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COLPORTEURS  GETTING  THERE. 


THE  KOREA 

MISSION  FIELD 


SEOUL 


COLPORTEUR  ARRIVED  AND  AT  WORK. 


KOREA 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELO 

A MONTHLY  MAGAZINE. 


PUBLISHED  AT  SEOUL  in  the  interest  of  all  the  Evangelical  Missions  in  Korea. 

EDITOR.— Rev.  Allen  F.  DeCamp. 

BUSINESS  Manager. — Mr.  Gekald  Bonwick,  the  Tract  House,  Seoul. 

ANNUAL  SUBSCRIPTION,  including  postage  to  any  part  of  the  world,  one  or  50  cent, 
gold,  or  2/1  English  Currency.  Business  matters  and  Subscriptions  should  be  addressed 
to  Mr.  Bonwick  as  above.-  Remittances  from  countries  other  than  Korea  and  Japan 
should  always  be  sent  by  Foreign  Money  Order  or  ordinary  Bank  cheque.  Please  do 
not  send  stamps  or  Inland  Money  Orders. 

Jf  preferred,  Subscriptions  may  also  be  sent  to  any  of  the  following  : — 

In  America. 

Dr.  F.  M.  Norih,  150  Fifth  Ave.,  New  York.  Rev.  J.  E.  McCulloch,  422  Park  Ave, 
Nashville,  Tenn.  Mr.  D.  H Day,  156  Fifth  Ave.  New  York.  Rev.  Ernest  Hall 
920  Sacramento  St.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

In  Great  Britain. 

Mrs.  S.  Bonwick,  28  Weston  Park,  Crouch  End,  London,  England. 

SINGLE  COPIES  10  sen;  three  of  same  issue  for  25  sen.  ’ 

PRINTED  by  Fukuin  Printing  Co.,  Ltd.,  Kobe,  Japan. 


CONTENTS.  ^ 

I 

Editorial  Pages  ; 123 

The  Contribution  of  the  Bible  Societies  to  the  Christianization  of  Korea 

Rev.  W.  D.  Reynolds,  D.D.  1 26 

How  I Became  a Missionary Rci\J.  IV.  Hitch.  129 

The  Story  of  a Korean  Girl  who  was  a Christian  

Rev.Jjs.  E.  Adams,  D.D.  1 30 

Itinerating  Accessories. 

II.  The  Pack  Pony Rev.  J.  Robert  Moose.  134 

Things  Korean. 

I.  Cooperation  : A Korean  Story  translated  by  

Rev.  W.  Carl  Rufus.  1 37 


II.  The  Greeting  of  Grandfather  Yune  Rev.  F.  S.  Miller.  139 

III.  Kim’s  Pretty  Sight  Rev.  F.  S.  Miller  139 

Correspondence. 

I.  A Peep  Behind  the  Curtain A.  E.  W.  140 

II.  Letter  from  J.  D.  Van  Buskirk,  M.D 140 

Notes  and  Personals  M3 


©HE  I^Or^EA  ffliSSION  FIELD 

VoL.  XII.  MAY,  1916.  No.  5* 


EDITORIAL  PAGES. 

THE  AMERICAN  BIBLE  SOCIETY  AND  THE  BIBLE. 

Strength  Made  Perfect  in  Weakness. 

On  the  8th  of  the  present  month  of  May  occurs  the  one  hundreth 
anniversary  of  the  founding  of  The  American  Bible  Society  and  on  the 
day  preceeding,  in  very  many  of  the  churches  of  Christendom,  the  fact 
will  be  noted  and  thanks  will  be  rendered  to  Almighty  God  that  His 
gracious  goodness  has  made  possible  such  a record  for  one  of  the  Bible 
Societies  of  the  World. 

When  during  the  seventeenth  century  Christians  in  the  Old  World, 
persecuted  for  their  conscientious  use  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures  fled 
across  the  Atlantic  Ocean  to  Nojih  America  for  freedom  to  worship 
God,  they  not  only  brought  their  Bibles  with  them  but  they  made  it  the 
Book  of  the  New  World.  Those  were  men  who  had  “ no  opinions  only 
convictions  ” and  so  they  became  the  fathers  of  the  Great  Republic  of 
the  West,  which  was  “conceived  in  liberty  and  dedicated  to  the  pro- 
position that  all  men  are  created  equal.” 

When  the  population  had  increased  and  had  gravitated  westward 
until  regions  were  settled  in  which  there  was  no  church,  nor  minister  nor 
Bible  a great  hunger  for  the  Sacred  Scriptures  developed  which,  for 
a time,  was  allayed  by  local  societies  for  Bible  distribution  patterned  after 
The  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  One  hundred  years  ago  the 
eighth  of  May,  all  of  these,  for  greater  efficiency,  were  consolidated  into 
The  American  Bible  Society  which  from  small  beginnings  has  developed 
into  giant  proportions  chiefly  because  in  its  inception  and  development  it 
has  been  the  representative  of  all  the  evangelical  bodies  of  Christians  in 
the  United  States  ; in  other  words  it  has  stood  for  and  demonstrated 
practical  Church  Union. 

The  first. President  of  the  American  Bible  Society  was  Elias  Boudi- 
not,  L.L.D.  who,  at  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War  as  President 
of  Congress  in  1783,  signed  the  treaty  of  peace  with  Great  Britain.  The 
American  Statesman  John  Jay  was  the  second  President  of  the  American 
Bible  Society,  while  among  its  early  vice- Presidents  was  John  Quincy 
Adams  who  later  became  President  of  the  United  States,  in  which  most 
honorable  and  exacting  position  he  in  no  wise  abated  his  ardent  interest 
in  the  Bible  Society.  Its  honorable  launching  is  evinced  by  the  fact  that 
its  first  three  Presidents  were  personal  friends  of  George  Washington 
“ the  father  of  his  country." 

Beginning  at  one  centre,  by  the  time  of  our  Civil  War,  i.e.  in  forty- 


124 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


five  years,  The  American  Bible  Society,  through  its  2800  auxiliaries, 
had  ramified  into  and  through  all  the  states  and  territories  of  the  Union 
of  States,  and  through'  the  missionary  societies  it  has  since  winged  the 
Word  to  the  remotest  quarters  of  our  globe.  From  one,  or  a very  few 
languages,  at  first,  this  society  has  translated  the  Scriptures  into  several 
hundreds  of  the  languages  and  dialects  of  the  earth.  Beginning  in  weak 
ness  it  has  increased  so  that  its  total  output  of  volumes  during  99  years 
has  been  109,926,214  over  half  of  which  have  been  issued  since  1891. 
At  this  exhibit  we  may  well  exclaim,  “ What  hath  God  wrought ! " 

But  far  more  wonderful  than  this  manifold  distribution  of  the  Bible, 
which  vastly  transcends  that  of  any  other  volume,  is  the  wonder,  we 
may  say  the  miracle,  of  the  Bible  itself!  Given  the  book  and  the 
distribution,  above  alluded  to,  was  natural  because  desirable,' yes,  ne- 
cessary. That  such  a book  exists  in  the  earth  is  the  standing  miracle, 
for  this  volume  is  dateless,  ageless  and  endureth  forever  I Therefore 
it  may  be  profitable  to  inquire.  How  hath  God  wrought  in  producing 
this  book  ? 

God  wrought  not  alone  but  with  human  cooperation.  As  when 
the  volume  of  Holy  Writ  had  been  compiled  ; when  human  hands  had 
gathered  its  widely  scattered  portions  they  needed  to  be  printed,  bound, 
boxed,  shipped  to  the  ends  of  the  earth  and  there  distributed  among  its 
peoples,  which  efforts  had  to  be  achieved  through  human  minds  and  feet 
and  fingers,  so  was  human  cooperation  necessary  in  the  production  of 
the  Word  of  God.  So  far  as  we  know  God  Himself  never  wrote  one 
word  in  a human  language.  The  nearest  approach  to  it  was  when  our 
Lord  “ stooped  down  and  with  his  finger  wrote  on  the  ground  as  though 
he  heard  them  not.”  God,  indeed,  had  chiseled,  in  boldest  outline. 
His  hieroglyphics  in  the<'  rocks ; had  penciled  his  glory  among  the  stars 
and  had  made  suggestions  of  His  beauty  in  the  colorings  of  the  flowers  ; 
but  when  the  undreamt-of  achievements  of  divine  love  in  behalf  of 
human  sinners  were  to  be  transcribed  in  a book  and  in  human  language, 
divine-human  cooperation  alone  was  adequate  to  that  mighty  task  ; and 
so  we  read,  “ Holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.”  And  when  God  ceased  to  use  the  prophets  because  he  would 
come  yet  closer  to  our  race  through  His  incarnate  Son,  by  Whom 
also  He  made  the  worlds,”  the  latter  wrote  no  record  but  said  in  His 
farewell  to  His  disciples,  “ when  He  the  Spirit  of  truth  is  come  He  shall 
lead  you  into  all  truth — He  shall  bring  all  things  to  your  remembrance, 
whatsoever  I have  said  unto  you.”  And  so  it  was  that  during  a period 
of  fifteen  hundred  years  the  Holy  Spirit  inspired  men,  many  of  whom 
lived  far  apart  in  different  regions  and  who  never  had  seen  or  heard 
of  one  another,  to  write  sixty-six  different  Books  which,  when  gathered 
and  bound  together,  constitute  the  Old  and  the  New  Testaments ; not  a 
book  but  a library,  the  volume  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  commonly 
called  the  Bible.  As  a magnet  drawn  through  soil  attracts  to  itself  the 
grains  of  iron  ore  which  it  touches,  so  the  magnet  of  divine  Providence 
inspired  by  human  need  and  drawn  through  the  literatures  of  earth 
attracted  to  itself  and  so  collected  together  these  66  sacred  books. 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD, 


125 


Thus  in  all  this  effort  God  was  assisted  by  men’s  cooperation.  We 
may  reverently  say  was  enabled  to  do  what  otherwise  could  not  have 
been  done,  certainly  not  so  well.  As  the  cipher  zero  apart  by  itself 
counts  nothing  but  placed  along  side  of  the  unit  I makes  it  count  ten,  so 
human  nothingness,  apart,  linked  to  the  divine  efficiency,  produced  the 
written  record  of  the  redeeming  love  of  our  Father  God  ! Thus  was 
strength  made  perfect  in  weakness. 

Again,  contemplate  the  imperfect  characters  of  the  people  whose 
lives  are  portrayed  in  Holy  Writ  by  the  men  inspired  to  write  them, 
which  imperfect  men  unconsciously  cooperated  with  God  in  unfolding 
His  purpose  of  redeeming  love.  If  the  cipher  might  represent  the  worth- 
ies inspired  to  write,  the  most  of  the  characters  depicted  must  be 
symboled  by  the  cypher  prefaced  with  the  minus  sign  ! The  best  men  of 
Scripture,  who  tower  above  their  contemporaries  from  their  shoulders 
and  upward,  were  far  from  saintly  ; they  were,  at  best,  but  diamonds  in 
the  rough  ; but  what  shall  be  said  of  crafty  Jacob  who  beguiled  Esau 
out  of  his  birthright  and  later  connived  with  his  mother,  by  double-dyed 
falsehood  ancf  treachery,  to  dupe  his  blind  old  father  for  confirmation  of 
the  rascality ! Or  what  can  be  said  in  mitigation  of  the  unspeakable 
cruelty  of  Jacob’s  ten  sons  visited  on  their  noble  younger  brother 
Joseph,  who  first  planned  to  murder  him  and  later  did  sell  him  into 
slavery,  and  then,  showing  their  victim’s  bloodstained  coat  to  the  aged 
father,  forthwith  proceeded  to  ‘comfort  him  for  his  loss  ! The  untamed 
zeal  of  Moses,  slew  the  Egyptian  who  strove  with  the  Israelite,  and  then 
carried  him,  a fugitive  from  justice,  into  the  wilderness  of  Horeb  for 
hiding,  during  forty  years.  When  called  of  God  he  emerged  again 
into  publicity  and  was  commissioned  to  lead  the  Hebrews  out  of 
bondage  to  the  promised  land,  that  same  people  proved  to  be  so  incori- 
gibly  “ stiff-necked  and  uncircumcised  in  heart  and  ears  ” that  God  shut 
out  the  adults  from  victory  and  doomed  their  bones  to  whiten  the  wastes 
of  the  wilderness.-  Even  Moses,  through  sin,  was  debarred  entrance  to 
that  land.  Because  of  their  practice  of  concubinage,  slavery  and  cruelty 
in  war  and  many  other  such  like  things,  multitudes  to-day,  discredit  the  Bible 
as  the  book  of  a Holy  God  ! But  these  things,  which  seem  to  discredit, 
really  make  for  and  prove  the  Bible  to  be  the  book  of  God  ! To  make 
bricks,  equally  good,  without  straw,  is  a greater  feat  than  to  make  them 
with  it.  To  create,  is  a greater  feat  than  to  manufacture.  To  create  is 
to  fnake  something  out  of  nothing,  but  God  commendeth  His  resource- 
fulness to  us  in  that  He  has  produced,  out  of  less  than  nothing,  an 
unspeakably  precious  boon  ! 

Dr.  Newel  Dwight  Hillis  well  illustrates  this  in  the  words,  ^‘The  Pilgrim 
Fathers  were  inspired  with  an  idea  of  a true  republic  of  God  based  upon 
justice  and  realizing  individual  liberty.  Following  their  vision  the  Pilgrim 
Fathers  hired  a ship,  manned  by  sailors  who  were  adventurers,  soldiers 
of  fortune  and  even  escaped  criminals.  Profane  men  lifted  the  sails  ; a 
criminal  hand,  perhaps,  guided  the  helm  ; an  ex  brigand  prepared  the 
food  ; nevertheless,  there  was  a divine  light  burning  on  the  prow  and  an 
invisible  figure  walking  the  deck.  Do  you  deny  this  republic  because 


126 


THE  KOBEA  MISSION  FIELD, 


thieves,  pirates  and  ex-convicts  were  hired  by  a captain  who  owned  the 
Mayflower  ? The  Old  Testament  is  a ship  sailing  across  the  seas  of  the 
centuries,  but  a divine  figure  stands  in  the  scene,  though  the  men  who 
wrought  about  that  figure  were  slave  holders,  polygamists,  cruel  soldiers, 
cherishing  many  superstitions  toward  astronomy  and  natural  philosophy, 

the  inspired  thing  in  the  Old  Testament  is  the  moral  element,  with 

its  new  wonderful  thought  that  God  is  merciful,  gracious,  slow  to  anger, 
full  of  compassion  and  of  great  mercy.”  Thus  strength  is  made  perfect 
in  weakness  by  Him  who  “ maketh  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  tlim  and 
the  remainder  thereof  He  doth  restrain.” 


THE  CONTRIBUTION  OF  THE  BIBLE 
SOCIETIES  TO'THE  CHRISTIANIZATION 
OF  KOREA. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  May  8th  marks  the  centenary  of  the  Ame- 
rican Bible  Society,  and  that  a little  more  than  half  a century  has  elapsed 
since  the  National  Bible  Society  of  Scotland  sent  the  first  Scriptures  to 
Korea  in  the  ill-fated  “ Sherman,”  and  that  one  third  of  a century  has 
passed  since  the  first  colporteur  was  sent  across  the  Yalu  under  the  aus- 
pices of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  it  seems  a fitting  time  to 
record  some  of  the  contributions  made  by  these  three  societies  towards 
the  Christianization  of  Chosen. 

In  the  words  of  Agur  the  son  of  Jakeh,  “ there  be  three  things 
which  go  well,  yea  four  are  comely  in  going.”  The  three  societies  have 
“ gone  well”  in  the  past  along  the  three  lines  of  Translation,  Publication, 
and  Circulation.  We  will  present  a brief  sketch  of  these  three  lines  of 
work. 

I.  Translation.  In  1875,  Dr.  John  Ross  and  Rev.  John  MacIntyre 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Scotland’s  Mission  in  Manchuria, 
becoming  interested  in  Koreans  who  had  come  across  the  border,  engaged 
one  of  them  to  translate  the  Scriptures  from  Chinese  into  Unmun,  the 
Korean  vernacular.  In  1881  The  British  and  F'oreign  Bible  Society 
refunded  to  Messrs.  Ross  and  McIntyre  the  entire  expenses  incurred  by 
them  in  the  translation  work,  and  in  the  same  year  published  their 
translation  of  Mark’s  Gospel.  The  Ross  Version  of  the  New  Testament 
was  completed  and  published  in  1887,  but  separate  editions  of  the  Gospels 
of  Luke  and  John  had  been  prepared  and  sent  into  Korea  as  early  as 
1882  and  ’83. 

Meantime,  perhaps  as  early  as  1882,  Rev.  Henry  Loomis,  Agent  of 
the  American  Bible  Society  in  Japan,  was  becoming  interested  in  Korea 
through  Koreans  who  came  over  in  the  train  of  the  minister  to  Japan. 
One  of  these  named  Rijutei  (Ye  Suchon)  manifested  an  interest  in  Chris- 
tianity and  was  soon  engaged  in  the  translation  of  the  Gospel  of  Mark. 
And  so  it  came  to  pass  in  the  providence  of  God  and  through  the  funds 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


127 


of  the  American  Bible  Society  that  the  first  ordained  Protestant  mission- 
aries to  enter  Korea  via  Japan,  namely  Revs.  H.  G.  Underwood,  H.  G. 
Appenzeller  and  VV.  B.  Scranton,  landed  at  Chemulpo  in  1885  with 
packages  of  Mark’s  Gospel  in  their  hands. 

The  Ross  and  Rijutei  Versions  were  of  necessity  almost  wholly  the 
work  of  Korean  scholars  translating  from  Chinese  and  Japanese  Scriptures, 
without  adequate  revision  by  a foreigner  versed  in  both  the  original  and 
Korean.  However  grateful  we  must  always  feel  for  these  pioneer  trans- 
lations, the  stilted  style,  abounding  in  Chinese  derivatives  and  provincial 
expressions,  with  frequent  errors,  obscure  renderings,  queer  spellings  and 
archaic  type,  caused  the  early  missionaries  to  resolve  to  make  a new 
translation  rather  than  waste  tihie  patching  up  the  old. 

Accordingly  in  February  1887,  the  five  missionaries  then  on  the 
field  organized  themselves  into  a Bible  Committee  “ in  charge  of  the 
translation,  conservation,  and  publication  of  the  Scriptures  in  Korean.” 
Various  books  of  the  New  Testament  were  assigned  to  be  translated 
separately  by  four  men,  two  of  them  clerical  and  two  of  them  medical 
missionaries  : viz.y  Revs.  Underwood  and  Appenzeller,  and  Drs.  Heron 
and  Scranton.  After  Dr.  Heron’s  death  in  1890,  Rev.  J.  S.  Gale  was 
added  to  the  Committee.  By  the  end  of  1892,  individual  versions  of 
about  two-thinks  of  the  New  Testament  were  ready  for  the  press. 

In  1893,  the  constitution  of  the  Bible  Committee  was  changed  and  a 
Board  of  Official  Translators  elected  ; viz..  Revs.  H.  G.  Underwood  and 
Jas.  S.  Gale  of  the  Presbyterian  Mission,  North,  Rev.  H.  G.  Appenzeller 
and  Dr.  W.  B.  Scranton  of  the  M.  E.  Mission,  North,  and  Rev.  M.  N. 
Trollope  of  the  Church  of  England  Mission.  The  latter’s  connection  with 
4he  Board  was  but  temporary.  .In  the  fall  of  1895,  Rev.  W.  D.  Rey- 
nolds, of  the  Presbyterian  Mission,  South,  was  elected  by  the  Bible  Com- 
mittee to  membership  on  the  Board  of  Translators.  At  first  the  various 
members  worked  separately,  preparing  first  drafts  and  circulating  them 
for  criticism.  In  1897  and  1898  daily  sessions  were  held  for  a month  or 
more  in  the  spring  and  the  fall,  and  by  continuous  sessions  in  the  fall  and 
winter  of  1899,  the  Board’s  version  was  completed  through  the  Book  of 
Romans.  At  the  request  of  the  Bible  Committee  the  individual  drafts  of 
the  remaining  books  were  handed  over  for  publication,  and,  the  Board 
now  turned  its  attention  to  the  Old  Testament  and  took  up  the  Psalms. 
But  the  furloughs  of  four  members  put  a stop  to  Board  meetings  for 
nearly  two  years. 

In  June  1902,  the  cause  of  Missions  and  of  Bible  Translation  sustain- 
ed a sad  loss  in  the  death  of  Mr.  Appenzeller,  who  sacrificed  his  own 
life  in  an  attempt  to  save  his  Korean  traveling  companions  in  a collision 
at  sea,  when  on  his  way  to  attend  a meeting  of  the  Board  at  Mokpo. 
Rev.  G.  H.  Jones  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy,  but  sat  with  the  Board 
for  only  six  months. 

Up  to  this  time  the  Bible  Societies  had  defrayed  all  translating 
expenses,  including  the  salary  of  a Korean  assistant  for  each  foreign 
translator.  From  1902  to  1910,  in  order  to  secure  continuous  daily 
sessions,  so  expediting  the  completion  of  the  work,  the  societies  assumed 


128 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


the  support  of  one  member  of  the  Board,  Mr.  Reynolds,  and  prevailed 
upon  the  Presbyterian  Mission,  North,  to  assign  Drs.  Underwood  and 
Gale,  Bible  Translation  as  iheir  main  work.  The  new  plan  worked  well, 
and  inside  of  two  years. the  Board  had  completed  its  authorized  version  of 
the  New  Testament,  which  was  printed  in  1904,  and  was  put  through 
a rapid  revision  and  reissued  in  permanent  form  in  1906. 

The  Old  Testament  was  taken  up  “ de  novo  ” in  October  1904.  The 
I’salms  and  part  of  Genesis  had  been  translated  in  daily  sessions  when  Dr. 
Underwood’s  health  failed,  necessitating  a complete  rest  and  absence  from 
the  field  for  two  or  more  years.  Dr.  Gale’s  furlough  falling  due,  Dr. 
Reynolds  was  left  to  carry  on  the  work  with  the  aid  of  two  Korean 
scholars.  In  the  fall  of  1906,  Revs.  A.  A.  Pieters  and  W.  G.  Cram  were 
elected  associate  members,  but  owing  to  the  demands  of  their  country 
work  were  unable  to  serve  more  than  a few  months. 

In. the  spring  of  1907,  Dr.  Fox  of  the  American  Bible  Society  and 
Mr.  Ritson  of  the  British  and  P"oreign  Bible  Society,  visited  Korea  at 
the  same  time,  and  after  conference  with  the  Bible  Committee  authorized 
Dr.  Reynolds  and  the  two  Korean  assistants  to  proceed  with  the  trans- 
lation of  the  Old  Testament. 

On  April  2nd,  1910,  the  Agent  in  Seoul,  Mr.  Hugh  Miller,  was 
notified  by  telegraph  of  the  completion  of  this  task,  precisely  five  years, 
five  months  and  sixteen  days  from  start  to  finish,  including  time  spent  on 
the  revision  and  proof  reading  of  the  New  Testament. 

Meanwhile  Dr.  Gale  prepared  a mixed  script  version  of  the  New 
Testament,  practically  identical  with  the  vernacular  version.  P"or  some 
time  past  he  has  been  at  work  upon  the  Old  Testament  version  with  the 
aid  of  the  best  Korean  scholars  available,  cutting  out  difficult  Hebraisms 
and  unnecessary  particles,  recasting  awkward  expressions,  and  seeking  to 
make  the  book  read  as  smoothly  and  intelligibly  as  possible,  at  the  same 
time  preparing  it  in  mixed  script  for  the  use  of  scholars.  As  each  book 
is  thus  revised,  a clean  copy  is  made  and  sent  to  Dr.  Reynolds  for  com- 
ments and  suggestions.  With  the  purpose  of  expediting  the  work  of 
revision,  the  Bible  Committee,  at  its  last  meeting,  elected  two  new  members  . 
to  the  Board  of  Revisers  ; vis.,  Revs  Pk  M.  Cable  and  M.  B.  Stokes  of 
the  two  Methodist  Missions. 

2.  Ihiblication.  During  the  ^ears  when  the  three  Bible  Societies 
operated  through  a joint  Agency  in  Seoul,  the  cost  of  publication  was 
borne  in  the  proportion  of  two  fifths  by  each  of  the  larger  societies  and 
one-fifth  by  the  National  Bible  Society  of  Scotland,  and  sales  were 
accredited  in  the  same  way. 

The  Ross  Version  of  the  New  Testament  was  published  in  1887  ; 
the  “ provisional  version  ” of  the  Board  in  1900  (from  Corinthians  to  the 
Revelation  being  individual  translations)  ; the  “ official  ” version  of  the 
New  Testament  in  1904,  and  the  revised  version  in  1906.  The  first 
edition  of  the  Old  Testament  was  issued  in  1911,  all  but  Genesis  and  Psalms 
being  practically  individual  translations.  In  addition  to  the  above  there 
have  been  numerous  editions  of  portions  and  of  Icstamcnts  in  various 
sizes  and  bindings. 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


129 


In  1915,  the  B.F.B.S.  expended  12, 1027^;/  and  the  A.B.S.  9794,70 
ye7i  on  publication  of  Korean  Scriptures. 

3.  Circulation.  The  Scriptures  are  circulated  through  colporteurs 
and  Bible  women,  and  by  direct  sales  from  the  Bible  House  and  book- 
depots.  In  1915  the  two  British  Societies  employed  161  colporteurs  and 
29  Bible  women,  distributing  809,976  portions  and  16,659  Testaments. 
The  corresponding  figures  for  the  American  Bible  Society  are  : — 98 
Colporteurs  and  10  Bible  women  for  the  year. 

In  1915  the  total  expenditures  of  the  British  Societies  was  66,847 
while  that  of  the  American  Bible  Society  was  44,6o6j^^/2. 

All  Christians  have  reason  to  thank  God  that  the  translation  of  the 
Scriptures  into  Korean  is  an  accomplished  fact  and  that  their  dissemina- 
tion is  so  successfully  achieved  ; the  translators,  especially,  have  cause  for 
gratitude  that  it  was  given  to  them  to  share  vitally  in  the  achievement  of 
so  noble  a work. 

W.  D.  Reynolds. 


HOW  I BECAME  A MISSIONARY. 

My  boyhood  was  like  that  of  many  other  American  boys.  I lived, 
in  a town  under  the  care  of  parents  who  were  very  indulgent  and  allow- 
ed me  to  do  and  have  pretty  much  what  pleased  me.  My  father  was  a 
lawyer,  and  after  I gave  up  my  boyish  fancies  of  being  a sailor,  or  a 
policemen,  or  a conductor,  or  some  other  equally  spectacular  occupa- 
tion, I determined  to  practice  law.  From  that  time  this  one  idea  ruled 
my  life.  It  controlled  in  the  selection  of  my  course  of  study  at  college 
as  well  as  in  the  lesser  details  of  my  life,  and  anything  that  seemed  to 
interfere  was  shut  out.  In  due  time  I graduated  from  one  of  the  leading 
Law  Schools,  and  began  the  practice  of  law  being  associated  with  my 
father.  I found  the  law  all  that  I had  expected,  a profitable  occupa- 
tion as  well  as  a pleasant  intellectual  pursuit,  and  even  to  this  day  I can 
read  Blackstone  with  as  much  interest  and  absorption  as  the  average  girl 
does  one  of  the  “ best  sellers.”  From  the  World’s  standpoint  my  life 
seemed  full  of  promise. 

To  turn  to  the  spiritual  side  of  my  life.  I was  converted  early  in 
life  and  became  a church  member,  but  the  attractions  of  the  world  and  of 
social  life  were  great,  and  in  my  case  at  least,  “ society  ” and  religion  did 
not  mix  very  well  and  I often  found  myself  in  a cold  and  back-slidden 
state.  There  w'ere  times  when  I was  greatly  dissatisfied  with  my  half- 
hearted Christian  life.  One  time  in  particular,  I recall,  w^as  after  I had 
been  out  at  some  social  affair  until  very  late  at  night,  and  after  reaching 
my  room  I could  not  but  think  how  gay  yet  how  empty  of  anything  of 
true  worth  the  evening  had  been  and  the  thought  came,  “ What  would  it 
mean  if  you  cut  out  all  this  and  gave  yourself  to  a life  of  true  and  real 
service  ? ” My  mind  quickly  traveled  through  all  superficial  suggestions 
and  brought  me  to  this  issure  ; it  would  mean  giving  up  the  life  you  are 
now  leading  and  going  to  the  other  extreme.  It  would  mean  a life  of 


THE  KOREA  MISSIOl^  FIELD, 


*30 


real  sacrifice, — the  life  of  a missionary.  The  very  thought  was  so  distaste- 
ful to  me  that  I hastened  to  put  it  out  of  my  mind,  yet  the  idea  was  so 
intense  and  real  that  it  left  my  heart  palpitating  with  fright. 

Sometime  after  this  I was,  for  lack  of  better  material,  elected  to  the 
office  of  President  of  the  Young  People’s  Society  in  our  Church.  I had 
early  formed  the  habit,  as  most  young  lawyers  do,  of  accepting  anything 
that  would  bring  me  into  public  notice,  and  with  some  such  notion  I ac- 
cepted this  office.  I was  full  of  ambition,  and  soon  the  idea  of  making 
this  the  best  Young  People’s  Society  in  that  part  of  the  State  possessed 
me.  I found,  however,  that  while  good  methods  and  hard  work  would 
increase  the  attendance  and  bring  some  results,  that  one  must  have 
spiritual  power  to  make  a religious  organization  really  and  this  power 
I lacked. 

It  was  not  very  long  after  this  that  the  State  Organization  of  Young 
People’s  Societies  met  as  the  guest  of  our  Local  Society  and  it  was  during 
this  Convention  that  I was  brought  to  face  the  matter  of  complete  con- 
secration. The  issue  centered  about  the  problem  of  God’s  will  for  me, 
and  the  question  was.  Would  I be  willing  to  do  God’s  will  at  any  cost  ? 
This,  of  course,  involved  the  willingness  to  give  up  my  profession  and 
right  here  I balked.  My  profession  had  become  the  very  center  of  my 
‘life,  and  I felt  that  if  I gave  it  up,  life  would  hold  so  little  attraction  for 
me  that  I might  as  well  be  dead.  The  struggle  was  intense  and  I at  last 
reached  the  place  where  it  seemed  to  me  that  if  I did  not  yield  to  God, 
my  soul  would  be  lost.  After  several  days  I yielded  unconditionally, 
and  I found  deep  peace  and  joy  in  my  decision.  But  now  there  seemed 
no  demand  for  me  to  give  up  the  law. 

During  the  Summer  I attended  a Missionary  Conference  and  while 
there  I had  presented  to  me  the  needs  of  the  Foreign  Field.  I was 
obliged  to  acknowledge  the  primacy  of  the  foreign  over  the  home  need, 
and  as  I could  not  find  any  good  and  sufficient  reason  for  me  to  stay  at 
home  I volunteered  for  foreign  service. 

I have  been  on  the  Foreign  Field  for  about  nine  years,  now,  and  in 
all  this  time  I have  never  seriously  doubted  my  call,  and  I am  more  and 
more  convinced  that  the  words  of  Keith- Falconer  are  true  ; 


A call  is  a need,  a need  made  known,  and  the  power 
to  meet  that  need.” 


J.  W.  Hitch. 


THE  STORY  OF  A KOREAN  GIRL  WHO 
WAS  A CHRISTIAN. 

Kang  Naomi  was  the  child  of  the  keepers  of  a way  side  inn.  At 
one  time  the  District  Magistrate  of  an  outlying  county,  not  infrequently 
stopped  at  this  inn  on  his  way  back  and  forth  from  the  provincial  capital. 
His  wife  became  interested  in  the  pretty  child,  and  when  her  husband 
was'relieved  of  his  office  and  was  returning  to  Seoul,  she  obtained  per- 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD, 


*3* 


mission  from  the  parents  to  take  her  with  her  and  rear  her  in  her  own 
family.  In  this  way,  during  the  period  she  was  growing  up,  she  knew 
little  or  nothing  of  her  own  parents  and  they  little  of  her. 

The  years  went  by.  A Christian  church  sprang  up  in  a village  near 
where  the  parents  lived.  They  themselves  became  interested  but  soon 
fell  away  under  the  constraint  of  drink  and  their  occupation.  They  were 
also  old,  unprincipled  and  poor. 

After  ten  years,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  Naomi  returned  to  her  home. 
She  was  sweet  tempered,  with  a beautiful  face,  almost  a woman  grown, 
and  having  been  reared  in  a good  family,  was  quiet  and  modest.  She 

came  to  church  and  soon  declared  her  faith.  When  the  missionary 

catechized  her  for  admission  to  the  catechumenate,  knowing  the  conditions 
of  her  surroundings,  he  questioned  her  as  to  what  she  would  do  if  her 
parents  insisted  on  marrying  her  to  a non-believer.  She  replied  that  she 
would  die  first. 

The  missionary  was  not  on  the  circuit  again  until  the  next  Fall. 
Then  he  heard  a rumor  to  the  effect  that  Naomi  had  been  sold  by  her 
parents  to  be  the  concubine  of  a wealthy  man.  He  imtnediately  put  off 
to  the  place  to  ascertain  the  facts  and  found  a lamentable  situation.  It 
had  been  about  four  months  before  He  called  Naomi  and  heard  her 

story.  The  first  she  knew,  the  cloth  had  come  to  the  house  and  her 

parents  told  her  it  was  to  be  the  trousseau  for  some  one  else  and  she  was 
to  receive  wages  for  making  it  up.  When  it  was  all  made  up  the  man 
came,  and  she  was  told  that  she  was  to  marry  him.  She  protested  but  to 
no  avail.  She  was  assured  that  he  was  very  rich  ; that  he  had  lost  his 
first  wife  ; that  it  was  a proper  marriage  ; that  the  contracts  had  been  all 
made,  and  that  she  must  obey.  So  finally  she  surrendered,  and  then  later 
on  she  ascertained  that  she  was  not  only  not  his  wife  but  his  second  con- 
cubine. She  had  done  everything  she  could  to  be  released  ; she  had 
threatened  to  kill  herself ; but  they  had  watched  her  too  closely  ; there 
was  no  one  who  would  help  her  and  she  could  do  nothing. 

The  missionary  called  up  the  church  officers  and  enquired  what  they 
had  done.  They  had  done  nothing.  They  had  not  even  gone  to  ascer- 
tain the  facts  in  the  case,  or  to  protest,  or  to  try  to  help.  All  that  they 
could  say  was  that  she  had  not  appealed  to  them  and  they  did  not  know 
whether  the  matter  had  not  been  with  her  consent. 

Then  he  told  her  that  women’s  rights  before  the  law,  now,  were  very 
different  from  what  they  had  been  a few  years  ago.  That  the  law^now 
made  her  a free  agent,  and  that  she  could  not  be  married,  much  less  sold, 
except  with  her  own  consent.  All  that  would  be  necessary  would  be 
for  her  to  appeal  to  the  local  magistrate,  tell  him  what  she  had  told 
the  missionary  and  he  would  give  her  an  order  of  divorce.  She  raised 
the  question  as  to  whether,  if  she  did  this,  her  parents  would  not 
become  criminals  for  what  they  had  done  and  amenable  to  the  law. 
Her  father  had  told  her  that  they  would,  and  she  could  scarcely  bring 
herself  to  send  her  parents  to  prison  no  matter  how  bad  they  were. 
The  missionary  said  that  he  did  not  know  about  this  but  the  way 
out  for  her  was  clear,  and  that  if  she  wished  to  continue  a disciple  of 


132 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


Christ  and  attached  to  His  church,  she  must  walk  as  a Christian 
should.  If  she  did  not  decide  to  do  this  then  she  must  be  considered 
as  remaining  in  her  present  condition  by  her  own  choice  and  he  would 
have  to  expel  her  from  the  church.  He  would  give^her  a time  to  come 
to  her  decision.  She  said  that  she  would  first  make  a final  trial  to  have 
her  husband  release  her  and  then  she  would  decide  whaj  she  would  do. 

About  a month  later  she  came  to  the  door  of  the  Missionary’s  home 
one  Sunday  morning.  She  had  been  in  the  city  for  ten  days.  She  had 
written  twice  to  her  husband  and  gotton  no  reply ; she  had  then  written 
him  that  she  would  appeal  to  the  law,  and  he  had  come  to  the  city.  She 
had  had  several  interviews  with  him,  but  there  was  no  one  to  help  her 
and  he  held  her  in  contempt  because  she  was  a woman,  and  had  finally 
impatiently  told  her  that  in  spite  of  all  she  might  do,  he  would  not  release 
her.  So  there  was  nothing  to  do  but  to  appeal  to  the  magistrate.  Would 
the  missionary  tell  her  what  to  do.  Her  husband  had  said  that  it  would 
take  a great  deal  of  money  and  she  had  none.  Her  parents  had  sent  word 
that  they  were  coming  for  her  in  two  days  and  they  would  take  her 
home  where  she  could  do  nothing. 

The  missionary  reproved  her  for  not  coming  to  him  when  she  first 
came  in,  and  then  told  her  to  come  again  the  next  day,  and  meanwhile 
he  would  see  what  could  be  done.  An  elder  of  the  local  church  was 
visited  and  conferred  with.  He  knew  the  young  fellow,  the  husband,  by 
sight.  He  had  lately  come  into  his  property,  and  was  not  a bad  fellow 
as  such  men  went.  He  (the  elder)  thought  it  worth  while  to  first  try 
what  could  be  done  with  him,  as  he  was  not  a man  who  would  enjoy  a 
scandal,  and  anyway,  at  the  same  price,  it  was  better  to  see  if  it  could 
be  arranged  out  of  court. 

The  elder  had  himself  been  a man  of  the  world,  and  was  a man  of 
substance  and  worldly  wisdom.  He  called  on  the  young  man  ; talked  the  - 
matter  over  frankly  with  him  ; pointed  out  the  scandal  and  shame  of  being 
put  in  the  position  of  trying  to  force  the  girl  to  be  his  concubine  against 
her  will  ; that  if  it  came  to  court,  as  it  certainly  would,  he  would  be  made 
the  laughing  stock  of  all  his  companions  ; that  he  should  consider  the 
girls  motive  which  was  not  one  of  dislike  for  him  personally,  but  of  con- 
science as  regarded  the  relation  ; and  that  finally  if  he  was  bent  on  that 
sort  of  thing  there  were  plenty  of  as  good-looking  ones  who  would  not 
raise  objections.  Why  insist  on  this  one.  It  might  even  put  him  in  a 
difficult  position  as  regarded  the  law  ; for  if  money  had  passed  between 
the  parties  concerned,  was  not  that  forbidden  and  a penalty  attached? 
The  young  man  was  enabled  to  see  light  on  the  subject  and  a meeting 
was  arranged.  The  young  man,  the  girl,  the  elder  and  the  missionary 
met.  She  drew  up  her  petition  to  him  for  release,  sitting  forth  the  rea- 
sons. And  in  view  of  these  he  granted  her  a writing  of  divorcement. 
And  the  two  were  sealed  and  wintnessed  by  the  elder.  With  that  the 
young  man  vanishes  from  the  story.  But  now  the  girl  was  on  the  mis- 
sionary’s hands,  and  as  the  elder  remarked,  having  gotten  into  it  so  deep, 
they  must  pull  through  to  the  other  side  or  the  joke  would  be  on  them. 

It  was  decided  to  put  her  into  the  Girls  Academy  for  a term,  until 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


*33 


the  matter  had  gone  into  history,  and  then  seek  a suitable  Christian 
husband  for  her.  But  meantime  school  vacation  was  on,  and  she  was 
told  to  go  home,  try  to  patch  the  matter  up  with  her  parents,  and  come 
back  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  term. 

About  ten  days  later  Naomi  again  appeared  at  the  missionary’s  door. 
This  time  she  was  draggled  and  spent  and  looked  like  some  wild  animal 
hunted  to  exhaustion.  She  had  gone  home  and  that  night  the  husband 
had  come  out  and  demanded  the  money  he  had  paid.  Her  father  and 
mother  had  gone  wild  and  declared  that  they  would  kill  her  on  the  spot 
unless  she  agreed  to  return  to  him.  They  had  locked  the  gate  and  given 
her  the  night  to  decide.  In  the  middle  of  the  night  she  had  climbed 
over  the  back  wall  and  fled  to  the  house  of  a Christian  neighbor.  In  the 
night  he  piloted  her  some  three  miles  to  the  house  'of  another  neighbor. 
She  was  in  hiding  there  for  some  days  until  the  hunt  became  too  hot. 
Then  the  same  man  came  and  again  took  her  by  night  another  three 
miles  to  the  house  of  the  Helper  on  the  circuit  and  she  was  hidddli  there 
some  days.  Then  she  heard  that  her  father  had  ascertained  where  she 
was  and  was  coming  for  her,  and  she  had  fled  to  the  missionary  house 
walking  all  night.  What  could  he  do  for  her  ? 

She  was  put  in  the  home  of  one  of  the  local  Christians  ; assured  that 
she  was  her  own  mistress,  and  started  into  the  school,  with  instructions 
that  if  her  people  came  for  her  she  was  tp  bring  them  to  the  mission- 
ary. In  a couple  of  days  they  trailed  her  out.  It  was  the  mother  and 
a burley  cousin  who  was  said  to  have  instructions  from  the  old  man  to 
tie  her  up  and  carry  her  home  on  his  back  like  a trussed  pig  if  she 
wouldn’t  come  otherwise. 

The  old  woman  demanded  to  see  her  daughter  and  wanted  to  know 
why  she  was  being  kept  from  her.  The  missionary  replied  that  certainly 
she  could  see  her,  and  if  the  girl  wanted  to  go  with  her  she  was  at 
liberty  to  do  so  ; but  that  her  parents  had  disposed  of  her  to  the  hus- 
band ; the  husband  had  released  her  from  himself  and  she  was  now  no 
longer  either  under  the  control  of  her  parents  or  her  husband  but  was  her 
own  mistress,  and  she  should  not  be  coerced  against  her  will.  The  girl 
was  called  for,  and  the  mother  with  tears  and  entreaties  begged  her  to  go 
home  with  her,  and  when  she  refused  vehemently  demanded  to  know  the 
reason  why.  The  girl  replied  that  having  gotten  out  of  the  tigers  den 
why  should  she  go  back  into  it  ? She  would  die  first.  The  only  reason 
they  wanted  her  was  to  make  her  go  back  to  her  husband  so  they  could 
keep  the  fields  and  money  they  had  gotten  from  him. 

Finally,  they  ceased  breathing  threats  and  departed  leaving  a badly 
scared  and  tearful  girl.  Several  more  attempts  were  made  but  without 
success,  until  one  market  day,  the  old  mother,  loaded  well  with  liquor, 
and  the  burly  cousin,  stormed  the  girl’s  dormitory  where  she  was 
staying.  They  were  called  up  to  the  missionaries  house  and  the  law  laid 
down.  If  she  wanted  to  go  she  could  go.  But  if  she  would’nt  go  what 
then  ? If  they  wanted  to  determine  whether  they  had  a right  to  take  her 
let  them  apply  to  the  police.  The  police  were  the  only  ones  who  had  a 
right  to  say.  When  a man  sold  even  his  dog  to  another  he  didn’t  ques- 


*34 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


tion  the  new  owners  right  to  turn  it  loose,  nor  did  he  make  it  a ground 
for  claiming  a reversion  of  ownership.  How  much  more  a daughter. 

And  lodge  complaint  with  the  police  they  did — and  that  against  the 
missionary — laying  many  and  grevious  charges  to  the  effect  that  he  had 
secreted  the  girl  in  his  house,  was  restraining  her  against  her  will,  and 
refusing  to  let  her  parents  see  her.  The  missionary  was  summoned. 
With  something  of  a smile  (for  he  knew  the  missionary)  the  Chief  de- 
manded if  there  were  such  doings  at  his  house.  “ Yes.”  “ What  !!!  ” 
“ Well,  not  exactly  as  set  forth  in  the  complaint,  but  still  this  trouble  was 
there.”  Would  the  missionary  tell  about  it  ? Certainly.  The  story  was 
told.  She  was  not  at  his  house  but  in  the  school,  earning  her  way.  The 
mother  had  seen  her  whenever  she  wanted  to,  and  could  do  so  any  time. 
She  had  her  writing  of  divorce  ; was  her  own  mistress  and  no  constraint 
was  being  laid  on  her.  The  reason  she  didn’t  go  was  because  she  ivouldn't 
go.  The  girl  was  summoned,  and  the  crowd  waited.  She  came  and 
produced  her  divorce  papers.  The  Chief  asked  her  if  she  would  go 
with  her  mother.  She  replied  that  she  would  rather  die.  He  asked  why. 
She  said  that  there  were  reasons,  but  had  she  not  a right  to  do  as  she 
pleased  ? Yes,  this  was  true.  But  there  had  been  talk  of  money  passing 
in  the  matter  ; of  400.00  yen  and  some  fields,  and  of  a large  ox.  What 
about  this  ? Of  this  she  had  no  certain  knowledge.  How  coulcT a girl 
like  herself  know  about  such  things  ? • He  examined  the  papers  and 
then  told  her  that  she  was  free  to  do  as  she  liked  ; then  instructed  the 
mother  and  burly  cousin  to  go  home  and  stay  there  until  he  called  for 
them,  for,  said  he,  “ There  are  aspects  of  this  case  that  will  bear  looking 
into.” 

So  ended  her  struggle  for  a place  among  the  redeemed.  She  finish- 
ed her  term  in  the  school.  The  old  mother  fell  sick,  and  sent  for  her. 
She  went  to  her  and  cared  for  her,  and  before  her  death  led  her  to  a 
profession  of  faith.  She  is  now  an  apprentice  nurse  in  the  Mission 
hospital. 

It  was  later  learned  that  her  husband  owned  many  fields  in  the 
vicinity  of  her  own  local  church,  and  that  many  of  the  church  members 
and  even  the  leaders  were  renters  of  fields  from  him  so  that  they  had 
been  afraid  to  ’interfere  in  her  behalf.  For  this  reason  the  church  leaders 
were  deprived  of  their  offices  and  put  under  discipline  by  the  Korean 
pastor. 

_ Jas  E.  Adams. 


ITINERATING  ACCESSORIES. 

II, 

THE  PACK  PONY. 

It  is  now  a little  more  than  sixteen  years  since  I landed  in  Korea. 
I knew  very  little  about  missions  or  mission  methods  as  they  were 
carried  on  in  Korea.  I found  myself  stationed  in  the  great  city  of  Seoul 
with  a population  of  about  two  hundred  thousand  and  it  was  easy  to 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


135 


think  that  I could  find  plenty  of  people  to  preach  to  without  itinerating 
up  and  down  the  country  to  find  people  to  whom  I could  preach.  But 
I was  not  here  long  before  I become  aware  of  the  fact  that  people  in  a great 
city  like  Seoul  are  not  so  anxious  to  hear  the  Gospel  that  they  can  be 
found  just  sitting  around  waiting  for  some  one  to  preach  to  them.  I also 
soon  learned  that  the  seed  sown  in  the  village  soil  yielded  a much  larger 
harvest  than  that  sown  in  the  broad  ways  and  the  narrow  lanes  of  the 
great  city. 

Jesus  spent  very  little  lime  preaching  in  Jerusalem  and  other  cities 
compared  with  the  time  given  to  the  villages  scattered  over  the  hills 
and  vales  of  Judea  and  Gallilee.  So  it  came  about  that  I soon  became 
an  itinerator  and  nearly  half  of  the  time  I have  been  in  Korea  has  been 
given  to  itineration. 

There  are  ways  and  means  of  itinerating  some  of  which  I have  never 
tried  and  therefore  am  not  qualified  to  speak  with  authority  on  them. 
As  in  many  other  things,  so  of  itineration,  “ Things  are  not  always  what 
they  seem.” 

The  three  methods  on  which  I am  qualified  to  speak  are  the  bicycle, 
“ Shank’s  ponies  ” and  the  Korean  pony.  In  all  these  ways  I have  made 
tests,  have  had  exercises  and  experiences  sufficient  to  convince  me 
beyond  a shadow  of  a doubt.  But  the  one  about  which  I now  wish  to 
write  and  the  best  one  of  all,  is  the  Korean  pony.  Other  people  may  do 
as  they  like,  take  the  railroad  cars,  the  automobile,  the  autocycle  or 
whatever  they  like,  but  for  a real  sure  enough  country  trip.  I’ll  take,  in 
preference  to  them  all,  a real  out-and-out  Korean  “ pack  pony.”  I do 
not  mean  a saddle  pony  ; 1 have  tried  that  to  my  heart’s  content.  The 
missionary  who  has  never  itinerated  on  the  “ pack  ” has  some  of  the  joys 
of  an  itinerator’s  life  yet  awaiting  him. 

Of  the  Korean  pony  much  has  been  written  in  the  form  of  history 
and  story  but  the  half  has  never  yet  been  told.  I shall  not  try  to 
describe  this  wonderful  little  animal,  in  deteyl.  But  in  short  I may  state 
it  about  as  a country  school  boy  might  put  it  in  giving  the  comparative 
qualities  of  an  object.  Among  the  Korean  ponies  are  to  be  found  : 
“ Bad,  badder,  worst.”  It  is  also  true  that  among  them  may  be  found 
the  good,  the  better  and  the  best.  However,  in  all  honesty  and  fairness 
to  the  pony,  it  must  be  said,  that  like  every  thing  else  which  has  come 
under  the  blight  of  sin,  including  the  human  race,  the  best  are  few  in  a 
hill  and  a long  way  apart. 

MY  ITINERATING  OUTFIT. 

Two  boxes  made  of  Chinese  pine,  light  but  strong,  three  feet,  two 
inches  long,  fourteen  inches  wide  and  eleven  inches  deep,  are  indispensible. 
One  has  no  partition  but  the  other  one  is  divided  into  nine  compartments 
some  of  which  are  just  suited  to  receive  a quart  jar ; the  depth  is  such 
that  after  the  jar  has  been  inserted  there  is  room  for  other  small  packages 
on  top.  Two  of  the  compartments  are  just  right  for  the  reception  of  three 
large  size  Huntley  and  Palmer  biscuit  tins,  like  their  famous  “ 24  kinds  ” 


136 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


brand.  Of  course  I do  not  mean  to  say  that  the  famous  “ 24  kinds  ” 
always  fill  these  several  boxes,  but  the  boxes  are  just  as  good  for  “ apple 
jacks  ” and  cakes,  the  kind  mother  used  to  make.  Then,  too,  in  the 
other  various  compartments  there  is  room  for  tins  and  tins  of  Vancamp 
Beans,  Eagle  Brand  milk.  Carnation  Cream,  and  tinned  butter,  perhaps 
old  enough  to  vote  and  nearly  strong  enough  to  walk,  with  other  tinned 
supplies  too  numerous  to  mention.  Then,  in  this  box  of  mine  there  is 
room  left  for  a complete  cooking  outfit,  not  including  the  wharro,  or  fire 
pot,  which. is  found  in  every  Korean  house.  My  outfit  includes  a tea 
kettle,  stew-pan,  frying-pan,  dish-pan,  wash-pan  and  all  the  table  ware 
necessary  to  use  when  eating  a decent  meal.  It  is  needless  to  mention 
every  article  such  as  breakfast  foods,  fruit,  gelatin,  and  other  articles  for 
desserts  ; but  we  must  not  forget  the  bread,  nor  the  flour  to  make  more 
when  it  has  all  been  consumed. 

During  the  winter,  bread  will  keep  good  for  fifteen  or  twenty  days, 
simply  wrapped  in  paper  and  placed  in  one  corner  of  the  box.  In  warm 
weather  I find  that  it  usually  begins  to  sprout  whiskers  after  the  fifth  or 
sixth  day.  At  the  first  sign  of  vvhiskers  I used  to  throw  it  away  and 
have  no  more  to  do  with  it,  but  I have  learned  that  it  only  needs  a shave. 
So  now  I proceed  to  give  it  a good  clean  shave  and  then  toast  it  slightly 
over  a charcoal  fire  and  find  that  it  is  good  for  another  week  before  a 
second  shave  wjll  be  necessary.  But  what  about  the  flour  of  which  I 
have  spoken  ? That  is  easy  ! Use  it  for  making  hot  biscuits,  hot  cakes, 
pan- cakes,  turnovers,  flap  jacks,  or  whatever  you  choose  to  call  them. 
Thanks  to  the  hours  spent  in  the  kitchen  during  boyhood  days,  I know 
how  to  make  them.  Don’t  you  like  ’em  ? My  dear  reader,  even  though 
you  may  be  from  the  land  of  good  old  light  bread,  away  up  north  of 
Mason  and  Dixon’s  line,  don’t  you  like  hot- cakes  ! Just  try  ’em  ! Take 
them  piping  hot  from  the  pan,  butter  well,  “ wallop  ” them  freely  in  good 
old  maple  syrup  and  see  if  they  are  not  good  ! If  you  don’t  think  they 
are,  just  come  with  me  on  a trip  and  see  if  you  do  not  change  your  mind, 
when  once  you  have  tried  the  kind  I make. 

The  other  box  is  used  for  clothing,  books  and  some  tinned  goods,  if 
the  trip  be  a long  one.  The  cot  must  find  a place  in  the  outfit,  I use  the 
Gold  Medal.”  The  quilts  and  blankets  are  put  in  a Chinese  travelling 
bag  and  then  placed  on  the  pack  saddle  between  the  two  boxes  and  this 
makes  the  “ pack  ” on  which  I ride.  The  boxes,  when  well  filled,  will 
weigh  about  150  pounds;  and  when  I have  placed  my  150  pounds  of 
avoirdupois  on  top  of  the  “ pack  ” it  requires  a pretty  good  pony  to  carry 
the  load.  But  I find  no  trouble  with  a good  pony  under  this  load, 
though  it  may  seem,  to  those  who  are  not  well  acquainted  with  the 
qualities  of  a Korean  pony,  to  be  rather  heavy.  But  after  such  a person 
has  been  dumped  from  the  back  of  one  of  these  ponies  a few  times,  he 
will  not  be  likely  to  walk  the  floor  o’  night  sympathizing  with  the  poor 
over-loaded  pony. 

I find  a well  adjusted  pack  ” more  comfortable  for  a day’s  ride 
than  a saddle.  It  must  be  properly  adjusted  or  it  will  not  be  comfort- 
able ; a little  too  low  behind  and  your  back  will  soon  be  tired  if  not 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD, 


137 


actually  aching.  A little  too  low  in  front  and  you  will  be  inclined  to  slip 
over  the  pony’s  head,  but  if  you  are  an  expert  the  chances  for  landing  on 
your  feet  are  excellent.  I tried  it  backward'  once  and  landed  on  my 
head.  It  was  a very  cold  morning  with  the  ground  frozen  as  hard  as 
brick,  it  was  a pony  I had  never  ridden  before  ; he  was  too  small  for  the 
boxes  and  me,  so  the  boxes  had  been  packed  on  a donkey  and  only  the 
travelling  bag  for  the  pack  ” on  the  pony.  At  the  top  of  a long  hill  I 
mounted  a high  bank  by  the  road  and  waited  till  the  pony  arrived,  led, 
as  is  the  usual  way,  by  his  master.  From  my  stand  on  the  high  bank  I 
carefully  transferred  my  self  to  the  “ pack  ” on  the  back  of  the  pony,  and 
while  the  skirts  of  my  overcoat  were  being  adjusted,  quick  as  a flash  and 
without  warning,  the  pony  leaped  to  the  top  of  the  bank,  from  which  I 
had  just  stepped — result,  I instantly  changed  my  position,  took  a tumble 
backwards,  stood  on  my  head  and  saw  stars  though  it  was  about  ten 
o’clock  a.m.  Just  how  many  stars  were  seen  and  what  constellation, 
whether  “ the  seven  stars,”  “ Job’s  coffin  ” or  some  other  group,  I know 
not ; but  of  one  thing  I am  quite  sure,  I saw  them.  Thanks  to  a thick 
fur  cap,  the  fact  that  I am  hard  headed  and  most  of  all  the  loving  care  of 
Him  Whose  I am  and  W’hom  I serve,  I was  not  hurt. 

At  once  I ascended  the  bank  and  the  pony  being  compelled  to 
descend  again  I took  my  place  on  the  “ pack  ” and  away  we  went  no- 
thing worse  for  my  fall. 

Yes  a train  is  good  but  it  will  not  carry  me  off  its  line  and  my  places 
of  call  are  not  all  near  the  station.  A four  man  chair  might  do,  but  it  is 
too  rich  for  my  blood.  A ricksha  might  do  but  it  costs  too  much.  A 
bicycle  did  very  well  before  I crossed  over  the  pass  and  took  the  shady 
side  of  forty-five  ; its  too  much  “ fag,”  it  won’t  do  now.  The  motor  cycle 
might  do  if  all  the  roads  were  good  and  the  cost  of  an  ox  cart,  to  bring  it 
back  home,  were  not  so  high.  Yes,  Reader,  I’ll  take  the  *!  pack.” 

J.  Rout.  Moose. 


THINGS  KOREAN. 

i.  GO-OPBRATIOIN. 

\a  Korean  story  translated  by  W.  Carl  Rufus)* 

Once  upon  a time  there  was  a rich  magistrate  who  had  four  sons. 
He  desired  to  bequeath  his  property  to  one  of  his  sons  in  order  that  the 
inheritance  might  be  handed  down  without  division  from  generation  to 
generation.  After  giving  much  consideration  to  the  question  day  and 
night,  when  he  was  about  sixty  years  old,  he  called  his  four  sons  to  him, 
all  of  whom  he  equally  loved,  and  said  : “ My  days  are  now  numbered 

and  I desire  to  give  my  wealth,  6oo,coo  yen,  to  one  of  you,  my  sons, 
who  possesses  the  greatest  ability.” 

* (This  story  came  to  me  from  North  Korea,  but  it  seems  to  have  a German  origin.  Its 
transmigration  has  not  been  traced.  W.  C.  R.) 


138 


EHT  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


The  four  brothers  had  been  sent  abroad  for  an  education,  and  after 
completing  their  several  courses  returned  to  their  native  land.  The  time 
was  at  hand  for  their  father  to  test  their  acquirements. 

Accordingly  he  asked  of  each  one,  “ What  special  ability  have  you 
acquired  ? " 

The  first  replied  ; “ I have  great  ability  in  the  use  of  the  telescope. 
Wherever  I look,  all  is  revealed.” 

The  second  answered,  "lam  very  crafty  in  the  art  of  stealing.” 

The  third  responded,  " I have  acquired  great  skill  in  the  use  of  a 
gun.” 

The  fourth  said,  " My  forte  is  in  the  art  of  sewing.” 

Thereupon  the  father  continued,  " I shall  now  test  your  ability.” 

” My  eldest  son.” 

Yes  ; father.” 

” Over  on  yonder  South  Mountain  beneath  that  pine  shrub  what  do 
you  see  ? ” 

" An  eagle  is  sitting  on  five  eggs  that  she  had  laid.” 

" That  will  do,”  said  the  father. 

Turning  to  the  second  son  he  commanded  : “ Go  at  once  ; steaf- 

thily  approach  the  eagle  and  steal  the  five  eggs.” 

The  son  departed  immediately  and  returned  with  the  eggs. 

Then  the  father  bade  the  third.  " Set  up  the  five  eggs  and  prove 
your  marksmanship  by  breaking  every  one.” 

The  eggs  were  arranged  as  ordered  and  every  shot  hit  its  mark. 

The  fourth  son  was  then  commanded,  " Sew  up  the  five  eggs  and 
make  them  whole  again.” 

Immediately  this  task  was  performed. 

The  father  was  more  perplexed  than  he  was  before  the  test  of  skill. 
While  he  was  further  considering  the  matter,  an  imperial  ordinance  was 
proclaimed  thruout  the  country.  “ My  daughter  has  suddenly  disappear- 
ed. Whoever  finds  and  restores  her  shall  be  my  son-in-law  and  shall 
receive  a reward  of  2>oo,ooo  yen.  Loyal  subjects,  I bid  you, — Search.” 
The  magistrate  called  his  four  sons  together  and  told  them  concern- 
ing the  ordinance.  Of  course  they  were  very  anxious  to  find  the  prin- 
cess. 

The  eldest  son  immediately  took  his  telescope  and  in  the  midst  of 
the  waters  of  the  Pacific  Ocean  he  beheld  a terrible  demi-dragon  with 
the  princess  in  its  slimy  coils  gleefully  sporting  with  the  helpless  maiden. 
He  reported  this  thruout  the  country  and  great  excitement  prevailed. 

While  the  people  were  frantic  with  helpless  fear  the  four  brothers 
embarked  in  a boat  and  hastened  toward  the  place  of  the  horrible  scene. 
The  second  brother  stealthily  approached  the  monster  and  released  the 
princess.  While  the  boat  was  making  its  escape  the  sea-serpent  began  to 
follow  to  recover  its  prey.  Nearer  and  nearer  it  came.  Its  voice  was 
like  thunder  and  its  eyes  flashed  fire.  The  breath  from  its  nostrils  resem- 
bled an  angry  gale.  It  was  almost  upon  its  victims  when  suddenly  the 
third  brother  arose  with  his  gun  and  shot  it  fatally.  In  its  death  agony 
it  ripped  the  boat  into  shreds  and  all  were  at  the  point  of  perishing.  The 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


139 


fourth  brother  dexterously  sewed  up  the  boat  and  all  were  saved.  They 
returned  to  their  native  land  and  the  reward  was  bestowed. 

Moral. — No  important  zvork  is  too  difficult  for  united  effort. 

(Let  us  apply  the  saying  of  Toi-chi,  “ Don’t  find  fault  with  the 
story,  but  learn  its  lesson.”  W.  C.  R.) 


II.  TMB  GR&QTIING  OP  GRANDrATMBR  YUINB. 

Sindai  village  and  church  lie  on  a wide  sandy  stream  with  no  bridge. 
So  when  I approached  it,  after  a tramp  of  one  hundred  miles,  the  problem 
in  cold  weather  was  how  to  get  across.  However,  usually  the  children 
playing  on  the  levee  or  the  women  washing  or  drawing  water  would  see 
me  coming  up  the  stream  and  speedily  spread  the  tidings  : ‘‘  The  Pastor 

is  coming.” 

As  I stood  on  the  sand  and  began  taking  off  my  shoes  and  leggings, 
I would  hear  an  old  man  on  the  other  side  call  : “ Never  mind  you 

shoes.  Pastor,  just  wait  till  I cross.”  Then  Grandfather  Yune  would  run 
down  the  levee,  pluck  off  his  sandals  and  socks  and  roll  up  his  baggy 
cotton  trousers  and,  wading  the  stream,  bow  low  in  greeting,  then  turn 
his  back  towards  me  and  say  : “ Jump  on.” 

Would  any  young  man  want  to  ride  on  an  old  grandfather’s  back 
across  a stream  on  which  ice  might  be  floating  ? But  he  would  take  no 
refusals.  “ We  Korean  farmers  are  used  to  working  in  the  rice  ponds 
when  the  ice  is  on  them  and  the  Pastor  is  not.  Get  on  my  back.”  This 
was  his  alabastor  box  of  ointment  and  who  could  refuse  it. 

Dear  old  Grandfather  Yune,  he  has  crossed  before  me  and,  when  at 
last  I go  down  the  bank  of  Jordan,  I shall  probably  hear  Grandfathei 
Yune  call  over  : “ Don’t  take  off  your  shoes.  Pastor,  Pll  be  over  in  a 

minute.”  They  will  have  to  hold  him  back  too.  And  what  a greeting 
we  shall  have  when  I reach  the  other  side.  Shall  I recall  the  hundred 
mile  tramps,  shall  I think  the  cost  too  great  ? 

F.  S.  Miller,  Pres.  North, 

Chungju,  Korea. 


III.  KIM’S  PRBTTY  SIGHT. 

The  Leader  of  Koisan  group  and  I were  just  leaving  the  former 
archery  pavilion  — now  the  church — when  he  grasped  my  arm  and  said  : 
“ Look  at  that,  Pastor,  is  not  that  a pretty  sight?  ” I looked  down  the 
long  path  and  saw  the  seventy  or  more  church  attendants  in  their  white 
robes.  “ Yes,”  I said  to  those  near,  “ the  first  time  I saw  Leader  Kim 
he  was  standing  right  here  like  this  ” drawing  an  imaginary  bowstring 
to  my  ear.  “ When  we  offered  him  a leaflet  he  turned  away  muttering 
something  like  : ‘ Cannot  these  people  let  us  alone  even  when  we  are 

practicing  archery  ? ’ In  those  days  he  thought  there  was  no  sight  prettier 

than  to  see  an  arrow  fly  whi ng  out  yonder,  and  now  he  thinks  the 

best  sight  is  to  see  seventy  odd  church  attendants  go  out.” 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


1 40 

Old  Mr.  Kim  said  : **  I remember  that  day.”  “ Yes,  and  do  you 

remember  how  a group  of  half  drunken  men  and  women  danced  on  the 
green  just  where  those  Christians  are  filing  by.  What  wonders  God  is 
working  for  Koisan.” 

F.  S.  Miller,  Pres.  North, 

Chungju,  Korea. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


I.-A  PBBP  B&miND  TMC  CURTAIN. 


Dear  Mr.  DeCamp, 


As  to  an  article  I will  do  my  best,  but  can’t  promise  when  it  will  be 
sent.  You  see,  there’s  a small  boy  called  ‘ Jock  ’ who  had  a party  when 
he  was  two,  a little  while  ago,  and  though  he  was  the  son  of  the  manse 
and  all  his  guests  were  little  Koreans,  he  was  the  only  one  who  didn’t 
wait  for  a blessing  to  be  asked.  He  is  never  still,  and  if  he  isn’t  in  need 
of  a bath  it’s  because  he  has  just  had  one,  or  else  he’s  asleep.  Then 
there’s  one  who  hasn’t  yet  learnt  how  to  get  dirty, — a little  bundle  of 
fluffy  white  with  eyes  of  heaven’s  blue,  wide  ‘ like  the  dawn,’  as  the 
Koreans  say, — gurgling  away  to  the  angels, — on  the  hearth-rug — and 
kicking  up  his  arms  and  woolly  feet  towards  Heaven  as  if  he  wanted  to 
get  back  there  again.  I’m  also  house-wife  and  schoolma’am  and  language 
student. 

Subject  to  these  limitations,  especially  the  sons.  I'll  send  something 
as  soon  as  possible. 


Yours  sincerely, 


A.  E.  W. 


II UBTTBR  rROM  DR.  J.  D.  VAN  BUSKIRK. 

Rev.  a.  F.  DeCamp, 

Seoul,  Korea. 

Dear  Brother  I am  moved  to  take  a little  time  this  evening  and 
send  you  a few  lines  of  greeting.  For  two  or  three  reasons  : 

First  to  thank  you  for  the  remembrance  to  us  through  Dr.  White. 

Second,  to  tell  Mrs.  DeCamp  that  I have  met  Dr.  Ussher,  who  has 
returned  from  Armenia  and  desired  me  to  say  that  he  is  “ not  now  simp- 
ly skin  and  bones.”  I have  been  glad  to  meet  him,  and  find  that  he  and 
I are  from  the  same  medical  college,  he  eight  years  ahead  of  me.  He 
has  truly  come  out  of  the  “jaws  of  death.”  His  wife  died,  as  you  are 
doubtless  aware,  from  typhus  in  Armenia — she  laid  down  her  life  for  the 
people  who  were  her  enemies  as  well  as  for  her  friends.  Dr.  Ussher  had 
typhus,  then  pneumonia,  then  dysentery,  then  a parotid  abscess,  and  that 
resulted  in  paralysis  of  one  side  of  the  jaw  and  loss  of  teeth  but  he  was 
spared  through  it  all,  and  plans  to  go  back  to  the  ruins  of  his  home  and 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


141 


hospital  and  to  the  unmarked  grave  of  his  wife.  The  heroic  in  missions 
is  not  all  done  yet ; and  still  he  is  so  beautiful  in  spirit  through  all  that 
has  transpired. 

Third,  I want  to  tell  you  a little  about  the  Foreign  Missions  Con- 
ference that  was  held  this  week.  Over  two  hundred  members  of  the 
boards,  and  missionary  workers  have  had  a four  day’s  conference.  Two 
things  are  to  be  noted  as  outstanding  features  : 

The  first  afternoon  and  evening  was  devoted  to  the  consideration  of 
medical  missions.  A good  number  of  medical  missionaries  were  there 
and  spoke  out  the  burden  of  their  heart.  The  conference  was  impress- 
ed that  there  is  a new  day  in  medical  missions  and  that  we  are  lagging 
in  our  preparation  for  it.  , The  poorly  equipped  and  inadequately  staffed 
institutions  are  not  able  to  worthily  represent  our  Master,  the  men  being  so 
taken  up  with  many  cares  and  labors  that  they  can  do  nothing  well,  and  that 
we  need  to  make  our  work  as  good  as  the  best.  The  feeling  was  expressed 
that  medical  missions  are  a richer  asset  for  the  work  as  a whole,  than  has 
yet  been  realized,  and  that  the  Boards  need  to  survey  the  fields  and 
decide  upon  a POLICY,  and  then  work  to  it.  The  need  for  utilizing  the 
medical  men  of  America  and  getting  them  enlisted  in  the  work  was 
emphasized.  The  discussion  carried  conviction,  and  Dr.  Wallace  Butt- 
rick,  of  the  China  Medical  Board  of  the  Rockefeller  Foundation,  added 
his  great  words  to  the  theme.  The  conference  has  appointed  a special 
medical  committee  to  make  a survey  of  the  field  and  bring  definite  recom- 
mendations to  the  conference  next  year  ; and  from  the  way  they  go  at 
their  jobs  we  may  expect  them  to  bring  a report  which  will  lead  to  a new 
day  in  medical  missions.  And  this  year  the  cause  of  medical  missions  had 
its  first  adequate  representation  at  the  conference. 

I wish  I could  take  time  to  tell  of  a meeting  held  yesterday  morning 
at  which  the  Unoccupied  Fields”  of  the  World  were  considered.  I 
am  going  to  take  a little  time  and  tell  of  it  and  if  you  want  to  use  it  in 
any  way,  you  may  edit  it  for  the  purpose. 

There  was  a large  map  of  the  Eastern  world  on  the  wall  in  the  front 
of  the  r4om  and  Dr.  Watson,  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Board,  pointed 
out  on  the  map  the  districts  stained  red  showing  the  unclaimed  and 
unoccupied  areas  of  Asia  and  Africa.  He  told  of  region  after  region 
untouched  by  the  gospel,  containing  about  100,000  ooo  people  living  out 
of  reach  of  the  gospel.  Then  Dr.  G.  H.  Jones  showed  how  even  the 
fields  supposedly  occupied  were  really  not  so.  The  churches  of  this 
country  must  increase  their  force  of  missionaries  at  least  2 i /2  times  and 
raise  nearly  four  times  as  much  money  as  they  now  give.  Mr.  F.  S. 
Brockman  showed  how,  in  China  alone,  in  the  regions  called  occupied,  there  . 
were  great  classes  of  people  for  whom  no  work  is  being  done,  we  do  not 
even  know  how  many  Mohammedans  there  are  in  China,  and  no  work  is 
being  done  for  the  Boat-people,  and  no  work  for  the  factory  people  in  the 
great  factories  that  are  springing  up  every  where.  Then  Mr.  J.  Campbell 
White  showed  us  and  drove  it  home  that  the  church  is  not  obeying  the 
Lord’s  command  when  it  is  giving  only  about  70  cents  a member,  and 
at  the  same  time  there  is  spent  over  ;^3.oo  for  every  man,  woman,  and 


142 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


child  in  the  land  to  buy  confectionery,  and  over  $20.00  for  liquor.  The 
church  needs  to  get  some  of  the  spirit  that  is  in  the  world  now  at  war,  and 
undertake  the  task  in  earnest.  Then  after  a number  of  people  added 
their  word,  Robert  E.  Speer  read  from  the  Word  and  spoke  of  the  will 
of  the  Master  and  our  fellowship  with  Him;  of  the  immensity  of  the  task 
before  us,  and  of  the  only  spirit  that  could  accomplish  it,  the  spirit  that 
only  comes  through  fellowship  with  Him  in  prayer.  He  spoke  inspired  of 
the  Spirit  and  the  Spirit  burned  the  words  into  all  hearts  and  there  was 
nothing  to  do,  but  simply  to  pour  out  our  hearts  in  humble  prayer.  I have 
never  been  in  such  a prayer-meeting  as  that  which  followed,  while  we 
prayed  that  “ there  might  be  no  unoccupied  areas  in  our  own  personal- 
ities, no  place  where  Jesus  was  not  supreme.”  We  were  in  the  upper  room 
with  a chosen  band  of  his  disciples,  sent  by  the  Master  to  lay  the  burden 
of  His  world  upon  the  hearts  of  those  who’  profess  His  name  who  should 
make  Him  known  to  every  little  one,  to  “ do  it  unto  Him.”  Then 
Dr.  Mott  and  Dr.  Patton  made  some  practical  suggestions  as  to  how  we 
are  to  work.  I am  moved  to  feel  more  than  ever  that  the  world  is  not  to 
be  won  by  our  strategy  or  by  our  money  or  by  our  men,  but  by  uniting 
ourselves  with  Him  in  the  prevailing  prayer. 

I simply  wanted  to  bring  this  to  you  as  a word  of  encouragement 
from  the  homeland.  Fervent  prayers  are  going  up  for  those  who  have 
gone  out  in  His  name,  by  men  and  women  who  are  laboring  for  Him 
here.  Let  us  all  join  in  the  great  and  ever  growing  band  of  those  who 
hold  up  the  world  before  the  Father  in  prayer. 

Our  best  greetings  to  all.  We  are  enjoying  many  privileges  here, 
and  appreciating  them  but  are  looking  often  toward  Korea. 

Faithfully  Yours, 


J D.  Van  Huskirk. 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD, 


*43 


NOTES  AND  PERSONALS. 

On  March  7th  a little  son  was  born  in  the  home  of  Rev.  and  Mrs.  G.  H.  Winn, 
at  Taiku.  A few  days  later  the  father  testified  that  the  little  man  had  proved  him- 
self a worthy  son,  on  his  own  account,  by  proper  deportment  but  was  also  leading 
his  mother  along  the  path  of  health  and  strength. 


One  month  later,  Apl.  7th,  another  “ child  of  the  covenant,”  Samuel  Hugh,  was 
born  into  the  home  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  A.  Moffett,  at  Pyeng  Yang. 


The  middle  of  March  Bishop  M.  Harris  sailed  for  the  United  States  to  attend 
the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  to  convene  in  May  at 
Saratoga  Springs,  New  York.  Bishop  Harris  had  tendered  his  resignation  to  the 
Conference  and  expects  to  be  relieved  of  the  duties  of  an  active  Bishop,  but  hopes 
to  spend  most  of  his  time  in  the  future  in  furtherance  of  the  interests  of  Christ’s 
Kingdom  in  his  chosen  field,  the  Orient. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  W.  A.  Venable,  of  Kunsan  (S.  P.  Mission)  sailed  March  2ist,  for 
furlough  in  the  United  States. 


Prof.  R.  O.  Reiner  and  family  (Pres.  N.)  who  returned  from  furlough  in  the  late 
Winter,  at  once  established  themselves  in  Pyeng  Yang  he  entering  upon  his  duties  as 
President  of  the  Christian  College  of  that  place -to  which  responsible  position  he 
was  elected  just  prior  to  his  departure,  the  year  previous,  on  furlough  in  the  U.S. 


Miss  A.  J.  Walter  (M.  E.  Mission,  Seoul)  returned  to  Ewha,  from  furlough  in 
United  States,  on  March  23rd. 


Mr.  B.  P.  Bernhart,  who  comes  to  reinforce  the  staff  of  the  Y.M.C.A.  in  Seoul, 
and  especially  to  direct  and  develope  the  physical  culture  department,  arrived  in 
Seoul,  March  25th  accompanied  by  his  wife. 


Rev.  and  Mrs.  G.  Engel  of  Fusanchin  arrived  at  Fusan,  March  4th,  from  furlough 
in  Australia.  They  were  accompanied  by  Rev.  and  Mrs.  F.  J.  Thomas  (to  be  at 
Kuchang),  by  Miss  Scott  (to  be  at  Kuchang,  temporarily),  by  Miss  Hocking  (to  be  at 
Fusanchin), — also  by  Mr.  J,  T.  Anderson,  father  of  Mr.  J.  T.  Kelly,  of  Kuchang.  Mr. 
Anderson  was  in  Korea  five  years  ago  with  a deputation  from  the  Australian  Presby- 
terin  Church  with  Rev.  F.  H.  L.  Paton. 


The  report  of  the  past  winter’s  work  at  Pyeng  Yang  is  very  encouraging.  The 
Bible  Class  was  well  attended  and  characterized  by  an  earnestness  of  spirit  that 
promises  well  for  forward  movement  in  all  the  fields.  A week  of  special  services  was 
held  in  all  the  churches.  Inquirers  totaled  nearly  a thousand  and  the  churches  are 
so  well  attended  that  the  question  of  accommodation  is  a pressing  one  especially 
because  of  the  large  increase  in  attendance  at  Sunday  School.  Seminary  opened 
with  about  150  in  attendance  ; less  than  last  year  because  of  the  strengthening  of  the 
requirements  for  admission.  About  700  were  present  at  the  Women’s  Bible  Class 
meeting,  consisting  chiefly  of  younger  women  the  grandmothers  now  being  far  less  in 
evidence  than  aforetime.  A meeting  was  convened  of  local  pastors  and  helpers  from 
Presbyterian  and  Methodist  churches  along  with  missionaries,  to  effect  an  orga- 


144 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


nization  for  fellowship  and  that  may  serve  as  a clearing  house  for  misunderstand- 
ings and  also  facilitate  activity  in  linessuited  to  masculine  endeavor.  A partially 
organized  effort  has  been  made  by  the  churches,  during  the  winter,  to  assist  needy 
families  through  hard  financial  difficulties  to  retain  their  self-respect  and  not  to 
become  a public  charge.  There  is  a place  for  such  leadership  on  the  part  of  Chris- 
tian churches  in  all  our  large  cities. 


Dr.  and  Mrs.  Underwood  returned  to  Korea  in  March  from  Tokyo  after  an 
absence  of  nearly  three  months  in  that  city  where  the  Dr.  was  enrolled  in  the 
Japanese  Language  School.  Afa  dinner  given  in  Tokyo,  Feb.  28th  in  honor  of  Dr. 
Francis  E.  Clark,  President  of  the  World’s  United  Societies  of  Christian  Endeavor, 
Dr.  Underwood  spoke,  in  part,  as  follows, — he  said  that  out  of  his  thirty-two 
years  experience  in  Korea,  he  could  take  a hopeful  view  of  the  whole  situation. 
From  the  time  of  his  first  landing  he  had  met  with  kindness.  Difficulties  which 
people  anticipated,  were  found  to  disappear  when  situations  were  really  understood. 
Let  the  people  of  Japan  proper  and  the  people  of  Korea  know  each  other  better  and 
difficulties  which  exist  will  gradually  disappear.  The  people  of  the  West  and  the 
people  of  the  East  should  each  know  themselves  and  know  each  other.  I believe  that 
the  practice  of  the  love  which  Christ  taught  will  bring  a solution  for  all  difficulties. 


Dr.  Underwood  has  been  ailing  for  nearly  a year  and  it  was  hoped  that  a sojourn 
in  Tokyo,  with  change  of  scene  and  occupation,  would  furnish  tonic  for  physical 
amendment.  In  this  hope  his  friends  and  most  of  all  Dr.  Underwood  and  his 
family,  were  grievously  disappointed  and  therefore,  in  accordance  with  the  urgent 
and  constraining  advice  of  his  physician,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Underwood  left  Seoul  for 
the  United  States  on  the  morning  of  April  tenth.  May  this  indefatigable  worker 
surrender  to  the  extent  of  giving  himself  a chance  to  get  well  by  resting  and  his 
many  friends  an  'occasion  to  rejoice  with  him  by  his  speedy  return  to  Korea  and 
to  his  work. 


“Father  Endeavor  Clark”  during  March  spent  three  days  in  Seoul,  where  he 
was  worked  “ to  the  limit,”  and  possibly  beyond,  for  he  was  confined  to  his  bed 
several  days  after  reaching  Pyeng  Yang.  AlLChristians  in  Seoul,  both  native  and 
foreign,  were  delighted  to  meet  this  brother  whom  God  has  so  signally  used  for 
the  development  of  young  Christians.  On  March  1 8th,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Avison  gave 
a reception  at  their  home  at  which  the  members  of  the  foreign  community  were 
privileged  personally  to  greet  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Clark,  and  the  next  day  he  spoke  at 
the  regular  Sunday  service  of  worship  of  The  Seoul  Union  Church. 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


i 


rhe  Korean  Religious  Tract  Society 

FOUNDED  1891 

1. — Is  a well-established  Missionary  Publication  Society,  having 

printed  and  published  millions  ‘of  Religious  Books  and  Tracts  in 
the  Korean  language,  thereby  multiplying  many  times  the  power  of 
the  missionary. 

2.  — By  Colporteurs  (employed  by  missionaries)  the  populations  of 

cities  and  of  remote  villages  are  alike  reached  and  the  Word  of 
God  circulated  and  explained.  Note  ! Any  one  can  learn  to  read 
Korean  in  less  than  a week ; it  is  the  simplest  written  language  in  the 
world. 

3.  — By  grants  of  publications  to  missionaries  in  every  section  of  the 

country  it  enables  them  to  circulate  an  undenominational  Christian 
literature. 

WHY  IT  SHOULD  BE  SUPPORTED 

T. — Because  the  printed  page  brings  the  Gospel  to -tens  of  thousands 
who  would  never  learn  of  Christ  in  any  other  way. 

2.  — Because  through  its  publications  many  souls  are  genuinely  con- 

verted. 

3.  — Because  its  volumes  and  tracts  and  periodicals  develope  the  spiritual 

life  of  Christians. 

4.  — Because  its  publications  counteract  the  influence  of  impure  and  evil 

literature. 

THE  K.R.T.S.  GREATLY  NEEDS 

1.  — A Publication  Fund  of  3,500  yen  for  the  publication  of  a number 

of  important  manuscripts  already  passed  by  the  Examining  Com- 
mittee. 

2.  — A Building  Fund  of  25,000  for  the  extension  of  the  present 

Tract  House,  already  overcrowded,  and  for  the  erection  of  a house 
for  the  use  of  the  General  Secretary.  The  possession  of  such  a 
house  would  be  a saving  to  the  Society  of  530  yen  per  year  for  rent. 

3-— Above  all,  the  Prayers  of  God^s  Children  for  His  blessing  upon 
the  work  and  publications  of  the  Society. 


CONTRIBUTIONS  will  be  gratefully  acknowledged  by  the  Gene- 
ral Secretary,  Korean  Religious  Tract  Society,  Seoul,  Korea. 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


ii 


Y.  S.  LEW 

CONTRACTOR  & BUILDER 

SEOUL. 


If'e  carry  a full  stoch  of  the  followiny 
Ru-ber-oid,  Kaloroid,  and  other  products  of  the  Standard  Paint  Co. 
Wilkinson,  Heywood  ^ & Clark’s  VarnisheSf  Stains,  Paints,  and 
SYNOLEO  the  new  washable  distemper. 

Sargent  & Co/s  hardware,  locks,  butts,  sliding  hangers  and  build- 
ing sundries. 

Elmer  Moody  Co/s  high-grade  mi II -work.  Oregon  pine  five-cross 

panel  doors. 

Estimates  furnished  and  correspondence  solicited  in  English. 


Insure  your  Houses  and  Goods  against  loss  by  fire  III 

THE  HEW  ZEALAND  INSDRANCE  Co,  ltd. 

AGENTS  EOK  CHOSEN. 


L.  RONDON  & Co„  Seoul, 


Travel  and  Tours  in  the  Far  East  by  Rail  or  Steamers,  and  to 
tlic  principal  Capitals  of  Europe  in  TWELVE  DAYS  by  the 

GREAT  TRANS-SIBERIAN 

Information  and  tickets  supplied  by 

L.  RONDON  & Co.,  Seoul f Agents, 


Are  you  going  to  any  point  in  America  across  the  Pacific?  We 
shall  be  pleased  to  give  you  any  information  and  provide  you  with  the 
necessary  tickets. 

Agents  for  the 

TOYO  KISDIN  KAISMA. 

L.  RONDON  & Co. 


THE  KOREA  MISS10^  FIELD. 


iii 


THE  AMERICAN  BIBLE  SOCIETY 

CARRY  A FULL  STOCK  OP 

Korean,  Mixed  Script,  Chinese,  Japanese  and  English  Scriptures, 
and  raised  characters  for  the  Blind.  Scriptures  in  other  languages 
supplied  on  order. 

We  are  ready  to  furnish  Scriptures  to  Missionaries  for  sale  or  can 
furnish  money  for  the  support  of  colporteurs  and  Bible  women. 

SEND  FOE  EEICE  LIST  OR  BETTER 

Call  at  the  BIBLE  HOUSE. 

Make  this  your  headquarters  while  in  Seoul. 

Y.lMt.C.A.  Telegraphic  Address: 

No.  “ BIBLES”  SEOUL. 

KL.  & Oo.,  ^ 

CO/IL  mERCHfINTS, 

SEOUL. 

Sjyeeial  Agents  for  South  Manchurian  Mailway  Co. 

(Coal  Sales  Dept.) 

Forwarding  Agents  for  Goods  by  Land,  and  Sea, 
Mining  Supplies  a Speciality. 

Special  Terms  to  Missionaries. 

Telephone  No.  835.  l-chome,  Gishudori,  SEOUL. 

{OPPOSITE  STANDARD  OIL  Co.) 


LADIES'  & GENTLEMEN'S 

TAILOR  & GENERAL  OUTFITTER. 

Just  removed  to  larger  A ^reat  variety  of  Cloth 

INBW  PRCMISCS  ( in  ©took  to  be 

next  to  Chosen  Hotel.  sold  by  the  yard. 

2 Chome,  ffase^aw^a  Cho, 
Telephone  No.  971.  SEOUL. 


iv 


THE  KOREA  MISSION  FIELD. 


Dr.  DAVID  E.  HAHN, 

DENTAL  SURGEON 


Office  Hours : 

9-12 
2-  5 


SEOUL,  KOREA. 


PMONB  2290. 


Please  write  or  wire  in  advance  for  appointments. 


SEOUL  BRANCH 


MONMACMX  2 CHOME,  SEOUE. 

(CHIN  KOKAI.) 


GROCERS  & GENERAL  MERCHANTS 


TELEPHONE  Transfer  Account  (Furikae  Chokin) 

Nos.  212  and  1722.  Keijo  No.  44. 

Orders  from  the  interior  will  be  attended  to  promptly,  special 
attention  being  paid  to  packing  and  safe  delivery. 


THE  DAI-ICHI  GINKO,  ITS 

(FORMERLY  THE  FIRST  NATIONAL  BANK  OF  JAPAN.) 
ESTABLISHED  1873. 


CAPITAL,  Subscribed  ... 
,,  Paid  Up 

RESERVE  FUND  

DEPOSITS 


HEAD  OFFICE;  TOKYO. 

SEOUL  BRANCH:  HONMACH!  2-CHOME. 

Tel.  Nos.  11,  611  & 2317.  , 


Yen  21,500,000 
„ 13,437,600 

„ 9,360,000 

„ 93,000,000 


THE  KOREA  MISS10^  FIELD. 


Y 


THE  BANK  OF  CHOSEN. 

(FORMERLY  THE  BANK  OF  KOREA) 


Capital  Paid  up Yen  10,000,000 


GOVERNOR. 

K.  SHODA,  Esq. 

RIRECXORS^. 

R.  MIZUKOSHI,  Esq.,  T.  MISHIMA,  Esq.,  Y.  KIMURA,  Esq. 


HEAD  OFFICE,  SEOUL 

TELEPHONE  Nos.  331,  332,  1260,  1261,  1613. 


BRANCHES: 

KOREAN  BRANCHES 

Chemulpo,  Pyongyang,  Wonsan,  Taiku,  Fusan,  Chinnampo 
Kunsan,  Mokpo,  Masan,  Shinwiju,  Hoilyong,  Ranam. 

MANCHURIAN  BRANCHES 
Antung,  Mukden,  Dairen,  Chang-chun. 

HOME  BRANCHES 
Tokyo,  Osaka. 

Every  description  of  general  banking  and  exchange  business 
transacted. 


THE  KOREA  MlSSlO^  FIELD. 


YE  OLD  CURIO  SHOP 

directly  opposite  the  main  gate  of  the  Chosen  Hotel, 

SEOUL. 

W.  W.  TAYLOR,  Proprietor.  KIM  SANG  EURN,  Manager. 


A complete  line  of  Things  Korean  carried  in  stock. 

We  are  anxious  to  get  into  touch  with  Missionaries  in  the  country 
who  have  charge  of  School 

INDUSTRIAL  & SELF-HELP  DEPTS. 

as  well  as  with  Koreans  who  have  some  special  product  to  dispose  of. 
We  are  trying  to  place 

KOREAN  MANUFACTURES 

on  the  home  markets  and  solicit  your  assistalice  and  suggestions. 

Address  :—Haseffawa~chOy  SEOUL,  Elione 


The  Seoul  Garage  and  Sales  Co. 

60  Husefjmva-cho,  SEOUL. 

TEL.  No.  2183. 

~ We  carry  in  stock  28  x 3 Motor-cycle  Tyres,  Smith  Motor  Wheels. 
All  kinds  of  Repair  work  undertaken. 

Car©  for  rent  ni^ht  and  day. 


UNDERWOOD  TYPEWRITER  DEPT. 

We  have  been  appointed  Agents  for  Korea  and  carry 
a stock  of  No.  5 Rebuilts  and  New  Machines,  as  well 
as  accessories. 


GOMMISSIOrS  DCPT. 

Eighteen  years’  connection  with  this  market  places  us  in  a position 
to  offer  our  services  to  the  public.  If  you  want  to  sell  or  buy  get  in 
touch  with  us.  Nothing  too’ big  or  small. 

W.  W.  TAYLOR,  Proprietor. 


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The  Indispensable  Ally  of  Missionary  Societies 

^ IS 

THE  BRITISH  AND  FOREIGN 
BIBLE  SOCIETY, 

It  provides  the  Scriptures  in  every  great 
tongue  of  mankind,  besides  several  hundred 
lesser  languages  and  dialects  of  the  world. 

Its  organized  channels  of  circulation  ramify 
far  and  wide.  It  has  experienced  agents  in 
fifty  different  States,  and  maintains  depots  in 
nearly  a hundred  of  the  chief  cities  of  the  earth 

Its  KOREA  AGENCY  provides  Scriptures 
in  all  the  languages  spoken  in  the  Empire  and 
maintains  a staff  of  200  Bible-men  and  women. 
The  Agency  circulated  826,635  volumes  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures  in  1915. 

It  relies  upon  lovers  of  the  Bible  for  that 
support  which  it  urgently  needs. 

Gifts  for  the  Society’s  work  may  be  sent 
to  the  Agent  in  Seoul,  Mr.  Hugh  Miller,  or 
to  the  Secretaries, 

146  Queen  Victoria  Street, 
LONDON. 


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