphasis.
To say, " The Lord reigneth," as a mere conception
of fancy, is one thing ; to say it as a fundamental
article of faith is another thing. " Say among the
heathen, Jehovah reigneth." Say it as a part of your
creed ; say it as believing it ; say it as having made it
your song — often a song in the night — often a song
in the desert — often a song while passing through the
deep waters — often a song while walking through the
fire. Say it as having made it your song — '•' The
Lord reigneth ; let the earth rejoice."
And say it as now living under the shadow of the
throne. You must face the heathen, sheltered by
the throne. You must face the heathen, protected by
the throne, encouraged by the throne. And from the
shadow of the throne you must speak to the King.
Say among the heathen, "Jehovah reigneth." Say
it as the foundation of your faith and hope and love.
Say it as a means of turning men to God. Say it to
drive away the darkness of awakened inquiry — to
arouse fear, to call forth hope. Say it as a testimony
to the fact of facts. You will not try, my sisters, to
reason about it. You will lose your way if you begin
to reason about it. But there are things about which
we may be positive, that we have not reasoned out ;
and this is one of the things. As a fact of which you
are conscious, say among the heathen, " Jehovah
reigneth."
And say this above all, and in all, as a means of
turning men to God from idols. You are not sent
messageless to China : you have two messages at
least — "Jehovah reigneth," and " Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners." Do not put these
messages far apart. They belong to one another.
Keep them together, and speak of them together.
Speak of them as things in harmony, and as things
also — for it is a distinct idea — in unison. You are
204
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
called to go to China with a message, and this is part
of your message, " Jehovah reigneth."
Now, the power to deliver this message — to go
with this message and to deliver it — is derivable from
the message itself. Does Jehovah reign ? AVhat !
reign over the sea ? — reign over foreign lands P^reign
over congregated millions of people ? — reign over
pestilence ? — reign over storm and tempest ? Does
He reign over sin ? Does he reign over hell ? Are
all things under His feet ? Is He almighty to reign ?
Then I say again, power to deliver the message is
derivable from the message itself. And go ye and
say among the heathen, "Jehovah reigneth." There
is no seeking for salvation without a sense of sin \
there is no sense of sin without a knowledge of God ;
and in order to arouse men to seek salvation, you
need to tell them that they have to do with a living
God — that they have to do with a personal God.
You have to tell them and to assure them that
"Jehovah reigns."
I wish, my Christian sisters, that I could say more
to you. What I have said is just a little fragmentary
jotting which I had strength enough to effect last
Sabbath evening — yesterday evening — in a quiet
garden; but more I was not able to prepare to say, and
more I need not say. You have enough in the message,
"Say to the heathen, the Lord Jehovah reigneth."
And may He who reigneth shelter you under the
shadow of His throne ; and from His throne, as from
the source of every blessing, may He provide all things
for you, and crown your mission with ever-increasing
success.
After singing and prayer this impressive service was
closed by the Rev. Henry Simon.
mg
My Dear Friends, — Before this paper reaches you, I expect
to be on my way to China again. I have felt the Lord laying
it upon me this year to seek to strengthen the hands of the
labourers who went out from us last year, and who are now fast
getting into work ; as also to have conference with those who
have been longer in the field. My heatth is not such as to
warrant a summer in China, and therefore I am leaving my dear
wife and children at home. Counting upon the prayers of many
for myself in going, and for my dear wife in staying, and count-
ing upon the Lord for all needed grace, I go forth with joy to
the land I love and live for. Mr. Wilis, Mr. and Mrs. Rudland,
and the six sisters mentioned in the foregoing paper, likewise
proceeding to China, desire and need your prayers. I shall, (d. v.)
from month to month, send home matter for China's Millions,
which will, I trust, interest you, and call forth your prayers and
efforts, so that as fellow-labourers for China we may, have the
Master's approval.
God is so manifestly answering prayer and prospering us at
home and abroad that we cannot but rejoice and give thanks.
Another journal full of recitals of the Lord's goodness in Ho-nan
has reached us. We take it as an earnest of good for the yet
unreached provinces, and as encouragement to go forward. The
prayer-meeting at Pyrland Road will (d.v. ) be held as before
from four to six each Saturday, and I shall feel very grateful to
those of our friends who can do so if they will continue to attend
and to plead for us. It is scarcely possible to overrate the
importance of this.
There has been a connection very apparent to those of us
engaged in the work between this prayer-meeting and the
amount of blessing experienced in China ; when the one has
flagged the other has been lessened, but when the prayer-
meetings have been good the blessing has increased. Never
were •^^•e more dependent than at the present time. In attempt-
ing to open up work in new and remote districts of China, the
very lives of our missionaries may depend on the faithfulness of
God's praying people. We hope, then, that the friends will attend
this meeting, not merely for their own refreshment, but as an
act of definite service to Christ and to His church, and as their
effective aid in rescuing the perishing. We trust, likewise, that
many at a distance will be present in spirit, and join their
supplications, as we hope to do ourselves, with those who gather
together. — Yours faithfully in Christ, J. Hudson Taylor.
J^ttti^lra!
( Continued from jiage i<)2.J
KOONG-TtTH : THE IMPOSITIONS OF THE PRIESTS.
The priests, the interpreters and agents of the gods,
like the mandarins of this world, are ever on the alert for
an opportunity to squeeze the rich. They are also ever
mindful of the welfare of their parishioners ; not only of
the living, but of the dead also. In their watchful de-
votions before their deities they frequently discover that
some one of their charge, who was arrested several months
before, and whose family is more fortunate in life than
many of his fellows, is in great agony in the other world ;
and they manage very delicately to communicate the fact
to the family of the deceased. They, greatly distressed
and alarmed, send for the priest who was so kind as to
communicate to them any tidings of their departed friend.
They wish to know the particulars of his misfortune. The
priest, in whom they have trusted so many years, goes
into an investigation, and discovers that the poor un-
fortunate is confined in a deep pit, and guarded by sword
and spear, and with some show of emotion infonns the
family that nothing short of three days' " Koong-tuk," and
a large expenditure of money, will rescue him from that
place.
The family, anxious to do something for his relief,
urgently enquire what sum it will take. The answer
is usually in accordance with their ability to pay. We
will say his demand in this instance is Tls. i,ooo (^^300).
The astonished family plead their inabiUty to pay so
much. The priest is not inclined to undertake it for less,
and reminds them that the consequences of allowing their
friend to remain where he is will not rest upon him.
They hold a hasty consultation as to what they shall offer.
Tls. 500 is agreed upon. The priest refuses to undertake
it for that sum. After further conversation they offer
Tls. 700. The priest with hesitation undertakes it for that
amount. At the same time he informs them that it will
be very difficult.
THE CEREMONY.
On the day appointed the reception hall is stripped
of all its fui'niture and decorated in the most gorgeous
manner with temple regalia — richly embroidered satin
hangings suspended from the ceiling, on which are em-
blazoned the emblems of authority in the world of dark-
ness. The ancestral tablet of the unfortunate one, elevated
to a golden throne, is placed in the midst of ornamented
insignia of authority on a table in the centre of the hall.
Around this table five, seven, or nine, Tauist priests,
attired in richly embroidered imperial robes, march and
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
205
chant their incantations. This ceremony, enlivened by
music and gong, is leapt up day and night. Meanwhile
the relatives, invited guests, and priests, live on the family.
On the afternoon of the second day the abbot or
master of ceremonies, with some confusion and great
emotion, informs the family that the position of the un-
fortunate is unchanged, and that the authorities of the
spirit world will not entertain the idea of releasing him
for Tls. 700. They, full of apprehension, bestir them-
selves to boiTow, if they cannot otherwise raise the addi-
tional sum of Tls. 300. The priests return to their ser-
vice with new zeal. The chanting is more energetic,
the step much quicker, the ringing of the bells more
frequent, while the family weep over their misfortune. In
due time the master of the ceremonies announces a com-
motion in " Yung-kan " (prison of the world of shades),
and that the unfortunate is about to be released. This
news is both a proof that the additional Tls. 300 had its
desired effect, and some consolation to the anxious family
for their unexpected outlay.
On the third day the master of ceremonies makes an
examination, after which he, with great agitation, informs
the family that the unfortunate man is nearly out of the
pit, that he is clinging to one side and looking with
anxious solicitude for further aid, but that we cannot in-
duce diem to allow him to escape even for the additional
sum of Tls. 300. Now, what is to be done ? The friends,
frantic with anxiety, tear the bangles from their arms, the
rings from their hands, and produce other jewels and
articles upon which money can be had from the pawn-
brokers, and pay an additional sum of Tls. 200. The
priests, judging from appearances that they can get no
more, return to their arduous undertaking with redoubled
zeal, and ere the sun sets the fearful din of gongs and
firecrackers announces to the anxious family that the in-
carcerated spirit has been set at liberty. The design of
the firecrackers and gong is to frighten the bewildered
spirit far away from that horrible pit. Congratulations
are exchanged, and the family is relieved of much anxiety
and a large sum of money. This '■^Koong-Uih " may be
repeated if the priests, who are ever on the alert for
opportunities, can manage to make the necessity of it
apparent, as in the case of sore afflictions in the family.
RELIEF BUT TEMPORARY.
One feature of this "Koo7ig-tuh^' performed by either
Tauist or Buddhist priest, is worthy of note. The rehef
afforded an unfortunate prisoner in Chinese purgatory is
only temporary. They do not profess, for the large sum
of money they receive, to rescue a person and remove him
to a place of safety. They only propose to extricate him
from present suffering. Indeed, a heaven or a place where
the good may find protection and be at rest, is not predi-
cated in this or any other of the Chinese systems of
religion. They have no heaven presided over by a God
of Justice, for they have no such official in the world of
light. Devils and demons reign supreme in the world of
darkness. There is no charity there. Those who are
incarcerated must be supported, as men in prisons in
this world, by their friends. Hence
THE NECESSITY OF ANCESTRAL WORSHIP.
To provide for the proper execution and perpetuation
of it, is the great concern of life. To be properly and
effectively executed, it must be done by a son or a blood
relative of the male line ; consequently the great business
of life is to provide for the perpetuation of one's family
name. Each parent, feeling his obligation in this respect,
endeavours to perform his duty by betrothing his children
at an early age. While they admit that there are many
evils attending this practice, it is supposed that it insures
more families, and has a tendency to preserve public
morals. I have said that ancestral worship must be per-
formed by a blood relative of the male line. It is by
inheritance the right, duty, and privilege of the eldest
son or his heir to perform this sacred rite. Consequently
he inherits a larger proportion of his father's estate than
his other brothers do. If he have no issue, and any of his
brothers have sons, he may adopt one of them to be his
heir. If he die without having made the necessary
arrangement for his succession, it is the duty of his
younger brothers to appoint one of their sons to succeed
him in his estate. This individual, though an infant in
the arms of his nurse, is made master of ceremonies in
the worship of ancestors. These facts show the deep
hold ancestral worship has upon the minds of the whole
people. The laws of the land in regard to property are
based upon it.
A son, then, is the great desideratum of every man.
This explains the great preference for sons over daughters,
and the great joy and the many congratulations in a
Chinese family at the birth of a son ; while the reverse is
the case at the birth of a daughter. A man with many
sons is pronounced by all fortunate, yea, happy ; while
one with many daughters is commiserated. Under these
circumstances imagine, if you can, the estimate placed
upon an only son, upon whose preservation and fidelity
hang the future happiness of all past generations of the
same name. Should he die before he has a male issue, or
should he become a Christian and repudiate ancestral wor-
ship, all his ancestors would by that one act be consigned
to a state of perpetual beggary ; imagine too, if you can,
the moral courage required for an only son to become a
Christian, and call down upon himself the anathemas,
not only of his own family and neighbours, but of all his
ancestors. I have known an instance, in connection with
my work at Shanghai, of a father threatening to take his
own life* in order to insure the punishment of his only
son, who wished to become a Christian. The son, under
such circumstances, being regarded as his father's mur-
derer, would certainly be decapitated.
EFFECTS OF DECAPITATION.
In this event the father would accomplish his end by
having his son disgraced among men, and severely
punished in the world of darkness ; for, for a man to
appear in that world without a head is primafacie evidence
that he was a bad man, and be is treated accordingly.
Hence the great anxiety evinced by the friends of those
officers, &c., who were so unfortunate during the rebellion
as to lose their heads, to recover them, that they might
stitch them on again ; I have known men pay as much
as Tls. 500 for the head of a friend. Thus we are able to
appreciate the clemency of a high official, who allows his
subordinate, who has merited decapitation, to inhale gold
leaf, or choose some other refined or honourable way of
making his way to the world of spirits. For the same
reason, the practice of suspending in public places the
heads of notorious characters, is as much designed to
inspire fear of punishment in the other world, as of the
executioner's knife in this. Thus, too, we are enabled to
understand why it was that the imperial officials, when
Shanghai fell into their hands a few years ago, ordered
the decapitation of every rebel whose corpse could be
found in the city. They found many. The coffins were
torn open, the contents discharged, the skeletons decapi-
tated, and the timber used for paving the streets in places
where the stone slabs were injured by the fire.
{To be continued.)
*For a son to provoke his father to such a degree that he would
take his own hfe to avenge himself, is one of the highest crimes
known to Chinese law.
I
2o6
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
{Continued from page 190.)
IX. KY'I-'O STATION.
KOH YIH-DJUN'S HOUSE.
We shall occupy a room ■ in his house for the night.
" It is more like going into a village than into a house,"
the whole range of buildings seems to be connected
and to have few partition walls. You will soon see.
Here we are : you see they have put four walls of basket
work of plaited bamboo to make a little room, and ceiled it
by a covering of the same kind. And this prophet's chamber
they have supplied with a bedstead, a table, and a chair,
furniture they are now supplementing with a couple of
imall forms, and a door on two tressels, as they scarcely
expect " three honoured guests " to sleep in one bed.
Stop— don't sit down, let us ask for a duster. I will
MODES OF DRESSING THE HAIR IN CHINA.
\_Froin the Graphic.
you say. And so it is, the buildings surrounding the
large couit are practically separate houses, occupied by
various members of the clan, all having one common
entrance. They chiefly live down stairs, using the upper
storey as barn, granary, warehouse, storeroom, &c.
Knowing, however, our proclivities, a room has been
prepared for us upstairs ; but hoiv, for the upper storey of
guarantee that the things have not been dusted since our
last missionary was here. 1 once made the mistake of
sitting down as you were nearly doing, and my light-
coloured Chinese gown bore traces of the event until it
had passed through the washerwoman's hands.
CHINESE CURIOSITY.
Just see how those children on the other side are
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
207
trying to push aside the pieces of bamboo plait, to make
a wider chinlc for their peering eyes. These little creatures
are the daughters of some members of the clan, and
seem to possess that curiosity which is supposed to be
inherent in their sex — a curiosity which they have not
often an opportunity of gratifying. It makes it ejiceed-
ingly difficult sometimes to secure that degree of privacy
which is essential to our comfort. 1 well remember, when
travelling with my
dear wife some
years ago in the
Ulterior, the only
way by which we
could secure any
degree of privacy
was by s\ispending,
by strings from the
ceiling, our bed cur-
tains ; within which
we retired for the
purpose of dress-
ing and washing,
our bed being
spread on a few
bundles of straw
laid on the mud
floor. By this plan
we thought our-
selves perfectly
secure, and were
so for a time. An
enterprising young
Chinese, however,
between seven and
ten years of age,
picking a knot out
of a plank in the
outer wall of the
house, and bring-
ing a long slender
bamboo, like a
fishing rod, pushed
it through the hole,
and succeeded in
raising the corner
of the curtains. A
dozen young eyes
applied to various
chinks announced
to a dozen young
minds the gratify-
ing success he had
met with ; and the
general cheers drew
our attention to it
likewise. We were
two much amused
to feel annoyed,
but I found that
the only plan to
secure privacy was
for me to stand as
sentry outside.
THE CHAPEL.
Our things all arranged for the evening, we will go on
to the chapel, which was formerly a heathen temple. The
owner of it, a tolerably wealthy man, was converted to God
through the instrumentality of our brother Koh Yih-djiin,
and presented us with this temple for the worship of the
true God, and for the proclamation of His glorious Gospel.
HEAD DRESSES OF CHINESE GIRLS.
The gods, too, he gave to Mr. Rudland. The principal
ones have been conveyed to England in the hope of
stirring up some pity for those given up to the worship of
such vanities. An account of the opening service in this
temple will be found on page 199. The friends and
neighbours of this good man were fully assured that
terrible calamities would befal him and his family, and
that all manner of distresses might be expected to follow
such a desecration
of the gods so long
worshipped in it.
The only event of
note, however,
which has since
taken place is the
birth of a little son ;
and as he and his
wife had been
married fifteen
years, and were
childless, the aus-
picious event not
only silenced the
croaking of the
pi'ophets but satis-
fied many of them
that there is nothing
like serving the God
of the Christians.
Here, again, we
hold an evening
service, and have a
larger attendance
than usual, as many
persons have fol-
lowed us from the
town, who would
not have otherwise
come over. You
notice, however,
that this temple is
situated at a point
where three impor-
tant roads meet,
so that its position
as a place for the
preaching of the
Gospel among the
heathen is very
valuaHe. It is
giving evidence of
need of repair, for
nothing of impor-
tance has been
done to it since the
property was given
over to us. We
cannot, with safety,
defer repairs much
longer.
We are glad to
meet several who
have been brought
to God since our last visit to this station, some baptized and
others still candidates for baptism, and are cheered to
know that interest is spreading. Bidding them good-bye
we return to our basket walled lodging ; and, after an
early breakfast next morning, leave again for T'ai-chau,
where we arrive on Saturday night to spend a happy
Sunday among the members of the little Church.
(To be continued.)
2o8
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
rum
te
{Continued fro-m fage 195.)
FROM THE JOUKWAL OF MB. H. SOLTAU.
Monday, Sept. 2p/i. — We received a notice on Saturday to
appear at the supreme court to-day. At 8.30., M. d'Avera
came to escort us, and we proceeded together in bullock carts
as before. The heavy rains had made the roads like a ploughed
field; it took us, therefore, much longer time to reach the
Court, which is situated inside the Palace stockade. At the
entrance-gate and inside were a number of oddly-dressed soldiers.
We found ourselves in a large enclosure, with numbers of men
hurrying to and fro. Facing us was the Palace, a large wooden
structure with many roofs rising tier above tier, tapering off in
a pagoda-like way. The whole of this structure, within and
without, was covered with gold-leaf, giving it a handsome
appearance. Two large cannon were placed in front of the
Palace.
Passing through a second stockade, made of brick, are seen
rows of buildings, with arms stacked, and rifles in course of
manufacture. We turned to the left, being guided by M.
d'Avera, and entered a wooden building of unpretending ap-
pearance, leaving our shoes at the bottom of the steps. We
were requested to sit on mats spread on the verandah, and
await the Mingyee's leisure. This verandah was 40 feet long by
12 broad, spread part of the way with common matting. A
step above this was a smaller division, on which three hand-
some coloured rugs were spread. A green baize curtain screened
a third division from view.
CONFERENCE WITH HIGH OFFICERS.
Presently a "Woon-douk," or under-secretary, entered,
attended by his servants. He was an intelligent, fine looking
man. We were surprised to find that he had travelled on the
Continent, and in Great Britain and Ireland ; he told us he knew
London and Glasgow well. Mr. Rose and M. d'Avera talked
with him a good deal about our plans. The " kamper-woon-
gyee," or mingyee, then appeared from behind the green
screen. We advanced to shake hands with him. He re-
ceived us very pleasantly, and inquired whence we came,
and what our purpose was. I should say we were requested to
"come up higher," and sit on rugs near the mingyee's. This
we accomplished as well as we could, lying or squatting with
our feet hidden away behind us. In this position we remained
from 9.15 to 11.45. After some time, the Yay-nan-gying came,
attended by several servants. One held over him a large hat
to protect him from the sun. This is the ordinary mode in
which high officials walk about. Following him were some
writers with paper materials under their arms ; also a man carry-
ing his betel box, and other things.
Having shaken hands with him, we resumed our former
positions. The two Mingyees are elderly men ; the kamper, an
intelligent-looking man, appeared the elder. His hair, which
was streaked with grey, he wore in a knot, according to Burmese
custom. He was attired in a handsome striped silk garment, a
white jacket above, feet of course bare. His colleague, who is
Chief Commissioner, was dressed similarly. He was very
shrewd, and asked several pertinent questions.
We were again questioned as to our native lands, and asked
why we were travelling together. " Where did the two from
Great Britain meet with the American teacher ?"
At Rangoon.
" Why are you together ?"
Because, though of different nations, we are followers and
teachers of the same religion, and are one in sympathy.
' ' Where were our head quarters ? and who support us ? "
Boston the head quarters of the American teacher, and London
of the other two.
The Mingyee who spoke most said words to this effect : —
"The people round Bhamo are very wild and uncivilized;
they have no language, no religion, no books. It is of no use
trying to teach those people."
Mr. Rose replied that those are the very people who need
teaching and teachers; we want to go to such. The Karens
were once wild and uncivilized — they had no written language
and no books. " """ - . .-
"Where did those people live? " asked the Mingyee.
They were mountain tribes scattered over the country round
Rangoon, Bassein, Henthada, very wild and uncivilized.
" Oh, they are very different," said the Mingyee ; "the tribes
round Bhamo are far more savage than they. These Karens
had mixed more or less with the Burmans, and had become a
little civilized."
" I have seen people," said Mr. Rose, " on the Toungoo and
Shwaygin mountains quite as wild as the Kakhyens round Bhamo."
"Wild people round Bhamo are like wild birds. If you
throw out paddy (;'. e. , unshelled rice) to the wild birds they will
come and eat, but will not let you catch them . They only want
something to eat. If you give the wild people anything they
will come to you, but will not let you catch them. They want
you to give, give, give, but will not let you tame or civilise them.
You had much better stay here in the golden city : better for you
and better for the king. If you go up there, though it is in the
golden empire, the king cannot guarantee your security ; yet if
anything happens, he will be held responsible, as in the case of
Mr. Margary."
We told him that nevertheless we wished to go : that Bhamo
belongs to the golden empire, and we could not believe his
Majesty was powerless even over those savage people.
BURMESE OPINION OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
He then criticised the idea of teachers coming over from
foreign countries without first ascertaining the kind of religion
taught here and filling themselves with the wisdom of this
country. This he illustrated by saying, —
" If you have different vessels they can only each contain a
certain amount. If teachers come out here they may be full of
wisdom and learning, but they will find this people also full, and
unable to take in any new religion. If a person have a pot of
clean water, what can there be better to drink ? The Burmese
are like vessels of pure water, and therefore all the efforts of
foreign teachers will be altogether vain and useless."
Tea was now handed round, with plantains, to each. The
Mingyees and Woon-douk were continually chewing betel and
smoking cheroots, and then calling for water to wash out their
mouths. They asked Mr. Stevenson if he could speak Chinese ;
he said only a little of the dialect spoken here, but could under-
stand the dialect of the city in which he lived in Eastern China
very well indeed. Then they inquired if he could speak Burmese ;
he replied, only a few words, having been so short a time in the
country. They again tried to dissuade us from going to Bhamo,
but the Mingyee concluded by saying, " I suppose your minds
are made up, and you will go notwithstanding all I say."
He sent a messenger to the King to tell him we were there,
and after a long time, during which an animated conversation
was kept up between M. d'Avera and the Mingyees, about
Napoleon 1st, the recent Franco-German war, and the Atlantic
cables, the messenger returned saying the King desired our
presence.
INTERVIEW WITH THE KING OF BURMAH.
We immediately arose : it was now about half-past eleven,
and we had been two hours in the most constrained position.
Putting on our shoes we were conducted by the Woon-douk
through the grounds to the Palace. On our way we passed the
Audience Hall or Throne Room, used only on state occasions ;
here Sir Douglas Forsyth was lately received. It is decorated
with an immense amount of gilding, especially about the throne,
which is placed on a raised dais with an immense golden
umbrella over it.
Passing this chamber, we entered a common wooden structure,
with whitewashed walls, where we were introduced to the At-
ween-woon, or private Secretary to His Majesty. He conducted
us to the Council Chamber, a lofted wooden room, the roof of
which was supported on teak pillars, painted red and gold. No
carpets or mats were spread on the wooden floor — indeed, the
room presented the barest appearance. The At-ween-woon led
the way, followed by the Woon-douk, Mr. Rose, Mr. Stevenson,
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
209
M. d'Avera, and myself: behind us walked some clerks and
subordinates.
A raised platform extended nearly the whole length of one side
of the room. It was covered, and part of the floor in front, by
a handsome Brussels carpet. In the centre was a crimson
velvet rug, highly worked with gold and silver thread ; on it
lay a crimson cushion, and a pair of silver-mounted binoculars.
We had of course left our shoes at the foot of the palace stairs.
We crouched upon the floor some distance from the platform ;
to our left were a dozen or more men, some of whom had laid
their dahs in gilded sheathes on the floor in front of them. To
our right were the At-ween-woon, and his attendants, to the
left the Woon-douk, and behind us M. d'Avera.
ENTRANCE OF HIS MAJESTY.
At one side ot the platform was a door which stood open.
Through this I presently descried on the staircase the top
of the white umbrella which the king alone is allowed to
have carried over him. He entered the room by a massively
carved and gilded door, opening on to the centre of the platform,
and he lay downi on the velvet rug, resting his arms on the
crimson cushion. His attendants, among whom I noticed a
soldier with a rifle and fixed bayonet, came in by the side door
and prostrated themselves before him. All the ministers and
attendants in like manner bowed themselves to the ground, and
remained in that position the whole time they were iri the king's
presence.
The king had been immediately followed by two good-looking
little boys; probably his own sons. They carried a golden betel
box and spittoon, which they placed by the king's side, and then
crouched behind him. One of them was dressd in a handsome
green velvet tunic, with a diamond necklace and a handsome
under garment. The king himself had a grandly-worked under
garment, a white jacket, and a white band of muslin round his
head. He has a refined face, with an intelligent expression,
and often smiles ; while talking, he fidgetted about a little rosary
he held in his hand. His hair, which is considerably sprinkled
with grey, was fastened in a simple knot at the top of his head ;
he wore a moustache also.
W^e must have been not more than eighteen or twenty feet
from him, but he took up his binoculars and leisurely sui-veyed
us for some time. He broke the silence by asking, "Where is
the American ? " Blr. Rose was introduced, and bowed, as
indeed we all had done when he first entered. After asking
Mr. Rose a few questions, he turned to Mr. Stevenson, and
then to me. We were introduced to him, and he inquired how
long we were going to stay in Mandalay. Having replied till
Thursday, the king remarked that our stay being so short he
would be unable to say many things he desired, and also ex-
pressed regi-et that we were not to remain in Mandalay under
his immediate protection.
REQUEST FOR MISSIONARIES.
He made us each promise that we would write to our different
countries and ask that a teacher might be sent to live in
Mandalay, promising that he would support him, and give him
house and schools. He again urged us to stay, saying, " There
are many people in the Golden City, and I will see you pro-
perly cared for, and your benefit will be great. Up there in
Bhamo, among those wild people, it is unsafe; for they are not
to be trusted. I will not prevent your going ; Ijut if thing's are
unfavourable, come back and I will receive you."
We then asked if he would graciously grant us some land at
Bhamo. He said, "Yes; the minister shall arrange all that for
you."
To our great surprise presents were then handed to us. These
were brought on wooden trays, and laid before us.
They consisted of three handsome little silver betel boxes,
and three Burmese bags containing one hundred rupees each.
We thanked the king, saying how surprised we were, and
how unlooked for was this kindness.
The king appeared pleased at our surprise and gi-atification,
and said as he rose to leave, "When you go among those wild
people, act with caution and prudence."
TERMINATION OF THE AUDIENCE.
I have related these circumstances in the simple way in which
they occurred. I have not attempted to pourtray our feelings as
we went through the varied scenes, nor have I recorded the many
times in which, as we sat among those native princes, we lifted
up our hearts in prayer to our Heavenly Father, and committed
our case into Ilis all-wise and loving hands.
It has been beautiful to watch the gentle unfolding of our
path day by day, and to see at each step how God was doing
His best for us, and in the fulness of time was unlocking the
door that opens the way for the Gospel to Upper Burmah and
Western China.
The king having left the Council Chamber, followed by his
little boys and attendants, and walking under the .shadow of the
white umbrella, those who had been prostrated during his pre-
sence in the room now rose and prepared to leave. Even the
Woon-douk, who interpreted for us, did not look up at the king,
or move from his prostrate position while he remained.
We spoke to the At-ween-woon as we withdrew, and thanked
him for the favourable audience he had helped to procure for us,
and expressed our gratification at the kind and cordial manner
iri which his majesty had received us. We shook hands with
him, and, retracing our steps, each of us bearing our presents in
his own hands, we again
ENTERED THE SUPREME COURT
to report our success to the Mingyees there. The Woon-douk,
preceding us, related to the Mingyees the orders of the king.
Mr. Rose then thanked them for their great courtesy to us, for
M. d'Avera informed us they had acted in an unusually gracious
manner, treating us with far more consideration than they show
to merchants who call upon them for business purposes.
Mr. Rose asked them to give orders to the Woon-douk of
Bhamo to let us have the land the King promised on our arrival.
They said they would have much pleasure in so doing. The
following day we called with M. d'Avera on the Mingyee whom
we had first seen. We found him better, and able to receive us
in his European house. He handed us the official letter to the
Woon of Bhamo. We expressed much gratitude for this impor-
tant document. -A.fter partaking of tea and pomegranates we
bade adieu to this gentleman, and afterwards to M. d'Avera, to
whose kindness and courtesy we were so greatly indebted, and
thus ended our official intercourse witti the court at Mandalay.
On Tuesday, Sept, 28th, we visited the Mandalay Hill, of
which I have given a separate account. In the evening we
dined and spent a pleasant evening with Col. Duncan. Made
some purchases on Wednesday, and bade adieu to Mr. Fairclough,
of whose kindness, courtesy and hospitality we cannot speak too
warmly. We much enjoyed our stay under his roof. We then
returned to our steamer.
(To be concluded.)
WONG L^-D JUN, native pastor at Hang-chau, sends
cheering tidings of the work at Yii-hang. The native Christians
have themselves raised seventy dollars, and bought a sHe for a
chapel. They are trying to contribute the means for building ;
but as they are few, this will be a work of time. It will be re-
collected that this whole work is the firuit of unaided native
effort, the native assistant at Yii-hang having been sent and sup-
ported by the native church at Hang-chau.
NING-K'WOH PTJ. Mr. Cameron, and Tsiang Soh-
liang write from this station. They found all in peace, and
that there were two inquirers, about whom Mr. Cameron felt
encouraged. Our native brother speaks with great concern of
the outrageous conduct of some of the Roman Catholic natives
of that place ; and we learnt with much regret, on the same day,
from the daily papers, the telegraphic intelligence of the
massacre of a French priest and some of his converts while per-
forming mass in that city. We earnestly hope that our own
resident native evangelist and his wife may not have been in-
cluded by the indiscriminating Chinese in their vengeance. Mr.
Cameron and Tsiang Soh-liang would of course have left the
place a month or two before the occurrence.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
MISS TUENER writes, on the 23rd of June, "You
mentioned in the March number of China's Millions (p. 113)
the case of a Chinese lady wlio, with her servant, had then
been here three or four times ; since then she and her servant
have come frequently. Last Sunday week they were, at their
own request, examined as to their knowledge and faith in the
one true God and His Son Jesus Christ. Their answers were
very clear, and they each seemed to speak from the heart.
Both they and a young man from Sin-ch'ang were received.
The lady has given me her god of riches and two small images.
They have turned from their dumb idols to serve the living God.
" I said to the lady, ' Where are your sins ?' She replied at
once, ' It is counted to me now, as though I had no sins, for
my sins are washed away in the blood of Jesus.' Both she and
her servant fully understand that through confessing Christ they
may have to suffer persecution and trial, but they say, ' It is
most important that we should obey God ; He will take care of
us in the future, we will trust ourselves and our affairs in His
hands.' So last Sunday morning they were baptised [with the
third convert, the man mentioned above]. May tjiey be kept
faithful to Jesus to the end.
" The lady's husband is very seldom at home. She has never
had any children ; her husband now mostly lives with another
of his wives, the mother of his children."
MB. M. HENRY TAYLOR, writing from Wu-chang
on June iSth, gives us an account of the baptism of two of the
four men who professed to receive Christ during his first visit to
the province of Ho-nan ; also of the opening of our first station
in that province, a house having been rented in Choh-shan, the
hien or capital city of a country of that name. He further states
that there are ten or fifteen persons waiting for baptism within
a day's journey of this city, most of whom he hoped to receive
on returning to the province, as they appeared to be very satis-
factory cases indeed. Mr. G. W. Clark, who accompanied him
last time, was a great help and comfort to him. He (Mr. M. H.
Taylor) learned of a gracious interposition on his behalf when in
the capital of the province a few months before, his informant
having no idea that he was the person concerned. " Last year,"
said his informant, "in the 12th moon, a foreigner was there,
preaching and selling books. The literati went to the mandarin
to request him to send him away. The mandarin refused, saying
that he was imable to do so in his official capacity. The literati
then bound themselves together under a promise that they would
kill the foreigner, and stationed themselves in tens in different
parts of the city with this intention. The foreigner did not
preach in the streets that day, so next morning they went to the
inn to seek for him, but found he was gone. Enraged by their
disappointment, they tore down the landlord's sign, and
threatened to set fire to the inn. The only account that the
landlord could render was that the foreigner left hastily on the
previous day." Mr. Taylor adds : — "We did not know that the
literati had any intention of taking our lives, though we knew
something of the deep-seated hatred with which they regarded
us ; so on learning this, we thanked God and took courage."
MR. KING writes to us from Ta-tung on June 5th, giving
an interesting record of earnest work. A few days after his
arrival a fire broke out very near the mission-house. " The fire
spread very rapidly, house after house succumbing to the flames,
which came nearer and nearer to our place. Lifting up my
heart in prayer for preservation, I commenced putting my things
orderly together in boxes, &c., ready for removal, if necessaiy.
By God's mercy, however, the flames were extinguished, after
about 200 well-built houses had been destroyed. One old
woman, over fifty years of age, was burnt to death. ' The God
of Jacob is our refuge.' "
The following Sunday, after evening worship, another fire
broke out nearer than before. Two kind Chinamen who have
often heard the Gospel, but have not professed themselves
Christians, came to the help of Mr. King and the native assis-
tant. Their effects were removed to some vegetable gardens
nearby. " As I was carrying out," says Mr. King, "the last
things we intended to take, the flames were separated from our
place by only one block of dwellings, about forty or fifty feet
long. It pleased God again to say, ' Thus far shalt thou come,
and no further.' The fire was got under ; about thirty houses
were burnt."
Mr. King was feeling much encouraged by two inquirers
named Ts'ii and Faen.
MR. STEVENSON has graciously been preserved from
a tiger in Bhamo. One evening (July 6th) he was feeling un-
well, and was induced to remain at the house instead of returning
to his lonely quarters in the zayat. That night a tiger twice
crossed the street through which he must have passed, about
the time he would have been returning. It killed one China-
man that night, and seriously wounded another the following
night.
MR. HENRY SOLTAU sends a deeply interesting
journal, from which we learn that we have to be grateful indeed
for the preservation of the health of all the mission party.
Small-pox, fever, dysentery, and measles are carrying off multi-
tudes ; and the scenes described are most solemn and painful.
The governor of Bhamo and one of the Roman Catholic priests
have been removed ; the former was buried on the 4th of July.
Mr. Soltau writes of one narrow lane of Chinese houses in the
city : —
" At the head, in one house there are four men sick, and the
one who did nurse them, now himself very ill. One of this
party is dead. In the next house the wife is almost blind from
virulent ophthalmia. Next door, the wife, with a little baby, eight
months old, is almost dying of weakness and dyspepsia. Further
down on the other side of the way is a long bamboo shed
divided into six compartments, like a very poor fowl-house at
home. In one, as we enter, is a man moaning with pain, but
unable to speak. A fortnight ago he was well and strong. He
came here because of his uncle, who is now dying close by in
another house. Last Sunday he came for medicine, and was no
sooner inside our zayat than he fell flat on the floor, almost insensi-
be. His case is hopeless. Within ten feet of him lies the corpse
of a man who died last night in the temple.
" On the opposite side of the way is a little hut where lies the
uncle of the last named, himself dying. His eyes are becoming
glazed. ' I cannot live,' says he, ' I have no desire to live, my
pain is so great.' Mr. Stevenson tells him in simple language
about Jesus and the love of God ; begs him to call on Jesus to
save him, to trust Him, and pray to Him and not to his gods,
then He will receive him to His heavenly kingdom. I under-
stand part of what Mr. Stevenson says, and lift up my heart in
silent prayer.
"Leaving this wretched scene, we hasten to the zayat.
A dozen people are already waiting for medicine ; more come in.
These attended to, we hasten to the river to care for some sick
Burmans.
" The place is like a battle-field ; dead and dying all around
us. Poor fellows ! In their lives they have never heard of
Jesus, and in their deaths they pass away with none to comfort
them or remind them of His love. Oh ! the delusion, and lies
of the devil, that lead men at home to believe that if the
heathen live up to their consciences they will ' enter through
the gates into the city.' The heathen can tell them differently.
There is no hope in the death of these people ! No smile on
their countenances, no earnest of heaven ! You only need to
see these men dying to know what it is to be as ' the heathen
that know not God.' Their barque glides out swiftly, but
surely, into the blackness and impenetrable gloom of an
unknown eternity. It is really awful. They say nothing ; there
is no bravado and cursing as one has known at home ; but yet
the poor fellows glide down into darkness."
VALEDICTORY MEETINGS.
Two interesting and important valeditory meetings, one held
at the invitation of T. B. Smithies, Esq., at Eariham Grove,
Wood Green, the Rev. A. McAulay, President of the Wesleyan
Conference, being in the chair ; and the other held at the West
London Tabernacle, Netting Hill, Mr. Henry Varley taking the
chair ; we are unable to report from lack of space.
Chi
NA'S
M
ILLIONS.
A CHINESE AUCTION.
\^FroiiL " The Graphic."]
{Continued from ;page 20-] .")
X.— T'AI-CHAU AND SIEN-KU.
SUNDAY AT T'AI-CHAU.
A LOVELY morning gives us hope of good attendance.
May the Sun of Righteousness shine as brightly into our
hearts as the natural sun does upon the face of nature.
By the time our early breakfast and httle season of com-
munion together in English is over, we find that most of
the native Christians are awaiting us below for a Bible
NO. 17. — NOVEMBER, 1876.
lesson which precedes the public service. You will not
find many present who cannot read their verse in turn,
and the thoughtful replies given by one and another
evince that their minds have been occupied with the
truth. These meetings, which are inteiTnediate between
the Sunday-school and the Bible-class at home, have
done a great deal to build up the Christians in this and
many other districts ; and the habit once formed, of
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
searching for themselves the Word of God, and of not
resting until they find in that word a satisfactory basis
for the doctrines they are taught, begets a habit of mind
very helpful to the native Christians, and one which leaves
them less open to be beguiled by the plausible statements
or reasonings of those who would subvert them from the
truth. A short hymn and brief prayers from two of our
native brethren close this preliminary meeting, and we
adjourn to the chapel.
Here we find a few have already assembled. The
ringing of the bell at the chapel door announces that the
service is about to commence, and the numbers are sup-
plemented by the entrance of a few neighbours. We
commence by singing the hymn " Not all the blood of
beasts," in the Chinese fotna —
" Sail laa Yiu-t'a tsi-dsen,
Long-tsong sang-k'eo-go hyiiih,
Feh-neng peh ng6 liang-sing en-tsen,
Feh-neng gyiang-diao ze-nyih."
The tune is one we are all familiar with. A portion
of Scripture is then read ; the nature of prayer is explained
for the benefit of any strangers who may be present, and
the unseen presence of God is referred to.
The congregation is requested to rise, and then prayer
is offered. A second hymn — ■
" There is a fountain filled with blood,"
is followed by an expository address, in which, interspersed
with remarks which maybe helpful to the more instructed
believers present, the truths able to make men wise unto
salvation are set forth. We conclude by singing —
"Jesu, lover of my soul,"
and by a short prayer. Any who may desire it are re-
quested to remain behind for personal conversation ; and
all are invited to come in again for the afternoon service
after they have taken their midday meal. Several remain
behind, with whom we enter into conversation, explaining
the peculiarity of Christian worship, and speaking of the
grace of God in seeking to win sinners from their sins, to-
gether with any other matters which may arrest their
attention and on which they desire fuller information.
A little tract or portion of Scripture may be given to one
or two of those who seem most interested, if they live at a
distance from the chapel. Those who live nearer are
requested to call some afternoon during the week, when
they are told they will find our Christian books exposed
for sale.
A somewhat similar service takes place in the afternoon,
followed by a more private Bible-class ; open, however,
to any Chinese who may wish to be present, and who,
though unable to read the Romanized colloquial scrip-
tures, may, if educated, be able to follow by means of
parts of Scripture written in the Chinese character. In
the evening we unite with the native Christians in com-
memorating the dying love of our Lord and Saviour, and
a short prayer-meeting, in which all the native Christians,
male and female, old and young, take part, concludes the
public services of this full but happy day.
JOURNEY TO SIEN-KU.
We begin to make the most of our week by setting out
on Monday morning with a good supply of books and
tracts for our outstation at Sien-kii. This city is the
capital of the western county of the T'ai-chau prefecture,
and situated about thirty miles due west from T'ai-chau.
We set out on foot that we may have better opportunity
of doing evangelistic work on the way. Leaving by the
west gate, we cross the river by the bridge of boats at
which we landed on our arrival froin T'ien-t'ai. The first
six miles of our road leads through a rich valley at the
foot of a range of high hills. Here, again, we are grieved
by seeing a large amount of ground under poppy cultiva-
tion for the production of the terrible opium. Wheat,
beans, vegetables, and especially thevegetable tallow, are
the principle productions of this district. Crossing the
river by ferry once or twice, and passing a small town
called Ma-t'eo, we continue our journey up the sides of a
hill, having the river below us some two hundred feet,
each bank being a steep precipice. On the way we find
the usual abundance of temples and rest pavilions, in
each of which we have more or less opportunity of preach-
ing the Gospel, and of posting up sheet-tracts. We
arrive early at a good-sized town called
BAH-SHU-YANG,
and put up at a good inn, which has been occupied by
memljers of the Mission on several occasions, so that
the people of the inn feel quite at home with the foreign
visitor.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening are oc-
cupied in selling books, in preaching in the streets, and
in conversation with those who follow us to our inn.
Finding considerable interest, we spend a part of the
next morning in the same way, leaving in time, however,
to complete our journey. We again pass through several
villages, but cannot afford much time to them. Crossing
a small hill, about a mile from our destination, we see in
the distance the city lying in the valley beneath us. We
arrive too late to do any work, and somewhat weary with
our journey and conversation by the way. A hearty wel-
come from our native brother, a good supper, and an
excellent night's rest, prepare us for the labours of the
next day.
CITY OF SIEN-KU.
As it is market-day, we obtain a better idea of the
importance of this place as a mission station, and of the
number of souls needing the Gospel who would otherwise
never have the opportunity of coming in contact with it.
Look at the crowd of men surrounding an itinerant
auctioneer, who is selling second-hand clothes to the
country people [see frotitispiece). An able street
preacher would easily gather such a crowd, and thus
preach the Gospel to many who could not hear it at
home.
This city was first visited by Mr. E. Fishe in the year
1870 ; it was not opened however as a permanent station
until January, 1874; and before the close of that year
the first convert was baptized. Our brethren labouring
here are not discouraged by the apparently slow progress
of the Gospel. They believe that a preparatory work is
going on in many hearts, and that before long there
will be a larger ingathering.
The elder of the two brethren stationed here was con-
verted at T'ai-chau ; and, in answer to many prayers, God
gave him the souls of his wife and of several of his
children, who are growingup promising young men. His
wife recently fell asleep in Jesus ; but he can rejoice, as,
alas, few of the Chinese can, in that Gospel which takes
away the sting of death both to those who are removed
and to those who remain behind.
The younger of the native helpers was brought to God
in connection with that temple at Dien-tsi which is now
a Christian chapel. Before his conversion he served false
gods with sincere, but mistaken earnestness ; since, he has
shown an equal zeal for the spread of the truth.
It answered our purpose to go to Sien-kii overland ;
and it would have been very slow making our way up
the mountain stream, having both the sandbanks and the
currents against us. We will, however, return by boat.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
213
The journey is very delightful, but so similar to that
between T'icn-tai and T'ai-chau that wc will not stop to
describe it.
XI.-T'AI-CHAU TO HWANG-YEN.
Wo still have three stations of the T'ai-chau district to
visit — the capital cities of the two southern counties and
the village station of Dien-tsi. The tide is early to-day ;
and we will set out i.n good time, that we may not be
hurried, but may enjo)- the prospect from the Golden
Hill, and see that portion of the city of T'ai-chau which
was hidden from us when we took our early morning walk
to the wall bounding the northern extremity of the
city. On our way we shall pass some fine temples ; the
cut on page 219 gives a good idea of the entrance to one
of them. The people of T'ai-chau are poor, but many
of their temples are fine and costly buildings.
We feel quite at home in T'ai-chau now, and I know
no more promising sphere for labour in the whole circle of
our mission work. If we could spend months here, our
interest would be deepened day by day, as the adapta-
tion of the Gospel to meet the needs of peasant and
scholar, of tradesman and labourer, came befoi'e us.
GOLDEN inLL.
Walking through the city to the foot of the hill, we
begin CO ascend by the granite steps. After proceeding
some little distance up these winding steps, the slope
becomes less steep, and we continue the ascent by a
granite-paved path. Then follow from four to a dozen
steps, then another ascending path, followed again by
steps, and so on. About two thirds of the way up,
the path divides. We will turn to the left and visit this
temple. We must admire the beautiful garden connected
with it, and see the rooms which are not unfrequently
occupied by scholars or visitors, who in return for this
accommodation present gifts according to their means to
the priests. We much not linger too long, however, so
we retrace our steps to the main path and follow it to the
summit, admiring the fine trees that cover one side of the
hill pretty thickly. We get a closer view of the two
beautiful pagodas that surmount this, the Golden Hill.
These pagodas have been recently built by the prefect,
who has done much to beautify and improve the city. We
find inside one a flight of stone steps to the summit.
From various window-like openings along the ascent, we
get views in every direction. The beauty of the surround-
ing country, the long winding river, and the densely
populated parts of the city and suburbs all come into view,
and make our hearts long for the time when the idols
shall be cast to the moles and bats, and when men
everywhere shall offer the incense of a pure offering
to Him who alone deserves the adoration of His
creatures.
AFLOAT AGAIN.
Descending by a somewhat steep path on the other
side of the Hill, we leave the city by the south gate, and
passing through one or two crow'ded streets we find our
bedding and luggage already in the boat. We have only
to leap on board, and give the signal to the boatmen, and
off we go. They wish to lose no time, as, unless they
reach the point where the main river is joined by that
branch which comes down from Hwang-yen, our next
terminus, while the tide continues to ebb, we shall lose
twelve hours. The current is too strong to make any
headway against the tide, but if we reach the junction
w'ith the falling tide, the flow v/ill suffice to take us up to
the city we are next to inspect.
The first part of our journey is very pleasant ; but
night soon closes in. We arc fortunate in reaching the
fork of the river before the ebb ceases, and lie cjuietly
at anchor awaiting the flow. We take our evening meal,
and have a little service in Chinese, at which our boat-
men hear for the first time of Him who selected His
early followers from among the boatmen of Gallilee, and
\\\\Q still welcomes " Whosoever will." The murmur of
the rising tide announces that the time is come for pro-
ceeding on our way, and after a short time spent in the
prow of our boat enjoying the bright moonlight and the
star-bespangled heavens — an enjoyment which is safe
enough when one is on the water, though most dangerous
on land, as the malaria arises from the marshes very
rapidly immediately on nightfall — we retire to our beds,
leaving the boatmen at their work.
[To he concluded.)
yudrt|.
A FBAGMENT.
By the lafe Miss Blafchley.
I used to write for mere self-satisfaction ; for
My heart heaved with its weight of unshar'd
thoughts.
And hence my sole escape-valve was to write.
But since I found my rest in Jesu's arms,
And lii'ing sympathy in Jesu's heart,
I need not my own thoughts for company ;
And if I write a little, now and then,
It's not because my house is empty still,
That I should seek the mirror for a friend.
Let my words die for ever : Lord, henceforth,
I ivould there were no mine ; I would be dumb,
Save as Thy breath blows through me ; like a reed,
Which has no voice but what the Master gives.
First, " I delight to do Thy will," and then,
" I have not hid Thy righteousness and truth,"
Were Jesu's words. We, looking unto Him,
May not keep total silence when our hearts
Are bubbling up'^ with matters of the King, —
His tender love and gentle governance.
Perhaps some weary one, in traversing
These same dry paths, may hear the grateful sound.
And trace it to the Fountain, drink and live,
And " Praise is comely." Let me write but praise.
Oh, that our writing —whether shaped in song
Beside still waters and the de^vy mead —
Or traced in anguish with the heart's own blood.
And blurr'd with burning tears, — ^may all, all, ALL,
Be to the praise of Jesus and His love.
* Marginal reading of Psalm xlv. i.
214
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
\i.-;-s>i^&
Tnhititltrr| ^$ruita.
T. B. S^rITHIES, Esq., a warm friend of the China
Inland Mission, and one of its referees, kindly invited
a large number of friends to tea at his house, Earlham
Grove, Wood Green, on August 29th, to meet the
Rev. Alexander McAulav, President of the Wesleyan
Conference, and the missionary party about to leave
for China.
After tea, a public service was held in a commodi-
ous tent in the grounds adjoining his house.
After singing, the Rev. John Wilkinson offered
prayer.
Mr. McAuLAY, who presided, then said : —
I am sure you v/ill all be very glad to hear a few
remarks from Mr. Hudson Taylor. I had the plea.<!ure
of seeing him, and a number of those who were going
out with him, during my residence in the East End of
London. I watched very closely the manner and spirit
of the people who were about to proceed to China ten
years ago. I was highly delighted to find that the spirit
of self-sacrifice was very deep in every one of them, so
far as I could discern. They were all, as far as I could
see, given to prayer, and they had all the elements
about them that were likely to make them successful
missionaries in any land where God might call them. I
believe that if I could now state the facts of their his-
tory, from that time to the present, my notions respecting
them before they started would be all justified and, all
confirmed. God has guided in the selection of agents,
and has, from the beginning, shown His grace and pre-
sence in connection with this movement. And as long
as those who are engaged in it keep humbly depending
upon His continuous blessing, I have no doubt the
stream of prosperity will flow, although there will be the
ordinary trials, and sometimes extraordinary trials. Of
these things, however, I must not now speak. My sole
business is to introduce to you at present one whom,
perhaps, many of you know as well as I do — Mr. Hudson
Taylor, in whose heart God has put the thought, and
since has expanded it, till we see what He can do with
one instrument who is willing and obedient, and ready
to follow wherever God leads him. We rejoice in the
grace that has been given to our brother in the work
which he has been able to do. We will follow him with
our prayers as he goes back to that great nation again,
to carry, with others, God's great message of mercy to
those millions of whom we have heard to-night.
After prayer by Mr. N. B. Downing,
Mr. Hudson Taylor gave an account of the mis-
sion, and was followed by three of the missionaries,
after which Mr. McAulay gave the following
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.
Having had a sketch of this mission brought before
us, we see that the end which our friends seek is the
end that all Christians are seeking. They are trying to
win as many unsaved souls as they can reach, and God
has disposed them to take the highest places and the
hardest places of the field; and we doubt not that, as
their day, their strength wil i. :.
It strikes me, however, in hearing them speak, that
we should feel, "None of these owes more to Christ
than I do." If they, because of Christ's love to them,
feel disposed to give up their lives to His work, where
they will be deprived of many of the comforts that we
enjoy; surely, if they are not doing too much for Christ,
some of us may begin to suspect that we are doing too
little. We all owe alike to Him who gave Himself to
die for one as freely as for another. But He who calls
men to various works has a sphere for everyone to fill ;
and every Christian who seeks guiding light on his
steps day by day, and who lives in such fellowship with
God as to receive intimations from the Head of the
Church as to the service he is to render, will so be
placed from time to time that he will be able to say,
whether it is in the depths of China, or in the streets of
London, "God has placed me here. God has given me
work to do here. I am where He has put me : I am
doing what He has bidden me."
And those who have this strong persuasion, and are
clearly taught of God, feel as strong as the universe, for
all the attributes of God are on their side. And we
trust that this spirit, which our friends have declared to
be the spirit that God has given them, will be mamtained
in them through the varied trials connected with the
great work on which they are now entering.
We are not particularly anxious to builJ up the name
of any Church. The great business of Christians is to
exalt the name of the Lord Jesus ; and, if churches
grow smaller and Christ grows greater in our esteem,
we shall all blend the more in Him, and be blest the
more in Him. And it may be part of His plan in this
matter to blend churches whilst He is blessing bearers
of the Divine message drawn from various denomina-
tions. And if we dare reverently say it, the Head of the
Church is not a Presbyterian; the Head of the Church
is not a Baptist ; He is not a Methodist. He is over
all ; he fills all ; and wherever there is a true faith in
Him — in His sacrifice — and full acceptance of His
Spirit's grace and teaching, there you have a living
Christian. If you could be members of all the churches
in the world, and were not members in Christ, it would
profit you aothing. Our friends have this, therefore, in
common. They hold the same Scriptures ; they preach
the same Saviour; they are led by the same
Spirit. They may belong to different regiments, but
they all belong to one army. The Queen has many
regiments, but she has one army ; and the Highland
Brigade is just as true in the battle-field as the Royal
Guards and the Coldstream Guards. Our Baptist
brethren, who may be regarded as the Coldstream
Guards, are just as faithful as any others in God's
army. Our Presbyterian friends may be represented by
the Highland Brigade, and our Church friends by the
Royal Guards. The Methodists, perhaps, may be
looked at as the Artillery, because they make a greater
noise. And sometimes, when they are told of the great
noise, they say " But look at the execution ! " But what
would they be when they were all blended together in
some great Waterloo. No matter who takes the
standard from the foe, they all rejoice, for they are
fighting a common foe ; and though our friends be
drawn from different regiments, and mingle strangely,
yet they are not more strangely mingled than our soldiers
were at the battle of Inkermann. They had to fight in
a fog, and sometimes men of different regiments got
mingled together ; but when they got a dozen together,
there was the foe, and they went straight at him. Our
friends are going out in this spirit.
You have heard to-night, friends, firom those who are
about to go forth, how the desire in their hearts was
originated by the Spirit of the living God, — how His
providence has prepared the way ; and now they have
come to that point in their history — and it is not a
zi6
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
pleasant one for the flesh — when they must say farewell
to those they love. We do not love Eng;land less if we
love China more ; because God lays the burden of China
on our souls. I was pleased to hear those who spoke to-
night utter a sentiment that seems to me to show their
true apostolical succession. " What matters it though
we should die in China, if it is God's will that we should
die there ? What though we should fall in the fight?"
That was the sentiment. I cannot very well remember
the words ; but it brought to my mind the saying of the
Apostle, " Neither count I my life dear unto me." Oh,
to love the cause of Christ more than we love our lives !
And whilst this spirit of faith is given to them, they
will be sustained, mar\-ellously, gloriously sustained.
They may feel, sometimes, as Luther felt when he said
respecting the mighty ocean, " It pleases God to keep
the great sea in bounds by little bits of sand that He
has put upon the shore ; and He can take the meanest
of us for the mightiest purposes."
I have just said a word to you, then, in general ; but
my thoughts and your thoughts turn to these dear friends
who are about to leave us ; and it may be permitted to
say a word to them. I would first of all say, my dear
friends, do not be surprised if you have heavy trials at
the entrance upon your work. When God said to
Abraham, " Get thee out of thy country and from thy
kindred, and from thy father's house, and go into a land
that I will show thee, and I will bless thee and make
thee a blessing, and make thy name great," Abraham
might have said, " Oh, I shall have a flowery path. I
am going at God's bidding; I am going with
God's guidance ; I am going with faith in His
purposes, for He has declared that He will bless
rae and make me a blessing. I am going with heaven in
view, for I am seeking a better country." But when
the father of the faithful pitched His tent between
Bethel and Hai, there was a famine in the land, and the
first thing that he had to encounter, though he was
leaving home at God's bidding, was a famine.
There are the testing times of our lives, when we are
made to know more of ourselves and more of our God,
and we are shaken and feel that we hold nothing but
Himself. There was a famine in the land. That was
the occasion when Abraham went down into Egypt, and
there he did not build his altar ; and when he had been
there for some time, he had to go back to the place
where the altar had been at the beginning — between
Bethel and Hai.
Oh, in these trying times may our friends have grace
to stand still and see the salvation of God. There may
be the famine, but the Father that puts us there stands
by us. Abraham got no good in Egypt. It is one of
the places where he failed. "They that are of faith
are blessed with faithful Abraham." But if there be a
failure at any time, cast not away your confidence. If
you feel as if all had gone, lay hold again of that cross
on which your Saviour died. Enter again into covenant
with God, and you will say, like the psalmist, " He re-
storeth mysoul : he leadeth me in the paths of righ-
teousness for his name's sake."
When the cry came from Macedonia to the apostles,
" Come over and help us," they went speedily to the
place; and, when they began to preach, their success
with the first converts seemed very great. They went
to the place where prayer was wont to be made, and
found some whose hearts were prepared. But, when
they began to preach, a damsel having a spirit of
divination met them, and went after them, and cried
after them. But when did she do it, though ? When
they were going to prayer. " As we prayed, a damsel
with a spirit of divination, cried out, 'These men are
the sen'ants of the most high God, who show unto us the
way of salvation.' " It is a strange thing to find Satan
through any of his agents speaking the truth; but it
was so. But see what would be the effect. The heathen
would say, "Ah, these men are in league with the evil
spirit of this damsel of divination." The Jews would
immediately say, " Ah, see who Jesus is. He is in league
with the damsel with the spirit of divination. She cried out,
"These are the servants of the most high God;" but,
while she says this, she disturbs them at prayer ! If
Satan was intending to do any good, it was the wrong
time to do it. But when Paul said, " I command thee,
in the name of Jesus, to come out of her," and when the
name of Jesus was shown to be stronger than the spirit
of divination, the place was moved, and Paul and Silas
were thrust into prison. Behold they are in persecu-
tion ; but when they are in prison they sing and praise
God, — never so happy as then.
" Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage,
A holy mind and innocent, calls them a hermitage."
And God will be nearer you, my friends, if you are
called to suffer persecution. Those Scotch people that
went through the period of fierce persecution from
1660 to 1688, and survived them, were asked, when they
v/ere old people, " What part of your life would you like
to live over again?" And they said, "Oh, give us
those good old times of persecution. Christ was never
so near. The Spirit was never so fully in our hearts as
in those good old times." And if you have difficulties,
and if you have persecutions, "consider Him that en-
dured such contradiction of sinners against Himself,
lest ye be weary and faint in your minds."
Again, various references have been made to prayer.
This let me say : whilst you call upon us to plead for
you, which is a right thing, still, if you would be
strong, you will have to remember what Matthew
Henry sa3's : "The golden thread of all prayer must
go through the whole web of life." You will have to
begin when you are awake, and feel, " I am still with
Thee;" and call upon the name of the Lord. You
will have to pray whilst you are speaking to the heathen ;
for you will feel your utter helplessness ; and as when
the Saviour had before him one that was deaf and
had an impediment in his speech, and said, " Be
opened," He looked up and sighed, so may it sometimes
be in your dealings with those who seem so possessed
with evil that it is impossible to find an entrance into
their souls. Look up ! The light will fall on you : the
grace will fall on them. The word will be given : the
power will be given with it.
You will sow and sow and sow ; but you will have to
sow with tears. Weeping and sowing must go together.
But if you continually give yourself to the Word of
God and prayer, you will have many a wonderful answer
to prayer. You will not have to read any books as to
how God can do it. You will live seeing the wonders
of His hand. You will see far more glorious things
amongst the heathen in the displays of divine grace
than you have ever seen at home — more wondrous
things and mightier things — if 3'ou be a pleading, pray-
ing worker.
Whilst we pray as individuals, the Saviour has
given special promise as to united pleading that is put
up unitedly. I have often heard people quote the text,
"If two or three should ask anything in prayer;" but
the Saviour's words are, " If two of you shall agree as
touching anything that ye shall ask, it shall be done for
you by my Father which is in heaven." Get together after
the manner of those of whom I saw a little in Mr. Tay-
lor's hous; in tlie East End of London : get down on your
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
217
knees together. We never read in the Scriptures of an
unsncccssful prayer-meeting. Those who went up to
that upper room prayed, but they prayed for power until
the power came, and it filled them, and it filled the
place, and it moved the city. And when Peter was in
prison they prayed till he came and knocked at the door.
All our other power will be feebler — the power, I mean,
of mere gifts, the power of mere attainments, if we have
not that divine, direct, abundant gift and power of the
Holy Ghost. And I trust that your prayers together
will go up and blend your hearts, and the God of peace
and love will be with you.
I have many things sketched out in my mind, but I
have said all, perhaps, that I now need say. However,
before concluding, I want, in )'our name, dear friends,
to bid these dear missionaries good-bye in the name of
the Lord. I should like, if we could so manage it, that
one or two of themselves should offer prayer before
wo close this service. During the Conference over
which I have presided, I left the most important Com-
mittee of the Conference, and got back where
the body of the brethren were assembled to have
one hour of special prayer for missionaries — for those
who were going out, and it was the most precious hour of
our whole conference. It will never be forgotten. Several
of our brethren were about to return. Some wei"e about
to go to distant lands ; and, whilst they pleaded, their
hearts seemed surcharged with a tender feeling of love
to Christ, yet tempered by the love for home and kin-
dred as their souls were poured out before Him ; and it
moved all our souls. And I believe that, in years after,
we are likely always to have an hour in the middle of
conference specially for the missionaries.
Mr. McAULAY then taking Mr. Rudland by the
hand, said: —
Now, Mr. Rudland, you are going away from us, and
I am sure that our friends will not forget the address
that you have given; and we trust that you will see
many more idols cast out — yea, that in some of those
places they will be utterly abolished : for, if we under-
stand rightly, God intends to do glorious things in our
tim.e. I trust you will be permitted to return again — it
may be after a lapse of time — and declare more abun-
dantly yet that God is with you. Meanwhile, the Lord
be with you. We will not forget you, and you will pray
for us.
Addressing Mrs. Rudland he said : —
You are about to leave us, and our friends who are
here arc glad to see you amongst them to-night. They
will not forget you in their prayers, and you will look
back on this occasion as one in which Christian hearts
were blended with your own. They will feel a greater
interest in your work, because they have seen you
amongst them to-night. The God of Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, be with you and with your husband.
Mr. McAuLAY then in like manner addressed a few
words to each of the missionaries present, and after
prayer by Idr. Smithies this impressive service was
brought to a close.
"I[tir J|$ fxiuttj.
EARTHLY CARE.
A Chinese Slory, translated by Mr. Crombie.
" I overheard the followuig story some time ago, and thought it was a good illustration of Solomon's words — ' The sleep of a labouring man is
sweet, whether he eat little or much, but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep ' (Eccles. v. 12). I have translated it, thinking
that it might be interesting to some who have not heard it.
Formerly there lived a very wealthy man, the possessor of
extensive property, and of a gj-eat amount of gold, silver, and
other kinds of riches. But although wealthy, he was not happy ;
on the contrary, his mind both night and day was full of trouble
and anxiety. Sometimes he was afraid that the heavens might
not rain ; that tlie canals might get dry ; and that, consequently,
his rice-fields might become parched for want of irrigation. At
other times he had no peace of mind lest tliieves sliould break
into his house by night and rob him of his treasures, or that his
property might be destroyed by fire. In a word, from one cause
or another, he never had a moment's peace, nor a sparlc of joy
in his heart.
Now this rich man had a cow-lny — a bright, lively little
fellow, frolicking, jumping, and singing all the day long. When
he went out with the cows in the morning he was full of glee ;
and when he returned at night he was just as ftiU of fun and
happiness as ever. After supper lie lay down on his hard bed,
and slept soundly until daylight, not knowing what was going on
ill the world, and caring as little to know, as he would have done,
if no such world had existed.
The lady of the house, seeing the boy always so full of happi-
ness, while her own husband was going about miserable and
downcast by day, and tossing to and fro on his bed at night,
seeking sleep, but finding none, because of the cares that occu-
pied his mind, began thus to say lo herseif ; — Jly hui i)an(l.
G. Cko-mbie."
although he has so much money and property, still has his
mind full of care, and has no joy either by night or by day.
Why, he has not half so much pleasure of his life as this poor
cow-boy, who, although he only gets a few hundreds of cash a
month, seems never to be anything else but happy. What can
be the reason of this ?
Not long after this she ventured to speak to her husband about
it. She said : — " You know that you are a very rich man ; you
have heaps of money, and a vast amount of property, and yet
you are full of care and trouble, and are always going about
looking so miserable. Your wealth seems to give you no joy,
either by night or by day. You are not nearly so happy as our
poor cow-boy ; he seems to have neither trouble nor anxiety ;
his face is always bright, and he is laughing and singing wherever
you see him. "
'■Just so," replied her husband ; " let us wait until to-morrow.
You just notice how he looks then. I fancy you won't find him
either laughing or singing to-morrow ; neither will his lace be
quite so happy-looking."
The wife promised to notice how the boy appeared next
morning ; but she did not believe that such a change could take
place in the boy in one night as that intimated.
Behind the house in which they lived there were several small
ones, in one of whicli there was a large heap of rice-cliaff. So
the husband took an ingot of silver [value about .^15], and hid
I
2l8
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
it under the chaff. He then called the boy, and told him to
remove the chaff to another house. So the boy got a basket,
and commenced to do as he was told, as usual singing all the
time. By-and-by, when he had got nearly to the bottom of the
heap, he espied the lump of silver, and was greatly delighted ;
for who would not be delighted to find an ingot of silver ? He
then began to wonder where the silver had come from, and who
could have put it amongst the chaff. He thought, Perhaps my
master has hidden it here for safety, and has forgotten all about
It Or perhaps an angel has put it here, intending me to have
it. He then began to think what he should do with it. Per-
haps I ought to give it to my master ; but then I very much
grudge to do that. Perhaps it would be better to hide it ; but
then, if my master should find it out, what would be the conse-
quence ? At last he came to the conclusion that to hide it, for
the present at least, "'ould best suit his own feelings ; and he
purposed to leave his master's service as soon as possible, taking
the silver with him, of course. But now he got very anxious
about the safety of his treasure, and could not sing a bit for
thinking of it. He was also much perplexed to know how he
should use it. Should he buy a piece of land with it, or would
it be better to buy a house? Perhaps a better plan still would
be to lodge it in the bank until the time that he would require a
wife. With these thoughts and cares on his mind, he went to
bed, but he could not sleep a wink for thinking of his riches, and
how he ought to use them. Thus he rolled about on his bed,
wishing for the morning.
At last morning came ; so he got up, and went about his ordi-
nary duties, but his heart was so full of care and anxiety that he
could neither laugh nor sing as he used to do ; in fact, he felt
quite miserable.
By-and-by his mistress came out, and was astonished to find
that he was not singing as on other mornings, and that he
appeared to have some great trouble on his mind. " What can
be the reason of this ? " she said to herself. At last she went U]i
to him, and asked : —
" What's the matter with you to-day ? You seem to be
troubled about something. What is it ? "
" There's nothing the matter with me," replied the boy.
" Are you ill ? " asked his mistress.
"No," replied the boy.
" Well, why are you so troubled ? You are always so merry,
but this morning you look as if something was wrong with you."
"There's nothing wrong with me," replied the boy.
In a short time the master called his wife, and asked,^
" Well, have you seen the cow-boy this morning ? "
"Yes," replied his wife.
" What does he look like? " asked the husband.
"I cannot understand him at all," replied the wife; "he
seems as if he had something lying heavily on his mind."
" Is he singing? " asked the husband.
" No, he is not singing a bit," said the wife.
" Or laughing ? " asked the husband.
"No, he is not laughing either," said the wife; "he is
most miserable-looking. I have asked him what was the
matter, but he said there was nothing. I really cannot under-
stand him."
" You do not understand him, but /do," replied the husband.
"I told you yesterday that I would soon put a stop to his
laughing and singing. And you just see if I won't as soon
make him sing again."
The wife heard this, but could not make out what her hus-
band meant to do.
By-and-by the master called the boy, and said —
" Boy, I told you yesterday to remove the chaff— have you
done it?"
" Yes," replied the boy.
"But I had a lump of silver amongst the chaff; did you see
it ? Go and bring it to me, and I will give you 2000 cash (eight
or nine shillings) to buy a suit of clothes for yourself"
When the boy heard these words, his countenance changed,
and he could not utter a word ; but he thought to himself, Ah !
my master knows all about it then. Very likely he put it
amongst the chaff to see if I was honest or not. So there is no
help for it ; I must just give it up to him.
Much against his will, he went to his sleeping-place, took the
silver out of his bed, and returned it to his master, who, accord-
ing to his promise, gave him 2,000 cash. The boy took the
cash, and put it where he had formerly hidden the silver, and
was exceedingly pleased that he would now be able to purchase
a new suit of clothes. And now that he had got rid of the
trouble that the lump of silver had given him, which was the
only care that he had ever had, he began to laugh and sing again
as formerly.
When the wife heard him singing, and saw him frolicking
about as usual, she was astonished, and said to her husband —
" Dear me ! just to think that an ingot of silver could have
given the boy so much trouble as it has done. Who would have
dreamt of such a thing ? "
Her husband replied — "You see how much trouble and
anxiety that single ingot of silver gave the boy. How then
can I, who have so many ingots, be without trouble and
care ? "
Does not this show you that the adage is true — ' ' When riches
increase, cares also increase."
{Continued J rotn J>age 205.)
PRIVATE SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS.
Ancestral worship is of great antiquity, and is always
performed in about the same way, and at the same time
of the year. It consists in the worship of, and the pre-
sentation of various offerings to, the tombs or tablets of
deceased ancestors. The period for making these offer-
ings is one hundred and five or six days after thewinter
solstice, say about the 6th of April. It continues in season
for three or four weeks. This season is called Ch'mg-
ming. On the first day men from distant provinces
spread vast quantities of yellow paper, cut in the form of
strings of cash, on the graves belonging to the various
Way-quans.
The natives, male and female, dressed in their best
attire, repair on any day of this season to their family
graves ; and not unfrequently add fresh earth, to show
that they are watched. The master of ceremonies directs
the arrangement of the offerings, usually a fowl or fish,
and sometimes a pig's head and tail, wine, lighted candles,
incense, a straw basket or straw house in rriiniature filled
with die7i. Sometimes a paper trunk with lock and key,
paper sedans for those who are fond of sedan riding,
paper horses for the equestrian, writing materials for the
literary man, and paper boats for the boat-man, are in-
cluded among the offerings. While the combustible por-
tion is being consumed, the sam-shu (native spirits) is
poured over, to increase the flame and render that fluid
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
219
ENTRANCE TO A CHINESE TEMPLE. (See fage 213.)
invisible for the use of the spirits for whom it is intended.
As the blaze of the burning mass ascends, the master of
ceremonies kneels before his offerings, and bows his head
to the ground nine times, precisely in the same manner
(but with more reverence) that tney do in the temples
' before their deities. His example is followed by all the
other members of the family present.
The offerings which are consumed are supposed to be
transmitted in an available form to the parties for whom
they were designed. The spirits are supposed to draw
near and partake of X}a^ flavor of the viands that are not
consumed. What remains is taken home, to be used at
the family feast on the occasion. This rite, differing only
in the quantity and quality of the offerings made, is per-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
formed in this way. and at this season, by every Chinese
family except evangehcal christians. The poor usually
present little else besides a basket of dieii.
THE ONE POINT OF UNION.
On any clear day during CKing-ming, the smoke may
be seen ascending from scores of extemporised altars
round about Shanghai. However much the Chinese may
be divided in other matters, as rehgions, dialects, degrees
of intelligence, wealth, &c., they form a unit in regard to
this rite, both as to time and manner, and I believe it is
the only point on which they are united. A man may be
a highway robber, but he will return home at the regular
period for worship at the ancestral tombs. A high official
may be excused for the neglect of an important duty, if he
can plead that he was attending to the sacred rites of
ancestral worship. It is a duty that takes precedence of
all others ; and when faithfully perfonried is a virtue that
hides a multitude of sins. A man may discard any or all
the other forms of religion, but this he dare not. The
perpetuity and prosperity of his family, and the comfort
and repose of his ancestors, depend upon it. It is the one
idea that excites in the Chinese mind afeelingof awe and
reverence.
From the foregoing it is evident that ancestral worship
enlists the three strongest passions of the human heart ;
parental aflection, self love, and human fear. The latter
is undoubtedly the predominant feeling ; for, in speaking
of the neglect of this rite on the part of others, they only
speak of the consequences to themselves and others who
are not guilty. I know there are those who regard the
whole matter of ancestral worship as commendable rever-
ence for parents, &c. Some even deny that it is worship.
Such a view of the subject is superficial, and arises from
ignorance of the true character of Chinese worship. If
worshipping at the tombs and before the ancestral tablets
is not worship, then the worship of their idols is not wor-
ship. The form and manner is the same, the offerings
in a great degree are the same, and the motive of the
worshippers is the same - -the desire for prosperity, pro-
motion, and immunity from sickness and calamity. This
is about all that a Chinaman desires or expects from his
v.'orship, and he expects all of this from the worship of
his ancestors.
III. PUBLIC OFFERINGS.
That form of worshipping the dead most patent to the
uninitiated may be denominated a public charity. It con-
sists in offerings made lay public contributions to the poor
dea:l, or rather to those whose burial places are not
known, and consequently cannot be sacrificed to, or if
knov.'n have no one to sacrifice to them. There are three
of these festivals each year : one at CKing-ming, one the
15th of the 7th moon, and one the first of the loth moon.
They date back no farther than the first years of the
Mings. I believe it was the first Emperor of that dynasty
who lost the bodies of his father and mother. Grieved
at the thought of not being able to adminster to their
comfort, and fearing lest his apparent neglect to them
might prejudice his good fortune, he decreed that all his
subjects should sacrifice three times a year to the names
of those whose burial places were not known ; hoping
that by the free-will offerings of the whole population the
spirits of the lost would be appeased, and the tranquillity
of the realm be preserved. While this is the reputed
origin of these public charities : the mass of the people
have in a great measure lost sight of it, and contribute
mainly to appease the names of the thousands who have
died in their midst unprovided for. They regard all such
pretty much in the same light that they do the living
beggars who come to their doors ; and their main object
in contributing to either is to induce them to leave.
Shopmen, who do not wish to be annoyed by professional
beggars, can avoid it by paying a certain sum regularly
to the king of the beggars, who will place a mark over
their doors that is readily understood by all the craft.
Thus they hope, by contributing at regular periods for
their coiiifort, in like manper to be exempt from annoy-
ance by the forlorn in the other world.
One of these festivals passed off during the last month.
Judging from the quantity of paper sycee paraded with
din gong, and burned in our streets, one is forced to the
conclusion that the Chinese are much more liberal to the
dead than they are to the living poor. At each of these
festivals there is a grand parade of the idols of the city.
At Shanghai five of these conservators of the public peace
are carried in large sedans, with imposing processions,
through all the main streets of the city. The same thing
is done in every city in the empire. They are expected
to pass in or out at every city gate.
PROCESSIONS OF IDOLS.
The procession of each of these dignitaries, including
the insignia of authority, is an exact counterpart of that of
a high mandarin in the world of light. The sedan is borne
by eight men, preceded by the usual corps of criers,
lictors, gongs, and those burdened with insignia of
authority, and mounted couriers ; while it is followed by
the usual number of advisers and seen-saiigs in sedans,
mounted body guard, &c., &c. Coolies follow with long
bamboos on which are suspended the contributions in dien.
The procession is often followed by many penitents —
females with hair dishevelled and chains about their
necks ; men manacled and chains about their necks ;
and even small children carried by nurses in the same
state of self-inflicted punishment. These penitents have
been the subject of some calamity ; and attribute it either
to infidelity to their own ancestors, or to some unknown
spirit, and take this method of expressing their penitence
before the gods.
Every family in the city is expected to contribute at
least one hundred cash (ten cents). The wealthy often
contribute large sums of money. The expense of these
processions is borne out of the contributions in money.
During several succeeding nights, a deputation of priests
from the various temples, with gongs and a grand pro-
cession of lanterns and torch lights, accompanied by men
carrying any quantity of the contribution in die?i or money
for the dead, traverse every street or road and alley within
the city and its vicinity, and burn a portion of the dicn
at every cross street, road, path, alley, bridge, jetty, and
along the borders of the river and canals. They suppose
that the dead, who have no one to sacrifice to them, are
wandering about in a forlorn condition, like beggars seek-
ing for the means of support and comfort.
Other priests not connected with the city temples, avail
themselves of the excited state of the public mind to do a
small business on their own account. They start a suId-
scription for the good of the particular neighbourhood in
which they live, and raise one or two hundred taels.
They spend perhaps half of the amount in burning dieji
along the streets of the neighbourhood in which the money
was contributed, and the balance they appropriate to their
own use. Many individuals, knowing that their contribu-
tions, if delivered to others, may not be applied to the
object for which they are designed, burn a quantity of
dicn in the street before their own door, in order that they
may be credited with, and derive full benefit of a con-
triljution for the suffering dead, &c. The distribution of
this public charity continues for days, until, in fact, a
portion has been distributed in every place supposed to
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
221
be frequented by the destitute of the world of d.arkness.
Precisely the same thing is repeated three times each
year. Those who wish to see it verified, can do so by
placing themselves in a position to witness the processions
and proceedings of the next festival on the first of the
loth moon.
{To be concluded.)
(Conchided from j>age 209.)
FROM THE JOUBTiTAL OF MR. H. SOLTAU.
MANDALAY TO BIIAMO.
Thursday, September y:itk. Started at 6.30 this morning,
soon losing sight of Mandalay. In about two hours time we
came within sight of an extraordinary ruin on the right bank of
the river, called the Mingoon Pagoda, of which Colonel Yule
says, " It was built by the great-grandfather of the present king,
who died in 1S19. He spent 20 years of the early part of his
reign in piling together this monstrous mass of brick and mortar,
employing on it the unpaid services of a vast number of his
subjects, besides expending, it is said, 10,000 viss of silver. A
viss is equal to 3lbs.''
We continued our course up the river, the scenery becoming
more and more lovely as we got further north. On the right
hand distant ranges of lofty mountains, and to the left the Shan
mountains, and richly wooded hills. At length we reached a
narrow defile, which reminded me of some parts of the river
Dart, only infinitely grander ; passing through the narrow strip
we emerged into a splendid piece of water, much broader, and
apparently enclosed by a lofty range of mountains, over which,
and down the side of which, floated lazily fleecy white clouds.
CELEBRATED TAME FISH.
At 5-30 p.m. we anchored off a little island called Thi-ka-dou.
A small village at the right bank of the river bears the same
name. After dinner, before sundown, a party of us went across
in one of the ship's boats to the island, on which is situated a seven
terrace-roofed monastery and temple. On reaching the island we
■ disembarked, and asked to see the tame fish, for whicli the river
here is famous. We walked across the island and down the bank
to a little boat that lay alongside. A Burman with a dish of boiled
rice got into the boat, and commenced calling the fish in a high-
toned voice, using the S3'llable "tet, tet." Presently he threw
some rice into the river, and some large, ugly fish rose and
gulped it down. The captain and I, who had also got into the
boat, fed them with some bread we had brought from the ship.
They came quite close to the boat's side, so that you could easily
touch them. They are very large, with blunt, wide mouths,
and bodies from two to four feet in length. Their heads re-
semble in shape that of a dog-fisli ; they swallowed large pieces
of bread and balls of rice, lifting their heads cjuite out of the
water in order to catch the morsels of food.
The fisir are sacred, and it is unlawful to kill them. When
feeding them, tlie men stroke their backs, and seem very proud
of them. It is believed there are a large number in this part of
the river ; but I could only count four or five. Mr. Rose was
here seven years ago, when making a journey by boat to Bhamo.
Grand boat races were going on, for which hundreds of people
had assembled ; and he says the fish then jumped high out of the
water to catch the food offered them. On these festive occasions
men sometimes catch a fish in their hands, and after covering
his back with gold leaf, return him to his native element. The
Poungyees who live on the island feed them daily.
On the other side of the island may be seen eight large bells
of Shan workmanship, having vei-y nice tones. On striking
them all I found there was not a complete octave. The bells
are continually struck on festival days, and the sounds wafted
across the water are very sweet.
NOVEL KIND OF RAFT.
We returned to the vessel before dark, highly amused and
interested by all we had seen. Another strange thing I noticed
to-day was a novel kind of raft, formed of large empty earthen
jars, tied together to bamboo poles. These are so tied that
the water cannot get into them, and form a very safe, light raft.
Rows of other jars are piled upon these to contain grain, etc.,
which is thus conveyed from one place to another.
The piinciple birds that v/e notice as we pass along are pelicans,
standing on the sandy islets, and fishing with their long, pouch-
like jjills. In one or two places we have passed swarms of
monkeys. Those I saw were very small, with short tails, of a
reddish-brown colour.
Friday, October \st. — After dark we anchored at Shwee-goo-
myo, a moderate-sized village on the left bank of the river. A
number of men, women, and children, were sitting under the
liglit of large wood fires watching our approach. Large stacks
of wood had been gathered in the prospect of our coming,
and the captain and engineer were soon in treaty with the
people for the purchase of 20,000 sticks, which they sell at
the rate of nine rupees a thousand, including delivery on board.
Till I a.m., troops of women and girls, with a few men,
weie busily engaged carrying loads of wood on their heads to
the hold of the steamer. They made a great noise as they
passed along, close where we weie lying, and it was some
time before we became sufficiently accustomed to it to sleep.
The women were greatly amused at seeing me take off my
socks. Of course we have to dress and undress in public.
The mosquitoes are very troublesome.
NEAR THE JOURNEY'S END.
Sunday, October yd. — One of the most eventful days in
our missionary life. " And so he bringeth them into their
desired haven." We did not leave Slrwee-goo-myo until about
seven, in consequence of a dense fog, accompanied by pouring
rain. The cloud lifted then and we started, although the rain
continued for several hours. The river became much narrower
as we entered
THE FAMOUS DEFILE.
The banks were low and beautifully wooded, and as wo
proceeded were more and more undulating, and gradually rose
higher, till they became lovely hills lying in front of a fine range
of mountains, between which the river wound in a zigzag way in
and out. Before us was an apparently impassable range of
mountains ; but on approaching them, we found the river turned
sharply round to the left, and passing through this narrov/
defile we entered a second lake.
Many curious weird-like effects were produced by the fog and
low-hanging-clouds. Down to the water's edge, on the steep hill-
sides greiv all kinds of tropical plants, from tender emerald,
creeping ferns, to stately forest trees, interspersed with many
kinds of palms. Luxuriant vine-like creepers were festooned
from tree to tree, and here and there, down a narrow ravine,
dashed a little water-fall. Now and then you might see one or
two huts standing on an elevated spot among the trees, or a
pagoda perched on an apparently inaccessible rock.
In some parts, large rough patches of reddish limestone rock
stood out amidst the rich, green foliage ; or a blueish precipice
sprung sheer up from the water's edge. On a flat ledge of rock
to our left, I saw two little figures, apparently only 30 or 40 feet
from us, and exclaimed, "Oh, look at those two brown
monkeys," but on examining them through a glass I found they
were men ! This will show the deceptive character of the
sceneiy. The river here was quite 400 feet wide.
Passing on, we saw a few hnts, and occasional traces of human
habitation, but, for the most part, nature had it all her own way.
The mighty Irrawaddy was here kept in check by the noble
mountains on its banks. In one place the steamer whisded ; the
echoes were good, though not so striking as those in Killarney.
We wound in and out among the mountains for about an hour
and a-half, the rain still falling heavily, and swelling the moun-
tain streams and waterfalls that dashed down among the trees
into the river.
222
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Elegant creepers of every shade of green were very striking ;
here and there a log on the ground was half covered with vege-
tation, but so few dead trees were to be seen that we were stinick
by the absence of any sign of decay. On looking closer through
the grass I discovered the cause of this. There are numbers of
dead mthered trees, but they are so covered in every part with
verdant creepers that in the distance they appear alive.
APPROACHING BHAMO.
At length we left all this beauty behind us — the hills gradu-
ally disappeared, the river widened, and we had only low banks
on either side, with reedy grass and paddy land. Until coming
nearly within sight of Bhamo the views were very tame, but
round the city are some fine hills, especially to the north-west.
The ringing of the bell, and slackening pace of the engines,
told us that we were drawing near the scene of our future lives
and labours. A long line of bamboo houses, with a few open
pig-pens behind, which we saw as the backs of the houses were
towards the river, were the first indications of the town of Bhamo.
This is a small place. In the distance is an undulating jungle,
in the foreground a few pagodas and kyoungs, and far up the
river towards the north the house in which Captain Cooke, the
English political resident, lives.
The usual crowd of men, women, and children sat on the shore
to await our arrival. Amongst the group was a large proportion
of Chinese, a few wild-looking Kakhyiens, a few Burmese, and
several Shans. Here are our future congregation. May the
Lord give us the patience, love, and power we shall need to live
and work amongst them.
FIRST VISIT TO THE GOVERNOR.
Monday, Oct. i,th. — Our letter from the king, containing in-
stractions to the Woon-douk, or Burmese magistrate, to give the
missionaries a site for building on, and to offer them every assist-
ance in his power, having been forwarded to him, the Woon-
douk sent at 10 a.m. to say he was ready to see us.
Accordingly we walked up to his residence, which was a group
of Burmese bamboo houses surrounded by a high fence. We
ascended a flight of wooden steps, and leaving our shoes at the
top, stepped into the reception chamber, an open bamboo-floored
room.
Seated on a mat was the Woon-douk, a pleasant -faced, intelli-
gent-looking Burman. Having shaken hands with him, we also
squatted down on some mats made of a kind of drugget. After
the usual compliments and introductory speeches, he told us we
had better look all over the place and let him know what ground
we should like for our compounds. We asked him where we
could stay for the present, and he told us there were some zayats
about and we could choose whichever we liked. Having thanked
him for his kindness we took our leave, being accompanied by
his clerk, who is able to speak English. We soon found a com-
paratively new zayat. It is a simple wooden shed, closed in on
all sides, and standing close to the road. This we have taken
and are about to move into it, until we have obtained a house of
our own. The Woon has ordered boats to come and take away
our things, and has issued instractions to the head man of the
district that we are not to be molested. The men are all fierce-
looking people, especially the Kakhyiens. They all carry ugly-
looking "dahs" or long knives for self-defence.
IN THE ZAYAT.
Tuesday, Oct. ^th. — We are settling into our new abode, which,
as I have already said, is a long wooden building. The side
facing the road is composed of eight wooden shutters, suspended
by iron hooks and rings from the upper beam. These shutters
open like flaps, and are kept up when open on bamboo poles.
The other three sides of the zayat are of wood with little
windows in them, which are mere openings with small shutters.
Unfortunately the roof leaks, and we find it difficult to write,
having no place free from droppings.
At one end of the room lie our three mattresses on the floor,
the musquito curtains suspended over them by cords. The
centre of the room is occupied by a large box containing Bur-
mese tracts, which serves as a table for writing and dining on —
around it are grouped our boxes, chairs, &c. The other end is
occupied by our servants, who use part of it as a pantry and
sleeping place. Many visitors are continually walking in upon
us without ceremony to examine our things and watch us at our
meals. At this moment the presence of eight or nine Poungees,
in long yellow robes, considerably interferes with my writing,
as they block up the light ; but I have not the impoliteness to
request them to retire.
The town measures about a mile and a-half from the south to
the north gate, but it is only a quarter of a mile (or even less)
broad at the widest part. It is surrounded on three sides by a
wooden fenceor stockade, which is in a most dilapidated condition,
so that in some places bullocks ean easily pass in and out.
There are three large wooden gates in this stockade, north,
south, and east. The west side is bounded by the river.
The Chinese Temple is the most substantial structure we have
seen in Bhamo — being built of burnt brick resembling grey
stone, and the roof covered with brick tiles.
Our hard work is now about to commence : we shall need all
your prayers for patience and strength, for health and preserva-
tion. How many prayers have already been answered, how
many yet remain to be answered? We shall soon together
rejoice, and praise God for all the way He has led us.
MB. JACKSON" writes :— "Mr. Williamson has just been
to T'ai-ping and baptized eight people there. I think you ought
to have a praise-meeting at Pyrland Road for what the Lord has
done, is doing, and will do if we labour in faith."
U DJIJN-YIAO says:— "Mr. Williamson or Mr.
Jackson will have told you about the Din-tsi members. I have
been there three years now, and, thank God, His Word has been
gradually prospering until now there are ten or more converts
and two inquirers. Of the Din-tsi members four are from
Yiang-fu-miao, a village five miles away ; they have just opened
a preaching-station in their own village that the Gospel may be
preached, and that they themselves may leam more of the Bible.
The rent they and I find between us. May we see much fruit !
I spend three days a week there and three at Din-tsi."
MB. CEOMBIE sends a very interesting letter telling of
two baptisms at T'ien-t'ai. We hope to insert further details in
a future number.
MB. WILLIAMSON, besides mentioning the eight
converts at T'ai-ping, tells us that on the 28th of May he bap-
tized two men at Din-tsi — one a middle-aged man living in the
neighbourhood, and the other a young man living at a village
some three miles away. He says that there are more in-
quirers at T'ai-ping, at Din-tsi, and also at Ky'-i-'6 and
W6ng.ng£en.
MISS WILSON writes from Wu-ch'ang : — " I am making
a little more sensible progress in Chinese. I had a pleasant after-
noon of visiting with Mrs. John and her eloquent Bible-woman.
Will you join us in prayer that we may have one. I might
begin visiting regularly, and gain much, and show love. I must
try a little by myself.
MB. JUDD sends some interesting details of work among
the villages, of which we hope to give an account in our next.
The Spirit of God seems to be working in the hearts of many.
Will friends pray that those who have heard the word may be
led to give up all for Christ, and may not be hindered by the
fear of man.
TIDINGS FBOM MB. TAYLOB. We have re-
ceived good tidings from Aden from Mr. Taylor and party
(Misses Desgraz, Huberty, Crickmay, Home, Murray, and
Hughes, and Mr. A. IV. iVills). The voyage thus far had been
a quick and calm one ; all were well, and enjoying happy fellow-
ship together. We have also good tidings from Mr. and Mrs.
Rudland. Before this is in the hands of our readers they will
all be due in China, and will then especially need to be upheld
in prayer.
ME. AND MBS. C. T. FISHE. We are thankful to
announce that Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Fishe have just arrived in
England in safety.
c
HINA'S
M
ILLIONS.
A COUNTRY SCENE IN CHINA.
[_Co7icluded from ;page 213.)
XII.— HWANG-YEN TO "WUN-CHAU.
HWANG-YEN.
\Ve are awakened, before daylight has fully come on,
by the noise of the coolies who are unloading boats
moored by our side, under the wall of the city ; and thus
we find that while v.e were sleeping, the journey was com-
pleted. The boatmen suggest that we should lose no time
in taking ourselves and our effects off. If we are quick,
and they are successful in getting another fare without
delay, they will be down at the fork of the stream again
before the ebb has finished, and with the rise of the tide
be carried up to T'ai-chau.
It is right that we should seek to oblige them, for to
them time is money, and the very moderate amount they
have charged us for the journey would not be remunera-
tion were they to lose twelve hours. Accepting therefore
their willingly rendered help, we pack up our bedding,
NO. 18. — DECEMBER, 1876.
call for a porter to convey it, and going ashore enter
the well-built city. Its fine broad streets bespeak
prosperity, and the quietness with which we are able
to prosecute our journey tells us that, though it is
early morning, everyone is busy about his own affairs,
and has little time or inclination to indulge in idle curi-
osity. It would be otherwise in the afternoon ; with less
than half the people in the streets we should have more
than double the number of followers.
We reach the Mission house after a long walk, and
are warmly welcomed by our brother the native helper
here. He is most anxious to prepare us some breakfast,
but this we mil not allow him to do ; we will rather pro-
ceed to one of the native eating-houses, where, for the
cost of about IS., he and we may breakfast together in
much less time than it would take to cook a meal for our
benefit. The most fastidious would surely enjoy such a
224
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
breakfast as we can here procure. The rice is elean, and
the gravies which tliey prepare witli their various dishes
make it most tasty. We have, too, cabbage, carrot,
turnip, fried fish, and fried meat, hberally supplied for tlie
sum we have mentioned. Substantial as this meal is we
are fully prepared to do it justice. Living almost in the
open air — speaking in the streets and rest pavilions for
hours each day — spending a good deal of time too in
walking, all fits one for enjoying the simple and wholesome
diet that we can procure in most places ; and helps down
"too in a remarkable manner the fare of some country
districts, that under other circumstances would be far
from palatable.
We cannot do much in the morning, as everyone is
busily occupied, so we take the opportunity of walking
round tlie city and familiarizing ourselves with its extent
and peculiarities. We call also on two or three persons to
whom our native Christians introduce us, and are received
in a very friendly manner. The afternoon we are able to
spend to better advantage. Our mission hall is kept con-
tinually full, for as some go out others come in. It
requires considerable skill to improve the time under these
circumstances. A long disquisition would never do, as
few persons are able to stay for more than ten or twenty
minutes, and consequently we must seek to put forcibly,
importart points and important truths, illustrating them
as well as we are able. So doing, seed may be scattered
that will germinate and appear after many days. Such
has been our experience. The work at the next station
(Dien-tsi) was the result of God's blessing upon seed
sown in this manner in this city.
We take our evening meal with our native brother, and
then after a little prayer with him, leave by boat for Dien-
tsi, ten miles to the east of this city.
After a night's rest in the boat, we awake to find ourselves
in a large and important town called Lu-gyiao, about three
miles from Dien-tsi. Here again we breakfast in an eat-
ing house, where we leave our bedding and luggage, and
spend some time in selling a few portions of Scripture
and tracts to the market people, who assemble in large
numbers from the surrounding district. We are at once
recognized as belonging to the religion of Jesus ; for
THE TEMPLE AT DIEN-TSI
Was a well known spot, and its conversion to a Chris-
tian chapel became the occasion of wide-spread remark,
and not a little enquiry. *
After a morning of special encouragement we set out
for Dien-tsi itself. The walk through the fields is most
refreshing. Scores of beautiful bamboo, camphor, and
tallow trees, and large orchards of oranges, which are one
of the staple productions of this valley, variegate the
appearance of the fields, which at this time of the year
are covered with wheat and beans.
At length we see the mission premises some little dis-
tance before us. They are surrounded, not by a wall,
but by a high hedge of bamboos, perhaps some twelve or
fifteen feet in height, and as we draw nearer, we find that
this hedge is again surrounded by a little moat full of
water — a protection far from uncommon in some parts of
the country, and which tells of troublous times in the past,
though all is so peaceful now.
I In front of the temple a well-stocked vegetable garden
fills up the enclosure, into which we have scarcely
entered before we are welcomed by the beaming face of
our Christian hostess, her husband having gone to the
market at Lu-gyiao. Some of the neighbours soon learn,
we scarcely know by what magic, of our arrival ; and by
them messengers are sent to the various native Christians,
of whom there are now, thank God, between a dozen and
twenty in connection with this out station.
We enter the little temple — no longer a temple for the
worship of false gods — and see the chair once occupied
by the " goddess of mercy," and the recesses in which the
idols that many have seen in England were formerly
placed to receive the adoration of the villagers.
Mrs. Ling strikes us as a model Chinese Christian
woman ; one whose appearance does not leave the im-
pression that the religion of Jesus is a melancholy sub-
stitute for heathenism. She evidently has not found it
so ; she most thoroughly believes in the hymn we often
sing, in China as well as in England :
" Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away."
She was at one time a Buddhist nun, and knows all
about that system ; and now (as she often tells the women
around her), though she does not yet know very much of
Christ, the little she does know she would not part with
for the world.
Here comes bur brother, the carpenter, from Lu-gyiao,
and with him DjUn-yiao, the evangelist. They learnt at
Lu-gyiao of our arrival, and have brought on all our
things, not intending if they can possibly help it to allow
us to go on. We must at least stop a week with them.
That being out of the question, at any rate we are to stay
over the Sunday. They tell us of so many villages that
must be visited, and of persons in an interested state of
mind here and there, whom it would never do to pass
by, that we allow ourselves to be persuaded to spend two
or three days with them. We occupy the mornings and
afternoons (after an early public service in the temple)
in visiting the neighbouring towns and villages ; and at
each place we are constrained to exclaim, " The fields are
indeed white to the harvest."
A couple of missionaries might be employed with the
greatest advantage at this one outstation, and it would
soon be a time of reaping rather than of mere sowing.
The Sunday we spend very much as the one was spent
in T'ai-chan a week ago. If some part of our congrega-
tion is less intelligent than that we had in the prefectural
city, they fully make up in attention and earnestness for
that deficiency. One cannot but feel that there are
many honest hearts and true, who are longing for some-
thing better than heathenism can give, and that labour
here would soon repay a hundredfold the prayers, and
tears, and toil, that were expended on it. Oh, that the
people of God could be stirred up from their apathy !
Why are so many staying at home in comparative sloth,
while there is such virgin soil within two months' journey
of them ? Souls, among whom four months' study of
vernacular Chinese would enable them to begin work.
Shall we not cry to the great Lord of the harvest to thrust
forth more labourers into this most promising portion of
the field ?
t'ai-ping-hien.
Our time has rapidly flown by. Taking a night journey
from Lu-gyiao we find ourselves at dawn at T'ai-ping-hien,
the capital of the last county in T'ai-chau. The city
itself is smaller than that of Hwang-yen, but the popula-
tion can scarcely be less ; for the ground is very thickly
covered with houses, whilst the streets are narrow, and
there are none of those vacant places found in most
Chinese cities. How our hearts have ached when we
visited this city on previous occasions, and saw the
teeming multitudes that assemble every market day, in
addition to the large population of the city ! We knew
that they were without God, and without hope in the
world, while no means existed for making known to them
the blessings of salvation. We share in the joy with
which our brother, Mr. Jackson, baptized the five who
were the first fruits of our work in this city, in Nov. 1875.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
225
Tlieir spirit may be well inferred from the reply they
made to Mr. Jackson, when he asked them \vhether they
would rather be baptized at Dien-tsi, or in their native
district. They answered, " By all means here ; if we
went to Dien-tsi few would know of it ; but if we are
baptized here it will spread far and wide, and it will be a
testimony for God." We thank God for that old man
baptized at 73 years of age — probably the same as the
one we met with a year before, who was so burdened
because he knew not what to do with his sins. And we
thank God for the younger converts, who may have a
longer time to serve Him here, and for those who have
been brought in subsequently to those first fruits. Some
of them have borne persecution and beating for Christ's
sake, but have stood firm. May God increase their
number and grant that the Gospel may be sounded forth
by them throughout the surrounding regions.
Here, too, we spend a happy and busy day. After an
evening service with the converts and as many of the
neighbours as our mission room wll hold, we
SET OUT FOR WUN-CHAU.
The row through the night brings us to Weng-ling :
here we leave the boat and have a walk of a few miles
across a mountain-pass. We cannot say that every pro-
spect pleases- -for there is one great drawback, the poppy
that is universally cultivated in this district for the pro-
duction of opium.
The people, though very rough and wild, are kind, and
if wisely dealt with, friendly. Arriving at an inlet of the
the sea, we engage a boat for the remainder of the journey
to Wun-chau, a journey which, if favoured with fine weather
and fair wind, is speedily accomplished and afford us many
charming views as we skirt along the coast. Ascending
the Wun-chau river with the tide in our favour, in a few
hours we see the beautiful island with its two pagodas
which lies opposite to the city of Wun-chau. On landing
we find coolies to convey our luggage, and make our way
to our mission premises, where we are welcomed by our
friends, Mr. and Mrs. Stott, with whom we are to spend
the first few days of our visit. Mr. & Mrs. Jackson live in
another part of the city. The view of the beautiful trees
that abound in and near this city, given as our frontis-
piece, will give some idea of one of its special features of
interest. A more charming place we have not seen in
China. Leaving however its beauty to be explored, we
conclude this stage of our journey.
ymtt$0t| ^urfc itt !f n-ttntt.
BT MB. M. HENRY TAYLOR.
You will be glad to hear of our safe return from our
third journey. We have nothing but the goodness and
faithfulness of God to record. He has favoured us with
the best of health, and with more success than has often
attended more faithful labour.
Considering how much there is — both in ourselves and
in the people — unfavourable to the attainment of that
which we so much desire, namely, the evangelisation of
Ho-nan, we are constrained, after reviewing what has
been done since April, 1875, to thank God and take
courage. Our past experience has given us ample op-
portunity of making " Ebenezer," the motto of the
Mission, our own.
We have been greatly cheered by the reception the
people have given us everywhere. Were it not for the
unfriendliness of the mandarins and literati, the gospel
would have great and speedy Iriumphs in this province.
In spite of their opposition it is winning its way. And
when once our work has fairly begun, and we are settled
there, its success may be more decided than at present.
Much time is lost by this necessary running back and
forward. Many who, could we have stayed to watch
over them, might have remained unto this day, have re-
turned to wallow in the mire ; others in more favourable
circumstances have remained firm, and are growing in
the knowledge of the truth. I am anxious to return at
once to these, fearing lest they should enter into the
temptation of the devil making all our labour in vain.
At Tso-chau-k'eo we preached eleven days, and got
very large crowds daily, but we did not see much of that
inquiring spirit which indicates present dissatisfaction
and longing after higher things. A few came to our
inn, with whom we had pointed and encouraging con-
versations. Whether any seed of truth have fallen into
their hearts to bear fruit unto everlasting life we cannot
say. I am more and more impressed with the importance
of this place, and the advantage of having a house here,
providing we are allowed to work unmolested. There
is, I think, no place in the whole province where at pre-
sent a better work could be done.
After preaching there we purposed going up to the
capital, and made our arrangements accordingly, when,
the night before starting, we heard of a plot against our
lives [see last number], which induced us to alter our
plans. We turned off instead to Kuei-Teh-Fu, where
we preached several days.
We made our first attempt to get a house at Ch'oh-
shau-hien (see China's Millions, No 5, page 60), and
succeeded with the help of Mr. Mu. We had visited
this place twelve months before, and were much im-
pressed by the kindness the people manifested toward
us. It is the nearest hien city in Ho-nan to our present
head-quarters. This and other advantages which it com-
bines led us to choose it. We got a house without any
difficulty. When we told the landlord who we were and
what we came to do he refused at first, thinking we were
Roman Catholics, but consented when we showed him
we were not. He has no objection to my Jiving there.
It is a large house of about one hundred rooms, only
;part of which is rented by us. It has a second story, is
lofty and well built, and will serve our purpose well for a
time. The rent is very moderate, being only 25,000
cash a year [between £i\ and ^5], all included. Praise
the Lord for His goodness to us.
We engaged Mr. Mu and left him there, while we
went on with our usual work higher up the province.
His home is within a day's journey of the place, where
there are ten or fifteen persons waiting- for baptism,
most of whom I have seen — ^very satisfactory cases in-
deed. We hope to baptise them when I return,
which I shall do (D.V.) in a few days from this date.
We left Yao Si-fu with Mr. Mu till we return, hoping
that this would be a great help to the latter, as well as
to the work generall)'.
We baptised Mr. Mu and another gentleman at Ju-
ning Fu on the 4th of April, the first-fruits of Ho-nan
unto Christ, the earnest, I trust, of thousands.
Mr. Clarke has been throughout the journey of great
help to me. Closer acquaintance has only heightened
the opinion I had formed of him. I am well in health,
but my nervous system is somewhat weakened by the
effects of those three journeys. I must now conclude,
earnestly desiring youf prayers and those of God's
people.
)\t ^mxmnvt^ §nlh
By Edward Howe, Jun.
-S3E
i
m
: — "3- — , ■&
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eomes a strange and secret > Spirit,
wliisper to my .......> ,,..,. )
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like a dream of night, that tells mfe I ain on en-chant - ed ground.
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321
Chorus for First Four Verses.
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teach all
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Chorus for Last Verse.
fcz3=^
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Through a
-V^Tj-
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ter - nal years,
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Through a
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iti
2. Why live I here? the vows of God are | on me; | and I may not stop to play with shadows or pluck earthly | flowers, | till I
my work have done, and | rendered up ac- | -count. [country.
3. And I will I go ! I I may no longer doubt to give up friends and idol | hopes, | and ev'ry tie that binds my heart to | thee, my |
4. Henceforth then, it matters not, if storm or sunshine be my | earthly lot, | bitter or sweet my | cup : | I only pray: "God make
me holy, and my spirit nerve for the stem | hour of | strife ! "
5. And when one for whom Satan hath struggled as he halli for | me, | has gained at last fiiat blessed | shore, | Oh ! how this
heart will glow with | gratitude and | love.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
227
j^ irfJ mi !|^^${ttitt^it I0.
A LAMENT AND AN APPEAL.
Dear Sir, — It has been my pleasure to listen to the heart-
stirring addresses delivered by your missionaries, Messrs. Card-
well and Rudland, during their visit to Manchester. Their ob-
ject seems to have been to disseminate information relating to
idolatrous China and its teeming millions, to enlist tlie more ac-
tive sympathy, support, and prayers of British Christians
ill behalf of that mighty empire, as well as to urge its claims
upon Christian young men who are invited to offer themselves
for the evangelization of China.
It is, sir, with feelings of saddest heart-grief and regret that I
am prevented from responding to what I believe to be God's
loud and special call to young men, members of the Christian
churches throughout the country, to come forward with the ear-
nest, self-denying spirit of the Master, like Him to seek with
yearning love the reclamation of outcast and perishing souls.
That great sadness is increased and intensified by facts of
which I am now forcibly reminded. Twenty years ago I was
brought under deep religious convictions, which happily re-
sulted in a change of heart, life, and purpose. Some two years
subsequently I became impressed with a strong and uncontrol-
able desire to labour for God in foreign mission work, which
feeling grew into a burning passion, until it became all-absorb-
ing, and seemed almost to consume my whole being, causing
weeks and months of such mental and physical disturbance that
I could neither eat, work, rest or sleep, day or night.
My family being large in number, and possessed of small
means, were unable to help me in the expenses of preparatory
studies, outfit, etc., but were nevertheless in deep sympathy with
me. Although I was the only and much-loved son of a now
sainted mother, yet she would have given me up for such a noble
office as that of an ambassador of Christ, though not perhaps
without that conflict of natural feelings which none but a truly
devoted and loving parent's heart can fully appreciate. My
good father and alifectionate sisters, feeling none the less in pros-
pect of separation in this life, would still have gloried in my
consecration to the service of God and humanity in the dark
places of the earth.
The circumstances of my case were made known to the church
with which I was connected, but were turned aside as of no im-
portance. The earnest pleadings and entreaties of a young and
ardent spirit, longing to spend and be spent in the service of
Christ were unheeded, and my desire was left to exhaust itself,
luitil it died out in the darkness and reaction of a worldly
spirit, and forgetful and indifferent life.
Eighteen months ago— after a lapse of twenty long and weary
years — through the instrumentality of Messrs. Moody and
Sankey, I was again awakened by the Spirit of God, and led
back to the fold of Christ ; and, experiencing somewhat of the
sweet joy of my first mission love, there saw what a terrible
blank all the intervening years of an ill-spent life had been —
what golden opportunities of winning precious souls to Jesus
were for ever and irretrievably lost. Crushing self-reproach and
remorse afflicted me, all of which might have been obviated, if
at that crisis of my early history I could have had such an invi-
tation as that which the " China Inland Mission " are now ten-
dering to young men.
Had I not, as a husband and parent, the obligations of home
and family ties, and could I without injustice to others dispose
of myself, I would not even timv, though comparatively late in
life, hesitate for one single hour to offer myself for that immense
field of labour, where the harvest is ready for ingathering, is so
large, and the faithfully toiling labourers are so inadequatelyfew
[less ihaji one man to ojie million souls), and so utterly incapable
of coping with the ever-increasing demands upon their strength
and endurance.
Hence, sir, my object is to appeal — I hope not in vain — with
all the warning voice of a blighted life, to our ' ' Christian young
men," whose hearts God by His Spirit has deeply touched and
exercised during the late religious awakening. God has
quickened them and the churches of the land into a higher, more
active Christian life ; and they can and ought to give themselves
up to this department of Christian work in foreign parts.
My DEAR YOUNG UROTHERS,
Allow me to press home the query — " Have not you, like my-
self, been brought face to face with God, conscience, and duty
on this most vital question, which has indisputably strong per-
sonal claims upon YOU ? Have you not been led by His Holy
Spirit to inquire, like Paul, 'Lord, what would'st Thou have
me to do?' and have not your lips and voice responded, ' //eye
am /. Send me, send me. ' But you have not yet practically
obeyed the command, ' Go,' nor heeded the loud and bitter cry
of China's four hundred million, hungering for the ' Bread of
Life,' whose wail of woeful anguish breaks over the waves
to YOU in ever-deepening accents — ' Come over and HELP
US.'"
With you, my fellow-Christian young men of England, rests
in greatest measure, what responsive answer shall be echoed back.
Now being your most favoured opportunity, permit me earnestly
and solemnly, to abjure you not to stifle or resist the voice of
God and conscience, nor to quench the promptings of His Holy
Spirit, but rather to follow His unerring guidance, who commands
with promise : " Commit thy way unto the Lord, and He shall
direct thy path." He will lead you in His (not your own)
chosen way to a prayerful decision and action in connection with
this all-important China Mission.
To those of you desiring to DO your Heavenly Father's will,
and become the honoured servants of the Most High, this great
call comes with the directness of an individual application, de-
manding from YOU a complete and unreserved dedication of all
your powers of mind, soul and body to this sacred cause — a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service.
Think only what a blessed privilege it is to be thus permitted
to be co-workers 'with God ! What a distinguished honour !
What infinity of bliss is the reward of a true and faithful am-
bassador of Jesus Christ ! The empty vanities which this world
calls great or good, are incomparable to the dignity and true
greatness of the calling to go forth to proclaim to a sinful and
ruined world the unsearchable riches of Christ, the everlasting
gospel of the Prince of Peace.
Oh, then, dear brothers, by the mercies of God to you, by
your professed love to the Crucified One, who freely gave His
whole self in sacrifice for you, I entreat and urge you to prompt
decision, to leady and cheerful compliance with the Divine
Command, — " Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel
to every creature." Ye, who are untrammeled with the cares
of domestic or business life, GO, give your best and brightest
days to the service of the Master. Go, publish abroad that
matchless love and wisdom which passeth knowledge. Go, tell
of the riches of His Grace. As faithful stewards of the Lord,
go, haste to the front, armed with the sword of the Spirit, and
the authority of Him who said, ' ' Fear not, I am with you alway
even unto the end of the world."
Yes ! go, trusting only in the omnipotent power and wisdom
of the Lord of Hosts. With fullest confidence of success, enter
boldly into the strife ; fight the good fight ; and nobly daring,
nobly doing, win glorious triumphs. Plant the ever victorious
standard of the Captain of our Salvation in the uttermost parts
of the earth. Yours will be the honohrs in the Grand Review.
Then, assembled in the presence of the redeemed Brotherhoods of
mankind, you shall stand forth with the fadeless laurel crown of
victory, and receive from the Kingly lips of the Great Com-
mander, the "well done," and the welcome to abide for ever at
His side, with those ransomed ones whom He shall have given
you — trophies of His grace and mercy, and everlasting evidences
that your labours have not been in vain in the Lord.
That this earnest appeal may be owned and blessed of God —
may serve as a beacon-like warning to the indifferent — as a
quickening stimulus to the wavering and undecided — may result
in the laying of many willing offerers upon the "Altar which
sanctifieth the gift," who shall become devoted and life-long
labourers for the advancement of the Kingdom and Glory of
God, in China — is the fervent prayer of
A BLIGHTED LIFE.
Table of the Stations of the CHINA INLAND MISSION, wM the Names of the Labourers, Foreign and Native.
Corrected to 1876.
Capitalfl ot Provinces are printed in Italic Capitals, ot Prefectures in Boman Capitals, of Counties in Small Capitals ; the other Stations are Market Towns
Stahons.
DESCRIPTION.
Opened.
Native Assistants.
Mission AKiES.
I.— Cheh-kianir Province, TH-
Hang-chau Prefecture
1. HANO-CHAU
2. Ecng-deo
3. Yn-HANS
Su-cliau Pr^ecture.
4. Gan-kih ...
Capital of Province, 120 miles N.W.
from Ning-po. Population about
400,000
Nov. 1866
Wong Las-djlin, P.
•0 Ah-ho, E
Yiao SS-vu, C.
Superintetuicd ly Wong La-
djiin
Biver Port, 2 miles S. of Hang-chau
1868
Nying Tsi-ky'ing, E.
District City, 80 miles W. from Hang-
chau
Mar. 1874
Tsiang Liang-yiioug, E.
Yu Hyiang, C.
District CHty, 60 miles N.W. from Hang-
chau
1871
Kao Ziao-gyi, E
II.— Cheh-kiang Province, W.
Kiu-cTiau Prefecture
6. KIU-CHAU
Kin-liwa Prefecture
6. KIN-HWA
7. LAN-K'I
Prefectural City, 170 mUea S.W. from
Hang-chau
April 1872
Wong Teng-y'iiins E.
Ts'a Si-vu, C.
Mr. and Mra. Douthwaite.
Perfectural City, 130 miles S. from
Hang-chau
1875
Mr Li, C.
District City, 130 miles S. from Hang-
chau
1871
Loh Ah-ts'ih, E.
Dzing Si-yu, 0.
IIL— Oheh-kiang: Province, E.
(1st E. Mission District)
Shao-hing Prefecture
8. SHAO-HlNG
9. M6-lt6
10, TsOng-ke-bn
11. Sien-ngeen
13. Shins-hibn
13. SlN-0H'iN9
14. SlAO-SHAN
Ning-po Prefecture
16. NING-PO
16. E'ong-p'u
Prefectural City, 104 miles N.W, from
Ning-po
Sept. 1866
Tsiang Siao-vong, P.
Mr Voug, E.
Mrs. Yang. B.
Veng-ing, S.
Mr. and Mrs. Meadows
(Girls' School) Miss Turner
Market Town, near Shao-hing
187.5
Mr Zi, E
Town on Dzao-ngo Biver, 45 miles S.E.
from Shao-hing
1873
Si JUn-kao, E
Village on Dzao-ngo River, 60 miles
S.E. from Shao-hing
Dec. 1873
Mr. Nyien, E.
District City, 72 miles S.E. from Shao-
hing
July 1869
Mr. Sing, 0.
District City, 86 miles S.E. from Shao-
hing
June 1870
Vasn Kwong-pao, E.
Mrs. Li, B.
District City, 10 miles S.E. of Hang-
chau
Jan. 1867
Tsiu Uong-j-iang, E.
Mrs. Tsiu (2nd), B.
Prefectural City, 120 miles S.E. from
Hang-chau
June 1857
Mr. Chii, P.
Mrs. Tsiu, Senr., B.
Superintended hy
Mr. MeadotDS
Village, 3 miles E. from Ning-po
1865
Moh Dziang-liug, 0.
IV.— Oheh-kiangr Province, E.
(2nd E. Mission District)
Nmg-po Prtfecture continued
17. FUNQ-HWA
18. KyH-k'eo ...
19. 'O-z
Tai-chau Prtfecture
20. NlNS-HAI M.
21. T'lEN-T'AI ... .„ „
22. Si-Hen
23. Siao-wong-mlao
DlBtriot Caty, 40 miles S. from Ning-po
May 1866
Mr. Vffin, P.
Mrs Vkd, B.
Lao Yiu-dzing, 0,
Mr. Dong, E.
Mr. and Mrs, Crombie
Town, about 16 miles from Fung-hwa
1873
Fong Neng-kwe, E*
Village, 20 miles from Fung-hwa
1862
Wong Kylio-yiao, E.
District City, 70 miles S. from Ning-po
Jan. 1863
Wong Sing-ch'ing, E.
Lin Si-jiiing, C.
Mrs. Shih, B.
District City, 110 miles S. from Ning-po
1873
Shih Da-tsing, 0.
Market Town, 66 miles S. from Ning-po
Feb. 1874
Tsiang Ping-hwe, E.
Town, 60 miles S. from Ning-po
1876
Zi Ching-djun, 0.
V— Oheh-kiang' Province, E.
(3rd E. Mission District)
Tai-clmu Prefecture continued
24. T'AI-CHAU
26. SiBN-Kti
26. Ky'l-'e
27. HWANa-TEN
28. Dien-tsi
29. T'AI-P'raa HIEN ... „
Prefectural City, 140 mllea S.W. from
Ning-po
July 1867
Mr- Liu, P.
Mr. and Mrs. Rudland.
Mr. and Mrs. William.son.
Mr. W. A. Wills:
District City, 30 miles W. from T'ai-chau
JaiL 1874
Loh Kying-sih, E.
Ling Hyin-djU, 0.
Temple in a Town, 26 miles E. from
T'ai-chau
1873
Koh Yih-djUn, E.
District City. 20 miles S.E. from T'ai-
chau
April 1869
W6ng Yi-hying, 0.
Temple, 30 miles S.E. froi^ T'ai-chau
1873
U DjUn-yiao, E.
Ling Tsiao-song, 0.
District City, 60 miles S.E. from T'ai-
chau
Jan. 1874
Tsiang Uong-kao, E.
TABLE OF STATIONS— contmied.
Stations.
DEScniriiON.
Opened.
Native Assistants.
MISSIONABIUB.
VI.— Ohehkiangr Province, S.
Wun-chau /Prefecture.
30. WUN-CHAU
31. Dong-IIng
82. P'lNO-TANB
CKu-chau Prefecture.
•33. CH'U-OHAU
Prefectural City, 240 miles S.W. ot
Ning-po
Deo. 18G7
Wong Sin-sang, E.
Kyinf Ts'ing-seen, E.
Seng Shii-nyUu. S.
Mr. and Mrs. Stotc.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson.
Village, with several converts and about
20 persona interested
1875
Services conducted by
resident members
District City, S. of Wun-chau
1874
Tsiu Din-ky'ing, 0.
Prefectural City, four days' journey W.
ot Wun-ehau
1876
Tsiang Ah-liang, P.
VII.— Kiang-su Province.
34. NAN-KIN.
35. OHIN-KIANQ ...
36. YANQ-OHAU
37. NOaiH T'AI-OHAD
38. T8'lN9-KIANa-P'n
39. Shanq-hai
Capital of Province, former capital of
the Empire. Population about
600,000
Sept. 1867
Mr. Fun, C.
Superintended iy
Mr. McCarthy.
Prefectural City, about 215 miles up
the Yang-tse-lJiang. Population
about 160,000
Jan. 1869
Tsiang Soh-liang, P.
Miss Knight.
Miss Goodman.
Prefectural City, about 12 miles N.
from Ghin-l£iang, Population about
360,000.
June 1868
Mr. Chang, E.
Ttmporarilv ■ —
Mr. McCarthy.
Mr. Easton.
Mr. Turner.
Mr. ames.
Mr. Parker.
Mr. Kinp.
Miss DeBjfraz.
Miss Huterty.
M as Home.
M aa Murfiiy.
M ia Crickmay.
Mils Hughes.
District City, 30 or 40 miles E. from
Yang-chau
Feb. 1873
Lo Si-fu, 0.
Yao Si-fa
District City, 100 miles N. from Yang-
chau. Population, 30,000
Dec. 1869
Mr. Ch'un,E.
Ch'eng Si-fu, C.
Station, principally for business pur-
poses
Nov. 1873
VIII.— Qan-hwuy Province.
40. OAN-K'lNa
41. CH'I-OHAU
42. Ta-t'ung
43. T'AI-P'INQ FU
44. Wn-HU
45. KWANa-TEH-OHAn
46. NINfl-KWOH
47. HWUT-CHAD
•48. LU-CHAU
•49. FUNG YANG
Capital of the Province, about 400 miles
up the Yang-tse-kiang
Jan. 1869
Chu Sien-seng, E.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailer.
Mr. E. Pcarse,
Mr. Handle.
Temporarily ,—
Mr. Geo. Cameron.)
Mr. Chas. Budd.
Prefectural City, S.E. from Gank'ing
Oct. 1874
June 1873
Mr. Hsii, E.
Large business Town, on the Yang-
tse-kiang
Wu Cheng-tsan, E.
King-Shu, C.
Prefectural City, N.W. from Nan-kin
Sept. 1874
Yang Ts'iien-ling, 0.
Wu ffl-fu, C.
District City and large emporium, on
the Yang-tse-kiang
Mar. 1873
Mr. Han, E.
Mr. Ta, E.
District City, near Gan-kih in Cheh-
kiang Province
April 1872
Name not given
Prefecturaf City, S. ot T'ai-p'ing fu
Dec. 1874
Dzing Lao-yiao, 0.
T» SX-f u, C.
Prefectural City in S.E. of tJan-hwu/
1876
Mr. T'eng, 0.
Long-chung, 0.
Prefectural City, near the Tsao Lake,
and N. from Gan-klng
1876
Temporarily suspended
Prefectural City In N.E, of Gan-hwuy
1876
Temporarily suspended
IX.— Kiang-si Province.
66. KIU-KIANG
61. Ta-ku-t'ang
Prefectural City, about 600 miles up the
Yang-tse-lciang (the itinerant work
has extended to upwards ot 100
cities and towns in the province)
Deo. 1869
Mr. Yiao, E.
Mr. P'en, C.
Visited by Messra-Judd
and Bailer.
Large Town, on the Po-yaag Lake
July 1878
Lo Gan-fuh, E.
X.— Hu-peh Province.
62. WU-CH'ANQ
Capital of Province, 660 miles up the
Yang-tse-kiang
June 1874
Chang Sien-seng, E.
Mr. and Mrs. Judd.
Miss Wilson.
Temporarily : —
Mr. Nicoll.
Mr. Brouigton.
XI— Ho-nan Province.
Province ot 251 millions. The work Is
Itinerant at present
1876
Ylao Si-fu
Mr. M. Henry Taylor.
Mr. G. W. Clarke.
XII.— Burmah.
53. BHAUO
Frontier town and mart for Chinese
traders
... _ . _ . _ J
1875
Mr. J. W. Stevenson;
Mr. Henry Soltau.
Mr._Jo3. S. Adams.
Medical ;^
T. p. Harvey,L.K.C.P..4c.
.Mrs, Harvey.
Totals— Mis8ion DiBtriota, 12; Stations aild Out-stalions (including Shang-hai), 68; Native Helpers, 76; Missionaries, married 16, single 20.
ABBKEYIATIONS— P., Pastor; E.,ETangellet) 0., Colporteur; S., School-teacher ; B., Bible Woman. N., North; S., South: E., East; ^.,^7684.
* 'Worli is temporarily suspended In these stations.
{Concluded from ;page 221.)
ENORMOUS EXPENSES.
The amount of money expended annually in the eighteen
provinces, in endeavouring, according to the theories of
the Tauist priests, to appease or keep quiet the millions
who have long since passed away, is something enormous.
I have endeavoured to collect some statistics on this
point ; which, while I do not claim for them accuracy, may
serve to give us an approximate estimate of the amount of
money thrown away.
It is estimated that in Shanghai Hien not less than
6,000 dollars are expended in pjihlic charities, at each of
the three annual festivals ; which gives an annual ex-
penditure of 18,000 dollars. In the eighteen provinces
there is an average of ninety Hiens to a province, which
gives a total of 1,620 Hiens. Some of these Hiens expend
in public charity for the dead much more, and some less,
than Shanghai. Taking Shanghai as an average, the
average expenditure will amount to 29,160,000 dollars per
annum in connection with the Hien deity, — the Sung
Wong-low-ya, who ranks in the dark with the ^Shanghai
Hien (District Magistrate) in the light.
Again, there are said to be eight Foos in each province,
each of which has its Foo deity, ranking with the Tsz-foo
(Prefect) of that district. This deity being of a higher
grade, the processions on these public occasions are
doubtless more expensive than those in connection with
the Hien deities ; but we estimate them at the same.
The 144 Foos will give an annual expenditure of 2,592,000
dollars, making an aggregate of 31,752,000 dols. expended
annually in the eighteen provinces in public charities for
the dead whose burial place is not known, and conse-
quently, have no one to sacrifice to them.
But this is not all. The amount expended by each
family in the worship of their ancestors must be added.
It is estimated that each family expends annually for the
worship of its ancestors an average of at least 150 dollars.
With a population of 400,000,000 and an average of five
persons to each family, we have 80,000,000 families, and
1 20,000,000 dollars expended annually in ancestral worship.
Add to this the amount of public charities, and we have
the enormous sum of 151,752,000 dollars (more than
;^3o,ooo,ooo) expended annually to quiet the spirits of the
dead, while the millions of starving beggars who are daily
reinforcing the hosts of invisible enemies by which the
people are disquieted, often ask in vain for more than
one small counterfeit cash.
FEAR, THE CONSTRAINING POWER.
It is evident then, to all who know the Chinese, that
the large amount expended for the dead is not prompted
by a spirit of true charity, nor, in many instances, by filial
affection, but by one of servile fear. The living are the
slaves of the dead. Yea, the generation of to-day is
chained to the generations of the past. Their thoughts
do not tend forwards, but backwards. They are straight-
ened both in mind and action. Their thoughts are cir-
cumscribed, both as to subjects and range, to very nar-
row limits. An independent and original thinker is an
innovator, and stands no chance of being promoted to
literary distinctions, They have for ages stood on the
defensive against innovations, for innovations peril their ,
relations with the unseen enemy. No one who has worked
his way into the secret chamber of the Chinese mind can
feel aught but the deepest sympathy for a people who
live in an atmosphere impregnated with the spirits of past
generations, of which they stand in constant dread. Some
would unhesitatingly pronounce the Chinese, demonists.
So they are ; but the wild or beggar spirits of which they
stand in dread are not what they call demons ; to call
ihem demons would be to make their own ancestors
demons ; for they do substantially the same thing to
appease the one that they do to appease the other. These
beggar spirits of the world of darkness stand in the same
relation to a man's ancestors that the beggars of this world
do to a man's own family. He provides for the one, while
he contributes a mite towards the support of the other.
All classes, from the highest to the lowest, stand in
dread of the spirits of the departed, whether their own
ancestors or others, if they fail to administer to their com-
fort. And as sickness and calamity never cease to mani-
fest themselves, so the offerings to the dead can never
be remitted. Notwithstanding the large amount appro-
priated to them three times a year, there are frequent
calls between times. Whenever there is much sickness in
a particular locality, the people of that locality are told
by the priests that they must invite the spirits to a feast,
if they wish to get rid of them. A pavilion is erected in
some central position, and the priests are employed to
perform " Koong-tuh" for three days. This is often a
a heavy tax upon a village.
OTHER SUPERSTITIOUS PRACTICES.
Again, they are frequently under the necessity of em-
ploying the priests to come and drive the spirits from
their dwellings, of whose presence they have been made
aware by some one acting in the interests of the priests.
A priest calls, and on examination finds many spirits in
the house. After chanting a few phrases ot unintelligible
incantations, he attacks the spirits with a drawn sword.
He thrusts his sword towards the four points of the com-
pass, and orders the spirits to leave, &c. After which he
places charms over the door to intimidate them, if they
should venture to return. These charms consist of three
stripes of paper, red or yellow, on which are drawn hideous
devices well known to the spirits.
These priests spend their leisure time in the temples in
making these and other charms, and then, through the
influence of unexpected agents, create a demand for their
wares. Every bed has a charm in the form of a cash
sword or some other device. The least noise at the win-
dow at night, caused by a loose oyster-shell or pane of
glass shaken by the wind, is taken for the call of a hungry
or distressed spirit. To insure tranquillity, the family
must make an offering of dien without the door. These
incidental offerings consumed without the door may be
witnessed almost any evening during a short walk in a
Chinese settlement.
But I need not multiply examples of this popular super-
stition. Enough has been said to prove that ancestral
worship is the national religion of China, and by far the
most formidable obstacle to the introduction of Chris-
tianity. There is not a tithe of the money expended, or
thought bestowed, on Buddhism and Confucianism com-
bined, that there is on ancestral worship. If the Tauist
system is not an offspring of, it is only an adjunct to, the
worship of the dead. All its deities are apotheosized
men, who are constantly employed in adjudicating be-
tween the dead and the living, the Tauist priests being
their interpreters ; and they, by long experience, have
become good judges of character. The demands they
make, and the services they perform, when called upon,
depend in a great measure upon the character, intelli-
gence, and wealth of their subjects.
232
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
EVIL CONSEQUENCES.
Many of the social and political evils with which this
priest-stricken land is afflicted are dictated in the inter-
est of ancestral worship, ist. The betrothal of children
at an early age, by which millions are made miserable for
life. 2nd. Polygamy, the fruitful source of so much
anguish, and death by suicide ; both of which are de-
signed to insure the perpetuation of the family, and con-
sequently the perpetuation of the benefits of ancestral
worship. 3rd. The heavy tax in support of this rite, as
per statistics. 4th. The loss in an industrial point of
view, from the large number of men and women being
constantly engaged in manufacturing the instruments of
worship : it is estimated that about one-half of the
females of China devote the time, not occupied in domestic
duties, to making dieii and other articles of ancestral wor-
ship. 5 th. The aversion of the Chinese to emigrate.
They fear the consecjuences of neglecting the tombs of
their ancestors. Consequently the country is kept over
crowded. The result is squalidness, vice, thefts, piracy,
and insurrection. It is impossible for such a population to
find remunerative employment in the space allotted them.
Hence, they devour each other while chained to the tombs.
^tijji amttttj 1^^ THfag^
$.
BY MR. C. H. JUDD.
On 24th May I went with Hu the tailor for three days'
journey to visit again his village and neighbourhood.
The present rapid current of the Yang-tse-kiang and a
good_ wind took us in a few hours to Ko-tien, 30 miles
(90 li) from here. About two or three hours more
through fields laden with abundance of wheat and
barley, brought us to his mud-built cottage. His old
mother (still a heathen) gave us a hearty welcome ; and
some cakes made of new undressed flour, somewhat
like pancakes, with some tea, made us a good supper.
Next morning we visited our young brother Wang,
formerly a tailor, but now cultivating the fields. He
was out at work, like most others, in the harvest field ;
after some time, however, he came home and was soon
joined by Mr. Yen, also a Christian. We spent some
little time together seeking to help them on heavenward.
The mother of young Wang appears to be much
interested in the Gospel, but the fear of man is keeping
her and some others back from confessing Christ.
We went on to another village to see the old man
Wang, whom I mentioned before as apparently so
interested ; but he has evidently the same difficulty.
\ye found him reading some native book on the great
sin of daughters-in-law when they are not very respect-
fully obedient to their mothers-in-law. "Do you knowy
sir," he said, after the usual polite requests to be seated
and drink tea, "that I have just been reading such a
good book that tells of a daughter-in-law who was
turned into a cow before she died, for disobedience to
her rnother-in-law." Such is the poor trash with which
men in China seek to terrify people from sinning. We
found some few persons who give us hope, but we cannot
say much for them.
We returned homeward the next day on foot, the
tailor kindly carrying my blanket. We passed over
three beautiful lakes by ferry boats, and we were glad
to reach home and rest, having come about 35 miles
that day.
On the next Saturday, 27th May, we had a special
day of prayer. On Monday evening, 29th, Brother
Nicoll and I started for a journey by boat to Hien-ling-
hien, a town si.xty or more miles from here on the
further bank of the " Hatchet Lake." The town of
Hien-ling is on the border- of the lake, surrounded on
three sides by a very pretty country of hills, trees, etc.
We found that two Russians were living in the city just
now to buy tea, and that they spent the tea season there.
Abundance of empty houses and ruined temples told a
sad tale of the late rebellion. On our arrival we walked
into the city and preached in the street without moles-
tation, and also sold some books. Next morning we
were visited by a Christian man who had been baptised
in Han-kow by Mr. John (London Mission) many years
ago. He was delighted to see us, and walked with us to
a town called Kwan-pu-kiao. It was evening — nearly
dark — when we reached the place, and quite late when
we finished our walk of ten miles and got back to our
boat. The journey was a lovely one — among the hills
and valleys planted with rice, tobacco, tea, etc. We
had a nice time of preaching, and sold a good number
of books and tracts. A few appeared deeply interested.
One man who bought a gospel and tract said most
seriously, " If I read these books, will my sins be for-
given?" "No," I said; "You must not only read,
but believe, and you shall he saved." The next day we
went to Yao-tsay, the home of Mr. Liu, the Christian
we met as above. Yao-tsay is a little fishing village,
very busy with numerous fishermen and boats early in
the day. We preached on the shore on arriving. One
man, named Cheo, appeared much interested, and the
next day we preached in his house, about a mile or two
awa}'. We have some hope of this man. He is a friend
of Liu's — the only Christian, possibly, for miles around.
From there we went next morning to a small town
called Mung-kia-tsay. We had a very nice time here.
A shopman brought us seats that we might sit in front
of his shop and preach, while he kindly refreshed us
with good tea gratis. The people were very attentive
and civil to us. From this place we went ten miles to
Fah-si-cheo, and preached in three places in that town,
tea and seats being brought to us when we preached.
I believe God has been greatly with us in this boat
journey. Our bodies were greatly refreshed, for we were
neither of us well in starting, and God, I doubt not, will
give fruit from the seed sown.
Friday, June Cjth. — In the above account of our jour-
ney I omitted to say that Mr. Chu, our junior school
teacher, went with us for the first time to preach the
Gospel outside. You know what a trial it is for the
literati, especially the son of a Prefect, to go out and
preach in the streets. He is somewhat timid, but was
was much helped of God to give the Gospel to the
people very simply. The people paid very great atten-
tion to him. I thought his quiet, gentle manner won
their respect and good feeling. I shall be so glad of
prayer for him, that his soul may be filled with the
Spirit of Christ.
Yesterday the elder school teacher, Mr. Hwang, went
out with me to preach. He is an earnest man, but not
quite so wise as we hope he may soon be. I heard yes-
terday from another Christian that his uncle had beaten
him for becoming a Christian. The same Christian man
told me that Mr. Hwang's father now believes the Gos-
pel, but is afraid to be baptised.
The London Mission have had considerable additions
to the Church this year ; already about fifty (including
a few children) have been baptised by them since Jan.
ist. They have a strong staff of workers now, and
the missionaries here are well united in Christian love
and work.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
233
uit in
h\
In our Occasional Paper, No. 36, we published a connected
report of Mr. Crombie's work up to the commencement
of the year 1874 ; we will now review it briefly from that
time until the present, that we may gain a more distinct
idea of its progress than fragmentary notices can give.
Mr. Crombie tells us that the year 1874 was made
memorable by a large excess in the death-rate of the
district, and much sickness ; and also by the threatened
war with Japan, which unsettled peoples' minds, and
led them to think that the foreigners would be driven
away. These causes, he says, hindered the spread of
the gospel. Six persons were, however, added to the
different little churches under his care, namely, two at
0-z, two at Fung-hwa, one at Si-tien, and one at Ning-
hai.
Mr. Crombie writes — "Of the two baptised at 0-z,
one was a man about the prime of life, who had been
halting between two opinions for eight or ten years, and
the other an old lady who had long been a believer in
Jesus, but, owing to opposition from her sons, had been
afraid to make a public profession of her faith by bap-
tism. At one time they were so determined that she
should not disgrace them by becoming a Christian, that
they were about to send her away to a distant village,
that she might be out of the reach of the old Christian
farmer who has charge of the 0-z station. The old
man, however, heard of it, and told them that he was
glad that they intended to send their mother to Si-u, as
it would be much more convenient for her to attend their
chapel there, a Christian place of worship being at the
very door of the house to which they intended to send
her. [The American Baptists have a chapel at Si-u].
On hearing this they did not send her away, and they
have not opposed her so much since. Unlike most of
her countrywomen in this part of China she can read
the native character a little, and is a very intelligent
person. We hope that she will be a bright light in that
district.
" The person who was baptised at Ning-hai is an in-
teresting case ; she is about forty years of age and was
formerly a very bad woman, some of our people used to
call her the ' Samaritan woman.' Well, this poor de-
graded creature has stooped down and drunk of the
living water, and is now rejoicing in the Saviour that
she has found. I have never seen a Chinese convert so
full of joy, nor one who expressed so much love for
Jesus as this one does. ' She loveth much, for she hath
been much forgiven.' When she was baptised I could
scarcely get a word spoken to her, she kept telling us
of what Jesus had done for her ; the truth is, I would
rather that she had not said so much, but I do not know
if Peter, or Paul, or Jesus would have wished her to say
less. Perhaps she preached a better sermon that day
than I did. Truly this woman is a brand plucked from
the burning.
"I am pleased to be able to report that a goodly
number of the members are trying to do what they can
to lead others to Jesus, either by speaking to them
themselves, or by endeavouring to bring them to the
chapel on a Sabbath. One of those baptised at Fung-
hwa during the last year is an old woman who lives in
a village about three miles from the city. She was
brought to the Saviour by another old woman who lives
in the same village.
"Three members have died during the last twelve
months, two at 0-z, and one at Fung-hwa. Many
others were almost brought to the gates of death, but
the Lord was pleased to restore them again. With deep
sorrow, and after much prayer and exhortation, we
were obliged to suspend two persons at Ning-hai, a
mother and her son ; they had been a great hindrance
to the work there for some time."
"The preacher who was formerly stationed at Ong-zih
has removed to another village called Si-tien, not far
from the former place, Si-tien being thought a better
place for his head-quarters, but he still holds a meeting
on the Lord's day at Ong-zih.
" Our work at T'ien-t'ai has been carried on with con-
siderable difficulty for some time. In the first place, we
have not yet been able to get a proper house, conse-
quently the people are not so ready to come to hear as
they would be if we had a better-looking place, but we
hope that we may succeed in getting a more suitable one
by-and-by. The preacher also has been subjected to a
good deal of molestation from rough characters, of whom
there are a good many about the city. However, he has
not been without encouragement ; he has several very
hopeful inquirers, and reports that a whole family are
deeply interested in the gospel ; he also mentions a
Buddhist nun who is secretly inquiring after the truth,
but it is too early to say whether she will become a
Christian, for we are often mistaken with these cases.
1875. — A NEW CHAPEL.
The prominent event of the year 1875 was the opening,
on the 30th of May, of a nice little chapel in Fung-hwa,
which will seat about 150 persons. Mr. Crombie writes :
" We have not had a convenient place to meet in since
the commencement of the work, which has no doubt
been a great hindrance to us, but since the opening of
the chapel we have been able to have more meetings
for the unconverted ; last summer we had crowded meet-
ings almost every evening. The members are very proud
of their chapel ; they contributed as far as they were
able towards it. The platform was designed by them,
and put up at their expense. They have a belfry, but no
bell.
CONVERTS.
" Eight persons were baptised in the district during
the year, one at Fung-hwa, two at 0-z, three at Si-tien,
and two at T'ien-t'ai.
"The person baptised at Fung-hwa was a woman
about thirty years of age, who had been a Christian for
a year or two, having heard the Gospel from the Bible -
woman, Mrs. Vaen. Her husband, although otherwise
not unkind to her, would not allow her to join the Church,
but about the end of 1874, he was suddenly taken ill at
a place about fifty miles distant, where he had gone on
business, and only lived a few hours after he reached
home. She was baptised soon after his death, and was
then employed by Mrs. Crombie for a time as a wet
nurse, who found her to be a very consistent Christian.
Being very poor (her husband having left a good deal of
debt) the members at Fung-hwa have joined together,
and given her a little money to commence a small
business with. I mention this to show that Chinese
Christians do feel it to be their duty to bear each other's
burdens."
Mr. Crombie tells us that there were besides five
inquirers at Fung-hwa and one candidate for baptism..
" The three persons who were this year baptised at
Si-tien, aman and two women, are all aged, and we can-
not expect that they will be long with us down here. If
the gospel had been much later in reaching Si-tien, it
would have been probably too late for them.
234
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
" The two persons baptised at T'ien-t'ai were the first-
fruits of that place ; they are a man and his son. This
is the family that was referred to in last year's report.
We have reason to believe that the whole family, con-
sisting of a man, his wife, and two sons, have become
Christians, though only the father and younger son have
as yet been baptised. The elder son is from home on
business at present. Owing to our not having any
female at T'ien-t'ai, no woman thinks it proper to come
to the chapel, and consequently the wife of the man
mentioned above does not attend on the Lord's day. She
seems to be quite decided for Christ, however, and gave
me their two idols (the god of riches and the goddess of
mercy) without my asking her for them. This is a proof
that she means to have done with idols at least, and as
the preacher intends to take his wife to T'ien-t'ai soon,
we hope that she and others will be able to attend.
"The two persons who were baptised at 0-z are a
man and his wife, both young people, who have heard
the gospel from old Kyiio-yiao the farmer since they
were children. May we not hope that there will yet be
a glorious harvest at 0-z, of persons who have been
taught by the good old man when they were young, for
he never lets a child pass without telling it about Jesus.
He has good opportunities of doing so, for the children
all love him, and look upon him almost as a father.
SIAO-WONG-MIAO.
" An evangelist has been sent to a large village
called Siao-wong-miao, about five or si.x miles from
Fung-hwa. Siao-wong-miao is a very busy and import-
ant place, and we have been wishing to get a house
there for the last ten years, but have always failed to do
so. We have now succeeded, however, in getting a
house for the evangelist to live in, and hope by-and-by,
to get one large enough to have meetings in.
" Two 5'oung men became deeply interested in the
gospel almost as soon as they heard it, and one of them
desired to be admitted to the fellowship of the Church,
and has since been baptised. The other, ahhough not
a candidate for baptism, is a very hopeful inquirer.
DO-GYIAO.
" Towards the end of the year we opened a preaching-
room at Do-gyiao, a suburb of Fung-hwa. Do-gyiao
is a much busier place than the city. All the travellers
and trafBc from T'ai-chau, and Win-chau having to
take boats there for Ning-po and Shang-hai, &c.
Besides, there are two markets every week, which are
attended by hundreds of hill-men. We have never had
any converts, nor even inquirers from Do-gyiao, so we
determined to try how a preaching-room in their midst
would succeed. We have been rather disappointed,
however, with the result, for we do not get so many to
hear as we thought we should do, but the room is not
in a very good place, so we are trying to get another.
For the sake of the poor hill-men, we do not like to give
it up altogether. These poor men have no opportunity
of hearing the gospel, and are as ignorant of the God
who made them as the cattle that they buy and sell.
VISITING THE STATIONS.
" Vsen sin-sang (the native pastor) besides looking
after the church at Fung-hwa, has visited all the other
stations except T'ien-t'ai. His wife visits from house to
house as formerly.
" My wife and family having, through the goodness
of God, been restored to a moderate degree of health, I
have been able to do more in the way of visiting stations
myself, than I was able to do in 1874. May the Lord be
praised for his goodness to us.
PROGRESS OF THE WORK.
" It is now more than ten years since mission work was
commenced in the Fung-hwa district ; during that time
sixty-eight persons in all have been received into church
fellowship, of whom fourteen have died, three have been
transferred to other churches, and we are sorry to have
to add, six have been excommunicated, two of whom
have since died without showing any signs of repent-
ance."
"We hope that at Fung-hwa and its out stations, a
good deal of preparatory work has been accomplished.
The majority of the people know what we have come
for, and consequently many of their prejudices have been
removed. There are very few houses in which there is
not one at least who knows something of the gospel, and
there are many who know it very well, although they
have no love or desire for it. There is also good reason
for believing that not a few would become Christians
were it not for persecution, the cares of this world, and
the deceitfulness of riches. We only want the breath
of the Spirit cf God, and many of them will stand up
living men and women, let us hope an exceeding great
army. Should we be spared a few years longer we shall
most likely reap the fruit ourselves ; but if this should
not be the Lord's will, those who come after us will
undoubtedly reap it. Then when we all meet at the
great Harvest Home in the kingdom above, each will
receive his own reward, and both sower and reaper will
rejoice together.
!i$$icnHr5 ixirrH}ttttth]?nt0.
NEWS FROai BHAMO.
£y T. P. Harvey.
" The medical work still progi'esses. Numbers come to Ihe
Zayat every day from almost half the nations under the sun. Very
often there are people representing five or s'x nationalities in at
one time ; and such a jabbering — Burmese, Shaii Kah-ch'en,
Chinese, Hindostanee, and I don't know what else, beyond
divers exclamations and explanations in English. The man who
was bitten so severely by the tiger is progressing very favourably.
When we first visited him, he was — as all Burmans do — lying on
a bamboo floor, and looked very miserable. We fitted up one
of the twelve iron bedsteads we brought from England, with
mattress, sheets, &c., and had it conveyed to his own house.
Lots of people have been to see this great novelty — an iron bed-
stead. The convalescents still continue to show their appreciation
of our services by presents of ducks, food, fruit, &c.
" I cannot help thinking much of Eastern China. Oh ! when
shall we be able to get into Yunnan ? At present fighting is
going on in several places in that province. How it will turn
out we do not know, but for the gloiy of God. God, I am sure,
will never disregard all the heart-cries which are ever and anon
ascending up to Him ; some surely have and are " entering into
His ears," and will move the heart which directs the affairs of
the children of men.
" Of one thing I am certain — namely, that we are gaining the
esteem of the Chinese in this place, and that is not to be despised.
I have for some time been attending a Chinese official, first at
the Zayat, and afterwards at the temple, where he lives. Beyond
presents and promises, he has sho-s^Ti the greatest regard for us,
and expresses himself exceedingly thankful for the visits, and
begs me to renew them. He is all but convalescent, and leaves
soon, under a Burman escort of soldiers, for Yunnan. He can-
not but speak well of the foreigners, so we hope in this way a
path will be prepared for us into Yunnan. But still our faith
is not in men who fail, but in God, who cannot — no, cannot
fail. We are all for the most well, and, I am glad to say, happy
together." ■
CONSPECTUS OF PROTESTANT MISSIONS IN CHINA IN 1874:
Showing the Number of Missionaries at each Station, and the Societies to which they belon<r.
Province
Population
Kwaner-tunff.
19^ Millions.
Foh-
kien.
15 Wills.
Cheh-klang'.
28 Millions.
Kiang-
su.
81 Mills.
Shan
1 tung
29 Mills
Chih-li.
. 28 Mills.
Hu-peh.
24j Mills.
. 1
S
-<
O
H
9
Alphabetio List '^
OF c
Missions. ~
1l!tJiill^ilSflil|i!iili»i?lit
^§ t § ^2 g N § M ^-3 tig § 1 3 :3 1^ V 1 «g 1 .2« ^ 6 w§ a ^ 1 g
A (^ di 'V \6 (6 i> Oi di o A lA ei -^'A ojc6^i6tbrtNC5Ti<rtoi co ^ oj m ^U oi ri rji uj
6 6
M <I
American.
1. Baptist Missionary Uniou
2. Baptist Mission (Inde-
pendent).
3. Board of Comraissioners
for Foreign Missions.
4. Methodist Episcopal
Church (South).
5. Methodist Episcopal
Mission.
6. Presbyterian Mission
(.North).
7. Protestant Episcopal
Mission.
8. Kelormed Dutch Mission
9. Seventh Day Baptist ...
10. Southern Baptist Con-
vention.
11. Southern Presbyterian ...
12. United Presbyterian ..
13. Woman's Mission
_._______3____3_.__ __.
0
2
27
2
-_-. .. -- "- '
«: L...
0 0 13
2 - - -
— — — 1
7 - _ 1
10 _______
4 2
3 4 - -
3 - -
5 4 1
SO
10
4
1
10
8
1
2
1
2
22
17
20
3
1
16
2
2
3
18
4 - - -
1 - - -
4- .___ _-
1 - -
4 1 _
^
- 4 - -
1 _______
—
L
British.
14. Baptist Mission
15. British and Foreign Bible
Soeiety.
16. China Inland Mission ...
17. Church Miesionai'ySociety
18. London Missionary Society
19. Methodist New Connexion
20. National Bible Society,
(Scotland).
21. Presbyterian Mission
(English).
22. Society for the Propaga-
tion of the Gospel.
23. United Methodist Free
Church.
24. United Presbyterian
Church (Scotland).
25. Wcsleyan Missions
_ _
.,
i. 1 1 <''*
2-54
- . 1
I 1
- O _ _
_ - _ o
2 - " - - -
4 - -
o _ _
2 1
- -
- - - - 5
6 3 2
!<,...
91____-___
-
Canadian.
26. Canadian Presbyterian...
- - 1 -
I
10
6
—
Continental.
27. Evangelical Missionary
Society of Basle.
28. KhenishMissionarySocietj'
--4114-
1- --Sll_
1
"
TTnconnected.
29. Unconnected with any
Mission.
1 1 - _ _ f>
4
Total Number of Missionaries
in Stations.
27, 1, S, 1, 1, i, 3, 1, 1, 8
U,3, 3,17
17,10, 7, 1, 1,217, S, 7, 41
1
4,12,124,6,1,101
, 1, 6, 1, 1 9
1
262
Totals : in Provinces ...
65
37
3S
3S
27
41
18 9
1
262
N.B.-New-chwang, '■> Manchuria (not includedl in China Proper), ^^ also hvo Irish Presbyterian Missionaries and one Scotch United Presbyterl:
Missionary. This station, with the foregoing 38, makes 89 stations in the whole empire, r«su.> wn.
" Go ye into all the ^vorld, and preaeh the Gospel to every creature.'
Mark xvt. 15,
CHINA INLAND MISSION.
Rev. Wm. ARTHUR, M.A., Clapham Common, London.
Dr. BARNARDO, Bow Road, London, E.
The Marquis of CHOLMONDELEY, London.
R. C. CHAPMAN, Barnstaple.
Rev. Dr. CULROSS, Highbury, London.
W. COLLINGWOOD, Esq., do, Bedford Street, Liverpool.
Rev. CHARLES GRAHAM, Shepherd's Bush, London.
Rev. H. GRATTAN GUINNESS, Harley House, Bow.
Rev. D. B. HANKIN, M.A., Vicar of St. Jude's, Mildmay,
London, N.
Rev. ; WILLIAM HASLAM, Curzon Street, Mayfair,
London, W.
J. E. HOWARD, Esq., F.R.S., Tottenham.
Rev. Dr. LANDELS, Regent's Park, London.
Rev. W. G. LEWIS, i, Aldridge Road Villas, Westbourne
Park, W.
Rev. a. McAULAY, President of the Wesleyan Conference,
10, Alexander Villas, Finsbury Park, London, N.
Rev. ALEXANDER McLAREN, Manchester.
JOHN MORLEY, Esq., Upper Clapten.
R. C. MORGAN, Esq., Editor of "The Christian," London.
Captain The Hon. R. MORETON, Conference Hall,
Mildmay Park, London.
GEORGE MULLER, Ashley Down, Bristol.
Rev. JOSIAH PEARSON, Manchester.
Lord RADSTOCK, East Sheen.
Rev. MARCUS RAINSFORD, B.A., Wandsworth.
Rev. Dr. ROSENTHALL, Forest Hill, London.
J. DENHAM SMITH, London.
T. B. SMITHIES, Esq., Wood Green, London.
C. H. SPURGEON, London.
HENRY VARLEY, 32, Clarendon Road, London, W.
Colonel WOODFALL, Sidmouth.
JOSEPH WEATHERLEY, Esq., 51, Gordon Square, London.
GEORGE WILLIAMS, Esq., 71, St. Paul's Churchyard,
London, E.C.
girtrior of l^e fission.
J. HUDSON TAYLOR, 6, Pyrland Road, Stoke Newington Green, London, N.
Conntil of ^anagtnunt.
THEODORE HOWARD, Bickley, Kent, Chairman. I WILLIAM HALL, 12, Park Villas, Shepherd's Bush, London.
JOHN CHALLICE, 5, Dover Street, Piccadilly, London. R. H. HILL, 2, Storey's Gate, Westminster, London.
CHARLES T. FISHE, London. \ GEORGE SOLTAU, Ilford, Essex.
pDHDrarg ^Jtrttarks. Ponorarg Sttasartt.
R. H. HILL, and C. T. FISHE. | JOHN CHALLICE.
©ftcM of 1^£ Pission.
6, PYRLAND ROAD, NEWINGTON GREEN, LONDON, N.
f anhcrs. ponorarg gtubitos.
LONDON AND COUNTY BANK, Lombard Street, London. | Messrs. THEODORE JONES & Co., FJBsbuiy Circus, London.
The China Inland Mission was formed in 1865.
Its simple object is by the help of God to carry mto every province of China the glad tidings of His love in
giving His only begotten Son to be the Saviour of the world.
It is Evangelical and unsectarian in its character, * embracing members of all the leading denominations
of Christians.
The need for its existence is shown by the spiritual destitution of China, for particulars of -which, see
" China, its Spiritual Need and Claims."
More than iifty stations or out-stations f have been opened, in all of which there are either Missionaries,
or resident native labourers.
The present staff of the Mission consists of — Missionaries and their wives 58 (16 married and 26 single),
and 75 Native Helpers, viz. — 7 Native Pastors, t,^ Evangelists, 27 Colporteurs, 6 Bible-women, and 2 Schoolmasters.
Of tliese, four senior and fourteen junior Missionaries have been designated to the special work of
commencing evangelistic operations in the nine provinces of Western China hitherto without resident
Protestant Missionaries. A station has been opened at Bhatno, near the Burmo-Chinese frontier , and four
of these eighteen Missionaries are preparing to enter China from this point.
The Missionaries and Native Helpers are supported, and the rents and other expenses of Mission
premises, schools, &c., are met, by the contributions sent in by those who wish to aid in this effort to spread the
knowledge of the Gospel throughout China.
In the case of a dsnation or apart of it being intended for the personal use o) any member of the Mission, or for any particular
branch of the work, it is requested that this may be stated very clearly.
All Donations to be addressed to Mr. Hill, Hon. Sec, at 6, Pyrland Road, London, N. Post Office Orders payable to
Richard Hams Hill, at the General Post Office. It is respectfully suggested that for greater safety Post Office Orders, where
practicable, should be used in sending even small sums.
A Meeting for Prayer for China is held every Saturday at 4 p.m., at the residence of J. Hudson Taylor, 6, Pyrland Road,
Stoke Newington Green, N.
* See Plans and Operations of the China Inland Mission, page 31 " China's Millions," for September, 1875. Price One Penny. See also the
Speech of the late Hon. and Rer. B. W. Noel, page iii, " China's Millions." for March, 1876. Price One Penny,
t See Table of Stations. " China's Millions," December, 1876. Price One Penny.
..iitaiiixin:f.ju«3wjn mu. „i
""Wlien He saw the multitudes He -was moved, -with compassion on thena,
because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no
shepherd." — Matthew ix. 36.
CHINA'S NEED.
How deep the spiritual need of China is, may in some measure be seen by three facts of solemn
importance — facts which, if sufficiently realized by British Christians, would surely lead to more
prayerful, self-denying effort for the evangelization of the perishing millions of that land.
FIRST.— China contains about one-third of the entire population
of the world.
Words used by the Rev. William Arthur when pleading for India may with added force
be adapted to the larger population of China. Think of every land where Satan has his
seat, and give to them all a part in your prayer. But oh ! think long on the land whose
Emperor has heathen subjects outnumbering more than twelvefold the entire population
of the British Isles. Think that yonder a third of Adam's children dwell ! Take a little
leisure and say, Of every three infants one first sees the light there : to what instruction
is it born ? Of every three brides one offers her vows there : to what affection is
she destined ? Of every three families one spreads its table there : what love
unites their circle ? Of every three widows one is lamenting there : what consola-
tions will soothe her ? Of every three orphan girls one is wandering there : what
charities will protect her ? Of every three men that die one is departing there : what
shore is in his eye ?
Of this vast population it is estimated that every day thirty-three thousand, — every month
^ne million pass into the eternal world.
SECOND. — In the nine provinces of China where Missionaries are
now stationed there are nearly a million of Chinese to
each Missionary.
This is taking into account all the Protestant Missionaries connected with American,
Continental, and British Societies.*
THIRD. — In the other nine provinces of China t there are one
hundred and fifty millions without a single resident
Protestant Missionary, J and this, eighteen hundred years
after the Saviour's command to PREACH THE GOSPEL
TO EVERY CREATURE.
"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of
the harvest that He will send forth labourers into His harvest."
• See Statistical Taile, page 43, "China's Millions," for October, 1875. Price One Penny ; and Conspectus of Protestant Missions ia China,
page 62, " China's Millions," for November.
t See Map of China in Provinces, page 42, "China's Millions," for October; and for fuller details see "China, its Spiritual Need and
Claims." Price 6(f.
} Eighteen Missionaries of the China Inland Mission have recently been designated for these nine provinces.
" Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free oouree
and be glorified, even as it is with you."— a Thtss. Hi. i, *
MISSIONARIES, NATIVE PASTORS, and other NATIVE HELPERS
in connection with the China Inland Mission. '
MISSIONARIES. (42 and 16 wives of Missionarie
; . Hudson Taylor,* Director,... arri
" ames Meadows,*
vedin China 1854.
George King,
1862.
James Cameron,...
George Crombie,*
1865.
George Nicoll, ..
George Stott,*
1866.
G. W. Clarke, ..
J. W. Stevenson,*
1866.
J. F. Broumton, ...
James Williamson,*
1866.
'G. F. Easton, ..
\V. D. Rudland,*
1866.
- J. J. Turner,
J. A. Jackson,*
1866.
Charles Budd, ..
Miss Desgraz
1S66.
Miss Knight,
'ohn McCarthy,*
1867.
Miss Goodman, ..
T. E. Cardwell,*
1868.
Miss Wilson,
C. H. Judd,*
1868.
Edward Pearse, ..
Edward Fishe,*
1868.
Francis James, ...
T. P. Harvey, L.R.C.P., &c., Lond.*
„ 1869.
George Parker, ..
C. T. Fishe,*
1869.
Horace Randle, ..
Miss Turner,
1872.
W. A. Wills, ..
F. W. Bailer,*
1873-
Miss Home,
M. Henry Taylor,
1873.
Miss Crickmay ..
A. W. Douthwaite,*
1874-
Miss Huberty
Henry Soltau, ... ... .„arrive
d in Burmah 1875.
Miss Murray
Jos. S. Adams,
1875.
Miss Hughes
The
* indicates the Missionaries who are marri
NATIVE PASTORS. (7.)
Wong Lae-djun.
Tsiang Siao-vong.
Chii Ying-tsiu.
Liu Sin-sang.
Vaen Sin-sang
EVANGELISTS. (33-)
'0 Ah-ho.
Zi Sin-sang.
Tsiang Liang-yuong.
Dong Sin-sang.
Kao Ziao-gyi.
F6ng Neng-kwe.
Wong Teng-yiiing.
W6ng Kyiio-yiao.
Loh Ah-ts'ih.
W6ng Sin-ch'ing.
Vong Sin-sang.
Tsiang Ping-hwe.
Sijiin-kao.
Loh Kying-sih.
Nyien Sin-sang.
Koh Yih-djun.
Vaen Kw6ng-pao.
U Djiin-yiao.
Nying Tsi'-ky'ing.
Tsiang Yuong-kao.
Tsiu Uong-yiang.
Ch'en Wen-loh.
COLPORTEURS. (27.)
Yiao Si-vu.
W6ng Yi-hying.
Li Sin-sang.
Ling Tsiao-song.
Dzing ST-vu.
Kying Tsing-saen.
Sing Sin-sang.
Tsiu Din-ky'ing.
Moh Dziang-ling.
Seng Shii-nyiin.
Lao Yiu-dzing.
Lo Si-fa.
Shih Da-tseng.
P'un Si-fu.
Liu Si-yuing.
Ch'eng Si-fu.
Ling Hyin-djvi.
Wu Si-fu.
BIBLE WOMEN. (6.)
Tsiu Sl-meo fsenr.1
Tsiu Si-meo (junr.)
Vaen Si-meo.
Shih Si-meo.
Nii
lTIVE SCHOOLMASTERS.
Veng-ing.
1
total, 58.)
arrived in China 1875
1875
1875
1875
187s
1875
1876
1876
1876
1876
1876
1876
1876
1876
1876,
1876,
1876
1876
1876
1876
1876
Tsiang Ah-liang.
Tsiang Soh-liang.
Chang Sien-seng.
Ch'un Sien-seng.
Chu Sien-seng.
Hsii Sien-seng.
Wu Cheng-tsan.
Tas Sin-sang.
Tsiu Fong-kying.
Han Sien-seng.
Yiao Sien-seng.
Lo Gan-fiih.
Chang Sien-seng.
King-shu.
Dzing Lao-)dao.
Tai Si-fu.
T'6ng Sin-sang.
Long-chong.
T'eng Si-fu.
Ts'Aen-ling.
P'en Sien-seng.
Yao Si-fu.
Yang Sl-meo.
Li Si-meo.
(2.)
Ing Sin -sang.
For the Stations of the Mission, see Table of Stations in "China's Millions" for December, 1876.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
^ ^t^ Uli^^ionat'ir IpmoMcal |IItt0ttateI^»
PUBLISHED MONTHLY,
By morgan & SCOTT, 12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, LONDON.
- PRICE ONE PENNY. '-.'"-'■ ' '
This Monthly Publication is comrnepded to all interested in the evangelization of China, and
their aid in securing for it a wide circulation is earnestly desired. It is designed to make the
spiritual need of that vast empire more widely known, and to furnish the supporters of the China
Inland Mission with reports of the progress of the work they are aiding.
" It is meet that the claims of the enormous population of China should have a special advocate among our Monthly Periodicals.
We have before us No. i of ' China's Millions,' and we commend it most heartily." — Mr. Spurgeon in Sword and Trcnvcl.
"We call our readers' attention, with much pleasure,, to this new periodical, which, for one fenny , gives such information as
all should desire to possess of the vast field it describes. It is written in an earnest missionary spirit, and is well illustrated." —
Womati's Work in the Harvest Field.
" We wish to draw special attention to the new illustrated periodical, edited by J. Hudson Taylor, and published at this
office. We should be rejoiced if every one of our readers became a subscriber; it would abundantly repay the small outlay of
IJ-. 6d. a year." — T/ie Christian.
"CHINA'S MILLIONS." First Half-Yearly Part. 6d.] in paper boards, printed in Colours, \s.
„ „ Second Half-Yearly Part. „ „ „ „
„ „ Third Half-Yearly Part „ „ „ „
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
July, 1875, to December, 1876.
Complete in oiie volume, handsomely bound, crimson cloth, extra gilt, price y. 6d.; paper boards, printed
in Colours, 2s. 6d.
Containing numerous Illustrations, Coloured Maps of Burmali and China, Statistical Table of Missions in
China, and much matter of permanent interest.
Published by MORGAN & SCOTT, 12, Paternoster Buildings, London, E,C.
The following Publications may be obtained from the Office of the China Inland Mission, 6, Pyrland Road.,
Stoke Newingto7t Green, Lo7idon.
"CHINA: its Spiritual Need and Claims." With Appendix and Illustrative Maps. Price 6d.
By the Rev. J. Hudson Taylor, M.R.C.S., F.R.G.S.
" SUMMARY OF THE Operations of the China Inland Mission." With Map. Price 2d.
"OCCASIONAL PAPERS OF the China Inland Mission."
Vol. L, 1866 to 1868. Vol. II., 1868 to 1870. Vol. III., 1870 to 1872. Vol. IV., 1872 to 1875.
Friends desiring to acquaint thcmsclues with the ivork of the Mission from its commencement will find tnnch information in the
Occasional Papers, the complete set of which (4 vols.) can be had for \s., in cloth, y. If by post, \s. additional, either set.
" WHAT CAN WE DO FOR CHINA.?" By Cheyne Brady, M.R.S.A. Post-free, 10 for 6d.
" MAP OF BURMAH," Coloured. Showing the proposed Trade Routes to Western China. 2d.
SOCIAL LIFE OF THE CHINESE.
A DAGUERREOTYPE OF DAILY LIFE IN CHINA.
BY THE REV. JUSTUS DOOLITTLE,
FOURTEEN YEARS MISSIONARY AT FUH-CHAU.
EDITED AND REVISED BY THE REV. PAXTON HOOD.
"With One Hundred and Fifty Illustrations.
or thi» book the Rev. Paxton Hood says :— " It is perhaps the most complete .^nd interesting work on the domestic life of the Chinese hitherto published."
A number of copies of the al)Ove interesting book are in our possessicn, to be sold for the benefit of the China Inland Mission.
It can be obtained at the Office of the Mission, 6, Pyrland Road, Stoke Newington Green, London. Price 6s.; or by post, 5s. 6i.
It is handsomely bound in red cloth, bevelled edges, and was published at 8s. 6d.
" The book is well worth purchasing, and we commend it to :hose who wish to acquaint themselves with the social life of the Chinese." —
Ed. China's Milliojis.
v.
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